Chapter 73: The Next Security Plan
Another three days later, I.M.P has another day off, but Sarge feels a lot better after talking to Loona the night before.
The I.M.P Group, including Mimmy and Octavia are at the Hospital to visit Stolas and Blitz. Sadly, Blitz is still unconscious, but at least he's still healing. Drew and Berry are also there after their visit with Avery. At the hospital, thanks to Loona's support, Sarge explains the others about everything about his past, including his connection to Toxbane and what he has done against him and his former team.
"And that is the reason why I reacted badly when Liam mentioned Toxbane. Just the thought of him made my blood boil, but at the same time, brought me terrible memories," Sarge explains, "I apologize for not acting like myself and why I couldn't tell you about my past."
Of course, learning about the truth of Sarge's past, to everyone else, it's an understandable shock.
"Fuck, I had no idea that happened to you," Randall says, stunned.
"Sir, I'm so sorry this happened to you," Moxxie says.
"Yeah. We had no idea you've gone through something like this," Millie says.
Drew says, "And we understand why you had trouble explaining all this to us, including about what happened at such a young age."
"I must say, I'm surprised to hear that you used to be part of a famous mercenary group," Stolas says.
Sarge nods his head, "Yes. Believe me, telling you all about this is tough to swallow. I do apologize for not telling you all sooner."
"It's cool dude, but it seems that Toxbane is even more dangerous than what the rumors said he is," Razor says.
"He is. And it's highly possible that Toxbane will know about Blitz, his upbringing, and the serum he had one of his men transfused into him. I did agree that all of us will be in pairs to guard their room, but to be safe, we should put more security," Sarge says.
Then turns to Razor, "Razor, what's the progress on the special security cameras you've been working on."
"They're almost finished. A little more adjustments and they'll be ready to set up," Razor says.
Sarge nods his head in reply.
"And we still need to take shifts watching over Blitz and Stolas at the hospital. Also Octavia and Mimmy at the mansion," Sarge says.
"I think we get it dad. We've been doing it for days, almost a whole week," Loona says.
"True, but it wouldn't hurt to have a little reminder," Sarge says.
"That's true, especially how forgetful Randall can be sometimes," Berry points out with a grin.
Randall glares at her, "Shut up." And then lets out a yawn of exhaustion.
Stolas looks around to notice that everyone seems to be tired.
"Um, I have a feeling it's not just trying to work with I.M.P and additional bodyguard duty is why you're feeling tired and a bit grouchy. Not to mention, Sarge's little PTSD," Sarge says.
Moxxie sighs, "To be honest, we're all very tired. Some of us were able to get some sleep, but it doesn't mean that work has been easy for the past few days, which is one of the reasons why he had to close the office."
"I'm going to regret asking, but what exactly happened while I was at the hospital?" Stolas asks.
"Well, let's just say that because of Blitz's identity being exposed, we have had quite a bit of trouble that we had to close the office and had to take calls from the work phone or my house phone," Sarge explains.
Loona groans, "I know. My ears are about ready to fuckin explode, but Berry and Moxxie were able to let me have a break so my ears will stop bleeding."
"That's true, but mine and Millie's ears feel sore, and so are my hands," Millie adds.
"No kidding. This whole fuckin situation with Blitz's identity being exposed is more wide spread than we thought. And all these phone ringing with the receptionist line is driving me insane," Loona says, frustrated.
"I agree," Berry says, "Yesterday, we've been getting phone calls all morning long from the company phone asking Blitz to give interviews. Heck, even Katie Killjoy and Vox called to ask for an interview with him."
"And so many Sinners keep trying to barge into the office to see Blitz for the past two days, hoping to get his autograph or take selfies with him," Drew adds.
"And we've been getting letters from sinners who are actually fans of his when they were alive and saw his shows. They've been sending him uh, weird and creepy fan letters with weird pictures to boot," Berry adds.
"I'm guessing it's either very sexy or very inappropriate," Octavia suspects.
"And that's not the only thing," Randall says and brings out his laptop.
He types on the computer and on the screen it shows some kind of data, including Blitz's pictures.
