Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Apologies & Vows (Mastermind Part- 2)

The Aftermath

Chapter 1:

It took a while, but finally Blitzø managed to get Stolas up to his feet, and pointed to the fact that they needed to leave.

On their way out, while they were crossing the foyer to the front doors, Stolas noticed Stella sitting there. Waiting for Andrealphus, probably.

Who appeared right behind them at that very moment, looking more stressed out than Stolas, to be honest.

‘‘Stella!’’ He visibly relaxed once he saw her. ‘‘Oh, thank f*ck.’’ Rushing to her side, he took her hands. ‘‘What the f*ck was that, back there!? Are you okay?’’

‘‘…I need to go pack.’’

Something was seriously wrong. The Marquis looked at Stolas, as if asking what the f*ck!?

Yes, I can see something is wrong too.

What is up with her!?

How would I know!? You know her better than I do!

‘‘Oh, great, everyone’s here.’’ Via then appeared at the entrance.

‘‘Via!’’ Stolas yelled. ‘‘STARFIRE! YOU’RE OKAY!’’

‘‘Why wouldn’t I be okay?’’ She asked as if what just happened hadn’t been utter chaos. She continued before her father could possibly say something else, or run up to her. ‘‘Uncle, we can talk later, as I’m guessing you will be helping mother move tonight. Please make sure to send a notice before coming by the palace.’’

What… The…

‘‘Oh, and Blitzø,’’ She turned to him next. ‘‘I will drop by sometime soon to make sure you guys understand how to approach the “humans trying to reach Hell” situation.’’

She then opened up a portal, clearly to leave.

‘‘I wish everyone a good night.’’ Said Octavia mockingly, then left.

‘‘WAIT! OCTAVIA-’’ He couldn’t do anything but watch as she left. ‘‘Octavia…’’

He felt Blitzø hold his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze, saying I’m here, I’m with you. He was grateful, but couldn’t verbally express it at the moment.

Okay, Andre couldn’t help but wonder: What the actual f*ck, is wrong with that girl!? ‘‘Let’s go, Stella.’’ He ushered her to get up and opened a portal to his castle.

Blitzø made Stolas turn around too. ‘‘Yeah, we should go, Stols. C’mon.’’

He was in too much of a shock, couldn’t say anything and just let Blitzø guide him outside. Andrealphus did the same with Stella toward the portal.

But right before Blitzø walked him out the door, and his ex-wife walked through the portal, their eyes locked, and in that moment, Stolas realized that no matter how much they hated each other, they probably felt the same way about all of this.

For the first time since they met, they understood just exactly how the other felt.

>>> Octavia

Just a few minutes after she got back to the palace, Pringles approached her, looking nervous.

‘‘Y-your Highness?’’

She could guess what he was gonna ask, but she needed to get to her room as soon as possible, because she didn’t know how much longer it would be before the consequences of what she’s been doing caught up to her.  ‘‘Yes?’’

‘‘Uhh… Me and the staff saw the broadcast…’’

‘‘I understand the confusion. There’s no need for worry though. I will give an official update to the staff tomorrow; however, tonight, I wish to be left alone.’’

‘‘O-of course. As you wish, Your Highness.’’

She quickly made way to her room, shutting the door behind her.

‘‘I can’t believe I just did that.’’ She breathed in and out, trying to calm down.

I thought she said the crystal would only help for a few hours, it’s been a while now… She thought and the nausea hit as soon as she said “now”.

She sprinted to the bathroom.

And then she threw up… and up, and up. It went on for she didn’t know how long, it was painful, but to be honest, the voice had warned her that this would happen.

Doing her best to keep quiet so that the staff wouldn’t notice, Via retched.

Gripping what used to be called a porcelain throne, she didn’t feel any better about having been throwing up black bile that burned her throat for the past hour.

It finally stopped, and she took a few minutes simply to breathe. Then the bathroom mirror caught her eye. The same shadowy figure that only she could see whenever she looked at a reflective surface, who’s been following her since they met was staring at her. Iva.

‘‘Did it work?’’ She could barely speak. Her throat hurt too much.

See for yourself.

The mirror glowed and showed the image of her father, with Blitzø next to him. Said imp’s shirt was stained with tears and -what she hoped was- snot. Her father must have been crying.

But now, at this moment, they were kissing passionately. And Stolas looked happy.

‘‘I did it…’’ She relaxed. ‘‘I saved him.’’

Yes, you did. Now all that’s left is to get rid of the humans.

‘‘And then he’ll be free.’’

Precisely.

‘‘So… what’s next?’’ The woman stayed quiet for a few seconds before replying:

You should rest tonight. We can talk later.

‘‘But… Dad only has six months… I-’’

Don’t worry about it. They won’t need to do all that.

‘‘What? How? WHY?’’

I’ll explain later. Eat some crackers and go to sleep.

‘‘WHA-’’ The figure disappeared before she could ask.

Iva always acted like this.

One minute she talked in a cryptic manner and said awkward things that made Octavia question if she should be listening to her, and then the next minute she talked in a more modern manner and said things that made her think she cared.

That whoever she was, she was looking out for her.

Via did as told, and ate some crackers before going to sleep, wondering if she truly did the right thing.

>>> Astra & Paimon

Paimon had been in a private meeting with the Kings Purson and Vine, at one of the other Kings’ palace -discussing a rather dire matter- when the broadcast started.

