Heya Readers! So, ever since the pilot of Helluva Boss, I've been wanting to do a story. It took me ages to figure out what I wanted to write, different ideas, plots, characters. That is, until I saw a beautiful stop-motion movie called "Wendell and Wild" (´⊙ω⊙`)
Loving the idea of Hell Maidens, with a cross of anime magical girls like "Madoka Magica" and "Wonder Egg Priority".
A quick side note, I am dyslexic, so I apologies in advance for any spelling errors.
Alright! Hope you enjoy! ( ͡❛ ᴗ ͡❛)
Losing a loved one is never easy, especially when you were very close. Family and friends dressed in black, gathered around the open grave, as the casket was slowly lowered in, throwing flowers on top.
18 year old Anne, had her head down, unable to look at the grave. Stuffing her hands in her black jacket, her headphones on, trying to calm her sadness with music. She felt a gentle hand on her right shoulder, glancing up to see her dad, giving her a smithy smile, "It's ok cariño, Abuela is in Heaven now." He pulled his daughter to his side, "Now, she is watching over us, over you."
Anne, leaned into her father's side, slowly trembling, as tears fell down her cheeks, "I know... but, it still hurts." Her Abuela was her closet friend, whenever she needed to talk to someone, she would always go to her first. She had a warm spirit, if she was sad, Abuela would comfort her, and when she got hurt, she always fixed her up, and the pain would go away instantly. Anne wondered, will the this pain ever go away? She took a glance at the casket, and it was slowly being buried, I hope, you're in a better place now, Abuela...
Way underground in the Hell, a short figure walked down the streets of Wrath. Stopping in front of a tall building, the figure glanced down at the flyer poster in their hand, before walking in. Taking the elevator to the firth floor, they found the office. Giving the door a good knock, banter was heard from inside, before the door was opened by an imp with white hair and freckles.
He directed his eyes upward, the female demon was not very tall, only 2 feet higher then the average imp, taking the form of a Día de muertos skeleton. Her gray hair tied in a high-bun, and she wore a simple red floral dress with a off-white apron, "Can I help you, ma'am?"
"I'd like to request a higher." She spoke in an elderly voice, with a thick Mexican accent.
"Oh- uh of course! Right this way," Opening the door wider the imp moved to the side, letting her walk in, where they were greeted by his boss target practicing with a shot-gun. The old demon raised her brow, unamused, while the imp next to her, slapped his face, "Sir!"
Getting his boss's attention, he stood up, and walked over to the old demon with a smile, "Welcome to I.M.P. I'm Blitzø the O is silent,"
"Placer," She head-bowed, "I'd heard you are able to go to the Earth?"
Blitzø smiled grew, "Of course, right this way!" The two other imps watched their boss lead the demon into his office, wondering why an old lady is asking for an assassination?
Once the door was closed for privacy, Blitzø got comfortable in his chair, and leaned over his desk. "By the look I'm guess you just recently died? Got some unfinished bussies?"
"You are correct, however it is not vengeance I seek." Blitzø raised his brow, as the old woman pulled out a picture from her apron.
It was a photo of a young Mexican woman, with deep brown eyes, chestnut-brown hair in a wavy bob-cut with side bangs. She wore a black varsity jacket with dark-gold sleeves, a few button pins on right side. Ripped navy jeans, tucked into her casual, outdoor brown boots. Around her neck were large black headphones with skulls on the ear-cup. She was hugging the old woman when she was alive, both smiling, "That is my granddaughter, she and I were very close. Now that I am gone, I worry for her safety. You see... she is not-"
"Ok, I'm gonna cut you off-." Blitzø rudely interrupted the old lady, "We're assassins, not bodyguards."
The old woman frowned her brows together, "It is rude to interrupt!" She raised her voice ever so slightly, her eyes glowing red. Clearing her throat she continued, "I was never able to tell her the truth, and I fear that now that I am gone, she will be in danger. Which is why I ask you bring her to me, alive," she hated that she need to correct him.
"You understand that what you're asking is illegal. We can't bring humans to Hell." Ignoring that one time with the kid.
The old demon looked at him with a serious glare, "Do this job, and I will reward you handsomely. Once you find her, make sure you give her this." Reaching into her other pocket, she pulled out a small velvet pouch. Blitzø raised his brow, unsure if he should ask what was in it, "Will you do this, or not?" Demanding an answer.
The imp though for a moment, before he grinned, shrugging, "Sure, but this will coast you extra."
"Just don't fuck this up." She glared.
It was the next day after the funeral, while her parents told her that she could skip school today, Anne decided that she need a distraction. The teen rested her head against the window of the passenger-side, watching the trees go by. Her headphones on, listening to calm yet sad music.
When her mom pulled up in front of the school, she turned to her daughter, "If you change your mind, dad or I will come get you." Giving her a gentle smile.
Anne glanced back, "Thanks mama." And stepped out, throwing her backpack over her shoulder. Keeping her head down, as she walked up to the building, ignoring anyone around her.
