"Are you guy's sure you can't stay for another week? Maye even a month?" Emily pleaded not wanting her new family to leave so soon. She'd had so much fun waking up to Lilith and Charlie singing while Lucifer cried happy tears. It was an extreme contrast to her and Sera's meals. Sure, they technically didn't need to eat but when they did sit down for a meal it was usually something simple and nutritious such as bread and fruits, perhaps a bit of wine and they'd usually just talk about their day. Lilith however had other plans and upon seeing her somehow incorporated her into their song. By the time she realized she was singing about muffins it was over she was sitting next to Lucifer and happily enjoying the food and listening to stories about Charlie as a baby.
Then there was the after-morning flight she and Charlie had. Just the two of them soaring across the sky, watching and only slightly laughing as Charlie still new to flying would stumble into a free fall only to catch herself at the last moment. "Not a word" became an all-too-common phrase. She'd even been helping her welcome new souls into heaven though song. Which if she was being honest was better than saint Peters. A part of her, a very small but slightly growing part wished Charlie could stay here.
I know it's selfish, but she and I could do so much here! Grandpa has taken over his old duties and our aunts and uncles are finally balancing out work. But even after thinking that she knew the real reason she wanted her to stay. I don't want to be alone; I've never been alone. Either mom was by my side or failing that I had Uncle Adam. But now...
Charlie saw Emily's wings slump as she looked like she wanted to plead harder and gave her sister a sympathetic hug. "Sorry sis but we've got to get back to hell. We did kind of just disappear which technically left Alastor in charge."
She swore when God quickly sent her back to tell them the news about Sir Pentious and redemption his smile looked truly unnerving.
At least he called in the favor I owed him. Still to think he only wanted a single cup of coffee. Ow well, Heaven's coffee is pretty good, so I got him the magically refilling one good for ten magical refills.
The others had their own responses such as Husk seeing her new wings saying that pink was her color while Angel smirked seeing Vaggie's new eye and mentioned that now she and him matched. Even going so far as to take a selfie with the hashtag "hotel twins" Vaggie just laughed and said he had a ten second head start before breaking his phone and raising her spear.
As for Niftey...
... well, she took one look at her before brandishing her knife. "Stab?"
Thankfully she was able to convince her not to stab. Though she did have to promise a few of her dad's feathers for her bad boy collection.
"Emily this isn't a permeant goodbye. Gabriel said he'll start teaching you to open portals and now that you have a phone, we can talk whenever we want." Gabirel had gotten her one and even linked it with Hell's network. He even had the foresight to imbed a permanent block on most sights the Vee's control.
It took her three minutes to find the power button. Social media is still a loooooooonng way off.
"Yeeeahh but I'll still miss flying with you every morning. Not to mention playing with the child winners. I always felt so bad seeing them up here, even if I knew they were in a better place."
"Believe me Emily I know. Seeing their little faces light up when their wings appeared at the end of our song will hold a special place in my heart." Plus finding out they were being welcomed by two princesses made their day. Emily tried to say she wasn't a princess but if I am the princess of Hell and she's my sister then she's the princess of Heaven. She couldn't stop from smiling remembering an embarrassed Emily trying to deny her new princess status only for their grandpa to appear and encourage them.
"...Sadley though, this also reminds me that I have sinners that could use the chance to redeem themselves and earn their own wings."
"I know." she said weakly. "But we can at least enjoy our last day together."
God had told them that Sera's trial would be today, and Lucifer had mentioned they'd be leaving after that. He'd try to do before as he didn't want to relive his own trial, but God had pleaded for him to stay as he had an announcement that involved Charlie. She'd tried to ask after God had whispered into Lucifer's ear making him tear up but Lilith as if already knowing simply picked Lucifer up. "Come now my love let's get you someplace where you can't spoil the surprise."
That had been a few hours ago and God had said he'd send a special messenger to escort them.
