Chapter Text
Stolas sipped his tea, he was sitting at ‘Richest Cup’ with Andrealphus and Stella, they had called him out here before the meeting at the lawyer's office. He had not wanted to attend, and was warned by his lawyer not to meet without her present but Stella said she was willing to drop the full custody request if they met.
So here he sat regretting his decision as he and Stella bickered, calling each other crude names while Anderaphus bemoaned the halt in discussing terms. Stolas looked down at his phone, a reminder of the meeting he would be having with Blitzø tomorrow scrolled across the lock screen, he may need to rebook if the paperwork wasn’t going to be signed today after all . He mentally prepared to leave soon, as he would not be accused of being the driving force in their failure of a marriage any longer.
“Honestly Stella, are you dropping your request for custody of Octavia or not? If not I see no reason for us to be here if all we are going to do is insult each other.” He halted the server imp from pouring more tea into his cup.
“Up yours” Stella flipped him off instead.
He sighed standing up to leave“I will see you at the-” the front window to the cafe shattered as an imp broke through, Stolas vaguely recognized him from the Pain Games in Wrath. The cowboy discarded the poncho he’d been wearing, pulling out and twirling twin angelic revolvers in his hands before firing one at Stolas.
Stolas squawked as he ducked, his hat flying off his head when a bullet ripped through it, he glanced at Stella and Andrealphus who seemed unperturbed by this intrusion, continuing to drink with bored expressions until Stella’s signature cruel smile appeared.
The imp fired again, this time Stolas partially shifted, flying about the room avoiding the hail of bullets and escaping out a back exit until he felt the burn of rope around his midriff. He collapsed onto the dirty alleyway ground, having shifted back forced by what looked like blessed ropes based on the glow and pain to his body despite the layers of clothing.
“This is worrisome.” He struggled in the bindings, unable to simply break the rope apart with brute strength, further evidence it was blessed. The imp strutted outside, he yanked Stolas up by his head feathers “Unhand me you ruffian!”
“Sorry your royal highness but that ain't happening.” He whistled over his horse, strapped Stolas to the back of the saddle then hopped up and they took off down the street. Stolas tried to use his magic, but nothing would produce, not even a spark, so he fished out his cell phone, calling the first person he knew would answer.
“Oh sh*t! Stolas now isn't a good time buddy” Blitzø sounded distracted, he could hear the hum of the van in the background. “Loona has her very important Hellbies S-H-O-T today.”
“I’m sorry it's a bad time Blitzø, but it is for me as well, I appear to have been stolen by that cowboy friend of yours although I am not certain why.” Stolas tried not to give into panic and maintain a sense of calm urgency.
“Wait which one?” Stolas heard Moxxie shout in the background about how many cowboys Blitzø could possibly know followed by a back and forth of smacking sounds and cursing.
Perhaps he should make it a bit more clear he was in peril “I do not recall his name but from the Pain Games. Blitzø I am bound by blessed rope, I cannot use my magic.”
“f*cking Satan dammit!” Blitzø cursed out.
“Striker!” Moxxie’s voice overlapped from the background.
“I need your help, please-” Stolas’ phone was pulled from his grip by Striker’s tail.
“Don’t worry about your lanky birdie, he’s in good hands. I’ll be visitin’ you next Blitzy .” The imp crushed the phone, tossing the pieces to the ground. Stolas yelled out as his last remaining hope dwindled, he may have told Blitzø he was in danger but how would he find him.
Blitzø shifted into a different gear, pushing the van faster down the highway “f*ck. f*ck!” He ground his fangs together, his thoughts were racing faster than his pulse. “Five years for this f*cking appointment.” He glanced at Loona, she was withdrawn and had been all day, dreading this but it was necessary. She needed these shots and was far too overdue and it was partially Blitzø’s fault, he had to book at a crappy clinic because hospitals sent him spiraling into a panic attack.
He shook his head “I can re-book.” He was torn, he knew this was important for his daughter but Stolas was in a life or death situation and he was weighing the two scenarios against each other. “Where would that f*cker go?” He knew he was muttering his disconnected thoughts out loud, unable to stop.
“Blitzø let me and Moxxie look for Stolas.” Millie leaned forward from the back seat.
“He is in real sh*t Mills.” He gripped the steering wheel so hard he thought it might snap.
“We know Sir. Trust us to handle tracking down Striker, bring Loona to get her shots we will call when we’ve found them. Don’t forget we have the grimoire you can portal over as soon as you two are done at the clinic.” Moxxie rested a hand on his shoulder.
Blitzø took a breath, glanced at the grimoire resting beside him, it was pure luck they even had it right now. After their trip to LA Blitzø had been bringing the book home with them after work, opting to keep it nearby, he just had the strangest urge to keep it close all the time now. “Okay.”
He took the off ramp stopping outside the clinic, he tossed the keys to Moxxie and leapt out of the driver seat. Millie and Moxxie wasted no time scrambling over the seats to sit up front as Blitzø opened Loona’s door, swiping the grimoire with his tail “Knowing that asshole's aesthetic he’s probably hiding out somewhere in Wrath. So get down there and start looking for cowboy sh*t.” He slammed the passenger door shut then added quieter “Please find him.”
“We’re on it B.” Millie gave him a reassuring thumbs up and the two peeled off.
“Alright Loonie this will be over lickety-split, you’ve got this.” He tucked the book into his jacket, took his daughter's hand and walked into the building. He wanted to choke on the smell of disinfectant, felt bumps raise along his skin but pushed past the rising fear to approach the receptionist.
No one was at the desk, he rang the bell repeatedly waiting for someone to turn up “f*ck me in my little red whole, wait five f*cking years for an appointment only-”
“Excuse me!” Another demon in the waiting room snarked, Blitzø looked over to see her covering a child's ears.
“The f*ck are you looking at-”
“How can I help you?” He was interrupted by the baphomet nurse now at the reception window.
“My daughter Loona is here for her annual S-H-O-T.” He watched her from the corner of his eye, she stared ahead, eyes wide, hair raised. She liked getting a shot as much as Blitzø liked visiting a hospital. He heard a cellphone ding, quickly pulling his phone out to check.
