Fireflight

Chapter Ten

It was some time after diner and Brenden was wandering the palace grounds. They were beautiful and he gazed around in wonder. Until now he had never seen such a beautiful building, or one so large. The village he was born and had lived in could fit within the expansive grounds, and it's tallest building was only four stories in height. 

The imp had wandered around for at least half an hour, and still he had not seen much of the grounds. He doubted he would be able to see everything. No doubt much of it was private to the noble family and their most trusted servants. Brenden was about to turn around and head back inside when he heard a muffled cry. His interested piqued, he crept towards the noise. Passing around a rose covered hedge, he found Loona sitting by herself on a curved stone bench under the shelter of a white stone gazebo. Despite his tries to stay out of sight, the hellhound's superior senses picked him up, and she whipped around at the soft sound of Brenden's bootsteps. 

Loona snarled menacingly at him. "Fuck off!" she yelled. 

Brenden, who disliked loud noises jumped back a couple of steps. Then he looked back up, seeing the hellhound's red, swollen eyes and tear streaked face. Loona had always struck Brenden as someone who buried her insecurities and angers behind a wall of cruelly and edgy conceitedness. Behind this layer though, Brenden felt that she was a decent enough being. She could be nice to her father and Moxxie and Millie, although that was rare. She had also never been mean to him, although she had never been nice. Against all of his nature, Brenden felt the need to comfort the girl. 

"You have problems." the Imp said quietly. 

"You got a problem with that?" Loona demanded. 

Brenden shook his head. "Statistically it's better to discuss such things with another person." 

"What are you my therapist?" the hellhound grumbled, turning away. 

"No, but I work with you, and I'd say we're acquaintances." Brenden replied. 

"And that's enough for me to tell you problems?" 

"It could be." 

Loona turned back and glared at the imp before slapping the surface of the bench roughly. "Get over here and listen!" 

Brenden scuttled over, somewhat nervously and sat down on the edge of the bench. He looked over at Loona, waiting for her to speak. Realizing this, the hellhound began to talk. 

"I fucking hate my dad!" she began, slamming her fist painfully onto the bench. Waving the pain off she continued, "I can do jobs just as easily as you guys can, I've had training! He trained me!" she ranted. 

Brenden sat silently, almost regretting his decision. Then he mentally shrugged it off. Although he didn't like loud sounds, and Loona was anything but quiet right now, he felt it was good for her to blow off some steam. The imp had never had anyone of his own to talk to, and it made him feel good to be that person for her. 

"It's like he doesn't think I can take care of myself." Loona said, "I mean, he let's me go on small jobs, but every time there's some big catch I have to stay at the office! It's so unfair!" 

"He cares for you." Brenden said simply. 

"What?" Loona asked. 

"He cares about you. I can tell. He adopted you, gave you a job and want's to make sure you're safe." Brenden explained. 

Loona's angry expression softened somewhat. "Yeah, I guess you're right." she agreed. "I just wish he'd let me do more, you know?" 

Brenden nodded. "That's understandable." 

"Yeah?" Loona asked. 

"Yes." Brenden answered. 

Suddenly Loona began to giggle. Brenden cocked his head to one side slightly and stared confused at her. 

"What's funny?" he asked. 

"Nothing much, it just feels good to get that off my chest. You're a good friend." Loona answered with a smile. 

"A friend?" 

"Sure." the hellhound agreed. "Friends look out for each other." 

"Naturally." the imp replied. 

Loona looked over at Brenden with an amused smile. "You're kind of funny. I like that." 

The marksmen nodded his thanks, his face heating up slightly at the compliment. The two sat together in silence for a few moments before Loona spoke again. 

"I should probably go apologize to Blitzo." she said. Brenden nodded, and Loona stood to go. "Thanks." she muttered before leaving. 

"No problem." he softly as she left.