Chapter Text
Lust Ring
Ozzie's
"We're here." Said Moxxie as he gestured towards the most famous restaurant in all of Lust. Ozzie's, owned by the legendary Asmodeus, Sin of Lust. "Ozzie's."
"Oh my Satan, it's even more impressive than in the pictures and advertisements!" Yelled Millie in excitement as she looked at the building that was Ozzie's. "This is going to be a great anniversary, hun!"
"It'll be even greater with me around." Said Blitzo with a smirk as he looked at Ozzie, wearing his snazziest outfit he had in his possession. "Even better, Moxxie is paying for it all." Moxxie look at Blitzo in annoyance. Before he could say anything, the only non-Imp person in their party spoke up.
"No need for Moxxie to pay for any of our food, dear Blitzy." Said Stolas, dressed in a fancy suit and holding a cane. "I'm more than capable of paying for whatever expenditures we make on this date. It's the least we can do for Moxxie for allowing us to tag along on his anniversary with his wonderful wife." As Millie smiled at Stolas' praise, Blitzo just rolled his eyes.
"We're just fuckbuddies, Stolas. Nothing more." Said Blitzo as he remained firm on the idea that they were just fucking each other for their own gains and nothing more. When Blitzo had told Stolas that he wanted to take him out to Ozzies for a dinner with Moxxie and Millie as a means to cheer him up on account of strained relationship with his daughter right now. Needless to say, Stolas was absolutely thrilled at the idea of going on a date with his lover. Despite his claims of the opposite.
"Well I hope that you have a great time with us, your majesty." Said Millie with a smile. "Now let's get going! I'm eager to get this anniversary going!" With that, Stolas, Millie, and Blitzo made their way towards Ozzie's. Sighing at his wife and acquaintances behavior, one more fondly than the others, Moxxie was about to follow them when he felt a familiar prick spawning right up in his spine.
Gasping in shock at this, Moxxie looked around his surroundings for any signs of his father or any of his subjects when he spotted a glowing light coming from an alleyway nearby. Squinting at the alleyway, Moxxie was shocked to see the hooded figure of Keira suddenly appearing from the alleyway, looking straight at him. Once Moxxie spotted her, Keira raised a hand and motioned Moxxie to come to her before disappearing so as to not draw attention to her. Stunned to see Keira out in Lust, Moxxie looked at his acquaintances and wife waiting in line to go to Ozzie's, anxiously waiting for their turn to be allowed in, before venturing to go talk to Keira. Hopefully what she had to say to him wasn't going to take long.
Making sure that no one saw him as he entered the alleyway, not that it matter as everyone was focused on getting into Ozzies or minding their own business, Moxxie walked towards the alleyway that he saw Keira. Once he entered the alleyway, Keira materialized herself and grabbed Moxxie deeper into the alleyway so they can talk more privately. Once she dragged him to the dead end wall of the alleyway, Keira also casting a spell that placed an illusion over them that made it look like they were never there in the first place. Once she finished casting the spell, Keira looked at Moxxie.
"Forgive me for intruding on what is likely a special day for you, Moxxie, but I have some urgent news for you." Said Keira as she looked at Moxxie, noting the special attire he had on. Upon hearing what she just said, Moxxie suddenly got a very bad feeling.
"What is it?" Asked Moxxie in worry. Was his dad doing something awful in either Hell, Earth, or Runeterra. He didn't want to think that, but given the nature of Mordekaiser, its entirely possible.
"Do you recall the lessons we provided you regarding the Ruination?" Asked Keira, recalling the lessons they provided Moxxie regarding the history of Runeterra when he was just a boy, which included the Ruination. When Moxxie nodded, Keira continued. "There's one occurring at this very moment. One more powerful than the ones previously and it threatens all of Runeterra. And your father is planning on doing nothing against it." Upon hearing that, Moxxie widened his eyes in shock.
"W-why not?" Asked Moxxie. He knew his father didn't do anything to stop the previous Ruinations before, but shouldn't one that's threatening the entire world garner his attention? He wanted to rule both the living and the dead after all.
