It was an uneasy morning for the Purgatory investigators, Hellborn, and sinners. Yet, only one surpassed them all with his anxiety underneath the facade of grace and status. Lucifer 'Magne' Morningstar stood outside of the hotel with both hands clasped atop his apple cane. The airship that would escort the building's residents to safety would leave shortly. For a matter so simple, it felt like he would endure the longest of hours.
One by one they walked aboard and bowed in the ruler's and his wife's presence. What he saw was some of Hell's lowest being tasked with one of the greatest missions he could ever oversee. Then Charlie and her girlfriend stopped in front of him before they could enter the snake's vessel with the assistance of his egg minions. "Dad, I know you don't think much of Heaven but I'll try to convince them to redeem our people here."
He smiled at her optimism and knew better than to argue now in these times. Even after all the dire suffering and the threat of kidnapping by one of his brothers, she could still see the light amid the dark woes. It was not up to him as the angelic bureaucracy did not bow to the whims of imagination and rainbows. All that mattered was that the most precious joy of his life would return to him just as she would leave. "I know you will. Just stay safe while you're there."
"I will!" She gladly replied before jumping at him with her arms wide. Then she wrapped around him in a warm embrace. "It will be fine, I'm sure of it."
"Goodbye, Charlie."
"Bye, dad."
His daughter slipped her arms away as she grabbed Vaggie by her wrist and dragged her to the ramp. It was a comical scene, seeing the lesbian sinner be dragged away like a child bringing her teddy bear.
The investigators and their leader gave slight nods of respect to the royal couple watching their boarding. Yet, one took the moment to break ranks and stay behind to talk to him. Artyom's expression revealed a sense of reluctance; however, Lucifer sensed he had something to speak of. "It might not mean much, but I'll do everything in my power to keep her out of harm's way."
"You already did when Gabriel attacked this hotel." The ruler reminded him of that clash against his fellow archangel.
"Yes, but I do have something to say," He stole a glance at the last trace of the boarding party making their way up the metal ramp. "I just want to thank you for teaching me. It might make a difference this time."
The Fallen Archangel was taken aback when the Russian released his grip on the assault rifle slung around his neck and reached out with an empty hand. It was a bizarre situation that he found himself in. "You would shake hands with me of all people?"
"Yes, sir. I know what it's like to be damned and I have no right to judge."
"Brave words for a human." He smiled, understanding the man whose courage led him to confront his brother. One of these days, should this man ever return to his realm, Lucifer would welcome him for a debt that could never truly be repaid. "Then again, I shouldn't expect anything less from a servant of Azrael."
Then he reached out and shook the hand of his pupil. No matter how short-term his combat lessons were, they had passed on to a soldier of Heaven. He had been used to seeing the worst of humanity throughout all of his rule. Yet, a glimpse into a a noble soul in one of the worst places in reality helped ease his skepticism on his daughter's hotel. With people like Artyom, perhaps there was a place where a sinner could be redeemed.
"Hey, chuvak, everyone's on board! Get inside before lift-off!" Shouted one of the Russians, who stood at the base of the ramp to catch the investigator's attention. The man exchanged one quick look before returning his gaze to the Devil himself.
He nodded while tightening his grip on his assault rifle's sling. "Duty calls and I have to go."
Lucifer admired the pride in the soldier as he shifted face and strode to the airship's ramp with purpose in each step. Then, when the saved reached the airship, he quickened his pace and double-timed his pace to get inside. Once the last of its passengers were in, the ramp began to retract back into the hull while the airship's engines roared as if powered by the sun.
"It's odd but I feel like I just experienced deja vu." Lilith remarked from behind as he maintained unbroken eye contact with the ship carrying his daughter. Yet, his ears also wanted to hear what his wife had to say. "You might think this is silly."
"This family of ours is silly but I won't laugh. Are you troubled by something?"
"No. When that saved made his farewell, I couldn't help but be reminded of your brother, Michael."
"What makes you say that?" Curious to hear her reasoning as to why she would think of Heaven's symbol for Holy Wrath.
