PART TWO: HELL BOUND
CH4: Hug Angel For Me
Hours had passed since Eryn left Sera's chambers, yet meditation did little to calm her racing thoughts. Doubt and regret consumed her for the first time, making her question the true purpose of her mission. She struggled to accept Sera's reasoning for evaluating the Hazbin Hotel. To Eryn, it seemed like a futile effort by Princess Charlie Morningstar to redeem sinners. She had mocked this idea during the trial, and her feelings on the matter had not changed.
She also harbored self-doubt. She had never been able to lie before, and while she understood how others could do so, she questioned whether she could maintain her facade, especially with Lute and Sera constantly watching her. Then there was a sense of regret. She had never regretted any of her decisions; every choice and judgment had felt ordained and legitimate. Yet now, she regretted agreeing to Angel's request. She should have asked him to clearly explain why he wanted to lead the Exorcist Army into Hell. She had been curious, so why hadn't she pursued the question?
"Yes, Great Eryn of the Heaven Born," she murmured, her fists tightening around the balcony railing. "Why didn't you ask him?" After a moment, the corner of her lip twitched upward. "It's simple: you trusted him. You trusted him more than any other soul in Heaven."
Eryn grasped the railing and let out an exasperated sigh. "And you let that trust blind you to your duty!" Pushing away from the railing, she turned and strode into her room, slamming the sliding door shut behind her. "Now, despite what Sera said, I'm being punished with this mission. A ridiculous mission to determine whether a fucking hotel in Hell could actually help sinners redeem themselves."
Eryn stopped in her tracks and covered her mouth. With wide eyes, she looked up and whispered, "Please forgive me, my Lord. I have stumbled and spoken a sinner's word."
With a soft scream of frustration, Eryn tucked her wings in and fell backward onto her bed, slamming her fists into the plush quilt. She felt overwhelmed by doubt and regret. Was she really throwing a temper tantrum? The very thought of having to live in Hell felt like a mortal soul facing judgment. Was this how Lucifer had felt, knowing his fate?
Eryn closed her eyes again, attempting to find solace in meditation, calm her spirit, and discover her inner peace.
Then the door chimed.
Are you kidding me? Eryn pushed herself up and huffed. Struggling to keep her tone steady, she called out, "Who is it?"
"It's Emily," the soft, melodious voice of the young Seraphim called from the other side. "I hope I'm not intruding?"
Eryn waved her hand to open the suite's door, allowing the smaller Seraphim to enter. She bowed her head slightly, not so inclined to show fealty at that moment, even to the gentler Seraphim. "Unfortunately, Emily, you are not intruding. Meditation has not granted me its company this evening."
Emily's gentle, warm smile faded. "I heard about your assignment and came to see how you're doing."
"Why?" Eryn hadn't intended for her tone to come off as abrupt, so she quickly added, "I apologize. I'm just on edge."
"Don't be sorry." Emily lowered her head slightly, "If I had been allowed to attend your meeting, I would have strongly opposed Sera's ruling. I believe the Hazbin Hotel can succeed, and we should support Charlie in her quest to redeem as many lost souls as possible."
"Sera's decision isn't just about vetting the hotel, Emily. I am being sent down there to placate Lute. She believes I am just as much to blame for Adam's death as Angel is."
"Absurd," Emily declared. "Adam and Lute gave Angel control of the Exorcist army's strategies, and all you did was provide him with a way to protect himself. How can she blame you for following orders?"
"Because." Eryn fell back onto the bed and looked up at the ceiling. "I let my friendship with him stop me from doing my duty to vet him for the job."
"You let him lie," Emily stated confidently.
"I did." Eryn sighed.
Emily approached the bed and slid onto it, tucking one leg beneath her while allowing the other to hang over the side. "Did you know who he really was when you did?"
"Who he was?" Eryn turned to look at Emily, her expression confused.
"You didn't?" The sly smile on Emily's lips accompanied her voice of amused surprise. "Why, my dear Eryn of the Highborn, do I ever have a story to share with you!"
An hour later, Eryn and Emily sat at a small round table on Eryn's balcony, sharing a carafe of juice and a plate of cinnamon buns. Eryn's eyes were wide, reflecting her astonishment from the story she had just heard. She learned that Angel, whose full name was Kevin Angelus Collins, had died a hero, one who saved countless children and brought down a villain named Bible. Kevin's success was aided by a very special partner: Charlie Morningstar herself.
"What? How!? The Morningstar was on Earth?"
"She was."
"How do you know all of this?" Eryn's stunned expression would not leave her face.
"When Charlie and her friend attended the court hearing, Adam clearly stated what it takes to get into Heaven, and to everyone's surprise, a sinner named Angel Dust completed the checklist. Yet, Adam insisted it didn't matter and made his threat to Charlie very clear." Emily's smile faded at the memory. "I was unhappy to learn Sera herself knew about the executions."
