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Tom vs. The Underworld

8. Sound System

“Following our top story, the mystery behind the massive earthquake that rocked the Underworld a week ago has been linked to a merging of both the planet Earth and our planet Mewni. Representatives of Lucitor Castle state that our Lord and Lady have met with the new leadership of Earth-ni and are discussing plans to continue the same alliance we had with the former Butterfly Kingdom. They have also assured us that the merging of both worlds has presented no effect on the livelihood of the Underworld but are still working on ways to contact the universal mobile service provider of Pixtopia to restore interdimensional communications. All global communications within our planet have not been disrupted.

In other news, there have been growing reports of resident demons and monsters going missing throughout the city. The Furies are urging citizens to remain calm as they investigate the situation further. More on this tonight at--”

“Mom, I’m leaving now.” I called to her in our den. She was watching the news and forging her latest weapons request for a client.

“Okay, my little cobblestone. Don’t be out too late.” She replied as she placed the sword in the quench tank.

“I should be back before dinner.” I told her as I was about to shut the door behind me.

Suddenly my older sisters Kivi and Shaila came down the hallway.

“Going out again? Weren’t you out with your friends all day yesterday?” Kivi questioned while pushing her glasses back up on her nose.

I shrugged my shoulders in annoyance. “Well today we are going over band stuff…”

Kivi gave a disapproving sigh. “You know, Raya, you can’t keep putting off your duties to your family for music. Having a hobby is great and all but you can’t let that consume you. One day you may be taking over for Mom or Dad. When will you see how important that is?”

“Yea, well this is important to me too, but thanks for your concern...” I said not meeting her gaze. My grip was tightening on the door handle as if for some form of security.

“Are you sure that’s all it is, or are you really meeting up with your secret boyfriend.” Shaila teased while trying to cover her devious smirk with one of her hands.

I jumped at her accusation and could feel myself turning red. “N-no!”

“Ooooh you’re blushing! It’s true!” Shaila began to giggle mischievously as Kivi shook her head in irritation.

“Y-you’re silly, g-grow up.” I huffed under my breath.

She then began to call towards the den, “Mom, guess what--”

“Bye!” I quickly shouted as I ran out the front door.

I felt like I could hear Shaila’s laughter all the way to the end of our property. She always makes fun of me like that… But she isn’t too far off the mark…

My friends and I were all going to meet at Tom’s place--THE Lucitor Castle. First of all, I was already nervous for that. I can’t believe he invited us there as if it weren’t a big deal. We might even meet the King and Queen of the Underworld! I felt myself get lightheaded just thinking about it.

Secondly, I was nervous because of what I started feeling yesterday at the arcade. It was a strange coincidence that Tom chose the same song I had listened to that morning, and even stranger still was that he appeared exactly how he did in my dream. But was this just mere happenstance? Or is there a reason behind it all and why I’m starting to develop a crush on him...

“Wait, what am I saying?! A crush?! I must be going crazy!” I babbled aloud while momentarily hiding my blushing face by pulling my hoodie over it.

Sure we had a lot of great memories in Yomi Town for that short time; he helped me shop for my friends, we watched all those setting suns in that beautiful dimension, and we made that necklace from the temple together that he still wears… He even came all the way to Lava Shores and helped me during all that horrible stuff with the Madame… We have been doing fun things together more frequently… He met my friends and somewhat became friends with them in the process… And he wants to be apart of our band … He has a wonderful voice and a kind heart… and a sincere smile…

I pushed the hood of my sweatshirt back in its previous position as my red bangs were free to poof up again. Now within the city, I stopped in front of a shop window and examined myself--more so my insecurities. My body is nowhere near as slender as Indigo, and I’m top-heavy so I try to hide behind layers or oversized clothes. Unlike everyone else, my horns are under-developed so I always wear something over my head to cover them up. And being a Stone Demon, the rough patches of rock on parts of my skin are hard to miss. How could anyone find such imperfections attractive…

Yet Tom still looks at me as if none of that matters. Others get annoyed with how clumsy or clueless I can be sometimes, but that doesn’t seem to bother him. And even though he is a prince, he treats me like I’m equal to him. I remember when I first met him, he had this happiness about him that seemed like he were invincible. I wanted to be apart of that happiness. But then, when we met again, when he must have been fighting with his girlfriend at the time, that happiness was waning. She must have been so important to him to cause such a change in him… Can I be that important for him? I can’t deny that when I see him he does make me happy, but could I really have the same affect on him? Could he one day find that invincible kind of happiness because of me?

