As the makeshift family approached their destination, the soft glow of dawn began to creep over the horizon, painting the red sky in hues of pink. Charlie's eyes fluttered open as she felt the town car come to a stop, let out a quiet yawn and stretched her arms overhead she glanced out the window to see they had reached their destination.
"Vaggie... Vaggie," Charlie whispered as she gently shook her girlfriend's shoulder.
"Are we there yet?" Vaggie asked with a yawn.
"Yes, we've finally arrived," Charlie said with a relieved smile. "Let's get inside and set up. Then we can figure out what would be good for breakfast."
"Alright," Vaggie said, her tone grateful yet assertive. "Cherri, Angel, time to wake up."
"Are we there," Cherri asked, her voice laden with the dregs of sleep. Angel sat up, one hand rubbing his forehead as if he were suffering from a headache.
"Yep," Charlie said happily, though she couldn't help but eye Angel with concern. "How are you doing, Angel?" She suspected what could have happened the previous night, even though she couldn't confirm it. All Angel had said was that Vox and Valentino were having an issue with their relationship. But the way he flinched away from Cherri, someone he knew and trusted more than anyone, was telling. It was clear that whatever happened on the night he hadn't returned to the hotel had been horrible.
Even during their evacuation from the city, when she had overheard him crying. He hadn't actually been angry with her, but actually had been distressed to have been caught in a position where he was emotionally vulnerable. It was a state he only allowed himself to show when he knew he was alone or with someone like Cherri – someone who understood what he was experiencing.
"I'll be feelin' dandy once that approachin' storm takes a hike!"' Angel sarcastically groaned, his hand still pressed against his forehead. "I've been sensin' a big one creepin' in for the past twenty whole minutes"
"Wait... a storm?" Charlie questioned, her concern growing. She pulled out her phone and quickly looked up the weather forecast. Sure enough, there was a 'level 4' storm detected. "According to the weather report, there is one about a mile out. It won't hit the area for at least an hour."
"Angie is particularly sensitive to bad weather," Cherri commented as she moved closer to the Spider. She appeared to want to comfortingly place an arm around his shoulders, but she refrained from doing so, knowing it could trigger his distress. This decision caused her emotional pain, as she couldn't offer him the physical comfort he needed when bad weather was approaching. "Whenever he senses one in the air, it seems to hit him like a mack truck."
"Perhaps it's a good idea that we head inside and get settled," Vaggie suggested.
"Right," Charlie said as they all exited the town car and found themselves standing before a three-story luxury cabin. "Welcome to my family's private estate!" The Blond Princess swung open the door, inviting the travelers inside. The interior resembled the hotel, featuring numerous snake and apple motifs, along with framed images of the Morningstar Family adorning the walls and other surfaces. However, the cabin exuded a sense of comfortable rustic charm, or at least as rustic as a luxury cabin in the Hellish mountains could be. The surroundings were magnificent, with massive dred pines and mosquito ivy enveloping the cabin, overseeing a creek of blood-red water that fed into a vast lake not far away. The roadways and paths around the estate were well-paved, allowing for easy walks or drives around the beautiful surroundings.
The first floor boasted a sizable, fully equipped open kitchen, adorned with blood-quartz countertops, a large cooking range, double oven, refrigerator, and a wine fridge. Just outside the kitchen, a dark wood table with fourteen chairs showcased the generous capacity of the lavish cabin to comfortably accommodate guests. The sitting area featured a collection of plush couches and armchairs arranged around an inviting fireplace and a home theater TV, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Outside featured a dark wood deck, adorned with additional tables and chairs, along with what appeared to be an outdoor dining setup, perfect for enjoying meals in the breathtaking surroundings.
"Here's the room arrangement," Charlie began, eager to explain the layout. "We have two downstairs master suites for extra comfort and privacy. Additionally, there's a spacious bunk room with two full-sized bunk beds and two twin-sized beds, perfect if both of you prefer staying together. As for Vaggie and me, we'll be in the master bedroom located in the loft area."
Without wasting any time, Cherri promptly headed downstairs, excited to explore the offerings of each room.
"Whoo-hoo!" she cheered from downstairs. "A hot tub party later tonight sounds awesome as fuck!"
"Hey, if we get a few more folks checkin' in at the hotel, that bunk room's gonna be a real lifesaver." Angel commented, contemplating the potential benefits of having extra sleeping space.
"Absolutely," Charlie nodded in agreement. "This cabin can accommodate up to fourteen people comfortably, and we have some tuck-away beds hidden within the couches to provide even more sleeping options. Additionally, there are a couple of nearby cabins, each capable of housing six people. I was considering this place as a perfect spot for group retreats, especially during the summer months. Considering the current situation, my hope is that it can be a sanctuary where we all can unwind and take a break from any studio-related worries."
