Father & Daughter Vol. 2

 —You're the one who doesn't want to face reality, Stolas. —Stella yelled—. I had to do it 20 years ago!

 —Oh, so now you're the victim here. Stolas answered.

 Those words echoed in Stella's head like in an underground cave at the bottom of an abandoned tunnel network as she returned to her vehicle after her confrontation with Stolas and Octavia. These same tunnels representing the thousands of moments accumulated in her consciousness that constantly seemed to be on the verge of collapse, and that collapse with its great crash would cause a chain reaction that would end up breaking her spirit –or setting her free, but it was truly a chance that she wasn't about to tempt. Even when in the eyes of others, she did not seem so; and her words gave no quarter to anyone who tried to argue in her defence, she actually felt each word stab her heart like a poisoned dagger in her chest. But what exactly happened 20 years ago to justify 17 subsequent years of constant abuse? Is there a justification credible and acceptable enough to cause at least an iota of empathy for such a vile being?

 There are reasons to believe that we can all achieve forgiveness, God himself claims to say that whoever truly repents can achieve eternal bliss and reach heaven. These souls are allowed access to the limbo where they atone for their sins in peace and silence while seeking the light of paradise, and the more this sin is atoned for, the easier the end of the road becomes.

 But first you must be sorry, first you must apologize. If not, then you justify your actions, and your soul is forever sealed in the underworld with no chance of true joy.

 But although Dante showed us on his journey to hell that he had the possibility of pardoning the damned; if enough souls ask for just one, will it be able to reach this same blessed destiny?

 And if these souls are also inhabitants of hell, will their voice also have power and vote?

 It is simple to think that the punishments we receive are well deserved for the actions we take in life, it is also common in man to believe that this is a great lie manufactured by the hatred that the human has towards his fellow men in the form and way of justifying their revenge. And since hell represents all that evil; It wouldn't be hard to believe that the same applies. The same demons and condemned souls perceiving the punishment of others as well awarded by simple hatred of thy neighbour and that they also suffer as they do.

 It is a cycle of revenge and contempt that has no end, and that, although it is not morally correct from a divine point of view, it is the truth and the reality with which you have to live. So, on earth as in hell.

 Although we have already established the moral problems that these events imply, there is still one last opinion to take into account at the time of a verdict, and this is only possible with the examination of the evidence and the opinion of the accused. The opinion of the alleged culprit.

 Stella had these things very clear in her mind, and she forgave herself justifying her actions as a divine punishment that she sought for what they did to her. And she believed that; if there was someone or something that offered her forgiveness, they would agree with her.

 However, this attitude had actually taken less time than the twenty years that she acclaimed, the real reason why she chose that date is because it was about 20 years ago that her life took a turn for the worse, all because of those she once loved.

 It was when she began to know betrayal, and later she would know the cruelty of life that the name Ars Goetia brought with it.

 A name that was not for nothing the most powerful in the entire kingdom of darkness. After all, through Paimon, there was no one closer to the true king. Lucifer.

 Just as humans wonder if God knows what happens in his creation. Will Lucifer know what happens in his kingdom?

 ***

 —It's my birthday! It's my birthday! —Stolas yelled as soon as she woke up—. Birthday! Birthday time!

 Stolas was happy that day. His 10th birthday, the day he would learn what his responsibilities would be as part of the Goetia family. Stolas was then a very adorable child, with his big red eyes and gaze pale as the earthly moon, his unruly plumage complicated to groom, and clothing that he could only be described as a miniaturized version of what he would later wear as an adult. With his little black pants and a white shirt with a red jacket and gold buttons.

 After quickly getting ready he would go to his father, Paimon. A demon of the highest rank, dark brown plumage and a face hidden by a columbine mask similar to those used in the human world in the then ancient world, common Venetian masks at costume parties of the time, when great minds like Da Vinci inhabited the world of the living. He was dressed in a black suit and ostentatious burgundy cape trimmed with gold.

 Everything was going according to how Stolas expected it, until after obtaining his Grimoire, Paimon told him that in addition to having a profitable responsibility for the family, he should also fulfil his blood-related responsibilities, such as seeking a provisional heir in case that someone would be killed or become unable to take over as head of the family if something happened to Paimon. This responsibility was shared by all members, and although it was not inherited in a hierarchical order based on birth, this title was distributed to the most powerful, influential and generally better prepared family member. This task would be entrusted to Lucifer himself, as it could be compared to the idea of ​​choosing his right hand.

