"...And...there," Azrael told her servants.
With their master pleased, the hooded figures who populated Azrael's realm set down the spear of destiny. It had been a week since the Slayer and his allies defeated the Dark One, everyone everywhere was busy getting everything back to normal, and this was her contribution. The spear of destiny by itself was a prison that he could never escape from; having it inside the realm of death was another, and the shrine Azrael had her servants construct for the weapon was a third.
However, BJ had given the spear back to the angel death, believing that she'd be a better "warden" than him since, you know, she was death incarnate.
Also, regarding the shrine, obviously, it wasn't for the Dark One; he didn't deserve so much as a passing thought, let alone a memorial. Instead, it was for the Wretch, whose death left a lasting effect, even on those who barely knew him. Resting in front of the shrine was his armor, restored by the Maykrs, so it looked the way it was meant to; as for his body, it was decided it should be preserved forever within Urdak.
"Is everything to your liking, mistress?" One of her servants asked as all that were present looked at her.
"Yes. You did a wonderful job. Thank you. I know I have never asked you to carry out a task like this in the past," Azrael answered, nodding her head in approval.
"Without you, we would be nothing. Through death, we are granted life; any order by you will be fulfilled without fail." The same servant responded, "We are sorry it took us so long. You must yearn to be with your companions and family." They apologized.
"Oh no, please, do not say such things. I only chose to stay so long as I wanted to oversee the shrine's construction personally. It is not due to any of you being slow or making any mistakes." She assured.
"You are too kind, mistress." They said, "Is there anything else you need before we leave?" They inquired.
"No. That'll be all. Again, thank you." She told them.
With their mistress pleased, the cloaked attendants of the realm dispersed, allowing Azrael to have a moment alone with the shrine before she too departed.
"I know you can't hear this." She began, telling that to herself before she went any further, "But I hope...if you're still in there...if rejoining the Dark One didn't erase...well...you...that you know you won't be remembered as a monster...or another of the mindless horrors that served an irredeemable master...you were and still are the Wretch...and I hope...that you are at peace..." She said.
Bowing her head as a final show of respect for the fallen hero, Azrael then left the shrine to let the dead have their rest.
Meanwhile, In Urdak...
Vega...felt many things as this past week progressed. First, there was grief for the loss of someone he considered a close ally and a friend. Then, Vega felt relief that the nightmare known as Doom was finally over. And now, as he sat within the Khan Maykr's garden, he felt joy for what was to come in a bright and hopeful future.
There was still so much to do between rebuilding and healing the Earth and attending to Helsa, who was still in recovery, but no matter what lay ahead, it all looked...promising.
"Hm?" He sounded as he heard the lift ascending.
Turning his body so he could see who was coming to speak with him, Vega wasn't surprised to find Samur, who remained in his robotic body, standing on the lift.
"Ah, Samur." Vega greeted, "What brings you here? I doubt it has to do with trouble on Earth." He inquired.
"Trouble, no. However, I do have some concerns." Samur responded as he walked over. "Oh? Does it involve the population?" He asked.
"Again, no. As strange as it may sound, the people have quickly accepted their...broadened scope on reality. They, of course, have questions. But they've allowed me to explain my answers in full detail. So, while they do still have many inquiries, we are making excellent progress on getting them situated." Samur answered.
"If that's true, then what are your concerns?" He inquired.
"It is...the help I have been assigned." Samur said with a sigh, "The drones and angels from our pantheon of Heaven follow my directions and orders without issue. We are efficient, direct, yet compassionate and approachable. So, I do not understand why I am receiving applications from angels either living or working within the pantheon of Heaven associated with Lucifer's circle." He told him.
"Well, it IS their world, Samur." Vega pointed out as he intertwined his fingers, "It makes perfect sense that they'd want to help. The only reason they didn't do so before is that we were fighting a war. And we already had plenty of soldiers from them in the form of the Authorities. But now that the fighting is done and we are focusing on recovery and re-establishing the world to its normal state, we can use all the hands we can get." He explained.
"Again, WE are doing just fine." Samur stressed with another sigh, "I don't doubt they are capable. Their skills and ability to follow my leadership are not in question. But I know they will have suggestions, will want to speak with me on every matter, and overall will complicate a perfect situation." He said, which earned a chuckle from the other.
