Grail of Sin Chapter 3
The Willful Child
"They snuck into Hell." Lucifer thought to himself, as though in a trance. Eyes unblinking, staring into the distance. "They terrified MY daughter, practically had a knife to her throat…". He held his cane in a tight grip, twisting his hands, trying to keep his immense anger unshown. "They could have killed her, before I had even known…"
"...dad?", a faint voice unregistered in Lucifer's mind.
"And how were you unable to do anything?!" Lucifer thought as he glanced at Vaggie. "You were supposed to be her protector!"
As soon as Vaggie saw Lucifer lock eyes with her, she looked away, casting her gaze low to the ground.
"No,…what am I thinking, she could not have stopped them. She's just a low rank angel. What could she have possibly done against a seraph." Lucifer thought.
"Dad!" Charlie's voice broke through Lucifer's trance at last.
"Well Charlie I have to hand it to you, you have done an amazing Job! Hahaha" Lucifer said, with a smile. "A sinner redeemed! WOW! Who would have thought!"
"Dad, please! I don't need fake compliments. I need to know what you think? This is serious!" Charlie said.
Lucifer's smile vanishes, replaced by a sad expression.
"Charlie, sweety. This all sounds too good to be true. How, or why, would Sir Pentious end up in heaven after he got vaporized by Adam? Sure, I understand Heaven has a fetish for self sacrifice but let's be real here! What do you think is more likely, Sir Pentious being redeemed in a nick of time or that Heaven is trying to trick you as a means of hurting you more?!" Lucifer said.
"So, you don't believe them. You don't believe he is actually alive." Charlie said sadly.
"Have you even seen Sir Pentious?" Lucifer asked. "Have you spoken to him? All you have is their word? Charlie, darling, they are up to something."
"No, I believe them. I…I saw the joy in Emily's eyes. She wasn't lying. I trust her enough on this." Charlie protested.
"But Charlie, higher rank angels are able to shape shift." Lucifer countered "Do you even know for certain that you were talking to THE Emily, or someone else pretending to be her?" Lucifer inquired.
"No, it was her. I…I'm sure of it." Charlie said.
"Then…then I don't know how, or why, it happened. I don't know why he would have been accepted into Heaven. I'm sorry Charlie." Lucifer said in a compassionate tone.
"W…what about the engagement?" Charlie asked sheepishly.
"What about it?" Lucifer asked, his face showing annoyance.
"What do you think I should do?" Charlie asked.
"Charlie, don't be ridiculous. Refuse outright. Better yet, don't even dignify them of a response.
First of all, I don't even know who this 'prince' is supposed to be. If there was some nephilim prince running around in heaven I would know!
Second, the Idea that Jesus, of all people, got together with an angel is ludicrous. He had no 'game' Charlie, no game!
Third, even if it were true, the idea that my beloved daughter would have to resort to a fake marriage for protection…makes my blood boil.
Fourth, this Zefriel fellow, never heard of either by the way. He could just be a spy sent to sabotage you right before the Exorcists attack again." Lucifer ranted.
"Charlie, Heaven may seem like it's full of good people from a distance, but believe me, their lies are just as insidious as the ones uttered in the lowest pits of Hell itself. Charlie, I beg you, never ever accept ANY deals from Heaven."
Lucifer looks at Vaggie and notices that she is still avoiding his gaze. "And on top of it all, you already have an amazing girlfriend. One who you should love and respect, like she does you. You should not even consider something that could jeopardize your relationship with her."
Vaggie finally looked up from the ground, finally meeting Lucifer's gaze as he looked upon her with a warm smile.
"But…what will we do If I refuse…and the Exorcists return stronger than ever?" Charlie asked softly.
"Charlie, you are my daughter, the princess of Hell. We have armies at our command. If they return then we will get serious and mount a full defense of Hell. We now have the adequate weapons and are even procuring more as we speak." Lucifer explained.
Charlie remains silent, pensive, clutching the couch she was sitting on as hard as she could as if bracing herself.
"When will they return?" Lucifer asked.
Charlie was not answering, in a world of her own.
"Charlie, when will the angels return?" asked Lucifer again.
"Oh." Charlie said as she snapped out of her thoughts, "T…they will return in two weeks from our first meeting. Twelve days from now."
