Hello, and welcome back! Been a bit of time, and I have to say it feels nice to have this one out. I am going to change things up here. I am going to tell you all why it is taking me so damn long to get these chapters out, and I am going to also state plans for these sections in the future (applies to only Fanfiction, not AO3).

So, why is it taking so long? Well, I used to basically write in my free time during college, grad school, and even while I was looking for a job. Since I have gotten a job for my degree(40 hr work weeks), I have found it very difficult to balance writing consistently with that. It isn't that I don't have the time, it's just the last thing I want to do after working a day is to use my remaining free time to spend it working on something, even something that is supposed to be enjoyable. I do enjoy this, but it is still work. So, a majority of my writing for this happens in segments of 10-15 writing periods, which is technically how it used to be. However, it can be 7-14 day gaps between each writing period. That used to be maximum 1 day.

I don't know how I intend to mend this. It might just be how I write for the future. Slow releases since I can't do it every other week. I will say that I do intend to continue writing this story. However, this likely means that this will be my last work. After this is done (feel like it will be years for that), I will probably end up just helping others with their stories.

Now, for the other Fanfiction-specific thing. I am probably going to stop addressing guest reviews. With these long breaks, I gather too many guest review to respond to. So, I will probably just answer questions that are new questions. That, or you can join the discord channel that I link at the bottom to ask there. Just know that I read all guest reviews regardless.

With that out of the way, let's get to this.

Chapter 27: The Next Steps

My eyes were closed as I tried to think about being anywhere else but here. Despite the long night having since passed, I found myself in another difficult situation. As much as I had wished for my wounds to heal with the angelic power of my weapons, it appears that Bael's spear did more damage than it seemed. While the pain was able to be lessened, and the bleeding could be slowed, there wasn't power to repair the damage. So, that brings me to my current predicament.

I could hear snickering as I was brought out of my little world. I cracked my eye to see Verosika smirking, "You may pretend all you want to just portal out of here, but you know you shouldn't."

My eyes opened fully as I returned her amusement with a deadpanned expression. I did my best to not look down at the two Baphomet nurses currently dressing the various wounds on my body. They had all been sown up last night, but my bandages required changing out every so often. With them being scattered around my body, it was an arduous process that required me to stand in my underwear. And, apparently, Hell has different takes on 'patient decency' than on the surface.

Verosika scanned my body up and down before teasing me by licking her lips. I knew that she was just trying to bother me as it was amusing to her. That, and it probably bothered Blitzo as well in a different way. Verosika then comments, "I'm enjoying the show, sweetie. No need to be so nervous. Right, Loona?"

Loona somewhat blushed, but she remained silent. I couldn't say anything before I reacted a little bit at one of my wounds catching on to one of the bandages. My flinch caused the two nurses to stop. One of them, one that sounded completely drugged, responded slowly, "Don't you worry. We've seen it all before. Just try and relax."

I roll my eyes before saying, "Telling me to relax and not be nervous is going to have the opposite effect." Flinching again in pain before asking, "Do all of you need to be here for this?"

I didn't expect everyone to respond, but they all did in unison, "Yes."

Blitzo, who seemed a little more nervous than usual continued, "As much as I would have liked to skip out on seeing one of your kind nearly naked and whining every time your little scratch it poked." He sighs tiredly from a long night and morning before continuing, "Stolas wants you watched after before he arrives."

I look at the Imp with surprise, "Arrives?! He's coming here?!"

Blitzo nodded before saying, "What did you expect? You decided to play hero and kill one of Hell's highest demonic royalty, not to mention how ancient she was." He opened the blinds a small bit to peek out. He then turned on the TV to show the sheer amount of demon press that was waiting outside the hospital. He added, "Just look at all of these horny news sluts trying to get the scoop of the century."

I respond, "Well, I thought you were here because you wanted to be."

Blitzo paused before looking away, "Nope! I'm here because it is a job at this point. If I weren't being paid, then I would probably be nesting this shitty hangover I have."

Verosika rolled her eyes and held her tongue before standing up to stretch her legs. She took on a kinder tone with kinder words, "Ignore him. He just isn't comfortable with sharing his feelings or getting close to anyone. As long as you don't say 'I love you' to him, he'll still be here for you."

There was an awkward silence for a moment, but the inside dig at Blitzo didn't seem to bother him as much as it would usually. The moment ended when the two nurses finished wrapping up my wounds. They stood up as one of them spoke docilely, "All done. We'll be back in a couple of hours."

