Chapter 68: Western Energy Part 1

One day in the Sloth Ring, the I.M.P Crew are in the Van as they drive to a parking place behind a large hospital called the St. An's Hospital. And soon, Randall comes in as he drives his dark green car next to it. Then everyone exits from the van while Randall exits from the car. Sarge helps Loona out who is looking very uneasy, like she is very nervous.

"It's okay sweetie. This will be over, very quick," Sarge says.

Loona gulps nervously and doesn't say a word.

Randall groans and asks, "Remind me why we've decided to come here."

"Uh because we agreed to help Sarge with Loona's uneasiness," Drew says.

"You know how she feels about the…" Berry says and whispers to Randall and the others, "The S.H.O.T."

Everyone nods their heads in reply.

"Yes Berry. Loona has to get her yearly shot, and it's well, concerning that every year she makes a fuss over it. And I mean a really big fuss about it," Sarge says as he begins to walk towards the hospital with Loona.

Millie, Moxxie, and the others soon follow.

"No kidding. Remember last year. She nearly got me with a crowbar," Randall says.

"Or the year before that when she tried to escape from the hospital and nearly injured the nurses," Drew says.

"Sounds like Loona really hates shots," Blitz replies.

Randall sighs, "You have no idea."

Soon, the group enters the hospital and walks towards the receptionist desk.

Sarge calls over and says, "Hello. I'm here for my daughter Loona Ryder's yearly appointment."

"The what?" The nurse questions.

"The Hellborn's S.H.O.T. It should be under Sarge Ryder," Sarge says, calmly.

The nurse checks the calendar, "Uuuuuhm, I don't see any Sarge on my list." but quickly say, "OH! Right here, yep, yep! Yes, well, we will be ready for her in just a bit. Please take a seat Mr. Ryder."

Soon, Sarge and the others take their seats and wait for Loona's turn. They soon hear whimpering and see Loona hiding under the three chairs Blitz, Millie, and Moxxie are sitting on.

"Are you going to be okay, Loona?" Blitz asks.

Loona however doesn't say a single word to him.

Sarge kneels to Loona, "Oh don't worry Loona. Everything will be okay. It's just one prick from the needle and it will be over. You won't even feel it."

"I hope," Loona says, and mutters, "I really hate shots." and continues to shake and whimper.

Blitz then gets off from his seat, "I can go get us some drinks. It might make her feel better."

"Sure Blitz. I'll go with you," Randall says.

"Alright, but just water, no alcohol before the shot," Sarge says.

"Okay," Blitz says.

"Yeah yeah," Randall replies.

Then the two head off together to get some drinks.

Randall turns to Blitz and asks, "By the way Blitz, I'm surprised you and Mimmy wanted to go with us. I figure you want to have some fun with your boyfriend or relax."

"I don't mind going, and it looks like you guys could use some help with Loona," Blitz says, "Besides, Stolas is actually out for an important meeting."

"What meeting?" Randall asks, confused.

Blitz sighs and says, "Divorce proceedings, more like complications with Stella."

"That shit again? I thought they're done with that," Randall says.

"I thought so too, but I'm guessing there's more they need to discuss and from what Stolas told me, Stella's brother, Andrealphus is going to be there. So Stolas doesn't want me anywhere near them, that's another reason why I decided to let me and Mimmy tag with you guys."

"Good call. I think that'll make Stella more furious to see the man her husband is having an affair with, so will Andrealphus," Randall says. "Especially since Stella told Andrealphus everything she knows about you and your upbringing. So, it's best that you don't take part in it?"

"I'm still worried about Stolas, though. And I'm sure Stolas will be very stressed when we get back," Blitz says. He then brings out his phone, "I'm going to check on him to see if he's okay."

"Whatever you say," Randall says, shrugging his shoulders. "But I think Stolas will be glad to get a message from you."

"I think he would," Blitz says.

He soon receives a reminder on his phone: Reminder: Meeting at Ozzie's. 11 pm. Blitz lets out a sigh and remembers that his meeting with Fizzarolli and Asmodeus is tomorrow night. He feels a little more conident about it, but still worried on how it might turn out.

