Cauda 06 - All Bets Off

"You know this demon?!"

Movements for Cauda 07 [https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GMK1I4WWYAAvs5Y?format=jpg&name=large]

"H-hold on. You can't be serious. We gotta get out of here!" Kapi said.

"How do you know it was a cry? Er, I mean it sounded like it was in pain but-" Theo started to ask but Updike cut him off. "The language. That was a form of demonic. I don't know it exactly, but I believe translated it said, 'help me'."

Kapi didn't like the direction this was heading in. "E-even so-"

Updike shook his head. "That scream is going to attract patrols if it's not some kind of alert already. We need to silence it. The victim could even as well be Retro. This area is the optimal place for a prison."

"Uh-Uh-You really sure this is a good idea?" Kapi asked. "I mean, can't Theo use his drones or something to check? Or-we could get Huggy too. Y-yeah!" Kapi said as Huggy put him down. He reached into his backpack and pulled out a navy-blue hoodie, the sache a darker blue. "Huggy. Can you smell this and tell us where it is?" Huggy nodded and gave a sniff. Closing his eyes he allowed his nose to do the seeing.

"I do have to agree with Updike here." Theo said. "This would be the optimum spot for a prison. And if there are others, freeing them would be the perfect distraction as we loot the quarters." Theo said cunningly.

Solazar had taken a rather hands off approach to this team. He knew Updike more than capable of leading. But for this 'side quest' he felt he had to comment.

"Updike. Are you absolutely sure this is a good idea? If there was a prison break it would only wrought more chaos." He asked through the comlink.

"How is the state above?" Updike asked.

"All quiet. There are investigations going on regarding the church and a patrol of demons trying to trail Annie. Python will be leaving later. Team Lisp has fooled everyone for now." Solazar replied. "It is been chalked up to a religious terroristic attack on the church. "

"That's right!" Mommy declared through the comlink. It made Kapi flinch though the others knew it was just Nikku (as if the giggling afterwards didn't indicate so).

"We are going to investigate first. This is for intelligence purposes. I don't believe we need to free anyone yet though it will provide substantial support should we need to. Perhaps give us a clearer picture of what exactly is going on here."

"Very well." Solazar said.

Huggy detected a few foreign scents down the tunnel. Cologne, chemicals, blood, sulfur, metal and a small hint of bubblegum. But no Retro. He smelled more intently, faintly picking up the hoodie's scent. Not down the tunnel but up through the basement. Huggy motioned there.

"S-see? Retro's not down there. Let's just leave this-"

"I disagree my feline friend. I believe we have a duty to help the lost souls down there. It is for the Greater Good, isn't it?"

Nikku, hearing the conversation, couldn't help but snicker at Theo's pompousness. Updike cracked a smile.

Kapi shook his head. Why me? "Can't you use your drones to check?"

"I suppose I could. Allow me a few moments to check."

Kapi breathed a sigh of relief. As a fourth scream echoed Kapi flinched again. This scream sounded the least distorted, anguish present in its cadence. Something about it bothered Kapi. He shuddered.

"What is it?" Theo asked, digging through his bag.

"It's just..it sounds familiar."

"All the more reason to investigate." Updike said.

Huggy had been listening attentively, drawing his own conclusions. Most of the scents weren't familiar though he knew cleaning chemicals and labs when he sniffed them. He knew the factory's pipes and sewers in and out and this was similar to them all. He knew he had friends now. He knew all together they were looking for someone. And he knew that it was you and Kapi that freed him, having ventured into that dungeon to locate him for reasons he didn't understand. You and Kapi were just good people, Huggy decided.

He saw the facts clearly.

1. This must be the factory he was made in.

2. There is someone screaming in pain, possibly another test subject.

3. The screamer is in a lab.

4. The team is looking for people.

5. Kapi went to that factory to find him and now they're back.

To Huggy the answer was simple.

The team were here to free the others like him!

Huggy emitted a curious sound, inquiring if he should go forth.

Another scream, though this one was different. It sounded less distorted with more sadness. The victim's voice cracked; chords strained under whatever pain.

Huggy knew when he heard pain in the voice and taking charge, decided to go. This was his turf after all.

"HUGGY! STOP!" Kapi shouted, to no avail.

