No Way Back

by Forsvaret-Komandir

Caught up in a loop of pain and violence, a man loses his simple life in the middle of nowhere and is thrusted into the pits of Hell. When at his lowest point, he finds unlikely friends and a purpose to life in the most unlikely of places. He comes to realize that his mistakes in the past do not determine his future, and the only way to a better life is by moving forward. Post Ep.1

7. Chapter 7

Hello once again! Yep, back for another release of No Way Back. I hope that you are excited to see what content that I have brought to you this time. This is definitely going to be a watershed chapter. Meaning that things are going to change, and I am moving into sort of the major plot of the story. Being a balance between slice-of-life and actual plot, this is the introduction of the actual plot part. XD Hopefully it doesn't disappoint.

Other than that, I guess I should say thanks for the support of the story. There were a few more favorites, follows, and reviews (already responded to those who have accounts). I am excited to see some level of attention drawn to the story, and I am always glad to produce more for you to enjoy. I guess that is all I wanted to say here.

Now, for the guest reviews:

Guest #1: Will you make an original chapter where kyle and loona bound more together and they start to feel attraction and love for each other? Please tell me yes

Response: Well, saying yes and it actually happening are two different things. If I don't mean 'yes', then what is the point of me telling you it. Enough of that bullshit from me. XD Yes, this story is intended to have bonding and eventual pairing between the two. Not exactly a hidden point from me. After I release next chapter, or chapter 9, I will 'pair' them in the description of the story. Hope that makes you feel at ease, guest reviewer!

Guest #2: Make kyle sing a song to loona, sweet child o mine or every breath you take

Response: If I am going to do a song, which is hard to write, I would have to choose one of my liking. Both of the ones you provided are kind of regular, to be honest. Other than that, I am trying not to bring Kyle out of character (which I did according to a guest reviewer, and I will address that soon). I feel like singing a song could be viewed like that, so I would need to think that over. Other than that, thanks for the idea.

Guest #3: Will kyle become a demon without dying and becoming a sinner? Could you make him ignite himself the blood of loona, maybe to save her and the others from someone, so he can become a hellhound?

Response: The OC will not become a demon, and his role will sort of be revealed this chapter. I am sort of against changing the look of the character from the beginning since I viewed him as a product of his environment and origin. Even having a disguise feels weird and wrong, and it won't last. HOWEVER, I would be on board with having a filler chapter where he is changed for just the chapter. Could make for an interesting lesson, and events. Beyond that, he will be remain mostly the same.

Guest #4: Will this story have a main villain?

Response: Yes, this story will have a main villain. Well, it will have more than just one. It will be set up in the coming chapters along with this one. Good question!

Guest #5: I like the concept of this story however Kyle's relationship with IMP has me worried for the story at this point. It comes off as somewhat contrived to me that he would even assist them in their bet even if his body was on the line. Kyle so far has been presented as an individual that won't kill or support killing people without good reason, he appears to hate himself to an extent and is shown to be empathic to his own detriment going as far to even bail out a person that only saw him sexually. You show Kyle has problem with IMP killing but he readily accepts it despite his misgivings. Everything shown up to this point and in this chapter itself makes me feel that Kyle is a person that would and should reject/attempt to stop people from being killed because of how empathetic he is. He had someone close to him die and given his empathetic nature he should be more conflicted about killing or more resolute in stopping them it he chooses to. Essentially Kyle comes off as someone with a strong moral compass and I feel like it undermines the story and his character that he doesn't challenge IMP more especially Blitzo and how he used him as a bargaining chip.

Response: Now, this is quite the review. I would like to say firstly that I am at least happy you like the concept of the story. I wished you would explain more what you liked about it, but I will take what I can get. Now, I see that you viewed the OC's interactions and decisions in last chapter, and I would also add Chapter 5, to be contrived. I thoroughly thought about what you have said, and I concluded that I agree with you, at least in some part. I guess I was too focused on what I what I wanted to get out that I didn't think about how he SHOULD interact here.

Still, I drew up a little back story in this chapter that might give some understanding behind Kyle. Yes, he does have a level of self-loathing and self-hatred and he does tend to care about others. However, he is also a scarred character who is shaped by what he has seen and he also feels helpless because of this. Last chapter only added to that. I try and mend the what you have said through this chapter with a little bit of help from someone in my discord. I will say that it doesn't entirely fix the problem you laid out, but I hope it will give a better perspective to the character.

Additionally, I would also then say Moxxie's entire character could be viewed as such. First episode is where he is conflicted in killing an 'innocent' family. They didn't truly address this thought before he was fine murdering party-goers in Spring Broken. I guess that I am trying to say that his moral compass could be viewed as strong, or he could just be compensating. I should have spent more time explaining my thoughts in the chapter, and I am going to try and do that in the future after this chapter as well.

I took your review to heart, and I will try and do better by it. Thank you for spending the time to write it, and I hope my response here and if you choose to continue to read will mend you thoughts.

ReadingBeta (Guest): Oh great, Verosika may be of those getting fuck. Why can't people see how low quality she asides from being a terrible bitch? Update soon.

Response: So, umm, I guess you haven't been reading many of my responses to guest reviews. I am still somewhat leaning against using including her in the pairings I have set up. She is just intended as a side character that can kind of see the humanity in him, something that she may look down upon until she potentially figures it out. I am seeing more responses for vs against, but that is beside the point. I could explain to you that I would take artistic liberty with her character, since I can view why she is the way she is. Additionally, she does carry a ton of merit in terms of how I would develop her. Blitzo could have truly fucked up in the relationship to where she is a victim (unlike Stella from my perspective). Strong façade in not feeling adequate, so she keeps things casual for a reason. That is just off the top of my head, and means nothing.

Relax a little and see how I develop the story. If you wish, I would love to continue to talk about this with you and why you are against it. Her being low quality makes it easier for me to use her, btw. ;)

Striker (guest): Moxxie your too nice. Plus you were no match for me.

Response: Perhaps, but that might be why this story is happening in the first place. Also, the match depends of circumstances. XD

Guest #6: I didn't realize that copying the video links just sent you to YouTube! But here are the videos from the channels he cited!

1. MangaKamen's Helluva Boss's Terrible Characters

2. Just Stop's Helluva Boss is so Endlessly Confused

P.S- Prepare for spoilers if you haven't watched the show.

