Human beings loved to entertain themselves.
They are creatures that also seek contact and for most, the best place to get such desires was a packed nightclub. A place with very few rules and little restraint, the loud blaring party beats accompanied by the ecstatic shouting and hollering was making this seem more like a frenzy than a rave. "Whoo!" A party person who had his red hair done in dreads exclaimed after snorting up something to help up the party mood. "Now that is some good shit!" He wiped off some white powder from his nose.
It was really working.
The thing he was hung up about earlier was like a thing of the past.
After all, he only supplied the super dangerous drug to the poor son of a bitch, it's not like he made the damn thing.
Moreover, he meant to warn him about any harmful side effects, he really did.
….He just forgot, that's all.
Well, maybe not completely.
But, he needed the cash and it's not like he had other stuff lying around and odds are the guy would have overdosed even if he hadn't taken the supply. This party and indulging in all it had to offer made it all worth it in the end.
"Having fun there, hot stuff~." A sultry babe asked, draping her hands over him.
"Oh-ho! Night just got even more fun, gorgeous! Hey, let's get some more fucking rounds in here! We gotta drink and fuck the night away!"
Yep, the man called Zeke was loving this night and nothing can ruin it.
Except for the demon assassins that were stalking him throughout the club.
"Oooh, everybody, look at me! Some floozy wants a one-night crotch tango and suddenly, I'm king dick! Ugh, such a tool." Blitzo much preferred that his targets have at least somewhat more respectable qualities.
Lincoln's aggravated voice came from his earpiece. "Blitz, I told you. This line isn't for your unfair criticisms."
"Unfair? Kid, my criticisms are almost always constructive."
"Not to Moxxie."
"What? I said almost always. Besides, you can see this fucktard from the camera-room. You can't tell me I'm wrong."
Lincoln groaned.
Just as Blitzo said, Lincoln was in a room connected to all the cameras.
The guys who were supposed to be on duty were sprawled out on the floor, bleeding from their heads after human disguised Loona managed to flirt her way into convincing them to abandon their jobs just by giving them the eyes.
"Crappy look aside, we got about minutes or less until security comes in for the hourly check-up, remember? Millie's ready for the next phases and Moxxie's on standby. Please, please, please, don't Blitzo this up."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, I-" Bltzo stopped taking a drink. "Wait, the fuck do you mean don't 'Blitzo' it up? Am I a verb? Did you make me into a fucking verb?! And how long has that been a thing?!"
Loona smirked. "Trust me, that's been a thing even before Linc joined up."
Moxxie's voice entered the comms and was thankfully professional.
"This is Thespian, Sexy Beast has reported she's in position, over."
"Man with a plan copies that, over." Lincoln replied. "Also, thank you for using the codenames I gave you, over."
"Anytime, kiddo, over."
Blitzo brought up another complaint. "That's another thing, next time, ask me what I want for a codename. 'Cause I'm half-tempted to just throw out pay deductions for everybody just for being 'Rodeo Clown'!"
"Aw, quit yer belly achin', B! If it fits, it fits." Millie stated. "And you best not fuck up mah baby's plan, he worked real hard gettin' it together. Now look alive, target's headin' yer way, boss man."
Tossing his drink aside, Blitzo ignored the bird flipped to him by the person whose pants he spilled the drink on. Seeing as the imps were still in desperate need of actual convincing human disguises, they once again were forced to just use any random clothing they had lying around the office. Blitzo had a black haired wig and as in previous times, opted to dress in a feminine look.
Fishnets, loose purple dress skirt, and high heeled boots.
The works.
And for added measure, oranges were padded into the top.
For the backside, two cut halves of a watermelon.
In Blitzo's crazy head, he was working it better than Verosika.
Trancing up to Zeke, he drapes over him, pulling him the best drugged up horny party girl he can muster. "Like, oh my gosh, bae, you are like, oozing big dick energy! Follow me and I'll let your pal show my soaking wet hole, big boy!" He snickered in his head. 'Thank Satan's holes those nights binging trashy pornos taught me how to act like a proper cunty skank.'
Zeke was about to answer, then came Millie's role.
Disguised as a sunglasses wearing dealer, she shouted out. "Bro, did y'all hear? The bathroom's totally free. Anyone looking to get their fuckin' freak on and do the nasty can just go in and get it on. Also, the cameras are all wonky as shit, so this is a hell of a chance to do whatever ya want!"
Actions free of consequence?
Zeke was sold!
This chick looked freaky in a literal way but he was never one to say no to a quickie that won't get him busted.
Lincoln nodded as Blitzo walked Zeke to the intended destination. "Perfect. Thespian, get ready. Rodeo Clown and the target are going your way, over."
Inside the bathroom, Moxxie wore a janitor's uniform and a fake mustache as the door swung open.
Zeke's arm was around Blitzo's waist.
"By the way, babe, never got your-"
SNKT!
Zeke let out a grunt.
A sudden sharp pain was felt.
Looking down, he saw a sharp black knife lodged deep in his abdomen.
Red blood stains were spreading throughout his white shirt.
"...Wh-"
Millie burst in, spinning two hatchets.
Moxxie pulled out a hidden gun outfitted with a silencer and began unloading.
Lincoln tapped his thumbs on the table in the camera room as the horrified screams of I.M.P's target rang throughout the comm set. "AGH! NO! NO, PLEASE! HELP! SOMEONE, HELP! STOP, STOP! NOT LIKE THIS, NOT LIKE THIS!"
The begging and pleading made Lincoln shift uncomfortably in his spot.
Noticing this, Loona decided to take over. "Hey, why don't you go take a breather? We'll handle things from here." She said, smiling in understanding.
"...Thanks, Loons." Lincoln hopped off the chair, was careful not to step out the unconscious security guards and made his way outside through the club's back. He took a seat on the steps to recollect his mind. It felt almost surreal, finding that despite all the death he's seen and almost being accustomed to it, there were still times where he felt a twinge of sympathy even for the really nasty targets.
Or was that just an act he put on to reassure himself?
Lincoln honestly couldn't tell, and that worried him.
