Carmine and Crimson looked at the female imp as her name left her lips. Chili, what a name, it was seemingly fitting for her and rolled off the tongue so well. Despite her looks and figure, not to mention soft features, there was just something about the female imp that screamed she was more than just a mild and gentle female that just made the name given to her all the more apt. Although that smile of hers was enough to not just outshine the sun, but set hearts ablaze. Something that the two brothers would know, considering their hearts felt like they were about to burst out of their chests. Never before had they ever seen a girl quite like Chili before. Hell, if either didn't know better, they would have sworn her smile and beauty could stop hearts.
"Chili...that's a very beautiful name you got." Crimson said with as charming a smile as he could manage.
Carmine unfortunately found himself unable to say anything as he looked at Chili, the mere sight of her causing his cheeks to flush to the point he could swear that it was overtaking his skin color. It wasn't just that though, while his heart did feel like it was trying to burst out of his chest, it felt more like it was more lunged in his throat. Chili was so beautiful, so radiant, so unlike anything his eyes had ever fell upon that he felt unworthy to even look at her. "Y-you're very...pretty." Carmine said meekly as he shyly looked away from Chili.
Chili continued to smile as she brought a hand to her lips, quietly giggling a bit at how nervous Carmine was being. While Crimson was definitely charming in his own way, there was just something about Carmine that felt a bit more endearing. Maybe it was because unlike every other imp, especially Wrathian ones, he seemed so reserved and modest. Hell, he definitely wasn't being anything like Crimson who ran more like the norm with his confidence. Which, while was definitely charming and appealing, the fact Carmine was just that different and seemingly a fair bit more polite just had a charm all it's own that she found rather refreshing.
"Thank you, what brings you two to these parts?" Chili asked as she looked at the two brothers. "I don't think I ever recall seeing imps like you before." She added.
"I-it's our...first time here…" Carmine responded as he continued to shyly avert his gaze. "We're actually from-"
"Oh don't bore her with the unimportant stuff Carmine!" Crimson interrupted as he playfully slapped his brother's back. "While it is our first time here, it's because we're actually...up and coming entrepreneurs." He continued. "We're working odd jobs right now to move further up in our current profession. And while I myself am aiming to make it big at our current employment by moving up the ladder till I'm running it while Carmine here is actually only there till he can start up his own business."
"Oh?" Chili asked as she blinked. "It's rather rare for an imp to get too high up in business, even among us more affluent families, and you're aiming to not just get into a prominent position, but your brother's wanting to start his own?" She more said than asked, though it sounded like a question. "I got to say, you're very ambitious for imps."
Carmine grinned widely. "Don't you know it, we like to break molds, show hell what our kind is really capable of, isn't that right Carmy?" He asked as he once more slapped his brother's back playfully.
"Y-yeah…" Carmine said as he still couldn't find all that much confidence around Chili, barely able to look at her.
"So what's this business you're wanting to start up?" Chili asked as she looked to Carmine.
Carmine blinked, gulping as he tried to talk. "W-well, I-I-"
"Carmine here's got a real knack with tinkering and weapons, wants to start his own business that supplies hell's law enforcement and armies, not to mention it's citizens for protection and fix up odds and ends." Crimson answered for his brother.
"Oh?" Chili asked with curiosity.
"Y-yeah...I like to...work with various things." Carmine answered.
"He's a hell of a shot too, but unfortunately isn't really able to serve in the legions for reasons I'm sure are...well, apparent." Crimson remarked. "At least he's doing his best to help where he can." The imp beamed.
"And you, do you serve or are going to?" Chili asked as she looked at Crimson. "I would...but my work keeps me pretty busy and I need to make sure to stick close to my brother, promised our folks I'd look after him no matter what."
"I see." Chili remarked. "Are they…"
"No, no." Crimson assured. "Just a family thing." He continued. "They're also doing their part by supplying Wrath and a number of Hell's legions with, well, supplies."
"Oh." Chili blinked. "Are they big in the business?" She asked.
"T-they're-" Carmine started.
"They're not that big, but they're not exactly small, more just...doing they're part without wanting notoriety for it." Crimson interrupted.
"I see, how magnanimous of them." Chili mused. "Anyway, I must be going, I hope to see you again sometime."
"Then maybe you'd do us the honor of having your number?" Crimson asked with a coy smile.
Chili giggled slightly. "I don't see the harm of it." She said before pulling out something to write on and a pen and writing her number down before handing it to Crimson. "Perhaps we can meet up and talk more sometime, maybe grab a bite?"
"I-I'd...l-like that…" Carmine said bashfully, a slight smile forming on his lips that caused Chili to smile.
"Yeah, sounds like a great idea." Crimson said with a confident smile.
"Great, we'll see when things can work out." Chili said as she turned to leave. "Oh…" She added as she turned slightly to look at the two. "Do you two ever go to or attend the Pain Game?"
"W-we've not really done so…" Carmine replied.
"Perhaps it's something we could do sometime." Chili mused. "Anyway, see you around." She added as she waved goodbye as she walked off, the two brothers waving back as they went off their own way.
"Why didn't you let me say where we're from or that our parents were barely getting by farmers?" Carmine asked as the two walked. "Why did you say all that?"
"Because she's from a well off family dummy." Crimson replied with a light chide. "Do you think a girl like that from a well off family is going to want to give us the time of day if she knew?" He added.
"M-maybe...she seemed nice…" Carmine remarked.
