"Check cam two for me again. It's still a bit static."
"Checked, huh, cam...what number even is this? forty eight?"
"Yeah, sounds about right. Moxxie, can you cycle ten to twenty for us again? The feed seems a bit delayed."
"On it."
"Yeah, fourteen, twenty, thirty eight and fifty ain't working yet."
"Thought Charlie said that these cameras of her were far more efficient than Human ones. What's up with all these defects?"
"To be fair, it's not simple to link over one hundred cameras in a single go. There's a lot of trial and error until we get the system working properly. I'm still surprised so many are actually running rather well. The biggest issue is the feed sync, but that will take some manual calibration. At least that much I learned from Jeffrey."
"Who's Jeffrey?"
"A Human I saved once, few months ago. He worked as chief of security in a big tech company at Detroit. He got shot when coming into service on a night shift, although the bullet wasn't meant for him. The wound wasn't fatal but he would eventually bleed out. I made sure he wouldn't, gave him enough time for medics to arrive and do their job. I was not tasked with watching over him, just happened to be nearby doing watch for something else. It was... luck, I suppose, that I happened to be there."
"More like the divine intervention bullshit or whatever you call it."
"More or less."
Loona nodded distractedly. She was too focused on the multiple screens at the moment to pay Collin's words too much of her mind. She, Collin, Millie, Moxxie and Blitzo were currently testing the security surveillance system provided by Charlie. The security room was adjacent to the reception, allowing only authorized employees to access the interior. The room itself was fairly large, an entire wall covered with small screens, from top to bottom. Few lockers and a huge weapon stand displaying Blitzo and Moxxie's favorite, and rather new, options to kill their problems away. Millie, Moxxie and Blitzo each had their own working desks, which allowed them to organize their reports and schedules without any hassle. Blitzo wasted no time to give the room a touch of his own, to make it feel more like their office back at I.M.P.
Loona was near the huge panel located at the center of the room, her hands working through several small buttons, the electric panel underneath was composed mostly of switches, which allowed them to remotely reset an entire floor of cameras in case of malfunction. Collin had been working at the panel underneath, laying on his back while messing with cables. Loona just used his chest to rest her feet while he worked, which only proved to distract him beyond belief. After struggling to focus on his tasks, no thanks to the Hellhound rubbing his chest, he finally raised from the electric panel to check the computer functionality. Loona and Collin were currently working the kinks out of the system, which was taking a fair amount of hours, much to Loona's annoyance.
The Hellhound was already grumpy, not being very happy about waking up early to work on stuff she wasn't really experienced in the slightest. At least teasing the wolf improved her mood a bit. Collin was working on a computer at her side, which allowed them to manually control the settings of each camera. Collin spent most of the time learning how to work the software, his expression of puzzlement each time the sound of error echoed across the room once he clicked on a new setting.
"I think we need to update this system. I don't remember it being like this last time I checked on a Human computer." The wolf said casually, frowning at how slow the software is responding. "At least I don't think anyone is using Windows ninety eight these days."
"Go up there and look for the most recent system, I guess." Loona replied, her boredom evident with the way her voice sounded. "Not like I can think of any options. Only you know anything about this tech. Best we know is the crappy cellphones we have." She said with a tiny smirk, her voice lowering so only him could hear. "Thanks for the new phone by the way. It's fucking amazing."
Collin nodded with a smile, glad Loona liked his unexpected gift. His phone was already a more modern device, but he decided to give the Hellhound one similar. At least she wouldn't struggle to type with the bigger and smoother screen touch. He was initially worried her claws would scratch the screen, but Loona made sure to trim them to avoid such issues.
"I cycled ten to twenty, the feed seems more responsive." Moxxie warned them as his attention shifted towards a particular row of cameras. "I could try cycling more times to see how much more it improves."
"It looks really good." Collin complimented. "I say we just set all rows then we can work which ones are most out of sync. Urgh, I will look to upgrade the system, this is painful."
"How many floors this hotel has again?" Blitzo asked while working maintenance on his new pistols. The Imp has been far more enthusiastic once allowed to have his own personal arsenal of weaponry, especially after Charlie had to admit that they would need anything they could possibly get to fend off beings that could be, potentially, way more powerful. She allowed I.M.P. to make purchase of a rather mighty set of weaponry, which included angelic. Yet, the blessed weapons were locked tight in a safe, which could only be opened with Charlie's personal spellcasting. To which Blitzo thought she was being overly cautious, mentioning about how Striker, a merc Imp, had possession of one and tried to kill a special client of his.
