I woke up to the sound of my own ragged breathing. Opening my eyes, I saw that I was in a dark, cold room. There was a single torch flickering on the wall, casting eerie shadows around the space. I slowly sat up, realizing I was on some kind of stone slab. My head was pounding and my body ached all over. I looked down at my left arm, seeing that it still wasn't there. I sighed heavily, running my right hand through my hair.

Great, just great, I muttered to myself.

Suddenly, I heard the sound of footsteps echoing from the hallway. They were heavy, like whoever was making them weighed a lot. I tensed up, my heart pounding in my chest. The footsteps got louder and closer, until finally a figure appeared in the doorway.

It was Lucifer. The Demon God himself. He was huge, easily over nine feet tall. He had horns protruding from the sides of his goat skull, and his skin was a deep, fiery red, his fur was as dark as the midnight sky covering his upper half and lower body He was covered head to toe in battle armor, only his face was obscured partially with a hood. His eyes glowed like embers as he looked at me.

Well, well, well, he said in a deep, rumbling voice. What do we have here?

I glared up at him, trying to sound braver than I felt. None of your business, I spat.

Lucifer let out a loud laugh. Oh, but it is my business, he said, his voice dripping with amusement. You see, you're in my castle. And I always take care of my guests.

I snorted. Some care. Leaving me to rot in a cold, dark room.

Lucifer shrugged. I was waiting for you to wake up. I didn't want to disturb you.

I rolled my eyes. Sure you weren't.

Lucifer chuckled. Maybe a little. But I promise, you'll be treated much better now that you're awake.

I raised an eyebrow. And why's that?

Lucifer smiled, showing pointed teeth. Because now, all the guests have arrived and the alignment is now in sync. This is going to be the most joy-est of days.

Where’s the rest of my gang? I asked.

You shall see them soon and then some. You’re in for one Hell of a surprise, child.

We moved through the corridors as we spoke.

You see, I've been waiting for you for quite some time. Many have answered my call but so very few make it as far as you have. They lose to the despair of the Netherworld you call Hell, succumbing to their agony. Others are tempted into abandoning my cause, too weak willed they are to be coarse into depravity. Worse case scenario is they are eaten by other monsters, their soul never to be revived again in the cycle of rebirth. As you know, a soul that perishes in Hell cannot ever come back.

We made it to the throne room. The throne room was massive, with a high, vaulted ceiling that seemed to disappear into darkness. The walls were made of black stone, polished to a mirror-like finish that reflected the flickering torchlight. The floor was covered in a thick, red carpet that led up to the dais at the far end of the room.

Seated on the throne was Lucifer, looking even more intimidating than before. His red skin seemed to glow in the torchlight, and his eyes burned with an inner fire. He was leaning back on his throne, steepling his fingers together as he watched me approach.

To either side of the throne stood two massive demons, easily as big as Lucifer himself. They had scales as black as coal, and their eyes glowed like hot coals. They were armed with huge swords, and they watched me with a hungry gaze.

In front of the throne stood Belros, looking pale and scared. She was flanked by two more demons similar to Belros, these ones smaller but looking no less deadly. They had tridents pointed at Belros, and she didn't move a muscle, her hands raised in surrender. Grim was right beside Belros, no doubt if she had a body she would be in the same predicament.

So nice of you to join us Soda, we had the pleasure of keeping these accommodating guards company. Trying our best not to be impaled, burned to a crisp, or skewed.

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What’s hell is going on here Lucifer, release my friends. I shouted.

Why yes of course, they are after all my guests as well. However, there is a “No monster intrudes my home unannounced” policy of mine. She had your weapon are quite lucky to have you or I would have killed them on the spot. I just wanted to make sure they were truly with you. With a wave from his hand all the guards in the room became obedient docile soldiers and left to be at their stations near the throne.

After the exchange, Belros got on one knee and spoke humbly. Thank you for your hospitality oh great and merciful Lucifer, Goddess of the Netherworld. To be in your presence today is nothing short of a dream upon nightmares in my life to see someone as all consuming and all seeing as you, your majesty.

Kiss ass, I thought to myself.

