It was difficult to teleport an entire truck through the Isra system but the safe house crew performed admirably in the Pride's badlands so that the department could secure the weapons shipment in the open desert. Better to localize the fighting in an abandoned town than risk further deployment of the Gendarmes to eliminate witnesses in urban areas such as Pentagram City. Even if they would encounter any signs of life such as the demonic possessors, they would not be immune from Heaven's inferno rounds. This would be a short-lived victory and if the conspiracy to tear down Lucifer's order remained, the Department of Purgatory would take what they could get. Although their duty was neverending, it was only a matter of time until the perpetrators found themselves in a corner and unable to keep themselves from the light.

Tony stood on the platform of the garage as the shutters were raised. The weapons shipment was entering by reversing its wheels while the blue container inched closer to the yellow caution paint by the edge. By the flanks were several squads of Gendarmes backing up and guiding the rear into position while protecting the front. Then the vehicle in front of Courier Six stopped as the driver and his passenger doors were swung open, the occupants walking up to him. Uhlman and Pavel approached him and pulled themselves up to his level. "Nice haul, gentlemen. Did any of you receive any trouble?"

Uhlman was the first to stand as he regained his breath. His hand brushed the hair on his head and face before staring face-to-face with him. "We managed to deal with the convoy but it seems the people involved are being open about their intentions."

"In what way?" He needed additional clarification from the Russian. The former post-apocalypse mailman would have to make his report to Azrael once they finish checking its contents, "Every detail matters."

Pavel struggled to get onto his feet before he walked to the container doors and unlocked the mechanisms. Then he paused the moment they were cracked open. "The guys we ambushed… they were wearing Holy Army uniforms. None of them were wearing disguises."

"What? That makes no fucking sense." Hearing this was enough to throw him into a conundrum as the second-in-command walked back and forth from the container to the wall behind his back. What was the point of the charade?

"It's strange, right?" Commented the former communist as he leaned his back against the door and crossed his arms, "All of us hear about an attack on a Holy Army convoy and after it spends some time in Hell, we see it move and it's being protected by Holy Army personnel."

"Were you able to identify the corpses or do anything about them?"

"You know how it is with my crew. They're not interested in the analysis after we make a mess of things," Uhlman said with a casual tone to his voice acknowledging their former mortal backgrounds as handymen, not intellectuals. His hand reached for the pocket on the front of his Kevlar vest and pulled out a cigarette. Feeling considerate, Tony pulled out an engraved lighter from his pocket and flipped the top open. He sparked a flame before one end of the cigarette was brought over to ignite a flame, "Luckily, Doctor McClintock popped in and started gathering the bodies for forensics. You know how he is when it comes to reading corpses. He'll send a memo your way when he's finished."

It was some measure of relief to his problem as the saved soul smiled at his foresight. "Good. Gentlemen, don't forget this day. We're one step closer to catching the bastards responsible. It's a shame that Artyom isn't here to hear this but he'll understand. I hope you two give him the heads up and tell him we're one step closer."

"You tell him that. I know the man and a speech is not enough to satisfy his vengeance." He nodded his head from side to side. Uhlman may have had a point about that. The redeemed soul would need something substantial since that was the only reason he joined the investigators in the first place.

Hunter drove to the disclosed location based on the last text message from his benefactor. It was in the western part of Pentagram city, based near a riverside area where the criminal elements of Greed and Pride festered at night. Such a location attracted a multitude of gangs and outfits throughout Hell but the business of smuggling illegal goods between the levels was too good to start a war over. So they begrudgingly turned a blind eye to their operations so everyone could make some quick and easy on-hand cash. Yet, it was an ideal location for a proper meeting.

The sinner parked his car by a lone warehouse by the docks. As he turned off the engine and stepped out of the vehicle, his stomach churned at what he might find. Coming here had risks and the kind of wetwork he performed might be the end of him. It could be that his employer was seeking to eliminate a loose end now that the targets were neutralized or they were sincere with this invitation. Time would tell if he would return to Maria with a chance for redemption or in a body bag.

He approached the front without hesitation while his right hand was hidden underneath his coat. The Russian's palm rested atop the pistol grip with the coat hiding his ability to brandish his pistol at any moment. His other hand reached for the handle in front of him and turned it before Hunter found himself standing at the entrance to an office. Slipping inside, the damned soul anticipated any surprises until his ears heard a loud 'ding' from the moment his first step entered the premises. He closed his eyes and acknowledged the reality that whoever owned this building was well aware of his presence.

When the door behind him closed shut, he saw a door on the far side of the office open. Three figures stepped forward in white and blue pattern military gear. Was this official? It was difficult to tell; however, his eyes squinted to see that they were human despite the black balaclavas wrapped around their faces. The leading individual of the trio spoke as he expressed his boredom to his face in an American accent. "Hunter, correct?"

The Russian nodded with the hope that he could alleviate the chance of this initial meeting turning into a gunfight. "Yes. It's me."

"Good," The stranger reached his hand out and gestured the sinner to approach, "Come over, slowly. Any sudden movements and we will open fire on you. Also, don't try that cowboy shit on us. I want both your hands up."

"Understood." He said, internalizing his current situation with these men while complying with their demands. If they wanted to end a witness to their operations, they could have killed him on the spot. Perhaps his benefactor had a plan for him in mind instead? Even so, Hunter remained vigilant of other possibilities that were quite worse than an execution - torture.

"You are a lucky one, sinner. Today is the day you get your just reward."

One of the soldiers behind his back had voiced his concern. "Uh, is it okay to tell him upfront?"

The leader of the group had let out a chuckle underneath his mask as he grabbed his Kevlar vest and maintained eye contact. "If our superior wanted to kill him, we wouldn't go through all of this trouble."

