Grail of Sin Chapter 4
The other willful child.
The morning after the angels left, Vaggie watched Charlie pace rapidly in the hotel lobby, muttering something under her breath, seeming in deep thought.
"Zefriel should be here any minute now." Vaggie said as she looked at her watch. "He said he will be here at noon sharp''.
"I know, I'm just thinking of how to break the news to dad…" said Charlie. "What if…hear me out. What if I tell dad that I was refusing to sign the agreement…and then just tripped and fell onto the document with a pen in hand and it just…happened to smudge it…in the form of my signature…?"
Charlie pretended to trip and landed in front of Vaggie.
"Right. You tripped and signed…with the little heart instead of the dot on the 'i'." Vaggie said smiling as she helped Charlie back on her feet. "I'm not sure your dad would fall for that."
"I know. Curse my need to be cute and quirky! Little heart you have betrayed me!" Charlie yelled jokingly at the ceiling, shaking her first.
"I really think you shouldn't try to make up 'accidents' as to how it happened. Just be truthful. You made your decision." Vaggie suggested.
"Yeah…I think that will probably be for the best. Unless I can get dad drunk first, before he sees the heart shaped dot!" Charlie said with a smile.
"You are incorrigible." Vaggie said as she closed in and kissed Charlie.
Their kiss was short-lived as a portal opened up next to them.
"Wow, they are REALLY punctual." Charlie said as she looked at her watch, noon sharp.
A green duffle bag was tossed through the portal and landed on the lobby floor with a loud thud.
"Vaggie, did you make sure Niffty cleaned the room for our guest?" Charlie asked with a whisper.
A second duffle bag flew through the portal. And landed with a metallic rattle on hitting the floor.
"Yes, I made sure everything was in order. Speaking of which, are you sure a suite is necessary?" Vaggie asked.
"He requested a single room and an office space. It should suffice." Charlie answered.
A third duffle bag flew through the portal. Finally Zefriel emerged through the portal. He carried a fourth duffle bag on his back and one in each hand.
"Zefriel, good afternoon!" Charlie said. "I'm amazed as to how punctual you angels are."
"It is considered improper etiquette to keep ladies waiting," he replied as he bowed his head in greeting. "Lady Morningstar. Lady Vaggie."
This seemed to put a shy smile on Charlie's face.
"Just call me Vaggie. No 'Lady Vaggie'." Vaggie said. "And as she told you before, she prefers to be called Charlie. Not lady Charlie, not lady Morningstar and especially not lady Charlotte. Just Charlie. Got it?"
"Excellent, noted. Likewise if you wish you may call me Zefriel or Zef. Would you please be so kind as to show me to the room? I have a lot of things to prepare."
"Yes, of course! Right this way." Charlie replied as she made her way up the stairs.
Zefriel followed suit, carrying two duffle bags in each hand and a fifth on his back.
"You missed one." Vaggie said as she pointed to one left in the lobby behind them.
"I will pass by later to pick it up." Zefriel said.
"Don't be stupid, I'll help you." Vaggie said as she moved to the bag.
As she tried to pick it up she was surprised by its weight. It seemed to be twice as heavy as what she would have imagined. "Lets see I still remember how to do this." she thought to herself. She proceeded to lift the heavy bag onto her knee and passed her hand through the arm strap and proceeded to place the weight on her back. "This brings back memories." She said, "Let's go."
As they walked up the lobby stairs, Zefriel could not help but notice the painting of Sir Pentious displayed at the top of the first staircase.
"Ah, our famous serpentine friend." Zefriel said. "Wait...are those the Eggbois? They are ACTUAL eggs? I thought Eggbois was just his name for his gang."
"Yeah we were never sure about that ourselves." Charlie said, furrows in her brow, rubbing her chin in contemplation.
"They were probably some form of hellborn demons." Vaggie explained.
"None of the demons I ever studied." Zefriel said.
"You studied demonology?" asked Charlie.
"Yes, as part of my work. Knowing your enemy is half the battle." he replied.
Charlie gave a nervous smile at the comment.
"Hmm, his appearance seems to have changed a bit after he was redeemed. Less eyes on his body. His scales also seem to have changed from black to white." Zefriel pointed out.
"Oh, interesting. So the forms of sinners change when they are redeemed." Charlie said, looking at the painting.
"Let's keep moving." Vaggie said as the weight of the rucksack was beginning to make her uncomfortable.
"Zef may I ask you a question? Do you not have a Halo?" Charlie asked.
"I do, but I avoid wearing it when possible. Makes passing through doors extremely inconvenient." he said, a hint of humor in his voice. "As I am sure Vaggie would agree. I understand that you are an angel."
"Fallen." Vaggie said.
"Vaggie! Don't say that!" Charlie protested.
