Hazbin chapter 5

Stretching as I walked through the portal back to my estate I was greeted by Thana and Monarch yelling at each other.

"How long have you had snipers following me you bitch!" Thana shouted throwing a beer bottle and Monarch.

Monarch side stepped and said, "since we came up with Optical Camouflage, and please do calm down Satsu is back, and we wouldn't want to make a scene now, would we?"

Thana stormed up to me and said, "did you approve that greed ridden bitch's request to have snipers following me!"

I shook my head and said, "I found out yesterday as well so I am shocked too, look we all settled it and I promise no sniper will be watching you or my sister" before patting Thana's head.

Thana calmed down a bit before giving Monarch a cold glare saying, "if I ever find out you did that to me again, I will make sure you end up dead!" before storming off to cool down.

Looking at Monarch I said, "you really fucked up I hope you realize that Monarch if this keeps up I can tell you that the new dawn syndicate will break down"

Monarch bowed in defeat and said, "very well Satsu, I am sorry"

I nodded and said, "good now then get the meeting hall set up we have guests coming over in a bit to discuss business, and I still have something I need to talk to you two about."

Getting some papers together thana looked at me and said, "whats going on satsu?"

Sighing I said, "a shipment of carmine weapons recently went missing, and we have no idea where it went, we need all eyes and ears out there looking for that shipment"

Thana leaned forward and said, "what exactly went missing?"

Pulling out a file I said, "12 long rifles, 10 shotgun, 17 swords, chains, and 15 revolvers, we found most of the shipment but there's still a lot missing from it I personally have been looking around but the only lead I have is in the greed and wrath ring"

Monarch leaned back and said, "Mammon and Satan's rings…. Satsu you know if those two find out"

I waved it away and said, "I got in contact with Beelzebub and let her know I may need her help searching the wrath ring without lucifer knowing and as for Mammon…well let's just say what the clown doesn't know won't kill him, I've already procured the necessary disguise to lurk around Mammon's ring so that should be interesting and I even have a guide in the form of Fizzarolli"

This raised Monarch's eyebrow as she said, "Asmodeus's business partner?"

I nodded and said, "I gave Asmodeus permission to open up an Ozzie's in new Hokkaido in exchange for favors and payment to him in the form of free mercenary protection for Fizzarolli at a moment's notice."

Thana leaned back opening up a huge bottle of bourbon saying, "damn Satsu so far you've made an enemy of a sin, have two princes as friends, a member of the goetia as a business partner and the respect of some high ranking overlords! You really have made a name for yourself down here!"

I chuckled and said, "thank you, it's what I do best, I will admit though I am worried that this sort of reputation might get me noticed by heaven."

Thana giggled and said, "worried the exorcist may focus on destroying new Hokkaido?"

I nodded looking out towards the many skyscrapers and people partying and said, "well over 10,000 souls out there are owned by me and they protect the many sinners and hellborne who call new Hokkaido their home numbering well over 50,000 souls…if the exorcist angels found out they would target New Hokkaido all the time and this bustling city would no longer be peaceful…"

Monarch took a puff of her cigarette and said, "hmmm I see what your saying we'll have to be very...careful with how we flaunt our angelic weapons and such I'll see what I can do on my end dearest"

I nodded and said, "good now then."

a message then came through on the intercoms and I answered saying, "yes?"

"sir this is the front desk, a Ms. Veronica Hawkins and a Verosika mayday said they had an appointment with you" a lady asked.

I smiled and said, "send them up I'll take care of it"

Getting everything ready I watched as the doors swung open and in rushed my sister shouting, "Saaaaaaatssssuuuuuu!" before leaping at me to give me a hug.

Chuckling I hugged back and said, "hey sis, so what can I help you with?"

Veronica then got off of me and said, "so this is my music rival Verosika mayday you've probably heard of her!"

Looking over at the pink succubus dressed in a fur coat I shook my head and said, "sorry I only listen to old school rock and jazz, never really got into pop"

Verosika rolled her eyes and said, "so this is your big brother? Not much to look at if I am being honest and his entire look is just so tacky I mean come on a 3 piece suit with a double breasted 4 button suit with peaked lapel, double welted pockets bullet proof lining jacket, a double breasted 6 buttoned bullet proof vest, tactical bullet proofed cuffed and double pleated dress pants all in wool blended shiny onxy black paired with a navy blue dress shirt and judging by the fabrics used I'm guessing its all made to deal with someone who's used to zipping in and out of someone's blind spots"

I laughed and said, "guess your forgetting the heavy-duty bullet-proof mask, the hidden knife throwers and the fully shielded and heavy-duty trench coat in a nice satin black, but your own the spot with the rest of the choices in fabrics and style however do not call this look tacky, its professional"

Verosika then chuckled and said, "I'll take your word for it, well then on to business, we need protection, and Veronica recommended we go to you for protection during our concert."

