Chapter 132

About to get really interesting.

Warning: OOC, random craziness, Error past dark abuse, many other troubles if mention, cursing, killing, dark themes, racism mention, stuff children/teen shouldn't do, profanity, self-harm, suicidal moments, cheating, sexual moments mentioned, violence, smoking, drugs, alcohol, guns mention, animal death, cringe, bullying, yandere, musical/singing moments, bad flirts and needles.

Error/Moxxie speaking/speaking/singing

Voices/Text/Flashback/Singing/(Speaking)

Codes

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"Hey!"

Stolas snapped out his memories. Look back at Blitzo. "Oh, right I'm sorry a lot on my head."

"All of us has been having asses in our heads lately." Took a drag of the poison stick.

"I think that phrase the other way around."

"Well, I like my version." Blew out some smoke from his cigarette. "Well, any who. Got anything else to ask?"

"No, for now I'm good." Stolas stood back up. "I should start heading out. Got a few businesses want to try and get done with soon."

"Yeah sure. I get it." Blitz stares at Stolas as he begins to walk out. Tap his fingers on his desk. Can't be live he going to do this. "Hey."

"Yes?"

"Do you want to just get a drink."

"Get a drink?" Blink in surprise. "Are you asking me out- "

"No," The cigarette pointed at him. "This isn't a bloody date like that last fiasco go round getting drinks. I meant hang out. As acquaintances. Like how you would come with the crew and I a few Fridays at the bar after work."

"I did enjoy those. Will have to stay low a bit."

"Eh can throw wig over your head."

"So, just hanging out."

"Yes."

"I would like that a lot. Thank you for clarifying what kind of hang out it is." Let out a few hoots like a chuckle.

"Wow right to the dick." Blitz stares and rubs his face. "Fuck it fine. Even after that vent out we can get some drinks."

"Excellent!" Clap his hands together with a happy hoot. "If nothing going Friday Ill join. Might not stay to long since there is Octavia."

"Right still seventeen. Eh maybe she and Loona can hangout. I'll ask her. Just don't expect it fancy like before." Waves it away. I'm a bit excited since the team would try to do this every Friday. Now, hopefully get something back in order. "Hey. Should at least bring that buddy of yours."

"Buddy?"

"The space wizard. Got some questions about the book and- Stolas?"

On that note Stolas was huddled in the corner. A storm would over their head. Sad depressed owl sounds.

"Uhhhhh." Blitz eyes look back and forth. Put the cigarette out. "Guess that's a, no?"

"Puppet doesn't want anything to with me right now." Huddle deeper in the wall. The reason they were here in the first place. Gave them space. Both of them needed to clear their heads. Excuses after excuses even if a few were understandable.

He still threatens them.

Blitz looks around at what he should do. He got nothing. Sure, in the past asked if they can do a hard fuck. Actually, Stolas would be asking them not the other way around. Gah, this is so weird sometimes when the sexual deal no longer the answer. Even after a few months passed. "So, um that bad?"

"Yes!" Pull their feathers. "We were talking. The talk led to an argument. Then I...I threaten them."

"You threaten them?"

"For their safety Blitzy. I wanted to protect them but I. Neither of us were in the right state of mind to discuss it. I just wanted them to realize how serious I was with it. That's it until I realize the words left my mouth. That look even without the mask was so emotionless."

"Hey what do they look under that mask? I bet yall did a lot of guessing games. Or guess the if I'm horny mood." Blitz awkwardly laughs. Only to get a flat unimpressed look from Stolas. "What?"

"Let's just say I have innocently flirted before but it went over their heads."

"Wait. You flirted with them before? Now this I got to hear." A bit excited now.

"You want to hear me. Talk about my attempts at flirting with them." Stare at him like he lost it.

"Why not? You demanded the story about pop bitch and I."

"Technically you ranted about them."

"Which still had a story. Along with a few others you 'requested' so you could show you were better in the sack." Blitz smirked at the huffing owl.

"Well, excuse me." A little embarrassed to ask about them now. But at the time he just wanted to prove he could be better. Along with wanted to try out so many of the ideas. The bear traps did push a bit.

"You're not an excuse. Come on details. I want to hear the high school boy crush."