As I watch them leave, I say, "Damn, I want whatever drugs they are on."

As if planned, Verosika and Blitzo say together, "Same."

I looked between the two for a moment before I saw a red blur push past the nurses to stand in the doorway. The red blur happened to be Moxxie and Millie, with the latter having a frantic energy about her. She spoke, "Where is he?!"

She got a glimpse around the room containing Loona, me, Verosika, and Blitzo before she rushed forward and hugged me. Despite how rushed she was, she managed to avoid hurting me. I was more surprised than anything about her affection.

Moxxie commented, "Oh, crumbs! That is a lot of bandages."

Seeing the two worried about me drew a small smile to my lips. I reassured them, "As bad as this all looks, it is just a few stitched wounds."

There was even a small hug from Moxxie before both he and Millie separated from me. There was a somewhat critical look from the usually happy and excitable Imp girl. Millie asked, "What in Satan's name were you thinking?! You shoulda called Moxxie and me, and we could've helped you with that big bitch. We missed the fight."

There was a small pout from Millie causing a few in the room to chuckle. While things were dire back then, it was good to have a small laugh about it all now. For me, at least, I felt that I needed these moments of brighter attitudes from everyone, especially knowing that things were a little more complicated now. I mean, if I wasn't known by some demons before, I surely was now.

Shaking my head to get rid of those thoughts, I chuckled, "I would have definitely enjoyed the help, Millie. I was in a bit of a rush, and I guess I wasn't thinking clearly about the consequences."

Millie beamed at me, "Well, I'm damn proud of you for gettin' the job done. I'm also proud of me for teaching you to kick ass that well."

I decided not to dampen Millie's mood, or the mood of the entire room in fact, to the fact that I was nearly a goner in that right. Had it not been for Azazel's little 'trick' and expending a lot of magical energy, I probably wouldn't be here now.

With a more worried expression, Moxxie says, "You should have been more careful."

Responding to both of them, "Yes, I am fortunate to have been able to rely on Millie's training, and I was also very lucky to have survived with the minimal injuries that I did." I then look over at Loona, "And I am also lucky to have everyone relatively okay."

There was a small blush from Loona, but she still remained quiet. No one else seemed to have noticed this as Millie turned to Verosika before speaking excitedly, "I'm sure you kicked some ass out there!"

Verosika smiled down at Millie while folding her arms and cocking her hip. She couldn't help but sound a bit impressed with herself, "You could say that I killed a drone or two."

Blitzo interjected, "More like I was carrying your fat ass through that mess while you shot randomly in the air."

Verosika shot back, "I held my own, and I can recall me saving your sorry ass on a few occasions. You should be thankful for my help."

My attention started to dwindle a little more when I looked over at Loona seemingly disengaged from the conversation. Her attention seemed to be out the window, but she didn't seem to be caring what was happening out there. Her mind was somewhere else entirely.

With Loona sitting close to the hospital bed, I decided to get in it before tapping her leg to get her attention. She seemed to jump a little at the contact and looked over at me with a questioning look. I asked softly, "What's on your mind?"

There was a slight hesitation in Loona's face before she responded softly, "It has just been a long last day. I guess I am just recovering from it all."

Chuckling a little, "Yeah, I know what you mean. I didn't expect things to get this dire."

Unbeknownst to me, Loona's mind was somewhere else. Of course, she had thought about the whole fight with Bael, and how both she and I stared death in the face. Still, she managed to have calmed down from it all quickly. She then brought up something I didn't expect from her, "About the kiss we had…"

I felt my attention on Loona grow even more as the background seemingly faded away. I motioned for her to come closer so we could have a little more privacy, whatever that meant with how many demons were in the room. I then asked her, "Why are you thinking about that?"

There was a moment where Loona was thinking about it before she said, "I couldn't tell you. I just know that we kissed and that you and Verosika kissed each other." I was about to start defending myself, but Loona's light smile calmed me a little. She said, "It was a date, dude. The whole reason behind those is to get all mushy with one another. I mean, look at Moxxie and Millie. Tons of dates, a ton of mushiness there."

I nodded in agreement, "Yeah, it was a date… A pretty fun date, too. Well, when I look past the whole Blitz and Stolas thing." I smiled lightly at the thought, and I could feel Loona grab my hand. I looked up at her to see her soft look. Something else was on her mind, and I had a hunch what about. I continued, "You are wondering what happens now, between the three of us, weren't you?"

