The sun hung high over the sky of the Wrath ring as two small imp kids ran about the plains of the arid landscape that was typical for that layer of Hell, playing near their family's small ranch. It was a quaint ranch, not the most well off looking one, but one that did well enough. The two boys went about treating sticks as though they were guns, shooting at imaginary enemies before switching up to playing cops and robbers after a time. It didn't take long until they pretended that they shot the other, collapsing and giggling as they laid side by side.
"That was fun!" One of the imps said as he chuckled. He had white hair with horns that bent backward at an angle, the area where they curved back up was more jagged, giving the end of his horns a more sickle like look with the bottom of the end of the horns looking like they were on their way to looking like the top. He was thin, not very strong looking unlike the other imp who was a bit more in line with the standard imp from wrath while not looking all that muscular.
"Yeah...but wouldn't be more fun to do the real thing?" The other imp asked. He had white hair as well with horns went up at the slightest of angles but not as high up as the other's as they bent to run more flat before curving back up at the tips, looking longer and more smooth than the first imp's. If it wasn't for that distinctive detail one would mistake them or identical twins.
"It would." The first imp smiled before sadness crossed his face. "But I'm not exactly cut out to serve in the legions...unlike you."
"True." The other imp smirked. "But screw the legions, I ain't letting those that always look down on us." The other imp sneered.
"But servin is mandatory if you're fit and able." The first imp said as he looked at the other in worry.
"So?" The other imp sneered once more. "They treat us like crap, like we're small fries only good for farmin or fightin. And besides, who's goin to make sure nobody kicks my brother's ass or bullies you?"
The first imp blinked. "But they'd-"
"Let them try." His brother dismissed. "My dreams are bigger than just bein a farmer or someone's grunt my whole life. We got to show em we can do more than that, you know just about everything there is about Hell's warfare advancements and history….you big nerd." He added as he punched the first imp in the arm.
"I just really like guns and learning." The first imp said as he rubbed his arm.
"And with that know how you could start up your own business, make guns, show those bastards what we can do." His brother argued. "Hell, with our brains, we could practically run things around Wrath, maybe Greed too."
"But how?" The first imp asked. "We can't own or start businesses. Plus, mom and dad are doing everything they can, we're not exactly in a position to get better education."
"Then we do whatever we can, whatever it takes." His brother stated. "We stick together and watch each other's back because that's all we have, each other."
The first imp sat up as he looked over at the other imp. "But how can we even-"
"I got plenty of ideas already." His brother said dismissively as he sat up as well. "Trust me, there ain't nothing that will stop us. So, you in?"
The first imp looked at him for a bit before nodding. "You and me, till the end."
"I watch your back, you watch mine." His brother imp smiled.
"Carmine, Crimson, lunch time!" The voice of their mother came calling out to them.
Crimson stood up as he looked at his brother. "One day, we'll make it big, I just know it. All we got to do is do whatever we have to."
Carmine blinked as he stood up, looking at his brother. "Yeah...together." He said before the two headed back to their family's ranch.
Days passed and Carmine and Crimson were walking about the nearby town, exploring and looking at things to pass time. The two eventually got separated as Carmine got distracted by a music shop, spying a guitar that caught his eye. The guitar looked well crafted and Carmine could not help but admire it and wonder how pleasant it was to listen to, only to sigh as he saw it's price. While guns and warfare were something he was greatly interested in, music and the arts also vied for his heart, it was but one of the reasons why he enjoyed playing pretend with Crimson. Ultimately though, Carmine sought to do something, anything with guns, potentially making them as everything about them fascinated him and he still wanted to do his part.
"Well look at him, isn't he a runt." Came a voice that caused Carmine to turn around, only to realize he was alone and now was facing a group of five other imp kids.
"Yeah, doesn't even look like he could lift a hay bale." One of the other kids remarked.
"Must be quite the embarrassment for his family, more so since he doesn't look like he'd ever be fit to serve in the legion." Another said. "Could you imagine that? I'm sure his folks are ashamed of such a pathetic wimp."
"I'm not a wimp…" Carmine protested.
"Awe, is that what your mommy tells ya to make you feel better?" One of the five kids remarked. "You know she's lying to you to make ya feel better, and herself."
Carmine frowned, not liking the insinuation. "My folks say that smarts are just as important, that I help in my own way."
"Ha, even his dad lies to him. Makes you wonder if they're just as weak." Another of the five scoffed.
