Scene opens up to a sunlit exterior of Stolas's mansion. A sigh of contentment from Stolas is heard. Blitzo is shown lighting a cigarette on Stolas's bed and folds his arms behind his head.
Stolas: *arms tied up* I'm sorry for having to move our little rendezvous early. I have an engagement this month on the full moon.
Stolas is shown wearing a ball gag and harness, his hands tied to the headboard with rope.
Blitzo: When this happens, it's not really something I fuss about...
He uses the cigarette to burn rope, freeing Stolas, who takes Blitzo's cigarette from him and takes a long drag of it.
Blitzo: But, do you really need the book for this farm bullshit? I have, like, fifteen new clients waitin' for heads to roll.
Stolas: As shocking as it may seem, Blitzy, my grimoiiiiiire is actually incredibly important. And it isn't supposed to be lent out to itty-bitty Imps like yourself.
Stolas puts out the cigarette in one of Blitzo's horns and pinches his cheek before Blitzo shoves him away.
Stolas: The Harvest Moon is a very special occasion! It's been my annual duty to showcase it in the Ring of Wrath. It's celebrated by a very charming little festival with the locals.
Blitzo pulls a feather out of his mouth in disgust.
Blitzo: Wrath, huh? My employees are from there. I've never really been. I hear it's full of inbred chucklefucks.
Stolas: *sits up* Oh! Why don't you all join me at the festival? I can guarantee you all…
Stolas pulls the covers over his head and his head appears near Blitzo's crotch.
Stolas: …special access~ *chuckles*
Blitzo: Look, I told you, we're not bodyguards. Okay? That was a one-time thing we did badly. Except Lincoln. I don't know how he does all that, along with working at the hotel the princess started.
Stolas stands up with the covers on his head. He does a playful owl head tilt.
Stolas: I'm simply offering a work-free day of fun! I feel quite safe at the Harvest Festival. It's the same every year.
Blitzo: Well… if you promise this isn't some fuck fest invite, it does sound like it could be a blast and a half. Plus, it's not like we can do jack shit without your book anyway.
Stolas: *baby-talk voice* Aww, I'm sowwy your clients will have to wait…
Blitzo: *waves a dismissive hand* Oh, fuck my clients!
Moxxie and Millie's apartment is revealed under a Robo Fizz sign. Moxxie and Millie are asleep in their bed. Moxxie's phone lights up and a Phantom of the Opera organ ringtone is heard. Moxxie taps the phone and rolls over. The phone rings again. In annoyance, Moxxie grabs the phone and sits up.
Moxxie: What do you want, sir?
Blitzo: Hey, hope I didn't wake ya, Mox! How would you and Mils like to visit the Wrath Ring for some harvest bullshit this year?
Millie sits up in excitement.
Millie: The Harvest Moon Festival?! Yee-fuckin'-haw!
Moxxie: *sighs* Well, Millie likes the idea. Wait... Where are you calling from?
Octavia: *on the other side of the phone and in the other room* WHAT THE FUCK?!
Lincoln: *on the other side of the phone and in the other room* BLITZO, GET THE FUCK OUT!
The sound of a window shattering is heard on the phone and in the other room. Moxxie looks annoyed while Millie seems amused.
Moxxie: Mm-hm... Of course.
Cut to Lincoln's bedroom, where Lincoln and Octavia are glaring out the window, and Blitzo is seen face first into the ground.
Octavia: *scowls* Fucking invasive dickhead…
Lincoln: *sighs* I swear, we can get no privacy around him… Well, since he was talking about the Harvest Moon Festival, I guess it wouldn't hurt to go. *smiles* Plus I can see my grandparents, uncles and aunt again.
Octavia: *smiles* That definitely sounds fun.
Lincoln: Why don't you come with, Via? My family will be happy to let you stay with us.
Octavia: *sarcastically weighing her options* Let's see… be around people I like at a fun festival, or be left with a screeching bitch I can't stand.
After a few seconds, the two burst out laughing, clearly never wanting to be anywhere near Stella.
Scene shifts to the Rough n' Tumbleweed Ranch. The I.M.P. van pulls up in front of two imps.
Millie: Mama! Daddy!
Millie gets out of the van and happily runs toward her parents. Her father hugs her and spins her around before placing her down.
Joe: Yeeeee-hawwww! How's my deadly little pumpkin spice doing?
Joe ruffles Millie's hair affectionately.
Millie: I'm good, Pa! Thanks for lettin' us stay here for the harvest jamboree.
Lin: It's no trouble. We know you aren't making as much anymore since y'all went "freelance".
Millie: Freelance pays fine, Ma! We're doin' fiiiiine! *serious* It's fine.
Millie walks over to Moxxie, who is struggling to carry luggage.
Millie: Anyway, y'all remember my husband Moxxie?
Millie shoves a nervous Moxxie in front of her parents. They stare at him in disapproval.
Joe: Hmph.
Moxxie: Greetings, Lin! Joe! How have you been, uh, with all the… flaming twisters and stuff around here? *nervously holds out his hand*
Joe: We lost our old farm hand to one of them terrors last week.
Moxxie: *laughs nervously* Oh, crumbs. My bad! I am so sorry. I- I didn't mean to open that wound... sir.
Blitzo: Hey, watch it! I'm the "sir" here, bucko!
Millie: Oh yeah! Y'all haven't met my boss Blitzo! And his hellhound!
Loona: I'm not just his hellhound.
Blitzo: Yeah, she's my daughter! *pulls Loona to his side*
Loona: Only on paper.
Blitzo walks away to greet Millie's parents.
Loona: *pulls out smartphone and begins typing* Y'all don't deserve to know my name.
Blitzo walks over to Millie's parents.
Blitzo: It's a pleasure to finally meet the sperm and egg factory *shoves Moxxie away* that popped out this little gem of an assassin. You two raised a *playfully elbows Millie* sturdy bitch!
Joe: *chuckles* That we did! So... Blitzo, is it? Heh heh. That's a fine name.
Blitzo and Joe shake hands.
Lin: It reminds me of war.
