Chapter Text
“AND THAT IS FINAL!” Father roared as I left his chambers.
Then I screamed.
I have to meet this… this TWAT Stolas to get Proposed to?!
“What in Satan’s goat sized balls is this bullshit!?” I shouted in rage as I threw my tantrum. “Why the fuck do I need to be proposed to? This is Hell for Lucifer’s sake!” I raged, grabbing onto my stuffed animal and ripping it to shreds in a fit of rage.
“Oh sister sister, ever the temper.” I huffed, seeing my big brother Andrealphus at the door of my room. “Shredding more innocent toys then?”
“Oh shut up you frosted tipped dodo bird! I’m getting proposed ! To an absolute twat blast!” I snapped, showing off the picture of Stolas. “I mean, look at him ! He looks like Imp Bait for crying out loud!” I spat venomously. “So as you can clearly tell, I am absolutely livid .”
I recoiled as snow hit me in the face. “Calm down. You’re looking at this from the wrong angle… You aren’t seeing the possibilities.” Andrealphus stated as he walked into my room.
“I’m not marrying him, I barely want to be with him!” I snapped as I brushed off the snow from my face angrily.
I yelped as Andrealphus grabbed me by the shirt. “Listen and shut up for once sister. You don’t have a choice.” He said, raising a hand and holding up a finger. “You have no magic. You have no special talents. You have no personal political sway, and you have no choice. Without this marriage you are nothing to Father or our family.” He said, throwing me back against the bed. “So stop whining. It’s unbecoming of a future Goetia bride. And be glad Father managed to arrange for you to marry a higher Goetia. Their far above us in status, the alternatives were far less… desirable.”
I grit my teeth. “Ugh, fine !” I crossed my arms and grumbled. “Doesn’t mean I have to like it…”
“I don’t expect you to like it. You’re expected to do it and be of use to your family.” He stated, walking out of my room and shutting the door. I heard a click as it locked.
Don’t cry, don’t cry…
“I’m… I’m strong! I’m needed! These assholes just… they just don’t know how good I am!” I thought angrily, getting off my bed and pacing around, trying not to cry or throw another tantrum cause… UGH ! It’s not fair!
I paced around my room for what felt like hours before I heard the door click. I rushed and stood ready, hands over my stomach and waited as the door opened and one of the imp butlers walked in. “Introducing his Lordship, Prince of the Ars Goetia, Sir Stolas.” He said, stepping aside as in walked…
He was thin. Small, a bit taller than me but he looked like he’d rather be… small. He carried a book in his hands and all four of his red eyes looked at me with worry.
Pathetic…
“I, er, uh. Miss Stella It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He said with a low tone.
“It’s… a pleasure…” I said through gritted teeth, needing to make this good for father and brother even though I want to call this twat what he truly is.
“Uh… shall we get to… know one another? We can uh… take a walk? I hear your estate has a lovely garden.” Stolas asked.
I felt my anger rise, only to catch watching just outside the door was Andrelphus… giving me that disapproving glare that would mean Father will know the moment I step out of line.
“Y-yes.” I stated carefully. “The garden is… lovely …” I said. “Follow me.” I said, turning around and, with careful and calculated steps, led this… dumb owl towards the Gardens.
The gardens are lovely, but rather boring. There’s rarely much going on here aside from a few insects being eaten by carnivorous plants… or servants being eaten by the carnivorous plants. Both happen often.
Sadly once Stolas saw the plants he began talking about them all like a living biology book. Just give small nods and generic replies…
Just like mother does…
“What about you?” Stolas asked, catching me off guard.
“W-what?” I asked in surprise. “What do you mean?”
“Your favorite kind of flowing plant?” He asked, a slight raised brow.
Oh, right, still on plants then. Uh…
I looked at all the plants here, looking for something that was at least pretty looking and passable. That’s when I saw them. Andrealphus and… Father… Both were watching me from the manor’s second floor.
I felt my blood run cold.
“C-can we… I think my favorite flower is over here.” I managed as I grabbed his wrist and pulled him along, towards a big bush to… to… just get the eyes off of me . “Stop watching me… please please stop watching me…” I thought desperately.
“Miss Stella, be careful there’s-” Stolas started before I felt my foot hit nothing as I looked down, just in time to see a drop down a small stairway.
I fell forwards, and felt my head smack hard into the stone.
Owe… Owe… what? Where…?
I pushed myself up. I feel… off. Where am I? Why is it so dark here?
I… no, No I did not die. Only Angelic metal can harm a Goetia…
But what is…
My eyes burned as I saw light appear in front of me, almost like a projector of sorts as I saw… Is that… a human family? Humans… I’ve seen Sinners before, and some books on how they look before they come to hell but… never seen them alive?
They look poor? They’re all huddled around what I think is an infant in some small… building?
“What the hell is happening?” I thought carefully.
I watched as this human infant aged into a toddler, I think that still applies, and was chasing a group of boys with a stick in anger.