Randall explains, "There are different forums, accounts, articles that have a lot of your photos and information. Some are even involved with photos and info that took place at the Seven Rings Carnival, The Harvest Moon Festival, even at Ozzie's. There's even old photos and videos of your circus performances in the living world. In fact, some of the information is already known, your name, your workplace, and some of the music you like."
"I have to agree about the situation. They even know that Blitz works for I.M.P. Although we've gotten more clients, most of them are just insane fans who want his autograph or selfies. We're just fortunate that Velvette wasn't among the crowd." Sarge calmly adds.
Drew has shivers down his spine, "We're just lucky that she's not there. We'll have a real problem holding her down. Especially when it comes to catching up to date with social media."
"No kidding. And we're also glad that Val wasn't with either of them," Berry adds.
Millie groans and covers his face, "This is the absolute worst."
"Sounds like the Sinners and Overlords are not the only ones we're dealing with. Or rather, making a big deal about it," Stolas says, concerned.
Octavia sighs and says, "And it's bad enough when mine and Stolas' relatives and the other Ars Goetia have been calling the house nonstop."
"What happened?" Mimmy asks.
"They've heard from my mother about my dad's affair and the divorce, and have been notified about Blitz's upbringing. They all want to know who Blitz is, and how my dad managed to have a special prized Imp in his possession. What's more, they heard about the assassin attempt on dad and asked me to give details that I didn't want to bring up."
"Prized?!" Moxxie and Millie exclaim in shock.
"That's absurd! Blitz is my boyfriend, not a possession!" Stolas says, sounding upset.
"I've told some of them the same thing, but they just laugh," Octavia says.
"Okay. That's bad, like very bad," Drew says.
"Yeah. Those rich bird pricks sounded like Blitz is some kind of pet or toy," Randall replies with a scowl expression.
Concerned, Berry asks, "What are we going to do?"
"I'm not sure, but we gotta think of something. It will be a matter of time before someone tries to take Blitz by force," Sarge says.
Worried, Mimmy asks, "They won't really try to hurt my daddy will they?"
"Don't worry Mimmy, we'll think of something," Millie says.
Then grows concern, "I hope."
"Don't worry Mills, we'll think of something. We're I.M.P after all. What's the worst that can happen?" Randall says.
"With so many different demons who have seen the news, I wouldn't be surprised if they try to come up with some scheme to break in or even resort to force," Sarge says.
Mimmy walks over to the bed where Blitz is. She climbs on the bed and lies next to him.
She sadly says, ""Daddy…"
Millie walks towards the bed and says, "Don't worry sweetie, I'm sure he'll wake up very soon."
"I'm still concerned about how we're going to tell Blitz that everyone knows about him. It's going to cause more problems for him than it already has," Berry says in concern.
"I'm sure we'll figure this out, but for now, we need to keep guarding Blitz and Stolas while they remain in the hospital. As well as guard Octavia and Mimmy in the mansion. We also need to keep up with our business, but we need to be more discreet about it until further notice. What's more, we need to start investigating Toxbane, along with any possibilities of his whereabouts, and more about the men who might be working under him," Sarge says.
"Sounds like Toxbane is difficult to track down?" Drew asks.
"It is. I've been trying to find where Toxbane for years, but I haven't found much clues about him. And even with the new information we were told, even then it's difficult to narrow down the possible areas he could be hiding. Even though Toxbane can only live in the Pride Ring," Sarge explains.
"True. Even then, Toxbane can be anywhere. So we really need to keep our eyes out," Razor says.
"And we'll need to keep our eyes out for any more shady characters who arrive in the hospital," Randall says.
Not to mention keeping Stolas, Blitz and their kids safe," Berry says.
Stolas sighs, "I suppose the best we can do is to continue to keep our guard up."
"So how are you feeling dad?" Octavia asks.
"A little better. Although, I still have to wear the casts a while longer," Stolas says.
"And it could take months for Stolas' injuries to fully heal. Although, the doctor says that Blitz is healing a little more quicker, probably due to the blood in his veins," Razor says.