“Your name?” She drawled, he looked up from his phone, there was no new text.
“Blitzø.”
“I don’t have a Blitzø on the list.” her eyes blinked slower than she spoke to him “There is a Blitzo?”
“The ‘o’ is silent.” Blitzø ground his fangs together.
She spoke over him “Just have a seat over there Mr. O we will call you in when the doctor is ready.” He took a breath not giving into the urge to pull out his gun and start shooting.
He and Loona took a seat, Blitzø patted her paw reassuringly “Don't worry, Loonie. It's okay, it's just one little prick, you won't feel it.” There was another ding but not from his phone, it must be Loona’s but she was leaving it unanswered, it wasn’t Millie or Moxxies text tone so Blitzø didn’t ask her to check for him.
“Ew don’t say that it sounds vulgar.” The other patient chided him.
“Listen lady I’m really not in the mood so mind you’re own f*cking business.” This time he flashed his flintlock, unwilling to entertain more bullsh*t today.
They waited nearly twenty minutes, Loona held a firm grip on one of Blitzø’s hands, his other one had his cellphone, asking for updates from Millie who said they may have a good lead now. In this time Loona’s phone continued to ding occasionally. Between the insistent sound, the tap of the woman’s heel and clacking of keys by the receptionist Blitzø thought his head would split open from the cacophony.
A doctor opened the door leading to the exam rooms reading off his clipboard.”Okay Loona Buckz-”
“f*cking finally!” Blitzø carried Loona into the room when she didn’t get up, the doctor prepared the needle and f*ck him it was comically large, he would dread getting this stuck into his thigh too. He sat next to Loona on the exam table, she began shaking as the doctor approached.
“I can’t do this!” Loona shouted before the needle grazed her skin, shoving the doctor away who chased after her, reassuring Blitzø this happens all the time. Blitzø looked at his phone once more, there was a location pin for Wrath dropped, ‘ They found him. ’ his world slowed down, he needed to be there with them right now.
Blitzø dashed out, Loona barreled into him but he took her face in his hands and looked her directly in the eyes “Loona they know where Stolas is.” She was trying to pull away, to see where the doctor was “I am really scared right now Loona. I need you to be brave for me please.”
Loona slowly met his gaze and nodded. She wrapped her arms around him in a hug, the doctor administered the Hellbies shot successfully, gave her a candy and said his receptionist would call to book their next appointment. The two walked out, slipped behind the building to open a portal, as he took the book out he thanked his daughter.
“I’m sorry I was being difficult.” Her phone dinged again, this time she acknowledged the sound with a tick of her ears.
“You don’t need to be sorry for having fears, Loonie.” Blitzø squeezed her hand “I want you to stay here, no arguing, I’m going to go help get Stolas.” He turned his attention to the grimoire, finding the spell but nothing happened when he cast it, frowning he tried once more, again nothing. He closed and reopened the book, in an attempt to reset it, still nothing happened when he cast the spell.
“Why isn't it working?” His voice hitched, he tried again to no avail “What is happening!” He yelled at the pages, even slamming it against the pavement to try and jump start the magic. ‘ The magic is gone… is Stolas… ’ He refused to finish the thought “Work! Satan-dammit!” he screamed, Loona placed a hand on his shoulder.
“Dad…” Her hand was out stretched “Take a breath, let me try,”
She practically pried the book from his claws, even for her it still wouldn’t work, He tried to slow his breaths remembering LA, the book is connected to Stolas’ power and Stolas said he was bound by blessed rope right now and couldn’t use his magic. That had to be why the book wasn’t working, not anything else.
Loona’s phone dinged a couple more times, she growled finally taking it out to see who was trying to get a hold of her “sh*t, it's Octavia.” Loona called the young girl, Blitzø heard the murmured voice of the teenager “Stolas isn’t with us- Woah its okay we know where he is-”
Blitzø took the phone from Loona “Can you open a portal to Wrath if I give you the coordinates?” She would have her own magic, like Stolas, so long as the prince had shown her how to do the spell properly after the LA incident.
There was sobbing on the other end. “He’s in danger, I knew it, I could feel it, I shouldn’t have let him leave this morning.”
“Kiddo I need you to focus on what I’m saying so I can help. Did Stolas show you how to use the portal magic? Are you able to open a portal for me to get to your Dad?”
“He did yeah, but, I’m not very good on my own.” She sniffled a few times “I’ve never even opened a portal in a different room let alone some other part of Hell.”
“I don’t need a big portal for long” He texted the coordinates to her “If the address helps at all you’ve got it but I think you just need to focus on your dad okay? Just think about opening a way for me to get there. I know you can do it.”
He could hear a frustrated hoot on the other end then there was a faint glow of magic in front of him, a circular portal slowly opening, just big enough for him to crawl into “You did it kid.” He tossed the phone to Loona and scrambled through.
Stolas was still bound up and dropped against railroad tracks in some cavernous hideaway decorated in gaudy neon signs complete with a large statue of his kidnapper as its centerpiece. The cowboy had smacked him around a few times before leaving to grab his blessed dagger.
“If your intent is to kill me wouldn’t a holy bullet suffice?” There had been no mention of ransom, his phone destroyed he could only assume this man did not intend to let him walk out alive. “Or could you not afford it?”
Striker laughed as he sharpened the blade slowly “Your wife paid for the royal treatment, she must hate you.” he slowly walked over once again.
He was a little surprised, true Stella did hate him but he had not expected to the degree of hiring an assassin, then again she took her status very seriously and the divorce would lower it. Stolas thought about what Blitzø would say to do in this situation ‘ Make them mad, they’ll f*ck up and give you an opening. ’ So he tried to remain calm and goad the imp “So train tracks hm? Bit cliché no?”
“It’s a classic.” His tail rattled slowly.
“Is the statue a classic as well? It’s impressive how badly you seem to want to suck your own dick-” The man kicked him in the side, Stolas bit back a yelp of pained surprise.
