AN: Not much to say. Enjoy.
Disclaimer: I do not own Helluva Boss or Hazbin Hote. Rachmiel Ta'lin is my OC.
In the Hazbin Hotel, late at night, five figures sat on their chairs while glaring at each other in total concentration. Each of them was analyzed by the other to see who showed a glimmer of weakness. A single brand of sweat or twitch of the mouth could expose the hidden play they had behind their hands. It was the final match between the five of them. The one that would win all the marbles in this dance of duels and deadly plays. Finally, Husk, who decided to act first, slammed his cards on the table. "Full House!"
"Straight!" Angel Dust cried out.
"Flush!" Charlie yelled.
"Four of a kind!" Vaggie screamed.
"Straight Flush!" Nifty cheered, which made everyone moan and lean back as she took her prize: an entire mountain worth of chocolate chip and oatmeal cookies. Giggling triumphantly, she flicked one of the cookies into her mouth and moaned. "Mmmm, so good. These are even better than my own."
"Come on, Niffty," Angel Dust whimpered as he made his best puppy eyes impression while using his four arms to make prayer motions. "Just let me have one! Please?! Sharing is caring! And sharing will help you get to Heaven sooner since it's a good deed, right?"
"Hmmm, nope!" Niffty cried out before taking all the cookies and running out of the game room faster than anyone could react. "I'm going to get some milk and eat these in my room! Night!"
"Little one-eyed selfish bitch," Husk grumbled as he folded his arms and snorted. "Last time we let Vaggie deal. I swear she's got worse luck than a pair of snake eyes."
"Hey, don't blame your bad losing streak on me, catboy," Vaggie growled as she pointed at the disinterested winged cat. "You were the one who suggested the last round be all or nothing. Now none of us have Stella's cookies."
"Yeah, you still need to work on your gambling addicts, Husk," Charlie pointed out with a nervous smile.
"And yet you let us play poker for the past two hours," Husk pointed out with a deadpan expression.
"Not with money! I thought cookies would be a good substitute!" Charlie cheerfully defended herself.
Angel raised an eyebrow. "Charlie, those were Stella's cookies. Those things are worth more than fricken gold."
"...Yeah, I can't defend myself on that one," Charlie moaned as she lowered her head in defeat. "I swear that might be the closest taste to Heaven itself."
"And those gates are closed to us. Again," Husk grumbled.
A slight cough made them turn to the entrance, where their eyes lit up, and their frowns turned upside down as Stella walked in with a fresh plate of cookies. Smiling, she walked over and placed them on the card table. "I figured this would happen, so I made a second batch. Help yourselves."
Nobody resisted their appetites as they dived in and took as many gooey and warm sweets as possible before stuffing their faces with them. They moaned in delight at the godlike taste as Stella chuckled and took one for herself before biting it. It was still a surprise to Stella that she had a natural talent for cooking. The former princess only did so out of boredom occasionally whenever she was bored at the palace. When she moved into the Hazbin Hotel, she found that they didn't have a chef and didn't know anything about taking care of a kitchen. Having seen the servants do it so well all her life, it was like second nature to Stella, who found herself not disliking it as much as she thought.
When she offered to cook in her second week at the hotel, everyone assumed it would be as bad as their own cooking, which often required Poison Control to visit at least three times a week. This was especially true when it came to Alastor cooking (whenever he wanted to do it) since his means of taste were even as sinister as his soul. The first time everyone tasted Stella's cooking? They had nearly fainted from how pure and good it was and kept demanding more with each new dish.
The swan demoness was a natural, so she was put in charge of the kitchen as the official head chef of the hotel. Not that there wasn't anyone to feed save for the usual residents. Occasionally other demons came in, but they wanted the free food and left the next day. Stella had been trying to get Charlie to stop this, but she insisted on keeping it open since it at least fed those who couldn't afford to eat much. Most of the time.
While the old Stella would have been flabbergasted at the prospect of being a chef, the new Stella found herself loving it and wished she had done more with her ex-husband's kitchen. The one in the Hazbin Hotel wasn't bad but not as top-notch as the one back at the palace. Thinking about it made Stella feel a familiar ache in her heart for her old home. Before she could get into melancholy, Husk burped and said, "Hey, Stella? Are you sure you need to be in this hotel? Far as I am concerned, you already are an angel with this cooking."
