Prideful and Vain

When one Sin falls, another takes it's place.

[personificationofpride-blog]

  Pride lowered his head, his ego bruised by how easily Lucifer saw through his lie. With a heavy sigh, and shifty eyes, Pride replied, “They are revolting in my circle, Father. They say they prefer the first Pride to me.”

[theworstkindofsinner]

He hissed. Revolts were always troublesome. “They are too old and proud to accept one so young. Prove to them that you are greater than your predecessor.” He stood up, teeth bared. He didn’t like fighting battles for his children.

But he’d much rather them being alive than making them seem weak.

"Shall I intervene in a more…peaceful manner? Or would you rather I stay out completely for now? I can be a great help if you fear your life is in danger." He doubted it was- Sins were hard to kill- but you could never be too sure.

[personificationofpride-blog]

Pride lowered his head slightly as Lucifer hissed. He listened to the King of Sin's speak, nodding slightly in agreement. "That is what they have been saying, yes." 

At the suggestion, the new Sin shook his head. "No, do not intervene. I simply came here for..." He trained off, not liking the words that were about to leave his mouth. "Advice." Pride shouldn't need to ask anyone for advice, and the fact that he did physically hurt his ego. "I do believe that they out number me, and that I may be at risk, but I would prefer to solve it on my own."

[apersonificationofpride-blog]

  “What?!” Pride’s ears flicked forward immediately, eye widening in surprise. He knew?! How- no. That couldn’t be right! That meant someone else had ordered something and-… And he was probably bluffing. Probably. He scowled, mentally scolding himself at letting his act slip for that moment. It would go unnoticed, surely. His replacement was just as much a fool as he. “All I’ve heard of you is wrong then! They had said you were quite clueless… How presumptuous of me to assume so as well.” The demon’s tails twined together behind his back, lashing as one in irritation. Yet another snag to work out. So the boy would be leaving Hell, likely to avoid it as much as he could without completely losing control of the circle. That ruled out any number of disposable demons to send and meant Lucifer would be taking a greater notice. Traffic between Hell and Earth was all too noticeable- especially if demons were trying to be sneaky about it. “I trust you have a well defended home on the surface then? The assassin they are sending can traverse between Hell and Earth.” 

[personificationofpride-blog]

"Don't act so surprised. I do pay close attention to the happenings in my own circle.They like to believe I am clueless, I'm sure." In truth, Pride was quite upset about hearing how lowly the demons considered him. While he looked over the demon before him, he further narrowed his eyes. He was so close to figuring out what was happening here. If only the strange creature could talk to him for just a bit longer, he would have it. "I'm sure it can, and I am prepared for that."

[apersonificationofpride-blog]

Everything had been going according to plan. The circle was brimming with an edge of discord. Those that had joined the rebels’  cause were working furiously to bring down the whelp. Speaking of which, the boy had even sought out Lucifer’s help! Of all who he could have gone to- the one who murdered the first! That… May have been but one wrench in the gears of his grand comeback. Nonetheless, a minor setback wouldn’t stop what he’d set in motion.

Pride yawned and stretched, pausing in his stalking the castle. It was almost- almost- his once more. Just a little bit more time. He needed to find that chink in his replacement’s armor. That crippling weakness he could use to strike the final blow. Then everything would be right again. He’d sit the throne, the demons would settle down, Lucifer would be outraged, and most importantly-  everyone could forget the whole fiasco of him dying had ever happened. If it took living as a demon for another week- another year even! No, he hadn’t the time. Yet speak of the devil, there was his replacement. Perfect timing. So long as the boy still thought him dead, the elder could pry anything he needed out of him. “Ah, Monsieur! A moment of your time, s’il vous plait!”

[personificationofpride-blog]

Pride was stressed, beyond so, by the events taking place in his circle of Hell. It was all he could think about. He hated having to go to his Father for help, and he hated asking Humility questions even more, but it had to be done. If he was going to save his own skin, he would have to make some sacrifices, and acknowledging that he would not make it out of this on his own was one of those. 