"Whoo! Can always count on happy moments in the bathroom for me!" Blitzo cheered, jumping out of a window while M&M carried a body bag containing their fresh kill. Blitzo noticed Lincoln and chided him. "Christ on a stick, what did I say about brooding over existential crises? Not during work times. It's a simple concept."
"Yes, Yes. I can assure you, good sir. The object of your revenge died a cruel merciless death and if you want a rough estimate of where he may end up down here, I'd check out the local crack dens. The fucker was hopped up in happy time drugs when we offed his sorry ass. Tell all your friends we here at I.M.P will happily kill their mortal enemies still alive up on Earth! Buh-bye~!"
"Another satisfied client, sir?"
Moxxie's inquiry got a chuckle out of Blitzo.
"And then some, Moxx-aroo!" The portal behind them to Earth closed and the immediate murder professionals relaxed in the office. "I know I tend to go on and on about cash, but at the end of the day, it's the feelings of helping a cheated soul get closure by brutalizing the fuck out of their enemies in life that really gets me through the day. That, and my pre-ordered Equine monthly magazine of cour-" His jolly mood evaporated once he walked into his office. "What the shit?!"
"Mrowf~!"
The very magazine he was itching to read was ripped to shreds.
All at the hands of the little stray his unpaid intern picked up in the Wrath Ring.
"Intern! Front and center!"
Lincoln rushed in.
The others followed suit to see what got Blitzo all in a huff.
"Timber!" Lincoln picked his pet up. "I told you not to go into the office! Sorry about this, Blitz, but I did tell you locking the door wouldn't have been enough since she can teleport."
"Doesn't change the fact that your little furball went and chewed up all my shit!" Blitzo admonished heatedly, making Lincoln flinch. "You know how much I love my shit! You better realize how expensive that magazine was, fuzzy!" Blitzo glared and pointed at Timber who growled and snapped at him by nearly biting the finger. "Oh, you little saucy bitch! You are just asking for it!"
Lincoln was quick to defend her.
"Hey, come on! She's still getting used to the office!"
Millie's hand was on top of her head. "Trust me Blitz, you can't expect any critter from Wrath to listen just because you said so. You act like the big boss, but you gotta prove it if you want them to heel. Ain't that right, ya little furry face~." She cooed, scratching Timber's chin to make her sweetly purr.
"I shouldn't have to! The little beast should tell just by lookin' at my shapely ass!"
"Regardless of shapely asses, it doesn't really help when you make yourself look like an ass, Blitz. And besides, I don't see the problem. I mean, you kept Loona, didn't you?"
An empty beer can left on the reception desk was thrown at his head's side.
"Heard that!"
Loona opens a bag of chips and flings one into the air.
Timber teleported in mid-air to catch it in her mouth before teleporting again to the floor this time.
"Mrowf!"
Loona gave an impressed smirk. "You never know. When Linc gets her trained and ready, maybe she can go on hits. Might be useful to have our own living getaway vehicle that's way faster than the shitty van."
"That van is the pride of our company!" Blitzo threw his arms up, resigned. "Bah! Whatever! At least she didn't get into my stash."
"Mr-BURP-owf!"
Timber burped out even more magazine paper.
"Oh, Christ on a stick! You are so lucky you don't have balls, because at this point, I would have had you fucking neutered!"
Blitzo stormed into his office and slammed the door closed.
Lincoln looked at Loona, stroking Timber's fur. "How long do you think it'll be until he cools down?"
"Well, he only gets really pissy if it involves his creepy love for horses. So, you might hafta wait a while, bud." Loona shrugged.
Oh, how Lincoln was thrilled to hear that.
Resigned, Lincoln went to the couch and let Timber rest on his lap.
"Buck up, sweetie." Millie cupped his chin. "Mox and I can smooth things over. You just worry about trainin' Timber here so Blitz won't get pissed again."
"You can always make it up by concocting more very intricate plans for future jobs like the one you made for today." Moxxie supportively added. "It goes without saying things go a lot smoother when we have someone with such talent."
Lincoln smiled bashfully. "Thanks, you guys." He yawned tiredly. "I guess I've just been too tired lately to teach her how to behave, moving all over not just Pride, but in Greed, and then, Wrath. And they weren't exactly relaxing visits, you know."
Moxxie scoffed. "Yeah, if we ever have to go back to Greed, I can safely promise it won't be for another trip to grandpa's."
"Luckily, yer Wrath-born grandpappy is a lot more welcoming. That reminds me, Mox. Pa called the other day and he actually asked me to recommend a good place to pick up some good firepower near the ranch! Can you believe it? Pretty soon, he might actually start calling you son after just seeing you as 'his daughter's walking dildo'!"
Moxxie rolled her eyes, yet still smiled.
"I suppose at this point, anything's possible."
"Frankly, a trip to a Ring where we can have some actual fun for once would be a Satan-send." Lincoln stopped scratching Timber to ponder. "Am I using that right? Satan-send. 'Cause I was torn between that or Lucifer-send."
Moxxie actually took the time to ponder this himself.
Millie giggled at how big thinkers her two boys were.
Loona looked like she was uninterested, but her big ears caught most of the gist that Lincoln was talking about.
She felt for him.
After the craziness he's had to endure in Hell that never seems to stop, he deserved some actual downtime for a change.
They all could for that matter.
Her phone started vibrating.
"Hang on, gotta take this."
Loona moved further away to take the call. "What's up, Tex?" Vortex, Verosika Mayday's bodyguard and brief crush of Loona's but was still in close contact with her. He had proven to be a reliable and cool person to talk to.
"Yo, Loons. Been a while since our last hang. Been busy?"
"Yeah, just got back from a job." Loona blew a loose hair bang. "Pretty straightforward day." She frowned, recalling how distressed Lincoln was close to becoming. "Well, for me and the imps at least. Lincoln, he…."
Vortex grew concerned. "The little dude doing good?"
Loona sighed, looking up at the ceiling.
"I don't know, Tex. I grew up down here. Me, you, my dad, those two little lovebirds, and your boss. We got used to howe fucked Hell is. Linc? He never had any choice to be down here and I won't lie, it's really starting to feel like it's all getting to him and….I-I don't want that. He says he's fine but he's just saying that so I won't worry."
