Chapter 20

Happy Hotel

A few brief tense moments passed before Mordekaiser took Princess Charlotte's hand and shook it. Firmly, but not to tight that it'll cause the Princess discomfort. The handshake went on for quite a few minutes until eventually Princess Charlotte let go and smiled at the group of Imps and Sinner before her.

"So how can the Happy Hotel help you today!" Yelled Princess Charlie, her face plastered with the biggest smile anyone has ever seen. Even though most of the group before her were Imps, thus not benefitting her hotel and its purpose at all, they were still her people and she was going to do her darndest to be the best hostess for them. Before anyone can speak, Mordekaiser spoke.

"Since today is Father's Day, I decided to venture here with my son, his wife, and her parents to see the Happy Hotel. To see if it is as you claimed in that news interview. A hotel for the purpose of…redemption." Though it flew by everyone else, Moxxie can tell that his father didn't exactly agree with the Princess' idea of redemption and sending people to Heaven. Internally gulping, Moxxie realized what his father was planning on doing and he hoped that it didn't bite them at all. And by bite them all, he meant Moxxie himself, Millie, and her entire family.

Princess Charlie, seemingly not noticing what his father's plan was, simply squealed in joy at what she just heard before ushering everyone inside.

"Then come right in!" Yelled Charlie as she made way for the Imps and Mordekaiser to enter her hotel, which they did after some slight hesitation from the Imps. When they entered, they immediately noticed a few things.

The décor of the lobby, and probably all of the hotel for that matter, was that of royalty, with those fancy swirl designs that none of the Imps, and Mordekaiser for that matter, understood why nobles liked so much. This was definitely a place that the Morningstars used to own and likely gave to their daughter for her little…redemption project.

Overlooking the lobby and seeing the bar within it, Mordekaiser spoke.

"There's a bar here." Said Mordekaiser, noting the sizable bar in the lobby, manned by a Sinner with the appearance of a humanoid cat, who was currently drinking out a bottle of alcohol. Cheap alcohol. Sitting in the stool was a spider-like Sinner with four arms that was currently giving a flirtatious look at Mordekaiser. As if he wanted to fuck him. Next to him was a Sinner that could have been mistaken for a normal human if it weren't for her gray skin. Wearing a red business shirt with fingerless gloves, a dark grey skirt, and some stockings as well. She also, interestingly enough, had an eye patch over her left eye. Curious. "You claim to be about redemption and discouraging sin yet you have a bar in your lobby that sells alcohol. A substance that encourages gluttony and other types of debauchery." Charlie simply chuckled nervously at Mordekaiser's statement.

"Yeah, we initially didn't have a bar here, but then we decided to have it." Said Charlie before explaining the reasoning for the bar. "To, you know, serve as a place for people to socialize and relax. And…serve as a place for drinks." Mordekaiser wasn't impressed with that reasoning and, quite frankly, neither were the Imps and it showed on their faces.

"And yet this is supposed to be a place for people to overcome their faults. To become better people and be redeemed." Said Mordekaiser as he looked at Charlie. "This bar contradicts that notion and makes even the most basic of purposes of this hotel harder to achieve than it already was. Tell me, Princess, do you actually wish to help your people or is all just a way to waste your families' resources just because you are able to?" Upon hearing that, Princess Charlie widened her eyes in shock and took a few steps back at what she just heard. A couple of gasps came from Moxxie, Millie, and Millie's parents, who were stunned at what Moxxie's dad just said. Mostly in fear of what Lucifer would do rather than the sheer audacity of him saying such insults towards his daughter.

The reactions from the other residence of the Princess' hotel were more varied than the Imps. The cat Sinner raised an eyebrow at what Mordekaiser just said before taking another generous helping of his alcoholic beverage. The spider Sinner's smile got bigger when he heard Mordekaiser's words, as if he was turned on by what the Iron Revenant said. The grey-skinned Sinner was glaring at Mordekaiser for what he said, clearly angry with what he said, but it was Princess Charlotte's reaction that topped everyone elses'.

The Princess' eyes were quivering, tears forming in her eyes as she looked at Mordekaiser, hurt at what he said.

"Why would you say that?" Asked Charlie, voice filled with pain, showing how hurt she was in Mordekaiser's statement. She had grown accustomed to people insulting her idea of redemption and her hotel, but she never heard anyone questioning why she was doing it in the first place. They always took her stated reason as the one reason she did all this. Never did she encounter anyone that bothered to ask if she was doing this for nefarious purposes. "Why would you think that I wouldn't do all this for the good of my people?"

"Because for several reasons besides what I just mentioned." Said Mordekaiser before venturing towards the bar, ignoring the looks and stares he was getting from everyone. Going straight to the bar, Mordekaiser placed a bony finger near the bar's surface and began making a long scratch from one end to another, creating a dull scrapping sound as he did so. The cat Sinner was irritated at this, covering his eyes as his hearing was more sensitive than everyone elses', but he refrained from yelling at Mordekaiser, having a gut feeling it would screw him over. "The first reason is this bar. As I previously mentioned, it's counterproductive to have this bar here. Alcoholism is a sin, is it not? In addition, your patrons can overindulge themselves in your beverages and that can end poorly for those attempting to redeem themselves." Mordekaiser finished creating his scratch along the bar before continuing again.

"A second reason is the sheer impracticality of this hotel. Of how it won't accomplish want you desire." Said Mordekaiser as he looked at Princess Charlie, who had her tears flowing down her eyes, hurt at what Mordekaiser was saying about her hotel. The grey-skinned Sinner was at her side, comforting the Princess while glaring at Mordekaiser. The Iron Revenant ignored this as he continued. "If I recall correctly, having watched a recording of that interview you had some time ago, you desire an alternate way to deal with the overpopulation in Hell, particularly in the Pride Ring where all Sinners reside. Tell me Princess, do you know how many people arrive in Hell every day? Every hour? Every minute? Even every second? If you did, then you would know just how unrealistic it is to believe this single hotel can deal with the overpopulation issue in Hell better than the Exterminations ever could, much less replace them." Mordekaiser then looked around the lobby, judging its size and how many people it can reasonably hold.

