bruises

You know, I could, but mother dearest said she had it handled. I figured she was handling it with you, Dad, welcome to the party.

Let me guess– a goddess is nothing compared to your abilities. Witches are always conceited when you're like a fly.

Yes, essentially, I am conceited. What I mean is, my own brother dropped more bodies in a hour than Bellora has in years alone and Cael doesn't show interest in jack shit. A shame she stole my sister before I could break her, though.

Let me guess, you can solve the goddess problem with a snap of your fingers. Or are you partial to the destruction that you'll watch from the sideline while talking a big game?

I could, but my daddy always said I should never do anything for anybody else at a free cost. I was born and bred from destruction. The thing is, baby, the goddess was never your real problem anymore, is she? It's my father. I know him better than anyone, so I know you all are fucked. It'll be nice to see him again when this pitiful version I ended up with here is a disgrace.

He lives, and unfortunately will continue to do so, until I break the the bond that ties his life force to my sister. I never hunted demons for sport. I did as I was told, and your mother and I aren't together to the point as in your timeline.

Sister, interesting. I know your obsession protecting the people closest to you to a deadly degree very well, but once you let loose and realize how similar you and him are, you'll find there's nothing better than hearing a demon scream for mercy. You and Mom might take time, though, you're on your way already.

Is that supposed to amaze me that you were able to read me like a book when, in reality, you just listened to house gossip for two seconds? That wasn't an invitation for you to tell me what your parents have gotten into, and I frankly don't care who Emilia fucks. Yes, uncle– I'm assuming it's the same meaning in every timeline. Your father is the brother of my mother, Gianna. Uncle.

"My flawless ability gathering information as quick as I do should impress you. I'd personally care who my mother is with if she and my father weren't together as they should be." Sam narrowed his eyes into thin slits, as if willing his glare to slice through the other male down the middle. "The First Son's prized possession is your mother? You see, that wouldn't be a problem if I wasn't sensing demon in your blood. Royal blood. I think I just found a new toy for my siblings. Cael prefers choosing his, but Mar..." He released a dark chuckle, "I'm willing to teach an early lesson."

Well, look at who is a little Goldilocks. You're far from home, aren't you, demon?

Better late than never to come through the rifts, I suppose. These people are all seeking refuge in some form or another, and Emilia gladly took them in.

The best arrive late for their entrance. If you knew my mother, she would be cruel enough to provide these refugees false hope before she annihilates their minds. That is the only reason why she would entertain guests in my house.

Yeah, I'm a spoil sport since I'm not interested in fighting to the death with someone I don't know. Man, I don't know what the hell you're talking about, but take it up with my uncle. Uncle Az would probably know what the hell you're talking about.

Oh, no, but you are dying to fight to the death with someone who can only provoke such anger in you as a parent. How simple do I have to make this? Your Emilia crafted a deal to get banged on the daily when my father called on her whenever he was bored. Did you say uncle?

Dad. I'm not your father, at least not the one you know and leaving Envy alive is complicated. I would much rather he be dead and out of the way but I can't just kill him.

Uh, yeah, you are. You flaunted the notion every chance you had, Pops, so how about you uncomplicate the fact that a prince of fucking Hell still lives and rip him to shreds. You had no problem hunting demons for sport before. What the fuck happened to you and Mom?

I'm 'mouthy' because I'm not a servant and the room was vacant when I came to live here. I'm not about to fight over a room when there's plenty of space, you can have it. If you're Emilia's son from a different time, I'd hate to meet that version of her.

I would've preferred to fight you to the death for what's rightfully mine, but you spoiled the fun. Wait...is this the timeline your version of my mother made a deal with my father for switching places? Oh, you're all fucked now.

Uh... I only know some of the people here from when I visit Emilia, but presumably they're all rifters outside of a handful just as you are.

You barely pry yourself from your lair, Uncle Asa, we usually have to come to you when you're so deep in corpse poon to bother with visits.

You're the one that's new.

I'd say you were mouthy for one of my mother's many servants, but you're also the one who stole my room.

This is the part where I'd say I know you made it hurt if I wasn't so fucking confused why you didn't let any demon tumor fester, Dad.

Oh, that one. I hope it was a painfully slow death you gave him, Sam. I probably would have killed him a while ago if I weren't distracted by annihilating demons instead.

She did that explicitly on purpose, right? I mean, I obviously gave him a slow death and made him choke on his own fingers. The only reason you didn't fuck with him was because Mom has you whipped.

Your mother can always get more, and as long as you don't kill her favorite servants, she'd happily do so.

Oops, I think it was one of her favorite servants. You know that one with a perfect jawline she only snagged to make you jealous?