Huggy bolted down the corridor, running so fast he nearly crashed into the bend. He turned, vanishing into the light. He was coming to help! That's why they were there!

Kapi sighed. "There's no catching a break! CMON!"

"Exciting! This is quite an adventure. Let's move!" Theo said, running after Huggy, holding his shovel like a sword.

Kapi looked at Updike, sad. The cloudman just shrugged. "He is a member of this team. You are free to stay here until our business is concluded should you wish." He started walking after Theo.

Muttering some swears, Kapi hung his head and followed Updike.

Though Huggy ran off recklessly, the others moved cautiously. That they didn't hear him screaming was a good sign. It ruled out the possibility of it being a trap.

Though the hallway was poorly lit Kapi noticed the dirt turning to white tiles as they got closer to the bend.

"Huggy get back here!" Kapi whispered aggressively as he got closer.

He would have walked right into the next room had Updike not grabbed his tail. Updike stopped just at the bend, knowing full well than to otherwise barge in. If this was a prison, surely, they would have guards present. Screaming stopped he could hear banging of chains and heavy breathing. Not Huggy's breathing, this sounded even more animalistic.

"I shall go on. Keep silent." Updike said, finger in front of his mouth. Kapi nodded, staying with Theo.

"Huggy. What is the meaning of this?" Huggy grunted to Updike in response. "I see. Huh, who...but why?" Updike said perplexed. "You two, come out now. It's safe."

Releasing a sigh of relief Kapi and Theo stepped into the next room, surprised at what they saw.

A laboratory. There was no doubt in either mind about it.

White laminate flooring, white walls with some blue tiles, tables, a rack of labcoats, a sink and a large computer with many screens around it. All bundled together with a distinct peroxide scent. Sitting on the left wall were a series of three large, human-size holding tanks. Each was full of stagnant green liquid, various pipes and wires coming in and out of them. Theo found those most interesting, immediately looking at them. Each contained a label, 'Specimen 1, 2 and 3'.

While Theo went on his own it was the right wall that Huggy stared solemnly at. The wall contained three cells, each stretching further into the wall. It was the middle one which drew Huggy's attention. He stood in front, looking in. The other two were empty.

They appeared to not be part of the lab design, the ground turning back to dirt and the walls to cobblestone in each cell. Even the bars looked weak, made of rusted metal with a simple lock-and-key mechanism. Far dirtier and medieval looking than the sleek lab they found themselves in.

The scream emitted again, a sound of pure agony coming from the middle cell. Huggy barked at it, motioning for Updike to open it. Kapi peered in.

Kapi's eyes settled on the prisoner, curious as to what could be making that sound. His eyes went wide, seeing the cell's denizen.

A demonic figure, chains around his wrists; he was shackled to the wall, though with his struggling they loosened.

Kapi took a step back in shock.

The prisoner wore a black suit, having been ripped open, exposing a tattered white undershirt. Dirt speckled all over, indicating he had been here for a while. He wore dress shoes and black pants, the latter stained red. With glowing red eyes and mouth he looked furious. Thick black hair which almost hid two black horns, it was no wonder he sounded familiar to the catboy.

"B-blackjack?" Kapi asked, aghast, still not believing his eyes.

Like a bull, Blackjack snorted, puffs of blackened smoke emitting from his nostrils.

"You know this demon?!" Updike asked.

"Y-yeah. He runs the arcade. But. I don't know what he's doing here."

Kapi glanced back at Blackjack. Whatever humanity he had in him was gone. Nothing in those eyes' sans burning hatred.

"What arcade?"

"Uhh. Flashpoint. T-the one we went-"

"Hm. I vaguely recall seeing someone like that." Updike touched his ear, activating the comlink. "Abott. Give me everything you can find on a demon named Blackjack. Cross-reference Flashpoint Arcade. He interacted with our men a few weeks ago after Flashbang. See if anyone wrote a report."

"On it."

Kapi couldn't help but stare at Blackjack, still confused by his appearance. He struggled again, yanking at the chains that restrained him. At one point the chains would have been higher up, forcing him to stand but through here they'd been pulled down, allowing Blackjack to sit.

"He's never been like this though."

Joining the three, Theo took his place beside Updike. "Those chains look rather loose. Are you sure it is safe?"

