(A/N: An early christmas present. Also, won't be returning to the story until all of season 2 for Hazbin has released. Easier on me.)
Dry, cracked ground. Soil as rotten as the corpses that fed it. A vibrant red and blue sea of powerful energy that harmed anything it touched. That was the typical scenery of Doom.
Very few ever laid eyes upon it. Any souls Doom met were collected and kept stored elsewhere. Only the Demons roamed these wastes and explored what little they had to offer. Yet, recently, there were two frequent visitors.
Streaks of green sped through the landscapes of Doom. This region, whose hue was primarily brown, red, and blue, needed to be charted thoroughly. Since this was an endless realm whose total amount of contents was unknown, the most important thing to do was acquire knowledge. Sadly, the man who had known this place as a battleground was not here to provide his experience.
As unlikely as it was, the streaks of green wanted to discover something relating to their missing friend. Any clues at all would bring them indescribable joy. Alas, with time, that hope grew dimmer. Even so, it would never be extinguished.
Of course, Doom would not ignore trespassers. Each time these green streaks intruded, Revenants, Imps, Pinkies, and the newly-dubbed Prowlers were sent to give chase. However, even Doom and its Demons could not rival these speedsters. Their pace and evasiveness were beyond impressive. Regarding offense or deterrence, they were not lacking in those departments, either.
Still, the main goal was always to scout and survey. Direct combat was not permitted at all. Get in, get out, and never get trapped. Although time could flow differently here, at most, the scouts were only permitted to conduct their work for an hour at a time. The amount could be increased depending on how long it took for them to be discovered.
At present, this venture into Doom was nearly over. The duo effortlessly dodged all attacks that came their way, be it missiles or lunging Demons. Admittedly, even if the pair had gone unnoticed for a while today, they'd still want to leave after their usual one-hour limit. The cause for this desire will soon be revealed.
Suddenly, those who caused these streaks of green felt a tingling sensation throughout themselves. As another volley of explosives and gnashing maws came at them, the duo vanished. True instantaneous teleportation. A remarkable achievement that Doom and its minions could not counter. Well, so long as no one was inside Doom's soul, but that would be a worst case scenario. At that point, you'd already be a victim.
...
...
...
"Extraction complete." The voice of Vega announced.
Unlike with previous iterations of the technology, there wasn't any unintended fanfare that accompanied the act of teleportation. No explosion of sparks, dimensional distortions, or nightmarish visuals that might affect one's sanity. As mentioned, in a single instance, you were moved between locations. Where the duo had been delivered to was the celestial home of the Maykrs: Urdak.
For the longest time, this place had been a silent mass grave in which the Creator, Khan, was kept comatose while simultaneously protecting it with her soul. Now, the realm was overflowing with Maykrs and Heavenborns alike. Each of them was in constant motion as they conducted their contribution to the war effort.
Ever since scouting missions in Doom started, the scouts were always brought back to Urdak for cleansing and to treat any potential injuries. Fortunately, so far, neither of the scouts had been damaged. Their innate nimbleness and continued training ensured they were untouchable. As for the cleansing part, being in Doom always brought with it some level of taint, no matter how careful you were or how briefly you existed in the realm.
"Cleansing complete." Vega stated as he finished the procedure.
Upon hearing that, the scouts removed their helmets. Like the rest of their armor, it was a deep shade of green. It was also a new type of Praetor. If it wasn't obvious, the whole thing was a tribute to Doomguy.
"Phew, thanks, Vega," Nifty said with a shake of her head. She did so to set her hair straight after the helmet's removal.
"Anything to report?" Vega asked.
"Nope. Same shit, different day..." Daisy answered while sighing. Although she maintained her visage of a rabbit, she was not hindered by its physical limitations. Like anyone else, she could use the energy of her soul to help her interact with things, such as removing her custom-designed helmet.
"I see. I assume Doom's soul still eludes us, then?" Vega followed up.
"Mhm. There's no telling where or what it is now." Nifty confirmed with a saddened expression. "How about you? Anything new?" She inquired.
"The defensive reaction to my drones is getting worse. I'm continuously increasing the number I send with each deployment, but still, so few manage to survive and conduct their surveys." Vega shared.
"Yeah, sounds about right," Daisy remarked, closing her eyes. "Let me guess, it's Pain Elementals?" She said.
