Danny's Demons Chapter 33 (Early Preview)

Chapter 33: Catch-Up

The question hung in the air. Danny's brain felt slow. He gestured between them, awkwardly. "Right. Uh. Sam, this is Octavia." He looked at Octavia. "She's another friend of ours." He turned back to Sam. "Octavia, this is Sam. She's in our history group."

Octavia gave a slow, deliberate nod, her gaze fixed on Sam. "Hello."

Sam's eyes narrowed slightly. "Hi."

Tucker beamed at the newcomer. "Sweet, another brain. We can use the help. Pull up a chair, Via."

"I intend to." Octavia walked to the corner of the dining room and took a seat beside Danny. Her eyes soon settled on the thick volume near Sam's hand.

Sam decided to get to know the girl more. "So, where are you from? I haven't seen you around Casper Intermediate." She set her pen down.

Octavia adjusted her position slightly. "I live outside of town, actually. I'm homeschooled."

"By her dad," Tucker added, eyes still on his screen. "Mr. Stolas. Who, by the way, is totally loaded."

Sam looked Octavia up and down. "You're rich?" The girl didn't seem like the ones at school who would flaunt 'Daddy's money.'

Octavia shrugged. "I guess. Not something I care much about."

Sam hummed in appreciation. Octavia seemed genuine like herself. Sam could work with that.

"That's how we met," Danny said. "I started getting tutoring from her dad a few years ago. We became friends after that."

Sam raised an eyebrow at the foreign name. It sounded oddly familiar, but she returned to her notes. Sam watched her settle in before turning her attention back to her own notes, her shoulders now set in a rigid line.

Danny cleared his throat. "Okay, so. The Cold War. Where were we?"

"Singing fish on the moon," Tucker supplied cheerfully, pointing at his screen. "Check this out. The CIA actually considered putting speakers inside catfish to spy on Soviet harbors. Project Acoustic Kitty."

Sam rolled her eyes. "Of course, that's what you focused on."

"What? It's interesting," Tucker defended. "They spent millions before realizing cats don't take directions well."

Danny leaned over to look at Tucker's laptop. "We're supposed to be covering the space race section. Did you find anything about the lunar missions?"

"Yeah, yeah. Got that too." Tucker scrolled down. "The Soviets had their Luna program, while we had Apollo. Both sides were scrambling to plant flags."

Octavia turned to Sam’s book. "A People's History. Interesting choice."

Sam looked up. "It's more honest than the official narrative."

"Well, the power structures are a constant," Octavia replied. “Without a change in government ideology overall, things will just stay the same.” Wasn’t much different in hell.

Sam stared at her, surprised. "You've read Zinn?"

She shrugged. "I've read it once. Dove into hum… US history." Octavia picked up one of the books on the table. Similar to the gang territories around hell. "Proxy fighting."

"Yup. In any case, Ms. Willis said we need primary sources," Sam said, tapping her pencil against her notebook. "Maybe we could check the library archives later this week?"

"Or," Tucker suggested, "we could just finish the digital presentation part and call it good enough?"

Sam glared at him. "Some of us actually care about grades, Tucker."

"Fine... We'll do it analog..."

The group settled into their project as they passed books and notes. After an hour of steady progress, Danny reached for his phone. "Mind if I put on some music? Might help us focus."

No one objected, so Danny queued up his playlist. Modern pop filled the room, occasionally interrupted by classical pieces and musical numbers recommended by Stolas.

Sam endured it for about twenty minutes before speaking up. "Can I suggest something else?" She held out her hand for Danny's phone.

He passed it over with a shrug. "Sure."

Sam scrolled through his music apps, finding what she was looking for. The first heavy guitar chords filled the room, followed by raw, emotional vocals that immediately caught Danny's attention. He looked up from his textbook, genuinely interested.

Octavia tilted her head and listened intently. "This is... different. I like it."

Danny bobbed his head to the beat. “Yeah. Me too. Is this rock?”

Sam made a so-so gesture. “Kinda. It’s Alt-Rock.”

“Who sings this?” Danny picked up his phone to check the screen. "My Chemical Romance? Never heard them before."

"They're pretty well known outside of mainstream pop," Sam said, a hint of pride. "That's 'I'm Not Okay.' What do you think?"

"Kinda wanna hear what else they have," Danny said, nodding along to the beat.

Octavia's lips curved into a slight smile. "It has a certain... honesty to it."

Sam looked between them, pleasantly surprised that her music choice had bridged the gap. “Just wait till you hear Black Parade.”

Suffice to say, new fans were made that day.

Later That Month

The late afternoon sun filtered through the tall windows of Stolas' Earth residence. Danny completed the final incantation for the day.

