songerein | Heart of Darkness

Entry tags:

Heart of Darkness

Who: Agents of IMP: DMC
Which: Closed
Where: The Wastelands
What: The crew rescues Stolas from smoke dragons and nightmare monsters that took him
Warnings: Violence, a very angry teen, verbal abuse and the trauma from it in Stolas' dream

The young owl was hysterical when she returned to the office of IMP: DMC. She interrupted the relatively normal day with tears and a recounting of what happened: she and Stolas went to the Wastelands to study the dark crystals mentioned on the quest board. It went horribly wrong; one of them came to life and attacked. Stolas fought back, but it all happened so quickly and the last thing she knew, she was flung through a portal to safety. Stolas stood behind to ensure his daughter could escape.

Octavia refused to stay behind, despite all of the running and the emotional high. She had to help save her dad, plus she could take them to where she saw him last. She compromised with a moment's rest, a bottle of water and a moment to dry her tears.

Once everyone's ready, they head out and stand at the boundary of the Wastelands. This close, the creeping sensation of nightmare energy make hair and feathers stand up in warning: the threat of danger will surround them, even before an enemy comes into view. Uninhabitable lands imprison the goetic prince, the beasts that dwell within it his wardens. A very loud prison break is about to begin.

"We took this path." She calls out, walking the group through her footsteps. Some of her feathers are jet black and her eyes glowing a bright pink, the true form of the goetic princess hungry for further provocation in even one monster getting in her way.

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Paimon's eyes visibly widen seeing the girl conjure the book out of thin air. Staring at the sigil on its cover, that was definitely the Ars Goeita grimoire. But a granddaughter from the future? Eh it wasn't his job to read a silly book. That was his son's stu.. important task assigned to him. Seemingly satisfied by her explanation, her grandfather's chest rumbled with a chuckle, slapping Stolas firmly on the back. If it weren't for the strings that held him up, he would have toppled over along with his tiny crown that tinkered across the marble floor.

"Ha! Would you look at that? You're not as big of a disappointment as I thought, Solare."

"Stolas, Your Highness."

"Yeah yeah, whatever." Paimon waved off his man servant. "See? After all that dreadful moaning you had about your arrangement, was it really necessary?"

"S-sorry, Father. You're right." Even though the little owl agreed there was a look of uncertainty, rubbing his back from where his father struck him.

"Idiot, don't just stand there. Go fetch your crown."

"Y-yes." The young Stolas quickly scurried off to one side of the room to where his crown had slid against the far wall.

Shaking his head, Paimon turns to Octavia again. "I don't know how my son grows up to have a daughter like yourself. Don't worry about the hounds. Nothing that can't be replaced."

"If I may, your highness." Octavia requests, trying to keep her movements to a minimum to avoid stepping on Denji. Her steps are intentionally slow when she has to move. "It's because my father viewed raising me as more than just a responsibility. He taught me what I needed to know, yes, but every day, he made sure I knew he loved me, that he would always support me however he could. He taught me about his favorite stars, his favorite plants, he inspired my love of music..."

Octavia glances towards the younger Stolas. "And he did it despite every hardship thrown his way. That means more to me than I can put to words."

With Blitz and Akechi inching closer towards him, she had to return her attention to Paimon, and keep his away from his son. "My apologies for all of the pathos, your majesty. I wish for my father to understand that his efforts will be deeply appreciated."

Perfect. The crown rolled and rolled far away, and Blitzø was close by, having tucked under a tablecloth-adorned pedestal that was displaying some fancy treasure or whatever. Gently and subtly lifting up the cloth, where Paimon wouldn't see, Blitzø gestured to Stolas.

"Psst! Pssssssst," he whispered, gesturing for the tiny owl to hurry up and join him under the pedestal.

Shit, Octavia, you're doin' pretty good... He moved slowly to keep her legs clear, but once she'd paused he used a paw to give a birdy ankle an encouraging pat-pat. He was OK, don't worry.

Denji was a terrible actor. Awful! But she was doing awesome. He wished he could peek out and see how the guys were doing.

Paimon's expression soured as Octavia prattle on and on about love and affection or whatever sentimental crap. The giant owl didn't even make an attempt to hide the fact that his eyes started to glaze over. Now that sounded like his son, unfortunately. Making a show of rolling his eyes, her grandfather raised a hand flapping it like a puppet, mockingly mimicking her sappy drivel.

