To say the least, Charlie's hotel was considered a success shortly after the stellar performance.
Apparently all that was needed to clear doubt over Charlie's idea was a confirmed success and a badass song as it seemed that even those who doubted Redemption was possible were at least changing their tune to declare that despite all the odds, Charlie's idea had succeeded in the end.
Hell, by the time they returned to the hotel, there was legit a giant crowd of eager demons waiting to check in to the point they had to establish that only a certain number could enter at a selected time because they didn't have rooms for everyone.
"Now now, everyone, I understand being eager, but we're already booked for quite a while!" Charlie assured them,"But don't worry, I just talked with my relatives and they said that the yearly exterminators are going to be called off, so you can apply next year with no worries!"
There were visible signs of disappointment from those who weren't able to register, most ultimately muttering how they didn't make it in time to sign up for the program. Those that had managed to get inside the hotel were already lounging about the area.
"Woah, there's loads of people here," Charlie said,"Honestly I didn't expect this many to come here…"
Vox nodded,"Yeah Princess, it's fairly obvious you got your work cut out for you now. Though I suggest either expanding the hotel or building other rehabilitation clinics in the future so that the space issue doesn't come up by the time next year rolls around because those people will be back the moment these clients leave…"
"Don't worry, Vaggie and I are working on extra buildings that will be larger than this one as to ensure we can handle the influx of demons coming in."
The other hazbins were all standing outside, watching it all take place with bemusement stretched across their face.
"Damn, I can't believe this redemption shtick actually worked," Velvet admitted,"Can't say I saw that one coming."
"Honestly, I don't think anyone did," Al said,"Got to hand it to you Charlie, you took your completely laughable idea and made it work. You've got everyone floored and you've managed to prove us all wrong about you…"
"Yeah, I did! I finally accomplished my goal!" She squealed,"And now that the exterminators have been called off, people will be flocking here to get better! My dream is finally coming true! All that suffering has finally paid off!"
"Guess I was wrong about you, Charlie," Lucifer admitted,"You did the impossible. You actually managed to redeem sinners. Looks like you're not a failure anymore, are you?"
"Nope! I'm a winner now! We did it! Our future is looking bright!" Charlie then noticed Angel was tossing out his cigarettes and stomping on them with his boot,"Hey Angel, what are you doing?"
"Going clean," He retorted,"Since your hotel is actually legit, I think it's time I upped my game. If I'm ever getting into the golden gates I gotta drop a few things before I make the cut. That and these cigarettes lost their valor months ago and they ain't satisfying me like they used to. No point in using them since they're expensive as fuck anyway…"
"That's awesome Angel, you're finally going clean! I'm so proud of you, you'll be a real Angel in no time!"
"I guess. Besides, it ain't like I got anything else better to do. With Val gone, I don't gotta sell myself out and with how much shit has happened, I could use some peace and quiet and Heaven seems like a good pit-stop for my final destination…"
"So what now?" Vaggie asked,"Now that Charlie's dream became possible, what are we gonna do from here?"
"In our case," Gabriel started,"We're going back to Heaven. Micheal needs to come home and I fear the longer we're down here the more he'll get too attached to the place…"
"Why? Are you bitter that Micheal wanted to rule alongside me and not go back to Heaven earlier?" Lucifer teased.
"You wish,"They scoffed,"Look Lucifer, I appreciate you helping me back there but I'd prefer if you stopped attempting to lure Micheal to your side. I'm not losing another sibling because of arrogance and foolishness and I'm not letting Micheal fall like you did…"
"Can you two stop talking about me as if I'm not here?" Micheal asked irritably,"I have agency and I'm more than capable of making my own choices. I'd appreciate you two not debating over me and my place in the hierarchy…"
"I'm just saying, there's been enough problems for one day and you've overstayed your welcome inside this realm long ago. It's time we leave this awful pit and return home as a family…" They then narrowed their eyes,"Not to mention it's about time we get you back into your normal attire. Black isn't your style and that clown makeup is starting to strain my eyes. I prefer you looking plain because at this rate you're just Lucifer but in black and gold…"
"But I don't want to change back, I like my new style," He replied before a wide grin appeared on his face, eyes shifting to black,"After all, who would like being their weak self anyway?"
Without warning, Gabriel punched Micheal right in the face,
"Ow! What was that for!? Why'd you punch me!?
"You literally acted like you were still possessed! I had to be sure!"
"By punching me!? I was just joking!" He whined as he rubbed his cheek,"By Heaven's name, remind me to never play a joke on you again…"
"Your definition of jokes are terrible.."
