The next day, Charlie got up to the sound of her phone ringing. She mumbled something into the pillow as she reached for the phone,"Hello?"
"Charlie, it's me…."
"Mom? Why are you calling?"
"To inform you of the sudden change that happened last night. Long story short, but your Father ended up going back to Heaven and in return, Micheal's allowing your hotel's project to succeed. Without your Father here to manage things, I'm going to have to step in as the sole ruler to ensure there isn't a power vacuum. However, given there's now two kings of Heaven, I don't see why you can't rule alongside me as to even things up…"
"Mom, I'm not ready to be Queen…"
"What are you waiting for, Charlie? What's stopping you? Don't tell me you can't do it, can you? You can tear through entire armies and open a Hotel nobody thought would succeed but you can't rule the throne? Come on now, don't give me that excuse…"
"But Mom, I'm just not ready yet…"
"Yes you are, and you know it. There's no need to be shy, you've done crazier things. It's time you accept the throne as your own, dear. There's no need to be afraid. Besides, you can't tell me you weren't waiting for an opportunity to rule yourself."
"What do you mean?"
"Charlie, it's pretty obvious you started this hotel to get out of Lucifer's shadow. You never really liked being known as just 'Lucifer's 'daughter'. It may not have been your main reason for opening the Hotel but it was a contributing factor as in the end, it did get you what you wanted. Just know how you expected it to go…"
Charlie made a face,"I mean, yeah but I didn't expect Dad to get involved. Is he just gonna be up there forever?"
"I can't say. For all intents and purposes, he's thrown out his name and his title and whether he returns is up in the air. Personally, I'm of the opinion he won't be coming back anytime soon and if he does, it'll be for entirely separate reasons. Your Father is many things, but he's not a complete idiot. He knows he's messed up and this is probably his attempt at penance for his mistakes."
Charlie's eyes averted,"Is it really true though? He couldn't have possibly given everything up like this. Hell's his home, he rebelled for this Realm and now he's just gonna throw it all away?"
"Believe me, I didn't expect him to go this far. But I guess he must've realized he messed up back there and figured the only way to even think of setting things right was to go to the one place he had abandoned eons ago."
"Do you think he's gonna talk to us again?"
"Maybe, though I wouldn't count on it happening in the near future. Micheal's probably already saddling him up with things to do and that's assuming he even wants to come back down here. He knows he's not welcome and as much as he doesn't like Heaven, they seem to be the only ones willing to tolerate him anymore. And know this, as much as your Father likes being feared, he cannot stand being isolated by those he cares about and I imagine an entire year of being given the cold shoulder ended up breaking something in him if he was willing to turn to Micheal for aid. I know he and Micheal don't see eye to eye so this must've been an act of desperation to see what would stick."
The Princess cringed, that didn't sound far too off. She remembered the reaction everyone had to him showing up at the door.
Even after the whole situation turned out to start from a misunderstanding, it was clear nobody really trusted him and most doubted he was even capable of making up for his mistakes. Charlie herself kind of doubted him and now that she was proven wrong,she didn't know how to feel.
'Guess he wasn't entirely hopeless. But what happens from here? What about us?' She then asked,"So this is it? It's just gonna be us from now on?"
Despite not being able to see Lilith, she could practically envision her mother shaking her head.
"I don't think he can, it's likely whatever agreement they made to ensure your project got off the ground entailed that he never returns to Hell, at least not as a ruler anyway. I don't know what was said exactly, but it's fairly likely that Micheal realized how desperate he was and decided to take advantage of Lucifer's distress so that he'd more or less be forced to agree lest he be in a worse position. Micheal's probably been waiting for an opportunity like this for eons and once the time came, he ceased it and clutched it so hard that I doubt he'll let it go without a fight."
"Is it because he misses him?"
"Most definitely. Before the Fall they used to be the best of siblings...and afterwards...not so much."
"Did Dad miss him?"