He f*cking knew she had been planning something, they had talked about it, he had even gotten Astra to sign the stuff his granddaughter needed, but he did not know she had been planning this.

And then the other Kings commended him for his granddaughter being able to act the way she did, and do what she did, he had to act like he knew about her plan to keep up the façade.

Then the part about Stolas came up and he practically ran out there before the others could ask about it.

Now, he had just arrived at his own palace, having seen the rest of the broadcast in the car, and didn’t know whether to be proud of her maturity and the way she handled everything, or be enraged that she didn’t tell him this was what she’s been planning.

‘‘Your Highness! King Paimon!’’ His staff shouted for him the minute he got out of the car.

‘‘WHAT!?’’

‘‘It’s… Madam Astra.’’

OH… OH F*CK! ‘‘Did she see the-’’ Their faces answered the question more than enough.

‘‘Where!?’’

‘‘…’’

‘‘WHERE!?’’

‘‘She’s… in the armoury, Sir.’’

>>> Stolas & Blitzø

Having walked the whole way, he felt more drained than ever. Finally they arrived, and he wanted to tell Blitzø how grateful he was, but he couldn’t gather the words in his head to make a proper sentence.

‘‘Hey, um…’’ He heard Loona tell his boyfriend. ‘‘I’m so glad you’re okay.’’

She kneeled to hug him, and Blitzø obviously hadn’t been expecting it, but happily hugged her back. ‘‘I love you, dad.’’

He almost cried at the sight. Blitzø did, but was quick to hide the tears away as he said it back.

Then he took Stolas to the bathroom as they both needed a bath, having had food, drinks, and some other stuff the owl didn’t want to think about thrown at them before Blitzø pulled out his gun and shot a few people.

The citizens of Hell weren’t exactly happy about the human threat on top of their other problems, apparently.

They bathed together, and any other day, they would’ve had sex in the bathtub before finishing up and going to bed, cuddling as they went to sleep, but today Stolas felt the lack of his magic severely. He was exhausted.

Eventually, they got out and dried, Loona lent him some of her clothes -since Blitzø’s wouldn’t have fit anyway- and then he sat on the couch as Blitzø made hot chocolate, since he didn’t feel like he could go to sleep right now, regardless of how tired he felt.  

‘‘Thank you, Blitzø.’’ He said as he took the mug he was offered.

‘‘Whatever you need, Birdy.’’ He gave him a peck on the cheek.

Chapter Text

The Aftermath

Chapter 2:

‘‘Want some fresh air?’’ Blitzø had asked after cleaning their mugs, leading Stolas up to the roof. The night breeze felt nice, but the bird couldn’t help but finally give in, and sobbed against the other’s chest.

‘‘H-hey… Stols-’’

‘‘She barely even looked at me.’’

‘‘…’’

‘‘I don’t understand… We were fine… She hugged me goodbye before she left for the weekend, we said “I love you”. She wasn’t angry… What happened?’’

‘‘I, I don’t know, Stolas.’’

‘‘How did she do all that? WHAT WAS THAT!? WHY DID SHE…’’

‘‘Told everyone about how we f*cked up big time? Yeah, I’m wondering that myself.’’

‘‘What happened before I got there?’’

‘‘I…’’ Blitzø wanted to tell him, but that part about his mom… ‘‘Well, basically, she got your wife executed, but you interfered.’’

‘‘So, it couldn’t have been Stella or Andrealphus manipulating her.’’

‘‘I don’t think so.’’

‘‘The photographs, the prophecy star… How did she do all that? WHY?’’

‘‘Yeah, that stuff with the magic mist was… something.’’

‘‘It was a significant prophecy, Blitzø. The star shrank quite a lot in size. That prophecy must have been important.’’

‘‘Yeah, I mean, someone’s gonna save Lilith’s life, and set the Monster of Wrath free. Sounds important alright.’’

‘‘There’s no way she caught the star herself. Just no way, but then… Where did she get it?’’

‘‘I’d tell you if I knew, Pretty Bird.’’

Silence fell down on them for a while after that. Stolas cried a bit more… Blitzø thought he’d fall asleep but he didn’t. Still looked exhausted though.

Then Blitzø couldn’t keep it in anymore. He knew it wouldn’t solve any of his bird’s problems right now, but he had to tell him.

‘‘Icing sugar.’’

‘‘What?’’ Stolas sat up, looking at him confused.

‘‘The pancakes.’’

‘‘…’’ It took the owl a minute or two to realize what was happening. What Blitzø was telling him.

‘‘I use icing sugar, not regular sugar. Baking soda instead of baking powder, and I throw in a couple blackberries besides the blueberries.’’

‘‘Oh, Blitzø!’’ Stolas was finally crying the kind of tears Blitzø liked. He flung himself at him, pulling him in for a kiss. ‘‘I love you too.’’

‘‘I know.’’ The assassin admitted.

‘‘Oh, you really don’t.’’

Stolas said, and then began to sing, because of course he did, but Blitzø wasn’t about to complain. He liked the other’s voice.

So, he followed along, and held onto the other as they sang.