Once Hunter was face-to-face with the soldier, he nodded to the others to move. They began to surround him as another walked behind his back and began patting his body. Then a hand tapped his holstered pistol before the weapon the removed from his person and handed over to the man in front of him. The masked soldier in front of him snatched the sidearm and inspected it.

"I hope you forgive us for the procedure. Those that do come our way typically have an arsenal's worth of weaponry," He remarked before holding on to it as if it was his own. Then he turned around and made his way towards the door, "Gentlemen, escort our friend."

Both acknowledged his order in unison. "Yup-yup."

The Russian felt two hands grab him by his shoulder and the back of his collar. One could describe it as a graceful guidance in the right direction but the truth was that they forcefully pushed him to follow their leader outside the office. Hunter was led through the door as he found himself brought into the large confines of the warehouse. To his right was an assortment of armored SUVs with machine guns and miniguns mounted to the top while in front of him was some kind of operations center. Two couches lay in front, facing a television stand connected by wires attached to a video game console and controllers. The left side had its space occupied by several electronic systems and three massive monitors containing cameras covering the various avenues of approach to the warehouse. Yet, the center monitor remained closed shut while the sinner caught sight of a being he would never expect to meet.

Two angels were looking at the monitors while a soul was sitting in front, typing at their behest. Both had halos floating and horns protruding from their heads; yet, there was a difference between the two. One wore a smooth black and white cloak while his wings were gold and the other wore a dark outfit design not too dissimilar from the average exterminators who descended from the white blip overlooking this realm. They talked among themselves, unconcerned about his arrival into their hideout. Yet, he seemed to recognize their appearance knowing that their kind was responsible for the yearly incursions into Hell on Extermination Day. Were they his benefactors?

Soon the party of four stopped as the man ahead of him called out their names. "We got that guy you wanted."

The extravagant angel turned his head and walked over to the group. He clapped his hands while a large smile showcased his personality. "Thank you, Graves. I think you can tell the guy to relax now that he's here. Did you find any weapons?"

"Just this pistol," He answered before passing the weapon over to the representative of Heaven, "Want to give him the news?"

"Why of course?! I gave the guy a task and he completed it successfully." His eyes shifted over to the newcomer inside the warehouse.

It was a strange moment and rarely did Hunter ever feel uncomfortable in the presence of others until now. Somehow, he felt the urge to take a few steps back until the men behind him firmly reminded the former Polis Ranger. Despite his initial fear, he had to address the benefactor upfront. "You're the one behind the calls."

"Yes. It was all me. Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Adam. As most sinners know, I'm an exterminator angel but I am the oldest… well, the one who survived."

"Oh," Adam's revelation was a lot to take in. In his honest opinion, one he kept to himself, he felt that he shouldn't have earned this kind of attention. The truth was, he thought he was working for a low-ranking official from Heaven who was showing a bit of mercy on his behalf. Yet, his actions merely attracted someone he thought was special, "Glad to be acquainted with you."

The angel stepped forward and reached out. His hand was planted on the Russian's shoulder while he gleefully smiled at this moment. "I'm here to redeem your soul, right here, right now."

"Thank you, I am eternally grateful." He struggled to accept how easy it was to go from his damned existence. It made him emotional that it was so difficult to restrain himself from tears.

"I haven't even started," Remarked the joking exterminator as he took a few steps back and looked at the men guarding the newcomer, "Step back."

"Alright boys, let him do his thing." The leader commented as their feet shuffled against the concrete floor.

"Thy kingdom comes, thy will be done, in the name of the Father - I hereby grant you the status of redemption from your sinful past for your faithful service to his holy and eternal majesty."

Hunter barely had a chance to think as a strange sensation roared through his blood. The feeling was unlike any he had ever encountered. His body began to glow over time into a bright red shimmer before it was all replaced by a blinding white light encompassing from his head to toe. He tried to look at his hands and arms; however, not even his sight could catch a glimpse of either. His thoughts reflected upon the concept of redemption as if this angel's words gave him a way to cleanse everything. Then his unharmed eyes caught a glimpse of his fingertips and noted the fading of the strange changes to his body.

The mortal coil once thought to be lost in life had returned. His transformation finished as the last of the heavenly rays faded out of existence as Adam stepped closer. "Congratulations, sinner, you have been redeemed."

"I… I'm back in my body," He couldn't complete his sentences while running up to the representative of Heaven and giving him a great bear hug, "Thank you!"

"You're welcome, saved. The truth is, you earned this." Replied the angel as he gently helped the Russian off his body.

"It's just that this seemed so far fetch to me that I would actually be rewarded when I was working for you."

That was the truth. His benefactor just mysteriously found him and gave him a chance for no apparent reason. After several years in Hell, he was certain that there were some strings attached. He was not reassured as the exterminator began to let out a chuckle. "My superior is willing to make some drastic changes around these parts. I've been given some leeway in how to obtain those objectives. As of right now, you may relax but there will come a time when I must call upon you. Graves, give him the bracelet."

"A bracelet?" Confusion settled in as the guards seemed to relax and the leader of the group stepped in front of him and pulled out a small bracelet from the pockets of his Kevlar, "What is this?"

The masked leader of the guards unstrapped his helmet and removed his balaclava, revealing a short-haired blonde with a freshly-shaved face. He smacked his lips and passed it over to him. "Heaven has agents throughout Hell and the big guys upstairs want us to masquerade around the levels as sinners so we don't piss off Lucifer. If you put it on, you'll be back in your sinner form in no time. We'll spend some time here until you feel comfortable heading out."

"So? Does this mean I can also travel to Heaven right now?" He wondered, curious about the limits of his status. If they could redeem him, could they also redeem his girlfriend back at his apartment?

