NovaLight (Helluva Boss AU)

Chapter 1: Bottom Of The Eighth

One year later...

***

"Big game today, folks! Currently, IMP City is tied with CUPID for the Otherworld Series championship! This, ladies and gentlemen, is what we've been waiting for!" The imp announcer's voice echoed across the stadium, excitement palpable in the air. The crowd roared as an imp batter confidently stepped up to the base, bat resting on his shoulder. The angel pitcher wound up, and the baseball hurtled toward the imp. With a powerful swing, the imp sent the ball soaring out of the stadium, demons erupting in cheers as he rounded the bases.

But little do they know, beneath their feet, a fierce battle rages—an angry hellhound marking its territory against unseen threats. The clash of worlds, both demonic and modern, converge at this moment, hidden from the eyes of the cheering fans. As the imp slides into home plate, victory and oblivion intertwine, and the stadium trembles with the weight of secrets buried deep within its foundations.

***

Loona's knuckles were raw, her anger pulsing through every vein. The room reeked of blood and desperation. Jace, the shooter, was in her grasp. The scar across her eye throbbed, a constant reminder of the past.

She circled him, her boots leaving crimson footprints on the concrete floor. Jace's horn lay discarded, a cruel trophy of her wrath. His face was a mess—nose shattered, teeth broken. But he still clung to life, gasping like a fish out of water.

"You gotta believe me, Loona!" His voice cracked, desperation etched in every syllable. His hands trembled as he raised them, pleading for mercy. But mercy had no place here.

"Who ordered the hit?!" Her voice echoed off the walls, a primal scream that shook the room. Jace's eyes darted around, searching for an escape. But there was no escape from her fury.

"I already told you, I don't know!" His defiance was pathetic. She'd heard the recording—the damning evidence that linked him to the contract. The voice on the other end had been cold, calculating. A nameless puppet master pulling the strings.

Loona reached into her leather jacket, pulling out the phone. The recording played again, Jace's voice echoing through the room.

"Target their family?" Jace had asked, and the caller's response had been chillingly efficient.

"That a problem?"

"ANo problem. I'll ensure they get the message."

Loona slammed him against the wall, the phone slipping from her hand. His head cracked, blood splattering the brick wall. "Did you scare me, Jace?!" Her boot connected with his face, and he crumpled to the floor.

"It was a job, Loona! I didn't know!" His defiance was fading, replaced by fear. But fear wouldn't save him.

"Give me a name," she growled, her fingers closing around his throat.

"They didn't give me a name!" He choked, clawing at her hand.

"I can tell you who you affected. Blitz. With a silent fucking O," She hissed into his ear.

Jace's eyes bulged, tears streaming down his face. "I didn't know about that, alright?! There wasn't supposed to be anybody else in the vehicle!" His words were a desperate plea, but she'd heard enough lies.

"I want you to think. Think!" She yelled, but he shook his head.

"These guys, I heard stories. They're like nothing you've ever seen. You have to learn to walk away from this, Loona!" He yelled, but she punched him in the face.