“Are you seriously judging me right now? I don’t think you understand your situation here-”
“Don’t you think it's all a bit too on the nose-” He interrupted Striker but this time he received a smack to the face from the sharp tail spade.
“You don’t talk over me, I don’t have to listen to your bullsh*t! I am not one of those little imps waiting on you hand in foot in that fancy ass mansion in the middle of a fancy ass city!” He came down with the dagger into Stolas’ shoulder, he couldn’t hold back this scream of pain this time. “You royals are all the same, trying to talk over us!”
The blade was removed from his body, Stolas panted out “You seem to forget you’re working for a royal right now.” As he kicked Striker in the face, hoping to knock him over enough to give himself time to scramble up but before he could the cowboy had regained his footing.
He gripped Stolas’ ankle, raising his own booted foot to slam down, breaking Stolas’ leg. Stolas gritted his beak and taunted “Blitzø handles me rougher than that in bed, nice try.”
Striker's tail rattled faster now, eyes swirling in rage as his dagger sunk into his leg next. Even though the pain was unbearable he still persisted “Blitzy’s knife is bigger and hits so much deeper.”
“You think being a smart ass is going to work huh? How about I split your neck open and let you choke on that blue blood.” He gripped Stolas’ head feathers and held the dagger to his throat “Then you won't be worth any more than the tombstone they’ll put you under.”
“Blitzø says far dirty things to me-” Striker growled, releasing Stolas’ head and kicking him before he could finish speaking. His vision swam for a moment before coming back into focus to watch the imp circle him.
“You know I was going to drag this out a bit but I think I’ll cut to the chase. Too bad for you, guess you won't see your daughter again. Maybe I’ll stop by and offer my condolences.”
“Don’t you breathe a word about my daughter.” Stolas on instinct tried to use his petrification power, it failed as he knew it would.
Striker laughed in his face “Finally hit a nerve?”
“I swear if you go near her I’ll-”
“You'll what? You're not going to be around to do anything soon.”
“Blitzø will-” He held back tears, he wasn’t going to believe this was his last moment in Hell, Blitzø would surely be on his way, they weren’t so far gone that Blitzø would just ignore Stolas’ call, at the very least he would send someone to find Stolas. He had to hold on to that and fight back more.
“Your rodeo clown of a boyfriend isn’t going to be able to help you now and when I’m done here I’ll be getting him out of my hair once and for all.” He raised the dagger, intent to plunge it dramatically into Stolas’ heart, before he could start his downward swing a cell phone rang out. “Oh for f*cksake- Hello?”
He heard Stella’s voice from the other end of the phone “Change of plans, darling. I need the prick alive.”
‘ Oh thank Satan. ’ Stolas felt the relief flood his veins replacing all the adrenaline. He was practically boneless in an instant. He wasn’t going to die in some f*cking hole underground where no one would ever find him.
“What? I’m kinda in the middle of killing him!” Striker jammed the blade into his gut, causing Stolas to yell out once more “You hear that? I’m working.”
“Well stop it. I need him alive to get some affairs in order.” Stolas thought he could also hear Andrealphus in the background, no doubt coaching his sister. The two were going to continue to torment him until the end time it seemed.
“Fine.” Striker hung up his phone, clearly angered. “Well good news for you, your royal bitch ex decided you get to live, although she didn’t say what condition you had to be in.” He slowly dragged the knife up his cheek towards his eyes “I think I’ll take these reds for my troubles, besides can’t have you seein’ me again.”
He lifted the blade enough for Stolas to watch as he brought it down to his eye, before it could touch a car horn rang out and the I.M.P van broke through an entry to the cavern, racing down a steep cliffside screeching to a halt at the bottom. The vans door slammed open, Moxxie leaned out firing a rifle at Striker who leapt away from Stolas.
“f*cking vermin is back to try again is he?” Striker raced to dodge bullets being fired at him, he threw a dagger into the rifle stopping it from functioning and advanced to get Moxxie into a close quarters fight. Millie blocked his path swinging a longsword.
Stolas tried to lean up looking for Blitzø within the chaos but he wasn’t anywhere to be seen. He slumped down, he couldn’t do much but roll onto his side, neither of his legs were able to support him if he stood up and he felt far too much blood pooling beneath him, the sticky fluid matting his exposed feathers through his torn garment.
‘ Where is Blitzø? ’ was all he could think over and over, Millie and Moxxie were capable but why hadn’t Blitzø come for him, ‘ Does he hate me so much now? ’ it wasn’t productive to sink into this mindset but he was helpless to his thoughts.
Stolas focused back on the fight happening around him, Moxxie was being choked by Striker, he didn’t see Millie nearby but thankfully Moxxie was able to kick out at the cowboy to get free. The large statue was tipped over, falling towards Striker who narrowly rolled out of the way to miss its collision.
“f*ck!” Millie shouted and now Stolas could see her, she had an axe in her hands, but she was hazy or rather his vision was rapidly blurring. He was going to bleed out at this rate.
Stolas tried to yell out but his mouth didn’t open, his vision was turning dark at the corners, he felt so cold. A burst of warmth came to him from his left side, along with a magical glow and then Blitzø filled his vision “Stolas!” his voice sounded so far away for someone so close.
There was a distant yell, Blitzø’s vision faded away, Stolas turned his head to try and follow it, the dim outline of Blitzø was tackling someone to the ground. Stolas’ mind vaguely reminded him it was most likely Striker, there seemed to be a flurry of fists and tails clashing.
A small set of hands touched his face “Hun? Are you still with us?” Came Millie's southern drawl, she tried to turn him towards her but he weakly pulled his head away.
“Blitzø” Stolas finally produced words, barely a whisper as he saw Blitzø shove something against Striker's head and the resound crack of a gun firing before the imp raced over to him again.
“We have to get him to a hospital now!” Moxxie’s voice reached his ears, Stolas felt the tight bindings finally loosen, the burn of holy rope fading.
“Blitzø” he whispered again, the imp looked at him.
