"Good. Come join me."
Even with the impending threat, it took little time to calm down Tabi, the goat king practically melting into your arms as the cuddling resumed. Sure, he kept a hand on the gun at all times but for a brief moment he forgot all about the impending battle. Returning to the previously interrupted pose he nuzzled your face with his snout gently, quietly moaning.
While such a sensual session would've quickly turned into something more graphic, a light rapt on the door stopped that...again.
Tabi growled again, this time loud enough to alert the knocker. With your face against his stomach, you felt the growl practically vibrate across your whole body. Unable to see past glowing bones and his ghostly body you hear him click the safety off the gun. He spat something in Russian as waited, aiming the gun to the door. A few more knocks hit the door, a bit harder this time. This wasn't just another package. Tabi readied for the door to break down, seemingly forgetting that Displo had sent help.
Now Playing...
Artist: JLMXV
Song: The Mind Robber
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=of2cyWbAJqE
"I know you are in there, (Y/N) and Tabi and I assure you I am not an enemy." A deep, slow-talking voice said. With the grumble in his voice and filtered sound that could've only come from a mask you knew immediately who it was. It wasn't someone you had spoken to in a long time, or you even saw after that 'battle'.
Tabi on the other hand did not recognize the speaker, looking at you, waiting for the signal to strike and start shooting. He mouthed to you, 'should we start shooting?' You quickly shook your head.
"I got it." You whispered, getting up slowly. Tabi nodded and in a quick instant leapt behind the couch, treating it as if it were a barricade, keeping the gun trained on the door. Tabi, still keeping quiet, whispered, "do you know who it is? I don't trust 'em."
Right. Even despite how much he changed over the past time spent, his soldier's attitude still remained. But while Tabi may not have remembered the speaker you did. "Blackjack?" You call out.
"Indeed!"
"Just a second!" You say out loud, diffusing the situation before Tabi could do anything brash. He looked at you perplexed, clearly not remembering him in the slightest.
With a snicker at his perplexity, you got up and went to the door, checking the peep hole. Yep. It was Blackjack. He looked the exact same as you last saw him, that demon in Lucifer's wake.
With a click you open it, seeing the demon you knew as Blackjack in all his ominous presence. He was a demon, but he was one you knew was on your side.
A dapper demon, he always dressed sharply. Broad shoulders carried a perfectly ironed dress shirt and a maroon-coloured vest, complete with a black tie with not a single wrinkle to boot. Rolled up white sleaves exposed a gold watch he wore that shimmered under the porch light, show dark charcoal skin on his arm.
Coupled with black dress pants and shoes, he looked at if he stepped right out of his casino. Last you heard of him, he was accompanying Lucifer and got a job in hell, leaving his arcade and to run some one in hell.
His glowing red eyes should have emitted some kind of fear, though after facing down several demons on your own his weren't that scary. Behind them was two thick obsidian-coloured horns and beyond that, a virile mane of dense black hair, curls the only thing keeping it from looking like a lion.
His mouth was ajar, two large fangs covering both the top and bottom teeth. They were fake, a mask he commonly wore. It was stylized after the Onis, a demon that as far as you knew, Blackjack was unrelated to.
Like the last time you'd seen him he also carried with him a gold cane. He was a friend during the battle and while you didn't completely trust him, he helped out numerous times.
"Good evening, (Y/N). I have come to assist your problem. I trust this isn't a bad time?" He asked politely.
From inside you glance to Tabi. He still held the gun, though lowered it, perplexity resumed with annoyance. He could tell Blackjack wasn't a threat.
"Not anymore. Did Displo send you?"
"Yes. You see, I have been conducting my own investigations lately and well, your recent discovery appears to have solved it. As soon as Displo informed me I came here. Now, may I come in?" Blackjack always spoke slowly, each word seemingly hand-picked and shined before utterance.
You glance to Tabi who just shrugged. "Sure."