"Thanks, Char," Angel said as he started to make his way downstairs. "I'm goin' to unpack and get settled in."
"Um, Angel," Charlie hesitated before asking, knowing it might not be a pleasant topic. The Spider paused, turning his head to give her his attention. "Can I have your boss's phone number? I'd like to have a word with him about what has been happening."
"Ya really gonna go through with this" Angel asked, with actual concern in his voice. Charlie had mentioned her plan to confront Valentino once they arrived at the cabin. Though he felt some relief being away from the Studio, he knew this place was only temporary. Once they returned to the City, Valentino would undoubtedly come after him, and the thought made him uneasy. The cabin provided a respite from the Moth's constant pressure, but it wouldn't be long before the confrontation awaited them back at the hotel.
Valentino would be furious upon learning that the Spider had slipped through his grasp. Angel knew the consequences could be severe. Knowing Val, the Moth would likely use it as an excuse to torment someone else in his stable of sex workers just for the sake of tormenting something. The thought of Valentino ranting about lost clients and revenue, and his intentions once he got his hands on Angel, weighed heavily on his mind.
"I'm aware he's dangerous," Charlie attempted to convey her understanding of the risks involved. "However, he remains a denizen of Hell, and even as an Overlord, he must adhere to the commands of Hell's royal family. As you are a resident of my hotel, I believe Valentino deserves a chance to come to an understanding voluntarily. I also wish to have a conversation with him because certain troubling events are occurring, and these are situations that should not be happening to you or anyone else."
Angel closed his eyes as he processed this explanation. As the Princess of Hell, Charlie held more power than most demons gave her credit for. Just because she preferred diplomatic approaches didn't mean she wasn't capable of using force when the situation called for it.
"Angel...Angel...Angel…Real innocent of you to believe I wouldn't catch wind that you've been makin' some connections with some heavy hitters."
Val knew enough about her to grasp the kind of threat she could pose. However, he might not have fully comprehended the extent of the danger she actually posed to him.
From his own experiences, Angel knew that people often learned the hard way not to underestimate him and his capabilities, as doing so could be a fatal mistake. Similarly, Charlie's appearance and demeanor could be deceiving. While he had never personally witnessed Charlie losing her temper, he couldn't shake the feeling that underestimating her could lead to severe consequences, possibly surpassing even what King Luci himself could imagine.
"Alright," Angel Dust drawled as he opened his eyes. His voice didn't carry its normal sassy tone, hinting he understood the seriousness of the issue at hand. "Can I write it down for ya?"
"Sure," Charlie said as she strolled to the kitchen. After opening a drawer, she retrieved a notepad along with a pen, which she handed to him upon her return. Angel hesitated for a moment but eventually scribbled down the Pimp's phone number. Reluctantly, he handed the pen and pad back to her.
"I hope ya know what ya doin'" Angel said cautiously. "Val don't take losin' credibility lightly." The blond girl calmly accepted the notepad from him. If Valentino could go to such lengths to prevent Angel from returning to the hotel after Vox broke off their relationship, she dreaded to think how he might react to Angel being out of the city. She knew she would have to assert herself and stand her ground against some of the things that were happening. However, that didn't mean there wouldn't be backlash later on, in some form. They needed to be prepared for anything Valentino and his associates had in store.
"This has to end," Charlie stated with a firm resolve in her voice. "The other night...that was too far, and worse yet, it crossed a line that should never have been crossed."
"I get it," Angel snapped. "The studio's a cesspool, toxic from top to bottom. And if I stick around in that quagmire, there ain't no redemption in sight as far as I'm concerned."
The Blond Princess was taken aback by the unexpected hostility in Angel's voice. It wasn't directed towards her, not consciously, in any case. It was more of a conclusion he had already been aware of, a deep-seated frustration finally boiling over.
"Angel…," Vaggie growled, her protective instincts kicking in. She stepped firmly and protectively close to the blond girl, making it clear that she wouldn't allow the Porn Star to take his anger out on the Hellborn Princess.
"No," Charlie chided her girlfriend gently. "He has the right to be upset. Angel, you don't need to stay close if it causes you unneeded distress."
"I want to listen in," Cherri said firmly as she came upstairs. "I need to hear what excuses that bastard has to say."
"I take it," Angel responded wearily, his voice tinged with exhaustion and stress. He sounded like he would rather just go lie down and forget about everything. He massaged his forehead as if suffering from a mild headache. "This here call spells the end of my career as a Porn Star."