There was a light smile from the hellhound as she nodded, "Aren't you? Verosika and I have had our moments talking about that kind of stuff, and I think we are on the same page. We both like you, and you like us." I nodded, and Loona asked, "Shouldn't we do something about this, then?"

I sat there for a moment as I looked at everyone else chatting. They seemed to be completely enamored with their conversations to pay too much attention to Loona and me. However, my eyes soon met the soft pink ones of Verosika, and I could tell that she sensed Loona and me talking about something dealing with 'us'. There was a gentle smile from her.

What was holding me back from wanting to move things forward with the two? I thought there would be a big conflict between us since it is usually meant to be a 'couple' and nothing more. What I forgot about this all was that I was now in Hell. Things didn't exactly follow the usual formula when it came to that. Additionally, Loona, Verosika, and I had been through quite a bit in the past few months, and all those things had only brought us closer together. With those two things in mind, it only made sense that Loona and Verosika were on board with moving forward together.

My eyes connected with Loona's as I grabbed her hand. I began to speak, "Loona, I-"

I didn't get an opportunity to get anything else out before the tall form of Stolas rounded the corner of the door and entered the already busy room. Everyone quieted down as they looked at the Ars Goetia Prince. His demeanor was completely different from his usual ditzy and playful self. Instead, he was complete business. I could feel my nerves return as I could only imagine what he thought about all of this.

Stolas's eye connected with mine, and his gaze narrowed. When he walked into the room, he didn't even acknowledge the awkward atmosphere that was supposed to exist between himself and Blitzo. That was even as the imp boss walked forward to mutter a half-baked greeting to ease tensions.

Stolas held up his hand to silence him before speaking, "I would suggest you all leave so that I may have a little 'chat' with the human."

There was no rush from anyone to leave the room, but the first to make a move were Moxxie, and in connection with him, Millie. After that, Blitzo also walked through the door and looked at the guards that Stolas had brought along that were stationed at the door.

Despite the request that wasn't really a request, Verosika and Loona remained in the room. Verosika slowly walked to my bed before sitting on the edge. I could feel myself relax a small amount knowing that I at least had them on my side.

The door to the room closed, and there was a small, awkward silence. Then, Stolas let his exacerbation out, "Do you realize that kind of mess you have caused?! What were you thinking?!"

I began to respond, "I was-"

Stolas cut me off, "It was enough trouble having a human running around in Hell without everyone thinking he was much of a threat. Now, you have managed to grab not only the attention of every Ars Goetian, but you have probably also gotten the attention of Heaven at this point, as well! This is not interest you should be getting!"

"Stolas!" That caught the prince off guard enough for me to get another word in. I continued, "It was not my intention to go out and kill Bael. Things just kinda… happened."

There was a moment of silence as Stolas processed what I had said. Loona looked at me for a second as she decided to follow along with what I was saying. Loona nodded in agreement, "It's true. Kyle came to Bee's party because he thought I was in danger. Bael started it all."

There was a sigh from the owl before his gaze narrowed, "I am happy that you are concerned with sticking by your friend, Loona, but I know that this isn't the entire story." Stolas looked at me knowingly, "Is he listening to us."

Stolas had been aware of Azazel for some time now, but this was the first time since learning about him that he had brought him up. I didn't expect him to go there, but I wasted no time closing my eyes to try to sense Azazel's connection. Since the end of last night, I couldn't feel his presence. Perhaps it was due to the amount of magical energy the Fallen Angel had exerted. Nothing has changed since then.

I shook my head, "No. I don't think so. Azazel's connection to me has been nonexistent since the fight with Bael."

Stolas sighed in relief, "That is good to hear. However, I have decided to take the cautious route and invite another for our discussion. She should provide some cover from him eavesdropping." Right on cue, there was a small knock on the door. Stolas gets up, "I haven't had the pleasure to really meet her, but I know you have at this point."

I was about to ask who he was talking about, but Stolas then opened the door to reveal Beelzebub. Her ears popped up when she looked into the room with wide eyes. Her usual demeanor was the same as it was before other than the new wound that was wrapped up. Behind her, I could see Vortex waiting in the hall.

There was a bit of awkwardness between her and me even with the hostilities put behind us, and everyone in the room could feel it. Beelzebub started, "Uhh…"

I didn't say anything until I finally released a small sigh, "Where are you going with this, Stolas?"