His queen walked forward until she was standing by his side as they watched the airship rise from the ground and ascend to the skies. "Duty-bound to a fault that is what I see in that man. Someone who clearly doesn't need to go the extra mile; however, does so anyways. I can't read hearts but I feel he's trying to do you right, despite what Heaven thinks of us."
It was food for thought as Lucifer Magne Morningstar watched the airship accelerate and leave the perimeter of Pentagram City. Whoever drove the machine had flown it upwards toward the small white dot in the distance. What he once called home had been nothing more than a distant memory ever since his fall. This was the one last gambit that could save Charlie from Gabriel's machinations.
For the first time since the elder days, the Devil prayed to the Holy Father.
There was still much to be done as Gabriel planned the next moves of his men and the Exterminator Corps. Graves had seen to it that the hidden canyon base wouldn't be found by sinners or saved alike. Standing in the command center, the gunslinger watched a wall of camera monitors protecting the perimeter of the facility. Any Hellborn who casually approached would be spied on and if they dithered around long enough, would meet an untimely end by snipers cloaked among the dunes.
A door from his left swung open and Lute appeared in the doorway with a furious look on her face. "We have a problem!"
His hands clenched against the metal railing from the platform overlooking every console and screen. It must have been important for him to be interrupted on his casual sentry duties. "What's wrong?"
"Those we've left behind in Pentagram City have reported that an airship was briefly sighted at the Hazbin Hotel." She said making her way to his position in the room. "They just launched off and made their way towards the gates of Heaven."
"I'll be damned, they're going to make the drive." He had to admit, that whoever suggested that idea was committing themselves to the gamble or was completely desperate. He wouldn't want to openly respect a traitor to Heaven but even Graves was caught off-guard by this move.
"I already told Adam and Gabriel. We need to make our move before they reach the Holy Realm."
He turned to everyone in the command center as exterminators and Gabriel's soldiers looked up to him for decisive action. "Alright people, I want assault teams prepped for VTOL deployment. Get every air-mobile asset on standby."
Keyboards clicked and conversations about an emergency deployment made the man proud of his subordinates. Yet, he needed to remind them of their objective.
"Remember, the princess needs to be taken alive! I don't want any fuck-ups and no one is allowed to smoke it out of the sky. Speed and aggression, folks, speed and aggression."
The angel stood beside him with her hands behind her back. Ever since he met her, she had always been professional towards everyone. It isn't until Adam would crack a joke that her facade of a soulless killer would break from his humor. "They're going to be leaving our jamming range. If they do, I have no doubt they'll try to contact a control tower of their arrival."
"That's why we need to get there first."
"You're not going to join your crew?" She asked but he had other plans. This was the one time he wouldn't want to get into that kind of gunfight involving gunships and jet packs.
He shook his head as his focus was on the airship itself and what it would be capable of once his men were engaged. "Hey, what do we know of that thing?!"
One of the analysts below him had stood up and turned to face him. Wearing a white button shirt and a black tie and pants, he would have been another drone behind a desk if everyone hadn't fled the failed kidnapping of Charlie. "It's built by a sinner named Sir Pentious! We got a detailed report that it was damaged during the latest post-Extermination gang wars but our OPs say it got repaired before landing at the hotel. Speed is in line with what we have on record."
"Alright, tell our guys to kill the engines and cripple that piece of shit. The longer we let it live, the closer they get to Heaven."
"What about the others accompanying her?" Lute wondered since the heiress to the Dark Realm always had an entourage. "They'll still try to protect her."
"Everyone knows my preference. Ain't that right?!"
"Yep-yep!" The saved in the room answered in unison.
"Besides, Gabriel doesn't like unnecessary prisoners."
The Exterminator then spoke of a new concern that he hadn't thought of. "I am not one to consider the possibility of failure but what can we expect if a message reaches out? Who do you think will respond?"
