"And that was the last we saw of her." It was another day for another cleaning followed by another friendly chat with demons of the higher class. Only with one with prior knowledge of the real me and the other left in the dark. It was two days since our run-in with the pop star and although I became less angry about it, I still had the mental scars and I don't know how long it'll be until I'll be over it.
Octavia giggled, bringing my focus back to her. "Sounds like another exciting day for you, huh?"
"Oh yeah, very eventful. Aside from the giant fish monster, everything seemed to work out nicely." I was busy vacuuming when I got to the living room and I ran into the owl princess listening to her music while reading, so I thought I'd have a quick chat with her. "What's happened to Verosika now, I don't know. If she hadn't violated me, I'd feel bad for her."
"At least you won't have to go through that again."
"Fuck, I hope not. And then, there's Loona."
"Who?"
"Oh, you know, the hell hound at work that I told you about?"
"What about her?" Octavia looked at me with inquisitive curiosity.
"Well, this was the first time,at least to my knowledge, that she ever went out on an assignment with us. Most of the time she's always staying behind at the office just taking calls. Not caring much or talking to any of us. And yet, as soon as she sees another hell hound, she changes. It's like she's never seen another hell hound in her life. I know I shouldn't read too much into it, but…it feels like she wants to open herself up to hell hounds and no one else."
"And this bothers you?"
"Well, no. And yet…it does in a way. I wish I can get a better read on her, just so I can understand her more. I don't think she hates me-I got her to smile a few times-but she doesn't open up to me. I wish I knew what her situation was. What makes her…well, her. If there was only some way I can get her to open up to me."
Octavia then asked me one of the many million dollar questions, "Do you like her?"
I looked at Octavia the moment I stopped rambling, thinking of an honest answer. "I don't know. It depends on the definition. It always depends on what definition you mean. I mean, I like her not being mean to me. Not a quote-on-quote 'bitch' like she's been with everyone else so there must be something there, right?" I sighed in frustration as I rubbed my face. "It feels so…confusing. I never had to tread softly with you because you're…" I searched within my knowledge of vocabulary to find the right word(s).
"I'm what?" Octavia asked warily.
"More chill with me?" I asked with slight uncertainty. I paused as I waited for some form of response from her.
"Go on."
"Since working for your dad, you and I seem to be more…on the level in a way," I went on as I paced back and forth along the hallway space. "I don't see any reason to be pessimistic with you so far, and I pray that I don't give you any reason to do so. So far, anyway." I paused again to see if she had anything to say. When she didn't and only smiled with a nod, I continued.
"Loona, however, is as such. So few times, I got something out of her. Two days ago, she said more than a few words to me. I feel so close, and I'm not sure what to do next. I feel like I know what to do. I just don't know how to do it." I rubbed one hand on my temple this time. "I don't know what to do."
Once finished, Octavia offered some encouragement. "I'm sure you'll think of something. Maybe you both might have some common interest and work with that. There's bound to be something that'll break the ice between you.
"I hope so," I sighed. "I wish I knew what it was." I resumed cleaning afterwards. When finished for the day, I spent some time with Stolas, listening to him read one of his books to me. Not usually a fan of it, but it's nice way to ease my mind. Plus, he ain't that bad of a storyteller. I mean, the most I've ever been animated with something read aloud was with "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and a few tales of horror (wanted to do something as as such through streaming but I have the tech knowledge of a simpleton: somewhat knowledgeable but not completely knowledgeable). Wish I could expand more on it, but I never could find the right time, means, or audience to do so.
Moving along, I bid both father and daughter good night and made my way home. It wasn't long until I remembered something. Loona struck me as a fan of Verosika and her music. If it wasn't for the bad history between her and my boss, I'd ask the popstar for an autograph so that Loona could have it. Sigh. Some things are better off as they are, I suppose.
Another day, another shift. That was the feeling I had the next work day. I just got off the shitter when I noticed that everyone, including Loona, had vanished. I started to get worried. If that family we dealt with a few chapters earlier found our workplace, I swear to high heaven (or to lowest hell)…
Checking the room, I saw no sign of struggle. If there was, I'd certainly hear it as well. I mean, maybe they got took out silently. Who knows? When I got to the meeting room, I saw the usual circle drawn for teleportation against the back wall. Investigating it, it seemed to be for a new location and freshly drawn. Putting four and four together (a little more than the usual two and two), I figured they'd gone on assignment without me. As for why Loona wasn't around, my guess was that Bltz somehow persuaded her to come.