Pouring a glass of scotch I said, "well Veronica if you want protection while you sing, I would be happy to assign you a couple of my best mercs if you'd like."

Veronica stamped her foot and said, "no, no, no! I want it to be you, big brother! I wanna go up to the mortal world as Hana+chu2 again and have you in the crowd as I sing!"

I raised an eyebrow and said, "OH so this is a trip to the mortal plane! Veronica that could be dangerous! I mean you died, and everyone saw you die! What would people think if they saw Hana+chu2 singing and dancing once again!"

Veronica smirked and said, "that's why we have a plan!"

Verosika then pulled out a map and said, "theres one town on earth where people go for spring break and leave their phones, a small beach town known as Haven, we've been planning this for weeks and I think it would be a good place as the people leave their phones at a gate house before going farther into town, no phones means no pictures, no pictures means no proof that Hana+chu2 actually preformed, and the best part is that its frequented by teenagers on spring break the perfect targets for succubi and veronica's main audience when she was alive"

I tapped my chin and said, "hmmm well if that's the case I can't bring any of my usual mercs as they would draw attention…I'll make some calls and have a contract ready for when the day comes for the concert."

Veronica and Verosika high fived as they left and Monarch looked at me and said, "who you gonna call for this one satsu?"

Thana leaned back and said, "it would have to be someone not associated with the new dawn…. or the vees for that matter, we can't get a sinner involved either…"

I chuckled and said, "I know exactly who to call" before pulling out my phone and calling Blitz.

"Hello this is Blitz the O is silent and you're calling I.M.P how can I help you out!" Blitz said.

"Hey Blitz, its Satsujin Hawkins, overlord of New Hokkaido, how would you like to make some major cash" I chuckled.

Blitz said, "fuck yeah! I'm listening"

"so, as you know I have connections to Veronica of the vees and verosika mayday, and they just came to me asking for security detail for one of their concerts to the mortal plane, I'll pay you and your organization let's say $200,000 up front and $200 every hour for security detail, sound like a plan?" I said as I walked out to a balcony and looked over the bustling streets of New Hokkaido.

Blitz groaned and said, "uuuggh that bitch Verosika! The same verosika who took my god damn parking spot! For a full fucking week during spring break! Fuck her but hey your money always been good Satsujin so I'll go with it, hope you don't mind me bring the couple and loona"

I laughed and said, "Blitz I would be insulted if you brought just yourself! Stop on by New Hokkaido when you got everything together, I'll let my mercs know to let you in immediately."

Going into my weapon room with Thana I looked at my weapons and said, "hmmm what do you think Thana?"

Thana looked at a FN SCAR and said, "hmmm loud and proud is always good but I have a feeling since we're security we should keep things professional, so non-lethal and concealed weapons would be a good idea for this, how about the FMG-9?"

Looking at the briefcase gun I said, "hmmm that could be a good let's pack two of those and load it with the automatic glock, now then pack two stun batons as well, the extra shock should be a nice touch and lastly, I'll bring my Barrett 50. Cal…we'll need disguises too."

Thana said, "I mean if we get in touch with Stolas, I'm sure he can hook us up with something."

I snapped my fingers and said, "your right!" before getting on the phone with stolas.

"ahhhh Satsujin Hawkins! So good to hear from you my dear friend! I must admit your mercs really do know how to keep little ol' me safe when my blitzy isn't around, so how can I help you today!" Stolas said joyfully.

"Yeah, a client wants me to go up to the mortal plane to add some extra security and I was wondering if there's was any sort of mortal disguise spell you knew that you could teach me" I said looking over my suits.

Picking out a bullet proof onyx black cotton double breasted 4 button suit I looked it over and picked a layered Kevlar suit vest to go with it and a navy blue dress shirt before stolas appeared behind me saying, "okay I have your spell, I tweaked it a bit so it doesn't make you look exactly like you did in life but it will still give you your strength, will Thana be joining you too?"

I nodded and Stolas cast the spell on us, and I covered up with my hood and mask before Stolas left and I waited for Blitz and the others.

Soon though Blitz, Verosika, Veronica, Moxxie, Millie, and Loona along with a couple succubi and a hellhound came up the elevator and made their way into the estate and into the meeting room where I waited with Thana and Monarch with the contracts.