"Look, can we drop it please, rather not talk about it." Vaggie said.
"Very well, some other time then." Zefriel said.
They pressed on in silence for the rest of the way.
"Here we are!" Charlie said proudly as she opened the suite door.
The room was very spacious. The bed was very large, covered in clean silk sheets. The window seemed to cover the whole wall, giving a panoramic view of the city.
At the center of the room sat a lavish desk, seemingly made of fine Oak. The wall opposite the bed had several bookcases filled with reading material. There seemed to be a very large curtain that could be drawn, separating the office area from the rest of the bedroom. All the furniture looked brand new.
"I don't mean to sound disrespectful, but would you happen to have some other room?" Zefriel asked Charlie.
"Oh, I'm sooooooo sorry. I know that by your Heaven standards it is probably extremely poor, but this is the best, most luxurious room we have." said Charlie, seeming a little embarrassed. "If you need anything added to It, please let me know and we will see what we can do."
"Get used to it. It's the best you'll find in Hell." interjected Vaggie with an annoyed expression.
"You misunderstand." Zefriel said. "I would be much more grateful for something less extravagant. I'm much more used to 'spartan' lodging."
This seemed to surprise both girls.
"Oh, right! An angel has to be humble! " Charlie said as she facepalms. "I am SO sorry! I hope this isn't some insult to an angel! I still need to learn all proper manners of etiquette when dealing with Heaven folk!"
"Sweety, relax. It's not an insult." Vaggie said with a smile. "Though it's nice to see that at least some angels take their vows seriously. How about rooms 111 and 112? One can be the office and the other can be the bedroom."
"But Vaggie, those rooms are so small! And the windows only point to the back of the hotel, at literally nothing!" Charlie said, almost shocked at the suggestion.
"Perfect. Please lead the way." Zefriel said.
Vaggie led the way while Charlie lingered behind dragging her feet, a sad expression on her face.
"How many guests have you got at the moment?" asked Zefriel as they descended the stairs.
"Right now we only have one guest, Angel Dust." Vaggie answered.
"And his pet piglet." Charlie corrected "So you could say two."
"Pets don't count dear." Vaggie responded, causing Charlie to exhale disappointedly.
"Have you perchance had more guests that fled before or after the Exorcist attacks?" Zefriel asked.
"Our only other guest so far has been Sir Pentious. We almost managed to convince a girl named Cherry bomb to stay as well, but no luck. She said it's not her thing…for now." Charlie answered sadly.
Zefriel stopped suddenly and turned back to Charlie. "So you are saying that your hotel has a 50% success rate? That is actually quite…impressive."
Charlie's eyes lit up like they were on fire. "Oh my Heavens, Vaggie! He is right! We DO have a 50% success rate! How didn't I realize before!"
They pressed on, but Charlie was no longer dragging her feet, she seemed considerably merrier.
"Do sinners ask about the hotel? Any Inquiries about price or lodging? Anything?" he asked.
"No, it's practically barren." Vaggie said. "The Exorcist attack didn't help, but I would be a liar if I told you that things were any different before. The old hotel used to be rundown despite our best efforts to make it homely."
"Vaggie, let's be real. The place was decrepit" Charlie interjected. "I loved my little 'Happy Hotel' but the place needed a lot more than a little touch up."
"Wow, even she realized." Vaggie thought to herself with a smile. "Regardless, we have an upgraded hotel now, but the looming Exorcist attacks are likely keeping new patrons away. Everyone knows about what happened to the hotel, thanks to Vox…" Vaggie said.
"Why did you call it Hazbin Hotel? Or more accurately, why a hotel at all? This operation seems more like a reform center." Zefriel asked.
"Well, that is literally what it is, a 'reform center'." Charlie explained "But I figured that no one in Hell would join if they thought they would be seeing doctors or therapists. Some people just want to avoid rehab or reform centers because they fear they will have a painful experience or be forced to change. I chose to run a hotel with the exact same premise as a rehabilitation center, but without the stresses. Sinners are free to join and leave whenever they please. We will be here for them whenever they need us."
"I see. That is very clever." Zefriel answered.
"Yeah, don't let her carefree attitude fool you. She's as sharp as a razor. It's just that her trusting nature, sometimes, makes people think otherwise. Their loss really." Vaggie said.
"Vaggie, come on! I'm not THAT trusting!" Charlie protested.
They arrive at the rooms suggested by Vaggie. She opens the door to room 111. It is extremely basic in appearance. Nothing more than a bed and a desk. Zefriel enters and walks to the single small window. The view from the window is barren, showing no scenery of interest. No buildings. No landmarks, just endless fire and brimstone in the distance.
"No snipers will be able to take you out through that window." Vaggie said, a hint of humor in her voice.
"Oh definitely not, especially when I ward it." Zefriel said, seeming to be very serious.
