KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK
"Angel! Would you get your ass out of bed already? Charlie needs to talk to all of us! And she'd rather you be there than repeat herself because you want to sleep all day!"
That was the voice of Vagatha. Oh, joy. The first thing Angel Dust wanted to deal with when he got home was some annoying bullshit.
"Okay, Angel. Breathe. Don't get snippy. Pretend like this bitch just woke you from your beauty sleep." Angel Dust thought, needing to sell his lie. "UUUUUUUUUGH. FINE, VAG. JUST GIVE HIM A FEW MINUTES..." He groaned and complained, trying his best to sound groggy.
"You get five! We've been waiting for you long enough! I'm breaking this door down if you're not out by then!" Vagatha warned, followed by the sound of her angry footsteps as she walked away.
After rolling his eyes at her melodrama, Angel Dust sat on his bed. Choosing to spend the majority of those five minutes examining his new pistols. The amount of effort put into their appearance alone was immaculate. Even Angel Dust, who'd customized them, couldn't tell that anything was off from how they were before Doomguy worked on them.
But looking past the aesthetic of this gorgeous pair of death dealers, which was hard to do, the craftsmanship on the weapons themselves was...masterful. That's the only word Angel Dust's brain could conceive to describe it. These pistols were a dream come true.
The grips were comfortable yet sturdy. The bodies had a nice heft but still felt light and non-cumbersome to wield. The slides glided backward across the barrels with such ease and grace. The individual mechanisms, such as the trigger, responded without issue when Angel Dust used or interacted with them.
The only thing left to test, which he sadly couldn't do at this time, was how they fired. What would these gorgeous guns sound like? How would they feel when brought to life by the ignition of gun powder? What destruction were they capable of now that someone like Doomguy had a chance to mess with them?
"Hm, clips' don't seem different..." Angel Dust noted as he ejected them from each pistol. "So, they'll likely shoot the same, but I'm not sure..." He continued to ponder while holding up the weapons. "These babies feel heavier and lighter at the same time. I KNOW there's some new-fangled shit in'em. But I'm not about to be an asshole and ruin them by taking them apart. So, I guess I'll find a chance to use'em and see what they can do then." He decided before putting the magazines back in.
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK
The sudden second batch of knocks startled Angel Dust, nearly causing him to drop his new favorite things in all of Hell onto the floor.
"What the? For crying out loud, Vag! Are you trying to give me a fucking heart attack!?" Angel Dust shouted at the door, assuming it was her. "Also, didn't you say you'd give me five minutes? By my count, it's only been three and a half!" He added.
"Just checking to see if you were still in bed or not. Don't pretend like you haven't pulled that crap before." Vagatha responded.
"...Yeah, okay, that's true." Angel Dust accepted, unable to form a counterargument.
After quickly putting his pistols away to fool around with later, Angel Dust went to the door, unlocked it, and pulled it open.
"Nice to see you, sleeping beauty." Vagatha joked. Her usual nagging mom stare was currently on her face.
"Damn straight. I need those extra hours." Angel Dust replied as he stepped out. "So, is the stuff Charlie needs to talk to us about have something to do with the lack of harp-playing serial killers in Hell? Or does she want to figure out what we're having for lunch?" He asked while closing the door behind him.
"The first one," Vagatha answered before they started walking through the hall. "Her mom didn't call her to see if she was okay. She wanted to tell Charlie what had happened before the media outlets figured it out and swarmed us looking for answers." She informed him.
"Damn. Maybe Husk was right. This is the end of days." Angel Dust said.
"I don't know about that, but it is serious. This is why, for my peace of mind, I need you to promise me you won't do anything to cause a stir. I know if an opportunity to be a wise ass presents itself, you HAVE to take it. But...try to pull your punches a little." Vagatha requested.
"Hey, look. I know I'm a pain. And I know you and I are as compatible as gas and a lit match. But I promise you I won't make light of what's happening. Even a professional wise-ass like myself knows when to cut the jokes." Angel Dust assured.
"Thanks, Angel. Hearing you say that does take a weight off my mind." Vagatha told him with a smile.
"Oh, ho. Is that a smile, I see? Did I, Angel Dust, the biggest pain in your neck, make you happy?" Angel Dust inquired, making her roll her eyes.
"See? Just like I said. The moment an opportunity appears, you pounce immediately." Vagatha replied.
With that rare friendly moment between the two over, the pair of Sinners entered the lobby and rejoined the group.
"Ah, there he is." Alastor was the first to notice, soon followed by the rest.
"Sorry to keep you all waiting. I know every second without me is more horrible than being sent to Hell." Angel Dust "apologized" as he reached an empty chair with his name on it.
"We're glad you're here, Angel," Charlie responded while Vagatha moved to stand by her. "And now that we're ALL present, I can share with you what my mom told me during our conversation." She said.
"Wait, I have a question." Husk interrupted with a raised hand. "And I promise it's not my usual bullshit. It's serious." He vowed.
"Go ahead, Husk." Charlie permitted.
