A/N: Thanks for everyone that followed this story so far. This is the final chapter for this year. I will be taking a short break, but back with a new one by the end of the next month. Happy to be still writing this and for those all that keep on reading it, I thank you so much! Have a Happy New Year's Eve!
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"Please, take a seat. I must say I'm honored to finally meet the one who's being such a helpful soul to my dearest daughter."
Collin exchanged a quick glance with Loona, his nerves flaring all over the place as he slowly made his way to the vacant seat near Charlie. Loona, seeing there was no seat available close to Collin, made her way to take the empty one at Belle's side. The Sublord gave her a reassuring glance, but the Hellhound was feeling extremely tense to react to it. As soon everyone was at their seats the most important figure, of the entirety of Hellscape, took theirs. His appearance being nothing of what Collin could ever expect. Lucifer seemed to share some facial similarities with the likes of Charlie, while seemingly extravagant on both his manners and dressing as Alastor. He was also carrying a cane with him, for what end the wolf had no idea.
Charlie was looking serious as anyone ever saw her being, for whatever reason. Vaggie was looking anxious, same could be said for the majority of the other members present. The only ones seemingly at ease were Alastor, Belle, Husk and Angel Dust.
"Now, how many present here..." Lucifer stared joyfully, looking across the huge ceremonial table. "Ah, twenty or so. Probably will be more later on. Is quite a crew you got here."
"Err... Stolas and Stellas not really. Neither Barbie, Verosika or Vortex. They are part of the problem we have to settle before we have more issues going forward." Charlie replied with a frown on her face. The owners of the aforementioned names felt their anxiety peak. "But then... I guess they can think of getting involved with things around here, might give them some leeway to avoid worse."
A chuckle escaped from Lucifer, giving his daughter an approving look before focusing his attention back to the rest of the group, especially Collin. He gave the wolf a pondering stare before speaking.
"I trust your judgment of the Heavenborn not being an spy, isn't that correct?" He inquired to his daughter firmly. Charlie nodded without hesitation. "Ah, I must say I've never heard of such event before. Fallen are not that rare, but a non-Fallen to be still around and actually engaged with Hellborn? That is certainly an oddity of the likes I've never seen before. And boy, am I old, ha!"
His humor wasn't shared with anyone, all of them focusing their attention, not daring to speak a word. Lucifer, noticing the tension in the air, sighed heavily before gesturing at them with something akin to frustration.
"Now, now, relax all of you. No one is losing their soul or any of that. Well, as long you have manners of course." He added with mischievousness. "No, what I came here for, besides knowing you all for one reason or another, is to handle certain issues partaking the legality of actions made by trespassing into the Human realm." He said with a firm narrow look as he glared at them. "I've made clear, many centuries ago, why this is an actual law that HAS to be respected at all costs! Breaking this law, damn you if you do, will result in a very painful death, and for your desecrated remains to be exposed as an example for those who dare to think about breaking it."
Needless to say, no one was feeling very relaxed after such revelation. Although in the case of Stolas, it was almost an obligation for him to be aware of the laws. The Owl demon visibly gulped, exchanging a rather distressed glance with the likes of Blitzo and Verosika. The popstar was allowed in the Human realm due a permit from higher ups, but her involvement with incidents alongside Blitzo could see her at odds with the law aswell.
Collin couldn't help the bafflement he felt. He gave Loona a questioning glance. Laws? He was pretty sure the Hellhound told him there were no such things in Hell, or did he misunderstood? It seemed Loona also was caught off guard by this. She switched her attention towards Stolas and Blitzo with a murderous glare on her face. The Owl Royal seemed highly conflicted while Blitzo's expression was nothing but pure defeat and somewhat regretful.
"H-Huh, M-my L-lord. I-I don't understand why I'm here." Stella spoke, perhaps the most frightened she ever looked or sounded, it was almost pitiful to witness. Stolas grinned at seeing her panic, but it was short lived. Especially with Octavia glaring back at him, as if daring him to enjoy that moment. Lucifer raised an eyebrow at Stella before glancing back at Charlie, who nodded.
