Welcome all to the first fic idea I've had, and committed to, in over 10 years! My enablers get all the credit for encouraging me to plot out my idea and then keep writing it up into a proper fic instead of letting it languish on my hard drive or the quiet corners of my daydreams. So thank you MakusGustav and KarsaFox for telling me sleep is for the week, lol. Please be kind though as posting fic again after over a decade has me quite nervous tbh.
Just to get it out there, I am fully aware this is not how season 2 will go, but I had thoughts I wanted to explore and fic is the home for that imo. While I plan to stick to canon as the prequel to these events, I may embellish/tweak things in order to make a backstory we have yet to get (as of posting this in early 2024) that's plausible with what I have created to explain things to a level that I find interesting.
As this story takes place in Hell with Sinners, please heed the M rating. This fic will at times feature: swearing/strong language, violence, drug references, sexual assault/rape references, manipulation, family trauma, and unhealthy relationships. If you cannot handle those subjects then this fic is not for you.
Alright, preamble done for those that read this, so with no further ado, I hope you enjoy the ride dear reader!
Chapter 1: I'll Build a Stairway to Paradise
"Hey Dad," Charlie smiled at her father as he stepped out of his portal.
They were standing on the steps of the Heaven Embassy and the building loomed ever glowing and ominous above them. The countdown clock had remained at '000' ever since Adam's attack about two weeks ago and Charlie still wasn't sure if the absence of a countdown was a good thing or a bad thing yet, but she was determined to remain hopeful that it was good! Even if…maybe she was a little worried it wasn't. Her last 2 meetings with Heaven hadn't gone well after all, and to say she wasn't looking forward to this one was an understatement. "So did Heaven say what they wanted to talk about?"
Lucifer nervously fiddled with his cane before shrugging. "Nope! Just that they felt we needed to talk after what happened with Adam. They didn't seem angry, but…they didn't seem happy either." He mumbled to himself, "Not that they ever do."
Charlie took a steadying breath, before bolstering herself and putting on a cheery face for her Dad. "I'm sure it's all gonna work out great, Dad. Just like we rebuilt the hotel, we can take this meeting on!"
She smiled at him and he weakly returned it while pulling on his shirt collar. "Yeah. yeah…I'm uh…I'm sure it's all gonna be just great. Just…great." He returned her smile with a nervous one and Charlie tried to channel her best Alastor grin to help bolster him. It must have worked for he took a deep breath before gathering himself and waving the huge doors open.
They walked calmly down the aisle to the perpetually empty reception desk. Lucifer had an air of tension as he waved his hand and the pen signed the parchment before vanishing. He never stopped his momentum and led Charlie straight to the elevator. Pressing the button for the top floor once with his cane before sighing and tapping it before him; both hands resting atop it. A quiet filled the elevator and unable to stand the tension, Charlie spoke up.
"So do you, uh, think they're mad about…you know…Adam being killed?"
Lucifer let out a bark of laughter, "I can't imagine they're happy about it kiddo, but he broke the agreement so they won't have any legal or magical leg to stand on if they want some kind of retribution."
Charlie worried her lip,"Does Heaven often…want…retribution when things don't go their way?" She gave him a weak smile and rubbed the back of her neck.
The look her father gave her was one of sad longing and he sighed. "Sometimes it feels like their only solution, sweetheart."
The elevator gave a gentle ding as it reached the top and they both stepped out. Charlie followed a few steps behind her dad, happy to have company in this cold building after her previous solo visit. While still ominous and imposing, it felt a little less intimidating to see him stroll through it so confidently. He gestured at the doors again to open them and Charlie was met with a very similar looking conference room to the one she had spoken to Adam in. This time however, it held the forms of the two Seraphims. Sera sat straight backed and tense in the chair at the far end of the table. Her face was as calmly stoic as it ever was. Glancing over at Emily though brought Charlie some hope. The younger Seraphim was grinning as wildly as she had when she had first welcomed Charlie to Heaven and she could feel her worries start to melt away at the friendly face. A grin took over as she waved brightly at the woman who returned it just as cheerfully.
