Playdates
A few weeks since Blitzo started attending Elementary School, Verosika was dropping Blitzo off at school until Ms. Mayberry confronted her
"Excuse me, are you Blitzo's caretaker?" Mayberry said
"I am, & you're his teacher?" Verosika asked
"Yes, I'm Ms. Mayberry, & the parents of a few of my other students wanted me to give you these letters." Mayberry said as she gave him 4 letters
"Letters from other parents? Why?" Verosika said confusingly
"I don't really know, they just told me to give them to you, I have to get to work, have a good day." Mayberry said as she went into the schoolhouse
"What would the parents want with me?" Verosika said
When Verosika got home
"Hey girl, how's it going?" Kiki said
"The teacher gave me these letters from other parents." Verosika said
"Did you read them yet?" Josh said
"No, but I'm confused, what happened that made the parents write letters to me." Verosika said "Don't tell me Blitzo has been causing trouble at school."
"That can't be the case, if he was, the school would've called us." Vortex said
"You're right, but I hope it's not some kind of complaint about Blitzo being the first & only Hellborn of Sin Elementary." Verosika said worriedly "Oh god, I hope it's not some kind of racist threat."
"Well, let us see them." Apple said
After Verosika opened the letters & read them
"Well?" Kat said
"They're invitations for playdates with their children." Verosika said
"Oh, I guess their kids liked Blitzo so much, they want to invite him over to play." Apple said "Isn't that sweet."
"I never expected his social skills to improve like this." Verosika said "I suppose it won't hurt to meet the parents."
Later, Verosika, Vortex, & Blitzo were at Marshall & Ralfina's house
"Hey guys, welcome to our home." Marshall said as he let them in
"Mama, Papa, they're here." Ralfina called out
"Coming." Martha said as she & her husband came "Hello, are you Blitzo's parents?"
"Oh no, I'm his caretaker Verosika Mayday, & this is my bodyguard Vortex." Verosika said
"Sup." Vortex said
"Well howdy, I'm Martha & this is Ralphie, my husband." Martha said
"Pleased to meet ya, now where's the little youngin?" Ralphie said
"Oh, here's right behind me, he's a little shy." Verosika said "Go on & show yourself, Blitzo."
When Blitzo slowly came out from behind Verosika, Martha & Ralphie became shocked when they saw him, they even rubbed their eyes to make sure they weren't seeing things
"Hi there, I'm Blitzo." Blitzo said bashfully
"..." Martha & Ralphie said
"Is there something wrong?" Verosika said in concern
"Well, he's…" Ralphie said
"Adorable." Martha finished with a smile
"Yeah, yeah, he's a cute little critter, & healthy too." Ralphie smiled nervously
"Thank you." Blitzø blushed
"Come on, Blitzo, let's play." Marshall said as he left with Blitzo & Ralfina
"Now, while the kids are playing, how about we get to know each other." Martha said
"Have a seat." Ralphie said as he & his wife sat on the couch while Verosika sat on a chair "So, you're a pop star, huh?"
"I am, have you heard my songs?" Verosika said
"No offense, but we're not really into pop music, country is more our style." Martha said
"Oh okay, none taken." Verosika said "What do you two do?"
"I'm a stay-at-home Mom, but I hunt down other people & send them to Cannibal Town." Martha said
"As for me, I work at a hunting & taxidermy shop." Ralphie said
"Oh, should I be afraid." Verosika said uneasily as Vortex growled
"Don't worry darling, we ain't gonna harm you, besides you are the guardian of our kids' friend." Martha chuckled
"Okay, that's a relief." Verosika said
"How long have you had Blitzo?" Ralphie said
"For almost a month." Verosika said
"You know, when we saw Blitzo, we looked exactly like this imp we used to know, we kinda forgot his name." Martha said
"You mean Blitzø?" Verosika said surprisingly
"Yeah, is Blitzo by any chance related to him?" Martha asked
"Well…funny you should ask because that is him." Verosika said awkwardly
"Oh, you gotta be fucking kidding me." Martha said irritatingly
"Damn it, I knew it was him the moment I saw him." Ralphie said angrily
"You two know Blitzø?" Verosika said
"Know him? Martha happens to be his former target when he was working for that company of his." Ralphie said
"You mean he killed you?" Verosika said shockingly
"Not exactly, his little gremlin shot me dead as I was about to kill him & his other gremlin." Martha said
"Yep, & that critter of his called the cops which had me & the kids killed." Ralphie said
"V, I think we should leave." Vortex whispered
"Relax, Tex." Verosika whispered back "Martha, Ralphie, I deeply apologize for that."