"You're here due your involvement with an Imp that goes by the name of Striker." She said, her eyes briefly glancing towards Blitzo, who couldn't help a gasp of surprise. Even Collin was taken aback by hearing about that particular Imp again. "For providing him tools to reach across the realms. An Asmodious enchanted crystal activation was detected back few days ago. Which also happened at the same day Collin made his way into Hell." She added with a sharp glance towards the wolf. Collin's eyes widened, surprised that such event was actually recorded somehow. "We were unable to locate the likes of Striker, but we located points of activation from the crystal, at least three activations happened inside your mansion."
If there was anyone besides Stolas and Stella, that was quietly panicking, it certainly was Barbie Wire.
"B-But maybe Stola-
"Please, I will say this once." Charlie cut her off with such venom that everyone, aside few, went still. "Do. Not. Lie."
Stella shut her mouth quickly, not daring to do otherwise. Aware she was at a dead end and all her attempts of getting Stolas killed were about to be spilled all over the table for everyone to know about. She knew it was pretty much over for her at that point.
Charlie crossed her arms, her eyes scanning across the multiple faces with determination, until they landed on Blitzo.
"I will be honest here, like I expect every single one of you to be. Collin doesn't count, obviously." She added with a tiny chuckle. "Blitzo, I've learned of everything you did under this I.M.P. Needless to say... I'm extremely angry with you right now. Not only you lied, cheated, murdered countless and caused numerous property damage across the Human realm and ours. Also, endangered your crew and your adopted daughter, despite knowing the consequences of getting caught. What were you thinking?!" Charlie nearly shouted at him, the Imp shrunk a bit at being the target of such imposing figure. "I asked Millie and Moxxie before coming to this reunion, you were just a hit and run company that acted across the rings of Hell. Sure, that is fine. No one is really gonna care. What the fuck made you think that crossing realms was ever a good idea?" Charlie was livid and so was Loona, the Hellhound warned Blitzo about the eventuality of being caught before, but she was never aware it would be an actual law. Loona didn't think anyone cared enough to even think to create any sort of regulations in Hell. It was popular belief that the power of the Overlords was more than enough to render chaos from rising across the rings, keeping the population mostly subdue. The Hellhound's train of thought was cut once Charlie spoke directly to her. "Loona, at the very least I know you didn't agree with this, you also made sure to not look so obvious you were not Human. I was told you were not interested on taking on mass murder unless to defend yourself, which is a relief. I won't place any blame on you for this, can't say the same for Millie and Moxxie."
The Imp couple couldn't help the guilty looks on their faces, they were aware of what they have done and there was not much that could be said about it.
"You two are fully aware of what you did and I can't really express how disappointed I am right now." Charlie gave them a rather desponded look, which only made their hearts heavier. They didn't regret killing Humans, that would never really be the case, but certainly knew it was something they should not be doing. "Now, regarding someone's permit to sing questionable songs towards Humans." Her attention directed towards Verosika. "May care to explain why you thought that trespassing with forbidden liquids was part of your permit? Not to mention the very same substance caused a rather tragic event that saw many Humans killed? Do you-
Charlie paused, a huff of frustration so loud as she tried her best to remain calm. Verosika seemed spooked and unsure of what to say. Even Vortex, who is quite carefree, seemed tense.
"Did you all forget that when Humans die they either go here or to Heaven?! Do you really think that someone that was killed at the festival, or whatever other case you had, that ended up here, wouldn't spill about what happened to them? Blitzo, you have no idea how many of your targets, and not targets at all, made themselves known about your murdering spree. Figures, people don't like to be randomly murdered by some creature that shouldn't be there at all! They were not certain what killed them until they ended up on Hell and saw Imps just similar to you all over the place. I don't blame them for being extremely mad at you."