Once inside her classroom, she dropped her bag by her feet, and slouched over her desk folding her arms to rest her head. Anne took a few glances around the room, seeing other teens talking and laughing together. She was the grey cloud in class. She felt a slight tap on her left shoulder, turning she saw her only friend Jonesy look at her with worry.
"Hey," Giving her a sympathy smile, "Sorry about your grandma."
"It's ok..." Anne muttered, resting her cheek on her crossed arms. No it's not just ok, she told herself. She's gone forever, and you don't know if Heaven is even real. There's probably no chance you'll see her again in the next life. She squeezed her hands tight, looking to the side, when she notice that the boy behind Jonesy was looking at her, before quickly averting his eyes away. Anne raised her brow, Was Dillon looking at me? Why would this guy, who was a quiet kid and barley talked to anyone, be suddenly watching her?
Jonesy followed her friend's eyes and looked over her shoulder, Dillon pushed up his nerdy glasses, and buried his now red face in his phone. She looked back at Anne, leaning over she whispered, "Why is wallflower suddenly looking at you like a Disney Prince?"
That comment got Anne to smirk, elbowing her friend, "No clue."
"Isn't his family apart of the church?"
"I think so..?" Anne took another glace at the nervous boy. Their town was small, with only one church, so if his family was heavily involved with the church odds are he might know of her deceased grandmother. But why would he care about that? They don't know each other. The bell finally rang as the teacher walked in. She decided to drop it, paying no mind to the boy, she pulled out her textbook.
Outside of the small town, at the edge of the forest hills that sorrowed it, a portal opened and the three imps stepped through. They stared down at the old fashion buildings and suburbs, "The fuck are we again?" Blitzø asked.
"I think its called Col-ora-do, sir?" Moxxie tried to spell out the name.
"It's pretty small." Millie commented, placing her hand above her eyes, staring down.
"Then, this shouldn't take us long." Blitzø looked down at the photo the old demon let him barrow, "Alright, let's get this shit show over with."
Even though she told her parents she wanted to go to school, in the end, she tuned everything out. Thankfully she didn't get in trouble for it, that or her teachers didn't notice. Now all she wanted to was go home and hide in her room, maybe for the rest of her life.
Jonesy was kind enough to walk her out. She kept taking glances at her friend to make sure she was ok, Anne had her headphones one, looking down at her feet. Finally Jonesy snatched her headphones off.
"Wha- hey!" Anne barked, watching her friend put them on.
"I'm not a therapist, but I think listening to sad music isn't gonna help." She commented on Alec Benjamin's "let me down slowly".
Anne grabbed her headphones hanging them over her neck, "Whatever." She huffed, stuffing her hands in her short pockets, turning away.
Jonesy frowned, "Sorry…" They were quiet for a moment, walking down the sidewalk back home, "You wanna go get burritos?"
Anne sighed, "No… it's ok, I'd just… want to go home."
"…Ok." They stopped at the intersection, ready to go their separate ways. "Text me when your there, k?"
"K." The friends hugged, Anne watched Jonesy walk down the street, waving bye. She stood there for a moment, watching as her friend got smaller and smaller. Sighing from exhaustion, she turned and headed home.
With her headphones back on, and her eyes to the ground she didn't notice a figure sneaking up behind her. Suddenly she felt a hand grab her shoulder. Anne jolted up, her brain on reacting fast, crying out she spinned around and punched whoever was behind her.
Apparently she didn't know her own strength, for she knock the person down. Her heart was pounding, she looked down and blinked, "Dillon?!" The boy groaned, holding her nose in both hands, she had knocked him so hard his glasses fell off. "Oh my God-! I'm so sorry!" Panicking, she kneeled down, picking his glasses up.
"I-It's fine… I don't think you broke it." Dillon groaned a chuckle, removing his hands from his face, which was red but thankfully not bleeding. He took back his glasses, Anne helped him up. "I shouldn't have come up from behind ya."
Anne took a pause watching him clean the dirt off his close. Now that she thought about it, this was the first time she actually talked to him, much less pay attention to him. "S-so uhh… do, do you need something?" She asked, feeling awkward.
Dillon's face turned bright red, "Oh uh- I-I just um… w-wanted to make sure you… we're ok…" Rubbing the back of his neck, "I heard about your grandmother… I'm really sorry."
Anne's shoulder dropped slightly, avoiding his eyes now, "Yeah… um thanks, didn't know it was a rumor."
the boy blinked in shock, "What- no! No it's not a rumor, I just my dad works in the crunch and he..."
Anne clutched the straps on her backpack, now she was mad, "Wow, I didn't know Christians liked to gossip like school twats."
Dillion looked at her with worry, "No! I didn't mean- I just wanted to… I'm sorry." He finally sighed, "I'm not great at this."
