Hello all once again for another chapter of No Way Back! Sorry for the supposed delay. The chapter was longer than I initially anticipated, I was dealing with other side parts pertaining to this story, and I was also extremely busy this week. I guess it has left me a little drained, and that usually results in slower progress. I also don't have the energy to really do a proper intro, so I will skip the heavy details.

Thank you for the increased support! That is all I will say about it. I appreciate it, and I enjoy the feedback through the different means (favorite, follow, review, etc.)

Now, for the usual guest reviews relating to last chapter. It seems like the balance has shifted toward named accounts now. No matter, review time:

ReadingBeta (Guest): Does this mean he n Loona can get back to fucking each other now? Update soon.

Response: Well, they fixed shit, but they aren't going straight back into coitus. I understand that there are those in the audience that wish to jump to the next lemon. Trust me, it will come in the future. It is just completely meaningless without any character development and buildup. So, patience please!

Guest #1: I'm happy things have worked out well between kyle and loona. I can't wait for the next chapter and what you have planned for it

Response: Yep, they are going well for now. Next chapter is here, and you have managed to wait for it. XD I am happy to see your enthusiasm, though. It means a lot.

Guest #2: Alright, seems to me that we're heading into either the Harvest Moon Festival or a wholly original chapter! I'm really enjoying the story!

P.S: By the way, I've never actually seen the C.H.E.R.U.B episode or the Harvest Moon Festival episode, so I am looking forward to your take on the latter! Loved this interpretation of this episode!

P.P.S: If you do take own the original chapter first, I'm looking forward to it either way. On the flipside, if you go for the Harvest Moon Festival first, I am sincerely hoping that Kyle brings Striker down a couple of notches! I know he escapes in the show, but Kyle giving him scars to remember him by will be enough for me.

Response: We are not even close to the Harvest Moon Festival. This is going to be, by far, the longest gap between episodes that I will be covering up to this point. There are a lot of things I am wanting to cover in this space, and it will become a little more clear after you read this chapter. I understand that there is anticipation for Striker, Millie's fam, and the event overall. Just rest assured that I have already planned some things up to that point and I am equally as eager to get to that point.

Funny that you haven't seen either episode of C.H.E.R.U.B. or HMF. I believe that I could have done better to separate my writing from the C.H.E.R.U.B. episode, and I have learned my lesson on doing so. I am still glad to hear that it was enjoyable to you.

Once again, new content entirely. As for Kyle vs Striker, I don't have comments on it. That would ruin the surprise whenever I come around to it. ;)

Dust (Guest): So Kyle x Loona, human and Hellhound. Okay then. *pushes the Topic away*

Glad Collin okay, he's very fluffy for a sheep.

In the meantime when will we get to see Striker, that Cool assassin.

Response: Uhh, sure. Loona x Kyle. That is hardly the weirdest development that I have ever witness, and that is including in popular media. XD Either way, feel free to ignore it if you please.

Yep, and Collin will be included in the story down the line. He has his own path laid out before him. As for Striker, I will refer you up to the comment above. It is going to be in a while.

Moxxido (Guest): When does the main villain get introduce since Kyle and Loona have completed the second part of their chapter.

*has the grimore and sneaks out the door with it*

Response: There will be multiple main villains, and one of them will be introduced pretty soon. As for taking the grimoire, you or the villain? I assure you, the villain won't need it.

Tyler045 (Guest): Great chapter nice work

Response: Glad you enjoyed it, and thank you for the review!

...

That's it for reviews. Now, onto the chapter!

(I HAVE MADE AN EDIT SINCE LAST NIGHT (early hours of 04/08/2023)! FEEL FREE TO CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IN CONVERSATION BETWEEN LOONA AND THE OC AT NEAR THE END OF THE CHAPTER)

Chapter 11: Preparing for Threats

Once again, I was on my back. The asphalt was hardly the most comfortable surface to land on, but it wasn't nearly the most painful part of my fall despite being shirtless for it. A few small bruises had already begun to form on my torso, arms, and even a few around my legs. I wasn't entirely sure how this was all supposed to help me with training with a longsword, but I wasn't in a position to argue.

While I leaned my head back in exhaustion, I was able to catch a smiling Moxxie standing next to Loona. I raised a brow before saying, "What's so funny over there, Moxxie?"

Moxxie couldn't contain his laughter anymore before he said, "I can't help but notice the irony. If I remember correctly, weren't you worried about being the one causing harm?" I groaned in response to what he said as I sat up. The Imp folded his arms with a somewhat smug look, "Yeah, that is what I thought."

Loona let out a huff of agreement, which was rare in the case for her agreeing with Moxxie, before she said, "Hate to say it, but I agree with fatso here. You did say something like that."

Moxxie looked over at her with anger, "How many times do I have to say it, I am not fat!"

Loona just shrugged at him as if it were out of her power. I looked over at the Hellhound with a bit of ire before saying, "I thought you were wanting to improve your weapon use as well. So far you have just watched me getting hurt over here. Why did you come if you were just going to watch?"

Loona's eyes became wide for a moment as she tried to come up with a good reason. Sure, she did want to learn a little more, so she didn't have to rely on her teeth and claws as much, but she knew that wasn't the reason. In her mind, Loona realized that she wanted to be closer to me. The feelings were different, and a light feeling could be felt in her stomach and chest. She didn't feel sick from it. Instead, it made her feel good.