 —You are now engaged, congratulations. — Paimon shows Stolas a picture of a girl in mid-temper tantrum attacking two apparent pets—.

 Stolas, even as a child, had been trained to understand complicated concepts such as marriage or royalty. He knew exactly what his father meant, and it was that very thing that terrified him. The girl looked cruel and violent. Was it that maybe she was going to be just as mean to him? The fact of imagining these possibilities made him break down in tears.

 Seeing herself far above the frivolity of parenting, Paimon improvised a visit to the circus that he hoped would ease his sorrows.

 That day Stolas met Blitzo for the first time, with whom he later played all afternoon until nightfall. Despite being aware of what life had in store for him, he gave himself what he knew might well be his only chance to be «normal», and he took it, his life in royalty would not allow him to socialize outside his spheres afterwards.

 While both played, however. Paimon's tasks were just beginning.

 —Have they already notified...? —Paimon draws out his question as he looks for the girl's name somewhere in the photograph—. Stella?

 —Her parents will tell her on her tenth birthday, as tradition dictates, sir. — An imp butler replied.

 —Never mind, when the brat is done playing, please send the other one back—. He finally delegated.

 Just as it was customary to give their tasks and responsibilities to family members when they turned 10 years old, it was just as important to dictate marriages; that, even within the same family, it was important to consummate. For the blood must remain pure.

 These marriages were selected in a very precise way, because due to the obligation to live together, there were certain rules to follow to avoid problems once the union was consummated and since all the demonic royalty responded to a single king, there was no need to something as frivolous as a union between families as a form of peace, unlike humans who take pleasure in their power, in hell there was no such conflict. Among these rules to follow is the age of the future husband and wife, it was important that there was not much difference in age to avoid problems due to immaturity of any of the participants or loss of balance in patriarchal power, we could consider it an unwritten rule by Paimon, who took advantage of his authority to unite those he believed, they wouldn't cause him problems in the long run and thus reduce the amount of mediation he had to do in case a problem arose, or avoid problems altogether, especially since being on Lucifer's side, he couldn't afford to appear irresponsible, this is because, unlike the other demon kings; he was the most faithful, and because of this he was the favourite.

 Therefore, in this case Stella was the best candidate, being only a few months younger than Stolas and the granddaughter of Duke Crocell, to whom Paimon owed a Favour and because her grandchildren would be marquesses, a leap in political rank as this, would be payment enough. Stella should also find out at the age of 10 so that she would be mentally prepared for her new life, in addition to giving her time to work on her relationship with the prince for the next 8 years and that way the union would be easier to consummate and be able to go directly to the point in question; the creation of an heir.

 However, Stella was a very troublesome child. Due to the environment in which she was born and her parents' love for her, pampering her was little compared to the level of facilities given to her during her early years. She was a problem child; she didn't want anyone other than her parents and she insulted everyone who tried to interact with her –even worse if you treated her like a little girl. If there was something she hated the most about her, it was being told how young she was, but instead she was fund of phrases like «you're very mature for your age» which filled her with pride.

 Stella was someone who her indoctrination saw as a mission to please her parents, and since they gave her everything she wanted, it was her plan to do her best to be the Goetia princess they wanted her to be and be proud of her. Stella was fortunate to be born among people who loved her, someone who was her confidant for a long time was none other than her brother Andrealphus.

 Andrealphus, being older than her, was almost her second father figure in the girl's eyes, it was arguable if Stella loved her brother more than her father –because when Stella had something to say and feared her parents' reaction, Andrealphus was there for her.

 Stella's parents also, belonging to a second branch of the family, had to work twice as hard to keep up with the main one, so they were constantly subjected to criticism from Paimon, which Stella did not enjoy either, but she understood as part of her responsibilities, and she dreaded the day when it was her turn to render an account to him.

 Her parents knew this about their daughter and admired her desire for independence and her belief that her family was equal to the main one, even if she followed the rules established for each hierarchical level, Stella always sought to follow her own path that dictated the correct and the most virtuous to fulfil her goal towards her parents.