"This hotel can hold a few hundred people at a time, perhaps a couple thousand if adequately directed." Said Mordekaiser as he surveyed the hotel lobby and found it wanting. "And given the natural stubbornness or inclination Sinners have towards maintaining who they are, it'll take, at best, months to reform them to a standard that Heaven would find appropriate enough for them to welcome them to Heaven. Assuming they would even do that in the first place. Given that amount of time, do you honestly believe you can redeem enough people that the Exterminations would no longer be necessary? Because, from where I see things, you won't be able to redeem enough people to offset the number of Sinners arriving daily to Hell. And if you can't do that, how is this hotel going to stop the Exterminations?" Charlie looked at the Sinner who asked that question with slight hesitation before answering his question. Rubbing her tears away, Princess Charlie spoke up.

"Well, the plan is to first start with this hotel." Said Charlie as she looked at the tall and, quite frankly, intimidating Sinner as she explained her plans for the future. "Then, after we redeemed enough Sinners to gain traction, we'll expand. Place good, honest people in those branches and then we'll, in time, be able to redeem more people than those that are coming into Hell, making it the Extermination are no longer needed to reduce our overpopulation problem. I know that it all sounds like it'll take too long, but this is the best option for all of us. We'll not only be reducing our overpopulation issues, but we'll also be strengthening our bond with Heaven and making life in Hell a better place for all. Isn't that a worthy goal to strive for?" Mordekaiser just chuckled at that. A chuckle that sent chills up everyone's spine, even Moxxies'. Just like the Imps that head it before, this chuckle wasn't like anything that Charlie and her employees and patron heard before. It wasn't filled with sick amusement or joy like so many nobles and Overlords had in their laughs. This chuckle was filled with malice and hatred. And a coldness that can make even the bravest or reckless of hearts or to freeze in fear upon hearing that dark chuckle.

"An amusing goal." Said Mordekaiser as he walked over to Princess Charlie. Her grey-skinned companion holding firm at the tall Sinner coming at her and Charlie. Despite her obvious fear at him, she was holding her ground. Unlike the other two, who were steadily moving away from him. It seemed at least one of these Sinners had courage. "If a bit childless and naïve. Princess Charlie, your goal is nothing short of impossible to achieve. It would take too long to accomplish and it will not solve Hell's problems. No, the Exterminations will continue on and this little hotel will just be a silly little project that will accomplish nothing except be a way to make a naïve Princess feel better about herself. That she's making a difference when in reality she's only doing something that will only benefit a small margin of Hell's population. That she is making strides to improve life in Hell when in actuality she is doing nothing of real consequence in the grand scale that is Hell." By now Mordekaiser was close to Charlie and her Sinner friend, both of them holding their ground, though Charlie was shaking in her feet, tears reflowing down her face as she looked at Mordekaiser, hurt from everything he was saying to her. "Tell me, Princess, after everything I said, do you still believe in the validity of your little hotel?"

Charlie, upon hearing that question, opened her mouth to speak when she suddenly heard a loud and boisterous laughter.

"Oh my! What a wonderous view you have regarding the hotel, my good man!" Yelled a masculine voice that had radio static in it along with traces of amusement. Upon hearing that, Mordekaiser then felt a hand on his left shoulder. Looking over there, he quickly spotted a Sinner with ashen gray skin and red hair with deer-like ears on top of his head. The Sinner was quite tall, taller than the princess, who was quite tall herself, but not enough to eclipse Mordekaiser in height. The Sinner also wore an elegant dark red dress coat that had tatters near the bottom with light red vermilion strips were vertical along the dress coat. Underneath the dress coat was a bright red undershirt, decorated with a black upside down cross. Curious.

His pants were burgundy in color and his shoes were colored black. A bow tie the color of fine wine was over his undershirt. He wore burgundy-colored gloves fit perfectly over his four clawed fingers, which held red tipped claws and knuckles. Finally, Mordekaiser can make out a fluffy red and black deer tail hidden beneath the lower part of the Sinner's dress coat.

Though this Sinner looked harmless and seemingly no threat, Mordekaiser knew better. Even the Imps that didn't reside in Pride knew who this Sinner was and were fearful at what will happen if they incur his wrath. This Sinner was Alastor, better known as the Radio Demon. One of Hell's most recent and powerful Overlords. At the moment anyway.

From what Mordekaiser learned of the Radio Demon, upon arriving in Hell, Alastor quickly toppled Overlords in Pride left and right. Overlords that had ruled for centuries and held power that enabled them to hold their positions for so long with the strongest being so strong that they rivaled the power of the various nobles in Hell. And yet, Alastor, a recent arrival to Hell, managed to topple them by himself and become one of the most feared Overlords in Hell to date. How he managed to do so such a feat in such a short time since coming to Hell was a mystery that those that bothered with such knowledge wanted to know. Mordekaiser amongst them. Though, unlike them, Mordekaiser already held that knowledge. Knowledge that he found most amusing.

"Ah, the Radio Demon." Said Mordekaiser as he looked upon one of Hell's many Overlords, a title created by Lucifer for those that weren't born in any of the noble families in Hell but managed to garner great power through whatever means. While Millie and Moxxie were frightened to see such a powerful Sinner, having heard stories about the Radio Demon and heard his broadcasts since their time in Hell, and Joe and Lin were nervous around Alastor, getting a gut feeling that pissing him off was a bad idea, Mordekaiser wasn't so scared. In fact, calling him scared would be an utter lie as he starred down the Radio Demon as Alastor gave him his typical Chesire-like smile as he intruded upon Mordekaiser's personnel space. "I had heard you were assisting in the Princess' little project. I suspect its for your own amusement. Am I correct on that?"

"Well, my dear fellow! You would be right on that!" Yelled Alastor as he got up real close and personnel with Mordekaiser, latching his left arm around the Iron Revenant's frame and pulling him in real close. Moxxie, upon seeing this, began to actually fear for the Radio Demon's life as he wasn't sure how his father would react to the Radio Demon getting so close to him without permission. In fact, he was starting to worry about everyone in the immediate vicinity as well as himself as Alastor continued to talk and continued to be in his father's personnel space without permission. "This here hotel is something I'm investing in. An investment in entertainment." Mordekaiser couldn't help but chuckle at that. This one of amusement.

