The Hazbin House

by Unity123

NSL Fic. After what his so called "family" put him through for over eleven years, espacially that day. Lincoln simply wishes for it all to end, but a chance meeting an ancient entity and a princess grants him not only the chance to redeem himself on Earth, but reap vengeance against family, foes, and all of those who carry darkness in their hearts.

4. Chapter 4: Steeling One's Self

Previously on The Hazbin House, the Loud clan awoke to find their home warped and twisted inside out, the focal points of the corruption seemingly fixed upon the each of the mortal's respective mistakes and failures. Upon encountering a hooded figure sitting behind a mirror, two groups appear to surface; Lynn Sr., Rita, Lori, Luan, Lola, Lisa and Lynn Jr. who represent those who believe that the path they chose is the correct path and Leni, Luna, Lucy, Lana and Lily who believe otherwise. Meanwhile in the Hazbin Hotel, Lincoln finally awakens from his death-like state and quickly makes acquaintaces with the residential demons, especially Satanael, who was simply watching out of sight, Charlie who was standing vigil over the fallen child, and Nifty who took the liberty of sleeping with him in bed.

From there, he is quickly introduced to the tenants of the rehabilation facility, and the entity who saved his life and now wears his face. Satanael reveals his intentions, to seek a true peace between the realms and in turn, ending the annual exterminations by the "angels" of Heavens. His words and actions seem to get on the good side of the demons, though some remain skeptical about his true intentions and goals regarding allying with them. He gives Lincoln an offer to reap vengeance upon his former clan and aid in unfortunate souls like him from sharing a similar fate.

He explains to him that in order to save him, he needed two samples of blood, one from himself and one from a pureblooded demon, though the latter intends to remain annoymous. The results of such a blood transfusion is for the body to be rewritten, any remnants

This is an offer that he accepts from an adopted son to a father, the only catch from the deal. He even decides to grant Charlie the freedom to act as a proper mother. From that day, Lincoln Loud died and Lucifer Primere was reborn. Reborn as the Dark Son.

---

Chapter 4: Steeling One's Self

Lucifer's Room, Penthouse Suite, Hazbin Hotel, Pentagram City, Pride Ring, Hell

It has been over a week since Lincoln Loud aka Lucifer Premiere fell from grace on Earth, only to "reborn" in Hell as the adopted son of an enigmatic entity from a void-like realm of nothingness and the daughter of the Lord of the Pride Ring of Hell, Lucifer (or in this case Lucifer Sr.) The boy has managed to recover from all of his wounds and is now able perambulate normally without painful reactions. He's has had moments where he is startled by the network of scars across his body, but has grown used to it. He still wears the bandages around his head whenever he is around others. Either a reminder of his rehabilitation or an object to hide something that has drasticaly changed. Through Satanael's, Vaggie's and Alastor's teachings, he has learned much about how the cogs and gears of this realm operate, but the Radio Demon yet to make a deal with the Dark Son, a notion that both the guest and spearmaster has been watching closely.

Lucifer's skills with cooking have only improved with the aid of Angel Dust and Alastor, and usually helps cook up meals to the other inhabitants for the hotel, despite the lack of tenants and every time he turns in for the night, he makes sure to keep his doors and windows locked (especialy in the bathroom), yet somehow, Nifty always finds a way inside and whenever he wakes, he realizes she is either spooning him or is long gone, her indentation still on the bed. Despite the uncomfortable sensation, he has strangely grown used to this. A bit of music from his alarm, which has shifted into heavy metal, awakens the boy once again. The lack of sensation behind him only means that Nifty has already woken up and is out of his quarters. His sleeping attire is similar to the one he one wore on Earth, but has blackened, creating a sickly amber color. He takes a deep breath as the clothes change to his usual attire.

He exits out of the room and decides to enter Satanael's quarters as he is whisked away on a glowing pentagram symbol on the gournd. The room itself is a blast from the past, the room itself is actually bigger on the inside than it is on the outside. There is a lacking of walls or ceilings, replaced with stairs that climb into the void and chains that become visible only when they get close enough. Despite the large size, there are no furniture or items in the chamber, just a large magic circle where Satanael lies meditating above the ground, his legs crossed and his knuckles meeting each other. The man senses Lucifer's presence as his eyes open and he floats down, settling down on his feet. "Good morning, my son. Did you have pleasant dreams last night?" He nods. "Of course, Father. The teachings that you have provided to me these past few days have been giving me plenty of food for thought."

Satanael gives a glance to the bandages that are still on the boy's head. "He still wears the bandages of his of physical rehabilitation." His thoughts speaks to himself, concerned about this concealment. "This information that he hides, I believe that he only reveal it only when he wills it to be revealed." He gesture to the piece of the magic circle Lucifer used to reach the room, moving in a motion allowing him to go first. The two step on that section of the circle as they reappear back in that section of the room.

They travel towards the great room within their penthouse, Lucifer remembering the reaction he had when he first saw it. It's around the circumfrence of the Loud House but still in a circular form. The furniture in this room has a futuristic design yet carries an ancient vibe to it with onyx and crimson coloring running across the items. There is also a scarlet which has begun to shimmer like water before Charlie steps out. "Morning Satanael, Lucifer. Did you have some nice dreams last night?" The two glance at each other and nod back at her. "Quite pleasant, if you catch my meaning." Satanael thanks her. "Were your dreams as quaint as ours?"

She chuckles at this, "Thanks, they were good. But just to remind you, that we have our first session together later tomorrow." The man crooks his head, raising an eyebrow in confusion, "Sorry, I mean our first rehabilitaton session." She elaborates, a little flustered by the tone of her previous sentence. "Yeah, normally people don't usually go all out on the first moment together, but this isn't the Lust Ring, Satie." A fourth voice adds. They turn to see Angel Dust and the others who arrive from the stairs. "True, but Lust is one of the more corruptive of the seven. I'm sure someone of your unique perception would find yourself at home there." Satanael retorts. Satie is Angel Dust's little pet name for the entity since he let slip his human name of Anthony, which Vaggie has used to make of fun him whenever she insults him. Unlike Angel Dust, this but another nickname that Satanael has attained during his history.

Satanael heads to the kitchen section of the great room and starts to make preparations for breakfast, "So, what shall you like you to order for this fine morning?" He asks them. They all make their choices as the three culinary talented members of the clan make their desired foods. Charlie has already eaten so she is given some fragrant tea, Nifty takes something dairy related such as Mouse Treats, a cherry placed on one of the slices making it look like a tail. Lucifer takes some Hieroglyph Toast, which is basically toast with sections of the toast to look like glyph added with some butter and syrup. Angel Dust takes a Dragon Fruit, which is so spicy for his taste that he breathes white fire for a moment, much to the other's sense of humor. Alastor takes some waffles with some Banshee Tears as a drink. Vaggie decides on a fluffy omelette with a cup of coffee. Satanael finishes off with some pancakes.

The eaters, having finished with their respective meals give their thanks to triad of chefs. "Wow, you guys really know how to cook." Charlie says, complimenting them on their skills as masters of the recipe. "Well, I did have to do my part for my family when I was growing up, even like this." Angel says, gesturing to himself, "I had to contribute or else I-." He is interrupted by the Radio Demon, noticing the tension on Lucifer's hand, causing the fork that he holding to be bent by his thumb. "Anthony, learn to read the room and then speak your mind or else I will cut it out and have it for a snack." Alastor speaks, clearly not liking where this is going. "It's okay, Angel. Family is important, but it's also important to find your own path. Otherwise we wouldn't be having this conversation, now wouldn't we?" Lucifer adds, clearly not as irked as he was the first time he mentioned them or spoke in a familiar pattern, yet still annoyed all the same.

He shakes his head, tapping the base of the fork on his now empty plate, "I know I have had this kind of toast before, this kind of food before. It's just like what the old man made for us as breakfast. But something's different about it, it's more refined, perfected. It's almost as if you took the things I liked and the recipes he made and made them your own and made them better." Satanael whistles in a suspicous manner, which invokes Vaggie to asks say in an accusatory tone, "So that's where you went that night. You went to Lucifer's birth home, checked out the Louds that you mentioned as prey, and took things that you presumed as his possessions or stole what rightfully belonged to him. Then you came back here and made some redocarating around the penthouse before he woke up, hoping that the items would help him transtition here much easier."

Lucifer gives a look of surprise to his new father, so this is why he went out of his way to find everything he once used and/or owned, restored them to their original state and brought them all here, he just wanted to help him transition into this new life better. Satanael gives her a round of applause for her deduction "Well thought out, Ms. Vagatha. Yes, I did all of those things, but I also left something behind, a corruption, to run rampant across the Loud House as a reminder of their past sins, it will also react accordingly, the further they are to redemption the more the corruption fades away and vice versa if they continue down the path of madness." Alastor nods in interest, clearly intrigued by the concept of drawing things out as one can allow.

