"WELCOME, EVERYONE! PLEASE REMAIN CIVIL AS YOU ENTER! NO PUSHING! NO SHOVING! THERE ARE PLENTY OF SEATS FOR YOU ALL! WE ALSO HAVE MORE THAN ENOUGH FOOD AND BEVERAGES! NO CASH IS NEEDED! ENJOY YOURSELVES!"
That was the voice of Charlotte Magne, the Princess of Hell. She stood atop a small platform in front of the entrance to the event area Vega had constructed. She welcomed everyone in Pentagram City, who flooded forward through an impressively loud megaphone. Additionally, her attire was FAR more regal than her usual formal wear. If somehow, even now, some doubted the significance of this ceremony, seeing Charlie in that outfit helped re-assert it.
Vagatha, Nifty, Husk, Angel Dust, Cherri, I.M.P., and all of the staff brought in by the Goetias and Rings' rulers were busy with the ever-growing crowd. Helping keep the peace, escorting people to their seats, and even taking their orders. Additionally, each of them wore their fanciest duds and dresses. This truly was an EVENT. It wasn't a spectacle or big marketing scheme for the Happy Hotel. This was living up to the hype the Radio and Mantis Demons built during the week.
Alastor and Katie would still perform their duties while looking their best. However, for what would likely be the ONLY time, the duo sat next to each other at a table to cover the ceremony for those who couldn't be there. The arrangement was similar to that of a parade. Alastor would flawlessly describe the moment-to-moment happenings for their listeners as Katie provided the PERFECT view of everything for their watchers. Among his many responsibilities, Vega served as her cameraman via several drones.
Inside the Happy Hotel, things were remarkably quiet. The only people still inside were those readying themselves for their public appearances. Everyone else (the residents) had rushed out the doors when they could. None of them wanted to be stuck with the worst view or seat.
Lucifer, Lilith, Gabriel, Azrael, Michael, Olivia, Samuel, Doomguy, the Marine, the Wretch, Asmodeus, Beelzebub, Fizarolli, the other Rings' rulers, and the Goetias were present. Vortex was outside with Verosika and her people doing his job as their bodyguard. However, with no intended insult toward the pop star, no one cared about her or any other celebrity today. All eyes were fixated on the massive stage outside the hotel and what would be presented. The only other absences, which were Khan and her children, made sense. They'd make a grand entrance with a massive portal once it was their time. Vega would inform them when it was.
"Alright," Lucifer spoke as everyone ensured they were ready. "I know we've been over this more than enough, but I'd like to do it one last time." He stated before proceeding. "Once all seats have been filled and we can accommodate no one else, we'll all take the stage. Deliberately, we'll leave a sizable amount of space on the back half of the platform. That is where Khan will conjure her portal. I will say a few words to get things started. When I'm finished, Khan and the Maykrs arrive via the rift. From there, she'll take command of the ceremony." He explained. "Does everyone follow?" He asked, to which he received a unanimous nod. "Excellent." He said afterward with a satisfied smile.
With that out of the way, everyone returned their focus to where it was previously.
"I still can't believe you want me to be on stage with you," Olivia confessed, speaking to Samuel. As promised, the Sinner looked her best for today. Her hair was styled to be slightly curvy, giving it an attractive wavy appearance. Adorning her body was a perfectly fit black and green dress. The color scheme complimented her pink skin well. She also wore semi-transparent arm-length gloves. The material was the same as her dress, making them breathable without revealing too much. Overall, she was stunning, just as the others were.
"Why not?" Samuel questioned, finding her surprise odd. "We're partners. You've assisted me the moment you were brought into this mess. Furthermore, whenever something needed to be done, you were the first to nominate yourself as an able pair of hands. You've earned your right to stand on that stage as my equal." He told her.
"Always the flatterer, Samuel," Olivia replied with a warm and grateful smile.
"I'm only stating the facts." Samuel reminded her.
While those two passed the time with simple yet enjoyable conversation, the same could be said about the Wretch. Although, the simple part might need to be reconsidered.
"I still can't help but feel you all may have gone a bit overboard..." Wretch confessed, examining himself.
Asmodeus and Beelzebub, with the aid of Vega's drones, created several clothing options for the Demon that perfectly fit the unique geometry of his body. The outfit that had beaten the others out was a tailcoat tuxedo. The ensemble's color scheme was dark purple, which paired well with his white skin and red and gold accents. Specially-made gloves adorned his hands; they had holes at the end of the fingertips so his claws could be free. The same applied to his footwear: a pair of masterfully crafted boots.
The finer details of the outfit lay mainly with the torso. Beneath the tuxedo's jacket was a dress shirt with a stylish vest. Any buttons or other pieces were gold to match the Wretch's eyes. Around his neck was a tie tucked neatly into the vest. On its body, two crests representative of Lust and Gluttony were visible. These crests were also on the back of the Demon's coat. It was meant to show any who saw them that this individual was affiliated with the Rings' associated leaders. Essentially, they served as a warning to EVERYONE who'd they be pissing off should they start some shit with him.
