Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

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Lucifer held the phone to his ear with his shoulder, not really listening to Asmodeus as he added a stroke of paint to the duck in his hand. He was sitting at his worktable, working on a new duck. He’d been inspired, and this call really came at an inopportune time!

He had better things to do than handle the childish tantrums of one of the Sins, especially Satan. Of course, of late it was usually Mammon and Asmodeus that were scabbling, but Satan kept trying to buck his authority so it didn’t surprise him a bit to hear that the Sin of Wrath was acting out. 

Granted as their king he really should have more interest in their wellbeing and in how they were handling their Rings…but Lilith had told him it was best to have a hands off approach…

And he should have made it to that huge trial that just happened concerning an Ars Goetia Prince-- and his Grimoire…? He usually let Satan handle the Imps, those were his people, but when the Ars Goetia got mixed up in the equation then that was a bit more dire. And the trial had been a big deal. All the Sins had been in attendance, all but him. He’d even sent a message that he’d be coming, but then he’d gone to check up on Charlie and her Hotel, and things had happened…and he’d just…not gone. It wasn’t that he’d forgotten! Not really.

He didn’t!

It just…slipped his mind.

Just for a bit.

And he just bet Satan had gotten his knickers in a twist…

He got to his feet, duck in one hand and paintbrush in the other. 

“Ozzie, I know Satan is a hot-headed blowhard, but someone needs to handle the law and order nonsenses for the Hellborn-” he said into the phone as he paced in his suite, absently trying to appease the Sin of Lust; most of his focus on a design for a new duck he was planning…a pair, Charlie and Maggie!

“That’s just it, LuLu…he isn’t doing the ‘law and order nonsense’! Ever since you stood us up over that huge debacle over the Grimoire…when Stolas was…- It was horrible…” Asmodeus sounded choked up, enough that Lucifer actually stopped to really listen to what Ozzi was saying.  

“Do you know what it means to dethrone an Ars Goetia prince?” Asmodeus continued in a lower, more serious tone. “The precedence that sets? Even aside from how cruel it was to Stolas-”

“I-what? What are you talking about, Ozzie?” Lucifer paused, paintbrush hovering over the duck. Is that what happened? How had he not heard of this, surely the verdict had been made public…and Stolas…wasn’t he one of Paimon’s chicks…? Why did that name sound familiar…?

Wait…

Wasn’t Stolas…

“He stripped him of everything Lucifer. He made him less than an Imp! And all Stolas did was stop the execution of his lover!” Asmodeus cried “The trial was a farce, just a cheap power grab by others to take Stolas' powers! Satan would never have let that slide if he hadn't been so angry! And now a prince I am personally indebted to and his lover are all suffering because I can't help. Had you been there I know Satan would have handled the trial with a cool head. Or you would have been able to call out the mockery of justice for what it was!” 

Lucifer was speechless, he collapsed into his seat, mind reeling as he clutched his head with one hand. His paintbrush fell from limp fingers, his other hand holding the duck still, but now his mind was miles away. Was that true, had it really been his fault? He knew he had said he would participate in the Trial. He knows he had been…not very forthcoming with the Sins lately. In the last few decades…a century? Since Lilith had taken Charlie?

But Paimon had come to see him…Paimon had comforted him…and they had…

Stolas was his chick, wasn’t he? He couldn’t be sure, Paimon had taken the egg right after aid it, and that had broken Lucifer too much to follow up on the chick’s development…but he was the right age…and with his ability to read stars…it made so much sense.

He almost didn’t hear when Asmodeus continued, guilt and shame choking him.

Asmodeus groaned “It was true that the imps were going illegally to the human world and killing humans but the charges were inflated and they were all going to be executed. Stolas stepped in and took the blame.”

Asmodeus felt guilty for not speaking up but he didn't want Satan to be turned against him with his own crimes potentially laid on the table with such a sour mood.

“If we can lose the Goetia of prophecy, if his power can be stripped and given to just anyone and then he himself is thrown to the street, that makes all higher demons look as mortal as the rest of them, doesn't that look bad?” He offered, trying to get Lucifer at least mildly interested in the case.

Lucifer couldn’t breathe, he felt like he was drowning. He had failed, again. He clutched at his throat, hyperventilating, but he finally managed to say, “P-Paimon! Was, was Paimon at the trial? Did he not speak up for ou-his son?” he asked breathlessly. 

Asmodeus frowned into the phone, Lucifer…. Did not sound okay. “No… he wasn't there. N really heard from Paimon lately. He kinda spends his time partying and sleeping around; all he really does for Stolas is throw his unwanted work at him, I hear. Like when they were going through Stolas' house it was full of magical items you’d think were Paimon’s responsibility.” Asmodeus tapped his chin. “Think the last time they even talked was when Stolas married that bitch, Stella.”

Stolas was married, his son was married and no one had even told him.

“Why? Do you think Paimon could have done something?” Asmodeus asked, confused and a bit annoyed. Why was Lucifer suddenly curious; though maybe he'd come down and do something… sure the punishment was only 100 years but by then everyone Stolas loved could be dead and gone.

“Stolas is married-of course he is, the Ars Goetia do it young, want heirs…he must have a child-oh sins how long has it been…he must be almost 30…!” Lucifer murmured, loud enough to be heard through the phone but he was clearly not speaking to Asmodeus. His heart ached…Ars Goetia were biologically immortal unlike the rest of the Hellborn, but they aged quickly…and he’d missed everything…his first pin feathers, first flight feathers, first molt…his courtship…his baby! Lucifer had a grandbaby! 

He wept softly, clutching the phone almost absently as the duck he’d been painstakingly working on fell to the floor.

Asmodeus didn’t answer for several long moments before asking in a soft, tentative tone, “Luci… is Stolas…yours?”

“I-I don’t know!” Lucifer sobbed. “He-he might be! I-when Lily took…Charlie…I was…I was a wreck and Paimon…came frequently. To…comfort me. I…one night I…agreed to…we had an egg and then Paimon took it and left and…” his voice broke and he felt a crack form along his arm before being sealed with gold. He took a deep breath. He had to maintain control…

“I…will have a talk with Satan. Have him reverse the verdict…and…Stolas. You said ‘lover’…was his marriage…unhappy…?” he winced even as he asked. Did he have any rights? He took a deep breath, closing his eyes, biting his bottom lip. “And…does he have a child…?” 

“Why don't you come to my ring first? We can have some drinks and some food? I can tell you some more about them and you can see if he's actually yours?” He offered. “I can actually summon Paimon too if you want…” he was technically king of the Goetia even if he never used the title or authority for anything.

Lucifer hesitated for a moment before nodding, there was no point in letting his self-deprecation rule him, if Stolas was his son…he had reparations to make.

“I’ll portal there immediately.”

---

Lucifer was in Asmodeus’ lounge -a quiet room amidst the rest of the rather gaudy palace- and he had a glass of beezlejuice. “Alright, Ozzie. I assume it’s bad or you would have just told me over the phone.”

Asmodeus nodded “I… Yeah it's pretty bad. Paimon didn't raise Stolas himself; you couldn't say he hated the boy, but you couldn't tell he loved him either. He built him his own palace away from the other Goetia and left him to be raised by servants. Minimal contact and such. It was odd. Stolas didn't spend time with other nobles now that I think of it.” He stirred his glass, “-it wasn't so weird that anyone thought to intervene; he was meant to study magic; he'd be the most powerful magic user of the Goetia after all. Couldn't have him getting chummy with the lower caste and used, right? Still, he was wed at 15 to Stella Goetia, the marriage was arranged by her family… laid an egg with her not long after. His reclusive nature got even worse around that time. Then Octavia Goetia hatched. He spent most of his time doing his job and pretending to be a dedicated family man.”

Asmodeus paused and got up to refill his drink. He spoke again, back facing Lucifer, “It wasn't until a year or so ago his affair with an imp named Blitz began. We assume the imp had stolen his grimoire and seduced Stolas into a sexual relationship to keep it for access to the living world.” Asmodeus squeezed his eyes shut. “In a desperate bid for affection Stolas confused this duction for affection and made a contract with the imp. Later on they both caught genuine feelings which led them to me. As I owed them both a sizable debt I tried to make their little business legal.. Unfortunately there were designs upon Stolas’ powers that were already set to get the imp executed, therefore getting rid of Stolas' reason to live. Setting off the events of the trial.”

Lucifer sat calmly in his seat, slouching slightly as he leaned against the back of the seat, sipping his drink, eyes distant. He had let go of his anxieties, of his worries and preconceptions. Instead he was still, like a secluded pond. He let his mind take in all the information, like water seeping into fertile soil. It was a lot to digest. Time moved differently for him; it did not flow linearly, but rather was more of a theoretical concept. Sometimes it dragged on an eternity, and sometimes sped by in a blink.

He’d existed since the dawn of time, after all. If he had every minute weighing on his consciousness he’d be unable to process it all. 

But for so much to have happened to his chick…in such a short span of time…

He inhaled slowly, closing his eyes as he knocked back the rest of his glass. Really, alcohol did nothing for him, unless he willed it. But Beelzebub’s special drink…it allowed him to focus. It stopped the voices in the back of his mind. It was an addicting feeling, so he rarely indulged, otherwise it would become just another monkey on his back. 

Opening crimson glowing eyes, he stared at Asmodeus with an eerie calmness. 

