The Heavenly Hotel
Author's Note: Now I really feel like I'm getting into this story. Quick thank you to anyone who has favorited or followed my story. People like you keep me going. :)
Anyways, let's get back to the story. This one is going to be very different for many reasons. But if you like everything that's happened so far, I predict you'll really enjoy this one!
Happy Hotel
It was only 5:30 in the morning, and Charlie wakes up. She notices Vaggie is still sleeping, but she has no desire to back to sleep now that she's awake. She puts on her red tuxedo and steps out of the room. Since no one is awake at the current hour, she decides to step outside and get some fresh air. Only a few seconds after she steps out, she sees someone sitting in front of the crater Pentious's blown up ship created. She steps forward and learns her prediction is correct.
"Douglas?" She asks quietly. The boy continues meditating. "Are you... meditating?" She asks as she steps up and sits by him.
"I am." He responds as he holds out his hand. "Once I reach inner peace, I may learn the source of this wetness." He says, confusing her.
"You're wet?" She asks as she gently touches his arm. "You don't feel wet." She comments. Douglas opens his eyes and makes a casting pose over the crater. Suddenly a bright cloud hovers over the crater and begins to produce rain. Charlie gasps at the sight. "You can make rain?!" She asks with audible excitement in her voice.
"It's holy water." The young warrior responds as the bottom of the crater fills up. After about two minutes, the entire crater is filled with holy water.
"Wow." Charlie mumbles. "How'd you do that?"
"I think it was a mutation. Now holy water is permanently mixed into my bloodstream." He states as the cloud vanishes.
"Dare I ask why you injected yourself with holy water?" She asks nervously. The holy soldier shakes his head.
"This was all just a side effect. Rosie's weeds dug into my veins and I soaked her with holy water. Some of it got into the roots and then the roots planted holy water in my bloodstream." He states. Charlie gives him a nervous smile.
"I'm glad you're okay, but... what happened to Rosie?" She asks.
"It turns out her wicked flesh couldn't handle the gentle purifying feeling of holy water. She has no flesh left now." He says as he shows her his list. "Now both Velvet and Rosie are dead." He says proudly. Charlie's smile vanishes.
"About that, don't you think maybe it's time to stop killing people?" She asks. Douglas shakes his head.
"You know I can't do that. Judge Tytus told me all eight overlords need to die." He establishes. "And I'm still waiting for Alastor to resign." He mumbles. Charlie rolls her eyes and pats him on the shoulder.
"Look, I know you have a job and all, but... don't you think everyone is capable of change?" She asks hopefully. Douglas shrugs.
"I wouldn't have the slightest clue. I would assume many people who have changed had to fight for that change, but not many people want to challenge themselves to become better people." He states. "Besides, all these overlords want the opposite. They all want people in Hell to get worse." He remarks. The princess signs deeply.
"I suppose, but... do you think anyone could change if they truly found a reason?" She asks. Douglas nods.
"I do." He answers.
"Then don't you think killing people is a bad idea? If you do that, they'll never have the chance to change." She states.
"I'm aware. But do you know how many men Velvet has killed? And did you know Rosie killed her husband and then tortured his soul?" He asks, causing her eyes to widen.
"No..." She subtly responds.
"Then no matter," Douglas says. "Franklin was an innocent man with good intentions and a will to change. Rosie murdered him and then made an illusion of him to trick people." He states. Suddenly they both spot a bright light shining down on them. They see an angel depart from above. Douglas recognizes him. "Franklin!" He shouts happily. The former dark warlock smalls widely and steps to them.
"Hello, son." He says before pausing to notice Charlie. "And good morning to you as well Princess Magne." He says as he removes his top hat and bows respectfully.
"Hey Franklin," Charlie says nervously. "You've... changed." She mumbles, causing him to chuckle.
"Why, yes I have my dear. I've changed for the better." He says. Douglas grins.
"Does that mean you won your trial in Heaven?" He asks enthusiastically. Franklin chuckles and nods.
"I sure did. And it's all thanks to you, Mr. Knox." He says as Douglas jumps up and throws a fist into the air.
"YES! YES!" He holds his hand out. "I'm so happy for you sir!" He says. Franklin shakes his hand politely.
