"Get ready, everyone! We're live in five, four, three, two, one!"
"Greetings to all of Hell! The time is Noon, and you know what that means! The midday report with Katie Killjoy and Tom Trench!"
The Channel 666 News Station was a buzz with life. As the narration voice exclaimed, it was time for the midday report, courtesy of the station's most recognized faces.
"Hello, assholes!" Katie greeted in her usual manner. Complete with a forced smile and snarky tone. "Unsurprisingly, not much has happened since the morning report! Shocker! It's almost like Hell is uneventful! Apart from all the stabbings, shootings, rapes, and gang disputes!" She stated.
"That's right, Katie!" Tom Trench joined in. The man wore a suit and concealed his identity with a gas mask. Or, perhaps, the gas mask WAS his face and head? It was hard to tell with the populace. They came in such a wide variety of perplexing appearances. "After the chaos with the Extermination, things have seemed to return to normal. We haven't seen or heard much from Lord Lucifer or his siblings." He said.
"No shit, Tom! If we had, we'd be reporting it!" Katie replied. How long she could go without blinking while maintaining that smile was insanely impressive.
"I was just saying, Katie." Tom countered.
"I know! You're like a parrot! You can't say anything original!" Katie told him. "Anywho. The news we have to share is next to nothing! Perfect for all of you tuning in during your tiny lunch breaks!" She continued. "First, we've got word that the Goetian family of Demons will host a gala in the coming weeks. From how they've made it sound, there'll be a big announcement! I wonder what it could be. We'll have more details on that shortly. Next, we have the weather. After that, the results of the daily-"
FWOOM
Suddenly, a portal appeared in front of the news desk. Everyone in the studio, especially the anchors, was stunned by this. However, when the conjurer exited the rift, they felt their hearts stop in their chests.
"Ah, Miss Killjoy." Gabriel greeted as he moved toward the desk.
"You...You know...the Archangel of Justice?..." Tom questioned, slowly turning to look at her.
"..." Katie stayed silent; her brain was imploding. WHAT WAS SHE SUPPOSED TO SAY IN THIS SITUATION?! "...Hi...Gabriel..." She responded.
All eyes immediately went to Katie, as did the cameras. Did Katie Killjoy just casually refer to the Judge of Creation by name?
"Forgive the sudden intrusion." Gabriel apologized with a quick bow. "What brings me here is of the utmost importance and urgency. I couldn't wait." He explained.
"...Even so...we're...currently live..." Katie said, managing to point to the cameras.
"Oh. Allow me." Gabriel began before turning to face the devices. "Ahem. People of Hell. I apologize for disrupting your televised informational program. Unfortunately, I must whisk away your reporter. She is needed for something that cannot be easily summarized. I hope you can understand." He told ALL of Hell, then returned his focus to Katie. "Alright. Please come with me, Miss Killjoy. We shan't waste time." He concluded with a request.
"...Sure..." Katie agreed, still in shock.
Slowly, Katie Killjoy rose from her seat at the news desk and departed with Gabriel through the portal. Leaving a flabbergasted newsroom and at-home audience as the portal closed.
Elsewhere, At The Happy Hotel...
"...Did...Gabriel just kidnap Katie?..." Nifty questioned.
In the span of Alastor's brunch with Stella and Rosie, a few things happened back at the hotel. Firstly, Charlie and Vagatha returned to their duties. Secondly, Husk recovered from his episode and resumed his usual activities: Drinking. Lastly, after finishing her housekeeping responsibilities, Nifty joined her grumpy friend in the lobby.
This was a normal thing for the duo. Thanks to Nifty's efficiency and speed, she could get an entire day's work done in less than thirty minutes. Another typical behavior was for them to watch TV together. I mean, what else were they going to do in the lobby?
However, because of that habit, the pair of Sinners caught a most unusual broadcast of the midday news.
"I...think so?" Husk replied, just as confused as her. "But...we know Gabriel wouldn't do it without a good reason." He said.
