#to ensure that only the least demonic demon would take his place

[redrobin-detective]

The Least Demonic Demon

More m!ik theorizing time! This time on Delkira’s wish for his successor to the demon throne. We’ve seen very little of the former demon king but we can infer that he was powerful, selfish, feckless and while he was able to take control of the Netherworld he seemed largely uninterested in maintaining it. This seems par for the course for a lot of demons we’ve seen, who are about strength and action but sometimes lack the resolve to see things through. Enter humanity

We know Sullivan was one of Delkira’s closest advisors and thus would have been aware if his master was dabbling in the human world. It’s unknown if the separation of human and demon occurred before or after Delkira’s disappearance but I think it’s fairly clear he was interested in humans. I think he had grown bored of trying to control the Netherworld and was preparing to abandon his post. But he knew what he wanted out of his successor and laid out tests to locate them.

I believe Delkira left this prophecy to help guide who would be the new Demon King, one who was strong enough to control the Netherworld but kind and attentive enough to heal it and it keep it together. The bit about the foreign land  is his subtle way of saying that he expected this candidate would be a human or some other non-demonic entity. And the final part of the prophecy.

Remember the Rank Owl decided who got what rank based off of how they did in the flying race. The one where Iruma was at a maximum disadvantage but not only was able to survive but he healed an injured demon, saved Sabroc and got them both to the finish line safely. The Rank Owl probably had that ring hidden in its pouch for years waiting for the one worthy to wield it. The ring has his energy infused in it but I see it as less a possession and more like a blessing, like ‘this one you idiots!’ Iruma filled all these qualities which is why it attached to him and didn’t bother with a rank. The Demon King doesn’t need ranks.

We see another example of these tests in the Harvest Festival with the collecting of the Legendary Leaf which requires dedication, creativity, cooperativeness with multiple demons. Not something demons are good at, thus the object-

This is only Babyls festival, I’m sure each of the other demon schools had their own unique human oriented tests that no one had passed before.The whole point is Delkira is leaving tests and little clues behind as to who should inherit his throne. Its very clear he wanted someone different from the usual demonic powerhouse.

How does Sullivan come into this? I think he knew of Delkira’s intent to disappear and that he wanted a human to succeed him. I’ve seen people comment that it was odd that Sullivan, as a high ranking demon, was called to the summoning by Iruma’s parents. I believe its because he’s answered many, many summons since Delkira left, searching for the appropriate candidate. But the human who are summoning demons, they’re often fairly demonic themselves and don’t fit the bill. Rinse and repeat over hundreds of years until the Suzukis offer up their teenage son as collateral. A boy who has survived undo hardship since a young age, who is kind, compassionate and personable. And then he realized he’d found his king.

I’m always a fan of the trope of a mentor takes a student for purely practical reasons and ends up genuinely loving their charge.

These two panels are obviously meant to parallel one another but look at Sullivan’s expression and posture in the second. Could be art changes yes but he also just so much more genuine in his affection for Iruma. The first looks like a servant bowing before their lord. The second looks like a family being so grateful to have the other in their life.

This is getting so long so! To summarize! Delkira, planning to abandon the Netherworld tasked his loyal servant with finding a human to assume his throne. To ensure the proper candidate was found, he left clues and tests behind to point the way to the prophecy he wrote and make sure that the individual was truly worthy. And so far Iruma has been far exceeding expectations.

[yandere-daydreams]

Title: Azure Haze.

Pairing: Yandere!Dottore x Reader (Genshin).

Word Count: 0.9k.

TW: Unhealthy Relationships, Controlling Behavior, Manipulation, and Psychological Abuse.

[Commissioned piece. Donate to Palestinians in Gaza here.]

You’d never taken Dottore for the marrying type.

Not to imply that he was more of a rouge romantic, either, or dedicated enough to the Tsaritsa and her grand machinations to be married to his work, although he did clearly have a passion for experimentation. As a foot soldier, little more than a glorified errand-runner for the higher-ranking officers, you used to think of him (and the other Harbingers, by association) as almost god-like – gifted by your archon with eternal life and distorted by the weight of his many centuries, made too divine to ever feel tethered to something so intrinsically human. When you’d worked more closely to his side, you’d seen him as more demonic than anything; emotive but malicious by nature, uninterested in those beyond the part they played in the progression of his studies.

You wondered, sometimes, if his treatment of you was all a part of some elaborate, prolonged experiment. You wouldn’t put it beyond him, even if it did seem a little less gory than his usual whims. The heartlessness of it fit, though.

If Dottore could be relied on to be anything, it was cruel.

The ring, itself, is surprisingly unoffensive. You turn it over once, then twice in your hand, running the pad of your index finger over the sleek, silver metal. A pinpoint of sapphire glints up at you from where it’s nestled into the unornamental base, and a part of you is thankful that it’s not something more ostentatious, that he hadn’t committed to his musings on palm-sized diamonds and gold so pure and so polished, the archons would be able to see it from their thrones in Celestia. Another, disparate faction can only be devastated that it would take so little for him to claim you so completely.

“Is it not to your taste, love?” Dottore, your soon-to-be betrothed, asks. He’s positioned himself strategically, in spite of the limited space; on the other side of the exhibition table, allowing you just enough distance to breathe, but remaining between you and the door to the jewelry shop’s only private consultation room, ensuring you wouldn’t be able to run, not without passing him. The jeweler is mysteriously absent, but you can’t be surprised. Dottore has never been especially possessive, but he seems to prefer it when your attention remains undivided. “There are several more options, if you find my preferences lacking.”

Your eyes fall to the neat line of ring boxes on display in front you. Some are more gaudy than others, but they’re all silver, all studded with the same vibrant sapphires. Your gaze catches on one with curved, pointed teeth locking a roughly cut gem into place, then fall back to your lap. “Are you going to pick one out?”

His response comes in the form of a quick shake of his head, a coy smile. “Jewelry tends to get in the way of lab work. I’ll have to find another way to show my affection – a breastpin, perhaps, or a scale replica of your heart mounted on the wall of my office.”

You try to summon the revulsion you once had for his grisly humor, but fail to feel anything at all. At least he only claimed to want a replica, this time. “I won’t have to wear mine, then, will I?”

“You will.” His tone leaves no room for debate, but he continues regardless. “Unless you want me to remove your ring fingers and ensure it remains on a part of you myself, that is.”

You swallow dryly. “Both ring fingers?”

“One can never be too thorough.”

You purse your lips. Your fingers twitch once, then twice before dropping the ring in your hand and taking up another from its bed of velvet. The base on your newest selection is unique – crafted in disparate, thorned bands to make it seem as if it’d been made from braided vines, a pair of softly curling leaves encircling the jewel bed. It’s the gem that holds you, though; a shade lighter than the others when it catches the light, closer to a ruddy aquamarine than pure, never-ending blue. You slide it in front of Dottore before you can think better of it. “This one.”

To his credit, his smile doesn’t waver. “Are you sure? The gem is—”

“I’m sure,” you cut him off, almost breathlessly. “I… I like the color. I think it’s charming.”

He takes another moment to evaluate the ring, and then, to evaluate you – fighting not to shake in your seat. Finally, with an airy sigh, he shakes his head, his grin taking on a softened note. “Of course, love. Whatever makes you happiest.”

Measurements are jotted, the ring taken in for resizing with promises of swift craftsmanship. Days later, one of Dottore’s foot soldiers (and your former colleague) delivers a small, gold-foil wrapped box to you – a note from your dearly betrothed attached. You throw away the note without reading it and tear the box open. On a bed of cerulean velvet sat a silver ring of braided thorns, adorned with a single—

You let out a shallow, shuddering breath, tears already welling in the corners of your eyes.

A silver ring, adorned with a single, glimmering stud of the purest, darkest sapphire you’d ever seen.

[astaroth1357]

Witchy Requests: The Reality of Summoning a Demon Lord

Contents: Violence and demons being demonic

~♡♡♡~

Summoning Lucifer

First off, this is not even remotely easy to do.

Lucifer does not get summoned away very often because it takes a witch at least comparable to Solomon's skill to pull it off. Of the small handful of people who can, only a couple are crazy enough to try (so he already knows them all by name).

Not only is this hard to do logistically, Lucifer also HATES being summoned with a burning passion. It messes up his schedule, gives him a pounding headache, and it's pretty humiliating to be ordered about like a dog on a lead.

Anyone summoning Lucifer has put some seriously strong spells in place to keep him in check. It'll take more than a salt circle to stay protected because he'll just blow that crap away with his wings.

It's well known that he will attack the second that the caster gives him the opportunity. Even so much as looking away could leave enough of an opening for him to fry them to a crisp. Extra potent magic chains and bindings are about the only things that ensure safety....

Deals with Lucifer are extremely costly due to how pissed he is just being there. He doesn't stop at their soul. Depending on the day, he could ask for any number of other sacrifices before he so much as lifts a finger. A person summoning Lucifer must be prepared to lose almost everything...

That said, he always fulfills his contracts to the letter and employs very little trickery. If the agreement was unclear, then that's on the summoner. Not him. They get exactly what they asked for.

There was a rumor going around for a time that if Lucifer was summoned with classical music in background, he'd be easier to deal with. Unfortunately, a naive young witch gave it a try and found out that "easier to deal with" Lucifer is still willing take off a hand or two no matter how sophisticated the room sounds.

Solomon has only managed to summon him twice. The first time was in a bid for a pact (which ended in a very wrecked office) and the second was an attempt to ask the questions about Michael that Simeon refused to answer (he let him go pretty quickly after receiving a death glare that would have turned his hair white if it weren't so silvery already).

Summoning Mammon

So like. It's pretty easy to do, but it ain't cheap.

Mammon only shows up if the caster can offer up some serious wealth in return. We're talking sprinkling the summoning circle in gold coins and Rolex watches to make it happen. They don't get to keep any of it, either. He's taking that as the "entrance fee."

Though he's generally a pretty safe summon, Mammon's motivations are directly tied to how much wealth he's gonna make off of their time together. Bribes aren't just encouraged, they're expected, and he gets pissed off if they think he'll do any work for free.

Since he encompasses the sphere of Greed, he sees a lot of witches and the like who summon him for a bit of luck or to increase their chances of acquiring ill-gotten gains. He usually demands a cut of whatever they manage to get from his help, on top of what it already took for him to play ball to begin with.

The only witches who get to skip his exorbitant prices are, unfortunately, the ones whom he already owes money to and it is degrading to say the least... He tries to keep MC out of that as much as possible and he'll straight up toss anyone who brings it up.

There's an urban legend around witching circles that of you can get Mammon to kiss a Grimm and give it to you, you'll have good fortune for an entire year. He doesn't really believe it himself but he still gave one to MC, just in case.

Solomon hasn't ever tried to summon Mammon, though he knows that he could very easily. He's not too tied to wealth or material possessions, so he's never needed his assistance to start with. If he ever summons him now, it's usually just to ask how MC is doing since the two are so close.

Summoning Levi

Often more trouble than it's worth...

Summoning Levi is really only useful for a VERY small handful of problems, nearly all of which concerning the Devil's Sea in some way. He's the only brother with any jurisdiction over it, much less the ability to talk to fish.

The issue is that Levi hates being summoned just as much as Lucifer. It drags him right out of his comfort zone and puts him a space where he feels like he's being judged for how useless he is... Thus, he'll spend the whole time sulking, irritated, and hissing to be left alone.

Levi has to be spoken to with extreme care because setting him off could result in the caster getting crushed by all 200 tons of Lotan then swept away in the flood that comes after.

Those who can appease him with video games and anime fair better, not by much because he gets even more irritated if they get details the wrong or seem like a "fake fan" (yes, unfortunately he gatekeeps 🥲). Only the most otaku of witches are safe from his temper.

In truth, main reason that anyone summons Levi anymore is for nautical travel through the Devil's Sea. The dude is like a living compass with precise latitude and longitudinal coordinates built into his DNA. But asking for that is also a one way ticket to meet Admiral Levi who is even WORSE to be around than the Otaku version...

The first time Solomon summoned Levi, they actually got along pretty well (largely thanks to Solomon's equally copious knowledge of TSL). He was only looking for the scales of a specific sea monster, but the two ended up chatting for a while. He thought that he could have made a pact with him right then and there, but Levi asked if he liked The Magical Ruri Hana and his answer to THAT shut things down instantly...

Summoning Satan

Practically the OG demon to summon despite being around for the least amount of time.

Satan is one of the easier brothers to summon because he spent a few centuries spreading around just how to do so in the human world. He wanted an excuse to leave the House and piss off Lucifer by fucking with humanity. Architect of the Satanic Panic right here.

I suppose you could say that in his younger years, Satan was something akin to a rockstar in witching terms. Even non-witches knew of him, just not a lot of the accurate details.

Satan was really the "ground zero" for humanity's pop culture surrounding demons. He used to use it as a chance to let loose from Lucifer's constant pressure, so he played up the persona of the "charming, charismatic bad boy with a homicidal mean-streak" beautifully.

You would also have to be a lawyer if you wanted to make a solid contract with him. He was wicked smart even back then and put it good use by tormenting the humans more. That classic phrase, "Deal with the Devil" came from the amount of times he'd gleefully screw someone over.

Since then, he's calmed down considerably and is even a little embarrassed about his old persona if anyone brings it up. He's much more refined in his modern day dealings, though he'll still make a nasty deal or two just to keep the humans on their toes.

Satan's fondness for cats is the reason why cats got tied to witchcraft in media. It was common knowledge that if you summoned him with a cat present, then he would be too distracted to give you a bad deal. Ever since then, it just stuck.

Solomon's true first interaction with Satan was when he summoned him one day to get some advice about making a pact with Lucifer... It was one of his worst ideas to date and he still has the mended ribs to show for it.

Summoning Asmo

Very easy with low risk... for the most part.

Asmo LOVES getting summoned out by witches. It feeds his ego something fierce. So he never makes it all that hard to do, however...

Those who summon Asmo quickly learn that it cannot be a one-time thing. Or if it is, it better fucking stay that way.

Asmo ties a lot of self-worth to how "in demand" he is, so after a witch summons him, he'll keep a tally on how long it takes for them to summon him again.

If they do so quickly and regularly? No issues. He couldn’t be happier! If they take too long between summons though...?

Fury. He'll come at them laying curse after curse because how DARE they forget about him like that!! And after, uh... whatever he did to help them out, no less!

Most witches just preemptively make a pact with him since they know that calling on Asmo is more like an ongoing relationship than a simple business transaction.

Ironically, despite the fact that Asmo wants to be summoned so badly, he is incredibly picky about the kinds of work he'll do. He won't do anything that could ruin his manicures, mess up his hair, strain his muscles, dirty his skin, cause a breakout, make him frown-

All of this absolutely stems from that time he was summoned by Solomon and tricked into doing hard labor to build his Temple. You live and learn, then throw the people who treat you poorly into the desert as punishment. Or something like that.

Summoning Beel

A very unwise decision unless you have the resources of a sultan.

Beel isn't exactly hostile by default, if anything he's very easy going all things considered. It's just that his stomach does a lot of the talking in contract arrangements...

After summoning Beel, the caster has to try and keep him fed at all costs. If he's eating, he's docile and easily negotiable. If he's hungry, he will eat them without hesitation. He's just going to go for the most filling thing in the room and, unfortunately, that tends to be the human in front of him.

As long as they have ten or so caterers on speed dial, deals with Beel are very straightforward. He's refreshingly forthright compared to the rest.

Sure, the first thing he usually asks for is permission to eat them, but he can be easily dissuaded by offering up something else to fill his stomach in their place. He's not bloodthirsty, just hungry.

For a short time, it was theorized that summoning both twins at the same time would make their interactions more safe, but that was quickly canned when it was discovered that Belphie would encourage Beel to eat whomever brought them there... He was not a good influence at all.

Solomon did actually try to summon Beel once thinking that he made enough food to keep him satisfied for a talk. Beel didn't even get three bites into his tuna salad before he lost consciousness... When he woke back up in HoL, he didn't have any memory of it and Solomon tactically decided to never mention it again so he could avoid future arguments.

Summoning Belphie

Blacklisted. Not allowed.

For centuries before MC showed up, Belphie was considered one of the most dangerous demons for a human witch to summon. Full stop. Even worse than Lucifer. The guy's bloodlust was unreal.

How exactly was the weakest brother considered the most deadly to interact with, you ask? Cold, hard manipulation.

Belphegor knows he's considered the weakest. He knows that he doesn't look like much of a threat. He even knows how to play into that "sleepy and harmless baby brother" image that he's spent so damn long building up.

Belphie is even better at persuasion than Satan. He can make whoever summons him feel silly, no, embarrassed for ever thinking he was a threat, then attack them when their guard was down.

Even if they keep him contained, his contracts are notoriously filled with wordplay and deceit. At best, he'll twist the terms around so he doesn't actually have to do anything. At worst, it'll become a death warrant with more than just their life on the line...

All of this, of course, was Belphie back when he still hated humans. But even after settling down with MC, he's in no rush to go correcting any records. He quite likes having his nap days uninterrupted, thank you.

One of the most horrifying rumors about summoning Belphegor is that if you sleep afterwards without fully sanctifying the room, he'll possess you in your sleep. There are still witches to this day who travel to the Devildom with sage in their pockets just in case they see him and need to start cleansing the area immediately.

Much like Mammon, Solomon has also never tried to summon Belphie. Sure, he can be somewhat unscrupulous, but even the witty sorcerer knows when the risk outweighs the reward.

Summoning Diavolo

Really only possible in theory because there has never been a successful attempt.

No one is very sure why all attempts to summon the Demon Prince crash and burn so easily. Solomon himself as spent centuries trying to work out the logistics.

Is there just no sacrifice comparable enough to bring out a being of his magnitude?

Are the sigils and chants required so ancient and esoteric that they've long been forgotten by mortal minds?

Do the summoning circles work but Diavolo, by the nature of his power and authority, just "opts out" of showing up if he feels like it?

Solomon has tried summoning Dia numerous times and every attempt has left him with nothing but wasted materials and broken dreams. This is basically his white whale. Don't bring it up or he'll get pouty.

Summoning Barbatos

Another unwise decision that leaves many with nightmares years later.