"They are too, they're farmers, providing food for Hell and the legions!" Carmine argued, his anger building. "And strength's not everything, since guns became-"
"Yeah, yeah, keep talkin weakling." The first kid interrupted. "Guns don't mean crap, it's just a tool for the weak to feel they're as capable as the strong. You must come from the weakest and sorriest family in all of Wrath. I bet your daddy Is as weak as you."
"You take that back!" Carmine demanded.
"Make me...hell pig dung." The first kid remarked as he looked at Carmine smugly. "Or are you gonna run and cry to your weak daddy?"
Carmine narrowed his eyes as anger coursed through him, letting out a cry as he charged at the bullies, only to be held back as they laughed. "Why don't we show him what strength is like?" The second imp kid asked.
"Good idea." The first imp bully agreed.
With that they began to beat Carmine, getting him against the wall of a building as they laid into him. The first bully was about to throw another punch when he felt his hand being held in place after he moved it back to ready a punch. Looking back, he saw another imp kid that looked almost identical to the one he was beating save for the horns glaring at him, a sneer on his face. "The hell is going on here?" Crimson remarked.
"C-crim...they….they...they wouldn't stop picking on me. They...they called our parents liars...weak….not worth anything." Carmine said as he held back tears. "I was just trying to-"
"That's all I need to hear." Crimson said as utter rage filled his eyes, an anger and fury that Carmine had rarely seen hints of before as he tightened his hold on the bully. "You insult my brother...my family...look down upon US and call us WEAK AND WORTH NOTHING?!" He practically roared as his glare intensified. "Then I'll show you just WHO is worth nothing…"
With that Crimson began to lay into the other kids, taking on all five of them at once as he started with viciously head butting the first bully, causing him to hit up against the wall before falling to the ground. His attacks were brutal and unforgiving as he laid into the second, taking a hit only to be able to lay into him and punch him repeatedly in the face. Carmine watched on as his brother fought the bullies, it was something that both awed and frightened him as Crimson didn't seem to care how brutal he got, or if any of the bullies managed to get a hit in, all that seemed to matter was letting out a fury and showing that no insult would be taken.
The fight didn't last long, maybe three minutes, could have been five. But by the time it was over Crimson was straddled over the last bully, continuing to beat him even if he was no longer able to fight back. Getting up, Carmine went over to his brother. "Crimson...it's over...I think they get the point." Carmine said as he placed a hand on his brother.
Crimson blinked as he looked at Carmine. "Right...right, I just don't like it when someone insults you or calls our family liars or worthless." He said as he got up. "Now go on, get." he said coldly as he spat on one of the bullies, the five kids getting up and fleeing.
"But was that...really necessary?" Carmine asked.
"When it comes to bullies like them, ANYONE that looks down on you or thinks they can pull one on you or anything, you need to show them that a mistake can cost dearly. That way, no one else tries anything and they never mess with you again." Crimson stated.
"I...guess...But they were already beaten a minute or two ago…" Carmine remarked.
"Some lessons don't stick unless you emphasize." Crimson said with a dismissive wave. "Point is, I'm not letting anyone hurt you or look down on and insult our family. I got your back, no matter what."
Carmine smiled. "Thanks…"
"Now come one, let's get back home and get cleaned up." Crimson remarked.
"Mom and dad are going to have a fit when they see us…" Carmine said as they started to walk.
"Yeah, but they'll be proud they we stood up for our family's honor and that we looked out for each other." Crimson countered.
Carmine blinked. "But I didn't-"
"You know that, I know that, but I gotta let my brother get some credit when possible." Crimson smirked.
Carmine smiled. "Thanks Crim, you're the best."
Time passed as Carmine and Crimson continued to grow, helping out on the ranch as they also continued their education. Life wasn't easy, helping keep up with the work on the ranch so that they had the money they needed to get by was hard work, work that while Carmine tries to do, could only do so much as Crimson did a fair bit more. Not that Crimson minded too much; his brother wasn't naturally strong, such work was not cut out for him. At least Carmine helped where he could, with his ingenuity and knack for tinkering he found workarounds or means to help things to go a bit quicker, even if it was just simply maintaining equipment or improving or repairing a gun.
