I
UNDERDOG
"ATONE FOR YOUR SINS"
DISCLAIMER
NOTE: I am aware that the entire series is not finished yet. With the potential number of changes in the canon, this story will be an AU (Alternate Universe) that combines both elements and characters from Hazbin Hotel and Helluva Boss, while adopting some actual new elements from the canon. This story is also not too "Lore-Friendly" (aka not being too accurate to the world of the Canon.) So, be warned if some inaccurate information in this AU may make you cringe.
Both shows along with their characters DOESN'T belong to me. The series respectively belongs to SpindleHorse and its creator, Vivienne Medrano (aka "VivziePop".) The plot in this Fan Fiction and some characters you'll know who are OCs (Original Characters) are original from me. If any ideas or characters sound similar to another story written by somebody else, it is purely coincidental. I refuse to blatantly steal somebody's idea and claim that it was mine. If you have any concerns, you are always welcome to message me.
If there is anybody outside of this site posting this Fan Fiction without giving proper credit or impersonating me, please let me know.
Chapter 22: Ioudas' Shrines.
No amount of help can heal this trauma.
-(Somnium City, Pride Ring)-
(Vaggie's POV)
August 5th, 2014… (18 Years Ago)
…
"Preach. Shrine. Epicenter: Bravo Hotel 379211. Crosspoint: Two-five-zero. Radical Descension: Dark. Protocol: Judas. Discretion Level: Perilous. Repeat."
…
[Translation]
"Urgent relay. Explosion detected. Location: Somnium City. Estimated Blast Radius Size: 250 miles/400 kilometers. Depth Information: Unknown. Retreating is advised for all forces. Area of operations is no longer safe. Repeating this message."
…
All I could do was open my eyes. My body remained still, lying on the rubble while something pinned me down. I don't know what it was, but that itself didn't feel painful. Only just keeping me from moving around if I could. Then, after making some effort to move my arms or legs, there was finally pain as it felt like every single muscle in my body ached. Even the slightest movement was able to make things unbearable. It was almost like I was just waking up from a harsh car accident.
Letting out a groan as I snaked my arm out of the pile it was under, it took me a few minutes to get it out as I reached for my pouch beneath my chest-guard. It was my IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit) that included a syringe that contained an angelic healing agent that would basically reduce pain and slowly heal any sort of injuries, even internally. But not enough to fully recover as it served as a temporary drug. After injecting myself with it, my body began to regain its energy as the pain faded enough for me to remove the rubble. Thankfully, there was no serious injuries besides the scratches from the debris from…
…that explosion…
Then, it hit me. While my radio was still active and receiving a repeating message to inform us about the explosion, I began to try and remove the debris off first before moving onto the blockage on top. All I could see is what it seemed like was sunset. But the moment I reached the top; it was revealed to be nighttime. And in the northeast stood the remnants of a cloud from an explosion, with sparks still flying around the air along with the glow of fire and embers in its surroundings. Words cannot be expressed by its terrifying appearance along with its size. It was like a shrine that represented the end of the world.
In fact, another realization was there seemed to be nobody around me. I swear, hundreds of fellow angels and demons from Hell's military were around me before this event happened. I can't be the only one alive…!
"H-…H-Hello!" I called out in such a choking voice due to the dust and heat. But my call remained unanswered, which made me assume nobody heard me. Or at least that was what I was trying to convince myself. "Seneschal?! Commander?! Para…gon…?"
My mind stumbled. "Paragon" was the name of the Exorcist squad I led during this battle. And then it hit me.
Panic began to set into my chest as I picked up my radio to try and contact my team's frequency. "This is Paragon Actual! Report your status!" I called, which seemed to have passed through as my radio was functioning properly. But there was, like my calls, no response. "I say again! Paragon Actual to all Paragon elements! Report your status! Please respond!"
Once again, no response…
The biggest fear for any soldier in charge of others was now starting to become a reality. Panic in my chest was slowly turning into a painful crack at the thought of my squadron being wiped out, leaving me behind. Then, the tears fell after my legs gave in to exhaustion and the injuries when the stimulant began to wear down. I felt so vulnerable. All I could do was clench the radio and try to call again, clinging onto any hope I had left that someone survived.
"This is Paragon Actual! Is there anyone left?! Please say something…" I choked over the radio again, unable to hide my desperation. But there was no point.
I was talking to dead air.
…so, I accepted my loss and screamed at the "shrine" in despair.
