Year I - Act I - Laws of corruption - Chapter VI.

"Please, don't do that again."

Nathaniel Jones had casually intercepted the shovel to the face that would've, admittedly, hurt quite a lot had it landed. Being an angel, or a demon, didn't mean getting beaten up didn't hurt. It usually just meant your pain threshold usually wasn't what a human would call 'normal'.

It had been more than a hundred years and Nathaniel still found it weird.

Because, yes, Nathaniel was an angel, but he, much like Sinners had been humans, had at one time been mortal.

Thin, tall and apparently bald, the gray skinned humanoid was almost human looking, but had bague features of a snake, including his vibrant blue eyes possessing a predatory slit to it that would inspire many things but awe. His teeth were pearly white, but four large fangs would make even the kinder of smiles feel dangerous. His inhumanly long arms and legs, as well as thin torso, made him somewhat resemble Slenderman of all things, with a long tail topped with luminescent scales that, if looked right, seemed to crackle with energy. Despite his otherwise intimidating form, he did have handsome features, kind expression and a posture that echoed respect and the desire to be at peace.

The white tux he wore, perfectly kept pants, shoes and tie also spoke of his orderly conduct, although the small golden halo, and the light emanating from his person, would've been a clear giveaway of both his nature, role and desire to do no harm. But still, a figure nearly two meters and half (Around 8' 2-3'') was still intimidating. A pair of wings, perhaps pristine white, perhaps gold in color thanks to the light radiating from his self, finished the whole picture and, considering how easy they could be seen as two massive appendages full of razor sharp metallic feathers, the initial shock they helped deliver to those he visited was not exactly unwarranted or unexpected.

Not that anyone present would know he wasn't a danger anyway, nor would they be aware of his generally upbeat, if serious, character. Nathaniel wasn't exactly one for extroverted acts of fun, happiness, sadness or anything the like, generally having a relatively monotone face, not because it came naturally, but because he had trained himself for it back when he was alive. Some behaviors don't die along with your body, you know? Neither did his desire to help, or his unbound patience, as well as his ability to forgive and desire to do what he thought was right. He was no saint, but someone had judged him more than good enough to go upstairs.

A decision Nathaniel hoped no one would contest. He wasn't here 'legally' after all.

"Now, don't mind if I take this." Nathaniel gave a gentle tug, taking the shovel. His hands, equally proportional to his body, played with the tool for a second, humming before he looked back at Mario with a gentle smile. "I just hope to remove the temptation of bodily harm. I wish you all no ill will."

"Well, 'scuse me if I don't exactly believe that." Mario grumbled as he took a step away. He was large, he was strong and he was far more agile and faster than you'd think, but he knew nothing of this new figure other than obvious. "And you don't exactly exude calm, man."

Nathaniel hummed, clearly the mortals weren't taking his appearance as well as he had hoped. "True, I suppose. Still, better than some wanted to do, not that I can speak on their behalf." He finally admitted. "I could've done differently, presented myself in another form, but better you see me as I am now. I wish to offer no illusion nor any kind of deception."

"Then what are you?" Sofia seemed to be the first to recover as she looked at Nathaniel with a frown. "And since you seem to be in the mood to talk: Where are we?"

"Now, for the second question we will need to wait. I am sure the others are about to come back." Nathaniel offered a smile. The gesture didn't seem to bring calm in any way, but the info he offered seemed to do the trick. "As for what I am? An angel, if you can believe that." He chuckled as the family's eyes widened. "Or well, a human soul found pure enough to be admitted into Heaven and, later on, turned into an angel, so to speak."

"So to speak?" Mario seemed to harrump at the thought. "What? If what you say is true, then does that mean that anyone that goes to Hell is made into a demon or something?"

"Why, yes. They are called 'Sinners' however. As for what I'd be referred to?" Nathaniel waved a hand as if it didn't matter. "You better don't know. I am not allowed to share many things, least of all what goes on in Heaven."

A moment of stunned silence was shared among the humans. There were many things that could be deduced from Nathaniel's words, few of them good. It wasn't surprising that at least one of them, if not all of those present, had arrived at the correct conclusion.

It did take Juan a few seconds to voice it, though. "Are… We are in Hell, aren't we?"

His voice sounded defeated, dejected and not at all surprised. Juan wasn't exactly a mama's boy, though he was close to it. He had never been a believer in any shape or form, but he had heard many of his mother's stories with rapt attention, and he knew the descriptions of some things from devilish descent and inclinations far diverged from the Bible's words. That meant it was either one of two things: His mother was good at crafting her own version, or she knew something he didn't. As you may imagine, Juan had never thought the second to be true, but now…

Nathaniel's good mood, or at least the smile he had been wearing, disappeared. "Yes… I am sorry to tell you, but you are correct."

The group shared a look before Rocio spoke. She was the most disturbed of them all, and for a good reason. "Weren't we good enough? Did… did we die and end up here as punishment?" She then looked around at the apparently normal, yet clearly unnatural landscape. "It is so hard to believe. This doesn't look like the Hell that I was told about."

The angel let out a sigh. He knew they'd ask for answers, but they still needed to wait a moment longer. "You will all have your answers, I promise. But I would greatly prefer it if I did not require to do this three different times. So please, let's wait until…"

A door opening a short distance away had been something everyone present had been waiting for with bated breath. The lack of words coming from the group that came out? That wasn't what the four mortals had expected, or the growth from two to ten individuals. It was also very clear from some of the glances being shared around that something had happened, or perhaps some words had been said, because the anger was very much noticeable.

Did it matter to those present? No, not really. While the group seemed to be glued in place as soon as they noticed the angel, the four already acquainted with Nathaniel ignored him, instead all but running to greet the newcomers, offer hugs, words and whatever else they could. The most attention went to Carlos of course, not that the youngest of the group were ignored by those that had been waiting, but parents will first go for, and focus more on, their own children.

Not that everyone else received a less enthusiastic greeting. Hugs to the one single male in the group, greetings, questions and the like for the two families that came with, and clear stares with more or less animosity directed at the matriarch of the group. But Pilar did not seem to mind any of them as, unlike everyone else, she had noticed the singular shining form in the area, and the moment she began approaching him everyone else noticed too.

"My lord angel…"

Pilar probably had good intentions when her words came out, but it was clear Nathaniel didn't exactly take kindly to them. For some reason the honorifics seemed to sting more than flatter, or just sound respectful, if his expression was anything to go by.

"Please, just Nathaniel should suffice." He spoke candidly, but there was some pain infecting his voice there. "No 'Lord' or 'Sir' or anything like that. I am here to help, not to lord over you."

For a moment Pilar frowned as she, and the group, approached the figure. Then she asked him. "Are you here to help us battle against the demonic hosts keeping us here?"

Nathaniel winced. "No, no I am not."

This seemed to disarm Pilar, but only for a moment. That moment was enough to make her seem her age for once however; old, tired and, in the first second of surprise, lost.

"I am no Exorcist, the more common aspect of an Angel tasked with Vengeance, be it the modern Exorcists or otherwise." Nathaniel explained. "I am, at best, close to a 'Principality': What tasks I am allowed to pertain in are those of diplomatic nature. Simply put, for your children, miss Pilar: My tasks rarely involve more than communication between the Holy powers and mortals."

Unhappy didn't seem to describe Pilar's feelings on this. In fact it was so unfitting a description that comparing a hurricane with a 'strong wind' would probably be considered accurate in comparison. Surprising everyone present however, more so those that had seen her aggressive behavior today, her mood settled with little more than a deep exhale.

"I… had hoped for better news, m-Nathaniel." Pilar barely caught herself, but apparently she still had more than enough respect for their visitor to do as he asked. "Nevertheless, we will do our best to escape. Any information you are willing to share will be welcome."

Nathaniel stood silent for a second before shaking his head. "I am afraid leaving is not an option, not for the time being." And while Pilar clearly held high regard from anyone from the kingdom of the Holy Father, Nathaniel had to lift a hand to signal her to stop before she spoke. "These are dire news, yes, but I would prefer to share them with your family already together." Finally he faced everyone, not just Pilar herself. "Am I allowed within, please?"

No one thought of denying the angel his request.


"And… that is all there is?" Manuel tapped on the table, looking at the elongated figure that had commandeered the sofa in his house's living room. "Are we truly in Hell?"

He tried to rationalize things.

It did not work.

Oh, yeah, there had been explanations. Quick ones. Gritting ones. Mostly because Pilar didn't seem willing to say as much as Nathaniel asked her, not ordered her, to divulge. It became clear quickly enough that Pilar was beyond willing to throw everyone in front of demonic forces without much warning. In her own words it was 'Better to force the shock and pray we all survive than start bickering among us with doubts and accusations. The adrenaline will drive us forward'.

And there was bickering. BOY! Was. There. BICKERING.

Luckily for everyone not present back then, that had passed. The anger and feeling of betrayal? The distrust? God no. That was going to remain. It was also why, of all those present, most of the family was close to the door leading to the main hall and doorway out the house while only Manuel seemed able to stomach Pilar close enough to his presence. Having nearly thirty people huddling together like that only made their moods worse, and Manuel could easily guess that is what they wanted. No temptation to give in and forgive the old woman.

Manuel wasn't any better there. He did sit there, close to Pilar, appearing civil, only because he had to, mind you. He had never struck a woman, much less one so apparently frail. True she likely had as much physical strength and power as Manuel himself, even if she didn't look like it, but it mattered little. The desire to deck her was there though…

At least that mess ensured everyone had cleared their heads of everything else. Even Marcela had woken up, reunited with them and heard everything else. Nathaniel even humored the teenager saying he was sorry for placing more pressure on the poor girl. Even if the teen didn't want to admit it, she was indeed very close to the breaking point. Funny how such a dreary moment instead made her mood soar.

But back to the obvious distraught man and conversation.

"Yes. I am sorry about the news. Had I the power to change your fates I would've done something already."

Nathaniel spoke with respect and sympathy from his seat in front of Manuel. He hadn't asked, but he was given a cup of coffee, something he found refreshing. Apparently everything in Heaven was 'Perfect', or so close to it that, in the end, it became boring to most. Some homemade coffee was apparently a delight after so long.

"I cannot tell you much, although I suspect someone far more willing, and with the ability to not get punished for the act, will share far more than I soon enough." The angel took a gentle, short sip from his cup. "But I can say that this is far more preferable than the alternative. Some of you may think otherwise, but it is the truth."

"Yes." Manuel had been quite open with how disturbed he had felt at the news. Dying? Going to Heaven? Bullshit. "So we are still alive and very much not dead. I consider that a good thing, I can agree…"

"And remain in this wretched land?" Pilar, indeed sitting not too far on the large table, but also far enough to avoid any possible temptation, sent the other head of the large family a glare. She was far more subdued now, considering virtually everyone (except her husband) seemed to hate her guts at the moment. Some far more, or less, than others. "The Holy Kingdom of Heaven would have been much better than this."

