"Oof. That had to hurt." Vagatha commented with a wince as she watched Katie faceplant the floor.
Assuming it wouldn't take long for their newly acquired PR person to get a broadcast going, Charlie, Vagatha, and Azrael gathered around a television to watch it live. The location of this TV was in Charlie and Vagatha's shared quarters. Not only was this comfortable and convenient, but it also allowed the princess of Hell to show her aunt where she'd be staying.
And, as she wanted, it was next door to her and her girlfriend.
"If it did, she's not showing," Charlie replied as the reporter picked herself up.
"As...you can see..." Katie slowly resumed speaking, doing her best not to lose her temper. "We're experiencing some difficulties in the studio. I apologize for the issues and will speak to my crew, who aren't here DESPITE the many voicemails I left before leaving home, to ensure that this won't happen again in future broadcasts." She told her audience, now fully upright. "Now then, as I was saying. The family member is the Angel of Death herself. Azrael, for those who don't know her name." Katie revealed. "Now, you may be asking, why would the Angel of Death be in Hell? On top of that, why are she and the princess disrupting the Extermination? The answer to that question, if you can believe it, is even more astounding than the presence of Death in Hell!" She exclaimed.
"Here it comes..." Vagatha muttered, waiting for the bombshell to drop.
"As it turns out, Azrael shares her niece's distaste for the tradition. She's stood by until now, waiting to see if the Extermination would truly make a difference, only to be met with constant disappointment as every year nothing changed. So, alongside the princess, the Angel of Death takes a firm position by openly denouncing the Extermination. In addition, she's also staying at the Happy Hotel. Hoping that with her assistance, the Sinners of Hell will feel a greater incentive to rehabilitate themselves." Katie stated. "Now, before I say more, I'd like to take a break from this broadcast so everyone can process everything I've said. However, due to this happening today, I'm afraid there aren't any commercials or other programs I can change to. So, please forgive the ten-minute absence from the air. When I return, I will have a properly working chair and go into greater detail about what has been shared so far. See you in a few~" She cheerily bid goodbye before leaving her desk.
"And there it is," Vagatha said before turning to look at Charlie. "How long do you think we have before your dad shows up?" She asked.
"Hmm...I assume he's busy with mom trying to figure out what's happening, so he's probably not watching TV right now. Most likely, one of his inner staff or the Nobles who know about the situation will contact him. Giving us roughly somewhere between five and ten minutes." Charlie answered while thinking about it.
"A sound estimation." Azrael praised her as she rose from her seat. "We best head back to the lobby. We don't want him disturbing your friends when he comes barging in." She told them, now heading for the door.
"Is he going to appear in a torrent of fire or something?" Vagatha asked as she and Charlie followed after turning off the television.
"I wouldn't put it past him," Azrael answered while the trio left the room. "Lucifer desperately wants to be seen as the scariest person in all of Creation. The most dramatic of us all." She told them.
"Hm, interesting," Vagatha commented before a realization struck her. "I hope he doesn't set the lobby ablaze. The last thing we need before things get crazy is repairs and refurbishings." She said.
"Don't worry, Vaggie. I'll make sure his hothead doesn't burn the building down." Azrael promised.
"Could you even manage that, auntie?" Charlie inquired.
"But of course. I can easily ensure your father's Hellfire doesn't spread to anything. Think of it like a bubble that I'll create upon his arrival that he'll be able to scream and holler inside until he calms down." Azrael clarified.
After that conversation, the trio continued to the lobby in silence. Together, they'd sit on one of the couches and wait patiently for Lucifer's arrival. Seconds became minutes, totaling seven, perfectly in the middle of Charlie's estimation. It was at that mark that the Devil would appear, but not in the manner they had anticipated.
Knock...Knock...Knock
Three slow knocks came from the entrance. The trio knew who was outside, but they were still surprised.
"Huh. That's a lot calmer." Vagatha spoke, expressing both her and Charlie's thoughts on that.
"I suspect he's simmering," Azrael replied as she rose from the furniture. "Perhaps, if we do our best not to provoke him, he won't ignite." She suggested before moving toward the twin doors.
Azrael's slither was casual; she saw no need to rush. This would carry over into how she opened the doors. A gentle grip of their handles, followed by a slow pull to allow their guest entry. Sure enough, it was Lucifer.