So it looks like I'm by myself until they get back. "Clean up" mode was about to kick in when I just had a thought. A film cliche if you will. I pondered for a sec. Ah, what the hell? There's no telling when they'll be back. Might as well.
"Shook Me Like a Prayer" by Rock Sugar played loudly on my phone as I danced like Tom Cruise from "Risky Business". You know, the kind of films he did before relying on the Mission Impossible franchise. As one who knows the comedic scenario, I got really into singing and dancing to the melody. I mean, who really hasn't? When you're someone like me, you do your best to dance better than the average white guy. And sing. Let's not forget that too. If you know the stereotype, thank you for having a capacity for knowledge.
My head was rocking to the second reprise of the chorus and by the end of it, I suddenly had the urge to do a double take and froze like a deer in the headlights. There they all were, standing outside of the dimensional gate. Watching my little performance. Smug grins on both Loona and Blitzy boy while Moxxie looked surprised and Millie as…adoring I think. I don't know, she seemed happy in some way.
The phones owned by both Loona and Blitz made me snap back to reality and pause the music. I played off my embarrassment with calm reserve as I cleared my throat. "I don't suppose you all saw any of that, did you?"
"Oh, you bet your sweet candy ass we did." Blitz chortled, still recording. "Just give me a minute and I'll make it rain."
"You all realize, of course, I'm going to have to kill you now." Nothing but grins of glee from them all. "Fortunately for you guys, I'm willing to let this go for now while I still have my dignity intact. With plenty of humility and grace to spare. Excuse me." With a little harumph, I grabbed my cleaning stuff and walked away with my nose in the air. It wasn't until I closed the door behind me I soon heard them laughing like a pack of hyenas. I sighed an exasperated sigh.
I kept to myself throughout most of the day. I found sweet relief during lunchtime until it was dashed as Blitzo called for me.
"You sent for me, boss?"
"Put your boogie shoes to good use and moonwalk down to this address. I ordered some coffee since our coffee maker is shit for the moment. Should be ready by the time you tango your way over." Blitz handed me a scrap of paper. The address written on it belonged to some coffee shop eight minutes away from us and on the back a list of who wanted what.
"Oh, sure. Make jokes, why don't you?" I said dryly. I snatched the paper out of his puny hand and added, "Just try not to give anyone HPV while I'm gone." Strolling towards the door, I glimpsed at Loona out of the corner of my eye. She sat at the receptionist desk as usual, eyes glued to her laptop. I noticed that she managed to see me coming and smirked. "One word out of you, and I'll turn your face inside out." I warned her. I only saw her smirk and I'm glad that's all she did. For now.
Making my way to my destination, I couldn't help feel a little annoyed. Yeah, I know. It's funny until it happens to you. It's one thing when it's played off for laughs. It's another when someone takes it to a certain extent. As I was about to find out.
It wasn't long until I made it to the coffee shop and walked on in as a bell chime greeted me. At the counter, a female imp (insert your own character description here) greeted me. "Can I help you, sir?"
"Yeah, I'm here for an order for Blitz." I showed the counter girl the little sheet of paper with my coworker's coffee. Looking it over, she answered back with "It's almost ready. Just wait a little longer."
"Okay. Sure thing." As I stepped aside for the next customer, I was unaware that the employee had suspicious thoughts until two customers later and my order was ready.
"Say, haven't I seen your face somewhere before?"
"I…don't think so. Unless I remind you of somebody that you know." I said warily.
The female imp gestured for one her coworkers to come over. "Is that who I think it is?"
I started to get worried. I almost forgot about the reason why I was here. If this was the person who placed the hit on me, then I'm slightly ill-prepared for this kind of confrontation. And me without my hand cannon. The coworker squinted in investigation mode, it didn't take long until his eyes lit up with realization. "Oh my Satan! It is you!"
I readied myself in case I had to fight, cautiously asking him, "Uh, should I know you?"
"No! I just know you from this! Hang on!" The employee quickly took his phone and, after some searching, held it up to me. "This is you, right?"
To my disappointment, it was a SatanTube (or whatever the show's equivalent of YouTube might be) of me singing and dancing at the office. Not even a day and a certain someone posted it on the internet. Looking at the description, over 500 people have seen my private performance. I sighed in slight frustration. "Yeah, that is me."
I frowned as the two had a little laugh at my reaction of getting caught in the act. Damn it, Blitz! I wasn't all surprised. Knowing either Blitz or possibly Loona, either one couldn't resist posting online. Thinking about it, Blitz seemed most likely the culprit. Oh, I'll thank him alright, I say with disdain.