"Okay let's get on to the contract before we go any further" I said nodding to Monarch as she handed out the contracts.

Blitz groaned and said, "for fuck's sake can't we just deal with this without contracts!"

Monarch coldly said, "without order we are no better than the lowly freaks and those who have no morals."

Blitz groaned again and I said, "just look over the contract and note that the mercenaries involved, in this case thana, the hellhound enforcer you brought Verosika, Blitz's group and I will be entitled to 15 minute breaks every other hour starting with Thana and myself then going to Blitz's group and finally the hellhound"

The hellhound spoke up and said, "the names Vortex actually, but you can call me Tex."

Verosika looked over the contract and said, "so that means a total of 3 maybe 4 breaks, does this include a lunch break?"

I raised my eyebrow and said, "I don't know, do you want to allow lunch breaks, I can go with just snacks but it's up to the other parties."

Tex shrugged and Blitz said, "yeah only 15-minute breaks work for me and my group."

I nodded and said, "very well, now then it has also come to my attention that there is a bet going on between Verosika's succubi and Blitz's group I pray this won't ruin the concert cause if it does, I will personally be going after both parties as it goes against the contract."

Blitz growled and said, "okay who snitched!"

I laughed and said, "you forget not a whisper goes on around the pride ring without one of my mercs finding out and reporting back to me!"

Blitz sighed and signed the contract before saying, "I promise I won't let it get in the way of the job…"

Veronica smiled and signed the contract as well. Soon everyone signed it and once everything was said and done, I stretched and got up and sliced open a portal to the mortal plane and as we walked through, we started to make small talk.

"sooo big brother which one of my songs did you like in life" Veronica smiled.

I laughed and said, "none…I never really got into j-pop."

Veronica looked shocked and said, "wait what do you mean! Did- did no one ever introduce you to my music! Did mom never tell you!"

I sighed and said, "I never got into j-pop, nor did I ever really come home I just…. i just participated in war and that's it sadly."

This insulted both Verosika and Veronica who looked at me with a glare of hate.

Verosika rolled her eyes at this comment and walked through the portal while Veronica looked at me and said, "oh and I bet you hate my music huh!"

I nodded and said, "never listened to a single song of yours actually hell its only recently I found out you became a pop star."

Veronica ran up to me and slapped me square in the face shouting, "you bastard! You mean not once did you read any of the letters, we sent you during your time in marine bootcamp! Did you not bother to look at the tickets I sent you! I made sure to always have a concert when you were on leave from the forces when you were in the marine corps! I gave up my chance at my first world tour just to play in our hometown hoping you would be coming home and could hear me play! I wanted to have an actual relationship with you like we did when we were younger! But no after you joined the military it's like- it's like you left everything behind!"

I kept a calm attitude and said, "I never liked j-pop, so your music was irrelevant to me in life"

Veronica started to cry and ran away with thana closely following her as she looked at me and just shook her head.

Sighing I said, "Tex let's start getting things prepared."

Tex whistled and said, "well shit…. you really are a cold one Mr. Hawkins…I'll start getting things set."

I looked at Blitz and nodded and they went to work doing their things while tex and I set up our stuff.

Veronica's point of view:

I was beyond hurt. My older brother who I idolized from birth just told me he didn't like my music, nor did he have any intentions of listening to it. I did everything I could to get his approval. I wanted him to smile and say he was proud of me and I just- I just!

I couldn't help but cry and run into the changing room behind the stage, if my brother wouldn't even support me, who would!

I then heard a knock on the door and when I opened it, I saw Thana there with some burgers

Thana smiled softly as she said, "thought you'd be a bit hungry before a big concert" before smiling and walking in.

Laughing a bit, I wiped a tear from my eye and said, "did you-"

Before I could finish that sentence Thana finished my sentence saying, "remember to get a whole wheat bun no cheese lettuce, pickles or tomato and hold the spread? Of course, I did I know how you like your food before a concert"

Thana smiled and sat next to me as we ate, it's funny normally it would been seen as taboo to eat before a concert but with how fast my metabolism was growing up I didn't have to worry about it hell not even as a demon did I have to worry about upchucking during a performance.

Thana finally broke the silence and said, "I think we both know Satsu didn't mean what he said…he may be a tactical genius, but he isn't a people person exactly."

I wiped away another tear and said, "I get he probably didn't really have people skills, hell even growing up he didn't really talk to many people but somehow gave some of the best advice but point still stands he insulted my music and called j-pop crap Thana how could he."