"Right now, no," Adam bluntly answered as he relinquished the pistol from his car and back into the hands of the newest saved soul, "Traffic is busy and I need to figure out a way to not interfere with the schedule of the Department of Purgatory. Why do you ask?"

"I've settled down with someone down here but she is a nice person. Part of me is thinking if you could redeem her just as you did to me."

"Ah, I see. We do not pass redemption like candy. She has to earn hers in a similar length as you." It was a disappointing answer but it never hurts to ask. How was he able to maintain his relationship with Maria if he couldn't bring her along as well?

One of the idle monitor screens popped to life with the sound of a phone ringing. The nearest exterminator angel acknowledged this before turning to the one standing before Hunter. "Priority call!"

"How unfortunate? Go back to your apartment and sit back."

Graves nodded to the guards as he led the Russian out of the warehouse and into the empty office space. "Shame that things are cut short. I would have given you the tour."

The Council of Archangels had been summoned once more. Fortunately, it was not an emergency meeting. The heads of Heaven's various departments and the High Marshal of the Holy Army paused their current affairs. Retinues of office workers, bodyguards, and secretaries accompanied their masters to the front hall of the council chamber. This would take up the entire day thanks to ancient protocol and procedure from the days of yore.

Archangel Michael hated these days as his peers would engage in politicking or grand-standing speeches to impress the other denizens of Heaven to side with their policies. Wasn't the same as fighting his brother or the creatures of Hell; yet, it was a duty that he granted upon his shoulder. As the humans say, there was no rest for the wicked. Standing in the lobby, he looked around the marble floor to find cliques of Heavenborn and saved staying close to their superiors. His right was a set of stairs with locked doors at the top.

Gabriel stepped forward from the crowd and walked up to him. His suit of armor clanked from his metal plates tapping against each other. The Judge of Heaven had both of his hands resting on the handles of his swords tied to his belt. He seemed tired based on the way his head shifted as if the helmet with the golden cross weighed heavily on him. Someone had to have knowledge about the one who summoned them. "Brother, any idea on who called us?"

"I believe it was Azrael," He solemnly answered before looking at the chamber doors, "It must be an update on his current task."

"If that is the case then there must be substantial progress on his task." All evidence pointed in that direction and Michael felt relief underneath his black suit and red tie. The Seraphim Guard was asking him to oversee Azrael's investigation; yet, the Archangel of Death preferred to keep other departments out from seeing how everything was done. After all, a cook doesn't show how the sausage gets made.

"The silence and waiting better be worth it."

All heads turned to the top of the stairs as the chamber doors were unlocked and a figure stood above everyone in the lobby. A cold chill ran down Michael's spine as Gabriel gulped beside him, staring at the eldest brother in the brown robes. Silence ruled them all and for good reason, for it was Israfil - the Archangel of the Apocalypse. His eyes burned crimson red while his brown hair was unkept in comparison to the well-fashioned and formally prepared brothers. A deep and loud voice emanated from his throat, cementing the gravitas for his siblings. "These chambers are open. Council members, to your seats."

He turned around from the crowd and walked away from their sight. Not long after, the crowd eagerly flooded the steps. The archangel was surprised that despite the countless ages of service, nobody shoved each other out of the way or ran ahead. It was all an organized march in a single hallway. Despite the political differences or ideological standing in these discussions, no evil eyes or backbiting conversations took place. For the archangels and their retinues were the servants of God.

A white light shined from the opposite side of the corridor. As they pressed closer, their eyes adjusted and saw a single wooden chair waiting for them. Israfil occupied it with a brass horn beside him, the very tool to signify the end of times. When they exited the passageway, Michael eyed the fine details of the setup. The eldest brother was in the center of the round table, his being the largest compared to the rest of his kin. Each seat at this place was a spot for an archangel but the saved souls who accompanied them would climb up the banisters and overlook their respective superiors behind a series of desks, chairs, and benches.

The High Marshal took to the chair in front of him and sat down. His eyes trailed across the round table to see his brothers do the same. Yet, not all the chairs were taken as they remained empty since the War in Heaven. It was a reality he had to make his peace with as the remaining members of this meeting trickled out of the hallway behind him. As every member settled in, several feathers floated from above and Micheal looked up to see a black raven flutter above the circular meeting. It glided to the chair on his right as the council waited for the creature to finish its descent.

Soon the bird landed on the ground behind the wooden seat before transforming into a dark puddle and the Grim Reaper arose from the abyss. His bony hands removed the black robes and shroud which lay upon his shoulders, letting them dissipate into nothingness while revealing a finely tailored suit being worn on a skeleton. Minutes passed until Israfil stood up from his throne and gestured his hand towards him. "Azrael, you called everyone to this meeting. Do you have anything to say?"

"Yes," Answered the Archangel of Death, who turned his head and looked at everyone present in the room, "Now everyone knows that I have been tasked with finding out the perpetrators responsible for the attack on the weapons convoy. Good fortune smiled upon my department and we have reclaimed them."

The whole room erupted with hands clapping and saved souls cheering at the latest news of his investigation. Even Michael was glad to hear it, knowing that such high-grade firepower was too much of a risk to be in the hands of the sinner and Hellborn. It would be worse if it fell into the arsenals of Lucifer's forces. Yet, he noticed his brother's demeanor and saw his skull grind his teeth. Gabriel whispered into his ear from the left. "You notice it too? He's not cheerful in these developments."

"Order, everyone. I understand the relief from this news but the council is in session," Israfil requested, looking upon the balconies containing the archangel retinues. Then he turned his gaze upon his brother, "Do you have anything else to say?"

"There is more. The investigators I sent to intercept these weapons made a discovery." Azrael continued as Michael stole a look at his kin. They leaned forward anticipating his latest knowledge.