Barbatos is an... interesting case to summon. Like Lucifer, the caster has to be incredibly talented. Though unlike Lucifer, Barbatos doesn't react with such upfront vitriol.

To be clear, he is NOT happy. He is NEVER happy to be called away so suddenly from his lord. But it comes across more like a frigid aura of contempt and malice than the white hot hostility of all the others.

Put simply, it just feels like you royally fucked up in ways you can't even process.

The most unnerving thing about accepting a contract with Barbatos is that he will always agree to whatever is asked for with no complaint, but he'll never say what he wants in return.

The terms of all demonic contracts are that whatever is asked must be balanced by an equal sacrifice, but since Barbs NEVER identifies what he plans on taking, it leaves the caster to wonder what they've loss...

Every bad event from then on gets overanalyzed to the point of paranoia where the caster victim tries to identify if their debt has finally been paid or if he may still come to them one day and demand what he's owed...

Solomon doesn't know it, but a popular theory among his peers is that what Barbs took in exchange for their pact was his mortality in hopes that the centuries of loss and isolation would make him go insane. It's a silly little rumor, but it does still make Barbs chuckle whenever he hears it...

[darkwolf989]

Outside the office

Longtime reader and writer. First time poster! Let me know what you think- I have pages of this story to share if there is any interest. <3 Enjoy!

“Vox, these pancakes are the best!” 

Another sleepy Sunday morning at home. Or at least, the place I called home these days. My arrival to hell six years ago had left me uneasy- displaced from the only world I had ever known. Upon my arrival, Lucifer immediately deposited me in one of the biggest power circles in Hell. With a kiss on the cheek and a warning to behave- lest I end up like my mother and father- he disappeared, off to running hell or heaven- I honestly wasn’t sure at this point.  

“Not better than mine though, right Princessa?” Valentino’s voice rang with teasing disapproval. 

I caught his eye and grinned. “I don’t know. Last I checked you didn’t put strawberries AND chocolate chips in your pancakes.”

“Take that!” Vox semi shouted. “Even your wife agrees I’m the better cook!” 

Lighthearted bickering broke out between the two of them. I caught the eye of Velvette, the only other girl in our group and she rolled her eyes, as amused as I was.

I wouldn't have guessed when I first arrived in hell that these three demons would eventually be the family I had left behind. Upon my arrival in hell, Lucifer warned that that these demons were three of the most powerful overlords in this ring of hell. Coming from a world where demons were slaughtered on sight- and the opposite held true for angels- meeting a demon off the battlefield for the first time took every inch of my self control to not allow the instincts I worked so hard to develop to overtake me. 

When I first met Vox, I was taken aback. For a demon, he was surprisingly friendly. According to Lucifer, he controlled the television airwaves and heavily utilized video and electricity to exert control over a host of sinners. Walking into his studio for the first time felt like stepping into energy territory- at least until the demon spoke. 

“First time meeting a demon?” Vox seemed amused. “Nothing to be afraid of, I assure you. At least, not for you Princess.” He extended his hand and I shook it out of politeness. His twisted smile grew wider, revealing a set of sharp teeth. “Don’t worry your highness, we will take excellent care of her.” 

Lucifer looked unconcerned. “You know the consequences if you don’t.” His phone rang and he looked at the caller ID. “Sorry to rush out on you, but I have a meeting to get to. Ensure you follow through on your end of the bargain.” His eyes flashed red, a non verbal “or else”.

“Of course,” Vox replied smoothly. “We have her living quarters all set up- she’s welcome to settle in after I give her the grand tour. And don’t worry- our resident fashionista will help her…blend in.” He reached out as if to push my hair to the side but stopped himself. “She’s in excellent hands, your highness.” 

Lucifer looked unconcerned. A cold fear settled in my gut, followed by anger. He was leaving me? In the hands of this…creature? 

“See you later darling. Enjoy all Hell has to offer.” He leaned over and kissed my cheek before he vanished,  leaving me in the sole company of the TV demon. 

“Before we go any further, I need your phone.” Vox reached his hand out. 

I hesitated but pulled my pink flip phone out of my pocket and handed it to him. He dropped it on the ground and crushed it beneth his foot. 

“Hey! Why did you do that?” I demanded. 

“That technology? Ancient and easy to hack. Here. I preloaded Lucifers number, our numbers and that’s honestly the only contacts you need. Not only that, its the latest model. The public won’t have access to it until next month.” He handed me a rectangular shaped phone. 

“And this.” he handed me a matching pink watch. “Don’t take it off. It allowed me to know your vitals and your location at all times. If something was to happen to you, we could easily get to you.” 

Wouldn’t that be the first thing they took off? I wondered but didn’t say it. Vox  hit a few buttons and showed me how to unlock it just by looking at the screen. After a few minutes of playing with it, I started to grasp the concept. 

“Lucifer wasn’t lying when he said you were smart. Come. Follow me.” 

Vox turned to walk away and I trailed behind him.

“Well, might as well show you around. Couple things to be aware of. Obviously as Princess of Hell you can do as you please but know that Valentino's studio, Velvette’s  runway and my office are strictly for business. Enter at the wrong time and you may end up seeing things that…you’re not quite used to.” 

He pressed a button and an elevator door slid open. I stepped inside and I followed, standing quietly next to him. The sense of unease hadn’t left me since the moment I arrived in hell and the further into the building I ventured the deeper that fear became. 

“First floor is the entry. Second is my office and studio. Third and fourth belong to Val’s workspace and the fifth floor belongs to Velvette. The Sixth floor is our living space- that’s where you’ll be joining us. Your quarters are up there as well. Living room and kitchen are shared spaces, though we all value the privacy of our own bedrooms.” He smiled a bit darkly. “You’re welcome to join us for movie night.” 

Since when did demons watch movies? 

The elevator dinged to three and I stepped out behind him. The scene infront of us was pure chaos. Demons in various shapes, forms and stages of dress hustled around the open room. Clothes and racks were scattered about, being tossed aside and rehung quicker that I thought possible.  Against a white backdrop, three models stood as lightbulbs went off around them. 

Unlike Vox with his TV shaped head,  the demon in charge looked relatively human. Her purple, red and black hair was pulled up high in two ponytails- teased and curled to perfection. Her clothes boated the same color scheme as her hair, and she wore impossibly high black heels. It took me a moment to realize her color scheme was the same as Vox’s. 

I watched her bark orders in a way that would have made my father proud. As she spoke, her perfectly manicured fingers flew across the keyboard of her phone. I felt myself flush, suddenly overly aware of my own broken fingernails and very clear out of fashion clothing. 

Vox seemed undisturbed by the hustle, walking through it with ease.“Velvettle darling, meet the Princess.” 

She looked up for a moment and her expression twisted in what looked like annoyance.

“You got a name, Princess?”

They both looked at me expectantly. I felt my face flush with embarrassment. Had Lucifer really dropped me off to total strangers without so much as sharing my name?

“My name is reader.” I answered with a steadiness I didn’t quite feel in my gut. “Morningstar.” 

“Well, reader,  if this is how heaven is dressing these days you need more help than I thought.” She snorted in contempt. “Don’t worry love, we’ll get you fixed up in no time. After all, if you’re spending time with us you need to look the part.”

Vox grinned. “Have fun you two. Vel, be a dear and bring her upstairs when you’re done.” 

She turned away. “Yeah, yeah. You don’t need to tell me what to do.” She snapped her fingers. “Get to it.” 

Without another word I was whisked away into another room. Any sense of modesty vanished as Velvette's team inspected every inch of my body. Unlike the angels, they had no shame in ensuring I was plucked, waxed, and trimmed to Velvette’s desire. With all the strange hands touching me I felt trapped, and did my best to disassociate. I had to if I wanted to survive down here. Wasn’t that my fathers first rule? Show no fear. 

Velvette must have noticed my discomfort. After the waxing she shooed everyone away for a moment and handed me a bottle of water. 

“Don’t worry love, you’ll get used to it. Quicker, actually if you’re here with us.” 

I held the bottle and she rolled her eyes, reaching over and twisting the cap open. “No one here will hurt you. Outside of Lucifer’s domain, this is the safest place in all of hell for you. Promise. Now drink- I don’t want to be on the receiving end of Lucifer’s wrath if you fall ill on the first day.” 

I took a sip and she turned the chair I was in towards the mirror, running her fingers through my blonde hair. “You need some deep conditioning, a style and a few highlights, but your overall color is fantastic. You have a lovely shape- for a half angel. And those eyes…” She stepped around and cupped my chin. “Lovely. No one in hell has blue eyes like those.” 

“Thank you.” I replied softly. 

Velvette grinned. “Well look, the princess speaks! Look, let’s finish up here and get your wardrobe set up and sent up. Val is taking us out tonight, and you need to look the part. It would be an embarrassment to our brand otherwise.” She snapped her fingers and a team of demons hurried over.

“Who is Val?” I asked as she leaned back against the counter, watching her employees work. 

“Valentino. You’ll meet him soon enough. Right pain in the ass he is. Love him though.” 

Right. Lucifer warned me about him. Valentino controlled the porn industry in the same way Vox controlled the broadcasts and Velvette controlled fashion and social media. I couldn’t even imagine what my father would think if he knew...I pushed the thought from my head. My father was gone. This was my reality now. 

“And you three- Vox, Velvette, Valentino- you’re…royalty?” I asked to fill the silence. 

She laughed. “Royalty? Not far off. We’re overlords. We own millions of souls between the three of us.”

That nervous feeling rekindled in my stomach. “You own souls? What does that mean?”

Velvette shrugged. “It means mortals in the human realm, or sinners down here made a deal with us in exchange for their souls. And we collected.” 

If there wasn’t a pair of scissors next to my ear I would have jumped away. Owning souls? How did that even happen? Moreso that went against everything an angel stood for. Or at least, everything my angelic half used to stand for.

“Oh relax, your soul is safe.” Velvette snorted at my expression. “Lucifer would kill anyone who even attempted to make a move on your eternal being. Trust me dear, you have nothing to worry about. At least, not from us.”

Across the studio, someone yelled her name and she pranced off without so much as a goodbye. 

What felt like an eternity later, I was led to the elevator by Velvette. My blonde hair had indeed been trimmed and highlighted, blown out and teased. My broken fingernails were hidden under tiny plastic red surfboards and my normally bare face was covered in makeup. 

“Just come down to my studio each morning. I’ll get you dressed and done up. Nothing to worry about.” Velvette assured me as we stepped out of the elevator. 

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I tried to imagine where demons lived, but the room I stepped into was the exact opposite of anything I could have dreamed up. Dark hardwood floors were covered with plush rugs in deep blues, blacks and reds.  Couches on the left were placed in a U shape in front of a large TV and to the right was a full kitchen.Towering floor to ceiling windows covered the far wall and a table with six office chairs sat in front of it. Towards the left there were five hallways and  small alcoves scattered throughout the room hosted signs of the floor's inhabitants. Photos of the V’s, computer setups, a notebook with scribbles and swatches of fabric, to name a few items. 

“You’re the fifth hallway down,” Velvette said, leading me towards the left. “If you get lost, look up. They’re labeled.” 

I looked up towards the doorway entrance of each and sure enough, the names Valentino, Vox, blank, Velvette and Princess were labeled.

“Why is mine labeled Princess?” I asked as she led me down that hallway. “You couldn’t have had that much time to design.”

Velvette laughed. “Took hardly anytime at all. The boss man sent us a list and cash- we obliged. Your comfort here is of upmost importance.” She pushed open a second door and stepped inside.

I expected dark colors, blacks and reds but to my surprise the room was decorated in a sea of purples, grays and whites. A bed took up the center of the room and off to the left was a small living room area- complete with matching couches and a television. A desk with a pink computer set up sat to the right of the bed. The three doors on the remaining walls led to the walk in closet and bathroom, Velvette explained. 

“Anything else you need? Kitchen is stocked. If you need something, write it on the whiteboard on the fridge. Housekeeping will bring it up.” Velvette continued. “Same with bathroom products or anything really. We want to make sure you’re happy. Oh!” She snapped her fingers and pushed open one of the doors. “Your public clothes are in my studio- along with everyone else’s. Except mine, of course. I dress myself. But in our space comfort is important. I personally chose the loungewear in your closet. Not that you can leave the building but when you’re ready to get dressed in the morning, come down to my studio and we’ll get you taken care of.” Her eyes narrowed. “Loungewear shouldn’t be seen anywhere except up here and my studio. Understood?”

“Yes, thank you. This is lovely.” Lovely was an understatement. This place was a place compared to my fathers house. 

Velvette shrugged. “Just want to make sure you feel at home Princess. Come now, I’m sure Val and Vox are ready to go.” 

“Go where, again?” I asked, following her back down the hallway and to the elevator. 

She hit the button and stepped in. “Dinner. I’m starved, I can’t believe you’re not. And Val always picks the best places.”

Lucifer hadn’t said anything about the food down here. I wondered what exactly demons ate and a shiver ran up my spine. Babies, probably. Or corpses. Maybe small animals? The phone in my pocket vibrated and I opened up the text just as the elevator door opened. I followed Velvette into the lobby I had entered earlier, keeping my eyes on my phone. 

“Settling in alright love?” The sender name read “Uncle Lucy”. 

Cute. He was as much of an Uncle to me as Vox was my boyfriend. Still, maybe he could answer my questions.  What do demons eat? I typed back furiously. 

Three little dots appeared at the bottom of my screen and his answer popped up. 

Depends. Is Valentino choosing the place? Or Vox?

Valentino, I typed back. 

Three little dots and then, Steak most likely. Velvette dressed you?

I stared at the phone and typed back. Steak? Made of what, exactly?

What is steak made of in the angelic realm? Cow?

I scowled at the phone. I thought demons ate babies. And each other.

His response was instantaneous. LOL. Oh my sweet, that is something I would have warned you about. Everything you eat and drink is safe as long as you’re with the V’s or myself.

Okay, I typed back. 

Be safe love. And stick close to the V’s while you’re out. This scene is much, much more different than you’re used to. 

I wanted to snap my phone shut but instead the screen went black. I sort of missed it- snapping a phone shut at the end of a call was incredibly sadifying. 

“Ah, so you must be the princessa” 

His low drawl pulled me from my thoughts and I looked up to see the red eyes of a demon I hadn’t met yet. Involuntarily, I took a step back. 

“Pleasure to meet you sweetheart.” His smile, much like the others revealed a set of sharp teeth. He stood tall, taller than even my father with a thin frame. His eyes were hidden behind a pair of heart shaped glasses. Hearts adorned the red jacket he wore, and white fluff surrounded the edges and the trim. Under he wore what looked like a black suit. He reached out and took my hand, kissing it. 

“Nice to meet you too.” I tried to hide my fear, the internal screaming to run. 

He grinned wider. “Nothing to be afraid of mi amor. You’re safe as long as you stay with us. Come now. We don’t want to be late.” 

I hesitated. “Are you sure this is safe?”

“Don’t wander out of our sight, and you won’t have to worry about it, yeah?” Velvette replied impatiently. 

Vox leaned over and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Right as usual dear.” He turned towards the entryway door, holding it open. Velvette passed through, then me, then Vox and finally Valentino. 

A deep red limo was waiting at the curb for us. Vox got in first, then Velvette. I stepped back in hesitation but a firm hand touched the small of my back. 

“After you dear. “ Valentino  bent down and whispered. “Be between us, always. It’s not safe to wander these streets.” 

At his touch, I practically jumped in and chose a seat far away from the others, taking a deep breath. I watched the dynamic in front of me unfold. Vox, between Velvette and Valentino, looked completely comfortable, chatting about what I assumed was their work. Across the limo, Valentino shot me a grin. 

“So princessa, what brings you to hell?” He asked. 

Vox and Velvette fell silent, their attention turned to me. 

“My father ordered me here.” I responded, cheeks flushing. 

From the pocket of his coat, Valentino pulled out a long cigarette and took and draw, exhaling clouds of red smoke.

“Ah. The infamous demon killer. The hypocrite who consorted with the former princess of hell and created you. Tell me, Princess. Why does he want you here after all this time? After all you are…how old?”

I felt my temper flare, but bit it back. His words wern’t exactly unture, but I didn’t like thinking about it. “I’m twenty five.” I said through gritted teeth. 

He considered this for a moment, taking another drag. “Twenty five. That’s a long time to live away from half of yourself.”

“Val.” Vox interjected in a warning tone. One of his red eyes began to swirl. “Enough with the questions. We’re thrilled to have her here.”

“Of course we are.” He smiled. “Just making conversation, wondering why now, after all this time we’ve decided to…ah, explore ourselves.” 

“I go where I am told.” I retorted. 

His grin became wider. “Always?”

Thankfully at that moment the limo stopped and the door opened. This time, Valentino stepped out first. Vox gestured to me and I followed him out. The building in front of us was small, and brightly lit. I followed Valentino inside, Vox close behind me. 

The inside looked like a normal restaurant. We were seated immediately in a back room, and with the exception of the fact that the waiters looked like different demons, it seemed no different than someplace I would have dined at back home. 

Valentino ordered for the table and in moments I was presented with dinner. I studied it while the others dug in. Lucifer was probably right. What was on my plate looked like steak, definitely smelled like it too. Lucifer told me it was safe to eat. And truth be told- I was starving. I took a tiny bite, relieved that my dinner partners didn’t seem to pay much attention to me. It tasted fine, but I couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling that washed over me. I took a few more bites, then set my fork down. I just couldn’t shake my nerves. 

“That was great Val,” Vox leaned back in his chair. “What do you say we call it a night and head back?”

“Lame.” Velvette snorted. “The world needs to see the outfits I worked so hard to design. These nightly outings are not just for Val you know.”

Valentino took a long drag of his ciggarette and exhaled a trail of red smoke, looking at me and grinning. “Besides, we need to show the angel what a good time in hell looks like.” He stood up, and the others followed en-suite. Vox stepped aside, ensuring he was behind me as I followed them back to the limo. 

“Have you ever drank alcohol before, babe?” Valentino asked, stretching his arms out on the seat behind me. He didn’t make physicl contact, but he was close enough to make me uneasy. 

“Of course. I can go shot for shot with the most hardened angels.” I said defensively.

“Huh. Didn’t know angels drank.” Vox interjected thoughtfully as the limo pulled up to the next location. “Well good- then this should be a fun night.” 