♪ STOLAS: I’ve known it since the moment I saw you perform ♪

♪ With the silly jokes and the devilish smile ♪

♪ Could it be that a man ♪

♪ Such as this, Hella vain, ♪

♪ Would return these feelings of mine? ♪

♪ Am I in a dream that is to blame? ♪

♪ Or does he feel the same? ♪

♪ BLITZØ: You need to ask? ♪

♪ Never truly left my mind ♪

♪ And then these feelings began! ♪

♪ Reaching behind its confines ♪

♪ My heart you shook ♪

♪ Oh, that was not part of the plan! ♪

♪ Could it be- ♪

♪That you’re really? ♪

♪ In love with an imp like me? ♪

♪ Will you change? ♪

♪ Who knows what awaits us- ♪

♪ STOLAS: Next, oh, the thought makes me retch! ♪

♪ That I’d turn my back, ♪

♪ close the case ♪

♪ Leave you to face the flame ♪

♪ leave the game, pretend your name ♪

♪ doesn’t light a fire that makes my heart race! ♪

♪ Why it’s more than I can bear ♪

♪ In this Hell, I must make you aware! ♪

♪ Fuck it! ♪

♪ I fell for you, blind ♪

♪And no one else in the seven rings! ♪

♪ This simple life of mine ♪

♪ could never have mattered- ♪

♪ BLITZØ: Oh, it stings! ♪

♪ That you fought ♪

♪ The exact same feelings I fought when-♪

♪ I caught! ♪

♪ I confess! ♪

♪ I fell for you and I have no regrets! ♪

♪ STOLAS: I have regrets. ♪

♪ How could I risk everything we finally have ♪

♪ like an idiot? ♪

♪ What have I done? ♪

♪ BLITZØ: I would rather be dead ♪

♪ BLITZØ: Than live life ♪ ♪ STOLAS: I can't live life ♪

♪ TOGETHER: without you by my side. ♪

♪ BLITZØ: So as long as we’re alive! ♪

♪ STOLAS: What are we doing? ♪

♪ I don't deserve this! ♪

♪ BLITZØ: I fell for you, blind ♪

♪ The moment that sealed my fate! ♪

♪ STOLAS: Oh, I hope it’s not too late! ♪

♪ Sure as the stars have shined ♪

♪ TOGETHER: I’d give my life ♪

♪ to clean your slate! ♪

♪ STOLAS: You’re my light ♪

♪ BLITZØ: You’re my heart ♪

♪ TOGETHER: Not even death can rend our love ♪

♪ apart! ♪

Then they began a sloppy make-out sesh, and Blitzø, despite everything, was happy and content that his bird was with him, but soon after that, their lustful moment to themselves was interrupted by none of the than the guy who f*cked Lust on a regular basis.

With the flash of a portal opening on the other side of the roof, Fizz fell out of it in a grunt.

‘‘Arh!’’ In his pajamas.

‘‘FIZZ!?’’ What are you doing here!?

‘‘YOU F*CKING A**HOLE!’’ The jester said as soon as he got up, and then lunged at him. Tackling him to the ground and throwing a few punches Blitzø didn’t fight against.

‘‘YOU ABSOLUTE MORON!’’ He screamed. ‘‘DID NO ONE TEACH YOU HOW TO ANSWER YOUR PHONE, YOU PIECE OF SH*T!’’

‘‘Sorry.’’

‘‘F*CK YOUR SORRY!’’ The punches stopped as Fizz crushed him into a deadly hug instead. ‘‘I was scared something was gonna happen…’’

‘‘I’m okay, Fizz. And we’ll be just fine!’’ He reassured him, and Stolas, who now looked nervous again. ‘‘The royal ar*eholes gave us six months? HAH! WE’LL DO IT IN FOUR!’’

The banished prince laughed, and Fizz relaxed.

‘‘Okay. If you say so.’’

‘‘That’s the spirit!’’ He got up, helping his best friend up as well. ‘‘Now let’s get you back to your chicken before someone takes photos of you in your night clothes.’’ He gestured to the still open portal.

‘‘Ah, yeah…’’ Something in Fizz’s tone made alarm bells go off in Blitzø’s brain.

He then watched the other walk to the portal, lean in, and pull out a giant suitcase before it closed behind him.

‘‘Can you give me a ride?’’

>>> Paimon & Astra

When the King entered the armoury, he was met with the image of his wife, on her feet but trembling as she leaned against the wall, her shaking hand holding an angelic pistol, against her chin.

‘‘GET. OUT.’’ He told the staff that was in there, they scrambled out, but he could tell they were waiting by the door just outside.

‘‘Astra-’’

‘‘YOU LIED TO ME!’’

Okay, that he kind of did, but-

‘‘I can explain, okay? Astra, I can and I will, just put the gun down.’’

‘‘You lied to me…’’ F*ck, she was crying.

‘‘I know I did! I-I’ll explain, okay? I just-’’ meant to deceive you, not backstab you! He realized saying that out loud might not help right now.

But he hadn’t known something like that would happen to Stolas!

‘‘You lied to me about how long it’s been! You lied to me about Stolas! Now you lied to me about what happens to him!? And I…’’

She was breathing fast and was panicking. He could get the gun if she got distracted enough.

‘‘I let you because I didn’t know…’’

Oh… Oh that’s what this was about.

‘‘Astra-’’

‘‘I DON’T KNOW ANYTHING!’’ She was hyperventilating now. ‘‘I don’t know anything… About Stolas… His life! His daughter, MY GRANDDAUGHTER! His likes, his dislikes, his love-life! I don’t know anything about anything that happened since I was gone!’’

