During The Hours Before The First Day
It is hard to imagine that even in Heaven there are places considered too holy to traverse, so closely guarded and kept safe that only the most ancient of their kind were allowed to enter. Yet most of these were private domains for the first of the Heavenborn, and the one that was the most sacred of them was the dwelling of Pravuil, an archangel who served as the creator's scribe and record keeper. He alone was capable of watching over all of creation, never becoming involved as his kin handled that with their given positions. Now one might wonder as to how it was possible to keep track of it all, for despite his ancient age he was still an angel, at least that was what everyone believed. The truth was only a few of the ancient ones actually looked the part of an angel, as they were the ones who would be seen most frequently by the other Heavenborn.
So for ones such as Azrael or Pravuil they had no need to hide their true selves, they cared not for feathered wings or shining halos that hovered above their heads, so their forms were practical and each part of them served a function to aid in their assigned task. Azrael's was that of a long serpent which could grow endlessly allowed her to be present across all reality, while the infinite number of arms and claw like hands that extended from them, made it easy for her to grasp onto souls that were in transit between realities. Pravuil's however even by such a standard set by his sister was perplexing, his "body" if it could even be called that was a mass of azure tendrils, all tightly wrapped together to give him a form that interestingly bore resemblance to the Khan Maykr's in shape. The reason for these tendrils is much like his sister's body as they too were infinite, he cast them out across creation and with each connection he gained vision, so he could see everything that transpired at any point in time.
This led to the final part of his strange yet astounding appearance, atop of this mass of tendrils hovered a violet colored eye that possessed a pure black pupil, though unlike that of most beings it was more of a slit than a circle. This eye was the core of his person, not only serving as some form of face for those who met with him to speak to, but was also his soul and the source of the tendrils, hence how his sight extended to them. Sadly being the eternal watcher and recorder of all history meant his position could never be abandoned, he was the only of their kin similar to Azrael who was bound to their duty, so much so that they could never leave their dwelling. Though unlike his sister Pravuil was not bothered by this, for while unintentional they could be described as a split in sentience, she possessing many emotions where as he had none.
He was a being of pure logic and reason, he felt no anger, sadness, joy, or even something as simple as pride in his work, he was sentient and capable of thought but he never felt desire to be anything other than what his position demanded of him. Hence why even with the ongoing tension between his brother Gabriel and the ascended mortal, he had no stake in it and sought only to ensure every detail was transcribed, a sentiment he and his sister unknowingly shared. Of course this did not stop their sibling from approaching them requesting their aid, almost as if he was incapable of carrying out his duties alone.
"Pravuil, I am in need of your assistance." Gabriel would announce as he entered the other's chambers, doing it so casually as though it were his own.
"Have I not already assisted you Gabriel? What more could you need of me?" He would respond in a monotone voice, so calm and collected unlike his brother who seemed anxious, though he tried his best to hide it.
"Why do you bother with those pointless questions? I know you witnessed the meeting and have everything spoken during it already written, why must you waste time by asking me things you know the answers to?" Gabriel questioned.
"I am an observer brother not a mind reader, less of course given such permission by our maker, I know what transpired in the meeting but not what dwells in your mind, would you approve of me invading your soul just so I always know what you are contemplating?" He asked.
"No, of course not." Gabriel answered with a sigh as he crossed his arms, "Forgive me, I am simply worked up at the moment, I did not mean to be so rude towards you." He apologized.
"It is unlike you to be so emotionally invested in any investigation, of course I know why that is, but are you truly so confounded by this man that this feeling of urgency is appropriate?" He asked.
"As surprising as it may sound brother yes, this man defies all logic and reason, even with the balance being at stake from his actions he refuses to relent, I even question with all that I offered whether or not he will agree, hence why I have come to you." Gabriel answered.
"But what more can I do? With permission from our creator I for the first time in our history shall alter the records I have written, if he should take the deal of course, what else can my abilities do to aid you?" He asked.