The teen narrowed her eyes, watching his body language. He was a nervous wreck, but he didn't seem like he was just gonna make fun of her. Her anger slowly fizzled, giving herself a chance to relax, "It's ok, it's a small town, everyone knows everyone."
Dillon smiled and nodded, "You have no idea how awkward it is when you see you teachers every Sunday morning."
Anne lightly chuckled, "That's gotta be a pain in the ass."
Dillon smiled, "I've never seen you on Sunday's."
Anne shrugged, "My Abuela wasn't a fan of religion. She felt that God helps those who help themselves." She suddenly felt a twinge in her gut, "You're not here to indoctrinate me, are you?"
Dillon quickly shook his head, "N-no, of course not! I-I… um." His face blushed, "Just thought that maybe.. if you want sometime, you'd like to maybe hang out?"
The teen blinked, did she just hear that correctly? He wanted to hang out? Was he asking her out?! Anne couldn't help but blush a little, feeling flattered. No one has ever asked her out, "Wow umm... s-sure?"
Dillon face lit up, "Great! Um, are you free after school tomorrow?"
Wow that was fast, "Uh sure." Anne sheepishly smiled.
"Great! I'll see you then, I guess." Dillon rubbed his neck awkwardly walking backwards, before tripping on his feet almost falling over. Anne smiled, waving bye.
Unbeknownst to the two teens, the imps had found their target. At first Blitzø thought that they should just kill the boy so the operation would go faster, but Moxxie talked him out of it, "Well, that was the shittiest B-movie romance moment ever." Blitzø rolled his eyes.
Once Dillon was out of sight, Moxxie asked, "Should we go now?"
His boss grinned, "Alright, let's catch a millennial."
Anne felt her face turn red, holding her cheeks, "Holy crap!" She giggled with joy. All her sadness faded away, this could be a good new start! "Can't wait to brag about this to Jonesy!" she laughed. But as she turned around, she was met with an bizar sight.
Blinking, she looked down to see three... odd creatures all in red with horns and tails, they barley passed her hips. Anne froze, unsure of what she was looking at, were they just kids in costumes? Or maybe animal test subjects?
The one with the longer horns, stepped forward, "Greetings..." It began in a male voice, before taking a glance at his hand, like he was reading something, "Anne María the human. We are I.M.P.-"
Oh my God, it knows my name, Anne started to panic, looking around for help, unfortunately, the neighborhood was empty. She quickly looked passed them, her house was still a few streets away, but she could take the short-cuts. All she needed was a distraction...
"So, we need you to come with us." Blitzø finished, Moxxie and Millie pulled out a large potato-sack, it was slightly stain, with what, Anne didn't want to know.
"Please don't struggle." Moxxie politely said.
Anne felt beats of sweat go down her face, she's gonna have to make a break for it! "O-Oh ha! Uh I see..." She nervously laughed, slowly scooting to the side. She raised her hands in defense, keeping her eyes on them, making a full circle around, "As... agreeable as the offer sounds, I really need to- Mr. Turner HELP!" She screamed, looking passed them and pointed.
The imps quickly turned around, pulling out their weapons to eradicate any witnesses, but there was no one. Turning back, they saw Anne running, already getting a head start, "Oh for fucks sate!" Blitzø growled, the chase began.
Anne didn't dare look back, knowing they were after her, yelling at her to "stop!", and "You can't run!". She was unsure how fast they were, hopping her gym classes would pay off. She made a sharp turn, towards the neighborhood houses, and jumped over a someone's fence.
"Oh, you got to be shitting me!" Blitzø shouted, the imps quickly following. The fence was pretty high, so they had trouble getting over, flopping down inside, where they saw Anne jump out the other side. They quickly picked themselves up, but were met with an angry yard dog.
"Oh crums!" Moxxie cried, they quickly ran past the dog, as it chased after them.
Anne took a quick glace back, that gave her more time. squeezing between more houses, she made it to downtown. All that was left was crossing over the train-tracks.
"STOP RIGHT THERE!" Blitzø screamed, his anger raising, hating that this was taking so long, and would like some cooperation. Out of habit he pulled out his percussion pistol and aimed for her legs.
"NO, sir! She wanted her alive!" Moxxie cried, pulling the gun down.
Anne took a glace back, her eye's bulged seeing the gun, Not caring if the light was green, she crossed the road, with cars having to break, honking at her. Now safe on the other side, that is until she heard the sounds of a train horn. "Crap!" Anne cursed, seeing a cargo train coming up fast! She had to pass it, or she'd be cornered! Her heart was racing, drenched in sweat, but she pushed on. She ran passed the barriers as they were slowly coming down, and leaped over the tracks, going into a tuck and roll. She made it!
The imps were forced to stop, as the train barreled in front of them, blocking their path. They could see between the carts, Anne continuing to run. Panting and out of breath, Blitzø scream to the Heavens, "FUCK!"
