Cyberpunk Returns in B.A.B.E. : A Beatrix Belladonna Tale

No matter how she looked at their predicament, everything appeared screwed to Beatrix. Rifles were trained on her, Oona, and the various bands from all directions, while the whir of black helicopters circled overhead like vultures. She thought about opening a portal to rush everyone into, but how quickly could she act? She doubted she had enough energy to erect a barrier against the hail of bullets. And the moment she twitched, another laser sight swiveled over her heart, warning her this was no joke.

If only there was a way to call upon reinforcements!

Kitsune and Wispy visibly tense their muscles, prepared to spring into action. Between the two of them, the yokai-altered assassins could probably take down all the assailants...had they not already gotten the drop on them.

“Don't do it,” Eclipsed urged quietly. “I-I can talk to the president! And then-”

“Really doubt that'll work,” muttered Carrion between metallic teeth. “They'll toss us in underground cells and torture us!”

Ropes lowered from the choppers, and masked soldiers started to slide down, cuffs and batons ready to apprehend the labeled terrorists. But before they could reach the girls, three monstrous silhouettes cast over them. The captain turned around and gasped,

“What the-!?”

Serpentine equines sneered down, maws baring teeth at the officers. Then, with a growl, they chased after the tropes, swerving their long scally bodies from gunfire. The bulky blue beast breathed out icy winds, the wave instantly freezing the tanks and soldiers standing. The curvy yellow monster shot lightning bolts at the helicopters, forcing the pilots to abandon their vehicles or risk getting electrocuted. And the spiny red serpent spewed flames to destroy abandoned tanks and cars.

All of this was done to draw attention towards the trio, before they let out a combined melodic wail that rippled the air with sound, propelling the armed forces away from the stage.

Fortunately, those below were spared the sonic screech that tore into the sky. Soldiers toppled, disoriented, their equilibrium momentarily shattered when many of them swayed and vomited into their masks.

Beatrix and company were smart enough to cover their ears until the shrieking serpents ended their chorus, staring back at the group. Kitsune and Wipsy were about to jump at the creatures when Eclipse approached the blue-colored beast. “B-Bass? Is that you!?”

“I’ll explain later,” he shouted, the jewels embedded in their necks glimmering brightly. The very same jewels Sixth Measure carried around as pendants. “You need to run!”

Eclipsed called back, “But what about y-”

“Now!” He bellowed once he and his brothers slithered through the air like eastern dragons, doing their best to fight back against the president’s military without harming the fleeing civilians that filled the concert arena.

With tearful eyes, she nodded and reluctantly fled with her companions.

“Don’t worry! We'll come back with help,” swore Beatrix, who knew this was way out of their league. With her finger, the witch pointed forward and began drawing an oval in the air. But her attempt was met by an unfamiliar crackle as space appeared to glitch around the rift.

“Oh no! What-”

Reality itself seemed to bend around the area, the air rippling and twisting. “What is this magic?” Managed Lady Ewe, her eyes widened before her words were swallowed up, alongside all sounds around them. The atmosphere around them split.

A mouth-like oval shimmered a sinister scarlet, rapidly closing over the bands and swallowing them up. “A-aah, crapcakes!” Cried Wispy as she was sucked in. Kitsune attempted to grab her and Eclipsed, only to be drawn in too. Carrion's wings beat helplessly, Obrya wrapping her tail around the equipment like Ruth, who hugged it as they spiraled into the swirling vortex. And eventually, Bass, Tenor, and Alto were pulled in as well, no matter how hard they tried swimming.

By the time the rift closed up, all of them had vanished. The shaken and scattered military were left to stare nonplussed at what had happened. Instead, their attention turned to the wild crowds, where they chucked canisters of tear gas to subdue them and shouted orders.

*****

In the restaurant, Mezzo sat across from the president, whose eyes were glazed over. The moment she started to sing, he was lulled into a trance, his consciousness trapped in his own desires. The second he had surrendered to the baser parts of his dragon instincts, they had started to overwhelm him with greed, until he was transformed into his bulkier state.