"Forget being an angel. She needs to be a goddess," Angel Dust teased before turning to Stella with a nervous smile. "Uh, mind if I take some of these into work tomorrow? Things are kinda dull on the street, so it would be nice to have something to munch on while waiting for customers."
Stella frowned before shaking her head. "Anthony, I told you. You don't have to keep having sex with random people to keep Valentino off your toes. I'm happy to keep giving you cash to keep him away."
"Oh, it's not that kind of a job," Angel Dust said, waving his hand in dismissal. "I'm just shaking my ass outside one of his new clubs for promotion sake before doing a few dances inside. Things are dull for some reason, and we're not getting any new customers. Not even the imps are coming in."
"How angry is Valentino?" Stella asked, knowing just how angry that pimp was. The number of times she saw Angel come home with bruises and cuts on his body had made her want to march to the raping bastard and crunch his dick under her foot, but that would only make things worse for the hotel. The only good thing about Alastor was that he was scary enough to keep the Three V's away, but even they would violently retaliate if one of their own was attacked. Radio demon or not.
"Pissed, but so far, he's avoided taking his wraith on me and is hurting the new babes," Angel Dust muttered before shrugging. "Eh, not like I'm bored. I got plenty of stuff to do when it's dull."
"And by stuff, you mean sucking down dicks on the side?" Vaggie asked, deadpan.
"Got it in one, toots," Angel said with a wink as he made his fingers into a gun.
Stella sighed and shook her head. "Fine, but you let me know the moment he tries anything. Okay?"
"Y-yeah, okay," Angel Dust whispered before taking his cookies and heading out of the room. Stella put a hand on his shoulder and smiled warmly at him, which made him smile back. He then turned away and said, "I'm going to sleep. Night fuckers."
"Eh, might as well crash too. I got that six-pack in my fridge with my name on it," Husk said as he soon followed Angel.
"Want to get into bed too?" Vaggie asked her girlfriend.
Charlie was about to answer when Stella interrupted. "Charlie and I have a few things to discuss. She'll meet with you soon."
The Princess of Hell looked at the former swan princess in confusion until she saw a severe and stern look on Stella's face that made Charlie pause. Faking a smile, she turned to her girlfriend and said, "Yeah, I'll be up in a few minutes. It won't take long."
Vaggie hesitated before shrugging and kissing Charlie on the cheek. Once she was gone, Stella sat in Angel Dust's seat and sighed as she folded her arms on the table.
"Why didn't you tell me Stolas visited?" Stella demanded, which earned a wince from Charile. "I had to hear it from Niffty that my ex-husband was here. So?"
Sighing, Charlie took another cookie to eat before taking a deep breath. "I was kinda figuring out how to tell you."
Things were silent between the two of them as Stella couldn't help but see, in some ways, how similar the two of them were. Both were princesses (granted, Charlie was at the top of the food chain), but both were, in essence, exiled from their homes. King Lucifer obviously disapproved of Charlie's actions with her Hotel and had dismissed her behavior as "childish and naive" to the point that they barely interacted anymore. Stella had been divorced, kicked out of her home, and outcasted by everyone she cared about because of her actions regarding Blitzo's kidnapping. The difference was that Charlie hadn't done anything wrong in trying to help her people get to Heaven so they could stop the Exterminations. Meanwhile, Stella had let her fear and anger cause a large amount of pain to her daughter and ex-husband while nearly giving her mother and brother the keys to destroying half of Hell's population.
When Stella thought about joining the Hazbin Hotel, she wasn't sure how Charlie would treat her. With Stolas close to her father, Charlie had babysat Octavia when she was very little until she started putting together her plans for the hotel. Stella knew that Charlie was kind, sweet, and a complete angel in demon skin from the few times they personally interacted. Still, she was her father's daughter. If you pushed her hard enough, she could destroy you with a great power that not even the Ring Lords could match.
Stella honestly thought Charlie would deny her a place in the Hotel when she first applied for a room. After all, Charlie's whole goal was to try and save as many demons as possible, including the lower class. If Stella's mother and brother had gotten away with their plans, Stella would have taken part in the greatest holocaust in Hell's history, even if she didn't want it to happen. But to Stella's surprise, the Princess took her in and promised to help her find the means to forgive herself and get her family to accept her again as well.
Realizing she was thinking off-topic, Stella asked, "Did he know I was here?"
"Apparently, he knew for a long time based on what I could tell," Charlie admitted with a shrug. "He didn't ask about you too much, but it's clear that...well..."