"It was a true pleasure working with you to defeat my wife. You have granted me eternal freedom, and today I'm here to pay back the debt I owe you." He says.
"A debt?" Douglas asks. The holy warlock nods proudly.
"Indeed. I have been given a room key to Heaven's largest resort. I'm now a member of the place." He says proudly. "So, in return for you releasing my soul, I was hoping I could invite you to join me in Heaven for one full day." He offers.
"Wait, there's a hotel in Heaven too?" Charlie asks as he nods.
"Indeed, it's much larger than this one." He says as he smiles at her. "In fact, why don't you Princess Magne come along with me and your handsome boyfriend?" He offers, throwing both of them off.
"Wait, me?" Douglas asks in a shocked tone. Charlie chuckles nervously.
"We're just friends." She states, causing Douglas's tension to ease.
"Yeah, just friends," Douglas repeats. Franklin chuckles a few times.
"Forgive my blatant assumption, I assumed you to were potential lovers." He says as he continues chuckling. "You two just seem like you'd make a cute couple." He says, causing Charlie to blush a little.
"My mom says that with almost any friend I'm next to." She says while chuckling. Douglas just gives a dead frown.
"I've never had a girlfriend." He says in sadness. Charlie glooms.
"Aw, don't feel bad Douglas, you're still young." She says reassuringly. The holy warrior shrugs.
"Yeah, I'm young and have no family. I'm not well-connected at all." He states.
"Why, don't worry son, I imagine God will provide you with love the moment your desire for love shows. And I saw the potential last night." He says as he raises his new holy staff. "Now, shall we go to Heaven?" He asks. Charlie steps back.
"You know, I'd really love to, but I have a hotel to run." She says as Douglas nods.
"And I have six more overlords to kill. We probably shouldn't go anywhere until I'm done." He says. Franklin chuckles.
"Well, I guess I'll have to do this the hard way. I'm not taking no for an answer." He states as he creates a dark shadow over Charlie. Both of them flinch for a second, but it wears off right away, and a complete clone of her appears behind her.
"Wow! That was a cool trick!" The clone says enthusiastically. Charlie shrieks and steps back the moment she sees it and grabs Douglas's shirt.
"Ah! You made a clone?!" She asks fearfully.
"Can you not be so rough please?" Douglas asks in annoyance. Franklin chuckles.
"No, it's only an illusion. Just like the kind my wife used on me to lure Douglas into her house. It has your exact personality and every feature that you have." Douglas smirks as Charlie lets go of him.
"Well, she's almost as cute as you are." He says, causing the real Charlie to blush and the clone to squeal.
"Awe! You're so much cuter! And sweeter!" The clone exclaims. The holy boy smirks and faces Charlie.
"Say, do you think your parallel would go out with me?" He asks, causing Charlie to gasp internally.
"Does this mean you... like me?" She asks. Franklin chuckles.
"I knew it all along." He says as Douglas shrugs.
"I mean, since it's only a clone and all, I'm single an-"
"Sorry sweetie, I'm with Vaggie." The clone says.
"No, I'm with Vaggie." Charlie says.
"Does that mean I can have the clone?" He asks. The fake Charlie chuckles.
"You're very cute, but I doubt it would work out well." She says as she turns around and faces the hotel.
"Wow, your clone is a real fun killer," Douglas says, causing Charlie to giggle.
"I get it, you think I'm cute." She says. Douglas frowns for a moment.
"Okay, I admit it, now can we go to Heaven now? I haven't seen my family in eight years." He says impatiently. Charlie chuckles.
"Sure, let's go!" She says spiritually. Franklin raises his staff and they both appear outside of a large hotel.
Heaven
"This is my new home!" He says proudly. Both of them stare in awe.
"Whoa! This is what Heaven looks like?!" Charlie asks in excitement.
"I didn't know it had a resort!" Douglas exclaims. Franklin chuckles a few times.
"Well my children, Heaven has everything you'd want. Come inside." He says as he opens the door. "As you can see, all those who did good things with their lives or at least tried to are here, and they're all so happy to be here." He says. Suddenly a small boy with a blue hat steps out of the room and glares at them.