"I think the whole family has agreed that you are, perhaps, the only one to think so." Manuel managed to say in his most diplomatic tone. "But it does beg the question. What Enomoto said… Is it true we are stuck in Hell? Is everyone else… gone?"

Nathaniel seemed to take a moment to think over his words as he put the cup down, any desire to enjoy himself clearly not there anymore. "I'd prefer to answer just the simplest question, but I guess that is not an option." He took a deep breath, giving the family a quick glance. "Yes, you are stuck in Hell." And while their reaction was varied, it was at least far better than the angel had hoped. At least they didn't start yelling or asking questions. That was good, at least. "It is not permanent however. There are ways out, but none you can attain NOW. The reason why is not important, not if you cannot live here long enough."

"Now, I know many of you are likely to ask 'How could we survive in Hell?'." And it was clear by the looks he was given that Nathaniel was right on the money with his assumption. "The answer is simple: Hell at one time was a place for torture and misery, that is true. It is also true that it is exactly that now, and so much more, but only if you want it to be." When he was assaulted by incredulous looks and glares instead of questions he felt like he needed to explain further. "Hell is a place for fallen souls destined to suffer. Sinners are immortal, with a few exceptions, and can enjoy all the excesses, all the evil and wrong things they did in life. Their punishment is to wallow in their own misery and filth until their souls are extinguished or they finally derive no more enjoyment, thus living in a world where all that truly made them happy is no more." Nathaniel grimaced at the thought. "A far crueler punishment than the ones originally created for them."

"And that is the place you want us to live in?"

Nathaniel looked at the family as they all looked away. Who had spoken? Nathaniel was not sure. He had been looking at them, learning, but it had been only a short while. He had a hunch about who had asked the question, but it was largely unimportant right now.

"The thing is: Unlike in the past, Hell now is very much like the living world, if far more… brutal." Nathaniel opted to just tell them more and, hopefully, calm their fears. Well, he'd do what he could on the latter. "Violence is rampant. Crime is common. But many Sinners and Hellborne are far more civil, if uncouth and foul mouthed, than you'd expect. There is food, there is water, there are amenities and services all but copied from the mortal world. If you all had suffered this fate in years past you'd get none of that."

It was true indeed. Perhaps unprecedented to many of them, and likely a scathing point for Pilar and her husband. They would've preferred for Hell to be a wretched hole devoid of any morals, hope, love and any other positive emotion.

Funny how, in a way, Nathaniel could do little but envy some of those living in what some considered the worst place in existence.

"That and, while the curse that tried to undo you has trapped you here, it has also granted you this… tower, so to speak. Only very powerful entities, or those you invite, can come in, but they'd be severely weakened in most cases. Anyone you expel, or want dead while within the tower, will either suffer damage over time or be snuffed out directly. Even many of the most powerful Hell born Demons and Sinners will be at a massive disadvantage while within this land so long as you don't want them here. Now, if you allow them to stay? Then that'd be different."

"Fine, so we have a safe haven here." Manuel was quick to interrupt. To be 'safe' here meant little to the old patriarch. "That still means we have to deal with the denizens of Hell. We would need commerce, to work, to make deals outside of this… 'tower' we have been 'granted'." And the vitriol with which he spoke those words spoke volumes of Manuel's opinion on his new 'home'. "I highly doubt there'd be any that would be willing to give us anything for nothing."

"There'd be none." Nathaniel admitted. "And I can guarantee you this: Any services they ask will be far too much for most souls. I just hope you understand that, while Heaven will judge you for what you may be asked to do, I just wish for you all to survive. Because while Hell may be ruthless, Heaven will offer you nothing but scorn now."

At that moment Pilar seemed ready to make a comment, her patience for this situation and explanations clearly gone. It wasn't until there was a knock coming from the door, from the entrance, that all words and sounds died. Even Pilar was unable to form a coherent sentence. She had been determined when she was in control, but that had escaped her grasp. Now everyone could have a say in things, and with an angel clearly not favoring her as she'd hoped, Pilar's resolve, while still strong as it could be, was not convinced she could push her family to do what was needed.

And Nathaniel's way of doing things clearly messed with the old woman's desires even more. "You have a guest." He said finally, a few moments of silence being enough for another knock to echo through the house. "It would be rude not to invite her in."


Leonor heard her neck crack. Fuck, how long had they been cramped here? Owning favors was all good and dandy, but being repaid sometimes was a pain. Not that the shark was about to complain. Fuck that noise. She vastly preferred jumping from dingy room to dingy room, burning through all that was owed to her, if it kept her alive.

Her companion probably didn't think the same.

"This fuckin' sucks, Leonor."

The shark demoness sighed. She wasn't about to tell Zana to shut the fuck up, mostly because the imp was right. This sucked. This sucked balls, big time. It was a surprise that her 'friend' hadn't jumped the shark (fuck the pun) and sold her out to the assholes patrolling the streets. It was also just as surprising that no Overlord had decided to come around and fuck the search parties over. Then again, why would they? It was at best around two dozen Sinners going around and asking for two particular demons. No one would give a fuck about that, much less if they couldn't get anything out of it.

Considering Zana's leg had been worse off than expected, the bandage covering the bolt wound and quick DIY cast with a plank, her scuffed and slightly burned clothes, and her general dirty and fucked up appearance mimicked Leonor's own very well. True that Leonor hadn't gained any more scars or wounds, but she had a hard time hiding the fact that she was bruised all over. Fast healing or not they did lack food and medical supplies; no energy or drugs meant a much slower (if still fast) regeneration for them.

And they DID have around two dozen assholes searching for their asses.

"I know it sucks, you don't need to tell me." Leonor sighed. Fuck, she'd kill for a smoke right now. No, no… her vices had already landed her in enough hot water as it was. Getting shot instead of being offered a light was a harsh enough lesson to teach her when to stop. At least that fucker didn't survive to learn from his mistake. "We will leave soon enough."

"You two broads will leave now."

A short, hairless imp with very stubby horns came running into the room. This was his apartment, and it was also the last of Leonor's 'favors' anywhere close to the route they had taken towards the Cannibal Colony.

In fact many of those Leonor had extorted for this or that had been imps. There were Sinners, true, but someone immortal and with possible powers was more her ex-boss' target than her own. And Leonor was far more willing to try and fuck over an imp than a hellhound for very obvious, razor sharp and animalistic reasons. That, and imps, as low in the totem pole as they could be, usually got jobs, PAID jobs, instead of just being pets and the like.

Not that they got paid much better than Hellhouds sometimes. This run down apartment was a clear indication of that fact. Still, useful.

"Those assholes are circling the place." The imp had given the pair a room without windows and close to the entrance so they'd fuck off faster when the time came. The best place so far, even if the two were basically in a closet. "I am pretty sure some of my neighbors ratted you out."

"And you didn't?" Zana asked with a hiss as she tried to move her leg.

"Of course I didn't!" The small imp looked almost ready to hyperventilate or croak on the spot. On close inspection Zana could swear this little bitch was a clerk somewhere, probably a server at a cafe or something. He was clearly no Wrath Ring born, that was for sure. "I don't want my house shot up! It is bad enough as it is and the landlord will fuck me over if that happens!"

"Sheesh, it is fine dude, shut up." Zana did her best to get up, her hooved feet almost slipping as her left leg nearly gave up on her. "We are close enough anyway."

Leonor knew Zana didn't believe her own words. She was just trying to hope at this point.

"Whatever. Just get out of here before someone shoots this way."

That was that. Better get moving.

Leonor didn't even deign him worth a single word from her. It wasn't anything new anyway. Most of the imps she had screwed over were just this pathetic, if not more, and she did so only because they were basically asking for it. You don't try to scam money from the Greed Ring, much less one of the businesses owned by the many families. There were far too many idiots you could rob blind down there, and you go for the big fish? Yeah, no, you are chum, and that is the best case scenario in most cases.

Unless someone, like Leonor, wanted to hold it over your head until the right time struck. And with that time now gone and favor repaid, there was little else to do but leave.

And once they were back on the streets, Leonor wished, she so wished, she could run away like the wind.

"Fuck… this leg is going to screw us over." Zana grumbled as she looked everywhere for some of the figures they had been spying for the last minutes. "Still surprised you haven't dropped me off."

Leonor huffed as she turned towards the Colony's borders, several blocks away. It was just within distance, yet so far away.

"If I leave you behind you'd rat me out and I'd be fucked anyway." Leonor grumbled, animosity dripping from her words. "We both know we'd fuck each other up if given the chance."

"True." Zana chuckled, then hissed as she took a bad step. "Just hope all this shit is worth it in the end, Leonor. Don't think I won't hold that favor over YOUR head, alive or dead."

"Wouldn't dream of it." There was much sincerity in Leonor's words. After all, she would do the same. At least she could respect that. "But now come on, we are just fucking minutes away and I-."

"There they are!"

Leonor and Zana could only groan in disappointment. Of course they were going to get found. The pair said exactly the same thing as Leonor brought up her loaded, and likely useless, six shooter for what could be the last time.

"Fuck me."


Patience was a virtue, and virtues weren't exactly plentiful in Hell. A good and proper lady did know how to wait, and for how long, however. Rosie was that and more, and she knew that a good first impression was quite the important thing.

It also could easily hide the fact that, yes, she had been feeling rather faint since she started climbing the stairs.

It took what, a minute? Perhaps more, perhaps less, but she felt it. Rosie wasn't the most powerful, no, but she knew that, for a natural born demon, and one of those in Pride, she held might in many forms. She was not the common wannabe found in her neck of the woods, her species far from weak, but not powerful enough to be given any real privilege beyond being hellborn and capable of greater brutality than some other natives from Hell.

Rosie wouldn't compare herself to them, same as no 'regular' Overlord would compare their own abilities to a fellow Sinner. Considering most Overlords came from Sinners, as human souls grew and grew in power over the ages, the gap in power and the obvious differences were a clear and fitting divide. But even then, especially now, Rosie always knew there were similarities that would never be breached.

An Overlord was no better than a Sinner, or their fellow Demons, at their worst.

Right now Rosie was at her worst, even if she knew that any other of her kin would most likely be dead if they tried to go as far as she had. Shame, considering the locale was far from the worst she had seen. The earthy smell of wet grass was something she hardly enjoyed considering where she was most of the time, and the sway of the wind, while nippy under the grayish light of this place, was much cleaner and enjoyable than the vicious air of Hell, though it wasn't really that bad. In general this place could be quite cozy if correctly handled.

