Vincent sighed. It had been one year since his accession in heaven and it couldn't have been better. They had made it to the big leagues and could finally be at peace for the rest of their afterlives. Not only he could, but everyone else.
The former sinners had been living the dream. Heaven was literally Hell, but without the torture and misery, and the best part was that there was no bills. The shock on all their faces when they realized they didn't have to pay for bills was fairly shocking.
Not to mention that apparently when they ascended, everything 'mortal' was striped away. No need to eat, sleep or go to the bathroom. Everyone of course considered this an improvement, as they could do whatever they wanted without worrying about the effects on their body.
'Ah…paradise…' Vincent smiled. He had just had a video call with Charlie. When Charlie was in hell they communicated via phone. Long distance relationship was something Vincent was used to due to Val always being busy, so accommodating for Charlie wasn't that big of a deal.
Truthfully, Vincent never imagined he'd go from the one of the most popular and well known overlords in hell to simply another healed soul in heaven. He had reunited with old friends from when he was alive and made amends to those he had wronged when he was a ruthless CEO.
It had been a long year, but at least he had support. Everyone else seemed about as happy as can be. Heaven was living up to its name and it felt like their worries had come to an end.
Well most of them…
Vincent looked at his home screen, seeing Vark on it.'I miss you boy…' Five years since he had seen Vark. One of his few regrets upon leaving. Hell was not going back for him. Only reason he hadn't was to avoid Velvet's wrath. Even after being caught up in the happiness and prosperity, whenever he looked at his pet he couldn't help but feel saddened.
'Hope he's doing well without me..'
"You miss your pet, huh?" Seviathan asked.
"Mhm…One of the few things I miss about hell. Now that we're up in heaven everything has been nice, but the one thing this place can't replace is the bond of a pet and his owner. Kind of wish I had gone back for him but it's too late now."
Alastor shook his head,"I'm not much of a person but I understand your sadness. Hopefully our fine fellow is doing well without you."
"Given he's in Velvet's care, he's probably miserable."
"That woman has a few screws loose. I'd be impressed she didn't kill that creature."
Seviathan narrowed his eyes,"Isn't she that pig-tailed clown? You trust her with a pet? I mean, no offense, but she doesn't strike me as someone capable of maintaining a pet."
"Wouldn't worry too much about that. Vark's fairly durable. Velvet' s not going to be able to kill him easily. Truthfully I'm more concerned about his mental well-being than his physical one."
"I mean pets tend to get depressed after all the time away from their owner.." Seviathan pointed out.
"Yeah, I know…"
"Who knows? Perhaps he forgot about you and moved on!" Alastor inquired."I mean, surely forgetting is easier than sulking isn't it?"
"Alastor, pets don't work like that. They don't just forget the person who adopted them."
"Yeah, I got Vark from the pound, I doubt he could forget me if he tried. I was his main caregiver until things went to hell. I hope he's at least happy...Sometimes though, I can hear him when I sleep." Vincent lowered his head, covering his eyes to wipe away the small tears escaping.
Seviathan and Alastor both looked at each, uncertain what to do. This was far from the first time this had happened but they knew when Vincent got in his moods that he had to get over it by himself. Even Charlie was unable to cheer him up for long…
As Vincent was crying he felt something nudge him. He didn't notice at first, dismissing it as the others trying to pointlessly comfort him. He thought that until he felt something lick his cheek, snapping him out of his trance.
'What the hell!? Who did that!?'
If either Seviathan or Alastor did that he was going to punch them because frankly it was weird to lick someone. Unless one of those cherubs decided to mess with him he couldn't think of a logical reason anyone would do that.
He then noticed a familiar hammerhead shark standing beside him. He at first thought this was some type of hallucination. Like if he touched Vark he'd just fade into thin air.
Vincent backed away,"What the hell!? How are you here!? Are you an hallucination! You're not real!I know this, this is a cruel joke isn't it? Someone's playing a trick on me! I swear, someone better not be making me hallucinate my pet to try and force some feelings! Seviathan, Alastor, you two better not be trying to manipulate me!"
Vark blinked in confusion, not understanding his owner's statements.
Seviathan shook his head."We're not doing anything. We swear."
