Chapter 17:Loona's First Love
Loona stretched luxuriously in her bed, the soft fabric of her moon and star-covered sheets feeling like a comforting cocoon. The faint light of the morning filtered through her window, casting a silvery glow over her room. She hopped out of bed with a nimble grace, her blue pajama pants adorned with little dog bones swishing as she moved. Loona wasn't just waking up; she was preparing to own the day.
In the bathroom, she brushed her sharp fangs with precision, a slight grin playing on her lips as she admired her reflection. She took extra care filing her claws, making sure they were perfect. After all, the queen of Pentagonal Hellementary had to look her best. She glanced at her reflection one last time, her bright red eyes gleaming with confidence. "Looking good, Loona," she whispered to herself, satisfied.
The delicious smell of breakfast wafted through the halls as she made her way to the kitchen, her tail wagging slightly in anticipation. Barbie, her aunt who she adored, was at the stove, flipping pancakes with the expertise of someone who knew exactly how to cater to Loona's taste. The kitchen table was already laden with plates of bacon, eggs, and stacks of golden pancakes drizzled with syrup.
Loona pounced on her breakfast with a zeal that was almost feral, devouring her meal with the same enthusiasm she had for everything in life. Barbie chuckled, shaking her head as she watched her niece. "Slow down, Loona. You don't want to choke before you even get to school."
Loona paused just long enough to give Barbie a grin, her cheeks stuffed with food. "Can't help it, Aunt Barbie. You're the best cook ever!" she mumbled around a mouthful of pancakes.
With breakfast devoured and energy levels at their peak, Loona darted out of the kitchen and made her way to Verosika's office. She loved visiting her mom in the mornings, especially when she was busy with her music. Verosika was everything Loona aspired to be: strong, fearless, and impossibly cool.
She poked her head under Verosika's desk, her tail wagging energetically. "Morning, Mom!" she chirped, her voice full of affection.
Verosika, engrossed in her latest project, paused to smile down at her daughter. She set aside the sheet music she was working on and reached down to give Loona a gentle pat on the head, scratching behind her ear in that perfect spot that made Loona practically melt.
"Morning, my little blue moon," Verosika replied warmly, her voice soothing and full of love.
Loona leaned into her mom's hand for a moment, soaking in the affection before pulling herself away with a contented sigh. "You're gonna rock that concert, Mom. Everyone's gonna remember why you're the best!"
Verosika chuckled, her eyes softening as she looked at her daughter. "Thanks, sweetheart. With you cheering me on, I feel like I can take on anything."
Feeling buoyed by her mom's words, Loona left Verosika's office with a spring in her step. As she walked down the hall, she passed by Moxxie and Millie's room. Moxxie was standing in front of the mirror, turning this way and that as he tried on a new outfit. The outfit was nice, but Loona couldn't resist teasing him.
"Hey, Moxxie," she called out with a smirk, "no matter what you try on, your butt is still huge, big bro!"
Moxxie groaned, his face turning bright red as he tried to ignore her, while Millie snickered in the background, clearly enjoying the banter. Loona loved teasing Moxxie; he was such an easy target, but she knew it was all in good fun.
Finally, Loona made her way to Blitz's office. Her dad was already knee-deep in paperwork, totally absorbed in whatever assignment files he was going through. She rolled her eyes, knowing how Blitz could get when he was focused. But she also knew he wouldn't forget about her.
"Morning, Dad?" she said, waving at him as she slung her backpack over her shoulder.
Blitz looked up, a little distracted but instantly smiling when he saw her. "Morning, Loony!" he replied, his tone affectionate as always.
"You're still giving me a ride to school, right?" she asked, a hint of impatience in her voice.
Blitz nodded, quickly closing the file he was working on. "Of course, kiddo. Let me just grab my keys."
Loona watched as he got ready, a warm feeling of pride swelling in her chest. She might be the coolest kid at school, but she knew she was also the luckiest. She had a family who loved her, a mom who was a total rockstar, and a dad who was always there for her, no matter how busy he got. Life was good.