"Correct. They're essentially creating minefields of Lost Souls. The skies of Doom are becoming an endless display of Arcane detonations." Vega replied.
"Well, at least it keeps us from getting bombarded, so that's something," Daisy said, opening her eyes. "What about the others? Any news?" She asked.
"They're still out on deployment." Vega answered.
"Tsk, damn..." Daisy muttered.
"Do not fret. Eve tells me that all is well as usual. For us, it'll be a few more days until they return." Vega informed her.
"That's good to hear!" Nifty exclaimed, wanting to make the air a little more positive. "So long as Doom remains oblivious, then that's all that matters." She said.
"Agreed. They have a better chance of getting intel than us runners," Daisy responded, now looking at the ceiling. "Is there anything noteworthy to mention? Or is it business as usual?" She inquired.
"Oh? Have you two forgotten?" Vega questioned.
Before saying anything, Nifty and Daisy exchanged a look between themselves.
"...Yup." Both of them confirmed.
"Today is the trial," Vega revealed, causing their eyes to widen. "Or rather, it is Samur and Stolas's trial, followed by the meeting that will decide what happens to the formerly possessed." He added.
"Is it starting?!" Both of them asked, continuing to speak in unison.
"Soon, but you've still got time. It's enough for you to take off your suits and stow them properly." Vega answered.
After that, the duo hurried off to the nearest prep area. When they were out of their armor, and it was stored, Vega opened a portal that led them to Heaven. Specifically, it put them at the front doors of Heaven's court.
Meanwhile...
Breathe in, breathe out. Breathe in, breathe out. Breathe in, breathe out. Breathe in, breathe-
Knock Knock
"Gabriel?" The worried voice of Sera called from the other side of a shut door. Most likely, her sister, Emily, was also there.
Gabriel, the Archangel of Justice, was busy meditating. He'd been doing so ever since the day began. This was it. The long-awaited procedure that he, as was his duty, must carry out. However, during the lead-up, practically everyone Gabriel knew insisted that if this would be too much for him, then someone else could do it. Sera and Emily were among them.
"Come in, you two." Gabriel called, welcoming the Sisters.
Gabriel's assumption was correct. The Seraphim siblings entered the room together. On each of their faces were expressions of concern.
"Are you okay?" Emily immediately asked, getting straight to the point. There was no logic in ignoring why so many souls had gathered in Heaven's court today.
"Forty-seven," Gabriel stated. Bewildering the young Angel.
"Huh?" Emily reacted.
"Forty-seven. That's how many times you've asked me how I'm faring in relation to this day." Gabriel explained, turning around to face them. "Sera, Emily, I am grateful for your attentiveness. But please, do me the kindness of sparing me from the interrogation I've been subjected to as these proceedings drew closer. The day is finally upon us, and I'd rather not go through the routine again." He requested.
The Sisters showed hesitation to accept that, but they also didn't want to bother their friend or make nuisances of themselves.
"Very well, Gabriel. You have our word that we shall not pry about your condition." Sera promised, accompanied by a nod from Emily. "However, could we at least know how you will handle yourself? Please." She requested in return.
"Certainly. You deserve that much." Gabriel agreed, making them smile. "I will do very little talking. This trial, ignoring the personal nature of it for me in one regard, is the first time that testimonies will be provided by those affected by the guilty. As such, I feel it is only appropriate that I speak when it is necessary. To be more specific, I shall be heard at the start, when delivering the sentence, communicating with anyone who speaks directly to me, and when I dismiss everyone. The only other times are when I am compelled." He told them.
"And if Samur tries to antagonize you?" Sera inquired.
There was a moment of silence. But then, to both Seraph's surprise, Gabriel reached out to them.
"If my Father is so brazen, then I would appreciate support from each of you. Nothing that would make a spectacle, just your hands gripping mine." Gabriel replied. "If that would be no trouble," He added.
Ever since Gabriel's recovery from his shock, he's been far more receptive to others and willing to let them help him. Yet, this deliberate reach for help was a first for the Sisters. Honestly, it nearly made them cry. But the women kept their composure and happily accepted his hands into theirs.
"Thank you," Gabriel said softly. Already, he was gently gripping their hands. It was the last bit of preparation he needed to face what was to come.
The trio remained like this for a few minutes, enjoying the quiet intimacy. When it was time to leave, they continued to hold hands as they traveled. It was only when the trio entered the court itself that they returned to a neutral stance.
