Noon
Plans. Carefully crafted coordination. Meticulously manifested machinations. So much effort goes into these sorts of things. Yet, so often can they be unraveled with an unforeseen element, complication, or development.
The Goetias Prided themselves in many areas. The one most relevant to now is their organization. Parties, meetings, war councils, or a simple gossip session with mutuals—these finely feathered fowls were experts when it came to conceiving and executing any type of gathering. The number of times that these Royals of Hell ever had their expectations upended or subverted could be counted on one hand.
However, the figurative wrench that the Goetias were struck with today was easily the most shocking of any they have experienced. Luckily, these Nobles weren't alone in their body-rattling surprise. Charlotte Magne, Vagatha, Olivia Mayberry, Nifty, and Katie Killjoy were right there with them. So, at the very least, they could all lose their collective shit together.
Angel Dust, the person responsible for the wrench, was initially proud of himself for what he'd done. Yes, it was immature, but he couldn't help it. With Katie and Octavia having such bragging rights regarding Doomguy's voice, he felt it necessary to flaunt his accomplishment. Yet, in a very karmic fashion, the Spider Demon was given proper punishment.
You see, the Sinner assumed everyone would prioritize the space marine as he was already the focus of their grievances. But since it had been Angel Dust who revealed that he was "smooching" Doomguy, everyone then fixated on him. It is with no exaggeration that the man in full-body green armor was instantly forgotten, as was his recent display of vocal communication.
Charlie and Vagatha were frantic since this was a HUGE milestone for the Spider Demon's rehabilitation progress. That is, assuming the "smooching" was done for intimate reasons rather than his usual sexual ones. Nifty was firing off sentences faster than anyone could keep up with because she cared about Doomguy and Angel Dust. So, to think that two people in her life that she had good relationships with were in a potentially romantic one of their own was MASSIVE!
Olivia was more or less the same as Nifty, but her feelings of attachment were exclusive to the space marine. Essentially, since he was so important to her, she wanted to hear from the Spider Demon how this development between the men had come to be and how it affected Doomguy in particular. For the Goetias, their love of "juicy" gossip made such a revelation a MUST to know. Additionally, they wondered how this news could affect the gala! Was Angel Dust intending to make a big scene by kissing the space marine in public?!
During all of that, Doomguy watched the excited and inquisitive mob subject his arachnid companion to their ramblings. The Sinner, now full of regret, looked over at him with a pleading expression. Sadly, the space marine knew that this hecticness was meant for him, so he was more than happy to let this go on. Backfires truly are bastards, aren't they?
However, Doomguy was quick to notice something amidst this craziness. Rosie and Katie were suddenly absent, which immediately filled him with concern. As everyone else, including Angel Dust, was distracted, the space marine hurried out of his quarters. He didn't know where the women went, but he wouldn't stop searching until they were found.
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Shaking. Hastened breathing. Widened eyes. Beads of sweat. A pounding heart. A foggy mind.
Katie Killjoy was outside of the complex. She didn't choose to come here; her body moved by itself. The poor woman couldn't even remember the transit. Her mind started functioning again when her back was pressed against the warm metal of the outer wall.
There weren't any thoughts. No words could form in lungs that were almost suffocating. Purely from habit and a desperate need for relief, the Mantis Demon reached into her jacket to acquire her cigarettes and lighter. She needed a smoke. A few puffs would typically settle the nerves.
Trembling hands made removing a cigarette nearly impossible. The vibrations were so intense that a few of the others were on the brink of falling out. Once the cigarette was placed between Katie's lips, she moved the lighter into place.
click
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No.
click
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Don't do this now.
click
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...Please...Please...
click
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...
Of course. Of course. No, that made sense. Perfect. Just perfect. Instead of comfort, the Mantis Demon received the catalyst for her emotions. The lack of fire from the lighter broke her.
Slowly, Katie slid to the ground. The box of cigarettes in her right hand spilled, and the lighter in her left hand was let go. The Sinner stared at the sky of Pride with eyes that couldn't blink. A few seconds more, and-
"KATIE!"
A woman's voice cried out from nearby. A moment later, a worried Rosie entered the Mantis Demon's view.
"Oh my gosh, are you okay?!" Rosie asked, kneeling beside her. Yet, she refrained from any physical contact at the risk of causing a negative reaction.
"'..." Katie stayed quiet. Even as her feelings emerged, her mind was still cloudy.
"Katie, hon, talk to me." Rosie urged, getting closer. "I know all about it, okay? You can speak freely. Say whatever's going on." She said.
"..." Katie's pupils moved to look at the Overlord. "...I...I...I don't know..." She whispered, soft as a ghost.
"Then breathe. Can you do that for me?" Rosie instructed. "Your body's out of sorts. You need to start taking back control." She told her.
The Mantis Demon could feel the motions of her chest, but she could also tell that they weren't regular. So, despite the haze that persisted in her mind, she listened to the Overlord. Seeing Katie pace her breaths was a relief for Rosie. Alas, it came with a severe consequence.
The fog was lifting. In its place, emotions ready to burst emerged, adding a thick layer of water to the Mantis Demon's eyes.
"..." A lump formed in Katie's throat. She attempted to swallow it, but the obstruction wouldn't budge. "...I...I...I..." She tried so hard to say anything. Whether it was the throat, the mind, or both, nothing could escape.
Tears spilled over the edges of the Mantis Demon's eyes. As the droplets rolled down her cheeks and wettened the dirt, the Overlord moved to sit beside her. Together, this pair of Sinners waited for the words to arrive.
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"...I...hate myself..." Katie muttered.
"Why?" Rosie inquired, ensuring to speak with a gentle tone.
"...I...I can handle everything..." Katie began, looking down at her lap, which caused more tears to flow. "...But...for some reason...I...I'm acting...like an idiot...about this..." She said.
"Katie, you're not stupid. You're also not dumb, moronic, or incompetent." Rosie replied, carefully putting her hand on hers. "You've never gone through something like this. No one knows how to handle anything when it's their first time." She told her.
"..." Katie turned her head in the other direction. It wasn't going to be easy to convince her that she wasn't reacting ridiculously.
"..." Rosie's mind busied itself with determining the best action to take. Come on, girl, you've never missed before; don't start now. "...William was the same as you are." She started, wanting to see how that fared.
The Mantis Demon turned her head back around, but only just enough to where she could see the Overlord from the side of her right eye.
"It's true. If you put me before Khan, I'll say the same thing." Rosie vowed before continuing. "When it comes to violence, no one anywhere is smarter than that man. As for everything else, it depends. On the subject of relationships, love, etc, William is HOPELESS. He's got a good enough head on his shoulders not to make dumb mistakes or be inconsiderate. However, that's about as far as that fella's aptitude for this stuff goes. William literally asked for lessons on how not to be a disappointment to you or Angel. So, if you're thinking that you're the only one in this arrangement who's clueless, just know that your Prince Charming needs a hand to hold, too." She shared.
