Echoes of footsteps were the only noises made by either the Slayer or Katie Killjoy as they made their way through his domicile, with the light hums and whirs of the structure around them providing an oddly comforting atmosphere. A part of her knew she should be afraid right now, a part that screamed at her to get her mind straight and begin formulating some kind of plan to get out of this situation, but it was ultimately trumped by the sheer awe and amazement she had at the sights around her. Hell was one thing, but everything that surrounded her in this moment was truly unlike anything she'd ever seen. A perfect melding of earthly stone and futuristic technology was in of itself astounding, but taking in the finer details such as the statues, the tapestries, and all of the little unique things that gave it personality is what truly pulled her in.
Yet as they continued to make their way to whatever destination he had in mind she did notice a few oddities, clear personal items he himself decorated the space with yet she had no idea why. Some of these items were posters framed carefully on the walls, each containing a variety of different pictures that ranged from simple and even silly, to ones that rivaled even the greatest works of art with their detail and commanding imagery. But then there were the other few things she managed to spot as they walked which she truly didn't understand, such as how every so often she'd see some kind of pellets scattered about in certain places. And while that on it's own was very peculiar as she didn't think there'd be any other living thing here with him, what made it even stranger was how none of the piles they were arranged in were disturbed, in fact some seemed to have dust on them.
However she was in no position to voice any questions or curiosities to him, in fact she dared not even look at him with more than a passing glance, by this point the Slayer had become the most terrifying entity in existence to her, and she sought more than anything to not gain his attention more than what was intended. Despite this, she could not hide her amazement any longer once they reached a new hub like area, for among the countless new things that continued to peak her interest, it was what she saw across the room that brought her to a full stop. Through what she assumed was glass she saw on the horizon two things she never thought she'd see again, the first being the blackened void of space illuminated by distant burning stars, the second a planet that could not be mistaken for any other.
"Is that...earth?" She asked unintentionally, unsure if it was real or perhaps was an image of some kind.
"Yes, that is indeed an Earth." Vega confirmed, as the Slayer walked to the center of the room where a number of screens rested.
"An Earth? is that like what you said earlier, about how I came from MY Hell?" She questioned.
"Correct, though this planet is identical to the one you are familiar with it is not the same for a number of reasons, most of which being the way certain events in the course of it's history played out." He explained, as the Slayer began interacting with one of the screens.
"Like what?" She asked.
"I'm afraid I cannot answer that." He responded.
"Why?" She pressed, as that only worsened her curiosity.
Upon hearing this question the room would fall silent, yet it was not due to Vega refusing to
answer, but because the Slayer suddenly stopped moving. Taking immediate notice of this Katie's mind began screaming with worry, fearing that her interest in whatever information she could gather had just screwed her. Thankfully though it would not last long, for after a few seconds the Slayer slowly nodded his head, meaning that Vega had permission to answer her.
"That is the Slayer's home." He clarified, as the Slayer resumed his work.
Having her eyes widened once that reached her ears, Katie looked back to the planet with even greater fascination.
"It looks so normal though..." She noted, before cautiously moving her gaze to him, "How could someone like him come from a planet so similar to mine?" She wondered.
Unable to move her gaze away from him now as so many questions came to mind, she would be brought out of her thoughts as the sound of metallic clicking and whirring filled the air. Looking for the source of the sound she would soon see some kind of structure forming at the end of a long walkway, which was connected to the area the Slayer stood in.
"Miss Killjoy, if I may have your attention." Vega spoke, causing her to look back towards the Slayer, "Before we leave there are a number of things I must explain, are you ready to hear them?" He asked, receiving a silent nod in response "Very good, firstly although you have spent a great deal of time here, a few days to be precise, in your Hell it has only been an hour and ten minutes, the short explanation is that time is relative to the location, next there is the matter of your collar, and while there is no chance of it malfunctioning nor of it becoming broken should an accident occur, you should be aware that beyond a means to stabilize your soul for you it also serves as a means for me to monitor you and keep track of you for obvious reasons, however I can also speak to you through it as I do via the Slayer's suit so if you ever have any questions or concerns you are able to ask me directly, lastly there is the matter of your conduct should the royal family be willing to grant you your second chance, while you are not a slave nor a prisoner in this outcome you are to respond to any and all instructions or suggestions given to you by them or the Slayer, however in the event that they might be needlessly cruel towards you the Slayer in spite of your previous actions will intervene on your behalf, while distrustful of you he still firmly believes that no one, not even you, if given a chance for redemption should be belittled or degraded in order to achieve it, do you understand everything I have said?" He asked.
