Typhus looked at his phone after he hung up from Carnavont, he knew Octavia would be relieved that Carnavont was able to help save Stolas, but he didn't want to worry her more by telling her that he was in bad shape. It would just make her all the more fearful, but he knew being honest and upfront was best. Typhus sighed a bit, a slight nervousness making him hesitate. He was just glad the others were out doing jobs at the moment, especially Xera and Havoc. Not that their teasing was bad, just embarrassing. Summoning some strength, he pulled up Octavia's number and dialed it.
Octavia was sitting at home, phone by her side. She had been waiting for hours, checking frantically every so often if there was any texts giving updates, worried yet hopeful that the nightmare she experienced would be over and her dad would be safe. She had thought about going to her mother, but no matter how terrified she was, Octavia wasn't about to be ANYWHERE near her uncle. There was Camazotz...but that just seemed weird to do since her mother starting to date her was so new. The only thing Octavia could think to do was just stay at home and wait, though she had barely done much, even eat, as she waited.
When Octavia heard her phone ring she snatched it, bringing it up to see that it was Typhus and answering it with just as much eager haste. "Typhus! has Carnavont…" Octavia answered, her voice full of hesitant hopefulness.
"Hi Octavia, yeah...Carnavont found your father. Apparently the imp that took him went after IMP as well. Although it sounds like possibly only Loona was badly hurt as he didn't mention the others, but I'm not sure so..." Typhus replied.
Octavia blinked. "I see, are they..."
Typhus took a moment before responding. "I don't know Loona's condition but...Carnavont said that Stolas was...not in great shape."
"Oh Satan…" Octavia exclaimed in shocked terror. "Do you know where they are?"
"I'm so sorry...and no, I don't...I know you wanted to hear good news and I wish I-"
"It's fine, thank you Typhus…" Octavia assured, her gratitude clear in her voice.
Typhus blushed slightly. "No problem. Like I said, if you need anything….or someone, you can always reach out…"
Octavia blinked, a slight warmth coming to her cheeks. "Thank you...Hey Typhus–"
Typhus blinked, blushing a bit more. "Y-yes?"
"If I can't find out or get where my dad is...would you want to…hang out when you get off? My dad said you could come over and if I can't see him I'd need someone to just...be with."
Typhus turned dark red. "S-sure."
"Thanks…" Octavia smiled.
"Anytime…" Typhus replied.
The two hung up, Octavia felt more relieved even though she was still very worried about just what state her dad would be in. She was sure that she would hear the news either from the hospital or her mother, at least Octavia hoped given the more pleasant side her mother started to show that she would. At the very least, if she couldn't get to see him whether she knew or not, Typhus was willing to spend some time with her. It was nice of him to be so willing to, he was nice...Octavia felt her cheeks heat up again.
Typhus was completely red as he hung up. The absolute last thing on his mind when he had called was Octavia asking him to be with her. Not that he wouldn't ever be there if she needed someone, he definitely would. Hell, he'd be there for any of his friends, especially Carnavont after all he did for him. But Typhus felt a bit uneasy, worried that it might be taking advantage of the situation. Still, he'd be there if she asked him, no matter the situation. Now, all he had to worry about was how to tell the rest of the team when they got back about the situation when they asked.
Hours passed by as the doctors bandaged and worked on Carnavont, they had been somewhat surprised that the hellhound was still conscious and moving with the injuries he sustained when he arrived. After surgically removing the bullets from him and patching his wounds they moved him to a medical bed for him to rest and wake up on. Opening his eyes Carnavont sat up, looking at his bandaged torso, shoulders, and arms. Yeah, he was definitely going to be benched for a while.
"Oh, you're up, good." A doctor said as he came in to check on Carnavont. "You were in quite the shape when you came in. Thankfully it wasn't anything that we couldn't fix." the plague doctor looking demon commented.
Carnavont nodded. "What's the damage?"
"Well, you'll definitely need to take it easy for a month at least, maybe two. Any more damage to your arms or shoulders and I doubt you'd be able to do whatever it is you do." The doctor explained. "I assume bodyguard or something suited for your species, given what the imps that you came with were saying about you helping the prince survive whatever ordeal he was in."
"Something like that…" Carnavont replied, not really in the mood to fully explain. "Can I at least move about freely or leave?"