Thana sighed and said, "yeah I get it…but if I were you, I would see this as a challenge."

I looked confused and said, "a challenge?"

Thana nodded and said, "if you can get Satsu to fall in love with your music then it means you are the true pinnacle of what an idol should be, Satsu may have a mind for war and philosophy but the man is musically retarded so if you can get him to enjoy your music when everyone else who isn't from a band like queen or kiss has failed you have truly won"

I smiled and nodded before saying, "you may be right Thana after all he is my brother too so I shouldn't be too hard on him" before giving Thana a kiss on the lips and a hug.

Thana blushed a bit at this but embraces it holding me close before finally letting go and saying, "now you get out there and show them just how much of a badass Hana+Chu2 really is!"

Back to satsujin's pov:

Getting stuff ready with Tex Thana joined us and said, "you're lucky that I came with you for this."

A bit nervous I said, "thank you Thana I owe you a lot…how's veronica?"

Thana smiled and said, "she is ready for her concert and I am pretty sure she forgives you."

I took a deep breath and said, "good thank the gods."

Soon Verosika started her set by saying, "okay spring breakers you ready to make some bitchin bad choices! Well, this is your final boarding call!" before starting her song.

The succubi and Incubi that she brought along did their thing while the rest of us kept up our job.

Getting on my comm I said, "how's it going on your end blitz?"

Blitz laughed as he said, "12 kills in the bag on my end how's Verosika doing?"

Looking around I said, "it looks like she has 9 people under her belt, hope you win the bet but to be honest with how its looking so far I doubt it."

Looking at my watch I said, "breaks starting, Tex you got our shift from here?"

Looking over at the disguised hellhound beating the shit out of a nerd who tried to get on the stage he smirked and said, "yeah you guys go enjoy your 15 minutes I'll take over from here for a bit!"

I gave him a thumbs up and Thana and I went to go get some hot dogs and street corn.

Thana looked over at me giggling and said, "I don't know how you can enjoy that I mean I can smell the amount of spice on that thing from here!"

Smiling as I took a bite out of the corn I said, "when I was a kid growing up in Arizona there were loads of street carts where people would sell stuff like this that were even spicier. Hell, you should see Veronica's spice tolerance she can eat a whole tray of wings covered in Carolina reaper sauce and say it's not even tingling her tongue."

Thana giggled and said, "no wonder she likes making out she must like my spice."

I raised eyebrow, nearly gagging on my street corn as I slowly turned my head toward Thana with my eyes getting larger as I said, "wait what."

Thana started laughing and said, "yeah! Me and your sister started dating like a while ago while you were still alive, we were just very secretive about it, whenever Valentino had me work with Veronica, we always had this passion between us, we just never out and said we were dating, Till you finally showed up in hell and became a kingpin that is"

I leaned back a bit crossing my legs and said, "well as long as you make her happy and know if you hurt her, I will kill you, your fine in my books you have my blessing to marry her if you so choose as well"

Thana chuckled and said, "damn well~ I am happy that I got your approval but what you said to your sister…didn't you think it was harsh."

I looked down and nodded and said, "I wish I could take it back, but I don't know if I can… it wouldn't be the first time I've made a poor decision concerning her."

Thana looked at me and said, "oh? Really now"

I nodded and said, "I wish I could have stayed instead of joining the military, hell I had a promising future in accounting and literature I could have gone into but…well 2001 rolled around and everything went to shit…I joined soon after but every day she was in my thoughts…I wish I could have shown that I cared for her."

Thana smiled and said, "well I think knowing your sister it is never too late to say I am sorry."

Verosika ended her song and Veronica took the stage again this time starting with bagpipes as she said, "In the garden of music, I'm your blooming melody – Hana+chu2! Ready to charm your heart, one chu at a time! now time for the name of the sin!"

I was enthralled by her voice as I watched my sister spin the tale of a girl cursed by a god to be ugly from birth who fell in love with a blind boy and by the end of the song, she used her hologram technology to turn the entire stage into an elegant Swiss village with the two from her song made of golden light dancing like ballerinas with the lady soon become a beautiful lady as pur swan and the boy finally being able to scene all while white lily flowers flowed around the stage and crowd. I was in awe of the scene as the song ended with her bowing gracefully as the holograms ended.

Watching as she bowed and threw a smoke bomb allowing Verosika to start her next song Thana looked at me and said, "so do you now believe you sister had what it takes to be an amazing idol."

Taking a bite from my street corn I said, "I must admit she was amazing!"

I then looked over to see how Blitz and the others were doing and saw Blitz arguing with Tex and Loona and with a sigh I said, "come on our break is over" before getting on the comms.