Joe: *sighs happily* Nothing like a little war to make a strong man! *flexes bicep*
Blitzo: I like you people.
Lin: Hold on, speaking of Hellhounds... *looks around* Where's our Grandpup, Millie?
Another vehicle, which looks like Hell's version of a 1959 Cadillac with the top down, pulls up to the ranch, with Lincoln at the driver's wheel and Octavia in the passenger seat.
Lincoln: *exits the car, tail wagging as Octavia steps out of the car* Grandma, Grandpa! *runs to them and nearly tackles them with a hug*
Joe: *laughs and hugs back* Howdy there, Lincoln!
Lin: *she hugs him next* Good to see ya, sugar!
Lincoln: *hugging them* I missed you guys so much! Thanks for lettin' us stay here!
Joe: *ruffles Lincoln's hair* As if we'd turn down a chance to see our favorite Grandpup!
Lincoln: *snickers* Yeah, I'm your only Grandpup.
Lin: All the more reason for you to be our favorite, sweetie. *notices Octavia walk up* Oh, and ya brought Via with!
Octavia: *smiles* It's nice to see you again. I'm… honestly a little shocked that you remember me.
Joe: Ha! Like we could forget our grandpup's best friend! *playfully punches her arm, causing her to flinch a bit as she chuckles*
Lin: *eyeing Lincoln's car* Where'd you get a ride like this, sugar?
Lincoln: Oh, that was a gift from the Princess of Hell herself.
Joe: Princess Charlotte, huh? Our neighbor's wife said you're working for her on the side at the hotel.
Lincoln: Sure am. *looks confused* Wait, neighbor's wife?
Lori: *off-screen* Damn right.
Lincoln looks and sees Lori walking up, dressed in more farm appropriate attire. With her was a male Hellhound the same age as her with tan fur, black hair and dark green eyes, and a female Hellhound with similar features, except her eyes are purple and the same age as Lincoln.
Lincoln: Lori? You live in Wrath?
Lori: Yep. *gestures to the other two Hellhounds* This is my husband, Bobby, and his sister, Ronnie Anne.
Bobby: Hey there. Nice to meet you, little dude. *shakes Lincoln's hand* Lori's told me a lot about you.
Lincoln: Nice to meet you too.
Ronnie Anne walks up, almost as if she's sizing up Lincoln, who just looks confused and a little intimidated.
Ronnie Anne: … Lori told me ya stood up to the Radio Demon himself.
Lincoln: Uh… yeah?
Ronnie Anne: *was silent for a few seconds, before smirking* That's pretty badass.
Lincoln: Oh, uh… *embarrassed blush as he scratches the back of his head* Yeah… It is- I- I- I g-guess it is…
Cut to Octavia, whose eyes are narrowed a bit as she lets out a quiet scowl of jealousy at seeing another girl close to her crush.
Unknown Demons: DOGPILE THE NEPHEW!
Lincoln was suddenly tackled by his uncles (Zeke, Deke, Teke and Eke) and his aunt Sallie May.
Lincoln: *laughs with a playful growl* Oh, you bastards think you're slick, huh?!
He suddenly flips all of them off him, causing them to tumble onto the ground as they laugh, before getting to their feet.
Zeke: *gets Lincoln in a headlock* Good to see ya again, Linc! We were startin' to think ya'd never visit!
Lincoln: Like I'd miss seeing you guys again!
He jabs Zeke in the kidney, making him let go as he laughs. Sallie May ruffles Lincoln's hair.
Sallie May: Yer ma been feedin' ya right? Or do I need to sock her?
Millie snarls at her sister and flips her off.
Lincoln: *chuckles* Relax, Aunt Sallie. I'm fine. *Sallie May stops ruffling his hair* What about you? It's been almost 3 years since that day, right?
Sallie May: That it has been.
Eke: What about you and Via? *smirks and whispers* You confess to the gal yet?
Lincoln goes red as his tail frizzles a bit.
Lincoln: *whispers* Uncle Eke, shut up!
Deke: Oh, so yer plannin' on tellin' her?
Lincoln goes more red.
Zeke: Listen to us, kid. Ya better confess now before some other jackass beats ya to it.
Lincoln: *whispers* Seriously, shut up! I-I'll tell her soon, I promise!
Unknown Female Demon: Your truck's all fixed up, sir!
Everyone looks and sees an 11-year old female Hellhound with blonde fur and green-ish eyes wearing oil covered mechanic clothes and a red cap, walking up. With her was an almost identical Hellhound girl of the same age, but with pink eyes and wearing mostly pink clothes.
Joe: Ah! Thanks, Lana! *faces his visiting family* Everyone, this is Lana, one of our newest helps on the farm, and her sister, Lola.
Lana: Howdy! *walks up to Lincoln and his parents* You must be Millie and Lincoln! Joe's talked a lot about ya!
Millie: Nice to meet you too. But… don't ya seem a bit young to be workin'?
Lana: Ah, I've been fixin' cars and trucks since I was six. This ain't any difficult shit.
Lincoln: Well, as long as you know what you're doing.
Lola: How she hasn't shocked or hurt herself yet is beyond me.
Lana glares at her sister with a snarl.
Millie: Well, what about you, Lola?
Lola: I mostly help inside the house. Working out on the farm isn't something I really enjoy, so I mostly help Lin with stuff inside the house.
Lin: Even so, she's pretty strong.
Lana: *flexes her bicep a bit* It's in our family genes.
Lola: *does the same as her sister* Strong hands capable of tearing through bastards easily.
Joe: Speakin' of strong hands, y'all should meet our other newest help. *calls out* Hey! Striker!
Black flaming hooves clop rapidly on the ground. An Imp's spiky tail whips a black horse's flank. An Imp wearing a cowboy hat rides a black hell horse with a fiery mane. The horse leaps over a fence. The horse rears up and roars in front of the group. Striker tips his hat in greeting, a stalk in his mouth.
Striker: Well, howdy! Oh, lookie here! You must be the famous Mildred!
Striker gets off the horse and walks toward Millie.
