"...Sir?" Olivia spoke while cautiously looking upward at the robotic Seraph.
It'd been a few hours since Samur and Olivia had their run-in with the overly enthusiastic people who wanted to join the UAC. During that time, not only did they tour the Security Division, but Samur also showed her the living quarters provided for all UAC human personnel should they choose to live where they work. These were comparable to a spacious apartment, complete with a living room, kitchen, two empty rooms, and a bathroom. This is why they'd returned to Samur's office, so Olivia could tell him in as much detail as possible of what she wanted her quarters to look like, so he could then relay the information to those who would furnish it for her.
"Yes?" He responded, keeping his focus on his holographic screen while he typed in all of what she had told him a few moments prior.
"Am I allowed to ask you questions that may...upset you?" She inquired, testing what their conversational boundaries were.
"Of course. This is not a dictatorship." He replied, which caused her to let out a sigh of relief, "With that being said..." He continued, much to her surprise, "If you're going to ask me anything regarding the two psychopaths we encountered earlier, I'd advise against it." He told her.
"I don't believe they were psychopaths, sir." She said as she put a finger to her chin in contemplation, "I'd say they were...enthusiastic, eager to impress, and excited for the opportunity to work under you." She listed, putting a positive spin on it.
"I recognized that." He assured her, still focused on his screen, "But that does not excuse their behavior when they learned that their meeting with me was moved to tomorrow. Rather than reacting to it like rational people, they came looking for me despite what business I may have been in the middle of. That cannot be overlooked." He argued.
"Counterpoint, was it not you who said that the UAC was trying to recruit more capable humans now that you didn't need to be so selective? Isn't that part of the reason why you've hired me?" She asked.
When Olivia finished saying that question, Samur's fingers stopped typing away at the keyboard built into his desk.
"...Hmph...a point for you, Olivia." He said to show she had gained an advantage in the conversation, which made her smile.
"Does that mean you'll reconsider their application?" She inquired.
"No. But you managed to hold your own against me in a battle of wit." He responded, which caused her expression to become one of disappointment.
"So, there's nothing I can say then to change your mind?" She asked.
"Again, no." He repeated before he resumed typing, "Please, understand, Olivia. Although the UAC is no longer seeking only humanity's brightest minds, the most important quality we look for in applicants is their personality. For ultimately, it doesn't matter if you're the most intelligent person in the room nor if you have the most experience. What DOES matter is whether or not you'll have the urge to do something reckless with highly experimental and dangerous technology. And given what those two did without ANY hesitation, they are a liability to this organization and those who would work alongside them. And as the UAC's leader, I cannot allow such individuals to join us." He explained.
"Forgive me if this is a step too far, sir. But I still think you're being unfair about this." She told him directly before letting out a sigh, "However, I do recognize your stance on the matter and respect it. Even IF I don't fully agree with it." She added.
"Yet another showcase of why I sought to hire you so quickly. You've got a sound mind secured within a solid head on your shoulders." He complimented.
"Sir, you're not trying to flatter me to try and make me feel better about your stagnation, are you?" She asked.
"If that is possible, then yes." He answered, which admittedly did amuse her.
After that, both Samur and Olivia wouldn't say another word until he was done filling out the work order regarding her living quarters. And when he was finished, they'd spend another hour or two talking about what her new occupation would entail on a day-to-day basis.
Meanwhile, In Heaven...
Regardless of which pantheon they belong to, the angels of Heaven have seen more evil in their immortal lives than what most can conceive of. From acts isolated between two individuals, whether that be murder, assault, or rape. To grander displays of a total disregard for life as a whole such as genocidal conquests helmed by tyrants. There was nothing that the Heaveborn haven't bared witness to.
However, for the first time in the court of the divine realm, some angels found themselves needing to step out at certain parts during the current trial. For the sinful acts committed by the wicked soul standing before its judge was that appalling. There was no empathy or sympathy shown when the actions were carried out, nor by the person who committed them as he stood in the court. Such a total disregard for the suffering of others had only been found in a few before the man known as Valentino.
But even then, they were never so personal, so involved, and so depraved as him, which was amplified by the satisfaction and pleasure he derived from it all. By the time Gabriel had finished reading the list, making sure not to leave out a single detail in any way, all of the angels seated in the court were beyond eager to know what Valentino's punishment would be. Including Michael, who was usually so full of energy and an abundant optimist, looked at the former Overlord of Lucifer's circle with disdain.