The bathroom is small, containing nothing but a basic shower, toilet and sink. Despite its look, it seemed well cleaned at least.
"This is…perfect. Thank you." Zefriel said, placing his rucksacks on the floor.
Vaggie opened the door to room 112. It was a mirror image of 111.
"I will remove the bed and see if we can get you a bookcase, or a filing cabinet, or something…" Vaggie said.
"Yes, if you need anything, please let us know." Charlie added.
"I will need no more than one hour to unpack. After which I would like to speak with Ms Vaggie." Zefriel stated.
"Again. Not 'Ms' Vaggie, not 'Ms' Charlie. Just Vaggie and Charlie." Vaggie said, arms crossed but bearing a smile. "But yes, one hour should be fine. I will see you then." She said as she walked away.
"Right, I should get going as well. Need to work on Angel's lesson plan, 'Stick it to the man!'" Charlie said as she went on her way, seeming not to notice Zefriel raising an eyebrow at her lesson plan.
Lucifer sat at his office desk, tapping his finger on the table seeming in deep thought. He looks at his wall mounted clock seeing that it is getting rather late.
"She should be in her chambers by now." He thought to himself.
He reached out for his desk drawer and took out a mirror, placing it in front of him. He adjusted his hair before giving himself a wink in the mirror. Lucifer then closed his eyes and whispered an eldritch incantation before opening his eyes again. He gently tapped the mirror with his index finger which sent a ripple through it as though it were made of liquid floating in air.
"Sera." He uttered with a whisper. As if by his command the mirror stopped rippling and returned to its flat form. However, the face he saw was no longer his, but that of Sera brushing her feathers.
"What is the meaning of this!? Lucifer! What do YOU want?." she asked as she saw Lucifer's face in her own mirror.
"Greetings, Sera. Recently I have had two of your angels infiltrate my domain, do you know anything about them?" Lucifer asked.
"No, I am not aware of any Exorcist incursion as of yet, though I would suggest you do prepare yourself. Killing Adam may have been a terrible mistake on your part." Sera replied, seeming disinterested.
"...One of them was a seraph." Lucifer said.
Sera froze. "A seraph?!"
"I know the names of these angels. I am willing to tell you their names, in return I would like some information from you. A Quid Pro quo." Lucifer said.
"Speak." Sera said, in a tone that betrayed her annoyance.
"First, is it true that Sir Pentious was redeemed?" Lucifer asked.
"Ah yes,…the snake." Sera scoffed.
"So it's true? Sir Pentious was redeemed?" Lucifer said with raised eyebrows "I would have thought you to be elated."
"I would not go so far as to say that he was 'redeemed'. He is very likely to be sent back soon. Clearly this was just some…misunderstanding." Sera said.
"I see. My seco…" Lucifer tried to continue.
"A name." Sera interjected.
Lucifer was silent for a moment before revealing the name "Zefriel".
Sera's eyes narrowed. She clenched her first. "That wretch." She whispered to herself. "Do you know what he was doing in hell?"
"He came into contact with my daughter. He said he was sent on a mission by his lord, a certain prince Avis…" Lucifer explained.
Sera's back straightened, her eyes widened in shock.
Lucifer observed her body language intently. Over the years he had become a master at deciphering emotions through visual means. "So, there was truth to what was told to Charlie" he thought to himself.
"My second question for the seraph's name, Sera. Who is this prince Avis?" Lucifer asked calmly.
"He…he is…Yeshua's son." She replied hesitantly.
"Sera, don't play games with me. More." Lucifer insisted.
"I do not know as much as you would hope. It was a surprise for me as well. I only found out about his existence 7 years ago. Supposedly he was on earth for a thousand years." Sera replied.
"He is a thousand years old?!" Lucifer said, eyes wide in shock.
"That is what they claim. Fighting your demons on behalf of the lord. Is there truth to that?" Sera asked inquisitively.
Lucifer was silent, in a world of his own, putting the pieces together, one by one. "We have not released demons on Earth since the Dark Ages. One last question with regards to him, who is the mother?"
"Unknown, even to me. Lucifer, the name. Do not push your luck." Sera said.
"Lady seraph Emily." Lucifer said.
Sera's eyes widened in shock. "E…Emily." She rose up from her dressing table as fast as she could and stormed out of her chambers, seeming to forget all about Lucifer.
Lucifer ended the communication and sat in silence.
"Oh Charlie my dear, how I hope your dream has come true." he thought to himself as he looked at a photo of Charlie on his desk. A lone tear found its way down his cheek.
"Emily?! Emily, where are you?!" Sera yelled as she flew from chamber to chamber in the Holy Palace, frantically searching for Emily.
Several other seraphim flew past her, observing her actions. "God, where is she?!" Sera thought to herself.
