Hell is Better Loud!(The Loud House X Helluva Boss X Hazbin Hotel)

Chess Masters Clash!

"And so, to summarize what I just explained, in case the Condemned Bullet proved to be a failure, I had a cursed batch of cupcakes to seen to Verosika and co." Lincoln, in his Overlord attire, explained to everyone in the recording studio across from IMP headquarters. "Although I do not regret taking precautions that would prevent me from leaving the company, I do feel ashamed for my behavior and will seek to correct my mistakes. Besides, is it so bad?"

Sitting on one half of the room, the hellborns of IMP turned to see the state of the succubi. Verosika and the girls were transformed into children, the incubus guys were aged up into quadragenarians, and Vortex became a toddler. So different from their natural ages, none of their old clothes fit them right; so Lincoln used magic to conjure some age appropriate garments.

Verosika was about 8-9 years old with her hair dun in a chin length bob with a small ponytail. She sat in a chair with her arms and legs crossed in anger. Thanks to Lincoln, she was now wearing a white sweater with an 'X' and 'O' across the chest, a pink tutu skirt, white socks, and black Mary Jane flats with the top shaped like a heart.

Coco and Apple were the same age, around 10 years old, and were sitting on the recording console with their feet dangling off the ground. Apple kept her same hairstyle , but now her overall shorts were light blue with a smiling apple on the front, she wore a yellow t-shirt underneath, and a pair of navy blue caged sandals. While she listened to Lincoln explain, Coco brushed her hair. The aforementioned girlfriend of Apple didn't look so recognizable. Coco's hair was braided into cornrows with purple beads; her new outfit featured a dark purple shirt with a skull design on it, the scull had eye lashes and a violet bow, she wore open knee jeans with fishnet patches, and dark sneakers.

Sitting on the floor next to Verosika was Milky, who listened attentively while snacking on nacho cheese flavored tortilla chips. Still the shortest of the group, Milky was now the youngest 6 years old; but the only change in her hair was a red bow over her forehead. Instead of her usual clothing, she now wore a red and white cow print t-shirt, a red pleated skirt, and black with red accents cowboy boots.

The last succubus girl was Kiki, the oldest now at 11 years old. She leaned on the console next to Milky with her arms folded, listening with intrigue. Her hair largely remained the same, only difference was the addition of a black heart barrette above her left eye. Dressed more like a child, she wore a black t-shirt with a black, upside down cross on the chest, she wore black jeans, and dark tennis shows with a blue flower bedazzled on the toes.

Sitting next to the succubi was Ace, Josh, and Kat, all now men in their 40s. Ace, 48, now wearing glasses, wore a black and grey bowling shirt, dark Bermuda shorts, and Velcro sandals with socks. Beside him was Josh, 45; he had a bald patch in the back of his hair along with crow's feet, and sat hunched over in a red dress shirt under a black sweater vest, dark wool pants, and with matching loafers. Next to Josh was Kat, now 44 years old, with a grey temples; he wore a burgundy long sleeve shirt, blue jeans high on his stomach, a sweater tied over his back, and blue boat shoes. Lastly, sitting on Kat's lap was the toddler Vortex, now wearing a wolf onesie.

Blitz was the first to ask questions. "What you're saying is, they're stuck like that?"

"In simplest words?" Lincoln answered. "Yes."

A pause of silence hit the room, then a roar of laughter from IMP. As three of their members laughed, the affected party looked at them with contempt and anger. Strange enough, Blitz was the only one not laughing.

Moxxie was the first to notice this "Is something wrong?"

"It's funny." The tallest imp spoke. "Verosika now stuck in a rugrat body, I should be laughing myself to death right now. I understand it's funny... but I can't laugh."

"Holy moly, the doodoohead is quiet?" The child Verosika commented.

"See, right there!" Blitz gestured to her. "She can't even cuss me out like an adult, but I'm not laughing. Is this a sign of something bad!? HOW LONG AM I FOR THIS HELLHOLE EXISTENCE!?"

SMACK!

To shut his boss up, Lincoln slapped him across the face. "Get a hold of yourself, Blitz. When I made the curse, I made it so there could be a trigger to undo the effects."

"You can fix this!?" Josh perked up.

The boy shook his head. "No,Ican't do anything to turn you back to normal. Only you can do that."

"Then tell us, Linky!" Coco spoke for the others.

"I based the curse of a something I read. First, it puts you into a sound sleep for the spell to take effect; then, it's triggered by an increased heart rate in response to strong emotions. The issue, however, I don't know what emotion undoes the transformation."

