The Great Year-End Ball

[youknowwhothisis]

Nearing the end of the year, the King of Hell grew bored. More than usual, anyway.

So at the beginning of November, invitations were sent to the Sins, the affluent Princes and Princesses of Hell, and their families, cordially bidding them to the Royal Palace in Pride to join King Lucifer, Queen Lilith and Princess Charlie in an evening of food, festivity, dance and chatter with their plus-ones. It would take place on the evening of November the 10th.

December could be so stressful, so why not let everyone forget it for a while and mingle, have a grand old time? The room will have been magicked for softly falling snow and blended seasonal cheer, and the drinks can be cool or pleasantly warm to one's preference. Lilith insisted that the music of the in-house orchestra remain classy and appropriate, though that won't stop her husband from getting his accordion and sliding in to play some accompaniment now and again. Wifey sometimes doesn't let him have ANY fun!!

The arrangement was an open affair, with plenty of room to dance, and a wealth of tables to sit in groups and drink and dine to the heart's content, little imp servants busily flitting about to accept orders from the provided menu and get them going. Many Goetic demons would be sitting here, gossiping away, happy to enjoy a lavish evening in the King's palace while drinking themselves stupid. Might find some familiar beaks here. The King also allows folk to- with an escort- take a walk through some parts of the palace if you need a break, and there are plenty of balconies and even the garden to walk through if you seek a little something different.

But the question remained: The King was aware of recent events, right? Asmodeus butting heads with Mammon, the reveal of his not-so-secret relationship? The Radio Demon wreaking more havoc, and he was invited too?? Talk of some group called 'Nautilus' having taken down an Overlord? There would be a whole lot of tension in the room!

Well, let one fact never leave the minds of the masses: The King is bored.

Also, no fighting. Please. This isn't a bar. Have some class.


[Christmassy/Wintery/Year End Ball is go! Have more aesthetics for inspiration!]

Comments

Your Beautiful, Fantastic Host

[youknowwhothisis]

When he isn't 'gently harassing' the band with his own inclusion from his beloved accordion, slowdancing for the 300th time with his lovely, very tall wife (gotta love yourself a giant woman, folks) or gabbing it up with his daughter, the King of Hell is- despite the grandeur of his position- available for a bit of gum-flapping! You won't find him sitting on a throne and watching passively like some old-timey lord... Hell no! He's wandering the room and giving the occasional servant a quiet shooing away- he didn't need constant supervision- but he will take that sparkly little glass of cider, absolutely. Thanks bunches.

One may find that he is exceedingly amicable, ever the cheery fellow, maybe a bit grabby. Because you're chums, aren't you? Of course you are.

Besides... how often do you get to brush elbows with the Big Guy? The KING King?

[lonelysmiles]

Good manners were the only thing that prompted Alastor to greet his temporary jailers hosts. He walked over and bowed just enough to show deference though not submission.

"Good evening, Your Majesties!"

[grointothebust]

Lucifer is very much the leader of the Seven Deadly Sins, ranking above each of them. They all answer to him. And yet, despite the hierarchy among the most royal of royals, they're a closer family than most others.

Down to the bitterness between Ozzie and Mammon, but the big man's setting that aside for now.

"Luci!" Genuine glee comes from the rooster who doesn't give the fallen angel a choice in the greeting hug. "Tonight's gonna be fun. Brought you some more of your favorite wine: Forbidden Fruit."

[makethathoney]

Could Lilith and Lucifer obliterate her where she stood? Yeah, sure! But that doesn't stop Queen Bee from zipping up to the two of them, looking nearly like she was going to tackle them both in a hug and only barely containing her giddiness.

"Luci and Lily! Fuck, I haven't partied with both of you in SO long! I made a special honey-crisp cider JUST for the celebration!"