I slowly started to walk away from the shop window as I folded my arms across my chest. I hung my head and remained deep in thought.

Who am I kidding? Why would such a great caring guy like Tom want to be with a slacker like me? Instead of planning my future as a Belmonte, I’m consumed by music and games like my sister said. What use could I be to the future of the Underworld? I’m not adventurous or wild. I’m content with the simple pleasures in life and am comfortable doing things or going to places I’m familiar with or have been thousands of times. And I’ve never even had a boyfriend before, I have no experience in that department. But despite all of that, he’s still a prince and I’m just a city girl.

However, he’s more than just a prince to me now. He’s my friend. I care about him just as much as I care about all my other friends and my family. But is it wrong I’m starting to think of him more than just a friend? Unlike them, I get a different feeling around him. I love spending time with him. I love that he tolerates my unconventional family and that he gets along with my wild friends. I even dream about him. He is literally the first thought I wake up to most days. Is this what falling in love with someone is like? Maybe I should tell him how I’m starting to feel...

“And the last to arrive like always is…” Indigo announced.

Blair did a drum roll with zir hands on zir thigh and added energetically, “Ta-Da! Raya!”

“Sorry, guys.” I apologized as Blair hopped over to me and wrapped zir arm around my shoulder.

We were all gathered in Inferno Park which was situated at the heart of Chernabog City. It was a chasm filled area with lava deposits flowing sluggishly from its various orifices beneath long bridges built above. The urban park was often a place for more active demons to exercise being a hub for various forms of recreation such as Ultimate Ouija, molten rock climbing, and Casketball just to name a few.

“Hey, you may be the last to arrive but at least you’re on time today.” Blair spoke positively but then grew a mischievous expression that rivaled Shaila as ze said, “You must be excited for where we are going.”

I felt myself beginning to blush again as I gasped, “W-what? Uhm--”

“I think we all are pretty excited, to say the least.” Tiras corrected/saved me. He had been sitting on a boulder with his arms folded while Kraven sat below on the ground munching away at some elote. George had his typical stance next to Indigo and was reading a book as Blair and I rejoined the formed circle.

Tiras jumped down from his seated position and approached me. Instead of his usual air of arrogance, he seemed to have a burning resolve within. He asked me, “You ready? This may be it. We finally might be able to reach your dream.”

Upon hearing Tiras’s words, he stirred a different emotion from within me. Although many dreams were becoming reality lately, this one was an aspiration of mine all of my friends knew too well. I had always envisioned being apart of a band. And the day I suggested we started are own, I was surprised how everyone agreed without hesitation. This was indeed very important to me not just because it was just some hobby. Music was something that brought all of us together. It was our escape from the stresses of our home life, our passion we created to share with all who dare listen, and our symbolism of our friendship.

But no matter how good we become, our voices didn’t have the strength or uniqueness of that of a lead singer. I’m not one to fully believe in destiny, but it almost felt like fate for Tom and I to meet. He was the piece we were possibly missing all along. Maybe that is where my infatuation with him grew… Was it because of his singing that started all this? I’m not fully sure…

I gazed at everyone--all of my friends. They stood encircling me and shared the same look as Tiras. I smiled contently and said, “Let's sail away then.”

Everyone agreed with a nod.

I placed my hands to the ground below and pulsed my energy through it as it began to fissure around us instantly. Tiras brought his hands up, creating a mighty gust of wind that hurled down within the cracks. Suddenly, we began to rise as the ground that divided us was unearthed to create a floating platform.

Tiras pointed his hands forward as his squall of wind moved us along. He valiantly announced, “Next stop, Lucitor Castle!”

“Reporting live from the Musty Mountain, there has been a recent influx of tourism to our nation of the Underworld. Behind me you can see that construction is underway for our new border patrol organization to properly vet out travellers to the area and maintain our homeland security. So far, businesses of Lava Lake Beach have reported a steady boost in consumerism and an increase in real estate property sales in the area. Furies have also been branched out to maintain the peace between current inhabitants and newcomers-- ”

I walked into my Dad’s study to see he was working on a few things at his desk with the news report broadcasting in the background on his overhead monitor.

“Hey Dad, would I be able to use the cellar today? Some friends are coming over and I don’t want to disturb you while we practice some music.” I asked him.