"I did not have a high school boy crush! I wasn't that young! It was during my marriage time at least."

"Fine, your young adult mid-life crises boy crush."

Stolas flipped him off. "You're a jerk Blitzy."

"Yes, part of my last name. Come on, lay it on me. Do you still like them?"

"It's I. Um. Before it was a little crush. They were always there for me. Even if they would be a little rude. Yet, it wasn't bad compared to others. Of course, should have seen red flags to help getting rid of Stella."

"Wait? Does she know anything about Puppet Doll?"

"No, and do reframe calling them Puppet Doll." A narrowed look towards them. "Along with this talk as well. If I find out you do talk about this with anyone. I will add you in my garden collection as a statue or fertilizer."

"Jeez you have it bad."

"Blitz- "

"All right. All right, I won't shit. Who would I even tell?"

"Blitz, you have a way letting your mouth run. Even in the most serious of conversation. Or involved your life."

"Grrr." Blitz stormed back over to his desk. Move the portrait. Unlock the safe code to pull out the book. Walk back over and pressed the book to Stolas face. "See this?"

"Yes." Stolas face muffled against the book.

"I'm not going to say shit because Puppet, did this for Moxxie. Moxxie who got this book so we can keep doing this business. I'm not risking rattling out your Puppet Doll Face-"

"Just keep it at Puppet."

"-Existence. Which by the way. How come no one else is talking about that crap that happened in Wrath? You know the whole bug thing." Kind of surprised he forgot about it too. Then again at that point other important things were on his mind. You know it's like losing your tickets to your business.

"Oh! Right. Um I may or may not have lied, with the approval from Wrath, that day. Everyone may have saw hallucination about seeing Space Bugs coming out the sky." Stolas laughed awkwardly.

"When did this happen?"

"When all of you were at doctor to check on Moxxie. I called everyone up, a mix of words here and there, along with bullshit of space hallucination drug. Everyone believed it." That was the best deceptive lie he had ever made that day. Everyone actually believed it. Sure only a select few knew the truth, along with Wrath. Still, kept an eye and ear out till this day. No, one mentions the space bugs. Will, keep it like that.

"Huh mystery solved on that. But back on hand." Tap the book. "I'm not going to say shit. Because if I do. I have this feeling Puppet will rip this away. Along with possibly my tongue."

"Gotta keeps that."

"I sure do. So, you had the crush. Stop, crushing on some point correct."

"Yes, and in a way was telling myself to stop. It would never work. I had an image to uphold. My daughter. Stella. Then you came along. We done our sensational deal together." He snickered at the eye roll. Then his eyes lowered down. "Then it started to come back after Ozzies. Well, a reminder of sorts. I had to get my life and mind together. Both of us Blitz. What we had. It was something I dreamed about. At the same time was toxic for us both. Unfair. I didn't treat you right, even after getting the book back. I apologize on that part."

Blitz stared at him. Open and close his mouth. Let out a groan. "Were supposed to be talking your crush. Not this mushy gooshy apology mess. Gah. I. Look maybe I should have flat out said at the beginning why I was there. Then this whole shenanigans with your wife wouldn't happen. Your kid could still have a family still. I- "

"I would still have been unhappy since I still live with her." Stolas shook his head. "But I don't regret that day. I got to see my first friend after all."

"Can we get back to your crush life?" Blitz slams his head into the book. Earn another hoot like chuckles.

"Oh, Blitz never changes. Yes, I can admit my feelings are on or off for them. If I want to cross it or not. From fear. Then things happen."

Puppet, well Moxxie, being with Striker for one that day.

"The disagreement you two had?"

"Correct. I just don't know what to do. I want to reconnect as friends again. At least talk. I'm still upset, angry. I mean I could just use the tracker on the phone to follow them. Apparently, they found a way to turn it off. Sure, I can understand personal space. But the space is already big enough. It was pure luck before with no phone if we ran into each other. I could ask Octavia to call them since they don't mind her- "

"What that about a tracker in a phone?" Blitz double takes on what he just said.

"I had a tracker on the phone. At the time I didn't use it so much. Even forgot I put it in there. Until recently I was doing some paper work. Like taking Stella off our internet. Turn off many things. Then I saw the tracker and like. Wait. I had it on their too!"

