Chapter 11:Middle School Musical"
I.M.P got a new file tossed on their desk, it was for a mob boss, a greasy stereotypical Italian wise guy who was in bed with some of Hells overlords to gain power, some FBI agent he "put in cement galoshes" wanted even, and judging by the mile long list of crimes he was an 8 at the very least, the guys name:Bartholomew Bolognese.
The mission to take down Bartholomew Bolognese was one of the more personal ones for Moxxie. The mob boss was a twisted reflection of the life Moxxie had left behind: a brutal, power-hungry man who had betrayed his own family to claw his way to the top. Worse yet, Bolognese had a daughter, Bellina, who reminded Moxxie too much of his own younger self—scared, naive, and trapped in a world she didn't fully understand.
As the team prepped for the mission, Blitzø, Verosika, and Barbie fine-tuned their disguises, while Moxxie and Millie got into character for their undercover roles at Bellina's middle school.
Moxxie stood in front of a full-length mirror, tugging nervously at the hem of his teen girl disguise. His "Moxxine" persona was a try-hard popular girl, complete with a crop top, skinny jeans, and a touch of glittery makeup. His hippy frame was exaggerated in the tight outfit, much to Loona's endless amusement.
Loona, disguised as a brooding, slightly younger transfer student, doubled over with laughter as she took in Moxxie's appearance. "Moxxine, huh? I gotta say, Mox, that 'fat butt' of yours has never looked better!" she teased, clutching her sides.
Moxxie groaned, his face flushing a deep red. "Can we please focus? We have a mission to accomplish!"
Millie, already in character as her spunky skater boy persona, Millard, grinned and threw an arm around Moxxie's shoulder. "Don't worry, sugar! You look cute as a button! No one's gonna suspect a thing. Besides, if anyone gives you trouble, they'll have to answer to me."
"Yeah, sure, but what if I trip over these ridiculous shoes?" Moxxie muttered, glaring down at the chunky platform heels he'd been saddled with.
"Then you just have to play it off," Blitzø said, sauntering over with his usual swagger. "Remember, we're going for maximum infiltration here. Get close to the girl, gain her trust, and find out whatever you can about her old man's compound."
Verosika, adjusting her own disguise—a glamorous but understated soccer mom look that barely concealed her succubus allure—stepped in to smooth things over. "You'll be fine, Moxxie. Just stick to the plan, and everything will go smoothly."
Loona, however, had grown uncharacteristically quiet. She fidgeted with her hands, her usual confidence giving way to a rare moment of insecurity. She'd never been to school before, and the idea of pretending to fit in with human kids—something she had zero experience with—left her feeling uncertain.
Noticing her hesitation, Blitzø softened his tone. "Loona, you good? You've been through tougher situations than this. School's just a bunch of dumb kids trying to out-weird each other. You'll fit right in."
Loona glanced up, meeting his eyes. "Yeah, I know. It's just… what if I mess this up? What if I blow our cover?"
Barbie, leaning against the wall and twirling one of her throwing knives, spoke up. "Kid, if anyone gives you crap, you know how to handle yourself. You're a hellhound. They'll be lucky if all you do is growl at them."
"Besides," Verosika added with a reassuring smile, "You're not going in alone. You've got Moxxine and Millard to back you up. And if things get dicey, you can always use that howl of yours to scare the pants off of them."
Loona smirked at that, her confidence slowly returning. "Yeah, I guess you're right. It's just school, after all. And hey, if things go south, at least I'll get a laugh out of watching Moxxie try to walk in those heels."
Moxxie shot her a withering look. "Glad to be your entertainment sis."
With the pep talk over, the team finished gearing up. Blitzø and Verosika, with Barbie in tow, would stay nearby, ready to back them up if things went sideways. Moxxie, Millie, and Loona were on their own for this part of the mission—deep cover in a middle school full of hormonal, gossip-hungry teenagers.