“I’m here Stolas. We’ve got you, I’ve got you.” He felt the sensation of being lifted, his head leaned against Blitzø’s chest, his legs were supported too, it must be Millie and Moxxie helping as he was carried into the back seat of the van.
He must have lost consciousness for a moment because he did not remember the van starting up, he thought he could hear someone crying, he vaguely registered some words between the sobs “Don't die… you can’t… love… please” when he opened his eyes a sliver to see who was there with him Stolas realized the orange Wrath sky was now replaced with pink, they must be in Sloth. “Oh thank Satan Stolas, you're still alive!”
Blitzø was clinging to him, Stolas tried to raise a hand but barely managed to move a finger, Blitzø noticed and grabbed it in his own, pressing his lips to the palm “Stella.” Stolas forced out.
“No it’s me Blitzø.”
“Stella… hired…” the van jerked to a halt, the van door was opening once again and people were grabbing at Stolas. He clenched his fist as hard as possible in Blitzø’s hand as he was pulled from him “Via!”
“Don’t worry I’ll watch over her Stolas. I’ll keep her safe.” Blitzø was scrambling out of the van, Stolas must be on a gurney because he was moving rapidly away from the imp who chased after “You’ll be okay Stolas, you’ll be okay!”
And then he was past the doors, Blitzø did not follow into the hospital, doctors surrounded him, shouting medical jargon that Stolas knew but didn’t register, he tried to look for Blitzø. He didn’t want to be alone, he was terrified to be here alone, a mask was placed over his beak, he tried to fight it but he went under into unconsciousness once more.
Blitzø watched as Stolas disappeared through the hospital doors, Millie and Moxxie flanked him “We can go get Loona and Octavia if you want to go in B.”
Blitzø stood unmoving, he wanted to go after but he couldn’t move his feet, he should’ve been faster. Should’ve skipped the Hellbies shot appointment. Stolas was in the hospital because of him. He put another person he loved into a hospital, would Stolas even come out alive? His mother hadn’t and Fizz was so maimed he needed new limbs. Would Stolas need prosthetics too? Blitzø had seen his bone sticking out of one of his legs, how much damage could be done before the amputation?
“Woah Blitzø, slow your breaths, it's okay.” Millie had a hand on his arm, he barely registered the rapid pace of his breath, he couldn’t fill his lungs fully. “It’s not your fault. Moxxie?”
Her husband took off into the hospital while Millie rubbed his back, leading him to the van to sit. He saw all the black blood on the seat and floor, it was too much. ‘ It’s my fault, all my fault, he’s going to die and it will be all my fault. ’ Millie had released him to call Loona, he heard her asking where his daughter was and knew he should be the one making this call. Moxxie rushed back a few minutes later.
“He’s being brought into emergency surgery, it could be hours, there won't be any visitors tonight. How is he?” Moxxie asked Millie who ended her call with Loona, shaking her head in response like Blitzø wasn't aware they were talking about him.
“Loona took a cab to the palace, she is with Octavia now. Let's head over B.” Millie patted his knees, Blitzø got up and held out hand for his van keys.
“I don’t think you should be driving right now sir.” Moxxie hesitated handing them over.
“I can’t see this.” He gestured behind him to Stolas’ blood. “I need to do something to not just stare at this.” He took the keys from Moxxie, the three of them huddled in the front seat, no one wanting to get more blood on themselves.
Despite their protesting Blitzø dropped Millie and Moxxie off at their home, he said I.M.P. would be closed for an unforeseen amount of time. Even if the grimoire was working once again he wouldn’t do anything that could hinder Stolas’ health. Assuming he even made it out of surgery.
Blitzø smacked his head at the intrusive thought, as if that would physically push it from his mind. He pulled up to the palace main entrance, immediately several members of Stolas’ staff rushed out, Pringles in the lead. “His highness?”
“Hospital.” Blitzø stepped out of his door, trying to get past the crowd of imps.
“His condition?” The butler was practically jogging to keep up.
“Not good.” He reached for the door about to head inside when Pringles' tail yanked his arm back.
“Please use the servant entrance and passages.” He gestured to a nearly hidden path around the side of the building, there would be a small entry door for the imp servants to come and go from.
“f*ck you I’m not some-”
“Octavia does not need to see you covered in her fathers blood. You will follow me to a guest bathroom where you will shower and we will provide you something else to wear while your clothes are cleaned.” He was all business, no room for argument as he used his tail to drag Blitzø along.
He didn’t need to though, Blitzø was more than willing to go once he realized just how saturated he was and traumatizing it would be for Stolas’ kid to see this. “Sorry.”
Pringles glanced back at him for a brief moment, he looked exhausted but gave Blitzø a quick reassuring nod. As they walked along the dim servants corridor Blitzø asked “Stella around?”
Pringles stopped in his tracks for a moment, looking at Blitzø with a deeply confused expression before continuing “Lady Stella has not been staying at the Palace.”
“Oh.” Stolas had said something about her living in the house during the week, maybe she had extended her time away. He asked for a heads up when she came back, not wanting to get caught off guard, which Pringles agreed to do. ‘ Stolas mentioned her in the van, did he suspect her of hiring Striker? ’
They exited the servant passage through a small wall panel in a hallway far from the main family's rooms. Blitzø deposited his clothes into a bag Pringles dug out of the cupboard and left them just outside the door, he turned the water on a hot as possible, the steam filling the room quickly and scrubbed hard anywhere the blood had seeped through his clothing to stain his skin,
He stood under the water for a while, his eyes closed so he wouldn’t see the dirty water pooling around the drain. Repeating to himself that Stolas was a Goeitia not an imp, he was stronger and would survive this. He had to survive this.
Eventually he forced himself to exit the shower, he couldn’t avoid speaking to Octavia much longer, the kid would be suffering more with no news. True to his word Pringles had left some nondescript clothes for Blitzø, the shirt was a little tight, but at least it wasn’t the full on staff uniform, just a white button up and black slacks.