"That's not creepy at all."

"How many times did you try to stalk and creep into your employee's apartment?" Arms crossed at him.

"That was for research!" Blitz huffed not guilty. Even if there were many epic failures. "You try getting through those rats. Along with Mox making sure I see nothing."

"Mox defiantly can be quite determined when they don't want to be bothered." Stolas chuckles with some warmth to his voice.

"Got that right." Blitz huffed with the book tuck under his arm. "Number One Employee for a reason. Not just their wicked skills with a gun. Or that look on that face want to strangle me."

"Kinky."

"Oh, trust me I tried."

"What?" Stolas blink. He does remember Blitz talking about having a sexual fantasy about Mox, along with Millie. I would get a little jealous about it. Once he thinks about it. While he did talk about them, later on Striker, it was focus on Moxxie.

A lot.

"Blitz. DO you like Moxxie?"

"What? No! I don't like them!" Blitz is defensive now.

"Good."

"Furthermore-What?" Blink in confusion at what they just said. "What the fuck you mean good? I like them as employees. Even if I do get prissy about their attitude. I still like my employees."

Stolas shakes his hands in front. Let out amused chuckle with an innocent expression. "Forgive me Blitz. I misunderstood. I thought you meant like well as in a crush."

"I don't have a crush!"

"Of course. Of course."

Blitz growled as he stomped back to his desk. Gah! He is almost as bad as Sallie! No, wait for her still bad. Put the book on the table. "By the way. Your thing with Puppet. Either let it go, talk to them or try with your kid to call. That last one I wouldn't do. Well, if it wasn't my kid at least."

"Noted." Get back off the ground. Pull out their phone. "Oh, dear stayed here longer than I expected! I got to go."

"Yeah, yeah hope the door hit your ass!"

"Don't be jealous. Also, thank you Blitz. You are a good friend." Stolas smiles at Blitz.

"I guess you're not too bad. Even if you're timing bad." Waves him off. "Go on I got people to kill!"

"Of course. See you later. Remember drinks!"

"You're paying!"

"No!"

"Fine! How about for your divorce party?"

"Divorce party?" Blink, then chuckle. "Okay that I gladly will!"

"Sweet divorce party!"

Stolas chuckles as he leaves Blitz office. Wave goodbye to Loona. A small at the other girls. Soon it was out the door. He goes to the elevator, after he ducks down, and presses the down button. He stayed still as he thought. Pull out his phone as he goes through the contact.

Puppet (M)

He stares at the contact. The ups and downs going through his head.

DING!

Walk out of the elevator to head outside. Go to his car as he goes to the back. Motion the driver to drive. He stares at his phone only putting it up when he goes in and out a few buildings for a meeting. Until he made it home. Just kept it there on the side by him.

"Dad."

"Yes, Via." Look back at my daughter. The pair in the kitchen eating dinner. The two haven't been using the dining room of late. Which felt fine for the two of them. Same for the servant.

"You and Puppet." She twirled the fork around. "Are you both still on radio silence?"

Right.

"Yes, we are." Look back at the phone. "Have you talk with them?"

"No. I mean. We texted but nothing new. At least whatever it is with you two."

"Oh, well that's good." Good not fully ignoring her. His daughter doesn't need that.

It still hurts. Yet, they haven't tried either on their part. Give them the space.

"Call him."

"Huh?" Stolas stared at his daughter eating.

"Call him." Octavia bites into her salad with a crouton.

"Via it's not that easy." He stares back down at the name.

Stolas did tell Octavia to a certain extent why he wasn't called Puppet. He didn't tell her the whole Puppet/Moxxie was dating Striker.

He did tell her. That her mother sent the assassin at him. Told her the day he was released from the hospital. It was a serious talk. One he didn't want to do. Yet, it was needed. Even if he was still angry at other stuff. If he wanted to protect his daughter. He will tell her his side. Even if it pains him.

It was a lot that day. While Octavia may not have been that close to her mother. Began to notice a pattern of how her father really took care of her a lot. While Stella it was just image. Even if there were small moments. Gave her tiny bit of hope. She didn't think she would go this far. Let alone do something so stupid. Did she even care how Octavia would feel about this? Or how it would have affected her.