Loona looked at me without any words coming out with a forming blush under her obscuring fur. She wasn't the one to respond to me. Instead, the familiar Southern drawl from my 'teacher' caught my attention, "I don't blame her for watching you get your butt kicked. She is learning what not to do."

I looked back to Millie standing in front of me with a broad smile on her face. I let out another groan while she continued, "Plus, I don't blame her for wanting to catch you shirtless and sweating."

Loona growled with embarrassment at this while Moxxie exclaimed, "Millie! What the fuck?!"

Millie brushed them both off, "What? I am trying to get a rise out of him. Maybe he will put in a little more effort, then."

I commented back, "It isn't going to work." I picked myself off the ground before adding, "Yeah, I guess I am a little out of practice on the whole hand-to-hand combat since I haven't, you know, done anything like this in a while. Still, I managed to get you at least once or twice."

Millie rubbed her side before smiling broadly, "Sure did. You got me good, too."

I said while in a greater state of pain, "And you hit a little above your weight… Also, this isn't exactly what I had in mind."

"Oh?" Millie seemed to think for a moment before speaking out loud, "Well, the parking lot has a bit more space than the ol' office, and I am not sure B would appreciate us making a mess in there. We could have gone to a park, but then we would have to deal with all the drug dealers and-"

I waved her off before saying, "That isn't what I meant. I thought that we would sort of build-up to the point of sparring, you know? Actually, this shouldn't even be counted as sparring. It feels like you are trying to hurt me."

Millie looked at me apologetically but seemed anything so when she spoke to me, "Sorry, sweetie, but I wasn't raised on easing into things. The moment my ma and pa could see that I walked, I was old enough to ranch and kill. That is how I became the badass killin' machine that I am today. There was no easing into it then, and there is no easing into it for you here."

I heard Moxxie whistle in agreement before I mumbled to myself, "I can't fucking believe this."

Millie then questioned me, "I am happy to help you, but I am just wondering why you would need to practice with a sword that makes you invincible. As long as you have it in your possession, nothing can hurt you. Don't think the guys and I didn't notice you shrug off those crossbow bolts and bullets like it was nothin'."

Millie's curiosity wasn't exactly a surprising one. I knew how to swing a sword well enough to cut down many different foes, and I was stronger than these Imps without it. From what I had experienced so far, I should have been ready to take down anyone that might cross me. With these expectations that came with the power, there was someone there that needed to bring me back to reality. A few nights ago, that person visited me once again in my dreams.

A few nights ago…

I once again found myself in the familiar open space that was decorated with a royal and upper-class feel. I know it was all just a front to cover up all the emptiness that existed in the void. While it was pleasing to the eyes, I wasn't concerned with acting like it was all real. I knew why I was here. I was here on business.

Like before, a voice boomed through the main room, "Finally! We get to stand face-to-face." I turned around to get a look at the large, robbed figure with the obscured face. I guess this is how I have come to know Azazel. His eyes showed happiness at having someone here again. He then added, "Well, I guess 'face-to-face' is a rather relative term, wouldn't you agree?"

I shrugged, "I guess…"

Azazel rolled his hand before a bright light flashed right above it. It then dimmed to show a floating bottle of some premier, high-quality wine and two glasses. He then asked, "Could I offer you a drink?"

I waved him off before shaking my head. I stated evenly, "No, I think I am good."

The Fallen merely raised a brow at me before he allowed one of the glasses to disappear. He then began to fill the single glass up. He began to speak his mind, "I didn't want to be a bad host. While it may not seem real to you, everything you experience here would be like if you experienced it in your respective reality. The pleasures…" Azazel smiled broadly, "and the pain all feel the same as if it were actually happening. On some level, I guess it does." He then spoke on a tangent while analyzing the glass of dark red liquid, "I have also become very impressed with humanity's ability to improve upon nature. Despite claiming to be all-knowing, I doubt my father even conceived of creating such a remarkable beverage from grapes. I guess I can-"

I cleared my throat stopping Azazel in the middle of his little speech. He didn't look irritated by my interjection. Instead, he must have realized that he was trying to engage in a little bit of small talk. I wasn't interested in any of that. He gazed at me through the side of his eye.

I spoke, "I don't mean to interrupt you, but I doubt you brought me here to discuss what fascinating things my species has done. You brought me here for a reason."

Azazel's smile broadened before he responded, "And that is why I like you, Kyle. You get right to the point. I suppose I have the flaw of wanting to have long conversations. Guess that is why Samael and Yahweh left me here all alone…" His voice trailed off for a second before he continued after a small sip of his wine. He said, "I did bring you here for a reason, so I suppose there is no reason in beating around the bush, so to speak. Have you had a chance to think over my proposal?"

My anticipation to get onto the topic wasn't because of some eagerness to get to the conversation. It was probably the opposite. I wasn't looking forward to what I was going to have to say to him or describe how it made me feel. It was dreadful that it had come to this.

I nodded before running my hand through my hair. My mouth felt dry, but the words still managed to come out, "Yeah… Umm, yeah, I thought about it."

A second or so passed before Azazel looked at me. He spoke lightly, "Well? Don't keep me waiting in anticipation. What's your choice?"

I began to slowly feel how real this place seemed when I stood before him in silence. I could feel the tension in my entire body, the sweat dripping down my head. I had already made my decision. I don't know why it was this hard to come out with it. After I swallowed hard, I managed to say, "After the things that I found out, the hold that the Sins have over Hell, I can't simply forget about it. Something needs to change."

