Isaac, using his throwing knife, managed to pick open the lock on the warehouse, silently letting himself in. He pocketed his knife before carefully making his way through the dark warehouse. As he walked through, he saw rows of shelves of products lining the warehouse floor, indicating this warehouse was most likely a legitimate asset instead of a drug front. But as he walked, he felt a slight tension in his foot, before seeing a thin wire across his foot. Holding his breath, he bent down and gently grabbed the wire, slowly resetting the tension from its placement.
"Tripwires. Not a good sign." Isaac said to himself, realizing the sensitivity of his situation.
Isaac produced a small light keychain from his pocket, using it to shine towards the floor, keeping a better visual for tripwires. As he walked, avoiding a few more wires along the rows of shelves, he began to see a figure amongst the equipment, a human male, standing at about 5'11". From what Isaac could tell, the man was in his mid-to-late thirties. He was clean shaven, talking into a radio.
"Listen to me! You being here is already complicating things! And attracting more remnants of The Order of Honorius is going to fuck up things for me and my family! Don't give me that bullshit! You coming here, only by the grace of flimsy justice laws, is what allowed you to walk without being drawn and quartered! If I had no belief that you were changed, I would've killed you myself! Yes, I understand you being crippled a year back made you reconsider a few things. No, I will not be lenient! And if you're late again to work, I will fire you so fast, your head will spin!" He chastised, before taking a deep breath, hooking the radio onto his belt.
Isaac quietly moved away from the figure, before the lights suddenly turned on, illuminating the warehouse. Isaac's head slowly turned towards the figure, seeing the man was aware of his presence the entire time.
"Hello, Nephilim. Seems you've given this place quite a shake since last you've been here. Not to mention you being able to sneak in here, the way you did." He calmly said.
"H-how did you know I was here?" Isaac questioned.
"My security system said there was a slight activation of one of the tripwire near the entrance. I thought it was Peter at first, but once he called in for his shift, I realized it was someone else." He said, before motioning for Isaac to approach.
"Anyway, you have nothing to worry about me. I haven't been associated with the Order of Honorius since I turned the Arctic compound into mulch… well, myself and a few bundles of C-4 plastic explosives. And let me tell you, trekking through the Arctic tundra to the nearest point of civilization is enough of a headache, let alone trying to staunch a femoral arterial bleed from a piece of shrapnel while making the trek." He said, before walking to an office door.
"So, you're Captain Matthew Patrick, then?" Isaac asked. He gestured away from the suggestion, opening the door to his office.
"Just call me Matt. Or Pat. I don't really have a preference. But I haven't been a captain of anyone since I eviscerated the death squads hunting me down back in Chun-Nan. You wouldn't believe how versatile a piece of piano wire would be, especially when hooked up to a high-speed spinning apparatus." Matthew said, before sitting down at a desk, an entire wall of corkboard behind him, multiple articles from online and the newspapers stapled onto it, yards and yards of yarn connecting different pieces of paper.
Isaac whistled, realizing the extent of his research and paranoia.
"You've been… keeping tabs on things since you've left the order, haven't you?" Isaac asked.
"Keeps my mind sharp. But with the dissolution of an antiquated military force, there comes the stragglers looking to pilfer from one's success. Which remind me…" He said, before hitting a button.
"Peter, come to my office. I have something for you." He said, before pouring himself a cup of coffee.
"Java?" He offered. Isaac shook his head.
"Already had a few cups this morning. So… do you know anything about the Bubble Bomb cartels?" Isaac asked.
"I was keeping track of them when they first showed up to the city. I know they're just the lackeys of Genesis Labs Pharmaceuticals. And I know you had something to do with the liquidation of the Flaming Skulls ten months ago." Matthew said, pointing towards a picture of a transformed Isaac.
"I mean, a good step in taking out one of many gangs hocking this stuff, but all you've done that day was create a vacuum for them to fill. But, that recon work with the warehouse last night, riveting stuff!" He commented, pointing towards an article for the reveal of pharmacy equipment found on site of the warehouse.
