Though there was not much surprise on Estoria's face, she was most definitely shocked.
She acted as if Edmond was some kind of celebrity rather than an infamous evildoer.
After the brief period of surprise ended, she even had the nerve to serve him tea as if he was a normal guest visiting their home.
"This tea is absolutely lovely Ms. Marvelo," Edmond took her kindness for what it was.
"If only my fellow witches knew that I would one day have the pleasure of serving the Devil. They would surely put me on trial themselves," Estoria chuckled to herself.
"What do you mean by that," Edmond questioned.
That did not seem like a normal thing to joke about.
"Do you not know? It's certainly a regular occurrence for a captured witch," Estoria spoke as if it was a regular circumstance.
"You'll have to excuse me. I've only recently taken over as the Devil and there was no previous situation like this where I could travel across planes to meet anyone such as your children."
"Is that so," Estoria eyed Edmond differently, "Well, in any case, it may come as a surprise that witches— and pretty much anything that breaches the norm— are treated with much scrutiny. So much so that they deem people like me a danger to their own fragile egos."
"Ah. I see. People who can't stand those that are talented in ways they fail to match so they forcefully group together to strip them of their higher standings in a pitiful attempt to level the playing field."
"Indeed. We witches have to hide ourselves in fear of being outed to the public," Estoria sighed, "Many of us have been hung, drowned, and stoned to death just because we can do things that they deem rooted in darkness."
"I know all too well the feeling," Edmond too sighed, "The pompous assholes that run things think that they can just snuff out the flame of everybody they find to be against their own morals or way of life. It's unjust and unfair."
Estoria liked the company Edmond offered, but moved on to other matters as she watched her children watching from the living room.
"I thought that by teaching them about witchcraft it would ease their boredom and give them something interesting to focus on," she laughed, "Who knew they would find a way to summon a magnificent existence such as yourself."
"And how exactly are you aware of my existence? I can't imagine the last Devil had anyway to extend his reach beyond his throne."
"I can't be sure, but as far as I can remember we worshipped existences like yourself. It is only from your teachings that we were able to form a culture built on the mystical ways of beings beyond our world."
"It all sounds inspiring," was all Edmond could say.
"Yes, but there was more community then. Nowadays we can barely make ends meet and protect our secrets from prying eyes."
"Well, why don't I help you then? I've already got business with your kids. I don't see why I can't change a society or two while I'm at it."
Estoria's eyes widened, "Would you really? I have nothing to offer you."
"Don't take this the wrong way, miss, but your children are the reason I even traveled this far in the first place. I have to admit, they've really got potential. Your boy even managed to somehow absorb the powers of a demon and make them his own."
"He did what now?!"
Estoria had not gotten a close look at Tino due to the nature of their being such an esteemed guest in her presence, but after hearing so she immediately rushed to get a closer look.
"You really went and did the unthinkable! What if you angered the one before you by committing such a heinous act," she huffed, "I know I have a lot to learn myself, but I should have at least instilled a sense of caution towards the unknown."
"It's really a relatively safe process, Mom-," Angie started.
"Don't you act like you know everything little missy. For all you know you could have endangered you and your brother by doing something like summoning a foreign being."
Estoria spoke harshly, but could not contain her pride, "But look at you. A knowledgeable little witch and a fearsome warlock my babies."
She hugged the twins and said nothing more.
'Hey, Ego. Have you made contact with Null? I think they need to heal the wounds he made before we can move on and join forces.'
'I told him the moment I read TIno's memories. At first, he wondered if we went behind his back to find the missing flames, but after I explained the coincidence, he calmed down. He's on his way with the rest of the crew as we speak.'
'Why don't we just travel through the Hallowed Plane? It would be much quicker.'
'Yeah, Evangeline did mention that, but Null said he wanted some time before actually meeting these two.'
'I guess all I have to do is wait then. Until then, I'll try to soften the eventual pushback by staying with them.'
'Sounds good. I'm interested in this new way of life. It doesn't seem like contact with other beings is commonplace. Especially if one has the ability to absorb their essence. It sort of reminds me of Theef albeit more unorthodox.'
Edmond agreed and turned his attention back on the Marvelo family.
"We have some time before my companions reach us. How about I help Tino with his newfound ability and you impart your knowledge and experience to Angie? Oh, and don't worry about providing for your family any longer. Now that you are part of the crew, we'll take care of each other."
"What crew," Tino spat, "You're telling me Null started his own crew after killing us and went on his merry little way. Ha! What bullshit!"
"Tino! Who taught you to speak in such a manner?! Apologize immediately!"
"You don't understand, Mommy! There are things we kept from you. Things even I don't understand."
"You talked about this Null killing you, is it? Reincarnation is a profound topic, but that doesn't mean I can't understand it. You can't allow the past to define your future even if that means confronting the bad before finding the good."
Edmond cut in, "Especially when accidents find their way into the mix."
"Don't you feel the same Angie? Are you not going to take my side?"
The one in question had stood in thought for the majority of the conversation.
Angie knew how Tino felt. She also knew how she felt about the matter, but there was something she could not shake about what happened on Planet Barter.
"You must have noticed it, right? Null wasn't exactly himself. It was like he was being influenced by something dark and powerful."
Edmond perked up after hearing that, "Ah, yes. If I'm not mistaken that must have been Void's fault. I've heard stories of how he took over Null at his most vulnerable, but I have to say he has seemed to have grown over time just like Null."
As much as Tino hated to admit it, there was obviously something wrong with Null just as they said, "That doesn't make me feel any better about having my stomach ripped out of my body. I had to see him stand over your lifeless body, Angie. Do you know what that did to me?"
She took his hand and smiled softly, "I know. You were all I could think about when it happened. I just knew it would crush you to see me like that, but I still screamed for you."
Hearing her children talk about their past lives made Estoria feel a certain way. Almost as if she was watching them grow up in the moment despite them staying the same size.
"What a harsh end you must have met," she said holding back tears, "Had I known you carried such burdens, I would have been there for you more. All I do is leave you here alone with no one but yourselves. Forgive me."
Both Tino and Angie immediately hugged her hard, "No, Mommy!"
"We're lucky to have been born to such a wonderful mother."
"You raised us by yourself even though you risked being found out."
Edmond watched the family as they tried their best not to burst out in tears.
Having an understanding mother like Estoria was a good thing as it was not every day you find out that what should have been innocent children were secretly reincarnates with their past lives' memories.