A seraph flew to Sera, "Lady Sera, is all well?" she asked.
"Where is Emily, have you seen her?!" Sera yelled.
"Yes, I saw her heading to the council chambers just a few minutes ago, perhaps she is still there." the helpful seraph told Sera.
Without even a thanks or acknowledgement Sera flew as fast as she could through the labyrinth that was the Holy Palace to reach the council chamber doors. She burst through the doors to find Emily placing papers around the council table.
"S…Sera? What's wrong?" Emily said, startled.
Sera flew to her and grabbed her by the shoulders. "Emily…how could you be so stupid."
"W…what are you talking about Sera?" asked Emily.
"Were you in Hell, meeting their princess?!" asked Sera.
Emily's eyes widened with fear. She fought it off but looked away with a sad expression on her face "Yes…I…"'
"You stupid girl, do you know what could have happened to you in hell?! You could have been killed or even worse! Sera yelled, tears in her eyes, as she raised her hand to strike Emily.
Her strike never reached Emily however. A hand grabbed Sera's arm from behind. A hand so large it almost covered her whole forearm. She looked behind herself to see Emily's protector.
Sera was tall. She stood head and shoulders above other angels. She towered over mortals. However, what stood before her now was a man that made her feel…like a mortal.
The giant stood before her, twice the height of a grown man, and twice as wide. His hair was long and golden, his eyes a sky blue. His face, the unmistakable perfection that only an angel could dream of.
"That is enough Sera." The giant said softly "All is well. Take a moment to gather yourself."
Emily was terrified, she had never seen Sera like this. She had never even been yelled at by her, and yet here she was about to strike her.
Sera nodded and took deep breaths. The giant released his grasp. "Yes, Prince Avis. Thank you for stopping me from doing something I would have deeply regretted." She approached Emily and hugged her with all her might. "I'm so sorry sister. I…I was not thinking straight. Fear got the better of me."
Sera got up. "But why? Why in the lord's heaven would you have gone to Hell to meet their princess? Who gave you permission?!"
"I did." said the giant.
Sera turned to Avis, eyes full of shock and then anger.
"Prince Avis, why would you do such a thing?! We just lost Adam, we could have lost a seraph too! MY SISTER!" Sera said angrily.
"Lady Emily wanted to give Lady Morningstar the good word in person. I allowed her to accompany my agent on his mission. But do not misunderstand, I observed their movements in Hell. Had they been in danger, I would have been with them like lightning." Avis said.
"Mission? What mission?" Sera demanded.
"Sera, we had to do something before more souls were lost!" Emily yelled. "I'm so sorry that I frightened you, but I had to help."
"What are you talking about Emily?" Sera asked.
"I suppose now is as good a time as any to break the news. I am officially engaged." Avis said with a warm smile, he passed the bann to Sera.
She read it intently, eyes wide to the last letter. "Have you lost your mind?" she asked.
"What is the commotion in here?", came an approaching voice from behind Avis.
Avis moved out of the way to reveal two men."Raphael. Gabriel. Good evening friends." Avis said.
Raphael carried his long black hair in a braid while Gabriel sported short curly hair, the color of oak. Both men carried the grace and beauty so common amongst their ranks.
"Lady Sera, we heard you yelling. Are you alright?" Gabriel asked as Avis sat in his oversized council chair and poured some wine from the table.
Sera, in a seeming daze passed the bann to Raphael who read every word.
"Have you lost your mind?!" yelled Raphael as he shot his gaze at Avis.
"No, I think I was just drunk." replied Avis sarcastically before he took a sip of his wine.
"Brother, what are you talking about?" Asked Gabriel as he took the bann in his hand, reading it as well.
"Child, what on earth makes you think this is a wise course of action?" asked Raphael.
"Well I…" Avis tried to say.
"Have you lost your mind?!" yelled Garbriel.
"Is there an echo in here?" asked Avis.
Raphael and Gabril looked at Avis with very stern expressions.
"Come now friends, I will explain how I fell in love with Lady Charlotte when the others are here." Avis said.
This seemed to put a smile on Emily's face.
Raphael and Gabriel looked at each other before finding their seats at the council table.
"Lady Sera, I hope you are relieved to see lady Emily safe and sound. But now we must discuss important council business. If you would be so kind…" Avis said.
"...yes my lord. By your grace we shall take our leave." Sera said as she walked outside the council chamber door. "Come Emily."
"She will remain. She has taken over as my assistant for the foreseeable future." Avis said as he gently pat Emily on the head with his oversized hand. "I wish you a good evening, lady Sera."
Sera turned around in surprise, wanting to protest this decision, but the doors were already almost closed behind her. All she could do was stand there, mouth open as the council doors slammed shut in her face.
End of chapter 4.