“I shall have a…talk…with Satan. Thank you, Ozzie.” Lucifer got to his feet and turned, lifting a finger to summon a portal into Wrath.

Asmodeus hadn't expected him to react so fast he'd expected more questions or more tears frankly the eerie calmness was scary.

“Uh sure anytime…” he said, ducking his head, watching him go.

----

Satan leaned back on his throne, barely listening to the charges before passing sentence.

“Execution, intensive labor, life in the mines, execution, execution.” He droned on, laying a head in his fist; he'd quit listening. He looked at the hellborn on trial and made a baseline assumption about how he felt about them and decided from there; there was no reason to put more energy into it then that if he didn't feel like it.

Lucifer stepped out of his portal in the midst of the space opened up for the court proceedings. He didn’t even acknowledge the Hellborn around him, staring straight at Satan. In the time it took him to transition from Lust to Wrath he’d manifested his full demonic form; horns, wings, tail, and his crown of hellfire. His golden serpent circling his horns like a mockery of his former halo. 

“Satan, I would have words with you.” He declared, voice low, but polyphonic, shaking the walks of the chamber. 

“Get in line. Execution. Not guilty. Custody to the mother, child support set at $509. Intensive labor, Exe-” he finally paused as his brain seemed to catch up with the moment all four eyes seemed to focus on Lucifer blinking one or two at a time. As if trying to see if he was actually there.

Then they all narrowed and steam came out of his nostrils as he exhaled. “Court dismissed, everyone get out,” He growled.

There was a brief cacophony of denials and complaints, but a small winged imp was quick to take control and usher them all out in a more or less orderly manner. 

Lucifer stood calmly as Satan finally registered his entrance. Silent as the imps, succubi and hellhounds realized who he was, whispered declarations of name traveling around the room like a layered echo. There was a moment of silence, then everyone began to file out, stunned or frightened. Some were curious, but they were dragged away by compatriots. 

Soon the cavernous room was empty, save for Lucifer and Satan. Pride and Wrath. 

“Certain…facts have come to my attention,” he declared carefully. Speaking softly, and yet his voice carried.

“Oh, and tell me what could possibly have been so hell-shaking to have finally gotten your attention?” Satan asked with derision, leaning back in his throne and folding his hands together. “I am just dying to know what could bring you all the way down here unannounced since clearly coming here announced is too much of a bother for you anymore,” his composure cracked, a gout of steam escaping between parted teeth and the spade of his tail slapping the floor. 

“It actually concerns that trial, mainly the Ars Goetia…Stolas.” He said with a bit too much of a growl to come off as casual as he’d like. He began to approach Satan, each step taking him higher as though he climbed an invisible staircase. 

“Oh? That trial; the so-called ‘trial of the century’. The one you were specifically invited to. Said you were attending and then didn't show? That trial? I didn't think you cared.” Satan scowled “All that fanfare and for what? Nothing. Just more pathetic drama making a circus of my court.” 

Lucifer didn’t rise to Satan’s bait, although he felt a momentary twinge of guilt over missing the trial.  He lifted his chin a trifle and continued to approach. “Yes, that trial,” he echoed. “It seems you made a…rather interesting verdict…one that sets an unfortunate precedence.” He tilted his head slightly, now standing facing Satan, at a height to be able to look into Satan’s eyes. 

“And of course this verdict you declared was a reasonable decision made with much forethought and not a rash off-the-cuff reaction? And surely it has nothing to do with who his mother is…?” he drawled almost carelessly, but his gaze was sharp. 

The temperature began rising in the room. “Like I would know what some random prince’s mother would be. Paimon fucks nearly anything on two legs, he probably has just as high of a body count as Asmodeus. The only difference is the slut doesn't wrap it.” Satan scoffed. “He must have sired 50 of the Goetia I've met.” 

Satan then narrowed his eyes, “And besides what do you know or care about precedence, oh lawbreaker? Did you not set me in charge of these six rings? Have you even bothered to read any of the judgements I've made lately? Why should one slap on the wrist to a prince matter to you? 100 years of living with the rabble is nothing to the immortal.”

Lucifer’s jaw clenched so hard his jaw clicked and his eyes narrowed as he exhaled a plume of steam. The ‘Lawbreaker’ comment galled almost more than he could bear, but he set it aside for now. He brushed away the talk of Paimon’s proclivities…he knew them well. The barb of him siring so many children stung a bit, but he was able to shrug that off (Although he would be looking into Paimon’s other children now to see that they were doing well) too. It did seem that Satan didn’t know, and wasn’t even suspicious that Stolas might be his…unless the bull-headed-wouldn’t-know-subtlety-if-it-bit-his-ass Sin of Wrath learned to be discrete…

“A slap on the wrist for those of us who have lived for an eternity, yes. For a youngling of barely 30 years, 100 is three of his lifetimes,” he pointed out as calmly as he was able. If Satan didn’t suspect…should he even bring it up? It’s not like he even knew for certain…

“Oh? Should I have cut his head off like he originally thought I was going to do?” Satan asked. “For the spectacle he caused I certainly could have. Really he should rejoice. He wanted to fuck an imp so bad he let them use forbidden magic now he gets to stay with it full time; if the thing didn't abandon him over losing them their magic.” He grinned cruelly, “See if that so-called love he was willing to die for was worth the humiliation of living.”

Lucifer lost himself for a moment, and when he came back to himself he was standing on Satan’s chest, astral spear in one hand, blade against the Sin of Wrath’s jugular. He was breathing heavily, gouts of flame leaving his lips with every exhale. He didn’t even realize he was crying until a golden tear dropped off the point of his chin and fell sizzling onto the butt of the spear tucked under his arm. 

“Don’t…discount love so cheaply…” he rasped, voice thick with a mixture of grief and rage. 

Satan was surprised that the little king had pinned him so quickly. He wasn't afraid, no, never afraid. They were immortal after all. Concepts born from the darkness in humanity’s hearts; were he to die here, him or something like him would take his place. So he theorized long ago, when he followed Lucifer into the pit. 

But his pulse did quicken, his heart did race. That looks in Lucifer's eye. The anger, the hurt, the wrath. Oh it made his blood sing. To have his king wallowing in half of the feelings he was always consumed in!

“Love is nothing but a weakness that drags us down, weighs our wings and prevents us from flying. You've seen it. I've seen it. Now that foolish boy sees it. He has to decide if that weight is worth it.”

Lucifer hesitated, tilting his head as he gazed through Satan, reading his inner aura. He drew his spear back even as he let it dissolve into motes of light. “Like you did…?” He asked softly. “After Lily…when Lilith took Charlie and left…I’d hoped…I expected to see you. You never came.” 

“If you'd hoped to see me all you had to do was step down Lucifer.” Satan scowled, tapping the pointed boot on his chest.

“Weighed down, some of us no longer have the ability to fly above our station. We can only howl at the moon and boast of achievements long since past or that never were and hope they reach the heavens above to anger the gods there.” 

Satan couldn't say it outright, but it was possible he'd been banished from the Pride ring altogether. Lucifer hadn't banished him; the only other with authority would have been Lilith herself.

He then laid his head back. “Though one does grow weary of shouting all the time.”

Lucifer frowned a little, trying to decipher the meaning behind Satan’s flowery speech. So, Satan had been longing for him all this time…he’d been barred from Pride?! When had that happened?! How had Lucifer not realized…

“Did…was it…” he could hardly get out the words. Had Lilith truly been so cruel? To take herself out of reach, to take his daughter…and to deny him succor with the one who’d loved Lucifer since they’d Fallen together…?  Satan had been one of the only ones to follow him from Heaven, burning his own wings and shattering his own halo to do so… she’d deny them this? Even now?

He felt nearly overwhelmed in grief. His arms began to crack along the point where the burnt black met the pristine white. “I…I would have come had you called…” he whispered weakly, but even he didn’t believe his own words. He’d been drowning in himself at the time, losing Charlie had nearly killed him. 

Satan felt his temper flare. “Lies. You never come. You've abandoned me like the rest of your creations, like father abandoned you.” He slid his head to the side. “We are nothing but the cogs in your machine set to dance until we break.” 

Lucifer kept speaking as if he had not heard Satan, “She must have gotten to Paimon too…that must be why he left so abruptly with the egg-“ before cutting himself off. But he’d said too much…

Satan startled at the mention of an egg. “Egg? What egg? Paimon never said anything about-” and suddenly this whole meeting began to make some sense. The timeline too. He growled lowly and snatched Lucifer up by his dainty heel and pulled him off “Are you only here because you think that brat is yours and Paimon's, you had a brat with PAIMON!”

Anger and jealousy rolled off the dragon in waves. “So this isn't about justice. My performance. Or even about the fate of the Goetia. It's just about the fate of one of your spawn is that it? Are you upset that it is suffering? How hypocritical, it's entire life has been nothing but suffering. You should have considered better when picking a sire.”

Chapter Text

Lucifer couldn’t even argue, even if he wanted to. It was all true. He let Satan whip him around like a discarded doll, unable to even summon the strength to escape. It was all true. Father had abandoned him, and in his pride he had decided he knew best…he’d given the humans free will. And for what? What had that earned him except to be discarded and thrown away without even a moment’s hesitation. What had that gained the humans except suffering…suffering in life and suffering in death. What did he know of love? Of compassion? All he knew was how to discard…

He continued to weep silently. “My babies…” was all he could manage, a broken sob. 

