A day had passed, and things were back to normal—or as normal as they could be in Hell.
Millie and Moxxie were still feeling guilty about the events of the previous day. During dinner, Millie apologized softly to Eli. "It was partly my fault to begin with." She admitted. "I should've given you proper training before bringing you along."
Moxxie, on the other hand, refuted with a downcast expression. "Things wouldn't have escalated if I hadn't messed with Sir's shot." He said quietly.
Eli gave them both a warm, genuine smile. While their words had some truth to them, Eli believed that anything could've happened in that situation, regardless of preparation. To reassure them, he pulled them into a hug, hoping to show his appreciation and stop their self-blame.
Millie was the first to break into tears, clinging to Eli tightly. Moxxie gave a small smile and joined the embrace, wrapping his arms around both his wife and their foster son. Then, with renewed determination, Moxxie promised, "I'll be the best father I can be, Eli." His voice wavered slightly as he added under his breath, "I'll be better than him."
Eli didn't comment on the last part but squeezed them both tighter.
The next day, the trio entered the I.M.P headquarters, where Loona immediately wrapped Eli in a tight hug.
"Unholy shit, kid." Loona muttered, her brow furrowed. "Are you trying to scare me? If you are, you're doing a great fucking job at it." She reluctantly let him go but placed her hands on her hips. "If I'd known something like that was gonna happen, I'd have never left you with Blitz."
Millie smiled at the display of Loona's hidden soft side, while Moxxie stood nearby, watching with a mild frown. He wasn't entirely sure Eli was safe around Loona.
Noticing his sour expression, Loona flipped him off without hesitation.
"And now I'm convinced she'll be a terrible influence." Moxxie deadpanned.
Millie giggled, hugging Moxxie tightly. She found his protective streak adorable.
"Looney is not a bad influence." Blitzo chimed in, strolling into the room with the grimoire in hand. "If anything, you'll be the bad influence when you start rubbing your god-awful taste in music on him."
Moxxie shot his boss a weak glare as Blitzo smirked smugly.
"Now come on." Blitzo announced, handing the grimoire to Eli. "We've got to pick up the feathered prick and his brat."
Eli accepted the grimoire, though as he held it, he felt something strange—like a pulse of energy flowing through his veins. He shook it off, assuming it was just his imagination.
Millie gleefully grabbed Eli in a headlock, nearly vibrating with excitement. "You hear that, sugar? We're going to your Ma's favorite theme park!"
Moxxie sighed but couldn't suppress a small smile as he watched his wife's joy. Her happiness was contagious, after all.
Blitzo turned to Loona. "Wanna come, Looney?"
Loona pretended to consider the offer, tapping her chin dramatically. "Hmm... let's see. No. Bye." She quickly exited before Blitzo could protest.
Blitzo shrugged. "Oh well. Let's find out if a living soul can travel to another ring." He led the group to the van, and they headed for the Goetia mansion.
At the Goetia Mansion
"Seriously, Dad? Why?" Octavia groaned, her voice laced with irritation.
Octavia is a tall and slim adolescent avian demon who, similar to her father, has the appearance of an owl with unkempt, slate-gray feathers, which forms into back-length and shaggy-styled hair with bangs. Her eyes sport pink sclera and bright white pupils, and her long pointed fingers are colored white.
Her small beak is colored in black, and her long tail feathers sport tips which are a slightly darker shade than her feathers. She bears traits from both of her parents - having her father's white mask-like face with her mother's eyes and figure. She also wears soft-purple eyeshadow on her eyelids.
"You used to love Loo Loo Land, Via." Stolas replied, smiling warmly.
"Yeah, when you and Mom weren't fighting." She muttered. "And why do we even need bodyguards?"
Stolas sighed theatrically. "Sweetie, we're rich, powerful, and sexy. Plenty of demons want our money and our bodies."
"Mostly the money." Octavia muttered. "But why does it have to be him?"
"You'll understand one day." Stolas said, unfazed.
"I hope not." She murmured.
Just then, a van pulled up outside, and the I.M.P crew climbed out wearing professional bodyguard attire. Eli's outfit stood out—a dark, Assassin's Creed-inspired cloak that obscured his face. He'd wanted to wear his hoodie, but Blitzo had insisted they look professional, so they improvised.
"Oh, look at you, Blitzy~," Stolas purred, his tone dripping with flirtation. "So professional."
Blitzo grimaced as Octavia groaned, burying her face in her hands.
Meanwhile, Millie fussed over Eli, slipping knives and daggers into various spots on his cloak. Moxxie was more restrained, handing him a revolver and slipping it into a concealed holster.
Eli sighed, thinking the arsenal was unnecessary, though Octavia's curiosity was piqued.
"Who's that guy?" She thought, glancing at him. "He looks like he's a couple of years younger than me."
"Just get in the van already." Blitzo called out irritably.
"How commanding of you." Stolas cooed but obediently climbed inside.
Octavia grumbled but followed, taking a seat next to Eli.
The van ride was eventful, with Stolas flirting endlessly with Blitzo, much to the latter's annoyance and Octavia's chagrin. Millie and Moxxie whispered sweet nothings to each other, making plans for their day.
Octavia slouched in her seat, her head resting on her hand as she glanced at Eli. "So… what's your story?" She asked, feigning disinterest.
"Nothing interesting." Eli replied curtly, staring at the van's floor.
"Sure." She said sarcastically. "A guy wearing a hood to hide his face is totally boring."
Eli glanced at the front mirror, catching Stolas's gaze. "Prince?" He asked.
"You can trust my little starfire." Stolas said reassuringly.
Eli pulled down his hood, revealing his human face. Octavia's eyes widened.
"What the fuck? You're human?" She exclaimed.
"Yes," Eli answered simply, his expression unreadable.
Octavia settled slightly but frowned. "Okay, I'm asking again—what's your story?"
"Classified information." Blitzo interjected from the driver's seat. "The fewer people who know, the better."
"What!? Dad!" Octavia protested.
"Sorry, sweetie." Stolas said with a small smile. "I have to agree with Blitzy."
Octavia huffed, crossing her arms.
Eli sighed, pulling his hood back up. After a moment, he reached into a hidden satchel and offered her a book.
Octavia eyed the book suspiciously before taking it with a grumble. "At least he's thoughtful." She thought.
Millie vibrated with excitement in her seat while Moxxie tried to keep her still. Both were thrilled at the budding interaction between their boy and Octavia.
Stolas also watched with a pleased smile.
Octavia occasionally asked Eli questions, and he answered in his usual monotone voice. Despite her grumbles, she seemed intrigued.
After a few hours, the van pulled into the Greed Ring, where Loo Loo Land awaited them.
A/N: Next chapter is Loo Loo Land! Sorry if it's a little dissapointing, but it isn't easy to write everything you know. I could expand, but updates will became slow. I'll let you guys decide. Do you want it expanded but with slow updates or keep it as it is and I'll update everyday... maybe.
Shorts sounds interesting I might do it, but not now. Let me at least get to the Harvest Moon Festival chapter before deciding.
Will I make Millie confront my OC's family. Yes, I will, but it will be on future chapters.
I never really introduced my OC huh? Well, for starters he is inspired by the seer in the game Identity V. He's 14. Likes owls and snakes. For the name well... I'm not very creative :(
