FOR ONE THOUSAND YEARS I LAY DORMANT. WHO DARE DISTURB MY SLUM—oh it's you guys. Ok, on where we left off.
Chapter 9: No Rest for the Wicked Part 2
The once tense and grim atmosphere of the room was now filled with curious murmurs from the devil women as they eyed the dark-skinned man cautiously. The one with the most befuddled expression was the devil woman by the name of Camilla.
"H-How are you still alive?! I heard the gunshot.", Camilla inquired as the other devils centered their attention on him watching his every move with gross suspicion.
" Three years of judo practice, a rusty blade, and a shit ton of luck.", he said as he went over to her cage sorting through the keys to find the one for the locks. Luckily, there were only seven and he could easily sort out the car and gas tank key until found the one he was looking for.
"What about the fatass?", Camilla asked.
" He's taking a long dirt nap" he said prompting a surprised look from Camilla and even some of the other devil girls. He noticed this and quickly elaborated, " Oh, no, I didn't kill him or nothin'! I just knocked him out brick and tied him up. Along with, one those guys that with that other man."
Caleb stopped for a second hearing himself out loud and realizing how bad that sounded. But, like he said, they AREN'T dead. Concussed and probably paralyzed but not dead.
Camilla was silent for a moment trying to process this new development. She was just about to be sold off into life of suffering and now the man who tried and failed to help her earlier and assumed had been killed is now standing before her with the literal keys to her freedom. The audible sound of the lock popping off snapped her out of her thoughts as Caleb unwound the chain dropping it to the floor. The gate slowly opened as Camilla rose to her feet, stumbling and wincing from the pain of her bandaged thigh then stepping out eyeing Caleb as the other devils let out surprised gasps at their now freed comrade.
"Which way did they go out?", Caleb inquired. She showed him the side door to the outside near the cage he was previously in, " OK, here unlock the rest, I'll block this entrance. I already took care of the entrance on the front of the building. "
Camilla raised an eyebrow and said, "Wait, what about the policia? Aren't the still outside?"
"Yeah, about that.", Caleb began as he pulled out a crowbar from the pile of tools, " It was a little trick of mine that I'm certain they've discovered by now. So, we really, REALLY need to hurry. "
He jammed the crowbar in between the wedges of the door. Then began pushing a couple metal oil drum filled with scrap metal shavings in front of it just to be safe.
Camilla was surprised by his answer and wondered how he was able to pull that off. She could ask what he did later; right now, she needed to free the succubi. She went to the first cage in front of her and quickly undid the lock. A greater devil with magenta irises and black scaleras stepped out cautiously wearing a jean skirt and red blouse. She wore simple black sandals. Next, were pair of lesser devil twins. Both with blue skin, red eyes, and both dressed in simple white tank tops and red skirts. Only differences between them was one had long hair in a ponytail and the other had short hair in pigtails. Then, she unlocked two more cages, one with a blonde greater devil in a maid outfit(idk) and another with red hair in twin tails wearing short pants and red blouse. Finally, Camilla arrived at the cage of the blonde camo skirted succubus girl from earlier and put the key into her lock. To her shock, it didn't fit into the tried it with other two remaining cages with the same result.
"Come on. Come on...argh, por que (why?) ", Camilla exclaimed as she clutched the key in frustration. The freed devils stood behind her with worried expressions. At the same time, Caleb moved came up to her.
" what? What's wrong?", he asked ignoring the strange looks from the other girls.
Camilla let out a sigh looking at the pleading face of the blonde maid succubus still in the cage, "The key...it doesn't work for their locks. They must have another one somewhere."
"No time to look, stand back.", Caleb said as he took the Camilla backed away from the lock and chain. He signaled for the blonde for the blonde succubus to do the same. He pulled a pistol with a silencer from the back of his pants inciting startled yelps from several of the ladies. Even Camilla was shocked to see him with a gun. He aimed at the lock and fired off a ground breaking it along with part of the chain. He opened the cage offering a hand to the devil woman. She recoiled slightly but then reluctantly took his hand.
The blonde succubus stepped out looking between him and the other freed devils, " D-danke", she muttered hesitantly trying to conceal her thick German accent.
"You're OK. Alright? You're OK.", Caleb reassured the blonde succubus. Her eyes remained locked on him as he led her into the group.
Caleb did the same with remaining locks on the cages taking same amount of precaution to ensure the girls were at a safe enough distance, so the bullet didn't ricochet and hit someone. Luckily, no one got hit and the last of the prisoners were free. The blue devil girl Camilla defended earlier and a Silver haired succubus in brown boots, jean shorts, and grey sweatshirt. He placed the gun at his side making sure to put on the safety and avoid touching now searing hot barrel
Camilla and the freed devils stared at him intently in disbelief some of them huddling close to each other for support and protection. Caleb out over the cluster of multicolored demons all of which wearing metal collar on their necks.
