Misinformation Can Be Deadly

Chapter 77: Finally, a Real Plan

Janus noticed that all the kids were sticking together in groups. The mansion was big enough for them to play in, but they didn't spread out. It was easier to keep track of all of them, especially since there's only so much they could do for them.

Even while the kids were playing hide and seek, they hid in pairs or groups in the same area. Janus always knew they were smart kids, but it was clear this was how the apocalypse was affecting them. They were all paranoid of a demon getting in and attacking them.

Kayden on the other hand wouldn't be in a room without an adult or the twins. He seemed comfortable around Roman and Remus, more relaxed, even. But when none of the adults were in the room, he would look for them. When the only adult left, he would follow them. Even when he was asleep, he couldn't sleep without one of them. He slept in Janus's room now, he seemed to have become close to Remus.

Usually he was with Delores if not any of the twins. He was quiet, but not concerningly so. He would talk, but he wasn't disruptive.

Emile was doing his best to help with the kids. He had pulled out some of his old child psychology books to refresh what he knew about it. It was a bit obvious what he was doing, being both a therapist and family man during the apocalypse. Several times, Janus has found him at his desk or the table slumped over in front of piles of books and notes. He was doing his best, and it was too much for him.

Logan, Patton, and Remy all helped with the kids too. Patton took care of the younger kids, keeping them distracted and playing with them. Logan helped Remy cook for them, trying to conserve as much food as possible while making sure no one was hungry.

They had to come up with a lie to tell the kids when they asked about Virgil. They told them that he's with someone else right now, but he was safe, and they were trying to figure out how to bring him to them. It was a horrible lie, but all the kids seemed to care was that he was coming back.

A movie was playing right now to distract the kids, and Delores was with them. Kayden sat beside her on the couch as everyone tried watching the movie. Any windows in the living room were shut tight and black out curtains were drawn over them.

Janus closed the kitchen door between the two rooms and turned to the others that were there. Patton, Logan, Remy, Emile, and the twins. Roman was wearing Virgil's jacket, he hadn't taken it off since Patton gave it to him.

"Okay, does anyone have any plans? Any ideas at all," Remy asked.

"Find Alice and rip out her guts," Remus suggested. Roman just stayed silent with his arms folded.

"For finding Virgil first. We can do that after he's safe."

"Well, for one, how will we get there? Cars are noisy and are bound to attract attention," Logan said.

"And who should go? Someone needs to stay back to help Delores with the kids," Patton added.

"Well, Roman and I can teleport, so you don't need to worry about getting there," Remus reminded them.

"Janus is staying," Remy said.

"What?" Janus asked, anger bubbling up. "There's no way I'm staying. Virgil is family to me, I'm not leaving him in that bitch's hands."

"Language," Emile muttered. "There's kids in the other room."

"If they can hear us then we have another problem. But you can't tell me I'm not going, I actually have magic and can cast spells. You guys can't do anything!"

"Lower your voice," Remy warned, not wanting the kids to overhear. "Okay, fine, you have a point. I still don't like it though. I'll go to make sure you'll be safe. Emile dear, stay here to help with the kids."

"But-" Emile tried to argue.

"If something happens, you're going to be the best help with the kids. Though, hopefully nothing happens."

The therapist sighed and nodded. He looked too tired to fight back.

"Logan's staying too," Patton said.

"Patton-" Logan tried to speak.

"No, you're staying. I'll go get our son, I don't want to risk you getting hurt while trying to help."

"And what about you? Do you think I'm going to be happy about you going on a dangerous mission without me?"

"Why don't we actually come up with a plan instead of fighting about who is and isn't going so we know who will be helpful and who will just be an extra set of hands," Roman suggested, finally speaking up. "We get there, and then what do we do? The castle is giant, but Remus and I might be able to find him by following his aura."

"Aura?" Logan asked.

"He's turning into a god," Remus explained. "We can feel demonic and holy energy from demons and angels. Gods have their own, unique aura. Virgil's is growing, though it's weak right now."

"Wouldn't Alice feel you in her castle?" Patton asked.

"She would." Remus nodded. "So we'll have to move fast. We have to be in and out, we can't waste any time."

"The halls are going to be confusing, and we might have to make some racket to find him. There might not even be any doors since all Alice has to do is teleport in and out."

"So... none of us can go," Janus said. "None of us humans. It would be faster and easier if you two went, and only you two."

Remus softened, hearing the conflict in Janus's voice. He seemed to have accepted this so easily, but wasn't happy about it either. He was both angry and scared.

The green demon sighed, "Well, Roman and I were planning on going on our own anyway. We weren't planning on taking you guys."

Roman seemed surprised, but didn't say anything. He just hugged himself a bit tighter, and Remus could see he was starting to get more uncomfortable. He wanted to comfort him, but neither would like that in front of the others.

"So we need to get in and out. Teleport to him as fast as we can and leave," Roman said, doing his best to keep himself composed. "She might not be able to find us here because of the spells, but we should still be careful once we bring him here."

The room fell silent at the realization that saving Virgil is only the beginning. Alice will go after them once they save him, she won't be happy about losing her source of power. And even if she didn't, they need to get rid of her to return the world to normal.