"He doesn't forgive me. Can't say I'm surprised," Stella whispered painfully and closed her eyes. It wasn't a surprise. She barely had done anything to prove to Stolas or Octavia that she was trying to change and be better. Hell, she was still trying to prove to herself. Sighing, Stella took a cookie for herself and only ate a part of it before asking, "What did he want?"
"Apparently, he wants to support the Hazbin Hotel," Charlie answered, making Stella's eyes widen in surprise. "I know. I was surprised too. He said that there was a group of people who wanted him to help me in exchange for the service he requested. A favor or something. But I can't think of what-"
"Angels," Stella whispered, which made Charlie freeze up. Sighing, Stella leaned back and finished her cookie. "Stolas is doing this for Heaven. Most likely your uncles who are looking to support you through him."
"A-A-Are you sure?" Charlie asked in shock as Stella nodded. "I...I've never met my father's brothers...I mean, I've heard of them, but..."
"Perhaps they approve of what you are doing and what to help you?" Stella suggested as she rubbed her chin. "My husband is close to Metatron thanks to his work. I don't fully know what that work is, but I know he speaks of him as if they were friends. The favor he asked for has to be big. Most likely something to help with Blitzo and that Nightmare Parasite he had to deal with. Even I know that curing something like that would take powerful means beyond Stolas's abilities."
"Would Prince Stolas really go that far to help him?" Charlie asked, tilting her head.
"There are two people in the entire universe Stolas would do anything for regardless of the risk: Octavia and Blitzo," Stella answered while rubbing her forehead. If Lucifer found out, he would kill Stolas and the entire household without any hesitation. A part of her wanted to yell at her ex-husband for risking so much again for the imp. However, she wasn't going to let that side control her again. Not after what it cost her. "Trust me, Stolas would make a deal with Heaven if it meant saving either one of them."
"That's really risky but admirable," Princess Charlie replied as she looked down at her hands in silence for a bit. She then asked, "What should I do? I already agreed to his help, and I wouldn't mind it, but if someone in my Dad's inner circle, or worse, Dad himself, finds out about this..."
"...The next time he comes, I want to talk to him," Stella said as she got up and stretched her neck.
"He didn't seem interested in talking to you last time we spoke," Charlie pointed out. "What do you want to talk to him about anyway?"
"Just because I don't plan on stopping him from whatever it is he's doing doesn't mean that I'm going to let him not think fully through this," Stella whispered as she made her way to the door. "I might not be his wife, and Octavia may have rejected me, but I still care about both of them. They can hate me all they want, but if it means I can stop them from making a mistake and prevent them from getting killed, I'll gladly take the heat."
She left Princess Charlie alone while slamming the door behind her.
Breakfast at the Goetia palace was always a family affair. It was a tradition Stolas did with his parents and continued after they passed with Stella and Octavia. Only now, he was doing it with his daughter, lover, his lover's daughter, and his lover's employees. A fully cooked breakfast consisting of English, French, German, Finnish, Swedish, and Belgium dishes were laid out on the table as Stolas walked into his dining room with Reginald already waiting with the morning paper for him and a warm cup of coffee.
"Good morning, Prince Stolas," Reginald bowed before moving the head seat for his master.
"Morning, Reginald," Stolas greeted as he sat down and accepted the paper. Sipping his coffee, he sighed in relief before looking at the table. "First to arrive?"
"Mr. Moxxie was here earlier, but he had to take an urgent phone call, and Princess Octavia is in the restroom at the moment," Reginald answered as he began scooping some eggs, waffles, and birdseed for his master. "Will Mr. Blitz be joining us?"
"Yes, he says he's well enough to eat," Stolas answered, recalling how sometimes his beloved was too tired or emotionally well to eat until late. "Considering that we're going to be testing out this procedure Dr. Rachmiel recommended, I think it might be best if he eats something for his strength."
Sure enough, Blitzo soon arrived, followed by Millie and Octavia, who sat down simultaneously. Blitz reached for some toast and jam while Octavia was already preparing eggs benedict with Millie pouring orange juice while another servant placed a Croque Madame on her plate. During her time here, Millie found herself craving French food despite never having it, and most assumed it was because of the baby she was carrying.
"Good Moring, my Starfire," Stolas greeted with a happy chirp. "How are you this fine morning."
"Eh, I'm okay," Octavia answered with a shrug.
