The I.M.P gang, including Balin and Octavia, remained backed up in the corner of the alley as Alastor killed his girlfriend-in-business by stealing her screams after she tried to eat them.
"You... saved us?" panted Blitzø heavily.
"Ah no thanks necessary, my friends." replied Alastor.
"No thanks?" asked Moxxie in confusion. "But wasn't she your partner?"
"True. But when a predator has her nose set on an... intoxicating scent, almost nothing can stop it." he then spoke, looking down at the human boy halfway through. "it's like I said earlier, I find 'all of' you intriguing."
"Don't you DARE hurt him, RADIO DEMON!" barked Via, as she held Balin close to her.
Loona then shushed her. "It's okay, Via. I think he's got a point."
"What? But Loona..." Moxxie was about to interject until she interrupted him next.
"Of course, I know who he is! But he just said he didn't wanna hear the kiddo scream to death."
She then looked down to him not wanting to frighten him more.
"Don't worry kiddo, I'll still make sure no-one hurts you." she spoke softly to Balin before speaking to everyone else. "He also tried to help us out back there, so stopping Dino Danielle like that must be his way of showing it."
"Your friend also has a good point, chums." pointed Alastor.
"Friend?!" Blitzø exclaimed in offence. "She's my daughter!"
"AND I'm adopted!" agreed Loona sarcastically to show her annoyance to Blitzø.
"Comme ci, comme ça." shrugged Alastor, then looking to the little boy. "Is it allowable for me to speak to this one? Supervised?"
Suspiciously, the I.M.P crew looked to each other before looking back at him.
"You may..." Millie replied, giving him the 'I'm watching you!' gesture with her eyes squinted.
Alastor then walked over to the human kid and kneeled to his level. "Hello, small human. Quite a pleasure to be meeting you."
Balin just cowered next to Loona's beefy hind leg covering himself with Via's tail feathers. He had never seen such a scarier-looking demon during his time in Hell.
"Hey, hey, no need to be afeared." he spoke again, rather comfortingly.
"I... I don't want to hurt your feelings," quivered Balin. "B-B-But, your smile is scaring me."
"Oh. I understand. The smile's quite the cliche, huh?" replied Alastor calmly rubbing his head. "But you don't have to worry, it's something I'm cursed with, but I do have a nice smile. See?"
He showed a sweet smile to the boy, but then Balin looked from Loona's leg to only see his signature creepy radio one, making the boy hide a little more.
"Oh. Sorry." he then cleared his throat. "Listen young one, I know I look like the 'anything can happen' kind of scary, but I still smile underneath whatever creepiness there is, even when you don't see it."
"So... don't judge a book by its cover?"
"Precisely, dear boy!" exclaimed Alastor in joy. "Surely, your parents must've been such good role models to hear that."
"Yes. They are." sighed the boy.
"They 'are?' Oh, I just assumed they were... ah never mind."
"You probably don't need to explain it to him, bud." chuckled Blitzø to Balin. "Not right now."
"Oh Mr. Buckzø, I understand how new this must be for the lad." Alastor smiled. "Some secrets best do belong in the journal, unless the word 'brave' describes one such as he."
"You know, for once, I never thought I'd agree with the radio demon." Moxxie then agreed with his wife in whispers.
"Besides, you look like a kid who's brave to smile everyday, whatever the climb." continued Alastor in his static voice. "Tell me, what's your name?"
"Balin... Balin Johnson?" he then extended his hand for a shake, but then flinched.
"Were you... wanting to shake mine first?" asked Alastor, taken by a little surprise.
"Uh-huh?"
"He must've reached a page in the book on Hell we got him, explaining overlords... such as yourself." explained Millie.
"Millie! Don't tell him that!" nudged Moxxie nervously.
"Oh, let me assure you, nothing will happen like the handshakes I made with other demons." assured Alastor to the others. "Wanna try again?"
Hesitantly, Balin reached out his hand again just as Al did, and after a couple of seconds, both hands were shaking.
"See? Nothing bad, right?"
"...I guess not."
"Just goes to show that because you see a smile, don't think you know what's going on underneath." smiled Alastor warmly.
"Thank you, Mr. Radio Demon, sir." Balin slowly showed a smile. "Or... Mr. Alastor."
"Hahahaha! Any name will do. Just no need for formalities, Balin Johnson." chuckled Alastor. "Though my other friends call me Al, including the princess."
"The princess? *gasp* Did I just meet...?" Balin looked to the others with his eyes widened.
"Mmhmm." nodded Loona.
"Quite the thrill of a lifetime, isn't it?"the radio demon grinned.
"Not really, because I already met another princess." the boy said looking at Via.
"Nice to finally meet you too, Octavia." Alastor then spoke to the Goetia princess. "I've a might respect for your father."
"Well, while I feel uncomfortable with you speaking our names, I'm flattered, nonetheless." Via twirled her hair.
"Speaking of which, what happened to your dad?" asked Blitzø.
"I'll explain when we're back at the hotel." she replied.
"Ah yes, perhaps now we should head back to patch things up." Alastor said happily. "That crystal of yours, can that take you anywhere in our world too?"