Meanwhile, at a building called the 'Richest Cup Café', along with a sign that reads, 'where the poor pour for you!'

Stella and Stolas are inside sipping tea, giving each other vicious glares.

Stella calmly says, "Stolas."

"Stella," Stolas calmly says with a frown.

The two continue to sit and sip their tea, and Andrealphus is sitting between the two.

And with that, Stella insults Stolas, "Cunt."

Stolas insults her back, "Witch."

"Aurgh!" Andrealphus groans with a facepalm and an annoyed expression.

Mainly because Stolas and Stella can't be in the same room without having one of their augments.

Stella shouts in rage, "FUCKISH. IMP. SUCKER!"

"Why did you insist on meeting me here?" Stolas questions as an Imp server pours tea for Stolas.

Stolas looks at his phone to see a message from Blitz.

Blitz: Hi Stolas, how are things going with your ex-wife? I hope you're doing okay. Love you.

Stolas simply smiles and types back.

Stolas soon frowns when Andrealphus says, "Ahem! We wanted to properly discuss the terms of this divorce. I feel my darling sister deserves a bit more…compensation. After all, you did CHEAT on the poor thing. Surely you owe…"

But Stolas says, "Andrealphus, cheating implies there was a betrayal. This woman never gave two shits about me or our very much arranged marriage. As far as I'm concerned, this divorce is far overdue."

Unknown to anyone, outside of the building through the glass window, there is a familiar flaming Hell Horse.

"Up yours!" Stella screams with rage and flips at him.

Andrealphus tries to calm her down, "Stellaaa, for fuck's sake, stop making this harder to bullshit!"

Suddenly, they hear the sound of the window breaking, everyone has their heads turned to see a cloaked figure standing on one of the tables. Soon removes the cloak to reveal Striker posing on a table. He then twirls two angelic pistols in his hands. He fires one and the bullet hits the window near Stolas' head. Luckily Stolas is able to dodge the attack. Then Stella grins evilly at Stolas. Striker fired another bullet that hit Stolas' hat. Stolas then dodges more bullets as he tries to escape and fly towards the exit. But before Stolas can escape, Striker lassos him with a glowing white rope before he can escape. And then Stolas falls to the ground in an alley, captured.

"Oh dear…this is worrisome," Stolas says to himself in concern.

Back at the St. An's hospital, Sarge and the others are still waiting for Loona's turn, and she's still shaking like a leaf.

Mimmy holds out her teddy bear, "Here Loona, you can hold my teddy if you're nervous."

However, Loona ignores her and continues to shake and whimper in fear.

Just then, Sarge receives a call on his Hellphone and looks to see who's calling.

"Stolas? Wonder why he's calling?" Sarge questions.

Sarge answers the phone, "Hello Stolas." and puts the phone on speaker.

"Hello Sarge," Stolas' voice appears on the phone, "I'm sorry for calling you at such a bad time with your daughter's appointment today, but umm…I seem to have found myself in a bit of a sitch. I'm tied to the back of a horse at the moment."

"Tied to the back of a horse?" Drew questions.

Berry rolls her eyes sarcastically, "Aren't you lucky."

However, Stolas says, "Um, well no, rather unlucky, Berry. I seem to have been stolen by that little cowboy from the Harvest Moon Festival."

"Cowboy?" Sarge questions, "That wouldn't happen to be who I think it is."

Then Moxxie asks, "What does he look like, your highness?"

Stolas glances up at Striker's grinning face as he rides his horse.

"Mmm…sexy?" Stolas says.

Moxie soon realizes, "That's Striker, sir!"

"You've guessed the guy from one word?" Razor questions.

"Guys, this is a serious matter," Sarge says.

"You're right, Sarge. Stolas is in big trouble," Drew says.

But then Mimmy asks, "But Mr. Stolas, can't you just fly away? I mean, you are powerful and you can fly."

