Chapter 23: St. An's Hospital
A few days later…
It's the day of the medical appointment and medical document for Blitz and his family. As it turns out, Ash is also due for a medical appointment that very day as well. Stolas and Octavia are also with them, Zak, and Zoey in their large family van. The trip to the Sloth ring is rather a long one so they have to use the car elevator to get to the Sloth Ring. Zak, of course, is driving the van to the Sloth Ring.
"So remind me again, why are we going to the Sloth Ring?" Ash asks.
"We're going to help Blitz, Loona, and the children get medical documents and medical appointments. Also, it wouldn't hurt for them to get check ups," Stolas says.
"That, and it's also time for your checkup," Zak says.
Ash grows wary, "Do I have to?"
"Don't worry, no shots and or anything of the short. It's just a check up," Zoey says.
Ash sighs in relief.
Zak says, annoyed, "And we have to wait for two years for this appointment?"
"That sounds bad for business," Blitz points out.
"At least Stolas was able to help us get an appointment for you and your kids asap," Zak says,
"How come we have to go to another Ring just for a medical appointment?" Aurora asks, curious.
"Wouldn't it make more sense to try a medical office in the Pride Ring?" Loona adds, and is shaking like a leaf.
"Well, because the Sloth Ring has a large number of hospitals, medical offices, and clinics. Of course, only Hellborns have access because Sinners can't travel to the other rings," Zoey says.
Octavia says, "In fact, we're about to enter the Sloth Ring now."
The group looks out to see them exiting the tunnel and arrive in the Sloth Ring.
Blitz and his kids look out the window to see the Sloth Ring has a light pinkish sky, and notice many buildings of the city are full of medical buildings such as hospitals and clinics. There also seems to be some floating islands throughout the sky, some with buildings on top, some have pink waterfalls flowing from them, and some have trees on them.
"Da da, floating islands," Tilla says, pointing at the islands with a smile.
"I see it," Blitz says
"Kind of reminds me of the Cosmic Isle," Keenan says.
"Cosmic Isle?" Octavia says, confused.
"It's actually a floating island in the world we came from. The city known as Andromeda is very known for having astronomy, cosmology, astrology experts," Blitz says.
"Really now," Stolas replies, taking an interest, "I wouldn't mind visiting there."
Zak chuckles, "Stolas is responsible for studying the Earth's skies, stars, space, prophecy, and all that stuff."
"Wow. That sounds cool," Keenan says.
"Thank you," Stolas says.
"Of course that also means you have your head in space from time to time," Zak teases with a grin.
Stolas frowns in response, and sarcastically says, "Oh ha ha, very funny, Zak."
Loona turns to Octavia, "So Octavia, what else can you do in the Sloth Ring?"
"Not much, I mainly come here for my doctor appointments," Octavia says.
"Make sense, just wondering if there's other stuff to do here," Loona says.
Zak then says, "Well, we're here."
Blitz and the others look to see Zak parking the car at the parking lot and look to see the hospital they've gone to.
The hospital's color scheme is pink, pale dark purple, and light purple color. Outside are several light posts around the parking lot, which has a dark purple road, and there are seats and some potted plants on the pathways as well as a waterfall falling on one side. The tallest building has a sign at the top saying "St. An's" in pink text with a purplish colored upside-down cross between the words and having the text of 'hospital' going down the cross. The entrance to this building has a portico with a closed eye pattern around it and a sign saying 'Emergency' above it. The entrance has pink doors with yellow handles and 'Enter' signs, and 'Exit' signs on the inside doors. Connected to one side of the tallest building is a building with its own entrance and a sign saying 'Surgical Wing' at the top, and on top is a spherical structure resembling a droopy, tired eye. Beside the surgical wing is another large building with a sign saying 'Financial Processing'. Connected to the other side of the tallest building is a building, also with its own entrance, and a sign saying 'Pediatric Wing' at the top, and on top is another spherical structure.
"So this is the hospital?" Blitz questions.
"That's correct. This is the St. An's Hospital," Stolas says.
"It looks very different from the hospital back at home," Blitz says.
"It's really huge," Keenan says.
"Pink building," Tilla replies as she reaches her hands out towards the building.
"Yes Tilla, the building is pink," Stolas says.
And then gushes Tilla, "You are quite smart, just like my little owlet."
Octavia groans and blushes, "Dad, you're embarrassing me again."
"Sorry Via," Stolas apologizes.
"Let's head inside and get the appointments set," Zak says.
