A lone investigator sat on his lonesome after the news of being forced to exile himself from the hotel. Artyom carried on existing in Hell but there was so much he could do in Mrs. Mayberry's car. So the old habits of his former post-apocalypse life came to be in the chance to stave off boredom. He had the luxury of his pay in Heaven helping him in Hell and now his hard work in the Department of Heaven would provide him a meal fit for a king, by the standards of the Moscow Metro. There had been a fast-food restaurant nearby and a mere visit was all he needed until the staff wanted to close down.
The redeemed soul sat in one of the many booths and slipped his gas mask off. He looked down to find a red plastic tray laid before him, food poisoned by a glistening layer of grease. An open box was placed on the left, presenting French fries covered in a brown and yellow mix of goo. Beside it was a bag of crispy chicken tenders releasing wisps of heat from underneath. At the center was a massive burger containing two cheese-covered meat patties separated by lettuce, sliced tomato, and chopped onions. This warm meal was flanked by two large styrofoam cups containing a root beer float.
His stomach growled with hunger from within as he took a mere fry and placed it in his mouth. Melted cheese and chili meat sauce found themselves swarming his taste buds like a flood. The saved still had to get accustomed to the rich flavor of the food in the afterlife, especially when it came to Hell. Everything was made to exist with short-lived life or with some form of excess and food was no different in this regard. He reached out for another fry and began to savor the meal with gusto, appreciating its crude form with a smile on his face. Such small pleasures were what helped him ignore the restaurant staff and the other customers.
"Railtracer!" Artyom's heart stopped for a brief moment as he realized his current situation. He had distracted himself long enough that someone managed to sneak up on him; yet, the stranger's voice sounded like he recognized him. Then the Russian looked to his left to find a muscular and dark-furred Hellhound in ripped black clothes. Beside him was a fox-like woman with four arms walking, "Hey, you remember me? Don't you?"
He took the moment to look back upon his memories but the disguised investigator didn't need to think long. The stranger was there at the beach party, who was far more vigilant back then. "I do. You're Verosika's bodyguard. Vortex, right? What are you doing here?"
"Well, she's getting ready for the concert tonight. So I got some time off to hang out with my girlfriend. Bee, I like to introduce someone to you." The man seemed excited as the atmosphere changed.
A feeling of dread was instilled in his emotions while his lover walked over to the table booth with a smile on her canine-like face. He knew not why only that her presence invoked his mind to quietly rest his hand over a holstered pistol on his side. Of course, he did not in order to maintain the facade of being a sinner trying to live another casual life in Hell.
"Railtracer, meet Beelzebub, my girlfriend. Bee, meet Railtracer, Verosika's sinner boyfriend."
She giggled and wings from her back began to flutter, causing the woman to rise off the ground. "Oh, it's rare to have a sinner in our circle of friends. I'm kinda curious about how a guy like you ended up with a girl like her."
"Well, it began when I a shot her," Artyom replied with the truth but he didn't know how her reaction would take it, "Then I patched her up."
"Really? I'll be honest, she must be desperate or there was more to that patching if you know what I mean." Beelzebub remarked, unfortunately, the supposed innuendo was lost on him. At the same time, her comment was surprising.
The conversation about his succubus girlfriend merely sparked a heartfelt interest in her well-being and whereabouts. He looked over to Vortex as he reached for his drink and sipped ice cream lathed in root beer from a straw. "Speaking of which, how's she doing?"
"Verosika was supposed to make her last-minute practice but someone from the Hazbin Hotel got shot by her ex-husband. A sinner by the name of Mrs. Mayberry," The world stopped upon hearing the news. One of his few acquaintances within Hell was injured and his soul felt compelled to check on her. No obligation was involved but it felt like the right act to do as a friend, "I don't know the details but the last time I heard about them, they were heading over to the hospital."
"Where is the hospital?" He questioned as he began to prepare to take away his food.
The final preparations for the concert were underway. Verosika's promise was coming to fruition but whether it would attract new sinners who sought redemption was a completely different matter entirely. It was quite the gamble by Charlie but the girl's creative ideas for the hotel had to be tempered. Not that it was a bad characteristic.
Vaggie stood by the edge of the balcony and looked down at the world below. The building's height was impressive in scope; yet, she could clearly see the work the concert staff below finished with setting the stage. Beyond the perimeter closed off to the denizens of Hell, thousands of visitors were waiting outside as night began to fall. Her eyes gazed out to the nearby parking lots, finding a trail of people leaving their cars to join the eager crowds.
Tonight was going to be eventful, especially with all the sins of gluttony and lust provided. How ironic that it would take place outside a place meant to rehabilitate souls to Heaven. Despite all of the mockery and derision from others, she would stand beside her girlfriend no matter the obstacle. That heart of hers weighed more than all of the public acclimation in the world.
Shoes slide with the carpet flooring behind the woman. It didn't take long to recognize the man once his microphone stand tapped against the ground. She expressed a growl of ire and annoyance. "What do you want, Alastor?"
"You need to work on your manners, miss," The damned latina turned around and saw the Radio Demon standing at the center of two double doors. What twisted words did he want this time? She doubted their words would have any meaning but it was not worth underestimating an overlord of his stature, "Charlie and I have… encountered some new guests who just came in earlier."
"What of it?" She had heard about the commotion down below but she never truly met them in person. If he was here because of them, then this conversation had a reason to exist. After all, why would an overlord concern himself with this?
"One of them was a creature of Heaven, a cherub to be exact. I normally would not care but what he said was truly fascinating and it pertains to the subject of our little Russian friend."
"Railtracer?" Vaggie did not like the implications of what her latest company would state as he approached the balcony edge and looked up at the sky. She followed his gaze to find him staring at the white round blip among the stars, "You seemed so interested."
"Collin spoke of something important. The child mentioned an organization who specialized in infiltrating our social order that is Hell and that concerns me, more than I would like." He lowered his head and his free hand began to rub his thumb and index together. It was the first time he looked troubled and that meant it was serious.
