"Mom! Please calm down!" Octavia begged as she, Cherri, and Vagatha worked together to hold her back.
Why did Angel Dust have the right to speak? Or rather, why did any of them let him run his mouth? These were questions going through most of the group's heads at this moment, for as anyone would after he asked such a question, Stella flew into a full murderous rage. Even Stolas, who wasn't on the best terms with her at the moment, agreed that the sensual spider went too far.
Speaking of, he was currently standing in place, holding his sides while laughing at her and how she was acting, which only fueled her rage.
"I'LL CALM DOWN AFTER I RIP HIS FOUL TONGUE OUT AND HANG HIM WITH IT!"
Stella shouted, her arms outstretched, trying to grab him.
"You know, getting pissed off like this only makes it more believable~" He teased.
"Dude! Not helping!" Cherri exclaimed, although usually right alongside him in riffing someone this time she wasn't, as she was trying to keep his ass from getting mauled, "Also, LOONA! WE COULD USE SOME FUCKING HELP!" She shouted, turning her attention to the Hellhound who was standing nearby.
"Can't," Loona casually replied as she held up Daisy, "Bunny duty." She explained.
"I'M SURE THAT WILL WOULDN'T BE UPSET IF YOU PUT HER ON THE FLOOR FOR
FIVE FUCKING SECONDS TO PREVENT A VIOLENT MURDER!" Vagatha shouted, joining in on the conversation.
"Hmm...debatable." She countered before looking towards Katie, "Why don't you give them a hand? You have the strength of a thousand men when you feel like it. Plus, she IS trying to kill Angel." She said.
"I am not risking physical injury over something he said." Katie told her, "No offense." She added, saying that to Angel Dust.
"None taken. I knew what I was doing." He replied with a smirk, only making things worse.
"Far be it from me to speak on Angel's behalf..." Alastor spoke up while taking a step forward, "But it is quite strange for you to react so strongly to such a childish comment from him. Care to explain?" He asked.
Surprisingly, that inquiry from the radio demon instantly called the feral woman, returning her to a more reserved and noble demeanor.
"I have no reason to explain anything to a walking talking receptacle for sperm like him." She harshly spat in Angel's direction, "...But, if all of you MUST know so that I won't have to worry about you spreading baseless rumors. I am furious because what he said is slandering Gabriel's name, and I won't have that." She said.
"What?" Stolas questioned with widened eyes, "You mean you weren't upset that he suggested you were sleeping with Gabriel? But because it would hurt HIS reputation and not yours?" He asked.
As the very idea of Stella protecting someone else's image was impossible to him.
"Yes. Because Gabriel, unlike YOU Stolas, has done more for me than I could ever hope to repay him for." She answered, her expression becoming soft before she said more, "Ever since we first met, he's been kind to me, even though I am a native of Hell and he is a high-ranking official in Heaven. He's never once belittled me in any way, he's considerate of how I feel, and above all else, he's helped me to mend my relationship with our daughter. He is unquestionably the single most wonderful person I've ever had the pleasure of being with." She explained.
However, as those final words left her mouth, Stella realized what she was saying, which is why when she returned her focus to everyone, she wasn't surprised to find them looking at her with stunned expressions.
"But don't you DARE misunderstand!" She quickly exclaimed, to set the record straight, "We are simply working colleagues who are on the cusp of becoming casual acquaintances! Nothing more!" She insisted.
"Even my dumbass can tell that's a load of BULL. SHIT." Blitzo whispered to Moxxie.
Before Stella could turn her ire onto the Imp who was fucking her former husband, everything would be put on paused by Verosika of all people.
"Wait! Hold on! My cellphone's ringing!" She told everyone before taking the rectangular device from her pocket.
"You brought your fucking phone here?" Katie asked, amazed that she'd even think to do that.
"I always have my phone on me." She answered, using a tone that was meant to make Katie sound stupid for asking that question, "Anyways. STFU for a second, kay?" She requested as she answered the call.
"Easy there, killer." Angel Dust said, putting his hand on Katie's shoulder to keep her from killing the pop star.
"Hello? OH, Helsa, hi!" Verosika greeted, revealing to everyone who the caller was, "Sorry I didn't call you yet! This WHOLE place has been insane! Oh! And you'll never guess who showed up to help-" She began to say, only to stop as Helsa cut her off, "Huh? Oh yeah, Stella's here, so is Octavia. We've been hanging around making sure my William's okay. Hm?...Oh, okay. Yeah, no, that won't be a problem at all. Alright, see you soon." She replied before ending the call, "Sorry girls, looks like we've got to head out. Helsa needs us for something big." She informed.
"What? That doesn't make any sense." Stella replied, "We didn't have anything substantial planned. And I doubt she'd do something like that given these recent developments." She said.