‘‘Astra. Please-’’

‘‘I’LL NEVER CATCH UP TO THAT TIME! I’LL NEVER GET MY BUSINESS BACK UP TO WHAT IT WAS! I’LL NEVER GET MY LIFE BACK!’’

‘‘ASTRA!’’ He watched as she broke down completely. The gun fell out of her shaking hand, and he wasn’t about to miss the chance to get her away from the weaponry.

He pulled her up from the ground, and whisked them away into the living room where she continued crying but at least didn’t fight back as he held her.

‘‘I want my baby back…’’

Chapter Text

The Aftermath

Chapter 3:

>>> Stolas & Blitzø

‘‘I’m really sorry, Stols.’’ Blitzø apologized as he made sure Stolas was settled comfortably -as comfortably as possible- on the couch. ‘‘Fizz wouldn’t ask me for a ride now of all times if he didn’t really need me.’’

‘‘I understand Blitzø. You two are family; he needs you. Of course you’re going to help.’’

‘‘I’ll be back before you wake up, okay? I promise.’’

‘‘I’ll be fine, Blitzø.’’ Stolas then pulled him in for a goodnight kiss which he returned immediately. ‘‘Can I ask for pancakes for breakfast?’’

‘‘I’d make pancakes every morning ‘till we die if you asked, Birdie.’’ Blitzø promised before leaving. He went down to the van where Fizz was waiting for him.

‘‘Okay… Talk. Now.’’

>>> Stella & Andrealphus

Andrealphus had brought Stella to a vacation house they had down in Envy. While packing, and after having arrived there, Stella continued to act unlike herself. He practically had to drag her out of bed after they both unpacked to sit down for dinner.

Now, they were in the living room, Stella had put on f*cking leggings and a baggy shirt -probably left from when she was gravid with Via- and thrown on a cardigan, sitting in front of the fireplace.

That was the last straw for Andre.

‘‘Stella. I understand, what happened was quite a shock, but you’re worrying me.’’

‘‘I’m fine.’’

He gave her a look that made it clear he wasn’t going to buy her BS.

‘‘I will be fine.’’

‘‘…’’

‘‘Oh, cut the crap. As if nothing is wrong with you.’’

‘‘What?’’

‘‘I didn’t ask, but if you think I didn’t notice how off you’ve been acting the last week, you are dead wrong.’’

‘‘I-uh…’’

She raised an eyebrow at his hesitation. ‘‘What could it be that you can’t tell me?’’

‘‘I-I’m not hiding anythi-It’s just…’’

‘‘Oh, f*ck, it has to do with the parrot, doesn’t it?’’

‘‘Well…’’

‘‘Oh, God… You know what? I changed my mind. I don’t want to know.’’

Thank f*ck. ‘‘Alright.’’

>>> Fizz

‘‘Okay… Talk. Now.’’ Blitzø started the engine. ‘‘Also, where are we going? Cause I got a feeling you’re not going back to the Lust Guy.’’

‘‘No. We had a fight.’’

‘‘Bad enough that you’re moving out?’’

‘‘I’m not moving out. I’m just… taking time to myself. I need some time away from him.’’

‘‘So… destination?’’

‘‘Greed.’’

Blitzø almost crashed the van. ‘‘You’re mad at Oz so much, YOU’RE GOING BACK TO MAMMON!?’’

‘‘F*CK NO!’’

‘‘Oh, thank God.’’

‘‘I’d die before I go back to him!’’

‘‘Then why are we going to Greed?’’

‘‘I have an apartment in Sparkle.’’

‘‘Of course you do, Moneybags.’’

‘‘F*ck off, Suicidal-Dingus. I haven’t stayed there since I moved in with Oz, but I kept it in case…’’

‘‘Something like this happened?’’

‘‘Yeah.’’

‘‘Good call, I guess. You gonna tell me what happened?’’

‘‘We fought. I got mad. I left.’’

‘‘Yeah, I’m gonna need more than that.’’

‘‘… Not tonight?’’

‘‘That bad?’’

‘‘I just… I guess I’m more disappointed than angry at him.’’ Fizz had a specific expression on his face that made Blitzø’s blood boil. He looked genuinely hurt.

‘‘You sure you don’t want me to go over there and give him a piece of my mind?’’ He offered. ‘‘Because I totally could.’’

‘‘Blitzø.’’

‘‘Really. After everything that happened today, I’ll gladly take my anger out on him.’’

‘‘No thanks. But… I appreciate it, Blitzø.’’

‘‘I’m still calling mom if he doesn’t shape up sometime soon.’’

That got the jester to laugh. SCORE! ‘‘Deal.’’

The rest of the ride, they chatted about regular stuff as if nothing had happened, and Blitzø could tell it helped Fizz get his mind off whatever it was that happened between the two.

Then finally, they made it to the address in Sparkle that Fizz gave him.

The city -largely populated by the citizens of the lower classes who made enough money to be considered rich, like famous actors, singers… Fizz- was called Sparkle for a reason. The least disgusting city in Greed, it was filled with shopping malls and all kinds of entertainment.

‘‘That block?’’

‘‘Yep.’’

He parked and got Fizz’s suitcase out of the trunk.

‘‘You don’t have to come up with me.’’

‘‘Don’t have to, but will. When was the last time you stayed here?’’

‘‘Last summer. I had practice in the area for the whole month, made sense to stay here instead of making the trip every day.’’