Well, the house could do with some repairs, but that's besides the point.

Still, perhaps she could…

Oh! The door was being unlocked! Time to offer her gentlest, most toothy smile. And then-!

Oh.

Ooooh…

A human.

"Uh… hello there, miss?"

Carlos wasn't exactly what Rosie had expected, not at all. Even with her weakness she knew there'd be few problems if she needed to do something about them. There was no real desire for that however, not with how uncomfortable and surprised the young man was, but Rosie did keep her options open just in case. Or that was her first thought, a quick glance at the young man's hands made it clear that she should rethink her options in her current state.

Carlos clearly saw her wandering eyes, hard as it could be. It didn't help that Rosie stiffened and turned nearly her whole body in the direction of the switchblade he had in his hands. The navaja was right now folded, but Carlos hadn't let go of it even once since he had gotten his hands on it. Something primal called to him and Rosie was quick to react to it, being on guard while still trying to retain her cheery outward appearance.

"Oh! Oh… sorry about that." Finally, after hours with it on hand, Carlos pocketed the blade away. The awkwardness didn't go along with it though. "I, uh, haven't been able to let go of the thing since it was handed to me. Umm… Do you want to come in, miss…?"

Rosie was far more apt at this though, so her full smile did return as she offered her most sincere and gentle tone. "Why, yes, I would. I hope I am not intruding however."

"Well… I am pretty sure you weren't expecting someone like me, and until not long ago I had never expected to see someone like you." Carlos shrugged. The awkward feeling was still there, but something told Rosie the young man had so many things on his mind that everything was just numbing him more and more at this point. "Just… The living room is a bit crowded. I hope you don't mind a few stares. I assure you we don't mean to insult or anything."

"Oh, how polite. Don't you worry my dear. I do tend to attract wandering eyes." Rosie tittered, meaning every word. Modern young men and women alike could be so disgustingly disrespectful. "The name is Rosie, dear. Thank you for allowing me in."

The fact that Carlos, clearly knowing what she was, had decided to put his weapon away already painted him in a decent light, far as Rosie was concerned anyway. That he had the manners to open and close the door while taking her umbrella and placing her on the holder next to the door was already far more than many others that didn't know of her offered the Overlord. The current age was so full of disgusting behaviors that Rosie couldn't help but agree with Alastor in so many ways about technology and people alike.

A strange silence filled the corridor, and Rosie's mind, as she took a step into the house however. A crowded room, considering how large the living room was likely to be in this house, even with an uninvited, and potentially dangerous guest, should offer far too much sound for Rosie to hear literally nothing. A quick glance to the man at her side offered her little more than a shrug.

"We have another guest, and he asked for us to be respectful when I went to open the door." He offered. "I suppose this isn't exactly what you had expected?"

"Not quite, no." Rosie admitted as she eyed the short corridor and the door to the room Carlos was clearly focused on. From her position she could see nothing, but the feeling of that holy element was strong there. "If I were to hazard a guess and say your guest is also something you didn't quite expect…?"

"Oh no, not at all. He is an angel, just in case." Rosie did give him a nod of thanks, but it was clear that Carlos caught onto the lack of surprise. "You already expected it, Lady Rosie?"

"Oh, Lady." Rosie chuckled. She had to admit that the human would be fun if nothing else. Hopefully she wouldn't need to do anything in the end. But who knew? "Well my dear, it'd be quite the bad image if someone like me didn't at least feel something was amiss, don't you think?" She offered the young man a mischievous wink and a grin. "Now, if you'd please show me to the others…"

"Of course, but first." Carlos cleared his throat. "I'd like to formally welcome you here, my lady. So long as you don't wish harm upon us, or send others to do so, you are allowed entry."

It was as fast and noticeable for power to grow as it was when said power was taken. Rosie did not show it outwardly, few would, at least beyond an expression of surprise or confusion. It wasn't like she had her real strength sapped, or returned, but more akin to her abilities going from 'numb' to 'ready', as if a soreness had been lifted after a good night of sleep.

"Did I do it right?" Carlos asked, looking at Rosie with intrigue. "Our, uh, 'guest' said that anyone strong enough to come over would be weakened or something. I don't know if that is uncomfortable or anything, but you seem nice enough and I wouldn't like it if I was allowed to visit someone, only to feel wrong the whole time."

Well, wasn't that a surprise? This time Rosie didn't have to act to indeed give the mortal a wide, toothy, and truly grateful smile. It wasn't 'uncomfortable' per se, but the gesture was far more than most would offer.

It begets a favor for a favor, or it did in Rosie's book at any rate.

"Very much appreciated my dear, although I would recommend you don't do that for everyone. There are many far more than willing to act one way now and stab you in the back the second you turn. Even with carefully picked words you should always watch out." Rosie warned the young man, though it didn't seem to deter him. "You seem far too calm my dear."

"I am used to being stabbed in the back when it comes to people that came close to me, so no surprises there." Carlos shrugged. "Oh, and that reminds me. Just to add: You ARE allowed to defend yourself in case someone attacks you without reason. I just wanted to make that clear."

This DID surprise Rosie, far more so than before. "Is that so? You are offering me much for no reason, young man." And surprises seldom were welcome, Rosie knew that. In Hell they often had a price. "I hope you aren't…"

"I just did that so my grandmother Pilar heard us. I am pretty sure I have far more sway when it comes to this house than she does, and I…" At this Carlos hushed his words. "I… don't trust her anymore. I am not sure if she is still armed, since the weapon I have was hers before, but I will be more at ease if she knows not to do anything beyond a few ill mannered words."

Conflict within the household? And one that favored her? Rosie wasn't going to ignore that fact, but she'd be remiss if she refused the gift. After all, in case there was any danger at all, she had been given the power to defend herself.

True, it would do little against the angel, but she was unwilling to act on a base desire such as the want to end a heavenly entity. Besides, the angel itself had been part of the reason why she was now 'armed' once more. If nothing else she did owe the angel a little something, so civility would be the bare minimum she was willing to show her benefactor.

So long as he did the same.

"I can only thank you then, my dear. I hope this doesn't bring forth more conflict." Although sincere to a point, Rosie wouldn't mind the chaos. In fact, if the situation was as she thought, said conflict would only act in her favor. Civility and manners were far more pressing however. If all, or most, were as proper as the young man was trying to be, then she had more to gain by being her usual ladylike self than the more gruesome and brutal killer she could switch into at the drop of a hat. "Now then, if you would, please?"

"Of course." Carlos was quick to go ahead and make sure no one was close to do, or say, anything stupid. Then, giving those in the room a quick nod and gesture, he invited Rosie to go ahead. "Go ahead, miss Rosie. Pick a seat at the table, please."

That much was sufficient, if not exactly what Rosie had hoped for. Though once she approached the room, saw that the living room was bustling with no less than thirty individuals, to the point they had spilled into a damaged vivarium where some of the clearly more frightened, or at least intimidated, mortals resided. Close to twenty people stood or sat within the living room's confines, with at least ten watching from the vivarium, ignoring the broken glass behind them, wind or anything else. Had this been any other situation she would've called them stupid. After all, someone could get them from the broken windows, but right now they had nothing to fear from that angle, so perhaps they weren't as hopeless as she thought.

The small sea of people quickly became secondary in Rosie's mind though. Far more important, and perhaps dangerous, was the clearly angelical being sitting on the opposing side of the table next to her. He was a good distance away, with the table being a massive thing, obviously fit to hit no less than two dozen people and occupying most of the room, and just as clearly meant to be made smaller when needed. A nice little thing, if rather ugly by Rosie's standards, but perfectly sized to keep tabs on someone Rosie would admit to fear if she was in otherwise trusted company.

On that note. "I didn't think a Throne would come here of all places." Rosie lost no time in addressing the most important person in the room. A breach of manners, but the smile on her face, now dead, should've been enough to state how urgent the task of drawing boundaries was. "And to tell the humans how to properly greet a lady? My oh my, what a nice and well mannered guest from beyond the pearly gates."

"I do my best to help where I can, my lady." Nathaniel offered a polite nod. "Name is Nathaniel, would you mind sharing yours?"

Rosie was about to when she noticed the other two figures sat at the table. Everyone else had taken seats from it, taking space here and there over the room, or acquired a space at the lonely sofa, if they weren't just standing, clearly on edge. Two humans were at the table however, with a grizzly old man being on opposite sides to Nathaniel, probably the head of the house, and a crusty old woman sitting relatively close to the angel, on the side, and giving her the stink eye.

Carlos came into the room as Rosie paused, taking one of the chairs close to his grandfather and pulling it to offer her a seat. If nothing else the young man did get a thankful smile as Rosie took the spot offered and waited to sit down until Carlos brought the chair back. Such a nice young man indeed, and clearly eyeing the elderly woman with some disdain too! It was clear that he wanted to be polite, and apparently anger the woman to both. Rosie knew who his grandmother was and it was clear that this woman, Pilar, was beyond unfriendly to demons. Calling her mood 'unhappy' would probably have Rosie smitten for lying considering just how close she was to boiling in rage.

"Nice to meet you, dear Nathaniel. My name is Rosie, and I am the Overlord around these parts." Rosie began, giving those present a gentle nod while doing her best to infuriate the elderly woman close to the angel by offering her a smile. "I came to check who had invaded my territory. Though I'll admit; humans, and an angel, weren't exactly what I expected." Then the smile receded ever so slightly. "No. In order to repay dear Carlos' manners and goodwill I shall admit I did feel the stench of Holiness from this place. I hadn't expected a Throne of all things however. I more awaited for an Exterminator to have destroyed whatever demon created this structure than anything else."

"Aren't Thrones those rays of light that supposedly speak with mortals and stuff?" Rosie and everyone else in the room turned just enough to glance at Carlos. "Sorry, sorry. It came to mind and I couldn't help myself."

"You are not wrong, young man." Nathaniel gave a polite nod despite the interruption. Even Pilar seemed somewhat proud, for a second, before turning back to her sourpuss of a face. Rosie opted to remain silent and observe. "As a former mortal I had many roles barred to me, but that of a messenger was indeed one career I was offered, if with a few caveats. Many angels have no problems dealing with humans, but their ways have… changed over time."

Rosie was unable to hide a chuckle. She wished she had brought one of her fans with her as her smile slipped and Pilar clearly had a thing or two to say about the demoness' clear mirth at the angel's words.

"Anything to say about that, demon?" Pilar put all the venom she could in those words. Acid would be more apt, what with how it was clear to Rosie the woman wanted her as little more than a smear on the ground.

"Plenty." Rosie was unaffected however. She had managed to withstand words, and blows, far more cruel than just stating the obvious. "After all, I may not be aware of your situation, madam, but I am sure no angel would come to help any random human that found their way to Hell."