"And this only further proves my point, Princess." Said Mordekaiser as he looked at Princess Charlie again. "Your sole investor is only in it for himself and his own desires. He doesn't actually believe in your cause. In fact, I believe none of these Sinners, baring the one comforting you, believe in your cause. Am I wrong to believe that?"

"Not really." Said the Spider Sinner with a nonchalant tone as he drank a glass of alcohol, uncaring about the tense atmosphere. The Cat Sinner just gave a grunt before doing the same thing. Mordekaiser looked at Alastor, who just nodded. "As I was saying, this hotel and your goal is nothing short of a waste of time. The resources spent on this hotel are better spent on more a productive and practical application. One that I think you would agree with." Although Charlie was still upset at the Sinner's harsh words and his mocking of her hotel, she couldn't help but wonder what he was speaking of.

"And what would that be?" Asked Charlie, curious but also praying that it wasn't anything bad or anything. Mordekaiser, fortunately, didn't reply anything bad. In fact, it was actually something that Moxxie and Charlie never expected to hear from him.

"Societal reform programs aimed towards improving life in Hell." Said Mordekaiser, surprising everyone with his response. Some because they didn't expect to hear such a comment from a cold and cruel sounding individual. Others because they didn't expect such a suggestion in Hell at all. "Projects that are aimed toward improving life in Hell through a variety of ways. Whether that be educational, social, or even economical, I believe we should not be trying to redeem people and send them to Heaven. No. I believe we should be trying to make life in Hell better for the average citizen. To create a better society in Hell. To make it the envy of Heaven and even the living world. To become something more merely being a place for the sinful and demons. Tell me, Princess. Is that not a better alternative to your hotel? Do you not wish to rather make your home better than it is at the moment over making them go to Heaven? Tell me the honest truth." Upon hearing all that, Princess Charlie grasped her left elbow, a look of hesitation in her face, before responding.

"Of course I would like that." Said Princess Charlie honestly. "If it weren't for the Exterminations, and our overpopulation issue, I would have this hotel be…well I still would make it a rehabilitation hotel but we would also be making advances on making Hell a better place too. We would be helping the homeless, the sick. All of the less fortunate souls in Hell. I would even be advocating for social reforms in Hell so that the common people won't be abused or taken advantage of so much by the various nobles and Overlords in Hell. But…I can't do any of that. Not when we have the Exterminations going on and we have overpopulation issues. If we don't take of those issues first, then there won't be many people that will benefit from the changes we're making to Hell's society. I know you don't want to hear this, but this is the best option we have. It'll take time, maybe too much time for some, but we don't have many great options at the moment. I'm sorry." Instead of getting angered with her words, Mordekaiser simply chuckled again. That same dark chuckle that got everyone's spines growing cold.

"You have this thought because you do not see the other options, Princess." Said Mordekaiser, saying Princess Charlie's title with mockery in his voice. "Tell me, does Hell have a standing army?" Charlie, stunned to hear the question when they were just talking about social reforms, just shook her head.

"No, the various noble families and Overlords have minions and even trained soldiers under their employ, but there's not really an army to speak of." Said Princess Charlie as she looked at Mordekaiser, who she still didn't know his name, unsure of what he was trying to say. Neither did Moxxie for that matter too. What did an army have in common with social and economical reformations?

"And that is one of the main reasons why we, the people of Hell, have to endure the Exterminations. And why our leaders are nothing but failures." Said Mordekaiser, causing gasps to come from everyone baring Alastor, who just raised an eyebrow at what Mordekaiser just said.

"Did he just…" Thought the gray-skinned Sinner as she looked at Mordekaiser in bewilderment, her anger at him temporarily gone.

"Does this guy have a death wish?" Thought Joe and Lin as they looked at Mordekaiser/Rogier in shock and a hint of admiration on their faces. Never had they heard anyone say such things about Hell's most powerful figures in such a way in the open and in front of others. While sober that is. If it weren't for the potential fallback on their families for showing support or agreement to Mordekaiser, they have a freaking Overlord in the same room at the moment after all, they would be shaking Mordekaiser/Rogier's hand firmly as he just gained their complete respect for having the balls to say that out loud in front of some of Hell's most known figures. It also made them wonder why the fuck a shrimp like Moxxie was adopted by this crazy yet brave Sinner.

"Holy shit! My daddy in law is awesome!" Thought Millie as she looked at her father-in-law in awe and amazement. Not only was he strong, cared about Moxxie, but also had the biggest set of balls that she had ever seen. No one, and she meant no one, had the guts to say such things to Hell's top honchos. Until now it seems. Oh, she can't wait to get to know Moxxie's dad more.

"Oh dad. Why do you have to be so crazy sometimes." Thought Moxxie as he looked at his dad, wondering just how crazy one has to be to say such things in front of a powerful Overlord and the daughter of the King of Hell himself. He loved his dad, truly he did, but its stuff like this that makes him question his sanity at times. That and the fact that he left him alone to go met up with a magic hating village in a Demacia when he was ten years old. While everyone was recovering from such a bold statement, Alastor was speaking up.

"Well, I must say, that was quite a bold statement." Said Alastor, finding amusement at all this, judging by how he hugged Mordekaiser even harder than before. "Quite entertaining, to say the least, but if you think an old-fashioned army and good old gung-ho attitude is going to solve our little problem with the people up there, then your crazier than I thought! And that's saying something! After all, I'm investing in this ridiculous hotel!" While Alastor laughed at his own words, Mordekaiser looked at Alastor. Although it looked like he was only looking at the Radio Demon, Moxxie can tell that Mordekaiser wasn't pleased with him at all. In fact, he seemed almost angry at him.

"I'd recommend you choose your next words carefully, Radio Demon." Said Mordekaiser, his voice somehow colder than before. "Otherwise, you will taste something you have not endured since coming to Hell." Rather than be afraid at his words, Alastor looked at Mordekaiser with amusement.

"And what exactly would that be, my good sir?" Asked Alastor, deciding to amuse this Sinner a bit after all the amusement he provided him.