Lilith cringed,"I...I can't be sure. He never really liked talking about Micheal or the other angels with me. Preferred avoiding the subject. Personally, I think a small, very small part of him does, but up until now, he was too prideful to really care much for it and figured he was better off focusing on his affairs in Hell than dealing with whatever awaited him in Heaven. Only after he drove everyone away from him does he dare attempt to go back so I think it's safe to assume he wasn't all too happy going back up there…"
"I...I'm not sure how to feel about this…"
"Trust me, I don't either. In the very least, you should at least rise to the throne so things can be managed from there…"
"I...I understand," She said slowly,"I'll be sure to prepare. Text me the direction for where the event is taking place…"
"You got it. See you there, Charlie.."
Lilith then hung up, Charlie's gaze turning to her sleeping girlfriend before shaking her awake,"Hey Vag?"
"W-What is it, Hun? Something wrong?"
"No..I just need you to get up."
"For what?"
"My coronation is today…"
Vaggie bolted upwards, her one eye widening in disbelief,"You're what?"
"It's a long story…" She mumbled,"Just get up. We've got a busy day ahead of us…" She then rose from bed and motioned her forward,"Come on, Vag… Let's get going. My mom needs me and I need you to get the others ready..."
The moth nodded her head as she lowered the covers."Coming Charlie…"
Vaggie sighed,"Alright everyone, you know the drill. You are ALL going to be on your best behaviour for this because Charlie is about to become QUEEN and I don't need you fucking it all up, you got that!? We've got four hours until the thing goes live and I want everything to be perfect when we all get there, understand!?"
"Oh my god, we fucking get it," Angel yawned,"Seriously, we're not five, toots. We don't need lectures about our behaviour in public."
"I only do this because I KNOW how you people are! This is SERIOUS and we can't risk you fucking Charlie's coronation up! She's finally about to be taken seriously and I don't want you guys ruining it because you wanna fuck around!"
"Relax, nothing is going to happen,dear," Alastor said,"We've got ourselves under control…"
Vaggie scowled,"I don't fucking trust you, Alastor…."
"And why not? I've clearly changed! I mean, look at me! Do I look like the same person to you?"
"Doesn't matter!" She hissed,"No matter how you look, I know it's still you in there. I know your game, Al, just fucking put your bullshit aside just this once so Charlie can have her moment! And that goes for everyone else, keep your bullshit under wraps because this is about Charlie and I don't want you ruining her celebration!"
"We wouldn't dream of it," Vol said slowly,"Look Vaggie, I get you don't like Alastor but can you please back off? He's not even your Al and I'd appreciate it if you stopped being so hostile. I thought we evolved beyond this childish banter long ago. It's time we ALL be civil with each other. The feeling needs to be mutual…"
"You expect me to be friendly with HIM?"
"At least tolerate him dammit…"
Vaggie rolled her singular eye,"Whatever. Just don't fuck up and get some decent clothes on for this event! That pinstripe coat looks ridiculous on you! You'll make us look bad if you go out like that!"
"Hey! I've worn this for decades, it's a part of my style!"
"Get a new style then! It looks terrible on you, especially now that you don't have your demonic features to make it look tolerable. You can walk around the hotel looking bad but you'll make Charlie look bad if you go out like that to a public event! And you all better be there on time!"
Al sighed,"Fine. Have it your way, Vaggie. If you want me to change, I shall…"
Vol frowned,"Al, you know you don't have to-"
"But I will. Just so we leave me be. Besides, it's about time I got something that fits my new look anyway. Though I'm not too certain what to change my clothes to…." That pinstripe coat was the only thing Al wore on a daily basis so he was kind of stumped on what to wear next…
"Don't worry," Vox assured,"We got you covered. It's time we find you something a bit more modern to wear…"
"Yeah! You can count on us!" Vanny exclaimed, placing her hand on his shoulder.
Al sweatdropped,'I suddenly don't trust these two…'
It had taken over an hour for Vox and Vanny to find an outfit that didn't look out of place on Al and for themselves.