"This is horse poopy!" Verosika launched to her feet. "Isn't there someone who can undo this for us!?"

Lincoln considered. "Theoretically, someone with a great understanding or skill in magic could break the curse. From the people I know, who are available to us, we could take you to either Stolas or Charlie."

"Princess Morningstar!?" Apple beamed. "I always wanted to meet here!"

"Hold the phone." Ace injected. "If we just need a Goetia or higher, we can just go to- Ow!" He looked down at his shin after Kiki kicked it.

Verosika explained. "I already know what you're thinking, and we can't risk telling our boss or Bee."

"She's right, Man." Kat agreed. "The Morningstar family is the top of heap, but they haven't been too involved in Hell since Lucifer and Queen Lilith... took a break seven years ago."

"Is anyone with real control of Hell found out about this, we'd lose a lot more than good face." Josh agreed. "Sure, Stolas and Charlie are powerful demons, but they're a whole lot more reasonable than most."

Lincoln stepped forward. "Then we're in agreement. I'll take half of you to speak with Charlie. The other half will go to Stolas." He turned to Blitz. "I know you only want to see him for your... business meetings-"

"It's a transactional fucking!" The head of IMP clarified. "I do it to keep our business running, nothing more!"

"Wait!" Verosika spoke. "You and Stolas... is he braindead? Lost a bet? A desperate cry for help?"

"Why do people keep making the idea of me having a relationship with someone famous a big fucking deal!?" Blitz caught himself. "I mean, a business relationship. One that involves hot sex when his wife isn't around."

"Boss!" Lincoln caught his attention. "Regardless of your feelings, I need you to take one group to Magister Stolas. Tell him if he can help them, I'll help him with anything he might need."

Angered by this, Blitz reluctantly agreed. "Okay, but if I need to use my dick to make it happen, you owe me big."

The boy smiled. "Agreed."

Splitting up into teams, Lincoln took Verosika, Milky, Coco, Apply, and Kiki to the Hazbin Hotel using a portal. To keep the succubus girls safe from public knowledge the portal was opened at the hotel bar. Husk, manning the bar, saw Lincoln pop in with five more children. Feeling it too early to ask questions, Husk grumbled .

"What are we having?" The bartended asked.

"Morning Husk, have you seen Charlie?" Link asked.

He pointed down the hall. "She and the other guests are doing exercises in her office. Think she called it, 'Truth or Share', or some nonsense like it."

"Wonderful." The boy went their way. "Girls, why do you have some refreshments, I'll get Charlie."

Now along with a group of kids, Husk tried to protest but accepted his situation. "What are you having? Soda, Tea, Milk?"

Verosika ordered first. "I'll have a watermelon daiquiri, make it a double, with a splash of coconut water. Now, pour me three of those and check back in five."

Husk nodded. "Watermelon daiquiri?" The winged-cat pulled out a plastic drinking cup, poured it to the brim with water, and then added watermelon flavored drink mix. "Here you go, a watermelon daiquiri. Would Miss like that with or without a crazy straw?"

Pissed, the de-aged succubus took the drink. "Go frack yourself, Kitty."

Back in Imp City, Blitz called Stolas over to the headquarters to deal with the curse. After he took in the improvements of the IMP office, the Goetia prince was taken to the breakroom and inspect the guys. First, he used a diagnostic spell to understand the mechanics of the curse, then he referenced his findings to anything in his grimoire. After a few minutes of searching, Stolas shook his head discouragingly.

"I'm afraid that this curse is no simple fix." He told the lust demons and little Vortex. "From what I understand, the curse functions much like Lincoln's Gilded Age."

"Forgive me, your Highness, but how can that be?" Moxxie asked, more concerned than before. "Lincoln can change between forms at will."

Stolas corrected. "'At will' wouldn't be the appropriate word I'd use. When young Lincoln changes form, he needs to have a firm control on his emotional state."

"What are you saying, Prince Stolas?" Ace asked, gravely concerned. "Are we stuck in these bodies permanently!?"

The owl demon shook his head. "Not as you believe. The curse can't be broken, at least not by someone of my limited power, but youcan switch between this form and your true self. However, you must be in the right emotional state to do so."

Millie entered the conversation, eating one of the personal pizzas from the new vending machine. "Our little fella said somethin' about that. He said the curse is triggered by a... I don't now the med term for it, but your heart rate increases."

"Precisely!" Stolas confirmed. "You need to feel an emotion so strongly that it increases your heart rate. Our issue is we don't know what emotion precisely."

Kat spoke his wind. "If I'm understanding you correctly, we're stuck as middle-aged losers until we happen feel something?"

