This is a fanfiction based on Helluva Boss, Hazbin Hotel, and the fanfiction Loona the Caretaker. All OC rights belong to their original creators and owners. The characters of Loona the Caretaker belong to MetalBrony823. Slade OC belongs to Blurey08. Kyorichi OC belongs to ninjashin11, and the characters of Helluva Boss and Hazbin Hotel belong to VivziePop. I own nothing. This is pure fanfiction just for fun.
Chapter 21
Cody and the others explained what they found in the basement and the trouble they ran into with I.S.N.A. Stolas and Octavia used magic to make the spell book levitate and float before them. They examined it carefully, rotating it around, slowly opening it, and looking at the inside pages.
"Dad, what do you think?" Via asked.
"I think whoever wrote this book was not messing about. These are serious spells and curses. Very effective," Stolas replied.
"How old is this book?" Blitzo asked.
"Quite old. I'd say well over a century old. Judging from the style it's written and the paper, this may be the mid to late 1800s," Stolas answered.
"I'm surprised it's lasted this long. You said you also found a weapon's locker?" Via questioned, turning to Cody.
"Lockers, two of them," Cody said, summoning them out of his Infinite Cube.
Octavia opened the lockers and examined the weapons and potions. It was enough to impress her and her father as they looked closer.
"This is all from your parent's basement?" Via asked.
Cody nodded.
"Dad?"
"Grimms, huh? How very peculiar," Stolas said, rubbing his chin.
"A secret organization is keeping order between humans and demons. They still exist as Sinner Coyotes?" Via puzzled.
"Hold up. That reminds me. Verosika, did you guys find anything in your search?" Cody asked.
Verosika finished sipping her drink, "Yes, we did. We poked around, leaned on shoulders, flirted, eavesdropped, and met some new 'friends.' The long and short of it is, we found out who has been helping sinner demons cross over here in Hell."
"Who is it?" Loona asked.
The girls looked at each other before looking back at Cody and Loona.
"It's an Overlord, Gestas," Verosika answered.
Everyone except Blitzo looked stunned as their eyes widened and their jaws dropped.
"Gestas? As in the Impenitent Thief?!" Loona raised her voice.
"No way," Vortex breathed.
"Holy sweet Satan!" Moxxie exclaimed.
"He's still here in Hell? I thought he vanished centuries ago. Like one of the exorcists got him or something," Millie said.
"Guess not," Milky shrugged.
"The what thief? Someone fill me in?" Blitzo asked.
"Seriously, sir? Do you know any history at all?" Moxxie asked.
"I dropped out of college and barely had any high school, so screw me," Blitzo shrugged.
Cody walked up to him.
"I'll explain it to him. Okay, look, during the Crucifixion of Christ, when Jesus died, he was placed between two thieves. One of them, Dismas, was penitent. He accepted the consequences of his actions gracefully, and Jesus took him to the Kingdom of Heaven. He became Saint Dismas, the Penitent Thief. The other guy, Gestas, mocked Jesus. He said, 'Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us.' So he didn't go to Heaven," Cody explained.
"And he's been down here this whole time? For over two thousand years?" Ace asked.
"Apparently. Although, why would he be helping innocent souls out of Hell?" Millie questioned.
"Maybe you can ask him," Kiki said.
Everyone turned to her, "What?"
"We didn't see him, but we saw his men. We overheard their conversation, and they were talking about Cody. Said their boss Gestas is telling them to keep their eyes open for an opportunity to get a message to you," Apple said.
"He knows about you and wants to meet you in person under real hush-hush conditions. They talked about how he kept a low profile and wanted to stay that way. We thought we should tell you first before telling them how to reach you," Coco added.
"Think he knew my parents?" Cody asked.
Loona shrugged, "Maybe. It's possible."
"The mystery just gets deeper and deeper," Crymini said, looking out the window.
"Oh! What time is it?" Cody asked.
Via looked at her phone, "It's almost 10:30. Why?"
Cody pulled out the note from Día and Summer, "I almost forgot."
Cody concentrated on the address written and summoned a portal, and just as they promised, they were there waiting. Día and Summer turned to face Cody before walking in. They glanced around, acknowledging the hotel suite and that they weren't alone. Their eyes widened when they saw Verosika and her crew. Verosika and her friends were surprised as well.
"Día? Summer?" Verosika stood up.
"Verosika? Kiki? Apple? Coco?" Summer glanced around.
"What you guys doing here?" Día questioned.
"We could ask you the same thing," Kiki responded.
"Wait, you guys know each other? I hope on good terms," Cody said.
"Yes, Cody, we're friends, but I'd like to know how you know them and why they're here," Verosika stated thoughtfully.