The number 666 flashed in purple above the building. I hesitated. It looked like a club, and that wasn’t a scene I was allowed to explore. Behind me, Vox gave me a gentle nudge and with no other choice, I trailed behind Valentino as he bypassed the impossibly long line. As we crossed the dance floor, demons skittered out of his way. 

“It’s my club,” he said loudly as he led us to the back, half circle table. “Anything you need babe, its all yours.”

I slid in with Vox on one side and Velvette on the other. Instantly a demon appeared with four drinks, setting them on the table in front of us. 

“Just stick within eyesight of us and you’ll be fine.” Vox assured me.

“Cheers.” Valentino raised his glass to me. “To your visit to hell.” 

I took a sip. It was absolutely intoxicating and before I knew it, all four glasses were empty. Another round appeared instantly. Relief from my terror washed over me and I lost count after the second drink. Flashes of the dance floor, Velvette spinning me around. Shots handed to me by Vox and the four of us slamming them down. 

The room spun but the feeling of freedom and liberation wrapped around me like a star dusted blanket. As time passed, I somehow I found myself across the dance floor, far out of sight of my keepers. 

“To you, pretty lady.” A shark-like demon looked me up and down, and  handed me a pink and fuzzy drink. 

Too drunk to remember to not, I took the drink with a smile and downed it in one gulp. The shark demon laughed and took a step forward. 

“Now, how will you show your appreciation pretty thing?” he reached out and touched my shoulder. 

I flinched, and tried to take a step back but stumbled, trying to look back for any of the V’s.  Fuck, this wasn’t good. 

“There you are, princessa.” Valentino’s sharp voice floated behind me. “Looks like you can’t keep up with demons after all.” 

The shark demon paled and I couldn’t see if he left or not. I felt Valentino’s arm slide under mine as he guided me back to his table. My body, no longer in control of itself, leaned into his red jacket, my head resting its full weight on his shoulder. 

“Jesus Val, how much did you give her?” 

Could have been Vox or Velvette who asked. I couldn’t tell. I felt claws cup my chin and force my head up. Valentino’s eyes met mine and he sighed, letting my head fall against him. 

“Apparently, the princessa didn’t watch her drinks closely enough. Vox, take this please.” 

I caught sight of Valentino standing up and Vox took his place, guiding my head to his shoulder. The room felt loud, and somewhere in the distance, I could have sworn I heard a gunshot. 

“Hey hey, stay awake until Val gets back.” Vox shook my shoulder. “Ah shit. Lucifer’s going to be pissed.” 

I wasn’t quite sure how I ended up with my head on Valentino’s lap, or how I was totally fine with him stroking my hair. 

“Shits just got to work it's way out of her system,” I heard him explain. “Time is the only cure.” 

I tried to lift my head but found it too heavy for more than a few inches. Valentino’s hand pushed it back down. 

“It’s my fault.” I whispered. “I drank too much, too fast. I took a drink from an…I don’t know what, drinks aren’t spiked in heaven!”

I heard the three of them laugh. 

“Sounds like you need a lesson in club safety love.” Velvette looked up from her phone. 

“Maybe we don’t tell Uncle Lucy. Let’s keep this between us?” I mumbled and  shifted my body ever so slightly. 

Valentino rolled me back on my side, “If you say so, dear.” 

I felt the limo stop and tried my best to sit up. After a few seconds of letting me struggle, Valentino lifted me up and out of the limo. 

“I can walk.” I said protested blearily. 

“Oh, you can?” 

Valentino set me down and I immediately pitched forward. He caught me with ease and back in his arms I went. I closed my eyes .

The next thing I knew I was curled up on my side with sunlight streaming into my eyes. With a groan, I sat up. My head pounded.

“Rough first night dear?” 

I opened my eyes to see Lucifer sitting on a chair next to my bed, punching away on his phone. I looked down at myself. Gone were my club clothes from last night, replaced with a pair of soft purple pajamas. I wondered briefly how I had managed to get myself changed so neatly. 

“It wasn’t their fault.” I answered after a few seconds. “Ugh, my head.” 

He seemed unperturbed. “I’m well aware. Free choice and all that- I invented it, remember? Can’t hold them accountable- you chose to accept a drink from a stranger and well, Valentino himself held the stranger accountable.” 

“Fuck me. So…what are the consequences?” I mumbled, leaning forward and covering my head with my hands.

Lucifer paused. “Consequences? Isn’t being rendered totally unable to protect yourself your first night in hell enough? I’m not your father, dear.” He stood up. “What I can tell you is the cameras show half your bad decisions last night were due to drinking on an empty tummy. Can you explain why that is?” 

I didn’t answer. He walked over and lifted my chin so our eyes met. “If you don’t trust the four of us, you won’t make it down here. You have to eat. And drink. Same as you did up there.” 

I nodded and he sighed and sat down next to me. “I’m aware this is difficult- it’s new, and your father and I have torn you away to this place that is the  opposite of everything you’ve ever known. But despite all of heaven's propaganda, there is good down here too. You just have to be more careful.” 

“Yes, Lucifer.”

He broke out into a grin. “I think I prefer Uncle Lucy. Has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?” 

I didn’t answer, embarrassment  joining the pain I felt. 

He patted my leg. “The good news is, you’re only suffering from a hangover. Unfortunately for you the cure is the same in heaven and hell. Hydration, food, anti inflammatories and rest.” 

He stood up and his phone rang. His voice changed from sweet to sharp and several harsh words later, he hung up. 

“I need to go. Chances are you’ll be back out on the club scene tonight. Let’s hope you’ve learned your lesson- stick close to the V’s. And listen to them. I made it clear that they can tell you what to do. Your responsibility is to follow through. Understood?” 

I nodded and he touched the top of my head with a knowing smile. Instantly, my headache vanished.

“Hot shower. Water. Food. It won’t stay away if you don’t give your body those things. I’ll touch base with you later, love.” 

He vanished a second later. I stared at the blank space and wondered if he was the only one down here who could do that. I pushed the thought from my head and willed myself out of bed. Lucifer may have made the headache vanish, but the body aches remained. I made my way into the bathroom.

The shower alone was the size of my room at home and it took me a good fifteen minutes to find a simple water pressure setting. I let myself sink into the steam and scrubbed clean every inch of my body. Finally, I stepped out and wrapped myself in an oversized towel. Standing in front of the mirror I studied my reflection as I towel dried my hair. Without Velvette’s make up, I looked like my usual self. 

The door creaked open and I scrambled for another towel. 

“Hello! No thank you!”

“What? Its not like we didn’t see everything last night,” Vox’s voice answered as he stepped in, closing the door behind him. “How do you think you ended up in those pajamas?”

“It doesn’t matter,” I hissed, covering myself quickly. 

He laughed “modesty is overrated. Down here, you’ll learn that soon enough. Look, I know Lucifer told you but Val made breakfast before he had to rush off to work. It’s in your best interest to eat something before that headache he cured comes rushing back. Oh, and drink this.” He set a bottle of bright orange liquid down on the counter. “Courtesy of the brilliant minds of Vee and Val. It’ll help I promise.” 

He turned to walk out, the paused. “I’m the last one to leave, which means you have the living room to yourself. Do as you wish as long as you take care of yourself. Don’t try to leave the building, and while you can visit my workspace or Vel’s, I’d suggest steering clear of Val. After last night, he’s in a pretty pissy mood.” 

I must have looked mortified because Vox laughed. “Not at you dear. Others that didn’t do their jobs. Still, his temper is a nasty one. I’d recommend avoiding it at all costs.” 

“Noted.” I said shakily. 

“Oh, Princess? Just a reminder. Floors two and five are where you want to go for Vel and I.” 

And with that he walked out. I took a sip of the drink he left and quickly swallowed the rest. To his credit, he was right- I felt much better almost instantly. I wrapped my hair up and from the vast closet I pulled a pair of soft blue pajamas and matching slippers. I made my way out to the shared kitchen and found a heart shaped sticky note on the table next to another bottle of the orange liquid.

Breakfast is in the fridge. Drink this after. If you have a hard time with the TV, text Vox. He’ll get you set up. 

-VVV

I opened the fridge and another heart shaped pink sticky note greeted me. 

“Eat every bite. If cold, microwave ten seconds.” 

I uncovered the plate, hoping it was something normal. Something I could eat. Something that wouldn’t inadvertently turn my stomach. And to my delight, I found what looked to be two homemade strawberry waffles. I put them in the microwave and sat down at the table, taking a bite. 

It was the yummiest thing I had ever tasted. 

I finished the entire thing in record time and, taking the bottle of orange drink, I made myself comfortable on the couch. Although the headache was gone, my entire body felt achy- like I was getting over the flu. I flipped mindlessly through the channels as I finished the drink. Sleepiness washed over me and I felt myself start to drift. 

The quiet ping of the elevator arriving startled me back awake. 

“I see we’re alive.” Velvette saunted across the floor and hung over the back of the couch. “Feeling alright?”

I pulled myself up right. “Better- what time is it?”

“Time for you to go downstairs and get ready- we have another big night out. This one features the press, so we need time to make you perfect.” she answered. “Throw on a robe and meet me down in ten. Oh, and there's more of that orange drink in the fridge. Can’t hurt to have another bottle. Or at least water.”

She sauntered off and I heard the elevator ping again. In truth, I did feel better- almost like nothing had happened. The aches had almost completely vanished. Back in my room I pulled on a pink fuzzy robe and made my way down the stairs. 

Velvette greeted me with a wave and upon my entrance, a horde of demons descended on me. The process didn’t take nearly as long as it had the day before, and by the time Velvette walked up to me the finishing touches were being put onto my makeup. 

“You look great. Much better than you did this morning. Come on now, we have to meet Val and Vox out. You slept longer than we guessed- not that its a big deal. But come on, the car is waiting.”

I followed her out the door and listened to her chatter away while she typed. I checked my phone and saw I had a few missed texts. One from Lucifer, checking in. That was easy, I shot him a quick I’m fine. The second one from Vox- again, asking me how I was, followed by a text informing me he confirmed on the camera I wasn’t dead- and he would see me later. The last text was from Valentino. 

Glad to hear you liked breakfast. Hope you enjoy dinner- let’s not have a repeat of last night, shall we? -Val 

“Valentino is a little scary.” I said out loud. 

Velvette looked up at me and laughed. “He’s only scary if you’re on his bad side- and if you’re worthless to him. Trust me babe, you have no reason to be afraid of him. Not after last night.” 

“What was so different about last night?” I asked curiously. 

She barked a laugh. “Vox is the one with a soft side. Valentino? He leaves drunk bitches in the ditch- he doesn’t lay them on his lap and he certainly doesn’t kill for them.” 

“He’s just afraid, because of who Lucifer is.” I replied uneasily. 

She shrugged. “Could be. Wouldn’t test it though. He can be nasty.”

The porn demon- nasty? That was probably the most mild of terms I could think of. More questions bubbled in my mind. How did they come to own souls? What other lies had heaven fed me- lies I considered to be true? I sat in silence, trying to bring up the courage to ask Velvette myself. I had just about convinced myself to do it when the limo stopped.  

I followed Velvette outside and she marched in the door like she owned the place. Once again, we were whisked to the back of what looked like a normal restaurant. In minutes, dinner was in front of us. I looked down at the pasta dish in front of me and spun my fork in it. It looked normal- and it smelled fantastic. Cautiously, I took a bite as  I listened to Vox complain about technology and a newscaster who ticked him off. Velvette responded by suggesting the use of one of her top models. Valentino was strangely silent, watching as I carefully took another bite. 

“Look at that, already taking a step in the right direction.” He winked at me. “Not up for a repeat of last night, mi amor?” 

I felt my cheeks flush red and his grin grew wider. “Good to see you enjoying your food, princessa.” He turned to Vox casually. “Just put something inside them. That’s how I get the bitches to behave.” 

What did that mean? I wondered. After a few minutes, my plate was empty and Valentino stood up. 

“Shall we? I have another busy night.” he announced. We followed ensuite back out to the limo. I waited behind Valentino, placed carefully between him and Velvette. 

Valentino paused and took a step back. “After you, princessa.” 

“Thanks.” I stepped inside and took my usual place against the far wall. Unlike last night, Valentino sat next to me, keeping a much shorter but still respectful distance. I felt a shiver go up my spine and a strange feeling in my belly as I listened to him chat with Velvette and Vox. 

The ride to the club felt shorter than the night before. The shock of the club scene had dissipated and I followed close behind Valentino. Tonight it felt less like walking into a war zone. Not only did everyone make way for Valentino, everyone made space for me. Back in the same booth I made sure to sip my drink when it came, less I end up as much of a mess as I did the night before. 

With sober eyes I watched the scene unfold. Valentino seemed to know everyone, and those he didn’t know Vox or Vel did. Frequently two left the table, leaving one behind. Visitors came up- demon men and women. Val either invited them for a drink or dismissed them with a wave of his hand. At one point he got up and disappeared into the back of the club, reemerging several hours later with a grin on his face. 

“Shall we dance mi corazon?” He asked, extending his hand. 

I hesitated and he leaned forward. “I won’t let anything happen to you, princessa. Come.” 

I took his hand and he led me to the dance floor. Not to my suprise, he took the lead. I surrendered myself to him and the beat of the music as he spun and swung me around. I lost track of time under the flashing lights and it wasn’t until he slipped his arm under me and led me back to the table that I realized how long we had been away from the table. 

He grabbed a nearby waiter and pointed to me. “Water for this one.” he turned to me. “I’ll be back princessa- stay here. And drink water.” 

I watched him vanish across the dancefloor and sipped at the water the waiter brought me. After that was finished, I ordered a redbull and vodka- hoping it would give me the energy I needed to stay awake. As the minutes passed and my soberness disappeared, the demons on the dancefloor seemed to swim and I wondered how I had managed to stay afloat as long as I had the night before. A sudden rush of tiredness washed over me and I turned to Vox, who was lounging casually next to me 

“When is the last call?”

“When Valentino says it is.” he responded carelessly. 

Great. I swapped from vodka back to water and watched as Velvette and Vox took turns out the floor. Several times I trailed after Vox for a song or two, but he ensured I was safely back at the table before either going back out or swapping places with Velvette. After a few rounds of this, I switched back to vodka, which allowed me to relax for the first time since my arrival. 

After some time passed Valentino returned, looking as pleased as ever. 

“Last call for us darlings,” he purred, offering his hand to me. Vox did the same to Velvette and together the four of us walked out of the bar. 

Though not nearly as bad as I had been, Velvette had the busy night and she spent the ride pressed into Vox. Valentino got himself comfortable and looked at me. 

“You alright baby doll? You’re quiet.” he moved his body closer to mine and his arm fell against my shoulder as he took another drag from his cigarette, exhaling a stream of red smoke. “Tired?”

I nodded and he pulled me to his side. “Lay your head down baby- I think we passed the awkward phase last night hm?” 

My head buzzed just enough that I could forget that he was a demon and that I should be terrified of him. My head fell against his shoulder and he ran a hand through my hair. 

“That’s it sweetheart. Nothing to be afraid of.” he cooed as he exhaled another trail of red smoke. “Close your eyes.”

Against my instinct, I felt my eyelids grow heavy and the weight of my head fell onto his shoulder. He shifted my body and wrapped an arm around my waist. I tried to fight sleep as my head fell to his chest, against the steady beating of his heart. He was relaxed, so why wasn’t I?

I woke up as we pulled up to the VVV tower. Velvette, having solidly fallen asleep on Vox was carried up to the elevator first. Valentino offered his hand as I stepped out of the limo. He kept a steady arm around me as we walked towards the elevator. 

“You have nothing to fear, mi amor.” he purred. “We are not the monsters you think that we are.” 

The last thing I remembered was being tucked into my bed and a soft hand pushing the hair out of my eyes.

[helluvabun]

Lucifer xreader?

authors note: Inspired by a comment :) um, learning I really like writing nothing burgers but I'm pretty happy with this one...

Lucifer and Alastor argue over you

TW: mentions of a sibling? idk if thats a trigger

masterlist

Alastor had really done it this time. You knew he wasn’t the most genuine of friends, aware he was just being nice for personal gain. But as time went on and you and he settled into the gentle routine of quiet afternoon teas listening to jazz in his half-open bedroom under the stars, you allowed yourself to believe maybe he enjoyed your companionship. Then you lay in bed, crying over finding out your sibling ended up in hell, and he had the audacity to offer you a deal. Not even a good deal: he’d get them to the hotel in exchange for your soul. You yelled at him angrily and stormed down to the bar, face still puffy from your sobs. You demanded the strongest thing on hand from Husk before burying your hands in your arms. He poured you a double shot with a small smile.

Lucifer entered the empty bar and walked over to you. He stood quietly, waiting for you to acknowledge his presence. Eventually, he spoke, his voice barely a murmur. "I heard what happened."

You hastily wiped your eyes, looking up at him with a nervous smile. "What? How?"

"Everyone heard what happened… you weren’t exactly quiet, kiddo," he sighed gently, taking a seat on the stool beside you. "I already sent Maggie to retrieve the new sinner, so don’t worry your head about that, okay?"

You nodded silently at the information, taking another sip from your glass. You didn't know what to do; you were still so angry, but you didn't want to yell at Lucifer too, even though you wanted to yell at everyone and anything that could hear. His presence somehow seemed more comforting than the empty stool that was next to you just a few seconds ago.

Lucifer stayed silent for a moment, thinking of what to say next. He cleared his throat slightly before speaking in a soft voice, "I'm sorry about what happened with Alastor. He was never the most trustworthy demon." He leaned back against the bar and sipped his drink. "But I promise you that I will do everything in my power to ensure that your sibling is well taken care of at the hotel. And don't worry, I won't ask you to give up your soul in exchange."

You smiled softly and turned to thank him, but as soon as you opened your mouth to speak, you were interrupted by the voice you least wanted to hear.

"I don't recall being untrustworthy." You almost jumped out of your skin. After all this time, you’re still not used to him appearing randomly behind you. "At the very least, I can be trusted to uphold my end of the bargain. No need to vilify me."

"Oh really? Because I seem to remember you agreeing to take this poor sinner’s soul in exchange for getting their sibling to the hotel! Isn’t that right, Alastor dear?" The devil spoke up, a playful yet firm edge to his voice, his expression remaining steady.