"I believe he has bound me with blessed rope, which limits my ability to free myself, I'm afraid," Stoles answers.

"Fuck, the guy came prepared," Sarge replies, frustrated.

"Don't worry Stolas, we'll rescue you," Millie says over the phone.

"Thank you, but don't mention this to Blitz. I don't want him to worry and I suspect that Striker will go after him considering what happened last time they've met," Stolas says.

"We'll get right on it. However, I'm unable to come because of Loona's yearly appointment and she really had to take it. And you know how she gets during her shots," Sarge says.

"I do agree that is very important," Stolas says. "However, I still recommend you keep this from Blitz and…"

But Striker interrupts him with irritation, "Would you shut up already? I can hear you, by the way."

Striker swipes Stola's cell phone with his tail and answers the phone, "Don't worry about Blitzy's lanky birdie…he's in good hands." and adds an evil laughter as he crushes Stolas' phone.

"Oh shit. Am I in danger right now?" Stolas questions.

Back at the hospital…

"Damn it!" Sarge says, frustrated and hangs up the phone.

Just then, Millie speaks up, "Sir, let me and Moxxie handle this one."

"Are you sure you two got this alone?" Sarge asks.

"We can do it, sir. Together, we are a lethal combo," Moxxie says as Millie places a red cowboy hat on his head.

And Moxxie adds, "And we both have a score to settle with that dickhead."

"Alright, but let Berry go with you. I'll feel much better if you have someone else helping you," Sarge says.

"Right. I'll help them," Berry says.

"And you better hurry. Stolas sounds like he might be in real shit this time," Razor says.

"And I'm willing to bet Striker took Stolas to Wrath," Sarge says.

"But what do we do about Blitz?" Millie asks, concerned.

"As much as I hate to admit, Stolas is right. We can't let Blitz anywhere near Striker, so he can't know this. If he knew Stolas is in danger, he might do something rash. He'll have to stay here at the hospital. Randall will be staying too to help with Loona," Sarge says.

Razor then kneels to Mimmy, "You hear that Mimmy. We have to keep this hush hush from daddy, okay."

"Okay. hush hush." Mimmy replies.

"When Blitz and Randall get back, we'll just let them know that you guys need to head off somewhere and will be back later," Razor says.

Everyone nods in agreement to keep this from Blitz.

However, unknown to the group, Blitz and Randall have heard everything after getting the water bottles.

"Shit, looks like Stolas is in trouble big time," Randall whispers and turns to Blitz, "Right Blitz…" but notices Blitz isn't there, "Uh Blitz…?"

Outside of the hospital, Blitz hurries out trying to find some transportation.

"Blitz!" Randall calls out.

Blitz turns to see Randall hurrying outside.

"Blitz, where are you going?" Randall asks.

"I gotta get to Wrath and rescue Stolas from Striker," Blitz says.

"You're not serious are you?" Randall asks, arching an eyebrow. "Don't you remember the last time you saw him? He shot you with a blessed tipped rifle."

"I'm serious, and I know how dangerous Striker is." Blitz says with determination in his eyes, "You heard what the others said. If what they said is true, then Stolas is in serious danger. I can't just stand here knowing my boyfriend is in trouble and will most likely be killed. I know my friends and Stolas are worried about my well-being, but I have to go. I just have to."

"Well then…" Randall says, a little surprised.

But then smile, "Color me impressed. You're going to step up the game here."

Randall reaches in and pulls out his car keys, "You'll need a vehicle to get to Wrath." And gives Blitz the keys, "My car has two spare tires and two gasoline tanks. Each holds twelve gallons. That should be more than enough to get you to Wrath. I also have a few guns, weapons, and other ammo to use so you'll have firearms."

"What about the others?" Blitz asks.

"Not a problem," Randall says.

And with that, Randall morphs his body to resemble Blitz.

And in Blitz's voice, Randall says, "I can pretend to be you and make an excuse for myself. Saying that I've left to explore the town and grab some z's."

"Thank Randall. I feel really bad about this, but… but I have to," Blitz says.