"We met them at the Duke's nightclub. They work there," Loona answered.
"They said they had some info they wanted to share with my friends and me," Cody added, then he turned to Día and Summer, "Verosika and her friends have been helping us out. We're trying to solve a mystery. Angel Dust, the Overlords, my parents, it's all connected. So, thank you both for coming. I know it's a lot, but whatever you have, if it helps, we'd be very grateful."
"Do you mind if we sit? This might take a while," Día said, pointing to a couch.
"Yeah, of course. Can someone get these two some water or a soda?" Cody requested.
Moxxie nodded before reaching into the frig and grabbing two water bottles. The two girls drank some water before looking at Cody and Loona sitting in front of them.
"Okay, here's the thing. Everyone thinks that the VVV are the ones pulling the strings. You kill them, then you cut off the head of the snake, right?" Summer asked.
"Wrong. They're not in charge, not entirely. Vox and Velvet answer to someone more powerful. Even Valentino when he was alive. Someone that even the kings and queens of Hell's Rings get nervous around," Día added.
This made everyone curious.
"Really? That is concerning. I've never heard of such a person," Stolas said.
"That's because he doesn't exist, or at least he's not supposed to. We didn't see him, but we once overheard a conversation between him and Val," Summer said.
"Never in all my years have I ever heard Valentino scared. We don't know his name, but Valentino addressed him as 'Grand Overlord.' Whoever he is, he really put Val in his place," Día said.
Everyone glanced at each other confused.
"Grand Overlord?" Via asked.
"There's a rank above Overlord for sinner demons?" Vortex questioned.
"There hasn't been one for centuries," Stolas stated.
"It's what we heard. We're just letting you know it won't end there if or when you kill Vox and Velvet. Whomever this Grand Overlord is, sooner or later, he'll come after you," Summer said.
"If he put Val in his place, then it's safe to assume he's more evil and powerful. So, be very careful. We don't know what his name is or where he is. That's all we got. We know it's not a lot, but we figured you should know. Also, we may not know where Angel Dust is, but someone might know how to find him," Día said.
"Really? Who?" Cody asked.
"Either Angel Dust's brother Ness or his sister Molly," Día answered.
"Angel Dust has a sister and a brother?" Loona asked.
"Yeah, and ironically, Molly is the nice and sweet one. Ness is a total douchebag. They might know some places that Angel Dust would go to lay low. We could ask them and see if they know anything," Summer stated.
"Ness? Sir Pentious's boyfriend? There's no way you'll get any reasoning from those two. Molly, sure, but not those two clowns," Crymini stated, crossing her arms.
"It can't hurt to try," Día said.
"Hold on, wait. What about Cherri Bomb? Isn't she Angel Dust's best friend? They were always together, blowing stuff up. Maybe she knows something," Moxxie offered.
Crymini shook her head, "No one knows where she is. Vaggie and I have tried reaching out to her, but we couldn't find her."
"Did Valentino or the VVV get her?" Loona asked.
"If she's dead, then we'd hear about it. A big spunky celebrity like her doesn't get killed and not make headlines. Katie Killjoy and Tom Trench would have been all over it if she got iced. You know it, I know it. She's out there, somewhere," Crymini said.
Loona used one of her gauntlets to access the internet as it projected a hologram screen. She typed in Cherri Bomb, and one of the news articles mentioned possible bombings on the VVV that might have been from her. A lot of the bombs looked like Cherri's handiwork. Witnesses claim they saw a glimpse of her but were unsure.
"Yeah, she's out there somewhere, and she's not sitting on her hands," Loona said before turning off the hologram internet.
"Well, still, we're gonna reach out to Molly and Ness to see if they know anything. In fact, now that Valentino's dead, Molly is probably looking for her brother Angel Dust right now, and when she hears about you trying to find him too, she'll probably want to see you," Día stated to Cody.
"Sounds like a good plan. Thank you, girls," Vortex said.
"Yes, thank you," Cody added.
Día and Summer looked at them and hesitantly said in unison, "You're welcome."
Cody turned to everyone, "Okay, everyone, this has been a long and stressful couple of weeks and an even longer day. However, we got a lot of useful information and defeated enemies. So today was a victory. How about we relax and rest for a while? In fact, I'm sure everyone here is hungry. So, how about we order some room service? Día, Summer, would you like to stay for dinner?"
The two glanced at each other.
"You know what? That sounds great," Día said.
"We'd love to. Plus, we can catch up with Verosika and her crew," Summer said.
Moxxie grabbed the paper menu flyers and handed them to everyone. As everyone decided what to eat, they typed it into the tablet, and the staff went to work cooking up their orders. Some were dinner foods, and some were breakfast foods. Everyone chatted as they waited for their food to come.