Stolas took a moment before answered. "Well, in so few words, yes." Disappointed, the Goetia turned to see Blitz hasn't spoken the whole time. "Is everything alright, Blitzy?"

Slowly, he raised his head, fear in his eyes. "I think I'm dying."

"Mm-hm." Charlie hummed as she inspected the girls with an oversized magnifying glass. "I see..."

Watching her at work in the lobby, the rest of the hotel residents were spectating. Vaggie watched in concern at the situation. Angel Dust had a drink while Sir Pentious held his egg boiz close. Husk drank from a bottle while Niffty picked lint of the girls, and Alastor watches everything from the second floor. Standing at Charlie's side, Lincoln waited in anticipation for the Princess' verdict.

"Yes, it's just as I thought." Charlie put the magnifying glass down. "I have... no idea of how to fix this."

"WHAT!?"Everyone on the ground floor were surprised.

Vaggie questioned her best friend. "How can you not know?"

"Yeah, Charlie." Link agreed. "Besides your father, there should be nobody more powerful in Hell."

The hotel founder lowed away, bashful. "How can I explain this... you know how a brain surgeon requires not only aptitude but a certain amount of training? Well... I have the aptitude but majored in Theater.

"And I majored in Constitutional Law and Molecular Physics, but that doesn't explain how you can't cancel my curse."

Charlie felt awful. "I mean, I can try, but if I fiddle with it without knowing what I'm doing... let's just hope it won't be painful for the girls."

"What are you saying!?" Verosika demanded answers. "Are we stuck like this?"

The Princess of Hell didn't answer, but her face spoke volumes. Now they had answers, the girls went deathly silent.

Lincoln didn't have any words of comfort, but he could do one thing. "Let's go."

Verosika looked at him, unsure. "Where?"

"To the Gameboard District." He answered.

While the succubus girls were getting their answers, Blitz was lying on the couch in the waiting room. He hated Verosika Mayday, and in his heart and mind the concept of her being trapped as a brat should leave the imp dead from excessive laughter. Yet, he couldn't laugh, and that was what scared him. As he lied on the couch, Stolas walked over and sat cross from him.

"Blitzy, I don't think you're dying."

"I have to be." He answered, devoid of emotion. "If the reality of my ex getting the shit like this can't bring me joy... then something must be wrong. I mean, I know it's funny, but I can't laugh."

The owl demon thought about this. "You know, Blitz, I remember reading in an article some time back that some people can be scared so badly they develop a trauma that affects how they response to frightening situations. I suspect that this situation is so funny to you that it has, essentially, given you a funny trauma."

"Then what do I do with my lift!?" He sat up, crying into his hands. "What good is living when you can't laugh at the people you hate!?"

Comforting his beloved, Stolas stroke Blitz's back. Overhearing their conversation, Loona looked up from her phone and commented. "It's not so bad. Besides, if you really have no sense of humor, you can always get a job writing for network series."

Journeying to the Gameboard District wasn't hard; partly because Martha picked them up in a white limo. On the drive their, the kids were treated to an assortment of candy and snacks in the back. However, when they reached the outskirts of Lincoln's territory, he asked Martha to let them out and they'd walk the rest of the way. When the girls asked about his decision, Link smiled and continued leading them.

The moment they crossed the boarder things were different. One of the reasons this area was so popular was because all Sinners and hellborns with human disguises, were automatically disguised when they entered the territory. The streets and alleys were free of litter and graffiti, nobody outside was drunk, high, soliciting sex, holding guns or weapons, and nobody looked angry or miserable. As they continued walking, Verosika talked to Lincoln while the others marveled at the black and white skyscrapers, variety of stores and restaurants, and the look of genuinely happy faces.

"Why did you bring us here?" She asked.

"Do you remember what I told you yesterday?" To clarify, Link pulled out the flask he took when nobody was looking. "I became too complacent, and I want to show you what your little mishap inspired me to do."

Silent, Verosika blushed and continued following.

"Here we are!" Lincoln showed them the main attraction of the Gameboard District, the arena. "A little place I fondly call... the Colossea!"

The girls were welcomed in through the front door, walking down the arena halls Lincoln tells them about the game he's been developing.

"It's called Chess Masters, a trading card game that combines the strategy of chess with deck building mechanics and themed synergies. Each piece is given a value and you can play creatures by exchanging a number of pieces equal to the required amount. Now, I know you all must have questions, so how about I answer one now and save the rest for later." Arrogant about his creation, Lincoln waits for volunteers.

Coco raised her hand. "That sounds boring as fudge."

Apple agreed. "Yeah, just incredibly fudging boring."