"And let me guess? You are?"
"Like you wouldn't believe." Loona admitted.
Guess this comes with the job of being a big sister.
"Sounds to me like you, the kid, and your whole outfit need a little time to unwind. When was the last time you guys took one of those company downtimes?"
"...Fuck, that's a good question."
Loona couldn't believe that she was tackling so much workload.
Ugh.
Becoming a workaholic.
Handling responsibilities.
The Hellhound worked very hard to avoid such things.
Yet, here she was.
"In that case, why not come on down to Gluttony?"
Loona's ears perked up.
"What?"
"Yeah, think about it. What better place is there in Hell other than the Gluttony for folks to just unwind and forget all about their worries. Just as long as they don't go overboard like your old man did last time. No offense. You didn't hear this from me, but Bee's opened up some new hot spots. What do you say? You in?"
"That-That sounds great!" Loona then flinched. "But, uh, I gotta know, is she still teed about Blitz being all Blitz down there and uh, not to mention, well, me?" Not a lot of Hellborn can say they insulted a Sin of all things to their face and lived to see the next morning.
"Nah, you're good. Bee's not the type to hold a grudge, unless you sell knockoffs of her drinks like Mammon."
While that was a huge relief and weight off her furry shoulders, there was another reason for Loona to be concerned.
Lincoln.
One of the most principal rules at I.M.P was that under no circumstances must the secret of Lincoln being a living human in Hell be revealed. Millie's kin in Wrath were an exception due to her vouching for them, but one of the Seven Deadly Sins?
The Queen of Gluttony.
Laid back as Beelzebub may be, that was still an outcome that can go a lot of ways and Loona wasn't willing to risk Lincoln's safety on it.
'Damn, he really is like my little brother….'
Finishing her thoughts, she carefully gave an answer.
"Look, let me just run it by everyone and we'll see what happens."
"Okay, Timber. You ready, girl?"
"Mrowf!"
"Now, just like you did yesterday."
Timber's tail waggled as Lincoln flings several balls into the air.
POOF!
POOF!
POOF!
The Hell critter teleported three times to hit each ball away just as Lincoln instructed. "Good girl!" As a reward, he lets her take a bite out of a steak slab. "Man, Lana would love you. She's always wanted a magical creature for a pet. Though, not sure if mom would have let any of us keep it. She wouldn't even let us take Lela home. Of course, she was a dragon."
Moxxie sweated, chuckling weakly.
"Exactly how was it that you were so in disbelief about being in Hell if you had such an adventure beforehand?"
"My turn!" Millie chirped. "Think fast, Timber!"
In Wrath, playing fetch existed.
Only instead of wooden sticks and frisbees, Millie shot three arrows from her crossbow and Timber pulled off another teleporting trick and while in mid-air, she displayed another ability of hers.
She belched out three fireballs.
Lincoln's eyes bugged.
"Whoa!"
"Oh, dear crumbs!"
Moxxie fetched the fire extinguisher.
"She belches fireballs?!" Millie shouted, elated. "Lincoln, sweetie, you might have just won the pet lottery! Who knew she had more tricks in the bag?"
"I sure didn't." Lincoln ran a hand in his hair. "Are all Wrath animals like that?"
"Not the ones I know of." Moxxie grunted, setting the extinguisher down. "Truth be told, even though you found her in Wrath, it's canine-esque appearance could also mean it traveled from Gluttony. That's mere speculation, though." He leaned on a door. "It's not as if we can just drop everything and go down to-"
SLAM!
Moxxie was thrown across the room after Loona slammed the door open.
"Drop everything, dipsh-uh, people who I work with." Loona put regular scathing Loona to bed and tried out a more non-insulting version of herself instead. She read somewhere, that's the 'cool' way to invite colleagues out. "How's partying like crazy in the Gluttony Ring sound?"
"Okay, Looney, run it by me again. You think the company needs an outing of non-stop endless fun having partying way over at Gluttony?"
Blitzo had found himself becoming increasingly surprised over his daughter's changes in behavior. She was still the precious edgy wolf girl he knew and loved possibly more than even horses. But gradually, she has taken steps to not being as adversarial to her coworkers, even to him, as she usually is.
Blitzo didn't really mind if it meant she'd start calling him dad regularly.
It took moments where she suggested an outing for I.M.P for him to really be shocked.
Outings meant somewhere social.
Which meant there'd be a lot of people.
As a father, Blitzo has memorized all of her complaints and one being that she didn't want to be seen in public with them.
He'd have to beg and cry to get her to lift this rule.
Instead, she decided to do it without any crying to be shed nor pleading for her to reconsider.
"Yeah, I mean, aren't y'all a little tired from all the killing and all that crap?" Loona shrugged. "On top of that, we still get into some bullshit outside of work. You ask me, we're due to not go through any of that tonight."
"Soooooo, what you're saying is…you want your daddy to party like he's actually havin' a good fucking time instead of being some sad sack!" Blitzo stuck the place where a nose should be up, super smug-like. "If that's all, you should've just asked! I can safely promise this won't end with me starting orgies and vomiting myself to sleep!"
Lincoln leaned in closer to Loona.
"When exactly was this?"
"Remember when you wanted me to cheer him up after Ozzie's? Well, we sorta went to Gluttony and you know, things happened."
Loona made sure to be as quiet as Lincoln to prevent Millie overhearing.
She herself was giving an honest opinion about her hubby still wearing his regular suit and bowtie. "Come on, Mox, don't you think you should put in something less….stuffy?"
"But you said I looked sexy in bowties." Moxxie replied like a kicked puppy.
"And you do! By Satan, you doo~, mm!" Millie bit her lip. "It just ain't the type people wear to shindigs in Gluttony. We're goin' to cut loose, remember? Let our hair down and have some boy howdy fun."
Moxxie thought for a second and a light bulb turned on.
He did the most relaxed thing he's ever done.
Undoing his signature bowtie.
Millie gave him a weak thumbs up, not having the heart to wipe away that bright goofy smile.
"Good enough. Lincoln, you ready to bust out your cute imp form, again?"