"I am not in need of your powers brother, I simply request access to all information regarding the Slayer and his companion Vega, you have already allowed me to examine the history of the Maykrs and Sentinels for the sake of the meeting, but now I must examine them specifically, every single detail that you have I must examine to ensure that in the end the balance will be maintained." Gabriel explained.
A silence would come between them as Pravuil pondered his request, not because he debated whether or not it was a good idea, such a thing mattered not to him, he was only curious as to what his brother hoped to find.
"Very well Gabriel, proceed down this corridor and you will find two tomes prepared for your convenience, all information regarding them will be found in their pages, I am not sure what it is you hope to find that will aid you, but I wish you luck all the same." He told him.
"Thank you Pravuil, unlike Azrael you understand the importance of my mission." Gabriel responded with a compliment before heading down the corridor.
However, once the archangel reached the tomes he ignored the Slayer's completely, as it was the information regarding Vega that he truly sought and thus began to read.
The Slayer's fortress, despite hovering in space above the world he once knew as home, somehow never managed to feel alone or empty. Even after the fall of Doom and before he arrived in Lucifer's circle, the Slayer never noticed how he and Vega were the only ones there, in the sense that anyone else could inhabit the structure besides themselves. But now as he sat in his personal den within a throne like chair, he listened to the silence while staring out the nearby window at the stars, finally feeling the isolation. Now normally Vega would try to speak to him, offer him advice or just an "ear" for him to non verbally vent his frustrations and curiosities.
Sadly this was one of the few times the Slayer did not want his companionship, he just needed to be alone to think about what his next move should be, which Vega understood and respected
completely. So he decided he would keep busy by attending to other affairs, first he would check with Sir Pentious along with the newly arrived Valentino and Vox, who had yet to be summoned into one of the cells. After this had been done he would check in with the others via Katie's collar, and inform them of what had transpired as this was something they needed to be aware of. Yet as he watched the first of the trip begin to manifest, choosing to speak with Valentino before the other two just to see what the demons of Doom had done to him, he was surprised to see him appear completely composed just as Sir Pentious had.
"Ah finally, was wondering when you two would want to interrogate me." He said as he looked around at his surroundings, "Gotta say this place is really impressive, very shiny and futuristic, Vox would die to see this, oh wait, he already has." He joked as a fang filled grin spread across his features.
"You're remarkably calm given all that has happened." Vega noted.
"Well yeah, I mean sure my darling sweet Angel baby did beat me to death with my own cane, before proceeding to rip apart my insides with his bare hands, but I've got to tell you this entire experience has been rather...enlightening." He explained.
"Do tell." Vega invited.
"See, when I first got here which by this place's time was weeks ago, maybe even a month or two, kinda hard to tell in here...anyway back to the story, so when I arrived I was greeted by some pretty interesting people, honestly I've never seen anything like them, and to try and make time pass just a little bit quicker we decided to shoot the breeze, they learned some things I learned a lot, it was nice." He said.
"The demons actually spoke with you?" Vega questioned finding that to be strange.
"Oh yeah, see great minds tend to think alike, they hate the Slayer as do I, they believe they deserve all of creation which I both respect and can understand why, but most importantly we share the same belief that there is an overall pecking order, and while perhaps with enough time and effort you might be able to climb up this order, once you reach the top you've earned your right to stay there, and any muscle head wearing green or maybe a disloyal slut who think otherwise should be put back in their place." He explained.
At that point Vega had heard enough, it was clear to him that Valentino truly was as horrible as the demons were, and so without another word he sent him back as there was nothing of value he could possibly gain from him. But maybe Vox would be different, given the fact that although
Vega had possessed him it was Valentino who killed him, and while yes Vega did need to use force to suppress him in his own body, it was solely because at that time he was a threat. Thankfully this proved to be the case, for as Vox was summoned Vega noticed he unlike the other two was nervous, not necessarily scared, but certainly hesitant.
"Hello." He greeted once the demon was fully formed, "First of all I would like to apologize to you, although we were adversaries I do regret needing to take over your body." He said.