"Preposterous." Pilar huffed. "The Holy Father…"

"Has far more pressing matters to attend to and those close enough to him would consider such an event to be unimportant, considering most souls go to Hell anyway." Nathaniel put a stop to Pilar's obvious tirade before she could get carried away. "Miss Pilar, while I respect your dedication to our beliefs as much as any other angel in Heaven, be it former human or native to the Holy Kingdom, we both know zealotry has a place. This is not it."

"..." Pilar looked at Nathaniel and his gentle expression, now far more neutral, as Rosie offered her little more than a victorious smile. It was as if the woman was made to suck a lemon, and Rosie was enjoying it immensely. "That may be so. But we all know most humans squander the gifts given by Heaven. Still, those worthy of help surely would receive it?"

"Then what about us?" Rosie turned to face one of the men present, Hector in this case. "You all but smacked the shit out of me for laughing about us being in Hell. Fine, that much I can understand. But when Enomoto talked about the curse that sent us here? And the very real possibility that, surprise, surprise, was no possibility but the truth, of us being stuck in here made you mad." The man's accusatory tone seemed to make Pilar more guarded, more angry, as every word was delivered her way. "Will you finally admit you are wrong?"

All Hell broke loose afterwards, and Rosie could only drink in the chaos as the family began talking, bickering, yelling. It was a delightful image that only opened more doors for her than anything she could've done herself. The infighting meant a weakness she could exploit, and she was more than willing to do so.

Oh, but she wasn't heartless. Not at all in fact. Rosie had uses for humans, she did employ some on Earth after all. The mortal plane had many wonders she didn't mind enjoying from time to time, even if modern times had, to put it bluntly, soured many things for her. Still, here she had thirty odd souls that clearly needed help.

Who was she to deny help in return for time and labor? The Overlord was sure some would complain, some would be useless, but others…

Rosie gave Carlos a glance, seeing how the young man remained collected, if clearly bothered, with the display in front of him. Be it mental fatigue, or just the fact that he had seen this many more times, he still tried to offer a somewhat composed outward appearance that denoted determination, as well as the desire for this mess to end. He had good manners and enough patience to be both useful and perhaps live long enough to return Rosie any help she provided.

Another good example was the elderly man close to him. His hard eyes scanned the debacle with a tired resignation that told her he could, if this got out of hand, end the squabbling with a single yell and a powerful fist applied to the table. He had the presence and force of will to make himself heard, to be obeyed. A strong man from an age now gone.

Many others, mostly the younger generation, seemed to be far more collected and unwilling to fall into the chaos too. Rosie could appreciate that. While not all of them were prime material, not yet, many seemed to be on par with Carlos, even if some seemed willing to dig into the 'conversation' that had exploded around them. Far less disciplined in some cases, others seemed very rough around the edges, but she was sure that, much like Carlos, they all had one particular quality she desired.

They could be made into something. They were clay in Rosie's hands, if she could get them to work with her that is. It would likely take a little work, but the fact that the angel, Nathaniel, seemed welcoming of her was already a point in her favor.

Not even the angel seemed to care for Pilar's opinion, and everyone worked against the elderly woman. Rosie knew her own 'victory' in this, whatever it may be, was almost assured.

Almost.

She was still meant to watch what she said and how she acted of course. But Rosie was aware that very little would push enough of them away to pose a problem. And who knew? Maybe whatever happened today would bear fruit and grant her more than she expected. Either way, she could make this work for her in some form or another.

"Please, everyone." Nathaniel's voice stopped Rosie's internal planning just the same as it stopped the yells, blaming and finger pointing. "I think Hector's words have merit. It is time, at last , to make you all understand the situation."

The elderly man next to her spoke finally. His voice was almost as Rosie had envisioned it, if slightly more shaky. She could understand. Had she been sent to Earth, without powers of course, and allowed at the mercy of its denizens, she'd be very much the same. Some would consider being sent to Heaven a far worse fate, but they forgot one thing.

Heaven would kill a demon. Earth… Well, most probably knew better than to expect 'death' to be their first course of action.

"Tell us." Manuel clasped his hands together, almost pleading the angel's way. "What happened? Tell us all you can, all you are allowed. If… Miss Rosie here is not our enemy, then it truly means that you were serious about us not having a way out."

Rosie hummed, low enough not to be heard. So the angel had said these poor people were truly trapped here? All the better for her, but it also smelled fishy. There had to be a reason, a reason strong enough for her not to just grab the Asmodean Crystals in her possession and drag them back to Earth in exchange of their servitude with a contract. That was a quick plan she had formed, yes, but if it wasn't a possibility then she could easily think of something better and far more slanted her way when it came to her terms.

"You all were cursed." Nathaniel began, making Rosie suddenly far more interested in the words of an angel than she ever thought she'd be. "Ancient magic was used. Hemomancy, or the art of manipulating blood in a myriad of ways, is a truly powerful and ancient craft. It was often used in another school of magic, Demonology, to create contracts by humans who, without the willing participation of the demonic part, would otherwise be at an ample disadvantage. It should be obvious that no demon would offer a deal without it being in their favor to some degree. That is, unless they already had something to win in exchange for whatever was discussed."

Most eyed Rosie warily at this, but she wasn't concerned. Had Nathaniel lied? No, not at all. She had nothing to win by lying, and while Alastor did fancy himself a prankster when it came to offering deals with vague terms, Rosie had more class than that (Not that she didn't sometimes screw others over just for the sake of it). Point is, Nathaniel had said no lies, nor did his words make Rosie's smile go away.

"I know not the details of the spell itself. I am aware that there are many of similar power and intent, but different ways to make them work. All of them are ancient magic however, and the slightest deviation of the plan would backfire in many possible ways." At this the angel looked at the family as a whole. "The fact that too many of you were concentrated in this location saved you, unlike all other members of the Guerrero family." The family was obviously hurt, even the most indifferent to this, for one reason or another, seemed to deflate. Even Rosie thought this to be excessive, if for practical reasons. "The objective was clear: To destroy a family line belonging to The Order, to The Inquisitors. An act of revenge designed to drain your power and lifeforce to empower the perpetrator."

It was then that Rosie thought, maybe just for a moment, but she did, that she had fucked up. Truly she would not say it in such a way, but now the weapon she had seen in Carlos' hands, what she had felt emanating from it, made sense.

"This family… is part of The Inquisition?" Rosie spoke softly, much of her previous confidence far from gone, but indeed dented for a moment. "I thought Heaven took better care of its close allies in the living world."

"We are meant to live and die doing our duty, demon." Pilar stated without a second of doubt nor a moment to think how others would react. Not that any of her children seemed willing to take the bait this time. "If we were meant to die from such foul magics, then so be it."

While Rosie wanted to tell the woman what for, and she was very close to, Nathaniel stopped her by speaking up. "Thing is, this spell was far more insidious than that, dear Pilar."

And curiosity brought everyone closer to the angel as someone, a young girl sitting on the sofa, asked. "What does that mean? Did it do something else?"

"Indeed, young Marcela. The spell took nearly three hundred years to complete. It was an expensive, time consuming, and extremely convoluted spell, as most rituals tend to be." Nathaniel explained without looking back. In fact he wasn't looking at anyone.

This topic, Rosie could tell, was truly distasteful for him. And soon she would understand why.

Distasteful or not, Nathaniel had to tell them more. "Few rituals have this kind of power and reach. Imagine the energies used to create it: Its beginning was etched in the stars. The moment it began it was foretold that it would come to pass. A singular point in time that marked the death of a whole bloodline that had been serving Heaven for many generations. Heaven could've stopped it, but the power it could unleash into the mortal plane would have been catastrophic, unless mortals themselves could stop it."

Rosie was curious, she had to ask. "Any reason why The Order didn't send anyone?" Of course she saw many reasons, but she knew not the truth. "Or why Heaven did not make this go away?"

"Because only the families involved in this ritual could do anything to harm its casters, or put a stop to it." Nathaniel started firmly. "A ritual of such caliber bound souls to its web, and outsiders meddling with it would've caused magic to spill in a catastrophic cascade of power. It is magic that offers the chance of gaining horrible amounts of power, but weakens the users greatly, thus it would've been simple for its target to strike back. A true 'permanent' enchantment until its purpose was done with."

Ah, yes, that would explain it. Such massive undertakings of power, magic and life, the latter thanks to blood magic, was meant to be used with safeguards of some kind. Something foul indeed thanks to the dark arts involved.

And Nathaniel wasn't done. "The original sorcerer that spun this web of spells knew its craft. Such a massive undertaking needed defenses, and so this family's very core was corrupted long before its death came." This time Nathaniel pierced Pilar with a glare. "It is this corruption, a curse, that made it possible for the ritual to continue. With the safeguard working then there was no reason for the family that began this spell to put an end to it to save their own skins. And, sadly enough, Heaven itself could not act. This was a vendetta between two mortal families after all, their relation to the Divine would not affect the course of action of any Angel unless demonic forces were involved."

There were many glances and glares shared, but no one dared stop Nathaniel as he went on.

It was a morbid curiosity that gnawed at their minds.

The desire to know how you were meant to die. The why. The how. The when. Rosie, in a way, couldn't deny her own intrigue. Not only for personal use, but for curiosity's sake.

"One of your ancestors, Lady Pilar, the most powerful in your line for generations, a paladin known as Romero Guerrero Montoya, was the one given the information." Although by Nathaniel's tone, as much as he tried to hide it, there was a level of disdain that told Rosie he didn't think of Romero very highly. "I am appalled to say that was not a good man, but he was a soldier of God. He did what needed to be done and, sadly, such work made him cold, as cold as needed be. A sad truth of anyone fighting for their beliefs and what they think is good: They tend to become… less, in a way."

Rosie had half a mind to speak, but Nathaniel unwittingly kept her from being rude. "But the spell? The spell nudged something forward, a tiny, minuscule even, piece of him that he had controlled most his life: His Pride. A pride that grew from his many fights against Hell, against his fellow mortals, and even against minor, fallen angels that dared threaten humanity. A pride he should have enjoyed in moderation, for he deserved it, and instead was released when the first nudge to his mind opened the floodgates he had kept sealed for so long."

Pilar seemed horrified while Rosie was surprised. Pride? Of all things? Of course Rosie wanted to laugh. What kind of demon wouldn't? To have a member of The Order defeated by the very thing that marked the Lord of Hell himself?

There was a sense of catharsis that Rosie wanted to lose herself into, but she remained as steady as possible. There'd be time for that later.

