Raphael x f!Tav Fic - (More Chapters on Ao3- I may add them on this blog as well)
Summary: It’s been two years since the fall of the Netherbrain and Tav was deemed the Hero of Baldur’s Gate. She defeated the Elder Brain, Defied the God of Murder, Helped her companions for the better, and… gave the Crown of Karsus to the devil Raphael. Now she lives a simple life in the city working as an investigator along with the Hollyphant Valeria, and living with her closest friend Alfira.
When a string of missing persons cases come to the surface Tav is called forward to investigate which leads her on a wild series of events. No matter how hard she tries, she finds herself trapped within the claws of a familiar Fiend. This time, she is not so sure she can keep her soul from his grasp.
Relationships: Raphael/Tav, Haarlep/Tav
Warnings/Tags: 18+, Major Character death, Graphic Violence, Post game so BG3 Spoilers, Redeemed Durge Tav, Tiefling Tav, Slow burn romance with plot, Murder, Eventual Smut, Angst/Fluff, Denial of Feelings, Romance, Themes of Fate and Destiny, No beta, Implied past SA, Soft Raphael (But he is still the Devil), Torture, Hurt/comfort, They/Them pronouns for Haarlep
-- The more the chapters progress, the darker the story gets, be warned.
CH 1: The Prince and The Pawn (Words- 4.1k)
ACT 1
–Year -389 DR, 1881 years before the fall of the Netherbrain–
Avernus stank of blood and bile.
It was the first thing Raphael noticed when he blipped to the outer layer of the Hellwood. He frowned as made his way through the thick brush, the razor sharp leaves threatening to maim his perfectly polished doublet. He continued his short walk until he found himself outside a disheveled hut.
The hovel towered over the forest on rusted iron stilts, the unfinished roof leaning dangerously to the side. It was a wonder how it was even standing, even more of a fascination to how the devil would dare step foot in such a hideous environment. No matter, he would pay this small price if it meant getting one step closer to obtaining what was rightfully his.
The Crown of Karsus was an incurable disease that plagued Raphael’s mind.
It had been Ten years since the fall of the Netherise Empire, marking a decade since the Crown had been stolen from the devil’s grasp. What would have been a key part in his rise to glory was now a sitting dust collector. Not even the screams made by the hundreds of thousands of dying Netherise citizens filled the void left by this failure.
Attempts were made by the devil to try and reclaim his right. However, the Archdevil Mephestopholies held the crown within his iron grasp, locked away inside his impenetrable vault of ice and steel. Once Raphael’s father learned of his ambitions, it only made the crown’s retrieval much more difficult. Raphael’s prize was dangled in front of his nose like a bone to a flea ridden dog. The pure dismissal made the Cambion’s blood boil.
Raphael fully believed the lord of the eighth was a paranoid fool for wasting the Crown’s endless magic. Maybe Raphael was grateful for that one detail although he would happily burn anyone alive if they were to disclose it outloud. Mephistopheles’ neglect gave Raphael the perfect opportunity to swoop in and take it for himself. Which is exactly what led him to the Hellwood. Soon he would be cured of sickness and he would get what belonged to him.
Wasting no time, Raphael opened the front door and stepped inside. If there was any doubt that this was the habitat of a Night Hag, the putrid smell, and disarray proved otherwise. The room would have been quite spacious if it hadn't been for the endless clutter that lined the walls. Various shelves were filled to the brim with moldy books and dusty nicknacks. Tables were lined with half melted candles and assortments of dull yarn and pots. The devil found his nose bunching up at the fungi and dried plants that lined the ceiling of the room. The only space saved from litter was the small walkway leading from the front door to the back wall where a shadowy figure sat behind a dusky counter.
“Matron Sybil, how good it is to see you, my old acquaintance." Raphael said to the silhouette, hiding his scowl.
The figure shifted forward, illuminated by the small torch sat on the counter.
The Night Hag’s leathery purple skin pulled in rows down her wrinkled face and her dull gray hair hung in a matted mess down her back. Her poor posture forced her into a permanent forward lean, diminishing her height. She opened her one good eye to give him a piercing stare. “And just when I thought I would be living in peace. Why do you bother me, fiend?”