"I don't see why not so long as you don't strain yourself." The doctor replied before leaving, stopping at the door to look at Carnavont. "I'm serious, that one shoulder of yours that already had damage needs as little strenuous use as possible for a while. It's surprising that we were able to patch it up, let alone the fact you were using it when you came in." he added before leaving.
Carnavont sat there a moment, going back over the fight in his head as he looked up at the ceiling. That was foolish, completely suicidal. He had let hearing Loona had been seriously hurt and the mental image that it suggested make him irrationally furious. Not that being that protective was anything wrong, but going to the point of being reckless and not even caring about being hit…that didn't help anyone, nor would it mean anything if he died because of it.
"Died...I almost...no, would have died." Carnavont thought, clenching his fist in frustration at himself. What good was he to Loona, to his team, if he let his anger get that out of control? He was the level headed one dammit! The calm, composed center for his team, the driving force they looked to, the one that had them believing and hoping for better after he personally recruited each one. Yes he had his breaking point, yes he was fiercely protective. But he always stayed rational whenever things got tough, whenever the situation got dangerous and injuries were going to happen.
So this, this was something that made him ashamed. Sure it was likely due to the fact Loona was the first girl he dated and REALLY liked, but what would she think of how he reacted? He had respected her capabilities, let her help on a mission, even showed he was patient and cool headed until he was pushed beyond a very far point. And again, while she may not have been that put off, or even possibly admired it, would how reckless he got be as appealing? It wouldn't seem like him...it might even come off, Carnavont shuddered, Blitz-like.
As he sat there, echoes of a memory from long ago came to his mind, dying voices asking him why. Carnavont shook his head. No, not again, he was not going to let rage cloud his actions again. He had already experienced those lessons once years ago and thought he learned from them, the fact he almost died because he let it happen again just made him feel like even more of a fool.
"Not again...never again." Carnavont promised to himself, what good would it do his goals, his team...Loona, if he let himself get killed because he let the anger and rage outweigh and cloud his reason. The thought of Striker having Loona hurt filled his head again, the fury he felt returning, but he fought to keep his senses. Rage like this couldn't be gotten rid of, only harnessed, utilized by taming.
As he sat there, Moxxie and Millie came in, both of them having bandages of their own. "Hey Carnavont, glad to see you're up." Millie said with a smile. "So, how's the damage for you?"
"Well, apparently I can't be doing any field work for a bit, especially if I want to keep one of my shoulders fully usable." Carnavont replied.
"But you can still use it for regular stuff while it heals right?" Millie asked.
Carnavont nodded. "Just so long as it's not too strenuous."
Millie smiled. "Well hopefully you recover quickly."
"Thanks, I-" Carnavont stopped as a portal opened up in front of his bed and his team walked in. "Oh, hey guys." he greeted his team.
"Don't fucking hey guys us!" Xera berated. "What the fuck happened to you?!" she asked. "This, does not look a bit banged up! How bad is it?"
"I'm...benched for a bit. Doctor said it's surprising my already injured shoulder wasn't beyond fixing." Carnavont admitted.
"How long is a bit?" Destra asked.
"...A month, maybe two." Carnavont admitted.
"Oh for fucks sake dude!" Xera continued to berate. "And you say I'm the reckless one!"
"I knew we shoulda ignored his orders and followed him." Havoc commented.
"Fucking right we should've, look at the state he's in. I mean he looks like he became Striker's whipping boy." Xera continued.
"Hate to say told you so sir, but…" Destra chimed in,
Typhus rubbed the back of his head. "Sorry...they insisted after you didn't show and asked about your status and heard about Loona."
"It's fine Typhus. And Fair, but as I said, I'm not going to let you or the business potentially get in trouble for this. I made my choice, and I'd do it again to ensure all of you stay safe from any possible repercussions from interfering." Carnavont stated.
"So...how'd you let yourself get this messed up?" Xera asked.
"I...may have lost control when I heard he had hurt Loona…" Carnavont hesitantly answered.
"Lost control how?" Destra asked.
"I may have…went into a blind unthinking rage…" Carnavont admitted.
His team blinked, staring at him. "Holy shit...I woulda paid to see that." Xera commented.
"Same." Havoc agreed. "So...does that mean Striker's…?"