"I don't know what to tell you. Helsa told me it was urgent and that we needed to get back as soon as possible." Verosika explained with a shrug, "And since my William's headed back to slaying those disgusting creatures, there's no real reason for us to stick around, right?" She asked.
"Well...you do make a valid point. Now that Will's back on his feet, there isn't much for us to be concerned with. Or rather, not much we could do even if we were. So, I suppose we'll depart then." Stella decided before looking at her daughter, "Would you like to come with us, Octavia?" She asked.
Taking a moment to look back at her father, Octavia was still bothered by how he acted and what he said last night, so she didn't feel like being around him right now.
"Yeah. If I won't be any trouble." She answered.
"Not at all. If anything, you'll help me keep my sanity with Verosika." Stella replied as they both headed for the exit.
"Hey! Don't act like I am not an absolute joy to have around!" Verosika exclaimed before following after them.
Watching the trio leave through one of the connecting corridors that led to the Slipgate station, Stolas let out a sigh once they were gone due to how things were currently between him and his child.
"Hey, don't let it get to you." Blitzo told him while lightly nudging his leg with his elbow, "Kids can be like that sometimes. But they can also be precious, like how Loony is right now." He said while pointing to his daughter, who was not-so-discretely hugging Daisy.
"I know. It just leaves a pit in my stomach any time we are distanced like this." Stolas replied, letting out another sigh.
"I get it. But she'll be with her mom in a cozy ass mansion like she would be if she were home. What's the worse that can happen?" He asked.
"Please don't taunt fate like that, sir. It NEVER ends well for us..." Moxxie requested.
Happening Closeby...
"The portal is ready." A Maykr angel stated, informing those who waited.
Although Vega or Gabriel could easily open a portal to the Sentinel homeworld, the Slayer told them it'd be better if they used the Slipgate. He reasoned that the Sentinels, to whom he was still a king, would want to welcome him back and meet the ancestor who served as his greatest inspiration.
"I do not mean to be disrespectful to you, the Sentinels, or your grandfather Slayer. But is such ceremony needed when the fate of an entire world and possibly creation itself is at stake?" Gabriel questioned, giving the space marine a quizzical look.
"If there is one thing the Sentinels are steadfast about, it is tradition...if we arrived without informing them of my return after my imprisonment or that my grandfather was coming...we'd catch an earful from most of them..." He explained.
"I still can't believe that you're a king." BJ admitted, looking at his grandson with a proud yet baffled expression, "Do you have a throne?" He asked.
"Yeah...it's made from the skull of a demon..." The Slayer answered.
"Damn. That's badass." He complimented, causing a feeling of pride to swell within the Slayer, "Oh shit, sorry." He apologized while turning to the Wretch, remembering that up until recently, he too was a demon.
"Do not worry. I feel the same." The Wretch assured to his relief, "I suspect that the Slayer's entire throne room is filled with trophies of his greatest battles during the crusade. I must confess I'm curious to see them." He shared.
"Yes, yes, the Slayer is amazing at killing things that could level entire populations." Gabriel
said while rolling his eyes, "Can we please get on with our business and leave the gawking to the Sentinels?" He requested.
Unfortunately, their departure would be delayed even more, as a nearby door opened and in came three faces none of them were expecting. But before anyone could say or do anything, Verosika rushed forward and latched herself onto the Slayer.
"WILLIAM!" She exclaimed with glee, hugging him as tightly as she could, "I thought you already left! I'm so glad you didn't!" She told him.
"William?" BJ questioned, amazed his grandson would allow anyone other than family to call him by his full name.
"Long story...I'm mostly to blame..." The Slayer summed up, receiving an understanding nod from his grandfather in return.
"Where are you headed?" Stella asked as she and Octavia came over, both looking curiously at the portal.
"The Sentinel homeworld for training..." He answered.
"YOU need training?" Octavia questioned, finding that hard to believe.
"No. That'd be us." BJ replied as he and the Wretch held up a hand each, "We need to learn how to fight our enemy properly. If we don't, we'll be liabilities instead of allies to Will." He explained.
"What about you, Gabriel?" Stella inquired, gaining his attention, "I'd assume you of all people would be adept at fighting Doom's legions." She said.
"That I am. However, our resources and forces are being spread across three separate places right now. Here in Lucifer's circle, the Earth in your universe, and finally the Sentinel Homeworld. My presence is more so that of an overseer to ensure everything is running smoothly. Though I will admit that I am going to consult the leaders of the Sentinel
people." He replied.
"Isn't Will their king? Or one of them, to be more precise?" She asked.
"He is. But the Slayer AND the Sentinels both respect and listen to the word of a higher power. Not one greater than my father, of course, but still one that is responsible for giving the Sentinel people, and the Slayer in his darkest hour, everything they needed to be safe and comfortable." He answered.
