A Road In Heaven.
The sound of a jeep entering a serene road between some fields is how we open chapter thirteen of this story. Inside said jeep. We see a snoozing group of imps in the back seats of said vehicle. While the hellhound, Loona, is seen stationed on the turret with Octavia sitting beside her while she is seen listening to music. In the owl's hands. She had Dex's Gewher rifle trained on the road behind them while, the owner of the gun, Dex, was seen snoozing in the back with the imps.
Balthazar is in the front driver's seat. He is seen keeping his eyes on the road while also checking for anyone who could prove to be hostile and have an attempt to attack the vehicle the eight of them were in. Next to him, as introduced in the last chapter, is Athena Snow.
The sister of Snow is seen twirling one of her many daggers in between her fingers in her left hand while listening to the radio in the vehicle.
Since showing up out of the blue to help Hell's assault team back at the jungle facility. No one had wanted to say anything to the female Snow. Since she had single-handedly taken down Judgement and some of Raphael's jungle team. No one dared step out of line in case she did the same to them if they made her angry.
Athena, in her eyes, felt it was stupid that they didn't want to talk to her or ask her questions that needed answers. Just because the guy they were rescuing was her baby brother. It doesn't mean she was anything like her twin brother. No, not one bit.
Cassiel. Her birth mother. Had given Athena the task of keeping an eye on her baby brother if he should ever return to Heaven. And, to make sure the angels didn't get their way and had managed to kill her baby half-brother. Finding Balthazar and the others Snow knew was just a bonus for Athena. It meant that she was one step closer to finding Snow. And, making sure he was safe from from Raphael.
'You better still be alive little brother. Mom will kill me if you've gotten yourself killed!'
That was the thought running through the female's mind. Before they had gotten to the dirt road that was the border between the jungle and the fields. Balthazar had gotten Athena up to speed with what had happened. He had essentially recapped the first Snow Hound for the woman beside him in the passenger seat.
At first, she thought Balthazar was full of shit. Especially about the part where her brother had married, and fornicated, with a hellhound. That was until she glanced at the hound leaning against the vehicle's turret. Mainly, she noted the gold band around her left ring finger. Causing her to think.
'So, that's my baby brother's wife? Damn sight better than Azrael ever was.'
Sometime Later, Western Style Town
Pulling the jeep up on the outskirts of the town they would be staying in. Balthazar gives the others a wake-up call. Soon, those who were asleep, were lively again when seeing they'd arrived in their location.
It wasn't a ghost town at least. That much was true considering that they'd set up camps in ghost towns and abandoned buildings for the night before. This would be the first time the seven members of Hell's Assault Team would be bunking down for the night with a family member of Snow's that wouldn't try to slit their throats while they slept.
No. Athena wasn't Zerachiel. That much the team was thankful for. She was quite the opposite. She just took no nonsense from any of Hell's denizens. And, she would take action when it was needed.
For now. As the team bunked down for the night. They would meet up with Ghost in the morning to learn what the mute had found out since escaping his captors. What the team did not know, however, was that Zerachiel had made another move that would turn the tide of the war on its head.
With Raphael (Heaven's Throne Room)
"Speak."
God says to the only angel knelt before him. Raphael had been informed by one of his higher-ups that God had wanted a word with the overlord in his throne room. When the angel had entered the throne room and had not seen Jesus next to their father was, to say the least, a strange sight. For anyone who didn't know the truth of why Jesus was not by God's side on the throne next to the almighty. It meant Raphael had done a good job of covering his tracks.
Nodding at the command. Raphael speaks with an even tone to his voice.
"The demons have recently blown up two of our facilities and, they have managed to save the imps of Hell from capture. They still evade us themselves with the help of one of our own."
"The female Snow. I assume?"
Raphael's face now had an unreadable rage on his face at the mention of Zerachiel's twin getting involved. Athena always wanted to protect her youngest brother from Raphael. The female resurfacing now just added an unwanted wrench into Zerachiel's plans.