"Unfortunately no." Carnavont answered.
"How's he NOT fucking dead?" Xera asked in disbelief.
"Probably didn't give much of a choice between killing him or saving Stolas." Zever piped up.
"Knowing Striker's reputation, you're probably right." Destra chimed in.
"That's exactly what happened." Carnavont stated. "Anyway...team, this is Moxxie and his wife Millie. Moxxie, Millie, my team." Carnavont continued as he motioned to the imps and then his team. "You of course can tell who Typhus is."
Typhus blinked before offering a polite smile and bow. "Hello…"
"There's my enthusiastic ranged weapons expert Xera." he said motioning to the smaller of the female hellhounds who looked more trouble causing than fully professional.
"Sup?" Xera grinned.
Carnavont then motioned to Zever. "The serious looking one is my melee specialist Zever."
"A pleasure." Zever slightly bowed.
"Then there's my infiltration and espionage expect Destra, who also helps with recon for jobs and is our sniper along with Xera." Carnavont said as he gestured to the female hellhound that seemed around the same height as Loona, both her and Xera seemed a bit more...voluptuous than most female hellhounds.
Destra smiled, bowing slightly. "Nice to meet you."
"And lastly…" Carnavont said as he motioned to Havoc. "Our explosives expert Havoc."
The fiery coated hellhound grinned, giving a hello motion with two finger. "How's it hangin?"
"Well nice to meetcha, you all were worried about Loona too?" Millie asked.
"Yeah, and not because she's the boss' girlfriend, she's a nice girl." Destra replied.
"Yeah, she's pretty cool, and a hell of a fighter. So to us she's already a friend, so we wanted to check in on her too." Xera added.
"Well ain't ya'll the nicest. And Close knit, kinda like family." Millie smiled.
Destra smiled slightly. "I guess we are, in a way."
Xera grinned. "Well, it's definitely true in one way for some of us." she commented as she nudged Destra who blushed ever so slightly as she smiled. "So, I guess that makes Carnavont what, the dad?" she joked.
Destra chuckled. "He does act like one."
"Although I suppose Zever fits that description more, he can be such a hard ass." Xera mused. "Though I suppose he's more of the strict uncle or perfectionist older son….or the grandpa."
"Amusing, I guess that makes you the unruly kid." Zever shot back, only for Xera to stick her tongue out at him.
"I guess that makes me the cool uncle or older kid." Havoc grinned. "Which leaves Typhus and Destra...I'm guessin either the responsible aunt, older sister, or mother. And Typhus, the baby brother." he said, making Typhus blush as he rubbed the side of his metal arm.
Destra smiled bit. "I can live with either of those."
"I guess that makes me hot for mommy." Xera grinned.
"Xera..." Destra blushed. "...That may be something for later later." she smiled. "But anyway, I wouldn't say Typhus is the baby brother, just the younger." she said as she looked at Havoc. "Which actually makes you the trouble making middle child."
"You mean the cool one." Havoc smirked.
Carnavont blinked. "I don't act like a dad...do I?"
"You kinda do sir." Destra answered.
Millie giggled. "I can see why you all work so well together."
"More cohesive than we can be at times...no offense Millie." Moxxie commented as he looked down.
"What's the matter Mox?" Millie asked as she looked at her husband with concern.
Moxxie sighed. "I can tell we were just lucky to survive and recue Stolas. Before Carnavont arrived Striker was just fucking with us whenever he wanted during our fight. I knew he was good but, I thought we had at least...that I had...you and I would have…" he clenched his fist. "I was so weak, I almost lost you, let us both die because I couldn't even get out from under Striker to try and free you...All I could do was foolishly try to mimic Blitz thinking that it might work. And I don't want you to...have to go through something like…"
Millie looked at him with warm compassionate eyes as she placed her hand on his cheek. "Oh Mox..."
"Don't focus on what happened, or what you couldn't or didn't do." Carnavont said as he glanced over at Moxxie. "Focus on making sure you learn from it. The fact you didn't die and lasted however long you did shows you did likely learn from your last encounter, you're just still in the process of it. Like I apparently am still in the process of not letting my rage control me instead of controlling and using it." he assured. "Besides, when we all took Striker on, I could see you do have some skill, it just needs more refining to where you can take him on. Also, I think Loona has you a bit wrong. You might be kind of a beta male, but you're not that bad."