"Thank you for attending this sudden meeting," Sera started. "If you would both care to be seated, we can start."
They walked down closer to the far side of the table and sat together on Sera's left and across the table from Emily.
"Before we get to the main topic of discussion today, I believe Emily wanted the honor of sharing the good news." Sera gestured her head to the young lady who let out a sequel.
"You did it! Congratulations, Charlie! I knew you could do it!"
Charlie let out a nervous chuckle. Were they being congratulated for killing Adam? She knew he was an asshole but surely Heaven liked him at least a little? Enough to not want him dead at least? "Uhh what do you mean, Emily?"
"Oh! Perhaps you didn't get to see it happen? He said one minute he was in his ship and then everything was golden before poof! He's in Heaven!"
Charlie was still confused, and she knew it must show on her face cause Emily tittered excitedly before gesturing she wait a moment. "Oh I'll just grab him so you can see. I know he's been so eager to see you!" The angel disappeared for a brief moment, hologram flickering to blue and sputtering out as she walked out of an unseen door on Heaven's end. It was barely a few seconds before two figures flickered back into view and Charlie gasped.
"Charlie!" Sir Pentious grinned. "Oh it is so good to see you! I could only imagine how worried you've been and I haven't been able to contact anyone of course. Not that this wasn't all quite a shock to me as well!"
Tears pooled in her eyes as she took in what she had thought was a dead friend. His appearance had changed slightly. His coloring reflected the happy pastels and warm colors of Heaven with little heart motifs where eyes had been on his skin but it was him. Sir Pentious. They'd…they'd done it. Charlie felt like her heart would burst because it was so happy. They'd really done it! Overcome with emotion, she ran over to hug him. Forgetting that he was simply a projection and stumbling through him when she did.
"Ha!" Lucifer exclaimed, pointing at Sera with a defiant grin, "The first redeemed Sinner, and it was a SNAKE!"
Sera's eye twitched and she cast a glance his way. "The irony was not lost on me either."
Sir Pentious was looking watery eyed at Emily at not being able to hug his friend but Charlie just smiled happily at him and assured him it was okay. "I was just so excited and happy I forgot you're not actually here, here, you know? But oh emm gee. Pentious! You did it!"
"We did it Ms. Charlie! You made me a better person and my death by that bastard's hands brought me here!" He deflated slightly and looked at Emily, "Oh my apologies. I suppose I shouldn't swear anymore?"
Emily gave a little awkward chuckle, "I mean, plenty of Winners swear but it does tend to shock some people, so maybe just being considerate of your audience is prudent in the future." She placed a gentle hand on his arm and smiled warmly, "But I see no reason not to be your genuine self among friends."
Realization dawning, Charlie gasped and covered a wide grin as she looked at Emily. "Does this mean what I think it means?" She started bouncing in an effort to contain her excitement. Letting out a little squeal when Emily grinned and nodded back.
"We just had the meeting today, and the council agreed! Your hotel is officially approved for Sinner redemption, and we are here today to start the planning!"
"Fuck, yes!" Charlie exclaimed. She desperately wanted to hug Emily or Pentious but just remembered their non-corporeal nature and turned to run back to her dad. He met her with a little 'oof' of surprise, but warmly returned her embrace. Lucifer smiled proudly up at her, only stopping to send a quick smirk at Sera before looking back at Charlie. A moment of concern suddenly crossed his face as he felt wetness start to seep through his jacket.
"You uh, you okay kiddo?"
Charlie pulled back and wiped her happy tears away. Giving her dad a watery smile before looking back at the others. "Sorry everyone. I'm just so happy! I was so worried that this was gonna be about Adam's death and instead I got THE best news instead!"
Sera frowned and looked down at the table. "Adam's death is regretful, but he broke the agreement and his wrathful actions were certainly not at all approved. We have currently disbanded the Executioner's legion while the Redemption project is in testing."
Charlie looked confused and glanced at the angels. "Wait, testing? I thought you said my hotel was approved."
