Trigger Warning: There is some mention of self-harm in this chapter.
Chapter One: Concerns and a Surprise Vacation
Blitz shot up; his breath ragged as he looked around in a panic. 'Where am I?' he wondered, trying to clear his fogged and scrambled mind. He flinched, feeling warm wetness on his face. He wiped his fingers across the feeling and looked at them. He was expecting blood and was shocked at the tears. "Crying? But why-?" he wondered confused, only to choke at the fuzzy memory that rushed to the front of his mind without his consent.
'Fuck! Why am I remembering that? It's been decades.' He buried his head in his arms, trying to calm his breathing and forcing the panic to the back of his mind, ignoring the claws digging into his forearms. "That's right." he whispered to himself. "That was years ago. They're not in my life anymore. Hopefully they'll fucking stay that way. Besides, I doubt they remember me, I'm just a..." He took a shuddering breath and let it out. "It's okay. I'm... I'm fine." he reassured himself, not really believing it, but needing it to be as true as he could flimsily make it at the moment. He sat like that for a while before he blinked at the light brightening outside his window what felt like hours later but was surely only minutes. Dawn had started to break over the Pride Ring's Second Circle.
He blinked his eyes as he took in his surroundings with the help of the new light... This was his room at the Goetia Manor- though he considered it more of a guest room he crashed at sometimes. But why was he here? He shifted only to stiffen as sharp pain lanced through his body. He took a shaky breath and looked over himself. Bandages. A lot of bandages. They wrapped snuggly around his torso, arms, and legs. He winced, noticing the shredded bandages on his forearms where blood was spreading. Shit, he was going to regret that, wasn't he? "What the hell happened?" he asked himself, struggling to remember through the fog in his head. Then the door burst open with a bang, and it would have had his ingrained instincts acting up if he had had his gun on him. He was thankful he didn't though, seeing who had come into the room.
"Dad!" Loona shouted. His daughter had burst into his room with Millie and Moxxie close behind her. He glanced over his little family- Employees- and while they looked tired and had some bruises, none of the three were worse for wear.
"Loony. M and M." Blitz couldn't help his relieved smile at the sight of them.
"Thank Satan you're awake!" Millie cried, Moxxie slumping in relief while Loona didn't even try to stop her tail from wagging.
"Yeah, I'm awake." he told them. "By the way, what the fuck happened?" he asked, still not piecing things together through the cotton.
"Y-you don't remember?" Moxxie asked, nervously. Blitz blinked at the question and tried to remember. They had been on a job, he remembers that much. It had been a relatively simple one with good pay. The biggest issue with the actual job was that it was a high-profile crime lord with a lot of fodder they were going to have to get through, which is why Loona joined them. They had gotten the bastard their client wanted dead, killing over half his people in the process. Then... the warehouse had caught fire at some point. But why was he here and so heavily bandaged?
"How- How long have I been out?" He asked.
"Since yesterday." Moxxie replied.
"Okay. I remember the job and warehouse fire. What happened after that? And are you three absolutely, okay?"
"Yeah, you got the worst of it since you were protecting us." Loona explained, sounding very ashamed and guilty. Moxxie and Millie were mirroring her shamed pose.
Blitz blinked, trying to process the confession. He had been protecting them. Oh. "Shit, that's right." he muttered, rubbing a hand across his face. Over the past few weeks Loona, Moxxie, and Millie had all three been fighting with each other for some reason- even Moxxie and Millie, which was really unusual.
And all three had been tight lipped to the reason why when he tried getting to the bottom of it. He had accepted the job in hopes that the trio would work through their issues in the field. After all, normally they would put that shit aside when their lives were on the line. And this was a simple job with a lot of extras to take out their frustrations on.
However, whatever their issues with each other were, they were more serious than he had predicted because that wasn't what happened. Instead, the well-oiled teamwork they had built over the past several years of working together was nowhere to be found. The trio had worked like their first few months together when everyone was still unfamiliar with each other, their only connection being Blitz. At one point, the trio had all made the same mistake and got tangled up in one of the loose fishing nets in the warehouse that had caught fire.