Here Under Protest is the Radio Demon

[lonelysmiles]

With the clock ticking down, Alastor wasn't in the mood for parties like this stuffed-shirt soiree. As was appropriate of a realm of suffering, Hellish politics were a hundred times as tedious and boring as Earthly ones. Honestly, given a choice, he would have sent a polite but firm message declining, pleading that he had his "yearly run" to prepare for.

But when you received an invitation from King Lucifer himself, polite declines were out of the question.

Even if the music wasn't his preference at a Hive Dive, at least a Beelzebub party was always lively with more than enough indulgences to forget his problems for a few hours. Tonight, however, was guaranteed to be pure torture. His shadow friends would give him plenty of the latest gossip due to the being ignored by so many, but he honestly didn't give two figs about it. It wasn't like it was information he'd need.

Stage makeup was perfect for covering up just how exhausted and sick of it all he truly was without any anti-glamor spells revealing the truth to either the partygoers or the paparazzi vultures outside. His typical inscrutible smile widened just that much more at the sight of 666 News reporting on the people entering the venue, Katie Killjoy loudly exclaiming her shock that Alastor seemed to be the only Overlord on the guest list. (Alastor swallowed his disappointment when the guards accepted his invitation and let him through. The only consolation was that Vox would be beside himself with fury at being snubbed.)

He made his way to the ballroom and snagged a flute of apple cider champagne to sip at. Once he'd put in a proper appearance, he'd leave.

[makethathoney]

Speaking of the Bee! She's made her grand entrance, she's hijacked the music, and oh she is causing chaos. If anything, Alastor can enjoy her absolutely discombobulating the snooty Goetia trying to get them to party like she wants them to - at least, until she catches sight of her favorite pillow fort buddy.

"King Cake!" She doesn't keep herself from 'tackling' him, grabbing his shoulders to briefly swing him around before letting go. Oops. She got excited. "Holy shit, you got an invite when I didn't! That is SOOOO fucking funny!"

[systemofadowny]

The evening was working as hard as it could to be uncomfortable for so many. From boredom to awkward conversations to several scenes made for all to witness, it seemed as if the only ones having fun were the Deadly Sins. An argument could be made for Stella Noctis, who found company after she and Octavia talked. Maybe if she was that quick to find some joy, she might be okay.

She found quite the person for that, and a complete asshole found them.

Maybe it was in bad taste to approach. There wasn't much talking could do at this point, and Alastor was already called out for his last meeting with Stolas' daughter. Maybe doing this would only cause more problems, but Octavia would rather fail to connect than not make an attempt. Andrealphus was heavily preoccupied by Queen Beelzebub, so she'll take a page from his book and use his humiliation to her advantage.

"Hey, uncle." She nervously greeted. Via's uncertain, but she doesn't want to turn away now. "I understand if you don't want to talk to me, but...I'm sorry. About Andrealphus."

[fractail]

Among the numerous insufferable Goetia invited to the ball is one Marquis Andrealphus Ars Goetia. Like the others, he's enjoying a fair bit of gossiping and laughing with an upturned beak at the numerous things he's exchanging with the others. Pointless this or that talk, whether it's current events or some form of bragging. Exhausting bullshit the elite would talk about. He's got his eyes on the party, looking for anything interesting to discuss and wring information out of. The bold can approach while he speaks with other Goetia; the patient will eventually find him on his own, bothering a few imp servants to figure out which wine he's in the mood for.


Though not everyone in their group appears to be having much fun. A familiar face, one Stella Noctis stands with her drink in hand, looking like she's trying to teleport anywhere but here with her mind. She doesn't say much, doesn't chip into the conversation unless addressed (usually by her brother, continuously dragging her around), but eventually tears away from the crowd to excuse herself. She doesn't care that it makes her the subject of various whispers as she makes it out to the balcony, breathing as the suffocating company didn't allow. "What am I doing here?" She asks herself. "This isn't for me anymore."


Eventually, the siblings come together,away from the other Goetia and privately whispering amongst themselves. Andrealphus seems to be doing most of the talking and it's not a pleasant conversation.