"At last, we are done," Gabriel said as he began to roll up the long parchment, "But before I go on to give the sentence to the guilty. There is something I'd like to say." He began, letting out a sigh as he did, "This entire trial, and everything that led up to it has been...exhausting. That is the only way I can aptly describe it. Never before have I felt so drained from any case or experience in all of my life, not even when Heaven and Hell were at odds. However, as strange as it may sound, this ordeal has bestowed upon me a realization. One that may never have occurred had I not been subjected to what I have in but a single year. I have discovered how small my view of...well...everything was. And how much I haven't been exposed to, both good and bad, in all of this time. I share this with all of you because I feel as though I am long overdue for a proper absence. One that isn't caused by a sudden war or my imprisonment and subsequent torture at the hands of the very person who stands before me. So, after I have given Valentino his sentence, do not expect me to be seen for quite some time. But know that it isn't due to anything severe; I simply need what some may call a vacation. I hope you can understand." He told the court, right as he finished rolling up the list.
In response, a few whispers and murmurs were heard from the crowd. But, to Gabriel's relief, he saw a shared look of understanding from the angels present, which was their way of showing they not only accepted this decision but also were happy to see the ordinarily serious archangel be more open about himself.
"Thank you." He said to them, to show his appreciation, "Now then, onto the sentence." He stated before looking down at Valentino, who had remained silent this entire time, "I contemplated for so long as to what would be appropriate. So many possibilities, but for someone such as you, who was already in Hell AND for a short period was tortured by the very master you thought was your equal. I realized whatever punishment I gave you; it would need to be something I'd never normally consider. Doing so has led me to contact another of my siblings, who, like Lucifer, I haven't spoken to since the beginning of the war." He told him.
"Wait, really?" Michael questioned, now looking at his brother with a look of confusion, "Who'd you talk to?" He asked.
"Dumah." He revealed.
Within an instant, the atmosphere of the room became...nervous, scared even. All of the angels began to whisper as quietly as they could, each with a look of either concern or legitimate terror held on their faces. Valentino noticed this right away, which compelled him to speak again as he was curious.
"Who...is...that?..." He asked, still weak and tired from his time with the Sentinels.
"Dumah is...what you may call...an extremist," Gabriel answered before going on to describe his sibling, "When Lucifer and I began to grow tense around each other due to our differing opinions on how creation should be managed. As expected, half of the family agreed with his views, the other agreed with mine. However, some, such as Azrael, wanted no part in our quickly escalating conflict. That is one of the reasons she was granted her realm separate from Heaven and Hell, as she would play an unbiased role in the grand scheme of things. But, then...there was Dumah. And Dumah quickly found fascination with the wicked dead, as he called them. Souls who were so vile, so wretched, no one would ever miss them should they disappear suddenly. So, amidst the conflict between Heaven and Hell, he abducted who knows how many souls from the mortal realm. Taking them to his domain to do...something with them. What exactly, no one has EVER learned. Eventually, when the fighting stopped, and things began to calm down, his actions were finally noticed. Obviously, Heaven would not condone him taking whoever he pleased without being informed. Thus, a deal was made. Whenever he finds a soul within creation that piques his interest, he tells us, and we review the individual to see if they are within the allowed criteria for him to take possession. I don't believe I need to say more about WHAT that means for YOU, Valentino." He explained.
"P...Possession?..." Valentino questioned, his eyes widened by that specific word being used.
"You are no longer a person, Valentino. Your emotions, your thoughts, and everything else about you are entirely irrelevant. You now belong to Dumah. This is the first time, and likely the last, that the court of Heaven has condemned a soul to this fate. Typically, after I give a punishment of any kind to the guilty, I would say may there be mercy for your soul. But frankly, I do not care what becomes of you." He said as he raised his gavel, "And with that, the trial has reached its end. The sentence has been given. And we are adjourned." He concluded before hitting it on the stand.
When the sound of that action went out into the court, reaching every angel's ears, something genuinely horrifying happened. A portal was opened beneath Valentino's feet, but it wasn't like any other you'd see. Instead of being a rift through reality, a seamless passageway from one point in creation to another, it was more akin to a puddle of black ink. Because of this, Valentino's departure from the court was slow and drawn out, allowing everyone to see and hear his panic and anguish as he sank into it.
"WAIT! NO! PLEASE! PLEASE!" He cried out, struggling against the portal as long tendrils began to grow and wrap themselves around his person, "SEND ME BACK TO HELL! SOMEWHERE WORSE THAN LUCIFER'S! OR KEEP ME HERE IN HEAVEN AND THROW MORE ROCKS AT ME! ANYTHING! PLEASE!" He carried on.
Sadly, the only response he received came from Gabriel, and it was his usual silent stoicism. Over the next minute or so, everyone watched as Valentino continued to scream, beg, and plead for a different punishment; all the while, more inky tendrils appeared and gripped onto him. Eventually, he'd sink so low that the blackness would begin to pour into his mouth, turning his words into gargled sounds until he was gone. And just like that, it was over; the portal closed slower than it had appeared once Valentino disappeared inside, likely never to be seen or heard from again.
