"Open wide Moxxie~" Millie said with a slight hum, before then putting a spoonful of gelatin into her husband's mouth.
You would think that in Hell of all places one thing that would suck above all others would be the healthcare. But seeing as how such things were overseen by Lucifer and Lilith equally, it was actually quite remarkable how nice certain public services were. Of course this was still Hell though, so even if say the medicine and the resources available were nice, there was still a VERY high chance your doctors and nurses were all shameless assholes. Yet in a twist of ironic beauty the reason for why the imp named Moxxie was even in a hospital to begin with, set up in slings and countless casts no less, was the very reason for why he and his wife had been treated so well.
Every single soul even those that wallowed in filth on the street saw that news broadcast, they saw the meanest toughest bitch in all of Hell be turned into meat confetti, and they knew EXACTLY who had done it. Though his name and actual identity weren't established his actions alone gave him a rep unlike any other, even demons with countless influences and power at their disposal were finding themselves looking over their shoulders a bit more. This is how Hell, at least Lucifer's circle of the realm as a whole, saw the single most peaceful day in quite possibly it's entire history. People weren't getting stabbed or shot to pieces, buildings weren't being blown up or burned down for shits and giggles, and the dying wails of some poor schmuck who was just minding his own business weren't coming from nearly every alley.
All because of that one guy on TV, a man who seemed to be human yet even through the screen of a television instilled fear, every demon who laid eyes on his visage felt as if they should be ashamed they were demons, and if they didn't then the next one to be made into red ribbons of flesh would be them.
"Thanks hon." Moxxie replied after he swallowed the bite, his wife putting the now empty bowl down on his bedside table, "Honestly surprised it even tastes that good, last time I was in here tasted like someone peed in it." He admitted.
"Yeah everything's been looking better for some reason, in fact when I was headed to the cafeteria to get it for ya, I saw the janitor ACTUALLY cleaning the floors! he wasn't just screwing around on his phone or screwing someone else either!" Millie recalled.
"I wonder what's causing everyone to start giving a shit all of a sudden? it's so unlike them." Moxxie questioned.
"Well whatever it is best not to go poking around for an answer, might ruin it before you can get out of here." She said.
Letting that be the end of their conversation, the two imps were about to simply sit there in silence and enjoy each other's company, but were startled as the sound of screams and yelps came from outside the room. At first they wondered what was going on that was making so many people, almost like a chain of dominoes actually, shriek and wail one after the other. But then they heard it, once everyone who was nearby went quiet the sound of something heavy hitting the floor reached their ears, and it didn't take long for them to figure out what it was. Footsteps, carrying a terrifying amount of weight and power behind each one, and due to recent events there was only one person coming to mind as to who they belonged to.
Yet much to their own surprise they didn't feel scared, they didn't even feel worried or concerned,
for even as the footsteps got ever closer showing that he was headed their way, they knew that if he wanted to kill them or even just Moxxie he would've done it back at the studio. It is for this reason that as the footsteps ended just outside the door, followed by it being slowly pushed open, that they felt only curiosity fill their minds as the expected figure stood there staring at them.
"What're you doing here?" Moxxie was the first to ask, honestly baffled that the man who had held his life in his hands not too long ago, would be the first one beyond his wife to come and see him at the hospital.
Before they could get a response however another sound would come from the hallway, it too being a set of footsteps that were approaching the room. Though unlike the Slayer's which were slow yet powerful, these ones were clearly running and were barely hitting the ground because of it, making it sound more so like someone was bouncing a ball.
"WOULD YOU WAIT UP FOR ME?!" Lilith shouted aloud as she came into view next to the Slayer, immediately leaning against the doorway while panting like a dog.
"I apologize for the Slayer's refusal to stop, it seemed as though you would be occupied for quite some time and this is a matter that requires urgent attention." A voice, that while familiar as they had heard it in the studio, was still unknown to the two imps as they didn't know who or where it was coming from.
"He could have at least helped me! I may be the queen of Hell but right now he's a walking bonfire and every demon wants to swarm him like coked out moths!" She exclaimed while still trying to catch her breath.