Lincoln had a backpack on that carried Timber since he didn't have a leash for her yet. "Actually, I remembered something about the mask that Stolas mentioned. I can make myself look like any Hellborn demon species. I mostly stuck to an imp disguise since I'm used to being around imps. But now…."
Putting on the mask, a new transformation happened.
Orange light turned into a yellow color.
It surrounded him.
All over Lincoln's body, and wearing his casual clothes for this excursion, was a snow-white coat of fur. A snout replaced his nose, canine ears sprouted on top and he was now the proud owner of his own wagging tail. The shoes disappeared as part of the illusion, showing his pawed feat and hind-shaped legs.
Streaks of orange were also included on the fur and his eyes had orange sclera and red pupils.
"Bam! Hellhound Lincoln!" He jovially announced. "Not bad, hu-uuuh?!" Lincoln yelped after Loona's arms scooped him up. "...Uh, Loona, what are you doing?"
"...Just you know, holding you close so you don't leave my sight." Lonna answered as if it was a casual reason.
"'Kaaay….but, why?"
"..." Loona wordlessly set him down, blushing in embarrassment.
She honestly couldn't figure out why, indeed.
The urge to snuggle the little pup close in a protective manner just spontaneously came to her…and she wanted to do it again.
He was a pup.
She was a full grown hound.
Who else can protect and keep him safe?
"Uh-oh, looks like miss cool gal can't help but think you look even more adorable now!" Millie scratched Lincoln's chin. "And look! Timber thinks so, too!" Lincoln's pet Hell beast cuddled against her owner's cheek.
"L-Let's just get in, already!"
Still red, Loona and I.M.P entered through Elevator 666.
As golden and lustrous as Lincoln remembered.
"We call the next elevator ride to Gluttony, desk jockey!" Blitzo hollered at the receptionist handling the tickets.
"Mrowf!"
The receptionist raised a brow at the animal sound that went off inside Lincoln's backpack.
"...That was him." Blitzo pointed at an aghast Moxxie. "Ate something that is just fucking up his bowels. Poor bastard."
Gluttony.
Party capital of Hell.
The vice that pertains to sate an endless appetite. It's easy to think it was similar to Greed, but that was just on the surface. What made Gluttony different from Greed was how it wasn't a rotting land of avarice. Instead, to Lincoln's awe, was a bright shiny beehive-designed tropical paradise. The population was predominantly full of Hellhounds, outnumbering the imps and Succubi present. All were mingling and drinking out of the Beelzejuice filled river streams, some even bathing in it.
Sick beats came from inside several clubs.
"Welcome to Gluttony, motherfuckers!" A revealing female Hellhound gleefully greeted the newcomers who entered through the elevator.
"Go, go, go, go, go, go!" Various imps were cheering on an Incubi that was close to breaking an all new record for beer chugging.
"Fuck, Incs really do have great gaf reflexes!"
"You guys can touch anywhere you want!" An imps cheered, crowd-surfing.
"Oh, dear. It's certainly as….rambunctious as I've heard." Moxxie commented, a little put off by how extroverted the locals were.
Millie caught a drink that was randomly thrown at her. "Free beverages? Oh, the fam would love it here!"
A woozy imp walked by and spotted Blitzo.
"Whoa! Hey, everybody! It's Blitz! He came back!"
Soon, a crowd approached I.M.P and chanted the boss's name, clamoring to get closer and get a word in.
"Hot damn, B, I honestly never thought there'd be a crowd cheerin' yer name." Millie remarked.
"I'd say you probably paid them, but that'd be way too forward thinking of you." Moxxie gave up expecting that.
"One, fuck off, Moxxie. Two, these folks probably saw me when I out-partied their foxy queen." Blitzo waved the crowd off. "That, and I may have got up all in a few holes here and there." His eyes widened in a huge panic. "Shit, keep on walking! Don't make eye contact!"
"Hey, hey! It's me! You remember me?"
"Blitz, I think that guy's calling you."
Lincoln was shushed by the erratic imp.
"Damn it, I said no eye contact!"
"It's me! It's Dennis! We nearly fucked last time, remember? Does this mean you're gonna give me a second chance?"
Blitzo imitated a high pitched feminine voice. "You bastard! You told me I was the only one for you, Dennis!"
The crowd gasped.
"God, what a Dennis move!"
"You're the fucking worst, Dennis!"
"My parents changed my name because of Dennises like you!"
I.M.P entered into the hive party club that Loona led them to. Neon flashing lights of purple, pink, blue, red, yellow, and so on illuminated the dance floor. The Hellhound DJ turned up the jams as the speakers beside him showed off the melodies roared in high volumes.
"You wanna fly?"
"Fly!" The chorus repeated.
"Fly into the sky? Babe, you 'bout to go so high up, it makes me wanna cry!"
"Cry!"
A group of demons bucked their hips in tandem, synchronized beyond measure.
"Whoo! That''s a move! Gonna shake this whole pad 'till everybody's in the groove!"
"Groove!"
"Now come on, everybody, you know ya want ta scream and shout!"
"Shout!"
"Yeah! Hit the beat!"
An imp was atop a hellhound's shoulders, waving glow sticks as the sprinklers as the beats went on a continuous loop. Sprinklers went off and the water showered against dancing Succubi who roamed their hands all over their now wet hips, thighs, midriffs and anything else that made people look and cheer.
Lincoln tried so hard not to stare.
But that was next to impossible when his eyes set on the familiar shaking ass of Milky.
One of Verosika's cohorts.
The short curvy Succubus moved her derriere to the rhythm of the music while scarfing down a meter long Gluttony sub.
"Hey, there she is!" Not only was she present, but so was Vortex. "Glad y'all could make it! Good to see ya, Loona!" He patted her shoulder. "See you brought your peeps after all!" He'd make a remark about the seemingly new face among them, until he recognized the familiar scent. "Wait, Linc, that you, little man?"
Lincoln removed the mask slightly to show some part of his human face. "Hiya, Tex. Not a bad disguise, right?"
"Damn! Barely could tell it was you!" Vortex chuckled, kneeling. "Decided to blend in around Hell, I see. Smart." He playfully punched the kid's shoulder.
