It had been nearly five days since they'd returned and a single day since Lute had been released from the hospital. Shortly after her horns painfully sprouted Lute had blacked out. She'd barely heard Lucifers "Welcome to the family" before the mixture of excitement and adrenaline wore off and the pain became too much. Charlie had of course panicked and told her dad to portal them to the hospital. Just as her vison started fading, she quickly said. "Bring arm...am ready."
When she eventually came to, she saw she was in a hospital bed, and she was hooked up to an iv. One that was noticeably filed with golden blood. Knowing only one being in all of Hell that had golden blood she felt a little uneasy, sure Lucifer wasn't... as bad as she'd originally believed.
At least this means my blood is still gold. Unless he shapeshifted his blood...
Biting her lip, she drew blood and spit it out seeing it was still golden. Letting out a sigh of relief she realized there was someone else in the room with her and so she turned her head and was greeted by a sight that brought back memories. Namely that of Charlie asleep in a chair next to her hospital bed.
Of course, as she attempted to push herself up, she found it was both harder and easier. Harder because her new horns had somewhat impaled the pillow, and she had to force it off. Easier because she felt properly balanced. This confused her for a moment before she caught the glint of something sticking out from under the blanket and threw it off seeing her new black metal arm. Even after the hundreds of times she saw it, the hundreds of times she imagined it being connected it still felt unreal. One purely happy through echoed in her mind as she saw her arm respond as she wiggled her fingers. I have two arms again!
With a growing smile flexed her hand she felt her new prostatic arm respond and form a fist. Then just as quickly attempted to grab the metal rail only to stop herself. No, you've thought about this before. She mentally reminded herself knowing what she told herself would be the first thing she would touch once she had two arms.
So, moments later she pulled Charlie atop her waking her up in the process. It took Charlie a moment to properly register that Lute was not only awake but hugging her. Mostly due to the fact Lute never hugged, Charlie hugged while Lute happily let it happen.
"I see someone found a good first use for her arm."
Lute squeezed her tighter feeling the warmth even through the robotic arm. "Yeah." came her all to happy response.
Eventually she did have to let go as the pink goat doctor came in to check in on her. He took his sweet time examining her going from her wings to her horns then to her arm making sure everything was fine. "Well, you seem to be doing well." he started saying which Lute took to mean she was set to go and started to get up when he added. "-though I'd like to keep you for a few more days. We don't have any information on fallen angles, so we'd like to get the most out of this opportunity."
Lute however had other ideas and shot out of bed grabbing the doctor by his collar. "Is my arm fully functional?"
"Yes" he squeaked out. "Good, then what about my wings and horns?"
Double checking his clipboard and choosing his words carefully he then said. "It appears your horns have stopped growing and your wings are healthy, though I'd give them a few days before you try flying. But you still need bedrest for at least a day." as he finished, he thought he was about to be thrown against the wall.
Instead, she simply nodded and gently set him down. "Well doctor I thank you for your work, but I and princess Charlie are needed back in the pride ring so I'm taking my leave." All he could do was watch as she walked out of the room not even bothering to change out of her gown. Charlie rushed after her clothes in hand but stopped and properly thanked the doctor. "Send me the bill later." he started to ask what for as Lucifer had paid in advance only to see a male sinner approach Lute and try to touch her wings. Seconds later his screams were echoing through the halls as Lute tested out her arm's new blade.
Once back at the hotel she wanted to get into planning how to defend the hotel. Instead, she found herself locked in their penthouse as Charlie decided that if she wasn't going to rest in the hospital she'd rest here. Any other time she would have refused but Charlie magically sealed her inside. A barrier she quickly learned stung her when she tried to escape. "Rest now, plan later." So, for nearly two days she spent either sleeping, trying and failing to escape. That and being visited by Charlie and her dad.
With little else to do she spent eying her new form in the mirror studying every change and feature.
First and most noticeably were the pair of black wings behind her that she couldn't stop grinning about. Since coming back she'd only retracted them once, just to see quick test to see if they were really back or just a onetime thing. She wasn't too proud to admit it took both Charlie and Lucifer encouraging her before she had the courage to flex her back and try summoning them again.
"Come on Lute, you can do it. Though if my memory is right and it usually is the first time I did it after I fell, they hurt like hell, I mean really badly, hurt to have them out, couldn't move or fly-"
Charlie glared at her dad. "Dad! you're not helping!" only for a moment later for her to kneel down in front of her and gently stroke her face. "Ignore him Lute I know they're reappear."
"R-really?" at that moment she didn't care how timid she sounded. She'd just been officially declared fallen. At the very least she wanted to keep her wings.
