Lincoln realized that this may sound all kinds of messed up, but the kid actually kinda missed going on these jobs with I.M.P.
Granted, he had previously expressed a lot of understandable reservations about the very nature of the sort of business that the company he currently works at, and a part of him still does on some level. But as he grew to handle all the bullshit Hell keeps throwing at his face, he started to at least try and not make that big a deal about all the assassinations and over-the-top murdering that's done in his presence. Besides, since he knew for a fact that there's an afterlife, it's not like it's truly the end for them, just one more stop until being judged to live in Heavenly paradise or a Hellish punishment.
His old idealistic naive way of thinking may have taken a few blows so far. But come on, with all the rampant chaos he's had to endure, can anyone else truly feel any different? He likes to think he's entitled to it at the very least.
Besides, it wasn't all that bad in a way.
Lincoln retained his capacity for compassion and kindness, but with all that he's seen and witnessed working as an unpaid intern in Hell, that has forced him to look at things in a completely different viewpoint.
How else would he actually find some excitement in running away from chainsaw wielding lumberjacks who were today's new targets for Immediate Murder Professionals. It was both scary and exhilarating, what every kid needed.
"Get 'em, boys!" The leaded bearded lumberjack roared. "Ain't no little red mongoose things gonna do us in today!"
"Mongoose?" Moxxie questioned, finding the very comparison ridiculous. "Leprechauns, I can understand. It wouldn't be the first time humans would mistake us for them, but animals such as possums and mongooses. That is just insulting." He loads up his crossbow and fires arrows straight through their faces as Milllie wielded three swords, two in her hands and one held by her tail.
In a twirling mini-whirlwind, she sliced those in her path and continued on rapidly. She narrowly missed a chainsaw swung at her, causing her to drop all her swords, and Lincoln had an extra weapon ready for her.
"Millie, catch!"
He threw a black hatchet at her and she caught it with a spin.
"That's momma's little helper!"
She skipped off with her new weapon and hacked away at those unwilling to receive.
"Good hustle! All of you!" Blitzo praised, firing repeatedly with twin machine pistols. "But save some for daddy, will ya?! I didn't get dressed early in the morning for nothing and I got plenty of bullets to spare!"
"Murder always does get him excited." Lincoln chuckled weakly with a sweat drop.
Besides horses, being on the job always painted a smile to his boss' face.
A manic smile, granted.
But a smile nonetheless.
"Lincoln, look out!"
Moxxie's warning made Lincoln utilize those lessons in parkour that Lynn would give him a few times, he climbed himself up tree before taking out one of his trusty spell flash cards, using this as a an alternative to using the grimoire, which they had left behind back at the office with Loona. The demonic words on the cards glowed red until large plant vines emerged from them entrap the lumberjacks. That was a close call, and he feels he could learn much more advanced parkour skills from Millie, but that can come much later when his life isn't being threatened at the moment.
Pulling out more flash card spells, Lincoln makes floating orange energy boards that he stepped on like stairs leading down and flicks more clouds that more lumberjacks stepped on, that froze them on the spot.
What Lincoln really enjoyed about his job was being able to do magic.
"Nice work, sweetie!" Millie praised.
It's all part of the job.
He was the support. They took care of the rest.
A simple mantra he constantly repeated in his head.
"Blitz, I don't mean to overstep my position, but we should wrap this up swiftly!" Moxxie shouted over to his employer. The sooner they get this job taken care of, the sooner he can move on to more important things that heavily include his wife. "Logically speaking, we shouldn't have so much trouble with targets of their caliber! All they have are simple chainsaws, after all!"
"Why the rush, Mox?! We could do this all day!" Blitzo reloaded his guns before using his tail to trip one up before finishing him off. "And that's not arrogance talking, I literally think we can do this all day long! Know what I mean?"
"I know what you meant!" Moxxie deadpans, rolling over on the ground to shoot his pistol from a low position. "But, seriously! It is greatly imperative that we make it back to the office post haste!"
Blitzo rolled his eyes, but if it was that important to Moxxie, then they might as well end things already to avoid a load of annoying complaints from his employee. Besides, this is still a paying gig and while he was all for having a ball when on the clock, prolonging the job won't get them the cash money any sooner. "Fine, Moxxie. If it'll calm you down." He whistles loudly over to Millie and Lincoln. "Alright, fam! Let's wrap this up!"
"Up the tree then, boys!" Millie motioned Lincoln and Moxxie to climb up the nearest tallest bushiest tree they could find in order to get to higher ground. The lumberjacks were handled by Blitzo and Millie, but even though the imps awere smaller in size compared to these buff dudes, that made them more slipper than them. Inside the tree, Moxxie got the idea to turn the tables on them by utilizing his own Hell-made chainsaw. Not what the avid gun user would usually utilize, but he felt that it would give a delicious taste of irony by using it cut the tree down, as a way to assist his still fighting Millie, he may be a gentle soul, but Moxxie didn't hold back. "I advise every demon not in this tree be wary at this point!"
"You know, if it matters that much ya, Mox, I think a preemptive portal back home is in order!" Blitzo exclaimed to the fussy imp, then went for one of his still operational dark colored phones. "Let me just call Loona and then, we'll be done for the day."
"The sooner the better." Moxxie grinned, a little grateful to Blitzo.
"Have big plans, Moxxie?" Lincoln curiously asked.
Chuckling, Moxxie cryptically replied. "In a manner of speaking." All conversations ceased when they heard a creaking sound. Moxxie's chainsaw managed to go through the tree trunk deep enough for it to start toppling over.
Lincoln put up a shield around himself as Moxxie went back up the tree.
Back in the plane of eternal damnation that is Hell, specifically in Imp City where I.M.P's office was located, Loona was doing her usually rounds as both the receptionist and back to being the bookkeeper of he spell book, while also another round of a bottle of beer. After all, as Verosika Mayday liked to say on the cover of a popular magazine, binge drinking can be sexy.
Being a young Hellhound demon who's a follower of trends, she followed this mindset.
Loona was so focused on her drinking that she absentmindedly places it on the grimoire, conveniently turned to the page for the portal spell, activating it and opening one in the middle of the office. She didn't even bat an eye when a tree and a lumberjack's head fell through it onto the office. Moxxie emerged from the leaves with his chainsaw still on and Lincoln coughed out some leaves as Blitzo entered, too, jovial at their completed assignment.