Such information alarmed Charlie tremendously, which caused a line of questions that got Blitzo in a particularly bad spot, especially once Stolas name got throw into questioning. Blitzo wasn't aware that Charlie learned about the numerous trespassing he committed into the Human realm. The Princess of Hell was not in a very happy mood and she would soon see this matter's resolution at an end.
"Fifteen floors, not including the adjacent tower, but that's where the Alastor is staying so no cameras there." Millie said while poking one of the static screens, wondering if there was a lose cable somewhere. "Charlie said we were not to install any due his request. Not that we would care much to do so anyway, guy is a bit of a creep."
"You can say that again Mills. I met many Demons, but that one gives me the 'Beelzebub kind of' vibes." The taller Imp retorted with a frown on his face. "Speaking of, I don't think the bee fucker must be happy with his daughter being here. I wouldn't be surprised if he sent hits on her, I look forward to test these bad boys." He smiled with devious intent towards their weapon rack.
"One rocket launcher at a time Blitzo, we cannot free fire as much we used to. Vaggie will take note how we are taking care of resources, and ammo is going right into our paychecks if we are not careful." Loona warned, albeit she was also looking forward to shoot things. "She was already against the weaponry, but Charlie and Collin talked her out with convincing arguments."
"Not the easiest conversation we ever had, that's for sure." Collin muttered, the memory of it making him slightly anxious. "She was actually furious about that, but Charlie was able to calm her down with some logic and common sense."
"Speaking of furious, the big boss lady wants all of us to meet up at her conference room in few minutes. She didn't look happy, which is kind of weird coming from her." Blitzo said slowly, anxiety evident on his voice as he pondered the subject of the meeting. "She said there would be other guests coming to solve 'internal issues'."
Everyone exchanged confused and concerned looks. This was a rather ominous thing to be coming from Charlie all of sudden. Collin was suspicious about what it could be, but refrained from making any suggestions.
"Well, I guess we better make most of our time then. Hey, Mox, switch the third line to a two by two. Maybe we have to reset that section again." Loona said as she kept setting the timers for each screen correctly. Moxxie was a bit taken aback by how casual Loona addressed him. It has been few days since they really had a conversation going. Even Millie noticed this and she couldn't look happier about it.
"See? I told you he could do it." Millie said to her husband, her voice filled with pride and a bit of smug. Moxxie nodded quietly, seemingly accepting of whatever particular talk they had previously.
"What are you two talking about?" Blitzo asked, eyeing them narrowly. Yet, they just waved him off, not really taking it as something worth of discussing.
Loona just rolled her eyes, but she smiled nonetheless. Sure, it was hard for anyone who met her in the previous years to imagine the female Hound ever really changing so much in such a short time, but it's not like she has any reason to antagonize anyone at this point. If anything, she is being mindful of her aggressiveness when Collin is around.
She eyed Collin discretely. She's been wondering on how she could take him somewhere nice for once. Just the two of them, without him worrying about potential Hellish events that could ruin their date. Her first thought was the Human realm, but she wasn't sure how to do that. Charlie was not going to allow them back there any time soon. There weren't many places in Hell she could think of that he would be at ease. Lust ring is a huge red flag in her mind. She did not want to risk his sanity in such place, nor have anyone trying to groom him. Gluttony was out of question, and the other rings weren't exactly touring spots. Perhaps the hotel itself would have to do, but that meant she would have to ask Belle, of all people, if she could help her set something nice for a date. The idea of asking Belle any favors didn't sit well in her head, nor stomach. She wasn't fond of the Sub lord Demon in the slightest, and the contract issue has yet to be solved permanently. She wasn't going to ask Charlie, the Demon princess has already done enough for her.
"Say, I don't remember you mentioning anything further regarding that contract of yours. Especially due all that happened with Belle being brought here." Collin said all of sudden. "Has everything about that settled?"
"Not really." Loona replied slowly, she winced internally. Last thing she needed was to chase Belle around to solve her issue after all that awkwardness they have going. "Shit just went all over the place after she freaked out. I still have it with me, despite she saying she would look at that. Not that I'm really worried anymore, Blitzo won't do anything with it so there's that. Also, since I will get toasted once the contract is broken, cause the whole thing of Hellhounds being forced to return to Gluttony without anything bonding them elsewhere, I need her to remove the curse when the rest of the other Hellhounds arrive at the Hotel later on."
The female Hellhound made fair points. Collin nodded while entertaining himself with his own phone device. There was a constant wave of messages he has been receiving from Charlie, Vaggie and Belle. Loona was the one who rarely texted him anything, mostly due them hardly being away from each other. He sighed once he saw the amount of things being asked regarding their supply and task management. Not to mention Charlie has been very insistent about the plans for them to start on the redeeming process. Yes, he wanted to help them as much he could, but now? Collin was starting to think he's being overloaded with everything.