"A lot of subterfuge happened among the elite," Eryn groused. "The hypocrisy of those who judged Lucifer for having unusual ideas sickens me."
"As it does for me, too," Emily agreed. "Anyway, after the hearing, I wanted to learn more about the hotel and what it would take to fulfill Charlie's dream. I locked myself away for a whole month in the Heavenly archives and set to work finding any indication that a soul could be redeemed."
Eryn nodded. "You found something?"
"Oh, did I!" Emily's eyes gleamed. "I found Angel's scroll!"
"Wait!" Eryn gasped. "You opened the secret vault of souls? I know you're a Great Seraphim, but I thought it took a unanimous vote from the high council to open that vault."
"Well." Emily blushed. "After Sera lied to me about knowing about the executions, I wasn't feeling very gracious about following counsel rules. I strongly believed that Charlie's idea could come true, so I wanted to explore Angel Dust's life on Earth to understand why he had ended up in Hell. I swiped the key when Sera wasn't looking, unlocked it, and returned it before going on sabbatical."
"Theft is a sin, Miss Emily," Eryn said, her eyes crinkling.
"Says the one who shirked her duty for a friend," Emily replied gently, maintaining her smile.
Eryn sighed, "Carry on."
"Right. So, I found Anthony's scroll and…"
"Anthony?" Eryn interrupted.
"Sorry. That's Angel Dust's real name. I read his scroll, and it was tragic. But every indication suggested that what he did at the trial demonstrated that he'd truly progressed, showed real concern for others, prevented Niffty from stealing, and stood up for her against the tall moth man. I strongly believed such actions should be considered when determining where a soul ends up, so I took action."
"What… what did you do?" Eryn saw where this was going.
"I am a Seraphim, and therefore I can create policy. I can derive law from any scripture presented in court by a member. Adam established the checklist during an official court hearing and clearly articulated those as lawful grounds for a sinner's redemption. Additionally, I possess the authority to append an addendum to such court-issued declarations if I deem them necessary."
"What did you add?"
"To answer that, I need to explain An... Kevin," Emily smiled. "I admit my curiosity got the better of me, and I looked up his scroll as well. I wanted to know what got him into Heaven and why he had been granted such an unusual position for a human soul. What I found astonished me; he was not only a hero on Earth but was also dating Charlie Morningstar."
Eryn still couldn't believe it when Emily revealed the shocking news for the second time, but she didn't want to interrupt, so she nodded silently.
"His scroll doesn't detail how Charlie was with him, only that she used her powers to aid him in rescuing kidnapped children and helped him come to terms with his own tragic past." Emily paused. She had read the entire scroll and cried for nearly two hours after learning what had happened to Kevin, what had driven him to become the man who would one day become a High Angel. The memory brought a fresh tear to her eye.
She wiped it away as she continued. "What he did was selfless; he sacrificed part of himself for those in need of saving. I believed such a sacrifice—to protect the innocent, those you love, and those in need—was as valid a reason to ascend as anything on Adam's checklist. So, I added 'sacrifice for the greater good' to his list and then ordained it."
Eryn leaned back in her chair. "My, you have been busy."
"I can't explain it." Emily looked conflicted. "But I need you to believe me when I say you will succeed in your mission to find the hotel worthy."
"I admire your confidence, Miss Emily." Eryn didn't share in it. "But knowing about Angel's past and why he asked me to trust him gives me a sense of relief. That maybe what I did was somehow ordained, and he was meant to find his love again. If I, in some way, helped him with that, I can shed this painful feeling of regret."
"Please." Emily reached out and took Eryn's hands in hers. "What you did was lead with your heart, and isn't that what we, as angels, should be doing? Not executing sinful souls, but actively seeking ways to redeem them? I'm actually angry with myself for not realizing this long ago. It's Charlie's dream because she loves her people. She's more of an angel than some of us, it seems."
"I still have to play the part that Sera expects of me. I need to maintain an atmosphere of threat over the hotel. I don't like it. But if I don't, Sera might really exile me." Eryn squeezed Emily's hands. "And as much as I love Angel, I can't live in Hell."
Emily understood Eryn's fear. "In time, I may be able to help you. But for now, follow the orders you've been given, knowing in your heart that you did what's right. I will fight with all that I am to prevent Sera from exiling you."
"Thank you, Emily. I just hope Angel will forgive me in time." Eryn's eyes glistened. "But I sincerely thank you for everything you've shared with me. It makes what I have to do a little easier."
"Then I'll leave you to meditate. I think it will be easier now. From what I've learned, it will be at least a month before you're called to duty. Spend your time in peace so you'll have a clear mind when you go."
"Miss Emily." Eryn stood and bowed, "Most of the time, you display such energy and happiness. But you've also always been a woman of eternal faith, immeasurable wisdom, and strength of character. I have always been in awe of you."