"Whoo! Guess who just owned a fuck ton of lumberjacks?!" Blitzo cheered.
Loona smirked Lincoln's way. "First day back on jobs went well, I take it?"
"Believe it or not, the fear for my life helps keep the blood pumping." Lincoln wiped off any small leaf pieces on his uniform. "Not to mention those flash cards I took with me. Sure you don't mind being back on book duty?"
"Eh, I barely cared when you started bringing it to Earth, not gonna start now." Loona shrugged her shoulders. "Although, it would be a good idea for someone to have it in case there's another government kidnapping."
"Really hopes it doesn't come to that."
Millie crawled through the portal with her hatchet in her teeth and she screams out in pure elation.
"Ah! I'm still so jazzed up!" She bites down and break the hatchet, laughing.
"Then you better stay jazzed, babe." Her husband slyly throws the chainsaw away and finger points at her. "Because, you'll love where I'm taking you tonight." He told her in anticipation.
"Don't you dare finish a filthy pun in my presence, Moxxie!" Blitzo teased.
"You do that regularly, Blitz." Lincoln pointed out.
"Exactly. That's my schtick." Blitzo already made plans for his team. "Besides, drinks are on me tonight. I found this new dive down the street! I say we hit it up!" Millie nudges him with a disapproving frown. "Ugh, don't worry, Mills. We'll get Linc an non-alcoholic drink. Bit of a buzzkill, but if it'll make you happy."
Moxxie sheepishly dashes those plans. "Actually, sir. This is more for myself and Millie. See, it's our one year wedding anniversary." he tells all present, sharing a loving smile with his paramour.
Lincoln gaped. "Whoa, really? That's great, you guys!" He congratulated, but felt disappointed in himself. "Now I feel bad I didn't get you anything." Considering them being surrogate parents to him, Lincoln couldn't resist wanting to get them something to celebrate such a special occasion, much like how he and his sisters re-painted the entire house.
Maybe nothing that big, but at the very least, something special.
"Oh, Lincoln, honey! You don't need to worry!" Millie consoles him with a big bear hug. "The best gift you could give us is being right here with us! Hard to believe in only the first year into marriage, we become proud parents to a precious little miracle like you!" she looks to her love to see exactly what he has in store and she got a feeling it was to be a doozy. "So, what's the plan, Mox-Mox?"
"Glad you asked, my lady love." Moxxie proudly announces what he managed to pull off. "To commemorate this special day, I'm taking you to Ozzie's in the Lust Ring!"
Millie gasps with stars sparkling in her eyes, almost not believing what she heard. "Ozzie's?! No way! That place is always booked!"
"Ozzie's..." Lincoln recalls Robo-Fizz mentioning that name thoughtfully, and from he's read, it's the nickname for one of Hell's big time demons. "Like short for Asmodeus? One of the seven deadly sins?" The only other demons that are in a class higher than even Stolas and the Ars Goetia besides the royal family themselves.
"That's the one." Loona nodded, perplexed. "That place is only the most exclusive joint in Lust, and the big man himself personally owns and runs it, even naming it after him. Okay, spill, Moxxie? Did you have to pull a Blitz to get that deal?" she inquired.
"For your information, Loona, I did nothing of the sort." Moxxie was proud of this accomplishment and he won't let anyone ruin it. "I've been planning it for quite a while, going through the proper channels and well, I like to think I outdid myself, right?"
Millie wholeheartedly agrees when she jumped into his arms. "Moxxie!" She shows her gratitude by planting many kisses on his face which became a heated kissing session.
Lincoln averted his gaze with a flustered expression and Blitzo groans in annoyance over M&M's usual public displays of affection. "Ugh, can you two not?" There was also a bit of jealousy in his tone.
Moxxie dreamily sighs once they broke the kiss. "I'm sorry, sir. Maybe another time."
"No, it's fine. I could come with the two of you." Blitzo offers outright. "Help you celebrate your boring as fuck monogamy."
"Uh, no." Moxxie bluntly says. "The reservation is for us."
Blitzo obliviously nods once. "Uh-huh."
"Just us."
He nods again, still not getting it. "Mm-hm."
"Without you there. Just me and my lovely wife. No trace of you." Moxxie can't imagine being any more clearer than that. So far, he's tolerated Blitzo's tendencies to always stalk them both when they're outside of work hours, but him hiding in their fridge and videotaping them he could handle, what Moxxie won't let stand was his boss disrupting a meaningful night for him and Millie.
"Nah, nah, I hear you." Blitzo was clearly not hearing them.
"Blitz, they don't want you to go." Lincoln spells it out with a frown, being more respectful of the couple's privacy. "This for their anniversary. Which means tonight is all about them and them alone."
"Don't be modest, bud!" Blitzo ruffles his head. "I know you don't want mommy and daddy to leave you out, so of course you can come with!"
"What?! That's now what I-"
"No!" In flash, Millie grabs Blitzo's collar and peers in closer with a fierce glare of maternal instinct until he was bending backwards. "No-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-fuck no!"
Blitzo held his hands up, not used to such negativity from Millie. "Whoa! Easy there, Millie. You're uncontrollable rage is usually for assholes that have it coming like all our targets and the occasional demon. Was it something I said?"
Millie made her feelings known. "Blitz you're the best boss an assassin gal could ever ask for. I don't say that to just any badass motherfucker." That comment made Blitzo's heart skip a beat. "But as a mother, with Satan as my witness, there is no fucking way am I letting my baby step even one foot in that den of slutty tramps! The minute they look at him and his virginity, every damn Succubi will be on the hunt and I ain't lettin' that happen, ya hear?!"
"You're comfortable with Linc going with you on killing jobs, but you draw the line on any form of freaky stuff?" Loona surmised quizzically. "If this is what parenting does to a bitch, I am never having kids. Hey!" she shouts in protest when her magazine is taken by Millie.
"You know I'm right, Loona!" the female imp held up the cover that pictured Verosika. "Take little miss thang here! Now, ya'll can't tell me she won't try getting her hooks on Lincoln again the next time she sees him!"