The ride to the school was tense, but the team kept things light with jokes and banter. Blitzø and Verosika reminded the trio of the importance of sticking to their cover, while Barbie handed out last-minute tips on blending in.
As they approached the school, Moxxie took a deep breath, channeling his nerves into determination. This mission hit close to home for him, and he was determined to protect Bellina from the monster that was her father. If he could save her, maybe it would make up for some of the things he couldn't change in his own past.
Millie squeezed his hand, offering a supportive smile. "We've got this, Moxxine. We're gonna help that girl, and we're gonna take down that bastard."
Loona cracked her knuckles, her earlier hesitation gone. "And if anyone gets in our way, they're gonna wish they hadn't."
With that, the trio stepped out of the car and onto the school grounds, ready to play their parts and get the information they needed to bring Bartholomew Bolognese down.
As they walked through the school gates, they were immediately surrounded by the chaos of middle school life—kids running through the hallways, lockers slamming, and the constant buzz of chatter. Moxxie and Millie stuck close to Bellina, who was easy to spot with her designer clothes and carefully styled hair. She was clearly a girl used to getting what she wanted, but there was a sadness in her eyes that Moxxie couldn't help but notice.
Loona, already slipping into her role as the brooding transfer student, hung back, scanning the halls for any signs of trouble. She had a feeling this mission was going to be a lot more complicated than they had initially thought.
But they were IMP, and no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together.
As the day went on, Moxxie, Millie, and Loona ingratiated themselves into Bellina's life, becoming her new "friends." They tried to gather valuable information about her father's compound, all while keeping their true intentions hidden. Moxxie, despite his initial awkwardness, found himself growing protective of Bellina. He saw so much of his younger self in her—a scared child caught in the crossfire of a violent, uncaring world.
When the final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, the trio regrouped, sharing the intel they had gathered. It wasn't much, but it was a start. They knew the base layout of the compound after Bellina talked about her horse stable, back door she used to sneak out and a few other things.
As they left the school grounds and headed back to their rendezvous point, Moxxie couldn't shake the feeling that this mission was going to be one of the hardest they'd ever faced. Not because of the danger or the difficulty, but because of the emotional toll it was taking on him.
But as Millie squeezed his hand again, and Loona gave him a rare, genuine smile, he knew that no matter what happened, they would get through it together.
Because in the end, that's what family does.
The mission was proving to be a complex and drawn-out affair, with each day bringing new challenges and discoveries. Moxxie, Millie, and Loona had settled into their roles with varying degrees of success, each contributing in their own way to the plan.
Loona, now known as "Lulu Realperson," had quickly established herself as a mysterious figure among the younger students. As a 6th grader, she was not only able to blend in but also sneak around the school with ease. Her brooding demeanor and aloof attitude helped her remain unnoticed by most of the teachers and staff. She would spend her time in the library and administrative offices, discreetly pilfering files and gathering information on Bellina and her family. Her keen eye for detail allowed her to uncover tidbits about the compound's security measures and Bolognese's routines, which she dutifully reported to the rest of the team.
Moxxie, in his guise as "Moxxine Realperson," played the role of the popular mean girl with practiced ease, or so he thought as he came across as cringe. His transformation into a high-maintenance, socially influential student allowed him to worm his way into Bellina's inner circle even if she seemed needy. Moxxine's charm, combined with a practiced air of superiority, made it easy to win over Bellina's clique. Despite his initial trepidation about the role, Moxxie quickly realized how much he could leverage the popularity to glean more information. It was clear to him that beneath Bellina's facade of entitlement and arrogance lay a profound sadness. Moxxie saw much of his own past in her and resolved to help her in any way he could.