"This is gonna concern the Holy Army, which means that if we don't stop that flying barge, we'll be putting our faith in Michael." He stated, so sure about which authority would be noticing their operations. It was that archangel's duty to defend the Realm of Light; however, that one fateful meeting with Azrael revealing the nature of their plans may have influenced him. He didn't know where his loyalty lay with, only that he could either help Gabriel finally bring war to Hell or be met with a strong military prepared to adhere to the status quo. "I don't want to place my bet on that."
"Once we deal with this, Gabriel is going to launch a final strike on Pentagram City with what we've discovered here."
That was news to him. Ever since their failure at the Hazbin Hotel, Graves turned his head to the angelic woman with morbid curiosity. "With what? We might not get another chance with what we have left."
"For all of Hell's efforts to present a united front, there's always a selfish sinner or opportunistic Hellborn that will gladly sell one of their own for a quick reward." Lute answered with a sadistic smile, instilling dread into a fellow servant of the Holy Father. "There are some who are still bitter and dissatisfied with their ruler."
"You're not going to spare me the details."
"All in due time, saved. Just do your job and let me handle mine." She replied before breaking eye contact and making her way to the door. He was left with a curious mind focused on what could be so powerful enough to help Gabriel gain the advantage and kill Lucifer Morningstar.
The departure from the city was nothing more than a speck on a small red planet the longer that Princess Charlie looked out the window. Yet, the royal hoped that this would not be the last time she would see her home despite the dangers that lurked. She didn't know what to expect from her future, only that it was being threatened in a way she did not imagine.
Someone entered her cabin, and she turned from the window to find Vaggie standing in the doorway. "How are you feeling? I hope you don't have homesickness already."
"Not yet but I'm still trying to get used to leaving Hell behind." She admitted, knowing that her girlfriend wouldn't judge for her feelings.
"At least you're safe." The moth sinner walked up to her and held her hand. They both revealed a friendly smile as the one-eyed girl leaned her forehead against hers. "That's all that matters when we get to Heaven."
Hearing the name of their destination reminded Charlie about her expectations of that distant place her father used to grow up in. All eyes would be on her and she would have to try and break through any fear holding her back. "What will they think of me when I get there? Are they going to think I'm trying to do something villainous?"
"If the department people are anything to go by, I think they know you well enough to treat you like lost family. Even if they would be scared of you, you might not be there for long after you get to go home. I don't exactly know what will happen to me if there is a return trip."
"What are you talking about?" The princess asked, perplexed by her girlfriend's ominous tone. It sounded like she wouldn't be able to join her back at the Hazbin Hotel.
That warm demeanor faded as a worried expression revealed a concerned Vaggie. Her eyes looked down before summoning the courage to look at the heir in the eye. "Charlie, there is something I discovered recently and I don't know how to explain it."
"Hey, whatever you're going through, we can deal with it together. Is Angel Dust not being polite? Alastor giving you shit?"
"No, it's not that." She turned to the window and stared for a brief moment. Whatever needed to be said, they had all the time waiting on Sir Pentious's ship. Then the girl returned her gaze to the royal. "Tony said that I'm not a sinner."
Charlie was perplexed by the statement but clearly her ears were hearing something different. "What?"
"He said that I'm here because of a bureaucratic mishap and that I'm actually a Saved."
"When did he tell you this?" As soon as her mind registered the revelation, she wanted to know how recent this news was.
Vaggie leaned her back against the window and crossed her arms. "After we had a meeting with Carmilla. He talked to me about it on the way home."
"Just now? I know we haven't known each other for long but why didn't he mention that?"
"He kept it a secret because if word spreads around that I'm not a Sinner, I get to go to Heaven but won't be able to stay with you."
"But you have a chance to be up there!" Charlie was frustrated at the notion that someone was kept back from entering Heaven. A moment of anger took over as she slammed her fist against the inner hull. "What right did he have to deny you a good place?"
"Because I love you. He wanted me and you to live happily together so that sending me to Heaven would hurt you." Was she defending his actions?
"What about your soul? Don't care about that?"