Lincoln blushes up considerably when he sees Verosika's image. "Y-You think so?" That sounded way too hopeful, so he redacted "I-I mean, yeah! That would be kind of crazy! But, I wouldn't worry. She's like super famous, remember? I doubt she even remembers me."
"I wouldn't be so sure." Moxxie argued. "I distinctly recall hearing her guest star on a radio show and speaking fondly of someone with features you particularly have. Not to mention the social media posts that mention someone by the initials of 'L.L.' that also feature her and the other Succubi in her entourage."
"He's not wrong." Loona admitted, showing such posts on her phone. "She and her groupies aren't being subtle at all. Now, give me back my fucking magazine!" She grabs it away from Millie.
"Okay, enough talk about that hoe-bag ex-girlfriend bitch of mine!" Blitzo orders harshly. "Just hearing her name is enough to bring my mood down and I just might make it company policy to never say her name again, the punishment being a huge pay deduction! That warning goes double for you, intern."
"...I mean, you said so yourself that my role here was non-paying gig. Seriously, Blitz. Not as funny the more you reference it."
"Agree to disagree, kid." Blitzo began walking to the exit. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'll go make sure to wear something nice! This is a big deal after all! I'll see you two love bugs later!" He told Moxxie and Millie after hugging them and whistles a happy tune.
Lincoln shook his head in exasperation. "We probably should've talked more about him not going."
"Damn it!" Moxxie fumed with a feral growl.
Millie calmed him down. "Relax, sweetie. Don't let him get to you today." She leaned in very close with bedroom eyes and traced her finger on his shirt. "Let's just go home and clean this blood off." She purred into his ear, making Moxxie giggle incoherently in a blubbering stutter, she led him away to get ready for tonight.
"Have a nice night, you two!" Lincoln said.
"Thanks, hon!"
Loona, however, wasn't so moved by the palpable love between Moxxie and Millie. "I gotta agree with Blitz. I'm only on my second bottle of booze, and I already feel like heaving it up."
"Don't be like that, Loona." Lincoln gestures to the imps leaving. "They have a great marriage. Even more than most marriages in Earth, which is really saying something since they're from Hell. Speaking of, you don't think Blitz will really stalk them on their anniversary, do you?"
"It's Blitz, bud."
"...Okay, fair point." Lincoln concedes. "But my point still stands, the thing between Moxxie and Millie are hard to find, and frankly, I don't want anything to bother it. Even if it's my boss."
"No offence, Linc. But, you're what, like, eleven or twelve?" Loona questioned. "What exactly do you know about romance? You have a girl back home or something?" That was meant to be a lighthearted joke, but Lincoln's timid blush told a different story that she could pick up on. "Wait a second. Dude, are you saying you have a girlfriend?!" asked the Hellhound in apt shock.
"No!" Lincoln shook his head, then corrected himself. "Well, I think so. Look, it was kinda complicated, and she's just a close friend, I-I should go." Not wanting to go into the subject any further, he tried leacing, but Loona kept him in place.
"Uh-Huh! No way in home are you gonna leave me hanging! Give me the deets!" Loona rubbed her hands with a grin.
"Like I said, it was complicated." Lincoln fought his blush reddening. "Her name's Ronnie Anne. She-She's one of my best friends, and well, we mostly knew each other because my sister and her brother date and well, I guess we sorta got closer and we...kissed...twice."
"Ge the fuck out of town!" Loona slapped her forehead. "Been holding out on me, little buddy! That is just...wow! Kudos!" Truth be told, she was greatly impressed and really wanted to know more.
For Lincoln, it felt like talking to one of his sisters about this sort of subject and was thankful Loona didn't have the habit of squealing out over his relationships. "Look, for the record, we weren't anything official." Sure, they went on a few hangouts that extended only to them and them alone, and he certainly had a special feeling in his insides whenever they were near each other, but it wasn't always the case. "I mean, before we started hanging out, we didn't exactly get along. In fact, she had a bit of a...bullying thing."
Loona narrowed her eyes. "Come again?"
Lincoln hated looking back on the days when Ronnie Anne would haze him with unprovoked pranks and gags at school that were on par with Luan's craft. Sure, it was her very misguided way of handling her own growing feelings for him because of her rep as a hater of cheesy romance, and apologies were given, but it was still hard to bring up those memories and the last thing he wanted was for Loona to judge her based on that. "That's ancient history, though! The more I got to know her, the more I got to see another side of her that led to her being someone I really care about, so please don't think any less. She just wasn't used to showing her emotions, you know?" Although, he was glad Loona could understand why the bullying was the problem.
"Hmph. Whatever." Loona could indeed understand that, but still, any sort of wrong done to Lincoln didn't sit in well for her. "Still, two kisses, and we're talking on the lips? Not bad, kid. Never would've guessed."
"It-It barely meant anything, and we were just kids, we felt it was better if we'd just be friends." Lincoln liked to think that Ronnie Anne felt the same way, and if she did want to things to be more than just a platonic friendship, she'd say so. Right? "Look, can we please drop it? Also, don't say anything about this to the others. I really don't want anyone else to make a big deal. Especially Blitz or Millie."
"Hey, you don't have to ask and I'll be too busy, anyway." Loona informs of her own personal plans for tonight. "Tex texted me and I'll be going for one of those hound parties his girl throws."
"Really? Loona, that's fantastic." It warmed Lincoln to know that Loona was socializing more.
"Say, why don'y you come with?" Loona didn't remember any restrictions in bringing along her own guests. "Tex wouldn't mind, and I'm sure the rest won't, either. If not, well..." she cracks her knuckles. "...sucks to be them."
"Appreciate it, but after the last job, I think what I need is less excitement." Lincoln retreated to his private bedroom. "Maybe another time." He spared one last look at the cover of Loona's magazine.
Verosika.
There were a lot of feelings that thinking about her gave him, besides nervousness of course.
Such as curiosity.
Like, what she was probably doing what now.
Every demon in Hell lived in very different ways.
Sinners lived their afterlives pretty straightforwardly, they all are basically trapped in the Pride ring after all. Some had cushy jobs that put them in pretty high standing, and that wasn't even getting into the ones who are of Overlord status. Even so, they were mostly left to their own devices in the ring where king Lucifer presided over, and as for the rest, that was a different story.