Anne finally made it home. She leaned forward resting her hands on her knees, drenched in sweat, she could see her breath in the cool air. Her heart beating a thousand miles per-hour. She looked around, making sure she wasn't followed. The coast was clear, she quickly went inside, locking the door behind her.
"Welcome home cariño!" Her mom called from the kitchen, "We're having enchiladas tonight!"
"Uh hu," Anne wasn't listening, looking through the peek-hole of the door. She quickly headed upstairs to her slipping-roof bedroom. Her heart started to slow down, once she was safe in her room. Dropping her backpack, she looked down at her shirt that was covered in sweat, "Ew." Pulling it over her head, she quickly changed into her pjs. Flopping down on the bed, her body relaxed. Sighing in relief, till her phone buzzed. Pulling it out of her pocket she saw Jonesy texted.
"Hey u home now?"
"Yeah, after being chase by a couple of possums" Anne texted back.
"Hu?"
"I'll tell u at school tomorrow, after barely missing a train, I'd like to be brought down to Earth"
"...Ok? Uh, then I'll see you tomorrow"
"See ya" Anne sighed again, dropping her on the bed. Staring out her circle window, she wondered, "What the hell is my life?"
It was early in the morning, Anne peek through the peek-hole, no signs of red horned monsters.
"You sure you don't want me to drive you?" Her mom asked, raising her brow when she saw her daughter staring outside.
"Y-yeah I'm sure mama, don't worry." If she ends up running into those freaks again, she didn't want her mom or dad to get involved.
"Ok, well have a good day. Love you." Her mom smiled.
Anne quickly turned and smiled at her mom, "Love you too, see you later." Slowly opening the door, she peeked out, coast clear. Very quickly she closed the door behind, and started jogging to school. Looking at her surroundings, so far so good. She started to relax slightly, only a block away from school. Till suddenly, the imps jumps out, making a perfect jump scare.
"Oh come on!" Anne cried, trying to run past them, but Moxxie grabbed her by her leg, almost tripping her. Millie held the bag behind the teen, while Blitzø stepping in front of her.
"Look, we don't want to do this job either, but I'm expecting to get fat paycheck for doing this shit! So stop resisting!" Trying to push her backwards.
"Look… I don't know who you freaks are… but you've got the wrong girl!" Anne grunted struggling to power walk, while trying to shake the imp off her leg. Using all her strength, she kicked her foot up high, sending the imp flying. Millie dropped the bag holding her arms out to catch her husband. Reeling her leg back up, she kicked Blitzø in the crotch.
"OW, FUCK!" He keeled sideways, holding his balls. Anne blinked, shocked that that worked. Taking her chance, she bolted to the school. Blitzø tried to push through the pain, standing back up, "Goddamnit- wait!" Blitzø shouted seeing Anne run again. It was taking a lot in him not to take his gun out and aim for her legs again. Millie caught Moxie, and began the chase again.
But by the time they got to the other side of the road, Anne had already crossed, and was on the school grounds, surrounded by multiple students. seizing her factory, Anne turned back, smirking with narrow brows, "HA! SUCK IT!" She screamed, flipping them off. Other teens around her looked at her with confusion, but she didn't care, and walked inside.
"Sir, I think this job is a bust." Moxxie groaned, they had never had to work this hard, though, they never had to capture someone alive before.
Blitzø clutched his firsts, normally he wouldn't agree with with his employee, and his anger was getting the best of him. That is, until he remembered the item the old woman gave him. Pulling out the velvet pouch from his jacket, and slowly opened it. At first, he was thrown off by the shock, blinking a few times, when he saw a very familiar item, "The fuck? Why does that old hag have this?" Now his interest was peeked.
"Sir?" Moxie tried again, wanting an answer, not liking that his boss was now grinning from horn to horn.
"Oooh No, we're finishing this job, even if it kills her!"
"Uh…" The M&Ms looked at each other with worry.
Anne groaned walking into classroom, the belle hadn't even rung and she was already exhausted. Shitting down at her desk, she took a glance behind her, and saw Dillon looking at her. Blushing, he smiled and wave. she waved back, her mood feeling better. Dillon then pointed to his desk, getting the message, Anne looked in her cubby and found a small written note, "want to go for lunch?"
Anne smiled and wrote a reply, crumbling the paper, she threw it towards him. Fumbling to catch it, Dillon opened it, "sounds good!" She saw him smile. He tore another small piece of paper, writing something down, crumping it up and threw it at her.
She easily caught it and read the note, "Can we keep today a secret?" Anne blinked, not expecting that. Why did they have to keep a low profile. Maybe Dillion was just shy? He was the quiet kid, who didn't really hangout with anyone, being seen with a girl probably attract attention. Though, Anne wasn't on the popular side either.
But, she didn't want to blow this (sort of) date. It's fine. She told herself, turning back to the boy, she nodded, giving him a smile. Dillion seemed less tense after her answer.
Jonesy then walked in, taking her seat blocking Anne few, "Hey," she greeted, "So, what happened?"