You let him in, slightly surprised that Tabi didn't at least care enough to put a shirt on. Placing the cane into the umbrella bin he entered, carefully studying your living room. With a sigh, Blackjack took out a handkerchief and wiped his hands. "I apologize for the late intrusion, Tabi and (Y/N). I will make this brief-"
"Do I know you?" Tabi asked. He could tell Blackjack was familiar, though could not piece where he'd seen him.
"He was at Teardown. Demon caught by the Family. Prisoner at their compound...Almost killed Kapi." You say, trying to remember if Tabi ever interacted with him before. While you couldn't recall, you certainly notice the flames in Tabi's eye flicker stronger at the mention of demon and then at the word prisoner. He didn't like demons, not one bit. Didn't even care much for few demons that did help, nearly burning one to death in a case. But the mention of prisoner did elicit some kind of sympathy, if little.
As well, any demon showing up from Hell could not possibly have brought good news. Tabi shook his head.
Blackjack coughed. "I was informed of the predicament. A letter from a demon alongside a gift. The contents of the letter indicated a demon coming for you both-"
"Coming for me." Tabi interjected. "For us." You added.
"Regardless. I was informed the letter was concluded by demon insignia. May I see it?"
With a nod you handle Blackjack the letter, not studying it for very long. He let out a long exhale, smoke puffing out of his mask as he did. "It is as I expected. It confirms that this letter is authentic and sent from Hell's lands. I can infer some details from the sigil. It will take some time to identify however."
"But it is the Family, isn't it?" Tabi said, coldly. While he didn't want it to be true, he could have guessed no other-
"If you would let me finish." Blackjack said, shooting a half-glare at Tabi. "The Family is still in prison. And as I said back then. You will never see the Family again. No. This symbol is a ranking. It belongs to a demon from a similar class level to mine."
"Uh-huh." You speak. With a glance to Tabi, you can see him unloading the gun, figuring he doesn't need it anymore.
"The Family had a few dealings in Hell. Following the battle, I worked with Lucifer to monitor those ties. Where we could, we severed them. I'm sure you are aware what we did to those henchmen of there's."
"Spare me." Tabi said.
"But many of them, many of the smart ones denied they had any dealings with The Family. I was investigating one such incident and I believe it to be related to yours. The heiress of the Dearest Family, Girlfriend, while cleaning some deposit boxes found a cache of envelopes. Well, it did not occur to her or her partner that some of those letters may involve some of the dear old daddy's contacts. They were all addressed to various junction points within Hell. Without knowing their contents, she mailed them."
Tabi sighed. "Of course she did. What an (idiot)." He spat.
Blackjack reached into his vest, taking out a letter. He handed it to you. "A week ago, Girlfriend received this at their new house."
A plain letter, it read one line. "It will be done. He will vanish." It was signed with the same kind of demonic symbol at the end that your letter had. It also had a blood smear on the symbol, further indicating the letter personal.
"It is my belief that these two pieces are related. That the demon that mailed Girlfriend's letter is the one who sent this gift. Presumably, the letter mailed were murder contracts and this paper is confirmation."
"And you don't know who the demon is?" Tabi asked flatly.
"Hold on. How did you know about Girlfriend mailing that? An hour ago, you guys didn't even know a demon was after us. And you said there were other letters. Does that mean they're after others too?"
Blackjack looked away. "Because of Girlfriend's...close relationship to her parents, Hell has had a demon monitor them. He was known as Psychic back then, though I don't believe you and he directly interacted. He informed us. We initially took no action, determining the letters unimportant. I informed Displo and Updike once Girlfriend received the response. Girlfriend has received no other letters like this since then. And we have not received any reports of people getting letters and gifts like this." Blackjack paused.
Thinking on it, if any other member of The Carnival got something like this, they definitely would have gone to Displo or Updike about it.