While the siren couldn't see what he had imagined, the words he muttered made his lurid fantasies quite clear. “Mmmnh~! Yeah, suck it harder you stupid bitch,” he commanded, his triple hard-ons visibly bunched up in his tight pants. “Stroke them nice and slow~!”

“Charming,” she scoffed with utmost disgust. At least his humiliation was being broadcasted, noting a couple of people who had wandered in taking out their phones to record the president humping against the table. Mezzo contemplated leaving Spike like this, permanently scrambling his mind. Bastard certainly deserved it.

But before she could consider it, something else caught her attention. A bizarre event played across the monitor; the former opera singer watched while her sons and the rest of the bands vanished in what appeared to be a dimensional tear. “What in the..!?”

Grunts came from Spike, who snapped back to reality. “H-huh... W-wha!? How did you-”

“Shut it, you degenerate,” Mezzo hushed, rising from her seat. “We're done here.” She quickly made her exit before he could make a grab at her. Her attention was far too focused on her sons to listen to Spike’s idle threats.

She doubted they were dead, but they could be anywhere! How was she to find them? Sixth Measure's platform had likely been confiscated. The mother siren would have to turn once more to underground sources to find a lead.

But where to start? The black markets again? Or, perhaps, one of the many gangs who hated President Spike more than she did...?

Smoke billowed from President Spike's nostrils when he watched her exit. He puffed up his muscular chest and exhaled to steady himself. His slit pupils darted to all the aristocrats and customers who had watched the whole ordeal. Then, snorting steam, he adjusted his attire and simply walked away, refusing to let his embarrassment show. That being said, the drake wouldn’t take this insult lying down.

Once outside the restaurant Spike tapped his earpiece, calling, “Sassy? Spike. Contact B.A.B.S. for me. I’ve got a new mission for them..!”

*****

Everywhere they looked, an endless clinical void of white stretched out. Eclipsed Heart blinked when awareness dawned on her. “Where are we?” She looked around then gasped, her neon pink eyes turned down to stare at her dark curves. “A-and why are we all naked?!” Blushing, the pop diva covered her breasts and crotch with her arms, aware her crushes were here too.

Wispy purposefully stretched her striped curves and teased, “Oh, don’t be a prude, princess. Most of us have seen it before! Besides, we’ve got more pressing matters!”

“Seems like some sort ov astral realm,” surmised Lady Ewe, whose cheeks also colored while she attempted to cover her massive mammaries. “What we see are mere projections ov our souls. We were swallowed up by a hole in th’ middle ov th’ concert.”

Beatrix's eyes darted around. “B-but how? Why?! Is it my fault again..?”

“Ah don't think so, Ceann Oga,” her lover gently assured. “Yer portal hoppin’ has ne’er gone astray like this. This might be someone else's doin’…”

“Couldn’t be Spike,” Alto added, arms crossed over his lean torso. “He’s a rich prick, but I doubt he has the means for teleportation technology…”

“Beats being imprisoned,” offered Tenor. “Or whatever he planned once he caught us…”

“As long as we’re all okay,” Bass sighed, looking at everyone present. “Not sure what happened, but we’ll find a way out of here.” His eyes briefly found Eclipsed before he jerked away, his cheeks burning, her figure burned into his mind.

Likewise, Eclipsed ducked further down to conceal herself. “This has to be a big misunderstanding! Once I talk with Spike-”

“Eclipsed, please…” Kitsune hissed, shaking her head with her arms crossed beneath her heavy breasts. “Surely you realize by now that the president is out to get us! We’re at a real disadvantage here! I can’t transform, and none of our powers are working. I fear it may be impossible to escape from this place…”

“N-no! Maybe I can…” But Beatrix hesitated to draw another portal. She had no clue what this space was. And if the wayward witch dared to create another rift, there was a chance she could make a klein bottle-shaped loop that could collapse the whole universe. Countless billions, herself included, would be crushed into nothingness. With a heavy sigh, she lowered her arm.

