While he was thrilled to have been given the chance to duck out of school earlier than expected, even if he would have to explain to his parents why he hadn't asked their permission before doing so, Harry nevertheless was very uncomfortable with the situation he currently found himself in.
The crowds weren't the problem. Especially since he was now back in a society that wouldn't care if he 'accidentally' added a few dozen to his body count.
And he honestly wasn't bothered by the tension that existed between his rifle-toting boss and the jester Imp. Though it was kind of weird how they seemed to snipe at each other like Loona and Via did when they were getting along.
No, what bothered him was that playing bodyguard to this particular celebrity ran the risk of getting involved with the type of beings that easily dwarfed Stolas and his family in terms of power.
Which meant that if he fucked up on this assignment, the only thing that could potentially ensure his family's safety was the extremely tenuous connection he had to the Big L. Since not even the power and resources of a Goetia, be they prince of marquis, could stand a chance against a Sin.
Still, he supposed it could be worse.
For while he knew Mammon was not to be trusted, thanks to his lessons on Hell's hierarchy and Blitzo's regular ravings on what a piece of shit the Sin of Greed was, Asmodeus was far more reasonable.
Even if he had been a touch disappointed when he realized what kind of job Blitzo had in mind.
At least at first.
(Flashback)
"THIS is the backup you needed?"
He knew thanks to his lover that this Imp didn't exactly operate on the same wavelength as other people. But since Fizz had recently reconciled with his former friend during last week's hostage situation, in which he played a crucial role in getting his Fizzy out of harm's way, he was willing to overlook any eccentricities if it meant getting his help.
But using child labor was too much.
"Isn't there someone else you can call? I know we're not exactly going into a war zone, but..."
"Trust me it's fine. The kid's got the skills and the mindset of a professional, so he's more than capable of helping us out."
Frowning at the confident tone of the Imp who until recently had been on bad terms with his romantic partner, Asmodeus took a moment to analyze the black-haired pre-teen.
Dealing with kids was not his thing, even if the feelings he and his workers cultivated usually resulted in their creation. But even the Sin of Lust could tell that this was no ordinary child.
He was anxious, but not to the point where he was rendered incapable of movement. And in fact looked as if he was getting ready to leap behind whatever cover he could find. But even then it was more out of tactical necessity than cowardice.
His weapons were still holstered, but the Sin of Lust could tell that he was ready to reach for them if he felt the need.
And perhaps the strangest, and perhaps most intriguing of all, the boy had a magic all his own.
Not as much as himself of course, but there was enough raw power there to give him a fighting chance to be considered an Overlord.
"Well...I suppose he will do. Though he should know that I'm not hiring you to kill someone. I'm.."
"Hiring us to watch over Fizz while he's trying to win this lame-ass clown pageant. Yeah I got you the first time. And don't worry your lustfulness. If the Big L can trust this kid not to fuck around up top, he can handle a little bodyguard work down in Greed."
His eyes momentarily narrowing at the disrespect that this Imp was showing, though it had more to do with his casual disregard of his concerns about Fizz's wellbeing, the giant rooster was momentarily frozen as he fully processed what he had just been told.
He had heard the rumors of course. That Lucifer had taken an interest in the fate of a prophecy human child who somehow managed to come to Hell without 'traveling' the usual way.
But since he knew better than to involve himself in the affairs of one of the few beings in Hell who could stomp his feathered ass into the ground, and not in a fun way, Asmodeus lacked any concrete info about the Kid.
Still, since time was running out before Fizz walked the red carpet, he would fight down the anxiety he felt about including one of Lucifer's pet projects in his scheme.
Not that he would convey his feelings to an Imp whose mannerisms made him regret not having the idea to look for a bodyguard sooner.
But with a lack of options, both in terms of timing and those who Fizz could trust to have his best interests at heart, he could only hope that this wouldn't come back to bite him in the ass.
"In that case, the two of you should have no trouble with my request. And if you play your cards right, you'll find that I can be generous with those that please me."
Even if their expressions of greed reminded him that Fizzy's obsessed fans were not the only headaches he had to deal with today.
...