"Just tell us what the hell is he up to & why is he a fucking brat?" Martha demanded
"He isn't up to anything, it was unexpected, Blitzø was at this Soul-searching thing which went completely wrong & made him disappear without a trace. A couple of months later, my crew & I found him as a kid, & he doesn't remember anything about his company & employees along with you & the other targets he killed." Verosika said
"...He doesn't remember us?" Martha said shockingly a long with her husband
"No, he only remembers me, Vortex, Fizzarolli, Barbie Wire, Stolas, & Asmodeus." Verosika said sadly "But he only remembers the bad memories of us including the bad ones in the past & the bad ones when he was an adult."
"...How do you know Blitzø?" Ralphie said
"...He's my ex-boyfriend." Verosika said
"& you took him in? Why?" Ralphie said surprisingly along with his wife
"I couldn't just leave him there or take him to an orphanage, would you have done the same thing?" Verosika said
Martha & Ralphie sat in silence as they knew they had a point, even though they resented him, they wouldn't have had the heart to leave him. Yet, it kinda felt sad that he doesn't remember them.
"...Has he given you any trouble?" Martha asked
"No, he's a very sweet boy, & innocent too." Verosika said
"Hm, wonder how an innocent little Imp somehow became an assassin who doesn't give a rat's ass about anything or how anyone feels." Ralphie said
"I'm wondering the same thing." Verosika said
Just then, Blitzø came out to the hall
"But there is one little problem." Verosika said
"Hm?" Blitzø said as he began eavesdropping
"What's the matter?" Martha asked
"It's just when I tell him that I love him, he just freezes with a look of fear." Verosika said "I don't know why he reacts like that, I just say that because I care but it's like it gives him a reason to be afraid of me."
"Hmm, you said that the little one only remembers the bad memories right?" Ralphie said
"Yes." Verosika nodded
"I believe that whenever you say 'I love you' it could be connected to a really bad memory of his past." Ralphie said
"W-what?" Verosika said shockingly
"He might be right, the bad memory connected to those words could've given Blitzo PTSD or something like that." Martha said
"Oh god, why didn't I realize that, I'm such a terrible person." Verosika said frantically
"Now, settle down, there's a simple one word solution to that problem: Therapy." Martha said "You take him to see a therapist & he'll be better, simple as that."
"...Okay, I'll think about it." Verosika said
Blitzo stood for a second before going to the bathroom in thought. Verosika felt her phone go off & looked at it
"Martha, Ralphie, could you watch over Blitzo for a little bit, there's something I've got to pick up." Verosika said
"What? Don't leave him with us, what are we supposed to do with him?" Martha protested
"It's okay, I won't be long, it's just a tiny errand, but please don't hurt him, I know what he did was fucked up, but he just child, please." Verosika said
"...Alright, fine." Martha sighed
"Better make it quick." Ralphie said
"Thank you, come on, Tex." Verosika said as she & Vortex left
"I'll go start preparing dinner, you go relax, honey." Ralphie said as he went to the kitchen
"Okay, let's see what's on." Martha said as she turned on the TV
A couple minutes later, Blitzo entered the living room & saw Martha before sitting next to her
"Hi." Blitzo said
"Uhh…Hi." Martha said awkwardly
"I like your earrings, they look so cool." Blitzo said
"Oh…thank you." Martha said
"Hey, you have a smudge under your eye, I'll get it." Blitzo said as he licked his thumb & reached out to rub it off
"Hey, don't just–" Martha said as Blitzo rubbed her cheek before she grabbed his arm & glared harshly. "Don't do that, it's supposed to be there, you little–!"
