Striker made his way through Wrath with Stolas securely tied to the back of his horse, getting enjoyment as the prince still struggled to free himself. It had been easy enough to get his target all the way back up to Wrath thanks to the thorough mapping he did of every non-main way between rings and every route out of public eye, sticking mostly to hidden pathways between rings. As he made his way through the Wrathian Badlands he shot another needle at Stolas, causing the owl demon to go unconscious once more. Despite the assuredness he had that he might not get found or interrupted, he would be a fool if he didn't take the precaution of making sure Stolas had no idea of where he called home...just in case.

The assassin's horse treaded upon the soil at rapid speed, leaping through the mountainous terrain that made up portions of that layer of Hell. Galloping along a jagged cliff face it encapsulated itself and it's master and his bounty in a burning aura as it leapt through the air and onto a passing train, taking a rest from the long trek. While Striker let the train take them further into the volcanic mountains where the Wrathian natives and other demon labor were used to mine out raw material for Hell's army and infrastructure he pet his horse, gently rubbing the side of it's face and giving it a little treat.

When they were significantly into the mountain area Striker snapped the reigns, his horse rearing up as he held on to the still unconscious Stolas. Striker's horse leapt off the train, galloping deep into the mountains to an old and long abandoned mining area, running along mining track that ran into one of the always actively flowing mountains. His horse leapt a bit from the sudden drop in the mining track, landing and sliding along the rails, using the momentum to leap up into the air as Striker lassoed the rail of a broken track higher up to assist and getting them across a large body of lava before continuing on. His horse once more sliding downd another sloped track before once more jumping off as a fiery aura engulfed it's passengers, landing on the bit of track at the bottom of the mine and sliding to a stop.

Striker pet his horse again before getting off of it, handing the horse another treat before taking the still unconscious prince off it's back. As Striker went to bind Stolas to a bit of track that was curved upward his horse went off to the makeshift stall Striker had made for it, settling down for a rest. For a dreary abandoned mine shaft, Striker had done what he could to make it home enough. It was the best he could do even though he was one of the premier assassins in Wrath, especially given certain factors in his life, factors he would never forget, and never forgive.

Despite it's sparseness, he was able to have dragged an old caravan car into the shaft, turning what was once a mobile saloon into a bedroom, putting up a sign over the rest of Saloon so it said Striker's instead. A small covered campfire made due for a kitchen and at least a few more converted coaches made for whatever else he needed in terms of amenities, weapons storage, and one other that seemed to be covered in a drape that was set off from the rest.

Striker went about prepping to take his time with Stolas. Unlike the last attempt, he decided that he deserved to have a bit of fun, to let the prince see that the one who killed him was but a lowly imp that they so often dismissed and looked down upon. He made his way over to one of the converted coaches, opening it to reveal an amassed amount of weapons both holy and not. All of which were gotten through a black market he would use a chunk of his earnings for. After all, he didn't need much, a spartan life suited him. And if he should ever need to relocate, it would be easy enough to do so with only the weapons and whatever other essentials that would need moving.

Looking over the selection of weapons he decided to take a rather nasty looking knife, though as he did he looked over at the empty space where his angelic sniper once occupied. His eyes narrowed, that gun had took a LOT of saving up for, and was even harder to obtain. The thought of that weakling having it made Striker particularly angry. Striker was planning on swinging by and taking it back If all of IMP had been killed. But since they weren't, the thought of stopping by and paying them a personal visit once this job was done was very much on the table.

As Striker set about sharpening the knife Stolas came too, taking a look at his surroundings before noting the fact he was bound to tracks. "Tying me to tracks, really?" He asked with a tone of expecting better.

"Sorry I couldn't give you the royal treatment that you're oh so use to your highness." Striker retorted with a mocking contempt. "But not every ring is a fancy ass city with mansions and high rises. Or do you just imagine that you're not looking at modest towns that just have what's needed to get by every time you come down from your ivory palace?"

"I'm not so vein as to not want to be around less developed areas of hell." Stolas countered.

"But you sure as hell don't do anything to try and improve it. I heard every little word during your opening speech. You might be able to tolerate being around the less fortunate, but you sure don't talk like you think of us any higher." Striker commented.

"And what, you're some revolutionary trying to make a difference? All I see is an angry little imp that thinks he's bigger than he is." Stolas mocked.

Striker clenched the sharpening stone in his hand, turning around to face Stolas dead on. "And there it is…" he said as started approaching Stolas. "The condescending attitude of someone who has everything and doesn't understand that there are those that have to work their bones to dust for a living, that there are some of us that have EVERYTHING we care about taken away from us by FUCKERS like YOU!" Striker berated with a venomous knowing hatred.