By this point, there were only a small hand full of humans left that still wanted to fight in the inferno and hadn't run away. It was one of those ass hats that had grabbed a grenade from the weapon supplies and sent it to the three trapped Hell Spawn. Blitz had moved on instinct and had managed to kick them hard enough to send them out of the blast range. He was not able to escape the blast himself, however. He sighed. "What happened after that?" he asked.
That still didn't explain why he was bandaged and bleeding. He looked over when they didn't answer right away. The trio were looking at the bloody cuts on his arms concern bright in their eyes, and he instinctively hid them. "It was an accident. Answer the question please." he said a little gruffly.
"Well, the explosion took out a large portion of the warehouse and it caved around the area. It killed most of the ones left, including the one who threw the grenade in the first place." Moxxie answered softly. Blitz's brows furrowed. He didn't remember that part.
"And how did I wind up here?" he asked, pushing the thought away. He had probably just gotten knocked out by some debris, as embarrassing as that was.
"Well, once they were free and dragged you from the rubble, they returned to Hell before the entire building blew sky high." The group looked over to see the Goetic royal family. Stolas was the one who had spoken. "And knowing, unfortunately, that they alone wouldn't be able to get you proper treatment, they called me. You've been resting since our personal physician treated you. We've all been waiting for you to wake up all night."
"You were badly injured Blitzy dear." Stella said, walking over to the imp, pulling his hidden arms from his sides and tutting at the deep cuts in them. She knew those injuries well enough after knowing Blitz for over a decade since he had saved Octavia when she had been a young chick. She knew the signs of self-harm on the imp. However, she also knew there was a difference between active and passive harm. This had been passive, so the cuts weren't deep enough to pose a risk to the other's health too much. "Not only did you get knocked out, but some shrapnel pierced your side, arms, and legs. Not to mention all the other cuts, bruises, and burns you had gotten." she explained as she unwound the ruined bandages.
These at least she could treat herself, knowing the other didn't like doctors if they could be avoided. "I see." Blitz sighed, letting Stella do as she pleased, knowing he didn't have the strength to fight her at the moment.
"How do you feel?" Octavia asked worriedly. Blitz wanted to say he was just fine, but something stopped him. The lie getting stuck in his throat at the obvious concern and worry everyone in that room was showing for him.
'Fucking Hell.' he sighed. "I'm in pain. I'm exhausted mentally and physically. And I feel like a wrung-out dish rag." he admitted, surprising them all with his honesty.
"Thank you for being honest." Stolas said with a relieved smile, recognizing that it was progress. "I think, Blitzy, that you need a vacation." he told the imp whose face blanked at his words.
'A vacation?' Blitz thought. 'Fuck, when was the last time I took a vacation?' Blitz blinked and shook the slightly longing thought away. No. He couldn't afford a vacation right now. After all, what about I.M.P? The client needed to be informed of the case's completion. Then there was the paperwork, which fuck it, but it needed to be done. Then there were the other jobs people were trying to hire them for. He was too busy to take a break. Blitz opened his mouth to tell the goetia prince this but was interrupted by Stella forcing his eyes on her to check for a concussion.
"None of that, Blitzy. You have been pushing yourself too much these last few months. It's bad enough that these three have been arguing about how to get you to take a break." Stolas told him sternly. Blitz glanced at his employees who flushed and looked away.
"That's why you three have been fighting so much?" he asked softly, Stella releasing his chin. They nodded, not saying anything. Blitz huffed a fond laugh of exasperation. "You guys should have just told me." he scolded them lightly before looking at Stolas. "I do appreciate it Stolas, but I'm too busy for a vacation right now." he tried to gently deny his friend.
"Blitz, you don't get a say in this." Stella said primly, tying off the last of the new bandages. Rose red eyes blinked at her in confusion.
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"Simple. If you won't go of your own accord, you'll go in accordance with our agreement." she smiled in a terrifyingly sweet way. Blitz gulped. It would seem he didn't have a choice in this. He grimaced.