"Of course" Charlie said confidently. Believing her Lute took a breath and flexed.
To her complete joy they reemerged They're back! They're back! they're back! they're back! She thought excitedly flexing them until they fully expanded. Even giving a few test flaps holding then releasing her breath when they smooth fully responded. Naturally after seeing them again Charlie had squealed and all but buried herself in them. "So soft...so pretty...so...so...MINE." after a silent moment Charlie pulled back and looked Lute in the eye. "Lute I'm gonna need you to NEVER hide these black beauties from me again. Okay?" she might have been smiling but her tone made it clear this wasn't a negotiation. Not that Lute minded one bit. In fact, she found it extremely attractive when Charlie embraced her demonic side. For If Charlie had a muscle kink and now a wing kink the Lute for sure had a demonic Charlie kink.
The memory fading she took in her horns. If she was being honest, she did rather like them. Sure, they were a bit large, but she loved the way they curved back and were smooth to the touch. Then again that was probably because back when she was an exorcist she rarely if ever removed her helmet.
Then there was her arm. Or to be precise the hidden blade she'd found far too much fun sheathing and unsheathing. It just felt so right.
"I will never get tired of this." Though as she eyed the silver blade, she couldn't help but think it could use a proper upgrade. One that only one person in all of Hell that could do it. Assuming they'd accept the offer.
Sighing she eyed the black duck shaped container now sitting on the dresser. It had been a gift from Lucifer to store the pieces of her cracked halo. It had been just an afterthought at first, but now it gave her an idea. . It is a one-of-a-kind item. I doubt they'd pass on the opportunity. Speaking of which...
Something was wrong. It was a bit to quiet. "I haven't seen Charlie at all today. She was already gone when I woke up." this only made her worry more and so having decided she'd had enough being contained eyed the red barrier that had kept her enclosed and after retracting her wings for good measure lowered her head and charged.
Not the smartest move she'd later admit but after the slight pain of magic coursed through her body, she found herself once again in the hallway. "owww...fuck, good thing she's too pure to actually harm anyone or I'd probably be old cold right now."
Shacking off the sting she brought out her wings and flew down the hall just in time to see Alastor extending his hand toward a very hesitant Charlie. What she heard pushed ever non murderous thought from her mind.
"Then my dear we have a deal. I help get you reinforcements and you owe me a favor to be called in at my leisure." just hearing those words made her blood boil. Though it was Charlie's relucent "for the hotel" as her hand reached out that propelled her a bit faster. She barely saw the rest of their little group as she made it to the lobby.
"Don't you fucking dare!" her scream got everyone's attention.
Surprised Charlie pulled her hand back. "Lute?" she asked just as Lute charged Alastor catching him full force in the chest and sending him into a pillar. Of all the demons she'd hurt, his was by far the most satisfying.
"Lute, how did you get past my barrier?"
Lute didn't answer her though and instead screamed at her. "Were you really about to make a deal with him? Alastor of all people!?"
Dusting himself off and magically fixing a broken rib Alastor calming but angrily made his way back toward them. "It was a fair offer. As you know our hotel is about to face your former comrades, so naturally I offered my assistance in acquiring able bodies."
Without thinking she pulled out a knife and threw it hitting him in the shoulder before she unsheathed her new blade before charging him. Sadley, he created a barrier stopping it. "Come now my dear we haven't the time for this." his eyes shot to Charlie his face becoming more demonic. "Now let us continue or deal while I'm still feeling generous."
Charlie eyed Lute then to Alastor before raising his hand to meet his. "Charlie... don't" Lute pleaded.
Alastor let out a laugh before magically pushing her onto the couch "Do relax, I'm not after her soul. Besides she doesn't have a choice. At least if she wants my help."
Looking him in the eye her horns and tail popped out. Once again Lute attempted to stop him screaming loudly "Don't make a deal! He doesn't even control his own soul!" This one statement got everyone's full attention. Especially Alastor as his face switched to his more demonic one and black tendrils wrapped around her painfully drawing blood.
"Attempt to interrupt me again and we shall see if your wings grow back a second time." but as he looked at Lute, he didn't see fear or worry like anyone else would have in this situation, no it was replaced with a smug grin.
"Do enlighten me as to how you canahhrrrrrhhh!" his hand burned as it was nearly crushed with a powerful force. "Alastor...Don't you EVER TOUCH MY LUTE!" Charlei's hand had grown to twice the size and was coursing with reddish flaming energy that was rapidly destroying his hand. For most of the group they were seeing Charlie not as their bubbly boss but as the princess of Hell and daughter of Lucifer. Seeing for the first time that Charlie not only had power without needing soul contracts but could easily compel an overlord that did. Angel brought out his phone and started recording. Husk just smiled while Niftey grinned. Sir Pentious grabbed his egg boys and hid behind the couch while Lute... well she felt many things watching this. The only one she'd admit to was pride.