"And you think taking it out on me will change anything?" Stolas asked. "I don't even know what you're-" Stolas let out a scream of pain as Striker stabbed him with the knife. The imp slicing the ropes that secured the still bound prince to where he landed flat on the track, rolling on it a little to where he was facing the roof of the shaft.

"YOU don't get to talk over me." Striker said coldly as he walked around the prince, slapping Stolas with his tail as he got in front of him. "Got that?" He asked as he pulled Stolas in close while leaning in. "I don't have to listen to ANY of your bullshit. Because that's all you royals ever do, talk over us, never help us, never think to make things better. You're ALL too preoccupied with your own pampered lives." He added as he forced him back flat on the mine track, digging his heel into the wound. "The truth is NONE of you care. It doesn't matter what you say, if you TRULY cared your highness…" Striker mused, putting particular mocking venom in highness. "You would have done something years ago, centuries even. But you didn't...your little fuck toy of an imp is proof of that. You can claim you're helping him out all you want, but we both know that if you were...they wouldn't be living in rundown apartments."

Stolas struggled, hoping that some of his strength returned, even trying to turn Striker to stone, but to no avail. Striker just chuckled. "No use in trying that little trick of yours, or trying to transform. That concoction I hit you with will have your powers weakened for some time. And as an added measure, these ropes make you even weaker, one can't be too careful after all." He grinned, pointing his knife at Stolas. "So, anything you want to say now...your highness?" He asked with just as much mocking venom as he dug his heel into Stolas more.

"As a matter of fact, yes...fuck you, you demented prick!" Stolas exclaimed as he kicked Striker, only for the imp to grab a hold of Stolas' leg and slam his foot into it and breaking it. Stolas grimaced a bit, but remained defiant. "Is that the best you got?...I've had sex with Blitz that was rougher!" he mocked, not wanting to give Striker the satisfaction only for Striker to dig his knife into Stolas other leg, slowly dragging it to cause more pain. "Ngh...h-ha…really?...are you sure this isn't foreplay?" Stolas continued to defiantly mock.

"Aren't you quite the smart ass." Striker clenched his knife as he pulled it out, walking around to Stolas' right and grabbing Stolas by his head as he put the knife right next to Stolas' throat. "I'm sure your little girlie will like hearing how her paw wasn't even thinking of her when I slit his throat and he choked to death on his blue blood."

Stolas suddenly glared with a fury at Striker. "Don't you DARE breathe a word about or go anywhere near my daughter…" Stolas said with a fearful rage that was palpable.

Striker just grinned. "There it is, finally touched a nerve." He chuckled. "You should have seen her, she was oh so bravely rushing to save you. At least, until I pointed my gun at her."

Stolas' eyes widened, now starting to struggle more. "You bastard!" He shouted in fearful rage. "If you hurt her-"

Striker laughed. "Relax, I didn't lay a finger on her, I stick to my targets." He explained, relishing the moment. "But I was kind of secretly hoping she'd keep coming at me...give me the excuse…"

"I'll kill you!" Stolas roared, struggling all the more as Striker laughed.

"Excellent! Now the fun can really begin…" Striker said with sadistic glee.

The assassin began to really lay into Stolas, taking his time as he now knew he had the Goetia worked up. Each cut, each slice, he made sure to make as slow and painful as he could. The anguished anger from the struggling Stolas filling him with immense satisfaction. Oh, he was going to savor this, especially since it was Paimon's son. When he was done with one method of inflicting pain he'd start another, using different tools at his disposal but always coming back to the knife. The pain that Stolas was feeling was eventually starting to catch up to him; he was beaten, bloody, broken and barely conscious after hours of Striker doing everything that he could think of doing. Stolas was struggling for every rasp for air, eyes beaten to where it was blurry to see.

"Ah, that was fun. But you know what they say, all good things have to come to an end." Striker said as he straddled Stolas. "Any last words goetia?"

"B-Blitz…w-will…" Stolas weakly tried to say.

"Not even your own daughter will be your last words? I wonder how she'll react to knowing that? And as for your complacent slave…" Striker chuckled. "He ain't coming, he's made his choice and has likely come to his senses." he added as he slowly raised his knife. "Nobody is coming…"

As Striker was about to plunge his knife into Stolas' throat the sound of a car horn echoed throughout the mine tunnels causing him to stop midway as he blinked. Getting off the borderline beaten to death prince he looked around as the horn still echoed, spotting some bits of rock crumbling down down as the curved mine track he and his horse jumped off of early shook. Striker looked to it with narrowed eyes only for the van that IMP drove to come crashing down through the roof of the mine shaft as it honked and went through the ramp, barreling down the side of the rock face as it suddenly turned to be sideways, hitting a protrusion that caused the van to tumble as it came to the ground facing right up, revealing Moxxie with a sniper rifle who immediately started shooting.