"True. But whatever it is, it HAS to be big." Nifty responded. "And, if it is, then that would mean he'd come for every-"
FWOOM
On cue. Before Nifty could finish her sentence, a portal appeared. From it exited the radiant visage of an Archangel and a very bewildered Mantis Demon.
"Speak of the Angel; thou shalt appear," Husk commented as the duo left the rift.
"Husk. Nifty. Good to see you." Gabriel greeted, closing the portal as he did.
"Yeah, you too!" Nifty replied with a smile before focusing on the Sinner in his company. "Katie? You okay? You look dazed." She asked.
"...I'm...still processing..." Katie answered, her tone matching her expression.
"Where are my Niece and her partner?" Gabriel inquired, addressing Husk.
"Probably in Charlie's office, if I had to guess," Husk replied. "What's with the urgency? Is Doom invading us or something?" He asked.
"No, nothing so dire," Gabriel assured. "Once I bring them here, I'll explain my sudden appearance to all of you." He promised before heading further into the hotel.
"Can I get you anything, Katie? Some water? A snack?" Nifty offered as the reporter sat down at the front desk.
"Water...would be nice...thanks..." Katie accepted.
"So..." Husk began as Nifty sped off. "I bet this will liven up the boring news day." He joked.
"Oh...YEAH..." Katie said, now resting her arms atop the bar. "I mean, holy shit! I thought we were meant to be discrete about this. Wasn't Gabriel busy chatting with God?" She asked.
"As far as we know, that's all he's been doing this past week," Husk answered as Nifty returned. "If Gabriel's suddenly going this way and that, something must've happened up in cloud city." He reasoned.
"Ooh! Do you think we'll talk to God?" Nifty inquired with an excited grin.
"Pfft, NO fucking way." Katie scoffed as she graciously accepted her beverage. "Charlie? Definitely. Her girlfriend? No doubt. But there's no chance that the rest of us will get to see God. That'd be insane." She insisted before taking a sip.
As Katie enjoyed the refreshing taste of H20, she, Husk, and Nifty heard a voice fill the hotel.
"WE'RE GOING TO SEE GRANDPA!?" Charlie yelled from her office. The hotel's residents might've been able to hear her as well, given the volume of her shout.
Afterward, Nifty began to bounce with anticipation.
"Don't get your hopes up," Husk warned. "I agree with Katie. We ain't family, and we're not important. Well, Katie is, but not us. Why would God care to talk to a drunk and a neat freak?" He said, ending with a question.
"Oh, you two are such downers." Nifty pouted with her hands on her hips. "Would it KILL either of you to be hopeful and positive for once?" She asked.
To that, neither Husk nor Katie gave a response. Where did Nifty think they were? Hell and its residents weren't known for their upbeat personalities and pleasant outlooks on life. And no, Charlie didn't count.
However, after a minute or so, the sound of speedy footsteps was heard coming from the ground floor hallway. Below and behold, a peppy Princess with a sunshine smile.
"GUYS!" Charlie shouted with glee as she hurried over to the front desk. "We're going to see my Grandpa! In Heaven! In his home!" She told them.
"Yeah, we figured from your yelling," Husk responded.
"Then why aren't you excited?" Charlie questioned, briefly dropping her smile for a perplexed expression.
"...No fucking way..." Katie denied that while pointing at her. "Charlie, no bullshit. Gabriel just fetched me to fill me in on what's happening. There's no way I'm coming with you to Heaven." She stated, firmly believing that such an idea was impossible.
"Katie, I promise, it's true!" Charlie vowed, her smile returning. "Everyone is coming! Me. My Dad. Vaggie. Husk. Nifty. You. Alastor. The Goetias. I.M.P. Olivia. Samuel. And, of course, Doomguy!" She listed in rapid-fire fashion. "Oh! And potentially Rosie, if she's still with Al. But yeah, it's EVERYONE." She added.
...Huh...this...was coming straight from the horse's mouth...Charlie wouldn't lie to them...everyone...was...going to see...God...
...
...
In a flash, Husk and Katie ran away. They weren't running for the exit. Instead, their destination was the nearest bathroom.
"Guys! Where are you going?" Charlie called after them.
