Doing his best to ensure that there was some distance between himself and the Demon that looked like a living doll, for her smile, while lacking the sinister quality of Valentino, nevertheless carried a quality that did not make him feel safe, Harry was unsure if the tears in his eyes were those of relief or from horror.
On one hand, the presence of his gun-wielding adoptive mother meant that he was now part of a loving family. A feeling that only grew stronger as Moxxie, quickly followed by Blitzo, dropped down from the ceiling with their guns aimed at the unconcerned that he now had a loving
But on the other hand, it meant that there was a very real chance that Val would no longer accept his servitude in exchange for keeping his Hell-born family safe because they had broken one of the unwritten laws that existed in Hell.
Never get caught stealing from an Overlo…
"KID! STOP DAYDREAMING AND GET YOUR A** OVER HERE! WE GOTTA MOVE!"
Pulled out of his musings by a surprisingly protective Blitzo, who quickly shoved him into Moxxie's arms before he quickly placed himself at the female Imp's side, Harry barely acknowledged the brief, but no less genuine hug from his adoptive parent before the cheerful tone of the doll Demon drew his attention elsewhere.
"You know that's rather rude. I mean, all I did was ask that little cutie what his name was. And then you come flying down from the ceiling, calling me names and threatening me with guns. You are aware of WHO I am yes?"
Trying his best to recall his lessons about the more infamous Demons who had earned their position as Overlord, the fifth-highest rank in Hell and the highest one a mortal sinner could rise to, Harry felt his eyes widen at Millie's lack of fear.
"I don't care who you are bitch! You take one more step forward, and that stitched up ass of yours is gonna be leaking cotton real soon."
He wasn't sure which was scarier.
The fact that his adoptive mother was wearing a look that would have made the fat sack of shit he had been forced to call uncle whimper in terror.
Or the fact that the pig-tailed Demon was sporting a look of amusement that reminded him of Vernon's sister right before she let Ripper off his leash.
"Is that so? Well then if you're so desperate to play, let's play!"
Despite the seriousness of the situation, Harry couldn't help but let out a small giggle as he witnessed something that he had only ever seen in cartoons.
For with a small twitch of her hand, Velvet created a piano in mid-air, which hovered for only a few seconds before she allowed gravity to do its thing.
Luckily, Millie was able to avoid the musical projectile. But now she had nothing to stop her from going trigger happy.
Following his adoptive father's lead, who was always preferred to approaching things rationally instead of following the guns blazing strategy of his wife and employer, Harry quickly sported a small frown as Moxxie briefly explained the plan.
"We're gonna get you out of here kiddo. But first, you gotta take cover. Even if it's three against one, she's still an Overlord, which means…"
"Which means you should stop consoling the kid and START FUCKING HELPING US!"
Nodding his head to show his agreement with the now cartwheeling Blitzo, the young Wizard was both surprised and grateful when he felt something pushed into his hand.
"Only use this as a last resort. I know you've come a long way since you first started training. But promise me you'll…."
"MOXXIE! FINISH HIDING THE KID AND COME HELP US WITH THIS BITCH!"
Watching in understandable nervousness as the white-haired Imp proceeded to do what Blitzo had ordered him to do, Harry clutched the tool that would hopefully ensure that he didn't pass out from magical exhaustion when it was his turn to help out.
For while it wasn't as cool as imitating the bad guys from one the most awesome sci-fi series in existence, minus the disappointment that was the trilogy created by Disney, his wand would ensure that at the very least he could follow his adoptive father's example when it came to combat.
Slightly boring, but extremely practical.
…..
Drumming his fingers against his chair's armrest as he lighted another one of his cigarettes, Valentino barely managed to keep his tone even as he summarized the key points of what the Goetia Prince had just told him.
"So let me get this straight your highness. Your student has been kidnapped. And recognizing that his talents might have attracted the interests of some of the more….unsavory members of Hell, you want me to use my vast resources to discover not only where the kid might be, but also who took him. Did I leave anything out?"
Inhaling the smoke into his lungs before exhaling it, the shark-toothed moth Demon felt a small smirk cross his features as Stolas maintained his regal posture despite his clear distaste for him.
"No Valentino, you did not, though it pains me to admit it."
Chuckling a little at this admission, Val allowed his tone to carry more than a little hint of amusement as he asked the relevant question.