"Must be important for you to look like that."
It was the first time in her life that she saw the overlord express a brief smile. At first, it seemed comforting until his face grimaced at the thought. "The creature referred to an organization known as the Department of Purgatory. I'm not exactly sure about it but he certainly is not lying. I can tell just from a glance alone. The others? Well, they seemed to corroborate his fanciful tale."
"It sounds ludicrous." She remembered that time when Railtracer was caught alone during Lucifer's visit and the interrogation at the clothing store. The sinner recalled her demands about asking for information about the department. He never did say other than threatening him wasn't going to make him break his vow of secrecy, only that he was there to protect Charlie. Ever since Alastor brought this up, the story of the arms repairman working for I.M.P. didn't add up, "Why would they be infiltrating Hell?"
"Perhaps they are the reason the exterminations occur on a daily basis. They scout us out and when everything is ready, they call their killers to target us. Who knows? All I have is theory and conjecture, which are in ready supply save for the evidence backing their credibility." He was treating this matter seriously, no longer was he the entertaining radioman trying to charm his way into better graces. Rather, he seemed so cold and calculating as his hand latched onto the stone railing and his fingers tapped. What happens now?
"Maybe we should tell Charlie about this?"
"Tempting as that would be, I believe she would not know what to do. We need more than mere suspicions to garner her attention." He added seemingly unsure about his convictions.
This balcony would be the first time that Vaggie wished the Radio Demon was far more insidious than he let on. It would be a simple description and move on from that reality but this conversation planted doubts about the sinner who claimed to be working for Lucifer. Was he truly protecting the princess or was he planted close to her by this very department? Time would tell and she would need to keep her blessed blade close enough if this infiltrator was trying to throw her off.
Blitzo did not think his date through. To be frankly honest, he had shown up at Stolas' mansion with the business van without thinking about the Goetia's height. He was fortunate that Moxxie and Millie took public transit as the embarrassment could have been worse. There was also the fact his boyfriend could open a portal and save face in the eyes of guests.
They stood outside of the entrance of the building as the half-naked incubus bouncer stared him down with a disdainful look. Blitzo rolled his eyes at him before the bird towering beside him cleared his throat. "Excuse me, will this take long?"
"No sir," His facial expression changed upon hearing the noble's annoyed feelings as he stepped aside and gestured his hand deeper into the hallway. He bowed slightly, showing the due respect owed to the high-ranking Hellborn, "Just in time for the show."
The duo were quick to walk up the steps and make their way inside. It didn't take much for the imp to notice the walls. Paintings and pictures were adorned with golden trimmings as they displayed the top viewings of the owner and his lover together. He recognized the clown-like imp embracing the embodiment of Lust - Fizerolli. His old childhood friend seemed happy with each picture they passed by.
Fond memories flickered from the back of his mind of the times they hung out at the circus together. He was the star of the show who earned dad's approval while he would be berated in return. Then there was the harsh reality that he pushed him away when mom died that fateful night.
It was enough to cause him to cry and Blitzo kept his gaze away from his boyfriend lest he saw. As he regained his composure, the imp heard Stolas gasp upon reaching the main attraction.
"Oh my, what a wonderful delight to be had this night?! I cannot wait to see what the show has in store for us."
They arrived at their destination and were welcomed by a decorative room, a detailed design meant to mimic the atmosphere of a theater. The center contained round tables, occupied by visiting couples from all across Hell, placed conveniently in front of a massive stage hidden away by blue and black curtains. It was difficult not to feel impressed as they were flanked by music boxes overlooking the crowd and the ceiling contained cages for Hellborn dancers or flying creatures roaming above.
An imp waiter approached them and escorted the homosexual couple to a table. One of the seats they resided on was fitted with books, enough for Blitzo to match half his lover's height as they sat down. He looked at the theater stage to see the curtains remained unmoved. His boyfriend; however, was eager for small talk. "So how was your day? Did your sinner employee return to you as expected?"
"Yeah, the guy casually came back like it never happened," He admitted before looking at the bird across from him. It was funny that he mentioned Railtracer since he was reminded of the day when his ex-girlfriend passed by to pay him a visit, "Nice guy. He even latched on to my ex if you could believe it."
"Your ex? Who is it exactly?" The nobleman seemed perplexed as his head rested upon the palm of his hand.
"Verosika Mayday?"
"The pop star?!" His eyes widened with shock and it was clear that he knew the gravity of her reputation. Everyone was always shocked and who could blame them? Not many Hellborn could claim they slept with the singing succubus capable of draining the energy out of them out of pleasure with their partner, "There was no mention of this when we hooked up. Hell, I'm surprised it didn't come up on the channels."
Soon the imp laughed knowing the real reason. Verosika valued her public image while he preferred to attract customers, not by riding on the girl's fame but built up by compliments of sinners who requested his services. It would have been great until he grabbed her credit card in started to spend it on horse-riding lessons because of a cowboy show in Wrath. "I'm a prideful imp who likes to earn his shit my own way. Things didn't work out and now she's dating my Russian sinner."
"And you are okay with that? Wouldn't it… interfere with the work of assassinating humans on the mortal plane?"
"We tried to hold a conversation about that," He remembered the last time they spoke before the situation turned sour and he was needed on that job. The very one that got his… friend… arrested. The way he spoke of Verosika, was not voiced by ill-conceived lust but genuine heartfelt care he rarely saw in the dark realm, "Then the demon hunters snatched us up before we would work it out. In the end, I think he genuinely liked her and wanted me to come to terms with it. We never got that chance."
A charming smile was all that Stolas could offer as he reached out from his end of the table. Yet, he stopped halfway as if he was anticipating the same act. "It's quite rare for me to see you behave in a different way but I think it's quite nice of you to have a talk about how to handle your former intimate relationship. I hope it won't get in between us. You better give him that talk before you lose that chance."
