Saints and Sins

by dragoritus

Centuries since the Demons were driven off Earth by Humanity and their allies, mankind now rules their world once again, for better and for worse, for our tale takes us to Stilwater, one of if not the most crime ridden, degenerate and corrupt city on Earth where crooked cops turn a blind eye to gang warfare, and where Saints must rise. This story is part of the Kismet Verse.

6. Retaliation

Chapter 6: Retaliation

Stilwater Memorial Hospital (At night)

James was seen resting in the hospital as the mask's voice was heard telepathically speaking directly to him "You seem to have some memories blocked behind that dome of yours, let's see what's hiding behind skull of yours!"

James' eyes winced in pain as visions began to fill his mind as the mask's voice spoke sadistically "So many memories, so little time, I wonder which one we'll experience first?~"

James grunted in discomfort as a vision from his point of view being strapped down onto a table as scientists were seen cutting into his flesh while a man in a business suit was seen behind a protective glass overlooking the operation as his face was darkened keeping his identity a secret.

James' eyes winced in pain as the vision continued on in his mind as a woman whose face was also darkened as she spoke with a warped voice "Sir, the test results are in. And it's even more than you had predicted."

The man kept his attention on James as the scientists continued to cut into his flesh taking blood samples as the man responded "Explain."

The woman informed "According to the results his potential suggests he has greater potential than his father."

The man turned towards the woman and questioned "Do we know for certain what is causing such data?"

The woman explained "I've deduced that it is the very act of violence, the animals we've pitted him against were nearly all brutally killed in excessive and rather gratuitous ways. With the exceptions of beasts much stronger than himself, at least at the current moment, lions, tigers, bears…"

The man scoffed in mild amusement while drrly joking in a deadpan manner "Oh my."

The woman added "What we can't figure out is where this rather… bizarre strength comes from, its as if something is purposefully granting him more strength the more he kills."

The man turned towards the woman and ordered "If what William said was true, we could deduce…"

But the vision began to fade as the mask was heard "Ahhhh, can't have that spoiled just yet my lil murder machine!"

James woke up in the hospital hour after being administered, making a weak groan as he looked around the room to see Johnny who had his arms crossed and joked "Guess sleeping beauty is awake."

James groaned weakly while attempting to sit up making him grit his teeth in pain as Johnny got onto his feet and placed his hand on James' chest stating "Hey man you still haven't recovered yet."

James laid back down with a low groan of defeat before Johnny readjusted his bed to have the half where James' torso laid to rise up allowing James to be in a seated position.

Johnny eyed James and asked "Better?"

James groaned lowly in annoyance while complaining "I hate waking up in hospitals!"

Johnny chuckled in amusement responding casually "Well if that was the case you shouldn't let yourself get stabbed thirty times."

James glared at Johnny in cold silence before responding "Fuck you man…"

Johnny sighed before stating "Some of our boys are keeping watch in the waiting area, Lin went to the bathroom and Troy left to theparking lot to lead Jules here."

James sighed in mild discomfort while admitting "Where's Dex?"

Johnny waved his hand dismissively explaining "He's back at the church plannin on taking some more territory from the Carnales."

James nodded before Lin entered the room and saw James was awake as James held his right hand up greeting "Hello beautiful."

Lin crossed her arms and eyed James while complaining "You scared me half to death you asshole!"

James lowered his right hand as he responded "Sorry I wasn't trying to…"

But Lin interrupted "Shut up, you get stabbed by the same guy god knows how many times, the fuck were you thinking letting yourself get stabbed by that fuckin pyscho from down under?!"

James raised his brow in surprise to Lin's outburst and responded "I uh… wow you know you're cute when you're angry."

Lin blushed slightly while snapping "The fuck I am!"

Johnn rubbed his forehead while snickering in mild amusement before interrupting "As good as it is seein you two have such a lovely interaction… (pulls out the mask from James' bag) what's the deal with this mask?"

James eyed the mask and responded "I found it at the Friendly Fire in the Rollerz territory."

Johnny set the mask down and asked "Riiiight… but you seemed scared by it, back at the dome."

James groaned lowly as he stated "I… I don't trust it."

Johnny raised a brow and questioned "What the fuck does trusting it have to do with…"

James interrupted by stating 'The fuckin thing's "alive" somehow, and when I wore it I felt… powerful, strong. And I felt the need to kill everyone in my way."

Johnny eyed the mask and stated "If that's true, shit it might be a Demon relic of some kind…"

Lin eyed the mask and asked "What should we do with it?"

James readjusted himself in his bed and responded "Well for starters we can't let any of the other gangs have it."

But the Mask spoke to James via telepathy "As if I'd allow myself to be used by any of those pathetic murder frauds!"

James groaned lowly before Johnny added "Julis would want to know about this thing, he's got a friend whose an expert on Demon shit."

James sighed and asked "You mean Morrison? Yeah I met the guy the night I arrive in Stilwater…"

Lin asked while looked at both James and Johnny "So we are telling Julius?"

James and Johnny answered "Of course!"

Johnny added "I don't trust anything related to Demons, if there's anything that my teachers in High School taught me, is that Demons and their shit aren't worth fuckin with!"

James nodded in agreement while the Mask was heard speaking into his mind "I find it offensive that you think I am a creation of the Demons… but worry not Jim, such punishment won't be so… agonizing!"

Lin eyed James with a concerned look as she pointed out "James… your nose is bleeding."

James placed his index and middle fingers against his upper lip and eyed the blood on the tip of his fingers stating "Shit…"

James glared at the mask in Johnny's hands as Julius and Troy entered the room with Julius asking "You alright Playa?"

James turned to face Julius and responded with a dry joke "Aside from a sore chest, yes."

Johnny scoffed in amusement at James' weak joke while Julius and Lin shook their heads while Troy covered his mouth trying not to snicker as Julius handed a wad of cash to James stating "This is the payment, from Wong. Don't expect him to call in for any jobs anytime soon."

James accepted the money and asked in confusion "Why's that boss?"

Julius crossed his arms and explained "I've a talk with Wong and he's agreed to not hire you for any jobs while you're part of the Saints."

James questioned with a surprised tone "Wait… Wong agreed to that?!"

Julius nodded as he added "I made it very clear to him that I don't want you working as an assassin at this time, besides he's already satisfied with what you've done for him. (Julius points at James) From now on, your ass is mine."

James scoffed in mild amusement before responding "Touche."

James turned his attention towards the money and questioned "I thought Wong agreed I'd do this in exchange for him to give Aisha a new identity?"

Julius put his hands into his pockets and assured "Wong insisted that you receive the payment, especially if it was going to be the last time you work for him."

James shook his head in a mix of bewilderment and amusement before counting it and splitting it in half before handing the cash to Johnny stating "Here's your share, Johnny."

Johnny accepted the money and counted the dollars afterwards he gave an impressed whistle and joked "Damn that's a lot of cash bro!"

James smirked proudly while stating "Yeah Wong really wanted to pay Kano back for Saddie."

Troy raised a brow and asked "Who the hell is Saddie?"

Johnny also added "Yeah, I'm a bit lost myself…"

Lin scoffed in amusement before informing "James told me about this, bet this guys; apparently Wong wanted Kano's eye all because he got his dog Saddie killed!"

Troy turned towards Lin giving a mix of confusion and seemingly unconvinced "You're fuckin kidding me right, we lost three of our boys and sent a fourth in a hospital over a fuckin dog?!"

James shrugged and responded with a defensive tone "She was a really good dog."

Troy glared at James with a unamused expression while Johnny shook his head while responding "You know what… I can't blame the man."

Julius rolled his eyes and stated "I'm headin back to the Row, the Police are patrolling our turf and it's putting our guys on edge. (Grabs the mask) I'm taking this with me, I've got a friend whose an expert on Demonic artifacts."

Lin approached James and patted his shoulder and informed "I should head back to my apartment, I'll let you know if the Rollerz make any plans."

James nodded in agreement and requested "Alright stay safe luv."

Lin leaned down and kissed James on the lips and assured "Don't worry about me, I'm not the one in a hospital~"

James gave an unamused stare at Lin while responding in a unamused tone "Har har!"

Lin smirked before leaving as Troy gave a confused styare towards her, James and Johnny before asking "When did those two become an item?!"

James responded in a deadpan manner "Last night…"

Troy shook his head in confusion before eyeing Johnny who raised his hands defensively stating "Hey I just found out when he returned my call earlier today."

But interrupting the conversation Dr. Heskal was seen entering the room, noticing James was conscious he asked "Ahhh I see you're awake, how is my lucky patient today?"

James responded dryly while waving his hand dismissively "Oh you know, a few holes in me."

Heskal smirked amused by the weak joke as he responded "And we've got a sense of humor too, good. (approaches James and checks his wrist for a heartrate) How's your breathing?"

James sighed before answering "I'm breathing as I normally would doc."

Heskal nodded before informing "Well my young friend, you're a rather curious freak of nature, no offense. You're wounds are already healing at a faster rate that is normal for a human body."

James raised a brow and responded "Yeah my mum always said I had the good genes."

Heskel smiled softly before leaning forward and informed in a hushed tone "I also work for a mutual friend of ours, (James eyes Heskal) Elexis Sinclaire."

James had a confused look on his face as he responded "I hadn't realized she owned any property in Stilwater."