Stolas beckoned Beelzebub to enter the room with a kind gesture before he said, "You and I both know that you have concealed the truth long enough from the rest of us. I am certain that Loona has been told the truth seeing as she seems rather blasé when covering for you, but the rest of us want to know what that Fallen has told you. So…" Stolas sat down in a chair and crossed his legs. His eyes stared intensely at me, "Please give us the courtesy of sharing what we are all being dragged into."

I looked at everyone in the room to see all of them waiting for me to speak. All but Loona hadn't heard the full story of what was going on. When I finally got to the Hellhound, I saw exactly what I expected to see. It was high time for me to finally tell him.

With a small nod, I finally go into detail about what Azazel wants and what the sword was created for. I got into detail on how Azazel wanted to shake the core of Hell's leadership by taking out the driving force of suffering, the Sins. No one interrupted my speaking to give their reactions to the 'plan'. Not even Beelzebub reacted much when she heard that Azazel was directing me to take her down first.

Through all my speaking, I couldn't help but notice Stolas's certain level of interest. It was almost like he didn't care about Azazel's plans and role in all of this. He seemed more interested in what I wanted in all of this, and what I was willing to do. Still, he never managed to break eye contact with me as I spoke.

When I finally stopped speaking, Beelzebub spoke with an unimpressed tone, "Figures that stingy bastard would come up with a convoluted plan like this. It feels like I am looking in a hole from a few thousand years ago. It was meaner and more unforgiving then." She crosses her four arms while looking away to mutter, "Things have changed…"

Stolas finally stands up and approaches me, "What do you want in all of this?" I was confused by the question, but then Stolas clarified why he was asking, "I doubt you would just go along with a plan to kill the most powerful demons in Hell for Azazel because he says to. So, why go along with it?"

Thinking for a moment before saying, "I'm not entirely on board with the plan that Azazel has. After last night, I am realizing even more than I did before how blind I am going into all of this. I mean, he will tell me something, whether it is true or not, and that will direct my actions. I can't rely on that, and I don't want to rely on that."

Stolas points out, "And yet you killed a Prince of Hell."

Nodding before saying, "I did, and I guess that is what I want. I want to make things better down here. I may not have the ability, connections, or temperament to open some hotel down here to redeem Sinners like others who want to create change, but I think I have the power to still make things better for not just those condemned, but also born down here."

Stolas's gaze seemed to relax on me after sharing this. He gives his thoughts, "I find that quality of yours quite rare down here. Your desire to want to do what is right, I mean. However, I don't think going around and slicing down anyone you or that Fallen deems as harmful is the right course of action. Surely, you must know this."

I release a long breath, "Yeah, I have…"

Beelzebub adds, "Yeah. I mean, I would be dead had it been up to Azazel. I've done some pretty shitty things, but I still want to change and do better." She folds her arms before adding softly, "I want to do better."

From both of their tones, neither of them seemed particularly bothered in learning what the sword was for and why I was on this path. Actually, they seemed to be open to the ideas of change. I ask, "What is this conversation entirely about?"

Stolas said, "I've had a hunch for a while that Azazel was whispering in your ear, I never imagined that it was for all of this. I know you are being honest with your words when you say you want to provide a better future for all of Hell."

I remain silent for a moment while I let that sink in. Meanwhile, Loona finally interjects with her own realization, "It sounds like you want to help out."

Stolas, with some humor in his tone, responds, "Seems like I was already doing that by training you." He returns more candidly, "With Azazel on your side, you will not find much support from those who know about him, and you will need some support if you want to create change."

Beelzebub rolls her eyes at the non-directed response from Stolas. She straightforwardly states, "We both want to help you, but you need to lose the creepy angel."

Loona and I look at Stolas for confirmation with wide eyes. He sighs, "Yes, what Queen Beelzebub has said is true. I do want to help, but I want to make sure you aren't in agreement with Azazel. So…" He leans forward and puts his hands on the bed to stare intently into my eyes. He asks, "Speak your mind. What do you want to do?"

I look over at Loona and then at Verosika. While both of them seemed curious as to what I wanted, both also held a deep trust in their gaze. I could sense their confidence in what I would say next to be the right thing. When I looked back at Stolas, he seemed to have an inkling of what I was going to say before the words even left my mouth.

"I don't agree with Azazel. I know I am likely helping him take down those in Hell that he despises so that he can get to Lucifer, and I might even be helping him escape Purgatory without even realizing it. If I had the chance to remove his connection with me, I would not even hesitate." I swallow hard to come to grips with the next part, "But I know that some will have to die for things to change, and I will be the one to kill them."