"He hugged me and sang me to sleep blah _blah blah. Enough. I've heard enough." The King of Hell stood up tall, crossing his arms across his broad chest. "I didn't hand hold my son or coddled him and he seemed to turn out fine." A beat, brows furrowing. "Ish. Well, he had you at least and you seem more capable than him. You'll see with time those feelings are signs of weakness."

Meanwhile from his little corner of the room, the bitty owl stared in awe at his 'daughter'. Clutching the tiny crown, he felt something warm flicker in his chest. Was he really going to grow up and be that kind of father? Be the father that his never was… This stunning young woman before him brought a soft smile to his face. Wait… was his eyes leaking? Reaching up to dab away tears from his cheeks the string that bound him snapped, freeing him. H-huh?

Before he had time to question it there came a soft sound that distracted him. Swiveling his head to ID the noise, Stolas’ eyes grew wide spotting the pint sized imp. That face he knew. Hesitantly the young owl glanced back at his father. Paimon wasn't paying the prince any mind, seemingly to be preoccupied with their guests. That was good enough for him. Placing his crown back on his head, Stolas slinked away undetected to join Blitzø, er… Blitzo under the pedestal. Once safely out of sight the little owl took both of the imp's hands into his, eyes glittering.

"Blitzo! You came back! Father scolded me after you left… But I'm so glad to see you." Stolas beams, bouncing on his talons. "You here to play another imp game?"

"Course I came back. We're friends, right?" Blitzo asked, grabbing Stolas' hands. "Let's ditch your dumb jerk dad and go play outside. Take these dumb things off," he added, tugging at the strings on Stolas, "you'll get them all tangled in the branches."

His face twitched, for a moment. It made a depressing amount of sense, seeing... this. How quickly Stolas had seemed to get it without him even giving details. Had seemed to want to hang around, even if he hadn't exactly been the most receptive to social advances.

Something in the back of his mind itched, and he reached out for it- the faintest sense, in the back of his mind, of a familiar connection.

The Emperor.

Fuck it. "Shut up." Just- fuck it. If they wanted sappy, if they wanted true feelings- then he could oblige. "You're wrong. Stolas- turned out great. Not because of you, but in spite of you." He glanced at Stolas, then back to Paimon, pushed through the urge to close off, to retreat. "You might be a Prince of Hell, or whatever stupid title your parents fucked you into- but I meant what I said before. People like you are common, they're everywhere, and they're worthless. But... people like Stolas? Fathers who care for their children and- maybe aren't perfect, but at least they try, at least they care?"

Akechi inhaled. "They're priceless, and- the world would be a better place to live in, with more parents like him."

Welp. Looks like the gloves are coming off for this one. And at this point? Octavia doesn't mind in the slightest.

"Pretending emotions don't exist is a weakness." She spoke up, dropping the prim and proper approach she took until now. "Claiming you raised your son well because he did something on his own is negligence. The reason I am the way that I am? Is because dad wanted to be a better father to me than you ever were to him. It's pretty fucking obvious he succeeded. You mock him and bully him because out of an entire family full of pretentious assholes, he's the only one who dared to have a heart, to actually care."

Octavia looks over towards Stolas, her indignation making way for a genuine smile. "Dad...you've put up with so much to make my life comfortable. To fill it with love, warmth, the confidence that I'll be able to make it through whatever happens. Thank you...for everything."

The great owl's feather's ruffled at their verbal assault. Instead of anger in his eyes, there was a look of apathy that glazed over. Paimon was so over this pathetic squabbling. They weren't even worth the time to raise a talon at. He has heard enough. Raising a hand, palm out to signal for them to ~~shut the hell up~~ stop.

"Does anyone around here know anything more than constant bitching? I honestly don't care what a sinner or a failed heir has to say. It matters not what you think, I am the one with the crown." Again he laced his fingers together to stare coldly down. "This is the part where I make up an excuse to leave but I rather not be here breathing the same air as you sooo...."

Without a word more the king's body morphed and shifted into shadow and darted away down the hall leaving them alone with the young Stolas. Speaking of... the little owlette was practically sparkling at Blitzø when he called him his 'friend'. He gave the imp's hand a light squeeze as he nodded enthusiastically. He would go anywhere with him.

"Yes, lets go! That sounds exciting." Stolas bounce eagerly.