"It's not as easy as it sounds."
Out from the corner of his left eye was a red imp with curled red horns walking to the entrance beside the stage. She was dressed in a sleeveless white and red turtleneck with yellow stripes across her body. For a moment, the world paused as the sudden realization from the depths of his mind began to surface."
"Barbie?"
"Are you okay? Your face makes it look like you're about to be sick." Remarked the nobleman across from him.
He wanted to set off and speak to the person who walked out of his sight before focusing his attention on the date itself. It was something that he would have to check out after the show was over. "Sorry, I thought I saw my sister. It's… it's been a long time since we spoke."
"When was the last time you two talked to each other?" Questioned the Ars Goetia as he retraced his arm from the table while the creature's face shifted into a concerned look. It was weird to see him like this, "You've never spoken of your family before. The last time I saw someone close to you was your father."
"Rehab. She had a bit of a drug problem after our mom died and dad was a terrible piece of shit who could care less about us." There were enough bad memories to be had with that man before he made his decision to become an assassin. Then there was his run-in with the high-ranking nobleman.
"I… understand."
Hearing those words eased his mind. Nice to have someone listen to his problems. "Thanks. I appreciate it."
Stolas' happy reaction was enough to brighten the mood of the atmosphere as he straightened his back with pride.
Blitzo blinked as he saw the prince struck in the shoulder. Blood splattered across the pure snow-white tablecloth as a gunshot crackled in the air. His boyfriend immediately howled in pain as his hand reached over his left shoulder convulsing from his wound. Without question, the imp scanned his surroundings in search of the shooter. "Where the fuck are you?"
Footsteps approached his table before stealing a glance to find Moxxie and Millie approaching with pistols in hand. It was relieving to have some extra help on the double date before his employees fired away to his right. Four musical boxes resided in the wall above the shocked crowd and couples, only for the head of I.M.P. to recognize an old acquaintance holding a smoking barrel in the second musical box from the left. He did not hesitate to brandish a flintlock pistol and aim it at the assassin. This was for the Harvest Festival. A pull of a trigger as the black powder shot whistled across the way and drew blood in the imp's arm before he retreated out of their line of sight.
"Damn it, I missed."
Vengeance was on his mind before Moxxie walked up and stopped him. "No."
"What are you doing?! You're going to let him get away!" His employee shook his head.
"Sir, I'll take it from here," He replied with resolute certainty, "I think Prince Stolas needs your help the most."
The boss turned to see his partner grimace and groan. It was a good point and he granted his trusted associates with a simple nod. As they departed from their company, he clambered across the table and brought out his phone while checking the state of the royal's wounds.
The investigator team that was once tasked with finding the weapons shipment had been recalled from their Hellside safe house and given a new assignment. Tony was personally overseeing their team's assistance in running through a series of scenarios that would lay the foundations of the department's plan to remove a cherub and two humans from the Hazbin Hotel. Azrael watched their inaudible conversations behind a glass window as he sipped his coffee and ate donuts from a small table placed in the hallway outside the room. It was only a matter of time before their arguments and counterarguments would come to an end until his second-in-command left the room with a substantial extraction operation.
He was not jealous of the saved souls as they had to find the best solution to the worst situation they have found themselves in. His second in command certainly had his support but there were times in this line of work that it was just not enough.
A presence was felt as the Grim Reaper recognized the arrival of his visiting brother. "The High Marshal deigns to visit. Now what do I owe the pleasure?"
"Your declarations at the council meeting had stirred me to reorganize the Holy Army to be wary of disobedience and secrecy. Now that takes time but I figured seeing how the sausage gets made may help inspire my efforts," Archangel Michael answered as stood beside the collector of souls. Azrael looked over his shoulder to see him in his usual appearance of a black suit and tie instead of the suit of armor. He seemed interested in the current discussion inside the room, "This appears to be important. Do you care to summarize the situation or shall you leave me in the dark?"
"I'm cleaning up after the C.H.E.R.U.B department since they maintain a policy of exiling their workers onto the mortal plane. On a more significant note, they also gained the attention of a demon-hunter organization. There are three problems who are resting at the Hazbin Hotel and one of them is spilling his guts out about what goes on here. My second is making preparations for extraction before the opportunity slips from us of Ms. Mayday's concert." He provided his detailed explanation, hoping it would satisfy the leader of Heaven's forces. Though, the Archangel of Death felt uncomfortable talking too much as he was unsure if his own kin was compromised as the perpetrators of the attack.
"Mayday, as in Verosika Mayday? Aren't you a fan of hers? I thought you would be eager to see another showing of the succubus' work."
"Indeed I am," There was no harm in entertaining his brother. Yet, here he was, standing outside a planning room. Azrael knew his priorities when it mattered, "But I know that duty comes first before pleasure."
It was a rare moment for Michael to let out a chuckle from his lips. The War in Heaven destroyed his happiness in the aftermath of the ceasefire. So he was allowed the right to find humor at his expense. "So you say. Nonetheless, it's probably safe to say you're having an easier time than I am right now. Despite what the others say about your department, it at least has the confidence to proclaim it didn't disobey and attempt to disregard our uneasy peace with Lucifer."
"That you are correct."
"I do have one question. What happened to the man who personally made a deal with you?" Now that was an odd request in this conversation of theirs. What interest did his brother have in Artyom?
The Grim Reaper turned his head and stared into his brother's pale blue eyes. It was a look of concern and the Archangel of Death felt compelled to know why he was so specific. "Not like you to seek me out for such things."
"You are right. Ever since that day, you advised me and Eve to spend a vacation in Tahiti, I've begun to wonder about the legacy she left behind in Russia. Does he even know?"