"It is likely," Charlie started, her voice calm yet uncertain. "For a time, at least. If that happens..." She hesitated, not wanting to jump to conclusions or make false promises. The reality of the situation was uncertain, and she wanted to be honest with Angel.
"Good," Angel interrupted, I'll go let Nugg's outta his carrier and rejoin ya." Without a further word, he went downstairs to check out the bedrooms. He knew he was taking a risk by allowing this, but it was something that needed to be done. It would be best if Valentino was already aware that Angel was unavailable, so he wouldn't show up at the hotel looking for him. However, Charlie needed to extend her olive branch first before reaching a conclusive decision."
"Charlie, please tell me you're not seriously considering calling Valentino," Vaggie hissed as soon as Angel was out of earshot.
"I have to," Charlie said, as she dialed the number Angel had given her into her Hellphone. "One of the first things when dealing with an Overlord is diplomacy. He crossed a line the other night when he kept Angel behind at the studio. I can't ignore that because the next time it happens may not be just a night... it could be so much worse."
"You got that right," Cherri said as she settled expectantly on one of the couches.
"I'm not sure if you being here would be a good idea," Charlie said cautiously.
"Hey, if this concerns Angie," Cherri said defensively, "it concerns me, so I have the right."
"You're right," Charlie responded. "It is your right to be here in regards to Angel. You are a loyal and caring friend to him, and that is admirable. I'm not disputing that, but I feel you are too wound up about what has taken place, so it might not be a good idea if you are present during this call. Angel is free to be included in this if he wishes, but as we would like to use this as potential evidence for any issues Valentino wants to raise against our hotel, it might be better if you remain downstairs."
Cherri seethed in anger at the fact that Angel's new friends were treating her like she didn't matter. She had been Angel's friend longer than they had, she had seen how he suffered because of Valentino. And Princess 'Sweet Stuff' felt like she could dictate whether or not she could sit in on a call regarding her favorite guy to party with.
"Angie, you agree with me, right?" Cherri asked when Angel returned from downstairs. "I'm your best mate, shouldn't I be present for this?"
"Cherri, I..." Angel said hesitantly. As much as he wanted Cherri's support, he had heard Charlie's reasoning. They needed this phone call as evidence, and Cherri was loyal, but she was also passionate and unpredictable. If she lost her temper during the call, it could ruin the recording. "It'd be a whole lot better if ya head downstairs."
"Oh," Cherri groused, not bothering to hide her disappointment as she stomped downstairs to her chosen room. "It's going to be like that. I guess I wasn't even needed on this trip after all." Both Angel and Charlie winced as they heard a door slam shut.
"Sorry about that," Angel sighed.
"I don't blame her," Charlie responded. "She cares, but she's looking for a fight right now. That's not the sort of thing we need."
"She'll get ovah it," Angel replied, glancing once more down the stairs before moving to sit on the couch Cherri had previously been sitting on.
"You don't have to be here for this, Angel," Charlie started. "Vaggie and I can handle things from here."
He's gonna try and gaslight ya, try to make ya believe that what happened ain't such a big deal. Even if he spills the beans, he'll make it sound like I'm the one playin' the victim card, tryin' to get sympathy."
"And given your career," Vaggie dryly stated, "that would hinder all credibility you would have in any arguments against him."
"VAGGIE…" Charlie was aghast her girlfriend would even say something like that.
To a majority of Hell, I'm just a hoe. So, y'see, most folks would just assume I'm makin' up this whole assault thing, 'cause they think that's all I'm good for—gettin' paid for a job."
"Angel…" Charlie whispered as she felt her heart beginning to break at what she was hearing. It was like it was something he rehearsed to himself time and time again. Possibly because it was something he would hear over and over again. Charlie was about to reconsider the idea of not having Cherri in for the call. Perhaps the Punky Girl could be trusted as a support figure.
" So, are ya really gonna go through with this shit?" Angel asked? His unbandaged dark eye regarding her questioningly.
"Right," Charlie said, pressing the call button on her Hellphone. She let it ring but pressed the speaker-phone mode so Vaggie could record the conversation.
"Valentino here," Val's voice tiredly snarled into the phone, once he picked up after several rings. "I'm scratchin' my head tryin' to figure out how in the world you got your hands on my private digits. And let me tell ya, draggin' me outta bed this early better come with a darn good explanation."
Charlie already could feel a chill run down her spine. When Vox arrived at the hotel, she could tell his intentions weren't good, but this... this was someone who sought pleasure in seeing people suffer for his benefit.
"This is Princess Charlie Morningstar," Charlie answered with a business-like tone. She spared Angel a glance and noticed he had stiffened board-straight at the sound of Valentino's voice. He was massaging his forehead like his headache was becoming worse, but there was a set to his shoulders that she had seen at times before. And that was what worried her.