Emily smiled reassuringly as she and Pentious sat back down at the table. "It was yes, but the council does want there to be some tangible proof that, well, Sir Pentious wasn't just a happy accident. That a Sinner can be purposefully redeemed." Deciding it best to break the bad news first, she continued, "And I'm afraid Sir Pentious can't be a part of it. There's concern that coming back down to Hell could cause him to Fall."
"I was hoping you'd be able to pass on missives between myself and my friends," Sir Pentious stated a little nervously, "I do miss them quite fiercely, but I understand that this is a sacrifice that I must make. Though, if I may ask...how is Miss Cherry?"
Charlie smiled reassuringly at Sir Pentious. "She's doing great and even stays at the hotel sometimes! We…we were all really moved by your sacrifice during the battle but I think Cherry and Angel were affected the most. Everyone's going to be so happy that you're okay."
"We will be encouraging Sir Pentious to write to his friends," Sera stated, all eyes turning towards her. "In the hopes that it can inspire his friends on the path to redemption." Sir Pentious nodded excitedly in his approval of his participation. "Should all go well and we have proof of steps to redemption by the end of the trial period, then we would be willing to reevaluate any involvement from the redeemed Sinners."
"Just how long of a trial period are we being given?" Lucifer asked. Eyes narrowed as he looked at Sera.
She returned his look with a calm indifferent gaze, but Emily was the one to reply. "Well I wanted to have equal time to what we had given the Exterminations, but both the Heavenly and Angelic council approved of an up to two year run with an evaluation at the end to possibly extend or give full approval."
A sort of wheezing noise came from Lucifer, and Charlie turned towards him in concern. "Dad are you…okay?"
"Oh, oh I'm fine! Just fine!" He let out a wheezing sort of laugh as he held his chest, "I must've just misheard Emily there as I thought she said the Angelic council approved. Ha ha! Woo buddy gotta get the old hearing checked!"
Emily smiled eagerly, "But they did approve! Gabriel came themselves to deliver the news! It was a close vote, but they even said they'd send one of their own to evaluate the progress and test the Sinner's souls. It really helped sway some council members to the proposal."
Lucifer had a wild eyed look to him as he laughed again, "Oh good golly! You don't say! Ah ha ha ha!"
"Dad," Charlie reached out with a concerned hand, "Is everything okay?"
"Of course it's all okay! Why would anything be a problem?! This is just great news! Huge! Huge news!"
Charlie bit her lip, but was unsure how to comfort her father, She glanced back up the table at the angels. Emily had a look of concern on her face as well, but Sera's was one of quiet sadness. Poor Sir Pentious looked nervously awkward as he poked his fingers together. "Perhaps I should uhhh, step back out?"
Charlie shrugged with a half smile. Just as unsure how to handle whatever her Dad was going through right now. He'd moved to resting his head in his hands on the table and looked deep in thought. His gaze far away and unseeing. Emily escorted Sir Pentious back out of the room and then gave Lucifer a concerned look before addressing Charlie again.
"So…I thought we could start with talking about what you've been doing with the Sinners that stay with you so we could come up with some ideas on how best to move forward."
Happy for the subject change, Charlie summoned some of her planning papers from her new office. She started by talking about the various steps to her program (It starts with saying sorry! Recognizing you did wrong is a first step towards being a better person!) and then detailing the various group activities that they have been doing. Explaining how the mentality of most demons and Hellborn was very self serving due to the cut throat nature of Hell, so she had focused on things like trust exercises to help bridge those gaps. She ended with talking about her thoughts on the 7 Vices, or Sins, and how they planned on combating it at the hotel with wholesome fun activities to lead people away from temptation.
"When we built the new hotel, I had Dad add some extra rooms just for activities I hope to host one day!" Charlie gestured to her stick figure drawings depicting guests playing board games and singing. "We have an entire hall for setting up all sorts of group games and activities now! We used to have to stay in the lounge but this will be great for when we have more guests. So much more room!"
