It started as a routine mission—or at least as "routine" as anything with Blitzo could be.
"We're hitting a private party for some high-profile demons," Blitzo explained, pacing with wild energy. "Nothing fancy, just subtle chaos. Easy-peasy, right?"
Takiera, already tired from the last mission, gave a skeptical look. "Blitzo, your 'easy-peasy' is usually the most dangerous part."
He waved her off. "Nah, you worry too much. You're part of the team now—consider yourself an honorary agent of chaos."
The party itself was... glittering and terrifying all at once. Golden flames floated above candelabras, demons in elaborate costumes danced, and in the center sat an ancient-looking artifact pulsing with dark energy.
Blitzo whispered, "That's what we're here for. Simple grab-and-go."
Takiera, trying to blend in, accidentally brushed against it. The artifact emitted a flash of light so bright it made Blitzo squint. Then... the world shifted.
"Uh... Takiera?" Blitzo said, voice tight. "You... did something?"
She looked at her hands, which were now glowing faintly. "I... might have."
Before either of them could react, the artifact flung them both across the room, landing in a corner. Around them, the party had transformed into a hall of illusions—walls twisting, floors shifting, and demons doubling in size or splitting into copies of themselves.
Blitzo groaned. "Great. Just great. I love when things get weird."
Takiera clenched her fists, trying to steady herself. "Okay... we need a plan."
Blitzo looked at her, eyes wide with a mix of panic and something else—admiration. "Uh... you're actually... calm? Most people would've screamed already!"
She smirked. "Experience with chaos, remember?"
Together, they dodged twisting corridors and illusionary monsters. Takiera discovered she could manipulate some of the artifact's energy—accidentally at first, then more intentionally. She shielded them from attacks, redirected magical blasts, and even managed to trick a few illusions into attacking each other.
Blitzo, meanwhile, was doing his usual acrobatic chaos, but now he was noticing something new: Takiera's skill, her composure, and how... naturally she fit into his world.
After what felt like hours, they reached the artifact and Takiera grabbed it again, this time intentionally. With a controlled burst of energy, she stabilized the illusions and the party returned to normal.
Blitzo blinked at her. "Okay... that was... insane. And... you didn't even freak out. Impressive."
Takiera grinned, brushing herself off. "Not bad for a first magical catastrophe."
Blitzo's usual flippancy gave way to something softer. "You know, Takiera... you're amazing. Really. I didn't think anyone could handle my... well, me."
Takiera raised an eyebrow, teasing. "Flattery now? After almost getting us killed?"
He grinned sheepishly. "Hey, survival is sexy."
And as they walked back to the office, side by side, both knew one thing: missions with Blitzo were never going to be normal—and neither were the feelings growing between them.