Altogether, the Wretch had never been so...refined. He perfectly embodied the aesthetic of the Noble and Royal Society in Hell. Even the most pretentious and critical Hellspawn that would see him wouldn't be able to find fault in his appearance. Even so, he couldn't help but feel like such effort was wasted on someone like him.
"Nonsense!" Asmodeus was quick to exclaim, his hands authoritatively on his hips. "We were NOT going to let you go out there in anything less than perfection." He asserted.
"Plus, it might not be the best impression if you walked out there naked." Fizzarolli chimed in.
"Hmm...I dunno..." Beelzebub hummed, giving the Wretch a once over. "Those clothes do grip him nicely. I think the audience will still get PLENTY of a show." She commented.
"But...I have nothing?" Wretch questioned. "Are your people not attracted to genitalia?" He asked.
"Oh, we DEFINITELY are," Asmodeus confirmed before pointing at him. "However, we also appreciate a finely carved physique. You've got that and then some." He said.
"Yeah! The ladies will love ya!" Fizzarolli assured. "Or guys, depending." He added.
"Is...that something we're hoping for?" Wretch inquired.
"Don't worry about it, bud," Beelzebub replied, waving her hand. "Me, Ozzy, and Fizzy will handle your public image. After today, we'll ensure that everyone's talking about you AND that it's all positive." She promised.
"That's kind of you. But you needn't-"
"Ah, ah, ah!" Asmodeus interrupted with a waggle of his finger. "No ifs, ands, or buts. We're doing this for you." He insisted.
"...This is like the clothing, isn't it?" Wretch muttered to Fizzarolli.
"Oh, yeah. No use saying anything. You'll just waste air." Fizzarolli responded with a nod.
As those four continued to chatter, the Goetias discussed the matter of their missing member at the bar.
"Still nothing?" Andrealphus asked, speaking to his Niece. Stolas was likeliest to answer text messages or phone calls from his Daughter.
"..." Octavia didn't answer. She stared at her phone with a mixed expression. Anger. Annoyance. Disappointment. Disbelief. Frustration. Sadness.
"It's alright, dear," Paimon said with a comforting pat on her shoulder. "Your Father has always been incapable of dealing with responsibility. Your Mother had to drag him down the aisle for their wedding." He shared.
"They should've traded attire. A fragile dress seemed more appropriate for Stolas." Andrealphus commented, making his Sister chuckle.
"Oh, don't get me started." Stella sighed. "I swear, no matter what I tried, the man couldn't behave like a proper Demon to save his life. Let alone behave like a member of the Goetian family." She said.
"...Still..." Octavia spoke. This relieved her family since she'd been silent for so long. "Even with Dad not being the most reliable, this IS the biggest day in history. Well, no. Whenever Doom is defeated will trump this. But the second biggest day isn't anything to treat so casually." She told them.
"Unfortunately, the only way your Father impresses is with his ever-escalating ineptitude." Paimon sighed. Partly in jest, partly sincere. "Wherever Stolas is, whatever he's doing, he better not plan to show up once the ceremony is underway nor afterward. We're meant to be on our best behavior, but I don't know if I could resist the urge to throttle him." He confessed.
"Get in line," Stella replied. "Before his disappearance, I tried to sit down and start working things out with him. Instead, he chooses to blow me off and go into the city for some reason." She recalled.
"Likely to go behind Lucifer's back by speaking to one of the three Vs," Paimon informed her.
"Really? What was the reason?" Stella inquired.
"Who knows? Thankfully, I confronted him on his baffling idiocy. After that, he vanished. As I said, he's likely weeping in a ball somewhere." Paimon said.
Before the conversation could continue, Lucifer suddenly clapped his hands, getting attention back on him.
"It's almost time!" Lucifer exclaimed. Following that, everyone gathered near the entrance.
Lilith, Lucifer, Gabriel, Michael, and Azrael were in the front. The Rings' rulers and the Goetias were behind them. Samuel and Olivia came in fourth. Doomguy, the Marine, and the Wretch were at the back. Everyone expected that their appearance would be the most shocking, excluding Khan's, of course.
A few more minutes went by. When it was truly time to begin, Charlie would fetch them. Even from within the hotel, everyone could hear the excited voices of the crowd as they settled in their seats. Eventually, the equally excited Princess would appear.
"Everything's ready~" Charlie sang while opening the twin doors. The stage, which wasn't too far from the hotel's entrance, was big enough to block it from the public view. "Are we all set?" She asked.
"As much as we can hope to be," Lucifer answered, causing her smile to become a grin.
"Great! I'll get on stage and let everyone know it's about to start!" Charlie replied before hurrying off.
As the others watched her climb the steps to the stage, they did one final check of themselves. Their attires were perfect. Their nerves were steeled. At last, the moment they've all been waiting for was here.
...
...
The audience. Regardless if referring to those physically present or those tuning in via their televisions and radios, every member was stunned silent. Regarding the radio, Alastor did a phenomenal job describing everything in the most minute detail. Admittedly, Katie respected the talent. The man truly did have a silver tongue.
