Blitzø rose back on his feet while his eyes met with the wrong end of a gun. The one holding it just so happened to be the one person he wished had gotten infected, as then he would have the pleasure of blowing her brains out. Verosika Mayday and her crew were not looking very friendly today as Verosika was pointing a 44 Auto Mag pistol at her ex-boyfriend's face. Although, Moxxie did notice that...about three of them were missing; specifcally, Kat, Ace and Milky; the rest of them all had guns in their hands. The I.M.P. didn't have time for this, Moxxie wouldn't last that long without proper care. This was the last thing they needed right now, and he didn't care if Vortex would be there to rip him apart, Blitzø was close to shooting Verosika out of his way.
"Well, well, well...Look how I find in the middle of all this shitty mess." Verosika says. "Do you have something to say about all this?"
"Goddamn it, Verosika! We do not have time for this shit!" Blitzø yelled. "So either you get the fuck out of or I swear-"
And then, a familiar shadow loomed over him, along with a familiar growling. Blitzo wasn't gonna fall for the same trick twice, as he pulls out a handgun and turns around as fast as he could. Only for Vortex's huge claws to come and grab him by the wrist and neck, lift him off the ground.
"Just so you know, this ain't personal."
Blitzø struggled for breath as then, Vortex throw him onto the cars, making the poor imp tumble down while Verosika's crew laughed. Moxxie, Millie couldn't bare to see, but the one who had the intervene more was Luis, as he pulled out his Red 9 Mauser.
"Wow, Blitzo. I didn't think you'd be so stupid enough to pull a gun on Vortex." Verosika said as she towered over the imp. Blitzo only glared as Verosika looked ready to stomp on him with her boots. But then, she froze as she heard a gun click at the back of her head.
"Can't let you do that, señorita." Luis said as the crew, as Verosika slowly turned to glare at him. She then asks "And...who the fuck are you?"
"Luis Sera. And right now, I'm the escort to that imp right there."
Blitzø slowly started to get back up on his feet while Verosika was distracted.
"An escort?" Verosika asked. "That's cute. Whatever he's paying you isn't be worth shit though. So you might as well do yourself a favor and ditch him right now."
Luis replied "I can't do that." He then points to Moxxie. "That imp's life is on the line. I'm the only one who can help him."
The crew turn towards Moxxie, who looked ready to collapse as Millie held him in her arms. Verosika remembers him, as she and her crew had a little fun with him before. She squinted, seeing some dark red veins rising from Moxxie's neck...just like the demons they faced before coming here. And without a second thought, she points her gun at her, making Moxxie and Millie flinch and having Blitzø recover fully, with both him and Luis training their guns on her now.
"Woah, woah, wait!" Millie said as she and Moxxie backed up. Blitzø held his gun straight to Verosika's head as he said "Drop it, you bitch! I won't let you hurt Moxxie!"
"He's one of them." Verosika said in a low tone. "The ones who killed Kat, Ace and Milky."
"I thought you were missing a few people." Moxxie said, seeing the angry twitch in Verosika's eye.
"My crew will never be whole again..." Verosika growling, slowly squeezing the trigger. "Because you freaks."
Luis had put his hand behind his back, reaching for another gun he had stashed. But Vortex was now behind him, growling as Luis reached for what looked like a revolver.
"Drop it, amigo." He growled at Luis.
No can do, Perrito." Luis said as he then headbutted Vortex from behind and pulled out the gun, which had happened to be the Broken Butterfly. "Millie, catch!" He the throws the gun over to the female imp, who catches it with ease and aims it at Verosika. Shots were fired as they all took cover and began to have a shootout in the middle of the street. Though vastly outnumbered, the I.M.P. do consider themselves professional assassins and were good at knowing when and where to shoot. Plus, they even had Luis on their side, and the guy was doing pretty good with every bullet that flew out of his gun's chamber. He managed to shoot the gun out of Josh, Kiki and Coco's hands before reloading.
"We don't got time for this shit!" Blitzø says while ducking before shooting. "How much longer does Moxxie have?"
Luiz reloaded his Red 9 while saying "At this rate, you can kiss his ass goodbye, because if we can't get out of this soon, Moxxie will start to try and kill us."
That thought scared Moxxie, killing his close ones with his own hands, knowing that his actions were out of his control. But then, he saw their chance to escape as Luis just so happened to have a few grenades hanging off his belt. He must've gotten them from the military vehicle they commandeered, but what matter's now is that they can use them to clear a path.
