Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Amerie balanced a bag of sewing materials in one hand and her keys in the other as she approached her apartment complex. The building, like much of the Greed Ring, was in disrepair. She grimaced at the mess—discarded papers, old food wrappers, and a sticky substance she didn't want to identify—lining the hallway. She deftly avoided the worst of it as she stepped into the creaky elevator, pressing the button for the second floor.

As the elevator lurched upwards, she sighed in relief, eager to return to her sanctuary. Reaching her floor, she walked to the door with the number 6. A colorful wooden sign hung on it, proudly proclaiming, "Amerie Astra, Master Illusionist."

Inside, her apartment was a stark contrast to the building's exterior. The room was extravagantly decorated, with vibrant drapes, whimsical trinkets, and a collection of hand-made dolls. Amerie loved creating a space that felt magical and inviting.

She set her bags down and made her way to the closet. Her magician's outfit—a beautiful, elaborate ensemble she had crafted herself—hung there. She noticed a small tear along the seam and frowned.

"Oh dear. Well, we can't have that, can we?" she said.

She fetched her sewing kit from the table and got to work mending the damage. "No worries!" She reassured the suit, humming a familiar tune as she worked. "With a little care, you'll be good as new!"

It took some time, but Amerie was pleased with the result. She smoothed down the fabric and smiled. Admiring her handiwork, she then adorned the suit, feeling a surge of confidence as she did.

Standing before the mirror, Amerie practiced her opening lines, a flair in her step. She added in her favorite magic gestures, trying to perfect the timing. A bright grin spread across her face, the kind of smile she always hoped to give children.

"Ladies and gentlemen, prepare to be amazed! You are about to experience a journey you'll never forget!" she exclaimed, posing with flair. Then she paused and shook her head, not satisfied with the delivery.

"Hmm. Too formal, not inviting enough," she said thoughtfully.

Amerie practiced again, changing the inflections in her tone. She wanted her words to convey a sense of warmth and fun. "Welcome, my little stars! Are you ready to begin the best adventure of your lives? Let's create some magic!" She added a playful bow, winking at the imaginary audience.

She was feeling better about it, but she wanted to try another line, a different tone. "Hey kiddos! Get ready for a show unlike any other. You're gonna love it, and if you don't, that's on you!" The tone was playful but a little too rude, she decided. She practiced the lines again and again, changing it up each time until she found just the right approach.

As she mastered her delivery, her phone buzzed on the table. She picked it up, seeing an unknown number.

""Hello, this is Amerie, Master Illusionist," she said in her most welcoming voice.

"Yes, let's just get to business already," a cold female voice answered on the other end, "I need a new entertainer for my daughter's party, the clown I hired cancelled last minute and she will not stop crying! It's getting on my fucking nerves!"

The caller paused for breath before continuing. "You perform magic, correct?" The woman on the other end asked.

Amerie replied cheerily, "That is indeed one of my many talents! I also do ventriloquism and puppet shows..."

"Whatever, that's fine. Do you take cards, or can I transfer you money?" The woman demanded, impatiently.

"I do, indeed," Amerie responded, surprised at the woman's abruptness.

"Good. Here is the information," the woman replied, and she began dictating the address and the details. Amerie grabbed a notepad from her pocket and wrote everything down.

"I have to go. Make sure you show up on time or it will cost extra. No excuses. Got that bitch?" the woman warned.

"Understood, and I promise. I will make your daughter's birthday extra magical-"

The other woman cut her off with a huff, ending the call abruptly. Amerie frowned as she pocketed her phone. "That could have gone better..." she mused. She glanced at the time on the wall clock and sighed. "Yeesh, why must everyone in this ring be so rude?" she mumbled.

But at least this was work. The call had given her something to focus on other than the looming problems with money. She was so used to scrambling for clients that it felt strange to be invited to a party, even if it was last-minute. Still, Amerie was happy for any opportunity to share her love of magic, regardless of how brusque her new client had been.

She smiled softly, gathering up her supplies as she prepared for her performance. With a final glance in the mirror, she smiled, ready to entertain. "All right, here goes nothing," she said.