"Only because she assumed that we're of similar standing." Crimson stated. "A girl like her would never give lower down imps like us the time of day."
"But did you need to lie?" Carmine asked.
"I didn't lie, I just...embellished the truth a little, made it sound nicer." Crimson said dismissively. "And besides, if things go well, she could help us with our dreams, especially yours." He added. "Doesn't hurt she's drop dead gorgeous too." The imp grinned. "I think I got a real shot with her."
"Maybe…" Carmine mused as he blushed.
Crimson glanced at his brother, the grin returning to his face and becoming more of an amused one. "What, you think you got a shot?" He asked before chuckling. "Carmy, you got to learn female imps like strong and confident guys, it's just how our race works. I hate to say it, but no girl's really gonna find you interesting because of how reserved and modest you are, it's just a fact."
"I-I could get more confident…" Carmine protested.
Crimson laughed heartily. "With your work yes, everything else maybe, girls...I'm not so sure." He smirked. "But you know what, I'm not gonna say you can't try, it might be a good lesson for ya in the long run." Crimson added. "Besides, even if by some miracle you get the girl, we still have a means to further help our dreams." The imp said as he stuck out his hand. "So let the best imp win."
"Yeah…" Carmine said as he took Crimson's hand and shook it.
Time continued to pass as Crimson and Carmine continued to work for Torch, keeping their illicit activities hidden under the guise of legitimate work. Not that most imp parents would frown upon doing such work, after all it was still business and in a sense similar to serving in a legion. The criminal underworld of Hell was vast and expansive, various criminal syndicates littered every ring ranging from cartels to mafias and even some fashioned after yakuza, each lead by a higher up the caste system demon of varying power. All of them having ties to and starting smaller organizations all the way down to the smallest of street gangs so imps were in high demand for foot soldiers and errand boys. As for Torch's gang, Torch's organization was a bit higher than up to most street level gangs and tied to the mafia element of the underworld. And while some might wonder why and how Hell had a criminal element, one need only to look at the strict authoritarian rule and tight law enforcement that bordered on just as unforgiving as the caste system to understand.
As for Crimson and Carmine's parents, they were of the type of demon that believed in the value of honorable and honest hard work, doing everything one could to help Hell in it's efforts to not just undermine Heaven and it's plans for humanity and Earth by providing bodies for legions an/or supplies to keep things running smoothly. So to them, the criminal underworld of Hell, while seemingly fitting for such a place, only seemed to be unneeded, if not self-defeating, in a society whose sole purpose was forged by it's rulers for the single purpose of Lucifer's ultimate goal of claiming humanity from God and one day get revenge on Heaven by defeating it. Sure they understood why the criminal element was born, all demons desired power and status after all, and for those that were not born into or gifted it, given any form of less thanks to the caste system, the criminal underworld was only natural to attain such another way. Still, they knew Hell's rulers would only tolerate an element like that for so long until it crossed a certain line and was ultimately crushed by them personally. And that, that was ultimately why they held such views.
Carmine himself held such views of honest work, though he would be lying outright if he said that h e didn't see the appeal in or wasn't growing a fondness for the kind of work Crimson would occasionally drag him into or he'd be forced to do on occasion. Being forced into a situation where he actually had to take a life, finally put the marksmanship skills he had and was honed thanks to his father to use on a living target. The actual act of doing so, while at first was something he wrestled with, was quickly turned into something he couldn't help but start to enjoy. Even if it wasn't that often, there was a satisfaction and a feeling of exhilaration, enjoyment even, each time he did. Like every time he killed there was a release of whatever had been building up in him, what he knew would seep out each time he had done shooting practice back on the farm that Crimson would see.
Perhaps he was more of a natural born killer than he thought, or perhaps it was just he enjoyed seeing how effective and reliable the guns he worked on were, or even just the fact he quickly rationalized it as just part of the job and liked being good at his job. Although as he thought it over, maybe he just truly liked and enjoyed the ability to be paid to kill like he was in the legions or part of a more…legal business. There weren't any real professions outside the legion that focused on killing that were run by lesser demons. What assassination businesses there were, were run by the Goetias and mainly consisted of those of their own kind or strictly selected before being bought as servants. No one really owned their own corporation when it came to such work as paid killing or assassination work, everything was tied back to the nobility.
That's why, even if he thought about doing freelance, he wanted to start his own business making and repairing tools and weapons. Such businesses were more free to be independently owned, either by family lineage or just one person. Besides, freelance only paid so much and you weren't exactly as well off compared to those under Gotians when it came to access and having what you needed. Not that it couldn't be done, it was just far harder to live such a life. Still, Carmine could not deny it would be fun to live a life where he maintained his own guns and killed. But despite that desire and the strength he had gotten, he was still not strong compared to the typical imp, he couldn't make it in such a life.
Then there was Chili, what if by some...miracle she was interested in and chose him? Would she like the fact he was tied to the mob or that he was so weak? Sure, he was going to keep his distance from it as much as he could and eventually run his own business with just a tenuous tie to his brother and help both sides to make profit, but would she despise that, would her family? And what if they were to one day have kids if she did choose him? Would he want them to grow up in such a life?