"You are embarrassing me, Stella. Would it kill you to try and socialize a little? Something more than nodding along or a yes or no like a thoughtless imbecile? Thoughts were never your strongsuit, but you aren't even trying."

"I'm sorry, Andre, but I told you I didn't want to come."

"Why not? So you can sulk about the house even more? Plan another idiotic confession for the press? I'm trying to help you, sister, and you're not letting me in. Are you trying to throw me away like you threw away the rest of your family?"

"No! Of course not! But I don't care for this anymore. I sat around drinking and laughing the night away with insufferable twats all my life. I was one of them! I don't want to be one..."

"Then just pretend to give a shit. You faked it in bed with Stolas countless times; you can fake one more night and spare us both these worthless attempts at rethinking your life..."

By the time anyone approaches or they return to the group, Andy's composed himself and Stella's looking even more like she wants to leave.

((Options to interact with Andy, Stella or both are possible! Your choice.))

[mansbestend]

"UNCLE ANDY!"

Jeez, THERE he was! Denji was dressed for the occasion, but he was definitely holding a platter of appetizers when he found the tall bird among. So many. Uh. Tall birds.

BUT HE FOUND HIM. Give him a moment to munch on a couple more of these little apple thingies.

"Hey! S'been a while! ...And you brought Stella. Hi." Blink. He lifted the tray.

"Apple crusties?" Crostinis. But he's trying.

Interacting with Stella but maybe Andy could come later?

[lonelysmiles]

During one of the times Stella managed to slip her leash, she would find herself soon joined by the Radio Demon himself as he held out a handkerchief to her.

"Pardon my impertence, Princess Stella, but I couldn't help but think perhaps you could use this," he offered politely.

Before her forced reformation, he would've avoided the shrew in bird form like the plague. Princess Stella was a nasty piece of work that he would've happily plucked bald and then roasted over an open flame as she screamed. However, this was no longer the same Princess Stella. Her mind and soul had been altered against her will so it was impossible to know if she ever would've turned herself around or not.

One could argue that Alastor approached her now because he was morbidly curious about his own pending fate and wanting to observe up close the effects of such alterations.

But the honest truth? Alastor couldn't abide the sight of a woman being treated so shabbily and crying in a corner.

[makethathoney]

Bee is an absolute menace at this party - she is fucking up every high-society convention and the Goetia are scrambling trying to figure out whether to acknowledge and party with an Immortal Sin or to stubbornly hold their decorum in order.

It's a chaos that Bee loves sewing.

And it was really only a matter of time before a certain pair of sour-faced birds were in the crosshairs. Bee can taste the exceptionally dour mood crashing in waves off of Stella, and she doesn't know a damn thing about the context - instead she just flies up, grabbing the lady's hand and twirling her playfully.

"Hey guuuurl! You aren't drinking your wine, here, here, try something a little sweeter from your Queen Bee! That's more fun, right?"

[hadal_predator]

He recognized Stella and Andalorean Andrealphus from their appearances in the news involving the assassination attempts and the divorce. But Stella was the first target of Nautilus' metaverse dealings, and that left Mako... curious.

What had happened to Salvatore had to be done. People's lives were at stake. But he wanted to observe what happened to the person in the safest of circumstances. He couldn't tail Salvatore after all that happened. That'd put crosshairs on his back.

Here, he was checking in on the mother of one of his friends. ...The mother of his friend who had just talked at length with Alastor, to boot. He couldn't help but feel like she was being observed, gauged. Alastor would be a fool not to see what may happen to him- or much worse- after the upcoming infiltration.

Mako's grip tightened at his sides. ...They couldn't fuck this up. For all of their sakes.

He would wait, lost in his own thoughts, for the opportunity to be ripe before- with a casual stride, he decided to first catch Stella alone.

[hadal_predator]

To say he was a little starstruck was an understatement. Never would someone like him ever set foot in the King's palace... unless he did something especially naughty. But he had promised to be rescuer, and that's exactly what he would do.