My Dad glanced up from whatever he was writing and smiled as he said, “Friends? Coming over here? Well, that’s great to hear, son, it’s been a while since you brought friends--or anyone for that matter--over.” He stood up from his desk and approached me. While giving me a very fatherly stare, he rested his hands on my shoulders and questioned me, “And do any of these friends happen to be that special girl you mentioned before?”

“Daaaad.” I drew out the word with a groan.

“Heh, I know, I know, no overbearing-parent-stuff... ” He chuckled to himself and stepped away from me. He placed his hands behind his back as he gazed out the floor length window of his office. “I just want you to know that your Mother and I just worry about you, son. Especially after what happened…”

“Dad, I promised I wouldn’t use my life energy again--”

“Not that, son.” He interrupted while turning to face me with a very concerned look. “I mean your breakup with Star.”

I was a little taken aback by this topic he wanted to discuss. Usually these kinds of subjects are left to Mom. And I told him already that I was over it. But he is my Dad, and he often times presents a different perspective that I’ve never realized before, so maybe it was best to hear what he had to say. Therefore, I decided to sit down in the chair in front of his desk and give him my full attention.

He proceeded to sit back down in his own chair behind the desk and explained himself further. “Your Mother and I were away on business during all of this… change going on. It’s a brand new kind of world up above now. And it is still hard to grasp that you, Star, and--Marco was it-- played a huge part in this whole merging of dimensions. You must’ve been going through so much at the time to have that AND a fresh breakup on your plate…”

“Yea… It was rough at first…” I began to say with a sullen expression but then gave my Dad a reassuring smile. “But I was able to find someone to help me along through the rough parts.”

He returned my smile with one of his own and leaned forward on his desk with his elbows. “I’m glad, son. And I’m sorry your Mother and I couldn’t be there for you. Heartbreak can be a very hard thing to fully overcome. Star was special to you, being your first girlfriend and all. Although, I’m glad you both worked it out and remained friends. I just hope that kind of pain doesn’t happen again for you because what if next time the closure isn’t so healthy. Just know, if it were to happen again, your Mother and I are here for you and want you to be safe. So whatever you plan to do, just really think it over and make sure it is something you’ve set your mind and your heart on.”

My Dad then reached over and placed one of his hands on one of mine lying on his desk. “You’re important to us. You are our legacy not because you are a prince, but because you are our son.”

Upon hearing his words, I smiled to myself as I gazed at his hand on mine. How could I be so lucky to have such loving parents? I understand where he is coming from and how much he cares about the choices I make. Star and I breaking up WAS painful. I loved her so much and for so long. I could’ve handled the situation in a way that could've been harmful for not only myself but for those around me too. However, I know now what all I can lose by letting my anger or depression take control of me. I didn’t want to let any of the ones I care about down ever again.

“Ahem, anyway…” He leaned back in his chair again and cleared his throat as our sentimental conversation came to a close. “Back to what you asked earlier. I’ll have the maids clean up the cellar for you and your friends, just give them time to do so. About an hour or two. So maybe have your friends hang out in your room for a bit.”

I gave him a toothy grin and replied, “Thanks, Dad!”

“When are they coming?” He asked.

I glanced over at the sundial near the window and told him, “Any minute now.”

“And did you remember to bring in and feed Lord Fool-leroy?”

I stared blankly at my dad and gasped, “Crap…”

The platform the arriving guests had been travelling on descended a few yards away from Lucitor Castle. It pounded down into the earth and became one with it so each passenger could dismount.

“This is wicked cool! It’s my first time seeing it so close!” gasped Blair.

“Well, if you had been invited to the Blood Moon Ball like I was, you could’ve seen it a long time ago and not be so easily impressed.” Indigo lightly goaded.

“Alas, you and I only grazed the surface of the many secrets held within. The ballroom was our only venture so speaking as if you attained some vast knowledge from our first encounter is nothing more than a mere untruth.” George corrected her.

Indigo folded her arms and rolled her eyes at the boy’s statement.

Tiras walked in between the two and brought their attention back to the situation at hand. “You both can argue later, let’s quit wasting time and head in!”

The pair nodded and began to walk toward the entrance with the others. However, they were soon stopped in their tracks as the ground began to tremble systematically in intervals around them.

“What’s going on!? Another earthquake!?” Blair blurted out.

Raya tried to say as she flopped into the air from the tremors, “Earthquake vibrations are irregular and constant, this is as if it were a--”

And as if on cue, a huge orange spotted beast came bounding from around the castle and was heading right for them.