Since that meeting, Harry had allowed Blitzo to do all the talking since he was too busy making sure that there would be no fuck ups on his end. Plus the fact that he, apart from insulting his dad's musical talents and the violent altercation with his robotic clone, had no past history with the jester Imp.
So, without anything to distract him from the work that would hopefully result in a payout that could potentially be used towards the dream of getting rid of a certain blond narcissist, the black haired magic user kept his eyes on the crowd.
Which turned out to be a bit of a mistake since the first person to rush up to the Jester was far more dangerous than a rabid fan.
"THERE HE IS! How's my brand baby doing? Ready to claim your win for another year?"
While this was perhaps the first time he had witnessed magical teleportation that had been accompanied by a sound that oddly enough sounded like a cash register, it wasn't enough to distract him from the fact that this being was very dangerous.
Yes at first glance his appearance didn't exactly look threatening. Though he had to admit that his standards were slightly warped since he was certain that many humans would find the image of a morbidly obese, multi armed jester to be very off putting. Especially since his smile had enough teeth to make a shark jealous.
But since one didn't to be a ruler of a Circle by looks alone, he knew that as far as threats went, Mammon was way out of his league.
Even if he was currently wearing a pleased expression as Fizzarolli, whose cheeks he was currently pinching in an slightly abusive/affectionate manner, gave him an answer that caused Blitzo to roll his eyes in disgust.
"You know it Mammon sir."
"Goooood. Cause, I just looked at your competition, and I'm not gonna lie, but it looks like this year will be pretty tough for you. So if you want to keep serving as my lack...I mean cash...I mean brand baby, your gonna need to bring your A game. And maybe lay off those processed foods. Remember, nobody is paying to see an overweight tub of lard perform circus tricks."
Which was rich coming from a Sin who probably spent all of his free time at the greasiest, most cholesterol inducing buffet that ever existed.
But since the power difference between the two was so vast it wasn't even funny, Harry wisely kept his mouth shut.
Though the same could not be said for his employer.
"That's rich considering your fat ass has probably never even heard of a salad."
...
Not bothering to release his prime product pusher as he turned to glare at the soon to be dead shit stain, Mammon's expression did a complete 180 as he took note of the tense looking reminder that there were somethings in existence, other than acquiring massive amounts of wealth, that brought a smile to his face.
"Now THIS is what I'm talking about Fizzy! THIS is the type of Hell spawn you should be catering to instead of the lower class plebs. Sure, he's a little on the scrawny side, but that just means he's still a few years from reaching his prime!"
Grinning at the understandably nervous kiddo, in a manner that was slightly less menacing than the smiles he flashed his employees, the embodiment of Greed felt himself scowling as Fizz's more mature bodyguard offered up further commentary.
"You're into fucking kids now? Fuck! I knew you were a lazy con artist after I used all my money to buy a ticket to that piss poor performance you called a performance. But I had no idea that your non stop trips to the buffet had caused you to start wanting something from the kiddy menu."
Summoning what little restraint he had, if only because a perfectly justified killing would sour the mood of one of his biggest money-making days of the year, Mammon felt his mood sour just a little bit more as his mouthpiece decided to try and convince him to spare the annoying Imp.
"Fo...forgive him sir. He...he was dropped on his head as a baby. He doesn't know what he says half the time. I wouldn't take him too seriously if I were you."
Releasing his pleading brand baby with a slight snarl, the corpulent Sin glared at his employee before his face sported his trademark grin.
"Well since you're not me Fizzy, remember your fucking place. But I suppose that since is gonna be your tenth time on stage, you're super focused on your performance and not on anyone else. So I'll allow it. This time."
Waiting until he received Fizzi's proper show of deference, Mammon returned his attention towards one of the few creatures in creation that deserved his respect.
"Hope you enjoy the show kid. And just between you and me, if you wanna get a little side action going, its alright by me so long as you fork over half of your earnings. Just remember, at your age, nothing is more likely to open a person's wallet than an innocent smile and a few tears. Now if you'll excuse me, I gotta go count this hour's profits."
And with one final grin, the embodiment of Greed teleported back to his office.
...