"There's a van on the side of the building that I think is big enough for everyone. Let me check if the coast is clear.", Caleb explained looking Camilla in the eyes. All of the succubi hung their jaws open slightly at a complete loss for words. He was about to leave when Camila suddenly spoke.
" Why are you doing this? You got yourself free and had the keys. You could've just left. You have no reason to help us, especially if you could be killed trying do so. So why? What is it that you want out of this human?", she asked with slight venom at the last part. The other devils glared at Caleb awaiting his answer.
Caleb was silent for a second. Why was he here, really? What did he want? Perhaps this was just to justify himself so could say he did his best to help instead of running away like the coward he was.
After a second of silence Caleb let out a sigh and uttered in a somber tone, " I don't know. I really don't know. I just...couldn't do that I guess. I don't have much of a reason or clear motivation. Maybe it's because of my policy of never turning away anyone if I can help them. Maybe it's my natural male instinct to protect women. Maybe it's my conscience getting to me. Maybe I'm stupid and impulsive. Maybe something about African slavery. Don't jump a gift horse in the mouth. But one thing is for sure: I've decided I'm going to help you girls even if it may cost me my life. "
Camilla and the others were stunned at his proclamation. No words could describe how she and the rest felt so Camilla simply nodded in understanding and he nodded back and walked out through the crash bar doors into a dimly lit corridor leading to the back entrance.
Camilla honestly couldn't believe what was happening. As he left, she thought of all the men she had met in her life and none of them had ever looked her like that. The compassion and warmth within his eyes was unfathomable. Not even her own mother looked at her with such kindness. She felt her heart flutter a bit.
'What is this man?', Camilla thought holding her hand to her voluptuous suspicion, Camilla-senpai? ", said the blue-skinned devil girl. Camilla her attention to her, "C-Can we trust him? Is...that human really going to save us? ". Camilla eyes widened when she then noticed the other succubi giving a mix of anticipation and uncertainty at her answer. She understood how they felt when it came to trusting humans. Human men especially. Many of the girls had been abused by humans when they were exchange students. However, they needed to feel assurance that they were safe.
Camilla knelt, caressing the smaller devil's head, as she flashed her a comforting smile, "There there, pequeña( little one), we'll be okay. All of us. I don't know how, but I think we can trust him, he's not like the others.", she spoke reassuringly as the other devil's expressions softened a bit and felt s bit more at ease. They trusted Camilla and looked up to her as something of an older sister. She was the oldest among them after all. Granted, most of them were around 70 to 80 years old in human years, hell even the blue devil girl was around 65, but their species are known for their lack of physical aging. Consequently, they're mental development is rather slow. Most of them in the room are mentally equivalent to being in late adolescence to early 20s. Camilla's about close to a 30-year-old human woman mentally.
Narrator sidenote: 1 devil year = 4 human years
Suddenly the crash bar door crept open slowly, it got Camilla and the other succubi attention as they prepared for who it was coming though. A jean pant leg stepped through as Camilla let out a sigh of relief that it was only Caleb. He crept slowly opening the door wide enough for them to get though. It didn't help that the door was creaking loudly from slight rust on the hinges and the needed stay on the down low.
"OK, I don't see them. Come on, hurry.", Caleb urge them gesturing to come though the opening of the door. Camilla guided them through as they each went through one at a time trying their best not to trip on one another or make too much noise, "Stay low and stay quiet". Camilla was the last to come though, just behind the devil twins, she then stopped halfway through door standing in from of Caleb. She was about a foot taller than him and large wings needed to be folded into her back like a cape. She stared down at Caleb for a few seconds trying to get a read on him and he stared back a little confused by her actions. Camila was about to say something but the sound of the door in the far back rattling caught their attention.
" Ladies first", Caleb said gesturing outside. Camilla awkwardly withdrew herself and went to join the group.
*****15 minutes earlier Outside of the Warehouse******
Gangster Renalds was standing along with Wick and his subordinate bewildered by the sudden turn of events. Wick's subordinate Mark continued to survey their surroundings looking for any sign of police, MON agents, or anyone around that may have seen who was responsible for this. But, the only people around were a couple of drunken homeless men across the street, doubt they'd be much help.
As Renalds continued to inspect the device, particularly his tactical flashlight that he sure he left in the van, Wick came up to him catching his attention.