"No," He had his reasons ones that were justified. Azrael spent countless hours reading through the personal file of his nephew and knew he was a byproduct of his mother's attempt to move on from Adam's lust for another. Humans were complicated and maybe the truth wasn't ready to be looked upon. The redeemed had concerns about avenging the man who shaped him to be the soldier he is today, "From the way I've seen how some mortals and the Hellborn look upon their fathers with terrible shame, perhaps it's better that way."
They broke eye contact as they stared back into the room to find a frustrated Tony sitting in a blue plastic chair. Yet, the topic remained in their conversation. "The longer I think of him, the more I begin to feel like Lucifer. You are perhaps the only confidant whom I can trust in moments like these. Still, it feels wrong not to tell him of his holy heritage."
"His trauma about his mother being ripped away in death still remains and fears that the history of his life would alienate her." It was the perfect summary of the Russian who walked the post-apocalyptic world and tried to move on.
"So that is what it was. Then I suppose my visit was for naught. Here's to good fortune and triumph in your quest to deal with the traitors."
The High Marshal's presence was no longer felt as he stole a glance at the spot where he once stood. Nowhere to be seen, Death felt unsure about the direction that the future may hold for him. He hated uncertainty but such was life in the shadow of the War in Heaven. His nephew's future also joined him in that regard; fortunately, it would change with some lessons from the fallen one.
His mind had been busy until he heard a door open to his left. Tony's voice alerted him from the internal thoughts that plagued him as he turned to his left to find his second standing before him with his brown duster coat, khaki pants, and the famous black riot armor. Underneath the man's arm was a helmet that complemented his appearance with its red-tinted glass eyes. "Have you come to a plan?"
He shook his head.
"What's wrong?"
"I don't have the goddamn time and there's so little of it left," The mortal could at least claim he tried to set up a plan to salvage a deteriorating situation from bad to worse, "I'm going to make a gamble of visiting the hotel myself. The thing is, I'll also have to acknowledge the existence of our organization as well."
"Has it truly come down to that?" Questioned the Grim Reaper. There had to be an alternative than to openly reveal that information to Charlie. Such was the status quo since the department's inception and now its foundations would be shifted just from this one act alone. If the Princess of Hell and her compatriots knew, there was no going back. It's not like they could silence the witnesses through other means. After all, it would only rekindle the animosity that Lucifer had for Heaven.
"I'm afraid so."
Time was precious and this matter couldn't have been thought over. There was no luxury to turn back and so he was forced to come to a conclusion given that the other solvable options were nonexistent at this time. "Do it."
A sinner woke up and saw a white ceiling upon opening her eyes. Mrs. Mayberry didn't know about her current whereabouts. Raising her head from the soft embrace of a pillow, she slowly regained her senses. She had been lying on a cot with an IV tube running through her arm as a patient gown was all the teacher wore. To her immediate right were machines checking for her heart rate and other vitals, each screen attached to a wire linking to some sensors placed throughout her body.
A door to her left swung open as Verosika Mayday stepped into the room while dragging a chair from the hallway. Upon seeing her awake, she looked surprised and immediately spoke. "You're awake! The doctors had to do a bit of surgical work but you look better."
"Ugh, I feel like shit," Helen expressed her physical sentiment while the pop star brought the seat by her bedside and sat down. It was odd that she would take the time to accompany her given the arrangements with Princess Charlie, "Don't you have a concert to prepare for?"
"I do but it never hurts to look out for acquaintances. I figured it was the decent thing for me to do." Indeed it was and the teacher smiled at the act of goodness with an approving nod. Then she recalled her assistance when it came to dealing with Gerald.
"The company could be worse. Did you see if my ex-husband is dead?"
"No. Didn't have the time to see," She replied while crossing her legs and leaning back against the chair, "So that was the guy who left you? You would have thought he'd leave you alone."
She shook her head, knowing full well that this feud was going to be substantial. "I killed him and brought him to Hell. He won't forgive me for that."
"Reminds me of my ex. I put my trust in that imp and he fucks me over. Never thought he'd waste something I thought was special." Verosika remarked upon her memories with a faint smile before a somber expression took hold of her.
"It sounds like both of us would need therapists to deal with our pasts."
"I would gladly pay for that," The succubus replied, laughing at the statement. It felt kinda nice getting to have someone to relate to ever since she fell to Hell. She pulled out a flask and unscrewed the top before drinking away while Mrs. Mayberry reached out before pulling her hand away, "You don't want any?"
Helen stole a glance at the medical machines. "After. Maybe I'll ask Husk when I get back to the Hotel."
"After all of that bullshit earlier, I think you deserve a backstage pass. How does that sound?"
"Well, it's summer and I am out of work," There was surprisingly a lot of time she had available that wasn't making up meals for Railtracer or helping Charlie with hotel management. What harm could there be in listening to songs of debauchery? "Sure."
A loud commotion of surprised nurses and doctors began to shout outside the room. Verosika and Helen looked over to the door, concerned about what it entailed until they heard footsteps click against the marble floor, growing ever closer. Much to her surprise, her Russian friend stood in the doorway, carrying a white bag and a cup carrier with two drinks in styrofoam cups.
"Railtracer, you've paid me a visit! What's all of this?"
Verosika stood up and brought him over to her bedside. Yet, she managed to get a kiss on his gas mask as the pop star switched seats with him. "I thought you were at work."
"I was but passed by to some restaurant to get some food. Then I met one of your friends - Vortex and his girlfriend. They mentioned you two at a hospital and I came here instead." He answered nonchalantly as he placed the bag on the floor and gave one of his drinks to the hospital patient.
"Oh, you got a chance to meet with Beelzebub?" She wondered before stealing the other drink and taking a quick sip, "What's your thoughts on the embodiment of gluttony?"
"That's what she was? I didn't know."
The girlfriend chuckled as she passed the drink back to him. Helen appreciated his company despite the apparent relationship he had with the succubus. She drank from the styrofoam cup and felt the mixture of ice cream and root beer run through her body. It was probably not a good idea while being attached to a machine but to Hell with medical concerns. "Not going to lie, it's been a while since I had a root beer float. Glad that I've been treated."