"I believe the target here is just Tabi." Blackjack looked to you. "I don't believe the Family ever considered you much of a threat." You couldn't help but chuckle at that, especially with how things turned out.
"And the demon just went and found us?" Tabi asked.
"Presumably. He must have been doing his own investigation locating you."
Blackjack's story didn't make much sense but due to late time and worry about more pressing matters you shake the feeling.
"It will take some time, but I have reached out to a few crossroad demons about any known 'assassin-specialized' demons that left recently. I will inform you both when I hear anything."
"What about the blood? Don't you know whose blood that is?" Tabi asked.
"Of course not. How would we know that? Do you know how many demons there are?" Blackjack shot back. "I've already checked in with the Society. There are no hits on either of you right now. Whoever this assassin may be, they are a lone wolf."
"Well, the Family sent them, so it's not gonna be some small thing." You add. Tabi hummed in agreement.
"Now then. May I see the rest of this gift? It should provide more insight into your assassin-to-be."
Tabi motioned over to the toys still sitting on the coffee table. "What are? What are those?" Blackjack asked.
"Toys." Tabi said. "That's Винни-Пух and that's Остров Сокровищ. He must have sent it to screw with me."
"Do you have any particular connection to these?" He asked, picking them up slowly.
"I used to watch those movies back in Russia. When I was a ребенок".
"Do, uh, demonic assassins really do that much research into their targets?" You asked.
"Some do." Blackjack said, holding the bear doll. "But it's likely he just found out you were Russian and went with that." Blackjack paused. "This gives me a few ideas of potential assassins. This could be one based out of Russia, one who specializes in learning the target or one that just likes toys. This narrows it down at least." He put the doll down.
"If you'd like demonic protection I can offer it."
"We'll pass." Tabi said suddenly. "We made it this far without Hell's help."
Unseen, Blackjack smiled, you could hear it in his voice, "Suit yourself. That said, I am officially your guardian for the next few days. I have made lodging at the Nightdive Hotel. Give me a call if you change your mind." From out his vest Blackjack pulled out a business card. He handed it to you.
An old one, it still listed him as the proprietor of the Flashpoint Arcade.
"So, we got someone gunning for us." You said. "And you have no idea. You think it's gonna be tough?"
"I don't like to speculate on such matters until I've confirmed it. That said. It's a demon of the same caliber as me. Expect similar to techniques to mine. Just know he is not a professional assassin."
"What techniques do you have? We've never even fought you."
"Did you?" Blackjack's eyes glanced upwards, full of thought. "Right. It was a different team that engaged me back then. I expect you to ask Theodore, Kapi or Updike. I was berserk during that time. But they handled themselves well. I don't expect you should have much difficulty for someone of your skillset."
"Does that make it any better?" Tabi asked, deadpan. He had put an undershirt on, already knowing there wouldn't be any more cuddling.
"Perhaps. You will be fighting someone who relies on combat only, someone who fights like a regular person, little training, can be made berserk and likely can outperform you both physically. In addition, expect they can use magic. Just be prepared for anything. I expect this will go down in the next few days. Should I obtain any more information I will inform you both." Black turned and took his cane out of the bucket. "And perhaps investing a few more armaments would be a good idea." Blackjack said. "Best of luck you two." Blackjack looked at you and Tabi together. Though the target was just Tabi, he knew you'd be present.
With a nod, Blackjack turned and walked out, disappearing in a burst of fire.
Locking the door, you were left with Tabi now. There were a few things you wanted to know first.
"So, you don't want Hell's help?"
"No. The Family acted with impunity for years. Only stepped in when we did something. They're useless."
You couldn't really disagree. Though having allies would be nice. Before you could respond, you notice Tabi having a strange look on his face. There was something else on his mind.
"What's wrong, Tab?"
"I didn't think they'd be so lazy to contract out my killing." He sounded almost disappointed.
"Maybe it was a failsafe?"
"Maybe, one that идиот went and mailed."
"Well, what're we gonna do?"