"It's cool man, now then, go rescue your boyfriend," Randall says.

Blitz nods his head as he climbs into Randall's car, starts the engine and drives away to rescue Stolas and fight Striker.

Randall then says, "Now to bring the drinks to the others and stay put."

Randall, 'Blitz' runs back inside the hospital, and returns to the others.

"Hey guys, I'm back. Sorry it took so long," 'Blitz' says.

"It's cool, Blitz," Drew says.

Then Berry asks, "Where's Randall?"

"He left. Said he wanted to grab a few drinks and a few z's somewhere," 'Blitz' says.

"Okay then," Sarge replies.

Then Millie says, "Listen, Moxxie, Berry, and I have to go somewhere. Can we help you to help the others with Loona?"

"Of course. You can count on me," Blitz says.

"Okay. We'll see you later," Millie says.

Sarge passes Moxxie the keys and he along with the girls hurry to the hospital for their rescue mission.

However, unknown to them is that Blitz has already got a head start. What's more, Blitz is driving into the highway that leads him to Wrath.

In his thoughts Blitz says to himself, "Please Stolas, you need to hang in there. Please be alive. Wait for me." and has a mental image of Stolas in his mind.

Blitz continues to drive the car and plans to rescue Stolas no matter what it takes, and also hopes this doesn't end up killing him.

Meanwhile, Striker galloping on his horse with Stolas tied up behind him out of the city, and taking him to the Wrath Ring to his secret hiding place.

Mariachi Imps:

He's galloping over the dusty plains

Even the cacti know his name

If you don't want to die, don't cross his path

The best assassin in the ring of Wrath

He's Striker! He's Striker!

Sure shootin', darn tootin', his name is Striker

Gonna bring that bird back to his lair

With his magic rope and Western flair

He's very good at causing pain

And he loves to ride on the choo-choo- train

Striker glares at the mariachi quartet imps from before they can say 'train.'

Mariachi Imps:

Dirty dealin', prince stealin'

He's a villain, Striker!

He's fast and strong and tall and mean

The foulest imp you've ever seen

He'll break your bones to hear 'em crunch

He likes to eat Pâté for lunch

He's Striker, hmm, ye-ye-yeah

He's Striker

The last imp extends the notes, much to Striker's annoyance.

Mariachi Imps:

He's Striker, he-

Reaching his limits, Striker shouts in pure anger towards them, "SHUT THE FUCK UP! I'M TRYIN' TO DO MY FUCKING JOB! YOU COMIN' IN HERE SINGING ABOUT ME FOR THE MILLIONTH FUCKING TIME! LEAVE ME THE HELL ALONE YOU FREAKS!"

The terrified mariachi imps quietly ride away in the mining car.

"How does one get their own theme song?" Stolas questions.

Back at the hospital, Sarge and the others are still waiting for Loona's turn while Mimmy is playing with stuffed animals with another kid.

"Aaah! He's going to get me with his sword!" The boy screams as he holds out his toy red rabbit with horns.

Mimmy holds out her teddy bear, "No he won't! He's not going to slash Mr. Bear and Mr. Bunny."

Then turns to Sarge, "No slashing."

"Don't worry, I don't slash rabbits or bears, especially toys," Sarge says, and points to his sword, "And I only use it for those with killing. I don't do that to toys or kids, or families."

The two continue to play together with smiles on their faces. 'Blitz', Sarge, and the others can't help but smile to see the event.

"So how much longer do we need to wait?" 'Blitz' asks.

"That depends on the doctor," Sarge says, reading a book.

"I hope we'll see him soon. Loona looks like she's on edge," Drew says.

They turn to see Loona is lying on three of the waiting chairs as she is shaking and whimpering.

"It's okay Loona, it will all be over. We've done this multiple times," Sarge says.

However, Loona is not feeling any better from this.

Just then the nurse walks out and calls, "Mr. Ryder, the doc will see your hound now."

And with that, Sarge picks up Loona and walks into the medical area with the others close behind.