"Tex our break is over go and take yours we'll take over from here, okay?"

Tex gave us a thumbs up and said, "mind if I bring Loona on my break?"

I gave the thumbs up, and Thana and I went back to bodyguard duty where Thana got hit on by a couple of the Succubi which got a laugh out of me as she pushed them away.

"no! no stop it hey, hey I am not on the fucking menu! Get away from me! Satsu this isn't funny help me!" Thana shouted while trying to push them away.

Laughing as I pulled out my FMG-9 I said, "oi she's right we're the security detail not on the menu, I wouldn't dare mess with us or the contract we signed is null and void and we'll pull back."

The other demons nodded and defeatedly walked away as I picked up Thana and said, "you okay?"

Thana groaned and said, "pretty sure one of them tried to finger my butthole but other than that I think I'm okay."

I snickered a bit and we watched everything while verosika started her second set. I was keeping thr the score and it was evenly tied as Verosika threw her flask into the crowd and it ended up in the ocean.

"I have a bad feeling about that" I muttered as I clicked the button on my FMG-9 getting it ready into attack mode.

Thana said, "how bad are we talking?"

I nodded and said, "if that beezle-juice gets on to a single fish we might be looking at a demon fish…."

Thana got her gun out as well just in case things get worse.

Verosika ended her final song saying, "I hope you bitches loved my set! Now time for Hana+chu2's final song, and from what I heard this one is going out to a special person!"

Veronica gave the crowd a big hologram kiss as she said, "sorry to end things on such a somber note but this is my finale! This is my song time machine! Big brother~ this goes out to you~"

This raised my eyebrow as Thana put a hand on my shoulder smiling as she said, "I'll do your shift…you just watch your sister's performance"

I nodded putting my gun away and got into the crowd and watched in awe as immediately the area around us turned into our old hometown. I was crying as Veronica danced softly around a hologram that looked like us when we were younger playing and building a small-scale replica of the Japanese needle. It was our fondest and saddest memory actually from our life as this…this was the day I left for war.

It was amazing, like watching a flower dancing gracefully in the wind. Memories started to flow through my head of the many soldiers I worked with talking about Hana+chu2 how her songs always felt like they were meant for someone close, how every song felt like it was she was pouring every single emotion she had into making these songs envoke every emotion possible. I looked around and saw people with glowsticks in hand cheering for her.

A group was even cheering her on dancing their hardest with the glowsticks in hands chanting "Hana chu 2!" with all their might.

I cried a bit as I watched the scene shift to just Veronica and myself standing right in front of the tram station, with me in my dress attire ready to go.

I cried and shouted, "don't go!" as Veronica sung her heart out as the hologram me left in the tram card with hologram veronica chasing after the tram card crying her eyes out.

I fell down on my knees crying as I realized…this is why Veronica became a pop idol…she wanted to get my attention…and I ignored her and didn't hear her songs.

As Veronica's set ended and left, I rushed her and gave her a hug.

Crying a bit I said, "I'm sorry…. i am so sorry I should have paid more attention to you when I left, I should have came home more often to see you and mom…I was a shit older brother to you! do you forgive me?"

Veronica cried a lot more than me as she held me too and said, "I am so sorry too big brother! But- but my songs did you enjoy them?"

I looked her in her eyes and nodded as I said, "they were amazing…you really are talented! I am so proud of you" before giving her a head pat.

Veronica started to cry harder as I picked her up carrying her bridal style back into hell where I handed her to Thana who took her back to the Vees tower.

Paying Blitz, he left laughing leaving me alone with Monarch who was going over some data.

Walking up behind her I gave her a hug and said, "so how you doing"

Monarch chuckled softly and said, "good actually I got some new businesses opening up in new Hokkaido and even finalized the opening of the Ozzie's about a block away from here, speaking of which Asmodeus has sent us 2 VIP tickets to the grand opening ceremony in about a week, shall I confirm with Asmodeus that we will be in attendance?"

I nodded giving her a kiss on the cheek before saying, "we'll make it a date, just you and me"

This made monarch blush as she said, "I mean as business partners yeah but"

Before she could finish that sentence, I said, "not as business partners but as a couple, think of it as a mutually beneficial partnership between us Monarch" as I left to go and get changed into something less formal so I could lounge around my house and relax

Monarch nodded and said, "very well boss I shall make the arrangements."

A full week would go by till I finally heard from Blitz about something interesting.

"Blitz! Whats up another mission you need my help with I assume" I asked as I went over some documents with a cup of coffee.