"None of those were questions." Link deadpanned, then saw Milky raise her hand. "Yes, you."

"Does this place have a gift shop?"

"Milky, this a stadium designed for violent, no holds barred, battles for supremacy." He answered. "I would have to be a complete moron to not include a gift shop."

Sensing that the group needed a break, the Overlord decided to take them a short visit to the gift shop. Just as the Colossea itself was massive, the gift shop was fittingly as large. Although it was still limited on the variety of items, it still had an interesting selection. While the other girls perused through aisles and racks, Verosika had her attention stolen by a strange photo booth in the corner. She approached it while reading the name over the curtain, 'CM Custom Deck Creation Booth'.

"What is this?" She wondered.

"Interested?" Lincoln asked her. "One problem that always comes with TCGs is that it becomes hard to customize decks to individual players. That's when I got this idea, 'Why not create custom decks based on the players?'. Someone enters the booth, pays a fee, and the booth will create a deck of fifty cards suited to their personality and interests. And the best part, the deck includes five new cards that will enter official game circulation!" He grabbed her shoulders, excited. "Think about it, it gives players a chance to contribute to the game!"

Annoyed, she removes his hands. "I mean... that soundskindafun. Just a little."

"So you don't want to enter?" Link leaned against the machine. "Be warned, the moment you entered the world of Chess Masters there is no leaving."

Mildly amused, she told him to talk to the hand. Verosika entered the booth and faced the camera in front of her. The screen turned on and a voice came from over the speakers.

[Welcome to the Chess Masters Custom Deck Creation Booth, your customization will begin momentarily. Remember, do not move from the camera until the timer reaches zero.]

"What is happening!?" A little scared, Verosika spoke loudly.

"Stay calm, Verosika." Lincoln advised from behind the curtain. "The machine is just getting to know you. And don't worry, it records no long term memory; after it prints the cards, all information related to you will automatically be destroyed."

CHIME

[Customization complete, please allow for dispensation of deck, 'Raising Starlet'.]

Card by card, her deck was printed out and dispensed in front Verosika. Each checkboard inspired back fell out in place without a single card slipping out of place. When all fifty cards finished printing, the demon girl picked up her deck as the booth gave a final message.

[Thank you for being a loyal player, Have a Wonderful Day!]

Verosika exited the booth , a giddy smile on her face. When she stepped out her friends were waiting with anticipation. Now intrigued by the game, the girls were given a general rundown as Lincoln helped them pick out starter decks. Once they were informed and equipped it was time to practice what the boy preached, so he showed them the arcade next to the gift shop. Along with typical arcade games along the walls, the center had three large chess tables arranged in a column from the front of the arcade to the back.

"Oh, Whack-a-Mole!" Apple ran to an old favorite of hers.

Kiki shared the excitement. "This place is sick!"

"Why bring us here?" Verosika asked.

"Ladies and Gentle-demons!" Lincoln began, theatrically. "Chess Masters was never meant to be limited to something like a tabletop! You want to play!? Let me introduce the Chess-Board!" He presented the first of the big chess tables. "A marvel of holographic technology, this will bring life to the game in more than just imagination."

Starting the table, Lincoln placed his deck on one end of the board that had a red circle on the right hand side. "Who want's to play the creator?"

While her friends looked hesitant at the idea, Verosika swaggered forward and sat across from him, placing her deck on the blue circle near her right hand. "Don't complain, Linky, if you lose to a girl."

"I have no problem if you play like a girl, just make sure it's better than playing like Loona." He smiled at the prospect of a challenge.

As customary, before any dueling can commence, both players shuffle their ow decks then shuffle their opponent's as a sign of wanting a fair challenge. The two competitors returned their opponent's deck.

"Because you're a beginner, we'll play Clash style." Lincoln explained the game. "You play on a 3x8 square board, and each player is allowed six peerage tokens. One token is equal to one Pawn piece; three tokens for a Knight or Bishop; five tokens for Rook; and Queen costs nine."

Verosika made an educated guess. "By those rules, the most pieces you can have on the board is six pawns; and fewest is two, one rook and a pawn. That is if you don't include the King."

"Close, you can choose to forgo spending tokens and save them for later." The boy explained. "Other than that, the rules aren't too different from Standard style: Each player's territory is the four rows of squares in front of them, territory is increased or decreased when your King and two other pieces occupy the same row, you can play spell cards only if you have at least one Bishop or Queen on the board, trap cards can only be activated on your own territory, and a Pawn can be promoted if it reaches the opposing side of the board. The only major difference is you can arrange your pieces anywhere on your territory before the game begins."