However, even when he was gone, no one moved or said anything. All of the angels were frozen in place by what they'd witnessed, as Dumah had only been spoken of in rumors and whispers, so this was the first time ANY of them had seen him in any capacity. But Gabriel wasn't affected at all by it, the reason it took him so long to depart was that he needed to make sure the list was secure and his stand was in order, and when he was done doing that, he left.
"W-Wait! Gabriel!" Michael called before hurrying after him.
"What is it, Michael?" Gabriel responded as both made their way out of the courthouse.
"Was that actually Dumah? Like, no joke or tricks?" He asked.
"Mhm." Gabriel casually confirmed, not phased by it at all.
"I haven't seen him since...well, you said it yourself." He said.
"It's perhaps for the best. The Dumah we grew up with doesn't exist anymore. And, I am not ashamed to admit this. I am unsettled by the Dumah who has taken his place." Gabriel replied.
"Is...he truly so twisted?" He inquired.
"No...that's what makes it so unnerving..." Gabriel began as they reached his private chambers, "Using the Dark One as an example, he sought to cause suffering for no more significant reason than to do so. As a result, EVERYONE in creation was a potential victim. But with Dumah, he is selective. He carefully peruses all of reality, searching for new possessions. However, it isn't because he likes to collect them. There is a method to his madness, a purpose to his punishment, but only he knows what that is." He explained.
"Hearing something like that be said about ANY of our siblings sends a shiver through my wings." Michael confessed as he shook his body, "So, how about we talk about something else? Like the unexpected announcement of your vacation!" He exclaimed, causing his brother to roll his eyes.
"I knew I should've sent that out in a letter rather than saying it in public," Gabriel said as he pulled his door open and started walking down the stairs.
"Aw, don't be like that!" He replied as he followed, "Come on! Tell me what you've got planned! Are you going to go back to Luci's circle?" He asked.
"If Lucifer heard you call him that, he'd punch you," Gabriel told him.
"Heh, yeah. Just like when we were little." He recalled as they reached the bottom of the stairs, "Seriously, though. What are your plans?" He pressed on, wanting to know the details.
"Fine. So that you'll shut up." Gabriel conceded, much to his sibling's delight, "I am, as you guessed, going back to Lucifer's circle. I want to spend some time with Charlie that isn't interrupted by something horrible happening. I feel Azrael has been able to form a proper relationship with her, whereas I have been lacking. And I wanted to put in the effort to make up for the lost time." He shared.
"Oh! That's wonderful, Gabriel!" Michael exclaimed with a grin, "You know, maybe I should do that too! I mean, I've always WANTED to, but I knew Lucifer would probably burn me alive if I ever set foot in his circle before." He said.
"True. Lucifer, I, Azrael, and our father, want to try and mend the family. Getting everyone back on speaking terms at the very least." Gabriel replied, "Which, you'd be good at, Michael. Since everyone in the family still likes you." He added.
"Wait...didn't you just agree that Lucifer would've cooked me before all that's happened?" Michael questioned.
"Yes. Because Lucifer's the only one who you annoyed as if it were your purpose in life." He clarified.
"Eh, I guess that's fair." Michael accepted, "Anywho, besides forming a bond with our niece. Is there anything else you have in mind?" He inquired.
"A few things. I want to see how Lucifer and Lilith's reform is coming along. I want to check in with the Slayer. And I am going to visit Stolas because otherwise, he'll keep sending me those damned letters." Gabriel informed.
"Do you want me to burn the pile while you're gone?" He asked while pointing to the said pile.
"I would appreciate that." Gabriel answered, "Now, if you'll excuse me, brother. I want some alone time to get my affairs in order, tidy up my office, store Valentino's list of sins, and prepare myself for my first ever vacation." He requested.
"Aye, Aye, Sir!" Michael responded with a salute before giving his brother privacy.
Waiting until he heard his chamber's door close and Michael's footsteps were out of earshot, Gabriel looked at the scroll in his hand and smiled.
"At last, this chapter of my life is over." He said with a contentful sigh before he proceeded to store it away.
Meanwhile, In Lucifer's Circle...
Ever since the Slayer finished having lunch with Katie, he'd been in a non-stop jam session with Octavia and Loona. It was honestly a fantastic sight to watch the three of them perform together, a heavy metal/rock trio that could quite literally bring the roof down. Furthermore, the Slayer was impressed by the two girls' stamina, as they could keep up with him while showing minor signs of exhaustion. Finally, however, the responsible adult side of himself kicked in as they finished recording another song, which compelled him to call for a break.