"Who are you guys? Two kids and a man who got killed by terrorists?" He asks. Charlie puts her hands to her hips.
"No, Douglas and I are two living people and-"
"You're alive?!" The boy interrupts. "That's not fair! And I'm trapped in the clouds while my lonely grieving mother is weeping on Earth with a sack of my dismembered remains?!" He asks before facepalming. "This is not fair!" He whines before running away sobbing.
"Who's that kid?" Douglas asks as Charlie folds her arms.
"Someone who needs to learn some manners." She says annoyed. Franklin sighs.
"No, that's Eddie. He was killed in Hell a couple of weeks ago. Nobody knows how he got there, but supposedly he was killed and dismembered." Both of them make a horrified face.
"Dear lord! Are you serious?!" Charlie asks frightfully. Douglas withdraws his Heaven's Glock.
"Who did that to him?! I'll dismember them limb by limb and then shatter their tombstone!" He says furiously. Franklin creates a slight gravity bind over Douglas to lower his aggression.
"Please take it, easy son. You don't need to resort to violence. God will give them their karma soon enough." He says. Douglas pockets the gun and frowns.
"Okay, but keep in mind I'm not forgetting about this. It's one thing to become an orphan with no parents, but there is no pain on Earth worse for a parent than outliving your own son." He says spitefully. Franklin rolls his eyes.
"I wanted to have children, but my evil wife said she'd have too much fun aborting the baby when it's ready to be born." He says as he turns around. "Now can we please continue the tour?" He asks. Both of the younger people nod. "Fantastic!" The warlock says cheerfully as he opens a door to a very large orchard of fruit trees.
"Wow! It's huge!" Charlie exclaims in excitement. She immediately wanders off and starts looking for some fresh fruit. Douglas faces Franklin with amazement in his eyes.
"Is this the orchard of eternal nutrition?" He asks. The charming warlock nods gracefully.
"I see you've studied young religious son. I imagine God is extremely proud to have created such a strong and smart boy." He says, causing Douglas to smile widely.
"I'll never understand how you ever ended up in Hell, you're too polite." He says as Franklin chuckles.
"Don't mention it, son, you're the reason I got to Heaven to begin with and it's all thanks to you that I'm welcome here now." He says humbly. Douglas grins.
"You're eternally welcome sir." He says as he looks out at the trees. "Now where'd Charlie go?" He asks before he spots her out of the corner of his eye.
"Look, Douglas! This apple is the shiniest fruit I've ever seen!" She exclaims as she holds a bright red apple in her hands. "Come on! I bet it'll taste incredible!" She says as she opens her mouth and brings in closer to her.
"Whoa, no, no!" Douglas exclaims loudly before teleporting. "DON'T EAT THAT!" He screams loudly as he snatches the shiny fruit away from her, startling the princess.
"Whoa! Douglas, what's come over you?" She asks in shock. Franklin chuckles and then steps up to them.
"You're quite the knight Douglas, protecting your princess this way." He states, causing Douglas to blush for a moment, but his cheeks regain their color the moment he faces Charlie again.
"Haven't you ever heard the story of Adam and Eve?" The holy soldier asks. The hellish princess shrugs.
"Those names don't ring a bell." She says in a dumbfounded tone. Douglas sighs deeply and points at the tree.
"This is the tree of the forbidden fruit." He states. "God warned Adam and Eve that if they ever ate fruit from this particular tree, they would die." Charlie puts her hand to her chin.
"I see... so did they?" She asks curiously. Douglas shakes his head.
"Well, actually no. If they had, humans wouldn't be around to this day." He states. "But God only spared them due to the love that the two shared for one another. He didn't want to kill them both on the spot nor did he want mankind to end, but this led to a punishment all humans now live by." He states. Charlie raises an eyebrow.
"What did he do to humanity?" She asks.
"All women experience very unendurable pain when giving birth to a new life. Had Eve never eaten, women wouldn't have to suffer." He states. "As for Adam, he lost the privilege of eternal food water and shelter for humanity. Nowadays everyone must work in order to earn their food rather than God giving it to us directly." He explains, causing Franklin to step forward.