Millie, who had taken on the persona of "Milliard Realperson," was the most successful in her disguise as the school's top athlete and guitarist. Her spunky, carefree attitude and impressive skills on the skateboard and guitar made her a hit with the student body. Bellina's clique, initially skeptical, was soon enamored with Milliard's charm and abilities, the popular girls practically foaming at the mouth due to his rizz. However, Bellina herself remained aloof, her disdain for "Mr. Perfect" clear. Despite this, Millie's popularity provided the team with ample opportunities to gather information and observe the daily life of the Bolognese family as Bellina's crew simped hard fofor Millard.
The trio had established a routine. Lunchtimes became their designated debriefing sessions. They would gather at a secluded corner of the cafeteria, away from prying eyes, to share their findings and strategize their next steps. Today was no different, as they settled into their usual spot, each carrying a tray of cafeteria food—albeit not the finest.
"So, Lulu," Moxxie started, taking a bite of his unappetizing sandwich, "what did you manage to dig up today? Any new intel on Bellina or her family?"
Loona, having taken a more practical approach to her meal, nonchalantly slid a folder onto the table. "I managed to get my hands on some files from the teacher's lounge and the admin office due to home visits. It looks like Bolognese's compound has a mix of standard and high-security areas. There's a lot of footage from security cameras, and it seems like he's got a few personal guards. I also found out that the compound's alarm system has a three-layered security check—one at the entrance, one inside the main hall, and one at the personal quarters."
"Sounds like a fortress," Millie said, her eyes widening at the prospect. "Good thing we've got the inside scoop. And how about you, Moxxine? Any breakthroughs on getting closer to Bellina?"
Moxxie sighed, pushing his empty tray aside. "It's a work in progress. I managed to get invited to a few of her private parties and hangouts. She's definitely got issues—feels like she's constantly putting up a front. I think she's got some kind of deep-seated loneliness. She's not as comfortable with her position as she tries to act. I'm trying to get closer, but it's tricky. She keeps pushing people away."
Millie raised an eyebrow. "So she's a bit of a mess underneath it all? That's rough. But if we can get her to trust us, it might make our job easier."
Loona nodded in agreement. "Exactly. If we can get close enough to her, we might be able to find out more about her dad's security and how we can get in."
As they continued discussing their strategy, Bellina's clique passed by, their attention momentarily diverted by Milliard's impressive skateboard tricks. Bellina, trailing behind her friends, cast a scornful glance at Moxxie and his new friends.
"Mr. Perfect and the wannabe popular girl," she muttered under her breath. "I can't believe they think they belong here."
Moxxie shot her a sympathetic look. "If only you knew how much I understand."
Millie, noticing the interaction, leaned in. "Looks like we're making an impression, even if it's not always the best one."
Loona smirked, enjoying the drama. "Well, as long as we're in her orbit, we're doing our job."
Millie grinning big shot double finger guns while leaning. "I think I know what to do to get us closer!" Millard(Millie) back flipping onto a lunch table started to sing. "Ah-Wa-oh, every day as I walk around school I can't help but notice all these cute girls around!" Millard pointing at Bellina's clique who all pointed at one another, Bellina just rolling her eyes.
"Ah-wa-oh I know I'm nothing special, just a common dude, but I'd totally like to hang out with you, I know I can't offer much but you really astound, so let me try, let me see, I wanna know if any of you wanna be with me?"
The other popular girls encircling him hearts in their eyes, Milliard's rizz positively infectious. "Ah-wa-oh all I wanna know is can you see that even if I'm a regular Joe you should be with me, I can't offer much just my heart, my skills, my musical art!"
Millard dramatically grasped at the sky with a cute and pouty look. "although I'm simple and plain I want to try and make you girls scream my name!"
"I know I'm nothing special. I'll tell you it's true!" one of the popular girls Missy, not to be confused with Sissi or Lissy, had crawled up the table.
"Millard, I baked a cake for you!" the other girls Sissi, Lissy, and even Staci with an I all showered Millard with gifts carrying him off, Millie thinking smugly. "Jackpot 4 out of 5!"