"Oh…" Val's tone seemed to change at the unexpected voice on the phone. "Well, well, if it ain't the princess herself. You know I'm always at your beck and call, ready to offer up my services to the royal family of Hell. So, what's the scoop? Need a hand with somethin', Your Highness? Just give me the word, and I'll make it happen like magic."
"Yes, I'm calling in regards to one of your employees," Charlie answered, maintaining the business tone in her voice. "I believe you are aware Angel Dust lives at my hotel."
"Of course," Val responded. Charlie noted there was an edge to the Moth's voice at the mention of Angel. "Has he been causin' a ruckus? 'Cause if he's been stirrin' up trouble, I'll be more than happy to step in and lay down the proper smackdown. You know I don't mess around when it comes to handin' out some discipline. Just say the word, and I'll straighten him out real quick."
"No," Charlie replied. She was feeling the urge to throw up at the way he had said "handing out discipline". Glancing at Vaggie, she could tell the female Moth demon was also disgusted by what she was hearing. Angel's hands were clutching the sides of his head, his teeth clenched as though just hearing this demon's voice was torment. "He hasn't been a problem. I am only calling to make sure you are aware that he will be unavailable for a few weeks."
"He what?" Valentino asked. The way he phrased the question sounded like he had misheard, but there was an unmistakable chilled tone in his voice.
"I'm informing you that Angel will be unavailable," Charlie stated firmly. "He will not be at the studio for at least the next couple of weeks."
"You're really throwin' me for a loop here, Princess." Valentino said with a casual sigh, though the word 'Princess' came out as a menacing hiss. "You dig that I'm the main player in this crucial entertainment operation right here in Pentagram City. And let me lay it on you straight – I got a bunch of those flick sessions lined up just for this month, a whole five of 'em slated for today. Angel, well, he's one of the big shots in my lineup, gotta have him strutting his stuff on that set. So, sweetheart, how 'bout we have a little heart-to-heart and maybe you'll wanna take another swing at that decision of yours?
"There is nothing to reconsider," Charlie resolutely stated. "There are some things that have come to my attention that I am finding concerning enough for me to feel he needs more than two days off. For the past few weeks, Angel has been returning to the hotel completely exhausted."
"Well," Valentino commented, brushing aside the concern as though it didn't matter to him in one way or another. "You best believe that the adult entertainment scene demands a whole lotta energy from them performers. But don'tcha worry none, 'cause I take good care of my main act, Angel Cakes. After each steamy session, I make darn sure they got themselves a proper breather in that lush green room, gettin' all rejuvenated and ready for the next dazzling performance. Gotta keep my stars shining, you know what I'm sayin'?"
Charlie noticed Angel shaking his head back and forth, trying to indicate this wasn't true. His lower arms hugged around his body. Even if he wasn't doing this, she could feel it in the core of her being that Valentino was disguising the truth.
"He also hasn't been sleeping very well," Charlie stated matter-of-factly. "And he hasn't been eating either."
"As I've said," Val smugly replied, as though believing that Charlie held no argument in how he treated his employees. "Let me set the record straight. I'm all about lookin' out for Angel's well-being, no doubt about it. But in this line of work, you know we gotta uphold a certain image. This business ain't no walk in the park, and the camera, it's got its way of adding a bit of heft, if you catch my drift, so I gotta make sure my stars keep that sleek and sizzling silhouette. Gotta give the viewers what they're beggin' for, ya know?"
"And a couple of nights ago," Charlie continued, her eyes turning red with anger and concern at the memory. "Angel didn't return to the hotel at all. When he finally returned last night, he collapsed in a heap on the lobby floor."
"Regrettably, Angel ain't exactly steppin' lightly on the path, if you catch my drift. They're dabbling in some not-so-rosy habits, and that's a real kicker for us. It's a tough pill to swallow, but I ain't gonna sugarcoat it, sugar." Valentino pointed out, as if that explained everything. "You see, that very night, I tossed some bills Angel's way, a fair chunk of change. And it's a safe bet that they strutted their stuff straight to a local joint where those not-so-glamorous substances flow freely." Again, Angel shook his head to indicate this wasn't true.
"Really?" Charlie said, not really believing the explanation. "I don't see how that would prevent him from returning to the hotel. I understand that...Vox broke up with you recently."
"Oh... right," Val said, trying to incorporate that into his explanation. "Angel was plannin' to drop you a line, you know, give me a heads-up that he'd be crashin' at the studio. But wouldn't ya know it, his phone croaked on him right before he split for that questionable joint. When he finally sauntered back, he had his mind set on givin' me some much-needed comfort. You see, my heart's been takin' a real hit since Voxy split, and it's been a rough ride. I'm a bit surprised he didn't spill the beans about stickin' around for his 'Daddy.' You'd think he'd let you in on that bit of intel. Hope his absence didn't cause you too much hassle. Angel-Cakes, he does have a knack for stirrin' up the dramatics, especially when he's well aware he's messed up the whole dance.