"Hu?" Anne blinked.
"The thing you texted me yesterday?"
It took her second to remembered, "Ooh that. Uhh…" she didn't know what to tell her, not after the second meeting, "I ran into a rabid possum."
"Woah." Jonesy's eyes widened, becoming fascinated, "What happened after that?"
"I hopped a fence to get away, that's it." Anne stated, not wanted to remember, she wanted to move forward. Her friend blinked, wondering why the sudden cold-shoulder. But she dropped it, it was probably traumatizing.
As the teacher came in, Anne took out her books, she took a glance outside, not seeing the imps. Good, maybe they'll finally take the hint.
As the final belle rang, and everyone was packing up to leave, Anne took her time, waiting for room to empty, "Hey, you ready?" Jonesy asked, backpack already in hand.
Anne took a quick glance at Dillon, who was going at a snails pace. Looking back up at her friend she asked, "Hey, you mind if I walk alone today?"
Jonesy blinked, "Uh, sure. Ok uh- I'll text you later?"
Anne nodded, and watched her leave, leaving the two of them alone. Moving fast, she threw her backpack on, and walked over to Dillon, who stood up, "Ready?" She smiled.
Dillon returned the smile, his cheeks turning red, "Y-Yep!" They were practically the last kids to leave the building, Opening the front entrance doors, Anne peeked out, not seeing the imps anywhere. Dillon raised his brow, "Uh- everything ok?"
"Yeah, Lately I've been seeing this pack of ribbed possums." She frowned, as they walked down the sidewalk.
"Ribbed?!" Dillon's eyes widened.
"If I see them again, I'll call animal control." Anne vowed, narrowed her eyes. She took notice of Dillon's skittish demeanor, looking around in worry. Smiling, she took his hand, making him jolt. "Don't worry about it. Wanna grab pizza?" The timid boy nodded.
The afternoon 'hang out' was going better then she expected. The two of them spent most of the time in town, stopping at the only pizza joint in their small town. Anne raised her brow when Dillon ordered a Hawaiian pizza, but with enough convincing, he got her to try a slice, and while she hated to admit it, it did taste good.
After that, they went into a few stores, Anne introduced him to her favorite, the record shop. Going through all the vinyl's, listening to the latest releases, she even let him wear her headphones, letting him listen to her favorites.
By the time they were done, the sun was slowly staring to go down, but Dillon wanted to go to one last spot. Leading the way, they went back into the suburbs, before passing through towards the forest. Anne looked around, as they walked on the man-made trail, "Hey, I know this place."
"You do?" Dillon turned his head to look back.
"Yeah, we're headed to the drop off, near the giant water-tower." Anne looked back smiling, "I spent a lot of time here when I was a freshman."
"Dillon blinked, "Oh..."
A little out of breath, but they finally made it, with Anne running ahead of Dillon. She stopped at the giant rocky edge of the drop off, taking in the beautiful view of forest and rocky mountains, "Wow, what a sight!" She inhaled the woodsy air. Dillon quickly caught up to her, trying to catch his breath, "Check it out, you can see the water-tower!" Anne turned to her left and pointed.
"Have you... ever climbed it?" Dillon asked. Every adult in town would tell kids to never try to attempt to climb the old, rusty thing, saying it could fall at any moment.
"I thought about doing it. But I keep chickening out." Anne chuckled, folding her hands behind her head, "One day, I'll do it. Check this out!" turning back to the cliff, she looked down at the boulders that were slightly covered in graffiti, "This place is kinda a hot spot of lovers, so stupid."
"Hehe, yeah..." Dillon rubbed the back of his neck, he looked up, her back was to him, "Um.. Anne." He reached into his sweater pocket. "I'm sorry..."
"Hu?" Anne turned around, and saw Dillon swing something in front of her. The shock made her move and fall down. Anne blinked in shock, looking up, she saw him holding a box-cuter. Suddenly, she felt something trickle down her neck, she reached up, and felt a cut on her right side. Anne gasped out, holding her wound, looking back up with fear in her eyes, "D-Dillon...?"
She could see that he was visibly shaking, his expression was scared but also unreadable, "I-I'm sorry... But I have to do..."
"Do what?!" Anne cries was mixed with fear and anger. Was this hole day they've been spending together was just an excuse for him to MURDER her?!
"I don't want to! B-But it's for the best!" Dillon sighed trying to calm his nerves, "You're... dangerous. A threat to the Heavens, like your grandma was."
"What the fuck are you talking about?!" Anne slowly brought her knees up, ready to stand, but didn't know when to run.
Dillon squeezed his eyes shut, before opening them, glaring down at the girl, "You're... a Hell Maiden, Anne." The teen blinked, not expecting that answer, or that the hell that was supposes to mean, "They're not many of them left in the world, but they break the balance of Heaven. I-I thought that, since I'm part of the White Cross... If I were the one to kill you, maybe I could save your soul." Squeezing the blade in his hand, "I-I'm not a bad person Anne, I like you, you seem really nice! But... I have to."