Their lunch break ended, and the trio went their separate ways, each with their own tasks. Moxxie would continue working his charm on Bellina, Millie would maintain her popular status while keeping an eye out for useful information, and Loona would keep digging into the school's hidden corners.
The days stretched on, each one bringing them closer to their objective. The mission had its challenges, but the team was determined. They knew that if they played their cards right, they could not only complete their mission but also make a significant difference in Bellina's life.
In the meantime, the team had become more of a family than ever, their interactions filled with a mix of camaraderie, playful banter, and genuine concern for one another. Their roles in each other's lives had evolved, and the line between mission and personal connection had blurred, making their collective effort all the more meaningful.
The days at school became a carefully orchestrated routine. Each member of the team continued to play their role, gathering intelligence and deepening their undercover personas.
Loona, as "Lulu Realperson," found herself increasingly absorbed in the middle school environment. Though initially uncertain and hesitant about her place, she adapted quickly. Her brooding nature and sharp instincts allowed her to gather crucial information about Bellina's personal life and her father's compound. She learned about Bellina's daily schedule, the layout of the school, and the various routines that took place. Despite her unease, Loona's diligence paid off as she uncovered hidden files and secret notes that painted a clearer picture of the Bolognese family's security.
Moxxie, or "Moxxine Realperson," continued his role as the popular mean girl. His efforts to ingratiate himself with Bellina's clique were met with mixed results. While he successfully gained Bellina's attention and began to uncover details about her home life, he found himself conflicted. Seeing Bellina's loneliness firsthand tugged at his heartstrings. He began to question the morality of their mission, wondering if there might be a way to help her without causing harm.
Millie, in her role as "Milliard Realperson," thrived in her new persona. Her popularity soared as she excelled in sports and music, quickly becoming the talk of the school. Her friendly demeanor and impressive talents made her a hit with the student body, but it also meant she had ample opportunity to observe the interactions between Bellina and her family. Millie's natural charisma and ability to connect with others provided invaluable insights into the dynamics of the Bolognese household.
One afternoon, while they were huddled together in their usual corner of the cafeteria, Moxxie looked particularly troubled.
"Guys," he began, his voice tinged with frustration, "I'm starting to feel like this mission is getting too complicated. Bellina's not just some spoiled brat. She's genuinely hurting, and I don't know how to balance my role here with what we're supposed to be doing."
Millie, ever the supportive friend despite being surrounded by gifts, placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Moxxie, I get it. It's hard when you start seeing the human side of your target. But remember, we've got a job to do. If we can help Bellina while taking down her father, it'll be worth it, in the meantime I got like six different dates to go on."
Loona, meanwhile, had been reviewing some files she had stolen. "I think I've got something," she said, her eyes scanning the documents. "There's a list of the guards, their schedules, and some notes on the compound's security systems. We need to figure out how to exploit these weaknesses."
As they studied the documents, the conversation shifted to their plans for the next steps. The trio agreed that they needed to gather more information about the Bolognese compound and its defenses. Their primary goal was to find a way to infiltrate the compound and gather evidence that would justify their hit.
Bellina had remained aloof to Millard but had started to warm up to Moxxie, who was slowly breaking through her walls. One afternoon, after a particularly rough day at school, Bellina confided in Moxxine.
"You know, it's weird," Bellina admitted, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Everyone here thinks I have everything. They don't see that I'm just lonely. My parents don't really understand me, and sometimes I feel like I'm just a trophy for my dad."
Moxxie, though conflicted, managed to offer some words of comfort. "You're more than just a trophy, Bellina. Sometimes, it's okay to feel lost. But you have to remember, you're not alone."
Bellina looked at Moxxie with a mixture of surprise and relief. "Thanks,Moxxine. That means a lot."
Their conversation was cut short by the lunch bell, signaling the end of the break. Moxxie watched Bellina walk away, her shoulders slumped. It was clear that his undercover mission was becoming more than just a job—it was starting to touch him personally.