"And that is not the biggest issue at all." Lucifer added, giving the Imp a glare of his own. Blitzo gulped at finding himself under Lucifer's angry gaze. "Now, we don't want these folks you killed spilling rumors about Demons going around killing Humans. Imagine how frequent those hearings would become? Certainly Heaven would take measures to find out what's happening, which could see us in a serious conflict with Heaven. I'm sure you all have your spewing hate for them and whatnot, but we are not looking forward to start another Holy War. Unless someone actually wants to?" He pondered with a daring smile. No one replied. Lucifer nodded. "Of course! Lucky for this Imp, the Humans that actually went to Heaven were... none. All of them were that bad. The irony! Oh well, in that case, considering what Charlie is about to propose, we are revoking all your crystals. Also the Grimoire." He added with a glance towards Stolas. The Owl royal frowned at this but made no comment. "Ah, don't worry about Paimon. The Grimoire never belonged to his family anyways. Is an old gift from time immemorial that was simply caught into their possession under unknown circumstances. I'm quite happy to see it still remains the same after so long. Quite a quality item we made, no doubt about it." Lucifer's voice dimmed a bit at the memory of how the book was created. "Well, sure is a nice reminder of better times... well, I will leave it under Charlie's care. She will decide what will be done with it and the crystals. That being said." Lucifer turned around towards the frightened figure of Barbie Wire, who seemed more than desperate to flee from the table. "Care to tell us how you got a crystal without permit?"
"I-I..." Barbie faltered, looking too scared to speak. Charlie, noticing this, sighed heavily before addressing her.
"As long you tell us the truth, there will be no harm, I promise." Her voice firm while looking at, who she presumed to be, Blitzo's sister. "I have plans to set and I'm interested in counting with everyone present here. You too dad." She added with a sheepish smile. Lucifer's serious stance weakened for a brief second before he nodded with a subtle smile.
"Look, I had a deal with some insiders from the Goetia. I don't have names, but they gave me the crystal, as long I could keep tabs with where my brother would be going. At the start I had no interest, I was more invested in making money selling shit to the Humans." Barbie said rapidly, trying her best to detail as much she could without choking from the stress. "I dunno why they give a damn about Blitzo, but I think it was one of few parties that were hunting after him. Didn't care to know more so I took the crystal. Being at the Human world was better than this shithole."
Charlie frowned, aware that Barbie was being truthful but concerned by how badly the Imp wanted to be out of Hell, no matter the risks.
"Also, yeah, I did have a disguise." She added with a sigh. "At least me, Verosika and the hound weren't that dumb."
"Her name's Loona." Collin pointed out with a glare. "You heard her name before, please refrain from making such pejorative adjectives."
"Hound is not pejorative." Charlie said, but felt Vaggie tap her under the table with her foot. "Err, well, certainly addressing someone by their species instead of name might sound like that, even more so since you know her name from what Collin is saying."
"Who cares? Hounds ain't worth anyone's time." Barbie countered with a frustrated huff. Loona chuckled, she didn't really care what Barbie thought of her, although the Imp lady should be more careful with saying such things when someone like Belle was at the same table as her.
"Hey, why don't you shut your fucking stupid mouth?! We don't give a damn about your prejudice crap." Belle snapped at the Imp with an icy glare. "You will work here and be fair with everyone, no matter what they are. Either you deal with it or your head is rolling on the floor soon."
Barbie frowned but didn't reply. She knew better than to provoke a Sublord of one of the Rings. Loona was somewhat surprised that Belle took her side in this matter, even if she probably would've done it for any Hellhound.
"Still, we are taking your crystal until I've decided what to do with it. Let me make this clear, you all violated some very set rules, few more than others. Any other day you would be put under an Hexa trial. Needless to say, Satan would be carrying the sentences, he... isn't really the caring and forgiving type for obvious reasons." She paused, giving them a wary glance. Everyone knew exactly what she meant. "So... there's plenty of faces here that are at odds with a very major rule. How to get around it? You will work, whether you like it or not, here at the hotel. I will point the tasks that each will carry, but before I start dropping you all into your own devices, rest assured. I will be fair with everyone, both treatment and salary wise. No, Stella, you won't be enjoying any of your funds anymore. None of you from Goetia will be granted those resources, unless you are interested on providing a sponsorship?" She questioned with a devious smile.