"Um...excuse us." Millie spoke which thankfully got their attention, "I don't mean to interrupt your conversation, but would you mind explaining why the two of you are here?" She asked.
Realizing that they had just burst into the room with no introduction or explanation as to why they were there to begin with, Lilith quickly regained her composure while the Slayer continued to stand in silence.
"I'm sorry, that was rude of me." She began as she straightened her dress, "I'm also sorry that we came here to speak with you without seeing if it was alright, if you're in too much pain or if you'd rather be left alone we can leave." She apologized.
"Correction, you can leave but the Slayer will stay." Vega stated causing her to close her eyes.
"I know he wants answers, but considering the fact that HE is the reason for them BEING here in the FIRST PLACE then PERHAPS he could be a LITTLE understanding..." She replied clearly irritated, partly because he had left her to deal with a crowd of curious demons, the other because she didn't want him to learn anything.
"Oh no it's fine, after all I uh...well...I'm sorry..." Moxxie meekly apologized as it was technically his fault he was injured.
"You have no reason to be sorry, TRUST. ME." Lilith told him with a stern stare, trying to get across to him subtly to stay quiet.
"Moxxie's right, even though it wasn't our fault entirely we still almost hurt or even killed your daughter miss Lilith, you have no reason at all to apologize to us, if anything it's an honor to have you and uh...um...say, what's your name again?" Millie asked while turning her focus to the man.
"He is referred to as the Slayer, however the voice you've been hearing isn't his, it's someone who
speaks for him." Lilith answered before Vega could speak, as it would only lead to more confusion and questions.
"Why doesn't he speak himself?" Moxxie asked. "He's mute, plain and simple." Lilith replied.
"Makes sense, you definitely do look like the strong AND silent type, especially with how powerful you seemed back at the studio." Millie complimented.
"Yes yes he's very amazing and awe inspiring yada yada yada..." Lilith said with an eye roll, "Can you just hurry up and ask your questions so we can get back to the hotel? I'd rather not be swarmed by lunatics a second time today..." She requested with a light twirl of her hand, trying to get through this very precarious situation as fast as possible.
"Very well, miss Millie is it?" Vega spoke causing the two imps to look back at the Slayer.
"That it is mister...uh...disembodied voice?" She replied with an awkward smile, as this was the first time she'd ever talked to a mouthless voice before.
"The Slayer would like to know the details of your assassination, who hired you, who orchestrated the plan, and any other information that could be of use to him in tracking down the guilty party." Vega explained.
Feeling their eyes widen for a brief moment the two imps slowly looked over at Lilith, who had already been staring at them with even wider eyes filled with anxiety.
"Well...um..." Millie hummed as she looked off to the side, as both she and her husband just now realized how delicate this situation was.
"Miss Millie, while the Slayer has no intentions of harming either of you, I must warn you that he is quite insistent you provide all information that can be of use to him, if you refuse to do so he will have to resort to certain methods of interrogation, that both you and your husband would most likely find unfavorable." Vega explained.
"Wait, he could interrogate us without hurting us? like at all?" Millie asked as she found that hard to believe.
"Though violence is his preferred method of making uncooperative demons comply, there are other ways he can coax information out of you should you refrain from sharing it, so I will ask you again to please share all information that can be of use to him." He responded.
A few incredibly tense seconds passed by with not a single word being spoken, in fact the only sound that kept it from being completely silent was the light cracking of the Slayer's knuckles as he tightened his fists.
"...Alright, I'll talk." Moxxie spoke with a sigh, causing all eyes to fall onto him.
"Moxxie? are you sure?" Millie asked surprised, serving not only as her voice but Lilith's own as she couldn't say anything at all.
"Yup, there's no point in keeping it from him, he spared my life, least I can do is be honest." Moxxie answered as he looked to the Slayer "So here's the thing, me and Millie are assassins obviously, but we don't work alone, we work for this guy named Blitzo, he's an imp just like us but WAY crazier and has no sense of boundaries, for the longest time he's tried coming up with ways
to get us more business, first it was this AWFUL jingle that he wrote for some stupid commercial, but then he had us do a bunch of other stuff which didn't work out, finally he had the bright idea to kill Katie Killjoy on live television, because if we could take out a demon whose had as many attempted assassinations and death threats as her, that would easily cause our business to sky rocket and a wave of new clients to come in, so having heard that the princess was going to be there for an interview he decided that there'd be enough commotion to cover us sneaking in, and well, you know how things played out from there." He explained.