As they headed out the door and climbed into Blitz's car, Loona felt a surge of excitement. School was just another domain for her to rule. She loved the way other kids looked up to her, respected her, and sometimes even feared her a little. But beneath all that swagger, she was just a kid who loved her family and wanted to make them proud.
"Ready for another day of being the queen of the playground?" Blitz teased as they pulled out of the driveway.
Loona grinned, her sharp fangs gleaming. "You know it, Dad."
As they drove towards Pentagonal Hellementary, Loona looked out the window, her mind already racing with thoughts of what the day might bring. Maybe she'd win the school's latest game, maybe she'd make a new friend, or maybe she'd just spend the day being her awesome, unstoppable self.
Whatever happened, Loona was ready for it. After all, she was the coolest kid in Hell, and she had the best family backing her up. With a confident smirk, she settled into her seat, knowing that today was going to be another great day.
The classroom buzzed with excitement as Miss Skelenor, the teacher with a bone-dry sense of humor and an eye for order, introduced a new student to the class. "Everyone, let's welcome Koolin Radster, who has transferred here from far away. I expect you all to be on your best behavior," she said, her voice stern but not unkind.
Loona, always a model of composure, was caught off guard the moment Koolin entered the room. Koolin was unlike anyone she had ever seen before. He was a purple, sheep-like demon with sleek black bat wings and a mane of slicked-back hair that seemed to defy gravity with a black candle atop his head. His sunglasses, worn indoors with an air of nonchalance, only added to his aura of coolness. His leather jacket creaked slightly with each step, and his ram-like horns curled menacingly above his head. His shiny fangs peeked out from under a smirk that suggested he knew exactly how irresistible he was.
Loona's heart skipped a beat as Koolin floated past her desk. She was usually the epitome of confidence—queen of her domain, ruler of her playground. But right now, she felt like a deer in headlights. Her usual swagger was replaced with a deer-in-the-headlights stare, her pale face flushing a bright red. She clutched the edges of her desk, trying to appear casual, but she couldn't keep her eyes off him. Her tail twitched nervously, betraying her inner turmoil.
Koolin sauntered to his desk with an effortless grace, and despite his somewhat intimidating appearance, there was a playful glint in his eyes. During the lesson, he asked the strangest questions, from the most random musings about the school's curriculum to bizarre hypotheticals about the nature of existence. His curiosity seemed boundless, and though his questions were strange, they were always asked with an earnestness that was oddly endearing.
Loona, meanwhile, was barely holding it together. Her usually sharp gaze was softened into a dazed stare as she tried to follow the lesson. Her notebook remained untouched, and the pen she usually wielded with precision lay forgotten beside her.
Lunchtime came as a welcome break, though it did little to clear the fog from Loona's mind. She found herself sitting next to her best friend Octavia, a tiny, fiercely protective little owlet who was known for her innocent and timid personality, despite being in kindergarten she had become Loonie's best friend. Octavia's presence was a comfort, but Loona was so preoccupied with thoughts of Koolin that she barely noticed anything else.
"Hey, Loona," Octavia said, waving a wing in front of Loona's face. "Earth to Loona? Are you in there?"
Loona blinked, struggling to snap out of her daze. Her eyes slowly focused on Octavia, who looked at her with a mix of concern and amusement. "Huh? What?" Loona mumbled, barely able to tear her gaze away from Koolin's table, where he was casually chatting with a few students and seemingly attracting attention effortlessly.
"You've been staring off into space all lunch. You didn't even touch your sandwich," Octavia pointed out, her voice tinged with worry. "What's up with you?"
Loona looked down at her plate, seeing the untouched meatloaf sandwich with pepper jack cheese Barbie had made for her. The sandwich looked delicious, but at the moment, it was completely unappealing compared to the enigma that was Koolin. She picked up the sandwich with a half-hearted attempt at eating but barely managed a few bites.
"I—I don't know, Octavia," Loona admitted, her voice betraying a rare hint of uncertainty. "I just... I've never felt like this before. There's something about Koolin..."
Octavia's eyes widened slightly, then she burst into a fit of giggles. "Oh, Loona, are you... are you in love or something? That's so cute, just like my mummy and daddy!"
Loona's eyes went wide, and she nearly choked on her sandwich. "No! I'm not in love! I—I don't even know him! It's just... something about him is making me... weird."