“Ah ah ah,” He tisked disapprovingly. “I should throttle you for treating such an esteemed guest in such a manner. Besides, you are in the hells, there is no peace here.
“A true charlatan indeed. If you are here for an infernal bargain ive already told you I am not interested” Her lips pulled back as she spoke, revealing the few razor sharp yellow teeth that still remained after centuries of rot.
“No unfortunately, your inability to procure results in a timely manner is quite dissatisfying.” He mocked. The Hag had lived for centuries however still found herself lacking a coven of her own. Such a disgrace among the Hag hierarchy. “But you need not worry about your hide, my business is with the little stowaway I hear you keep in your backroom.”
With a snap of his fingers a small silk pouch landed on the counter. The weight thumped against the splintery wood, its contents filled with soul coins of a couple of debtors he had been meaning to dismiss.
“Hahaha,” an ugly chuckle escaped the old woman. “Now you speak in a tongue I understand." She swiped the bag into her claws, holding it up and accessing the weight. “Can I trust you to still keep your end of the bargain we made those many years ago?”
“You wound me!” he said in fake offence. “ I am if not but a Devil of my word. Lying is a flaw saved for mortals.” He replied, the sneer on his lips remaining hidden for the time being.
The Night hag’s presence in the first layer of hell was an oddity. However, after leaving Stygia, Matron Sybil had been careless in the first layer of Hell, attracting the attention of Archduke Bel and his fearsome Hell Hunters. Luckily for her, Raphael had just been in the perfect place at the perfect time to offer her refuge, in exchange for her services at a later date. Now he had come to collect, and make due of his promise. “I assure you, no person or beast alive will ever find you in Avernus.”
The hag was silent for a moment until she asked, “What is it you seek?”
His pointed tail flicked to the side, his patience wearing thin, “What I desire is of no concern to you, Hag, show me the Seer. Unless you wish to become close and personal to Bel’s council.
An indistinguishable noise left the Hag before she said, “Patience now you bratty beast. You will get what is owed.” She motioned for him to follow her.
Finally. Raphael followed her behind the counter. He entered the back room, tucking his large red wings behind him as he passed the small doorframe. Similar to the lobby, this area was littered from floor to ceiling with piles of moldy junk with the center area surprisingly clear. A massive fireplace was carved into the back stone wall, atop it a black calduron that leaked some sort of undistinguishable ooze. The vile display of rot was offensive to all those who could be considered a house guest.
On the side near the fireplace, huddled on top of the rubble sat a small pale tiefling woman, the seer no doubt. The woman wore dirty rags, no shoes, and had a blindfold draped across her eyes. She was skinny beyond reason, her only source of restraints being a short chain connecting her foot to the wall. The old Hag was a terrible host indeed.
The Hag made her way towards the fireplace, digging her grimy nails into the seer’s rags and dragging her with. “One drop of the blackest blood, that is the price of the fortune.” She then looked towards the seer and shook the tiefling, “Oh wake up you useless swine!”
The seer slowly stood on shaky legs and padded the rest of the way towards the cauldron. Raphael followed her and snuck a peak into the black abyss, wrinkling his nose in disgust at the putrid stew, if it could even be called that.
Raphael took a sharp knife from his pocket and cut a small line through the palm of his hand. He let the blood flow into the caldron, and as soon as he did the hag began to wave her arms back and forth in cantation. The room lit up for a moment, the seer breathing heavily as a massive orange fire spouted over the caldron, threatening to kiss the ceiling. Only then did the seer begin to speak in a soft haunted voice,
A Prince seeks a crown, and the crown he shall receive.
A task not so simple, for him alone to achieve.
For more than a millennium he shall wait,
Ever so scheming, many attempts to hasten fate.
Soon an era of chaos will cross the land,
The prince and fate will shake in hand.
Three gods ascend; Bhaal, Myrkul, and Bane
It is only when they meet shall the Prince begin his reign.
A true soul will appear in name,
Once a pawn of blood, turned to flourish in flame.
As the pawn travels, they will falter in faith
Unknowingly helping the lord of the eighth.
Their laughter will taunt, and poke and pry,
until the Prince responds with a cry.
The Prince will find the pawn will be his key
If only he wishes to pay the fee.
Raphael’s gaze was transfixed on the fire. The flames twisted and lashed out as the seer spoke, eventually forming into a featureless feminine figure. A devilish smile appeared in white across the flame’s face, a hand reached toward him.
