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

The declining elevator ride was taut. While aware that most of her emotions were artificial, Sassy Saddles couldn’t help but feel unnerved by Seb’s presence. And turning to Coco Pommel, she found the same expression of caution across her face. The muzak was almost welcome.

For the moment, the pin-striped devil had released his hold on each android’s supple curves. Instead, he tapped his foot and hummed a tune while eying the security camera.

“You’re wasting your time if you think you can get past our defenses,” the fiery-haired secretary warned.

Coco nodded, adding, “We won’t fall for any tricks you have up your sleeve!”

Their declaration only earned a stiff chuckle from the gambler, who retorted, “Is that a fact?”

The elevator landed on the ground floor, signaled by a ding. Faster than their sensors could indicate, Seb pounced upon Sassy, pinning the droid’s synthetic body into the wall. A sharp gasp escaped her mouth as she felt callus fingers rub along her inner thigh. Her cheeks flushed, trying to push the stranger off of her until her nether lips were stroked.

“Gaagh! W-what are you doing!? Get off of me!!”

“Not bad!” Seb huskily slurred into her ear, using another hand to lift up the skirt of her dress, exposing her delicate pussy. His lime-yellow eyes looked over the sticky liquid that webbed around his index and middle finger. “Those engineers did a fine job replicating your womanly parts. So authentic!”

He fingered her gushing cunt, earning more heightened moans and mewls from Sassy. Coco was frozen like a deer in headlights. She had every right to cease this molestation. But since the president gave him permission to ‘use them how he wished,’ to interfere would go against her programming. So she just watched, legs rubbing together.

Seb took notice and mockingly praised, “He even went so far as to give you visual stimulation! He’s a dedicated man; I’ll give him that. But It’s such a shame all this technology is being wasted in nostalgia. Because he knows deep down a robot can never compare to a real woman~.”

They both gasped in alarm. “H-how do you-aaaaahh~!”

Seb tweaked his fingers inside Sassy’s womanhood, finding a particular spot that caused her sensitive receptors to go into overdrive, making her cry louder.

“Every player brings something to the table to help them win the game,” elaborated the card demon. “In my case, I’ve got this special little touch that allows me to discern every thought of whoever I come in contact with. That simple handshake we shared allowed me to see all the cards he’s dealing with. As well as insight about you beautiful bots~.”

“N-no! That can’t be possible!” refused Coco with a shake of her head.

“Want proof? I’m about to rearrange this cyber slut’s programming with a press of a button,” Seb declared, flexing his fingers deeper. “Spike may have been thorough when designing you sex droids. But his avarice and vice blinded him to one major flaw…”

Sassy felt her body achieve climax with a couple more thrusts, static wrapping around her form while she wailed at the elevator roof. It was that moment that Seb tapped a small button that popped out of the nape of her neck. Once pressed, the twitching droid powered down, leaning on the window frame unconscious.

“Sassy!!”

“Those stimulation sensors are way overtuned,” explained Seb, who pulled out a napkin to clean the sticky femcum drenching his fingers. “Horny bastard’s so desperate to keep his dicks wet, he failed to realize a hard enough ‘orgasm’ gives a brief window for someone to hit her factory reset switch!”

Coco shot a piercing glare at the gambler. “You won’t get away with this. When Spike sees the camera footage, he’ll-”

“He’ll do fuck all,” Seb cut off. “See, if he was smart with his alien hardware, he’d invest in some recording tech so he could make out what we’re saying. You think I’d attempt this ploy if I had a chance of getting caught?”

The synthetic woman did her best to maintain a brave front, but she couldn’t control her trembling under those calculating slime-yellow eyes.

“And even if I did get my comeuppance, your boss couldn’t give two shits about what happens to you. Rarity at least has a warm soul inside that erotic hardshell. But you two? You’re practically expendible!”

Before she could retort, Sassy rose up once her system was rebooted. Her eyes opened to fire a scanning beam onto the pin-striped devil in front of her. With a smile to her snout, she said, “Imprint scan: complete. What is my first directive, master Seb?”

“No need for the formalities or catchy titles,” dejected the gambler. “Seb will do just fine.”

“Of course,” the android bowed her head before re-stating, “What is my first directive?

Coco shuddered as Seb’s eyes fell on her again. And even with the bandana covering half his face, she could tell the bastard was smirking underneath.