Azazel spoke seriously, "I don't intend to just change things. The Sins need to be disposed of. Assassinated. Killed. It doesn't matter how it is said." Azazel approached me with a neutral look, "I can't do this without you. So, let me ask this: When it comes down to it, can you do what must be done?"

I thought while under the gaze of the Fallen. There was a difference between thinking that I can do this versus doing it. I had come to understand that in my service in the military. Thinking about saving someone's life and actually being there to do it seemed like night and day. When it came down to it, it takes a certain type of person to sit in a sandy ditch under gunfire as the person you bloody your hands over clings to life. The same thing goes for killing someone.

I closed my eyes before nodding, "When it comes down to it, I will do what I must. If that means I have to kill them, I will do it."

Azazel looked at me with a careful gaze before he smiled, "I suppose I will just have to see when it comes to it. For now, I will take your words as a commitment that you are on board. I understand that 'kill' can be a nasty little word to some."

I asked, "So, is that it, then?"

With a shake of his head, Azazel responded, "Not even close. There are a few things that you need to do before you are even close to confronting even one of them."

I mumbled to myself, "Of course there are…"

The Fallen continued without missing a step from my comment, "The first thing that you have to think about is which of the six you want to target."

I raised a brow, "Six? I thought there were-"

Azazel raised his voice, "Samael is mine!" I took a step back due to the volume, and he seemed to realize what he did. Azazel closed his eyes for a moment before taking cathartic inhales and exhales. He then said, "Lucifer is far too powerful for you to even think about dealing with. We also need to watch how he responds to such an attack on the power pyramid of Hell. What you don't know is that the Sins have always been clawing at an opportunity to 'deal with' my brother. So, you killing them wouldn't be the worst thing…" He spoke to himself, but loudly enough for me to hear, "I just don't know what he will do if he finds out I am involved…"

I asked, "Should I be worried about him? Will he come after me?"

"No, I doubt he would even bother with you even if he finds out about my interfering. He believes he is untouchable. It sort of goes along with the 'pride' thing." Azazel took a sip of his wine before progressing with his earlier point, "About whom to choose from first, I an idea with whom you could focus on first. She is arguably the worst of the bunch to those she watches over. The main group that she has the privilege of controlling are the Hellhounds." From this, I knew exactly who he was referring to, "I can see it in your eyes. Yes, I am talking about the Prince of the Gluttony Ring, Beelzebub."

I asked, "Why her?"

Azazel explained, "Mentally, she should be the easiest for you to deal with. Her treatment of the Hellhounds is worse than any other Prince of their respective subject. This is something that you could exploit. Act against Beelzebub, and you might see a great many of them join your side. They are amongst the groups that like you the most."

I couldn't help but respond shortly once again, "Groups that like me the most?"

A small look of amusement presented itself on Azazel's face. I could only tell from the glowing eyes and the shining teeth. He said, "Yes. I found out that you revealed yourself in the middle of a night of drinking. Despite the sword in your possession giving me a greater connection to Hell, I tend to keep my prying eyes out of your business when it doesn't concern me."

I awkwardly rubbed my neck, "Alright… Good to know."

Continuing with what he was saying, Azazel looked off into space, "Despite the little theater that you put on, groups such as the Imps and Hellhounds feel that you relate to them in one way or another. Probably by the fact that you showed toughness for the Imps, and for the Hellhounds, probably because you were in the presence of one of their kind."

I spoke out loud to myself, "I, uh, never expected to generate this kind of attention from anyone. Not even from some random bar brawl. Wait! The fight started because of some Hellhounds."

Seeing where I was coming from, Azazel brushed it off, "That hardly matters to them. Do you know how many fights happen because of a hound overstepping its boundaries? Hmm?" With a breath, Azazel then brought himself back into some other thoughts before saying, "Otherwise, I am afraid that the good news stops there. Asmodeus's subjects are rather neutral other than some rather sexually hungry thoughts. Those in the other rings don't care much, and the same goes for the Goetians. Sadly, your element of surprise has disappeared."

Having a feeling about where he was going, I responded quickly, "And that means I have caught the attention of the top of Hell, doesn't it." Azazel nodded at me. I then asked, "Which ones?"

Azazel seemed displeased by the question, but not because of me. He stated simply, "I may have some improved sight into Hell, but I cannot directly observe any of them. I have a feeling that each one of them has noticed you. And trust me, each one is planning for your demise."

This seemed like a good chance to change the topic. I folded my arms before speaking, "Alright, so let's say I focus on dealing with Beelzebub. What should I do next?"

"There are two things that you need to do. The first thing would be to gather as much information as you can on her. It won't be an easy task, so it is probably best that you start by talking to your Hellhound friend about her." Azazel waited to see me respond in some form. When I nodded, he continued, "Next, you are going to need to train with the longsword. That fiery little Imp girl that you work beside should suit well as a teacher for you."

I let out a huff, "Why did I have a feeling that you were going to say that…"

Azazel smirked, "Because you understand that you aren't trained with it. You are intelligent, and you have seen combat. You also know what the consequences are if you don't prepare well."