Vaggie smiled but her one eye seemed to resist the ability to shed a tear as she shook her head. "I do but not all the salvation in the world is worth missing you for an eternity."
"I… I don't know what to say-"
She had been cut off as the human placed her finger over her mouth and pulled her close. "It's okay. We'll make it through together. I think Tony's heart is in the right place."
"Sooner or later, they're going to find out." Charlie replied, recognizing the severity of their situation.
"We'll cross that bridge when we get there."
An Ars Goetia walked through the safe passageways of a sinner's vessel as he encountered cliques of egg minions roaming around the hallways and performing their tasks. For such small and incapable creatures, their idiotic view of the world was surprisingly adorable given what they were.
In the few instances, he encountered the sinners and Hellborn from the group, they exchanged a respectful nod and moved on with their lives. Maybe it was his status as a high-ranking Ars Goetia but perhaps they didn't have any intention of talking to a complete nobody by their standards, save for the Princess of Hell.
Blitzo and the others were their usual selves. They had been placed somewhere in the ship's lounge, where his daughter resided. He wanted to come and comfort his daughter after suffering the machinations from his brother-in-law and his wife. All she wanted right now was some time to think by herself and the noble was willing to adhere to the demands of his most precious creature in reality.
He arrived at the bridge and was slightly impressed by the elaborate steampunk decorations of the serpent's former background as a mortal. The ship's captain stood behind an elevated pedestal overlooking the rest of the room, where three sinners seemingly admired the massive window in front of them. One appeared to be a respectable gentleman, another was bored out of his mind, and the last was this short adorable cyclops girl. Curious about their sight-seeing, Stolas strode past Sir Pentious, catching him off guard while he walked down the steps.
The prince towered over the others as his height allowed him to look past the crew and passengers to see the foreign place that threw out his liege ruler that was Lucifer Morningstar. Off in the distance was a golden landscape kept together by clouds, despite the impression of softness, it was the foundation where the Kingdom of Heaven ruled with absolute authority that not even Hell could measure up to. Yet, it was also beautiful due to the aura of strange light encompassing everything in its way. He could see why some humans strove to enter this supposedly holy ground.
One of the sinners with deer ears and a microphone in hand had turned around and noticed him. His eyes widened, not out of surprise, but with a predatory look that he had seen many times among the power-hungry populaces. A greedy smile was all he could offer as he extended his free hand out to the Ars Goetia. "We were never truly introduced. Name's Alastor, your grace."
"I wouldn't shake that hand of his." Spoke a cat-like sinner with wings. His shirt and black hat almost reminded Stolas of those shows about the stereotypical depictions of bartenders. "Chucklefuck likes to make deals you can't get out of."
"Oh, you might be quite the character." Stolas remarked as he gave himself a mental note to never shake this sinner's hand. It would be embarrassing if his life belonged to someone. Then again, it couldn't have been worse than his marriage with Stella.
"Never did get a chance to see a Goetia up close."
He was quick to address why it was so rare for their kind to meet the likes of himself. "Rarely do we ever find ourselves in the same room as sinners. It really comes down to social sensibilities really since all of you are never allowed to leave Pride."
"Say, what reason did you have to be running amok among us then? We have all the time on this ship to tell stories of our ventures." Alastor seemingly wanted him to open his feelings on the matter.
"I would surely enjoy entertaining a damned soul but I'm not privy to sharing my history, one that could certainly overwhelm yours with the boredom of Goetian affairs." The prince wanted to diverge the conversation elsewhere and not be related to the personal relationship he held with Blitzo. "You should know better than to mind your business."
"It is my business since her highness invited to join her collection of misfits seeking some semblance of hope in their redemption. Somehow, her father saw fit to make you accompany us and we can't really afford to keep secrets. If Heaven's agents are willing to be open, we expect the same from you."
That was his ultimatum and Stolas was internally irritated that it was a fine point to be made as he looked at the overlord with a mask of transparency. The only reason they would have to even encounter each other was a single pretending soul, one he had once arrested. "Just as you were unknowingly wrapped in the affairs of Heaven, so was I. The difference being, my position retains responsibilities regarding the safety of Hell in service to my master."