Amerie locked her apartment and stepped back into the hallway, grimacing at the mess. "Oh, the filth on this floor," she muttered, sidestepping the worst of it.

She pressed the button to call the elevator and waited for the doors to open. They did so with a screech and she stepped inside, pushing the button for the ground floor. She closed her eyes as the elevator made its descent, taking slow breaths to center herself.

A few minutes later, Amerie walked outside into the dreary afternoon of the Greed Ring. Her apartment complex stood on one of the smaller, quieter streets. It wasn't particularly busy at the moment, but she knew that it was only a matter of time before the area filled commotion.

As she stepped onto the sidewalk, she heard a crash in the distance. The sounds of screams, sirens, and shouting grew louder by the second, followed by a large group of demons. She looked towards the disturbance. The commotion was centered on an old store, with its windows shattered, and looters grabbing for whatever they could. Amerie had gotten used to scenes like this by now, but that didn't make them any less concerning.

She pulled out the notepad and reread the directions to her destination. "Now, I know I have to catch the next tram over to that area," she murmured to herself.

The tram was crowded but not uncomfortably so. Amerie sat in a seat by a window and watched the buildings roll by as she got closer to her stop. It didn't take her long to reach her destination. She disembarked from the tram, thanking the driver politely, and began her trek. The driver gave her a nasty sneer but she was used to that kind of look, she ignored it.

As she walked through the streets, Amerie could see this shift in scenery. It looked to be a suburban neighborhood. There were smaller buildings with well-maintained gardens and street lights. Everything looked tidy and in good repair. This was a welcoming sight, she thought to herself. A nice change of pace compared to the usual chaos and disarray. She continued her walk towards the house she needed.

She stopped in front of a house with bright, cheery decorations on its lawn, indicating that this was indeed her destination.

Getting closer, her heart softened at the sight of the little impling girl crying on the front steps. The girl's dark hair fell over her face, and her small tail drooped in sadness. Amerie's instincts kicked in, and she approached with a warm, reassuring smile.

"Hey there, sweetie. You must be the birthday girl, am I correct?" she asked the girl kindly. The impling sniffed, wiping at her eyes as she looked up. She nodded her head.

"You poor dear. A sweet little doll like you shouldn't be upset on their birthday." She pulled a white handkerchief from her pocket and held it out. The girl took it, rubbing her eyes with it before giving it back to her.

Amerie placed the handkerchief into her pocket as she asked, "May I ask why you are sitting on the porch crying by yourself? Don't you have a party inside?"

The girl sniffed, shaking her head. "Mommy promised that Mammon was coming to my party, but she said he cancelled."

Amerie nodded thoughtfully as she listened to the impling. "I see."

The impling wiped away her tears and sighed. "That's the only reason my friends came to this party, mommy said he would come." She paused as she looked down. "But I guess not..."

Amerie's heart went out to the little girl. It was obvious that the child looked up to the deadly sin, and was very upset at the disappointment. She was familiar with Mammon herself. Or, at the very least she knows about him.

I mean, who wasn't familiar with Mammon, the king of Greed? She admired his performances as a young child, and would even say that he is her inspiration in a way. That he gave her a drive to want to be a performer, too. Though, she also knew that he wasn't the best in terms of personality. He certainly lived up to the title as the king of Greed. Despite that, she admired his showman-like skill. She just wished he wouldn't be such a dick.

The gears in her head began turning as she thought more about the situation. She figured that Mammon is a very busy demon, with him doing his clown pageants and pushing out new products to the masses. He doesn't even perform anymore if she remembered correctly, and she highly doubted that he would show up for this girl, so why would her mother get the poor girl's hopes up in such a way?

It was sad, but there wasn't much she could do, unless...

The impling's face fell in disappointment, but Amerie wanted to lift her spirits.

"Well, there's no use sitting around out here and sulking. We could be inside right now, enjoying your birthday, and I could put on the greatest performance that you've ever seen!"

"But... you don't look like a clown, and you don't have any clown clothes," the girl said.

"What makes you think that clowns are the only performers that are allowed to have birthday parties?" Amerie said as she pulled a bouquet of flowers out of thin air, a soft gasp came from the little girl.