Striker only had a split second of surprised shock before dodging out of the way, giving him enough space as Moxxie fired again. Using his knife Striker deflected the bullet, immediately throwing it into the rifle at the same time the deflected bullet hit a radio that started blaring music. "You gotta be fucking kidding me!" Moxxie exclaimed as Millie scurried off behind a rock.

Striker just grinned as he tapped his toe. "Well well, I was thinking about paying you two a visit when I was done, but it looks like you saved me the trouble." He commented as he cracked his neck by leaning his head smoothly from right to left. "Let's do this." Striker grinned.

Moxxie frantically tried to get the knife out to use the sniper rifle as his eyes kept darting to Striker, much to the assassin's amusement as he pulled out his revolvers with a twirling flourish. As he aimed them at Moxxie, Millie came in with a sword, only for Striker to just as easily dodge out of the way as he grinned widely. As she came at him with a followup swing he continued to grin, twirling his revolvers as he used one to deflect the sword Millie was using while leaning back, trying to shoot her with the other one only for the littler imp to dodge. Striker ducked, leaning down slightly as Millie brought her sword towards him while still twirling his other revolver, bringing the revolver he was still twirling in an uppercut to the sword. Millie reeled back, thrown off balance a bit and unable to react as Striker delivered a kick to her side while she was coming back down, knocking the sword out of her hand as she was sent skidding over next to Stolas.

Millie didn't have much time to react as Striker used his tail to try and impale her with her own sword, leaping backwards as she unsheathed the shorter sword on her back. She charged Striker, only for him to block her with the sword he held with his tail, grinning as the two struggled. It was only a second before he was knocked back by Moxxie shooting the sword he held in his tail with the handguns Millie gifted him with her axe on his back. The three briefly engaged in a two on one fight, Moxxie trying to shoot him as Millie went to slice at him, all the while Striker effortlessly blocked with his revolvers, ducking where needed and returning fire when he had an opening.

The exchange lasted a minute, maybe two, before Striker shot Millie's shorter sword out of her hand as she was diving through the air, sending it flying. He had to admit, despite still being far better than they were, he was having fun fighting the two. Not because he respected them or anything, but because it was just fun crushing annoyances. Moxxie was quick to hurl Millie's axe to her, the other imp leaping up and spinning as she grabbed it, going to try and bring it down on Striker, only for the taller imp to block it with both revolvers, skidding back a bit as he did so.

Striker continued to grin with malicious glee as he quickly brought his revolvers up and started firing, back-flipping out of the way as Millie swung at him. Before he could get fully back to where he could fire though Moxxie came in with a kick, sending him stumbling back a bit to his slight displeasure. He quickly brought up his revolvers, getting a clean shot off at Moxxie, only for Millie to block the bullets with her axe. The two started to fight in sync as he started to backpedal more, going to try and get off another shot only for Millie to slice the barrels off his guns.

Striker barely had time to toss his revolvers before having to get out of the way of Millie's axe as she brought it down. Wasting no time, he took the lasso off his hip and tried to lasso them, only for Moxxie and Millie to lean out of the way and his lasso land on a rock. Not wasting the opportunity, he yanked the rock free, sending it hurtling into Millie and sending her skidding back, bringing it around towards Moxxie who tried to dodge, only for Striker to adjust the trajectory enough for it to send him onto his back. Before Striker could capitalize though he quickly leapt out of the way as the rock was brought down with enough force to shatter it.

Moxxie aimed his handguns at Striker as the assassin held his lasso taut, firing at him only for Striker to block it with the taut rope. "Fucking seriously?!" Moxxie exclaimed before firing again as Striker dodged out of the way. It was made perfectly clear that despite the seriousness of the fight, their opponent was finding time to just fuck with them.

Millie went to hit Striker as he finished dodging, only for him to use the lasso to block her axe and knocking her back. She went in for another strike to which Striker sidestepped effortlessly, kicking her axe up into the air. She dodged out of the way of a kick only to realize it was a distraction as he roped one of the mine cart tracks up above and spring boarded off her axe, doing a few loops before getting high enough to get a stalactite with his lasso and send it directly at them. The two barely had time to dodge as it hit, sending Millie hurtling into the side of a wall of rock. While Moxxie was lucky enough to just skid back a little, he didn't have time to notice Striker coming from behind with the momentum he built for a kick, sending Moxxie flat onto the ground and skidding across the floor a little.

Striker wasted no time in kicking Millie's axe up into the air, grabbing it with his tail and with a spin, hurled it at her, pinning her to the wall by the neck. Sure he could of killed her with her own axe then and there, would have been a cool thing to brag about, but Striker had other plans. He quickly lassoed another rock, slamming it down on Moxxie as he tried to scramble for his guns, walking over to the male imp as he still tried to reach for them. Striker twirled his lasso, roping more jagged rocks and using them to further restrain Millie before kicking Moxxie onto his back and straddling him.