Response: Thank you for sharing the videos. I am sorry to say that I haven't checked them out, but I am planning on it. I am just getting started in my semester, and stuff like this can fall to the background. Still, I intend to check it out.

Guest #7: To be fair, Kyle, I'd have done the same for her.

P.S: On to chapter 6! Looking forward to that meeting with Stella!

Response: Well, there were fair points to change things up. Also, don't get too excited about the meeting with Stella. It is brief, and I am not sure if it will make you happy, mad, or if you will understand.

DZ (guest): Honestly don't think you should add Verosika to Kyle love life as her in character personality just wouldn't want anything more then a quickey or FWB.

With Octavia because of the divorce I don't think she would really be interested in joining with Kyle and Loona relationship other then maybe as a little sister.

Response: I understand you point of view, and I know there are people already countering it. Apparently I am going to have to think more on it than I initially anticipated. Not sure FWB would work if he is in a relationship, and I don't think she would entirely be on board. Guess I will see...

As for Octavia, she won't be in a relationship because she is underaged from what I understand. That is more supposed to be a mentor-like relationship and friendship, not a relationship. Neat character, not in that way. So, don't worry about that one. XD

Tyler045 (guest): Great chapter nice work

Response: Thank you for the review!

Guest #8: The next chapter is certainly going to be interesting! We may know more about the mark's power and more the further we go into Kyle's Journey!

P.S: Do you intend to have Kyle and Stella's first meeting in a positive or negative light?

Response: You definitely learn more about the mark, but it wasn't intended to really have power. Basically, you will find that it filled the void and altered it. Something else will take the power role. Also, you will have to see what happens for the OC's and Stella's meeting. I intend for it to feel like the characters, so she acts accordingly.

Guest #9: To JustinTheSpider, I really agree that Verosika joining both Kyle and Loona is an idea that's worth pursuing, especially the warming of the Succubus's heart to a more genuine attraction after her breakup with Blitzo. The option to do so falls on the writer however, and as the audience, we must understand the choices he makes.

P.S: To ReadingBeta, I'm interested as to why you have a disdain for Verosika since I think there's merit to her. I looked over some of the reviews you posted and I'm open to hearing what you have to say!

Response: See, already a response about Verosika and the OC. XD You make good points on why and how I would pursue it, and I am happy to see your understanding on it being up to me. Yay... I like inevitably disappointing half of my audience. Still, have to think it out, and you can feel free to join the discord I provide at the end to state your reasoning. Or, you can dialogue with people in the reviews. Neither bothers me. Thank you for the review and your POV.

That's it, and thank you for those who reviewed. I guess we should get this going. Please, enjoy!

---

Chapter 7: Scars/Change in Direction

My eyes wandered around the scenery that blew by the window as we drove down the street of a much more pretentious part of Hell. When I meant us, I was talking about Loona driving me in Blitzo's van that we happened to be 'borrowing'. Loona said that she managed to convince him to give her the keys, but I could hear the sounds of snoring coming from his office. I wasn't going to argue, since I needed to see Stolas.

Anyways, I found myself lost in the scenes and in thought. The streets were much more comfortable to drive on compared to the shit condition around our place of work. The way denizens of the part were dressed, walked, and generally carried themselves around showed the indulgences available to those with wealth and power. Other than knowing where I was, there weren't that many differences compared to a wealthier neighborhood from where I was from. We stuck out like a sore thumb in this van. It wasn't that interesting to think about otherwise, and I wasn't in the mood to do so.

Finally, Loona's voice broke through my thoughts, "So… Uhh, what are you thinking about?"

I looked over at her with a side-eyed glance and a cocked brow, "Huh?"

The Hellhound continued to watch the road while giving me a few glances here and there. She seemed uncomfortable addressing it, but she still talked, "You haven't said a word since we started driving. I thought you were just thinking about something." I let out a gruff sound in confirmation. She then asked, "Does it have to deal with why you are wanting to meet with Blitz's fuckbuddy?"

I let out a sigh before saying, "Partially, yes. But also no." I was silent for a moment while I mulled over my words. I added, "Let's just say that things at the beach a few days ago brought back some bad memories."

Loona's ears dropped a little before hesitating to ask, "I-Is it about your old girlfriend?"

I shook my head, "No. It is about my time in the army."

Loona looked over with renewed interest. She then said, "You haven't ever brought that up."

I leaned my head against the window while I continued to look outside. I then said, "That's because it is filled with shit I don't really like to talk about. I killed people, friends died, and I am the one who got to come home."

Loona shrugged it off, "People die. It doesn't matter if you are the one who pulls the trigger or swings the blade. It isn't that big of a deal."

I snapped at her, "Well it should matter!" I then paused before getting angry with myself, "I mean, it does matter!" I brushed my face, "Ugh, fuck!"

Loona remained relatively unaffected by my outburst. She waited until I had sunk back into my seat before she spoke, "Now that you let out a little steam, did you want to get it off your chest now? What is bothering you so much about what happened at the beach just now?"

I folded my arms in defiance like a small toddler. I continued to avert eye contact with the Hellhound to my side. She let out an aggravated sigh, "Look, I am kind of new to this whole 'friend' thing. I am doing my best, so you don't need to be fucking dick." My gaze softened a little at her words. She then said, "Look, I want to make you feel better, and I can only do that if you talk about it. Plus, we still have a lot of time before we even get to that bird's place. These streets are a fucking mess."

I pondered her words for a second before letting out a sigh. I then nodded, "Alright, fine. I guess I can tell you about my nightmares. I doubt you can say anything to make me feel better, but let's try anyways."

Loona continued to drive along while I thought about how to start. I then said, "I guess I should give some important details first. I was deployed a couple of times as a combat medic. Basically, my job was to keep someone who was injured from dying. My nightmare is a memory of my time overseas, far from home. I can still remember the sweltering heat now…"

---

A few years ago…

"Hey Jamison, will you keep that fucking shit music down?! I get that the local terrorists are quite fond of it, but I am not. We are trying to have a game here."

My eyes looked up from the book I was reading at the three dickheads in a circle trying to play a poorly executed game of poker. Each of them would throw a fuss and try to change the rules if things weren't going their way. Right now, it seemed like one of the newer members of our little group was the one throwing a fuss, and he was also the one yelling to have the music turned down. If I remember correctly, his last name was Lewis, I think... I don't really remember. I try to stay away from him. All I know is that he was a bigger, meaner motherfucker.