Katie moved her gaze back to her lap. Although she was still crying, her expression changed subtlely. Now, there was disbelief.
"...He...He could never...disappoint me..." Katie muttered, closing her eyes. "Will...is the only reason I'm happy...he's made me feel appreciated...wanted...for...for who I am..." She said, tightening her fists. "I...don't have to pretend with Will...he...doesn't like a fake personality or an act I've rehearsed a dozen times...it's just...me...and...he likes that..." She carried on.
"Maybe William needs to hear your expectations," Rosie suggested. "I don't know everything you've told him and vice versa. But what I do know is that he feels he needs to be more than himself. Admittedly, I agree, but not in the sense that William becomes a new person. Yet, that could be the perception he has. It could be that William has a standard in his head as to what you either expect or deserve and until he reaches it, he won't be good enough for you." She reasoned.
Hearing that made the Mantis Demon open her eyes again in shock. Standards? Expectations? She had none! As she'd expressed in the past, all the Sinner desired, what she hoped not to lose, was the man she'd already come to know! That's it! Doomguy didn't need to-
Suddenly, both women heard something. It was a heavy pounding that struck the ground at a VERY fast pace. Tracking the noise to its origin, an armored mountain of meat was heading their way.
"Here comes the Prince to save the day," Rosie remarked with a proud smile. Seeing that man arrive made her happy. "Not to try and pressure you, sweetie, but you don't have long before-"
Abruptly, Katie stood. Well, more accurately, she scrambled to get to her feet. The Overlord's elation from the space marine's appearance was doubled when she saw the Mantis Demon take off to meet him halfway. Damn, where was a bucket of giblets when you needed it?!
When Doomguy saw the Sinner running toward him, he slowed down and raised his PDA to type a message. But before a single letter could be pressed...
THUD
Katie collided with her man's armored body—no, not in a comical or saddening way. The contact and the amount of force applied were intentional. She wanted to embrace him as much as was physically possible. To better achieve that goal, the Mantis Demon summoned her additional limbs to wrap around his torso and lower half.
"It's you," Katie began, looking into his eyes as she gripped him tighter than anything else in either of her lives. "I don't need Prince Charming. I don't need you to be different. I just want you, Will. That's it. Because despite all the reasons you shouldn't want me, you do. That's enough. It's always been enough. You're the first person who makes me feel good about myself. I've been such a mess because I couldn't believe that it was real. It makes sense why you'd like Angel, but it seemed impossible for me. No one's ever cared about me like you do. No one's ever wanted me around or enjoyed my company. That's all you have to do. Just...never stop, Will. Please. You're the best thing to ever happen to me. I...I don't want to lose what we have, and I can't lose you. Please." She told him, burying her face into his chest plate as she begged by the end.
Ignoring the space marine's mutism, the man was speechless. He was expecting to find the Mantis Demon in a state that demanded comfort. Instead, she profusely confessed her feelings, the value of their relationship, and what he meant to her. Understandably, there was a small period of shock in which he processed it all and figured out how best to react.
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Suddenly, Katie felt herself getting pushed away. It wasn't enough to force her arms and other limbs to let go, but it was still alarming. Every fear and anxiety she had gripped her soul, threatening-
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Rosie squealed in delight while wildly waving her arms. She hoped with all her heart that this would be the outcome! If it were possible, she'd be shooting into the sky!
Doomguy caused the Overlord's excited outburst and the rapid shaking of her hands. More specifically, it was him kissing the Mantis Demon without any reservations. We're not talking about some cute first kiss stuff, either. That man was going IN for it!
As for Katie, she wasn't here anymore. Her body went limp, causing her to dangle in the space marine's arms. Emotions? Pacified. Mind? Cleared. Body? Relaxed.
Fortunately, it didn't take long for the Sinner's soul to reactivate. When everything was working again, she-
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Rosie squealed again, ready to explode. THIS WAS ONE OF THE GREATEST MOMENTS OF HER LIFE!
As the Overlord pointed out earlier, the Mantis Demon wasn't inexperienced. She's kissed, licked, sucked, and fucked MANY times. But none of those instances meant ANYTHING to her. All business, no pleasure.
So, picture this: A woman who has been emotionally repressed yet is filled with two lifetimes' worth of experience finds love. All of those skills, techniques, talents, and so on FINALLY get to be used when she cares about her performance. Katie responded to Doomguy's advance with INCREDIBLE passion. She wrapped her legs around his waist, her limbs back around his body, and she moved her arms to be around his neck.
Even though it wasn't needed due to his strength, the space marine still put his hands beneath the Mantis Demon's posterior to carry her. As for the lip-locking portion, hoo, that's too steamy for words. I'm getting a bit bothered myself just thinking about it!
As this scene unfolded, Rosie got up from the ground. However, she maintained her distance with an overjoyed grin. Seeing these two get the happy ending they deserved was BEYOND wonderful! But for the sake of privacy, let's have the Overlord be the only spectator, shall we?
Elsewhere, At A Club In Pentagram City...
Ever heard a furious Latina swear several words a second? It's a pretty amazing thing to experience. Now, add into the mix the fact that this specific Hispanic lady was one of the most powerful people around. If that were the case, then it'd be no surprise as to why there was a crowd of onlookers watching the scene unfold.
Carmilla Carmine lost her composure roughly five minutes ago. She's been cursing up a storm ever since then. If the targets of her vocal assault were normal people, they would have succumbed to her list of demands from the fear of her threats. Sadly, that wasn't the situation.
The entities tasked with guarding the entrance to the building that the Overlord and her Daughters were in front of were golems. However, do not imagine the large clay automatons. These were hulking monsters made of meat, bones, and all-too-familiar green energy. The realization as to who had likely made these things added to Carmilla's unfathomable anger.
Clara was trying so hard to calm her Mother down. The effort was commendable, but it was no different than trying to douse a volcano with a squirt gun. Odette was busy studying the golems, but not because her intellectual curiosity made her forget about everything else. As her Mother handled being furious enough for all three members of the family, she sought to find a solution.
"Mom! You're going to pass out if you don't stop!" Clara exclaimed. She'd never seen so much red on her Mother's face before. It was an interesting color combination with her naturally gray skin.
"NOT BEFORE I TEAR THIS BUILDING TO THE GROUND!" Carmilla shouted, finally saying something that wasn't in Spanish.
"Mom, this isn't our turf. Also, it's not like it used to be. We can't just casually blow up buildings." Clara reminded her.