Loona got up, "I'm gonna take a cigarette break outside. Cody, stay here with everyone. I know we're safe here and all, but I've had one Helluva day, so I can't take any more stress if something happens to you."
"I will. Also," Cody pulled out his infinity cube, "I got you this. A new torch lighter. I noticed that your lighters usually don't always work. I also got you some Black & Mild, both wooden and plastic tips."
Cody tossed them to Loona. The torch lighter was a big straight, shiny metal with a wooden bamboo handle. Loona pressed the button to light it and was impressed by the blue torch flame and the adjustable setting.
Loona smiled, "Oh, cool. Thanks, kiddo."
"Actually, I need a smoke too. Pass me a Black & Mild," Vortex said, getting up.
"Me three," Blitzo added.
"I could use one as well," Stolas followed.
The four went outside to the balcony and smoked cigarettes or Black & Mild cigars.
"Well, while they're busy out there, that means you and I can cuddle," Verosika said to Cody.
She wrapped her tail around his torso to pull him closer to her. Then she grabbed him and squeezed him a hug before they got comfortable on the couch.
"Nah-uh. You're not hogging cutie pie all to yourself," Coco said, waving her finger.
"Yeah, scoot over," Apple stated with her hands on her hips.
Verosika had Cody pressed close to her torso with her chin on top of his head. Apple and Coco lay next to Verosika on both sides, holding Cody's arms and hands. They all giggled and talked sassy to each other. Then Kiki sat down near their feet.
"We need to get you a haircut, honey. It's getting long. I'm happy to do it myself," Kiki said.
"Do I have to get one?" Cody asked.
"Yes."
"Okay. Oh! Can I get one of those scalp messages like at hair salons? Those are the best parts of getting a haircut."
"Sweetie, for you, the answer to that question is almost always yes."
The girls giggled some more while teasing Cody with his hair. Verosika tickled Cody's face with her hair. Everyone chatted some more. Día and Summer talked to Verosika and her crew about their new jobs and about what's been going on in Nightmare City. A lot of it had to do with Cody killing Overlords.
"This must be overwhelming for you, huh, Cody?" Kiki asked.
"It's a lot. I didn't expect all this. It answers a lot of questions but raises many more. Especially about my parents," Cody replied.
"How do you feel about all this? Your parents, this war, your powers, all of it," Verosika asked.
Cody thought for a while before answering. Día, Summer, Crymini, and the rest of Verosika's crew sat nearby on another couch or in chairs.
"I'm surprised that my parents had secret lives, even more, so that my soul is an angel's soul son of Azrael, angry that these Overlords want to kill my friends and me, confused that Heaven is corrupted, and afraid of what's gonna happen in the future," Cody explained.
"That's a lot. Lots of emotions," Apple said with a sorrowful face.
"Yeah, well, it's a mess no matter how you look at it, honey. But you should also feel relieved that you don't have to do this alone," Coco added.
"Oh yeah. Take it from us, sweet pea, going through heavy stuff like this is a lot harder without friends or people to rely on," Apple said.
Cody nodded, "That is a relief. So, what's Molly and Ness like?"
"Ness is a total asshat. He swears worse than a drunken sailor at the drop of a hat, and he's even more salty than Angel. He's as cocky and arrogant as Sir Pentious, so they're made for each other. Molly, on the other hand, she's like Charlie. Kind, caring, and very affectionate," Día answered.
"You'd love her, and she will most definitely love you. She'll probably smother you half to death with hugs and kisses, especially with how cute you are," Summer said, drinking some water.
"But she's a sinner demon like Angel Dust? As in, she used to be human. What's she doing down here in Hell if she's as nice as Charlie? Is she innocent and wasn't taken into Heaven?" Cody asked.
"No, she and her brothers have been in here for decades. Angel, Ness, and Molly all died in the 1940s. The brothers were involved in crime with their family. Angel Dust died of a drug overdose, and Molly was so overwhelmed with guilt and depression over losing her twin brother that she killed herself," Crymini answered.
Cody's eyes widened, "Oh my god. That's . . . really sad."
"Yeah, and they drifted apart over the years since they landed here. Molly lives and works in one of the more pleasant parts of Hell with legit nice demons. She's quite the character and is a lot of fun," Verosika said.
"Huh, I'd like to meet her," Cody said.
"Me too," Millie said as she and Moxxie drank some water. Moxxie nodded as well.
"Oh, you will. By now, she's probably heard of you. Once she hears that you're looking for her brother, she's gonna reach out to you," Kiki said.
"What about Cherri Bomb? Is she gonna try to find Cody?" Milky asked.