"I-It's fine, really, don't worry about it, trust me I-I've been through worse since then..." Vox replied as he looked to the ground.
"Yes, I can imagine the demons have not been kind to you." He said.
"Heh...yeah...that's one way of putting it...but it isn't like torture necessarily...least not the kind that makes you scream..." Vox began as he shut his eyes tightly, "They're voices you can't ignore, they
worm their way into your soul and just stay there, even if you ignore them or try to fight against them they persist, so like I said it's not even pain it's just...so many different voices all trying to get me to listen..." He explained.
"But you haven't have you?" Vega questioned.
"No...but that's why they've made Valentino speak to me...guess they figure he's a better option than they are..." He responded before opening his eyes again though just barely, "Um...I know I have no place to ask you anything...but...did the Slayer kill Velvet?...She was the last thing I saw before I hit the ground..." He asked.
"No, the only harm that befell her came from Valentino, he threw her into the wall opposite of him then proceeded to stomp on her, but the Slayer intervened before it could go any further." Vega answered.
"Thank god..." He said with a sigh of relief, "I know this probably sounds weird...especially since you and him are why I'm here...but I'm still grateful to him and you for not killing her...she may be an Overlord and her hands certainly aren't clean...but she's better than Valentino...better than me...she doesn't deserve this..." He told him.
"I'm admittedly amazed by this turn around in your personality, though our interaction was brief it allowed me to form a full profile on your personality and mental state, and as of right now you are the complete opposite of who you were before." Vega replied.
"Yeah well...time passes differently here...though of course you know that...so I've just been able to think about how I ended up here...when ya know I'm not having to do my best to ignore those voices and Val...and above everything else I just keep thinking back to that last memory...her face so filled with horror and sadness as I plummeted...though the landing certainly hurt like a bitch it was seeing that look on her face that still hurts...she's always so happy and peppy to the point where it can be annoying sometimes...but now...I'd give anything to see that..." He explained as tears came to his eyes.
Even with his current ethereal state resembling that of his demonic form, thus meaning his tears were technically virtual, Vega still could see the genuine distress he felt and in turn felt sympathy for the former Overlord.
"Vox, I cannot promise anything so I will not give you false hope, but you have clearly reflected on the errors of your ways, combine this with the fact that only Valentino to our knowledge from Angel Dust has ever abused him, or allowed him to be abused by others, I will do my best to sway the Slayer in allowing you to partake in the hotel's rehabilitation program." He told him causing his eyes to widen.
"Y-You mean that?..." Vox questioned unsure if he should believe him, as that sounded far too good to be true.
"Yes, and to show that I am being honest with you I will keep you in this cell instead of sending you back, although I cannot provide any music or distractions the silence should still be better than their voices." He replied.
Clutching his chest despite having no heart, his reason for why is because an overwhelming joy flooded his soul, more tears though these of gratitude began leaking from his eyes.
"Th-Thank you...thank you so much..." Vox barely spoke as his emotions were consuming his thoughts.
Deciding it would be best to give him privacy Vega would use another vacant cell to summon the last of the trio. With Sir Pentious he wasn't sure what to expect this time, yes he had been smug and disrespectful towards the Slayer initially, but now that he had spent more time with the demons he could've come around. Sure enough, once the snake demon was even just halfway formed beginning with his upper torso, he immediately began begging.
"PLEASE!" He shouted as he fell to the floor, not even caring to wait for his lower half to appear so he could stand, "I'M SORRY! I'M SORRY! THOSE THINGS KEEP TORTURING ME! I DON'T EVEN THINK IT'S FUCKING FIRE THEY USE! FIRE DOESN'T BURN LIKE THAT! NOTHING BURNS LIKE THAT! I'M SORRY SUPER FUCKING SORRY JUST PLEASE LET ME OUT OF HERE!" He pleaded.
"My, you have made a surprising turn around from before." Vega noted.
"PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEASE!" Sir Pentious begged while going into a sob, "I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE! IT'S SO AWFUL! I'LL DO ANYTHING LITERALLY ANYTHING AT ALL! I'LL SCRUB YOUR FLOORS! I'LL POLISH THAT CHAINSAW OF HIS! I'LL EVEN LET CHERRI BOMB HAVE ALL MY TURF AND BLOW ME UP A FEW TIMES IF SHE WANTS! ANYTHING AT ALL IS BETTER THAN THE NIGHTMARESCAPE THAT IS THIS PRISON AND THOSE FUCKING MONSTERS! PLEASE HAVE MERCY!" He
cried out.
Watching in genuine amazement as the snake demon continued to devolve into a sobbing mess on the floor, Vega was actually happy as it meant the two demons who could potentially be redeemed had realized their faults.
"Sir Pentious, while I cannot guarantee that I will be able to convince the Slayer you are ready to take the necessary steps towards redemption, I give you my word that I will at the very least leave you in this cell until that happens, you've clearly endured enough and no longer need to be kept with the demons." He explained.
"THANK YOU! OH HOLY TIT FUCKING MARY CHRIST THANK YOU!" Sir Pentious
exclaimed while sniffling.
Pleased that there might be two new residents at the happy hotel, Vega chose now would be best to leave them alone so they could gather themselves. Yet unknown to the AI as his attention was now directed towards Lucifer's circle, while Sir Pentious had his face buried in his arms a sinister smile slowly stretched across it.
"This isn't good..." Lucifer said seriously, as with crossed arms and a focused expression he stared down at the floor.
It took a few hours for everyone to get back to the hotel, a couple more to make sure the guests all found their rooms and were settled in, but once everything was done that is when Lucifer and the others noticed a distinct lack of angry space marine. Now of course they knew he wasn't there when they got back as they didn't see him standing or sitting somewhere in the lobby, but they figured by the time the sun was beginning to set and things had quieted down that he'd be back by now. That is when Angel dust and Katie knew they had to tell them what happened, but they made sure they would be the only ones who heard it, by going to the dining hall after the guests had been delivered food to their rooms, thus ensuring there would be no interruptions.
"You sure they were angels? Sound more like ghosts to me." Vagatha asked.
"No, they're not angels, my sister is referred to as the angel of death but they are nothing more than shadows, though hidden by cloaks and rags their true form cannot be handled by nearly anyone." He answered.
"Wait, did you just say your sister?!" Moxxie questioned.
"Yes, in case you've all forgotten I was the first of the fallen, I was an angel before I became a devil, I was actually one of the first, so the being who is referred to as the angel of death, Azrael, is in fact my sister." He explained.
"So does that mean Gabriel is your brother?" Millie asked receiving a nod for confirmation.
"Yes, in fact it was Gabriel who I butted heads with the most when I was still in Heaven, my brother always demanded things be orderly, that there was black and there was white, good and evil, fuck even thinking about it now after all this time still makes my blood boil..." He admitted through gritted teeth, before then taking a breath to calm himself, "Anyways, if Gabriel felt the need to ask Azrael for help then that shows he too is wary of the Slayer, to the point where he'd feel safer having her servants be his escorts than the Maykrs or himself even, still regardless of what may have been spoken during this meeting it should've been over by now, so I don't know why the Slayer hasn't returned." He explained.
"Do you think this was the first meeting dear?" Lilith asked.
"Doubtful, even though it has been near an eternity since I've been in Heaven to my knowledge there was never more than one meeting, everything that needed to be said or considered on any topic happened once and it was resolved, but the Slayer for MANY reasons complicates practically everything, I don't know if this is just the second but I am certain it's not the first." He answered.
"Is he in trouble for helping us?" Charlie asked worriedly, as she would hate if because he has helped them instead of killing them that it's caused him any problems.