"GOD DAMN IT!"
-(RNS Lucifer Morningstar; Ioudas' Shrines, Pride Ring)-
Present Day…
And there lies what was once Somnium City.
Now nicknamed "Ioudas' Shrines".
We were on the outside boundary of the explosion where we were able to see the pillars of rocks and manmade structures left behind from the event. No longer onboard the RNS Erinies, we were transferred to the RNS Lucifer Morningstar, which was not a part of any of the carrier assault groups in Operation: Dusty Wings. In fact, it was one of the ships that annually attended anniversary of the "Day of the Ashes". Next to the RNS Lilith Morningstar and the RNS Charlie Morningstar, both of which were aircraft carriers too due to being in the same class. Accompanying us was Seneschal Christ's aerial flagship and fleet, who also attended the anniversary yearly.
Lastly, the other two ships that didn't have any designation to the Royal Armed Forces of Hell, or the Glorious Military of Heaven instead had a different emblem. One was a naval battleship that was twice the size of the RNS Malphas, and the other was an aerial airship carrier that hovered above the other ship. Those two belonged to the Defense Force for the Principality of Ioudas, the sovereign kingdom that controls the high northern part of the Pride Ring. Its independence was officially declared after the day of the event.
I could only stare in silence as all three sides were getting into formation for the memorial event. In fact, I wasn't the only one as Charlie, Octavia, and the others from Vermilion Squad and Fireteam Shinobi watched and took glances at the pillars and ruins from the distance. I never told Charlie I was involved in this operation when I was still a Captain in the Exorcists. Nor will I ever talk about it to her. No more pity should be given upon me for everything I've went through. The men and women who have fallen in this event deserve much more attention. It was the least we could do to offer respect when they're no longer here to take it.
"Vaggie? Are you okay?" Charlie asked.
Shaking out my thoughts, I turned around and gave a small smile to her and replied, "I'm okay. Sorry. Just…spacing out."
Melodie, accompanying her while the rest of her squad was spread out across the deck, frowned as she could see right through me. But she completely understood and tried to change the subject for my sake. "Captain Malphas is almost here. Should we go greet him on deck with Octavia?"
"Of course. Lead the way."
Charlie chortled and looked over at Octavia, standing by herself near one of the helipads. "Even when they were on the same ship, she finally gets to see her uncle once again."
I sighed. "That's pretty sad though. Not being able to see him due to work."
"That's military life for you." Melodie shrugged her shoulders. "Haven't been able to properly talk to my parents and my little sister ever since martial law started."
"Once again, I can't thank all you soldiers enough for your service of keeping us safe in these times." Charlie smiled at Melodie.
"Just doing our job, your highness." She smiled back and patted her head.
Playfully, I pouted and hugged Charlie's arm and asked, "What about thanking me?"
"Vaggie, you know I'm always grateful when you're around." Charlie chuckled and rubbed my head like how Melodie gave her.
As we approached next to Octavia, she was still playing around on her handheld game console while waiting for Malphas. We decided not to bother her while she waited, only exchanging silent nods while we awaited his arrival. And after a few short minutes, a naval helicopter was in view. But accompanied with yet another rotor wing with different configurations that matches the Glorious Military of Heaven. Since the second craft was descending to the same altitude as the other while seemingly coming from Christ's flagship, it was clear who it was.
"Seneschal Christ is coming onboard too, it seems." Charlie said while watching the Christ's air transport fly next to Malphas'.
"He still owes me some bread. A lot of it." I joked to lighten up the mood.
"For what?"
"N-Nothing." I chuckled and shook it off. "Just an inside joke ever since he arrived onboard the RNS Erinies that one time." I added, hiding the fact I once served under his command when I was still an Exorcist in Adam's Battalion.
Octavia paused her game and fixed her top before holding her hat to avoid making it fly off when they were going to land. She sighed nervously and watched as the naval helicopter landed first. And judging by its tail code, it was from the RNS Malphas.
"When was the last time you talked to your uncle?" I asked curiously.
"Seven years ago. He was only a Lieutenant Commander during that time." She replied while letting out a sigh, nervously.
Charlie tilted her head. "Well, what has got you so nervous for? It's just your uncle. You always talk about him."
"It's just been so long, that's why." Octavia answered while playing with her hair. "Not to mention, he's a War Hero. The first Ars Goetia demon to claim that title in history."