Collin couldn't help the chuckle. Charlie was playing a very interesting game with important Demons, and as of now, she has the upper hand across all possible angles.
Stella was baffled and seemingly out of options. She gave Stolas a glare, as if daring to blame him for all that was happening, but her anger faltered quickly. She knew she went out of line big time and was about to pay the price. She cursed everything in her mind, especially Stolas but also her brother for talking her into trying to kill her failure of a husband. Stella gave Charlie a glance of defeat, noddingly feebly in agreement with the idea. She was powerless to do anything else but to submit to the Princess wishes at this point.
Stolas huffed, not particularly caring for deviating resources to Charlie's business, if anything it should be a blessing he was becoming a partner instead of another victim. He was surprised to see Octavia being present, unsure of what reasons could be for her to be there. He saw Verosika glaring towards Blitzo at times, same as Barbie Wire. He also took notice of the purple wolf sitting near Charlie, Stolas was certain he was one of Octavia's friends, although it was immensely surprising to find out he is an Angel. A revelation that had very few on the table reacting to it. Which meant some already knew or were suspicious of it. Stolas wondered what kind of tasks Charlie would have in mind for a royal like him, thankfully nothing that involved Stella, it would be beyond unbearable to deal with her any longer.
"Well, it seems we are reaching a consensus, and since no one really wants to lose their head, I think we can start moving forward with few things before I have to leave for a meeting." She said while looking down at few papers that were laid at the table in front of her. "Verosika, I understand you have your business company that does... stuff with folks. Well, you can still manage that, but from afar. If you feel you need someone to represent you at times, for your company that is, you're free to call an agent once in while to carry out it for you. Huh, Vortex is sort of free if he wants, I don't have any reasons to keep him confined, actually... Belle? Mind setting him free aswell?"
Belle gave Charlie a curious glance before looking back at the male Hellhound she was familiar with. Vortex returned her glance with something akin to apathy. Belle always found Vortex to be reliable when he worked for her, dare say she even crushed on him a little bit, it saddened her to find out he has a girlfriend.
"Sure, not a problem. I take you will want him to freelance once in a while?" She questioned with a smug smile. Charlie shrugged.
"We will see to that another time. Verosika will be taking charge of party events, I want you two working on that whenever possible."
That seemed to stump Belle for a moment. She regarded Verosika with a daring look, the Demon popstar only rolled her eyes and nodded briefly as a response, not that she even had much of a choice anyways. As much Verosika admired Belle, she wasn't keen on the idea of sharing a stage with anyone. Belle grumpily nodded in return, wishing she was the only one taking charge of party events.
"Stolas, I want you on finances. I take you have some understanding of managing resources?" She pointedly asked towards the Owl Demon. Stolas nodded slowly.
"Yes, otherwise Stella would've run us into the ground long ago." He cheekily replied with a smirk. Stella huffed angrily, wishing she could wring his neck until it snapped, but all she did was glare murder and remain quiet. Charlie nodded while keeping an eye on Stella's reaction.
"Alright, that is fine to me. I will have Octavia help you with cataloging everything we are purchasing, sells, the shift schedules and whatnot." She replied slowly. "Oh, I take you're aware Octavia is working here, right?"
"I... was not really aware your Highness." Stolas replied with a questioning look towards his daughter. Octavia made a hand gesture, a sign asking to explain at a later time. He nodded before returning his attention back to Charlie. "I will see what I can do right away. I... take we can see our rooms to fit our tastes?"