"Think so. I've only had it for a few months now and we've only tested it on the field." replied the boss.
"Well, no time's better than the present, or as I like to call it, the first time."
Blitzø shrugged in agreement with the radio demon, as he rubbed the crystal and opened a portal back to the Hazbin Hotel.
"Shall we, new friends?" gestured Alastor like a gentlemen.
"Okay. Thank you." replied an anxious yet trustworthy Moxxie, as they all stepped through the portal together.
IN THE HAZBIN HOTEL...
Niffty finished cleaning up the remains of the bar, where Husk set up a grave for every drink he lost.
"And you say we're the kinky ones when it comes to little things." teased Angel.
"Well it's still personal." grumbled Husk.
Soon, they all heard a knock at the door and Charlie ran straight over to see it was the gang, safe and sound.
"Ahh! Thank goodness you guys are safe!" she squealed, wrapping them all in a great big hug.
"Christ-on-a-stick!" exclaimed Blitzø at her grip.
"Mmm...! I squeeze you BOTH!" cooed Charlie.
"How many people can she hug like this?!" choked Loona.
"Once, I saw her do about 12!" replied Alastor.
Soon, Charlie let everyone go, easing her grip on the hug.
"Hmm, welcome back guys." said Vaggie flatly with some mild respect. "Impressive how you all took her the way you must've."
"Oh, she won't be bringing much harm to us anymore, my dear." said Alastor, looking at his cane.
Husk knew that kind of look from anywhere, his soul having been bound to him.
"You tore her soul apart?!" he gasped.
"Yes, but only in defence of this remarkable young one right here." he ruffled Balin's hair, as he nervously blushed.
"I'm so sorry, Al. I know how... professional she must've been." Angel apologised.
"No need for pity, my effeminate fellow." Alastor replied with a chuckle. "I at least know you'll never sleep with me."
"Your loss."
Charlie then approached Balin and kneeled down to him again.
"Y-Y-You must be the princess, o-of Hell." Balin softly stuttered, before bowing. "It's very nice to meet you, I've heard a lot about you."
"Awww. You really are adorable." Charlie gently caressed his cheeks and hair with both hands. "You still want a hug?"
Balin then wrapped her arms around her as Charlie nuzzled her cheek into his, making him giggle a bit.
"Oooh, you're ticklish, aren't you?"
Loona and Via looked at each other with grins, knowing what was about to happen. Moxxie and Millie wrapped their arms around each others necks in awe, and as Blitzø was about to as well, Moxxie slapped his arms with his tail.
Balin then saw Vaggie walk over to the two with her spear and a confused look on her face, making him react nervously.
"What's wrong, honey?" she then looked behind her to see her girlfriend.
"Please don't kill me, Ms. Silver Lady."
"Shhhhh, she won't hurt you." soothed Charlie. "I've got you."
"Yeah, take it easy bud." added Vaggie warmly. "You're okay in my book, for a human."
"Like you are with the rest of us." agreed Cherri enthusiastically.
"Me? I just think you're a tough kid." said Husk flatly, before Alastor rebuilt his bar with the snap of his fingers. "Okay, I guess I've gotten used to you." he said with a more subtle smile.
"So, what brings you to Hell with these... friends of yours, buddy?" asked Vaggie, kneeling down to him with a smile too.
"Yeah..." Loona said with a little cringe. "This is very rough for him at the moment, so y'all might wanna sit down."
...
One explanation later...
...
The Hazbins were now distraught with the story they just heard from Loona about Balin.
Charlie was the most emotional, hugging the little boy in sympathy while Vaggie just had tissues for days in her hands rubbing her back.
Even Alastor suddenly understood why was so personal about it earlier on in the alley, all of a sudden feeling a beat or two in his chest every two seconds. He only had that every once-in-a-while during his time in the hotel, but those two seconds meant he started having a greater respect for something. In this case, it was the kid and the imps who helped him on his feet after suffering the way he did.
"Damn, kid. W-We're so sorry that happened to ya." said Angel softly in shock. "I may've had a life on Earth to see people being total a-holes, but I wish I knew how you felt. Really."
"But hey, at least we know we live along the same side of the water." Cherri added, trying to brighten the moment. "We'll probably speak the same accent together one day."
"Will I?" asked the boy.
"Yeah, little dude. It just takes time to grow into it. Trust ol' Cherri Bomb, mate!"
"Well, I do watch a lot of American TV." pointed out Balin.
"Oh yeah, this might take a while." replied Cherri with a shrug.
Meanwhile, Loona and Blitzø were now having a chat with Via about Stolas' clash with Striker.
"And you're sure he's okay?" asked Blitzø.
"He did seem pretty determined this time in what he was doing, taking him on like that." replied the owl.
"Well, let's just pray to Satan he's okay or whatever." said Loona as she continued texting, until she got one. "Oh fuck. Good news, he's okay."
The hellhound then showed Via her phone saying: 'It's safe for Octavia to come home now, Loona.'
"Now I can thank Satan." sighed Blitzø in relief. "But what about Striker?"