Striker: Heard some good things about you from your folks, little lady. *winks*
Millie: Ohhh! *laughs sheepishly*
Lincoln's tail starts to twitch as he quietly snarls a bit.
Octavia: *notices and whispers* Lincoln? What is it?
Lincoln: *quietly growls, whispers* I don't trust this guy…
Lana: *looks at Lincoln like he's crazy* The hell's that supposed to mean? I've been working with Striker for weeks. He's a good guy.
Lincoln: I don't buy it.
Striker: What're y'all doin' so far away from Imp City? Heh. The free workin' finally slowin' down?
Millie: Oh, no! Freelance isn't free! It's a-... Never mind. We're just visitin' for the festival. The prince is our boss' *in a dramatic voice* boyyyyfrieeeend!
Blitzo: Millie, I am not above hitting a female in front of her daddy or her son.
Striker: Boss, huh...? Ohhh, so YOU'RE the bold imp to start his own killing biz?
Blitzo: Yeah, well if you're good at somethin', you should probably capitalize.
Striker: Not many Imps start businesses on their own. That's pretty impressive, sir.
Blitzo: Oh...! Yeah? It is- I- I- I guess- I guess it is, isn't it?
Striker: So you even conned that ditzy blueblood into gettin' you to the surface?
Striker and Blitzo shake hands while Octavia looks annoyed at what Striker called her father.
Blitzo: Well, it's long and complicated, but the short answer is yes. But he's not like, you know- W- We're y- We're not, like... We're not doing it... We w- What's betw- It's a transactional fucking, you see.
Blitzo makes a sexual motion with his hands. Octavia rolls her eyes as Ronnie Anne, Lana and Lola look weirded out.
Joe: Y'know... you boys should enter the Pain Games!
Blitzo scuttles sideways over to Joe.
Blitzo: I heard games! What games? I'm in!
Lin: Every harvest festival, there's a competition to be the *roughest, toughest bastard* in Wrath!
Millie crosses her arms and pouts.
Millie: Yeah! Wish I could play!
Lin: Millie, you know you get too carried away.
Lincoln: Yeah. The last competition ended in fifteen separate funerals.
Ronnie Anne, Lana, Lola, Bobby and Lori: *shocked* Wait, WHAT?!
Millie: I'm aware, but I only caused nine of them!
Ronnie Anne: That's still more than HALF!
Millie: Well, how come Sallie May still gets to compete?
Lin: Your sister doesn't have a neighborhood headcount.
Millie: She so does!
Sallie May: *peeks on-screen, sing-song voice* It doesn't count if they don't find the bodyyyyyy!
Millie seethes.
Lin: Still, you get to root for her, your brothers and your son, and now you can cheer on your boss!
Lana: Hell, you can cheer Ronnie and I on too. *grins* We're gonna kick some ass!
Lincoln: *grins* That so? *cracks his knuckles* I may have more fun in this competition than last year.
Ronnie Anne: *smirks, gets in Lincoln's face* Don't expect me to go easy on you, Lame-O.
Octavia's jealousy starts to spark again as a pink aura briefly flickers around her. Moxxie puts a hand on Lin's shoulder.
Moxxie: Y'know, she can also cheer for me.
Joe: *wheeze-laughs and slaps his leg* ...Wait, you?
Moxxie: Yeah! I can compete, can't I?
Lin elbows him hard in the side. Moxxie flinches in pain.
Joe: Sorry, boy. But, I don't think sensitive, thespian types would last very long in the games.
Moxxie: I was born here, too! *drawls* I have some fight in me!
Striker puts a hand on Moxxie's shoulder.
Striker: Huh. Well then, little fella... Why don'tcha help me wrangle one o' them hogs for dinner?
Striker mentions to a large sleeping hell hog in a pigpen.
Moxxie: Simple. Watch me!
Striker grins and hands Moxxie a dagger and rope.
Striker: Nah... with these. Bullets can't pierce the shell. You gotta get the knife underneath and pry yourself an openin'.
Moxxie gulps.
Moxxie: Oh! Right, right. I knew that.
Blitzo leans in toward Moxxie and grabs his shoulders. Moxxie's eyes twitch.
Blitzo: Now, just remember, your rep with the in-laws is on the line here! So, no pressure at all, you totally will not make an ass of yourself in front of everyone important in your life. Go get 'em, tiger.
Blitzo shoves Moxxie forward.
Moxxie: Ohhh.
Millie: Mox, you don't need to do this!
Lincoln: Yeah, Dad! Don't risk it!
Blitzo: Oh, he totally does. KICK ITS ASS, MOXXIE! YEAAAAAAAAAAAH!
Blitzo cheers as Moxxie enters the pen. He nervously walks forward, knife in hand. Moxxie leaps forward and wraps the rope around the hog's neck. He moves the knife down and it strikes harmlessly against the hog's hide. The hog roars and runs around, trying to buck Moxxie off.
Blitzo: FUCK yeah, Moxxie! Ride it, Moxxie! Make it that bitch you won't call back in the morning!
Loona grins and records a video on her phone.
Loona: This is fucking beautiful.
Blitzo: Doin' great, Moxxie! *whispers to Loona* Send me that video later. *Lincoln kicks the back of his head* OW!
Millie and Lincoln watch in concern as Moxxie yelps and looks up. Striker leaps and pushes him out of the way. Striker twirls the dagger in his hand and lifts it in the air with a smug grin. He brings down the knife and slaughters the hog.
Moxxie rubs his neck.
Moxxie: Ow... My clavicle!
Striker stands over Moxxie, his spade tail rattling like a snake.
Striker: Don't worry, little one... You never stood a chance.
Striker walks away with the dead hog over his shoulder. Moxxie growls at him.
Striker: Hey, boss man! You wanna help the men skin this thing for dinner?
Blitzo: Oh, I am always down to skin the manly meat with the manly men!
Lola: That's what she said!
Loona snickers and fist bumps Lola.
Blitzo: What "who said"? Wait, what bitch is talking shit about me?!
Everyone but Lincoln, Millie and Moxxie leave for the house with the demon hog. Moxxie sighs sadly with his arm in a cast. Millie and Lincoln comfort him.