Heh. I like her style…
They deserved it for being rude.
… Wait, how did I know they were being rude?
I watched them go to school, make friends, get into fights.
Lots of fights.
Join boxing gyms and… wait… I…
“Gabby, wait!”
I jumped, hearing… wait I know that voice! That was Emily-
… I remember… This human is me, I was her! I was chasing a purse snatcher and ran into the road and… Got hit by an ambulance!
Talk about irony…
Wait… I… I died!?
The hell I was only twenty three?!
Wait a minute… better question, WHY THE FUCK AM I IN HELL!? WHAT DID I DO!?
“Stella! Stella!”
Wha-
“Ahh!” I yelped, sitting up and head-butting-
OWE!
“Oof!” I blinked. Seeing Stolas rubbing his head. “I see you’re… well.” He winced, rubbing his head.
“Ow… owe owe owe…” I groaned, rubbing my head. “O-oh crap! I’m so sorry Stolas, are you alright?” I asked worriedly.
“S-wha!?” I heard one of the nearby servants spout before covering their mouth.
“I uh, it’s okay. Are you alright? That was a pretty bad fall, and you were unresponsive for a few seconds there.” He said.
“It’s… it’s alright I uh…” I tried to find some words, but cleared my throat. “I’m alright, trust me, I have been told I have a… very hard head.” I said carefully.
“May I?” He asked, motioning a hand to my head. I nodded as his hand seemed to glow with almost a starry form as the small ach I had vanished.
Woah. He can use healing magic?!
“Wh-when could you use healing magic? I thought you only did… Star magic or some shit?” I asked in surprise.
He chuckled. “The family grimoire has all kinds of spells. I’m still learning the basics. That healing spell can heal most injuries, save a missing limb or if the injury was caused by angelic metal.”
“That’s… that’s incredible!”
“It’s uh, it’s really nothing special… truth be told, without the grimoire I can’t do much… it’s a… An Artifact of sorts from back before Lord Lucifer fell. It amplifies whatever magic the user has and helps focus it through the spells in the pages.”
“That just means you’ll be awesome when you grow up and not need the Grimoire right?” I asked, seeing his four eyes widen and… oh my god did his feathers floof up? So cute!
“Well… maybe. I know my father can use magic without it… but it’s also tied to my role as a Goecia…” Stolas said, standing and offering me a hand I took to stand up right. “Are you sure you’re well… you don’t want to visit a doctor or something?”
“I’m fine, I feel better than ever actually.”
“If you insist… so, what was that flower you were so in a hurry to find?”
Huh? Oh right… Uh… Hmm…
“A Dandelion.” I said simply.
“I don’t know that flower.”
“It’s from the human world.” I explained.
“The human world? Fascinating. I’ve wondered about that place sometimes.”
“The human world can be… very strange sometimes.” I admitted. “But the Dandelion… Some call it a weed, something to get rid of, but they are these small plants that flower’s bright yellow, and while it’s named after the jagged leaves, like a lion’s tooth, I always thought their Dandelion’s cause they’re ‘dandy lions’.” I managed, drawing into the ground to show what I mean from their shape, how the flower head looks like a lion’s mane. “Does that make sense?”
“Yes. A flower that is often thought of as a weed… strange. I wonder who started doing that?”
“Because they are… aggressive in their reproduction, sometimes gardens or yards can be completely covered in them if left unchecked."
“Sounds like one determined flower.”
“The most determined.” I said with a smile. “And believe it or not, they are edible.”
“Really? Does that mean they also have medicinal properties?”
“Well, not in the ‘tablet’ or ‘salve’ solutions as far as I know, but if you do eat them they do have vitamins and minerals that are good, like A, C and K, Potassium surprisingly,
“Can they be brewed into a tea?”
“Yes they can actually.” I admitted. “Though I’ve heard it has an earthy taste or could smell bad so if you mystically find dandelions and try it out, be careful.”
“I will keep that in mind.” Stolas said, and gave a genuine smile.
I smiled, as… oh his smile was so cute! “Has anyone said you're cute?”
“I uh… heh, just my mom…” He admitted, blushing.
Heh… wait, isn’t he gay though…
Wait, how do I know that?
I feel like there’s something I can’t quite remember yet…
“... Okay so maybe I can see if he’s Bi? Cause there’s no way in my new hometown am I letting this adorable birb get away.” I thought. “Well, you now have me calling you cute.”
“Heh… thank you, Stella… Can I be honest about something with you?”
“You can be honest with me.” I answered softly.
“I was… kind of terrified to come here today… My father just told me last week on my birthday about this arranged marriage and… I guess the photo of you he showed didn’t help given… well, you were strangling a stuffed animal… but you seem much nicer than I was expecting. Uh, no offence.”
“It’s… alright.” I sighed. “I was… rude , to say the least, but I met you and… one bonk to the head later, I’m already feeling so much better.”
“Heh… that sounds more like brain damage than anything.” Stolas laughed nervously.
