The Gray Fox and the Hellhound
Chapter One: Humble Beginnings
Years ago…
It was the average day in the Ring of Sloth in Hell, most of the denizens appeared too lazy to do anything worthwhile, most of the buildings seemed in states of disrepair, save for one building; the Black-Heart Orphanage, a place where children are often dropped off and barely cared for, before they reach a certain age to be set out into the cruel afterlife that is Hell.
Inside one of the rooms, there was a young, ten-year-old hellhound girl, sitting at the edge of the bed, a depressed look on her face, staring down at the floor, as if counting the various cracks and lines running along the floorboards.
Today was another adoption that came and went, and she only watched as the other hellborn children left with their newly adopted parents, while she remained in this orphanage nearing collapse.
To say that she felt like she was trapped in a gilded cage would be an understatement.
Sighing, the young demon girl got up from her bed and left her room, walking down the empty hallway with her head hung low in despair, as she passed by the headmistress' office…
Crash!
Loona nearly yelped with surprise at the sudden sound of what sounded like a vase being smashed within the headmistress' office. Scared yet curious at the same time, the young Hellhound slowly approached the office door, nearly jumping when she heard some form of struggling coming from the other side, various objects no doubt being thrown about. Her curiosity getting the better of her, Loona slowly pushed the door open a bit, just enough to see the scene unfold.
The headmistress struggling underneath what looked like a hooded assassin, wearing mostly white clothing with various pouches and a pistol holstered at her side.
Loona watched silently as the attacker slammed the headmistress into the ground before pulling out a knife and stabbing the headmistriss' head, killing her.
Shocked, Loona covered her mouth to keep herself from being heard as the assassin stood up, wiping the blood off the knife before sheathing it, her head turning to see Loona peeking through the door.
Gasping, Loona was about to make a run for it when-
"Don't run."
Loona froze in place, slowly turning her head to see the killer standing at the door, giving her a much better view of the killer; she was a tall, lioness sinner demon no doubt, with short blonde hair that reached her shoulders, her bluish gray eyes staring at her. Despite how old she appeared to look, with wrinkles on her face, she still held some of her beauty.
Loona could feel her heart pounding a million miles a minute, frozen with fear, shutting her eyes and waiting for the end…
"Do not be afraid."
Loona slowly opened her eyes in confusion, the assassin was down on one knee, her voice soft and almost mother-like.
"The mean lady won't hurt you anymore." She said in a sooth voice, a small smile on her face. "You are safe now."
Loona considered her for a moment, before looking over the killers shoulder, "Why did you…"
"Because she was a bad lady." She said sternly. "I saw how she hurts kids like you."
Standing at full height, the woman held out her hand, "Come with me. I can give you a home."
Loona took her time before ultimately accepting, her small paw holding the hand of the older woman, the two leaving the orphanage.
"Who are you?" Loona asked.
"I go by many names, little one." The woman said. "But first, tell me your name."
"It's Loona."
"A beautiful name." The woman remarked. "You may call me Joy."
Meanwhile…
Pain was the only thing Gray Fox felt as he started to stir, a hand resting on his throbbing head before he looked up at the darkened sky, the glowing pentagram hanging overhead in the clouds above.
"So, this is my fate…" He said in a somber tone. "It is what I deserve."
Gathering what strength he had, Gray Fox eventually stood up, brushing off his baggy clothes before leaving his landing spot, aimlessly walking down the street before coming upon a bench, then took a seat on said bench, feeling utterly lost.
"What do I do now?" He asked aloud, the despair setting in. "Where do I go from here?"
"Why so down, chum?"
He nearly jumped out of his spot on the bench before turning his head to see a younger Blitzo standing next to bench, casually flipping a coin with his thumb.
"You look like the kinda guy that could be put to work." The imp stated. "If offered the right price, of course."
The former FOXHOUND agent gave a blank stare before turning away, "Get lost."
Surprised, Blitzo quickly ran to the other side of the bench to get his attention.
"Don't be so hasty now!" He said. "I can tell just by lookin' at yah that you have killer instincts and skills to boot!"
Gray Fox looked at him, giving the imp his full attention.