"Did you honestly think you had a chance?" Striker mused. "Or did you forget our last fight? I know I didn't, I remember how easy you were to choke out…" he said as he started to strangle Moxxie.

Moxxie just looked at Striker. "Ooooh….harder…."

Striker just laughed. "Do you honestly think you're the first guy to try that?" He asked before leaning in close to Moxxie. "Those will be your dying words, you weak excuse for a Wrathian imp…" As he started to strangle Moxxie more, taking pleasure in putting down one of the obstacles that stopped him last time, the sound of a snapped reign and a horse neighing echoed throughout the mine. "Oh for fucks sake! Can't a guy do his job and kill someone in peace?!" Striker complained as he stood up, pinning Moxxie by the throat with his foot. "I swear to FUCK if that's Blitzo…"

Striker looked around, the neighing happening again as the sound of roaring hooves got louder. Striker continued to look about, Moxxie struggling under him as he looked up to where the couple had crashed in from with annoyance, expecting their boss to make a similar entrance. Striker's focus however shifted to a second makeshift ramp formed from mine cart rails that was a few feet to the right of the one Moxxie and Millie crashed through, a purple ball off fire sliding down it and leaping off it.

"Who the fuck…" Striker mused out loud as it soared through the air and over them before diving directly down onto the ground in a powerful landing that caused a small crater. As the dust cleared and the fiery aura dissipated, Striker could see a crimson hellhound on an ebony horse with purple flames, eyes. and lava belly. The hellhound on the horse had one purple sclera and one red. "Well...if it isn't Carnavont, the would be liberator of hellhounds." Striker said with amusement. "What in the nine circles brings you to my neck of hell? I'd be more welcoming, but as you can see..." He added as he pressed on Moxxie's throat. "I'm kind of in the middle of a job at the moment but I suppose I can chat and work; nice horse by the way."

"Thanks. But your current contract is actually why I'm here." Carnavont replied as he dismounted his horse, turning his attention to Moxxie and then Millie. "Oh, so IMP was aware about Stolas…"

"Hey Carnavont! Nice horse!" Millie greeted cheerily as she struggled to get free.

"Hi Millie...and thanks." Carnavont replied.

"Wait, you know these losers?" Striker asked.

Carnavont turned his attention to Striker. "Yeah, but I don't think they're losers."

Striker laughed. "Always way to considerate for your own good. So, what's this about my current contract, did my employer think I needed help or somethin? Because if so, then I'm sorry you wasted your time."

"Actually, I came here for personal reasons." Carnavont remarked. "Ones that, while I know are professionally frowned upon and goes against the conduct of our line of work, I have to do regardless."

Striker arched a brow. "Wait, are you actually here to assist them? You had me thinking there for a moment that you were here to offer me some help. After all, the royals don't treat hellhounds any better."

Carnavont narrowed his eyes. "You and me are nothing alike. Your methods are far too extreme, they'd make things worse.

"And you don't go far enough. Sure you might have your own business, but your approach is too soft." Striker countered. "But back to my question, are you actually here to help these traitors? To help them free HIM?" Striker asked as he nudged his head towards Stolas. "You know we'd all be better off with one less noble bastard."

"I didn't know that they were here." Carnavont answered. "But I'm going to help them and help rescue Stolas nonetheless."

"Why? What personal reason could be so important as to interfere?" Striker inquired.

"I'm not at liberty to say and they are my own." Carnavont replied simply.

Striker narrowed his eyes. "Not good enough. Did some royal get to you?"

"No." Carnavont stated. "This is all me for my own reasons."

"Did you know bout Blitz and Loona?" Millie asked.

Carnavont's attention immediately snapped to Millie. "Know what?" he asked, his voice growing suspicious and angry. He had thought it odd that Moxxie and Millie were the only ones there.

"Striker sent some guys after us, there was a big fight. Loona got really hurt and took a bullet for Blitz, she's in the hospital." Millie explained.

Carnavont's expression went to shock for a second before pure seething rage overtook him. Veins appeared in his eyes as his pupils narrowed, head immediately snapping to Striker with a viscous growl. "Oh you motherfucker!" He roared, charging the imp. "I'LL KILL YOU!" Carnvont screamed as pure rage took hold.

Striker just grinned, managing to block the fist with his lasso. "How was I supposed to know you were dating Blitzo's pet?" he asked smugly before kicking Carnavont back. "Not like you were one known to be dating before."