Jamison didn't feel like creating a problem, so he turned down the music to the point of it barely being audible. He then seemed to be a little disheartened after doing so, though. I put down my book a little bit and came into eye contact with the slightly younger man. I motioned him over, and he proceeded to move over quietly.

I spoke to him with a light amount of kindness, "You could have told him to just fuck off, you know. He isn't your leader, and he barely outranks you."

Jamison waved me off while speaking in an unsure voice, "It's alright… There wasn't anything worth listening to."

I noticed that my hands are shaking, so I peeled through my vest until I came upon my pack of smokes. I pulled one out and offered it to him, and Jamison shook his head and rejected it. I then placed it into my mouth before lighting it off, taking a deep breath, and releasing a cloud of smoke. My hand steadied themselves after that. After my first moments in combat, and my first moments of trying to stop the bleeding of a friendly, I needed something to stop the anxiety and panic. Cigarettes were just a convenient thing to use to unwind. I don't know another medic who doesn't smoke.

I then let out a sigh before putting my book away, "You don't need to be pushed around by these guys. At some point, you are going to need to stick up for yourself. Even if you get a punch in the gut, you will be happy that you did."

After a long pause, Jamison adjusted the helmet on his head. He said, "It just doesn't seem worth it for something so pointless."

I chuckled, "I guess I get that, but you have to start somewhere. I am just trying to look out for you."

Before the guy next to me could respond, one of the other guys playing cards let out a loud exhale, "When are we going to leave this place?! I hate sitting at a checkpoint for no fucking reason. I am getting bored out of my mind."

It was hard not to agree with him. Our Group of sixty or so guys had been split into multiple groups and we were waiting around in a little cocoon of sandbags beside our MRAP for no apparent reason. These guys were just lucky to have a medic on site. Still, it was hard not to get extremely bored, especially when the sun was high in the sky and sweat beading down my face, neck, and back. It wasn't fun, but it was also not meant to be.

I was about to respond, but the sound of an engine at a high rpm could be heard breaking me of my concentration. My eyes went wide, and I could feel the hair on my arms stand on end. I turned around to see a jeep speeding down the road with no regard for the checkpoint. I flicked the cigarette out of my hand as I got ready.

Everyone in our group jumped into action with their weapons at the ready. Someone with authority yelled out, "Give a warning shot!"

The gunner on the MRAP fired a few times in front of the vehicle, but that didn't stop the driver from going full throttle. The same guy from before yelled out once more, "Take him out!"

Our group began to light the vehicle up in gunfire. My standard rifle bounced a few times as I shot at the same vehicle. It didn't take that long before I saw the red spray and vapor coming from the driver. However, there was no stopping the vehicle as it cascaded to our position. Even with flat tires, it rolled started rolling to the side where it collided with a concrete barrier.

After a few seconds, it seemed like that was it. My heartbeat was coming down as I relaxed a little. Off to the side, one of the guys said, "God damn! I swear you could hear my asshole getting sucked into my body!" Before anyone could respond, a loud explosion threw up a tone of dust and debris.

BOOM!

My helmet was thrown off and I could hear nothing but ringing. My eyes blinked a few times to try and regain my senses. Out of my foggy vision, I saw the gunner on the MRAP firing down the street at something I couldn't quite hear. It wasn't until I saw a few fragments from the plates on the vehicle followed by the gunner's head flexed backward with a good chunk of brain matter and blood did I understand that we were being shot at.

I managed to crawl into the cover of some sandbags before I began to analyze what we were dealing with. The muzzle flashes were coming from multiple buildings in rapid succession while the enemy did its best to get rid of us. Some of our men were doing their best to provide some suppressing fire so that we could organize.

Before I could look anymore, I felt a light hand touch my thigh. My head shot around to look at what was touching me, and I felt the air leave my lungs. Beside me, bleeding from his neck and face, was Jamison. He tried to speak, but it sounded more like air leaving his lungs. I could barely make it out, "Help…"

My body was taken over by automatic movements as there was no time to gawk and think. I managed to grab him by the vest and pulled him into a more appropriate covering. While doing so, I could see some of the other soldiers look over and increase their fire on enemy positions. Still, that didn't stop a few shots from kicking up some dust near me.

When I got him to cover, I immediately began to sort through my items trying to find the things I needed to stop the bleeding and bring comfort to Jamison. I managed to pull out a morphine syrette and stick the bleeding-out soldier so that he could relax a little from the pain. I threw it away before digging for trauma bandages. Keeping a calm demeanor was difficult, but I tried my best. With a wavy voice, I said, "You are going to be okay. Keep your eyes on me."

I looked around to see another medic pinned by fire. His eyes connected with mine and I motioned with vigor for him to come to my position. He seemed to hesitate for a moment before he practically tripped and crawled over to me. He looked down in slight horror as I did my best to keep Jamison's blood from gushing from his wound. My hands were already stained red.

I caught the medic still looking down in shock. I managed to whistle to catch his wide-eyed gaze. I spoke authoritatively, "You can gawk later. I need you to get out whatever hemostatic agent you have. We need to stop this bleeding."

The other guy seemed to go through his equipment profusely and erratically until he managed to fumble out a small granule pack. I did my best to keep pressure on the wound, and even try and create a clear vision of the wound for the pack to work.

The other medic asked, "Shouldn't we administer a saline IV bag?"

I shook my head, "No, not for bleeding like this. Now hurry up with that pack so we can slow down this bleeding."

The medic nodded while I managed to get a look around. Some of the insurgents began to flee from what cover they had seeing as a lot of them had already perished. That didn't stop some of our guys from lighting them up without mercy. Additionally, the sound of chopper support began to drown out the noise of gunfire to relieve us of our combat situation.

I then managed to catch a glimpse of Lewis and another guy he was playing cards with an earlier run across the street before kicking in one of the doors of a house. Immediately, a massive amount of gunfire began to spill out from the house. Seeing as there were no insurgents that came from or went to that area, I felt a sense of dread.

I looked down to see Jamison's pale face and lingering eyes trying to keep awake. The other medic had already applied the hemostatic agent and was already dealing with Jamison's bleeding as well as he could. Seeing that my hands at the moment were slathered in blood, I pulled them away before grabbing my rifle and standing on my feet.