"I'm glad my little performance was entertaining to you guys." I said with just a hint of sarcasm. I'm not usually one to be offended, but I do admit I felt disgruntled.
"I gotta tell ya. Things have been pretty shitty here," said the female worker. "Guess I can say your song and dance helped put me in a good mood for today."
"Oh, I'm so certain."
"Hey, don't be grumpy. In all fairness, you're a better singer than I can be. Too bad your dance moves can use a little upgrade."
"So it would seem." The sarcasm died down a little, but not quite enough. I know how to take a compliment and all. I just don't want to feel like it was patronizing. "If it's all the same, though, I'd like to get my coffee and get back to work, please."
Walking past the few onlookers with my coffee, I walked back without stopping. My mind immediately went to ways of getting back at whoever posted that video. By means of harmless but effective means. All the while, I bide my time watching things play out. Maybe I could devise little mind games to make the person(s) just a wee paranoid. The best way of getting back at someone is through means they won't see coming, don'tcha know?
Now y'all can relax because, yes, I'm now getting to the point about what I said earlier in this chapter. I had the day off tomorrow so I did what Vanessa Carlton suggested and make my way downtown. Walking fast, faces pass and I'm alone staring blankly ahead just making my way through the crowd of demons up and bustling. (And yes, those are loosely the first two parts of the song. Unless you're someone who either grew up around the time the song was playing on the radio station or because of Terry Crews). I was in the mood for a little evening stroll and so, wearing jeans and a blue sweater with pouch pockets for my gun just in case of trouble, did just that.
The city was comprised of grey buildings with some yellow-lighted windows, other times pink or dark red. There the Imp City sign stood having an eye symbol as an icon; red with a white rim on the outside with the icon being white and black partially peeking like a sun. There was also a white spotted billboard with a black rim and a red pentagram. It had an icon with a full black outlining of a sun shaped like an eye with yellow sclera and a red iris on it. Along with some black and white horns on it.
Continuing with my late night stroll, I spotted some sort of spiked dark grey, black, gold, and red building with what seems to be an observatory that had a red lens and a black pupil peeking out of it, as well as having one larger dark red spike at the back of it. I've only seen pictures of observatories. But to actually see one is quite a rarity. Yeah, I know it's not that big of a thing to be excited about. It's just a rare thing to see.
I was taking in so much of the scenery that I didn't see the group of bystanders taking notice of me from behind (phrasing). I waited at a crosswalk debating on how much further I should go before heading back when I felt a small tapping on my shoulder. A little startled, I turned around fast. It was two of the bystanders. A duo of female imps to be exact.
"Excuse me, but aren't you the guy from SatanTube?" One of the girls who asked me seemed a tad bit on the fangirl side.
"You mean the guy singing 'Shook Me Like a Prayer' and dancing like an idiot? Why do you ask?" I asked carefully.
The woman's eyes lit up with joy. "Oh. My. Satan! I loved your singing! Can you sing something for us, please?" she begged. Her friend didn't look as super gleeful. But seemed happy to see me, in a pleasant sort of way.
"Wait, me? I'm not that good. Decent, sure. But I ain't super. I only do my best to sing better than the next karaoke singer." I felt rather surprised to get such a reaction. Then again, everyone reacts differently. It did feel nice to be appreciated for once.
"Oh please?! I really want my friend here to hear it for herself. And those guys too." She jabbed her thumb at the group of friends a few ways from us.
I gave them a perplexed look. "You really want to hear me sing?" The supposed fan nodded enthusiastically as did her friend who just nodded. "Alright." I sighed. "Lemme just find a good song to work with real quick." Scrolling through my phone, I searched the internet for something that might be good for this situation. I couldn't help feel a little bit nervous. I don't plan to sing out loud for everyone in the area, only for these two girls.
"Okay, I think I found the song I'm looking for. Just give me a moment to get it together. I'm nervous singing in public." Taking a moment for composure, I started singing Queen's "Radio Gaga".
🎼I'd sit alone and watch your light
My only friend through teenage nights
And everything I had to know
I heard it on my radio
You gave them all those old time stars
Through wars of worlds invaded by Mars
You made 'em laugh, you made 'em cry
You made us feel like we could fly
So don't become some background noise
A backdrop for the girls and boys
Who just don't know, or just don't care
And just complain when you're not there
You had your time, you had the power
You've yet to have your finest hour
Radio
All we hear is radio ga ga
Radio goo goo
Radio ga ga
All we hear is radio ga ga
Radio goo goo
Radio blah blah
Radio, what's new?