"What the fuck just happened?"
Having expected his presence to either be ignored or insulted by the Sin whose obesity easily dwarfed that of a less than lamented walrus, Harry had been caught off guard by just how friendly the embodiment of Greed had been.
A sentiment that was shared by his employer. Though in a manner that revealed that he cared more about his past grievance with Mammon rather than anything related to his younger employee.
"Your guess is as good as mine kid. Though keep your eyes peeled when dealing with him. He's got a history of acting cool to draw in paying customers, then once he has your money he just pathetically rambles on about one product after another in an attempt to part you from any remaining cash you managed to hold on to."
"Do remember that's my boss you're talking about. And frankly, if you're stupid enough not to save up for one of his events, the faults on you. Not Mammon."
Frowning at this bit of logic, for in his mind it sounded a lot like victim blaming, Harry soon sported a look of understanding as Fizzarolli answered his earlier question.
"Thats what you get for being a scaled fire breather kid. Mammon doesn't really have that much time for children, paying customers or not. But dangerous fire-breathing creatures that are universally known to hoard treasure and are willing to do whatever it takes to get more riches? He has a special fondness for them."
"Probably because they all grow up to be lazy fat asses that do nothing but sit around all day waiting for people to give them money so they don't kill anyone. Fucking narcissist."
Fighting the urge to curse Blitzo for his comment, if only because it would be better to seek revenge for his insulting and incomplete stereotype when his parents were around to get in on it, the green-eyed dragon Demon soon sported a smirk as the jester Imp came up with a retort.
"I'll be sure to tell Ozz that the next time he has a meeting scheduled with the Big S. I sincerely doubt that the Sin of Wrath would look kindly on those that believe dragons are just entitled couch potatoes."
Though enjoying the scowl that came over Blitzo's face, Harry nevertheless frowned as he pondered over the nature of his hellish 'transformation'. Specifically how Dragons were sometimes seen as creatures that had all the aspects of the 7 Sins, and how he currently possessed traits from most of them.
Envy wasn't something he felt anymore. Though he had often experienced it during the years where he had to watch other children being treated with love and care while he had struggled to survive on the scraps the Dursley's threw his way.
Lust was also something that he didn't really feel. Though if he thought about what his ideal girlfriend would be, something he occasionally thought of, he would have to say that it would be someone who was either slender in build or had some good meat and muscle on their bones. But most importantly they had to give warm hugs.
But the rest, with maybe the exception of Greed, he could easily identify with.
Wrath was a no-brainer since he showed little hesitation in getting back at those who pissed him off. Usually in ways that were inventive, and sometimes in ways that could only be called cruel.
His association with Gluttony was also rather easy to see. Figuratively at least since his metabolism ensured he would never have Dudder's proportions unless he really ate to excess. And even then it would be difficult.
Pride was also easy since he was immensely proud of who and what he was. But only because he had taken advantage of every opportunity his friends and family gave him to make something of himself. Unlike a certain ferret who believed he deserved praise just because his inbred nazi daddy was loaded.
Sloth? That one was a tad harder, but he did enjoy taking a nap every now again when there was nothing better to do. Binn's class was actually good for that when Loona or Via were too busy to text.
And as for Greed? Well, he would be lying if he said that the idea of being rich didn't interest with him. And while he did have a nice little trust fund courtesy of the Potters, he didn't want to rely on it unless he had to. Which meant that it was mainly used for school stuff, and the odd bit of bribery in the living world since Hell had its own form of currency.
And thus was worthless for his failing scheme to use deceased magic users as a source of income didn't pan out beyond learning one or two interesting details about various war criminals.
Not just because Blitzo refused to consider the potential fortune he could make if he melted down wizarding currency for the market price of gold, but also because of a lack of interested parties.
Most magic users who became Sinners had a tendency to be killed off during the Extermination. Either because they were specifically targeted by the Exorcists or because they stupidly believed that human-taught magic was superior to Heavenly arms.
But he supposed that it was for the best.
Better to ruin their reputation first before wasting a bullet.
….