“We’ll find a way out ov here,” assured Lady Ewe, rubbing her lover’s shoulders.

Carrion Hellfire took flight, hopeful that she would see something. Her slim shoulders drooped. “Agh! No go! We are so fucked!!”

“That’s it? We just stay in here and die?! I can't do that! What about Dillon? What about our fans!?” Obrya slithered around the bright emptiness.

“Don't give up so soon, mate,” said Ruth, who stomped the floor.

“Ugh. If only we still had our equipment!” Alto grumbled, strolling about. “What happened to our stuff, anyhow?”

“Oh, it’s perfectly safe! Trust me,” an unfamiliar masculine voice called.

Everyone jumped at the source behind them, where a strange figure suddenly appeared. He wore a pale pin-striped suit, complete with a stylish feathered hat and bandana with a fang design. Bright yellowish-green eyes shined underneath the brim. A spaded tail whipped behind him.

“Baaah!! Who are you!?” Beatrix demanded.

“And why are you the only one clothed..?” Hissed Wispy, narrowing her feline eyes.

“Oh, I’ve been in and out of this place for a while now,” the devilish man explained. “Eventually, you get used to it and can will yourself some clothes. Though do take your time. I certainly don’t mind the view I’m getting~.”

All the undressed ladies aside from Obrya shielded their assets from his leer, making him chuckle. Bass barked, “Back off, pal!”

“Or what? You and your brothers will get scaly and sing me a song? I could use a little mood music! Go ahead,” he mocked, his hands glowing with red energy. “I dare you!”

“We can’t afford to fight,” Beatrix insisted, cutting in front of Sixth Measure. Turning to the suited stranger, she pleaded, “Please, sir. I don’t know what Spike is paying you, but if you’d let us go, I’ll-”

She was cut off by his laughter. “Haha! Relax, sweetheart. I’m not working for Spike… at least, not yet anyway~.”

“Yet!?”

“Name’s Sebastian Karz,” the pin-striped devil introduced himself, taking off his hat to bow. “But friends call me Seb. A pleasure to finally meet you, miss Belladonna~!”

He offered his hand to the witch. But before she could shake it, Oona smacked his hand away, glaring hotly. “Keep yer hands off her!”

“Yeesh! Has anyone ever told your girlfriend she’s pretty hostile for a lamb?” Seb snickered, rubbing his hand.

Pulling Beatrix away, the dream shaman whispered, “If what Ah suspect is correct, we need tae make sure he doesn’t touch anyone, Ceann Oga.”

Beatrix gave a concerned look and questioned, “Why, what’s up?”

“Look at him, Beatrix. Does he not remind ye ov someone..?”

The witch looked over Seb, who readjusted his tie and slid his hands into his pockets. His eyes gazed over to everyone present, everyone on edge with suspicion. It was hard to see with the hat and face mask, but his skin appeared to be gray in tone upon closer observation.

“Hey yeah! He kinda reminds me of Moxxi a little-” Then her violet eyes widened in realization, covering her mouth. “... ooooohhh noo!! Are you saying he’s another-”

Oona hushed her lover, noting the pin-striped devil glanced at them curiously. “Let’s keep that tae ourselves fur now…”

“If you wanna talk shit about me, I'd rather you say it to my face,” the demon-like creature suggested. “Awfully rude, y’know.”

Cautiously, Beatrix approached the shady character, clearing her throat. “‘Seb,’ was it? Why did you pull us here if you’re not in cahoots with Spike?”

“I didn’t,” he responded. “This space existed long before I showed up. It seemed like it responded to you when you tried creating another portal. If that’s the case, I reckon getting out of here is completely up to you, Beatrix. Considering you’re the one who helped set this mess in motion, after all.”

“Y-yeah, well...” Beatrix focused like the rest of them, and slowly, one-after-another, their chosen attire started to appear over them. Around them, the void began to change too, filled by pastel flora and moist earth. Reacting to the witch's imagination and her Prima Materia, their surroundings became more like Eden, the nudist paradise planet she had once found herself on.