"I don’t remember this deal involving you," Alastor said pointedly, placing a hand possessively on your shoulder, ignoring your stiffening under his touch. "Can we discuss this matter upstairs, my dear? This really should stay a matter between two friends."

"We were having a conversation, and I think it’s rather clear she’d rather continue that than leave with you," Lucifer interjected.

Alastor, with a wide grin that can only be described as predatory in context, slowly slid his hand off you, a slight shiver running down your spine. Lucifer's eyes turned cold, and his smile disappeared, a chilling silence filling the air. Lucifer slowly stood from the stool and looked directly at Alastor with an angry expression. Alastor stared back with a calm and confident expression, not backing down from the argument.

"Come with me, my dear. This was just a misunderstanding we can get through."

"You think she would ever choose you over me?" The King laughed. "Even if she could forgive you for your actions, she'd rather be with someone whose heart isn't filled with hatred and fear. Someone who wouldn't use her for their own gain. Someone like me."

"Are you really going to side with him? You know as well as I that Lucifer is nothing more than a deceitful, tyrannical tyrant that cares nothing for the soul of a mere sinner. Now please take my hand and let's discuss this upstairs, shall we?" He didn’t give you a choice, grabbing your hand and pulling you gently. Lucifer grabbed your other hand to hold you in place. You were in a very awkward position now, caught between a rock and a hard place. Lucifer and Alastor continued to bicker. Their voices were becoming louder and louder with each passing moment. You wished they would just shut up and leave you alone for a few seconds.

Lucifer seemed to be the only one who wanted to do the right thing for you without expecting anything in return. And you know what? He's right. Alastor is untrustworthy, manipulative, and cruel. You're so glad he's on your side.

"Will you two just shut up!" you finally said loudly, causing both of them to stop mid-sentence. "You two can’t just argue over me like I’m the last piece of pizza. Alastor, I don’t want to go with you."

"Well, you heard the girl! She doesn’t want to go with me! And since she doesn’t value me as a friend, I’ll be on my way," Alastor said, his tone unreadable, smiling broadly at Lucifer before turning to leave.

Lucifer's grip on your hand tightened a bit as he watched Alastor walk out the door. He let out a long exhale and looked at you with a soft expression.

"Are you okay?" he asked quietly, his voice full of concern. You nodded silently, feeling relieved that the confrontation was over.

The Devil smiled warmly at you before releasing your hand. "Would you like to stay for another drink? On the house, of course."

[nilolol30]

Hello! Could you perhaps write something platonic for Wukong Mk and Macaque figuring out that the reader is in a time loop?

(Oo I love time loops eee so I didn't know if you wanted them together or separate so I did separate)

Wukong

He could feel like something was wrong like an itch under his skin that he couldn't get rid of.

When he went to visit you by surprise you just looked dejected and he was worried.

Before he even asked his question you have him the answer not metaphorically either you knew what he was going to ask.

Immediately he asks what's wrong.

And expecting nothing to change and was going to wait for the time loop to happen again you started venting to him explaining everything how much you tried to get out of the loop but nothing worked or changed.

He is no stranger to time loops they are a simple concept to gods and immortas.

But he wondered how you didn't come to him in the other time loops since he did know how to help.

Turns out in a panic spiral you brushed past him in his visits and rushed off, normally he would pick fun at you for this but he'll wait at least a week before poking at that.

He will be able to get you out of this loop easy peasy.

Macaque

He found out really quick, it only took three loops to happen for him to portal himself to your place where you wake up every loop.

Told you that he knows and asked what you did before the loop.

Did you anger a god? Touched an ancient relic? Piss off a sorcerer? Read a book and after you read it out loud the ink disappears?

Whatever the answer is he is in a rush to get you out before you go insane.

He knows a lot of people and demons it's a quick blackmail and a favor to find out how to get you out.

Might get himself paranoid that you fell back into the loop and he wouldn't know so for a few days he'd check up on you.

By that he would listen to where you were and teleport on the roof nearby to physically check on you without you spotting him.

Will end up doing some research on time loops just to ensure something like this won't happen again.

Mk

Now unfortunately it takes a lot of loops to happen for you to break and spill everything as soon as you wake up with him chilling in your room.

Mk watches a lot of shows and movies he knows what a time loop is, sorta.

So not even questioning you he is in a rush to figure out how to get you out of this because you both are on the clock before the loop happens and he forgets.

At first we would run to Tang but after an hour of nothing he rushes you both off to keep going at this point he awakes his true delivery boy zone.

It takes a bit before he remembers, he has a mentor who's "all knowing" of course the monkey king will know what to do!

So he grabs you and starts speeding his way to flower fruit mountain crashing into Wukong's home and shushing his own mentor to quickly explain everything.

The Monkey king is at least understanding of the rush and goes to help you out.

After all that though you both had a little laugh of relief after you confirmed the loop has ended, Mk giving you a big hug and made a codeword in case this ever happened to either of you the codeword being "loopdeloop."

Probably will avoid shows or movies about time loops especially when your around since it gives him cold sweats.

[blithesharem]

ITS LOVING LUCIFER HOURS

SPICY/GNReader

It was indescribable torture.

Lucifer liked to think he was a rather simple demon. He didn’t have many needs. He wanted his brothers to be safe and happy. He wanted Diavolo to have what he needed to succeed. Perhaps his greatest luxuries were a nice Demonus or a rare record. No, Lucifer had never been one to spend time on frivolities, even when he’d been an angel.

Then he met you.

And now his days are filled with a constant, aggravating, gnawing need. A need to hear your voice. To see your smile. To feel your breath dance over his knuckles when you sit beside him and give a hard exhale that you think is covering up the fact that you are laughing. When you’re gone he finds himself fixated, wondering what you would think or say at every moment of his day. His thoughts wander to the things he wants to share with you, debating with himself what will make you beam and what will earn a crinkle of your nose. When you return, his thoughts run mad with the furious goal of finding any excuse at all to touch you.

He had foolishly thought that once you returned his feelings, the madness would fade, or at least become manageable. A laughable hope, looking back now. His starvation has only grown deeper, until he found himself unable to resist ravishing you at the end of the night like a demon much younger and less refined than he.

Watching you quiver for him. The flush of your chest after he’s played you to orgasm like the most supple instrument. The sweetness of your moans, a sound he would put to vinyl and play over and over again if he could. Perhaps he will one day. Play it while he does his paperwork. Perhaps he would be more productive than now, when in silence his thoughts rifle through the most lewd images that have ever haunted him in his many years.

That one he’s going to blame on being a demon.

When you’re together, it feels like you’re two planets locked in orbit of one another, circling in a maddening dance for lack of a star. He would claim that you were his sun around which he now orbits, but he knows better than to suggest such a thing to you. You claim to be just as infatuated with him, but Lucifer can’t imagine that’s true. Surely if you were as crazed as he, neither of you would ever be able to get a thing done.

He fantasizes constantly about taking you away somewhere. Not forever, of course. In truth, he loves watching his brothers with you. He loves how happy you make them, how gentle you are with their moods, the way you effortlessly orchestrate a room to ensure everyone is at peace. Despite his occasional selfish desires, he’d never try to keep you away from them forever.

Now for a week or two. Maybe a month. Yes, he’d absolutely do that.

Go somewhere just the two of you, where he can release his restraint and worship you as you deserve and as he desires. He’d spend hours just touching you, learning every freckle, every tiny scar, what places make you gasp and which make you moan. And then he’d fuck you. He’d fuck you until the madness sated and he could enjoy holding you close and rocking into you slowly, squeezing your hand together and finally telling you exactly what you mean to him as he fills you again and again.

Ah. There he goes again. Drawn into the fantasies that play on loop in his mind.

Lucifer sets down his pen and drops his head back, rubbing his eyes and giving a long exhale.

Indescribable torture.

“Luc?”

He starts at your voice, dropping his hand to see you hovering at his office door with a concerned frown on your face.

“What’s wrong? Are you tired?” you ask him, your concern so genuine, so adoring, it physically aches in his chest. For a long moment he just looks at you, drinking you in. When he speaks it is softly, the words barely audible where you stand.

“Come in, my love. And close the door.”

.

@spicymoodle @brainrot-crttv it won't let me tag you for some reason wtf

[bi-hanslefttittie]

"It's Cold Outside, Bi-Han."

Summary: Eleven-year-old Bi-Han stands alone in the snow and faces a frost bite trying to prove a point.

Characters: Bi-Han, Kuai Liang, Tomas Vrbada. Kinda their mom.

Word Count: 3.1k

CW: Angst. Light mention of recession, hunger. Depressed Bi-Han.

A/N: Yes, I wrote a fanfic based on the name of an in-game gear. Because I'm still getting familiarized with Bi-Han as a character, it might be a bit OOC. I wrote this because I couldn't capture this in a drawing. Mostly a character study.

A/N 2: I speak mostly spanish, so if anything is weirdly redacted it's because of that, lmao.

-.Articka welcomed a violent snowfall that winter night. The savage wind left even the bravest soldiers on the Lin Kuei retreating to the safety of their homes, the warmth of their families welcoming them. Whoever would dare go outside unprepared would receive the cold, unstuttering embrace of certain death. The white coat of snow blinded and hid every hint of flora or fauna on the place as if a demonstration of its awing power.

He stood alone in the gardens, though calling it that would be oxymoronic considering its frozen state.

Bi-Han stared out into the void as he attempted to regain some control. Yet, his breathing had betrayed him, his ribcage seemingly torturing him with pressure. However, there was no time for useless whining and childlike behavior. At least, not for him.

Being the first son meant something only the previous grandmasters could understand. It was the Sisyphus curse, a never-ending tale. The future of the Lin Kuei rested heavily on his shoulders; he was a man now, an older brother, and a future leader, so much was expected of him.

He never doubted his abilities, confident about his future success; he just needed to reach a certain point of perfection, and once Bi-Han achieved that, he would ensure his clan would thrive.

In this recession, a victory would bring back their lost morale in years of idle await.

If no one took the initiative, the Lin Kuei would self-destruct like a snake eating itself.

Bi-Han had to be the one to take the lead. Only he could free them from shackles, end their suffering, and protect Earthrealm.

But for now, Bi Han could only prepare himself physically and psychologically and pray the chance to prove himself worthy, liberate, and bring glory to his nation would come soon. Bringing his clan out of the shadows.

The wind blew relentlessly as the temperature dropped considerably turning this into the coldest night of the year. Bi Han knew that if he survived, he would be apt for the task.

This self-imposed challenge strained his body as his limbs reddened, his lower lip quivered, and he felt his breath hitch. Despite his mind-numbing, he would test his willpower, overcoming and purging whatever weakness was in his body. No matter what would take him. His very own Baptism in blood. The prime example of what a Lin Kuei should be.

As a sudden surge of heat rushed through his body, he realized he had lost his sense of touch. Hyperthermia had always made him fail despite years of training. It was the one thing that had made him crumble and fall to his knees under his father's disappointed gaze. However, tonight would be different. He was determined to overcome it and finish his training flawlessly.

While being heir by birthright, it seemed as if it wasn't enough to gain the respect he deserved and earned by blood, sweat, and tears.

Despite being the firstborn, Others were pampered despite their idleness, while he received the short end of the stick.

His younger brother Kuai Liang and the other child, Tomas, could afford to take a break in their chambers. He didn't have that privilege, oh no.

Even though he was trembling, the eleven-year-old fought against his demons, trying to maintain his balance despite the horrific pain, drowning his whimpers as he urged himself to suck it up.

Pathetic.

Childish.

Quivering, the child was slowly and cruelly falling victim to frostbite.

Still, his majestic resolve strengthened him enough to stand. Pride was the one thing fueling his resilience.

The cryomancer would not fall.

Bi-Han would not allow himself to once again lose against his body.

That's when the manor's door opened with a loud creak that caught Bi Han's attention, though he didn't bother to turn around.

Whether his inaction was due to sheer disinterest in the person or simply being too pained to move is something that only he would know.

"Do you know what time it is?" The slim figure asked as she covered herself with her fur coat, shielding herself from the breeze.

He gritted his teeth, refusing to respond to his mother, maintaining a stern and dignified expression, staring at the void as a man on a mission. He clenched his fists with such strength that they were left bruised, forcing himself to remain silent.

The woman watched as her prideful child insisted on staying in the middle of the snowstorm, ice crystals forming on his uniform. She wondered how long he'd been standing there alone.

"It's cold outside, Bi Han." She approached him, kneeling as he refused to stare at her, his stubbornness on display.

Her hands ran towards his shoulders and arms as the child was sweating profusely, a symptom of frostbite.

She quickly removed her coat and placed it on his shoulders, but Bi Han immediately discarded it.

He might take himself too seriously and hold himself to unreachable standards.

But she saw right through him, a pale, shivering kid trying to act tough.

She took a few moments to collect herself, trying to read his expression, and attempted not to yell at her son.

"What are you trying to prove?" Bi-Han bit his lip, his cheeks puffy, not wanting to respond to his mother, yet knowing he could not lie, he avoided her gaze.

"Bi-Han." Sternly, his mother cupped his face.

"Look at me." The kid let out a pained sigh, an almost tortured one being haunted enough by his mind.

"Come, we will discuss this inside." She kept her stoic expression, and Bi-Han followed her, defeated, unable to refuse his mother anything.

The woman handled herself in a way he could only sit back and admire. Carrying herself with strength, dignity, and a no-nonsense attitude.

The sound of the whistling kettle indicated that the tea was ready.

The small child had just gotten out of his bath and was now warm, dry, and sheltered from the outside cold.

Bi-Han sneezed, worried he might have caught a cold.

He watched as his mother poured the tea and sat down.

Neither was exactly a great talker.

Most of the time, they communicated without words since it wasn't necessary as she understood him.

But this time, they had to speak.

He drank from the brew, silently searching for the words to say, the best way to get his point across. There was no point in lying to someone who knew him so well, yet admitting his troubled headspace was not an easy task. He scrunched his nose and grunted, then placed his cup down as if waiting for a lecture. Instead, his mother's hand caressed his cheek, sensing his unease.

She pondered on the possibility of simply sending him back to sleep. Still, it was better to address the elephant in the room. Firmly, she addressed his son. "What is on your mind?" She questioned. Making him avoid her gaze, not wanting to be perceived as weak in front of the person he admired the most.

He knew he couldn't keep avoiding the question. So he decided to speak up. He cleared his throat, and back to his dignified manner he articulated his answer.

"There is nothing in particular on my mind, mother. I was merely perfecting my training." Moderate and clear, he would have convinced anyone that there was nothing of the matter.

However, his mother could tell by his stiffness and aloofness there was something wrong.

There was something more to it since he was too formal and diligent while addressing her.

"At 3 in the morning in the middle of a snowstorm?" She raised an eyebrow.

Bi Han nodded, convinced of his answer.

"A risk worth taking for my improvement." He declared standing his ground with unmovable conviction.

A trait that set him apart from other children, even from other adults.

Adults like his father.

"Bi Han, you are putting your safety at stake for improvement." The woman lectured him sternly.

The kid furrowed his eyebrows, expressing great distaste at her tone.

"It is for the sake of the clan." The boy stubbornly refuted, shaking his head as if it was the most logical and obvious answer ever.

Yet, he was unable to keep his explanation going as his mother cut him off.

"And I suppose putting yourself in harm's way is doing something for the clan?" She retorted, trying to make her child realize what he was doing and the senseless nature of the act.

"I was not putting myself in danger. Everything was under control, I've-"

"Do you realize that one day you may become a Grandmaster? As the heir, is it responsible for you to engage in such risky behavior? Think about it. If I had not come to fetch you, you could have died. The title would have passed to your brother, wouldn't it?"

Bi-Han hung his head low, clenching his jaw in frustration. He knew she was right, but he couldn't bring himself to admit it. His cheeks rose, fidgeting with his fingers as he tried to deal with the embarrassment.

She looked at him intently, tilting her head as she tried to gauge his reaction while acknowledging his struggle to admit his fault.

She tried not to smile as she recognized the similarities shared between them.

Finally, after a heavy sigh, he spoke up.

"I suppose you're right," he mumbled quietly, the kid's voice barely audible.

The woman chuckled and shook her head as she cupped his face so he could face her.

"It's not wrong to have ambition." His eyes widened for a second, feeling understood.

"You just have to be more mindful about your choices. If the chance ever comes, by all means, seize it, but do not act prematurely."

"I am not acting prematurely," Bi-Han responded, almost pleading.

"I'm placing my efforts in getting better."

"And I understand that. But you are destroying yourself. It will only be a disservice to you. If you truly want to improve…" She mirrored her son's hand movements, speaking with trained confidence and reassurance.

"I can assist with your training in your free time."

There was a moment of silence, followed by a surprised smile from Bi-Han, something he did not do often.

"Really?" The boy asked in some disbelief, knowing his mother was busy most of the time with her duties and with his brothers. It was something he had not expected but a pleasant surprise nonetheless.

"Yes, really," she replied with a nod. "Just… cool down."

The room was silent as the joke registered in his mind, causing him to cringe. Bi-Han blinked and shook his head, attempting to suppress a laugh. "That was terrible."

"When you're my age, you'll find yourself saying things like that too."

The ambiance went lighter, and he allowed himself to relax. Bi Han trusted his mother that much. After all, she was the only one who took the time to understand him.

"No, I won't." He smirked.

His mother rolled her eyes and incorporated.

"Fine, Bi-Han, you win. You won't."

She took it upon herself to guide him back to his room, where his brother and Tomas awaited awake. His expression was immediately stern.

As their mother left, Bi-Han turned to his siblings, crossing his arms.

"Shouldn't you two be sleeping?" He lectured both as he made his way toward his futon, making Tomas smile in amusement.

"I could say the same about you." Tomas snickered, earning himself an annoyed glare from his brother.

"I asked mother to check on you." Kuai Liang explained while sitting next to his older brother. "We saw you standing alone outside from the window." His voice was full of concern as he quizzically stared at his brother.

"I told him it wasn't necessary, but he insisted on telling on you." Tomas snitched on Kuai Liang, who then elbowed him, making him flinch. "Hey-"

Bi-Han shushed Tomas, who shook his head and went to his futon. After making sure he had gone to sleep, Bi-Han addressed his brother.