"He desires to take advantage of the destruction this Ruination will cause as a means to further his own goals, regardless of the innocents killed." Explained Keira. "The souls killed by this Ruination will provide an excellent source of soldiers and material once he conquers the Shadow Isles. And the damages wrought on the nations and lands of Runeterra will also benefit him by weakening said nations and lands before his grand return. As a result of these, your father has seen fit to simply let the Ruination run its course, believing it benefits him more than stopping it." Upon hearing that, Moxxie looked at Keira in horror. His father was just going to let innocent people in Runeterra die just for his own benefits? Granted that was something one should expect from people of Hell and his father now thinking about it, but still he couldn't help but feel disappointed at his father.
He claimed he wanted to improve life everywhere, yet he was so willing to sacrifice anyone and anything in order to get what he wants, even if it costs others everything. Sacrifices must be made, yes, but Moxxie felt that this was going a bit too far for his liking.
Looking back at Keira with a disappointed face, Moxxie spoke to her.
"While I appreciate you telling me this, Keira, why did you tell me this?" Asked Moxxie as he looked upon Keira. When Keira looked at him with her typical aloof expression, Moxxie narrowed his eyes at her, trying to decipher when she was trying to relay when it dawned upon him. "Are you…are you asking me to make him change his mind?"
"Yes." Said Keira simply as she looked at Moxxie. "I do not agree with my master regarding this approach to the Ruination. If the people of Runeterra discover that he knew of the Ruination and did nothing against it when he had the ability to do so, they may rise up in rebellion against his rule when he returns. And that is not including the possibility of Hell or Earth doing the same thing as well when they discover his deed. I had attempted to steer him from this course of action, but you understand how stubborn your father can be. I'm hoping that you will have better success in convincing him to go against this course of action." Moxxie just looked at Keira in shock before looking towards the entranceway of the alleyway. He didn't see it, but he knew that Ozzie's was nearby and that everyone was likely waiting for him, including his wife Millie. The person that he wanted to spend the whole day with on account of their wedding anniversary. The one that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with and have a family together. And the one that he promised to help deal with Blitzo and Stolas with whatever was ailing them right now.
Thinking about how disappointed she'll be at the idea that he was abandoning their special day and a chance to help their acquaintances, although she'll argue that their friends, when they're down, Moxxie wanted to say no to Keira, but the idea of people dying in Runeterra in droves while he lavished a good day with his wife and their friendly acquaintances didn't sit well with him.
Yeah, he did it when the Exterminations were occurring and he and the other Hellborn just sit and watch as the Sinners of Hell get killed by Angels, but that was because the treaty prohibited it. Any interference from Hellborn to stop the Angels from killing Sinners meant their pardon protection was dropped. Something only the few Hellborn, mostly because most Hellborn didn't care about the treaty and its contents beyond what affected them, that bothered to read the treaty with Heaven actually knew. Moxxie, being amongst said few to actually study the treaty. Just in case something goes bad in his job and the angels find out what I.M.P. is doing and they come knocking on their door.
But this situation with Runeterra and the Ruination is something that he could something about. Well, actually his father could. Provided he could convince him to help defeat the Ruination instead of using it for his own benefit. Plus, he felt that it was his obligation to his father to make him see the error of his ways. To make him realize that there were other ways to get what he wanted. Better ways than what he usually used to get what he wants.
He knows that there is good in his father, buried deep in that suit of armor of his. He knows this because of how he adopted him when his mother died and how he let Moxxie choose his own path when he was ten years old. Of how he constantly saved him and I.M.P. without much recourse aside from harsh punishments to Blitzo. And how he started a somewhat friendship with Morgana, despite clear differences between them, just because he let himself be acquainted with her on his account. There is good in his father, it just needed to be let out and constantly looked out for. Also he needed someone around to keep his dark urges in check, lest said good get snuffed out.
Thinking about this and the fact that he didn't want the Ruination to continue in Runeterra while he could so something about it, Moxxie was about to give Keira his answer when he suddenly heard some yelling.
"Moxxie, you dumb fuck! Hurry the fuck up whatever the hell you're doing and get back here! We're almost to the front of the line!" The voice of Blitzo yelled, catching Moxxie's attention. Looking back at where Ozzie's was, Moxxie remembered his obligation to his wife and fri…acquaintances. Keira, also hearing the voice of Blitzo, spoke to Moxxie.