"Athena is an unwanted, distraction. I can easily have one of mine or her uncle Metatron's teams, take care of her."
God chose this time to step in and speak calmly to the overlord who is one of his many sons.
"Be calm, Raphael. Zerachiel's twin is of no issue. She has chosen to side with the demons that were responsible for Jesus' murder. For that, your mission to eradicate those who murdered my child is still the same."
"Father, if I may. I have performed my tasks to the best of my ability to do as you have asked me to. They have proven to be… slippery, at best. I promise you. They will not escape capture again!"
God seemed to have bought Raphael's lie. For now.
"Until Lazarus has been brought before me to answer for my son's murder. Do all you can to capture the rest of those vermin that are poisoning my precious landscape."
Raphael nods. In front of his father and knowing he would be banished to Hell for his actions if the truth came out. Bowing before being dismissed to continue his work. Raphael turns on his heel to make a phone call.
Outside The Throne Room
Once he knew he was out of earshot of God's throne room. And, from any prying ears that could expose him. Raphael places a finger to his ear and speaks to the voice on the other end of the line.
"Seraphim, it's Raph. Have your team transport the abomination to God's dominion. It's time for my project to be unleashed on the pests of Hell. Have you contacted the mole?"
"I have, Raphael."
"Good. See to it that she gets word to begin her mission."
Once the line goes dead. Raphael couldn't help being proud of himself. Not only had he outsmarted God. But he had played the entirety of Heaven for fools. All he had to do now, was make sure his plan went off without a hitch.
Well… not all of Heaven was fooled by his act. As shown by a certain angel reappearing from her camouflage state the moment Raphael walked away. Hearing everything. She says lowly.
"I need to warn the almighty. We have a Judas in our midst."
The angel in question entered the throne room. She would expose Raphael. But, make it as though he had fooled everyone. Just like the fool had thought he had.
Raphael's Compound
After the line went dead. Raphael sighs. He knew at some point he would catch himself out in the cold. It was just a matter of when, and how, he got exposed. And, with that exposure, sees himself destroyed, along with anyone that was in on his plan to frame Lazarus for Jesus' assassination.
We now cut to heavy weapons grunt carrying an unconscious body towards a pure white and gold Aston Martin. And, with a throw of the body onto the back seats. And, with the slam of the passenger side door. The grunt turns to face Raphael and says.
"Prisoners are ready for transport commander. Awaiting further orders."
Raphael nods. With a wave to dismiss one of the heavies under his command, Raphael gets into the driver's side and, with a turn of the key. He is soon driving out of his compound and on the road towards God's palace.
Back With Hell's Assault Team
Athena is seen to be sat by a table on the outside of the house for reasons that, even Athena thought was stupid. Balthazar had told the female to wait outside while the team thought up their next plan of action.
Sipping her brandy before placing it back down on the glass table. Athena sighs irritably. Granted she'd switched sides to make sure her brother was safe. And, she could understand where Balthazar was coming from by not including her in the talks. But, it still annoyed her.
"Bunch of brain-dead muppets my brother hangs around with."
There was one good thing that being Snow's big sister did hold for her, however. That being no one would dare test her patience, except one.
"Hi… Athena is it?"
And there it was. The one being that tested her patience and her voice went through her like nails on a chalkboard. Said hound had decided to park herself in the seat opposite the female. And, despite the look that told the hound to fuck off. Athena decided to speak. If this hound didn't get the message, she would now.
"Dunno. Didn't have a long face until you showed up. What the hell do you want?"
This causes Loona to go on the defensive.
"Hey, I just wanted to introduce myself to you. Since, well… I'm your brother's wife… I'm Loona by the way."
Athena sighs evenly. Even she felt she was being unreasonable right now. Changing her attitude. She replies.
"I'm Athena. It's a pleasure to, FINALLY, meet my brother's wife."
Loona smiles. It was steady progress at least. But, it was progress to try and endear herself to the one woman she felt was just as scary as Cassiel. The moment of pleasantries ended the minute Athena asked.
