January 10th, 2016. 7AM

Hell

As the denizens of Hell began to begin their day, the leading headline in the paper and in the news was that the previous Overlord of Lust, Valentino had been replaced by the newcomer John Marston. Rumor had it that he went to the Hazbin hotel with Velvette, and only Velvette walked away. They were saying that a fight broke out between the two over a contracted soul, so nobody paid attention until John was spotted leaving Ozzie's with Velvette on his arm. As Carmilla put down her newspaper, Odette came into the room. "Anything on this newbie Odette?" She asked her oldest daughter. "I was able to dig up that the two knew each other when they were alive. Apparently this John made a promise to Velvette before her death, and they were making good on it." She replied while placing her mother's coffee on the table. "Zestial and the others will be here in a few hours for the annual Overlord meeting. I've sent the invitations as requested." "Good, if that's all; your dismissed Odette." Carmilla said dismissing her daughter.

While that exchange between mother and daughter was taking place, the residents of the Hotel were awoken by the sound of a guitar coming from the roof. Normally they would have chalked it up to Charlie as she was the resident songbird; but a quick glance from vaggie made them realize that it wasn't the princess. As they made their way to the roof the intro for Don't fear the Reaper by Blue Oyster Cult began to ring out and the one singing was none other than John.

"All our times have come

Here but now they're gone

Seasons don't fear the reaper

Nor do the wind, the sun or the rain

We can be like they are

Come on, baby (don't fear the reaper)

Baby, take my hand (don't fear the reaper)

We'll be able to fly (don't fear the reaper)

Baby, I'm your man are

La, la, la, la, la

La, la, la, la, la"

As the group was mesmerized by his performance, none dared say a thing.

"Valentine is done

Here but now they're gone

Romeo and Juliet

Are together in eternity (Romeo and Juliet)

40, 000 men and women everyday (like Romeo and Juliet)

40, 000 men and women everyday (redefine happiness)

Another 40, 000 coming everyday (we can be like they are)

Come on, baby (don't fear the reaper)

Baby, take my hand (don't fear the reaper)

We'll be able to fly (don't fear the reaper)

Baby, I'm your man

La, la, la, la, la

La, la, la, la, la"

John was in his element; this song had helped a lot after Velvette's funeral with fighting depression. He understood what Roeser way saying in this song. It was foolish to fear death since it came for everyone eventually and was better to meet it as a friend. He knew he was being watched by the other hotel staff, but he didn't care.

"Love of two is one

Here but now they're gone

Came the last night of sadness

And it was clear she couldn't go on

Then the door was open and the wind appeared

The candles blew and then disappeared

The curtains flew and then he appeared

Saying don't be afraid

Come on, baby (and she had no fear)

And she ran to him (then they started to fly)

They looked backward and said goodbye (she had become like they are)

She had taken his hand (she had become like they are)

Come on, baby (don't fear the reaper)"

As the final notes softly floated in the air; I was brought back to reality with a standing ovation from the Hazbins and a drone showing a set of flashing red lights. "John, that was amazing." Charlie said with a glint of pure happiness in her eye. Blushing I began to pack up my guitar that I would have to thank blitz later for retrieving from my parents. "Its nothing." I began, "bullshit man; you got some amazing pipes on you." Angel began. "You could go into business as a singer and with how many rock fan Hell has you'd be a hit." He said, getting nods from everyone. "I would," I began; "but the only ones who knew I sang were my parents, and that song helped me through my trauma."

I said with a note of finality in my voice. As a messenger raven arrived with a letter for me I thanked the creature with some bacon. I noticed the first thing was that it was from the Arms manufacturer Carmine. Reading through it I realized it was an invitation to the annual Overlord meeting she held in her corporate office. She mentioned that my relative would be in attendance and that what would be revealed would shake all of hell. It also stated to please arrive 20 minutes early for a meet and greet before business was discussed. Incinerating the letter I walked back to my room to begin preparing for the meeting. "John?" Charlie began to ask worried. "It's nothing Charlie. Just an invitation to some big political meeting." I said shooting her a small smile. Velvette had texted me last night giving me a heads up that this usually happened around the second week of the new year, but my arrival and subsequent overthrow moved everything up.

3 Hours later

As I arrived at Carmine Industries I noticed Vox and Velvette had already arrived. As I made my way to the elevator I was asked to keep all weapons holstered while in the meeting. Receiving a quick hug from Velvette, we entered the board room. "Ah Velvette, late as usual I see." Carmilla began. "I see you also brought the new blood As well. We'll begin with introductions. My name is Carmilla Carmine; Owner of Carmine Industries and Hell's foremost expert on Angelic Steel." The now named Carmine began. "I see you are already familiar with Alastor and the remaining Vees. To my left if Zestial, one of Hells oldest surviving Overlords and the wielder of Am hinue."

"I sense that thou are related to mineself young one." The now named Zestial said. "I feel the connection Ancient one and am ready to learn." I say in a respectful tone. "The others are Rosie, Zeezi, and the Von Eldritch matriarch Bethesda." She finished. "I call this meeting a week early so we could greet our newest acquaintance and to reveal something that most of Hell has forgotten as it has been centuries since a confirmed kill, but I give you proof that Angels can be killed." As the room goes silent I begin to laugh. With all eyes on me I simply reply with the wisdom my ma taught me. "If it can bleed, it can be killed. Just have to have the right tool for the job." As everyone nods in agreement I see that Carmilla and Velvette share a quick look of understanding; Valentino's death wasn't a fluke. As the meeting then pivoted to normal politics and the dividing of territory and other mundane things I politely dismiss myself from the meeting; followed by Velvette and Zestial. As we begin some small talk, my phone goes off, noticing that its Angel I pick up. "Angie, speak to me. What's wrong?" "It's Charlie. Her meeting with Heaven didn't go as planned. Adam moved up the extermination to the summer solstice." "Thanks Angie, I'll let the others know. Buh bye now." Hanging up I let out a string of Gaelic and Spanish curses. Noticing the concern on Zestial and Vel's faces I begin. "Adam moved the extermination up to the Summer Solstice." A look of fear crosses their eyes. "We need to let our allies know so we can prepare." Velvette says. "Doth thou intend to take up arms against Heaven's army?" Zestial began. "Given that I have a grudge against Adam, I do." I say coldly. "Then I doth request you take your training with Anduril seriously." Zestial said. "I will, and I would be honored if you would be my teacher Ancient one." I bow respectfully with Anduril drawn and held in both hands. As the other Overlords shuffle out and now know about the Solstice thanks to Velvette, they begin to file out while pledging their support to helping protect Hell.

A/N

Don't Fear the reaper is owned by Blue Oyster Cult and their Record label(s). It helped me through my divorce by keeping me grounded.