I told the medic, "Don't administer any more Morphine. He has already had one injection, and I think that was risky considering his condition. Keep tending to him until you are relieved by a medivac. I am going to see if there is anyone else needing medical attention."

That last part was somewhat of a lie as I was more concerned about what the two fucking idiots were doing in the wrong direction. I looked out to see if there was any more gunfire coming before sprinting to the house that Lewis entered earlier. I made it through the door with my rifle raised and my eyes looking around alertly.

A voice to my side warned me, "You can drop the weapon. We got them all."

I swept my weapon to the side to look at him before dropping it instantly. Behind me showed what all the shooting was about. My eyes looked on in horror at the five dead bodies lying on the ground. Sure, there were a couple of guns in the mix, but they were neatly resting against the wall. There was only one of them that had a weapon in their possession, and it was a young boy.

From the blood I had seen earlier when attending Jamison to what I was looking at now, it felt like I should have felt sadness or at least some anger. Instead, I just felt… nothing. This was my second time being deployed here, and I was nearing the end of my time there. So, this wasn't the first time that I had seen someone here dead at such a young age. Still, someone that age should be playing with friends outside without worry, not finding themselves in a war.

I swallowed while shaking myself out of my thoughts before asking, "Did you give them the choice to lay down their arms?"

Lewis scoffed before nodding, "Of course we did. That didn't stop this little rat bastard from trying to pull a quick one on us."

I glared, "Did you really, or are you just bullshitting me?"

Lewis snarked back, "Relax, Kyle. Why does it matter anyway?"

The other soldier grabbed me by the shoulder before saying, "Yeah, they went exactly where they belong. Relax there, pal."

I shook off his grasp on my shoulder before turning to look him in the eye. I grabbed his vest pulling him in, "I am not your fucking 'pal'. Don't fucking mistake that because we are on the same side that I am your 'pal'."

The guy's face twisted into anger as he looked like he was going to do something. Instead, a shot rang out which caused me to jump a little. I looked over to see the kid wasn't exactly dead. That, and he was holding his weapon out with a bit of smoke coming from the barrel.

His eyes connected with mine for a second in stillness. I then pulled my weapon into my hands and flipped it over to aim at the kid right as he moved to aim at me. I released three shots in quick succession into the kid's stomach, chest, and finally one between his eyes. His rifle smacked the ground between his legs as the pings of my ejected rifle casings filled my ears.

I was still for a moment. My heart was beating as fast as it had earlier when the quick attack commenced. I was trying to process what had just happened, and what I had just done. However, I wasn't destined to dwell on it for very long.

"Agh! That little shit got me!" I looked over to see Lewis ripping open his vest to show blood seeping from his stomach. He screamed out while wielding his pistol, "That fucker knew how to play dead!"

He aimed it at the fresh corpse before shooting at it in anger. His aim was complete shit, and I walked over to him and twisted the gun from his grip. I threw I to the side before fumbling through my bag. I wasn't even phased by his outburst, or even that he was shooting at the corpse of a mere kid. I was completely numbed by the situation. Too many circumstances were like this one. Same shit, different day.

I sternly told him, "Stop your fucking squirming before I knock you the fuck out." I turned over and looked at the other soldier standing still behind me. His face was drained of color as he stood there looking at his buddy. I got his attention before demanding, "Either get over here and help me or get someone more useful!"

Instead of doing the obvious, the guy ran out of the room to get someone else. I shook my head with anger before looking back at the frightened Lewis. I exposed his wound letting out a sigh of relief at it being a mere graze. Still, it needed addressing.

I spoke calmly the only sound I could hear is my heartbeat, "You are going to be alright." My hand continued to shake. I knew that I was going to need a long smoke break after this one. Still, I had a job to do.

---

The Present…

My gaze focused on my hands. I looked down at them as if I could still feel and see the blood staining them from that day. Loona had remained silent the entire time focusing on my words and her driving. I could almost swear she had gone around the same block a few times to extend the time for my story. She didn't want to interrupt me, either.

I let in a sharp breath before continuing with a faux amused voice, "Days like that one from my nightmares always seemed like a giant insult to me. I somehow managed to escape countless moments of death to carry on my torment. I thought that going to war was going to put me out of my misery someday. I decided that if I was planning on dying over there, I might as well try and save a couple of lives while I was at it. I think it was maybe somewhere within my first deployment where I let that thought go and I tried to save those that I could, and maybe I could be redeemed somehow. Too bad it didn't always end up being that way."

Loona's ears flattened while my voice became quiet. She hesitated for a moment before asking, "What happened to those two that you tried to save?"

I looked over before a completely neutral look overcame me, "I managed to almost stop Lewis's bleeding right there. He was shaken up by the experience, and he would end up going home a month later. As for Jamison… That was the last time I would see him alive…"

Loona started, "I'm sorry…"

I shook my head, "Don't be. I beat myself up for the longest time after it happened, but I wouldn't have changed anything about what happened except that he would have died in my arms instead of some other random medic he barely knew. He was such a nice guy who didn't deserve what happened to him. Sometimes I think he would have been better suited going to college instead of joining the army, but he came from a military family. He wanted to make them proud."

We sat in silence for a moment before Loona asked carefully, "And the bet we had with Verosika? Being a part of that brought up these memories?"

"Yes. I had been through a lot while in the army. That one story is just one of many similar details and endings. The only way I carried on was by not thinking about it, and soon I became desensitized by the horror. Being at the beach… it wasn't until it was already too late did, I realize what was happening. It may have not been my killing, but I sat around and allowed it to happen. Should I have tried to voice my concerns? Should I have let myself become a tool to be used by Verosika? Would that have made any difference?"

Loona responded, "Well, IMP is contracted by Sinners to kill. It is how we make our living. I don't know what to tell you, but that is how it is. Also, Blitz was going to kill those people no matter what with his shitty parking spot on the line. There was nothing you could have done to change that. You are kind of shit-out-of-luck to find anything else."

I let out a sigh, "I know…" I rubbed my temples in contemplation before saying, "I guess I just didn't realize how deeply rooted my scars were. Ever since I killed Wyatt to save Moxxie, I feel like my mind has unraveled in some way. I went to war since I hated myself and I wished for some sort of verdict to be brought down upon me. Since I ended up living through it, I thought that living with what happened was my penance. Now that I am involved with this, I just realize how wrong I was and how little I have changed. I thought I have changed since then, but I am still letting the same shit happen here that I did there. I know that I can't talk to anyone else, and that is why I feel stuck."