 But something would happen that would dictate the beginning of a series of events that would culminate in a terrible outcome.

 —Our Stella… love, we can't tell her yet. —Her mother implored her husband—.

 —But Paimon orders it, on her tenth birthday she must know about Prince Stolas.

 —Can we wait until she's older? —She's going to hate it! She will grow up hating him and will not be happy.

 —They'll talk about it, and she'll end up finding out from the others, besides, don't you think that when Stolas finds out, he'll talk to her about it? Stella must know today.

 Stella's parents argued in her room first thing in the morning, while a young and childish Stella ran to get dressed for her special occasion.

 —I must look per-fe-ct. —Stella dictated to the imp who fixed her up. Mother said that the tenth birthday is the most important of my life.

 A clear difference between the tenth birthday of a man and that of a woman was that the woman only received news of her future husband, since they did not dedicate themselves to any work that was not political -being the social part of royalty, in addition to homework as a parent. While the man had to carry more responsibilities in all positions.

 Stella's job would be in a more literal way, to be and look pretty for the occasion and attend to her husband.

 For this very reason the parents argued, they had done everything to the T, and at the moment of truth they wanted to simply throw the rules out the window and feign insanity.

 Then a violent opening of the door sounds. It was Stella, a girl with well-groomed white plumage with two huge pigtails on the sides held by pink bows and overwhelming plumage that covered her legs to the ground like a black and white dress.

 —Mother! Father! How do I look? —Stella yelled as she entered the room—.

 Her parents somewhat surprised by this are almost speechless.

 —V-very beautiful Stella, as always. It shows that you are our daughter. —Answers her mother a little nervous while she approaches her to give her a warm hug—.

 —I KNOW! Like a princess. —Her father played along with her—.

 Stella then excited by the approval of her parents ran around the room like a fireball, jumping on the bed and acting as if giving orders to invisible subordinates.

 During this vivid display of euphoria, Stella noticed a piece of paper that her parents were hiding behind her back, so she quickly ran over to them and snatched it up.

 Behind that paper was written the word Stolas, and on the opposite side was a photo of the young prince.

 —Who is this child? He looks cute.

 The parents were still undecided on how to say things to Stella, so they had to improvise an answer that was vague enough so that it wouldn't bring them problems later.

 —I-it's Paimon's new son, Stolas. —The mother spoke fearfully—.

 —He recently turned 10 too and they sent that photo to celebrate. —The father stepped forward—.

 Stella, hearing Paimon's name, immediately got disgusted, throwing the photo on the bed, she hated that name. The memories of Paimon's voice as he subjected her parents to his command made her feel inferior.

 —Gross, he looks like an idiot. Not like Andrealphus. He is a million times cuter.

 —Stella, language.

 —Sorry mother.

 After a short silence caused by her dear mother's scolding, Stella looked up very sadly, almost with puppy eyes.

 —And what are we going to do today? Yesterday you said that the tenth birthday was the most important in the life of a Goetia.

 Both parents were still struggling to think of a plausible excuse to hide the marriage from her and still make it a special day. But the pressure of the moment gave his father a spontaneous burst of creativity that would help them in this cod.

 —We are going to visit the circles of hell. For you to meet the inhabitants and begin to learn about their eccentric lives, as well as the ways in which punishments are meted out to human souls.

 Stella was ecstatic to hear this, due to her inferior position with respect to the main family, she still did not know much about the outside world as her responsibilities were limited to the territorial bureaucracy, but since she would rise in rank by marrying Stolas, she should know more. 

 That day she had a wonderful time blessed by fate and was able to spend her tenth birthday without knowing what life would hold for her.

 She would see each floor of hell, and as Dante described it in his comedy –she would witness the atrocious punishments that human souls lived through for more than an eternity. She would learn that there are human souls who, once their punishment is over, will continue in hell as citizens of it and would take a form that was suitable for how they were once in life.

 She would hear from various entities stories of powerful demons or rotting human souls that would change the course of the history of hell. Of dealings with humans from the world of the living who in exchange for their souls demanded some benefit that would give them an advantage over others.

 She would meet eminences like Adam and Eve, who, despite having always been faithful to their god, because they were the original sin, would be the first inhabitants of that world alongside the fallen angel.