But if it was one thing that Crimson never really got it was Carmine proclivity to not want to get down and dirty when it came to teaching someone a lesson. Sure being weaker meant he wasn't going to go out and show how tough he was, but they were Wrathian imps after all, not letting others question your strength and making your mark with it was what being in Wrath was all about. Hell, that's what the Harvest Moon games were all about, showcasing the strongest and most capable from different parts of Wrath. OK, so maybe Carmine was never going to really have a chance in anything like that, but he should still at the very least be more willing to not just avoid confrontation or not fight back when his pride as an imp was being mocked.
All Carmine really did was stick to his books and studies, learning everything he could. And while Crimson himself saw the value in being well learned, they were still bottom of the caste system, barely above hellhounds. No one was going to give them an opportunity or time of day to prove they could be more unless they showed them why they should be respected by not taking being disrespected, using their strength, and being willing to do things that made it where no one would be able to not take notice and give ear. It was just the way things were, how they always had been, how they always will be. There was nothing wrong with being smart, being smart made you clever, being clever helped you stay one or more steps ahead and calculate risks worth taking. But being strong, being willing to fully live in the cutthroat world of might makes right where only the strongest thrived and prevailed, that was everything.
Crimson and Carmine continued stick together, helping each other out as best they could with Crimson keeping Carmine as safe, making sure the lesson of not ever messing with either of them was well learned. Crimson knew that if it wasn't made clear, nothing would be learned and then the lesson would be have to be taught again, so it was best to make it absolutely clear the first time...even if his brother protested about stopping a bit sooner from time to time. Carmine was gentle, not overly soft, but didn't fully grasp just how far you needed to go to succeed. There were times where Crimson saw the bloodlust in his brother, especially when hunting or practicing, so it struck him as odd how Carmine always held back and never sought out using his skills in guns more.
One day Carmine was walking about town when Crimson snuck up and wrapped his arm around him with a grin. "Hey there Carmy." He said with a cheerful tone. "Want to see something?"
"Hey Crim, uh...sure?" Carmine replied only to suddenly go awe struck as Crimson revealed a bundled stack of money. "That's-….how did you…?"
Crimson continued to grin as he looked at Carmine. "Let's just say I'm doing whatever it takes to help out the ranch and for us to have a good start in making it big. You want to try and get a fancy education don't you? You always go on about how you like those fancy songs and what not, think of this as a way to get that. I'm just taking on an odd job here and there, showing I got what it takes to be ambitious and prove my worth. Bot only that, but if things go well, we could even live in one of the nicer cities." He said as he stashed the money away.
"How many odd jobs did you take to earn that much?" Carmine asked.
"Just a few, for the same...guy." Crimson said as he waved his hand dismissively in a circular motion. "You know...he could also use someone who could fix up guns…" He said as he looked at Carmine with an ambitious smirk.
"...This sounds gang related." Carmine remarked.
"And what if it is?" Crimson asked. "We agreed we'd do whatever it takes to make our lives better, to show those who look down on us that we're not small time nobodies to be pushed around, that we have dreams and ambitions."
carmine blinked. "But we were taught honest work was-"
"I know I know." Crimson interrupted. "But this is honest work in a way, just...legally dubious. Mom and dad are doing their best but even with our help we have only what we need to just get by. Don't you want to help out even more?" He inquired. "It's not like those in charge are ever goin to do us any favors, they'll just keep putting us down, laughing at us. We're Wrathians, using our strength and whit is how we make our living, life's brutal so we have to be brutal back."
Carmine looked at his brother, torn at what to do. He couldn't say what Crimson said was wrong, they were looked down upon. Hell, even he himself was looked down and picked on by his own kind for not being as strong as other Wrathians like his brother and he HATED it. "I know, it's just…"
"You got a talent, a real skill with guns. Hell you put dad and I to shame sometimes with your shootin and how you take apart and put back guns, you're a natural." Crimson said as he smiled at Carmine warmly. "What's a few odd jobs, at least helping out with gun maintenance and repair? We help get things nicer around the ranch and save up to get you a fancy degree."
"But what about you?" Carmine asked as he blinked.
"Oh don't worry about me, you know I could never make it in one of those places of higher learnings." Crimson chuckled as he lightly slapped Carmine on the back.
"Don't sell yourself short Crim, you're as clever as they come, and I've never seen an imp get as determined as you do when they put their mind to something. I'm sure if you tried, you could do well." Carmine encouraged. "Besides, who's goin to keep looking after me when I need help?"