Based on Hell's hierarchy system, it all depended on what kind of Hellborn species a demon is born as. For imps and Hellhounds, they pretty much lived in poor conditions, trying to get by while being at the bottom of the food chain. Some were lucky enough to work as personal aids to higher elite demons such as royalty like the Goetias or other noteworthy professions.
Besides that, it was a miracle to make it in the news.
Then, there were the other Hellborn demons above them.
With them, they had a lot more to offer with their exceptional talents that others went over the moon for them. No one understood this better than Succubus pop singer, Verosika Mayday. She was one of the most sensational and of course most enticing Succubus to ever hit the big time records. If anyone knew anything about enjoying all the luxuries of being one of Hell's most rich and famous, it was her. What was almost as sweet, being a part of her personal entourage, or posse as the young folk would say, they get special access and privileges just by mere association with her.
Their plans for tonight was indication.
"Dude, no."
"Dudes, yes."
"Kat, this is a bad idea. Like, hugely bad."
"Come on, you guys. It is foolproof. Bouncer won't suspect a thing."
Ace and Josh didn't know what was going through their fellow Incubus' mind when he came to them about this plan, but he seemed pretty sure of himself despite the absurdity of it all. "You really think he won't blink twice at a lumpy bag." Ace crosses his muscular arms.
Kat gasped in offense. "Excuse me? Lumpy?" He gestures to his lanky frame. "You're looking at pure slender goodness, my studly friend. Just ask the delivery girl last week...and her boyfriend, and can you really blame me? Maybe next time, we should agree to a place that isn't couple exclusive like Ozzie's." he bitterly says, refusing to be left behind while they and the girls get to have a night on the town.
"As if there's a place in Lust better than Ozzie's." Josh scoffs. "You know this'll make you a dumbass, right?"
"One that will get all the dudes and ladies wanting me." Kat retorted, zipping himself up in the bag. "Ace, since Tex is taking the night off, I'm gonna need you to lift me. Just say you're packing a lot of dildos. He'll totally buy it."
"You know, you can just suck it up and hang back like a good boy." Ace chides. "You get caught, it's not just our asses, but Verosika's too. It wouldn't do her rep any good if she got caught sneaking in an extra, and we would've gotten all this hotness together for nothing." The tattooed Incubus wore fashionable pants and a black jacket over his bare chest and had x-shaped pasties.
Josh smirked and hugged him from behind, dressed in a hoodie and pants, exposing his own front with heart pasties. "Let him get in troubel, hot stuff. We can just say we never seen him before."
"I heard that!"
"Are you boys done?" Standing with her arms crossed was Kiki next to sitting Milky who was laying on a beanbag chair. They were all in Verosika's penthouse suite in the common area and the blue-haired Succubus remarked at the guys. They were dressed more normal and not as fancy. "We'll be leaving any minute now, so quit playing with yourselves."
Milky looked to one of the doors to a changing room. "Yo, Coco, Apple! You two should take a page from the guys, makes no sense to get dressed since the sluttier you dress the better play you get." she stood up and gestured to her regular clothing. "Succubi with fine asses like me get into a lot of places."
"Bitch, shut your mouth." Coco snapped back as she exited with her girlfriend. The couple made sure to dress up in very fancy dresses for Ozzie's, with Apple letting her hair down and wore a velvet colored mini-dress and heeled shoes. Coco did her hair up in a ponytail, wearing a light purplish blouse over a dark purple mini-dress with a skull design, and dark long purple boots. "The only hot number I'll be focusing on is this one." she purred, holding her girlfriend's waist and brought her in for a kiss, making Apple return it.
"Aw, thanks, baby."
"Newsflash, love birds. That monogamy bullshit won't fly over well in the big man's place." Kiki chided, She normally doesn't mind it, but they were Succubi for crying out loud. "You can do that here, but on the scene with Lust's head honcho there, you better not keep that just between you two."
Apple glowered. "Fuck off, Kiki! Can we help it?" she could barely contain her intense excitement. "I always wanted to go to Ozzie's for a date! I can't believe Verosika managed to get us an in!"
"Believe it, baby." Coco cupped her chin. "Perks of being tight with the one of the club's performers for tonight. Speaking of, where is she?"
Almost as if that were her cue, the alluring demon beauty walked out. Her long flowing hair was tied into a ponytail and picked out a different ensemble than what she usually adorns. She still had her fluffy pink coat, but there was now a dark pink top made of a silk-like material that greatly hugged her figure, the front had two big white X's, a very short black skirt with a heart, white colored leg coverings with black lacing and sharp heel. "Someone rang~?" Verosika flashes bedroom eyes.
Josh and Ace gave her whistles. "Not too shabby, girl." the former praised.
"Why thank y-what's up with the bag?"
"Hi, Verosika!"
"...Please tell me that's not Kat." Verosika face-palmed.
"I don't want to miss out on any potential good lays at Ozzie's!"
"Really think there'll go for you, Mr. Can't even last a whole night?" Coco snapped her fingers at her burn.
"That was only one time!"
Verosika looks at the only other two Incubi. "Hey, this was all his idea. Not us." Ace defended. "We tried getting him to stop."
Sighing, Verosika chose to not to let this ruin their plans. "Fine, fine. Just don't screw anything up."
"We won't. Don't worry" Kat promised from inside the bag.
"Who am I kidding? You're gonna screw everything up, Kat."
"And I still maintain that it's foolproof."
"Now, I assume everyone's ready." Verosika notes with hands on her hips to inspect her posse. "Kiki, Milky, going casual. I can respect that. Coco, Apple, sexy way to stand out, you two. Guys, just try to behave yourselves and I won't be pissed."
"You sure it's a good idea to head out without Vortex?" Apple inquired with a head tilt.
Coco rubbed her hand. "It's a night out, babe. Not another assignment topside. Let the big lug have fun with his girl and other hounds."
"Still think it's pretty stupid that he prefers hanging at some trashy junkyard party more than Ozzies." Josh commented. "He'd be like one of the few Hellhounds to make it in. All I'm saying."
