#tvtu

“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.

As I soared through the sky with my fire blazing from my feet, I took in my surroundings. Was the beach always so lively? I guess I never really noticed since I was so engrossed in my relationship with Star when we were here together. I saw the vastness that was the Lake of Fire and the monsters that crowded the Dock of Unending Torment getting ready to partake in recreational activities that were anything but tormenting--fishing, swimming, sailing, etcetera. The sandy shoreline was just as littered with beachgoers that even all the Skull Ball courts were full. I then came upon Rochelle’s busy shop and saw she was getting rather slammed with customers waiting in a long line that weaved out the entrance and around the back. I bet she misses having her sister around to help. Maybe even as much as I miss her...

Instinctively, as my mind thought about Raya, my hands traced over the necklace we made together around my neck. Why have I been feeling like this about her? I’m not entirely sure but this is how I felt when I first liked Star… Ugh, it’s just because of my recent breakup that I’m still so emotional. I mean, it’s nice being committed to someone... Amazing, really... But I don’t want to use my friendship with Raya as a reason to rush into something serious so soon… Or do I? No, that wouldn’t be fair to her. I would just be selfishly trying to put her in Star’s place… But that’s not what I feel like I’d be doing nor how I feel about her… What am I feeling about her exactly... I need to know for sure.

And with that, I took my flame up a notch and jetted across the coastline of Lava Lake Beach with tremendous speed.

I came to the leisurely beachtown of Lava Shores within no time at all. It was quiet compared to the commotion down from where I started. This was a town where many of the more affluent demons and monsters came to retire to in their old age so there wasn’t much to see. Basically, it was kinda boring. 

I strolled through the streets in hopes of seeing anything that would catch my eye like the gloriousness of Yomi Town, but I was disappointed. There were gigantic dunes making up the landscape behind the lakeside civilization that could have been used for sick off-roading or skeleton horse racing, yet it was fashioned into a golf course for a country club. Lame. There were an abundance of wineries, cigar lounges, and high-end designer stores like Zergdorf Badman and Siks-Six-Sixth Avenue being frequented by patrons old enough to be my great grandfather. Double Lame. I’m sure when I’m much older these kind of places would interest me more, but at the moment they were the epitome of LAME. Just a lot of snooty stuffed shirts too consumed by their own ego to notice their demon Prince casually walking by. 

Before my lame-o-meter could tilt further, I came to a pathway leading out of town with a large gaudy sign pointing in said direction. 

“Madame Morguerite’s Manor for the Magnific.” I muttered the name aloud a little bemused. That definitely sounds like the place Rochelle mentioned, plus the address matches. I can only imagine what I’m in for by heading to an establishment that sounds that cringey. How can Raya subject herself to something like that?

Not wanting to waste anymore time, I blasted off toward the finishing school, accidentally singeing the pompous sign with my fire.  

The school was every bit as showy as the sign leading to it. Everything St. Olga’s was, this institution was not. It was an extravagantly posh chateau as if from a fairytale brought to life with walls made of gold that blinded you if the light caught it just right. It screamed wealth right down to its great entrance door made of marble. I swear I heard trumpets sound and a heavenly chorus sing just from looking at it. 

“This really exists in the Underworld?” I questioned.

I was ready to move toward the building when I heard a shrill, sultry voice speak loudly enough as if to gather the attention of a group. I levitated around the side of the school and hid behind some hedges to observe what was going on.

There was a small assortment of teenagers dressed in school uniforms sitting at art easels in the middle of a flourishing courtyard containing all sorts of vibrant flowers and shrubbery clipped into angelic figures. Their demon teacher, the aforementioned Madame Morguerite, headed the class. She wore a tight floor-length gown made of white silk and a ridiculously long brimmed, veiled hat. Her eyes were covered by ivory cat-eye glasses and she took deep drags from her long cigarette holder in between instructions. You couldn't picture a more perfect headmistress for this place.    

“You darlings will come to find that art is one of the greatest pleasures of the most esteemed Lord or Lady. To have an eye for it, you should first come to understand the work that goes into the creation in order to respect it.” The Madame spoke as she slinked between each student.