"When he arrived at the hotel," Charlie continued to probe. She needed to see what prepared story Valentino had for the injuries. "I noticed he had a number of injuries. Do you know anything about that?"
"Oh yeah," Val said. "See, during them film shoots we had goin' on yesterday, a couple of my other performers got themselves a little too caught up in the moment, if you catch my drift. But don't you worry your pretty head none, 'cause I've already given 'em the ol' boot from my studio. Ain't nothin' but a few scrapes and bruises, nothin' too gnarly. The real drama's been stirrin' in the ranks of my studio's makeup team. Angel, well, he's got this knack for playin' up that whole victim act, like he's the star of a fucking sob story. Truth be told, it's all for that sweet taste of attention. But hey, if you're yearnin' for a dose of evidence, I got you covered. I've got some video footage from them shoots, a real eye-opener, if you catch my drift.
"You're lying," Charlie said in an angered whisper.
"Pardon?" Valentino asked. He knew Charlie had spoken, but he hadn't caught the words she had said.
"You're lying," Charlie said firmly. "The way Angel looked when he arrived home was worse than just a few bruises. And they looked like they were deliberate, not something that was staged or unintended. Those marks were all caused by deliberate physical torture... hours of it."
"Let me lay it on you straight, Princess. Angel Cakes, has got a taste for things on the wild side when it comes to his intimate escapades." Valentino said as a means to turn the conversation in his favor. "What you think you witnessed – it's all about mutual agreement. Now, Angel, th does have this streak that's all about diving into the realm of masochism; getting a real kick out of it. But listen up, don't you go swallowing that spider's tale about me supposedly takin' advantage of him. That sneaky arachnid, well, he's a master at the game of manipulation, puttin' on that sympathy show to twist folks 'round his little finger. I've seen that shtick firsthand, way back when I first snagged Angel from the Stygian Dream Casino, back in the day."
Charlie probed, "So, were you just punishing him for Vox leaving you?"
"Exactly…" Val paused when he suddenly realized what he just admitted to. "Hold up a sec, partner. I gotta straighten this out. I ain't implyin' nothin' like that, believe me. I'd never lay a finger on my precious Angel Cakes, no way in hell. I guess the wires got crossed somewhere, but let me set the record straight – I'm all about takin' care of 'em, not causin' any harm. So let's wipe away any doubts, 'cause I'm standin' by my sweet little Angel, clear as day."
"As a resident of my hotel," Charlie said, struggling to control her anger and refrain from bursting into her full demon form. She had already made up her mind about what she felt needed to be done, but she didn't want to make any hasty decisions. A tear slowly drifted down Charlie's cheek as Valentino's words sunk in. He casually joked about what he had done and shifted all the blame onto Angel. The Blond Princess didn't deceive herself; she already knew what happened and suspected what had occurred. Valentino's words merely confirmed her worst fears. "Angel is under my protection, and therefore, I am responsible for him. Based on everything I know and have seen, I firmly believe that his employment at your studio should be terminated."
"Excuse me," a growling-buzz filled Valentino's voice. "Who you think you are, struttin' in here actin' all high and mighty? What kinda mojo you got to be throwin' down that decision, huh?"
"Angel never said anything about being taken advantage of," Charlie wanted to scream in anger at the moth demon. Red dragon-like horns sprouted from her scalp, and her eyes blazed almost crimson with anger and hate for this demon, this... this monster. "When he regained consciousness at the hotel, he only mentioned that you were having one of your breakups with Vox. Though he didn't explicitly say it, it doesn't take much to figure out what sort of things may have occurred. So, if anyone... if anyone has said anything about sexualized assault... it was you."
"I didn't…" Val stammered, desperately trying to save face. "Everything's cool as ice and consensual, cross my heart and hope to fly."
"And I suppose all the previous beatings, starvation, isolation, violent threats, and everything else was also consensual," Charlie asked, her voice filled with incredulity and anger.
"Of course…" Val responded, but then hesitated. "Hold up a hot minute, baby! You tellin' me Angel's in your orbit? You best believe I ain't playin' around. Put that slick talkin', pasta spewing jerk on the horn, pronto!"
"I won't," Charlie stated firmly, her anger evident in her voice. "If this is how you treat those who work for you, then as Princess of Hell and Heir to the throne..."