"Defeat and humiliation." Said Mordekaiser as he looked at Alastor with his hooded face, allowing Alastor to see that there was nothing resembling a face on this Sinner. Just a black void of nothing. "So I advise you to think on what to say next or else I'll be the first one to ever be recorded in defeating the Radio Demon in battle as well as serving him a much-needed lesson in humility." Upon uttering those words, the atmosphere in the hotel's lobby grew colder than before. Everyone was watching in both anticipation and fear as they looked upon both Alastor and Moxxie's dad, wondering what each will do to the other after that declaration. A few moments passed before Alastor burst out laughing.

"*Laughing* Oh I haven't been this entertained since the Princess' little brawl in the picture show!" Yelled Alastor as he wiped his face of the tears that he made from laughing so hard, letting go of Mordekaiser in the process, backing away as well. After he was done, he looked at Mordekaiser with his typical smile. "My dear boy, thank you for making me laugh so hard, but I must say that is enough for the day. Otherwise," Alastor's red eyes briefly turned to red radio dials as radio static filled the room, unnerving the Imps, the Sinners, baring the Cat Sinner it seemed, and Charlie as they all witnessed Alastor unleashing his power. The Radio Demon then tilted his head slightly, letting his magic flow all around them, distorting reality. While everyone else was unnerved at this or didn't care, Mordekaiser stood firm, uncaring at the witness of such power. "We may end up biting off more than we could chew." Rather than being intimidated, Mordekaiser continued to stare down Alastor, as if pondering what to do. Finally, before he could act, Moxxie stepped in.

"Okay, I think that's enough intimidation and scariness for one day." Said Moxxie, butting into the conversation finally. Although he still wasn't sure who would win in a fight between his dad and the Radio Demon, Moxxie was sure it would be a very messy fight. One that he was eager to avoid, if only because he liked to just have a nice, relaxing day without having something to worry about. Like retaliation from a crazed Overlord or the royal family for hurting their daughter. Getting between his dad and Alastor, Moxxie spoke up again. "So, how about we all just calm down and go on with our lives. I think we overstayed our welcome and we should be going. Thanks for everything, Princess! And apologies for everything my dad said."

Mordekaiser, hearing all that, looked at his adopted son and was about to speak when Alastor laughed again.

"Well, isn't this precious!" Yelled Alastor, turning back to normal. As normal as he possibly could be. Pinching Moxxie's cheeks, Alastor gave him a very creepy smile. "A little Imp trying to act like a big boy! I do applaud your bravery, my dear boy, but this is a conversation between gentleman and…well an arrogant man. Not something people like yourself should intervene in." Moxxie, feeling slightly insulted at what the Radio Demon was saying, tried to speak up when Alastor spoke up again. "So, try not to butt in boy," It was then that Alastor reverted back to his form a few moments ago and the room was filled with radio static once again. ", unless you want to endure the consequences." Gulping and shaking in his shoes, Moxxie looked at the Radio Demon in fear. Behind him, he could somehow feel Millie's angry at the Radio Demon for scaring her husband. Before either Imp could say or do anything, Mordekaiser spoke up.

"I believe the one that will suffer consequences is you." Said Mordekaiser ominously, a hint of anger present in his voice, before acting. Faster than anyone can react, Mordekaiser used his left hand to backhand Alastor, slapping his face so hard that he was actually sent to the ground. While everyone was stunned at this, Mordekaiser was already upon the Radio Demon.

Grabbing his head, Mordekaiser quickly grabbed his lower jaw and then effortlessly ripped it off from its hinges. Shocked at this, reality returned to normal as Alastor lost his concentration. Before he could do anything, Mordekaiser was already upon him again.

Slamming his right foot on Alastor's chest, pinning him in place, Mordekaiser then grabbed both of his arms before ripping them off single handily. Everyone then heard Alastor scream in agony, something none of them ever thought they would hear, before Mordekaiser started to beat Alastor with his own arms. Quite mercilessly it seems.

Horrified as she saw the brutality that Mordekaiser was displaying at beating up her only investor, Charlie had enough and tried to make him stop.

"Stop!" Yelled Charlie as she saw the one-sided beating that Alastor was enduring with no sign of it stopping. "Please stop! You made your point!" Wincing a bit as she saw Mordekaiser slam Alastor's right arm into his ribcage, causing some ribs to crack, Charlie tried to plead with Mordekaiser again to make him stop hurting Alastor while everyone else was horrified, stunned, or awed at what they were seeing. The Radio Demon in a fight and losing badly.

Never before had any of them seen such a brutal beating before. Sure, they all had seen violence and people killing others, yes, but never did any of them see someone so brutally hurt another Sinner in the way that Mordekaiser was doing to Alastor. Never did anyone see someone ripping another person's arms off with their bare hands then followed up with beating them with said arms. It was like Moxxie's dad was a barbarian that cared little about formality, honor, or even just basic decency. Alastor was sadistic and a psychopath, yes, but he still had some decency and manners. This Sinner on the other hand.

Seeing the brutality still going on, Charlie decided to forcibly stop it. By utilizing her own powers.

"I said stop!" Yelled Charlie before her eyes turned blood red and red horns grew out of her head. She then raised her hands and summoned a pair of large, red hands, both of which grabbed Mordekaiser and forced him off Alastor. Though it took a surprisingly amount of effort on Charlie's part to do so. Slamming Mordekaiser to the wall and pinning him there, Charlie looked at Alastor and couldn't help but gag at the sorry state he was in. If she didn't know what Alastor looked like already, she would have had trouble figuring out what he looked like after the brutal beating Mordekaiser gave him.

He was unconscious it seemed, which was good because she suspected the fight would continue on and taken to even more depths of brutality if he was conscious. Although that may not be possible with just how broken Alastor's face and body was. And all this was just with that Sinner's bare hands. Or rather, Alastor's own arms.

While Charlie was focused on Alastor, Mordekaiser looked at the Princess and everyone else eyeing the broken body of the Radio Demon, before speaking.

"I advise you, Princess." Said Mordekaiser, causing everyone to look at him instead. Reveling at the mixed expressions of awe, fear, and even respect, Mordekaiser resumed speaking. "To keep your deer under a tighter lease. Otherwise, the next time I have to deal with him will make this lesson in humility look tame in comparison. Is that clear?" Charlie, stunned to hear that, couldn't say anything as Mordekaiser forcibly teared himself free of the hands that held him, quite easily it seemed. After doing so, he looked at Charlie again, expecting an answer to his question. Seeing this, Charlie couldn't do anything but nod. Satisfied at that, Mordekaiser looked at Moxxie and the other Imps, who were all looking at him in both fear and awe.