"Alright. Let's take twenty. Maybe even half an hour." He said as he took off his guitar.
"Aw, come on, Will. We can keep going!" Loona exclaimed with a grin, her adrenaline pumping.
"Yeah! We don't need to stop!" Octavia agreed with the same level of energy.
"Nope. We need to relax for a bit. It does the body good." He told them, remaining firm.
"Says the guy who spent centuries slaughtering entire armies with his bare hands," Loona said as she and Octavia put down their instruments as well.
"That isn't accurate. I was in a sarcophagus for centuries. Not fighting demons." He corrected.
"Either way, you're a relic." Octavia joked, which made Loona laugh.
"You know, I've been bitten, scratched, burned, stabbed, and beaten to a bloody pulp. But that hurt the most." He responded. Yet still, he smiled, showing that he was also amused by what she said.
With their gear adequately stowed, they headed out of the studio to go and relax elsewhere. Or they would've had the trio not been stopped by two unexpected faces walking entering the room right as they were about to leave it.
"Ah! What perfect timing!" Sir Pentious exclaimed with a smile as he raised his hat to them, "Ladies, Slayer." He greeted formally before putting the cap back on his noggin.
"Yo, Pentious. Haven't seen either of you in what feels like days. You've even skipped out on breakfast." Loona replied as she folded her arms.
"We've been making excellent strides in development." Vox said with a proud smile, "Which is why we're here. We need some new music for the levels we recently finished." He revealed.
"Yeah, sure. We're taking a break right now, but we can do it later if that's okay." Octavia suggested.
"Again! Perfect timing! We were taking a break ourselves! We can join you!" Sir Pentious responded.
"...Cool..." Octavia said with a smile, but you could tell it was forced since both she and Loona had hoped to continue hanging out with the Slayer without anyone else tagging along.
"Hey, where's Velvet?" The Slayer asked as the trio stepped out of the room, closing the door behind them as they did.
"Funny you should ask; she's part of the reason we're taking the break. We haven't seen her for hours." Vox informed as they all headed for the elevator.
"Is everything okay?" Loona asked, finding that to be weird, even for her.
"Ever since our battle against the Dark One. Velvet takes off now and then to visit some friends. Who these friends are, she refuses to say." Sir Pentious answered.
"Well, everyone's entitled to privacy. Maybe she's worried we won't understand her other friends?" The Slayer suggested, "Because, and I say this only with love, Velvet's got her weird sides that I don't think any of us fully understand." He added.
"That's what I told Pentious." Vox admitted as he pressed the down button on the elevator once they reached it, "But he insists there's more to it. That Velvet couldn't keep a secret even if her mouth were glued shut. Even though I've known her longer than him." He shared.
"Hey, Velvet's a chatty Cathy. Eventually, the words will bubble up inside of her and spill out like a broken sink." Sir Pentious argued.
"Eh, just leave her be. I know what it's like when someone pries into your personal life too much." Octavia said.
"You and your mom having problems?" Loona asked as the elevator finally arrived at their floor.
"No, surprisingly. We've been doing great. Slow and steady, but we're steadily building the relationship we never had for my entire life. It's...nice." She answered with a smile, each of them stepping into the lift when the doors opened, "It's my dad. Ever since the shit with Val, his overbearing dad mode got kicked into overdrive. Add onto it our band's growing popularity, and he is SUFFOCATING." She complained.
"He's worried about you. That's what parents do." The Slayer commented as the doors closed when he pushed the button for the ground floor.
"I don't know why. One of the people I spend most of my time with is you. Which we've all agreed multiple times is the safest place ANYONE can be in." She argued.
"True." The others all agreed in unison.
"I'm just saying, Stolas isn't entirely unjustified in his concern. If your kid had nearly been raped, wouldn't you be a little paranoid?" He asked.
"...Yeah..." She reluctantly agreed because that was a damn good point.
"Plus, as you said, you're becoming a celebrity! And ALL kinds of depraved lunatics want to be with you! Horrid degenerate perverts with no shame whatsoever!" Sir Pentious exclaimed.
"I'm fairly certain all of those people are either in rehab at the hotel or are taking some other part in the reform." Vox chimed in.
Just then, when the elevator reached its destination, and the doors opened, all of its occupants' eyes shot open as someone ran past them...completely naked.
"ALRIGHT! ENOUGH SLACKING SHITHEADS!" Angel Dust shouted, his fur covered in soap and soaking wet. Which combined with the lack of a towel covering his body, told them he'd woken up from his bath and had run down the stairs, "I MAY HAVE PASSED THE FUCK OUT IN THE TUB! BUT THAT'S NO EXCUSE FOR YOU DOING FUCK ALL NOTHING WHILE I WAS SNOOZING!" He carried on, directing his angry exclamations towards those who were assigned to work on the movie.