Wait, Goddess! You’re-

Yes I am a woman, were my charms not good enough for you? It’s the raspy voice and muscles is it not. HAHAHA no matter, I am not offended. So few get to see me after all.

I’ll say sorry for that and nothing else. Your trial was a fucking living nightmare.

Yes no doubt it was, you and your companions have been great amusement for me as well as the friends you haven’t seen since your death.

WHAT? I said in surprise.

Oh yes, you’re not the only one who has been given a trial to reach me. She summons a magical display showing each of my old crew. Though your deaths were all but moments apart from each other. Krieg, shot to death, Sam, hit by a car, Hana, mauled to death by semi-trained dogs, and you die on impact on a great river. You were all given the trial at the same time. But now that you’ve reached me I grow tired of this farce. With my divine power I shall summon them all here post haste.

With a wave of her arms stretched out, a dark aura enveloped her hands and a portal opened up to each of the Legion members locations

Meanwhile…

Sam’s heart raced as she surveyed the dance floor, where ghouls and specters twirled in a macabre ballet, their laughter echoing like distant thunder. She felt like a fish out of water, a lone human among a throng of fantastical beings, each adorned in elaborate costumes that blended elegance with the eerie. As the lights flickered in hues of crimson and sapphire, she couldn’t help but wonder how she had ended up here, in the depths of the Netherworld, as the guest of honor.

An Incubus stood beside her, his azure eyes sparkling with kindness.

You see, m’lady, the beauty of this place is that everyone is here to celebrate you. They’re intrigued by your humanity. You’re a fresh breeze in a land filled with smoke and mirrors. His voice was smooth, like honey dripping from a spoon, but Sam felt anything but sweet.

Maybe,Garland, she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. But I feel like an awkward statue in a gallery of masterpieces. Look at them—dancing like they own the night while I’m stuck here, glued to this spot. She gestured to a tall specter, who spun effortlessly in a flowing gown made of shadows, her laughter ringing like wind chimes. I’m envious of people like that. Who can do things I only wish I could.

Garland chuckled softly, shaking his head. Why don’t you give it a try? Just a little shimmy? You might even surprise yourself!

Sam glanced at him, her brow furrowing under her mask in thought. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to dance; it was simply the fear of stepping into a spotlight that wasn’t meant for her. In her mind, she was still the timid girl who had always shied away from social events, the one who preferred the safety of her books over the unpredictability of a party.

Remember, Garland continued, as he gently nudged her toward the thrumming heart of the dance floor,

this isn’t about being perfect. It’s about letting go of your worries. Besides, if you fall, I’ll be right there to catch you. He extended his hand, a playful grin plastered on his face.

Taking a deep breath, she reached for his hand. The warmth of his touch sent a shiver down her spine, igniting a spark of courage. Okay, I’ll try, she murmured

A wise man once said that if you pretend to be somebody until that somebody turns into you. Then everything you hoped to achieve will eventually become a reality.

So basically you’re saying I should fake it till I make it. Ugh!

It never hurts to try and be somebody that you like rather than be the somebody you dislike. It also wouldn’t hurt you to take off the mask from time to time, m’lady. He reaches out his hand to carelessly pull Sam to him as they perform a waltz. Until a dark portal shows up and whisks them away.

In that instant, the ballroom faded, the elegant chandeliers dimmed, and the sound of the orchestra transformed into an eerie silence. The dark portal pulsated ominously, its edges swirling like smoke, beckoning them into the unknown. Sam's heart raced, caught between the thrill of adventure and the fear of what lay beyond. "What is this?" she gasped, her voice barely more than a whisper.

An opportunity, he replied, his eyes glinting with mischief. When the universe opens a door, you step through it. No questions asked.

And just like that, they were gone, leaving behind the laughter and chatter of the ballroom that had once felt so confining. As they tumbled through the swirling darkness, Sam felt her identity shift and warp, a transformation that echoed the very essence of the wise man's words. This was not merely about faking confidence or adopting a new persona; this was about shedding the layers of who she had been and embracing the adventure of becoming who she might be.

Meanwhile…