"Please. It's not really a big deal for me to be the first one on something." The voice of Malphas said as he walked off his craft. "How's the little owl doing?" He smiled as a way to make her comfortable enough to approach him.
"Uncle Malphas." Octavia smiled lightly and did just that.
"We finally meet again, Octavia~!" Malphas embraced the young owl and stroked her head gently. "I apologize for not being able to spend some time with you during your stay on my ship. Things have been pretty hectic with Operation: Dusty Wings."
"It's okay. I wouldn't want to be much of a bother during your busiest hours." She replied while hugging back. "Is mom here too?"
He shook his head. "She's back onboard my ship trying to schedule some…"requisitions", according to what she told me."
Octavia sighed and looked away before saying, "I bet it's more makeup and wine after staying onboard the ship for a while…"
Charlie smiled dryly. "Well, since I might head back to Pentagram City soon, maybe both of you can finally head back too."
"Probably for the best. Seriously. My crew might be able to relax a bit more after that woman is off my ship…" Malphas sighed.
"Not a big fan of her too, are you?" Charlie asked as she did have some dealings with Stella in the past, which was clearly not a good experience.
"I'm sorry if she ever gave you trouble." He bowed his head.
"Permission to intervene if she ever does?" I asked jokingly. Partially, that is.
"If you have to protect Princess Morningstar from her in any way, by all means." Malphas nodded, giving me the green light as if there was no issue at all. He looked back up and gave a greeting smile to someone behind me. "Seneschal Christ. It's a pleasure."
Christ, who was just getting off from the landed transport ship with two other familiar faces, nodded back with the same welcoming smile. "Captain Malphas. I remember when you were still an Ensign."
"Must be pretty funny now that I'm the Captain of a ship named after me." He laughed and extended his hand for a shake, which Christ did naturally. Tilting his head to peek at the other two behind him, he asked, "I don't think we've met. Who are you two?"
The two individuals behind Seneschal Christ were Seraphim Angels, with one of them being a familiar face I happen to work with in the past when I still served with the Exorcists. I avoided eye-contact with her in order to avoid being the first one to catch a glance. As for the youngest one next to her, she seemed more comfortable to look into.
"I am the Head Seraphim. You may call me Sera, Captain." She bowed her head, which seemed a bit awkward, coming from a high-ranking angel towards a demon field-officer.
The young Seraphim stepped forward and greeted, "And you may call me Emily. I'm with the Head Seraphim."
"A pleasure."
Sera peeked over at Charlie and bowed her head to her as well. "Princess Morningstar. I'm happy to see you recovering sooner than later. Our Lordship sends his regards and prays for your health."
"Thank you." Charlie smiled warmly.
"Hello again~…" Emily whispered and waved happily at Charlie.
"Hiii~…" She whispered back.
"Speaking of which, is your God attending this year?" Malphas asked.
Christ nodded. "My Heavenly Father will be watching the speech onboard the flagship of my fleet."
"Head Councilman Joseph and Councilwoman Mary are accompanying onboard too." Emily added.
"But why? They didn't have to come down here." Christ asked curiously with some worry, since those two were his parents.
"They've been pretty concerned about you, Jesus." Emily frowned. "Being so close to the warzone during Operation: Dusty Wings. Not to mention that Our Lordship has been praying for your safety."
"A devout Christian like Quaid would be on his knees if he was able to see the three of them too…" Melodie snickered.
"I don't think it would just be the three of them putting him on his knees." Ozren called out as he and Ayase approached them, pointing at Malphas' transport aircraft where two WarDogs hopped out.
The first one was a male hellhound while wearing a heavy chest rig with even some shoulder protection, padded camouflage pants that seemed more fitting into a jungle environment from Gluttony, strapped boots with a Royal Marine survival knife on his left, and equipped with an LMG that was large while the bullets seemed to have a bigger cartridge. He did have the WarDog collar and tag like the other next to him. But the unit patch was different. From this distance, I could make out a spear's blade almost shaped like the ace of spades.
As for the second one, it was a horned female demon wearing a combat coat with her sleeves rolled up, a more moderate sized chest rig, and wielding an SMG that seemed like it was from Earth, which was a clear sign she might be a sinner. It was most likely a SIG MPX submachine gun. And like the hellhound, she had the same patch along with her own style WarDog collar, holding a charm for Hell's Royal Air/Aerospace Force logo.