"I put on a cheerful expression," Emily smiled. "Because I love Heaven, all human souls, and guiding them to peace and happiness. I squeal with delight when we receive a new soul that has earned its way to us, and it brings me joy to spread laughter to everyone." Then her smile faded. "But I'm no pushover. I'm no child, and I am not naive. I have lived for millennia and witnessed great evil as well. If I had known about the executions in Hell long ago, you would have seen a very different version of me."
Standing, Emily fluffed out her dress, her smile returning in full force as she took a deep breath. "Because of that, I will be going to Sera soon, armed with all the information I know and what I have done, and I will demand to be informed of the reasons for these executions and to have a voice in the next step we take. No longer will I sit in darkness."
"I would love to see Sera's expression when you do that." Eryn's lips curled into a smile.
With a giggle, Emily picked up one of the snack cakes as a prop. "I'd prefer you only see me as the cheerful, cinnamon-bun ray of sunshine I present to everyone. My mean side would rival Satan, I'm sure."
Eryn chuckled softly. Emily's humor was infectious, and Eryn felt at ease for the first time in days. Perhaps she could meditate now. As this thought crossed her mind, she felt Emily's arms wrap around her, and she froze.
"Emily?" Eryn asked tentatively.
"Give this hug to Kevin for me?" Emily nuzzled her nose on Eryn's shoulder. "Tell him I miss him and I love him."
Eryn sighed with a slight smile and returned the hug, "You have my word."
Stepping back, Emily bowed. "Great Eryn of the Heaven Born. May your journey bring you illumination."
"Miss Emily," Eryn replied with a bow. "I hope yours will be as well."
With a nod, Emily left the suite, leaving Eryn standing there for a full minute, lost in thought about their conversation. Angel and Charlie had been lovers on Earth. Due to their deep connection and Kevin's heroic sacrifice—giving up his soul to save innocent children—he was granted a special place in Heaven.
This led Eryn to believe that everything that had occurred thus far was somehow destined, and perhaps her mission was just as significant. She was determined to fulfill her role as instructed, but now she was resolved to support Angel in any way possible, even if it meant telling some lies to do so.
CH 5: An Unwelcome New Guest
Eryn of the Heaven Born took a deep breath through her nose and let out a sharp cough. The smell of brimstone burned in her nostrils, bringing tears to the corners of her eyes as she took in the sight before her: the Hazbin Hotel.
As Emily had predicted, a whole month went by before Sera announced that the hotel had finally been completed and was ready for Eryn to carry out her assignment.
Lute accompanied Eryn to the portal, looking exceptionally cheerful and eager for her to leave. They exchanged a few terse words, with Eryn reminding Lute that she was on a mission to assess the validity of the Hotel and that she would return to Heaven once her mission was complete. She made it clear that they would have a conversation when she returned.
Lute, however, didn't seem at all fazed by Eryn's thinly veiled threat. She insisted that Eryn go ahead, but surprisingly added that she could take a minute to prepare in private. Eryn watched as Lute stepped back behind the pearly gates and disappeared from view.
It was. Odd.
Eryn had too many worries to concern herself with Lute's eccentricities. Taking a deep breath, she stepped through the entrance and, in seconds, found herself in front of the Hazbin Hotel's main doors. Sera's orders echoed in her mind: threaten her way into the hotel and determine whether it was worthy of Heaven's consideration. With Sera's magic enabling her to lie, Eryn felt more uncertain than ever. The situation was no longer black and white; now it was filled with shades of gray.
And she hated uncertainty.
Even with the knowledge Emily had given her, Eryn had to suppress her feelings and play a role she didn't enjoy. Steeling herself, she approached the large front doors of the hotel and took a moment to survey them. They were a pair of imposing double doors made of metal, framed with tempered opaque glass windows. Their thickness and design meant she couldn't see inside and wondered if those inside could see out. Knowing Kevin, she suspected he had designed the hotel with this feature in mind.
Eryn was about to find out. With her fist clenched, she knocked on the metal frame above the half-moon door handles. She didn't want to enter; instead, she preferred to make them come out to greet her. When no one responded after a moment, she knocked again with more force. This time, it produced results.
Eryn watched as the doors swung open, revealing The Morningstar, dressed in the same outfit she had worn to the court hearing just over a month ago. Her smile was bright and infectious, but it was overshadowed by the weight of what Eryn knew she had to do next.
"Welcome to the Hazbin Hot—" Charlie Morningstar started to announce, but it was cut off by the man behind her. A man Eryn knew very well, and her heart skipped a beat.
"Eryn?!" Kevin gasped in shock.
Oh, how she longed to run to him, to embrace him and express her sorrow for having to judge him. But Eryn understood that Lute was observing, and it was time to adopt her stance. With a resolute tone, Eryn declared, "Kevin Angelus Collins. Charlotte Morningstar. I am Eryn, the highest of angels and the judge of the fallen. I have come here by the command of the great Seraphim, entrusted with a mission."