"They're already reporting on it?" Isaac asked, confused by the speed of the news.
"Welcome to the Digital Age. Their stocks already dropped by twenty points. But they've also been trying to play damage control. Something about stolen equipment. Corporate espionage. They're pulling out all the stops." He explained, before the office door opened up, revealing Peter.
"Ah, Peter. Now, you've met my colleague, Mr. Abaddon, correct?" Matthew asked, Peter freezing instantly! He saw the one that had crippled him with his bare hands, taken down William the Overlander with no weapons! He gulped, feeling a lump in his throat.
"Yeah… I know him." He whispered, keeping distance.
"Well, get used to him. You're going to be providing more information about the cartels in the city and their runs. Once you get them, make sure you have dossiers prepared when he comes to pick them up." Matthew explained. Isaac was confused, raising an eyebrow.
"When did I agree to accepting recon from you?" Isaac asked.
"When you unlawfully broke into my warehouse, a legitimate business, I might add. Also, I can relate to your disposition. I have a child, myself. I'd rather this Bubble Bomb business on the streets be taken care of." Matthew answered, before pointing to the door.
The door opened, people in vests and hard hats entering the warehouse, a few of them walking towards the forklifts.
"Now, unless you want to put in a shift, I bid thee adieu. I'll have Peter send you a notification when I have a dossier on one of the warehouses available. Trust me, you'll want more help than two former Archdemons and an old man." Matthew said.
"Just how much do you know about my personal life?" Isaac asked, unnerved.
"Enough to know that being allied with Joshua was the smartest decision you could've done. I've seen that man lay waste to a dozen corrupted demons in physical form with nothing but a sharpened MRE spoon and a crucifix, in the heart of a frozen cave." Matthew answered.
Isaac left the warehouse, having received more questions than answers. Isaac looked at his phone, seeing missed phone call from Sally. Isaac dialed her, walking towards the docks.
Kingdom of Acorn; 11:23 A.M.:
Sally was in the Great Forest, a bundled Camilla harnessed to her. She was breathing in the crisp air, smiling as she walked, playing with Camilla's quills. Her phone began to ring, quickly snatching it out of her pocket. She looked at it, seeing it was Isaac! She quickly answered, putting the phone to her ear.
"Hey, Isaac! Oh, yeah, I called to see how you were doing. Oh, nothing. Just walking with Camilla. Well, she's not the one walking. She's in a harness." Sally said.
Central City; 12:23 P.M.:
Isaac sighed in relief, smiling as he heard her voice. He rested upon the rail of the docks, letting his ears flood with the sweet sound of his wife's voice.
"I love the sound of your voice. You know that?" Isaac asked, seeing the waves lap at the supports of the docks. Sally giggled, making Isaac's smile wider.
"So, a little birdie told me that a warehouse full of manufacturing equipment had been seized by the police. Is it safe to assume you had something to do with that?" Sally asked.
"Genesis Labs Pharmaceuticals is more organized than I thought. I got… into a bit of trouble. A few wounds that were stubborn to heal. But thankfully, a local pastor had offered to help me. Interestingly enough, Ex- Honorius." Isaac explained.
"Really? Sheesh, a little early to start trusting them, isn't it?" Sally asked.
"Not this one. He's been out for years. Apparently, he was there when the homestead was burned down. He refused to follow an order, and he was doused in pitch, and set on fire. He killed his commanding officer and floated in the Mobian Sea. He's a good man. A changed man. And that's not even including the paranoid strategist I found, either." Isaac explained.
Kingdom of Acorn; 11:25 A.M.:
"Paranoid what?" Sally asked, sitting down on a boulder.
"For security reasons, I can't mention his name, or where I met him. But he was a strategist for the Order. But after he found out exactly what was going on in the Order, he laid waste to an outpost and settled in Central City. He's going to keep me up to date on what's going on in the city and help me take out the Bubble Bomb trade." Isaac answered.
"Wait, why is he going to help you?" Sally questioned.