Loona tapped her hands on the steering wheel in apprehension. She was unsure what she should do here. "Well, you can talk to me." I didn't respond in any way, and she then said after a sigh, "If you are wondering whether or not you are a good person, you are. If you aren't, then what does that say about me? I know that I am a complete fucking mess." She let out a shy smile while I looked her in the eyes unsurely. She then added, "You shouldn't beat yourself up about what mess Blitz dragged the rest of us into."

"But I am," I looked evenly at her. I let out a sigh seeing that we were now just sitting out of what I supposed was Stolas's residence. I said, "I felt powerless to do anything before and at the beach just like I did in my dreams. I just want to do the right thing, but I always end up fucking up in some way or another. I realized that it doesn't matter whether the intent, someone always ends up getting hurt in the end. Now that I am in Hell, I don't think that trend will decrease."

I opened up the door practically ending the conversation right there. I wasn't looking for the opportunity to make myself feel better. Still, some relief came from telling Loona a little bit about my fucked up past. I felt a little better because of that. I looked back at her, "Uhh, thanks for listening to my story. I haven't had the chance to ever talk about it to anyone."

Loona seemed to take my appreciation with surprise before plainly stating, "Well, that is what friends are supposed to do, right?"

I allowed my worries to settle into the back of my mind. I could dwell on them later with a good bottle of whiskey or scotch. When I did that, I was able to chuckle at Loona's response, "Yeah, I guess that is true. Friends still express appreciation when the other is there for them."

I exited the car while Loona followed up by locking her car. I looked upon the walls that lined his property with an opened gate. The two of us then began to walk through and look upon the open display of wealth and power present out front of the enormous house. There was a fountain, ornate designs on the walls, and even a cobblestone driveway. If I lived here, I would have surely forgotten that this was indeed Hell. A car with various bags being hauled around by Imp servants was out front of the steps.

I let out a whistle, "Wow, I have to say that this is a lot better than my apartment. I can't even fathom how someone like Blitz even got close enough to Stolas to wow him."

Loona rolled her eyes, "The less I think about that, the better. Come on. I am sure that the big bird himself is waiting for you."

We both walked up to the door without any issue from the Imps loading the vehicle. I then rang the doorbell and waited patiently for someone to answer. A few seconds later, an older Imp dressed like a butler opened the door with a questioning gaze. The sounds of a female screaming from inside were also emitting from indoors.

I looked down at the Imp before saying, "Uhh, I have a meeting with Stolas."

The Imp scanned me before looking over at Loona. His brow raised at the Hellhound who just growled back at his look. The butler seemed rather unphased by her and returned to looking at me. He opened the door wide for me followed by Loona to enter. He stated, "I am sure that his highness will be down here shortly." The Imp seemed to walk somewhere else.

I walked in and was more impressed with the interior. It screamed royalty from the various artworks scattered around to the very open space of the entryway. My eyes traced around until they landed on the form of a very familiar teenage owl demon, Octavia. She seemed to be brooding while waiting with earbuds in for her music. She was carrying her own backpack whilst standing around.

Octavia looked over at Loona and me and her face seemed to relax into an expression of excitement. She pulled out her earbuds and stuffed them away before she trotted over. I was surprised when I was wrapped in a friendly hug. Octavia then released quickly before she said in a bright voice for her, "I didn't expect to see you two here, Kyle and… Loona? It's been a while."

The Hellhound's ears popped up in surprise before she nodded. She nicely responded, "Yeah, that's right."

I joked, "I didn't expect that kind of response."

"Well, I owe you that for what you did for me." Octavia then took a step back before she continued, "What are you doing here? Are you meeting with my dad or something?"

I chuckled, "Yeah, I suppose you could say that… How are things going with you?"

The sounds of breaking glass and more feminine yelling could be heard. I could hear Stolas's voice interjecting here and there with a more polite and restrained voice. Octavia then pointed up toward the noise, "I guess you can say things have been like that lately. My mum is here to pick me up for the weekend. She just enjoys yelling at my dad when she comes."

I spoke with sympathy, "Oh… I am sorry to hear that."

Octavia shrugged whilst dismissively saying, "It's fine, I guess. I have gotten used to her screaming her lungs out at him."

As if on cue, two taller demons walked down the stairs. I recognized the second one as Stolas as he followed another avian demon. I have to say that she looked rather attractive in the way she took care of herself, and I meant that most politely and neutrally. However, she also looked like someone who would flaunt their wealth and power over those she viewed as below her. Her irate look seemed to be imprinted permanently on her features.

She spoke with a very prominent and temperamental British-like accent, "Come on, Octavia. I am done being in the presence of your sorry excuse of a father." She then got a look at Loona and me. I could tell she was heavily judging the two of us. She asked accusatorily, "Who are you? What are you doing here?"

Stolas interjected, "Stella, they are invited guests of mine. I ask that you leave them out of our personal dispute." I could tell from Stolas's face that he had a long morning already. I could tell that it had something to do with what I presumed was his wife, ex-wife, or whatever she was before me.

Stella looked angrily at Stolas, "Of course, you would allow this hound dressed like a tramp within our home, Stolas!" She seemed to emphasize the end of his name to strike a little more insult.

Loona growled while wanting to step forward threateningly, but I managed to put a hand on her shoulder. I was wishing to not escalate, and Loona blinked for a moment to realize that she was going to attack royalty. I looked at her with a great degree of sympathy before saying, "Don't."

Loona's ears fell before she stood by my side. Stella commented back as if she had been insulted by Loona's advance, "Listen to your master, mutt."

I glared harshly at the avian while Loona balled up her hands into fists. Stella disregarded me before she continued by looking at Stolas, "You never did act like the prince that you are. That is what makes you the pathetic embarrassment that you are! You treat these creatures like they are like one of us, but they aren't! You even had the audacity to fuck one of them!"

It didn't entirely seem like it, but I could tell that Stella looked somewhat down at me even if I seemed to be at the same social level as her. Well, I guess I am not as showily dressed as many of the royals and upper-class people around here. This disguise had me sort of dressed like I ran a nightclub in a big city. Also, I do suppose Stella was the type of person that would view themselves as above anyone else.

Stolas let out a tired sigh before saying, "Is that it, then? You have spent the last hour just screaming in my ear when that time could have been more appropriately spent with our daughter."