Charlie speaks up, putting her own input onto this. "I do find the intention quite honorable Satanael, but I do find the way you did to be quite... I don't know, not nice." Satanael sighs, of course she wouldn't approve of the method he used to acquire the items in questions. "Rehabilitation and Meditation 101: your majesty. You can not force a habit to simply go away just like this." He snaps his fingers just to prove a point. "It will just stir it up and create even more problems." He gives a glance towards Angel, clearly using him as an example. "But by training the patient's subconcious, giving it an awareness of when our minds begin to think dark thoughts and gently bringing it back with a kind and friendly hand, distracting it with a different form of purpose or motivation. In this way, they become a little less restless and becomes more comfortable with the concept of rehabilitation."

Charlie makes a mental note of his lecture, since she founded the Happy Hotel, she has been trying to make people come to the establishment, hoping that at least one would seem interested in the concept of bettering ones self. But with Satanael's response, she may to rethink her strategies. "For example, your dream for redeeming the damned of this realm is your purpose, with your flame believing in the same ideals as we do." He continues, the direction pointed at Charlie and Vaggie, two blushing in the connection that they share, as he gestures to himself and their son. "Most of the others are more tricky to decipher. But I can only assume that they usually allow the winds of fate to guide their path."

He turns to Alastor then to Lucifer. "You are more of a puzzle, not that I don't enjoy a rigorous challenge. And as for you, you seek a way to put your dark past behind you and are choosing to take those neccesary steps to the future. Like me, you are willing to make the sacrifices needed to achieve that goal. As for me, well it wouldn't be much fun for a mystery to be revealed right then and there. But what helps me pass the time in between missions is simple: training. Besides, since my original physical body was shattered and my soul imprisoned in that realm, what else was I supposed to do with my psyche and spare time for the next several eons?"

The demons in the room chuckle in response to the joke, even Lucifer, who dealt with eleven years of bad jokes from Luan. Though the boy and Charlie stop a little sooner, realizing the subtle darkness in that sentence. "Not to put a dampener on things Satanael, but who exactly put you down there in the first place?" Vaggie asks him. He closes his eyes, his fists clenching in anger for a few seconds, "None other than the big man upstairs." Nifty gets the idea first, gasping. "OMD." The Radio Demon gets the idea second as the others follow. "So Satanael was telling the truth." Alastor thinks to himself. "The two did share a connection as far as their origins are concerned. They were both seemingly betrayed by the one they called God. But I never thought it would be so personal. This man keeps getting more interesting. It seems time will tell if there will be more things that have in common, such as their hidden potential."

Satanael claps his hands together. "Until then, I suggest that we should start training so you and your allies can get stronger, better, faster as ever as no normal mortal, departed, or deathborn have ever seen in Hell itself and beyond" says Satanael. "What do you mean by that" asks Vaggie "I think I know what he means, my dear. He is going to train the boy as we speak, and probably ourselves as well." said Alastor. Satanael gives the Radio Demon a slow clap and an ordinary apple, "Bravo, Alastor. Go to the top of the class." He tosses an apple to him which he quickly devours. "Wait, what do you mean by he and his allies? Are you really going to train us too?" said Nifty.

Husk chuckles at the remark. "Hahaha, that is fucking hilarious, man. I thought you were actually serious about all this training nonsense." Silence is what responds. "Wait, you're serious about this?" "I am dead serious, Husk, and you all know what I mean and to do that I need him, and all of you, to be strong, to be ready for the many trials and tribulations that may or may not come to pass." said Satanael" " Hot damn, I guess he is right. I mean, I've been through tough times back on Earth and here I am, quite strong here in Hell." replies Angel Dust, whom Vaggie raises an eyebrow in question.

"I second that statement, my effeminate fellow. If getting up after a fall and trying again was really all it took to win, then we'd all be winners, wouldn't we?" said Alastor, who shakes his head chuckling to himself "Hmm, maybe your right. Same as most of you guys as well, Lucifer does need to be trained to fight and fend for himself from the... well... you guys know what I'm talking about, right?" Vaggie admits. "Um, not that the idea doesn't hold any sense of madness in it." Charlie adds concerningly, "But why must we undergo such training? I mean, I get that there will be people who won't like what we're doing in both Hell and Earth, but Heaven too? I thought we were trying to stop the extermination through redemption?"

Satanael nods in response, "That is the primary objective here." He points downward, referencing here then points, referring to Heaven. "But up there, they will never accept us as equals. Even if one demon manages to attain redemption, they will still be considered a sinner all the same, and death will be their fate like the rest of all demonkind. Trust me, I have seen that outcome already occur in many other timelines and dimensions, don't ask how I know all this and manage to stay sane all ths time." He shakes his head, clearly annoyed with words that he is speaking. "No. If we are to have even a chance to achieve the dreams that we have all long desired in both lifetimes, you must be willing to fight for what you believe in." He extends his right arm outward and a portal is created in the great room.

Satanael steps towards it, but pauses to turn to them, "If you wish to see your destiny fufilled, controlled by your own two hands. Then follow me." His tone darkens once again. "Otherwise remain here and allow the controllers of your fate to continue to use you as their soulless puppet. But know this. If you choose to join me down this path, you will be given no quarter. I will not tolerate no half-measures." He tuns back to the portal and walks through it. Angel gets a smirk on his face and runs through it. Alastor gets a similar grin, not of entertainment but of opportunity. He casually walks through, quickly followed suit by Nifty who is quite eager about the course of events.

Husk simply shrugs and walks away from the portal. A serpentine limb then bursts out of it and grabs the feline demon. "I rememeber saying that I need every last one of you, Husk." Satanael's voice comes out of the portal, very harsh and unhappy. "I will have your aid whether you like or not. But I will give you the right to complain about it. After all, I'm no monster, and aren't we all a little mad?" The arm pulls itself inward, dragging Husk along with it.

Charlie was about to say something, but she paused. Thinking back to what Satanael said about the Heaven's refusal to accept any Risen Demon has made her recall the time she fought that bitch Katie Killjoy when she first introduced her idea. Vaggie notices this, "Hon, I know that look. It's telling that you're about to something crazy and/or stupid. If you're willing to go through with whatever that psycho has planning, I've got your back."

Lucifer gives her a similar look. "I just got a new and better mother and I'll be damned if I lose another to more of those self-absorbed creatures." He spits on that last word, then catches himself. "Well, more than normal. Together then?" Finishing with a joke before making a question. Charlie gives her adopted son a surprised look, clearly taken aback the choice of words that he used. She nods, taking his hand in one and Vaggie's in another. "Together." She responds in return. The three look through the portal and run through it together.

---

Unknown

In a realm of pure darkness, a rift of faded light opens and out steps out the main cast. The darkness here is so thick, you cannot even see beyond your own face. There is also a faint chorus of whispers and chants ringing throught this void. Charlie can still feel the hands of Vaggie and Lucifer still holding on to hers. To test that theory, she shakes both arms about and squeezes both hands as to attain their attention. After a few seconds, both arms move and squeeze individually on their respective accords. "Vaggie? Lucifer? Ah, I'm glad that you're both okay." Charlie, says, quite relieved. "You are not the only ones, my dear." Alastor's static voice rings out. "Luci? Are you here too. Ah, thank Satan that you're here. Things would have been so boring here." The hand Lucifer is holding on to is clenched tighter. Charlie chuckles at this reaction on the inside. Despite all the changes that her child has endured, he can still be quite embarassed when it comes to young women, regardless of species. Luci was the nickname that Nifty uses for him whenever she's in 'the mood'.

"Ugh... speak for yourself, toots." Husk can also be heard in the darkness. He sounds hurt, but otherwise alright. "Do any of you guys get the number on that weird-ass arm that dragged me down to this hellhole?" A chuckle is heard, in Angel Dusts voice responds to this. "I wish it was mine, Huskie. But I'm afraid that I'm innocent in this little mess of his. Maybe it was Satanael?" A flame dimly illuminates the group. "You rang?" Satanael says to the group, the tone darkening again, but unlike in the penthouse, the choice in words is far more hostile, angry. His attire has reverted back to the suit of armor that he wore when Lucifer first awoke into his new life, but it appears to be more evolved here and there is a cosmic aura of darkness surounding him that wasn't there in the hotel. He acts like he feels right at home here. His demeanor is however, is brand new to them. The personality that once showed warmth, compassion, friendship and courtesy from when they first met has been replaced by something cold and cruel.

There is a seriousness in his tone that seems to unsettle some of them, though for some it is in a very good way. "Satanael?" Charlie asks him with concern in her voice. "Is that really you?" He gives her a simple nod. "Yes, Charlotte. It is indeed your dear friend, Satanael."But please do forgive me if the sudden change in my manners startles you. I am quite known for my quick shifts in personality when certain circumstances arise down, they still have the scars to prove that statement is 100% correct. This is just my more... active and most regular form of cognition aside from the one you know."