"And that's where Heaven comes into play." He says as he holds his arms out. "All of this food belongs to the departed Angels who have done good things in their lives or worked really hard despite their challenges to overcome. Those who've done that have earned the blessing of eternal food in the afterlife." Charlie smiles for a moment, wishing she'd been born here instead.
"That's pretty sweet, but..." She looks down at the apple. "I still don't understand why we can't try the fruit." She says.
"We angels are allowed everything in Heaven." Franklin says.
"But God has asked mankind not to eat from this tree," Douglas adds. "Even if God chose to spare us upon consumption, it would be the ultimate dishonor to disobey his wishes and eat from his private tree." He says. The princess nods.
"I understand." She responds. Douglas holds the apple out to Franklin.
"Would you like to eat it, good sir?" He asks. The warlock chuckles and shakes his head.
"No thank you, Douglas. I have all the time in eternity to feast on such divine fruits. Why don't you keep it for yourself?" He asks. Douglas nervously puts it in his pocket.
"Okay, but... isn't it a sin for me to eat it?" He asks. Franklin shakes his head.
"You're doing Heaven a grand deed fighting those ruling Hell. You might as well save that for a future encounter with one of the evil overlords." He says. Charlie glooms subtly, but neither boy notices her.
"So... where next?" She asks with a nervous smile on her face. Franklin looks at his watch.
"Well, it's almost 6:00 A.M. and I imagine most of the angels will wake up soon." He states before pointing to a large building with a sword and shield logo in front. The shield has a huge cross on it and the sword handles are shaped like a cross. "The final thing I absolutely want to do with you two other than the feast tonight is introduce you both to the man who granted me my privilege to join Heaven." He says.
"I appreciate the offer, but I've already met Judge Tytus." Douglas remarks. Franklin chuckles.
"Tytus was only a member of the judgement, and for most of the trial he opposed any demons getting another chance." He says, causing Douglas to frown a little. "But the man in here is the brave soul who helped save mine." He turns to the young warrior. "Other than you my son, you'll always be my purest hero." He says passionately. Douglas smiles and steps forward.
"Alright then! Let's meet him!" He says as both men step forward. "Hm?" He turns towards Charlie. "Aren't you coming to, Charlie?" He asks. The princess looks to the side and grabs her right arm nervously.
"I'm a little scared. I don't live in Heaven nor will I ever be someone who is welcome here. What if the man inside smites me?" She asks worriedly. Douglas steps back and gives her a trustworthy look.
"Please don't be scared Charlie. He won't hurt you." He says. Charlie raises an eyebrow.
"How do you know?" She asks curiously. Franklin steps closer to her.
"Why my darling, he is the purest man in the universe. He was a generous man throughout his life and his heart is large enough to hold all living people inside of it. No angel in Heaven has prolonged as many dying lives as he has." The warlock assures. Charlie sighs deeply.
"I think I'd rather stay out here." She says sadly. Douglas pats her on the shoulder.
"Charlie don't be scared. Franklin and I will protect you." He promises. "Do you trust me?" He asks her. Charlie pauses for a moment and glances at Franklin as he gives her a charming wink. She then faces Douglas and sighs softly before smiling coyly.
"Yes, I do." She says as she shyly holds out her hand. "But, could you hold my hand?" She asks. Douglas smiles and takes her hand.
"I thought you'd never ask." He says. Both of them step forward and Franklin opens the door with his staff. All three of them step into a large courtroom with many seats in the gallery.
"Behold, the sacred judgment hall!" Franklin presents proudly. "This building is where all good souls are given a trial for their sins. All those who are pure of heart pass and are forever forgiven to spend their eternity relieved of guilt for the misdeeds they've done while living." He says. Charlie looks around.
"Who's in charge of this place? Is it God?" She asks. Franklin smiles and shakes his head.
"Nope, but he is a man God himself has directly appointed." He steps into a room in the back. "Emperor, you have visitors." The warlock says politely as he takes off his top hat and bows respectfully.
"I do?" A much older sounding voice asks. Douglas and Charlie both step forward slowly, curious to see who it was. "Wonderful! Please invite them in!" He says in an excited tone. Franklin faces the two.