Today marked history, but not just because of what would unfold. Heavenborns AND Hellspawns were seated in the court. The audience was made up of each realm's highest-ranking officials. Virtues, Sins, Royals, Nobles, and so on. The only personal allies or friends to Gabriel that were here were those most relevant. The others were focused on their normal activities and work as there was little time for much else anymore.
When Gabriel was seen taking his seat, with Sera and Emily on each of his sides, any chatter in the room quieted. Anyone who might've been standing or doing something else directed their attention to where it was most important.
"Welcome, everyone. Those who have been here in the past and those for whom it is their first time. Before we dedicate ourselves to the purpose of this gathering, I wanted to say that, despite the unpleasant circumstances, this is a monumental occasion. Although the unity between the realms is less significant with time, I feel we should still acknowledge how wonderful it is to see all of us together." Gabriel stated, hoping to start things off with a small amount of pleasantness.
Luckily, it worked as Gabriel wanted. The response was many heads nodding and even some applause. So far, so good.
"Now then, the task at hand," Gabriel began. "There is very little I need to say. There is no doubt about the guilt of those who will come forward. Even if it was unnecessary, we still investigated each individual to eliminate any potential misunderstanding. Sadly, their transgressions are as we know them to be. Yet, it was decided that those who were impacted the most would speak their mind. We believe that it is only fair for them to have the opportunity to confront those responsible for their anguish." He said.
A pause occurred to see if there would be any commentary. To Gabriel's satisfaction, there was only stillness.
"Very good," Gabriel resumed. "The first to come forth is Samur. Everyone here knew him as God, including myself. In the context of our reality, that is true. However, God or not, he has committed the worst acts of selfishness and treason. Thus, he shall be made to face the consequences before receiving punishment." He concluded.
FWOOM
Immediately, at the center of the court, a portal appeared. From within, three entities emerged. Two of them were heavily armed and armored robots that Vega controlled. Between these mechanical marvels was the third. Samur, The Fallen.
Samur's head was lowered, but not to avoid the sea of judgement that awaited him. The man looked exhausted and weak. No harm had come to him during his treatment. This condition was the direct result of his refusal to accept more help than what was required.
When the portal closed, and the trio stopped moving, the court was motionless once more. The reason for Gabriel's lack of voice was to see if his Father would say anything right away, which he did not.
"The first testimony shall be given by Eve." Gabriel announced.
Understandably, the gallery could not resist whispering. Ever since her return, Eve has been as publicly present as anyone who held a position of great authority. Most assumed that Lucifer, Lilith, and Charlie would accompany her, but to their surprise, Eve was alone. She entered the court from a different room that she shared with one other person.
As Eve approached the center, her appearance was studied. She maintained the physicality she gained while in Doom, but everything else was different. Her hair was back to its naturally messy style and was bountiful in volume. Eve's body was no longer dressed in Demon remains but a gorgeous dress made of flora that showcased her beautifully sculpted form. The only alteration to the flesh was the removal of any scars and blemishes that were not there originally.
When Eve was opposite Samur, she looked at him with a neutral expression. How she had reacted when learning the truth was only known by those closest to her. Admittedly, many members of the audience hoped they would see that in her testimony, but it wasn't for any ill reason. The people only wanted to know the full extent of her feelings.
"Shall he be made to look at you?" Gabriel suggested.
"No." Eve calmly declined. "I don't need to see Samur's face. All I require is the assurance that he can hear me." She said.
"He can." Vega confirmed, speaking from one of the guards.
With that received, Eve closed her eyes and breathed. She'd been preparing for this, and now, it was real.
"I understand," Eve said as she restored her vision. "I want you to know that above anything else. I am able to look beyond what befell me and assess the circumstances as they were. Having spent so much time in Doom, I know its danger better than most. One crack, one oversight, one accident, and then, it's all gone. You couldn't gamble, and I think it would be foolish of anyone to say that they wouldn't have been as paranoid as you were.