I looked over to see Octavia listening to her music once again trying to drown out the noise. I didn't blame her at all. It was difficult to watch this, and I didn't need to be here, to begin with. Even Loona distracted herself by scrolling through her phone. I just stood by passively not wanting to stir up trouble for myself. The best option was to lay low.

Stella looked like she wanted to explode before she restrained herself. There was a bit of tension that clung to the air. She then looked at him with concealed emotions and a snobbish attitude, "Fine. I have wasted more than enough of my time with the likes of you. Come on, Octavia."

Octavia followed her mother before she turned around briefly with an apologetic look and waved shyly. I followed with a small wave while Loona nodded at her. Then, the front door to the house closed with an echo. It felt like the space could breathe again once the tension disappeared.

I let out a chuckle, "Well, that was something." Loona nodded next to me without saying a word.

Stolas let out a sigh that seemed to rejuvenate him a little, "Apologies for that bit of theater. I didn't expect Stella to still be here when you arrived. Now, let's head up to my private study so that we may discuss matters."

The three of us moved through the mansion. I held some interest in the various designs and things within the walls of this place. Loona seemed less interested in everything. Suddenly, I was brought out of my thoughts by Stolas, "Might I ask why you brought Blitzy's hound along with you?"

I looked over to Loona to see that she disregarded the title of 'Blitzy's hound' as she looked at her phone while following. I responded, "Well, she was generous enough to drive me here, and I am happy to have her with me."

Loona's eyes looked up at me with a small smile of appreciation on her lips. Stolas seemed to ask awkwardly, "So… How is he doing? Has he talked about me at all?"

I cocked my brow in confusion before catching on to whom he was asking. I then said, "Uhh, well, he is fine, I guess." I rubbed my neck awkwardly knowing that Blitzo hadn't talked about Stolas other than in a negatively dismissive tone. I told a half-truth, "He doesn't talk about his personal life to me all that much, so I wouldn't know."

The owl demon seemed dejected by that news, "Ahh, I see…"

We entered a rather large room filled with many books and glowing items on a desk. It was all fascinating and a bit to take in, but Stolas seemed to regain his composure. He asked, "Now, what is it that you wanted to meet with me about? I assume that it might have something to do with that little mark that my grimoire has bestowed upon you. Hmm?"

Stolas walked to the other end of his desk and collected the papers in front of him. I walked slowly up as I tried to think about what I should say. I then said, "Well, I have been having this reoccurring dream of the same thing. It is of some cave, and I always end up falling into it. I don't know where it goes or what is in it. I just know that I always end up in it. Part of me feels that these dreams are connected to this mark and that I am dreaming of a real place."

While he was quietly thinking, Stolas stopped moving with a quizzical expression. I stood there awkwardly looking at the demon waiting for his response. Loona was in the background not caring to get involved in the discussion.

I started again, "I want to know if you have learned anything about what happened to me. I was hesitant to come to you with this, and I hope that I am not wasting your time with this."

Stolas looked back at me before waving me off, "No, I think you did the right thing to bring this to my attention. I even dare say that this is an interesting change." He then walked over to the bookshelf and looked for something specific. He added, "I haven't learned anything useful about what happened, but if what you are sharing with me is true, then it might be the key to understanding this whole thing."

I said, "Okay, but I don't know what else I can share with you to help."

Stolas turned his head around before smirking, "Ahh, I forgot that you humans haven't been around magic for centuries. You don't need to share anything other than that mark on your wrist while you focus on the place in your dream. I will provide everything else that we need. Hmm? Sound good?"

I scratched my neck before saying, "I guess…"

It didn't take that much longer before Stolas pulled out a book from her shelf and opened it up. He began to scan the pages looking for the passages that he needed while he walked up to me. He finally stopped on a few pages. He read them for a moment before smirking.

He then looked at me before motioning to my arm, "If you would be so kind."

I pulled up my sleeve showing my mark to Stolas. The avian let go of his book, and it began to float right where he let it go. I wasn't able to gawk at this for long before he followed up by saying, "Now, just focus on that place you were telling me about. It is crucial that you don't diverge in thought for this to work."

Loona walked over and stood beside me as she watched what Stolas was doing. I closed my eyes and began to focus on the place from my dreams. It was dark, and I thought up whatever details I could. The rock looked as if it had been artificially carved into, and the stone was nearly as dark as obsidian. It was hard to imagine all of this despite me seeing it many times.

My mind was so completely focused that I didn't even feel Stolas trace parts of the mark on my wrist. He looked over at his book to make sure he was following the protocol to the point. This caused me to dive deeper into my focus as I didn't want to find out what the consequences would be if I didn't.

Suddenly, I began to feel a bit of change radiating from my arm. It began to feel numb without an explanation as to why. While I continued to focus, I said, "What is going on…"

Stolas hushed me, "Continue to focus, Kyle, and allow me to do my part."

After a few more seconds, Stolas's fingers departed from my skin. The numbness was finally replaced with stinging, and then pain. My eyes shot open as I looked at the marking on my wrist. It began to glow a dark red followed by it expanding further up my arm. Below the marking that was a copy of the marking on Stolas's Grimoire was a pentagram with a goat's head in the center of it.

I seethed out in pain, "What the fuck is this?!"

Loona and Stolas looked on in shock before the owl demon said, "I-I don't understand. I followed the guidelines to the letter."

I couldn't even respond before a portal opened below the three of us. From there, we began to descend for a second into a dark void. I couldn't even see where the ground was before I impacted it hard. The wind was partially knocked out of my lungs, and I am almost sure that the other two were in similar situations. My disguise disappeared to reveal my true self. Then the light from Stolas's office disappeared once the portal closed.

I let out an exacerbated sigh of pain, "Why does this fucking mark keep leading to portals for me to stumble through."

I tried to look around, but I couldn't even make anything out. I slowly got to my feet and walked forward only for me to bump into something soft and fluffy. I was going to question whom it was until familiar glowing red eyes connected with mine followed by Loona's voice, "Hey. Watch where you are going."

I chuckled, "I would, but I can't exactly see here."

My comment was followed by the glow of a purple flame from Stolas. He proceeded to rub his head in pain before saying, "That was completely unexpected. Now, where are we?"

I looked around before my eyes went wide. I stated, "This is the place from my vision. How did you know where to bring us?"