"This is a joke, right?", wick said to Renalds his voice calm but laced with contempt. He then took the contraption out of his hands, " Is this how you people do business? Is this your brand of humor you try on all your clients?".
" I... we don-", Renalds tried to say something but was cut off.
"Cuz uhh, let me tell ya.", Wick chuckled slightly as her turned on the fan spinning the bottles as the lights flashed. He admired it for a second before tossing it at the brick wall smashing the entire thing to smithereens. Mark and Renalds were startled a bit by the action, and Mark went up to his boss to help him calm down. " I am NOT a man who plays games. I came here to conduct business and your trying to jerk me around with this shit!"
" Hold up now, I don't know nothin' bout this little parlor trick mess over here. And I don't appreciate you breakin' my $72 flashlight.", Renalds retorted pointing to his busted flashlight with the bulb cracked open.
" I don't give give a fuck about your damn flashlight. It doesn't matter how you slice it somebody around here knows something and is screwing with us. Are you weren't followed?", Wick inquired trying to relax himself enough to rationalize the situation.
" No...No we weren't. We made extra sure to be discrete about this whole operation. ", Renalds said.
" What about informants? Anybody you bought from or sold to? Or maybe witnesses at all?", Wick continued.
"I'm telling you man there ain't nobody who knows about this.", Renalds insisted. He obviously knew the hosts they bought some of the devils from likely wouldn't go to authorities. Gaining their approval by pretending to be an agent from Interspecies Exchange coming to remove a troublesome liminal and giving compensation for expenses was a fool proof plan. The money the hosts received alone was enough to shut their traps. Plus, even if they had some sudden change of heart, telling the feds how you sold your liminal house guest into what is essentially slavery isn't the smartest idea unless they're comfortable with a life sentence. As for witnesses, they were practically in the clear. He had been careful in covering their tracks when conducting business; there was no one who could have seen them at work to suspect them.
Well, except for that one black fella that came across after their latina succubus who escaped one of their 'discipline sessions'. But that guy isn't a problem, Fat Bastard took care of him. Right?
Gangster Renalds couldn't help but wonder why Fat Bastard hadn't come out by now. Surely, he would've heard that police siren and come running inside. He was brought out of his thoughts when Wick called out to his subordinate.
"Mark, go get Andy we're leaving.", Wick said making his way over to where their car was parked. Ronald's jaw dropped in fear of losing a high paying client before running up in front of them arms widely extended blocking their path.
" Whoa, come on man, Mr. Malone no need to-", Renalds stopped when he noticed Wick's (yeah I'm calling him that) face contorting into an intense, vicious scowl that could make Satan piss seven colors of fear. He looked like he was fighting off the urge to tear Renalds in half with his bare hands. Renalds gulped from sheer terror as beads of sweat formed on his forehead. Even Wick's subordinate look visibly frightened. His pupils quivered and his whole body was shaking slightly as if he was having a Vietnam flashback. Clearly, he's seen some shit working for this man. Then Wick spoke once more.
" I never said I wasn't still in the market for what you're selling. However, this area has been compromised so it would be best that we continue at a later time in a more conspicuous location. In the meantime, I suggest you two get your shit together. ", Wick said his voice smooth yet filled with malice as he walked up to Renalds so they were face-to-face. Renalds opened his mouth to speak but no words would come. He then noticed Wick's cold eyes that had a stillness to them yet behind them was something terrifying waiting to be unleashed. He nodded shakily moving out of their way and firmly putting his hands to his sides.
" Oh. And there's something you should know about me. There's three things we Malone hate most in this world: People who steal from us, people who lie to us, and people that try to stand in our way.", Wick explained as venom dripped from every word causing Renalds to freeze in anticipation and fear.
Wick leered at him finishing in a very sardonic tone, " Never forget that. I don't believe in second chances."
Renalds could feel every muscle in his body telling him to get away from this man. And so, he thought of the first excuse he could. Instead he chuckled nervously saying, "Right, yes sir. I...W-we won't. You know what? Speakin' of, let me go and uh...see where old Bill been hidin' at", Renalds finished trying to hide the fear in his voice as he walked away to the other side of the building where the van was parked.
Wick then turned to his subordinate Mark with, whom just composed himself enough to listen to what he had to say. Wick gestured over to him to come closer and he lay a hand on his shoulder.
" Listen, we have a golden opportunity here. The goods they have in there, some of them are rare breeds and would fetch higher prices on our markets. Those imbeciles are gonna slip up far worse than this down the line. Imagine if the feds finally got a scent on this whole liminal trafficking channel. The Malone family would be ruined.", Wick explained before giving an obliquitous smirk, " Why don't we do these boys a favor and alleviate their burden?"