"Yeah, sure. You all can ask your stuff to be brought, no energy artifacts though. I will have Razzle and Dazzle inspecting everyone's belongings once they arrive." She replied with a more sympathetic smile before changing her attention elsewhere. Stolas took this as a sign that they would be accommodated in regular rooms, not fancy suits. "Now, what was I... oh, right! Everyone, I would like to introduce you all to Ferala! She will be the new Head Chef of our kitchen!"
Loona's eyes widened in absolute shock. She noticed Ferala sitting at the table when they entered, but had no time to interact due the seriousness of the meeting. She remembered Ferala mentioning something about an important project of hers, but had no idea it would be this big. The female Hellhound at the opposite side of the table gave everyone a timid salute. Ferala wasn't expecting to be introduced to so many powerful and important people for her company introduction.
"Her? Why?" Serpentious questioned with an air of arrogance. "Certainly there's someone with more refined tastes across all rings. A Hellhound has no such thing."
"Perhaps my fist into your mouth will help you acquire better tastes, how about it scale cunt?" Belle challenged with a narrow glance back at the Warlord. "I choose Ferala cause she does have a lot of knowledge about the food we are aiming to work with. Unless you're fine with eating shit?"
Serpentious muttered death threats but refrained from saying anything else that would put him under the attention of Lucifer, he was still working to make good impressions towards the one who ruled over the entirety of Hell. A few chuckles were heard at the expense of Serpentious dignity.
"I do agree that the food in the rings is fucking awful most of the time. Can't wait to see your cooking girl!" Loona said in an effort to be supportive, which helped Ferala's worries to subdue for the moment. She nodded in thanks before looking back to Belle.
"I'm here to do my best. Although I was told that I will be required to have talks with the... errr, consultant? Advisor?" She pondered, looking at Charlie for confirmation.
"That would be Collin, yes." Charlie replied, shifting her attention to the wolf at her side. "Every doubt that anyone has, any dispute, any problems or plans to address, they will be looking for your guidance. I hope this isn't much?" She asked while giving the wolf a quick glance.
Collin didn't reply at first. Yes, it was a lot when looking at the bigger picture, particularly the part of solving disputes. There were some strong, and dangerous, personalities he will be dealing on a daily basis. He understood the amount he was being asked to carry, but it was his wish to help that got here in the first place. There was no point or reason to do otherwise. He didn't say out loud, but he's quite moved that Charlie put so much faith on him.
"What? Him?!" Stella seemed baffled. Yet, her whining only earned her some glares and icy stares from other folk at the table.
"Well, since you're so excited to exchange words with our advisor miss Stella, surely you won't mind being the first to make part of a small program we will be running for everyone at this hotel." Charlie's voice hardened considerably, clearly leaving no room for argument. They all fixated their attention on her again, mixed feelings about whatever they would be forced to endure. "Now, we are aiming to be an hotel with the particular task of making an individual redeemable. Yeah, laugh it up." Charlie gave Angel Dust an scowl of her own. "Thing is, we cannot really get that far without even our own staff being able to get along. So, as of today, I will be scheduling each of you to spend two hours with Collin in a session, at least two times a month."
The wolf quickly turned his head around to look at Charlie in disbelief. This was not something he was informed or even remotely prepared for. The baffled expression on his face went ignored though.
"What those sessions will be about?" Belle pondered with a frown on her face. Two hours? The Sublord doubted she could spend that much alone with Collin and not be tempted to fuck him. Unless he actually restrained her in chains that is.
"I understand some of you endured... lots. If there was ever a chance, or someone, you can actually trust to share those issues without being worried about them being let out, Collin is the only one you will ever get to talk about it."
"Woah, wait a minute!" Husk called out with a snort of disbelief. "Are you saying we are doing therapy? An the angel dog is our therapist? What a fuckin-
"Finish that sentence and you're fired." Charlie cut him off, not really in the mood for nonsense. "And I personally don't care if Alastor got you in here, either you do as we tell you or you get out."
Husk growled, torn between challenging her decision and not upsetting Alastor with his attitude. Husk is painfully aware of what falling to do his bidding would result.