Millie: Don't let 'em get to you. And hey, you don't need my parents to respect you.
Lincoln: They will eventually.
Sallie May: No, they won't.
Millie and Lincoln glare at her.
Lincoln: *frowning* Not helping, Aunt Sallie.
Sallie May: What? I'm right, ain't I?
Moxxie: *drawl* Oh, I'mma enter in those games.
Millie sighs sadly as Lincoln shakes his head.
Sallie May: Hmm, how pissed would you be if I bet on him dyin'?
Millie glares at her again.
Scene cuts to the Harvest Festival. Wally Wackford stands on stage with a microphone and speaks dramatically.
Wally Wackford: Welcome, I say-a, welcome-a... all to Wrath-a Ring's-a annual-a Harvest-a Moon-a... a-Festival! To kick things up, we have the great prince Stolas-a, here to usher in this here Pain Games!
Stolas takes the microphone from Wally Wackford.
Stolas: *chuckles* How kind, Wackford. Greetings, tiny... Wrath Ring Imps! I hereby welcome you all to another year of celebrating the spoils of your labor that continue to feed the citizens of Hell!
A crowd of Imps glare at him and boos are heard.
Stolas: I'm happy to kick off the start of these games that will challenge the toughest Imps *points to the Hellhounds* and Hellhounds to show their skill in dominance. Good luck to you all! Especially that sexy little one there... Yoo-hoo! Blitzy!
Stolas waves at him while Blitzo glares.
Blitzo: Ugh. Fuck me.
Lincoln: He already does that, Blitzo.
A gun goes off and the games begin. Moxxie gets trampled with a yelp as the other imps race down the trail. Striker climbs up a wooden ramp structure while Blitzo and Lincoln leap down ahead of him, Ronnie Anne and Lana not too far behind. Moxxie tries to catch up. He claws at the structure and falls into a small puddle. He gets chewed up and thrashed by a monstrous black and white shark.
In the next shot, Striker grins smugly at Blitzo who has his legs, arms and horns tied behind him. Lincoln is fending off both Ronnie Anne and Lana, kicking the younger Hellhound down and ducking under Ronnie Anne's attempted tackle. A muscular Imp holds a rope and grins at a scared Moxxie.
Lincoln, Striker, Blitzo and Moxxie team up in a tug of war match. Moxxie falls into the water and the shark attacks him again.
The scene cuts to a wrestling match in the mud between Blitzo and Striker. Lincoln is in a 1-v-1 against Ronnie Anne, both of them grinning and growling as they wrestle. A group of imps do a football huddle on top of Moxxie. The shark leaps over the fence and begins to elbow drop Moxxie.
Moxxie: MOTHERFUC-!
Cuts back to stage.
Wally Wackford: I say, I say, for the first year ever, we have a four-way tie for winner of the Harvest Moon Pain Games!
Stolas takes the microphone from Wally Wackford.
Stolas: The winners are… Striker, Lincoln, Ronnie Anne, aaaaand my darling Blitzy!
Stolas walks onto the stage and does a pose as the crowd cheers.
Blitzo: Just say my name RIGHT! Fuckin' dick!
Blitzo walks onto the stage in frustration as Lincoln and Ronnie Anne follow with a snicker. Moxxie and Millie watch from the wooden bleachers.
Moxxie: *referring to Striker* Alright. So, he has the "physical advantage." I'm better at other things, like singing!
Striker: *pulls out a guitar* I'd like to take this opportunity to sing a quick song I wrote just now, about me winnin'.
Striker strums the guitar he pulled out.
Moxxie: Oh, WHAT THE FUCK?!
Striker: Sweet victory… I smell the smell.
Striker kicks a squealing fangirl Imp in the face, sending her back to a group of Imps. The group then maul her.
Striker: From up in stinkin' Heaven, to the rugged rocks of Hell, sweet victory
With everything I do
With every talent, I'm so much more talented than you
Blitzo arrives with a slice of cheese on a stick and sits next to Moxxie and Millie in the bleachers. He eats the cheese as Lincoln, Octavia and the twins sit with them.
Blitzo: *mouth full* Isn't this guy great?
Lana: Damn right!
Lincoln: *scowling at Striker* Hrmmm...
Striker: *off-screen* Everytime I tryyyy, I push it and succeed.
Moxxie: False!
Blitzo: It's gonna be nice workin' with him.
Blitzo pours hot sauce on his cheese and takes another bite.
Moxxie: Working with him...?
Moxxie and Lincoln: WHAT?!
Striker: *off-screen* Every first attempt of every single deed
Blitzo: Yeaaaah! I asked him if he wants to join I.M.P.
Moxxie: You asked… But…
Moxxie looks visibly hurt as Blitzo looks at him in confusion.
Striker: *off-screen* Me! I'm totally the best.
Millie: Mox, I think you've had enough, for now. Let's head back to the house and get you clean.
Striker: The super cool me, handsome guy- *cough* Moxxie, go fuck yourself
Moxxie tears up and leaves with Millie as Striker finishes his song.
Striker: Did you hear something? It was just the wind.
The crowd cheers.
Striker: Thank you. You're too kind.
Lincoln's eyes narrowed into slits at Striker, a soft growl escaping his bared teeth.
Lana: *hears him* Will you chill the fuck out? *puts a hand on his shoulder* Striker's not a bad-
Lincoln smacks her hand off him and storms off with Octavia.
Lola: … What's his deal?
Volcanoes with fiery spheres floating above them are revealed. Blitzo lies down on the ground and looks admiringly at Bombproof as he feasts on an animal carcass. Lincoln and Octavia are sitting together, as she leans her head against his shoulder, causing his face to turn red as his tail starts to wag. Millie beams beside her parents as her brothers load up jack-o-lanterns into a truck. Millie waves at them and runs off. Inside the cottage, Moxxie glumly walks up some stairs. Moxxie notices light shining through the bottom of a door.
Moxxie: Well, that's troubling.
Moxxie opens the door and peers around. He notices the light coming from a box. He walks over and sees a rifle with glowing designs in an open gun case.
Moxxie: Oh, my crumbs!