“From what I’ve gathered, Coco knows the location of every factory that manufactures Spike’s hardware and military equipment. More importantly, she knows where that U.F.O is. Be a dear and help her settle into our new ‘business model.’”

“At once,” replied Sassy, who wasted no time pinning Coco into the elevator wall and locking their lips together. The panicking woman struggled to pull away, muffling a cry when she slid her hands down to caress Coco’s dripping mound.

Managing to pull away, she pleaded, “S-Sassy, stop! This isn’t you, y-you’ve been–mmmph~!!”

But Sassy ignored her friend’s protests, focused on completing her task. Seb leaned against the doors with his arms folded. Chuckling, he said “Relax, babydoll. At least when you work for me, I’ll make sure every part of you is put to good use~!”

It wouldn’t be long until Coco was rerouted to become a part of his acquisition. And once he had access to Spike’s technology and facilities, the real game would begin. He took a peek at the clock, which showed the current time.

“Hmm. Ten-Twenty,” the card demon mused. “I did promise Beatrix and Oona an hour. I can use this time to improve my hand~!”

*****

After they escaped the 'Bleed' in reality, Beatrix, Oona, B.A.B.E, and S.L.U.T found themselves transported back to where they wished. Which happened to be the Komodo hideout, where the witch landed with a thump on a couch alongside her lover.

“Yowch!” cried Beatrix, who stood and rubbed her bottom. “One of these days, we’ll land somewhere comfy. Did everyone make it okay?”

“Ah believe sae,” observed Lady Ewe, seeing who was present before frowning. “All except Seb are here. He must have wished himself elsewhere.”

“Thank goodness!” Eclipsed sighed with relief, clinging to Bass’s arm. “That guy gives me the creeps…”

“Yeah, I bet that greedy sleazeball is already at the president’s tower,” proclaimed Wispy, whose fur prickled with vexation. “As if the bastard needed more help in killing us!”

Kitsune shook her head, suggesting, “No, I suspect there’s more to Seb’s ‘allegiance’ than mere greed.”

“Whatever the case, he can’t be trusted,” affirmed Bass, who protectively wrapped his arms around Eclipsed. “We better watch our backs.”

Beatrix nodded before properly surveying the tunnel, riesling that it was eerily quiet. All the neon lights decorating the walls were out, and no reptoid was in sight. “Hey, where are the Komodos?”

Obrya cupped her hands over her mouth and called, “Dillon? Babe, you here?!”

“They must be out on the streets,” proposed Riptide Ruth, scratching her chin. “Probably found Halloween Party members trespassing their turf again.”

“Well, at least we can lay low here for a while until they get back,” Carrion Hellfire said as she dropped onto a sofa and stretched her metallic wings and legs.

“I’m calling mom,” offered Tenor, who pulled out a cellphone. “Need to let her know we’re okay.”

“She’s probably pissed we outed ourselves in the public eye,” admitted Alto, his arms folded tightly into his chest. But his attention was taken by the nekomata, who sidled up to the rockstar.

“Hey, don’t be so hard on yourself, Alto,” insisted Wispy, who took his arm and rested her cheek on his shoulder. “You did the right thing despite potentially harming your reputation.”

“I don’t care what the public thinks,” he said, loosening up. “I just want my brothers and everyone else to be safe.”

“The feeling’s mutual, believe me,” she nodded, eying Alto with a suggestive gaze. “Now, how about we go somewhere so I can give you a ‘proper’ thank you~?”

After a moment’s hesitation, Alto let out a sigh before nodding. Kitsune watched her sister and the middle brother disappear into an unoccupied room before shaking her head.

“Can we even afford the time to relax?” the fox woman questioned.

“Not much else we can do now,” assured Eclipsed Heart, who had already settled in at another couch with Bass. “We'll need our strength for the upcoming events ahead!”

Despite the assurance from her close friend, Kitsune refused to allow her defenses to drop so easily. Growling, she made her way towards the hideout’s entrance.

“What’s up with her?” asked Beatrix.

“Beats me,” the shark woman shrugged. “Kit has always been on edge about everything. Doesn’t know when to give herself a break.”

“Ah don’t blame her,” said Oona with pursed lips. “Our list ov enemies keeps growin' by th' hours!”