Another lull in the conversation occurred as the Slayer and his disembodied voice seem to be thinking over what he said, which only worsened Lilith's anxiety as she didn't think he'd believe it.
"Where is your boss now?" Vega asked.
"Don't know, he hasn't visited me at all since I came here, and he hasn't called or anything either." Moxxie answered.
"Do you know where he might be then? most likely he won't be at your place of work as that would be suicidal." Vega questioned.
"The only place I can think of he'd go after what happened would be to a demon named Stolas, from what Blitzo as said before he's a really powerful demon, in fact he's part of the reason we even have an assassination business to begin with, though he's also got a lot of influence from what it seems like, so if you try seeing him he might not roll out the red carpet for you, just a fair warning." Moxxie said.
"That will be no issue, it's the exact kind of welcome the Slayer is used to." Vega told him as the Slayer turned to leave.
"Wait!" Millie quickly exclaimed causing him to stop, "Are you...are you planning to kill Blitzo?" She asked.
"That depends, what are your thoughts miss Lilith?" Vega asked as the Slayer looked to her.
"M-Me? why would you ask me?" She replied in a slight stutter, as she hadn't expected to be brought into the conversation.
"It was your daughter who was nearly injured during their assassination, so just as with miss Killjoy you have a say in what happens to him." He explained.
"O-Oh, right, of course..." She said as she took a quick breath to calm herself, "If it is possible I'd rather you bring him back to the hotel, not for the sake of rehabilitation, at least not immediately, but because this is a decision that as you said should be considered by not only myself, but my husband and daughter as well." She told him.
"Very well, the Slayer will try to capture him alive." Vega informed them as the Slayer then left the room.
Remaining as still and as quiet as they could until his footsteps were no longer heard, they all let out a near breathless gasp of air as they felt they could finally breathe normally.
"Oh...holy shit...that was terrifying..." Moxxie breathed as he tilted his head back.
"Yes it was...but excellent improvisation with your response...it was very convincing..." Lilith complimented.
"Maybe we should've just been honest with him though? I mean you are the queen of Hell miss Lilith, while Blitzo is..." Millie trailed off, trying her best to think of something nice to say about her boss.
"A thick skulled idiot who is responsible for getting us into this mess..." Moxxie said a bit spitefully, for if the plan had been better then this wouldn't have happened.
"I'd like to think that would be the case, but to be honest me and my husband are still trying to figure out our guest in every respect, he's as mysterious and perplexing as he is soul wrenching..." Lilith explained.
"Still, I hope he doesn't kill Blitzo, or rather Blitzo doesn't make him..." Millie admitted as she was genuinely concerned for him.
You know, it truly says something about human beings when even in a place like Hell there can be slums. You have murderers, rapists, crime lords, terrorists, all kinds of evil vile people bumping into each other in the realm of damnation, and yet somehow even in a circle as "civilized" as Lucifer's there could be such places. And while for the most part the kind of folks you'd expect to see in these parts were exactly that, just a bunch of assholes or psychopaths looking to screw around for their own amusement, it was those that were hidden in the shadows that were the REAL residents of these parts of Hell. Though not having renown or wealth like that of the noble class, these demons still had quite a few resources and connections of their own to secure a small piece of Hell as theirs.
Yet every year when the cleansing of Hell's overpopulation would occur, which actually took place but a few days ago, quite often these masterminds of malice would make up most of the bodies piled by the exterminators. This in turn would cause a power vacuum amongst the lower demons to occur, every two bit gang or well managed syndicate would wage wars for more turf and product, hoping to maybe one day be recognized as a noble themselves. Such was the case for a black scaled snake like demon named Sir Pentious, for as of right now he and his henchmen were preparing to wage war. Unbeknownst to the finely tailored villain however, was that he would be given a guiding hand in his pursuit of power, though it certainly wouldn't be divine intervention.