"Ohhh I can imagine. But I suppose that's only natural considering your…reluctance to deal with the lower orders. Would have thought that your time with that Imp of yours would have removed that stick up your feathered a**. But then again, you enjoy having something inserted there don't you?"
His observation earning little more than a slight frown from the Goetia Demon, Val hummed in consideration as Stolas decided to put an end to his fun.
"Be that as it may, you still haven't answered my question, Valentino. Will you…"
"Will I tell my people to keep an eye out for your wayward magic kid? I suppose I could for an old friend like you. IF your willing to offer adequate compensation."
Lighting another one of his cigarettes to hide his smirk, the moth Demon was almost tempted to consider giving the kid back when he heard Stolas's response.
"The reward for aiding me would depend on the amount of effort you put into finding him, as well as the speed and condition in which he is returned. I trust that you are still interested in some of the more…unique tomes in my collection?"
Upon hearing this, Valentino allowed his mind to now consider the implications of trading in the brat, after he had undergone a number of mind-altering procedures to cover his tracks, for access to the knowledge that was jealously guarded by Hell's ruling elite.
On one hand, it would be useful to have a magic-using hitman under his control, at least once he managed to break his spirit. But on the other hand, the hidden knowledge he could gain from Stolas's books held the potential for increasing his power to the point where he could start thinking about challenging the Deadly Seven for their positions.
It was a tempting offer.
And one that made him decide to extend the brat's deadline by another 12 hours.
"Tell you what your highness. Give me the rest of the day to see what resources I can divert to this little rescue mission of yours, and I'll be able to give you an answer. Because if you're offering high-quality goods for my services, I have to make sure that I can match your rather high expectations. Sound fair?"
For a moment, the blue-skinned Overlord thought that the Goetia Prince would reject his deal.
But while the avian Demon narrowed his eyes, he nevertheless nodded his head in a show of acceptance.
"Very well. But keep in mind the longer you delay, the greater chance of my student coming to harm increases. And access to some of my collection is stringent on him being able to continue his studies after a brief recovery period."
Nodding his head to show that he understood this warning, Valentino gestured towards the door as he lit another cigarette.
"I understand your highness. As soon as you leave, I'll start seeing what it is that I can do."
Smirking as Stolas nodded his head before leaving, for even if the owl Demon possessed more power than an Overlord the bird brain had always been reluctant in wielding it, the moth Demon decided to inform the kid of his new timeline.
He of course would conceal the reason for this unexpected generosity, for if he ended up keeping him he didn't want to give the kid any proof that people cared about him. But there was no reason why he couldn't be a little bit nicer since things seemed to be going his way.
And since he knew that a slave was less irritating when they were given proof that their master was capable of using the carrot instead of the lash, he could find it within his black and shriveled heart to show the kid a bit of generosity.
If only because he lacked Angel Cake's ability to take punishment.
…
Although she knew Val would be annoyed with her once he saw the state of his office, Velvet couldn't help but giggle as she continued to have fun with the red-skinned intruders.
Of course, she had to be careful that her conjured projectiles didn't harm the little black-haired cutie, even if he had wisely chosen not to get involved in the largely one-sided shoot-out. But considering the Imps were firing munitions that would not cause one to experience a permanent death, even if they were doing their best to go for instant kill shots, she knew that if the kid somehow got hit, it would take not even a week for him to regain consciousness.
Still, that didn't mean she couldn't express her concern for the little guy.
Especially since it was likely to make the Imps more fun to play with.
"You know you three should be a bit more careful. You might end up hitting my new friend after all."
This only served to further piss off the violently shooting female Imp.
"SHUT UP YOU FUCKING WANNABE FRANKEN-BITCH! JUST DO US ALL A FAVOR AND CRAWL BACK TO WHATEVER CESSPOOL YOU AND YOUR JUNK-SHOP BUDDIES CAME FROM!"
Giggling as she cartwheeled away from the Imp's latest barrage, idly noting that it was a bit less accurate than that of the less trigger happy males, Velvet shook her head in a manner that expressed her disappointment.
"'Franken-bitch?' Come on, you can do a little better that!"
Her words causing her fellow female to once again scream in frustrated anger, the female Overlord felt her smile become a bit less crazed as she took note of the fearful expression of the stick griping child.
"Awwww don't be a sad cutie! I promise that once I've finished playing with these guys, I'll send them back home before Val sees what they've done to his office. Of course, they might not be in mint condition when I'm done, especially if they keep trying to ruin my pretty dress. But I assure you that they will still be alive to…"
"STOP IGNORING US YOU STITCHED-UP PIECE OF FABRIC!"
