Chapter Text
### The Wolf's Watch: Guardianship and New Friendships
Loona watched as Blitzo, Moxxie, and Millie prepared to head out on a job on Earth. The van was packed with their usual assortment of weapons and gear, and the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation. Blitzo handed Loona a thick, ancient-looking tome—the Grimoire used to open portals between Hell and Earth.
“Loona, you’re in charge of the Grimoire while we’re gone,” Blitzo said, his tone serious for once. “Don’t let anything happen to it.”
Loona nodded, taking the book with a firm grip. As the van pulled away, she turned back to the office, feeling the weight of her responsibility. She attempted to sit on a chair, but her massive, armored frame shattered it into pieces with a loud crunch. With a sigh, she opted to sit on the floor, placing the Grimoire beside her.
Hours passed, and the office was unusually quiet without the usual chaos brought by Blitzo and the others. Loona found herself lost in thought, her mind drifting back to her home on Fenris and the battles she fought alongside the Space Wolves.
Her reverie was broken by the sound of footsteps. She looked up to see Vortex, the hulking Hellhound bodyguard of Verosika Mayday, entering the office. His imposing figure filled the doorway, but his expression was friendly.
“Hey, Loona,” Vortex greeted, his deep voice resonating in the empty office. “Mind if I join you?”
Loona nodded, gesturing to the empty space beside her. “Sure. What brings you here?”
Vortex sat down, his presence surprisingly gentle for someone of his size. “Verosika had a meeting nearby. Thought I’d drop by and see how you’re doing.”
Loona smirked. “Well, I broke the chair, so I guess I’m doing fine.”
Vortex chuckled. “Happens to the best of us.”
The two lapsed into a comfortable silence, finding an unexpected camaraderie in their shared experience of being outliers in Hell’s chaotic landscape.
“So, how’s life as Blitzo’s receptionist?” Vortex asked, genuinely curious.
Loona shrugged, her red eyes reflecting a mix of emotions. “It’s different. A lot different from what I’m used to. But it’s... interesting.”
Vortex nodded, understanding. “I get it. Being a bodyguard isn’t exactly what I thought I’d be doing either, but it has its moments.”
As they talked, Loona felt a sense of ease she hadn’t experienced since arriving in Hell. Vortex’s calm demeanor and straightforwardness were a refreshing change from the usual madness of the I.M.P. office.
“What about you?” Loona asked. “How did you end up working for Verosika?”
Vortex leaned back against the wall, his eyes thoughtful. “It’s a long story, but the short version is I was looking for work, and Verosika needed someone who could handle the tough stuff. We’ve been a team ever since.”
Loona nodded, appreciating the simplicity of his explanation. She found herself opening up more, sharing stories of her battles on Fenris, the harsh training, and the camaraderie of the Space Wolves. Vortex listened intently, his respect for her growing with each tale.
“You’ve been through a lot,” Vortex said, admiration clear in his voice. “It’s not easy adapting to a place like this after that.”
“It’s not,” Loona agreed. “But I’m learning.”
They continued to talk, sharing stories and experiences, and as the hours passed, Loona felt a genuine bond forming. Despite their different backgrounds, they understood each other in a way few others could.
Eventually, the door swung open, and Blitzo, Moxxie, and Millie returned, their mission on Earth completed. Blitzo looked surprised to see Vortex but quickly masked it with his usual bravado.
“Hey, Loona! Kept the place intact, I see. And you made a friend!” Blitzo exclaimed, eyeing Vortex with a hint of suspicion.
Loona stood up, towering over the room. “Yeah. Vortex dropped by, and we were just talking.”
Blitzo nodded, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Well, as long as the Grimoire’s safe, I guess it’s all good.”
Loona handed the Grimoire back to Blitzo, feeling a sense of accomplishment. She had not only guarded the book but also forged a new friendship.
As Vortex stood to leave, he gave Loona a nod. “It was good talking to you, Loona. Let’s do this again sometime.”
Loona smiled, a rare and genuine expression. “I’d like that.”
With that, Vortex left, and Loona returned to her duties, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. She might be a warrior out of her universe, but she was finding her place in this one, one step at a time. And with new friends like Vortex, she knew she wouldn’t be facing it alone.