"God can't see me like this! I have to make myself presentable!" Katie yelled back, even though she already looked perfect.
"I've got a lifetime's worth of alcohol stained into my fur! I need to scrub this shit out!" Husk yelled back. His concern was much more understandable.
"Let me help! You'll take too long!" Nifty requested before going after him.
As the trio disappeared from the lobby, the duo that Charlie had left behind in her office finally caught up.
"Uh...Charlie..." Vagatha started as she and Gabriel approached. "Where is everyone?" She asked.
"You just missed them. Katie and Husk panicked. They want to look their best for Grandpa." Charlie answered.
"Hm, that's very considerate of them," Gabriel said, complimenting the pair.
"Mhm." Charlie agreed before abruptly getting into her Uncle's face. "So...what's Grandpa like?" She inquired, hoping for some info NOW.
"Charlie, don't get ahead of yourself," Gabriel told her. "If I could share any details, I would. But in doing so, I'd open Pandora's box, and we'd be stuck here all day. No offense, but you tend to...lose track of time as you talk every so often." He said.
"Wow. You're good." Vagatha praised him, genuinely amazed by his politeness.
"Aww, come on, just ONE thing!" Charlie pleaded, going so far as to give her Uncle the puppy dog eyes. "I've spent my WHOLE life imagining him! Anything! Please!" She continued to beg.
One fact about Gabriel that only his family knew was that he was a big softie. Even regarding his position as the Judge of Creation, the Archangel was often lenient. So, as Charlie looked at him with eyes full of sparkles, Gabriel's resolve crumbled. He just couldn't say no.
"...You know, playing on my weaknesses is not fair," Gabriel stated, causing his Niece to squeal with glee.
"You're the best, Uncle Gabe!" Charlie exclaimed as she hugged him. In Gabriel's eyes, receiving one of her famous warm hugs was an equivalent exchange.
"Heh, I guess you're not a hanging judge." Vagatha jested with a chuckle.
"Don't tell anyone." Gabriel playfully requested, to which Vagatha zipped her lips and tossed away the key. "Now then, as for the information you've managed to weasel out of me." He began whilst Charlie released him. "Your Grandfather is a remarkable person. Bear in mind; I don't say that because of who he is. During my time with him, your Grandfather shared his life story. The time before he created his children. I can't elaborate beyond what I'm about to tell you, so please, don't ask. Your Grandfather has shouldered an unfathomable burden. Yet, he never let it show. In silence, your Grandfather took upon himself the greatest responsibility anyone could be given. The fate of countless lives. The outcome of history. If nothing else, Charlie, you should feel proud. I know I am." He stated.
By the end, Charlie was tearing up. When Gabriel noticed this, a worry quickly entered his mind. If that were enough to bring his Niece to tears, they'd need buckets when she heard the full story. The Ivory Tower was seemingly endless, but Charlie might be able to flood it.
"Hon? Need a tissue?" Vagatha asked with a smile, happy to see her girlfriend so moved.
"No...I'm...good..." Charlie lied. Vagatha and Gabriel could see her struggling to maintain composure. "However, I must mentally prepare myself before we go to Heaven." She realized.
"Want me to bring tissues? Just in case?" Vagatha continued to offer, knowing her far too well.
"...Yes." Charlie hesitantly accepted. She didn't want to admit she was a crier, but it couldn't be denied.
"I'd advise bringing as many as you can. I'll even help carry the boxes." Gabriel chimed in.
"Damn. I might cry if you're saying that." Vagatha admitted.
"Oh, trust me. It's a soul-crushing story. I do not envy you and the others." Gabriel replied. "Speaking of, we should go fetch them. I'd prefer not to waste more time than needed." He suggested.
"Give'em a few more minutes. It'll allow us to get the tissues." Vagatha told him before heading for the hallway. She knew where Nifty kept things like that.
Agreeing with that logic, Gabriel followed without further words. Charlie would also come; another set of arms to carry plenty of boxes was appreciated.
Elsewhere, In Pentagram City...
"Ugh...my skin's still crawling..." Velvette grumbled with a shiver as she rubbed her arms. "Why does Val have to be so fucking weird sometimes? It's not like he gives a shit what it does to Vox." She carried on.