Barely managing to duck as the less pathetic-looking male shot at her with what appeared to be some sort of grenade launcher, Velvet quickly lost her smile as she noticed that they had crossed a line that even Val would never cross.
It didn't matter that they had only managed to damage one of nearly countless strands.
The fact remained that she was pissed. And no longer interested in letting them crawl away from this fight without reminding them why it was never wise to fuck with an Overlord.
"You….you…YOU MISERABLE PIECES OF SHIT! YOU BURNT MY HAIR!"
All thoughts of mercy, twisted though it might have been, disappearing at the thought of one of Hell's lower orders messing with her beloved pigtails, Velvet wasted little time in reminding these defiant little pests who and what she was.
Clenching her hands to direct her powers, Velvet could only smirk as the Imps quickly discovered that her affinity for dolls extended beyond her appearance.
Of course for the two smaller ones, she simply forced them to fight each other while they were extended in mid-air. Though she did make sure that the vaguely rodent-faced male received more blows to the head, gut, and groin than the one who would have no trouble in attracting the cinematic interests of Val's usual audience.
But for the taller and slightly goofy-looking one? Her punishment for him was, while lacking in imagination, nevertheless more cathartic to watch.
Of course, her fellow Overlord would probably be annoyed when he saw that his walls no bore several imprints of a blood-stained Imp.
But she was certain that with a little bit of time everything would be just as it shou….
"Petrificus Totalus"
She wasn't sure if she should be impressed, pissed, or amused by her current situation.
On one hand, she was no longer in a position to make the bruised and bloody Imps pay for damaging her lovely hair.
But on the other hand, she honestly didn't think that the kid would have the guts to attack her as he did. Of course, she could feel that this little spell was only temporarily keeping her from using her limbs, but the point was that the little cutie had managed to stop her.
Which meant that her future playtime would become all the more interesting once Val managed to finish blackmailing the kid to do his bidding.
And if she had been able to speak, Velvet was certain that she would have gleefully told the shaking little boy what fun they would have whenever her fellow Overlord was in a mood to give him a break.
But sadly, her current paralyzed state meant that she could only watch in silence as the snake-eyed little Demon was pulled into a hug by the two smaller Imps.
It was a touching moment.
One that deserved a few tears and a nice big bag of popcorn.
But of course, it was quickly brought to an end as the more bloodied and bruised member of the rescue team decided to bitch about his less than stellar appearance.
"Oh yeah sure. Have your big family moment while I'm sitting here looking worse than a mouthy 50's human wife whose husband practically lives with a bottle in his hand. It's not like I did anything important like risking my life or getting Stolas involved in this little rescue attempt. So please, continuing having this fam…"
If she still possessed the ability to do so, Velvet would have giggled at the sight that greeted her eyes.
For uncaring of the amount of blood that was currently seeping from the complaining idiot's multiple wounds, the kid proceeded to embrace the now speechless Imp in a hug of his own.
And while the pigtailed Overlord could tell that the Imp was shocked by this display, he was nevertheless touched by it. Even if he currently lacked the ability to give the kid a few comforting pats on the back.
Yes, it was truly a heartwarming scene.
One that was brought to an end as a heavy cloud of red smoke quickly slammed all four members of the previously celebratory group into the wall.
"Well, well, weellllll. What have we here?"
….
Though he enjoyed the looks of terror that were currently being worn by his soon-to-be slave and his precious family, Valentino decided to spare a brief moment to check on his friend and fellow Overlord.
He could tell that apart from her currently magically-induced paralysis, nothing was physically wrong with Velvet. But the fact remained that these Imps and their brat had managed to beat one of his closest allies.
Which meant that he would have to be more creative with his punishments if he didn't want to give the impression that he was getting soft.
Especially since it was now clear that Stolas had been jerking him along.
And not in the fun way.
"You know, it's funny. When Stolas showed up at the studio to talk business, I thought he was already on to me. But then he had to offer me something that made me feel more inclined to be generous with your time limit. But since it's clear that he was blowing smoke up my a**, I'm afraid that I'm not only gonna advance your deadline but also alter the deal to my liking."