"Tex is free do whatever he wants." Verosika countered hotly, respecting her bodyguard's choice. "Ozzie's not exactly his kind of scene, and there's more than enough security there, anyway. So, I like to think it'll be okay for us to get our freak on tonight with all the sweet-ass refreshments Ozzie's has to offer." she notices her crew having very cautious looks. "What?"
"Verosika, no disrespect, girl, but could you maybe go light on the booze tonight?" Coco asked.
"Um, excuse me?" Verosika's annoyed frown told them to tread carefully. "Did we not go through half of the open bar last night?" she pointed at said indoor bar.
"What Coco means is don't overdo it in public." Ace knew they weren't in any position to judge, but felt the need to advise their leader on the ramifications. "Unless we wanna risk another scene."
"Of which we don't want." Milky added. "Like, at all."
At that, Verosika knew what they were getting at and rolls her eyes in response. "Are you sluts still on that? It's not like I wanted to unleash a killer monster fish on a beach of coked up spring breakers."
"But, you did throw a flask of Beelze-juice in the human world." Kiki bluntly pointed out. "Which if things had gone differently, would've landed all our collective asses in deep bat-shit with the big bosses of Hell."
She made a good point, but Verosika had a quick counterpoint with an anger-fueled glare. "Hey! All that crap only happened because of that dickweed ex-boyfriend of mine! He just kept bitching about his precious parking space! Not my fault he overreacted." Verosika stopped making excuses for Blitzo a long time ago, his own ego was his worst enemy.
"Yeah. But like, didn't you take it in the first place and half his floor to make him angry?" Apple bubbly scratched her hair with a finger in confusion and an eye twitch from Verosika told her to stay quiet.
Even so, Verosika herself knew how badly she screwed up almost as bad as Blitzo tends to do. But remembering everything that happened between them both, up until the nasty breakup, she likes to think she was rightfully entitled to some much needed satisfaction, other than the usual way. Yet, it didn't, it actually made her feel a whole lot worse and that was a bitch to deal with.
However, there was a silver lining to everything no matter how bad, and she thought of one that would at least pacify the girls. "Okay, I admit that shit hit the fan way hard that day. So much so that we had to end the freelance work we were doing for Suck Inc sooner. But, it wasn't all bad, right? Come on, you can't tell me I'm the only one thinking it, right?" her eyes got a certain gleam. "You know what I mean, ladies. We got to meet a cute little gentleman."
Hearing that made Coco, Apple, Kiki, and Milky stop and gain very love struck expressions, from bashful giggling, and deep blushes.
The others groaned at this. "Here we go." Kat sighed.
"Lincoln." Verosika and her gal pals said dreamily with fond smiles and sighing.
For these demon ladies, they could never forget meeting an exceptional mortal soul like Lincoln. They were already interested in him from the get-go, as per their own species' nature. But then, he truly impressed them, not only by showing some feats of magic against the monster fish Verosika unintentionally created. But what truly got them, was when the kid saved them from being arrested by the cops with an ice spell, even complimenting them, showing no ill feelings even though they were enemies to his co-workers.
He could've just left them to their fate and laugh it off like his boss, but he didn't, he did them a huge solid without even asking for anything in return. For Hellborn species in Hell who are well versed in many vices of humankind, it didn't just surprise the Succubi but it left them in a love struck daze ever since. It was so crazy how one soul caught the adoration of so many.
It wouldn't be so odd to see Succubi being all over one individual.
But this, this was entirely different.
One single act of kindness alone seemed to be all Lincoln needed to do, and boy, did it show.
"Oh, I wanna see that cutie and his cute face!" Apple said with an adoring smile as she laughed .
"You and me both, beautiful." Coco agreed, sharing a smooch with her girlfriend. "The little cottontail's more than enough for both of us."
Kiki sat down with an expression of longing. "We were so close to getting him, too. Ooh, the things I had planned."
Milky licked her lips hungrily, "I've been wanting to give bunny boy a taste of me."
Josh scoffs with rudeness. "Yeah, yeah. We get that you want to see the little runt one more time. Not a big deal."
Ace nodded. "Can you not keep saying it every chance you get?"
Kat shuffled in the bag. "It's getting really old."
Kiki had gotten up and stepped hard on Josh's foot. "Agh! The hell, girl?!"
"Oops." Apple feigned ignorance when she dropped a box of liquor on Kat's bag.
"Ah! Hey! There's precious cargo in here!"
Out of all the ladies, no one thought about Lincoln more than Verosika herself. She didn't know how it was possible, but she just couldn't get him out of her head, all those posts and shout outs testified to that. She was attracted to him for sure, but she also felt a distinct warmth inside her when she imagined that look of gratitude on his face after she saved him. He didn't look at her as an object like so many of her fans, but as a person who saved his life, and that just made her feel so good, and she wanted to see him again to see if that was still possible.
She wanted to see him so badly, but she was more used to people coming to her.
Open invitations were given out through her messages intended only for Lincoln, and he hasn't even responded at all.
The popstar pinned the blame solely on her ex, Blitzo. Knowing him, he mostly has tried filling the kid's head with nasty lies about her, telling him a completely one-sided story on how horrible she is.
She couldn't think on why else he wouldn't want to head on down to see her.
"The point I'm trying to make is that even some good can come from bad places." Verosika explains. "And hey, we made it out without having to brush our teeth afterwards and not get in trouble. So, I say we enjoy what we have and go all out tonight!" Her posse began going out of the penthouse, with Ace carrying the bag Kat was hiding in.
"Good luck trying to get hotties with your chest, Kiki." Milky cracked to Kiki. "I got enough in the front and back to reel in a lot of players, it's almost ridiculous."
Kiki playfully laughed. "Ha! Please. Big tits and a fat ass are so overrated, one of my old exes and his girlfriend agreed, so up yours, Milky." she flipped the shorter thicker Succubus off.
"That an offer?" Milky smirked which made Kiki laugh even harder.
Verosika was the next to go.
Her mind wandered off to Lincoln and she wondered what could he be doing right now.
After changing out of his I.M.P uniform and into the clothes bought by Octavia from Stylish Occult during his off time. He had a special promise he needed to make good on and didn't want to waste any time. He lied on the back with his back and made a video call to his ever close Goetia princess friend, Octavia, this was the weekend and she could only be at one place during this time.