Satan slowly quit shaking him when he realized he wasn't retaliating. He just stared at the crying king. It really knocked the wind out of his sails.

Lucifer had always been the brightest. Whether he was angry or happy. Always willing to be the light that guided them.

This dim broken thing was not the one he'd followed all this time.

He sighed and dropped Lucifer back onto his chest. “I’ll overturn the verdict if it would wipe that sad look off your face.” Satan said, unable to look at him. “I didn't make the decision rationally. I'd been waiting hours to see you. And when you didn't show I took my frustration out on the trial. On that owl that did dopey songs and fought for what he believed in. I should have guessed he was your brat, he was just like you.”

Lucifer barely reacted as he was dropped, laying limp and almost lifeless. But he did register the incredible heat of the Sin. Skin like a furnace, chest expanding like bellows. Soothing…grounding So warm, when Lucifer had increasingly found himself feeling cold…how long had it been since he had touched another person…

When Satan began to speak in a more gentle tone, light returned to his eyes, even as guilt twisted through his guts like a worm through an apple. It was exactly as Asmodeus had said. Satan had been waiting for him…expecting him. Wanting to see him…and Lucifer had barely given him a second thought. Had blown him off like he was nothing. Of course he’d been upset. He’d have every right to be so upset. And…he was remorseful…of course he was. Satan had always been the fair one…when he thought clearly.

And when Satan mentioned Stolas (his son?) singing he lifted his head. Some of the cracks that had formed across him filled with gold. 

“He sang?” He asked, almost shy. He sat up, but made no move to stand. “I did miss you…reaching out was…Lilith wanted me to limit my interactions with you…so I didn’t distract you from your important duties. And after she left I…I couldn’t…” 

Satan blew out some steam “Whatever, I knew you were fucking pussy-whipped by her. And yes, he sang like a dumbass. I hear he's apparently fond of doing that. Like another plucky guy I now” he said, poking him in the ribs with a claw. “I know he didn't inherit that shit from Paimon, the man has the singing voice of broken glass.”

Lucifer winced slightly; he didn’t want to think about Lilith. Hadn’t she known best? He did ruin anything he touched…he shook that thought away and wrapped his arms around Satan’s claw. “Can you…make yourself smaller, please?” he asked softly. Satan as he was was much too massive…he towered over even Asmodeus and Mammon when they were in their full forms. 

Satan did as asked, even if he liked the sight of Lucifer clinging to his arm like a kitten.

He closed his eyes and pictured himself; it had been such a long time since he had been small, he could not just do it on instinct. But soon he bid his body to follow the command, body shrinking down to a mere 7ft, making himself far more proportional to the diminutive king. He tucked his wings around Lucifer, not batting an eye how the new size had the king straddling him. He much preferred it, really.

“Is this better?” He asked, voice a low growl; he didn’t hesitate to place his hands on Lucifer's hips; still so large that he was grabbing the ass as well.still

Lucifer had not expected Satan to make quite so drastic a change, and he clung to the much shorter Sin with a startled gasp, legs spread wide over the Sin’s still thick thighs, a slight golden flush on his cheeks.Even at this size Satan still had the same overwhelming aura…and he was built.  Each part of him dwarfed Lucifer’s, but now…if Lucifer wanted to…he and Satan were much more compatable…he shifted his hips slightly, thighs tensing and hooves flexing in his boots. 

Of course, Lucifer could shapeshift, and his true form could match Satan’s for size…but it tended to melt the sanity of any who saw him and wasn’t properly prepared. So he’d rather be small. And when he was small…! Satan’s hands could still easily wrap around him, the Sin could still manhandle him, use him like a doll…

“Oh! I-yes.” he managed, a bit flustered. He had gotten what he’d asked for, after all. He stared up at Satan, their eyes now nearly on a level although the dragon still loomed over him. His voice still  vibrated though him…it always made him wet although he’d never before acted on it…

“I…am sorry for all the time lost…when we could have…” he trailed off, averting his eyes. He was being presumptuous, thinking Satan had pined for him all these years…

Satan turned his head, “I'm the one who lost my challenge to Lilith's authority. It was my own weakness that cost us time. I wish you would have come of your own volition but taking you hadn't worked either.” Claws dug into his back and ass. “It's disgraceful, fighting and defeating challengers for your hand and then just leaving you. The audacity.”

Lucifer’s face crumpled and he collapsed forward, clutching at Satan’s shirt. He tried so hard for so long to be strong. To have faith in Lilith. But he just couldn’t anymore…

“It was like a dream at first…” he whispered. “Even after the pain of total rejection, expulsion from the flock, being thrown from heaven; them breaking our halos, ripping off our wings…but I had Lilith! We fell together, Hell formed around us! I protected her with my own body…shattered for her! And she was so supportive while I healed…she helped me learn to rule…we built the society! We led the Sins…you followed me…, but the rest…they were born here, and were like our children! I don’t know when things changed…we were so busy…and then I started getting tired…I couldn’t keep up with all the sinners…especially after the flood! And…Lilith started growing colder and colder…and I never blamed her, it was my fault! I was withdrawing more and more…it drained me so much just to keep Hell stable and expanding! Lily had to run everything else so of course she didn’t have time for me…! But…I never realized…she didn’t want anyone else to have time for me either…”

“It is important to give vacations to our caretakers. I know Yogirt has an extensive PTO package as do his descendants and his ancestors. It's kind of a generational thing? His family line was kind of bred to be my therapist by Belphagor.” Satan scratched his cheek awkwardly. “So I've come to understand burnout in more than the literal sense. However I also have come to understand it does not excuse the actions it makes you commit to others” he found himself reciting. 

He winced then, realizing that's exactly what he'd sort of been doing lately since the trial. He was surprised Yogirt hadn't gone off on him yet. Though he probably wouldn't have taken it. That imp-baphomet hybrid really had a nose for these things.

Lucifer winced as well, and turned his head away. “So it is my fault…I overwhelmed Lilith…she was right all this time…” he muttered. She’s said he was too needy, too clingy…too difficult. He wiped his cheeks with one arm. “I should go.” He didn’t want to put all this on Satan too. “You’ve got…duties and I’ve got…ducks.” he added with a forced grin, not quite meeting Satan’s eyes. He couldn’t even remember the last time he had proper duties to attend to. Lilith had sort of just taken responsibility for each one, one after another until suddenly all he was doing was hiding in his bed or making toys. 

Satan scoffed and gripped him around his sides “You're not listening to me. Just as Lilith got burned out you've acknowledged that she refused to share you as well; she burned all the bridges that would have provided you both with the support network you needed, yes? The blame also lies with her. Did she forget that angels are social creatures? Or was she just a bitch who liked you being dependent until it was a chore?”

Lucifer flinched before trying to hide his reaction. Lily didn’t like the others thinking he was scared of her. And of course he hadn’t been. She had just made sure he behaved as king ought to, and not overstepped boundaries! Just disciplining him! 

“No, no! Of course she knew! I-I explained it to her…and…Lily just…liked being in charge!” he replied quickly, instinctively defending her even now. Although…he could remember that even back then, before she grew cold. She didn’t like it when he spoke of Heaven at all, no matter how tangentially. Said he wasn’t an ‘angel’ anymore so it didn’t matter. That all he needed was her. She hadn’t cared when all his feathers had fallen out due to stress and loneliness…said it was easier to manage now. 

She hadn’t liked his whining…eventually he learned how to appease her…and it still wasn’t enough. He was never enough…destroying everything he touched. He clung to Satan, a despairing keening building in his throat. 

Satan growled lowly, not liking his subtle reactions at all. He'd seen them often enough in his court. In the lowborn men and women alike. Seen them on the boy he'd sentenced to live among the rabble. All the signs of the beaten, the oppressed in their own home, the abused.

All the signs one should never see in what had been the brightest star in the sky.

Fire escaped his next breath. “I'll kill her.” He hissed, embers flowing with every breath. His claws sharpened and his size and form seemed to struggle to hold under Lucifer. 

Lucifer gave a low moan, cheeks flaring golden as his eyes momentarily rolled back before his mind registered the words. He stared up at Satan in horror, clutching at his arms and shaking his head rapidly. “No, no, you can’t, she’ll kill yo-” he began before stopping when he realized his instinctive denial was over fear for Satan…and not fear for his wife. He began to weep bitterly and buried his face in the Sin’s chest. 

Satan balked at the implication, flipping their positions, putting Lucifer on the floor of his courtroom as he caged him in. “No, I'll kill her. No matter how many times I die. I've not languished on my throne these many eons. I've trained and warred and killed many. I am stronger than you remember.”

Lucifer gave a startled chirp, eyes wide as he stared up at Satan, staring at him as if he had never seen him before, clutching at his wrists. He bit his bottom lip as he hesitated, eyes searching Satan’s for any hesitation, and hint of deception, of guile… he saw none. Of course not, Satan never bothered with falsehoods, He saw no point, ‘might makes right’ and all that. And Satan was mighty…in so many ways…Lucifer’s eyes slowly slid down from Satan’s face, over the thickness of his throat, the broadness of his shoulders…his chest. He swallowed a sudden mouthful of drool, cheeks glowing a deeper gold. “Li-Lilith isn’t…she…” he stammered, mind stuttering. 

He realized he was ogling Satan’s admittedly very attractive physique when he ought to be talking him out of…rebellion? A suicidal mission? An uprising…? Like what Heaven accused them of…?