Not everyone was thrilled with this forced appointment. Some gave Charlie glares while others seem to disdain at the idea. Vaggie gave them a murderous stare back.
"We wouldn't have to do this if a fair amount of you weren't sick assholes that have either murder, drugs or sex in mind for the most part." She claimed with disgust. Serpentious, Angel Dust and Belle flipped her off to no effect. I.M.P wasn't looking particularly happy with the ordeal but they could tolerate Collin to a degree. Stella looked about to faint while Stolas, Octavia, Ferala and Alastor remained impassive on the matter.
"Huh, do I have to? Collin already knows a big deal about me anyway." Loona questioned with a bored look on her face. She wasn't really minding the reunion, but things could get boring quick after half an hour of endless talk and she wasn't a fan of sitting around for too long doing mindless stuff.
"Pff, I bet. Knows you in and out in all senses." Belle joked, earning a few chuckles across the table. The Hellhound glared at her for a moment but refrained from starting an argument. Collin rolled his eyes at the antics while Charlie gave Belle a warning glance before addressing Loona's question.
"No, I think in your case it's fine. Of everyone here, that is from Hell at least, you and Vaggie I can trust to get stuff done and not set things on fire for no reason."
"I told you it was an accident!" Angel Dust shouted, looking miffed and slightly embarrassed. His complain was fully ignored.
"Well, it seems you have this under control. I wish I had more time to see things through." Lucifer announced, casting another glance around, his eyes paused when coming across Alastor for a brief second before resuming his scanning and landing on Belle. "Say, miss Belle, I've been very happy with your development across Gluttony, needless to say that your work has improved things tremendously and you showed you do care about your folk."
Belle was taken aback by the sudden praise. She stared back at him with a mix of pride and disappointment.
"Yeah, well. All that for nothing. Can't really do much from here." Lucifer nodded in agreement, he rested both his hands over his personal cane, a thoughtful expression taking over before he continued.
"I've been away from my duties for some time. Yet, I had time to address from afar matters that have not really been looked at properly due my own misgivings. Beelzebub... has not really done much to improve his own ring. Despite being a friend of mine, I'm afraid that business have a priority over personal matters, if he cannot deliver the needs of his own ring and add to our system overall, I'm afraid I will have to see someone who actually cares and can do it. That being said... if you succeed in your task at this hotel, I will consider you for the Overlord position at Gluttony."
Belle stared in shock, not expecting to hear any of the sort in her entire life. The idea of being a potential replacement of Beelzebub is not something anyone would ever dare to think.
"What? Replacing Beelzebub? There is no way he would even remotely accept this." Vaggie said, fully aware of the complications of this task. Lucifer nodded in agreement, the seriousness on his face displaying how understanding he is of the issues within this effort.
"There will be strong repercussions, most likely a challenge from his part." The King of Hell said, giving Belle a firm response. "Yet, I cannot stand idle any longer. Gluttony is not the only issue I have ahead. It seems Satan has grown too comfortable handling things while I was away. I have to remind everyone of who I am despite all the millennia spent dealing with this realm. If a short absence is enough for them to get ideas of grandeur, such as replacing me of all things, then I have no use for such arrogance."
Lots of glances were exchanged across the table, most deeply concerned of how things would possibly turn out volatile in between such powerful Demons. There hasn't been an announced conflict amongst the Overlords ever since Hell came to its existence. The very idea of the Sins themselves fighting against each other wasn't a thrilling one.
"Hmm, let's try get things rolling with the Hotel before Hell burns even further, right dad?" Charlie requested politely. Lucifer shrugged nonchalantly.
"Of course, no need to rush things yet."
"Right. There is few things we are still to discuss, but they are to be done personally. As of now I'm calling off this meeting until further notice. You all, except for Stella, Loona, Collin, Belle, Stolas, Blitzo, Verosika, Barbie and Husk are dismissed."