Heskal informed "Miss Sinclaire is currently in a bidding war with the Ultor Corporation over property in Stilwater, she owns this hospital, and an offshore island nearby."

James responded with an amused tone "Sounds like she's losing the bid war, if she's only got two pieces of property."

Heskel informed "Oh I wouldn't worry about that, she's already made excellent plans that'll have Ultor eating out of the palm of her hands. But she asked me to inform you that it would be best to leave the canister that was stolen with me."

James sighed and responded "It's safe where it is Doc."

Heskel responded with a serious tone "If this were any other city, I would believe you, young man… but this is Stilwater nothing is safe within this city's boundaries. Women being kidnapped, daily gun fights and robbery, and not to mention the Kingdom Come Records bombing."

James sighed clearly understanding Heskel's points and responded "I don't think it's a good time for me to reveal the canister's location yet, the people who stole it clearly want it back, (gestures hand towards his wounds) hence me being stabbed."

Heskal eyed James with an unconvinced expression "Now son, I know how stab wounds work and those weren't meant to get information out of you, this person who stabbed you clearly intended to kill you."

James laid his head down and responded "Well they certainly tried their best Doc, and I'm not so easy to kill."

Johnny scoffed proudly and responded "Hell yeah he is!"

Heskal shook his head and responded "Alright, but if you change your mind about it, let me know."

James gave a thumbs up and assured "Will do Doc."

With Julius who entered his car while setting the mask that James wore in the empty seat next to him before pulling out his phone and dialed a number causing Morrison to answer "What's up?"

Julius responded "Hey man you got free time? One of my boys found what they assume to be a Demonic mask made from bones."

Morrison responded "I'm, free for tomorrow morning! Meet ya at the church?"

Julius nodded and responded "Yeah, see you then."

Later that night (Unknown location)

Heskal was seen wearing his surgical apron with his faced covered in a mask as he surgically operated on Kano's face, Heskal noticed Kano's eye crudely cut out leaving a fractured skull as he turned towards one of his male nurses who said "Christ they really did a number on his skull."

Heskel sighed and directed "We'll have to replace it, (a small circular saw) hand that over to me."

The nurse obeyed and handed the saw over to Heskal who began to cut the broken bones of Kano's skull and removed it while his nurses carefully used tweezers to remove the small bone fragments from Kano's exposed brain as it pulsated. Heskal grabbed a high tech metal plate that vaguely resembled a partial skull with a robotic eye as Heskal connected the plate to Kano's brain causing the unconscious merc to violently convulse in pain as Heskal's nurse tried to keep him down as Heskal finished installing the new face plate.

Heskal sighed in relief as Kano stopped convulsing violently allowing the nurses to release him while Heskal removed his mask and ordered "Tie him down for now, can't let him escape without telling him his current situation."

The nurses nodded in agreement as they began to bound Kano down to the table allowing Heskal to leave the room to make a call informing "Miss Sinclaire, the operation is finished, Kano now has a new face plate, along with a explosive surprise in his new robotic eye just in case."

Elexis was heard responding with a pleased tone "Excellent doctor, and have you convinced James to leave you of the canister?"

Heskal informed while adjusting his glasses "Not exactly, the young man isn't convinced it's safe to leave it in my care."

Elexis scoffed in a mixture of amusement and mild irritation admitting "James' paranoia has it's uses… but it can most frustrating. Well the ball is in his court for now doctor, he'll likely bring it to your care when he's at the very least faces William Sharp."

Heskal nodded while asking "Shall I inform Mr. Sharp of Kano?"

Elexis responded "Do send Mr. Sharp my regards."

William's Mansion

William was seen sitting at his desk in his office writing again before his phone rang causing him to casually answer "Sharp speaking."

Heskal was heard responding "Mr. Sharp, apologies for any interruptions, I work for SinTek, and I was told to inform you; that Kano has failed and he's currently under my care getting patched up from his injuries."

William froze in confusion as he sat up straight while responding "I see… is he awake?"

Heskal informed "Not yet, but he will be in a few hours."

William closed his eyes and exhaled in angrily before requesting "Where did you find him?"

Heskal informed "The Ultor Dome, we also found a few of your men, they weren't as lucky as Mr. Kano. But don't worry I've already cleared out the bodies."

William responded with a sarcastic tone "Thanks for the consideration."

Heskal informed "Also… Miss Sinclaire sends her regards."

William's hand that held the phone trembled in anger before he responded "How very kind… of her."

William hung up on Dr. Heskal and began to breath heavily in frustration before sighing in a calming manner as he stood up and left his office while Price and Donnie were seen watching a show on TV while Price noticed his uncle and asked "Uncle you need something?"

William responded "I'm heading over to the Ultor Dome, that idiot Kano failed and got himself injured with some of our guys being killed."

Price rubbed his forehead in frustration while Donnie shook his head and said "Fuck…"

Price approached his uncle and stated "I'm coming with you, (points at Donnie) Donnie hold the fort down while we're out would ya?"

Donnie nodded and answered "Yeah of course."

William and Price left the mansion and entered Price's car before leaving for the Ultor Dome as Price asked "How bad is Kano's condition?"

William informed "I wasn't able to get that information, all I know is that he was taken in by one our employer's doctors whose here in Stilwater…"

Price shook his head while driving responding "Shit and where's he at now?"

William pointed at the road and changed the subject by directing "Joseph just drive!"

Later William and Price entered the dome seeing the bloodstains of Kano, Johnny and James' fight while William saw the two dead Saints still in the center of the dome.

William winced at the sight seemingly affected by the amount of blood as he shook his head as Price asked "You alright?"

William seemingly disorientated responded "I… I'm fine!"

William powered through his disorientation and approached the bodies and said "Kano must've taken these two as hostages to lure in the butcher…"

Price eyed the Saint with a hole in his chest and asked "Jesus… that big ass hole in his chest!"

William waved his hand dismissively stating "That's Kano's work, and judging by the body he did it post mortem, likely as a scare tatic for the butcher…"

William eyed the ground scanning it for anything aside from the blood and spotted a few set of footprints near the bloodstains and began to inspect each print.

Price eyed the blood and removed his sunglasses while rubbing his eyes saying "Fuck me… who ever bled here looks like he lost gallons of blood!"

William turned towards the blood and responded "Not quite that much, that is nearly a single gallon's worth."

William turned back at the footprints noticing three separate size differences and said "There were three people here, two of which were fighting a third."

Price approached William as he continued "The third's Kano… the other two are his attackers…"

Price turned towards his uncle and asked "How do you know?"

William pointed at Kano's footprints and stated "I've known Kano long enough to recognize his boot patterns he had a hidden knife that slightly stands out from the flat end of his boot."

But unbeknownst to Price and William they were being watched by the red headed woman who observed Heskal take Kano's body away, she was in a squatting position upon the railing as she eyed William causing her to tilt her head in curiosity before William looked up to see her.

William frowned at the sight of the woman as if he knew who she was and questioned "Did you have something to do with this, Skarlet?"

Price looked up to see the woman leaped down into the arena and strutted towards the two men causing Price to questioned "You know her?"

William crossed his arms and stated "Unfortunately I do… her boss has tried to "persuade" me to work for him too many times for me to count."

The woman now revealed to be named Skarlet responded aggressively "And you offended my lord every time you rejected him!"

William countered while keeping an unimpressed tone "Your master has no power over me, but do answer my question… did you have anything to do with this?"

Skarlet waved her hand dismissively while pacing back and forth "No, I was drawn by the beautiful scent of carnage! Such the like I haven't felt in so many years!"

Price clearly put off by Skarlet's derange desire for bloodlust questioned "What kind of fucked up shit are you into lady?!"

Skarlet eyed Price and responded with a crazed tone "How about I show you!"

Skarlet leaped out at Price in an inhuman rate of speed but was quickly caught by William who grabbed her by the throat before throwing her aside with little effort surprising Price with his uncle's reflexes and strength despite his age.

William approached Skarlat while she laid on the ground before questioning "If you weren't involved then who?! Give me a name!"

Skarlet responded "I don't have a name, but I know one thing for certain! Whoever this Butcher of the Row is… has my Master's full attention!"

William's expression turned from stoic to dread in an instant as he questioned with a hushed tone "Your master… he is here? In Stilwater?!"

Skarlet gave a pleased squint before nodding silently confirming William's question causing him to quickly turn around and directed "We're heading home, Joseph!"

Price gestured his hand towards Skarlet asking "What about her?"

William answered while making his way towards the exist as he raised his right index finger "She's the least of our worries right now, boy!"

Price gave a confused expression before turning to see Skarlet and questioned "Who the hell were you talking about?!"

Skarlet eyed Price and answered with reverence "The Lord of Murder, the Blood God, he who patron of murderers and killers, he who cares not from whence the blood comes from or where it goes, only that it flows! He who sired the Demoness, Babalon, the Red Goddess of Hell, and he who now has found his new champion!"

Price completnely confused turned towards his Uncle's direction before turning back to see that Skarlet had vanished from sight making him look around in confusion and fear as he ran after his uncle.

Reaching the car Price saw his uncle pull out his phone and dial a number as Price entered his seat as William spoke "Phillipe Loren? It's William Sharp, I have reason to believe that the mask is here in Stilwater!"

Phillipe for a brief moment was silent before questioning "Are you certain?"