He was trying to rush out of his circle, and out of Hell, when he heard someone calling him. He whipped his head around, catching a strange looking demon with a strong, familiar aura trying to talk to him. “What, what is it?” Pride hissed. “I hardly have a moment to spare so make it quick.”

[apersonificationofpride-blog]

The demon trotted over and bowed respectfully, hiding an amused grin. The young sin was looking more anxious than he’d expected and doing a poor job at hiding it too; were the elder not so focused on acting, he’d have scolded the boy for letting it show. “You must forgive me, sir. But this is- ah… How do you say it? Urgent? That sounds about right.” Great… Lying. Why did he have to get so out of practice with it? Damn his self-imposed honesty! He had to come up with something clever and fast. It’s not like the truth would have fooled anyone… Or he could play a turncoat and betray his own rebellion. It wouldn’t be the first time he’d done so. “I come with a warning. These usurpers… I hear they have become impatient and plan to attempt an assassination within the coming hours.” Brilliant… Just brilliant. Something he’d have to both order and find someone suitable for. It would be so much easier to just do it all himself. At least it would be a decent story to stick to.

[personificationofpride-blog]

There was something very off about this creature. Something very off indeed. The way he talked and moved, it was all too familiar to the young Sin. With furrowed eyebrows, he crossed his arms over his chest and straightened up, trying to wipe any sign of nerves or fear from his posture. "I am aware of this." He wasn't outright lying. While he knew they were getting impatient, well, saying he knew it would be this soon wouldn't be the full truth. "That is why I am leaving Hell for the moment. Is that all?"

[apersonificationofpride-blog]

Everything had been going according to plan. The circle was brimming with an edge of discord. Those that had joined the rebels’  cause were working furiously to bring down the whelp. Speaking of which, the boy had even sought out Lucifer’s help! Of all who he could have gone to- the one who murdered the first! That… May have been but one wrench in the gears of his grand comeback. Nonetheless, a minor setback wouldn’t stop what he’d set in motion.

Pride yawned and stretched, pausing in his stalking the castle. It was almost- almost- his once more. Just a little bit more time. He needed to find that chink in his replacement’s armor. That crippling weakness he could use to strike the final blow. Then everything would be right again. He’d sit the throne, the demons would settle down, Lucifer would be outraged, and most importantly-  everyone could forget the whole fiasco of him dying had ever happened. If it took living as a demon for another week- another year even! No, he hadn’t the time. Yet speak of the devil, there was his replacement. Perfect timing. So long as the boy still thought him dead, the elder could pry anything he needed out of him. “Ah, Monsieur! A moment of your time, s’il vous plait!”

[personificationofpride-blog]

Pride was stressed, beyond so, by the events taking place in his circle of Hell. It was all he could think about. He hated having to go to his Father for help, and he hated asking Humility questions even more, but it had to be done. If he was going to save his own skin, he would have to make some sacrifices, and acknowledging that he would not make it out of this on his own was one of those. 

He was trying to rush out of his circle, and out of Hell, when he heard someone calling him. He whipped his head around, catching a strange looking demon with a strong, familiar aura trying to talk to him. "What, what is it?" Pride hissed. "I hardly have a moment to spare so make it quick."

[theworstkindofsinner]

  "…You should know better than to attempt to lie to the one who has the title of Father of Lies. Honestly, it is far too obvious that something is wrong."

He got up, staring Pride down. "Now, tell me what is wrong before I start making educated guesses or snooping about your business."

[personificationofpride-blog]

Pride lowered his head, his ego bruised by how easily Lucifer saw through his lie. With a heavy sigh, and shifty eyes, Pride replied, "They are revolting in my circle, Father. They say they prefer the first Pride to me."