Blowing a fresh cloud of smoke that not only quickly wrapped itself around the necks of the three Imps, but had also formed into a series of sharp-looking instruments that were directly pointed at each of their groins, Val's smile was all teeth as he stared into the rightfully terrified wizard's eyes.
"So here's my offer kid. Agree to work for me, and I promise that your Imps will walk out of here with only a few more cuts to add to their collection. Of course, where I cut them will probably ensure that you'll be their only child for a couple of years. But if you reject it…let's just say that I don't think they're suited for my movies. I mean sure your red-skinned mommy is lack in the tits department but she has a great ass, and your daddy looks like he doesn't mind playing the submissive role. But I doubt they could handle more than a year's worth of having multiple dicks being shoved into all of their holes on a near-constant basis. Specially when the only thing I'd allow them to eat is whatever spews forth from their partners' cocks."
Enjoying the look of disgust that had come over the kid's face, Valentino could only snarl as he was provided with proof that the young wizard still had some fight in him.
It didn't matter that the kid failed in his attempt to recreate the scene with Luke Skywalker and the Wampa, for his reflexes and multiple limbs ensured that he caught the wand, which the little idiot had apparently dropped after the fight with Velvet, before it made it to his hand.
What mattered was that now he had to expend more effort in breaking the kid's spirit.
And while he enjoyed inflicting harm on people, especially those who displeased him, the fact remained that he hated it when others defied his wishes.
Choosing the white-haired Imp to serve as his latest victim, the Moth Demon could only smirk as the kid tried to block out the agonized screams of his Imp daddy as he felt one of his smoke conjured blades push into the meat of his upper thigh.
But Val knew that simply hearing the tortured screams wouldn't be enough to break the kid. So he grabbed him by the chin to make him watch.
"This is but a taste of what I'm capable kid. So I'll tell you one final time before I start inserting things into places they aren't supposed to be inserted into. Agree to serve me. Or watch your family die."
Forcefully turning the snake-eyed child to face him, Valentino felt his expression morph into a sneer as he noticed the emotions that were currently flashing in the boy's emerald spheres.
Terror was to be expected. As well as a sense of hopelessness.
But there was a spark in those eyes that told him that lessons of this nature would have to be repeated again and again.
Tightening his grip on the defiant child's chin, ignoring the fact that it was warmer than it should have been, Val drew in closer to illustrate just how displeased he was with this continued defiance.
"I require a simple yes or no you stupid brat. Otherwise, I'll forget about casting your adoptive parents in a porn flick, and have them serve as victims of a snuff…"
He would never get to finish his sentence.
For just as he was about to inform the snake-eyed brat that the Imps were going to star in his latest torture porno, the kid opened his mouth to make his displeasure known.
But instead of having his eardrums assaulted by a screaming brat trying to deny the inevitable, Val realized that he had made a mistake when identifying the kid's demon form.
The scales and reptilian eyes had made him believe that the child was going to become a regular snake demon. Like that egg-obsessed moron with the steampunk fetish.
But in the split second before his ability to think was compromised by the type of pain he had used occasionally to send a message, the moth Demon had to admit that due to the kid's partially transformed state, it was easy to mistake a snake for a dragon.
….
Though he was currently experiencing a level of pain that he had rarely felt, for this was not the first time he had attracted the violent attentions of an Overlord, Blitzo nevertheless managed to keep himself from falling over as he witnessed something that was both amazing and terrifying.
His team's trip to Loo Loo Land had already shown that the kid could pack a wallop if he was properly motivated. But that had been done with the magic the kid had been born with.
Not the magic that Hell gave to every Human born soul that had fucked up enough to be denied entry into God's kingdom.
Due to Harry's…unique circumstances, the former circus performer thought that the kid's would only experience some minor cosmetic changes since he had still been alive when he had made the trip downstairs. But seeing the kid's scales cover more of his face while his now partially fang filled mouth unleashed a torrent of fire at the sadistic moth Demon was more than enough to convince him that he had been wrong.
And as much as he would like to admire the kid's handy work as Valentino was no longer in a state to maintain his smoky restraints, the kid's choked warning was enough to make him spring into action.
"He's.."cough "He's got a.." cough "He's got a Exorcist gun in his coat."
Sparing the kid a brief nod of gratitude, for it would have really sucked if they had gone to all this trouble just to get shot in the back as they left this shit stain's pleasure palace, Blitzo moved to feel up the literal flaming Overlord.
Only to be once have his wandering hands caught by the understandably pissed off moth Demon.
