This is a fanfiction based on Helluva Boss, Hazbin Hotel, and the fanfiction Loona the Caretaker. All OC rights belong to their original creators and owners. The characters of Loona the Caretaker belong to MetalBrony823. Slade OC belongs to Blurey08. Kyorichi OC belongs to ninjashin11, and the characters of Helluva Boss and Hazbin Hotel belong to VivziePop. I own nothing. This is pure fanfiction just for fun.

Chapter 17

Slade leaned against the bar sipping his bourbon on the rocks. The young 25-year-old Hellhound veteran was recently honorable discharged from his years of service in fighting terrorism but was now left with no direction to go from here. Thankfully for him, it was a slow night at Lar's Bar. This was Slade's kind of bar with quiet music and few people. All the neon lights glowed brightly in the night, and the air blew a gentle breeze.

Now that he was out of the army, he returned to his gothic fashion and look. He had a V-shaped torso with broad shoulders. His black hair had blue highlights. He wore his black sleeveless leather jacket, black Punisher Skull T-shirt, fingerless hard-knuckle gloves, blue crystal necklace, and black cargo pants. He was already tough as a Hellhound, to begin with, but his time in the Special Forces made him even stronger. His arms could tear the metal off of a tank or rip a man in half, and his legs could run him from America to the tip of the horn in South America.

Slade groaned a heavy sigh before sipping his drink. Slade had been in his human disguise for so long that he had almost forgotten what his Hellhound form looked like, and he had stayed on the surface for so long that he had no idea how much had changed. He looked at his smartphone, browsing the photo library of all his friends, now KIA.

Then another man around his age, height, and similar athletic state approached Slade. He was a Japanese American with layered black hair, bright green eyes, a navy blue T-shirt, black jeans, and steel-toe boots.

He leaned on the bar beside Slade, "Buy me a drink, soldier?"

Slade turned to him, and he recognized him. He spoke in a slightly deep and scratchy voice, "Kyorichi?"

Kyo smiled and hugged him. Slade hesitantly hugged him back, still surprised to see his old friend Kyorichi Kentoiroshi.

"Holy shit. Hey man," Slade said.

"I know. It's been too long. Let me look at you," Kyo said,

They both scanned each other head to toe.

"You got taller," Slade said flatly.

"Were you always this buff? Your arms and legs got strong, but you still got no ass," Kyo joked.

They both chuckled. Slade got him a glass of Brandy. They both said at a table with two couches outside with the fire pit table.

"How long has it been? Five years? Six?" Kyo asked.

"Seven. I was 18," Slade answered.

"Oh yeah, that's right. You joined the Special Forces. What was it? The Navy Seals?"

"JTF 2, Joint Task Force 2. Canadian, and yes, they do have Special Forces, and what many people don't know is they've killed more terrorists than Navy Seals."

Kyo raised his eyebrows as he sipped his drink.

"They kept you busy, huh?" Kyo asked.

Slade lit a Black & Mild cigar, "Oh yeah," then he exhaled a cloud of smoke, "They kept me very busy. The dead have lots of company."

"I hear that."

"What have you been up to?"

"Oh, you know, hitman and vigilante work. You know how much I fucking hate evil bastards. I've hunted human traffickers, mob bosses, corrupt cops, and judges. Then I kill them and possibly take their money if they got it in cash. Some days I'm rich; others, I got five or eight bucks in my bank account."

Slade smiled, "Well, I don't have to worry about money anymore."

Kyo looked around to make sure no one could hear their conversation. Then he leaned forward.

"Slade, I found some work for guys like us. Before I tell you about it, have you heard anything about what's going on in Hell?" Kyo asked.

Slade shook his head, "I haven't heard anything in years. I've been too busy."

"Get this, man. Hell is in a full-scale civil war!"

This was enough to raise Slade's eyebrows but not widen his eyes. He inhaled his top wooden tip cigar before exhaling while looking at the stars.

Slade questioned, "Civil war?"

"Yeah. Lucifer, Lilith, the Goetia Family vs. the VVV and their ally Overlords. It's crazy, and it all started after Valentino got killed," Kyo explained.

