Chapter 27: Fried Chicken

Blitzø led the way through the twisting, thorn-covered woods that bordered the mysterious estate, Verosika close behind him, her wings folded tightly to avoid catching on branches. Stella followed, her gown flowing behind her in dark, graceful swirls that concealed the swashbuckling outfit beneath. She moved with careful, practiced steps, her eyes cold and sharp, fingers tracing the hidden knives strapped to her legs, Barbie Wore watching Stella rather plump flank, Barbie licking her lips, I wouldn't mind sinking my teeth into that chickadees hind quarters. A perverse thought in her head while licking her lips with her snake-like tongue.

Blitzø paused at a rocky ledge, taking a deep breath and sniffing the air. "Alright, birdy royals," he whispered, "I'm picking up a faint scent—a mix of brimstone and mold. Mr. Raven's signature reek. He's been close by recently."

Verosika raised an eyebrow. "Any clue which direction he went?"

Blitzø squinted into the distance, his eyes narrowing on a faint trail of broken branches and twisted thorns. "Looks like he's been heading west, towards the old ruins on the outskirts of Wrath. Probably thinks the terrain will slow us down. Joke's on him."

Stella stepped forward, her expression cold and determined. "Lead the way. He won't escape this time."

The foursome moved forward, blending into the shadows as best they could. Stella's mind churned with thoughts of Stolas and Octavia, each step fueling her drive to end the threat once and for all. She'd had enough of Mr. Raven's lurking and threats. He was a predator, yes, but she was a hunter, too—a fierce, relentless protector. The embers of her wrath burned hotter with each step.

After about twenty minutes of winding through dense trees and thorny underbrush, they came upon a dark, crumbling fortress hidden by shadows and overgrown vines. Verosika shuddered slightly, eyes wide as she took in the foreboding sight. "I'm guessing that's our lovely destination."

Blitzø's eyes gleamed with anticipation. "Oh, you know it is. Let's knock and see if our favorite maniacal raven's home."

Stella took a breath, mentally preparing herself. "Whatever it takes, he won't leave here breathing."

They approached the gate, keeping low and silent. Blitzø signaled for them to stop, holding up a hand as he crouched and pressed his ear to the ground. "Heavy footsteps, just ahead. Sounds like he's got some backup—a small team of demonic lackeys by the sound of it. But nothing we can't handle."

Verosika smirked, cracking her knuckles. "I'll take out the lackeys with Barb, give you both some room to get to the real prize."

Stella nodded, her hand hovering over one of her hidden knives. "Do what you have to. Just make sure no one escapes."

With a flick of her wrist, Stella unsheathed a gleaming flechette blade, the metal catching a faint glimmer of moonlight. Blitzø pulled out his dual pistols, loaded and ready, and Verosika grinned as her wings extended, casting an ominous shadow over the twisted forest floor.

Without another word, Verosika surged forward, leaping over the gate and landing in the center of a group of guards. Her claws flashed in a series of rapid, deadly strikes, taking them down before they had time to react, Barbie Charlie in with her electrified whip and brass knuckles. Blitzø and Stella followed, slipping through the chaos Verosika had created. Stella was a blur of motion, darting between enemies and striking with ruthless efficiency. She fought without mercy, each slice of her blades bringing her closer to Mr. Raven.

A loud, sinister caw echoed from within the fortress as a tall, cloaked figure appeared in the courtyard. Mr. Raven, his dark eyes glinting with malice, clutched a long, twisted staff in his bony hands, his talons scratching the stone beneath him.

"Well, well," he sneered, his voice low and venomous. "The owl princess herself, and her little band of misfits. Come to pay me a visit?"

Stella stepped forward, her eyes flashing with fury. "This ends tonight, Raven. You've threatened my family for the last time."

He chuckled, an unsettling sound that echoed through the courtyard. "Oh, I don't think so, princess. You're all alone here, with no one to hide behind. Your husband isn't here to save you from my darkness!"

Stella tightened her grip on her knives, her voice calm but ice-cold. "I don't need anyone to save me. I'm the one you should be afraid of."

Raven's smile faltered for a split second before he raised his staff, dark magic crackling around it like jagged lightning. He swung it in a powerful arc, sending a wave of cursed energy straight at Stella. She leaped to the side, narrowly avoiding the blast, and retaliated with a series of rapid, precise strikes, her blades glinting as she closed the distance between them.

Blitzø and Verosika flanked Mr. Raven, keeping his attention divided as Stella moved in for the kill. But Mr. Raven was quick, his talons scraping against stone as he dodged her attacks, summoning dark barriers to deflect their blows. His eyes locked onto Stella with an intense, seething hatred.

"You think you can protect them?" he spat, voice dripping with contempt. "Your family is weak. Stolas is weak. And you're just a pretender, my darkness will engulf all!"