"Excellent." Said Lucifer "We will meet them together. I would very much like to have a word with this lady seraph.
The Hotel's front door slams open. "Well, that was fun while it lasted." Alastor said as he entered the hotel, Niffty sitting on his shoulder.
"Yeah!" Niffty yelled, "The roller coaster was amazing sir, especially when I fell off!"
"Oh, yes! You landing on that small Imp child truly made my day. I'm glad you had fun dear. A weekend at Lu Lu World is a well deserved reward for that perfectly executed backstab!" Alastor said with his usual smile.
"Hmm, what would you say our overall experience was at Lu Lu World dear?" Alastor asked.
"Oh, it was amazing! The rides were fun, the food was great, the mascots barely complained when I ripped parts for my collection!" Niffty said as she was looking at her phone. "What rating should I give the park sir?"
"Why my dear, the lowest possible, of course!" Alastor said.
"Yes, sir!" Niffty yelled with a grin on her face.
Alastor could hear voices coming from the room adjacent to the and proceeded inside.
"Greetings and salutations my fellow misfits" he said as he entered, his mood soured as soon as he saw Lucifer "Oh…you're back…"
Lucifer's expression betrayed his sheer annoyance with seeing Alastor.
"I was just leaving." Lucifer said as he walked past Alastor, making sure his shoulder pushed him aside on the way out.
"Charlie, my dear, I will see you soon." Lucifer said as he turned to Charlie on his way out the front door. "If you need anything, do not hesitate to call me. Especially if you have any more…guests."
"I will dad, love you." she said as she hugged and kissed him.
Lucifer then sprouted his wings and flew with the speed only an angel could match.
Charlie stood there at the door, watching him fly off, thinking to herself.
"Are you ok?" asked Vaggie as she stood next to Charlie.
"I don't know, Vaggie." Charlie responded.
"Now what is this that I hear?" asked Alastor as he slid between the girls, placing his hands on their shoulders. "Did we actually receive new guests? And while I was away, of all times! I hope this isn't more evidence that I am scaring the patrons away!" he said, humor in his voice.
"Oh, that's right! Alastor, I have to tell you!" Charlie became energetic as she realized that Alastor still did not know. "Come inside we have a lot to talk about!" She said as she grabbed Alastor's and Vaggie's hand, dragging them inside the hotel.
Alastor sat on the couch, gently tapping his finger on his cane. After having had time to process Charlie's story he finally speaks. "My…what wondrous news Charlie! To think that you would get married so young! Why, it almost brings a tear of joy to my eye."
"What? No, Alastor, Sir Pentious!" Charlie said.
"Oh, that! Well, bully for him." Alastor added. "But let's focus on the important things. To think that our Charlie would sacrifice so much to keep us safe from harm."
"I..." Charlie tried to interject.
"To marry their prince, such a noble act of self sacrifice to protect your people. Why, with this act we will finally be able to sleep soundly at night…and not fear having our throats slit by Exorcists." Alastor said with a smile.
Vaggie's eyes narrow as she is looking at Alastor. "She didn't accept."
"But why would she not?" Alastor said as he slid behind Vaggie. "I fail to see the down side. If anything you should be grateful that you will not have to sacrifice yourself in some last ditch attempt at protecting your lover when they return en masse. Perhaps jealousy is blinding you my dear."
"You damn hijo de puta!" Vaggie shouted as she picked up her spear and spread her wings.
Alastor raised his hands in surrender while bearing a sadistic grin.
"Stop it, both of you!" Charlie yelled.
Her words seemed to bring some order to the room. Vaggie rested her spear while still glaring at Alastor who sat back down, completely ignoring Vaggie.
"I...I need a show of hands. Who here thinks that I should accept? Please raise your hands." Charlie asked.
"Charlie, I don't think this is a good idea to put to a vote." Vaggie said "This is your life on the line, don't let...".
"Vaggie, not now. Please. I just need a show of hands." Charlie insisted.
Vaggie crossed her arms and looked away with a sad expression on her face as she sat back down on the couch.
Alastor raised his hand and looked at Husk with narrowed eyes. Husk got the message and raised his own hand.
"I…really don't know if this is a good idea Charlie." Angel said. He looked at Vaggie, empathizing with her emotional pain and crossed his arms as well.