"Oh come on, that was funny!" Lucifer said,"You don't have to be such a stickler. That was hilarious, too bad you had to ruin the punchline by literally punching him…"
"Oh ha ha, very funny, Lucifer. So hilarious," They rolled their eyes,"Look, I think it's time I take Micheal and his girlfriend back up to Heaven before anything else happens. You've already influenced his mind and I can't risk you fully corrupting Micheal anymore than you have.."
"Yeah sure, corrupting," He retorted,"Anyhow, I've got to admit, I'm actually a bit sad to see you go, Micheal. I was really hoping we could've ruled together. But I guess it wasn't meant to be…"
"Maybe in another world, brother. Just not this one…" He said soberly,"But don't worry. We'll see each other soon, after all, Samuel is my child and Lilith will eventually have to let me look after him in Heaven since we both have mutual custody over him until he's held enough to take care of himself."
"That sounds fair... "
"With that said, we should be going," Gabriel said,"Though what about those two?" They asked Vox and Alastor,"Do we have to take them with us? They're technically Angels now, they belong in Heaven…"
"It's their choice to make," Micheal said before turning to them,"What's your decision you two? Do you want to come with us to Heaven?"
Vox and Alastor both stared at each other cautiously, internally debating their first move. The idea of going to Heaven didn't sound awful, however they'd be leaving everyone in Hell behind and even with Heaven's policy of allowing reformed souls in, who knows how long it would take for them to get up there…
Not to mention Vol would be all alone again if they were to leave at this very moment.
"We'd love to, Micheal," Vox started,"But I don't feel now is the right time. I don't want to leave Vol and the others behind just yet. I want to spend a bit more time with them before I make my final stop at the golden gates…"
"As I do," Alastor informed,"We'd like to hold off on visiting your realm for the time being. Our business isn't finished just yet…"
"Oh I see," Micheal said,"Can't say I blame you two for not wanting to leave your friends behind just yet. You've been through a lot together so holding this off makes perfect sense. I'll see you around, duty calls and I'm afraid I cannot stay here…"
Vox paused,"Wait! Before you go, have this…" He pulled out the necklace that he had taken off from him while he was possessed,"I believe this belongs to you, Micheal. I forgot I had this one but considering you're about to head back home, I figured there was no time better than now to hand it back to you. I know how important this trinket is and I'd feel awful if I kept it on me…"
"Oh...Thank you, Vin-I mean Vox…"
"Eh, it's interchangeable to me," He shrugged,"You can call me what you want. Vincent or Vox, it's cool…"
"Regardless, I'm grateful you've returned this to me. I know I'd be lost without this…Though, I do think there's something I should do now that this conflict is all over. Something I should've done a long time ago..." Micheal then looked at the necklace before detaching one part of the heart and holding the piece out to Lucifer,"Brother, I believe this part belongs to you…"
The King of Hell stared in disbelief as he looked at the piece in his hands,"W-What? This thing is still intact after all these eons? I thought it had been lost forever, how did you find this?"
"I didn't find it, Vincent did. I've kept it on me for so long but I feel that you deserve to have your piece back too, brother. That way a part of us can always be with each other no matter how far our Realms appear to be…"
"Hmph. That makes sense…" Lucifer then frowned,"No matter, don't you think it's about time you head home? I'm certain the others are just awaiting your return. No need to keep them waiting…"
Micheal smiled,"Fair enough, brother. I'll see you soon. Come on everyone, let's go…" He then grabbed Ada's hand and said,"Go on, dear. Say goodbye to Lucifer before we leave. Heaven's Kingdom waits for us…"
"Goodbye your highness. I'll miss serving under you. Hopefully you'll find someone who can replace me soon…"
"I will, farewell, Ada. Enjoy your newfound freedom…"
Soon, they all took off into the skies, Micheal, Gabriel and Ada traveling to Heaven as everyone waved from the ground, Charlie being the one to shout,"Goodbye everyone! See you soon!"
Lucifer sighed, looking downwards as they vanished from view,"And they're gone...Looks like they'll be up there for a while. Can't say I'm not disappointed with how things turned out…"
"Aw," Lilith chuckled,"Don't tell me you're sore that Gabriel stopped you from letting Micheal and you rule together, are you? Or is it because you're actually going to miss him now that he's not ehr?"
"Lilith, I'd really appreciate it if you were quiet. I don't need this shit…"
"Hey, watch your tone in front of the baby," She chided,"Your nephew shouldn't be hearing that stuff at this age. He's not even a month old."