Stolas looked on with amazement. He remarked to himself, "Curious…" He then gazed back at me before saying, "How should I know? I didn't even try and open a portal. I just put some power into that marking on your wrist. I didn't expect this."

I looked down before letting out an angry grunt. I showed him my forearm, "Well, it looks like you took up some more real estate on my arm. To think I was going to get something else there…" I chuckled to myself.

Stolas analyzed my arm before his eyes looked at it with interest before they became very wide. He remarked, "That marking… It is very familiar, and it is very old." Stolas then began to look around the cave with careful eyes. He said, "Whatever happened to us isn't because I made an error. Someone wanted you here, someone powerful."

Why would someone want me here? What purpose could I serve to whoever wanted me here? I doubt I would get my answer unless we move through the cave. Then again, I was unsure whether I wanted to find out. So, I inquired, "Is there anything you can do? Can you get us out of here?"

Stolas stood silently for a moment before looking over apologetically, "Sadly, no. It appears that I am powerless to teleport us out of this place. Whoever pulled us here is also preventing us from leaving. It seems likely that we need to go further into this place."

I looked over to the Hellhound, "Loona? What about you?" I noticed she was no longer on her phone. I guessed that there was no service down here.

Loona's ear raised for a second before she shrugged and stated, "It isn't like we get much of a choice here. Let's just get this over with."

Stolas led the way for Loona and me as he held up a glowing ball of fire. It would only light up about ten or so meters ahead of us before darkness overwhelmed the light. So, I made sure not to wander too much away. The passages didn't seem all that interesting to me, anyway.

Stolas had to crouch due to the short height of the cave ceiling while we made our way through the space. He didn't seem entirely bothered by it. Loona and I were happy enough to not have to duck through the space. Well, she at least didn't make any comment about it. None of us were up for deep conversation as we walked.

Then, it seemed like the space completely opened up. I could almost guess that we had entered a large atrium-sized room within the cave. It was kind of hard to tell based on what little light we had. Still, a deep concern grew within my gut. Why did the space open up so much? What were we coming up to?

Loona and I fanned out from Stolas a little. The tall demon said to us, "Be on guard. I am a bit unnerved by the place."

The two of us nodded at him before we walked around carefully. I saw a large stone brazier, and I almost let out a chuckle. Was this cave a place from the movies? Were we about to come upon a long-lost treasure or something like that?

Silencing my internal commentary, I motioned Stolas over, "I think we can light this up. It might help us see the room better."

The owl demon walked over and lit up the brazier creating a steady flame for us to see some of the room. It initially went from the blueish-purple that Stolas created to a more natural orange and yellow. There wasn't much more of the room that we could see except for maybe a few pillars holding up the ceiling of rock.

Immediately, a chain reaction started where other similar braziers lit up in unison showing how large the space truly was. There were perhaps at least another six-to-ten other pillars towering up while the polished look of the rocks reflected the light. Also, the only entryway was in the direction that we came from. Everywhere else was just rock walls. Just what was all of this for? More importantly, who made all of this?

I looked over at the other two. Stolas seemed to be in awe of the space while he looked at the various images and designs carved into the stone. Loona, on the other hand, had her hair stand on end when everything lit up. Her wide eyes connected with mine while I laughed a little at her, "I can see that you got a little scare there."

She let out an embarrassed growl while folding her arms, "This place doesn't feel right. I just feel like there is supposed to be something here."

I nodded, "Hard not to agree there. We were brought here for a reason. I know I won't like the reason why."

As I said that, a small round section of the floor in the center of the room opened. It was almost as if this place was listening to me speak. Stolas's head turned a full 180 degrees to look at what was happening while Loona growled while ready. I also prepared myself for whatever was happening.

Slowly, a similar portion of the floor rose, but something was now on the piece of rising floor. It appeared to be a sheathed longsword on a vertical display. It felt like it was glowing some sort of white energy when it came into view. The floor stopped moving, and no sound was made by any of us. I was expecting a lot of things, but nothing like this.

Loona slowly walked up to it before her pupils constricted and she snarled at the weapon. Stolas also got a good look at it before his feathers stood on end. Loona growled out, "Is that-"

Stolas cut her off with his own displeased inflection, "Indeed it is. It is something more than just a blade that is blessed. That weapon is radiating angelic energy. It would be excruciating if either you or I tried to wield something like that. However, our little human would be perfect to pick it up."

Loona and I spoke at the same time, "No fucking way!"

The two of us looked at one another in surprise. I cocked my brow at her in a questioning look for her to explain. She then said, "We don't know what that thing can do if he picks it up. He… He could explode for all we know!"

Stolas was already smiling back with a response already thought up. He pointed to my markings, "I would say that something has already been preparing him to take on that kind of power. I may have not said this before, but I have noticed that the marking feels like a void wanting to be filled. That second mark is not only the same design as the one on the weapon, but it only deepened that empty feeling I get from him. It is craving a power to fill it."

I looked over to see that Stolas was indeed correct. The weapon had the same goat and pentagram on the crossguard of the weapon. I could see a faint glow coming from the eyes and pentagram. I looked down to see that the second marking on me was also glowing a similar amount. Stolas was right about it, and I could feel it calling for the weapon.

Stolas continued, "So, whomever our host is has been preparing Kyle here to take it. Normally I would be against even messing with angelic weaponry, but I am making an exception for this human."

I muttered, "But why? The person, or thing, behind that weapon could very well be evil."

Stolas cocked a brow at me before sharing, "I haven't stopped thinking about what you did for me back at Loo Loo Land with my Via. Against my better judgment, I unknowingly spent the entire time making that girl's life harder just so I could feel better about my predicament. I wasn't sure I had the words to repair what I had done, but you jumped in and help us both without a second thought. You even entrusted her with your human form, which I would have advised against. That is more than any demon would have done."

I looked down in thought as I silently contemplated what he was saying. I didn't think I was needed for them to work it out, and I still don't. I just happened to be there, and so I did something. It wasn't a big deal for me, but hearing what it meant from both him and Octavia… I couldn't help but feel different about it. It made me feel good from where I was unsure before.

Stolas added, "I may not know what was pulling the strings here, so to speak, and why they chose you. Still, I trust you with whatever power comes with that sword." Stolas then undercut his message, "I can't force the decision onto you, but I don't believe there is another way for us to get out of here."