The fingers on his open hand start twitching, looking for something to grab onto. Vaggie notices this and states the obvious reason that they are here in this unknown realm. "Your hand seem to be very restless, friend." She says to him, using the term "friend" quite loosely. "It's like you've got a severe case of trigger-finger. I know the feeling all too well whenever I have the to kick someone's ass for making fun of someone I know and love, or if you want to hurt someone really bad just because it strikes your fancy." Vaggie gives a glance to Angel Dust as Satanael agrees with this, chuckling. "Very true, Vagatha. Whenever I act like this, my blood boils something fierce and it just makes me want to bathe an entire world red. But like all great warriors, we must show restraint. Savor the thrill of the fight for as long as possible."

The flame grows into the same sword that he used to knight Lucifer, its ominous scarlet glow now glowing other dark colors like purple providing more accurate details to his weapon of choice. It's make it a form of two-handed weapon, yet he is able to carry it with one hand with ease. Runes run along the sides of the blade, glowing with raw power. The energy emitting from the weapon seems focused, like an exterior edge in which to cut its foes into little ribbons. There are two things that make it quite different than other swords of its kind. The first part is that there is a keychain on its pommel which leads to a strange ocular symbol. The second part is the blade itself seems to be... moving?

"Would you all mind if you stop looking at Deathcaliburn, Soul's Embrace like its one of those strippers you see downtown?" says Satanael, clearly annoyed by their gawk and awe. He also gives a bit of a shudder at that last part. "It's a little bothersome and uncomfortable for the both of us." They notice that he used the term "us" instead of "me". "So... who is your shy little friend that you're hiding from us? Perhaps she would mind having a friendly little talk with me for a while? You know, just to get to know her a bit?" Angel asks, putting that silver tounge he was incarnated with to good use. The blade vibrates and as if to humor it, he lets go only for it to flip around and slam the flat edge of its blade right on his head. "That 'shy little friend' would be none other than I you malcontented masochist!" A voice angrily says to him, coming from the blade itself, which an eye similar to Satanael opens.

The eye on Alastor's staff opens up and goes wide in surprise at the sentient weapon. Either its love for first sight or his sense of loneliness for being the only known item with a conciousness in the Pride Ring, only the staff seems to know. "Now listen very carefully, fallen mortals and hellborn." She speaks as a drill sergeant did to his trainees, the kinder tone and use of the term of hellborn aimed at Charlie, who nods in confirmation. "My Master believes that you have the potential to show great feats to our cause. I however, do not share his enthusiasm. To me, you are nothing more but lowlifes who don't even deserve to even know his name." The tone making some of them wince. "But I am not completely heartless, nor stupid. There is no greater mistake in combat than underestimating your opponent, no matter what form they take. Now let me get a better look at you."

The blade moves closer, slithering in the air like a seprent tip first and starts circling them one by one like a predator observing his fallen prey before taking a good bite. Alastor is first. "I do not need to bother trying to know you, Radio Demon." Deathcaliburn says to him. "Even imprisoned in this realm, we can still watch, listen, and sense power." The staff is still staring in silence. "What are you looking at, Weapon of Frequency?" The blade barks at it. "Nothing, Mistress!" The staff blurts out loud. The group stays in silence as it quickly recomposes itself. She turns away from it moving in an hypnotic manner, an amused look in her eye if there ever was one as well as Alastor. In moves onto Niffty, spinning around her like an eel. "Master said that you were taught many things by the your friend over there." She says giving a glance to Al.

"Yeah, it's not like he managed to appear in the right place and time and give me a brand new purpose when I first fell came here and no place to go or purpose to exist. But it's not like if he wasn't then I wouldn't..." The blade's edge reaches her neck. "I don't recall asking for your lifestory, little one. But you appear to be very amusing to me. Something that I rarely find in both my allies and enemies. Such good things can be so hard to find these days." It moves on to Vaggie, eyeing the harpoon that she is carrying. "You seem strong, both physically and psychologically, If I have to be imaginative about, you might be able to handle my truth... and my power."

The moth gives a concerned look to Charlie. Deathcaliburn's eye comes in between, inches from Vaggie. "I know that look, such a beautiful gaze of true passion. I've seen that look in every other being that I slay. I once had a love myself, before she laid down her life to save my Master. If only I had some when it mattered, then she would still be whole. Aw, well. That's destiny I suppose. Now then, make sure that you keep her safe. But I don't need to tell you that." Lucifer is next. "The Dark Son. The Master has said many good things about you since you entered his life. And now that I see you here and now, I see it too."

She chuckles, if she had a mouth, she would be smiling too. "I can smell your reborn blood. The old genetic code is completely gone, rewritten. We all know of the father, but the mother... well, I can see much of her in you." She gives a look to one of the others as his eyes open wide, how does she know about that? Only he knows about that little detail. Lucifer shakes his head, his old life consisted of ten sisters, some of their feats bordering mastery and/or madness and this life now has him as some kind son of a fallen god. Believing that a sentient blade has the five senses that a human does isn't the strangest thing he has learned. Charlie is the last one that Deathcaliburn judges.

"And then, there's you. Your Majesty." The hovering sword lowers a bit, bending down toward as if bowing in courtesy. "Satanael said similar things about you too. Your dream of redemption for your people. Your hopes for balance and peace between the realms of Hell, Heaven, and the mortal realm. It is... commendable." She says. "But like the Master said. Simply hoping for change will do nothing. You must be willing to fight, and most of all, show mercy to those who most deserving of it? I must admit, I never thought that I say something that nice out loud." She returns to Satanael. "The deed is done. Despite their flaws... I see the same as you do. They must all be willing to fight. They must be ready to fight."

Satanael gives Deathcaliburn a nod. "Brilliant deduction, old friend. Now let's give these recruits their weapons of charge." Small portals appear in front of all but four of the team's feet. By Vaggie, the harpoon she carries glows and changes form into a lance. The shaft is white with black ends. The two colors are separated by small gold rings. The lower blade has a three-pronged, trident-like shape, with the middle prong being shaped like one of the spikes on the X-shaped logo. It is gold with black interior edges.

The main shaft of the upper blade is red with thick, gold edges and is much larger. It has two semi-circle shaped chunks taken out of each side, causing it to resemble a ancient symbol. A long, gold spike shaped like those on the sigil sprouts from the middle of each side, while two more, smaller gold spikes with black inner edges jut off from the base of the blade. All four of these spikes point diagonally downward.

"Dragonreign." Satanael says "Conjured from the wind itself. I will not share details about this or the other weapons I will bestow upon you. I want it to be a surprise. If you plan to participate in my operations, you will all need a callsign so your true identities remain secret. Your callsign shall be Dragoon." She looks closer to the weapon, then to Charlie and Lucifer and back to him again. This will do very nicely for will come.

By Angel Dust is six arrow-shpaed blasters with a blue, teardrop-shaped center surrounded by a gold ring. The inner edge of this ring is black, and the outer edge is lined by several spikes. Four red diamonds decorate the top of the body. The barrel is long, thin, bright blue, and has a small spike on its underside. The handle is light grey and the guard is gold. The guard is lined by six black diamonds with red edges. These diamonds flash violet, the color of the bullets.

"The Final Weapon. A name as simple as its effectiveness in battle." He looks at the arrowguns in his possession. Having such control over such abilities reminds him much of his mortal life. Screw rehabilitation, he'll take vengeance anyday. "But that doesn't mean that you get a freebie off your program, Anthony." Satanael reminds him, somehow able to respond to that thought as if he could read minds. "Or should I call you Weaver?" Husk recieves a deck of cards.

Each card is oval shaped with a jagged border. It has four spikes resembling those on the Nobody logo, one on each corner. There is a thin, pale yellow, inner border on the card, and the background that is faded gold. There is a large, red diamond with concave sides in the middle of the card, with a large, white "X" shaped design that resembles the top half of an elongated X symbol superimposed over it. "The Joker. I know you prefer a true weapon. But a person who leaves so many things to chance can take advantage of the chaos destiny carries.

Husk raises an eyebrow and shuffles them around. Its front is exactly like a plain deck of cards, but the way to put things in his favor gives him a cheat code in whatever he plays "Your callsign will be Dealer." Husk nods in satisfaction. First the "Winged Panther of Fortune" and now this. Satanael definetly has a good imagination. By Nifty are eight knives shaped like a large, gold arrowhead. The blade has three holes in it: two circular ones near the top, and one lens-shaped one near the base, The inner edges of these holes are black. The shaft of the blade is pale yellow and the handle is vaguely shaped like a four-pointed star. The bottom three spikes are yellow. There is a thin, blue line just above the handle, and an even thinner, brown line just above that.

"Vol de Nuit." Satanael says. "Did you it is the name of a book from the French author Antoine de Saint Exupéry, in which a pilot is trapped in a storm? These knives are supercharged with that power. You could easily pressure an opponent without even using your natural claws and disarm one of a weapon with a single kick and the other time you did this, you injured that guy enough to the point that he could barely stand. At this point, do you even need to bother asking why and how I know all this?" Nifty shakes no, clearly having experience from Alastor. "Along with your manipulative nature, this sadism will earn you the title "Delirium". She just starts chuckling to herself at the new callsign and what kind of damage she can do with this gift.