I peered at each teenager and tried to locate Raya. It probably would have been easier if the teacher didn’t walk in the way of my limited view from the bushes.

As if on cue with my complaint, the headmistress returned to the front of the class and the demon girl I had been searching for was revealed to me from behind her teacher’s previous position. My heart began to beat quickly seeing Raya again. She was in uniform but had her jean vest and a black beret covering her head as her wild scarlet hair fell down the side of her right shoulder. With each stroke of her brush, she looked quite proud at whatever she was painting.

“That’s why I had you copy this fabulous piece by a famous sculptor in order to give you a better understanding of timeless art.” The Madame gently touched her fingers to a pedestal positioned in front of the class. The figure atop it looked to be an ordinary bowl of fruit made of stone--though it didn’t look like a bowl of fruit to me, more like a bowl of misshapen large rocks.

“What’s so great about that pile of rocks?” I mumbled to myself as I glanced over to the ‘art’ in question.

“Now I will proceed to grade you on what you have completed.” Madame Morguerite announced.

As she inspected the canvases by her students--each one having mimicked the drearily gray figure down to the last monotonous detail--she gave praise and said how “splendid” they had done. Until she came to Raya.

“EH! What is that?” The Madame groused.

I shifted over to the other bush to see what Raya had created on her own canvas. While the other students kept their design simplistic and dull, I recognized the array of colors immediately. There were gradients of oranges, pinks, blues, and purples swirling across the page with half-circles of yellow splotches peeking from cloud-bursts. Raya remarkably recreated the scene of the dimension with a thousand sunsets! It was breath-taking and realistic as I felt the nostalgia coming back to me when we had gone there for the first time. Remembering that day made me want to keep feeling it and other new experiences, with her… That was what I was most certain of now.

“It’s my artwork.” Raya responded with a smile.

“Darling girl, this is not art.” Madame Morguerite snipped.

Raya (and I) looked at her puzzled. She replied, “... I’m sorry, ma’am--”

“Madame.” The headmistress corrected her.

“Oh, um, Madame,” Raya repeated, “I just wanted to paint a special place that I was able to see thanks to a great friend... Not many of us get to travel to other dimensions so I wanted to share this place with everyone. That’s what art should be after all. You know, something special to you. And not copying someone else’s work.”

“Ha, ha! A girl is a comedian, I see.” Madame Morguerite scoffed as she over exaggerated her laugh and began strutting away to the front of the class again. “How can you understand what is special and what is not when you can’t recreate a famous sculpture on paper.” 

Raya began twiddling her fingers as if internally debating whether or not she should respond but then decided to speak up anyway, “Well… I think I know a thing or two about sculptures, being a Stone Demon and all… That’s just a pile of rocks anyone with basic knowledge could do. My sister has created better pieces than that--”

“Do not insult real artists!” The Madame snapped at Raya, turning on her heels to confront the teenage girl again. “Did you come here to waste my time and your fellow students’ time? I suppose we should all just learn from the city girl instead of the professional and accomplished teacher?”

“Madame, that’s not what I’m implying-”

“Your classmates come from Nobles, Lords, and Ladies and aspire to carry on such status. You, Darling Raya, should be more grateful to me for accepting you into my program in order to help you find a proper place in life. Or do you just want to be known as the daughter of any old stonemason and blacksmith?”

Raya grew defensive, “Excuse me, Madame, my parents are not just any--”

“Silence, we’ve no time for your bickering. We must carry on with the next lesson. You may taken upon yourself to now apologize to your classmates for also hindering their success.” Madame Morguerite commanded.

Raya glanced at the faces of her glaring classmates. She muttered an apology and hung her head, looking frustrated as she tried to hold in the creeping tears welling up in her eyes.

I was furious! I felt every sting of the words that the headmistress attacked Raya with as if it were directed to me. How dare that rude crone talk to her like that. How dare she insult her family like that. I can’t just sit by and allow someone to treat those I care about like they are nothing. Not today, not ever again!