Abaddon sat across from the High Marshal. The sibling seemed agitated at the slow pace of the discussion. "Get on with it!"

"The people transporting the weapons were from the Holy Army."

His heart stopped for a brief moment before the questions flowed through his mind. He had to be sure that this was not his ears playing tricks on him. "Excuse me? Did I hear this right? Did you just say that the soldiers under my authority were there?"

Azrael's skull turned to him and nodded. "They were there, not only in uniform but in weaponry and vehicles."

"This has to be a mistake on your end," He could not believe what he was hearing from his own brother as he leaned back in his seat and shook his head in disbelief, "Are you absolutely sure that they were mine?"

"What evidence do you have to support these statements?" Questioned the moderator at the center of the room.

"As you all know, the forms that sinners wear in Hell is a reflection upon their deeds in life. That is a fact that we all accept and a reality that forces my investigators to disguise themselves as one of them. When my team intercepted the convoy in Pride's badlands, they weren't even disguised. They even wore the uniforms of the Holy Army," He began while looking at the several dozens of archangels present in the room. Then he turned around and looked at the balcony above him. Azrael always attracted a strange group to the Department of Purgatory. Unlike most of the saved in Heaven, they perhaps had the most freedom in expressing themselves at their workplace. His gaze fell upon a freshly-shaven bald man in a trench coat and some form of body armor inspired by his mortal life, "Tony, disseminate the evidence and our reports."

The human nodded his head as he reached for a briefcase by his side and opened it. Then he walked from one balcony to the next, carrying a large pile of papers in his hands, passing out packets to the retinues sitting adjacent to his seating arrangements.

"This is situation is beyond what was imagined. There is someone in our ranks who is trying to escalate our cold relationship with Hell into full-scale open war." Michael couldn't believe what he was hearing. Yet, if the information being passed around was true, the implications of his ranks operating without his authority would demand a thorough investigation. He liked to believe they were loyal enough to obey his commands but they were ultimately human.

"So what?" Abbadon cried out, bringing the room's attention upon himself, "Hell continues to be a thorn on our side ever since Lucifer fell from grace. Maybe a good war to end their existence might be good after sitting around and preparing for so long."

"It is easy to say for someone who doesn't sift through the damned to relocate the saved."

"As if they matter in the grand scheme of his plans. Why should it matter to the rest of us? They are your department's mistakes after all. We can justify their deaths with the destruction of Hell. Let God sort them out, I say." It was clear by his venomous voice he carried absolute disdain for not only the Archangel of Death but for the unfortunate saved souls who were placed in the dark realm.

The skeleton shook his head and stood from his chair, extending his hand out to the empty seats at the council table. "We represent our Father's holy will and we would be warmongers if this war takes place? You are so eager to clash with Lucifer a second time that you forget the bloodshed that took the lives of our brothers."

"So what can we do to tackle this conundrum of ours," Gabriel said out loud, now bringing the attention to himself, "I suppose there's a plan in place for this."

"Absolutely," Azrael replied as he placed his skeletal hands on the table, "We cooperate with Lucifer."

Michael looked around and saw hard glares from every archangel in this meeting. He was not surprised by the outcome of those words. Such was the result of a falling out within the brotherhood. What was the logic behind this? "Cooperate with the very brother who betrayed us for the bosom of the Queen of the Succubi. I find that insane."

"All of you may find that problematic but I do not. Cooperating with him has provided fruitful developments in my department's investigation and permitted the investigators to perform a thorough search in Hell without going through legal tape. On the other hand, it provides us a look into Lucifer's inner workings from behind the scenes. This is old news to me but our brother has proved his worth in the depths of Hell." Minutes of silence followed as the holy servants were speechless.

"He's working with you on this investigation?!" It was a shocking turn of events to even hear that. Their fallen brother was someone who refused to see them ever since they signed that treaty and now the Archangel of Death was revealing his past dealings, "How did you manage to convince him?"

"The people trying to start the war are also targeting his daughter. Our grievances with him are legitimate but everyone with a sense of worth would realize that she does not carry the sins of her father. That is why I am against mobilization because they're trying to give us convenient ways to war. If Lucifer could see that then I would expect all of you to do the same or even better."

This meeting proved far too fruitful for the High Marshal of the Holy Army. His brother's methods were far too strange for the Council of Archangels; however, they were incredibly effective. He looked over to Abbadon, finding the man's judgemental attitude written across his face. Today, the brother was going to leave disappointed that the Grim Reaper's arguments proved resourceful. His mind wandered onto the subject of Lucifer's cooperation and realized it made so much sense for him to be protective of his family. It was one of his better qualities that shined through despite the stains on his hands.

It was supposed to be a day for the pop star to practice singing her songs so her performance would be perfected on the day of the concert. Yet, it was cut short the moment she received an invitation from Charlie herself. Was it because she stole Railtracer away from the others or something else entirely? Verosika did not know what to make of it, only that now she had the attention of Hell's most naive girl. Despite her reservations, she was still royalty and maybe it was worth her time.

Driving through the streets of Pride was a painful endeavor. Her popularity in the music genre meant that everyone recognized her and it was quite difficult to navigate around people who either wanted her to sign an autograph on some random girl's chest or have the gall to ask her out. The only places where that public recognition didn't matter were her adoptive dad's coffee shop, her posse, and her new boyfriend. She would have counted Blitzo but he was a complicated matter altogether. Fortunately, she had a fast-riding car with a Hellhound accompanying him in the passenger seat.