A short silence followed Charlie's words. Few chairs were pushed back as their owners slowly made their way outside. Alastor stood at his chair for a few seconds, giving Lucifer a rather curious glance. Lucifer raised an eyebrow at him, somewhat challenging. Alastor nodded briefly before raising from his heat and making his way out, the smile on his face never wavering.
"Why I'm being kept here? I rather stuff my face and forget this crap already." The Hellcat complained audibly. Charlie sighed.
"Dad, meet you in the office in a few minutes?" Charlie requested. Lucifer seemed surprised at first, but understanding Charlie's need for space to lead on her own, decided to just nod and instantly snapped his fingers, teleporting himself out of existence from that room.
"Ah man, I really wish I could do that." Loona said, looking jealous about the ease that the King of Hell could just disappear from sight.
"There are quite few similar alternatives actually." Stolas said without thinking. Charlie glared at him right away. The Goetia quickly quieted himself once he realized his slip. Collin took notice of this odd exchange but kept it to himself.
"Right, as for why I kept you all here. Vaggie, Dad and Belle, besides me of course, we've been discussing about how to acquire certain supplies for the kitchen. Needless to say most the stuff is only found at the Human realm. Now, you're all a bunch of transgressors and, have this been any other type of situation, you all would be facing terrible punishment. I think it doesn't have to be like that and I'm willing to give you all another chance. Husk, since this mostly involves the kitchen, which will be feeding your bar supplies after all, it concerns you a great deal. Not to mention you're a sinner, so you have some knowledge about the other realm we could make use of."
"Wait, what?! He's a sinner?" Loona immediately asked, looking stumped. "Shit, I thought he's a Hellcat."
"Not sure why I look like one, it's just how I turned out to be when I got here." Husk replied gruffly. Belle chuckled. "What's so funny you drunk ass canine?"
"Oh, shouldn't be surprising really." Belle started with a narrow look back at him. "Most sinners usually turn into dark manifestations of their inner selves for when they were Human. It ranges from dark desires for the most part. Kinks and fetishes usually define one's appearance. I guess you really liked cats." She said without much subtlety.
"Oh, you're one special kind of fucker." Husk fired back with a growl. "Don't you have enough dicks to stuff that stupid mouth of yours?"
"Eh, I wish. But Loona won't let me have it." Belle lamented with a fake sad look on her face. Loona huffed in exasperation.
"Holy fuck, find a boyfriend already! Rr girlfriend! Or both, who gives a shit!" The Hellhound retorted heatedly.
"I would gladly take you both if you're offering." Belle replied cheekily. Loona looked about to jump from her seat and smack Belle's silly grin from her face. But Collin just raised him hand, silently requesting her to calm down. Loona growled but remained on her seat.
"Belle. Unless Collin and Loona actually make you such... offer, could you please refrain from antagonizing them without reason? They already made clear they don't like that behavior of yours, we are not here to aggravate each other." Charlie slightly demanded, her attention fully on the Sublord.
"Oh, for fuck's sake! I'm stuck here for ages! Didn't have anyone to spend a night with and now I have a shit ton of work to do!" Belle's laugh was certainly derisive. "Can't even tease people anymore! What the fuck!"
"Certainly you can tease someone else, why always them both?" Charlie questioned with a frown. Belle shrugged.
"Well, fuck, I really like them. Can't help if I'm not used to care for people that much for more than one night."
This answer surprised Loona and Collin to a degree. Yet, the Hellhound wasn't exactly moved by it.
"Sure, but your caring is just as shitty as Blitzo's when he was trying to be my dad." She explained with frustration on each word.
"Thanks for getting me into this Loona." Blitzo added with a tired voice. Loona winced for a moment, forgetting he's in the same room as her.
"Shit, sorry, but it's true. Look, we can talk this out later. I think Charlie has more important things to say than dealing with our stupid shit."
That Belle could agree with. She glanced back at Charlie, who seemed thankful for having the discussing back on track.