Slade looked at him with a raised eyebrow, "Valentino? The pimp Overlord? Owner of Porn Studios? One of the most powerful Overlords in Hell? He got axed? By who?"

"That's the crazy part," Kyo pulled out his phone, "A kid killed him."

Slade examined the photo of the human boy and looked confused, his eyebrows closing together.

"A kid? In Hell? Bullshit," Slade shook his head.

"Swipe to the right. Watch the video," Kyo said.

Slade did so and witnessed the video showing the boy transform into his Hulkbuster lightning form and battle Valentino in his complete demon form. Now Slade was impressed with his eyes wide open as he watched the pimp demon get brutally beaten by the boy before dying a violent and painful death.

"Holy shit. Who is this kid?" Slade asked.

"That right there is Cody Laurent. He is a live human boy that lives in Hell," Kyo answered.

"A live human boy in Hell? How the fuck is that possible?"

"Two years ago, his house burned down, killing his parents and almost killed him, but a Hellhound girl jumped into the fire and saved his little ass from becoming roasted beef. Then that Hellhound adopted him, and that's not even the kicker! You want to hear the kicker?"

"I literally cannot wait to hear the kicker."

Kyo grinned and paused for effect. Slade leaned forward, looking slightly pensive.

"That Hellhound girl is your old girlfriend Loona!" Kyo stated.

Slade's eyes widened and blinked a few times, "What?"

"Yeah, I know, right?"

"Loona, my childhood friend at the pound and ex-girlfriend, that Loona? She saved and adopted a human boy?"

"She most certainly did. In fact, both she and Cody are rock stars! Cody's performed at Ozzie's, Lucifer's palace, and at the Battle of the Bands," Kyo swiped his phone.

They both watched and listened to Cody and his band performing at the Battle of the Bands and other concerts in the past. His old friend and ex played her guitar with Cody on stage as the crowds were cheering, and the music was flawless. Kyo smiled and danced while Slade sat perfectly still, watching the videos.

Kyo told Slade everything about Cody being the son of Azrael, friends with Jesus, his training with the Fallen Angels, and the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. He showed the latest videos of Cody killing Sonato and Zagan on the same day after saving Loona and her friends. Kyo even showed Slade Loona's Sinstagram, and they browsed through all the photos and videos posted there. Many photos were selfies of her with Cody and her Hellhound friends, Crystal, Serena, and Vortex. There were other photos of the two with Millie and Moxxie, Stolas and Octavia, Charlie and Vaggie, and others.

"She looks so happy," Slade spoke.

"Yep, Cody is her boy. You mess with him, and you wake up the dragon that doesn't show mercy," Kyo said.

"Hold on, what was Loona doing up here on the surface?"

"That's where the job comes in. Loona works for this company," Kyo handed Slade a flyer sheet of I.M.P.

"I.M.P. The Immediate Murder Professionals? Kill people that screwed you over when you were alive?" Slade questioned.

"This company is an assassin organization that kills the living. They have access to the surface with the Prince's Grimoire. They've stepped up their game by killing evil people, so that's got me aboard. I think we work for them. Do you remember Tim, the big Baphomet demon? He's in. So about it?"

Slade looked at the flyer and glanced back at the photos of Loona and Cody.

"I don't know. I haven't seen Loona in years. I miss her, but I don't know if it'll be awkward or not," Slade said.

"Come on, Slade! It'll be fine. We can get this job easily, and it pays well – real well," Kyo assured.

"Hold on, what's Cody like? If he's an arrogant, cocky little shit, then forget it."

"Actually, I think he's a cool dude because if he wasn't," Kyo swiped his phone, "my friend Octavia wouldn't be dancing with him."

He showed Slade photos of Cody dancing with Octavia at the party with the Goetia Family. The two looked happy as they danced together in the ballroom.

"I'm thinking of us surprising both Via and Loona. Maybe even have a double date to catch on old times," Kyo said.

Slade sighed heavily, "All right, I'm in. It'll be interesting meeting the 'Guardian of Hell.' Where's I.M.P.?"