Vortex was an excellent member of the posse using his intimidating demeanor to make the horniest of fans think twice about crossing him. Then there's the fact that he was an excellent cook of Japanese dishes. If he made sushi and yakitori, her group was not eating out. More importantly, he was trusted to tell about the well-being of everyone else. His eyes scanned the surrounding area, alert as usual. "Did you hear about Kiki?"

"No," Her eyes were focused on the front of her car, making sure no one ever scratched the coat of paint or worse. She couldn't afford the repair costs since the vehicle was reeling from Blitzo's driving, "What about her?"

"She's dating that guy who stole this car. Turns out he's a chill dude, inviting her on dates and shit." Good for her. It was time that she found someone; although, the Russian sinner was not a candidate she would have thought of.

"Well, it could have been worse."

"I know we've been invited by her majesty but do you think it's okay to actually meet her?" It was great to have friends who could question her motives. At the very least, they could attempt to reason or discourage her from making mistakes and there was a history to be had with them. "You don't have a lot of time to spend right now."

She tightened her grip on the wheel as she turned around the corner and saw the Hazbin Hotel in front of her. Its structure dominated the local neighborhood as her stomach churned at the upcoming meeting with Charlie Magne Morningstar. Hopefully, she wouldn't be disappointed with her refined violet dress worn for the day. If her dad was here, he'd order her to go back to the studio and continue practicing, probably using his precious gold coin as an inspiring moment to instill the 'practice makes perfect' discussion. "I hate to say it but we've got the attention of a princess and we're going to have to deal with her for a long time."

It was a straight shot to the building and they would only need to worry about crossing one more intersection before finally meeting the royal. Then the light turned green and Verosika eagerly pressed the pedal forward as the car's engine roared. As they were about to cross, a black sedan crossed in front of them from the right, causing her to quickly swerve to the left. Her foot slammed against the brakes with the bodyguard holding onto his seat and gripping the handle by the door.

"Fucking damn it!" She swore before looking at the vehicle that got in her way. The pop star eyed the shadows of the driver and passengers inside. Angry, she raised her hand in the air and unfolded a middle finger from her clenched fist. "It's a red light you dumb motherfuckers!"

The mysterious crew drove off, unwilling to deal with the traffic violation. Soon the succubus shook her head in disbelief before reclaiming the wheel and closing the distance between her and the hotel. Vortex let out an impressed whistle and expressed his opinion on the scene. "Talk about shitty drivers."

"Thank Satan they didn't hit my car." She said with relief as they approached the curb and parked behind a silver limo.

"So what do you think Charlie has in mind?" He curiously wondered out loud as they stepped out of the vehicle and approached the front door, "With a place like this, there's so much you could do with it."

"Yeah, it would be nice if this was a regular hotel. Shame she's using it for sinners with redeeming qualities."

"Speaking of sinners, who do you think we'll find here? Not a lot of people were with her the last time we saw them at the beach." The singer commented, remembering the number of people was barely under a dozen.

Her bodyguard shrugged his shoulders as they reached the entrance. "Hell if I know. Probably the only person we know was Angel Dust but didn't you notice that he's a bit more cheerful than usual? The only time we found him is when he's smoking a joint after Valentino's… skits."

"Yeah, he's normally broody. Then again, he got acquainted with my boyfriend and if that's anything to go by, he's a decent fellow for a sinner."

They stopped and Verosika knocked on the door several times. If the number of people living at this hotel was the same as the amount in Charlie's clique, it was likely that they would be nowhere near the door. Yet, it was worth a try to meet the expectations of Lucifer's own family.

She heard footsteps shuffle from behind the door as the shadow of a woman appeared behind the stained glass and began to unlock the door. Once it swung open, she was met by a blonde sinner wearing a pink shirt and a torn black skirt. The woman adjusted her glasses over her eyes, a reminder of her human life before she acquired the horns and the hooves. "Oh, you must be Miss Mayday. Her highness is waiting for you. Come this way."

They were let in as Vortex closed the door before they proceeded into the hallway. The building smelled stuffy but in a good way, a place where you can find comfort among family and close friends. It reminded the succubus of the days living with the sentient war machine from the War in Heaven, taking care of her when she was just a child. Her eyes trailed at the photos and portraits on the walls, admiring the joyful memories that existed for the princess of Hell.

"So, you're Railtracer's girlfriend," Observed the woman leading them from the front, after they turned around the corner to their left, "I don't know how but he's a lucky guy to get attached to you."

Who was this sinner to start a conversation with her? "You are?"

"Name is Helen Mayberry but most people call me by my last name." She answered plainly without even giving her a look.

"So you know my man?" Weird that he never did speak of her but then again, neither did he reveal that he lived at the Hazbin Hotel, "Are you two close?"

"It depends on how you define close. I'm probably the only one that talked to about a bit of his life and trusts me enough to fix him a sandwich when he goes to work. Just don't tell anyone; especially, when you see him again. I think he appreciates some privacy about his past."

"So you two are friends? Glad that you're willing to tell me he's better than Blitzo." She casually commented.

The woman raised her head and looked over her shoulder albeit confused. "You dated Blitz? The guy in charge of I.M.P?"

"You know him as well?"

"Absolutely," Mayberry answered with confidence as she smiled before looking ahead. The tone of her voice filled with joy at describing the circumstances, "I hired the imp to assassinate the woman my husband cheated me on. The dumb bastard thought he could get his socks off by a damn whore with a cunt so loose you could hear it whistling."

Vortex let out a chuckle from behind her back and remarked on the personal connection. "Talk about a small world."

"Yeah. Blitzo gave me a bit of vengeance there. I even baked his crew a cake to thank them." She said as her tone calmed by the end of her sentence.

Verosika had to admit but she was beginning to like her. Maybe this hotel wasn't too bad? Not long after, the sinner brought them in front of a room labeled 'office' as she stopped the group. She gently knocked on the door two times as the pop star anticipated her host. Then she heard the voice of the princess on the other side. "Coming!"