"Now hold on, Princess," Valentino said defensively. "Hold on, hold on, slow your roll, baby. You layin' down some heavy words about Angel Dust, but let me tell ya what's real. He's been swimmin' in some murky waters, part of a mafia crew that's known to stir up some trouble. Had him runnin' with a pack of shark demons, dealin' in the sweet stuff. But here's the twist – he went trigger-happy, popped every last one of those sea devils, and that little escapade cost me a mountain of cash and primo merchandise, straight down the drain."
"As Princess of Hell," Charlie stated firmly, not letting Val's words get to her.
"You really buyin' into the notion that this flashy joint of yours is gonna turn Angel Dust into some kind of born-again saint? Come on now, sugar, let's be real. You think all the glitz and glam can scrub away his past like a stain on a satin suit? Nah, this ain't no magic show. That bad boy's got his history written in ink, and no swanky hotel's gonna rewrite it."Val snarked. "Oh, sweet cheeks, you're tellin' me Angel Dust is just as innocent as a newborn babe? What kinda notion you got, thinkin' a hustler like him could ever be worth a damn thing?"
"I may not have known him for as long as you have," Charlie said firmly, "But I do know one thing, unlike you... he doesn't bully or brutally torment others into submission for the sake of power or sick entertainment. As the Princess of Hell and Heir to the throne, I hereby declare that as long as Angel Dust is a part of my hotel, he is under my protective custody. All debts he owes you have been paid, and he is free from your service." She hung up the call before Valentino could say anything in objection. Charlie slumped into a nearby chair, her horns retreating back into her skull as she closed her eyes, trying to soothe herself into a state of calm. Vaggie ended the recording and saved it on her phone. Already, the first drops of rain from the arriving storm were beginning to fall, with a subtle plink of hail against the window.
"You okay, Hun?" Vaggie asked.
"I…" Charlie replied. Her voice was a combination of stress and fatigue. "I don't know." Vaggie watched her girlfriend in concern. While she had her own doubts regarding redemption or Charlie's idealistic views towards it, she deeply feared how Charlie would react if it turned out redemption was impossible. She was only a part of this because it was something Charlie believed in, and even if redemption was impossible, it enabled Charlie to encounter and learn about her subjects. Perhaps, over time, they could come to see her not as someone who wanted to rule over them through fear and subjugation like a number of the Overlords and the Ars Goetia, but as someone they could believe was worth following.
Cautiously, Vaggie turned her attention to Angel. He was being so quiet, she had nearly forgotten he was in the room as well. Much like Charlie, he looked drained after everything that had transpired over the call. His head was faced towards the ground, and both sets of arms were wrapped around his body. He shivered as if cold, but Vaggie had a feeling that this was more of a mild form of shock as the Spider tried to wrap his head around the concept that he was actually free from his life as a sex worker, a role he had served for much of his existence in Hell.
Remembering from previous visits to the cabin how storms in this area of the Pride Ring could be devastating events, she pressed a button on the wall. Immediately, metal blinds were lowered over the windows to prevent any windows from being damaged. Metal shielding covered the roof and doors. What were pea-sized drops of frozen rain now, would be golf ball if not baseball-sized chunks of ice before long.
Moving into the kitchen, she got some breakfast started, more for the sake of giving herself something to do than anything else. Figuring oatmeal would be the best choice, she filled a pot with some water and set it on the stove to boil. Opening a lower cabinet, Vaggie pulled out a first aid kit to find some aspirin or ibuprofen. Shaking two small red pills from the bottle into her hand, she returned the medkit to its place. Grabbing a small glass tumbler and filling it with water, she walked over to where Angel was sitting.
Angel glanced up as he noted Vaggie was standing close by him. Surprisingly, he didn't regard her with any sort of snide expression, nor did he throw any resentful glares. Instead, he seemed more indifferent to her presence at the moment.
"Here," Vaggie said as she offered the pills to him. "For your headache."
"Thanks, Vags," he responded as he took the pills, swallowed them, and chased them with the glass of water.
"Breakfast will be soon," Vaggie said as she returned to the kitchen. Cherri had come back to the main floor of the cabin, and while she had stayed on the lower level, it was obvious she had been listening to the entire thing. Cautiously, she moved to sit beside Angel, looking like she was trying hard not to burst into a fit over everything that happened during the call with Valentino. Vaggie could only fight back silent tears as horrors from her own past came to mind.
Visions of male voices laughing at her as she cried in humiliation over what they were doing to her. Thick Spanish voices telling her that she was their whore. Large male hands holding her down as her clothes were torn open and away, pulling her hair, smacking her across the face. The monsters used her over and over again as the bodies of her family lay around her. Her body was broken and worn through when they were finally done with her. But...it wasn't over...it was never over.