Stella snarled, her voice a dangerous growl. "Say what you want about me, but you'll never lay a finger on them."

She lunged forward, landing a deep, slicing blow across his arm. He let out a furious scream, staggering back as blood dripped from the wound. Verosika took the opportunity to leap at him from behind, claws sinking into his shoulders as she drove him down.

Blitzø was quick to follow, firing shot after shot at the struggling Raven. But it was Stella's knife that found its mark, plunging into his chest with brutal precision. She twisted the blade, her expression fierce and unyielding.

"This is for my family," she hissed, watching as the light in his eyes faded.

Stella's knife plunged deep into Raven, no Barbatos and he let out a sickening shriek, his eyes burning with malice even as his inky blood spilled over Stella's hands, coating her in a thick, black sheen. She yanked the blade out savoring the sight of his lifeless form collapsing onto the cobblestone. His blood was sleek and reeked of burnt feathers, but Stella felt only a fierce satisfaction, a thrill surging through her as she straightened herself.

Blitzø let out a low whistle. "Damn Stella," he grinned wide, flicking his tail. "That was……..well, kinda hot!"

Verosika rolled her eyes, nudging him sharply. "Seriously, Blitzo? She's covered in inky blood and guts?"

Barbie Wire still tussling with a hulking henchmen gave a double thumbs up. "Nah, he's right, that was badass!"

But just as Stella let herself savor the rush of victory Stella's triumphant grin faltered as Mr. Raven's—no, Barbatos's—form began to melt away into a pool of oozing, inky darkness. The body she had so confidently slain dissolved into a writhing mass of shadows, its grotesque limbs extending outward like the talons of a monstrous bird. Before she could react, one of those shadowy claws shot forward, seizing her in its cold, unyielding grip.

The air was forced from her lungs as the claw squeezed tighter, lifting her high off the ground. Stella gasped, struggling to breathe as the cold, creeping darkness encased her body, constricting around her like a vice. Her blessed knife clattered to the ground, useless now that it was out of her reach.

"Stella!" Blitzø shouted, his eyes wide with alarm. He fired his pistols at the mass of shadows, but the bullets merely passed through the black ooze, as if it were nothing more than a thick fog.

Verosika snarled, her wings flaring wide as she unleashed a volley of magical energy, pink beams of demonic power slicing through the air. But even her attacks seemed to do little more than slow the monstrous form down. The shadows continued to writhe and solidify, forming the twisted semblance of a bird-like demon, its eyes glowing a sickly green.

Barbatos's voice emerged from the mass, cold and mocking. "You think a mere blessed knife can kill me, girl?" he hissed, his tone dripping with scorn. "I am Barbatos, Earl of the Goetia, wielder of ancient magics beyond your comprehension. You've only made me stronger!"

Stella's heart pounded in her chest, but it wasn't fear for herself that consumed her. If I die here... who will protect Stolas and Octavia? The thought of her beloved family being left vulnerable, without her strength to shield them, was a fate far worse than death itself.

Summoning every ounce of her willpower, Stella twisted her body, straining against the crushing grip of the shadowy claw. She could feel the bruising force pressing into her ribs, her vision blurring at the edges, but she refused to give in. "I... won't... let you... hurt them!" she screamed, her voice raw with desperation.

From the corner of her eye, Stella saw a flash of movement. Barbie Wire came charging in, her whip-like weapon crackling with electric energy. "Hang on, bird lady!" Barbie yelled, leaping into the air with a fierce battle cry. She lashed out with her whip, striking at the base of the shadowy claw holding Stella captive.

For a moment, the darkness shuddered, recoiling as if in pain. Stella could feel the grip loosening, just enough for her to catch a desperate, gasping breath.

Blitzø saw the opening and darted forward, grabbing the blessed knife from the ground. With a wild grin, he tossed it to Stella. "Finish him off, your highness!"

Catching the knife in mid-air, Stella didn't hesitate. She plunged the blade deep into the shadowy mass that formed Barbatos's heart. The blessed metal flared with a blinding, holy light, burning away the darkness like sunlight piercing through fog.

Barbatos let out a deafening shriek, the sound reverberating through the courtyard and shaking the very stones beneath them. His monstrous form began to dissolve, the shadows retreating as if burned by an unseen fire. The claw holding Stella disintegrated, dropping her unceremoniously to the ground.

Panting, bruised, and covered in dark, sticky ichor, Stella pushed herself up on trembling arms. She watched with grim satisfaction as Barbatos's form continued to melt away, his once menacing figure reduced to a pool of inky blackness that evaporated into the air.

"Hell yeah! That's what I'm talking about!" Barbie Wire cheered, fist-pumping the air. "Now that was hot!"

Blitzø gave a low whistle, smirking at Stella. "Gotta say, princess, you sure know how to handle yourself. I'm almost jealous that Stolas gets to keep you."