Nathaniel kept explaining. "As said, such a ludicrously strong ritual always creates weakness. To combat weaknesses you create safeguards, if you are truly powerful enough, and smart enough, to condemn your soul to oblivion the moment you die, then you should be mindful of such precautions. Sadly for your family, the perpetrator was, as I already mentioned, far more cunning than most of those that delve in the dark arts."

There was a reason warlocks, sorcerers and other dark mages did not last long. Most of them got killed by their own powers.

That is also why items, like staves, grimoires, wands and many other objects, were used as catalysts. They were a way to limit magic output and channel it at the same time. A safeguard. Rosie knew little of this, but any Overlord worth their salt would, at least, be aware of the basics.

Not like these things were needed much anyways. Nathaniel's next words explained why.

"However, Earth no longer has as much magic as it once did. A ritual that once would've needed weeks, likely months for most casters, now took hundreds of years." A few in the crowd seemed to deflate at this. They just learned that magic was real, but not the all powerful tool they thought it was. Rosie would've chuckled had the situation been different.

Nathaniel opted to ignore this. He had more to share. "As such the protection used could not be something ludicrous and requiring more power than the caster could offer. Instead of mortal, mind whipping, reality altering or otherwise magic abusing defenses, the ones attacking your family opted for an insidious curse: The Mark of Sin. A highly varied and customizable curse that could intensify many things, from the darkest side of a person, their luck, the way others perceive them and so on. In fact these, and more, were effects this enemy of yours included in the Mark of Sin burned into your family's souls."

Carlos interjected, frowning clear in his face. "What is the 'Mark of Sin' then? Why would it have anything to do with miss fortune?"

"No, not 'The', I said 'A' Mark of Sin." Nathaniel corrected. "The one true Mark of Sin would outright turn a mortal into a demon of some form, usually with great drawbacks and bindings put in place already. Lesser marks are still powerful, and this particular one, while without name as all its effects are unknown, is generally referred to as the 'Sin of Imperfection' by those of us that know of what your family suffers. A silly name for sure, more so when you consider what it does and how it has harmed your family's life through the centuries."

Rosie tapped her chin for a second as she thought back on what magic she knew. "The Mark of sin, dear Carlos, is complex. Demons I know generally use it mostly to boost one's most negative talents and effects. A gluttonous person would find hunger to be even stronger than before. A lazy individual would have more of their energy sapped away. General nuisances most of the time, yes, but good Nathaniel here was right." Rosie offered the angel at least a nod of acknowledgement. This information had its uses. "It can be made to do many more things than just that, and few would use the raw power of its original incarnation. A minor, personalized one would do the trick, if it lasted long enough."

"Yes, indeed." Nathaniel nodded, an appreciative smile on his face. "But I must offer a correction. This Mark of Sin was not minor, not when used with such powerful magic backing it up." And thus the reason for his unhappiness was made bare. "The power of the ritual made the Mark of Sin far more than it should be. Pilar's ancestor had its pride stroked, his ego growing without measure until his death. Then, as intended, it spread to his family."

Rosie's eyes widened, as did many of those present. That was a proper, generational curse. A truly cruel and unusual punishment rarely seen anymore.

It was a death sentence. Not with the same finality as a ritual or enchantment that lasted generations, but it was meant to undo something, or someone. And, clearly, this 'someone' was no singular target, but a whole family.

What kind of hate would drive someone to put not one, but two, death marks on a whole bloodline?

That particular question was not answered as Nathaniel went on. "No angel could order him to defend himself from this magic, as it was not an attack to Heaven itself, or against mortals unaffiliated with the Faith, he rebuffed Heaven's counsel. This was no insult or defiance however, and he made it clear. While many of those siding with me, and wishing you well, think otherwise, not without reason may I add, think those that contacted the man should have done more, it was left to the mortal in question to decide." The angel sighed. "So he did, and explained why."

"Who had time now when so much evil was still running rampant all over the world? Why should he, one of the strongest and most staunch followers of The Lord, put his own family and safety ahead of Heaven's?" Nathaniel sneered, and so did Rosie in her mind. Valiant words, but clearly conceited. "Although his exact words were far more confrontational. His heart, while tainted by the curse, was still in the right place, or so the angels judged. So he kept serving Heaven and Heaven made no move to stop him, to redirect his efforts to save his line. As far as they were concerned Romero had accepted his fate, and that of his family, thus he would fight for Heaven and smite its enemies for as long as he lived. And so he did, promising his descendants would do the same when the time came."

Nathaniel frowned. Rosie herself lost some of her strained smile. The family itself was even more serious, if not disgusted, or pissed off, than before.

Just a single angel, or even a group of them, had enough power to condemn a bloodline to die like that? Whose's judgamentg was used? Certainly not God Himself, of that Rosie was sure. Even someone as callous as He was, at least at times, would've seen far better of this supposed great man than just allowing him to kill his kin in the years to come.

It just felt stupid.

The angel likely thought the same. "His descendants grew to have more pronounced effects, however." His gaze fell on Pilar once more. "Far from evil or corrupted you all are, yes. But also imperfect, for you are prideful, my good lady Pilar." The words were like a smack to the face for the woman. "You are also prone to anger, far too much for a proper lady of The Order, and you know this much yourself." Pilar at least had the decency to look away, knowing the angel did not lie.

And Nathaniel was far from done. Oh, by Lucifer, did Nathaniel have more. Rosie could admit to enjoying this man's presence, at least if he kept this up.

"Your sisters and brothers, their own children, and your ancestors all grew more inclined towards violence as generations passed. Many of them displayed downright sinful behavior, but most of your bloodline still held strong." Even as he tried to praise, Nathaniel brought her low. "The problem is that the mark's effects did not stop there. A curse grows stronger with time, and while a Mark of Sin tends to dissipate after its owner dies, this was etched into your Bloodline. Worse yet; if it attaches itself to mortals without the power of God backing them, then the Mark can grow even stronger in a shorter time by feeding off small pieces of an unguarded soul, as it has done with those your bloodline brought into the family from time to time. But even the power it holds affects all of you almost the same."

Turning around enough to look at the group, Nathaniel began his harsh repertoire. "Parodies, that is what many of you became. Guerrero or not, there are those here that suffer from the Mark of Sin's most powerful effects; Self doubt to the point of crippling yourselves. Extreme regret and the desire to punish yourselves for what you perceive as past misdeeds. An extreme lust unable to be quenched, with hedonism to match. Addictions, envious thoughts, desires so heinous they should not be part of any mind, bringing you down to the point of disgust to oneself is the least of your problems."

Many among the family looked away, at their hands, or tried to ignore the angel's words. It was one of those rare times that Rosie felt pity. Many of these mortals shouldn't be here. This situation was useful to her, yes, but it was the result of something she didn't like.

Cowardice such as this wasn't Rosie's cup of tea as it were.

Her line of thought was interrupted as Nathaniel rekindled his speech. "Many of you act more like extreme versions of who you would've been, sometimes without regard for the desires you have set for you. It goes to the point that some of those present would forsake family and friends alike for the slightest slight to their person. You all had the will to fight, yet many of you chose not to, or were weak enough to allow your most base instincts to take hold."

He wasn't done.

"This all came to bear because its power didn't relent." Nathaniel almost spoke in a whisper for a moment. "The Mark of Sin, it went ahead and grew more insidious as it fed from this family's souls, from their power. The Mark managed to gain enough power to ensure the ritual that powered it. If the records are right from the chroniclers keeping an eye on things, this Mark of Sin grew powerful enough to ensure that, two hundred years after its creation, any attempt to guide the Guerrero family towards their enemy would be ignored."

Nathaniel made a pause, no one needed to be told that Heaven didn't even bother trying again beforehand, so why now? His voice grew lower in pitch, almost coated in disgust. The angel was clearly distraught with what he knew. Angry at his superiors was also there, alongside a feeling of being lost and unsure of what to think.

"Things did not stop here. Because why would they? The Mark was like a parasite being fed by another. As it grew in power so did its master become more capable of tuning its effect to their own desire. They gained a dinner control that allowed further modifications, something never before done thanks to most Marks lasting for years at worst." And here the disgust and anger grew strong enough to be heard in the otherwise friendly and calm angel's words. What came next was clearly enough to make Nathaniel's otherwise almost unflappable demeanor turn sour.

"As the ritual went on, its climax approaching, the final touches had to be etched in the ever evolving bloodstained tapestry of fate. A farewell gift from a sick and twisted mind." Everyone paid close attention, worry, curiosity and fear clear in every human Rosie cloud see. "Before this the Mark of Sin had made the common people, those outside The Order, to act with enmity towards the Guerrero family. Now, during the last years, it extended to the family itself, pushing the low tolerance some of you exhibit to one another. It was a finetuned little detail that ensured now new love would be found, no new lives could be made. But the sorcerer behind this was not happy with that, no. Those not directly linked with the family would be less affected, but the Mark was given a final touch, a disgustingly dark command: It would strike down any new life formed with the blood of the Guerrero, killing them before they were even born."

Rosie could swear the shout of rage, anger and pain she heard next came from some kind of hellish beasts. But no, it was one woman, one woman that Carlos abandoned her side for as tears formed on her face. His mother most likely, someone held by Carlos' father as Marcela, clearly Carlos' little sister, went to comfort her too.

"Yes, I am sorry to say the miscarriage had nothing to do with age or your body's condition, miss Sofia. Such a sad event unfolded thanks to the one responsible for your stay in Hell meddling with your body without ever laying a hand on you." Nathaniel's voice was soft, but loud enough to be heard over the crying mother of two. His tone neutral, yes, but Rosie did not miss the look of pure loathing Nathaniel hid away just as fast as it came to his face. "Bullying, harashing, insults and plain old violence, opportunistic attacks and more. All of it came from this curse that, ultimately, wished all of you dead. It just grew so powerful that, before killing you, it was intended to torment you, to try and make you the worst kind of person you could be."

And this made Rosie feel disgusted. Oh, she could be extremely cruel, but this was perhaps even beyond Alastor, and many of those stuck in Hell. Few would wish harm upon a child, even the most wicked. And those that did? Few would miss them.

But say you ignored that. Say you let go of such monstrosity and instead focused on someone trying to drag souls to Hell with such a curse.

Rosie considered it just as vomitive.

Where was the guile? Where was the skill? Three hundred years of casting spells and using blood of poor souls while hiding away was no skill.

There was no master plan. Not to Rosie's eyes. All she saw was a quack playing at being a doctor. A wannabe wishing for power.

It was a coward's move planned and executed from their safe haven with no reason to ever put their neck over the line for anything. The only danger would be found within a short window of opportunity, as the one behind this clearly knew Heaven would likely not offer their council twice in the same matter. Yes, Heaven was very hands off and, Rosie knew, the death of one bloodline COULD benefit Heaven.

