"Oh fuck my life," said Fizzarolli as he got lost in the city and realised that not only he did not have his phone on him, but Blitzo had even got his. He had never been alone like this before. Sure, he was famous and rich, but he had always had someone to take care of him and make sure that things went smoothly. This time though, he was determined to succesfully get back home. His goal was simple enough; all he needed to do was reach the luxurious part of Hell-City. Easy peasy, right?
Wrong. After hours of walking around aimlessly through dirty streets filled with garbage and homeless demons, Fizzarolli found himself completely disoriented. Everywhere he looked seemed to be exactly the same - buildings were covered in graffiti, trash littered the sidewalks, and imps wearing rags walked past him without a second glance. Finally, Fizzarolli decided to ask for directions from a nearby Imp whose clothes looked more tattered than most others'. The creature stared at him warily before replying in a gruff voice:
"I don't know where you're goin', cutie. But if I were ya, I'd stay outta this area." Then, as if that wasn't enough, she added: "People 'round these parts ain't very nice to strangers." With those words echoing inside his mind, Fizzarolli continued on towards what appeared to be an empty park, hoping for some peace and quiet at last... However, no sooner had he reached its center than he noticed movement behind one of the trees surrounding it. Without thinking twice about what might happen next, Fizzarolli darted forward as fast as possible away from danger while simultaneously yelling loudly enough so that anyone nearby could hear him clearly:
"HELP! HELP! SOMEBODY PLEASE HELP ME!" Unfortunately, this proved to be useless as nobody came running towards him or responded in any other manner whatsoever except for a few stray cats scattered among bushes lining paths leading deeper into dense forest growing along outskirts...
Suddenly, he heard footsteps approaching rapidly from behind. Panicking, Fizzarolli turned his head just in time to see an unknown figure emerge from shadows cast by nearby buildings casting long shadows across grassy areas underneath them, making it impossible to discern who exactly it belonged to. "Oh shit..." thought Fizzarolli as he began sprinting faster than ever before. His heart pounded against rib cage threatening to burst open any minute now... Fortunately though, after several minutes of running blindly through darkness, he finally managed somehow to escape whatever pursued him previously... Ending up in the wealthier district.
Meanwhile, back at the Lust Mansion, Asmodeus was still searching frantically for Fizzarolli, fearing the worst. He had already contacted the other princes multiple times asking for help but they hadn't been able give much information about what happened during or afterwards regarding his disappearance... At this rate, he thought he'd never find his beloved jester again. Suddenly, there came a knock on door interrupting his train of thought abruptly... It opened revealing none other than Stolas himself dressed in a suit looking rather nervous as well.
"May I come in?" asked politely Stolas standing awkwardly outside entranceway waiting patiently until allowed entry.
"Yes, of course," replied Asmodeus immediately moving aside allowing him access. "Please sit down." He gestured towards couch positioned directly opposite large television screen currently displaying news broadcast showing current events happening throughout entire city including recent kidnapping case involving famous entertainer Fizzarolli gone missing... While doing so, Stolas took notice how stressed out prince Asmodeus appeared being constantly worried about his lover's safety.
"There there" he said, giving Asmodeus a couple of pats on the back. "I'm sure everything will turn out fine eventually." This seemed to calm him somewhat as he relaxed slightly letting go tension built up over past several hours spent desperately trying locate whereabouts missing boyfriend disappeared without success whatsoever thus far...
Asmodeus sighed heavily closing eyes momentarily before opening them once more staring straight ahead expressionless, not saying another word.
In the meantime, Fizzarolli was trying to get back to the Lust Mansion. Hungry, thirsty, dirty and with bruises everywhere, he was walking aimlessly through the streets. Every step hurt and every breath was like a knife in his chest, but he had to keep going. He had to make it home.
Then, suddenly, he fainted. When he woke up again, he found himself lying on a soft bed, wrapped in warm blankets. His whole body ached, but he felt safe. Someone had taken care of him. A hand touched his forehead gently, checking his temperature.
"How are you feeling?" asked a voice kindly. Fizzarolli looked around the room, confused. He didn't know where he was or who this person might be... But somehow, he knew deep down that she was trustworthy and would never hurt him intentionally.