Malphas folded his arms and smiled at the two. "Oh, right. Those two Spearheads will be partaking in the remembrance gathering with King Lucifer. They just finished up their assignments in Pentagram City after it was raided."
"Spearheads?" Octavia asked.
"WarDog Spearheads, Hell's best warriors in the entire Royal Military. Ones that proved to be up and beyond skillful and lethal than your average." I answered, having some knowledge on this unit.
Melodie nodded. "The Spearhead Pack is what they call them. These WarDogs are…let's just say even I'm kind of scared of them. And that's saying a lot."
"No other name of a unit is heavy when you hear about the WarDog Spearheads." Captain Malphas said while watching the two of them get off the helicopter. "I've seen them in action in the past. Enemies didn't even stand a chance."
"Isn't that the man that handled Underdog during his trial?" Octavia asked about the hellhound.
Ayase nodded. "It is. 1st Lieutenant "Digs" is what they call him. As for the lady next to him, she's Major "Traps"."
"The names may sound kind of dumb. But that's not the important part for them." Ozren added. "When you get the chance to see a Spearhead and think you can take him/her on, just know this. A single one of them has at least a minimum kill count of five hundred." He shook his head while he watched Digs and Traps walk around the deck.
"Hell. That's only the reported kills. Who knows how much more there is unreported…" Malphas added. "All I know about these folks is it's mandatory to have that much of a kill count. No exceptions."
"How many are in the Spearheads…?" Octavia asked while glancing at Digs and Traps, almost nervously upon hearing this information.
"Normally, that's classified for others to know." He replied. "But since you're a part of the Ars Goetia, and my cute little niece, it's estimated to be around three hundred Spearheads."
"Both active and reserve?"
"A Spearhead reservist?" Malphas chuckled and shook his head. "No such thing. They're ALL active duty."
"That's right. Even the ones that retired." A male voice spoke from their side, which was coming from the Spearhead hellhound. "Princess Morningstar." He saluted to her, even giving Octavia a respectful bow.
Melodie gave the hellhound a salute and asked, "Welcome back to Pride, Digs. Gluttony been treating you well?"
He sighed and shrugged his shoulders. "I could never get used to the weather over there. It's always more tropical than anywhere else in Hell."
"You've been deployed there for a while." Melodie pointed out. "Hopefully the top brass will station you somewhere new."
"He's going to Sloth soon." The female Spearhead accompanying him replied. "Alpha Hound (Major General Damiens) didn't really describe the details. But it's a "special" request, mind you."
"Well, you get to meet a couple more new faces. I'm sure the Queen Bee and Vortex will miss you." Melodie whistled.
"Speaking of new faces," He turned his head to the ones he's never formally met. Specifically, me, Octavia, and Seneschal Christ. "They call me Digs. Kind of a funny yet fitting name for a hellhound, don't you think?" He chuckled and shrugged his shoulders while looking away sheepishly.
Melodie chortled and rolled her eyes. "Turns out I'm not the only one with the funny doggy names." She said, reminding us that her nickname was "Mongrel" due to her being a mixed breed of a sinner and hellhound.
"And this is Traps. She's one of the six out of three hundred women in the Spearheads." Digs introduced her while she bowed her head to Charlie as a sign of respect.
"A pleasure, your highness." Traps said as she formed a small smile. She then turned to us and made a nod. "Nice to meet all of you too."
All of us greeted them back respectfully as I looked to the south after before asking, "Is Charlie's parents on their way too?"
Digs nodded. "Mmhmm. ETA: Seventeen mikes (minutes). They've been dying to meet up with her after receiving news that she woke up."
"Pentagram City is getting better too. But everyone is a lot more paranoid now." Traps added.
"Can't say I blame 'em." I shrugged my shoulders. "The capital has not come under attack in thousands of years, excluding the annual exterminations."
"Is there any certain amount of time martial law might end…?" Charlie frowned.
"Sorry, your highness. We still don't have an answer for that." Digs shook his head. "But just remember we'll continue our duty to make sure everything returns to normal."
"I understand…."
As the conversation carried on for a good chunk of time, two aircraft began to approach the RNS Lucifer Morningstar. One from the north, one from the south. The aircraft from the south was clearly coming from Pentagram City, since it was across the Bolgia Sea. However, the aircraft from the north was from the Principality of Ioudas, meaning we all know who was coming aboard. All demons and angels onboard the ship were clearly uneasy looking at the aircraft from the north but remained firm on their duties.