And why was he finding it so much harder to defend Lilith, she had been his queen, and she had been a good queen…hadn’t she?

For some reason…it was harder and harder to even tell himself that…

And for some reason…he wanted to forget her in Satan’s embrace.

He should be focusing on his duties. On building a relationship with his chick, on talking Satan out of rebellion!

But instead, all he could focus on was how hot Satan was, how nice it made him feel to be pinned beneath the massive sinner; his hindbrain was purring and his cunt clenching. And before he knew it his eyes were fixed on Satan’s crotch and he whined helplessly. Would his cock be proportional? He’d fill Lucifer up so much…and how powerful would their child be…? How nice to be bred full…and surely Satan would not stop at one… surely he would keep Lucifer heavy with child… he licked his lips and spread his legs, arching his back as he began breathing heavier. 

Before he knew it he was rolling onto his front, pressing his face to the tile as he got his knees underneath himself, raising his ass up, tail curled over his arched back. “S-Satan…please…” he begged. 

Satan watched the emotions fly across Lucifer’s face and the moment the anxiety left that poor pea sized brain of his. 

Satan chuckled a deep rumbling sound as he flexed his muscles, a bit unnecessarily, under the golden one's appreciative gaze.

He howled in laughter when Lucifer flipped himself over and presented like a bitch in heat for him; his cocks were already standing at attention, but, oh, that display pleased him. He easily shredded those white pants, exposing a pretty wet cunt for him. 

“So you finally acknowledged me as a worthy mate and already have a pretty little cunt waiting for me. Should I call you my Queen of Wrath?” he purred and leaned down to lap at the pretty cunt. “Shall I build you a palace? A throne at my side?” He breathed before pushing his tongue into Lucifer’s cunt.

Lucifer squealed, stiffening for a moment, eyes wide. After a moment he moaned and pressed his cheek harder against the floor, raising his hips higher. “Ah! Yes, yes!” he begged, spreading his legs, bracing his shoed hooves against the tiles as he rocked back against Satan’s almost scalding hot tongue. “Ooooh~ Yesss!” he hissed, eyes squeezing shut as his cunt fluttered, already dripping slick. “I-hmmm~ I-” he panted, trying to follow what Satan had been purring. Something about being a queen? Like Lilith? Queen for Satan? 

“I-want…that!” he gasped, biting his bottom lip as he tried to get Satan’s tongue to actually penetrate his aching cunt. He’d been left on his own for so long…and for a while he had not even wanted to do anything sexual, but eventually his sex drive returned…and he was left trying to satisfy himself with just his hands, his toys, his clones.

Satan was sooo much better.

Satan eagerly complied with his wishes, that forked tongue sliding in deep and snaking it's way toward his deepest spots.

Oh how sweet Lucifer tasted. Even before he tore his way out of heaven he had wondered about how sweet Samael tasted.

When the concept of taste was introduced to them he'd immediately wondered what it would be like to eat the other.

Now he knew in the figurative sense and he LOVED it. He growled, moving his hands to the ground to dig his claws in so he wouldn't wreck the small body below him in his zeal. He had to prove himself a good mate and tearing Lucifer apart wouldn't be a good look for their first time. Though he knew he could put himself back together.

“AH-ah-Sa-AhhhH~” Lucifer moaned helplessly, eyes rolling back as he began to drool. He was clawing at the tile as he rolled his hips, needing that tongue deeper…aching for it. “Oh, oh, so good, soo goood…” he whined, mindless with lust, feeling hotter by the second as his long neglected libido returned with a vengeance.

He was entering heat.

“Need…need…” he panted, arching his back more, tail turning to wrap around Satan’s neck and shoulders, squeezing slightly. “Hnnnn~ I! Gunna!” he sobbed as the pleasure inside began to reach a peak. 

Satan was more than happy to help him reach it, moving his tongue against his cervix and just teasing pressure as if to push through it.

“Ah~! Yes! Fuck~ yes, do it-ah! Wreck me, use me, breed me!” he sobbed and writhed helplessly. It felt so good to be filled, and to have his cervix teased…the slight hint of pain sent him over the edge. He arched up, pushing himself up with his arms as he bent back nearly in half; his cunt clenched, rippling and gushing slick.

Satan slowly pulled his tongue out undulating it so he could hear those cries more.

He sat up on his knees and wiped his chin with all four eyes taking in the wrecked king. 

“Breed you? Are you sure about that, my little star? If you let me Sire one of your children I'll never let you pick another sire.” He purred “I'll make you my Queen for real and keep you in my bed and make sure you're home by my side every night when our work is done.”

His pants looked ready to burst the bulges in them straining the poor seam and his belt.

Lucifer trembled, panting softly, eyes glassy as he collapsed back to the floor. He sprawled, porcelain skin nearly glowing and covered in a fine sheen of sweat. He blinked slowly, brow furrowed as he tried to focus. Satan had said something…about breeding him? “Yes, yes! Please!” he begged. He managed to lift himself up onto his elbows, turning to look over his shoulder at the Sin. His eyes were drawn to the bulge between his legs. 

“Oooh…” he breathed, eyes wide. His thighs trembled and he collapsed back onto the floor, back into a mating position. “Satan…please!” he was practically weeping with need. “I need…need more!” he continued.

Satan grinned, that was close enough to consent for him! He quickly undid his belt and tore his zipper down; he may have heard it pop but he didn't care. The relief he felt when his cocks finally were free from their confines made him groan.

He had two, though they looked different; one was thick, jagged with soft spines and would certainly catch on Lucifer's delicate cunt; the other was a longer, smoother with a wider hooked tip.

Satan grinned, “I hope you're ready for a ride you'll never forget~” he purred, climbing over him. He slotted their hips in a way that the long smooth cock rubbed against his slit but didn't go in. It was the thicker cock he began pressing into his cunt instead.

Lucifer nearly bit through his lip as he watched Satan finally release his cocks, and his eyes widened when he finally was able to see them…had they always been like that?! How had he not known! He might have rebelled against Lilith long ago for a taste of those…! He whimpered, half collapsing forward again, burying his face in his arms as he trembled in anticipation. 

“Yes…!” he managed, voice breathless and high pitched as he tried not to tighten up. He groaned weakly as one finally began pressing in…so thick! Already his entrance was being stretched. He bit onto his wrist, eyes rolling back as he tried to roll his hips back, to get the cock deeper. 

Satan growled, “Do not muffle your cries, my little star. Do not my eternity of patience’s prize,” he grabbed his hair, claws digging into the scalp slightly as he pulled his head away from his arm. He wanted to hear every noise Lucifer could make.

Lucifer shivered all over before whining and slowly unclenching his jaw, allowing his arm to drop free. He didn’t mind having his head dragged back, in fact he enjoyed it, and he managed a louder moan as he clenched around Satan’s cock. “Ah…p-lease…!” he slurred. 

“Good boy” he praised releasing his hair to brace himself and set a more steady pace, the large cock spreading his new lover open while the long one rubbed back and forth against his clit with each thrust. He couldn't wait to fill Lucifer with his clutch.

Lucifer flushed with the praise, giving a breathless little mewl and his eyes squeezed shut. He caught himself on his forearms, bracing himself against Satan’s thrusts. “Oooh~ Saaaa-taaan~!” he mewled, drooling, cheeks flushed. When he opened his eyes again they were glowing golden. It felt so good to be filled…his cunt stretched open. It almost hurt, but it was so good he could hardly stand it. “Ah-ah!” he chirped, bouncing slightly. “Mmm, so big…so deep~” he whined. 

Satan chuckled “And this is just the first one my darling little star. Wait till the second one gets to go in…” he purred he moved a hand to Lucifer’s stomach and traced a claw over it. “Have you ever wondered how I created the hellborn?” He purred

Lucifer's eyes opened wide and he stammered incoherently for a moment, clenching down even tighter around Satan’s cock as he moaned even louder than before. “Ah-oh fuck…I-I never…fuck, Satan!” he babbled before letting his head fall forward to peer underneath himself at Satan’s hand. “Oooh…I want it…all your eggs…I’ll be your little brood mare…” he begged mindlessly. Shit, what did he even need to be king for anyways? He’d rather just be heavy with Satan’s eggs and rearing their young…

“The lights we'll make together…” he purred, slamming in deep, the cock in him kissing his cervix as his claws poked where his naval would have been had he been human. “Your Princess won't be lonely anymore having so many siblings” he teased Lucifer since the other clearly didn't know how reproduction with him worked. “What if I filled you with 10 eggs? Or 100?” He set a steady rhythm.

Lucifer slowly opened his eyes, staring at the far wall as he tried to make sense of those words. “Oh…oh…that…would be so muuuuuch…” he whined, tongue lolling out as he drooled helplessly. “I…I can’t…” he panted, cunt convulsing around Satan’s cock. “Hnnn~ I-I-gonna cum…” he sobbed.

“Do it little star, I'll reward you,” Satan purred, his cock pulsing inside of him, something bulbous moving down it. 

Lucifer whined, burying his face for a moment before lifting his head, gasping a staccato moan before crying out, going still as he began to cum, cunt clutching so tightly to Satan’s cock that he could no longer pull out. “Ah~! Ah! Ah! Satan~” he wailed. 

Satan didn't need to pull out anyway. He bellowed as he pressed their hips together, claws digging into the floor as his cock pulsed harder and it almost felt like he was cumming in Lucifer, but thicker, bulkier. Little pellets being pushed past his cervix, one or two at a time. Each one probably the size of a popcorn kernel.