Charlie followed Angel's gaze onto Vaggie and felt a void in her heart. She wanted to say something, anything, to ease Vaggies pain, but was distracted by a light tug on her trousers. "Yes, Niffty?"
"If you do accept ,does that mean that we will have a goodie two shoes running around?" Niffty asked.
"I really wouldn't go so far as to think that. He manipulated our minds and terrified me." Charlie replied.
"Alright, I'll give him a chance!" Niffty said as she raised her hand, "But he had better not be a recycler." Niffty sat down on the couch, next to Alastor, everyone seemed surprised at her statement.
"So. Three to two." Charlie said.
"No, three to three." Vaggie interjected. "Don't forget what your father said."
"I didn't forget." Charlie said sadly.
"Will they be returning soon?" asked Alaster as he got up from the couch.
"Yes." Charlie replied.
"Splendid! I will make sure to have my finest suit pressed and starched for the occasion." Alastor said as he exited the room. "Have a lovely evening, don't let the Exorcists bite."
"Right, it's getting late. Let's get some rest." Charlie said.
Charlie sat in front of the mirror, as Vaggie brushes her hair, making preparations for bed.
"You are usually very talkative when I brush your hair, but you haven't said a word since we sat down. You are stressed. Badly." Vaggie said.
"Aren't we all?" Charlie replied.
"Yes, but you in particular. This whole thing is soul crushing for you, I can tell." Vaggie said.
"Vaggie…I'm terrified." Charlie replied.
"What? Terrified of what?" Vaggie asked.
Charlie was silent.
Vaggie embraced her from behind. "You have already made up your mind…" Vaggie said.
"Yes." Charlie replied softly.
"You intend to accept, don't you?" Vaggie asked.
"Yes." again, Charlie replied softly.
"Are you afraid of angering your father?" Vaggie asked softly.
"I'm afraid that you will hate me." Charlie replied. "I'm afraid of losing you! But, that is why I feel that I have to accept. Both Alastor and Zefriel said the same thing. I need to accept the engagement if I want you to be safe. My biggest fear is that, if war broke out and the Exorcists return, all the suffering and death would be on my conscience because I refused a possible diplomatic solution. If something were to happen to you because of that…I don't know what I would do.
Vaggie's embrace became tighter.
"Charlie…I love you, and could never hate you. You will never lose me. I will support you no matter what. I guess that is the burden of loving a princess." Vaggie said.
They are silent for a moment, enjoying the warmth of the embrace.
"But you are not wrong, I am afraid what will happen when dad finds out." Charlie said. "I even lied to him."
"Lied? What lie?" Vaggie asked.
"They will be back in 5 days." Charlie responded.
"Ah…they gave you one week." Vaggie replied.
"I…am not afraid that dad would hurt me, don't get me wrong. It's just that, I know he will be upset and disappointed in me when he finds out I lied to him. But, we need to try diplomacy first to avoid more conflict, if possible. And if that fails we can still mount a defense of hell as dad wanted." Charlie said.
"I think he was also right." Vaggie said "We do need to make sure that they are not lying. We need to see Sir Pentious."
"Oh I definitely want to see Sir Pentious. There is also something else I intend to get from Zefriel when they arrive. I will not accept the engagement otherwise." Charlie said.
"What do you want?" asked Vaggie.
"I want to make a deal with him." Charlie said.
Five days seem to have passed like lightning. Charlie, Vaggie, Alastor, Angel Dust, Husk and Niffty sit patiently in the room next to the lobby of the Hotel. Waiting. Not a single word was spoken. The deadline was fast approaching.
Suddenly, a golden portal opened.
"This is it." Charlie thought to herself.
A man stepped through. Charlie recognized him as Zefriel, the same angel from the last meeting. He bowed to her courtly. After which he scanned the room, observing each of the group. His eyes seemed to linger on Alastor far longer than the others. He seemed to look him up and down.
"You may enter." Zefriel uttered. Emily quickly entered the room through the portal. She smiled as soon as she saw Charlie and waved at her. Charlie returned the smile.
"Let us begin then." Zefriel said calmly.