It was relatively obscure, and she knew it only thanks to a curiosity streak and the correct contacts having the books she needed to follow through with it. Simply put; the loss of a bloodline behest the creation of another.

If Heaven thought that one of their mortal agents, the bloodlines they kept employed, were too far gone, then they would sometimes give them missions meant to clear their 'sins', or end their line altogether. If they were too far gone, then what was the loss anyway? Creating a new one would take time, training and a small investment on Heaven's part, but Heaven and Hell both had nothing but time. Besides, those souls would likely go to Heaven anyway, and many of these people, 'too far gone' as those oh so holy pricks put it, were prime candidates for Exterminators.

You needed violent and brutal people to make someone willing to murder countless people once a year after all. Rosie knew much about that.

"In the end the Mark was so strong that it shattered most of the desire this family held to be with each other, even some of you here show that kind of desire. It warped many of you to the point where some of you could not even tolerate specific people, having a hate so powerful it clouded the senses." Nathaniel continued as soon as Sofia's sobs had subsided, many of those in the family trying still to console her. "But it wasn't enough in the end. Perfect calculations had placed almost all of you alone, miserable, and ripe for the picking. Self hate, doubt and a desire to die were thoughts dark enough to weaken a person's will and the constitution of the soul. They were further fuel for the ritual, and a catalyst that would drain most of the power from your souls to feed the one conducting the ritual."

"But it failed." Rosie spoke with a humm. "A colleague of mine works with dark magic far more than I do, but I am sure he would agree with me here." Although a cursory glance at the gaggle of humans told her they did not agree with HER assessment. "I am not saying the Mark and the spell itself did not help destroy your lives, I would never imply such a thing. A demon I may be, but if I want someone dead, I will make sure they die, only toying with them if they personally offend me, and never to the extent all of you have suffered. I am just saying you are all still alive. Even better: You have a chance at making this right."

There was some grumbling coming from the group. A few agreed, others said things about Rosie that the Overlord opted to ignore. This went for a hot minute before one of them, Juan, spoke up. "We may not be dead, but we ARE stuck in Hell, and someone tried to kill us all! What is to say they won't try again?"

Nathaniel seemed to have the answer. Or, well, almost. "They won't, not yet anyway."

And by 'almost' it meant he had more to share, good and bad.

"The ritual was completed, if imperfectly. Right now the magician will be trying to absorb all the power he took from your family's souls, including yours. Those of the Guerrero family that fell thanks to this dark spell will be in Heaven, but most of them will have suffered greatly, as have you. Such a weakened state would make going back to the living world for a few months, perhaps a year or so, quite hazardous." Nathaniel made a pause so this all could be understood.

Rosie was acutely aware that most wouldn't get it. In simple terms? Many spells, or even actions, could kill them right now. With absurd ease at that. A weakened soul could just as easily shatter as it could be altered, manipulated, and even enslaved.

This family was at an impasse and they did not know just how weak they truly were.

But it was made clear not everything was bad. At least if you know where to look.

Nathaniel offered such insight. "On the flipside, it will also make it next to impossible for the caster to follow you. What is more here: This construct, this 'tower', is draining much of the power the ritual took from you. This stolen energy will make this magical construction a permanent thing, robbing the ritual from much of its intended effect, but your enemy is unlikely to not notice until they have recovered from the backlash the ritual's completion put in their mind and body. Even better yet: The Mark of Sin is now gone, its purpose realized, even if not completely fulfilled. As such you now are truly free, with no more compulsions. Weak, endangered, but free."

Someone Rosie didn't know, nor did she see, had something to say about it. "'Free', yeah, by being trapped in Hell of all places."

"Perhaps it is not the best outcome, no." Nathaniel amended. Even Rosie would admit that the end result sucked, albeit not with those words, for the humans. "But it does bring opportunities." The angel's gaze hardened as he looked at Rosie. "I am not one to condone such things, more so now that the ritual, the prophecy itself, is fulfilled, but…"

The Overlord couldn't help but smirk even wider than before. "Oh my dear! Such an event!" Because Rosie knew exactly what Nathaniel meant. "I may have indeed come here to ensure whoever had created this thing knew who was in charge, but never would I've guessed an angel of all things would push mortals to deal with me."

A loud bang overtook the scene before anyone could get a word edgewise.

"I refuse this blasphemy." Pilar could hardly look at Nathaniel, much less her family right now. It was clear to Rosie that the woman was having a crisis of faith at best, or suffering from delusions, or derangement, at worst considering what she said next. "I refuse to work for a demon of all things! I will not back away from God in any way and I am appalled that an angel of all creatures in creation would dare utter such words!"

Nathaniel let out a defeated sigh, though Rosie would've preferred his next words were harsher so they could've knocked some sense in that woman. "I knew you would, and I will not fault you for that. And I know this will not move you, but you should remember: Your soul is tainted by this dark magic, far beyond the small smidge the Mark of Sin left behind. This is enough that not even death could cleanse the corruption. As such, and by the Laws of Heaven, you, and everyone here, have been written off by the Holy Land."

Some of those present, the more devout, let out a gasp in horror. Others, far less interested in Heaven until they learned Hell was real, cursed at how unfair this was. All of them shared a simple thought.

They were stuck here. And an angel was recommending them a path, a dark one, because he saw it as the best option.

It made Rosie feel chills of excitement as Nathaniel pushed his point. "I am here at great risk to myself, miss Pilar. The only hope I have of being allowed another chance at helping you hinges on your survival, and minimal involvement on my part, and I am unsure if I have already gone overboard on that. That said…" The angel was quick to turn around at that point, the angry glare of the matriarch being completely ignored. "This is not something a single person can decide. What do you all think? Hell is, for now, your only hope, and Rosie may be able to lend a hand."

"For a price." Rosie chimed in. There was no use hiding it in this case. "Fealty to me is required if you want my cooperation, my dears."

A second or two of silence enveloped the room before one of the men, Ramon, asked something all of them had been wondering about. "And what else would you ask of us?" His voice was gruff and bordering on an angry tone. It was clear the complete lack of control and power in this situation was getting to him, bringing bad memories perhaps. "What could WE do for YOU that you'd want?"

Rosie smirked. "I could lie. I could lead you along, but I won't." The she demon hummed, knowing she held all the cards. Stringing these poor souls along wouldn't do her much good. "I want something simple, my dears: Meat."

Rosie knew many of those living under her would've salivated at the mention, at the mere idea, of a cradle of butchers this size working for them. She was far too refined to do that, at least in public anyway. The tone of her voice however… it made many of the humans shiver.

"Your quaint little home has landed in my turf, my land; The Cannibal Colony." Rosie snickered a bit under her breath, tittering as she saw almost every figure in front of her staring at her in abject horror. "Sinners, demons… humans. We are not picky." She purred out, delighted at how the weight of the situation finally settled in. "But do not worry. At least SOME of you have manners, and even demons have morals. Albeit I shall be sincere and admit they are not like any of you would ever hold, I am afraid. I will respect it if you decline to work for me, but that means I will not offer you anything in return. Fair is fair, I think."

Manuel caught her attention the moment he urged her for more. "But what do you mean by 'meat'? To hunt these Sinners, these fallen souls? To hunt other demons? Or…" For a second the old veteran found his mouth dry, tongue tied and his desire to talk gone. He ultimately managed to get it out. "Or perhaps to hunt people on Earth?"

"Any and all of the above, my good sir." Rosie didn't see the reason to hide her interests. Why, now that she knew of their circumstances, and the fact that they were part of that small section of humanity, an order meant to smite evil, well, the temptation was absolute. "I don't see the problem after all. Aren't most of you descendants of The Order, as stated by Nathaniel himself? I have heard no one here say otherwise after all. What is wrong with executing the Lord's enemies then? If you give me their remains I'll even make sure they are properly… taken care of."

Her toothy smile only widened as Pilar pointed at her with pure hate almost inundating the room. "Don't you dare mention the Lord, you monster! We will not cave into your demands!"

The sound of a chair moving cut whatever else Pilar had to say.

Apparently Raul had gotten up.

"I may not care for Pilar in more ways than one." The man said, no shame in admitting his differences, and disdain, with the elderly woman. "I consider her a lunatic, let's be frank. Or at least I did, before arriving here and seeing both a demon and an angel with my very eyes. There are many things I would do for those I care for, but I agree with her on this. Neither I nor my family will not be part of… whatever you are offering."

His wife came next as she approached her husband. It was clear Carmen found the idea of aligning with Rosie to be simply disgusting. "My husband is right. My family will not take part in this, no matter what." She motioned to her children as she walked towards Pilar's side of the table. Alfonso and Sandra were quick to move to their mother's side, but Ander looked to be deep in thought. "Ander! Didn't you hear me? Come here!"

And his thoughts were broken as soon as his mother spoke. "You know what? No."

This seemed to break the spell everyone else had been under.

"What do you mean 'no'?!" Carmen asked in a shrill voice. "She wants to eat people! She wants us to help her by bringing others for her to munch on! Come here before you do or say something stupid, again!"

"Want to know what I have to say about that? Fuck off, mom. All you do is 'try to be a good person'. Yeah, a 'good person' my ass. You are a fucking racist, an hypocrite and an opportunistic hyena." Ander spat while mimicking a… let's say a 'speech impeded person' before growing hateful in his tirade.

Rosie personally considered his act rather uncouth, but it was clear the anger had been growing for a long time there. In fact she was sure that, had this situation been less dire, the young man would've done his best to get even with his mother.

And Rosie was pretty sure that 'get even' would've meant something far harsher than just a slap on the face.

"I want to live, you know? I want to be ME, and not who YOU want me to be. Rosie is offering us a chance at not getting screwed. Hell, I bet my ass I would have more freedom under HER care than under YOURS." Ander crossed his arms as he looked at his mother in disdain. "What are we going to do otherwise? Beg for scraps to DEMONS of all things? Try to fish on that sea we seem to have next to our new lawn? Or live off the land in a place apparently made by magic, magic that may have given us nothing but a barren place to live in if we lack the seeds or if they don't want to germinate? Fuck no. I choose the demon lady over being an idiot."

His father looked ready to blow a gasket, Rosie even got ready to intervene. Conflict would help her, yes, but violence could devolve into something else. She wanted potential resources ALIVE, no matter how much thirty odd bodies would be useful in their own way.

Besides, she did not want to see what would happen if the angel thought it prudent to intervene.

Luckily for her, someone else chimed in.

"Well, you can all think whatever you want, uncle Raul. Heck, I'll do the same and tell you right away: I think Ander here had the right idea." Ernesto approached his cousin, giving him a nod. "I am on the side of doing whatever we need to stay alive. I may regret it, but we cannot regret anything if we just die. You know, life is funny that way."