Blackjack yanked again, the chains visibly jostling and dislocating as he pulled. Huggy stopped staring, backing up slowly. He wasn't sure what this 'Blackjack' was, but it now worried him. Huggy knew the look. Primal and like a cornered animal, seeing nothing but red. Huggy knew what it was like and knew him impossible to reason with.

Not paying attention he backed up to the back of the lab, hitting one of the green tanks. He trembled, this place reminding him too much of the factory. Even with friends he felt scared.

Another puff of smoke emerged from Blackjack, despite it not being cold. With a heavy grunt he pulled as hard as he could, ripping one of the chains and shackle out of the wall.

One arm free now, Theo, Updike and Kapi stepped back. That he freed his first arm sent him into a fury, struggling hard to pull out the second one.

Updike broke into a fighting stance, putting his fists up.

"Theo ready yourself. It appears we may have a fight."

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Blackjack ripped the second shackle out. Now free, on all four he ran to the gate, smashing against it. It shook violently under his assault.

The Carnival Vs. Blackjack, Proprietor of the Flashpoint Arcade and Archdemon of the Seventh Circle of Hell [https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GLxCbaIWkAE91Yn?format=jpg&name=large]The Carnival Vs. Blackjack, Proprietor of the Flashpoint Arcade and Archdemon of the Seventh Circle of Hell

Now Playing...

Artist: Malebolge

Song: Conoisseur of Sin

"How close are you to this abomination?" Updike asked.

"W-what?"

"Can I slay him?"

"Uh, I-I don't know. He's been nice to me."

"No matter."

"I-hey!" Huggy grabbed Kapi, taking him out of the range of the gate. He put the catboy on his back, Huggy's instinct to 'protect Kapi'.

"THEO GET BACK!" Updike shouted as Blackjack smashed the gate, removing the last barrier between them. He breathed heavily, still in a berserk rage.

He screamed incoherently as he charged Updike, lunging at him. Updike opened his fists, catching and locking each other in a game of mercy.

Theo stood aside and moved behind Blackjack, wielding the shovel, he smashed it over Blackjack's head. It did little to stop the demon from trying to crush Updike's hands. He did lose some focus and Updike, holding Blackjack's hands rotated and slammed him on the ground. Theo moved quickly, raising the shovel and jamming the sharp end down, intending to stab Blackjack.

Kapi and Huggy stayed away, Huggy hissing but otherwise not wanting this fight.

Blackjack grabbed the shovel just as it hit his chest. His hand easily smashed through the wooden handle. Theo watched, then dropped it as he saw the shovel turn a glowing yellow, shining under the fluorescent lights.

It turned gold.

"By god." Theo stepped back.

Blackjack got up and let out another scream.

"Don't let him touch you! He has midian abilities." Updike said, for the first time worried.

Updike didn't let up in his assault, immediately going for Blackjack's face in a flurry of punches. The demon just took them and sensing a spot grabbed Updike's hand, the glove turning to gold.

The TGG trio member acted quickly ripping off his glove before it could transform any more, giving Blackjack a roundhouse before doing so.

"Abott! This demon has Midian abilities. You may have to prepare an anti...darn." Updike looked to see his hand now turning to gold, slowly but he could feel himself losing feeling.

Theo retreated, grabbing his bag and pulling something out of it.

"Kapi! Hold him off I got an idea." Theo shouted.

Kapi and Huggy jumped in, Huggy letting out a roar.

"C'mon, Blackjack don't you remember me? I helped you out."

For a brief second Blackjack paused, then resumed his assault. He lunged at Huggy, intending to rip the monster's throat. Huggy moved quickly, dodging and getting behind Blackjack. He chomped down, teeth sinking into the demon's neck.

Blackjack screamed more loudly than before, even causing Huggy to get off him from the yelling.

Though he could no longer feel or move his left-hand Updike continued unabated. He hit Blackjack with some kicks and punches, now aiming for the demon's stomach. As he combo'd him, he tried to corner him back into the cell.

He tried his best to keep Blackjack's hands away from him, barely reacting when his shoe was turned to gold.

"Now!" Theo shouted as a drone flew by. Attached to the drone was a rope. "Updike stand back!" He ordered, the weatherman did so. He jumped back, ignoring the lack of feeling in his.