"We are leaving." Said Mordekaiser. "The barbeque should be done or close to done by now. Let us leave before the food gets cold." With that, Mordekaiser began to leave the hotel. He was soon followed by Millie and her parents. Moxxie was the last to leave the hotel. Just before he left, however, he took a second to glance at Princess Charlotte and her…friends he'll call them. Seeing them all look at the Radio Demon's body was expected as none of them ever expected such a savage beating on him, but it was the look of pain on Princess Charlotte's face that made him feel pity for her. Although he wanted to stay and comfort her, he knew that he wasn't the right person for the job and he really needed to be going. Thus, he left the hotel, leaving the Princess to deal with her own hurt by herself and her friends.

Meanwhile

Blitzo

After convincing Stolas to wash up a bit and get dressed, Blitzo was sitting in a table within Stolas' bedroom. After waiting for a couple of minutes, Blitzo was getting more and more impatient with the noble. Just how long does it take to take a quick bath and dress up? After a few more minutes of waiting, Blitzo was about to go get Stolas himself when the door to the bedroom opened and out came Stolas himself. Dressed in his typical regal attire. There were still patches of feathers missing from his body, but aside from that, the noble looked like his typical self. Seeing this, Blitzo just nodded as Stolas took a seat opposite of Blitzo. Looking directly at his little Imp lover, Stolas waited for Blitzo to speak. When Blitzo realized this, he spoke up.

"Alright, Stolas, I think we got to talk about your daughter and how she found a better dad than you." Said Blitzo as he looked at Stolas, completely serious. Stolas sighed at that before nodding.

"Yes." Said Stolas quietly before beginning a rant. "Like, why the fuck is she choosing that fucking golden piece of shit over her own fucking birth father? Like what does that fucker have that I don't? Golden décor? Please, yellow is such a shit color to choose for a primary wardrobe color. Money? I have so much more than that fucker. He owns a whole city, huh? Well, my family owns a big fucking portion of both the Pride and Greed Rings! Much more than what that city provides! Like why the fuck would she choose him over me! Why!?" Stolas yelled this out in both rage and also sadness. Seeing this, it was clear to Blitzo that Stolas was very hung up on this. He clearly loved his daughter very much and it hurt him that she choose someone she barely met to her own father. It was like someone stole something precious from you and used it to hurt you. Knowing the feeling too well, Blitzo spoke up to Stolas once the noble calmed down enough for him to speak.

"Well, I don't know much of your daughter or how to solve her edgy teen phase, much less get you two back as good father and daughter, but what I do know is that you really need to talk to you daughter, Stolas." Said Blitzo seriously. "Like really talk to her. No bullshit going to amusement parks and hope that things will turn out fine by themselves. No, you need to find out what she wants from you and then put the time and effort into getting her to love you back again, Stolas. Because nothing is shittier than having family that you love but they absolutely hate you. Believe me, I know the feeling." Stolas, upon hearing all that and pondering the validity about it all, looked at his lover before nodding his head.

"I suppose it wouldn't hurt to try that, my little Blitzy." Said Stolas as he thought about it. "But how will I go about getting Octavia to love me again? She seems pretty content in not speaking to me again."

"Well that just means you're going to have to try hard to get her love back." Said Blitzo in annoyance before sighing. "Look Stolas, if you really love your daughter, you'll do all you can to get her love back and let nothing stop you from getting it back. Life isn't always going to give you handouts. Sometimes, you got to work to get what you want. And this is one of those times." Stolas pondered on what Blitzo just said and found he couldn't help but agree. His daughter meant the world to him and he'll do anything to make her love him as a father again. And if that meant fighting to regain her love, then so be it. With that in mind, Stolas shook his head a bit before giving Blitzo a determined look on his face. This caused Blitzo to smirk. It seemed Stolas was properly motivated now. "So, are you ready to get your daughter back from that fucking piece of shit bird that took your daughter? Even if it means fighting that fucker." Stolas just nodded in response.

"Good." Said Blitzo before standing up. "Listen, I'd love to stay and chat more, but I got a daughter to take care of and have fun with. See you the next time we fuck, okay Stolas." The noble Prince simply chuckled at what Blitzo said before nodding.

"Very well, Blitzy." Said Stolas as he watched Blitzo take his leave. "But we'll be fucking extra hard the next time we met. Understood."

"Yeah whatever." Said Blitzo before leaving the same way he got back in. With the Imp gone, Stolas got up and went straight to Octavia's room, eager to finally end the animosity between him and his daughter.

Meanwhile

Moxxie

Family Barbeque location

"Well today was quite a day." Thought Moxxie as he looked up at the red sky of pride. Behind him was the sounds of a party going on. After returning back to the rest of Millie's family, the family barbeque began in earnest. Delicious meat was in abundance along with drinks and foods of all kinds. Before the feast began, Joe and Lin gave a speech to the assembled family, saying how they're all proud of them and hope they have a prosperous life. They also gave a special speech to his adopted dad, Mordekaiser/Rogier, that, more or less, just praised his fighting prowess and views on combat and violence. Nothing more. What his dad felt about that, Moxxie didn't know. What he did know was that as soon as the feast began, Moxxie took his plate and went to a soft patch of dirt to think about the trip to the Happy Hotel. Or was it Hazbin Hotel?

Sighing, he thought about Princess Charlotte and how hurt and devastated she was when his dad said those things to her. Those, admittedly horrible, but still true things about her hotel and how unrealistic it all was. While Moxxie did agree with his dad that the hotel seemed doomed to fail or, at the very best, not do what the Princess wanted it to do, his father could have been a little more tactful with how he went saying it to the Princess. Granted, his dad wasn't the most tactful of people, being very blunt and that hasn't gone away since he left Mitna Rachnun, but still. To see the Princess so hurt left Moxxie feeling pity for the girl. He wanted to comfort her, but he knew that he wasn't the right person for that. That was up to her friends at the hotel. Not him.