The pair moved to mimic Raul and Carmen, only on opposite sides of the table. The smile on Rosie's lips turned more vicious as Pilar glared her way with even more fervor and intensity. Clearly the two women had started a war of wills, and Rosie knew she was going to win.

Some would not make it easy for her though. And this was demonstrated by another young man getting up, almost spitting on the ground.

"You have always been a retard, Ernesto. Today you are just much stupider than usual. I don't know how my brother can be this idiotic, but here you are." Pablo spoke grimly and with disdain, quickly adding his number to those behind Pilar. "I am out of this. You want to fuck yourself up? Go ahead."

"Is that any way to talk to your brother?" Rosie looked at the woman, apparently the pair's mother. Mireya was looking at her eldest son with something akin to both disappointment and disgust. "I may not be in favor of this… this madness, but there may be other ways to go around it. We may not need to have anyone get their hands dirty like that."

"I make no promises." Rosie offered nothing but the truth to the woman. "And I will not force all of you to do that. I may have more uses for so many people… But the deal WILL include providing for me and mine. I offer no illusions here: What I want, I get. I think I am being MORE than fair, far more than most of my kind would, by being straightforward with all of you."

Mireya's lips quivered, clearly disgusted by the idea still, but her desire to live clearly trumped the morality she could not afford to sustain in this situation. "Fine! If that is what needs to be done, so be it. I am not going to die without at least trying to keep my children safe."

As the woman moved behind her, Rosie could hear Mireya's eldest son muttering something close to 'Now you care, you witch'. There was something there, but she wasn't about to pry.

Three on her side, six against. Still many to go.

The divide opted to grow instead of shorten as another woman, Rocio, began walking towards her mother.

"I do not wish harm upon our family." Rocio began, an apologetic tone clear in her voice as she was clearly unable to look everyone else in the eye. "But I cannot condone such actions. I… suppose I can respect Miss Rosie's demands. This is Hell; wickedness and monstrous acts were to be expected, I suppose. I hope not to offend you here."

Rosie waved the woman's concerns away. "No offense taken, my dear. What you said is the truth after all."

Rocio offered an unsure and wavering smile. "Thank you." Then she took a deep breath. "But still. I cannot go along with what you ask of us. There… I suppose this would be a fair exchange for those used to violence for violence's sake, but it leads down a road I cannot follow, I SHALL not go that far from the Light. If we were to side with you, I may find something to aid my family, but I won't butcher people for any reason."

"I must side with Aunt Rocio." Next came Rosa as she approached the growing group behind Pilar. "I am not opposed to ending a life to feed someone else, but we were talking about animals before. It was fish. It may sound hypocritical, but I cannot bring myself to harming a person just… just for you to eat them."

Rosie expected that much. At least one in this family would bring that up. She hadn't expected most to react favorably to the idea of her diet. Now, the desire to live? That was going to pick up soon enough.

"You know what? I am not going to kill anyone here." Hector was quick to move. It surprised the Overlord when he chose Rosie. "But I am sure someone here will be more than willing. After all…" He sent a glare towards his mother, one that, if Rosie saw the signs correctly, made Pilar flinch. "Mommy dearest wanted all of us to be killers anyway. She may have given up on that, instead trying to train the children, but I think that is a point we shouldn't forget. So no biggie one way or another, right? Just a change of boss. Besides, I have other talents I may be able to put to use, if Rosie allows me."

"I would gladly crush someone's head if it came down to it." Rosie was impressed at Mario's size, as well as his children's own now that they became the center of attention. The three largest men were side by side as they walked towards her. "I respect your desires and beliefs, my love, but this is no time for morals. Violence had to be used to protect our kids before, all of it apparently needed thanks to a curse, and the inaction of those upstairs. Maybe our family was meant to have done something, but just warning us once and letting us go? Stupid if you ask me, and stupidity doesn't exactly breed confidence in them helping us out of this now."

His eldest son nodded, being rather blunt in his opinion. "I dislike the idea of going against grandmother's wishes, of hurting someone else for what I cannot help but think of as horrible reasons." He took a deep breath, clearly bothered. "But I will not be punished for something I had no part in doing. The Original Sin is something I despise, something I cannot respect. If Heaven desires to make use of such a rule, then I cannot abide by their commandments. I have always protected my brother, my cousins, and I will not allow anyone to get hurt, not even now. No matter what I have to do."

Enrique, much like his brother Javier, was on board with this, but for different and very simple reasons. "I just know Carlos is going to side with Miss Rosie here. He is not going to allow any of us to die without getting in the line of fire, so I see no reason not to get on board. Besides, I don't want to die. Call me a coward, but I'd rather die with a weapon in my hand and standing in front of my enemy than begging for mercy."

Seven to eight. The numbers were now growing in her favor. More so if you counted Rosie herself, making the numbers even.

"I cannot believe I am saying this, but I will be siding with Miss Pilar."

And then the count went back to side with the matriarch.

Not only was Zaid walking towards the elderly woman, his wife, Yolanda, and his daughter, Nuru, walked with him. Yolanda was clearly disgusted, if not horrified, as she eyed Rosie, while their child was openly afraid.

A shame, but expected that at least some would react this way.

"I am a medic." Zaid began, his motives clear right away. "I cannot condone attacking people as if they were animals for you to feast on." Job aside, it was clear the man sounded repulsed. "I will not allow my daughter anywhere near that kind of act, nor will my wife take part in such things. Even if her side wins, I will not do harm. I will only heal whoever needs it."

Eight to eleven.

"I cannot partake, and my wife abhors the idea." Enomoto came next, his wife, Olga, using him for support as her face showed a greenish tint. Rosie could see clearly that these women lacked the stomach for what was to come. "I may be armed and armored, and I may have skills using the weapons I make. But that is my primary goal: I make weapons and armor. I would be far more useful in a forge, so I cannot offer myself for battle. I will, however, support those willing to fight for the family, no matter the outcome. I know this will make some of you think less of me, but this is my duty and I will do my part no matter what."

That much earned him a nod from Rosie. A member of The Order making blades for her? Far more useful than most modern bores and pissants could think. A quick knife in the dark killed more, even today, than the many guns out there.

Still, it meant eight to thirteen.

Then it turned into eight to fourteen.

"I side with my wife." Pedro walked, almost wobbling, towards his wife's side of the table. It was as if he had been partially out of it for a while. And, as he spoke, it seemed Rosie's observation was right. "As we waited I was granted a revelation. I saw things… our family would need to battle and bleed to survive in this place. I wish nothing but the best for my children, and death is the last thing in my mind for them. But I cannot condone what they'd need to sacrifice for all of us to live another day." He let out a sigh Rosie knew to come from a man defeated. "I much rather prefer that we live our last days together. Miserable, hungry and alone, yes, but together."

And with that downer of a monologue, came the eight to fifteen.

Antonia got up from her seat and offered her husband an apologetic look. "I know you have sacrificed much for me, for the family, Manuel. I will respect whatever you choose, but I wish violence was not necessary. We lived through more than enough in our younger years." She walked, almost ashamed, to Pilar's side. "Please, forgive me."

However, this was the turning point. Rosie knew it before and now she was sure of it. There were far too many here that would kill to survive, with Manuel being the next in line.

"Dear, I have loved you for more than six decades now. We have had bigger disagreements than this." Manuel chuckled, a good natured, but sad, sound. "So I hope you understand… but I side with lady Rosie on this one."

The growing momentum Pilar had enjoyed crumbled there and then. The matriarch almost seething at her counterpart's determined frown.

"I have survived Franco's loyalists and their indoctrination. I had to serve in his army where those like me were 'trained' to survive under live fire. I was forced to do a dictator's will and I was punished at every turn. I survived that disgusting man, I kept my ideals intact and I have navigated political intrigues to better our city and I have been stabbed in the back by the same people that swore to help the average man." Rosie saw energy she didn't know the old man had come to the surface as his voice grew in intensity. "I shall not lie down and allow Heaven OR Hell to step on us. If our survival comes at a price, so be it. It would not be the first time I have to pay it and then some, nor the first time a monster takes hold of my leash. The only difference is that this time the monster is, at the very damn least, giving me a choice."

Nine, and now it was the turn for those to ally with Rosie to grow.

"I am with Manuel on this one." Valentina stood up, her voice nothing but a growl and a snarl on her face. "Maybe we haven't been pious little shits, but to be thrown here just because our souls are apparently 'corrupted' just because we survived? Fuck that, and fuck Heaven."

Her husband came next, Francisco clearly having similar animosity towards those that discarded them. "I agree with Valentina. We did nothing wrong. We provided for the family whenever it was needed. We cared for friends and even the biggest assholes in town. We weren't saints, but we don't deserve this. I have survived the sea far too long to just sit down and wait to die because someone upstairs decided that telling someone once about a bloke trying to screw us up was enough of an excuse to let us die."

Gonzalo, far as Rosie was concerned, was the most brass and uncaring of the bunch. He had been smoking the whole time, and looked wholy unconcerned with the fate of the family. Or that is what she thought until the young man got up, gave his cousin a pat on the back and followed his parents to Rosie's side.

Twelve to fifteen.

"Jamba and I have been talking." Akiko broke the brief silence Gonzalo had left behind, both cousins side by side as they eyed the table. "Neither of us wants to fight, but we don't want to die either." It was clear to Rosie that the woman armed with a bow was apprehensive when she looked her way. "We will side with Miss Rosie. Father, mother, I am sorry if I disappoint you."

Enomoto offered a comforting smile her way, though her mother only looked worried, if not shocked. Jamba just stared at his father, and his father returned a nod. It was his life, his choice, and he would respect them.

The last four were far easier to read, because anger, if not pure rage, was clear in them all. From youngest to eldest, they knew only one thing: They had been betrayed, harmed, and used. Heaven took what little was desired, with Pilar herself trying to reap what was owed.

Of the family, these were clearly the ones with the most primal disgust for what had happened, and Rosie knew why.

All of those present had been hurt, and many had lost family. But none had lost a child, a brother, or a sister. Of them all Sofia looked the worse for wear, anger beyond belief clear in her tears, while her husband held her tightly against his chest, veins visible as anger mounted. Rosie could see, clear as day, how young Marcela bent and darkened the air around her, a clear sign lost to the others, except perhaps Nathaniel, showing that her darkness was not just for show but likely a tool to be used if she learned how to.

And then there was Carlos.

The sound of the blade flicking in and out of its seat came as the cut out point of the conversation and siding phase. The young man looked positively deranged. What side was most abused by the Mark of Sin, Rosie did not know, but his anger was clearly a focal point as he eyed the blade in his hand time and time again.