She placed the flowers on the ground and began performing the first magic trick she had learned. She produced a coin and hid it behind her back as she said, "I can assure you that my magic is far more impressive than any clown's you have ever seen before! So, what do you say? Would you like me to perform some magic for your guests?"

The girl gave her a shy smile, her face lighting up with joy. She nodded.

Amerie offered her hand. "Great! I promise we're going to have the best birthday party ever. What's your name, dearie?"

"Lina," the girl answered quietly, taking her hand.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Lina," she said warmly. "I'm Amerie."

Amerie lead the child inside to where her mother and party guests were.

The interior of the house was filled with bright decorations, colorful streamers, and balloons that indicated a festive atmosphere. Yet, there was a palpable tension in the air as the guests—mostly other little imps and a few parents—milled about awkwardly, clearly aware that the main attraction was missing.

Lina's mother, a stern-looking demoness with sharp features and a permanent scowl, glanced up as Amerie and Lina entered. Her eyes widened with a mix of surprise and annoyance.

"You must be the magician," she said briskly, crossing her arms. "You're late."

Amerie smiled apologetically. "Yes, I'm terribly sorry. The tram system is... unreliable at best in this Ring," she replied.

Lina's mother scowled but said nothing, eyeing her with disdain.

Amerie ignored her reaction, turning instead to the guests and clapping her hands together. "Alright, let's liven this party up! I'll go and set up in the backyard. It shouldn't be too long before you hear my signal." She walked outside and began setting up the equipment and props needed for the performance.

Back inside, Lina walked over to a group of young impling girls lead by a young shark demon. The girls all smiled and laughed as she approached. "Whoa, where'd you find the magician? I thought Mammon was supposed to be here." The shark demon girl said, clearly disappointed that the infamous deadly sin didn't show up.

"I'm so sorry girls! Mommy got our hopes up again for Mammon," Lina apologized, as a sad expression began to show. The girls all gasped at her words as she said them.

The shark girl frowned as she put a hand on her hip. "Wow, how lame." The girl rolled her eyes. "I told you guys that Lina's mom is full of hot air, that clown never even responded to her calls. This sucks. I thought we were going to get to meet the coolest demon in hell, but we got a nobody. This sucks ass, Lina."

One of the impling girls chimed in, "Yeah, let's get out of here! The clown is a no-show. Your mom sucks!"

Another chimed in, "I told you! Her mom is just a delusional, old bitch with no shame."

Lina looked down as the girls walked off and made their way to the exit. She ran in front of them. "No! Wait! Don't go! Miss Amerie is really good, I promise! She's really kind, too. Please give her a chance, girls!" she pleaded.

"You're not seriously gonna believe what she says? She's probably just some random whack job that just so happened to show up for her party. There is no way that a clown performer like Mammon would ever come to such a shitty party!" The shark demon girl exclaimed in anger. "Her mom probably lied about that clown coming just to get us here!"

"Yeah, what are we gonna do? Play stupid party games all night, too?" Another one of the impling girls said.

Lina frowned at them and pleaded again, "Girls, please..."

"Yoo-hoo, children! Please make your way to the backyard! The show is about to start!" Amerie said as she walked in. She stopped and tilted her head, giving them all a friendly smile.

The girls stared at Amerie with uncertainty. "We're not interested in your stupid magic show, lady," one of the girls said, folding her arms. "It's obvious you're just here because Mammon ditched us, but you're just not what we expected. You're nothing like Mammon!"

"Yeah! Who even are you? What's your name?" the other implings asked.

The girls started to crowd Amerie. She gave them a big grin, and bowed slightly. "Why, I am Amerie, Master Illusionist," she replied confidently. She made a motion as she introduced herself that had her jingling the bells on her costume.

Amerie stood up straight, and clasped her hands together, giving the children a friendly smile. "So, shall we get this party started? I know for certain that you'll be wowed by my illusions."

She paused and glanced at Lina. "That is, if the birthday girl is still interested in my performance, of course."

Lina smiled, and nodded her head excitedly. Amerie beamed, leading her and the group of young girls, albeit reluctantly, into the backyard.