"Weird, huh?" Octavia teased, her grin widening. "Well, you've never acted like this before. Maybe you're just a little smitten. Who knows? Maybe he's your new bad boy crush!"
Loona's face flushed even more at Octavia's teasing. She tried to muster her usual confident demeanor, but her blush and her inability to keep her gaze from drifting back to Koolin betrayed her. "Shut up, Octavia. It's not like that. I'm just... I don't know."
As Loona tried to regain her composure, Koolin glanced over in their direction, his sunglasses reflecting the cafeteria lights. For a split second, their eyes met, and Loona's heart raced again. Koolin gave her a casual nod, and Loona felt her cheeks burn even hotter.
"Great, now he's looking at me," Loona mumbled, her voice barely above a whisper.
"See?" Octavia said, grinning. "He's definitely noticing you. Maybe you should talk to him. It wouldn't hurt to make a new friend, right?"
Loona swallowed hard, trying to appear nonchalant as she took another bite of her sandwich. "Yeah, maybe. I'll... I'll think about it."
As the lunch period ended and the students began to file out, Loona found herself lost in thought, trying to reconcile the confident, cool image she usually projected with the fluttering, uncertain feelings she had for Koolin.
She wasn't quite sure what to make of it all, but one thing was certain: today had been anything but ordinary, and she was determined to find out just where this new feeling would lead her.
As the final bell rang, signaling the end of lunch and the start of the afternoon classes, Loona trudged back to her classroom, her thoughts still spinning around Koolin. She tried to focus on her lessons, but her mind kept drifting back to the mysterious new student. Every time she glanced towards his desk, Koolin seemed to be surrounded by a halo of intrigue.
The rest of the day passed in a blur for Loona. She barely heard the lessons and felt disconnected from the usual school buzz. Each time Koolin's voice floated over, asking questions or engaging with others, Loona's heart would skip a beat, making it nearly impossible to concentrate.
When the final bell of the day finally rang, Loona practically leaped out of her seat, eager to escape the confines of the classroom and head to the playground. Her mind was made up; she had to talk to Koolin, if only to understand why he made her feel this way.
In the hallway, Loona caught sight of Koolin talking to a group of students by his locker. She hesitated for a moment, her confidence wavering as she approached. Koolin's cool demeanor was as effortless as ever, and the way he interacted with everyone only made her more anxious.
"Hey, Koolin!" Loona called out, trying to sound casual. Her voice came out slightly shaky, making her wince internally.
Koolin turned, his sunglasses glinting under the hallway lights. He gave her a lazy smile that made Loona's heart race. "Hey, Loona. What's up?" he asked, his voice smooth and inviting.
Loona shuffled her feet, trying to ignore the heat rising in her cheeks. "I was just, um, wondering if you wanted to hang out after school. I mean, if you're not busy or anything."
Koolin raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by her nervousness. "Sure, that sounds cool. I've been exploring the place and could use a guide."
Loona's heart did a happy little flip. "Great! I know some cool spots around town. We can start with the park and then maybe grab a bite to eat."
"Sounds like a plan," Koolin agreed, his grin widening. "I'm looking forward to it."
As they walked out of school together, Loona couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. Koolin seemed easygoing and approachable, and he seemed genuinely interested in her suggestion. They made their way to the park, chatting about various topics. Koolin asked about Loona's favorite spots and listened intently to her enthusiastic descriptions.
Loona, feeling more at ease as they talked, found herself opening up about her favorite activities and the things she liked to do in her free time. Koolin shared a few anecdotes about his past adventures, his stories laced with humor and charm that made Loona laugh.
As they sat down on a park bench, Koolin looked around and commented on how different things were compared to where he came from. "You know, this place is pretty nice. I've never been somewhere quite like this."
Loona smiled, her nerves slowly melting away. "Yeah, it's one of my favorite places. I come here a lot to clear my head."
Koolin turned his attention back to her, his expression softening. "I'm glad you brought me here. I've had a pretty great day so far."
Loona's heart fluttered at the compliment. "I'm glad you think so. I've had a great time too."
