"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.
Suddenly, he heard footsteps approaching rapidly from behind. Panicking, Fizzarolli turned his head just in time to see an unknown figure emerge from the shadow of a tall building, 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... After several minutes of running blindly through the district, he finally managed somehow to escape whoever was pursuing him...
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 to find him ... 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... The door opened revealing none other than Stolas himself dressed in a suit looking rather nervous as well.
"May I come in?" asked politely Stolas standing outside the door and waiting patiently until allowed to enter the mansion.
"Yes, of course," replied Asmodeus immediately moving aside allowing him access. "Please sit down." He gestured towards a couch in the living room. The couch was positioned directly opposite to a large television screen, which was currently displaying a news broadcast showing current events happening throughout entire city including recent kidnapping case involving famous entertainer Fizzarolli... 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 the past several hours.
Asmodeus sighed, 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 on his body, 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 in the middle of the street. The tall, hooded figure catched up to him and carried him away gently.
When Fizzarolli woke up again, he found himself lying on a soft bed, wrapped in warm blankets. His whole body ached, but he felt safer than before. Someone had taken care of him. A feathery hand touched his forehead gently, checking his temperature.
"How are you feeling?" asked a female voice kindly. Fizzarolli looked around the room, confused. He didn't know where he was or who this person might be... But he felt like he had heard this voice before, and he knew deep down that he or 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, she 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 his 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 fainting, exhausted in the middle of the street, 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.
"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.
"Of course," replied Stella warmly "Would you like something to eat first?"
At these words, Fizzarolli's stomach rumbled loudly causing both to chuckle.
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, Oz." explained Fizzarolli, "but I managed to escape and find my way back home. I'm okay."
"Are you hurt?" inquired Asmodeus worriedly.
"No," replied Fizzarolli, "just tired and sore... I can't wait to see you."
Asmodeus sighed with relief. "That's good to hear. I'll come pick you up right away. Stay where you are."
Then, there came a 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.
" What do you want, Stolas?" replied Stella not moving aside to allow 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? Your plan to save your dear Blitzy?"
"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.
"Will you let me talk to Fizzarolli now?" he said.
"Ok, go ahead, weirdo." 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.
"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, comfortingly whispering 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 in a huge smile appearing across both's faces.
"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.
Asmodeus placed Fizzarolli into his arms as gently as possible, taking extra care not to hurt his injuried body in any way. Then, he lifted his body entirely off the ground, easily carrying him towards the exit.
"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. Asmodeus wanted to ask him more about what happened, but he understood how tired Fizzarolli must have felt. 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 finally fell asleep together in each other's arms.
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 discuss something to you in particular." continued Stolas.
"What is it? And why me?" asked Fizzarolli.
Stolas cleared his throat before continuing. "You seem like the only person who would help me convince the other princes to help the people in the suburbs."
"I don't know Stolas, I've just been kidnapped by your plaything." said Fizzarolli.
"I know. He has to work for Striker to make a living, but I swear his intentions are good. I want to help them overthrow Striker and live a good life. " said Stolas.
Fizzarolli was stunned. He couldn't believe what he was hearing.
"Why would I do that? After what happened..." asked Fizzarolli.
Stolas smiled. "Because it's the right thing to do. Striker is a tyrant, and the people don't deserve this treatment. We can't let them suffer any longer. Besides, he's starting to create issues here too, like at Mammon's party. It has become something that will impact us all."
"But why me, in particular?" 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. And you have a big heart, Fizzarolli. You care about them, even after what they did."
Fizzarolli thought about it for a moment. He didn't want to get involved with Stolas' plan but then he thought about Blitzo, Moxxie, Millie... He wanted to help them.
"So was it actually you, the tall hooded figure in Blitzo's shack?" Fizzarolli uttered.
"Yes, it was me," replied Stolas, smiling.
Fizzarolli shook his head. He couldn't believe that the royal owl didn't help him at all.
"How could you let all of that happen to me, Stolas?" exclaimed Fizzarolli, angrily.
"Please, Fizzarolli. Give me a chance to explain myself," said Stolas.
Fizzarolli sighed. "Alright, fine. Go ahead."
"It was an accident, nobody knew it was me, besides Blitzo." 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, get intel. You know, I have a soft spot for my Blitzy, and I want to help as much as possible. I couldn't reveal myself to the others just yet, I had to stick to my disguise."
" 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. And so do most of them."
"You have a very twisted idea of caring for your people, Stolas," said Fizzarolli, coldly.
"I know," replied Stolas. "But it's all I can do. I love Blitzo, and I'm willing to do anything to help. 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. They won't resist your charm."
"I guess I could try," said Fizzarolli.
"That's a great start" replied Stolas.
Fizzarolli was silent for a moment. He couldn't believe that he was going to help Stolas and go back to the suburbs. 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.