“Nothing we haven’t handled before,” huffed the witch confidently. “Whether it’s an egocentric millionaire or a sharply dressed con man, we’ll overcome the odds! Just as we always have.”

“Ah fear it’ll take mair than sheer luck an' skill this time around, Ceann Oga,” the dream shaman rebutted. “We’ll need all th' help we can get…”

Still, Oona did her best to calm her worried nerves by indulging in a shot of alcohol, much to Beatrix’s surprise. Soon, everyone partook in an activity to keep themselves busy. Obrya had her head glued to her phone screen, asking her followers over the web to support the upcoming charity concert. Ruth went back to maintenance on what equipment she still had while Carrion set up the pool table for a potential round of billiards.

Of course, the one exception was Kitsune, who went outside and took to the roof. She narrowed her eyes to scan the horizon, uncertain when the enemy would strike. She stood still like a stone sentinel, her hand firmly grasping the hilt of her beam saber, ready to unsheath at any detectable movement. Darkness had fallen, the vixen's silhouette imprinted on the moon.

But behind her cold mask, a squall of emotions she thought no longer existed began to brew. How could her allies be content to mess around during such dire circumstances? Why did she always have to be the one on alert for danger?

‘No… that’s too harsh,’ she scolded to herself. ‘You’ve always been like this. It’s because you’re a killer. A weapon. And nothing more.’

Kitsune thought back to Lady Ewe and Beatrix, and how content the former was just being by the latter's side, no matter the consequence. Shame and envy swelled within her chest as bitter tears streamed down her matted fur. She knew the real reason she came out here. Not out of sworn duty or protection. But to hide how sorely her heart ached. How badly she wanted to have what Eclipse and, to an extent, Wispy coveted.

Her ears flicked at a sound behind her, instinctively drawing her weapon to swing behind her.

“Whoa whoa!! Easy, mate!” Ruth exclaimed, her arms raised in defense. “It’s just me!”

Kitsune’s hard glare softened, her stance loosening as she resealed her blade. “You know better than to sneak up on me like that. I nearly decapitated you!”

“Yeesh, girl! Chill! I was only checking up on you. But I’ll be out of your hair.”

Just as the shark woman was about to head back down, the kunoichi’s voice stopped her.

“Wait… I could use the company, actually,” Kitsune confessed.

A wide toothy grin spread Ruth’s snout before she took a seat. “Now that’s more like it! I know it can get lonely sometimes.”

Kitsune stiffened before retorting, “I’m not lonely.”

“Pha! Sure you are. I can see it every time you stare at your bandmates. Beatrix also mentioned how chummy you and the sheep babe we're getting~.”

The vixen folded her arms underneath her bust, unable to look Riptide Ruth in the eye.

The sharknoid gave a heavy sigh before continuing. “Look, Kit, I get it. Really, I do! I’m not exactly ‘easy on the eyes,’ as they say. Hellion has her fan flings, and Obrya’s got a whole alligator to herself. Those two are lucky their mutations didn’t completely rid them of their ‘human’ features. But not everyone’s up to swim with a ‘scary shark monster’...”

This got the fox woman to look at Ruth, realizing how selfish she sounded. “I’m so sorry,” she apologized before sitting down. “I should be more grateful for the people in my life…”

“Nah, I didn’t mean it like that,” Ruth assured, wrapping her with one big arm. “What I’m saying is that it’s okay to be lonely. But don’t let it eat at you. I’m sure I’ll find someone that’ll look past the hard scales and rows of teeth and appreciate my ‘true’ beauty. Just as there’s someone out there who’ll appreciate yours.”

“You… really believe that?”

“Sure do! And, hey. Whatever ails ya', you can come to me, okay?”

“I...okay,” nodded Kitsune, who shyly looked back down. Wispy and Eclipsed had a better rapport with people, while she always felt at home during the heat of action. While she doubt she'd ever find companionship like the shark woman suggested, the thought was still enticing.

For now, though, she was content to sit beside Ruth as time passed by. Driven out of society by President Spike, they knew it wouldn’t be long until their forces scoured the land to hunt them down. Would they be ready by then...?

*****

Alto let out a grunt as Wispy pushed him into a chair set in the center of the room. “Now, stay right there, cutie,” the nekomata purred. “I owe you an apology after leading you on, and I plan on delivering~!”