Yet as he explored the ballroom, peeked into the halls, generally enjoyed what could possibly be his only time in a place like this, no amount of the way he'd presented himself for a night out- he'd dressed far nicer than normal, even made his face up a bit like he was set for the stage- could stop a rather annoying problem he was having.

"You! Boy! I'm waiting for my wine! This table's gone dry!"

"Could you run along to the kitchen and let the cooks know I've changed my mind on the sauce? That's a good lad."

The first time, he'd tried to correct the man. Didn't work.

The second time, he'd promised to get right on it, then walked in a complete opposite direction. Didn't make him feel better. But the worst, by far, if you asked him? The finger-snapping to get his attention.

The times after that, he brushed it off and insisted things were fine. He'd dealt with this before. It would never stop. His kind wasn't that of a fallen angel, wasn't a Sin, wasn't a fancy wizard bird. He was just... him.

But! ...He was just him. So a plan was hatched- If he would be looked down upon by a number of attendees here, then he would simply make them regret it in the only way he knew how and was the most fun: Compromising them.

Mako snapped right to Nephew and leaned on tables, entering playful banter, batting eyelashes, talking up guests. Suspicious side glances became turned heads, became an actual back and forth as goetia elbows leaned on tables, banter turned to talk as if old friends. Bodies seemed to lean in among both men and women, and each were given some form of attention, lavished with vague compliments and even given little songs to pass the time. He knew his crooning classics. He knew his greats of the 20th century of the human world. He knew some jokes. He knew some good stories.

Insults, assumptions, downright derision turned to slips of paper being pressed into his hands, hastily-scribbled strings of numbers Nephew would kindly tuck into a pocket before he clapped a hand to his chest. They would beg him not to go. They felt that connection.

Hahahaha. He had them.

He would thank them all profusely, give a wink, and bid them a lofty goodnight. For now.

Satan, egotists and oligarchs were easy.

Then, he would simply slip away, move behind a pillar and take a breath. His fingers moved through his hair. His glow, an intense blue, soothed to a warm azure.

Now, to find someone he gave an actual flying fuck about. He peeked back around the pillar. Where, oh where...?

[makethathoney]

Ruh roh - around the time the party got a lot wilder and louder Mako might have had an opening to slip out of people's awareness.

But he might get the surprise of his life getting grabbed and lifted off the ground - and it wasn't even hands grabbing him. The viscous honey-like tail of none other than Queen Bee'lzebub was wrapped around the funny little shark demon, flying with him, and the threatening pie was soon all that was beneath him.

"Nuh uh! Thought I wouldn't catch you all sneaking off and away from the dance floor!" she snickered - turns out she also had a flailing sparrow Goetia in her hands, also about to get dropped into the pie. "C'mon, let's get a little sugar high!"

[systemofadowny]

For as much as this wasn't Octavia's scene, she didn't have a choice. An invitation from King Lucifer himself? You can't say no to that! Even if it meant awkwardly recounting how young she was the last time they saw each other, spending time with Charlie now and then, that was...still more tolerable than the thought of dressing up properly. Ack.

But this is one of those occasions where she'd make an exception.

Unfortunately for her, Via's something of a celebrity. Arriving with the rest of the family meant photographs and questions from sleazy reporters looking to make a story out of anything. Questions about who made her dress, questions about what the divorce did to her, questions about her upcoming eighteenth birthday and the plans she apparently has for it...and no beanie to pull over her face. At least it's just a few steps of scowling in silence before security blocks their entry and offers some peace.

Admittedly, she really liked her dress, with its darker colors and spatial themes that worked as a decent middle ground between formal attire and her own tastes. Her proper tiara rested atop her head and from a glance, she looked like she'd fit right in with the others. That is, until the concealed cellphone comes out. She's still in there, beneath the heiress attire. Easily bumped into, and some who know her well enough might even receive a text message from her.

Relatives. Ugh. Sorry for the extended family ahead of time. Everything you hear about rich snobs? They confirm.