“Ahh! Ah think Ah understand,” noted Lady Ewe, who touched one of the trees. “Ceann Oga, yer arrival in this world brought a new source ov magic. Like a seed which th’ Elements ov Harmony had tae nurture tae reactivate.”

Beatrix balked. “You mean a new Tree of Harmony has been birthed here...?”

“Aye. But fur th’ moment, it's a wound in reality. We might not be able tae leave this world until it's nurtured. An’ perhaps never should it perish!” She shuddered at the thought. “But Ah think ye should be able tae transport us back.”

“Where were we? That's hardly safe,” scoffed Wispy who flicked an ear.

The dream shaman shook her head. “Beatrix can redirect us somewhere she's been. Before that, however, Ah suggest we explore this place a wee bit further. If Seb is bein’ truthful, a bleed should have consumed us. Yet yer Prima Materia protected us. Ah believe it's formed a bubble around us. And, as such, this may be a chance tae learn some of its secrets. If ye’d please, Ceann Oga...”

“As long as you’re certain we’re safe here,” Beatrix nodded, exhaling the fresh scents. “Well, at least this makes for pleasant scenery!”

“I’ll say,” complemented Seb, who stroked his hand over a tree, admiring its likeness. “Not bad at all… though I much prefer a casino. Bright lights, flashing games, lots of people dressed to impress to become the best.” He turned towards the group, his mask concealing an unmistakable grin. “Any of you ladies perhaps interested in becoming showgirls~?”

“Shut your mouth!” Growled Alto as he, alongside his brothers, got back in Seb’s face. “You can’t be trusted!”

“And you can?” Wispy butted in, arms folded under her squishy bust. “Don’t think we didn’t see you turn into sea monsters a moment ago. You boys have got some explaining to do!”

Each debonair boy eased up on their aggression, knowing the nekomata was right. Then, Sixth Measure walked towards a purple-hued lake with a weary sigh. Once the boys waded in, their bodies glimmered and revealed their fish-like scales and fins. Their entire lower bodies became tails, hued by each member’s primary color and shape. Eclipsed sucked in a breath, soulful eyes taking in the trio who shimmered in the light.

“The truth is…” Bass began uneasily. “... we’re sirens.”

“Sirens?! But I thought they were an all-female race!” Beatrix exclaimed.

“Actually, male sirens aren’t unheard ov,” Oona corrected. “Though certainly a rarity, A’ve heard tales from female lords an’ sailors. How they were enthralled by th’ shanties ov men wit fishtails.”

“That would explain why so many fangirls go gaga for them…” The cat woman huffed.

“It’s not like that,” Alto insisted amidst a splash. “We never use our power to control our audience! Well, not unless we have too...”

“Our melodies aren’t strong like mother's,” explained Tenor. “It only works when we’re in harmony. And even then, the effect wears off very quickly.”

“I’m sorry I kept this from you,” Bass apologized directly to Eclipsed. “I-I wasn’t sure how’d you react…”

“W-wow.” She blushed and stepped into the waters to meet them. Hesitantly she touched Bass' arm and stroked it. “You're all so handsome! Y-you especially!”

“A-are you sure? You’re not bothered by the…”

She shook her head, smiling brightly as the water half-swallowed her. “Nonsense! If anything, it makes me want to be with you more! I’d also love to meet your mother. Because truth be told, I can't remember my parents or my childhood!”

“We're pretty much in the same boat,” replied Wispy, who nudged at her vixen sister. “No wonder we all teamed up!”

“And we'll always be with you,” swore Kitsune, who squeezed the hands of her fellow band members. “We'll help you find your past, and hopefully our own on the way.” She closed her eyes and lost herself in reminiscence.

“Th’ answer may be closer than ye think,” confessed Lady Ewe, who stood at the shore when she turned between Eclipsed and Beatrix. “Ah had a theory th’ moment we met ye, Eclipsed Heart. A'm reminded ov another friend ov ours, Midnight Blitzer.” She sighed, uncertain how to break the truth to her. “But now that we're here, A'm almost certain it's true.”