Emily tapped her chin in thought, "These all sound like a good start, but have you been doing anything to help the Sinners work through their problems? Like, talking to someone to help unburden them and give them tools to work on helping their mental state. We've seen great success with that for the troubled in Heaven"
"You mean like therapy?" Charlie asked, and Emily nodded eagerly. "I mean, that would be amazing but uhh, therapist here in Hell? Not really the best kinds of people." She sheepishly rubbed the back of their neck. "Pretty sure most aren't even licensed and just swindling people for money."
"Perhaps that can be the first thing Heaven helps with then." Emily suggested. "We have dozens of Winner therapists that do work in the Charity Halls for the traumatized souls that live there. I'm sure we could spare a few for the Redemption project!" She clasped her hands in delight at the idea and looked to Sera.
Her heavenly sister had a frown as she folded her hands together on the table. "I still do not enjoy the idea of sending Winners down into Hell. No matter how noble the cause." She looked over at Lucifer's still hunched over form. Her brow wrinkled and she projected her voice a little louder. "Lucifer."
He didn't move or acknowledge he'd heard anything. Charlie slowly stepped over to her dad and gave his shoulder a little shake. "Hey…Dad?"
Lucifer startled at the touch and jumped back in surprise. "Oh! Sorry! Sorry, everyone! Just uh…got a little lost in thought there. Ah ha ha." He nervously looked about the room. "So trial period right? What're we thinking? Some new uh, stuff?" He looked at Charlie with a worried look and she placed a concerned hand back on his shoulder.
"Actually, we've moved past that part Dad."
"Oh! Oh, uhh right. Sure, so uh, are we done here?"
"No," Sera stated and all eyes turned towards her. "I was trying to get your attention as I have concerns that I believe only you can assist with on this project."
Lucifer pointed a finger at his chest. "Me? You want me? I mean uh, yeah, yeah sure uhh you need me to make something? Not a problem! Got that new hotel up lickity split! Creation is uhh, still a big check on the old skill list!" He nervously laughed while avoiding eye contact. Charlie gave his shoulder a squeeze and he looked up at her with a thankful smile at her support.
"Emily has proposed the idea that we allow Winner therapists in the hotel to assist with the redemption process," Sera explained with a gesture towards Emily. "While I do not doubt the value such care could provide, I have my reservations about their safety while in Hell. I was hoping you could provide additional information or security to protect these beings in your realm."
Charlie could feel the tension in her dad's frame as Sera went on and just kept smiling supportively at him. He glanced over at her with a fixed terrified smile before letting out another nervous laugh. "Oh golly! Protection! For Winner souls! Ah hoo hoo hoo. No pressure there just, at all! Easy peasy lemon squeezy!" He looked at Charlie and she nodded encouragingly. Lucifer took a deep breath and closed his eyes. "Okay yes, so limiting time in Hell is a good place to start along with limiting their movement to the hotel only."
Sera nodded, "I agree with both of those suggestions."
"Do you?!" Lucifer squeaked. Eyes slightly manic again as he looked back to Charlie for support, "I mean, ahem, yes both are uh very reasonable requirements."
"I was also hoping you would be able to offer them some kind of personal protection," Sera added.
"Say what now?" Lucifer asked. A confused furrow on his brow.
Sera gestured towards him. "You are the King of Hell, but you are still a Fallen Angel. I would hope you might still feel some duty to protect pure human souls. I know you have not interacted with any since your Fall, but as you still hold your angelic powers, I had hoped your angelic duty to protect humans might call to you as well."
Lucifer's face took on a hardened edge, "You'll have to pardon me if after ten thousand years of only being allowed to see the worst outcomes of giving humanity free will that I'm not exactly eager to protect human souls."
"These would be Winners," Sera reminded him, "Not the degenerates that you have come to know. Those who have done the best with that gift." She tilted her head slightly, "Surely seeing the best out of unleashing Evil into Earth would only inspire protection in you once more."
Charlie grimaced as she saw her father leave gouges in the table when he clenched his hand. Feeling the tension coming from him now, she spoke up to try and diffuse things. "Perhaps it would be best to not refer to…all of the Sinners in such a broad manner? We are trying to redeem them to become better people and get into Heaven after all!"