Crimson smiled. "Maybe...but I really don't think I'm cut out for it. And you need to start looking after yourself at some point." He said as he looked at Carmine. "Sure we're in this together till the end, but I can't always be there for you. I've seen you got a fire in you when we go di target practice with dad, you got a fighter in you waiting to be let out if you just let it. Sure you might not be strong, but if you really start putting your gun skills to use then no one would dare mess with you." Crimson encouraged.
Carmine gently smiled a bit. "Thanks Crim."
"Hey, I got your back, just as you got mine. Helping you grow into someone who's not a total wimp is part of being a good brother." Crimson smiled. "So what do ya say, will you help out and stick it to all those bastards that put us down? Who knows, maybe we can even work multiple angles if you go legit, show those fat cats how to really run things." He smiled as he moved to stand in front of Carmine
Carmine blinked as he looked at Crimson, a mixture of emotions going through his mind. On the one hand, hard and honest work were something that he did believe in and had seen it not really fail their parents. But on the other, where had it gotten them? Crimson was right, they were only making enough to just get by without room for much else. And he had heard his parents when they thought he wasn't around talking and trying their best to help him further his learning, to let both of them have a nice thing here and there. They were working themselves as hard as they could and for what, just for nothing to really change as they were used and looked down on?
He hated the thought of their parents working so hard for basically no gain and then some more than he hated being picked on. If the system was rigged against them and only strength and ruthlessness seemed to get you somewhere then why not outplay it? Besides, they could also use some of the extra money they earned on their parents too, get them something nice for the holidays or their birthdays as a thank you. He would just be helping with gun maintenance after all, still honest work in a way.
"So, work those that look down on us, use us, and make a profit doing so?" Carmine asked, wanting clarification.
"Yup, work the system and show em all how it's done. So what do you say?" Crimson asked as he extended his hand. "And don't worry, you're free to turn it down with no hard feelings, it's your choice and I'll respect it. I ain't going to hate you or anything, we'll still be brothers, till the end."
Carmine blinked as he looked at Crimson a moment before determination came across his face. "You and me, till the end, like always." Carmine said as he took Crimson's hand.
"Till the end." Crimson smiled.
The next day Crimson introduced his brother to who he had started doing odd jobs for, taking Carmine to an area of the nearby town that Carmine hadn't seen or really known about and further leading him to a warehouse where a bunch of imps and shark demons were going about moving various boxes and crates that Carmine was sure were full of things ranging from weapons to anything else that could be illegally distributed for profit. Carmine continued to follow his brother to a secure foreman room that had armed guards at the door.
"Just when did you start working for these guys?" Carmine asked.
"A few weeks back, it took some convincing, but I showed em my worth." Crimson smirked.
"Is that why you actually had a black eye?" Carmine asked.
"Partially." Crimson shrugged. "But since I'm vouching for ya and brought ya up as a recommendation you shouldn't have to worry about anything." He added with a dismissive wave,
"Shouldn't?" Carmine asked pensively.
"Well, you never know." Crimson admitted. "But hey, maybe it won't be as bad."
"…" Carmine gulped as the two made it to the guarded door, the two shark demons staring at them as they blocked the way.
"Relax fellas, this is my brother, the one I told the boss about." Crimson said with a friendly and collected grin. "The one that's good workin with guns." The two shark demons looked at Crimson and his brother before unblocking their path to let the two brothers enter. "Thanks fellas." Crimson said with a smile before walking into the room with his brother.
As they walked in, Carmine saw a well dressed male candlehead demon that looked particularly strong sitting at a desk with a constrictor based snake demon, one of the rarer types of demon not often seen, by his side. "Well well, if it isn't Crimson, the latest promising addition to our little operation." He said as he looked at Crimson before his attention went to Carmine. "And this must be the brother you told me about...a little scrawny ain't he?" The candlehead demon remarked as he rested his head against his closed hand.
"What my brother lacks in physical strength he more than makes up in his skill in working with guns." Crimson said with a proud grin, giving his brother a light slap on the back. "Trust me, Carmine will be a real asset to us Torch."
Torch arched a brow as he continued to lazily look at the two brothers. "You do realize I can't afford to have ANY weak links right?" Torch asked. "Each and every man here, no matter their job, is able to defend themselves and I can trust to not squeal. Not just because of their loyalty, but because they know the consequences of treachery of any kind." He added as he narrowed his eyes slightly. "An operation is only as strong as those working it. Any disrespect, any mistake big enough, any move against it, must be made a clear example of." Torch continued he said as he placed a cigar in his mouth, snapping a finger to which his the snake demon lit the cigar.