"Even if we wanted to, we can't do that. We don't have our demonic powers, that had been stripped away when Micheal gave us these forms." It was true, when Micheal stripped them of their demonic forms, their hellish powers went. While they still had these abilities, they were tamed and could be used for divine purposes instead of hellish ones." We can't do dark magic if we wanted to. Besides, I think the creature before you is a bit too real to be conjured up by mere magic…"
Vincent glared at them before skeptically touching Vark, fully expecting this to be some magic trick. Instead he touched flesh, Vark smiling as he moved his head to get Vincent to scratch him more.
"It can't be…"
"I think it is, Vincent. There's no denying it, this is the real Vark." Seviathan stated,"He looks fairly real, doesn't he?"
"Indeed, I don't think any copy any of us could conjure up would replace the real deal…"
Vincent then pet the Shark,"Hey buddy, it's me...It's been awhile, huh? I've missed you…"
Vark squealed, tackling Vincent in an attempt to hug him.
"ARGH! Vark you're heavy!"
"Aw isn't that adorable?" Seviathan said.
"Hmph, how sweet…"
"Hey! Can you guys do something and help! He's crushing me!"
Alastor helped Vincent to his feet."Better?"
"Yes…"
Seviathan paused,"Wait a second. How did he get up here? There is no way Vark got up here by himself…"
"Maybe someone brought him up here?" Alastor suggested.
"But who?"
"We did!"
They turned, seeing Charlie and Helsa there.
"Charlie!" Vincent shouted,"Been a while since we've seen each face to face!" He gave her a hug, the smaller woman returning the favor.
"Shucks Vincent, weeks felt like ages without you! Glad you kept in touch! Hell has been so lame without you guys! I wish I could stay up here more often! But Sevitahan, guess who I brought?"
"Helsa…." Despite his sister's more holy and bright appearance, he could still recognize the woman he was raised alongside. It was certainly a shock seeing her up here, he had no idea she'd ever step foot in here.
"Hey Sevi, miss me?"
The older sibling stiffened, "How did you get up here?"
"How do you think I did? I joined Charlie's little project to get up here."
"Why?"
She rolled her eyes,"Why else? Like some people, I don't like the idea of my sibling living the dream while I'm stuck in a pit to rot. You got your little happy ending broadcasted on TV and you were shocked that I decided to try joining in on the fun? I thought you knew me better. I always go where the party is."
Seviathan blinked."So that's it, huh?"
"What? Why else would I join?"
He averted his gaze. "Apologies, almost thought you gave a damn about me…" Seviathan sighed,"No offense guys, but I'll be taking my leave."
Seviathan then left, leaving everyone else. Helsa's smile faded."Fuck…What the hell was that? He just left! What for!?"
"He probably thought you came up to visit him…" Charlie mentioned.
"I did!"
"Well you didn't make that clear." Alastor said,"I suggest you go after him, he seemed fairly upset after hearing that."
Helsa growled."Fine!" She quickly ran off in the direction Seviathan was in,"Hey! Sevi! Wait up!"
Vincent cringed,"Sibling problems huh?"
Alastor sighed,"Glad I'm an only child…"
"So am I."
"Me too…" Charlie finished.
"So Charlie, did you bring Vark up here?" Vincent asked."Was this supposed to be a surprise of sorts?"
"Err no. I didn't bring him up here."
"What? You didn't?"
"Well not directly...That was someone else?"
"Who? I know Helsa sure didn't…"
"No way, she doesn't like pets. But I do know the person who did…." Charlie murmured.
Alastor then noticed a pair of silver-gold pigtails behind Charlie."Um Charlie, is there someone behind you?"
"Yeah! But she's a bit shy…"
"Oh come on, we don't bite…" Vincent stated.
Charlie then nudged the person behind her and after some murmuring they finally revealed themselves.
A dark brown woman came out, wearing a gold,silver and white dress and gold leggings and shoes. She had gold stripped arm sleeves over her arms. She had white and gold bows around her pigtails while her hair was more poofy and less messy. The girl had wings and a halo just like the rest of them
Vincent's face fell.
"Velvet? Is that really you?"
"..."
"Has she gone mute?" Alastor asked.
"No. She's just a bit shy…Velvet come on, it's Vox. He's your friend, remember?"
'He still considers me that?' She doubted that but reluctantly said,"It's Vanessa, princess…"
"Oh right...Vincent, this is Vanessa. She finally reformed herself to join you in heaven…"
"Wait...you did that for me?"