"What makes you think you're good enough for my baby brother, Loona? How did you seduce your way into his heart without him consulting me first?"
That knocked Loona for six. She had no idea this was Athena's way of testing his little brother's lovers was good enough for her Snowball. One slip-up would cost them their lives.
"What?!"
Before Loona could compose herself to answer. She found a knife placed against her throat for her wrong answer. Causing the hound to yelp in surprise and find Athena staring dangerously close at her with murder burning in her eyes at the demon before her.
"You're lucky I saw what kind of woman you were at the compound. Otherwise, you'd be dead on the ground right now."
The silence was now deafening between the two. Nothing seemed to want to make any noise to break said silence. Not even the tumbleweed that is seen being blown along could crack a word out of the two. Deciding that the silence had dragged on long enough. Athena spoke as she stood to go back inside and leave Loona by herself.
"I am helping you guys because it is in my nature to help. When this is done. I'll be watching you like a sparrowhawk to see if you are worthy of carrying the Snow family name."
This causes Loona to look at Athena like she had just dragged dog shit all over her dad's office floors. Deciding she'd had enough of Athena's attitude towards her. She finally musters up the courage to talk back to Cassiel's only daughter.
"Snow means the whole of Hell to me, Athena. We've protected each other for the two years I've been married to him. And, I'd stop at nothing, just like he would, to make sure everyone is safe."
This stops Athena dead in her tracks and causes Loona to hold her tongue when she glares over her shoulder at her. But, instead of a knife being thrown through the hound's head. Athena chooses to just walk away with a smirk on her face. No one was ever brave enough to stand up to the angel. Meaning, that Loona had ticked off so many boxes for the female Snow just that act alone. Before entering the building. She says with a smile on her face.
"You've got spunk and bravery in spades, kid. Never lose that."
Loona's cheeks tint pink at the compliment from her sister-in-law. Once she is left alone outside. The hound collapses into a chair with a look of worry on her face. And, fear crossing her features.
Had she just stood up to her husband's sister and lived?!
Later (The Rescue of Snow Begins)
The tension that was bubbling between the female Snow and her brother's wife was palpable. It was almost like a volcano that was close to erupting as the team was hidden in some bushes outside God's domain.
Athena is seen in her uniform while Balthazar and Dex are in their respective disguises as well. They are seen marching the three imps, Loona and Octavia towards two guards outside the front gates.
Athena looks at all three of the imps before Balthazar begins relaying the next part of his plan in a whisper. He hoped they would understand what came next. Or at least Athena would since she wasn't on the first mission when she and Balthazar used to bat for the opposition.
"OK. Phase 1. Loona, you will be Athena's prisoner. While Blitzo, Mox, Millie and Octavia, you will be mine and Dex's prisoners. Once we have done getting you past the checkpoints necessary for entry. Athena will kill the guards watching us before she busts out Loona to go find Snow. Sound good?"
The groups nod to confirm they understood Balthazar's plan. As they walked further down the pathway towards the palace. This gave Athena the chance to see what kind of hound her brother had married. The only obstacle stopping them now was the guards in front of the gate. halting the group and saying.
"HALT! Who goes there?"
She was the first one to speak up while shoving the three imps in front of her. Athena speaks up.
"Caught members of Lazarus' task force hiding out in Heaven. Requesting permission to have them sent to the execution chambers."
Despite the raised eyebrows. And, the one scared look from Loona at the wicked smile on the female Snow's face. Athena held her emotionless, yet remorseless, expression. Balthazar was already thanking some merciful deity that the angel who was his friend's sister had an excellent scary, yet, neutral face. Otherwise, the angels wouldn't have fallen for such a lie in the first place.
Buying the female's reason. One guard speaks up.
"Of course. We're sure God would like to see these abominations in the electric chair."
With that being said. And, with Athena's papers checking out. She shoves the hound roughly through the open doors of the prison underneath the palace.