"Don't you DARE call her that!" Carnavont roared out, charging the imp with a fury, going for another punch only for Striker to back flip out of the way. "We're professionals! We don't target those not in the contract!" He shouted as he came down with his sharpened arm fur to slice at Striker.

"And they interfered during my first attempt, so they became part of the contract." Striker replied as he pulled his lasso tight enough to catch carnavont's serrated fur, pushing him back before leaping up and kicking him in the side of the head before flipping a few feet back. "By the way, thanks for the recommendation." Striker added as he noted the bandage on Carnavont's shoulder.

"A mistake I aim to correct!" Carnavont snapped as he managed to get a punch in on Striker, sending the imp flying back a bit. Carnavont quickly pulled out his guns, firing at Striker and managing to graze him with a bullet as the imp dodged. Carnavont grimaced seconds later as Striker hurled a rock with his lasso right at him, hitting his injured shoulder, causing him to flinch. Ignoring the pain and seeing nothing but red Carnavont continued to go at the imp, his attacks only barely focused as he went in to bite Striker who simply dodged by jumping out of the way, lassoing a stalactite and bringing it down onto the hellhound.

"What's the matter, thought you were more disciplined than that." Striker mocked.

"Shut up! You hurt her! YOU HURT LOONA!" Carnavont roared in pure rage, not letting the hits stop him as he charged Striker.

"Oh Fu-" Striker said before being punched as Carnavont ignored another stalactite thrown at him, hitting the injured shoulder.

As the two fought Moxxie ran over to Millie, pulling out the rocks and axe that pinned her. "Thanks Moxx. Now, let's go back Carnavont up." she said as she noted that while the fight seemed even, something was off, Carnavont seemed unfocused. On top of that, Striker was now targeting Carnavont's shoulder, getting what hits he could at it and making it harder for Carnavont to fight as effectively. "He kinda reminds me of you that one time during one of our dates." she smiled, watching as Carnavont and Striker trade blows, the imp getting a punch in.

Moxxie blushed. "He reminds me more of you." he commented as he handed Millie her axe, seeing Carnavont grab Striker by the tail and hurl him into a rock, seconds only passing before Striker pulled down a stalagmite, hurling it at Carnavont's other shoulder, only for Carnavont to let it hit and charge through, punching Striker into the wall. Before Carnavont tried to bite him with his jaws Striker lept up, kicking Carnavont out of the way by hitting his head. It was clear to Moxxie from watching them that Carnavont wasn't really thinking, only going off pure rage like Millie would do, and while it might get him some hits, he was paying the price for each one.

With that the two ran to help Carnavont, Moxxie grabbing his handguns as they ran. Carnavont was holding his own against the assassin, keeping Striker on his toes as the assassin had been somewhat on the defensive. Carnavont was relentless with his attacks, going for swipes with his razor like serrated fur on his arms whenever he got close enough and firing at range when there was distance. It was clear that he was far more angry than cautious as he didn't really notice Striker was leading the fight back towards one of the caravan cars. As Striker neared the one that stored his weapons he quickly grabbed replacement revolvers and took a quick pop shot at Carnavont, hitting him in the side and torso, finally getting him to slow and stumble a bit to all fours. As he fired off a shot at Carnavont's head Millie reached them in time to put her axe in front of Carnavont, blocking the pullets.

"Love the enthusiasm hun, but your head's not in the game. What would Loona think if you got killed trying to avenge her?" Millie asked with smiled. "Besides, the whole mindless rage thing doesn't seem like or suit you; care for an assist?" She asked as she and Moxxie readied themselves.

Carnavont blinked, the feral rage that overtook him subsiding some as he realized he almost got shot in the head. He then looked at the injuries he had sustained. Yeah, he was hurt...bad. He hadn't gotten this enraged in years. Shame overtook him, he prided himself on being calm and collected, plus Millie was utterly right, this wasn't him. What would Loona think? She had liked him for how composed and collected he was from what he could tell. Sure, she heard him go off Blitz, but what would she think if she saw this?

Would she see someone who would go into a rage for those he cared about? Or a rabid dog? Likely the first, sure, but this wasn't him...not who he wanted to be. Not that he'd deny his anger, but not let it make him blind. A lesson that reared itself in his mind from long ago in his gang days. He took but a moment to stand up, a now more focused rage in his eyes.

"Sure, but I get to rip his tail off and use it to hang him by." Carnavont replied in a cold, less enraged, voice as he composed himself a bit more. He was going to be feeling the pain and be out of action for a bit after this was all over, but he deserved it for how he let his temper get away from him. He took a moment, cracking his neck.

"Well now, looks like we got ourselves a party!" Striker mused.