"You should have listened to Tomas and let me be." The boy raised an eyebrow. Kuai Liang tensed, equally prideful.

"Father would have been upset then." The pyromancer answered, sure of himself. Not afraid of contradicting his brother.

"Father would not have found out," Bi-Han spoke severely. "So it was not within your power to tell on me."

"But, brother."

"Go back to sleep."Bi-Han interrupted his kin, turned his back, and lay down, not saying another word to him.

Kuai Liang sighed in defeat and reluctantly obeyed his older brother's orders, knowing he was too stubborn to be convinced otherwise.

He stood alone in the snow twenty-one years later. Neither his resolve nor the snowstorm gave up at all. Though, he was now the cause of the natural phenomenon. Hyperfocused, he took a deep breath and guided the movement of the wind, twisting and turning in a gelid, macabre manner. Bi-Han's eyes remained closed as cold particles hit his face, threatening to cause him damage. His gestures slowed by the struggle between the breeze and his strength.

Bi-Han's mind drifted back to Kuai Liang. His brother had chosen himself over the clan, giving up the opportunity to govern at his side. He had forced Bi-Han's hand, and because of that-

Snow hit his surroundings with violence, ice forming on the ground. Grunting, he forced himself to concentrate. There was no use in mourning traitors, not at all. So, he kept his stance and put more effort into his exercise.

Taking a turn to shift the direction of the breeze, he faced the window of his old shared chambers and furrowed his eyebrows. The image of Tomas watching him from inside the manor haunted him. The kid's eyes were full of admiration, of annoying awe.

Bi-Han muttered to himself and created a wall of ice to prevent himself from looking in that direction again.

Tomas wasn't his kin, so why did he care? Clenching his fists, he covered the place in frost.

Bi-Han only had two hours left to complete his training. He was confident he could do it as now he was The Grandmaster proving himself worthy, and his fears and weaknesses had long left him.

He just wished his brothers had seen the truth he so insistently tried to teach them, but they took a stance by defying their vows. They had decided to defy Him. And he would no longer tolerate disrespect, even if it implied bloodshed.

No regrets. Bi-Han had sacrificed enough.

His nation came first.

He lifted his hand with strength, forming an ice ball, ready to deliver a blow to the ground when

"It's cold outside, Bi-Han."

He stopped what he was doing as his breath hitched.

It was his late mother's voice.

It didn't make any sense.

Bi-Han was frozen with shock and couldn't bring himself to turn around and face her, gritting his teeth as he shook his head, convincing himself it was not real.

"What are you trying to prove?" She approached him while her hands ran through his arms, looking concerned, quickly reaching for her coat and placing it on her son's shoulders.

Bi-Han trembled terrified. Discarding the coat immediately.

His mother sighed, "Bi-Han," He turned his back on her "Look at me." His heart raced, denying himself the opportunity to see her face again. She cupped his face. They stared at each other for a solid minute, Bi-Han's jaw clenched as he struggled to keep himself composed.

He might take himself too seriously and hold himself to unreachable standards.

But she saw right through him, a pale, shivering kid trying to act tough.

"Did you seize the opportunity as soon as you saw it?"

"Yes," The cryomancer answered curtly, inflating his chest with pride but was only met with her stern gaze.

"But you once again acted prematurely."

"I did what had to be done."

His mother studied him, his coldness, his unease, and overall his inability to give up. Consternated, she clenched her fists taking her time not to lecture the man. Her wayward son, whom she loved despite everything.

"Very well. You are Grandmaster now." She matched his energy, not backing down, and gave him a long stare that sent a shiver down his spine. "I know you will do what you can for the clan."

He nodded and shaking the ice off his body, knelt, retrieved the discarded coat, and placed it on her mother.

"Let's go inside," Bi-Han urged, and they walked into the manor. But then he felt a pang in his chest.

Opening his eyes, Bi-Han groaned and sat up from where his head had been buried in the snow. The gardens were completely frozen by his hand.

He rubbed his temples as he tried to recover from the exertion. Instinctively Bi-Han searched for his mother. He realized he had just fabricated the whole thing.

Bi-Han made his way to the manor and prepared some tea, the kettle whistling soon enough. He sat down after drying himself and stared at the empty chair in front of him, sipping his tea silently. After a lot of pondering, he whispered.

"… I cooled down."

There was no response, only silence, which made the joke fall flat. Bi-Han felt embarrassed by his behavior, realizing that it was ridiculous and pathetic. He sighed and placed the cup down, going to his former chambers. It was now an empty room, used on occasion to hold meetings.

He approached the space in which their futons would be placed and smirked. Rolling his eyes when he noticed a sharp line made with a blade on the floor. One he had made once to separate his space from his brothers when he felt them too overwhelming. "What do you mean <your side of the room>?" Tomas had questioned him on that occasion. He scoffed bitterly and walked towards the window.

The window offered a perfect view of the gardens, the place where he had trained for so many years. Bi-Han couldn't help but wonder how often would his brothers spy on him from there.

On the frame, there were countless marks, marks to which he could not attribute other than Tomas. Was he counting the days? He raised an eyebrow.

The ambiance became too much to handle. Those two had lost everything for their idiotic loyalty to Lord Liu Kang, they had not been able to see. He pressed his hands against the frame and gritted his teeth. Loneliness fueling his rage. He slammed his palm on the wood, freezing it immediately.

He took a hold of himself.

There was no use in idle regret and longing. He walked away and slammed the door shut. Shutting away every emotional bond he had left.

[gale-sized-hole]

A short VisGale fic, a sketch of sorts, a concept born of yelling back and forth with @renn-the-rascal, and something I hope to expand on soon. But for now…

Armor

~750 words

“There, can I get you to—“

“Certainly.”

A small exchange, one they’ve repeated every day for at least two tendays, if not more. Sharing a bedroll became sharing a bed, and in that time, Vissenta has relented to let Gale help her with more than just an assuring word and a kiss before leaving. She lifts her arm slightly, relinquishing her grip on the strap of the pauldron to let him take over, securing the piece in place and giving him room to check those down her sides that hold the cuirass.

Like every day for two and a half tendays (because he has counted, every single precious one, if only to feel the shape of that number grow as steadily as his love), they dress to face whatever this quest might throw their way.

But today, it’s not her demons they face, or those of their companions.

It’s not a demon at all.

“With you, I forget my goddess.”

In the stillness of the outer planes, he could hear her every breath, and he heard it catch at his words. And he heard, too, the warmth in her voice, when she answered with words of her own that might have been too harsh otherwise.

“Then forget godhood.”

With her hands free, Vissenta takes the chance to ensure that her hair is pinned up securely; Gale takes the chance to map the small curls that grow askew at her nape, only just covering the jagged, puckered scar that starts at the base of her skull and disappears into a web he’s felt beneath his fingertips, when he cradles her head to melt into her more lingering, passionate kisses.

“I’ll have you as you are.”

He couldn’t quite believe those words; he tried to protest. “Have the best possible version of me.”

She leaned over to kiss him, briefly, and the warmth in her voice turned to fire that burned bright behind her eyes. “I already do.”

“What divine calculus plucked us from the ether,” Gale muses as Vissenta seizes his hands, insistent on helping check that his bracers are secure, “and thrust us together?”

“I’d rather keep the gods out of it,” she says mildly, but her hands tighten around his wrists as she lifts her chin, eyes flicking down to his neck before she raises them to meet his. “After we pay one more a visit, anyway.”

Scars, on the both of them. Scars that, if opened without care, could destroy everything around them.

“You… you’re everything.”

He meant it. He truly meant it. He’d seen her, bloodless, lifeless, as she made the choice to reject a great and terrible thing, a darkly divine right that she foreswore in the face of death.

He could foreswear the same. He owed her as much.

“Is this what being nervous feels like?”

Tucked into an alcove in Stormshore, Gale can hardly look over his shoulder at Mystra’s likeness. He can feel the Weave, pure and perfect, the way open to him at last, and no matter how ready he’s believed himself to be, how long he’s prepared to see her again, he feels woefully vulnerable.

Vissenta reaches up to brush his hair back behind his ear, her fingertips brushing the silver star of the goddess as she does so. “Nervous is good.”

He knows his scowl is unbecomingly petulant. “I hate it.”

All Vissenta does is smile, lifting herself up on her toes to give him a kiss. He feels the slip of her tongue against his lips - always so daring, even sequestered in a temple, and his heart swells with her boldness - before they part, all too soon. “It suits you.”

“Does it?” Gale doesn’t want to let go of her just yet, his knight in all her glorious armor.

She nods, suddenly solemn. “It suits Gale Dekarios.”

“Him again.” Searching her face for the telltale signs of teasing, he comes up short, left only with the sight of heart-aching sincerity. “You’re rather taken with him, aren’t you?”

Nodding again, she cups his cheek in her palm. “What would he want, right now?”

The answer is startlingly quick, shockingly certain. “Forgiveness.”

Vissenta’s smile returns. “I can’t give him that, but…” She tugs at the gold-edged purple kerchief around her neck, pulling it loose, and takes his hand to turn it palm up. There’s just room enough for her to tuck the slip of cloth beneath the bracer around his wrist. “He can have my favor, while he goes to ask.”

[berriethewizard]

Parley - Champion of Blood au

Masterpost

The parley is set in motion at noon. The pitiless desert sun beating down upon their backs, sand kicking up and battering their cheeks, squinting their eyes - they stand opposed on this canyon cliff, mere metres from each other. Zelda and her two dozen knights, the best of the best, facing lone Ganondorf, leaning up against a boulder ever so casually.

Meeting his gaze fills her with the dread of being outmatched anyway.

The fiery beams of noon light catch the gold pouldrens on her shoulders, the clasps of her prayer bracelets, and the decorated limbs of her bow, resting in her hand with an arrow nocked but not drawn. He holds no weapon at all. Nothing but his own arrogance.

“Surely this is overkill, Princess. This is a peaceful meeting.”

“Behind enemy lines, it will always treat you better to be prepared, Ganondorf.”

His face twists into a smile.

“As you see fit. Now,” He dismissively waves his hand, “Lay out your terms, and I shall see if they are agreeable.”

She retrieves a scroll from her right hand knight - a newer addition to her ranks, but suitable - and begins reading from the script upon it. Most of these are terms laid out by her father, and she can tell in the endless specifics and caveats and compromises that litter it. If it were truly her prerogative, she would throw away all acts of diplomacy and run the Demon King through here and now. But with their recent loss of… weaponry, they cannot afford to be rash. As such, here she is, borderline pleading with the unreasonable.

Half of the way through the scroll, she hears the clashing of metal, and pauses her reading immediately. Only a whistle of the wind greets her ears in the silence.

“Is there a problem, your highness?”

“...no.”

“Then please, stop wasting my time.”

She hesitantly continues on, ears up to catch anything more. Nothing but the whistling.

When the scroll is finally read through, Zelda returns it to her knight’s hand and faces Ganondorf once more.

“If you do not agree to these terms, Hyrule will commence a total blockade of the Gerudo deserts immediately. No trade will come through your canyons until either you surrender to our terms, or you die of starv–”

A shadow rounds the edge of the boulder behind Ganondorf. A short figure, lithe and graceful, draped in the same garb as the Demon King. When his face enters the light, she chokes on her words.

The sundered hero stares, cold and unblinking.

He stalks to Ganondorf’s side, welcomed by a smile that is too small to be anything but sickeningly genuine, and a hand trailing down to his hip that is borderline intimate. He's near dripping with blood, from his hands to his hair far longer than the Hyrule Military approved three inches, like he'd dipped them in the crimson like a child over eagerly playing in a pool of water. The Demon King pays it no mind as he gently tucks the half white, half blonde strands behind his ear, ensuring the scar stretching the length of his face and cutting through his eye is plainly visible to Zelda and her men.

The sundered hero does not break his eyes away from her once.

“It seems, Princess, that your preparations for this meeting were in vain. I do not agree to your terms, but you will find in the canyons no blockade that harm my people.”

The sundered hero takes a step forward.

“I suggest you turn tail and run, before you have no men left to save you. I’m very reluctant to deny my Champion of Blood much of anything - and least of all revenge.”

She gapes for one single moment more, before very quickly remembering her place both politically and physically, and taking her only chance of survival while she still can. Zelda bows to the King.

“We shall be seeing each other again, Ganondorf. Do not doubt this.” She retreats with her knights circling her completely, back to the path that will surely lead to a pile of bodies.

Zelda only feels the eyes of the Champion of Blood leave her back when there’s the ever so gentle smacking of lips that meet her ears.

[666writingcafe]

Meanwhile...

Mammon

I know I'm being stupid. I shouldn't be following Simeon to his room after he blew up at us in the dining car. If he's anything like Satan, I might as well start digging my grave.

But I can't leave him alone. I don't know why; it's just a gut feeling that I have. Still, my gut has never led me astray. And I'm not talking about when its judgment is clouded by greed, but during situations like this one. You know, life and death sorta things.

I take a deep breath before opening the sliding door. Simeon's back is turned to me, appearing to look out the train window.

"Hello, Mammon." His voice sounds eerily calm, like how Lucifer gets sometimes right before he begins torturing people.

I can't flee. I have to see this through.

"Dude, what happened back there? I've never seen you react like that, not even during the war."

"That is none of your concern." Simeon slightly turns his head to the right. "Tell me, why did you feel the need to bully Luke?"

"That wasn't my original intention--"

"Answer the question."

"I will, if you'll let me finish!" Silence. "Look, I believe he needs to be taught how to relax. He's way too uptight. I mean, he can't even take a little joke! The kid's a real piece of work."

"It's only a joke when everyone involved finds it amusing."

"Well, I can't help wantin' to tease him sometimes! In some ways, he kinda reminds me of myself when I was that age."

"Oh, really?" Simeon doesn't believe me.

"Seriously?! Don't you remember what I was like once upon a time?"

"A nuisance?"

"Naive, Simeon. I was that lost puppy. Cute, friendly, energetic, but incredibly oblivious to what the real world was like. I mean, isn't that why you guys are sendin' him to the Devildom and human world in the first place?" He sighs.

"Yes."

"It's almost been three years, and yet from this side of things he hasn't learned jackshit. He's still convinced that the way angels do things is the right way. He doesn't wanna even consider that he could be wrong."

"Oh, like you're doing much better," Simeon snaps.

"At least I'm doing something! You're just standing around and waiting for Luke to discover the world on his own. He needs guidance! And sometimes that means forcing him to experience new things whether he likes it or not!"

"And who are they going to blame when shit hits the fan, Mammon?" Simeon's facing me now, staring daggers into my face. "You were in charge of MC during the exchange program; what would have happened if a demon decided to have them for lunch during their first ever week in the Devildom?"

"The demon would get in trouble, obviously. But I'm not sure what this has to do with Luke--"

"Do you wanna know what else would have happened?" I'm not going to get another word in until he's done ranting, am I?

"People would have begun asking questions," Simeon quickly continues. "'Where was Mammon at the time?' 'Why didn't he stop the demon from eating MC?' And if you weren't able to come up with acceptable answers to those questions, your ass would have been on the line, because you failed to do your job.

"Oh, maybe you'd escape with a light punishment. After all, you have friends in high places that can bail you out of trouble. But what if you used up all your chances? What if protecting MC and ensuring they survived the exchange program was the one thing that would save you from a fate worse than death? What would you do then, Mammon?"

Oh my God...I knew he'd gotten demoted due to his lack of cooperation during the early stages of the war, but I didn't realize he was that close to being sent there. It's the one place in the Devildom that the Celestial Realm has control over, and it's usually reserved for the worst of the worst. The truly irredeemable.

And he's right. Being sentenced there is a fate worse than death.

"Simeon, I'm sorry. I...I didn't know." I walk over to him and tentatively hover my hand over his shoulder. He remains still, allowing me to rest my hand on there.

"Only Michael and Raphael do," he whispers. "They were the ones that offered me the guardianship over Luke. If anything happens to him, they won't show me mercy again, especially in light of them discovering that fucking notebook."

"You know Lord Diavolo would take you in." Simeon shakes his head.

"I don't want to spend the rest of my existence serving him." He pauses. "I'm sure he's a kind master, but he still rules over you guys. I want to be under my own power."

"What about MC?" The question slips out of my mouth, causing a corner of Simeon's to curve up slightly.

"That is an arrangement I'd prefer to keep between me and them."

[myafterlifeisbetterthenyours]

Had a fun thought after watching Ash vs The Evil Dead. Say a human finds the Necronomicon and decides its way too powerful to be left in the human world. SO using the book or another, they open a portal with the goal being 'someone who can protect it.' This human appears in front of a powerful being in hell, slams it on a table, and says that even if they get trapped here, it needs to be hidden. How would Lucifer + Lilith, Stella, and Stolas react to this? Maybe afterward the human is relieved and decides to throw a compliment their way so it hints at them being a future s/o? I can't get the idea out of my head but I can't write it down right now. Hope you like the request and feel free to add what you want.

Lovecraft? Eh, it's okay I guess

Lucifer & Lilith

The trip you'd taken up to your grandparents spooky old cabin was... interesting.

If your idea of interesting is discovering a demonic book with ancient and dark spells.

You, understandably were initially frightened by the contents, hiding the book away before pretending it didnt exist.

That didnt last long, and withing 24 hours, i took it back out and read it over several times, able to read and recover several pages that had been lost or inked out.

And you know how you didn't summon some dark spirit or evil demon?

YOU DIDNT. READ IT. OUT. LOUD!

You kept your mouth shut as you read, you didn't mutter out the ancient spells that could get you killed.

You weren't stupid.

But reading it over, you found it to be filled with... well, satanic would be an understatement.

It contained the knowledge of dark gods, evil dieties and dark spirits the like no mortal could best, it was intimidating.

Youd become obsessed with the book, not in a fashion of worship, but from a need to destroy it. And when that didn't turn out to be an option, to hide it. To protect it. To guard it from the outside world.

So, you initially thought about taking it to a church, have them protect it, as you do.

But you couldn't, it would surely corrupt the entire church, and then you'd have an even bigger problem to deal with.

So with little in the ways of options, you did the only thing you could.

You tried to get into contact with God.

You looked high and low, but after Months of trying to contact him, or fucking Anything, you got nothing.

So, with nowhere else to turn, you tried to contact well, the Devil.