“It’s called drain bramage.” I joked, but seeing his concerned look I gently took his hand. “I’m fine Stolas, I promise.”
“Okay…” He said, sounding unconvinced as we walked for a while, talking and just, all in all, had fun. Why was I so mad before about this?
… Oh yeah… right…
“Oh right, I guess I’m supposed to give you that proposal then.” Stolas said.
“Wait,” I said, earning a head tilt from Stolas. “I know the proposal is still here but… do you…” I blushed a bit, lightly fiddling with a stray feather. “Want to go on… a date soon?”
“I mean… uh, well we’ll be engaged today either way… Father won’t want this delayed…”
I winced. Right… and… Father won’t be happy if I don’t do this…
“I’d be more than happy to go on outings though, after all.” Stolas stated.
“Right, sorry just uh… new to this whole engagement stuff.” I said sheepishly. “But that sounds awesome, so… let’s get engaged.”
“Very well then. Uh, your hand, please.” He asked as I gave it to him. Stolas then got to a knee, and put a kiss on the back of my hand.
AGH! He’s so cute!
After that, Stolas had to prepare to go home and I went back to my room. That was so adorable! How can anyone dislike that cute birb!
Like that bitch from… from…
Wait a fucking minute!
I sat up in my bed. Stolas… I’m Stella… My brother is… A- OH FUCK!
I know why I know he’s gay now! Helluva Boss!
I remember it now!
… WHY DID I DIE AND GET REBORN AS THIS BIRD BITCH?!
“What did I do to deserve both being sent to Hell, and being this Bird Bitch!?” I thought in shock and horror, pacing around. “Okay, calm down, calm down, just… have to focus… considering I have no idea on their childhood or just their love life here… ah shit this is gonna be a pain in the ass!” I groaned.
Especially if this plays out like the show… wait… if this plays out as the show, and I’m a child right now… then that means…
…
Blitzo…
I can… maybe prevent some of the bad things that happen to him and others from happening…
I hope… There has to be something I can do, I’m still Hellborn Royalty… there’s no way I can’t do anything…
“Sister?” I jumped, seeing Andrealphus walk in. “You… seem in high spirits. I was told the proposal went off well and that you and Stolas had… a pleasant time?” He asked, looking a mix of confused and oddly worried.
“Well yeah, what? Did you think I wouldn’t be pleased that his actual person is better than some dumbass picture?” I asked, hoping to kind of play up the sass.
“Well, your earlier reactions were… not reassuring… and I was told you fell.”
Pretty sure you and father saw that but… whatever…
“Maybe I did, but I’m fine, better even, got a problem with that?”
“Just… surprised is all… Are you well? You’re not normally this… even tempered…?” Andrealphus said as he felt my forehead.
I proceeded to show his snow spangly ass by grabbing his hand and biting it.
“AH! AHH!!” He yelped as he pulled it out of my teeth… beak? I’ll check in a bit. “Well… despite this… display, you’re still far more self restrained than normal… I only wanted to check because I overheard one of the staff say you said ‘I’m sorry’ and I’ve never heard you utter those two words in my life.”
“Well… let’s just say I need to be on my best behavior around prying eyes .” I said vaguely, giving a quick glare at him.
“Oh… you saw Father and I then?”
“Hellhounds can be more subtle than you two.”
He rolled his eyes. “Well, when you give us reason to be concerned… but, all in all you did well. I’m sure Father will… reward you, so expect to be called to his chambers.”
“I’m sure he will.” I rolled my eyes.
With that, Andrealphus left me be and I sat back on my bed. Okay… think… If it’s been a week since Stolas’s birthday that means he already met and got a crush on Blitzo… and I’d rather not break up a ship I adore… but I need to stop a lot of stuff that I can’t mention in advance cause I’m eight years old now and no one would believe me regardless…
I’ll have to play this smart to make things better for everyone…
“Alright, but… without Blitzo causing that accident, then I.M.P. wouldn’t form… crap this is getting complicated…”
Then again, would that be the worst? Ugh… Think, what can I do to-
There was a knock at the door as one of the servants opened the door. “Young Miss, your Father requests your audience.” He informed.
“Thank you.” I nodded, seeing the servant flinch at that. “Lead the way.”
They seemed to process that before giving a plane nod as I got up and followed them. I remember these doors… always so dark and ominous… and usually… they’re what I see before… being reprimanded.
The servant opened the doors and I walked in.
I felt scared being in here… The room was cold, covered in frost. Father was tall, his tail feathers open wide, revealing many eyes within snowflake patterns. His robes white and ice blue, but his eyes were as red as blood as he looked down at me.
“I was told… The proposal went well.”
“It went well, Father.” I answered.
“You did well. A rare accomplishment Stella. With this engagement official, you've finally begun your purpose in this family.”
“And… remind me father, what is my purpose?”
“To bear a cautionary heir to the Goetia line with your husband, and to not be an embarrassment. A magicless whelp like yourself has no higher purpose in your life.”
