Hello all! Glad to have you guys back for another chapter of No Way Back. I have to be completely honest here... This is the first Chapter 9 that I have released since probably early 2018 for my first story. I have a bit of a habit stopping on Chapter 7 or 8 for the more recent stories. I am happy to finally power through to make it to this point. While the writing wasn't hard, my schedule didn't make it easy for me.

I would also like to say that I am happy to see that I have surpassed my early expectations for this story by having a following of over 100 different accounts at this point. On top of that, we have also made it to 80 follows and more than that in reviews. I would like to thank each and every person that has decided to contribute to all of that in one way or many ways. I wish I could keep up with the traffic through the story, but fanfiction is being a little buggy at the moment and has 0 views for each day since last month. So, I am just going to have to guess that people are still reading.

I guess I should get onto the guest reviews for the previous chapter:

ReadingBeta (Guest): Finally! Hope there's more lemon to read soon. Now they've screwed, they will keep it up without the alcohol. It's that Verosika is an everyday prostitutional succubus used by any dick. While Stella is a royal noble milf with a killer body n an attitude u can live to wipe around. Update soon.

Response: Well I am glad that you at least enjoyed one part of the chapter. XD There should be more lemons in the future, obviously. I wouldn't expect that the last one would be enough for some of you. I actually was going to have less detail than I put in there last time. Next time, they should be coherent when they do that.

As for Verosika and Stella... Your point, in my opinion, doesn't seem to hit very well and isn't exactly a fair point. From what we have seen, not heard, Verosika seems to act in a more support role when influencing human desire. She didn't have any inclusion on the copulation that happened at the beach in the episode. Sure, she has probably had sex with many humans, but so what? I don't get why that is the big no-no while Stella, who is pathological abuser and narcissist, is okay. Sure, she has a nice design, but I am trying to draw out realistic characterizations and growth from each person. I see no possible route for Stella, and it would require a good fucking idea and overwhelming support for me to draw sympathy for her enough for her to be in a pairing, especially a main one. I just don't think it is there.

Back to Verosika. Seeing as the ones supporting her in the pairing are very considerate and numerous vs the counter (with some just quitting the story over even the hinting of a positive portrayal of her), I am already planning on including her in the main pairing at this point. I understand that this may disappoint you to the point of no longer reading. If you are willing to hear me out and be patient, just know that I am going to bring her through a good amount of development. She needs work, obviously, and it was pointed out to me where she could fit into the overall scheme of the story. That is why I am moving in this direction. Plus, if it interests you, you know that succubus are supposed to draw out desire. Is it out of the realm of possibility that she can change into other forms that just human? Not a totally solid idea, but just a thought. I wish you luck if you and others aren't convinced.

Guest #1: They already made love to each other, in a certain way! I can't wait for them to realize they did it for their feelings for each other.

Ps: so azazel is the main villain. I didn't expect it. There will be also as villains dangerous and powerful demons as moloch and valak?

Response: Once again, I thought that the ending would pique some people's attentions. It sounds like you enjoyed it, and I am glad for that. After thinking about Loona and what her development would look like, I thought that she would attach rather quickly compared to others, especially when treated with respect.

As for Azazel, not too surprising that it wasn't expected. I drew out from the usual a little, and read a little about him that I could and twisted some things, obviously. Other villains like 'Moloch' and 'Valak'? I am open to ideas. However, I see that Valak is a character from The Conjuring. Are they only from that? If so, I would prefer to go with those in religious scripture.

Guest #2: I'm really liking where this story is heading! I have two major points and one suggestion.

1. We appear to have the blueprints for a major war between Heaven and Hell (Especially since this sets up C.H.E.R.U.B)!

2. If Blitzo finds out about Kyle and Loona's drunken escapade, he will go absolutely nuts!

3. I know this may not be high on your radar, but I think you should have Verosika and Kyle's own escapade to settle her repaying him. I'm wondering if you'll put that into your story because I am personally looking forward to that.

Response: I am glad that the plot is enjoyable to you. Things are being set up to give some sort of direction at this point, and I am happy to provide an overall plot to look forward to. Some things will change in the future, but there is a picture at least. As for the Blitzo finding out, will he find out? I don't know... Actually, he probably will. What would be the point of him not finding out. Boring!

As stated before, I am going to include Verosika in the future to rejoin the plot. You should read up a little to see what I say as that it the overall plan with her. I didn't quite expect her to be brought up that much, especially at this point. She is very much on my radar at this point because of reviews. XD I will enjoy developing her. As for your suggestion, it would likely be shot down with how she is currently. It would be weird for Kyle to accept a sexual favor (which is what I believe you mean by 'repay'). While I probably won't do that, rest assured that I have a plan for her shortly here.

ZILLAFAN (Guest): *Spermatozoons racing through womb*

Response: Alrighty then... I can't say that is wrong. You just wanted me to have to include that here, didn't you? XD

Guest #3: I really like this chapter! Between exploring the greater conflict, and pushing Kyle and Loona a little closer together. Also, I'm eager to see your take on the C.H.E.R.U.B episode!

Response: That makes me happy to hear! Yep, greater plot and pushing them closer (or did I?). You might be disappointed by the result of them sleeping together... Just know that I already have a plan. As for CHERUB... this chapter was longer than I expected. I set up the CHERUB Chapter, but it will wrap up in Chapter 10 (sorry).

La Cat (Guest): Loona should play a prank on Kyle and draw on his face while he's sleeping

Response: Your name says it all... XD

Guest #4: Are you doing okay?

Cont: We're just wanting to know how you're doing alright.

Response: Umm... Yeah? I am assuming that one person is both reviews. Didn't expect this kind of review, and I am kind of puzzled by it. I don't know what really warranted the question.