"There's a lot to do to at I.M.P though." he tried again to get her to change her mind. "I have paperwork and the client-"
"The client has already been informed of the case's success." Loona spoke up, getting Blitz's attention. "The payment has already been put into the company's account for safe keeping." she told him. "Look, you've been spreading yourself thin between our jobs and those solo assignments you've been doing. It's not just us, you've got Fizz worried too." Blitz flinched.
"What?" he asked. He didn't want any of them to worry, especially Fizz. It had been a couple years since the duo had rekindled their friendship, well, brotherhood really at this point. A lot of his solo jobs were really just him tagging along with Fizz when he was out and about and protecting him from some of those crazies that followed him around. Despite quitting Mammon's biz, Fizzirolli was still a celebrity. The others were complex, long term revenge schemes or targets that required more finesse to their demise to bolster their company's funds when work was slow.
"Loona's right Blitzy. Asmodeus came to me a few days ago asking about you. He's worried too." Stolas told him softly. "He also told me that you got injured on that job, last week and didn't mention anything until you almost collapsed from blood loss." Stolas scolded softly.
Blitz sighed. "What about I.M.P? There's a lot that needs to be done before I can just close it up for an extended period of time. Let alone keeping Loony and M and M out of work for however long that is." The married couple had bills, and couldn't afford to go that long without work... Well, they could, Blitz paid them well. Extra even after really good jobs. But that was beside the point.
"You leave that to us!" Stella said with exasperation. "We'll take care of the temporary closing of the office and keep a record of potential clients for you to call once you're back. Besides, those three will have a job."
"We will?" Moxxie asked. While a few days or so was always nice, that was only at a good time. After that shit show that was their last job, he didn't want to leave Blitz on his own, much less as injured as he was. And he knew Millie and Loona were the same. The thought of Blitz being away from any backup, especially with his record of getting into trouble in this state, left them uneasy.
"Of course you will. I mean, we all know how Blitz is. He's going to need bodyguards to make sure he doesn't overexert himself while he's healing." Stella said.
"So we get to be in charge of making sure Blitz relaxes and enjoys himself on this vacation?" Millie asked, excited. Blitz always took care of his employees and was very protective of them. Even if he wasn't good at respecting personal space. He had gotten better though, especially after he and Fizz had reconciled. This gave them a chance to return that care.
"Yes. Of course," Stella continued seeing the concerned look in Blitz's eyes. She knew Blitz wouldn't allow a long-term assignment being given to his team without a break. And he would probably get annoyed after a few days or so if the trio were constantly in his space. A bit hypocritical, but understandable to a degree. He had always been a private imp when it came to his past. But she was prepared for that. "However, saying that, you three won't be constantly acting as bodyguards."
"We won't?" Millie sounded disappointed.
"Of course not. You'll be enjoying yourself as well, I would hope. There are a few couples' activities that will be happening that you two and Loona and Octavia will enjoy." Stolas said.
"Wait, I'm going?" Octavia asked confused. This was supposed to be for Blitz and I.M.P and while she was working as a receptionist there with her girlfriend, she hadn't been made an official part of the I.M.P records yet for her own safety.
"I wouldn't mind, it'd give Loony some company." Blitz had replied distractedly as he thought about the situation. If wherever they were going had couples' activities, he wondered if there might be some teamwork activities he could put the trio through- and Octavia if she wanted to join. He understood why they had been fighting now... But there could never be a repeat of this job. After all, there was no guarantee it would be him next time. What if it was one of them?
"Exactly. Unofficially, you are all on vacation. However, if anything threatens Blitzy's recovery or trouble finds him, it's up to you to officially deal with the issue... If you can, that is." Stolas said thoughtfully. "You're going to Pentagram City, and I understand that you might not be able to deal with every possible threat that pops up. However, Stella and I will be visiting a few times to check in with you guys and give you any important notices, Blitz. Besides, Fizz and Asmodeus might pop in once they know where you'll be." he told the group
"Where you're going is usually calm with excellent security. So he'd only really need bodyguards if he was going out on the city." Stella added, "Which you four, since Octavia has expressed interest in getting some training to join you in field, will provide without smothering him." She told them. They all shared a look and nodded. "Anything else to add Blitzy?"