Stolas glided over to a side table where a silver tea service waited. "I believe we've covered enough for today. The grimoire's healing section is extensive, and we've only scratched the surface. But progress is progress." He gestured toward the seating area. "Shall we?"

Danny collapsed into an armchair. Despite his improved magical stamina, working with the grimoire always left him mentally exhausted. 

Stolas handed him and his daughter a cup. "Now, tell me, how are your earthly studies progressing? That history project you mentioned?"

Danny brightened. "We got an A-! Not bad considering how we started. Tucker handled the technical stuff, Sam did the research, and I took care of the presentation." He blew on his tea, which was infused with herbs from Stolas' garden that helped restore magical energy. "The teacher said our section on propaganda was particularly strong."

"Sam? Is that the girl you mentioned?" Stolas asked, settling into his own chair with graceful movements.

"Yeah. She's... interesting. Really passionate about environmental stuff and animals." Danny took a careful sip. "She and Octavia actually got along pretty well once they started talking about historical power structures."

Octavia nodded. "She's smart. A bit aggressive in her opinions, but not wrong about most things."

"And your other classes?" Stolas inquired, his four eyes blinking in sequence. "Are they progressing satisfactorily?"

"They're fine," Danny said with a shrug. "English is boring but easy. Math is... well, math. Science is actually pretty cool this semester. We're studying astronomy."

Stolas set his cup down with a delicate clink. "Speaking of your daily scholastic life, Octavia mentioned something rather interesting to me." His voice remained casual, but Danny immediately tensed. "She tells me you've been incorporating subtle magics into your everyday routine."

Danny's head snapped toward Octavia, his expression one of theatrical betrayal. "Via! You promised!"

Octavia raised her hands defensively, tea balanced precariously. "Sorry! We were talking stories over dessert and it just slipped out." She offered an apologetic shrug. "Besides, it's not like you're summoning hellfire in the cafeteria."

"I'm not disappointed, Daniel," Stolas clarified, leaning forward slightly. "In fact, practical application is an excellent way to hone your skills. I'm simply relieved you haven't attempted anything... drastic."

Danny stared into his cup. "I almost did," he admitted quietly. "With Dash."

The room grew still. Stolas tilted his head, waiting for Danny to continue.

"He found my journal during lunch. Read parts of it out loud, including some pretty snide remarks I wrote about him." Danny's fingers tightened around his cup. "Literally threw the book at me and chased me afterward. I had my hand up, waiting to blast him."

"What stopped you?" Octavia asked.

"Pity? Guilt? Something along those lines." Danny sighed, slumping back. "It's just... tiring, you know? Keeping all that frustration bottled up so I don't lash out. Sometimes I wonder how much easier things would be if I just..." He trailed off, making a vague gesture with his hand.

Stolas set his cup down and leaned forward. "Daniel, if this Dash character is causing you such distress, I could easily arrange for a minor... accident. Nothing fatal, just enough to instill some humility."

"Or I could talk to him," Octavia suggested, a dangerous glint in her eyes. "Explain certain concepts about respect. Very thoroughly."

Despite himself, Danny smiled. "Thanks, but no. I've seen where souls who torment others end up." He straightened. "I don't want to be like that, even if Dash deserves it."

Stolas nodded. "I suppose that is a wise choice from one your age. Restraint in the face of temptation shows true character." He refilled Danny's cup. "Though perhaps we should spend more time on defensive spells this week. Purely educational, of course."

"Of course," Danny agreed, exchanging a knowing look with Octavia.

"And perhaps," Stolas added casually, "a minor lesson in memory manipulation. Again, for academic purposes only."

Danny laughed, the tension leaving his shoulders. "I think I'd like that."

At the sound of Stolas mentioning memory manipulation, Octavia perked up. "Isn't the Infernal Academy hosting that exhibition next month? The one where young practitioners showcase their progress?"

"Indeed they are," Stolas replied, his feathers ruffling slightly with pride. "I was planning to discuss that with Daniel today. As my apprentice, you would be expected to attend, though not necessarily participate."

Danny set his cup down. "The one where all the noble families will be watching?

"And after three years, most of the nobility have accepted you as my unusual protégé from the outer reaches of the Pride Ring. Even those who initially questioned have moved on to fresher gossip."

Danny ran a hand through his hair. "I guess I'm just paranoid. Last time I was down there for that summer solstice thing, I swear Furfur was staring at me like he knew something."

"Lord Furfur stares at everyone like that," Stolas waved dismissively. "It's his only social skill."

At the mention of Hell's social scene, Danny shifted slightly. "How is Lady Stella? I haven't seen her around lately."

