Souls, the core and most essential part of any sentience within creation, is the only thing that is truly eternal. No matter what you do you can never destroy a soul, for what would the purpose of life be if it could simply be erased, along with everything that soul was? Their thoughts, their emotions, their good deeds and wrong doings, all of it would have no meaning or value if souls ceased to exist in any way. You could be the most kind hearted person or the most horrid and vile, but without the eternal nature of the soul none of that would have any significance, you would be allowed to do whatever you please to anyone and never face any punishment or reward.
That is why Heaven and Hell exist, a place where those who choose and work to be good are granted paradise, while those who care only for themselves and care not for what pain they inflict are cast to Hell to serve their sentence. Yet there is a question very few ever consider once they reach this point, as they assume Heaven and Hell are the final destination, and have no reason to even humor the notion that there could be more. But for the poor corrupt souls of Lucifer's circle they have been forced to wonder such things, for while if they should die on any normal day they'll be brought back fairly soon, should they die by the Exterminators' hand then they die a second time. However as of late it hasn't been the Exterminators who have made them wonder what else is there beyond Heaven and Hell, the Slayer and his killings have earned all of their attention, yet unknown to them if HE should kill them their souls belong to him, stowed away in a prison they know nothing about.
So, if when the Slayer kills then those who die by his hand are collected by him and kept in a prison of his own design, what about all of the souls that have been slain by the Exterminators, as well as others across all of creation that were met with a similar end in some way? In short, most people's understanding of creation is that there are three realms, the Mortal, the Heavenly, and the Hellish, but there are actually FOUR realms that exist, with the fourth being both the space and the connector between them all. This realm is known only by a select few and has never been given a true name, if it should possess one only the creator knows of it, and has yet to share it even with she who governs it. Azrael, known by most mortals as an angel of death, was given this realm to rule when life was met with death, and although mortals refer to her as an angel she is FAR beyond such a state of being.
Comparably there was only one soul in all of creation, apart from the creator who was above all, that was equal to her in nearly ever respect, and whether it be fate or irony that is the reason for why she has been visited this day. One of her kin, Gabriel, has come to her domain for purposes she already could guess, for while she and her servants attend to the lost souls of existence, offering them peace or passage to their chosen destinations, this does not mean she has not been observant of current happenings across the other realms. She knew of the Slayer and his presence within Lucifer's circle, she knew that the Maykrs and their mortal allies the Sentinels were plotting something, and she knew her brother seeking to uphold justice and order as he always had wanted to put an end to it. But sadly for him none of these things mattered, as in the end no matter what should happen, even the worst possible outcome of Hell and Heaven being destroyed, all would come to her and be handled by she and her creations.
This is why even as he arrived at her personal sanctum escorted by one of her shrouded attendants, Azrael took no form of any kind as this held no weight to her. As for why her attendant and all of her creations were hidden by tattered cloaks or robes, it is because the sight of their true forms could only be handled by she or the creator.
"Well well, if it isn't my noblest sibling, very rare that any of our kin including you visits me." Her
voice soft and quiet like a whisper spoke to him, as the attendant having served its duty left them alone.
"Perhaps if your domain wasn't impossible to traverse without the guidance of your servants or yourself you would." He suggested, "But looking passed that, before we continue may I request you take form for this exchange? I'd rather not just stand here and speak with your voice alone." He told her.
"But I am here brother, for I am the realm itself, I am everything." She replied causing him to sigh.
"Sister please you know what I meant, it is just rather strange for me to speak to a room." He pleaded.
"Tell you what, how about you and the others actually visit with me and speak to me when you don't need something, then I might show the courtesy of taking some kind of visage, sound fair?" She responded.
Closing his eyes tightly for a moment as he knew she would be so stubborn, he let out another sigh this one of defeat.
"Fine, I shall make this quick then, so that way you will not be burdened to appear." He said.
"I already know why you are here Gabriel, you seek the aid of my servants to help ensure the Slayer's arrival at the next meeting, for even he with all his might cannot stand against those of true death." She explained.
"As observant as ever I see, well then, if you know why I have come to you then why waste anymore time? Why not just tell me if you'll grant me what I need or if I am denied so I can take my leave?" He inquired.
"Because it has been literal eons since I've seen you brother, at least with you aware, I was hoping we could perhaps chat and discuss other things like actual siblings do." She revealed.
"Your watch over the mortals has made you forget the nature of our existence sister, we do not have time for such pleasantries when there is constant work that must be done, such as now with the possibility of an insurgency occurring within Heaven's own domain, so I will repeat myself so you understand my reason for being here, may I have two of your servants so I may be certain of the Slayer's cooperation, or will I need to find aid elsewhere?" He asked.