Sure he would let however many kids they'd have choose the life they'd want to live. Hell, he'd be proud if they served or found a means to do more above board work like this, but ultimately he would only encourage and guide the way he and Chili would agree on. But if anything were to be possible with Chili, that meant that there couldn't be any lies or half truths, she'd have to be told eventually, even Crimson had to recognize that. Of course that also meant that he'd have to find the right and appropriate time to do so and in the right way. Besides, despite the fact Crimson was his brother and had always helped him, Carmine didn't quite like the way his brother would look at Chili sometimes. But, only time would tell who would be to her liking more, if either of them.
As for Crimson, he continued to do whatever he could to show his ambition and drive to Torch, even using more ruthless methods along with cunning advice that paid off on more than one occasion. Despite the fact his brother was an imp and by all rights would only ever be seen as a foot soldier or at the very least one in charge of them, Torch started to rely on Crimson all the more, growing a respect for him and seeing him as a true protege. Carmine had to admit that despite the small issue he might have with how Crimson might look at Chili or other girls, it looked to be that his ambitious goals for them might be able to be achieved. Hell, despite their relatively short time in the gang, it was still surprising how quickly Crimson was able to gain Torch's trust and rise up through the ranks.
What was more surprising was the fact that one day Torch's right hand had somehow managed to make not just one little mistake, but a series, to the point where Torch eventually started to view him as a liability and had him disposed of and then chose Crimson as his new right hand. Carmine could hardly believe how Crimson had managed to make Torch go against the norm of letting an imp in such a high position. Granted, they were a criminal gang and not a true business, but it was still a position of power that imps were never known to have. It was honestly impressive and inspiring that Crimson was able to prove that by showing their true potential and working hard enough that they really could go above their station. Hell, it was down right inspiring how business savvy and calculated Crimson could be, that combined with his ruthlessness and might made him something that Carmine couldn't help but be all the more proud to be his brother.
It wasn't just that though, Crimson just seemed to have a way with words and connecting with others. Because despite the fact he was an imp and gotten to a prestigious position of right hand despite their being senior members of the gang that was just as qualified, even slightly more, no one seemed to bare him any ill will in the gang. He seemed to naturally get along with the rest of the gang members after their initial time in it, growing a close brotherhood with the others. It really seemed that Crimson was in his natural element where others respected what he was capable of, if not also feared it as well. Hell, he had grown quite the friendship with one of the senior members, a shark demon named Alessio who was working to prove his worth to his family who were higher up and running a branch of the mafia. And while Alessio didn't really talk, what was gathered about him was that he was not as ambitious as to run things like his family but preferred to be close to where he both didn't need to do much but also could guide things rather than call shots directly. At least, that was what he told Crimson, how much of that was true was up for debate but he seemed the trustworthy and honorable type.
It got to where Alessio was almost always by Crimson's side when he was tasked on an assignment, acting as a sort of right hand to Crimson and helping his brother be more respected and liked by the wider gang and it's allies. In truth the shark demon was an enigma to Carmine, but not so much as to where he couldn't figure some things out. For the most part, Alessio's claims of just never having the aptitude or drive to want to climb to be boss seemed true, given how he seemed to prefer and was more apt at being a right hand. Which seemed all the odder given he didn't fight for the position, perhaps Alessio saw promise and something inspiring in Crimson much like Carmine did himself. Also, Carmine's intuition about him being amicable and honorable was proven as well when some gang members tried to short him on some repairs he did, as well as trick him into doing something that wouldn't have ended well for the hell of it. Needless to say it never happened again and Alessio was nice enough to even compliment his work often, and made sure others knew that he was a go to for things made or fixed.
As for him and his brother's meeting up with Chili, while they weren't exactly able to meet up with her all that often, it was still enough of an occurrence for the three to become rather familiar. Although Crimson continued to bend the truth about their work and family life, something Carmine didn't really care for. But at the same time, Crimson's words about how better off imps not giving lower ones like them much regard still rang in his head, a fact he knew to be true from a number of times he had been bullied and Crimson had to come save him. It was for that fact alone that Carmine had ever so slight doubts about his course of action about finding a good time to tell Chili the truth about who they really were and what they really did.
Chili herself seemed to enjoy both their company on the times they were able to get together and much to Carmine's own doubt, it seemed as though Crimson was drawing her eye as much, if not a bit more than he was. It didn't help matters that Crimson seemed to pick up on certain things Chili might not completely like and changed accordingly. What glances Crimson would give when Chili wasn't looking or distracted that Carmine despised him doing he seemed to wittle down to the point of outright stopping. Hell, his own brazen confidence and borderline bragging seemed to also falter and slowly diminish when around Chili. Most likely due to the fact that she seemed to exude a clearly felt air of displeasure that had both brothers a bit nervous when it came.
Despite her appearance, there was just something about Chili that lead both brothers to believe that she wasn't quite as she looked physically. She was always nice, always polite, but something about her just screamed she was not quite the delicate flower Carmine and Crimson thought her to be. Although that didn't seem to stop her from letting Crimson stand up for her or fight off unwanted attention, something she seemed to appreciate. That was something Carmine felt Crimson had the upper hand in. Sure, he could use his gun, help out, but he was still physically weaker than a lot of imps and for the most part all Wrathian imps had a slight stigma against guns, believing it best matters be settled with strength than a simple pulling of a trigger. And if Tilly was as traditional as she seemed, what chance did he really have if Crimson was able to seemingly do what was needed to win her?