"Hello, Azrael." Lucifer greeted. His demeanor was calm, with an impressive lack of passive aggressiveness in his tone. His expression was similarly absent of any anger or irritation.
"Hello, Lucifer," Azrael responded with a smile. It was sincere, not an attempt to annoy or aggravate him. "Please, come in. We have much to discuss." She invited.
"That we do," Lucifer said as he entered, maintaining neutrality.
Once the Lord of Hell was through the threshold, his sister closed the doors behind him. From there, both would return to Charlie and Vagatha. Azrael retook her seat next to her niece while Lucifer remained on his feet.
"So, before this gets underway." Lucifer started, now standing in front of them. "I'd like to know who is ultimately responsible for this unexpected shift in our plan. I would also like to hear the reasoning." He requested.
"It was a combined effort, dad," Charlie said, getting his focus on her. "Me, Vaggie, and Auntie Az talked about what we should do after Katie came to the hotel looking for a story. Which, I'd like to mention, was not our fault. She managed to figure out something was going on from her contacts. Meaning someone within your inner circle, or the Nobles connected with them, leaked the information." She informed.
"I can safely say it's none of MY people. They all understand the gravity of these circumstances. But the Nobility would certainly not hesitate to brag about how they know more than the population at large." Lucifer stated, followed by a sigh of relief. "I want to express how wonderful it is to hear this. I assumed, for no good reason, that you decided to essentially blow the whistle on what was happening. Or, at the very least, bring unwanted attention that could complicate this investigation. I'm glad to see that isn't the case." He told them, followed by a smile. "I'm also impressed by all that malarkey you came up with. It'll surely keep people from being suspicious." He praised them.
"Lucifer, might I ask you something?" Azrael requested. Although neither her tone nor expression indicated anything unpleasant, Charlie and Vagatha still felt uneasy about what was to come.
"Yes, Azrael?" Lucifer responded, giving her the go-ahead.
"Do you believe what miss Killjoy said on the news was a farce? And, to be clear, I'm referring to what she said about me. Not the report itself." Azrael asked.
"...Is it not?" Lucifer questioned after a few seconds of silence. His daughter and her partner could detect the faint traces of emotion now intruding upon his voice.
"Not at all. It's completely true." Azrael confirmed as she rose from her seat once more. "Although not our original plan by any means, miss Killjoy's sudden appearance did present an opportunity. One that I and I alone encouraged Charlie to seize to improve her hotel's lack of occupants and her goal of redeeming the Sinful." She explained.
Tap Tap Tap Tap Tap Tap Tap
That was the sound of Lucifer's cane being raised and lowered onto the floor rhythmically. Honestly, Charlie was impressed by her father's restraint. It was clear that his anger was rapidly rising, yet he maintained his composure.
"Azrael," Lucifer spoke with a smack of his lips, giving his sister an unblinking stare. "We are currently dealing with a crisis. Souls have disappeared from Hell, and NO ONE, not even YOU, knows where they are or who is responsible. And you decide it would be APPROPRIATE to make things more complicated for ALL parties involved to start a war of morality? REALLY?" He asked, now leaning on his cane in her direction.
"Perhaps, if the Sinful were made to face their figurative Demons, they'd stop being literal ones," Azrael answered, leaning forward as well. "Besides. With such pandemonium that this action on our part will cause, whoever this mysterious taker of souls is, they'll hesitate to act again. Giving me ample time to familiarize myself with the residents of the city. Which, may I remind you, is our ultimate goal." She told him.
"And out of every possibility. Every conceivable idea. You just happened to choose the one that would cause a frenzy throughout the realm involving the two of us?" Lucifer inquired.
"Yes. Because, as I've already said, someone needed to show you how much of an ass you've been. Especially in regards to your daughter." Azrael replied.
"OKAY!" Charlie shouted while springing up from the couch. Effectively getting their attention. "The two of you need to cool off. Things are already intense right now, and once every other journalist in Hell that isn't Katie shows up ready to break down our doors, it will be full-blown insanity." She said as she turned to look at just her father. "Dad, I'm sorry that what we've chosen to do has made you angry. But I agree with Auntie Az that it'll put whoever's behind this on guard. We need every advantage we can get." She told him before then looking at Azrael. "And Auntie, I LOVE all of the support you've given thus far and will continue to offer. But it would be best if you remembered what it's all for. Which, I shouldn't need to tell you, isn't to antagonize my dad, who happens to be your brother." She reminded.