"...Okay...maybe not all of the perverts were rounded up..." Vox said after a few stunned seconds, which the others shared as they now had to live with THAT image for the rest of their lives.
Elsewhere, In the Lust Ring...
Sex palace. Intercourse manor. Fuck castle. You see these kinds of places in many works of fiction. But, typically, they are in depictions of fantasy or somewhat dystopian futures where the pleasures of the flesh have reached an entirely new definition of the word experimental.
That's where the Lust Ring of Lucifer's circle of Hell makes it a reality. Love? A joke. Affection? Overrated. Foreplay? Pussy shit. This is the general mentality and feelings of those who live in Lust, frequent it, or perhaps even play a significant role. However, unbeknownst to the residents of Lucifer's circle, their ring didn't come CLOSE to one governed by a member of Lucifer's family, but that is a lewd story best saved for when the kids are asleep.
Fret not, for there is a story, albeit a far tamer one, currently unfolding at one of the ring's most popular and recognized businesses. And the protagonist of this particular tale is a well-known face throughout all of Lucifer's domain. Verosika Mayday, back in action as she'd describe it, strutting into an actual fuck castle as mentioned earlier, although it bore more similarities to a high "class" nightclub. Ozzie's was the name, which was perfect as it perfectly portrayed the ego of the Hellspawn who owned the establishment, who happened to be the person Verosika was on her way to see.
"Yes! Yes! I love all of you too!" She said to the patrons who were losing their minds over her presence.
"VEROSIKA! SIGN MY DICK! PLEASE!" A fan, who had NO shame, shouted while holding up a pen.
"Aw, sorry! I have to see Asmodeus. Otherwise, I'd LOVE to!" She responded, lying her ass off with that last part.
Continuing to wave and revel in the reception until she was finally separated from the people by security, once she was out of their sight, Verosika dropped the overly friendly shtick.
"Aw, shit. I forgot how hard it is to keep up a smile for those freaks." She said while rubbing her cheeks.
"The boss is waiting for you, miss Mayday." One of the security guards told her, pointing down the hallway as he did.
"Thank you." She responded, genuinely this time, before getting on her way.
As Verosika traversed the hall, she took notice of several posters, both framed and not, that adorned its walls. Most of them were for Asmodeus himself or his boy toy Fizzarolli, who Verosika remembered from her time with Blitzo they had some beef with each other. However, as she noticed the posters that promoted other performers and celebrities throughout their circle, she noticed that not one of them was hers. But she didn't think anything of it; it made sense given her time out of the spotlight and how much the circle had changed due to the Magnes reform.
Still, Verosika did find herself stopping once she reached the door to Asmodeus's office, doing one final checkup to make sure she was her usual sexy self.
"Breasts? Perfect. Ass? Tight. Clothes? Expensive enough to break the bank." She listed, going over a pretty standard checklist for a succubus, "Alright, girl. Let's do this." She said before letting out one final breath and stepping inside.
Pushing the door open and looking to see what awaited her, Verosika wasn't surprised by the room's decor. It was loud, flashy, and had this sensual energy to it that made you want to strip down and do something you can't put on television, even by their circle's standards. On the other side of the room sat Asmodeus; a big velvet chair was his throne behind his desk, as he had his feet rest on top of it. The only other furniture in the room consisted of two bookshelves filled with various things, all porn-related, a chair in front of his desk, and an oversized couch perfect for sex that rested against the right wall.
However, when Verosika noticed the couch, she was met with the only thing this room had that could surprise her. For some reason, Fizzarolli was casually laying on it, fully clothed, thank GOD, but she wondered why he'd be here for her pre-show meeting.
"Ah! There she is!" Asmodeus greeted with a big smile, his arms outstretched to welcome her, "I was starting to wonder if you'd even show up!" He admitted.
"Pfft, you think I'd turn down a gig to play at your place? I'm hurt, Ozzie." She replied with a smirk as she strutted over.
"Ooh! That sass! Glad to see your personality didn't take a hit during your unexpected time away." He said.
"Please, it'll take a lot more than a short vacation to get rid of my flair." She told him as she sat down.
"Vacation? So THAT'S what they're calling illegal potion use these days! I guess that's how they avoid getting their asses beat by the Authorities!" Fizzarolli joked with a giggle, which struck a nerve with Verosika.
"That was an accident." She said while glaring at him, "I underestimated the Slayer, that's all." She explained, which made him gasp.