They chatted more about their interests and hobbies, with Koolin occasionally asking about her life and experiences. Loona felt a growing sense of comfort with him, and for the first time since she had met him, she felt like she could just be herself without the pressure of trying to impress him.
After their time at the park, they decided to grab a bite to eat at a local diner. Over milkshakes and burgers, their conversation flowed easily, with both of them laughing and enjoying each other's company. Loona noticed that Koolin had a genuine warmth to him that made her feel special, and by the end of their time together, she was more than ready to admit that she enjoyed his company.
As they walked back towards school, the sun was setting, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink. Loona felt a twinge of sadness knowing their time together was coming to an end, but she was also filled with a hopeful excitement for what might come next.
"So, what do you think of our little town?" Loona asked, trying to keep the conversation light.
Koolin smiled, his eyes twinkling behind his sunglasses. "It's been great. And you've made it even better. Thanks for today, Loona."
Loona's heart raced again, this time from happiness rather than anxiety. "You're welcome, Koolin. I had a lot of fun too."
As they said their goodbyes and went their separate ways, Loona's mind buzzed with the events of the day. She felt a deep sense of contentment and a fluttering anticipation for their next meeting. It was clear that Koolin had made a significant impact on her, and Loona couldn't wait to see where this new friendship—possibly something more—might lead.
Unbeknownst to Loona her bad boy ram that had touched her heart had a secret, Koolin getting home to his apartment throwing off his sunglasses and jacket, he took a shower washing the black out of his wings which were actually white and removing his horns, candle and fangs.
He floated over to a strange angelic looking phone dialing it as suddenly the picture of an angelic lion appeared. "S-s-sir...i-i did it, so um its my first successful day spying in hell, b-but um...do I r-really have to keep going?"
The lion angel learned at the timid sheep cherub. "Yes Collin you got assigned this how do you do fellow kids job for C.H.E.R.U.B this is our chance to gather valuable information to help Lord Adam you worthless little lamb, Cletus and Keene aren't complaining and I sent them to a factory and middle school, your lucky you kids are getting any missions at all!"
"Y-yes sir, I'll do as you say mr.Lionheart." as the communication ended while he hung up the phone, as Collin sat on his bed in his modest apartment, his angelic phone still warm from the call, he stared at his reflection in a nearby mirror. The white wings, now clean of their previous blackened disguise, shimmered gently under the soft light of the room. He looked at his removed fake horns and fangs, revealing a much gentler, more vulnerable appearance underneath.
His attempt to blend into the Hellish crowd as Koolin had been exhausting, not just because of the constant pressure to uphold a cool and aloof façade but also because it clashed so starkly with his true nature. The day he spent with Loona had been a bittersweet revelation, a fleeting escape from his spy duties. Despite the thrill of being in her company, the weight of his mission and the responsibilities that came with it bore down on him heavily.
Sinking into his bed, Collin buried his face in his hands. The small room felt incredibly stifling, and the ache in his heart was overwhelming. "Why did it have to be this way?" he thought, tears slipping from his eyes. The day had been a rare and precious glimpse of what normalcy could feel like, a sharp contrast to his solitary, high-pressure existence.
As the tears flowed, Collin's thoughts drifted back to Loona. The way she had looked at him with those wide, admiring eyes, and how she had made him feel accepted and special. It was a stark contrast to the harsh judgment he faced from his own kind. "If only I could tell her the truth," he murmured to himself. "If only I didn't have to pretend all the time."
Meanwhile, back at the IMP headquarters, Loona was standing nervously outside Moxxie and Millie's door, her heart racing as she tried to muster the courage to ask for their advice. She had never felt this way before, and the confusing jumble of emotions had her on edge.
"Hey, um, big butt bro, you in?" she called out, her voice quivering slightly. "I need you and the Millster's advice?"
The door swung open to reveal Moxxie, who immediately noticed the flushed and anxious look on Loona's face. A sly grin spread across his features, and he barely managed to contain his amusement.
"Hey, Loona. What's up? You look like you've seen a ghost." Moxxie's eyes twinkled with mischief.
Millie popped her head out from behind Moxxie, her eyes widening in curiosity. "Yeah, what's going on? You're all red-faced and jittery."