Lina was in awe at how grand and impressive the set-up looked. Colorful ribbons hung from the trees. Paper lanterns glowed brightly as they swayed in the gentle breeze. It felt like she was in the middle of a carnival. She giggled softly as she looked around, taking it all in.

The other young girls didn't seem to share in her enthusiasm, but they were curious. They gathered around Amerie, peering up at her with mixed expressions of curiosity and wariness.

Amerie gave the children a reassuring smile, as she started  with simple tricks—making flowers appear from her sleeves, pulling colorful scarves from thin air. The children gasped and murmured to each other, impressed despite themselves.

"Now, for my next trick..." she said, flourishing a large, golden hoop.

She positioned the hoop over her body, and with a flick of her wrist, it transformed into a cascade of butterflies that fluttered around the yard.

Lina clapped excitedly, watching as the butterflies settled onto the nearby plants. Her friends also watched the spectacle with fascination, eyes wide and jaws open in awe.

The children cheered as the last butterfly faded. "Wow, that was amazing! I've never seen a magic show like that before! Can we see more?"

Amerie laughed. "Of course!" She looked around and pointed at a girl with short horns. "Now, could you be my lovely assistant?" she asked, pointing at a little shark demon.

The girl frowned as she said, "I don't wanna do any tricks..."

"That's alright, dear. I only need your assistance for a quick demonstration. You don't need to perform any tricks!" she reassured her. The little girl's eyes lit up at that.

Amerie made a big show of taking an egg from the girl's hand and placed it inside a glass. Then she put the lid on the glass, and sealed it with tape.

"Now, my assistant, would you like to try cracking this egg on the ground? It is magically sealed," she said, showing it off. The girls all looked on excitedly.

The girl took the glass from Amerie. She glanced down at the egg skeptically before turning and tapping the bottom of the glass against the ground. She tapped harder, and harder, but the egg did not crack. The glass shook a bit with the impact, but there was no crack to be seen.

Amerie smiled at her as the girl shook the glass, trying to break the egg. "I told you! This egg is magically sealed, there is no way for it to crack!" She said in a light tone, making her jingle slightly with the motion of her body. The girl kept hitting it on the ground, getting increasingly frustrated at her efforts to crack it. Amerie took the glass from her and showed the crowd. The egg was perfectly intact. The kids wowed and applauded, surprised by the trick.

"Do you wish to see more?" she asked. The girls all cheered in agreement, getting more and more excited for her next trick.

As the performance continued, Amerie's illusions grew more elaborate, each one more mesmerizing than the last. She juggled balls of light and made a dove materialize out of thin air. The children cheered, gasping at each new spectacle. Lina smiled widely, captivated by Amerie's talents.

Amerie's heart swelled as she saw the transformation in the little girl. For the grand finale, Amerie reached into her hat and pulled out a stuffed animal—a cute, cuddly rabbit with soft fur and long ears.

"This is for you, Lina," Amerie said, handing the rabbit to the birthday girl.

Lina's eyes sparkled with happiness as she hugged the stuffed animal tightly. "Thank you, Amerie! He's perfect!"

Finally the show ended and the crowd was impressed with the performance. The kids applauded the show, all except Lina's mother who was just a little bitter that Amerie had pulled off something more grand than expected, though she kept it to herself. The birthday guests started leaving soon after, but they all looked so happy and had smiles on their faces as they went to go and get in their cars to go back to their own homes.

"Miss Amerie! You were so amazing!" Lina shouted, as she ran over and jumped into her arms, hugging her tightly.

Amerie blushed and returned the hug, a small smile spreading on her lips. "Oh, it was nothing really. You did make an excellent assistant, Lina. I'm glad I was able to make your party a special one," she said softly, ruffling the child's hair.

"Thank you so much! I never thought Mammon would have ever showed up, but I'm really happy he came," Lina said, beaming up at the magician.

Amerie blinked and was about to speak before she was interrupted. "Before you leave, I have something for you!" Lina rushed away and then came back, holding a piece of birthday cake and a crayon drawing. "This is for you," she said shyly.

Amerie took the gifts, her eyes misting. "Thank you, dearie. These are perfect."