‘‘Then you’re gonna have to at least clean up the bedroom before going to bed.’’ Blitzø pointed out as they got into the elevator. ‘‘I’ll help.’’

‘‘Thank you.’’ Fizz hugged him and he hugged back.

>>> Tilla

When Tilla saw the broadcast, she called for Stolas and obviously he left as fast as he could, but then she saw the rest of the broadcast, and she was shocked. She didn’t know what to think other than she had to get to her family.

She had to get to Blitzø… Loona.

She practically ran out of the palace and ran all the way to Blitzø’s apartment -she knew the address though she’s never been there- calling Blitzø on the way but he never answered.

So, once she arrived, she banged pretty hard on the door.

‘‘ BLITZO!’’

Stolas opened the door in… Loona’s clothes?

‘‘Tilla?’’

‘‘Where’s Blitzø? He-he didn’t answer my calls… I…’’

‘‘Come inside.’’

She walked in, exhausted. Loona got out of her room right at that moment too. ‘‘Grans?’’

‘‘Loona!’’ She normally wouldn’t push her granddaughter’s boundaries, but today, she hugged her as tight as she could. ‘‘Are you okay?’’

‘‘I-I’m fine.’’

‘‘Where’s your dad?’’

‘‘He isn’t here?’’ She asked, looking at Stolas.

‘‘Fizzarolli stopped by, he was worried about Blitzø. Then Blitzø left with him to give him a ride home. But he said he’d be back in time for breakfast.’’

‘‘Oh… Couldn’t Oz have portalled?’’

Stolas wasn’t about to tell her about that detail at this moment. ‘‘I think he wanted a moment alone with Blitzø. He seemed distressed.’’

‘‘Oh… I guess that makes sense.’’

‘‘You look like you’re about to pass out, Grans.’’ Loona pointed out.

‘‘Oh, I-I… Yeah.’’

‘‘C’mon.’’ The young hellhound took Tilla’s hand and dragged her towards her room. ‘‘Let’s go to bed. You can knock some sense into the idiot tomorrow.’’

‘‘Alright.’’ She didn’t argue. ‘‘Goodnight, Stolas. I’m sorry if I woke you.’’

‘‘It’s fine, Tilla. You were worried. We can talk in the morning.’’ He reassured her. ‘‘Goodnight, Loona.’’

‘‘Night.’’

>>> Vassago (& Penny)

‘‘Papá!’’ He was crushed into a hug the minute he got home.

‘‘Mi precoisa estrella, what’s wrong?’’

‘‘Via isn’t answering my calls. No entiendo, why did she do all that? ¿Cómo hizo todo eso?’’

Guess that answered the question whether or not his daughter had known Octavia was planning all this. ‘‘I do not know, Penny.’’

‘‘Necesito Verla. I need to go there.’’

‘‘Esta noche no, mi amor. However, if it helps you feel better, I can go over there tomorrow and check on her. Quizás pueda lograr que ella te llame.’’

‘‘Está bien.’’ He could tell she was still worried though.

It was odd for Via to not answer or return Penny’s calls. He too wondered if the young Princess was okay.

>>> Ozzie

Asmodeus hadn’t come home to find an angry Fizzarolli as he had feared. Nor had he found an enraged, or hysteric Fizz. No, Fizz was all those things, but something else overpowered all the others.

The disappointment and hurt in Fiz’s eyes broke away at the Sin’s heart.

They fought, and he tried to explain himself the best he could, but no matter what he did, only the worst choice of words seemed to leave his mouth as his partner got angrier by the minute.

He couldn’t make the other understand, and maybe that was a good thing. Maybe he didn’t deserve that right now.

Then Fizz started packing and Oz realized he was about to lose what was most dear to him.

He begged him to stay, even if they didn’t share a room for the time being. His boyfriend refused, but at the very least reassured him that this wasn’t a break-up. Not yet. The thought made him tremble.

His beloved agreed to at least not cut communications off completely, but to minimize it instead, and promised to call him if something bad happened.

‘‘I’m really sorry, Fizz.’’ He said as he watched the other leave through the portal.

‘‘Repeating the same apology for the hundredth time isn’t going to change anything, Oz.’’

‘‘…’’

‘‘Night.’’ He left.

Chapter Text

The Aftermath

Chapter 4:

>>> M&M

‘‘Well, that was crazy.’’ Millie let herself fall onto the couch as they finally made it home.

‘‘We’re still alive, so I’ll take that as a win.’’ Moxxie said as he leaned down to hug her.

‘‘Blitzø and Stolas won’t be if we can’t do what they said.’’

‘‘I really don’t wanna think about that right now.’’

‘‘I’m not worried.’’

‘‘You’re not?’’ He asked, confused.

‘‘How many times have we seen Blitzø pull off impossible stuff? And in what ways?’’

*chuckle* ‘‘I guess you’re right. And now that he’s actually happy thanks to His Highness, he’ll do anything to keep it that way.’’

‘‘And we’ll help them, but tonight,’’ She moved her fingers and tail around the other’s body, making her case clear. ‘‘I want us to celebrate being alive.’’

‘‘Anything for you, Honey.’’ He grinned and then got to tearing her and his own clothes off.

>>> Fizz & Blitzø

‘‘F*****ck.’’ Fizz let himself onto the bed. It wasn’t as comfortable as Oz’s chest.