The red-haired singer snickered and replied, “Man, you really go all out on everything, don’t ya?”

“Part of my style!” She locked the door with a click, her twin tails left to sway behind the striped tigress. “Think you can handle all this pent-up energy~?” She winked and swayed her wide hips when she started to saunter over.

“Oh, you know it!” Alto licked his lips, his eyes pinned on her when she hooked the zipper to her crimson catsuit, which she slowly zipped down from the neck. Her breasts were almost freed with a bounce as she bared her navel, then stopped above her womanly mound. She licked her bare teet, hungrily eying the young singer.

“I do hope there’s no hard feelings between us,” Wispy pouted playfully when she tugged down his attire until the singer’s chest was bare for her to stroke. “I didn't want to lead you on, truly! But I must help my friends!”

“Nah, I get it,” he nodded. “Family’s just as important, despite how much I despise my mother lately…”

“Shhhh,” hushed Wispy, who placed a finger on his lips. “You don’t have to worry about that. I’m your mommy now~” She took a step back and slowly slid her arms out of her attire until her heavy, pale breasts wobbled free.

“H-hooly fuck!!” Alto meeped, his eyes wide and face glowing, pinned to her perky pink nipples.

Giggling, the cat woman cupped and played with her ample tits, the white fur contrasting her bright striped body. Likewise, the white trail went over her stomach, down to her snatch, which she bared when she stepped out her garments. She grinned, sliding her hands up behind her head and rolling her hips around, letting the siren drink every last inch of her nudity.

“Like what you see, baby? I know you couldn’t help it. You’ve been eye fucking me for quite a while~!” She wiggled her hips and bottom.

The only sounds the singer sang were soft pants and gasps, admiring every curve of the nekomata’s body. This only escalated when Wispy turned around to shake her pert backside, the plush cheeks also striped and her twin tails raised to bare herself fully to him. She turned her head to glance at the bulge forming in those pants, grinning with approval. “Mmm, not bad~.”

“Not bad? Pft! Trust me. You haven’t seen everything~.”

“Oh, I will… some other time. For now~” She turned her wide hips and ass back to him, then sat on his lap and started to gyrate. Alto hissed and sighed sweetly, enveloped by the warmth and softness of her furry ass.

“Huahh~!” he wheezed. “Oh yeah. Way better than what I imagined a lap dance from you would be!”

“Hehe~! Behave yourself, and I might give you plenty of fap material, stud,” Wispy teased in her sassy manner, grinding her bare, wet pussy against that pitched tent. It took every restraint in her supple body not to fish out that throbbing cock. Grunts arose while she rubbed circles atop him. She let out a light coo as Alto’s hands secured her hips, gently sliding them onto her jiggling tits. He squeezed and traced her pink, perky nipples in circles with his thumbs.

“A-aaaah! Mmm, good boy~!” She growled huskily, leaning into to lap at his ear, making him shudder underneath. Her tails unbuttoned his pants and slithered to stroke around the shaft inside to finish him off.

“O-oh shit!” cried Alto, who could barely hold himself from the overwhelming stimulation.

“Like that, don’t you~?”

“M-mhmah! Y-yes mmma’am–O-ohh, mama!!”

Her tails rubbed up and down his length, feeling his pre stain her fur. Using one hand to open the fly and pull his rigid cock out, Wispy quickened the pace, gasping, “That’s it! Cum for mommy~!”

“Y-yaaahh! I’m coming!!” Alto whined before mashing his face into her breasts while pulling onto her tight. Delighted moans joined her lovers as she felt thick ropes splatter and paint their stomachs. Keeping his head pressed into her chest, she mewled out before spraying his lap with fem cum.

Wispy brushed through the singer’s red locks, biting her lip when she felt him suckle her nipple. Breathing airly, she asked him, “How’s that? Satisfied?”

Alto pulled off her left tit, replying, “For now. But damn, that was hot!”

“Good! That makes us even,” She smirked as she unmounted his lap. “Y’know, you’re quite the mama’s boy~.”

His cheeks flourished once more as he admitted, “I-It’s a bit of a kink. Don’t tell anyone, or I-I’ll-”

“You’re secret’s safe with me,” she swore slyly with a wink. “Normally, I don’t indulge in that kind of stuff, but that was pretty fun! I’ll have to keep that in mind for next time.”