Anne froze, unsure how to reply back. This was sick, all of it! Hell Maiden? White Cross? Sounded like something kids were make up on the playground. And calling her grandma one of them?! She glared up at the timid boy, how dare he act like he wasn't in the wrong, trying to justify his attempted murder.
"You're calling me a danger to Heaven, when you're the one about to comet murder?! What a lode of horseshit! You think your actions will be justify when then they find my body cut up?!"
"Not if it looks like suicide."
Anne shuttered, "And you think God won't turn his back if you do this?"
"HE WON'T!" Dillon shouted, he started to pant, his face red with anger, "I'm doing the right thing." He raised the blade over his head, "unholy things must be cleansed."
Anne shut her eyes, screaming at the top of her lugs, "SOMEBODY HELP!"
A gun shot echoed through the woods, Dillon's raised hand exploded into a bloody mess, the blade flying out of his hand. He screamed in agony, dropping to his knees clutching his ruined hand. Anne gasped in shock, looking past Dillon, she saw the three familiar imp, their leading holding his pistol.
"Nice shot B!" Millie grinned, as they quickly ran over to the girl.
"Are you alright?" Moxxie asked, coming to Anne's side to look at her wound.
"Y-Yeah I think?"
"Well, good news it's not deep, so no stitches needed." He sighed in relief, as he and his wife helped the girl to her feet.
Anne frowned down at the three imps, "But... why? Aren't you guys trying to?"
"Well, your grandma said she needed you alive." Blitzø explained. Abuela?! Anne blinked, her grandmother hired... possums to kidnap her? "Sooo, why does pissy-boy want to juggernaut you?" He pointed his gun back at Dillon, who was trying to stop the bleeding.
Anne narrowed her eyes back at the boy, "He called me a Hell Maiden, whatever the fuck that means."
Blitzø's eyes widened, looking back at her, "No fuckin way..." Now it all made sense, "Well, it's a good thing we didn't drop this job, you were a bigger pain in the rectum then needed. Also your welcome. Now," He aimed his gun at Dillon's head.
"Wait!" Anne cried, "You can't kill him!"
The imps blinked, "Why, he tried to kill you." Millie stated the obvious.
"Yeah he's a douchebag, but he's not dying until I get more answers." Anne glared, walking up to the boy. Dillon looked up at her with pleading eyes, as she towered over him, "Why did you call me a Hell Maiden? What does all of this have to do with me?" She growled low. Dillon lowered his head, but she grabbed him by the shirt forcing him to stare to look her in the eyes, "Answer me!"
"M-My grandpa said you come from a long line of demon worshipers!" Dillon cried, scared to look her in the eye, "I-I thought... you knew that?" Taking a glance at her, his eyes widened, "Your eyes..."
"What about them?!"
"G-Glowing..." Anne raised her brow, dropping him to the ground.
"What's the White Cross?"
"It's an organization of demon hunters, sworn by God... to cleanse the Earth of all sinners." Dillon grunted, sitting back up.
"So a cult?" Blitzø raised his brow.
Anne glared, squeezing her hands into tight fists. She had one more question, "Did you or someone else kill my Abuela?" They said the cause of death was just old age, she died peacefully in her bed, but after Dillon brought her up, she needed to know.
Dillon blinked, "N-No..."
Anne inhaled before exhaling. She turned back to the imps, "You said that my Abuela hired you?" They nodded. Her fists were shaking, if any of what Dillon told her was true, and these imps were from Hell, that meant... her Abuela was waiting for her there. Sighing, she gave up, "Fine, take me to her."
"Alright! Glad this is fucken over," Blitzø cheered, reaching into his coat for his phone, "Loony, we're ready to come home, dear!"
Anne watched in awe as a portal magically appeared in front of them. Dillon, looked back at Anne, her and the imps' backs faced him. He glanced to his side, seeing the boxcutter. Grunting in pain, he let go of his ruined hand and grasped it in his good one. He slowly stood up with shaky legs. Using his last bit of he charged at her, screaming. Anne turned around eyes wide, but Millie pulled out a knife, and threw it, hitting him square in the skull. Dillon came to a stop, eye's wide, as his body keeled forward. Anne gasped, just witnessing a murder, covering her mouth she turned and threw up.
Blitzø rolled his eyes, "Oh come on, you're making a big deal." Turning back to the dead body, he asked the puking girl, "Is there wild life out here?"
Anne gagged, trying to hold it in, "U-Uh yeah?" Not liking where this was going.
"Fantastic." Snapping his finger's, Moxxie and Millie dragged Dillon's body to the edge of the cliff, and kicked him over. Anne cringed at the sound of his body breaking from the hall. She turned back to Blitzø, now very worried about actually following them, "Come on, we've wasted 36 hours here! Your granny is paying double for this."