The drone whirred around Blackjack, attempting to ensnare him in the rope. He reacted way more intelligently than Theo expected, grabbing the rope and smashing the drone. In a few seconds he lunged at Theo, grabbing his hands. He would have crashed, but Updike elbowed him against the wall.

To his horror, Theo saw his gloves start to turn gold. "NO NO NO, ah!" Theo shouted, tossing his gloves off, panicking. "CALM YOURSELF MAN!" Updike said.

It did little to stop the flow, Theo seeing his hands now turning a bright shade of yellow.

"We gotta do something!" Kapi said to Huggy. He felt terrified, no clue what to actually do.

"Abott. I will need an antidote. How soon can you reach here?"

"15 minutes."

"One of you should get to safety, otherwise Ace will run it in it!" Solazar said quickly. Unseen, he facepalmed himself realizing just what danger they let loose.

Unable to move much, Updike charged Blackjack. If he were going down, then he may as well stop the demon from getting out. He counted Theo out as well, the wannabe-agent panicking and losing grip on himself.

He gripped Blackjack by the throat and threw him back into the cell. He stood in the way, blocking the exit, letting the gold take him. Blackjack charged him, Updike holding the sides of the cell's entry to keep himself straight, no regard that he was now 60% gold. Chest puffed out he held Blackjack in the cell, ignoring the scratching and clawing the demon was doing to him.

"Kapi! Get out of here! Abott's delivering the antidote! Bring it to me posthaste!"

Huggy nodded, understanding what he must do. He watched as Theo and Updike continued their transformation.

He ejected Kapi off, motioning him to go.

"What are you doing?" Kapi asked. Updike too, bewildered as he saw Huggy's eyes narrow on Blackjack trying to push Updike out of the way. The monster scampered up, crawling under Updike. He let out a hiss and grabbed Blackjack, first pulling him into a master lock, arms and legs under Blackjack's. He had little trouble, pulling the arm further and interlocking it around his neck. Oxygen cut off, Huggy squeezed.

Like he was tapping out, Blackjack tried to pull Huggy off him, even turning the monster to gold in the process. Huggy didn't budge, even as he lost feeling in his arms. Kapi tried to get in but with Updike blocking him wasn't possible.

"NO! HUGGY YOU CAN'T DO THIS!"

"You idiot! Get the antidote from Ace! LEAVE ME AND THE OTHERS!" Updike shouted.

Updike blocked the way as Kapi tried to run in. Huggy's mouth closed, giving him a content smile as Blackjack's struggling weakened. The bright colours in his eyes started to fade.

If this were it, he would be content.

Kapi tried to push Updike out of the way, but he didn't budge. Theo too, in a moment of clarity ran to Updike and knocked Kapi out of the way. He used what strength he had left to add to the blockade, not thinking of himself.

Kapi blinked. All movement had ceased from Huggy, Theo, Updike and Blackjack. Updike and Theo now sufficiently turned to gold, blocking the cell's exit. Huggy too, frozen into a new makeshift prison for the demon. Tears in his eyes he couldn't help but cry, telling Huggy to stop.

"Kapi! Earth to Kapi! Are you alive?!" Tess shouted into the comlink, ignoring the sniffling.

You and Team Python weren't sure what was going on. Did Team Zig just get wiped out?

Kapi rubbed his eyes.

"M-mask." Someone said weakly as he stopped struggling against Huggy's golden grip.

"W-what?" Kapi said, rubbing his eyes.

Though he couldn't enter he could see into the cell through some space between Updike's legs.

"M-mas." Blackjack said, gasping, no air getting into his throat.

The gold arm that held him started to loosen, colour returning, changing back to an ocean blue.

It loosened on Blackjack, allowing him to speak.

"I NEED, hu, my, ha, MASK!" He shouted, in between pants.

Huggy, now conscious again, resumed his onslaught, tightening around Blackjack's throat. He squealed but otherwise didn't struggle. Huggy didn't know why he was alive, but it didn't matter. He was still saving Kapi!

Kapi turned and ran, looking around the lab for a 'mask'. It didn't take long to find it, hanging up underneath a lab coat. Two gaskets on each side, the front part of the mask depicted sharp teeth with two large fangs overhanging. Kapi recognized it, at the time thinking it was Blackjack's actual mouth.

"Kapi. Do you read me?" Tess demanded. "Are you alive?!"