"Now, now, Samur. You should at least give some of them a chance. And, if those you've selected prove themselves, then you can recruit more with your mind at ease." Vega suggested.
"You'll send some my way if I don't, won't you?" He asked.
"Mhm." Vega answered, making the Seraph sigh for the third time, "However, I happen to know the best candidates to start with." He revealed.
"How?" Samur inquired.
"I figured you might have some issues with them intruding on what is your operation even if they are entirely in their right to do so. Which is why I carefully examined the records and performance evaluations of every angel in that pantheon and found these three." Vega said as he snapped his fingers.
Upon doing so, a portal appeared next to him, to which he then reached inside and retrieved a set of three folders.
"Here you go." He told him while giving them to Samur.
"...Cherub?" Samur questioned, noticing that each folder had the same word written on it.
"They are a trio of angels who spend their days saving lives and granting blessings when and where it is needed or appropriate. But due to recent events, they've had to stay in their pantheon and wait until the unpleasantness was finally settled. They are experienced, dutiful, and helpful. They're perfect." He assured, seeming to have a high opinion of them.
"Fine. I will contact Cherub when I return to Earth. If only so I don't have you nagging me or going behind my back." Samur agreed.
"I'm glad we have that sorted out." He replied, "However, while you are here, Samur, I'd like to ask. How're the Khans doing? I assume they've spoken to you as you've known each of them for their entire lives." He asked.
"I have. And as you'd expect, the Khans have locked themselves away in a private lab." Samur answered, now making the creator sigh.
"Let me guess; they're trying to figure out how to extract the Wretch from the spear without setting this whole ordeal into motion again?" He suggested.
"Exactly," Samur confirmed with a nod.
"Have they at least looked at the letter Wretch left them? From what BJ told us, it has the names he chose for them that they wanted to learn so badly." He asked.
"No. The Khans are adamant about hearing it from him. They refuse to open the envelope." Samur answered, "But, they are not the only ones in mourning, correct? Abaddon must surely be reeling from this outcome." He said.
"Oh, they are. I believe that if Helsa weren't staying in their realm, it'd be months before we saw Abaddon again." Vega responded.
"How is she coming along?" He inquired.
"Stable. Healthy. Happy. But no improvements that are so significant they warrant mention." Vega told him.
"Hm, unfortunate. Hopefully, it won't be long before Helsa starts to show that take-charge attitude she's renowned for." He said.
"Indeed. But no matter how long it takes, Abaddon and I will be at her side until she is better." Vega asserted, "Speaking of, I should be getting back. I only came here because Helsa wanted me to show her some exotic plant life from other planets. She's developed a surprising interest in
nature." He admitted.
"Then I shall take my leave as well." Samur decided as he headed back to the lift, "I will speak with you later, father." He said.
"Until then, Samur." Vega bid farewell before he opened another portal and stepped through.
Meanwhile, In Lucifer's Circle...
"Come on...Come on...AH, GODDAMN IT!" Husk angrily shouted as he threw his hat onto his desk.
With life back to normal and he back at his job, Husk was able to do something he hadn't done in a long time, gamble. But, since he DID have to man the front desk of the Happy Hotel, he had to gamble during the day with something that didn't require his presence, such as horse races.
"Ooh, bad luck?" Alastor inquired from nearby, sitting in a chair he placed there himself. He even went so far as to bolt it to the floor (without Charlie or Vagatha's knowledge) to make sure his feline friend wouldn't get rid of it.
"Lousy fucking pile of glue!" Husk exclaimed, referring to the horse he bet on, who he didn't have the highest opinion of at the moment, "That FUCKING horse has been on a FUCKING hot streak for WEEKS! Yet when I place a fucking bet, it suddenly sucks ass!" He ranted.
"You know, combined with the alcohol abuse, this can't be too good for your health." Alastor cheekily warned, knowing it'd get a further rise out of him.
"...Aren't you supposed to be in a meeting or some shit?" He questioned, already fed up with his presence.
"Oh, well, I would be. Except, my counselors all agree after the TRAUMATIC experience I had fighting the Dark One, I deserve some ME time. One month to be precise." Alastor clarified.
"...So...you're going to hang around me...for a fucking month..." He said. "Correct!" Alastor replied.