He runs his hand along the side of the rifle.
Moxxie: A genuine carmine crafted blessing-tipped rifle! How… How in the fuck did he get one o' these?!
Striker leans against the door frame behind him.
Striker: Why don't you ask me, little dude?
Moxxie: Shit! W-Why do you have this... mister?! You are aware this kind of weapon can kill-
Striker: …demon royalty?
Moxxie: Yes. That.
Striker: No shit. *flicks his wheat stalk away* That's kinda the point.
Striker runs his claws along the door. He closes the door and advances menacingly toward Moxxie with a grin.
Moxxie: Okay. Well I'm- I'm relatively concerned by your possession of this... I'm also glad my instant dislike of you has been vali-
Striker grabs Moxxie by the throat.
Moxxie: -DATED!
Striker wraps his tail around Moxxie's neck. He tosses Moxxie hard against the wall. He chokes Moxxie on the floor as Moxxie hisses and tries to claw at him. Striker holds him down with his body weight. Moxxie glances over to see a lamp on a table. He kicks the table and the lamp crashes into Striker. Millie hears the crash from outside. Lincoln's ear twitches as he glances over to the house, eyes narrowing a bit. Moxxie stands up and races toward the door. He pulls the door open but Striker roughly pulls him back by his tail. Striker covers Moxxie's mouth and begins to strangle him. Striker chuckles evilly as Moxxie begins to lose consciousness.
Striker: *smirks* Pathetic.
Millie appears behind Striker and stabs him in the back with a knife. Moxxie collapses to the floor. A feral, enraged Millie stabs Striker repeatedly in the back. She leaps onto his back and holds the knife at his neck. Striker slams Millie off against the wall, breaking her arm. A bleeding Millie collapses next to Moxxie. Moxxie reaches his hand towards Millie.
Moxxie: *weakly* Millie…
A white and orange blur suddenly tackles into Striker as he screams in pain. Lincoln was viciously biting into his shoulder and threw him into the wall. He lands two heavy punches to Striker's face, but Striker dodges the third and kicks Lincoln in the shin. Lincoln ignores the pain and backhands Striker hard enough to knock him through the wall into another room. Before he goes after Striker, Lincoln glances over at his parents, and their condition horrifies him.
Lincoln: *his eyes fill with tears* Mom...? *his voice breaks a bit* Dad...?
Millie: *holding her bleeding arm* We're fine, Linc... *she gives him as good of a smile as she can give*
Moxxie: *coughs a bit as he starts to get up* Don't worry about us... Just get that piece of shit...
Lincoln's horror turns to anger as he glares with his tear and rage filled eyes to the hole in the wall, growling as he sees Striker getting to his feet spitting out a tooth from Lincoln's hits.
Striker: *lets out a grunt of pain* Well... *puts a hand behind his neck and pops it* Don't you hit like a fuckin' truck?
Wiping his tears as his growling gets louder and more vicious, Lincoln's eyes start to gain red cracks as his pupils shrink. His claws sharpen to twice their length as his hair and fur become more wild.
Moxxie/Millie: *both of their eyes grow wide* Uh-oh.../Oh shit...
Lincoln: *his voice deepens with fury* I knew you were trouble the moment I set eyes on you…
Lincoln takes a step towards Striker that causes the wooden floorboard to splinter and crack as a red and black aura bursts around him. Striker's eyes widened a bit.
Lincoln: But hurting my parents... I... will... make you pay... WITH YOUR LIFE!
Hunching forward, he suddenly reels back and lets out a deafening, ear-splitting howl that releases a massive shockwave throughout the house and the entire farm, making everyone look towards the house in shock, some in fear.
Octavia: *thinking in worry* Lincoln, what's going on?!
Lin: That howl… *eyes widen as she looks at Joe* Joe, is that-?!
Joe: *eyes wide, concerned* … Lincoln.
A massive eruption of dust suddenly splinters from the roof, and two shadows launch upwards from it. Pan up to the full moon. There are two silhouettes shadowed by it. One landing a serious uppercut on the other's chin.
Lana: *glancing upward with Lola, Ronnie Anne, Bobby, Lori, Octavia, and Millie's family* Somethin's goin on up there!
Bobby: *squints his eyes* But what?! They're fightin' too high to see!
Lincoln sledgehammers Striker down, sending him crashing to the dirt with a massive cloud of dust kicking up. When the dust clears, Lincoln was suddenly right on top of Striker and angrily grabbed him by the neck with his left hand, before slamming his right fist into his face over and over again.
Sallie May: Hey... that's Striker in there! *Millie's family gasps* Lincoln's fighting Striker?!
Lana: Wait, what?!
Octavia: *concerned beyond belief* Lincoln?! What's going on with him?!
Zeke: This isn't good… He's lost himself to his rage again…
Octavia: Again?! This has happened before?!
Eke: Yeah… we haven't seen him like this in years… What could have gotten him like this…?!
Lincoln: *in a severely deadly voice* BACKSTABBING FUCKER! *lands a nasty punch that breaks Striker's nose, making him let out a raspy scream*
Striker tries to punch Lincoln in the face, but each punch barely makes Lincoln flinch. After the fifth punch, Lincoln responds by biting his wrist, before violently ripping his hand clean off, his black blood gushing and splatters all over the ground and on Lincoln's face.
Striker: *writhing in agony as he holds where his missing hand was* Aggh...! *starts to glare at Lincoln, who spits out the bloody hand* Ya little-!
Striker suddenly starts to gasp out and choke as Lincoln pins his foot to his throat.
Lincoln: *seething big time* BASTARD! You have the nerve to fucking hurt MY parents?!
Blitzo: *pushes through the crowd with Loona* Okay, what the fuck is going on?!
Moxxie: *off-screen* We can explain, sir…
Everyone looks, seeing Moxxie supporting Millie, who has her arm bandaged. Moxxie was holding the box with the blessing-tipped rifle.
Lin: *her and her family gasps* Millie! *they rush to her aid* What happened?!