Just like before, behind them the painting had shifted into a different image.

Grasping onto the tiny talons, Blitzo darted out from under their hiding spot, laughing a bit as he tugged the dream-Stolas along. "Come on Via! We got him! Hurry!"

God damn, it's suffocating being around the family sometimes. With Paimon making his exit and the portrait changed, Via whisked away the fancy dressed and returned to her normal attire, with Denji no longer needing to hide.

"Great job, everyone. I really don't like being so posh, but that worked out. Now, one more door to open...!"

She's coming, dad. Via's almost there. She and several of your friends to help get you back home...

"Awooooo!"

EXPOSED! Tail wagging. Fuck that demon king! But the joy was over when he froze, then he quietly cleared his throat.

"I, uh... yeah. Big Bird's dad sucks."

Akechi cleared his throat. "Yes, well. Job well done, everyone." he let the Prince's costume go, as well, and breathed a little easier for it. "If you ever decide to show your grandfather the business end of a shotgun, Octavia, I'll hold him for you."

Hand in hand the small young Stolas eagerly followed his friend, ready to go out for an adventure. Passing through the painting the little goetia melted back into the dream and they all returned safely back into the hallway of horrors. Looking back at the frames along the wall, the viny growths had shriveled up and vanished leaving the door in peace. The light behind it appeared brighter than before with the nightmare snares gone. If they were to try the door they would not be met with the same resistance and it opened without protest.

Crossing over the threshold, it was like walking into a pleasant spring day. Positive dreamotions filled every fiber around them, giving off a soft warm and welcoming atmosphere. Once everyone had made it inside the door slammed shut on its own accord as if trying to keep the cold nightmares from seeping in.

Examining the room those familiar with the Ars Goetia manor knew right away that this was the prince's bedroom. The tell-tale sun and moon stained glass doors to the veranda was front and center as it cast twinkling shades of vibrant color through the room. Along the right wall were floor to ceiling bookshelves. Someone had taken quite a few off, creating towering stacks. On the opposite wall was a massive four post bed but... something was out of place. Instead of modestly place pillows against the head board, it was covered in stuffed animals. The most loved was a red impish plush whom sat in front of the giant mound.

At first glance, there was no owl in sight. That was until a soft giggling sound could be heard coming from the direction of the bookshelves. Barely peeking out from around one of the column of books was a teeny talon. It was hard to spot at first however with a slight change of view, they could see a tiny gray fluff ball curled up on the carpet with a tome as big as himself opened in front of the owlette. As they got closer the bitty bird reacted, his head spinning around to stare mutely wide-eyed at them.

A lavish, beautiful bedroom... one that he'd never seen anything close to before. It almost distracted him entirely from everything else, and god help him, he wanted to jump on the damn bed.

But he had a mission, and there was a tiny giggling owl with a book who looked in need of a pal. Pochita always knew what to do, so Denji would just do what his own pal always did.

With a bark he bounded over and settled himself next to the tiny owl, tail wagging away as he made himself comfy. After everything else he'd seen, he could definitively recognize someone who needed a buddy.

He'd almost anticipated something a bit uncouth for teenage eyes at first, but uh, that was definitely his own association with the room, huh? The place looked like a sanctuary, and peaceful...

Back to his normal size, albeit a bit odd thanks to still having Dante on his back, Blitzø strolled to the bed, picking up the red imp plush and glancing at the little owl. "You got one 'cause of me?"

Edited 2023-02-22 01:33 (UTC)

Via immediately recognized the room. All of the stuffed animals, the super cute owlette enjoying his collection of books...it came together now. Stolas fought off the corruption by sealing himself in a pleasant dream, a pleasant memory of his childhood.

All the more reason to take Akechi up on his offer.

She didn't want to crowd him, the poor boy so surprised as he is, but she does greet him with a smile and a wave.

"Hey."

Some of this... he could empathize with. The isolation, the books- school and public libraries had been his refuge of choice. The lavish accommodations, the size of the room... that was unfamiliar.

He stayed back, for the moment, letting... Octavia and Blitz have their moment. Not for the first time... he wondered how things would've been different, had they met just a few years earlier... But it wasn't the time to dwell on that. They needed to get out and go home.

Who were they? Blinking a bit confused on who the new arrivals were, the little owl stared baffled. No one came to see him. But before he could ask there was a strange orange creature that bounded up to him, wagging its tail as it nestled against him. The gesture got a soft giggle out of Stolas and he reached down to pet it.

