Moving On...
Author's Note: I apologize for going slowly. Motivation has been lower than average lately, and the desire to keep writing has dropped a little. Even so, I'm not going to give up. This story is going to be complete no matter how much Pumpkin Push I need to play to keep Douglas fresh in my mind. That said, this will be a connection chapter. I'm about halfway through the story now, and so this chapter will tie up any loose ends that aren't tied and begin to unravel the path to the rest of the story. Please enjoy! :)
9:30 P.M. Happy Hotel
Douglas feels a lot of pressure the moment he sets his hand to the handle of the front door. He'd thought over how incredible of a feat defeating the king and queen of Hell would be, but he didn't think he'd possibly need to be so silent about it when finished. He told himself not to look back the moment he left those formerly defenseless demons behind, and he now knows Charlie is going to be much harder to talk to. If she finds out he defeated her parents, she'll kick him out for sure! He finally steps inside the hotel and lets the door close behind him. The place looks pretty empty aside from a couple of Egg Bois in the lobby and Husk in the bar. Though, soon enough, the demoness princess greets him.
"Good evening Douglas! It's nice to see you!" She says with a lot of enthusiasm. Douglas smiles widely in hopes to hide his discomfort.
"Nice to see you as well Charlie." He manages to say without worry in his voice. He's thrown off as she hugs him warmly. "Oh, I see you wanted another hug?" He asks as he slowly wraps his arms around her as well. She breaks the hug somewhat quickly and faces him, leaving her hands on his shoulders.
"Sorry if you didn't expect another one." She giggles, and then gives him a warm smile. "But I felt like I owed you another thank you. Ever since this morning, we've already done so many things for several of Pentious's former minions. We are finally a hotel in business!" She says cheerfully, causing the young warrior to smile.
"I'm glad to hear that." He says.
"And it's all because just for one day, you were a complete pacifist!" She says in a squealy tone. Thankfully she turns around before Douglas's smile vanishes. "I mean, just think. If you decided today would be another day of smiting, then all these guests would be dead!" She then turns back to him. "But instead, you promised me you wouldn't kill anyone today, and now that request has been granted!" She exclaims happily. "I'm really proud of you." Douglas faces her nervously and nods.
"Yeah... so am I." He mumbles. Charlie's smile vanishes as she finally recognizes his tone.
"Um, is something wrong?" She asks. He faces her and decides to focus on something else.
"Oh, I was just wondering if Vaggie is okay. I thought she would be down here with you." The princess puts a hand to her heart.
"Awe, don't worry about her. She's just upstairs in our room watching the news." She says before frowning a bit. "Even though that bitch ought to get canned." She says in an annoyed tone. The holy soldier raises an eyebrow.
"What bitch do you speak of?" He asks. Charlie sighs and faces him.
"Katie Killjoy. She bullied me in front of everyone in Hell because none of them want to check-in and become better people." She says in a sad tone. "She's also the person who shoved Tom Trench into your gun." Douglas makes a fist.
"Why, I oughtta slit her skinny neck off!" He says in a rather vengeful tone before regaining his normal composure. "But I'll save that for some other time when I haven't sworn pacifism." He says innocently, causing Charlie to giggle.
"You're too sweet. If only my parents were better people, I'd introduce you to them." Douglas flinches. "But don't worry, I won't do it because they'd probably try to kill you." She then chuckles nervously. "I mean, they're not people who ever show mercy, but I bet they'd like you if you weren't from Heaven." The strong-willed teen raises his finger.
"Uh, can we not talk about your parents?" He asks as an idea goes through his head. "They sound really scary, and I've battled far too many nightmares throughout the course of my life." He says before gulping. Charlie smiles and nods.
"Of course. But you shouldn't worry anyway, because I haven't seen them in years, and I don't really plan to either." Douglas shyly gives her a thumbs up.
"Right, I would definitely disagree, but you're right. I don't need to worry about seeing them soon." He says before thinking something to himself. *Out of sight, out of mind* Charlie gives him a nervous smile.
"I know you said you're an orphan, but... I'm really glad your parents had you. And if they could see their son right now, they'd be so proud of how sweet you are and things you've done for people like me in Hell." Moments later, Angel Dust steps down the stairs with a sad look in his eyes, he sits down at the bar and orders a drink, catching Douglas's attention.
"Well, Charlie, why don't you clean the tables while I talk to Angel for a while?" He asks. The demoness smiles and nods.