Later, as the team gathered in their cover house to debrief, Moxxie shared his growing concerns. "Bellina's really struggling. I'm not sure if I can just use her to get what we need. She's been through a lot."
Blitz, ever pragmatic, furrowed his brow. "I get it, Moxxie. But we have to remember why we're here. If you can use this connection to our advantage, great. But if it starts interfering with the mission, we need to reevaluate."
Verosika, sitting in her human disguise, chimed in with her usual mix of pragmatism and empathy. "Moxxie, your compassion is commendable, but our primary goal is to stop Bolognese. If you think you can find a way to help Bellina without compromising the mission, we're all for it. Just be careful not to get too emotionally involved." Verosika patted Moxxie on the head, tapping one of her feet repeatedly. "Maybe this will help?"
"Take the Shot, Baby!"
"(Intro)
Come on, Mox, don't get cold feet,
We've got a job, and it's pretty sweet,
A little bit tricky, but nothing we can't do,
I'm here to keep you steady, and help you see it through!" Verosika danced around Moxxie, her eyes closed while cracking her long pink tail.
(Verse 1)
"Look, kid, I know it's tough when you start to care,
But we've got a mission and we've got to be fair,
Sure, Bellina's cute, with those eyes so wide,
But don't forget who's standing on the darker side."
Verosika sitting on a barstool and twirling.
(Pre-Chorus)
"This ain't a love story, no time to lose track,
We've got a score to settle, and there's no turning back,
Her daddy's a devil, and not the fun kind,
So shake it off, babe, keep the goal in your mind!"
(Chorus)
"Take the shot, baby, don't let your heart weigh ya,
It's all part of the game we play, yeah!
Sure, we'd love to keep her free from pain,
But her father's gotta go, or it's all in vain!
Take the shot, baby, keep your focus tight,
You've got the aim, now just do it right,
No room for feelings when the stakes are hot,
So come on, Moxxie, baby, just take the shot!"
Verosika now doing a flash dance pose on the kitchen counter, turning her head and winking at Moxxie, this all making him VERY uncomfortable.
(Verse 2)
"You're thinking too much, lost in that little kiss,
But honey, let me tell you, that's no reason to miss,
You can dream of better endings, a life full of grace,
But this ain't that story, it's a deadly race!" Verosika leaned forward, kicking her legs while laying on her stomach, booping Moxxie's nose playfully.
(Pre-Chorus)
"She's sweet, I know, but that don't change the plot,
Her dad's a monster, and whether you like it or not,
You've gotta stay sharp, don't let it slip,
We're professionals, Mox, now get a grip!"
Verosika cupping Moxxie's cheeks and staring him in the eyes.
(Chorus)
"Take the shot, baby, don't let your heart sway ya,
We're in the game, and you know it'll pay ya!
Yeah, we'd love to spare her, keep her safe and clean,
But the world ain't soft, and we ain't pristine!
Take the shot, baby, keep your aim on the prize,
The truth's in the barrel, just open your eyes,
No room for doubt when the moment gets hot,
So come on, Moxxie, darling, just take the shot!"
(Bridge)
"Oh, I know it's a twist, but it's part of the show,
In this line of work, we all learn to let go,
You can't save 'em all, but you do what you can,
Just remember, Moxxie, you're the hitman, not the man!"
(Breakdown - Jazzy Instrumental)
Trumpets flare, saxophones swing, Moxxie looks conflicted as he looks around seeing Millie playing a trumpet, Blitzo a sax, Barb a triangle and Loona cymbals.
(Final Chorus)
"Take the shot, baby, don't let your heart weigh ya,
It's all in the plan, and you know I'll stay ya!
Sure, it'd be nice if the world was kind,
But we're in too deep, leave the past behind!
Take the shot, baby, trust what you know,
You're a pro, so let that bullet flow,
We're almost there, don't miss your spot,
Come on, Moxxie, baby, just take the shot!"
Millie leaping in having been playing a trumpet.