“Next time~?”

Her slit pupils fell onto Alto’s flaccid cock, licking her lips at how juicy it looked covered in her pussy nectar. “If that’s how big you are as a human, I can't imagine the beast you’re packing in siren form~!”

“If you’re so curious, why not find out?” offered the singer, who pumped his wet shaft to try and entice the sultry feline.

She scoffed before throwing him a napkin to clean himself as she bent down to collect her clothes. “Easy there, big boy. Next time~” she promised while wiggling herself back into the bottom half of her jumpsuit.

“Oh, fine… have it your way!” he groaned but tidied himself up, wiping all the pussy cream off his dick before pulling up his pants.

The cat woman tittered with amusement, getting a real kick from teasing the poor lad. Maybe Sixth Measure wasn’t so bad after all! She certainly hoped Eclipsed Heart was in worthy hands! She and Kitsune considered themselves her older sisters and had sworn to protect her.

Yet they had also sworn to follow their leader's lead, determined to make B.A.B.E. the most popular band globally! An unlikely dream now that they were wanted criminals. What exactly were they supposed to do, aside from hiding...?

*****

They weren’t the only duo to take their affection to another room. Eclipsed Heart led Bass inside before locking the door shut behind her. A soft blush colored her cheeks as she stared at him. Gulping down the lump in her throat, she began, “I know I said to take things slow, but-”

“Eclipse, it’s alright,” the debonair boy assured, gingerly rubbing her shoulder with a smile of sympathy. “There’s no need to rush into it! We don’t have to do this if you don’t want-”

“Well, maybe I want to!” The diva insisted, brushing past him to stand in front of the bed, pouting. “I’m not even sure who I am anymore. For all we know, another chance like this won’t come around!”

“M-maybe, but…” His words were lost when she started to peel off layers of her dress, unable to help but shiver as more of her skin was shown. Soon, Eclipse was down to her undergarments, her blush heavy with how her lover’s tangerine eyes took in her supple yet petite form.

“I-I take it you must really like what you see...” She tittered coyly, snapping the bands of frilly neon pink bra and panties, which barely contained her sizable assets. “W-would you like to help me out...?”

“O-oh! Yeah...” He swallowed and approached her. Once he was behind her, he unhooked the bra and let her breasts bounce free. Then he knelt and slid down her panties, her dark, shapely buttocks poised before his face as he denuded her. The pop princess bounced, feeling his lips and hands caress her backside, much to her delight.

“Mmm aah~! S-so eager,” she murmured, giving her little shake to smother the siren in her luscious ass cheeks.

“I-I can’t help it,” he groaned as he gave her supple rump a squeeze. “You’re so beautiful. I'm proud to be your boyfriend, i-if you'll have me.”

Eclipsed gazed back with elated eyes and nodded. “Of course! So long as you pop my cherry.” Her blush deepened. She swayed towards the bed, hips and bottom sashaying side to side. She had seen Wispy perform this maneuver a thousand times, where she then draped onto her side.

“Only if you're sure.” Bass started to undo his own clothes and cast them aside. Her wide, innocent eyes watched him, unable to obscure her own curiosity. She drank in the sight of his abs and musculature, chewing at her lip.

"Oh, I’m sure~! A-and…" Her eyes settled on the floor. "Would you mind if I...recorded this? It's an important moment for me!" He raised a skeptical eyebrow but went along with a nod, earning a subdued squeal as Eclipsed recovered her heart-shaped phone.

As it hovered around them, she set it to record, the device primed to follow her facial movements to capture her expression. "Don’t worry. I'll even send you a copy! But you gotta keep this private!" Her blush deepened at the idea while she inhaled.

"Of course,” swore Bass, who took her hand into his for reassurance. “You're important to me!”

The siren’s warm body settled next to her own pliable curves. He spooned her from behind, her head tilted so that their lips met. Gradually he traced a hand over her hip and tummy until she directed his other hand to rest on her bosom.

“H-hurry, please,” she mewled, feeling his dick throb against her pert butt. “I want you so bad~!”

He nodded once she lifted a leg, rubbing the tip against her soaked slit. A low moan rose from the pop princess when her lower lips were spread to welcome him in, split open once his swollen cock filled her moist confines to the brim.