"Relax, this is not an interrogation. Just merely an inquiry to an incredibly bored mind."
"Thermal signature detected." An automated male voice echoed from the loudspeaker, cutting into the conversation and interrupting the intense dialogue between the Hellborn and the sinner.
The short cyclops girl turned away from the window and looked to the captain's position. "Hey, Pentious, what's that wringing?"
"Uh-oh!" Replied the snake captain as his lack of confidence raised concerns. Both passengers and crew alike looked at the reptilian and found his gaze focused on the console. It appeared as if the beeping was some kind of danger only he would understand. "I'm getting lots of dots on my radar. Everyone, get ready, I think we are all going to be attacked."
The first thought on his mind was both Blitzo and Octavia as he broke away from the sinners by the window and retreated into the hallway. Ever since the escape plan was made, Stolas had his reservations about its success. Yet, he had a slight hope that fortune would save them from being accosted but current events dashed that. As he rushed to his familiar companions and daughter, he found himself brushing past the egg workers but instead of wrenches and power tools they were replaced with firearms and makeshift tools.
He hoped that he would get there before the shooting started.
Two souls were alone in their cabin and embraced each other with love on the couch. Artyom had Mayberry sitting on his lap as she pulled him close by his armored vest and kissed. He could taste and smell the flavor of cherry whenever they touched and he did not know why. It was a question that would have been asked after they took in these few precious moments. Not that he minded, if anything, it drove the Russian to consider what beauty products Verosika would have liked to make themselves delectable to the passionate heart.
Helen broke away from his lips before readjusting her glasses and the few strands of hair that fell out of place. She smiled and giggled, enjoying the moment where they could love freely. "We should do more of this."
"Yes, somewhere more private where half the crew wouldn't hear us." Had they escalated into taking off their clothes, they were bound to be heard by the entire crew and the rest of the passengers. It was bad enough that he embarrassed himself when the trio locked themselves into a single hotel room but he was considerate about the fact that Heaven would know about his love for the teacher.
"Having cold feet already?"
He shook his head to infer for a different reason. "We would make so much noise that my boss would hear me."
"What's the worst that could happen?" She asked before her hands held his head onto her soft palms. The sinner looked into his eyes and all he could see was joy. "I know my soul isn't saved but you're one of the few good things to happen in my life."
Sirens blared throughout the entire ship as Sir Pentious' reached them. "This is your captain speaking, I don't know who is approaching us but they don't look friendly. Prepare to be boarded!"
It was at this moment that their time would have to come to an end. Both the saved and the sinner climbed off each other, just to search around the room for their belongings. Artyom searched for his backpack and firearms he had brought on board. Meanwhile, he stole a glance from his girlfriend as she brandished a slam-firing shotgun while placing her purse on the couch. Then, she reached inside to pull out boxes of shotgun shells as she slipped the rounds into the weapon.
He heard footsteps tap outside the door to his right. Footsteps ran back and forth as the outside chaos subsided and loud tapping against the metal door. Pavel's voice shouted from the other side with news. "Chuvak, we got company. Six VTOLS and a bunch of exterminators are coming our way."
"Where do you need us?" The former Polis Ranger shouted back as he finally slipped his backpack over his back while his assault rifle slung from his person. Then he made his way to the door.
"Tony wants you to play offense. Some of us will go protect the vital ship systems. Tell Helen to accompany the princess!"
"No need to shout, I heard you already!" She shouted as Artyom looked over his shoulder to see her still loading shells into place.
"Ladna," He replied with approval before continuing as the door between both men slid open, "Gabriel's people have noticed we left. The VTOLs will close the distance and get their people on board. Comrade, I need you to board them before they can start ferrying bodies on top of us. Make use of that sword while you're at it."
"What will you be doing?"
Pavel pulled the bolt back on his futuristic sub-machine gun. "I still have this thing from KronoteK. It's enough to provide covering fire."