William slammed his fist into the dashboard causing Price to jump in shock as William shouted angrily "YES I AM CERTAIN, YOU FRENCH FUCK!"

Phillipe responded with a more serious tone "Alright I'll inform Miss Sinclaire immediately."

William hung up his phone and directed Price with an angry tone "DRIVE!"

Price turned his car on and drove away and asked with a concern tone "The Mask?"

William sighed trying to calm down as he responded with a cold tone "It's none of your concern, and hopefully it'll remain out of your concern…"

William's phone ran as he answered it "It's William."

Elexis was heard speaking "I was just told that the Mask was in Stilwater by Philipe, is that true?"

William answered with a barely contained frustrated tone "Yes, I encountered Skarlet at the Ultor Dome where Kano fought the Butcher and a second guy…"

Elexis responded "This is most unfortunate but not unexpected."

William gave a confused expression and asked "How is this not unexpected?!"

Elexis informed "Stilwater has a history of violence, it's only logical that such violence would draw the attention of such a… divine entity."

William scoffed in disgust before responding "Well I can assure you I will not accept the Mask's offer… but I have reason to believe that it has chosen the Butcher of the Row as it's host!"

Elexis responded with a convince tone "Hmmmm and do we know anything about this Butcher?"

William waved his hand dismissively stating in a sarcastic tone "Oh he's just the guy whose been ruining my operations and your plans in Stilwater as of late!"

Elexis warned with a more threatening yet cold tone "Watch you tone, William."

William closed his mouth while he was heard breathing heavily in anger as Elexis informed "Luckily for you there are those within Stilwater who are equipped in dealing such entities as the mask, I will ensure that they are informed of the situation."

William warned with a more careful tone "With all due respect, Sinclaire… no one is equipped to deal with this thing!"

Elexis countered with a confident tone "That is where you are wrong, Mr. Sharp, I will call you when the situation is handled."

The Church (The next morning)

Julius was seen sitting down in the main room of the church as Morrison entered and greeted with a playful tone "You know we gotta stop meeting like this, in a church haha! Feels like you're tryna to say something about my Demonic heritage."

Julius scoffed in amusement before pulling out the mask and revealed it to Morrison stating "This is the mask that one of my boys found…"

Morrison took the mask and inspected it closely as he felt it's power emitting from within it stating 'Well this is definitely filled with power… not Demonic in nature yet I can feel it's immense power..."

Julius raised a brow and asked "So what power is it then?"

Morrison continued to inspect the mask and stated "I can't really tell… few relics on Earth have such power and aren't of Demonic in origin. It could be from the time of the Olypmpians before Kratos killed most of them."

Julius scoffed in surprise that Morrison was unable to narrow down the exact nature of the mask and questioned "Shit if you don't know what this thing is who does?"

Morrison kept inspecting the mask and stated "My old man might, he's had more experience in other powers aside from Angels and Demons for eons now… (looks at Julius) if you don't mind, I'll have my father have a look at this things."

Julius waved his hand dismissively while assuring "Bring him over, but leave the mask here, I don't wanna accidently bring something potentially dangerous to Rodin's place."

Morrison shrugged while responding "Fair enough."

Morrison pulled out his phone and dialed a number causing Rodin to answer with a mildly annoyed tone "Rodin speaking."

Morrison apologized "I apologize for interrupting father… but Julius has come across a strange mask made from bone… it has power yet I cannot deduce the nature of said power…"

Rodin for a brief moment asked with a more serious tone "What does the mask look like?"

Morrison eyed the mask and responded "It vaguely resembles a hockey mask…"

Rodin spoke with a more concerned tone and instructed "Put the mask down and back away from it now, son!"

Morrison taken aback by his father's sudden concern set the mask down on the floor and nonverbally directed Julius to follow him as they bother backed away from the mask before answering "Done, what now father?"

Rodin ordered "Stay where you're at, I'm coming over, personally!"

Morrison gave a conerened expression before responded "Understood…"

Rodin hung up shortly after as Morrison eyed Julius and stated "Dad's coming…"

Julius eyed the mask before asking "Did he say what it was?"

Morrison answered 'No… and that's what's getting to me… there aren't a lot of things that can make my dad get scared… what the hell did your guys find?!"

A few moments later a portal opened inside the church as Rodin and Dis in their human forms passed through as Rodin eyed the mask and verbally cursed "Shit… its is the Terror Mask…"

Rodin approached the mask as it began to telepathically speak "You look well, Demon Lord, how long has it been?"

Rodin responded while standing over the mask "Not long enough… Blood God."

The mask responded with a more pleased tone "Ahhh no need to be so formal… after all your kind has been a great source of entertainment for me."

Rodin ignored the comment and questioned "Why are you here?"

The mask responded in a dismissive tone, clearly it wasn't willing to give away his motives "What I always want, Demon… carnage, as ever."

Rodin knelt down eyeing the mask and questioned "I know of the end goal, but why here in this city, on Earth?"

The mask responded "This city is ripe with savagery, a place where I can feed my own divine power."

Rodin squinted at the mask in a unconvinced manner and stated "Odd seeing that there's a Vampire incursion a few states from here… that your hidden hand at work as well?"

The mask dismissed Rodin's assumption and responded "All Vampires pay tribute to me, Demon, in one form or another. I don't need to provide Kagan more motivation, he serves me well as is, but his ambition will be his undoing, and I will not shelter him from his past coming back to haunt him, but to be blunt, Demon… I have no hand in the cult of Kagan's current scheme. There is a vast universe filled with bloody conflict, the ambitions of a single disgraced Lord of Shadows isn't enough to warrant my full attention."

Rodin pointed at the ground and stated "Yet you are here… there's more to this than your simple desire for bloodshed… there's something here that's drawing your attention… what is it?"

The mask remained silent unwilling to respond as Rodin sighed before threatening "Very well… perhaps I can go to the other Elder Gods and inform them of the Blood God's current location. Perhaps the Parasite Lord and the Plague God would be interested."

The mask countered "That would surely not go well for the those who defy them as much as I do, you have no leverage over me, Demon."

Rodin squinted at the mask as he sensed it's power vanish before it began to crumble away into dust in his grasp causing him to shake his head and curse "Shit… he's abandoned this corporeal shell…"

Rodin turned towards Julius and questioned with a loud yet firm tone "Julius, who was the man who found this mask?"

Julius answered "He's one of my best guys, James Sharp. He's in the Stilwater Memorial Hospital."

James' hospital room

James was seen laying in bed groaning lowly in pain as Troy entered the room handing him a bag stating "Hey man I got you, your burger."

James groaned lowly in a hungry manner before accepting the bag and pulled out his meal and without wasting any time or words he began to eat his food while Troy sat down next to Johnny and teased "Huh guess getting stabbed makes you hungrier than a mothafucka huh?"

James gave a low growl as a response while Troy handed Johnny his burger and said "Here's yours."

Johnny nodded and accepted his food and thanked "Thanks man."

James, Johnny and Troy ate peacefully in the hospital room as a middled aged female nurse checked up on James and asked while inspecting his pulse "You doin alright hon?"

James chewed his food and gave a nod while grunting as a response while the nurse smiled softly in amusement "Well at least you're getting a kingly breakfast."

The nurse pulled out a clipboard and wrote down some notes and set the clip board back down over James' bed stating "You're making a fast recovery, I think Dr. Heskal might've underestimated you."

James shrugged and joked dryly with his mouth full "I'm just full of surprises."

The nurse left the room shortly after as Rodin and Julius entered causing Johnny and Troy to jump to their feet as Johnny questioned with urgency "WHO THE HELL ARE YOU?!"

Julius raised his hands in defense and assured "He's with me, Johnny!"

Rodin eyed James and asked "This is the guy you said found the mask?"

Julius nodded as James gave a confused stare at him and Rodin as Rodin requested "Mind if I talked to him alone?"

Julius nodded and eyed both Troy and Johnny and nonverbally directed them to leave the room before turning towards James and directed "Now James, please listen to him, he knows more about that mask you or I could ever possibly know."

James nodded and responded "Alright Boss…"

Julius left the room and closed the door behind him while Rodin sat down where Johnny sat and eyed James, inspecting him and his wounds stating "You're not a normal human are you?"

James responded in a confused tone "Well I'm not anything else besides human if that's what you're asking…"

Rodin questioned while pointing at James' wounds "What happened?"

James responded bluntly with a mildly distrustful tone "Got stabbed."

Rodin raised a brow in an unimpressed manner before jokingly responded "Got ganged up by a bunch of Goblins huh?"

James waved his hand and played along with Rodin's joke "You know how it goes, don't pay the Goblin cabal their money, ya get shanked by a twelve of em."

Rodin scoffed in mild amusement before changing the subject "So what can you tell me about the mask?"

James shrugged and responded "Like what?"

Rodin listed while eyeing James "How did you find it, what happened when you put it on, and did you make you see things?"

James formed a serious expression before asking "How do you know that?"

Rodin explained "It's what the mask does, it has a long history of digging into the memories of the host who wears it, sometimes it'll reveal our deepest hidden memories we do not desire to see, sometimes it twists and perverts a memory into something else entirely."

James eyed Rodin easing up his tension and informed "It showed me something, said it was a memory of my past, I was strapped down, like some fuckin animal, being cut open and tested on."