"Say, I was thinking... wanna hang out somewhere later on?" Loona asked, crossing her arms while her ears perked, seemingly self aware that they weren't out of hearing range from the others. Blitzo looking their way instantaneously being a dead giveaway. Collin shrugged.
"What do you have in mind? Don't think Charlie and Vaggie will be okay with us wandering around the district. To be fair, things are quite... hostile outside."
"No shit, I was thinking of something to do within the Hotel. Sure there's gotta be more than a bar and few fancy rooms." She said dryly, looking at him with a raised eyebrow. "You do know something, right?"
"Yes, I was actually taking notes of few improvements and lack of certain privileges that are normally expected inside a glamourous Hotel."
"That's kind a big word for a place like this." Loona replied with a smile. "Unless we are talking about a different ring."
"No, and I think the Hotel can reach such heights with time and investment. Charlie just needs to decide on what she will be adding as a priority before I can help her on making the calls. That being said... there's a pool area."
Loona's eyes widened, a rush of excitement filled her before being tampered with suspicion.
"Where? I don't remember seeing any sign mentioning anything of it around here."
"Huh, the few signs we have are outdated or were just never replaced with new ones, as in 'the signs broke and no one ever bothered to put new ones' kind of problem." He replied with a chuckle. "I checked the pool yesterday. It wasn't clean so we had Serpentious doing a quick check on the pipe and filtering system. At least the pump was working fine so one less thing to spend money to fix. Surprisingly Serpentious only took a couple hours to get the circulation set up. The water is clean now, not warm but not cold either, and the proper sanitary products have been applied." At that Collin paused, frowning lightly before letting out a small sigh. "I did provide it at least. They really have no idea how to maintain a pool so I had to con- summon the things required. The pool itself ain't very big or deep, it should be fairly easy to keep it healthy."
"How deep?" Loona asked, her mood already soaring at the prospect of having a pool to spend a good time in. Collin shrugged.
"Should be reaching around your shoulders at the deepest part."
"That's quite deep for most. Hellhounds are tall as Hell." Blitzo said, surprising them both by his sudden intrusion in the conversation.
"You, Millie and Moxxie should have a good time doing some crazy dive-ins whenever you get the chance. I know you like 'splashing' around if given the chance." Loona said with a devious smirk. Blitzo snorted.
"Yeah, well, that's just one time that happened with that one thing I rather not talk about."
"Just because your underwear got sucked out by the filtration pipe?" She cheekily asked, to which Blitzo let out a gasp of indignation. "That's what you get for being drunk and horny."
"You promised you wouldn't tell!"
"I didn't, where did you get that from? You paid me a few bucks to be quiet about it for some time. It's been some time already."
"Ah, fuck off!"
Loona and the others laughed at his misfortune. The taller Imp grunted, clearly annoyed before moving from his seat and making way to the reception's back door.
"Where you going?" She asked, surprised to see Blitzo walking away so easily. He shrugged.
"Getting something to drink before meeting the angry boss lady. That Hellcat is a nice fella once you get some rounds with him, at least this place has some decent workers. Besides, if the boss lady will be chewing us out for something, I rather not be entirely sober."
"Fuck sake Blitzo, try not to screw up in the first company meeting." The Hellhound said with a bit of sarcasm. "I vouched for your ass to be here, somewhat. Don't embarrass me."
"Yeah, yeah. Like the Hellcat wasn't spending the entirety of the time in the last reunion completely fucked out of his mind anyway. The Princess didn't seem to care. Ok, granted, I won't try my luck around miss 'anger issues'." He promised, fully aware that Vaggie would have his ass if he dared. "Well see-
Blitzo stopped dead on his tracks, opening the door revealed no other than Vaggie standing at the other side, seemingly about to knock to enter. She narrowed her eyes for a second at seeing the problematic Imp in front of her.
"Huh, hope I'm not interrupting anything." She said, crossing her arms while taking in everyone else that was in the room with a calculated look. "May I have a moment to talk with Loona and Collin?" She said, giving the other Imps a quick glance. Millie and Moxxie exchanged a short glance in between before making their way out, followed by an anxious Blitzo. The taller Imp has become fairly well behaved with the likes of Vaggie present.
"Is everything alright?" Loona asked, with a touch of concern in her voice. Collin was also staring with worry as Vaggie made her way in, closing the door behind her before addressing the other two. Vaggie, seemingly hesitant, picked a nearby chair. She sighed heavily before taking a seat, staring back at them with a curious expression.