"Hi, Octavia!" Lincoln waved.
"Lincoln! You have no idea how bloody good it is to hear a familiar voice!" Octavia exclaimed through her end.
He winces at her exasperated tone. "I take it the weekend at your mom's place isn't going well?" Due to the new arrangement of the Stolas' family living conditions, Lincoln and Octavia worked out a way to at least still talk to each other.
"Like you wouldn't effing believe." Octavia was glad to be able to talk to someone about it. "All that happens around here is mom talking with her rich a-hole friends about rich a-hole crap while telling me to act like a proper 'Goetia'." she grumbles with finger quotes.
"Isn't how it usually went back in the mansion?"
"Well, y-yeah. More or less." Octavia admitted sheepishly. "But it's just not the same, you know? What made it bearable back then was that dad was still there..." she looked down in forlorn.
Lincoln didn't blame her.
It would only feel more like home if Stolas was there, but Stella would be damned as a Sinner if she was going to actually let her anger go and talk things out with Stolas, even if it were the sake of their only daughter. She made her stance more than clear after she gathered her things and left for her private residence, away from the object of all her ire, not even bothering to know how much discomfort it brings to Octavia.
"Try to not be so down." Always bet on Lincoln to look on the bright side. "It's only for the weekend, after all."
"I know that." Octavia gruffly replied. "It just feels like this weekend's taking too long to end is all. But enough about me. What about you? Anything interesting going on in that little killing company?"
"Today's targets were lumberjacks."
"Seriously? What? Nothing fancy like serial killers?"
"Uh...my friends fought them off with axes, guns, and chainsaws."
"...Okay, that's pretty badass." Octavia turned back the knocking on her door. "Fuck, that's one my mom's aid's. In addition to all the boring as shit atmosphere, mummy dearest has me under a curfew? Can you believe that? And it's even earlier than the one my dad gave me.""How much time do you have left?"
She checks the time on her clock. "About half an hour. Why?"
"Just hang on. I gotta show you something." Lincoln fetches one his spell flash cards and activates it. Before Octavia knew it, Lincoln suddenly blinked out of existence, but she still heard his voice. "Pretty cool, right?"
"No way! An invisibility spell?!" For someone of Lincoln's age to get that spell down was incredible. It was also a relief, she almost panicked when it seemed he like he was just gone.
Lincoln's form re-appeared. "It requires a lot of focus, and wasn't easy mastering, but I was able to work around it. Haven't used it that much, but I did want to show someone."
'Wow, bud. You're coming along nicely. Dad would be proud." Octavia then turned somber. "How is my dad, by the way? I've been waiting on him to call. Is he handling this whole deal well?"
Lincoln frowns with a helpless shrug. "Sorry. Can't honestly say. Haven't gone to him for another lesson and he hasn't really called." With all the pleasantries the prince has, one would imagine he's doing a-okay. But, a fancy mansion is no substitute for family. "I'm sure he's fine, though. I mean, he is your dad and our teacher."
"Yeah. Sure." Octavia coughed into her hand after an awkward silence. "I guess I better leave it off here for now, until mom catches. Catch ya later, Linc."
"Bye, Octavia."
With that business settled, the call ended and Lincoln could be left to do one of the things he likes to do off of work hours. Practice more of his prowess in demon magic, he had the grimoire and the flash cards for it. Reading a few pages, he tries to do a little magic experimenting, with the first part being conjuring up a viewing window spell and then, uses a spell that invades the mind, using it to go through his memories.
If this continues without any interruptions, he'd be able to see them.
Maybe not in the flesh, but he could finally see his family.
But then, his door was forcefully opened by a kick from Blitzo.
"Hey, intern!"
Yelping, Lincoln's spell dissipated and accidentally dropped one of the flash cards that was written with a fire ball spell, and the ball of fire shot out through the window, causing an explosion and setting a passing Sinner on fire.
"AH! Shit! This was how I died! It's bringing back memories!"
It wasn't enough to erase him, but it still hurt.
"Blitz! What do you want?" Lincoln noticed how he was dressed in a leather jacket. Even when they're not on the clock, he's rarely seen him wear something besides his suit, and didn't like that look he had, it was his 'I'm gonna do something crazy' face. Never a good sign. "And why are you dressed up for?"
"Isn't it obvious? I gotta look my best for Ozzies."
"Wait, what?!" Lincoln truly hoped he and Loona were wrong about their assumptions of Blitzo going through with spying on Moxxie and Millie on their super important anniversary date. The boy was hardly surprised, but he was clearly outraged that the boss of I.M.P had such intent, not knowing how completely invasive it was, even for the likes of Blitzo. "For crying out loud. Blitz, I get that you have a really odd fixation on Moxxie and Millie's romance that at times, borders on obsessive to almost out of complete envy."
"...Pfft, you don't know a thing."
"I like to think I do." Lincoln's wised up enough to call Blitzo out on his lies. "Either way, it's one thing to always stalk them at their apartment, but this? This is crossing a way huge line!"
"Don't be like that, Lincoln. Figured you'd be all for it. You can't tell me you're not just the teeniest bit peeved that they decided to leave you, their boy, out of this special occasion?" Blitzo definitely was.
Lincoln was anything but. "Shocking as it may seem to you, not in the slightest. Why? Because, this is their wedding anniversary! It's something important to them and only them! If I'm mad about anything, it's that I didn't buy them a gift! But wait, why are you telling me this?" Lincoln then thought for a second on why would Blitzo openly admit to telling him when he had to have known that the kid would be against this plan.
"Keep up with the program, Linc! I'm bringing you along to spy on them!"
"...What?!" If Lincoln didn't think his boss was bat-shit insane, he did now. "Did you not hear Millie?! She doesn't want me anywhere near the Lust ring!" He didn't object to that rule, if any of the Succubi there were as forward as Verosika and her girls, he won't take that risk. While he wouldn't exactly mind seeing Verosika, at least he's actually familiar with her.
"You'v been to Greed and Wrath so far. Why not cross another one off the list?" Blitzo wrapped a reassuring arm around him. "If it makes you feel any better, you'll have me making sure your V-card doesn't get punched in."