"Your highness, it's Miss Mayday. She's here."

"Thank you," The door swung open as Charlie stood at the door without her iconic red jacket, scanning the surrounding hallway before catching sight of the succubus and her bodyguard, "Helen, why don't you wait in the kitchen? We're going to have to have a business conversation."

She looked over her shoulder and stole a glance at the hellhound. He was not needed here. "Why don't you join her? I think I'll be safe with the princess."

"You sure?" He asked as he scratched his throat, "Alright, give me a call when you two are done."

"I'm glad you took the time to meet me here," Charlie expressed as she permitted her to enter while their company departed from the duo. She took a good look at the office to see a desk on the far side of the room with two chairs set up. On the left was a collection of pictures containing memories the royal had alongside her parents, "You are a busy person and I doubt you have any interest in helping me at my hotel but an idea popped into my head when we stormed into your yacht and found Railtracer in your bed."

"Speaking of him," She turned away from the sights and approached the princess' desk as they began to take their seats across from each other. The mere mention of her boyfriend made her wonder about his whereabouts, "Is he here?"

"He's with Vaggie and Angel Dust. They're going shopping and dragging him along was his punishment for leaving us at the beach." She laughed at the statement before leaning back in her chair.

"Can you blame him? It's not every day that your average sinner gets to tap an ass like mine." Her hand reached for the bottom of her dress and extended it to prevent exposure between her legs.

The girl nodded her head from side to side as if acknowledging the pop star's statement. "I understand but this is the Hazbin Hotel and he still has to try."

Now was the time to get to the bottom of why she was here instead of her music studio. As much as Verosika would have enjoyed the small talk, time was money and singing practice was not being made. "Okay then, so why did you invite me here? I'm not a sinner."

"The thing is, getting Katie Killjoy to interview me and Angel Dust was a complete disaster," Charlie admitted hinting at what the media considered to be a massive comedy on live television. Yet, it didn't seem to deter her attitude despite the setback, "But you have a lot of pull on social media and followers thanks to your music."

"Just what exactly are you getting at?" She was making a suggestion and her stomach felt an endless pit. It felt terrible and now the woman did not know why.

"I was thinking about letting you make a concert at my hotel. We get free publicity but you get a good place to sing your songs and entertain everyone."

Her mind thought back to the previous encounter with the princess of Hell and remembered what that moth sinner said. The sheer absolute horror in her voice made this whole situation make sense to the succubus as disbelief took over. "You want me to set a concert at this hotel?"

"Yep? I thought it up at the yacht," Charlie was eager with her statement, expressing absolute joy about the concept, "Your songs are loved by sinners and Hellborn alike. So it would be great to bring it up before I lose the chance."

"It sounds nice and all but I have an upcoming concert to practice for and the location is already set. I won't risk my reputation so you can save yours." She did not want to be antagonistic towards the heiress of the dark realm but the reality was that the pop star was pressed for time. Even if she did agree to it, the upcoming concert would take so much energy out of Verosika and her posse that they would need time to recuperate.

"How about this? I can pay you all of the expenses needed to shift locations and twice the amount your contract stipulates. That way, both of us can walk away happy."

The succubus blinked at what she just heard. Did she just say that she would pay for it all? It sounded unbelievable to her ears. "Are you serious? Can you just do that?"

"I'm Lucifer's daughter," The princess smugly answered, crossing one leg over the other and placing both her hands in the comfort of her lap, "Money is not a problem for someone like me. So… do we have a deal?"

The Archangel of Death returned to the Department of Purgatory's main building. Such a meeting with his brothers was a stressful endeavor; especially, when he revealed to them the current situation. Now that was over, he would continue dealing with the unknown threat within the ranks of the Holy Army. Yet, time was now on his side as he pondered about the future in his own lonely company at a bar. The bartender passed a pint of Guinness to him as he grabbed the drink and raised his glass high to honor the saved's service.

Soon the silence of the conspirators would end. If they intended to seek support from the Council of Archangels, they would be brought out as a target for his holy will. Despite that revelation to the others, there was still work to be done and this opposition would be spurred to action lest the department continues to unravel the efforts. Hell was the only place where they could perform freely and Lucifer's cooperation was not enough. Unfortunately, Azrael found himself in a predicament where he could not act until there was sufficient information.

A pair of footsteps approached from behind his back before the individual took a seat on his right. Tony let out a tired breath, hunching over the counter as the bartender approached him. "Same as usual?"

"Make it two Nuka-Colas," He answered, sufficient for the fat gentleman across from him. As the owner walked off to his stand of drinks, the post-apocalypse saved turned his head to his superior, "Long day, boss. Are you sure it was a good idea to tell your brothers about my latest findings?"

The archangel turned his hooded head towards the former mortal. He had his reasons. "Yes. Your report stated that the conspirators were trying to gain influential political support to back their operations. If I had not done so, it creates distrust within their own ranks since I blocked any further access to the resources of other departments."

"I'll be damned. It explains why I'm playing second fiddle to you. Still, I don't know what to do until we get something substantial in Heaven or Hell." The human admitted as the bartender returned with two glass bottles containing radioactive soda. In another time and another place, Azrael would have discouraged it but he had grown used to his 'secretary' having his peculiar tastes.

"Now that I've limited a front, we still have to deal with what these conspirators have in Hell if they are able to arm an entire convoy with vehicles," He stated remembering the after-action reports and the action-to-action details about the success of his investigators. Such preparation wouldn't be available to the conspirators unless they have their own motor pool Hellside and that would imply secret hideouts as well, "Do we have anything unusual going on in the levels?"