Still, he had to try, Carmine had to dare hope beyond anything else that maybe he might have a chance with Chili and be the one to win her heart no matter the cost. And if she in fact liked strength or show of capability, then the only chance he really had was to do well or win the Pain Games. Which was a feat easier said than done considering all things. All Carmine could do at this point was do what he could to get strong enough, or clever enough, with what little spare time he had to get to where he needed to do well. He just hoped that the coming months would be enough time in order to do so because this may be his only chance to be able to have a shot at love. After all, his brother was right, there had never been any girl in the history of Wrath that saw any appeal in an oddity in their species like him, his past experiences of trying and failing as well as being tricked and teased was evidence enough of that. He was just grateful each time the worst happened his brother was always there to help him out and get back at the offenders that did those cruel things.
It was one of the many reasons why, despite how Crimson could be sometimes towards others and women, that Carmine both respected and could hold no ill will towards his brother. He had always been there for him, always helped him, always protected and kept him safe. So how could Carmine really hold anything against Crimson if he was willing to do the changes required to improve himself and win Chili over? After all, he himself was doing the same thing, trying to grow what strength he could in order to be a man that Chili could find appealing, or at the very least show he was one willing to put his all into whatever it took to prove his worth. Carmine could only hope that whatever was to happen when the time came, that it would be enough to win Chili's heart.
Months passed, and as much as Carmine tried, things were just always a bit too busy for him to try and work on becoming stronger, stuck to where he had grown since Crimson got him working with Torch's gang...which still wasn't as strong as most regular Wrathians. Why, why did he have to be cursed with being one of the few Wrathian imps to be naturally not as strong as the others? It was weird that imps born in Wrath could be born to just be naturally not able to be all that strong, but it was more of a rarity than a thing that could happen fairly often. In either case, all he could do was hope that he could manage to do something impressive.
When it finally came time for the Pain Games Carmine and Crimson headed out to where it was being held to meet up with Chili, seeing her with what were assumed to be her siblings, a few brothers and sisters, and her parents. Chili was quick to walk over and greet the two, a smile on her face as she did so. She was wearing a short white dress with darkish green stitching along the top where her cleavage was exposed as well as along the somewhat ruffled separate looking shoulder sections, the right one also having a darkish green bow tied around it. The skirt of the dress was the same shade of green with red trimming to accentuate it, long white gloves and white heeled shoes with pinkish bows and trim on them finished off her look. To both Carmine and Crimson, she looked as beautiful as ever, especially with the darkish green eye makeup and lipstick.
"Crimson, Carmine, glad you could make it." Chili greeted with a warm smile. "Where are your parents?" She asked. "I was hoping to finally be able to meet them."
"Mom's under the weather so our dad's looking after her." Carmine replied, having grown able to talk to Chili without being too shy about it, though it didn't stop him from averting his gaze a bit and blushing. "Wanted to help, but dad insisted we enjoy ourselves." He added.
"Yeah, our old man wanted to make sure we didn't miss out." Crimson remarked.
Chili smiled a bit more, though it was a bit more focused on Carmine. "That was very sweet of him, do let them know I wish her a speedy recovery and hope to see them sometime."
Carmine nodded. "Will do."
"Sure thing." Crimson replied.
"So, that's your family?" Carmine asked as he looked at her family that was talking among themselves, some of which, a brother, a sister, and her parents were looking in their direction.
"Mmhmm." Chili nodded. "They're rather excited to meet you, especially after hearing about you and your business ambitions."
"I see…" Carmine said as he felt a bit guilty that they didn't really have a fully true account of what they really were and what they actually did.
"Great, can't wait to get to know em." Crimson grinned.
"By the way...will you be...participating?" Carmine asked. "Your dress is short enough but…"
Chili smiled. "Yeah, though I don't really play to win." She replied. "I mean, it'd be nice to, but I'm more about the experience of it than saying I'm the best." The female imp elaborated. "Besides, we don't always participate, just every so often."
Carmine blinked. "Oh."
"Well I hope your family doesn't mind if I out do some of them." Crimson joked. "Last thing I want to do is have them after my head when I just met them."
Chili giggled. "They're really not ones to hold grudges...so long as it's fair and square." She smirked.
"Got it, should be good then." Crimson smirked.
"Now come on, they want to meet you before the opening ceremony." Chili insisted as she started back to her family, Carmine and Crimson following behind her.
Despite what hesitations and fears Carmine and Crimson might have had about meeting Chili's family, especially her father and brothers, they seemed quite friendly and happy to meet the brothers, her father being particularly impressed by the exploits and ambitions that he had been told about the two. While Crimson played into it and continued to play up their not quite true story, Carmine felt shame and guilt about the whole thing. Sure, what Crimson was saying wasn't technically outright lies, staying closer to technicalities than anything else. It still wasn't the full whole truth, especially when it came to their parents and what they did. That fact alone made Carmine fearful of Chili, let alone her family, would take being told the complete truth and if she would even give Crimson or him the time of day...or think if him in any romantic light. Carmine could only hope that when and if he got the chance to tell her the full truth, she would would not view him any differently, especially if he was lucky enough that she had feelings for him.
It wasn't long after they started talking that the opening ceremony was announced to be starting and for everyone to gather so they could hear prince Stolas. Carmine and Crimson followed Chili and her family as they made their way to the stage that was set up for both the ceremony and to announce who would be the winner when all was said and done. The Pain Games were unique to Wrath, a celebration of might and endurance that imps specialized in, even if hellhounds and shark demons were argued to possibly be among the strongest physically. It was held at every harvest moon in different cities and towns chosen at random in order to keep things from being too samey in terms of environment.