Stolas seemed to have relaxed a little once I finished. He comments, "I am not naïve enough to believe that peaceful resolution will always triumph. Still, it is pleasing to hear that you are open to it. After hearing that, I now believe I can give my support to you."

Beelzebub nods in agreement, "I also support what you want to do."

I look at her skeptically, "Why? I mean, I killed your sister. Why do you support what I want to do?"

Bee seemed conflicted in her expression before saying, "My sister was… evil, even for a demon. I was foolish enough to go along with her, and I knowingly hurt a lot of my own Hellhound denizens in the process. I don't think there is anything I can ever do to really make it up to them." Her gaze solidifies as she speaks with a little more confidence, "But I think the right thing to do is to help you with this. The first thing to do is to let Gluttony shape its own destiny. That is why I am choosing to relinquish my leadership of the Ring."

Everyone gasped at what she said, even Stolas who seemed unsurprised with everything she had done up to this point. He even tried to say, "No Ring has ever-"

Bee smiled, "No Ring has ever governed itself? Yeah, I know." She shows even more confidence, "Just because I am no longer going to rule over Gluttony doesn't mean I won't still be the embodiment of the sin. I'll still be the top bitch when it comes to that. I just think I am the wrong demon to actually make things work up there. Governing was never my thing." She smirks at me, "Time to take a note out of the human's book and allow some choice in the matter."

I give a small nod to her before looking at everyone in the room, "So, everyone here wants to help with this?"

Loona and Verosika were the first two to respond with Loona being the first one to speak.

"Is that even a question? I've been helping since you've started."

Verosika smiles as she finally says something in this conversation, "Of course, I'll help. Guess I'll be getting more training from Millie to be some badass killer."

Looking to Stolas since Beelzebub more or less already gave her response earlier. She just gave a simple nod this time. Stolas thought for a moment before saying, "I do. Not like you can really afford to not have it given the current circumstances happening outside." He points to the large crowds of demons and demonic press right outside the hospital. He then said, "That will require immediate attention from us all."

I add, "And there are some other issues that may require some other attention."

Stolas's concern grows, "What?"

Knowing how big of a problem it is, I know that I can't avoid talking about this. This is especially true given that I am thinking that siding with my friends over Azazel is what I need to do. However, I hesitated with fear of what everyone's response was going to be.

After a few seconds, I sigh, "The only reason I won that fight against Bael was because I got some help."

Stolas asks warily, "What kind of help?"

"Azazel… He managed to take control of my body for a short amount of time. That is actually the reason why he is disconnected from me for the moment. Also, the sword managed to suck up some dark cloud from Bael after I killed her."

My words were met with silence from the rest. This was the sort of news that needed to sink in very slowly. While Verosika and Loona deserved their worried expressions in their concern for me, it was Stolas and Beelzebub who understood the full gravity of what this meant.

Stolas rubs his jaw below his beak in thought, "This is far more serious than I could've anticipated. I was prepared for him contacting others in Hell in his plans, but I couldn't have imagined he would be able to control your actions."

Beelzebub sounded way more serious, too, "That's because it is supposed to be impossible. Purgatory is meant to be completely nothing. No connection to Heaven, Hell, or the surface." Beelzebub pauses before saying, "We need to destroy the sword."

Before I could retort, Stolas held up his hand to me to silence me. He then argues, "I think the damage has already been done on that front. I fear that Azazel has already marked Kyle, here." He points to my arm. He adds, "Trying to destroy the sword now, if it is even possible, would likely only alert Azazel to what we are trying to do. We need to be far more careful with this."

There was a small playful pout from Beelzebub as she folded her arms, but I looked at Stolas skeptically, "So, you think I should just continue going on as if that isn't a big problem? I should just play along with Azazel?"

Stolas nods, "Precisely, but that doesn't mean you should follow along with all of his plans. If he is directing you to engage another dangerous demon, I would suggest trying to change his mind or even delay it if the former isn't possible. You just need to allow me time to do some research on how to sever his connection with you." He thinks before saying, "Which may take some time. This is all approaching undiscovered magical territory."

Verosika butts in, "I know this is a very important conversation, but what do you plan on doing about all of them out there." She points to the various journalists and news media groups that were all outside. She adds, "I've been around the media a lot, and I can tell that they are getting a little antsy for some sort of story."

Stolas sighs, "Yeah, that's another problem that we'll have to deal with. A lot of the leadership in Hell are more than nervous given that one of them was just executed."

"So, you're saying that I'll have to worry about them? That they won't support me?"