She said nothing but nodded. Vincent had to admit, Vel-I mean Vanessa was a lot more quiet than he anticipated. Velvet was a chatterbox, so the years of isolation must've had its toll on her lively personality. He wondered if the girl he knew was still in there somewhere…
"You've changed a lot Vanessa...I can't believe you're the crazy girl who always took selfies all day. I can barely recognize you."
"Neither can I. Especially since you don't have a TV on your head…"
"That screen hid a lot of things, I still haven't gotten used to having a regular face. The decades of being trapped in a screen made me forget what having a face was like. Forgot what having a normal perspective was."
"And my skin doesn't feel like thread anymore…Still a lot to get used to. To think I exchanged my title for this is a bit...bitter. I still don't feel happy."
"We've changed as much externally as we did internally, Vanessa. We're no longer overlords of hell, we're just normal citizens of Heaven. Honestly I never thought I'd get up here, but now that I am, I can't say I regret much of what happened."
"Lucky for you….At least you had friends…Everyone literally shunned me once you and Val were gone. I had no one."
"Vanessa, you have friends now. Trust me, we're going to be here for eternity, you're going to have friends here. Not just those faceless people on social media. We're finally free, Velvet. Don't you see that?"
"Yeah...I just...miss him…"
Vincent cringed."Vanessa, you know Val would've never got here. I doubt they would've let him in, nor would he have even tried to better himself. Trust me, it's for the benefit of us all that he is gone…"
"I know...it just doesn't feel the same without the three of us. Now we're the Two V's…Doesn't exactly have the same ring to it."
"Well there is Vaggie…" Charlie piqued up. You could form a new V squad there!"
"Really? Ain't she the moth girl?"
"Yeah! I'm sure if you two ask she'll be happy to join the rebranded Tripe V's!"
"Yahoo! Alright! About time! Finally able to have some friends! Come on Vincent! I wanna form the new team with her!"
"Alright, if you insist."
Vincent smiled at Vanessa's enthusiasm, a sign that the old hero was still intact. At the least the positive parts of her old self were still there, as small as they were. He then turned to Charlie and gave her a quick kiss and said,"Thank you, Charlie. For everything. You're the reason we got here in the first place. I'm glad I could be with you. I could never thank you enough for what you've done."
"Thanks a lot, Vincent. Your gratitude is thanks enough…"
Vincent nodded before running off with Vanessa, Vark following soon after with a toothy grin on his face.
Alastor smiled,"Guess the Tripe V's are back. Have to say, I much prefer this one over the other one."
"Same!"
"You know Charlie, I must say, I am still in shock that your plan worked. All the things that happened, with Valentino and Vox, I never expected any of this."
"I don't think any of us did to be honest, Al."
"I know, but all these turns and twists got us to where we are. And for the most part, it's a happy ending. Even Vincent and I got our happy endings and it appears Vanessa is in progress of hers. Almost everyone scored a win by the end."
"And now I have more respect in Hell. It's a long way to go, but people are starting to take me seriously now that the hotel worked. I think I've got some demons in line. One couple is getting in line, I think their names are Moxie and Millie. They are going to be checking in soon."
"Interesting, hope we can see them up here soon."
"Me too…Thanks a lot, Al. Even when you didn't believe in my dream, you were still supportive. Even if it was just for entertainment, I could tell that by the end, you did change your mind about redemption. And for that, I'm happy for you." Charlie gave Alastor a hug, the former overlord tensed before returning the hug with a warm smile on his face.
"So am I darling…"
Meanwhile, Hesla just barely managed to track her brother down. He was sitting on a cloud, looking down over the edge.
"What do you want, Helsa?"
"I'm here to talk. I get that we aren't close but that's no reason to be a dick."
"You literally sided with mom and dad in trying to get me to marry some bitch I didn't like. You don't even try to apologize when you get up here, you just say you didn't want to miss the party. That really shows how little you view me…"
"Hey, I don't mean it like that…."
"Oh yeah? Then explain what you mean."
Helsa growled. She was horrible at sentimental talks, especially to family."Fine...Look, the reason I joined that stupid hotel was because….I….I….missed….you."
She just barely managed to choke out those words without vomiting.
"Seriously? You're not pulling my leg right?"
"Does it look like it?"
"Well sort of.." Helsa's eyes were filled with rage,"Uh...not really. No. Not faking it. Nope. Totally , whatever I say that doesn't end with you killing me out of spite and hate is good."