"Attending a series of social functions in the Pride Ring," Stolas replied diplomatically. "She sends her... acknowledgments."

Danny suppressed a smile. Over the years, Stella's attitude toward him had evolved from open hostility to a cool civility that occasionally bordered on genuine politeness. 

The last time they'd interacted, she'd actually complimented his presentation during a House Goetia event, high praise indeed from the aristocratic demoness.

"I'll take it," Danny said. "Better than being called 'that stray child'."

"Mother's warming up to you," Octavia assured him. "She actually asked if you were coming to the Winter Solstice celebration this year."

"Really?" Danny raised his eyebrows. "Last year she told the servants to put me at the children's table."

"Which worked out well for you," Octavia reminded him. "You got to avoid Lord Andrealphus talking about his latest collection."

Stolas chuckled. "Indeed. Though I believe her inquiry was more about preparation than genuine concern for your attendance. The catering this year is quite extensive."

Danny stretched his arms above his head. "By the way, I'm getting better at the drums. Mrs. Henderson says I have 'surprising rhythm for a beginner.'"

Stolas froze mid-sip, his four eyes blinking in rapid succession. "You are learning the drums, Daniel?"

"Yeah," Danny raised a brow. "It was one of the last good instruments in the class closet. Why?"

The owl demon set his teacup down with deliberate care. With a flourish of his hand, he conjured a gleaming violin from thin air, its polished surface reflecting the afternoon light. "I had rather hoped to guide your musical education myself. The viola, perhaps—an underappreciated instrument with remarkable depth and character."

Danny glanced at Octavia, who was hiding her amusement behind her teacup. "I... didn't know you played, sir."

"For centuries," Stolas confirmed, running a feathered finger along the violin's strings, producing a perfectly in-tune sequence of notes. "Music is one of the great connections between realms. The mathematics of harmony transcends dimensional barriers."

"Dad's been trying to get me to learn since I was five," Octavia stage-whispered. "I lasted two months before 'accidentally' dropping my viola into lava."

Stolas sighed dramatically. "A tragedy I've yet to recover from."

"I'm not against learning," Danny clarified quickly. "But maybe after I finish my drum assignment? I would rather commit to one instrument at a time. I still have my end-of-semester performance."

The demon prince brightened considerably. "A perfectly reasonable compromise! We shall begin your string education in the new year. I do believe you'll have an aptitude for it. You need excellent finger dexterity."

Octavia rolled her eyes. "Here we go."

"Setting that aside," Stolas reached inside his coat and produced an envelope sealed with ornate red wax imprinted with a flame symbol. "This arrived for you this morning, Daniel." There were phones in Hell, but Danny didn't have one. Thanks to Stolas, he came up with an excuse to just receive letters. However, Stolas did say he had a surprise for his 14th birthday coming up.

Danny accepted the envelope and recognized the seal of House Pyronis immediately. He broke the seal carefully and unfolded the letter.

Octavia leaned over his shoulder to read along.

"It's from Amara and Flamel!" Danny had a wide grin. "They want to know if we can visit next weekend. Apparently, Flamel's dad acquired some ancient weapon collection he wants to show off."

"And Amara says she's mastered a new spell," Octavia pointed.

Danny's eyes lit up. "It's been what, three months since we last saw them? Flamel's probably improved his swordplay even more."

"Undoubtedly," Stolas nodded. "Young Lord Pyronis is quite dedicated to his martial training."

Danny groaned. "I'm still trying not to drop my sword when I parry."

"That's because he hits hard." Octavia patted his shoulder sympathetically. "You're doing pretty well for someone who only practices every few months. Flamel has combat training daily."

"You've made remarkable progress," Stolas assured him. "Lord Pyronis himself commented on your natural talent during your last visit."

Danny sighed. “Let’s hope our next visit there isn’t so one-sided.”

Later that Month

Hell

House Pyronis

Octavia and Amara lounged on a crimson couch at the edge of the training circle.

"Your stance is better," said Flamel as he shifted position."But I can still see what you're planning."

Danny adjusted his grip. "I thought I was…"

Flamel struck without warning. Danny blocked the first attack but missed the second, the blunt wooden edge striking his ribs.

"Point," Amara called, drawing a glowing purple tally mark in the air. "That's five for Flamel, two for Danny."

Octavia winced. "You almost had him."

"Almost isn't enough," Flamel said. He twirled his practice sword. "Another round?"

Danny nodded and rolled his shoulders. He still couldn't match Flamel's years of daily training.

They returned to the center of the circle.

"Begin!" Amara announced.

Once again, the two clashed.