"As much as I understand your obligations to your wife and those you consider allies, I must implore you Moxxie to talk to your father. And to do so quickly." Said Keira as she looked at Moxxie as he looked back at her. "The more time you waste, the more time that the Ruination claims the lives of the people of Runeterra. I know you desire to spend time with your significant other and those you consider allies, but often times, those that care about the wellbeing of others must sacrifice what time they have to help those in need rather than utilize for their own wants and needs. Why? Because they care." With that, Keira began to hide in the alleyway using a spell. "I do not desire to force you to help me, Moxxie, but I know that you will make the correct decision on what to do." It was then that Keira disappeared completely from Moxxie's viewpoint, leaving the Imp alone to his thoughts. Stunned at how fast Keira disappeared, Moxxie was left wondering on what to do when he heard Blitzo's voice again. With that, he ran towards the line at Ozzie's. Although with less enthusiasm than he had when he first came to the Lust Ring.
Later
Millie
Millie was concerned for her husband.
When they were venturing to Lust, he was so full of enthusiasm and vigor as they made the trip. Eager to have a good time with his wife, even with the addition of Stolas and Blitzo along for their anniversary. He was so happy that Millie was certain that absolutely nothing was going to ruin this special day for them.
But, after getting back to them after leaving for something that he had yet to explain to them, Moxxie had this look of unease and reluctance on his face. Even as they walked into Ozzie's and took their seats, he still had that expression on his face. Hell, he even had that expression as Fizzarolli, that business partner of Asmodeus himself, announced tonight's entertainment plan along with revealing that ruler of Lust was present tonight to oversee everything. That along should have alarmed her husband, even making him anxious about performing with the king of Lust present, but it didn't. He didn't even react to the announcement of Asmodeus like Blitzo and Stolas did, he just kept having the same expression that he had when they entered Ozzie's. And it was starting to really concern Millie.
"Moxxie." Started Millie as she looked at her husband in concern as he looked at the table with a look of unease and uncertainty. The two were at a separate table from Stolas and Blitzo, although they were close by, so they can enjoy their anniversary like they originally planned, so Blitzo and Stolas didn't notice what Millie was doing right now. Well, Stolas at least. Blitzo was looking at them with a raised eyebrow, no doubt wondering what was eating Moxxie right now. "What's wrong, dear? You're acting all scared and worried. Now, I get it because of Asmodeus being here, but you've been worrying since we got inside, long before we knew Asmodeus was here tonight. What's got you so worked up honey?" Upon hearing the concern in his wife's wonderful voice, Moxxie looked at Millie in surprise before looking a bit ashamed of himself.
Here he was worrying about what to do about his father and if he should choose to convince him to help Runeterra or be with his wife on their special day, and here she was worrying for him in return when she saw his conflicted expression. This was suppose to be her special day as well and he was ruining it with his thoughts on what to do. Be selfish and spend a day with his wife by celebrating their wedding anniversary or be selfless and help save Runeterra by convincing is father to help stop the Ruination from occurring. Both were things he wanted to do right now, but he couldn't. He could only get a one year wedding anniversary once in his life with Millie and he didn't want to ruin it for his wife. But at the same time, the more time he wasted, the more people on Runeterra die to the Ruination. People that could have been saved if his father just sent his armies to help them. Armies he knew Mordekaiser possessed and could easily deal with this Ruination on account of their numbers and technology Mordekaiser took from Earth and Hell. Hell, Moxxie was confident that his father could end the Ruination all by himself if he so choose.
"If only he would be willing to do so." Thought Moxxie as he looked at his wife. Not wanting to worry his wife with his own family problems, Moxxie tried to reassure her.
"It's nothing, Millie." Said Moxxie with a small smile on his face. "Just some family issues. That's all." Rather than getting comforted by this knowledge, Millie just frowned.
"Family issues? Is something going on between you and your dad you just knew about, Moxxie?" Asked Millie, wondering what could cause Moxxie to suddenly have family issues with his father. Before Moxxie could respond to Millie about what was going on, trusting her with the information that Keira told him about his father, they suddenly heard Fizzarolli announce that Moxxie will be the first one to start off the entertainment for tonight. Upon hearing that, Millie gave Moxxie a comforting smile.