Helsa groaned,"Sevi,if I hated you, do you think I'd drag myself to Charlie's damn hotel so I can score a spot to see you? Because if I didn't you bet your ass I'd be in Hell again partying like there was no tomorrow."
Well that was a fair point. Seviathan knew Helsa partied hard whenever something happened to someone she disliked, if she hated him she'd be in Hell and wouldn't give him a second thought.
"That's true, but still, why did you miss me again? We barely interacted down there. We always did our own shit."
"Just because I have a life doesn't mean I'm suddenly going to be fine with my brother running off into another plane of existence."
"I mean if you felt like you could just go back to Hell. You have other people there."
"I'm sure Mom and Dad won't kill me for that. Sure…Not like I ditched and bailed on them for this hotel. I have no life down there, heaven is basically my new home. Unless Mom and Dad decide to join us we're basically on our own. We're the only hellborns who live here permanently and we're going to be the only ones for some time until next year rolls around."
"That's true. At least up here we don't have to worry about exterminations. I had no idea a place could be so beautiful. In hell, even the best of places had ominous vibes. Up here it's all white and gold."
"Hell was literally all red and pink for the most part. Can't believe other colors can actually exist. Seriously not seeing a red sky anymore is going to take a while to get used to."
"I've been here for a year and I'm still getting used to it."
"So...how do you feel about this form? It's kind of weird, like not much changed aesthetically but I feel...different inside. Like when I grabbed that guy's hand, something in me changed."
"Yeah. Michael said that because we're hellborns he had to revise our form and purify our souls or something. Or at least, purify as much as possible. I don't exactly feel like a saintly angel but I sure feel more alive than I was down in hell. I think he also said that we're immortal now, meaning we can't ever die…"
"Well that's a plus. Guess I won't be worrying about looking older ever again." Contrary to popular belief, Hellborns could die, it's just that they lived for so long that it was hard to keep up with their ages. Seviathan and Helsa weren't even middle aged by Hell's standards so they were still young adults and scored immortality without any traps or cons.
"Honestly the only downside I'm seeing to this place is that I barely know anyone here. Charlie and I are rivals but it' s died down over the months. Outside of you and her, I know nobody here. Though I'm still weary of Alastor and that Vincent guy…"
"Don't worry, they're chill. Alastor put his psycho murderer days behind him and we don't have to worry about him stabbing us in our sleep anymore."
"Honestly to think I'd end up in Heaven where the former Radio Demon resides is a bit telling. I guess he changed enough to slip by. Had I not seen him I'd think you bribed your way in."
"I don't think you can bribe angels into anything. Those guys have everything they want, I wouldn't get anywhere if I tried."
"You tried bribing father once."
"Hey, Father isn't an angel."
"But he's about as stubborn and hard pressed as one."
"True. At least now our parents can't bother us. We're basically all set for our lives. We're fully immortal, and nothing can really stop us. Everyone is happy…and so am I...Except…"
"Except what?"
"I don't really have anyone. Romantically speaking."
"Aren't there any girls for you to try out?"
"I tried talking to the other former demon girls. Nia and Hank seem like they're a thing. Cherri is with Adriando so I can't try her. Vagatha is gay and would probably only screw me if I paid her. Charlie is with Vincent and I don't think I even want to open that can of worms up. I also think he'll beat my ass or send his shark to do so if I try."
"What about the guys?"
"What? No way. I prefer women and even if I was interested in both genders, Alastor has no interest in either sex or romance. Vincent and I are more like brothers while he's bi, I don't think Charlie would appreciate me going after her man. Hank is with Nia, Adriando has Cherri and I'm 99% sure he is straight. And Anthony….is Anthony. He's gay but I'm not interested in him. Not my type. Way too flirtatious for me."
"Damn you're really picky."
"Not picky, just prefer not to get people pissed and complicate people's relationship by making a three's a crowd situation."
"There's gotta be someone for you…Ooh! I know, how about Vanessa?"
"You mean the crazy woman obsessed with Valentino? Why are you trying to pair me with her?"
"Relax, she's not as nuts as before. She ain't all there in the head but she's a lot better than earlier. Trust me."
He sighed,"Alright fine."
"Come on, let's go find her!"
They soon caught up with them, seeing Vagatha, Vincent and Vanessa.