Trying to remain hidden, my eyes lit up and I raised my hands to the sky. All of the paint cans by each student began to tremble and rise while they remained mystified in their seats. Suddenly, the cans shot towards the headmistress who was still unknowing due to her back being turned. The students had no choice but to gasp at what they witnessed next.

As the paint dumped onto the Madame Morguerite, turning her all white attire into this muddy mix of colors, she let out a bloodcurdling scream.

“Eeegh! What in the Underworld is this! You little brats, how dare you!” She shrieked while frantically wiping the paint from her face. “Who did this?!”

The students grew worried from being unsure of the culprit so they stayed silent. I on the other hand was trying to hold my mouth shut from busting out with laughter at the new appearance of the headmistress.

“Fine! No confession then no recreation time as scheduled for the rest of the week!” The Madame announced.

The students groaned in unison and tried to protest against her.

“Silence! And no points for this lesson for any of you. You will come to learn that harboring a TROUBLEMAKER is detrimental to your reputation and success. Now clean all this up and assemble in the Great Hall in ten minutes!” Madame Morguerite scolded the class and stormed out of the courtyard.

I saw Raya was trying to keep her giggle from being audible but had quickly changed her composure when she noticed the other students were glaring at her again. I heard them murmur “troublemaker”, “commoner”, and “city girl” as they proceeded to clean up their station. 

Raya grabbed her canvas and took off in one instant, not wanting to hear anymore of her classmates’ remarks.

Maybe I shouldn’t have interfered… But I couldn’t just sit back and let her be talked to like that. Why would she want to go through something like this? These guys don’t know anything. Is this really how the social classes of the Underworld treat each other? None of these snobs are deserving of who Raya is. She’s amazing… Why doesn’t she see that? There has to be a reason behind her wanting to put up with this place and I need to find out.

As the other students began to head into the chateau, I quickly—and stealthily—followed behind them.

As the ten minute deadline passed, I was hiding behind a large pillar in the Great Hall of the school and saw the students were now sitting at long tables with Madame Morguerite walking between them. She was now much cleaner and wearing a high-end white suit with her hair pulled into a tight bun.

There were soup and salad bowls sitting in front of each pupil as waiters and waitresses went around filling them up and placing other dishes to the center of the tables.

“Dining etiquette is very important for the most esteemed. This is a time where you honor your guest and hold conversation about your expertise, business ventures, or entreat partnership with the invited.” The Madame explained.

“Geez, we don’t even do this at home.” I muttered.

“We must give interest to our party first and foremost. Engage them and show an interest in what they have to say because you never know where their status can get you later in life. Enjoying the food comes second.” As Madame Morguerite finishes her statement, the students proceeded to make small talk with each other while occasionally taking small sips from their soup.

Instead of conforming to the same practice as the others, I spied Raya completely ignoring the students next to her. She was gulping her soup bowl down and asking her waiter for more repeatedly. I chuckled at the sight. That girl really can eat.

“What are you doing?” Madame Morguerite asked peeved.

“Eating.” Raya replied between sips of her soup. The Madame shooed the waiter away before he could fill the bowl up for a fifth time.

“Have you not listened to what I have said?” The Madame looked ticked as she questioned the girl.

“Yes, ma’am—I mean Madame. But if you spend your time talking, the food will get cold, or my siblings will usually steal it.” Raya responded between mouthfuls of her salad she now partook in instead of her endless soup. 

I saw a vein pop on the Madame’s forehead as she spoke, “Young ladies of prestige do not stuff their faces like piglets.”

“Well the portions are so small, you have to eat tons more between courses.” Raya complained as she was now gulping down the beverage in her goblet.

“Are you mocking me?” The Madame rebuked.

All the other students stopped conversing with each other and focused on what was going to happen next between the defiant pupil and the teacher.

Raya had been reaching for the dish at the center of the table but, upon hearing Madame Morguerite’s words, immediately stopped feasting to sit with her hands in her lap. She realized what she must have done wrong and told the headmistress, “No, Madame, I’m sorry if you feel that way… I meant no harm…”

The demon girl’s face was flushed with embarrassment again and I could feel myself starting to get angry at the impending backlash she would receive.