"What mission?" Kevin asked, tensing up. Eryn was well aware that he knew her speeches and what they meant.
"Kevin?" Charlie looked back from Eryn to Kevin, "What's going on?"
I'm sorry, you two. Eryn thought as she answered, "To investigate this hotel and its residents and see if it's truly worthy of being the halfway point for sinners to pass from hell and be granted entrance into heaven." She paused, her eyes narrowing. "Or..."
"Or what?" Charlie blinked in confusion.
But it was Kevin who finished the sentence, "...or to pass judgment and send Heaven's wrath down upon this hotel, destroying it and everyone living here."
"Correct." Eryn's voice was void of any emotion. But her heart was full of it.
Charlie gasped. "No!"
With a deliberate movement, Kevin drew his glowing halo sword from behind his back, the blade shimmering with an ethereal light. He stepped protectively in front of Charlie, gently pushing her to the side. Fixing his intense gaze on Eryn, he leveled the sword with resolve, his voice thick with emotion as he declared, "Then, great Eryn of the heavenborn, we have a problem."
With every ounce of willpower, she fought back the urge to cry out, the sheer shock of Kevin raising his weapon against her cutting deep into her soul. She gathered her emotions like a storm and transformed her disbelief into a fierce, appalled façade. "How dare you point that weapon at me, Angel? The very weapon I gifted to you, which I can just as swiftly reclaim."
To prove her point, Eryn reluctantly lifted her fingers and flicked them, her eyes turning a brilliant gold as her Heavenly powers surged. She noticed Kevin's expression shift from firm determination to shock as his sword transformed into a halo. However, it had changed once again; now it was merely a polished silver ring made of angelic steel. Losing his grip, all three of them watched the ring fall with a solid, resounding clang onto the lobby's wooden floor. Kevin's eyes misted over as he looked back up at Eryn.
She interrupted him before he could say anything. "Be thankful that this is all I am taking from you." Turning to a stunned Charlie, she continued, "By the decree of Heaven, I will be staying here to observe your efforts. Through my eyes, Sera will gain all the knowledge she needs to determine whether the executions will be stopped or if they will continue."
Charlie glanced at Kevin, who stood there in shock. His face showed a look of betrayal and loss she had never seen before. Quickly, she stepped over, wrapped her arms around him, then turned her gaze toward Eryn. Her usually cheerful smile at new people had vanished, replaced by a serious expression. "I think you should leave, Eryn. You won't be welcomed here."
"The choice isn't mine or yours to make. Ask your father about the rules of the agreement. In the meantime, prepare a room for me."
"Sera can see and hear everything you do?" Charlie scowled.
"Yes. It should expedite her decision, and my time here will be short." Eryn said as she stepped through the doors. When she did, however, there was a subtle change in her senses, and she blinked, "What?"
Kevin understood precisely what had transpired, and a cold, distant smile returned to his face, stabbing Eryn deeply. "Alastor has placed a spell on the hotel to prevent spies."
"He put it up because of Vox." Charlie added, "So your little mission's over. Sera can't see or hear anything now."
Eryn blinked, stunned, and had to reconfirm, "Are you serious? They can't see me or hear me once I'm past the threshold?" She turned and saw that she was five steps inside. The doors behind her were softly closing now.
"Correct." Charlie's voice was tinged with anger.
The transformation they witnessed in Eryn was astounding. The cold, aloof presence threatening their existence seemed to vanish, revealing a completely different being. This version of Eryn's eyes welled up, and the corners of her mouth quivered as she bent down to pick up the broken halo from the ground. They watched silently as she closed her eyes, and her body began to glow. Kevin recalled seeing her do the same thing in the training hall in Heaven when he had taken control of the Exorcists. When Eryn finally opened her eyes, she licked her lips and extended her hand, offering the halo to him.
Kevin gently tapped Charlie on the shoulder to let him go, and she complied without hesitation. Stepping cautiously forward, he narrowed his eyes, a look of concern crossing his face, his voice tinged with suspicion, "Eryn? What's going on?"
"Please?" Eryn's voice trembled as she nudged the halo toward him. She felt a wave of relief when he accepted it, and watched him carefully as he turned the halo in his hands, inspecting it.
"I am so confused," Kevin said, but he rewarded her by placing the halo back on his head, where it silently clicked into place.
With his hands now free from the halo, Eryn could no longer contain herself. She took five quick steps and fell into his embrace, wrapping her arms around him. "Angel! I'm sorry! I didn't have a choice! As long as Sera could see me, I had to lie and play the role she expected of me."
She felt Kevin's hands on her back, showing he was giving her the benefit of the doubt. The relief that washed over her was immense.
He spoke low, "You told a lie? How? You can't tell lies, Eryn."