"Thanks I…" Moxxie blinked. "Wait, WHAT?!"
"No offense meant, and apologies if my terminology is crude. I'm just saying that you're not the strong type like your wife. But what you lack in strength, you have in impressive gun skill that needs nurturing. There is no shame in being a beta male, especially if you stick to and nurture your strengths." Carnavont explained. "You have the capabilities, you just need the confidence and, as said, sharpening of the skills you have."
"Oh...well thanks." Moxxie said as he perked up a bit, at least he was nicer about encouragement than Blitz was.
Carnavont nodded before looking to Millie. "You have very impressive strength and tenacity from what I can tell, but tend to be a bit wild. Nothing wrong with it, but perhaps first get a good grasp of your opponent and adjust accordingly. Sometimes it's best to be cautious in your attacks and be ready for the possibility they might dodge and counter than fully focus on getting a sure kill. Disciplined fighting is often better and more effective, which Zever can attest to, he might even offer some tips if you want."
Millie smiled. "Thanks for the advice."
Carnavont smiled back. "No problem."
"Total dad." Xera said between fake coughs, causing Carnavont to just narrow his eyes, clearly not amused.
"That's our boss, even willing to give tips to business rivals." Destra smiled.
"Hey, if we're going to see which business out lives the other, I want it to be a fair and even competition. I don't want to beat IMP because they got taken out when not on the job or from someone with a bone to pick." Carnavont explained.
Destra shrugged. "Fair enough, it would feel rather hollow."
Millie walked over to Zever, looking up at him. "So, you're the melee expert?"
"I am…" Zever replied.
"What weapon do you use mainly?" Millie inquired. "I'm more partial to my axe, there's just something about the feel of two handing a heavy two edged weapon that makes wielding it special; although I do like a good sword."
"I mostly use knives, but I'm proficient in any melee weapon and have no real preference." Zever answered. "But I know what you mean when it comes to the feel of a certain weapon, there's nothing quite like how more up close and personal a knife lets you be."
"Ha! See, you are a knife boy!" Xera laughed, only for Zever to roll his eyes. "So…" She said as she approached Moxxie. "You're the gun guy from the sounds of it."
"Uh...yeah." Moxxie replied, the female hellhound came to where his horns started to curve back, if a bit taller with a demeanor that screamed that she was only as professional as she had to be. "So...gun expert huh?"
"Fuck yeah!" Xera grinned. "There's just something about the feel of a gun being fired in your hand, the intimacy of disassembling a gun and then reassembling it, the precise loading of the ammunition, the taking of variables to hit a target in and the feeling of a well placed shot. Did you know that the progression of guns using angelic technology–"
"Changed Hell's combative capabilities and methods!" Moxxie said. Well, for someone who seemed to be less than professional, she sure did know her gun history and appreciated the craft.
"Hell yeah!" Xera exclaimed.
"Do I need to be worried?" Destra teased.
"Please, besides, the guy's married sis." Xera scoffed, causing both Moxxie and Millie to have...awkward thoughts in regards to their exact relationship. Of course, it was Hell after all, so it wasn't anything that surprising to them.
"I was actually referring to your love of guns." Destra chuckled.
"Oh, eh, you can't fuck em. At least, if you don't want to die." Xera joked, making Destra roll her eyes. "Seriously though, no thing or one's gonna top you."
Destra smirked. "Likewise."
Xera looked back to Moxxie who just looked at the shorter female with awkward amusement. "Finally! Someone to talk to about the exact differences between guns and their efficiency!" Xera continued. Moxxie smiled, maybe she wasn't so bad. "And appreciates the thrill of just unloading an entire clip, watching as every bullet shreds some poor motherfucker to pieces!" aaaand there it was, the crazed maniac. Oh well, it was better than nothing.
Millie looked to Typhus who was standing a bit off from the others, seemingly not one to socialize unless spoken to. Smiling, she walked over to him. "So, Typhus, nice to meetcha. Carnavont has said very nice things about you."
Typhus blushed, rubbing the back of his head. "Oh..thanks...nice to meet you too ma'am." Typhus replied with a bow.