"We all benefit from the Bubble Bomb trade going under. He keeps his family safe from it, and I keep mine safe. I will be dead and buried before a single tablet reaches back home!" Isaac said, Sally feeling a drop in the pit of her stomach.
"Isaac… please don't say things like that." Sally said. After a few moments, Isaac cleared his throat, indicating he wanted to move from the topic of conversation.
"Listen, I have another recon to do today. But after I'm done… I might be able to pay you and Camilla a quick visit. Use that fire trick Deimos used." Isaac said.
Sally's heart fluttered, quickly standing up from her seat. Being able to see her husband after leaving was something she couldn't wait for!
"I mean, if you can, you should!" Sally exclaimed, unable to contain her excitement at the prospect.
Central City; 12:26 P.M.:
Isaac chuckled, wanting to see her as soon as possible.
"Okay. I have to go now. But I promise you, if I have enough time to see you two, I'll do it. I love you. The both of you." Isaac said.
"We love you, too! Stay safe!" Sally returned.
"Goodbye, Sally." Isaac said, before closing his phone.
Pocketing his phone, Isaac walked towards the street, standing on the sidewalk. He looked down the road, seeing a taxi. Isaac signaled for it, the taxi stopping. As he walked to it, the door unlocked, Isaac sitting in the back seat.
"Where to, Mac?" The driver asked.
"Yeah, uh, can you take me to 153rd Street? The Rattlesnake Saloon?" Isaac requested.
"You got it." The driver said, before pulling out onto the street.
20 Minutes Later:
After paying the driver, Isaac exited the vehicle, standing in front of the saloon that started the whole thing. Isaac checked his phone, seeing that it was a quarter-until-one. He took no hesitance in walking in, sitting down at the bar. The bartender, after polishing a glass and setting it down, walked over, immediately recognizing him!
"Oh no! Not you again! What?! You gonna start another gunfight in here?!" He exclaimed.
"Hey! I'm not here to cause trouble! I, uh…" Isaac responded, motioning him to come closer. The bartender did so, hopefully to get him to leave faster.
"I'm looking into someone who knows anything about the distribution of Bubble Bombs." Isaac whispered. The Bartender nodded, subtly gesturing to a patron in the corner. It was a human female, wearing all black. She had white hair, part of it shaved, and an inverted pentagram necklace. She was drinking from a large glass of whiskey.
"She comes in here, swearing like a sailor, ready to beat down anyone that looks at her funny. But occasionally, a man comes in here, makes conversation with her, and they both leave. And by how the man looks, I'd say he's in the grips of addiction. Now, I have a theory that she's connected to the distribution network. But I wouldn't confront her with it. She just might snap at ya! Of course, that fight you instigated tells me you might be able to handle her." The bartender explained.
Isaac nodded, deciding to go with the direct approach. He walked over to the girl, choosing to sit across from her. He sat down at her table, instantly getting her attention.
"What?" She questioned, a growl in her throat.
"Listen, I don't know how to go about asking, so I'm just gonna be forward. I know your distributing Bubble Bombs. And I want some." Isaac lied. The girl rolled her eyes, taking a pack of cigarettes out from her sleeve, taking one and sticking it between her lips.
"Here… allow me." Isaac threateningly said, before snapping his fingers, igniting the tip of the cigarette. The girl, surprised but not shocked, took a long drag from it, before exhaling.
"If we're asking questions, I have a good fucking one. What's a demon like you doing in a place like this?" She asked.
"You already know what I want." Isaac responded. The girl let out another puff of smoke, this time directed at Isaac. Isaac showed no reaction to the smoke, his gaze soon turning into a piercing stare! She suddenly felt a horrible chill shoot through her spine, seeing Isaac's gaze had more effect on her than she thought!
"I may not look like it, but I'm not someone to be trifled with. If I need to, I will break you! I will prop your broken body amongst the dead, and I will watch you suffer, denied the death you crave! And I shall laugh all the merrily." Isaac quietly threatened, the Demon speaking through him.