"Cody's rich from collecting the bounties off of the dead Overlords, so he's financed with Stolas for a new headquarters already under construction. They're leasing a floor in Nightmare City under the protection of Duke Dantalion. I'll text Tim and let him know you're in," Kyo explained.

Ten Days Earlier (after the battle in Imp City)

The portal behind them of Imp City closed. They escaped with their lives. The road they were on was a big four-lane highway. The sky was dark, with the clouds looking like giant skulls or skulls & crossbones. Loona and Vortex switched places so he could drive while she was in the backseat with Cody as he allied healing potion gel on the cut of her arm before bandaging it. After Cody wrapped Loona's bandage in medical tape, he pulled out his phone and called everyone on a group chat speaker as they drove. Loona, Cody, and Vortex were ahead, with everyone else following close behind.

Once everyone picked up, Cody asked, "Is everyone okay?"

"Yeah, we're good," Blitzo said.

"Same with us," Kimi answered.

"Me three," Crymini added.

"Cody, where are we?" Loona asked as she looked out the window.

"We're on the highway, I-99 heading for Nightmare City," Cody answered.

As soon as those words reached their ears, everyone had a chill of fear going up their spines.

"Nightmare City?!" Loona exclaimed.

"We're going to Nightmare City?!" Moxxie questioned.

"Yes, we are," Cody answered.

Vortex glanced over his shoulder, "Cody, I don't know how much of Hell you've seen or heard of, but Nightmare City is a really tough town. There are big and powerful demons there."

"I know, that's why we're going there. I know the demon who runs the city. We'll see Duke Dantalion and ask for a safe place to lie low. Imp City is too dangerous right now," Cody said.

"You know Duke Dantalion? The great wolf demon?" Shadow asked.

"Yeah, I met him and his partner Duke Aim at the party with the Goetia Family. Both dukes and the Goetia Kings and Queens love me. I'm their favorite human right now. Trust me. Duke Dantalion will help us. He said don't be a stranger and come see him any time in his city."

"Are you sure it's gonna be okay for us to come too?" Loona asked.

"You're my people. You're with me. So yes, he'll be cool with it. When we get there, let me do the talking. He's not thin-skinned, but he has an excellent memory. So, whatever you say or do around him, he won't forget it. Don't worry, it's not like he'll kill us, but we got to be on his good side. So everyone, be on your best behavior."

"Okay. Speaking of the party, it went well with the Goetia Family?" Crymini asked.

"Oh man, they loved me. King Purson was impressed by the fight with Valentino. I'll tell you guys all about it later," Cody assured.

"Cody," Loona spoke.

Cody turned to her.

"You're sure we'll be okay here?"

"Yes. Trust me, Loona. As I said before, it's my turn to protect you. We protect each other. I know I'm a kid, and there are many things that a kid shouldn't do, but this is happening. This is where we are. I wish things were different, but they're not. So, let's make the best of it as much as possible. We'll get through this if we stick together," Cody explained.

Vortex nodded, "He's right. We go at this alone, and the Overlords will pick us off one by one. We stand together, and we'll kick their asses like we did today. We're I.M.P. 'You name it, we'll kill it.' We're beasts! We ain't built to go out like pussies!"

"Fuck yeah! We can take on anything!" Blitzo added.

"Woohoo!" Millie and Moxxie cheered.

Cody held Loona's hand and gave her an encouraging smile, and she returned the same.

"Okay, Cody, we're trusting you," Loona said.

As they drove on, they got closer to Nightmare City, where even the outskirts were intimidating and scary but not as frightening as the city itself. It was big, dark, gothic, and haunting-looking. Unlike Imp City, where the buildings had demon horns, Nightmare City had big angry, looking skulls around the rims of the roofs, or the building would have one giant skull with horns, fangs, and glowing eyes. Some had skeleton arms sticking out with either red, blue, or green balls of fire in their hands. The streetlights were pumpkins grinning a devilish smile. The buildings and sidewalks had glowing bone paintings. The buildings and skyscrapers had scary statues and bone décor. Even scary and haunting-looking tombstones were part of the city's décor. It was like Hell's version of Gotham City.