"Hey Helsa, look! We formed a new Triple VVV! Ain't we the coolest?"
"Damn that was quick. And I already like it more than the old one…So who's in charge?"
"I am, obviously. I'm the best to lead."
"Yeah right…"Vagatha scoffed.
"Wish I could lead."
"You'll burn down heaven trying to lead, Vanessa."
"You don't have to rub it in!"
Seviathan narrowed his eyes,"Hey Vanessa. I hear you're the crazy chick. For a crazy chick you do look fairly good looking though…"
Vincent frowned,"Seviathan, I swear. You better not be trying to get into Vanessa's pants…"
"Woah, I'm not going that far...yet."
"Seviathan…"
"Hey, come on. I'm just trying my luck. All the other girls are already taken or gay, lemme have some fun."
"Your luck is about to run out."
"Why? Are you having a three-way with her or something Vincent?"
"What!? No! I'm loyal to Charlie! Besides, she's almost like a daughter to me, I would never do anything with her!"
"He already rejected me when I asked him twice anyhow…" Vanessa mentioned."Though I wouldn't mind a new partner. Been a while since I've got myself a man before, especially a decent hunk like yourself! Why don't we try each other out?"
"No sex dammit!"
"What? Vincent, come on! I was about to score!"
"You can't just score in front of me. At least wait a few days before you do that, you barely know each other…"
"Fine…Anyplace you know we can go, Sevi? I don't really know this place all too well."
"I know just the place. There's a restaurant down the lane we can go to. The alcohol is wonderful, you have to try it."
"I'm in! My guys, we're going on a date! Wish us luck!"
"See ya Sevi! Bye Vannessa!"
"Have fun you two!"
"And if you break her heart I'll send Vark after you, got it?"
Seviathan had already taken off with Vanessa when heard Vincent's threat.
"Was that truly necessary?" Helsa asked.
"Yes. I don't want your brother hurting my girl…"
"Relax, she'll be fine. Honestly I'm more cornered about Seviathan than I am about her…" Vagatha said,"He might be biting off more than he can chew."
"He's been on dates with crazy chicks. Vanessa can't be any worse than those girls." Helsa stated,"Though do you guys know any guys I could go for? I know Anthony is gay and Alastor is uninterested, so any available guys you know of?"
"Maybe you could try scoring Lucifer's brother. I heard Michael likes pretty girls." Vagatha joked.
Unfortunately it seemed like this joke flew right over her head,"Damn, why didn't you say that? Time to work my charm."
"Wait is she actually going to try wooing Lucifer's brother? That man is unobtainable…"
"Yeah, but let her try. Until some guys she's interested in pop up I'm certain she can have her fun chasing after him.
Meanwhile…
Helsa walked over to the counter and saw Micheal organizing some paper work. He took off his mask and sighed,"Finally, I think that's it for now."
"Nice face, good looking."
"!" He blinked,"Uh…. Hello Helsa. Any reason you're here today?"
"Heard you like pretty girls, wanna try me?"
Michael's mind went blank.'Uhhhhhhhhhhhh…' A cleansed demon was now trying to seduce him. This wasn't how he imagined this going…"What?"
"Oh come on, you heard me. Don't you wanna give me a whirl? Especially since you do look so much like your brother, it'd be like screwing a taller him."
"I'm not my brother, second of all, that is not happening. I do not have time for this and-"
"Oh come on. Don't be a coward. At least give me a compliment why don't you?"
"Ok...you're…beauty is that of a siren…" Compliments weren't his expertise to be honest.
"Ooh, that's a new one. I like it, I could always sing for you if you want...privately of course.``She winked at the need to emphasize.
"Uh..Actually Father is calling me and I really need to get going! Sorry, gotta go! Bye!"
'The shy ones are always fun to toy with…' Helsa smiled,"Playing hard to get huh? Guess I'll have to work down his defenses. He can't resist me forever. I'm the walking embodiment of temptation."
She had eternity to have him, surely he'd yield eventually. Wasn't like she was getting older or dying anytime soon.
And hey, if Lucifer got tempted to sin, why couldn't Micheal? Besides, being an Angel's lover would be beneficial to her, she'd get everything he should desire…
What? You could only remove so much from a demon, but her core greed was something you couldn't get rid of.
And despite everything, life felt so much happier...Better...
And so the hazbins lived...happily ever after...At least until the next round of reformed sinners came around.