Unfortunately, Samur, the choice you made was not your only option. You were already so consumed by the idea that it all depended on you that you were not willing to accept a potential ally. I would've helped you, even if you had demanded I keep it from Lucifer and Lilith. Had you been honest and shared your history, I would've understood then as I do now. I would not have taken the trust you could have given me lightly. I would have been willing to remain in the Ivory Tower and relinquish my freedom. I would've been able to watch the man and woman I loved. I would've been able to see the birth of their child and her life as she grew. I would've seen the wonderful woman that child became and how she aspired to do so much good. Although I would be absent, I could see every moment. Her first steps. Her birthdays. Her achievements. And maybe, if I could have convinced you, we could reveal the truth to our family and I could join them again. I could have embraced a Daughter and been with her as Lucifer and Lilith were. Instead, I was delivered to a fate worse than death for simply being myself. How could I have possibly known what I was doing was dangerous? In blissful ignorance, you condemned me to a true Hell.
Through my efforts and the aid of those who would become my dearest friends, I survived. I rejected the fate you gave me and endured. I did not hope that I would escape, only that I could become of some use to those I loved and those who were as unaware as I once was. I did not think myself capable of defeating Doom. Alongside my companions, I'd act as its watcher and researcher. I'd learn more until the time came when I could do something. What's truly incredible is that the one who posed the greatest threat to Doom was never you but a mortal like myself. Yes, by the time I learned of him, he had become something else. Regardless, a man whose life had been ruined like mine stood against this seemingly insurmountable foe and pushed it back. If there was ever any evidence that solidified your ignorance, it is him.
Although, there is one more. The soul you cursed. The life you despised. The person who you treated like a monster. How fitting is it that he has become revered? The masses rally around his image and hope for his eventual return alongside the other two that were claimed. Your refusal to accept anything other than your perception of reality is pitiful. I could insult you, mock you, abuse you, and ruin you. But even if my most twisted fantasies of revenge, nothing brings me greater joy and pleasure than this. The Fallen, as you're now known. A false savior who may never be forgiven. Yet, if that proves false with time, then I shall say here and now that I will NEVER spare you of your guilt. Forevermore, I hate you, Samur. I hope you rot." She concluded.
Throughout her speech, Eve changed. It wasn't an actual transformation that resulted in a different form, but it was still different from what she was like before. Her eyes widened, her fists tightened, and her voice became an anger-filled growl with teeth bared. If they were alone, it's not impossible to consider that Eve would've assaulted Samur. But, to be frank, if she had so in this court, no one would've stopped her.
Before anything else happened, Eve left the room. Lucifer, Lilith, and Charlie would've followed from the crowd, but their positions as Hell's Royal family kept them there.
"Is there anything you would like to say?" Gabriel inquired.
At first, it seemed as though Samur would remain unresponsive. Then, slowly, he raised his head to meet the gaze of his child.
"Why am I the only one? I ask you, my Son, why am I the only one to consider the likelihood of this all being a ruse? So many of us have witnessed the wit of the one known as the Wretch. That is the only reason he exists. Doom needed a mastermind. It needed a schemer and strategist. Why am I the only one who has kept that in mind? Why am I the only one who understands Doom and its monsters? You simply see enemies that must be slain, but it is so much more. It is an illness. It is a voice in your mind that you cannot ignore. Anything that is connected to it in ANY capacity cannot be trusted. But all of you do. Why? Why would you do that?" Samur asked.
Everyone expected Gabriel to ponder his reply. Yet, as they should've anticipated, he was prepared for a question like this.
"You're right, Father. Maybe we are all fools. It is a possibility. Until something is definitive, there will always be speculation and doubt. However, time and time again, Wretch was tested. He was examined. As Eve had mentioned, it is only your perception that you trust. Do you believe that the Creator of ALL entities would not be able to determine his sincerity? Even if Wretch's soul had been tampered with or altered to convince us of a lie better, she would have noticed the many instances in which they were connected. The same applies to other experts, such as the Sin of Gluttony Beelzebub. Despite what you may say, her empathic ability is surpassed only by Khan's, as is most things regarding the powers of the soul. I could continue to find the faults in your argument and counter it with indisputable facts, but I know that is pointless. So, are we to accept this as your final declaration? Do you remain steadfast?" Gabriel answered, ending with a question.
When Samur was done processing what he had heard, he lowered his head. Afterward, a dry, depressed chuckle escaped his mouth.
"So be it..." Samur whispered, closing his eyes. "This is the end. From here, I shall watch and wait for us all to be doomed." He said.
"Wait you will, but not watch," Gabriel corrected, hearing his words. "To ensure you are not influenced by Doom again, your soul will be placed in a device similar to what had been used against the other Maykrs. The notable difference, apart from the obvious lack of torture, is that you will have full reign over a simulation within the apparatus. If you insist on living in a self-made delusion, then we will provide you with the means of making it real." He stated.