Now there is only one more message to this tragic tale.
The one who crowns you, will see you fail.
With that the fire abruptly died and the seer was silenced.
Raphael reflected on the message that would be forever etched into his memory, focusing on the last stanza. He furrowed his brows. Fail? He would not fail with the crown, that would be impossible. Then he remembered the first line of the seer’s prophecy, the most important detail. The crown of Karsus was going to be his.
“The crown…….” The Hag muttered, and recognition emerged across her good eye. “By all the nine hells! What you desire is pure destruction, not some toy for a whiny child with a god complex.”
“You think of me as a careless lunatic.” Raphael scoffed and turned to the hag. How dare she insinuate he was so brazen. He was going to establish order to the Hells, not unravel them. “With the crown under my control, all the chaotic disorderliness will be subdued. I will not waste its power as my sire does.”
The hag snarled something ugly, “If the Lord of the eighth elects not to use such an artifact, then it is a sign that it is more trouble than it’s worth. You are a fool.”
“That is the issue with you fey. You only think about the small circle of your worthless covens and never tend to think about the bigger picture.” A new world was coming to the hells, and he alone would dictate it.
“Ha! And what makes you think you can control the might of its power? You are nothing but a foul halfbreed.” She sneered.
“I am no mortal!” Raphael raged. The reminder of the Cambion’s human blood making him clench his fists. “If you had the brain capacity to see that I’m sure you would have made a lasting impression on my future court. But unfortunately, it looks like your time will come to an end soon.”
“You dare threaten me in my own home. You wretched imp! You promised me protection.” The hag was now facing him fully seething like a rabid animal. He found a certain delightfulness to her demeanor witnessing her lose her composure so easily.
“Ah we have concluded, I am nothing but a devil true to my word. And my dear, the devil is always in the details.” Raphael said with a sinister grin, moving one hand to caress his lip. “I said no person or beast alive will find you in Avernus. But I’m sure you will meet the fellow dead of the Grey Waste soon enough. Goodbye Sybil.”
“You tricky BASTARD!” The hag screeched. “I will rip the bones from your rotten corpse and feed them to your hotheaded sire!”
Before the Hag could move Raphael conjured a small flame in the palm of his hand. The flame grew quickly, wild and alive as he set the room ablaze. And with a simple snap of his fingers, he was gone.
Raphael was met with the dusty rock of the Hellwood once again as he teleported a safe distance away from the hut. He watched as the building was engulfed by the raging Hellfire, the orange and white inferno that promised no survivors.
Yes, what a coincidence it was how Matron Sybil found herself under the watchful eye of Archduke Bel. But Raphael knew there were no such things as coincidences in the hells. When he heard of the hag's little guest, he orchestrated the events leading up to her rendezvous. Soon, like perfect poetry, she fell right into his claws. Now with both the Hag and seer gone, the prophecy was guaranteed to remain a secret hidden from prying ears.
He watched the inferno rage on for a few minutes, admiring his masterpiece. The endless red sky of Avernus disappeared as he blipped back to his House of Hope. At first he did not know how to feel about the ordeal. He stood tall as he felt a spark of dopamine rush through him. Raphael could wait for over a thousand years before obtaining the Crown of Karsus and he still believed it would be worth it.
Reflecting on the prophecy in its entirety he noticed how strange the events would be leading up to his reign. No matter, he would continue living as he had, dealing and scheming. As always, prosperity only came to those who do not sit around idly. But still, one line lingered in the back of his mind, tormenting him with caution.
The one who crowns you, will see you fail.
What a mockery. He was Raphael. He would not be so easily bested.
***
–1492 DR, 6 months after the Netherbrain Fell–
As the centuries passed, Raphael mulled over the thousands of ways the seer’s message could have been deciphered. Many times did Chaos fall over the land of Faerun, and time and time again the devil found himself without a crown. Patience was a virtue he did possess however. The journey did not dampen the victory though, his hard fought effort was worth it in the end.
For over a thousand years he schemed and plotted, waiting for the perfect moment for the pieces to all fall into place. It was only when the crown was stolen from Mephistopheles vault by three cavalier god spawns did his ultimate plan form. A new cult rose in favor of The Absolute and not soon after did talk of the True Soul begin to arise.