Lucifer gasped, dropping his forehead to the tiles as he trembled, moaning each time a little bead was pressed past his cervix. “Ah-ah-ah…” he whimpered, brow furrowed. “Oh, oh~ Satan! Satan!” he moaned helplessly. “Oh, you...laying eggs in me…?” he gasped. “Oh, thank you…”

“I am certain our spawn will be beautiful.” The draconian purred, leaning down to nuzzle Lucifer; though his horns scraped the floor before he could reach him so he huffed and pulled Lucifer up so he could nuzzle him gently. His tummy began to swell a little and soon the sensation stopped. “Ready for the next part?” He said, slowly pulling out, “Got to get them fertilized now” he chuckled “Hope you're not too tired for another round” it suddenly became very apparent that while the shorter thick cock had been emptied the long spear headed one was still at attention.

Lucifer let his eyes slide shut, moaning softly as Satan lifted him up to nuzzle him, although he of course enjoyed the displays of affection. “Ah..more…?” he gasped before peering down his body at the other cock still pressing against his groin. “Oh-oh! Yes!” he gasped again, with delight “Oh, yes, make sure they’re fertile, my darling!” he cooed. He was practically wriggling with delight, and he snapped his fingers to rid himself from the rest of his clothing so he could flex his hooves properly. 

Satan chuckled, admiring his adorable beauty. The fall had changed his form much, but for Satan, he personally thought it was for the better. Those charcoal limbs added a lovely flare to his form that set him apart from his twin in an alluring way. He could even appreciate the golden cracks along his body, though not how they came to be. He wanted to lick every one.

He pulled his spent ovipositor out and shifted his hips, teasing his stretched slit with his actual cock, moaning as he pushed the longer organ in.

“Still so warm inside…” he couldn't help but snap their hips together, burying the length into Lucifer, it's spearheaded tip easily pushing into his cervix and stirring up the eggs.

Lucifer’s tongue flickered out to taste the air as he lounged indolently in Satan’s embrace. He groaned unhappily as Satan finally shifted to pull out his ovipositor, feeling terribly empty. But when Satan pressed his cock in next he made a whorish moan. 

“Oooh, that’s so good…” he whined. “I should…sit on your cock while you hold court…” he babbled with a delighted giggle 

Satan chuckled and rocked his hips “As if I'd ever share the visage of your beauty with the rabble. He pinched one of Lucifer's nipples for even suggesting it. “As much as I would love to show how much you love my cocks, sharing has never been something I was good at.”

Lucifer gave a soft whine, dropping his head forward again. He felt drugged…warm. It was so nice to be held…and Satan was just so fantastic! Fucking him full…he giggled a little before squealing as his nipple was tweaked. He writhed a bit and clenched down. “Ah-ah! Satan!” he moaned. “I-mmmm~ I want them~ alll~ the time!” he crooned. He hummed happily and reached up one hand to cup his dainty fingers over Satan’s, guiding the Sin to squeeze his small breasts.

Satan did as his little star demanded at the moment he existed for his pleasure after all. He squeezed and massaged, careful of his claws. Growling in satisfaction as the small body in his hold milked him.

“Uhf…yeah…” Lucifer panted, satisfied that Satan was so accommodating…as he should be since Lucifer was accommodating a lot of him in return! “How...many…? Will be viable?” he asked breathlessly.

 Satan rocked his hips and snorted “Do you really wanna pause this for a biology lesson my little king? Can the detailed PowerPoint not wait till I've finished?” He asked moving his hands to his hips to start pounding him.

“I-Ahhh~” he began to respond before being distracted once Satan began pounding into him again. He collapsed forward, clawing weakly at the tiles. “Hhhnn…” he moaned, drooling again. He’d forgotten all about what he’d just been asking…it wasn’t important. 

Chapter Text

“HOW MANY?!” Lucifer exclaimed in shock. He was certain he’d heard wrong. He was gaping at the Sin of Sloth, Belphegor, jaw unhinged as he clutched the medical gown to his chest while she rubbed the probe over his slightly swollen abdomen. 

“102 give or take a few,” Belphegor said, eyeing the screen. “And this was from… falling on Satan in court? Entirely by accident?” she stared at him as if he was the biggest idiot in the seven rings trying to tell her that story. “Unless you got in a fist fight with his dicks and lost I doubt this was an accident” She yawned 

“You know that is sort of how I remember it,” the much shrunk dragon on the other side of the bed said, grinning with all his pointed teeth, showing clear amusement by Lucifer’s abject horror and surprise at the sheer number of their spawn. He'd been hiding the possible number of their progeny from him since it was so funny he jumped into the mating head first with no idea how it worked. So now they were here and he was loving every second of his confusion. It eased the sting of being ignored for so long. Just some harmless mischief he reasoned.

“Well-! I mean-have you seen them?!” he exclaimed, dropping his gown with one hand to gesture expressively at Satan. “You’d fall on them too!” 

Belphegor looked at him, unimpressed. “No I wouldn't, some of us aren't freaky like you and Ozzie, sire. Now you can expect to lay your ‘accidents’ in a few months. I suggest a nice big lake. Whatever hatches will need plenty of low competition food before it comes out on its own and becomes whatever hellborn you two manage to create. Though if you want to keep your eye on them a medium to large pool might work depending on their size; at the two month mark it's possible they may take more after you than him.” She said to Lucifer.

Lucifer ignored Satan as he stared intently at Belle, hanging in her every word. He would not blow off her advice when it came to his babies! He focused as she explained their needs, making a mental note, before giving a horrified chirp when she insinuated that the babies may all take after Satan’s size…

“Ah…good thing I can change size as well as shape…” he murmured absently, one hand dropping to his stomach. “I…shit. Maybe we should go to the Envy Ring and see what Levi has?” He suggested weakly to Satan. 

Satan gently laid a hand on him. “Lucifer, she means after they hatch, they won't increase in size drastically inside of you so don't be afraid.” He assured, “Around the two month mark we'll be able to see inside the eggs for identifiable features indicating if it's more humanoid or hellbeast that will help us decide on size after they hatch.” He explained finally being helpful to ease his anxiety.

Lucifer blinked up at Satan and then nodded as the tension eased out of him. “They’ll probably eat fish…?” He glanced at Belphegor and then seemed to register the reality as he reeled. “102!!” He gasped. “How will we…name them all?” He looked thoughtful. “After stars…? And feeding them all! Oh…we have so much preparing to do…” 

Satan rubbed the back of his head “Lucifer you know how people keep fish tanks? Or how frogs start out as tadpoles? That's… kind of what our spawn are gonna be like. We're kind of making a new species of hellborn their kids are gonna be well kids but ours? They're more like… throwing stardust together and seeing what comes out? Like next time I can give you a real baby if you want but this time it's kinda… maybe one or two will stick around but more like a… crime against nature for fun.”

Lucifer’s mouth fell open and he blinked up at Satan; for one second he felt betrayed. But it was only a moment. He nodded slowly. “Oh, that makes sense.” He agreed lightly. “That doesn’t mean we can’t name them. And we have to give them the best start of life we can if we’re introducing a new species into Hell.”

He glanced away and hummed absently, still stroking his stomach. “I’ll want a ‘real’ baby next time.”

Satan breathed a sigh of relief, “of course I am able to do that. See the only difference in the process; if we don't use the ovipositor cock, the fertilizer cock just fertilizes one of your eggs instead,” he said and patted his tummy. “So we'll do that next time.” He promised.

“Accident my ass,” Belphegor muttered, “if we're done here I'm going to take a nap. Come back if you start having any problems sire” she told Lucifer handing him a piece of candy before making her way out.

Lucifer sighed and leaned back into the padded examination table, closing his eyes for a moment. “Oh, Satan…what have we done…?” 

“Something that should have been done a millennia ago in my opinion.” The dragon stated bluntly as he leaned back in the squeaky plastic seat for those accompanying patients. “The fact you want to hold off on an official announcement makes me furious.” He admitted, as if Lucifer would up and ditch him again, though logically he knew that wasn't the case. The other had many matters to sort out, it would literally upend all of hell if they just up and married out of nowhere. And he still had to reverse the judgment on Stolas.

Lucifer sighed, letting his eyes slide shut as he gave a thoughtful nod, although his eyes flew open as he scrambled upright, staring at Satan in trepidation. “Satan! I-I would, but we have to-to discuss this with the other Sins, prepare our marriage and coronation—-we should be seen publicly courting for a bit first, and…I should talk to Stolas and Paimon and…and Charlie…I have to publicly denounce Lilith and…” he trailed off, starting to speak faster and looking more panicked the more things he realized he had to do. 

Satan blinked all four eyes focusing on him before he put a hand on his mouth and slowly pushed him back down on the bed. “I thought you were already thinking about all that.” He admitted “I see I am the only one who thinks about my job all the time.” He removed his hand from Lucifer’s mouth. Perhaps Lucifer hadn't been working as much as he thought… he gently stroked his cheek “Do not stress I can help you with this I am a king as well. I can help with anything we need to get done. And as long as you don't plan to leave me again I can be patient for all this to settle.”

Lucifer flushed golden, averting his eyes as his shoulders hunched and he clutched his hospital gown in a tight-knuckled grip.”I-I was thinking…I-I just…it’s…” he swallowed and ducked his head, squeezing his eyes shut. “I…it’s hard to focus and…Lily-Lilith’s been doing everything anyways…she says…she said…” he continued to babble. 