I am busy because of my graduate studies, and I am having to apply to jobs since it is my last semester before I get my Master's. It is pretty stressful being that it is a big change in direction, but I am managing. I guess I could try an not procrastinate on work that I need to do, but I am only human. XD Now, if you are wondering why it took a few more days longer than usual to release this chapter, it is because I am trying to not procrastinate that other work. If you are questioning why I am writing as quickly as I have been, it is because I am planned on being bogged down when semester was getting to the busier part. I wanted a decent bit of content out there for you guys to enjoy.

If you are questioning why I am writing what I am, and including sexual content, well, that might need a bit more explaining. Basically, it is because people recommended the show, wanted me to write something about it, and so I am. I enjoyed it quite a bit, and decided 'why not'. Additionally, this is the type of story that I enjoy writing. Humans in a foreign world has always interested me, and it is usually a thing that we can connect to the most compared to someone who had changed or isn't human. I initially wanted to improve my writing way back when, but I guess things have changed. Now, I just want to write something compelling, and have people's days improve because of it.

In summarization, I am good. I hope that you are doing okay as well. Feel free to message me back anytime, whether it is through an account you made or through reviews.

...

Now, I guess that was it for guest reviews this time. A little less than usual, which does help get this chapter out soon. Speaking of such, if you didn't see, I didn't get to the point I wanted to. There was a little bit to unpack from the previous chapter. I felt it was necessary to take my time on it. If it helps, CHERUB is definitely next chapter. I did set it up through this chapter.

Now, onto the content.

Chapter 9: Repercussions

I felt myself looking off into nothingness while my mind remained completely blank. I couldn't think of anything beyond what I was immediately feeling. My head was aching and pulsating with the beat of my heart, and my stomach didn't feel like having any solid food for the moment. However, I was also completely dehydrated, and I wanted nothing more than to fill my stomach with water. The occasional burp would give me an ethanol taste from my previous night.

My ears were ringing completely cutting out any noise. I don't think I was able to hear anything beyond that deafening sound as I was trapped in my own mind. I am not sure whether I preferred the nauseating noise, but I believed that I could make do instead of confronting the possibly nude Loona who held her covers up to her chest. That detail wasn't even on my mind.

To my side, I could tell that Loona was also trying to grasp what we had done last night. The moments while we were completely shitfaced would come back to me in small chunks. I remember bringing her home last night, her wanting me to come inside, and how Blitzo wasn't here. That last part relaxed me a little knowing I wasn't going to be filleted by some angry Imp. It was only momentary until I remembered coming into her room, her cleaning my wound, and then the more… intimate parts of the night. I was able to recall up to the point of me 'entering' her.

I let out an exacerbated groan while I mentally berated myself. How could I have been so fucking foolish as to do this?! I knew that all bets were off when I drink a ton, but I shouldn't have drunk THAT much. That was including the fact that I had been exposed to some denizens of Hell. I should have been more careful.

My fist clenched in anger while I grind my teeth. Something like this wouldn't bother almost anyone else. None of my thoughts even circled the Hellhound resting next to me. Yes, she was physically attractive, but it only got hazier from there. I only viewed her as a friend, and I knew she wouldn't have taken those steps if she were sober. She couldn't possibly view me in that light, could she?

I barely glanced over at her while she sat there quietly. I could tell that she had pieced together the previous night in her mind as she sat there in silence. They were troubling her a little, but the difference between herself and me was how she seemed to be handling it. She seemed completely relaxed from the face to the shoulders, and I assumed further down, though it was obscured by the blankets. There was some sort of glow about her that made the question whether she regretted it or not.

I wasn't able to ponder much longer before visions of my past girlfriend, Larissa, came to mind. While it may have embarrassed some people, the fact was that last night was perhaps my first sexual experience since I lost her. Any time I got into a scenario where I might 'get lucky', thoughts of Larissa and her death weighed on me. I could never get past the guilt of what I did. Sitting here now, I was able to look beyond the obvious difference between her and Loona. Instead, I was stuck with an image of my heartbroken ex-girlfriend. It only caused my heart to sink lower into my stomach as I was overwhelmed with guilt.

I rubbed my face to come back to the present. I didn't seem much of a point continuing the awkward behavior by sitting beside Loona, so I decided to get up out of the bed. Loona's ears flicked my way before she looked over with a puzzled expression. I spoke bluntly, "I will use the bathroom to clean myself up a little bit. Then, I will give you some privacy."

I dared not look behind myself while I moved to pick up my clothing that was scattered about along with Loona's. I didn't notice Loona looking at me with wide eyes with a blush becoming more present by the second on her face. I dared not look at her and make the situation worse in my mind.

Once I picked up everything, I moved into the bathroom and ignored all of the distractions within. I was quick and diligent with cleaning my body. I moved swiftly from head to toe while making sure every nook and cranny of my body was clean. Sadly, I didn't dare use any of the shampoos that they had, and instead opted for the bland bar of soap I have ever seen. It was good enough to get the job done, and I wouldn't come off smelling of this place or Loona.

I was only in there for a few minutes before I emerged. I looked back to see Loona hadn't left her spot on the bed. I didn't need the unfortunate situation of catching her naked, since I believed that would only worsen the situation. Instead, I seemed to have broken her out of her thoughts.

The Hellhound looked over at me with surprise before I pointed toward the bathroom, "It is all yours. I just came in here to let you know."

Before I could turn to leave, Loona's voice reached out to me, "Wait! Don't you at least want to talk about what we… did last night? You know, so we can be on the same page and clear the air between us?"

Despite the pleading look in Loona's eyes. I didn't know how much good that would do either of us. In fact, I don't know how much I can look at her without my mind drifting back to my dead girlfriend. Seeing as it was happening again, I looked away with shame. I began to mutter out, "Look, I-"

I couldn't even get through the first sentence before the sound of a ringtone began to sound off. She looked around with confusion until she realized that her phone was resting on the floor. Without thinking, Loona threw the sheets off herself and completely exposed herself to me. My face became red as I quickly averted my gaze. My guilt only skyrocketed.

Loona realized her error, "Oh, shit! My bad!"