Zefriel sat upon the chair opposite Charlie and her friends in a scene very reminiscent of their first meetings. "Did they set up the table and chairs like this on purpose?" Zefriel thought to himself.
Emily attempted to sit in the chair to Zefriel's left, opposite Alastor.
"No. Lady Emily, please sit to my right." Zefriel said.
"Oh…ok." Emily said as she obliged.
As she moved, Zefriels eyes lingered on Alastor, once more, who could not help but grin to his fullest.
"Charlie, have you made your decision?" Emily asked.
"Yes. But first I want something from you." Charlie replied calmly. "I want to see Sir Pentious and speak with him."
"That will not be possible, for now." replied Zefriel.
"And why is that?" Charlie asked, a hint of annoyance in her words.
Vaggies eyes narrowed at the comment while Angel Dust crossed his arms with a frown on his face.
"Charlie, it has been deemed best that Sir Pentious not have any contact with Hell or any of you for a few more months." Emily said. "We are not sure how he was redeemed and thus fear that he might relapse on contact with Hell or its inhabitants and be sent back. We don't yet know how easily that could happen, if at all. Charlie I promise that it's only a temporary restriction, giving time to Sir Pentious to commit more good deeds in Heaven, cementing his place there."
Charlie taps her finger on her armrest. "This puts me in a tight spot. It has been brought to my attention that I don't even have proof that Sir Pentious is alive at all." she said.
"Is the word of a seraph and an angel not enough?" asked Zefriel.
"While I understand the reason you say you won't let me meet Sir Pentious, I'm afraid that I need more than words." Charlie replied.
"Where is your prince? Or more accurately, why is he not here?" Alastor asked.
"Regrettably, he cannot attend, nor is required. It is best this meeting be as covert as possible until the pact is made." Zefriel replied. "He has provided me with a bann bearing his signature. All that is required is yours as well to be made official."
"I would like to meet him. You cannot expect me to become engaged to someone I have never met, even if it is fake." Charlie said, her annoyance seemed to escalate.
Zefriel was silent for a moment.
"I understand the difficulty you find yourself in. Really, I do. But understand that you two meeting is truly unimportant for the success of this operation, and having the prince enter the domain of Hell would not be a good thing. At least, not for now." Zefriel replied.
Charlie and Vaggie glanced at each other. They were beginning to show signs of weariness.
"We could, however, move this meeting to Heaven where I can arrange a meeting with the prince. But understand that only you and your angel girlfriend would be allowed to enter." Zefriel added.
"Charlie, this could be a trap. We shouldn't." Vaggie said.
Emily showed a surprised expression on her face upon hearing Vaggie's comment.
"We are not tr…." Emily attempted to protest.
"No." Charlie interrupted Emily mid sentence. "We shall continue here. Thank you." Charlie stated.
"I had feared that something like this would happen, but I am given no choice." Charlie stated, attempting to sound as calm as possible. "You have come here with this plot and given me nothing that I can accept or work with. I don't even know if my friend is truly alive and you're expecting me to dance to your tune. But, if I am to accept your proposal, and you are to remain here, then you will have to make a deal with me." Charlie said.
Emily was shocked at the proposition but Zefriel's emotions seemed well guarded.
"A 'hell deal'?" Asked Zefriel.
"Yes." Charlie replied.
Zefriel stood as he looked at Charlie's eyes. "Well, lady Charlotte, I thank you for your time. I apologize that it was wasted. Lady Emily, if you would be so kind as to open a portal, we will be on our way."
"What?" Charlie and Emily uttered in common surprise.
"What do you mean you want to leave?" Asked Emily "You didn't even hear what she was suggesting."
"I don't have to. An angel should never accept any deal with denizens of Hell." Zefriel replied.
"But.." Emily protested.
"No buts. Lady Emily, remember that you are here as a courtesy. You were allowed to join as long as you did not interfere. Now please, open a portal, we are leaving." Zefriel said firmly.
"All I want is the truth!" Charlie yelled angrily.
"You were given the truth, but our words were not enough." Zefriel said. "I would never accept a 'hell deal' from anyone."
"The only way we could show trust towards you is if we know this arrangement is not some poisoned pill for us to swallow. If you can only give me words, then I want to at least be sure that they are truthful!" Charlie yelled.