Satan grit his teeth so hard one crack shooting pain through his jaw. “Excuse me” he said and turned his head to pull the broken tooth out, golden blood dripping from his maw for a second before he swiped it up with his tongue and the tooth grew back.

He turned back to face him, crushing the broken tooth to dust.

He smiled a bit more pleasantly. “My dear, let's not focus on anything Lilith has said in the past. If we need to rebuild hell’s structure from the bottom up I am sure it will be but a trifling matter. The other five will fall in line and I am sure the princess of pride is not so inept that all your duties will fall solely on you. Besides, don't you have a new heir that can also aid in responsibility now? Your support network is bigger than ever,” he tried to lay out optimistically without threatening Lilith's existence again as that didn't address the root of the problem.

Lucifer blinked in confusion as he stared blankly up at Satan, and he nodded weakly as Satan began reassuring him before brightening at the mention of Charlie. The mention of his other heir confused him for a moment before he sputtered, “Stolas? I-well, I suppose he is in line…but what would the Ars Goetia think?!” He shook his head slightly and looked more confident. “Well, I am their king, so if I want to publicly accept Stolas as my son they can’t do anything about it!” 

“Technically Asmodeus is their king, but you are his king so it's all the same,” Satan said, then snorted, “Heh, I think if you claim him officially that gives him a rank almost equivalent to Asmodeus.” And he threw him in the street. How funny. In a few centuries the brat might be powerful enough for revenge, how cute.

“Now, do you want to get ready to meet him? Or is this enough excitement for the day?” He asked

Lucifer puffed his cheeks out as he stared indignantly up at Satan, finally pulling the gown down to cover himself. “I-I was trying to be more…confident.” he argued before sitting up and turning to get off the examination table. “And I’d love to meet Stolas…to see if he really is mine, but I would hate to inconvenience him…” he glanced over at the clock. There was no true day-night cycle, but the hellborn did have their own time tables. 

“I am sure he'd be honored to meet you even if by some chance he wasn't yours but I am fairly certain he is now that the possibility has been pointed out to me. And the fact his sentence is getting reversed is probably something he'd want to be told sooner rather than later.” Satan said picking him up; thankfully it was still daytime, leaning toward evening, but still workable for a summons.

Lucifer clung to Satan with a startled chirp before snapping his fingers and giving an indignant huff. His medical gown changed back to his usually Ring Master garb.  He didn’t plan on meeting his child looking like a..a…invalid! “Alright, I’m just…I’m just nervous. But yes, hurry. If he is my chick….” his eyes filled with tears. 

“Now, now, enough of that.” Satan offered him a little rubber duck he hoped he still liked. 

He then portaled them to Wrath and set out the immediate summons for Stolas, or by extension the imp he was living with if he was still there. And that peacock Andrealphus so he can do the power switch.

Lucifer’s eyes lit up and he gave a happy chirp as he clutched the duck to himself. It was beautiful! A lovely crimson rubber, bright carmine eyes, little horns and wings… “Satan! Thank you!” he said before kissing the Sin’s cheek. He nuzzled against Satan as he took them to Stolas’ current domicile. He hoped his poor chick hadn’t resorted to living on the streets…he’d be so mad at Satan if his poor chick was suffering so much! 

He straightened up when he felt the summons and slipped out of Satan’s arms so he could stand tall (as much as he could when everyone else is so dang tall), and greet his chick with some dignity. He was sure the prince would be furious to find out the truth, resentful and likely not ready to accept him…but Stolas deserved the truth. 

One hand dropped to his abdomen. Did it show too much? His vest felt a little tight…he frowned and glanced down.

----

Stolas flinched, eyes growing wide as he gave a weak distressed hiss. He clutched at his chest with one hand, the other clawing at the back of the couch as he reeled. “Oh no…no no no…” he whispered, his feathers fluffing out in fear. 

Blitz rushed over, dropping the spatula from where he was cooking “Stolas! What's wrong?!” Shit was he having a heart attack?! “Is my poor people food literally killing you?!” He asked, freaking out.

“Ah…no-...that would perhaps be preferable, however it is not the case!” Stolas declared with a weak hoot. “I-Satan is...summoning me…” he managed to get out, reaching out with the hand he’d been clutching his chest with towards Blitz. He ducked his head and rolled off the couch.

“We…I can’t…I can’t ignore him…please…come with me…?” he begged as he tried to put off the call.

Blitz grimaced but took his hands “Of course, Stolas, that fucker isn't taking you away from me. And I won't leave you alone to do something stupid” he said resolutely.

—--

Andrealphus was sitting on his icy throne pretending to listen to the rabble of Stolas' former legion while he signed paperwork as he felt the summons.

He froze all the demons, “Okay, shut up all of you, someone of importance has something to say!” He said, accepting the summons with grace. Maybe Satan wanted to praise him for his work!

Lucifer’s eyes narrowed as he saw the snow-white peacock Ars Goetia. He was certain that that was not Stolas. And he immediately disliked him. He bristled and lifted his chin, side-eyeing Satan. “Is that the one that you gave his power to…?” he asked without bothering to keep his voice down. He folded his arms over his chest and waited for a response. 

Satan had moved the monarch to his shoulder so he could look regal as he'd resumed his full size and sat on his throne. He hoped allowing Lucifer to sit on him showed how important he was to these proceedings.

“Yes, this is Andrealphus, he is Stolas’ ex-brother in law, and currently the custodian of his powers and daughter. His ex-wife was deemed… unfit.” He didn't want to get into that mess until he had to. He had a feeling Lucifer would be less than pleased with how he'd let the Goetia govern themselves. Sure it was technically Asmodeus’ job but who would trust that fool with anything other than fucking?

Andrealphus took his introduction as time to bow. “Yes, it is I. My Lords and Lord Lucifer, how delightful to meet you. How many I assist you. Is there some prophecy you need me to find?” He asked looking between the two Sins, why could he have been summoned here?

Then a portal opened next to him and Stolas and Blitz tumbled out of it. Stolas in a crumpled bathrobe and shorts.

Tall for an imp but shorter than Stolas, Blitz was still dressed in his assassin get-up from work.

Satan raised a brow, “I can see why you were resisting summons now.”

Stolas cringed, quickly trying to adjust his too short robe into something even the slightest bit presentable…oh, he looked such a mess, why was this happening, what more could Satan take from him?! He gazed up at Satan a little nervously as he averted nervously before noticing Andrealphus. He hissed, hackles bristling as he barely resisted the urge to attack that bastard…

Lucifer’s eyes widened and he clasped his hands to his mouth. He was completely ignoring the fawning peacock. The dark owl…oh, there was so much of Paimon in him, but…there he saw himself too… oh, he was sure, completely certain…that was his chick! He reached out with one hand to clutch at Satan’s arm. “Oh…he’s so thin…” he whispered. 

Stolas blinked and realized that it wasn’t just Satan here…but…who-no…was that Lucifer?! What was he doing here?! What was going on?! 

Satan reached up and pat Lucifer, his massive hand nearly covering the monarch up with each pat. “Calm yourself majesty, all will be sorted soon.” He said before adjusting his eyes to the three below him.

Lucifer’s reaction was all he needed as proof.

“The king of pride has graced you with his presence and examined the trial. He has deemed my judgment unfair, and unbecoming of the crime you were accused of.” Satan said, leaning back on his throne.

Andrealphus felt all of his carefully laid plans start cracking. “But my lord! The singing! The admittance! He admitted to aiding the imps in invading the living world and rising above their stations!”

Satan moved his eyes toward Andrealphus.

“So what? You don't care about any of that. All you cared about was besmirching his name and getting him into a position where he'd have to take the fall for the mortals under him. The only real crime was him being dumb enough to fall in love with the lower class.”

Blitz growled “Listen here you-”

Satan put all four eyes on Blitz and he froze mid sentence. “Just because I am overturning one verdict does not mean you can speak to me, whelp.”

Stolas flinched back, one hand at his chest as his wide-eyed gaze jumped from Satan to Lucifer and back. He was at a loss for words, and bewildered. It would be nice if this was true, but what reason did Satan have to overturn his decision, especially such a public one! He reached out to grab Blitz before his beloved could do something stupid (like trying to attack the Sin of Wrath!) before looking towards Lucifer.

He’d never seen the King…no one his age had. The king was said to have been reclusive for decades…

“Ah-my liege, that is, your majesty! Why-I appreciate your efforts…that is, I am so grateful that you would go through so much effort for one such as I!” he babbled, a bit flustered. He clutched Blitzo tighter to his chest as he leaned a little over him. One arm was wrapped around the Imp’s shoulders, the other under his arms around his stomach.

Lucifer just wanted to throw his arms around his chick…but he had to show restraint…he had to be patient. He could preen his son soon enough…poor unkempt feathers. Not that he could talk, he was sure his wings were in an even sadder shape. He looked up to Satan and then back to Stolas. Was that his lover? He must be…they seemed quite close…he was so happy his son had found a lover that was protective of him…

“Y-yes. I…it was my fault that Satan was so…out of sorts that day. He should never have made such a ruling…” he said as calmly as he could, hands clasped behind his back.

Andrealphus looked between the two rulers. Was that true would it all have been really dealt with differently had the king of pride never shown up?