“Uh, What is that!?” Indigo shouted.

“A guard dog maybe?” Raya answered.

The orange creature loomed over them and began to growl ferociously while showing his sharp teeth.

“He doesn’t look so happy to see us…” Blair commented while helping Raya up from the ground.

“What do we do?” Indigo cowered behind George.

“Fight or flight?” George asked, looking to Tiras.

Tiras had dropped into a fighting stance and was waiting for an opportunity to present itself.

But suddenly, Kraven stepped forward and approached the beast.

“What are you doing, are you crazy?!” Indigo screamed.

Kraven stared up at the beast with a very serious expression but then began to grin. He reached from behind him and presented a bag full of some type of jerky he had stashed for later. He slowly pulled out a thick chunk of it and waved it to the creature.

The beast was puzzled but began to sniff at the piece Kraven held up to it. Instead of a snarl, a joyous bark escaped the beast as his long tail wagged happily. It proceeded to gobble up the jerky and lick at the generous boy.

The others stood with their mouths agape.

“Of course Kraven knows when another being is hungry.” Tiras remarked.

Raya smiled and added, “Food is the universal language after all.”

“Little Lord Fool-leroy!” Tom shouted in a very disciplinary tone. He levitated down from a balcony overhead and joined the group below. The creature leaped over to Tom and rubbed his head against his body in a cuddle. “Okay, okay, down boy.”

“That’s your pet?” Tiras asked him.

“Yea, he can get cranky when he hasn’t eaten by now--” Tom replied but then focused his attention back on his orange companion as he rubbed his belly and said in a playful tone, “--but really you’re just a little ole softie aren’t you, boy.”

“Little is an understatement, don’t ya think?” Indigo questioned.

Raya giggled at the sight and walked over to both of them. She brought her hand to Little Lord Fool-leroy and he accepted her to pet him. “He’s so cute.” She said as she smiled sweetly over at Tom, causing him to blush slightly.

“Yea, when he doesn’t want to eat us.” Indigo mentioned with her hands on her hips. She was watching the exchange very closely.

Tom decided to give his guests a tour of his castle home while they waited for the maids to finish cleaning the cellar. They had all been enthralled with everything he showed them since this was the first time any of them could get an exclusive look inside Lucitor Castle. This was also his first time showing anyone around his home as well so he was quite excited about that.

“There’s the great hall, and the theater, oh and that leads out to the boneyard.” Tom pointed out various highlights as they walked down the hallway with many paintings hanging on the walls of past Lucitor royalty.

“This is wicked cool!” Blair commented giddily.

“And here we’ve reached the best part of the whole place… My room!” Tom announced while swinging the door to his chamber open.

Each one of the teenagers walked through and were now standing atop a flight of narrow stairs that led down to his inner sanctum. Tom’s room was bigger than any of theirs and fitting for the demon prince. The first thing to catch their eye was the glowing fire flowing down from the mouth of a huge skull display on his wall and into a small jacuzzi-like pit beside his bed. A pair of arcade machines aligned the wall and a casketball hoop hung on the wall by the entrance of his walk-in closet. There was a spinning torture wheel with a tub of water below it and a diabolical ping-pong table centered in the room. Skeletons of horned animals adorned parts of his walls and stalagmites protruded from several areas on the floor. If any of them weren’t impressed before with the other parts of the castle, they definitely would be now.

“Whoa…” Blair and Raya gasped.

“Okay, now THIS is room.” Indigo exclaimed.

“Très cryptique.” George applauded.

“...” Kraven’s mouth hung open in awe.

“Is there anything you don’t have?” Tiras added completely mystified.

Tom’s guests wandered down the steps and began to look around his room.

Blair picked up a trophy sitting on one of his night stands and read the plaque. “Oh! Raya look, he is a ping-pong champion.” Ze showed zir friend.

“You may have someone to give you a challenge then with such a title.” Tiras commented.

“Oh? You’re good at it too?” Tom asked her.

“Good? She rocks it!” Blair answered for her with a grin as ze placed zir arm around her shoulders. Raya blushed slightly embarrassed from the praise.

“You wanna play?” Tom asked her while picking up one of his paddles and blushing a little himself. Raya looked up at him still unsure but with a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth.

Suddenly, Indigo intervened. “Hey, we played games yesterday, let's talk about the band.”

“Oh that’s right.” Tom went along with the change of subject but then smiled at Raya. “Next time?”