“Really? Just to be breeding stock…” I thought angrily. “I… understand father…” I said carefully.
“Good. I’ll have the servants meet you at your room with your rewards for a job well done.”
He motioned to leave and I did.
… No wonder Stella was such a bitch… This family is revolting…
“Fucking hell, I literally can’t wait to be done with these assholes as soon as I can.” I thought. “Hopefully I can make this work fully…”
I made it back to my room where after a bit, a servant gave me my ‘rewards’ which was basically just money, a servant to take me and drive me places, a Hellhound bodyguard, and whatever else within reason.
Hmm… I can make use of this…
My new personal servant was an older looking imp, one broken small horn and a white patch over their mouth. The hellhound was female, tall with a darker grey fur dressed in a suit. I saw she also had a gun on her.
“Alright you two, how do you feel about doing stuff to spite dad and big brother?” I asked immediately.
“Uh, spite how, Lady Stella?” The imp asked.
“Well, first matter of business, what are your names?” I asked the imp and hellhound.
The two shared a quick look before looking back at me.
“I am Jenson, my lady.” The imp said.
“And I’m Zara.” The hellhound stated.
“It is a pleasure to meet you both.” I nodded. “Now, to spite dad, I’m going to need to do a few things, first, learn how to use a gun, I’ll show that asshole I’m ‘powerless’ when I put a bullet in his leg.” I frowned.
“Um, young lady, the only form of weapon that can harm a Goetia is Angelic Metal, and there’s only a few places and people who own that… not to mention, attempted patricide would… not do you any well…” Jenson said.
I wanted to reply, then paused.
… Wait, why did I want to immediately shoot him? I mean, even before I usually let people hit me first before…
Huh… Is it my demon body or… just the part of me that’s Stella mentally still?
Even if I did spook him then what? I’d be screwed after, given his magic… and I might mess up any chance I have to prevent things if I get wrapped up in that much trouble…
I sighed. “Thank you Jenson, spite won't work with a bullet, spite will work in other ways, like making Stolas the happiest alive in all of Hell… excluding Charlie cause good God is she happy…” I admitted, cause even here I've seen pictures of Charlie and damn it does she enjoy shooting rainbows and fireworks everywhere from time to time.
The other two flinched away when I said that.
Huh?
“Did I say something wrong all of a sudden?” I asked, knowing ‘God’ might be a touchy subject given we're in Hell but still.
“Well uh, just… how did you say the… G word, and not… burst into flames?” Zara asked.
Wait, saying ‘God’ makes Hellborn burst into flames?
“The absolute here?” I thought in confusion. “Well, apparently they care about marriage even all the way down here, doesn’t want to ruin something they deem necessary.” I managed, which… might be true? Blitzo literally said ‘there really is a God’ and was perfectly fine even after shooting a child.
The two shared a look but shrugged. “So what would the young miss prefer then?” Jenson asked.
Huh. That is a good point. Where should I go first… I should learn about where I am firstly. I think learning about other things here in Hell would be useful… and if we are in Pride then that means I’d also like to interview some sinners… see if the earth here is the same as mine or different…
Can’t outright say I want to do that though… Shopping trip cover then? That can work. I hope.
“Shopping trip.” I said simply.
“Alright then. Do you have anywhere in mind?”
Uh… Crap I don’t know too much about uh, stuff… Well, firstly if I’m gonna head out, I’d rather not wear this frilly dress… seriously, this thing might feel nice but it screams wealthy and I’m not getting caught for a ransom…
“Do either of you know of a clothing store with more… casual clothing?” I asked carefully. “Cause if I’m going to be walking around a lot more, I’d rather not become some quick ransom letter.”
“I… know a place. Let’s go then.” Zara said.
The car was more luxurious than anything I’d ever seen before. I sat in the back, Zara sitting nearby looking out the windows while Jenson drove. So this is the Pride Ring? Aside from the… demons and all that, it's not too different from a normal major city.
I can see the Extermination Day counter from here… two hundred and forty days…
“Two hundred and forty days…” I frowned.
“The only perks of being a hellborn is that we don’t need to worry about angels coming after us.” Zara sighed. “Almost feel bad for the sinners. Almost.”
“Hmm…” I frowned. “I suppose it depends on the sin they committed at this point.”
“I guess.” Zara shrugged. “So, what do you plan on buying that’s less… conspicuous?”
“Jeans with pockets first off, cause fuck pocketless pants.” I stated.
“Will that work with your legs?”
I raised a brow, but then remembered I’m a bird and saw my legs did have that odd back bend thing like Zara’s.
Oh… So jeans… might not work then…
Fuck…
I groaned and facepalmed. “Of fucking course…” I groaned. “Well, let’s just see what clothes there are…” I grumbled, crossing my arms and pouting at my lack of being able to wear jeans again.
I could feel that Zara suppressed a laugh.
We arrived at the store and walking into it… it kind of looked like if someone mixed together a JCPenny and Hot Topic.
