“This is your target. Can you handle her?” Colin Masters held out the folder to the man beside him. No one else paid any attention, far too busy watching the game or chatting away. The Devil he contracted with should allow some form of anonymity but the agent still felt anxious being in this area. 

“Let me see,” Rugged hands reached for the folder and opened it. Even the bartender that just served them paid no mind to them, almost as if they stopped existing to his eyes. “Huh. Looks nothing more than a regular office girl. Cute though.”

Colin raised a brow. Although it’s not exactly inaccurate, the same could be said for the individual he’s contracting with. The assassin for hire was barely indistinguishable from the others. If he were to walk away into a crowd it would be very easy for him to disappear.

“Do not mention her name out loud. You never know where she could be watching.”

“Ho? That kind of a bigshot huh,”

This was a dangerous meet-up. There was no guarantee that Makima was always watching but steps were taken to avoid such a situation. Still, Colin despised being the one chosen for this task. He would be in the crosshairs of that monster because of this. But at the very least he felt an odd sense of calmness from the guy beside him. Almost as if he knew he could have faith in him.

Now whether or not “The Hunter” could defeat Makima was another story.

“Wow. She can sense what animals sense and control rats. Incredibly hard to kill. Likely regeneration. Can easily persuade someone to join her. Geez, what is she? Some Disney Princess?”

Colin resisted the urge to cackle at imagining Makima as such. 

“But these are speculated contracts huh. No definitives?” Hunter flipped through another file, mumbling the titles. “Shark Fiend. Spider Devil. Uh huh. How many more of them are there?”

“More than what’s listed,” Colin shook his head. Too many casualties have resulted from assuming Makima only had a selection of allies. It was better to assume she had an endless plethora of them. “We can’t risk a direct confrontation so that’s why we’re asking your help for this. Now, Hunter. How confident are you that you can take Makima?”

“Mmmm… I might be able to pull it off. Going to be very difficult though,” Hunter wasn’t being arrogant. A good sign. “I’ll need a few things first though. It’s necessary for me to make a ritual,”

“Of course. We will pay you as much as you want so long as you succeed.”

“Er. I kinda need the money now. Unless you can get me those materials without them.”

“Ah…. We’ll figure something out. You won’t screw this up right?”

“Naturally. I’m not gonna fuck this up.”

#############

“I fucked up.”

“Bang.”

Then there was silence. 

Makima lowered her hand, calmly smiling as ever.

The night streets of Japan finally went quiet, no longer interrupted by the sound of explosions or rabid monsters. Just another typical night when a group tries to kill her.

Makima always wondered why they acted that way despite her infamous reputation. If you were always attacked by such individuals you can discern a pattern. From the cries of “They’re forcing me to do this”, to “I’LL MAKE YOU PAY!” and “You don’t seem like a big deal.” Perhaps when she was younger she had a different response. Though nowadays apathy is a common reaction. Maybe she’d speculate on their motives and perhaps consider bringing them to her side.

Nevertheless.

This was one of the more annoying and taxing attacks.

This person that they called the Hunter pushed her a bit. Enough that her regular group of guardians was dispatched so easily. Not really a big shock but for someone to do that non-lethally was quite the rarity. You typically don’t want to spare potential opponents after all. But that got him nowhere in the end aside from being a corpse in an alley. Maybe that was the only reason why she heard bits and pieces about the dangerous threat that was the Hunter? In actual combat the best he could do was stall and try to run away and even that didn’t succeed. Annoyingly she can’t interrogate him now that he was just a puddle of gore. Perhaps Makima had to learn a bit not to overestimate her enemies.

Oh well.

It’s time to head back-

SQUEAK

Makima froze.

Her fingers were already flexed like a gun. But she wasn’t pointing in any particular direction. She knew very well where the source came from. It’s the potential of another attacker that made her wary. A glance below showed that there was nothing on the ground yet from her peripheral there was no other motion. So if the sound came from below her and she can’t sense anything around her then it must be from below ground. Wonderful. This better not be another explosive mine. Makima stepped back-

SQUEAK

-Ah.

Makima sighed in annoyance.

It wasn’t the environment. 

Her entire foot had become rubber.

###########

“HYOK HYOK HYOK!”  A visage of a clown mask with balloon tendrils continued to juggle various toys and trinkets. It would be a delightful and weird sight if in those trinkets weren’t a few bones. In front of it was a picture of Makima surrounded by a variety of rubber balloons organized in various humanoid forms. “You sure picked an annoying child to play with!! This child has no sense of joy!!”