A brief moment of quiet would come between the two ancient beings, and although he would never admit it to anyone, Gabriel was getting frustrated at his sister's pointless ramblings.
"Fine Gabriel, as that is all that matters to you, I will send two of my servants to fetch the Slayer and see him delivered to your court." She answered.
"Thank you." He replied before turning to take his leave.
"However." She spoke causing him to stop, "In exchange for this service I request the Slayer's presence personally, after all there has never been a greater dealer of death within the mortal realm, and this might be my best opportunity to speak with him." She told him.
"...Granted." He agreed.
With their meeting over the archangel would be guided through her realm back to its entry by the same attendant, a weight being lifted off his mind as his sister was thankfully cooperative. All that was left now was to summon all of Heaven to the meeting, excluding of course his kin as they much like him or Azrael needed to focus on their own responsibilities. Unknown to him though his sister, while being faithful to her word, would wait just a small while before sending her servants to fetch the Slayer, her reasons for why being kept to her alone.
"Alright bitch, what the fuck was that?!" Angel Dust questioned, as he began his interrogation of Katie Killjoy.
After their shared comment and reaction the two spider demons would retreat to the ground floor rooms' hallway, far enough to where even if they were to shout at their loudest they shouldn't be heard. Though it also helped that the others were all focused on getting the lobby under control, as it was truly beginning to look like a riot, so combine that with all the noise that came from it as well, and they were pretty much forgotten about for the moment.
"That's funny coming from the whore whose had more bodily fluids put him than a sperm bank on a good year." She replied in a snarky way, having no intentions to back down or to be made out as the guilty one.
"Oooh, a joke about how I'm a prostitute, a FORMER prostitute actually, REALLY working your two brain cells to death on that one ain't ya? Careful, if ya don't let up you'll only have one left, then how will you manage to be a cunt?" He asked.
In response to this Katie would grab him by his throat and pin him against the wall, yet he wasn't even phased by this and showed no signs of being scared.
"Listen here you little shit, I've seen things you wouldn't fucking believe, I've FELT sensations that would make you cry like the bitch you are, so if you think I'm going to stand here and let you try to belittle me, then you might want to get that head of yours checked out and see which of the COUNTLESS stds you have is eating away at your brain." She told him.
After that they would fall silent while staring each other in the eye, both slowly beginning to grow their extra arms as to ready themselves for a fight. But as they did they actually started to think about what they were doing, where this little fight of theirs was happening, and who wouldn't be pleased to find them at each other's throats. Which to their surprise was what hit the hardest, for while neither wanted to damage the hotel and risk ruining all of the progress that had been made, it was the thought of upsetting or even disappointing the Slayer that brought this to an end. And what was even more shocking than that was they realized it not just on their own, as they looked into each other's eyes they saw the same moment that thought entered their minds.
Releasing him from her grasp both would stay quiet for a few minutes after, neither of them really sure what to do next.
"...So...when'd it happen for you?" He asked while looking to the floor, "Obviously for me it was last night, along with a few other things, but how did you?..." He trailed off wanting her to continue.
"Firstly I have no idea what you're going on about." She began while crossing her arms, "But even if I did have some idea as to what you are referring to, which I don't, and will only humor you that I do in a PURELY hypothetical what if kind of scenario...I...don't really know..." She admitted truthfully as she gripped her arms, "To be honest I have no idea what the fuck is going on with me anymore, shit was so simple just a few days ago, I was at the top of the world, had everything I
needed or wanted, then HE shows up and I lose it all, you'd think that'd make me pretty fucking angry at him like want him dead kind of furious, but ignoring the suffocating fear he gave me and the traumatic experience I had apart from my death, I just...deep down I guess I realized I actually deserved it, never would have said that before...but now...there's no way I can deny it." She explained.
"Come on you're not that bad and I really do mean that, I've seen way worse people than you here, hell I just beat one of'em to death in the lobby last night." He tried to comfort her, as he genuinely didn't think she needed to be so hard on herself.
"No Angel I did BELIEVE me, and if it weren't for him I would've never admitted that or ever even try to be a better person, I mean why the fuck would I not like the Exterminators could kill me, not with all the money and resources I had to keep my ass safe, I was set to be a horrible bitch for the rest of my life down here and never pay for it, and don't get me wrong I was damn happy with that had no problems at all." She argued.
"So...why the change of heart then? Was it really just cause he killed you and because of whatever shit you went through?" He asked.
