Chapter 3: 3. Are you Mad? Yes
Many years had passed since Lucifer assigned everyone their roles in Hell. The once bright and determined angels had transformed into demons, each embodying a particular sin. Beelzebub, had become the embodiment of Gluttony. She sat on an opulent, crimson throne, her eyes glazed with a mix of satisfaction and madness.
Before her was a mountain of food—lavish dishes of every variety, from roasted meats to exotic fruits. Around her, hellhounds—demonic creatures with fiery eyes and slavering jaws—jumped and scurried, desperately trying to please her with their offerings. The hounds had learned to fear her wrath; her hunger was insatiable, and her anger, deadly.
Once, when the hellhounds had failed to bring her satisfactory food, Beelzebub's rage had boiled over. In a fit of fury, she had devoured one of the strongest hounds and slain many others until they finally appeased her with something edible. That brutal incident had ensured her a constant stream of delicacies, brought by trembling, obedient hellhounds.
Beelzebub's transformation had not been merely physical. She felt Hell changing her, driving her deeper into the madness of her own sin. Her hunger was no longer just for food—it was for power, for control, for the visceral satisfaction of seeing others cower before her.
As she lounged on her throne, a particularly nervous hellhound approached her with a silver platter, its hands shaking. "S-so, what new food do we have here?" Beelzebub's voice was sweet, yet laced with a dangerous edge.
The hellhound stammered, "M-my Queen, it's a new delicacy from the deepest pits of Hell. W-we hope it pleases you."
She took the offered dish and began to eat. The entire hall fell silent, every hellhound holding its breath, waiting for her verdict. After a few tense moments, Beelzebub leaned back, a satisfied grin spreading across her face. "Hmm, it's good."
A collective sigh of relief swept through the room. Despite her fearsome reputation, Beelzebub wasn't entirely heartless. She wouldn't devour them for a minor misstep—at least, not anymore. The incident had been a one-time thing, a message that had been clearly understood.
Suddenly, an explosion rocked the hall, sending food and hellhounds flying. Beelzebub's eyes widened, and she quickly composed herself as the dust settled. Through the smoke, a figure flew in with dramatic flair, landing gracefully before her.
It was Lucifer. He stood tall and proud, his four eyes glinting with amusement. He looked around at the chaos, then focused on his sister. "How are you doing?" he asked, a smirk playing on his lips.
Beelzebub grinned back at him, her madness momentarily giving way to genuine affection. "Oh, you know, the usual. Just keeping the hounds in line and enjoying the fruits of their labor."
Lucifer frowned a little, his voice rich and resonant. "I can see that. You've certainly made a name for yourself, sister."
She shrugged, leaning back in her chair. "What can I say? Gluttony suits me."
Lucifer's expression softened slightly. "I'm glad to see you're thriving. Hell has a way of changing us, doesn't it?"
Beelzebub nodded, her gaze growing distant. "Yes, it does. But I've learned to embrace it. To find joy in the chaos."
Lucifer studied her for a moment, then shook his head slowly. "I don't agree, Beelzebub. Embracing chaos can be dangerous. I've seen what it does to our siblings. It's a slippery slope, and I fear you are losing yourself."
Beelzebub's grin widened, her eyes glinting with a mixture of pride and defiance. "And why not? Chaos is our birthright, is it not? We were cast down here to rule over this realm, to embody the sins that humanity fears. I am merely doing what I was meant to do."
Lucifer's eyes narrowed. "There is a difference between ruling over sin and being consumed by it. I worry that you are teetering on the edge, sister. There is a fine line between embracing our roles and losing ourselves to them."
Beelzebub's laugh was sharp and edged with hysteria. "Hehehehahaha. Losing ourselves? Perhaps. But it is a madness that fuels me, that drives me to consume and conquer. It is my nature now, and I have embraced it fully."
Lucifer sighed, leaning back in his chair. "I worry for you, Beelzebub. Hell is changing us all, but you... you seem to be embracing the chaos more than the rest."
Beelzebub waved a hand dismissively, her focus already shifting back to the food before her. "Do not worry, Lucifer. I am in control. I know what I am doing."
Lucifer leaned forward, his voice dropping to a more urgent tone. "Beelzebub, listen to me. This path you're on, it's dangerous. It's one thing to rule Hell; it's another to let it consume you entirely. You are more than just your sin. Don't let it define you completely."
Beelzebub's eyes glinted with a wild light as she threw her head back and laughed, the sound echoing through the hall. "Hahaha. Oh, Lucifer, always the cautious one. I don't need saving. I am Gluttony, and this is my kingdom. Let the madness come. It only makes me stronger."
Lucifer's face hardened, and he stood abruptly. "Very well, sister. But remember my words. Chaos is a double-edged sword. Don't let it cut you down."
With a final, worried glance, Lucifer turned and walked away, leaving Beelzebub to her feast. As he exited the hall, a sense of unease settled over him. Hell was changing them all, but Beelzebub's transformation seemed the most drastic. He only hoped that she could maintain her grip on sanity in the face of the consuming madness.
Beelzebub resumed her feast, the hellhounds eagerly presenting more dishes to her. She savored each bite, her mind a whirl of thoughts and emotions. The hunger within her was insatiable, but for now, it was appeased. She had found her place in Hell, and she would rule over her domain with an iron will and an unrelenting appetite.
After a few moments, the insatiable craving gnawed at her again. Beelzebub's eyes sharpened with a ravenous gleam as she pounded the armrest of her throne. "More food! Bring me more!" she demanded, her voice echoing with a maniacal edge.
The hellhounds, sensing the urgency and desperation in her tone, began to run wildly around the hall, scouring for new delicacies to present to their queen. They raced against each other, fear driving their frantic efforts to satisfy Beelzebub's insatiable hunger.
(End of a chapter)