"No sweetie, I promise you that we aren't to blame for this and neither is the Slayer." He answered her, before taking in a deep breath to say more, "A few days ago I would have never even humored the words that are about to leave my mouth, they would've never crossed my mind EVER, but after everything that has happened, everything we have learned, and how much he has done for all of us, I can say without hesitation that he is not to blame for this, ANY of it." He stated before going on to explain why, "Me and the other devils are responsible for Doom, because of that his life became what it is now, and as a result he came to hate anything of Hellish origin or just anything that could be described as evil, but now having worked with him and learned of his past in its entirety, I know he isn't some brain dead lunatic hungry for endless carnage, and while I'm certain my brother in his thick headed ways can also see this, the Slayer's existence in of itself threatens his belief of what the balance of creation should be, so I know that whatever has happened was nothing good, and unfortunately all we can do is wait to find out what it is." He told them.
"Which is fucking bullshit!" Cherri exclaimed angrily, "I mean for shit's sake it's not like he wants to kill us anymore, why does your brother have such a huge long stick up his ass?" She asked.
"Because Cherri if you'll recall there are other circles, and most of them are bad enough to where the Slayer would kill every person or creature he came across, and I don't say that because I think he wouldn't show restraint, it's because while nowhere near as horrible as Doom was they are still VERY bad, and they unlike us would not humor for a second the idea of rehabilitating the sinful, or as we're also planning to do reform Hell in its entirety, and that is something Gabriel will do everything in his power to keep from happening." He answered.
"Even though they know the Slayer cannot be stopped? Are they truly so daft Luci?" Alastor questioned.
"I know it may seem hard to believe but yes, their personal prides were all wounded when we lost the war and had to make peace with our new existences, they've only grown more spiteful while their egos became more fragile, though knowing he has won over Doom they probably think they could learn from Doom's failure, figure out what they did wrong and avoid making the same mistakes, and by doing so that will allow them to win." He explained.
"Wow, you know what? I'm sorry I ever insulted you, these other devils are ACTUAL dumbasses." Loona apologized.
"Likewise." Both Blitzo and Vagatha said together.
"Thank you, and believe I have tried to speak with them since the beginning, but once they learned we were helping the Slayer and we were going ahead with the hotel, they've basically decided this circle no longer exists, we're traitors in their eyes." He revealed.
"Eh, fuck'em." Husk said with a shrug, "I mean I've barely known the guy for that long, I just know what I've seen from that film he made and what was on the news last night, and because of that I'd rather shove a broken bottle up my ass before pissing him off." He explained.
"My, that's rather colorful." Vega suddenly spoke catching them all off guard. "VEGA!" Everyone shouted in unison as they looked towards Katie's collar.
"Hello, I'm sorry you have not heard from me, all of you are no doubt curious as to what's been going on." He said.
"Curious? How about worried out of our fucking minds!" Angel Dust exclaimed as he threw up his hands, "You and Will just fucking disappeared into a door that we've learned led to some death dimension, and that he's being put on trial by an archangel WHO just so happens to be Lucifer's fucking brother!" He listed.
"Ah, I see, well it appears all of you are caught up to recent events, perhaps I do not need to be here then." He replied.
"Don't you fucking dare leave..." Katie warned as she pointed to the collar, "We need answers Vega, like what happened in the trial? Why isn't the Slayer back yet? And whatever else is going on." She told him sternly.
"I unfortunately am not permitted to answer those first two questions, but I can inform you about everything else." He replied.
"Why? Has something happened to him?" Charlie asked more worried than before.
"As I said miss Charlie I cannot answer those questions, the Slayer insisted I stay silent if I were to speak with all of you." He explained.
"So what we just stand here and do nothing? He's off facing against supernatural forces and we have to pretend like that's okay?" Vagatha asked.
"He has been doing it long before he met all of you, or me, or even the Maykrs and Sentinels, when he was still a mortal he stood against such powers with nothing but his anger and determination, as well as a generous stock of ammunition, my point being that while I am understand your desire to
help him he does not need it." He answered.
"It's not a matter of if he needs it Vega, we WANT to help him, he's done so much for us and now when we might finally have a chance to do something for him, and yet he won't let us, how is that fair?" Charlie asked.