[stars-and-letters]

personificationofpride started following you

*Well, this guy gave off an in charge aura.* H…Hello. *He seemed evil too…*

[personificationofpride-blog]

What do you want? *Glances over.* An angel? 

[theworstkindofsinner]

"For a Lesser Angel or Demon, it would be near impossible. Unless you mean when they are not in Holyhell or Seraph. But even then, it is not an easy task. Mikey is a Archangel. He is leagues above any Lesser."He was staring intently at Pride. "…Is there something I must know, Superbia?"

[personificationofpride-blog]

Pride nodded as he took in the new information and processed it. So killing would be a hard task, but not impossible, and a Virtue had been brought back to life before. And, not just any Virtue, either, but his opposite. 

"There is nothing wrong." Pride lied terribly, looking far too nervous for nothing to be wrong. 

[theworstkindofsinner]

"….Yes, I suppose it could be. It has happened with Humility- but there was also aid from Raphael in that case, if I am remembering correctly. But yes, I suppose it is possible." He was gazing intently at Pride. "Is there a specific reason why you wish to know?"

It could just be that, since he was so young, he just wanted to know more about how Sins and Virtues worked.

[personificationofpride-blog]

Pride harshly exhaled when Lucifer spoke. This was not what he wanted to hear. He would have to talk to Humility, then. He looked down, and then around the room, thinking to himself, before speaking again, completely ignoring Lucifer's question. "Another question; how hard is it to kill a Sin? I experienced being wounded when I fought with Michael, but for a lesser angel or a, say, demon? How hard would it be to kill a Sin or Virtue?"

[theworstkindofsinner]

  Lucifer tilted his head. "No, no, it is fine. My children are far more important than high ranking demons. Besides, you kids are at the very least logical. If you put high ranking demons in a room together they will more often than not argue."

He scratched the back of his head. "Ask whatever questions you require an answer to. I cannot always guarantee an answer- but I will attempt my best." He still wasn’t 100% sure how Sins and Virtues worked.

[personificationofpride-blog]

"Thank you, Father." Pride said, looking around the King of Sin's bedroom for a moment, before bringing his eyes back to Lucifer. "I wanted to know, is it possible for an original to be brought back to life at the death of his replacement?" The young Sin questioned with a slight tilt to his head. "Has their been any instance of that occurring, with a Sin, or even a Virtue, for that matter?" 

[theworstkindofsinner]

  The higher ranking demons seemed too absorbed in their various arguments to notice the Sin too much. They had looked over in his direction once or twice, but that is all.

Lucifer excused himself and headed towards a door on the left side of the room. He motioned for Pride to follow him, closing the entryway once the Sin was inside his room and sitting on his bed. 

"What is it? Do not be concerned- they cannot hear us in here. My room is practically soundproof."

[personificationofpride-blog]

Pride fixed his suit jacket as he followed Lucifer from the meeting room into the bedroom, and he held his head high. It was important for any demon to look over and see him looking in control and powerful. After all, Sins were of higher rank. 

When Lucifer sat on his bed, Pride stood in front of him, with his arms crossed over his chest. "Father, I need to ask you some questions about... originals Sins and replacements. I appologize for taking you from your meeting, but it is rather important."

[personificationofpride-blog]

Pride was nervous to return to Hell, and rightfully so. He knew there was a plot to kill him, and he wasn’t eager to die. Not yet, anyway. However, he realized that returning was exactly what he had to do if he ever wanted to get past this. 

Pride didn’t know enough about replacements and the mechanics of the Balance to answer all of the questions he had or to be sure of how to handle his current situation, but he knew someone who he thought could help. 

The youngest Sin entered Lucifer’s dwelling carefully, constantly glancing over his shoulder for any sign of attackers as he looked around for the King of Sins. When he reached the entrance to the throne room, Pride paused and called out, “Father? I need to speak with you.”

[theworstkindofsinner]

Lucifer was in the middle of a meeting when the Sin knocked on the door. He excused himself from the table and opened the door, letting Pride inside the throneroom. 