The girl, instead of being afraid, only looked pissed, his words only making her angrier!
"Did you REALLY think I would be FUCKING afraid of you?!" She yelled, quickly rising form her seat! Isaac arose from his as well, giving off the same anger!
"YOU SHOULD BE!" Isaac returned, exhaling fire!
After a few tense moments, they both sat down.
"Talking back to me usually gets people fucking killed… usually." She said.
"I've already died once. I'm not afraid to do so, again." Isaac responded. The girl chuckled, before rising from her seat.
"My guy will be outside. He can get you set up." She said, before walking from the table. Isaac arose as well, following her.
They soon exited the saloon, following the girl into the alley behind the bar. As Isaac walked, he felt the world around him slow down. As he went through this motion, he looked around, before noticing a few small figures above them. He couldn't make out who they were, but he could tell they were armed. She was leading him into an ambush!
"Hey!" Isaac called out, garnering her attention. She turned back, seeing Isaac at a standstill.
"You fucking coming or what?" She asked.
Isaac, using his latent telepathy, could hear the thoughts of the ambushing party, able to tell what they weapons they possessed, and their intentions.
"No… you… FUCKING DECEIVER!" Isaac raved, before releasing a torrent of Hellfire! As the fire raged through the alley, the Demon began taking over, causing Isaac's body to transform! As he did so, the ambushing party jumped down into the alley, somehow unscathed from the Hellfire! Breathing heavily, Isaac stopped the curtain of fire! He saw the ambushing were short demons, equipped with different weapons. The Demon grinned, welcoming a fight!
"BRING… IT… ON!" The Demon yelled, before charging them!
The demons quickly dispersed, creating an opening to attack! The Demon anticipated this, his deceptively large frame moving at speeds faster than thought, striking one of them! As his fist collided with the demon, a large sword ran through him! The Demon laughed through the pain, before backhanding the attacker into the wall, indenting it! The Demon ran to the smaller demon, his fist pounding into the wall!
"HAHAHAHAHA! DIE! DIE! DIE!" The Demon raved, punching into the wall with every word! But as he did so, one of the demons collided into him, practically foaming at the mouth!
The Demon looked, noticing it was a female imp, a wedding band on her hand! He looked at the demon in the wall, seeing it was a male imp, wearing a similar wedding band on his hand.
"Oh, shit!" The Demon cursed, before the female imp charged again! She practically clawed into his chest, stabbing him repeatedly with a dagger! The Demon, more annoyed than hurt, ripped her from his chest, rolled her up, and threw into the party, knocking them over like bowling pins!
"Strike!" The Demon laughed, before the tallest of the imps, wielding a flintlock, aimed it at him.
The Demon saw his hand was shaking heavily, able to tell he was scared out of his mind! Snickering, the Demon calmly walked towards him.
"Look at you… shaking like a leaf! And you dare call yourself an assassin?!" The Demon laughed, before he was directly in front of him. The small demon's hand was still shaking, his finger trying to pull the trigger.
The Demon only chuckled, before gently grabbing the firearm, and helping him direct it towards his own forehead.
"Go ahead… I've done the hard part for you… pull the trigger… I dare you." The Demon hissed at him. An audible gulp was heard from the imp, before the Demon, losing patience, took the gun out of his hand, aimed it under his chin, and pulled the trigger!
A few moments passed, the Demon still standing there. But after a few more seconds, he spit something to the side, it being the ball ammunition from the flintlock! As soon as he did this, his clawed hand wrapped around the imp's throat before he began savagely beating him with the firearm itself! Blood and teeth began flying, littering the alley! But before he could continue, a voice stopped him.
"STOP!" The girl screamed, the Demon stopping his attack. He callously threw the imp away from him, slowly approaching her.
The girl suddenly changed her form, revealing herself to be a Hellhound. The Demon grinned, pointing the bloodied club of the gun at her.
"Now… tell me where they sell the Bubble Bombs." The Demon threatened, his gaze piercing right through her.