She watched the imps go through the portal first, taking one last glance over the horizon of her home, she slowly stepped through, as it closed behind her.
Anne was very scared on what was on the other side, however, was not expecting to be in a dirty office. Feeling the tension in her body slightly relax, she took a quick glance around, taking notice of the giant gray dog at the desk, texting on her phone. She didn't pay them any mind.
"So... where is my?" Anne asked, when the front door suddenly burst opened. Jumping, she turned and saw an old Día de muertos skeleton demon. On first glance she was unrecognizable, but taking a closer look, she was the same height, same eye color and hair-style, with a similar dress. The old woman eyes seamed to shine, her smile grew, Anne clutched her shirt above her heart, feeling tears in her eyes, "Abuela?"
"¡Oh, mi pequeño guisante dulce!" Abuela cried, rushing over to the young woman, bring her into a hug. Anne stood there for a moment, feeling the warm hug. Taking in a sharp breath, her tears fell, as she returned the hug, "¡Me he perdido tanto!"
"I-I missed you too... I thought, I'd never see you again!" Anne cried. The imps stepped back, letting them have their moment. Moxxie and Millie smiled, finding the moment sweet, while their boss rolled his eyes wanting to end this shit.
Though the moment was sweet, it didn't last long, "B-But why? Why are you here?" Anne pulled away, getting a better look at her grandma's new form. All her life she has know her grandma as the sweetest lady in the world, would give you the shirt off her back and a free cookie to go with it.
Abuela sighed, taking her granddaughter's hands, looking at them, "Guisante dulce, I'm so sorry, I never want this to happen to you, and I never knew when I good time would be to tell you-" but when she looked back up, she finally notice the cut and dry blood on her neck. Gasping she grasped her face, bring her closer. "¡¿Lo que le pasó?!" She turned to the imps and glared, her eyes glowing red, "I told you to not to harm her! What did you sack of shits do?!" Anne blinked shock to hear her grandma curse for the first time.
"Hey if it wasn't for us, you granddaughter would have slaughtered! So a simple fucken thank you for saving her life is in order!" Blitzø growled back.
"Attack?!" Abuela looked back at Anne.
The teen looked to the side, "A classmate… who I thought was a friend… tried to kill me…" Anne glanced over to the imps, "They saved my life." She smiled showing her appreciation.
"It could have been avoided if you came quietly." Blitzø had to snarked.
Anne frowned, "you could have told me my Abuela hired you." Though she wasn't sure if she would have believed them. Turning back to her grandma, "He told me that he was part of an organization called the White Cross, and that I was a… Hell Maiden. That's not true, is it?" She looked her grandma with pleading eyes, that Dillon was just insane.
Abuela frowned, "My sweet Anne… a long time ago, our ancestors were threatened by an incredible danger. Their lives and the ones they loved would have all died, if not for one of them making the ultimate sacrifice. She thought that they needed a stronger defense. In a desperation, she made a contract with a demon. But making a contract with an unholy creature is a deadly sin." The imps and Hell hound listened with curiosity. Every Hell Maiden story was different, "The contract didn't just save her familia, it ruptured her body, positioning her blood, and consumed her very soul. Making her an unholy been of both Earth and Hell." Abuela squeezed Anne's hands, "That curse has been attached to us for hundreds of years, and now, you are the most recent Hell Maiden in our familia."
The room was dead silent, Anne was left frozen in shock, unable to say anything. She could hear her heart beating in her ears, finally, she took a shaky breath, "Are you… SERIOUS?!" She screamed, her voice echoed, causing the imps to jump slightly, "I was almost murdered become some bitch form our past fucked a demon?!"
Abuela didn't like he granddaughter cursing, "Anne Maria, idioma-"
"Screw idioma! You waited to tell me when you're dead and in Hell! And I'm just suppose to except this?! I'm gonna end up here like you!"
"¡Anne María López, no usas ese tono conmigo!" Abuela shouted back, the two family members glared at each other. The old woman's eyes were glowing red again, and unbeknownst to Anne, so we're hears. Finally she sighed, "We can't do anything about it, and I'm sorry you went through that, but I'm afraid... this will not be your last encounter with danger."
Anne's eyes widened, "So… I'm gonna be hunted like an animal, for the rest of my life?"
"Not, unless you are prepared." The teen blinked, "Which is the other reason why I wanted you here." Narrowing her eyes the old demon said, "To train you."
"...What?"
"You have abilities guisante dulce, ones that you have yet to unlock, but with training, we will be able to turn you into a proper Hell Maiden." Abuela explain, looking her granddaughter up and down. Bring her down she kissed the cut on her neck, it magically healed.
Anne touched her neck, blinking in awe, "Woah... So wait, all those time I accidentally got hurt-?!"
Abuela chuckled, but their bonding was interrupted but Blitzø's harsh throat clearing, "All right, happy reunion, tragic backstory, can we please get paid so you can't finally leave?"
Abuela raised her brow, "Paid?"