"THAT was a mistake bab..GAHHHH!"
Briefly making a mental note to increase Millie's salary, for even in her injured state she had managed to find the energy to stab a still burning Valentino with a piece of shattered furniture.
Of course Blitzo couldn't allow this to pass without comment.
"Nice job Mils. Way to stick it to this flaming candle."
For in truth that was what Valentino resembled, even if the flames had begun to die down.
For with his pimp hat being burnt to a crisp, as well as the fact that Valentino's antennas had quickly been consumed by the kid's dragon breath, there was no denying that the ball like head of the Overlord made his current appearance resemble one of the candles Stolas liked to use whenever he was feeling more…romantic than usual.
Shuddering at the realization that he might come to connect the sight of a slowly melting stick of wax with the sight of the burning moth Demon, the taller Imp was forced out of his musings thanks to a cry of rage that belonged to a wrestler on steroids instead of the white haired wimp that was his most troublesome employee.
Of course he knew that there was a lot of truth in the saying about how one should never push a 'quiet one' beyond their limit.
But the sight that greeted him made him realize that perhaps he should ease up on his teasing of Moxxie.
For he did not care that Valentino was flailing his limbs in an attempt to keep the vengeful Imps at bay.
Nor did he care when the Overlord's hands rendered his face into ribbons as they desperately tried to keep him from rummaging around in his pockets.
And as he leveled the fancy looking gun into the no longer ablaze countenance of one of Hell's most sadistic human born demons, Moxxie managed to portray a sense of coolness that not even Loona could mock.
"This is for my son you bastard."
BANG!
And as he watched the now one eyed corpse fall to the ground, Blitzo could only sum up his current feelings towards his white haired employee in a manner that conveyed his respect.
"That'll do Moxx. That'll do."
….
ANNNNNNNNNND FINISHED :D
Once again a big thank you to Darksycthe Drake for their help with this story. Especially this chapter since their was a segment that was proving quite difficult in writing (i.e. the fight against Velvet). But with their help, was able to move past it.
And I think now is a perfect time to release the results of the HP book poll since…counting everyone who chose to submit their vote through msg instead of the poll…I have over 120 votes cast.
For Prisoner of Azkaban: 8 votes.
For Chamber of Secrets: 10 votes.
In second place…by a mere 4 votes….and standing at 53….Goblet of Fire.
Which mean that with 57 votes supporting it….I.M.P. will be involved with the Philosopher's Stone XD
There is a new poll open for non ministry/death eater characters. Already going with the whole Dumbledore didn't intend for Harry's time with the Dursley's to be miserable…but at this point in time I could still go with the traditional 'For the Greater Good' philosophy, with the Weasleys, specifically Ron, being used to keep Harry from associating with the 'wrong elements'. Tho I confess that I am leaning towards doing something….mean to Hermione because after years of reading au/dark fanfics….found myself enjoying stories where her know it all attitude/need to be superior is called out.
But that's for the polls to decide.
Now, just to clarify some things.
Yes Stolas is more powerful than an Overlord, following the Hell's canon hierarchy. But in my mind, being an Overlord requires more than raw power. At least when it comes to trying to run a business empire instead of just being a free spirit like Alastor lol. Which means that Valentino has to be dealt with carefully.
Believe I managed to explain what happened to Harry's wand. (i.e. left behind at the I.M.P. office when he was knocked out) Promise to cover the bit about his STD cure potion next time.
Harry's Demonic form has FINALLY been revealed lol. Was always my intention to have him be a dragon demon, but the physical characteristics (i.e. scales and snake eyes) could have also been used for a snake. But as I said….him being a dragon was essential for this particular hostage situation. And yes….I had this scene planned since I came up with this story. Feels nice to have finally finished it.
And yes…Moxxie is the one to have his big Dad/hero moment by being the one to shoot Val in the eye with his own gun. But whether if it was the exorcist gun or not…that's the question isn't it lol. Though the answer to that will be addressed later.
Anywho, thanks everyone for your continued support of this story.
Next chapter will wrap up this specific arc before I start to finish my pre Hogwarts plans for Harry. Which means that it's time for Harry and his newfound family will finally cross paths with the agents of Heaven.
Still fine tuning the details, but I can only hope you will enjoy them just as much as I enjoyed writing a fitting punishment for the scum bag that is Valentino.
As always plz review. No flames.
Til next time.