"I. DON'T. CARE." Carmilla asserted, staring into her Daughter's eyes with raging fires. "WE KNOW WHOSE TERRITORY THIS IS! THE GOLEMS ALONE GIVE IT AWAY! THAT SMARMY SON OF A BITCH HAS PLAYED HIS LAST GAME! WHEN I GET MY HANDS ON THAT OVERLY DRESSED PILE OF DEER SHIT, I'M GOING TO FEED HIM TO HIMSELF!" She screamed.
"...I...don't know if he'd find that displeasing..." Clara muttered, remembering that the Radio Demon was a cannibal.
BOOM
Suddenly, there was a small but violent explosion. Carmilla, Clara, and the crowd nearby all jumped in surprise when it happened. One of the golems erupted into a cloud of green smoke, bone fragments, and charred meat.
"That's one," Odette stated, twirling a plasma pistol around one of her fingers. "If you have the capacity for independent thoughts, then you should debate whether or not you want this." She told the remaining golem while looking in its direction.
The golem looked at the scattered pieces of its partner. Due to the magic that created them, they would naturally rebuild themselves. However, the damage had been so severe that it was going to take a WHILE for the other one to come back. So, partly because of its duty and partly because it didn't want to deal with that, the golem allowed the Carmines to enter the building.
"Yo! What?!" Clara called out, hurrying over to her sibling. "Since when you did you start carrying that?!" She asked, pointing to the firearm as it was holstered.
"When Flynn was assassinated," Odette revealed, worsening her Sister's shock. "If our enemies ever tried that shit again, I wanted to have the means to kill them readily available." She explained.
"That's my girl," Carmilla praised her Daughter with a smile, making her do the same. "But we can talk about this more later. For now, let's get in there!" She instructed, receiving nods from both her children.
Before we continue, let's describe the building in greater detail. Both the exterior and interior of the establishment were in the Art Deco style, which was prominent in American architecture between the 1920s and 30s. It should be noted that Pentagram City was filled to the brim with contrasting art styles and decors due to its populace containing people from every conceivable point in human history. From that information, we can infer that whoever owned this establishment hailed from the previously mentioned period.
Expectedly, the building, a social hotspot typically filled with smoke, liquor, dancing, and music, was deader than a graveyard. These types of locations were always active in the latest hours of the day and sometimes in the early morning of tomorrow as well. With the time currently sitting at just past noon, the only people that'd be here were the staff, the owner, and the person the Carmines came to find.
Interestingly, all of the employees resembled the golems outside, but they were dressed in classy attire. Whoever the proprietor was, they had to be in Alastor's good graces to warrant such treatment. Fortunately, the Carmines didn't need to do too much "persuading" to know where to go. If these ladies managed to get past the golems, the rest of the staff knew they weren't to be trifled with.
Eventually, the women arrived at their desired destination. A private room far from where the "action" would happen during open hours. Despite wanting to kick the ornately designed door down with one of her legs, Carmilla calmly knocked. She didn't want to be rude to whoever was here just in case they'd been used by that toothy bastard as well.
"Visitors?" A woman's voice called from within, followed by the sound of footsteps. "Or perhaps you're here because of a certain man?" She guessed.
A second later, the door was open, and inside was-
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At first, the Carmines didn't see anyone. But then, they moved their gazes downward. Admittedly, none of them expected this person to be so...compact.
"Well, don't you look surprised?" A short and beautiful woman greeted the trio. She had a blonde bob-cut hairdo and a full figure—not an hourglass, more like a whiskey bottle. "Let me guess, you were expecting a tall drink of water rather than a full shot of rum?" She teased with a warm and welcoming smile.
"...If...you are referring to a human man...then yes." Carmilla carefully replied, wanting to maintain her composure.
"Aw, hon, you don't have to worry about manners around me," The woman promised before turning around. "Alastor might be my friend, but I know better than anyone that he's a bastard. If you want to tear into him as we talk, please, by all means, let'em have it." She encouraged them while walking away.
"Could we have your name before anything else?" Odette requested as the Carmines followed.
"Sure thing! Call me Mimzy, dearies. The finest hostess in all of Pentagram!" The woman zestfully exclaimed. "Now, you make yourselves comfortable as I pour you some drinks. Non-alcoholic, I promise. I know you're not here to have a good time." She said.
As the Sinner named Mimzy got to work on the drinks, the Carmines took in their surroundings. This space appeared to be an office, but it was just so...cozy. All of the furniture practically BEGGED to be sat on. The decorations and stylings of the walls and other such things were charming. As weird as it may sound, the room made you feel safe and welcome.
Still wanting to be polite, the Carmines all took a seat on one of the couches nearby. When their hostess was ready, she brought each of them a full glass of surprisingly clear water. For context, much like a lot of things, clean water was considered a luxury for Sinners. The best you could regularly hope for was that the worst contaminate was drugs or some form of mineral.
"Alright," Mimzy sighed, pulling up a chair so she could sit across from her visitors. "Let's cut to the chase. You three are here for one, Mister Flynn Taggart, right? Just so you know, he introduced himself to me like a proper gentleman. Although, he didn't need to, seeing as how the green portal he stepped through was all I needed to know. Alastor wouldn't send some random schmuck to see little ol' me." She informed them.
"Why did he send Flynn here?" Clara asked. "I mean, we heard what Flynn told Alastor earlier today; he shared that much with us. But still, what is it that you did for him?" She added, wanting to provide all the information she could.
"It's simple, really. Flynn's got no history with those of the female persuasion. As he said himself, the man's got what it takes to win a war with no one else helping him. But when it comes to things like dating or relationships, Flynn feels like he's drowning and he can't reach the surface. Of course, you can't blame the poor bastard after all he's been through." Mimzy answered.
"You sound as though you know more than just the basics. Why is that?" Odette inquired.
"Alastor. He's been sharing everything he's learned ever since Khan got revealed and that nasty invasion happened." Mimzy responded.
"Of course he has..." Carmilla sighed out of frustration, tightening her hold on her glass.
"Careful there, I don't want you cutting yourself," Mimzy warned. Sincerely, that wasn't about the glass. "Anyway, as far as Flynn understood it, he was sent to me to get some advice or lessons on how to handle a woman. Don't worry, we did nothing with each other. However, it must be a VERY great pleasure to see that body of his whenever you want, especially when the two of you are working out." She told them.
Casually, Clara and Odette glanced at their Mother with amused smirks on their faces. They wondered what the reaction was going to be.
"...We enjoy our time together." Carmilla stated before taking a sip of her water. That's all there was to say about that topic.
"Huh, well, you better tell Flynn that." Mimzy advised, adorning a grin. "From how it sounds, you just like spending time with him. But for Flynn, he ADORES you. No, wait, adores is the wrong word. That man IDOLIZES you." She shared.