"..." Blitzo froze startlingly
"Oh…" Martha softened
"Everything alright back there?" Ralphie called out
"Y-Yeah, everything's…fine." Martha said as she let go of Blitzo's arm
"Excuse me." Blitzo said as he got up from the couch
"No wait." Martha said as Blitzo stopped "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have yelled like that, the mark is just a part of my sinner design."
"Okay…" Blitzo said
"You see, my eye got shot out of my head when I was alive." Martha said
"I'm sorry to hear that." Blitzo said "How did your family die?"
"They were killed by de…terrorists." Martha said
"You need a hug." Blitzo said as he hugged her leg "Are you feeling any better?"
"Hm, I am, thank you." Martha smiled
"You know I have this charm around my neck that's similar to your earrings." Blitzo said as he showed off his charm "See?"
"Oh, it's beautiful." Martha said
"I know, it belonged to my mom." Blitzo said
"Well, I bet she would think that it would suit you." Martha said
"Thanks." Blitzo said as he went to the kitchen & tugged on Ralphie's pant leg "Excuse me, sir?"
"What do you want, son?" Ralphie said
"Your house is soooo outdoorsy, do you guys do any hunting or fishing?" Blitzo said
"Mm-hm." Ralphie nodded
"Can you teach me someday?" Blitzo said
"Oh, uh, yeah, of course, just ask Verosika first." Ralphie said "Now, go back to playing with the kids."
"Okay, Bye-bye " Blitzo said as she left
"Hm." Martha chuckled lowly before thinking "Guess Verosika was right about him being sweet & innocent."
Verosika came back just in time for dinner & the kids had a great time from the playdate they had.
The next day, it was Cobra & Hissfit's turn to have a playdate with Blitzo. Verosika rang the doorbell & the door opened to reveal a green komodo dragon sinner with amber eyes wearing a black long sleeve shirt with a white lab coat over it, brown pants, & glasses.
"Oh, you must be Cobs & Hissy's little friend." The sinner said
"Hello, are you their Dad?" Blitzø said
"Yes, I'm Dr. Varano, good to meet you." Varano said "I've been hearing good things about you from my son & daughter."
"Thank you." Blitzø said respectfully
"& you must be his parental guardians." Varano said
"No, I'm the parental guardian, Vortex is just my bodyguard." Verosika said
"I see, come in." Varano ushered them into the house "Dear, the boy has arrived."
Coming into the room was a snake sinner that looked like a genderbent version of Sir Pentious as she was wearing a yellow shirt with a gray denim jacket over it, & a black fedora
"Welcome to our humble abode, I'm Dr. Basilica." Basilica said
"Verosika Mayday, this is my bodyguard Vortex, & this is Blitzo." Verosika introduced
"Oh my stars, he's gorgeous!" Basilica said excitedly as she picked up Blitzo with her tail "Bright eyes, clean teeth, sturdy horns, he looks to be in perfect good health."
"Thank you, ma'am." Blitzo said
After Blitzo went to play with Cobra & Hissfit, Verosika & Vortex sat down with the parents to talk
"You two are doctors?" Verosika said
"Well, I'm more of a scientist, my wife is a pediatrician." Varano said
"Really?" Verosika said interestingly
"Have you always been a Pop Star, Verosika?" Basilica said
"Not always, I started with modeling when I was younger." Verosika said
"Hm, good money on that." Varano commented
"Hey, Blitzo told me that Sir Pentious is your ancestor?" Verosika said
"Mm-hm, he comes here to visit from time to time, he loves the children very much." Basilica said
"Gotta admit, that's cool being close with your ancestors." Vortex said "I heard that guy has some beef with Alastor, any reason for that?"