"I am. J-just give me a second!"

He ran back, seeing Huggy continuing to try and kill Blackjack, confused as to why he was even alive.

"Huggy! Put this on him!" Kapi shouted as he threw the mask over Updike's shoulder.

Huggy paused, now confused at Kapi's request. He saw the mask. Stylized, he knew the gaskets were similar to what he'd seen. He himself was gassed once, a green cloud making him sleep. And it must do the same thing to Blackjack! Huggy grabbed the mask and jammed it onto Blackjack's face smothering him.

Head foggy and unable to see straight Blackjack tried to put on the mask, strapping it on.

"Huggy! Let go of him!" Kapi commanded. The monster did so, believing he saved Blackjack.

Kapi crawled under Updike and entered the cell.

"T-thank you." Blackjack said dryly coughing.

Huggy snarled at him, ready for round 3.

Now Playing...

Artist: Body 13

Song: Blank Moments Torn [Excerpt]

"Huggy wait!" Kapi shouted. Huggy did so but kept his eyes on Blackjack. He jumped behind Kapi, standing threateningly behind him, one arm around the catboy.

In control again, Blackjack tried to get up. He stood upright, wobbled a bit and fell.

"Ugghh. Y-you didn't happen to see my cane around?" He said in a low hum. His voice sounded hoarse. Kapi had to pay close attention to just make it out what Blackjack said between his gravel delivery and shredded vocal cords.

"I don't, I don't think so." Kapi said, anxiety clouding his voice.

Blackjack paused, as reality started to set in again. That voice. He looked up. His eyes hadn't adjusted to the light yet, nor his sights straightened. As he looked up he saw the silhouette of a catboy standing behind the monster.

"Ka-" He coughed, talking unfamiliar to him. "You are Kapi. The one with the contract."

"Can you heal them?"

"Heal who-oh." Blackjack's eyes settled on the large figure blocking the cell, another one standing behind it. Both were made of pure gold, having transformed minutes ago.

"Are they...dead?" Kapi asked, fearing the worst.

"No. My magic is still weakened, I cannot kill anyone that way."

"Here." Blackjack tried standing up only to collapse again. Kapi and Huggy stepped back, the monster still not trusting him, no matter how weakened he looked. With no other recourse he crawled to the end of the cell, grabbing Updike's pant leg to hold himself up.

Blackjack placed a hand on Updike's chest as his eyes glowed. Slowly colour began to return, Updike himself nearly collapsing as he started breathing. He almost toppled over backwards but Huggy caught him, also inadvertently saving him from knocking over Theo.

"The antidote." Updike coughed. "It worked...?" He stopped, eyes settling on Blackjack. His first instinct was to kill him, but he caught himself. Blackjack's eyes, though tired looking were focused. He knew Blackjack had returned to sanity.

"You did."

Blackjack nodded slowly, sitting on the ground. "I did."

Realizing that Blackjack saved Updike, Huggy let go of Kapi and jumped to the cloudman, holding him in a tight hug.

"If you would." Blackjack said, motioning to Theo. Updike stepped out of the way, allowing Blackjack to cure Theo. He did so, placing a hand on Theo and eyes glowing.

Theo's reaction was much more vibrant, the man immediately resuming movement and moving frantically. He panicked then stopped himself. He touched his face, just to make sure he was alive. "I...I am alive! KAPI YOU DID IT!"

"AH!" Theo shouted, seeing Blackjack. He stepped, tripping over. As he shot frantic looks at the others, he realized not only had Blackjack gained sanity but had brought him back too.

Having to heal three separate people, Blackjack lost his balance and fell again. Only now did he realize how sore he felt. From the chains to the beating, he took he felt battered. Determining it best to stay on the ground he adjusted himself, sitting upright. He hung his head down.

"All of you. I am truly sorry. Really. If there's anyth-"

"What happened to you?" Kapi asked, forthright.

"I can't-" Blackjack took a deep breath. "I can't breathe this air. When I do, I go berserk...as as you saw."

"And what exactly are you doing here?" Updike asked, crossing his arms.

"The Family. They kidnapped me. Removed my mask. It's been a blur since then."

"Let me guess. You can't remember anything?" Updike asked, bemused.