Somewhere in the Wrath Ring, Blitz soon stops at a station because Randall's car is low on gas. Blitz walks out, brings out the gasoline tank from the trunk, and fills the car with more gas. Once the gas tank is filled, Blitz puts the gallon in the trunk after sealing it. Blitz soon notices the mariachi Imps.

He walks over and asks, "Um excuse me. You wouldn't happen to see an Imp that goes by the name of Striker riding around here. A little taller than me, has a snake like appearance, a gold tooth, and rides a rather large flaming Hellhorse."

And the mariachi Imps start to sing.

Singers:

He's galloping…

But Blitz quickly says, "Uh that's okay, you don't need to sing. I just need to know if you've seen him around here, or where I could find him."

"Yeah, he lives out by the bad man's land, in the old train tunnel, near the mine shafts. Very outlaw aesthetic, ya can't miss it," The Imp with the long white beard says.

"Thank you, sir," Blitz says.

Blitz then runs back into the car and begins to drive towards the badlands and pray for Stolas' well being.

Meanwhile in Striker's hideout, Striker is using a whetstone to sharpen his blessed knife as Stolas is tied upside down to some railroad tracks. He soon opens his eyes and spots Striker busy at work.

"So, my wife paid you for this, hmm? Wouldn't a holy bullet have sufficed? Or can you not afford those?" Stolas questions, sarcastically.

"I was paid to give you the real royal treatment; your wife must REALLY hate you," Striker says with a chuckle.

"You have no idea," Stolas replies.

He looks around the hideout and questions, "So. Train tracks? Really? Seems a bit cliched doesn't it?"

"It's a classic," Striker says.

"Is the giant statue of yourself also a 'classic' or...?" Stolas questions, looking at the statue in front of Striker that has him grinning with a long erect penis.

That just makes Striker pissed and clenches the whetstone before throwing it away, "Are you seriously judging me right now?!" and tossing his hat on the statue like a hat rack.

"I'm just impressed; you seem to want to suck your own dick this badly," Stolas says.

Striker then advances towards Stolas, "Look; Not every ring is some fancy ass city, with some fancy ass mansion, that only fancy ass royals get to live in. Some of us have hard lives to live. And some of us have everything we care about taken away by fuckers like you." And shows strong resentment.

"I have no-" But Striker stabs Stolas in his shoulder with the knife, making him scream in pain, "AAAGH!"

Then Striker slashes the knife to cut the blessed rope, causing Stolas to fall on his head and rolls over on the track.

"YOU. Don't get to talk over me!" Striker says as he walks around Stolas, slapping Stolas with his tail, "I don't have to listen to your bullshit!" And jams his foot into Stolas' shoulder wound, "All you royals ever do is try to talk over us!"

Stola tries to petrify Striker, but the blessed ropes are preventing him from using his power, and unable to activate his power.

Striker smirks and says, "Don't bother trying to use your little 'eye trick' on me; those ropes ain't gonna let you do anything. Got somthin' to say about that? Your 'Highness'?" and steps on Shoulder's wound once more.

Stolas glares at Striker, "Well, you seem to be forgetting; you are working for a royal right NOW!" and then manages to kick Striker in the face.

But then Striker grabs Stolas' leg and breaks it.

However, Stolas doesn't seem to be phased, "Nice try, tough guy."

Stolas then angrily stabs Stolas's other leg.

Again, Stolas isn't feeling pain, "Sage's knife is bigger... and hits sooooo MUCH deeper. At least that's what Randall told me when he stabbed him that one time.."

"Being a smartass hmm?" Striker questions, irritated.

Striker then grabs Stolas by his hair and has his knife near his throat, "'Cause once I split your neck open and let you choke on your own blue blood, you won't be worth any more than the tombstone you'll be buried under."

"Randall says far dirtier things to other demons with much sharper objects at his victims' throat. Believe me, I've seen it before," Stolas says.

Fed up with Stolas' banter, Striker throws him to the ground and sulks off. Stolas rolls over and sheds a few tears while hoping others will save him.