Sarge then says, "Well then, it seems that we've covered what we need to discuss."
"Yeah. I say let's liven up the room a bit. We can play games, watch movies, and maybe even…" Randall says.
"Do what? Tell one of your lame ghost stories or perhaps do one of your annoying pranks?" Berry questions with a frown.
"I was going to suggest playing music. Maybe it can help Blitz regain consciousness faster," Randall says.
"We're in a hospital Randall. We can't do that," Moxxie says.
Randall rolls his eyes, "Fine…"
Suddenly, they hear a knock on the door.
"Who could that be?" Millie asks.
Sarge then approaches the door, but doesn't open it.
Sarge leans to the door and asks, "Who is it?"
"Hello Sarge, is my sister and my scrawny brother in law here?" A voice answers, and it's very familiar.
Moxxie frowns after being called scrawny.
Millie arches her eyebrow to questions, "Sallie Mae?"
Millie then opens the door to reveal Sallie Mae, holding a small cactus plant with a crimson red cactus flower on top.
"Hey Millred," Sallie Mae says.
"Oh hey Sallie. I didn't expect you here today," Millie says.
"Well, the family saw on the news what happened to your friends, and asked me to deliver this to your friend," Sallie says, and holds out a cactus plant. "Our parents and brothers would have come, but they are pretty busy with the farm and such."
"I see. And thanks, I'm sure Blitz would appreciate it," Millie says.
Sallie turns to see Stolas sitting in his hospital bed while Blitz remains unconscious in his.
"Well, looks like it's true, the prince is in the hospital and your friend looks like he's in bad shape," Sallie says.
Moxxie sadly sighs, "Yeah. And it was Striker who caused all this."
"You mean with the prince's abduction?" Sallie asks.
The group nods their heads.
"I saw it on the news, but how did Blitz get involved?" Sallie responds as she places the plant on the small furniture next to Blitz's bed.
Sarge sighs, "Blitz found out and decided to go off to rescue Stolas on his own. Millie, Moxxie, and Berry were sent by me to save Stolas, but Blitz got to him and Striker first."
"And I'm guessing the two got into a brawl," Sallie says.
"Yes, and Blitz was badly hurt," Razor says.
"Sounds rough," Sallie says, "Well, I hope he'll wake up soon. Hate to chat a bit and run, but I gotta get going."
"Either way, thanks Sallie. I'm sure Blitz would appreciate it," Millie says.
"No prob. Just make sure to bring him back for a visit when he gets better," Sallie says, and takes her leave.
Once Sallie is gone, Drew closes the hospital door.
"Well that was nice of your sister," Berry says.
"Yeah," Millie says with a smile, but then frowns, "But she still decided to mock my husband."
Then Drew remembers as he holds out a bag, "Oh yeah, I almost forgot, Avery made some more clothes for Blitz. And some are comfortable for him to wear while being in the cast and bandage wrap."
"He actually made them in a short amount of time," Berry says.
"That's good," Razor says.
Drew rolls his eyes, "Of course, Avery wants us to take pictures of him, send it to him, and ask if he can post it on his site and blog. Some of them are from his early designs so he wants us to see how Blitz looks in them before posting them."
"Wouldn't that draw too much of a crowd if he posted Blitz on the internet?" Octavia points out.
"Yes, but Avery is really eager to have those clothes tried out and such," Berry says.
"Still, it was nice of him to give Blitz some new clothes," Millie says.
Moxxie sighs, "I just hope this won't end up causing problems for Blitz if any of those photos get posted."
"We'll try to convince Avery to wait before posting those pictures. We're still trying to get the whole Blitz is an Earthling Imp situation under wraps. It wasn't easy for us to deal with all those demons asking for Blitz," Drew says.
Just then, they hear another knock on the door.
"Who could that be now?" Octavia asks, confused.
Loona walks to the door this time and asks, "Who's this?"
"Hey Loona, it's Vortex," Vortex's voice says.
Loona opens the door to reveal Vortex, and he's not alone, Bee is with him as well.
"Tex? Bee? I didn't expect to see you guys here," Loona says, a little surprised.