After she quickly snatched up her phone, Loona quickly moved back under the covers of her bed and looked at the screen. She let out a groan before uttering to herself, "You've got to be fucking kidding me…" After pressing to answer the phone, she responded acidly, "What the fuck do you want, Blitz."

I turned back to Loona while she sat there with her phone to her ear. Despite this, I could barely hear from the other end what was being said. The Imp's voice spoke, "I can still tell you are angry with me, but please don't hang up! I need you to tell you something important, Loony."

Loona growled out, "Fine! Make it quick."

Blitzo didn't seem to be in the mood for pushing boundaries with Loona. He wasn't joking as he usually did, nor making crude comments. Instead, he seemed straight to the point. Whatever he wanted to say, he was getting straight to the point. He said, "I need you to come into I.M.P. We are going to have a little meeting with Stolas."

Loona rolled her eyes before shooting back, "I don't give two fucks about-"

Blitzo cut her off, "It is about Kyle."

Loona noticed that Blitzo was no longer referring to me in demeaning terms. Loona's ears flicked up in surprise before she stuttered, "W-What does he want with Kyle?"

I could hear the sigh that the Imp gave from the other end of the line. Whatever this entire meeting about me was about, I doubt it was in any way good. Blitzo then spoke from the other end, "It is a few things, but he seemed mostly pissed off by whatever shit you guys were up to last night."

I muttered to myself, "Well, shit."

Blitzo seemed mad himself while he continued to talk, "Just know that I wish to speak to you about whatever you two did last night, missy."

I could see that Loona was blushing madly while she held her phone up to her ear. She tried her best to keep her nervousness down, "O-Oh?"

"Yeah! Whenever Moxxie, and now I guess you two, fucks up, you affect my company. I don't take that kind of bullshit lightly!" Loona let out a sigh of relief before Blitzo remarked, "Speaking of the two, they should be heading out to pick up Kyle from his apartment."

Loona looked slightly panicked when she heard this. She clamored to respond, "Wait! Don't send them!" Loona then collected herself enough to reply in a calmer voice, "I can go by and bring him to the office. He had a lot to drink last night, and I don't think Moxxie's snooty tone will help."

With tense expressions, Loona and I waited for a response from Blitzo. After a few seconds of silent thinking, the Imp relented, "Alright, fine. I don't really give a fuck how the dumb shit gets here, just make sure to get him here."

Loona seethed back, "Yeah, sure."

Blitzo's tone then switched completely over to one of happiness and delight, "Bye, sweetie! See you soon!"

The Hellhound didn't even say anything back before she dropped out of the call. She leaned her head back for a second to release the tension that built up within her while talking to her adoptive father. It didn't take long before her eyes connected once again with mine. I uttered a quick compliment, "Quick thinking."

A small smile appeared on her lips before she simply said, "Thanks…" Her look then shifted to one that was more serious. She spoke similarly, "So… did you want to talk about last night? I just want to make sure things are good between us." She motioned her hands between herself and me.

I took a moment to look at her before the same feeling returned to my stomach from before. I wanted nothing more than to say that everything was fine and that we could just move on as if last night didn't happen. However, I couldn't help but look at her and be reminded of my past mistakes.

I shook my head, "No… I don't think I can talk about it. What we did last night… while it was fantastic, it also shouldn't have happened. I don't think I can bring myself to face it."

I began walking toward the door before turning around. I could tell Loona was on the edge of jumping out of her covers to grab me. Thankfully, she hesitated. I followed up by saying, "You should probably get ready. I will wait for you outside of your room."

With that said, I walked out of the room to think and block out the previous night from my mind. With Loona left in her room alone, she was able to think to herself. Everything was a complete mess between us, and she felt similarly internally. There was just too much going through her mind for her to get ready like any other morning.

Her heart fluttered at the thought of my description of the night together being 'fantastic', but those good feelings practically ended there. To her, it was just another release that we could both benefit from. The sex was supposed to be meaningless as it had been times before for her. Her thinking returned to the details of my body that she could remember. A foreign feeling filled her, and she wasn't sure what it meant. All she knew was that she was feeling lighter on the inside, and this foreign feeling only increased that experience.

Her mind then drifted to how this was different from the one-night stands from before. I wasn't some guy that she might forget the next day. I was her friend… Perhaps her only friend. Seeing how upset I was made her feel similarly. It was then that guilt reared its ugly head in her direction.

Loona smacked her fist against the frame of her bed in a small fit of anger. She ground her teeth together while trying to hold back her emotions. The Hellhound thought to herself, 'Just why couldn't things be simple?' Last night was hazy and physically gratifying, but now she faced the consequences of her actions. She was the one who pushed for it. To her, this was just another fucked up decision that she has made in a line of many, and this one just might have caused her the only friendship she had.

A small tear threatened to escape her, but that would be admitting defeat. No, she was going to find a way to make it up to him. Whatever she had to do, she would do it. Either that, or she would find a way.

Later at I.M.P.

"How could you be so foolish as to get yourself caught, hmm?" Stolas's narrowed red eyes only intensified on my standing position as he cocked his head from his rhetorical question. He then continued, "You must realize that it is big news that there is a living human here in Hell. Your little escapade last night is circling the news on every news outlet that we have. Now that it is out there, there is no going back. Not for any of us!"

Everyone employed by Blitzo and Stolas was currently standing around the conference room with a sense of stiffness. Stolas currently stood in front of me while Blitzo leaned back in his chair without saying a word. Instead, he was flipping through random channels while being mostly entertained by the yelling. Millie, Moxxie, and Loona were sitting somewhere at the other end of the table out of view from me. However, I could tell based on instinct that Loona's eyes weren't leaving my form.

