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2022-06-06
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2024-06-26
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4/?
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Deal with Pride

Summary:

What if instead of randomly getting possessed, Riliane actually made a deal with the demon of pride?

Chapter 1: Explaining this AU

Chapter Text

Edited, because man this was salty

 

so I decided to just- change the demons for this AU. So they cannot influence anyone, at all, without making a deal. 
you have the pride mirror? Great, but nothing will happen without making a deal, and like- getting something out of it. However they can just kinda lay in wait, till you have a moment of weakness so it's still bad to have the objects. 

since the demons cannot enter without consent (i mean sorta, trickery is still very much on the table so long as there is no outright lying, think like- fey), Elluka cannot get rid of them without consent either. So if Elluka wants to stop the demonic possession she has to get the victim to agree to get rid of it. Once its gone, the object disappears, going back to the witch who handles all that. She still exists and tries to send the objects to the people who she thinks are likely to be willing to make a deal. Meanwhile Elluka (when Shes not playing therapist to those who made a deal to try to help them) generally raises awareness about the demons and tells people about their tricks and all that. (‘Say no to demons‘, is this universe’s ‘say no to drugs’, i will die on this hill.) 

also Elluka is OP, so imma fix that. Here’s all of what Elluka can do. 

she can sense when someone is possessed, and by what demon. (She wont know the details of the situation where the deal was made though, or what the person got out of it.) 

she is immortal, and does not age, tho she can become sick or injured, she can’t die, but if ‘killed’ (if a normal person would’ve been killed) she goes into a coma for a week. 

she is immune to whatever affects the demons influence gave the person. (So like- for example, she would not have been seduced by Duke venomania, and could not be hurt by like- an army of skeletons summoned by the demons magic. She COULD be hurt by another living being that is being controlled however, so like if venomania got one of his harrum to attack her.) 

(side note- demons can only grant things that are like- related to that sin specifically, no more skeleton army from gluttony, that would be wraths department. Except pride, because pride is considered the sin that all others stem from) 

she can gift a total of three people (at any given time) the ability to NOT be affected by demonic power used by another person, but only of ONE of the demons for each person. (So like if some sloth victim could put people to sleep, and Elluka protected someone from that, the person immune to sloth’s power could still be affected if say- someone possessed by greed had the power to force them to give their money to them)

and if she finds the object the demon came with, she can summon and talk to said demon

Chapter 2

Summary:

I actually start this story

Chapter Text

Allen felt like he was gonna cry. 

He had come back, after years of living away from his sister, only to find that she was completely different than he remembered.

She didn’t even recognize him, and now she was also incredibly rude and spoiled. 

Allen sighed softly and sat down on the floor, sliding against the wall. 

With his head in his knees, he didn’t know how much time had passed. He didn’t look up until he heard someone say his name.

“Allen? Are you alright?” 

He looked up to see the concerned face of Elluka. 

“Yeah…” he said, not meeting her eyes. 

Allen had known Elluka since he was very young, as she often gave lessons on the dangers of making contracts with demons. She was a sort of aunt-figure to him. Was that a thing? 

At the very least, she was close to his parents (and his adoptive father as well) and while she rarely visits, she sometimes sent him gifts for birthdays and things. 

“What’s wrong?” Elluka asked, sitting down next to him.

Allen frowned, feeling a bit stupid taking up her time when she should be therapizing people who were stupid or desperate enough to make deals with demons. Still Allen knew if he didn’t tell her, she wouldn’t leave him alone until he did.

“Just- Riliane,” he said softly. 

“Ah…” Elluka put a hand on his shoulder understandingly.

“She’s just so-... different.” His shoulders slumped at the admission. 

“Yeah, well… you know why right?” 

He shrugged. “Yeah yeah, people change and whatnot… i just didn’t expect-“

Elluka was shaking her head. “She’s different because she made a deal with a demon.” 

Allen’s eyes widened. “WHAT?!” 

Elluka nodded gravely, and sat down beside him. "I only just got back after someone from the palace sent for me. I came here and I immediately saw Riliane, and sensed that she had been possessed by a demon. I've been trying to figure out what to do about it ever since." 

"Can't you… talk her out of it? That's what you always said you do to people who have made deals. Talk them into getting rid of it?... I mean why would she even…" he shook his head. A part of him couldn't comprehend what he was hearing. 

Another part of him, in that back of his mind, could. 