"We'll talk about this later, hun." Said Millie as she brought out his guitar that he brought alone for his song that he planned for his wife. "For now, get out there and show these people what you can do. But if you need some advice about your dad, Moxxie, then just talk to him. Sort things out between him as soon as possible. If you need to do it during our anniversary, then I'll understand. Having a great anniversary is nothing compared to your relationship with your family. Don't throw away what you got with your dad just to have a good one year anniversary with me, Moxxie." Moxxie, upon hearing the words of encouragement from his wife, teared up a bit. He was about to say something to her when suddenly Fizzarolli yelled at him to take stage now.
"Moxxie, get your ass over here now!" Yelled Fizzarolli as he looked at Moxxie impatiently. "We got people here that paid money to get entertained. As much as we would love to take your money and cancel your spot in line, that wouldn't do well for our reputation. So get your ass over here now!" Upon hearing that, Moxxie quickly went over to the stage, ignoring all the glares of annoyance at him for being late for his play, no doubt wanting to see the other entertainment. Mainly Verosika Mayday, who was surprisingly here as well.
Taking front stage, Moxxie looked over at the crowd of demons in front of him and took a deep breath. Still a bit disoriented and hesitant on being here on account of what Keira told him, Moxxie spoke to everyone.
"I will now sing a song that I made for my wife for our one year anniversary." Announced Moxxie, causing many of the patrons to murmur and look at each other in surprise or disgust, hoping it wasn't what they were thinking. Looking at the crowd, Moxxie suddenly looked at his wife, who gave him an encouraging smile. Looking straight at her, Moxxie gave her a smile back and was about to start singing when he suddenly spotted a demon, a succubus that looked a bit like.
"Morgana?" Thought Moxxie as he looked at the succubus with black hair and black makeup that looked somewhat like purple-haired woman that he made his first real friend back in Runeterra. Looking at the demon closely, he saw that she only had superficial resemblance to Morgana and nothing more. Still, thinking about his friend made him realize that she was in danger of the Ruination as well. While he knew that she was capable of defending herself and those under her charge, the thought of the Ruination claiming her sent chills up his spine.
Realizing this and not wanting his friend to suffer from the Ruination, what little he knew about it didn't leave a very pretty picture to those that these invasions of undead fell upon, caused Moxxie to make his decision.
With a heavy sigh, Moxxie looked down on the floor.
"I'm sorry, Millie." Said Moxxie to himself as he looked at the floor. While everyone was starting to look amongst themselves, now in confusion at what the Imp on stage was doing, Moxxie suddenly put down his guitar gently before rushing out the main exit of Ozzie's.
"Moxxie!" Yelled Millie in shock as she and everyone else watched Moxxie just bolt out of the restaurant in a hurry. Worried for her husband surging through her, Millie rushed out to follow her husband while everyone else was processing what was going on. The words no refunds came from Fizzarolli as Millie rushed out to find her husband.
Exiting out of Ozzie's, Millie looked around for Moxxie, only to see him go into the alleyway that he went to before. Stunned to see this, Millie pursued her husband as she heard the voices of Blitzo and Stolas coming after her. No doubt also worrying for Moxxie as well. Running towards the alleyway, Millie was stunned to see Moxxie at the end of the alleyway, yelling at nothing.
"Keira! I made my decision! I want to help!" Yelled Moxxie as he looked desperately around the alleyway for something called Keira. Concern for her husband reaching an all time high, Millie was about to yell at her husband when she saw a dark shadow appear before Moxxie and out came a small young woman in a dark red cloak with dark blue skin floating in the air. Stunned to see this, Millie realized that this woman was one of Mordekaiser's servants. Realizing what this meant, Millie did nothing as Blitzo and Stolas arrived to the alleyway.
"Jesus fuck, Moxxie! What the fuck was that!?" Demanded Blitzo as he and Stolas walked into the alleyway, having found it when they pursued Millie. "You got blue balls over a crowd of demons!? Just what the…fuck?" Blitzo stopped his rant when he spotted the human-looking woman looking at Moxxie, who soon looked at the approaching demons when she heard Blitzo yelling with Moxxie following soon after.
"Guys!?" Yelled Moxxie in alarm upon seeing Millie, Blitzo, and Stolas looking at him in shock as he conversed with Keira. This was not good. Not good at all. Looking back at Keira as the three demons walked towards them, Moxxie panicked as Keira looked upon the demons approaching them.