"Eggies, defend this ship with your lives!" The snake commanded from his loudspeakers.
"Artyom, stay safe out there!" Said the teacher as the Russians heard her cock her shotgun. She walked over to him and gave the former Polis Ranger a quick kiss before brushing past him into the hallway.
Blood on his cheeks was warm before he looked at his friend and saw him laughing. "What's so funny?"
"D'Artagnan, you are very lucky to have a good woman like that watching out for you. I pray you never get to meet the wrong end of her barrel."
"Shut up!" He embarrassingly replied as he led the way into the ship.
The hallways almost felt like a maze, a disorganized one at that. Fortunately, there were signs that helped lead the two investigators to their needed positions. Vibrations rippled through the airship along with the echoes of explosions and gunfire. They made their way down a flight of stairs and they stopped mid-way to see the chaos in what was the storage bay.
An opening on the port side of the ship had its bay doors drilled open as pieces of the hull flew out. Several dozens of egg minions supported by the Hellborn of I.M.P. seemed prepared as they took positions behind crates. With guns and melee weapons at the ready, they waited while Artyom and Pavel hastened their descent down the steps.
Squads of Exterminators flew inside with grace and skills of agility before they fluttered inside the room. The two sides erupted into a fight as the sinful creatures opened fire on their Heavenly assailants. To the investigator's surprise, the shots rang true as the winged killers were struck down. It was a brief moment of respite before the female warriors swooped low to stab and spear the minions into eggshells and yolk.
More arrived through the opening as soldiers in the Holy Army's blue and white uniforms flew inside wearing jetpacks and layers of kevlar and armor plates attached to exosuits. Artyom raised his M4 Carbine and started firing away in single shots, using the recoiling impact to stun this armored wave of reinforcements as he strode to the defenders in the center of the room. His friend rushed forward with the sub-machine gun firing from his hip as smart flechette rounds locked on to the armored and evasive threats present.
Millie and Loona jumped into several dozens of Exterminators as the duo engaged in a melee brawl. The imp swung her axe like a crazed berserker, cutting the women in pieces and ripping apart their blessed spears. Blitzo's adoptive daughter was a different matter as an animalistic rage took over with claws swiping away at uniforms and flesh. A blur of red and grey jumped from one spear woman to the next while the armored jet-pack troopers rallied their six-man squad with heavy machine guns, managing to shrug off the rounds. It was only a matter of time before they would pull their triggers.
Artyom slung his assault carbine over his back and charged towards the wall of men bringing their barrels to bear. They didn't seem to shoot their own and that gave the Russian time, enough to close the distance and tie them down in combat. He heard Pavel call out for him but the soldier ignored his calls and sprinted to the heavily armed juggernauts.
One managed to turn his head and reveal his ballistic visor to the lone straggler approaching their left flank. Then he began to point and shout at his attempt. Half of their ranks broke off to confront him as the distance was closed. It would have seemed that all the investigator had against them in close quarters was bare fists draped in kevlar gloves. That was until he made a sword-slicing motion to the nearest assailant.
His mind concentrated until his Zweihander appeared and made an uppercut slash. For all of the armor being present, the blade tore through as its length forced the foe to point his weapon upwards while firing. In a single stroke, the dead man stumbled and began to fall to his back. The other two yelled out in rage as they watched one of their own comrades have his kevlar and steel plates rendered apart like a can opener.
Artyom found himself exposed and would find himself in a hailstorm of vengeful gunfire despite his efforts to stall them. Yet, his enemies were quicker with their light machine guns. Then a brief white streak from his right as a bullet whistled past him and penetrated the helmet of the second juggernaut.
There wasn't enough time to figure out the shooter but the Russian did not hesitate to run towards the second armored soldier, keeping him in-between the third gunner attempting to lay down suppressing fire. Bursts of automatic gunfire chased but he threw himself to the dying man looking at his head wounds and realizing he had been shot in the head. A weak struggle broke out as a gloved kevlar gauntlet attempted to reach out and grab ahold of him.