Until Stolas showed her the proof. He didn't want to do this to his daughter. But he wasn't going to do this foolishly either.

Yes, Octavia knows Hell is cruel. Didn't expect it'll be this cruel. Even though she began to see the signs. Or how at least other Goetias treated those not of royalty. Unless talking behind the other back. It still hurts. Like she hopes there was a silver line of chance her mother had some decency left. Now it's just gone.

Anger, resentment, and disappointment.

Didn't want to go back to her uncle's home on the weekend after this. Well, even before I didn't want to keep going. Now after all this, and when the divorce trials are done. Already made her final decision where she will stay. Knew it would not be pleasant. As of now she just doesn't care.

Yet, Octavia had this feeling there was just other stuff that happened. Just the timing the pair had the argument after her father almost got assassinated. She wanted to push it. Demand answers from her Father. Demand answers from Puppet.

But it would accomplish nothing.

"If they don't answer then text them. Or leave a voicemail." Took a sip of her soda. "You still talk with Loona old man. Whatever that all is now."

"That is different."

"How?"

"It's just. Blitz and I. Puppet." Took a deep breath. Blitz was complicated before talking about emotions. Let alone issues. Today was like a first for both of them to talk. Talk like friends. At least listen.

Puppet was extra complicated even after knowing them longer.

"Just try Dad. I don't like it. You don't like it either."

"I don't either." He then smiles a bit as he looks back at his daughter. "I'll deal with it soon. How were today lessons?"

"I'm beginning to despise how you never taught me when I was younger." Gave him an unhappy look.

Stolas awkwardly laugh. "But you're getting better at it!"

Octavia huffed while Stolas smiled at her. While he may not want her to learn for her protection. He is proud of her.

As the pair finished up, both went to do their own things. Octavia went to her room. Stolas goes to his office to do a bit of paperwork. He looks back at the phone. Reach out to touch it.

"Who do you not want as an enemy? You're the so-called Goetia family? Or IMP?

Neither.

He knew personally what the Goetias were like. How the royals of each rank. Personal or business wise. Yes, it may not have been the most social. It didn't mean he hasn't found ways to learn. To deal with it as he got older. Even if to just avoid Stella at certain events when it wasn't them hosting it.

The Kings. The Dukes. The Princes. The Marquises. The Earls. The Knights. The Presidents.

That was what he was surrounded by all his life. Along with a few nobles. Some stars here and there. Even someone who was high in the business world to be a part of those events.

He knew what their powers can hold. While his father may not have been the father of the year. He wasn't a pushover. He was the rank of a King for reason. Do what he says or face his hardship. You will marry. You will produce a backup heir. Only cared for the Goetia family, along with who they served. Loyal to the real King. Stolas doesn't mind who he served. His duties to Lucifer.

Paimon. Asmodeus. Beleth. Pursnn. Vine. Balaam. Zagan. Belial. Bael.

The Goetia Kings of Hell that served Lucifer. Do their duties. Keep everyone in line. Show the hellborns, sinners and even the lower ranks of Goetias who are in charge. Show a status of order that followed down here that would be no different on Earth.

Besides, a darker, negative degree.

Out of all of them many would think logically Stolas wouldn't want to go against his father. Like in a fight of sorts. Which Stolas doesn't want to unless to protect his daughter. Make sure she never went through what he did. At this point he doesn't think his daughter wants to do any kind of duty for the Goetia. It worried him. A talk he will need to discuss with her soon.

Asmodeus of course make sense. You don't want to fight him. He is the literal embodiment of Lust. The Sin. Along with one of the kings. Didn't mind throwing him under the rug. On the spotlight when he done with Blitz that night.

Don't want to fight any of the kings. Heck, not the embodiments of sins either. Yet out of all of them in the Goetia family. The one Stolas never wanted to fight against was Bael.

He didn't want to be an enemy of the Goetias. But with Stella mouth flapping away, along with Andrealphus status and icy words. It will not be easy. Divorce, at least at his status as Prince, was rare. Yet, probably will be hitting how it was with an Imp, then a sob story cooks up by Stella to be the 'bad' one.