He didn't have to tell me. Based on what kind of vibe I got from hearing about the Princes of Hell, I knew that my demise wouldn't be pleasant. Peeling skin, removal of limbs, and probably even more brutal means of torture before I was snuffed out. Past those gruesome thoughts, I also knew that those close to me wouldn't be spared as well. The thoughts of my friends, and I guess Blitzo, being killed because of this didn't settle with me. My thoughts darkened when I thought of a specific person…

I nodded, "Yes, I do…"

"Good!" Azazel finished his glass of wine before around us that wasn't us faded into the white nothingness of this reality. He continued, "I guess this little meeting is hereby finished. You are free to go." He motioned to a door that formed out of nowhere behind me.

I nodded before I began to head to the door. I was about to touch the doorknob but stopped a few inches from it. I turned around to say something but hesitated for a moment. This didn't go unnoticed by the Fallen.

When I was about to leave without speaking my mind, his voice boomed out, "If you have something to request, please do so." When I froze for a moment with the same hesitation on my face, he raised a brow with amusement. He inserted, "I am asking a lot of you, so don't be frightened. Out with it!"

I exhaled, "I have just recently found out that someone who is… well, was very close to me is somewhere in Hell. I know that they shouldn't be in a place like that, doomed for something so small. I am determined to find them. I was just wondering if you had any way of helping me narrow down my search."

I caught a hint of surprise in his eyes before he said, "Ahh! That is quite the request. Someone close, huh? Tell me, what exactly do you suppose they did to end up condemned?"

I rubbed the back of my head, "Uhh, well, she and I were 'together'."

Azazel nodded, "Fornication. Yep, that will do it alright. Heaven did set their standards high enough to the point where a single misstep from a sorry soul will sentence them to the rest of their days down below, or so to speak in your case. I guess that might be one of the reasons for you taking up my offer."

I folded my arms, "You could say that."

The Fallen continued, "The best chance of you finding this girl would be to search in Pentagram City. She won't exactly look the same. You see, Sinners tend to embody their sin and, in some cases, their method of death. I can see what I can do here, but my connection to Hell isn't strong enough yet to locate a single soul out of the billions."

A bit of anguish settled over me knowing that the search was far from over. Still, I was given a little more information that might help me find her. Knowing that I responded neutrally, "Thank you."

Azazel ushered me out, "It is time for you to go. Remember what we talked about! Prepare adequately." I didn't even bother turning around as my thoughts circulated on what needed to be done.

Beelzebub.

Training.

Pentagram City.

Without missing another beat, I twisted the knob and the door opened wide. My vision was blinded by a bright, white light. Then, everything started to fade back into darkness.

Back to the Present…

I noticed that Loona was waving their fingerless-gloved hand in front of my face. She then spoke, "Hello? Hell to Kyle." I looked over to see Loona's confused look. She then added, "You, uhh, you doing okay there? You didn't respond to Mills."

I gave a reassuring look, "Of course I'm alright. I guess I just zoned out for a moment." I looked over at Millie who was now digging through a big bag of weapons. I asked, "What are we doing next?"

Millie didn't respond initially as she continued her search. She finally pulled something out before tossing it right toward me. I managed to catch it in midair out of pure instinct. In my grasp was now a training sword made from some sort of dark wood. While it wasn't exactly the proportions of the longsword I had come to know, it was similar in style.

The female Imp turned to me to say, "Since you are being impatient to get your butt kicked, I decided that we are switching things up. You are going to protect yourself with that-" Millie pointed to the 'blade' in my hand before she brandished her own sharp, metal knife, "while I come at you with this."

I could hear Moxxie chuckle to himself before saying, "This is going to be fun to watch."

There wasn't much of a response from Loona other than her leaning back on the wall near Moxxie with a watchful gaze. I swiftly turned back to Millie who was giving me a playful, yet malicious, look. I said, "Wait, wait, wait. How is it exactly fair that I am given this blunt object while you can do real damage with-"

My sentence was cut short when I barely had a chance to dodge Millie closing the distance to attack. My last words were left as a sharp exhale while I dodged to the side while trying to block with my weapon. I managed to sidestep while blocking as much as I could of the Imp's rapid attack. Sadly, I still managed to get nicked by her blade along one of my triceps. The pain was immediate and sharp before it faded then it was gone.

I flinched at the strike before Millie said, "In case you didn't know, you would have been dead there."

I looked at the small amount of blood seeping from the surface injury. My eyes narrowed at Millie before I readied the weapon a little more properly. I closed the distance a little between us so that she couldn't get up to the speed she managed to last time. I needed to control the engagement if I was going to do well. That was something that I learned from my own experience.

Without hesitation, Millie swiftly moved toward me. She spun her blade around to various angles in her attacks at me. This resulted in me having to continuously give room to not get stabbed or sliced. I used my training weapon to block her mostly, and attack on rare occasions. None of what I was doing was sustainable in any regard, and I had a feeling that the little she-devil was holding back. It seemed to be the case once she got bored of my little show, sidestepped me, and shallowly cut one of my legs.

I moved to kick her, but she had already separated herself from my position. I winced at the stinging from my leg before the feeling of my blood slowly moving down it replaced it. I looked down to see my pants were now torn. An annoying look overcame me, "Really? My fucking pants?"

Millie just shrugged, "Maybe you should try something new? I can't help it if you're making it too easy."

I didn't even respond before I tried something new, attacking. Offense can be the best defense, right? I might as well try that little thought out. I also had a size advantage compared to her. I was willing to try anything that might win me a strike on Millie, no matter how small.