"...Where the fuck is my shotgun?" He asked as he ducked behind the desk.
"Tsk, tsk tsk, Husker! What would your GIRLFRIEND think about an attempted suicide?" Alastor responded with a grin, wanting to annoy him more.
"First of all, do NOT call her my girlfriend. Literally, ANYONE else can, but when you say it, it makes me want to vomit." He sternly told him, "Second, the shotgun's not for me this time. It's deer season." He said.
Before Alastor could come back with another witty remark or Husk could find his weapon, they would be joined by two friendly faces coming from the nearby hallway.
"Oh, hey Al!" Charlie greeted with a smile and wave as she and Vagatha walked over. "Hello, ladies. How're you doing today?" He replied.
"Fine. Where's, Husk?" Vagatha asked, noticing the absence of their favorite drunk.
"He's currently searching for a means to harm me." He answered while pointing behind the desk. "I think someone took my shotgun!" Husk exclaimed, having difficulty locating it.
"I'm pretty sure that was mom..." Charlie said, doing her best to remember if that was right or not. "WHAT?!" He shouted as he immediately popped his head up.
"Yeah. Back when you and Azrael went on your first date. I'm fairly certain she kept it." She told him.
"...How far is your castle?" He asked.
"Geez, Alastor must've really pissed you off this morning," Vagatha commented, amazed at how far he was willing to go.
"And I plan to do more when the opportunities present themselves!" Alastor assured.
"Again, HOW far is your place from here?" Husk asked Charlie, DESPERATELY wanting to put a bunch of tiny holes in Alastor's smile using buckshot.
"Now, now, let's just calm down." Charlie told him as she came closer, "I'm sure Al didn't mean to get such a rise out of you, right?" She asked the radio demon.
"Don't." Vagatha quickly intervened, putting her hand over his mouth so he wouldn't make the situation worse.
"Charlie, I will ask you for the last time. If I run, how long until I reach your place?" Husk demanded to know.
"Okay, alternative solution. What if we take Alastor away from here, so you don't feel like killing him anymore. Will that work?" She suggested.
"...I better not see his ass for at least five hours." He told her, which made her smile.
"Perfect!" She exclaimed as she pulled Alastor out of his chair, "Come on, Al! Let's see my parents! Vaggie and I were on our way to do that when we bumped into you! The more, the merrier, I always say!" She said.
"I can't help but feel as though I'm being forced out of here against my wishes," Alastor noted. "Astute observation," Vagatha replied as both she and Charlie dragged him out of the hotel.
With the big red pain in his ass finally gone, Husk was able to sit back down in his chair, ignoring his job, and get back to focusing on the races.
Elsewhere, At The Magne Estate...
"You know, this may very well be the most relaxed I've seen either of you," Lilith said to both her husband and his brother, all three of them sharing brunch.
With the Dark One dead, Doom erased, and everything getting back on track, Gabriel and Lucifer felt no stress or worries in what seemed like forever.
"Do we not deserve it?" Lucifer asked genuinely as he looked at his wife, "I ran myself ragged before you stepped in to help me." He said.
"And I was tortured for six months only to be thrust immediately into a manhunt for the essence of evil and then a war that threatened all of creation." Gabriel joined in.
"I never said you didn't deserve it." Lilith responded, "I'm just amazed by the change in...well...everything. Your postures, attitudes, and mental health are better than ever. It makes me happy to see you two doing so well." She explained.
"Admittedly, so are we." Lucifer replied, "But, we DO still have some things to take care of before this difficult chapter in our lives is truly over." He sighed.
"That we do. There's the ongoing status of Earth, adjusting to changing times, and for me personally, the trial of quite possibly the most disgusting human being who has ever been born." Gabriel listed.
"Is a trial even needed at this point?" Lilith inquired, "Ignoring his LONG list of crimes against...everybody. He sided with the Dark One. That on its own speaks on what kind of person he is." She said.
"True. But I am not one to forgo both tradition and due process. Regardless of how heinous the guilty party is, I allow them to have their day in court." He stated as he raised his cup of coffee to his mouth, "Even if that shall be the shortest day in my court's history..." He muttered before taking a sip.
"Are you sure you can be impartial?" Lucifer jokingly asked with a toothy smile.