Wispy planted hands on her wide hips. “Well, don't keep us all in suspense!”

“Yeah,” said Ruth cheerily when the shark woman quickly took to the pristine lake. “Don't keep us in the dark! I'm sure she can handle it!”

Carrion perched atop a tree like a bird of prey. “So, what's the lowdown? Does the pop princess come from another world?”

Obrya lounged on the shore. “Or maybe she was genetically or magically altered like most of us?” Her palm traced down her snake tail.

Seb kept silent, interested to hear about this sudden development.

Lady Ewe shook her head, all attention now focused on her and Eclipsed. “Not exactly. Eclipsed Heart...ye're...” Her bosom heaved when she inhaled deep, prepared to break this delicately as she could. “Ah believe Beatrix's subconscious created you.”

“Wh-what...?” Eclipsed rapidly blinked. “B-but, how is that possible? Are you saying I wasn't born?!”

“In a sense,” confirmed the dream shaman. “Or tae be mair accurate, ye were conceived in this 'Bleed' an’ birthed intae reality wit help from th’ Prima Materia. Th’ version ov ye Beatrix an’ Ah know, Cerise Silhouette, came from such an unlikely union, King Sombra and Pacific Glow, that it was quite unlikely tae be replicated in another universe. But if Beatrix wished she would see ye here...”

Eclipsed swayed on her feet and fell into Bass' arms, tears in her eyes. “S-so, I'm not real...?”

“Don’t think like that,” assured Bass, holding her close. “You’re as real as any one of us! You're flesh and blood, with an independent will.”

“This is so much to take in,” admitted Eclipsed, who looked to Beatrix, uncertain how to feel. “Would that make you my mom?”

“What?! No! I already have–I-I mean! I didn't mean for this to happen,” Beatrix stammered, struggling to meet her eyes.

“No, no! It's okay! I-I'm happy to be alive,” cried Eclipsed, who burst into fresh tears. It all started to make sense to her. Like why she felt perpetually trapped in adolescence, as she struggled to mature and catch up with her seasoned peers!

She took comfort from Wispy and Kitsune, Bass and his brothers, who huddled around the pop princess to support her. Likewise, the 'rival' band looked on in sympathy for her. The revelations slowly sank in, Eclipsed able to intuit her talents came from her would-be father and mother, despite her unlikely origins. Most curiously, the crystals she now found herself able to form out of seeming nothingness.

“I'll take you to meet Cerise Silhouette sometime,” promised Beatrix with a sad smile.

“I'd like that,” answered Eclipsed, smiling back. “But I'm not ready yet. I want her to see me when I'm at my best!” She worried that her counterpart was far ahead of her, and that she would somehow come off as silly, in comparison.

“Awwww, how sentimental,” Seb broke in, causing everyone to sneer at him. “Hate to cut this moment short, but you might wanna leave this place soon. Everyone’s bound to be looking for you.”

“Now, hold on,” Wispy interrupted, narrowing her gaze twin tails flicked about. “You mentioned something about working with Spike. Why?”

Popping his coat collar, he responded, “I’m a simple man, pussycat. Spike’s offered a lot of money for your heads. Money I could use to advance my agenda. So I figured I’d get ahead of the competition and track you guys.”

“Figures,” Oona scoffed. “Sae ye’re plannin’ tae turn us in th’ moment we get out?”

“What, and just collect my cheque like I’m at the bank?” The demon shook his head. “Nah, that’d be too damn easy! It’s ain’t always about the money, lambchop. I’m in this purely because I'm a natural-born gambler~!”

Beatrix perked her eyebrow, curious. “And what exactly are you gambling..?”

Seb chuckles, waving his finger. “You’re a thrillseeker too, right? I’m sure you’ll figure it out.”

“Bold of you to assume we’ll let you leave this place alive,” Kitsune threatened.