So, when they heard a knock, they opened the door and Charlie burst out laughing seeing who was there. "ha ha hee heh hhaaaa!"
"Lute?" Emily asked doing her best not to laugh. Which was growing harder by the second when she noticed a wingless Lute was now wearing a maid uniform. She stood there wearing a black full-length dress paired with a frilly white apron and silver chocker around her neck. To sum it up, it looked ridiculous on her. Which she supposed was the point as she bit back a snarl and politely curtsied. "Lady Emily, Princess Charlie. I've-" her expression twisted into one of forced politeness as she managed to finish her next sentence "...I've come to escort you to the trial."
"So Lute, finally decided to give up the exorcist thing huh? Or were you simply fired?" Charlie laughed out.
Lute's forced smile twisted into a frown hearing this. "I haven't' been fired you pathetic hel-!" her one hand went to her throat as the collar activated sending an electric shock through her body and forcing her to her knees.
For a few moments she held on until the shocks stopped and she took a few deep breaths before speaking again. "...Forgive my outburst...Princess Charlie, I'm still not used to my new role and as such Lord Michael gave me this choker to help remind me."
Now Charlie and Emily had mixed feelings upon hearing this. Yes, Lute did deserve to be punished but this felt extreme. "How often are you punished?" Emily asked.
"Only when I say certain things, or my mood shifts to anger." Emily looked to Charlie knowing Lute's go to emotion was anger.
"Well maybe we can ask Uncle Michael to adjust the punishment for you?"
"I don't need your!-" feeling the collar starting to activate she bit her tongue before saying "I mean thank you for the compassion princess Charlie, but I can endure this. Now please follow me to the grand hall."
Charlie and Emily spread their wings and were about to fly when they saw Lute simply standing there. "Lute? Why are you..." for a horrifying moment Charlie thought that her wings might have been taken.
"-I'm..." her hand clenched her skirt not meeting their eye only worrying them.
"Lute please tell us." it took a few moments but Emily's genuine concern one out and with a sigh she summoned her wings.
Both of them gasped while Lute simply stood there.
They quickly understood why she didn't want to show her wings. After all, having different colored wings wasn't odd for the six-winged seraphim or archangels. But all black wings only meant one thing.
"Let's just hurry this up." despite how she felt toward Charlie she was at least thankfully she didn't laugh or openly pity her.
When they arrived, they saw all their family taking their positions with Lucifer, Lilith and Vaggie sitting in the audience. Naturally Emily tried to take her seat on the highest bench, but God had other ideas. "Emily it would probably be best if you sit with Charlie for this one."
She wanted to protest but as the golden portal appeared and her mother walked through and made eye contact, she felt her heart fill with dozens of emotions. So, with a sad "okay" she flew down and quickly hugged Sera before flying over to Charlie who offered her hand which she quickly took.
"Now then everyone I'm sure you all know why you are here and I'm sure you all have memories of the last time something like this happened."
A few eyes turned to Lucifer who glared back.
"Sera, my daughter you are hereby charged with dereliction of duty, abusing your position as a seraphim and allowing Adam's yearly slaughter of mortal sinners. Normally I'd charge you with their murders as well, but having looked through your memories I saw you merely signed the order to start and never directly slew them yourself. Still... nothing would have come of this had you refused Adam. So, my daughter I must ask, how do you plead?"
"Guilty on all charges father."
The room erupted into murmurs as the mortal winners talked about what would happen next. Was there going to be a second Lucifer? A second ruler in Hell?
God though quickly put an end to this. "Silence!"
His voice echoed through Heaven.
"Good, now Sera your crimes are great, but you also have eons of serving and maintaining the glory of Heaven. Not to mention the creation of your daughter Emily who brought untold joy to all new souls. Now before I render my verdict is there anyone that would like to speak out?" countless eyes shifted around trying to see if anyone would speak for her. Most wanted to...but the idea of angering God did give them pause.
So, when Lucifer stood up everyone was surprised.