Doing his best not to scowl as he noticed the kid's reflective expression, if only because it would provide more ammo for Fizz to tease him with, Blitzo spared a brief moment to shoot his friend a look of concern before refocusing on his task.
He knew Mammon was a piece of shit since he was 16. Though it had taken a shit performance and the loss of nearly a year of his carefully hoarded savings to see it. But he didn't think things were this bad for his childhood friend.
And he wasted no time in telling him so.
"Sooo...I don't suppose the tub of lard pays you extra to deal with his bullshit. I mean, I've always known that he's a piece of shit, and probably invented the concept of capitalism. But I would have thought that as the star of this shit show, you would have at least have earned some form of respect."
Having expected Fizz to either insult him for his observation or vehemently deny it, Blitzo was caught off guard by how broken his friend sounded.
"Shut up Blitz. I...I can't deal with this right now."
Flashing Fizz a look that stated that he was fully prepared to take on the burden of killing whoever he wanted dead, even if such a job would probably lead to suicide, the former circus performer quickly sported a more hostile expression as the runaway was filled with something other than cheers or praise for Mammon's longest lasting brand model.
"Awww. Is the little Imp feeling sad?"
"Well, he looks sad Glitz."
"Indeed he does Glam. Sad, and pathetic."
"Which is why this year...
"We'll be bringing home the troph.."
"Bacon!"
Originally he was going to tell these skanks, a pair of stick-thin fish-faced bitches from Envy, to piss off and leave them alone. But thanks to the opening provided by that little fumble, Blitzo decided to do what he always did in such situations.
"Wow. That was almost impressive. Shame you can't whores can't stick the timing. Otherwise I might have believed that your Momma didn't allow multiple fish to sperm up her eggs."
It was a more scientific insult than he usually gave. But spending time with the Kid occasionally did inspire him to be just a little more academic when it came to giving people a hard time.
Sadly though, his academically infused wit was not enough to keep the two skanks quiet for long.
"Fuck off you sad little gremlin!"
"No one gives a shit what you think."
"We're here for one reason."
"And one reason only."
Rolling his eyes at their cliche attempts to use twin speak to sound superior, a move that was weirdly enough copied by his younger colleague, Blitzo's expression morphed into one of disgust as they announced their intentions.
"We're here to win the crown from the has been jester."
...has-been
This wasn't the first time he had been faced with competition. There were after all countless beings in Hell who would undoubtedly love to have the chance to have the fame and riches that could potentially be earned by working with a Sin.
But this was perhaps the first time in a long while that he was truly concerned about keeping his station.
Because while Mammon had imposed a strict set of rules when it came to weeding out those worthy enough to work for him, if only because a dead contestant was unable to rake in the type of cash flow a living one could, this year he seemed willing to break one of the rules that had existed for decades, if not centuries.
That rule being the ban on women in the competition.
Which could only mean one thing.
Mamon was thinking about going in a new direction with his branding.
Yes, the poses these lithe bitches from Envy were more suited to the line of work that had more to do with Ozzie's line of work than Mamon's.
But while his protective rooster was only interested in the amount of sexually charged energy his employees could inspire, the only thing the Sin of Greed cared about was how much money they could rake in.
And if sex appeal was now a factor, he had his work cut out for him.
For if anyone saw the horrid mess that lay beneath all his makeup and cybernetics, they would find a.
"A FUCKING SELL OUT FREAK! THAT'S WHAT YOU ARE FIZZAROLLI! NOTHING MORE THAN A ARRGOANT PIECE OF WASHED UP TRASH!"
And just like that, his earlier anxiety about being good enough for Mammon was replaced with the anxiety that could only be brought about by a crazy hateful fan.
...
Annnnnnnd gonna end things here.
Hopefully you all enjoyed it. Mammon's persona in this story is, I believe, close to how he's portrayed in the show. It MIGHT be a tad uncharacteristic due to his attitude towards Harry. BUT I think it is doable since Mammon probably likes anything that reminds him of himself. And a Dragon does have that strong association with Greed.
Also, always nice to have Harry get a little reflective. Especially if its in relation to how he, and by extension humanity, can reflect all aspects of the Sins.
Anyways, please review. No flames.
Til next time.