Much of the morning passed quietly for the small group of companions. As the storm raged overhead during breakfast, conversation was sparse. The sound of rain and thunder filled the air, creating a cozy atmosphere inside.
After everyone had their fill of breakfast, both Charlie and Angel decided to rest and retreated to their respective rooms. This left Cherri and Vaggie to take care of the clean-up duties.
Vaggie wiped down the countertops and said, "I hope the storm passes soon. It would be nice to go out for a walk later."
Cherri nodded in agreement, "Yeah, a walk sounds good. The rain can be nice, but I miss the sunshine already."
They finished cleaning up the breakfast mess, and the two of them settled in the living room. The soft crackle of the fireplace added a comforting touch to the ambiance.
"It sounds pretty bad out there," Cherri, the punky cyclops, commented, her voice slightly muffled by the distant rumble of thunder.
"It gets worse than this," Vaggie remarked as she continued washing dishes. "I mean, don't get me wrong, this storm is pretty intense, but Charlie and I seen worse up here."
Cherri raised her eyebrow, intrigued by Vaggie's comment. "Worse than this?" As though to prove itself the storm's intensity seemed to increase momentarily, with a loud crash of thunder shaking the house. Cherri let out a playful smirk, "Guess Hell's verson of "Mother Nature" is on the rag."
Vaggie chuckled, appreciating Cherri's humor even in the face of a raging storm. "Seems that way. Well, at least we're safe and dry in here."
Just then, a bright flash of lightning illuminated the room, followed by another booming thunderclap. Cherri and Vaggie exchanged glances, and Cherri couldn't resist making another witty remark, "You think this storm has been taking gun lessons from Angie? That was a really good shot!"
Vaggie laughed, finding comfort in Cherri's lightheartedness amidst the storm's chaos. "Who knows? Maybe she's just trying to show off."
As they continued their conversation, Vaggie's thoughts shifted to a different topic. "You know, what really puzzled me was how early Angel sensed this storm."
"Why's that?" Cherri asked.
"I've met demons who have sensitivity to changes in the weather," Vaggie explained. "And...at best, they wouldn't feel a storm like this before it was a quarter-mile away. But at that point, it would already be looming over the horizon. Angel had said in the car that he had been noticing it for twenty minutes when it was at least an hour out."
"Maybe Spider Demons have stronger senses than most demons," Cherri said, intrigued by the idea. "From what I remember of the spiders I saw when I was alive, they could get rather antsy when the weather was bad."
Vaggie nodded, considering Cherri's observation. "That's an interesting connection. It's possible that Angel's spider-like nature plays a role in his heightened sensitivity. Spiders are known for their keen perception and ability to sense changes in their environment."
Cherri leaned against the couch cushions, gazing into the fire. "It makes sense. Maybe that's why he could pick up on storms so early. His instincts might be attuned to the subtle shifts in atmospheric pressure or other cues that others might miss."
Vaggie smiled, impressed by Cherri's deductive reasoning. "You could be onto something. Angel might not even realize the full extent of his abilities. It could be a natural part of who he is."
As they continued to discuss the possibilities, they couldn't help but feel a newfound appreciation for their friend's unique traits. Each of them brought their own strengths and quirks to the group, making their little family diverse and resilient.
"I guess it just goes to show that we're more than just our appearances," Cherri said thoughtfully. "Our demon natures come with all sorts of interesting surprises."
As the two girls continued their conversation, they couldn't help but feel grateful for Angel's peculiar gift. It was just one more example of how each member of their group brought something unique and valuable to the table.
"Ever since that phone call, he has been acting rather weird," Cherri pointed out in concern. "I mean, I know when he's suffering from storm fatigue, he's more interested in being flat out on the floor. But this is like he's completely zoning out."
"Wait," Vaggie asked, surprised by Cherri's remark. Her single remaining eye turned to Cherri, seeking clarification. "Flat out on the floor?"
"Well yeah," Cherri said. "I did say in the car that when Angie senses a storm in the air, it hits him really hard. The only real times Angie would be allowed to take an early day was when there was a storm in the air. Val would try to come up with excuses for it because, of course, he would. Ultimately, he would be forced to send Angie home because it looked like he was going to puke onset or something like that. There were occasions he would be practically crawling into his own apartment because he felt so gross. It was only after he returned to the studio - once the storm was over - that shit would happen. I could understand Val not wanting to let Angie go because of the money and time lost, but I wouldn't be surprised if he secretly looked forward to them. Just because they gave him an excuse to hurt him. What's even stranger is ever since I first met him, there have been times I just feel drawn to wherever he is. With every storm, I just get a feeling that someone is telling me to be there. Silly, huh?"