"Why would she?" Kat asked.
Milky shrugged, "I don't know. She's been building up her power so that she could free Angel from Valentino. Maybe she'd want to thank him or ask for our help finding Angel if she doesn't know where he is."
"All of those are possible, but we don't know for sure now," Josh said.
"Yeah, it's a little too soon to tell. For now, we'll take it one step at a time," Ace said.
"Cody," Verosika spoke.
Cody looked up at her as she held him close.
"I know that in the past, I've made some mistakes. I'm not perfect, and I was selfish for kidnapping you to keep you all to myself, but that's not me anymore. I will do whatever it takes to make things right with you. I will always be there when you need me. So, don't think for one moment that you have to do this alone," Verosika stated.
"And us. You can count on us, too," Apple said, rubbing Cody's hair.
"Heck yeah! There ain't no 'I' in 'team,' and we're a badass team," Coco added confidently.
Cody smiled before saying, "You already have made things right."
Verosika and her friends' eyes widened.
"You saved my life from Martha and risked your lives going into the wolf's den to get information to help us. We're friends now. That means it's not just you protecting me. Now I have to protect you. That's what friends do, and I know you're going to say that I'm a kid and I shouldn't be doing dangerous things, but I got powers, and like you, I'm strong. So, as I can count on you, you can count on me too," Cody said confidently.
Verosika and her friends smiled with watery eyes. Cody held up his pinky fingers, indicating promise. They all wrapped their pinky fingers around his pinky fingers, making a promise. This made everyone else smile. Then the door rang that room service had arrived. Everyone sat down and enjoyed delicious food while chatting casually.
After dinner, it was time for Día and Summer to go. Cody summoned a portal to their place. Before going through, they looked back at Cody. Cody gave a confused look before the two beautiful girls went over and hugged him, and each planted a gentle kiss on his head. Without a word, Cody hugged them back.
"Valentino was as bad as they come. The same goes for the rest of those Overlords. So, you don't have to feel bad about killing them," Día said.
"People say that bloodshed can't be ended with more bloodshed, but . . . some people like these Overlords . . . they're better off dead. Even Hell would be a better place without demons like them. So . . . stay safe, Cody and stay alive," Summer added.
Cody nodded, "I will. You too. Stay safe."
Everyone waved them goodbye. Then Cody summoned a portal so that Kimi and Shadow could get their RV bus. He summoned a portal so that Crymini could get her bike and head back to the hotel, Vortex to see his girlfriend at home and a portal for Stolas and Octavia to return to their palace.
"Okay, now you guys. Do you want me to take each of you to your homes or drop you off somewhere specific in the Lust Ring?" Cody asked Verosika and her crew.
"Actually, I was thinking we could rent a room here at the palace. We were hoping for some downtime after working so hard, and since you're staying here, we could relax together," Verosika offered.
Before Blitzo or Loona could say anything, Cody responded, "You know what? That's a good idea. We can all chill and relax together here after having a tough week."
Verosika's eyes sparkled with a smile, "Oh, thank you! Thank you! Thank you, Cody!"
She scooped Cody in her arms and squeezed him into a hug, and Cody hugged her back. Blitzo groaned a sigh while away to his room. Verosika and her crew got rooms, and everyone took showers before heading to bed. The bedrooms and bathrooms all had an attractive gothic setting like the rest of the palace. Everyone relished the sensation of getting clean with hot water and soap. Millie and Moxxie, of course, took a shower, but they made to board their bathroom door up so Blitzo couldn't peek at them. The bedrooms all had beds in oversized grand black wooden frames with gothic designs. Some even had draped curtains to hide the sleeping guests in more darkness. The blankets, pillows, and bed sheets were all red and black. Even though there was a bedroom for Cody, Loona wanted him to sleep with her.
Cody started, "Are you sure? I got no problem. It's just—"
"Cody, after everything that's happened, I would feel much better knowing you're right here with me. I know nothing will happen, and we're safe, but I don't mentally know that right now. So please stay here with me. I need this," Loona insisted.
"Okay," Cody said before looking at the bed, "Is it me, or is this bigger than a normal king-size mattress?"
Loona looked at it as she took the covers off, "I think it's a Hellhound king-size bed, which explains the length. It's definitely big. Demons here are bigger and taller than humans, so they need bigger beds."
"Ah, that makes sense."
As they got comfortable, Loona asked, "Did you brush your teeth?"
"I did, and I flossed twice, and I brushed my tongue, so I shouldn't have bad breath," Cody answered.
"Good boy."
Loona got cozy as she wrapped her arms around Cody, holding him close. Cody hugged Loona's tail close keeping him warm, and it didn't take long for them to fall asleep.