Falling silent for a moment to consider her question and his response to it carefully, he could see on all of their faces they were genuinely upset about this, and so he debated whether he should keep his word to the Slayer or break it and tell them everything.
"...He's not going to be happy once he learns about this." Vega warned causing all of their faces to light up in surprise and hope.
"Does that mean what I think it does?" She asked.
"Yes miss Charlie, I will tell you all that has transpired, not just in the meeting but anything else of importance that you do not know, I will answer any questions you have and help you plan the best course of action to take afterwards." He answered which brought a smile to her face.
"THANK YOU VEGA!" She exclaimed as she ran over and hugged Katie, who just let it happen as she could tell that's what she was going to do anyways.
"So, how do we help?" Greta asked both Samur and the Khan, as she and the Exterminators all stood or sat in her garden.
Having not only the cooperation but also the full allegiance of the Exterminators, was truly the best thing that could've happened as a result of the meeting. For at this time the Sentinels while having made great strides in their preparations still had some things left to do, so with these new allies they could not only buy them the time they needed but also deceive Gabriel. This was the purpose of this gathering to discuss their possible options, though unfortunately Greta was the only one really paying attention at the moment, as the others were in awe at both the plants that surrounded them, as well as Urdak in its entirety which they could also see.
"...I'm sorry for them." She apologized before they could respond, feeling bad at how she was the only one paying attention.
"It's quite alright, I'm glad all of you find our home and my garden so astounding." The Khan said, though sadly only Greta really heard her.
"Should I have a drone prepare some beverages for them?" Samur asked.
"Oh yes, that would be wonderful, we must be hospitable to our guests." She answered with a nod. "You two are...shockingly calm after what happened..." Greta noted as Samur hovered away.
"We have you to thank for that." She replied with a smile, "We would be concerned of how to handle the outcome of the last meeting, but with your willingness to become our allies we have nothing to worry about." She assured.
"Really? You're ABSOLUTELY certain about that?" Great questioned.
"Indeed, the biggest issue with these recent developments was time, but when the Slayer refutes Gabriel's offer which I know for certain he will, I also know just as surely that Gabriel will request that all of you begin the assault against Lucifer's circle." She explained.
"That is true, but do you really think the Slayer's going to say no? Because the deal Gabriel offered him was INSANELY good, and we're not dealing with some devil or even one of those things from Doom, he'll deliver everything he promised and from how it sounded, the Slayer would get everything he could demand." Greta reasoned.
"I am not saying he won't take the full duration of his allowed time to think about it to do so, but I have spent many private hours with the Slayer when he was in training, as I had to know the full extent of his determination, though this bargain is the strongest temptation he has ever faced his focus will not be lost, merely staggered." She said.
"Well, if anyone would know him that well it would definitely be you guys, still how will we be able to buy you all more time? Gabriel will want to observe us when we're meant to begin the killing." Greta pointed out.
"That he will, but we have a plan to ensure that is not an issue, all we need from you is to listen and perhaps work on your acting skills." She replied.
Confused by what she meant Greta and the others would have their attention drawn to Samur, as he had returned with two drones at his side who, despite not having arms, were carrying two platters of beverages. Excited and eager to try this never before tasted delicacy all of the Exterminators rushed over to get theirs. Except for Greta, who remained as she was focused on what was ACTUALLY important.
"You should go and fetch yours, before someone gets greedy and takes it." The Khan suggested. "I'm fine." She replied.
"Are you sure? This may be the last time for quite a while that you along with the others will be able to relax like this, why not savor every second before it is gone?" The Khan urged.
Having it be put like that Greta found herself agreeing with the Maykr, and so with a sigh yet also a smile she relented and rose from her seat to join them.
"They seem to be enjoying it, that's good." Samur said to his Khan as he came back over to stand by her side.
"Yes, they do look happy, hopefully no more surprises will happen, this ordeal will already take long enough as it once we get started." She replied.