"Good plan. Have fun, Douglas." She says as she grabs a rag. The young teen walks up to the bar and sits next to the sexual spider as Husk gives him a drink.
"Here you go." The cat demon says in his usual grouchy tone.
"Thanks man," Angel says as he lifts the drink with his upper right arm and starts drinking. Husk then faces Douglas.
"You want anything?" He asks as the holy soldier shakes his head.
"I'm only sixteen. I'm no underage drinker." He clarifies. Husk rolls his eyes.
"I assumed that's why you got to Hell." He states as he grabs a large beer bottle. "Whatever, just don't bother me while I drink." He says as he steps out of the bar and sits at a booth. Douglas taps Angel on the shoulder.
"Hey Angel, you okay?" He asks.
"Go away." He says in a subtle tone without facing him. Douglas pauses for a moment but stays where he is.
"But... are you okay? You seem sad." He says with concern. The sexual spider faces him.
"Look hot stuff, do you have any idea where I'm at right now?" He asks as Douglas shakes his head. "I'm bored as hell. The moment I finally retrieve my summoning card from my boss, I'm forced to sit down with nobody to give it to."
"Summoning card?" Douglas asks. The spider pulls a small card with his face on it out of his pocket.
"This is my card. My boss would use it to summon me to do a sex tape in the studio no matter what time of day it was. He'd even wake me up at three in the morning to fuck sometimes. I was so tired and it wasn't always very fun." He says as he pockets the card. Douglas cringes a little.
"Okay, is your boss the guy I saw at the porn studio? A bluish guy with a Santa outfit?" He asks. Angel suddenly frowns at him.
"So you won't drink for five more years, but you're walking into porn studios? You're one weird kid." He remarks. Douglas rolls his eyes.
"Okay, but here's my question. Why did you accept the job if you weren't always ready to swing?" Angel sighs deeply and faces him.
"I thought it would be fun at first, but I didn't realize he was an overlord." Douglas flinches and looks at his list. "He's a mafia member, just like I was during my life. And I accidentally told him my sister lives in Hell too." The holy soldier raises an eyebrow.
"Sister?" Angel glances at him.
"Her name is Molly. And she and I go way back." He says before closing his eyes and taking a sip. "Basically, he blackmailed me by threatening to have her killed if I wasn't his personal sex toy." He states in a sad tone. Douglas glares.
"That is unacceptable! Who is he?!" He asks. Angel sighs and holds his head down.
"I'm sorry dude, but I can't tell you." He states as a tear rolls down his face. "The reason I'm here... is to leave Hell. I can't live with him using me anymore, and without Cherri, I have nobody at my side to attack him if he comes for me or Molly." He then continues to sip the drink until it's gone. Douglas sits there for a moment and thinks about his own sister, and how she was killed before he gained the strength and bravery to fight the reaper.
"I'm really sorry to hear that." Douglas says as he pats him on the back. "But is there anything I can do about it?" He asks. Angel pauses for a moment and then stares at his card. He then gives Douglas a determined frown.
"Actually, there is one thing." He says as he hands the young warrior his card. "If I could stick it to the mafia myself, that'd be amazing." Douglas stares at the card for a moment.
"So what should I do with this?" He asks. Angel smirks darkly.
"If you find yourself in a battle that you can't win alone, rub that card like a magic lamp, and then hold it outward. I'll teleport directly where you aim it, and I'll help you slaughter whatever demon dare mess with you!" Douglas chuckles nervously.
"Are you sure that's a good idea?" He asks as the sexual spider nods.
"Of course! Being sinless is really boring! If I can have just one more gun battle, then I can peacefully enjoy the rest of my time in Hell!" He says with spirit before toning down to his sad mood. "But if not, all I can do is drink until I either find a gay mate or get word from God I'm in Heaven." Douglas gives him a determined frown.
"Don't worry Angel, if your boss is an overlord, rest assured I'll get him before he gets your sister." He promises. Angel lifts his head up and smiles widely.
"You're far too cool dude, maybe you could-"
"CHARLIE!" Angel stops mid-sentence as they both turn to see Vaggie sprinting down the stairs.
"What's her problem?" Angel asks as Charlie turns to her girlfriend.
"What is it Vaggie?" The demoness princess asks. Vaggie grabs her by both shoulders and looks into her eyes.
"It's terrible! Your parents are dead!" She exclaims loudly, causing Charlie, Angel, and Douglas to lose their expressions.
"What?! That can't be possible!" Charlie exclaims in disbelief.
"I swear! It was on the news!" The purple girl affirms. Angel shrugs.