Well, better than nothing…
“Well… at least it’s something …” I muttered, looking around carefully to see what was at least in my size cause fuck this dress.
Hmm… Huh. Shorts, skorts… leggings made just for my type of legs. Hm… these can work. Though I might save these for when I’m a teenager…
Huh… most of these shirts are about hell stuff I don’t know much about…
Still, there has to be something here that’s at least decent- Wait is that a Devil May Cry shirt?!
I immediately rushed over to said shirt and pointed to it, and I don’t care if there might have been sparkles in my eyes this is amazing! “I want it.” I said quickly.
Shrugging, Zara picked it off the line. I’d recognize Dante’s Devil Trigger anywhere!
Also, DMC has to exist here then!
I found a few other shirts with some human world stuff on it, found some long shirts and special skorts before we went to the checkout where a Sinner was working. She looked like she must have been a teenager before dying, and is some kind of… I’m gonna say some kind of dog?
“Heh, you got good taste kid. DMC is a good game franchise.” She said as she scanned all the clothes.
“One of my favorites.” I said giddily, glad to be buying all these comfy looking clothes and merch at the same time!
“You know, if you want more things like this with Human World stuff there’s a store down in Little Greed that has actual human world stuff. A bit pricey but they’re legit and it’s worth it for a small bit of home.”
I gasped. “How do you know this? Where’s Little Greed? Why are you in Hell when you have gifted me information better than any angelic weapon?” I asked in quick succession which surprised the canine like sinner.
“Oh I’m in hell because I killed cops.” She said, making me blink. “As for how I know, well, word of mouth mostly. Guess not even hell can stop Sinners from looking for creature comforts. As for where Little Greed is, it’s in the north east most corner of the pentagram.”
“Awesome… and… why did you kill cops?” I asked carefully, cause while there are… some bad cops, the cops I knew when I was alive… well they were all chill and they were friends of the town.
“Corrupt, racist, sexist, abuse of power. The law always had their back so I took care of the justice for their victims.”
“Like some people I know…” I grumbled.
I purchased the clothes, then we were off to Little Greed.
… Little Greed looks like a Circus and a Mega Mall had a baby with various mental disabilities.
There was litter. There was trash. There was somehow localized smog, and there was enough lights in this area alone to put vegas to shame, and enough adds to make Google weep.
“It feels like I need a can of Ad Block.” I groaned. “But… Little Greed is definitely the right name.”
“Lord Mamon does not do anything less than the most.” Jenson said, Zara kept close to the both of us as we walked.
Let’s see… which of these…
Hmm… Slice of Eden? That sounds about right. It’s… a pawn shop?
I shrugged, walking up to it and the door opened as I was greeted by-
Holy crap!
There were CRTV sets! Videogame consoles, movies, shirts, and enough random toys and other things to send an early 2000’s child into a nostalgic overdose.
And I am an early 2000’s child!
“This. Is. Awesome !” I squealed in joy. “It’s like a dream come true!”
“Smells like bygone youth.” Zara said as I was looking around.
Woah. This is all so cool. I guess the earth this place is connected to is similar to mine after all. These consoles, games and even some of the books here all look familiar to me.
“Oh, where to start? Uh… how much money do we have again?” I asked Jonathan. “Cause I also want you two to buy a thing if it intrigues you.”
“That’s… very generous of you, miss Stella. And I believe the card your father gave you has a two million limit.” Jenson told me quietly.
“More than enough.” I said, knowing we barely made a dent in that. “Now let’s get to splurging.” I said happily.
“So… why the… new interest in… human world items?” Andrealphus asked, looking through one of the many new boxes of stuff I bought in my room as I was trying to shelf all these new games.
“Gotta play into the bit that I’m still Stella in some cases…” I thought carefully. “Because I wanted to see what all the Sinners keep badgering about on Hellstigram.” I admitted, which both surprised and didn’t surprise me that Hellstigram was, in fact, a very popular social media choice in Hell.
“Huh. Well, it’s just surprising… it feels like you’ve changed since you had that little fall earlier with Prince Stolas.”
“Well… I guess Asmodeus must have done something to me when I actually met Stolas.” I admitted. “I mean… actually being with him… he’s… he’s just so cute ! Especially when his feathers floof up when he’s embarrassed.”
“I… doubt that… Also, I think that was the first time I’ve ever heard you call… anything cute.”
“I’m just full of surprises.” I admitted.
“First time for me.” He said as I threw a stuffed horned rabbit at his head.
“Oh shush you, you frosty peacock.” I huffed. “But if you want , I can show you some of the games I bought.” I managed, knowing he is also a hoity-toity rich bitch but… he’s still my big brother.
Let’s see… which of these games would Andrealphus like?
… Okay so I had a silly thought, and it made me giggle. “Okay, I know a game that you’d enjoy.” I said happily, digging through the box for one of the Switch 2’s and pulling it out and putting in a very cozy game of hard work and determination, Animal Crossing. “I’m sure you’d enjoy it, it’s a really cozy game.”