Although Azrael and Lucifer wanted to say SO much more to each other, Charlie, acting as the voice of reason, was right. Yet, this didn't keep Lucifer from looking at his daughter with a disapproving glare. Since this scheme couldn't have just come from Azrael, it benefited her hotel and delusions far too much for that to be true.
"Thank you, Charlie," Azrael responded, knowing her father wouldn't. "What say you, Lucifer? Shall we put away our fangs for now?" She asked.
"...Sure," Lucifer answered as he resumed an upright stance. "I'll use this time to speak with my advisors and staff so we can prepare for the shit show that's about to hit us because of this broadcast. Assuming it won't be too much for them since they ARE still investigating the ACTUAL issue." He said while pulling out his cell phone. His tone was now soaked in passive aggressiveness.
Admittedly, for Charlie, that stung quite a bit. But by now, she was used to it. If anything, that barely compares to prior conversations with her father regarding her beliefs and the hotel.
"Yes, hello, it's me." Lucifer greeted, speaking into his phone. "Mhm. I've just finished discussing the news report with my daughter and sister. I'll be back at the castle as soon as I can." He informed the person on the other end. "...What?" He inquired. Whatever was just told to him made his expression fall. "...Okay. So, I know you aren't, but please tell me you're joking..." He requested as he closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Uh oh, more trouble?" Vagatha whispered to Charlie. Having joined her side after her dad pulled out his cell phone.
"Maybe it has something to do with the soul stealer?" Charlie whispered back, unsure as to what the trouble could be.
"No, I don't want you to lie to me," Lucifer replied with a sigh while shutting his eyes tighter. "Just...keep them there; I'll arrive shortly. And do NOT tell Lilith about this. She already has her hands full, not to mention how much more will be piled on when all of Hell goes wild in the next half hour." He instructed before ending the call.
"Is everything alright, Lucifer?" Azrael asked as he put the phone away.
"No. It's not." Lucifer answered, already headed for the exit. "As if today hasn't been filled with enough wonderful surprises, some hilariously stupid Noble has lost an item of great importance. HOW. FUCKING. LOVELY." He said before leaving the building.
The force the Devil used to open and close the doors was nearly enough to shatter them. But thankfully, due to their craftsmanship, they remained intact.
"So, should we go ahead and make a barricade?" Vagatha asked once he was gone, referring to the horde that would soon be amassed outside their building.
"There won't be a need for that, dear," Azrael replied with a smile. "You go and tell your friends how things went. I'll remain here and fortify the entrance." She said.
"Oh no, Auntie. We couldn't leave all of that work to you." Charlie responded, making her aunt chuckle.
"I think you've misunderstood me, sweetie. When I say fortify, I do not mean with objects and such. I'm talking about my power. Keeping the frenzied public from barging in is beyond simple for Death Incarnate." She clarified.
"Oh, right." Charlie realized with a smile. "Alright, then. We'll be back soon." She told her before she and Vagatha departed.
"So, who gets who?" Vagatha asked her girlfriend as they entered the ground-floor hallway.
"If you'd like, I could wake Angel up from his nap." Charlie offered, knowing their frenemy relationship.
"Sure. It'll be a treat to see how much Al's annoyed Husk." Vagatha agreed with a smile.
When the time came, the two split up. The closest room was Angel Dust's, allowing Charlie to watch her partner continue onward until she was out of sight.
Knock Knock
"Angel?" Charlie called out, hoping that'd be enough to get a response.
It did. Although not the type that Charlie expected. Instead of a verbal reply, a sudden series of noises came from the room. If she had to describe it, it sounded as if someone was fumbling about.
"Angel?" Charlie called out again, this time with a confused expression.
Barely a second would pass before Charlie received another reaction. Only this time, it took the form of the spider demon she came to see pulling open his door without warning.
"Hey...you..." Angel Dust greeted with an awkward smile. His clothes were messy, undoubtedly caused by the commotion she had just heard.