"yeah, well Stolas wants us to bodyguard him at the harvest moon festival down in the wrath ring and I was wondering if you'd like to tag along" Blitz shouted.

I chuckled and said, "I'll bring along a datapad so I can get some work done while on the trip but yeah I'd love to go."

Blitz then said, "great! You know where our office is come on by and we'll have everything ready!"

Before I left, I looked at Monarch and said, "when I am gone, I expect both you and Thana to be working together here, not just you, and I mean it or else no more hugs"

Monarch bowed and said, "it will be done Satsu".

I nodded and used Wado Urumasa to make a portal to I.M.P City where I found Blitz and the gang and said, "so we all ready?"

Millie smiled at me and said, "aww your gonna love the wrath ring Satsujin it's a war city!"

Chuckling I said, "well if it's a city of war it should be loads of fun then."

I bowed politely to Stolas who came up to greet me and said, "ahhh lord Stolas I am happy to see you again!"

Stolas nodded and said, "ahhh overlord Satsujin! I am happy to see you! it's always a pleasure to be working alongside you!"

Soon we made our way to the wrath ring ending up at a farm which according to Moxxie was Millie's parent's place.

As we parked, I watched Millie run over happily to a rather grizzled old imp and his wife saying, "Mama! Daddy!"

Her father hugs her and spins her around before placing her down and saying, "Yeeeee-hawwww! How's my deadly little pumpkin spice doing?"

Millie then smiled at her father saying, "I'm good, Pa! Thanks for lettin' us stay here for the harvest jamboree."

Millie's mom then struck a nerve with me when she said, "it's no trouble at all! we all know you don't make a lot of money cause you all went freelance."

I could hear the bitterness in Millie's voice as she said, "freelance pays fine ma, we're doing fine! Besides we work for Satsujin here technically and we make a lot of cash working freelance"

I nodded and said, "if I remember correctly the last contract, I gave them was worth $100,000 and they completed it in record time, so I tacked on an extra $20,000"

Millie's mom whistled saying, "didn't think a sinner could afford that kind of protection! Must be weak."

Millie came to my defense again and said, "actually Satsujin is an overlord up on the pride ring, you probably have been to New Hokkaido? Yeah, that's his turf."

Millie's father then looked at me and said, "Satsujin eyy that's a strong name! a strong name indeed! And you're the man running new Hokkaido! I must admit me, and missus have been there a couple times, and I must say it is very well kept and filled with strong soldiers."

I chuckled and said, "thank you, the name translates from Japanese to killer, so I guess I was named after what I do best hehehe"

Joe punched me playfully in the arm saying, "nothing makes a man strong like a good war!"

Moxxie then said, "well war is actually won by technological advances, I have researched the history of weaponry-"

Getting annoyed I said, "moxie I swear to lucifer if you try to say war isn't won by the soldier, I will punch you in the nuts so hard they'll think your more of a bitch, back down."

Moxxie nodded and this raised Joe's eyebrow as he said, "were you a soldier?"

I nodded showing off my dead man's hand tattoo along with my marine raider tattoo and said, "spent 15 years of my life a soldier until my death, originally I was a marine raider, but I switched to freelance as a mercenary making big bucks."

Joe laughed and said, "boy you sinners really have fire in you! I like that! Guns may be important yeah but A man ain't nothing if he can't tear the head off a hell beast with only his bare hands!"

I laughed and said, "boy you remind me of my sergeant when I was a marine, he was a rough and tough type just like you!"

Blitz continued to roast Moxxie while I got along with Joe over war.

Joe then said, "oh Mr Satsujin you should meet our new farm hand! I'm sure a merc like you can respect a little bit of western! Hey stryker!"

Looking behind joe I watched as a rattlesnake demon dressed in cowboy clothing riding a flaming horse rushed over to us.

Stryker tipped his hat before saying, "well howdy! Oh, lookie here! You must be the famous Mildred! Heard some good things about you from your folks, little lady."

Millie laughed sheepishly as she said, "Ohh1!" before shaking hands.

Stryker then smirked at me and said, "well now ain't this a surprise! The great overlord Satsujin Fairbrook Delvin Hawkins, business partner with 2 princes, a member of the goetia, and several overlords! Not all the time I get to meet someone who has a lot of blood on his hands!"

I shook hands with Stryker taking note of his revolver and said, "magnum 50. Cal revolver? Not a bad choice I carry two myself."

Striker let out a rough chuckle saying, "What're y'all doin' so far away from the pride ring? Heh. The free workin' finally slowin' down?"