"How's the baby inside ya, Millie?" Blitzo asked.
"Morning, Blitz! And he or she is doing well, but kinda made me need the toilet for an hour around 1 in the morning," Mille sighed as she rubbed her stomach but smiled nonetheless. "Feeling good yourself?"
"I guess?" Blitzo muttered as he drank his coffee and swiped a buttered blueberry muffin from the rack it was on. He chewed on it for a bit before saying, "I'm just a bit nervous about this. I mean...what if it doesn't work?"
"It will work, darling," Stolas assured, placing his hand on his imp lover. Smiling warmly at him, Stolas said, "This isn't going to be easy, but I'm confident we can see to it that you end up cured."
"Worse comes to worst, we can always chuck the angel out of here for screwing up," Octavia suggested.
Moxxie soon entered the room, looking a bit worried. That soon faded when he spotted his wife and kissed her. "Morning, honey. Hello, everyone."
"Everything alright, Moxxie?" Stolas asked as he started cutting up his eggs and dipping them in bird seed before eating a large gulp. "Reginald says you left in quite a hurry for that call."
"O-O-Oh! That was um...my brother," Moxxie said, rubbing the back of his head. "It was just a quick call to let me know how the process is going in reporting him alive and not dead in the capital."
"Do you need help in getting it sorted out? I know some people," Stolas offered.
Moxxie quickly shook his head and smiled awkwardly as he raised his hands. "T-T-Thanks, Prince Stolas, but you're already doing a lot for us as it is. My brother can handle it. Besides, he's enjoying himself at the capital." He then cleared his throat before looking at his wife. "Also, Millie, do you mind if we stay here for a week?"
"A week?" Millie asked, which also got everyone's attention. "Why?"
"W-Well, with Blitz doing this procedure, I was hoping we could just stay for moral support and make sure he's fine," Moxxie pointed out while tugging his collar.
"You okay, Mox?" Blitzo asked as he raised an eyebrow. "You're acting funny."
"I'm...just nervous, sir. About you and this procedure," Moxxie said as he stood tall and sighed. "It's just a bit stressful, with this and baby and my brother being alive. It would be helpful if I knew that Millie here had the support of everyone just in case. Plus, it would make me relax more if we were here to support you."
"Well, I'm not your boss twenty-four-seven, so do what you like," Blitzo said as he leaned against his chair. He was going to put his feet on the table, but a quick glare from Reginald made him stop in mid-air and put them back down. Looking back at Moxxie, Blitzo muttered, "But...thanks. For caring, you know?"
"Well, shucks, I don't mind saying in here. Especially for more of these...what did ya call them, Reginald?" Millie asked as she stuffed her face with powdered dough squares.
"Beignets, Miss Millie," Reginald answered with a smile. "I happen to favor them myself too."
"Yeah, if I can get these every day, I'm fine being here for a week. I just need some things from our apartment," Millie told her husband, who smiled at her.
"I'll get them tomorrow," Moxxie promised before sitting down to help himself to some food. Once, he had a nice plate of everything he was about to eat when suddenly, a furry hand grabbed it and took it away before he could take a bite. Turning his head to the left, he saw a smirking Loona walk away with his food before sitting next to a snickering Blitz. "Hey! That was mine!"
"Now it's mine," Loona answered as she took some thick juice bacon and ripped it with her jaws. Chewing, she raised an eyebrow at the steaming imp and asked, "Just get your own."
After a bit of a rant from Moxxie (that went nowhere as usual), small talk was engaged before someone else entered the dining table, making the entire place quiet. Dressed in silver sweatpants with a white t-shirt, a nervously smiling Rachmiel walked inside as everyone stared at him. Raising his hand, he waved and greeted everyone. "Hello. Good morning. Um, I just thought I'd come to get something to eat."
Reginald raised an eyebrow. "I thought the servants had given you your meal, sir?"
"Um," One of the imp servants coughed, and Reginald glared down at him. "I was...a bit too nervous. I heard him praying and...well..."
"Oh, those were just my morning prayers. I wasn't casting a miracle or something," Rachmiel stated with a nervous chuckle. "Sorry if I spooked you."
Sighing, Reginald folded his arms and glared at the shamed imp servant. "Allen, I told every servant that Dr. Rachmiel should be treated like everyone else. You should have come to me if you had a problem or misunderstanding. Now, where is the food?"
"I...I kinda left in the kitchen."