It wasn't much, just a reddish-brown buttoned up vest with a white short sleeve shirt and a black bowtie. At his lower half were a pair of brown pants with black dance shoes. Wasn't anything too snazzy but it was enough to keep Al afloat for the night.
Vox had to get a grey and blue suit. However, due to...complications with putting on clothes, he had to revert back to having a human head. It wasn't too different from his old form, just with a visible blue blood trail and that the tips of his blonde hair were light blue.
And Vanny….nothing changed all too much. She just got a violet and white dress and put a headband on so that she looked presentable. Nothing overly fancy but it was on the frilly side of the choin compared to the other's clothes.
"I still don't get why I have to have short sleeves…" He grumbled, rubbing his shoulder awkwardly.
"Relax, it's just your arm, it's not even cold or anything. What's the big deal?" Vox asked.
"N-Nothing. I'm just not used to wearing short sleeves. All my clothes were long sleeved when I was alive, even if it was hot I'd always wear long ones. Just in my nature…"
"The sweat must've been worth it…"
"Hardly felt a thing…" He admitted.
"So when's the party again?" Vanny asked,"I kind of forgot…"
"It's in like a few hours. It's not too far from here and it won't start for a while. Better to get here early and so that we don't have to worry about Vaggie whining at us for being late…" Vox said, not eager to hear the moth's inevitable ranting if they did happen to not show up on time.
"Do you think everyone's going to abide by that rule?" Al inquired.
"Debatable. Some people might choose not to come on time for their own reasons. Angel might do it to psis her off and some might have other things to do and get distracted. Won't be surprised if Vol and Velvet decide to spend extra time together instead of coming on time during their date…"
"In that case," Vox pulled out his phone,"I'll go text them to remember the time and to call me when they're about to come over. I don't want Vaggie taking her anger out on us for something easily preventable."
Vanny giggled,"Are you seriously scared of Vaggie that you're gonna do all that? Seriously Vox?"
"I'm not scared, I just don't want to hear her yelling at me for something that isn't my fault just because it's her girlfriend's coronation."
"Neither do I, as amusing as Vaggie is, her ranting does get old. I'd rather not listen to that for an hour because she's upset over someone else being late," Al shrugged,"And in our case, we should just head over there already. Best to just get this over with while we still have time."
It took an hour, but they eventually tracked down the location through the help of Velvet's GPS installed in her phone, leading them right to where Vaggie said it'd be scheduled. It was a place the Magne family owned, one of their extra ballrooms that was rarely used.
When they all got inside, most of the other Hazbins had arrived with several other guests who none of them knew about. About the only people who hadn't arrived were Husk, Vol and Velvet.
Leaning against the wall Vaggie was sending them a glare,"Could've gotten here sooner…"
"It hasn't even started yet," Vox replied,"Seriously, I get being a stickler on time but this is beyond ridiculous. Charlie and Lilith aren't going to be here for a couple of hours, cut us some slack."
She huffed,"Whatever. Just don't fuck up, I've got enough problems keeping this place in line, I don't need you making things worse for me."
Vox and Vanny rolled their eyes, the doll demon scoffing,"Good god, you're so 'fun' to be around. See ya later. I'm off to enjoy myself cuz I clearly can't do it here. Come on, Vox. Let's get going…"
"Agreed…" Vox then turned,"Hey Al, you're coming right? The party is this way…"
"I'll be over in a second. You two can go on without me, I'll catch up…" He then looked at Vaggie, who sent him a death glare in response.
"What the fuck do you want with me now, Alastor? Can't you see I'm stressed out as it is? Are you here to fuck around or what?"
"I just want to talk with you."
"About?"
"Your hostility towards me and just about everyone else? It's rather prominent today and I don't get why nobody has gone out of their way to antagonize you."
"Why does it fucking matter? I have my reasons for being like this, it doesn't concern you."
"Because an explanation would be nice right about now given I'm not even your Alastor and you're treating me like him…"
"Regardless of the version, you're still the same Alastor. I don't care if you have wings or a halo, you're still an asshole…"
Al rolled his eyes,"Off to such a great start aren't we?"