"We're gonna arm up." He said, marching off.
You nodded, figuring that if the assassin wanted you to prepare you may as well. Having studied the Family and led the original investigation against them you knew they loved to make a big scene. After all, they kidnapped and beat you in front of a crowd, sealed a popular musician in a void and sent numerous assassins after their prodigal daughter's boyfriend. They weren't exactly subtle when it came to 'punishment'. This assassin would likely be the same, the toys were just the start.
A few moments later Tabi re-appeared, carrying a duffel bag out from the guest room. You already knew what it contained. His personal armament stash. While he had turned the guest room into a sort of armoury, he always kept the duffel bag hidden, just in case. Sitting on the couch you watched as he emptied it over the table, organizing it and putting the weapons back together.
All Russian-army grade, he took great pride in these specific weapons. But as you watched him stick a scope back on a rifle, you couldn't help but notice something. He was...smiling?
"Are you enjoying this?" You ask.
"Dah. I haven't had a fight like this in ages. I've been itching for one." As he spoke the fire in his eyes lit up further.
"So, you moping earlier-"
"An act." He said, eagerly rubbing dust off the barrel of a revolver. Well it certainly wasn't unexpected. Hidden under the guise of revenge you always suspected Tabi had a thirst for violence. After all, when he first moved in, he wrote up a bunch of plans for potential invaders. You just thought he was being paranoid, but now, maybe he wanted it.
Though just a quirk of Tabi, deep within you felt a bit of worry. While you beat Mommy, Daddy and even Tricky it was at the cost of a lot of lives. Nikusa, S, Selever, Displo for a time, Agoti's arrest, etc. You didn't want more bloodshed on your side for another battle. Back then, it took the combined power of you, Tabi, Agoti, Aldryx and S just to bring down Daddy Dearest just temporarily. Annie, Pompom, Whitty & Carol struggled against Mommy, the latter breaking her wings in the battle. And even when Blackjack went berserk, he managed to nearly kill Updike, someone who was one of the best 'demon-fighters' on Earth. Your mind was a swirl of memories from that day, wondering if this was just going to be more of the same.
And sure, they were considered some of the most powerful demons but there was no reason to think this one wouldn't be the same. Thinking on it deeper you realize that it would be best to heed the assassin's words and be absolutely prepared. Tabi may have felt invincible from beating them all but as you remembered, each battle came at a cost.
"What's wrong?" Tabi asked, seeing your eyes full of discomforted thought. Explaining this to Tabi didn't lower his hype at all, the goat-king only taking your concerns as challenge. "We are going to win. As we have always done." He said boldly.
Thinking on it you at least knew one factor that had kept those battles from turning into tragedies. "I think we should at least get some backup."
"Last resorts only." Tabi said, paying more attention to how his rifle's ironside felt.
You take your phone, scrolling through the many contacts made during your time in The Carnival. Though there were many people available, one name immediately stood out.
Theodore. Your neighbour.
Having been accidentally roped into your escapades he had developed a love for the 'supernatural/antinominal' even joining The Greater Good as a result of the fallout. You give him a call, the eccentric rollercoaster-builder picking up after a few rings.
"(Y/N)! How are you? To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"Hey, Theo. Doing okay. You got a minute?"
"I am just enjoying the sunny shores of Brasilia! Whatever do you need?"
Right. He wasn't even in the country. Went to Brazil per some TGG retreat. You recall him saying that.
"We've got some issues back home." You hastily explain the situation to Theo.
"That's terrible news. And highly reckless behaviour from that girl. I'm afraid I cannot do much where I am. I am with Updike though. Should you need, I can absolutely convince him to send a Nightstalker squad. It is the least we can do."
Tabi could hear the conversation clearly, shaking his head 'no' at the suggestion. "I'll keep you posted but I think we can handle it. Have fun out there Theo."
"And you too (Y/N)! Happy demon-slaying! Tell Tabi I said hello!"