[moonlight_howling_666]

She would not have shown up for Stolas or Blitzø to this party. Fuuuuck no. Not on your fucking life.

...But... there was that whole thing Octavia had to deal with, what with a formerly-shitty-now-depressed mom, and an uncle breathing down her neck looking to take her into custody.

And who knows what other weirdos. Maybe a hellhound bodyguard was a good idea. Even if they were supposed to be sisters, Loona figured she'd put up with wearing a suit to look the part - that way she had some cover if she got irritated and punched someone.

"Hanging in there, glitter bomb?" Loona asked, checking in on the princess.

[hadal_predator]

Oh, he knew plenty of the snobs. Goetia liked to come to the Box now and again, usually with their mistresses or some sort. He didn't ever really pay it much mind.

But here, he saw someone looking awkward and trying to find some respite from the weirdoes that decided to pester the family when they arrived. Really, they were like pirahnas, chomping and chowing when they knew they weren't allowed inside. They could only wait and hope someone would step out and slip out any juicy details.

...But that was them, and this was Princess Octavia. Mako would sliiiiide right next to her-

"Those fingers in my hair
That sly come-hither stare
That strips my conscience bare

It's witchcraft..."

He offered her a hand. Winked.

Party CRASHED

[makethathoney]

Are you all having fun? Enjoying your stuffy, hoity-toity party with nasty gossip and drinking and sedate dancing?

Well, someone has the temerity to crash that vibe. The cool thing about being able to conjure stuff is being able to conjure your own lighting, smokescreen, and DJ to hijack the music.

A stage appears-- no. No, wait... that was not a stage. That was a giant apple pie, still glowing with Beelzebub's sigil, massive kegs of booze clattering onto the floor and managing not to spill in a pentagram around it. Flying above is the Queen Bee herself, already dancing to the beat.

"Time to LIVEN things up, bitches! AWOO WOOO!" she cheered, all four arms thrown up. She was in a very cute red-and-green festive lighting, wearing stockings and a tight, fuzzy red 'santa' dress. "DJ! Play my BEATS, girl!"

The music takes a hard shift from fancy live performers making comfortable background music to thumping base. Bee's going to go right ahead and sing a whole song, grabbing any unsuspecting Goetia and shoving hard apple ciders into their hands - or slices of cobbler into their beaks, if they're unlucky.

The whole number ends, of course, in an explosion of candy sprinkles, edible confetti and candy canes. Tis the season! At least after the performance, she's sashaying around in her cute slutty outfit and passing out goodies in a more sedate way?

[grointothebust]

The performance and rain of candy earned a hearty laugh and a round of applause. Luci knew exactly what would happen if Bee wasn't invited and even seemed to count on it. He's not the only Sin pleased to see her, naturally. Ozzie chatted around the party and kept talk with the Goetia brief for his sake; as both a Sin and one among their number, he had to keep cordial around them. Watching Bee immediately shake things up and ruffle a few feathers brought along a welcome dose of catharsis.

"It ain't a party without you, girl!" Ozzie cheered, offering a greeting hug. Here's someone he'd happily hang out with all night if he could. "Great to see you, Bee."

[poppypapillon]

She agreed to be a plus one to this party, since Denji was a Goetia and... well... it might be really difficult for him! But oh no, ooooh no, she definitely should have stayed home, she is SO in over her head.

She decided to bring her nice camera, at least - it gives her an easy "out" of any awkward 'what are you doing here?' interrogations. Poppy still vastly preferred not being perceived at all, though, even after Bee arrived and made things just-- crazy.

Save her, please.

[youknowwhothisis]

Aww, save her from who? It's just us demons in here. Poppy's single, solitary warning was a bit of a serenade via an accordion.

The King had been taking a breather behind a pillar and had seen someone awfully interesting. Clearly, this is an invitation to pester them. This wasn't a member of his staff!

Sorry. You've been perceived.

"Well hi there, little lady...! Shall I escort you through the crowd? They're all legs, these sorts. It's a wonder they don't get all tangled up when they stand in groups like that."