Verosika rolled her eyes but couldn't help a grin. "Alright, alright, you horny idiots. Let's not forget we still have a job to do."

Stella, still catching her breath, nodded grimly. "He may be gone for now, but we need to double our efforts. Barbatos... he won't stop until he gets what he wants."

Blitzø holstered his pistols with a determined nod. "And neither will we. Let's go finish the job and send any of his remaining goons packing."

As the team regrouped, Stella spared a final glance at the spot where Barbatos had fallen. She couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning. The shadow of his threat still loomed large over her family. But for now, she would savor this victory, however fleeting it might be.

She sheathed her knife, looking towards the mansion where Stolas and Octavia were safe for the moment. No matter what comes next, she vowed silently, I will protect them. I am their shield, their fierce protector. And I will not let anyone take that from me.

The scene unfolded like a twisted tableau of chaos and vengeance. The ruins of the once-grand mansion were now littered with groveling demons—shark-headed mobsters and imps alike—all desperately pleading for their lives. The air was thick with the stench of fear, mingled with the acrid tang of alcohol Stella had just doused them in.

Stella stood before them, her eyes glinting with a cruel, cold fury. Her feathers, still slick with the inky blood of Barbatos, glistened in the dim light. She looked more like a vengeful specter than a noble Goetia, her elegance marred by the bloodstains that streaked her gown. The sight sent chills down the spines of even her allies.

"Please! Lady Stella, we were just following orders!" one of the shark demons begged, his gills flaring in panic. "We didn't mean no harm to your family! It was just business!"

Stella's lips curled into a mocking smile, her crimson eyes narrowing. "Oh, I'm well aware it's just business," she purred, her voice dripping with venom. "But unfortunately for you, my business is ensuring none of you live to crawl back to your master."

Verosika, Blitzø, and Barbie exchanged wary glances. Even Blitzø, who was no stranger to merciless executions, found himself taken aback by Stella's icy ruthlessness. This was a side of her they had never fully witnessed before, and it was both terrifying and awe-inspiring.

"Verosika," Stella commanded, not bothering to turn around. "Do what you do best. Turn these pests into ash."

The pink succubus hesitated for a split second, blinking at the raw intensity in Stella's voice. But then, her trademark smirk returned. "With pleasure, darling," she replied, her eyes glowing with a fiery pink light.

Verosika took a deep breath, her artificial heart humming as it pumped hellfire through her veins. The succubus's chest glowed with a bright, molten pink light as she inhaled deeply, her lungs filling with scorching heat. Then, with a roar that could rival a dragon's, she unleashed a torrent of blazing pink fire upon the pleading mobsters.

The flames erupted in a blinding inferno, consuming everything in their path. The mobsters' screams filled the air, their cries swiftly drowned out by the crackling roar of Verosika's hellfire. The fire fed hungrily on the vodka-soaked demons, turning them into charred husks within moments.

Barbie Wire, leaning casually against a broken column, couldn't help but snicker. "Damn, V, you sure know how to throw a barbecue." She tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Wish I'd brought some marshmallows. This bonfire's perfect for s'mores."

Blitzø let out a bark of laughter, twirling one of his pistols as he watched the flames dance. "Yeah, no kidding! Remind me to invite you to the next I.M.P cookout, V. You're a real hit with the grill."

Verosika shot him a playful wink, her eyes still glowing with the remnants of her hellfire. "Anytime, Blitzy. Though next time, try not to piss me off before I light something up, or you might be on the menu."

Stella stood apart from the group, watching the inferno with a detached satisfaction. There was no remorse in her eyes, no hint of pity for the charred corpses left behind. In this moment, she was not the refined lady of House Goetia but a force of nature—a storm given form.

With a final flick of her wrist, she turned away from the smoldering remains. "Let's move," she ordered, her tone brooking no argument. "We've wasted enough time cleaning up this filth. Mr. Raven's true master won't be pleased when he learns we've eradicated his little gang. We need to be ready for whatever comes next."

Blitzø nodded, holstering his pistol. "You got it, princess. I'll rally the team and see what intel we can squeeze out of the remaining stragglers. We'll find out who's pulling the strings behind this whole operation."

Verosika and Barbie Wire fell in line behind Stella, their banter momentarily silenced by the gravity of what was to come. They all knew that the death of Barbatos and his mobsters was just the beginning. There were darker forces at play, enemies that wouldn't be so easily defeated by fire and bullets.

As they walked away from the ruins, the flames still roaring behind them, Stella couldn't shake the feeling that a storm was brewing on the horizon. But as long as she drew breath, she would protect Stolas and Octavia from whatever horrors the infernal world could throw at them.

Because Stella was more than just a wife, a mother, or even a noble. She was their protector, their avenging angel draped in feathers and blood. And Hell itself would tremble before her wrath.