My movements were swift as I struck Millie's position. She used her little knife to redirect my hits with enough success to keep the wooden end from hitting her. Once again, she surprised me with her fortitude. I could see the smile on her face broaden at the slight challenge.

Millie found moments to strike back at me, and each opportunity to jump over or slide under my strikes and swing her weapon at me. I would sometimes step back, and other times I would use my hand to push the strikes away by using her arms. When she went for my legs, I would dance around her blade. I was willing to do practically anything to not get sliced again.

Millie sounded pleased when she spoke with heavier breaths than before, "Now that's what I'm talkin' about! I like it when prey makes it more difficult."

I was too focused on what I was doing to say anything back. I barely even registered what was being said behind me by Loona, "Uhh, does your wife usually get that into it when training like this?"

Moxxie seemed unsure as he prodded his finger toward his mouth, "I don't know. I don't think she has even done training. Millie usually just gets into combat. She might train if something pissed her off, but that is to vent out her frustrations."

The small conversation behind me faded into the background while I focused on hitting the Imp. I tried my best to put the image of her gleeful smile out of my mind. Some part of me thought that she was wanting me to hit her. It seemed as if my dancing around her attacks was getting more effective, even though I was getting tired of it all.

Millie's next move came as a big surprise. Instead of continuing how we were, the female Imp twisted the blade in her grasp before throwing it right at me. My eyes widened, and my heart leaped at the sudden dangerous move. I ducked to the side while hitting the flying dagger out of the way. I let out a sigh of relief that I managed to disarm that situation right before I felt the sting of one of Millie's blades once again. This time, it was along the side of my torso.

I turned around to look at Millie with fury. I spoke, "Are you crazy? That was fucking dangerous! This is just supposed to be training!"

Millie spun the knife around in her grasp without any flaws. She commented back, "I am just tryin' to prepare you for what is out there."

I grumbled under my breath while I prepared for another go at Millie. She crouched low to the ground like some primal warrior before she sprung right at me. She weaved around my initial attacks before making another leap forward to strike me high. I only managed to duck out of the way before I could take a cut from her. I had a feeling that the chances of me becoming hurt were drastically increasing. I either stop it here or risk that.

I charged at her once more as I attacked the two sides of Millie as quickly as I could manage. For the first time, it felt as if I were truly gaining ground against the Imp. She tried blocking with her dagger, but the blade seemed to be a little too light to brunt my momentum enough. I was hitting hard enough to chip the wood of my blade from hers.

After the fourth or so strike, I managed to tear the weapon from her hand. It seemed like I was finally going to win. I was about to proclaim victory by pointing my weapon at her neck, but my aim seemed to fail as Millie jumped up from her spot with another blade in hand. Instead of doing what I planned, Millie jumped into me. I elbowed her hard along her side before feeling a deep sting in the same shoulder.

Millie rolled away for a moment on the pavement before resting for a second. She looked dazed. She shook her head for a moment before holding onto her tender side. She exclaimed while still in some pain, "Yowzers! I didn't expect it to go that way."

Moxxie trotted over to his wife's side with worry. He kneeled beside her, "Honey! Are you alright?"

Millie smiled at him while cupping his head in her hands. She nodded, "I'm doing fine, sweetie. A little hit in the side isn't going to keep me down."

I proceeded to smile at the two as they shared their affection until the pain in my shoulder refused to tone down. It got worse the longer I stood here. I looked down to see the hilt of Millie's knife standing out from my flesh with the blade buried in it. I released a sharp exhale of air. Looking down at it made it a lot worse.

Loona walked up to me with the tiniest smile. She had yet to notice my 'small problem'. She said, "Look at you. I didn't think you would get a hit on her but-" Her words seemed to fail her the moment she noticed the knife in my shoulder. Her ears slid back, and her eyes widened. She spoke with a more urgent voice before looking at the two Imps to get their attention, "Oh, shit! Uhh, guys? We might have a little problem."

Both Moxxie and Millie looked my way. Millie drew in a sharp breath when she noticed what she had inadvertently done. On the other hand, Moxxie seemed to freak out a little, "Oh, crumbs! Are you doing alright? Maybe you should sit down for a while. I should have grabbed the first aid kit. I didn't know that you two would be-"

I cut the Imp off, "Moxxie?"

He looked at me with a wide gaze, "Yes?"

I gritted out because of the small amount of tenderness. The pain was already subsiding. I continued, "This is hardly the first time I have been injured. If you could grab that first aid kit quickly, that would be great." Moxxie hardly wasted any time before he quickly kissed Millie's cheek before rushing toward the entrance of our work. Before he got too far, I yelled out as loud as I could manage, "Don't forget to get a strong drink for me!" I had a feeling that this was going to be a painful process.

I didn't hear a response other than him pausing in his steps momentarily. I then looked over to Loona who seemed quite concerned, "Did you want to sit down? Maybe we could get this blade out…" The Hellhound reached for the knife, but I managed to grab onto her hand lightly with my other hand.

I shook my head, "Bad idea. We shouldn't do anything until I have something to help patch it up."

My attention was then caught by Millie, who picked herself off the ground. She seemed to be a bit tentative as she spoke, which was rather unnatural for her rather blunt attitude toward everything, "I'm so sorry that I stabbed you. That looks like it really hurts. Actually, I sort of know how it feels. It hurts."