Millie: *hissing a bit as she glares in Striker's direction* I'm fine, Ma…
Moxxie: Striker was planning to assassinate Stolas. With this. *tosses the box to Blitzo*
Blitzo: *takes it with a dumbfounded look* The FUCK?!
Octavia: *eyes widen* He was going to WHAT?!
Lana: *shocked* This whole time… he was planning to kill Prince Stolas?!
They look towards the fight and see Lincoln viciously punching Striker's face, making the crater bigger and bigger as smoke and dust kick up, blood splattering everywhere.
Blitzo: Okay, Lincoln looks mad... *darts his eyes on the glances on him before puts a finger under his chin* ...der than usual. *looks at Moxxie and Millie* Also... does he look more vicious to you?
Millie: We've only seen this sort of thing once…
Blitzo: What is it?
Lori: I can tell what it is… It's Hellhound Bloodlust…
Loona, who had been typing on her phone, suddenly stopped as her eyes widened and she dropped her phone. She knows exactly what Hellhound Bloodlust is, being a Hellhound herself.
Loona: *now on actual full alert* Bloodlust... *gets into Lori's face, looking very serious* THE Hellhound Bloodlust?!
Lori nods, and Loona looks over to Lincoln as he roars, slashing Striker across the face, spewing his black blood across the ground. Loona was now full on concerned and worried.
Blitzo: What the fuck is Hellhound Bloodlust?
Lola: You haven't heard of it?!
Loona: *bluntly* Putting it shortly: it turns Hellhounds into mindless monsters that will kill anything, and I mean anything, in their path. Immensely uncontrollable, and can't think for themselves.
Blitzo: *eyes now wide in fear* … Oh fuck…
Octavia: *eyes widen a bit* Wait… I remember seeing a black and red glow flicker around him when he confronted Stella… W-Was that it?!
Joe: It was. *as it cuts to Lincoln, who keeps clawing Striker and roaring* If Lincoln isn't stopped now, he's gonna slaughter this entire farm and festival!
Blitzo: *cut back to him* What the fuck do you expect us t-?! *he's suddenly tackled by Lincoln, who's now focusing on others* URGH!
Loona: *alarmed* BLITZO!
The fight begins as Blitzo elbows Lincoln in the face, knocking the rampaging Hellhound off him. Lincoln staggers, but growls as he then bites Blitzo's arm. Blitzo screams as Lincoln then goes for another bite, but Blitzo dodges and then headbutts Lincoln, before wrapping his tail around Lincoln's leg and tripping him up. Lincoln instantly gets up, only for Moxxie to leap on his back and wrap his arms around his neck, holding on for dear life.
Moxxie: Lincoln! You need to calm down!
Lincoln grabs Moxxie and rips him off his back, slamming him into the ground and stomping on his chest, making Moxxie scream in pain. Lincoln roars in his father's face, not recognizing him.
Millie: LINCOLN! Stop this, please! You hate being like this! I know it's not you!
Her pleas fall on deaf ears as Lincoln roars again.
Bobby: *runs in as he discards his vest* Okay, clearly he's not listening, so sorry to do this, dude!
Bobby swings his foot under Lincoln and trips him, but Lincoln quickly catches himself and kicks Bobby in the face, knocking him down. Loona grabs Lincoln by the collar and hurls him away, sending him crashing through a fence, but he quickly gets up and tries to pounce on Loona. She dodges and lands punches at his face and swipes her tail at him, but Lincoln bites her tail, making her howl in pain. Lincoln then slashes at her, but she manages to dodge as Blitzo pulls out his pistol and fires at him. Lincoln dodges each shot and runs at Blitzo, tackling him down, then grabbing him by the horns and slamming him into Lana and Lola as they try to attack, knocking the twins down as they scream. Lincoln then throws Blitzo against a nearby well, cracking it. Bobby manages to tackle Lincoln down and pins him face-first into the ground, as the boy thrashes and roars to try and escape.
Bobby: Lincoln, dude! You gotta stop! You're losing your mind!
His words fall on deaf ears as Lincoln then bites Bobby's leg, making him scream.
Ronnie Anne and Lori: BOBBY!
The same red and black aura around Lincoln briefly flickers around Lori and Ronnie Anne as Lincoln throws Bobby off him, then catching Millie by the neck as she tries to jump on him from behind. Lana jabs Lincoln in the kidney, making him flinch as Lola then gets him in a headlock. Lincoln headbutts Lola, breaking her nose, then kicks Lana in the stomach. Octavia's eyes widen as she realizes all they're doing is making Lincoln angrier by fighting him… so she has to take a massive risk, as she runs into the battle.
Joe: *he and his family are shocked* Via! What are you doing?!
Ronnie Anne and Lori's anger is replaced with shock as the brief auras around them disappear.
Lori: He'll maul you to pieces!
Moxxie fires a shot from his gun near Lincoln, which slightly grazes his ear. Lincoln glares at him while throwing Millie into Loona. All three of them crash into the same brick well as Blitzo. Octavia runs past them, which they notice.
Blitzo: Hey, what the fuck are you doing?!
Loona: Octavia!
Octavia ignores them as she keeps running towards Lincoln. Lincoln sees her approaching and swats Moxxie away, before roaring as he reels his hand back to slash Octavia… but suddenly stops as his eyes widen and he feels a force run into him.
Octavia wasn't attacking him… she was hugging him.
Octavia: *tears in her eyes* Please, Lincoln… Calm down… Take a moment… Just… breathe… *voice breaks* Please…
Lincoln's eyes start to shimmer as his rabid growls start to get softer and quieter, his hands twitching as if it was debating whether to strike Octavia or not.
Finally... the wild fur on his body begins to shrink back down to normal size. His eyes fade back to their normal hue as his pupils grow. Plus his claws shrink back to their normal length. He nearly falls over with a woozy groan, but Octavia is quick to steady him. The Hellhound Bloodlust has worn off, and Lincoln realizes it with a gasp.
Lincoln: *shocked* V-Via…?