“Cozy?” He asked, taking the console and charger. “How is this meant to be cozy?”
“I’ll lead you through the realm of video games big brother.” I said with a warm smile.
And so, I had to help my brother through the tumultuous world of Animal Crossing, where he actively had to pay off debts cause his character was flat broke… well okay, first we spent like, two hours just making sure the character looked nice enough, cause even though the character creator isn’t something like Skyrim, it’s still a character creator, then we got down to brass tacts, and honestly seeing my ice bird brother just… enjoying this silly game made me feel great.
While he did that, I went back to organizing the stuff.
This is good but not a lot of variety… Given it was a pawn shop it must be a place where the demons who are allowed to go to earth for work sell off things they probably stole while there.
Huh… Actually… If there’s a market for Earth items, then there’s potential for more to come of that simple demand… not to mention a market to rival Mamon and his cheap crap…
“Hmm…” I hummed. “I have a plan…” I said out loud without really thinking cause… boy is this gonna be hilarious if I manage it.
“Sup?” Zara asked as she put the CRTV down from where she was carrying it.
“Oh you know, just a plan to possibly piss Mamon off to no end.” I admitted.
“Is that wise?” Jenson asked.
“Okay, maybe not pissing him off, but sooner or later I want to set up an Earth Memorabilia shop and sell it at affordable prices which… might annoy him to be honest.”
“If Mamon hates anything it’s when competitors make more affordable stuff than him.” Zara chuckled.
“If young miss wishes to start a business she will need an adult to act as her representative until you’re at least fifteen.” Jenson said.
“Which is for later, cause I still have a childhood to deal with and a fiance to spend time with.” I admitted.
That gave me a weird look but Zara and Jenson seemed to just shrug.
I guess for the most part I just have until I get to see Stolas again… Hmm… From what I know of my new life my daily activities usually have lessons three days a week… since Father doesn’t think I need ‘that much of an education’ so… I have four free days of the week I can plan and think of things…
“Hmm.” I thought. “Jenson, what specific days are my lessons?” I asked curiously.
“Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.” He answered.
“Thank you.” I nodded. “Hmm, is Stolas doing anything tomorrow?”
“I am unsure. We can perhaps call either his father or mother.”
His mother? I know there were some theories and such… I think there was one picture of her but I don’t know if that was cannon or fan made?
“Yeah, let’s give them a call.” I nodded. “Also um… What is Stolas’s mother like? I… haven’t heard much about her.”
“I’m afraid all I do know is that she’s an avid fan of plants. She’s mainly seen at charity galas for aiding in hells… less than preferred ecosystem health.”
“Well that explains how fascinated Stolas is with plants…” I hummed. “And charity work? In Hell? Well, technically the road to Hell is paved with good intentions, people might stumble upon those sometimes.”
“Well, if it benefits hellborn then the charity is more than allowed.” Jenson said.
“I mean, ignoring the part where we could have a rabid pack of functional immortals that can gain power left and right…” I grumbled, remembering some of Stella’s studies on Sinners, how the human soul’s can only be killed by Angelic Weapons and how they make deals to gain power, like that rabble rouser Alastor.
Actually… he should still be around now… I think? Maybe…
“The guards to the Goetia estates are armed with angelic weapons. Plus, there is an agreement between the head Overlords and Hells Nobility to keep any… lesser Sinners at bay.”
“Good.” I nodded. “... I’m thinking too much…” I groaned.
“That’s a first.” I heard Andrealphus say as I threw another plushie at them. “And now I lost that insect…”
“You deserved that.” I huffed.
“I shall see if I can contact your fiance’s estate and see when the prince is next available.” Jenson told me quickly before he headed out to see about that call.
Alright, this is going well so far.
I stand corrected.
I can’t see him for a whole MONTH because of his lessons?!
“The feck!?” I squawked. “I can’t see him for a month ? What kinda horseshit is that!?”
“He is a Prince. I imagine he must have all kinds of lessons and duties to attend to now.” Zara said.
“For the next five years, yes.” Jenson nodded as I was face down on my bed. “After that, he has five more years of practical applications of his duties, with more free time though, and then when all that is done and he takes his place as the head of his duties, then you and he are to be wed.”
THUD!
“Did you roll off your bed for dramatic effect?” Zara asked me.
“I barely get to spend time with my fiance, as he’s forced through all these bullshit lessons, and while we barely know each other they just expect us to be wed and bump uglies? Who the fuck thought that was alright!?” I flailed my arms up from my place on the floor.
“Well, it is an arranged marriage. You two are expected to marry regardless.”
“Quite right.” Jenson nodded. “Same as your mother and father, and their mother and father, going back as far as, well, just after the War with Heaven and Lucifer’s fall when he and Lady Lilith found the Seven Sins.”
“And look how happy they are!” I groaned. “Half the time it feels like I’d get more emotion from a brick being thrown through a window then from them!”