"Well my children, your meeting with Heaven's top general awaits!" He says proudly. Both the young warrior and hellish princess enter the room and their eyes widen at the sigh of a ferocious man sitting in front of them. He's over eight feet tall, has huge muscles, and a very long greyish beard. He's wearing battle armor that looks about two hundred and fifty pounds altogether, and his figure overall looks like a five-hundred-year-old man who aged incredibly well.
"Welcome, Douglas Knox." He says with a bright grin on his face, then facing the girl. "And Princess Charlie Magne." He says.
"You know our names?" Charlie asks in amazement, as she lets go of Douglas's hand and they both sit in two comfortable reclining chairs. The giant man laughs heartily and nods.
"I know everyone." He states as he glances at both of them slowly. "Are you kids comfortable?" He asks. Douglas nods.
"I've been waiting to sit in a chair like this since I checked in to Charlie's Hotel. Ever since the first day I've been on my feet and I've sat down on the cold hard ground." He says. Charlie frowns lightly.
"Are you saying the Happy Hotel isn't comfy enough?" She asks.
"I'm saying it's welcoming, but I haven't really been able to relax and enjoy myself yet." He answers. The man chuckles and holds his hands out.
"I'm incredibly sorry for failing to introduce myself." Both Charlie and Douglas shake his left and right hands respectively. "My name is Emperor Augustus. Chairman of Heaven's Judgement Hall and the strongest angel in the universe." He says as he ends the handshakes and flexes his biceps. "Do you see a lot of men with muscle like this where you guys live?" He asks in a somewhat egotistical tone.
"I've never seen someone half as strong as you." Charlie states. Douglas shrugs.
"I imagine I'll get close to your level someday." The holy teen says. "I imagine spending eternity in Heaven gives you a lot of time to exercise." Augustus laughs heartily.
"It sure does! And boy does it feel good! A lot of the ladies love me." He says before calming down a little. "Though, I have sworn eternal love to my wife. I died in combat, she died years later, and we were reunited here." He says proudly.
"So, do you have any problem with people from Hell?" Charlie asks nervously. Franklin steps forward as the general chuckles a few times.
"Why sweetheart, look at my new man Franklin over here." He says in a presenting manner as the warlock waves. "If I had a grudge against those who weren't originally selected to be here, do you think I would've let this young gentleman into Heaven?" He asks as he holds his hand out, Franklin puts their palms together.
"This man is my savior, besides you of course Douglas." He says as he puts his hand to his heart. "I've always dreamed of being here in Heaven, but I've never once believed my evil deeds would've been forgiven. You tenderhearted people have given me hope, hope that soon one day, everyone may be reunited! Heaven and Hell alike!" He exclaims joyfully. Charlie glooms lightly.
"Can I ask you an important question sir?" She asks polity and nervously. Augustus nods.
"Why, you are a genuine princess my dear. A gentleman such as I could never turn down a gentle question. What would you like to know?" He asks endearingly.
"Well... do you know my father?" She asks. The emperor's giant grin instantly vanishes.
"Yes... I know Lucifer." He says in a tone far less enthusiastic as usual. "Why do you ask?" Douglas flinches and withdraws his list.
"Wait, this Lucifer?!" He asks worriedly as he shows everyone his list of bounties.
"That'd be the man." Franklin answers. Just as Charlie's about to speak up, Douglas begins panicking.
"What?! Does this mean I have too..." He looks at Charlie for a moment and nearly begins crying. "Kill your father?" He asks, holding his tears back. Charlie holds her hand out to calm him down.
"Hold that thought Douglas, let's hope you don't." She says before facing Augustus. "What do you know about my father?" She asks.
"He's the exact opposite of Franklin." He states. "Lucifer was a man God had accepted into Heaven upon his initial death, but he became very greedy with all the privileges he was granted and tried to overthrow God. We had no choice but to put him in Hell, long ago in order to prevent another lethal attempt." He states causing Charlie to lower her head lightly in sadness.
"So, there isn't any hope of redeeming him?" She asks. The emperor sighs and shakes his head.