"This was not desirable, but we must make do." Said Keira as she went to grab something from her garb. Upon seeing this, Moxxie protested.
"Keira, please. My wife and these others don't deserve to be involved in whatever I want to do." Said Moxxie as he tried to convince Keira to not drag any of them with his dad's business.
"What you have to do? What the fuck does that mean, Moxxie!?" Demanded Blitzo as he and Stolas walked towards Moxxie and Keira with Millie in tow, worry clear on her face.
"Blitz, it's kind of difficult to explain." Said Millie as she tried to defuse the situation before something went bad. Before she could explain, Stolas' feathers suddenly went up in alarm.
Then, before anyone had a chance to do anything, Keira brought out a scroll of parchment and then proceeded to unfold it. Once it did, a black and sickly green magic circle suddenly engulfed everyone around Keira. It then proceeded to suck them all within it. Blitzo, Stolas, and Millie tried to fight it, but the magic circle will not be denied and thus dragged them all along with Keira and Moxxie inside it and out whatever destination that Keira had in mind for them. Once it accomplished its task, the magic circle disappeared. As if it was never there in the first place.
A minute later
Mitna Rachnun/Grey Realm
Upon returning back to the Grey Realm, Keira looked upon the demons of Hell that came with her and began working on a protection spell for all of them against the adverse effects the Grey Realm had over those that were not native to it.
Fortunately, or unfortunately depending on who is asked, the demons were all unconscious, enabling Keira to cast the protection spell without too much difficulty. As she casted the spell one each one individually, Keira looked at Moxxie with a hint of sadness in her eyes.
"I am truly sorry for this, Moxxie." Said Keira as she casted the spell on Moxxie's unconscious form. "But as I said before, those that care for the wellbeing of others often find themselves with little time to enjoy the fruits of ease and comfort." With the last of the protection spells casted, Keira summoned several messaging birds to her.
"Send word to the guards to prepare several quarters for occupation by demons of Hell. As well as guard duty." Said Keira to one of the messaging birds she summoned, the black metal birds looked at her with sickly green, beady eyes. "The rest of you summon our lord and master as well as his advisors. Tell them what I did and that I await at his throne for punishment." With that, Keira sent the birds away, leaving her to keep an eye on the unconscious demons of Hell. As she waited, Keira thought of her master and how he'll react to all this.
Later
Mordekaiser
It took over an hour, but Mordekaiser eventually returned to the Grey Realm from his trip to meet with Morgana. Opening a portal directly to his throne room, where Keira was along with several guards. Upon gauzing at Keira's frame, Mordekaiser spoke.
"I did not expect you to be so foolish, Keira." Said Mordekaiser as he looked at Keira. "Your years of loyal service and skills are wasted with your actions today. You know full well I cannot let your defiance of my orders go unpunished."
"I am aware, milord." Said Keira with a bow, showing no fear, even as her master's gauze fell upon her, anger clear in his eyes. "But I could not stand by and allow the current Ruination to continue on. Not while it ravages what I used to call home. Not while my niece is in danger of falling to the Ruination's grasp." Mordekaiser hummed at her words before speaking.
"Commendable loyalty to your family, Keira, if a bit foolish." Said Mordekaiser before changing the subject. "Regardless, I must deal with what your actions today have befall upon me. For now, you are confined to your quarters, but do not expect much leniency when I decide upon your punishment, Keira. Your actions could have negative consequences for my conquest of Hell as well as the safety of my adoptive son."
"I understand, milord." Said Keira, continuing to bow. As she did so, she asked a question. "If I may, milord, what befall upon the one called Morgana? Did you...deal with her as well?" Upon hearing the question, Mordekaiser just scoffed.
"You can ask her yourself." Said Mordekaiser before moving away from the portal that he created. He then motioned something with his hand, which caused the woman in question to come through the portal. Completely unharmed and wearing her usual attire.
A bit surprised at this, Keira looked at Morgana as she looked around the Grey Realm.
"So this is your realm, Mordekaiser." Said Morgana as she gauzed upon Mordekaiser's throne and its typical surroundings. "Why am I not surprised at the décor?" Mordekaiser simply chuckled at her question and the sarcasm that came with it.