He slipped out of the bathroom half expecting someone to be waiting for him but found himself alone. So he worked his way through the empty halls, the pentagram was low in the sky, a dim glow passed through the stained glass windows he walked beside, soon he heard a low murmuring he quickened his pace, rounding a corner to see the staff gathered in the fancy living room meant for greeting guests.
He entered the room, more imps than he’d ever noticed in the palace before were milling about, Octavia and Loona sat on a couch, hands clasped together tight. His heart clenched seeing his daughter consoling the teenager who was rubbing tears away.
“Dad?” Loona looked to him now, Ocatvia leapt up.
“Is he okay? Is he… alive?” She didn’t move to approach Blitzø and continued to hold Loona’s hand.
“He’s alive, he is at the hospital, he will be in surgery for a while. I’ll-” His lungs constricted but he forced the words out “I’ll take you to see him in the morning.”
“Alright, everyone this is good news, let's turn in for the night. We still have work to do in the morning.” Pringles quietly ushered the staff out of the room, he stopped by Octavia who had returned to her seat, patted her free hand telling her not to hesitate to call for him if she needed anything. Before leaving he said to Blitzø “We have guest rooms made up for you and your daughter, just down the hall from his highnesses. I trust you can find your way?”
“Sure can.” Blitzø kept his focus on the girls “Thanks.” the last of the staff exited to room, probably all scurrying into the walls down to their personal quarters, Blitzø never really thought about how many imps were behind the scenes to keep this place running smoothly.
“You should try to get some rest.” Loona was speaking to Octavia.
“I don’t know if I can just go to sleep while Dad is-” She got too choked up to finish her sentence, she tried to hold back sobs as Loona pulled her into a hug.
“How about we hang out upstairs, I need some PJs and you keep bragging about your vinyl collection. Might as well take the chance to give me a tour of your fancy room.” Loona got up from their seat, offered her a hand to help stand up. “It’ll be like a sleepover.”
“I never had one of those before.” Octavia gave a weak smile and led the way to leave the room, Blitzø followed behind them since they were all headed the same way.
“You okay dad?” Loona looked back at him, he gave her a small nod. They stopped at a door with multiple handwritten ‘Keep Out’ signs, Blitzø chuckled softly as he was reminded of Loona’s own door.
Octavia opened her door to let Loona pass through first, Blitzø hung around for a moment “You two try to get some rest at some point okay? I’ll be down the hall.” The teen inclined her head slightly in acknowledgement before closing the door.
Blitzø wandered down to an open doorway leading to a guest room, there were more clothes set aside for him but he ignored them, tossing off his shirt and slacks and crawling on to the bed in his boxers. He stared up at the ceiling, willing his mind to stay blank but he kept remembering Stolas bleeding out on the ground, the distant dim look in his eyes, grappling with Striker until he finally was able to pull the trigger on his smug face. ‘ Striker is dead, Stolas is alive. He won't be able to come after him again. ’ Yet for some reason he didn’t feel comfort in this, wished he had made sure the imp was well and truly dead.
He would go back to the hideout when Stolas was back, just to make sure, hopefully he would find the decaying corpse of the gaudy cowboy assassin and settle his nerves. He turned to his side pulling a pillow into his arms, closed his eyes, trying to settle.
After a few minutes he flipped onto his back, kicking his feet out. Why did this mattress feel like a marble slab when he knew for a fact it was plush, luxurious and majorly overpriced yet he couldn’t stand to be on it another second. So Blitzø slipped out of the bed leaving the room he walked until he was standing in front of Stolas’ bedroom door.
Did he have any right to go in here? After avoiding Stolas for the past two months, too afraid to reach out first and they were supposed to have a talk tomorrow. For all he knew Stolas was going to tell him he wanted to end their whole affair and focus on his family, keep it together for the kid, or some bullsh*t. It wouldn’t be the first time Stolas chose the Goetia family over him.
Then again if Stella had hired Striker that may be a deal breaker… not that he knew for sure that's what Stolas was going to say or that it would even be something to end their farce of a marriage. He’d seen plenty of insane dramatic sh*t nobles supposedly did to each other in the tabloids.
Sighing Blitzø walked into the room regardless of his conflicted thoughts, if it was going to be one of the last times he was permitted to go in here he wanted to imprint it on his memory. He dug out Stolas’ stupid Loo Loo Land shirt; he should've told him how cute in a dorky way he looked wearing it when he had a chance. Then crawled under the sheets, burying his face into Stolas’ pillow, breathing in the prince's lavender preening oil, the scent lulled his mind and his body finally gave into exhaustion.
Blitzø woke up before the pentagram had started to rise, he slunk out of Stolas’ room and back to the guest one to change his clothes. His own suit was folded and sitting on the unused bed. He made his way to Octavia’s room next, pressing his ear to the door to listen for any sounds that the girls were awake but no one seemed to be stirring.
He decided to let them sleep a little longer, unsure what time they had finally settled. Instead he made his way to the kitchen unsurprised to see Pringles and another imp talking “Oh would you like some coffee?” the woman asked when she noticed Blitzø enter the room.
“I can get it.” He grabbed out a mug and poured the drink, he preferred it iced but needed the caffeine any way he could get it.
“Of course.” She smiled and stepped over to the oven, checking on some delicious smelling pastries that were baking.
“You will be going to the hospital shortly, yes?” Pringles clipped.
“Yeah, but let the kid sleep a little longer.” Blitzø peaked over the woman's shoulder to see what she was making.
She gave him a smile “Those are cheese danishes, Miss Octavia loves them. I’m Cora by the way.” She offered a hand for him to shake.
“The princess is not going to be happy if you let her rest too long, I’ve called the hospital and they said that His Highness can receive visitors now.” Pringles tapped a hoof on the tiled floor in annoyance. “Also his cell phone was not among his personal effects. I have sent someone out to get a replacement for you to give him.”
“Alright, let me finish this coffee and I will get the girls moving. Think we can take these to go?” He returned his attention back to Cora.
She gave him a bright smile, eyes crinkling at the corners to give away her older age “Absolutely, I’m sure Prince Stolas will appreciate something familiar.”
“I will have the car prepped to be brought around.” Pringles swiftly turned to leave.