Prison Cells (Athena Snow's P.O.V.)
"I'm not saying a damn thing until I speak to my lawyer you Bleep!"
Those were the only words Loona managed to say before I roughly threw her into the cell face-first. She busted her head open hard on the concrete below her. I did feel somewhat sorry for her. But not enough for me to care about her well-being. The minute I heard the footsteps of the changing of the guard leave. And, as the other guards began to take their place. I nod to Loona to continue her act while I go and find my little brother. But, as I turned before Loona slowly got to her feet, rubbed her head, and said under her breath.
"Damn it!"
I sigh bitterly. I know I wanted to test Loona to see if she could handle herself. But, the odds were looking ridiculous. I had to find something for her to defend herself with.
"OI, Look what we got here boys. A new plaything from Hell for us to break in!"
A gang of at least, fifty, no, this time around, compared to last time when Snow was in these cells. Two hundred thugs all came out of the woodwork in the huge cell and were all converging on the small demon at the far right-hand wall.
This was a brand new batch of angels who had had their halos removed. And, who were to be sent down to Hell eventually. They were all coming to Loona with all kinds of handmade weapons. Despite the low odds of Loona surviving, I mutter to myself.
"You better not die on me now, Loona. I was just beginning to like you!"
The moment the ring leader walks up to Loona and shoves her roughly against the bars of the cell. He had made a very big mistake of trying to fight Loona while I was at the cell door. This is shown when I hand Loona a heavy metal pipe for when I shove her roughly off of the cell door. And, I see her swing said object into the fallen angel's jaw. Leading to a mass brawl breaking out within the containment cell.
With Moxxie and Millie (No P.O.V.)
If Snow's schematics from when he was imprisoned within these walls were correct. Moxxie and Millie should be coming up to Snow's containment cell right about... Now."
"SNOW!"
Seeing the two imps standing outside the clear glass containment cell gave Snow the hope he was looking for in seeing his best friends, and his kid's godparents, alive and still kicking Heaven's arse.
"Took you guys long enough. How did you find me?"
Snow asks curiously while Millie begins to hack the door security while Moxxie fills him in on what had happened in the hybrid's absence.
"Oh, you know, the usual."
Snow couldn't help but let out a small laugh at knowing exactly what the 'usual' his best friend was referring to. Stepping out of his cell once the security was down. And, cracking a few body parts on his way out. The three were soon set upon by security. Luckily, when you're friends with skilled assassins that is also your children's aunt and uncle. Snow knew the angels didn't stand a chance.
Later
Bodies lay in the wake of the hybrid and his two friends as they made their way up the stone steps leading up to the upper floor holding cells. The minute Snow sees Athena. He had a look of horror on his face at seeing his older sister just sitting and reading a magazine with her feet resting on the rear of a dead guard. She is seen doing this while allowing Loona to take some punishment in the holding cell of the sacrificial angels to be sent down to Hell to be slaughtered in this year's extermination.
"Thena?"
The female looks up to see a pale white Snow standing before her. At first, he was looking at his big sister like he'd seen a ghost. Soon, his face went beet red when he saw Loona breathing heavily with blood pouring down her face and a pile of halo-less angels piled beneath her.
As she noticed Snow stood with a blush on his face towards her. She smiles and says warmly.
"Like what you see babe?"
Snow merely nods. He soon composes himself when he notices the expression on Athena's face that she is giving him. This was her idea to put Loona through hell to distract the guards. And, to let them get killed by Athena while Loona killed the angels in the cell with her. He had no time to react before the door was swung open and Loona limped through the open space where the cell door should be.
Noticing the limp his wife had. Eric was about to go into protector mode at the sight of his injured hellhound. Only for the hound to silence his worries with a kiss before speaking once she moved away.
"We've got a God to talk to."
Snow nods. Now was, indeed, the time to get answers.