"..." As Carmilla lowered the glass back to her lap, she tapped its surface with her fingers. "...I'm...sure you're exaggerating." She replied.
"Oh no, Flynn's crazy about you. Doubt me if you like; it won't change that fact." Mimzy started, crossing her legs. "When I asked him to tell me about the lot of ya, he went on and on and on and on! But regarding you, Carmilla, I wouldn't be surprised if that man views you like a Goddess. The way he described you made you come across as equal to Khan herself. Heck, he probably puts you on a higher pedestal. It all stems from you being patient with him and appreciating what he has to offer, despite most of it being shit." She insisted before quickly throwing up her hands. "That's what he said, just to be clear." She clarified.
"Ugh, Flynn..." Clara groaned while closing her eyes. She HATED hearing him talk about himself like that, as did her Sister and Mother.
"Where is he?" Odette asked, ensuring they didn't lose focus. "Forgive me if it sounds like I'm trying to change the topic; it's just that we came here because we tracked Flynn's PDA. Speaking to you is nice, but we did expect to find him." She explained.
"Sorry, doll. Flynn's not here." Mimzy answered, shocking the women. "Before he bounced, he gave me his little gizmo. It's in the top right drawer of my desk over there." She revealed, pointing to the desk with her thumb.
"...Flynn's not wearing his armor..." Carmilla muttered with a sigh. "So...we can't track him..." She realized.
"Yup. That's what he said the plan was." Mimzy confirmed.
"Apart from us, what did you two talk about? Why would Flynn go incognito like this?" Clara inquired.
"First, to cover my ass, I want you to know that I didn't tell him to do that. He surprised me when he suddenly stood up and told me what was going on." Mimzy informed them.
"He has a habit of that, unfortunately..." Odette sighed, just like her Mother.
"As for what we discussed, I promise it wasn't anything too personal or spicy. Flynn just wanted to know how he could make Carmilla happy. And, if it was in my wheelhouse, how he might better his relationship with all of ya. He's scared to death about screwing it up and making things weird between you and him. Or, even worse, not getting to see you anymore." Mimzy said.
"But that would never happen!" Clara exclaimed, unable to control her response. "It's not like we're perfect, either! We killed people when we were alive, too! We were literal weapon dealers! There's PLENTY of reasons why we're in Hell and not Heaven!" She went on.
"Believe me; I told Flynn the same things. But it's his past, which you know about. Not just the regular stuff, but all that Doom business, too. It's hard to think you're capable of something as normal as having a life when you've been through the grinder like he has." Mimzy told them before regaining her composure. "But there's no point in spouting off stuff you've heard from him. Plain and simple, here's what Flynn and I covered: We talked about the basics of dating, making someone feel appreciated, satisfying them beyond romantically or sexually, and, just in general, how to prevent a decline in a relationship's health. Even if Flynn were looking for some advice on how to please a woman in certain areas, which we DID lightly touch upon, he's just so damn rattled by the idea that when it comes time to do what he needs to, the man's gonna fall over himself and look like a clown. He doesn't want any of ya to regret getting closer to him. That's the center of it all. Flynn needs to prove to himself, or have someone do it for him, that he's good enough. I'm not trying to tell you to do that or anything, just that it's what he's missing. The guy's desperate for certainties rather than hopeful possibilities. I've seen it a dozen times from all kinds of poor souls who drink themselves silly at the bar. Gamblers, romantics who can't find love, aspiring artists who are waiting for their big shot, and a whole lot more. Those sorry saps just leave ya feeling miserable about yourself, even if there's nothing wrong with you at all. I feel terrible for every last one of'em." She stated.
The room fell silent for a bit. The Carmines drank their water and considered what they could do or say. Frustratingly, the women were stumped. Only Carmilla could think of something more, and it wasn't anything noteworthy.
"...Did...you get anything from Flynn before he left? Clues, hints, a rough idea of where he was going?" Carmilla asked.
"Believe me, that was the only moment during our time together when I tried to stick my nose where it didn't belong. After hearing about the three of you, I knew that you'd be giving chase. I wanted to give ya something to work with, but Flynn made sure to keep his lips tight. All he told me, word-for-word, was that he was going to do something he thought would help. How? What does that mean? I've got nothing. I'm sorry." Mimzy answered, ending with an apology.
With a collective sigh, the Carmines finished their beverages. Since there was no trail to follow, the only choice was to go back to the training grounds and wait.
"So, what're you three gonna do now?" Mimzy inquired, taking the glasses from them when they were done.
"Oh, that's easy. We're going to beat Alastor within an inch of his life." Carmilla responded while standing.
"Mother, there's no need for that," Odette said, standing as well. "We don't need to show restraint. Azrael can easily fetch Alastor's soul when we've killed him." She reasoned.
"Still, we should take it slow. If we're too quick, then we'll have to do it multiple times." Clara argued, being the last to stand.
"Aww, that's great. You've got something to keep you busy until Flynn shows up." Mimzy commented, unbothered by the idea of her good friend getting turned into a stain on the ground. "If I hear from him or he comes back to see me, I'll be sure to give you three a call with that doohickey." She promised.
"Thanks, that means a lot," Carmilla told her as she and her Daughters departed. "And if Flynn doesn't reclaim his PDA, you can keep it. Just say the name Vega when it's in your hands for assistance on how to use it." She instructed.
Although a bit confused about that, Mimzy let the conversation end there. She waved the Carmines out of her office before the door was closed, and they were out of sight.
Elsewhere, In The Study Area Of The Training Grounds...
Whether due to incredible foresight or good planning, the study area already had plenty of tables for additional people. Then again, this space was always being used by the Exorcists, so it made sense to design it for such a large volume. Anyway, after everyone got seated and ensured that their view wasn't obstructed, the large crowd waited for their instructor to commence his lesson.
Understandably, the Wretch spent a few minutes picking the right subject. With so many new people to consider, he needed a topic that would be well-suited for everyone's improvement. Fortunately, the former Demon's wit wasn't affected by the pressure. Thus, we arrive at the chosen fixation for the discussion.
"Reactions!" Wretch exclaimed while raising one finger in the air. If he didn't already have the room's attention, he got it then. "Doom allows for no breaks or pauses. You'll barely be able to catch a breath, let alone multiple. Since I have everyone with me today rather than my normal amount, we're going to tackle something that will be beneficial to each of you." He stated.
"So, are you going to ask us questions and we have to try and give the best answer?" Cherri assumed.