"I didn't ask you to talk to me…."
"I'm just trying to be friendly, Vaggie…"
She scowled,"I don't care. I don't want to be your friend, just leave me the fuck alone…"
"I will...right after we finish talking. Though I'd rather do it in a less crowded area…" Al said as he looked at the other Hazbins out of the corner of his eye,"I do think we should at least go somewhere with less eyes on us…"
He then motioned for her to follow him, Vaggie didn't follow at first but eventually sighed in defeat and did as instructed when Al kept staring at her.
Al pulled her aside to an area where nobody was watching. Once the coast was clear, she turned around and asked,"Alright, what the hell do you want?"
"I just want to say that I can't say I'm surprised by your reaction towards me. Even despite everything, I guess some things don't change too much. I suppose my other self left a bad impression on you don't he?"
"Course he did, he was a fucking dick. And you were the same before all this bullshit occurred. But I know better, no matter how much you physically change, I know the monster inside…"
"Do you?" He inquired,"Because I'm more than just the monster you see. I've evolved past that point. I'm not the same person I started out being. And I don't know if it's occurred to you, but me and my other self have stopped being the same person quite a while ago. We may have once been the same man, but the time has long since passed."
"Oh yeah? Explain."
"For starters, we more or less diverged the moment Volastor came into existence. From that point onward, we may have physically been the same man but we're two different people at the end of the day. No matter how similar we may have looked, we're two different men with two different experiences at that point onward. It's like how Vanny and Velvet are technically the same person on the outside but their experiences are so different. They've lived two seperate lives for so long that they can no longer be classified as the exact same woman. At one point their lives may have been identical but with Volastor coming into existence, the timelines diverged and their lives started becoming different one way or another. Things have changed and whether we like it or not, it's about time we've come to some sort of understanding."
"What type of understanding?"
"A ceasefire so to speak. I know we never saw eye to eye, but I do believe proposing a truce between us would cease the tensions"
Vaggie blanked,"You're kidding right? This is a trick isn't it? You're trying to get my guard down so you can fuck me over. I'm telling you, that shit doesn't work. Charlie may be naive enough to fall for your charm but I can see past the glamor and bullshit. You can't bullshit me."
"I'm not trying to trick you. We both know you wouldn't fall for any deal I proposed. I'm serious, it's about time we try and put our differences aside. I'm not asking you to be my friend but I do believe we can at least be more than uneasy allies." He then outstretched his hand,"What do you say, Vaggie? Will you at least consider?"
The moth's face remained stationary. A part of her thought he was trying to fuck with her. She was still skeptical of Alastor's intentions with this proposed 'truce' and she doubted he could ever be sincere.
Still...it had been what? Like over two years? And this wasn't even the Alastor she knew, he was from an entirely different timeline that had since branched off from theirs long ago. And assuming the ascension was legit, it was likely that the blast that Gabriel sent barreling their way changed something not just physically but internally as well.
Normally, she'd doubt it but it didn't seem impossible now. All of Alastor's demonic traits had been taken away. He looked more human and lacked that menacing nature she and all of Hell was used to seeing. Even though his smile reminded me, it was less predatory and far more genuine and it didn't appear forced either.
Not to say she trusts him, but maybe just maybe she'd consider giving him the tiniest benefit of the doubt.
Before Vaggie could respond to this, she was cut off by the sound of glass breaking in the main area along with the sound of screaming and gunshots."Holy shit! What the fuck is going on!? Why is there shooting in a ballroom!?"
Alastor's smile became strained, eyes narrowing with hostility,"It appears someone has decided to come in uninvited. I don't know what they're planning, but I have the feeling someone wants to rain a parade on Charlie's coronation. I say we put their plane on ice before it ends up causing any further damage…" He then pulled out his holy rifle,"Shall we get going, dear?"