At the forefront were the Magnes. Gabriel and Michael were beside them on the left side from the audience's perspective. Azrael was on the right, as were the Goetias. Immediately behind them were the Rings' rulers, the sole exception being a well-known Imp celebrity. That is where the "normal" people stopped.
On the far right, again, from the audience's perspective, was a Sinner that no one knew and a...robot. Not a cyborg. Not an augmented form of Hellspawn. As far as the audience could tell, it was a straight-up robot. It looked far more advanced than even the heights of Hell's technology.
However, the same could be said for two of the remaining individuals. On the far left, there was a trio. Two of its members were seemingly normal human men. What made the audience assume they were likely human was the absence of horns, wings, tails, Etc. They had no obvious features or parts that indicated a Demonic state of being.
Yet, that wasn't the oddest thing about them. Humans in Hell were certainly shocking. But it was what concealed their bodies that was truly astonishing. Hi-tech suits of armor, on par or even greater than the robot on the far right. You'd think nothing else could top them. Then, there was HIM.
The last person to take the stage. He was the farthest to the left. Unquestionably, he was a Demon. But he didn't look like ANY Demon in Hell. Furthermore, for those present who could detect or see souls to some extent, they were sure that his soul was...DIVINE?!
"Ahem." Lucifer cleared his throat, speaking into the microphone before him. "Citizens of Hell. Spectators in Heaven. All who are watching and listening from everywhere. I am Lucifer Magne. The Devil. Ruler of Inferno. Despite knowing who I am, I introduce myself because of what is to follow. During the week leading to this event, I discussed with those closest to me how best I should prepare you. Do I spend the next hour building tension and suspense? No. The previous week did enough of that. Do I try and offer context or vaguely elude to what is about to happen? No, it'd be pointless. There is nothing I or anyone else can do to prepare you for this. Everyone you see on this stage, those you don't, those who are familiar, and those who aren't, were thrown into the truth about life itself. A truth that can't be summarized. A reality that can't be done justice if shortened. However, it is not in my ability to properly handle this. So, for the ceremony you've all waited for, I turn you over to the warm embrace of Creation itself. A lovely woman I am proud to call my Grandmother. Khan." He stated.
Whispers. Chatter. Murmurs. Mutters. Questions. Outbursts. Outcries. Shouts. Various sounds and noises. Before any of these could occur, a gargantuan portal appeared between the hotel and the stage. On the other side, everyone saw an indescribably beautiful celestial space. Yet, this wouldn't hold their attention for very long.
Flawless unions of flesh and technology. Entities that radiated Divine essence. Golden wings of light carried these unknown creatures into Hell. One by one, they took the stage. Then, she appeared.
The largest of these lifeforms. However, unlike the rest, her body wasn't entirely concealed by plates or mechanical pieces. She allowed her true self to show, unashamed by it. Not to imply the others were, she simply wanted to present herself as naturally as possible.
Once she was through the portal, it closed. With all eyes now on her, the entity smiled. She gave everyone a full minute to process what they were seeing before she spoke.
"I am so deeply sorry to all of you." The Creator, Khan, began. Her voice reached every soul, no matter where they were. Hell. Heaven. Heck, maybe even Earth could somehow hear her. When everyone did, they felt at peace. Good. Happy. Safe. Or something unique to themselves. "This shouldn't be how we come to know each other. I wish my children and I were here to greet you long before now. Sadly, as I will share, something prevented this version of history. Firstly, a proper introduction. I am Khan, Creation manifested. I am the source of all that has, is, and will be. I am the origin of everything. It is from me that everything else came to-"
Trembling. No, shaking. It started as a low tremble but rapidly grew to a tremor. A terrible, violent disturbance of the ground beneath them. For those who floated or flew, they saw its effects. It's as if all of Hell was in motion.
But no. It wasn't all of Hell. It wasn't even all of Pride. It was Pentagram City. An earthquake? No. That wasn't the cause. Unfortunately, something happened before those who knew the truth could say anything.
Simultaneously, massive red meaty tendrils erupted from below across Pentagram City. Specifically, where Porn Studios once stood, something even worse emerged. A ghastly red mound of several maws and gnashing teeth. A monster. Abomination. Blasphemy against life.
All eyes were fixated on the growth. All cameras were turned in its direction. For the smallest period, there was silence. Then, the mouths opened. From within, a horde of horrors poured outward.
Suddenly, a golden barrier appeared. It went forward to cover as much ground as possible. It couldn't protect everyone, but it would shield most. Its caster knew death would be inevitable. That was an unavoidable tragedy.
"EVERYONE!" Khan's voice exploded from her mouth. If Earth didn't hear her before, they must've now. Its power and volume felt like it traveled through the barriers of reality. "HURRY! RUN TO THE HOTEL! IF YOU AREN'T HERE, MAKE HASTE TO THE BARRIER'S CENTER! FOLLOW MY VOICE! YOU NEED TO HURRY! PLEASE! HURRY!" She cried out. Her tone and expression conveyed only one emotion. Unrestrained fear.
The minutes that followed moved like a blur. So many people in motion. So many sounds. So many voices. Two simultaneous stampedes. One consisted of people, the other monsters. In an instant, Hell was invaded. Doom had arrived.