‘‘You should sleep.’’ Blitzø mocked him. ‘‘You look like sh*t.’’

‘‘You look like a hoard of horses stomped on ya.’’

‘‘The correct term is “horde”, B*tch.’’

‘‘Horse Freak.’’

‘‘Sex Addict.’’

‘‘Guess I’m getting rehab.’’ He joked. ‘‘Should I ask Barbie for pointers?’’

They both laughed their a**es off at that.

‘‘… Can you stay?’’ He caught Blitzø off guard.

‘‘Fizz.’’ He wasn’t sure what to say.

‘‘I just don’t wanna be alone.’’ He pleaded. ‘‘You’re tired as Hell too.’’

He sat on the other side of the bed. ‘‘Fine.’’ Threw his jacket and then clothes -all but his shorts- off to the ground. ‘‘Let me set up an alarm. I promised Stolas I’d be back for breakfast.’’

‘‘M’kay.’’

‘‘I’ll probably go before you wake up.’’

‘‘It’s fine.’’ It wasn’t, but he wasn’t going to say that. ‘‘Your boyfriend’s kid called us brothers.’’

‘‘Yeah I know, it’s weird.’’ He settled next to his childhood friend and his first love.

‘‘I think it fits.’’ Okay, that hurt a bit.

‘‘I mean you did start calling mom “mom” a while back.’’

‘‘… That doesn’t bother you, does it?’’

‘‘You need to ask that? Of course, it doesn’t.’’

The other imp smiled at that. ‘‘Good night. Bro.’’

‘‘Oh, shut up… Little bro.’’

‘‘I’m only seven months younger than you two. Not even a year.’’

‘‘It counts.’’

‘‘Jerk.’’

‘‘Pissy-Face.’’

>>> Andrealphus

After making sure Stella was comfortably settled in her room, he returned to his. He wasn’t surprized to see that he’d received a text from Vassago.

I wish for us to talk at your earliest convenience.

‘‘Damn it all.’’

As much as he hated the idea of hearing Vassago ending things with him, he’d hate it more if they set up a time to meet. Then he’d have to see him too.

He couldn’t deal with that right now. So, he called him instead.

He answered after the second ring.

‘‘Andrealphus.’’

No nickname now, huh? ‘‘Vassago.’’

‘‘I suppose you know why I wished to speak, though, I’d rather we didn’t do it over the phone.’’

‘‘Will you cut the crap?’’

‘‘You’re in a bad mood.’’ It wasn’t a question. ‘‘Perhaps I can call at a later time.’’

‘‘No. We’re doing this now.’’

‘‘And what is “this”, exactly?’’

‘‘You’ve decided it’s time to end things, because I finally went too far. You think I’m overly ambitious, power hungry, and unnecessarily destructive. And you knew those things before today, now you just can’t deny it anymore.’’

‘‘Wow. Didn’t know you had a spell that can help you read minds.’’

‘‘Oh, believe me, if I had such spell, I’d read our niece’s mind first.’’

‘‘That is another topic of concern entirely.’’

‘‘Agreed.’’ He heard the other sigh at the other end of the call.

‘‘For the record, that is not what I think. However, I was going to suggest we at least take a break from seeing each othe-’’

‘‘Don’t bother, Vassago.’’

‘‘What are you saying?’’

‘‘I’m not going to sit around waiting for you to end this… situationship, is what they call it, I think.’’

‘‘So, you’re ending it.’’

‘‘I am.’’

‘‘You sound so sure.’’

‘‘I am.’’

‘‘So, this is it…’’

‘‘It is.’’ DON’T YOU F*CKING CRY! He yelled at himself internally. ‘‘I’ll see you at the next council meeting, Vassago.’’

‘‘I-’’

‘‘Have a nice evening.’’

He hung up. Oh, f*ck, he just hung up on the guy.

No, wait. That was a good thing.

He needed to let go, anyway.

>>> Astra

She left before Paimon woke up.

She loved him, but he’d lied to her. And unlike her, it’s been three decades for the guy, not seven weeks.

No more lying around “recovering”. She had to get things back in order. She had to get back to her son.

Except when she made it home -the top floor of The Celestial Nexus- she found herself feeling nothing but sorrow still.

She ignored her shocked employees, her old friends -who she also had under contract, but they were more than just employees- and Jane, who looked like she just saw a ghost…

‘‘As… ASTRA!’’ She ran after her.

‘‘NOT NOW, JANE!’’ She realized she didn’t want to deal with any of this yet. SHE WASN’T READY!

‘‘ASTRA!’’

‘‘NOT NOW!’’ She screamed again. ‘‘Please, just… Not now…’’ She cried as she ran to her room, where she continued to do so as she drowned herself in the covers on the bed, trying to go to sleep.

>>> The Next Morning

Blitzø was still exhausted but Fizz’s bed was better than the couch, he’d give him that. He finally parked the van, as the first lights of the morning reached Imp City, he was ready to prepare the kind of breakfast he knew his bird would need when he awoke.

Except as he made way for the fire escape -he rarely used the apartment’s stairs- he saw that someone was waiting for him.

‘‘Took you long enough.’’ Via -unlike yesterday where she was facing the entire council- hadn’t bothered to put on the sh*t ton of concealer that she did to hide the fact that she hasn’t been sleeping very well.

Or maybe she just didn’t care what Blitzø thought of her.