"I'm truly sorry to say this, but I'm afraid not. I do believe anyone can have a change of heart, but those who resort to evil once, often never return to the side of good." He says in sadness. Douglas raises his hand lightly. "Yes, brave son?" Augustus asks.
"I've been in Hell for a few days now, and I've killed two overlords," He begins, causing the general to grin once again.
"You've fought very hard and very bravely young man. Even I don't think I could've done that as quickly as you have!" He says as he puts his right hand to his temple, sideways. "I salute you, Mr. Knox." He says respectfully.
"Thank you, but..." Douglas pauses and thinks of Niffty, Cherri, and Tom. "Three more people in Hell have died since I got there, and I was hoping maybe, unlikely as it sounds, you could find their souls and watch over them?" He asks prayerfully. The warlock man glooms.
"Unfortunately, such an ability isn't something we members of Heaven have." Franklin states as he faces the emperor. "Right sir?" He asks.
"We used to." Augustus says in sadness. "We had a very special book known as the sacred tomb of lost souls. Those who are in the void could've been saved at the time, but we lost it." He says in a dead tone.
"But how'd you lose it?" Charlie asks. Augustus sighs deeply and faces her.
"Your father stole it before he left. The book is now somewhere in Hell, and it's likely none of us will ever see it again." He states.
"Wait, if Lucifer has it, can't I just get it back from him?" Douglas asks. Augustus shakes his head.
"Lucifer doesn't have it anymore. He sold it to a very rich man in Hell in order to obtain the money that granted him power and soon, Hell's throne." He says. Charlie frowns.
"He never mentioned owning a book to me. Why do you think that is?" She asks. Franklin frowns and turns to the side.
"He probably felt those lost souls must remain lost so he'll never need to worry about them coming back and overthrowing him." The warlock states as Augustus nods.
"Your dad was always a power-hungry man Charlie. I'm afraid he's been hiding his true capabilities from you." He says in shame. "He'll do anything for power and that includes keeping those potentially stronger than him completely clueless."
"So where do I go from here?" Douglas asks. "Is it inevitable that I need to kill Charlie's father?" He asks in a worried tone.
"If you truly believe he can be spared, and then never harm another individual again, I think we can let him go." Augustus states, causing Charlie's ears to perk.
"Oh! Thank you, Mr. Augustus!" She exclaims in relief before facing Douglas. "Do you think you could let him off easy?" The holy soldier shrugs.
"I have no idea. But I'll try if it means that much to you." He says, causing her to smile widely.
"Thanks Douglas. You're a real wholesome person." She states before facing Augustus. "You guys were right to grant him his powers." She says, causing Augustus to smirk.
"Oh don't mention it." He states as he places his fists on the table and leans forward slightly. "And I must ask, is it just me, or is there something special going on between you two?" He asks in a seductive tone. Douglas shrieks internally and faces Charlie, who has a shocked look on her face.
"Why does everyone think this? I'm not even that cute!" He exclaims. Charlie holds her hands out.
"No, no, no! You're pretty cute!" She exclaims before facing Franklin. "But as I've already said before, I'm with someone else right now!" She then turns to the emperor. "Douglas is nothing more than a friend to me!" She exclaims, causing Douglas to sigh a little.
"Well, that's quite alright. Dearly sorry for that blatant assumption." Augustus says as he sits back straight in his chair. "Though I must say, if you someday were to be a couple, perhaps Heaven and Hell could finally make a compromise. If the princess of Hell were together with Heaven's strongest and most honorable Angel, maybe we could finally have eternal peace." He says hopefully, causing Douglas to raise an eyebrow.
"Wait, me?" He asks. The general nods.
"Indeed son, you've shown incredible potential so far and you're still only a kid. I see you having more power than I do within the next century due to your excessive willpower and your ability to bring justice! One day you may take my place as the chairman of Heaven." He says humbly. Charlie glooms and shakes her head.
"That won't work, unfortunately. Being the princess of Hell sounds cool, but nobody down there has any love for you or even cares that your royalty." She says in sadness.
"But what about Vaggie?" Douglas asks.
"Vaggie's the only exception I've ever met." The princess says sadly. Augustus smiles lightly.