"Wow, women are so dramatic, right Doug-" He pauses as he turns to the side, realizing the holy soldier is gone. "Las?" He questions in a confused tone.
"Come on Vaggie, don't lie to me." Charlie states. "Katie is probably making this all up because her ratings went down after Tom died." Suddenly there's a knock at the door. Angel quickly gets up and dashes to the door.
"I'll get it!" He calls out. He opens the door and Seviathan steps inside the hotel. "Oh, how are you doing, fish boy?" Angel asks in a flirtatious tone. The duke makes a disgusted look and turns away.
"Humph, as if you're worth my time, string legs." He states as Angel sighs. He then turns to Charlie with a gloomy look. "Charlie, I have some bad news."
"Seviathan?" Charlie asks with a surprised look in her eyes. "What are you doing here?" She asks. Vaggie frowns.
"Hold on, isn't he your ex-boyfriend?" She asks as the princess nods.
"Oh, so you are single, aren't you?" Angel says in a perky tone.
"Fuck off!" Seviathan exclaims to him before facing Charlie. "Charlie, I don't know if you've heard, but your parents have been killed." Those words strike Charlie's heart like a bullet to the chest.
"Are... you serious?" She asks with a paralyzed gloom in her eyes. The duke nods and steps closer, holding out his arms.
"I'm really sorry." He says as he moves in to hug her, only for Vaggie's spear to be placed in between them. "Whoa!" He gasps at the sudden action and so does Charlie.
"Time out, you blew it with her years ago. Do you really think I'm gonna let you touch her?!" She asks, causing the princess to glare.
"Vaggie!" She exclaims in frustration as she pries the spear out of the purple girl's arms and tosses it on the floor. "That's no way to treat a visitor!" She exclaims as Vaggie gives her a surprised look.
"What? But he was about to-"
"Such ignorance." Seviathan comments before facing her. "Was King Lucifer really right about you? He said you won't let men come near his daughter." Angel steps in.
"Whoa, a few minutes ago she was with Douglas, and nobody got hurt." He states as Seviathan makes a fist.
"Douglas..." He then regains his calm tone and faces Vaggie. "Fine, no hug for Charlie this time, but please keep the spear to yourself going forward." He requests as the cyclops rolls her eye.
"Fine." She then glances at Charlie for a moment. "But what did Douglas tell you?" She asks. Before Charlie can answer, Seviathan speaks up.
"Perhaps he mentioned that her father is more fond of him than you and I combined." He mumbles, causing Charlie's expression to change.
"I can see why he'd think that." Angel mumbles, getting a frown out of both Vaggie and Seviathan. Charlie gives him a confused look.
"Douglas never said anything about meeting my dad. Is that what he did?" She asks as the fish duke glares.
"Oh, he did a lot more than meet him." He says as he pulls a couple of autopsy photos out of his shirt and drops them before their eyes, causing both girls to gasp. "He stabbed both of them in the abdomen and left them to bleed to death!" He exclaims in anger. Charlie picks up both photos, one in each hand. She glances at Lilith, and then Lucifer, and then continues to go back and forth for a few seconds before tears leave her eyes.
"They really are gone." She says in a broken voice. "I can't believe it!" She exclaims before bursting into tears. Vaggie makes a sharp glare at the fish boy.
"Hold up a second! Did you say Douglas killed them?" She asks as he nods. "Why should we listen to you? You're the one who wants Charlie's hand in marriage. How do we know you didn't kill them both to take the throne?" She asks in an interrogative tone. Seviathan shrugs.
"Do I look like I'm sitting on a throne? I'm in a crappy hotel with you guys, am I not?" He asks as Charlie wipes her tears.
"But that still doesn't mean you didn't do it." Vaggie adds. The royal duke sighs and pulls out the autopsy.
"You wanna read this for yourself?! I'm the one who reported their deaths after fifteen minutes of an audience waiting for a show! Only to find the two stars dead right behind the curtain!" He exclaims defensively. Angel rolls his eyes.
"Wouldn't most people report the crime to make it look like they didn't do it?" He asks. Seviathan begins to rage but continues to keep his calm tone. He looks at Vaggie.
"Will you please read it out loud already?" He asks with rage in his teeth before facing his ex. "I retrieved this information so you'd learn first-hand what happened." Charlie lifts her head up as Vaggie reads the report out loud.
"Cause of death: deep abdominal wound, weapon-" She flinches and her eye widens largely.
"What's up?" Angel asks as he and Charlie both glance over Vaggie's shoulders.