"E-Even so, Blitz! I can't just let you do this to Moxxie and Millie. Think about how they'll feel for once."
Blitzo turned away with a huff. He didn't know why he bothered telling Lincoln in the first place. It was really no surprise that he'd try to talk Blitzo down, telling him that this can only end badly, not just for him, but for those around him. As if he wanted the kid to be the voice of reason that'll make Blitzo finally reason and stop himself from ruining such an important occasion.
"You know what? Fuck this. I'll go by myself if I have to. Go ahead and stay here for all I care." Blitzo told him.
Lincoln observed his exit, but now felt very conflicted as he weighed all options present. He had every reason to call Moxxie and tell him what Blitzo is about to do, but that could lead him to cancel the date and the imp worked so hard to get a reservation. Additionally, if Lincoln were to just let Blitzo go and inevitably cause a scene when he could've make sure to keep Blitzo in line, that would make Lincoln feel partly responsible. Heck, he could maybe convince Blitzo to abandon this silly endeavor before any damage is done. With a resigning sigh, Lincoln made his choice and desperately hoped this wouldn't come back to bite him. "Blitz, hang on!" Some flash cards were brought with him. "Just wait for me!"
"Ha! I knew you'd see it my way, buddy boy! Off we go!"
Of all times for Loona to be at a party, it had to be now.
In the past occasions where Lincoln traveled to another Ring other than Pride, he got there by riding in I.M.P's van. But there is a more practical means of travelling in-between Rings for Hellborn demons.
Elevator 666.
Hellborn demons are the only demons capable of traversing to any ring they choose, and the quickest way there is through here. A pure golden location that heavily resembled a train station or airport. The location had pristine pillars and engravings of angelic winged apples, a place that may seem out of place for Hell, but it was a clear indicator that King Lucifer had an involvement, dating back to his roots.
Lincoln sat next to Blitzo wearing a grey hoodie to conceal himself as his boss clad in a spiked jacket pretended to read a newspaper. This ill-advised trip did give Lincoln the chance to see even more of how Hell works. He even got to see more Hellborn demon species, such as a winged goat-like demon who seemed to be reprimanding her children, and they all had candles at the top of their heads.
These were called Baphomets.
Others included demons resembling aquatic life, and jester ones that eerily reminded him of Robo-Fizz.
This turned out be quite the learning experience for him.
"How come we never went to Greed or Wrath through here?" Lincoln asked. "It looks a lot quicker than driving all the way."
"Because driving in the van makes us less inconspicuous." Blitzo whispered back. "Plus, I didn't have to pay for tickets, so be glad an important issue like this made me feel generous for once."
Generous. Not the word Lincoln would use. In hindsight, only Blitzo would think tailing his employees on their big date was reason enough to spend money on something not equine-related. "Excuse me." Startled, Lincoln looks up to see a Succubus demon. She had freckles on her face and bare shoulders, pants with one leg velvet and the other pink, but cut off near the top and a black top that exposed a lot of her stomach. It amazed Lincoln of how proud Succubi can be. Cue the deep blush. "Are you, like, lost?" She asks, leaning down ever so closely with a lidded smile.
"N-No! Of course not!" Lincoln sweated. "I'm here with just my...uncle!" he motioned to Blitzo. "We're just passing through. He's taking me back to my parents!"
"To Lust, I take it?" she correctly guessed, her body moving in a sway. "Need a guide, sweetie~? I'd be happy to-"
Blitzo blocked her with an arm raised in front of Lincoln. "We're fine, thank you. Now, why don't you go be a whore with the rest of your little friends, hmm?" he suggested with a cheeky smile.
"Tub!"
The Succubus sees her friends wave her over and she scoffs. "Tch, whatever, asshole." Tub glowered at the unfazed Blitzo, but hgave Lincoln one last smile. "Bye~."
Lincoln released his breath. "That was way too close. Thanks, Blitz." Blitzo smiled widely at him with joy. "What?"
"You just called me uncle!"
"Th-That was to throw her off!"
"No take backs, Linc!"
Blitzo spotted Moxxie fixing his bowtie just as Millie came by, her fixed up in an orderly fashion and is wearing an elegant dress with heart shaped exposed naval region. Her husband romantically holds out his arm for her to take, which she gladly did and they walked together to the waiting area, unknowingly being followed by their boss who dragged Lincoln with him.
"They'd be so angry at you if they saw us. Millie. She'd kill you!" Lincoln cautioned, That fear alone should be enough to make him stop all this madness.
His plea fell on deaf ears when Blitzo dials Loona on his phone. "Yeah, it's Loona. Whoever you are, go for it." her bored voicemall said.
"Hey, Looney. Just wanna to let you know I'm not gonna be home until real late. I got something important tonight." Blitzo disconnected, eyes on the couple.
Lincoln folded his arms crossly, deciding not to tell him that Loona had other plans. "So, what's Lust like, exactly? Its name is clue enough, but what will I see? Greed was all overpriced knockoff theme parks and Wrath is Hell's farm country with war loving denizens."
"Oh-ho-ho. You'll see!"
Many Succubi and Incubi walked the streets even when it was lightly raining. What was most concerning to Lincoln were the Succubi in the vicinity, and Blitzo was still stalking his employees without much care in the world. This Ring was unlike anything he's ever seen before, there were establishments he was positive that his parents would never let him go to until he was at the very least over the legal age of drinking. Truth be told, they wouldn't even let him do so even by then.
Lincoln only had one thing to say with his tomato-red face. "I'm having second thoughts about this." he squeaked. "Blitz, we can go back to Pride right this second. Just forget we ever came here and then move on with our lives. Not that hard." The neon lights and violet color theme of this new ring were nice, but he was certain that he'd rather be back in the office. Practicing more magic. Maybe some more calls from Octavia. Better yet, he wondered why he didn't take Loona up on her offer. It was the least likeliest place to run into Verosika even though her bodyguard was attending. Blitzo just had to force his hand to make sure the wedding anniversary of his two favorite imps doesn't get ruined.
"Too late now, kiddo." Blitzo breathed it in. "Gotta say, the place hasn't changed a bit. Now come on! They should be close! And don't be so surprised. Each ring of Hell represents the 7 sins that humans are known for. This is Lust, kid. Shoot a bullet and it'll hit the sign of any strip club."