The group then walks inside to see the waiting room. The waiting room has a purple rug, several chairs, a book holder, a picture of floating islands with waterfalls, and a Venus flytrap type plant in a pot with a bin beside it. The room's ceiling cornice has a closed eye pattern. The reception desk has a sign saying 'WAIT BEHIND LINE' underneath on the front and a small pot plant on top, while behind the desk are a bookshelf and a door with a sign saying 'Employees Only' and ribbon decorations that says 'quiet hell-idays'. Beside the reception desk is and nearby the door with pink handles that leads to other parts of the hospital.
"The place looks very nice," Blitz says.
"Sure is, but it also has some drawbacks," Zoey says.
"You all go sit down while Zak and I will let the doctor know we're here," Stolas says.
Everyone soon takes their seats while Zak and Stolas walk to the front desk to talk to the nurse.
Stolas asks, "Um excuse me. I've arrived for the appointment we have today."
"W-what?" The nurse asks, a bit dazed.
Zak then steps in, "Hey lady, Stolas and I have scheduled an appointment. There should be one under Stolas Goetia, and the other under Zachary Halls," and signs the clipboard.
He then passes the clipboard to Stolas and says, "I mean, Stolas called you for an appointment a few weeks ago, and my son was supposed to have an appointment every year, but we had to wait for two years for it."
Stolas signs his name and hands over the clipboard.
The nurse then brings out the calendar and looks through it, "Oh there is a Stolas Goetia, and a Zachery Hall on the list. We'll be ready for them in just a bit, please take a seat Mr. Hall and Mr. Goetia."
"Thank you," Stolas says.
Zak and Stolas then take their seats with Blitz and the others.
"How long do you think it will take?" Keenan asks.
"Well, hopefully for not too long," Zak says.
"Works for me," Loona says, shrugging her shoulders.
"Um Mr. Stolas…" Aurora asks.
"Oh you don't need to be formal with me Aurora, you can just call me Stolas," Stolas says.
"Okay. Stolas, will we be alright in this appointment?" Aurora asks.
"Of course you all will be okay," Stolas says, "I'm sure it won't be different from your usual medical appointments. However, we do need to keep in mind about you, Keenan, and Aurora. After you three have quite unique appearances than normal demons."
"That's true. You look more like an angel than a demon, and Tilla is a mixture of both," Loona says, still shaking and hiding under the chairs.
"And Keenan may look like an Imp, but he has different characteristics," Ash says.
"Why do you say that?" Keenan asks.
"Well for one, normal Imps don't have purple hair or blue eyes," Octavia says.
"Yeah. Imps usually have grayish hair or white hair. And Imps have yellow and red colored eyes," Zak says.
"Well, Keenan may have got my appearance and is an Imp, but he got the hair and eyes from his mother. I mean, it makes sense because Keenan has both mine and my wife's genes," Blitz says.
"Blitz is not wrong," Stolas says, "I can tell from Aurora that she is more like her mother, but she has two different colored eyes and black hair. Same with Tilla, but instead of the halo, she has horns, and a tail, along with angel wings. I guess that is what happens with children having mixed heritage. Same with Octavia, she got her genes from both mine and her mothers."
"Guess it makes sense," Octavia says, "Keenan got more from his dad and Aurora got more from her mom. And it's clear that Tilla has genes from both. Same with me. And yet all three of them have the same mark on their foreheads."
"Yeah. As for me, I've got no genes because I'm adopted," Loona says, still feeling uneasy.
"Don't feel bad, Loona. You're still our daughter all the same," Blitz says.
Loona smiles, "Thanks dad."
"Glad to hear you all are in high spirits, but I have to wonder how we're going to explain to the doctor about their appearances," Zak says.
"There's hybrids all the time honey, I'm sure we'll think of something," Zoey says.
"True," Zak says, "But how are we also going to explain about the Asmodean Crystal on Blitz's chest? I mean. It's not natural, even for demons."
"I'm sure we'll think of something," Stolas says.
Octsvia then asks, "By the way, Loona, why are you hiding under the chairs?"
"Well, despite my dad being a doctor and I know he makes sure we're well taken care of, healthy, and such, there is one thing I hate about the doctor," Loona says.
"And what's that?" Octavia asks.
Loona sighs, "Shots. I am not fond of shots."
"Ugh. I don't like shots either," Ash says, annoyed.
Soon, the nurse comes in and says, "Mr. Halls. Mr. Goetia. The doctor will see the patients now."
"Well, time to go see the doctor," Stolas says.
Shortly after, everyone is in the medical office to see the doctor. Well, Zak and Zoey take Ash to a different office for their appointment while Blitz and Stolas are seeing Dr. Somna for their appointment. However, there is a problem. Loona still feels very uneasy. She's shaking like a leaf as she hides behind Blitz with her body curled up.