“Where is your mom anyway?” Zara asked, crossing her arms. “I haven’t seen any portraits.”
I frowned, looking down. I can remember these memories… “She’s at another manor… as father’s… second wife, she’s less… wanted around the main estate.”
“Second wife? Is that why you and your brother don’t look that much alike?”
“Yes, we’re half siblings.”
“Shocking.”
“The first lady, Andrealphus’s mother, passed away when an assassin used shavings of angelic metal mixed with some holy water to poison the lord, but she drank his cup by mistake.” Jenson informed.
“So that's why…” I muttered.
“It was a terrible event, but per Goetia law, your father was remarried within the year to your mother.” Jenson continued.
“That fast?” Zara asked him.
“Yes. In the Goetia royalty, while affairs are common, divorce and widows are considered scandals. I believe Master Andrealphus was about six or so when it happened? Lady Stella’s mother was selected as the new bride because she was of age and still unbetrothed at the time.”
“So he just picked up the nearest person he could find so he could save face? Did Father even care for my step mothers death?” I asked, knowing it was arranged but still!
“I’m afraid I don’t know those details.” Jenson said as he shook his head. “All I know is that your egg was laid about… six months after the wedding? Once you hatched and were old enough your mother was sent to live at the Secondary estate.”
“... Is that also why I barely see her!?” I asked, remembering how… little I spend time with mother that she's basically not a part of my life at all!
“Most likely. Though why she was sent to live at the secondary estate I don’t know the reasoning.”
I growled. “Well I'm going to need to learn why then.”
“So we are driving you to your mother’s then?” Zara asked.
“Yes we are.” I stated. “I need answers…”
“I’ll get the car ready.” Jenson said, taking his leave.
“Thank you Jenson.” I nodded. “Crap baskets…” I sighed.
The car ride wasn’t far but it was already late when we arrived at the second estate. It was a smaller estate similar in design to the main one. There was no garden, or any plants. There was just stones and a sand garden that looked well maintained.
There was less staff. Aside from the main room and kitchen, all the other lights were off.
It was almost like no one really lived here…
“Mom?” I called out, worried about her and just wondering why this place feels… so empty.
I walked out of the car, Zara following close behind as I was let inside. I walked down to the main room where I saw her… The same white feathers with black highlights, bright orange around her black eyes that looked at me through a veil that covered her face. Her dress is more like robes but still made of elegant fabrics and designs.
“Stella?” She asked, her voice soft as she moved in her seat. A small table set but lacking food on it, as if it was quickly removed or taken away. “You… came to visit?” She asked, surprise in her voice.
“Of course I would!” I said, taking a step closer to her. “Why wouldn’t I?”
“It’s… not something you’ve done before is all…” She said, looking at me. “The few times I visited your… father was rather… present… during our time together.”
“Well, I’m here now, without his prying eyes on us.” I stated. “Cause Father is… an asshole.”
“Stella…” She said, though from her tone I could tell she held back a laugh. “He’s… still your father.” She managed.
“So?” I asked. “He’s an asshole whether he’s my father or not.”
She sighed, shaking her head a bit. “So, what brings you here? I wasn’t expecting company or I’d have asked for the manor to be more… presentable.”
“I want to spend time with my mom.” I answered. “Cause I can’t really spend time with my new fiance for a month cause his ‘studies’...” I grumbled.
“Oh, you’re already engaged then? I’m glad. Who are you marrying?”
“I’m marrying Stolas, and he is adorable.” I answered.
“Stolas? The prince? My word, that’s wonderful. What’s he like?”
“Well, he loves plants, he is rather gifted with magic and the tomb he has helps with that, he is adorable like I mentioned before, and when he gets embarrassed his feather’s floof up and it’s super cute.”
“Feathers floof up often sweetie, especially in childhood.”
“It’s still cute.” I pouted. “But… how are you doing mom?”
“I’m well. Usually I just attend to my duties as usual.” She admitted.
“And what are your duties?”
“Oh, nothing important. I can tell you when you’re older.”
“... Ew.” I frowned. “I don’t need to hear my mother being a ‘mistress’.”
“None of that you.” She huffed. “I mean Goetia duties.”
“Alright alright…” I said, but… I still moved over and hugged her leg. “... I’m sorry mom…”
“For?” She asked, putting a hand on my back.
“For… you being alone here, for me not being magical…”
“Oh sweetie, you not having magic is not your fault…”
“Father believes it.” I said. “But… you're here, alone as well…”
“I have servants. Besides, my work requires a certain level of secrecy. The less staff the better.”
“O-oh… I… didn't know that mom.” I said
“Each Goetia family has a role to perform in our society. Some small, some large, and some require secrets to be kept. I do ask that you call ahead of a visit if you are going to be visiting me again in the future.”