"Angels do not need to prove their word!" Zefriel answered, his calm veneer beginning to crack ,he was showing signs of irritation.
Alastor was munching away at a bowl of popcorn, seeming to enjoy every second of the show.
Emily seemed pensive despite the argument heating up. She broke her silence when she realized what the main obstacle to their progress was.
"Zefriel, what about a holy compact instead." She asked.
"A holy compact?" asked Charlie, as she looked at Vaggie.
"A holy compact is basically Heaven's version of a deal made in Hell." Vaggie replied.
"Yes." Emily continued. "A holy compact is the original form of your Hell Deals. They can be performed by an angel of my rank. If Zefriel's issue is with taking a 'hell deal', then he should not have a problem with a holy compact. Worded exactly as you wish Charlie."
They were all silent for a few moments.
"Let us hear what you have in mind then lady Charlotte." Zefriel said.
This put a smile on Charlie's face. She started to think they were getting somewhere.
"One, I never wish you to use…that thing…you did. No mind control or mental manipulation." Charlie said.
"That truly upset you so? You understand that I only did it to avoid a conflict as things were heating up." Zefriel said.
"I understand, but I cannot allow it. Not with me, or with anyone else if you are to remain here." Charlie stated firmly.
"I accept. I will not play mind tricks on anyone." Zefriel said.
Emily conjured up a parchment of paper, plucked out one of her feathers and began scribbling on the parchment.
"Second" Charlie continued." I want you to be compelled to tell me the truth. Always."
"I am willing to agree to this. Under conditions." Zefriel said.
"Let us hear them then." Charlie said as she crossed her arms.
"The way you word it implies that no matter what question asked, I would be compelled to answer. I am willing to accept this to alleviate your fears with regards to Sir Pentious or my role here at your hotel, but I am not willing to answer personal questions or questions that I have no authority to answer. If I speak, I will speak the truth, but I will not be compelled to answer."
"Fine. That will work well enough." Charlie said after thinking to herself.
Emily quickly writes down the terms.
"But, I cant help to notice that this Compact is completely one sided." Zefriel said. "Understand that trust is a two way street. Would you accept being subject to the same terms?"
Charlie is surprised by the request.
"No, she will not." Interjected Vaggie, her arms crossed and eye narrowed.
"Then why would I accept it? Such an arrangement is no deal or compact, it is submission. Is that what you are expecting from me? I'm afraid you will be disappointed."
"No, that's alright. As long as I too can decline to answer, then I don't think that it would be a problem. Telling the truth is a virtue I aspire to anyway." Charlie said
"Charlie, are you sure about this?" Asked Vaggie.
"Yes." Charlie stated.
"Aaaaaaaaaaaaand done." Emily said with a smile, as she passed the document to Charlie "Please look it over and let me know."
Charlie picked up the paper and held it between herself and Vaggie, both reading every last word of it.
Holy Compact
This document represents the written agreement between
Lady Charlotte Morning Star
Princess of Hell, first born daughter of Lucifer Morningstar and Lilith Morningstar.
And
Zefriel
Archangel
The terms of the binding agreement are listed as follows.
Both parties, noted above, are to be subject to the exact same terms of the agreement herewith.
Neither party will be allowed the use of any ability or magical spell that allows for the subjugation of any beings will.
Both parties will speak nothing but truth to the opposing party, noted in this document, without compulsion to answer any questions posed.
This document is made official by the holy feather of lady seraph Emily.
"You're an archangel?" asked Vaggie with a surprised look on her face. "I thought archangels only dealt with Earth, the mortal realm."
"I go where my lord needs me. Heaven, Earth or Hell." Zefriel responded.
"What is the penalty of breaking this agreement?" asked Charlie, seeming uninterested in ranks.
"There are no penalties. You would be compelled to remain within the bounds of the pact for its duration, nothing more." Emily answered.
"And how are these broken?" asked Vaggie.
"Well, if you will notice, the document is made official by my holy feather. This means that I am the only one that can break in permanently, if you both agree to it that is." Emily said.
"What do you think, Vaggie?" asked Charlie
"It looks ok on the surface, but notice that it says spoken truth. This means that he would be able to lie to in writing for example. Keep this in mind." Vaggie added.