"I understand, and while my brother might not be physically strong, he's got skills with shooting I'm sure would put most your men to shame." Crimson boasted, causing Carmine to nervously chuckle as he rubbed the back of his head.
"Is that so?" Torch asked.
"Y-yes sir." Carmine nodded.
"I guarantee it." Crimson assured.
"Heh, first time meeting and he already knows to show proper respect, usually need to get a physical lesson in for that." Torch chuckled darkly.
"I was always taught to respect my el-…" Crimson paused as Torch narrowed his eyes. "Respect authority...sir."
Torch nodded before rubbing his chin in thought for a moment. "Very well then, I'll give him a shot. If he can help maintain weaponry as good as you claim on top of being that good of a shot I might have some use for someone that skilled." Torch said before sitting more straight. "But remember, we're not an operation that gives second chances freely, especially since we're only a part of a bigger operation, Capisce?" The candlehead demon asked as he leaned forward and exhaled smoke towards them.
The two brothers coughed slightly as they waved the smoke away, Crimson holding back anger as he clenched his other fist slightly. "Yeah, yeah, we understand completely." Crimson said.
"Good." Torch said as he sat back straight. "I'll have something for you both to do soon, so you can be on your way." he added as he shooed them with his hand.
"Got it boss." Crimson acknowledged.
"Sir." Carmine echoed.
The two walked out of Torch's office and headed out of the warehouse, only for Carmine to lose his composure a bit as he slouched over when they got far enough from everyone else. "You got involved with the mob?!" He exclaimed.
"What other choices do we have here in Wrath? At least with the mob I can mnage to keep out of the legion AND keep close to you." Crimson said before placing his arm around Carmine. "And why settle for any ol gang when we can shoot for something higher? We agreed we'd shoot for working both sides for all their worth, at least this way we have a fair amount of security, especially if we rise through the ranks."
"But we're imps Crimson, we're only good for fodder, farming, menial jobs like servanthood, and being the first wave of a legion, we're not exactly known to be able to have higher positions." Carmine pointed out.
"And we'll be the first to prove everyone wrong, that we shouldn't be underestimated or looked down on." Crimson said as he looked at his brother. "How else are we supposed to work both sides and get you that business? We got to believe we can do this, be as ruthless and determined as Sathanas himself. You don't want to just go through life having everyone treat you like those bullies did...do ya?" He asked. "Mocking you, disrespecting you, disrespecting our family and spitting on their good name, saying you are nothing...that they are nothing..."
Carmine blinked as he looked at Crimson a fire starting to burn in his eyes as he clenched his fists. "Never again…" he said as he straightened his posture. "We'll show those bastards."
"Exactly, they'll all see that we aren't to be underestimated." Crimson smirked. "With our two brains, my brawn, your skills with guns, we'll run this racket and be the real power behind the scenes. Just you and me, brothers against the world."
"Yeah…" Carmine said with a smile as they started walking again.
It wasn't long before the two brothers were in the swing of doing work for Torch, Carmine had proven his skill with touching up and examining guns, even modifying them as requested. At first Carmine stuck to just the guns, but it wasn't long before Carmine was also fixing up and helping with melee weapons as well. And while ranged weapons were his first choice and preferred weapon, he did see the beauty of the simplicity and craft of swords, knives, and the like. After all, he would be a fool to dismiss their value or importance in Hell's method of waging warm only a fool would dismiss and not study what was used prior and stood the test of time to still be used. His preference for guns wasn't just because he admired their intricacy, but also just as much the fact that he was just better with them due to the fact he wasn't really able to be proficient with close combat. Although as he worked on repairing, modifying, and inspecting weaponry Carmine found himself getting a more respectable build, nothing that would put him anywhere near Crimson or other Wrathians, he was still weak, but at least he was stronger than he had been.
Crimson meanwhile proved time and again how resourceful and ruthless he could be, maintaining a record of moving things successfully without suspicion and being an effective enforcer as he shook down those that owed money and businesses for the gang to have a cut in exchange for protection from other rival gangs, executing those who tried to skim what they owed or were far beyond any grace period. He was brutal an efficient, going above and beyond by even offering to do hits where was needed, quickly earning a reputation as an imp to not take being lied to or deceived without fatal reprisal and who got results. Although his ambitious nature wasn't without cost earning him a scar mark around each eye, the on on the right circling around most of that eye and was larger while the other mark only went along the underside of his left eye, something he wore with pride.