She waved goodbye to Lina as she walked away from the house, back towards the tram. Amerie's heart warmed with affection. It had been a long time since she felt so fulfilled, and it felt good.

She sighed and took in the surroundings. It had grown dark, and the streets were empty. A cold breeze blew through the air, sending shivers down her spine. Amerie quickened her pace, hoping to catch the last tram home.

As she walked home, the drawing and cake safely tucked away, Amerie thought about the joy she had brought to Lina. She dreamed of one day having a child of her own, someone to love and care for. But the reality of her financial instability loomed large, pushing the dream aside for now.

With a sigh, she focused on her work, determined to keep bringing smiles to the children of the Greed Ring. For now, that was enough.

Chapter Text

Mammon stormed through the halls of his opulent palace, his fury vibrating through the walls. His neon green eyes blazed with irritation, and his forked tongue flickered in and out as he muttered curses under his breath. The spectacle of Fizzarolli’s recent departure and the mockery that followed haunted him. The song Fizz had sung, tearing down Mammon’s image, had gone viral, making his former jester the talk of the town, while he, Mammon, was left scrambling to salvage his crumbling empire.

The situation with the Glam Sisters added to his frustrations. The once-promising winners of his latest clown pageant were now bedridden, casualties of his own destructive temper. The falling debris from his theater, the result of his uncontrolled rage, had rendered them unfit to perform, leaving Mammon without his headline act.

With his brand face gone and no more Fizzy sex dolls left to peddle, Mammon faced the terrifying prospect of financial loss. The very idea of losing money made his stomach churn and his head spin. He couldn’t afford to let this downward spiral continue.

Mammon paused in front of a large, ornate mirror, staring at his reflection. His jester’s cap hung lopsided, the dollar signs at the ends seeming to mock him. He straightened it with a trembling hand, his mind racing. He needed new talent, something fresh and captivating that could draw the crowds and fill his coffers once more.

“Think, think, think!” he hissed to himself. “There’s gotta be someone out there. Someone who can bring in the big bucks.”

His mind flickered to his network of scouts, demons who scoured the underworld for promising performers. But this was no ordinary talent search. He needed someone exceptional, someone who could overshadow the ghost of Fizzarolli and restore his empire’s glory.

Mammon summoned his most trusted scout, a sly imp named Slick. Slick was known for his keen eye and ability to sniff out talent in the most unexpected places.

“Slick, I need you to find me the next big thing,” Mammon commanded, his voice a low growl. “Someone who can bring in more money than Fizzarolli ever did. I don’t care where you find them, just do it.”

Slick nodded, a wicked grin spreading across his face. “You got it, boss. I know just where to start.”

As Slick slithered away, Mammon’s mind drifted back to the viral song and the infuriating celebration of Fizz and Asmodeus’s relationship. The thought of their smug faces only fueled his determination. He would find new talent, and he would make them bigger and better than anyone had ever seen. His empire would rise again, and he would ensure that the name Mammon was spoken with reverence and fear throughout the underworld. With renewed resolve, Mammon returned to his grand office, already envisioning the future. The hunt was on, and failure was not an option.

Slick navigated the bustling streets of Greed, his eyes darting from side to side, searching for any sign of untapped talent. He passed by countless demons, each one either too ordinary or too erratic to hold Mammon’s interest. His nose twitched as he caught the scent of desperation in the air—a sure sign that potential performers were nearby.

He soon found himself in the less glamorous part of the district, where the atmosphere was thick with grime and decay. It was here, among the downtrodden and forgotten, that Slick often found the most promising talent. The sound of a struggling street performance caught his attention, and he followed the noise to a narrow alleyway where Amerie was performing.

Amerie was a striking figure despite her worn appearance. Her wagon of props was a testament to her dedication, even though it was a constant target for thieves. She juggled a set of colorful orbs with a practiced grace, her eyes darting between her performance and the few passersby who paused to watch.

“Come on, come on,” she muttered under her breath, frustration evident in her tone. “Just a few more coins…”

Her audience, however, was thin and uninterested. Most demons hurried past without a second glance, too consumed by their own greed and troubles to appreciate her talent. Amerie sighed and took a moment to secure her wagon, glaring at a shady-looking demon who had edged too close.