"Even if I can't, will anyone care?" He countered.
"No one from our circle of Hell, at least," Lucifer said confidently, "ESPECIALLY not Stolas and his family." He added.
"Have you kept in contact with them, Gabriel?" Lilith asked as she reached for her cup, "I know you've gotten quite close with them during this whole mess." She added before taking a drink.
"Even if I didn't want to...Stolas would find a way..." Gabrel sighed while tilting his head back.
"I can't blame the man; you prevented his daughter from being the victim of a rape. If that had been Charlie, they'd need to remove me from you surgically." Lucifer told him.
"I have emphasized as much as I can that he need not thank me. ANY person would have done the same if they knew what was happening as I did." He replied.
"True. But they would've ended things there." Lilith argued, "Both before AND after you've helped his family. Whether by mending the strained relationship between Octavia and Stella or looking after them to prevent another incident like what happened that night. Like it or not, Gabriel, you've become a close family friend to them." She said.
"Closest to Stella, I'd imagine." Lucifer chimed in with a smirk.
"What're you implying?" Gabriel questioned with a raised brow.
"Oh, come on, brother. Even YOU aren't THAT thick-headed." He replied, "I mean that you and
Stella are basically an item. You may not have gone on any dates yet, or have found yourselves within a romantic or intimate setting. But you two are so compatible with each other's it's like a miracle." He explained.
For a few seconds, there was total silence, as both Lilith and Lucifer assumed Gabriel was processing that statement. But then, he suddenly burst into uproarious laughter, even needing to hold his sides from how intense it was.
"OH! OH! Lucifer...that was by FAR the most OUTLANDISH thing you've EVER said." He told him after nearly ten whole seconds of chortling, "Me? And miss Stella? Together? In a relationship? HA!" He exclaimed.
"...Gabriel..." Lilith spoke, her tone scarily serious, "Why is that so funny?..." She asked, her hand slowly reaching for the knife next to her plate.
"Because Lilith, miss Stella is a mother, a woman of high society, and has lived a life full of enriching interactions with her fellow socialites and then some. And me? I am but a dutiful judge for Heaven's court." He answered.
"Wait...are you saying...she's too good for you?" Lucifer asked, both he and his wife sharing the same shocked expression.
"But of course! Until recently, I only left Heaven during the war. I consider myself knowledgeable, but only in a tiny pool of subjects. And while I am well-spoken, I am lost in most conversations as many people use words, terms, expressions, and so on that I've never heard of. But miss Stella? She has none of these flaws. In truth, she has very little. Why a relationship between her and myself is next to impossible, I'd say." He answered.
Expecting them to say something else after that, Gabriel was confused when all they did was sit there and stare at him. But, unfortunately, before he could ask what was wrong, a member of the staff entered the room.
"Your Majesties, Princess Charlotte has arrived with her partner and the radio demon." They informed.
"Ah. I see your lunch date is here." Gabriel said before he rose from his chair, "I'll leave you be so you can spend some time with them. Tell Charlie I said hello." He told them before he opened a portal and left for Heaven.
Now alone in their dining room as Gabriel returned home, and the staff member went to fetch their new company. Lucifer and Lilith could work out their conversation with Gabriel.
"...Wow..." Lucifer was the first to speak, completely bewildered, "And here I thought Gabriel had the biggest ego in our family...shit...I'll have to apologize to him later..." He decided.
"Lucifer..." Lilith spoke as she slowly turned to face her husband. "Yes, dear?" He responded, doing the same.
"I do not care how long it takes. I am going to get your brother together with Stella." She told him. "..."
"..."
"..."
"...Come again?"
Elsewhere, At Slayer Studios...
"Alright, bitches and bastards, let's get on with it." Angel Dust said with a sigh as he and the others finished breakfast.
For whatever reason, their breakfasts had gotten much longer after they defeated the Dark One and returned home. Maybe it was because they valued each other more, maybe it was due to their realization that everything can change at a moment's notice, or maybe it was caused by Nifty teaching their chefs how to cook food like the Sentinels. Regardless of the why, their morning routine was better than before they left, with far less arguing and more ACTUAL conversations.
"Oh! Can I go first?" Velvet eagerly requested while waving her hand. "Sure, doll-face." He replied, which made her squeal.