(Outro)
"Yeah, take the shot, take the shot, don't let it drop,
We've got a target, now climb to the top!
It's a game we play, but we're in control,
So take that shot, baby, and own your role!" Millie finishing up high firing Verosika.
Moxxie, still conflicted, ran to the room he was staying in and hyperventilating, Verosika just shrugging nonchalantly as she sat her butt on the counter and grabbed a bottle of wine.
Meanwhile, Loona and Millie had been focusing on gathering the final details they needed. Loona's research revealed crucial information about the compound's security, including weak points that could be exploited. Millie's rapport with Bellina's friends provided additional insights into the family's dynamics and the layout of their estate.
As the days progressed, the team prepared for the operation. They planned to strike at night when the security was lower, using the weaknesses Loona had discovered. The goal was to retrieve vital evidence of Bolognese's crimes and then deal with him accordingly.
Before the mission, Blitz gathered everyone for a final briefing. "Alright team, this is it. We've got the intel we need, and we know where and when to hit. Remember, we're here to get the job done. Let's be sharp and keep each other safe."
The grand Bolognese mansion, lit up with opulent chandeliers and adorned with lavish decor, had never looked so inviting. Tonight was the night the IMP crew would execute their carefully planned operation. Moxxie, Millie, and Loona had successfully infiltrated the Bolognese household, with Moxxie posing as Moxxine, Millie as Milliard, and Loona as Lulu. Blitz, in disguise as "Krieg Realperson," would blend in as the businessman dad, while Verosika and Barbie would assume their human forms as "Veronica Realperson" and "Barbara Realperson," respectively.
The Bolognese family sat around a grand dining table, enjoying a sumptuous meal. Bartholomew, the imposing mob boss, took pride in showcasing his daughter Bellina's accomplishments. "Look at my little Bellina," he boasted, his voice echoing through the room. "Never seen a child so bright and accomplished. She's practically a show dog, huh? State equestrian champ, state fencing champ, lead ballerina in her class, sings like a songbird, most popular kid in school and with impeccable taste!"
Bellina, visibly uncomfortable, shifted in her seat, trying to avoid eye contact. Moxxine, in her role as the popular mean girl, plastered a bright, albeit fake, smile on her face. "Wow, Bellina, your dad really loves bragging, huh?"
Millard, leaning back with a relaxed posture, raised an eyebrow at Bellina. "Yeah, he's pretty much turning you into the family trophy. But hey, your dad's got some serious bragging rights."
Meanwhile, Barbie was working her charm on the guards, a group of mob enforcers who seemed rather taken with her flirty demeanor. "So, how's a tough guy like you doing tonight?" Barbie asked one of the guards, her voice dripping with playful seduction. The guard, blushing and stumbling over his words, could barely maintain his composure.
"Uh, just, you know, protecting the boss's family," he managed to mumble, clearly flustered by Barbie's attention.
"Really? So……I notice you don't have a ring on?" She gives a flirty wink making the guard blush more. "How about I make your job a bit more interesting, big man?" licking her lips a bit.
"Um, well I guess? I have a room upstairs." A sinister grin now on Barbie's face as she heads upstairs with the bodyguard.
Verosika found herself in a more somber conversation with Bethany Bolognese, who was sipping from a glass of wine, her eyes glazed over. Verosika, using her magical disguise, had opted for a subtle touch of sophistication as Veronica Realperson. "I'm sorry to hear about your troubles, Bethany," she said, gently. "Sometimes, it's hard to find happiness when everything feels so… dull."
Bethany sighed deeply. "You wouldn't understand. Bartholomew sees me as a trophy, not a partner. I feel like I'm just a pretty face on his arm. He never even notices how much I'm struggling or all the work I've had done."
Verosika, though not truly human, empathized with Bethany's plight, feeling a pang of sympathy for the woman. "Sometimes, it's not about being noticed but about finding the strength to notice yourself."