"I know I was going on about the apocalypse and everything earlier. For the most part, it was a joke. But is some biblical-level shit about to go down? Sort of like the rapture? Because I've been thinking, and I can't figure out why the Exterminators aren't killing people all of a sudden. Unless they got an order from upstairs telling them the plan's changed." Husk asked, along with an explanation for his question.
"Honestly, Husk. If I'm to be blunt with you. What's happening would be much easier to make sense of it were the rapture or something similar." Charlie confessed, causing his eyes to widen.
"...I can tell I'm going to need this..." Husk said, slowly pulling out the bottle he showed them a few days ago.
"Are there any more questions? I know you'll have some afterward, but are there any you guys need to voice right now?" Charlie inquired, looking at each member of their group.
Charlie was met with silence. Everyone wanted to wait and hear what she needed to tell them. Rather than waste time with more questions that were likely to be answered as she spoke.
"Alright, then. Here goes..." Charlie started with, bracing herself to hear this information a second time. "From my mom, the queen of Hell herself, this is what we know. The Extermination began as it always does. The Exterminators came down from Heaven and entered the capital. Then, after a few minutes, something happened. We aren't sure what it was yet, but it was enough to get the attention of the Exterminators. Some went to investigate, and they didn't return. However, the others who noticed didn't follow. They kept their distance, almost as if they were afraid or nervous. That's when the ringing from Heaven occurred. And, in response, the Exterminators left.
Also, I should mention that my dad is in Heaven. He's speaking with the rest of our family about what's happening. Hopefully, he'll be able to give me, and by extension all of you, some answers before the hotel's overrun by reporters trying to speak to me." She informed them, taking a moment to exhale now that she was finished.
Looking at her friends' faces, Charlie wasn't surprised by what she saw. All of them were stunned, including Alastor and Husk, who barely reacted to anything. What did surprise her, however, was that of everyone, the first person to say something was Angel Dust.
"Out of curiosity, has anyone checked on those missing Exterminators?" Angel Dust inquired. "Specifically, I'm talking about your dad's council or whatever." He clarified.
"Mom said that everyone's going to get involved with this. The royals, my father's advisors, and even some of the Noble families. They want to be prepared for when the rest of Hell finds out, and chaos ensues." Charlie replied.
"Are there any theories as of yet? For the Exterminators' disappearance?" Alastor asked.
"Considering there's nothing in all of Hell that can harm them. No." Charlie answered.
"That's...not entirely true," Husk interjected, all eyes moving to him. "We all know that, as much as Heaven would deny it, some of their inventory ends up down here. Such as those deadlier-than-thou weapons they use on the Sinners. Something like that could put an angel down." He mentioned.
"While that is true, Husk. Charlie's mom told her that the other Exterminators seemed afraid. Why would they be scared of a Sinner or demon, regardless of who they are, if all they have is a Divine weapon?" Nifty challenged.
"I don't know. This has NEVER happened before! None of it makes any sense!" Husk exclaimed, catching her by surprise.
"Okay, mister. That's enough for you." Nifty scolded before promptly taking away his drink. Slightly hurt that he'd raise his voice like that at her.
"Hey, give that back!" Husk demanded while attempting to reclaim it.
As the two proceeded into one of their usual disputes, the others remained focused on their conversation.
"How long do you think we have before the circus arrives?" Vagatha asked her girlfriend.
"Mom said it'd be a few hours. No one outside our family and the rulers of the rings knows about this. Except for you guys, of course." Charlie answered.
"And, to our benefit, no one's going to be bold enough to leave the safety of their homes and hiding places until they're confident the Exterminators aren't coming back." Alastor chimed in.
"Does that mean we should start boarding the windows and barricading the door?" Angel Dust suggested.
"That...might be needed to keep those so-called journalists out," Vagatha responded.
At first, Vagatha thought he was making a joke. But then realized that he was serious, and for a good reason. Anyone affiliated with anything that met the minimum requirements to be recognized as a source of information in Hell was an unyielding and shameless bottom feeder. Storming into a hotel for the biggest scoop in Hell's history would be the least offensive thing any of them have ever done. Especially if the reigning bitch of them all appeared. That would be a genuine nightmare and potential bloodbath.
"Let's hold off on that for now," Charlie said, not wanting to resort to such measures unless it was necessary. "I think the best thing we can do to prepare would be to-"
Knock Knock Knock
That came from the front doors, caused by someone using the knockers on the outside. However, because it was a well-mannered knock, and the person doing it didn't barge in, they believed it wasn't a reporter. This would be confirmed not a second later by the unexpected visitor announcing their identity.
"Charlie, it's me. Your dad." Lucifer stated from beyond the doors as if his daughter wouldn't recognize his voice. "If you could, I'd like to speak with you out here. Alone. Only you." He requested, putting an odd amount of emphasis on her coming to meet him by herself.
Everyone simultaneously was and wasn't surprised by the devil's sudden appearance. Given the circumstances, he'd undoubtedly want to come and see his daughter to ensure she was okay and to update her on how things were going. The most shocking thing about his arrival was that Lucifer had managed to finish his business in Heaven so quickly.