"Okay, so! Everyone remembers the game Vox and I were working on before Will got back, right?" She asked, wanting to make sure.
"Duh, you haven't stopped talking about it since WE got back," Cherri answered for the group. "Well, guess what? Everybody loves it!" She exclaimed with a grin.
"Correction, everybody is EAGER to see where it goes from its current state." Vox interjected, "The response to the beta that we gave out during Will's celebration has been positive AND critical. Showing that even with a staff of incompetent fools, Velvet and I are more than capable of producing quality." He said.
"How're your staff doing, by the way? Did they fuck up the game in our absence?" Angel Dust asked.
"Yes. Which is why I fired all of them." He answered, seeming to be rather happy about that fact, "To be honest, with Pentious here now, we'll accomplish more in a few days than those idiots could in a lifetime." He told him.
"Uh oh, the game's gonna suck now." Cherri joked.
"Mock me all you want." Sir Pentious invited, not taking the bait, "Because when Vox and I are done, everything made after the game's release will feel like utter SHIT when compared to our masterpiece." He bragged.
"After we undo all the damages made by those retarded monkeys," Vox added.
"Can't wait to see it." Angel Dust said as he looked at Blitzo, "How're we doing on merchandise?" He asked.
"Are you kidding? We can't make enough! Seriously, we're running out of supplies." Blitzo answered.
"Yeah! Everyone is DYING to get more Slayer gear! This is why we're thinking of creating a replica of Will's helmet! We could charge a fortune for that!" Millie excitedly exclaimed.
"Also, we're thinking of branching into the toy market. Figurines and stuff like that. Despite being horrible, appalling, upsetting creatures, people are really into the idea of owning collectibles not just of Will, but the demons as well." Moxxie informed.
"That could work..." Katie muttered, "However, we need to focus on getting our schedule organized. Our employees ruined anything that resembles a well-maintained working environment." She stated.
"Which, by the way, has left us with nothing to do," Loona spoke up while pointing to herself and Octavia, "There aren't any projects to make music for at the moment. So we've just been sitting around in our office doing...nothing." She said.
"Stella and I are working on that." Stolas informed, "And before anyone asks, the relationship is purely professional." He assured.
"Stolas, I sleep with you every night. In BOTH contexts." Blitzo responded, baffled that he'd think any of them would assume something was going on.
"How're you and your ex-wife working on getting those two work?" Katie questioned.
"They're celebrities now! Ever since their performance with Will on stage, they're the most sought out musicians in the entire circle!" He exclaimed.
"Wait...is hot, wet, and obsessed helping you guys out?" Cherri asked, referring to Verosika. "That she is. Her connections within the industry are beyond helpful." He answered.
"You know what, that reminds me. Velvet, where the fuck is that cure?" Angel Dust asked the doll demon, for to their knowledge, that bitch still wasn't back to normal.
"Working on it!" She promised, currently balancing a fork on her face.
"Hey, I just realized something." Octavia said, gaining everyone's attention, "We're sitting here having a meeting, but someone still hasn't shown up." She pointed out.
"Oh yeah, he said he was going to skip out on breakfast. He wanted to sleep in." Cherri replied. "How do YOU know that?" Sir Pentious inquired.
"Our rooms are super close to each other. So we hang out every night before turning in." She explained with a shrug.
"Well, someone SHOULD get him. He needs to be a part of these meetings now that he's going to be living AND working here." Stolas said.
"I'll do it." Angel Dust volunteered as he stood up, "Anyone got a problem with that?" He asked. "Pfft, you act like we'd suspect something is going to happen," Katie answered with a scoff.
"Hey, ya never know. Crazier shit's happened." He argued before holding up his breasts, "I mean fer crying out loud, I got tits now!" He reminded.
"Which is still funny as shit to see people react to. On top of your new look." Cherri told him, "Not even our employees have gotten used to it yet." She added.
"Yeah, it is pretty great." He agreed before walking away, "Be back in a sec. Don't say anything
important until then!" He requested. "With us? Not likely." Vox replied.
Walking out of his office/meeting room, Angel Dust made his way to the elevator and stepped inside. Taking it down to the floor where most of the others lived, he headed for the only room that still had its occupant once he could exit.
"Hello! Any strong not-so-silent types in there?" He asked while lightly knocking on the door.