As she turned back to her performance, Amerie noticed a small group of sad, homeless children huddled nearby. Their faces were gaunt, eyes wide with hunger and hope. A pang of compassion tugged at her heart, and she decided to do something special for them.

With a flick of her wrist, Amerie conjured a small explosion of glittering lights, forming whimsical shapes that danced in the air. The children’s eyes lit up with wonder as she created a miniature circus, complete with dancing animals and acrobatic clowns. The alleyway transformed into a magical spectacle, and the children’s laughter filled the air.

“Watch this!” Amerie called out, producing small bags of candy from her wagon. She handed them to the children, their eyes shining with gratitude as they clutched the treats. “It’s not much, but it’s something to make your day a little brighter.”

From his vantage point, Slick watched the scene unfold, a sly smile spreading across his face. This was exactly the kind of talent Mammon needed—someone who could not only perform but also connect with an audience on a deeper level. Amerie’s kindness and creativity set her apart from the usual rabble, and Slick knew he had found his prize.

He approached her as the performance wound down, the children scampering off with their candy. Amerie was packing up her props, her shoulders sagging with exhaustion.

“That was quite the show,” Slick said, his voice smooth and oily. “You’ve got talent, and more importantly, heart. Not something you see every day around here.”

Amerie looked up, her eyes wary. “Who’s asking?”

“Slick’s the name. I work for Mammon,” he said, flashing a crooked grin. “And I think you might be just what he’s looking for.”

Her eyes widened slightly, a mix of surprise and suspicion. “Mammon? The Mammon? What could he possibly want with me?”

“He’s in need of fresh talent, someone who can bring in the crowds and make him money,” Slick explained. “From what I’ve seen, you’ve got the skills to do just that. But performing for lowlifes? That’s beneath you. You could be profiting from this.”

Amerie straightened, her expression hardening. “I perform because I love bringing joy to others, regardless of who they are. I’m not interested in selling out or exploiting my talent just to make a quick buck.”

Slick’s grin faltered slightly, but he pressed on. “Look, I get it. You’re doing a good deed here, but think bigger. Think about what you could achieve with the right backing. Don’t waste your talent on these… street rats.”

Her eyes blazed with anger. “They’re not street rats. They’re people who need a little kindness and magic in their lives. You think I’m wasting my talent? Maybe it’s you who’s wasting your breath.”

Slick’s expression turned serious. “I’m not just some stranger offering you a vague promise. I work for Mammon, and he’s looking for someone like you. This is your chance to make it big, to have the resources and platform you deserve.”

Amerie shook her head, disbelief written across her face. “I don’t believe you. You’re just another slick talker trying to exploit someone for your own gain.”

Without another word, she turned and began to wheel her wagon away. Slick watched her go, his frustration evident as he called after her.

“You’re making a mistake, Amerie! Don’t waste your talent away in these dirty streets!”

Amerie didn’t look back, her mind set on finding another spot to perform. Slick’s words echoed in her mind, but she pushed them aside, focusing on the joy she could bring to those who needed it most.

Slick stormed back through the streets of Greed, frustration etched into his face. Amerie’s outright rejection of his offer gnawed at him. He knew that with a bit more pressure, she would have to reconsider. After all, even the most stubborn performers couldn’t resist the allure of success forever.

Back in her modest apartment, Amerie paced the small living room, her mind racing. The encounter with Slick had unsettled her more than she wanted to admit. She had always prided herself on performing for the joy of it, not for profit, but the harsh reality of her situation was undeniable.

“How am I going to survive?” she muttered to herself, glancing around at the sparse furnishings and the worn props scattered about. “If I keep performing like this, I’ll never make ends meet.”

The imp’s words lingered in her mind, their allure growing stronger with each passing moment. Maybe a bit of extra help wouldn’t hurt, she thought reluctantly. But she wasn’t ready to sell out completely, not yet.

Meanwhile, back at Mammon’s grandiose office, Slick stood nervously before the demon lord. Mammon was seated at his oversized desk, his neon green eyes fixed intently on his lackey.

“So, you found someone promising?” Mammon’s voice was a mixture of curiosity and impatience.