He glances around at the devastation around him. Lori is trying to bandage her husband's leg as he flinches. Lana and Lola are trying to pick themselves up in pain. Moxxie tries to sit up, but winces from Lincoln stepping on his chest. The bandages on Millie's broken arm have fallen off and her leg is broken too. Blitzo, who has his arm bandaged from Lincoln's bite, is trying to mend Loona's tail, to which she growls in pain at.
Lincoln: *his voice is shaking* O-Octavia…? *tears start to run down his face* What did… What did I do…?
Octavia hugs Lincoln tighter as he collapses to his knees, sobbing into her shoulder.
Octavia: *comforting voice* Shh… it's okay, Linky… It's okay…
Everyone watches the comforting in silence, especially Blitzo, who knew that his jackass words weren't going to be helpful at all right now. Striker, who's witnessed the entire ordeal, narrows his eyes and tries to use the distraction to stand, but this doesn't escape Lincoln's tearful eye as he glances up from Octavia's shoulder
Lincoln: *furious* YOU!
Lincoln shoves past Octavia and grabs the wounded Striker by the throat, causing him to choke once more.
Octavia: *alarmed* Lincoln, wait-! *tries to go after him, but Joe holds her back with an arm*
Joe: *firmly* He knows what he's doing now.
Lincoln: *livid, right into Striker's sweating face* Now you fucking listen to me... and you better listen good!
He extends out a claw that extends out dagger-size and pokes into Striker's throat. Striker just glared at the heroes while gritting his teeth, though he does start to sweat when Joe pops his knuckles.
Lincoln: SPILL! What's your purpose here?!
A low growl escapes Striker's throat before his eyes stare at everyone glaring at him.
Striker: … I was hired by a client named Stella to assassinate her husband, who goes by the name... "Stolas"...
The heroes and Octavia's eyes widen as they realize that Stella hired Striker to kill Stolas. And with the Blessing-Tipped Rifle, he could've done it if Moxxie didn't find out.
Lincoln: *furious* Stella. *bares his teeth* STELLA?! THAT LOWLIFE HAG ORDERED THIS?!
Octavia: *her eyes blaze pink* SHE STOOPED THIS LOW?!
Striker reaches into his pocket with his remaining hand and intends to throw a bunch of black dust into Lincoln's eyes, to which Lincoln's right hand shoots out and snares his hand tight, causing Striker to wince.
Lincoln: *his anger rises with each word* I want you to listen to me, then pass the word to every goddamn lowlife you know; if you want to come after I.M.P or me, fine! That's the life you chose! *Striker scowls and looks away* LOOK AT ME! LOOK AT ME, MOTHERFUCKER!
He aggressively grabs Striker's face and forces him to look at him, his eyes on the verge of going bloodlust again but holding himself back to not lose control again.
Lincoln: *eyes are blazing with fury* As of right now, my family is off-limits! If any of you assholes ever attack one of our loved ones, or hurts one of our loved ones, or even bumps into someone we love in the street... *growls in Striker's face* I WILL RIP YOU TO SHREDS AND SCATTER THOSE SHREDS ACROSS THE SEVEN RINGS OF HELL! GOT IT?!
For once in his life, Striker felt genuine fear as he gulped a bit, nodding.
Lincoln: GOOD! *he throws Striker to the ground* NOW GET THE FUCK OFF MY FAMILY'S PROPERTY BEFORE YOU GET FUCKING BURIED UNDER IT!
Striker slowly gets to his feet, glaring angrily while gripping the spot of his missing hand.
Striker: This ain't over... *hisses* pard'ners...
Striker turns around and slowly limps away, grimacing with each step.
Lincoln's rage subsides as he pants, before remembering everything he did as his parents step up.
Millie: Linc…
Lincoln: *filled with guilt again as he hesitantly looks at them* Mom… Dad… I-
Moxxie cuts him off by pulling him down to their height and hugging him, Millie doing the same with her one good arm.
Moxxie: *calmly* There's nothing to apologize for, Lincoln.
Millie: *smiling* You know it ain't your fault, sweetie.
Lincoln: *surprised* B-But- *Millie puts a finger on his mouth*
Millie: You were seein' red, sweetie. We know you didn't mean it.
Moxxie: You would never hurt us purposefully, Lincoln. So don't blame yourself.
Lincoln's mouth curls into a quivering smile.
Lincoln: Thanks, Mom... Dad... *a tear falls out of his eye* I love you both. *wiping the tear, he wraps his arms around his parents and hugs them back*
Octavia's hands glow pink, before she uses one of the few spells her father taught her. That spell releases a pink energy shockwave that spreads around the ranch that hits everyone. It doesn't hurt them, rather it heals all of their injuries.
Blitzo: *winds his arm up now that it's no longer bitten* Phew… that's better.
Bobby: *stands up now that his leg is healed* Damn… you're a damn strong fighter, Lincoln…
Lincoln: *splits from the hug with his parents and wipes his tears as he looks at everyone* Guys, I… I'm still sorry about this…
Lori: Hey, don't sweat it. We should've looked more into Striker before calling him a good guy.
Ronnie Anne: Yeah, we ain't mad.
Lola: *scoffs* Speak for yourself! *Lana slaps the back of her head* Ow!
Joe: *approaches his grandson* Relax, kiddo. We know ya didn't have control.
Lin: And we could never be mad at our favorite Grandpup.
Lincoln smiles as he hugs the rest of his family.
Scene cuts to Stolas on stage. Stolas magically flips through the grimoire.
Stolas: My dear commoners of the Ring of Wrath! I, Stolas of the Ars Goetia, hereby curse this year's harvest with the glow of the true Harvest Moon!
The clouds swirl as Stolas creates a portal. The portal reveals a glowing orange full moon in the sky. The crowd oohs in wonder. Lincoln is seen sitting with Octavia, who is staring at the orange moon in amazement. The moon does roll over the farm, which gets some oohs out of everyone.
Lincoln: *smiles* Looks pretty, doesn't it?
Octavia: *smiles* Yeah… it does.
Lincoln softly puts an arm around her, as he kisses her on the cheek just like he did to her last time. Octavia's eyes go wide a bit as she goes red, before a small, shy smile forms on her face.