His thoughts soon moved from Princess Charlotte to his father's words back at the hotel. Of the strange things he said. About Hell needing a standing army and those social reform programs. He wanted to reform Hell's society yet he also desired Hell to have an army as well. To act as a deterrent against Heaven from doing its annual Exterminations. He could see the logic in it, yes, but he wondered why he spoke those two things almost back-to-back with one another. Did he value one over the other? Or did his father believe they needed both to reform Hell's society? Or was the army talk just a way for him to prove Hell's hierarchy was flawed and stupid. Moxxie didn't know and it was chewing his mind out. He was so busy thinking about the practicality of doing both at the same time that he didn't hear his wife coming up to him until he heard her voice.

"Moxxie, are you okay?" Asked Millie as she walked up to her husband, sitting on a patch of dirt some distance away from her family. Hearing his wife, Moxxie looked over at her walking up to him with a big plate of food. Although she didn't look worried, Moxxie can tell that she was a bit worried for her husband.

"I'm okay, honey." Said Moxxie as Millie sat next to him, her plate of food next to his. "Just thinking about what my dad said to the Princess is all." Curious, upon hearing that, Millie asked him what about it. "Well, you know what my dad does for a living, right?"

"Yeah, he runs a bunch of businesses and has a bunch of charities around the Pride Ring, right?" Said Millie, recalling what Moxxie said about what his father does for a living when she first asked him. Back when they were still only dating, Millie had asked Moxxie what his dad does for a living. Moxxie had replied that he owned several successful businesses in Pride. Successful enough businesses that he managed to start up and afford to maintain some of the very few charities in Hell.

Contrary to what some people thought, there are indeed a few charities in Hell meant to help improve people's lives in Hell. Although, perhaps calling them charities would be a mockery of those on Earth. The charities in Hell, while they do help the less fortunate folks in Hell, they typically, if not always, have a caveat or string attached to their services. In exchange for something, usually a contract that states what one needs to do in order to access their services and items, people can get whatever the charity provides. So, perhaps it would be less appropriate to call Hell's "charities" charities and deem them more like…work in exchange for goods, for the lack of a term.

Moxxie's father runs some of these "charities" and though they aren't that much different from the others in Hell, they were regarded as some of the more reasonable charities in Hell. One can even go as far as to say they're shockingly generous. At least in regards to what the charities offer in exchange for something.

For his father's charities, in exchange for a lifetime of service to him or any of those he deems trustworthy enough a person and their entire families receive not only massive aid in the form of a stable place to live, but also decent food and a chance to earn money for themselves by doing whatever tasks his father and his subordinates has them do. They were also given protection from the next Extermination when it occurs as well as an actual decent healthcare program. All in exchange for a lifetime of service to his father and whoever he decides can get such a service and not abuse it for their own gains.

Although to the denizens of Hell think this is just a common tactic to gain cheap labor, Moxxie knew that those that signed a contact with his father were going to be apart of his army when he conquers all of Hell. His father needed all the muscle he can get after and what better way to do that than pull something like that to gain more soldiers for his army. Even if it wasn't the most reliable way to gain competent soldiers. And even then, it served a purpose in making people more inclined to support his father when he becomes the new ruler of Hell.

Going back to his father, although Moxxie was still supportive and loyal to his father's end goals, he can't help but be a little shaken with today's events.

"Yeah." Said Moxxie before explaining his feelings to his wife. "My dad runs a lot of businesses and charities in Hell. Most of which are focused on more mundane shit, like apartments and factories. Stuff that really don't make you think he believes Hell needs an army or something. Don't get me wrong, he's a good businessman and I love him, but I can't help but wonder what he wants sometimes."

"What do you mean, Moxxie?" Asked Millie in confusion. "It seems pretty clear what he wants in Hell from that meeting with the Princess."

"Yeah, reforming Hell's societal structure and making improving life here for all of us. Not just nobles and Sinners." Said Moxxie as he looked at his wife. "I agree with him, hell I agreed with him all my life, but after what he did to the Radio Demon and what he said to the Princess, I can't help but wonder if his intentions are as altruistic as I once thought they were." Millie rose an eyebrow at that.

"You do realize we're in Hell, honey?" Asked Millie, causing Moxxie to sigh.

"I know that, but back when I was a kid, my dad allowed me to witness Hell by myself. He did this because he wanted me to judge if he was right. If Hell needed to change and all that." Explained Moxxie. "And, during that time alone, I'd seen things that just prove my father is right. The upper class, the nobles and the powerful, taking advantage of…well everyone else. The constant backstabbing and taking advantage of others. Poor healthcare and education. Everything. And let's not talk about the corruption in Hell. Everything about Hell is so wrong and my father is so right that things need to change for the better. Its just that today made me question if his way is the correct way is all. He literally berated the Princess for doing something truly altruistic for Hell's people and basically mutilated her only investor. I just never thought he would do something like that while claiming that he knew what was best for Hell."

"Really?" Asked Millie, in surprise. "I mean, Moxxie, I reiterate before, you do realize this is Hell, right? And your dad is a Sinner. I mean its pretty much a given that he's done some bad things to end up here. Did you really think there wasn't any bad things about him? Like at all?"

Moxxie wished he could tell his wife the full truth of his father. Of what she was being kept in the dark about his father and what he planned on doing to Hell to make better. But his father likely didn't want that yet. As much as Moxxie wanted to, his father forbid it. Not until he was fully sure that Millie and her family can be trusted to know what he really is and what he really planned for Hell. So, much as Moxxie found it distasteful to keep such a big secret from his wife, he refrained from telling her.

"I know all that, Millie." Said Moxxie. "It's just that…well I thought the Princess would be an invaluable ally to his goal of bettering Hell. When I heard about what she planned to do and what she wanted for all of us, I thought they would work great together. Sure, they have a lot of differences in what to do regarding improving life in Hell, but they want the same goal, right? Well, today that proved they'll never be allies and it kind of bumped me out. That and the fact my dad did what he did to the Radio Demon. Well…it left me a bit shaken. I mean, how can my dad claim to know what's best for Hell when he goes and basically mutilates anyone that pisses him? Which is pretty much any smartass like Alastor or Blitzo for that matter."