Alastor shrugs and channels a but of power into the staff, transforming it into a scythe. This form has a relatively short, curved, pink handle with a black spike set in its pommel. The tip of the handle is white, and attaches to the base of the scythe's blade, which is roughly diamond-shaped, and is black with gold edges. The blade has a vague triangular shape. The back of the blade sports three spikes—two on the tides that are pale gold and one black on in the middle—that create a shape reminiscent of a crown. The black middle spike connects to a red, heart-shaped pattern on the main blade.

This pattern somewhat resembles a bleeding eye, and there is a small, cross-shaped gap in each of the lobes on the heart. The blade's tip ends in a large arrowhead, and a long spike sprouts from the top of this arrowhead and arcs over the rest of the blade. The blade's edges are predominantly pale gold, except for an area near the tip, which is a normal shade of gold. The rest of the blade is black. "So, Vermillion. What do you call this form of your weapon. Hallowed Lotus?" A quick ponder and he nods, liking the sound of the name.

Satanael walks closer towards Charlie and Lucifer. He conjures up two more portals and puts his hand through them. The portals move away and dissipate, revelaing two smaller swords in each hand. He flips the blades, gripping both tips by the hand and slanting the handles toward their new bearers. "Using Deathcaliburn's preivous evolutions as inspiration, I spared no expense in crafting these special mourneblades for both you." What Charlie is given is a rapier, a type of sword with a slender and sharply-pointed two-edged blade that was popular in Western Europe, both for civilian use (dueling and self-defense) and as a military side arm, throughout the 16th and 17th centuries.

The blade itself is indeed based on Deathcaliburn, but it has theme of dark divinity, or more likely that of one falling from grace or rising above one's sins. The keychain is shaped like a key with a winged heart on top. "I call this one Elysium, Soul's Calibur. The form of this weapon was inspired by the manners you exhibited during the musical number you performed on Channel 666. Fluid, elegant, precise and beau...believable." Satanael catches himself on that last word. "Unlike many other weapons that you have seen in your past, this one is technically a holy weapon. The power of the light is strong in both the blade and in you, but tread carefully, Matriarch. The light is powerful and blinding in its radiance."

The blade Lucifer is given the small and slim, and the handguard gains wings and a skull-like form in the middle with an eye like Deathcaliburn's situated just above it, but black and white. The blade itself carries a crimson hue but with traces of black and flesh in the interior. Its handle has a vine like growth along its handle and has a shadowy aura to it. "This is known as Inferno, Soul's Edge. I dubbed it this because where the light had forsaken you, you will return from the dark, stronger in mind, body and soul. Just like your new grandfather. This is blade is resolute with its affinity towards darkness itself. That this blade suits you well, my son, my Legacy. As do all of yours." Lucifer looks to the blade in his posession, then to his empty hand. The blade's aura moves from the weapon to the opposing hand, forming into a winged shield with a similar theme to Inferno.

Satanael doesn't miss this and creates a black sphere of dark energy on his left hand which forms into a large shield, which rings like a gong when it Deathcaliburn is struck against it. A crowned helm with of similar theme and sigils envelops his head, dark lights illuminating the slits of the eyes. "Now that we have gotten everything important sorted out. Let's get to the reason why we are all here. You followed me here in hopes to prove your worthiness to the cause that I mentioned days ago." The eyes glow brighter, his tone getting ecstatic. "And in order to do so, I want you all to come at me with everything you got. For your sakes, hold nothing back." Charlie, Lucifer and Vaggie are suprised by this brazen challenge.

Alastor however seems intrigued by this, the fingers in his open hand becoming twitchy in anticipation. "Well if that is the case, then I am going to enjoy this very thoroughly." Even Lucifer has taken interest in the challenge as he takes up a battle stance, shield towards the ground and blade to the sky. "Back when I was a Loud, I have always taken stride to keep myself under control throught the chaos. But now, I don't see any reason not to let loose. Besides, it wouldn't make sense for my new life to have such a weak father, Isn't that right?" Satanael looks to his left, then his right, then he shrugs. Vaggie raises her evolved lance toward her new opponent, Nifty's knives crackle with electricity as her look becomes more crazed. Angel reveals third pair of arms as he aims all six arrowguns at the target. Husk looks around and shrugs as he puts up his guns.

Charlie on the other hand is far more hesitant with the offer. "What are you trying to say, you want us to fight you?" She asks worriedly. Satanael solemnly nods. "Yes, they say that when you clash fists with one another, you commune with each other's soul. Normally one would prefer conversation or activities to do the deed. Perhaps I should provide you some motivation. That always seems to work." He ponders for a moment, then the idea dawns on him for a moment. He bumps his shielded arm to his chest, "How about this? If one of you manages to leave a single solid blow on me, then you will win this trial by combat. But if you manage to actually hurt me. Then not only will I owe you a favor within reason, but I will even grant you all access to Earth and back again."

Charlie is surprised by the challenge, but then gives further thought to the offer. The favor alone holds much merit not only to her cause but what lies beyond it, but the ability to travel to and from the mortal realm and Hell will prove quite useful in Lucifer's transition from Lincoln Loud to the Dark Son. He could continue his education, regain his friends and make new ones, even find forgiveness in those worth saving. She gives a glance to Vaggie, who gives her a look back. She gives a nod to her for whom she responds in kind. She is willing to fight to make that dream come true as Charlie takes a battle stance

"Good. good. I am happy to see that everyone is on the same page and has the made the right decision moving forward. I would make time to make proper initations, but time is rarely on anyones side and I will wait no longer." Satanael's body begins to glow brighter and crackle with power, the ground around cracking and rising around him, before glitching to a field of golden flowers beneath a cloudless sky on a midday. The chorus also starts growing much louder. "It's a beautiful day outside, as usual." He utters. "Birds whistle as the air whips around. The flowers bloom beautifully, making this atmosphere look almost pathetic. On days like these, demons like us..." The field is gone, Satanael appearing inches from Alastor's face. "CANNOT AFFORD NOT TO CARE ANYMORE." He gives a small bump of his fist upon the Radio Demon, launching him like a rocket as he disappears into the darkness.

The void is absorbed into Satanael as the surroundings become a large arena filled with spectators of various species and origins. He stomps his left foot as his opponents are pulled to the ground by an unseen hand. He raises his left arm and they are launched into the dark sky. At the peak of their height, they bear witness to a new sight. What they see is an ancient city infused with technology they have never seen before on both Earth and Hell. Among the many buildings here that stretch across the horizon, there are much larger creatures that are observing the battle and a giant tower the size of a mountain piercing the heavens to a large crack in the sky.

"Wow. If we weren't here fighting Satanael, I would really love to explore this place.' Charlie remarks. "Fight now, tour later. " Vaggie responds. "I have never even heard of a place that even mentions something like this." A series of glowing lights appears directly in front of them. "That's beacuse it was never meant to be found within the ancient texts by both angel and demon standards. Welcome to Dharkonis, my friends. The Realm of Darkness awaits all who come here with open arms. Especialy to those who die at least twice." The lights grow much brighter and Lucifer moves to his right as a spear themed after Deathcaliburn whizzes right past him. More of those spears start hurtling towards them as they either dodge them, block, or parry the weapons.

More appear on top of them, moving too quickly for them to respond. They hit them on their backs as they fall back to the dusty ground of the arena. They try to get back up and get their footing, only for something to meet them in kind. Six draconic skulls armored in steel, their jawbones split in two from the front and crimson eyes staring hungrily at them have formed a circle around them, charging energy from their maws.

Then they release it, unleashing a bright light that blind much of the spectators. Satanael has not made a move since raising his arm, then he smirks with glee. Upon the epicenter of the blast lies Vaggie, arms outstretched and six copies of her lances, spinning like turbines and cooling from the energy, the crowd cheering at the continuation of the entertainment. "Huh, no wonder people always start out with their weakest attacks first." The demons are surprised by this remark. Their bodies are still aching from the last attack and that was one of his more weaker techniques?

They can sense a spiking pressure from behind them. They look behind them to see a crimson streak whiz past them, Satanael still remains still as Alastor charges at him full tilt, his scythe ready to rend flesh and already beginning to shift to his next state. The group blinks and the next thing they see is a gate similar to the one they entered from the Hazbin Hotel closing behind and the combatant a few meters to the right of where he stood, Nifty's neck gripped upon his right hand and Deathcalibur's edge upon her neck. "Tsk tsk tsk. Al's not going to like this one bit." He says shaking his head. Satanael spots the confusion on their faces and responds, craning his head in an unsettling angle. "What? Did you really think I was just going to stand there and take it?"