"Yes!" Wretch confirmed, aiming his clawed digit at her. "However, do not think I shall provide you with the simplest of problems. This will not be the same as your combat training has been so far. I will not ask you to tell me how you would kill a single Demon of any species. I'm going to describe deeply involved situations that will have a multitude of factors at play that you must consider. For the sake of fairness, I will not have ANY predetermined solutions in my mind. I will be grading you solely on what you provide and if I am able to escalate or alter things to a severe degree." He described.
"Okay, but you won't get crazy, right? For instance, we're not going to go through the effort of being thorough only for you to say something like THEN THE CYBERDEMON SUDDENLY SHOWS UP, are you?" Beelzebub questioned.
"Absolutely not. Any counters I employ will be based on the context given. Doom is unpredictable, but it can't change what is happening in any space as though it were all-powerful." Wretch promised. Hearing that was a BIG relief to the others.
Suddenly, a hand was raised. To the surprise of most, it belonged to Husk.
"Yes, Husk?" Wretch called.
"Could we do this in groups, by chance?" Husk suggested. "Additionally, could we be allowed to choose our groups? I know that for training, we've all been organized based on the similarities we share. But when we start getting closer to fighting Doom and its Demons for real, it only makes sense that we'll form teams with the best combinations. Basically, you wouldn't put all of your eggs in one basket. Sure, a team comprising Lucifer, Lilith, Charlie, and Azrael would be a force of nature, but each of them could provide valuable power to those who'd otherwise be lacking it." He added, ensuring to explain his thought process.
For a few seconds, every eyeball in the room looked at the Hellcat in amazement. That was the sort of thing you'd get from Lute or maybe Moxxie. Hearing such a tactically sound idea come from him was unexpectedly impressive!
"..." Husk closed his eyes and tilted his head down. "...Could you STOP?" He requested, still feeling their gazes.
"Ahem," Wretch cleared his throat, rescuing the feathered feline. "That is a splendid idea, Husk. However, if there is no issue, I'd like to be the one who decides the groups." He said.
"Sure. You'd probably be the best at it." Husk replied.
"Thank you," Wretch told him before proceeding. "The first group will consist of Cherri Bomb, Millie & Moxxie, Adam, and Asmodeus." He listed.
A glance was exchanged between those whose names were spoken. These people, along with the others, understood why the former Demon had put them together. Cherri Bomb was the crowd control, Moxxie was the sniper, Millie was the brawler, Adam was the all-rounder, and Asmodeus was the Arcanist. There were also a few other benefits that some of them provided. Adam had Divine power, Millie & Moxxie could coordinate without communication, and Asmodeus could also act as a tank if needed.
"Listen carefully..." Wretch began, ensuring the group's focus was only on him. "The five of you find yourselves within the commercial area of Pentagram City. There are stores, eateries, and more on all sides. Your precise location is a central space where people can relax and gather with their friends. Tragically, what would normally be a lively environment has become ghastly and abandoned.
Corpses of men, women, and children litter the ground. Some of the bodies have been grotesquely turned into decorations purely for the amusement of the culprits who did it. The electrical signage that is most common in such a district has been badly damaged. Electrical sparks, frayed wires, and broken glass fill your vision no matter where you look.
Suddenly, from behind multiple signs, a group of Revenants uses their boosters to ambush you. As is common for the Demons, these skeletal cyborgs are not alone. While their launchers activate and aim, a screech from below assaults your ears. A horde of Imps, triple the number of the Revenants, have you surrounded. Missiles are priming, fireballs are charging, and a fight is surely brewing. What do you do?" He asked.
"Quick question!" Adam exclaimed, shooting his hand into the air. "We're allowed to go balls out, right? There aren't any people to worry about, and collateral damage doesn't matter." He assumed.
"Yes, Adam. In a real fight, if there is no risk of innocents being harmed by your actions, you can do whatever you want." Wretch permitted.
"Cool. Good to know." Adam said before giving it some thought. "I think I'd make the opening move. As you all saw earlier with the Mancubus, I can spin my ax around like a sawblade. So, I'd have it fly around in a circle to immediately kill the Imps closest to us while establishing a protective circle to keep them at bay." He answered.
"I'd start shooting at the Revenants. They're the farthest targets, and their missiles are a BIG threat to us." Moxxie answered.
"I'd get to work on defensive spells. Fireballs would take no effort to dispel, but I'd need a more tangible shield to protect us from any missiles that get launched. Depending on how quickly the Revenants shoot and how many there are, it might take a small amount of time to provide an impenetrable defense." Asmodeus answered.
"Before Adam throws his ax, I'd shout FLASH and fire off something to blind the Demons. That'd give him time to throw his ax or buff us, allow Asmodeus time to protect the team, and provide Moxxie a decent window to kill some of the Revenants since they'd be too disoriented to dodge." Cherri answered.
"Honestly? I'd probably just help Cherri with crowd control. I've got a launcher like her, and my gauntlets could throw big fireballs, too. Between me, Adam, and Asmodeus, we've got enough beef to punch some Imps in the face if they manage to get past the ax." Millie answered.
"..." Wretch folded his arms, considering their answers. "...Perhaps that was too easy..." He muttered, having nothing to say about their reaction.
"Heh, don't beat yourself up too much, Wretch. You're mostly familiar with your students." Cherri said with an amused smirk.
"Even so, I do think I'm struggling to pinpoint the sweet spot. Doom will be brutal, but my imagination could create scenarios that simply wouldn't happen. I want to give you authentic situations but simultaneously not present something extreme. It's a tricky balance." Wretch responded.
"Would you like some feedback?" Asmodeus offered.
"Yes, please." Wretch accepted with a nod.
"I think stuff like the Cyberdemon and Spider Mastermind should be off limits, which extends to anything in that category. As you three have conveyed to us, those Demons are top-tier threats. We're not supposed to engage them under ANY circumstances. So, feel free to use all the types below them. For the really tough ones like Archviles or Barons, impose a quantity limit of three. Summoners and Mancubi get five, while the rest is up to you." Asmodeus proposed before looking around the room. "That sounds good, right?" He asked the others.
Unanimously, the crowd nodded and offered simple vocal confirmations. While they still had a lot to learn, most of the people here were already confident in themselves. But since this lesson was combining them into teams, everybody was sure they could handle whatever their mentor conceived.
"Understood. Thank you for your aid, Asmodeus." Wretch said.
"Always happy to help." Asmodeus replied with a smile.
"Now then, the next group." Wretch started, getting things back on track. "Glitz & Glam, Lute, Striker, and Alastor." He listed.
Oh, now that was an intriguing arrangement. Striker made sense as the all-rounder of the squad. Alastor was undoubtedly the Arcanist. Where things got interesting was with the fishy twins and the Exorcist. Lute was primarily a melee specialist with a small list of Arcane options in her skillset. Glitz favored a mostly mid-range approach that could extend to close quarters if the opportunity presented itself. Glam was in the same boat; only she'd lean toward long-range due to her assault rifle and throwable spear.