"Father, may I say something?"
"Very well my son."
Nervously he waked up to Sera who much like everyone else was genuine surprised.
"Now yes Sera did fuck up. She let the fear of what might be blind her to the truth of what couldn't be. Though I might add that the extermination was never her idea to begin with, that was soley Adam's."
God snapped his and the orb activated showing that conversation all those centuries ago. How Adam rushed into her office claiming that the sinners were in open revolt and attempting to break their way into the embassy. How Lucifer was doing nothing to contain or even govern them and something had to be done before they became a bigger threat.
"Adam just what do you suggest I do?"
"Simple, let me go down there with some troops and wipe them out for good."
"Adam!"
"What? They're just sinners and with the big G gone it's not like anyone would find out. All you have to do is give me the green light and I'll take care of the rest."
"But what about Lucifer? I doubt he's going to be in favor of us killing his subjects."
"What about him? Not like he can tell anyone; besides I took a look, and he really doesn't seem to care what happens done there."
"Still, we could at least talk with him. Tell him what is going to happen but have a pact drawn up to spare his family and Hellborns. That way he can't complain when the losers as you put die as they had their chance. And only once a year Adam."
His smirk only grew. "Yeah yeah one day a year and spare him and the hellborn got it. Now let's talk about my troops."
The memory faded and Sera felt the shame and regret growing. I should have said no. But I didn't and I deserve to fall.
Lucifer though pushed through. "As you can see Sera did attempt to limit the destruction."
"Yes, Lucifer I saw that. But she still must be punished."
"Yes, but I would ask you show mercy. For I know what it's like to fuck up and regret your decision, but I also know that as a parent there is no worse punishment the being separated from your family. I would just ask that you not banish her like you did me as I directly went against Heaven while she only sought to protect it."
As he finished speaking Sera for the briefest of moments was so thankful she could have kissed him.
Of course, she would have instantly regretted it but still.
God's four eyes closed as he felt pride in his son. Not just for admitting what he did was wrong but doing so to protect his sister.
It truly was my best idea to summon you here Lucifer.
"Very well my son I shall be merciful. Sera for your crimes against Heaven and Hell I hereby exile you to the Sloth ring for the next thousand years. You shall continue to serve Belphegor at her hospital, but you will be allowed to return to Heaven once a month to be with your daughter."
Sera let out a breath she didn't know she was holding thankful her exile wasn't eternal and that she simply had to continue her work at the hospital.
"I understand father and I except my punishment."
"Excellent, however I will also add that for every sinner that gets rehabilitated and makes their way to heaven a decade will be reduced from your sentence." Charlie felt Emily squeeze her hand knowing God had given her this chance.
"As a final mercy your punishment will not start for seven days. Enjoy them will you can Sera and I wish you the best in Sloth." as he banged his gavel Sera's halo floated off her head and disappeared before her wings started to change color.
Thankfully they didn't turn black, instead they became a cloudy grey.
Though the trial was over nobody left.
"Now that the trial is over it's time we move to the other bit of business. Charlotte Morningstar, would you kindly step forward."
Caught off guard she looked to Emily who shrugged before she caught her father's eye who smiled and beckoned her up. Once she was before God, he summoned a golden scroll. "Charlie though you are not Heavenborn you still carry in you my blood and bear the six wings and power worthy of a title; thus, I hereby grant you permeant access to and from Heaven as well as more importantly the title of angel of redemption and task you with continuing your work in hell to help redeem those that seek it."
"!?" she went silent as she looked at the official title. There in all silver letters were her new title and official seal.
She looked around to her aunts and uncles who smiled and nodded then back to her parents who were smirking. Emily was being held back from rushing and hugging her by an equally proud Vaggie.
"Thank you, grandpa. I promise I won't disappointment you."
"I know you won't. But I'm not quite done." his eyes began glowing before Charlie's did the same and she felt a power fill her body. "To help in your endeavor I have given you the power to annul soul contracts."
