"Do you have a moment?" Vega asked as he entered what had become the Wretch's chamber.
Unlike most creatures the Maykrs didn't sleep because they needed to, anytime they did so was solely for their desire to let their minds rest or relax. This meant that even as everyone else in Lucifer's circle slept soundly through the night, Vega and the others still worked towards their goal without pause. But while Samur and the Khan were busy theorizing on how they would open a rift to Doom without giving the Dark One any opportunities, the Wretch put all of his energy and focus on perfecting the Soul Cube. Now one may assume that there wasn't much work left to be done, after all it seemed to work just fine when he had the Khan unknowingly kill him with it not too long ago.
And while yes it did work as he hoped by homing in on his corrupted flesh and soul, besides there being a few other features he needed to add or ensure functioned properly, given what was at stake he wanted to be beyond certain everything was flawless. This caused him to take it apart and reassemble it countless times, each test conducted helping him to refine the device until it truly was perfect.
"You have impeccable timing." He replied as he turned around to look at the creator, "I just finished my latest assessment of the Soul Cube, would you like to hear about its progress?" He asked.
"I assumed you were close to being done with it, based off of its performance during the test." Vega admitted while coming over to look at it.
"All that proved is its design is sound, but several more tests must be conducted if we're to be certain nothing goes wrong, we cannot have the same tragedy that befell the Slayer's fortress happen again." He said.
"That is fair, better to be overly cautious than slightly unprepared." Vega agreed as he picked it up, "Though as I said it appears finished in every respect, even now I cannot detect any issues with its construction." He stated.
"The blades still take at least three to five seconds to reach maximum speed, the same can be said for how quickly it finds its target and begins the process, the rate at which it kills the target still takes on average seven to ten seconds to complete, and upon returning to the user it takes about three seconds to be ready again, in total this brings the time of delayed action at most to twenty three seconds, which is unacceptable." The Wretch explained.
Falling silent for a moment Vega was surprised by what he said, as he didn't think that was as big of an issue as the Wretch made it out to be.
"You know, it's very likely that these flaws you see will be corrected once the Khans are added, there's no need burden your mind with unwarranted stress." He told him.
"I appreciate your concern creator, but I must respectfully disagree." The Wretch replied as he took the cube from his hand, "This is my only contribution to our efforts and it is one of the most integral pieces to our success, if it fails then I have not only betrayed the trust and faith you and the others have honored me with, but it will also aid the Dark One and I refuse to grant him any more advantages than I already have." He said.
"It's fitting you bring that up." Vega told him which caused him to sigh. "This is about earlier isn't it?" He asked.
"And then some." Vega answered while placing a hand on his shoulder, "The khan is concerned by just how little you care for your well being, and after conversing with the others they feel the same way, we all understand why you feel the need to punish yourself and allow yourself to feel pain to the extent you have, but as I've told you before you have well beyond paid your debt to those who were affected by the Dark One's actions, if you allow your past to have this much presence in your present, do you have think you will ever be able to find your future?" He asked.
"You say that as if I have one creator." The Wretch replied as he slowly looked up to meet his gaze, "I am taking the Slayer's place in Doom, with the aid of the other khans I shall become the sole ruler of a dead domain, the smell of dried blood and festering flesh assaulting my nostrils, you and the others want me to release myself from my self inflicted torture, but even if I did the fact remains that I am returning to my past and shall stay there forever, so what future do any of you believe exists for me?" He questioned.
At first a number of responses came to Vega's mind, each one hoping to assure the Wretch that there was a better life waiting for him when this was all over. But none of these thoughts were spoken, for he knew even in the moment that they were just empty promises of a hopeful god. For the second time he was looking at a soul willing to sacrifice himself so that everyone including him could know peace, and just like before only he would still suffer when the dust settled.
Unfortunately he couldn't think of anything to say to try and dispel this truth, as a few seconds later Samur appeared at the door.
"Forgive my interruption father." Samur announced his presence as he came through the entryway, "But during my and the Khan's work we observed a rather...startling revelation in Lucifer's circle." He said.
"Startling as in they now know of our plans and there's our efforts to keep this secret are all for naught?" Vega questioned.
"No, honestly depending on how you feel and what you think about this it can either be good, bad, amazing, or terrible." He explained.
"What in the Heavens could've possibly happened to make you say something like that Samur?" Vega inquired as he hadn't expected that response.
"Brace yourself father, because I do not exaggerate when I claim this is quite shocking..." He replied, first taking a deep breath to ready himself before saying-
"SHUT UP!" Lilith shouted with widened eyes, completely floored by what her sister in law just told her.
True to her word Azrael left to go see the queen of Hell to share this incredible news with her. And while just a few moments ago she was sleeping soundly in her bed, all snuggled up in her blankets while hugging her husband's pillow, this information woke her up better than any injection of caffeine could do.