 They would tell her stories of thousands of human philosophers who, because of the search for virtue, would discard their faith in search of knowledge and when they arrived here, almost as a prize –they would venerate the fate that was imposed on them.

 When they returned home, Stella would not tire of repeating everything she had heard and experienced, they had truly made her tenth birthday the best.

 But the worst part came for the parents who; On a whim towards their daughter, they had hidden the real reason for that photo, because unlike Crocell's wishes, they did not want anything to do with Paimon.

 The following years Stella and Stolas should begin to know each other, and while one had in his mind a cruel and aggressive girl, she had in her mind a daddy's boy. So, from the beginning the chemistry between the two was deeply rocky.

 Every time they saw each other for some royal event or party, he always tried to be courteous, polite and somehow see a friend in her. But Stella immediately responded in a hostile or indifferent way; something that intimidated Stolas immediately and they ended up separated from each other. So Paimon's palace would be the battlefield between these two.

 And while Paimon educated Stolas about his obligation to manage this relationship properly, Stella's parents tried to convince her that they needed to be friends, because that connection between families needed to exist.

 —Father, I don't understand. I do my best, but Stella doesn't seem to care. —Stolas cried out, pleading for help—.

 You'd think after being a parent a myriad of times, you'd learn a thing or two about parenting, but like a Teflon pan –nothing stuck. And annoyed by the constant unknowns of his son, he had to invent new ways to entertain him with an idea that was different enough from the previous one to justify the attempt and stop bothering him.

 —Do you really think it will work, father?

 —But of course! You will have her at your feet.

 Stolas didn't exactly want to have her «at his feet», but if it would help improve their relationship –it was something he would definitely try.

 —H-hi, Stella.

 —Hello, idiot.

 —Y-you look too pretty to talk like that. I can teach you not to. You know... after all you and I...

 —What do you care of how I talk?

 —I-I'm just saying maybe you should– Ouch!

 Stella hated when Stolas corrected her, even more than when anyone other than Andrealphus or her parents tried to do so. This reflected on her pecking at him until he left. She then ran to her brother for protection. Stolas then followed her trying to apologize, and Andrealphus getting in their way pulled him away from her sister to talk to him in private.

 Andrealphus was one of the few people who interacted with Stolas, and he was the one who, unlike Stella, loved being with Stolas and constantly gave him advice on how to get along with her sister. Unfortunately, these tips were, of course, false and fabricated to maintain the tension between the two and their relationship just means to an end.

 What Andrealphus loved about Stolas was how easily manipulated he was, taking every opportunity to ruin his relationship with his sister.

 And not because he wanted to take care of her or protect her from Stolas like her parents, but because he saw in Stolas something that no one else could see and that would come into play over the years, but he needed to gain his friendship and trust, in addition, he also didn't know about the arranged marriage between the two, so in his view, he believed it was genuine interest.

 On several occasions Stolas questioned Andrealphus' advice for its ineffectiveness, or sometimes even the ridiculousness of it. While Andrealphus only blamed his stupidity and inefficiency to correctly carry out the assignments. And to keep him attached to him, he constantly promised to teach him how to be a demon worthy of Stella's attention. He was a demon one of a kind, and his looks just provided further evidence.

 Andrealphus was white and blue in plumage, seeing him was like seeing snow itself, it was so long and flowing that it seemed as if it was part of his clothing, that also shared the same colours. A slim and formal figure. There are not enough words that could describe it. A young man, 15 years old.

 —Are you sure Andrealphus?

 —Sure Stolas! My sister loves cards. You know how women are when it comes to romanticism.

 —I remember reading about it. But wouldn't it be too early for that? Letters are more for lovers. First, I want her to see me as a friend.

 —With more reason. Stella hates you; you need to do something extreme to get on her good side.

 And Stolas always obeyed Andrealphus' advice, which was customarily ambiguous enough to blame Stolas for his impending failure. It was a bit curious and even adorable to see the little owlet run to his room to write that letter and slip away among all the adults to secretly leave it where Stella could see it. Later he would stay hidden to see her reaction.

 —Uh...? —Stella gasped when she saw the letter and began to read it.

 «Dear Stella, even though our friendship has not blossomed as I wished, I am blessed to have met you. And since we are destined to be united in marriage, I find myself desirous of furthering our social relations. »

 Stella had a look that was the homogeneous mix of anger and embarrassment. She with all her strength tore the letter to pieces and threw the pieces all over the place.