"I remember vague images. There were three of us when they held me here. They had me hooked up to that machine at some point..." Blackjack said, pointing towards the holding tank. "And after that they moved me back and forth."

All of a sudden Huggy understood that not only was Blackjack not an enemy but a friend, having gone through the same treatments as he. Probably not exactly the same but Huggy didn't know the difference. He felt the two shared a kindred now. He lifted a paw, handing it to Blackjack. Confused, he shook it, Huggy nodding at him that now he understood.

Blackjack felt his back. "Indeed. It did happen. I can still feel the wounds. They extracted energy from me."

Solazar spoke up asking Kapi to continue the mission, but Updike shushed him, more curious to Blackjack's story.

"What kind?" Updike asked, serious.

"Demonic energy. It's why my magic did little to you all. I don't have much right now."

"Any idea what they could be using it for?" Updike's expression turned grave. "And who were the others?"

Blackjack sighed. "I don't know the other two they had with me. I never saw their faces. My mask was removed and after that I cannot recall." Some energy returning Blackjack stood up. "I don't suppose either of you brought food. I do not believe I have eaten since my arrival."

"I, uh, have some treats for Huggy." Kapi said awkwardly.

"I shall pass." Finding his balance Blackjack hobbled his way to the lab desk. He started ransacking drawers looking for anything. He found a few vials and beakers of various liquids which he took one look and downed.

"Are you sure you can consume that, Mister Blackjack?" Theo asked, weirded out by Blackjack's complete disregard for his safety. Blackjack had no problem just pouring the contents right into his mask. Theo still wasn't sure what to make of the demon.

"He's a demon. They can eat dirt and still be fine." Updike said. "Who captured you?" Updike continued his questioning. "And how?"

Blackjack shook his head. "I cannot recall the man who did. He was not someone I recognized."

"Perhaps it was Daddy?" Theo suggested.

"No. It was no member of Family I'm aware of. I am not sure how it was done either. I fell upon seeing them. Whether poison, magic or asunder I was unable to fight back."

Updike shook his head. He had plenty more questions but also knew the operation more pressing. He just puffed.

"Heh. I take it you do not like me." Standing, Blackjack felt his energy rapidly depleting. None to spare he sat down again, taking deep breaths through his mask.

"Forgive me if I do not like you demons." Updike said curtly.

"Then I apologize for making you all come out here for me."

"Oh, uh, sorry we actually aren't here for you." Kapi said, twiddling his thumbs.

"Indeed, Mister Blackjack. We should actually continue our mission."

"Yes. You are a random encounter we came across." Updike said.

Blackjack pulled off his mask just a bit and ate one of the vials. Chomping loudly, he asked, "Huh? You aren't. Then why..."

"Well, we heard your screaming and thought it important to check out." Theo said.

"Then what ARE you doing here?"

Everyone looked at one another unsure if they could trust him.

"We are, um...exploring?" Theo said.

"Heh. You don't need to lie about it. I can guess why. Kapi told me about this crew. You're here to act as reapers for this Family." Blackjack swallowed the glass as if it were nothing.

"Then we shouldn't have to answer, should we?" Updike said.

Even though Blackjack saved him, Updike couldn't bring himself to trust or even like him. Blackjack was a demon currently in the Family's Underground. Whether or not he was being used as a guinea pig was irrelevant.

"Then you may as well take me along. I've nothing better to do here and escaping on my own won't be easy. We find any more food and I'll take out whomever you need."

Huggy's eyes lit up, happy about a new friend, especially a fellow 'experiment'.

"Hmph." Updike said. He looked at Theo and Kapi.

"I don't see why not." Theo said.

"He's cool. He did help me back then."

"Very well. But you had better not pull anything." Updike said sternly.

"I am in your debt, and I am not like the Family. I believe there are rules to this game. What they did to me was a violation of Hell's laws. I shall fight alongside you." Blackjack made his way to one of the tables and flipped it, ripping a leg off in the process. Using it as a makeshift cane he joined Team Zig.

"Can we um, take a break?" Kapi asked.

"A break? We have an important mission to do-"

"No. I just witnessed you all die, and we've been running around like crazy. I WANT A BREAK." Kapi demanded.

Updike shook his head. "Fine. 15 minutes. I need to call TGG anyways."

Blackjack joined the party!

The next chapter will be called Bear Witness.