The three charged at Striker, Carnavont lunging at the assassin, only for the imp to dodge backwards from their attack. As he did though Millie leapt up and off Carnavont's back, bringing her axe down and narrowly missing a clean hit as Striker twisted just in time. He didn't have much time to recover though, barely getting out of the way of Moxxie's gunfire in time. Striker had to admit, this was getting to be a challenge.

The fight went on, Carnavont switching up between attacking with Millie with melee attacks and supporting Moxxie with ranged. And while Striker was managing to deflect and dodge, he couldn't quite keep this up forever, even if he was getting a hit in here and there. The initial fight with the couple, while not taxing, hadn't been that long ago. And with the admittedly more skilled and more of a threat hellhound helping even the odds it was only a matter of time before they were going to get the upper hand.

Striker dodged out of the way of Carnavont's gunfire, blocking Millie's axe with one of his revolvers as he twirled it and knocking her axe upward to get her off balance before kicking her back. Quickly holstering one of his revolvers he got out his lasso and used it to get a vertical advantage, keeping mobile and quick to keep Moxxie and Carnavont from having a beat on him. Continuing to use his lasso to keep moving rapidly, Striker quickly swung down towards the group at rapid speed, kicking Carnavont in the wounded shoulder with the built up momentum, pushing off of him as well to swing back up, causing Carnavont to stumble back as he roared in pain. Gritting his teeth Carnavont got off a shot, hitting Striker in the shoulder and causing him to drop his revolver.

Deciding to cut his losses for now, especially given the hits Carnavont managed to get in, Striker Looked for a distraction as he let the lasso slack enough to get off the track as he got up in the air, spotting Stolas. While still high in the air he took the lasso in his mouth and unholstered his other spare revolver, using it to fire a not as precise shot at the prince. He was in a bit too much pain from the gunshot wound and too focused on getting a quick shot off to go for a kill shot, instead going for what would leave his opponents little choice in order to get away. There was still a likelihood the prince would die from the wound as well, so it didn't matter. If it didn't, there was always next time. The bullet hit Stolas in the chest, close to where Striker had stabbed him, causing him to scream in anguish.

Striker then switched to holding the lasso, using it to get him to where his horse was and landing next to it. "You can keep fighting me, or save the worthless piece of shit, your choice." he grinned as he mounted his horse. Snapping the reigns, his horse leaping into action to get them out of the situation. While it sucked he had to leave everything behind, Striker knew he can just circle back to get everything to relocate once they were gone.

Moxxie and Millie ran to Stolas, cutting the ropes as quickly as they could to unbind Stolas. They looked at each other with panicked worry, Stolas was in severe shape, neither knew how long he might have or if they could get him to a hospital in time. Carnavont himself was about to give chase to Striker, still enraged at the Imp, before spotting the worried couple. It didn't even take him a second to make a choice as he ran over to them. He wasn't about to let Stolas die, not after hearing Octavia and seeing Typhus. That was what separated him from the likes of Striker, even if the imp insisted on their being a similarity.

"He's hurt bad." Millie said as Carnavont got to them. "I don't know if we can get him anywhere in time."

"Via..." Stolas muttered weakly.

Carnavont resolved himself as he focused on the situation. "Yes you will, I'll help." He stated, going into full management mode as though it were a situation his team was in.

"Right." The two replied.

"Might be best to take him to Sloth." Moxxie pointed out. "The hospital we took Loona to is one of the best."

"Got it." Carnavont replied. "Moxxie get in the van and start it up, Millie contact the hospital, I got Stolas." Moxxie and Millie nodded, Moxxie going to start the van as Millie got in back quickly, quickly contacting the hospital.

"Don't worry your highness, you're going to make it, save your strength." Carnavont said as he gently picked up Stolas, moving Stolas as quickly and cautiously as he could to the van.

Stolas weakly looked at Carnavont, vision still blurry though he could just barely make out the hellhound. "You must...be Car...navont…"

"Yes your highness, but please, focus on conserving yourself." Carnavont insisted as he got Stolas in the van.

"Thank...you…" Stolas said weakly

Carnavont opened a portal to Sloth, whistling for his horse and quickly mounting it. Snapping the reigns the horse took off, staying in front of the van as they sped off. As they raced through Sloth, Moxxie drove much like Blitz had earlier as Millie kept a check on Stolas. He was getting worse, despite doing what she could to stop the bleeding it didn't seem to be enough to keep him conscious as the prince soon closed his eyes.

"Fuck!" Millie exclaimed as she looked to Moxxie with fearful worry. "Mox...I'm not sure we can…"

Moxxie looked back at her, quickly moving a hand to comfort his wife. "We gotta have faith Millie...like you had faith we'd work out. And we did didn't we? Out of everyone you could choose you went with me, and look where we are now despite what we've been through. Surely this isn't any different." he reassured her.

"...Thanks Mox…" Millie smiled.