"I can't!" Azrael replied with as big of a smile as she could make, "That's exactly what he told me! That the gentleman who mans the front desk is in love with me!" She repeated.
What followed after that made every member of the Magne's staff nearly jump out of their skin, for
both women let out a shared squeal of joy and excitement that travelled throughout the royal home.
"OH AZRAEL I'M SO HAPPY FOR YOU!" Lilith said as she pulled her into a hug, "I know you've waited SO long for this to happen! And now finally someone has realized just how wonderful you are!" She exclaimed.
"I know, it's so hard to think that this is actually happening!" Azrael replied while returning the embrace, "I mean I don't know much about this gentleman, other than his name is Husk, or maybe Husker?..." She questioned.
"It's Husk, Husker is just what Alastor calls him." Lilith clarified.
"Thank you." She said before getting back to her point, "Anyway, as I was saying though we don't know each other that well the fact he finds me attractive is, at least to me, a good place to becoming familiar with each other even if it is just as good acquaintances." She reasoned.
"I agree completely, knowing this gives you the all clear to start talking with him, learning more about who he is as a person and what his interests are, though to be honest from what I've been able to gather it may actually be just drinking and gambling." Lilith replied.
"Even so I've never actually spoken to him specifically, he's spoken to me but never in a conversation like manner, and now that I know he thinks so much of me the thought of talking to him makes me nervous..." She admitted.
"Get out, YOU of ALL people are nervous?" Lilith questioned.
"The only people in my life who have ever been kind to me have been my family including you and Charlie, as a result I've grown used to people fearing or hating what I am and what I bring, I never believed it would be possible for any soul in creation who wasn't related to me to think of me in any kind or flattering way..." She explained while closing her eyes, the smile on her face though still present now a tad bit smaller, "But now...if what that man said is true...for the first time in history there is someone who doesn't feel that way about me...instead I'm attractive to them...and the idea of that being possible alone fills me with a kind of joy and warmth I have never felt before..." She revealed.
Hearing this Lilith's entire mood changed in an instant, a powerful protective feeling washing over her entire body. For even though she and Azrael have only gotten close over these last six months, that was plenty of time to hear from her and Lucifer in private just how hard her life was. Though she took pride in serving as the angel of death and never once wanted to be free from that responsibility, it still was a terribly isolated life that made her only desire be any form of company. Combine this with the fact that she witnessed countless mortals grieve for the loss of their loved ones, it was inevitable that she too would want someone to care for as passionately.
"Azrael." She spoke causing the other to open her eyes, "Would it be alright if we went back to the hotel? Charlie is probably awake by now so you can share the good news with her." She suggested.
"Oh of course, I can't wait to see her reaction to this news." Azrael responded.
Releasing each other from their hug the angel of death opened a portal and stepped through. Lilith however remained for a moment to make sure she would be able to keep her composure, for once Azrael was out of earshot on her way to see Charlie, she'd begin to question Alastor to make sure this was real.
"I swear if it isn't I'll kill him myself." She thought before entering the portal.
Quiet, something the lobby of the Happy Hotel hadn't been for a long time, even in the early morning hours the sounds of the TV would normally be heard as Husk watched something to pass the time. But as Alastor remained seated in his chair at the front desk, his glass by now empty resting on the desk's surface, with closed eyes he sank into his seat growing more relaxed by the second.
"Ah~ This is absolutely perfect~" He breathed in a blissful sigh, "Who knew all it took to get the lobby to myself in the morning was to get Husk to take a shower." He said with a chuckle.
Savoring this peace as if it were a fine vintage of wine for he knew it wouldn't last, after a minute more of this pleasure passed his left ear twitched at a familiar sound, bringing an end to his moment of serenity.
"Her room's the farthest on the ground floor, just go to the end of the hallway and you'll find her." The voice of Lilith spoke from behind him, which he knew had to be talking to Azrael.
"Are you not coming with me?" The angel of death asked which confirmed it.
"I'm going to grab a quick bite from the kitchen, I did just wake up but a few minutes ago." She answered.
"Oh right, sorry about that." Azrael apologized.
"There's no need for any apology, especially not when you have news as wonderful as this, now go on and tell Charlie so we can start discussing how we're going to get you two together." She urged.
He heard no more words after that as Azrael walked passed him and the front desk towards the ground floor hallway. But once she went in and her footsteps slowly faded away due to the distance, he heard Lilith walk towards him which he expected.
"Alright, be honest with me right now Alastor." She began as she turned his chair around so they could be face to face, "Did you make this up just to entertain yourself? Because if you did I will rip your goddamn teeth out and shove them back in pointy side first." She threatened.
Slowly opening his eyes to look at her he wasn't surprised by the expression he saw, nor was he caught of guard by her tone and threat.