Alastor simply thought he might have miscalculated a bit. Try as he might, he couldn't let go. Still, he hung on as all he needed to do was get her to say the word "deal"
Something that proved more difficult as the pain only grew "I...yes...forgive me..."
"RELEASE HER, NOW!" she demanded.
Cutting his losses he released her. "There, now I assume our deal is still on the table."
Her response was to grip even harder forcing him to his knees. "No, but her is what's going to happen. As the princess of Hell and your further ruler I'm ordering you to do everything in your power to help me starting with getting us the help you promised. Or so help me I'll show you what I can do when I put my mind and anger to it." his smile faltered as he weighed his options. This proved to be a mistake as Charlie nearly ripped his arm off. "ARE WE UNDERSTOOD!?"
"-perfectly Princess Charlie." with that she threw him across the room before calming down and running over to Lute checking her injures. "Oh my gosh! are you okay Lute? He didn't hurt you, did he? I hope I didn't freak you out, I mean I know we've experimented, but he just got me so mad when he hurt you and-"
"-Charlie!" she said stopping her from rambling.
"Yes?" she asked worried before Lute pulled her in for a kiss. "That was the hottest thing I've ever seen and I want you so badly right now it's not funny."
"Lute!imeanthat'snicebutwecan'tit'adkaefk" her words became gibberishas steam rose from her head. It was both worrying and so Charlie at the same time.
Angel couldn't help but laugh. "Damn Lute, and i thought I had moves." Lute would normally hit him for a response like that but this time she let it slide. After whitening that she was in far to good a mood.
Sensing the danger was over Sir Pentious slithered out from his hiding sopt. "My word princessss that wasss amazing!" his egg boys hearing their bosses excitement joined it.
"That was fun"
"It looked painful"
"I didn't see it, do it again"
"You should have killed him like the weapon lady did the angel."
It took a moment for the residents to understand what he said. "What did you say little man?" Angel asked unsure he'd heard him right.
"Wha? Oh! You mean how the weapon lady killed the angel? She admitted to it at the big meeting. It was funny when the severed head was brought out." most were unsure if he was telling the truth or simply saying insane shit like usual.
Lute however remembered how after Alastor had come back with them, he said they'd "proven to be rather useful" which meant Frank must be telling the truth.
No other reason for Alastor to call them useful. This does make my trip far more necessary.
"Okay everyone here's the plan. Charlie, you go with Alastor and make sure his conscripts are battle ready."
"Don't you mean volunteers to help us?"
"I know what I said. While you do that, I'll head to Carmilla Carmines and see about acquiring some angelic steel weapons. If they can germanely kill sinners and members of the Ars Goetia then they should work the same on exorcists."
It was the best plan she could come up with on short notice.
"Yeeeeaaahh about that Lute, you might be making one more stop." Angel's tone made it clear that whatever he was about to say or show her would get him hurt.
"What?" she asked only for Charlie's phone to ring with the same ringtone that made her stab the nearest pillow.
Charlie had barely pressed the button when Velvette's loud voice filled the room.
"Daarrrllings! How are my two lovelies doing? Don't ask I just saw the video and I love what I saw. I knew our girl was a queen and she didn't disappoint. Vox all but zapped his pants when he saw it. Naturally I was able to talk him into helping when the time comes. Anyway, if you're about to go into battle with Heaven you two will need something smashing to wear. My work naturally, so bring your fine ass, which I must add looks even better with your new look, to my part of the tower later and pick them up. And don't worry luv, you'll get the lover's discount. Cheers!"
Tossing Charlie the phone Lute had one question. "How did she know about my new look?"
Initially she glared at Angel, but he showed her the phone and how it only showed Charlie and Alastor. "Hey, don't' look at me."
He sounded genuine so she looked at Sir Pentious but knew he didn't use smartphones which also meant Alastor didn't do it. Niftey was also out as they'd seen her destroy and clean up any phone they gave her. Which left...
"Husker!"
But he simply pointed to the window where one of Vox's drones blinked and flew off.
"Okay change of plans. Angel you take Angel and Sir Pentious to get who you can. Husker you and Niftey are on drone duty. When we get back, I'd best see any Vox based machine on fire on the front yard." Spreading her wings she flew back to their room and grabbed the black duck container telling herself that selling what remained of her halo was still going to be less painful than dealing with Velvette.
"One thing at a time Lute. First you secure the weapons, then you use said weapons to at the very least kill one of those three fools."