Soon, Via got another text saying 'Striker's been taken care of' and showed them a picture of him in the mansion gardens as a statue.
"HA! And you say I've been a pain in your ass long enough, you Spaghetti-Western dickhead!" laughed Blitzø, then waving to the phone. "Bye-bye."
"Speaking of bye-bye, I best be heading off to him."
"Got it, princess." Loona then grabbed the crystal and opened a portal back to the mansion.
But before she could leave, she walked over to Balin and knelt down to him. "Thanks for the fun day, darling."
"Thank you for taking care of me today, Via." replied Balin.
Via then gave him a little nibble on the cheek goodbye, making him chuckle again.
"I never knew these owls could do that." whispered Husk to Angel Dust.
"Oh that makes me imagine what the mutt could be doing to him." he replied in a kinky giggle.
"See ya!" waved Via as she bid her farewells and walked through the closing portal.
"Well Balin, let's get you home now too." the hellhound said.
She was about to scoop the boy onto her shoulders for a ride home, when... "Wait!" he called out to Charlie, who then walked up to him.
"Your Highness? Or... Charlie." he began speaking to her. "I just want you to know it's been a pleasure meeting you. These four demons have been touching my heart since I came to Hell, changing my thinking on what it's about. But I will still do my best to keep it a secret if I ever return home to my family, if you can find it in your hearts to let me stay with them longer. Please?"
Charlie and Vaggie then looked to each other with warm smiles before looking at him.
"You don't need our permission, sweet little cutie-pie." smiled Charlie as she rubbed his brown hair with her soft fingers.
"Mine either, squirt." Vaggie smiled too, before looking to the gang. "But there still needs to be some rules instilled for all of you. If future clients want any targets who genuinely belong in Hell, I suggest you look at the ones who ain't and make some fair assumptions on who to do if it gets busy."
"I promise, ma'am. It's not that busy." said Blitzø. "But I know how serious this cause is being CEO and all, so I'll do my best to keep mine at bay." the three imps all did superhero poses to finish off that statement, before nervously approaching Alastor. "...and Alastor, whilst we do have a lot on our plate, practically, I find your proposal... somewhat intriguing as well. So, should we keep in proper touch, we'll let you know if we need any assistance."
"Sounds like a deal..." he then reached his hand to seal the deal, but Blitzø gulped still feeling unsure about it.
"Sir, I know this is a sign of trust, but he's still the radio demon." whispered Moxxie. "Who knows what the hell could happen if he take it too easily."
"And that goes for Balin too." added Millie. "We may've won two new allies now, but this one's a little quick, so let's keep our distance."
"Oh have no fears my dears. Sure I'm the demon who's made some dark episodes in the past, but it's only because he took them too far. Promises for Charlie's deal and this one shall be kept in good company. Especially for the little human one. Like my mother always said: children will be children. They can play, they can eat, they can 'SIIIIING!' all without you having to mould them given time. So just don't hesitate to call."
"Well said, Alastor." agreed Charlie wholeheartedly. "And with that, this meeting is officially adjourned, and a new friendship has begun!" she then walked up to Balin, and giving him a slight handshake and kiss on the nose.
It was then Loona finally scooped the boy onto her shoulders, prepped to leave the hotel.
As they left, Husk looked from the bar and secretly smirked as she carried him, knowing that he had to admit she had her days in the sun.
BACK AT LOONA'S APARTMENT...
"Sorry if everything was a little crazy kiddo." said Loona as she was brushing her hair from the shower.
"Are you kidding? It was so much fun!" exclaimed Balin in his childish joy, as he ran around the living room like an aeroplane full of energy. "You guys were chased by a dinosaur, and you were like *ZOOOOM!* and she was all like *BOUNCE!* and *CHOMP! BOUNCE, CHOMP!* before she punched you up into the sky like *WHEEESH!*" he then flopped onto the couch laughing.
"Okay, okay, calm down little Kobe." chuckled Loona as she sat next to him. "It was just another Tuesday for ol' Loona here. But enough about my day, how about yours?"
"It was great too." Balin still smiled. "Via and I played games and went to space."
"Space, huh?" Loona then nodded hearing this. "Those Goetias just love looking at the sky, now don't they? How 'bout sleeping with Via...?"
"How did you know that?" gasped Balin.
"I called her during your little nap. On FaceTime." she kept her smirk. "You looked so cute nestled into her like that. Does that sound like sleeping with someone else?"
"Yeah, but you're my favourite cuddle buddy, Loona." replied Balin, making Loona blush a little. "Hugging you and your tail's like hugging my teddy bear. A real BIG one!"
"Okay, that's very nice of you buddy." she gently gave him a kiss on the cheek to make him calm down a little more. "What matters now is that we're home. But not for long... because you remember what I said we'd do if you behaved?"
Hearing that made Balin nod in excitement as he stood up from the couch and reached for her paw.
"Mall time...!" Loona then sung as she took his hand and rose from the couch herself.
As soon as she grabbed her bag, she and the boy left the apartment once again for the Imp City mall.
A/N: See y'all in the next chapter.