Back at St. An's Hospital, Sarge and the others are inside the Doctor's office

The doctor reads the paper on the clipboard, "Welcome Large And this must be 'Tuna'."

"It's Loona," Sarge says, calmly. Then says, "I appreciate you hurrying with the appointment, my daughter is not a big fan of shots, so we need to take care of this quickly."

"Oho, come now; it can't be that bad. I see hellhounds every day; there hasn't been one that has caused any issues." The doctor says, and pulls out a gigantic syringe.

Seeing the syringe, something in Loona snaps, and she immediately growls and lunges at him. Sarge quickly grabs the Doc and gets him out of the way.

"Shit, here we go again," Razor says.

And I think every year she gets worse," Drew says.

'Blitz' then says, "Come we gotta hold her down."

And with that, 'Blitz' lunches at her from behind and grabs her. Loona snarls in hurry and tries to shake 'Blitz' off.

"Blitz?!" Sarge asks, shocked, "What are you doing?"

"Come on, we gotta help!" Razor says.

With that, Razor and Drew lunges at Loona as well. They try to hold Loona down, but she is proven to be stronger. She then swings her arms and legs and lets out a mighty howl in pure anger. The three end up getting slammed to the wall. But when 'Blitz' is slammed to the wall, it causes him to change into Randall's appearance, catching everyone off guard.

"Randall?!" Drew exclaims in shock.

Just then, Loona begins to chase the doctor around with Mimmy sitting on the medical bed.

Razor glares at Randall, "Randall! You've got a lot of explaining to do?! Why were you disguised as Blitz?! Where the fuck is he?!"

"Uh well uh…" Randall nervously chuckles, "It's a bit of a funny story."

Sarge also glares at the lizard, "Try us."

"Well, the thing is well, I've lent Blitz my car because he wanted to go to Wrath to rescue his boyfriend. He left before the other did," Randall nervously laughs.

"He went off to Wrath?" Razor questions.

"To save his…" Drew adds.

And soon the realization hit the three hard.

Sarge says in shock, "Oh shit… Blitz went off to Wrath to save Stolas himself."

"Oh no!" Drew says, stunned.

Then Sarge says, "Razor, Randall, help me hold Loona down! Drew, call Moxxie! Tell him what happened!"

"Yes sir!" Drew says and quickly brings out his phone.

Meanwhile, Moxxie, Millie, and Berry have arrived in the Wrath Ring and are on the road. When Moxxie pulls up to a gas station in the desert

"Crumbs!" Moxxie says as he pulls over.

Then says, "I'll grab the gas. Millie, you and Berry go and see if anyone's seen Striker anywhere."

The three then get out of the van as a biker gang pulls up. The bikers notice Moxxie as he runs over to get gas for the van.

One of the bikers confronts him, "Hey queer boy! You stealin' my hat?"

"What?" Moxxie questions.

"Same hat," The biker says, pointing his thumb to his hat.

Moxxie soon notices and says, "Oh sorry. My wife just put this hat on my head, you know, because it was…hot…outside…"

The biker then gets into Moxxie's face, "Saaame. Haaat."

Then Moxxie notices the bikers are surrounding him.

Moxxie sighs, "So we're doing this, huh?"

Meanwhile, Millie and Berry spot the mariachi band, and approach them.

Millie calls out, "Howdy boys! Y'all seen this mother fucker riding around here?"

Millie then shows the band a drawing of Striker firing a gun. Moxxie is seen fighting the bikers.

Band:

He's galloping…

But Millie stops them, "NO, NO! No singing! Just a yes or no, please."

"Yeah, he lives out by the Badman Lands, in the old train tunnel by the mine shafts. Very outlaw aesthetic, ya can't miss it," One of the band members explains.

At the same, Moxxie rides on the biker leader's back and slams the biker's head on the door. He slams the biker's head through one of the van windows. He swipes his credit card before avoiding the biker's attacks. He takes the gas nozzle and wraps the hose around the biker's throat. Moxxie then pulls the biker down, puts the nozzle in the tank and leans against the van with his phone. And soon his phone starts ringing.