 —Disgusting dictionary with legs! —Stella was heard screaming—. No one wants to marry an idiot like you.

 On the other side of the scene, Andrealphus would always be found laughing and laughing, enjoying creating conflicts between Stolas and his sister. Laughing to the point of uncontrollable tears.

 —Andrealphus! You said it would work. —Stolas demanded—.

 —Diccio-Diccio- —Andreaphus couldn't complete a word out of laughter—. What was it that you wrote? You're silly Stolas, you should have shown it to me first, now a second letter won't do.

 A few more years would pass for our characters to mature a little more. Stolas, upon reaching his adolescence, would dedicate himself to his studies of the Grimoire and the real activities that he had to carry out as Goetia, while his friendship with Andrealphus changed direction, being only between the two of them and Stella would go into the background. Which would allow her parents to keep up the charade for a few more years, since the subject of marriage came up less and less often and Stella seemed completely indifferent to the bureaucracy that referred to taking with him.

 Stella had also matured considerably, at fifteen she was already an expert in Goetia etiquette and carried out her tasks with grace. During this year and the next she would interact more often with the demonic families and find an oasis in a marquis boy at 16, by this time Stella already had a very similar appearance to the one she wears today with the short differences being that her clothing, much like Octavia at her age, had a rebellious style, a superb mix between Victorian fashion and the late 1700's dark Romantic Gothic fashion –she was quite the picture, a beautiful but dangerous young woman.

 —Oh Stella, there is no infernal being that can resist your beauty.

 Stella was currently on a date with this love of hers, the two of them sitting in the courtyard of her parents' palace, having a snack under the spring sun.

 —Andras, please. My parents will hear you.

 Andras is a marquis part of the Goetia family, similar in appearance to Stella and Andrealphus, his plumage is completely white, and following the dress tradition of the Victorian era, his clothes were worthy of royalty, even if his title was less deserved. An incredibly violent and dangerous Demon for any human who dares to summon it. He has a strong trauma with his social position in the Goetia hierarchy and wishes to be able to destroy it one day.

 —But it's true! Whoever owns your beauty owns the greatest treasure in the underworld.

 —Every time you talk about me like that you remind me of that idiot Stolas.

 —Is he still bothering you? I can take care of him if you want.

 —He doesn't bother me anymore like when we were kids, but he visits my brother so much that he practically lives with us.

 —Do you think he's interested in your brother now?

 —Pffff... I doubt it, I don't even know how he noticed me when I was a child. Although Andrealphus is capable of messing with anything that moves. He and Uncle Asmodeus seem inseparable.

 —You have to introduce me to Asmodeus, if only I could get his ring...

 —We talked about it before, Asmodeus would destroy you before you could get close.

 The ring Andras mentioned is a magical stone from Satan's own crown. Given to Asmodeus directly by him.

 This ring gives Asmodeus the power to fulfil any wish without any kind of rule or exception, it is the same magic that Satan used with Jesus to tempt him in the desert and Asmodeus uses it to tempt men to be unfaithful.

 —But with that ring we could destroy this useless hierarchy and we could- —Andras was saying until Stella interrupted him—.

 —We'll have our moment, Andras. I promise you. —Stella reassured him—. We'll be together.

 Stella then comforted him with a kiss. She loved him to death, and he was her first genuine love.

 Andras kissed back passionately, while Stella held Andras lovingly by the head, Andras held her more strongly in the same way. It was clear to see a difference in intentions as Stella treasured him with great affection and Andras took her possessively and with more aggressive intentions. You questioned the mechanics of their relationship or if it was really something that carried that title.

 —Andras, if my parents see us…

 —It's not my fault they won't let you out of the palace.

 —It feels so cold in here without you.

 —Then let me warm you up. —Andras was anticipating another passionate kiss—.

 Elsewhere in the palace Andrealphus and Stolas were studying, or so the plan was.