"You see, I'm running a hitman agency down here!" Blitzo went on. "And I'm looking for well trained and cooperative employees that can perform a hit and not question it! And you look perfect for the job!"
Gray Fox mulled it over for a moment, "I've always been good with killing."
"Then waddya say?" Blitzo grinned, holding his hand out. "Feel like putting those killer skills to use?!"
Gray Fox gave the imp a blank stare before eventually shaking it.
"Perfect!" Blitzo said with a clap of his hands. "Now, let's see about getting you proper clothes and gear!"
And with that, the two left the scene, Gray Fox going over what just happened; he had just fallen into Hell and he's already hired on as a hitman.
'Not what I was expecting from Hell.'
Years later…
Twenty-two-year-old Loona sat at the desk at the I.M.P. building, tapping away at her phone, taking a few seductive photos of herself and posting them on Hellstigram, watching the likes and comments roll in.
*RIIIIING*
She nearly winced when the office phone started ringing, the hellhound looking up to see Gray Fox pick up the phone before it could ring a second time, bring the phone up to the side of his head.
"Immediate Murder Professionals office." He stated. "How may we be of services?"
Loona watched as the masked sinner nodded along as he held up a notepad and quickly wrote down what was assumed to be a new job, no doubt not having any trouble keeping up with the details.
"A professional is already on the case." The fox demon stated. "We expect full payment upon completion."
With that, he hung up the phone, walking over to his personal weapon locker.
"Another job, I presume?" Loona inquired.
"Yes." Gray Fox stated bluntly, readying his weapons and gear. "With Mr. Blitzo out, and Millie and Moxxie being occupied, I need to take this."
"Always on top of things, huh?" Loona chuckled.
"If you'd like, I could teach you." Fox insisted. "Perhaps show you the ropes and help bring in more revenue for the business?"
"Nah, I'm fine where I'm at." Loona waved it off.
"No motivation whatsoever." Fox shook his head. "One of these days, you'll be at it soon."
"Eh, I doubt it." Loona shrugged.
Getting up, she picked up the grimoire and read out a spell, opening a portal to the mortal realm.
"And before you go," She proceeded to hold up a paper bag. "I went ahead and made you lunch; exactly how you like it."
"Much appreciated." Fox said, taking the bag. "I'll give you a call to open the portal and let me through."
Nodding, Loona then proceeded to lift the mask slightly before planting a quick kiss on the lips before fixing the mask back into place.
"Just make sure you get done by dinner." Loona warned. "You know how Blitzo gets when you get home late."
"He's always like that." Fox shrugged. "At any rate, see you when I return."
And with that, Gray Fox entered the portal, Loona watching as the portal closed behind him.
Sighing, the hellhound just sat back down and went back to tapping away on her phone. Ever since they had met, Loona had expressed some obvious interests in the sinner, but he didn't seem to reciprocate much; even when she flat out kissed him or when she makes flirty remarks, he reacts like a stone wall would; pretty much nothing.
Pushing those thoughts to the side for now, she focused on her Hellstigram, before the door suddenly swung open, Blitzo rushing in before slamming the door shut.
"Where's Fox?!" He demanded.
"You fucked with Verosika's car again?" Loona deadpanned, not even looking up from her phone.
"Yup." Blitzo nodded rapidly.
And there's the first chapter of the new story that ties in with A Cold Wind In Hell to some degree. This is my own take on Loona's past and how she ended up joining I.M.P. and how she met Gray Fox. And yes, there will be Gray Fox X Loona pairing in this story; classic fox and the hound ;)
And that's all for now! Be sure to let me know what you think, as usual, just no flaming. I do appreciate any feedback that can help me improve. And keep in mind that I'm not too familiar with Metal Gear Solid lore, besides Rising, so not everything will be accurate. So, if I get something wrong, I apologize in advance.
Anyways, rambling over, and I hope you stay tuned for more! Be sure to review!
Edit: Hey, post edit James here, letting you guys know that I've had an interesting idea about Loona being raised by The Boss. Now, I never thought of this before, due to being more focused on Mistral, but this gives me an idea, which also involved me making a few changes. ANyways, that's all I wanted to say! Stay tuned for more chapters!