"That means the food is cold as snow by now," Reginald sighed as he turned to Rachmiel and bowed. "I apologize for this. I'll have a hot meal sent to your room immediately."
"Oh, it's okay. I can just sit down and have-"
"The dining table is for family," Loona said, narrowing his eyes at the angel, who froze for a second as a reluctant expression decorated his face. "You're not family. You're a stranger in this house we're letting sit in."
The tension increased as Loona slowly bit into a sausage link with her jaws as Rachmiel gulped. Everyone else looked at each other awkwardly while figuring out what to say. While it was true that all of them felt it would be odd having an angel at the dinner place, Loona's behavior made it seem like she was ready to start throwing silverware at him.
"Well, Dr. Rachmiel is indeed a stranger, but I'm sure we can have him sit with us and get to know him a bit more," Prince Stolas stated nervously as Loona scoffed and dug into her eggs.
Rachmiel let out a small sigh before giving a slight smile. "Um, I don't want to make things uncomfortable. Maybe when we get to know each other better, I'll eat at the table. For now, I'll just stay in my room during meal times."
"You don't have to-"
"It's fine, really," Rachmiel said as he flicked his wings a bit, but the tone in his voice made it clear he was saddened by the rejection.
"Well, before you go, when do you want to do this Anima thing, and what can I expect from it?" Blitz asked, turning to the Spirit Healer.
Brightening up, Rachmiel clapped his hands and happily stated, "We can do it anytime you like. I spent last night preparing the room for it with the right symbols and glyphs needed. We're merely going to focus on establishing a connection inside your soul to make sure there is a proper spiritual pathway for us to work. We'll also test the inner working of the ritual inside your soul by checking some memories. Mind you, none of the infected ones, just the positive or neutral memories. So you can get a feel of what to expect."
"Can any of us join in this?" Moxxie asked curiously.
"No, I'm afraid this procedure will only feature Mr. Blitz and me," Rachmiel explained. "Too many links will cause problems that could damage his soul and mind. I'll also need everyone out of the room when we do this. It needs to be the two of us."
"If you think we're just going to leave him alone with you for who knows how long, then you got anot-" Loona was interrupted by Blitz raising his hand in front of his daughter to stop her.
"That's fine," Blitzo answered before turning to the Spirit Healer. "I'll see you after breakfast."
"Alright, I'll be waiting," Rachmiel said as he turned around and left the dining room.
Once it was clear that he was gone, Octavia turned to her friend with a raised eyebrow and asked, "Don't you think you're being harsh?"
"What do you mean?" Loona asked as she went back to her meal.
"Loona, I know he's an angel, and I can understand not trusting him, but you don't need to be that rude to him," Moxxie pointed out while Loona just turned away. "Look, I know he touched your boob and all, but it was an accident. Just by looking at him, you can tell he's not a pervert or anything."
"Plus, he's the one that is healing Blitz," Octavia added. "If you annoy him too much? Or make him feel unwanted? He might just say screw it and leave. Do you really want that to happen?"
"Of course not!" Loona growled before folding her arms. "I just don't...like having an angel around us. You know that his kind despises us and assumes the worst of us. Not to mention we've all had to live in fear of the Exterminators our entire lives."
"And the touching of your breast has nothing to do with it?" Octavia asked deadpan.
"It's called adding fuel to the fire..." Loona hissed, her hair getting a bit fritzy.
"I think it's unfair to blame Dr. Rachmiel for something he has no part in and has confessed to personally despising," Reginald stated as he raised an eyebrow. "Quite frankly, I was surprised at that myself, but the angel seems to be the epitome of pacifism."
Loona was about to say something when Blitzo put his hand on her shoulder, making her look at him as he thoughtfully glanced at her. "Loona? Let it go. What happened was unfortunate, but like Moxxie said, it was an accident. I'm just as nervous about having an angel around as you are, but I'd like things to not escalate. I'm already nervous about this whole thing as it is. I don't want more stress added to it."
This seemed to get Loona to calm down as she slowly looked away and nodded. "Fine, but I'm not going to be friendly with him."
"There is a difference between being friendly and civil, my dear," Prince Stolas said as he poured some syrup on his waffles.
"And what's that?" Millie asked.
"Friendly is when you think good things about people and are polite to them in public. Civil is when you are polite to them in public but dream of stabbing them a thousand times, ripping their skin off, and bathing in their blood via a hot tub, but not actually going through with it, of course."