Shivering, Lincoln tensely followed after Blitzo, making sure not to separate from him. He passes several attractive Succubus ladies, all who took note of him and instantly returned eye contact. They whispered among themselves once they caught his specific scent, giggling, lip-biting, licking of the lips hungrily, Lincoln felt like he was being stalked at every turn.
"Hello!" A red haired Succubus with a bob cut, mini-skirt and ripped shirt greeted accompanied by a brunette long haired corset hot pants companion, that blocked their way. "We were thinking of going to a new place not far away!" The two ladies grinned flirtatiously at Lincoln. "First timers get in free."
"N-No, that's fine. I'm good." Lincoln politely declined.
"But, you can be better."
Blitzo shoved them. "Crawl back to whatever whorehouse you came from!"
A car drove up and the window slid down to reveal three chicks that did a full stop. "Hey, cutie! Looks like you could use some help with directions. My friends and I can do any job you wa-I mean, a good job at being tour guides if you want."
"Blitz, I say this one more time, I really think we should leave!" Lincoln frantically says through a whisper. "Never return here! Never let Moxxie or Millie find out! I ask you, to listen to me!"
All these admittedly hot and alluring creatures being interested in him, it was something most would want for themselves, but Lincoln didn't think such things would ever have been possible until now and it was making him sweat profusely.
"Just avoid eye contact." Blitzo instructs. "That only gives them more power to pounce. You're talking to an old pro on this. See, you need to learn from your elders." He suddenly drags Lincoln into an alley and he gestures to their destination. "We're here." They see Moxxie and Millie standing in a long line besides a divider with others who also had special reservations at Ozzie's. The outer building had an entrance that looked like a tunnel of love ride and circus-like tent on top. "Now, we just gotta-the hell are you doing?"
Lincoln hadn't moved an inch. "Over there. Look over there!"
Standing in the line were the recognizable forms of Verosika's posse. "Great, it's those walking toys." Blitzo grimaced.
"If they're here, that must mean she's not far behind!" Lincoln reasoned. "That tears it, Blitz. We're going back! Okay, we're going, leave Moxxie and Millie, never speak of this, and more importantly, have a huge talk about your whole stalking your employees problem!"
"Does watching your employees at their home without them knowing really count as a problem?" Blitzo asked, skeptically.
Lincoln had to clean his ears out, Blitzo literally asked that out loud. "Yes! Yes, it does! Very much so! It's why this is happening!"
Blitzo pinches his eyes. "Look, if she was here, she'd have made a big flashy entrance to get everyone in a frenzy, and don't think I didn't notice you bringing along some spells."
Okay, that was true. "Yeah, I mostly got invisibility spells. Just in case."
"Then use them for god's sake."
He was getting tired of Blitzo and his zaniness.
Swallowing a deep gulp, Lincoln activates the spell and his body just disappears. "Blitz, I hope you realize if anything goes wrong, it's all your fault."
"Thanks, kid. I know I'm a genius. Let's roll!"
Moxxie and Millie walked up to the entrance and the shirtless muscle-bound winged imp bouncer graciously lets them in. Back at the line, Verosika's crew patiently waited until it was there and turn until Kiki spoke up. "Hmm. Hey, anyone feel something...familiar?"
Coco does a look around and had to agree. "Huh. Yeah, I think we do."
They can't really get a clear picture on what or who it was, but they knew that presence.
Lincoln was forever thankful that the invisibility spell hid more than just his appearance from the naked eye. Blitzo tiptoed up to the main entrance, until the club's bouncer grabbed his tail and pulled him back with a stern glare. "Whoa there, buddy! Reservation, please?" he interrogated.
"I'm with those two." Blitzo nods to the married couple that just entered.
"Afraid this club is only for couples." The bouncer informed. If one couldn't manage to get a reservation, then the only other alternative is if they had a date present, nothing more, nothing less.
"It's what?" Blitzo questioned, quite flummoxed. Moxxie and Millie didn't mention anything about this club's policy.
"Zero date. Zero reservation. Zero entry." the bouncer threateningly told him with a growl, showing that he was not to be fucked with. At least not while he's working.
Blitzo didn't see this development coming, but after giving the bouncer a look over, he improvised. "You know, I can't get enough of your nice eyes." he tells the bouncer, hand caressing his chin while batting his eyelashes. "Daddy?" he weakly smiled.
The invisible Lincoln shook his head at his boss' poor attempt at flirting. "Ah, jeez."
The bouncer kicked Blitzo all the way into the garbage. An outraged Blitzo opened it up and removed a spoiled rotten banana from his head, yelling at the bouncer with a raised middle finger. "You fucking beefy prude!"
Lincoln was ready to go to him, until one of the other demons in line accidentally bumped into him due to not being able to see the kid and it made him drop the flash card. The rain's waters washed the writing away and he became visible again. The boy alarmingly gasped, which got the attention of Coco and Apple as he was right behind them, they turn around but see nothing.
The couple glanced at each other and shrugged, getting into the entrance with the blonde skipping while doing so.
Lincoln was proud of himself for having the forethought of bringing more than just one card with an invisibility spell on it, he went over to Blitzo who had fallen on trash bags while trying to climb out. "Ah, well. That's such a shame." Lincoln faked the disappointment. "Maybe next time, make sure to check the rules of the club where you want to spy on your employees."
"Not my fault! Since when does any locale in Lust only cater to just couples? The joints I tore apart here way back when served up to way beyond that." Blitzo said in retort.
"Hey, things change, Blitz. That's all a part of life and all its mystery and all that." The invisible Loud did one clap. "I'm sure we can talk all about it some more at the office."
Blitzo rubbed his chin in deep thought, if this fancy joint only accepts couples, then there can only be one possible way for him to get granted entry. A light bulb went off and he forms a devious smirk. "We could do that. Or..." he begins to make a call.
"Who are you even calling?" Lincoln barely has the energy to figure Blitzo out at this point. "The only person I can think of is...oh. No. Nuh-uh! Please don't tell me...!" It's like his boss was actively trying to make things worse.
His boss chuckled. "Oh, hell yeah. Your boss is one big genius." Blitzo waited for the call to be picked up.