"It's not Alastor he has beef with, the reason he's trying to kill him is so that he could join the Vs." Basilica said
"Are you talking about Valentino, Vox, & Velvette?" Verosika said
"Yes, we've been trying to dissuade him from doing that since those 3 give off a bad aura." Varano said
"I don't blame you." Verosika said
"You seem to be new at parenting, have you just recently adopted Blitzo?" Varano said
"Well, I wouldn't say adopted, more like taking him in & keeping him." Verosika said sheepishly
"So you're saying you didn't officially adopt him?" Varano said
"Not yet at least." Vortex said "We found him in an alleyway of a hotel, Verosika wanted to keep him, Blitzo's been comfortable living under her roof."
"Do you know what happened to his parents?" Basilica said
"No, but we're gonna find out once we get a therapist for him." Verosika said "Do you happen to know any good therapists?"
"Of course, Dusk's father happens to be a therapist himself, he'll be able to help your little one." Basilica smiled
"Thank you." Verosika said gratefully "Luckily, we're going to Dusk's house tomorrow for the next playdate."
"Verosika, would it be alright if I asked you for a little favor?" Basilica said
"Sure, what is it?" Verosika said
"Well, I've been interested in the medical system here in Hell, so I've studied the medical knowledge of Hellborns." Basilica said "I was wondering if Blitzo could be my first Hellborn patient."
"Oh, well, I was thinking about getting Blitzo a doctor's appointment for a checkup, but I guess that's okay." Verosika said
"Yes! Thank you so much!" Basilica said happily
The next day was Dusk's turn to have a playdate with Blitzo. Verosika knocked on the door which opened to reveal a female black cat sinner with green eyes, her black hair styled in a ponytail as she was wearing a purple long sleeve shirt & blue jeans
"Well, hello there, are you Blitzø?" the sinner said
"Yes ma'am." Blitzø said
"Nice to meet you, I'm Twyla, Dusk's mother." Twyla said as she ushered them in
"Are you the therapist Basilica told us about?" Vortex asked
"No, that would be my husband." Twyla said "Honey, they're here."
An avian cat sinner that resembled Husk except his fur was dark gray, blue irises in his eyes, & black wings
"Blitzo, so glad you can make it, I'm Neven, Dusk's father." Neven smiled
"Hi, Mr. Neven." Blitzo said
"It's a pleasure to meet you, I'm Verosika, I'm sure you have already heard of me." Verosika said
"Believe me, I have Ms. Mayday." Neven said neutrally
"Okay…anyway, this is my bodyguard Vortex." Verosika said
"Sup." Vortex said
"Hm." Neven said simply
"Why is he giving us that neutral look?" Verosika thought
"Blitzo, our son is in his room, why don't you go play with him while we get to know Verosika." Neven said
"Okay." Blitzo said as he left
"Why don't you both have a seat?" Neven said as they sat down at the dining room table
"Okay, so if Neven's a Therapist, what do you do for work, Twyla?" Verosika asked
"I'm Novelist, an Artist, & a stay-at-home Mom." Twyla said
"Three jobs in one household, I hope doesn't put too much stress on you." Vortex said
"Not really, I love doing what I do." Twyla said
"So do I with my job." Verosika said "I learned from Blitzø that Husk is your father, Neven?"
"Yes, he is." Neven said.
"Have you met Alastor & his little maid, Niffty?" Verosika asked
"I have, Niffty is actually Dusk's babysitter, she adores him very much." Neven said "As for Alastor, me & Dad keep my son away from him."
"Is this because of Alastor owning your dad's soul?" Vortex said
"That's correct, we're afraid of Alastor targeting our son to be his next servant, no way here in Hell we're gonna allow that to happen." Twyla said
"That's understandable." Verosika said
"But a while ago, Alastor came to visit us." Twyla said
"What exactly did he want?" Verosika asked
"He said he wants to 'keep a low profile' so that nobody will know that Neven & Dusk are related to Husk." Twyla said "If people found out, we'll be targeted by Vox since he's Alastor's enemy rival."