"Angel, are you okay?" Charlie asked, more curious than concerned by this odd situation.
"Yeah, yeah. You just...caught me in the middle of a dream, is all. I tell ya, it was weird hearing your voice in the middle of...uh...I...don't remember the dream. Damn. Don't you hate when that happens?" Angel Dust answered in a rather strange way. But that could easily be explained by him being abruptly taken from his slumber.
"Oh, okay," Charlie said, not thinking it necessary to ask any more questions. "Well, first off, I'm sorry to have awoken you. But it is for a good reason. I came to tell you how things with Katie went. As well as my dad, who came and left after he saw her broadcast." She informed him with an apology.
"Ah, yeah, right, Katie." Angel Dust recalled, having forgotten about that. "Tell ya what, Charlie. How about you give me a few moments to put myself together, then we can walk to the lobby and have a nice conversation? Sound good?" He suggested.
"Oh. Sure. I'd love that." Charlie accepted with a smile.
"Great. Super. It won't take even a minute." Angel Dust assured before closing the door.
Waiting patiently for him to return, yet another peculiar happening would transpire. It was brief, barely noticeable, but Charlie could've sworn she heard a sound she hadn't before. Was it some sort of appliance? Maybe, on the lewder side of things, it was one of Angel Dust's "toys?"
Charlie wouldn't have much time to think about it, for true to his word, the arachnid was back and stepping through the door.
"Alrighty. Let's get to talking." Angel Dust said with enthusiasm as he quickly looped his arm with Charlie's and began pulling her with him to the lobby.
The surprises weren't about to stop, it seemed. Charlie wasn't expecting such eagerness from the normally disconcerted spider. But, like the noise, she wouldn't dwell on it for too long. She and Angel Dust could rarely have a pleasant conversation where they both were keen on participating, and she wanted to make the most of it.
Elsewhere, At The Magne Estate...
There are many moments in a person's life when they are made to feel incredibly small. Usually, the thread that ties them together is the error of one's choices. Actions that, in hindsight, were foolish and impulsive. Or, even if not, they weren't the best and should've been given greater consideration.
Presently, there was one individual who felt this shame. A Demon of Noble heritage, son of one of the eldest evils in the realm of Hell. Stolas, Prince of the Ars Goetia. To nearly every person who knew of him, he was an imposing and elegant Hellspawn that fit the image of his household and breed perfectly.
Unfortunately, one of the few who didn't was his father, Paimon. A Demon who could take many forms. In each, he conceived a son. Giving him a considerably large number of offspring who would produce heirs to bolster their clan and standing in Noble society.
However, King Paimon sat with his son in the Lord of Hell's castle. Accompanied by the gaggle of urchins with whom Stolas associated himself. Only a single question occupied his mind. Was it possible to travel back in time and strangle his newborn child in the crib to prevent this embarrassment?
"...F...Father..." Stolas nervously spoke. His appearance resembled an Owl. The same could not be said for his father, who currently took no form and was instead an indescribable mass of various creatures. "Would...it be possible, at all, for you to appear less...like that?..." He asked.
"Oh, I'm sorry." Paimon apologized as his many eyes slowly turned to look at him. "Would you prefer I resemble you? So, I could perhaps take SOME of this disgrace from your person and degrade myself with it as you have done?" He inquired.
All Stolas could do was stare in silence at his father. His face contorted in a mixture of shock and hurt. But...sadly...it quickly faded. As the prince returned his gaze to the floor, memories of similar times when his father had said such things invaded his mind.
Yet, none were to this extent. So severe that Paimon actively refused to look like him to create figurative distance. As for the others with them, a group of four Imps and a Hellhound, they watched in silence at the bitter treatment. For they were in no better position to say or do anything.
"Ahem." The sound of a voice clearing its throat caught their attention, directing it to the room's entrance. "The Lord has returned. He is currently approaching. Do ensure you're ready for his arrival." A Demon, who was a butler, informed them before exiting the way he came.
"Stand," Paimon ordered the group, including his son, as he stood from his seat. "I will do the talking. If ANY of you dare make a single sound, I'll tear out your vocal cords and hang you in my castle as decorations with nooses fashioned from them." He warned.