"So... Charlie told me what happened back at the Human realm. No, before you complain, there's nothing she knows that she will hide from me, don't expect her to not tell that kind of stuff to me at any point." She admonished them as they were about to interrupt. Loona huffed. Collin nodded, accepting that this was a very likely thing to happen. "That being said, I hope you don't mind me asking how you two are doing? What about you Loona? Are you okay?"
"Err, yeah. I am. Collin healed me up after we came back." She replied, feeling awkward about the sudden care displayed by the other woman. "He was roughed up a bit but we took care of it. Still, not really happy with Blitzo's fucking bitchy sister anyway." She added with a frown on her face. Vaggie nodded.
"I can guess why. Still, from what Charlie said... Collin, do you have any idea why you have so much energy being powered into your spells? What you did was something beyond a simple igniting spell and Charlie is very troubled by the news. There is something about you that is not really adding up. Fallen don't have this much power, but neither does Cherubs as far I- err, I know of." She corrected herself quickly.
Collin wished for any answers, but there was nothing in his mind that could explain why his spellcasting was going off so intensely. Vaggie, being of angelic origin, knows this is not something ordinary or heard of. He shared a dubious look with the Hellhound.
"I don't have a clue. I wish I could have something to ease your concerns but I don't." The wolf replied, shifting his attention away for a moment, his eyes landing on the mess of cables across the room. "I'm doing the best I can to help you all. I had no intent of causing that kind of trouble. Yet, I'm not familiar with the concept of... being forced to act. I want to remain who I am meant to be, but I don't think I can always be that person. Not when people's lives I care for are in danger."
"So you have lives you favor more than Humans ones?" Vaggie questioned with a raised eyebrow. Collin grunted, not liking that line particular point being addressed. He knew she was trying to edge him to shift his perspectives on who he really should be aiming to care for.
"I value people who are willing to make things better, not only for themselves but others too. I cannot expect everyone to be... good. But I won't excuse cruelty, no matter if they are Human or not. Hell exists for a reason. I'm just... It's not my place to be the executor nor judge. What happened was unavoidable."
"Only because you weren't even supposed to be there." Vaggie said with a firm look his way. Collin shrugged.
"Were we even to be here? I don't think so. It just happens to be the case. I don't know my fate, nor does anyone other than God." He said with a tired sigh. "If is this something God is aware of, I just hope he will aid somehow."
"You still think this whole thing about God will make any difference?" Loona regarded him with a befuddled look on her face. "You are in Hell. Don't think God gives a damn about you. If he ever did, you wouldn't be here at all." She frowned at him. "Collin, stop hoping for things to fall from the sky. That ain't gonna work here, never did."
The wolf couldn't help the annoyance he felt at having his small amount of faith being questioned, but it didn't seem Vaggie was on his side on this matter, especially after she nodded in agreement to the Hellhound's words.
"Because I was not something that literally fell from the sky into your life?" He challenged back with a hint of frustration on his voice. "Or was just that something that would eventually happen and you were just waiting for it? Someone that would, eventually, help your mind off of the most problematic events in your life? Isn't that a blessing on its own?" The Hellhound snorted derisively.
"Why would God give a damn about me?! I'm a random Hellhound in fucking Hell. Why would God even make things happen in a way that would get you into my life all of sudden?! There's a shit ton of people suffering out there, some way more than I ever did, why I'm the one that gets to have you in my life?!"
"I always believe in God's path! I always follow his teachings, his way of life. I took to heart the lessons he left to our kind. With those lessons I made the choices that led me here! I choose you! It was not God that cared for you Loona, it is not God who's supposed to care for you, it is me! I'm the one who loves you because he taught me love! I'm the one who will look after you for the rest of my life, no matter how hard it is, because he taught me perseverance, loyalty, fidelity, union! I'm the one giving up Heaven and my family for your sake! I'm not allowed anymore to think someone else might care for me besides you?!"
Loona gave him a very crossed look, but she relented with a huff after few seconds. Vaggie, feeling the tension in the room increasing, decided to shift the topics a bit. She never saw Collin this upset with anyone before.
"Huh... well, still, I came here to not only ask about you two, but also, well... Charlie has come across a bit of an issue with her servants. Besides whatever we will discuss in the meeting."
"The goats? What about them?" The Hellhound questioned with a bit of grumpiness. "Don't think they are the problematic type."
"They are not, far from it." Vaggie assured them with a chuckle. "It's just that one of them is not feeling well, therefore his mate is watching over him. That being said, Charlie is out of a driver for a sponsor reunion she has this afternoon. I was wondering if any of you know how to drive?"
Loona's eyes widened, a sudden look of pure ecstasy on her face.