Then, as if to accentuate his point, Stolas stole the remote control to the television and began to flip through channels. When there wasn't some commercial showing some 'very desperate' Imp trying to make money, there was news showing a low-detailed picture captured of me at the bar along with my disguised picture. Almost all headlines were sensationalized to both extremes. Some of them spoke about how I should be sought out and executed for daring upset the nature of the Universe, and then there were others saying I should be given a chance. That last one didn't give two shits about me. Instead, they just wanted to argue the other point despite the other channel's position.

Stolas didn't even allow me to respond before he lashed out again, "Do you have any idea of how serious this all is?! Whatever freedoms and quiet life you desired to build here have now vanished. Poof! Gone! It would almost be easier to just send you back to your world and allow things to run their course with your mark and all." My eyes narrowed at the prospect of him allowing me to die. Stolas continued, "However, I don't wish to do that to you. I just want to know one thing. What possessed you to do something so thoughtless?"

I pulled out the ring that he had given me before tossing it to him. He looked it over while I responded, "The ring failed last night. A few cracks began forming in it. Me just punching some dickhead in the face was the final straw that broke the camel's back, so to speak."

Stolas's gaze shifted from one of anger to one of curiosity. He then said, "Fascinating. This ring is showing signs of two magic of conflicting nature. Usually, something like this would destroy both artifacts. Did you not notice the cracks in the stone's surface before it failed?"

I shrugged, "I did, but came to the realization that it didn't matter. I had reason to believe that there was no stopping it from being destroyed."

While rubbing his temples in an irritated manner, Stolas sighed, "Perhaps you should have used better judgment when you realized what was happening." Blitzo nodded affirmingly at me while standing next to Stolas. The hypocrisy of the powerful demon almost drew a retort from me, but I held my tongue. I didn't wish to escalate this situation. Stolas added, "You have drawn far too much attention to yourself, and in extension, to us."

I let out a sigh, "Yeah, I know."

Stolas raised a brow at my brief response before he said, "I am getting a feeling that you don't fully grasp what I am telling you."

Blitzo stated, "Yeah! You are fucking up my business here, Kyle!"

Stolas looked down at Blitzo with amusement before saying, "Oh, you are just so cute when you get angry." He pinched the Imp's cheek with affection before letting go. He said a little more seriously, "Remember, I told you that I would handle this. While the human is your employee, he is still my responsibility." Blitzo batted the bird's arm away before he folded his arms while mumbling things to himself.

I dragged my hand down my face with a little exhaustion present on my features. I got their attention before saying, "Look, I understand what you are saying. I am just saying that this was all unavoidable ever since I picked up that sword in the cave."

Blitzo looked over at Stolas, "Cave? What cave?"

Stolas looked over with a raised brow, "Jealous?" Blitzo's frown increased at this before Stolas stated, "Relax, Blitzy. I promise that I only have my eyes set on you and your…" His eyes drifted down on the Imp before he said, "special talents."

Blitzo look sickened by the remarks, and I just stood there wishing to be a part of any other conversation. The feeling swiftly disappeared once the prince continued the earlier point after clearing his throat and looking at me, "I had a feeling that sword was going to be trouble, so I took the liberty of researching anything I could find that might help me discover something about it. That is actually the other reason for me coming here to meet with you. It took me a bit of scrounging, but I managed to find something… very alarming within one of my father's old scriptures."

I had a hunch about what he was going to say, but I wanted to hear what he found first. I asked, "What did you find."

Stolas elaborated, "I spent the greater part of the following day researching and I found the same sigil that is on that weapon within the text. The scripture warned all demons away from the mark of Lucifer himself. Lucifer is known for leaving things be, and this is the first time I have seen something like this. When I found out it was because it was Azazel's, I understood why."

After a little conflict, I let out a small sigh before replying, "Yeah, I know that it is Azazel's."

This caught Stolas's attention immediately. I was afraid that even admitting I knew whose sigil it was would be a step too far. However, the prince remained restrained before saying, "Excuse me?"

Seeing as I already opened my mouth, I decided to elaborate on it, "Yeah… I found out that it was his mark yesterday. I figured out that it was also something that he gave his powers to…"

The surprise consuming Stolas seemed to put him in a paralyzed state for a moment. Despite remaining unmoving, I could tell that a thousand thoughts were passing through his mind. His mouth appeared to be dry in the first moments he tried to speak before he managed to moisten it. He then said, "How did you…" Stolas's voice wavered away before he came to a realization, "Wait, you knew that the ring was going to break, and about Azazel. Did he reach out to you?"

I hesitated for a moment while the owl demon stared down at me with intensity. I slowly nodded before saying, "Yes… He approached me in my dreams."

Stolas approached me and grabbed me by the shoulders. He asked strongly, "What did he say to you?"

Now I felt nervous as I began to say, "Azazel was behind everything that has happened to me. From me being pulled into Hell, and us getting stuck in that cave. It all happened because he wanted it to."

This news didn't seem particularly surprising to Stolas as his expression remained unchanged. Off to the side, Blitzo seemed completely confused as to why all of this was important. He butted into the conversation, "Alright, who the fuck are you two talking about?!"

The tension seemed to break a little while Stolas turned to the Imp and explained, "Azazel is a Fallen Angel that was banished from Hell long ago. How he has managed to influence magic here, I do not know. However, I believe our human friend here has a little more to say."

I was unsure about saying the next part for fear of what Stolas would do. Helping a banished Fallen potentially usurp the leadership in Hell didn't exactly sound like something that should be shared. I knew that it was very unwise to keep information like this to myself when Stolas knew I was holding something back. That would spell disaster for me later on.

I proceeded to say, "Azazel believes that Hell and Heaven have fallen from what they were supposed to be. He told me that he thinks Hell has fallen a far way away from just punishing very bad humans and he thinks that Heaven is hypocritical. He blames Lucifer and the Sins for how Hell has turned out."

Stolas asked, "Do you believe him?"

I remained motionless for a moment before saying, "I don't know… I believe that what he is saying has some merit, but what he believes can be far different from what he says."

The owl demon seemed particularly fatigued from this conversation. He brushed along his 'hair' before he said, "I am assuming that he talked with you for a reason beyond this."

