Hellwalkers

The Harvest Moon Festival

Phew! Finally! Once again, I apologize for the tardiness. Since I've also been working on my HD spin-off A Promessa, doing commissions , and real-life stuff, it took me way longer to finish this chapter. On the bright side, though, this chapter is longer than usual!

I'll pointing something out at the end of the chapter to avoid spoilers. I hope you enjoy!

—*HB*—

Three days later, it was quite a beautiful day in the ring of Wrath. The scorching sun shone down upon the fields and forests yet untouched by civilization and the wooden structure scattered throughout the ring. It shone upon the Ars Goetia castle, bathing its occupants in a little warmth as the structure's oppressive atmosphere drained all will to fight little by little. It shone upon Lamian's back alleys, butcheries, and apothecaries. It shone upon Hunter's guild, Hunter's lodge, the stock, and the marketplace. It shone upon the Imps and the guards as they prepared for the Harvest Moon Festival to be held today.

***

It shone upon Moxxie as he readied himself for the day. To say he'd had a bad week would be an understatement. He wasn't sure of how, but somehow he managed to avoid detection at night when his hellbeast spirit left his body. Security had tightened considerably ever since some of the townsfolk, Blitzo included, caught glimpses of the 'vermillion hellbeast' roaming around town at night. It was hard to avoid both hunters and guards patrolling. 

He'd been communicating with Striker via the messenger bird spell. Thankfully, Loona kept her promise and somehow delivered some medicines alongside the items of clothing Moxxie managed to get his hands on for their disguises. He just hoped he'd picked the right sizes. 

"You know, babe, we don't have to go if you don't want to." Millie insisted during breakfast that morning. "We could watch the portal from the rooftops."

I have to. Someone has to keep Striker out of trouble.

"It's okay, Millie. I don't need to participate in the Pain Games. I think it'd be nice to get some fresh air." 

"Are you sure, Mox? Your shoulder hasn't completely healed yet." 

Moxxie smiled reassuringly. "It's fine, honey. I just need to take it easy." 

Sadly, that's... Easier said than done.

***

It shone upon Striker as he stepped out of the den, dressed in the town Imp clothing once more. The Hellwalker moved his shoulders, tail rattling uncomfortably. How he hated wearing shoes. His thick hoofs and big feet weren't used to being squeezed shut like this, leaving him with a painful sensation every time he walked. Admittedly, the hat protecting his face from the sun was a nice touch. 

 His wife, son, and newborn daughter came up behind him. Jane and Jake were also dressed up in town Imp clothing, though the latter was notably as unhappy and uncomfortable as his father. 

"Mom, these shoes hurt!" The impling complained, lifting a foot off the ground. His outfit included a simple red shirt, blue jeans, and dark boots. 

Jane ruffled his hair. "I know, sweetie. Just wait until we get there. Then you can take them off for a while." she assured him. 

His wife, having worn town imp clothing before, seemed the most comfortable out of the three. She wore a dark red and yellow strapless blouse, jeans, and black boots. With no proper girdle yet, they'd tightly wrapped a wide-gaped bandage—courtesy of Loona— around her abdomen. Jane had actually sighed in deep relief at the sensation. To carry her newborn, she used the same baby wrap carrier that had, so far, carried two generations of the Velkan family. Brash, Striker, and Jake had been warmly tucked against their respective mothers' breasts with it at some point.