With that, Samur was taken back through the portal. A few minutes later, the next person was brought out. Stolas, a former member of the Ars Goetia, was responsible for an attempted invasion by Doom. Even if the invasion was nothing more than a plot by the enemy, Stolas still allowed it to happen by succumbing to Doom's manipulation.
Unlike Samur, Stolas seemed...normal. That unsettled most of the gallery. Was it psychosis? An act? Or was it genuine?
"Hello, Gabriel," Stolas politely greeted the Archangel when he was in position. "It's been quite a bit since we first met." He said.
"To be exact, it's been thirteen months." Gabriel responded.
"Really? That much time?" Stolas questioned. "Truthfully, it's felt like weeks, maybe a month." He confessed.
The crowd whispered, but Gabriel paid it no mind. Gossip and hushed conversations were unavoidable.
"Stolas, I must order you to stay silent and refrain from any actions. If you disobey, even slightly, then Vega shall be forced to muzzle you. This must be done for the sake of the soul who shall come here and provide their testimony." Gabriel told him.
"Understood. I cannot promise that I won't be overwhelmed by emotion or impulse, but I shall do my best." Stolas stated.
With that established, the next person came from the same room that Eve did. Moving toward the center of the court was the Goetian heir, Octavia. Her attire was different from her preferred outfit, being an aristocratic ensemble befitting a Noble. However, there was one exception. Her shirt, although casual, had printed on it a VERY specific image.
When Octavia reached her Father and stopped, a palpable intensity was already felt. Eve had managed to be composed for a good while during her testimony. While it didn't seem as though the Goetian heir was about to start screaming, it was clear that she wouldn't bother with too much civility, either.
"I apologize to the court," Octavia started, briefly looking at the audience. "King Paimon, Lord Andrealphus, and Lady Stella are too busy with their responsibilities to be here alongside me. I am still inexperienced as a Noble, so my conduct should not be viewed as a reflection of the Ars Goetia." She said.
The audience was taken aback. To see the young heir go to such a length to prevent any dishonor or disgrace was admirable. Yet, to be blunt, it wasn't warranted. If Octavia yelled and acted rambunctiously, no one would view her as immature or a poor representative of her house. She stood before her Father, a man who had given himself to the greatest threat to all life everywhere. She, of anyone, deserved to behave however she wanted toward him.
"Now, I will give my testimony," Octavia announced. When she fixated on her Father, the intensity was felt again, only greater this time. "I've spent so long thinking about what I would say to you. I knew I couldn't mention anything from the past, even if this brings up those memories and emotions. However, to me, this is nothing more than the result of who you are as a person. Neither you nor my Mother were perfect. Really, our family was a mess. But the biggest between her and you is that she was like everyone else. You didn't always make it obvious, but as I got older, you showed more and more that you weren't happy. But it wasn't just with us or the rest of our family. You didn't act like a Hellspawn at all. This even came up when Gabriel visited our home, back before any of this happened. I wanted to be on your side, Dad. I loved you, and I didn't think how Mom or Grandpa treated you was fair." She stopped for a second, tears overflowing from her eyes. "Then, you did it. You caused so much death and destruction, but not like how Hellspawns usually did it. You didn't fight back against anyone. You didn't try to get your way. All you did was prove that they were right. Every time they said you were wrong was true. You always believed that you were a victim. Everyone else was the problem. And when Doom gave you the chance to make everyone pay, you took it..." She went on, now pulling at her shirt to show it off. "You and Samur, you're the same! You're both bastards who think so highly of yourselves that you can't be at fault! Everything you do is right! It's justified! You don't care about ANYONE else! And yet, for some reason, you're still here while Will isn't! He taught us about Doom! He did everything he could to show us how horrible it was! And you still trusted it! You believed it!" She exclaimed.
By now, Octavia was barely keeping it together. Many people felt as though there should be an intervention, but that was up to Gabriel. As for Stolas, he stared at his Daughter. He seemed surprised, but that was it.
"..." Octavia sniffled as more tears fell, hitting her shirt and the floor. "You let the Demons in. You gave Doom its grip on us. Samur is awful, but at least he hates them. He didn't give them a chance to claim us. But you did. Because of you, Will's gone. That's what I believe. If you had just stopped blaming others for being so pathetic, then he'd still be here." She said.