"Oh Moxxie." Said Millie as she hugged her husband. "I don't know your dad as much as you, but I think that you're being too harsh on your dad. He's clearly trying to improve life in Hell like the Princess, but is going for a more practical approach than redemption. And one that benefits us all, not just Sinners. Sure, he's a bit heavy handed and a bit brash, but that's just who he is. You can't just change his nature just so you can have to do everything you like. That ain't what a relationship with your dad is about. I mean, there are things I disagree with that you do and I still married you. That's one of the things about having a relationship. Understanding the flaws of the other person, seeing if you can endure and accept them if they're okay to have. People are people, Mox. They're not copies of you. Some of great or even just okay to have. And others are you're better off not having around, like all those Exes of yours. You're dad ain't one of them bastards or bitches. Trust me on that. I'd seen shitty dads before and, let me assure you, you're daddy ain't one of them. He's one of the good ones, baby." Moxxie was stunned to hear all this from his wife. To hear her give such thoughtful advice. To the ignorant, they would be shocked that a hillbilly girl from Wrath could give such thought-provoking advice, but Moxxie knew how smart his wife is. How, underneath all that fighting prowess and muscle, there was one of the kindest hearts in all of Hell. It made him feel even luckier than he already was to have such an amazing woman as a wife. And she was about to prove that even more with her next words.

"Besides, you kind of have to be like him in Hell. This ain't like Heaven or even on Earth, Moxxie." Said Millie as she gave her husband a kind smile, showing her love for him despite lecturing him regarding their home and its general societal issues. "This is where the scum of the living as well as those poor sabs that don't match the criteria for what those bastards up in Heaven want for their souls. You got to be one mean, tough, and resourceful son of a bitch if you want to make a difference in this place. All of which your dad is. And besides," Millie then let go of her husband and gave him a smile. "If your dad is as half the man you think he is, then you should have no problem talking to him and telling him about how you feel about his actions. You're his son. He'll listen to you." Moxxie, upon hearing all that, smiled at his wife.

"Thanks, Millie." Said Moxxie honestly. He gave her a quick peck on the cheek before getting up. "Let's get back to everyone else. No doubt our parents are wondering where we are." Millie just nodded at that before following her husband to where their parents and the rest of Millie's family was. As the walked, Moxxie spotted his dad getting swarmed by Millie's family at the dinner table they set up. No doubt they learned about what he did to the Radio Demon and were eager to get to know him. Seeing his dad patiently, but somewhat annoyed, endure being swarmed by people, made Moxxie chuckle a bit. It almost made him forget what his dad did a few hours ago. Almost.

Later

Despite the fears of some from Millie's family that the barbeque would end up being a disaster or just a waste of time, the barbeque had ended up being a complete success. Even more so than Millie dared hoped it would be. Just as Moxxie had predicated everyone from Millie's family was skeptical at interacting with Moxxie's father, believing him to be just a boring businessman that doesn't know a thing about war and killing things with his bare hands. But when they heard about his fight with the Radio Demon, they immediately changed tunes about him. Although none of them really knew about the Radio Demon, they knew that he was an Overlord and that meant he was one though cookie. So, naturally, they began opening up to him and boy did they really get to like Moxxie's dad.

Not only did Mordekaiser favor a great many things that Millie's family also favored, like hand-to-hand combat and the thrill of battle, but he also impressed them by beating Millie's strongest brother in an arm wrestling competition. A sort of initiation set up by Millie's brothers and sister so as to see if Moxxie's dad was the real deal. Millie's strongest brother, a broad-chested man by the name of Evander, was, without a doubt, the strongest-looking Imp that Moxxie has ever seen. Trained since birth to become a farmhand for Joe and Lin's ranch, Evander had worked in that ranch for all his life and it showed.

Bulging muscles everywhere. Not a single ounce of fat is found anywhere in his body. Evander was a musclebound Imp and it showed quite clearly in his body as well as achievements. In every physical competition Evander has ever competed in, he always scored first place. He never lost any of them and thus he had a sense of arrogance when he challenged his dad to an arm-wrestling competition. An arrogance that, while somewhat founded, would go away when his father proceeded to beat him with ease in literally the start of the arm-wrestling competition. After getting fid of the shock at being beaten so easily, Evander let out a laughing fit and gave Mordekaiser a bump to the shoulder with a big smile, showing his acceptance of him. This was soon followed by the rest of Millie's family, who accepted him as well if not already.

While Moxxie was happy that Millie's family accepted his dad, he was somewhat jealous that they all liked his dad so quickly after their first meeting with him and yet they still dislike him despite knowing him for months. Although it was probably true that they'll come to accept him after meeting his dad, Moxxie had wanted to earn their acceptance through his own merits not because they liked his dad or because they didn't want to incur his wrath, the latter likely still occuring once they learn who his dad really is. So, it made him sad that it seemed that it was because of his dad that he'll gain the approval of Millie's family, not because of anything on his end.

Despite that upset, however, Moxxie couldn't help but feel pride for his dad when he made a speech to everyone after Joe and Lin gave him the go ahead, wondering what he'll say to everyone including him.

Getting up from his seat after Joe and Lin gave their consent for him to make a speech after he requested it, Mordekaiser looked at everyone before speaking.

"I must admit, I didn't think much of this family union event. However, you proved me wrong." Said Mordekaiser/Rogier as he looked at Millie's family and his adopted son, who realized that his father was speaking genuinely. He actually enjoyed the barbeque, which was a huge relief to Moxxie. "This was quite an enjoyable event. One that I thank you for inviting me. Clearly this shows just how much better the common people are at throwing celebrations than the nobles that dominate Hell." That caused Lin to actually blush at his praise.

"Oh, you don't need to go and say that to us." Said Lin with a smile. "This ain't that special."

"But it is." Said Mordekaiser/Rogier as he continued to address everyone. "This feast. It's not meant to flaunt your wealth nor as a way to waste resources or other people's time with fake praise and care to others. It's honest in its intentions. That is something that is solely lacking in those celebrations I visit from time to time. For that, I thank you. And to my son for informing me ahead of time regarding this event." Mordekaiser turned to eye his son, who blushed a bit at the attention he was getting. "I wouldn't be here if it weren't for him. Now, there is more I would like to say, unfortunately, I must leave you all now. Duty requires me elsewhere. Therefore I must take my leave. But before I do, however, I would like to say a few things to my son." Upon hearing that, Moxxie looked at his dad in surprise and so was everyone else. Once he was certain that he had everyone's attention, Mordekaiser spoke more.