"Whoa, I don't remember you saying anything about that." Octavia said to the Slayer, "And I don't think it was in your documentary either." She added.
"It's a closely kept secret...for many reasons..." He informed, "Anyway, what're you three doing here?..." He asked, changing the topic.
"Helsa needs us!" Verosika answered, finally pulling herself off of his body, "Something important's come up, so we need to head back." She explained.
"Ah...then we'll get going so you can use the Slipgate..." He said as he turned to face the portal, "Let me go in first, then wait a minute or two...things will be calm by then..." He instructed his group.
"Afraid I can't do that." BJ replied while putting an arm around the Slayer's neck, "You think I'm going to miss the chance to see a bunch of space knights welcoming my grandson, who is their space king, back to his kingdom?" He asked.
"If you come with me, it'll be at least five minutes before the Wretch and Gabriel can come through..." The Slayer warned.
"We can spare five minutes, right?" He asked, now looking at the archangel, who let out a sigh.
"Five minutes. A second more before any signal is given, and we are coming through immediately." Gabriel responded.
"You don't know what you're getting yourself into..." The Slayer warned again, which made his ancestor chuckle.
"Nope. But that makes it all the more interesting, now come on." BJ told him while patting his chest.
Letting out a sigh of his own, the Slayer went in first, followed by his grandfather, who he thought was WAY too excited for something like this. However, this created an unforeseen issue, as the trio of Hellspawn couldn't use the Slipgate until Gabriel and the Wretch went through, which wouldn't happen until at least five minutes passed or whenever the Slayer gave the okay.
"...So..." Verosika said, trying to find a way to break the awkward silence, "I...like your armor...guy?..." She complimented, referring to the Wretch.
"Thank you." He replied, keeping it short and simple as he didn't feel like talking to her. "Cool...cool..." She said while looking at the floor.
"Oh shit, I just remembered something." Octavia realized as she looked at Gabriel, "Could you wait here even if Will gives you the okay? I have something I need to give you." She requested.
"Oh. Well, I suppose I could since I can open a portal of my own. But it'd be preferable if you hurry." He responded.
"Of course. I won't be more than a minute or so, promise." She swore before she ran out of the room.
"Would you happen to know what that's about?" He asked Stella, who let out a small chuckle.
"We're still in the early stages of having a conversation that isn't stiff with each other. Whatever this is about, Octavia hasn't told me." She answered.
"Ah, right. Forgive me." He apologized. "For what?" She questioned.
"I told your...former spouse that I'd refrain from putting myself into your personal affairs." He reminded.
"First of all, you can call him what he is, a bastard." She began, still refusing to be kind in any way to her ex, "Second, what happens between MY daughter and me is MY business. If I feel like sharing details with you, I am fully allowed to do so. And so is Octavia." She told him.
"While that is true, you cannot deny this is a family matter. And while we are familiar with each other, I'm in no way family to either you or her. So it is not my place to be involved regardless of the capacity." He argued.
"So if Octavia came to you, asking for an unbiased party to listen to her vent about how things are going between her and me, her and her father, or between Stolas and me, you'd turn her away?" She inquired.
"That...is an evil thing you did just now." He responded, which made her smirk.
"Tis what we demons do." She jested, "But seriously, Gabriel, after everything you've done for me and her by helping us work towards a better relationship. Would you turn her away if she came to you?" She repeated her question.
"No. I would not." He answered without hesitation, "But my reasoning wouldn't be solely based on the fact that I am an archangel. I'd be flattered that of everyone she could choose to turn to, she decided to come to me. I've never had anyone confide in me before." He explained.
"I find that hard to believe." She replied.
"It's true. As the archangel of justice, my position must root out all heresy and deception in the most wicked of souls in creation. So not many souls who aren't brought before me in my court are seeking me out to share their secrets with." He told her, "And as for my family, well, you know the tension there." He added.
"That I do. It's something we share. As unfortunate as that is." She said.
Just then, Octavia reappeared, running into the room and over to her mother and Gabriel with a new article of clothing on her person.
"Oh, the cloak I gave you." He acknowledged, having forgotten about it due to everything that's happened.
"I wanted to give it back." She said while taking it off and bundling it in her arms, "It just...it feels weird having a gift from a literal archangel. Let alone one that happens to be a child of God. Plus, you probably don't want some demon running around with a piece of divine clothing, right?" She explained, ending with a question.
"On the contrary. I want you to keep it." He revealed, catching her by surprise. "Really? Why?" She asked.
"For no greater reason other than I want you to have it." He answered, surprising her even more, "Unlike my sister who casually hands out weapons of unfathomable power, all that you hold in your hands is a garment that the highest possible power in Heaven has blessed. I.E., me." He explained, "Though I will be honest, with all the danger that is going on, I'd be lying if I said I wouldn't want you to have some form of protection. If Heaven forbid something horrible transpires." He confessed.