"And here I thought you couldn't get any cuter~."
Lincoln froze like a board after a shadow loomed over and he felt something soft press on his back when a certain thicc Succubus hugged him from behind.
"M-Milky…?"
Smirking, the dark haired demoness hummed sensationally.
"Hey there, little snowball~." She giggled. "Or do you prefer little furrball?"
Lincoln took a huge step back, fixing the mask back into place.
"Uh, h-hey, Milky!" Lincoln leaned backwards when Milky stepped closer, giving him very lidded eyes and of course, the cleavage was just laid out in front of him. "Surprised to see you here without Verosika…!"
With any luck-er bad luck, the whole posse are probably somewhere close by.
Unfortunately, or perhaps to Lincoln's fortune, Milky shook her head.
"Just because I'm part of Ver's entourage don't mean I gotta be glued to her every waking moment. Same for the rest. But, I guess we're still close enough for Tex here to hit us up for fun times at his neck of Hell's woods." She nudged Vortex's arm. "Enough about that, been doin' good, Linky?" She put her elbow on his head. "Hopin' to have some fun on the dance floor? Milky can show you how, if you'll let me~..."
Lincoln's heart rate went up with each amorous whisper.
Millie, being the overly protective parent that she was, intervened. "That's far enough, missy!" She had Lincoln stay close behind her from the flirtations of the succubus. "My baby's here to have regular fun, not yer kind of fun!" She wished she brought her knives.
"Whoa, whoa, pump the brakes there, hot momma." Milky placated. "That's just how we Succs talk to our….very good friends. And your boy's tough, right? He can take care of himself."
Now would be a good time to maybe go back to the office.
But when they're not being overly affectionate, Succubi can prove to be good people to talk to.
And in a weird way, she was one of the few in Hell he would call his friend.
"Millie it's-it's okay." Lincoln said, making her gawk in disbelief. "I-I trust her."
Hearing that made Milky also gape.
He-He trusted her?
…..There goes a skipped beating in her chest.
Damn, this kid was good.
And now she felt less guilty about not calling the gals.
Millie still didn't like it.
In fact, she absolutely loathed the very thought.
But, Lincoln's confident and reassuring smile was hard to ignore nor could she doubt it, somehow, that boy always manages to make her take his word for it. Even if her motherly instincts told her to observe at all times.
"Fine." The Wrath imp woman gave the Lust-bound Succubus a warning glare. "But if Ah see one hand where it shouldn't be, ya won't be able to give handies ever again We clear?!"
Milky gulped, scared….and a little turned on. "Crystal."
"Cool." Lincoln removed his backpack and gave it to Moxxie for safekeeping, Timber stuck her head out and gave Moxxie an affectionate lick, making him chuckle. "Alright, let's go!"
Time to see what Gluttony had to offer.
Loona saw Millie was fuming, still displeased.
Rolling her eyes, she knew she had to do another, ugh, nice thing.
"Don't worry, I'll make sure nothing happens."
"Well, what are we waiting for?! Let's get down, y'all!" Vortex cheered.
The DJ spun another record and the party place was lit up by another song that everybody danced to. Lincoln expected to be overwhelmed a bit, but found that it was refreshingly easy to move around. It was so different from the party he observed from the camera room in the last job. There, the party goers were out of control, just trying to make themselves feel great, it was all forced.
Here, things seemed more natural.
It was a glaring difference.
Milky's left hip bumped against him, making him look at her.
She was giving him an expectant expression.
An invitation to let loose and join in, he was the only one who wasn't dancing.
This wasn't a job, this was just dancing, and frankly, he was overjoyed for some random fun like that after months of dodging bullets and parrying knives.
Like the other rings, Gluttony was beginning to have an effect on Lincoln's psyche.
And unlike in the past, Lincoln welcomed it. His body moved to the music's beat much to Milky's delight. To make him feel even more comfortable, Milky had grabbed a Gluttony-made nacho snack and offered it to the boy.
Intoxicating.
That was the only way to describe the smell.
Lincoln has had plenty of nachos before.
They paled compared to these.
Even though they're Hell in origin, who can ever say no to free nachos?
Atleast, he hoped it was free.
He munched down on the cheesy goodness and swallowed it down his throat.
…
…
…..
'SO GOOD!'
Lincoln's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. Never before has the disguised human ever tasted such delectable nachos! It was making his taste buds go into a frenzy, craving for more, an insatiable appetite that he wanted to satisfy until the end of time!
Barrels of soda pop.
A fountain made of chocolate.
This Ring was true paradise!
If he's meant to party, then party he shall!
Lincoln took a barrel and tore the lid off, he poured down the soda to the surprise and awe of those observing, particularly Loona and Milky. Finishing the barrel in one go, Lincoln surprised them once more after spinning around to hurl the barrel right through the roof, becoming a star in Gluttony's skies.
The demons stared up at the hole, partaking in several beats of silence before erupting into excited cheers. Lincoln got hoisted up by Vortex and was now sitting on the larger Hellhound's shoulders. "Let's party!" Lincoln shouted, many howling in agreement.
Lincoln's eyes got a faint yellow glint in them, a sign of the Ring's growing influence.
It compelled him to continue dancing with Milky.
The Succubus certainly didn't expect the kid to get into the groove so fast, but she sure as Hell wasn't complaining. Especially when he took her by the hand and had her going back with his hand on her waist.
Oh, yeah.
She was gonna lord this over the gals for eternity.
But, she wasn't gonna let him take the lead for long.
Milky draped her hands over his shoulders and wiggled her body hypnotically.
Bounce, bounce, bounce.
She smirked at his eyes following her chest.
Later, Lincoln continued to have the time of his life, he so wished his sisters were here to share in the experience in what was hands down the best party he's ever been to. Was he even living before now? Because, obviously, humanity was doing something wrong in the party department, he'd given everything in his non-existent paycheck to make it so that this was the first Ring he ended up with in the first place.
It would've left a better impression of Hell.
Loona saw this from her spot on the dance floor, smiling.
Seeing Lincoln happy about being in Hell for once warmed her otherwise cold heart.