"No! YOU underestimated a guy who's spent his ENTIRE life dealing with demons? I can't BELIEVE it!" He countered, which caused his giggle to escalate into laughter.
"Hey, Az? Aren't there any kids close by who'd love to beat the shit out of a clown?" She asked Asmodeus as she turned her attention back to him.
"Aw, don't mind him. He's just having a good laugh." Asmodeus answered with a dismissive wave, "I mean, it IS pretty funny. You tried to seduce the Slayer, and instead, you became his number one fangirl." He said, joining Fizzarolli in making fun of her.
"Alright! Okay? I get it!" She exclaimed, finally tired of this shit, "Can we just talk about the fucking show? That's why I'm here, isn't it?! Or is jester Jim over here out of material, and you need me to cover for his ass?" She asked.
It was then that Fizzarolli, who'd still been lying on the couch, got up and walked over to the door, but only so he could close it rather than leave. Of course, that caused red flags to start popping up in Verosika's head, but before she could do or say anything, Asmodeus continued the conversation.
"Yeah, about that." He began as he looked off to the side, "See, I can understand why you'd think you were here just to do a small concert, but that isn't the case." He informed.
"...Az...what the fuck is going on?..." She asked quietly, no longer wanting to try and antagonize him or his clown fuck toy.
"Hey, why the serious face?" Fizzarolli inquired as he approached her from behind, "Come on, there's no such thing as frowns here!" He exclaimed before he put his finger and thumb on her face and tried to push up her lips to form a smile.
"FUCK YOU!" She shouted as she pushed him away, getting up from her seat at the same time, "Look, I don't need this shit, alright? If this is just some stupid joke you two are pulling or some kind of twisted sex thing, I DON'T want to be a part of it!" She told them.
"Now, now, calm down," Asmodeus replied, now looking back at her, "You're not here for pleasure, in either the funny or fun kind. You're here for business because THAT is what you need." He said.
"The Hell I do! I can walk out of here right now and find somewhere else for my first concert back! Do you know how many people want THIS ass shaking on THEIR stage?" She asked.
"Well, I'm not the best when it comes to complicated mathematics. But on a rough estimate, I'd say...zero." He answered.
"Ha, nice try." She retorted while folding her arms, "The whole strong-arm approach is cliche as shit." She taunted.
"Wow! Would you look at that! I didn't think ANYONE was THIS stupid!" Fizzarolli exclaimed before getting up in her face, "Az! I think she doesn't know! Like seriously, she seems PRETTY sure that she's got a LONG list of people waiting for her! As if she ISN'T last week's take-out!" He said.
"So it seems." Asmodeus responded as he intertwined his fingers, "Tell me, V. What do you think your standing is in the overall hierarchy? I'm asking that straight, no bullshit." He inquired.
"I mean, I haven't been around for a bit. But I still have my connections, I can still walk into any place and have people lose their minds, and I can get stuff free from any store I want. So, while I might not be on any magazine covers right now, I'm still recognized and am insanely popular." She told him.
"Sure, it may seem that way." He started with as his expression became serious, "But what if I told you that was the point?" He suggested.
"The fuck is that supposed to mean?" She questioned.
"Hon, look at the facts. And I mean REALLY study them for a second, here." He advised, now moving his legs off of his desk and onto the floor as he switched into an upright position, "First, you go through some shady as shit channels to acquire a potion that was illegal even BEFORE the reform. Then, in an admittedly impressively show of confidence, you tried to essentially poison the scariest son of a bitch in creation, only to have it backfire, which left you looking like a fool. And lastly, you were out of the spotlight for weeks until you were cured, but even then, you struggled to get your shit back together alongside Stolas's ex. Now, realistically, WHERE do you think that puts you?" He asked after laying everything out for her.
"EVERYONE has rough patches. It's not like it's a special case or anything." She argued.
"There is a difference between getting drunk and burning down a building and a domino chain of SUPER bad shit that doesn't look good on you in the long run. And V, that's what happened to you." He countered.
"Fine. Then explain to me, oh WISE Asmodeus, why the Hell YOU or ANYONE else in this circle would BOTHER with the effort to keep me relevant when you make me seem like the goddamn plague!" She exclaimed.
"Uh, HELLO?" Fizzarolli called out as he lightly knocked on her head with his right hand, "Paging Verosika Mayday's brain! What's two plus two? Four! What color is your skin? Pink! Who in this room has a close, personal connection with the most important man in Hell? YOU!" He said, revealing the truth.
Oh...shit...it honestly hadn't occurred to Verosika at all that what this was about was Wi-, er, the Slayer.