Millie looked annoyed saying, "Oh, no! Freelance isn't free! It's a-... Never mind. We're just visitin' for the festival. The prince is our boss' boyyyyfrieeeend!"

Blitzo gave Millie an angry glare and said, "Millie, I am not above hitting a female in front of her daddy."

I then patted Blitz on the head and said, "funny I was about to say the same thing to you Blitz, harm her and I will break your horns."

Blitz nodded and Stryker chimed in saying, "Boss, huh...? Ohhh, so YOU'RE the bold imp to start his own killing biz?"

Blitzo got a bit of an ego boost at this comment saying, "Yeah, well if you're good at somethin', you should probably capitalize, Satsujin over there did it with New Hokkaido and his Belladonna fangs so I thought what the hell why not do it too!"

Striker tipped his hat to blitz saying, "Not many Imps start businesses on their own. That's pretty impressive, sir."

Blitz started to blush a bit as he said, "Oh...! Yeah? It is- I- I- I guess- I guess it is, isn't it?"

"So, you even conned that ditzy blueblood into gettin' you to the surface? Or are you working with the overlord over there?" Striker said looking at me.

Blitzo stuttered a bit and said, "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. But with Satsu over there he just offers up any jobs around hell that need getting done and pays top dollar for it"

"I believe in paying someone fairly for their skills and as such I will give blitz's group credit where credit is due, they are quite skilled killers" I chuckled as I took out my data pad and started working on documents for New Hokkaido.

Joe chuckled at us and said "Y'know... you boys should enter the Pain Games!"

Blitz rushed over to Joe shouting, "I heard games! What games? I'm in!"

Lin started to explain it saying, "Every harvest festival, there's a competition to be the roughest, toughest bastard in Wrath!"

Getting interested in it I said, "sounds like it would be fun!"

Millie stormed over and crossed her arms saying, "Yeah! Wish I could play!"

Lin gave millie an empathetic look saying, "Millie, you know you get too carried away. The last competition ended in fifteen separate funerals."

Millie raised her arms annoyed and said, "I'm aware, but I only caused nine of them! How come Sallie May still gets to compete?"

Lin answered Millie's question saying, "Your sister doesn't have a neighborhood head count."

Millie got annoyed saying, "She so does!"

Sallie May then walked by dragging a sack and singing, "It doesn't count if they don't find the bodyyyyyy!" before winking at me and saying, "hey there tall dark and handsome~"

Millie was seething in rage at this, and I chuckled.

Lin ignored Sallie may and Millie and said, "Still, you get to root for her and your brothers, and now you can cheer on your boss!"

Moxxie chuckled and said, "Y'know, she can also cheer for me."

Joe and I both started to laugh, and joe said, "...Wait, you? are- are you serious!"

Moxxie looked at me and said, "Yeah! I can compete, can't I? Satsujin?"

I then rolled my eyes and punched moxxie in the arm causing him to cry in pain.

"yeaaaaaaaah I don't think you'll be able to make it…." I muttered.

Joe gave moxxie a very confused look saying, "Sorry, boy. But I don't think sensitive, thespian types would last very long in the games. I mean Mr. Satsujin over there might be a sinner but at least he has more fight than you! speaking of, would you like to join in?"

I waved my hand and said, "I really don't think it would be proper for a sinner to participate in an event meant for hellbornes"

Moxxie looked insulted as he said, "I was born here, too! I have some fight in me!"

Rolling my eyes I said, "well this should be fun to watch" taking a folding chair out of my bag and watching as Moxxie got beaten by Striker again and again during the pain games.

The next day the pain games started but I was too busy sitting my ass down with a huge jug of moonshine and getting some work done. Apparently, the vees tried to take over New Hokkaido while I was away and now Thana and Monarch were trying to get things under control, they were working well together and had managed to get every ounce of vox tech out of new Hokkaido but Valentino now had some pull in new Hokkaido and we needed to figure out how to get rid of his influence.

Loona joined me saying, "so why didn't you try to join the pain game?"

Finishing things up I said, "because this isn't my place I don't want to impose and join in on something meant for hellborns, as a sinner I have an advantage….and I am wearing a really expensive and well-tailored suit and don't want to get it ruined."

Soon after the games concluded, and Striker sung his song stolas finally made his appearance.

Stolas bowed gallantly saying, "My dear commoners and sinner 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!"

I was in complete awe at the Harvest moon the bright orange was amazing as it looked almost like a sun but then I got a call from Moxxie telling me what happened, and that Striker had an illegal Carmine crafted rifle and plans to kill Stolas with it. If Striker killed Stolas, then one of my business partners would be dead and I'd lose an important friend.