Stolas shook his head, "They are nervous, but they aren't viewing you as an enemy. This is Hell, so killing and death is viewed with a little more leniency than in Heaven or on the surface." He sighs, "So, we'll just need to ease their minds."

Verosika smirks, "There is always a good spin we can give to a story like this. The greatest advantage we have here is…" Walking over to and pointing at Beelzebub, "her."

Stolas is intrigued and seems to understand the point, "Because she isn't dead, right?"

I catch on, "Yeah, she's alive. I didn't save her, though. Do you really think it is a smart idea to lie about something like this?"

Verosika smirks more, "You wanted to spin all of this to not look like a shitshow, and this is how you do it. Other than the Imps and a few Sinners, you won't find yourself gaining much favor if you appear like a lunatic."

Stolas nodded in turn, "I agree. This seems like the most plausible option at our disposal."

I respond, "But I was there to save Loona. Why not include her in this?"

Verosika responded, "This is to calm down the Ars Goetia, and maybe even a Sin or two enough to not seek to kill you now. Saying you were there for Loona will be preaching to the choir since so many of the lower demons already support you."

Stolas looked around the room, "Anyone object to this?" Stolas primarily looked between Beelzebub and me.

Queen Bee clicked her tongue in thought before standing straighter and smiling broadly, "I'm game. Seems like you're gonna be my hero now."

I was hesitant to respond to this since it felt like a bigger deal than it actually was. However, seeing everyone depending on my answer and cooperation, I nodded, "Okay. I guess this is fine."

Stolas beamed, "Splended! I will draft the response to the media and get this all squared away." I was about to stand up, but then Stolas held up his hand, "No need to do anything. All you need to do is rest your wounds and watch everything on that television up there. You have done quite enough damage last night, so let me mend this a little bit for you."

Stolas started to walk to the entry, and he turned around to say one more thing before opening the door, "Looks like I am fully committing myself to your side now. If you are going to do anything rash, you should at least give me the courtesy of telling me what you are up to next time." Stolas opened the door and left to start writing what he was going to say.

Beelzebub snickered, "Seems like he has something up his butt, but I guess that is what happens when he is cleaning all this mess up for us." She then looked at the rest of us in the room before saying, "I would love to stay and chat, but I want to give you all space…"

As she reached for the door, Beelzebub turned around with some knowing look before winking at both Verosika and Loona. She then smiled at me before closing the door behind herself. After that, it was only Loona, Verosika, and me in the room. It was the first time being left alone with the two since what had happened last night.

Verosika clicks her tongue before smirking and saying, "Well, it's just the three of us now. If I were to guess, it may be like that for a second."

Loona, who still seemed to have something on her mind, remained quiet while looking out the window. This left me to respond, and I wasn't entirely sure where Verosika was going with this. So, I respond hesitantly, "Yeah?"

Verosika smirks more before walking over to Loona. When she makes it over to the Hellhound, she wraps her arms around her before taking on a more flirtatious tone, "Come on, Loona. Wasn't it fun last night? You got to go to a party before shit went sideways. You also got a nice little kiss before it ended, right?"

Loona blushed while looking away. She then said, "Can we not do this right now, Verosika? This is hardly the place."

Verosika's look answered it before her words came out, "This is definitely the place to do all of this. We're gonna figure all of this out right now because every other time won't be the time for this."

Looking between the two, "I see… I didn't think the choice was gonna come down to now."

Verosika smirked, "I know your kind is usually happy with only one partner, and anything beyond that is seen as wrong. Well, you're in Hell. There are so many options for how we do things." She leans in and whispers seductively, "One of those things is having multiple partners."

Loona seemed less impressed than before, "Seems like you are wanting to do this now." Loona turned to look at me and said, "Fine, yeah. We both have feelings for you, and we know you like both of us. Now, are you gonna do something about it or not?"

I stared at the both of them for a moment before letting all of my tension go in an amused sigh, "That was hardly subtle, you two. I would've expected something like this to be… more impactful."

Verosika laughed before saying, "That's Hell for you." Verosika approached the other side of my bed from Loona before asking, "I didn't hear any objection from either of you. Shall we make this thing official and see where it takes us?"

Before answering, I looked into Loona's eyes to see what she thought of all of this. Sure, this kind of thing seemed somewhat expected from a demon of Lust, like Verosika. My feelings were very strong for her, even as strong as they were for Loona. However, Loona had been there from the moment I had stepped into Hell. If I was going to take this step, I wanted both of them there with me.