"Hurry it up yolksss for brainsss!" He hissed impatiently at his egg shaped cronies, who hurried about the warehouse they operated out of, "That bitch Cherry Bomb's already claimed a territory from some two bit dipshits! if we don't make our move sssoon then she's going to have more turf than me! and I'll never hear the end of it!" He shouted angrily.
Amidst the sounds of his underlings hastily working the serpent would hear a very peculiar sound, almost as if it were directed towards him. As he began focusing on this sound to try and figure out what it was, he would feel a slight chill run down his spine as he realized what it was.
"What are YOU doing here?" He asked as he turned around, only to be met with the sight of a certain red dressed deer demon approaching him, all the while an aggravating tune was hummed from his throat.
"It's nice to see you too Sir Pennies." The radio demon responded with a smile as he drew closer.
"IT'S SIR PENTIOUSSS!" He hissed out of frustration, still baffled by how he couldn't remember his name.
"That's what I said isn't it?" Alastor asked in his usual cheeky manner, as he finally came to a stop just inches away from him "Now, I've come to talk with you about something." He revealed as he
set his cane down in front of him.
However, instead of receiving a response from Sir Pentious he would get one from his egg like minions, who had pulled out their weapons and were now pointing them at him once they noticed his presence.
"You've got a LOT of nerve coming to MY warehouse deer boy!" Sir Pentious told him as he stared him down, "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't have you stuffed and mounted on my wall!" He demanded.
"Oh my, that would be interesting..." Alastor admitted as his smile turned into a toothy grin, "But if you shoot me where I stand, then how will you know about the ambush?" He asked.
"...What ambush?" Sir Pentious questioned, immediately leaning in to show his interest. "Being the radio demon has many perks you know, such as being able to hear whispers when
people think no one's listening, such as that delightful little one eyed demon, Cherry Bomb I think?
she has plans to level your warehouse, this entire city block, and put a line of toilets all over it so everyone can take a shit on you, her words not mine." Alastor informed him.
"WHAT?!" Sir Pentious shouted whilst reeling back, completely appalled by what he was hearing, "That worthless whore is planning to turn MY TURF into a literal shit hole?!" He asked.
"I believe she already THINKS it's a shit hole, hence why she wants to put toilets here, to make it look the way it's supposed to." Alastor explained.
Feeling his eye twitch out of anger Sir Pentious was about to scream, only to stop as an obvious thought came to mind.
"Wait...why are you telling me this?" He asked with a raised brow, "What possible reason could you have to do anything nice for me? what are you playing at..." He interrogated with narrowed eyes.
"Oh I'm not doing this FOR you, I'm doing it for ME, I just LOVE when all the gangs and crime lords of our fiery home kill each other in displays of genocidal carnage, nearly on par with that of the exterminators, makes for a good show wouldn't you agree?" Alastor answered.
"Okay...that still doesn't explain WHY you are helping me." Sir Pentious pointed out.
"Because there's no fun in a show if you know how it's going to end, if I didn't tell you about this ambush she probably would have killed you before you knew it, and that would have been so boring to see, this way not only will you have a fighting chance but I'll get a better show because of it!" Alastor explained with zest.
Taking a moment to study his face to see if he could spot any deception, admittedly even if Alastor was lying through his teeth there was no way Sir Pentious would have been able to detect it. So assuming he was telling the truth, the dapper reptile turned to his subordinates with his arms raised out to his sides.
"Well you heard the man! that pale skinned slut's going to be coming here to try and get the drop on us! don't just stand around being useless we've got to get ready!" He ordered, causing them all to lower their weapons, give a quick salute, and then get back to their assigned tasks.
With this information Sir Pentious's focus would go entirely to preparing for this ambush, meaning the radio demon was being completely ignored. Though this didn't seem to bother him in the
slightest, in fact as he turned on his heels and began leaving, though neither Sir Pentious or his men had seen it, somehow Alastor's toothy grin managed to get ever so bigger.
"It'd be such a shame if someone were to tell Cherry Bomb about his preparations, a terrible shame indeed~" He said softly to himself, before disappearing into the shadows.