For a moment Katie was left stunned, as the idea that the Slayer in any context would actually be on her side was something that seemed impossible. But after that small bit of shock subsided she once again simply nodded her head, almost as if the Slayer's own mute nature was beginning to rub off on her.
"Good, then let us return to your Hell." He told her, as the structure from before which by now had finished coming together, came to life as a sapphire colored portal appeared within its center.
Taking one last look at the fortress as she believed this would be the last she'd see it, and another at the planet resting on the horizon, she would then follow the Slayer to and through the portal, it closing behind them once they were gone.
"Are you sure you're okay to do this? we can tell them to go if you still need some time." Lilith told her her daughter with a concern filled look.
Out of everything to bring the princess of Hell back from her shaken state, no one not even Vagatha could have guessed that this would have done it. Yet the moment her father came back into the hotel from outside, and explained to all of them what was going on, the seemingly distant and
dreary daze Charlie had been in up to that point was washed away by her expected enthusiasm and abundant energy. And while at first they all thought it was her just trying to do so for their sake, as well as the sake of everyone in Hell to avoid incurring the Slayer's fury, as she continued to bounce about the lobby making sure everything was presentable they knew this wasn't the case. This didn't mean they weren't still concerned of course, all three of them worried that she might be overdoing it given what she had just gone through.
Yet they couldn't bring themselves to fully assert any kind of authority as just seeing her be herself again brought peace and comfort to their minds.
"Yes mom I'm sure, I mean this is the BEST opportunity we could ever hope for to show off the hotel right? all of Hell will be watching after all!" She replied, humming lightly to herself as she straightened some things.
"Publicity isn't worth your well being though sweetie, just a few minutes ago you were practically a statue just sitting there on the couch, now you're back to normal and while that is of course wonderful, we're just worried you might be pushing yourself a bit too much right now." Lucifer chimed in.
"Yeah your dad's right." Vagatha agreed as she walked over to her and grabbed onto her shoulders, "Just because the hotel is our best shot at keeping everyone in Hell from being turned to paste doesn't mean you should strain yourself, if you want we can handle the press while you go recover." She offered.
Much to her surprise however, and Lucifer's disdain due to their recent altercation, Charlie gave her a quick kiss on her lips followed by one of her trademark smiles.
"I appreciate the concern Vaggie, same goes for you too mom and dad, but I really am fine, though if you're really worried about me how about after the interview's done I promise to go upstairs and take the rest of the day off, will that help you all relax?" She asked.
Taking a brief moment to look between each other to see if they all agreed, they all then looked back to her with smiles of their own present on their faces.
"Your peppiness is contagious you know that?" Vagatha said, causing Charlie's smile to grow into a grin.
"Let's hope it spreads to all of Hell then!" She exclaimed zestfully, before practically skipping her way towards the front doors.
"No musical number though! that's the one rule!" Vagatha shouted out to her, causing her to roll her eyes.
Once at the doors Charlie without hesitation grabbed onto their handles and pulled them open, though slowly as admittedly she was still feeling a little sluggish.
"Welcome everyone!" She greeted with arms spread wide, catching the attention of every person present, "It is my pleasure and honor to welcome all of you to the Happy Hotel!" She exclaimed.
In response to this the news crew all suddenly applauded her, half of the reason due to her "partner" having killed Katie, the other half because they were genuinely glad to see their princess was back to her normal self. Unfortunately though out of every response she had expected this was actually not one of them, causing her to be a little embarrassed as it felt like she might have been a little too into it.
"Princess! it's so good to see you back to your colorful self again!" Tom Trench said, as he walked up to her and shook her hand, "And let me just say how BEYOND sorry we are for what happened at the studio, honestly I'm surprised you've managed to bounce back from it so quickly." He admitted.
"Thank you Tom, and please there's no reason for you all to feel bad, it's not like you're the ones who planned to kill Katie...right?" She asked, causing him to chuckle.
"Sad to say we gave up on that dream a LONG time ago, after the first few times she just shrugged it off we were starting to think she was immortal..." He grimaced, before gaining a smile of his own, "But now that dream is a reality thanks to your business partner! speaking of he wouldn't happen to be here would he? everyone is dying to know more about him!" He said.