‘‘I know you said “soon” and all, but wasn’t expecting you this early.’’

‘‘Cut the f*cking crap, I just came to make sure you haven’t forgotten our deal.’’ She said, as a symbol appeared on Blitzø’s neck. Glowing. He felt heat too, which hurt a bit.

‘‘I-’’

‘‘You know that I can still make him leave you, correct?’’

‘‘You-’’

‘‘Don’t let the fact that he’ll be staying with you for the time being fool you. Grandmother is back. He can leave you and stay with her anytime he wants.’’

‘‘You’re kidding right? She hasn’t even talked to him!’’

‘‘She will. And even if she hadn’t returned, he can stay there anytime he wants. He’s banished only from the Goetia family, and Grandmother’s not a Goetia, so he’s still entitled to any of her personal wealth, which may not be much compared to what he had ‘till yesterday, but is more than enough.’’

‘‘Why are you doing this!?’’ He screamed. ‘‘I thought you were looking out for him, but now you go and do this? How do you think he feels about this? You betrayed him!’’

‘‘You’re entitled to your own opinion. I’m not here to discuss my motives with you.’’

‘‘Then why are you here?’’

‘‘A few things.’’ She said, then opened a portal and pulled out a hand truck with three boxes loaded on. ‘‘Father’s essentials that I’m letting him keep.’’ She gave it to him.

‘‘Gee, thanks.’’ He took them.

‘‘About the human situation, I will tell you what you need to get out of that mess, but I need to officially take my father’s title and power for that first, which won’t happen until my birthday.’’

‘‘Oh, so we’re operating under you now?’’ He asked, his tone unamused.

‘‘Unless you have a brighter idea?’’ She answered sarcastically.

‘‘How do you even expect us to erase all those records? Even if we killed everyone, we can’t know how many times those videos were copied, or who they were sent to!’’

‘‘Simple. You won’t be doing that at all.’’

‘‘Sorry, what?’’

‘‘There’s another way. But you need to wait for my instructions.’’

‘‘You can’t treat me like a servant, you know!’’

‘‘Oh, but I can.’’ The heat came back. ‘‘Our deal clearly stated you do as I say on matters that have to do with him.’’

‘‘Things that are for his own good!’’ He reminded.

‘‘You think getting off the death penalty isn’t to his benefit?’’ She mocked.

‘‘You… You won’t make him not banished though.’’ He realized. ‘‘Will you?’’

‘‘It’s still to his benefit.’’

‘‘WHAT KIND OF DAUGHTER ARE YOU!?’’

‘‘THE KIND THAT DOESN’T HAVE TO EXPLAIN HERSELF TO YOU!’’ She yelled, then made a portal, clearly to leave.

‘‘Tell Miss Tilla she’s free to work for me the same as before if she wishes.’’  Via told him before leaving him standing shocked in the alley.

He sighed. ‘‘Guess I have to use the elevator now.’’ He looked at the boxes.

At least Stolas now had some of his own clothes to wear.

Chapter Text

The Aftermath

Chapter 5:

>>> In The Early Morning

Octavia had a restless night’s sleep. She was already awake and turning around in bed, trying to go back to sleep when Iva spoke.

Get up.

‘‘ARCH!’’ She was spooked and fell off the bed. ‘‘You almost gave me a heart attack!’’ F*cking again.

Oh, come on. You weren’t sleeping anyway.

‘‘How could you possibly know that!?’’

Just did.

‘‘What do you want?’’

You need to talk to Blitzø.

‘‘At this hour? And about what?’’ She got up anyway. Walked to the bathroom to wash up.

Tell him to wait ‘till your succession to the council to make a move on the humans.

‘‘You said they wouldn’t need to.’’

I meant they won’t need to get rid of all evidence of demons’ existence.

‘‘But then they wouldn’t be doing what the council ordered them to do.’’

The council gave that order because they think this is the first time a human government has found concrete and undeniable evidence of demons’ existence.

‘‘And it’s… not?’’

No. They’ve known for a while now.

‘‘But… The portal, the funds-’’

The agents I.M.P. fought against and exposed themselves to, and their organization, weren’t connected to the government until after the event. They funded their new, bigger, but still useless against Hell’s forces’ weaponry, and the portal they made, but they’re still not a part of the real deal.

‘‘What’s the real deal?’’

Ever heard of Area 51?

‘‘No, what’s that?’’

The place where the citizens of Earth think the government is hiding aliens.

‘‘…What? That’s… That’s not a thing. Those don’t exist.’’

I know they don’t. That’s why those humans are wrong. The government doesn’t have aliens locked up there. They have demons from Hell locked up in there.

‘‘THEY WHAT!?’’ Via was taken aback so bad, she slipped and fell on her a**.

They don't have aliens there, but demons that they’ve been experimenting on for quite a while now.

‘‘Since?’’

Seven to twenty decades, I believe.

‘‘… What…?’’

Your father and the others only need to save the ones there, to prove it wasn’t their fault the government is coming after Hell, and that they’ve made this much progress because of the Heavenborn helping them, not because they ran into I.M.P. or that your dad left them alive.

‘‘Then why did I say it was their fault yesterday? Couldn’t I just lead with that?’’

Then your father’s fate would have been sealed yesterday. Now, it’s undetermined. Which means we can make sure his punishment isn’t detrimental if we make the right move.