"Okay, look, guys." Verosika spoke, once again dropping any hatred in her voice, "I get it, alright? I spent a lot of time with him, we got a little friendly, but you have to know nothing happened, right? I mean, the Slayer was a total gentleman, barely even touched me. And after I got cured, I haven't seen or spoken to him at ALL. I'm not what you'd consider a best friend to the greatest demon killer ever." She told them.
"But you can walk up to him without ANY issues. Enter Slayer Studios without raising TOO much suspicion. And you can convince him to see me for a little...conversation." Asmodeus replied.
"Hey, if you want to die, that is YOUR business. I don't want two big meaty hands grabbing onto my horns and ripping me in half like I'm some creepy-ass fan letter." She said.
"I'm afraid it's YOUR business too, sweetie." He insisted, "As I mentioned earlier, the only reason you still have a fanbase, were able to get an apartment with that wonderful roommate of yours, and could still show your face out in public is because of me and my friends. But just as quickly as we've done all that, we can undo it too. It all rides on how this meeting ends." He told her.
"Why? Just...fucking why? Why the fuck are you doing this?" She asked, still lost on the motivation.
"Because, and this may come as a shock to you, WE. ARE. IN. HELL!" He shouted while throwing his arms into the air, "Look, we KNOW things CAN'T go back to the way they were before the Slayer showed up. If they do, we're all fucking extinct! But we are DEMONS! Incarnations of sin itself, and we NEED more freedom because if we DON'T, then we'll start getting rowdy! HOWEVER, the ONLY way we can try to achieve that is through the chainsaw-wielding, shotgun pumping, unkillable murder machine that YOU can get close to! So, either you recognize your new position in the pecking order, accept that you take orders from ME now, or your new address will be in the dumpster behind my building." He said, "Do you understand?" He asked.
Silence, something that didn't happen all too often in Ozzy's, but when it did, it was either awkward or tense. Unfortunately for Verosika, it was the latter in this situation. However, during this moment of quiet, she thought about any cards she could play, and the most obvious one came to mind.
"What if I just tell him?" She asked with a confident smirk, "Even if you kill me, kidnap me, or torture me. Then, somehow, someway, it'll get back to him. And if you think about going after Stella, the first choice for a potential leak in your plans, her daughter and ex will know something's up, which will get back to the Slayer again. No matter how you approach this shit, you're fucked." She stated proudly.
"Hm, I suppose that's true...unless...you know...it's OUR word against yours," Asmodeus argued.
"Yeah, think about that for ONE second. I know it's difficult since your brain got turned to mush from the potion, but still, TRY." Fizzarolli said with a grin, "Az is a VERY powerful and well-connected person in the circle, not just Lust. He's also been on his best behavior, hasn't even littered or spit. The club he manages, which you are currently standing in, has gone through ALL the newly made proper channels by the reform to remain open and keep doing its business. When compared to you, someone who tried to poison the Slayer, who could be seen as washed up, who WASN'T willing to put in the effort to change with the reform, who do you think everyone's going to believe?" He asked.
"The Slayer. I thought I made that clear." She answered.
"Even though the only time he's seen the real you is when you were trying to bounce on his cock? While the other ninety-five percent, you were someone completely different. And then when you got your head down from the clouds, you went back to being the old bitch you've always been." Asmodeus responded, "And with a few subtle moves, we can make your downward spiral into obscurity seem entirely natural. Especially since he's become the biggest name Hell's ever seen. Face it, Verosika. No matter how you play the game, it's been rigged from the start. You'll ALWAYS lose." He told her.
Fuck...Fuck...FUCK! These bastards had a fucking point. The version of Verosika that the Slayer had seen wasn't real, and what he did see of the real her was what you'd expect from ANY succubus. Then you add on everything else they said, like Asmodeus's clean record since the reform kicked in. Her need to be topping the charts and winnings hearts again. And that she hadn't made any attempts to make up for what she tried with the love potion.
From every angle, every possible side, Asmodeus, Fizzarolli, and whoever else was involved thought this through, which made sense; you don't try any shit with the Slayer unless you were fucking careful.
"Oh, look at that. She's sad now." Fizzarolli commented as Verosika's expression fell, "I think that means she gets it now." He added.
"Maybe, but I want to hear HER say it. Just to be sure." Asmodeus said.
"...I...I...work for you now..." Verosika practically whispered, ashamed to say those words, but she knew she had to.
"Good girl." Asmodeus praised with a smile, "Now, we'll save the details of what you're going to do for AFTER the show. You've kept the people waiting long enough, V. Go on, strut your stuff." He instructed.
With fists tightly clenched, her eyes turned toward the floor, and a sickly feeling in her stomach that wasn't stage fright, Verosika Mayday walked out of the office and didn't look back.
...?...