"What!?" he had to have misspoken, or she misheard him. He didn't...I mean he's God so he could have...but no no no this can't actually be happening. Could it?
"Yes, though it can only be used on those that truly seek redemption. Those that are regretful of their actions and want to put in the work to better themselves. However, if they should slide back into their ways of sin the contract will be reinstated. This power is yours and yours alone Charlie. I know you will use it wisely."
She wasn't ashamed to admit she started crying and launched forward to hug him. "Thank you grandpa!"
"It is my pleasure Charlie, now I believe Micheal has something for my future granddaughter in law."
In a flash Vaggie appeared next to them as Michaeal pulled out a scroll. "Vaggie, I Michael hereby promote you from former exorcist and hereby name you leader of the Hellguard. Your duty should you accept is to guard Princess Charlie and defend the hotel from those that would do them harm."
Vaggie in her excitement saluted. "Yes sir!"
"Excellent." with a snap of his fingers two exorcists appeared. Gone were their masks and they saluted her. "After evaluating the exorcists, I found these two don't harbor the same sentiments as Adam or Lute and would like to try finding their own way at the Hazbin Hotel while also serving under you. Are you fine with that?"
Vaggie knew the two of them. Feathers and sixty-six were their names and they were among the very few that showed any kind of emotion.
Vaggie was a bit suspicious, but Michael seemed to vouch for them. "If it is your choice then I'll welcome you."
They saluted before following them back to their seats. Or they would have if Micheal hadn't cleared his throat. "One more thing Vaggie."
"Yes sir?"
"Lute, step forward please."
As she stepped forward she bowed to Vaggie before turning to Micheal. "Yes sir?"
"Lute, I will only ask you once. Do you believe in redemption and second chances?"
Hope glimmering in her chest she blurted out "Yes!"
Micheal simply smiled. "Good because I have decided to alter your punishment. At first, I was going to sentence you to serving as Lucifer's personal maid for the next thousand or so years, but I've since changed my mind."
She started taking off her apron thinking she'd be stuck in the hotel God had built for the exorcists. Fine I'll play along for now. At least I'll be free of Hell, and this accursed maid outfit!
"Instead, you will be sentenced to being Charlie and Vaggie's personal maid and if needed bodyguard."
Lute swore that in that moment her heart stopped. "-sir?"
"You heard me, Lute. Though I will add that if you should learn compassion and humility then we could discuss changing the terms. Until then you will work for them."
Gritting her teeth she attempted to argue. "sir surely there is some other way?"
"Well, I suppose a day in the void might suffice. Is that what you prefer?"
"...n-no sir, I'll happily serve as a maid and I th-thank you for this opportunity."
With that God opened a portal to Hell and the family returned. The moment they were back Lucifer let out a massive sigh. "Finally home sweet home. Don't get me wrong it was nice to catch up but I personally can't wait to get back to the palace and make up for lost time."
"Why Lucifer just what are you assuming?" Lilith teased before Lucifer picked her up. "I think you and I both now."
As they left Vaggie turned to her new soldiers. "Alright you two find a room and get some rest. Tomorrow we start out duties as Hellguard."
"Yes boss."
"Vaggie is fine. I'm not about to be the next Adam." nodding they flew off leaving only three.
"Lute."
"What!?" her eyes focused on Vaggie as sparks arched across the collar. "Find a room and get some rest as well. Tomorrow you'll learn from Niftey." Fear flashed across her face remembering the tiny demon before she ran from the room.
Once they were alone Charlie tackled Vaggie to the bed. "So Vaggie, how does it feel being appointed my own night by Micael?"
"I don't know, how does it feel knowing your not only the princess of hell but the angel of redemption?"
"Remind me to send grandpa another thank you message in the morning."
"Sure, assuming we don't exhaust ourselves." They both laughed knowing tomorrow would be a busy day. But that was tomorrow, tonight they'd have their own celebration.