"Luis, toss me a grenade!"
Seeing where he was going with this, Luis glad obliged and tossed the explosive over to the imp, who was ready to aim and pull the pin.
"Vortex, round them all up!" Verosika ordered her hellhound, who did as she commanded, running on all four to the other side before having the four in his sights. Luis decided to pull out his TMP, firing shots at Vortex, who managed to take a few hits, but was still going for it. Millie though, wouldn't have it as the moment Vortex got close, she dropped kick his ass and made him land on his face. Things were taking a turn for the worst, when Ganados started to show up, and the both individual teams found themselves surrounded.
"Just fucking great." Blitzø and Verosika said at the same time.
"Moxxie, now might be the time to use the grenade!" Millie said.
To which the husband replied "I already threw it at Verosika's crew."
The band looked to see the hand grenade on the ground as the Ganados closed in.
"Oh, shi-" Was all one of them got them to say as an explosions occurred with bits and pieces of Ganado, and a little bit of Verosika's crew, managed to fly everywhere. The I.M.P. took this opportunity to run as they shot their way through the crowd of remaining Ganado. Verosika stood there, bloodied, battered and semi-burned as she watched the gang run away.
"This isn't over, Blitzo." She growled. "Vortex! After them!"
The hellhound barely had enough time to recover before he got up, fought his way through Ganado and went after the I.M.P. The four managed to get away from the chaos as they stopped by an alley to catch their breath.
"So...you mind telling me what was her deal?" Luis asked.
"Uh, you know...she's just...an old accomplice, that's all." Blitzø said, trying to play it cool.
Millie just straight out said "That woman was Blitzø's ex."
"Ex? As in ex girlfriend?" Luis asked, looking at Blitzø in confusion. "...How does someone like you-?"
"Don't even bother asking! I'm not saying shit about her!" The I.M.P. Boss yelled out. "Let's just focus on getting to this Saddler guy, so that we cure Moxxie, and then kill the asshole."
"How much further?" Moxxie asked, to which Luis looked around the streets, moving his head from one place to another before pointing northeast.
"There." He said. "Won't be long now. Just need a new ride to get there quick enough."
Millie then walked in front of them saying "Well, let's get to it then."
"Wait."
Moxxie stopped them before pausing and looking around.
"Moxxie, what's the hold up?" Blitzø asked.
He replied "Just...call it a hunch." Before shooting above his head. Suddenly, coming down was a pile of dark fur and leather as the gang stared down at Vortex, who Moxxie shot in the foot. The hellhound, groaned in pain as the others stared at Moxxie in surprise.
"How did you know he was here?" Millie asked.
"Not really sure, actually." Moxxie answered. "I just...knew."
Luis then said "The plaga must be heightening your senses. I've never seen someone work so well with the infection, at least until..." He then stopped himself from saying anything as he began to reminisce about the only friend he made during his time in Spain, the friend who he managed to die in the arms of, giving him the counterdrug before passing on to judgement and hell. "We should keep going...and fast." They were about to continue, but Blitzø wasn't moving, still staring down at Vortex.
"Hold on." He said, making the others stop again.
"What now?" Luis said as he and the other two imps watched as Blitzø kneeled beside Vortex before taking out a bottle of "First Aid Med". The hellhound watched confusingly as Blitzø grabbed hold of his leg. "This is gonna sting a little." He said as he poured the liquid on Vortex's bullet wound. Vortex did feel a little burning sensation, but then the hole in his foot began to slowly close as Blitzø got back up.
"Like you said, nothing personal...but tell that bitch you call a boss to take a hint and leave us alone." The lead imp said before turning back and walking away, leaving everyone surprised by his actions. But then, he turned back and said to Vortex "Oh, and when you get the chance, get out of here. Head for Pentagram City, they're using a Hotel as a Safe Haven there...you'll be sorry if you don't go."
"Blitzø is never like that." Millie said. "Are we sure that he's not infected?"
"...Let's not rule anything out." Luis said as they followed suit. And while doing so, they watched Blitzø in confusion. He turns to them and says "What? Like I can't have a scene of being nice from time to time?" And with that, he continues to move forward, still leaving everyone in confusion. Vortex took a moment to get himself back up and look back at the four, who continued deeper into the city. He thought about what he was doing, what Verosika was making him do right now...and realized it's not worth it. He managed to lose touch with his girlfriend and feared the worst, now he had lost three members of the band he was assigned to guard over...he won't be losing anymore people as he shook his head and went back the way he came.
