Hazbin and Helluva Shorts III

Custody Battle

This had gone on long enough. Stolas and Stella were through. His affair had been the last straw in their marriage. Of course, neither had wanted to marry the other. But they never got to choose their lives. Being part of the rich and elite meant high expectations. It was anything but glamorous. The life of a Goetia was decided from the moment they hatched. They had no childhood. Status and appearances were everything. And now, years later, things had fallen apart. Stolas and Stella had tried to make things work for the sake of their daughter Octavia. It was the only good thing about their marriage. But it was just too much. One of the very few things they agreed upon was that it was over. So, they submitted their request to the Goetia elites. It was their last act as a couple. Surprisingly, their request was granted without a lot of bitching and whining. However, there was one difficult matter.

Octavia sat in the courtroom. Her parents were finally divorced, and the assets had been allocated somewhat fairly. All that was left was her. While she was old enough to pick which parent she wanted to live with, there still had to be a hearing. So, everyone sat while Stolas and Stella presented their cases on why they should be the one to continue raising her. Two hours went by with no apparent results. And she was sick of it. During recess, she made a call. It looked like everyone had forgotten about someone.

When the hearing resumed, the judge gave Stolas and Stella another half hour to conclude their cases. It was their last chance to sway the jury. Octavia wasn't listening anymore. She was so done. Both parties wrapped up, and the jury left to deliberate the case. It took half an hour. As they were about to announce their decision, the doors flew open with an icy gust. The temperature dropped in a heartbeat. It was Andrealphus. He strutted in and didn't bother sitting down. The cold glare said enough. Octavia stood and shoved her way to the podium. This was just insulting. This whole thing was about her. But had anyone asked what she wanted? No. So, she took matters into her own talons and happily went off. With her piece said, Octavia walked out with her uncle.