Chapter Text
Author's note: And here we are, on to the second part of Mammon's new life journey and now he is home for good. I hope you all enjoy this next installment.
The citizens of the Flame ring were surprised when one of Astaroth’s rings appeared in the sky above them, even more surprised when a unknown dragon flew from within followed by Astaroth himself. Many moved out of the way quickly as the dragon crashed into the streets, Astaroth was quick to change from his phoenix form to land as the large dragon form vanished, leaving a dazed, and confused Mammon knelling in the streets, holding something to his chest.
“Mammon, are ya okay?” Astaroth asked, hurrying over to his side.
“Yeah – huh, how’d I get here?” Mammon frowned, looking around and realising he wasn’t in the Devildom anymore, let alone the Palace treasury.
“Ya first form change. Ya were magnificent.” Astaroth chuckled. “Ya did burn down his palace too. Ya really take after ya mother and I.” He added with a grin.
“Ah, right – I got Berith’s core back!” Mammon looked down at it as his father lifted him to his feet as Morax and the the others came running. “They had my egg too. Got that first… I remembered something…” Mammon became distracted, trying to find away to free the core from the odd device.
“Mammon, you’re okay!” Morax embraced him tightly. “I was so scared.” Mammon nuzzled into her happily.
“I’m okay.” Mammon told her. “And we don’t need to go back now. I’ve got Berith, we can have the ball here.” Morax smiled and kissed his forehead.
“Yes, welcome home.” Morax welcomed him softly, before Mammon could answer, he own vision fell dark. Astaroth caught him before he fell.
“That took a lot outta him.” Astaroth smiled softly. “Lets get him back home.” Morax agreed happily. That night the streets of the Flame ring was alight with celebration. The first Prince was finally home.
~*~*~*~
Mammon woke the next morning in a new room, with similar décor to his room back in the Golden manor, only more extravagant. For once, the need to explore was not there, replaced with a deep set tired ach. Mammon grumbled, hiding himself under the heavy blankets to try and sleep more, but the sound of footsteps outside the room caught his attention. The door to the room open and closed, he peeked out of the blankets to see Paimon who was opening the curtain and windows to let in some air.
“Good morning young Prince.” Paimon greeted kindly, Mammon wore a small frown as he glanced around.
“Where’s Haagenti?” He asked, Paimon smiled as he headed to the closet to find him some clothes.
“He is currently resting, we are – currently – in the dark about what those demons did to him, but he was injured. From what it seemed like, your fire freed him which allowed him to fly out free – but it had already dealt a heavy blow to him.” Paimon explained, as he looked through the clothing. “So, whilst he is resting, your father has asked me to tend to you in his stead.” Mammon eyed him for a moment.
“You fought Lemuel, didn’t ya?” He asked, Paimon just laughed.
“And won!” He added proudly. “But is this arrangement okay for you, young prince?”
“Can we check on Haagenti?” Mammon questioned.
“We can once we have you clothed for the day.” Paimon nodded. “Please let me know if you have any issues with the clothes, okay?”
Mammon did feel a little bit odd in the clothing Paimon had arranged, much more formal then he was used too, with a waistcoat, button up, granted his trouser were less formal compared to the rest of the outfit, but he found it still worked nicely with the rest of it – and wearing it did fill him with an odd sense of pride. He followed Paimon down the long halls, he was greeted with a polite nod by many of the castle staff, as they were hurrying about their business.
“It feels so busy.” Mammon commented. “Is it normally like this?”
Paimon chuckled, “The heir has come home at last. The whole realm is busy for different reasons.” Paimon told him. “Normally you would have a whole Wing of the palace to yourself, however, we had assumed we would have more time to prepare it. That was fortunately not the case, but everyone now wishes to get it ready for you as quickly as possible. I daresay by tonight you will be able to sleep in your own room. Then you shall be busy as we will need to shop for your personal décor.”
“That’s pretty fast.” Mammon mumbled, a little embarrassed so many were working so hard for him.
“Well, we want to treat our prince right.” Paimon stopped beside a door. “Would you like me to join you, or would you prefer to speak to Haagenti alone?”
“Alone, please.” Mammon said, before stepping into the room. Haagenti was sitting up in bed, reading a book, looking clearly displeased with the situation, and bandaged up – looking a little worse for wear. And it hurt Mammon, as he could immediately tell what they had done to his steward. Haagenti glanced up when he entered, the look of annoyance changed to relief and joy.