 Stolas at 16 already had a mature appearance for his age, he was capable of intimidating anyone, and his demeanour was as formal as it was elegant and masculine. Stolas had grown up to be Paimon's favourite, so everyone in the family detested and treated him badly, but he had already gotten so used to this that even though it was true that the segregation this caused hurt him, his stoic gaze and cold expression made him look like an immovable object, it was also because of this that Andrealphus was so close to him. Andrealphus at the age of 21 was already a Marquis and like Andras, was a prisoner of the Goetia hierarchy. That's why he got so close to Stolas and pretended to be the only one with an interest in him, teaching him things like Geometry and other mathematical sciences. Or so it appeared.

 And time had been generous with him, Andrealphus had an enviable body for men and women alike, a slim figure and an unusual balance between femininity and masculinity, he wore clothes that, again, due to their black and white tones, highlighted his elegant plumage and groomed with immeasurable grace.

 —Very good Stolas, always so clever.

 —With your knowledge Andrealphus, you could easily serve the Goetia more than just territorial work.

 —O Stolas, your words flatter me. —Andrealphus replied walking behind Stolas' chair, leaning towards him, leaning on his shoulders and putting his hands crossed on Stolas' chest—.

 The chemistry between Stolas and Andrealphus was somewhat complicated to describe, Stolas was at the age where he was finally beginning to understand his intimacy, and it was precisely Andrealphus; his future brother-in-law, who knew this best from his time with Asmodeus.

 Stolas justified his constant visits to Andrealphus with his studies and his work to establish a friendship with Stella for the already close marriage, and Andrealphus turned a blind eye accepting to teach him while little by little he seduced him, Stolas tried to be subtle, but Andrealphus was not afraid to make it clear that he knew the truth.

 Amusingly, Stella's relationship with Andras and Stolas' future relationship with Andrealphus carried perfectly in secret synchronicity. While Stella was believed to simply socialize with her class, Stolas was believed to be educated in the sciences. And between the four of them it was also complete secrecy. A perfect charade in all fields.

 Months passed and their 17th birthdays were approaching. The wedding was just around the corner and Paimon had to make sure that everything went as it should, because Crocell began to ask questions, because he was also aware of the terrible relationship between his granddaughter and Stolas. One day around this time Paimon paid them a visit.

 —Your Highness! —Stella's parents said when they saw Paimon appear in their home—.

 —I'll be brief, I just wanted to talk to your daughter about her wedding next year.

 Needless to mention, they never told Stella about their upcoming wedding, and now that time was up it was due, she knew, or else they would all be in deep trouble.

 —Stella is not here, your highness, she went with her brother Andrealphus to mediate some disputes in the circle of wrath. —Replied the father—.

 —I think I can wait for her, Crocell won't forgive me if I don't solve this for him now.

 —W-we don't know how long it will take; besides, I don't see why someone like you should worry about what my father-in-law thinks.

 —I advise you to be more respectful when speaking of a duke, and I remind you that this is a favour to you and a debt I owe him. So, I recommend you better not keep me waiting.

 At that very moment Stella and Andrealphus were entering the palace, the truth is that they had never left, but while the father was talking with Paimon, the mother asked them to continue with the invention that he had given.

 Stella, despite the years, was still as obedient as ever towards her parents, so she did not hesitate to follow their charade. But Andrealphus immediately began to suspect that something was wrong.

 —With the precision of an archer. His Highness, Stella has arrived. —The father cheered with relief—.

 —Excellent. Stella, darling, please have a seat. —Paimon pointed out—.

 Once the entire family gathered around Paimon he began his sermon.

 —As you know, 6 years ago as payment for a favour to Crocell we decided that Stella would marry my son Stolas. In return she would be promoted to princess and my debt would be paid. Sadly, your daughter has gone out of her way to ridicule this deal by refusing to get along with Stolas. And you have bent over backwards by refusing to educate your daughter properly. So, I come a year in advance to make things clear. They will do as they are told and they will do it well, and for the good of the Goetia. Failing this final assignment will result in your banishment from the Goetia surname and thus demerit it, execution. Now if you'll excuse me; I have other more important matters to attend to. —Paimon immediately beams out of the location—.

 While Stella's parents were worried and hugging each other, Stella was completely confused and disoriented by what she had heard.

 6 years ago? Stolas? An arranged marriage? Little by little the pieces of the puzzle were falling into place with her memories of her childhood with her future husband.

 Andrealphus, who was a little more perceptive, understood things more easily, but instead of being happy for his little sister, he could only show immense anger.