He reached all the way to her cervix once he reached his hilt. She pressed her ass into him when he started to move, their mouths left to lock while he fondled her.

“A-aah~! Oh, Bass,” she whispered, her cheeks afire when he took her. She rocked under his thrusts, her thick pink ponytail left to drape over his chiseled body.

“You feel so wonderful, baby,” he huskily whispered.

“Not as wonderful as having this big cock to myself~!” She tittered and squirmed, the quiet split by the clap of her supple cheeks when he started to pick up his pace, after she finally adjusted to his size. "Oh...oh wow~!"

She screamed once she heated up further, barely aware and hopeful the commotion outside wouldn’t alert everyone of their activity. But with each pummeling thrust, the diva’s concern gradually washed away, far more focused on the pleasure her new boyfriend was giving her. She wailed each time he speared her deep. Somehow, she had never felt more fulfilled in her short life!

“P-please! Cum inside me,” she pleaded, her tight pussy trying to suck him in.

Bass huffed yet didn't slow down. “B-but what about-”

“Wispy left me some pills,” explained Eclipsed through shrill squeals. “I-I'm safe, baby! Do it! Splatter my insides! I want this to be perfect~!” She felt his hands cup on a sizable tit and buttock, his muscular hips sweaty when he pounded into her pink puffy pussy.

“Aaagh! E-Eclipsed!!” He yelped, sheathed completely, and pumped her pussy full of white-hot love.

“Yeeeesss~,” she whined from the euphoria of his spunk splashing into her. She rubbed her swollen love button, eyes squeezed shut when she came too, her squirts left to splash over his crotch while the couple rode out a shared orgasm to completion.

They shared another drawn-out kiss while they came down from their euphoria. The sheets below them were soaked, both left to heave, sweaty and messy. Her phone hovered by them; their session was captured from every angle and close up so that her first time was memorialized.

Finally, she found her voice. “That was...wow!” the pop star exclaimed, tickling his chest.

“I-I’ll say,” laughed Bass before kissing her once more, still inside her where it was warm and comfortable. “I haven’t experienced anything like that before!”

Eclipsed played back the recording, blushing deeper when she saw her face contorted in euphoria, then sent him a copy before she closed the heart-shaped device. “So… a-are we..?”

“Yes,” affirmed Bass, who cupped her chin to take another kiss. “I’m not going anywhere without you.”

“Oh, thank heavens! Wispy tells me some guys are bored after the first time they lay down with their babe.” The innocent pop princess wrapped an arm around him. “I... I think I love you, Bass.” She flushed harder. “Eeh! Oh, gosh! Maybe I shouldn't have said-”

“No, no! It’s okay.” He beamed back at her. “I love you too, Eclipsed.”

“Can we stay like this? Just for a little while? I’m not ready to back out yet…”

After he nodded, the pop diva buried her face into the siren’s chest. Whatever her origins were, Eclipsed Heart was thankful to be alive. And with Wispy, Kitsune, and all her friends by her side, she felt like she could take on the world and its challenges!

*****

The black market. A place hidden below the city where the dregs of society and the desperate converged for the sake of survival. Almost anything could be bought and sold here. It was a place where Mezzo Soprano would normally never be caught dead, but to find out what happened to her sons, she felt there was little choice.

Further into the compound, the famed primadonna was in the middle of a purchase. A machine that not only boasted enough firepower to protect her ship but came equipped with a tracking device.

“… that’s my final offer,” Mezzo told the merchant, not at all phased by the surrounding heavily armed men.

"You can’t be serious! This baby’s worth at least a thousand times that amount!" The arms dealer complained. “Get out of here! We don’t want things to get violent, do we?”

He threatened to send his thugs in to detain her. She stared them back down, nonplussed, and replied, “I’m not leaving without that machine! My sons are out there, and I plan to find them.”

“Mmm…” the shifty seller eyed the older woman lecherously, sporting a toothy grin. “Luckily for you, I’m feeling quite generous. Why don’t you come to the back and we’ll discuss a discount~?”

Mezzo glared at him with disgust while his brand of security snickered. “I’m asking you to take this seriously!”

“I am being serious! You want my machine? Ditch the fancy clothes and use that pretty mouth of yours~!”