At this rate, it'll be enough to maybe make him consider staying in Hell on a permanent basis.
Wait, no.
He wants to go home!
A good friend shouldn't think that.
"Like, OM-fucking G, look who's showing her face?"
That vain valley girl voice made Loona grimace as she recognized that voice all too well. Vikki, the poodle-like Hellhound and her equally annoying cohorts that antagonized Loona the last time she was here.
"Ugh, Vikki…."
Loona wished that barrel Lincoln threw fell back down to get rid of the stains in her line of vision right now.
"Like, what the actual fuck are you doing here, Loona? Didn't you and your shit-ass daddy get kicked out or something?"
"We didn't get banned, we were just….asked to leave." Loona realized that only sounded more pathetic.
Vikki and her friends snickered. "Oh, yeah, that's right. Your slutty pop was like, totally ruining the vibe, just putting his tongue in like, so many holes. Talk about embarrassing. Easily trumps your gross vomit incident. You even went and pissed off Queen Bee herself, if I were you, I wouldn't have shown my face down here ever again. That's like, literally asking for insults and demeaning comments, you know?"
Loona growled, nails grating on the counter.
To think she actually tried making friends with this pack of bitches.
However, a different source of laughter wasn't directed at Loona, but at Vikki.
"If anyone's killing the vibe, it's you, Vikki."
Sitting not too far from Loona was another female Hellhound with dark colored puffed up fur.
Vikki, her friends, and even Loona were surprised by her speaking up. "Um, excuse me? Who exactly do you think you're talking to, Gigi?"
Gigi gulped down one drink. "A literal walking valley bitch stereotype that totally can't go one second without expressing that bitchiness."
Loona stifled a laugh through a snort, enjoying how agitated Vikki was
"Bitch, you're one to totally talk!"
"I only act like a bitch to deserving bitches. Pretty sure you qualify."
Anyone who was in earshot didn't need to have Hellhound ears to hear a sick burn.
"Oooooooooh!"
"Why you junkyard-"
"Look out below!"
Vikki and her friends got doused in one of the small indoor ponds.
"AHH! What the actual fuck?!"
In the pond was a portaly frizzy Hellhound with his shirt off. "Shit, my bad. Some fellas dared me to do a cannonball and you know, they said I'd look like a total pussy if I didn't and I ain't no pussy. I mean, I love me some pussy, but a pussy ain't what I am. Bottom line, I love pussy, but wouldn't be one. No harm done."
"No harm?!" Vikki snarled. "These shoes are brand new, dumbass! And do you know how long it takes to get my fur this perfectly groomed! Let's go, ladies!"
Here Loona was, thinking the night was ruined but in came these two Hellhounds, making those bitches look like idiots.
"Uh….hey….." Loona said to Gig, a little shyly. "Thanks for, uh, you know…."
Gigi waved. "Eh, no biggie. And hey, don't let Vikki get to you. She always tries to get under hounds' fur. I'm Gigi and the tubs over there is Russ." She nodded at the wet Hellhound.
"'Sup? It's Loona, right? Your pop was the epic party animal back then, right? Sweeeeet."
"Heh, thanks." Loona never imagined she'd get compliments for having some relation to Blitzo.
"You also know that little turbo over there?" Gigi pointed at Lincoln, hopping from one table to the next for more soda drinks.
"Oh, yeah. He's my friend, er, brother, I mean, a friend who's like a brother to me. I-It's sorta hard to put into words."
Russ put a finger to her lips.
"Shh. No need, Russ-man knows how it is. You have forged a bond that transcends the fragile nature of a simple friendship into a kinship that's exactly the pact of blood which not many can say they have."
Loona and Gigi blankly stared at him.
"Russ, are you high right now?"
"I'm getting there. Def getting there." Russ scratched his belly.
Out of the blue, the music started dying down and the lights dimmed, the DJ's voice echoed through the speakers. "Alright, alright, alright, party people! If I may have your undivided attention! Hope y'all have been havin' a sweet-ass time, 'cause we got a special surprise! If you think this was just your average Gluttony fest, then you're wrong! See, we got a special treat! Stepping down from the throne that she earned!"
Steam was released as a series of stages rose up.
A swirl of yellow magical energy appeared on top of the stages.
Several Hellhounds instinctively drummed their feet on the ground, those who've lived long enough knew what this meant.
Lincoln tilted his head, anticipation growing.
His own foot joined in the unison tapping.
"You know her! You love her! You wanna be her! Give it up for our very own head bitch in charge! Hail to the queen!"
The magical energy dispersed into sparkles and a lone figure appeared.
She was a tall, vulpine-looking demon. Her long mane and tail looked like it was made out of the contents of a lava-lamp, heck, her midriff practically was one. She had a set of four arms, the upper ones behind her head and the lower ones on her shapely hips.
A crop top with a heart shaped cutout at the center was her attire, plus some pink short-shorts.
Her fur was a mix of yellow, pink, and black colors.
The aura she radiated made it clear that she was a powerful demon.
Behind her, a mystic sigil spelling out her name shined on them.
"Give it up for BEEEEEEELZEBUUUUUUB!"
Loona did a spit-take.
"The fuck?!"
"Are you motherfuckers havin' a ball?!" The Gluttony Ring's queen's answer was a rousing cheer and applause. "Bet no one expected yours truly, huh? I usually host my own bashes, but after seeing the hard work put into this, what's a better reward than the Sin of Gluttony making a special appearance by popular demand!" Her hands conjured up some coladas and tropical beverages. "And as queen, I hereby decree, have your fuckin' fill!"
Just by waving her hands, she conjured more drinks that appeared in each guests' hands.
Moxxie and Millie included.
"Whoo!" Millie shook her head. "Now that is mighty powerful!"
"Oh, my! It is, indeed!" Moxxie readily agreed.
The married imps had taken huge sips and felt tingly sensations, it was unlike anything they've ever had before.
"That's right, drink and eat to your hearts' content! Especially have your fill of my…" Snapping her fingers, in Lincoln's hands appeared a cone of a favorite carnival food. "Cotton Candy!" She sang out that part that sounded synthesized.
Loona had bullets of sweat going down her fur.
"Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit!"
Vortex never told her Beelzebub was showing up.
Their last encounter wasn't even what she was worried about.
Beelzebub was one of the Seven Deadly Sins.
One of Hell's head honchos.
And one of the last demons I.M.P wanted to let in on their little human secret.
"Yo, you good?" Gigi curiously asked. "Something in the drinks?"
"Uh, yeah!" Loona couldn't leave any quicker than she just did. "Gotta go use it, the old bladder's just going crazy like nobody's business, later!"
Russ scratched his belly. "That was weird. Why didn't she just go in her pants like I did?"
He missed the deadpanned look Gigi was giving him.
Loona ran through the crowd, hoping to find Lincoln among them. "Whoa, whoa, whoa, Loona! Where's the fire?" Vortex stopped her.
"Tex, you need to help me find Lincoln! We need to get him outta here!"
"What?" Vortex frowned. "Something wrong?"
"No time to explain, just tell me if you've seen Linc!"
VROOSH!
Loona and Vortex's eyes closed when the powerful wind blew into their faces after an orange colored blurr zoomed past them. The blurr revealed itself to be Lincoln whose body was shaking like an earthquake and cotton candy remains were all over his face. His eyes were twitching like crazy. "Hey-Loona-hey-Tex-enjoying-the-party-I-know-I-am!" He spoke at a hyper pace. "Ooh! You-gonna-finish-that?!" Becoming a zooming orange blurr again, he ran around a mountain of tacos and they were gone in a flash. "Mm-m-m! Delicious!"
"Wha-Lincoln?! What happened to you?!"
Lincoln answered Loona, still fast-talking. "Not-much! Just-took-a-bite-out-of-the-cotton-candy! Man-oh-man-is-it-good! You-should-try-it! By-the-way-is-it-just-me-or-do-you-also-smell-stuff! And-I-don't-mean-close-I-mean-from-far-away! Heck-I-also-hear-things-far-away-see-things-too! It-actually-happened-that-time-in-boot-camp! Man-boot-camp! That-was-a-crazy-ride….!" The more he spoke, the higher pitched his voice got until she could barely make out a word.
Vortex whistled.
"God damn, never seen my girl's stuff make someone go this crazy, not even little pups."
Lincoln zoomed up atop Vortex's head.
"Your-girl?! Tex-is-Beelzebub-your-girlfriend! Wow-lucky-you! She's-a-Sin-right? You're-proof! Proof-that-societal-expectations-can-be-broken! Where's-Blitz?! Does-he-know?! There's-hope-for-him-and-Stolas-yet!"
Loona got him down. "Linc, buddy. Gonna need you to level with me here. Listen, we've gotta split ASA-Fucking now!"
"What?! You-crazy! I-love-it-here! I-never-want-tonight-to-end! The-sounds-the-music-and-the-people! In-fact-hey-Milky!"
Milky stopped dancing. "Huh?"
"I-just-want-you-to-know-I-find-you-Verosika-Coco-Apple-and-Kiki-incredibly-hot-and-attractive!" He zoomed to her face, planting a big kiss on the nose. "Dance-with-me!"
"...Buh…..?" Milky was too dazed and swoony to properly respond. Once again, Lincoln got a Succubus blushing.
Loona stretched out his face. "This cannot get any worse."
"Oh, shit! Is that Loony Loona I spy?"
Loona's fur stood on end because of course, Beelzebub had to show up. 'Fuuuuuuuuuck….'
"Hey there, bae~." Gluttony's queen gave her boyfriend, Vortex, a kiss on the cheek. She saw Loona scoot away. "Whoa, hold up there, girl! Afraid I might still be all pissy and shit over nearly losing my shit last time? It's all good, girl, now come here, you cutie bitch! Nothing but good vibes all up in my vag!" She gave Loona a bear hug, the extra arms made it extra tight. "Plus, I spotted your old man, as long as his tongue isn't in any butts, it's all good! Enough about that, having a good-ass time. I like, totally surprise you by showing up? Little tease I do from time to time."
"Uh, yeah, yeah! P-Pretty solid." Loona escaped her embrace. "Listen, this has been fun, but I gotta grab my friend and leave."
Beelzebub's eyes became fascinated.
"Ooh! A friend? Can I meet them?"
Loona made a whimpering sound.
"No! Eh, that's not really necessary, I mean, he'd probably want to leave by now and-"
Lincoln zoomed right between them.
"I-never-want-to-leave!" Seeing Beelzebub, Lincoln gasped. "You're-her! You're-the-queen! Loona! She's-the-queen!" He made an anime-style bow. "Your-majesty!"
Beelzebub said nothing.
Then, she squealed. "EEEEE! Loona, is this the friend you mentioned?!" Beelzebub picked Lincoln up with her lower arms. "Aw, he's such a little cutie~! God, I can fucking die just by looking at his wittle eyes! Always nice to see pups have their first Gluttony party!"
"I-love-cotton-candy!" Lincoln didn't stop shaking.
"Haha! Then here, have some more, on the house! Also, none of that your majesty bullshit, 'kay? Unlike some clown-fucks who'll gove unnamed, I don't just lord my status over folks, I mean, I'm like, a total bitch, but not that kind of a bitch. So just call me Bee." Bee said after summoning more cotton candy that Lincol happily ate. "Don't forget to breathe, pup. Gotta breathe through your nose when stuffing your face just like….huh….?" When Beelzebub demonstrated, she blinked once after taking in Lincoln's scent. "Hm…hey, pup, no offense here, but you smell kinda….of."
"I-do?! Weird-I-don't-smell-any-different! But-who-cares-about-that?! Let's-keep-partying!"
The glow in his eyes glowed more yellow, the Ring's influence in his soul was starting to skyrocket and being its ruler, Bee sensed it. "Whoa, holy shit!" She had to set him down to recollect.
That kind of soul.
It was unlike anything she felt before.
And the intensity of how much it was growing.
"Bee, you good, babe?" Vortex asked.
"Y-Yeah." Feeling the need to get answers, Bee looked to Loona. "How exactly do you know this kid, Loona? And more importantly, where does he really come from?" Loona and Vortex share panicked expressions, something Bee noticed. "Tex? Is there something you wanna share, too?"