Even though Carmine preferred to stick to what he did, there were still times where he was requested to do similar things as Crimson, mostly the moving of things and the odd ranged hit, the first because of his unassuming demeanor and nature and the second because he could provide a more scalpel like approach where he took out a target from range and often unseen. And while Carmine at first was apprehensive about doing either, he never once protested out of fear of Torch and wanting to be a respectful and useful..."employee" that his brother had touted him to be, of course it didn't help when Crimson would drag him along on assignments at times. Still, as he helped out with the odd hit Carmine found himself liking the experience, the inner Wrathian in him getting satiated and finding a sense of pride and worth by proving he could be of use when it came to doing what they were meant for.
The pay wasn't half bad either, sure they weren't getting as much of a cut as full fledged members or even those hgher than them, but it was enough to help out a bit more around the ranch and do some things here and there for themselves and, in Carmine's case, for their parents. All it really took was selling a very white lie about what their part time job. Still, despite the growing favor and respect they were gaining, especially Crimson who made sure to always be in the thick of it with the rest of the members and growing a loyal comraderie around him that even Torch took note of and even acknowledged the imp for, seeing him as one with a lot of potential. And while Carmine tried to keep things relatively close with the gang to a degree without being too engratiated as he saw it as more temporary to his true goal of one day owning a business even if he found a love of doing contract work, Crimson went harder and further into showing a desire to be a full on member and an ambition to climb the ranks. Something that Torch would eventually reward, even going so far as to take Crimson under his wing.
Things seem to be going as the brothers had hoped and planned for, laughing to themselves in private when they were away from the gang as they thought about how smoothly things were going and the thought of their dreams becoming reality when they were alone. Everything seemed to be on track and nothing could stop what they intend to do, not that anyone could suspect with how they were just seen as lowly imps. And because of that, no one would be able to guess their ambitions or see them coming. Crimson himself surprised his brother with how thought out and cleverly planned his methods for breaking the unfair and unjust limitations put on their kind, his path to climbing the power structure seemed flawless and impressively crafty to the point that everything seemed foolproof. Carmine himself hoped more than anything that they would succeed, to prove all those above them how wrong they were to underestimate imps. That, and he hoped to have a better life...for both himself and his brother.
More time passed and thinks continued to go as they had been, the brothers eventually having finished the highest level of education allowed to imps in Wrath, well, unless they had the capital and/or were also from one of the more affluent towns. While most imps throughout Wrath and a lot of Hell were limited in their pursuit of knowledge, those in better off areas and had affluent enough families for imps were allowed to have higher learning, something that Carmine deep down wanted. Not just so he could shoot for owning his own business, something practically unheard of in Hell, but also because he always was different from the other Wrathian imps. While he still found a liking of warfare and weaponry, he lways leaned a bit more towards more civilized and "city like" pursuits over what he had been surrounded by, seeing the beauty in craft work and arts as well as the value in manners and etiquette...something else that he had been bullied for.
One day, as the brothers were walking about one of the relatively nicer towns that was a bit further from where they lived, they were looking about at the various things they hoped to one day be able to afford and talking when they accidentally bumped into someone. "Oh, excuse me, sorry…" Carmine remarked.
"Hey, watch...it..." Crimson started more strongly, only to soften his tone immensely as he and his brother looked at who they had bumped into.
Before them stood a beautiful female imp with long black hair and smallish horns that stuck straight up from the top of her head, possibly having a very slight curve towards each other. She was elegantly dressed in a nice outfit, a two toned blue dress with red accents, white collar with white at the bottom of the dress under red that the puffed shoulders of the dress reflected. She had white freckles and long white gloves to compliment it all. The most notable thing about her other than her beauty, were her stunning eyes.
"Oh, I'm so sorry." The female imp apologized.
"N-n no, it's fine, it was our fault, we shouldn't have been so distracted." Crimson quickly said as he blushed.
"Y-yeah, yeah...it was out fault." Carmine agreed as he too blushed, finding it hard to find words.
"Are you sure?" The female imp asked. "I should have been paying attention too."
"Yes." The two brothers said in unison, causing the female imp to giggle.
"Anyway, I'm Crimson, and this here is my brother Carmine. Who might we have the pleasure of bumping into?" Crimson asked as he put on a dashing smile.
The female imp smiled back as she looked at the two. "My name's Chili, it's a pleasure to meet you..."