“No harm? If such restrictions as conversation with your party—who is someone more important and less gluttonous than your supposed upbringing—are beneath you than by all means, carry on. Eat, darling. A girl must be starving, it’s not everyday you get to consume delicacies as lavishly as this considering where you come from.” The Madame chastised the demon girl scornfully.

Some of the other students began to snicker and make “oink” noises under their breath as they joined in with their headmistress’s ridicule. Raya held her head down slightly with her bangs covering her eyes.

How dare they insult her like that! What kind of teacher is this? How can they be so cruel?! No matter where you come from or what your social class is, no one has the right to treat another so rudely! I had it with this place! I need to get her out of here before it gets any worse!

As I was preparing myself to intervene, the demon girl did something totally unexpected. To her headmistress’s dismay, Raya began to start vigorously eating again despite her classmates taunts. The students all quieted at once and I, now entirely confused, halted my charge.

Madame Morguerite grew agitated and snarled, “What are you doing?!”

Raya stared up at the headmistress with a sophisticated seriousness and replied, “I’m eating. You said to carry on so I intend to do just that and follow your instructions. Food may not be as important to you where you’re from, but for me and my family it is something we are grateful for. And we would never treat the ones we serve with such disrespect.”

I silently cheered for Raya as she stood up for herself; You tell her!

“You insolent girl! I’ll show you disrespect!” The Madame threatened while she raised her hand as if to slap the class troublemaker!

Raya was alarmed and held her hands up for protection but luckily I acted quickly enough before any harm came to her. I used my telekinesis once again to cause all of the bowls on the table to shoot out like an open hydrant and drench the headmistress with their soupy contents.

Everyone in the room was holding their breath as the Madame exploded with rage yet again.

“Eeeeeek!!! You little monsters!” She shrieked. 

But instead of waiting for their headmistress to deliver their punishment, the students all fled the Great Hall with impeccable speed.

“No points for any of you for this lesson! I shall find which one of you brats is doing this, no matter what! With King and Queen Lucitor as my witness, I’ll find you!” The Madame declared.

I doubt my parents would see eye to eye with all you represent, Madame ‘Morgue’. Not their circus, not their monkeys. This is all me.

The rest of the day had kind of calmed down after the incident in the Great Hall. The students were confined to their dorms up until the Madame decided to proceed with the last lesson of the day. I was unable to retrieve Raya since she was in a “Girls Room” and, prince or no prince, my Mom taught me to respect females well enough to not go peeking in their private quarters.

It seems the students were all going to learn something that did actually pique my interest. They now stood in lines listening to their headmistress’s instruction on formal dancing. The ballroom was grand with a small orchestra playing classical music from a theater stage. I positioned myself behind a row of statues and observed once again, waiting for the opportunity to step in when Raya needed it.  

“You darlings should be appreciative of me for giving you a chance at redemption.” Madame Morguerite commanded at the center of the half-circle the students formed around her. She was now less soupy and wearing a white poofy bell-shaped gown that was bedazzled with shining gemstones. “I will reward all points lost as well as the ones for this lesson to those that follow the criteria exceedingly well. Is that understood?”

The students unanimously gave a resounding, “Yes, Madame.”

“Now, choose your partner to complete this lesson. You will not pass without performing the dance together and as accurately as possible from how we practiced over the last few days. So I suggest you choose wisely and begin at once.” She warned while stepping away from the dance floor.

I noticed how all the students glanced over at Raya once Madame Morguerite finished speaking. They quickly separated from the Stone Demon girl and coupled up with those amongst themselves.

Raya was disappointed as the other students began to dance around her. She slowly took the walk of shame to the side of the dance floor where chairs were placed and slumped down into it defeated.

I couldn’t allow this to go on any longer. Wanting to change for the better is all well and good, but she doesn’t need to be treated like this no matter what her reasoning is behind it. And she definitely won’t continue to be treated so harshly with me just bearing witness to it any longer. 

