Helluva Family (18+) [Old]

Ch. 17: Broken, But Not Lost

Dark clouds hovered over the towering buildings of Imp City. Rain poured down on the citizens below as they scattered to their homes for a dry and safe escape. The echoes of violent thunder scared the little demon kids who hid under their covers that night. All the alleys, crevices, and hiding spots all over the downtown area would be illuminated by the erratic strikes of lightning.

Deep within its depths, there was an occupant that used the darkness of the alley he called home as a comfort. Deep between two buildings, a figure sat against one of its walls. His fur damp and heavy, his eyes tired and body cold. He clutched his tail like it was his last reminder of safety. The young hellhound shivered violently, the cold seeping through his fur and into his skin. Yet, the rain didn't stop for anyone. The rain continued to pelt his frigid body, his bones feeling like they would crack and snap with one wrong movement. The hellhound held his head in his arms, his body closed and tense.

Thunder boomed through the sky, causing the young hound to stir. Slowly, his head rose up to be met with the grim welcome of the shadows around him. His eyes shifted uncertainty at the objects cast in darkness. Were they mere trash cans, clumps of dumped junk, or a monster watching him from the shadows? The boy shook his head, yearning to remove the frightening thought from his mind. He clutched his tail tighter as lightning lit up the sky for a mere second, then plunging the city back in shadow.

The hellhound let himself fall to his side. His shoulder made hard contact with the frigid, wet cement beneath him. A sniffle came from his snout before sneezing abruptly. The hellhound curled himself into a ball. His tears mixed with the rainfall as he lay there.

Imp Lady: "Hey… are you ok?"

A soothing voice called to him. The young hound’s ear twitched along with his stifled sobs. Rain trailed down his face as he looked up. A short imp woman stood before him. Her face was just as soothing as her voice. She smiled, making the hellhound feel a feeling of warmth. The imp bent down at eye level with him and extended her hand. Feeling unsure, he scooted away from her touch. She didn't seem to be bothered by his worry because she tilted her head and kept her smile.

Imp Lady: "I know you’re scared, sugar. I just want to help."

Her strong country accent was more obvious in her recent words. With hesitation, the hellhound crawled a foot or so forward. The imp woman reached out her hand and patted his head. His uncertainty went out the door as he leaned into her touch. She kept her hand on his head as she spoke.

Imp Lady: "Why are you all alone out here?"

The young hellhound stayed silent. His gaze dropped to the floor as more tears formed in his eyes.

Imp Lady: "Oh, no, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to get you upset."

The boy shifted his body and whimpered as he moved his legs. Lightning shot through the sky, illuminating his body. The imp looked down with the flash of light. Through the light, she was given her answers without the hellhound saying a word. His legs were revealed in the light, both looking bloody and beaten. She covered her mouth with her hand, horrified by the wound. That explained why he had been stuck in that alley for as long as he had.

The boy looked away, seemingly embarrassed by his condition. As the light faded, so did his face, covered in shadow. The imp lady stood up and extended her hand, a smile on her face. Her entire aura made the world around them turn to a blur. The calming and positive nature coming from her seemed to put the hellhound at a sort of ease.