In response, Octavia chose not to say thank you with mere words. Instead, she decided to hug the archangel, much to his bewilderment.
"Thanks, Gabriel. This is easily both the coolest and nicest gift anyone's ever given me." She told him, showing her gratitude even more.
"Oh...um...yes, well...that's...good..." He replied nervously, for social situations like this were still his greatest weakness.
"So, how does it work?" She asked as she pulled away from him and quickly put on the cloak, "If I get attacked, will angels appear and kick people's asses for me?" She suggested, which made him laugh.
"Nothing so theatrical, I'm afraid." He replied, "Although, with that being said. If you are assaulted while wearing this cloak, not only will it create a barrier around your person to protect you, but it will also alert me that you are in danger." He revealed.
"Because you made it right?" She inquired.
"Correct." He confirmed with a nod, "This does not mean you can go picking fights with it. If you ever abuse the privilege it gives you. I will take it away." He warned.
"Don't worry. If she ever does something like that, I'll get to her before you can." Stella joined in with a smile.
"Oh, thank the Heavens!" The Wretch exclaimed, gaining their attention, "The angel has received word from the Slayer. They're ready for us." He informed.
"Ah, I must be off." He told them, the Wretch already throwing himself into the portal to be out of the company of Verosika.
"Take care, Gabriel," Stella replied.
"Make sure you don't get roped into sparring Will; I'd hate if you were lumpier than a vine of grapes the next time we saw you." Octavia joked, once more making him laugh.
"I shall do my best." He promised before going through the portal.
Meanwhile...
How does one describe the atmosphere of a scene when that scene is nothing but masses of corrupted flesh writhing and growing throughout a concrete city? To those who are normal, sane, and above all else not evil, they'd say such a picture would either be horrifically grotesque or so terrifying it threatened to shatter a person's mind. But for the few who were pure evil, where not even the most merciful of souls could hope to save these individuals from their wickedness, they reveled at the horror unfolding as a result of the appropriately named Super Gore Nest.
"This reminds me of our first invasion of a world no different than this..." The Cyberdemon spoke, he and his fellow marauders all gathered to hold a meeting at the top of a former skyscraper, "Unlike before, we know of the enemy we face. While Valentino's plan to hinder the Slayer proved successful, we would be fools to assume he will not return." He said.
"In that, we are agreed." The Mother of Demons replied, "Currently, our forces are still growing. We have enough to keep the Sentinels and their angelic allies at bay, but only a fourth of the amount needed to begin planning for another invasion." She informed.
"And what of our fallen brethren?" He inquired.
"Gone for good." The Resurrector responded, "Our enemies were clever. They've dismantled our realm and did away with the flesh of our kin. As for their souls, they were returned to our master's soul sphere when the keep was assaulted." She explained.
"Which, we are to assume, is currently in Heaven's possession. Most likely Urdak." He suggested.
"A fair assumption to make." She told him, "However, we have no means of entering Urdak. Nor the arcane power necessary to break its holy seal which would allow us to defile the holy ground and make it safe for us to traverse." She informed.
"I am aware. Which is why we require Valentino's aid in this matter." He admitted as he turned around to face them, "And yet, he is the only one not present. Despite being summoned." He noted.
"I believe he is busy satisfying his urges with a morsel in Lucifer's circle. Though he did promise that it was in service to our goal and our master." The Mother shared.
"Lies from a tainted tongue." He scowled, "That worthless peon takes advantage of the power he's been given. Shows little to no respect to our master or us. Which is why I propose we remind him of his place." He said.
"Do you suggest we betray him?" The Resurrector questioned, "Given his aid in conquering this world. Our lord might be displeased with such an action." She warned.
"I am not suggesting we throw him to our enemies bound and gagged. Merely that we use him to the fullest of his potential, which given his current form and flesh is not much." He explained.
"Which means?" The Mother inquired, wanting to know more.
"Let him fulfill his current obligation of infiltrating the circle. Let him find a way to obtain the Dark One's soul sphere either in secret or by distraction. Then when his talents for controlling and persuading weak souls has served itself as best it can, we put the rest of him to better use." He explained.
"A transformation?" The Resurrector asked.
"Yes. Keep him from becoming a burden by turning him into a beast. May his disrespectful tone and wasted words be turned into deafening screeches and hisses. And should one of us be required to lay down their life for the benefit of our lord, may it be he who was lucky to be granted such an opportunity to serve him as Valentino has, rather than we who are born from our master's power." He answered.
Holding a silent deliberation among themselves to reach a decision, the other four Marauders needed not even the seconds to agree with their leader, which in turn sealed the fate of an unknowing moth demon.