“All part of the game, foxy. Always wanted to see how quick a kunoichi is on the draw~!”

“Look, just give us an hour,” requested Lady Ewe, who squeezed her lover's hand. “I promise we'll be ready by then.”

“Fine by me,” Seb shrugged, pulling out a hand of cards to shuffle. “It’s not like my life’s on the line here. Hehehe~”

“Fucking cad,” spat Alto.

“Forget him,” said Tenor. “We'd better check on our mother once we're back. I mean, after all that happened, she’ll surely be worried.”

“Pft. That would be a first,” scoffed the middle brother. “She can take care of herself,” Despite his words, doubt was clearly written on his face.

Wispy slid up by his side and whispered, “I still owe you. So maybe I’ll take care of you once we return, hmm~?” She winked at him.

“Heh. I'll hold you to that~!” A sly smirk lit up his face.

At instructions from Lady Ewe, everyone formed a circle and held hands. Their eyes closed once they concentrated in unison, focused on where they wished to return to, somewhere safe from President Spike's watchful eyes. Gradually, their surroundings started to blur around them. And in a brilliant flash, all of them disappeared.

*****

After the return trip home, President Spike took a moment to settle in at his desk. He visibly seethed, and smoke pooled from his flared nostrils, unable to forget how that bitch Mezzo had gotten the better of him. Fortunately, his secretaries were swift to see his distress and attempted to calm him, crouched naked before him as they resumed their worship of his cocks.

At the same time, he sent a call out to his old hit squad. “Babs Seed? It's the president speaking.”

“Really not the best of time, boss,” she answered while the rattle of constant gunfire and hiss of lasers sounded in the background. “We've been trying to drive the Redcaps to the brink of extinction, and they're getting desperate! So make it snappy! Damn!” She wheezed.

“Sure thing,” he replied with a grunt; using his free hand pushed Sassy's heated mouth down to the hilt of his crotch and bucked his hips into their heated faces. “Mmnaagh~! I need you to get your team back together and deal with some old friends. Beatrix and Oona Ewe are wanted for treason.” For a moment silence fell.

“What?! You can’t be serious! They helped save the world from that loony scientist you hired! Plus, I sold the rights to B.A.B.E.!”

“Those rights don't apply to terrorists. Those two have rallied B.A.B.E., S.L.U.T., and Sixth Measure into their act. They're all traitors! I need your team's expertise to help track them down. Think of it as a race…” He said with a smirk, loving the lewd suckles that sounded below him. “You find them; you get to handle them in a friendly manner if you want. But If my officers get a hold of them, well… Heh! I bet many of them would love to get a grasp of those curves~.”

There was a another pause before Babs answered. “...alright, fine. I'll talk it over with my unit. But I’m not killing them. End of discussion!”

“Copy that.” He clicked away from the call, just in time as his shafts withdrew from the hot lips of his lovers, still connected by strings of mixed precum and saliva. Grunts rose from deep in his belly. The three tools pulsed and unloaded across their faces, into their open mouths, and across their tongues, which they stuck out to accept his fiery seed. He wheezed in contentment. “Aahh. That feels much better, thank you...”

Adorned by his masculine makeup, the three smiled and started to lick his half-erect dicks clean. He closed his eyes and began to imagine Mezzo was amongst them, ready to accept her place. Though Spike highly doubted Babs could be relied on, given her reluctance. Perhaps he should make another call? He gave a hefty price over their heads, so certainly some more assassins would ensure his imminent victory..?

It dawned on him that he no longer felt wet sensations over his throbbing dicks, his brows furrowing with a snort. “Hey! I don’t remember asking any of you to…”

When he opened his eyes, a new figure was seated in front of his desk. The crook gave a friendly wave and offered, “Aye, boss~!”

Immediately, Spike rose up in alarm. “Who the fuck!? How did you get past my security?!”

“W-we don’t know,” Rarity said. “There was a flash of light, and he suddenly appeared!”