I clenched my fist a little as I silently thought to myself. Loona tried to not show it, but I could tell she was worried about me. I was worried, too. I was tired of dealing with powers that I couldn't even comprehend months ago when I was living my simple life. Now, I was bound to Hell with some sort of purpose because something wanted me here. All of this because I opened that damn book.

I responded with a pain-filled voice, "But why me? How and why did your book do this?"

Stolas sighed, "I don't think what has happened to you had made me question these things about my grimoire more than anything else since I have been given my duties. I don't know why you were singled out, and maybe it just had to deal with being in the wrong place at the wrong time. As for how my grimoire did it, I am going to have to investigate it more. I suspect that it and our host here are connected in one way or another."

I rubbed my face in irritation. I was placed in a position that I didn't want to be in. I wanted to resist it, but there didn't seem to be another way of going forward. If we were going to get out of here, it was probably through the blade in front of me. How? I don't fucking know. All of this magic bullshit made no sense to me, and this was probably just another one of those things.

I began to walk up toward the longsword. Behind me, Loona spoke, "What are you doing, Kyle?! You don't know what that thing will do to you!"

I shook my head, "No, I don't, but I don't think staying here is an option either."

She growled out, "We can think of something else! Maybe this bird here didn't try hard enough to get us out of here."

Stolas glared over at Loona. He responded poshly, "I am going to let that little comment slide since you are my Blitzy's little hound. Other than that, know that I am fully in control of my powers, thank you very much. If that sword is our only way out, then Kyle must try."

I nodded in agreement, even though it was a little more unsurely. I said, "He's right. This place looks like it was intended to only give one option. Blocking Stolas's powers, which only confuses me more about all of this, further proves that point. Whoever made it knew what they are doing."

Loona then pointed out, "That is just another reason not to take it!"

I sighed, "Well, I am still going to try and get us out of here." I then mumbled to myself, "Plus, maybe it being angelically-charged means it is from an angel. That is usually good, right?"

I slowly walked up to the sword that was held in a sheath only near the crossguard. I was able to get a good look at it to see the gleaming-white blade that almost seemed to glow. The metal almost looked unbreakable and carefully crafted. There were small designs carefully etched into the surface of the blade. On the other hand, the handle and crossguard were much darker. The eyes of the goat and small pentagram seemed to glow brighter the closer I got.

Then, I was only a short arms-reach away from the sword while I stood there for one more second to reconsider. The moment was spent, and I reach out for the hilt of the weapon. When I finally grabbed it, the glowing of the blade seemed to travel to the second mark on my wrist. The glowing symbols on the crossguard seemed to disappear as well.

At that moment, I felt a surge of energy like I hadn't ever felt before in my life. I felt physically stronger than I had ever felt before, and the weight of the weapon seemed to disappear entirely. It felt like it had become a part of me the more I looked at it. The surge of energy only seemed to increase within me to the point of it becoming unbearable. Then, it seemed to cease. I heard a break and looked down to see the ring that gave me my disguise had cracks in the gem. It still had the same color showing it still had power. Well, hopefully, it did.

Suddenly, a portal erupted from the air right across from me. I covered my eyes for a second at the bright light only to look back at it. It was the familiar sight of Stolas's office. I sigh of relief left me. I was happy that I was paid off with the risk.

I turned around to look at Stolas and Loona. I started to speak, "Well, it looks like-"

My voice cut off when I saw a robed figure behind the two. I couldn't see much, but I could see the large, ashen wings that it seemed to have. My heart started to beat heavily as I gulped. I blinked, and the figure had disappeared completely.

Neither of them seemed to be bothered by what just happened. Stolas just smiled as he quickly stepped past me. He spoke, "Great! Well, that was quite the little adventure we had. Hopefully, nothing like that happens again."

I nodded as I slowly followed behind him. Loona caught up with me with a cautious eye on the sword in my grasp. Her eyes then looked at my face, which had a slight look of confusion present on it. She asked, "Is everything good with you?"

I looked over, and tried to dismiss her concern, "Huh? Oh, yeah! I guess I am just tired after all of this."

She brushed the hair out of her face, "I know what you mean. What a fucking mess."

"Yeah…"

Right as we were at the portal, Loona then asked somewhat nervously, "So… After going through all of that, did you want to maybe go to a coffee shop with me? I doubt Blitz will be happy with me being away from my desk, so we might as well enjoy the rest of the workday before getting screamed at."

I smiled, "Yeah, that sounds great."

Loona returned a smile that made me feel warm. She jumped through the portal leaving only me to follow. I turned around once more to just see the darkness of the room. There wasn't any indication that anyone other than them was even there. So perhaps that figure was just a trick of the light? Doubtful. I knew what I saw, and I am willing to say that they were responsible for this whole debacle.

"Are you coming, or are you planning on living your life in that cave?" I looked back at the female Hellhound who smirked at me.

I let out an amused sigh before stepping through the portal with it closing behind me. I said, "I don't know. I think I might miss that place."

Loona rolled her eyes, "I doubt that. That place would make for a shitty home."

"Yeah, I guess you are right." I followed Loona as we made our way out of Stolas's office. My mind was elsewhere, though. Instead of thinking about the coffee I was going to have with my friend, I was instead focused on the can of worms I undoubtedly opened today. I know things are going to be different now, the question was just how different.

---

That is all I have to offer. I hope this answered some of your questions/concerns. I also hope that you are excited for more that is to come. And while Kyle may gain more power, do not worry about him becoming a Gary Stu (as someone literally reviewing is concerned about XD). I am also very against that kind of character, and I try to draw realism to them. There are always ways that a character has conflict, and he will come to know that. The cracks are already there.

I implore those who have kept up with this story and have enjoyed it to please follow, favorite, and/or review it. It makes me happy to see this story grow, and I am more excited to get chapters out quicker. Still, I can't force anyone to actually do any of those. If you just enjoy reading it, and am happy then, too.

Credit to StingyWingy for helping me come up with the plot of this chapter. I recommend giving the fic he co-writes a read: Star Trek Redemption Part 1: To Boldly Go

Now, if anyone is interested, I am going to leave the discord channel code available to any of you. I usually ask for small details, and some ideas are discussed with others on what I should do with the story. You can even just chat with others in it. I don't really fucking care, it is available to you below if you want in.

VVVVVVVV

Jf7jWzKU9V

That is all I have to give!

Until Next Time,

Forsvaret-Komandir