Unlike the previous team, this one had a bit more flexibility. Striker, Glitz, and Glam could all alternate between a variety of functions and positions in a fight. The only ones who were set in the roles were Lute and Alastor. Sure, the Radio Demon could increase his size and get physical, but that was like an ace you'd keep up your sleeve to be played when it made the most sense.
"Here is the scene: The five of you find yourselves in a research facility. An unlikely environment, but not one that's impossible.
As your group ventures deeper into the structure, surrounded by cold metallic surfaces everywhere you look, you discover a very unique room. Massive cylindrical generators connect to the floor and ceiling, and lengthy strands of lightning surge from them. Adopting a more cautious walk as you enter the space, a multitude of noises, all the same, fill your ears from above.
Looking above, you find a swarm of Arachnotrons descending toward you, traversing the pillars and parts of the ceiling. Yet, they are not alone. On the ground, you hear the howls of beasts, but you see none. Still, the floor begins to shake with an increasing intensity, almost as if there's a stampede." Wretch described. "What is your reaction?" He asked.
"How fast are we getting cooked? Those Arachnotrons can shoot their guns the second they see something. By the time we hear them scurrying, are we looking at a rain of plasma?" Striker inquired.
"Good observation, Striker. Yes, you would be under fire instantaneously. Truthfully, the plasma spheres would reveal the Arachnotrons before you heard their legs." Wretch confirmed.
"Hmm, okay. So, all of us would need to evade first..." Striker muttered, closing his eyes.
"Not only that, but the other enemies that are attacking us are Specters. Presumably, like the Arachnotrons, they've been put in this room as a security force. As we dodge the plasma, the Specters will already be charging." Lute chimed in.
"Death from above and bulldozers coming in fast from the sides. The way I see it, Alastor has to be the first to do something." Glitz said.
"Wretch," Alastor called. "Would it be cheating if I were to suggest the existence of precautionary measures?" He questioned.
"Not at all. Every deployment in the future will have such things so the Demons can't easily overwhelm you." Wretch responded.
"Well then, the plasma isn't a concern. I'd always have an invisible barrier surrounding the team. However, to make it so transparent, it could only stop most projectiles and any Arcane attacks. The Specters would still be able to get through." Alastor stated.
"If we're operating with this barrier in effect, then Lute, Glitz, and Glam would handle the invisible Demons while I get to work on the Arachnotrons with Al." Striker answered.
"Why would I assist Lute and my Sister?" Glam questioned.
"We can't see how many Specters there are, and unlike Pinkies, they don't have any armor. With your SMGs, you could help cover a wider area, which leaves fewer openings. Since Al wouldn't need to spend time making a shield, he could handle the ranged stuff with me." Striker explained.
"I'd also like to put forward the possibility of me harnessing the lightning in the room. The generators are providing it, so there wouldn't be any resistance from a rival caster. It would take little effort to bind the lightning to my command and then make the Arachnotrons explode in a glorious series of electrical detonations." Alastor offered.
"Ah, a clever use of the environment. That's very good, Alastor." Wretch praised the Radio Demon. "Admittedly, that's why I added that detail. I was hoping one of you would-"
The former Demon suddenly stopped talking, which surprised the others. Yet, it didn't take long to discover the cause. The Carmines had returned from their hunt for Flynn Taggart. The women's faces, combined with the lack of an adult human man, provided all the necessary information. Everyone watched as the trio approached Alastor and...lifted him.
No, that wasn't an error or misinterpretation. The Carmines grabbed the Radio Demon by his arms, carried him out of his seat, and then dragged him away. During all of that, Alastor simply looked at each of his captors. There was no chance for bargaining. The time for reason was far gone. Now, a price needed to be paid.
As the Radio Demon was kidnapped, nothing else occurred. There weren't any outbursts or attempts to intervene. Everyone watched the group of four leave the study area. It was another baffling event on a day that was stocked with them.
"...Well done." Wretch said, not giving that more attention than it needed. "Onto the next group," He decided, receiving nods of agreement from the crowd.
Evening
Look, I'm gonna be straight with you here. This has been a WEIRD fucking day for everyone involved. Things kicked off the night prior with a talking rabbit, and it's all been downhill from there. The most normal time ANYONE around has had is a cyborg cancer patient who's been working alongside the oldest and most powerful Grandma in history. If that doesn't tell you everything you need to know about today's energy, there's nothing more I can do.
If there were a way to spin the figurative equivalent of a bottle, then I would. Honestly, we're only choosing which act of the circus we want to see first. Then again, following the order of presentation that's been established in this chapter, perhaps it'd be for the best if we stuck to the norm. If that's what we're going with, then let's see how a certain Spider Demon is doing.
Angel Dust felt like he'd just gone twelve rounds in a boxing match where the audience was the opponent. Not even international spies get interrogated so intensely. Despite how long they'd been gone, no one noticed how Katie, Rosie, and the man who brought them all together were missing. The Spider Demon considered mentioning it, but he was too damn tired to start another riot.
"Alright. I think we've settled everything," Charlie said with a smile and a handclap. "Who'd like to go first?" She asked.
"We would," Paimon answered, getting the room's attention on the Goetias. "Before now, we've already made alterations to our original plans for the gala based on feedback from William, Flynn, and Wretch. One such idea that Octavia provided with her notes was a special dance for each of them to have with someone else. In light of this startling relationship between Angel Dust and William, it seems rather obvious that will be who he chooses. However, we'll need to talk again with Flynn and Wretch to know what they'd like to do." He stated.
"Continuing from that, there WILL be an uproar when the relationship is announced in such a grand way. We're prepared, of course. However, we cannot ignore the demand for an explanation that comes from the crowd in attendance. As such, it may be preferable to reveal it during the beginning of the event when the men will already be addressing questions and comments from the people." Andrealphus said.
"Furthermore, there's still so much we need to do. We hope to have the gala commence two days from now, but to prevent any delays, we'll need to spend all of tomorrow with the men. They need to be fitted with proper attire, the specifics of their introductions and subsequent reveals need to be ironed out, and even general things like the music still require their input." Stella informed everyone.
"Got it. A WHOLE lot of prep work." Charlie summarized with an understanding nod. "I'm sure the guys won't mind putting training off for a day if it's related to the gala, so there's no issues there. We'll talk with them about it once lessons wrap up for today." She decided.
"Regarding that, we've been working on a proposal for our group at large to consider," Paimon revealed. "The purpose for the gala, its main objective, has always been to give the public a chance to learn more about these men when they're not covered in viscera and fighting horrid monsters. Yet, when the gala is finished, we believe it is sensible to provide daily updates and looks into our operations. It's unwise to leave them so uninformed for long stretches. That was an unavoidable issue as everyone's worked to get things to where they are now, but it'd be unwise to maintain that." He explained.