“It was a spectacular entrance,” laughed the pin-striped devil. “A shame you couldn’t see it, lost in the motion and all~.”

Huffing, Spike fumbled his cocks back into his trousers, glaring deathly at the intruder. “You have twelve seconds to vacate my tower before-”

“Whoa, now! Take it easy,” the stranger said, holding out his hands. “Is this how you treat all your potential employees?”

“Potential what!?”

“O-oh! I think he’s referring to the bounty you placed on Beatrix and friends,” offered Coco, who cleaned her slimy face with a silk napkin before providing another to Sassy and Rarity.

Spike took a moment to compose himself with a soft hiss before sitting down. “Didn’t catch your name…”

“Seb’s the name,” the creature started as he put out a card that glowed. The secretaries gasped when a pistol suddenly appeared. Giving it a twirl, he continued, “And dealing cards is my game. I’ve come to offer up my services, amigo.”

Spike stared at the gun, unthreatened. “And why should I consider your offer? Last time I gave a shady individual a job, he nearly ruined my business!”

Seb snorted. “Sure, like that’s the reason everyone in this city hates you~.”

The dragon growled. “You’ve got a lot of balls for someone within firebreathing distance. I’d watch your tone. Now answer my question!”

“Because I know where Beatrix and her little pals are heading,” answered the gunslinger. The party didn’t know that one could escape the ‘Bleed’ just by picturing themselves elsewhere. Thus how he managed to infiltrate the tower unimpeded. “And unlike your half-paid goons, I get shit done.”

“Oh really,” Spike mused with a raised brow. “Show me your weapon.”

Handing it over butt first, the dragon examined the craftsmanship. Then, grinning, he said, “It’s a very nice gun…” before he took aim at the shady dealer. “I think I’ll take it!”

The girls gasped and ducked out of the way, holding their ears. But when Spike pulled the trigger, the pistol shot backward , the round biting into his firing arm amidst a pop.

“GRAAAAAAAGH!!” He screamed, clutching at his wound as blood oozed out.

“Now, why would you go and do a stupid thing like that?” The demon asked slyly.

“Coco!” Rarity said, urging her friend to retrieve a medical kit from the wall, who dashed off.

Sassy seized the gun and pointed it once more at Seb’s head, visibly shaken. “Bastard! One more word out of you and I’ll-”

“I’d put that down if I were you,” he threatened, his slime-colored eyes leering up at her. “That gun only works for me. So unless you wanna end up like your dick-headed boss, you’ll give it back.”

As Seb opened his palm, Sassy reluctantly relinquished his weapon, watching as it shifted back into a card that he slipped up his sleeve.

Spike snarled when Coco fixated a bandage around his shoulder. Emerald eyes glared at the pin-striped devil, seething through hot pants that shook him. “... What the hell are you?!”

Crossing his legs, Seb eased into his chair, replying, “I’m just a simple gambler. And I’d like to play a little game.”

“Absolutely not!” Objected Rarity, whose lips curled at the intruder while she wiped her cum stained face. Her mascara smeared while she tried to reclaim her dignity over the gaudy stranger. “You’ll be escorted out of the building this instant!! I’m calling security-”

“I’m in charge here!!” Spike wheezed, reaching for her wrist to seize it. Rarity gasped in fright, pulling her arm free. His gaze softened, realizing he had come off too strong.

Instead, he focused his anger back on the gangster garbed demon. As much as he wanted to toss this fucker out the window, he couldn’t deny Seb’s skillset thus far. He managed to sneak in when he didn’t expect it. And the gun he produced was unlike anything the drake had witnessed. What other tricks did the gambler have up his sleeve, he wondered.

Spike relaxed as best he could, with Coco rubbing his wounded shoulder, taking back his seat. Then, clearing his throat, he said, “Alright, ‘Seb.’ Let’s hear about this game of yours.”

His smile spread underneath his bandanna once he turned to Sassy, who slipped back into a dress. “Be a dear and pour me a glass of whiskey.”