He remembered their lessons with Elluka when he was young. Basic lessons to not make deals, say no to demons. Elluka had told them stories, of people who'd made deals that always ended with the person miserable and friendless. 

But Riliane had always been a bit too interested. Asking Elluka about the powers and riches that had been gained from it. Even still… he'd never thought she would actually make a deal?

He needed to figure out what on earth was going on.

Chapter 3: Not technically blood ending but like--

Summary:

Allen decides to help his sister.

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Elluka was the one to approach Riliane. Allen was hiding behind the door. He wanted to listen. Really, he wanted to be one to talk with her, but Elluka had told him that it was too dangerous. They didn't know what kind of abilities she might have. 

"Elluka!" Riliane said cheerfully. "It's good to see you!" 

"Riliane… I wish we were meeting in a better circumstance." 

“Whatever do you mean? It's a perfect circumstance!” She smiled brightly. 

It made Allen's heart pang, because that smile reminded him of times long ago. Times before Riliane had ended up like this… 

“Why do you think that?” Elluka asked her. 

“It's a beautiful day! And I was planning a nice steak dinner for tonight! I even have enough meat that I'm willing to allow you to join me.” 

“Not today. Now Riliane, I need you to be honest with me about something.” 

“What is it?” She asked, actually looking somewhat serious by this point. 

“Why did you make a contract with the demon of pride?” 

Pride!? Allen thought, horrified, That's the worst one! 

“I don't know what you're talking about!” Riliane huffed. “I never made a deal with a demon!” 

“Riliane.” Elluka gave her a flat look. 

“I never made a deal with a demon!!! I would never do that!!! I order you to leave right now!!!” 

Elluka frowned, then she reached out, putting a hand on Riliane's shoulder. “Riliane… Please, I'm trying to help you. Just tell me why you made the deal.” 

Riliane was staring at her, eyes wide. 

“Why didn't you leave…?” She whispered, looking horrified, “You're supposed to obey me… You're not supposed to be able to disobey…” 

“What do you mean by that?” Elluka asked her. 

“My friend said she'd make it so that nobody could ever disobey me again!” Riliane stumbled away from Elluka. She was shaking, and looked scared. 

Elluka paused, “Is that what you got out of your deal? The demon made it so nobody can disobey you?” 

“SHE'S NOT A DEMON!” 

Elluka grimaced, then she just sighed, “Alright, if you say so… So your friend made it so nobody can disobey you?” 

Riliane nodded, hesitantly. “Yeah, it's great. Watch this.” She began to walk to the door so Allen quickly moved aside, pretending to have been cleaning the room. 

“Servant,” Riliane said, addressing Allen, “I order you to kneel.” 

Allen felt himself fall on one knee, against his own will. No matter how hard he tried he couldn't stand up, or even move. 

“Are you sure he isn't just obeying you because you're the princess?” Elluka asked. 

“I'm not,” Allen whispered, “I can't move .” 

Riliane nodded, seeming pleased. “This way, nobody will ever disobey me ever again.” 

“I see… Why don't you let him get up? He can't exactly clean your room if he's stuck like that.” 

“Ugh, fine I guess. Servant, you are dismissed.” 

Suddenly Allen could move again. He stood up, and started cleaning. If only to continue the cover story that Elluka had used. 

“Well,” Elluka said, “You should know that I'm immune to any demonic magic you might have. You won't be able to pull the same stuff with me.” 

“I should be able to,” Riliane complained, “I didn't make a deal with a demon.” 

Elluka grimaced. 

“Anyway, I can still have my guards get rid of you. Since I'm so nice I'll let you stay here for now, so long as you leave me alone. I want to finish my tea.” 

“Very well,” Elluka said. 

With that, Riliane left. 

 

Elluka turned to look at Allen, “Are you alright?” 

Allen nodded, “I'm fine, just a bit shaken…” It had been horrifying to not even be in control of his own body… 

“Well that's good. This is going to be a lot more difficult than I had wanted…” Elluka frowned. 

“Why?” Allen asked, “Isn't this pretty normal?” 

Elluka shook her head, “Not exactly. It has happened before, but it is unusual… Riliane seems to be one of the sinners who won't admit to making a deal. Usually sinners admit it pretty quickly, and will even tell me why. They usually frame it in a sort of ‘I was in a bad spot, then the demon saved me’ way. Still, they usually will admit it. However sometimes sinners feel guilty about the fact that they made a deal, that they will completely deny it. Heck, sometimes they even try to lie to themselves, and try to convince themselves that they didn't make a deal with a demon.” 