"I agree!" Emily interjected with a smile, "We can't keep having the same negative mindset if we want to inspire these Sinners to be better people."
"My concern over safety still stands," Sera said. "Is there anything you can personally do to assure the safety of Heavenly souls in your realm during these trips?"
Lucifer blew out a calming breath and considered her question. Charlie could see the tension in his frame still as he leaned against the table and she placed a hand on his shoulder once more. He gave her a small smile and a reassuring squeeze over her hand before standing up to address Sera.
"I can see about adding additional security. Cameras and maybe some barriers but I can't put up any sort of blanket protection; which is what I feel you want." Sera opened her mouth to protest but Lucifer made a cutting motion with his hand to stop her, "The whole point of the hotel is to redeem Sinners of all kinds and I can't just stop them from coming into the hotel just to keep your people 100% safe. I would suggest-" He paused there to emphasize the word, "that you make any and all Winners that decide to help with the hotel aware of the risk. I'll agree to help as much as I can, but that whole 'free will' thing means they have to take responsibility too."
Sera pursed her lips and gave a quick tight nod. "This is not ideal but I concede your point. I will add that if any Heavenly soul is injured by a Sinner or Demon while at the hotel that I reserve the right to end or pause this project indefinitely."
"Not a problem since they won't ever leave the hotel!" Charlie grinned. "I know everyone on staff will be happy to help protect the Winners just like they helped during the whole, ya know, extermination a few weeks ago." She ended with an awkward smile.
Sera's face remained stoic and she gave a resigned sigh. "I suppose we will just have to hope for the best and have faith." Emily smiled and gave a little sequel of excitement causing Sera to look over at her with a small smile. "I believe that is everything we needed to discuss today. Emily can no doubt contact you after she has approached candidates for the program to see about taking the next step. Perhaps we can meet here again in about a week?"
Remembering her earlier thoughts about how imposing the embassy was, Charlie decided to propose a new idea. "Actually, if I could make a suggestion?" Sera and Emily nodded for her to continue. "The building here is like, really threatening and still has the ya know, whole countdown clock on it. Maybe we should consider making a new building? One that's a bit less…imposing and ominous?"
"Oh yes!" Emily agreed, "I think that's a great idea! We want to inspire people to join us in Heaven! Not be afraid of it! What do you think Sera?"
"I suppose the idea has merit," Sera stated and Charlie grinned, "Though I wouldn't want you to over-extend yourself by working on two projects at once. We could address it if the Redemption program is a success-"
"Or!" Charlie interrupted with a sheepish smile, "Maybe you and Dad could work on it…together?"
Both people turned to her with equally shocked expressions. "Uh, Charlie I'm not sure-"
"No but just hear me out!" Charlie continued, gesturing her hands before her in a 'stop' motion. The idea was a sudden one but it was growing on her and she hoped that well, maybe it could help more than just the Sinners. "What better way to show that Heaven wants to work with the Ki- I mean, Dad than if the two of you were seen working on building a better embassy together! No one would ever bother you two since everyone is afraid of him, and it could inspire hope in the Sinners to come to the hotel!"
Emily had a wide grin with her hands clasped in delight as she looked between Sera and Lucifer. "I think that's a great idea, Charlie! Don't you think so Sera? You'd be able to check in on the Winners to make sure they're being well taken care of during your meetings too! Not just rely on my word for it as I know it worries you."
Sera tightened her mouth in thought as she looked from Emily over to Lucifer. The fallen angel looked just as uncomfortable with the idea as she was. Nervously fidgeting with his cane and looking at Charlie. She smiled encouragingly at her dad. "I know you can do this Dad, and it would be such a big help for the hotel. No need for silly commercials or having to drive around town when people can see Heaven and Hell working together for a better future!"
He let out a steadying breath and smiled at Charlie. "Well if Sera agrees then of course kiddo."
All eyes turned to look at Sera. Her lips pursed in thought. The silence didn't hold long as she seemed to come to a conclusion and gave one quick nod. "I suppose I can clear some time in my busy schedule. I will be in contact to arrange a meeting time."