He rolled his eyes,"Yeah yeah, whatever…" He then summoned a necklace of his own making and placed the trinket on it for 'safekeeping'.``Besides, it's not like I need him anyway. As long as I have this, it'll be like he never left…"
"Sure it will…"
Vox then chuckled, at the display,"Well everyone, looks like the future's looking bright. Charlie's hotel is a success, any enemy we've faced has been defeated one way or another and even Lucifer of all people has somewhat rebuilt his relationship with his siblings. It's far from perfect, but this is probably the best outcome we could ever hope for…"
"Uh-huh!" Velvet exclaimed,"Though what should we do now that everything's getting wrapped up? Everyone seems like they've got their 'happy' ending so to speak? What's left for us now?"
"Good question," Al admitted,"Say Vol, do you have any ideas on what we could do? The girls aren't going anywhere and Vox and I don't quite feel like heading to Heaven just yet, we're all ears for suggestions…"
Vol nodded,"Well, I was thinking that we should pay the other timeline a visit. It's been quite a while since we've seen them and we should catch up with them before we end our journey. It'd be nice to visit some old friends and catch up with them…"
"One problem, how the fuck are we gonna get there?" Vanny asked,"You guys got a machine to travel there?"
Vol laughed,"Ahaha! Why use a machine when there's already a crystal inside me that can transport us there on whim?"
"Wait really?" Vox asked,"Are you certain that thing works, Vol? I don't want you transporting us into the middle of space and time…"
"Relax, Velvet and I did it before and nothing crazy happened. Vol's crystal is at least precise enough to take us from point A to point B. That and the fact it's sentient so it probably knows where it's going anyway since it sees things through Volastor's eyes…"
"Alright, I'm gonna put my trust in you on this one. Everyone, grab onto Vol so we can get there asp."
Everyone did as they were told, but Velvet decided to interpret the instructions differently by grabbing Vol's tail instead of his shoulder or his chest like the others were doing.
"VELVET!" He hissed," WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING!?"
"Grabbing you? Duh!"
"You know damn well that's not what Vox meant! Get your hands off my ass and do things properly! I refuse to teleport you if you're going to pull this type of stunt on me. This isn't the time or place for this behaviour, Velvet and you know it!"
She pouted,"Ugh...fine. You're not fun…" She then gave his tail one last tight squeeze before moving her hand up and placed it on his shoulder,"Better?"
"Much better…"
The crystal located on Vol's chest began to glow brightly, everyone closing their eyes as they were engulfed in a bright light that teleported them out of the area, leaving not a trace of them behind...
-
Charlie sighed, it had been quite a while since anyone had seen Volastor, let alone Alastor or Velvet. It was as if they had vanished from the face of Hell itself and no matter how hard she or the other residents of the Hotel tried, they just couldn't locate them.
And deep inside, it really hurt Charlie because she still hasn't quite gotten over the fact the Alastor she knew was gone and for the other one to vanish from thin air with the other two didn't help matters.
That didn't even mention how low her faith was in not only her project, but her family matters. She still hasn't quite gotten over her father attempting to kill Volastor over the perceived threat he posed by merely existing and since that day she hadn't spoken a single word to him and went as far as to block his number and avoid him on social media.
Call it excessive, but Charlie wasn't taking any chances with this one. Even if she couldn't avoid her father forever, she was going to do her damned hardest to prolong the inevitable so that she could pretend everything was normal for once in her life.
She then put her head in her hands,'My life fucking sucks. My dad is an asshole who tried to have someone killed over paranoia. The hotel hasn't made any progress and Al, Vol and Velvet haven't been seen in who knows how long. I've lost track of time but I know it's been a while. God, everything's just falling apart. I just wish that an Angel would just come down and help me because I don't know what to do anymore…."
Just then, she heard a knock at the door. Her attention darted over,'I wonder who it could be this time…' She reluctantly opened the door, forcing a smile on her face as she recited her line,"Welcome to the Happy Hotel, how may I help you?"
Charlie's eyes nearly fell out of her skull when she saw Vox, Vol, Alastor and the girls outside the hotel door, her jaw collapsing to the ground.
"Hey Princess, " Vox greeted,"Bet ya didn't expect to see us around did ya?"
"V-Vox, how are you here? I thought you took a plane to leave when things got too much for you…"
"Oh I did, but things kind of spiraled out of control from there and things didn't quite go as planned…."
"What do you mean by that?"
"It's a long story," Vol informed, rubbing the back of his neck,"Trust me, a LOT has happened while we were away and I'd take a while to explain…"
Charlie was tempted to ask them to explain the entire story….at least until she looked at who she was speaking to. Vox and Alastor looked like they had flown out of Heaven's gates, Vol was actually getting along with Vox and Velvet...well there were two of them as far as she was concerned, one just so happened to have a prosthetic arm while the other didn't…
"You know what?" Charlie said,"Come right on inside guys, I'll go get the others so you can explain EVERYTHING to them. I'm certain they'd love to hear about this…"
"Sounds fine by me, Princess. We've got plenty of time to spare and we're not going anywhere just yet…"
"-And that's how we got here" Vox said as he leaned back in his chair,"Any questions?"