The gaze Loona gave me said everything I needed to know. I reached out and grabbed their hands in each of mine. I gave a light smile before saying, "It might take some getting used to, especially since I am still learning about Hell. I still want to see where this takes us."

A tender expression came from both Verosika and Loona. Loona's seemed a little more unsure, but her blush expressed just how grateful she was at this moment. Seeing this, Verosika smirked before saying, "It isn't official until we kiss."

The gaze Verosika gave Loona showed that she was being offered the first move, and Loona rolled her eyes at the Succubus. With a swift movement, Loona cupped both of my cheeks before laying a deep kiss on my lips. I feel my body instinctively act by pulling her closer into me until she was practically lying on my chest. Our lips moved more against one another than in the previous night as we seemed more comfortable with the lip lock.

Verosika whistled once Loona and I slowly separated. She commented, "I didn't expect that to be so hot. You two are making me blush." Verosika leans in before letting her breath hit my face, "Now it's my turn to have some fun."

I turned to face her right as her lips connected with mine. I could tell that Verosika was a little more experienced kissing. In this, she was guiding my movements along while, with Loona, we were kinda figuring out where we were going with it together. Both were very different, but I found each one unforgettable.

Verosika separated slowly from me before biting her bottom lip and saying, "That was exactly what I was hoping for."

To finish it all off, Verosika and Loona stare into each other's eyes before laying a very small, but tender kiss on one another's lips. It was very brief, but it rounded out everything in a way to show that they were there for each other, too. All in all, I was glad to have this small moment to, as Verosika put it, 'make it official'.

Before I could protest, Verosika and Loona joined me on my bed. I grunted in discomfort as I felt my wounds ache. I said, "Easy there. I don't think this bed is supposed to support the three of us."

Verosika teased, "Relax, babe. These beds are meant to support demons way bigger than us. Plus, you probably haven't heard of the 'special treatment options' that those staying here can order from Lust."

Loona rolls her eyes before growling, "Try not to ruin a good moment, Vee."

Verosika scanned my bandages before saying, "What can I say? Nothing sells quite like sex. Besides, it's not like I was hinting at anything… yet. Our dear man here needs to be in good physical shape. We can really make things official, then."

Loona and I laughed before the three of us got comfortable on the bed. We all looked to the screen to see that announcements with Stolas hadn't quite started. I needed this little moment of comfort with these two as my mind slowly drifted to the impending announcement. Anxiety settled in as I didn't know how Stolas was going to shape all of this for me.

POV: 3rd Person

Stolas sat down on a chair as he was in his own world trying to find the right ways to shape the events of last night. Millie and Moxxie had gone off to get some snacks from somewhere else, and Beelzebub was with Vortex enjoying a nice conversation. She needed to be available for Stolas to call on if need be.

Besides the guards, there was another individual who lingered in the background, Blitzo. Stolas was aware of him, but he did his best to ignore the Imp's presence after the long and disappointing previous evening. So, he continued to write the notes as he rehearsed what he would say to all those cameras under his breath.

Despite this show of being preoccupied with something far more important, Blitzo seemed to be determined to make it known that he was expecting Stolas to say something to him. Whether it was to have Stolas get his frustration out by yelling at him or addressing the end of the previous night didn't seem to matter all that much. All Blitzo couldn't stand was to not have Stolas pay attention to him.

So, when Blitzo scooted over one more chair to be somewhat closer to Stolas, the Ars Goetia prince could no longer focus on what he was writing. He let out an exacerbated sigh before saying, "What do you want, Blitz."

Blitzo perked up before saying, "What are you focusing on there?"

Stolas looked at his notes before he rubbed his temples and stated, "I am currently trying to figure out what I need to say to fix the mess that human left me." Stolas wanted to say that he doesn't blame Kyle, nor is he entirely mad, but this was just that big of a mess. Stolas added, "I just wished he would've been a little more tactful and transparent about all of this."

Blitzo let out a hollow laugh before saying, "My little group isn't known for being subtle, which is probably why he fits in so well. That and trouble always seem to find us wherever we go."

Stolas replied, "That isn't without a reason. Putting yourselves in difficult positions and being put in those situations are two different things."

Blitzo's mind flashes to the previous night, and that was definitely him putting himself in a difficult position. Moxxie still seemed a little sour about having a blemish on his date with Millie at Ozzie's, and the tone with which Stolas was speaking told Blitzo that he didn't really want to have this conversation. However, there was some fear that Blitzo ruined things for himself there. Blitzo mostly told himself that he was just worried about the ticket to the surface, especially since Loona was an accessory to a highborn demon's murder. However, there was a lingering feeling that Blitzo couldn't and didn't want to think about.