Doing as they were instructed, everyone rose. All eyes fell onto the room's entrance as a faint sound soon reached their ears.
Tap Tap Tap Tap Tap Tap Tap
A cane. It progressively grew louder. Eventually, it stopped as its owner reached the room's entrance. The entryway was opened with a slow turn of the door's handle, and through it, they all saw the visage of their ruler.
But no one dared to speak. Even if Paimon hadn't threatened them, one does not do or say anything in the presence of the Devil less he has done so first or granted permission. With bated breath, they watched him close the door and walk toward them. Halting when he was a few feet from Paimon.
"Here's how this is going to go," Lucifer spoke while lifting his cane so that it would rest in his other hand. "I have a lot to do. I do not say this with the usual royal or Noble intent of avoiding you. I am conveying that there are FAR greater matters of equally greater significance than this that require my attention and involvement. I do not care who speaks. I do not want to hear an explanation or a story. Only the facts and necessary details to make sense of this absurd situation. If you attempt to give me anything less or different, I will beat the corresponding person with this cane until they're a stain on my floor." He told them, his eyes never leaving the object as he did. "So, get on with it." He said, now looking to Paimon.
"As you know, my Lord, countless Nobles within our realm bestow responsibilities onto their children." Paimon began. "The one who stands behind me, Stolas, I gifted him a Grimoire. This would grant him many abilities. All of which were meant for his study of the celestial bodies of the universe and other related subjects. However, he believed it would be appropriate to lend out this item to the Imps and Hellhound that are with us in exchange for sex with one of them. As for what they've used the Grimoire for, that would be an assassination business. Their clientele is Sinners. They hire them, as you could guess, to kill those still alive on Earth. I must refer you to them if you want additional details regarding this. I didn't ask more questions because I didn't feel it was relevant to the current issue." He stated.
In reply, Lucifer said nothing. Instead, he slowly moved his gaze across the individuals Paimon had mentioned. When his eyes fell onto the lankiest Imp of the trio that was present, he noticed a discernable nervousness.
"Was it you?" Lucifer asked, causing the Imp to jump in his place once he realized the Devil was speaking to him. "Is this YOUR doing? The business, the exchange of sex, and the illegal use of an item capable of opening rifts through reality, allowing traversal to other realms. Are you the reason we're gathered here?" He pressed.
"Y-Yes, Lord Lucifer." The lanky Imp confirmed with a nod and a gulp.
"Hm, thought so," Lucifer said before focusing back on Paimon. "Is there any way for you to track down the Grimoire?" He inquired.
"Unfortunately, no. I didn't take any measures for such an occurrence as I didn't think my son would ever do something like this. As of right now, we have no way of finding it. I doubt whoever has it will make it an easy task. No one would risk stealing such an item without taking precautions to ensure they could get away with it." Paimon responded.
"Even if they didn't, we'd still be out of luck. Until the book is used, it can't be detected. Although it can channel and summon power with its text, it inherently holds no power. If the culprit intends on selling it or keeping it for a time, then it'll be no more than a pile of paper held together by a spine and two covers." Lucifer said. "I assume, given everything thus far, that there's no footage or trace of the thief?" He asked.
"No, my lord. There is not." Paimon answered.
"Wonderful. Beautiful. Perfect." Lucifer replied, clearly sarcastic. "So, to summarize, there is an item that can grant its wielder the ability to go anywhere they want in all of Creation, lost somewhere, presumably in Hell, to an unknown burglar. All because your son wanted to have sex with an Imp. A genuinely concerning problem caused by a horny bird and an Imp who has broken too many of Hell's laws, MY laws, to count. Now here we are, standing around, talking about it. Fantastic." He carried on. His lack of fury and punishment only worsened the others' anxiety, excluding Paimon.
For the next minute, no one said or did anything. They waited. It was time for the Devil to decide what would happen next.