The aircraft from the south, now landing while its Royal Family configurations displayed to the crew as they saluted, soon touched down and revealed Charlie's parents. Lucifer and Lilith were out after a one-star general formally stepped out to slide the door open further. This Brigadier General was familiar. He was the one who met up with Charlie in the hotel back then. What was he doing here?
Immediately, Lucifer and Lilith caught eyes on their daughter and ran up to embrace her. It was a pretty warming moment to witness, given to where we were. Lilith also made sure to give Melodie a handshake before a hug, reminding me those two were not only colleagues, but close friends.
The rest of us gave the three Morningstars their space for their reunion. For now, we watched the last aircraft land with a different emblem not affiliated with any unit from both Heaven and Hell. It was the emblem of the Knights of Ioudas. To put it short, Prince Ioudas' twelve bodyguards composed of demons who defected the Kingdom of Hell under Lucifer and fallen angels that removed their allegiance to God and Heaven. They were all dressed in some sort of exoskeleton-like armor that seemed like a reverse-engineered version to the standard issue suits for Hell's armored mechanized infantry units. To add to the armor, their faces were concealed with helmets with their visors representing their race. Standing crosses represented the fallen angels, while the upside-down crosses represented the demons. Six members for each side.
What was more impressive, yet disturbing was how the two sides of Ioudas' Knights treated each other. There was no sign or feeling of resentment towards one another, while shining their zealous protection towards their leader. I've worked with demons in the past when I was still an Exorcist, and even we exchanged some nasty words and expressions for one another. But for these guys, I couldn't see anything like that just body language alone. These Knights have clearly worked together for years and shoved aside their differences so easily to protect their new and main savior, Ioudas.
Then, the Prince himself stepped off. He wore a much thicker layer of armor while having a towering height compared to all his Knights. The flag of his sovereign Kingdom served as a cape while holding an axe half the size of his body. His helmet had a visor shaped like a cross like the fallen angels. But metal spikes and his corrupted halo made it seem like he was wearing a crown, representing his status. For his firearms, on his side was a holy-modified revolver that looked similar to a Smith and Wesson Model 500, and an M14 Battle Rifle which was also modified. This only made me assume Ioudas was once a sinner in his history.
All his Knights kneeled down as Lucifer, Lilith, Jesus, Sera, and all the others deemed important respectfully bowed as Ioudas did the same too.
"Twelve knights." Christ watched and chortled a bit. "Kind of like my twelve disciples."
One of the knights stood up and accompanied Ioudas while he approached the Morningstar Family. Sera, Emily, and Christ soon walked into their group as they began to have a calm yet short chat among each other. I couldn't hear exactly what was going on, since it was a conversation between our leaders. But what put me at ease was that things weren't escalating. This was a remembrance gathering, after all.
As soon as the conversation was over, Charlie walked over back to me and let out a sigh. "Is it still wrong for me to admit that being near Ioudas is kind of…unnerving?"
"I can't really blame you for that, since he's responsible for the…you know…" I frowned.
"But this is coming from me. You know, the girl that believes in redemption and yet I'm not letting all of this go for what he did." Charlie bit her lip. "He seems like a good man now. But…I can't help it."
I'll admit, being near Ioudas made me pretty uncomfortable. That man was the reason why I lost the rest of my friends from Paragon Squad. Still, I had to hide it. Not only to avoid causing tension towards his knights already scanning us, but to make sure Charlie isn't aware. I never told her about my service and my role in the battle. And I intend to keep it like that forever. "This will all be over soon. Don't worry."
In preparation for the event, bouquets of flowers were taken out from the inside of the RNS Lucifer Morningstar as all personnel from all three militaries began to line up in formation to the edge of the carrier. Our group was placed near the beginning of the formation, which was from the left. Lucifer along with the older higher-ups, were behind us. In the center stood armed sailors and marines holding ceremonial rifles with Hell's Royal Armed Forces flags attached from beneath the barrels. Traditionally, the annual remembrance gathering would have the host ship personnel be doing the gun firing salutes. For example, if this was a vessel from the Glorious Military of Heaven, the angels would be doing this instead.
One of Ioudas' knights, the one that accompanied Ioudas with Charlie's parents and the others, approached us with one of the bouquets. Due to her height and her demonic horns exposed from her helmet, it was a female imp as I recognized the horn and tail matching those of one instead of other demons or a succubus.