Lincoln selected the Clash setting on the board screen and the board changed dimensions accordingly. Next, came the coin flip where the board projects a peerage token to flip, Head means Red goes first and Tails mean Blue goes first. A second after flipping, the hologram coin landed on Tails; meaning that Verosika moved first.

However, before they began the two still needed to select the pieces they'd be using. Verosika chose one Rook and a Pawn; Lincoln choose one Bishop and a Knight. For place setting, blue side place her King in center square of the second row (b2), her Rook was on (b3), and her pawn was placed at (a4). On red side, Lincoln placed his King at (b8), his Knight at (c7), and his bishop at (a7). Their pieces in their confirmed positions, the duel could begin.

"What a stupid arrangement!" Verosika laughed. "You placed your King directly in front of my Rook."

The boy smirked. "Lucky for me, as a handicap for going first, Player 1 can't cross their territory on their first turn."

The two looked at the clock and count down aloud."3-2-1 Clash!"

Verosika drew her five cards. "As you said before, I go first." She looked at her cards and thought of her first move. "I advance my rook to b4, and place two cards face down before ending my turn."

Lincoln went next, the spectators curious about what he'll do. "This must truly be my lucky day." He grinned. "I offer knight piece and summon 'Disgraced Ronin' in attack position."

The holographic knight piece on the board pixelated before taking on a new form. The character was a grumpy, Japanese man dressed in a tattered set of samurai armor, wore a straw hat that covered his eyes, carried two swords on his waist, and smoked a long pipe. [Disgraced Ronin: ATK 1400 DEF 600]

Kiki spoke while the other girls stared speechless. "Cool."

"Next, I move my King to c8. Finally, I place one card face down and end my turn."

Coco spoke to her leader. "Are you sure about this, V?" Apple shook her head in agreement with her girlfriend.

"I have this all figured out." Verosika smiled. "My turn, I advance my rook to the end of the board." The chess piece moved column until it reached (b7) and the square started glowing.

Lincoln explained. "You triggered my trap card, 'Restrainment'. Once a piece lands on the square, it can't leave that spot until your next turn." To visualize, chains bound the Rook in place.

The succubus girl was hopping for something like this. "Just as I planned, because now I can use this card." She played it from her hand. "'Singer Sensation', when one piece I have worth five or more tokens is affected by a magic or trap card, I can sacrifice it and someone her directly from my hand.

Verosika's Rook transformed just like Lincoln's Knight had. When the light show ended, what came out was a perfect copy of adult Verosika in her human form, but wearing a star themed dress with armored boots and gauntlets, and she carried a giant microphone like a bludgeoning weapon. Although she was still restrained, her attitude was overwhelmingly confident. [Singer Sensation: ATK 2500 DEF 1000]

"Well played." Lincoln commented. "By taking the initiative, you could summon a Queen ranked piece."

"Exactly." She applauded herself. "You only limited the amount of pieces at the start. You never said a Queen couldn't be summoned later on. Looks like I win in the next move."

Lincoln laughed. "Nice move, in a normal game I'd have no chance of winning at my next turn." He drew a card. "Then again, I also can plan ahead." To punctuate his statement, he played one of the spell card from his hand. "I play, 'Diplomatic Exchange'. With this spell card, as long as neither player's King piece is in check, I can exchange my piece with my opponent's."

This was a clever set up, but the demon girl still saw a flaw. "Your little trap keeps my Singer Sensation from being in play, but by my next turn I can easily win."

"Again, in a normal game you would be the winner. But you never stopped to think about the card I placed face down." He pointed to the glowing square that was (b5). "I now I activate my trap card, 'Armored Guard'. If one of my own pieces is in on of the six squares surrounding my Knight, I can attack with said Knight so long as it's in defense of another one of my pieces."

"That still won't help yo..." Verosika realized something. "Your trap was triggered when I entered your territory, but you didn't need to activate it right away."

"Exactly, which means I can attack one of your pieces, even though I relocated one of mine after the trap was triggered." He pointed to the corner. "Which as luck would have it, your King is right there."

The Disgraced Ronin turned towards Verosika's King, slashing it down and ending the game.

"Ah, Fiddlesticks!" She threw down her cards. "I was so close to winning."

"Don't be too upset." Lincoln tried to lift her spirits. "For a beginner whose still learning, you should be proud."

"I want to go next!" Milky raised her hand.

"No, I call next turn!" Kiki pushed her aside.

"I want to try two on one!" Apple pulled Coco in. "What ya say, you against me and my girl!?"