"...Alright. This is what you're going to do." Lucifer started as he pointed his cane at Stolas. "You, the Imps, and the Hellhound will stay at your home. Consider it house arrest. If ANY of you try to leave the premises, the people I'll have stationed there will detain you and bring you back to me. I cannot stress the following statement enough. You are so VERY lucky this happened TODAY. ANY other day and things would be MUCH different. But fortunately for you, what would otherwise be a concerning problem is hilariously trivial to what I'm currently dealing with. I may punish you later. I might not. I could even forget this has happened. It all depends on how those other issues turn out. So, congratulations! Celebrate! Cheer until you pass out! Everybody gets one day where no matter how BADLY they FUCK UP, they DON'T have ANYTHING bad happen to them! Something I wish would happen to ME right about now!" He exclaimed before turning around. "As for you, Paimon. You can return to YOUR domicile. As I see it, this mess isn't your fault. No one could've expected their child to be so foolish. If anything, you have my condolences." He concluded before proceeding to leave.
"Thank you, my Lord. I am undeserving of such mercy." Paimon graciously replied with a bow. This was met with a strong slam of the door as the Devil left the room.
Meanwhile, On Mars...
"Well done." Samuel praised as he examined the Grimoire, carefully turning its pages to avoid damaging it.
Despite being his office, the space served well as a meeting room for Samuel, Doomguy, and their new aide Olivia. Currently, they were gathered around the robotic man's desk, Olivia and Doomguy looking at the book alongside him.
"How will you research this? If you don't mind my asking." Olivia inquired. "And, just so there's no confusion, I'm referring to the powers it can conjure. Not the words or pictures written and drawn on the pages." She clarified.
"Using the recently discovered Angel of Death as a point of reference for significant entities that reside in your reality. It is extremely unlikely that anyone would detect it if we were to interact with this tome. Including Lucifer and Gabriel." Samuel replied. "Still, caution is our greatest tool. We will move it to the same building where the Helix Stone, the object you came into contact with, is stored. We'll monitor its proximity to the stone to see if it causes any reaction. If not, then we'll begin tests and experiments. The facility would guarantee total secrecy from any outsiders who might notice." He told her.
"Truly? A building could keep even the Devil in the dark?" Olivia asked.
"You'd be surprised what our technology is capable of, given our research," Samuel answered before pointing at her. "If you wish to learn more, I recommend returning to the task of reading those codexes. You won't be able to assist us in a larger capacity than your contribution today if you don't educate yourself." He reminded.
"Oh! That's right!" Olivia exclaimed, having forgotten all about that. "But...where are they?" She inquired, quickly searching for them.
"I had a drone take them to a vacant room in a different building. It's temporary unless you find the accommodations suitable." Samuel replied.
"You've...given me a room?" Olivia questioned with widened eyes.
"Did you expect us to make you sleep on the floor?" Samuel responded.
"No, of course not. I just...I don't know. I'm not sure what I expected." Olivia admitted, still a bit stunned. "How do I get there? Apart from riding the tram, that is." She asked.
"I took the liberty of setting the tram stationed here to take you to the building. Additionally, a drone will be waiting to escort you to your room. If you need anything at all once you're there, you can easily contact my partner or me with the device you'll find next to the codexes." Samuel answered.
"I...don't know what to say..." Olivia said, utterly speechless.
"Then don't. As both you and I have gone back and forth in previous conversations, there is no need to thank either of us. We're more than happy to help you however we're able." Samuel replied, making her smile.
"Right. That we have." Olivia remembered before she turned around. "I'll get going then. Can't become deadweight." She decided as she swiftly left the office.
Now they were alone. Samuel and Doomguy. Despite the lack of speech with one, another conversation commenced.
"Today has been very productive," Samuel spoke, looking at the armored man next to him. "So much so that I don't think we have any reason to go back to Hell for a decent amount of time. We will, of course, remain in contact with Angel, but we'll keep it to a minimum, which I'm sure he'll understand." He continued, now moving to stand in front of his office's window. "I'll busy myself with this Grimoire and continue examining the Demons and Angels in our company. Apart from helping Olivia, which we'll do should she need us, I'm curious about your plans during this quiet study and observation period." He concluded.
In reply, Doomguy signed only one word. He managed to get a chuckle from his partner.
"I don't know why I even wondered," Samuel said while turning his head to look out onto the horizon. "Be sure to let me know if anything does happen." He requested.
In response, Doomguy nodded, followed by his departure from the office. Leaving Samuel alone with his thoughts and ideas regarding the not-so-distant future.