Radio, someone still loves you
We watch the shows, we watch the stars
On videos for hours and hours
We hardly need to use our ears
How music changes through the years
Let's hope you never leave, old friend
Like all good things, on you we depend
So stick around, 'cause we might miss you
When we grow tired of all this visual
You had your time, you had the power
You've yet to have your finest hour
Radio
All we hear is radio ga ga
Radio goo goo
Radio ga ga
All we hear is radio ga ga
Radio goo goo
Radio ga ga
All we hear is radio ga ga
Radio blah blah
Radio, what's new?
Someone still loves you
Radio ga ga
Radio ga ga
Radio ga ga
You had your time, you had the power
You've yet to have your finest hour
Radio🎼
First two verses, and I, unknowingly, started to draw a bit of a crowd. Gathering around as I started to get more into the song, spurned on by their encouragement. Yes, I do well with positive reinforcement. Don't think you guys aren't like that either. Like any song, I planned to combine what I listened from the live concert version of "Radio Ga Ga" with the lyrics I memorized. All while matching/mixing my pitch and range with just the right diction. In plain English, I sang the best way I could and hopefully did it justice.
I finished the song on a big note and the crowd mildly applauded. Save for the fan girl. She actually loved it. Her friend enjoyed it too. "You were right. He is pretty good," she said with her arms folded and a satisfied smile.
"I told ya, Amber," the fan girl said.
Even if this did give me joy hearing something good in my life, I knew no good came with ego over modesty. "Well, thank you for thinking I'm a good singer. But anyway, I got to get home. It's late enough as it is and I got to get up early." I checked the time on my phone and saw it was getting close to 1 am. "Anyway, it was nice meeting you both."
"Oh, please sing one more time!" I could see the pleading in the fan girl's begging. I knew I shouldn't give in so easily to people being too happy with certain things. Yet, I couldn't help feeling my heart strings being plucked.
"Well,…okay. Only one more song and that's it." I said hesitantly, feeling defeated giving in to her pleas. I went back searching through my phone again. I wanted to leave them with something good, but hopefully something that really sticks. Not to mention appropriate for Hell. I'd hate to sing something that might start an angry riot. So certainly no Christian songs period.
Then, I found it. Chris Stapleton's "Tennessee Whiskey". These imps may not have heard of this song before. But should I nail it real good, then hoh-oh boy! They will for sure. Readying myself, I gave it my all once more.
🎼Used to spend my nights out in a barroom
Liquor was the only love I'd known
But you rescued me from reachin' for the bottom
And brought me back from being too far gone
You're as smooth as Tennessee whiskey
You're as sweet as strawberry wine
You're as warm as a glass of brandy
And honey, I stay stoned on your love all the time
I've looked for love in all the same old places
Found the bottom of a bottle's always dry
But when you poured out your heart, I didn't waste it
'Cause there's nothing like your love to get me high
You're as smooth as Tennessee whiskey
You're as sweet as strawberry wine
You're as warm as a glass of brandy
And honey, I stay stoned on your love all the time
-music interlude here-
You're as smooth as Tennessee whiskey
You're as sweet as strawberry wine
You're as warm as a glass of brandy
And honey, I stay stoned on your love all the time
You're as smooth as Tennessee whiskey
Tennessee whiskey
Tennessee whiskey
(Repeat twice)🎼
Once more, I poured my heart and soul (figuratively speaking) into my singing as one should always do. Occasionally looking around, I could see a mix of the small crowd either recording my singing or swaying to the beat of the music. All while clinging on to every note and lyric I bellowed. END SCENE. I finished and was awarded with some louder applause this time, with a dash of whooping.
I smiled, almost showing teeth, and more so when I saw how star-struck the fan girl was. So much I swore she had stars in her eyes. "Ohh, that was so good! I think you just made my night tonight!"
"Oh, go on." I said with slight bashfulness. It may not show, but I do get genuinely happy when I get a good feel from someone, satisfied by how good of a performance I do. Lowering my guard a little more, I relaxed and thanked her. And so, long story short (too late), I said my goodbyes to both girls and everyone present before making my way back home. All and all, I'd say it was a fun experience. I certainly felt like sleeping good tonight. Knowing very little of what was yet to come from a certain someone I thought I'd never see again.