Unsure as to how he would take the news of Azazel wanting me to decapitate the leadership of Hell, and how I was also unsure about it, I bit my tongue before saying, "If he wanted something specific, he didn't mention it. He only talked about the blade's power and how strength like that could change things here. He was also interested in meeting me."

Stolas began to think to himself while he watched me carefully. I remained emotionless as to try and deceive him to the truth. There is no way he was going to understand what was being asked of me. I don't think there were many demons here that would. I couldn't show my hand before I was ready to.

Whether he bought it or not, Stolas didn't show it. Instead, he seemed to eye me carefully before backing up and saying, "Fine." I wasn't sure what that was supposed to mean, but I couldn't think on it too long before he continued, "I will just give you some advice. Assume whatever Azazel is telling you is a lie. He was banished for a reason, and I am certain that there might be some good reasons behind it."

I gave a curt nod in response since I didn't want to get too deep into the right and wrong of Azazel versus Lucifer. I haven't had the time to gauge what Azazel is entirely like, and I don't even know Lucifer beyond hearsay. I didn't really want to think about either, anyway.

Stolas seemed to be similar as his inflection took on a more productive, "Well, with that out of the way, we need to speak about what we will do about everyone in Hell knowing about you. Despite you putting together a good first impression, there are still some demons out there that will want to lop off your head."

I looked at him incredulously, "A good first impression? How the fuck did getting in a barfight help with that?"

Blitzo laughed, "You still don't understand Hell at all, do you? They probably thought that some human stuck here would start some murder spree because we are 'evil'. When you did that and even more they, well, they don't see you as the demon-killing religious nut. " Blitzo commented back before folding his arms with a smug look, "And I thought that Moxxie was smooth-brained."

This explanation was given a nod by Stolas before he responded, "Yes, that mostly covers it. It still might be a good idea to prepare in some way to minimize the attention on you, and extension, on us." Stolas rubbed the back of his head while mumbling, "I am having enough trouble with Stella as it is. I know she won't possibly let go of the idea that I let a human within our home…"

I sighed, "Alright, what do you have in mind?"

(3rd Person POV) Meanwhile…

Near the back of the room stood two Imps and a Hellhound. Despite not being a part of the conversation that was including Kyle with Stolas and Blitzo, the other three were told to come. While they had heard some of the more important things within the conversation, they remained relatively irrelevant.

The two Imps had been quietly talking with one another, and Loona was stuck sitting there in silence. Usually, at a time like this, she would have whipped out her phone to swipe through the various social media accounts that she held. There was always something new to look at or post when she was on it, and it was something that she felt comfortable doing.

However, she had zero interest in doing any of that now. Instead of her eyes being glued to her phone, she gazed at Kyle's back with a certain level of internal worry. The previous night's events raced through her mind while she continued to stare. A lingering sense of guilt held over her as she didn't know what to do. However, Loona was still feeling the other feelings from this morning, the ones that made her feel good beyond the sexual release. This just made everything all the more confusing.

This lost look and unusual posture didn't go completely unnoticed by Millie. As a matter of fact, Millie had been quietly watching Loona ever since she had walked into the office behind Kyle. Instead of their usual chatting, the female Imp had noticed that Kyle have remained quiet while Loona had followed behind. It seems like she was the only one who noticed it since Moxxie didn't speak up about it.

Millie was certain that there wasn't anything that should have gotten in the way between the two. She had watched yesterday how the two of them left the office. Loona was pissed off, and she and Kyle went to the bar to probably get drunk. Loona looked like she needed something to blow some steam after what had happened…

Oh, wait…

The dots began to connect within Millie's head on what might have happened. Loona was bothered, but she did seem to have more spring in her step. With a new hunch, Millie felt the need to talk to the Hellhound about it. For this to happen, she needed to get rid of Moxxie for the time being. He doubted her husband wanted to hear about this, and she knew Loona divert attention by insulting him.

Millie looked over to Moxxie and interrupted him with his current thought, "Hey, hun? I am getting a little hungry. Do you think you could find something for us to eat?"

Moxxie stuttered, "R-Right now?" He then motioned over to Blitzo, Stolas, and Kyle who continued to converse. He then said, "Shouldn't we stay put until they are done? This all seems important."

The female Imp dismissed his concern, "Oh, let them worry about all of that! They don't need us around for them to chatter." She then began to rub her finger along his shoulder and chest before whispering in a sensual voice, "I would really appreciate it."

Moxxie seemed dumbfounded before blushing and nodding excessively, "I will see what I can cook up." He began to walk toward the door before saying, "Wait… We don't have anything in the breakroom. That means I will have to go out somewhere and get-"

Millie cut him off with a cheerful voice, "Thanks, Moxxie! I knew I could count on you!"

Moxxie's unsure look became a little more confident as he began to leave the room. With him preoccupied, Millie deemed it appropriate to have some 'girl-on-girl' talk with Loona. Well, that was a thought that Millie never imagined she would have. Loona didn't seem like the type of girl that would open herself up easily.

Slowly, but with intent, Millie began to slide herself over to the Hellhound until she was standing decently close. The surprising thing was how Loona failed to notice the Imp that was now at her side. Millie knew that whatever was on her mind must be quite a doozie.

After a few seconds of silence, Millie began to speak, "So… It seems like you two had quite the night last night."

Loona jumped at the sentence, "Huh?! What?" She then looked down at Millie before trying to collect herself, "Oh-oh, yeah… A little bit of a bar fight, and I guess all of Hell knows that a human is here."

Millie smirked back before saying, "I was talking about all the other stuff."

Loona seemed to be getting somewhat uncomfortable with the pondering from the Imp. She did her best to play it off, but she felt as if she were put on edge by Millie. Loona rubbed her arm, "Ehh, yeah, I guess it was fun. We just drank a lot. I have a really bad hangover."