"So how long are you going to be in here?" He questioned.
"I don't know, I got shot so there's that to consider," There was also the insurance and the follow-up bills that had to be processed, "Who knows?"
"Leave that to me. My dad hates it when I grease some hands but you'd be surprised how resilient sinners are compared to us Hellborn." She assured the teacher before a loud commotion erupted outside the room.
"Huh? Must be a busy day to be a nurse." Helen remarked as she watched events play in the hallway.
Two plague doctors ran past them carrying a cot containing a bird-like Hellborn in an elaborate dress. It was then followed up by a familiar sight of a imp whose services she acquired just after her death.
"Wait a minute, is that who I think it is?"
Railtracer and Verosika turned their heads and looked at each other. Although the former's face was encased behind a gas mask, the latter displayed a pale look as if they saw a ghost. The succubus spoke up and commented on the momentary glimpse. "What's Blitzo doing here and why is he chasing an Ars Goetia?"
The Russian stood up and handed the drink to his girlfriend as he began to march towards the door.
"What's wrong?" Helen could feel the mysterious atmosphere as he stood in the doorway and looked back at them, "Do you know anything?"
He nodded his head. "My boss was supposed to be on a date with Stolas. Something has gone wrong if they're here."
The ruler of the dark realm entered his living room and strode to the couch directed towards a television screen. He had been exhausted ever since his meeting with Paimon on the matters of the possessors. Politics demand that he exterminate them but their liability was also a massive strength when it came to accounting for Heaven's possible invasion landings. Such was the price of being the monarch of Hell.
He crashed onto the seat and leaned back against the soft confines as he rested his apple cane on the armrest. Lucifer smiled as he savored the relaxing moment until he heard the soft footsteps of his succubus queen approach from behind. The innate abilities of an archangel's senses were incredibly supernatural to both Hellborn and Heavenborn alike but instead of turning around and acknowledging Lilith's presence, he entertained the woman's chance to surprise him.
She reached over his head before her hands gradually slid to his shoulders massaging them. The pleasure of release from the tension and stress was euphoric. He groaned before grabbing his wife's hand and kissing it with a small touch. "Thank you."
"You spent the night with your advisors. It must have been important," The woman remarked before jumping over and sitting atop his lap while her lithe pale legs were spread. Had it not been for the black thigh skirt, much more skin would have risen the king's lust for her beauty, "Are you off?"
"It should be known by now that I can do whatever I please with my time. Though, I'll always have time for you, my dear." He let out a chuckle as Lilith grabbed him by the collar and pulled him close to taste those black lips of hers.
Nothing was held back as one hand was wrapped behind her back and the other behind the succubus' head. Yet, she too was not idle as her fingers methodically unravel every part of his apparel with graceful precision. His clothing was too good to be ripped up for what may result in sex. The atmosphere of romance and lust was then interrupted when they heard his phone ring from underneath his jacket. Few in Hell knew the consequences of calling him when he was at his residence and the following ire would be great and terrible should he be notified of the individual responsible.
"Of all the damn times, why now?! Don't they know I don't like to be disturbed?"
Lucifer broke away from his kissing as he reached for his phone and pulled the device out in between himself and his wife. They saw the screen flicker, the caller ID revealing that it was none other than Azrael. Lilith rose from his lap and stood, straightening out her dress and readjusting the unkempt blonde hair. "What exactly does he want right now?"
"You know as much as I do," The devil leaned forward and accepted the call before placing the phone to his ear, "My displeasure is immense, brother."
The Archangel of Death was quick to speak. "My terrible apologies then but I do have a request."
"Be quick about it. My wife and I were enjoying our time before your interruption." He drove his point home about how much time was wasted on this conversation of theirs.
"Do you remember the redeemed investigator who is assigned to the Hazbin Hotel?" The Grim Reaper asked as the ruler of Hell heard him out. Meanwhile, Lilith sat beside him and listened in on the conversation, "As of right now, he holds an angelic weapon in his inventory. Artyom probably knows more about sword fighting than a monkey about ballistic missiles."
"So you want me to teach him? Why me of all people? Isn't there someone in Heaven who could perform this errand for you?"
"It's not so simple. My investigator's placement is too important for Charlie's sake, you and I both know that. Yet, the situation from my end looks terrible as those who want to see your destruction have compromised the ranks of the Holy Army. Michael is still undergoing reorganization but any trainer I choose is an incredible risk of an intelligence leak or worse, defection." This was news to him and as much as he would like to proclaim that it was his brother's problem, his daughter's life was on the line. So it was to his benefit to help Death until this matter is resolved.
Now was the time to speak and decide based on the information that had been conveyed to him. "I see. How will this be arranged since my time will be spent on one of yours?"
"The Department of Purgatory will provide a weekly schedule ahead of time so that it wouldn't interfere with either's duties. In the meantime, I will requisition a detachment of Gendarmes to guard your daughter's hotel in Artyom's absence as a form of security. Does that suffice?"
"Couldn't you pass this weapon onto someone else?" Why was this an issue for Azrael of all times? "Don't you have someone capable to take the weapon out of the man's hand?"
He heard a sigh from the other side of the speakers. "It's a service weapon, so that means it chose him to wield it. Unless someone kills him and it attaches itself to another soul, he's stuck with the blade."
"Then I suppose this conversation is over. Goodbye, Azrael." The future was going to be an interesting time for him.
"Likewise, Lucifer."
The call ended as the married couple took a moment to sample this talk. It had been a long time since he had drawn his sword and the last time was when he struck his brothers with killing blows in his wife's defense. Old memories pained him, knowing full well that the blood of his brothers stained his hands. Now he would seek out those martial skills once again to help someone slay in the same manner as himself.