"Don't worry, your secret's safe with us." Vortex said
"Thank you, I'm gonna go start preparing dinner." Twyla said as she went to the kitchen
"Neven, there's something I need to tell you about Blitzo, he's–." Verosika said
"Your ex-boyfriend in child form?" Neven said with a raised eyebrow much to Verosika & Vortex shock
"How did you–?" Verosika said
"That's not important at the moment, Basilica told me that you needed a therapist for Blitzø?" Neven said
"Yes, you see, he went to this Soul-searching thing which got him regressed into a child, & he only has bad memories, so we were wondering if you could help him." Verosika said
"I'll help him." Neven said
"You will?" Verosika said
"Yes, but he's not the only one who needs help, & I'm looking at her right now." Neven said blankly
"Me? What are you talking about?" Verosika said confusingly
"Perhaps this will refresh your memory." Neven said as tossed an Anti-Blitzo Party invitation in front of her.
"How the hell did you–?" Verosika said shockingly along with Vortex
"I found it in the streets of Imp City, after looking at this crap, I am plain disgusted & disappointed." Neven narrowed his eyes
"W-wait, I-I can explain." Verosika said nervously
"Then explain to me why you're throwing this annual Anti-Blitzo party." Neven said
"I was…you know…helping the others cope with their breakups with him." Verosika said
"By throwing an annual Party that's dedicated to hating him, that's not helping others cope, that's just making their mentality worse & putting a target on Blitzø's back." Neven scolded
"Neven, Sir, listen she–." Vortex said
"I wasn't talking to you." Neven glared making Vortex flinch "Aren't you supposed to be her bodyguard? Why didn't you dissuade her from doing this? Aren't you smart enough to know that this is wrong?"
"..." Vortex sat in silence before he looked down & his ears dropped in shame
"Tell me, Ms. Mayday, are you a professional therapist?" Neven said
"No sir…" Verosika said
"Do you know how to cope with a breakup?" Neven said
"No sir…" Verosika said
"Do you think you're helping others with their mentality?" Neven said
"...No sir…" Verosika said
"From what I've heard, you had been to rehab, it didn't seem like it helped on your part." Neven said
"That's because I…I dropped out." Verosika said reluctantly
"...You dropped out of rehab." Neven facepalmed disappointingly
"I'm sorry." Verosika said shamefully
"It's not me you should be sorry, you should be sorry for yourself." Neven said "& Blitzo if he knows about your little petty party."
"You're right, you're right." Verosika said "Can you help me too?"
"Why? You didn't seem to have a problem deciding not to get help from rehab." Neven raised an eyebrow
"I know, but this time I want to get help, I was stupid in dropping out of rehab & it was a mistake. Please, I wanna learn how to be better at coping & what's good for my mental health, not just for me, but for Blitzo." Verosika pleaded "Please, give me a chance, I'll do anything."
"...Alright." Neven said "But I'm only helping you so Blitzo could have a good role model & parental figure. You only get one chance at this, don't waste it."
"Thank you." Verosika said gratefully
Lastly, it was Pixie's turn for a playdate with Blitzø, Verosika knocked on the door which opened to reveal a female Zebra Spider sinner. She had blue eyes, long wavy black hair, white fur, two small black stripes on each cheek along with black stripes down her arms, she was wearing a black short sleeve shirt, blue jeans, & black heels
"Breeze?" Verosika said surprisingly
"Verosika, what a pleasant surprise!" Breeze said happily
"You're Pixie's Mom?" Verosika said "You never told me, you had a kid."
"You never asked." Breeze said
"V, you know her?" Vortex said
"Breeze & I did some modeling together & used to hang out every so often." Verosika said
"Who's this, is he your boyfriend?" Breeze said
"No, no, he's my Hellhound." Verosika said as Breeze noticed Blitzo
"Oh my gosh, V, you're a mom! He is so precious!" Breeze said as she picked Blitzo up & kissed all over his face "Mwah! Mwah! Mwah! Mwah! Mwah!"