Inside the doctor's room the walls are part white and part purple with purple cornice and pink tiled floor. There is an examination table, with drawers on the sides, and a chair in the shape of a paw for the doctor to sit on. On one wall is a dark pink cloud-shaped plaque with the doctor's name on it. There is also a desk with cabinets and a sink with some hand towels, soap and sanitizing wipes, and above are three overhead cabinets, one being labeled 'Treats'. Also on the desk are a radio with a monster mouth-shaped speaker and a bone attachment on the antenna and a dog bowl full of bone-shaped lollipops. Beside the desk is a small bin of syringes. Around the room there is also a bin for rubbish, a dispenser for new plastic gloves, a pink ledge with a sanitizer spray and a small pink-rimmed mirror, as well as multiple other items the doctor would use for different patients.
The doctor, Somna, is a goat-like demon with pink fur, greenish blue claws and hooves, blue horns, and has a handle lite on his head. He is wearing a medical outfit and is wearing glasses.
"Welcome your highness, and I suspect you must be Bingo, and his kids: Tuna, Aura, Keenbean, and Tiny," The doctor says.
"Uh my name is Blitz, but I was told my real name is Blitzo. And children's names are Loona, Aurora, Keenan and Tilla," Blitz says.
"Yes. We want to set up medical records for the children so we like to have exams for the children, and we like to do a D.N.A test and examination for the dad," Zak says.
"Of course. We'll start with the parents. That way the children can see the examination and won't be as scared," The doctor says.
"Okay," Blitz replies.
And with that, Blitz's appointment begins. The doctor first performs the DNA Test. He brings out a buccal swab, inserts it into Blitz's mouth and rubs it against Blitz's cheeks. He then pricks his left finger with a needle, allowing him to collect a little blood sample. Once that's done, the doctor performs physical exams to Blitz, checking his sight, hearing, reflect, and also performs an x-ray for any signs of damages to his body or brain, to be on the safe side. Of course, they also examine Blitz's right eye after being told of the situation.
After Blitz's examinations, and one at a time, Loona, Aurora, Keenan and Tilla have their check up performed. They start with their sight, reflex, hearing, weight, height, anything they need for their medical file. Of course, Tilla and Loona are scared about having a shot. For Tilla it's because she is a small baby. Loona however, despite knowing her dad is a doctor, the poor hound is deeply afraid of needles. And yet, her only acceptance is if Blitz is there or handles the shot himself. In this case, Blitz reassures Loona while the doctor gives her and Tilla their shots.
As for Ash, luckily it's just a normal check up, so Zak and Zoey have no concern about Ash putting up a fuss about it.
Sometime later, the doctor says that Ash is healthy and will need to have a shot scheduled much to Ash's dismay. After that, they meet with Stolas, Blitz, and the others about the medical results. Dr. Somna looks at the check up results of the children.
"Well, I'm happy to inform you that the children are very healthy. You must have taken good care of them," The doctor says.
"Yes. I did. I make sure they stay healthy and have a good life and all that," Blitz says.
"Good to hear," The doctor says.
"What about Blitz's results?" Stolas asks
"Well, so far all of Blitz's exams show that they're as normal as can be. However, it's questionable about this uh, Asmodean Crystal on his chest. I've never seen a case like it," The doctor says, scratching his chin.
"I see…" Zak says.
Then Zoey asks, "Was there anything uh, wrong about it?"
"Hmm, I'm afraid I'm stumped. However, it definitely shows that it's completely attached to his body. It's a miracle it's not attached to any of his vital organs on the chest including his heart. And yet, I think it's best to not have it removed so there won't be unnecessary damages," Dr. Somna says.
"Did you discover anything else? What about the DNA Test" Zak asks.
"Well, it will take until tomorrow for the full results. However, we have come to a high possibility that the Imp in question is indeed this Blitzo Buckzo you've mentioned. We've also run his DNA along with the rest of the Buckzo family on file and it's proven that he's their son," The doctor says.
This makes Zak feel happy, "That's great."
"Why, you have doubts about it?" Octavia asks.
"No. I just wanted to be double sure. Besides, he does need an update on the medical files he has anyway," Zak says.
"What about Blitz's right eye?" Zoey asks.
"Well, it is clear that he has suffered from blindness, but the chances of him recovering or any treatment is rather slim, especially after twenty five years has passed. However, it's clear that he is able to live daily tasks with one sight in one eye," The doctor says.
"But what about Blitz's memories?" Stolas asks.
"Well, according to the x-ray results, there doesn't seem to show any physical damage to his brain. However, after twenty five years has passed it's difficult to tell. However, from what you've described, it is highly possible that he may have suffered from retrograde amnesia," The doctor says.
"Retrograde amnesia?" Zak questions.
Then says in thought, "So Blitz's guardian, Selene, was right."