And while in certain cities and towns they couldn't have as much or set up as nice as others since a lot of Wrath just got by compared to it's more notable and well off areas, which was only slightly more numerous, if not equal, to the number of rural and old world looking settlements. This year's Pain Games happened to be in one of the nicer and more well off cities, allowing for more trials and games to compete in. Not just that, but everything looked much nicer to what the Carmine and Crimson had expected or seen, it truly was something inspiring for the two. And While Carmine thought of it as how he'd want to be, a civil and honest demon of business who bettered himself in all aspects through hard work and improving himself. Crimson, Crimson saw it as what was flaunted in his face, what he and his family deserved like everyone else, what he would have...take...by whatever was required.
When they reached the stage they all looked in awe and respect as Stolas and his wife, Stella, sat in a nice covered area built specifically for them on the stage to keep the hot sun off them. Neither Crimson nor Carmine thought that they'd ever see a Goetia, let alone two, and yet there they were. And they weren't just any Goetia either, but the son of king Paimon himself and his wife! They looked as elegant and as regal as to be expected, if not more so. It was hard to get a read on their demeanor, but how they were seemingly chatting to one another and exchanging light laughs seemed that they weren't displeased to be hear. At least, that's what Carmine thought and hoped, there was still the way they sat, the way they presented themselves that made it seem that they felt above it all, Although Carmine hoped that they weren't quite as bad as most Goetia could be. After all, they could have just not shown up, sent a representative or a dignitary, or just look unhappy to be here, so it had to count for something...right?
Crimson however saw things differently, he could tell the kinds of chuckles the two were having, the facial inflections in how they spoke, the postures they had, he could read it all. While he might not be able to hear what they were saying, he had been around people of power in the underworld long enough, lived long enough in general, to know the kind of talk they were having, it was the same as any other demon in any power over many that were lower than them. They were musing to themselves about everything but the significance of the lesser demons, if not outright having amusement at their own expense. This was just a formality, a thing to make them feel appreciated and to placate them. They didn't care, not fully, nor would they ever. Imps and lesser demons were just tools and a means to an end, disposable foot soldiers and workers to exploit and make feel like they were at least of enough value to still be considered more than damned souls who would never be considered hellborn.
And while those like his brother would look at him and say he was being too pessimistic, that he was just seeing things negatively and that things weren't actually that bad, Crimson would argue that they were the fools; that they were blind. He had experienced enough, learned enough, to develop a keen insight and ability to read others, analyze them and accurately assess their intentions and demeanor from years of experience being looked down on and more recently while working with Torch and his gang. He had Stolas and his wife pegged just by the way they smiled and the look in their eyes. But he'd prove them wrong, he and his brother, as they played everyone like them for fools and ran as much as they could just by gaining both status in the underworld and through Carmine's future reputable business, this he swore. And nothing, NOTHING would stop his plan to show imps could hold power.
"Welcome imps from all across the ring to the annual Harvest Moon festival!" A somewhat dapper looking imp announcer said with a rather distinguished flair. "Before we commence the festival and the annual Pain Games, we have the great honor of the esteemed prince Stolas to usher in the festival and the games along with his lovely wife princess Stella."
Carmine and Crimson watched as Stolas rose from his elegant and lavish chair, his hand running across Stella's as he moved towards the microphone. "Yes, how kind of an introduction." Stolas remarked in a tone that was hard to tell if it was genuine or snobbish nobility feigning genuine gratitude. "Greetings to all of you Wrathian imps that were able to make it to this years harvest moon festival. And welcome, to another year of celebrating your crucial contributions to Hell and it's efforts in it's fight against our sworn enemy and the downfall of those he created. I'm also enthused to kick off the games that will challenge the toughest and strongest who dare to participate to prove their worth and superiority over others in a show of skill and dominance. Hell, those who do well enough might show enough promise to be considered for potential use in the legions if you have not served already, truly a distinguished honor." He said as he looked about the crowd, seemingly friendly and approachable, although the subtle tone of his voice and the way he looked at the crowd told otherwise to Crimson. "With that said, let this years festival and Pain Games...commence!"
After Stolas ushered in the festivities and returned to his seat next to Stella a number of imps went about to enjoy the festival while others went to get seats for the Pain Games. The rest; along with Crimson, Carmine, Chili, her father, her brothers, and some of her sisters went to where the games would start. "Huh, does this wimp think he really stands a chance?" remarked one of the other imps. "I mean look at him, he's pretty scrawny, no real muscle."
"Maybe he lost a bet or something." Another imp commented. "Or hell, maybe this is a punishment or maybe he's delusional."
"Either way, should be a laugh." The first imp said with a chuckle.
Carmine started to regret his choice a bit, looking down as he rubbed the back of his head. Was it really worth trying to show Chili he could be strong too if he just looked like an idiot? Still, what other choice did he have in the matter? If he was going to show her he had a lot to offer and not let Crimson have no challenge he HAD to do this. Damned if he did, damned if he didn't.
"Oh don't let them get you down too much Carmy." Came Crimson's voice as he walked up to his brother. Putting his arm around Carmine. "I'm sure you can do well enough." He smiled.
"Really?" Carmine asked as he looked at Crimson.
Crimson shrugged. "Hell if I know, probably not." He admitted. "But hey, at the very least, be good moral support or comedic entertainment." Crimson added before blinking as Carmine deflated. "Joking, joking!" He assured. "Why are you doin this anyway...wait, don't tell me you're risking getting seriously hurt to try and impress Chili." Crimson inquired.