Blitz sighed, giving in. He really had no choice. Besides, a vacation would be nice. "Fine. However, you three had better be ready. While we're on vacation I will be putting you three to the task. I understand now why you were fighting, and I get it. However, there cannot be a repeat of this." he told the trio sternly. "What if it's one of you next time? It's okay if it's me." he ignored the disapproval those words caused, they still had a shit ton of work to do before convincing him he was worth what they were. "But I will not allow any of you to be in that position. Am I clear?" he asked, ignoring how he had included the Goetic family in that subconsciously.
The trio nodded. "Yes boss." They knew that there was no arguing with the other about his stance just yet. They would get him to see it, though.
"Good. So, where are we going and when? How long are we going to be gone and what should we pack?" he asked Stella and Stolas.
"It's a lovely place called Hazbin Hotel. While it's primary focus is the rehabilitation of sinners; they are also dedicated to recovery and recouperation." Stella told them. Blitz blinked.
"I don't think I've ever heard of it." He admitted.
"I'm not surprised, I don't think Imp City airs the commercial, despite the sinner population here. Not for the owner's lack of attempts though." Octavia said, remembering the commercial the one time she had seen it.
"You also haven't watched a real commercial since it opened and you've forbidden radios in the office, so even a radio ad is lost on you." Loona added. "If they have one, though I'm not sure they do."
"Wait, we don't have a radio because you've forbidden them?" Moxxie asked. "Is it because they don't have picutres?" he teased. Blitz scowled.
"Radio is evil." the injured imp did not elaborate on the statement.
"Very well. You all are leaving tomorrow morning. So I suggest you four get to packing." Stella told the others. "Pack for two weeks and be sure to include a swimsuit for the pool and a few semi-formal clothes for some of the events. Clubbing clothes as well, there are quite a few in the area you could check out. As for you Blitz, I already have your bag packed." she told Blitz who turned his gaze to Stolas.
"Please tell me it's not just dresses or some shit like that in the bag. Please tell me there's at least a couple of my suits in it." He begged. Honestly, Blitz had no problems wearing dresses or skirts, he's done so on several occasions for jobs and because Stella liked to dress him up. However, he usually wore his suit or some variation of it with a casual outfit here or there.
Stolas smiled. "Don't worry, you have two casual outfits that don't include a skirt or dress and one variation of your normal suit."
"Which one?" he asked curiously, knowing it was the best he'd get.
Stolas smiled. "The black one with the white buttons and hems." Blitz nodded; he could make that work. "Now let's get you some food and a checkup." he told the imp who gave in and nodded. He always had trouble showing it, but he really did appreciate this little family he had found.
HB/HH
It was late that night that Blitz looked over the darkened sky of the Pride Ring. He was looking forward to this trip, and so were the others. They had already settled the job conditions. The two couples were officially on the job during meals and whenever Blitz left the hotel. In addition, they were unofficially to guard him during any events they all were interested in. But mostly, while they were in the hotel, they were more on call than active duty. After all, even injured Blitz was good at what he did.
Despite the excitement though, something in his gut churned with trepidation, like he was going to not end up relaxing as much as he probably should. It felt like something bad was on the horizon. He shook his head and turned his back on the sky. "Tomorrow we're going to Pentagram City. I have to be at the top of my game... There's no telling what trouble we'll find when we get there." he muttered to himself, trying to fall asleep.
HB/HH
In two separate locations, two high ranking demons were tensed as the air around them seemed to crackle with anticipation and danger. Something was coming, they knew that. And they knew that it would be happening at the hotel. However, they weren't prepared for what it was going to be, or who it was bringing along.
Author's Note: In case of confusion, the previous chapter was the actual event which is why we got some of Alastor and Lucifer's thoughts. Blitz just was remembering that night from decades ago.