Charlie was grinning so wide she knew Alastor would be proud. Thinking of him and the hotel crew, she pulled out her phone and looked at Emily. "Maybe we should exchange numbers so we can set up when would be a good time for you to come to the hotel? I'd love to have the whole staff there when you bring the Winners down so we can introduce everyone!"
"Oh. I don't know that our two networks are compatible," Emily tilted her head in thought. "But I don't have a phone anyway as angelic beings typically communicate via enchanted parchment."
Lucifer waved a dismissive hand, "I'll get her all set up for you. It'll have to be in your room or really anywhere we can ward so only you have access, Charlie. I'm not risking anyone else communicating with Heaven by accident."
Letting out a little squeal of excitement, Charlie gave everyone a huge grin. They wrapped up by saying their goodbyes. Emily agreed to reach out in a few days to check that the communications were up and set a date to come to the hotel with the Winner volunteers. Sera and Lucifer's conversation was much more stilted with her stating she would be in contact as soon as she had checked her scheduling for her next availability. The two pairs finally left the conference room, with the youngest members being the most excited for the future.
Charlie was practically vibrating in the elevator with excitement. "I can't believe it! They said yes! We're going to do this! Everything went so well! Oh emm gee Dad!"
"Yeah, it's uh…it's great Charlie." Lucifer attempted to smile at her but it didn't hold for long.
"I know you're worried about Sera but, I'm sure once she spends some time with you and sees how great you are-"
"Charlie." Lucifer interrupted her and she immediately quieted. "It's not just Sera. It's…"
The elevator dings and they walk out into the lobby. Lucifer looks about the room with a solemn expression before turning to face Charlie. "This is just bringing up a lot of…feelings for me and I…I need some time to process it all kiddo."
"Dad," Charlie reached out to offer her Dad a comforting hand but he stepped out of the way.
"I'll be around in a few days to work on security for the hotel," he stated before snapping a portal into existence. He looked back at her with a sad smile before stepping through it, "I'm really proud of you Charlie. I know how much this means to you and I…I hope it all goes well."
The walk back to the hotel had been filled with Charlie's singing and dancing over her elation of the hotel being approved by Heaven, but she still felt fit to burst when she got back and shoved the doors open. Vaggie and Husk had been sitting at the new bar off to the side and watched her come in with quiet astonishment.
"Well I know she must not have just come back from the meeting with Heaven," Husk stated, "That shit never goes well."
Vaggie tossed him a judgemental glare at Husk before hopping off her seat to go meet Charlie with a big smile. "So how'd it go? You seem happy."
"Oh emm gee, Vaggie!" Charlie squealed and picked her girlfriend up, spinning her around in a circle. "It went better than good, better than anything!"
"That's great!" Vaggie smiled, "So there was no punishment for the whole…Adam thing?"
Charlie made a dismissing movement with her hand, "Pft, Adam. They barely even cared! I have just the best news! No, wait. The best DOUBLE news!" Her eyes darted around the lobby and was disappointed to find it so empty. "Is anyone else around? I was really hoping to share the good news all at once."
Husk leaned on the bartop with his right arm. "Nifty's off doing who knows what. Probably desperately seeking dust bunnies in a brand new building. Angel's at work and Alastor?" Husk shrugged indifferently, "Who the fuck knows."
"And no one needs to." Alastor formed from a mass of shadows right behind Charlie who jumped towards Vaggie. "I heard your joyful tune from miles off my dear, so I thought it prudent to return. I suppose you have a banner announcement to share, hmm?"
Deciding that this would have to do for now, Charlie's grin returned and she nodded excitedly. "You guys are never gonna believe this!" Charlie squealed as she ran over to the painting of Sir Pentious and gestured at it with both arms. "Sir Pentious is alive!"
"You shitting me?" "Holy shit, how?"
Charlie nodded, "I know right?! He is our first redeemed Sinner! Ah! Can you believe it?!"
The lobby was deathly silent as Charlie took in the shocked faces of her staff. Vaggie was the first to shake free and furrowed her brow, "Did Heaven tell you this?"