Amused by their enthusiasm, Lincoln began shuffling. "Is that so? Who wants to take on the Champ!?"

Hopeless, Ace and the guys went to a bar to drink their grief away. Setting at the bar while sand music plays off the jukebox, the inccubi are on their third drinks while Vortex is snacking on a bowl of peanuts. Joining them in toast to a life without meaning, Blitz sat next to Ace.

Mo, the Sinner who owns the dive bar, walks up to the guys while cleaning a glass with a rag. "Damn, even for a joint whose only customers are men drinking their blues away, you guys are depressing."

Ace looked up. "How would you fill if you wake up one day going from a six-pack stud to a dad bod?"

"Oh, I get it." Mo nodded. "I know your story just from how you boys are pounding them glasses. Trust me, it's a story that's been told since the beginning of time." He went into his explanation. "You wake up next to your squeeze, only to find they're now a disgusting tub or lard, your kids are good for nothing troublemakers, you work a job that leaves ya beatdown and tired, washing the shit storm that is life away with glass after glass of liquid therapy until you find the courage to one day drive full throttle into a semi. That's your story my friends; ain't a happy one, is it?"

Josh raised his glass. "Amazing... you don't know shit. Another round, Dr. Phil."

The proprietor poured another glass when his rotary phone rang. "Hold a sec, Mo's Tavern!" He muttered what the voice on the other line said. "Two partners in a law firm, Mr. Blofis but you call him Blow because of his coke problem, and a Mr. Jobs. Let me check." He spoke aloud to the bar. "Blow, Jobs! I'm looking for a Blow n' Jobs! Can I get a Blow n' Jobs!"

Laughter erupted from the bar from everyone accept Blitz. When Mo saw this, he realized what he said. He became a victim of a prank call.

"Why you little turd! If I ever get my hands on you I'll cut your gut open, clean it out, stuff you full of TNT, light the fuse, and send you to my first wife!" He hung up the phone after his rant.

"Ever thought of switching to caller ID?" Blitz commented.

"Ah, too fancy." Mo wasn't going to bother. "Besides, I bought this phone with the pay from when I first opened. So, you know, it's sentimental."

The imp assassin chugged his drink. "That joke should have been a pants pisser, but I can't laugh. What about you-" Blitz turned his head, finding the guys glowed while laughing. "What the fuck!?"

As the boys laughed, the glow fully covered them before vanishing. What was left was Ace, Josh, Kat, and Vortex back in their original forms. Witnessing what happened, everyone in the bar were certain they were either too drunk or high to think straight. Those who knew what was going on were different; while the guys celebrated being in their old bodies, Blitz just looked at them like a deer in headlights.

"Oh, Hell Yeah!" Vortex flexed. "Finally got my guns back! I will miss having two eyes."

Kat lifted his shirt to check his stomach. "Flat as a table! How did we even turn back!?"

"Heart rate!" Ace slapped the bar. "Laughing so hard made our heart rates increase. Joy is what turned us back!"

Excited, Josh hugged Ace. "I have never been so happy! Wait 'til we tell the girls, they must be ready to strangle that kid after today."

Oddly, Blitz found himself smiling. "When that bitch learns how easy it is to break this curse... she is gonna lose her fucking mind!" Feeling the humor, the tall imp laughed like he never has before while falling on the floor. "Oh, Satan, it feels so good to laugh! I need to call Lincoln right now! I can't even imagine how low she must be!"

Although they wouldn't believe it, Verosika and the girls weren't sad like Blitz thought.

After each of them had a chance at playing against Lincoln, they started going against one another. Apple was going against Milky in a Standard match while Coco cheered for her girlfriend and Kiki spectated. Taking a break from the thrill, Verosika decided to play one of the other games available. It was one that Lincoln picked up while he was wandering the multi-dimensions; it was called 'Hero's Duty', a sci-fi first-person shooter. Also wanting a rematch, she challenged Lincoln to play.

"Keep up! I'm already in the tower!" She teased, shooting cy-bugs. "Just a little ways from the boss room!"

"You don't need to tell me about Bosses." Link shot but his opponent was doing better. "I've fought in situations like this dozens of times, yet you're out pacing me."

Verosika was in the final room, demolishing cy-bugs. "Must be my superpower." After the final bug was dead, she won the game.

"Dang it!" He wasn't mad, but it was still a blow to Lincoln's pride as a gamer. "Oh well, I'm a big enough guy to accept his losses."

"Keep tellin' yourself that!" Triumphant, the young succubus sat on the couch in the sitting area, eating a slice of pizza.

Brushing off her jokes, Lincoln joined her. "Verosika… I'm sorry."