"Who are you?" he asked weakly.
The woman smiled reassuringly at him.
"My name is Stella, I am the wife of prince Stolas," she introduced herself. Then, seeing how frightened he seemed, added quickly: "Don't worry though! You're safe here!"
Fizzarolli tried to understand what was happening. How did he end up here? Where even was 'here' anyway?! These questions raced through mind frantically making him wonder whether he had been kidnapped again... Until finally recalling events leading up till now. The kidnapping, running away, getting lost...and finally stumbling upon wealthy district where apparently somebody took pity on him enough to help.
With a sigh of relief escaping mouth followed closely by heavy breathing, Fizzarolli decided not think too much about anything else except how grateful he felt right now knowing someone cared enough about him despite all odds stacked against them winning favour over him...
"I need to contact Asmodeus, he must be so worried..." said Fizzarolli after regaining some energy, "I want to see him again."
Stella nodded understandingly patting him softly on cheek reassuringly as if trying reassure her own feelings too whilst doing so.
"Of course," replied Stella warmly "Would you like something to eat first?"
At these words, Fizzarolli's stomach rumbled loudly causing both individuals present inside room burst out laughing together unable suppress themselves any longer resulting huge grin spreading across face each one individually respectively...
After finishing their meal, Fizzarolli contacted Asmodeus. The moment the prince heard Fizzarolli's voice, he cried out in relief.
"Where have you been?" asked Asmodeus, concerned.
"I was kidnapped," explained Fizzarolli, "but I managed to escape and find my way back home."
"Are you hurt?" inquired Asmodeus worriedly.
"No," replied Fizzarolli, "just tired and sore."
Asmodeus sighed with relief. "That's good to hear. I'll come pick you up right away. Stay where you are."
Then, there came another knock on the door. Stella opened it, revealing none other than Stolas himself dressed in a suit looking rather nervous as well.
"May I come in?" asked politely Stolas standing awkwardly outside entranceway waiting patiently until allowed entry.
"What do you want, Stolas?" replied Stella immediately moving aside allowing him access.
Stolas cleared his throat before replying: "I'm here to talk about that thing we discussed earlier."
Stella rolled her eyes, annoyed. "You mean the lower-class problem?"
"Yes, exactly!" exclaimed Stolas excitedly. Then, seeing how displeased she seemed about this topic being brought up yet again, added quickly: "If you would allow me to explain myself fully..."
Stella nodded reluctantly crossing arms over chest while doing so, giving him permission continue further explaining everything thus far regarding recent events taking place within city limits surrounding them currently...
"Will you let me talk to Fizzarolli now?" he said.
"Ok, go ahead" replied Stella.
She conduced her ex-husband to the room where Fizzarolli was staying.
Stolas entered the room slowly, not wanting to startle him. When he saw Fizzarolli lying there on the bed, he felt relieved. At least he was alive and well. He sat down beside him carefully avoiding touching anything since he didn't want risk upsetting injured imp even further than necessary already having experienced enough trauma throughout past couple days alone recently...
"Hello Fizzarolli," greeted Stolas kindly, "How are you feeling today?"
Fizzarolli turned his head towards Stolas staring directly into his crimson red irises.
"My body hurts so badly... And my mind keeps replaying all those terrible memories over and over again constantly making me relive every second of torture endured from those savages" admitted Fizzarolli, grimacing slightly afterwards as if trying hold back tears forming within corners eyes threatening spill outwards onto sheets beneath them...
Stolas frowned sympathetically patting lightly shoulder comfortingly whispering reassuringly afterwards "Don't worry, things will get better soon enough".
As soon he finished that sentence, Asmodeus came into the room and rushed to Fizzarolli's side. The moment their eyes met, both lovers felt their hearts skip beat simultaneously resulting huge smile appearing across face each one individually respectively...
"Fizz my love, I'm so glad you're safe," whispered Asmodeus holding back tears. Then, wrapping his arms tightly around Fizzarolli, embracing him as closely as possible without hurting him. They remained like this for several minutes without moving before finally breaking apart slightly turning heads towards one another simultaneously resulting huge grin spreading across faces each one individually respectively ...