"I really like that idea. Keeping the masses up to date would help immensely with their feelings of security and overall peace of mind." Vagatha commented.
"True, but that's something we should talk about more with Grandma and Samuel." Charlie reasoned, receiving nods of agreement from everyone. "What's next?" She inquired.
"The importance of communication," Olivia replied, folding her arms. "We still need to go through so much with the Goetias AND those of us who are in Heaven. There must be a proper social system that provides an easy and immediate way for everyone to stay connected. In addition to the direct messages our PDAs can send, I think it'd be a good idea to have Vega create a chat room feature that all of us are part of by default. This way, whenever anything major happens, Vega can send out the details to those who aren't present at that time. That will prevent the shocking and awkward conferences that've become so frequent lately," She suggested.
"Ooo! I LOVE that!" Charlie exclaimed with glee, making the Sinner smile. "Anything else?" She asked. There wasn't a need to see what the consensus was about the chatroom idea since it was so perfect.
"I think we need regular therapy sessions!" Nifty answered. "We've been so busy with Doom and the gala and everything else that we've neglected to address our core issues. The only way any of us are going to get better is if we tackle our problems on a consistent basis!" She reasoned.
"I couldn't agree more," Charlie responded, happy to see she wasn't the only one to think of that. "We'll wait for the gala to be done with before forming a schedule. But since Angel and Will are here right now, we can-"
As the Princess of Hell was saying that, she turned to look at both men on the couch. GASP! THERE WAS ONLY ONE!
"..." The room became quiet when the majority realized the space marine was missing.
"FINALLY." Angel Dust, who'd been sitting there with an arm draped over his eyes, breathed out one of the heaviest sighs of his life. "It's taken you THIS long to realize that Will is gone. Also, Katie and Rosie aren't here, either." He told them.
Well...shit. That certainly was a proper amount of eggs for each face present. How long had that trio been absent? Where did they go? What were they doing? So many questions started-
Suddenly, the door that led outside opened. The missing people had returned. Rosie retook the chair she'd been sitting in hours ago while Doomguy and Katie did the same for their spots on the couch. The Overlord appeared no differently now compared to earlier. Yet, the same could not be said for the Mantis Demon and the space marine.
Doomguy's face was covered in bright red markings that were shaped like a set of lips. There were also a multitude of scrapes and scratches across his suit of armor, almost as if something had been clawing at it. Katie Killjoy's outfit was disheveled, which matched the rest of her. From her hair being wildly messy, to her mouth that was covered in smeared...red...lipstick...
...
...
...
Man, deja vu is a Hell of a thing, huh? Nearly every person in the room had the same reaction to this realization as they did to Angel Dust's announcement. Funnily enough, the sole exception was the Spider Demon, who looked at his fellow Sinner and the space marine with the purest expression of excitement.
"FUCK YEAH!" Angel Dust shouted, instantly recovering from his exhaustion. "WAY TO GO, KATIE!" He cheered, punching the air with one of his fists.
"Thank you," Katie politely replied. She had a smile on her face that was filled with satisfaction and happiness. "So, where are we now?" She asked, astonishingly casual.
Nearby, In The Study Area...
Although today had been odd for all, no one could say that it was unpleasant. Well, at least not for those who remained in the Wretch's company. The first half of the lesson was engaging and a good learning experience. As the former Demon continued to create hypotheticals for his "class" to tackle, he escalated them at a pace that was comfortable but still challenging.
The teams that the Wretch had chosen really needed to think as time went on. His arrangement of Demonic species became legitimate puzzles with many components to be mindful of. It really felt like he paid attention to everyone's attributes, strengths, and weaknesses to make the most optimal mental exercises. By the end, it was a genuinely gratifying experience to overcome whatever was concocted.
When the latter half of the lesson was underway, the former Demon communicated that he would not fault anyone for leaving now. The remainder of the time was going to be spent on the Conjuration Cube, even if Alastor was currently busy getting beaten up somewhere. The ones who'd get the most use out of this segment were the Arcanists and those looking to dabble in the Arcane Arts. However, to his surprise, everyone remained.
For those who wouldn't be wielding the Conjuration Cubes, they could still use this as a learning experience. After all, there wasn't anything preventing people beyond Doomguy, Flynn, and the Wretch from receiving them, too. So, gaining knowledge of how the invention worked and what could be done with it was important.
Naturally, the Wretch was supportive of that mindset. Thus, the remainder of the lesson was a show of sorts. Those who wanted to control the Conjuration Cube for the others' sake were the "performers" in this spectacle. Vega had considerately produced a plentiful amount of the item, so there wasn't a shortage. Despite this first session mainly being used to familiarize one's self with the Conjuration Cube, every person was glad to have been in attendance for this demonstration.
Yet, the feeling of gratitude extended beyond that. It wouldn't be realized until later, but every member of the crowd loved having the former Demon as their mentor. The thought of this being the only time he acted as their instructor made those outside his group rather sad. But, as stated, this shared sentiment wouldn't be explored until much later. For now, as things wrapped up, the focus remained on what had been learned today and what tomorrow might bring.
Before long, it was quitting time. Everybody had a different direction and destination, but for the most part, it was their quarters. That applied to the happy couple of Beelzebub and Vortex, who chatted with each other as they traveled.
"You were great today, babe." Beelzebub praised her beau, lightly squeezing his waist with one of her arms.
"Eh, I'm pretty sure Wretch let me have that." Vortex said, making her chuckle.
"Of course he did. If Wretch wanted to, he would've smoked all of y'all without lifting a finger." Beelzebub remarked with a smirk.
"Yet, he didn't do that," Vortex began. "If it had just been me, I would've considered it favoritism. But almost all of us landed a hit against Wretch. It felt...good." He said.
"Better than Will?" Beelzebub asked, causing him to sigh.
"I...I don't want to say it like that..." Vortex answered, feeling conflicted. "Will's great when it comes to drills or sparring, but Wretch is...well...he's just...ugh, I don't know..." He sighed again, unsure of how to put it.
"Aw, don't worry, babe. I understand." Beelzebub promised with a quick peck on the cheek. "Why don't we talk about this more later, huh? We're off the clock, so we should be relaxing." She suggested.
"What about you? Aren't you going to spend time with Flynn tonight?" Vortex inquired.
"I mean, I WOULD, but the man's MIA. You can't exactly hang out with someone who you can't find." Beelzebub said with a shrug. "Of course, if Flynn doesn't show up within the hour, I'm gonna chew his ass out the next time I see him. The whole point of this social schedule was so we all could-"
By now, the canine couple had reached their dwelling. As the Queen of Gluttony was talking, her Boyfriend was opening the door. When the duo entered their quarters and looked inside, they made a discovery. There was a sleeping soldier on their couch.