Charlie asks her son, "Lucifer, you know a lot about this kind of stuff from TV and video games back on Earth, right? What just happened?" He nods, his unwavering. "I thought I was crazy when things seemed to slow down, but I believed that he simply too fast for the eye to see. Alastor tried to strike him down, but he opened a portal out of this realm and sidestepped out of his line of attack. Nifty tried to block his escape route, but Father baited her, knowing that she does not have the training needed to dodge or stop. Hence what we see here."

Satanael nods. "Well thought out, son. Having Alastor around would be giving you a major handicap, you can't rely solely on a person with that much power forever. Even more so on your friends." Deathcalibiur coils back as to strike, Vaggie quickly acts. "Oh, no you don't!" She raises her free hand as more lances appear in front of Nifty and block the blade's strike. Angel Dust appears behind him, arrowguns blazing as he manages to grab Nifty and teleport back to the group.

"Whoa, nice job kiddo." Husk says, quite surprised by the success of the outcome. She half-grins, "I don't how that happened, it just seemed to happen on pure instinct." Vaggie replies. "Same here. But even with the new gear, all that firepower didn't leave so much as a solitary scratch." Satanael does some stretching excersies, especilly his back. "Thank you for the massage, Anthony. Now I can see why your clients have given you such good reviews." He compliments, "Do you think you can get my neck too? I've had this weird tug in the back of it and I thought a well placed shot could get it out."

Husk growls in anger at how relaxed he is and he throws out some cards near him. They detontate like bombs, creating a thick smokescreen. Angel shoots like crazy from his arrowguns, spatial rifts opening inches from each barrel and raining down upon the area. "Come on, guys!" Husk calls out, "We outnumber this bastard 6 to 1. We can still take him!" They soon hear their opponent chuckling to himself, shadows growing around the smoke and somehow constricts it to the point it thins out surrounds his body. It then splits into thirty-five different pieces which coalesce into thirty-five different copies of Satanael. He raises an eyebrow at the remark. "Now it's 6 to 1 the other way around, but I suppose I could make it a little easier for you."

Four of them charge fast, grabbing Vaggie, Angel Dust, Nifty and Husk and throw them to the far sides of the arena. When they each get back up, they see five of the clones standing against them, weapons drawn. Six of them carrying the same weapons as the other demons; arrowguns, lances, cards, knives, rapier, and short sword and shield. A wall of energy cuts each of them off. Four of them have one demon and five clones. The fifth one has Charlie and Lucifer confronting Satanael and nine other clones. "I will have no distractions. I will find your limits and you will shatter them like glass one way or another. I must admit, I haven't been this excited by training in a long time. Now, let's continue with our dance."

Satanael and all the other clones charge at them full tilt while the crowd roars in excitement. The following moments are nothing but amusement for the crowd and strain and amazement from the combatants. So far the demons have shown abilities that they never knew they had while they eliminate the duplicates, each one of them dangerous on their own with their individual power and weapon mastery of their chosen tool. Worthy of his gunsligning abilities, Angel attacked from far range using his six arrowguns, firing rapid barrages of lasers at the bazzoker clone. He used his newfound control over space to its fullest, bending his attribute to teleport, warp his shots, and levitate upside down, which removes his need to even aim at the duploicates to hit them, as he can simply fire anywhere he wishes and open spatial rifts to redirect the shots towards the minigunner. He can also use his powers to warp the area he is currently in, rearranging the layout of the floor and its size.

Vaggie fought her clones using her six lances conjured from the wind. She learned she can carry at least three at a time, and control any of the remaining lances she is not carrying by using the air around her, while at the same time floating through the air without much effort. She attacks rapidly, using the wind to hasten the speed of her strikes and using the lances themselves as boards or stepping stones, although she tends to jump multiple times and does more damage.

Husk used his new attribute, time, in unorthodox methods when compared to other demons. Some in the crowd might not even see his element as time at first glance. He is overall not the most powerful or hardest to defeat but the trickiest opponent to defeat. He shortened the odds originally by dispatching of the card clone's companions before attacking the main one himself. When fighting, he mainly used his cards both to defend himself and also to attack enemies but he also conjured orbs of dark energy around him to unleash energy tendrils that reach everywhere, also having a variation where he surrounds himself with an orb of energy before suddenly conjuring his cards around enemies to attack them from all directions. He even showed the ability to teleport the others into his field and also bring them out when the clones attacks them.

Nifty, despite her cheerful and sadisticnature, is a powerful fighter. She has proven to be an incredibly strong an fast hand-to-hand fighter, she easily pressured them without even using her retractable claws and disarm him of one's weapon with a single kick and the second time she does this, she injures a shurkien user clone enough to the point that he can barely stand. She is also strong enough to hold the scaler clone by the head, and easily toss him across her section with one hand. Her strength is clearly known by Alastor and the others. Nifty's physical fighting skills resemble that of a ninja. She uses her knives between her fingers to act like claws, and is able to infuse them with electricity and throw them at the clones. She is easily the fastest and most agile member of the group with only Alastor rivaling or surpassing her in that regard, often using quick kicks and jabs to produce extra pain to the opponent. Along with her manipulative nature, this sadism earned her the title akin to that of a "Savage Nymph".

She has also become a natural and powerful user of thunder magic, able to quickly learn how to call down multiple strikes or a single bolt of lightning upon the battlefield and can empower her knives with lightning to increase their power when thrown along with also able to have them fire beams of lightning, as well as to perform levitation and local teleportation. Her sleights and special abilities all involve her use of these abilities.

As for Lucifer and Charlie, Lucifer has taken a more offensive approach, learning as he fights as the battle progresses, the bandages on his head still holding fast. Charlie however has taken a more defensive perception, preferring to act in support and counter when needed. Satanael too has been fighting well, only picking up the pace when they do. His armor has a few scartches attained from it being diritied, but otherwise unscathed as to not meet the required conditions

He has been watching them through the clones' eyes since the current phase began, there are only five of them left now; the ones carrying the replica versions of the demon's weapons. "Interesting, they learn quick and most of them are more than willing to kill when the opportunity presents itself. But Lucifer and Charlie show the most potential, as anticipated." His mind speaks to him.

"But there is still that limit, that part of themselves that they don't know how to, or won't cross, that they refuse to think of or become." He gets an idea in his mind. He gives a glance to Deathcalibur's eye, who looks back by moving said optic up and down, meaning 'yes'. "Maybe what they need to break said limit is a little push in the wrong direction." The demons immediately notice that the clones that they are fighting have stopped moving and have now begun changing form. When they stop shifting, what they see takes them by surprise.

The clones have transformed into darker duplicates of the demons themselves with inverted color schemes. Angel's clone seems to resemble more like Valentino. His fur has turned black with red, the heart on his head and chest have seemed to cracked. Both of the scalera on his eyes are black now and his teeth are all gold. The chest has been flattened. The glasses he is wearing are cracked and/or broken. He wears a matching top hat, with two antennae, both having a damaged feather-like appearance He has a fur-lined coat with more of his fuzz as his 'collar' having broken hearts implanted in it, and black fluffy cuffs.

The Husk duplicate appears far more feral and madedened than the original, the fur all ruffled up, some of the feathers on their wings missing and the card icons on his body appearing corrupted or broken. The claws on his hands appear bloodied and the hat is gone. It's stance seems to focus more on all four limbs rather than two, its motions mimicking that of an apex predator. Vaggie's clone has far more angrier than its template, both of its eyes now missing, the right one having a hole in its socket all the way to the other side with bloodied tear marks running down along her cheeks, a red dot blazing in rage... or remorse. It's hair has been cut short and she is wearing broken armor, as if she has fallen in honorable battle and sacrifice. Her body itself seems to be impaled by three of the six lances that Vaggie has hovering around her now.

Nifty's clone looks more damaged and withered comapred to the others. Most of her skin seems cracked, her sole eye appears to be akin to that of a glass one belonging to a porcelin doll. Her hair is made of ribbon or string, her teeth chipped or missing in some places. The attire is also torn and corrupted. Eyes appearing around the polka dots on her shirt and dress. The leash and poodle design has been swapped out with a spiked chain and the sillhouette of an undead corpse. Her entire left face is gone, revelaing a hollow skull on the inside. Satanael has undergone no physical change, but around are now echoes of people glitching in and out of reality, not solid enough to hurt or be hurt, but corporeal enough to be seen and heard. "The end has come." He says plainly.

Their stances now copy the demons' battle stances. They don't speak in coherent words, allowing only their actions to do the talking for them. Angel opens fire on Dark Dust, but it moves much quicker than before. When the clone gets close enough, it attempts to drive the arrowguns into his opponent's body, clearly taking the 'arrow' of the arrowguns all too literaly. The spider dodges them, only for the clone to fire wildly in all directions, somehow predicting where he will reappear. Even when he changes the battlefield around him, it dodges to a point where it hasn't changed.