Millie seemed to be unconvinced by something. She commented, "It doesn't look like it. In fact, you seem to be pretty light on your feet from a bar fight and drinking." Loona wanted to put a little distance between the two of them, but she stopped in her tracks at Millie's next question, "So, what was sex with him like?"

Loona shot a look over to Millie. The Hellhound's words were unable to come out as a dumbfounded look was plastered on her face. She wished to have been able to deny that anything happened, but the look on Millie's face dared her to try. Instead, she let out a growl of acceptance while her eyes looked around with paranoia. Loona asked with a quieter voice, "How did you find out?" She then narrowed her gaze, "Does fatty know?"

Millie didn't seem to be impressed with the second question. She responded, "First, don't call him that. You know Moxxie is very conscious of what he puts in his body. If you want to keep your little night a secret from Blitz, then I would retract your comment."

Loona's eyes went wide before she relented immediately, "Alright, Fine!" Fearing that she may have spoken too loudly, she glanced over to the other three in the room. She noticed that they hadn't heard her, and she also saw that Moxxie wasn't anywhere to be seen. Loona asked, "Where is he, anyway?"

"I sent him to get food so that I could talk to you without him getting suspicious." Millie allowed Loona to comment under her breath, where she just said 'smart', before she continued, "As for how I figure it out, you have it written all over you. Also, it explains why you didn't want Moxxie or me to go over to Kyle's place. It was probably because you two were yours, based on the time to get here." Millie then smirked, "So, are you going to talk about it, or do I need to ask more specific questions?"

Loona found herself thinking about the previous night all over again. When she was able to remember some good details of their time in her bed, the funny feeling in her stomach returned to her. She found herself trying to disregard it once she tried to find the words. Loona finally said, "It was… great. I can't remember when I was able to have a release like that, and there wasn't even any technique to what we were doing. I can't describe why it was like that... That isn't even mentioning that we were completely shitfaced, which always makes it harder to remember what we did. But now, I remember it very well."

With a smile, Millie nudged the Hellhound, "That's great to hear!" It took a second before Millie noticed the somber look on Loona's face deepened. She then asked, "If it was that good, then why are you in a sour mood?"

Loona's ears folded down as she thought back to the way Kyle hesitated to even look at her. She knew that something was bothering him beyond what they did, but she couldn't help but think it was her fault. Loona didn't even want to talk about it right now, but she felt the need to voice her thoughts about it. Not only that, but Millie seemed like she genuinely cared about this.

After combing her hand through her hair, Loona let out a long sigh of anger, "Because I feel like I fucked things up between us! We had a good thing going. Us being friends was probably one of the only things I genuinely enjoyed thinking about, and now I just had to mess it up. I don't think things will be the same between the two of us…"

Loona took a seat and rested her head on the table. From there, Millie stood beside her and was about to rest her hand on the Hellhound's shoulder but decided against it. She didn't want to piss Loona off anymore. Instead, she just said optimistically, "Maybe… Yeah, you are probably right. Things won't be the same between the two of you."

An irritated look presented itself on Loona's face, "Gee, thanks. I thought you would be a little more upbeat than that."

Millie continued, "I was getting to that. Maybe things won't be the same, but I don't think he is going to stop being friends with you. Don't you think that you are probably overreacting?"

With a huff, Loona seemed unimpressed by the response. She folded her arms while glaring down at Millie. She said, "No, I don't. Look, you weren't there when everything happened this morning. The way that he looked at me…"

Millie questioned, "What? Was he mad at you?"

Loona shook her head as she began to remember the moment that she tried to reach out to him, and not allow him to leave. He seemed torn up on the inside about what had happened between the two of them. It wasn't even because of the sex, and Loona knew it. It was something deeper.

"No, he wasn't mad. He looked guilty and broken because of it. I don't understand why, but I just know that I am the one who led to this." Loona leaned back in her chair before saying, "I just wished that this whole friendship thing was easier."

With a look that could best be described as 'confused', Millie spoke barely loud enough for Loona to hear, "Humans are strange creatures. I am surprised that you would do something anything like that with his kind. They are known to be a little weird with their kinks." She then asked Loona, "Well, you decided to have sex with him for a reason. Why did you do it?"

"He isn't anything like that!" The Hellhound's small outburst surprised the Imp. She then calmed down enough to then shrug, "I don't know why, but he is different. I… I just don't fucking know! I was fucked up from the amount we drank at the bar. I guess I was in the mood for a quick fuck, and he just happened to be there…" The thoughts of her dragging an intoxicated Kyle through her and Blitzo's place. Sure, she was in the mood, but it wasn't with him because he happened to be there. Some part of Loona wanted to do it with him. She knew that. Loona then said, "I just wished things went back to how they were, and I didn't do something as fucking stupid."

Millie seemed to give her an unconvinced look before saying, "If you are going to fix things and keep them fixed, you need to be truthful with yourself. From what I am hearing, Kyle just needs a little bit of space to figure things out. That part sucks, but that seems to be the situation that you are in. The best thing you can do is figure out what you want."

Loona began to say, "I just want it to go back-"

Millie hushed the Hellhound before saying, "You don't need to convince me. Just convince yourself."

With a thoughtful look, Loona closed her maw before thinking a little about what Millie was trying to say. After a second, Loona seemed decently impressed, "Huh, I didn't expect you to be the one with the wisdom. I always thought that would be fa-Moxxie's department."

Millie beamed, "Well, I pick up a few things here and there from him."

Despite feeling a higher level of confidence in what she needed to do, Loona wasn't exactly happy with leaving Kyle to figure things out. Like a kid who broke a vase, she felt the overwhelming urge to try and pick up the pieces and put them back together. However, there was no going back to what was. Instead, she needed to prepare for the future.

The part that didn't become any less confusing was what Loona made of her feeling about the whole situation. She was wanting to go back to what it was like before, but a good part of her wasn't sure about that. Sure, the friend thing was fine, but to have something more…

Ugh, Loona noticed that the feeling within her stomach returned at those thoughts. A deeper conflict flooded her mind. Just what the fuck did she want?