"Moxxie, though I know that we have not had much interactions with each other since I let you become your own person, know that I am impressed with the Imp that you've become." Said Mordekaiser, looking at his son. Though everyone else baring Moxxie couldn't see it, Mordekaiser was speaking the honest truth to his son. He was genuinely proud of him. "Though I helped led you to the position you have now, it is you alone, along with your wife, that made you become the man that you are now. Though we will certainly disagree on many matters from now on, even argue and fight each other on occasion, I can safely say that I'm proud of the Imp that you have become." With that, Mordekaiser grabbed a mug from the table and walked down to Moxxie, who was sitting a few seats down from him. Walking up to his son, Mordekaiser looked at Moxxie before offering him the mug. Realizing what his father was doing, Moxxie couldn't help but tear up a bit, both from the praise he got from his dad as well as what he was doing, Moxxie took the mug before taking a drink from it.

The drink was incredibly strong and Moxxie felt his entire body burning from drinking the strong alcoholic drink, but Moxxie powered through and drank as much as he could before the urge to stop became too much for him to bear.

Slamming the mug down, Moxxie took a deep breath before looking at everyone around him. While Millie was cheering at him, lunging at him and hugging him tightly, everyone was giving him either looks of respect or amazement from Millie's family. Mordekaiser, however, just nodded at him, showcasing his respect in a different way. With that out of the way, Mordekaiser began to leave to resume what he was always doing since learning of Hell. To conquer it. As he left, Mordekaiser thought of Moxxie and what he'll do next.

The Next Day

Happy/Hazbin Hotel

Charlie just sighed as she sat down on one of the couches in the lobby. Yesterday was, quite frankly, a shitty day. Not only did she get ridiculed by some stranger Sinner, but Alastor got himself beaten up quite badly by the same Sinner. Though he fully recovered in the morning, the fact that he got beat up by a random stranger without getting a hit in and got mutilated so badly left him in a very foul mood. So much so that they all felt his power emitting from his room in the hotel regardless of where they were. After recovering and realizing who humiliated him, Alastor left the hotel to Satan knows where. Although Charlie was certain that they'll hear about what he's up to in the news and his radio broadcasts today.

Sighing again, Charlie thought about the Sinner's words and how much they hurt her. He just didn't understand the situation they're all in. Nor did he understand the power discrepancy between Hell and Heaven. Just how much power Heaven had over Hell. If he could just understand that, then maybe he would understand her viewpoint and that this was the best way forward for all of them. But he didn't and it looked like he won't understand nor would she get a chance to make him understand as she never got his name nor did she know anything about him so she can't get information on him.

Sighing for the third time, Charlie was about ready to get rid of her thoughts of that Sinner and prepare for the day when she heard the doorbell from the front door ring. Curious and hopeful that it was a potential patron, Charlie went up to the door and opened it. What she found surprised her.

In front of her was one of the Imps that visited her yesterday. The small and skinny white-haired one. Surprised to see him here, Charlie eventually asked him to speak, which he did with a nervous tone.

"Hello, Princess." Said Moxxie with a nervous smile. "My name is Moxxie. I don't know if you remember me, but I was here yesterday with me family-in-law and my adopted father." Upon hearing all that, Charlie nodded.

"Of course I remember." Said Charlie, her voice more bitter than she intended it to. Upon seeing the Imp flinch, Charlie apologized. "Oh, don't be scared. I don't blame you for what happened yesterday. That was the fault of that Sinner. That had nothing to do with you."

"Well, it actually did." Said Moxxie, surprising Charlie a bit. "You see, that Sinner that caused you trouble is actually my adopted dad." Charlie blinked in surprise at this, both in surprise at this information and in surprise that a Sinner would adopt an Imp. Let alone someone like the Sinner that came in yesterday.

Processing this information, Charlie realized why this Imp came back and couldn't help but smile a bit at him.

"Well I appreciate you trying to apologize for what your dad did here today, but there's really no need." Said Charlie with a smile of sincerity. "You've done nothing wrong and I don't blame you for anything your father did. It wouldn't be right."

"Still, I want to make amends to you." Said Moxxie with a small smile. "Or at least make start over. If you're okay with that." Charlie, upon hearing that, just flashed a big smile.

"That would be terrific!" Yelled Charlie before grabbing Moxxie and dragging him into the hotel, eager to show him off to everyone.

Meanwhile

Mordekaiser

"Milord, I'm pleased to inform you that we have managed to create another batch of Niskaru. Ones that fulfill the primary purpose of infiltration and assassination." Said Keira as she looked at her lord and master as he sat upon his throne in Mitna Rachnun, happy that he was in his preferred form after spending so much time in his fake persona. Though he was fine with being in that form, Mordekaiser much preferred his typical appearance in Mitna Rachnun over those that he used in Hell. In time, however, that will change.

"Excellent. See that they're used against a few Noxian officers in Ionia." Said Mordekaiser as he looked at Keira, knowing what she desired to use the Niskaru on. "I'm sure that your niece will appreciate the removal of a few Noxian officers."

"I'm sure that she will." Said Keira with a bow.

"And as before, you will oversee how they fare in battle." Said Mordekaiser as he looked at Keira. "If there is nothing else, you may go." With that, Keira bowed her head before leaving. Once she was gone, Mordekaiser thought of Moxxie.

The Imp has changed much since he left Mitna Rachnun. He has become quite the independent Imp and he was proud of him for that. Perhaps a bit too naïve still, but that was something that will go away in time. Pondering on what to do next with him, Mordekaiser suddenly thought of what happened in Shurima sometime ago and couldn't help but feel a sudden wave of…something unpleasant. He squashed it down though and thought about what to do next with his adopted son. As he thought of what to do when a messenger bird suddenly flew to him from one of the few windows in his throne room and screeched at him after landing before him. Understanding what it was saying, Mordekaiser was intrigued with what it said.

"Interesting." Said Mordekaiser as he got up before making his way out of his throne room, eager to see what his little messenger reported from Hell.