So, many disgusting hypocrites.

Aren't you one too?

Stolas stayed silent for a bit. His mind went back to Striker's words. Fist clench up slightly. Push them back for now. His mind went back to that repeated other question.

IMP.

He practically, in the past, had power over them. At least a leverage. Don't do his deal then its bye, bye book. Yes, it was to keep Blitz by his side. Along with did help with his duties taking care of a human or two. Yet, like any other imps, hellhounds could have gotten rid of them if he wanted to.

Blitz is fabulous and enjoys killing. Got to see how he can do I as a bodyguard, Loo Land and go against Striker. He and Millie together as a tag team. Now that little Wrathian has some spunk. Blood thirst. Loona well haven't seen her fight besides was told how she help out a few times.

Then there Moxxie.

Quite frankly at the beginning, besides meeting them in the office to touch their cheeks, he thought they were the accountants. What? It just seems like it when they had to tell Blitz not on so many money schemes. Only to learn he was the weapon expert. Okay. Interesting. Can't recall ever seeing them shoot besides the warning shot. Then you add in that Moxxie is Puppet.

Stolas seen Puppet use strings to capture a bug. Along with healing. Able to maneuver around to fight in a way in space. Summon a bone. Besides that, with the bugs Stolas doesn't know how strong they are. Heck, even asking them questions won't get anything. Just to let it be. Maybe at an equal level to him.

Now he not sure from what Satan said. For one, how do they know IMP? Unless they watch the commercial jingle. Even still it raises too many questions. Does Wrath know what went behind IMP to go to Earth at the beginning? Does Wrath know what Moxxie is? That they are Puppet?

"-lose a battle even, I will not help you finished."

Does Moxxie know that Wrath has some knowledge about them? Or do the pair know each other? Is Stolas missing something? He wanted to ask questions but was gone at that point. Left out the doors besides handed a package.

Now here he is a few weeks behind a desk with a headache ready to fight him. He glances back at the phone. Took a breath as he picks it up.

Fuck it.

RING!

Please.

RING!

Please pick it up.

RI-CLICK!

"Puppet. Hello."

Silence besides small breathing.

"I um heard you took off. I wanted to talk with you. It's been a while since, since the hospital room." Take it slow. "Listen I. I won't take up too much of your time. I'm happy you at least answer. But...But...I'm so sorry that day."

Don't stop. Keep talking. Don't be silent like many others try to make you.

"I shouldn't have said that. I shouldn't have threatened you."

Silence.

"You were also hurt that day. I can understand a bit of that pain. Even just a little bit being hurt, ashamed, or wondering why. Why did this have to happen to me? You just wanted to not just help them but me as well. I wanted to think that. I really did but I couldn't. No, I wouldn't."

Stare down at their desk. Words of documents after documents spread around. Give him a idea. Or clue to clean this up. Go back again. It was so damn foolish.

Broke one trust with the mask.

Broke your daughter promise with the stars.

Didn't want to hurt either of these two.

Yet, he did. But he can't back down from his own pain either.

"But I just can't forget what he tried to do to me. How he threatened and was close. So, damn close to killing me." Touch his shoulder. "Killing me, or your team. Make you choice. About my daughter. I can't forgive or forget that. My daughter would have been alone. She doesn't deserve that after I made that promise too not just her. But you made a promise to me. Remember that promise?"

Silence.

Stolas clench his eyes shut. This silence he hates it. Just please talk to him. Even just yelling at him. A scratchy remark. Anything!

"Don't leave your daughter. She still needs her doofus of a father Frogmouth."

Let out a choke. Gosh he felt ready to cry. Just hearing their voice. Even that stupid nickname. So, relieved to hear it again. "I can do that. I still want to do that. I still..."

I still don't want to be alone without you.

Clutch their eyes tightly. "I'm sorry I threaten you. But I'm not going to apologize for the rest. He hurt me Moxxie."

Physically. Along with how those words beat down at him. The anger. He wanted him dead so badly.

"I will not forget or forgive him for that Stolas. It didn't mean I forgot how it hurt all of you."

A little breath of relief.