The eyes in Dark Vaggie glow brighter for a moment, the energy of the impaled lance radiating power as more than six lances appear behind her, just like the rain from before. Vaggie blocks some with one lance, while the rest break away from the main stream, moving around and bouncing off walls and rubble to reach their target from another angle. She pulls out four more to block her back. Some fall above her as she summons the last one above her. Vaggie gazes to her copy, spiting her with a grin. The clone however simply looks down beneath her as the ground glows brightly. She jumps into the air as more lances shatter the ground beneath her. Using a lance as a board, she floats above the ground. Vaggie doesn't get to catch a breath as the clone follows suit using the same method as their battle takes to the skies above.

Dark Husk lunges at his couterpart who dodges out of the way with his cards. He throws some which cut him, but only seem to annoy him. He shuffles himself with the deck and spreads out around his section of the arena. When they stop, the clone quickly discovers the right one and forces him to take the defensive approach. Any attempt he performs that removes him from play only causes a rift to open through its glowing claws. The dark orbs he fires at the clone only seem to heal any damage that he does to it, revitalizing him. It even chuckles at the response, showing a form of courtesy which pisses him off to no end.

The battle between the two Nifty's are moving so fast that only a select group of the audience can track their movements. The speed and power is equal to the other though Dark Nifty's attacks are more surgical and precise while the original is too wild to predict for the fake to anticipate. The lightning she casts upon Dark Nify seems to be conduct around her. The cracked parts of her seem to crackle with power as the cracks themselves grow slightly larger while the organic parts are able to screech even though they have no mouths. Angered, her speed picks up and Nifty begins to start having trouble responding in kind. Two thoughts run through the four demons. One is them wondering how they can stop these cheap knock-offs. The second is more disturbing, "Is this person in front me what could if I walked down a differnet path? Is the reflection that stands before me actually my future self?"

The battle between Satanael, Charlie and Lucifer is far different compared to the mirror matches the others faced he continues to fight the two head on, but the demonic duo is constantly being distracted by the shadows that swarm them like locusts. But its not their interference that is affecting them this way, its the forms that they take and the words that they whisper into their ears. For Charlie, it is all of the demons that she had encountered in the past, specfically those who looked down, believed her hopes to be nothing but a pipe dream. The ones who tried to manipulate her into becoming just like them, her ex-boyfriend Seviathan von Eldritch and his family.

For Lucifer, it is the people that he made enemies of back in his old life as Lincoln Loud; Chandler McCann and his goons, Lord Tetherby, the Exterminator, and most prominent; his human family. The things the others say to him are generic enough that he it phases through him. What his family says however touch nerves. The general sentences they use are the same; they want Lincoln back. They want to put the bane back in the cage. They want their good luck charm back. The individual copies have their words to share. Dark Lori saying she used him just to get back with Bobby, the "relationship" with he made Ronnie Anne being an unexpected yet bountiful bonus. Dark Luan speaks in the manner that she does whenever April 1st dawns upon the Earth. Her jokes are far more serious in the choice of words and tone. Like the real Luan, her sense of humor leaves much to be desired for Lucifer's taste in comedy.

Dark Lola speaks like how a queen looks down upon a worthless slave, not even acknowledging his true name for "Linkington" the butler persona she gave to him whenever the pageant queen ropes him into of her tea parties, yet the words chosen are more abusive than restrained, hinting the state of mind Lola takes whenever she gets mad. Dark Lisa doesn't recognize Lucifer as human as this point. He always knew that the prodigy always referred to him as an expendable human test subject, a lab rat, a guinea pig. She says that without her prized test subject on standby, the experiments that she had performed since then have all failed.

And yet, she mentions that she has a very special something waiting for him back home, an experiment regarding the process of ressurection from death, then doing it again and again and again. Despite this, the reflections of Leni, Luna, Lucy, Lana and Lily are strangely silent. Either it's because he viewed them in a better light or through some kind of forced reluctance is because the act so mute. More or less,the manner of these mind games is so extreme, that it causes them to shut down, falling to their hands and knees, weapons disarmed and a dark feeling of something breaking in their minds, the bandages becoming torn as if Lucifer is franticaly trying to claw something out of his head.

Satanael approaches them, the weapons in his hands shifting into twin warhammers. "You have all fought well and with honor that I have not seen in a demon since the beginning." He says, a hint of remorse in his voice. "But I'm afraid that this is where our game has to end. You won't die per say, but you will be sent back to your home realms to the point before you met me. I'm sorry it had to be this way. But I suppose I'm not the only one to have all his hopes and dreams die." The dark warrior begins to raise his weapons, ready to slam them down upon their fragile skulls. Meanwhile, the other demons have reached a lock with their doppelgangers. In the corner of their eyes, they see Satanael ready to drop the hammer on them both and they snap, unleashing their true demonic forms, getting another roar of applause from the audience.

Satanael senses bursts of power from the other combatants, strong enough to break his concentration and pause inches above their heads. For Angel, he flies away from Dust, firing a cone of bullets at him. The copy evades the central ones and flies toward. When he reaches the original, the clone sees Angel combines his six arrowguns into a three sniper rifles, and fires powerful, large bullets at the target. Dark Dust takes damage and is temporarily stunned. Due to his manipulation of space, he can hang in midair and shoot, but not upside down. But he does combine them again into a single cannon and fires, vaporizing the clone into nothing.

Vaggie swirls her lances fast enough to create small tornadoes around her in powerful bursts. Dark Vaggie takes wind damage, and is pushed away from her. The clone tries summoning more of her lances to pierce her copy, but the sheer winds cause them to break or fly away from target. She launches herself into the air, and comes down on Dark Vaggie with a mighty blow onto one enemy, driving the lance into her broken heart.

Husk summons two cards in front of him instead of one. The clone now has three alternating symbols to choose from: double crosses, the flashing symbol, and an additional red symbol or two large red symbols. The crosses cause the cards to explode as before, the flashing symbol and the red symbol create the exact same energy blasts as summoned by one card. When the two large red symbols are selected, Husk creates more energy blasts than with one card, with the final blast being much bigger and more powerful. This blast was more than enough to cripple his copy.

Nifty, already stressed and mentally strained by each hit Lucifer on his and Charlie's side of the arena finally lets loose as she becomes supercharged with electric energy and quickly darts around the field while enveloped in lightning, making her even faster than she was before. Larxene rapidly slashes away at her enemies, dealing lightning damage to her corrupted clone. Dark Nifty tries to match her speed, but due to the damage she has suddenly taken and the paralysis gained from her lightning damage. She begins to lag behind as Nifty moves even faster, fast enough to cut her into pebble sized pieces.

As for the princess and the princeling, as Satanael begins to drop the warhammers' down again, time to them has seemingly stopped. In those moments, the two share a glance of confusion to each other, then the shadowy masses and notices that there are two more of them now, themselves. Their combined presence seemingly terrfying the other shadows, even though the only things visible are their crimson eyes, blazing with malice and maws of bloddied, razor sharp teeth. They are both covered in plate armor from neck to feet. Dark Charlie has eight wings sprouting from her back and a spiked tail, taking on a more draconic appearance, the rapier in hand changed into a runeblade more like Darkcaliburn. Dark Lucifer appears around her age, but has no remaining remnants of his humanity, as if he has embraced the darkness completely and his body has begun to show the results of his choice. A single pair of bat wings, curved horns pointing upward, black spikes protruding from his back, and his legs appearing more like hooves than feet.

The shadows disappear and the scene changes to that of an overlook gazing upon a possible future in the Pride Ring. Cities like those Dharkonis everywhere. Their people priasing them and bonded to one another as family and friends despite their race and origins, their enemies redeemed, imprisoned, dead, or worse and legions of loyal warriors standing ready for their leader's next decree and the defense of their homeland. Their eyes gaze down to see that they are now in their shoes. Satanael appears behind them, saying nothing and placing his arms around each them in a familial embrace. The demons friends are also there too, risen to levels of status akin to an overlord, yet remain the same as they were in reality.

The vision ends as a pair of metaphosized hands, one feminie and the other male catch the each hammer in their palms. Satanael spots the danger, shifts the hammers back into the runeblade and jumps back a good distance. His opponents stand up, their motions like that of grain rising from a dying wind, their bodies darkening and shifting as a aura similar to his envelop them, shrouding their true features. The bandages covering Lucifer's head burning away as the crowd cheers again. "Amazing, you manged to tap into that power all on your own. Now I can start fighting harder and you can start fighting together." He proclaims exictedly, as if he expected this outcome.

Satanael waves his shield hand and the barrier separating the demons from each other dissipates, even Alastor is pulled back into the arena, who is clearly pissed off like he predicted. The crowd continues to cheer as Satanael and the other demons continue with the show. Even united together and imbued with nrewfound power and resolve, they still fail to land a solid enough blow on him to meet the necessary requirements. Charlie and Lucifer remain motionless save for their eyes which constantly (and individually) follow their enemy's movements across the arena. Eventually, they see their opening.