Asmodeus placed Fizzarolli into his arms as gently possible taking extra care not touch any injuries whatsoever accidentally. Then, lifting his body entirely off the ground, easily carrying him towards the backdoor exit completely ignoring what others might think.
"I'm taking you home," said Asmodeus, smiling.
"Thank you, Oz" replied Fizzarolli, relieved.
Asmodeus carried Fizzarolli out of the house and into his chariot. They sat together quietly, watching the scenery pass by. The trip to the Lust Mansion was silent, but peaceful. After a while, they arrived at their destination. Asmodeus helped Fizzarolli out of the carriage and walked with him towards their house.
As soon as they entered their bedroom, Fizzarolli jumped on the bed and wrapped his arms around Asmodeus' neck.
"I'm so glad to be back home," said Fizzarolli, relieved.
"Me too," replied Asmodeus, smiling. "And now that you're here, I can finally relax."
Fizzarolli laughed. "Yeah, I guess you're right."
They lay down on the bed together, holding each other close. Asmodeus stroked Fizzarolli's hair gently, kissing his forehead.
"I love you, Fizz," said Asmodeus.
"I love you too, Oz," replied Fizzarolli.
They fell asleep together in each other's arms, dreaming sweet dreams.
The day after, the two received an unexpected visitor. Stolas had come to visit them and had a proposal for Fizzarolli.
"Hello, my dear," said Stolas, smiling.
"Hi, Stolas," replied Fizzarolli, surprised.
"I've come to ask a favour," continued Stolas.
"What is it?" asked Fizzarolli.
Stolas cleared his throat before continuing. "It's about the lower-class problem."
"What do you mean?" asked Fizzarolli.
"I want you to help me solve it," said Stolas.
Fizzarolli was stunned. He couldn't believe what he was hearing.
"Why would I do that?" asked Fizzarolli.
Stolas smiled. "Because it's the right thing to do."
"I don't understand," replied Fizzarolli.
"The lower-class needs our help," said Stolas. "We can't let them suffer any longer."
"But why me?" asked Fizzarolli.
"Because you are the best person for the job," said Stolas. "You are famous and loved by all. You can convince the other princes to help us."
Fizzarolli thought about it for a moment. He didn't want to get involved with the lower-class problem, but he knew it was the right thing to do. He nodded.
"So it was actually you, the tall hooded figure in Blitzo's shack." Fizzarolli uttered, his jaw dropping as he finally realised who it was.
"Yes, it was me," replied Stolas, smiling.
Fizzarolli shook his head. He couldn't believe that he had been fooled by the royal owl.
"How could you let all of that happen to me, Stolas? I should ask Asmodeus to kick you out of his palace!" exclaimed Fizzarolli, angrily.
"Please, Fizzarolli. Give me a chance to explain myself," said Stolas.
Fizzarolli sighed. "Alright, fine. Go ahead."
"It was an accident," explained Stolas. "I didn't mean for any of this to happen. I just wanted to talk to Blitzo about his ideas to solve their situation. You know, I have a soft spot for my Blitzy, and I want to help as much as possible."
"How do you still want to help him after all he did to us?" asked Fizzarolli.
"He's different from the rest," explained Stolas. "He cares about his people."
"You have a very twisted idea of caring for your people, Stolas," said Fizzarolli, coldly.
"I know," replied Stolas. "But it's the best I can do. Besides, you know that there is a reason why they acted the way they did."
Fizzarolli considered Stolas' words carefully. He knew that the owl was telling the truth.
"So what are you proposing?" asked Fizzarolli.
"I want you to help me convince the other princes to help us," explained Stolas.
"I don't know if I can do that," said Fizzarolli.
"It will be easier than you think," replied Stolas. "You are loved by everyone. And you have connections with the other princes."
"I guess I could try," said Fizzarolli.
"That's great," replied Stolas.
Fizzarolli was silent for a moment. He couldn't believe that he was going to help Stolas. But he knew it was the right thing to do.
"Okay, Stolas," said Fizzarolli. "Let's do this."
"Thank you, Fizzarolli," said Stolas, smiling.
The two of them shook hands and began planning their next move.