“Is that so? I’m sure you can do your job, Clown Devil.”

“HYOK HYOK HYOK!! As long as you keep entertaining me!”

Hunter only stood by to the side letting out a puff of smoke safe and sound. What kind of an assassin would leave the confines of their safe shelter? That's why body doubles and stuntmen exist for a reason. Let them be the ones that get hurt over the bossman. Still. He hoped it wouldn’t be traced back to him but you never know in this line of business. A hunter has to have a lot of secrets in order to live. In this case, the Clown Devil being such a massive fan of silly obscure and rare toys. 

It was a pain to hunt them down but what can you do? Collector’s Edition materials are expensive. But the Clown Devil couldn’t be any more effective for things like this.

“Gotta add a little comedy to your life Miss Makima,”

######

“Frustrating,”

Even as Makima focused it was hard to figure out any abnormalities.

Typically anyone who would try this kind of an attack has to have some sort of connection to the area. The highest building had no one inside them at all. The rats she controlled revealed no such creatures in the deepest pits of the sewers. All local entertainment centers were shut down at her command yet it didn’t do anything to slow down the changes. The Circus of Last Days were confronted and engaged in a fight with some Devil Hunters. But Makima strongly felt it wasn’t the key culprit to her changes right now. That’s why she’s checking in with everything she has a connection with…

“Makima,” Her radio came to life. “The Circus of Last Days is likely another factor to this attack. They have turned some of our Hunters into cheese. We need you here!”

“Copy that. I’ll send someone there to help you,” Prinz or Beam should be helpful enough for that. “Can you send some-”

SQUEAK

…. Oh. Wonderful.

Makima glared at the device she held in her hands. There was a decreasing weight to it as the radio became a hybrid of rubber and metal. She had already tossed it away before it could transform, only eliciting low thumps as it bounced on the alleyway. Was that a conduit for her change? No. Her foot changed first. She’d have already transformed if it was that.

No. Focus. What kind of country would employ someone like this?

America? There was a recent rise of the Toy Devil but nothing else happened. It wasn’t that much of a threat so it can’t be it.

Could it be Germany? She’s heard that Santa was on the move but that might be because Russia had been active recently.

China had recently uncovered a new Fiend and was trying to use the-

SQUEAK

Makima frowned as she turned to her side. 

Wonderful. Her left arm was starting to lose the sensation of touch. Pushing herself away from the wall repeated that obnoxious squeak from both her hand and below. A sigh escaped her as she noticed what lay below. Her feet had turned more into hollow nubs that were tedious to move around on. She had adjusted to it but she can feel it to her very core. From the way her nerve endings were starting to lose feeling to the way the warmth was leaving the edge of her body where the changes began. The smell of cheap plastic that you’d expect from a typical toy store. 

More worryingly, there was a growing feeling of disconnection. Her link to the other devils and beings she has control over lessened by the second. Was this actually more than just transmutation? She had to act fast-

“HISSS!”

-ah.

Makima had always been a dog person. She wasn't an avid cat lover but she harbored no ill will against them. Her opinion of them was typical of what she’d give to a regular person. A look that a child would give to a small insect that’s currently still in front of them.

“Go away now,”

So naturally the cat fucked off.

Unlike a regular person it had more common sense to know when it’s in danger.

Makima felt for a moment a sense of pride.

Before she tripped forward. Damnit. Her confused and bruised face gave way to irritation as she felt more of her body’s unnatural state. The increasingly loud squeaks as she tried to push her arms down aided in her seeing more of herself. Her suit had melded with her skin, having a clear stylistic sheen to it. Her limbs were continuing to balloon as she felt herself pushed upwards and an unfamiliar sensation returned to her. The feeling of hollow and compressed air assailed her, now spreading throughout her body. Makima gasped as she felt too much air leave her mouth all at once. Breathing was becoming more foreign to her body as she felt something from inside her mouth.

‘What did they- Wonderful… Sealed off my voice too.’

Makima’s growl came out more as a hiss, signifying the last air escaping before she felt a nozzle form. At least she was able to sit up and glare at her current state. Her arms are becoming bulky as a balloon and her digits have sunk to her hands. Trying to grip anything is impossible. If she had a phone to contact someone she’d be unable to call them. Or maybe it’ll turn into a toy too much like her radio. Her legs had also… plumped up in a distinct way that didn’t make sense. Why was it enlarging upwards? If someone saw her like this maybe they’d feel vindicated about the lies and slander about her hips. Makima still had autonomy as she tried to raise her leg so there was that blessing. It was doable but with how even her derriere was feeling the now familiar hollowness, it wasn’t meant to last. It was only a matter of time before she became fully inanimate.