Raya let out a sigh and hunched over her lap with her hands cradling her chin. “Of course this happens… Even here everyone thinks I’m a failure so much so that I can’t even get just one partner to complete this lesson…”

“Well lucky for you you’re going to have a partner that is THE best dancer at the Silver Bell Ball.” I smirked while standing in front of the demon girl with my hand out and finally revealing myself to her.

“T-Tom?!” Raya gasped as she automatically accepted my reach.

I brought her into a closed dance hold and gave a nonchalant “Hey”, though my heart wasn’t as relaxed as I played myself off to be. It began to beat rapidly and the nervousness from before returned; however, the music was steady so the pace I took would hopefully calm my palpitations with each step. Having her in my arms really affirmed how I’ve been feeling about her. I just hope I don’t mess things up between us because of my own desires.

I saw Raya blush once I started to lead. She stammered, “Y-You’re here!” 

“I’m here.” I smiled as I dipped her.

“But why?” She asked as she came back up into position. I noticed a lot of her classmates were now focusing on us, and they were rather intrigued too. Of course, I tend to have that effect.

“More importantly, why are you here wasting your time with this place?” I replied while turning us around in a small circle.

“Oh… um… Well…” She trailed off for a second as I slowly spun her in place. “...I just wanted more training... And lessons in proper etiquette…”

“Uh-huh, and why?”

“Well… You are a prince and I’m just an… ordinary girl from the city… From an ordinary family…” Raya murmured. She now tilted her head away towards the ground and her bangs veiled her eyes. 

“Okay, so what?” I asked as we stopped dancing completely but still holding on to each other.

Raya continued to speak while not meeting my gaze, “I don’t know, I’m just constantly referred to as the black sheep of the Belmontes--a daydreaming slacker with no interest for the family trade… I’m rather unconventional, I guess…”

“There’s nothing wrong with that, you do know that right?”

Raya still looked uneasy as she tried to clarify, “... I just thought this would help me find more direction... But I feel I still can’t even get this right anyway. Everyone is so passionate and... headstrong... and ambitious when it comes to who they want to be. They are the future Lords, Ladies, and Nobles that will serve you one day. You are and will always be surrounded by royalty and all that… I just didn’t want to be an embarrassment if I were ever in your presence again…”

“You would never be!” I blurted out a little shocked at Raya’s revelation. My change in tone startled her but also made her finally lock eyes with mine. How can she be so clueless to what I think of her. I would be miserable if I were only able to associate with people like the ones here for the rest of my life. I mean, if she were to even meet Star, she would understand where I’m coming from and that lofty titles doesn’t represent your personality. 

I gave her a half smile and continued, “You don’t need any silly lessons and you definitely don’t need to try and impress these boring guys. And you and your family are anything BUT ordinary. I think you’re great the way you are. Don’t let some lame stuck-up tell you otherwise. Dance the way you want to!” 

Raya’s soft grasp on my hand and shoulder became firm as if seeking some form of intimate security. Her honey eyes were radiant in the ballroom light while her lips were parted in a way that almost gave off a hint of invitation for me. I probably would have kissed her right this moment if it wouldn’t make it weird. I mean, I haven’t even asked her out yet. But still.  

“What have I done?” Raya said with a sigh as she looked around the room. “I really thought this would help me but it just made me almost lose myself. I mean look at this place. It is boring, isn’t it?”

“And lame.” I added as we both started to laugh. 

Suddenly, I had a great idea. “Hey, why don’t we liven things up a bit!” I suggested while grinning mischievously.

“Huh, how?” Raya asked curiously. 

As if on cue with her words, I raised my head up toward the ceiling and began chanting while all three of my eyes glowed brightly. I slowly levitated both Raya and I slightly off the floor, though I almost lost focus when I felt her press against me surprised from the sudden change in footing. The room began to tremble and shake making it difficult for everyone to keep their balance. The musical ensemble ditched their instruments on stage and escaped from the room as fast as they possibly could. And from the ground where they once stood, a new group of undead musicians took their place as they emerged from the now split surface on the floor. But instead of suits and clean-cut appearances like their previous openers, this group had ripped jeans, leather jackets with studs, spiky hair, piercings still in tact on their rotting flesh, and all sorts of rebellious staples. They picked up the instruments left behind, if they didn’t have any already, and belted out harsh melodies of standard Metal.