“I can drive my-” He stopped himself, it had been a reflex to want to take the van but it would need some deep cleaning before he considered getting back into himself “Nevermind, thanks.”
Pringles left them alone, Cora chit chatted with him about mundane things, it was oddly comforting not to be stressing right now, listening to her calming voice as she described a recipe she wanted to use but hadn’t had the occasion. Soon enough Blitzø finished his cup, ignored Cora’s protest to just let her clean it up later and quickly washed it in the sink.
He grabbed a new mug of coffee for Loona, then one for Octavia with Cora told him she liked a hot cup in the morning too, and returned to the girls room, rapping on the door with his tail. He heard some shuffling inside before Loona opened the door “Thanks.” She murmured while taking the drink.
“Got one for you too.” Blitzø held it out for Octavia who was rubbing away sleep from her eyes, she nodded at him which he took as permission to walk into the room to hand it to her.
He glanced around the room with a similar motif as the rest of the palace, there was a star map etched into the floor knowing Stolas it must have a deeper meaning to be in his daughters room. It was very much a typical teenager room: a bookcase on one wall that was sorted by colour, extra pillows and stuff toys tossed about, posters of bands and movies but he noticed she still had childhood drawings taped to her walls, pictures of her and Stolas mostly.
“I’m going to wait downstairs, when you're ready we can head out.” Blitzø left the girls to dress, both downing their drinks when they rejoined him at the front door, Cora handed Octavia a covered basket with the pastries inside and Blitzø a replacement phone for Stolas. They piled into the limo and set off for Sloth, Blitzø was nervously twisting his hands together, he kept catching the motion and trying to stop but his anxiety was building the closer they got to the hospital.
When they arrived he was so worked up he might vomit, Octavia dashed inside as soon as the vehicle stopped, Loona held back a moment when Blitzø didn’t step away from the limo. “Are you coming in?”
“I don’t think I can right now.” He stared as the hospital doors sliding closed behind Octavia. “Can you go with her?” He handed the cell phone to Loona “Also make sure he gets this.”
Loona frowned slightly but didn’t push him “Okay.”
Blitzø watched her leave next, he walked over to the driver “Got some smokes?” The imp nodded, tossed him a lighter and handed over a pack of cigarettes, taking one for himself out leaving three more. Blitzø offered it back but he shook his head and said he was supposed to have quit so keep 'em.
Blitzø walked around the back end of the hospital, noticed Hellhound guards posted up in one area, he recognized Stolas’ sigil sewn into their uniforms. His room must be around here, Blitzø looked up the side of the building, from the outside they all looked the same, still he sat down at a bench, lit the first cigarette and watched for any hints.
He pulled out his phone staring at Stolas’ contact screen for a few puffs before finally sending a text not expecting the prince to see it until later when the girls would inevitably have to leave.
Blitzy ♥: Git bevver swoon
Stols: Thank you Blitz, that means a lot to me.
Stols: Will you come to visit me? I may be here a while.
He didn’t know how to tell him he couldn’t step through the entrance without having a panic attack, even being outside of the hospital was nearly too much which was probably why he was already lighting his second smoke. He started to type out an explanation, deleted it, started to apologize and deleted that over and over until a new message popped up.
Stols: It’s okay. I understand.
f*ck if that didn’t break his heart, there was no way Stolas truly understood, Blitzø hadn’t talked about his mother’s death with him yet. He was letting him down by not being able to just walk into a building and hold his hand. He had let him down by not warning him about Striker, for not dealing with assassin the first time, Blitzø subtly wiped away the tears gathering in the corners of his eyes.
He tried to make his third cigarette last longer, it made it to Loona finding him outside having stepped away to give Octavia and Stolas some privacy. She told him about his injuries, how the surgery had gone well, realigning the broken leg that was now in a cast along with one of his arms. There had been internal bleeding to a stab wound in his torso but it was stopped and he had a transfusion.
He would be at the hospital for a bit of time, needing to keep some of his injuries immobile for a while but given his Goetian heritage they expected him to heal faster than a normal hellbeing. Loona then told him they wouldn’t get to stay much longer, the doctors were minimizing visiting hours since Stolas had refused extra pain medication so he wouldn’t be out of it while Octavia visited him.
It wasn’t even half an hour later when the teen girl was stepping outside, saying they would be allowed back the next day. While on the drive home she put headphones in and occasionally shot Blitzø a nasty look, he didn’t confront her, he knew exactly what she was mad about.
Loona and Octavia took off once back in the palace, unsure what to do Blitzø searched around for a supply closet to find a bucket and cleaning materials. He may as well punish himself by cleaning the van. It was a difficult task, he told himself it was just some random demons blood, not Stolas’, just an unknown faceless random blood that he had to scrub out, that was staining the back seat deep enough he ended up pouring straight bleach to lighten it.
He rejoined Loona and Octavia after another shower, they ate in awkward silence at the far too large table before the girls left him once again. Blitzø went to the guest room, stopping by Octavis briefly to hear them talking quietly, he laid on the bed staring at his phone. He made a call to Moxxie and Millie, updated them on Stolas after that he scrolled aimlessly on every social media app he had.
Hours slipped by, he was once again unable to get comfortable enough to sleep, instead of going to Stolas’ room he went down to the living room, Stolas had upgraded from the old human TV with the VHS player and now had a subscription to Earth movies, Blitzø clicked through a few until he landed on a franchise with six movies, perfect amount to eat away the night and hopefully distract him.
He forgot how loud the opening scene could be, fumbling to turn the volume down as the character was screaming “Shoot her! Shoot her!”
“What is this?” Blitzø jumped at Octavia’s voice, the girl was standing in the doorway holding a glass of water.
“A dinosaur movie, sorry I was trying to turn it down. I'm having trouble sleeping.”
“Same.” Octavia watched the screen.
“It’s just starting if you want to join.” Blitzø offered, not expecting her to join.
She glanced at Blitzø, he couldn’t tell what she was thinking at all in the moment but she ended up shrugging “Fine.” She sat down on the couch next to him.