"We're here to visit your friend, Loona. We saw what happened on the news and thought it would be the best time for a visit," Bee says.
"Blitz is doing fine, but he's still unconscious at the moment," Loona says.
"Okay, Vortex, I can understand. But his girlfriend? Why the fuck is she here?" Randall says, dumbfounded.
Loona glares and growls at Randall, "And why are you asking that? You're saying she can't visit?"
Randall brings his hand in front in defense, "Hey, I'm only asking. It's kind of weird that one of the Seven Sins would visit Blitz. Stolas is understandable, but Blitz…"
"What? Can't visit the little sweetie and give him and the prince a little present," Bee says, and conjures two baskets full of sweets and goodies.
"Wow. Thanks Bee, that's nice of you," Loona says.
"No problem. Blitz is a nice guy," Bee says.
Then turns to Stolas, "Hey Stolas, it's been a while."
"Yes, it has. Not since the last royal summit," Stolas says.
"Sure has. Gotta admit, it's surprising that you got into a relationship with a sweet little Imp like Blitz. Of course, it's not my business about who you want a relationship with, but it sure is surprising and pretty brave," Bee says, and places the baskets down.
"Um thank you," Stolas replies.
Then a little concerned, Stolas asks, "Bee, has the other Sins mentioned anything about Blitz and such. Or has Lucifer got word of it?"
"Well…" Bee says, sounding concerned.
Loona sighs, "I know that look Bee. Something happened?"
"Well, nothing bad happened. At least, I hope not," Bee says.
"What does that mean?" Moxxie asks.
"Well, there hasn't been any real trouble or situations about the news. However, everyone seems to really want to know who Blitz is and how he's been raised by humans. Some of my guests even remember seeing him at my place," Bee says.
"The same can be said about what happened at Ozzie's. Verosika was also being asked about it since she knew him. Nothing too bad so far," Vortex says.
Loona sighs, "Meanwhile, at our end, it was chaotic. A lot of phone calls, letters, and all that shit. It's frustrating that we even had to carry out our work at home."
"But as far as I know. The situation has reached the other royals, even Lucifer and Lilith. Nothing too serious as far as I know," Bee says.
Then Bee notices the little Hell Kitten laying next to Blitz, who has fallen asleep.
"Aww, who is this cute little kitty?" Bee asks.
"That's Mimmy. She used to be Blitz's pet kitten, until a discontinued alcohol got spilled on her and turned into a Hell Kitten, and now she's Blitz daughter. However, she's still taking what happened to Blitz rather hard," Loona explains.
"I can imagine," Vortex says.
Then Sarge turns to Bee, "But still, you sure the other Sins haven't made this a big issue."
"So far no. I mean, I doubt there's much we can do since Blitz has been raised by humans for thirty years. But they will want to see him one of these days, just giving you a heads up," Bee says.
"Thanks Bee. We'll keep that in mind," Loona says.
"Anyway, see ya around," Bee says.
"Bye guys," Vortex says.
"Bye," Loona says.
And soon, Bee and Vortex leave the hospital room, and Berry closes the door.
"Two points for Blitz. He managed to get on the Queen Bee's good side," Randall says.
"I don't think she has that much of a bad side," Berry says.
"And she did respect you after out drinking her with her own beverage from her personal supply, and that stuff is hard," Drew says.
"Yeah. I like her. She's pretty laid back and is fun to hang out with," Berry says.
Stolas sighs, "Still, I worry about what the other Sins of Hell would say about this, especially Lucifer. I'm glad to hear there hasn't been any trouble with them yet. Of course, for all they care, it's something among Hell borns, Sinners, and even other lower class demons. However, with Blitz's upbringing, it's already spread to other demons, including my family."
"Yeah," Octavia says.
"Well, you have a point. Sorry to not mention it Via, but some of the Goetias ended up visiting the hospital, even some of your cousins," Loona says.
"And what happened?" Octavia asks.
"Not much. They seem to come when you're not around, but either way, they just visit Stolas for a short time. Some did end up seeing Blitz, and well, they did ask about his relationship," Berry says.