God's Throne Room
After so many angels fell at the hands of the task force from Hell upon their arrival to God's throne room. The main man is seen sitting on his throne with a whole task force in front of him. Raphael is seen standing to the right of the throne. He wanted to say something. Only, a hand was held up. Allowing God to speak.
"Glad you could make it. Lazarus and Athena."
God seemed to ignore the movement of the angels that was playing out behind him as he walked forward to meet Genesis before him. Once he stands before him. The big man speaks calmly to the hybrid. No hint of malice or derision from God himself.
"You know the reason you are here Lazarus. How many… How many more must die before you see reason enough to answer for the crimes YOU committed against me?"
Balthazar knew exactly what God was referring to. And, you the readers should know where God was coming from as well. Remember the sniper rifle that Balthazar had found on the rooftops that, ironically, had come from Lazarus' weapons locker in the I.M.P. weapon locker? Well, that was what he was referring to.
The 'how many more must die' comment, well, of course, he was referring to the company around Lazarus.
Despite the stand-off of Dex and Balthazar raising their fully automatic rifles at Raphael. No bullets would be fired that night as Snow walked forward. Placed two hands on both of his trusted friend's firearms. And, once he had walked forward, he was about to speak when a voice spoke up from behind God.
"No one."
Everyone was shaken the moment two angels walked forward. Leading to God asking.
"Metatron, Ramiel. What is the meaning of this?"
The two stood before God and shook everyone to their core. Metatron, being the confident being he was, completely blanked Raphael's looks of derision while remaining laser-focused on the one being he would not raise a gun or blade towards. Instead of a weapon raised. Everyone was floored when he said calmly.
"Lazarus Snow is innocent, my lord."
God seemed wary of the sudden information brought to light. But, ignoring Raphael's need to protest, God allows one of his best angels to continue when he asks.
"Very well. What proof do you bring of your nephew's innocence Metatron?"
Snow seemed to smirk internally and say within his thoughts.
'Thank you, Uncle Tron.'
With a clear voice. Metatron addresses the room.
"New evidence was brought to me by one of my subordinates, father. From a safe distance. She overheard a certain angel planning on taking over Heaven and Hell. And, overthrowing you from your throne. Also, she overheard how a rifle, one that was a, fully working, EXACT replica of my nephew's, was planted on the rooftop the day your son, Jesus, was murdered."
Raphael had an uncomfortable look on his face at being caught out by someone in Metatron's corps. Now, he was face to face with Metatron's accusing glare.
"Isn't that right… Raphael."
Time seemed to slow down because of this new information. The moment Raphael was about to turn tail and run. Only for Holy Guards to be seen pointing their assault rifles towards the male to make sure he didn't escape. If that wasn't proof of his guilt, no one knew what was.
"You dare accuse me, Metatron!"
Raphael yells in anger towards the elder who stands before him. He grew angrier when the male merely smirked and said.
"If you're innocent Raphael. Then you'll have no trouble telling, everyone here, where you were on the afternoon of the first of January, twenty-twenty-two."
Raphael could only stammer. This causes Dex to speak up.
"If I may interject, Metatron, Almighty. I can tell you exactly where I saw the accused on that day."
All eyes were now on Dex. This causes Octavia to ask questions.
"Dex?"
God merely waves his hand to allow his former specialist to speak.
"Bring forward your evidence, Dexter."
Clearing his throat. He begins to recall what he needed to say.
Flashback (Dex's P.O.V.)
"After exiting the hotel. And, after checking up on Snow and Loona's daughter that day. I reported back to Balthazar in the Pride Ring to let him know about any threats that would appear that day. He had asked me to set up drones all around the mansion, and the surrounding areas. For extra security."
Later
"After I had done my job to secure Lucifer and Lilith's home. And, once my drones were in the sky outside. I bunkered down in one of the many rooms in a hotel across from the King and Queen's home. Sometime during the meeting. One of my drone sensors had been tripped from the roof of the hotel I was inside. Checking the alert. I caught a strange person acting suspicious."