Another few minutes passed before Loona was joining them as well, after getting worried when Octavia hadn’t returned. All three sat together now, the girls actually laughing at parts that seemed ridiculous, like the sinners climbing down a tree with a falling car ‘chasing’ them when they could’ve just gone around the other side.
“How did they get inside, can they seriously open doors.” Loona rolled her eyes, Octavia laughed at the jab.
“Do sinners really find this scary?” Octavia didn’t even flinch as the children were chased around a kitchen by velociraptors.
“Are you kidding? You guys are too desensitized, your dad and I were nearly as old as Octavia when we watched this the first time it scared the sh*t out of us!” Blitzø laughed, remembering them re-watching this scene over and over until they stopped jumping or covering their eyes. The girls were completely silent, he looked over at them to find both staring at him confused.
“You knew each other when you were teenagers?” Octavia asked.
sh*t he forgot no one knew about his and Stolas’ past, wasn’t sure how much Stolas would even want his daughter to know considering his guilt around his arranged marriage and conflicted feelings having a child. “Um yeah. We spent some time together as kids.”
“You did? How long did you know each other?” Loona was next to ask.
“Just a few years, like nine-ish.”
“Nine years! If you were friends before why weren’t you around-” Octavia stopped herself, connecting the dots herself.
“We just kinda grew apart.” He scrambled to not make her feel responsible unjustly and found himself feeling guilty for ever blaming her existence playing a part in his and Stolas’ break up all those years ago. Regretting being so adamant that he didn’t want anything to do with this child that hadn’t had any say in being born, least of all to who her mother was. “You and I did meet once, you know. You were really little though so you might not remember.”
Octavia hesitated before asking “When?”
“Satan nearly eleven years ago I think, I was working as a clown at Loo Loo Land.”
Octavia laughed “You were a clown!”
“Hey, that's a very respectable career okay!” Blitzø teased.
“He’s still a clown, you should come hang out at I.M.P. for a day and see for yourself, it's basically a circus there everyday.” Loona elbowed the girl beside her.
“Wow low blow Loonie!” Blitzø pouted but not for long as the girls continued to joke around together, their laughter was infectious. When the first movie finished they moved on to the second, then the third one during which fatigue pulled at Blitzø’s eyelids he was about to tap out of the movie when he felt a light thump on his horn. Octavia had tilted to her side, asleep, little soft hooting snores slipping out just like Stolas'.
Blitzø glanced over at Loona about to ask her to bring Octavia upstairs and noticed his daughter was leaning on the couch arm rest asleep as well. So he settled in to sleep right there and not disturb either one of them, letting the movie play on in the background, fully expecting to have a sore neck and back in the morning but not minding it.
The next morning Blitzø woke up alone slumped over on the couch, rubbing his sore neck then stretching as he got up. He heard chatter down the hall following the sounds to see Loona and Octavia in the kitchen, both rumpled from sleep and sporting flour on their clothes and faces.
Blitzø hummed “Smells good, you making pancakes Loonie Toonie?” He tried to give her a good morning hug that she allowed for ten seconds before brushing him away.
“Yeah, but that's all so no complaining.” The three of them ate together at the breakfast nook, drove over to the hospital where once again Blitzø stayed outside. He tried to go in, really truly tried but he couldn’t walk past the doors, he felt so guilty that when his phone pinged with a message from Stolas he couldn’t bring himself to look at it.
After a few hours the girls returned, Octavia asked if they could finish their movie marathon from the night before so when they got back to the palace they restarted the third movie, eating take out on the couch and far too much sugar. While they watched Octavia asked questions about what Stolas had been like when he was younger, Blitzø told a few choice embarrassing stories to make her laugh.
Sometime in the fifth movie Pringles came into the room “Lady Stella is here.” He announced to no one in particular. “She has come to collect Miss Octavia.”
Blitzø looked over to the girl, she looked upset and turned to Loona “I don’t want to go, I want to be able to see Dad. She won’t want me going.”
“Then you should tell her you want to stay.” Loona gave her an encouraging smile.
“She won’t listen to me.” Octavia was wrapping her arms tight around her legs, making herself small.
Blitzø thought again about what Stolas had been saying to him before going into the hospital, he wanted to find out for himself if Stella was behind all of this “Want me to talk to her for you?”
“You would do that?”
“Sure.” He wanted to confront Stella anyway but he didn’t tell Octavia as much “I’ll let her know there is an adult here to make sure you're safe.”
“Okay… thanks.”
Blitzø ruffled her head feathers making the girl squawk, he didn’t miss the suspicious look Loona gave him before he left the room. Making sure the movie kept playing with the volume up so they hopefully wouldn't over hear him.
Pringles walked with Blitzø to the front entrance “Where is she?”
“Outside.” Blitzø gave him a curious look “She no longer lives here and does not have the right to just enter the premises anymore.”
Well that was new information for Blitzø to tuck away “Damn okay badass.” The man rolled his eyes and left him alone. Blitzø opened the door to see Stella tapping her foot, glaring ahead absolutely seething, she blinked then looked down at him.
“I thought I told you to go get my daughter. Honestly have you lost all semblance of propriety since I’ve left?” She tried to push the door open to get past him but Blitzø held it firm.
“Bitch I have never and would never work for you.”
“How dare you speak to me that way imp! Just who do you think you are?” Her voice raised to a screech.
“The guy whose f*cking your husband.” He may be laying it on a little thick to piss her off, angry people f*cked up more “Remember him? Tall, hot, an ass that don’t quit.”
Her mouth twisted up in disgust. “Oh it’s you, the filthy whor*.”
“Yup that's me, he’s in the hospital by the way. In case you were wondering why he’s not here.” Blitzø watched her face, no surprise crossed her features. In fact there was the smallest tick upwards in the corner of her mouth “Guess you already knew that didn’t you.”
“I don’t know what you're talking about.” She waved him off.
“You know exactly what I’m talking about, you're assassins kicked the bucket by the way.”