Tabi smirked at the demon-slaying remark. Theo was a good neighbour though like Tabi still carried a lot of trauma. His was more...external though, manifesting itself in an eccentric and sometimes crazy personality. Once glance at his house said all that needed to be said.
"Good. I don't need a bunch of zealots protecting me." Tabi said.
"Protecting us you mean."
"Yes. I-. Sorry." Tabi shook his head. "I don't mean to exclude you. It's just. This is reminding me of when I was alone."
"It's fine." You console him. "Just don't forget we are a team. It wasn't just you that beat Daddy. Hell, it wasn't just me and you. It took a whole village to beat him."
Tabi nodded. "Fine. Let's get some help. One person only."
Taking a bullet, you start wiping it off, making sure it sparkled before loading it onto a gun.
Demons have far thicker skin than that of a human or anthro. Dense fur gave them a natural affinity against fire and heat. And in addition, nearly all demons you knew were capable of some kind of fire magic. Sure, there were demons that probably used wind, water or some other arcane element, but the ones you knew were all fire-based. If someone could be brought into counter fire, it would go a long way. Thinking on it, there was only one person who you knew who would be absolutely perfect at dispelling fire. If agreed upon, she would instantly even the playing field. You just hoped she were even available still.
Tabi saw the strategy forming on your face, smirking as he asked, "What are you thinking?"
"Even the playing field. Hold on." You take your phone and scrolling to the bottom call Gabriel Updike. While Tabi would not approve of bringing that cloud into this, you knew there was one thing he could do to help.
He picked up instantly. "(Y/N). So you've decided to get TGG help? Theo already informed me."
"Word travels fast, heh. No I don't need TGG help. I just need a favour. You remember when I worked for The Greater Good? There was that one prisoner you had who could control the weather. Looked like a seashell?"
"Indeed. Valerie caused an environmental disaster, zilla-level abomination, codenamed Hurricane. What of her?" Though he spoke calm you could hear a lot of noise on his end.
"You think you could get her to come by house? I don't know, have her stay in Theo's place for a bit?"
"And use her ability during the battle?" Updike said. He didn't sound amused, though rarely did. He was just stoic as always, not necessary in disappointment.
"Yep. Most demons are fire-based right? She gets it to rain, make the fight a little easier."
"While most demons are skilled in fire magic, I see no reason to expect this particular one will be. But I suppose. How much time do you have?"
"We figure he's gonna attack in the next few days."
"I'll get someone on it. Expect her to give you a call as well. Have you considered asking anyone else in the former Carnival?"
You knew there were a few people who would absolutely come to help. Solazar, Tabi's agent and 'adoptive father' would intervene in a heartbeat. But you knew Tabi too stubborn to ask him for help. Carol the angel, wouldn't turn down a fight against a demon. But you didn't have any way of contacting her. She was a 'friend of a friend'. Agoti or Aldryx would've also agreed to but like Solazar, you knew Tabi too stubborn to ask them. If anything, he'd be embarrassed to ask them, making up some thing about how 'he doesn't need help and he's better than that'.
Sensing you thinking about that, Tabi shook his head disapprovingly at you. "I think we're good. Blackjack said it's just one demon and not one with a reputation. I think we'll be fine. Just Valerie."
"Well, if need any more assistance do not hesitate to give me a call. I am eagerly waiting to see how this turns out."
With a click you and Tabi were alone again. After explaining Valerie and her powers he agreed, liking the idea the demon would have to fight on fair ground. With the love spark replaced by one of combat, the rest of the evening was spent planning. Tabi's energy only grew as he begun to fantasize about the battle. Being that this was a time for him not to hold back he was eager. Even made up some excuse about needing to use some old bullets so he could get new ones. Said he should do some target practice too. Something about The Family coming after him made him excited and happy, even if the matter was supposed to be serious.
The next chapter is called Ready, Willing & Armed.