Before the argument could escalate, a car horn honking tore their attention to a vehicle rolling into the market. An ebony V-12 Cadillac of the 80/85 series. Quite the oddity in a world of cybernetic advancements and hovercrafts. But those in the slums that recognized the decorative ‘JAQK’ logo painted along the hood knew better than to stick around.

“Aw, shit! It’s the debt collector!” One guard whispered harshly as the car came to a stop, the passenger doors popping open. And out came Seb, who briefly locked eyes with the opera singer before strutting towards the stand.

‘Debt collector?’ she wondered to herself.

“Evening, gentlemen!” the stylish devil called politely. “Am I interrupting something?”

The merchant gulped before nervously replying, “W-we were just telling this dumb broad to take a hike is all. Thinks she can buy our latest artillery and use it as a GPS!”

“Really now?” Slime eyes surveyed the machine before the gambler whistled. “That is a fine-looking piece of military hardware! And certainly looks costly… How about we play for it?”

Mezzo shook her head, baffled at this man’s request. “What?! Excuse me, I was here fir-”

“Ooooh, no, no, no! I learned my lesson last time I rolled the dice with you,” the arms dealer refused. “You want it? You buy it! Period!!”

“Mmm. See, the problem is... I’m a little tight on cash. And until I collect that bounty of those two dames, I can't afford to spend recklessly!”

“Well, tough titties, Seb. It's about time fancy suits like you finally got your hands dirty with hard work! Now scram before I sick my hounds on you!!”

The pinstriped devil released a low sigh as he leaned his frame against the table counter. Staring dead in the seller’s eye, he asked simply, “Hard work you say... Is that the story you've sold to your sister?”

Whatever bravado and confidence the stubborn employer had instantly crumbled at the mention of his relative. His eyes wide like saucers, his hand trembling. “... m-my what?”

“Y'know! Your sister, Carol! A lil' birdy told me she lost her job and was trying to make ends meet for her baby. She was getting so desperate, she almost sold herself into prostitution before you took up a job to support her. But you haven't been honest about what your job was, have you..?”

“You shit-eating cocksucker! You keep them outta this or-”

“Be a real shame if someone let it slip you gave President Spike the extra firepower he needed to enforce those riots. Bet it would break her heart knowing her loving brother was partially responsible for harming so many men, women, and children~.”

Mezzo gawked helplessly at the stranger. She was aware such shady criminals and aristocrats came in and out of the black market. But clearly, this gangster garbed demon had a fearsome reputation.

Sweating bullets, the arms dealer said, “A-alright, fine! Name your game, you son of a bitch!”

Chuckling, Seb produced a pair of dice in his hand, which he closed and shook to make them rattle. “Think of a number between one and twelve,” he explained. “If your guess is closer to what’s rolled, you win, and I’ll get off your case. But if my guess is closer, I'll be taking that machine. Sound fair?”

The merchant gave a shaky nod and stammered, “I-It’ll be s-s-seven!”

“Ooh~! Feeling lucky tonight, aren’t we?” He momentarily turned towards the opera singer and extended his opening hand. “Would you mind?”

It took a few seconds for Mezzo to realize what he wanted. And, against her better judgment, the opera singer blew breath onto the dice.

“Thank you kindly,” the gambler said, shaking his hand. “I’m feeling a strong… ten!” he prophesied before flinging the small cubes onto the counter. The merchant paled upon surveying the results. One die rolled on six. The other on five.

“Ooh, eleven! I was a number short,” chuckled the card slinger before collecting his dice, which disappeared in a poof of red aura. “Well, better luck next time! The keys, if you’d please~.”

The merchant grounded his teeth tightly, clutching his fists until his knuckles went white. With utter dismay, he handed over the keys to the device into Seb’s open palm. “Now get out of my sight!” he demanded sternly.

With a nod, the white-suited devil looked over the set of keys… before tossing them over to Mezzo, who stumbled to catch them.

“W-wha? But I didn’t-” she stammered until Seb held out his finger, wagging it.

“Wouldn’t have made that lucky roll if not for you,” he said with a wink. “Besides, you need it more than I do.”

“Are you fucking kidding me!?” the arms dealer fumed. “All that for some white knight bull shi-g-gaagh!!”

Seb aimed his prime pistol, the barrel fixated between the merchant’s brows. “You lost fair and square, amigo. I wouldn’t lose my head over this if I were you. Now order your men to help load that machine onto her hovercruise.”