"Lilith, why in the world would I play a fool's game by messing with the angel of death? Do you truly believe me to be so incapable of controlling myself I'd do something so reckless?" He asked.
"Of course not, you're a lot of things but an idiot is certainly not one of them." She answered while crossing her arms, "But that doesn't mean you didn't put both your feet up your own ass and out your mouth, while I'm positive you wouldn't do something like this out of nowhere IF the opportunity presented itself I know you'd pounce, so all I'm looking for here is confirmation from you that this didn't happen, and that Husk actually feels what he does for Azrael as you told her." She explained.
Before he could respond, the sound of someone whistling came from the ground floor hallway, slowly getting louder as whoever was doing it got closer.
"See for yourself." He told her while gesturing towards it.
Although confused for a few seconds when he said that, soon she would see something she never thought was possible. Husk, with fur that shined thanks to recently being wash, a bowtie that was absent of any stains from the countless drinks he had through the day, and a never before seen pep
to his step was coming their way.
"Husk?" Lilith questioned due to surprise gaining his attention.
"Oh, hey Lilith." He greeted with a slight wave as he came over to get behind the desk, "Surprised to see you up so early, sleep okay last night?" He asked.
"...What did you do to him?" She responded with a question, though she directed towards Alastor instead of Husk.
"I didn't do anything." The radio demon replied.
"Bullshit, Husk has never asked anyone how they slept, so tell me what you did with the real him and who or what this imposter is." She demanded.
"Is it really so strange that I'm feeling good this morning?" Husk questioned while leaning against the desk.
"Husk, I don't say this to be mean or rude to you, but in the half a year that we've known each other you have proven the be the single grouchiest standoffish person I've ever met, so the fact that you're acting so cheery out of nowhere is beyond suspicious." She told him.
"Eh, that's fair." He agreed with a shrug, "But hey, even someone like me has one good day in his life, which just so happens to be today." He explained.
"And why's that?" She inquired.
"It's because of your sister in law." He revealed while point to Alastor, "Al told me how she reacted when they talked to each other, how somehow someway this old worthless pile of shit managed to pique her interest, and well...I dunno...it sounds like some stupid shit you see on tv where two fucking morons get all dopey with each other...but the fact that I managed to impress someone, let alone someone as important and powerful as the angel of death, it gave me a pretty sizeable injection of confidence or whatever." He explained.
"And that's true? You're not being forced to say that at all? And you didn't drink anything suspicious that Alastor gave you correct?" She interrogated, wanting to be ABSOLUELY sure this was real.
"Despite sounding like the craziest shit ever yeah, it's true." He assured as a small smile came to his face, which just as it had been for Alastor caught her off guard, "And like I said, I know it sounds like something out of a dumbass fairy tale, but just the fact she wasn't disgusted by me or thought I was a loser or something along those lines, it just made me feel good about myself...which honestly I haven't felt in a long time..." He admitted.
Whether it was the additional confirmation or his words affecting her far more than he expected, Lilith quickly moved around to his side of the desk so she could pull him into a hug.
"Oh Husk this is wonderful!" She exclaimed while squeezing him as tightly as she could, "I never thought I'd get to see you happy! And to think it's because you've made my sister in law happy!
This is truly one of the best moments in our circle's entire history!" She carried on.
"Hey! Could you keep it down?" He requested with a slightly angry and annoyed expression, "I don't want the entire fucking building to find out, ESPECIALLY not Nifty!" He exclaimed.
"I'm afraid that's not going to be possible Husker." Alastor responded out of nowhere, having sat
silently during all of this as it was better than anything on television. "Why not?" He asked.
As if on cue a near eardrum exploding scream of excitement and joy filled the entire building, everyone which included them knowing who it came from.
"...So..." Lilith spoke with an awkward tone while releasing him from her arms, "Azrael...possibly just told Charlie..." She informed.
For the next few seconds both she and Alastor looked at Husk expectantly waiting for some kind of response, as he just stood there with a deadpan expression on his face.
"...Whelp...it was nice while it lasted." He spoke as he bent over to grab something beneath the desk, "But I ain't dealing with that shit, so tell everyone it was nice knowing them." He said.
"Husk, what do you mean by-" Lilith tried to asked, only to fall silent as he came back up with a shotgun in his hands, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" She questioned.
"Keep this near me case I ever just get fed up with everything and decide to call it quits, which is exactly what I'm doing as I figure death will be better than whatever's gonna come running into the lobby in the next minute or so." He told her as he stuck the barrel beneath his chin.
Obviously Lilith wasn't about to watch him blow his brains out, so she tackled him to the ground so she could get the weapon from him. And as both she and Husk wrestled both shouting at each other to let go, when they weren't shouting various profanities and other assorted comments that is, Alastor just watched on with a smile on his face at what he created.