Meanwhile, at the Goetia Mansion, the Royal Family were safely locked inside, aware of the madness occurring in both Pentagram and Imp City. The Mansion itself has become heavily fortified and is as sealed as Lucifer's Kingdom. As a Prince, Stolas found it his responsibility to see what he could do in this situation, having been trying to in touch with Lucifer for an hour. Well, both Lucifer and...another special someone in his life.
"STOLAS! GET UP HERE RIGHT NOW!"
All the while, the first special someone in his life was giving him more hell than the entire dimension. Stella, his 'loving' wife, was fuming at the worst possible time. Even during a hell-wide crisis, does she not stop for a second to take out her frustrations on Stolas. In all honesty, she would love to see him get eaten alive by zombies, even planning on making it look like an accident. But for now, she's willing to only make him miserable as they're all stuck in the same house together. As for their daughter Octavia, because of how sealed up their house is at the moment, there was barely any phone service, so she couldn't even completely listen to her music to calm her nerves. At this point, she was wondering if she should just kill herself so that she wouldn't have to listen to her parents screaming at each other.
"So, this is what humans had to put up with for two years." She said to herself as she watched her parent's bicker loudly.
"Stella, can we not do this right now?" Stolas asked. "I am trying to get in contact with Lord Lucifer."
"Explain to me why I found a rotting corpse near the fireplace!" Stella said, pointing to where the fireplace would be. There was in fact a body there, belonging to a zombie that managed to get before the manor was locked down, since they had nowhere to dump it, Stolas thought it best to have it cremated in the fireplace.
"You know why it's there." Stolas said simply while walking away from Stella, having a phone up to his ear. "Now, if you excuse me, I'm trying to assess the situation we're in."
"How?! You made sure that this place have no kinds of communication in or out!" Stella yelled. "It would be impossible to contact Lord Lucifer now! Or are you just trying to get in touch with that lowly imp you've infatuated yourself with?!"
"Really? Even in a crisis like this, that's a concern for you?"
"Says the one who's been on the phone, calling for the best three hours." Stella retorted.
Stolas argued "I've been calling his majesty! Why don't you believe me?!"
Then, Stella swiped the phone from his hands and scrolled down to revealed that half the calls his made were for Blitzø.
"Well...I'm just trying to see if he's okay" Stolas said, trying to keep it cool. "Though I am fully aware he can take of himself, I just-"
He didn't have time to finish as Stella threw a pot at his head.
"I'D FUCKING LEAVE YOU RIGHT NOW IF I WASN'T TRAPPED HERE, WAITING THIS CATASTROPHE OUT!"
Stolas didn't want to deal with one of Stella's violent fits, so he does something that even surprises himself; grabs hold of Stella by the wrist and drags her out of the room and away from his daughter. That's not to say it didn't catch Octavia's attention for a mere moment, but she wasn't sure what to think of it. Next thing Stella knew, she was forced against a wall with her husband looking down at her with a glare that would make any lower demon to overlord crumble.
"We're not dealing with this." Stolas hissed. "Not now. Bad enough you send someone to kill me..."
"You are aware of that?" Stella asked
"You yelled it to my face. I don't need my daughter suffering more than how she already is. Like it or not, we are stuck here. So, you might as well uphold your responsibilities, as Royalty, as I do."
Without another word, Stolas had let go of his wife and stormed off in another room, leaving Stella surprised at his demanding, authoritative-like behavior. All this time, she thought he was just a cheating embarrassment, unfit to be a prince. But after seeing that side of him, she felt like she had seen more than needed, as it was looking into the eyes of a true demon...one she regretted hiring a hitman for.
"They do tend to assert their authority when the time feels appropriate, don't they?"
They unfamiliar made Stella turned to see someone hidden in the shadows, except for their feet, their right foot green and scaly and their left...covered in plant life. Stella could make out the tattered/burned ends of a dark purple dress and a single glowing yellow eye staring straight at her. It was a woman, but the rest of her appearance remained sullied in the shadows.
"Of course, it doesn't help that he outranks you in your family tree." The Lady said in a British accent.
"Who are you?!" Stella shouted. "How did you get in here?! I demand-"
"I am Alexia Ashford." The woman said plainly, interrupting Stella. "And I've come to make a proposition for you."
"...What?"
"I know what it's like...being embarrassed, humiliated by family." Alexia said. "They meant well, my father and brother. Even though it was he who brought me into this world, he was still such a miserable old man."