(Normal POV)

Stolas began to rub his head to ease the growing headache that was forming. He then said with some relief, "Well, it sounds like we have some things worked out." He pointed at me and then at Blitzo, "You need to keep a low profile for a few days. That means no going out to pubs or trying to socialize with the denizens of Hell. I need time to see if anything can be done to relax the public, or at the very least downplay your presence here. And you, my Blitzy, need to keep a close eye on him. I don't want to hear any more news about him that might make my job a little harder. At least your little clients will remain relatively unphased by all of this being that they were once human."

Blitzo groaned, "Really? Why don't you just cut me open for the vultures? That sounds like a more pleasant experience than watching this cum stain during that time. I don't care if I.M.P. isn't affected right now."

Stolas just smirked as if he already knew how to combat this negative attitude. He said, "I will double the money that I sent you last time."

The Imp perked up at the sound of this before looking at me with a sort of mischief, "Consider all of yourself free from any privacy you may have had. If I am not watching you, then it will be Moxxie and Millie." He then folded his arms, "I wish I could trust Loony enough for that, but seeing how fucked up things turned out…"

A small blush formed on my cheeks from my knowledge before it dissipated. Stolas then loudly proclaimed, "Fantastic! I guess I have a lot of work cut out for me, once again." He opened a portal with the wave of his hand before turning and looking at Blitzo with a flirtatious look, "I very much enjoyed our little rendezvous last night. I look forward to the next time. Toodeloo!"

Once Stolas disappeared, Blitzo mumbled with a distasteful look on his face. He mumbled, "That fucking bird." As if a switch went off in his mind, he had a more positive expression on his face. He then declared to everyone in the room, "Welp, I guess we should get down with regular business. Since we don't have any targets today, there are a few things I want to say."

I took a seat diagonal to Loona rather than next to her while Blitzo stood at the head of the table. He seemed to notice that one of us was missing, and I did a few seconds later. He then asked with frustration, "Millie! Where the fuck is Moxxie?!"

Millie opened her mouth to respond, but the sounds of wheezing and running came from the direction of the open door. A moment later, Moxxie came running in with a bag of food from some café that I believe was a block or two away. He immediately began apologizing, "Sorry, sir. I was just getting something for Millie and myself. I didn't think you would be talking with the prince."

Right as Moxxie was coming into the room, a deep rumble began to shake the room. I remained kind of confused by what was happening like Millie and me. It appeared that Loona was sort of concerned by the commotion as she held onto the table. She asked no one in particular, "Uhh, guys? What the fuck is happening?"

Blitzo remained quite annoyed, "I don't know, and I don't give a shit! If they don't calm down that racket, I will go out there and shoot them!"

It would never come to that as the sound got a little louder before something crashed through the wall right beside me. I instantly jumped up from my seat before I began to back up away from the hole and whoever created it. Then, a man that I could best describe as dressed like some supervillain began to come through the hole with a bunch of mechanical tendril-like arms. He seemed to move through with a posture trying to emphasize his mystique.

With a flick of his cape, he began to speak, "Hello there."

Blitzo seemed rightfully upset about his wall, "Are you fucking kidding me, pal!"

The intentional posing that the figure was doing dropped in an instant and was replaced by confusion. He asked, "What did I do?"

The Imp boss began to march up to the big hole that was in the wall and pointed at it like it was obvious, "Look what you did to my wall! Just how am I going to pay for this damage?!"

Loona then pointed out as if it were obvious, "All of that was completely unnecessary. You could have just used the doors and elevator like any other person, dude."

Moxxie was approaching from behind and was about to say something, but the figure seemed to whip out his mechanical tentacles and accidentally hit the Imp male. Moxxie flew across the room and hit the wall in a daze. The figure then looked back with a mildly apologetic look. He seemed mostly unbothered that he just hurt Moxxie.

Blitzo yelled out, "And now you are assaulting my employees! Just what do you want?!" Blitzo then sniffed the air and questioned, "Wait! You reek of the living world. Did you just die?"

This seemed to catch the guy's attention before speaking with an interesting and ostentatious voice, "Oh, yes! I kicked the bucket only moments ago." He then began to introduce himself, "I am Loopty Goopty, the dastardly inventor of all things loopy and loopish. As for what I want,-" He pulled out a picture, "I want you to kill this diabolical bastard."

This seemed to change Blitzo's attitude as he looked at the picture of some old dude resting in a bed. He began to say, "Well, why didn't you just start with that?! I am sure that we can work something out."

I looked at the picture for a second longer before saying, "The guy looks like he is already on his way out. Are you sure you don't want to just sit and wait for him to just go in his sleep, or when he probably falls down some stairs?"

Blitzo looked at me while showing his sharp teeth. He spoke, "If you don't have anything helpful to say, just shut the fuck up."

I just rolled my eyes while Loopty shook his head in dismissal of my idea, "No, I want him to suffer for what he did to me. I simple death just won't do."

I then said, "What could your business partner have possibly done to you?"

Millie looked at me with confusion, "Wait, you know who the target is?"

I nodded without looking away from Loopty, "Well, they both look a little different than when I knew them from my world, but this guy here is, or I guess was, a co-owner of Loopty-Lyle Robotics along with Lyle Lipton, who appears to be the old guy in the picture. I am just guessing. I have only seen a picture of the two a few times on T.V. and in Time Magazine. The last time I heard, they were being investigated for unethical practices on the general public."

Loopty gave back a fake smile while he approached very close to me. To my surprise, Loona stepped in front of me and began to growl at the Sinner. Without saying anything, Loopty began to explain, "Investigated, but we managed to pay off the right people." He then smiled for real before stating, "But you are right on everything you said, satanist! You see, I and my partner managed to accumulate trillions through our robotics empire before we were testing a new machine that would freeze or reverse the aging process. However, instead of offering a little cash to the poor population to test the machine, we did it ourselves."

