The Crown's Obsession (WN)

Music Recommendation: Limetown - Ronit Kirchman

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Calhoun didn't have to ask to know what Theodore wanted to ask, and he said, "I was planning to visit him. To see if I can haggle with the existence of the antidote while also see why he tried to cause a ruckus in Devon by bringing people back to the living world who are already dead."

"Then this might be the right time," suggested Theodore, to which Calhoun nodded his head.

Calhoun didn't bother to walk to a quieter place where no one would be able to see. Instead, he raised his hand, his palm open, which created a huge black smoke. Since the last time he had been to Hell, the Devil had bestowed him the ability to be able to step in and out of Hell on his wish.

Theodore stepped into the black smoke as a tunnel, and Calhoun followed him. When the smoke reduced, he caught himself looking at the vast dark sky and in front of him stood tall buildings that looked like ruins. Screams filled the surroundings, and the large pits of fire burned brightly to light up the place where they stood now.

Walking to one of the buildings, they made their way up the deserted stairs before coming to be greeted by a familiar face.

"Master Calhoun, what a surprise to have you here!" Odin deeply bowed his head before standing straight. "Master Vladimir will be very pleased to hear that you have come to see him."

"I was hoping he would be here," came Calhoun's dull tone.

On the other hand, Odin looked at the person who stood next to Master Calhoun, and he asked, "Are you here to collect his soul to take it back to the living world, Master Calhoun?" he didn't know this man had died. When did he die?

"He's still alive, Odin. He had something to ask, which is why he is here," replied Calhoun, and he demanded, "Where is he?"

Odin wasn't sure if it was a good idea to bring a living person to the underground world, "He is sitting in the throne room, Master Calhoun. Let me lead you there, please," offered Odin, who was more than happy to serve the Devil's grandson.

It was Theodore's first time entering Hell, and he could only gather this was where he would be ending up once he would die. The place of an afterlife was fixed for a demon when they were born. The only place at the end for them was Hell. While walking, he saw other creatures stout in appearance, and they stopped walking to bow their head at Calhoun as if they knew who he was.

"Welcome, welcome, welcome to my humble home," a voice boomed before they even entered the room.

When Theodore stepped inside, he caught sight of the Devil, who sat on his plush throne. His body relaxed as he watched them enter the room.

"I was awaiting your visit, Calhoun. Our family dinner has due its time and the thought strangely has been upsetting me for some time now," stated Vladimir with a bright smile on his face. "And you brought your friend. Theodore Hosteler, isn't it?"

Theodor, who had bowed his head, raised it to look at the Devil.

"I know you, Theo. I know your actual name. It is one of the perks of being a devil," the smile on Vladimir's face didn't disappear. "Born as an orphan with no family and no name, you decided to pick a name for yourself on a whim. You have been of excellent help to my grandson. The support you have offered him by staying by his side has been wonderful."

"Thank you for acknowledging it," said Theodore. "I have come here wanting a favour."

The light in Vladimir's eyes didn't reduce.

"Haven't you heard about making deals with the Devil, Calhoun knows about it if you ask him," chuckled Vladimir to himself. "Though I am curious to know what this favour is, that has you come to me. Hm."

Vladimir rubbed his chin in wonderment.

"I want to meet one of the prisoners here. Samuel Grivelle," said Theodore.

"Such a simple favour. I thought you would ask for wings or maybe a position in Hell. There's a vacancy," the Devil tried to snare Theodore's attention, and he added, "I can guarantee that you will be able to spend more time as you want, punishing the demons."

"Thank you for the offer, but I am satisfied with the way things are," replied Theodore.

"What a pity," murmured Vladimir.

When Lucy had died, Theodore had wanted to kill Samuel with his own two hands, but the demon had been killed before he had the opportunity to leave a blow at the person. Though Lucy was back to life, the anger had not simmered down, and if it weren't for Madeline, Lucy would not have been alive.

"Alright, let us all go visit this favourite person," Vladimir clapped his hands before getting up and walking down to where they stood. "Odin, take us to where Samuel Grivelle is being held."

"Yes, Master!" Odin obliged before starting to walk, and the others followed.

"At the time I met the useless thing, I didn't know he was special to you," came the calm voice of Vladimir. "He is such a child," he laughed. "How is my grand-daughter-in-law?" he asked Calhoun.

"Upset," came the short reply from Calhoun, and Vladimir raised his eyebrows.

"What did you do?" asked the Devil.

"She wants the antidote for her sister which you aren't willing to give," deadpanned Calhoun.

"I told you that was the last antidote that I had with me. Now why would I ever lie. Do I look like the type of a person to lie? Me?" Vladimir placed his hand on his chest to emphasize his point. Calhoun's eyes narrowed, and the other people with them felt an itch in their throat. "The creatures of the living world aren't good when it comes to sharing things. If I ever come to hear about it, I will directly deliver the antidote to the girl. You know what we should do? Have dinner together here to have a family discussion," decided Vladimir.

When they finally reached the underground level, they were greeted by a foul stench in the air. Theodore caught sight of the cells aligned from the front to the other end of the corridor, possibly the longest corridor he had come across.

Inside each of the cells were demons and creatures that belonged in Hell. Theodore and Calhoun were quick to notice the familiar faces as they were the ones who had attacked the castle that night and some people before that particular day.

"Did we have too many free cells here?" questioned Vladimir while looking at the people with a sharp glare at them and a maddening smile on his face.

"Master," started Odin, trying to make sure not to walk along with his master but a step behind him. "I thought it would be right to segregate all the prisoners according to the crimes of when, where and on whom. This place holds the souls who were involved in troubling Master Calhoun since the last six months."

Odin was more than pleased with himself as he had categorized Master Calhoun's kills like trophies placed in each cell of the underground.