I couldn't help but glare over at Millie a little. I bit of sweat was running down my forehead even though my shoulder seemed to only ache at this point. I grumbled out, "Will you listen to me next time when I say that your training methods are too extreme?! While it hurts like a bitch, I am fortunate enough for this to be the only thing that happened. Fuck, I really need a drink now."

Millie seemed undeterred with her next comment, "I won't use a blade next time, okay? I guess it should be good practice for you with me using my fists."

"What are you-" I winced a little at the blade before letting out a sigh. I then spoke, "Millie, not to sound mean, but you are fucking crazy! I thought that I had to worry about one of Blitz's plans resulting in me getting hurt or killed, but you put him to shame by literally stabbing me!"

Millie waved me off, "Oh, stop your whinin'. It was an accident. Also, this is good practice for you. If you were more prepared, then you wouldn't have that knife in your shoulder."

I could practically feel the veins pulsating from my temples from how angry I was getting. However, not everything was as tense as the conversation between Millie and me. To my side, Loona was currently looking at the way I was still holding her hand. I had never let go when I stopped her from grabbing the knife embedded in my shoulder.

She stared at our connection for the longest time without uttering a word. She would have pulled away any time before now, but this time felt different. There wasn't that urge to pull away. Despite it being a simple connection, it felt comfortable. She felt her muscles relax a little. Loona was surprised by the effect of something so insignificant. Why did she feel this way?

My arguing with Millie was abruptly stopped by Moxxie carrying an assortment of medical equipment and alcohol in his grasp. He said, "Sorry what took me! I didn't know exactly what you would need, so I grabbed what I could."

I nodded in a rushed manner, "I am sure that it will be enough."

Moxxie stopped in his steps while he looked at me with a cocked brow before he looked over at Loona. I was confused for a moment about why he was oddly looking at us before I finally realized that I was still holding Loona's hand. I held it up in the air for a moment. I let out an amused huff before slipping from it, "S-Sorry about that. I didn't realize that I never let go of you." I pulled my hand away a little too quickly.

Loona stuttered out, "Y-You're good! It's no problem!" Her blush was concealed behind the thin layer of fur on her face.

I tried to let go of the awkward feeling rising in my chest as my own blush formed. My gaze met Moxxie's before I cleared my throat and walked over to him, "I guess I will take that. Loona, do you want to help me deal with this? I am not sure I will be able to get one of my hands into position to do much good."

Loona nodded while she followed me, "I guess I could try to help."

I grabbed the items out of Moxxie's hands before walking over to one of the parked cars so that I could manage my wound. As Loona walked by Moxxie, she couldn't help but bare her teeth a little while glaring at the Imp. Moxxie jumped a little initially before turning around to look at her back with a confused look. He said, "What did I do?"

Millie walked up beside him before saying, "Oh, I'm sure it has nothing to do with you. She just might be in a sour mood since she hasn't had a chance to do anything" She said this while giving a knowing look over at me and the Hellhound. She then yelled out, "Injury or not, you are getting back into the ring for a little more trainin'! Got it? Loona will participate next."

I only responded with a glare while I continued to sort through the items that Moxxie had brought me. I had already grabbed out some needles and thread that would patch up the wound along with some cloth and bandages. Loona finally stopped in front of me before I said, "Can you fucking believe she wants me to continue after this shit?"

Loona folded her arms while looking over at the female Imp, "Yeah, you have your work cut out for you on this one. You asked for it, though." I let out a huff before I poured some rubbing alcohol on a cloth. Loona asked a little unsure, "Are you sure you need me to help? You seem like you got this, and it looks like I might only hurt you."

While still in pain, I still smiled reassuringly, "Yes, I need you. Don't worry, you will do great. There are a few things that I will need you to do." I grabbed a bottle of hard liquor before saying, "I will need you to take out the knife from my shoulder."

Loona's ears popped up in an alert manner. She said, "You know you are talking to me, right? The Hellhound that sits behind her desk and ignores her job. If you ask around I.M.P., I don't think anyone would say that I am someone you can depend on… Well, maybe Blitz, but his word means shit. Now, you want me to help you with this? With something so delicate?"

Without any hesitation, I nodded in response, "Yes, I want you to help me with this." Loona's look of surprise renewed itself at the quickness of my response. I continued, "Whether you know it or not, I trust you. You are someone that I know that I can depend on."

Loona continued to stare at me with a look of wonder. Beyond the surface, the fulfilled feeling that she had been feeling in her chest had fully burst open at my words. She finally realized what had finally changed within her from that lustful night about a week ago. Loona had thought that it was residual bliss that she was feeling, but now she knew that it was something different. Something deeper. She thought, 'The way his words made her feel was beyond anything that his coc-'

"Loona?" The Hellhound was brought out of her thinking and stared at me like a deer in headlights. I asked, "You doing alright there? I still need your focus if you are going to help me."

Loona subsided her thoughts in the meantime. How deep her feelings went could be contemplated later. For now, she needed help. She nodded, "Y-Yeah." She collected herself enough to speak with a tinge of sarcasm, "I see nothing wrong with me doing this for you, especially with alcohol involved."

I let out a dry chuckle, "Yeah, no. This isn't to share. I am going to need to calm my nerves while we do this thing." I showed her my shaking hand before continuing, "Plus, pulling a blade from me and then sowing it up isn't going to be comfortable. So, no drinks for you." I proceeded to take a big swig of the drink.