"Hehehehehehehehehehe!"
The three demons saw Lincoln continue to shake, giggling like a madman, radiating off a yellow aura. His eyes flashed black and to top it off, his disguise seemed to be malfunctioning, switching from imp form to Hellhound form then to his true form.
"Linc? Linc!" Loona moved forward, but Lincoln zoomed away before she could reach.
"What in Lucifer's dickholster?!" Even Beelzebub had trouble catching him.
Lincoln zoomed all over.
He couldn't stop, he didn't want to stop!
Never-ending party.
Never-ending party!
He's had too many rough days in Hell!
From now on, it'll be nothing but good times all the time!
M&M danced the night away, Millie moving up against her hubby who was flailing around, once again lost in intoxication after getting one too many drinks in him. Lincoln, as a blur, ran around the two and came to a halt. "Hey-hey-hey, Mox! Hey, Mills! Havin' a sweet time! I'm havin' a sweet time! Sweet times all around!"
"Lincoln? What in Sam Hell's gotten into you!" Millie gasped.
"Youuuuu…..better calm down there, young man!" Moxxie reprimanded in a slurred speech. "You better not have gotten into some Beelzejuice, 'cause you ain't ready fo 'em! I sure wasn't!" He cackled. "It's-It's-It gives a feeling! You know, lllllllots of feefees!"
"Don't worry, I only ate some cotton candy! Gotta run!"
Blitz had an Incubi on one side and a female Hellhound on the other.
"Yeah, so if you got any Sinner friends who need some revenge carried but can't 'cause they're stuck in Hell, tell 'em all about Immediate Murder Professionals! If you think I'm good at holdin' my Bee-juice, you should see me put one between eye-AYE!" Blitz got splashed when the two accidentally spilled their drinks on him after the Lincoln blur literally ran in. "The actual Hell?! Lincoln?!"
"Hey, Blitz! Bye, Blitz!"
And he was gone.
"Dad!"
Loona's dire shout made him saw her, M&M, Vortex, Milky, and freaking Beelzebub.
"Looney, why does our intern look like me after a clusterfuck of H8? And you….." Blitzo retracted his furious finger pointed at Bee suspiciously looking at him and his employers. "Uh…howdy?"
He really did have horrible luck running afoul with the demonic elite.
"Blitz, somethin's wrong with our boy!" Millie had her hands on her cheeks. "Ah know he can be a dynamo, but he was different! Like those freakouts he has!"
"Freakouts?" Milky questioned.
"No time to explain, our sonny boy needs us!" It looked like Moxxie sobered up, until getting into another giggling fit. "Pfftt, sorry, sorry! I just remembered a funny joke….! Oooh, hey, look, there's my son now! Lookin' good, buddy!" He gave the whizzing around Lincoln two thumbs up. "Look! I'm giving you two thumbshhhh up! More than my dad ever gave me! That piece of shithhhh!"
Lincoln ran out of the party dome.
There was an entire party Ring for him to freely explore.
He craved more!
He wanted more!
"Lincoln!"
He saw his friends and the queen behind him.
"Lincoln, honey, just calm down and cool yer jets." Millie placated.
"You want me to stop! B-But why?! I can't stop! I never want to stop!" Lincoln's forms kept changing and his shadow once more became the dark Jackalope. His eyes were red and black and the yellow aura glowed brighter. "I'll keep feeling this good for as long as I want!"
Beelzebub recognized this all too well.
She didn't think it applied to Lincoln since he was so young, but looks really can be deceiving.
It was a classic case of a poor soul that has been put through one hell of a meat grinder that never seems to stop. The levity her Ring brings uplifted him a little too much and now, he didn't want to let that end.
But, the party had to end sometime.
As the top authority on the subject, even she knew that.
Her curiosity and questions over exactly what was going with this kid's mojo had to wait.
He was a party guest which made him her responsibility.
"Okay, pup. Somewhere deep inside, even you know you're starting to lose yourself. Not too late to subside.
Lincoln's eyes wavered a little but she shook it off.
"No…! No, I can't! I may never get to feel this way again! I-I won't let you!"
Lincoln ran straight to Beelzebub like a missile.
If he could put Asmodeus through mental torture, then this should be a cinch…..is what Lincoln was probably thinking right now. But back then, he blindsided Lust's ruler and what's more, Beelzebub wasn't Ozzie.
Raising a hand, Lincoln stopped, raised in the air.
Timber growled from her spot in the backpack in defense, but a stern glare from the queen made her retract.
Lincoln tried breaking free from her hold, but he was kept in place until was gazing up at the Sin.
Did a form of punishment come?
No.
Beelzebub held Lincoln's face and enveloped him in a soft comforting hug.
Gasping, Lincoln's shaking was subsiding.
"Come on, that's enough of that now…." Bee cooed, rubbing Lincoln's head.
Warm…fuzzy….calming….
The Gluttony Ring was still her domain and she made it so that it stopped influencing this kid's soul.
"I….I…." Lincoln's eyes slowly closed. "I'm sorry….."
"I know."
"Smoke bomb!"
Blitz threw one from the backpack and after a coughing fit, Bee, Vortex, and Milky saw that all of I.M.P was gone.
"Go, go, go, go, go, go!" Carrying her baby and drunken hubby over her shoulders, Millie ushered everyone to hijack a cab for the nearest elevator entrance.
"Okay, what the shit was that about?!" Milky asked the million soul question.
Beelzebub had no answers..
But, she did know someone that might have an idea. A fellow sin's been pestering her and the other sins about something he felt one night at his personal club.
And she may have just encountered it herself.
Question is, what was the right call?
Should this be something to tell Satan?
Or perhaps….see where this all goes.
Beelzebub had to admit, this seemed too interesting for Satan to put a kibosh on.
As for I.M.P, they were nearly responsible for a lot of car crashes in Gluttony.
"...I think that went well."
Loona and Millie stared dubiously at Blitzo as they plus Timber tended to Lincoln.
"BLAGH!"
And Moxxie made a mess of the carpet.
All in all, things sure did happen in Gluttony.