Immediately following the spectacle, a great crack tore open on the dance floor as more undead partygoers dressed in Rock ‘n’ Roll attire began to thrash around, causing quite the ruckus. Raya and I on the other hand were jamming out with the rest. It was awesome!  

“What is this horrid display of downright--Gah!” Madame Morguerite tried intervening but was pushed repeatedly aside by the fleeing students. She glanced over to see Raya and I enjoying the entertainment and became furious. She started for us in a mad dash as she screamed, “How dare you besmirch my school, you uncivilized monsters!”

“Hey, thanks for the compliment.” I mocked. I held on to Raya’s hand and led her away from the ensuing commotion.

The undead rockers weaved in between us and the headmistress, grabbing hold of her and tossing her around in the air, now involuntarily crowd surfing.

“Eeeekkkk! You’ll pay dearly for this!” She shrieked.

Raya and I couldn’t contain our laughter as we watched the scene unfold. Justice was indeed served.

Watching Raya happy ignited that feeling once again deep down inside of me. Even though I’ve known her for a short time, this felt right. This is how it should always be. Us together just having fun. Well, just us together doing anything really is fine with me. I know now what I must do. I can’t wait any longer. I need to tell her now. I want her to know how I feel about her. 

I looked over to her and told her, “Hey, this place is the worst. Let’s get out of here.”

Raya smiled back at me and replied. “Alrigh--whoa!”

In an instant, I swooped the unsuspecting demon girl up in my arms as if she were a damsel being rescued by a superhero and eagerly jetted us off toward the nearest window without hesitation. She had her arms instinctively wrapped around my neck for support so I was able to bring out the hand that was holding her back and blast away the glass with my flame effortlessly. We then proceeded to fly away in hopes that this would be our last encounter with Madame Morguerite’s Manor for the Magnific.

We landed just outside of Lava Shores on one of the many sand dunes bordering the town. I knelt down in order for Raya to regain her footing onto solid ground again. But before I could stand up completely, it was my turn to be surprised as the demon girl unexpectedly closed the space in between us and embraced me in a friendly hug. I definitely wasn’t going to complain.

“Thank you, Tom!” Raya exclaimed. She released her grasp, though I mentally objected, and now clutched her hands together excitedly as she spoke, “I didn’t know you could do any of that. So it was you all along, wasn’t it? You did all that with the paint and the soup bowls too?”

I itched the back of my head with one hand and replied, “Yea, sorry for interfering. I just couldn’t stand by and watch how that hag treated you. I hope you aren’t upset.”

“Of course not, that was so wicked cool!” She gave me a genuine smile but suddenly grew concerned after realizing something. So she asked, “Um… Not that I’m not happy to see you, I really am. But what happened? I thought you went back to work everything out with your girlfriend?”

Taken aback by her question, I thought over the best way to answer it without her worrying if the outcome may be a result of the time we spent together in Yomi Town, but there was no need. She helped me reach a decision in a way that benefited everyone. So I just went ahead and told her straight up,  “Yea well… About that… We kind of decided that it would be easier if we… broke up…”

“Oh, no! I’m so sorry!”

“No, no. It’s cool, actually.” I assured, “It was something we both mutually accepted and all that matters is that we can still be friends. All of us…”

Raya raised an eyebrow still unsure and asked, “Are you sure? It still had to have been very important to you and hard to come to such a decision… I’m glad you were able to figure it out but are you really okay?”

“Yea totally. I thought I would be in more pain than what I am, but a lot of… events happened after our breakup and I think it all helped me realize some things about myself. The both of us were just heading to different places in our lives.”

Raya gave me a reassuring smile as her response.

I took a deep breath and continued, “So... It kind of… Brings me to my other reason of… of why I’m here t-today…” 

I started to get nervous as I looked into her eyes. Why am I feeling this way all of a sudden? Am I anticipating some kind of rejection? No, I think we both are on the same page here. It’s going to be okay.