Velvette, like her partners, had an establishment she ran that contributed to their empire. Vox had machines. Valentino had sex. Velvette had her mixing store. Akin to that of a fantasy setting with a few modern and personal touches from its owner, the establishment was surprisingly welcoming.
Then again, Velvette WAS the socialite of the group. It'd be weird if she designed her business to be off-putting and uncomfortable. Although, if she ever needed inspiration, Velvette could use Valentino as her muse.
Despite that last statement, Velvette DID like the guy. The three Vs were legitimately friends. It's just...Valentino was...the leader. Yeah. That's how she'd put it. And, as the leader, Velvette felt the colorful pimp could take his power a little too far, especially when it came to Vox. Again, he just got so fucking WEIRD sometimes.
Hence, after Vox and Velvette left Porn Studios, she went back to her store to unwind. A nice, quiet session of brewing and mixing. That's what the Doll Demon needed to return to her usual self.
Busily, Velvette worked in her private space at the rear of the building. The store wasn't so large that if a customer entered, she couldn't hear it. Still, she hoped no one would show up while she was relaxing.
"Mmm. That smells wonderful~" Velvette blissfully sighed. "A colorful elixir, primed and ready to be bottled~" She said, a content smile forming on her features.
Ding
...Goddamn it. The front door. Velvette debated if she should even bother responding. But...the Vs HAD to keep up appearances, so...
"Ten to twenty minutes. Maybe a half hour. Is that too much to ask for, even in Hell?" Velvette questioned, letting loose a second sigh. Unlike before, this one wasn't so blissful. "Ahem. Coming~" She called out in song, ensuring to put on her most cheerful expression.
With the marketable façade ready, Velvette went to the storefront. However, as she entered, she was surprised by what awaited her. It wasn't a random Demon or Sinner. It was...a Noble!
"Ah. There you are." Stolas, a well-known Goetian Prince, greeted the Doll Demon as she appeared. "I was worried you were out. Glad to be mistaken." He said.
"Uh...hi." Velvette awkwardly replied. Momentarily, her mascot-esque peppiness disappeared due to the shocking discovery. "Ahem. What can I do for you, sir?" She asked, quickly returning to it.
"I am in DESPERATE need of supplies. You see, we've got this gala coming up, and we are just RUSHING to get everything ready." Stolas informed her.
"...And...you came to me for that?" Velvette questioned. What the fuck was happening. She was a Sinner. Stolas was a natural-born Hellspawn of high social standing. Although Velvette's skills and talents were the real deal, many were still better. Plus, it was no secret that the Royals, Nobles, and natural-born Overlords had a personal network for their goods. So, again, what the actual fuck was happening?
"Oh, yes. You see, Sinners often dabble in unheard-of practices and materials. What with their prior experience on Earth and all. This gala needs to be special. Something that no one has EVER seen. No one would be impressed if I went to our usual providers of potions, elixirs, and so on. I need something truly unique. Plus, if I'm to be blunt, you'll be WAY cheaper." Stolas explained.
"...Huh...the first time I've been called cheap, and I'm flattered..." Velvette said in disbelief before continuing. "Well, you've come to the right place, sir. Here at Velvette's Vortex, we can provide everything AND anything you need or want. Even certain items that MAY be considered extreme or unorthodox." She told him, giving the Noble the full sales pitch.
"Excellent! Just what I need and more!" Stolas cheered with a clap of his hands. "If you could give me your contact information, I'll send a precise list of what is needed later today." He requested.
"Of course. No problem." Velvette agreed. In the seconds that followed, she'd give him her business number.
"Perfect. Simply perfect." Stolas said with a smile. "Thank you so much, dear. I'll be in touch~" He promised before leaving.
Waiting until the Noble was long gone, Velvette quickly took out her phone and used speed dial.
"...Val? Yeah. It's me." Velvette started once the call was accepted. "Get Vox back to your place. I'm heading over right now. You will not BELIEVE what just happened." She told him as she returned to the back of the store.