Warning! This chapter contains angst, explicit violence, gore, and mentions of child negligence & child abuse. Viewer discretion is advised!

The young boy's focus drifted back to reality as an incredible pain shot through his head, the intensity so strong he could see stars dancing in his vision. Dizziness blinded his sight as he felt blood gushing down the right side of his face, the sounds of the cheering crowd reaching his sense more muffled than usual. '...What…?' He thought confused as his head felt like it was wrapped in delusional smoke. A smoke that lifted as soon as the pain seared through his nervous system with new intensity. 

Hyoko gritted his teeth in surprise, his eyes shut tightly as he clawed at the hand around him. Restless gasps of pain left him as he felt like he had no control over his body anymore. The taunting laughs of the demons he was fighting reached his senses finally, the one who was holding him suddenly lifting him higher. The boy struggled in their grasp before he paused, his eyes widening in complete shock and disbelief when he spotted what the other demon was holding.

The ripped-off right ear of a human. No… Realization struck him at once, his body going into a shock as he watched the demon snicker and throw the ear into the air before catching it again. He was playing with that ear like it was some sort of new sick toy… With his ear. 

Shaking in horror, Hyoko felt sick to the stomach as he tasted gall in his mouth. He gagged lightly before vomiting right on the hand of the taller demon. A look of disgust crossed the beast's face, throwing the boy to the ground with a grunt in distaste.

His body smashed into the ground, the impact shattering the hard earth lightly. Hyoko could feel every muscle in his body, pain long overflooding his senses as he couldn't move anymore. 

'...Is this really it…? I lost… And defeat means death…' These thoughts faintly shot through his head as his weak gaze stared up to the cave walls. 

"And that's supposed to be the heir to our King?! Ridiculous!"

"What a weakling! No wonder Lucifer doesn't accept him. A mixed-breed like him could never become the ruler of the underworld."

"Prince of Hell? More like a pushover! I am surprised he lasted that long. Looks like he will meet an end fitting for someone as weak as him."

The crowd taunted and laughed at his expense, their excitement to witness his death growing.

Hyoko could hear all the humiliating laughter of the crowd, the insults thrown at him… Whatever they said, it didn't hurt him anymore. He never was respected nor acknowledged as part of the Morgenstern family. Yet… Even though he had heard these insults so often, even though he was supposed to meet his end in an honorable way, Hyoko couldn't help but feel ashamed and humiliated like never before. 

Hot tears twinkled in his eyes and dropped from his cheeks as he faintly heard the loud echoing footsteps of his opponents approaching him again. '.... I don't want to die… I don't… Why… Why do I have to die…' The young boy thought in fear, glancing at his father out of the corner of his eyes. 

Lucifer however had closed his eyes and leaned back, his arms crossed and his expression unforgiving and disgusted. "What a pity… Well, nothing I can do. Weaklings don't belong to the Morgensterns. If he dies, he dies." He spoke casually and nodded at the demons to deliver the killing blow to his son.

Hyoko's blood ran ice cold as soon as he heard those words leave his father's lips, shock and betrayal gracing the young boy's face. 'Father… Do you really...think like this? … Do you really not...love me?' He asked as he felt his heart and fighting spirit break like a shattering mirror. The boy clenched his fist tightly in emotional pain, shutting his eyes as he felt like screaming and crying. Yet, he had no energy left to even get back up.

'How do I deserve this…? What did I do to deserve such a cruel end?' Hyoko thought as his heart beat slower, chills covering his skin as he blended out everything around him. 'How is this fair??! Why do I have to go through this…? I don't want to die!!!' A small silent sob escaped him as heat spread through his body. '....I want to live…!! Please… If someone is listening… Please, please, please!!' 

"I DON'T WANT TO DIE!!!" Hyoko screamed out at such volume that it stopped the demons in their tracks, silencing the crowd completely. His voice grew louder and louder before dying down slowly. He panted heavily as he slowly opened his eyes again, his body burning up more and more. But for some reason, he didn't feel pain anymore, instead, he felt rather...soothed. 

A sudden sweet pleasant smell filled his nose, luring his senses into a state of comfort that calmed down his upset mind and body. It smelled like a field of blooming flowers mixed with the slight fragrance of honey and milk to build a combination of something ethereal.

The Devil's son blinked in surprise as he felt lighter than before, slowly lifting his hand in astonishment. 'What?' He questioned in awe, feeling oddly comforted and warm.

"This is not the end… Do not give up yet. You can do it. You can live. Find your inner strength and unlock it. Use your power and live."  A soft sweet voice whispered in his head, the sound was so melodic like softly chiming bells. It felt familiar, accepting, and loving to an extent the boy had never felt before.

'I don't know who you are… But… Thank you.' Hyoko thought as he gathered his strength, determination sparking in his mind like a new flame. 'Yes. I won't die like this… I will show it… I will prove it to them all…!!!' He narrowed his eyes as a wave of deep hidden anger warmed his chest before rising through his whole body. His blood felt like it was boiling as the boy rose as if nothing happened. Slowly, a smirk spread on his lips as one of his eyes dulled down before changing color. His iris turned a bright silver as darkness spread through his entire eye and colored the sclera black.

The crowd was silent in complete astonishment, Lucifer having perked up as a grin spread on his lips while he watched his son rise. Hyoko's opponents took a slow step back from the young boy, the intense aura of power being enough to intimidate the unintelligent beings.

"What's wrong….?" Hyoko asked as his smirk grew in malice, a crazed look of anger painting his features to resemble a ferocious beast. A low deep chuckle left his lips, his back burning before bones wrapped with muscles and sinews grew out of his back. Slowly, black feathers grew on the flesh before spreading out majestically on his back. As soon as his black wings unfolded in all their glory, a force field of incredible strength was released. The demons in front of him were sent flying and crashed against the wall. Before the beasts of hell could even try to get up again, their bodies heated up on their own and made their skin steam.

Tortured screams rang loudly through the deadly silent cave as they were boiled alive, their blood heating up until it completely vaporized. Their bodies dropped to the ground, drained from all the blood as their heart and inner organs were boiled completely.

"...Hehe…" A low satisfied chuckle left Hyoko as he unclenched his hand, his wings slowly folding on his back.

Silence spread through the cave as the gathered spectators looked at the young Morgenstern in fear. One by one, they stumbled back when Hyoko turned around to them before they immediately fled in fear and horror.

"Marvelous!! I knew you had it in you, my son!" Lucifer declared happily as he strode towards Hyoko with a smile and open arms, a proud expression gracing his features. 

Hyoko just gazed at the devil while his smile dropped to a stony expression. The young boy closed his eyes as his wings extracted back into his back, leaving fresh open wounds behind. 

"No." He replied shortly, opening his eyes to glare at the man calling him son now. "You are not my father." He spat out with anger and hatred shining in his mismatched eyes before turning away from Lucifer. 

"Go and continue your family with someone else. I don't want the throne." Hyoko growled and left his stunned father behind as he limped away.

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