Rodin rubbed his chin in thought before asking "Does your family have a long history of violence, specifically that has an excessive amount of blood and murder kind?"

James shrugged and answered honestly "I only know my mum's side and they don't have such a history."

Rodin raised a brow in curiosity "And what about your dad's side?"

James stated "Well my dad murdered my mum, so there's that."

Rodin gave a confused expression while admitting "I'm sorry to hear that… but there must be more to this, the mask wouldn't be so drawn to you if only your father killed your mother, to the mask such an act of "minor" murder is of little interest."

James eyed Rodin and asked "What the hell is it?"

Rodin answered vaguely "It is something far worse than Demons, an entity that is referred to as the father of vampires, the Blood God, and the Sovereign Lord of Murder."

James confused by the explanation and responded "That doesn't explain anything aside that it loves blood and murder a lot and it has some ties to Vampires."

Rodin scoffed in mild amusement and responded "Trust me it's best you don't fully know the nature of this sort of entity, kid."

Rodin stood up and made his way towards the door as James informed "He said my soul was already his… is that true?"

Rodin turned towards James and stated "Not unless you already sold it to him."

Rodin walked out of the room and passed Julius who directing Johnny "Johnny I'm gonna need you to help Lin for now, until our boy is back on his feet."

Johnny looked at Julius and asked "What about the VKs?"

Julius waved his hand dismissively "The Police are making any moves against the VKs difficult, we're gonna have to back off for the time being, beside I don't want Lin out in Roller turf without some back-up."

Johnny sighed and responded "Alright… so long as I get to do some murderin."

Julius nodded in agreement but requested "Just don't over do it, I don't need two Butchers right now."

Johnny chuckled in amusement before pulling out his phone and called Lin who answered "What is it?"

Johnny informed "Guess whose gonna be your partner in crime for a few days?"

Lin responded in a mildly amused tone "Lucky me… well if you're taking James' place for a bit wanna give the Rollerz a lil payback?"

Johnny smirked while responding with a pleased tone "I'm all ears!"

Lin informed "Pleasant View Storage, is where the Rollerz keep all their stolen goods and their best cars… let's see how good their insurance is hmmm?"

Johnny stood up and walked away from James' room and joked "You give me the second best presents a guy like me could ask!"

Lin questioned with a mildly offended tone "Second?"

Johnny bluntly answered "Yeah second, Aisha's got some real skills in giving some…"

Lin interrupted while speaking with a disgusted tone "Shut up Johnny… too much info for my liking."

Johnny scoffed with a smug expression and changed the subject "Don't I've got a few ideas how to handle that storage lot."

An unknown location

In a government office a muscular man wearing a business suit and a small pair of glasses over his eyes sat at his desk writing his last name was proudly displayed on a plaque; Armstrong.

The man revealed to be named Armstrong continued to write before his office phone rang causing him to pick it up without looking and answered "Senator Armstrong speaking."

Elexis Sinclaire was heard speaking "Hello Steven, miss me?"

Senator Armstrong stopped looking at his papers and greeted with a casual tone "Well, well if it isn't the saucy rack herself. What can I do for you?"

Elexis informed "There's a problem in one of the cities under your jurisdiction, Stilwater."

Armstrong pulled out a cigar and placed it in his mouth before lighting it as he responded "Far as I'm concern Stilwater is a fuckin national treasure with how free it is, but alright I'll hear ya out, what kind of problem is in Stilwater?"

Elexis informed "The Blood God is loose in Stilwater."

Armstrong pulled his cigar out of his mouth and questioned with a serious tone "The fuck you say?!"

Elexis informed "It seems drawn to your, "precious" national treasure."

Armstrong formed a displeased expression before cursing in frustration "Fuck!"

Elexis suggested "I recommend we deal with this threat immediately unless we get the attention of this… Silent Emperor that has risen from out of nowhere."

Armstrong rubbed his forehead and said "Agreed… the Emeperor is making things more difficult, I've lost some of my support due to his promises… I'll send a few of my men to relocate the mask…"

Elexis then suggested "Might I also suggest you send a certain daughter of General Blade?"

Armstrong gave a suspicious expression and asked "And what would I request the daughter of that treacherous bastard?"

Elexis informed "Kano's also in Stilwater… perhaps he'll manage to…"

Armstrong interrupted by stating "Shit racks, you don't need to say another word, if it means the death of that fuckin bitch, I'm all for it."

Elexis scoffed in a pleased manner before Armstrong asked "So how's that subject of yours doing? I still haven't receive the U4 yet, so I assume the project is going as planned?"

Elexis informed "The subject had come into contact with the mask, hence why I called, the mask has taken a direct interest to him, and I cannot allow it to have a grasp over him… just yet."

Armstrong nodded and informed "Well keep me posted on the subject's progress, if he's a success as you believe him to be, he might prove to be a valuable asset for the vision of America I have."

Elexis responded "Of course Senator, but until then good luck in your re-election campaign."

Elexis hung up on Armstrong who puffed his cigar a few times before dialing a number as a man with a American Southern accent answered "Ya boss?"

Armstrong ordered "Pack your shit Sundowner, you and me are heading to Stilwater."

The man now revealed to be called Sundowner asked "Sounds fun, but what for?"

Armstrong puffed his cigar and informed "You'll get a chance to test yourself against one of the deadliest assassins in the world, codenamed the Eadhunter."

Sundowner responded with a bloodthirsty tone "Oooooooo sounds fun."

Armstrong puffed his cigar again and informed "Glad you think so, I don't him dead though, I need you just to test him, see how good he actually is, and also once my business is done in Stilwater, I'll need you to locate and recover a mask."

Sundowner questioned in a confused tone "A mask?"

Armstrong warned calmly "It's a rather complicated thing to explain over the phone, but I'll explain it to you once we get on a plane."

Pleasant View Storage

Johnny was seen driving near the storage lot while casually whistling a tune before parking nearby and walked out towards his trunk, pulling out an RPG while he continued to whistle his tune happily.

Johnny approached the entrance of the storage lot, seeing a small number of Rollerz making him think to himself "Damn was hoping for more… oh well."

Johnny stopped whistling and shouted out "HEY YO FAGGOTS!"

The Rollerz turned to see Johnny who aimed his RPG at them with a smug expression as he finished "THE BUTCHER SENDS HIS REGARDS!"

Johnny fire a rocket at the group killing them all and a blowing up one of their cars before he pulled out two submachine guns and casually walked into the storage lot, killing any Rollerz he saw. Johnny continued to kill more Rollerz as one hid behind a barrel and called "Hey the Saints are tryna take Pleasant Views!"

Johnny hearing the Roller make a call called out "THAT'S RIGHT BITCH, I'M GONNA NEED MORE OF YOU FUCKERS HERE TO KILL!"

Johnny then shot the Roller calling for reinforcements and began to blow up their cars as a means to distract himself before more Rollerz showed up. Minutes later Rollerz arrived to see every storage unite was fuming smoke from Johnny's rampage before he popped out of cover and rapidly shot his gun killing multiple Rollerz before ducking back into cover.

Johnny pulled out his phone and called James who answered "Johnny I'm trying to rest do you mind?"

Johnny responded "Hey bro, just thought you'd want to hear this… (pops out of cover and shoots a Roller in the testicles making him scream in pain) the Rollerz are having a really great time, it's a fuckin party here."

James for a brief moment was silent before admitting "You're putting a smile on my face bro hahaha!"

Johnny popped out of cover again and fired another barrage of bullets at the Rollerz killing six more before ducking back into cover and stated "I've got a feeling by the time I'm done, you'll have an easier time when you get back on your feet."

James scoffed in amusement before retorting "Well… I guess I'll have to get a one up on you!"

Johnny smirked before countering "You're welcome to try!"

Johnny pulled out a grenade and pulled the pin before popping out of cover again and threw it at the Rollerz killing more which caused a domino effect of exploding cars that were blocking the entrance way.

James hid behind cover and continued to have his casual conversation with James "Better get well soon, or else I'll have killed every Roller in the city!"

James responded with an amused tone "Sounds like you're having the time of your life, just leave some for me and Lin, would ya?"

Johnny smirked while joking "No promises!"

Johnny popped out of cover again and shot three more Rollerz before ducking behind cover to reload his gun and said "Besides this was Lin's idea!"

James responded "Is that a fact, well I guess I'll have to show her my "appreciation" when I'm out of this hospital."

Johnny chuckled before joking "In your dreams, you a bottom remember?"

James began to laugh while responding "Fuhuhuhhuuuuck youuuuu hahahahaha!"

Johnny responded "Alright I'm gonna two hands for this!"

James responded "Give em hell!"

Johnny hung up on James and pulled out both submachine guns and rolled out of cover blasting every Roller that came into view, bullet casing dropping all around him as he kept firing his weapons. Half an hour later the storage lot was full of dead Rollerz while Johnny was seen casually approaching his car whistling a tune while putting away his weapons into the trunk before entering his car and left the scene.

Johnny pulled out his phone as he drove and called Julius "Hey boss, you'd better send over some of our boys over to Pleasant Views."

Julius responded "Good to hear, I'll have Troy head over there soon to canonize some new blood."

Johnny raised a brow and asked "You want me to help out? I mean I'm still good to go for more ass beatin."

Julius assured "Nah I need you focused on helpin Lin for now."