Frantically, he nodded, ushering his employees to load the device and carry it towards the ship boarded right outside the market. Mezzo Soprano remained flabbergasted, unsure what to make of the demon’s generosity.

“You’re quite the woman, Miss Soprano,” complimented Seb. “Going through all these nigh illegal lengths just to ensure the safety of your three boys. I reckon half your fortune was spent making them look good while slanderizing Spike’s name!”

“You’re… quite persistent,” admitted the former soloist. “Just what are you?”

“Only an agent of karma sent to collect all the debts every sinner in this city owes. Soon, I'll have my own enterprise that'll help me knock a certain dragon off his pedestal.”

Seb motioned towards the evening sky, where Spike’s tower was still visible among the towering buildings and passing hovercrafts.

“We share a common enemy,” he continued. “And I think this is an ample opportunity to form a partnership.”

Mezzo hardened her glare. “And why should I align myself with a smuggler who resorts to cheap tricks to make his own luck? You blackmailed that man into gambling his machine to you.”

“Yeesh! Since when did you give a shit about that low life? Moments ago, he was denying you the resources to help Sixth Measure. He even tried to rape you! Personally, I find it ironic that you chastise me for underhanded tactics. Really calling the kettle black here, sweetheart.”

Her cheeks flustered before being unable to keep her gaze, looking away.

“Look. The way I see it, his property was up for grabs when he agreed to our little game,” Seb stated. “Power isn’t claimed through weapons or money. It’s through information! When someone learns of a vital weakness of their most hated adversary, they exploit it and reap all the benefits. That is how President Spike will meet his downfall. Not through magic or advanced technology. Simple information.”

With that said, Seb returned towards his vintage Cadillac, the passenger doors opening for him. He paused to look at Mezzo and offered, “The choice is yours, Miss Soprano. But I’m not sure how far you can go from here now that the whole city knows your little secret~.”

Mezzo bit her lip hard enough to draw blood. The instant she saw her sons unveil their true selves, the economic reputation would surely be questioned. And while Seb proved to be a perilous person to tangle with, she couldn’t deny his impressive charisma and confidence.

As the female siren walked towards the gambler, she took out a handkerchief from her pocket and scribed her contact number onto it. “Keep me in touch,” was her only response as she placed the napkin in Seb’s hand, which he stuffed into his inner vest.

Mezzo walked up the platform, thanking the men for carrying her brand new machine. Just as the door sealed, her phone vibrated. She gasped to see her youngest son calling and immediately answered, “Tenor!? Oh, thank goodness you’re alright… Where are you and your brothers? … Okay, stay put. I’m on my way!”

The ebony vehicle zipped by towards the main street as the ship steadily ascended. Coco was behind the wheel with Sassy seated beside her. Seb relaxed in the back seats, stretching his limbs behind his head. “Ahhh,” he moaned. “I love it when a plan comes together! Did you locate both the Halloween Party and the Komodos?”

“We have,” answered the fiery-haired android, pulling up a map highlighting a subway district. Small clips from Spike’s security cameras showed members gathering towards the station. “From what I’ve gathered, they’re assembling a war council for one final brawl over downtown territory!”

“Well, step on it before things get ugly! I’m gonna need their help if we want to overtake your boss!”

“Yes, sir!” Coco rerouted the fastest lane possible and picked up gas.

“And you,” the gambler drew Sassy’s attention. Color flourished her cheeks up, seeing Seb spread his legs, showing off an erect bulge. “I think I deserve a little action for all my efforts. Don’t you~?”

“Mmm, y-yes, sir,” she tittered before unfastening her seat belt and carefully climbing over to the back, straddling his lap. Pleasant sounds rose once he felt all over their ample body.

“Now this…” groaned the demon, who gave her ass cheeks a firm squeeze, earning a sharp squeak. “...is a work of art~!”

While Sassy took to the side to unzip his pants and serviced the gambler’s cock, Seb was itching with anticipation for the high stakes game ahead. It wouldn’t be long until all the pieces were in place. And with Beatrix’s influence allowing magic to return, the president’s days were greatly numbered.

At last, a worthy gambit with an entire city of people on the line. Regardless of the outcome, the fates of many would be affected. The card demon would guarantee that.