The other residents of the hotel were staring at them like they had just heard the craziest story in the history of ever. Even Husk, who was physically unable to express much due to the nature of his robotic limbs looked somewhat bemused at what he was hearing, muttering an auto-tuned,"Holy shit…"
"I second that," Angel said,"That's the craziest shit I've ever fucking hard. Not only did Vox fucking die, but he got brought back to life too by Lucifer's brother of all people. If I don't know any better I'd assume he was making it up…"
"Same," Baxter said,"This is the wackiest thing I've heard since I died and that's saying something. I can't believe you guys fought Saint Micheal himself and lived to tell the tale, especially while he was possessed…"
"Trust me, it wasn't pretty," Vol said,"He may look soft and gentle but he packs quite the was ruthless and I honestly thought I was going to die a second time until these three came in and saved my ass despite the risk involved. I consider it a blessing that we managed to free Micheal's soul because there's not a doubt in my mind he would've killed us all had he not been stopped because what were fighting was more or less a vengeful spirit bent on ruling all Realms possible with an iron fist…"
Sir Pentious made a face,"Well in the very least, you managed to pull through despite it all. And you don't even look that shocked…"
"Eh, I'm used to terrible things happening to me. I'm more concerned about it fucking over my loved ones than it fucking over me directly," Vol admitted, shrugging his shoulders,"The only good thing is that we managed to have things end on a fairly positive note. Things have calmed down and everyone's got their sort-of happy ending so to speak."
"Yeah, we even got the other Charlie's Redemption plan to work!"
"Wait, it's possible?" Angel asked,"Holy fuck, if it worked over there, do ya think it could work over here?"
"I dunno, Angie," Cherri said," A lotta stuff happened over there for Charlie's Redemption thing. I don't think we can pull the same trick here. Not to mention ya gotta have Heaven's permission just to get this thing off the ground and I don't think Charlie knows how to do that…"
Charlie looked down in defeat only for Vox to grab her shoulder,"Don't worry, Princess. We'll find a way to make your dream work out. If it can happen once, surely it can happen twice."
"Indeed," Al assured,"There's no need to fret my dear, we'll be sure to help you in this endeavor. If your dream came true in one timeline, we can make sure that it happens in this one."
"I hope you're right. I'm just skeptical because things haven't really improved for the better in this world and I don't wanna get my hopes up just yet…"
"Believe me, Charlie, I understand not wanting to get your hopes up, but we're not going to let you down here. We've all been through a lot but it's time for this timeline to see a happy ending too," Vol said,"You've been chasing rainbows long enough, it's time for you to actually catch them this time…"
"Thanks Vol. You're really sweet...Hell, all of you are for trying to make my ideals come true despite the odds. I just hope that we can recreate what my other self did because I really wanna see the end of the rainbow this time around-"
KNOCK KNOCK!
Everyone flinched, eyes darting towards the door in surprise. Vanny tensed,"Uh, Charlie, you didn't tell us you had someone coming over. Did ya invite a friend?"
"I didn't invite anyone…" She said before looking at the others,"Did you guys-"
Everyone shook their heads. Nobody had invited anyone else and Charlie couldn't help looking fearful as she gazed up at the door, a pit in her stomach growing at the idea someone she knew all too well was behind the door.
"I'll get it," Vol said, rising from his seat,"Perhaps it's just someone looking for directions…" Vol didn't sound too certain of that himself, but he was trying to remain somewhat optimistic for once in his life…
With everyone's eyes glued on him, Vol approached the door before reaching for the knob, slowly opening the door. Vol's face shifted from weary curiosity to immediate hostility the moment he saw Lucifer was one the other side of the door, the shorter monarch dressed in his traditional uniform.
A moment of silence passed, neither men seemed to be expecting the other to be there as even Lucifer looked taken off guard by Volastor's presence, eyes wide in disbelief,"Oh...hello Volastor, long time no see, huh?"
"You…" He growled, just barely able to keep the Radio and TV Static from overtaking his voice completely,"What the hell do you think you're doing here? You've got some nerve showing your face around here after what you pulled on me earlier…"
"I know, I'm well aware of your gripes with me, Volastor," He replied matter of factly,"Look, I get you and I don't exactly see eye-to-eye, but I'm being frank when I say that I'm not here to cause any harm.."