The Control Devil being unable to control what’s happening to her. Great.

‘This is a conundrum. Possibly very bad. Prinz. Take me away now.’

The slight creaking of rubber was the only response she had.

Makima’s eyes narrowed as she felt her whole body jostle. Her ass had always been nice. Sometimes it was a nice tool to seduce others and augment her increasing control over them. But as of right now, she could tell it had enlarged to the point of ruining her natural beauty. What was a shapely but not too eye-catching butt looked more like someone had snuck in beach balls below. Comical and artificial and couldn’t be any more obnoxious, yet also shaped wonderfully to lull one into a lustful frenzy. So big they were that Makima could feel her hips no longer touch the ground. Perhaps there was a pleasingly nice sensation too when her rubbery skin bounced against the alley floor. She was becoming a sexually depraved rubber parody of herself.

If anyone were to see this they’d be laughing at the sight of that and a very furious expression on Makima.

But the fact remains. Her attachments to her fiends hadn’t just waned but disappeared entirely. It made sense. Why the hell would an inflatable like her be capable of controlling any monster? She’s just a rubber toy that’s made to be played with. The only thing she’d be capable of controlling are lecherous bastards who want to use her. Oh dear. She hoped they didn’t pop her by hugging her too much or fucking her too much--- No. This isn’t the way to think about the situation. She had to at least focus. To try and think of a specific ability. Her senses were still there. The Last Days Circus should be dealt with the reinforcements she had commanded to go. 

Commanding her followers was a struggle now. She was no longer sending strategies but one word commands. It’s doubtful anyone can even hear her words so it’s likely that the Devil Fiends she had under her command couldn’t even hear her anymore. At every second that passes her mind begins to feel not slow but distracted. As if easily her mind was becoming air that was easily jostled. It irritated her that she can feel her chest receiving the same treatment as her ass. The way it expanded and started to tear through her blouse before her outfit became annexed and turned into nothing more than a paintjob. Her skin was meshed together too late and ended up with the appearance of her top having a cleavage. Something detestable and would be an act to avoid.

Then again that might not be relevant. Even if her outfit was buttoned up it didn’t change the fact that her breasts had ballooned into bopper like appendages. Much like her ass they were beach ball sized and dragged her forward. With a slight bounce, her entire body jiggled and squeaked. Her squat-like sitting position and with how her arms are pushed forward made her look like she’s welcoming anyone behind her. 

‘Whoever is doing this will pay.’

Truthfully her anger was being matched by dread at the finality of her state. As the last of her hair begins to soften and squeak. As her eyes began to widen and look more comical, the rage replaced completely with a giddy excitement. Her mouth was turning from a snarl into an exuberant smile. With each change Makima trembled less in fury and more in horror as she realized that the emotions displayed by her silly lewd form was beginning to intertwine with her mind. With one last attempt she tried to move or even command something to help her.

Her efforts yielded something.

SQUEAAAAAAAAAK!!

It was almost like the sound of a small balloon popping. Or a gunshot.

And the Makima inflatable remained there.

Quiet.

There was no Control Devil here. 

###########

“The child is now happy hyuk hyuk hyuk!”

“Thanks Clown Devil,” Hunter leaned back nodding. “You’re absolutely sure she’s dealt with?”

“Hyuk hyuk!!” The Clown had stopped juggling and was now excitedly turning over its newfound collectibles. From an archaic toy that was banned in the 80s for its easy to swallow properties, to a limited edition action figure that had never sold again. “She is one with the fun!! Always guaranteed to give happiness to anyone!”

“That’s a relief. I’ll call you in when there’s a bigshot next time.”

“Happy to help!”

Just like that, the Clown Devil popped into confetti.

The same for all the trinkets that were handed to him as property. Within seconds, the Hunter simply lounged on his chair. Though the ritual had gone spectacularly and even managed to convince the Devil to pay a little bit cheaper, something about it bothered him. From the way things went… Was it really over?

##########

SQUEAK!

“Eh?”

Denji stared blankly.

In one moment Himeno was right beside them. With Aki and her discussing the next approach to supporting Makima from assassins that had just showed up. Power had almost gallivanted off to who knows where if not for Aki grabbing her by the shoulder. In that moment that they all turned away there was that sudden obnoxious sound. When they turned back there was only a strange balloon thing where Himeno was.