"...Not entirely..." She answered now speaking in a far softer and quieter way, "The thing is when I was alive, as in human, I had to always be the baddest bitch around, I never had anything given to me when I was on earth, and the only reason I made it to the top back then is because I was willing to do anything, and I do mean ANYTHING in order to get there, which is why I got sent down here obviously, no one ever gave me a chance or helped me for shit, I had to do everything on my own and survive by myself, and once I became who I am now no one could call me out on it or try and stop me, but then he did, despite the fact I would've killed Millie and Moxxie back at the studio and the fact I was a terrible person, he still gave me one last chance to change myself, he didn't need to or had to he could've left me in that prison, but just the fact he showed me mercy at all...it was...easily the nicest thing anyone's ever done for me." She explained as tears came to her eyes.
Though taken aback at the sight of Katie Killjoy, notoriously one of the most ruthless and heartless people in all of Hell suddenly being on the verge of tears, Angel Dust still walked over to her and did the most unexpected thing he could.
"Hey, I get it." He said as he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into a hug, "And I'm not bullshitting you when I say that either, no one in my life except for a few people ever cared about me, but the big guy shows up and sure he's all silent and angry, but he still didn't mind me flirting with him or just being myself, and to top it all off he let me beat the fuck out of the person who basically owned my soul, I've never seen anyone before so quickly help someone out despite barely knowing them, I mean sure there's Charlie but she asked me to come here because she had no other options, if I agreed she'd gain something, but Will had nothing to gain from helping me even though he is helping Charlie and her parents, there's was no reward, no promise of sex, he just did it cause he wanted to, so I get why you're feeling the way you do, hypothetically of course." He told her.
Surprised by his show of compassion and the words that went with it, Katie for the first time since she was in the Slayer's fortress allowed herself to let go, to not be worried about putting up some kind of act and just be herself. So for the next mostly silent seconds she would return his hug and let a few tears fall freely, which he had no problems with as it was clear she was dealing with a lot of shit right now. But once the seconds passed and she was back to okay at least, they ended their hug and she wiped away any remaining moisture from her face with her sleeve.
"You gonna be alright?" He asked.
"Yeah, sorry for getting your shoulder a little wet." She apologized.
"Eh, considering one of my outfits is currently SUPER stained in blood and shit, this is gonna be FAR easier to clean." He replied which caused her to chuckle, "So...what happens now?" He asked.
"Well, you clearly have feelings for him, and in a completely fictional situation I...maybe do too..." She said nearly whispering that last part, "Though it seems pretty damn likely that neither you or that made up version of myself are gonna get anywhere, he's clearly not the type who just jumps into bed cause someone wants him to." She reasoned.
"Oh yeah definitely not, though not like I really feel want to just get him into bed right away and be done with him anymore..." He admitted.
"Same." She replied though quietly.
"Still, I can't just ignore how I feel, and neither can the make believe you, as neither have ever had these kinds of feelings for anyone, and we've never met someone as..." He trailed off trying to find the right words.
"Impossibly noble and caring as he is?" She suggested.
"Yeah, that sounds about right, so what're we gonna do?" He asked.
"The way I see it nothing bothers him apart from horrible people and those monsters from Doom, and since both you and the fictional me have no intentions of just grabbing him by the crotch of his armor and giving it a tight squeeze, I think we can approach this at our own pace in our own way." She answered.
"You really think he won't mind?" He asked.
"No, again so long as there's no groping, kissing, and anything else that could be considered some kind of harassment, then we've got nothing at all to worry about." She answered.
"So...I guess all that's left to say then is may the sexiest spider win." He decided as he held out his hand.
"Heh yeah, I can agree with that." She replied as she shook his hand.
Sharing a playful smirk between each other, both Katie and Angel were glad they had this moment, as it not only helped them to understand the other better but also cleared the air. But once they were through with their handshake and began walking back to the lobby, there were surprised to find there wasn't anymore noise, at least none that they could hear.
"Whoa, you think they actually managed to piss him off and he just threw them outside?" He asked.
"Nah, though he might've taken like a few steps towards them just to get them to stop acting like morons." She answered.
Rounding the last corner before the lobby would enter their vision, both spider demons were surprised to find it almost empty, with the only person still there being the very man they were just talking about.
"Ah, there you two are." Vega greeted as they entered.
"What the fuck happened?" Angel asked immediately, as he had no idea how so many people could just disappear like that.
"Allow me to explain." Vega began before then recounting what transpired.
About ten minutes ago...
BOOM
.
.
.