"Well, as I wanted to say. Each of you will play a very important role on things to come. Yes, I confiscated your crystals, but since most of you have experience crossing to the other realm, I will require your services, which will involve crossing even more often."
"Woah, you want us to go to the Human realm often?" Blitzo was taken by surprise. He didn't think they would be granted a pass like this any time soon. "What about the rules and shit?"
"Under strong supervision, it is possible to allow this. There will be many precautions, and other things, to be made to make sure your trespassing is executed without raising any sort of suspicion among the Humans and Heaven. I will be discussing further details about this with all of those who had been to that realm before. As for Stella." Charlie paused, giving the owl a narrow glare. "You will be spending this afternoon with Collin. Two hours, and you better make it worth his time. I won't have you here doing nothing and you will only get to do something if you're willing to. I care not for your hatred for Stolas, your problem with him is not mine, but feel free to talk about it with Collin as much as you can. He will listen to your side of the story, whatever that might be."
Stella looked like she wanted to die on the spot. Her glare landing on Collin for a few seconds before she relented to stare holes into the table. Loona wasn't very happy with it either.
"Leaving her alone with him for two hours? Seriously?" Loona complained, giving Charlie a look of worry.
"Razzle will be around just in case." Vaggie informed her. "Dazzle can handle his own for two hours, if not we can assign Vortex to stay nearby."
"Huh? Vortex is looking over me." Verosika informed them with a raised eyebrow.
"Vortex works for me now, so that means I'm reallocating him. When I'm not around he responds to Vaggie, Blitzo or Belle."
"Why Blitzo?!" That seemed to irritate Verosika to a degree. The Imp chuckled at her reaction.
"Because he's chief of security and that's it." Charlie said with finality. "Which reminds me, Barbie, you will work under Belle's supervision. I'm certain you have no desire to being near Blitzo but, keep in mind, you will also have sessions with Collin, one day or another you will have to settle whatever issues you have, that if you want to work here without causing issues."
"Doesn't seem I have any fucking choice anyway." Barbie replied with defeat across her face. At the very least she could find herself making an effort to get along with Collin. It was far more likely that it would ever be with Blitzo anyways.
"Stolas, care to follow me to the office? I have few things to discuss, also my dad has some question of his own for you."
"O-Oh? Certainly your Highness. Right away." He replied nervously. Giving the others, especially Blitzo, a quick glance before raising from his seat. Charlie rose, nodding at the other that they were allowed to leave.
Loona cracked her back once she stood, groaning at finally being able to stretch after being still for so long. Collin, despite not looking so overly-dramatic about it, also felt his back snapping.
"This reunion should take a few minutes. Loona? If you could make your way to the garage? Vaggie will take you there."
"Sure thing!" The Hellhound said, suddenly reminded of her driving task and being overly excited. Vaggie chuckled at her enthusiasm before signaling for Loona to follow her. "See ya Collin! Mind yourself near that one." She added with a brief glare towards Stella.
"I will be fine. I just... need to think about certain things before I start." At this Collin couldn't help the aggravated look towards Charlie. The Morningstar noticed his stare and could only smile apologetically. "It... will be some eventful two hours."
"Urgh, I'm out of here! I need a drink." Husk rushed towards the cantina, not caring to sticking around any more than needed.
"Hey! Wait! I need a drink too!" Belle shouted while going after him, followed shortly after by Verosika and Barbie.
"You drink? I feel like we all gonna need after this shitfest." Verosika said while walking by Barbie's side. The Imp just shrugged.
"I don't usually, but I can make an exception this night."
Collin, after being kissed a goodbye by Loona, watched everyone but Stella depart from the table. He slowly stood by her side, not sure what to make of her glare of murder currently aimed at the wooden furniture.
"I will be waiting outside... take your time." He said calmly as possible. Last thing he wanted was to pressure her into doing something she clearly didn't want to. 'I hope I won't be the one needing a drink after these two hours, God help me.'