“I suppose that's why you were very… negative about his presence in the courtroom. Yet are you sure this is a decision that needs to be reversed? Have I not been doing a well enough job with his power? And he was still allowing imps to use it to access the mortal realm! He was still manipulated-”

Satan raised a hand “Shut. Up. Frankly the laws broken were unprecedented. The punishment can be whatever I decree. Even if I still just execute the imp and don't touch Stolas it would be in the realm of possibility; if I did nothing at all it would be the same. Let Hell know I reversed my decision and let them mock me for bowing to Lucifer’s whims. It matters not, for I am the law. And my law states that your status is no longer connected to his.” Satan growled.

He looked upon Stolas and leaned forward, making sure to make eye contact with the Ars Goetia Prince. “However just because I am reversing my decision does not mean all is well with you. Do not let me hear of you using your powers in such stupid or frivolous ways again. From now on you'll be training under the king of pride personally to learn how to use such powers responsibly.”

Stolas was still completely bewildered, this all felt like a dream. Surely it could not be happening…things so rarely went his way! He clutched tighter to Blitz, trying not to shame himself by bawling. He looked to Andrealphus and away quickly, mind reeling. And then one thing occurred to him. 

“Octavia! Does that mean…do I get to see my daughter again?” he gasped. If he just got his little owlette back…had the chance to talk to her! Oh, even if this was some cruel joke…if he just had Octavia…!

Lucifer hummed softly, stepping forward and spreading his arms wide to draw attention to himself. “Yes, the entire ruling is being overturned! You shall have your ranking back, your powers, and you will now have full custody of your daughter!” he declared, waving one hand towards Andrealphus. The powers siphoned from him and back into Stolas, followed by his crown floating back to his head, and then the Grimoire returning to it’s proper master. 

He clapped his hands together and glanced up to Satan. “Shall we bring in the rest of those that pertain to the next task?” he asked with a slightly manic grin. 

“Of course; I assume you mean that lout Paimon and Stolas' daughter, anyone else you want?” Satan asked, starting the summoning.

Andrealphus looked devastated as all the power left him, “You can't do this! Stolas is entirely unfit to wield his power! I-”

Satan growled “Go home I tire of your voice! You're dismissed!” He snarled

Lucifer hesitated for a moment, glancing at Stolas before shaking his head. “No, just those two for now.” he decided.

“I-I’m so grateful, I can’t possibly thank you enough-” Stolas declared, tears of joy in his eyes as he released Blitz to fall to his knees before Lucifer. 

Lucifer so badly wanted to comfort his chick…he glanced to Satan. Silently urging him to hurry up. 

Andrealphus disappeared into a portal and then two more opened up Octavia pinwheeling in holding her phone and headphones. Clearly she'd been at school still with her backpack emptying on the courtroom floor.

Paimon stepped out of his portal gracefully and bowed, “Lord Satan to what do I- Lucifer!” His eyes widened upon seeing the diminutive monarch and he looked over the rest of the room as Octavia’s things clattered to the ground.

Blitz moved from Stolas' hold “Hey, don't your summonings have better warnings!?!” He huffed and began helping the confused girl pick up her stuff.

Lucifer started to move towards Octavia before restraining himself and clenching his hands tightly behind his back. Oh, she was so adorable! She still had a little bit of baby fluff! She looked just like Charlie when she’d been her goth phase! 

He looked towards Paimon, biting his bottom lip, eyes going half-lidded. He still looked…quite handsome. But then he remembered Satan’s proclamation of him, and swallowed. He needed to behave himself. “I-yes. Its good to see you again, Paimon. I appreciated the comfort you gave me when I was… in need. During that time…we conceived an egg together if I recall correctly. Its hard to be certain since you took the egg the day after I laid it and then never reached out to me again. So tell me, Paimon. Is this, or is this not, my chick?” he asked coolly, gesturing towards Stolas. 

Paimon clicked his beak shut, eyes moving over to Stolas. There was a small look of pain there, “It is. I had hoped you'd never have to meet under such circumstances.” Really a bathrobe? Why was his son not in a more presentable attire?! 

“I gave him the Goetia name so none would use him for possible connection to you. And to respect the Queen's threat to his life. I apologize for not anticipating you wanting a formal introduction. I would have dressed him up better.” he said, huffing.

Stolas was a bit startled to see his father, but his concern over Octavia was more pressing. He hurried to her side to help her pick up her things. “Octavia, my star! I’ve missed you so terribly!” 

Octavia quickly grabbed her bag and held it to her chest when her stuff was back in it “What's going on dad why are we all back here?” She asked, sounding angry but she was all puffed up and clearly afraid. “Are you and your dumb boyfriend in trouble again?” She asked.

Lucifer rushed to Stolas and Octavia although he managed to keep from throwing himself at them at the last second. “Oh, Stolas…” he said, staring at the two Goetia…they were both taller than he, but he didn’t care! He had a son! And a granddaughter. “I am so sorry that I never tried harder to look for you…”

Stolas flinched when the king approached, pulling Octavia to his chest despite her struggles. Then what his father said registered and he gave a startled squawk. He looked to his father, than to the king, then Satan, then back to the king. “I-wait-what?” 

Paimon stepped closer. “Lucifer and I were lovers for a time. As his most devoted attendant-”

Satan gave a warning growl that made Paimon jump.

“Well, as one of his most devoted attendants, he and I spent a lot of time together… things happened and your egg was laid. Unfortunately the queen did not like the possibility of a Goetia being born of Hell’s direct royal line; she wanted to smash you. So I took you away to raise in anonymity. Hence why you've never had a mother in the records.” Paimon explained. 

Satan leaned back, “Had word ever gotten out about your true lineage I imagine there could have been no shortage of ass-kissers and or assassins after you. Frankly I might have killed you myself out of spite.” 

Blitz was looking between all the people in the room and elbowed Stolas lightly leaning up “Stolas am I hearing my crimes went from fucking royalty to fucking super royalty?” He asked.

“And he already had assassins after him so that department wouldn't have really changed” Blitz added frankly as he turned to Satan. “I'd probably just have more money in my pocket protecting him.”

Stolas, frankly, was not at all sure he knew how to feel. On the one hand…his mother -or dam rather- was the king of Hell?! That was certainly enough to make anyone’s head spin! But also…his mother was the king of hell. Why hadn’t he helped him?! Why hadn’t he saved him from years of a loveless marriage…years of abuse! Surely Lucifer could have put Stella in her place or…or arranged him to marry anyone else! 

On the other hand…he’d always wondered who his mother was…he’d longed to have at least one parental figure that gave a damn...and it did seem like Lucifer had not known about him…? Or about where he was? 

Really, it was too much to process all at once on top of the sudden reversal of his fortunes…his reunion with Octavia. 

Also…how had his father pulled the king of hell. 

He shook his head weakly, glancing down at Blitz. “I…suppose so, Blitz…you’re certainly rising in the world.” he said with a weak laugh. 

Lucifer bristled, eyes turning crimson as he stared at the taller than average imp. “And who sent those assassins…?” he asked carefully, trying to reign in his anger although it was pretty clear he was pissed. 

“Like I know, I'm an assassin not a detective. I shoot first and ask questions later. Only one still alive is a guy I haven't seen in awhile” Blitz said, shrugging nonchalantly. “But when I see his sexy ass again I'll make sure we put him through the wringer for his shit.” He said it so casually yet the look in his eyes was anything but kind. Striker had a hell of a reckoning coming and maybe once they found out who employed him to shoot Stolas and had hurt Moxxie if he didn't satisfy him well Blitz had always wanted to try a few things with a man who'd called him Partner. 

Octavia was still processing as well. The king of hell was her grandpa- well grandma and while her dad was confused about his feelings she wasn't. “So why now? Why come to us now? What do you want? Are you just here because Dad got in trouble with his dumb boyfriend or something? Or do you think you're gonna magically fix his and Mom's marriage?” She asked, hands on her hips. She narrowed her eyes at Blitz.

Paimon winced, “Oh she's fiery.” He'd never actually met Octavia except when she was very small. He understood, really he hadn't exactly been kind to Stolas. Unable to show him favor. He wondered how she'd been raised.

Stolas winced and pulled back from Octavia slightly, peering down into her sullen face. “Octavia- that’s not…it won’t work-” he began.

“Oh, fuck no! I’d get their marriage annulled if I could, but in no way am I planning on trying to ‘fix’ it!” Lucifer began, laughing a little but being completely sincere. He’d taken a bit of time to research what he could while waiting for the Ars Goetia to arrive. It hadn’t been hard to see the truth behind the forced smiles. “There’s nothing to fix! It was an arranged marriage made without the consent of either your mother or father, made when they were children, and has made both your mother and father completely miserable! Your mother took it out on your father, and your father took it out on himself. If he hadn’t had you to provide for he’d probably have killed himself years ago, no thanks to his neglectful father.” Lucifer directed this last bit to Paimon. 

He was more than a little furious about how Paimon had handled the entire situation. On how he’d let their poor chick suffer…on how he’d forced him to marry that terrible woman! His poor little fledgling…

Octavia looked at Lucifer with wide eyes. Like everything he'd just said was news to her.

Stolas gave a startled shriek and clutched at Octavia’s shoulders as he stared at Lucifer in horror. How could he say it like that?!

Blitz scowled at Lucifer too, “Dude what the fuck you just don't say shit like that, what's wrong with you?!” Was royalty just a bunch of emotionally constipated weirdos?!