Mark nodded in understanding, "Yes, your right boss".
" Good, good" Wick gave him a proud pat on his shoulder "And hey, play your cards right and I'll ask Mama Lola give you and Andy some much needed R&R. Maybe throw in a few of those cat girls you been leering at."
Mark smiled happily daydreaming of the gorgeous cat girls and drooling slightly at the well-earned fun he'd have. He snapped himself back to reality and chuckled, "Yes Boss, you know you're just too nice sometimes".
" I know. Now go get Andy and load up that van back there.", Wick ordered pointing to other side of the building.
" What about the country boy and his partner? ", Mark inquired.
Wick then pulled out and cocked his semiautomatic pistol knowingly, " Who?"
"Right.", Mark smiled and nodded understandingly.
**********15 minutes later 0n the back of warehouse********
Caleb, Camilla, and the rest of the succubi were outside in the dark of night with only the light of telephone pole lamp illuminating them. Caleb took the lead guiding the escapees through the dirt covered yard stepping over the planks of lumber and bricks scattered every which way. Camilla took to the rear keeping any stragglers in line. As the group continued, they came upon the trench where Fat Bastard and Wick's lacky Andy were still lying unconscious and tied up. Caleb dismissively glanced at the trench as they passed by it. He saw the van in sight and turned to inform them but noticed they were no longer following him. Instead they had stopped completely looking at something glancing at each other with worried expressions. Caleb moved to the right of the group to get a better view. The red headed twin tail succubus was standing at the edge of the trench looking down at the men; particularly Fat Bastard. Camilla was with her speaking to her and trying to encourage her to continue with the group.
She simply stood glaring at the man. As his chest rose and fell, a clear indication that he was still alive. She closed her eyes tightly as the memories of everything he had done to her came flooding in her mind. The memory of his filthy skin grinding against her and his putrid smelling breath. The fear and humiliation she felt knowing she was powerless to such a vulgar, lowly creature. She visibly trembled clenching her sharp fangs and fists until her claws dug into her palms breaking the skin as a little blood began to trickle through her fingers. Her jet black and red tipped wings unfolded. Her anger spiked as a faint dark aura began pulsating around her body.
"Scarlet, novia(sweetheart) please, relax. It's OK-", Camilla continued speaking to her before Scarlet snarled.
" No, it isn't. It's never going to be OK. This...Filth. His...FILTH. It won't go away. I WANT IT OFF!", she exclaimed. The other devils including Caleb had their attention her. Caleb nervously surveying their surroundings for fear this girl's outburst will get them all killed. The other succubi wore a mix of worried and doleful expressions.
" Jes, Scarlet. I know but-", Camilla started before Scarlet cut her off again.
" But what?! For discords sake he touched Hana.", she exclaimed pointing to the blue devil girl among the group causing the latter to jump slightly. Hana cringed holding her head low in shame as tears trickled down her cheeks and she fell to her knees. The twin succubi went to comfort her.
Caleb stepped through the other succubi until he was right in the middle of them, " Ladies, please, we need to stay quiet. If those guys hear us we're all dead."
"You shut up!", She snarled at Caleb with blood red glowing eyes. He tensed up putting his palms up defensively.
"He's right novia. We need to get to the van. I-I know how your feeling but there's a time and place for everything", Camilla implored the irate succubus. Caleb and the other succubi surround her.
Scarlet responded by extending her arm facing her still slightly bloody palm towards Fat Bastards unconscious body, " And it's now! I'll take back what it stole!", a black orb of purplish-black energy began to form in front of her hand. Caleb gazed in amazement at his first sight of magic.
"Scarlet don't." , was what Camilla said before the runes on the metal collar around Scarlets neck began to glow and the black ball of energy receded into nothing as her aura faded. All the while, the collar had a faint purple flow around it as it absorbed her energy. Then black spark of electricity began to pulsate from her body as Scarlet fell to the ground writhing in agony. She choked on her disjointed cries of pain. Camilla rushed to her holding the poor girl in her lap as she continued her spasms. The other succubi surrounded them in utter horror and worry.
Caleb came to Camilla's side looking down at the incapacitated Scarlet as Camilla gently stroked her hair over her horns.
" Oh my God, is she going to be OK? What was that?", Caleb inquired getting Camilla's attention.
"As I explained before", She began with somber tone gazing at the collars on the other succubi then placing her claw tips on her own, " These collars seal our magic. Our regeneration, flight, spells, and even our natural strength. If we try and use our powers our magic gets absorbed and rebounded against our own bodies. And the more magic we use the more intense the pain."