"Oh shucks." Blitzo said bashfully
"Easy there, Breeze, he's a little shy." Verosika said
"Sugar, is the boy here yet." A voice said
A blonde scorpion sinner with red eyes wearing a light blue button up shirt, brown pants, brown boots, & a brown western hat
"Hey Sling." Verosika said
"V, been a while, hasn't it?" Sling said with the top of his hat
"My love, look, this is our little girl's friend Blitzo, isn't he adorable." Breeze gushed as she hugged him tightly
"Well, he's a sharp little fella, but you might wanna let him go, he looks like he can't breathe." Sling said
"Oh, Mi dispiace, I'm so sorry, Amore." Breeze said as she put him down "Come in, come in."
"Make yourselves at home." Sling said as they entered the house "Figlia, your friend's here."
"I'm in the room, Blitzo." Pixie responded
"Coming." Blitzo said as he left
"We have a lot of catching up to do, V." Breeze said
"You know, that boy of yours looks like your ex." Sling said
"I know, there's an explanation for that." Verosika said
A moment later, Verosika explained everything to Breeze & Sling which surprised them
"So lemme get this straight, your ex participated in some magical Soul-searching whatchamacallit & got himself regressed into a child with only his bad memories?" Sling said
"Yes." Verosika said
"Dio mio, this is certainly something." Breeze said
"Tell me about it." Vortex said
"Why'd ya take him in, I thought you hated him." Sling said
"No, I did hate Blitzø, I just couldn't bring myself to hate a child." Verosika said "It's not the kind of person I am, you know."
"That was very mature of you to do, Verosika, but why didn't you give him to his sister?" Breeze said
"If I did that, it wouldn't end very well for Blitzo, she still hates him for whatever he did in the past. If I placed him under her care, I'm scared that she might beat him out of revenge." Verosika said
"What!?" Breeze & Sling exclaimed angrily as their eyes slit
"That's why I didn't give Blitzo to Barbie, I was protecting him from her due to her anger & hatred." Verosika said
"It's a good thing you did, I would tear her apart if she did something to that sweet baby." Breeze said
"Mm-hm, we don't take kindly to child abuse." Sling said "What about his daughter & employees."
"Like I said before, Blitzo doesn't remember them, I don't think they have the responsibility to care for a child." Verosika said "I don't think they'll be able to afford it."
"I heard that things aren't going well at his company without him." Breeze said "Without the manager of the company, it's not gonna last very long."
"I'm thinking about getting Blitzo some therapy so I could find out what he went through, if I'm also getting help, I need to put a stop to these Anti-Blitzo Parties I keep throwing." Verosika said
"Oh good, no offense V, but these parties are making you kinda toxic." Breeze said
"Toxic? Me?" Verosika said surprisingly
"You throw these annual parties over something stupid as a breakup, then you get other people who you have no business with involved." Sling said "Didn't you ever stop to think there's something wrong with that?"
"...No, I…I never did…" Verosika said lowly
"You're doing the right thing, V, these parties aren't good for your health & well-being. You've been holding onto your hatred for too long, it's time to wise up & learn to move on." Breeze said
Verosika sat in silence as she knew they were both right. The night after the playdate, Verosika was in her room about to get some sleep.
"They're right, this therapy is what's best for me & Blitzo, who knows what he was going through as an adult, & I never thought he would have PTSD after hearing those words. I really hope I get the answers I need to find out the reason why he broke my heart." Verosika thought
Meanwhile, Blitzø was lying in bed wondering if he tell Verosika why he reacts like that when he hears those words
"Should I tell her? I want to, but it really hurts while thinking about it, I don't want her to think less of me again. I guess I knew that day would come, I hope Mr. Neven will be able to help me with my mental problems." Blitzø thought