Immediately, the spider demon heard a set of heavy footsteps approach from the other side. Soon followed by the room's resident opening the door. Standing there was the Slayer, dressed in a green shirt that matched his armor's color, jeans, and his usual brown leather boots. Oh, and there was also Daisy, who he carried in his hand practically all the time, when she didn't want to hang out with Loona, that is.
"Wow, that was fast." Angel Dust greeted with a smirk, "I thought you were supposed to be sleeping in? You didn't lie to Cherri, did you? That'd break her heart if you did." He asked.
"I woke up half an hour ago." The Slayer answered, his way of speaking started getting better when they got back, "But I needed time to shower and get dressed." He explained.
"DID you now?" Angel Dust inquired with widened eyes and an excited smile on his face, which made the Slayer chuckle.
"Glad to see you're no different than usual this morning." He replied.
"Does that mean you're getting used to it?" Angel Dust asked as the Slayer stepped out of his room, closing the door behind him when he was in the hallway, "Because if so, maybe I can start getting a bit flirtier~" He seductively suggested.
"You're welcome to try." The Slayer told him before he made his way towards the elevator.
"Hey! Don't say something you'll regret later!" He warned as he followed, "I mean it, Will. When I get serious about this shit, NO man can resist me." He insisted.
"Mhm, sure." The Slayer responded.
Stepping into the elevator, Angel Dust pressed the button for the top floor so they could get back to the others.
"Hey, Will." He spoke to start a new conversation, "It's been a week now. Be honest, how're you doing?" He asked as the doors closed.
"Better. And I mean that." The Slayer answered with a sigh, "There's...still a lot of things I need work through. Just because the Dark One's gone, and Doom along with him. That doesn't mean my problems are magically whisked away." He said.
"Nah, I get that. I still need to work out some shit myself." Angel Dust admitted, "But...you are happy now, right? Like, living here in Hell with our rag-tag group of assholes and dipshits...you don't mind it?" He asked.
However, instead of saying anything, the Slayer remained silent, and he'd stay that way until they reached their destination.
"Tell you what." He finally spoke as the doors opened, "Let me know what you think when you guys see the presents I got for you." He told him before he stepped out of the elevator.
"...Wait...you got us presents?!" Angel Dust asked, following after the space marine with a boatload of new questions.
.
.
.
"Well, it appears everything is working itself out./That it is. A most preferred outcome." Harut and Marut said as they observed everyone.
As they had been so far, so shall they continue for all time, the twins Harut and Marut studied their "Subjects" for research.
"Although, things could've been better./True. Mistakes were made. A few missteps occurred. But this was one of the better results." They continued, "What do you think about the Khans and their pursuit to find a way to resurrect Subject Defiant Demon?/Understandable, given their relationship with him. But it'll be EONS before they come close to a POSSIBLE solution." Harut asked while Marut answered, "What about our brother, Gabriel? It seems as if he may finally find himself in a relationship of his own./Hopefully. He needs a good partner to straighten out the wrinkles in his character. And Stella, who has been upgraded from subject status due to their relationship, is a promising candidate. But further observation is needed." They continued in this manner, "Then we have Samur and Subject Too Angry To Die. Both of whom are embarking on exciting new chapters in their lives./Yes. I am quite invested in where things will go. The saga of Doom may be over, but a new one takes its place. And it holds endless possibilities." Harut mentioned while Marut commented.
Suddenly, the sound of the door leading into their private dwelling being opened was heard, followed by a set of heavy footsteps approaching.
"Ah! There you are!/We've been waiting for you. It isn't polite to keep your friends waiting." Harut exclaimed while Marut informed, both rising from the chairs they sat in during their observations.
Coming to a stop a few feet away from the twins was what appeared to be a man...but...there was something off about him. From head-to-toe, his entire body was hidden by a suit of armor. His helmet, which resembled a human skull, chest plate, gauntlets, and boots, were grey and made of metal. But the gambeson underneath it was different; it was black with a hexagonal pattern and seemed to be made of a flexible yet durable material. However, the most striking feature that could be seen was his helmet's eyes that glowed with a vibrant orange light, yet it was impossible to determine if that came from the helmet or himself.
"Welcome back, Marine./How was your mission?" Harut greeted while Marut asked.