"...Vortex, lock the door." Beelzebub ordered. The Hellhound did as he was told without a word being uttered.
Slowly, the vixen approached the slumbering man. One arm rested on his chest while the other dangled off the couch. One of his legs was slightly bent, making the knee elevated, which provided a perfect target.
SMACK
"AH!" Flynn yelped, feeling a sudden stinging sensation in his knee.
Fortunately or unfortunately, depending on your perception, the soldier didn't need to search for the source of his discomfort. Immediately, the Queen of Gluttony was seen standing above him with her arms folded. Regarding her expression, she was NOT amused.
"...I can explain," Flynn promised as Vortex came over. "All I ask is to be allowed to leave out a lot of the details for now. What I want to do first is give you the important bits." He requested.
...
...
...
Beelzebub silently nodded. Phew. The soldier bought himself some time, so he better make the most of it.
"You know people. You're an empath. You're probably the foremost expert on emotions. I had an idea I wanted to run by you to see if it was good or not. I will take whatever verbal or physical beatdown you've got planned for me, just please let me know how this sounds.
I love the Carmines, but I am scared SHITLESS of ruining what we have. I thought about it all day ever since I left. Getting to spend more time with them has been great, but I don't think it's been the right kind. What I'm trying to say is that I've been with Carmilla, Clara, and Odette in safe ways. Carmilla and I work out. Clara's always playfully messing with me. Whenever I'm with Odette, I'm usually just an observer so she can feel good about herself and her achievements. I think what I need, the punch in the face to set my head straight, is an actual REAL experience with each of them.
First, Carmilla. We need to have a date. I know how crazy that sounds with the gala so close, but I think it needs to happen. Any time I think about getting serious with her, it makes my body lock up. My heart feels like it's going to explode while my head stutters like a broken computer. If she and I are locked into a situation where we're doing stuff couples do, then I have to deal with it. There won't be any room for what-ifs or anything else like that. I'll just have to take it and see if I sink or swim.
Second, Clara. She does her best to make me feel normal, so I think letting her take the reins for a series of activities is the best option. It could be super casual stuff like going to a movie, an arcade, or a shopping mall. Heck, knowing Clara, she'll think of something WAY wilder than that. If any of them can force me through my mental hangups, it'll definitely be her.
Third, Odette. All I know about her so far is what she's like when working. Granted, Odette loves to work. However, I've seen and heard glimpses of what she's like beneath her business-only exterior. I think both of us can benefit from making each other drop our guards. Odette helps me feel like there's more to myself than a soldier, and I do the same by showing she doesn't need to worry about being productive all the time.
Now, before you mention it, yes, I know that's what the social schedule is for. But look at me, Bee. Seriously. You know it, I know it, everybody knows it. Taking your time with me is like watching cold molasses move. You need to light a fire under my ass if you want to see some change. You and I have had a lot of good moments like that, and I feel it's put us in a solid spot. But I need the same for each of the Carmines. Huge spans where it's me, one of them, and we're just doing whatever we can. Of course, if you disagree, I want you to say it. The reason I came here is so you could give it to me straight. After you get done throwing me around the room, that is." Flynn told her.
The Queen of Gluttony didn't say anything for a bit. She tapped her fingers against her arms while maintaining eye contact with the soldier. But then, she sat down and proceeded to...hug him?
"Holy fuck, you are a wreck..." Beelzebub sighed, resting her head on his shoulder. "You do a damn good job hiding it, Flynn. On the surface, no one could tell that you're having an emotional crisis." She complimented him.
"Heh, there's no getting past an empath," Flynn tiredly chuckled, returning the embrace.
"It's like a bad cocktail in there. Anxiety, sadness, and...ugh, self-deprecation..." Beelzebub listed before pulling away so she could look him in the eyes again. "You're still struggling with liking yourself, huh?" She asked.
"More than ever. I won't bore you with the ramble; it's just hard to think I deserve any of this or that I'm good enough, you know?" Flynn answered.
"I get it. We've all had our bad times. No one gets to live a life free of misery, as much as it sucks." Beelzebub assured him.
"Pfft, yeah, right. Do you mean to tell me that even the party Queen has had it rough?" Flynn questioned.
"Oh, she has." Vortex joined in. "Sometimes, Bee has episodes where she struggles with whether or not she's doing right by others." He informed him.
"Really? But you're always oozing confidence." Flynn commented, making her laugh.
"Well, yeah, that's me most of the time. But being an empath does have its drawbacks. You feel such a wide range of emotions everywhere you go, and when you combine that with being in a position of power, it leads to HEAVY moments of self-reflection. Am I doing a good job? Should I be more serious? Maybe I need to talk to people more. Parties are good, but a good vibe session where we all relax and vent could be better. Etc, etc, etc." Beelzebub described.
"Damn, if someone like you can struggle like that, then what hope do I-"
SMACK
"OW!" Flynn exclaimed, reeling from the sudden slap to his cheek.
"Nope. Not in my presence, Mister." Beelzebub sternly scolded.
"Sorry. I just...I can't help it. I see everyone else doing so well and it makes me think I'm-"
SMACK
"GAH!" Flynn reacted again, now holding his other cheek.
"Geez, you really ARE in bad shape," Beelzebub said with a concerned look. She hated seeing anyone like this, especially if they were important to her.
"Yeah. That's why I was snoozing on your couch." Flynn reminded her while rubbing his face.
"Hey, don't get snippy. Otherwise, I might not help you," Beelzebub playfully warned with a smile. "In all seriousness, though, we've got a LOT of work to do. It's a good thing you were going to spend the night with me anyway." She said.
"What's the plan?" Flynn inquired.
"A vibe session, like I mentioned earlier." Beelzebub decided. "You, me, and Vortex are gonna sit here, put on some good entertainment, and talk. The goal is to become one with the universe and each other. Let our souls float freely and lose all inhibitions." She told him.
"...There's not going to be liquor, is there?" Flynn questioned with a squint. All of this felt scarily familiar.
"Eh, Vortex and I might have a few glasses of something, but nothing magical, I promise," Beelzebub vowed. "Also, I'm going to get some special candles and light them. We need the air to feel clean while also providing a comforting aroma." She added before standing up.
As the Queen of Gluttony worked to get everything ready for the night ahead, Vortex sat next to the soldier to make himself comfortable.
"Just saying, you hit the JACKPOT," Flynn whispered, receiving a sigh of contentment in return.
"I used to thank God, now I thank khan." Vortex whispered back, knowing he was the luckiest Hellhound across the seven Rings.