Raya nodded in agreement and smiled back at him. “Sure.”

All of the teenagers proceeded to sit on the floor in a circle to converse further.

“So, your band is called the Seven Undeadly Sins?” Tom remembered from towards the end of their time at the arcade.

“Yep! Seven members and we aren’t dead sooo yea! Hehe.” Blair answered.

“Great name and all...” Tom rubbed the back of his head, unsure how to go about his next comment. “But you guys don’t get a lot of flack for it being an acronym for... sus?”

“What’s sus?” Indigo asked.

“N-nevermind.” Tom brushed it off. ‘That’s right, they don’t do social media.’

“Still sounds cool to me.” Blair beamed.

Raya piped up, “We haven’t really performed in front of an audience yet…”

“Oh, I see…” Tom replied.

It was Tiras’s turn to speak, “Well, we all decided on the name because it sounded cool AND fits all of our personalities...”

“The sins do?” Tom blinked puzzled.

“Alas, the only true sin is that of mediocrity.” George theorized.

“O.. Kay…” Tom was still confused.

“Alright, bud. Check this out.” Tiras explained further by pointing at each one of his friends as he described them.

“Blair is Pride.”

“Hehe!” Blair giggled.

“George is Greed.”

“More so for knowledge instead of monetary needs.” George theorized.

“Indigo is Envy, no surprise there.”

Indigo stuck her tongue at Tiras playfully.

“Kraven is obviously Gluttony.”

Kraven didn’t respond as he munched on his jerky from earlier.

“Raya is Sloth.”

Raya shrugged with a smile, “Can’t deny that one I guess, heh.”

“I am Lust, of course.” Tiras announced full of haughtiness while pointing to himself.

Tom caught the group sarcastically roll their eyes. He chuckled to himself but stopped immediately once Tiras pointed to him.

“And you… You’re Wrath.”

“W-Wrath?” Tom repeated his position a bit hesitantly “… Oh but I can’t be—“

Tiras leaned over and patted Tom on the shoulder lightly as he spoke, “Tom, buddy! You are Prince of the Underworld. Wrath IS meant for you.”

Tom furrowed his eyebrows and rubbed the side of his sore arm where the other teenager attacked it.

Raya noticed Tom’s change in expression so she shared her opinion. “Tom… Our sins can sometimes be considered our strengths more than our weaknesses. You were probably taught how negative your wrath can be… But in some cases it may be what’s perfect for the situation.”

The demon prince focused on the Stone Demon girl’s words but he was still uncertain.

Indigo decided to also add, “Alone we may seem… insufficient. But when we are all together and form our bond, each one of our sins is what makes us strong. What one person lacks, the other picks up the slack.”

“Quite poetic.” George remarked.

“I’m not sure if you’re teasing but I’ll take that as a compliment.” Indigo replied.

Tom glanced down at his hands remembering what happened back in the Musty Mountain. Could such power really be considered his strength?

“Do you kind of get where we are coming from?” Raya asked him concerned with his silence.

“I think I understand…” He looked up to Raya again and they both shared smiles of reassurance.

Indigo stared at their interaction with keen interest and meant to cut in when suddenly Petey knocked at Tom’s bedroom door and entered.

“Master Tom, your Mother has prepared refreshments for you and your guests.” He announced.

“Oh, awesome. Thanks.” Tom responded as he stood up.

The rest of the group joined him.

“Your Mother… as in the Queen?” Blair asked.

“Well, yea… That’s my Mom.”

“Eeeee!!” Blair shrieked with glee. “We’re going to meet THE Queen?”

“If you all want…” Tom said calmly.

“Yay! Let’s go, let’s go!” Blair cheered while holding on to Raya.

And with that, the group moved on towards the kitchen of Lucitor Castle to meet Tom’s mother. As the demon prince led the way, Indigo trailed behind pondering over a plan.

George slowed his pace to match hers as the rest of their friends moved on. He asked, “What do you dare do?”

“W-what do you mean?!” Indigo snapped out of her conscience.

George stepped in front of the girl and blocked her path. His monotone voice had a hint of caution peppered over it and his expression was much more gloomy than usual as he forewarned, “When Envy breeds unkind division: there comes the ruin, there begins confusion.”

“Are you reading my emotions again? I told you not to use your powers on me!” Indigo fumed with red cheeks as she pushed passed him.

But suddenly, George grabbed onto Indigo’s hand to keep her from fleeing.