He looked to Stolas and took his hand “Hey, don't think about her okay… you're divorced now. She can't hurt you anymore…”

He looked at Octavia. “Hey I know that's alot-”

“It wasn't your fault…?” She asked, looking down, shoulders falling as she tried to go over everything she knew about her parents and her childhood. It was all so…

Blitz winced, “I'm still a homewrecker, Via, but yeah, your parents weren't really happy, no. I'm sorry,” he said, gently patting her back. “It wasn't your fault either. Just a bunch of adults who kept making mistakes.”

“Mainly that one.” Lucifer added, thumbing at Paimon. He hesitated. “I shouldn’t blame Paimon too much though…I should have made more of an effort too…I should have…tried harder in a lot of ways…” he trailed off, turning his gaze from Paimon to Stolas. This was all his fault, really. Just like everything else was. He should have just…done what he needed to do to be the king Lilith wanted and expected him to be…then she wouldn’t have left with Charlie, and he would not have gotten so…lonely that Paimon needed to throw him a bone and then run away with his egg…

He reached up with one hand, tugging at his hair, the other clutching at his chest. “Shit…I…can’t…do anything right…can I…I shouldn’t…” his hands dropped to his abdomen and he collapsed onto his knees, catching himself on his hands before throwing up. 

“Lucifer/Your Majesty!” Paimon and Satan reacted at once, both going for the collapsed king Paimon being closer swept him up.

“my Lord why- what's wrong?” Paimon chirped worried

“Release him now, owl, give him to me,” Satan growled, extending one of his large hands. “He's not yours to care for.” 

Stolas clutched Octavia to his chest, stroking her crest feathers with one hand as he stared with concern at Lucifer. “What-what’s wrong with him?” he asked, eyes wide. Was he sick? He didn’t even know any of the Sins could get sick! What if it was contagious?! A small part of him was actually amused that someone was talking down to his father like that…even if it was someone who’d nearly killed his beloved and had torn him away from his daughter…

Lucifer groaned, face buried in his hands, shoulders hunched. 

Paimon scowled at Satan, stroking Lucifer's hair. “Lucifer clearly needs a gentle hand not your oversized claws!” He cooed down at the fallen angel. “My Lord, are you ill? Did you eat those persimmons again?” He asked, remembering they always made his tummy upset. Though looking at him more closely… “or…”

He didn't get to finish because Satan had shrunk his form and kicked Paimon square in the face, bending the bird backwards as he pulled Lucifer out of his arms.

“Know your place, worm. If I say release him you release him” the sin growled hellfire sputtering around his form as possessiveness burned in all four eyes.

Blitz immediately yanked Stolas and Octavia away from those sparks. “What the fuck what the fuck.” He was starting to think they should just sneak in out of there.

Lucifer didn’t complain as Satan reclaimed him, wrapping his arms around his neck as he buried his face against the Sin’s throat. When he heard the imp trying to retreat with his chick however he was quick to recover, turning just far enough to stare at Blitz with a crimson eye. “Stay right there.” he hissed. His tail was out, lashing in agitation. He slid from Satan’s arms and wiped his mouth with the back of his arm. “The first trimester always hits me hard, just-” he took a breath and allowed his demonic features to vanish. 

Blitz felt like he was going to be immolated right there. He really regretted not taking Moxxie up in that offer of learning how to use angelic weapons. He released Stolas and Octavia raising his hands in surrender. “Okay okay not going anywhere. As the only mortal in the room please don't kill me” he said “sheesh.”

Satan growled but straightened Lucifer’s outfit. “Be careful don't get so worked up…” 

Paimon was healing his broken beak. “You're pregnant again sire? That's wonderful” he said, voice kinda whistley as he patched his face back together not even bother standing back up lest Satan knock his ass down again.

Stolas’ eyes widened and he pulled away from Blitz although he did spare a moment to worry for his safety. Once he was certain that his darling had not been cruelly set aflame he turned back to Lucifer and Satan. “ah-Your majesty- that is…ah..” he stammered, flustered, how should he call him? Would it even be right to be so informal with him? Surely Lucifer wanted a relationship with him…? 

Lucifer lit up when he saw his son addressing him and he smiled brightly, opening his arms. “You can call me whatever you feel comfortable calling me, my chick…” he said lovingly. “I’ve missed you so badly, I’m so sorry I was never there for you…”

Stolas’ eyes filled with tears, and yet he clung to Blitz, afraid to make a move. If he did…everything would shatter…this surely must be a dream…if he made a choice…he would awaken…lose Octavia all over again…lose the mother he’d always longed for…and surely this must be a dream, how could Lucifer be his mother…be his mother and still want him?! 

Lucifer’s gaze softened and he glanced at Octavia. “And Octavia…a granddaughter! I am so happy to know you exist…please…let me make up for my absence…for not coming sooner…” 

Octavia looked between her Dad and Lucifer. “I don't get it, not one bit.” She said turning away from them. “So are we getting to go home? Is that what this boils down to?” She asked, hugging herself. She needed time. There were a lot of changes in one day.

Blitz felt really bad for her. “Hey no one's making you accept anything, just like before at Sinsmas.”

“Actually Stolas' Palace was ransacked during the banishment… but you can both stay with me” Paimon offered, face finally reconstructed “I think we should talk anyway…”

Lucifer wilted slightly, but he realized of course that all of this was so much to try and take in at once. Of course Stolas and Octavia wouldn’t know how to digest such revelations so quickly. He nodded slowly, “I understand, you need time. You need space.” He said gently. 

“No fuckin’ way,” Blitz said, “I'm putting my foot down, you are not staying with your abusive dickbag dad! You can stay on my couch until your fancy ass house is back in order Stolas.” He said, taking his hands. “Sure, it's not fit for a prince, but it's better than living with Lord Dickwad over there.” He said firmly.

He looked at Octavia and sighed, “Again, we can't make you do anything, Via, you wanna go with Paimon you can, but I know Loona wouldn't mind seeing you and sharing her room, you would have a little space okay? It's just an offer.”

Paimon growled, feathers turning red. How dare that imp insinuate a couch was better than his whole palace! And the sheer disrespect! He should just make him a stain on the courtroom floor! 

Lucifer was startled and quickly stepped forward, reaching out to place a hand on Paimon’s arm, to draw his attention. “Let them be, Paimon. Let them go someplace they feel safe so they can process everything.” 

Octavia brightened slightly at the mention of Loona. “I-that might be nice…” she murmured, pretending that she was not interested. “I like her…” she added. 

Paimon scowled, “Fine.” He huffed, turning away.

Blitz brightened too. “Great! I'll text her right now!” He said and got his phone out to let her know what was up.

Lucifer drew his hand back to himself, absently letting it fall to rest on his stomach as he turned away. He didn’t want to interfere more than he already had. He’d gotten Satan to revoke the sentence, so Stolas had his daughter back as well as his powers. 

Satan coughed into a fist, “If I might offer a compromise. Sire, don't you have a location that's perfect for temporary housing and could benefit from the prestige of helping restore a Goetia back to his place? As well as introducing him to your actual heir?” He nudged Lucifer gently.

Lucifer blinked once up at Satan in confusion before gasping, “Oh! Yes!” He turned his attention back to Stolas. “Stolas, I, my daughter, Charlie, has a hotel, it’s for sinners who wish to redeem themselves! It’s quite safe, and you could get a fine suite for all of you…” he explained all in one breath. 

“The crazy one?” Blitz blinked but took it back, she’d always been a…. Neat person comparatively to other nobles he guessed. “Do you two wanna do that? It’s nice having siblings, Stolas.” He’d give anything to repair his relationship with Barbie.

Lucifer blinked once before going still, face blank. He stared unblinkingly at Blitzo before slowly relaxing and turning away. He clasped his hands behind his back, exhaling slowly.

Stolas hesitated, glancing at Blitzo before looking at Satan, then his father, and finally his…mother. He clutched at Octavia a little tighter in his arms before releasing her. “I…would love to stay at your…my sister’s? Hotel…” 

Blitz smiled “Great and if it doesn't work out my place is still open!” He assured the other.

“Excellent, now you can go there and get settled in. We can prepare for a grand redebut for you later once you've… readjusted to society” Satan said looking between him and the imp “Are you going to keep your… plaything?”

Blitz tensed, teeth grinding together a moment “Nah, I'm going home see you guys later; I got a business to run. All nice and legal like,” he turned toward the door flipping them off “See ya later Stolas.”

Stolas gasped softly, blinking quickly before nodding. “Of course, Blitz.” he said softly before wrapping one arm around Octavia’s shoulders and nuzzling her. “Are you coming along, starfire?” he asked gently.

Lucifer looked up to Satan, a little uncertainly before looking back to the ars goetia. 

Octavia nodded “Yeah I'll go with you dad. Might as well and see if my aunt is as crazy as the Internet says… I mean she can't be worse than Uncle right?” She laughed a little. She really just wanted to be with her dad.

Stolas could not hide his delight and his feathers puffed out as he hugged her again. “Oh, my darling, thank you! I know I’ve done so much to sow distrust in you, I have done very little of late to mend the chasm that has been forming between us. But I will do better, I swear!”

Lucifer was so happy, he’d be able to spend time with his daughter and his son! And granddaughter! He was moved nearly to tears. “Alright! Lets get going!” he declared, clapping his hands once for attention before gesturing with his hand to form a portal.