"We do. Our safehouse crews are giving us a stream of reports about personnel being killed both in the field and off-duty."

"Why didn't you bring this up if it was too important?" This was news to him and now he was hearing Tony convey this to him at this moment in time.

He popped the bottle cap off this glass of soda and took one long swig at the sugary drink. Then he placed the bottle on the bar and turned his head, facing him. "This just happened over the past week and this came across my desk when we got back. I thought it was just some fluke or some unfortunate investigator but this… seems so systematic. Our people are being targeted."

"No rest for those like us."

"You can say that again," The saved let out a chuckle before taking another sip, "I'd also like to file a request for that special case with that Russian - Artyom."

There were rare times when his second-in-command would make a suggestion. Not all of them were good ideas but it did showcase his ingenuity when it came to thinking outside of the box. With the situation of war looming over his shoulders, every possibility had to be exhausted to prevent it. "Shoot away, I'm in a pleasant mood."

"Back when the guy got in trouble with Hell's authority before you and Lucifer assigned him to be Charlie's bodyguard, he found a weapon stored away in that building full of demon hunters. Based on the knowledge told by former Detective Hannigan, turns out it's a blessed holy service weapon and our redeemed saved became its new permanent owner." Great, a holy weapon in the hands of mortals. Thank goodness the council session was over lest he berate his brothers for their irresponsibility. Yet, this development was indeed worthy of his attention since he owed that man more than a chance at vengeance.

"I take you to have something in mind," He took another sip at his Guinness, "What do you recommend?"

"Artyom has a two-handed German sword and I think he needs a teacher if he's going to use it right. Can't have him swinging it like it's a two-by-four."

"Approved." His 'sidekick' was taken aback by his quick response but Azrael had his reasons as he looked across the bar and quietly drank his alcohol. It was not the worst of ideas but neither was it ideal. More importantly, he raised an excellent point since weapons needed to be used correctly if his investigators or gendarmes were to operate in the field.

One large sip was made before the Courier finished his first bottle. Then he burb as his Geiger counter crackled to life for only a brief moment. "You're not going to resist this idea."

"Not to worry, I think I have someone in mind," Recalling his investigator from the Hazbin Hotel was out of the question and it would have been noticed by the occupants of the building. There was only one convenient person he truly knew that would be worth seeking out to spend time dealing with this matter. It might have been a waste of time; however, it could also alleviate the tension between the two realms, "Lucifer isn't too far away and I doubt he wouldn't mind a bit of practice."

The Grim Reaper turned over to his assistant and saw a man drop his jaw in complete shock at his response.

They were supposed to be fetching groceries but somehow Angel Dust interpreted this as an excuse for shopping. Now they were brought into a clothing store to try out new apparel for future events that Charlie would have in mind. At first, Vaggie was annoyed at the homosexual's distractions but her mood changed when she found a traditional El Salvadoran dress which was dyed in red and black. Nonetheless, it interfered with her plan to deal with the threat ever since Alastor informed her about the Russian sinner.

She pretended to busy herself in the women's section of the store, glancing through the poorly disorganized dresses. Yet, it gave her the full view of Railtracer sitting in a chair beside the changing room four rows across. The only time he would stand would be to pass over an array of dresses to the porn star before sitting back down and looking at his phone.

Every thought of hers pondered at the possibilities of dispatching him. Killing him right now would eliminate his presence but she would have to explain it to the Italian gangster and her beloved about the motivations. Then there was the matter of her source of information. She openly distrusted the overlord living with them and it would look bad if she told the princess of Hell about taking literal information from the sketchiest person at the Hazbin Hotel.

There were other options she could choose as well. If she could isolate the man from the others, it would be a good case to interrogate him on the spot. He had connections to this 'department' and learning more would be crucial for everyone's safety. Though, it came at a price for she had to find a way to end him permanently. The only advantage to be had was surprise and there was great doubt that the arms repairman was on guard ever since the succubus helped him 'relax' from the regular existence in Hell.

Angel Dust appeared from out of the changing room in a cowboy outfit. A black hat lay atop his head and a brown vest that matched the color of his trousers - all of which would be wrapped underneath his navy blue coat. He smiled with great delight, enjoying the theme of his clothing as he stole a glance from what was effectively a newly acquired friend. It was rare to see him in such a good mood; yet, it also saddened her that it was a relationship not meant to last. "I think I'm done. What do you guys think?"

"Just remember where your gun is," Men and their humor. Vaggie always hated their crude jokes and never understood why it was on par with an insult as she stepped out from the aisles and rows to join them, "You look good in that. All you're missing is a single-action revolver to make a complete set."

"It's definitely missing that cherry on top but I'll be fine. Well, I can't wait to get those damn cannolis next door." She could sense his eagerness and the sinner could not blame him. It was one of the few pleasure foods that reminded him of his life.

"What's a cannoli?"

The moment that Railtracer said those very words, he turned to his left and looked at him with a gasp on his face. She could tell that he was insulted, which was one of the rare moments to appreciate whenever it came up. Now was the time to end this shopping spree with him. "An Italian dessert. Very sweet but an excellent treat to have on the rare days you're in a good mood."

"Thank you!" Cried out the gay spider as he threw his hands into the air, "Even the Mexican taco knows what I'm talking about."

"Alright, take your clothes to the Razzle and Dazzle. I'll work something out with the manager."

She needed to get him away from what she was about to do; fortunately, it didn't take much to encourage him to leave. Vaggie looked to her right to see the silver limo outside the store as the porn star rushed over to the front door with his clothes in hand. The two goat servants were sitting at the front of the vehicle with their windows down, eating donuts. They were minding their own business, which was a good sign for what she was about to do.

The Russian was just about to head toward the door before she called upon him. "Hey, I could use your help with something."