The colorful floor to ceiling portals wisped and glowed in the House of Hope. Raphael made his way towards the one that would lead him to his destiny. It had been six months since the fall of the Netherbrain and finally Raphael had decided to visit the awry adventurers to collect what was owed. He stepped through the portal, landing himself in a lush forest, the night sky wrapping the environment in a tight blanket. He looked around the bustling campsite for a moment, not making himself known to the dozens of citizens littering the party yet.
A flash of color caught his eye as she came into view. There were times when the tiefling woman appeared in his dreams, leaving a promise of infinite chaos in his wake. He found the Seer’s message to ring true as the Bhaalspawn, once a pawn of blood and murder, came to be the key to his eternal kingdom. What a perfect predicament her little squabble found themselves in. It was the ideal opportunity for him to swoop in and be their savior, and it brought him such gargantuan joy when it was her who had signed his contract. A mouse falling into the cat’s claws. His little mouse.
She disappeared from the open camp into her tent and he took his place on stage. Carefully nearing the tent, he could see the flap was left open, perfect for him to slip inside and close it behind him. As soon as he entered, her velvet voice sang in his ears.
“You know.” Tav said as she turned towards him, a finger on her lips as she looked at the ceiling.“I always expected you of all people to have better manners than this. Sneaking into a woman's tent without asking. Tsk Tsk, how rude.”
She paused for a moment, a smile reached her lips as she looked at him, “... impertinent, more like it.”
“Apologies, Little Mouse. I assumed you preferred a little privacy before our next meeting, ” Raphael responded. He spread his arms out wide in a grand gesture and grinned, “But alas, I owe you thanks.”
With that Tav placed her wine on the small desk next to her bed roll and took one step towards the right of the desk.. She pulled out a scroll, casted it, and pulled out a medium sized white bag. She unwrapped the white cloth to reveal the crown and held it out towards him.
Raphael carefully took the crown from her hands and admired it. He contained his composure for the time being, primal excitement doused by the presence of his mouse. But the ecstasy was still present. The crown was finally his. It was only a matter of time now before he could begin his conquest to take over the Nine Hells. And it was all thanks to his Little Mouse.
“The crown is really marvelous.” he said “I am almost tempted to dig Karsus’ soul out of whatever pit he’s in so I can show him what his creation is capable of now that it is in the right hands.”
She gave him a grim smile, “I am surprised you did not come for the crown immediately after it fell from the netherbrain’s head. Afraid I would run off and keep it for myself?”
A deep chuckle rumpled from him, “As amusing as it would be to watch your attempts, I doubt you would try given the circumstances.” The truth to his late appearance was that all eyes were on the new Hero’s of Baldur’s Gate. Raphael did want to make himself known as big of a threat… yet. Let the world worry and forget about the Crown of Karsus for the while.
Of course he knew there was the possibility of the party attempting something foolish such as breaking her contract. He even went as far to tempt her with her contract's location as a test of sorts. He did not believe the little mouse had the nerve, but could not trust her companions' influence on her. That was the catch when he would make deals with mortals. Their tiny brains never seemed to have the mental consideration or patience to contemplate their decisions and that's exactly how he collected so many debtors. All mortals want to do is take, only to try and renegotiate and plead when they realize the grave they dug for themselves.
However, as time passed he found his house free of vermin, and only felt satisfaction. Had he found them snooping around he would have disposed of them quickly. Maybe keeping the mouse around for a couple of centuries watching her lie in regret at his success before finally breaking her. “In fact, you seem eager enough now to get rid of it.”
“Yes, I guess you could say the crown was a heavy weight to carry,” Tav quickly replied, her body tensing.
Raphael slyly smiled, lifting the crown into the air. With a snap of his fingers, the crown glowed a bright orange and was quickly replaced with an elegant scroll filled from top to bottom in a perfectly scripted infernal.
“My favorite client, fret not, but I am nothing but a devil of my word.” he said. Not moments later the paper engulfed in a bright magic flame, until it disappeared completely. “Your contract. Hammer for Crown, is fulfilled."
The rigidness she displayed dissipated in tune with her contract. She let out a sigh of relief and he could see her smile was replaced with a genuine grin.
