A Story of Steve (The Owl House)
Steve pumped his thick shoulder-padded arms up in anticipation. The trusted lieutenant of the Emperor’s Coven’s leader, Steve had worked his way up the ranks for the chance of seeing the action where it was, capturing users of wild magic, and enforcing the will of Emperor Belos. Steve was no stranger to danger, But nothing could have prepared him for what occured today.
“Sir please help me… o Titan NO-”
Steve’s heart skipped a beat as he saw one of his platoon mates dragged away into oblivion. Multiple others were being caught in the chaos.
“Fall Back!” He commanded, ducking into the nearest undergrowth. It was a massacre
Left, right, or front the infernal demon was eviscerating the bulk of his men, who were not as fortunate as Steve. The stragglers that remained huddled behind Steve, attempting to formulate a plan
“Sir! this is a class 10-A Demon!” Steve’s head technician stepped forward “His power is unprecedented- ”the machine in his hand sparked, and went black “and limitless! There’s no way we can beat him at our current unit strength, and without more magical backup!”
Steve heard the shrill screeches of the Demon ahead. They were running out of time.
“But sir, how can we escape? This demon is too fast!” The high-pitched squealing suddenly increased in volume, causing all of them to flinch. “It will definitely catch us!”
“Don’t worry!” Steve looked at the soldiers around him. His comrades, his men, his fellow soldiers, that he personally trained and grew up with from young. He couldn’t let them get killed, not now.
“Report back to Kikimora, we need reinforcements! I will hold this monster off!” Steve saw them staring at him through their masks in disbelief, but met them with steely eyes of resolve of his own. “Go!”
They were still hesitating. Steve had trained them too well. Foolish soldiers, loyal to a fault.
As the remainder of his contingent ran off, Steve blinked back tears. He was glad he was wearing his mask, otherwise his men would’ve seen his quivering lip. If they had seen him breaking down there and then, he wouldn't be sure if he could maintain his strong facade any further.
His men had their whole lives with their loved ones ahead of them. Steve had no one, hence, it was his duty to keep them safe, no matter the personal cost. Lonely Steve, All by himself. Alone.
No, he had his men with him. He had to do this. For Emperor Belos. For the Boiling Isles. To avenge all the deaths of the men under his charge. And for those still alive, he had to delay this wild demon for as long as possible, while he still drew breath. Perhaps they may avenge him too in future.
Steve heard crashing through the underbrush. By the Titan! His shouts must have alerted the Demon to his location.
Gripping his spear in one hand and net in the other, Steve gave out a guttural yell, his go-to rallying cry whenever he trained, did pushups in the shower, put a ‘kick-me’ sign on Lilith’s butt, or accomplished a mission.
“SHOULDER PATS FOR STEVE!”
Steve charged forward through the bush.
He met the face of the demon, and stared it down. Its beady eyes, as dark as night, glared right back as it streaked towards him, his impending doom drawing nearer. This close, Steve could see the demon’s evil grimace, still gleefully causing destruction around him, the murders completely absent on his conscience. How dare such an abomination exist!
Steve closed his eyes and readied his spear. Steve knew he had no chance to beat this thing, but refused to show weakness. At the very least, he could give his men a fighting chance for survival.
However, he was too late. The demon’s face plunged through his body, and Steve dissolved into nothingness. The last thing he felt was the sweet relief of darkness, but even so, he swore he could hear the demon’s accursed voice, faint in his ear. “wobbly, wobbly, wobbl…”
“…HOOTY HOOT HOOT WELCOME TO MY TEA PARTY!” Hooty grabbed Steve’s limp body by the scruff of his hood, and sat him down beside the corpses of his comrades. “I’M ALWAYS HERE TO MAKE NEW FRIENDS! WOULD YOU LIKE SOME TEA?”
the end.
Special thanks to Meiz and MahaSaka for proofreading!
Note: Sorry if the delivery is a bit clunky, I haven’t written a fic in like 3 years
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