Moxxie smiled back before turning his full focus back on the road, speeding up to hopefully have them make it in time. One thing surprised him though, and that was the speed of Carnavont's horse. Despite vehicles being faster, the horse that Carnavont was on seemed to have just as much power to it, keeping up easily with the van. It was a rather unique looking horse, likely a mixed breed, but it still made Moxxie wonder where Carnavont could have gotten such a powerful beast.

Blitz had stepped out for a smoke break, Loona had been in surgery for hours and had gotten out just recently. And with no visitors being allowed at the moment he had nothing better to do than to get some fresh air. As he was letting his nerves calm down he suddenly heard galloping hooves, only to blink as a horse slid to a stop in front of him, rearing back with...Carnavont riding it, although he seemed really hurt. "OH COME THE FUCK ON!" he exclaimed. "What are you-" Blitz stopped talking as he then saw Moxxie and Millie pull up. "The fuck's goin on?"

Before they could even think of answering as Blitz walked over to his van a hoard of doctors rushed out of the hospital, trampling him as they descended on the van, opening the back door as a hoard of reporters joined them. Before Blitz knew it he caught a glimpse of Stolas' tail feathers as he was carted off. "What's going on? What happened?" He asked as Millie got him up.

"It's Stolas sir, he got hurt bad…" Millie informed him as she continued to hold him.

"Stolas got what...?" Blitz asked in disbelief.

"Hurt sir. If it wasn't for Carnavont showing up...I'm not sure we could have saved him." Moxxie stated.

Blitz just stared in utter shock. "He actually got hurt…" he said, as though completely disconnected from reality. Everything just seemed to fade to static briefly, a moment or two passing as Carnavont and the eminems looked at him.

"Sir, are you…" Moxxie started to ask.

"I-I'm fine Moxx...I just...I need a moment." Blitz said as he started to head into the hospital. "Think I'll...check and see if I can see Loona...Or at least wait till I can…"

Moxxie and Millie looked at each other with concern before looking to Carnavont. "Thank you for the help." Millie said with a slight half smile.

"No problem, hopefully Stolas will pull through." Carnavont replied.

"So...you going to stay and check on Loona?" Millie asked.

"I'd like to, but I should get back to the office. Plus I'm pretty sure I'm the last person Blitz wants to be around at the moment, other than Striker." Carnavont mused.

"Speaking of...do you two know each other? He mentioned a recommendation…" Moxxie asked.

Carnavont glanced at Moxxie. "HOUND was reached out to for the job of assassinating the prince. I had a gut feeling not to so I politely turned the job down and offered some offhanded recommendations so as not to seem unprofessional. As for how I know him, it's usually a good thing to familiarize yourself with others in your line of work...just in case."

Moxxie nodded before blinking. "Wait…so if you hadn't turned down…"

"It's a thought I don't even want to have, especially now that Typhus is coming out of his shell after meeting Octavia." Carnavont replied. "At the time I hadn't met Loona, nor know that Stolas was backing IMP, so I dread to think how everything would have gone down. I'm sorry my just offering suggestions has caused you this trouble."

"It's fine…" Millie reassured. "Typhus is…"

"My receptionist, and a really good kid. Him and Octavia knowing each other and having each other's number is the only reason I knew about the situation."

Millie nodded. "Anyway, like you said, you hadn't met Loona at the time. Which puts it around the harvest moon festival. You're a nice guy Carnavont, you were just making a suggestion to a client you turned down with no malice intended towards us. But uh...maybe we don't tell Blitz…"

"You think? I'm not kicking that hellbee hive…." Carnavont muttered. "If he wasn't trying to kill me before….he definitely would knowing that."

"Oh yeah." Moxxie and Millie agreed with knowing, almost horrified, looks.

"Still, after seeing how much you care for Loona, I think you should see her." Millie insisted. "Plus...might not hurt getting yourself checked out." she added noting the various bleeding injuries.

Carnavont blinked as he looked at his battered body, the adrenaline and rage starting to slowly subside as he stumbled a bit.. "...fair." Carnavont agreed. "Just give me a second." he said as he turned to his horse, petting Spectra before using the charm that he received to open the portal to her stable. Just like Camazotz has said in the letter, Spectra walked through the portal to the stable, the portal closing a few seconds later. After that he pulled out his phone, dialing a number. "Hey Typhus, it's me. Tell the others I'm fine, if a bit beat to hell. I'm going to get patched up and see Loona after, turns out Striker put a hit on IMP and she's been hurt and in a hospital. Don't worry, I should be fine. Stolas? He's uh...he's in a hospital too, it doesn't look good. Yeah, yeah...I'll try to get back before closing time. If not, I'll see everyone tomorrow. Thanks..." he then looked at the two imps as he hung up. "OK, good to go." he said before starting to fall.