"Yes! And I saw him!" Charlie smiled, "I mean he wasn't there there, the embassy has this like, hologram thing going on so no touching, but it was him! He's alive! We talked! And the hotel fucking works!" Charlie spun around in delight again. Riding high on the success of her hotel.
"Oh my gosh, Charlie," Vaggie began to tear up as she ran over to hug her girlfriend. "This is incredible! I can't believe it!"
"Well, this is exciting news," Alastor remarked, rocking back on his heels once. "I suppose Heaven has some glorious plan for all of us poor Sinners now?"
Charlie shrugged one of her shoulders, "I mean, it's not really a plan so much as ideas. We still don't know exactly how Sir Pentious got redeemed." She gave a little awkward laugh and Vaggie gave her a side hug of support in response. "But they want to help! Emily will be reaching out to me in a few days. They're looking for volunteer therapists in Heaven to help Sinners work through their troubles until then, and we're gonna go from there."
"They think bringing in a few shrinks is gonna suddenly fix all our problems?" Husk asked skeptically.
"I think it's more of a step in trying to figure out how exactly we can redeem souls on purpose." Charlie replied. "Emily really liked a lot of what we'd already been doing but, it's like Dad said. Heaven likes their rules and hard facts." She gave a nervous smile to everyone.
"Awfully risky to allow such pure beings down here," Alastor commented with a hooded gaze. "I'm surprised they'd be willing to do so after so many years of all out slaughter as their response to our little overpopulation problem."
Charlie grimaced, "That was actually a big issue for Sera, the head Seraphim. She made Dad promise to set up extra protections around the hotel along with stating that the Winners will not be allowed to leave. Oh! And if any Sinner hurts them while at the hotel she can completely end the program." She gave a pleading look to everyone as she continued, "So I'm really counting on everyone to help make sure our new guests are well received and stay safe when they're here. Okay?"
"Oh of course Charlie," Alastor manifested from shadow by her side, startling Vaggie to take a step back. He gripped her in a one arm hug around the shoulder as he grinned at her, "Why it's my job as the Hotelier here to make sure all of our guests are safe and welcomed! Be they Sinner or Winner now!"
"Thank you, Alastor," Charlie looked up at him with big watery eyes. Vaggie was giving him a flat stare but didn't say anything. "This means so much to me and I know everyone will try their hardest to make sure things go smoothly!"
Alastor released her and began walking away. "Well this is exciting news, but I'm afraid I must return to my business."
"Oh Alastor, wait one moment," Charlie reached towards him. His neck cracked at an odd angle before he spun on his heel to look at her once more. "Dad is going to be pretty busy with Sera - well I don't know for how long exactly - making a new embassy, but I was wondering if you could assist me with Facility Management stuff still? I know he's been working hard to help, but he's a little," Charlie struggled to find the right words, "Over eager on how to take care of the problems sometimes."
"Certainly," Alastor shrugged indifferently with a wide grin, "I'm more than happy to assist where others fail to provide when it comes to your dream here. I do have a broadcast to plan though so I must be off." He disappeared into shadow and Charlie turned to face Vaggie.
Vaggie had a skeptical look on her face as she stared at the spot Alastor disappeared. "You really think we can trust that he won't fuck with the Winners? I mean, he's protected the hotel, but the guy is still a creep and a murder."
Charlie hummed and leaned her forehead against Vaggie's with a smile. "And we may have more just like him or worse one day that will come to us for redemption, so just think of it as good practice."
Vaggie smiled softly and tilted her head up to give Charlie a kiss. "Alright, but if the shit lord is a menace to any of them then I reserve the right to kick his ass."
From an inky puddle on the floor, Alastor quickly formed into being as he stepped out into his new radio tower at the hotel. It had taken some personal adjustment to get it how he preferred (the tacky circus decor had no doubt been put there by a certain spiteful fallen angel during his recovery) but he was slowly adjusting to the new space. Adding smaller touches as he thought of them to mimic his larger broadcast tower and office space on the far side of cannibal town.