Allen frowned. “Isn't it a good thing? That she feels guilty?” 

“Not really, because all that means is that she won't tell me about it. If I don't know why she did it, I won't be able to convince her to let go of the deal. Plus if she didn't know it was bad, or felt guilty, she would probably be easier to convince. Usually if I convince someone that their deal is a bad thing, I can get them to let me do an exorcism. However since she already knows it's bad and did it anyway, that makes my job a lot more difficult.” 

Allen nodded slowly, “I see… Is there anything I can do to help?” 

“Do you really want to?” Elluka asked him, “Rehabilitating sinners is a long, and frustrating process.” 

Allen nodded, resolve forming in his mind. “She's my sister, I want to save her.” 

“Very well,” Elluka said, a hint of a smile forming on her face. She took out a small necklace from her pocket that had a wooden bead on it. “Luckily, Michaela has decided to take a break from being my apprentice, so I can give you this. This is an artifact that will allow you complete immunity to the magic of the Demon of Pride. So your sister will no longer be able to take over your body anymore.” 

Allen accepted the necklace gratefully. He didn't want to ever have to feel like that again. 

“However,” Elluka continued, “I would still suggest you follow her orders, unless absolutely necessary. She could still have you executed by her guards. However it does mean that you will be able to disobey her if you need to.” 

Allen nodded, “I understand.” 

“Now, let's go talk to the Demon of Pride.” 

Allen blinked, confused. 

In answer to his unasked question, Elluka added, “If Riliane isn't going to tell me why she made that deal, we may as well ask the demon. She'll probably tell us, she loves to gloat.” 

“Ah.” Allen grimaced. 

Notes:

Not me getting a sudden burst of motivation for this fic. (I have too many fics istg. My brain just can't PICK ONE)

Chapter 4: Pride

Summary:

They talk to Marie

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Allen would be lying if he said he wasn't nervous as he entered Riliane's bedroom with Elluka. They were looking for the object that held the Demon of Pride. 

Elluka had reassured him that he was immune to the demon's magic. Still, a part of him was terrified of seeing one up close. 

That's when he saw it, an innocent looking, black oval mirror. It was up on the top of her bookshelf, propped up by a book stand. 

“Elluka,” Allen whispered.

She turned to look. 

Tentatively, Allen pointed up to the top of the shelf. “Is that–?”

Elluka nodded, then reached to the top of the shelf and grabbed it. After she hit it with a bit of magic, the mirror began to smoke. 

Allen's eyes widened, alarmed. He took a step back as the thick, black smoke formed into the shape of a woman. 

“Well, hello again, Elluka.” She said, stretching, “You really can't give a girl a warning before you drag me out of my house? It's quite rude.”  

Elluka made a non-committal hum. “Hello, Marie.” 

“Hello!” She said cheerfully, then she leaned down to look at Allen, “Oh who's this little cutie!?” She spoke as though she was an aunt remarking on a toddler they hadn't met before. Allen stepped back from her. 

“This is Allen,” Elluka said. 

“Is he one of your new ‘helpers’?” Marie asked. 

“Perhaps,” Elluka said. “Anyway, enough about me. You seem to have been busy .” 

“Ah! So you noticed my effects on the princess? Pretty impressive work if I do say so myself. I believe I've really outdone myself with her! And in your favorite kingdom too! Practically right under your nose!” She let out a gleeful cackle. 

“I noticed,” Elluka said, “I must say, I'm quite surprised you convinced her. Especially considering how long I spent instructing her not to make any deals.” 

“Yes, well, I actually managed to convince her that I wasn't a demon. At least at first. Now I think she knows deep down, but you know how pride sinners are, we would never admit we're wrong.” 

Elluka nodded, “Ah, that explains it. Impressive, you would think she would've recognized a demon.” 

Why is Elluka complimenting her? Allen wondered, then it clicked, She's playing into the demon's ego. She's the demon of pride, and Elluka is giving her a chance to brag about everything to get information.

“Oh she almost did!” The demon said, gleefully, “And it was difficult because I can't directly lie! So when she asked, ‘are you a demon?’ I said ‘would a demon be here to comfort you?’ So she asked ‘What are you?’ and I said ‘Do you know what a genie is?’ I didn't directly say I AM a genie, mind you, but she thought I was saying that. Quite clever in my opinion!” 