"Wounds show signs of holy aura from the murder weapon. Death estimated around 8:30 P.M and the actual murder weapon is still in question." Vaggie says as all three of them sigh. Seviathan shrugs with an offended look.
"Do you still think a guy like me who only uses dark blades has any ability to produce holy weapons?" He asks. Vaggie facepalms.
"No, I'm sorry I accused you." She says sincerely. The duke nods.
"Apology accepted, but please don't do it again." He remarks before frowning at Charlie. "As for you, do you know anyone who has holy powers? Because we've both been in Hell for a century and a half, and I've never seen holy power in my life." He states as Charlie gasps loudly.
"Douglas!" She exclaims before her surprised look becomes a sad one. "But... he's innocent! He wouldn't kill my parents." She says as more tears come to her eyes. Seviathan makes a fist.
"And to think I could've stabbed him where he stood before your dad had to stop me." He says darkly, catching their attention. "I assure you he's the only new visitor that went into the palace. Everyone in the audience gathered around eight-thirty, but that kid was here before that." He states. Vaggie grabs her spear.
"Why that little bastard!" She says in a frustrated tone. Angel holds his index finger up.
"I wouldn't call him little if I were you since he's about, 2 or 3 inches taller than you, so-"
"Shut up Angel!" She exclaims as he rolls his eyes.
"Touchy." He remarks. Charlie looks at the photos again and shakes her head in disbelief.
"This can't be happening. Douglas is our guest! He can't be the guilty party behind my mom and dad's deaths!" She exclaims before holding her head down and crying into her arms. Seviathan folds his arms.
"Well I wish I could hug you, but I don't want my stomach impaled." He says in a sarcastic tone. Vaggie rolls her eye and shakes her head in annoyance.
"Just go for it. I never threaten any real threats anyways." She says annoyed. "I always pull the spear on people I think deserve it."
"Yeah, but by people you mean men." Angel adds, causing Vaggie to facepalm. "Maybe if you threatened a lady once in a while, you wouldn't make your sexuality obvious."
"Shut up!" She exclaims as she glances at Charlie. "Charlie is my girlfriend, and I'm not looking for a replacement." She says as she pats the princess on the back.
"Thank you Vaggie." Charlie says as she lifts her head up. "But... what am I gonna do without my parents?" She asks. Seviathan pats her on the back.
"Don't worry darling, whatever happens, I'm here for you." He says as she makes eye contact with him, smiling lightly.
"Thank you Seviathan." She says as she stands up and faces the stairs. "I need some alone time, I'll see you guys tomorrow." She says as she starts walking away.
"Wait, does this mean I need to find another room?" Vaggie asks. Charlie gives her a guilty smile.
"Oh, never mind. I'll just sleep on the lobby couch." She says as she sits down on it. Seviathan steps up and holds his arms out.
"Wait a second, no you shouldn't." He states as he turns back to Vaggie. "You guys have several rooms in this building. I'm sure one of them is open for you." He says nervously. Vaggie sighs and tosses Charlie her room key.
"Here. I can find another key." She says as she walks behind the check-in counter and looks through the keys. Charlie gets up and waves shyly.
"I'm sorry Vaggie, I just need one night to myself please." She says as she heads for the stairs. "Goodnight everyone." She calls out as she turns and heads up the stairs.
"Goodnight sweetie." Seviathan says back in a cute tone. Angel sighs and steps up the stairs.
"I'm headed up too. Goodnight guys." He then walks away. Seviathan turns to Vaggie as she pulls out a key.
"Okay, this one should do." She says before heading to the stairs. The duke steps in front of her.
"Hold on a moment! I need to talk to you." He asserts. Vaggie frowns at him.
"Look, if it's about the spear, I apologize. It's a force of habit." She states as he shakes his head.
"No, no. It's about that boy. What was his name... Dumbass?" He asks as Vaggie lowers her eyebrow.
"Douglas." She corrects him.
"Right, Douglas!" Seviathan says as he snaps his fingers. He then gives her a worried look. "We can't trust him. I mean he killed Charlie's parents, right? They were so close to my parents. I've been living in the palace for years waiting for Charlie to come back and marry me." He vents. Vaggie sighs.
"Right. Now, what do you want from me?" She asks. "Hey!" She's caught by surprise as the green duke pulls her ear closer to him.
"I need you to kill him." He whispers. Vaggie flinches.
"Me? But why me?" She asks as he lets go of her ear.