"Lady Rosie, I hope you don't mind, but I'd like to be excused from being polite for a second. I truly wish to not offend, I have been taught to be respectful as much as possible, but I would greatly appreciate it if you allowed me to vent." He spoke, his tone dead and flat, eerily calm.

Rosie fronwed, but considering his manners, and that the young man had asked her, why not? "I don't see a problem… But why?"

"Because I am fucking tired of this." The young man growled, spittle flowing as he fought to keep his voice under a yell. "All my life I have seen my cousins fucked over; bullied, insulted and abused. My own sister was the target of many pieces of shit, and all of us had to get our hands dirty putting many idiots in their place. I myself was not exempt from this treatment." Carlos finally seated the weapon, a frown plastered on his face. "I lost what could've been a younger sister, Rosie. She died in my mother's womb when all was going well. We thought it a tragedy brought on by age, but clearly it was not." He was clearly fighting to keep his mind straight. "So I offer you not someone that would do what was needed to fulfill this bargain. I offer to do whatever you think I need to do to become a hunter, your hunter… With conditions."

Clearly the young man wasn't thinking. Rosie had half the family backing her, yes, and many had offered to do what she'd ask of them. But now one of them was offering himself to Rosie? Had Carlos done so with his previous charm and manners, Rosie would've been delighted. But to let such dark thoughts and desires flow like a river?

Oh, Rosie was GUIDDY! True she would've preferred the much more refined young man from before, but this was just as good, if not even better. It was clear that under such a nice exterior lies a thing Rosie could morph into a brutal monster. Not that she strictly wanted such a thing, no. A much more refined weapon was far more effective than a simple club to cudgel your enemies with. And Rosie knew that such a duality could come in handy on most occasions if he were to master it.

Question was… what would the young man ask for?

"I don't ask for much. In fact, beyond helping keep my family safe, I only ask for two things." Rosie hummed, hearing Carlos' high of anger subside ever so slightly, his words more coherent as he nodded for him to go on. "I need time. I am angry now, I know I am. I don't think clearly when I am this pissed, but I am not lying here: I will do whatever you tell me. I am willing to do as you just, just as those of my family behind you have offered to. I just… I need time to come to terms with that. But in my case I offer more than that though: I offer you to make this not just a verbal contract or anything like that. I offer a deal; a deal like those that demons in myth seem so keen on doing."

Rosie's smile reached new heights, her eyes wide in surprise and delight.

Pilar's face broke into despair, her mind unbelieving of what she just heard.

"If Heaven disdains our souls, then fuck them. At least you seem willing to place some worth in the damn things." Carlos went on, nervousness now clear as his arms and legs jittered, his mind finally catching up with what he was offering, likely realizing how stupid he had been, but unwilling to back down. "But for that I have the second condition: I want you to send me only to those that try to hurt my family, hurt your people, or that are truly disgusting, horrible people. We all know there are so many of those that I would be doing both Hell and Earth a favor if I cut their lives short. It may constrain you but… I don't think I could go for the average joe out there. I cannot promise something I am sure I cannot give."

Rosie was beyond happy, but she hid it as well as she could. It would do no good to appear eager. Although she did take her time teasing, getting up, clearly and blatantly ignoring Pilar and her rage as she approached Carlos with a smile so predatory no entity on Earth would even dare look her way.

Yes, the deal was a bit 'limited'. Rosie couldn't just make her new attack dog go and kill a whole village's worth of people, but she wasn't against it, not fully. A massacre could be a fun, pleasing event, and something that'd fill her pantry whenever needed. But was it really that hard to find criminals and other lowlifes on Earth AND Hell? No, not at all. She would need some networking for any order she was to give, but it would barely be much effort at all.

Carlos had just offered her an eternal feast for as long as she employed him, given he managed to train to be good enough. It was an opportunity she would only let go if she suddenly lost all reason. So why not take full advantage?

"Then let's make a proper *deal*, dearie. I'll even offer you and your family something else in exchange for your servitude, how does that sound?" Rosie almost said every word in a sing-song voice as Carlos stood to attention. "I am not picky with my food, my dear. I don't mind having the worst Hell and Earth have to offer for dinner." She chuckled at the bad joke, but she had reasons to. "So, if you were to serve as my hound, I could go out of my way and help you find the person that put your family in this situation."

The Overlord was delighted as the flash of hate that simmered on the family of four the moment she offered this. If what Nathaniel said, then it wouldn't be easy to do such a thing. The Mark of Sin held no power over him anymore, but a soul corrupted was still something that could still be molded. And, after all, what was worth anything that was also easy to attain? Besides, such a powerful being as a willing human with a speck of Holy blood could have many uses.

"So here is the deal I offer you. Please, pay attention."

Rosie was now right in front of the young man, her hand extended as a clear glow and eerie sounds, far too close to screams and flesh tearing for any of the humans present, began to echo in the room. Grotesque images of half devoured corpses, only seen if one focuses on them too long, began to dance around the room as lights flickered when the deal's magic came into play.

"I offer you your family's safety in any way I can. I will support them, I will offer them work and a safe haven in my land, I will aid in hunting those that try to harm them and I will do all in my power to find the one that you want to enact revenge on. And in return? In return you hunt for me, you bring me flesh, you stalk the land to kill monsters to feed another. And I guarantee that no… 'innocents'... shall be marked for you to hunt."

Her smile became that of a monster as a slight flicker of what truly lies beneath Rosie's mask of sophistication and ladylike behavior was shown.

It was a mockery of what Rosie appeared to be.

The hunger, the thirst for blood, the desire to hear bones crunching as she swallowed her prey whole. An immensely addicting thirst in the night, that of hunting her prey and watching the life bleed away from them.

That, and more, was shared as Rosie's self was made manifest to the point of being felt by those around her.

"But what is a contract without an end goal? A payment for services rendered? Well, here is the price for your freedom and a reward to both of us. You bring me the corpse of the one that hurt you. I'll devour their flesh in front of you, defile what is left of their soul and exact the final revenge you crave. In exchange for such a sublime meal I'll maintain my word while your debt to me is fulfilled and your servitude no longer required."

Rosie pressed forward. Instead of her beautiful face now a long, drooling maw full of teeth could be seen. Either her 'real' self, or an image seen as the demonic energy she was expelling warped the mind of those in her presence. Her hand, nothing but thin, serrated claws, being offered to the young man.

All he needed to do was shake her hand.

Thus, the question came. "Do we have a deal?"

"Carlos! Don't you da-"

"Pilar. Silence. No threats, no screams. I will speak and he will decide. There must be objectivity, not insults and coercion."

Carlos had been about to accept her terms. There were downsides for him, Rosie could see this. Oh, there was doubt. There was FEAR. The young man had yet to kill someone, and bloodlust cannot be fueled by anger, a desire for revenge and fear alone. The Overlord knew he would need to be forged into it, but she was confident it would pay off. Yet the young man was willing to agree, and she was confident he would.

Perhaps too confident. She should have pressed more, not that her offer was retracted when the old matriarch spoke, nor when the angel seemed to get up and turn around to face them. Rosie would not move from her position, not now. She had a deal to make and she WOULD do so. This opportunity was something she would not miss, not even if God Himself decided to butt in. Only the mortals could make it go awry, and she knew Carlos wouldn't deny her.

So, she allowed the angel his piece. A warning was all he could deliver, and that is exactly what he did.

But she did not relent.

Her form, warped in the eyes of those present, could not fool the angel. She had not changed, the room had remained the same. It was all an act to scare the young man that staunchly searched for a way to obtain safety and revenge.

So Nathaniel would speak. But she would not cede her post.

"Carlos, I will not try to dissuade you from this, only offer words of caution."

And it surprised Rosie just how candid the angel was. Just how little did Heaven care for mortals? Or was this a special case? Either way, she had to admit Nathaniel was far less an ass than those she had the displeasure to encounter before. The least she could do was allow the angel to spill one last time.

"This is your life, and what is left of your soul. If you agree to Miss Rosie's deal, then you WILL have to obey her when it comes to the specifics. You will have to kill, stalk and murder for her when she commands, so long as she doesn't break her own part of the contract. You would turn into a monster yourself, if you were to go down that path. Is it truly what you want to do?"

A sincere question. All without theatrics. Rosie would've nodded had she not been preoccupied as she was.

"Bear in mind, young man. With the Mark of Sin gone there will be no more compulsions guiding any of you." Nathaniel went ahead with his words, but he did not give any indication of trying to push Rosie away or pressure the young man. "Your most negative aspects will only further push you ahead if YOU feed them now. Others will not go for you as easily and without reason as before, nor will accidents and misfortune be attracted to you and your family anymore. What you do now is up to you, and only you can decide. You could, in the future, go so far as to have a normal life if you do not make this deal now."

The angel spared a glance to the Overlord at his side, Rosie unwilling to part gazes with her soon to be hunter. She would not quit, nor relent. If there was one thing she would have in common with this young man soon enough, it was that her prey would never leave her sight. "I will not fight lady Rosie on this, I will not pull you away, and I offer no illusion that Heaven would want you any more, or any less, than it does now after what happened. I just wish to help you. I just beg you to consider this deeply, young man. There are ways other than making a true deal, even if they would take longer and pose different risks."

Carlos, for his part, was looking at Rosie's outstretched palm while sending glances to the angel. "Is it what I want? No."

For a second Rosie thought she had lost.

For a second, no longer.

"I don't want this. I know everyone here is aware of that much. You, Rosie, my family. Everyone can see I am about to break over here. But I will not give up without fighting. I am not a coward like many of those alive today. I would sooner truly die than not give it my all."

Carlos said with utmost sincerity. To Rosie it was clear that he was this close to letting the contents of his stomach show. The young man was doing his utmost to keep it together, and for that he had her respect at the very least.

"But is there another way out of this? Something you can offer me? Or something another entity in Hell would do without having this, or worse, a price?" When the angel didn't answer, when the silence stretched, Rosie knew that she had at last won. "Then, for my family, I will kill. For revenge, I will hunt. I'll become a monster, and I will do it with a smile."

Rueful, forced, but he smiled. Rosie knew one day his grin would mimic hers and that of a close friend.

Because the young man was on board, and that is all Rosie needed.

"We have a deal, my Lady Rosie."

Rosie's satisfaction grew as he held her hand, a firm handshake, despite how much of a nervous wreck the young man had been, sealed the deal. The magic in the room slowly condensed in her hand as everything returned to normal. The dramatic show of fell energies done with the moment Carlos all but gave his soul to Rosie for as long as it took for this deal to be finished, if it ever did.

Thus, Carlos became Rosie's huntsman. Rosie not only gained him as a willing servant, but more than half his family, including his parents, even his sister, considering their look of determination, would be willing to work with her.

Rosie knew, no matter what, that this was the start of something interesting.

And she would make full use of them all.