"Why hello there. Aren't you an interesting fellow." Moving to stand up, Stolas attempted to pick up the dog but due to his height and small arms only managed to lift up his front quarters, leaving Denji's back paws firmly on the ground. "I got wh-?"

Turning to face the imp on his bed the words died on his tongue as his whole face turned a pale shade of pink. Why was his little heart racing so? Was he sick? For a good solid few seconds, the little Stolas just stared starry eyed at Blitzø. Eventually Stolas got his bearings and shook it off, clearing his throat.

"I'm sorry, but I don't think we've met. I've had Sir Impiltion since I was a hatchling." Looking back at everyone, the little owl paused. Wow, the new girl... she looked like a princess. "Who are you? Why are you here? I don't get visitors... Oh! Are you here for my birthday? You're a day early though."

Sir Impiltion has Blitzø snickering a little, but he doesn't mind. Sitting on the bed, catching a few plushes before they tumbled off and onto the floor, he held up Sir Impiltion and wiggled him a bit.

"Who're you, stranger??" Blitzø affected in a cartoonishly snobbish voice. "Who dares step in Prince Stolas' abode uninvited?? Well! Glad you asked, Impils, my name's Blitz. That's Princess Octavia over there, and that's Akechi-boh-betch-y, and that's adorable chainsaw freak Denji! Oh, and the sword on my back is Dante. He's cool too."

Ohhh... he understood why Pochita liked pets so much. He leaned into the touch, and his tongue lolled as he was half-picked up. Chainsaw freak or no, he knew what his own buddy did that always made him feel better, so Denji was following suit to the letter.

Let's see, what did he sometimes so...? Oh! He tip-tapped his back legs. Doggie dance!

It all had him thinking, though: Was this kinda like Stolas' happy place? Everyone was supposed to have one, some special place in their head they could sink into to keep themselves safe if need be. For some reason, in his mind's eye he saw a door... but it was gone just as quickly as he'd thought about it.

Huh. What was he thinking about just now?

Oh well.

"It's a pre-birthday party, dude! Just for you!"

Akechi-boh-betch-y. Oh man. That's getting a chuckle out of Octavia. Sorry, Akechi.

On the other hand, the act gets her thinking. With Stolas this young, it's gonna be difficult explaining the whole situation to him. Gonna have to simplify things a bit, or try and stir up his memories enough that he'll come to on his own. That sounds like a reasonable plan.

"You can call me Via." She adds, sitting cross-legged near Stolas' pile of books. Goetia are almost never this casual with each other, but hopefully it can put the owlette at ease some. "I hope you don't mind us dropping by early; we wanted to dedicate time to you. Tomorrow's the day you learn about your big responsibilities as a Goetia, so we thought we could answer a few questions. Answers you might not find in your books."

She lowered her voice to audible whisper, pretending to share a big secret. "And maybe give you a few sneak previews of what to expect."

It was perhaps fortunate that looks could not kill, in the moment, given that, if they had been, Blitz would have found himself atomized on the spot- but he let it slide. For now. He owed the imp a favor, so the son of a bitch got one pass.

But if everyone was playing into this, then... "Just Akechi. Thank you... Though you seem to like 'Raven', which I'm not opposed to."

Oh boy! This was certainly an exciting and special day! Meeting new people and making friends! If only his birthday didn't come once a year he could do this all the time. Stolas puts Denji back on all fours to give everyone a small bow, flicking his little cape up in a flurry of sparkles.

"Pleasure to meet you all. I am Prince Stolas. Though I suppose you already knew that..." He straightens back up to look at Octavia, eyes glittering. "Princess Octavia, are you a seer? I have a book all about them! I've never met one in person before. Or... anyone really. You are my first guests! Oh I hope my duty is going to be important. Then I can make all the friends and get invited to parties!"

Smiling at that, Blitzø flopped belly-first on the bed, letting the Dante-wings fan out and relax. He still had the imp plush in his claws, treating it with as much affection and respect as he did his own toys, when he was a little imp.

Growing up in a palace with imps, and having this little fella... no wonder Stolas was comfortable around him.

"I can tell you one spoiler now: we're gonna be friends someday, all of us," he promised, expression and voice a little softer. "So, kiddo. It's your birthday, what do you want to do?"

Heart of Darkness

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