About an hour after finishing breakfast, it was time. Blitzo and the others followed Reginald, who was guiding them to the open room Rachmiel had been working in to prepare for the Amina Ambulare. The room was used merely for storing old clothing and seasonal designs for the palace when not in use, so it was easy to clear it and was big enough to fit at least a hundred people inside. According to Rachmiel, it was a perfect size.
When the group opened the doors to the room, they were flabbergasted by what they saw. The entire room had been graphically designed with green-whitish runes mixing, connecting, and interlining with each other to the point that there was barely any space on the walls, ceilings, or floor that didn't have them. Stolas could tell what some signs and geometric structures were, but most of it was out of his reach since it was all Heaven's design. Each of them was glowing, and some were moving in various circular or oval formats without stopping, even when Millie curiously walked over one moving "A" like symbol with extra lines pointing out did it seem to change. In fact, it just seemed to ignore her.
Waiting for them in the middle of the room, dressed in his usual clothing, was Rachmiel, who smiled with his hands behind his back. "Hello, everyone. What do you think?"
"This isn't going to melt our faces if we touch something, right?" Octavia asked nervously as she eyed one cross-looking symbol with six trinity-like symbols wrapped up in two circles intersecting each other while smaller squiggly lines spread out to other marks.
"Nope! Everything here is perfectly safe even for demons," Rachmiel said with reassurance.
"How long did it take for you to make this?" Stolas asked, looking at the runes to his left with curiosity intensity.
"About four hours. And an additional hour to test things to make sure they were functioning. I collapsed into bed as soon as I was done," Rachmiel answered while rubbing the back of his head.
"What does all of this do?" Moxxie asked and gulped upon seeing a couple of glowing eye symbols with six-sided stars for pupils blinking at him.
"Oh, well, you see it-"
"I think maybe we hold on to that thought for a moment," Stolas suggested, knowing the angel would rant for a while about it. "For now, I propose we establish the connection like planned."
"Oh, right! Sorry," Rachmiel apologized as he cleared his throat. "Now, the main thing I wish to do today is first to establish a connection between me and Mr. Blitz's consciousness with his soul. Once we have the connection, any future dive-in will be a breeze. The first one is always the hardest, but it gets easier. After that, we'll expose Mr. Blitz to some of his memories to help him understand how the process works. The more we do this, the more simulacra domains we'll be able to create to help with the healing process."
"Simulacra domains?" Loona asked, eyebrow raised.
"Well, we cannot physically interact with the memories. It would be like seeing an event in time as a ghost. Nothing will change," Rachmiel explained while grinning. "But as we consciously look at our memories, we can create pockets of dimensional domains inside our very souls that allow us to interact with those from our memories based on their personalities and habits we know of them. Copies of them, to be precise. It would be like creating a virtual world from your own memories but inside your soul. This will allow Mr. Blitz to confront those of his past as if he was really speaking to them and allow him to have closure. Even the deceased ones can become real in this metaphysical construct that will take shape."
"Y-You mean I can see my family again?" Blitzo whispered in both awe and terror. "And my wife?"
"Sort of. They're simulacra, so they won't be real, but they'll be based on the knowledge of you knowing them. However, you'll need to see your past memories of them to do this," Rachmiel then frowned. "This means you'll have to confront the worst memories that hurt you deep inside your soul. The ones that the Nightmare Parasite infected. Once you do this, the simulacra's personality will also change so that they know what you did to them or in their presence and act according to their behavior. For example, if you were to remember a friend you betrayed without them knowing and saw the memory of that specific event when you did it, the simulacra of your friend will know of that betrayal."
That made Blitzo pale. The thought of seeing his family again after he failed to protect them or the memories of his wife knowing how he caused her death. He looked just about to run until Stolas put his talons on his shoulders and hugged him close. "Blitzy."
"I...I can't do this...I..." Blitzo turned to his lover and whimpered. "I just...I can't..."
"You have to," Stolas whispered as he knelt down to his love and kissed him on the forehead. "Confronting one's past is never easy, and I know you are scared, but this is the only way. If you ever want to find peace again, my love, you need to do this. But I will be right here with you all the way."
"...You have no idea what I've done, Stolas," Blitzo whimpered in shame as he turned away. "You have no idea just how horrible of a person I really am."
"Maybe, but I know just how good you are inside," Stolas stated gently while poking him in the chest. "I am not blameless in sin. I have done terrible things as well. We all have. This is Hell, after all. But I have faith in you, Blitzy, even if you have no faith in yourself."