"W-wait, the limo? She's taking the limo, right?" The Hellhound was visibly excited. Vaggie, unable to help a chuckle at seeing Loona's reaction, nodded. "Hell yeah! I know how to drive!" Vaggie's attention turned towards Collin.
"What about you?"
Collin was still slightly upset but seeing Loona's face of joy lightened the mood. Also, fully aware of a huge female Hellhound next to him, a narrow look that mixed anger and pleading aimed his way, he knew better than to assure anyone of his driving skills. Which were none.
"No, never had to drive anything before. No idea how. Loona's a good pick, just needs to get an idea of spacing with a vehicle that elongated. It's similar to a truck to an extent." He added with a humored smile back at her. She couldn't look happier if she tried. The Hellhound has been anxious about being in the limo for days, but driving it? She was over the moon by now.
"Alright, since this is a bit of an improvised event there will be no need for you to dress the driver's uniform. You can stay at the limo until we get back. Say, wanna tag along Collin?" Vaggie offered, fully aware of how often these two would be hanging along. Much to her surprise, Collin shook his head.
"I would love to, but I have some tasks to finish here at the Hotel. Especially regarding some adjustments to work schedules. Also I'm meeting Belle's kitchen staff today."
"Oh, right. They are coming today, I completely forgot. Dammit! As soon we get back I better introduce them to Charlie. She's always looking forward to meeting new folk, especially those she will work with."
"Yeah, we should get something to eat. Hungry, Loona?" Collin asked.
The Hellhound nodded, still smiling at the rare opportunity she got. She cracked her back once leaving the rocky chair she has been on for hours.
"Fuuuuuuck, I'm not used anymore to this whole 'sitting for hours' thing. Fucking hated it back at the office. At least the chairs in the reception are tall, so I don't have to curve so much and my legs don't feel like pillars after I get up. Hey, wanna join us for breakfast?" Loona asked Vaggie with surprising sympathy. Collin couldn't help another head shake. It was obvious she would be playing nice just to keep her seat as the limo's driver.
"I already ate, but thanks. I need to talk a few things with Charlie before we get ready. See you two soon."
"See ya." Loona replied in agreement as Vaggie turned around and left the room. Seeing as they were both alone the Hellhound let a smirk show itself as a way to warn Collin. "Hey, when I get back a later. We can grab something and do a nice fuck upstairs, you're up?" She asked the wolf with evident glee. Collin shook his head, already thinking about how to address the staff later on, and finish up setting the camera system. "Oh, come on! Don't go 'all work, no fun' on me so soon!"
"Sorry Loona, I can save that for later at night time. Yes, I know you will be far more 'pent up', as you say. I will do whatever you want, but as of the next seven hours I need to finish this and meet up with Belle and her kitchen staff. Lots of things to organize." He explained apologetically. Loona gave him a sad nod in return, which only made him feel guilty. "Hey, I can ask Charlie to give us some time off tomorrow. We've been going around nonstop after all. I think we could use a break."
"Yeah, sure we could." She replied in agreement. She paused once she felt her phone vibrating. "Huh, what's... Blitzo told us to go to the conference room. Charlie wants us there right now."
Collin nodded, slowly raising from his seat, feeling his own back aching at being in such still position for so long. They quickly shut down the lights before heading out. The reception was currently empty, which meant everyone probably was already at the meeting. He walked with Loona at his side, he felt her hand lightly brush his, to which he smiled before grasping hers in return. She was slowly taking into the mate role with the subtle actions.
"Any idea what this is about? Charlie isn't one to be hasty about stuff unless is serious."
"No idea, let's hope it won't take too long. I don't wanna lose my chance of driving the limo today. And you sure don't want to deal with a moody Belle having to delay her schedule. She has a bit of 'being on point' thing about her. It was easy to notice when we were at Gluttony."
"Huh, speaking of Gluttony. We never addressed a particular issue back then, now that I'm reminding myself of it."
"What exactly?" She asked, looking genuinely curious. Collin frowned.
"Aren't sinners supposed to be contained to the first ring?"
"Huh, yeah? Obviously. Why?"
"Then how was-
Before he could finish they had crossed the double doors into the conference room. The scene inside made Collin's words die out in his throat, shocked at what he's seeing.
Inside, sitting across a huge table, were the familiar figures of Charlie, Vaggie, Blitzo, Husk, Niftty, Angel Dust, Alastor, Octavia, Belle, Serpentious, Millie and Moxxie.
What he did not expect were the others less familiar ones of Stolas, Stella, Vortex, Verosika, Barbie Wire, Ferala and...
"L-Lucifer?!"