An awkward silence follows for a few seconds as the two glance away from each other. Lincoln's eyes look towards his family, who give him a nod or thumbs up for encouragement. Lincoln takes a deep breath and looks towards Octavia again
Lincoln: Hey... Via? *Octavia looks at him* There's... there's something I gotta tell you... *quickly waves his hand a bit* A-And it's nothing bad, I promise!
Octavia: Yes, Lincoln?
Lincoln: See... for the past few years… um… The reason I k-kissed you when comforting me... *gulps* W-Well, the thing is... *starts to look down as he scratches the back of his head* I... I...
Lincoln was cut off when Octavia suddenly grabbed him by the collar of his vest, startling him.
Octavia: *smiling as she blushes* If it's what I think it is, then fuck it. I've hidden this long enough.
Without warning, Lincoln was pulled to Octavia as she kissed him on the lips, making his eyes widen as his tail immediately started wagging faster than ever before.
Cut to Millie's family as they excitedly gasp. Moxxie and Millie smile happily. Loona, who's watching from the back of the crowd, smirks. Stolas sees this from the stage as his eyes widen happily.
Blitzo: *he throws his hands in the air* About time!
Cut back to the new couple as the kiss splits, Lincoln's fur looking beet red as Octavia smiles at him.
Octavia: *smiling* I love you, you adorable dork.
Lincoln: *trying to speak out while he is stunned* I... I-I... *composing himself, he manages to smile back at his new girlfriend* I love you too, you beautiful bird.
Octavia smiles more, before leaning against Lincoln and resting her head on his chest. Lincoln wraps his arms around her, holding her close as he kisses her forehead. His tail even wraps around her waist like it was some sort of blanket.
Stolas: *seeing this from the stage and smiling happily, thinking to himself* This is the happiest I've seen Via in years... Lincoln, I know you're going to take good care of my little starfire...
Scene cuts to the ranch at a later time. Moxxie struggles to fit clothes in a suitcase as Lincoln, Octavia, Millie and her parents stand nearby.
Lin: I can't believe you let Striker beat you, Millie! Haven't we taught you better?
Millie: I was seein' red, Ma! And he was slippery!
Lin: Excuses! You're better than that, Mildred!
Lincoln: *taken aback as Moxxie closes the trunk* Grandma, Mom was protecting my dad, who was about to be a goner! *now mad* I know you're stern and all, but are you seriously getting on her case about being hurt by a psychopath you and Grandpa hired?!
Lin: *sighs out* Sweetie, it's not like that. I'm just saying-
Lin was cut off when Joe puts a hand on her shoulder.
Joe: Lin, he's right. Striker was more dangerous than we thought.
Lincoln: Not to mention, if he successfully managed to kill Stolas, the blame would be shifted on you two for hiring Striker, even if you didn't plan to have Stolas assassinated. Stella would have covered her tracks and probably framed you even worse, and then you would either be imprisoned or executed.
Joe and Lin look a bit nervous, realizing they would be in much more shit than they thought if Stolas had gotten killed.
Lincoln: Look, Dad may not be a strong beefy dickhead, and maybe he does things differently than you, but mom has the strength enough for both of them. *Moxxie and Millie smile* And there's nothing wrong with doing things a different way as long as it gets shit done.
Blitzo: *leans on screen* Aw, Lincoln, look at you! Speechin' like a big boy with his big paaaa- *Octavia socks him in the face, knocking him down* OW!
Octavia: Fuck off, dickhead.
Lincoln: Thanks, babe. *faces his grandparents* Grandpa, Grandma, just... give Dad a chance. He's a great man. *puts an arm around Moxxie* For me... and Mom.
Joe and Lin look at Moxxie. A silence follows for a few seconds, before Joe nods and Lin smiles. Millie starts to look happy seeing her parents may finally be accepting Moxxie.
Moxxie: Soooo, is this progress?
Lincoln: *nods with a smile* Absolutely, Dad.
Ronnie Anne, Lana and Lola walk up, and Lana has her cap off.
Lana: Hey, Linc…? *Lincoln faces her* I wanted to apologize…
Lincoln: *looks confused* For what?
Lana: For doubting your suspicions of Striker. I was clearly misjudging him and thought he was a good guy.
Lincoln: *ruffles her hair and smiles* Hey, don't worry about it, Lana. Just next time, make sure you really know the guy before you talk about him.
Lana smiles as her tail wags.
Ronnie Anne: So I guess we'll see you around?
Lincoln: Either if we come back to Wrath or you threejoin I.M.P. someday. We could use workers as strong as you.
Lola: *surprised* Really? You'd consider hiring us?
Blitzo: *sits up, holding his head* Hey, who the fuck said you could hire th-?!
Lincoln looks over his shoulder at Blitzo with a cold glare, shutting the Imp up instantly.
Lana: *as Lincoln looks back at them* Well… *smiles and puts her cap back on* … we'll keep that in mind.
Ronnie Anne: *smiles* I may take you up on that offer.
Lincoln: *smiles* Good to hear. *fist bumps Ronnie Anne, Lana and Lola*
Scene cuts to later hour in the day. A sign that reads "Hideaway Motel Vacancy. The Guy That Tried 2 Kill U Def Isn't Here." Striker is on a bed, talking on the phone as he patches up his wounds.
Striker: Ngh… because of that fuckin' mutt, I failed to kill the target at the festival… But don't worry, ma'am... *tightens the bandages on the stump where his hand once was with a grunt* It won't happen again…
Stella drums her fingers on the table impatiently.
Stella: It better not! I want this cheating prick dead! I don't care who you have to go through! MAKE IT HAPPEN!
Stella is seen sitting at a dinner table with Stolas, who is reading a book called "Imps in the Sheets", and Octavia. Stolas pauses from eating to look at his wife in concern while Octavia eats silently while listening to her music, giving a cold glare to Stella that the bitch doesn't see.
Striker: Understood…
Stella hangs up the phone. Striker twirls the gun in his remaining hand.
Striker: I'll get him next time… and that fucking dog too.
Striker growls evilly as he turns off the light with his tail. His yellow eyes glow in the darkness to rattlesnake hisses.