Time passed in the hospital's inner courtyard as Verosika waited for her sinner acquaintance to immediately recover. All the money in the world was enough to entice nurses and doctors to prioritize the woman's health while the succubus sat on a bench and contemplated her situation. It would be several hours before the concert and her backstage team would want the girl ready to meet the glory of the spotlight and the love of the crowd. Princess Charlie would certainly enjoy the attention and it would be extra bucks in her pocket.
Soon the fear of not meeting everyone's expectations took hold of her. What would they think if she showed up late? Such was the life of being a popstar and although she had her friends to confide herself with, they knew much about her inner feelings as much as she told them. The succubus reached into her purse and pulled out a flask, unscrewing the top, and drank the sizzling brew only Beezlebub would share with her friends. Relaxing energy coursed throughout the body while the inhibitions were let loose.
The sound of doors sliding open occurred to her left as she turned to find Railtracer stepping outside and walking across the concrete sidewalks. Meanwhile, the sinner's hands rested inside the pockets of his pants as seeing him brought curiosity from within. When he left to check on Blitzo and Stolas, she saw her ex-boyfriend trying to get inside the room but was told to leave the premises. Yet, the guards were willing to go so far as to throw him out the window. As much as she hated him, it wasn't enough to destroy the life he had with someone else. That all changed when she caught a glimpse of a badge from the Russian's pockets.
Verosika grew suspicious of him since then and wondered what secrets he held for someone who could influence the honor guards of the Ars Goetia. There was a possibility that she lucked out on a possible secret agent pulling bullshit on someone or it could be genuine. The question was what should she do about it? Leave him out of fearful possibility or seek out the truth that may break the bonds of this relationship? Her step-father never did teach her how to handle these subjects but then again, it was an ancient war machine from the War in Heaven.
Her boyfriend joined her on the bench and sat beside her while she drank her thoughts away. "The doctors say it's going to take fifteen minutes, estimated time."
"Well, here's hoping it's less than that," Remarked the succubus before taking another sip from her silver flask and leaning against his shoulder, "Got a concert to go to."
"You're not going to sing well with all of this drinking. Mind as well quit while you can." He commented but she was not someone who liked to be discouraged from the very liquor that fueled her talents.
"Easy for someone who doesn't understand the stress I'm going through."
Railtracer grabbed her hand and she reciprocated the gesture by holding his. Maybe she was overreacting to his response and just needed an excuse to lash out. "I didn't mean it like that. Just being concerned that's all. I'm Russian but even I know there's a time to drink."
"Fine, I'll stop drinking," Perhaps he had a point in this conversation. Even Blitzo was well aware of her drinking problem before they broke up. She hated to admit it but Verosika considered it the greatest evidence to returning to rehab. Then part of her thought about that badge and an idea was realized to convince the sinner to reveal his secrets. "So long as you tell me about that thing you did with Blitzo."
"That? I suppose I should be upfront with you." Finally, some sweet truth to be heard as she looked up at the man's face locked away behind his gas mask. The mystery was to be answered as his gaze trailed up at the sky.
"Explain away."
He took a deep breath and stared into her soul. Was he being honest with her? "Blitz doesn't know this but I work for Lucifer."
"Wait, what?" That was an eye-opener. She expected many qualities from his background but working directly for the ruler of Hell was not one of them. There were tales that the succubus heard about former mortals working in his service; yet, it was not enough to prepare the woman for this moment, "You're one of his secret agents."
"Something like that. I was assigned to act as a secret bodyguard for Princess Charlie, even though she does not know about my background as well. No one at the Hotel does. My placement all started after Blitz and one of his employees were captured by demon hunters and I broke the cardinal rule about leaving Hell." The explanation of events did little to ease her shock. Had she known of this, her initial impressions of the man would have been different but the fact that he kept this under wraps indicated the Russian's larger-than-life persona. Soon the mental imagery of the films about undercover agents sleeping with beautiful women came to mind. Only that it was subverted by a quiet man not willing to seek out attention.
"That's amazing. You got something going for you. I'd like to ask more but don't know if you're even allowed to tell me at all with all of the hush-hush about being a secret agent."
Railtracer laughed as he placed his arm around her shoulders. "It's fine. So long as the questions are basic, there is no trouble in-between us."
"Great!" Hearing that was relieving news as she looked at her flask and pondered about taking another sip. Her body cried out for a way to 'loosen' everything; yet, she realized the promise she made with the sinner. Without hesitation, Verosika began to close the lid of the Beelzebub juice shut as the fears of the concert drew close, "Will you be coming to the concert?"
"Why do you ask?" She could either refuse to answer or explain everything.
"It would help if you did come along."
He raised the gasmask from his face and revealed the skull surrounded in blue flames. "Of course."
They were interrupted when a goat Hellborn walked over to them with a clipboard in hand. He was half their height but the additional hairs underneath his chin revealed the man's age as his hooves tapped against the ground. "Ms. Mayday, I have come to give my report to you."
What news did he have for them? "Make it quick, I'm on a timer."
"The sinner Mrs. Mayberry is all fine and dandy. She'll have to take some pain medication but we recommend no strenuous activity in the meantime," He answered as he presented the paper on the clipboard and pulled out a pen from the breast pocket of his white coat, "Please sign here that you'll be taking care of her from now on."
Verosika accepted the items and quickly wrote her name on the bottom line beside the large 'X' mark. Once she was finished, they were handed back to the old doctor and he left with a smile on his face.
"She will be out shortly."
"So that's it," Her boyfriend remarked before standing up and reaching out to the succubus. She took his hand as he gently pulled the woman up from the bench as a gentleman would with his lady, "I take it that we're going to the concert next?"
The pop star acknowledged his question with a nod of her head. He presented his arm and she reciprocated him by wrapping around it with hers. They walked back into the building as a couple would.