This was definitely out of the ordinary for him to do so she slowly looked back at him with an obedient carefulness. George wasn’t one to engage in confrontation, and he oftentimes watched events play out without any type of intervention. But, having known him the longest from when they were young, Indigo held her tongue because she knew he was being serious with what he had to say next.

George released his grip on her once he knew she understood his intentions. He did not break his gaze as he spoke, “Your rivalry, although silent and unknowing to her, needs to cease. These are souls you want to meddle with now, not a contest or a game. You dare birth pure suffering?”

“You’re talking as if I mean to purposefully get in the way of something, which doesn’t exist for all you know. It definitely isn’t because Raya likes him is why I’m after him either.” Indigo noticed George arch his eyebrow while giving her a look of disbelief. She began to laugh anxiously and continued, “You forget I’m a girl and have feelings too, it ain't my fault we ended up liking the same guy. And what’s wrong with a little competition anyway?”

Indigo began to walk away from the other teen with the discussion settled in her eyes.

“Even if the result is risking friendship on both ends?” George advised.

Indigo halted her pace and seemed troubled from what he had said. But instead of having a comeback, she surprisingly continued her departure down the hallway again without saying a word.

“How grateful I am to not be cursed with such dangerous sensations that are emotions…” George sighed as he followed after her.

“There you are. Did you two get lost?” Raya asked the pair that came walking up to the group from down a long hallway. They had been standing in front of these enormous double doors crevassed into the wall and didn’t notice until they reached their destination that they had some stragglers.

“Or maybe you both wanted some alone time together.” Blair smirked impishly.

“Blair! Cut it out with your joking.” Indigo shouted rather flustered at the snickering teen’s comment.

“Lavatory.” George rused.

“Whoa, there’s a lab here too? Like the kind for a mad scientist?” Tiras asked bemused.

George slapped his hand to his forehead and groaned.

Tom chuckled at the exchange and told them, “Well, we waited for you both but here it is---” He placed his hands on the great doors and pushed them open, “--our kitchen!”

The group entered another breathtaking part of the castle. Stalactites pierced every inch of the ceiling with its central focal point being a huge flaming chandelier that made the stone of the counters glisten exquisitely from the light of the fire overhead. There were enough cutlery and pots and pans hanging on the walls to arm an army. It was humongous, bigger than his friends’ own homes even, and rightfully so. It had to accommodate the large red demon that was stationed at the counter. And from the looks of the golden crown atop her salmon-colored hair that matched Tom’s, the group knew this was in fact his mother. She was pouring a smoothie-like concoction from a pitcher into seven glasses waiting at a long island with stools for which Tom and his friends could sit upon.

“Oh… my…” Indigo murmured enchanted.

“It’s…” Raya squeaked, equally enchanted.

“The Queen!” Blair announced in a cheer and was about to take off for her when Indigo grabbed zir by the shoulders to stop zir.

“Are you crazy, that is THE Queen of the Underworld! Where’s your manners?!” Indigo scolded.

“Hey it’s alright, my Mom is totally cool with it.” Tom told them.

“Oh! Sorry, I should’ve known, silly me! You ARE the prince after all and know best, hehe.” Indigo laughed in embarrassment and released her hold on the teen. And the minute ze was free, Blair popped over to the other side of the Queen in an instant and was asking her all sorts of questions amid zir gushing. Kraven hustled over to take his seat so he could start partaking in the spread of refreshments decorating the tabletop.

As the rest of the group headed over, Tiras quickly latched onto Tom and brought him in close. “Tom, buddy! Why didn’t you tell us how gorgeous your Mom is!”

“What?!” Tom gasped as he turned red. “Dude, that’s my Mom.”

“Just saying, bro, now I see where you get your looks from.” Tiras gazed at her completely enthralled.

“Her features are that of what many demons aspire to have actually.” George added.

“You too?” Tom whined.

They all were now hanging out at the counter and relishing in the atmosphere of being such welcomed guests in Lucitor Castle. Kraven was on one side of the counter to himself and wolfing down as much as he could of the plentiful portions demon servants were constantly bringing to him. George was keeping Indigo in close proximity as he stood beside her with Tiras on the other side of her--who was ranting to Tom next to him. And Raya was on the corner with Blair by the Queen.

Although Blair had been delighting zirself in chattering away, Raya stood nervously with her hands to her chest just admiring being in the presence of such royalty. But she quickly darted her head away when she noticed the Queen look down toward her. “H-hello, erm, g-good afternoon, Your Majesty…” Raya stammered shyly with a blush.