“Yes, boss,” Slick began, trying to mask his frustration. “Her name is Amerie Astra, a Master Illusionist. She’s incredibly talented, especially with kids. Her wagon even says so.”

Mammon’s eyes lit up momentarily, but his enthusiasm quickly waned as Slick continued.

“Problem is, she’s not interested in selling out. I couldn’t convince her to work with us.”

Mammon’s excitement turned to irritation. “You’re telling me you found this ‘master illusionist,’ but you couldn’t seal the deal? What good is that to me?”

Slick raised his hands defensively. “I know it sounds bad, but I’m telling you, she’s worth it. If we can just push her a bit more, she’ll come around. Trust me.”

Mammon leaned back in his chair, considering his options. Finally, he sighed. “Alright, Slick. You’ve got one more chance. I want to see this Amerie in action for myself. Arrange for me to see her perform tomorrow.”

Slick nodded eagerly. “Yes, boss. I’ll take you to where I found her. You won’t be disappointed.”

Mammon waved him off. “You’d better be right. If this doesn’t pan out, it’s your head.”

As Slick left the office, he felt a mixture of relief and determination. He had one more shot to make this work, and he was going to ensure that Amerie saw the opportunity for what it was. Tomorrow would be a turning point for both of them.

Amerie sat by her window, gazing out at the dimly lit streets below. The city of Greed was a harsh place, but it was the only home she had ever known. She clenched her fists, resolve hardening within her.

“I’ll do what I have to,” she whispered to herself. “But on my terms.”

Chapter Text

The next day dawned with a heavy, sulfurous haze over the city of Greed. Slick, ever the diligent lackey, led Mammon through the grimy streets to Amerie’s usual performance spot. The demon lord, resplendent in his garish jester attire, followed reluctantly, his skepticism evident in every grumble and exaggerated eye-roll.

“I don’t know why I’m wasting my time, Slick,” Mammon muttered, adjusting the dollar sign atop his cane. “This better be worth it.”

Slick merely nodded, too nervous to respond. As they rounded the corner, they found Amerie setting up her modest stage, her wagon of props nearby. She looked up from her preparations to see a group of homeless children huddled nearby, their eyes wide with anticipation.

With a smile, Amerie began her performance. She conjured colorful illusions, making flowers bloom in mid-air and tiny dragons dance around the children’s heads. Their laughter echoed through the street, a rare sound in the heart of Greed. When she handed out small bags of candy, their joy was palpable.

Mammon watched, his initial skepticism melting away. He could see it now—the genuine delight Amerie brought to these kids, the way her illusions seemed to breathe life into the dreary surroundings. He had to admit, she had a certain charm.

As her performance wound down, Slick nudged Mammon. “Now’s our chance, boss.”

They approached Amerie, who was busy packing up her props. She looked up, eyes widening in surprise and awe as she recognized Mammon.

“Is that… Mammon?” she whispered, her cheeks flushing a deep crimson. “Wow, you’re much hotter in person.”

Mammon’s ego swelled at the comment. He flashed a roguish grin, leaning in slightly. “Well, aren’t you a charmer? I must say, your performance was quite… enchanting.”

Amerie’s blush deepened, her heart racing. “Thank you! I’ve always admired your work. You’re such an incredible performer.”

Mammon took advantage of her obvious crush, laying the flattery on thick. “You’ve got real talent, Amerie. It’s a shame to see it wasted on these streets. How about you come work for me? Think of the possibilities—fame, fortune, a real stage to showcase your skills.”

Amerie hesitated, her initial excitement faltering. “I don’t know. I love performing for these kids. They need the joy.”

Mammon pretended to ponder her words, then offered a compromise. “How about this: come audition for me. Show me what you can do on a bigger stage. You don’t have to decide anything now. Just give it a try.”

Amerie bit her lip, torn between her principles and the opportunity before her. Finally, she nodded. “Alright, I’ll audition. But no promises beyond that.”

Mammon beamed, the picture of graciousness. “That’s all I ask. I know you’ll do great.”

Slick watched the exchange, a mix of relief and confusion washing over him. He didn’t understand Amerie’s attraction to Mammon, but he wasn’t about to question it. As long as Mammon was pleased, that was all that mattered.