Various high-ranking demons were seated at the table in front of Lucifer’s throne. “Yes? What is it? Or is this something that must be said in privacy.”His bedroom was pretty private, if that was the case. He couldn’t exactly shoo out all of those who had already made an appointment to see him. 

That would just be rude. And unprofessional.

[personificationofpride-blog]

Pride looked over the high ranking demons in the room nervously, and he was clearly on edge. His normal, proud stance was shaky at best, and he looked much to unsure of himself to be the Sin of Pride. 

Pride straightened his back, knowing that now that there were others around, appearances were more important. While he didn't immediately recognize anyone at the table, that didn't mean that one or more of them wasn't involved in the plot to kill him. 

"This is a private matter." He said stiffly as he looked to Lucifer. 

[personificationofpride-blog]

Pride was nervous to return to Hell, and rightfully so. He knew there was a plot to kill him, and he wasn't eager to die. Not yet, anyway. However, he realized that returning was exactly what he had to do if he ever wanted to get past this. 

Pride didn't know enough about replacements and the mechanics of the Balance to answer all of the questions he had or to be sure of how to handle his current situation, but he knew someone who he thought could help. 

The youngest Sin entered Lucifer's dwelling carefully, constantly glancing over his shoulder for any sign of attackers as he looked around for the King of Sins. When he reached the entrance to the throne room, Pride paused and called out, "Father? I need to speak with you."

[personificationofpride-blog]

I have a lot of work to do.

[personificationofpride-blog]

While In Hell

With amenities like these, Pride could easily grow used to a place as hellish as Hell. 

It could easily be said that he hadn't been looking forward to his extended visit to the realm of the damned.

It was hot, fiery and filled with all sorts of unpleasant characters that seemed to crawl under his skin...

Or, at least that was what Pride thought until he found the castle. 

Really, as massive as it was, Pride was surprised he hadn't found it early. He assumed it had belonged to the Pride who came before him, but since he was dead and ghosting his way around on earth, that made it rightfully his. 

And boy, was it grand. With multiple floors, spiraling towers, and a library that any earthy scholar would sell his soul for, Pride was able to make himself comfortable and get right to work on studying the complexities of Hell. 

Now that he had a pleasant place to stay, his only real issue was the too-good-for-you demons that made their home in his circle. While Pride encouraged, and fed on arrogant and egocentric behavior, he couldn't stand it when it was being directed towards him. 

Clearly, allowing the circle to go out of check for so long was a mistake. Some of the lesser demons were starting to think that they might even be better than Pride himself. 

This wouldn't be tolerated. Not by Pride, anyway. 

Asserting his dominance and position over the lesser creatures was a challenge. Especially when it came to the older, more powerful demons, but after a few quick slashes of his sword, most seemed hesitant to fight back against one of Lucifer's Sin's. 

Most, but not all. There was a small, but growing group, that wasn't pleased with the new reign within the circle. A group that didn't like being ruled or controlled by a child that wasn't even a year old. 

Once Pride caught wind of them, it wasn't hard to discover their motive. 

Kill the new Sin. Revive the old one, or train the newest replacement to know his place is under the centuries old beings. 

Someone as young and inexperienced as the newest Sin wasn't fit to be above those who were centuries his senior. 

Pride tried to find the faction, and calm them with vague threats and harsh words and he didn't make it out unscathed. Though his injuries were minor, he knew he had to get out of Hell, or at least his circle, until he could figure out the details of what was going on, and how to stop it. 

It was time for him to go back home.

[owlsduringdawn]

[kateelliottsff]

Photos of some remarkably beautiful birds.

[infini-tree]

all dressed up with nowhere to go

[personificationofpride-blog]

What do you plan on doing now, then?

I'm not exactly sure yet. I'd like to enjoy some of the finest that humanity has to offer while I think about how I'm going to tackle some of what I found down in Hell.