"Y-yeah." Carmine admitted as he blushed.
"Ha! Well I'll be damned, you got some massive balls on you after all." Crimson grinned. "Won't really do you any good. But hey, at least you got moxie, maybe that might get you a girl or a slight chance." He said before walking off to mingle with Chili's father and brothers.
As Carmine sighed a bit he thought about maybe just calling it quits and just going to the stands and watching his brother. A notion he was starting to lean towards before he noticed Chili walking over to him with a slightly curious, slightly concerned look. Hr also couldn't help but notice she had changed her heeled boots into ones more suited for running. "Carmine, are you actually thinking about competing?" She asked, the concern that was on her face was also in her voice.
"Y-yeah…" Carmine answered as he blushed a bit.
"Why?" Chili asked curiously. "You've never really shown any inclination towards doing or liking these kinds of rough and tough stuff before."
Carmine blushed more as he started to rub his arm. "Well it's just...well...I…" Carmine averted his gaze from her a bit as he felt his cheeks heating up to an almost unbearable degree as his blush darkened. "I just thought that I...might give it a shot?" He answered, unable to tell Chili the truth. "I mean...my brother can do so much and so can so many other imps...and you. I just figured I'd show I was willing to try and be as capable."
Chili blinked before smiling warmly. "Awe Carmine, you don't have to do that." She reassured. "You have your own strengths and things that make you just as good as any other imp." The female imp added as she gently placed a reassuring hand on Carmine's cheek. "It's not always about the strength you got, but what you got in here…" Chili said as she placed a finger on his chest where his heart was. "And here." She added as she moved the finger to his head. "You're just as capable as any other so long as you got those, and those marksman skills I've heard about. You still gotta show me those sometime, got quite the interest in weaponry myself you know." Chili smiled.
Carmine blinked as he looked at Chili. "R-really?"
"Yeah." Chili nodded. "My family sees the value in all means of killing. It's not so much about the tool, but the skill and capability of the one using the tool. Strength is good and all and is tried and true, but even strength has it's weaknesses and can falter due to the smallest and most unexpected things."
Carmine blushed as he blinked again, smiling a bit. "Still, I want to do this...to see, to try. And to…" He gulped. "maybe impress someone I like."
Chili blinked. "Impress some you like?"
"Yeah…" Carmine nodded.
"Well you don't have to risk yourself to impress a girl. I mean, it works on most female wrathian imps, but not all." Chili remarked.
"Maybe, but I at least want to show her I'm willing to do what it takes, to show her I'd be willing to put in the effort for anything if we…" Carmine turned a dark red. "Got...together."
Chili smiled warmly as she looked at Carmine. "A nice and rather noble gesture, I'm sure she'd appreciate that."
"You think so?" Carmine asked.
"I'm sure." Chili said with a smile. "Besides, you got moxie, and we girls do like a guy with moxie." She smirked. "Anyway, the competition is about to start, good luck!" The female imp said as she headed off to get to a good starting position near her family, waving to Carmine.
"G-good luck." Carmine said as he waved back.
Carmine gulped as he felt his heart start to beat faster and a new bit of resolve start to fill his body. Maybe, just maybe, he had a chance at impressing Chili. Sure he probably wasn't going to win or even get all that close to winning, but at the very least he might have a very good chance at winning something far more valuable. And that, that was worth any risk that he might have to take.
Everyone waited for the signal to start the games, the anticipation and slight tension from the other imps wanting to prove their superiority could be felt in the air. Before it could get suffocating for those that weren't quite as strong willed or like Carmine, if there were any others like him that were participating in the games, the starting shot was fired and everyone charged forward for the games, an obstacle course race. Carmine could only hope he could at least do well enough and at least make it through the games.
Unfortunately for Carmine he wasn't quite as quick as the rest of the competitors, trailing behind slightly but not by much. And while the likes of Chili, her father and those of her siblings competing, and even his brother excelled at going over the climbing wall that was the first obstacle, he himself had no such luck. Carmine scrambled the best he could, struggling a bit to get to the top only to try and skitter down and fall flat into the water hazard below that everyone else leapt over. For a few seconds he thought just some mild embarrassment would be the worst of it, only to be sorely proven wrong as a hell shark quickly snared him in it's jaws and started to try and maul him.
Carmine screamed out in panic and fear as he flailed about in the hell shark's tight hold, his panicked screams getting the attention of a number of the runners, except for Chili and surprisingly her family, who looked back at him and started to laugh. Even his brother, who normally helped in these situations couldn't help but chuckle as he tried tried everything he could to get out of the hell shark's mouth. Carmine continued to struggle as the other participants and his brother started again, causing him to resign himself to his fate if he couldn't figure out a way to get out of the hell shark's mouth. He would have used his gun, but these games were strictly about strength and guns were strictly prohibited due to the fact they could be used to cheat.
Carmine was beginning to wonder if all hope was lost when the hell shark seemingly got bored and spat him out, causing him to tumble and skip like a rock across the ground and skid slightly before laying flat on his face. Without even really thinking as he laid their face first on the ground he flipped the hell shark off in an instant of anger and frustration. Sure he couldn't see the shark's reaction, but at least the shark was confined to that water hazard. A bit of slight satisfaction in at least one, albeit small, victory he would have in getting a last shot in at the hell shark.