Johnny sighed in a disappointed manner before responding "Got it…"

Julius hung up on Johnny who called Lin who answered "Did you have fun?"

Johnny smirked and responded confidently "Yeah, got any more targets for me?"

Lin responded "Not right now, but I'll be sure to let you know when I do."

William Sharps' Mansion

William was seen at his desk rubbing his forehead in distress before Price entered his office and informed with an angry tone "Those fucking Saints, they attacked Pleasant Views killed damn sixty of our guys!"

William closed his eyes and exhaled before asking with a calm yet with a hint of displeasure in his tone "How could they have known where we kept our stolen cars?"

Price answered with confusion "How the fuck should I know?"

William clasped his hands together and informed "I suspect one our own isn't loyal."

Price eyed William and asked "You think there's a Saint pretending to be one of us?"

William responded "I do, but I have yet to determine who amongst us would be the traitor."

Price sat down and shrugged in a frustrated manner while responding "Well fuck, how are we supposed to find out whose leaking info to the Saints?!"

William pointed at Price and informed "Unfortunately we're not in the position to do much else other than to sit back, wait and watch for the rat to show themselves."

Price seemed unconvinced and asked "And what makes you think this guy's gonna show themselves?"

William pointed at his desk and stated "I doubt there's just one rat, Joseph. Besides they've already made their first mistake, attacking our cars in Pleasant Views has shown they attended the gathering with Kano."

Price stated while gesturing his hand towards his uncle "But there were over a hundred of our guys there!"

William responded "True, and that is where were are at, we already know that they're working with the Butcher of the Row, and he's already taken our strip club in the row, stole my employer's shipment, and rigged your cars to explode during the race."

Price added while looking at William "And not to mention fucking up Kano…"

William rubbed his chin in thought and stated "With the help of the Blood God…"

Price asked "What's with the Blood God shit? Are we dealing with an actual Demon?"

William shook his head and responded "No… we're dealing with someone whose in possession of an extremely powerful artifact, a mask made of bone, wearing the mask makes the wearer stronger, a resistance to pain, and an potent regenerative power."

Price squinted at William and asked "So we're fucking dealing with some freak huh?"

William responded with a mildly uncomfortable tone "Yes… a freak one whose perhaps the most dangerous man in the city, so long as he wears the mask."

Price noticed his uncle discomfort on the topic and asked "Do you… have a history with this mask?"

William frowned before eyeing Price and responded "That's none of your business, Joseph."

Price stood up and pointed at William and questioned "Is this Butcher here because of some shit you did in the past?"

William slowly stood up and leaned forward his palms planted in his desk as he ordered in a cold tone "Joseph, drop it now!"

Price refused and questioned with an angry tone "ARE WE PAYING THE PRICE FOR YOUR FUCKS UPS?!"

William scowled angrily before closing his eyes and sat back down and responded "Fine you want to know what I have with that mask, I'll tell you, but it's not just my history… it's the history of our entire family dating back before the Demons conquered earth all those years ago…"

Price squinted and listened as William informed "Back during those days, there was girl whose born, with psychic powers, she was the most powerful psychic to have ever lived… that still lives… in a manner of speaking…"

Price gave a confused stare as William continued "She was used… abused and tested on by her father, she was an experimented on for most of her life, this all built up in her in a form of rage, and one day she (snaps fingers) snaps and kills many people, it is said that she made the hallways into a river of blood made from her victims."

Price questioned "How does this all relate to you and the…"

William raised his index finger and continued "Her name… was Alma Wade… our ancestor, cursed before birth by one whose only been referred to in our history as the Will of Corruption, Alma but upon making her first kills she drew the attention of two other entities of equal status as the Will… one whose very tied to our family, the other… is more tied to just Alma.

The Blood God sensing Alma's murderous rampage was deeply impressed that a child of her age was able to cause such viscera and carnage that he huh… "blessed" Alma with his power, but that "blessing" did not end with her death… she had three sons before her father killed her… the first Joseph Ottman who was taken along with the remains of humanity to Nosgoth.

The second was Paxton Fettle a cannibal who was favored by the Blood God for a time… and the third son… whose our direct ancestor… Thomas Becket, and his bloodline has lasted to this day, you and me."

Price shook his head in bewilderment and asked "The fuck, so I'm just now finding out that my family is full of these murder happy psychopaths cursed by a God?!"

William gestured his hand towards Price and stated "Your mother believed you didn't share the curse and I hoped she was right, you never showed any sign of having the benefits to the curse, no abnormal strength, no regenerative powers, you are perhaps the first in our family to be… normal."

Price squinted at William and countered "There's nothing "normal" about my family!"

William responded "So what? Do you have a deep urge in your soul, desperately begging you to kill?"

Price squinted and responded "Well no…"

William responded with a cold tone "Then don't worry about it, once I'm gone the curse will end, at least in our part of the family tree…"

William glances at the photo on his desk as price noticed "I never knew that… so why have a photo of that woman? You never did say who she was why she's so important to you."

William stayed silent before finally responding "I'd rather not talk about it, Joseph… please."

Price stood in silence looking at his uncle before leaving him alone as William sat back sighing in frustration before pulling out his phone and dialed a number as a woman's voice with a British accent was heard speaking "This is Olivia, I'm currently unavailable at the moment, please leave a message."

William heard a beep before quickly pressing a button and rubbed his forehead while groaning lowly in frustration before pulling out a bottle of whiskey and a glass cup. Pouring the contents of the whiskey bottle into his glass cup, William began to drink the alcohol while he sat in silence looking at the photo of the woman on his desk.

James' hospital room (Later that night)

James laid in bed resting while Troy was seen guarding the room outside with two more Saints before the walls inside his room began to ooze blood which formed a large puddle on the floor. The puddle bubbled as Skarlet slowly rose up from the puddle which shrunk as she rose higher and higher before finally every drop of blood was absorbed into Skarlet.

Skarlet eyed James as he slept while she quietly approached him whispering in a hushed yet frantic tone "You're the one… the one who my master has chosen! I can smell his essence on your face… in your blood! Where is he, where is the master? I need him to hear my plea… I have paid him gallons of blood, beyond counting for a chance to redeem myself!"

James groaned lowly as Skarlet surveyed the room unable to see the mask but the door opened catching her attention as the nurse entered to check on James but Skarlet had seemingly vanished.

The nurse left the room allowing Skarlet to drip down onto the floor and reform herself before caressing James' chest stating "Ohhhh he's found himself a worthy champion… I can feel your bloodlust, it is most…. Intoxicating… but hidden… you dare to hide such beautiful desire for carnage? Ohhhh the master will enjoy breaking that, and perhaps, perhaps I can claim you as my own meatbag…"

But the voice of the mask was heard "Leave him, Skarlet! Or else I'll add more gallons to debt your owe me!"

Skarlet looked around her head hunched cowering from hearing her master's voice again before begging in a hushed tone "Please… don't have I not repaid the debt?!"

The mask's voice answered "No, your offense was great, Skarlet! You attempted to claim my throne for yourself!"

Skarlet hung her head low in shame and responded "i… I have learned my lesson…"

The mask's voice responded in a displeased tone "You're trying my patience. Leave. Now."

Skarlet obeyed and began to melt into blood and began to approach the window and slinked her way past the cracks, leaving the room as James groaned lowly as he opened his eyes with a tired expression and looked around the room before falling back asleep.

With Dr. Heskal

Heskal was seen in a lab with guards surrounding Kano's unconscious body as the doctor himself was testing a vial of blood by heating up the glass causing the blood to boil.

Heskal observed the blood as Kano groaned as he slowly opened his eyes catching the attention of the guards causing one to inform "Dr. Heskal, the subject is conscious!"

Heskal kept his back turned towards his guards and Kano and waved his right hand responding "It's alright, let him stand."

Heskal continued his tests on the vial of blood as Kano sat up before noticing his lack of feeling in his missing eye before feeling his face and felt the cold metal plating causing him to questioned with a furious tone "WHAT THE FUCK HAPPENED TO ME?!"

Heskal answered while keeping his back turned towards Kano "The man you where hired to kill and retrieve the canister from cut out your eye. Thankfully your employer has some friends in high places to… improve you hehe!"

Kano formed a furious expression before standing onto his feet while forcefully shoving aside Heskal's guards while approaching the Doctor while questioning as he pointed at his metal cranium "YOU CALL THIS AN IMPROVEMENT?!"

Heskal sat the vial down before slowly turning towards Kano while still being seated and informed "I am an expert on robotics and cybernetic augmentations, no doubt you've heard of few of my handiworks hmmm? (Kano squints his eye at Heskal) I was under orders to ensure you were back in top shape."

Kano trembled in rage as his robotic eye glowed a bright red causing Heskal to casually pull out a remote warning "Now settle down son. (presses button causing Kano's eye to shut down while causing Kano to fall to his knees in pain) I was also told to install a sort of "leash" on you by my employer."

Kano placed his hands onto his head gritting his teeth in pain as questioned "What employer?!"

Heskal smirked before informing with a smug attitude as he pressed the button button on his remote again "Why Elexis Sinclaire of course."

Kano panted heavily as the pain finally ended while he eyed Heskal and said with a dreaded expression "Fuck… what would that bitch want from me?!"

Heskal shrugged and responded "Another pawn is always useful I'd figure, but for specific purpose I can't really say."