Namely, an inflatable that bounced a couple of times on the ground. It was weird. Denji saw things like that before. He had to dig through trash bins and those things can be pretty nice as a source of cash if they were still usable. This one was in pristine condition too. Selling it might be worth a lot of money. But huh. It was weird. It looked so much like a business woman.

“Himeno?”

Aki was approaching it huh. He must’ve used something like that before. Wouldn’t be surprised. The guy’s got a stick up his ass. But why was he so shaky when approaching it? Wait.

“Hey Aki… that thing looks a lot like. Uhhh…”

The balloon plush or whatever they call it. Inflatable plushie? It looked a lot like Himeno. Or rather the only thing that looks like Himeno was the suit and the eyepatch. The hairstyle too but that part’s kinda hard to tell even with the lamppost illuminating the area. But those obscene tits and ass! Geez! Did someone fill that up to the max? Then again Himeno was pretty busty too. Just not on that level. 

…

Honestly.

Would Aki be against keeping it? He looks like he’s very interested in it. Like, look at that intense stare. Denji rubbed the bottom of his chin as he 

But why was he staring at it so intently? Why go to it as if it’s like a dog or something? Weirdo.

“Denji!! Power!!” Aki looked absolutely frantic right now when he faced them. “Be on your guard! There might be an attacker!”

“Ah?!? Seriously?! Lame!”

“Shut up Power! What are you talking about Aki?”

“Himeno’s missing and this thing appears! Look around already!”

Denji frowned. Aki was serious. His hand was ready to pull the cord as he turned his back against them. There really wasn’t anyone around. Hard to tell with how dark it is but even then. Actually, Aki was right that Himeno disappeared and that thing… Wait. Is he for real? No way. That thing was--

“Intruder! There! I can kill em!”

“Good job Power!”

Didn’t have much time to think on that. Denji was already revving himself as he faced the alleyway. Power was on a weird kung-fu stance and Aki had his weapon out. The footsteps was soft and muffled, almost impossible to hear. That must be Himeno right? Still, Denji readied to pull and-

“Oh.”

“ATTACKING-”

“POWER STOP! Miss Makima!”

“Good to see you’re all fine,”

In the flesh, there was Makima! Still rocking that suit. Still as hot as ever! But huh. Weird. Why did she come from there? She looked a bit dirty. Wait. Was it because of those attackers? She already took them out? Weren't there more bureau guys with her? Or did they all just die because they weren’t as good?

“Status report? Lost my radio,”

“Safe here. Took down a small group of ambushers. No notable Devils,” Aki, the suckup, was already speaking. “And Himeno…”

All eyes were on the inflatable plush. Shit. It really does look like Himeno. Wait, no way!?

“That’s Himeno!?” Denji picked it up, staring at it. Er. Maybe the chest. Shoot. If Makima saw him like this- right- look at the face. “But uh… This looks a bit like Himeno. I mean it can be a prank-”

“Woah!! Can I keep it!” Powder was very exuberant and stupid as usual. Ugh. “I think Meowy will like that.”

“What?! No way!! I don’t trust you with anything!” Denji barked, pulling Himeno away. Oh whoops. Accidentally hit Aki with the ass side of it. That loud squeak. Did Makima flinch from it? “Seriously though! Mine before yours!”

“No fair!!”

“This isn’t a joke you two!” Aki shouted, snatching ‘Himeno’ off of Denji’s hands. A glare on his face before he turned back to Makima. “We’re unsure if this is an attack from them or another thing entirely.”

“If it is you’d all be turned into that already,”

“That’s… true. But still Makima. Please be careful.”

“It’s alright. And can I have that?” Makima offered a hand, her eyes gazing towards Aki. “If that really is Himeno then I’ll have to find a way to check. But if it’s merely a prank, well… I think it’s better off the hands of those two. You understand my concerns, right Aki?”

“Well. I do trust you more to keep her safe…”

“Whaaaaaaa.”

“Laaaaaaame.”

Makima giggled, before weighing the inflatable up. 

The dichotomy of elegant and refined Makima carrying that sex parody balloon was probably gonna stick in the trio’s mind for a while. Though a bit more unnoticed as Powder tried to punch Denji for not letting her have the toy, Makima had a wry smile as she squeezed Himeno’s face. The tight squeeze caused Himeno’s cheeks to become chubbier and for her eyes to bulge out in a silly manner. If she were to press her hands any further Himeno might just pop. 

“I’m sure I’ll find the cause of this one way or another,” Makima softly stated. “This is a horrible thing to do to anyone.”

SQUEAK

Makima winced once more, reminded of what could’ve been her fate.