The aftermath of their harrowing battle against Barbatos left everyone in a state of fragile relief. The dark fortress had crumbled, the inky darkness dissipated, and the threat had been vanquished — at least for now. But the wounds, both physical and emotional, would take time to heal.

--

Stella stumbled through the grand, arched doorway of the Goetia mansion, her once pristine attire now tattered and soaked with the remnants of her confrontation with Mr. Raven. Octavia, her precious daughter, spotted her mother and ran across the marble floor with a cry of joy.

"Mommy!" Octavia's eyes sparkled with tears as she threw herself into Stella's arms, hugging her tightly.

Stella winced at the pain from her bruises but held her daughter close, kissing the top of her head. "I'm here, darling. I'm okay," she whispered, stroking Via's hair, which was as soft as stardust.

Stolas watched from a few steps away, his feathers ruffled with worry. He had begged Stella not to go, had pleaded for her to stay and recover, but Stella had been relentless in her pursuit to protect their family.

Now, seeing her battered form, he couldn't help but feel both relief and frustration. He stepped forward, his eyes softening as he spoke in a hushed tone, "Stella, you were reckless. You could have been killed. I—" He paused, his voice faltering. "If something ever happened to you… if I lost you… I don't know what Via and I would do."

Stella, normally so fierce and unyielding, began to cry silent rivers of tears. It was rare to see her so vulnerable, so raw. "I had to protect our family, Stolas. I had to protect you both," she whispered, her voice breaking.

For a moment, the tension between them melted away. Stolas reached out, gently brushing away her tears with his gloved fingers, a rare gesture of tenderness between them. "Thank you," he murmured, pulling her into a delicate embrace. "Just… please don't do that again."

Verosika, standing off to the side, was visibly moved by the heartfelt scene. She sniffled, dabbing at her eyes with a tissue. "Ugh, damn it," she muttered, trying to hide her tears. "Who knew those two had it in them?"

Meanwhile, Blitzo and Barbie exchanged exaggerated gagging sounds. "Seriously? This isn't a soap opera," Blitzo grumbled, rolling his eyes. "Get a room, you sappy lovebirds."

Barbie snorted. "Yeah, I'm gonna need a barf bag if they keep this up."

--

Elsewhere in the mansion, Moxxie and Millie lay on a lavish, overstuffed bed, their bodies covered in bandages and healing salves. The battle with Barbatos had taken a toll, but they were alive, and that was all that mattered.

Their beloved third partner, Bellina Mileena Bolognese, hovered over them like a perky gothic nurse, her long black and green firey hair tied into messy buns, her dark lips twisted into a playful smirk. The possum demon wore her usual fishnets and black and green laced maid outfit, but she had swapped her combat boots for a pair of fluffy slippers and a nurse's hat atop her head.

"There you go, my loves," Bellina cooed as she ladled out steaming bowls of Cockatrice noodle soup. The aroma filled the room, a comforting mix of spices and herbs that warmed the soul. "The secret ingredient is love... and a little bit of hellfire," she added with a wink.

Millie chuckled weakly, wincing as the motion tugged at her bandaged side. "You always know how to take care of us, Bell."

Moxxie gave her a tired smile, lifting the spoon to his lips. The taste of the soup was like a hug from the inside, chasing away the lingering chill of their ordeal. "I don't know what we'd do without you," he admitted, his eyes soft with gratitude.

Bellina's cheeks darkened, her goth persona momentarily slipping as she blushed. "Oh, stop it, you two. You're gonna make me cry my eyeliner off."

The trio shared a quiet moment, their bond deeper than ever after surviving yet another brush with death. As Moxxie leaned back against the pillows, he couldn't help but reflect on how far they'd come. He had faced down his father, stood up for himself, and found a family that loved him for who he was.

--

In the aftermath of the battle, the Goetia mansion was filled with a sense of peace that hadn't been felt in years. Stolas and Stella, though far from perfect, had found a love between one another, one that would never fade for the sake of their daughter. Octavia had her parents back, even if it was just for this moment, even if they would be busy with royal duties, they were still her fairytale couple.

Blitzo, ever the chaotic leader, was already plotting their next mission, determined to track down Barbatos before he could recover and strike again and any other uppity upper crusts. "Nobody messes with my family and friends and gets away with it," he declared, slamming his fist into his palm.

Verosika and Barbie were right behind him, ready to face whatever hell threw at them next. "Let's make that feathered freak wish he'd stayed dead," Barbie said with a wicked grin.

As the family of misfits banded together, they knew the battle wasn't over. Barbatos was still out there, plotting his revenge, and the underworld was as dangerous as ever. But for now, they had each other, and that was enough.

The future was uncertain, but they would face it together — a strange, chaotic family bound by love, loyalty, and a shared thirst for revenge.

To be continued….