Stella wasn't sure what to say. There was something about this woman who she found...alluring.
"But, he did leave me with the greatest gift I could ever ask for. I gift well return in my favor, and one that I wish to share with the rest of hell."
Alexia stepped forward to revealed the rest of what she is. Stella cringed at the sight of her face, with sharp leaves blocking her right eye and her pale green skin being translucent with veins. But still, she couldn't bare to look away as she continued to listen to Alexia's words.
"I wish to share this gift with you." She continued on. "This way...you can gain the retribution you so rightfully deserve."
"Why me?" Stella asked.
After a little bit of silence, Alexia answered "...You just peaked my interest, is al." Then she extended her arm towards Stella. "Take my hand...embrace...my gift."
Stella felt like she was no longer in control of her own actions, as she rose her shaking hand and extended it towards Alexia's...and the last thing Stolas and Octavia heard was her bloodcurdling scream. They're used to her screaming, but this wasn't rage...it was fear.
"Was that Mom?" Octavia asked as she and her father went to go check on her. But all they found was the fortified wall burned and melted through, and Stella was gone. If that wasn't the least of their problems, the sounds of moaning and groaning filled the air, as the shadows of the undead were not too far away...
"...Oh, shit."
Verosika and her crew were walking down the road, barely having been able to get away from the Ganados with their lives. Verosika was still waiting on Vortex to contact her and pinpoint Blitzø's location. Much to her surprise, she looked to see her hellhound bodyguard coming up on the road, walking their direction.
"Why didn't you call? Is your phone broken?" She asked, but then Vortex just walked right past her. "...Did you find that asshole?"
"Yeah, I found him." Vortex said simply. "But I'm not going after him anymore."
This confused Verosika as she asked "What are you talking about?"
"I'm saying he's not worth it." Vortex answered. "We were barely able to fight our way here and we lost three members in the process."
"You think I forgot?" Verosika asked. "There deaths will be in vain if we don't do something about it!"
"And going after your selfish dickhead ex is 'doing something about it'?" Vortex said to her. "Now is not the time for your vendetta, boss. We need to get out of here."
"And where are we even supposed to go?" Kiki asked.
"Blitzø told me about some kind of safe haven over at Pentagram City. I don't know much about it, but-"
"Oh, come on!" Verosika said. "Why believe anything that little shithead has to say?!"
"It's the best we got right now!" Vortex yelled. "And I'm not planning on dying here! I already lost my girl, and I sure as hell don't wanna lost any of you assholes either."
The remainders of Verosika's Crew thought about it, they had little only small guns with little ammo left, and they didn't want to die here either. But Verosika's stubbornness was getting in the way.
"Nobody is going anywhere!" She said in a threatening tone. "I'm not losing that little golddigging, limp-dick shithead now! After he's dead, then you can go wherever the fuck you pussies want."
"You really want to risk all our lives, just so that you put a bullet in imp?" Vortex asked.
"I waited too long for this, Vortex!" Verosika growled, holding up her gun. "And you will do as I say! I'm your boss!"
Vortex only glared at crazed music star before pulling out something from pocket and tossing it to the ground. Turns out, it was Verosika's business card.
"I didn't sign up for this shit." He said in a low tone. "Let it go, Verosika. You're gonna get your ass killed if you don't."
Verosika glared her teeth at the hellhound and growled more like a dog than he did. "Fine!" She yelled. "Consider your ass fired then! Come on, guys! We can still catch up to Blitzo."
She began to walk, but the rest of her crew stayed put. Seeing this left a twitch in her eye, seeing that none of them were listening to her.
"What the fuck did I just say?! Let's GO!"
"I think..." Kiki started to say. "It's time to give it up, V."
The rest of the crew stood with Vortex, and realizing that her entire crew has turned against her didn't sit well with her. She instantly turned her gun towards then and shot Kiki in the arm. She fell in Vortex's arms as the rest of the crew looked to see if she was okay.
"Are you out of your goddamn mind?!" Josh yelled at her. Verosika was about to fire again, but a manhole behind her opened up and a large, black tale with a blade at the end of it came and wrapped itself around her leg. Before she could notice, it was too late as the tails began to pull her down to the sewers. Her former crew watched in horror as this happened.
"I'm not supposed to di-AAAAAAGGGGGHHHH...!" Is all she could say before being dragged down. The crew ran, believing their former boss to be dead. But she will be back...worse than ever.