Blitzo finally said, "I just wanted to know if things are good between us. Using you as a ticket to get into Ozzie's last night wasn't a good idea, I admit that. So… we good?"

Stolas wanted nothing more than to look past this imperfection in his view for Blitzo, however, it was the first one he had truly experienced. The pain of last night was still very fresh in his mind, so he decided to be honest. With a sigh, Stolas says, "I just need time, Blitz. There are a few weeks before we would have our arranged meeting, so that should be ample time for me to think about this. Thank you."

Blizto's mood didn't improve one bit, and he seemed like he was about to say something more. However, Stolas went back to writing in his notes, so he decided to not add anything else. Instead, Blitzo got up and decided to saunter off somewhere else. Moxxie and Millie were still absent, so he decided to go and find them.

As for Stolas, he left enough of his attention with Blitzo so that he could hear the Imp walking away slowly. In the entire brief exchange, one thing stood out to Stolas. There was a notable lack of an apology from Blitzo. He seemed concerned about the relationship between each other, and he even expressed some regret from the night. However, there was never a 'sorry'. It was just another thing Stolas was going to have to think about, but for now, he continued writing in his notes.

POV: Normal

I relaxed in my bed with Loona and Verosika crammed beside me on either side. Loona's soft fur and the faint hint of Verosika's perfume brought me some comfort as I relaxed in this new safety. We all looked at the news playing on the TV.

I finally ask, "What do you think all of this is going to look like now?"

Loona raised her head a little before saying, "What part?"

"Well, it feels like I now have Stolas's support with this, and maybe even Beelzebub's." I commented more to myself, "I never expected her to want any part of this, especially since I killed her sister."

Loona nodded, "Yeah, I see what you mean, but she has a little bit of shit to clear up in Gluttony given how much damage Bael did."

Verosika smiles before saying, "This is Hell for you, Kyle. While you may see demons and humans sharing a lot of similarities, the harshness of our environment makes us a little blunt, and Stolas and Beelzebub aren't entirely different. So, killing Bael isn't going to hit as hard emotionally." Verosika lets out a hollow laugh, "Plus, that bitch tried killing Bee, so I don't see why Bee would miss her."

I comment, "I suppose you are right."

Verosika adds, "Besides, this whole thing about killing Sins and reshaping Hell is about to have a whole nother level to fight on. There is going to be what you have been preparing for, and that is fighting them directly. With Stolas and Beelzebub, they will have to shape your image. If you want demons to follow you, you need to show them that they are far better off with you than they are with how things are. That isn't just us lower demons, either. You will need some of the Ars Goetia, and maybe even another Sin."

Loona and I look at Verosika with curious expressions, and the Succubus smirks back. She says, "You think what I do isn't cutthroat? A pop star's life is just as much about the politics that go with it as it is to write new songs and perform on a stage, especially down here. I have way more experience on this side." She then kissed my cheek before saying, "Good for you that I'm on your side."

What Verosika said hit true for me. If I am going to take all of this on, I am going to need a lot more support than I currently have. Before I could really get into the thoughts of all of this, I saw Stolas exiting the front entrance of the hospital along with Beelzebub. A few cameras flashed as they walked over to a prepared podium to address all of Hell. A lot of preparation had gone into this.

Loona comments, "Well, it looks like this new part of this war is starting now."

My body stiffens a little as I watch the beginning of the address. This was just as important as all the fighting that I did last night. I watch and wonder where all this will lead. I had chosen my allies, and now I need to ride this out and see what exactly I will be fighting again.

That's if for now. I really wish there was more here for many months of waiting, but this is all I have. A good portion of it has been written in the last two days, too. XD

Now, for next chapter. I will just put it out there: The next chapter is going to be the first full, non-drunk lemon. Funny how I go from relationship forming here right to lemon. Well, sure, fair point. Just know that I thought about it, and I think it fits here. These three don't seem like the type to wait (especially Verosika). Should be a fun, light-hearted chapter (whenever it comes out).

Now, if anyone is interested, I am going to leave the discord channel code available to any of you. I usually ask for small details, and some ideas are discussed with others on what I should do with the story. You can even just chat with others in it.

VVVVVVVV

INVITE CODE: 8RT9hC5Aau

That is all I have to give!

Until Next Time,

Forsvaret-Komandir