And you had much more success this time.

In fact, the necronomicon itself had a means of reaching Hell, although you had to carefully read over the spell you ensure you weren't summoning some other demon.

But sure enough, after painting a big doorway out of blood and sacrificing a few goats, a portal would open.

Youd step through to a... well, a temple. At least it looked like it. The ceilings were ridiculous tall, the whole place chiselled out of some exquisite kinda stone.

You walked around for a while until you entered a sort of dining room.

There was a simple long table with an expensive looking table cloth, a wide spread of familiar and much less familiar foods laid out.

Youd reached out for a very tasty looking cream pastry when the double doors at the end of the room suddenly flew open.

You paused, standing there, staring at the doorway as a rather short gentlemen with golden hair walked in, followed by a significantly taller woman, a large set of horns curling around her grey hair.

They both froze.

You were already frozen.

The both of you stood there for several minutes, neither of you looking away from the other.

You both just stood there, before the gentleman raised a finger, pointing at you.

"Yyyyyour, not supposed to be here." He said simply.

You nodded, looking about awkwardly. "Yeah, your not wrong, but I kinda got something you need to see." You finished, not sure quite sure of what to do next.

The man stared at you for several moments, glowing gold eyes gliding up and down your form, he stopped, clearing his throat before he told you simply. "I am Lucifer Moringstar, King of Hell." He finished with a slight bow.

"And this is my wife Lilith, Queen of Hell." The woman gave a little bow.

Turning back to you, he stared at you until you got the hint, introducing yourself with a little bow.

Then you'd hold out the book, telling him, "I'm here to make a deal."

Now at that, he perked up immediately, eyes practically lighting up. He eagerly asked what you could possibly wanted.

Youd tell him simply how the necronomicon contained horrific spells and forbbiden knowledge. You'd tried to hand it over to God but... well, there was a reason you were there. So you wanted him to keep it. To hide it. Make sure no mortal or demon, or anyone. It was far to dangerous.

Lucifer seemed exceedingly interested, although he playfully noted it was a little insulting he was your second choice, before eagerly snatching the book up and flicking through it.

His smile quickly fell, the Devil looking through the book, face steadily becoming more and more unsettled.

He'd read through it for several minutes, before snapping it shut. Looking up he addressed you seriously, telling you it was wise for you to bring it to someone more powerful and he'd keep it hidden.

But then he'd ask if youd read it, or rather, could remember anything. You... hesitantly revealed you remember most of it, you'd read it dozens of times.

With that he welcomed you to his home, as you'd be staying there for the rest of eternity.

And when you gawked, demanding to know why, and so, he simply explained the information in your head was infinitely more dangerous then any spell or curse he held, so, you were his new house guess.

Perminantly.

And besides, he wasn't sure if he actually could get you back.

Hell was kind of a one way trip.

You couldn't lie, you hadn't really expected to survive going to Hell, and it was a little annoying given you were still alive, but were now trapped.

But after a while of contemplation, you willingly accepted your situation, coming to reside in the Devils manor.

It would take some time to come to terms with your new existence, spending the time in your chambers, coming to terms with the fact the rest of your life would be spent in hell, and then well, more then likely, the rest of eternity as well.

And well, it was with that realisation that you decided to suck it up, deciding it was best to try and make the best of it.

So, you would eventually approached Lucifer, the devil actually very eager to speak with you, the man intruiged by the mortal that not only resisted such lovecraftian knowledge and then made their way to Hell.

So you got to talking. And talking. And talking.

You spoke for hours, and naturally, you went light on details when it came to the Necronomicon, not wanting to bring it up again, and Lucifer didn't seem to mind, never pushing past simple questions or raising issue over you giving a half answer.

Youd just talk, you, and you couldn't believe it but you were quite enjoying your time with the literal Devil.

Now you would confront him, wondering if it were a trick. He was the King of Lies after all, so your good will could easily be a lie.

To that, Lucifer just laughed, telling you simply, he had no need to lie, if he wished for you to suffer, he'd make it happen. The devil flexing just a slight of his power, the feeling making you sick to your stomach.

You couldn't argue with him there, the two of you beginning a strange... you dare say, friendship.

A friendship that would quickly become playful, the Devil having a, well, devilish sense of humour.

And of course, it only took one lewd joke from you and that seemed to set him off, the Devil never missing a chance to make a lewd or dirty joke, never holding back on 'moral' sensability.

You had a... well, strangely flirty relationship, especially for a married man.

But, well, he was the Devil after all.

You of course, also got to know Lilith, the woman was surprisingly, incredibly comfortable to be around. She was tall, graceful, eloquent and treated you respectfully. She had a very strong mother energy.

She was delightful to speak with, the two of you bonding, usually over a book she recommended to you, the two of you essentially having your own little book club for just the two of you.

And something interesting would happen, she would recommend a book, that book turning out to be in Latin. When you explained you couldn't read Latin, Lilith of course was understanding, telling you she'd read to you.

And so... she did.

Then she read you another. Then another.

And it'd only take a single session, when you'd yawn, the woman pushing your head down onto her lap, using it as a pillow as she read to you.

It was a strongly intimate time together. And well, it all had its effect to you.

Youd develope a crush. A crush on both of them.

Which was weird, you know, the whole "Having a crush on not one but two people, and also those people are the Devil and His Wife". If you know what I mean.

Youd do your best to hide it for a while, keeping up and enjoying your respective relationship with the pair.

But it wouldn't take much. Lucifer bringing a few bottle up from the cellar for after dinner, and you quickly got buzzed, completely unable to handle the highly potent grape juice.

And in your inebriated state, you'd drunkenly confess you liked the both of them. They were nice and funny and kind and... so, so sexy. But knew they'd never reciprocate.

The two would 'aw', and fawn over you. When you became even more tipsy, the two bringing you to bed to sleep it off, snuggled up between the two of them.

Youd wake up next morning with a headache, rubbing your head. Only to be greeted by the succulent voice of Lucifer.

Youd immediately jolt up, finding yourself between the two of them.

Lucifer would be all smiles as he prowled towards you, the devil playfully telling you how glad he was to hear you liked him because he was... very fond of you too~

It'd be awkward, for sure, you sputtering, blushing up a storm. Something that only got worse when Lilith aeoke, hugging you from behind.

And the for the next few days, things were... different. Although you were eternally grateful for Lilith's calming nature, although she wasn't above teasing you as well, and well, when she teased, she bloody teased.

They would eventually proposition you properly. And I mean PROPERLY.

They went all out. Roses. Wine. Fine clothing and music. Lucifer and Lilith formerly inviting you to be a part of their family, for better or worse.

And after rather stupidly asking about their marriage, Lucifer simply stating he was the Devil, he didn't need to follow any rules. That you'd happily agree, the three of you beginning a, well, as Lucifer put it.

A threesome.

A title he was happy to use every chance he got.

Seemingly over night, you'd developed a deeply intimate relationship. You and Lilith were already very good friends, your relationship easily transferring over to a more romantic relationship.

Lucifer was similar, as your relationship would transform from a playful, if somewhat shallow friendship, into much more... intimate closeness.

He was still playful much of the time, but there were plenty of tender moments between you.

The King building a steady romance between you, the devil making you blush more than once, the devil seducing you as easily as breathing.

It would be few months later, and would take a little, or a good amount of liquid courage before you got into bed with them.

And I don't mean just to sleep.

And... Fucking Hell. It would be one Helluva night. Lucifer and Lilith showing you sinful pleasures you hadn't know we're physically possible. The next morning, laying there, you knowing full well you could never go back.

Youd develope a deeply intimate relationship with the two, even meeting Charlie, the girl understandably uncertain about you, but she gave you a fair chance, and you quickly became very close, you just loving her, well, loving and bubbly nature.

Your relationship, and Lucifer hated it when you called it this, but it was heavenly.

You had two, very powerful, very sexy Devils. You loved them, and admittedly it took a long time truly believe it, but they loved you.

You were in a strange way, but that horrifying book brought you together, a thought that made you smile often enough.

There was a whole ordeal when God found out about you, and you'd have to essentially convince an angel you were there willingly.

Several times.

Though the best part was after you'd refute them, Lucifer and Lilith were sure to reward you for your loyalty~

Stella

Youd step through the portal with a slight stumble, entering a... strange place. It was clearly a grand building, large ceilings and expensive looking materials.

Youd walk around for a while before you froze, coming face to face with a monolith of a white avain looking demon.

Youd stare at each other for several minutes, before she'd ask you shortly. "The fuck are you doing here?" She spoke in a Very British accent.

Youd hesitate before answering simply.

You were there with a purpose. "To hide this." You'd tell her, holding up the Necronomicon.

That would instantly intruige her, asking to see it.

Youd hesitate, but hand it over, explaining it was far to dangerous to left in the mortal realm. It had to be taken somewhere it couldn't be meddled with my humans.

Stella was instantly intruiged, flipping through it. She instantly understood the gravity of what the book was, and well she couldn't help it. She instantly proclaimed how she could use this to get even with her husband.

And hearing that, youd snatch the book back, telling her harshly it was far too dangerous for that.

She'd demand it back, voice booming as she spoke to you like a child, but you'd stand firm. She couldn't just play with it like a toy. And when she demanded it again, you'd stand firm.

Now, admittedly, she was very intruiged by that, something only made more intriguing my your possession of the book.

She was so used to being given what she wanted, for you to stand up to her, actually managed to impress her.

So she'd relent, asking what you wanted.

Youd tell her simply, you needed the book hidden away. Safe so no one could abuse it.

She'd humm, accepting it, IF! And only If, you agree to stay with her.

Youd hesitate, asking why?

Stella was cagey, shrugging it off, asking for your answer.

You were pissed before stopping. You realised this was your mission. Your sacrifice for the betterment of humankind, ya know?

So you'd agree, the two of you shaking on it, binding the agreement with magic.

So, you handed the book over, Stella making it disappear, promising to hide it properly with the necessary spells later.

And so, after shaking on it, you spent the next few weeks as Stella's plaything. The woman happily showing of her "Pet Human".

And while you were happy to play pet for a while, doing the demeaning tasks she gave you with only a slight grumble, when she demanded you wear a particularly scanty outfit, undoubtedly in order to 'show of your assest' that you finally stood up to her.

Youd go off at her, refusing to wear it. And when Stella brought up you swore, that were supposed to follow her every order like the lowly being you were.

That set you off, telling her she was an arrogant, pompous, self centered, egotistical entitled twat, and you'd only agreed to stay down here with her. Not serve her. The two of you stood there, heaving, staring at the other.

You weren't exactly sure how you ended up making out, or naked. Or in her bedroom, fucking like animals. But you got there.

And well, when you were laid there besides one and other, huffing and puffing in the messy bed, white fathers everywhere. Not sure if they were from her or the pillow you'd torn open, you certainlu didn't regret it.

That would only be first of many such fuckings. And while Stella was all arrogant and dominant in person, she loved it when you took charge, fucking her, putting her in her place.

That place usually being beneath you.

And yeas, she still treated you like a pet out in public, sure to order you around and make fun of your frail form. You always got even when in private, the woman rarely refuting you, the two of you having hard, heated sex whenever not around other people.

And while, it may seem a little odd, you'd develope something of a relationship with the woman. Well, a relationship outside of your 'master/slave but actually bottom/top' relationship.

Stella would never state it aloud, but you acted very much like lovers when alone, to the point you actually spent time together, you know, not having sex, and not as her pet.

Youd talk, or read, or try and help her with her work, only to realise you were greatly outmatched and instead just got her coffee.

Youd never truly state it, but you loved each other, even as much as she tried to hide it, where you were happy to be open about it, she kept it on the down low.

Granted, she was a demon so you gave her a pass for the most part, but you still had a deeply intimate relationship, at least when in private, the woman coming to care for you, in her own aristocratic way.

Stolas

Stepping through the portal, you found yourself in... a garden. Or at least it looked like a garden. It certainly didn't look all natural, and certainly not like something youd see in Hell. Or, then again, they were all rather... deadly looking.

So, you'd walk around for a bit, forced to run when some giant plant tried to eat you, you running your ass off. Jumping and running until you slammed into something.

Falling back, you were dazed for a moment.

Looking up, you found what you ran into... looking back at you.

A pair of big red eyes stared down at you, until in a surprisingly meek voice, the... Owl? Thing? asked simply.

"What... are you doing here?"

Youd rather anxiously lay there for a moment before sitting up, explaining to the... owl? You were there on a mission.

The owl perked up, asking what kind of mission?

So you'd explain.

You'd explain everything. The book. The dark ones. The forbidden knowledge. And how you intended on hiding it there, in Hell.

Stolas was... curious more then anything, requesting to see the book. So, after a moment of hesitation, you conceded, handing it over.

He thanked you, before flipping it open. He stood there silently as he flipped through it, his expression quickly becoming far more serious.

Snapping the book shut, he grabbed you and practically dragged you inside. You'd quickly find yourself in an office, sat across from the man.

He asked quite seriously what you were doing with the book. You explaining how you found it, and again how you were trying to hide it from the mortal world.

Stolas agreed with your assessment, however he'd need you to stay in hell with him. He explained, that well, you knew far to much, and if anything were to happen and you were to use such information, willingly or otherwise, it would make all your work for nothing.

Youd hesitate, but after Stolas assured you he'd take good care of you, you'd agree, the two of you making the deal.

Life in the palace was... interesting, to say the least.

Octavia was a nice young lady, the two of you regularly discussing life on earth, as well as the social norms of Hell, the girl helping you adapt quite well.

Stella was... surprisingly hospitable, although you suspected that partly came from Stolas not allowing her anywhere near the Necronomicon, the woman only able to and often asking you about it.

And whole you usually avoided the subjext, much to her shirgrin. Over all, you had a rather courteous relationship with the woman.

And finally, Stolas.

You and him actually got along great, he was a surprisingly skittish person, easily flustered and admittedly adorable.

The two of you became fast friends, speaking on a wide variety of subjects, often doing so long into the night, over tea or wine.

You spent longer and longer periods together, to the point you didn't really know what to do when not speaking to the other.

He would eventually come to confide in you. Revealing the abusive nature of their marriage. He'd end up in tears, clearly emotional, finally admitting as such, you acted quickly, reached out and hugging him.

Youd hold him close as he broke down into tears, clinging to you as he expressed these feelings for what was likely the first time in his life.

Youd just hold him, letting him cry, holding his delicate form to your chest, gently comforting him as much as you could.

After a while, and many, many tears, he'd recover, softly apologising for dumping all that on you.

To which you just calmly told him it was no issue. You cared for him greatly and wanted him to be happy.

At that he seemed to stare at you, and you at him, the two of you locking eyes as you slowly drifted into each other and before you knew it, you were kissing.

A strange sensation, given his beak, but it didn't slow you down, the two of you quickly becoming ravenous.

Youd, well put bluntly, you'd fuck like rabbits that night. It would be an intense, ravenous, but deeply intimate love making session.

Youd end up sleeping together that night, the owl being your big spoon, you curled up against his chest.

The next morning, the two of you just held each other close, basking in your afterglow. You'd smile up at him, reaching a hand out and gently cupping his cheek before you told him softly.

"I think I've fallen for you."

Stolas would blush, pure joy swelling in his chest as he leaned forwards, placing a tender kiss on your lips.

Your relationship would effectively be kept a secret, the two of you keeping it hidden well enough as you spent enough time together as it was, spending a little more didn't raise any eyebrows.

Your relationship would only grow stronger and more tender.

And you loved each other, eventually getting caught, as Stolas finally grew sick of Stella's abuse, getting a divorce, the two of you finally going public with it, too... mixed reactions.

Octavia was surprisingly chill about it. She was naturally hostile towards you for a while, but when she realised you did genuinely love her father, she'd ease up on you, you developing a fairly healthy mutual respect.

And while you'd never have a picturesque, nuclear family. But you'd have your love bird, and he'd have you, and that was enough.

And with your support, well, the Owl was far happier in life, simply adoring you.

[astaroth1357]

That 'Realistic' Summoning act was done very amazingly, it all seems like summoning them is something you should do when you're smart and at the very end of your rope.

Is it alright if we ask how things differ if MC summons them?

Or if a Witch has MC with them for the summoning? (Either as a Friend Way or they Kidnapped them, whatever you feel like you would want to talk about :3

And if not that's fine too!

It's always a joy reading your stuff! )

Ooooh, I like the way you think! 😌

Why MC Can't Have Witch Friends

Building off of my Summoning Headcanons here.

Contents: MC has "Main Character Syndrome" and is always the exception to the rule... most of the time. Very LONG post (because I didn't want to post like three then deal with requests for all of the rest. My inbox still scares me lol)

Scenario: While training in more advanced magic with Solomon, MC made a normal witch friend as a study buddy/fellow intern! Comedy ensures.

~♡♡♡~

MC Summoning Lucifer

*it's 2am on a Wednesday but MC and their witch buddy are just now leaving their alchemy laboratory after cramming for another one of Solomon's tests. Much to their dismay, they see it's raining outside, with water just pelting the pavement outside the windows*

Witch: Seriously?? This wasn’t in the forecast this morning!

MC: *glares at the droplet-coated glass then glances down at the books in their hands* You gotta be kidding...! If I get these tomes wet, Solomon'll kill me...

Witch: That's true, but I mean it's not that bad. I think I know a spell or two that could... Wait, what are you doing...?

*the MC looks away from the phone they were furiously texting on as their friend was speaking*

MC: Hm? Oh! I'm just seeing if anyone can bring me an umbrella.

Witch: You would make someone drive all the way out here just for that...? 🤨

MC: *blinks* Huh? Drive? Oh no, that's not necessary- *their phone dings and they wave it triumphantly* Ah! There we go!

*the MC slides their phone into their pocket before pulling out a stick of chalk from their summoning supplies. Their friend watches with confusion as they begin to draw a circle on the ground, but it quickly escalates to full-blown panic the more that gets filled in*

Witch: Oh. My. Word. What do you think you're doing!?!

*MC looks up from their half completed Pride sigil just in time to see their friend diving for cover behind a stairwell*

MC: W-whoa, whoa, what's wrong???

Witch: *points at the sigil* If that's going to summon who I think it is, then what the HELL is wrong with you?? Are you trying to get us killed?! You don't even have an offering!!