Pulling away from his warm embrace, she felt a wave of unfamiliarity wash over her; moments like this were rare for her, and she wasn't quite sure how to navigate them. Lowering her gaze, she became acutely aware of Charlie's penetrating stare, filled with a mix of concern and understanding.
As Charlie settled back into Kevin's comforting arms, Eryn's voice was tinged with vulnerability. "Sera gave me the ability to lie—she thought it would empower me to carry out my job just the way she wanted. But there's a catch: I can't discern when others are being dishonest. When you told me the hotel was off-limits to them, the weight of that truth made it impossible for me to keep up the facade any longer."
"So, you are here on Sera's orders?" Charlie spoke up, her voice less accusatory; instead, it was tinged with sadness. "And you still have to judge us?"
"I do." Eryn sadly nodded, "And she's going to want a report very soon as to why she can't see me inside the hotel."
"You can tell her to fuck off." Kevin's words turned the heads of the women to him. "If she wants to judge, she can bring her highborn ass down here and do it herself!"
"She won't get her hands dirty." Eryn sighed, "And to be fair, this wasn't her idea originally. It's Lute's."
"Lute!" Kevin cursed the name, "I should have known. But why?"
"Lute wanted to prepare another attack, specifically to hunt you down and bring you back to Heaven for trial. But Sera intervened and had me judge you myself, declaring your exile as punishment enough."
"I felt it when you did." Kevin licked his lips as he looked at Charlie. He knew she was angry with Eryn for her actions, as it wasn't the first time Eryn had been responsible for banishing someone she loved to Hell.
Eryn looked chastened by the admission. "She told Lute it wouldn't happen if the hotel's redemption could be proven. So, I still have to carry out my mission."
"So we need to keep up appearances." Kevin tapped his halo. "To start with, to explain why I have this back, you can simply say you were sending me a message—one I got very well."
"And we'll tell everyone to follow your lead when outside the hotel," Charlie said thoughtfully.
"No." Kevin shook his head. "I think it will be better if we don't clue anyone else in on the truth. Their reactions to Eryn will be more genuine."
"We need to tell Vaggie, at least." Charlie countered, "So she can help us keep up that appearance."
"I agree." Kevin accepted the suggestion. "But no one else. If Eryn is seen as an outsider, they'll stay back some, and it will allow Eryn to keep up her pretense much easier."
"I will inform them not to challenge her, to respond to her questions as if the hotel's survival depends on it," Charlie said.
"In the meantime, we carry on as normal," Kevin added.
"Alastor could be a problem, though. He already doesn't like you being here." Charlie looked worried.
"Right." Kevin nodded. "But Eryn carries more power than I do. Maybe enough to temper Alastor's behavior."
"Maybe." Charlie shrugged softly. "And…"
Seemingly forgotten as the couple discussed the situation, Eryn watched them seamlessly strategize, and she was in awe of it. No doubt in her mind that Angel and Charlie were meant to be together. They played off each other's strengths with such ease that she felt a tinge of envy for the first time in her life, along with now being able to lie. She quelled it as Kevin turned back to her.
"What do you think, Eryn?" Kevin asked.
"I'm in." Eryne nodded and then added with trepidation, "I'm truly sorry for my deception. I've never been able to lie in my entire existence. It tastes terrible."
Charlie took a breath, blowing air upwards, which tickled her hair. She stepped forward and took Eryn's hand into hers. With a soft smile, Charlie shook her head, "It starts with sorry, Eryn, and we accept your apology. We're going to make this work."
"Thank you." Eryn nodded and added, "I am sorry, Princess Morningstar."
"It's Charlie." Charlie smiled.
"And I know you've always addressed me as Angel." Kevin came up, and Charlie let go of Eryn's hand so Eryn could turn towards him. "But please, from now on, call me Kevin, okay?"
Eryn nodded somberly, and the two good friends shared another hug. Eryn closed her eyes and softly sniffed, "I hate the mission I've been assigned, Kevin, but it is so good to see you again."
"You too, my dear friend."
Kevin tried to pull back, but Eryn gripped him harder, "I promised Emily I'd give you a hug for her. She says she misses you and sends you her love."
Kevin looked over Eryn's head at Charlie, and she saw the pain on his face. She knew he'd lost a great deal leaving Heaven, and Emily and Eryn had been the two special people in his life. Charlie smiled softly but coughed to let Eryn know she was glomping her boyfriend longer than necessary.
Eryn stepped back with a blush, "Sorry. I've never experienced many of these feelings before. I have always been so stoic and reserved. This isn't me, honestly."
"Hell has a way of unlocking emotions and feelings, Eryn." Kevin assured her, "And it seems that it takes effect rather quickly, even for angels." He touched his face and scratched his five o'clock shadow. "In Heaven, this is just a part of me, but down here, it itches occasionally."