Satanel sweeps them away like a broom to dust, giving them the space they need. "Is this the best that the Pride Ring has to offer?" He taunts them. "Where is the strength of your people?" The metamorphosized duo fly back to their side of the arena, swerving around and passing them with surprise in their allies' eyes. Satanael grunts in pain as he looks down to discover that he has been twice impaled by both Charlie and Lucifer, even coughing up black blood. There is a sadistic glee in their eyes and a sharp grin in their maws. "He gives them a smirk, "Impresive." As they turn the blades and slice him to pieces with a single stroke. The bloodlust in the transformation dissapates as they revert to their normal state. The crowd, surprised by the change of events, cheer at the victors with unseen vigor. Deathcaliburn simply floats silently over the pieces.

The other demons quickly rush to Charlie and Lucifer's aid as the loss of stamina causes them to fall to their kness. "Whoa, now where did that come from? You really took that bastard off his high horde." Vaggie congratulates them, very surprised and impressed with the display of power. "I for one, enjoyed seeing him die." Alastor adds, pleased with the outcome. "Seeing an entity such as Satanael exist in Hell would be very challenging and hardly entertaining in my perspective." The weary do not respond in words, but in shudders and dread, seemingly frozen in place. Angel Dust doesn't notice this as he says, "Holy shit, that stunt that you two did to that son of a bitch was fucking awesome! Hell, we were awesome!"

Husk doesn't provide a compliment, at least not vocally. He does give them a nod in approval before leaving, trying to find an exit form Dharkonis. Nifty begins to say something when he notices that the bandages covering his hair is now gone. Instead of the snow-white hair of his past life, it is now turned to an ashen grey. The outer fringes of his hair have turned blonde along with a streak runing from the tuft to his forehead. The hairstyle has also grown slightly longer and more wild. "Luci, your hair. It looks... fucking sexy." The word she uses snaps Lucifer out of his trance with a touch of embarassment in his face.

"My hair?" He runs his hands through his head and notices that the bandages are gone. He sighs in dissapointment. "Damn it. I wanted to show you this when the time was right. Preferably after once this trial was over. But I suppose it can't be helped." Vaggie comes closer to him and inspects him then Charlie and back again. Eventually, she realizes what Lincoln means to reveal. "Hon, you were the other blood donor, wern't you? You were the one who gave life back into him that night." The princess gives Vaggie an empty look, but eventualy nods. "Yes. I was the one who combined my blood with Satanael's into Lucifer. I just couldn't stand by while an innocent child laid dying right in front of me. When the deed was done, his body pulsed as his hair changed just like that." She snaps her fingers to prove the point.

Charlie shakes her head again. "I could experience everything that I did in that form. The rage, the hatred, all that darkness and I enjoyed it. Vaggie, I loved slaughtering him. What's happening to me? To us?" A voice all too familiar begins to ring as the voice silences the crowd on the dot. "You are evolving..." The pieces that were once Satanael begin to start moving again as veins and wires begin to emerge from them and begin to link and pull themselves together. Eventually the pieces form a completed body and then the scars too begin to fade. Deathcaliburn returns to him and inserts herself into an unseen scabbard. He extends his hand to Charlie and Lucifer, who take said hand after processing this and pull themselves off the ground. "Yeah, but what?" Lucifer asks in which he reponds, "...something more."

Vaggie takes Charlie's hand, not amused by the gesture. "But nothing less. That is for you decide, and why I created those dark duplicates." Husk grumbles at the choice of words. "Hmph, some creations." Satanael ignores him as he continues, "I did warn you, that I would test you all physically and mentally. I also warned that I would not tolerate half-measures, from both yourselves and myself." Lucifer gets the point, "You mean those copies they faced and those illusions Charlie and I faced were-" "All part of the training, O nephelim ours."

The term he uses for Lucifer catches Alastor's attention. Nephilim was a name that was rarely seen in his research, referring to a race carrying the sons of God, the angels and the daughters of man, humans. However, one mentioning refers to the nephilim orignally being a presumably extinct race engineered by Lilith from a union of angels and demons. Now that the Radio Demon thinks about it, Charlie is technically a nephilim herself in the original variation; her father Lucifer, a fallen angel and Lilith, once a human and now a demon.

The forms of the duplicates were created to cause uncretainy, causing doubt about their possible futures and the choices they made. The illusions were to affect one's pysche, both meant to drive one to break the chains of the past and move forward unburdened. Seeing you out there today proves that what holds you back is far brittle than once presumed and willing to walk this path of mine."

Satanael notices the lack of bandages on Lucifer's head. "So they know about the maternal donor now, son?" The nephilim child perks up the choice of words. "What did you say, Father? Do you mean that you knew about this the whole time?" He says, pointing to his new hair color. The entity nods again. "From the very beginning, my child. My blood has some very... unique properties differing from person to person. I sense those that carry a link or connection to me as something simple as blood bound in vow. They call this concept a blood oath. When Charlie injected her blood into you, I picked up the infusion and decided to keep quiet until you were ready to reveal." This also perks Alastor's attention, a blood oath is an oath taken by two or more people in which they ceremonially use or exchange each other's blood

He turns away and opens another portal. The masses of creatures that spectated their fight now stand up, either jumping down onto the arena or taking flight to the fissure above, mobilizing quickly as if they prepared for this moment. "Now that you know what you need to know, shall we return to the hotel and get on with our day? We have much to discuss about your upcoming time on Earth." This surprises some of the demons. Charlie squeaks, "Earth? Wait, does this mean-" Satanael places a finger on her mouth. "Indeed, Your Majesty. By piercing me, and striking me down, you and Lucifer have fufilled both the primary objective and the special reward for brigning me pain. A sensation that I have never felt before since my fall. I am after all an entity who always keeps his word, unlike some oathkeepers I know." He gives a glance to Alastor who is clearly upset by this.

Together they all enter through the portal back to the hotel, as the remaining denizens prepare for departure, with much of their strength to bear for the concept and possibility of war.

---

Great Room, Penthouse Suite, Hazbin Hotel, Pentagram City, Pride Ring, Hell

Nighttime

The group has now assembled in the back in the Premiere Residence in the hotel where they are simply just hanging out and watching some TV, Satanael mentioned upgrading the package to include interdimensional cable to each room in the building, though it primarily carries the channels Hell has. Thanks to the experience of some of the more combative demons, they have already healed from their wounds through medicinal means or through healing factors. Satanael, Charlie and Lucifer are laying on the couch, Vaggie is laying on the arm next to Charlie while Nifty is hovering him on the opposite side and is moving his hair around in a alluring manner, Deathcaliburn is resting next to Nifty, her eye angled so she can

The boy has tried to get her stop but anytime he tries to stop her, she just slaps his hand and continues with her playtime. Alastor and Angel are busy playing cards, both players cheating in their own special ways. Husk has been keeping quiet, enjoying his quiet time and showing hostility who tries to interact with him. "So, when we get back to Earth," Lucifer asks Satanael curiously. "How do you suggest that we get back at those treacherous humans who once shared my blood?" His tone darken when mentioning the Louds.

All of the demons' attention turns to the nephilim child as he mentions it. "Not once has the concept slipped my mind during our combat, my son." Satanael responds in kind, turning to him. "The one thing that I have learned about many species is that they are all very much xenophobic. Xenophobia is the fear of the unknown and from what I have observed from my prison; whatever they cannot control, they destroy. Even if the unknown seeks to aid in the betterment of the their kind."

Satanael's face begins to brighten up, his hair and skin lose their cracks and glow while his turn white, becoming more human. "The best way to fully integrate into human society is to pose as them as to avoid suspicion from prying eyes." He gives the demons a inspective look. "Some will be take some fine tuning while others will need a complete overhaul to look convincing." He points to Charlie, "But Charlie is the easiest to obscure since she was born here in Hell, and not on Earth. The only thing that requires changing is the skin color," He shrugs, booping her nose. "as racist as it sounds."

Vaggie crosses her arms, intrigued by the idea but still cautious, "Okay then, genius. If we follow through with this plan of yours, what roles do you have for us? If it's something humiliating.." Satanael cuts her off, "I may be an entity darker than that of a demon, but even I know such a thing as honor. I usually leave the humiliation and indignation for my enemies." He points at Alastor, "I'm sure there is plenty of radio equipment scattered around town if you know where to look, with your unique abilities, you can expand your network and leave mental suggestions hidden within the frequencies. Leave the scavenger hunt to us." Alastor ponders the thought and he picks up some approving signals.

He points towards Husk, "Knowing your skillset back when you still human, I've worked something out regarding a casino out of town that could use a dealer. You can pick up more than just money if you play your cards." He rolls his eyes and turns away. When no one is looking, he gives a small grin. Unlike his current employer, this new player sees value and utilizes it accordingly. That and he shows proper respect and views him as an ally than a tool. Satanael then points to Angel Dust, "Since you died a male individual, your new mortal form will match accordingly. You will be put into missions that subtlety and infiltration, since you know how to make people talk." The spider smirks, already eager about the new friends that he will soon make.