The imp frowned, "Yes, paid, with fuckin money." Rubbing his fingers.
"You expect me to pay you after she was almost killed?"
"We saved her sorry ass!"
Abuela chuckled, not afraid for the small imps, "Well, I happen to know that you use an ancient relic that is reserved for the higher up. Not sure how they'd feel knowing you were just messing around with it."
Blitzø temper rose, chucking, "Ohoh, so we just got scammed doing a fuckin free job! Alright, we can pull out to!" Pulling out his pistol and pointing it at Anne.
Abuela shield her granddaughter, Anne raised her hands up in defense, "Woah Woah- wait! What does she owe you!"
Blitzø took a pause, he didn't really come up with a number, making one up on the spot he said, "A thousand! "
Anne groaned, "Oh, mierda…" She looked between the imps and her grandma, with her life on the line, she just blurted out, "What if - I pay you back!"
The imps raised their brows, "You? How?"
"Umm…" Anne quickly looked around, trying to think fast. "What if, I work here? As a unpaid employee? I work for you, to pay off Abuela debt?"
"No, I won't allow it! This job is beneath you!" Abuela crossed her arms, putting her foot down.
"Well, you should have thought of that before hiring them without pay." Anne hissed back. Looking at the imps she walked over to Blitzø, reaching her hand out, "What do you say?"
Blitzø stared down at her hand for a moment, before shouting, "Group meeting!" Grabbing the other imps and hell hound to the meeting room.
"Sir, I don't think is it such a good idea." Moxxie professionally disagreed, "Bring a human to Hell is one thing, having one work here is another."
"But she's a Hell Maiden Mox, she could be useful?" Millie added.
"Seems like it would be too much of a hassle." Loona frowned, still on her phone.
Blitzø paced back and forth acting like he was thinking hard. There were plenty of pros and cons to balance out. On the one hand, having a powerful hybrid would help their business reputation, and as far as he knew, there wasn't a law about Hell Maidens not being allowed in Hell, there were so few of them left on Earth. But if she were to get caught, it would fall back to them, and the fact that she just learned about this and has no idea if she has special powers was a gamble. But, they were missing a thousand dollars, and the imp wasn't about to let that slide.
"All right, shut your assholes!" Blitzø shouted, "That old hag owes us big, so for the time being, we hire the Hell Maiden, make her work off the debt, while using her 'special' powers to earn reputation."
Millie nodded, liking the idea, Loona not caring either way, but Moxxie was having a hard time agreeing, "Sir, this could easily blow up in our faces! And given what that boy said about the "White Cross", that could put us in danger! Also, have you forgotten that we kill humans?! You think that teenager would be ok slaughtering her own species?"
"Oh sure, half the fuckers down here murder." Blitzø shrugged it off, "And if shit goes sideways, we bail on her. Now let's go welcome our newest member of the family!" Not giving his employees a chance to object.
Anne and Abuela sat on the couch, hearing mumbling in the other room. Anne pulled at her shirt, scared if they wouldn't go through with her idea.
Abuela gently patted her hands, "It's ok pequeño guisante, I'll kill anyone who dares lay a hand on you"
"Uh, thanks Abuela." Anne felt beats of sweat down her face, nervously smiling. She wasn't sure of this new attitude from her, then again, maybe she always had this.
The office door loudly swung open, making the two jolt, "Ok! Anne was it?" Blitzø asked, the teen nodded, "Your hired!"
Anne blinked, "Wait, really?" Abuela's frown deepened, not thrilled.
"It's temporary, and don't forget you're not getting paid for this. But if you don't fuck up, this shouldn't take long." Blitzø held his hand out, taking Anne's.
Abuela then cleared her throat, "If she going to stay here then she needs her gift. You didn't screw that up too did you?" She snarked at the imp.
"Relax hag," Blitzø frowned, the old demon was getting on his last nerves. Reaching into his coat he pulled out the velvet pouch, "Actually, this will help us out by not having to get you every damn day." Throwing it to the teen.
Anne caught it in her hands and opened it. Raising her brow, she pulled out a black bracelet with a large red crystal in the center. She was enchanted by it's glow, "Woah… what is it?" She turned to Abuela.
Abuela smiled, "It is called a Asmodean Crystal, it will allow you to travel between Earth and Hell, make sure you wear it at all times, for it could save your life when you need it." She put the charm on Anne's left wrist.
"Cool." Anne smiled, holding her hand up to gaze at it.
"Ok, introductions, I'm Blitzø the O is silent, your new boss. I expect hard work and not too much complaining, and don't bother asking for a raise, I don't give these guys jack-shit. That's Moxxie, Millie and Loona. He pointed to the rest of the workers.
Anne looked at the group she was now apart of, and slightly smiled, maybe this won't be so bad?
Blitzø then scratched his chin, looking to the side, "Oh, we're gonna need to get you a gun, find out what's best for our new human assassin."
She spoke too soon, "Wait what?"