*the MC looks utterly mystified as their buddy struggles to at least find their purifying salts*

MC: What? Killed?? Oh no, I know what I'm doing! I've done this hundreds of times, see just watch!

Witch: WHAT-

*the MC completes the sigil and it starts to glow bright blue against the tile floor. They get back to their feet as their friend screams in terror but rather than the rage-filled beast of Pride bursting forth from the ground, a frankly tired-looking man in barely-wrinkled silk pajamas pops into existence holding out a red umbrella...*

Lucifer: *grouchily narrows his baggy eyes at MC as they take the umbrella from his grasp* Should I even have to tell you to be more careful next time...?

MC: *frowns right back and brushes some lint off of his shoulder* I dunno, should I have to tell you to go to bed before midnight?

Lucifer: MC, don't start pushing me today...

*even though it should sound like a warning, Lucifer's voice seems more exhausted than anything, which softens the MC's expression considerably*

MC: Oh, Lu....

*they pull the haggered demon into their arms. running their fingers through his hair and earning a small grunt of satisfaction from him as he melts into their touch*

MC: Thank you for the umbrella, but you didn't have to bring it if you're this tired... Go get some rest, okay?

*Lucifer only grunts again before placing a sleepy kiss on the side of their head. He grumbles out something along the lines of, "Keep safe," before disappearing in a puff of white smoke and black feathers. While the MC inspects their newly acquired umbrella, they hear the sound of their friend scrambling out from behind the stairs, practically tripping over themselves trying to get back to their feet*

Witch: What thE ACTUAL FUCK WAS THAT!?!

MC Summoning Mammon

*MC and their witchy pal are in the kitchen of their shared apartment looking over some old notebooks that Solomon gave them, most of them holding transcribed stories or old conversations with the Demon Brothers. One story in particular has been especially... perplexing to them for about ten minutes now*

Witch: "-and then the secondborn trembled before the mighty thirdborn's trident as he brought it low upon his..." *glances at MC*

Witch: "his, uh..." MC?

MC: *sitting there, staring at the notepage with pursed lips*

Witch: MC, is something wrong?

MC: Wha- *they pull their eyes away from the neatly penned words then force a quick smile* Oh, no no. It's nothing. It just... this account feels a little off is all.

Witch: Really? Didn't Solomon say that he got it from one of the Demon Lords himself...?

MC: Yeah but... You know, I think we should get a second opinion on this. *they start looking for their summoning tools to find their chalk once again* I'm going to bring out Mammon.

Witch: What?? You want to call upon Mammon right now?! *their hand instinctively goes down to guard their wallet* But we could barely afford takeout last night!! 😫

MC: *frowns at them in confusion yet again* Uh... I know that? Mammon will eat leftovers as long as we heat it up right.

Witch: *jaw drops with a pop* Th-at... That wasn't what I meant...! I mean, how the heck are you going to pay his "entrance fee" with just 20 bucks to our name??

MC: *eyes widen sharply* Oh. My. God. You're absolutely right...

Witch: Thank you! Now if you just put the bag down-

MC: I totally forgot about Mammon's gift!!

Witch: His... his what?

MC: His gift!

*MC opens their backpack digs in past the zipper. After a few seconds, they pull up a small, cutesy keychain made with black beads and a crow-shaped pendant*

MC: I found this little thing while we were thrift shopping downtown. Isn't it just the cutest??

Witch: *stares at the dinky little trinket in their hand with growing concern* 😟 U-uh... It's uhm... Uh-

MC: Look, I know what you're thinking-

Witch: -Do you really??-

MC: -but don't worry! *they lift up their phone to show a similarly styled chain hanging from the case, but white instead of black*

MC: They had a matching pair! I know he's going to love it. I'll get him out here in just a second.

*the MC gets up with their chalk while their witch friend watches them go, muttering dejectedly*

Witch: Please don't tell me that actually works for you... How in the world does that actually work for you?? 😰

MC Summoning Levi

Witch: DAMMIT!!

*the shout of their witchy pal reverberates off the drabe apartment walls, sending MC out of their bedroom to investigate shortly after*

MC: What? What's wrong??

*they come over just in time to see their friend toss a ruined cloak onto the couch. The poor garment looks like it's been torn to pieces by a pack of animals, though their friend appears miraculously unscathed*

Witch: I ran into some of Solomon's missing hellhounds on the way home and had to use my cloak as a diversion. Just look what those little hellions did to it!!

*as their pal begins to mourn their favorite accessory, MC takes a couple long looks at it before waving their hand dismissively*

MC: Hey, don't worry about it. I've got a guy just for this!

Witch: A "guy"...? You know a tailor?

MC: Er... Well not exactly. Whenever I need something sewn up, I just call Leviathan.

Witch: ......

Witch: The...

Witch: The Grand Admiral of Hell's Royal Navy...

Witch: ... sews your clothes...?

MC: *blinks then flushes a bit* W-well not all of my clothes... But, you know, if I need something mended he usually lends a hand...

Witch: I didn't even know he could sew...

MC: Well, Levi's actually very talented in a lot of things! I'll even show you, just, uh...

Witch: Just... what? 🤨

MC: Well he's is pretty shy, so let me do most of the talking... And try not to look at him for too long, but also don't actively avoid looking at him either. And I know it's going to be hard, but try to keep up if he gets on one of his tangents because it really means a lot to him when people listen... Oh, and-!

Witch: What are you, his therapist??

MC: *shrugs* Kinda. I'll go get the chalk.

MC Summoning Satan

*MC and their witchy pal are in an out of the way bookstore specifically for esoteric relics and forbidden magical collections. It's an amazing little place, but it's chock full of shelves upon shelves of impossible to decipher titles and mindbending illustrations that have left the two feeling hopelessly lost...*

Witch: This is taking forever... How the hell does Solomon expect us to find anything in here??

*they look down at the small list of books their less-than-prescient mentor asked for, most of which with titles like "Cgfthgnm'o'th" or "Ghatanothoa"*

Witch: I mean, is this an errand or a C-tier fetch quest...??

MC: Ugh!... I swear Solomon knows that I'm no good in these places... Let's see.

*MC sets their summoning supplies down on a nearby table to look for their chalk and, for once, their friend actually seems kind of relieved to have the short-cut...*

Witch: Are you calling for Lucifer again...?

MC: Hm? Oh no, I think I've heard Satan talk about this place before, so maybe-

Witch: 😳 Hold on. Do... you mean that Satan?? THE Satan???

MC: *blinks* Uh... Yeah? Is there another one or...?

Witch: "Is there another one?" Are you for real?? How do I look? Is this presentable?? Shit, is it true that he hates the color red?!

MC: Where did you...? I mean, he likes green, I guess but I don't see-

Witch: WAIT, don't bring him out yet, we need a cat!! I think the café down the street attracts a few strays. I'll go grab one and come right back!!

MC: *holds up their hands to try and keep their friend from running past them* Hold on, we don't need any of that! What has gotten-??

*the MC yelps as the witch grabs them by the front of their shirt and grips the fabric tight, a burning look of determination setting their eyes ablaze*

Witch: MC, DO NOT ruin this for me!! Do you have any idea how well-connected that guy is? How many covens would kill just have someone around who's on his good side?? If this is the first impression I'm going to make, it's going to be a damn good one!

*they let the MC go only to snatch their summoning bag from the table beside them and stuff it under their arm*

Witch: I'll be taking this and you stay right here! I'll bring everything back after I go change into something green and find a spare cat!!

*as they watch their pal sprint out the door with what was effectively their only means of physical communication with the boys, the MC takes a seat at a dusty table and rests their elbows on the surface*

MC: I guess Solomon is getting those books a little late now... 😕

MC Summoning Asmo

MC: Ow!!

*the MC and their witch friend have JUST finished washing up Solomon's experiment beakers and half-eaten plates from his lab, the latter of which look so disgusting you could mistake them for old petri dishes. As the MC dries off the last glass and goes to slide it in place, they miscalculate their finger position and jam their nail right into a stack of ceramic plates*

*they pull their hand back out and they're previously trimmed nail is now broken into a sharp, jagged mess...*

MC: Oh dammit...! I just broke a nail...

*while they inspect the damage, their buddy slides next to them to look at it over their shoulder*

Witch: Huh...

Witch: Let me guess, you're going to call on ASMODEUS HIMSELF to fix it, aren't you? 🙄

MC: What?? No, of course not! I have my own kit for this, thank you very much. 😠

*their friend's eyebrows raise, almost like their impressed that MC is showing at least a modicum of self-restraint*

Witch: Well, well. I didn't think you woul-

MC: Though it IS almost time for him to give me my bi-monthly skin detox treatment so... 🤔

Witch: Are you kidding me??? 🤬

MC Summoning Beel

*the MC and their witching buddy FINALLY have a day off from Solomon's constant pestering lessons. While they discuss their upcoming plans, the news of a big human world fair in the area comes up. Though their friend seems less than impressed, MC immediately latches onto the idea for uh... reasons.*

MC: Okay, okay, I know this how this is gonna sound, buuuut we should invite Beelzebub to go to the fair with us!! 😁

Witch: ....

MC: 😀 .... So, yeah? Is that a yes?

Witch: .... MC. I swear, even you have to know why that's a bad idea... No mortal event is ever going be stocked enough to keep him from eating us-

MC: *GASP* WHAT??

MC: Beel? Eat US?? In a place with that many vendors, that'll be so unlikely. I'm sure we'll be safe!

Witch: Annnnd I just noticed that you left out the part where you're supposed to say, "Oh, he would never do that" to reassure me....

MC: Oh come on, I'm positive that he wouldn’t want to eat us, at least. He's a big softy and he really tries to keep himself in check...

Witch: I fail to see how that makes things any better...

MC: It will. Trust me. Look, Lucifer can send me enough pocket money to keep Beel fed while we're there. Pleeease, just give it a try...!

MC: I've been telling him about cotton candy and funnel cakes for years! He'll be so excited to come with so pleeeaaaase? 🥺

Witch: I think I'm starting to see why they keep caving in to you so quickly.... 😑

MC Summoning Belphie

*it's been several long nights in the shared apartment as MC and their witchy pal have been cramming for another one of Solomon's infamous tests... Despite having the test in the morning, both have long let time get away from them and neither were particularly well-rested to start with...*

MC: Shit, it's almost 2 again...

Witch: Seriously...? *checks the closest clock then snaps their book shut* Great... I think know a restorative spell or two, but there's not a lot of time to... *they stop as they see a sleepy MC reaching for their goddamn chalk again*

Witch: ... Uh, MC?

MC: Mmm...? *they blink their drooping eyes and yawn* O-oh, sorry... uh. Don’t worry about me... I got a guy for this too...

Witch: *frowns* You've got a...?

Witch: 😳 ... No... No, you can't be serious... You are NOT thinking of who I'm thinking of right now, right? Right??

MC: *rubs their eyes* Eh? Um... no? Maybe?

Witch: Do NOT summon Belphegor! No one ever summons Belphegor!! Especially to go to sleep at night!!

MC: Huh...? 😕 Why not? Isn't sleep what he's good at...?

Witch: Yeah sure, if you're looking to never wake up again! Drink some sleepy time tea or something, but keep Belphegor out if it! You're going to get yourself killed!!

MC: What do you...? *they blink then, suddenly, it actually seems to piece together for them for once* Oh. Oh! You must mean that Belphegor...

MC: Don't worry, he promised to never kill me again, so I'm safe.

Witch: That's not the-wait did you just say "again?"

MC: I'm going to bed now. Goodnight...

*the MC gets up and starts back towards their room without answering the question and their roommate calls after them*

Witch: Don't bring him or I'm taking selfies at your funeral, you hear??

~The Next Morning~

*their witch friend steps out into the kitchen, completely drained after having some AWFUL dreams the night before, just to see a bright-eyed and bushy-tailed MC in the middle of making breakfast. Their newly refreshed look is so radiant that they're practically glowing with health*

MC: Good morning~!! Would you like some pancakes? 😊

Witch: ..... I'm trying so hard not to hate you right now.....

MC: H-huh? Why?? 😨

MC Summoning Diavolo??

Witch: So... Could you do it?

*MC and their witch buddy are sitting on the floor of their living room with MC's summoning equipment in front of them. Both of them have their arms crossed as they run through their hypothetical*

MC: I mean, maybe I could... But I dunno. I not even sure where to start...

Witch: MC. You are probably the most successful summoner I've ever seen. I say just go with your gut.

MC: Oh? My gut, huh...? 🤔

*after some quiet reflection, MC grabs their chalk and begins to sketch out a new circle, making it a much larger one than all the rest*

MC: Let's see... we'd need a sigil so.

*they swipe in three long slash marks, then fill them out until look like taloned legs, humming as they go*

Witch: *frowns* Uh... MC? Isn't that just the corporate logo for the Three-Legged Crow?

MC: Yep! I figured since Dia owns the place, it should probably work. 😁

Witch: *blinks furiously* Wait, he owns what-

MC: Forget I said that. Anyway. Now we need the offering! Uhhhmm... *they tap their chin before breaking into an excited grin*

MC: I'll go get some McDonald's!

Witch: What???

MC: Dia loves human world fast food when he can have it, so that ought to work! *they start to gather their things to go out, but stop just before the door*

MC: Oh! While I'm gone, look around my room for my copy of Dark Persona 4! Levi says he's been getting into that series a lot.

Witch: He plays video games too???

MC: Only when he can! Just trust me, I'll be right back! 😁

~Twenty minutes and three orders of cheeseburgers later~

MC: Okay! Almost ready!

*they take a proud step back from their work of ritualistically arranging cheeseburgers, french fries, and ketchup packets on the makeshift summoning circle and... it sure is something. Just as their witch friend is starting to lose all hope that this idea could ever hold water, the MC goes on to add the final touch by plopping the Devil Station game right in the middle of it all. They take one BIG step back and....*

*...nothing happens*

Witch: .... Huh. Well. I guess there's stuff even you can't do-

*the markings on the ground suddenly radiate a light brighter than the sun that gets snuffed out by the growing shadows in the room. It's as if every ounce of darkness surrounding them is attempting to funnel its way towards circle's center, swirling in place like an inky black portal to the hellish depths below. Just as the MC and their friend dive behind their couch for protection, the darkness suddenly dissipates and everything, surprisingly, returns to normal*

Witch: *shakily looks at the wrecked room from behind the couch cushions, pale as could be* ... Wh-wha... what... the fuuu...

*MC's phone starts going off, startling them both, but they pick it up anyway*

MC: H-ello...? O-oh Dia!!

MC: No, no I'm fine there isn't any emergency!...

MC: No, please stay put!! I was just messing around with a friend, but I'll be way more careful going forward!

MC: .... And what would Barbs say?

MC: .... Yeah, I didn't think so, but I'll come back to see you soon, okay?

Witch: *springs to their feet reaching PEAK frustration with it all*

Witch: SERIOUSLY, WHAT EVEN ARE YOU?!?

MC Summoning... Barbatos...?

Witch: MC. This is an emergency.

MC: Yeah but-

Witch: He'll be here any minute. We're screwed!!

MC: Maybe it won't be so bad-!

Witch: I saw him buying JELLYFISH yesterday, MC! JELLYFISH!!!

MC: ..... 😨 What if we disconnect the stove???

Witch: MC!!!

*their friend pulls out their own summoning chalk and shoves it into MC's hands, clasping them closed in a desperate plea for help*

Witch: We have to some kind of meal plan in place or Solomon is going to make us dinner tonight. You know and I know that there's only ONE person who can keep him out of the kitchen at this point. MC, you have to summon Barbatos!!

MC: B-but...! But-!!

*their friend doesn't wait for them to finish before pulling them down onto the ground and making enough room for them to start drawing*

Witch: THERE'S NO TIME!! Do it, MC!! Do it!!

*they lean back to watch as the MC rests th summoning chalk on the ground, but rather than drawing their hand remains perfectly still...*

Witch: MC? What are you waiting for??

*their friend leans over to get a good look at their face, and they see that the MC's forehead is already glistening with beads of sweat... Their hand goes from still, to trembling slightly when they attempt to make their first stroke... only for their grip to snap the chalk in half completely. The MC stares quietly at their hand for a few moments, before setting everything down and pulling out their cellphone instead*

MC: Y-you know, I think I'm just going to call him.... 😥

*as their witch friend watches the being who hugged Lucifer, tamed Belphegor, and (unofficially) summoned the Demon Prince himself, chicken out of summoning this one last demon they know, a single question burns deep down in the pit of their stomach*

"Just how scary is that butler...???" 😰

[an-idyllic-novelist]

Hotaru Haganezuka with Chise!reader headcanons 🎐🪴

surprise! :)

After talking to my collaborator for this series, @deathmetalunicorn1, we decided to make one more part as we just have enough material to do so. With that being said guys, sit back, relax, and enjoy!

Warnings: OOC, aged up!reader (will be in their late twenties), foul language from Hotaru, mentions of enslavement, violence, blood, and the setting takes place five years before the main plot of Kimetsu no Yaiba/Demon Slayer, so Hotaru will be 32 years old instead of his canon age, 37.

PART ONE

PART TWO

PART THREE: DEVOTION

Time is a funny thing. What might be a few weeks spent recovering  in the Horned Hermit’s mountain could actually be almost two years once leaving the misty barrier surrounding the foot of it. [First Name] honestly did not think her master would keep her there for so long, at least until she was forced to endure a lecture from him for almost an hour about her recklessness. 

Between physical and magical therapy, sleeping and eating, [First Name] was finally allowed to leave the mountain after promising the Horned Hermit that she will be much more careful from now on so long as she did not break another artifact again, the newest one being a golden band around her right ring finger; the etchings on the inside was a spell to ensure that the magic in her body circulated and output without putting any further strain on her body. She’d have to cleanse it twice every six months, then take it to a jeweler in Yokohama. Shuna was still there, secretly fixing and crafting magical artifacts for well-paying customers. [First Name] wouldn’t have to pay for anything except the maintenance fee. Any other expenses would be sent to the Horned Hermit to deal with. 