Moxxie answers, "Hello…"

Back to the girls.

"Thank you kindly," Millie says.

Then the band member with the black mustache says, "You know, you're the second Imp to ask about Striker's whereabouts."

"Really?" Berry questions, "Who else asked about Striker?"

The shortest member says, "He's a little shorter than Striker, and has big horns, pretty nice looking. And uh…"

Then the last band member with the black horns says, "And he has a Heart Shaped Skull on his forehead, and he's kind of lanky looking."

"An Imp who is a little shorter than Striker, has big horns?" Millie questions.

And Berry questions, "And has a Heart Shaped Skull on his forehead and has a lanky appearance?"

Millie continues to think, "The only one who fits that description is…."

"OH SHIT!" Moxxie's voice exclaims.

Millie and Berry turn their heads in shock to see Moxxie running over in a panic.

"Moxxie, what's wrong?" Millie asks.

"You seem freaked," Berry adds, confused.

"It's Blitz," Moxxie says.

"Blitz?" Millie questions, arching an eyebrow.

"What about him?" Berry asks.

"Drew just called me. The Blitz back at the hospital is really Randall, and he confessed that he heard our conversation with Blitz. And Blitz decided to go to Wrath on his own to find Striker and rescue Stolas and used Randall's car to get there," Moxxie explains in a panic.

"WHAT?!" The girls exclaim.

Berry turns to the band, "How long did that Imp ask about Striker?"

"Hmm…" The four band members asks.

Then the shortest Imp answers, "Like around an hour ago."

"Oh crumbs," Moxxie says, stunned.

"That means Blitz is already ahead of us," Berry says.

"Come on, we got a lead! Let's hurry!" Millie says.

Moxxie, Millie, and Berry rush back into the van. Moxxie speeds forward, taking off the biker's head and exploding the gas station. The roof falls to the side.

Meanwhile, in a large ice-like palace in the Pride Ring is Andrealphus' mansion. There, both Stella and Andrealphus are having tea.

Andrealphus conjures some ice and places it in his tea as he asks, "So. Earlier. That assassin. Was that yooouuu?"

"Guuiilty," Stella answers in a singing voice with a smile, "Yes, it was."

"You silly minx, you…" Andrealphus says, and giggles to himself.

Then says to his sister, "Though, you know, if your husband dies it won't turn out well for you."

"He'll be dead along with his little Impish boyfriend! Why wouldn't it?" Stella replies.

However, Andrealphus shows a somewhat concern, "Because, my dear sister, he's already produced an heir; when he dies, his duties, his possessions, his legions, it'll all pass to... Via."

Stella absentmindedly continues to drink without acknowledging him.

Annoyed, Andrealphus says, "If you kill him, you would..."

"Laugh? Ha ha-" Stella says.

But Andrealphus slams his fist down in anger, "NO, you stupid cow! You get nothing!..."

And then calmly says, "You're SO lucky that you're attractive."

"Well, what do you propose we do? He won't leave me anything willingly; he hates me almost as much as I hate him," Stella asks, frustrated.

"Hmm," Andrealphus thinks a bit as he says, "Well, this kind of situation is extremely unique; a Goetia has never behaved like this before. But with him ALIVE, we have options. Opportunities. An eternity's a long time, my dear; I say we bide our time, and wait for our chance to... GAIN the upper hand."

Stella begins to pout and whine, "Oohhhhhh, but I want him and his Imp lover dead SO BADLY!"

"And he will be, in time my fiery vixen," Andrealphus says and holds out his phone, "But patience first; now call off your mangy stray." Stella takes the phone as her brother continues, "Oh and before I forgot, I would like it if your little stray brought Stolas' little Imp to me."

"You mean that little Imp, why?" Stella questions.

"Oh, I just want to meet the little Imp, and learn more about him, especially on why Stolas is so interested in him and vice versa," Andrealphus says, "And I have special plans for him."