With a downtrodden look and a small hound-like whine, Loona responded, "Great…"

I continued to down the drink despite the burning only growing in my throat. Once I felt like I was going to be in a nice state, I put the drink down. The effects were quickly growing as I felt my body give way to the warm and calming buzz. I looked to my side to see that everything was well prepared. I even cleaned some of the sewing equipment for this little task.

Finally, my eyes connected with Loona. I nodded, "Okay. I think I am ready. Slowly pull the knife out."

Slowly, Loona moved her hand around the hilt of the blade. She placed her other hand over the center of my chest before she began to put at the blade. I seethed out in reflex, "Easy there! I said to go slowly."

Loona didn't seem to have the heart to argue back. Instead, her ears flattened back a little while she gave me an apologetic look. Despite her best efforts to go slowly, there were moments when the blade seemed to catch onto something before it quickly slipped. My breath would catch in my throat when this happened, and my eyes would tightly shut. I couldn't understand how such a small blade could cause so much agony.

Finally, Loona managed to completely pull the knife out of me. She tossed the blade to the side of the pavement before she managed to look back at me. She asked, "Ok, what is next?"

I analyzed the wound carefully while trying to think about my situation. It leaked a bit of blood after the obstruction was out of the way. It was slower than I expected, which was a good sign. Despite the slight pain, I let out a sigh, "Well, at least I am lucky regarding where I got stabbed. I don't think there is anything important that could get hit there." I pulled out some sanitation wipes before slowly cleaning the wound.

I spoke again while motioning with my head lazily, "If you could grab the needle and thread there. It is time to get this thing closed up."

The process was slow, but Loona was doing her best to listen to me at every step. Despite her light criticism of herself, she was very helpful when I needed it. I just wished she could see that herself. The best I could do was say something. So, I said while I worked through the stitches slowly, "Thank you for helping me."

Loona brushed off the comment with a sarcastic reply, "What am I going to do? Let you bleed out in the parking lot?" She then smirked before blushing in embarrassment, "Not many demons around here express gratitude. It doesn't really fit with the whole 'Hell' atmosphere."

I did my best to suppress my laughter at her tone while I continued my work. Loona's eyes carefully watched my movements before I continued to say, "Yeah I get that…"

The conversation seemed to have gone cold as I was unsure what else to say. Loona seemed perfectly fine with the silence as she sat near me with her occasional help at cleaning my wound to help me see better. It wasn't until the conversation with Azazel entered my mind that I figured out the next course of action.

Before I opened my mouth again, I looked over to Moxxie and Millie to see what they were doing. To my relief, both of them were having their little moment alone together. Doing this seemed to catch Loona's attention since I stopped my movements. She asked, "What's up?"

I swiftly looked back at her before saying, "I know that I brought it up before, but it is important. What else can you tell me about Beelzebub?"

Loona stared at me for the longest moment in silence. She was taken aback by my question once again as she had been at the bar. She then said, "You mean other than me blaming her for me ending up adopted, or maybe her being a fucking monster?" I nodded while Loona pinched the bridge of her nose. She asked with an aggravated tone, "Look, I know you dodged it last time, but I am not going to open this shit up without an explanation." She glared at me, "A proper explanation. Why are you asking about her?"

Same as before, I felt the urge to deflect. What I was planning to do was wrong, but allowing things to continue as they were felt even worse. From what little I had seen and heard I knew there was something better. I wanted to tell Loona all of this, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it.

Yet, another part of me wanted to take this leap in faith with her. The way she stared at me seemed to bring down my inhibitions about the subject. Just what would she do? Laugh at me? Is there some sort of hidden loyalty to the upper class of Hell where she would sell me out? There was only one way to find all of this out…

"Okay, I will tell you about it." I let out a breath before looking at my wound. It had stopped bleeding. I guess it was as good of a place as any to get into this. I then uttered, "I have been speaking to Azazel in my sleep. And yes, Stolas knows about this."

Loona looked unimpressed, "Like I give two shits what you have told Blitz's little fuck-toy. You are hiding something else from him besides speaking with some Fallen Angel asshole, though, right?"

I slowly nodded. There was no simple way of stating it, so I decided to come out bluntly with it, "Well, the reason for the sword and why Azazel talked to me… He wants me to help him kill off the Seven Princes of Hell…" Loona's jaw dropped with no verbal response from her. I took this opportunity to catch her up on what else had been said and how I came to realize what I needed to do. She listened without making so much as a peep.

When I finished my explanation, Loona asked, "Really? You want to kill them? All of them?"

I rubbed my face tiredly, "After what happened with the Cherubs, I just can't help but feel hopeless at it all. If there is anything I can do to change things here, make them better for those condemned to suffer, and that means those born here as well, then I have to do what needs to be done. I have been given an opportunity to level the playing field. If changing things means dirtying my hands even more, then I will do it."

Loona's expression turned in a direction that I didn't expect. It became hopeless. She spoke sadly, "Look, I get it. Life here can be shit, and I don't want to tell you this, but you should give up before it gets out of hand. I mean, you want to take on leadership that has existed for thousands of years! You won't even get to one of them. That isn't saying something about you, it is saying everything about them. They have a firm grip on things down here."

I didn't even bother responding after Loona finished. I looked off into the distance at nothing particular. Once again, the uncomfortable stillness had fallen between us. I didn't know exactly what to say back to her after her views of the situation. I guess I should count myself lucky that she seems like she will keep this between us.