"Coming, dad!" Charlie called out to him. "I'll be right back." She quietly said to the others before hurrying toward the entrance.
"Why the fuck did she whisper? Does Lucifer have the hearing of a dog or something?" Angel Dust questioned, finding that odd.
Watching Hell's princess reach the doors and swiftly go through them, the group was left to themselves for the moment. As for Charlie, she was now in the company of her father, who greeted her with a warm smile. Followed by something as unexpected as his presence on her doorstep; a hug.
"Uh, dad? Are you okay?" Charlie asked. She wasn't uncomfortable or unwanting of the embrace. It'd just been a long time since he did something like this.
"Sorry. I didn't mean to blindside you with that." Lucifer apologized as he pulled away. "I'm just happy to see you're okay." He explained.
"Is there a reason I wouldn't be?" Charlie inquired, hoping he had something new to tell her.
"Yes. As terrifying as that is to admit." Lucifer confirmed, his smile now replaced with an uncertain expression. "I'll keep this short so as not to waste our time. But I give you my word that everything you hear is true, and I'm not withholding anything from you." He vowed before continuing. "The Exterminators were called back because a number of them have been killed. Neither Heaven nor us know how this is possible or who is responsible. I wish I could say more, but there's nothing else." He informed her.
For a few seconds, Charlie was silent. What her dad had just said needed to set in. For the first time in history, be it Heaven or Hell, not just one but MULTIPLE Exterminators had been killed.
"...What happened to their souls?" Was Charlie's first question. Admittedly, this impressed her father. So quick to think of the most important part of this situation.
"Unfortunately, that is one of the many things we don't know. They're not in Hell, Heaven, or anywhere else. It's like they just...disappeared." Lucifer revealed.
"If that's the case, how will we investigate this?" Charlie asked.
"Well, that would be the other reason I'm here." Lucifer began as he stuck his hands into his pockets. "Whenever you're ready." He said, seeming to speak to someone else.
Before Charlie could respond, a portal suddenly appeared beside her dad. And from it came-
"AUNTIE AZ?!" Charlie shouted in surprise, a truly MASSIVE grin appearing on her face the instant she realized who it was.
"Charlie! It's so wonderful to see you!" Azrael greeted. Her arms were preemptively outstretched, for she knew what would happen.
Without hesitation, Charlie threw herself at her aunt. She was ecstatic to have a member of her family here, in Hell, at her hotel, who WASN'T her mom or her dad! She rarely got to see them, the main problem being how busy their family was, what with managing all of creation and everything. So, even during an unprecedented historical event, you bet your ass Charlie's happiness levels would still reach maximum.
"Ahem." Lucifer cleared his throat, hoping to be remembered. "I don't mean to ruin this moment for the two of you, but we do still have much to discuss." He reminded.
"Oh, Lucifer. Let us enjoy this. It's been far too long since I've been able to hug my favorite niece!" Azrael exclaimed while Charlie giggled out of glee.
"She's your ONLY niece." Lucifer pointed out.
"Even if I had hundreds, she'd still be my favorite." Azrael asserted as the two finally ended their hug. "But I do agree. We need to talk business, such as why I'm here so suddenly." She said.
"Do you?" Charlie questioned with a raised brow. "What else could it be other than to help us figure out what's going on?" She asked.
"To put it simply, Azrael will help us find whoever's behind these deaths," Lucifer answered. "But to do that, she needs to be as close to the location of the murders as she can. We suspect the killer will strike again, and when they do, hopefully, Azrael will be able to identify them." He explained.
"Oh. Okay. That makes sense." Charlie responded, already knowing how her aunt's abilities worked because why wouldn't she? "...WAIT." She said as a realization struck her. "If...she needs to be as close to the murders as possible...and she's here...does that mean..." She trailed off, slowly looking at her father with a growing smile.
"...Yes, it does. Your aunt will stay at the hotel for the foreseeable future." Lucifer confirmed while closing his eyes. He did this to prepare himself for his daughter's high-pitched squeal of excitement, which happened instantly afterward.
"OHMYGOSHOHMYGOSHOHYMYGOSHOHMYGOSHOHMYGOSHOHMYGOSH!" Charlie repeated at lightning speed, facing her aunt once more. "You are going to LOVE it here! I'll give you a tour myself. You can pick out which room you want." She carried on before gasping as yet another realization struck her. "YOU CAN MEET MY FRIENDS!" She shouted.
Without saying anything else, Charlie grabbed onto her aunt's wrists and pulled her towards the front doors. Azrael, who went along with this, was smiling and laughing at the enthusiasm of her niece. In contrast, Lucifer just stood there and watched in bewilderment. Even as the pair disappeared into the building, it took him a few seconds to snap out of it.
And when he did, Lucifer said nothing. Instead, he turned around and began the journey back home. He was more than willing to let those two forget about him so long as he didn't get pulled into that insanity.