Kano looked at the floor his eye twitching rapidly in confusion and dread as he thought to himself "What the fuck is going on… how the hell did I end up like this… wait…"

Kano looked up at Heskal and questioned "She knows who the guy that cut out of eye is… doesn't she?!"

Heskal scoffed in a mildly impressed manner while eyeing Kano in silence as Kano noticed taking the silence as confirmation he questioned "And there's only guy who I know would work for that bitch and want to take an eye from me! Wong's favorite assassin, James!"

Heskal raised a brow and began to slowly clap while mocking Kano "Bravo, but I'm afraid that you cannot reveal his identity to William, yet. Miss Sinclaire has made it quite clear that she wants both him and James to be unaware of her involvement."

Kano eyed Heskal and demanded "Why the hell wouldn't I tell Sharp?! He hired me to deal with James!"

Heskal formed a serious expression and warned "Because I will set my creation in your head to explode if you do, Miss Sinclaire has worked hard to… arrange those two to come to blows."

Kano squinted at Heskal and questioned "Why?"

Heskal turned around and bluntly stated "That is none of your business."

Eighth circle of Hell, Fraud (With Luci and Judgement)

Luci was seen in her domain sitting upon a throne with Judgement by herself as heavily armored Demons who wore skeletal armor marched in escorting a hooded figure and a Demoness with white hair like Luci which was put into a long ponytail. The Demoness wore a similar outfit to Luci with a white lab coat over it, and a pair of shades with red lenses over her eyes which were fitted for laboratory experiments.

The Demoness had two horns upon her head as her hands were robotic as she bowed before Luci and apologized "I'm… deeply sorry for this deception… but he (gestures hand towards the hooded figure) would not permit it."

Luci eyed the Demoness and reminded with a displeased tone "He would not permit it? Am I not the ruler of Fraud? I…"

But the figure interrupted as he spoke with a deep yet sophisticated tone "A fraud, indeed. One who has the name of Lucifer… a name so feared and revered by all Demons. You insult the very name of Lucifer, taking on a human as a mate a very dangerous game knowing that the Dark Prince despises Humanity."

Luci stood up from her throne and informed "The last I checked, the Dark Prince was driven out of Hell when the former Masters of Hell were resurrected and caused a civil war that we Demons are still feeling the ramifications to this very day. But then again, that was before even I was born."

The hooded figure chuckled in amusement before magically growing in size while his hooded cloak tore apart revealing the figure to be a Demon with red skin, Demonic yellow eyes and elaborate horns as left side of his torso had Angelic armor grafted onto his skin. Luci and Judgement stared at the figure in a mix of awe and dread as they instantly recognized the Demon's features as he grew upside down wings and hunched forward to meet Luci's height causing her to shake in place out of fear.

Luci cleared her throat and greeted with a stuttering tone "L-Lord Samael… I hadn't expected to meet such a legend…"

The Demon now revealed to be Samael smirked before responding "Of course not, it has been a very long time since I was in the infernal realms… but I foresee an old rival returning to unite the Nine Hells under his control…"

Luci stood in silence as Samael continued "You know of whom I speak, your namesake… (eyes Judgement) father of Judgement… and of Chernobog."

Luci remained silent clearly unnerved by the prospect of her namesake returning to power as Samael questioned "What would he do, I wonder if he learnt of your name and that one of his… bastard children serves you?"

Luci cleared her throat and answered with a uncertain tone "He would… kill us… my lord…"

Samael nodded and gestured his hand towards Luci and offered "I can save you both from this fate… at a cost of course."

Luci eyed Samael and questioned "How… no offense but not even you were able to slay the King of Lies…"

Samael responded "I did not promise you I would kill, Lucifer… I said I can save you from his grasp. And that I can do, forfeit your rule over to your Loremaster, Azazel and I can guarantee you and your beloved human lover will be spared from Lucifer's grasp.

Luci glared at Samael and responded "Why would I give up my throne to one of my subordinates?"

Samael pressed his index finger against Luci's chest and stated sternly "You cannot match the might and power of the Dark Prince, times are changing upon Earth, Luci… soon a man will be crowned the Emperor of Humanity, you will soon hear of his legend in the days to come. He is ancient, unstoppable, immoveable, beyond corruption and opposes Lucifer."

Luci began to form a realization and questioned with a dreaded tone "The Slayer… you would have me seek him out for protection?"

Samael smirked and stated "If your truly are in love with this human of yours, you will set aside your play for power in Hell and you will seek out the Slayer for protection, but be weary of him… he has a long history of hating Demons, the Demons of Old were not smart enough when it came to conquest and made the greatest threat to all Demonic kind in a single human man."

Luci looked at the floor in a uncertain manner as Samael pointed out "There is no place in Hell for doubt, Luci."

Luci looked at Samael and questioned "Why do you warn me of this?"

Samael claimed "I oppose Lucifer, other than that you need not know."

Luci closed her eyes and asked "And what of Beelzebub… does she also oppose the Dark Prince?"

Samael waved his hand dismissively claiming "On the contrary young Demon, she secretly serves the Dark Prince's return. But that will not be your concern, should you choose to accept the facts."

Luci was in deep thought considering her options as Judgement noticed as she questioned "You said that Lucifer had another child? Chernobog?"

Samael eyed Judgement and spoke with a less respectful tone "I did."

Judgement questioned "Is he also subservient to our father?"

Samael squinted before answering bluntly "No. But he is no different than his father."

Judgement questioned while crossing her arms "Meaning?"

Samael seemed irritated by Judgement's voice before responding "Meaning, that Chernobog is only another Lucifer but with a shorter temper."

Luci turned back towards Judgement and raised her hand in a halting manner causing Judgement to stop talking before Luci answered
"I… will seek out the Slayer… and request official asylum on Earth…"

Samael responded with a pleased tone "A wise choice."

Stilwater Memorial Hospital (two days later)

James had fully recovered from his wounds as he was wheeled out of the hospital by one of the nurses while being guarded by two Saints who followed their fellow gang member back toe the parking lot where Johnny was seen waiting with Aisha who was wearing a white dress and wide brimmed hat.

Upon reaching the parking lot the nurse allowed James to stand and walk on his own before whispering into his ear "Dr. Heskal asked me to hand you his personal number in case you change your mind."

The nurse handed James a small piece of paper with Heskal's number written down on it as James gave a acknowledging nod before approaching Johnny and Aisha who asked "You feelin better?"

James shrugged and responded "Much better, thanks for asking."

Johnny held his fist up as James bumped his fist into his as Gat greeted "Welcome back bro, me and Lin have cooked up a plan that'll get her closer to finding out who William is working for."

James nodded and responded "Good… (stomach growls) but first things first…"

Johnny scoffed in amusement before stating "Good thing there's a Freckle Bitches nearby."

James gave a low hungry growl before saying "Mmmmmm Freckle Bitches…"

Aisha rolled her eyes before responding 'You have such low standards."

Johnny turned his attention towards Aisha and responded "Come on babe, cut the brutha a break."

Aisha eyed both James and Johnny before shaking her head with an soft smile and responded "Alright but I want you to take me out on a real date in exchange, Johnny!"

Johnny leaned in and kissed Aish'a cheek and responded "Thanks babe~"

The two Saints who were guarding James informed "Hey we're headin back to the Church."

James turned towards the Saints and gave a nod and warned "Stay safe guys and thanks."

The Church

Later at the Church James Johnny and Aisha had ordered their food for take-out as both James and Johnny were seen eating their food while Aisha was seen talking with Julius "He's already on his feet and it's like was never stabbed…"

Julius eyed James and responded "Yeah… Playa's got something looking over em for sure…"

Aisha noticed Julius' concerned look and asked "Is there something wrong?"

Julius waved his hand in a dismissive manner stating "Naw it's nothin…"

Johnny informed while crumbling his burger's wrappers "Mmmmm so you ready to hear what me and Lin got planned?"

James drank his soda before responding "Hit me."

Johnny informed "So Lin's worked out that one of the mechanic for the Rollerz guy named, Donnie is known to be Price's best friend, you and me head into Donnie's workshop and kill every Roller that gets in our way, except Donnie."

James eyed Johnny and asked "And I suppose we're gonna chase him down or something?"

Johnny smirked nodding as he continued "In a manner of speaking, Lin will drive up and to pick up Donnie and get him to safety, that way she'll get into the inner circle of the Rollerz."

James rubbed his chin and responded with a uncertain tone "I dunno man… it seems to soon to take a risk like that…"

Johnny informed "Well we need to do something, and soon, cuz we might loose the turf we've taken from the Rollerz. I've already recruited new blood over in Pleasant Views and they'll be helping us take over more the Rollerz turf."

James clasped his hands together in thought before sighing in a defeated manner and responded "Alright… I'll talk with Lin and go over the plans with her."

Johnny nodded and stated "She said she'll see you in China town's Chinese restaurant."

James nodded before taking another sip of his soda as Johnny informed "Oh yeah, I almost forgot! I returned your weapons back to your crib."

James nodded and thanked "Thanks, I'll head over there to grab em as soon as I'm finished eating this."

Later at James' place, he was seen grabbing his knives, revolver and shotgun before the voice of the masked was heard "This place is a shithole!"

James looked around in his bedroom before turning toward his bed and saw the mask was suddenly on the sheets causing James to eye it before responding "I thought you weren't in the equation anymore!"