He was faster as he grabbed ahold of the exosuit's chest piece and leveraged the weight against him. Then he pointed his foe's back to the barrel of the light machine gun and pushed himself against his source of danger. As he was shielded by another's body, it was only a matter of time before the shooting would stop whether out of fear of riddling a comrade or lack of a decent shot opportunity. Then Artyom closed the distance by shoving the corpse to the assailant and rushing past it with his Zweihander drawn.
A brief look into the man's eyes revealed a terrified soldier watching an oncoming right-hand swing. He seemed to be caught in disbelief before succumbing to the consequences of beheading. Both the bodies and the sliced head clanged against the floor, causing the remaining juggernauts to turn and face him.
"This fucker killed half of our squad!" They turned to direct their fury upon him. "Kill him!"
It was not long before Artyom followed after them with his service weapon in hand. He swiftly rushed to stab his fourth man in the chest before pulling the length of the blade out and smashing the helmet with the pommel.
The next willingly dropped his machine gun and countercharged the investigator back with his armor with bare hands. Both men found themselves trying to wrestle the Zweihander out of each other's grip and using their own weight to obtain leverage. Yet, the post-apocalypse survivor was quick to notice the assailant's chest rig holding semtex grenades. He reached out to activate one, leading to beeps ringing out before the juggernaut looked down with horror before frantic breathing could be heard underneath his helmet. It wasn't long before the swordsman managed to rip his sword away and used it to bump him back to the last and final soldier.
When the final soldier realized what was happening, he attempted to turn and run but the armor that once served as their protection had clearly weighed them down. The cumbersome remains of a squad found themselves trying to flee while Artyom retreated a few steps back until the two men were caught dancing in an explosion. Black clouds of smoke erupted while his ears were ringing from the noise. Once the smoke began to dissipate, all that was left were two heavily armored corpses and pools of red seeping out.
He turned to the rest of his comrades and saw Loona viciously bite into the throat of an exterminator with viscous abandon while Millie and Moxxie began to loot the weapons on the ground. Meanwhile, the surviving egg minions took the time to recover and mourn their losses as the sound of fighting continued throughout the rest of the ship. Blitzo peeked his head over from the crates and waved his free hand while his rifle rested underneath his right arm. "Fucking cockbiscuits, you never told me you had a fancy sword!"
"I stole it off the demon hunters when I had to rescue you." The agent of Heaven admitted while wielding his Zweihander with its flat side resting against his right shoulder. "Pretty handy, don't you think?"
"No shit that it's handy! Shit, now I want one for myself."
Pavel jogged and caught up as he began to reload his auto-targeting sub-machine gun before stopping over the bodies. "The fat zjulik wouldn't have played leapfrog with all that armor. Get their jetpacks, I'll cover you from the hole and you start gunning towards the pilots."
"This might be the worst time to ask this question but-" He never got a chance as the former communist officer began unstrapping one of the bodies with a working pack. It was all so sudden while he wanted to inform his lack of experience.
"Put this one on and we'll be mowing the grass."
"I don't know how to fly one of these."
"Eh, what you say?" He paused for a brief moment and looked up while slipping the arms out of place. "I wasn't paying attention."
Artyom needed to make this clear. "I don't know how to fly a jetpack."
"Now is a good time to learn unless you can shit angel wings from your back." Replied a pleasantly confident comrade as the jetpack was removed and was placed over Artyom's back. Once the straps were set tight, he patted his shoulder with a reassuring look.
"Any advice on how I'd deal with this?" He wondered, curious if there was anything he needed to do before facing certain doom. "I might get myself killed."
Pavel shrugged his shoulders with a smile. "Have fun!"
Author's Note: Ever since I got settled at my job, updates are going to be slow so don't expect them to pop in for one or two weeks. A lot has happened and several episodes have been released, including the introduction of Abel, which is a whole new can of worms I have to address at some point. Fortunately, I got a general idea of how this story will pan out and you can also thank stuff like Epic: The Musical for more or less keeping the muse to this fic alive.