He continued to lay there though, wondering if there was any real point now in finishing the race, only to feel like there was someone standing in front of him. Looking up from the ground Carmine blinked as he saw Chili standing there. "Chili?" He asked.
"You going to get up or just lay there?" Chili asked, phrasing it more as a light hearted joke.
"What's the point?" Carmine remarked. "It's clear I was in over my head...maybe my brother and all the others were right, maybe I shouldn't have tried. Hell, even you said-"
"I know what I said but you said you were wanting to do this not to win, but to impress a girl and show her what you were willing to do and your resolve." Chili interrupted. "You might not win this part of the games, or maybe not do well in the rest, but you still got a chance to win what matters most." She added before reaching a hand down in offering. "And are you going to give up on that? I'm sure you still have good odds to empress her."
Carmine blinked as he looked at her. "You think so?"
"I know so." Chili smiled. "Now come on, you might still can catch up at least."
Carmine blinked, blushing as he reached up and took Chili's hand, letting her help him him up to his feet. "But what about you?" He asked. "You were doing well and-"
"I told you, I don't compete to win, at least, sometimes. I often just compete to test myself." Chili replied before turning around and motioning with her hand. "Now come on, show what you can do, even if it's not quite the same as everyone else." She said as she started to run again.
Carmine couldn't help but watch, blinking as he blushed brighter, a smile soon forming on his face. The fact Chili came back to encourage him filled Carmine with newfound resolve and determination. Sure he might not win this or any game, but he was playing for a much better prize than the claim to be the best Wrathian who competed. Taking a moment to compose himself Carmine started again, giving his all as he tried to catch up with the others and Chili, managing to catch up with her a bit but not the rest as he did what he could to do well with the rest of the obstacles only to come dead last in the race. But that didn't matter though, he proved he had resolve and was not one to give up.
There was only a short time to rest before the next part of the Pain Games, hog tying another competitor. And while it seemed more reasonable and obvious to be about hog tying a hellhog, the point of this game was to be about one's skill and cunning against thinking opponents and not a beast, much like the last game was more about a test of endurance. Most did well, especially Crimson who used all his skill and experience from not just defending his brother but from working in the underworld to very good use. He even drew the eye of some female imps, posing with his victim as he grinned proudly for them. Carmine however, had the rotten luck of going against someone who was twice his size. And despite his own cunning and smarts, his opponent was just better and had him tied not too long after their match started, at least he gave it his all though. What made his loss not that bad was the fact that Chili, who did extremely well in her match, was the only one along with her family not laughing but had encouraged him at first and just kept smiling as the match had started and ended about three to four minutes later.
As the games progressed Carmine did the best that he could do, even though it was obvious he was at a clear disadvantage, much to the amusement of most of the other imps both watching and participating. He didn't let it bother him though, not anymore, as he had his eyes on a far more valuable prize than the recognition of his peers or validation in his own existence as a Wrathian imp with no real strength that should be natural to most of the imps in Wrath. What he wanted, was the heart and love of a woman a woman unlike any other he had seen or could have dreamt of. And that was worth any pain or trial he might have to go through. Although, would it hurt for whatever forces worked in Hell or his fellow imps to at least not seemingly have it out to make him their fool for amusement?
When it came time for the tug of war competition Carmine was grateful that he was able to be on a team with his brother and one other male imp against a team that seemed at least even enough in strength. While it might seem weird that tug of war was one of the competitions, it was a good show of teamwork and cooperation to see which imps might work best as part of a unit. So at least Carmine could rest assured that the other imp and Crimson would have his back. Not that Carmine thought Crimson never would, just because he he saw Crimson join in on the chuckling during the obstacle course it didn't feel outwardly malicious, more he couldn't help an old habit from when they played together and Carmine made a fool of himself. And besides, Crimson had hesitated a bit before laughing, so that was just further proof. That and the fact that the race was an every imp out to win so Carmine also understood why Crimson didn't come back to help, especially with their own competition they had going on.
When the game started Carmine gave it his all along with his brother and the other imp, pulling as hard as he could while Carmine confidently did as well from behind the other imp who was even using his mouth to help with them tugging the rope. The crowd cheered as they watched, even Chili who had already gone through the tug of war before Carmine and Crimson did and won, having managed to be on a team with her dad and one of her brothers. To Carmine it felt like the struggle would go on forever until with one mighty pull from all of them they forcefully yanked the rope over, which had the unfortunate side side effect of being so forceful that it snapped the rope out of the other team's hands, causing a ripple effect of the rope snapping Carmine's face.
The imp behind Carmine watched while Crimson was busy posing for the audience, mostly the women cheering, as Carmine lost his balance and fell into the water. Oh well, at least he had been on the winning team and won a game, a little bit of looking silly wouldn't-. Wait...was that a shark swimming towards him? Was that the SAME SHARK?! But how, how did the same shark move from the obstacle course water hazard over here?!
WHY WAS HE HERE, this wasn't even supposed to be a hazard, just a bit of humiliation for the losing team or anyone that lost their balance and fell! Did the shark hold a grudge from being flipped off?! Before Carmine could react and get to safety by finding the strength to somewhat leap out of the water the shark once mo chomped down on him and began to maul him again, doing so for a moment before spitting him out. As Carmine laid face first in the dirt, crumpled a bit, the shark did a motion to his eyes and then to Carmine with his fin before submerging. Carmine groaned a little, hopefully that was the last of it, because he wasn't sure if he could handle more humiliation. Whatever pride or satisfaction he gained from the first win he had was drained by the hell shark, and it showed.