Loona took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "Well, I was hoping you guys could help me with something. I met someone today, and… well, I'm not really sure what to do about it."
Moxxie's grin grew wider. "Oh, really? Someone special, huh? Spill the beans!"
Loona fidgeted, her tail wagging nervously. "His name's Koolin. He's new at school and, um… I guess I really like him. But, I don't know, it's all so confusing."
Millie's eyes sparkled with interest. "Well, tell us more! What's he like? Why are you so worked up about him?"
Loona took a deep breath, trying to piece together her thoughts. "He's really cool and charming, and we had a great time together. But… I don't know, it just feels different from anything I've ever experienced. It's like, he makes me feel all fluttery and nervous."
Moxxie, enjoying the moment, leaned closer with a teasing grin. "Sounds like you've got it bad, little sis. You sure he's not just playing it cool? I mean, come on, what's this 'Koolin' guy like really? You're sure he's not a demon on the run or something?"
Loona looked mortified. "No! He's not like that. He seemed really genuine. It's just that, well, he's also… different from what I expected. I don't know how to explain it."
Millie snickered, nudging Moxxie playfully. "Aw, come on, Moxxie. Let's cut her some slack. So what if she's got a crush? We all had our awkward phases."
Moxxie, still grinning, held up his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. I guess I'll save the teasing for later. So, what do you want to do about it?"
Loona's ears perked up, her eyes brightening with hope. "I don't know. I just need some advice on how to handle this. I don't want to mess things up, but I also don't want to overthink it."
Millie wrapped an arm around Loona, giving her a comforting squeeze. "Just be yourself, Loona. If Koolin likes you for who you are, then things will work out. And hey, don't be afraid to make the first move. Sometimes you've gotta take a chance."
Moxxie nodded in agreement, his teasing tone replaced by genuine encouragement. "Yeah, what she said. If you like him, then go for it. Just remember, you're awesome, and anyone would be lucky to be with you."
Loona's face lit up with a grateful smile. "Thanks, you guys. That really helps. I'll just try to be myself and see where things go."
As Loona left the room with a newfound sense of resolve, Moxxie and Millie exchanged knowing glances. "Looks like we've got ourselves a little matchmaker situation," Moxxie joked.
"Yep," Millie agreed with a wink. "And if Koolin breaks her heart, we're gonna have to have a chat with him."
Loona walked away feeling a little lighter, ready to face her feelings for Koolin with newfound confidence. As she headed out, she hoped that her honest approach would lead to something wonderful, knowing that she had her family's support every step of the way.
That night, Loona lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling of her moonlit room, the events of the day playing over and over in her mind. She could still see Koolin's smirk, hear his deep voice, and feel that strange, fluttery sensation in her chest whenever he looked her way. It was new, confusing, and a little scary, but also exciting.
She thought about what Moxxie and Millie had said, and a determined look crossed her face. "Just be yourself," she whispered, her tail swishing back and forth as she hugged her pillow tightly. "I can do that. I'm Loona, after all. I'm cool, I'm tough, and I don't let anyone push me around. If I like him, I'll just… tell him. Simple as that."
The next morning, Loona woke up with a sense of purpose. She put on her favorite outfit—a black leather jacket with a skull emblem, torn jeans, and her signature spiked collar. She took extra care with her hair, making sure it had just the right amount of messy chic. Today, she wasn't just going to be the coolest kid in school; she was going to show Koolin that she wasn't afraid to go after what she wanted.
As she strutted down the hallways of Pentagram Hellementary, heads turned. Loona had always been popular in her own right, known for her confident, no-nonsense attitude. But today, there was something different about her. A certain sparkle in her eyes, a little extra bounce in her step. She was on a mission, and nothing was going to stop her.
She found Koolin in the courtyard, leaning against a tree with his signature cool pose—sunglasses on, leather jacket perfectly draped, and that ever-present smirk on his lips. He was surrounded by a small group of students who were all trying to get his attention, but Loona wasn't about to let that deter her.
Taking a deep breath, she squared her shoulders and walked right up to him, her heart pounding in her chest. "Hey, Koolin," she said, her voice steady, though her stomach was doing flips.