BAM
As hard as she could, Octavia punched her Father in the abdomen. The impact was strong enough to make him fall. Yet, despite the new advantage of height, she made that the end. There was SO much more she wanted to say and do, but Octavia knew this wasn't the place for it.
Like before, Stolas seemed only shocked. He watched his Daughter hurry out of the court as she could no longer restrain her cries. As Vega got him back on his feet, Gabriel spoke.
"I would ask if you have any final words, but that blow has left you dazed and breathless," Gabriel noted, seeing Stolas struggle to stay upright. "Regarding your sentence, it is not as drastic as Samur's, but it is still severe. Unlike the other possessed, you are not eligible for a potential relocation. As your Daughter mentioned, you CHOSE to be Doom's puppet. You could have easily spoken with William when contact was made, but you did not. You and you alone are guilty of treason and the endangerment of us all. You will remain confined in Urdak both for observation and imprisonment." He declared.
Stolas tried to say something, but all he could muster were gasps and coughs. Vega removed him from the court and through the portal. When they were on the other side, it closed.
"Thus, we move on to our remaining business," Gabriel started, ensuring he had everyone's attention. "Mammon. Valentino. Velvette. Vox. These four individuals were also possessed and used by Doom. But, unlike Samur and Stolas, it was not due to treachery. We know that the Vees, as they are called, were all victims of Stolas. Unfortunately, Mammon's situation is not so obvious. Still, his soul was bound to a contract owned by Katie Killjoy. Willingly, he could not have interacted with Doom in any capacity. What's interesting is that Doom did not sever the connection between his soul and the contract. That could have to do with the method used to possess him, but we can't determine that. Although there is room to debate Mammon's innocence, there is next to nothing that suggests he is the same as Samur and Stolas. As approved by the Creator, he is eligible for the same potential relocation as the Vees. For further details, I give the court to Princess Charlotte." He told them.
Upon being summoned, Charlie rose from her seat and went to the center of the room.
"Thank you, Archangel," Charlie said with a bow before focusing on the crowd. "As everyone here knows, I am the founder of an institution for redeeming souls. Of course, that original function has long since lost its significance due to...well, everything. However, there are still plenty of Sinners who wish to cleanse themselves, and they do so at my hotel as it is a facility dedicated to that purpose. Personal cleansing is different from cleansing some of Doom's influence and power. Doctor Samuel Hayden, Doctor Olivia Mayberry, and Vega have already handled that part. What I would like to do is rehabilitate the souls mentioned, but not strictly to cleanse them of their Corruption. Plain and simple, these people are broken. This horrible experience has changed them completely. It may be impossible to help them return to who they used to be, but that's not the goal. I just want to help them. They need treatment and care. However, nothing should be decided without conversation. While it would pain me to leave them as they are, if those who are here with me today vote that it is the best course of action, then I will accept that. I do not want to cause any conflict among us by treating those who were formerly possessed if it will be that much of an issue. So, for those against the idea, raise your left arm. For those who support it, raise your right." She stated, ending with an instruction.
About a minute went by of no votes. That wasn't surprising since everyone needed to consider this carefully. But when the limbs started rising, it continued at a steady pace. Over the next five minutes, the voting would transpire and reach its end.
The difference was close. Sixty percent were for the idea, and forty were not. When the results were seen, Gabriel spoke.
"Would communication help to ease some of your worries?" Gabriel proposed. "All of those who serve recognized positions of authority, which includes everyone in this court, will be given constant updates. The patients, as they will be referred to henceforth, will also be monitored by Vega. We could even agree to regular testing to ensure nothing gets past our notice." He described.
Another period of thinking came and went. When finished, the difference changed to roughly seventy-five percent against twenty-five.
"Hm, that's still quite a few of you..." Gabriel hummed.
"Excuse me," Charlie called, getting the court's attention again. "What if you spoke to me directly? When we are dismissed, those who feel they must express their concerns and anything else on their minds can gather around me. I'll spend as much time as you'd like to address everything." She offered.
In reaction, the remaining twenty-five lowered their arms and nodded. It wasn't approval yet, but Charlie was confident she could sway them.
"Does anyone have any comments or matters to present?" Gabriel inquired as all arms were lowered. After twenty seconds of nothing, he continued. "Then, as the Judge of Creation, I bring this conference to its conclusion. Be well, and stay safe." He told them.