Caleb listened to her explanation feeling regret for probing as he looked down at the injured succubus. His heart sank when he saw Camilla's crestfallen expression as she looked Scarlet then the worried succubi around them.
Caleb snapped himself out of his trance remembering they needed to keep moving. He was about to say something before one of the succubi yelped.
"I-I hear footsteps!", stated the blonde devil maid speaking loud enough for them to hear. Everyone snapped to attention looking at her. Caleb listened but heard nothing. However, for all of the other succubi they focused their enhanced hearing-one of their abilities that wasn't hindered by the collars-on the sound. They were indeed footsteps coming from around the and with it the sound of a familiar voice. Gangster Renalds. Panic sank in.
" It's that man again!", both devil twins stated simultaneously hugging each other for protection.
"What do we do? He'll find us.", the silver haired succubus muttered as she joined the back and forth fearful glances of the other succubi.
Caleb felt his heart rate skyrocket as his mind began to race. He paced a few times nervously biting his knuckle. He then stopped when he saw Camilla stand up supporting Scarlet who was still a little weak. He noticed the look on her face. It was one of distress but also noticeable determination. The kind of look someone has when their backed into a corner but ready to go out swinging. It was actually...comforting. She wasn't about to quit. So why should he?
Caleb inhaled and exhaled twice calming himself enough to think clearly. He then spoke to the just succubi just loud enough for them to hear, " Everyone, listen. Stay calm. I've got an idea."
With that, the Camilla and the other succubi turned their attention to Caleb with varying degrees of intrigue.
Camilla was the first to speak up, " what do we have to do?"
He then rubbed the back of his head unsurely, " Now It'll work. Buuuuut, you're gonna have to bear with some bad company", he said as his gaze drifted to the trench. The succubi followed his gaze and cringed.
Camilla sighed regretfully, "Oy Diablos mio"
*******Renalds P.O.V.*******
Renalds quickly came walking down the dirt driveway cussing up a storm as he got to the van. He opened the driver side door grabbing the pack of cigarettes from the center console and lighting one up. As he savored the taste, he couldn't help but think about what that guy said. He had heard of how bad these Malones are but never imagined something like that terrifying. It's like he was mouse stepping into the den of a lion.
He brought his trembling hand into his line of sight; his nerves were shaking to the core. At the same time, he was furious about how that man basically looked down on like a child.
"Fuckin, high and mighty, scarecrow lookin' motherfucker", Renalds punctuated by kicking the one of the tire followed by erratically punching the air in a fit. After a brief hissy fit, he went to back doors of the van. He noticed a lot of things had been moved around. The boxes of clothes and stuff they bought, even his suit he used to pretend to be an Agent from Exchange Program was now lying on the floor of the van.
Did Bill come out to van looking for something? No, everything's so neatly out of place. Too neatly for someone sloppy like Bill. Plus, several objects that are missing from the boxes...were a part of that police light contraption from earlier. Somebody else is here.
With that thought in mind he made his way down the granite driveway to the back of the building. As he made his way there he could've sworn he heard a female voice call out causing him to stop and whip around listening. He heard nothing and after second immediately chocking it up to stress getting to him.
He soon made it to the back of the warehouse. It was quiet save the sound of crickets chirping in the patches of grass and the buzz emanating from the lamp on the electric pole. He scanned the area stepping over planks of wood. Not a soul.
"Bill! Bill? Where are ya?", Renalds called out. He was answered with silence. A sense of unease began to creep up on him.
Feeling impatient he called out again, " Bill! Come on man we gotta move out. Somebody's on to us!"
Still no answer. He continued scanning the area walking around eventually stopping just about 20 feet from the concrete trench.
Unbeknownst to him, he was being watched by a crouching figure from behind a forklift. The figures brown eyes followed his every move. Occasionally glancing at the trench to the multiple devil girls that huddled together staying low as to not be noticed. A couple of them made sure to keep a good distance away from the unconscious form of fat bastard and the other guy.
Renalds stood there continuing to call out for his partner while the inhabitants of the trench kept their existence to a minimum. Camilla covered both devil twins' mouths with her clawed hands to muffle their yelps whenever he shrieked his partners name.
"Goddamnit", he muttered to himself in a half-sullen-half-worried tone. He then turned towards the back door hoping to find his partner somewhere in the warehouse.
He began making his way to the door but stopped when he heard a strange noise.
It was muffled. But was someone screaming and grunting.
He listened to the sound and following it until his attention turned to the trench.