“Tom?” Concern crossed Raya’s face while still waiting to hear what I was trying to say.

I took another deep breath and tried to tell her, “Okay, look, you helped me a lot when I was going through all of that angst and… Um… You see, you’re really--Um… Your family is really…” I couldn’t stop stumbling over my words. Looking into her eyes were weakening my confidence all of a sudden. “Okay, this is rather embarrassing. I knew what I had to say but now it’s not coming out right… Ugh!” I clenched my eyelids together in frustration. Why was this so difficult?!

But suddenly, I felt a warm hand gently cup the side of my cheek. I shot my eyes open to see Raya’s reassuring gaze and felt that strange, indescribable feeling return once again.

“It’s alright… Try to calm down and take your time, it’ll help you gather your thoughts.” Raya spoke in that benevolent voice of hers as she brought her hand away from me. Was it wrong of me to want her to touch me again? It made me feel as if I could do this and tell her what I wanted to say--what I should’ve said before leaving her after our time in Yomi Town.

I cleared my throat and let my courage carry me through as I said, “Okay, if it wasn’t for you, I think I would still be hurting and I never would’ve realized what is best for me right now or for the future of the Underworld. You didn’t have to spend time with me through that moment of crisis, but you did. And I’d like to believe it wasn’t just as a service to me for being a prince but more for who you are as a person.” I took both Raya’s hands in mine and stared at them through half-lidded eyes. “And that is something that I like about you very much. So… I think I want to see where this goes...”

It was hard to tell if Raya understood where I was going from the look on her face. She seemed perplexed by my revelation but had those same dreamy eyes I’ve been falling for. This is it, I can do this.

So I tried to clarify better while looking into her eyes. “What I’m trying to say is… I think we got a good thing going and… I don’t want to see it end...”

“I love that song!” Raya exclaimed happily as she clasped her hands together, releasing our bond.

“Hm?” It was my turn to be confused.

 Raya smiled coyly at me. “D-do you want to... hang out sometime?” she asked.

Yes! She understands!

“I would like that very much…” I grinned as I went in to hold her hands again but this time Raya stuffed her own hands in her pockets as if searching for something.

“Alright! My friends and I are meeting at the arcade, Tartarus, this weekend. You should come.” Raya suggested, completely oblivious...

No! She doesn’t understand… 

“Oh… Okay.” I felt a little let down from her response. Was it not obvious enough of what I meant? Or was she playing as if she were clueless just so we’d stay friends? No this is genuinely her. I need to try harder and show her how I feel about it…And I guess it is best to take things slow and not rush into anything just yet… Sucks though...

Raya took my hand in hers and pulled a pen from her pocket. “Is it okay if I write my address here?” She blushed as she asked.

“S-sure…”

“Alright.” She beamed. “You can pick me up from my home at like noon and we can walk there together, if that’s alright?”

“Sounds great.” I gave her a half smile.  

As I watched her scrawl her address on the back of my hand in cute bubbly letters, I couldn’t stop thinking about how much I cared about her. How could she not know? I came back in part to see her again and was upset if she were one of the ones I’d never see again from that incident at the gate. I told my family about her already. She came into my life unknowingly and doesn’t notice how important she has become to me. From all the heartbreak and stressful moments I have been having lately, Raya has become apart of my best days here. If this is how life in the Underworld will be than I’ll gladly accept it. She has shown me things I’ve never known before and I want to see more with her. We have so much fun together and I need her to see that.

So I suggested, “Hey, you want to race back to your sister’s store?”

Raya got nervous and said as she blushed, “Um, I don’t think I would win that race. I’m not fast and can’t fly like you can.”

“Haha, nah, I have a better idea!” 

As the day was drawing to a close, Raya and I galloped across the sandy shores of Lava Lake Beach on skeleton horses. Our laughter and cheers filled the air as we rode on, joining the sounds of all those joyous beachgoers I had seen from earlier. I wish time would just stand still at this very moment. The future of the Underworld was becoming one I could definitely look forward to, even more so now than ever. I hope that it can always stay this way.