"god damn it can't I take just one day off without work calling me!" I growled, taking a swig of moonshine and rushing back with wolf's bane drawn and ready.

Meeting up with Moxxie we made our way silently up the stairs and heard bits of the conversation about how striker was gonna murder stolas and how he wanted Blitz to join him and that together they could kill overlords.

Blitz snicker as he saw us approaching from behind and said, "Y'know what? Fuck it. I'm in. oh hey the cavalry has arrived FINALLY!"

Stryker looked behind him to see me and Moxie with guns fully drawn and pointed to his head.

"didn't think we would let you get away with hurting our dear Millie did you punk?" I chuckled as I got ready to fire Wolf's bane.

Blitz started to laugh saying, "Took ya two long enough! Ha-HA! Wow, you should've seen your dipshit face!"

Stryker instantly took out a knife and lunged at me to try and take my wolf's bane but to no avail as when he got in close, I side stepped and grabbed his arms and slammed him onto the floor knocking the wind out of him before going in to stamp on his back.

Striker rolled out of the way of this however and got back up pulling out a single shot revolver that he shot right at me hitting me clean in the chest.

Coughing a bit I said, "fuck I forgot how much bullets hurt!" before beating my chest as the bullet fell harmlessly to the ground.

This shocked stryker who stumbled back a bit saying, "how the- that bullet was armor piercing it should have."

I then laughed and said, "I am the head of an assassin's guild and one of Overlord Carmilla Carmine's top assassins and enforcers" before putting on my mask and pulling out one of angelic swords.

Stryker kept trying to fight me, but I kept dodging out of the way till he got tired out and ran out of bullets allowing me a chance to rush him with my sword cutting his dominant arm clean off and then following that up by twirling behind him and using my free hand to throw some needles into his legs causing him great pain as he staggered to the window.

Striker chuckled saying, "Maybe you'll get me next time... Blitzy. Oi Satsujin we'll be seeing each other soon you bastard!" before leaping out the window.

Moxxie tried to rush over and shoot him, but he got away.

Picking up the carmine rifle Moxxie looked at me and said, "care to explain?"

"We had a shipment of carmine weapons get lost in transit about 5 weeks ago, we managed to find most of the cargo and killed those responsible but according to lady carmilla we were missing two long rifles, a shotgun, a couple swords, some chain, and a couple revolvers guess we found one of the rifles" I chuckled as I holstered it on my back.

Using Wado Urumasa I made a portal to Carmilla's office and said, "I hate to dash but I need to report this to my boss".

Moxxie nodded and I walked in to see I had ended up in the carmine family kitchen with Odette drinking a glass of milk with the lights out.

A bit shocked She looked at me and said, "Uncle Satsu! Were you in the wrath ring! Wait why are you here it's like 3 in the morning!"

I nodded and said, "I know it's late, but we got a problem so go and wake up your mother" taking the rifle off my back and putting it on the table.

Carmilla walked in tired in a black with white accents night gown and said, "Satsu its 3 in the morning what could- is that one of my rifles."

I nodded and said, "snagged this off an Imp assassin who tried to kill Prince Stolas, he may have associates, but I think this is where all our stolen weapons went."

This shocked Carmilla who sat down at one of the chairs and said, "what happened to the assassin?"

"Shot him in the leg but he got away…I take full responsibility…I'm sorry boss" I said kneeling.

Carmilla took a shot of whiskey saying, "shit…do you have any idea what people could do with the weapons we lost!"

I nodded and said, "I'll have my mercs travel the rings in search of the weapons and striker. you have my word boss I won't make the mistake twice, but he said something that spooked me"

Carmilla yawned and said, "what did he say?"

I took a seat next to her and said, "he has dreams of killing overlords Carmilla…if Alastor can take down big name overlords and then it's found out an IMP could do it…"

Carmilla sighed rubbing her eyes saying, "we could be looking at sinners trying to overthrow us…."

I sighed leaning back and said, "it would be a PR nightmare….i'll get my best mercs on the case and even talk to the princes I am in good graces with to see if we can find this rogue assassin and take care of him quietly, however I have a feeling that its mainly stolas theyre after"

Carmilla looked at me confused and said, "why do you think that?"

Looking at the rifle I said, "the assassin had 4 opportunities where he could have attempted to kill me with that rifle, 4 times I knew he could have but didn't, instead he focused on Stolas, hell he had a clean shot at me at one point but still insisted on going after the prince."