Moxxie and Millie quickly went to catch him. "We'll help you in…" Millie said. "If you and Loona are able...maybe we can get some drinks after? I feel like it's called for."

"...Yeah, I definitely am going to need a drink."

With that, Moxxie and Millie helped Carnavont into the hospital to get some medical help. It had been a day, and while he had been successful in helping rescue Stolas, it had not been a flat out victory. Stolas was hurt, in critical condition from what he could tell. Not to mention Loona was hurt too; the fact Striker had gone to such lengths and thoroughness only showed just how dangerous the imp could be. Even if he hadn't been recovering from an injury Carnavont doubted it would have been an easier fight, the fact was Striker's reputation was well deserved. Which made the hellhound feel all the worse about having made the recommendation in the first place. He just hoped that his interference wouldn't make his team a target as well.

Back at Striker's hideout the assassin returned, starting to pick up and pack everything to relocate. Whether he managed to wound Stolas enough to kill him or not was still up in the air and with the imps that the rich bastard backed knowing the location, he wasn't about to risk them not letting any authorities know. As he packed up his phone started ringing. Expecting it to be Stella he answered. "Yello?"

"Striker I presume." Came a male voice.

"Speaking…" Striker replied.

"I'd like to discuss your current contract to eliminate Stolas." The male voice continued. It was arrogantly pompous and eloquent, the very epitome of everything Striker loathed about the nobility.

"I don't normally discuss contracts with anyone but the one who put it out." Striker replied. "Besides, what's he to you?" the assassin asked.

"I'm his soon to be former brother-in-law." Andrealphus answered. "I'm just reaching out to make an offer…"

"That being?" Striker asked.

"That you back off. I need him alive...for now." Andrealphus explained.

"Well you might have called a bit too late for that." Striker commented. "I just had another attempt where I was about to kill him when I got interrupted, he's likely to die from the wounds I gave him."

"I see...well, if you were unsuccessful, I'd like you to back off until otherwise." Andrealphus replied.

"What are you offering? Because I normally don't go against a contract I've made, especially with those that have the means to make my life hell." Striker countered.

"I'll pay triple whatever my sister is paying you." Andrealphus offered.

"Triple? Tempting...but still risky for me you understand. I do pride myself on seeing a contract fulfilled…"

"Then what do you suggest?" Andrealphus asked.

"Triple, and access to more black market weapons along with assurance that no one comes after me for doing my job authority wise."

"Agreed." Andrealphus agreed.

Striker grinned as he stopped packing. "Good; If he lives, I'll just let her know that I started taking more contracts assuming that he was dead. But that when I finish those I'll start planning my next attempt. Though I'm not sure how long I can make that work."

"I'll see if I can convince her to call you off for now if Stolas lives. And on the bright side for you, if it goes that way, my sister will pay you for the inconvenience." Andrealphus explained.

"Excellent. Pleasure doin business with ya. And if you need anyone killed, I'm more than happy to oblige."

"I'll keep that in mind." Andrealphus said before hanging up the phone. It seemed that he got Striker's information a bit too late. From the sounds of it, the assassin may have had a successful attempt. At least he had it in place that the imp would back off if his brother-in-law lived.

Andrealphus leaned slightly back in his throne, steeping his fingers. The pieces were in place if his brother were to survive, and it was a modest price to pay to milk his brother for everything. His sister might not see the merit in doing so, but he was hellbent to ensure that he could have access to EVERYTHING Stolas had possession wise. At least, until they were able to prove Stolas' treachery to the nobility and he could get his position.

Although there was Octavia, while the girl had not really been studying to one day take the place of her father, she was still a potential threat to the position and of holding onto any wealth. Perhaps if it called for it he would take the imp up on the offer of an assassination, maybe two. It just all came down to which suited him the most and proved the most beneficial. After all, all was fair game when it came to not just status, but power and wealth as well.

Striker chuckled as he put away his phone, going to put back what he had packed up. With no chances of any repercussions there was no need to relocate, at least for now. Not only that, but he was getting paid whether the prince lived or died, it was a win for him in either scenario. Of course, him living and Stella calling the hit off temporarily was a bit more ideal with the triple what she was paying, access to even more weapons, and the potential inconvenience pay from Stella.

It was just like those noble bastards to think they had everything under their control and planned out, that they could use those like him willy nilly and make life miserable for all those underneath them without care. What they never would suspect though was that he could play that game too. He would use the system against them, manipulate and play the unambitious gun for hire that was oh so eager to please. Letting them without thought give him the access and resources to get what he wanted so that one by one, through their own vein arrogance, he could kill them all. At least, as legally as he could until there wasn't enough left to hire him.