"Um no, sorry he's not here right now, in fact he's off...making sure things are...not...on fire?" She lied terribly, as she truly had no idea how to even begin explaining anything about her "partner".
"Ah, well that is a shame, guess we'll just have to chat with him some other time huh?" He said, as he then ended their handshake "Anyways, how about we quit standing around and see just what the Happy Hotel is all about?" He suggested.
Simply nodding in agreement Charlie turned on her heels and went back inside, leading the way for Tom and the rest of the crew to follow. This of course included a particular red clad demon, who while following behind them all at the very back, was arguably the most curious about the hotel and her mysterious partner.
"You'll have to forgive the lack of decor, we're actually still putting the final touches on the building as a whole, and we weren't really expecting any people to come here so soon..." She sheepishly admitted.
"Oh it's no problem your highness, believe me we've been to way worse places for stories not even half as interesting as yours." Tom assured her, as the cameraman panned around the room to get everything.
"Well, that's good I guess." She replied, taking any positive feedback given "So, what would you like to see first? the rooms? the kitchen? maybe some of our luxury relaxation options?" She suggested, only to have Vagatha wave her hands wildly at her "Er, maybe not the last one...at least not right now..." She corrected, as apparently they weren't ready yet.
"If it's alright with you princess, could we actually stay in the lobby for a few moments so you can better explain how the hotel plans to rehabilitate the people of Hell? we unfortunately couldn't really get into that as well...you know." He replied.
"Oh sure! that sounds perfect actually!" She agreed, as she hurried over to a nearby couch.
Following after her Tom would sit across from her on another sofa while the camera man stood off to the side for a good angle, while everyone else just stood around them or looked at the lobby on their own. As for the strawberry themed deer demon, he planned to go and explore the hotel while everyone's attentions were elsewhere, only to be stopped by the hand of Lucifer gripping his arm.
"Don't." He said sternly, giving him a slight authoritative glare.
"Tsk, spoil my fun why don't you?" Alastor replied, as he reluctantly stood beside him.
"So princess, what kind of activities or goals are the guests of the hotel expected to partake in and work towards in order to be redeemed? or is your plan to help redeem them simply to keep them
from doing evil things while here in Hell, while at the same time seeking some kind of atonement or repentance?" He asked.
The very moment she opened her mouth to respond she would be kept from doing so, but not because someone had interrupted her or even answered the question for her, it was due to the entire room being basked in a blue light as a portal opened in it's center. And from this sudden portal came forth the man on everyone's minds, along with a person that they all assumed they'd never see again. Yet surprisingly no one said anything, no shouts were let out, everyone just stared with widened eyes and still hearts as the Slayer and Katie Killjoy were now standing among them.
"Forgive the interruption." The voice of Vega spoke as the portal disappeared, "We did not think you would be partaking in an interview so soon given what transpired earlier." He explained.
For the next several minutes everyone remained as they were just staring at the duo, far too many emotions and questions all swirling around in their minds to do anything. Except for Alastor, who would be the first to break the tension as he truly did not care.
"Why hello there good sir!" He exclaimed with merriment, gaining the Slayer's attention, "My name is Alastor! and I was wondering if I could have a moment of your time?" He asked, as with a pep to his step he approached the other.
"Alastor don't." Lucifer told him, yet remained where he stood as he didn't want to be dragged into whatever he was planning.
"I'm afraid the Slayer does not speak, if you wish to be responded to then it would be best if you spoke to me." Vega informed him, only worsening his intrigue.
"And who exactly am I speaking to hm? and HOW am I speaking to you?" Alastor questioned.
"I am Vega, the Slayer's personal assistant, I am speaking to you via the Slayer's suit." He explained.
"My my my, isn't that a neat trick? what else can this suit do?" He asked, while lightly poking at the Slayer's chest with his cane.
"ALASTOR." Lucifer repeated, though this time far more sternly with just a touch of threatening.
"I'm afraid I cannot disclose more information until the Slayer allows me to do so, as he is still uncertain of whether or not you're a threat." Vega answered.
"Me? a threat? HA!" Alastor said, before moving his cane to point towards the other's arm, "Look at these muscles! they're so big that his suit can't contain them! how could I POSSIBLY pose any threat at all to such an imposing and clearly powerful person hm?" He inquired.
"Appearances can be deceiving, something the Slayer is all too familiar with." Vega told him.