"Me?" He seemed surprised as he stopped and turned his head, confused and perplexed, "What do you need me for?"

"I'm going to try out a dress but I don't trust Angel to help me with that." Men were always animals, why should he be any different? Maybe the prospect of seeing her body would be enough to invite him into the changing room.

"Ladna, let's make this quick. I'm looking forward to tasting whatever that is."

The moth sinner swiftly rushed into the small room and saw a bench on her right. She tossed her dress on the seat before stealing a glance at the mirror to her left. A small sense of relief as she stepped to the side and waited for Railtracer to arrive. Meanwhile, the woman reached underneath her skirt for a knife holstered on her thigh. Every second felt like time froze while her hand tightened the grip on the blade's handle. Then his footsteps approached unaware of what was prepared for him. She would act the moment he entered.

When he walked through the doorway, the sinner grabbed him by his collar and shoved him into the wall in front of her. As he stumbled and crashed, Vaggie slammed the door shut before leaping across with a blessed knife drawn. She immediately placed the edge by his throat, enough to threaten but not accidentally cut him open. Her free hand pressed against his chest as he expressed his absolute surprise at the situation while holding a zipped-up dress for Angel Dust. All she had to do was ask her questions about this mysterious organization he worked for. "Alright, pendejo. What is this department you're working for?"

"I don't know what you are talking about," Time was precious and she had no desire to entertain useless dialogue. The moth slammed her high heels into his foot as the sinner in front of him growled in pain, "What was that for?"

"Answer the question!" She demanded while pressing her blade deeper into his throat.

"I… I…"

Vaggie was surprised by the lack of resistance on his part. She had expected the man to put up more of a fight while anticipating the information he was going to give.

"I can't."

"Why not?" It was disappointing but maybe he was attempting to make a final act of resistance, "You are one swipe away from dying."

"Don't you know? These kinds of interrogations don't really work." Railtracer remarked before she slammed her knee into his crotch, causing him to kneel over. The woman gave him a moment of reprieve from the pain until she pressed him against the wall.

"Do not fuck with me. Who is this department?" Time and patience were running out before the others would notice.

Everything changed when she saw him lower his head and almost embrace the knife itself. Yet, her advantage came to an end when she felt a piece of a metal jab at her stomach. She stole a glance below her chest to find the barrel of a pistol protruding out from underneath Angel's clothes. "The truth is something that I will take to the grave even if you have to join me."

"You could have shot me, right here and now."

"I could but it would be difficult to explain to Charlie why both of us are lying in our blood," He replied; however, he lowered the pistol from her, "How about we relax?"

She shook her head at the suggestion as that would presume he had the upper hand in the conversation. "Not going to happen. Alastor told me about your secret conversations."

"The overlord?" He scoffed at the indication underneath his gas mask, "Are you really going to take the word of a man who is more likely to backstab you than I am?"

"Unlike my girlfriend, I actually think things through."

Their impasse continued for a few minutes. Vaggie stared into the sockets of his gas mask to see the flickering flames until the Russian let out a defeated sigh. "There are rules that I have to abide and spilling my guts out cannot be tolerated."

"Finally," Her knife remained but she pulled it away from the sinner's jugular, "So what can you tell me?"

"Lucifer requested me to act as Charlie's bodyguard." The moth stepped back, shocked by the revelation. This was the secret that Railtracer carried with him? Then again, it made sense when he arrived at the hotel with the rulers of the dark realm.

"This department… did they choose sinners to work for her father. Why didn't you mention that?"

"There are many things in my work that involve plenty of secrecy," He answered as his body relaxed before checking the state of the clothes, "Besides, it was a recent assignment that seemed to work alongside my undercover employment under I.M.P. Better to hit one bird with two rock, they say."

The vigilant member of the Hazbin Hotel placed her foot on the bench and sheathed her knife. Her suspicions had credibility but maybe Alastor was a deceitful shit who just wanted to stir trouble. Then she turned to the sinner and slightly opened his mask to get rid of the build-up of hot air. "I'm sorry I treated you like that. Maybe I'm just paranoid but Charlotte is someone I dearly love. I don't want to see her get hurt."

"The feeling is mutual," Railtracer laughed before refitting his mask over his face. Once the straps were tightened, his gaze fell upon the woman, "I've been in your position before… back when I was alive."

Loud footsteps shuffled outside of the changing room as the door was kicked open and one of the goat servants appeared before them. His snake-like eyes blinked with genuine fear as he raised his arms outside. "Angel Dust is in trouble. A group of guys came up to him while he was ordering cannolis."

"Chyort!" The sinner swore in his native language as he rushed past the goat.

Vaggie ran up to the creature and dragged him along as they exited the room and chased after their companion. Once the duo ran out of the store, they looked both ways to see where Railtracer had gone. Then they heard an engine roar followed by gunfire before they turned to their left to find a black sedan turning around the corner and approaching their direction. Yet, the Russian sinner stormed out from the bakery next door and appeared into their view on the sidewalk with his pistol drawn.

The vehicle rolled down its windows as a Greedling peered out of the back window in a wife-beater shirt with a submachine gun in his arms. "Valentino sends his regards!"

Soon the pistol-wielding arms repairman shot his sidearm at the would-be shooter with a single bullet. Blood splattered over the car's roof as the body slumped back inside. Three more shots rang out peppering the front of the vehicle as the moth and her goat friend took refuge behind the limo. The man she once interrogated displayed a fearsome depiction of a gunslinger in the form of a Soviet soldier.

The gun fell empty as he ejected the magazine before turning towards her. "It's a kidnapping! Vaggie, take the limo back to Charlie. I'm going to hunt them down."

SilverExcel115: Don't worry. It's all coming together.