"Inconsequential really. The purpose of this is to ease your fears of being underhanded. If my assumption is correct, you will be asking me questions after we sign the compact. I doubt you are expecting my reply via Email…" Zefriel said, a hint of sarcasm in his voice.
"Fine." Charlie said with a frown as she signed. She then proceeds to pass the document to Zefriel.
Zefriel looks over the document and the signature. He pauses for a moment, raising an eyebrow. "Charlie? With a heart over the 'i'?" Zefriel said as he proceeded to sign as well.
"Yes, I prefer being called Charlie. what's wrong with that?" Charlie asked.
"Nothing, I just think it's cute..." Zefriel said. His expression changed to one of annoyance as he glanced at Emily.
"Don't look at me, You signed it." Emily said with a teasing smile.
"Then it is done", said Zefriel.
"Well then, I have some questions." Charlie said, not wasting a moment. "Is Sir Pentious alive in Heaven?"
"Yes, he is in Heaven and is alive. I have seen him. I have spoken with him. He Complains about his missing Egg Bois and he says he misses you all. But other than that he seemed to be doing well." Zefriel replied.
"Yes!" shouted Angel Dust, startling Emily. "Sorry, go on."
"Will we be able to see him?" Continued Charlie with another question.
"Yes, the quarantine is expected to be lifted within the next two months. You will be able to see him after that, in Heaven. He is not allowed to return to Hell, however, even for a visit." Zefriel answered.
This news seemed to elevate Charlie's spirits, but she regains control of herself and returns to her serious expression.
"Do you mean harm to anyone?" She asked.
"Yes." Zefriel replied.
"To who?" Charlie asked, an expression of concern on her face.
"Evildoers." Zefriel replied. They were silent for a moment before Zefriel continued "I am an archangel that is on a mission to Hell itself. Is my answer truly surprising to you?"
"N…no." Charlie said hesitantly, seeming to struggle to utter the words..
"Do not try to resist the truth you hold. Either say it or declare that you shall not answer the question." Zefriel said.
Charlie nodded. "At least I know the spell is in effect." she said.
"But, despite what I said, I have not come here with the intention to act upon my base instinct.
One of my primary goals here is to ascertain if this Hotel of yours is a viable means of redeeming sinners. Another would be to protect you from demons…as well as angels that might try to prevent sinners being redeemed." Zefriel said..
Charlie was about to ask another question, but Zefriel interjected "May I ask you a question now?"
Charlie was hesitant to answer, not sure if she wanted to allow it.
"You may refuse to answer, I will not pressure you." Zefriel reassured her.
"What is your question then?" Charlie asked calmly.
"You mentioned in our last meeting that Lucifer, your father, is trying to help you with your project here at the hotel. Do you believe that he really wishes to see sinners redeemed?" he asked.
"I…I don't know, but I hope so. We have been estranged for a long time. I believe he is trying to spend more time with me. I don't know if he cares that my project revolves around redeeming sinners. Had my project been about anything else, I believe he would be just as enthusiastic." she answered.
"And your Mother, Lilith?" he asked.
"I don't know either. I have not seen her in over 8 Years. I call her but she never answers. I don't know where she is, but I hope she is well." she said sadly. "Why do you ask me these questions about my parents?"
"Your parents have a checkered past. I wanted a better understanding of what their influences are on you and your project." He replied.
"Shall we continue with the reason we are here?" He asked.
"Yes." Charlie replied.
Zefriel produces a leather bound file and opens it.
Charlie and her Friends look at it. It is simple white with gold trimmings.
Marriage Banns
In accordance with Holy Canon hereto publish the marriage banns of the contracting
parties who wish to be made one in Sacrament of Matrimony
Lord Avis
Prince of Heaven, first born son of Domine Yeshua Christe
Lady Charlotte Morning Star
Princess of Hell, first born daughter of Lucifer Morningstar and Lilith Morningstar.
Whoever has knowledge of any impediment or hindrance to the proposed marriage,
kindly present a bill of grievances to the presiding officiant who,
under the express wishes of Lord Avis, is to be his father, Domine Yeshua Christe.
At the bottom of the bann rests a signature signed in golden ink. For being the signature of a prince it was certainly simple, barely any cursive or pomp Charlie thought.
Charlie signs.
End of Chapter 3