The Queen had a very interested stare fixated on Raya.

“T-thank you for having us in your home.” the young girl bowed her head.

Tom’s mother smiled sweetly and brought her hand to Raya’s hooded head and patted it as she trilled. Raya’s heart practically skipped a beat from such a gesture.

Tom glanced over momentarily to see his Mom and Raya meeting each other and attempted to join them to give them a proper introduction but Indigo tugged on his arm.

“Oh, Tom! This is really good, have you tried it?.” Indigo stalled as she held the glass full of the smoothie up to the demon prince.

“Huh? Oh, yea, it’s demonade made from forbidden fruit.” He told her. Tiras peered over at Indigo suspiciously.

“It’s so delicious! I’ve never had it before, mmm, hehe!” Indigo praised rather excessively.

“What are you talking about, we’ve had that plenty of times at Tartarus. They make it practically everywhere.” Tiras contested. Indigo shot slits for eyes his way.

Indigo gave a shallow laugh and tried to gain Tom’s attention--which wasn’t really focused on their conversation anyway. “Oh silly me, how could I forget, well--”

“Excuse me for a second, Indigo, I’ll be right back.” Tom pardoned his way around her and headed toward his Mom and Raya. Indigo had a furious glare in her eyes as she slammed the glass down on the table. Tiras and George both shared glances with each other.

Tom came up to his Mom to introduce each other. He blushed as he said, “Raya, this is my Mom, Wrathmelior. Mom, this is… Raya.”

The Queen smiled sweetly at her son and cooed while giving his head a pat as well. She then reached down and pointed at a plate in front of the two teenagers.

“Ah, that’s rights. I remember when we went back to your sister’s shop you said you like eating the Ember Berries she didn’t sell that day and would mix them with lime and salt so…” Tom said eagerly as he reached for the plate and presented it to Raya. “I made sure to ask my Mom to make it for you.”

“Aww thank you!” Raya had that dreamlike expression fill her face, causing Tom’s cheeks to turn redder.

Blair and Kraven both seemed to smile in a way as if they knew all too well what was unfolding before their eyes. But not wanting to ruin the mood, Blair made sure to keep zir mouth shut this time.

The Queen began to chatter to Tom as if suggesting something to him.

Tom thought over what she said and then nervously looked back at Raya. He picked up one slice of the Ember Berry and asked her, “W-would you like to try it and see what you think?”

“Sure.” She said softly and, without thinking, opened her mouth and Tom went to feed it to her but then--

“Gyaggh!” Indigo yelped as she accidentally bumped into Tom’s back hard enough to make him drop the plate from his hand and spill it to the floor, shattering it instantly. The Queen gasped worriedly while Blair and the others rushed to their side.

Raya had caught Tom by the shoulder and helped him maintain his balance. “Are you alright, Tom?” She asked.

Tom straightened himself up again and replied, “I’m fine, I’m fine…” He saw the mess on the floor and became very upset, “Ugh, seriously. Look at this, they’re all ruined!”

“Oh my, I’m so sorry! I can’t believe that happened, and to one of Raya’s favorite snacks too! I’m so clumsy, I must’ve slipped on a wet spot on the floor.” Indigo rambled as she held her hands to her face in feigned horror.

“Wet spot? I don’t see a wet spot?” Blair was crouched down on the floor and trying to look for the culprit.

The Queen and Raya booth kneeled down to begin cleaning up the litter of fruit and broken porcelain. But in her haste, Raya misguidedly grabbed for a sharp sliver and seemingly nicked her finger.

Instinctively, an overly concerned Tom bent down and clasped his own hands around her injured one, “Are you alright, did you cut your hand!”

Indigo’s heart stopped at the very sight.

Raya took a second to respond as she admired his worry for her. She explained while gazing intently at their joined hands. “No harm done… I’m a Stone Demon after all, that type of material isn’t strong enough to cut my skin…”

Indigo was about to take it upon herself to intrude again but suddenly she felt a hand clamp over her mouth to quiet her.

“Oh look at that,” Tiras spoke his objective loudly, “Some of that food spilled on you too, Indigo! Let me help you clean that up in the laboratory.”

“Lavatory.” George corrected him.

“Yea that place!” He acknowledged as he dragged Indigo out of the kitchen and into the hallway.

Tiras let the double doors shut behind him before he finally released his hold on the girl.