Loona relaxed a little before keeping herself in between myself and Loopty. Blitzo began to say, "Let me guess, your machine failed and instead of making you younger, it rapidly aged you."

Loopty stood firmly before saying, "Precisely! We were just so sure of our design. While I died, that backstabber is going to inherit my portion of the company and expand his wealth."

I pinched the bridge of my nose with irritation before saying to myself, "You have got to be shitting me. All of this because of money…"

Blitzo held up his hand to silence the Sinner. He said, "Say no more. We will gladly take care of this little problem. Just give me the deets on what you specifically want."

Loopty looked confused, "The deets?"

Blitzo nodded, "Yeah! What specifically do you want us to do to this guy? Throw him back into that machine? Drop a piano on him?"

Loopty smirked, "I don't care. As long as he ends up here as soon as possible, I will be satisfied. I don't care if you have to drag him here yourself! I just don't want him saved. So, I will give you a day."

"Fantastic! A good bullet or two to the head should do the job." Blitzo then began to look around the room at each of us before giving commands, "Millie, go peel Moxxie from the floor and get us prepared. We have some rich asshole to kill."

I cut off Blitzo and asked Loopty, "Wait, what do you mean by saved?"

Loopty seemed indifferent to the question, but responded whilst shrugging his shoulder, "I don't know. Some voice when I was being transported here told me that some angels will try to 'save' that pompous buffoon. It then said to come here." The Sinner then disappeared through the wall that he had come through.

I thought for a bit longer while trying to piece together what I was told. It took me only a few seconds to figure out that the voice must have been Azazel's. I wasn't thinking about how he had the ability to talk to those moving between the living world and here. The fact that he wasted energy trying to meddle. That told me that this was an opportunity to gather more information that I needed.

Blitzo then began to direct me, "Kyle, you and Loona should-"

Loona's ears popped up while I felt a little dread in my stomach. I knew I wasn't ready to be left alone with her. I just needed more time. This on top of the possibility of running into angels made my next move obvious. I cut Blitzo off, "Actually, I want to tag along." Blitzo seemed unconvinced by having to drag me along before I said, "It might be helpful to have another pair of hands that could deal with potential angels."

Blitzo then began to think out loud, "Well, I would feel better if you were in my sight, and I don't think leaving you here with my daughter is a good idea…" Loona growled out at him, and he just ignored it. He then said, "Alright, but I want you to bring that sword. I don't see you being helpful without it."

I nodded before pointing and saying, "Fine. Just give me a few seconds to-" I didn't even get to say what I wanted before something crashed through the wall at breakneck speeds and entered my grasp. As if I were preparing the entire time, my grip didn't even falter in grasping it. I didn't even feel the moment carry over. I looked to see the sword stopped perfectly in my hand with my grip on the hilt. I was surprised, but not as on edge as everyone else in the room.

This surprise then turned to annoyance on Blitzo's face, "That damage is coming out of your pay." He then yelled out to the two Imps, "Moxxie and Millie, get your cute little butts over here. We can't waste a second."

A portal opened after Loona grabbed Stolas's Grimoire. I followed behind the three as they entered the portal to some wealthier section of a city after strapping the longsword to my back. Before I could go through the portal, Loona grabbed my arm. She said, "Look, I know that you need a second to think. Just… Do you think we can talk about stuff when you get back."

I adverted my gaze from Loona's while I thought deeply. I knew that she was giving me a wide-pupil look in hope. I don't know why she was being so soft on me like this. Maybe she thought that I was blaming her for what happened… That made the guilt within me deepen.

I said to her, "You know I don't blame you, don't you?"

Loona looked at me with surprise at what I said. She responded, "Uhh, y-yeah. Yeah, I know. I just wished you would at least talk to me about it."

I was about to say something back, but Blitzo yelled through the portal, "What the fuck is taking you so long! Tick-tock, we are on the clock!"

That caused me to pause for a moment before saying, "I don't know when I will be ready to talk. I just need time to think."

I peeled myself away from Loona and began to walk through the portal. I turned around once more to look at Loona. She gave me a distraught look. She was completely different compared to her usual fierce self. I was doing this, and I felt like I was powerless against my feelings to fix everything. So, instead of saying anything more and making it worse, I walked through the portal.

That is all I have to share. I hope that you enjoyed it. Some parts required me to rewrite, so I did have to go through that here. I guess the early chapter puts into perspective what I shared last time: 'progession, regression, progression'. Sometimes, bad shit happens for the overall benefit of those involved. While it wasn't received too well by either, Loona and Kyle have growth beyond this. Loona's direction is a little more obvious, and it should be guessable to see what conclusion she will reach. What is that funny feeling she was feeling? Technique wasn't it, so why was the sex memorable? Fun questions...

Now, if you haven't done so and are willing, I would deeply appreciate it if you would spend a second or so to favorite, follow, and/or review for the story. I get excited to see that kind of shit, and I am always happy to respond to what you have to say. If not, I hope that you keep reading and enjoy what content I come up with next.

Next note, next chapter might take a little bit of time. I am approaching exams here next week and the following week. I also need to speed up my applications to jobs. Therefore, I make no promises of how quickly I can write the chapter. I know that some of you will tell me 'real world comes first' or something like that. Please, save me the trouble and don't say that. I am sure those people are just as eager to get to Chapter 10, and hearing that would be much more motivating. So, please just understand my position in silence if you have the urge to 'understand'. This is also a notice that you could get last minute ideas in that you may have to me... :D

Now, if anyone is interested, I am going to leave the discord channel code available to any of you. I usually ask for small details, and some ideas are discussed with others on what I should do with the story. You can even just chat with others in it. I don't really fucking care, it is available to you below if you want in.

VVVVVVVV

INVITE CODE: 8RT9hC5Aau

That is all I have to give!

Until Next Time,

Forsvaret-Komandir