Stolas sighs, "Yes. I apologize for not saying it before Via, because you weren't there during their visits. However, they're only there for a short time. They simply ask how I was doing, and what happened with the assassin who abducted me, and of course, about Blitz. I gave them as little detail as possible. However, they still want to know about him, and how I got in a relationship with him."
"Well, it's official. This whole identity reveal for Blitz, it's already getting out of control," Octavia says.
"And it will put more stress on Blitz when he wakes up from his coma," Berry adds.
"Especially since all of Hell would want to at least see him," Randall says.
Stolas then says, "I don't want Blitz to go through so much stress when he wakes up and is able to leave the hospital. I want him to feel protected and not have to worry about it." He lets out a sigh, "I just don't know what to do."
"I know. I'm having trouble figuring it out myself. Now that Blitz's identity has been exposed, they'll also know about the circus in the living world. It would be dangerous for him to go there, putting his friends and relatives at risk. However, it's also dangerous for him to be here. Not without any counter measures," Sarge says.
Then Berry suggests, "Well, one of the things we can do is to find somewhere where Blitz can rest and relax as he heals. Somewhere where no one can interfere with him."
"True, but if we try the human world, it will be a matter of time before someone spills about Blitz's family cabin," Sarge says.
"And if we try to find places we know in Hell, it will be a matter of time before they find Blitz. Which also means that guarding Blitz and being around him twenty four seven is the best we can do for the time being," Drew says.
"And it will be difficult to find anywhere else for Blitz to hide," Razor says.
Then Loona suggests, "Maybe we can give all of us, including Blitz, a disguise when we go out. Well, mainly Blitz since he's the main target of the paparazzi."
"A disguise might be a good idea," Octavia says, and turns to dad, "Hey dad, remember the spell you used that can change the different species of demons. The one you used when you took Blitz to the Sloth Ring for the resort you went to."
"Yes. I remember that spell. I suppose it could work, but it will be best to talk about all this with Blitz when he wakes up," Stolas says.
He sadly sighs, "As much as it pains me to do this, but we'll need to explain everything to him. And I understand how painful this will be for him."
"I know, but he'll find out eventually," Sarge says, "We just need to calmly explain it to him, and try to find out ideas on what to do from here. For now, let's just continue the precautions we had now and figure out what to do when Blitz wakes up."
Everyone nods their heads in reply.
Just then, they hear a knock on the door.
"Who is it this time?" Drew questions.
"Hello, I'm one of the nurses assigned to the room," A female voice says.
Sarge walks to the door and opens it to reveal one of the nurses of the hospital.
She is holding a big bouquet of dark red-brown, sometimes almost black, velvety flowers on long, slender, reddish brown stems, with a small bit of yellow on the inside. They're inside a clear glass vase filled with water. It's also tied around the neck of the vase with a bright red and black striped ribbon on it with a few paper flowers on it.
"Hello, I was given this well present for both you and your little friend," The nurse says.
"Really? Who's it from?" Stolas asks.
"I'm not sure. I've checked over and there isn't anything unusual about it. But still, someone must have been fond of you two, these plants can only be found on earth," The nurse says.
"I can tell," Stolas says.
Sarge then says, "Well, it will be best that we head back to the mansion, and take Octavia and Mimmy home. Everyone else will be heading home. Razor, once you're done with the camera, have them installed and stay here on guard duty with Randall, Moxxie, and Millie today."
Everyone nods in agreement to the idea.
Dew then says, "Well come visit you guys soon."
"Bye dad," Octaiva says.
"Bye Via, and have a good day," Stolas says.
Berry then picks up Mimmy and tucks Blitz in the covers.
Soon, everyone is gone, but Randall, Moxxie, and Millie remain outside of the hospital room to watch over for any intruders. Stolas lets out a sigh of exhaustion for the week they have. Stolas can't help but worry about Blitz and what to do about his situation.
Stolas turns to see the unconscious Blitz, "Oh Blitz, I hope you wake up very soon. Everyone is very worried about you." Then sighs, and I'm even more worried about what might happen when he wakes up."