Charlie was eager to see the concert for her own very eyes but the princess made her own preparations. She would join Ms. Mayday on the stage to hopefully proclaim the working relationship to attract new sinners to stay inside. There was a chance for the evening to turn her into a laughing stock, just like the interview with Katie Killjoy. Despite all of that risk, the arrival of the cherub was a chance to prove them wrong and show the entirety of Hell that there was a chance for the sinners to be given redemption after all.
Everyone assembled in the living room on the first floor and began to look presentable to the public. Even the two humans who were accidentally brought to the dark realm had their clothes shift from their work uniforms to their newly-acquired clothes. Alastor was willing to offer Agent One his wardrobe and Vaggie gave Agent Two a red velvet dress with influences from Central America. The royal stood in the hallway and smiled at the present company with Angel Dust eager to display his effeminate side, Husk begrudgingly wearing a butler suit, and Nifty almost appearing like a living doll. The only exception to this was Mrs. Mayberry and Railtracer as the succubus popstar had informed her that they were returning from a visit to the hospital.
All was well.
Collin floated beside her as his hooves tapped close together. Unlike the others, he seemed to express uncertainty and fear about the potential. It seemed wrong for her to let him continue like this before they would meet the adoring crowd outside. She turned to him and asked. "What's wrong? You don't look too well."
"I-I don't think it's a good idea for me to go out there," The stuttering in his voice was telling but Charlie had her ways to alleviate his worries. Then he continued, quivering in both body and tone, "It feels like I'm b-being watched."
Angel Dust overheard their conversation and commented. "Who could be watching you right now?! We're at the Hazbin Hotel. There's no one here to bother us except well, us."
"You don't get it. I'm a cherub, we can sense when a heavenly feeling is nearby and someone knows I'm here." That was certainly perplexing as they were about to leave. Surely it was just a bad vibe someone gets when they're living in Hell, right?
Out from the hallway was the clinking of metal and boots thumping against the carpet floor. The timing of this unfamiliar sound was impeccable as a strange feeling invited goosebumps across her body. It was a fateful moment when she stole a glance from the hotel's residents, both standing or sitting, had their eyes focused, and directed towards someone approaching the room from the hallway. The angelic creature turned his head to see someone outside of her view and gasp with absolute terror on his face before flying around her, keeping the princess in between Collin and the newcomer.
Charlie turned around to see a lone figure standing in the doorway. His clothes consisted of Khaki pants and a brown long brown trench coat covering the black chest armor wrapped with an ammo belt over his torso. Meanwhile, the man's head was encased in a metal helmet with red glowing eyes to emphasize an intimidating appearance. His waistline revealed two revolvers resting in their holsters while the stranger's hands were dug into the pockets of his coat. A small silence grew between the hotel's denizens and this man before a radio crackled and his voice emanated from the helmet's speakers. "Hello, ladies and gentlemen. Nice to see that I've taken you by complete surprise."
"Who are you?" She asked of him as his head twitched and looked directly at her. There was something wrong about this but the princess couldn't put her finger on it. All that was absolute was uncertainty, "How did you get in my home without my permission?"
"Who I am is not important. What I am here; however, is." He answered politely as his breaths were released from the in-built rebreathers, "If it helps, you can call me Tony."
"It's you."
Collin's recognition of the man did little to unease the situation as she could not tell if he was there for malicious reasons.
The man chuckled before retracting his hands out from his pockets and folding his arms across his chest. "Must be a big deal if you're down here."
"It is. I would have extracted you through a normal process but you spilled some information to her highness and I have to clean up a security leak." The cherub gulped loud enough for Charlie to hear him.
Vaggie chimed in from behind. "If you kill him, you won't walk out of this building alive."
"There is no doubt about that attempt but I'm not here to kill the poor guy. Believe me, Vagatha Veracruz, there's another euphemism for that."
"How do you know my last name?" She answered in a venomous manner as Princess Charlie looked over her shoulder to see the surprise on her girlfriend's face. The others looked at her before exchanging glances at the man who identified her mortal identity, "No one knows that."
He let out a chuckle as the attention returned back on him. "I work for the Department of Purgatory, there is not a soul in Heaven or Hell whose name doesn't appear across our desks. If you think I'm joking, then perhaps I can list off your real identities. Alastor Broussard, the serial murderer by night and a radio entertainer by day. Matteo Giovanni, the closeted homosexual who kills and intimidates poor storeowners for the mob. Jaime Huster, a gambler who spent all of his hard-won earnings on drinking. Lisa Quinn, a young woman who bullied outcasts for not adhering to the social norm for suicide."
The atmosphere of the tense situation changed as the Radio Demon growled in static. Portals appeared with black tendrils slipping out of reality, reaching out for the stranger who seemed to know too much about the very people she cared for. "You know too much. Well, it seems like another tally to my count."
"Gendarmes!" A brief flash of light appeared behind Tony as four masked men clad in modern-day body armor, helmets, and military uniforms. They raised their assault rifles in C-clamps as red lasers shined upon the tentacles and fired. White tracers rippled through the air as the portals closed. The gunfire ceased as she turned to find Alastor stumbling onto one knee holding himself up thanks to a mere microphone stand, "You're not the first overlord I've put down and you won't be the last. Consider yourself lucky that I'm not here for you."
"Are you alright?!" The princess cried out as the princess ran to his side and helped him up. A closer look at his face revealed sweat trickling across the temple while he breathed heavily.
"He'll be alright. It's just a couple of inferno rounds." Commented the representative of the Department of Purgatory. She turned to see him still standing still as if the terrifying power that tried to lash out at him didn't happen.
"What the fuck are you here for then?"
"The two humans and the cherub. They are coming with us. After all, the two D.H.O.R.K.S. agents made a deal with us about the transfer in the first place."
"Am I allowed back to C.H.E.R.U.B?" Collin asked as he floated towards the masked human, "What of my friends?"
His head turned towards the Heavenborn. "You're still exiled but they had no authority to leave your ass behind. That's why I am here."