She finished chewing. "For what?"

"The curse, I tried to explain and justify my actions but... I never really apologized." He looked at her, regretful. "I figured making that bet would be something fun to do, but I only won thanks to sabotage."

Lincoln was expecting her to respond with snide comments or angry insults, but she giggled. "Don't apologize to me, I only played along to make some jerk angry. Besides, never say sorry for winning. Neither of us were playing by the rules."

Feeling more relieved, the young Overlord laughed. "I'm not saying this as an insult, but I think the person you are when you aren't acting like a bratty, drunken, one-dimensional sex object."

Verosika laughed. "When you're in the spot light, you're expected to play a role." She lost her laughter. "You keep playing it, and playing it, until one day you forget what's the role... and it's just who you are. Being a star is..."

"Like wearing a mask of invincibility." Lincoln answered, looking away. "People look at you and expect nothing to take you down. So keep presenting this powerful version of yourself to make others happy. Even when it leaves you feeling tired, shameful, and alone. It makes you miserable, but you keep wearing it because..."

"Because, even if it hurts never showing your real emotions..." Verosika finished. "At least having people cheer for you is better than being unseen."

He looked at her, now understanding that they both lived lives defined by masks. Her is the mask of an idolized pop star, and he wears the mask of... an invincible Overlord.

"I know celebrity musicians aren't usually praised for their intelligence," Link half joked. "But I think you're a really smart girl, when you aren't trying to one-up my boss."

Laughing, Verosika replied. "I know Overlord's aren't usually praised for their humility, but I see why that walking penis was so afraid of losing you. You treat people with respect, even when it never helps you."

Lincoln watched the others playing. "I didn't bring you here just for laughs. When I... you know, died, I got sent here, trapped in a new form, and I believed I'd never be happy again. I wasn't too different from you and the others. I dream of being with my family again, but I've also accepted that even if I never see them on Earth again, I can go find them wherever they are."

"Why can't you see them?" She asked. "I mean, you can go up whenever you want. Why choose to stay here?"

He thought his answer. "My friends saw me die. By now my parents or someone must have organized the funeral. If I go back, what answer could I give anyone. There's also my biggest problem, aging." He looked at her. "My Gilded Age is just a magic trick. I can't age in this body... how long before everyone I love started to worry? A day, a year, ten years, I'll look the same, and everyone continues with their lives. My friends and sisters will all grow up, get careers, build families, grow old, and die; they'll be alive, I'll justbe.

Verosika could see the sheer amount of sadness he kept inside. "We won't age either, will we. Like your Gilded Age, we're in these forms for... possibly forever."

Lincoln looked away. "Again, I'm deeply sorry."

"Well..." She wanted to grab his hand. "It's not so awful, us like this. Besides, you said I inspired you to step up your game. I'm still creating fans."

"That reminds me, " The white-haired boy remembered his latest project. "I wanted you all to see what I was working on last night."

Moving the party away from the arcade, he took everyone to a little café in another section of the Colossea. The design was chic, but it was empty except for a bulldog hellhound wiping the counter in a orange uniform shirt. When she saw that Playboy had entered with a group five, the hellhound woman clenched to attention.

"Good day, Mr. Playboy, Sir!" She saluted.

"At ease, Ms. Spinel, how are your pups lately?" Lincoln politely asked.

Ms. Spinel was more relaxed. "Wonderful, my boyfriend is taking them to get their hellbies shots as we speak. And may I say, 'thank you' again for giving me this opportunity. Your employee health plan has been a wonder for my family."

"I'm glad to hear that. Could you do a solid and bring out my big surprise for when we open?" He asked.

"Of course, Sir, but they're nap time is in a little bit." Ms. Spinel went into the back room.

Verosika asked what was happening. "Why are we here?"

"When I saw that fish monster on the beach, I realized how narrowminded I've been." Lincoln began. "Using my own blood, a few drops of Beelze-juice, and combination of other ingredients, I could create similar monsters, but in a more controlled capacity. Then, I introduce them to Hell in the form of this special café." Walking out from the back, he noticed his employee. "That's why I present to you a replication of one of the most incredible creatures I've seen in the multiverse. I present to you... the Pokémon!"

Following Ms. Spinel was the first batch of pokémon Lincoln had recreated. The first in line was a yellow creature with pink circles on its cheeks called a Pichu, the next was a pink balloon like creature called Igglybuff, one that looked like a tiny girl with big lips known as a Smoochum, a blue mouse-like creature with a strange tail called Azurill, a little clown named Mime Jr., a rabbit with brown fur and yellow wool called a Buneary, and a small bear creature with a moon symbol on its forehead named Teddiursa. They all lined up to present themselves to their guests, each with a large smile on their face.