Okay, Allen thought, So my sister isn't the type of person to knowingly make a contract with a demon… She's just INCREDIBLY naive… Allen could live with that. 

“Very clever,” Elluka conceded. “You'd think you'd take your skills up with someone more difficult. From the sounds of things, Princess Riliane was rather easy pickings.” 

“Oh you have NO IDEA! Poor girl had been crying herself to sleep for weeks after her mother died. She'd almost been assassinated that day too!” Despite her sympathetic words, the demon spoke with an excited, gleeful tone, “So all I had to do was come out of the mirror and pretend to be all sympathetic, and she was willing to trust me SO EASILY! I even convinced her to make a contract that would allow me to take away all her memories of her family, so you have nothing to appeal to, Elluka.” 

“You fucking what!?” Allen interrupted. 

“One of the things she ‘wished for’ was for me to make her stop feeling so sad about the death of her family, when she had a kingdom to rule. I did this for her, by taking away all memories of her family. She knows what they looked like from paintings in the castle, but she doesn't remember anything about them.” 

“I see…” Elluka frowned, “That's… Unfortunate…” 

“What else did she ‘wish for’?” Allen asked, unable to help his curiosity. 

“She wished for the confidence to rule a kingdom, which obviously I gave her by inflating her ego like one of those ‘basketball’ things they have in Elphegort. And she wished that people would always listen to her. So I, being so nice, gave her the power to control everyone around her with a simple order.” The demon grinned, “Of course I know it won't work on you, directly, Elluka. However she can always order her soldiers to remove you if you step out of line. So honestly, at this point I'd just give up!” She laughed, “Face it Elluka, I've beaten you!” 

“We'll have to see,” Elluka said, “I'm afraid I'm not leaving without at least trying to get through to her.” 

“HAHAHA! GOOD LUCK!” With that, the demon disappeared back into the mirror. 

Elluka sighed, and put the mirror back on the bookshelf. Then Allen left the room with her, presumably so the demon wouldn't be able to eavesdrop. 

“Well this is going to be annoying…” Elluka said, “ I admit I was planning to say something along the lines of ‘what would your family think of you doing this?’ Now though… I'm not sure what to do…” 

“Yeah…” Allen frowned. “I guess… I mean from the sound of things, it seemed like she wanted to do a good job ruling the kingdom. Maybe you could use that? Show her that she's hurting the kingdom with her behavior?” 

“I doubt she'd accept that…” Elluka frowned. “Pride sinners will rarely accept what they don't want to believe.” She looked at Allen. “Are you sure you still want to try and help with this?” 

Allen nodded, “Now more than ever! Honestly I can't even blame her. She wasn't being power hungry, like I assumed. She was taken advantage of in a super vulnerable state. I probably would've done the same thing if I had no parents, and had to rule a kingdom all alone. That's a truly awful place to be in, and it makes sense that she was eager to believe someone claiming to be her friend…” 

Elluka nodded, “I agree. Unfortunately that might make this all the more difficult. The more of an emotional connection to the demon they have, the harder it is to get them to let go.” 

Allen nodded, “That makes sense…” He frowned. He truly felt bad for Riliane now. None of this was really her fault, and now she was inevitably going to get hurt as the result of the actions she'd taken. Such as beheading innocent people. 

After the exorcism, she'd probably be devastated… 

If only I came back sooner…  

Allen had decided to come back to the palace, and become a servant several months after the death of his birth-mother. Maybe if he'd come back to the palace sooner he could've stopped this! 

“I know that look,” Elluka said softly, “Please don't blame yourself for this. It isn't your fault.” 

“She was hurting…” Allen whispered, tears filling his eyes. 

“And so were you,” Elluka put a hand on his shoulder. “Marie Annette, the Demon of Pride, is very good at convincing people to make contracts. Even if you had been there, it's quite likely Riliane would've made one anyway. The only one to blame is her, understand?” 

Allen nodded, wiping his eyes, “Yeah… Yeah you're right. It's the demon who took advantage of her.” 

Elluka nodded, approvingly. “That doesn't mean we can't still help her though. Hopefully we can get her to see that the demon isn't really her friend, before it's too late.” 

Notes:

Sorry it's short. I just wanted to post the scene that was itching at my brain