Inside the trench, Camilla and the other succubi stared in horror as one of Wick's men flailed about trying to free his restraints. He continued his muffled growls and curses while glaring daggers at the girls. The rope gag only managed to muffle most of his screams as his teeth were seen clamping on the outer part and several swears were easy to comprehend.
Caleb's heart raced as a nervous sweat built up on his forehead while his heart pounded in his ears. His fears skyrocketed when Renalds began walking slowly to the trench.
All of the devils' shudder as their sharp hearing picked the sound of footsteps heading in their direction. Camilla gulped turning her demonic red eyes upwards in anticipation.
As the came closer into view, Renalds could just make out something at the bottom of it. At first what he thought was a stack of cement mix began to take on a more humanlike shape. His eyes widened when he realized the person in the pit was his partner Fat Bastard.
"B-BILL!", He shouted hurriedly rushing over to the trench. He was so focused on the seemingly lifeless body of his partner that he only noticed the still flailing of Wick's lacky after he was standing at the edge of the trench. His eyes then drifted to the other side of the trench where a group of devils were crouched in a pile with Camilla glaring hatefully at him. She touched her partially bandaged thigh, the memory of him slashing her resurfacing.
Renalds was utterly baffled by the development before him. As soon as his eyes met Camilla's, he immediately became furious.
" What are you satans doing out of yer cages?", Renalds said in a low, agitated tone before looking over to the unconscious Fat Bastard then back to the devils focusing on Camilla, "Did you do that to Bill?"
The devil twins hugged Camilla tighter as the eyed Renalds then answering back with, "No, but perhaps you've heard the tale of Humpty Dumpty."
Renalds snorted a big puff of air from his nostrils but noticing what she said was true. He could see Fat Bastard chest rise and fall slightly. Though it didn't help calm since his inventory just tried to escape. "Get out of that pit, and back in y'all cages. Don't make me tell ya twice now".
Camilla and the other succubi were silent for second and didn't move a muscle. They were too afraid to. Camilla looked back at the terrified faces of her fellow succubi with worry before seeing their wide eyed shocked expressions. She looked up to see Renalds pointing a gun aimed right at Camilla's head.
" I said MOVE", He shouted startling many of them, but Camilla kept her eyes narrowed on him. He then pulled the trigger back taking aim at Camilla., "Maybe you should be an example for the rest of these damn, stinkin devils. Heh kind of a waste, I couldn't give that mouth a test drive myself."
Camilla scoffed, "It would've been a short drive."
That did for Renalds. He began to pull the trigger...and stopped. He felt something hard press behind the back of his head.
" This may sound cliché but, is that any way to treat a lady?", Caleb stated mockingly tapping the gun to his head, "Now. Using only your fingertips, place you gun on the ground in front of your feet slowly."
Renalds was silent for a second and grit his teeth in frustration as he saw Camilla's 'you lose' smirk. He bent crouched down slowly and begrudgingly did as he was told.
"Now take three sidesteps to the rights with your arms stretched out in front of you.", Caleb ordered.
Renalds did as commanded all the while Caleb made sure not to take the pistol away from his head. When they were a good distance away from, Caleb gave Camilla an 'OK' nod. She returned it and immediately climbed out of trench. The other devils climbed out with the taller ones giving the shorter ones a boost up. When they were all out Camilla told them to get into the van. She picked up Renalds gun and started to join them but turned back to Caleb in slight concern. Caleb turned back to her and mouthed 'go' to her.
" So... you a cop? Or one of those freaks from Mon?", Renalds inquired looking down at his still unconscious partner and the struggling man. He failed to notice Caleb bringing his leg up with his foot aimed at his rear.
"Nope", Caleb responded kicking Renalds into the trench with the latter letting out a short scream (imagine Goofy's yell) landing top of Wick's lacky. He groaned feeling the pain of his arms just barely breaking his fall as the snapped out of their sockets from the impact. Wick's lacky was none too pleased either. Renalds turned over on his back looking at Caleb with astonishment and had to blink rapidly to be sure he wasn't seeing a ghost. Caleb then smirked saying, "just a black guy with a gun".
" Errgh, guess that mean...I'm talking to a dead man. Because you're dead...when we find you. I seent your driver license.", Renalds growled holding his shoulder as isit tender in the shoulder we're damaged.
"... please... you're the only deadman around here.", Caleb said before turning and running off to the van while Renalds continued yelling idle threat at him. He knew the photos he sent to Sterling would be enough to track down. Plus, he had fat bastard phone still.
Caleb found himself at the van just as Camilla had finished getting the others into the back and with a final word of inspiration shut both doors.
"They all fit in there ok?", Caleb asked as Camilla whipped around to meet his stare.