Nightmare City was populated by Imp demons, Hellhounds, and Baphomet demons, but also by the Skull demons or Glow Bone demons. They were demons whose bodies were skeleton bones with glowing eyes and a fire inside their chest cavity. Most of their skulls were human skulls with horns, but others were also like deer skulls with antlers, ram skulls with horns, crocodile skulls, etc. Each demon species possessed a unique ability that others didn't, like Hellhounds having superior strength and sense of smell, shark & fish demons can breathe and swim faster underwater, and Imp demons being fireproof. Skull demons can control fire, and their limbs and heads are removable, allowing them to take them off and put them back on.

Everyone scanned everything as they drove through the city, avoiding eye contact with anyone. The town had its uptown of nice areas and its downtown of less friendly regions. The place Cody was leading them was in a district of the city, fenced and walled off from the rest. Armed Imp and Hellhound demons were guarding the gates and armed to the teeth with guns.

"It's all right, just be cool," Cody said, pulling a card out of his infinity cube. It was a shiny black card with a red tribal wolf head with some numbers and Cody's name on it.

Vortex pulled up to the gate with the others close behind her. A strong male Hellhound guard approached them as Tex rolled down the back window.

"Hello, what's your business here?" he asked.

"We're here to see Duke Dantalion. The two vans and motorcycle are with me," Cody answered loud and clear while him the card to give to him.

The Hellhound guard looked at the card and then glanced back at Loona and Cody, "Wait here."

Loona nodded, "Yeah."

He took the card to a big strong Imp guard and slipped it into a scanner machine. They look looked at the computer screen inside the guard building. They looked at each other before nodding.

The Hellhound guard returned and handed Cody the card, "You know where the Duke's building is?"

"Yes, I do," Cody answered.

"Go straight there. Don't wander off. Drive safe and have a good evening, my dark lord."

"Thank you."

They opened the gates and let them in. The district was much more excellent than the rest of the city: clean streets, no graffiti, and shiny cars. Everyone wore nice clothes, and all the buildings and houses were neat. Then a big building appeared from around the corner with searchlights and strobe lights flashing figures on the walls. There were fog machines with ghostly silhouettes flying in the fog. It looked similar to Ozzie's in the Lust Ring if it had a more haunting look with glowing skulls, horns, fangs, and giant bone arms.

It was Duke Dantalion's nightclub, the Red Moon. There was a line of people outside waiting to get in. Music could be faintly here from outside, and the widows flashed colorful lights.

Loona groaned, "Tell me he's not in there."

"I'm afraid so but don't worry. We have a VIP pass. We can skip the lines and head straight for his office. Tex, we can park over there. No one will mess with our cars."

Vortex parked where he pointed, and everyone followed Cody to the Red Moon.

Then a red and black flame erupted in front of them. Loona and the others got in defensive stances, ready for action. Loona and Vortex got in front of Cody to protect him without hesitation. The flame dispersed, and a figure appeared. It was in the shape of a man. He was tall and strong built. He was wearing black armor and red clothing. His chest armor had bones and skull inlay, but he only had one shoulder armor. The other shoulder had red cloth. He had red cloth wrapped around his arms and head.

He had a metal mask resembling the Death Eater's mask and a black metal crown with long sharp spikes pointing up. His left arm had a gauntlet with pyramid spikes on the forearm and sharp claws. His right arm had a big glowing blood-red gem tied to his backhand and a bunch of little gems tied around his wrist and halfway up his forearm. His belt had little bags holding his items, a large medieval-style dagger, and a skull hanging on a cord. The skull had horns sticking out of its head like an Imp demon. In his right hand, he held a tall metal staff. At the top of the metal staff was an angry skull with fangs and glowing red eyes in a metal circle that had three sharp, one pointing up one right and the other left. He looked like Hell's version of Ermac from Mortal Kombat X.

"Cody," he spoke in a deep raspy voice.

"My dark priest Draven," Cody bowed respectively.

The others bowed the same.

"My master Duke Dantalion has been expecting you. I foretold your arrival in my visions," Draven said.

"We're here to see him. Please take us to him," Cody requested.

"Follow me."