"Why, chin up sweetie. I still love you." He says as he points to Franklin. "Frank still loves you." The warlock gives Charlie a thumbs up as she raises her head. "And most importantly, God still loves you!" He says proudly.
"He does?" Charlie asks curiously, starting to regain her charm.
"Of course, he does! Why if he hadn't, do you really think you've ever been born?" He asks as he laughs heartily. "God makes no mistakes my children. Your lives, as well as the lives of everyone you know are all his doing, and whether you're here or not, he'll never regret creating you!" He says reassuringly. "Now run along you two." He says as he pulls out a large bible. "Early morning mass is about to start. Unless you wish to sit in a crowded perish amongst hundreds of thousands of angels at once, I humbly request you leave now." He says half-joking.
"We'd better go now." Charlie says as she gets up. "My mother will kill me if I attend church." Douglas gets up and follows her out. Franklin chuckles and joins them as they leave.
9:00 P.M. Franklin's Suite
The three of them spent the day touring many places in Heaven and having a large feast at the end of the day. Their day is finally completed once they enter an apartment Franklin has. He opens up the bedroom door and presents the place.
"And this will be your room you two." He says as both Charlie and Douglas enter. There are two rather large beds on different sides of the room, and a lamp between them. Charlie pauses and faces him.
"Wait, if there are two beds and three of us..." She begins before Franklin holds his hand out.
"Nobody has to share. You two each get a bed and I'll be resting on the couch." He states. "Seeing as I'll have the rest of my eternity to have this room, I can part with a bed tonight." He says generously. Douglas slips off his shirt and climbs into the right bed while Charlie slips off her work clothes and enters the left one. "Goodnight you two." Franklin says with a warming smile.
"Goodnight Franklin." They both say at the same time. The holy warlock closes the door calmly and enters his couch. Within a few minutes, he's fast asleep. Not long after, Charlie rolls on her left to face the young warrior.
"Hey Douglas, are you still awake?" She asks quietly. He rolls onto his right and faces her.
"Yeah, but I'd like to fall asleep sooner rather than later. Heaven does have incredibly soft beds." He states before chuckling. "I guess God really does know how to let angels rest in peace." Charlie smiles coyly and giggles quietly at his joke.
"Good one." She compliments before switching tones. "But jokes aside, I need to tell you something important." Douglas nods.
"Alright, I'm listening." He responds tentatively.
"I kept thinking about your job, and I really don't think you should continue." She states. Douglas yawns and shrugs.
"I'm sorry, what are you saying? You know I can't just quit right now." He remarks.
"Well, here's the thing," The princess begins. "Every year there is a cleans and these exterminators kill off members in Hell." Douglas flinches and glares.
"What?! Some people get paid to finish off and smite fellow members of Hell?!" He attempts to summon a Seiken sword in thin air. "I will murder them all." He says darkly, before pausing for a moment and dropping his focus, retracting the light before it explodes or creates a sword.
"Actually, there's not fellow demons. They're fellow angels." She says. "And they use tools to execute people in Hell that prevent their souls from ever returning." Douglas glares.
"What? Then why am I even doing this to begin with? I seriously doubt they need someone like me if they can already remove your people from existence." He says. Charlie sighs deeply.
"The thing is, none of them have ever dared to attack an overlord due to their increasing power. I think they only called you in because you're braver than they are and even stronger for that matter." She states. "But here's my question, assuming you absolutely have to kill the overlords, can you at least try not to kill anyone else?" She asks.
"So far I haven't." He remarks. "I never intended to kill Tom, and if I had been paying more attention, he wouldn't have died. I'll never forgive myself for that one." He says shamefully. The princess glooms.
"I know, it was very sad to watch, but it wasn't all your fault." She says reassuringly. "But even so, if you kill non-overlords, you're really only getting in my way."
"What do you mean?" The holy soldier asks.
"I opened the Happy Hotel in order to redeem sinners. Franklin is someone you managed to save, and now this is exactly what I want to do with more people in Hell. If more of them went to Heaven, we wouldn't be overpopulated, and therefore Heaven wouldn't have any use for exterminators." She clarifies. Douglas rolls his eyes.
"Well I'll be surprised at that." He says as he lays on his back and snuggles into the covers. "Can we think about this more tomorrow?" He asks.