"But I can't accept your apology. I can accept your anger. How you don't want to forgive him. I get that. I will not be dismissed from that. Could have done that talk better really. I just can't your apology like that."

"Why?"

"When you make a threat like that. You're just not targeting me."

"Targeting? "It clicks for Stolas. Horror began to rise on his face.

That threat may have been target at Moxxie to scare him. Yet, to those close who knew Puppet behind the mask.

It would have been a declaration of mass genocide itself.

"You would do everything to protect your daughter. I will respect that. A father protecting their child." A low menacing tone in their threat. "I will break anyone who even dare hurt who are mine."

Stolas petrified.

"Do you understand now?"

"I didn't. No, no Moxxie I wasn't trying to. I'm so sorry I would never- "Fuck, sake. What had he done?

"Do YOU understand? Because that is my final and last warning Stolas. I don't want to keep doing this. Especially with you who I considered an fr...I've got hang up right now."

"I want us both to talk about this. Not over the phone. Can we do that when you come back?"

"...Will talk later..., Bye Frogmouth."

CLICK.

Stolas lower the phone down. He stares at the screen. A tear drop fell on it. Then suddenly a little giggle slips out. Touch his as he lay his head against his talons. Another giggle.

"Later...They said later. That's mean, yes.... I haven't. I haven't lost them yet.... Call me that ridiculous name."

He can't risk it.

He is not going to lose Puppet.

BZZZT!

Stare down at his phone. The giggle stopped as a cold looked past his face. The caller ID is showing ICE Prick. Clench his fist. Already have an idea or two what another useless talk about.

He is also not going to lose his daughter to them.

"-Don't be a dumbass. -"

Still, I wish he used a better term instead of dumbass. Stung a lot.

Moxxie stare at the phone as they hung up. Press their mask against the screen as they take a deep breath.

Just keep going. Think about it later. It's a step. A warning steps.

Do it for-

Twitch.

The bone slam straight down. Shell fragments bones fractured now.

"I was thinking." Remove the bone out. Swipe any liquids, guts or a hint of poison off. Lift their head up in a certain direction they have been following for a long time. Three days it would be there in Pride. While here in space it didn't matter.

Closer. Closer.

Bug after bug getting rid of it.

Closer.

Closer.

Destroyed.

Don't stop moving?

Closer.

"You bugs are annoying but glad the instincts haven't left."

A pile of bugs behind their back. The height overshadowing Moxxie. The pile can barely move by ripping piece by piece. Or how the blue strings wrap all around the pile. Wrap up like a present.

Tug.

The pile soon no longer behind them.

Gone.

Stay seated down on the rock a little longer till they stood back up. Strings flowing back inside the left sleeve. While their right hand still held the phone. Stare a bit longer than turn it off. Put it away. Then they began to jump to one floating meteorite after another.

Don't stop.

Summon a blaster when there is no other floating debris around. Not wasting time to just float. Point in the direction as their blaster moves. Mind focuses on the path as they push magic to triple up the speed. Just keep going.

No, distractions.

Besides annoyances whenever a bug is in view. They were getting excited.

Closer.

Closer.

SCREECH!

Closer.

Closer.

Closer

Colder.

Darker.

Fewer, fewer bright stars.

Closer.

Closer.

SCREECH!

SCREECH!

Closer!

BOOM!

CLOSER!

CLOSER!

Moxxie soon stays hidden in meteorites floating around. Eyes focus on the target.

Finally.

It was a big rock of sorts. The outer layer color of black, rock. Would compare the size to a well if at best fourth of planet. Opening everywhere to see bugs jumping out. Or crawling all around to get in holes. Yet, only one thing crosses their mind when they took in the shape of the rock like planet.

It looks like an egg that molded with Swiss cheese holes.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Done!

Look how close we got!

Stolas, Blitz having a talk to talk.

Yes, giving one last chance. Many may not agree with it. Moxxie only doing this because both of them weren't right in the head, knows what Stolas is going through. Let alone Octavia. It doesn't mean it'll be sun shines and rats. Learning lessons. Both sides are.

Stolas will be fine.

Also, it took them a 'few days' to find it.

Yes, a planet like rock shape like egg that is molded with swiss cheese holes.

Until next time.

Bye, bye.