"Do you truly expect me to believe that? Why would I ever take your word for anything after what you did to me?"
"I'm not expecting you to take my word for it but I'm at least expecting you to see that I'm not attempting to harm you…"
"Oh gee, that's so big of you. Not attacking me on sight, what an improvement," Vol said, rolling his eyes,"Look Lucifer, I don't know why you're here, but unless you give me a good reason to not try beating your face into the concrete I suggest you leave before it gets ugly. Nobody here wants to see you and if you think you're hurting anyone here you have another thing coming…"
"Vol, we both know if I wanted to hurt anyone this wouldn't even be a conversation. I know you have no reason to trust me, but I want you to at least listen to me and hear me out. I'm not going to hurt you and all I want is for you to at least let me in the doorway…"
Vol scowled,"Get lost…" He then slammed the door in his face,'Good riddance…'
"So Vol, who was it?"
"Oh nobody," He lied,"Just an annoying telemarketer. Nobody of actual importance…" Vol's eyes then widened when he heard chuckling,'Oh no…'
"Hehehehe...Oh now that's a good one, Volastor. A Really good one. Using the old 'telemarketer' lie to try and avoid the topic…Too bad for you I can just teleport inside. I was hoping I didn't have to resort to that but you were forcing my hand..."
Everyone's eyes snapped in his direction, everyone(except Vanny) taking a hostile position, most pulling out their weapons. Charlie bared her fangs, horns protruding from her skull,"What the fuck are you doing in my Hotel, Lucifer!? Get out! You're not welcome here!"
"I know I'm not welcome, but that sure as hell ain't stopping me," He retorted,"Look Charlotte, you may think you own the place but at the end of the day, this is MY property and I can go where I please. After all, I'm the one who gave this Hotel to you anyway, it was a gift and one that I easily take back if I please…"
"I won't let you…" She growled,"I won't let you take the one thing I have!"
Lucifer scoffed,"It's hardly anything at all. Your project hasn't accomplished anything in the time it has opened and it's practically dead on arrival. And as much as I'd love to go on, I'm unfortunately not here to discuss your passion project…"
"Then what are you here for?" Alastor said, his smile barely staying on his face,"What is the meaning of this visit,Lucifer? You know you're not welcome in this Hotel and you haven't done any favors making yourself well-liked…"
"I'm aware of this...Which is precisely why I'm here…" He then attempted to approach Vol only for Vox, Alastor and Velvet to bear their holy weapons in his direction,"What do you three think you're doing?"
"Protecting him from you obviously!" Vox hissed,"I wasn't there for Vol when he needed me the most last time, but I sure won't miss this opportunity to protect him from a monster like you! He's my son and I won't let you hurt him!"
"Our son," Al corrected,"Nobody touches my son and lives. I don't care if you're the King of Hell, you do not get away with harming my family…"
"Stay away from my boyfriend you fucking asshole! You already took him from me once and I'll be damned again before I let it happen again! I'll cut ALL of your damn wings off before you even touch Vol, ya here!?"
Lucifer didn't seem phased by the threats, staring at them boredly before saying,"My, how touching. You must truly care for Volastor if you're willing to throw yourselves at me with no regard for your safety. A brave act of stupidity might I add…"
Vox scowled,"Stay back, Lucifer. You've got not only us, but the whole Hotel pissed at you. We won't hesitate to attack if you make any sudden movements…"
"Oh boy, I'm so scared," He yawned,"Listen Vox, I get you and your friends want to protect Vol, but let's be legit, if I wanted to hurt anyone here, I would've since done so already and you know it. Because if I really wanted anyone dead...you'd all be dead, no questions asked…"
Vol then shoved himself between them protectively standing in front of them to ensure Lucifer didn't hurt them,"Back off Lucifer, they aren't a threat to you. Pick on someone your own size dammit."
"I was hardly picking on them, just informing them of the rather obvious fact that I'm above them in every way. Though now that I've got your attention fully, I suppose I can finally say what's been on my chest for quite a while." He then clenched his staff, his expression twisting to a somewhat uncomfortable as his body remained tense,"Volastor I...I…"
"You what? What are you trying to say? Spit it out already because I'm getting sick of seeing your face…"
"I'm sorry…"
Time froze as everyone's expression morphed from anger to visible confusion. Nobody moved and Lucifer himself seemed to be sweating slightly from the lack of response, everyone's eyes glued to him in bemusement.
When Vol finally gathered himself enough to speak, the only thing he could say was….
"W-What?"
Thanks for 13,612 views, tell me what you think below!
Enigmus-288: Well we're back in the other timeline now so there's your question answered.