“Alright mom…” I squeezed a little tighter. “Just… wish my role didn't feel like I'm just here to be shelved off as breeding stock like dad believes I should be…”
She sighed, gently putting her other hand on my head. “I know life isn’t fair at times, but if you and your fiance get along, then that’s for the best. You still have your own life to live. You aren’t defined by who you marry or why. You are defined by how you react to a situation.”
“Thanks mom.” I said with a smile. “You're awesome.”
“Thank you sweetie… So, it’s late. How much longer will you be over today?”
“As long as you want mom, if you aren't busy.” I said softly.
“I suppose you can stay here for at least a few more hours. How about a tour of the manor? I have a few personal touches around.”
“I would love that mom, and I have so much to tell you about my day too if that’s alright.”
“That sounds lovely.” She nodded, standing as I backed up.
She offered me a hand and I took it.
I remember doing this with my mother in my old life…
The Secondary Manor was nice. A bit barren, there was a library, pool, dining hall and many empty bedrooms.
There was a cellar where wines and other drinks were kept. There was even a room here that was full of… gift boxes?
I frowned as I walked in, seeing the boxes. They’re all addressed to… mom?
“Someone’s popular I see.” I admitted.
“These are from your father.” She said simply.
Wait, dad gave her these? There’s so many… some even look like they’ve been here for years…
“... So does this mean that father… does genuinely love you? Or are these just… for show?” I asked carefully.
I heard mom sigh. “Your father is… still mourning your brother’s mother… Her name was Adona, and she had magic that rivaled his. I had heard that on the day he was to propose to her, she demanded a duel, and until he won she would not accept. He lost over two hundred times, before finally winning the duel and her hand.”
I blinked. “Wow, brother’s mom was a badass.” I said in surprise.
Mom chuckled. “She should be, she was my elder sister.” Mom said and I looked at her. “Yes, I know. That makes you and Andrealphus both half siblings and cousins… but the Goetia laws are clear… so when she passed, it was barely a day when the… higher authorities demanded he remarry, and I was already of the same bloodline. The difference is, unlike my sister, I don’t possess magic either.”
“You don’t?” I asked in surprise.
“None what-so-ever.” She nodded, looking down at me. “But my duties don’t require magic, so it works out… These gifts… I think they’re Andras’s way of apologizing… He was always a prideful man. Could never form the words to say it, so he buys me things.”
“So… father does have a heart.”
“He used to be far kinder… Those duels with my sister warmed his strict and formal mannerisms into casual fun, and burned into something warmer. My sister knew she could never live with him how he was, so she forced him to open up through their duels. She showed him that his ice magic didn’t mean Cold was his only personality trait… but, after her passing, that ice reformed.” She sighed again.
“I guess I’ll have to melt that ice like auntie did.” I stated readily.
“Maybe, but that will take a lot of work… and I don’t know where to start with that man… if not for me, for you and for Andrealphus… I know he favors him because he is his son with Adona…”
“I challenge Dad to play by my rules.” I said with a grin. “Though… not sure where to start though, cause Mario Party sounds like a death wish…”
“Mario what?” Mom asked.
“A video game from the living world.” I answered.
“Where did you get human world items?”
“Well first from a shop that Zara showed me and Jenson, and then we went to a Little Greed and bought a lot of things.”
“A pawn shop in Little Greed? That does make sense. They would have those kinds of items.” Mom hummed. “Perhaps another day I can take you to… a special store then. One that has all kinds of human world items.”
“That sounds awesome.” I said happily. “I kinda sorta got big brother addicted to Animal Crossing though.”
“... Is that some human world drug?”
“It’s also a video game mom… okay seriously, do you know what Nintendo is in general?” I asked, considering how practically universal it is on Earth, the fact that even Hellborn don’t know the most well known things on Earth is… surprising.
“Nentendo… I think one of the Goetia works closely with some human company with that name?”
… That would… actually explain a lot…
“... Oh my Lucifer…” I muttered.
I had dinner with mother, and it was nice. The meal was… interesting. Mom offered me a taste of her food and it was pretty good. I couldn’t narrow the flavor down, but it was some kind of pork I think?
I came home late, and was greeted to my surprise by Father at the door.
He looked down at me for a time. “... How was your mother?”
“She’s doing well… Dad.” I said politely, and even though I didn’t really see him react… some flecks of frost came off his feathers at me calling him ‘dad’. “And I learned a lot of things from her.”
“I see… See to it that you return before sundown next time.” He said, turning and taking his leave.
He stopped halfway up the stairs. “I don’t know what’s gotten into you… you seem quite different than just yesterday. I don’t think I care to know the reason, but I approve of your… stable behaviour.” He added, then went back upstairs and out of sight.
“I will dad, and I promise to… help you.” I said, even if he couldn’t hear me I wanted him to know that I did plan on helping him through all of this.
With that, I went to bed… So weird having two sets of memories that both seem to be mine… I don’t feel like I’m not in my own body, it’s as natural to me as my old human one…
I wonder if there’s anything relating to this I should know about… Maybe there’s something I can look into?