Later that evening, as the dinner wrapped up and the guests were settling in, Moxxine found herself alone with Bellina in her room. The room was a showcase of trophies and awards, the light of the moon casting a soft glow on them. Bellina, sitting on her bed, looked more vulnerable than the confident persona she projected at school.
"Your room is amazing," Moxxine said, genuinely impressed. "You've accomplished so much."
Bellina shrugged, trying to mask her emotions. "Yeah, but it's not all it's cracked up to be. Sometimes, I just want to be… normal. To be happy."
Moxxine, drawing on her own experiences of loneliness and fear, nodded understandingly. "I get that. I used to be scared all the time, feeling like I was never enough. But, you know, it gets better when you find people who care about you."
Bellina looked at Moxxine, her eyes softening. "You're lucky. You've got a family that loves you."
Moxxine hesitated, then decided to weave a story. "Well, my family… isn't exactly what it seems. We were adopted, and my dad… he was kind of like yours, always more focused on achievements than on actually being there for us."
Bellina's eyes widened, and before Moxxine knew what was happening, Bellina leaned in and kissed her deeply. Moxxine froze, taken aback by the sudden display of affection.
Bellina pulled back, her face flushed. "I… I didn't know how to say this, but I've always liked girls. I don't care about all the stuff my friends are into. I just… I just felt a connection with you."
Moxxine's heart raced, her thoughts in disarray. "Bellina, I… didn't know how to respond. I didn't expect this."
Before the awkwardness could settle, Millard(Millie), who had been monitoring the situation closely, felt a surge of jealousy. She clenched her fist so tightly that it left an impression in the wall with a loud crack as Millard walked over and pulled Moxxine away. "Moxxine, we need to stay focused We've got a job to do!"
After the awkward moment Moxxine was lying in her sleeping bag staring at the mural painted on Bellina's ceiling, Moxxine teaching out for the flowery, starry mural a melody escaped Moxxie's lips.
Song Title: "Caught in the Crossfire"
(Verse 1)
"I came here on a mission, thought it'd be so clean,
Disguised myself as Moxxine, a dramatic teenage queen,
Bellina kissed me under stars that shone too bright,
Now I'm tangled in her story, and something don't feel right."
(Pre-Chorus)
"Her eyes, they saw through the mask I wore,
I swore I'd finish this, but I'm not sure anymore,
Her laughter's in my head, echoing through my mind,
Is it just the job, or is it something I can't find?"
(Chorus)
"Caught in the crossfire, between love and fate,
Her father's sins are heavy, but now it feels too late,
Am I just projecting all the hurt I've known,
Or is Bellina the light I've never been shown?
Caught in the crossfire, I'm stuck in between,
Her innocence and the darkness, a deadly unseen."
(Verse 2)
"She smiles like she's free from the world's twisted strings,
But behind her father's wealth, there's a cruelty that stings,
He's the monster I've known, just like the man I fled,
Now I'm second-guessing the target I'm meant to leave dead."
(Pre-Chorus)
"Her heart, it beat so close against my chest,
Now I question every move, every word I've repressed,
Could I save her, or destroy her world in a blink?
I'm drowning in confusion, too torn to think."
(Chorus)
"Caught in the crossfire, between love and fate,
Her father's sins are heavy, but now it feels too late,
Am I just projecting all the pain I've known,
Or is Bellina the chance at love I've never been shown?
Caught in the crossfire, I'm stuck in between,
Her innocence and the darkness, a deadly unseen."
(Bridge)
"What if she knew who I really am?
Would she still see me as her lamb?
I can't kill her hope, can't break her dreams,
But this hit, it's haunting at the seams…"
(Final Chorus)
"Caught in the crossfire, between love and hate,
Her father's sins are heavy, but now I hesitate,
Am I just a fool for letting my guard fall low?
Or is Bellina the girl I was never meant to know?
Caught in the crossfire, I'm stuck in between,
Her innocence and the darkness, a deadly unseen."