He strode over to his liquor cabinet and poured himself two fingers of his favorite whiskey before taking a seat at the control deck. It was a slow process reestablishing his radio station after his prolonged absence, but some of his ground work over the past few months was bearing fruit. Old employees that had gone to ground seeking him out once more. This Heaven involvement however threatened to put a wrench in his newly adjusted plans.
Truly good souls being brought into this hellish hotel. A hotel that had actually redeemed a soul! Even if it was mostly an accident. Though the idea that Sinners may have to be killed in order to be resorted into Heaven was an entertaining thought that he wasn't sure Dear Charlie had considered yet. Still, he would no doubt be expected to be on his best behavior around Charlie and the idiot. Not that he felt inclined to threaten those who had been judged as virtuous people. That wrath was typically reserved for those of an altogether more deplorable nature. His lip curled in a slight snarl. Unless they were like that braggart, Adam. If Heaven contained more of his filth then perhaps he should hold final judgment of these 'Winners' after all.
That battle with Adam continued to be a literal thorn in his side. His first loyalty task for his returning employees had been to remove all traces of that damned video that Vox had captured of the battle. What remained was distorted at best but the pill of a man was still feeding the rumor mill on every form of picture box he could access with what remained, and it was going to take more work on his part to properly squash the story. Combined with his still healing injury, it was not unlike he was still being dogged with the ghost of the man's presence. Alastor swiveled his chair to look out at Pentagram City as he took a sip of his drink.
The view was unparalleled here in his hotel tower, though it did give him an unfortunately spoiled horizon with the garish lights of the Vee's 'Entertainment District' on the far edge. His gaze wandered over to the current Heaven Embassy. How long would it take for the populace to suspect that anything had changed? The last thing he needed was having to fight a battle on multiple fronts right now. He titled his head in thought. Although having an attack on the hotel that he thwarted would certainly continue to enamor Charlie to his side. Her request for his continued services in assisting her truly dreadful business management skills was just another tally on that board that he savored. Charlie's trust was key to his future plans after all, and imagining the frightened angelic beings running back to their perfect gated community was certainly a wildly entertaining image.
He took another swig of his whiskey and ran his hand over the yet to be mended pieces of his staff as plans started forming and adjusting to accommodate these future guests. Perhaps tonight he will have recovered enough to finish repairing this part of himself, but first he truly did have a broadcast to prepare. Perhaps a guest from the entertainment district to blow off steam with and send a message to those grifters in Vee Tower Settling into his plans for the night, Alastor polished off his drink in one final swig. The entertainment value of this hotel was finally starting to show promise.
A few extra notes here:
I am not familiar with the Christianity ~deep lore~ so I'll be playing fast and loose with it to fit my plot. Also, while this fic will use some therapy techniques, please do not take it as therapy advice. I am not a therapist nor are the fictional characters in this fic. I'm merely playing with the stuff I've learned from my own sessions and research in order to create an interesting story.
I do not plan on having romance be the focus of this story. There will be elements of it at times, but I have no 'shipping' plans as the main focus/plot in my outline.
There will be a solid amount of OCs in this fic due to my plot ideas. I need both Sinners and Winners to explore them, plus a sprinkling of Hellborn, and if canon won't give them to me, then I'll just make my own dammit, lol. Hopefully people won't mind, but I figured a heads up was worth it as they start showing up next chapter.
I have a 30k word plot outline broken down into 27 chapters as of writing this. Might be some wiggle room there as I go and scenes possibly alter or get added, but that's the goal. I'm trying to keep a little buffer and write ahead for when my life gets busy come May/June, but my plan is to have an update every 2 weeks. If I can get a better buffer of finished chapters then I'll knock that down to 1, but assume 2 weeks between updates unless I say otherwise. Look at me attempting to learn from past issues!
If you're rereading this after April 24th: I removed the first scene as all the info was conveyed in the meeting scene and I'm already averaging 9k words per chapter so I'm trying to cut some back. I'm just verbose and have no beta, XD
Thanks for reading if you stuck through all this and I hope you'll come along for the ride! It's gonna be long one with a lot of world building if that's your cup of tea.