Bowing to each other, the teacher and his apprentice separated once more, each taking their own path. One would remain close to the heavens, and the other would descend to be among the humans who helped the Demon Slayers. It would take a week traveling by foot to the swordsman’s village so long as the weather remained calm and pleasant. Between wandering through the markets, finding inns and eating at different stalls, the neighbors spoke to her. They always spoke to her because she listened to what they had to say….and the story they were telling her was something she hadn’t expected.

While she was recovering in the Horned Hermit’s mountain, Hotaru Haganezuka looked after her home and shop. The Ariels helped him perform the rituals, and he’d gotten better at cooking sweets for them because it was too expensive to keep buying them in bulk. Even a few wooly bugs had decided to become permanent residents in his home! 

Wooly bugs were rarely seen humans who possessed the Sight…could it be because he had encountered the salamander, he had somehow awakened a dormant ability to interact with neighbors? When she asked, [First Name] almost choked on the ramen she was eating when a neighbor whispered that he found a hag’s stone in her office and that’s how he’s been seeing them. 

Apparently, he’s also read through most of her journals by now, both research and personal. She was touched and slightly disturbed that he snooped through her belongings…but in a way, she couldn’t blame him. She had been gone for too long…and it was better to be aware of the dangers of certain neighbors as opposed to doing something that would cause more harm than good to him or the villagers. 

Snow began to fall heavily the following evening, and she could only be thankful to the Horned Hermit for being stubborn and showed a bag of coins into her hand before sending her away. Even with her magic and the neighbors’ help, she might have barely survived sleeping through the night in the forest with only the clothes on her back. 

She’ll need to figure out a way to repay him properly. 

In two days’ time, she was finally home. Slipping off her shoes, her feet slid across the wooden flooring and towards her small courtyard garden, bracing herself to see the damage that this frost had done to her plants when her [Eye Color] irises widened at the sight of a certain swordsmith hunched over them, tending to what could be salvaged with a wooly bug curled contently on top of his head.  

The sight was adorable. Too adorable for her weary mind and body….but [First Name] welcomed it. When he saw her, of course he saw the kimono she wore, an old garment from when she had been her master’s apprentice. For all his magical prowess, the Horned Hermit had…unique taste in clothing.

Instead of Haganezuka asking countless questions or chasing her around the house with his knives, screaming profanities and whatever those poor Demon Slayers had to endure when they broke his swords, he dropped the spade and hugged her tightly. 

“You’re home.”

She heard the slight tremor in his voice, the hand stroking her hair….such comforting gestures….how could she not reciprocate? Carefully she wound her arms around and hugged him back.

“I am.” 

She was home. For good. 

Everyone in the village was overjoyed that she had returned, and she apologized to them for being away for so long. Haganezuka had mentioned that the village chief spread the word that she was with her master in one of the cities combating a deadly virus, so she had to carefully weave a few truths and a lie about what happened, and vice versa. Everyone seemed convinced, though they did scold her for scaring them like that. 

Thankfully, nothing had changed much in the house during her absence except reinforcing some of the wards, including the ones around the shop. 

Haganezuka had done a wonderful job in maintaining them when he was already working hard in his own workshop. She had offered to pay him back, but his response turned her into a flustered mess. 

“Marry me.” He had said, his orange eyes burning brightly through the holes in his mask. “I want you to become my wife.”

A marriage proposal felt a little too sudden for [First Name], however, and politely declined him….in favor of a courting period within a timeframe he was comfortable with. The swordsmith remained silent for a long moment before he muttered under his breath. “One month. Give me that much time, and I will prove that I am worthy of your hand.” Then he took off, dashing out of the house with the wooly bugs squeaking behind him worriedly. 

Hotaru showed he was serious in his intentions to marry [First Name]. Walking her home when the shop closed up for the day or towards the mountains where she needed to be until the late afternoon. Sometimes he even went out of his way to find herbs she needed, and ‘just so happened to remember what they looked like, and he was passing by where they grew, so why not bring them back too?’ 

A bold-faced lie, but Hotaru was adorable when he’s shy. 

He did his best to make time for her, although when he had a client, he poured all of his time and energy into creating a perfect sword. That was when [First Name] stopped by the shed, making sure he took breaks with her on the porch, drinking tea and eating sticks of mitarashi dango while the wooly bugs napped next to them or nibbled on rice balls that the swordsmith had made for them earlier that morning. 

Kanamori quickly noticed the change in his old friend. He wasn’t as prickly, hardly getting angry over petty things anymore unless some dumbass broke his finest masterpiece. Haganezuka’s words, not his thank you very much. He and his wife were happy that spring had come for Haganezuka. Tecchin was already anticipating being a grandfather. 

Word quickly spread around the village, and more than a few people passed from the shock of learning that Hotaru Haganezuka was finally settling in. 

Although they couldn’t get married on top of Mount Yoko, they were allowed to have their wedding at the foot of it. Everyone in the village cheered for them, and the woman he loves is now his wife. That was enough for Haganezuka. 

However, he still didn’t stop being shy around [First Name] even after he’d moved into her home. From a logical standpoint, it made sense for him to do this since the house was much bigger than his own, and she had converted the shed into a workshop as her wedding gift to him. With help from the neighbors, it was enchanted with expansion magic and preservation magic. His tools would take much longer to wear down, and he had enough room to put a cot in the corner in case he worked too late at night. 

It was bold of him to assume he could get away with that. 

If he worked into the evening and didn’t come out to eat his dinner, [First Name] would drag him inside and make sure he ate, bathed, and slept. 

Five years later, Hotaru had finally developed a proper sleeping pattern. He still ate a little later than usual, but he swears getting better! 

He might know she can take care of herself just fine when he needs to travel outside of the village and deliver swords to his clients, but that does not stop the swordsmith from being  protective of his wife. 

If she was staying at home, he bribed several of the neighbors with baked goods to ensure they looked after her, including the Ariels. However, if she needed to travel as well, whether it was to handle an ayakashi, deliver medicine or get some magical tools fixed in Yokohama, Haganezuka would go out of his way to ‘accidentally’ cross her path and go to a restaurant he had ‘heard about’ and then journey home together. 

He was still not upfront being physically affectionate or spun pretty words like an imperial scholar, but [First Name] loved him. Hotaru's imperfections made him adorable, and he was reliable. She could still remember how red his face was when he gave her a proper kiss almost a month after they married, and it was without his mask on. 

Albeit still hot-tempered, passionate, and slightly scary, Hotaru Haganezuka’s efforts in being the best husband he can be do not go unnoticed…or unrewarded 😉

Taglist:

@leepotp

@saltyfruitbat

@13rurururi

@sketchlove

@mitra555

[pinkskytwst]

Lion's Pride, Hyena's Cackle - Part III

(Leona/Prefect, Ruggie/Prefect, eventual Leona/Prefect/Ruggie Romantic Poly)

If it had been anyone else but Ruggie who had dared to tell him what to do, Leona would have done the opposite out of spite if not literally throw hands.

If it had been anyone else but the Prefect, Leona wouldn’t have even cared.

But that was the problem, wasn’t it?

It was Ruggie.

It was the Prefect.

Most of the time Leona felt that the shit he had to deal with was thrown at him due to no fault of his own. Oh, he knew he was an asshole but being a prince, having such a destructive Unique Magic, having expectations placed on him with no actual benefit or gain in return and all while the world kept him under a microscope, all existed no matter what he did. It would never change, and he would never escape it.

Unfortunately, he was honest with himself enough to admit that the situation he was in was completely his own doing.

He deserved the words Ruggie had thrown at him.

Sevens, he deserved worse.

He honestly didn’t even know why Ruggie put up with him after everything he did, not even taking into consideration that he had nearly killed the hyena. Sure Ruggie had a dependable source of income and support working for him but he was resourceful and skilled, he could easily have gotten a similar or even better arrangement with someone else in NRC like Kalim or Azul.

But no, even after everything, Ruggie had stayed. Leona hadn’t been brave enough to question it, afraid that bringing it up would make the hyena change his mind.

Ruggie was the one person he had actually ever cared about losing since his mother had passed away.

Or at least, he had been the one person.

That was before an annoying herbivore from another world stumbled into his life and stubbornly refused to leave it. Who accepted him as he was - idiosyncrasies, arrogance, and temper - without blinking. Who threw themself into danger when they had no magic and no way to protect themself just to keep him and Ruggie and the other students at the school safe. Who’s laugh could make his chest warm and who’s smile seemed to brighten the world around them just by existing. Who stubbornly cared when they had no reason to.

And for a moment Leona had forgotten.

He had forgotten who and what he was and allowed himself to indulge in the urge to bask in that warmth just a little. To ignore the realities of the world and dream, just for a moment, that he could have this. That he might deserve that.

That maybe all the shit his life dealt him was worth it if he could enjoy that warmth and brightness even if it was only for a short time. Even if it was only the smallest brush of that warmth and brightness that he wanted to exprience.

He forgot and because he forgot, the Prefect had fallen for him – or at least started to.

And Ruggie had been forced to rip him from that silly daydream and back into reality. Address something that he no doubt still held his own pain over just to ensure that pain wasn’t visited upon the kind hearted human.

He didn’t blame Ruggie.

In a way he was grateful. The first time had been bad enough but this…now that he had faced his own demons and seen what filth he held in his heart – had been saved from that darkness by none other than the Prefect – he knew he couldn’t handle another.

It was better for all of them if he pushed the Prefect away, ensured that whatever closeness had been growing – might have continued to grow – was smothered before it could do harm.

Because it would do harm.

He only ever did harm.

So, he closed his heart. He tightened his mask. He practiced his indifference until no one would suspect him feeling anything for the Prefect except maybe annoyance.

He told himself it didn’t hurt that his efforts worked so well.

The Prefect tried to reach out to him many times. Would greet him and offer to do some of the chores for Ruggie that would keep them in his presence. Would bring him snacks and just check on him, always with that look of concern in their eyes and hope in their smile that he would reach back. That he would at least acknowledge them. look at them.

He didn’t.

He didn’t and slowly the herbivore’s hope faded, their smiles were strained, and they stopped checking in as often.

He knew they still cared, it was just the kind of person that they were, but he had managed to convince them that he did not want them and even though they were worried, they didn’t want to force their presence on him. It made him taste bile in the back of his throat at the idea of making them think their company was anything less than a highlight of his day, but he couldn’t say that.

And he trusted Ruggie to ensure that any hurt they felt from his actions could be minimized and soothed.

Ruggie was the only one he trusted their wellbeing to.

The hyena even did his best to ensure his scent stayed heavy around the Prefect as a silent reminder to him if he slipped – like he almost had that one morning. Had almost…but Ruggie’s scent had snapped him out of it enough to push them away despite what he had actually wanted. Ruggie was always looking out for them whether they realized it or not, and Leona knew he would have even if he hadn’t ordered him to.

The rest of the school certainly wasn’t going to do it. Their ‘friends’ had gotten them into just as much trouble as out of it and most saw them as an eyesore for daring to show up at their prestigious campus without magic. Grim was certainly not able to protect them properly and he knew more than one dangerous gaze was set on the Prefect and their situation. It was why he had encouraged the hyena to keep the herbivore in Savanaclaw as much as possible. At least here he could ensure their safety.

He just now had to make sure his dorm students knew to watch out for them without it getting back to the Prefect or have them suspect his influence was causing it. Ruggie had admitted that it was working so far and they both hoped that the Prefect’s existence would be forgotten by the school in general. That at the very least Leona could distance himself enough to ensure their safety while still warning those that might hurt them off.

For nearly two months this worked, but Leona’s luck finally ran out.

Or rather, Professor Crewel threw their plan out the window when he set up a joint potions project between the third years and first years that would pair one of each together with the intent to take an existing potion and improve or alter it in a way that would create a useful product with a different purpose.

And, of course, he had paired the Prefect up with him in hopes of the herbivore being able to actually convince him to do the work.

Leona really wanted to shove that crop of his down the man’s throat.

“Uh…Leona-senpai?” The Prefect interrupted his mental torture plans for the Potions Master. “So, when would you like to start? I have this afternoon free and Crewel-sama gave me all of the information for our project since he said you…missed class.”

“No.”

He dropped himself back down on the soft grass of his sleeping spot he had been curled up on for the last few hours and ignored the dumbfounded look the other was sending him.

“Excuse me?”

“I said ‘no’, herbivore. I don’t do group projects and I’m definitely not going to waste the effort trying to cover for a first year.”

He heard them stammer a little before they actually stomped their foot where they stood beside him, leaning over him.

“Leona-senpai, I can’t do this on my own! Crewel-sama made sure to give us specific duties and parts of the project we have to do! He will know if I try to do your parts as well as mine!” they said frustrated.

“Not my problem, now go away.”

“Ugh!” he heard the annoyance in their voice and wished he could turn over to see the way they always scrunched up their nose when they argued with someone. “Leona-senpai! If you don’t help me, I’ll fail the assignment! Potions is one of the classes that I get graded on combined with Grim’s! I need to get a good grade!”

“Don’t care.”

“Look, I get that you don’t like me-“ his ears twitched and it took everything he had not to show how the words made his stomach twist. “-but please at least tell me what to do so that I can make it believable that you participated!” they begged.

He couldn’t, he had given Ruggie his silent promise not to be around the Prefect. To distance himself, and having a joint project in a class was not following that agreement.

He had broken enough promises to Ruggie.

Then he heard a hitch in their breathing. It was slight and their voice didn’t falter but he could hear the undercurrent of emotion the human was clearly trying to hold back.

“Please, Leona-senpai. I can’t...I can’t do this on my own and I know Grim isn’t that great at his studies but he tries so hard and he does his best to learn so he can become a skilled mage. I don’t…I don’t want to drag him down more than I already do.”

It felt like Leona’s heart was in a vice and he had to take a deep, slow breath to keep from showing what he was feeling. To not tell the Prefect that they were better than the rest of the idiot students in NRC put together with or without magic. That they could never be a burden to anyone, let alone the cat monster that was only allowed to enroll in the school because of them.

He couldn’t say that.

But he also couldn’t manage to force out the words that would make the other give up and go away.

Not when their voice was so desperate and their pleas something only he could give.

“Fine.” He muttered, turning over, and rocking to his feet in one smooth motion. “Let’s get this over with so I don’t have to deal with it anymore. It’s not like you’ll leave me alone until I do.”

The Prefect’s eyes widened and a warm, grateful smile bloomed on their face as if Leona was actually doing them a favor instead of his actual responsibilities.

“Thank you, Leona-senpai! I’ll work really hard and follow all your instructions, I promise! And I’ll do all the writing and brewing so you just have to tell me what to do!” they said eagerly, stumbling after him through the brush surrounding his napping place and out onto the walkway.

“Whatever.” He said, though he couldn’t help but watch the smaller human out of the corner of his eye and try to memorize the light of their smile and the warmth he felt at someone actually wanting to be beside him, even if it was only for an assignment.

It really would be unfair to hurt the Prefect’s academic standing by refusing to work, after all. He didn’t think Ruggie would want them to go through that. And he could control himself. It was just a project. He would tell the herbivore what to do, they would write it down and brew the potion, then they’d be done. Simple.

Then he could go back to ignoring them and hopefully they would forget all about it.

And him.

======================

This one's a little shorter but I thought it needed a POV from our prince so hope you like it. <3

[amageish]

So, I have more Illyana thoughts... I apologize for rambling again, but this is apparently how my brain works now...

The next episode of X-Men '97 is Motendo / Lifedeath Part 1, an episode I have been eagerly anticipating since the reveal of this key art related to it.

There she is! There's Magik! It's my girl!

Now, it is possible she's just in the art because Morph transformed into her in Episode 3. The fact Storm is in her original '92 design and not her punk attire makes me think this art is not literally reflective of the episode's contents... but if Magik is in it, I am curious what role she may take in it... Let's baselessly speculate! Spoilers for the two comic book storylines we know this episode is drawing from after the cut.

So this episode will be adapting parts of Lifedeath, the iconic Forge/Storm romance arc, and the Abscissa arc with Jubilee. This makes me think this episode is likely to be a three-pronged exploration of what mutants do to gain social status in a world that hates and fears them.

Storm and Forge's arc is about Forge reconsidering his job working with the American government and realizing how has literally created the tools used to oppress his fellow mutants. Storm, meanwhile, has chosen to embrace counter-culturalism openly through her new punk identity, not really caring what the white male flatscan majority thinks about her anymore; Forge's perspective is challenged by her as they begin their romance.

Jubilee's arc is about her encountering a future version of herself who is a slave to Mojo in the Mojoverse and taking actions to ensure that future never comes to pass.

Sunspot's arc in '97 has been about him hiding his mutant gifts, afraid that his parents will not accept him as a mutant. He also self-identified as "one of the good ones" in the first episode. Lot of model minority stuff going on here, as well as some allegorical queer closeted stuff going on here. I am guessing this is the episode where he decides to join the X-Men and come out properly.

With all that in mind... What is Illyana going to be up to, if she is indeed in this episode?

My guess is she would be a foil to Sunspot, as someone who has made it through the emotional journey he is in the middle of. She not only has a mutant gift she is scared about, but she has a literal demonic side. If she has learned to accept herself for who she is and to embrace her demonic powers as a way of protecting herself and those she loves, then maybe Sunspot can do the same with his powers.

This would be casually implying all of Magik's character growth happened off-screen, but this show has a lot of protagonists already and I don't know if they'd have time to delve into the lore of Limbo - and it also may be difficult to do that in a show that is still, nominally at least, for kids...

If they wanted to be really bold, Illyana could also be in a queer relationship that is a foil to the Jubilee/Sunspot relationship - making the "We're hiding this from my parents as I don't want them to know I am a mutant" queer allegory a little more obvious by showing Illyana in a loving queer relationship of which her brother approves. With the episode inspired by the Pryde of the X-Men arcade game, I think it'd be a good place for Pryde to appear if they wanted to make Katyana canon... but Illyana/Dani or Illyana/Xuan also feel possible to me... or, hell, they've said non-mutant characters will cameo like they did in the original cartoon, so maybe they could do Illyana/Nico Minoru or Illyana/Leah. I'd like Illyana/Pryde the most, but honestly I will take anything that makes Sapphik Magik canon.

ANYWAY. That's my unsolicited Magik thoughts for the day. I am trying to keep my expectations low - I think it's very possible that Morph appearance is all we get - but I do think there's ways to get some really good Magik content in only a few minutes of screentime given what appears to be the theme of the next episode...