The Mask responded "Oh child, I will always be an equation for you. After all your bloodline has done so much for me, it's only fair that I return the favor~"

James squinted at the mask in a distrustful yet confused manner as he questioned "My bloodline… what about my family attracts you so much?"

The mask answered "You are not ready for the answers yet, in fact I refuse to answer them, after pulling a stunt like you did at the hospital, I think I am rightly in the position to deny you anything!"

James crossed his arms while looking down at the mask and responded "Fine by me, just don't get in my way."

The mask retorted "Oh I won't… until you need me, and know this… you will need me in due time. It may not be today, or tomorrow. But one day you will see that you are not as prepared for what lies ahead. But I will provide a word of caution: don't underestimate your father, he's much more than he seems."

James rolled his eyes and responded as he turned towards the doorway "Fine, I'll let Julius' friend know you're here!"

The mask quickly stated "Stubborn just like your father, it would be cute if it wasn't to vex me!"

James froze before turning towards the mask with an angry scowl before speaking with an angry tone "Youz got some foickin nerve to compare me to that son of a bitch!"

The mask responded "Oh you cannot deny it you two share a lot in common, the need to kill has always run deep in both of you. Bloodshed makes you both feel alive and I should know, I am the Lord of Murder, the Blood God and I know more secrets that will intrigue you! But I will only reveal them at my own leisure. Secrets that are mine alone, James."

James squinted at the mask as it finished "Call upon your Demon pet on me again… and the secrets I hold will remain with me, such as how and why you dear beloved mother died so cruelly…"

James clenched his hands into fists as they trembled in rage before questioning "What's there to know, my dad killed her!"

The mask then responded in a delighted manner "Ohhhh hmhmhmhm but you'll never know the answers as to why she was killed."

James' eyes twitched rapidly in a conflicted manner as the mask finished "Reveal me to your friends again, and you will never know the reasons as to why your mother was killed."

James closed his eyes as he was heard breathing heavily in anger before answering "Fine… I'll play along."

The mask responded with a pleased tone "Good dog, now run along… I'd hate that you'd miss out on all the carnage that today will bring you!"

James in frustration left his house while the mask remain laid out on the bed as the sound of his maniacal laughter was heard echoing as James met back up with Johnny who asked "You look pissed… everything alright?"

James responded with a angry tone "I just need to kill something!"

Johnny responded "Oh boy… then we better not waste any time."

Chinatown District, Wong's restaurant

Lin was seen in the smoking area pulling out a cigarette as a Caucasian man pulled out a lighter and offered "Need a light?"

Lin turned towards the man and thanked while taking the lighter "Thanks."

Lin lit her cigarette and tossed over her shoulder causing the man to form an expression of disbelief before chasing after his lighter but accidentally bumping shoulders with James who seemed unconcerned before the man called "Fuckin asshole."

James quickly snapped his attention towards the man giving a cold silent angry frown causing the man to stare with a fearful expression before he slowly backed away and left the scene allowing James to sit next to Lin who teased "I tell ya, you and me are always making new friends."

James asked "Johnny filled me in on the plan, he's already heading over to Pleasant Views to let the new lads in on it."

Lin nodded and informed "Good, helping Donnie will help us get one step closer to learning more about the Rollerz plans and hopefully learn more about these mysterious employers of William."

James nodded and responded with a concerned tone "I don't like how fast things are going Lin, we shouldn't draw this much attention yet."

Lin teased "It's sweet that you're concerned about me babe, but things are going too slow for me… I need this to end soon or else I'll go crazy."

James sighed and responded "I can understand that…"

Lin sighed and directed "We make it look good, (points at James with a serious expression) but don't you dare mess up my car!"

James nodded with a slightly unnerved expression before he and Lin sat in silence for a short moment before she asked "You feeling better?"

James nodded and assured "Yeah."

Lin leaned closer towards James and whispered "Good, cuz I've got some plans for you tonight~"

James grew goosebumps on his skin as he cleared his throat and responded "Let's worry about the… mission first…"

Lin formed a seductive smirk before responding "Sure~ (gunfire being heard in the background) Best you head over to Donnie's shop, sounds like the boys are already starting…"

Donnie's shop (A few minutes later)

James and Johnny arrived at Donnie's shop wearing ski masks over their heads as James asked "You ready?"

Johnny pulled out a shotgun and pumped it once before answering "Fuck yeah I am!"

James kicked down the door as he and Johnny charged in and shot every Roller that was in sight before proceeding throughout the shop, starting with the garage. Johnny and James took cover by the doorway as they took pop-shots at the Rollerz that was inside the garage before Johnny pulled out a grenade and pulled the pin with his teeth with a bloodthirsty grin before tossing it into the garage.

An explosion followed soon after causing a cascade of explosions as the cars that Donnie had worked on exploded alongside the grenade causing shrapnel to pierce into multiple Rollerz while James and Johnny entered to finish off any surviving Roller.

James and Johnny continued their search for Donnie before reaching the office in the back end of the building where three more Rollerz were seen protecting Donnie but were easily shot dead by Johnny who mocked "Wait that's it? Fucker's a high-ranking gang member and he's got pussies for bodyguards!"

Donnie quickly ran out through a back door leading outside the shop before sliding down onto the pavement as James chased after and intentionally shot his revolver at Donnie's general direction but missed every shot.

Donnie quickly got back onto his feet and ran towards the street as James reloaded his gun before taking two more shots at Donnie but Lin pulled up in her car and aim a submachine gun at James and Donnie's direction calling out "DONNIE, GET DOWN!"

Lin fired her gun at James missing every shot with some bullets straying a bit to close for James' comfort as he hid behind a public trash can while Johnny ran out to see Donnie ducking in front of Lin who continued to fire at James and Johnny who dived back into cover thinking to himself "Fuck Lin! That's a lil too close for comfort!"

Lin shouted at Donnie "WHAT ARE YOU WAITIN FOR? GET IN!"

Donnie got onto his feet and slid across the hood of Lin's car Lin looked at the hood of her car with an offended expression as Donnie entered saying "I think you scratched my hood!"

Donnie looked at Lin and gestured his hand towards the front end of his car saying "Look I…"

But James with an angry expression stood out of cover and fired four rounds into the driver's door of Lin's car causing her to look out of the window and down at the bullet holes in her car before saying with an quietly angry tone "Mother fucker…"

Lin quickly aimed her gun at James and intentionally shot back at him but he quickly rolled behind a dumpster as Lin emptied an entire magazine at him keeping an angry expression before Donnie asked "Who are you?"

Lin put her gun and away and drove away from the shop introducing herself "I'm Lin, and you're welcome."

James stood up from behind cover and eyed Lin's car as she drove away as Johnny approached asking "So what now?"

James turned towards Johnny and stated "We're gonna chase em back to Rollerz' turf, you're driving by the way!"

Johnny smirked before responding "Sweet~"

Shortly after Johnny and James chased after Lin and Donnie across the neighborhood before reaching the highway that led back towards William's mansion James hung out of the window shooting at Lin's car, intentionally missing every shot before reaching the Suburbs District as James returned back into Johnny's car and directed "Alright I think that's enough cat and mouse, Gatt. Let's head back to the row."

Johnny turned the car around and drove it back toe direction they came from as he teased "Man, Lin's gonna tear you a new asshole for putting a few holes in her baby!"

James shrugged and responded "I'll make it up to her."

Johnny chuckled as he responded "Sure… but she's still gonna chew your ass out."

James sighed before responding "Yeah…"

Rodin's bar (Jeanne's room)

Jeanne was seen in her room near her magical orb as the face of a bearded man with platinum blonde hair with a same colored unkept beard appeared in the orb saying "You called my beloved?"

Jeanne nodded stating "We need to talk, War… face to face, right now."

The man revealed to be named War raised a brow and responded "Are you in the Gates of Hell?"

Jeanne nodded as a portal tore open behind her as War's face vanished from the orb while he emerged from the portal revealing that he was taller than her and had a much bulky muscular physique. War wore a red hood over his head with two chest length bangs draping down the sides of his face, on his back was a oversized sword that was just as taller as he was, on the blade's face was agonized faces engraved upon it.

War unsheathed his sword and set it against a wall before lowering his hood and asked "You seem troubled… has something happened?"

The portal closed as Jeanne explained "Cereza and your brother will be sending their daughter Ashley to me."

War scoffed in mild amusement before deducing "No doubt they'll be taking a few days to finish."

Jeanne crossed her arms and eyed War who noticed causing him to ask "I know that look, Jeanne… what did I do?"

Jeanne quietly exhale before answering "Cereza desires her first born child be allowed to leave Earth freely…"

War's face turned to a noticeable scowl as he responded with a cold tone "No."

Jeanne closed her eyes and sighed before responding "Luv… Alice won't be able to complete her sentence if you keep moving the goal post!"

War pointed at Jeanne responding with a mildly more annoyed tone "I said no. She took our boy from us, filled his head with false glory!"

Jeanne approached War and gently caressed the side of his face with her hand and stated "War, she wasn't the one who struck the blow… you know all to well who did… and let's not forget Geryon gave our son the chance to live… but our son took on our worst aspects of both of us... he was just too stubborn."