[herewardbound]

Goro Akechi ars Goetia was, bluntly, already not having a great time of it. He didn't want to be here. But he was given to understand that you didn't turn down an invitation from the King- and unfortunately, many members of the family were also invited, which meant that things like 'best behavior' and 'not starting a shouting match with Hell's aristocracy' were expected.

The evening had not, thus far, improved. It had, in fact, worsened when he'd entered with the rest of them and made eye contact with Alastor across the room. So here he stood, with an untouched glass of wine in hand, dressed to fit in with people he despised, and looking like he'd barely slept for a week.
Someone save him.

[lonelysmiles]

The moment Akechi made eye contact with him, Alastor wanted to leave. He was already under too much damn stress to deal with this mess. He supposed so long as he kept Akechi in his peripheral, he could guarantee that he wasn't going to drop in the middle of everything. Akechi was required to participate in destroying his cognition after all.

But after some time on the dance floor with Princess Stella, tearing things up with Bee, and suffering through a conversation with the King and Queen, Alastor was tired of the tension. His steps were a tad unsteady from all of the cider he'd been drinking as he approached Akechi and sat down.

"I'll cut to the chase since I know you despise small talk," Alastor said without preamble, eyes slightly unfocused and words a bit slurred from alcohol. "A truce for the rest of the party. If you all decide on your infiltration once it's over, fine, but I don't want to drop in the middle of the festivities and ruin what little fun some people are actually having."

He took another sip of his latest drink, waiting. If Akechi bothered to look close enough, he might see signs of the stage makeup Alastor was using to look somewhat normal.

[hadal_predator]

Is he still in the same spot? Yep. ...Yeah. So he definitely saw the Radio Demon and was in his own head.

Not that he could blame him.

Mako smoothed down his tie, straightened his lapel. Took a breath. It's show time. Knock 'em dead, kid, they'd say... but he was here to be a distraction and a rescuer.

"The very thought of you makes my heart sing
Like an April breeze on the wings of spring..."

From stage left, he arrived on long strides. He paused, and relieved him of that glass of likely-too-warm-now wine.

"And you appear in all your splendor
My one and only love..."

Glass to a nearby table. That's the ticket. He took both his hands, linked fingers, stood on his tiptoes:

"The shadows fall and spread their mystic charms
In the hush of night while you're in my arms
I feel your lips, so warm and tender
My one and only love..."

A nose-to-nose touch.

"Hi. I'm here to rescue you."

[butterflyaffect]

And here was the odd one out. The invitation, by itself, had been nerve-wracking to receive. But it had been agreed, once the envelope had been opened and its contents read... that if Lucifer already knew she was connected to Goro, then not showing would probably be tipping their hand, even if showing would leave her in close proximity to one of the few entities in Hell she was reasonably certain could actually overpower her in single combat if it came down to confrontation. So the first problem, of course, had been that she was a nervous wreck.

The second, naturally, had been that she didn't actually have anything to wear, and Goro had assured her that what she normally went about in... wouldn't work. So she'd had to borrow, briefly considering the idea of a dress before discarding it entirely as Not Her Thing. At the very least she looked formal. Even if multiple people had addressed her as one of The Help, been gently corrected, ignored her, and been a touch more firmly corrected- and, in the case of one elderly falcon who'd seen fit to actually grab her and try to pull her in the direction of his spilled wine-

Suddenly met her gaze, and for some reason had pressing business at home which needed urgent attention.

These, and many other factors, were probably why Goro hadn't even touched his first glass of complementary refreshment, and she was on her fifth.

It was not shaping up to be a good night.

[youknowwhothisis]

He could move silently as the grave whenever he needed to. But the way his cane hit the floor, a crisp little click, would have been the solitary warning that the little blue imp was no longer alone.

"...You really should eat something to soften the blow of all that drink."

A beat.

"Glad my invitation reached your claws! How are you~?"