"J-Jes, we had to double up a bit.", Camilla replied looking down a bit feeling a bit uneasy. Caleb noticed this and gave her an assuring Pat on the shoulder jerking her to attention.
"We're going to make it. Ok?", Caleb stated flashing her the most cheerful grin he could muster.
Camilla felt her heart flutter again as a light blush formed on her tan cheeks. She nodded turned away.
They went to opposite ends of the van with Caleb driving and Camilla riding shotgun. Caleb turned the ignition and the engine roared to life and the headlights shined brightly illuminating the side of the building.
Caleb shift the manual transmission to drive. Luckily, he learned to drive stick from driving his uncle's pickup on errands as a teen.
"Alright everyone let's-", before Caleb could finish one of the succubi screamed loudly and soon though other followed with panicked mutters. Caleb and Camilla exchanged confused and worried expressions before Camilla noticed in her rear-view mirror and yelp out a 'NO'. Caleb looked in his mirror and his heart stopped.
Two men was standing with their guns drawn and was preparing to fire at the tires
"GET DOWN!" , Caleb yelled out slamming his foot on the gas causing the dirt to kick up from the tire into their faces forcing them to misfire popping off a couple rounds off the van's roof edge. The van sped out of the front warehouse driveway. The men sending several more shots at the van hitting the side, back doors, one of the back windows, and Camilla rear view mirror. Caleb got the van onto the main street sending a loud screech from the skidding tires.
*****Wick's P.O.V.*****
Wick's lacky Mark came back and told Wick about the blocked off door of the warehouse. At the same time, Wick discovered all the tires on his car had the let out of them leaving them stranded. Whoever was on to them had methodically planned out everything. For all he knew they could be up against a hitman from a rival family. Not wanting to take any chances, he decided to up his firepower and grabbed his favorite P30L from the trunk along with a few more magazines for extra ammunition.
He and his partner stealthily made their way around the back maneuvering passed the overgrown weeds. They made it to the back where they could hear someone screaming. A familiar voice too. It was coming from the concrete trench. They ran over to the trench and as they did, Wick could've sworn he caught a glimpse of something rounding the other side of the building. This thought was interrupted however when he and Mark eyes lay upon the bodies of three men in the trench. One of which was Andy tied up and trying to get free while Renalds groaned over his injured joints.
Wick turned to a bewildered Mark and told him to get his cousin out of there. Mark didn't hesitate as he climbed into the ditch pulling out a switchblade and began cutting him free and removing the gag of rope.
"What happened here?", Wick asked the still groaning Renalds.
"This...black motherfucker...he knocked out Bill that partner of yours...he even stole all them succubi...taking them for himself. Arghh even busted my damn arms.", Renalds strained out.
"You know if he's a cop? Or an agent?", Wick inquired feeling a bit worried that a lone person could pull something like that over them.
"N-no. He's some n***er we had caught trying to help that s**k broad you wanted. We...Bill was supposed to keep him quiet.", Renalds finished pointing to Fat Bastard who was starting to come to.
Wick was shocked and immediately felt his blood boil at his explanation. To think one regular guy, a BLACK guy no less, played him like a fool. Him? The second born of the Malone family. Not only making him suffer such humiliation of having to try and run and hide but also stealing thousands of millions of dollars with of goods from right under his nose. No. No, that's not gonna fly. Suddenly the distinctive grumble of an engine alerted Wick and his men as they climbed out of the trench. A red tail light alerted them to the location of the sound on the other side of the building.
As soon as Wick's men were out of the trench, he ordered them to stop the van and they ran off in it's direction leaving him alone with Renalds and Fat Bastard. He noticed Fat Bastard groaning as he began to wake up.
" Aharghhh, er...Mac?", Fat Bastard barely whispered as his vision began clear and as his head pounded, "Whaz-What's...going on?...Why-"
Renalds interrupts him with a venomous "BILL! GODDANMITT YOU HAD ONE JOB! ONE!". He then groaned once again through his teeth.
"What? W-what I do?! what happened!?", Fat Bastard exclaimed while his eyes darted about and tried to move finding his limbs bound together, " How'd we get in here? What happened to me?"
"You tell me asshole! I send you to get rid of that boy we picked up, next thing, shit hits the fan and he leaves with all the devils.", Renalds exclaimed.
As Wick heard Renalds fussing becoming gradually more irritated. Then he heard the sound of multiple gun shots followed by the loud screech of car tires. He pieced together what may have happened and grit his teeth together. Meanwhile, the duke boys down under are pushing his limits.