“What are you doing?!” Indigo raged.

“Me?! What’s gotten into you?” Tiras pointed at her, angry himself.

“I think it is rather obvious.” Indigo snapped.

“George told me what you’ve been up to. What a coincidence you just so happened to bump into them.” He confronted her.

“It was an accident.” She lied.

“And every time they have a moment between each other, were those accidents too when you interrupted them?” Tiras questioned.

“Ha! Like whatever. What are you even talking about, I don’t see how this involves you.” Indigo fumed but she soon changed her tone and asked him, “What’s with the sentiment anyway? That’s not like you…”

“You’d have to be blind if you don’t see what’s going on between those two…” Tiras glanced away from the girl’s gaze as he spoke with some dejection in his voice.

Indigo became interested in Tiras’s change in behavior and grew a mischievous smirk. “Are you the same Tiras? You of all people are giving up? I thought you had a crush on Raya for the longest time?”

Tiras blushed as he explained, “Y-yea, I may have liked her before… I mean, I still like her but now I realize it’s more of a protective brother-sister kind of like… Tom is pretty awesome… And if both of them can make each other happy, who are we to come in between that…”

Indigo’s eyes softened at the boy’s words. Knowing him for how long she has, this kind of mindset would never have been expected from him. It was almost endearing.

“Besides, I now have an eye for a new type of woman. One just like the Queen.” He proudly declared with an arrogant grin.

Never mind, this is definitely the same Tiras. Indigo sighed.

“Hey you two!” Blair popped zir head from a shadow ze formed on the door.

“Eeeghh!” Tiras and Indigo shrieked in unison from their friend’s sudden appearance.

“Haha, sooooo the servants are cleaning up that mess but that red flying demon from earlier just came to tell us the cellar is ready for us to practice in!” Blair announced excitedly.

Both Tiras and Indigo looked to each other and seemed to get their head back into why they were at Lucitor Castle in the first place. No more playing around. They both nodded and told Blair, “Well, what are we waiting for!”

The cellar of Lucitor Castle was just as big as its structure upstairs with an atmosphere that was dark, dank, and dreary. The lighting was minimal from the torches hanging from the walls and it had a spooky echo to accompany those who spoke. It was the perfect place for the budding band to let loose.

“‘Kay, I digs it.” Tiras remarked while scanning over the area.

“Ghastly prepossessing indeed.” George commented.

“Ohhh where does that hallway lead?” Blair wondered ready to venture off but Indigo grabbed on to zir to keep zir with the group.

Tom had his hands on his hips and looked proudly at the space that would become a place they would all hang out at a lot after today. But there was still one other problem…

“Um, Tom.” Raya piped up from his side. “We didn’t think we would practice today. We totally forgot our instruments.”

Tom grinned her way and seemed to already have a solution. “You aren’t the only ones that are into music, you know. Look over there.”

The demon prince pointed over to a wall to reveal every instrument imaginable hanging there! From the smallest drum kit to the largest Tuba, there was enough to outfit multiple marching bands if they wanted to. Everyone ran over to the wall completely thrilled.

“And, that’s not it.” Tom declared as he gathered their attention. He further revealed a spot set up like a makeshift stage with surround speakers, amps, and even lights. The group of teenagers were definitely blown away.

“Totally wicked!” Blair was fired up as ze chose an electric guitar from the wall.

Tiras was strumming away at different bass guitars to figure out which one felt the best for him to use. Indigo was blowing on a trombone while George fingered a trumpet. Kraven was coming back to the wall to attain another drum to combine with the set he was assembling nearby.

Tom was enjoying the scene. He couldn’t help but smile knowing that he had finally had friends of his own down here in the Underworld. But being so engrossed in the commotion he didn’t notice Raya had come to his side.

She looked up at the boy with such adoration while she placed the strap of a saxophone around her. “This is incredible, Tom…” She murmured softly. “You’re incredible… Everything I’ve ever dreamed about… You’re the one...”

Tom took a minute to register what she just said to him. Time stood still as the noise of their surroundings seemed to quiet for only the two of them to exist in this very moment. He slowly turned his stare toward her to see her smiling at him with half-lidded eyes and in a way he hadn’t seen before. Smiling in a way that someone who loves another deeply would smile longingly at them. A way he always wished Star would have smiled at him.

Envy was watchful but silent in this moment, caving to the realization that was not that of a defeated competitor, but that of an understanding friend.

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