"I suppose... but," she says quietly, attracting his attention. "There is one more thing I think I need to tell you."
"And what would that be?" Douglas asks. Charlie faces him nervously.
"Douglas, I trust you. And I really don't want anything terrible to happen to you, but..." She turns away shamefully. "I might've put you in more danger."
"What do you mean by that?" He asks.
"Yesterday after you told me your motives, I called my mom and warned her about you. She and my dad are the king and queen of Hell. I told her to be gentle and spare you, but she answered me with evil intentions in her voice." She says as a couple of tears come to her eyes. "I'm really sorry." She says as she begins to cry quietly. Douglas isn't slow to respond.
"Charlie, please don't cry." He says warmly. "I understand how you feel." The hellish princess stops for a moment.
"What?" She asks as she gathers the courage to make eye contact with him.
"They're your parents. I know that you love them, and you don't want anything terrible to happen to them." He pauses for a second and his passionate smile vanishes. "I know what it's like to lose your family. It's not something anyone deserves to go through, especially when you're either still a kid, or a parent that loses a child." Charlie wipes her tears to the side and smiles lightly.
"Really?" She sniffles. The young warrior nods.
"Of course. I know you don't want me to kill your parents, and believe me, I don't want to kill them either. Though, I really don't know if I have a choice." He says sadly. Charlie's smile fades.
"You're probably right." She says as she snuggles up to a pillow. "I guess I'll just say goodbye to them tomorrow." Douglas whimpers under his breath. "I just wish they were alive to see me make a difference, but that will probably never happen anyways." She says in a sad tone. Douglas smiles comfortingly.
"That's not true Charlie. You are making a difference." He says, catching her attention.
"I am?" She asks curiously. He nods warmly.
"Of course, you are. You have some very wonderful friends who love you, a real goal that isn't about money, and a dream you're chasing down each day the best you can." He says passionately. "Some people may think you're a joke, but none of them will likely ever strive for change the way you have." He gives her a proud smile. "You have a heart, Charlie. You actually care about others, and that's exceedingly rare in Hell. You even care enough to tell me your parents know to expect me and that they're dangerous." He says, causing her frown to fade.
"Well yeah, but that's because you're my friend. I don't want my parents to kill you either." She says. Douglas gives her a content smile.
"You're my friend too Charlie. If you don't think you've made a difference for me, you're completely wrong. When I first arrived in Hell, I was worried I couldn't trust anybody, and maybe even have to kill anyone who saw me, but that wasn't the case." He points to her. "You took me in immediately. You've provided me hospitality I haven't had in eight years. You are the one friend I actually have in my lonely, family-deprived life that truly cares about me." He says, almost causing her to tear up joyfully. "Charlie, if there's any difference you've made, you've made my life a lot happier, because though I never thought I'd have any friends, let alone from Hell, you've been there for me. And I'll never be thankful enough for the things you've done for me Charlie." Charlie puts her hand to her heart and another joyful tear leaves her right eye.
"Douglas, you are super sweet. You're very welcome, and I'll continue to be as hospitable as possible as long as you're a guest at the hotel." She pledges. Douglas nods.
"I'll keep that in mind." He then rolls over. "Get some rest Charlie, we're both gonna need it."
"Goodnight Douglas." Charlie says as she lays on her back and gets comfy. Only a couple minutes later, both of them are fast asleep into the greatest slumber of their lives.
Author's Note: I do apologize if this story is too... Christian. I felt it would fit well to have Heaven and Hell counterpart each other for the story, but I hope it's not too religious for anyone's liking.
Another thing I think might be obvious now, yes I ship Charlie and Douglas. It was something I thought about for a few minutes and then it never stopped growing on me. Nonetheless, since this isn't a romance-themed story and I don't imagine most people ship canon characters with OCs that aren't their own, I have no plans on making them a couple. If anyone thinks they could work out, please let me know in a review or a private message. I notice a lot of people have been following and favoriting, but not a lot of people have given me feedback thus far.
Either way, any form of attention this story gets is motivation for me. Thank you all very much for reading up to this point, and more is on the way! :)
Deceased:
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