War looked at Jeanne with a pained expression as he responded "Jeanne… what you ask is impossible for me… I cannot forgive her…"

Jeanne caressed the side of War's face and stated "You don't have to my love… but she is denied to see her family… and they feel that War. Death and Cereza might not say it out of sympathy for our loss… but I will… it is time for Alice to be released from her bonds of penance."

War looked to the ground in a conflicted manner before another portal opened causing both to draw their attention as War asked "Were you expecting any more guests?"

Jeanne shook her head answering "No."

But emerging from the portal was a black horse with blue fiery mane and tail and telepathically spoke "Heed your wife's words, Horseman. The child of Death and Bayonetta must be allowed to roam freely if the universe is to survive the coming conflicts."

War eyed the horse greeting with a tone of distain "Geryon… what would the Lord of Time want on such a matter?"

The horse now revealed to be named Geryon responded "You know my reasons, the timeline must be extended as far as possible for the solution to become a reality."

War growled lowly in frustration as Geryon added "Fine if you will not heed the wisdom of both your wife and that of the God of Time… than perhaps an exchange."

Jeanne gave a confused expression as War questioned "What sort of exchange?"

Geryon answered directly "Give your word you will grant the first born child of Death and Time release, and I will show you a secret that your son hid from you."

War gave an offended expression before claiming angrily "My son, never hid anything from me!"

Geryon loamed over War and spoke with a sterner yet authoritative tone "Do not let my calm demeanor fool you, Rider! I will only tolerate so much willful ignorance!"

Jeanne placed her hand on War's shoulder easing him "Luv… Geryon wouldn't come in person, if this was nothing… he knows more than we could ever know…"

War closed his eyes and exhaled before looking at Geryon responding "Fine… but if what you show is a waist of…"

Geryon gave an amused squint as he finished "Time? Believe me Horseman, Time is all I know…"

Geryon formed a magical sphere around himself, War and Jeanne as their surroundings changed to that of a great mountain with ancient Greek architecture, the weather was a constant storm as the sea surrounding the mountain raged and violently crashed against the rocky slopes.

War and Jeanne eyed the scene as War questioned "Olympus…"

Geryon then clarified "Correct, nearly five years after your banished Kratos to the Norse realms."

Geryon flew the sphere closer to the mountain outside of a chamber where a hooded figure was seen approaching War eyed the figure as Jeanne deduced "That Azimuth…"

War eyed the man approaching the chamber entrance saying with a hushed tone "Son…"

Geryon teleported the sphere inside the chambers where a massive lone bed sat with torn sheets, pillows and ragged veils hung around, Azimuth entered the chamber and approached the bed but stopped when he saw pile of bones of two humans in the far-off corner.

Azimuth turned to see a nearby portal and began to make his approach and passed through causing Geryon to change the scenery as he explained "This is where he came after passing through the portal…"

War and Jeanne widen their eyes to see a giant humanoid skeleton sitting in lava while a naked woman with very long pink hair sat in front of the skeleton her arms wrapped around her knees cradling in place in silence as Azimuth observed.

Jeanne eyed the woman and said "Aphrodite… I thought she was killed by Kratos during his war against the Olympians!"

Geryon explained "Kratos spared her his wrath, for she had not wronged him, and ever since she has been grateful…"

War gave a confused expression before turning to face Geryon asking "She still lives?"

Geryon nodded, stating "You will see how and why soon enough."

War turned back to see Azimuth approach the Goddess of Love and stood nearly two yards away her back facing him as he spoke "I had expected you to be a ragged corpse by now… drained completely by the Sin of Lust."

Jeanne paid attention to the scene as Aphrodite responded "The Sin did not share my views on desire and wasn't able to fully take over me…"

Azimuth lowered his hood revealing his likeness to his father, but with short spiky hair as Jeanne formed a proud smile and admitted "He always was a handsome young man…"

War silently nodded in agreement while the two watched as Azimuth spoke "Impressive… even if Lust still had it's grip on you, you must have a strong will."

Aphrodite looked up at the skeleton and responded "Yet I am alone… here in this mountain I once called my home… the storm has yet to fade, and the seas refuse to calm… I am stranded here… talking to ghosts and fabrications of my own mind…"

Azimuth scoffed in mild amusement and assured "Well be assured that I am not a fabrication, I am very much real, standing behind you as you to be precise."

Aphrodite sighed while lowering her head responding in a dismissive tone "That's what they all say… I'm afraid there is no one left on Earth that could survive through all this chaos!"

Azimuth approached Aphrodite and placed his right hand upon her shoulder and stated "You don't be so naïve, the surviving Olympians and Titans have already begun to ease the weather."

Aphrodite turned to see Azimuth's hand on her shoulder and slowly looked up to see his face and touched his hand feeling it, as she rapidly continued to touch his hand and arm in a frantic yet desperate manner.

Aphrodite stared up at Azimuth with an expression of confusion mixed with desperation before asking "You… you are real… this isn't a dream?"

Azimuth nodded and teased "I am as real as the tits on your chest."

Jeanne scoffed in amusement while forming tears in her eyes while War rubbed his face with his hand stating "He got his sense of humor from you!"

Jeanne responded in "Yes he did, by Sheba's tits he did!"

Aphrodite eyed Azimuth before tackling him onto the ground with a twisted lustful grin huffing loudly as she pinned him in place speaking with a crazed tone "FINALLY I CAN HAVE SOME PLEASURE!~"

Jeanne and War stared silently as Jeanne shouted in a protective manner "YOU GET YOUR FUCKIN HANDS OFF MY BOY, YOU SKANK!"

War turned towards Geryon and questioned "An interesting story… but what secret are you speaking of that our son had?"

Geryon turned towards War and stated "Very well… I won't bore you on the details, suffice to say… your son married Aphrodite in secret."

Jeanne snapped her attention towards Geryon and questioned "What?! He married (gestures hand towards Aphrodite) that tramp?!"

War squinted at Geryon who added "He did… and she bore him twin sons."

Jeanne and War turned towards each-other as she questioned "We have two more grandsons?"

Geryon changed the scenery as Aphrodite was seen with her twin sons, both having the same features of their father and grandfather, platinum blonde hair and blue eyes.

War and Jeanne stared at their grandsons with a mix of heartbreak and confusion as someone knocked on their door causing Aphrodite to answer revealing a young woman who resembled Cereza was knocking. The woman had pale skin, wearing a skintight black cat suit with purple lining, her hair was put into a ponytail as her eyes were colored red as she had a guilt-ridden expression on her face.

Aphrodite questioned the woman "Alice… (looks around) Where is Azimuth?"

The woman now revealed to be Alice, the daughter of Death and Cereza hesitated before answering "He… he's dead…"

Aphrodite questioned with a tone of confusion and disbelief "What? How?!"

Alice answered "I… I talked him into traveling back in time to face the Dark Lord at his weakest state… but I hadn't realize just how powerful Oblivio was even in a weakened form… We only survived due to the intervention of Geryon… but Azimuth refused to leave without settling the score… and returned to fight but was killed in the attempt…"

Aphrodite fell to her knees tears rolling down her face as she was heard panting heavily painfully before Alice squatted down to attempt to comfort her but was met with a slap across her face so powerful it cause a loud booming shockwave.

Alice was blown away by the strike Aphrodite delt her as the Goddess demanded angrily "Leave. Now!"

Alice rubbed the side of her face as she apologized "I'm sorry…"

Aphrodite glared at Alice and snapped at her "You're apologies aren't going to bring back the father of my sons!"

Alice looked down in shame before standing up and left Aphrodite's home as she could hear her wailing loudly in grief while War and Jeanne watched in both grief and sympathy as Geryon returned them back to the present.

Geryon eyed at War and said "Since your son's passing Aphrodite has kept herself and her sons hidden out of fear of you and Jeanne."

Jeanne sighed and admitted "Well she wasn't known to be faithful to her husband, not to mention that we never trusted the likes of the Titans of Omne and the Olympians."

War closed his eyes and questioned directly "What are the names of our grandsons?"

Geryon answered "They are Raiden and Fujin, Gods of Thunder and Wind."

War sighed and requested "Do you know how we come into contact."

Geryon responded "Does that mean you will grant Alice her release?"

War closed his eyes forming a painful expression before answering "Yes…"

Geryon's eyes glowed a brighter shade of blue before answering "Go to any Shaolin monk temple, lay down your arms and request the ear of the grand master; Shujinko. He is Raiden and Fujin's right hand, reveal to him your intentions and request and audience with his masters, he will at first reject you, but remain steadfast and he will relent."

Jeanne questioned "How long?"

Geryon responded "Three days."

War nodded and said "Then we will go…"

Jeanne corrected "No, you will go. (places hand on War's shoulder) I promised to watch over Ashley for Cereza."

War sighed and responded "Are you certain?"

Jeanne kissed the side of War's face stating "You need this, luv."

War sighed as Jeanne requested "But you best shave that thing off, I'd like to see your handsome face again~"

War scoffed lowly in amusement before responding "I'll think about it…"

To be continued

Hey everyone, I apologize for taking so long to post this chapter, I was I had to rework it a bit, along with being distracted by some games that I was addicted too XD

So I will not be adding any update to what series will be added to my Kismet verse in chapter form, I will make update my profile page for that, every series will be located at the very bottom, including additional series.

That being said, I hope you guys and gals have a merry Christmas and stay safe out there!