Coinciding with that response the sound of his knuckles cracking could be heard, causing everyone to look towards his hands and see them balling into fists.
"It would be in your best interest to clarify your intentions, the Slayer is growing tired of your musings." Vega warned him.
"Straight to the point eh? I'm liking you more by the second!" Alastor exclaimed, as he moved his cane to the floor so he could lean on it, "To keep this nice and short for your preference oh great and powerful Slayer, I am a demon who seeks entertainment, for what's the point in dying if you
can't have a little fun eh?" He asked, only to be met with silence "Exactly! glad to see we're on the same page!" He jested.
Responding this time to his words the Slayer stepped closer to him, and for but a moment in his entire damned life Alastor felt a slight twinge of hesitation pull at his heart, but it was so brief he barely noticed it.
"Right, my point, apologies." He said, before pointing his cane towards Charlie "Now, I know that you are working alongside our beloved princess, but I have a proposition that could benefit all three of us!" He exclaimed.
"Wait what? how?" Charlie asked instead of Vega, as such a claim was enough to involve her in the conversation.
"Simple, you want to redeem the damned souls of our fiery home! and while that is a COMPLETELY absurd idea, I could lend you my personal aid to perhaps compel Hell's denizens to give it a shot, but I would need the help of your partner to do so." He answered.
"What would you want the Slayer to do?" Vega asked.
"Well, you clearly have a gift for killing, that much was made clear from the broadcast earlier! speaking of fantastic death miss Killjoy." He complimented, receiving a glare from her "As such, I believe the best way to compel the people of Hell to try and get into Heaven is if you, and forgive my wording here, put the fear of god into them!" He explained.
"You want the Slayer to kill Hell's residents?" Vega questioned.
"Yes, but actually no." Alastor said "Allow me to clarify, I'm not suggesting nor asking you to go on a murderous rampage through the streets, even though that WOULD be incredibly entertaining, I'm saying that even in Hell there are some TRULY vile and horrendous individuals that even our dear king Lucifer would want to see dead, right Luci?" He asked.
"Do not involve me in this." He responded plainly.
"In short, I provide you with the information you would need to find these individuals, the worst of the worst, the scum of the earth who have seeped down here into Hell, if YOU show the people you will not tolerate such cretins then that would go a long way into convincing them to repent as to avoid becoming the next tally on your body count, much like miss Killjoy." He explained, this time earning a middle finger from her.
"And how exactly would you provide such information? how would you even acquire it to begin with?" Vega asked, causing him to chuckle.
"Let's just say that I have been around long enough to acquire my own repertoire of reliable contacts, as well as accumulate a vast number of people who owe me many favors, believe me when I say that if there is a single soul in Hell you want to know about, or in this case find and slaughter in a gruesomely bloody fashion, I am the demon you want to see." He answered, his words accompanied by a fang filled smile.
Silence would once again take hold of the air as everyone waited for the Slayer's response, or at the very least some kind of physical reaction. And to their surprise, after only a few seconds of
thinking it over did he extend his hand outward to shake Alastor's, causing the other's smile to grow into a grin. Yet as their hands locked together and an agreement was made, the Slayer pulled him towards his body to the point they were nearly pressing against each other, so he could see the full
intensity of his gaze.
"Although it should be obvious, the Slayer would still like me to clarify for you that if at any point there is any kind of deception, whether it be a small lie or perhaps a conspiracy to try and use him for your own agenda, you will get to experience first hand the reasons behind why he has his name." Vega told him.
Upon hearing this that same twinge of hesitation returned, though as he continued to stare into his eyes, it quickly turned from hesitation to genuine fear. But just as before it was so brief he paid it no mind, which he showed as he stepped away from him seemingly unchanged and unshaken.
"But of course! I'd expect nothing less from a man so fiercely intense as you!" He assured, as he placed his cane behind his back, "I'll be back later once you're done with this interview and what not, probably some time tomorrow, until then!" He exclaimed before promptly taking his leave.
Watching as he walked out of the lobby and shut the two doors behind him, everyone's eyes fell back onto the Slayer and Katie, though after that entire thing it was mostly on Katie this time, which she took notice of.
"Um...I think they're waiting for an explanation..." She whispered to the Slayer, feeling uncomfortable for the first time in her life at being the center of attention.
"Of course, my apologies." Vega replied as the Slayer turned to face everyone "So, who would like to voice their question first?" He asked, only to be met with practically everyone raising their hand into the air all at once.