"Because you're supposedly his 'friend.' Are you not?" He asks. "If you catch him by surprise and stab him with your spear, he's dead and can no longer hurt you, Charlie, or any of us." He explains. Vaggie sighs.
"Look, I understand why you want him dead, but I'm in this hotel for redemption too. Isn't it a sin for me to kill him?" She asks. Seviathan rolls his eyes.
"Listen Vaggie. As far as I know, he's a threat to us. If you kill him, you're preventing anyone else from death, and that in it of itself is heroic." He states. "Besides, the cleanse just ended a week ago. There shouldn't be any angels here to smite any more demons." He adds.
"You make a good point but..." Vaggie pauses and glooms. "What about Charlie? She'd never forgive me if she found out I killed him." She says in a concerned tone. Seviathan gives her a reassuring look.
"Only you and I know about this, I assure you she won't find out it was you." His smile turns into a serious frown. "But you need to act super-fast. Otherwise he may get us first." He says as she sighs deeply.
"Fine. If he's going to kill people from Hell, he must be stopped." She says as she grabs her spear and heads up the stairs. She stops to look back at him for a moment. "But one thing."
"What is it?" He asks. Vaggie looks into his eyes.
"Are you absolutely sure Douglas killed King Lucifer and Queen Lilith?" Seviathan sighs and shrugs.
"Why are you even asking? Of course, I'm sure. You guys said he has holy powers, and none of us know anyone else like that. And I swear on my afterlife that King Lucifer came in and let him do this to him! Nobody else who'd never stepped foot in the palace was there today!" He asserts. Vaggie takes a deep breath and nods.
"Alright, if Charlie trusts you, then I trust you. Good night." She says as she heads up the stairs. Seviathan waves with an evil smirk.
"Good luck!" He calls up.
Douglas's room
Vaggie walks up several flights of stairs until finally reaching Douglas's room. She doesn't know if he's asleep yet, but she decides to go for it either way. She inserts her master key into the slot and then softly opens the door to peek in. Douglas isn't sleeping, he's sitting in lotus position meditating, not showing any visible signs of awareness to her presence. She quietly slides in the door and closes it, but suddenly a pumpkin strikes her in the side.
"Ouch!" She reacts painfully as she drops the spear. Douglas quickly teleports in front of her and grabs her by the throat. "Ack!" Vaggie coughs and looks worriedly at the holy boy's face. "What are you doing Douglas?!" She asks worriedly. Douglas glares darkly at her.
"Don't play dumb with me Vaggie! Your spear guides all over indicate you came in this room with evil intent! You wanted to stab me, didn't you?" He asks demandingly. Vaggie grabs his arm.
"Douglas, come on! I'm sorry!" She tries to apologize as he starts to squeeze her neck lightly.
"No, you aren't! You're just sorry because you're vulnerable." He says in annoyance. "Well tell me, what gives you the right to stab me?" He asks. Vaggie glares.
"What have you done to Charlie's parents?" Douglas's glare vanishes. "I know you did something terrible to them!" She says as Douglas continues to glare.
"If you're willing to threaten my life, then you don't deserve to know anything." He says as he starts to squeeze her neck.
"Ack!" Vaggie coughs a couple of times.
"Now look Vaggie, for Charlie's sake, nobody is going to get hurt, but you just earned your first strike, and I suggest you don't strikeout. Got it?" He asks as Vaggie painfully nods. He lets her go and she falls on her knees, gasping for air.
"Okay." She says upon panting a few times. Douglas grabs her spear and holds it out.
"Here's your spear. Please only use it for good this time." He tells her. Vaggie sighs and grabs it.
"Fine." She says as she gets up and opens the door. Douglas gets back into lotus position on his bed as she turns toward him with a slightly sad look. "Please have a nice night." She comments as she walks out. Those words shocked him out of inner peace. After Vaggie steps out, he decides to get in bed.
*What was that for?* He thinks to himself. *Was that necessary of her? ... Was that necessary of me?* He thinks in confusion, uncertain who to blame. *What am I becoming? Am I becoming too strong for everyone and then abusing my dominance?* He wonders.
"Tytus, where are you?" He asks... but no answer is returned. He feels so guilty as he thinks of what happened.
*Charlie's parents are really gone now... And it's all my fault.*
Author's Note: And this wraps up chapter 13. Apologies for the delay. I have no desire to discontinue this story. I assure you it'll be finished sooner or later. And right now I should be about halfway done! Thanks for reading and chapter 14 will be out soon!
Deceased:
Lilith
Lucifer