With a final wave, Mammon and Slick left Amerie to her thoughts. The demon lord’s mind was already racing with plans for her audition, while Amerie stared after them, her heart a swirl of emotions.

She had no idea what the future held, but she knew one thing for sure: this was a chance she couldn’t pass up. She would give the audition her all, and whatever came next, she would face it head-on.

As the sun set over the city of Greed, Amerie packed up her wagon, a newfound determination burning within her. Tomorrow was a new day, and she was ready to take on whatever challenges came her way.

The next day, Amerie arrived at Mammon’s grand theater, her heart pounding with excitement. The imposing structure loomed over her, its gaudy, opulent exterior a stark contrast to the humble street corners where she usually performed. She took a deep breath and stepped inside, determination in her eyes.

Inside, the theater was bustling with activity. Demons of all shapes and sizes moved about, setting up props and adjusting lighting. Mammon stood at the center of it all, his four arms gesticulating wildly as he barked orders. When he saw Amerie, his face lit up with a welcoming smile.

“There’s my star!” he called, striding over to her. “Ready to dazzle us?”

Amerie beamed, her nerves melting away. “Absolutely! I’m so excited to be here.”

Mammon leaned in, taking her hand and pressing a kiss to it. “And I’m excited to see you perform, Amerie. I have a feeling you’re going to be amazing.”

Amerie’s cheeks flushed, and she gave a shy smile. “Thank you, Mammon. That means a lot coming from you.”

Mammon feigned a blush, playing into her admiration. “You’re too kind. Now, show us what you’ve got.”

With a nod, Amerie took the stage. She closed her eyes for a moment, centering herself, then began her performance. Her illusions were more vibrant and intricate than ever before, each one a testament to her skill and passion. She conjured shimmering landscapes, brought mythical creatures to life, and filled the theater with a sense of wonder and magic.

As she performed, Mammon watched closely, a calculating look in his neon green eyes. He had to admit, she had real potential. She was exactly what he needed to revitalize his brand and draw in the crowds.

When Amerie finished, the theater erupted in applause. Mammon stepped forward, clapping enthusiastically. “That was incredible, Amerie. Truly spectacular.”

Amerie’s face lit up with joy. “Thank you so much, Mammon! I’m so glad you liked it.”

Mammon’s expression shifted to one of feigned sadness, his shoulders slumping slightly. “You know, Amerie, I’ve been such a jerk lately. My old partner, Fizzarolli, left me, and it’s been tough. I’ve been struggling to keep this theater running. If I don’t find a new star, I might have to close it down.”

Amerie’s eyes widened with concern. “Oh no, Mammon, that’s terrible! You’ve worked so hard to build this place.”

Mammon sighed dramatically, looking down. “I know. I’ve just been a big failure lately. I don’t know what I’ll do if I lose this theater.”

Amerie stepped forward, her heart aching for him. “You’re not a failure, Mammon. You’ve created something amazing here. I want to help in any way I can.”

Mammon looked up, his eyes gleaming with false gratitude. “You really mean that?”

Amerie nodded, determination in her eyes. “Yes, I do. I’ll work for you, Mammon. I’ll help you keep this theater alive.”

Mammon’s face broke into a wide smile, and he pulled Amerie into a tight embrace. “Thank you, Amerie. You have no idea how much this means to me.”

As he held her, a sinister smile crept across his face, hidden from her view. He had her right where he wanted her, and now he could begin to mold her into his next big moneymaker.

Amerie, still caught up in the moment, stroked his ego with kind words. “You’re amazing, Mammon. I know we can do great things together.”

Mammon pulled back, looking into her eyes with feigned sincerity. “With you by my side, Amerie, I’m sure we will.”

As they finalized the details of her new role, Mammon’s mind raced with plans. Amerie’s talent and her obvious infatuation with him would be the perfect combination to boost his profits. He would make sure she dazzled the crowds and, in turn, filled his coffers.

The future looked bright for Mammon, and as he watched Amerie leave the theater, he couldn’t help but smile. He had found his new star, and he was ready to take full advantage of her talent and admiration.