(Outro)
"I came here with a purpose, but now I see the light,
Bellina, you're the spark that makes me want to fight…
For something more than just the end of his line,
But can I pull the trigger, knowing you'll never be mine?"
Moxxine gets up from the sleeping bag and walks to an antique mirror, Moxxie looking his disguised body over. "I'm two people in love with two different women, but is Moxxine in love with Bellina?" Moxxie pulling out one pigtail exposing his horn and smearing half his makeup. "Or am I? Whats real, who am I really now?"
Millie walking into the room still in his Millard disguise pulled Moxxie out by his exposed horn.
Moxxie, Millie, and Loona shed their disguises and rejoined Blitz, Barbie, and Verosika, disabling the alarms from the inside to let the others in, well Blitz and VerosikaBarbie was oddly still inside the house. They stealthily entered the Bolognese mansion to confront Bartholomew and his enforcers.
As they moved through the mansion's halls, Moxxie was haunted by the sight of Bellina's trophies, awards and her innocent sleep, a content happy smile on her face, it made his heart ache."I hate this," he murmured. "I hate that we have to hurt people like this."
Millie, usually the no-nonsense one, snapped him out of his guilt. "Moxxie, we've got to stay on mission. If you let your emotions cloud your judgment, we all risk failure."
As they approached Bolognese's office, they encountered a few enforcers. With quick and efficient movements, Blitz and Barbie took them out, leaving no trace of their presence as they stuffed bodies in closets.
However, as they moved through the mansion, Bellina stirred from her sleep and ventured out into the hallway. Seeing Moxxie's true form startled her. "Moxxine? What's going on?"
Moxxie, torn between his mission and his feelings, tried to calm her. "Bellina, I'm sorry. I'm not who you think I am. We… we're here to stop your father. It's not what you think."
Before Bellina could fully process what was happening, Millie, in a no-nonsense tone, ordered Moxxie, "Take her down if you have to! We can't let her interfere."
Moxxie hesitated but ultimately decided to knock Bellina out gently, punching her in the gut then gently setting her down making sure she wouldn't be harmed severely. He hated to do it but knew it was necessary.
Finally, the team confronted Bartholomew Bolognese. He was bewildered to see demons in his mansion, his disbelief palpable. "Demons? This can't be real! He promised!"
Blitz, with a grin, delivered the final blow, pulling out his gun and ending Bolognese's reign of terror with a long *BANG*. As the operation concluded, Moxxie, Millie, and Loona regrouped with the others, the weight of their actions heavy on Moxxie's shoulders.
Moxxie glanced one last time at the photos and documents detailing Bolognese's crimes. He hoped that, in the aftermath, Bellina would find a way to escape the shadow of her father's crimes and carve out a better future for herself.
As the team left the Bolognese mansion, Moxxie couldn't shake the memory of Bellina's kiss and the sadness in her eyes. Millie, though supportive, was still grappling with her own feelings of jealousy and frustration.
Back at their office in hell, Verosika and Barbie provided comfort and a sense of normalcy tossing out snacks and drinks.
As they regrouped, Verosika commended them for their successful mission. "Well done, everyone. We've taken a significant step forward. But remember, there will always be more to do. Let's keep our focus and continue making a difference."
Moxxie, despite his emotional turmoil, knew that the IMP family would help him through it.
They had completed their mission, but the personal connections and moral complexities lingered. The team, united in their shared experiences, prepared for whatever challenges lay ahead, Moxxie knowing that their bond as a "found family" would guide him through the darkest times, something he had not known until now.
Loona, now more comfortable with the team dynamic, teased Moxxie about his "fashionable" disguise as she celebrated their success, remarking how those shorts "made his already big butt look extra huge!". Moxxie, although still troubled by his emotions, was grateful for the support and camaraderie of his new family, even his new little sisters teasing, even if he still felt this pang of guilt.
to be continued...