The closest ones to her path was Digs and Traps. While Digs remained firm, Traps gave the knight a somewhat stern expression without making it too hostile. At first I wondered why she was like this towards her. It was answered as they both began to speak to each other.
"Sherry." Traps called her by some nickname.
"Traps." Ioudas' imp knight greeted back and handed over the bouquet of flowers.
"No matter what, I still question your decisions to where you are now."
"I'm flattered by the "concern" from you, Major. But we're not here to argue. Now, please take this." The knight replied as she pushed the flowers further.
Traps half-heartedly took it and took one rose out before passing it down to Charlie. "Here you are, your highness."
Charlie watched as Sherry walked away and asked, "You know her, Major?"
"All you need to know is we had history."
Digs snickered. "Why do you have to make it sound like you two dated?"
"Because that's in your head, dumbass." Traps rolled her eyes.
The bouquet got to me after Charlie as I took one rose out and asked, "Are you comfortable of sharing on what kind of history?"
"We looked up to her back then..." Traps answered quietly and averted her gaze to the ground. "Listen, let's just drop that subject and focus on the event, okay?"
"R-Right. Yes, ma'am."
As the bouquet was being passed down while each member took one flower, it soon became empty as not one person was left empty-handed of one. The moment they heard Lucifer shout out "Stand firm!", all personnel from Hell's military placed the flowers on their chest. Seneschal Christ did the same thing as the angels that came onboard placed the flowers on their chests too. Lastly, Ioudas shouted next as his twelve knights followed along with what the others did. Flag bearers then stepped forward from behind us to raise the three flags of the Kingdoms. And for the final touch, one of the commissioned officers of this carrier stood ready with a bugle.
It was about to begin.
Then, Charlie's father started speaking.
"August 5th, 2014." Lucifer began, "The Day of the Ashes; where many warriors have fallen with the innocent souls we have mistaken to extinguish. No echoes of any celebration will be carried over to the dead. Instead, we mourn and hope they found their peace beneath the shrine. Whether they are demon or angel, it matters not. Where they rest will serve as a reminder of this event, and to ensure nothing like this will be committed in the future. There is no clean history for the Kingdom of Hell and the Kingdom of Heaven. Nor Ioudas' Principality. Our history has its stains. But those marks of shame will serve as our lessons."
Next, it was the time we bowed our heads down to the "shrines" and stood there silently. Everyone silently thought about their prayers while the memories of my friends from Paragon Squad couldn't leave my head. Of course I sent my prayers to the other ones who've died as well. But that didn't mean our friendships were easy to let go.
Charlie even noticed my hurt expression as she gave this concerned look that could easily be read as, "Are you okay?"
I just responded with a small smile and a small nod, just to try and assure her it was all good.
After the period of silence, Lilith continued on with the speech. "And once again on this day of gathering, we pay our respects to the fallen. Hold onto the memories of them and continue to tell their stories so they won't be forgotten. And with it, our Kingdoms will continue to sing in their name." She said while raising her flower high as the rest of everybody did the same.
"Stand FIRM!" Malphas shouted out as the sailors and marines holding the ceremonial rifles raised them. "Load!"
The sailors and marines pulled back their weapons charging handles to put their bullet in the chamber.
"Aim!"
Rifles were pointed at a fifty-five-degree angle.
"Fire!" Malphas shouted.
*BOOM!*
The volley of gunfire made Charlie, her parents, Octavia, Sera, and Emily flinch, since they weren't used to live-fire exercises like the personnel onboard. Me included, since I still held my mentality during my time in the Exorcists. After the volley of shots, the commissioned officer with the bugle played a remembrance tune as the rest in uniform did their proper salutes. Lastly, they dropped their flowers to the ocean below. A few of the demon sailors and marines along with some angels and Ioudas' knights clearly held in their emotions upon dropping them. I could only assume they or even a loved one of theirs were present during the event eighteen years ago.
In my case, I couldn't salute due to not being in uniform and my "dishonorable discharge" from the Exorcists back then. All I could do was bow my head while both my hands were on my heart. Thankfully, I held in my tears throughout this whole thing so this wouldn't concern Charlie.
"Rest easy, Paragon." I whispered while still bowing my head to the shrines.
Universe Trivia
(This chapter's trivia is a collection of military/faction emblems I have drawn myself. Please visit this story's AO3 (Archive of Our Own) version if you're curious to see them.)
Sorry for the late update. I had to rebuild my main PC rig in Hawaii and was animating something.
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