Vaggie nodded in agreement, pulling out her spear and rushing towards the ballroom. By now, it had become a bloodbath, several tables had been flipped over for cover, glass windows had been shattered and armed men were shooting their holy guns at people, their bullets spraying off the wall. The other Hazbins were fighting back against the army
"Dammit! Everything is ruined!" Vaggie hissed, her hair raising with unbridled rage,"This whole thing was for Charlie and they're all RUINING IT! How dare they fuck with my girlfriend coronation before it even starts! They'll pay for this!"
"Agreed. But let's stick together shall we?" We can't be losing each other, Vaggie…"
She growled before reluctantly following after him. The other Hazbins were shooting back with whatever weapons they could. Al was shooting a fair few men with his rifle while Vaggie stabbed anyone she could get her hands on with murderous intent.
Despite being outnumbered, the Hazbins had all packed their weapons to go and were fighting. Even Baxter was proving to be a capable fighter, using his ray gun to freeze anyone who got too close to him in their tracks.
Vox and Vanny were to be holding off their side, Vox doing his best to avoid getting hit along with everyone else. Even if angelic weapons weren't instant kills, Vox knew the damage done would be permanent if one collided with his body and he didn't fancy having to replace his limbs with cybernetics just yet.
He hissed as he stabbed another soldier, cringing at the blood getting on his new suit"God, why is it that when things are turning around, this happens!? Can't we catch a break? I just bought this suit and now they're ruining it with their blood!"
"Guess not," Vanny said as she used her enlarged gauntlet to knock the ones on her side away,"Fuckers just keep coming. Starting to wish Volastor was here. He'd be slinging these bastards left and right…"
"He won't be here for a while…" Vox grumbled,"Meaning we'll have to take care of these bastards ourselves…"
"Need a hand?" Al shouted as he shot several people, rushing to their aid with Vaggie doing her best to sling her spear at anyone.
"Definitely," He replied, thankful that Alastor had come to their aid,"These bastards just keep coming. It's about time you showed up, Al. Was beginning to think something happened to you."
"Trust me, it's going to take more than these fools to get me down…" Al assured as he began shooting. Eventually, he couldn't help but get annoyed as the amount of demons surrounding them didn't lower. No matter how many they took down, more just popped up in their place like an infestation."God, how many are there!?"
"Hundreds!" Vox exclaimed,"No matter how many we knock down, dozens just pop up in their place. What is their deal anyway!? They're attacking us for no reason!"
Suddenly, an eerie voice showed up, one that all of them recognized,"By all nine circles, you two are most certainly stubborn. I'd think you two would be dead by now…"
Everyone's eyes darted to the source, seeing a familiar spider overlord standing there with several holy guns in his hands. His men were standing behind him obediently with guns trained on them as well, having them all surrounded.
Everyone's faces immediately fell, Vox and Alastor immediately getting on the defense upon remembering how he pointed a gun at them last time, only holding themselves from attacking when they saw the guns trained on them as well.
"You…" Al growled,"What do you want, Doom? I thought you died…"
"Don't play dumb, Al. It takes more than a mere knife to take me down. That may have rendered me unconscious, but it didn't kill me," He informed casually,"Though I have to admit, I didn't expect to see you two here. Especially with those strange outfits…" He said this while referencing their heavenly forms, clearly under the impression they were costumes.
"They aren't costumes," Vox stated,"And don't worry, the feeling is mutual. None of you expected you to survive and it's unfortunate you just had to reveal yourself. Why are you even here again?"
"Easy, to get revenge on the Royal Family. I had been expecting them to be here but since Charlie and Lilith aren't, I figured that taking care of the...problematic guests would at least be a good step in the right direction. After all, anyone who can't be turned into a follower has to be eliminated and I can't risk you ruining my plans…"
"Are you fucking kidding me?" Vanny asked,"You know you don't stand a chance against Charlie and Lilith! They'll kick your ass! Even if you kill us, you stand no chance against them."
"I'll deal with them later," He said dismissively,"Though first, I'll Take out the trash.."