Loona growled out, "Let's just say that I don't have the greatest view of her, okay? None of the Hellhounds really like her. She is the reason for the packed orphanages."

Now I was genuinely curious. I asked her in a compassionate way, "What do you mean? You mentioned this before. What is happening?"

With a snarl and deep hurt in her eyes, Loona spoke, "That bitch is all about control through gluttony. It isn't that much different from the others when you think about it, but here is where it is. Instead of just showing her true colors and using us blatantly, she manages to trick a lot of other Hellhounds for moments that she isn't that bad right before they go back into hating her. She does this by hosting numerous Hellhound parties every night with all the food, alcohol, and drugs that we can have."

I thought out loud, "Huh… I didn't expect that."

"And that is why it works."

My gaze narrowed, "What?"

Loona growled out, "Places like Beelzebub parties don't allow us to think. Hellhounds get so fucked up from being there that we don't realize that we are screwing each other until a full litter of pups is born." Loona looked at the ground with a specific sort of hatred, "It is what happened to my parents. They went to one of her cheap parties, fucked, and didn't have enough money when a new litter was born. They ended up giving me away because I was nearly out the door anyways. They thought the orphanages would be better for me anyways. They were so fucking wrong…" Despite the anger, I swore I could see a tear in her eye.

It wasn't that hard to imagine what she implied about the orphanages. They seemed to be like prisons more than anything else. The worst conditions possible for those who live there. I couldn't imagine what it was like for her.

I didn't even get a chance to console her before she continued, "That is how she is to us. We are her slaves, and she made sure that all of Hell views us like that, too. We are nothing but animals fit for any task to the other demons. Being collected like a set of dolls for Goetias like Blitz's squeeze, a cheap source of labor, or something more sexual. I was lucky, and that is saying something since that 'luck' happens to be Blitz."

My mood had also shifted to a sadder one. While it might not mean much, I wanted to make her feel better. So, I placed my hand on her shoulder to get her attention before saying, "You aren't some animal to me. I am very fortunate to have a friend like you."

Loona responded to me with a light smile. It wasn't long, but I could tell my words had some effect on her. Then, she switched the topic to get away from the sad memories, "If you are still wondering about anything else about her, the only other things that I know is that Beelzebub is that she has drones that manage her little businesses, and that she will do anything to destroy anything that disrupts the 'comfort' that she provides Hell."

I asked, "Drones?"

With a simple nod, Loona continued, "Yeah, little bee demons. They are her little creations that she controls entirely. They are completely mindless. She doesn't make Beelzejuice by herself or manage her adoption agency alone." Loona growled out the last part.

I began to ask, "What do you mean that she will destroy anything that disrupts the comfort here?"

Right before Loona was able to get a word out, Millie yelled over at us, "Y'all done over there?! We have other things to get to!"

Despite me being irritated by being stabbed by Millie and her rushing in the process of me patching myself up, I found humor in it all. She was a hard bitch for sure. I commented, "She is going to be the death of you."

Loona commented back after smirking, "Not if I have anything to say about it."

Despite continuing with the bandages and working to get back into fighting shape, my mind was elsewhere. Loona's hopelessness was eye-opening, but it didn't deter me. If anything, it deepened my convictions.

However, my last question still stuck in my mind: What did she mean by destroying anything that disrupts comfort here?

3rd Person: Meanwhile… (Elsewhere)

Red eyes proceeded to look at the live feed of the human in his moment of training. While curiosity had initially brought her interest in the newcomer, it was swiftly replaced with an alarming feeling. She had noticed the sword he carried around. She knew what the mark was on the blade. From that moment, her curiosity changed to enmity. Something needed to be done about him.

A voice cut in over the radio from the one filming the human, "Do you want me to go down there and deal with him, ma'am?"

Surveillance employing one of her drones would have been the preferred option, but she didn't want to take any risks. It was best that her activities remain unknown to him.

She responded with a faux-pleasant voice, "No. That little Imp girl would deal with you before you could do anything to them. Besides, he isn't our target, for now."

"He isn't?"

"Not yet. I would prefer to draw him into a place where I can properly deal with him. It needs to be quiet." Her eyes focused on the Hellhound beside him. A smirk deepened on her face from the shadows. She added, "I want to exploit his weakness."

That is it. That is all I have to give. I don't have many comments on what happened, and I just want you to draw your own conclusions... for now.

Now, next chapter. Chapter 12: I am going to be preparing my first chapter focusing on a POV completely outside of the norm here. There will be no Kyle in the next chapter. Instead, the perspective will be focused on Loona and another female character who was in the wrong place at the wrong time (or in the right place at the right time). Other that that, I offer you no insight into Chapter 12. However, it will be pushing in a direction that I have thought over consistently.

If you are enjoying the story, I implore you to favorite, follow, and/or review for the story. I very much enjoy hearing and seeing all that good stuff from you guys. I am always happy to answer questions as well. I am good at responding to named reviews, too. I have not release date for the next chapter, you will just have to wait and see.

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

INVITE CODE: 8RT9hC5Aau

That is all I have to give!

Until Next Time,

Forsvaret-Komandir

(I HAVE MADE AN EDIT SINCE LAST NIGHT (early hours of 04/08/2023)! FEEL FREE TO CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IN CONVERSATION BETWEEN LOONA AND THE OC AT NEAR THE END OF THE CHAPTER)