Millie blinked. "Please, call me Millie, no need to be all formal." she said, it was clear to her what Carnavont meant about coming out of his shell. The poor thing reminded her of Moxxie when they first met, so timid and shy. It was one of the things that interested her about Moxxie that made her want to know more about him. Although Typhus seemed...far more so. Carnavont had mentioned he was their receptionist, and by all the things she could gather, never went out into field work. So the robotic arm, the scars, and the damaged eye...was he...a former pet of someone abusive? It would explain his demeanor.
Millie continued to smile at Typhus. "So, you're friends with with Stolas' daughter…"
Typhus blushed, a blush Millie knew all too well, the same blush Moxxie would do whenever he saw her before and when they started dating. "Y-yeah...I like to think so…"
Millie just smiled knowingly, stepping up on a chair he stood next to and leaning up to his ear. "If she likes you too, you got nothing to fear, just stay positive and keep being you. I wish you luck." she whispered before hoping off and going to talk to Destra, leaving Typhus to blink, blushing a bit more as he slightly smiled.
Stella was preparing to go to Camazotz' to spend the rest of the day with her when one of Andrealphus' servants knocked on her door. "Mistress, there's a call for you from a hospital in Sloth."
Stella blinked. "Come in." When the servant entered and approached she took the phone. "Yes?" Her eyes widened slightly in delight, followed by disappointment mixed with hopefulness. "I see…" Stella said as she played the part of the worried wife. "Thank you for telling me, I'll be there shortly." Hanging up she thought for a moment, thinking about going by herself and leaving Octavia out of the loop until after. But that thought only lasted a moment, that was something her parents would do. Hell, either would not say anything or just say they were dead whether it was true or not. And for all her admitted spite, she was NOT about to be just like them in that regard.
Stella looked at the servant. "Tell Andrealphus I'll be heading to pick up Octavia and take her to see her father, he's taken to the hospital." she informed.
"Of course mistress...out of curiosity, if I might ask, what is the prince's condition?" The servant inquired.
"Critical. He's in bad shape and the doctors are doing what they can, but he's unconscious and they're not sure if he'll pull through." Stella replied, knowing full well this would go straight to Andrealphus. "Though they are hoping to at least stabilize him enough."
"I see, well hopefully things will improve for the prince." The servant said before leaving.
Stella waited a moment, making sure that the servant was well away before opening a portal to Stolas' palace, walking up to and knocking on the door. She waited a moment, then two, then three...she was going to have words with Stolas IF he lived. They had servants for a REASON. At least if he died or stayed in his state she could get the standards of things back in order at the palace. As she made that mental note Octavia opened the door.
"Oh, hey mum…" Octavia greeted her mother.
"Hello Octavia, I just got word about your father being in the hospital. Do you...want to see if you can see him?" she asked. While the concern for Stolas was feigned, there was genuineness when it came to Octavia.
"Yeah." Octavia said as she looked downward, holding her arm.
"I was told he was in bad shape, they might not let you, but we'll see." Stella pointed out. "At the very least, I can go in first and see if it's something you could handle."
Octavia nodded. "Thanks mum…"
"No problem my astral princess." Stella said with a warm smile before opening a portal to Sloth, the two walking through.
After conversing a bit with Carnavont's team Millie looked over to the crimson hellhound. "So, are you confined to the bed or are you free to leave or walk about?" she asked.
"I'm free to go." Carnavont said as he got out of the hospital bed.
"Good, because I was gonna really let you have it if you were stuck here." Xera commented.
"Great, Blitz seems to have settled down and they're letting visitors in to see Loona, so me and Mox was going to see if you were able to see her." Millie explained.
"Sure, just give me a minute, just need to open a portal to my home and get a change of clothes." Carnavont replied
"Sure you'll be able to?" Destra asked.
"It's just opening a portal and changing clothes." Carnavont insisted, starting to open a portal before flinching in pain. Weird, he wasn't in this much pain when escorting Moxxie and Millie...though that was more than likely the adrenaline and focus on making sure Stolas got to the hospital keeping him from feeling any until he relaxed fully.
Destra narrowed her eyes. "Uh-huh…"
Carnavont rubbed the back of his head, making sure to do it slowly. "OK, so I might be a bit too hurt to do it too quickly…"
Zever sighed. "I'll open the portal." he said before opening one right in front of Carnavont's house. "Do you need to have someone assist you sir?"