Opening his laptop to check the footage he'd caught on one of his drones. Dex's brows furrow when he spots the suspicious individual lying on the roof. The incriminating rifle that looked like his best friend's rifle 'Vengeance' was being held in the individual's arms. Aiming towards the nearest window of Lucifer and Lilith's home.
"By the time I alerted the guards to the person's activities. He'd vanished. Mentioning something about a V.I.P. his team was to abduct. That V.I.P. you may ask? It was my partner, Octavia Ars Goetia."
Something seemed off with the person on the roof. But, when their face was clear as day from removing their mask. That was when he said in shock.
"Raphael? What the hell is he doing here!?"
End of Flashback and P.O.V.
Now Raphael was in the shit with God. The moment Dex got up a perfect quality picture of the accused in question. The writing was on the wall for the archangel.
Seeing all eyes were now on him. Raphael attempts to attack Dex with his sword. Only, he would breathe his last breath. Or, lost his breath the moment his throat was sliced from ear to ear by Athena's angel-killing knife. As the once pristine floors turned red with a Judas's blood. God merely sat unmoving and unbothered by the development before him.
Raised a hand so his elite guard could dispose of his once-trusted archangel. He speaks directly to Snow.
"In light of what has happened. Lazarus Snow. I hereby absolve you of the murder of my son, Jesus Christ. You may return home with your allies."
Eric sighs in relief. His relief soon turned to pain when he was barrelled over by Loona, Octavia and I.M.P. in a bear hug. When Loona looked up from the hug to stare into her husband's eyes. The two share a small kiss before he says.
"Let's go home."
The hound nods with a small and happy smile on her muzzle. As he stands and goes to walk away. He notices his big sister standing with their aunt and uncle. Sighing with a smile, he calls over to his sister.
"Come on, sis. Mom and Dad are waiting on you too you know."
Athena smiles warmly at her baby brother. With a departing hug to their aunt and uncle who had saved her baby brother from extermination. She follows her brother and his friends through the portal God had made to get them back home.
Back in Hell
The minute everyone who had gone to Heaven had returned to Lucifer's mansion. The look of joy on Charlie's face said it all when her friends had come back alive and well.
There was also elation when Eliza and Winter ran into their dad's awaiting arms. They grunt a little when they feel a little bit of pressure from Austin picking up his dad and sisters in a big bear hug. Causing Snow to smile at being able to see his kids again.
Cassiel and Kai was next. While Cassiel was holding Evie. Kai saw his eldest, and only, stepdaughter stand by herself. Athena hadn't seen her stepfather since she'd thought he'd been killed by her twin. But, as they approached with Evie in Cassiel's arms. She couldn't help the tears when Kai stood before her. Causing her to say.
"Hey, Dad. Welcome back."
Kai nods with a smile. Kissing his stepdaughter's cheek, he brings her in for a hug. Causing her eyes to widen before closing them and reciprocating the hug.
"We'd thought you weren't going to come and see us. Where the fuck have you been young lady?!"
Athena chuckles before replying to her mother trying to be serious. Despite her tears betraying her angered expression towards her only daughter.
"Sorry Momma. My work with Aunt Ramiel had kept me busy. I tried to write to you when I could. But, the work was just big pain in my ass."
Cassiel laughs before wrapping her daughter up in a long overdue embrace. Once they break apart. The two females look over at the small family Snow has. Something Athena is quick to point out to her mother.
"Did you give her the talk about Snowball's heart?"
Cassiel nods. Causing Athena to laugh at her mother being herself. But, when she lingered her gaze long enough. Her smile stayed.
She couldn't wait to see what Hell had in store for her.
A/N: And that concludes Volume 1 of Snow Hound 2. Yes, I have noticed I am retelling It Snows In Hell 2. But, you will notice certain parts were removed to make it fit the Snow X Loona narrative. Even having a different ending from the original telling. Stay tuned for Volume 2 of Snow Hound 2 folks.
Please review and enjoy reading.
Thanks.
End of A/N.