Bill then looked up noticing Wick for the first time and asked, " Hey Mac, who's the guy with the beard?"
"Hey Bill.", Wick stated plainly before firing off a round from his P30L into Bill's head leaving brain matter and blood splattered on the concrete painting it crimson red, " Bye Bill".
Renalds hollered and panicked at the sight of the now totally lifeless body of Fat Bastard. His blood pooling and flowing over onto Renald's hand inciting him to jerk it away screaming at the hand painted with his partners' blood.
"WHAT THE HELL WRONG WICH YOU?!", Renalds shrieked to the top of his lungs.
" Simple. Getting rid of a 'huge' liability. ", Wick stated cocking the chamber again, " It's because of you two a huge section of my family's business may come under fire. You two have proved your incompetence after this debacle, now I must clean up your mess."
"You! YOU'RE FUCKIN' PSYCHO.", Renalds barked.
" I'm not called 'The Savage' for nothing. Now tell me what you know about that negro.", Wick inquired.
Renalds spat at Wick but it only manages to hit the end if his pant leg before retorting, " KISS MY ASS I AIN'T YOU TELLIN' YOU SH-ARRGHH!", he was cut off from Wick firing a round into his kneecap.
"I didn't ask for a life story. Name.", Wick demanded pointed the pistol at his other kneecap.
" Aaagh, ahhh...OK...Caleb. Caleb somethin'"
Wick pulled back the trigger, "Caleb what?"
"I-I-I don't know starts with a 'B' I think. Bissell. Baizel. Bessel or something I don't know.", Renalds cried out in pain.
Wick pondered for a second, " I suppose that will do. We have our ways of finding our target. And with that, you have outlived your usefulness. Da svidania"
"W-WAIT, I-", was the thing Renalds started before the concrete behind him was painted with skull plating and brain matter and his wide jawed face slumped down in the pool of blood of his partner.
Wick then placed his gun into the inner pocket of his shirt just as his men had returned to him.
" Boss, they got away.", Andy stated, "And one them dropped this."
He showed Wick a black sandal that had fallen off of one of the succubi. Wick took it and raised an eyebrow curiously before an idea popped into his head.
"Don't worry, I know how to find them.", Wick said as he took out his phone and dialed a certain number.
******Elsewhere******
In a large old-fashioned British inspired round library room softly lit by a lamp on a brown, well-crafted mahogany wood desk. There were book shelves encircling the room packed with literature. A large window with burgundy curtains contrasting the darkness with the lights from the city below. In the center of the room, were well crafted wooden chairs around a marble table. Sitting around said table were several well-dressed men all with tense looks on their faces creating a rather menacing atmosphere. They had their eyes centered on an old woman sitting at the desk smoking a Cuban cigar. She had pale skin, grey hair, silver eyes, and deep slash horizontal scar on her right cheek. She wore black pants and deep burgundy shirt under a black jacket with a rose pin on both shoulders. The phone on her desk rang and she answered.
" Hello", She said in a raspy, deep Russian accent before exhaling a stream of smoke, "Ahh, grandson."
Wick explained what happened on the other line. As he did, she grew more and more irritated from what she heard. The men in the room exchanged glances.
" Yes, grandson. I agree, this is insult onto our family that will not go unpunished.", She said taking another puff of her cigar, "I will send them. Call again when you get there."
She hung up the phone putting out her cigar in the ash tray.
"What is wrong Mama Róse?", said one of the men.
" My grandson has gotten himself in deep shit.", she replied sardonically before pouring herself a shot of bourbon, " send in the mutt."
One the men got up and left out of the room.
A couple minutes later he returned with a slightly regretful look on his face as he clenched his bleeding shoulder. Followed behind him was a tall canine liminal with dark black fur, larger bushy tail, vicious claws, and big white fangs. She glared at Mama Róse with fiery eyes, but she was not the least intimidated.
"I need you to help my grandson find a thief. Bring me his head. You can eat the rest. Hope you like dark meat.", Mama Róse finished with a low snicker.
The canine grinned showing off its wicked incisors as the flames on its eyes grew brighter, " It's my favorite. "
WN: Looks like old Caleb is in trouble. Hope he and the succubi can get out of this alive. What about Mirabelle, Lyca, and Sterling? Don't worry we'll see what their up to soon.
Didn't intend on making this a 3 parter really. Got a bit too creative with how to carry this out and it kinda happened.
Tbh, i didn't think i'd finish this before October. Starting to find balance in work and school (Seriously, engineering is no cakewalk but i'm managing well) and with what breaks i have, i use them to write a little. Lucky you.
Welp that's all I have to say.
As always, PEACE FAM.