"No." Carnavont said with a deadpan tone. "I just need to take it a bit slow." he added before walking through, going into his house and picking out a shirt and some pants. He made a mental note to replace what was damaged in the fight before carefully changing and walking back outside, stepping back through the still opened portal. "Alright, good to go." he said as he set the hospital clothing neatly on the bed.
The group made their way out of the room, walking through the hospital to where Loona was put to recover. As Moxxie and Millie got them close to the room Blitz was standing outside, turning his attention to the group and arching a brow as he walked up to them. "Oh, great, you brought the whole fucking circus." he said sarcastically.
"What's your problem asshole?" Xera snapped. "All of us wanted to check in on Loona."
"Hey, fuck you. My day hasn't exactly been peachy, so excuse me for not being in the best mood or thrilled that everyone from a RIVAL business just so happens to want to see my daughter." Blitz countered.
"Well fuck you too!" Xera sneered.
"Fuck you more!" Blitz shot back.
"No, fuck you more!" Xera countered.
"Fuck you!" Blitz shot back as he flipped her off.
"No, fuck you!" Xera retaliated, flipping Blitz off in return.
"...It's almost like watching the same person…" Havoc commented as the two continued their exchange.
"Almost...I'm not sure Xera is as bad as he is…" Zever mused as the two kept at it, Xera proceeding to get up in Blitz's face as they kept at it. "Though I could be wrong…"
"You want to go bitch?!" Blitz challenged as he brought out his gun.
"Ooohohohohooh, bring it asshole!" Xera grinned with murderous intent as she drew two guns.
"That's enough Xera! Stand down, NOW! You are NOT causing a scene in a hospital!" Carnavont barked.
"But this lanky two-toned bitch faced moron is asking for it by insulting us, insulting you!" Xera complained, still up in Blitz's face, neither willing to back off. "I'm sure he won't miss his horns…or dick."
"Keep asking for it short stuff, I've handled dicks bigger and tougher than you, you pint sized chihuahua." Blitz insulted.
"Nice insult, you shrimp headed ass clown. I'm sure cheap or pity dick is all you can get!" Xera fired back.
"I SAID ENOUGH! THAT IS A DIRECT ORDER!" Carnavont shouted before grabbing his shoulder as he flinched.
Xera blinked, glancing at Carnavont when he flinched. "...Fine!" she muttered before reluctantly obeying. As she walked away from the imp she flipped him off once more, motioning to him and then her eyes with her fingers, Blitz flipping her off in return.
Carnavont just sighed. "Look, Blitz. I know today has not been great, I've lived through half of what your day has been. But right now we are not business rivals, right now we are just regular demons in hell who are two species that get the shit end of the deal. And I care for Loona, as much as I can tell you care for the prince, even if you hide it. So please, let her friends, the guy who is dating her, see her while you see if you can check on him." he appealed.
Blitz looked at Carnavont with narrowed eyes. "Don't pretend like you fucking know me or what I'm going through. But fine, you can see her. But so help me Satan if you try to steal her away!"
Carnavont narrowed his eyes. "Whatever she does with her life will be her choice. Not mine, not yours, hers. You need to recognize that she's not some little pup that needs constant monitoring and protection."
"Don't fucking lecture me on how to raise MY daughter." Blitz muttered, staring at Carnavont before sighing. "Whatever, I'm going to see if I can get a drink." he added as he walked off. "And fuck you."
"Fuck you too." Carnavont muttered.
"He means well…" Millie commented. "It's just been a rough day."
"I know, but he needs to sort his shit before it costs him everything." Carnavont commented.
"Like his life." Xera piped in. "God I wanna shoot him."
Carnavont just looked at her. "As much of an asshole as he is, and as tempting as he can make it, he just needs to work through whatever he's dealing with and improve himself."
Xera let out a sigh. "...You're way too nice boss." A sentiment that even Moxxie thought given the interaction that just happened. Not that he wasn't grateful that Carnavont stopped things from escalating further, he just wished Blitz would take some cues from the hellhound...maybe more than a few.
"Trust me, he makes it VERY hard to be…" Carnavont muttered. "Now come on, let's check in on Loona."