"Yeah," Vaggie responded absently, her mind drifting back to a conversation she had with Charlie just before Angel moved into the Hotel.
"Because, I can sense it, Vaggie. It's like something associated with him had been calling out to me. Well not me...but certainly seeking out someone...I just happened to hear it."
"But why him? I haven't seen anything about him that is worth redemption."
"I don't know what it is, but I know there is something about him that is different from every demon we tried to talk to. Something that feels...I don't know how to describe it. It just feels in-between. It's like he's done things that perhaps led to being in Hell, but for whatever reason, he is in this world by mistake."
"I guess we're done here," Cherri said as she stood up from the couch. "I'm going to check up on Angie."
Vaggie nodded, giving Cherri a reassuring smile. "That sounds like a good idea. Let him know we're here for him, no matter what he's going through." Cherri nodded in agreement, appreciating Vaggie's support before heading downstairs to the floor below.
Vaggie, however, remained lost in contemplation. There was something going on that just felt strange. Not strange in an Alastor strange sort of way. It wasn't something that made her feel threatened, but it did make her feel uncomfortable. The fire had drifted down to just smoldering embers that hissed as they were hit with the rain drops that managed to drip down the chimney. She made her way up to the loft room she shared with Charlie. Her remaining eye turned to one of the portraits of King Luci standing proudly with his self-righteous smile. A man with the face of an angel and the soul of a demon.
When King Luci had said he trusted her as Charlie's consort, he told her that she was tasked with making sure that his daughter was safe at all costs. One of those safety measures was to be sure that Charlie never learned about his origin. It would only upset her and cause too many questions.
As Vaggie thought back to that conversation, she understood the weight of the responsibility placed upon her shoulders. King Luci's words had been clear, and she knew she had to protect Charlie from the truth, no matter how difficult it might be.
With a heavy heart, she gazed at the portrait of King Luci, remembering the man who was both father to Charlie and the ruler of Hell. She couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions, knowing that he had made mistakes in the past but had entrusted her with a vital task for Charlie's well-being.
Even now, with the hotel and Charlie's idealistic visions of Heaven, Vaggie knew that the truth about her father's past was a burden she couldn't bear alone. As much as she wanted to protect Charlie from the harsh reality, she understood that the success of the hotel and their plan of redemption hinged on her friend knowing the truth.
Vaggie couldn't shake the feeling that Charlie needed to learn about her father's rebellion and his fall from grace in order to fully comprehend the complexities of the world they were trying to change. She had tried to subtly warn Charlie that Heaven might not be the paradise she imagined, that it might be as corrupt as Hell, but simply better at hiding it.
But now, it seemed inevitable that the truth would have to be revealed. It was a delicate balance between safeguarding Charlie's innocence and allowing her to make informed decisions about her mission. Vaggie knew she couldn't shield Charlie forever, and the truth would come out eventually.
"Mio Gemello will require your guidance," an unknown voice spoke. Vaggie immediately looked around her, seeking out the source of the voice, but there was no one in sight. She couldn't place how, or why, but for some reason, the voice sounded familiar. It was as if she had heard it before, but she couldn't recall where or when.
Her heart pounded in her chest as she tried to make sense of the mysterious message. "Mio Gemello?" she whispered, puzzled by the unfamiliar term. It wasn't a phrase she had encountered before, and yet, the voice seemed to imply that it held some significance.
"Oh wonderful," Vaggie grumbled to herself as she continued up the stairs to the loft room she shared with Charlie. "The weather is bothering me so much, I'm actually starting to hear things. This day just keeps getting worse."
Feeling a bit frustrated, Vaggie tried to shake off the unease caused by the mysterious voice. She knew she had a tendency to be sensitive to storms, but this was something different altogether. It was as if the voice had been calling out specifically to her.
Once inside the loft room, she closed the door behind her, hoping to shut out the external disturbances. The soft glow of the room's lamp welcomed her, offering a sense of comfort amidst the turbulent day.
Vaggie sank into the plush covers of the bed. She knew she couldn't let the strange voice get to her, but it was hard to shake off the feeling of unease it had left behind. Maybe it was just her imagination playing tricks on her, fueled by the storm and her own tiredness.
Charlie lay peacefully beside her, and Vaggie couldn't help but smile softly at the sight. Despite the storm raging outside, there was a sense of tranquility within their shared space. As Vaggie settled into her own slumber, she felt a deep sense of comfort knowing that Charlie was right there beside her.
The sound of raindrops hitting the windows and the occasional distant rumble of thunder provided a soothing backdrop. Vaggie snuggled closer to Charlie, feeling the warmth of their closeness. She knew that as long as they were together, they could weather any storm that life threw their way.