"Amazing, aren't they?" Lincoln looked at them with pride. "Any thoughts?"

From the girls, Lincoln noticed a bright glow radiate from the succubus girls as they ran to cuddle the pokémon. As they squeed and cooed, the light intensified before disappearing to reveal the girls back to normal in their old clothing. As they played with the small creatures, ignorant of their sudden transformation, the Overlord boy considered what brought on the transformation.

"Joy." He muttered. "Increased heart rate caused by positive emotions undoes the curse!"

"Huh?" Verosika turned her head, finding that she now stood taller than Lincoln. "Holy Shit! Holy Shit? Shit! Fuck! Ass! I can swear for real again, motherfuckers!"

The rest of the girls saw their current state, equally as happy. The rest of the afternoon was spent inside the Poké Café. While everyone talked and played with the little creatures, Lincoln sent did reviewed some business work while Ms. Spinel ran drinks and snacks. Once it came time to close, the café employee thanked everyone for visiting before taking the pokémon to their room in the back.

"All things said, this was a pretty good day." Coco commented as she left with the other succubi, hugging Apple close.

"You said it, Bae!" The blonde succubus gave her girlfriend a kiss.

Milky stretched her back. "Feels good to be taller."

"Taller?" Kiki teased. "You're barely any bigger than before."

As everyone was heading for the exit, Verosika stayed back and talked with Lincoln. "My girls are right, although you screwed us with that little prank, I'm not mad."

"Good to hear." Lincoln accepted. "Remember, you and your posse are welcomed here anytime. Also, why don't you take this."

Verosika accepted, it was a business card. "What for?"

"I mean, working for an Overlord might not be as glamorous as Succ Ink, but I do hope you'll at least consider my offer."

She snickered. "Tempting, but I'd rather not risk working for my dickhead ex." Verosika heard tiny steps, she turned her head. "Who's there?"

Peeking from behind a trashcan, the Igglybuff from before had been following the two. Caught, it jumped up and slowly descended into the succubus' arms. Amazed by its cuteness, Verosika smiled.

"I think she wants to stay with you." Lincoln surmised.

Strangely, the idea of having the little creature in her life didn't upset the pop singer. "I couldn't take anything from you."

"Pokémon aren't owned, they choose who they follow." The boy clarified. "If you want to keep the little girl, I want it to be her and your choice."

Igglybuff put its little arms on Verosika's chest, trying to hug her. "Alright... I suppose you can stay with me for a while." The succubus looked at the boy. "Thanks, Linky."

Lincoln laughed as they continued walking. "Just promise me one thing. You'll come back for a rematch soon."

She looked at saw he offered her a fist bump while they walked, something that conveys recognition and respect. Touched, she returned the gesture. "Anytime."

The work day over, Lincoln joined his Pawns Jill and Martha in making dinner.

"Sounds like you had a busy day." The teacher remarked, putting the dish pan in the oven.

"Just goes to show, don't play with curses." The boy began cleaning the prep utensils. "On the bright side, I know now that laughter and joy reverses the curse, I just wish I knew what triggers it."

Martha pulled out her phone. "I have an idea, do you have Verosika's number, I want to send a picture."

"She hasn't responded to my business card, but if you're following her on social media, you can send her a private message."

Meanwhile, unwinding with a bubble bath after the long day, Verosika enjoyed a glass a wine while her new friend joined her. Splashing around in the bath, the Igglybuff ate dried fruits while drinking from the wine bottle.

"You better slow down, I think you might weigh negative pounds." She found the little creature adorable.

"Igglybuff!" She cheered, taking another swig.

Scrolling through her phone, Verosika found a private message sent from a new follower. "She's one of Lincoln's... I think 'employee' is the word?" She read the next message. " 'Just a little somethin' if you feel like turnin' back the clock', the fuck could that mean?"

A second later, she got her answer when Martha sent a picture she took of Lincoln in his Gilded Age from the beach. Only this picture featured him drenched in sweat and water, with his muscles being constrained by his wet clothing. Weirdly, instead of responding with arousal or humor, she spit out her wine and blushed. A second later from that, her body blinked a strong light and she was back in her childish body. Confused, she looked down and saw what happened.

"FIDDLESTICKS!" She screamed, both angered and embarrassed. Lucky Igglybuff comforted her.

Back with Lincoln, Jill, and Martha, the leader was curious about what the latter did. "What did you send her?"

Martha laughed. "Just somethin' to remind her of good times."