Among the skies—in Heaven—30 minutes ago

It was another day in Heaven. You, Emily, Lute, Abel, and Sera were gathered around a table, discussing what to do next. Sera had called you in, requesting your help with an important matter. In the center of the table sat a half-sphere projecting Charlie, tirelessly trying to get Emily’s attention. Emily wanted to go down and speak with her directly, but Sera insisted that Hell should handle itself. Emily argued back at her, saying that she was just afraid and that they owed Hell a major apology.

Before the discussion could escalate, Sir Pentious burst in carrying cookies. Lute immediately objected, saying he couldn’t be in the room with them, Emily, however, had said that she invited him and insisted he could help—after all, he was a sinner too before being redeemed. After a brief and chaotic exchange, the group finally settled on a plan: bring gift baskets to Hell. “I mean, who doesn’t like gift baskets?” Abel chimed cheerfully—only for Lute to slam her head onto the table in exasperation.

You, Emily, and Abel prepared the baskets while Sir Pentious managed to convince Sera that the gesture was a step in the right direction. Sera, didn’t believe that it would be enough to truly apologize for Heaven’s past actions, but she reluctantly agreed. With a sigh, she opened a portal, and all of you stepped through—baskets in hand.

Down in Hell—10 minutes ago

The portal opened just outside Charlie’s hotel, where she lay on the balcony, exhausted from hours of screaming. After a brief round of explanations and clarifications—most importantly, explained to Abel who Vox was—you prepared to take the first step in your apology. Charlie warned you that Vox had a massive rally today, with a huge, excited crowd. This was your moment.

Now.

A second portal opened in the sky above the crowd. It wasn’t too high; with wings, it posed no problem. Charlie followed as well, using a stand to keep herself elevated. The crowd gasped at your arrival. Emily and Abel held the gift baskets, Sera followed behind, and you stood beside Lute, who crossed her arms with evident disdain. The portal closed silently behind you, cutting you off from Heaven.

Emily flied forward, waving her hand nervously. “Uhh… Hello!” she called. The crowd fell silent. Vox, standing atop his stage, suddenly erupted. “OH MY GOD! THEY’RE HERE TO SILENCE ME!” he bellowed. Emily quickly denied the accusation, clarifying that they were here to apologize. Sera echoed the sentiment, bowing slightly and offering words of regret.

Vox rose from his throne, arms crossed, eyes narrowing. “Oh. Really? You’re SORRY? For what, exactly?” he demanded.

Sera looked away, taking a moment before speaking again. “For… everything,” she admitted, her voice steady. Emily continued, “For allowing the extermination of your people.” she said sadly. But Vox seized upon this, twisting their words for the now cheering crowd.

Lute suddenly flied forward, face to face with Vox. “HOW dare you, FUCKING demonic FILTH—” she began, but Emily immediately restrained her.

The argument escalated. “ENOUGH!” Sera screamed, her chest eye opening as blinding light spilled from it. Her Seraphim form manifested, glowing with divine fury. “THE SINNERS LIKE YOU are the reason I allowed the extermination in the first place—power-hungry, violent, and relentless!”

Vox grinned, taking the opportunity to manipulate the crowd. “THIS ANGEL ADMITS IT! SHE CALLED THE EXTERMINATION TO SILENCE US, to keep sinners from speaking! empowering each other!” he shouted. The cameras on the stage projected Sera’s true Seraphim form in full glory, then, the screens befame red and the word RESIST emblazoned in white in them. Sera turned to her original form, irritated. He prepared to launch another one of his elaborate, aggravating songs—but this time, you spoke. Your voice rang out, cutting through the chaos. You were tired of him.