"Who the fuck are you calling trash, asshole!?" Vaggie snapped,"You're nothing more than a pile of shit that ruins everything he touches!"
"My you have such a mouth. It's about time you shut up for once, little moth. Especially after all the trouble you caused me the first time around. When Charlie sees your corpse I'm certain her cries will be like a 'sweet' symphony…"
"You're sick…You'll pay for this!"
"No, I don't think I will…Ta-ta dear, see you in double-hell…" He fired the gun in Vaggie's direction.
Vaggie braced herself for impact, knowing there was no time for her to for the bullet to never hit it's target.
Confused, she opened her eyes only for her jaw to fall out when she saw Alastor lying in a pool of blood, his left eye having been blown out completely. Al had actually stopped smiling, his other remaining eye wide in shock as he lay there in pain, unable to move and yet unable to die at the same time…
"Damn...He actually got in the way. Didn't expect that one…" Doom admitted, seeming genuinely surprised for a second.
"Dios mío.." She heaved, her heart pounding as she saw him lying there.
Vox and Vanny immediately became on guard, the former growling,"You...You monster! How dare you! I'll-"
"You'll what?" He asked,"If you take another step, Vox, I'll be sure to blow not only the moth's head out, but your girlfriend's as well. Unless you want them to end up like Alastor over here, I suggest you not be an idiot…"
Vox clenched his fist. He knew Vaggie and Vanny were vulnerable to holy weapons and a bullet in the right area would be game over for them. But if he got hit...it'd hurt like hell but he wouldn't die….
Sighing, he said,"Look, Doom. I get it, you're angry and you want to take your anger out on someone. But if you're going to do that, do it on me. I'm far more durable than these two are and if you want someone to break, you can do it with me.
"Are you offering yourself up?"
He nodded,"As long as you don't hurt the other two…"
"Vox, don't fucking do it!" She cried out.
"Quiet!" He retorted,"This is for your own good. Let me handle this!"
Doom rubbed his chin, as much as he wanted to kill Vaggie, he figured that he had plenty of time. With Charlie and Lilith away and the other Hazbins being held at gunpoint, that meant he'd have to do something to entertain himself and Vox was offering himself up…
"Hmm...Well since you're so willing, I don't see why not. Though you'll have to put the spear down…"
Vox reluctantly did so, kicking it away for extra measure.
"There? Are you happy now?"
"Very..." He then snapped his fingers,"Boys, keep the girls at gunpoint. Be sure to shoot them if they try anything…"
Vox growled,"You said you-"
"Hey, if they don't do anything dumb they won't die. Not breaking my word am I?" He chuckled before grabbing Vox and forcing him on the ground, claws digging into his face"Now as for you, I must say, offering yourself up is pretty brave. The brave ones are usually the fun ones to break. And these wings of yours look absolutely stunning, it'd be a shame if they were to be removed…Why don't we start one by one?"
The angel cringed when he felt Doom grab his wing with one of his extra arms, doing his best to bit his lip and avoid letting out a scream as one of his feather's got removed from his wings. He winced as he felt blood pouring from the new wound, cringing as he was forced onto his knees.
'Come on Vincent...don't show any weakness...This is for the greater good..The longer he's distracted, the better chance the other's have at surviving..No matter what, I won't die but they will. He can do whatever wants to me...but I'll still survive...' He thought to himself, holding out that someone would come soon, more for the other's sake if anything.
one would come soon, more for the other's sake if anything.
Thanks for 14,172 views, tell me what you think below! Took me forever but I hope this chapter was worth the wait cuz it was a pain to write.
Enigmus-288: I doubt anyone reading this far thought it'd go like this lol. In the very least, he did something right since with him agreeing to stay in Heaven, Micheal gave the hand-wave over Charlie's project. It's more about what Lilith and Charlie do from here honestly lol.
Mitsuru6: Yep, finally got around to including Husk back in and making Al and Vox fulfill the fatherly roles at long last.