Everyone felt their hearts and their stomach jump up to their throats once they heard that, and as they looked to the source of the noise none were surprised at what they found. The Slayer though not angry had still summoned his pump action and shot off a round towards the ceiling, knowing that it was the fastest way to get them to settle.
"WILL!" Charlie shouted at him, which not only surprised everyone because it was so unlike her, but also because they hadn't expected her to use his name.
"Is something the matter miss Charlie?" Vega asked.
"NOW THERE'S TWO HOLES IN THE CEILING!" She answered as she pointed upwards.
Looking up he found not only the hole he had just made, but also the one from a few days ago when he first arrived, that round having been shot to bring Lucifer out of his thoughts.
"Ah yes, I apologize for the new damage, but in the Slayer's defense this was the fastest way to get them to quiet down." Vega replied.
"I KNOW that it was! But still everyone here except for Tom and his crew are our guests! You can't just keep shooting shells into the ceiling! What if you were to hit someone or just scared them to death?!" She asked.
"That is a fair and reasonable point miss Charlie." Vega praised.
"Thank you, so from now on can you please try to do something else to keep the peace? And maybe not put so many holes into the hotel?" She requested.
"He will do his best, but no promises can be made." Vega replied.
"So long as he tries that's all I need." She assured a smile now coming to her face, "Anyways, now that everyone is calmed down how about we leave the hotel for a bit? You know so you can go pack your bags and get whatever else you want to bring? Within reason of course." She suggested.
Watching as everyone's eyes slowly looked to the Slayer, who while not firing off another round still held his shotgun, they all nodded their heads to agree.
"Great! Then let's go!" She exclaimed.
"And that is what happened." Vega concluded.
"Huh, nice to see her showing some gusto finally." Katie admitted weirdly proud of her.
"Yeah, still that doesn't explain where everyone else is, and I assume that Tom and his crew went back to the station?" Angel asked.
"Correct, as for the others they left with miss Charlie to lend aid in helping all of the guests begin their move to the hotel, while Blitzo and Loona specifically went to go and check on Stolas and see what's keeping him and his daughter." Vega explained.
With their questions now answered and the situation fully explained, Katie and Angel would've just stood or sat around with the Slayer and continue chatting. But before they could say anything else something unexpected would happen, a portal just a few feet from them would open though it was far different than the Slayer's. The first thing they noticed was that it was a muted gray instead of light blue, with traces of dark purple and black also present. The second thing they noticed was the portal itself was not a perfect circle like his, it was more like a rectangle and gave off the impression of a gateway of some kind.
"Katie, Angel, please get behind the Slayer." Vega requested, both demons doing so immediately as they didn't know what was going on.
All three stood there waiting to see what would step out from the portal, only to feel a cold sensation wash over them as two creatures emerged. However these creatures did not resemble any of the demons they had seen in the documentary, and since the Slayer himself hadn't summoned any weapons they at least knew they weren't a threat. But this didn't mean they weren't terrifying, they were just far less like horrors and more so like spirits, mostly if not entirely because they were completely hidden by a tattered cloak from what they could tell.
"These are servants of the angel of death." Vega told them causing their eyes to widen from shock, "Whatever you do please refrain from speaking or doing anything else, and allow the Slayer to handle this." He advised earning nods from them both.
"Great Slayer..." One would speak, its voice like a gust of wind blowing across their ears and filling the room itself, "Your presence is demanded by the archangel Gabriel...we are here to ensure your arrival..." It explained.
"And if the Slayer should refuse?" Vega inquired.
"We know that you are no fool...our master stated so...however we until you are delivered are in the service of her kin...and should you now choose to defy this summons...we will cast upon you our chains..." It warned, as slowly from the shadows of their sleeves ominous looking chains hanged down near the floor.
"Understood, the Slayer will accompany you, there will be no need for any action." Vega assured them.
"As expected...our master said you were as wise as you are powerful...though what else should be assumed of he who destroyed Doom?..." It questioned as their chains retreated back from whence they came.
Walking towards the portal to abide by the archangel's command, he would be stopped as Angel Dust ran up and grabbed him by his shoulder.
"Will wait!" He exclaimed once he reached him, "W-What do we tell the others when they get
back? A-And when will you be back? Do you even know what this archangel guy wants?" He asked.
"I'm afraid the Slayer has no proper answer to those questions Angel Dust, all that he can offer in response is to be patient and to try your best not to worry, and that he will return." Vega answered.
"Just be careful okay?" Katie would say before Angel could.
Nodding his head in response he would continue his departure, and once he and the cloaked entities were through the portal, it would close leaving Katie and Angel Dust alone, both unable to keep themselves from feeling nervous.