"MMM! So GOOD!" Velvet exclaimed in delight as she ate a piece of cake.
"We're glad you like it./We haven't had to cook much. The demons all enjoy raw meat, which is convenient for us." Harut and Marut responded with smiles on their faces, their current appearances perfect copies of her.
Yup. This is where Velvet had been sneaking off to ever since the Dark One was defeated. The friends she had told Sir Pentious and Vox about were, in fact, HER Cyberdemon and Lucifer's siblings, Harut and Marut. And in truth, it wasn't that hard to do; it wasn't like anyone was on alert for any kind of interdimensional activity now that the Doom was gone. But, even if they were, it's not like the twins couldn't be discrete about it; they were arguably the most brilliant people in all of creation after all.
"The demons don't like anything else?" Velvet questioned, readying another bite of cake on her fork, "Even him?" She asked while pointing to the Cyberdemon, who sat next to her.
"We have tried to give them other things to eat before./But every attempt to expand their palette was met with the overwhelming preference of raw, bloody meat." Harut and Marut explained.
"Well, I guess that does make sense." She said as she looked up at the Cyberdemon, "I mean, you need as much protein as possible for those HUGE muscles! Right, big guy?" She asked, to which he nodded.
"It's impressive how much your bond with the Cyberdemon has developed since your initial encounter./Indeed. We've never seen him form any attachment like this with any of the others. He's always been a loner." Harut and Marut noted.
"Really? Not even with the Marine?" She inquired as she stuck her fork into her mouth.
"He is...as much of a loner as the Cyberdemon./I'd say even more so, he only interacts with us, and those interactions are few and far between." Harut and Marut replied.
"How come? Is he shy?" She asked.
"I wouldn't say that./Yes. It's...quite complicated." Harut and Marut answered.
"Hmm, well, I'd still like to meet him. He's the only person in this place who I haven't crossed paths with." She said.
As if on cue, Velvet, the twins, and the Cyberdemon heard the lift to the twins' chamber activate, telling them that someone was coming up. Within a few short seconds, HE appeared, the very...man...that they were talking about. However, Velvet immediately noticed something alarming about his suit, as it was covered in blood that wasn't dried. But before she could draw any attention to it, Harut and Marut were the first to speak in response to his arrival.
"Welcome back, Marine./We assume the mission was successful. As it always is." They greeted.
He said nothing. He did nothing. The Marine just stood there as still as a statue. And yet, Velvet could feel his eyes locked onto her, even when hidden behind the orange glow that poured out of the sockets of his helmet, she felt his gaze. And even for someone like her and everything she'd been through in her life, Velvet felt nervous the longer he fixated on her.
"Uh...h...hi..." She greeted him as well with a nervous wave, "First time we've met..." She added with a small smile.
Again, he said nothing. He did nothing. But unlike the Slayer, both when he attacked the former Porn Studios and what he was like when he got back, the Marine was...different in a disturbing way. With the Slayer, there was his rage, presence, and overall reason for being wherever he was that you could know just by looking at him. But with the Marine, it was like he was a ghost, blink while you're looking at him, and he would disappear, and you'd have no idea where he went, at least, that's one of the things Velvet felt as she looked at him.
"Marine." Both Harut and Marut said in unison, which finally pried his focus away from Velvet, "Your suit is covered in blood./That isn't sanitary. Go decontaminant yourself immediately. We'll review the mission progress after we're done visiting with our company." Harut pointed out while Marut instructed.
Even with the twins speaking directly to him, the Marine remained where he was for nearly an entire minute before walking away.
"We're sorry about that./His social skills are lacking." Both apologized to Velvet once he was gone.
"Is...he okay?" Velvet asked, still a little nervous.
"He's very focused./All work and no play for him." They answered, "Are you sure you're okay?" They inquired together.
"Yeah. But I think I better go." Velvet said as she set down her plate, "You've got a lot you need to talk about with him. Some mission, I think it was? I'll come to visit some other time." She told them.
"Oh. Very well./We enjoyed your company, as always." Harut and Marut replied.
"So did I." She responded with another smile as she got up, though bigger this time around.
Using the same neckband they had given her months ago, Velvet opened an undetectable portal back to her circle of Hell and walked through it. When the rift closed and the twins were alone with the Cyberdemon, who Velvet hadn't said goodbye to as she usually did, they both let out a sigh as their appearances returned to normal.
"That could've gone MUCH better./Undoubtedly. But this IS why only we can interact with him. Others aren't prepared for him yet." Harut and Marut said before rising from their seats then leaving to talk with the Marine about his mission.
As for the Cyberdemon, he'd also depart via the lift to go and wander around, having no reason to stay now that his friend had gone back home.