Her eyes narrowed momentarily before she smirked. “No shortage of imps willing to get their hands dirty. Now go get my daughter. This is an unacceptable environment for her, she should not be interacting with such trash”
“Oh she’s not going with you psycho. No f*cking way. She wants to stay.” Blitzø crossed his arms leaning against the door frame.
“You need to learn your place imp.” Her hand raised up and swung down towards his face, Blitzø caught it, gripping her hand as hard as possible, glad when he saw her face flinch.
He yanked her down to get in his face “You should be thankful your daughter is here, cause I’d f*ck you up for trying to hurt Stolas if she wasn’t. I suggest you turn your ass around and get the f*ck out of here now.” He let her hand go with a shove backwards.
Stella stood there for a few breaths, surely debating if it would be worth the scrap, she may have Goetian strength on her side but no experience in a real fight would give him an edge. She must have come to the same conclusion because she spun around, stomping down every step. The waiting limo door opened from inside, Blitzø noticed her brother sitting within, they locked eyes for a second, icy malice filled the man's stare before the door was shut and they left.
Blitzø let out long slow breath, he walked up to a wall panel that he now recognized as a hidden door and banged on it “Get out here Pringles I have questions.”
“Do you really think we all just stand around in the walls all day?” Pringles huffed from behind him, stepping out of the front sitting room.
“I don’t know, I never see any of you.”
“You've rarely spent time out of the bedroom.” Pringles, it seemed, still didn’t hold Blitzø in the highest regard.
“Did she hit him?” He cut to the chase, Stella had gone to using her hand very quickly. It was entirely possible she was just that way with the staff but he had to know.
Pringles shuffled from foot to foot, eyes cast down “Yes.”
Blitzø saw red “You just let her smack him around?” He rushed the imp, lifting him by the collar of his shirt “You all just stood by and let that happen?”
Pringles gripped his wrist, flinching as he barked out “And what do you think any of us could do? Do you think we would walk away alive if we tried to step in?”
Blitzø glared into Pringles eyes, the imp didn’t waver in returning his own look of contempt, he was so angry Stolas had been getting abused for years with no one to step in and help but the butler was right. Most imps would’ve been lucky to walk away alive from an altercation, many servants ended up maimed by sad*stic nobles who had nothing better to do but torment the lower class.
He set Pringles down “You said she doesn’t live here anymore?”
“It’s not my place to discuss that.” Pringles straighten his shirt “If that is all.” He brushed past Blitzø, slipping off somewhere into the palace.
Maybe he should’ve followed after and apologized but he just slumped against the wall wondering why Stolas hadn’t told him what Stella had done to him. Remembering the night he had made his deal with Stolas to keep using the book, when he’d said ‘ I’m not dealing with the family drama either. ’ Those words were coming back to haunt him.
“So I’ve been told not to get into it with you about not going inside the hospital but my dad misses you.” Blitzø nearly jumped out of his skin when Octavia spoke while they drove over to visit Stolas again.
“O-oh. Yeah.” He wasn’t sure what to say, he glanced at Loona who shook her head and said she was staying out of it. “Listen I’m sorry I can’t-”
“I’m not asking you to go in but he keeps looking at his phone and sighing. There’s a lot I don’t know about your relationship, and I’m not saying I want to know, but could you at least talk to him.” She paused for a moment “If not for him then for me. I want to see him smile.”
“I’m not sure what to say to him.” Blitzø was being more honest than he expected.
Octavia smiled softly “Yeah, I felt the same way. Just talk about anything. Even if it's just about the weather that would mean a lot to him.” The car stopped, they all climbed out Octavia looked at him once more “Please, at least consider it.”
Blitzø nodded, he let them leave, walked around the building to his spot waving to the Hellhound security who had chatted with him a few times over the last couple of days. He fished out his cellphone, finally opening up the unread text messages.
Stols: Thank you for staying with Via.
Stols: The girls told me they’ve enjoyed the movie marathon. I wish I could join you all.
Stols: How are you Blitz?
Stols: It’s lonely here at night. Too quiet.
Stols: I hear Loona is also quite the chef, they offer pancakes here but they are not as good. Did you teach her to cook?
Stols: I’m sorry to keep bothering you, I know you are busy keeping the girls company.
Stols: It was nice of Octavia to bring me books, thank you for sneaking in Wings of Desire.
Stols: I miss you.
He felt the biggest asshole not responding to Stolas this whole time, chewing his lip he hit the call button, it didn't even finish its first ring when Stolas answered “Blitzø, I’m so glad to hear from you.”
“Hey Stolas, sorry I should’ve called sooner.”
“It's okay. How are you?” Blitzø laughed “What's so funny?”
“I’m supposed to ask you that, bird brain. You're the one laid up in the hospital.” Tears gathered in his eyes as he listened to Stolas titter. “Will you… be out soon?”
“Healing is coming along well, they expect me to be able to leave next week. Oh I have two casts!” He spoke far more chipper than any normal demon would.
“I heard, that really sucks.”
“Yes but” he dragged the word out “I have been getting signatures, really just from the girls, oh they even drew some little pictures!” Blitzø could practically see Stolas looking towards his daughter with unabashed love and joy “I would really like to have you sign it.”
Blitzø laughed “You're so weird sometimes Stolas.”
Stolas hooted “It is the only time I’ve ever had a cast! Do you remember the summer you broke your arm? It was like a beautiful masterpiece by the time it was removed.”
He thought back to that summer when they were twelve, he got to spend a lot of time visiting Stolas since he couldn’t perform for nearly six weeks. “Well promise this is the last time you get one and I will gladly draw all over it when you get home.”
“I’m going to hold you to that promise Blitzø. I would like to see the entire cast of My Little Hellpony illustrated on my arm. You may have creative freedom with the leg.” He heard Octavia yell out gross in the background, they both laughed.
“I should let you get back to hanging out with Octavia.”
“Ending our call so soon?” Stolas sounded dejected.
“I’ll video call you later tonight, how about that?”
Loona called out a loud ‘nasty’ while Stolas said “I would like that very much. I’ll see you tonight.”
“See you Stols.”