He makes a circle around himself and those sitting on the couch. "As for the rest of us, we will be walking among the people and keeping the closest eyes on the Louds, gaining the trust and loyalties of their allies, taking away what makes them great, one by one, while making our own marks on the Earth. The plan requires a union between realms. Since Heaven is off the table, we will start small with Earth. We will not conquer them like the Exterminators invade once every year. We will join with them and they us to make that future a reality. The roles I have are a bit more family-friendly." He points to himsef. "Father-figure," then to Charlie and Vaggie, "mother and aunt figure," and finally to Lincoln and Nifty, "Son and daughter or brother and sister."

Nifty squeals in joy, hugging Lucifer to the point of choking. Charlie smiles at the remark of the role, rubbing her nose a bit. Vaggie's behavior relaxes, an eyebrow raised. "Aunt Vaggie? Huh, interesting. But why that role? Clearly there is something more that I and the children can do?" Satanael nods. "The reason I put you and her into this position is because I don't want the girl to lose herself with all those... 'people'. Secondly, after all this time, you still don't trust me and I want to remedy that. This is to make sure I don't cross any lines and for you to keep close to Charlie. We too will take on missions of our own accord, but it will be done so in secret and in false personas. More like vigilante anti-heroes with chaotic good moral alignments rather than the standard trope."

The room silences as they look at him oddly. Satanael cranes his head, "What, I like stuff too." His eye catches something, "Hey, everyone look! It's a distraction!" The scene cuts to an odd commercial shown on the TV showing an imp.

"Hi, there! I'm Blitzo! The "O" is silent, and I'm the founder of I.M.P.!" He gestures to the logo as it appears on screen, then disappears. A picture of Blitzo wearing two top hats through his horns, a monocle, and twiddling a fake mustache, while standing outside of a burning building with a sign that reads "Orphanage for Elderly Blind Newborn Dogs" appears. "Are you a piece of shit that got yourself sent to Hell," The picture changes to one of Blitzo wearing an angel costume at a coffeehouse happily throwing an empty coffee cup in a trash can, instead of the recycling bin right next to it "-or are you an innocent soul who got FUCKED over by someone else?!"

The questions that the mercenary talks about catches the attention and interest of some of the demons. Angel and Husk seem to take note of the first questions. As for Lucifer and Vaggie. The second question strikes more than a few nerves. Lucifer betrayed by family. As for Vaggie, that remains to be seen. The commercial cuts to a demon guy wearing an Ohio sports jersey, giving a testimonial, while Blitzo holds a cardboard sign in frame that reads "Some guy who hired us!" "After lovingly killing my wife for FUCKING A DELIVERYMAN," His voice turns demonic then turns normal again "-you can imagine my surprise when I wound up here, after the state of Ohio killed me! I really wish I could STICK IT to that-" His voice turns demonic again for a moment, "YAPPY JOGGER who saw me hiding the body!"

Blitzo is seen speaking to camera and holding a grimoire, while two other imps are arranging lit candles on the floor in a square. "Well, luckily for you, thanks to our company's special access to the living world," His eyes narrow as he does a magical gesture with his left hand and a flaming portal appears on the floor. Moxxie and Millie are blown out of shot. He walks up to the portal. "We can help you take care of your unfinished business by taking out anyone who screwed you over when you were alive! He falls backwards into the portal

The scene transitions to a person with their arms crossed and a thought bubble appears depicting another person being crossed out as the commercial jingle plays in the background. Satanael covers Charlie's eyes

"When you want somebody gone,"

A dead body falls near the person as they notice and look up.

"-and you don't want to wait too long-"

Moxxie, Blitzo, and Millie are shown in a circle logo. Blitzo holds his arms out as the male imp holds up his rifle and the female one holds up her spear. A letter "I" appears to the left of them, while a letter "P" appears on the right of them. The trio together form a letter "M", thus spelling the initials I.M.P.

"-call the Immediate Murder Professionals!"

Blitzo and the two imps are inside of their building and the male one throws a grenade out the window. The trio cover where their ears would be as an explosion goes off. A severed arm goes flying.

"Hand grenade or cyanide,"

Blitzo is shown hanging someone with a rope as the woman finishes writing a suicide note.

"We'll make it look like suicide"

Blitzo is shown electrocuting someone, one is shown hitting someone on the head with a mace, and the other is shown strangling someone.

"The Immediate Murder Professionals"

The I.M.P. logo spins around quickly as the scene transitions to Blitzo creating a portal to the living world in a wall, then jumping through it. He is followed by the others, the male one tripping over the grimoire and falls into the portal.

"We do our job so well,"

The trio come up through the other end of the portal and adjust themselves.

"-because we come straight up from Hell!"

The I.M.P. trio suddenly look shocked as it appears they have accidentally teleported to a church in the middle of a service. A female preacher and the congregation look back at the demons in confusion and/or fear. One bearded man, however, has his head laid back as he sleeps with earbuds in.

The woman is then shown struggling to remove a knife from a naked couple who are in 69 position, while the male one tries to look away, and Blitzo examines a pair of panties.

"We'll kill your husband or your wife-"

Blitzo stabs someone tied to a chair repeatedly in the head while sporting a goofy expression.

"-We'll even let you keep the knife"

A quick sequence then shows the trio assassinating their targets in numerous horrific ways, such as with a medieval torture chamber, riding a shark, burning someone alive, suffocating someone with a pillow, playing on a grand piano after it crushed someone, and using an electric chair. In the final scene, the trio are hiding in a bush in a park and Moxxie is about to shoot a blonde woman from behind.

"We're the Immediaaaaate... Murderrrrrr... Profession-"

The song suddenly cuts off as the male accidentally shoots a boy passing by, eating an ice cream cone. "AUUUGH!" The boy collapses as helooks on in shock. The scene cuts to a hospital operating room. The boy is wheeled in on a hospital bed by a doctor, a pink-haired nurse, and a blue-haired nurse. The Pink-haired Nurse says in a masculine voice, "Doctor, he's not responding!" The Blue-haired Nurse inquires, "Cool water, stat!" The Pink-haired Nurse whacks the boy in the face with a bucket of water. "It didn't do anything!" The second nurse cries out obviously. "Dammit! I'm not losing another one." The doctor vows as everyone has their defibrillator paddles over the boy.

"CLEAR!" He says as they all zap the kid and he eventually wakes up, gasping for air. The doctor remarks, clearly relieved at a life saved. "Holy shit, it actually worked." Blitzo and the pair are waiting outside the boy's hospital room. Blitzo is reading a magazine, while the woman comforts the other, like a wife to a husband, who looks devastated. The doctor comes out of the room with a clipboard. "He appears to be in stable condition, but he'll need surgery. Now what insurance provider do you freaks have? The head merc raises an eyebrow, clearly confused. "The fuck is insurance?" Blitzo asks confoundedly.

A shot of the outside of the hospital is shown, as a window breaks and the boy's hospital bed flies out. The boy is unconscious in the bed, while the smaller imps and Blitzo are holding on for dear life as they plummet screaming to the ground. The bed is stopped by a rope that has become tangled around Blitzo's foot. Blitzo slams his face into the bed, the rope snaps, and they all continue to fall. A still shot of the I.M.P. logo is then shown.

"Kids die for freeeeeee!"

Satanael takes this moment to turn off the TV and take a moment to process the clearly inappropriate commercial. Many of the demons are clearly taken aback by such a thing, thankfully Charlie could break neither Satanael's hold over her eyes or Vaggie's covering her ears for good measures, both of whom let go when the advert ends. "Well," Angel Dust breaks the silence, "that was certainly interesting." Husk gives them an uneasy look while twirling his finger next to his head, indicating them to be clearly insane. Alastor is currently looking at some transmissions with his staff, clearly not even noticing the carnage. Nifty was only paying attention to the methods of execution I.M.P. was employing to the victims, Vaggie shakes her head, both disgusted and strangely satisfied with their purpose and the concept of vengeance upon those who wronged the sinned.

Lucifer has not taken his eyes of of the demons on the screen since it began, Satanael sees this and whispers softly so only he can hear, "Those demons, you've seen them before, haven't you?" The boy nods slowly. Charlie is somehow able to hear this as well, perhaps something to do with her newfound power. "You believe that this little posse may prove useful to us?" Another nod gives him his response. "Very well, then. I will reach out for them and have them come to us. Until then, rest is needed. We have a very big day ahead of us and you are long overdue for a reunion."

---

Potential tapped, a blood template reveal and new allies revealed, only time will tell how both the alliance and the reunion shall pan out. The foods are usually inspired by video games like Miitopia in this case, if you any food for thought or other ideas you would like to see on this story, please review or PM. One paragraph only and nothing in the form of a run-on sentence or a giant block that takes up all the characters in your message. Until then, reclaim the past, shape the present, change the future.