This conversation only demanded questions for Charlie as she stood up and walked up to him. "Is that all there is? You're just here for them?"
"Pretty much," Soon he shifted the subject over to the two humans, "Agent One, Agent Two, you're both in deep shit as is. Mind as well get you out as well."
No words were spoken as the daughter of Lucifer watched them walk over to the five strangers who interrupted their day and fought for a brief second. It was a surreal experience to see the authority of Heaven operate in an… unnatural way. Then Tony gestured his hand for his subordinates to lower their weapons before staring at her.
"This is important and I need you to listen to me on this one issue. This encounter never happened, I never spoke to you, and Alastor was never shot." This request was a strange one and all it did was invite questions.
"Why though?" The hotel had endured an uneventful history and now an organization from Heaven just appeared and arrived without even giving her a second glance as if she was there. Why go through the effort to even try up until now? "You think I'm going to forget what just happened here? All of you barged into this place as if you own it."
"If you want answers, ask your father. Everything will make sense in due time."
He snapped his fingers in the air.
"Scotty, beam us up."
Another white flash appeared but as the light dissipated the visitors were no longer there. This Department of Purgatory entered their lives in Hell and expected them to ignore their presence. Yet, she thought about the man's advice to seek out knowledge from her father. Now she was not in the mood to go to the concert but to gather her thoughts.
Husk managed to scrounge up a remark after clearing his throat. "Honestly, I'm going to get a drink after this. Too much shit in so little time."
The trio immediately returned to the front of the Hazbin Hotel but Artyom didn't anticipate the crowd standing in his way. From the moment they recognized Verosika's face, it wasn't long until they crowded around the vehicle and attempted to get her full attention. Fans cheered for her or asked for an autograph but there were others who wanted answers. They asked why she was hitching a ride with two complete strangers or photographers flashing their cameras to get the latest image. Yet, he maintained his composure while carefully driving through the crowd.
He looked over his shoulder to find his girlfriend sitting in the back. She grimaced at each flash and flinched away from the window when someone slammed a picture of her in a bikini. The uncomfortable look made him understand the social pressures of her station, one he was all too acquainted with when he stepped into the meeting with the representatives of the Moscow Metro over the matter of D6. It all came to an end when two dozen security Hellhound guards began to clear a path from the surrounded car with bustling muscles underneath black shirts. Two of them helped guide the vehicle into a makeshift compound set behind a stage as the Russian stole a glimpse from a mirror to find them gated off from the others.
Soon the vehicle was parked he looked to his right to see Mrs. Mayberry let out a deep breath and his girlfriend adjusting her hair. They seemed to be relieved but then the succubus unlocked the door. "It's time."
It didn't take long for the disguised redeemed to leave the car as he walked over to the other side of the vehicle and helped the wounded teacher rise from the chair. Meanwhile, an imp in a shirt labeled 'technician' walked over to her from behind while wearing a headset. "Miss Mayday, you got thirty minutes to get dressed up before the show starts."
"I know. Just give me a moment," The Hellborn immediately ran off as she walked over to the Russian and Mayberry, "You know, we all have all the time in the world to unwind after this is over."
The teacher scoffed at the statement. "What exactly does that mean?"
"Let me demonstrate." She reached out for her chin and pulled the woman close for a kiss. Artyom had heard enthralling stories of men witnessing such moments but to be right next to such a scene made his eyes widen with shock at her act. Then Verosika broke contact and pecked his gas mask with her lips before taking a step back with a mischievous smile.
"Y-You kissed me?!" Mayberry was taken aback when he stole a glimpse from the sinner to find her pink cheeks blushing out of embarrassment. Her head shook as disbelief took over, "I don't even swing that way."
"A night with me and I'll be sure to change that. Besides, you owe me for patching you up."
The teacher displayed her displeasure with a growl before the comical atmosphere was cut short when the trio heard a whistle in the air; yet, the wind did not howl. Artyom's instincts looked up as a blue and yellow blur jumped from rooftop to rooftop in swift motion in under a minute. His eyes could barely react to the movement when the strange arrival jumped above them and descended to the ground. "Chyort!"
He was very much surprised when his girlfriend spoke up. "Don't worry, it's my dad. He's coming to visit."
Soon the former Polis Ranger's eyes caught a glimpse of the figure from the moment it gracefully landed on the pavement. A blue humanoid robot stood before him with an identity labeled 'V1' etched on the front of its chest. It was a surreal experience to see the succubus' guardian with golden wings attached to the back as if it was mimicking the angelic imagery in its own mechanical fashion. Then its head moved and revealed a golden orb that was its eye as the machine walked over to the trio with a stride so precise. A computerized voice began to emanate from hidden speakers. "Darling!"
"It's good to see you dad," She then walked over to the non-living entity and hugged it's frame. Much to his surprise the arms wrapped around her and rubbed her back, "I like to introduce an acquaintance of mine and my boyfriend."
"Oh," They broke their embrace as she spun around and let the robot analyze the sinner and the disguised agent of Heaven, "Who are they?"
"The woman is Helen Mayberry, she lives at the Hazbin Hotel. This man I'm dating is Railtracer. He's a sinner who currently works for my ex." She explained as the machine brought its hand to the head as if it was combing a beard.
"Interesting." It didn't need to elaborate but the longer its gaze looked at him, a cold chill ran down his spine. Everything about it was unnatural and he knew not why.
"Well, I'm off to get changed. I have a concert to start soon."
"Let me help you. God knows I need to do something after being in the hospital." Helen stated as she followed the succubus towards a changing area. The only people left were him and the machine. He was certain that the evening was going to be uneasy with that look on its face.
Author's Note: The chapter took forever to type up. Then again, I'm piecing together leftover cut content in order to make the story 'fit' if you understand what I'm trying to say. Even then, I had to work on revising and editing because some scenes felt more undercooked than others despite the credibility of some ideas playing a role.