"I know I have a soul gifted to me at the time of my creation. I have a heart and so much capacity for feelings, but they have never been of use to me. But they have been affecting me this past month, and when I saw you, I almost lost it and ran into your arms because, in all my existence, you were the closest thing I had to a brother. I died inside when I was forced to judge you, but they messed up by not specifying the terms, so I didn't strip you of any of your powers."
"To which I am extremely grateful." Kevin nodded appreciatively.
"And as it's official, Sera can't force me to add punishment on top of the judgment, and only God himself could undo your fate. I'm sorry."
"I'm not." Kevin's voice was firm and absolute, "I'm exactly where I'm meant to be."
Charlie stepped up, put an arm around Kevin, and nuzzled against his shoulder, "I'd be lying if I agreed with Kevin completely. I don't blame you, but I do blame Heaven for judging him. Thank you for looking out for him."
"You're welcome, I—" Eryn was interrupted by a startled voice from the hallway.
"Eryn?" Vaggie's eye was wide in surprise as she walked up, her spear still in her hand from sparring outside with Angel earlier. "Is that you?"
Eryn glanced at the fallen angel before her eyes widened. "Vaggie?" She gasped.
"It's pronounced Vaggie, now." The fallen angel shook her head, frowning, having to emphasize the hard G sound for Eryn.
"Oh!" Eryn blushed again. She'd never blushed in her life, and now she's done it multiple times. Kevin's explanation about hell did nothing to lessen her embarrassment, "Forgive me. It's been many years. Adam told me you retired?"
"That would be one way of looking at it." Vaggie absentmindedly reached up to touch the scar over where her left eye used to be.
"He wasn't very clear with—" She gasped, "It was you at the hearing, wasn't it? Sitting with Charlie!?"
"Yes." Vaggie nodded, "I didn't see you at the hearing, though?"
"Kevin and I were in the corner, guarding the doors, out of sight."
"I guess that makes sen—"
Vaggie was interrupted by Charlie, who spun on Kevin, eyes wide, "You were at the hearing?"
"I was." Kevin acknowledged and realized that he'd never told Charlie about that day.
"You saw me!" Charlie's eyes were wide. "But I didn't see you! If I had—"
"Then you may have recognized me a lot earlier, love." Kevin nodded, "But I have no idea if the amulet would have triggered."
"We were in the same room. In Heaven." Charlie's voice was distant. She touched Kevin intimately on the chest, "We were so close, even then."
Kevin smiled softly and pulled Charlie into a quick, soft kiss. "I supported your dream that day from the very beginning."
Vaggie smiled at them, then turned back to Eryn, and the smile faded. "What are you doing here, Eryn?"
"Well." Eryn began.
Charlie interrupted. "Kevin and I will explain later. Right now, I need you to get everyone and have them meet us at the bar."
Vaggie stepped over to Kevin and Charlie, leaned in to kiss Charlie softly on her lips, then turned and kissed Kevin on the cheek. "I'm on it." and walked off to the kitchen.
Eryn watched the exchange with keen interest and a bit of confusion. When Vaggie was out of the room, she spoke up, "Uh. I'm confused. I saw the kiss on the TV news broadcast between you two. I thought you were together. But that kiss with Vaggie? Charlie?"
Charlie smirked, "Kevin's my boyfriend, and Vaggie's my girlfriend."
"Wha—?" Eryn blinked.
Kevin softly dismissed her query. "I promise we'll explain it later. These past few days have been filled with much storytelling about our pasts. It's taken a lot out of us."
Charlie spoke up, leaning even more into Kevin: "Cassie taught me to focus in the moment, not be stuck in the past or think too far ahead. We need to find our centers so we can solve the problems we have now."
Eryn nodded, "It's not important to me, anyway. It appears you are happy, Kevin." The corner of her lips turned up. "But it didn't take a fallen angel long to sin, did it?"
Kevin smirked, took Charlie's hand, and began leading them towards the bar, "No comment."
Eryn followed them, her mind foggy and her emotions a jumbled mess. In Heaven, she had been assigned one duty: to judge false prophets and seek out the liars in Heaven. She didn't need love or emotion to do that job. She only let them surface when she was with friends, but even then, she only lightly expressed them. Yet Kevin's words to her on the day of the hearing had stuck with her. "You have a soul." Kevin had said, "You have the capacity to feel, to love, to care."
He was right; she had the capacity, but she kept them locked away to keep her job simple. Now, down here, her control over them was slipping. She did not like that. At all.
CH 6: Introductions All Around
"Vamonos!" Vaggie's firm voice echoed from the kitchen doors as she stepped from them to the hall leading to the bar.
Moments later, Cherri stormed out, her face and apron covered in sauce, with messes on her arms and almost everywhere else. It seemed that Niffty had given her a hard time, as Cherri's hair was now pulled back under a hairnet. The way she tugged at it meant it was as much an irritation as the interruption. Regardless, she followed Vaggie toward the bar.