“The nerve! I don’t answer to-”

“Just do it,” Spike ordered, much to his secretary's dismay. She walked over to a cabinet and bent down to retrieve them, no doubt giving the bastard a nice view of her skirt-clad ass. She then returned with the requested items.

“Good,” Seb nodded. “Now fill it up without spilling over.”

Sassy did as commanded, pouring the drink to the point of almost overflowing. The pin-striped devil chuckled. “I figured with all this power at your disposal, you’d have to be a betting man! Today’s just my lucky day~!”

“Can’t get anywhere without a little risk involved,” Spike agreed. “Now, name your bet.”

Nodding, Seb produced some old-fashioned currency from his pocket, sprinkling the golden coins known as Bits onto the table. “It’s simple. Just guess how many coins the glass will allow without spilling a single drop. If you win, I’ll have your criminals handled in half a day.”

“Sounds impressive,” Spike considered before frowning. “And if I don’t win?”

“Then, in the future, you’ll owe me a favor of my choice,” the demon stated. “Might be tomorrow, could be two weeks from now. But I’ll let you know when it’s time to pay up~.”

“Huh… I was expecting you’d want my company,” the dragon admitted.

Seb shrugged nonchalantly. “Everyone wants to live on top of the world. But us businessmen gotta think of the bigger picture.”

This made the president chuckle. “You certainly talk a lot, don’t you? Now, let me ask this. With such low stakes, why would I take this bargain?”

“Well, that depends on how badly you value your reputation,” counted Seb, who pressed his fingers together. “Sure, you could walk away. But then you’d be admitting that the press, the people, and your enemies were all right about you…”

As he continued, he leaned in close, his eyes narrowed into a sinister glare. “... that you’re nothing but a spineless coward!”

Spike almost slammed his fist into the table, but he controlled himself. He wasn't about to be outdone and humiliated by another upstart. Especially not in front of his lovers! With cool fury he muttered, “...two coins. That’s all I need!”

“I wouldn’t be too sure about that…” Seb tsked teasingly as he picked up and pair and steadily hovered them above the glass.

Instantly, Spike felt sweat drip profusely down his brow, claws tightly clenched. He felt his heart skip a beat as the coins dropped into the glass. The liquid swooshed around but didn't tip over. A deep sigh of relief left his maw.

Seb whistled. “Well, would you look at that? Lady Luck was smiling on you tonight! Congratulations, sir. Pleasure doing business with you, boss~!”

Spike took the drink and downed it in one gulp to celebrate the occasion. He cast the questionable character with a smile. “The pleasure is all mine, Seb. I look forward to seeing you again in twelve hours!”

“Oh, mark my words. I’ll make all your troubles disappear,” he swore, offering his hand out to receive a firm shake. The gaudy dealer held onto Spike’s paw for a moment, his eyes briefly narrowed in concentration. Then, releasing his hold, he made his way towards the elevator before Spike called for him.

“Before you head out, I’d like Sassy and Coco to accompany you,” he ordered, much to their combined shock.

“B-but sir, we-” Sassy began protesting until the president silenced them.

“I want to make sure Beatrix, Oona, and all those upstarts never interfere with my business again! So I need you to help Seb track them down. Is that clear?” His harsh face settled on them.

“I-I… yes sir,” Coco said, lowering her head when she and her friend flanked the demon dealer.

“Mmm,” Seb mused, his eyes taking in their generous flesh contained by thin dresses. “Am I right to assume they’ll do anything I ask~?”

“Anything,” nodded the president dismissively. “But I expect them back unharmed.”

“Of course, boss! We’ll keep in touch,” assured Seb, who wasted no time wrapping his arms around their waist and securing them closer. Rarity watched as the trio descended down the elevator, confliction clear on her messy face.

But Spike took no notice, far too ecstatic about the plans he set in motion. So excited, in fact, that the drake knew he couldn’t sit this one out! No, this would be like an adventure of old. A hunt, like he was one of his draconic ancestors!

Soon, the president would spring his trap around all who defied him to cement his place at the top!