Before he could speak again her arms were wrapped tightly around his torso as she pressed her head onto his chest. His breath hitched as she held onto him and for a moment he had no idea what to do. He blinked twice. No, three times. Slowly, he let his arms fall around her, resting a gentle hand on her head. Little Mouse muttered something under her breath in a giggle and then stepped back too soon, swaying slightly as she did. She blinked slowly as if the reality of what she just did came to her.
“Aha, Sorry! Rush of the moment.” She nervously laughed, a blush appeared on her cheeks as she held up her hands and wrapped her tail around her leg. “Zevlor’s homemade wine, it's uh… Let's just say it’s been my favorite thing so far tonight.”
He held out a hand, “No need Mouse. I’ll admit, I am rather glad to see you not subjected to ceremorphosis, being in the presence of an illithid was not preferred.”
Tav stuck out her tongue and pointed a playful finger at him, “Hey you didn’t have a parasite stuck in your head. I shared no love towards my ‘little companion’ but I will say the power it held had its benefits at times.”
“Did you use that illithids power as well as you did that god’s?” He chuckled.
Her brows furrowed, revealing an area of discomfort as she avoided answering the question. “Did that area of my background satiate your entertainment?”
“Only for a while,” he stated, giving her a sly grin. Ah the dramatic irony! How she was the original person who stole the crown out of Mephistopheles vault, only to then turn around and give it to none other than Raphael himself. “Come now, push those discomforts aside, let's keep an open mind towards the future. Now I can set forth and conquer the hells, and it is all thanks to you.” He said, giving her a slight bow.
“I wouldn’t expect anything less from the devil I know.” With that she picked up her wine and began to walk out the tent.
Before she could make it out the tent flap, he said, “Mmmmm. In due time, I suspect you will come to know a lot more about me.” This made her pause.
“What do you mean?”
“You have proven to be a client of your word,” he stated. “And I always protect my assets. Who else will you turn to when you are all out of options.”
Tav frowned, “With my contract fulfilled I am not tied to you anymore. Besides, I doubt I have anything of use to you…. Unless you want my soul?” She glanced at him curiously then laughed. “I’m sorry, you’ll have to try hard to get me to give up that.”
Indeed her soul would be a challenge to obtain, as she was elusive as she was adept.
Raphael stepped closer and gently took her hands in his. His voice lowered as he gave her a wicked grin, “What a challenge that would be.”
Not breaking eye contact he said, “Continue to know me, Tav.” His thumb rubbing against her fingers. “You never know how long it will be before I come knocking at your door."
Tav tilted her head, and slightly narrowed her eyes no doubt thinking about his message. He said no more however. He would keep his little mouse guessing his intentions for the time being. He let go of her hands and slowly took a step back. A deep chuckle exited his throat as he disappeared into the night, “Enjoy your night, Little Mouse.”
Within a snap of his fingers the familiar hallways of the House of Hope came into view.
He couldn't help but feel a pang of uneasiness as he met with his mouse. The seer warned that she was the key to his kingdom, someone crucial to keep around if the Crown was not the only thing he needed to succeed. Yet again, she is also destined to help his father, the Lord of the Eighth. Having her soul under his control could end up benefiting him from any unwanted betrayals.
Nevertheless, his patience would not falter, he had the crown in his possession and planned to make haste of its use. When the time was right he would return to her.
By all the reeking flames of Hell, he was Raphael! He would not be denied his destiny.
Trigger warning: Incest
I am working on a fanfiction for my own enjoyment and in one of the scenes, my character Sam witnesses an awkward conversation between Raphael and his father and the vibe was off.
Devils being not "human" and not good and not beholden to morality the way we perceive it, she wondered if they had been lovers in some way. Raphael was his father's favourite for some time and his idea of punishing him, or at least Raphael's idea of what would happen (as seen in the orb) was to be devoured. The obvious comparison being Saturn devouring his son.
It then made me think about Haarlep. Imagine if, after their falling out, he sent Haarlep to Raphael after already having sex with the incubus knowing that if Raphael ever used his form during sex, that he would know. Also, think of how Haarlep looks like a younger version of Raphael and maybe also wonder how much Raphael himself looks like his Dad.
Kind of a weird, slightly depraved thought but I wanted to share anyway.