"Just so you know, mate!" Cherri grumbled, "You keep me out here too long, and the food's gonna get burned!"
"It's just for introductions, Cherri." Vaggie promised, "So you know what is going on." Vaggie shouted loud enough that she startled everyone who had already gathered at the bar, "NIFFTY! Meeting at the bar!"
Satisfied she'd acquired everyone or got their attention, Vaggie turned toward Kevin and Charlie, who had already taken seats at the bar. "I think we're ready."
Eryn sat next to Kevin, leaving the stool next to Charlie empty. Charlie smiled and waved her over, and Vaggie smiled back. She hurried to join but slowed down as she passed Kevin and gripped his shoulder affectionately. He tapped her hand in kind, and then she settled on the bar stool to Charlie's right. Charlie immediately leaned in and kissed her cheek, "Thanks, Vaggie."
"Anytime, babe!"
In the meantime, Husk was pouring everyone a drink. When he got to Eryn, he held up a bottle, and she eyed it. "Angels don't partake in debauchery, " she huffed.
Husk gruffly shrugged, giving Kevin a look, and snarked. "Some do."
Kevin chuckled at the comment and tapped the bar twice with his finger, and Husk dropped two fingers of Scotch into his glass. Kevin nodded, "Maybe it'll be my drink of choice from now on? Eh, Husk?"
"A good bartender knows his customers." With a single nod, Husk turned to set the bottle on the bar behind him.
Eryn eyed the Scotch as Kevin picked up the glass and drank it all in one take. Her eyes widened as he coughed and wheezed a bit before setting the glass down and shaking his head, looking pleased.
"It hurts?" Eryn's voice held concern.
"A little, but it's part of the fun."
"How is pain fun?"
A sudden cough next to Kevin had him turn his head to Charlie, who looked a little redder in the cheeks. Vaggie was grinning at the question as well. Kevin noticed both expressions: "I'm going to ask for some details later, ladies."
Both girls' cheeks flushed deeper.
Niffty suddenly appeared and jumped up on a barstool next to Vaggie. "Ask what?"
Before she felt any more flustered, Charlie straightened up, "Ahem! Focus, people! We have a problem to deal with."
"And I need to get back into the kitchen!" Cherri grumbled, but there was a sparkle in her eye as she watched her friends.
Just then, a gust of green smoke rose from the floor by the bar, and from it, Alastor appeared.
"It appears I have arrived just in time." He said in a burst of radio static, looking at Eryn with curious eyes. "And who do we have here? Another orphaned angel?"
Eryn's eyes rose at the sight of the Radio Demon, and his mocking voice grated on her. "Watch your tone, demon."
Alastor just chuckled.
"Right!" Kevin said to stop any further verbal spouts. Turning toward Eryn while addressing the group. "Everyone, this is Eryn. She is one of the highborn of Heaven, and she is here to assess the hotel and determine whether it is worthy of continuing operations or if it should be destroyed."
Immediately, everyone became defensive and looked ready for a fight, just as expected. Charlie raised her hand.
"Please. Everyone, remain calm." She looked at each with imploring eyes until they backed off. "Eryn will be interviewing each of you in turn. Be honest with her. She will then stay with us as we begin to help sinners rehabilitate. As long as we do our jobs right, we'll be able to prove the hotel works."
"Ya fuckin' kiddin' me, right?" Cherri shouted, "You want us to cozy up to this angel and share our thoughts, knowing she's deciding if we live or die?"
"That's exactly what we want you to do." Kevin firmly stated. "Eryn is one of God's creations, very powerful, and her word carries great weight. Before, it was a manner of proving the hotel to Heaven to stop Adam from attacking. That failed. Now, Heaven's decided on a formal investigation, one that should remain peaceful, and if we succeed, they've agreed to stop all future executions."
This stopped everyone, and they looked at each other.
"We are to entertain this angel's quest?" Alastor's eye twitched. "For how long?"
"For as long as I deem it necessary." Eryn snapped back. "And Kevin is correct; as a Highborn, my power supersedes all of you. Do not push me into using it."
Alastor's expression slightly changed as he took in this new information. "My apologies, then, mon cheri. I will be more than happy to oblige your quest and answer your queries. Perhaps we can discuss it over dinner this evening, just the two of us?"
Kevin and Charlie looked at each other before Kevin gave the Radio Demon a glare, "What are you getting at here, Alastor?"
"Why, my dear boy. If we're to prove to this sweet angel the hotel is worth consideration, does it not fall to the hotelier to provide her with every means by which to do her job?"
True words said with nefarious reasons, no doubt. Kevin thought.
For her part, Charlie saw merit in Alastor's suggestion, "Perhaps it's a good idea. Maybe you will show Eryn more respect than you do for Kevin. Give the hotel a good impression?"