"Us too," Moxxie said as he put an arm around Millie, who nodded with a warm smile.
"You know I'm always going to be by your side, Dad," Loona commented as Octavia gave a thumbs up and smirk.
"And I'm here as well," Rachmiel got everyone's eyes on him as he nervously cleared his throat. "I'm doing this because I want to help you, Mr. Blitz. Because it's the right thing to do. Maybe what I see will be...bad, but I made an oath. And a doctor never goes back on their oath."
Blitzo bit his lip and wiped away a few tears from his eyes before nodding. "Okay. Let's just get this fucking over with before I decide to jump out a window again."
"Again?" Rachmiel asked, tilting his head.
"Long story," Octavia said.
"So, what do I need to do?" Blitzo asked, taking a deep breath and preparing himself.
"Well, first, I need everyone else to leave the room. I'm afraid that this is where we need to be alone," Rachmiel said professionally as he nodded to the door. "You can wait outside if you wish, but under no circumstances will you come in until I give the all-clear. Any ritual interference could risk our mental state or our lives."
Everyone nodded but not before giving Blitzo one last hug. Loona was the last to do so before walking over to Rachmiel, who gulped upon seeing her glare. At first, it looked like she would yell or threaten him again before she sighed and muttered, "Just do a good job. Okay?"
"O-Oh, yes! I will!" Rachmiel replied with a smile.
Nodding to him, Loona followed the others out until the door was closed, and all that was left inside were Blitzo and Rachmiel. The imp turned to the angel and asked, "So now what?"
"First, you need to take off your clothes," Rachmiel said with a smile while Blitzo leaned back.
"Uh, honey? I know I'm hot and all, and you're not bad looking yourself, but I have a relationship and all unless you're into three-way sex," Blitzo replied with a raised eyebrow.
"W-W-What?! No! Nothing like that! I just need you in your boxers! It's so I can put a rune on you to get the ritual energy to converse directly into your metaphysical soul link!" Rachmiel shouted while blushing like a tomato while a few of his feathers started popping out. Even his wings were fluttering in shock.
Blitzo chuckled before winking at the flushed caladrius. "I was kidding, Doc. Relax."
"Oh...Oh! Right, sorry," Rachmiel said while waving a wing in his face to calm himself down.
Blitzo rolled his eyes in amusement before taking his clothing off until he was in nothing but his heart logo boxers. Once he was stripped naked, Rachmiel told him to cover to the middle of the room, right in the center of some mystical circle, and sit down meditatively. The tips of Rachmiel's talons then started glowing the same color as the symbols in the room. "This is gonna feel chilly, but this won't harm you despite being a demon."
He then began to write something on Blitzo's back, which made him wince from the cold touch, but it felt no different than having a doctor's stethoscope on your skin. Once he was done, Rachmiel placed his hand on the writing and whispered some words Blitzo couldn't understand before there was a bright light on his back, and then everything felt normal.
"Alright," Rachmiel said as he took a deep breath and put both hands on Blitzo's back. "Now, here we go. I need you to remain as calm as possible. Understood? Just relax and close your eyes."
Blitzo proceeded as he tried to keep his body still while Rachmiel continued, "Focus on your breathing. Think of nothing else but the darkness that is in your vision. Slowly relax and listen to my voice."
The various runes in the room began to glow more intently.
"All life, even here in Hell, is interconnected through the aether of creation that has been placed in everything in every realm since the first words of the creator, God himself, whose very voice summoned life into our universe. You and I are part of that cosmic energy that has continued onward without stop and will not end until God commands it. We are all part of it, linked to its chain, as are all forms of time, space, and reality. The universe is an interconnected web of life that cannot be broken but can be felt deep inside us all."
Soon Blitzo started glowing, as did Rachmiel, who closed his eyes.
"Feel that presence of life in you. Feel the web way of existence that is empowering you. Find the inner power in your soul that has existed inside you ever since you were first conceived in your mother's womb. It knows everything about you. From birth to now, it has always been there with the true knowledge of yourself. Everything you are and can be is there, waiting to be unlocked. Open it to open yourself to the deeper windows of your soul."
Slowly opening their eyes, both Blitzo and Rachmiel were glowing white in their pupils.
"Open yourself and embrace the mystery."
And then the room exploded in the form of green and white light.