‘‘But you told me about that other reality. You showed me those visions, if this wasn’t dad’s fault… why did they… You know! And why did I make him out to be an idiot and a criminal?’’

Because they didn’t know it wasn’t I.M.P.’s fault. Now, we have time to prove that it’s not.

‘‘You think they’ll believe the word of the Hellborn that’s imprisoned there? And what kind of experiments are we even talking about?’’

Even if the council doesn’t believe the Hellborn there, there’s at least one demon there that no one will question. I.M.P. only needs to save her, really. I mean, it’ll be nice if they save the others too, but once they have her, your father’s, and his boyfriend’s lives will be saved.

‘‘Who’s she?’’

Iva didn’t really have a face, she appeared more like a silhouette, but in that moment, Octavia could’ve sworn she smirked.  

Ever heard of The Loch Ness Monster?

>>> At the Buckzo Household…

Blitzø was almost finished with breakfast and was keeping an eye on Stolas to see when he’d wake up when his mom came out of Loona’s room, giving him the millionth shock of the last 24 hours.

‘‘Blitzo. You’re okay.’’ She hugged him.

‘‘Mom? When did you get here?’’

‘‘Last night. You weren’t here.’’

‘‘Oh, Fizz came to see me, and-’’

‘‘I know.’’ She checked him over and he didn’t resist, knowing it’d help her feel better. ‘‘Was he okay?’’

‘‘He will be. I think. Don’t worry, I’ll check up on him later.’’

‘‘Alright.’’

Then he noticed Stolas rubbing his eyes.

‘‘Stols!’’ He moved over there and gave him a quick kiss. ‘‘Good morning, Pretty Bird.’’

‘‘Morning.’’ He answered sleepily.

‘‘I got pancakes for everyone, and fried rats, too.’’

‘‘Oh, Darling.’’ He hugged him. ‘‘You didn’t have to do all that.’’

‘‘I wanted to.’’

‘‘Are they being gross again?’’ Loona asked Tilla from the doorway to her room.

‘‘No, Sweetie. It’s safe to come out.’’ She answered, giggling.

She was glad everyone was safe. Mostly because she hadn’t seen the last of the broadcast and didn’t know about the whole “six months deadline” thing.

‘‘Good morning you two.’’ Stolas greeted them.

‘‘Ah, hey, mom?’’ Blitzø spoke: ‘‘Could you and Loona set the table? Loonie, take out the portable chairs, would you?’’ He asked. They obviously couldn’t have four people and two chairs.

F*ck, he was gonna need to buy chairs. And some other stuff, too.

‘‘Yeah, sure.’’

‘‘Of course, Sweetie.’’

‘‘Stols?’’ He then urged the other to get up. ‘‘Could you come here for a sec?’’ He took him out to the balcony.

‘‘What’s going on, Blitzø?’’

‘‘You remember yesterday I told you there’s something I need to tell you?’’

‘‘… Yes?’’

‘‘You might wanna sit down.’’

They both did. He held the other’s hands.

‘‘Blitzø. You’re stressing me out. Wha-what’s going on?’’

‘‘Look, before I say it, I need you to understand, I didn’t know about it until yesterday. I found out at the trial because Via brought it up.’’

‘‘What did she say?’’

‘‘AND! Y-you need to know I didn’t say anything last night because you were tired and you were going through all that, you were shocked.’’ He needed him to know that. ‘‘I didn’t want to push your limits.’’

‘‘O-okay. And?’’

‘‘Octavia said yesterday at the trial that… That your mom’s back.’’

‘‘What…’’

The owl looked as if his brain couldn’t process Blitzø’s words.

‘‘Your mother. Apparently… She’s back.’’

>>> Fizzarolli

He woke up alone. Something he had never really been used to, but he wasn’t about to blame Blitzø. The guy had his own life, and problems.

He didn’t get up for more than an hour, just thinking everything over.

Was he too cruel last night?

He knew Oz hadn’t acted the way he did on purpose. But it still hurt.

Guess he’d always thought of Ozzie as the perfect boyfriend, and now that he knew he wasn’t that, he felt disappointment.

But Oz never expected me to be perfect, did he?

No, he hadn’t.

The Sin had never asked much of Fizz.

How could this happen? He wanted to scream. What did we do wrong?

How had it come to this?

>>> Asmodeus

He missed the goddamned airhorn.

Never thought he’d say that.

He didn’t want to get out of bed, but he had to. He washed up. Precious came up to him then, looking sad.

‘‘You already miss Fizzy, girl?’’

He hadn’t taken her with him because her everything was set up here, and he hadn’t wanted to separate her from the others.

‘‘I miss him too.’’ He gave her a scratch. ‘‘I’m sure he’s missing you too.’’

Not sure about me though. He thought. Not that I can blame him.

‘‘Let’s just get through today, and we’ll see, alright?’’

He asked as if she could answer.

He later had a lousy breakfast and went down to his office to see a sh*t ton of applications sent from countless couples in the Goetia Family.

Requesting help for fertility problems.

‘‘Of f*cking course.’’ He groaned.

The prophecy from yesterday. About a girl of unknown title that would be born into the family.

An heir that’s destined to save the Queen’s life.

Of f*cking course everyone was going to try and be the couple to bring that child into the world. She would save Lilly, and they would take the credit and fame for it.

He already hated all of this.

But didn’t have an excuse to deny anyone.

He cursed his luck, and started sending replies.