The games continued through two more trials before it came time for the last one, a straight up fight between two randomly selected imps. Thankfully neither Carmine nor Crimson had to fight Chili, her family, or each other somehow. Although the forces in Hell seemed to want to have more fun at Carmine's expense as when it came time for his fight it was decided to let it be a free for all with the remaining imps to speed things up a little as the sun was showing signs of getting close to setting. Carmine stood there in as ready a stance as he could, waiting for a one on one and hoping that those in the mud ring would fight each other before him. Something that proved untrue as they all dog piled him right off the bat and left him flat in the mud before going off to fight one another.
Carmine groaned a bit as he sat up, yeah he was done, there was no winning this so he might as well show no signs of wanting to continue to fight and just sur-. Before Carmine could even start to try to get to his feet though the same hell shark from the start of the games leapt up on the fence and then into the air, coming in for an elbow drop. "MOTHERFU-" Carmine began to exclaim as he braced himself, only to see an enraged Chili intercept the hell shark with a kick.
Carmine and everyone else stood still and watched in abject horror as after the hell shark hit the ground Chili began to eviscerate it it with her bare hands, clawing and beating it with a savage fury that made most go pale, Carmine also couldn't help but notice some other hell sharks off in other water hazards covering their eyes in horror...one covering the eyes of smaller ones that seemed to possibly be the shark's family. The hell shark tried to crawl away in fear only to be grabbed by the tail and pulled back; blood, flesh, and entrails starting to fly as she completely and utterly tore the hell shark to shreds, leaving nothing but a bloody pulp and bones. Carmine could only blink as Chili then composed herself and walked over to help him up, offering her hand as he didn't really hesitate too long to take it. She was like a beautiful flower, a vision of death and beauty and he had to have her.
After the games were over and it came time to announce the winner Carmine walked over to the stands with two cheese on a sticks going to sit in the stands and somewhat wallow as he held them. While Carmine was hungry, he was more down than truly hungry even though he hadn't really ate all that much during the downtime. His eyes were focused on the stage, though his attention wasn't really there, even though he was hearing about his brother being announced as the winner.
"Hey Carmine, you alright?" Came Chili's voice as the female imp came over and sat next to him.
Carmine blinked as he looked over at her. "Oh, hi Chili…" He said somewhat remorsefully. "Sorry that I got you disqualified for interfering because of how weak I am…" The imp added as he looked down.
Chili frowned slightly, not because of the fact that Carmine was being down on himself, but because of how she could see how guilty he felt about that and that he was deep down just that considerate and caring that if he was the cause of someone having something bad happening or disqualified that he cared about or didn't dislike he was hard on himself. "It's fine Carmine, I told you twice already I don't play to win often, so it's no sweat." She reassured with a warm smile. "Besides, I was doing alright, but I don't think I would have won."
"But-" Carmine started to say.
"But nothing." Chili interrupted. "I was just in it for fun this year. And besides, that hell shark was being a real asshole, I can't stand such cruelty for no good reason. We might be demons, cruel by nature, but what that shark was doing was uncalled for against someone like you." She added. "You might not be the strongest or anything like that, but you still have things that I think are just as valuable and important." Carmine blinked, glancing at Chili in slight surprise and feeling uplifted a bit. Blushing a bit, Carmine turned his head away from Chili as he offered her the other cheese on a stick shyly causing Chili to blink as she looked at the offered Cheese on a stick in slight questioning. "Didn't you get both for you, you must be hungry after not eating much." Chili asked.
"I-I'm not that hungry…" Carmine replied. "Besides, you haven't ate much either."
Chili blinked again before smiling as she took it. "Thank you." She smiled.
"You're welcome." Carmine said as he kept his gaze averted.
"So, have you enjoyed the festival regardless of the run of unfortunate things happening?" Chili asked.
"I...suppose." Carmine said as he kept looking away from her. "But I doubt I managed to impress the girl I wanted to…how could any girl be impressed with how I did?"
"I wouldn't say that." Chili said with a cheerful slightly playful tone. "Not every girl is impressed with the usual stuff. So I think your odds are good that you impressed her in your own way."
Carmine blinked as he looked at Chili in surprise. "Y-you think so?" He asked.
Chili smirked a bit. "I know so, because I am. Like I said, we girls like moxie, and you got a lot of it which is something I really admire and like about you Carmine."
Carmine flustered profusely. "I-I-I n-never s-said…"
"You didn't have to." Chili smiled. "You and your brother do well enough, but you're not perfect at hiding what you feel or how you look at me at times, especially with how you blush."
Carmine turned a dark red. "O-o-oh…" He stammered. "T-then d-does t-that mean…"
Chili smiled more as she scooted closer to Carmine, placing a peck on his cheek. "Yeah, I'm interested and willing to see where things go."
Carmine's heart completely melted as he sat there stiff as a board as his tail shot straight up from surprise at the peck to the cheek not expecting to have been kissed. The same shock Carmine had was being expressed by Crimson who saw it from the stage where he stood, his jaw feeling like it could drop through the stage from the sight, especially as Chili placed a hand on Carmine's lap. Noticing Crimson's expression could only hope that his brother wasn't hurt or would be angry at the fact that the powers of Hell seemed to decide to favor him just once and bestowed upon him the greatest of gifts that could ever want that he would not just forever love and cherish, but fiercely protect with all of his life.