Koolin looked up, his smirk widening as he saw her. "Hey, Loona," he replied smoothly, pushing his sunglasses up onto his head to reveal his piercing purple eyes. "What's up?"
Loona hesitated for the briefest of moments before she pushed through her nerves. "I was wondering… wanna hang out after school? Maybe grab some snacks or something?"
There was a beat of silence, and Loona's heart skipped as she awaited his answer. She could see the other students around them whispering and watching intently, but she kept her focus on Koolin.
Koolin seemed to be taken aback for just a second before his smirk returned, softer this time. "Sure, why not? Sounds fun," he said, his voice casual, but Loona noticed a hint of something else in his eyes. Relief? Excitement? She couldn't quite tell, but it made her feel like she had just conquered the world.
"Cool," Loona replied, trying to play it off like it was no big deal, even though her heart was racing. "See you after class then."
She turned to walk away, feeling all eyes on her, but she didn't care. She had done it. She had asked Koolin out, and he had said yes. Now, all she had to do was survive the rest of the day.
The final bell rang, and Loona found herself waiting by the school gate, trying to play it cool while she waited for Koolin. She was about to check her phone for the hundredth time when she heard footsteps behind her.
"Hey, you ready?" Koolin's voice was smooth as ever, but there was a certain warmth in it that made Loona's heart skip.
She turned to see him standing there, his sunglasses perched back on his head, and a hint of a genuine smile on his lips. "Yeah, let's go," she replied, feeling a surge of excitement.
As they walked down the street together, Loona couldn't help but feel a strange sense of contentment. Sure, she was nervous, but she was also happy. Koolin was different from anyone she had ever met, and being around him made her feel… special.
They found a small, out-of-the-way diner that served a mix of Hell's finest snacks and treats. As they sat down in a booth, Koolin ordered a large plate of fiery nachos, and Loona opted for a hellhound steak sandwich. They talked about school, their interests, and exchanged jokes. Despite the cool exterior Koolin had, Loona noticed how he laughed more easily around her, his guard dropping bit by bit.
It wasn't long before Loona felt like she could be herself completely around him. She made fun of his ridiculously slicked-back hair, and he teased her about her love for meat. As the conversation flowed, the tension melted away, leaving behind a genuine connection.
After they finished eating, they decided to walk back to the school to grab their bags. As they approached the gates, the atmosphere between them felt lighter, more comfortable.
"So… I had a good time today," Koolin said, stopping and turning to face Loona.
Loona grinned, her confidence fully restored. "Yeah, me too. Maybe we can do it again sometime?"
Koolin's smile was soft, almost shy, which was a surprising contrast to his usual demeanor. "I'd like that," he said, his voice quieter now.
Loona's heart fluttered. "Cool. It's a date, then," she said, her voice more confident than she felt inside.
Koolin nodded, his eyes lingering on her for a moment longer before he turned to walk away. "See you tomorrow, Loona."
"See you, Koolin," Loona called back, watching him until he disappeared around the corner.
As she started her walk back home, Loona couldn't help but smile to herself. Today had been amazing. She had taken a chance, put herself out there, and it had paid off. And though she couldn't quite explain it, something told her that this was just the beginning of something special.
But as much as Loona was excited, on the other side of town, Collin was in turmoil. After getting back to his apartment, he dropped the Koolin act immediately, letting out a heavy sigh. He slumped down on his bed, his wings drooping and his fake fangs discarded on the nightstand.
His thoughts were consumed by Loona, her bright eyes, her fearless attitude, and how she had made him feel so… alive. Yet, there was the crushing weight of his mission, the constant pressure from his superiors, and the fact that everything between him and Loona was built on a lie.
"What am I supposed to do?" Collin whispered to himself, his voice trembling. He knew he was supposed to gather information and maintain his cover, but the thought of deceiving Loona made his stomach turn.
He curled up on his bed, hugging his knees to his chest as tears welled up in his eyes. "I don't want to do this anymore… but what choice do I have?" he sobbed quietly, the image of Loona's smiling face haunting his thoughts.
For the first time in a long while, Collin found himself dreading what the future might hold.
To be continued……