"Yes. It's a type of memory disorder that causes the person to be unable to have recollection of the past. It's as if it never happened. In your friend's case, it seems that he had a mental shock in his childhood and that brought on the condition. You've mentioned some incident and you weren't sure what it is. I can imagine that might have been the cause," The doctor says.
Then Zoey asks, "But are there chances that his memories will return?"
"It's very difficult to say at this point, especially since twenty five years have passed. However, from what you all explained is that Blitz is slowly beginning to regain his memories through a recall so that is a good sign. Which means, there is some hope for him to regain his memories," The doctor says.
"So then, you're saying that Blitz will be able to live a normal life?" Stolas asks, relieved.
"That's correct. For now, it will be best for you all to watch over him," The doctor says, "However, I advise you to be very careful. There's a possibility that Blitzo's amnesia occurred as a way to protect him from a childhood trauma," The doctor says.
"Is there anything we can do to help him?" Zoey asks.
"Yes. However, you need to take this slow. Forcing him to remember could have some serious effect on his psyche, or can cause his amnesia all over again," Dr. Somna says.
"Are there any natural methods we can use?" Stolas asks.
"Not much. I say the best you can do is allow Blitz to relax and live as normal as possible, and in time, his memory will be able to return on his own," The doctor says.
"Okay. Thank you doctor," Blitz says.
"It's my pleasure," The doctor says.
Sometime later…
Everyone returns to the hotel and explains to Charlie and the others about how the appointment goes, especially with Blitz's condition.
"So Blitz really does have anemia?" Charlie asks.
"Yes. According to the doctor, he believed that his condition was a way to protect himself from some kind of mental trauma," Stolas says.
"Well, we've already suspected it when Blitz explained what his guardian knows. However, it's still uncertain," Vaggie says.
"Yes," Stolas says, "And the doctor said that we need to let Blitz regain his memories on his own. There are methods of memory recall and relaxation. And other methods that could help Blitz regain his memories and still be able to live peacefully." But uneasily adds, "As peacefully as Hell can get."
Zak says, "Zoey and I might be able to help regain his memories because we were close friends with him as a child, and we actually still had some old pictures in our childhood. It's not much, but it's a start. However, we need to take it slow. We all agreed to that idea."
He then turns to Blitz with a smile, "I'm just glad that the DNA test was proven a match."
"Yeah. I'm actually glad too. And glad to know that I've actually met one of my old childhood friends here. Even though my memory is still very blurry," Blitz says.
"Don't worry Blitz, I promise to help you regain your memories, but we need to take this very slow and go easy on you. A lot has changed in the past twenty five years, so we have a lot of catching up to do," Zoey says.
"I guess you're right," Blitz says.
"For now, it is best we all head home and try to discuss what to do the next day," Charlie says.
"But what else can we do to help dad?" Loona asks.
"I have to wonder about it as well," Vaggie says.
"Well, the best we can do is to take it slow. And with Zak, Zoey, and Stolas knowing Blitz and some memories they have of him. I'm sure it will help," Charlie says.
"And we need to make sure the demons don't do anything to him," Zak says.
"Hey Zak, if you know about Blitz, then you must know about his sister and his parents, and other friends. You must know where they are now," Angel says.
"Well, not really," Zak says.
"What do you mean?" Blitz asks.
"We'll explain it another time. Remember, we need to take care of this one at a time. First we help Blitz regain more of his memories and then we can worry about how to introduce him to everyone. At least, those we know where they are," Zoey says.
"Right," Blitz says.
Soon, Stolas, Zak, Zoey, and Ash say their farewells and head off back to their homes. Everyone else says their goodbyes and heads off to their rooms to rest after the day they have. Soon, Charlie and Vaggie are alone and head to their bedroom.
Vaggie turns to Charlie, "Hey Charlie, I don't know, but I have a feeling Zak is hiding something."
"What do you mean?" Charlie asks, confused.
"Well, this isn't the first time Zak acted a bit uneasy about Blitz's family and other friends. What's more, Zoey acted the same. And this isn't the first time someone brought up about Blitz's family, and those two acted worried about it," Vaggie says.
"Well, it does seem strange," Charlie says.
She then wonders, "I mean. Why would Zak and Zoey keep this secret from Blitz. I mean, they've been friends for a very long time. And I'm sure Blitz would love to see his family again. So why would they feel uneasy about it?"
"It's hard to say," Vaggie says.
"Well, it's best for them to work something out. I'm sure we'll learn about it eventually," Charlie says.
She then yawns and says, "For now, let's get to our room. I'm kind of tired."
"Yeah. Me too," Vaggie says.
With that, the two take their leave to their room to get some rest.