“My lord-” he made a move to get up, but mammon hurried to his side to stop him.
“Please, for now, just rest and heal. That’s all I ask of ya.” Mammon said and sat down next to the bed. “How are ya feeling? Please, be honest.”
“Haagenti looked at him for a moment before sighed softly, a small smile appearing on his features. “A bit achy, I honestly don’t remember much. I recall that older brother of yours was a part of it. And I know it was your flames that freed me, and healed me a little, it woke me from wherever they had locked me up in. Thank you.” Haagenti smiled, but looked worried as he noticed Mammon’s frowned. “Somethings tells me you already know this feeling, maybe too well.”
“Yea… all too well. I wish I could forget it.” Mammon said. “Please speak to me if you remember anything.”
“And if I do, I hope you can open up to me. It’s not safe to shoulder such a burden by yourself.” Haagenti replied, tone gentle causing Mammon to tear up.
“I gotta remember I ain’t a burden here.” Mammon sniffed.
“Never were, never will be. At least confide in your parents, or friends. Let them help.” Haagenti smiled. “You are a good kid Mammon. They were lying to you to keep you trapped. Please remember that.”
“I’ll try.” Mammon wiped away his tears. “I’m glad ya okay.”
“As am I, and I am glad you are free, I shall be here all day, you should go and see your parents.” Haagenti told him.
“Yea – I’ll check in later. Don’t move around too much, keep resting.” Mammon ordered.
“Of course, my lord.” Haagenti chuckled.
Mammon let out a sigh as he left the room, door closing behind him, causing Paimon to chuckle.
“Don’t worry, young Prince. He is being closely watched.” Paimon assured him.
“Ah, good. I feel bad he was hurt because of me.” Mammon frowned.
“What happened was not your fault, it was a dangerous play on their part. Another attempt to trap you with them and away from us. To accuse you of the theft of an unknown item – I could smell the lie a mile away.” Paimon told him. “The fault lies purely on those demons. You are just another victim of their abuse., not a perpetrator or cooperator with their schemes.” Mammon teared up at his words. Paimon ruffled his hair. “Now, I hear Miss. Decarabia has arrived. Would you like to go and greet her.” Mammon smiled and nodded as he wipes away his tears once again.
~*~*~*~
Mammon stood on the balcony overlooking the grand entrance of the palace, watching as staff were rushing back and forth, seeming even busier than before. Paimon said nothing, standing back to let him make his way at his own pace.
“I had heard we had a few celestial guests.” Mammon was startled as Cara stood next to him, joining him in watching the staff. He blushed slightly as she smiled at him. “They arrived this morning. Everyone appears to be in a tizzy over it.”
“Oh, I see…” Mammon mumbled, “Morning Cara.”
“Good morning, how are you feeling?” Cara asked
“I don’t really know right now.” Mammon admitted after a moments silence. “I’m free. I got Berith. And now angels are here – not sure whether to be happy or scared.”
“It’s a lot all at once, I understand it must be a lot.” Cara nodded. “Take your time, don’t rush because you feel that is what people expect. Healing takes time, especially emotional scars.” Mammon smiled at her kind words, before he glanced around.
“Where is everyone else?” Mammon asked, Cara chuckled.
“Well, Dan pressured father into starting his training to be your personal guard – father could not argue with him. Baal is working with her family now for the Ball. Now it is happening here, we are going with bigger is better, and from a few of the ideas she shared it will be a thousand times grander then the original. Malphas is working with his father to collect the evidence of the demons crimes, and ensuring there is a guard set for ther Golden Manor, even if no one will be living there they don’t wish to risk demons trying to destroy it.” Cara explained, “And Malius is asleep, Father thinks that now he has fulfilled his primary desire, he will go through his first growth, meaning he will be hibernating for at least a few days.” Cara explained. “Remind me to explain what the First growth is later. I suppose your parents are in the meeting with the Celestial Guests.”
“Yea…” Mammon frowned, he hadn’t seen any angels since the fall, and he was naturally nervous about possibly meeting them again – who had even arrived? – Was it anyone he knew? – they had every right to hate him, but could he deal with that head on right now after everything that had happened? He was pulled from, his spiralling thoughts by Cara taking his arm in hers, smiling softly.
“Come, let’s go together. I will protect you, if need be,” she told him, Mammon smiled softly and nodded.
“Okay.” He agreed, they linked arms as Cara led the way to his mother’s primary office within the Palace.