"Of course." Alastor smiled widely and turned to address Eryn. "What do you say, mon cheri? Would you like that? You can grill me to your heart's content."
Eryn's face looked confused. It was a mix of caution and curiosity. "I suppose?"
"Most excellent! I will whip up one of my specialties for you, something that even the most discerning angel of Heaven will find more than satisfactory." Alastor bowed to Eryn. "Shall we say, 7 A.M.?"
Eryn balked. "Breakfast? I thought you were asking for tonight?"
Alastor blinked in confusion, and Kevin took the opportunity to poke fun at the Radio Demon. "Heaven runs opposite of Hell for time, Al. I would think you knew that."
The smile on his face wavered ever so slightly, and Alastor's voice darkened in reply to Kevin. "Heaven's way of things means little to me, dear boy." Then he quickly lightened his tone as he addressed Eryn, "But I think I would be most intrigued to learn more, perhaps see Heaven from a lovely angel's point of view? Be convinced it's not so bad?"
"Well." Eryn slowly drawled. "The idea is to prove you demons have the capacity for change. Knowledge of Heaven is a start." She looked to Kevin, "So, A.M. is evening here?"
"It is," Kevin confirmed, his eyes still squarely set on Alastor, his suspicions high.
"Interesting." She nodded to Alastor. "In that case, I will join you."
With a formal bow, Alastor smiled graciously, "I can't wait, mon cheri." He stood straight up, turned to Charlie, and nodded subtly. "As I now understand the reason for this precious angel's visit, do you need me for anything else? I have a complicated dinner to prepare."
"Uh, no. Thank you, Al." Charlie said with a shrug.
"Excellent." Alastor gave Kevin a slight sneer out of habit, then faded into the floor.
"What the fuck just happened?" Vaggie asked, confused.
"I think Alastor has taken up the duty of being Eryn's guide at the hotel," Charlie answered, just as confused.
Kevin tapped the bar for Husk to refill his glass. After he did, Kevin downed the shot, coughed once, and turned to Eryn. "Eryn, listen to me. You can't believe that creep. He isn't just a happy face. He's a deal maker, pure evil. He can't be redeemed. And is most likely looking for a way to turn you against us. Whatever you do, do not shake his hand or make any deal of any kind. Your soul is mighty; he could do great damage if he owns yours."
Eryn's eyes narrowed on Kevin. "Don't take me for a fool, Angel! I would never strike a deal with a demon and risk my soul. No matter how charming he seems." She stopped, realizing she'd said something she'd been thinking, and blushed. "I mean, he seems nice enough to have dinner with, at least." She calmed down and put a hand on Kevin's. "Look, I know he's bad, and I know he probably has bad intentions, but if I am truly doing my job, I need to interview everyone, and if he's offering a one-on-one, it's a great place to start."
Eryn's demeanor from the moment she arrived had changed remarkably. Kevin feared that Hell's influence on emotions was getting to Eryn quicker than he'd expected, and she was not processing them well, leading her to possibly not being clear-minded when associating with the Radio Demon. He licked his lips and tried another approach, "Just be careful, okay? Your emotions are stronger down here, and you've never experienced the endless variety that can cause a person to make terrible choices. I'm just looking out for you."
"I know." Eryn conceded. "And I appreciate your concern."
"I don't get it," Husk interjected. "Why are you looking out for this angel's safety, especially since her decisions could cost us our lives?"
"Eryn is an old friend," Kevin explained. "And I do care about her. Also, if we show her compassion and help her do her job, we show that sinners can be good, presenting a better side of themselves. I am not asking all of you to be friends with Eryn, but don't cause unnecessary conflict. Please?"
"I suppose," Husk muttered.
"Okay, Sir." Niffty nodded, her eye narrow on Eryn, but her stance was calm. "So, no stabbing?"
"No stabbing." Kevin said, adding, "Please."
Niffty nodded.
"Sure, what the fuck ever." Cherri groused, "Can I get back to the kitchen now? Or you're all eating dry bread for lunch!"
Vaggie nodded quickly, "Of course, of course. Go on, Cherri, we can finish up here."
Cherri huffed and stormed away.
Husk dropped more Scotch into everyone's glasses, even if they didn't ask, and in a show of support for Kevin's request, set a glass in front of Eryn and poured. "If you're gonna live among us, you're gonna learn to drink like us." And he walked off before Eryn could reply.
Niffty jumped down. "I guess I'd better go make up a room for our new guest." And she scurried off.
Charlie sighed softly. "That… could have gone better."
With Husk at the end of the bar, purposely ignoring everyone, and all the others went on their way, Vaggie spoke up. "Okay, care to tell me what's really going on?"
Kevin downed his fresh shot and stood up. "Let's take this conversation upstairs.
Charlie parroted him, downing hers. "Good idea."
Vaggie followed suit, knowing she needed the boost, and threw back her shot as well.
Eryn observed each of them down their drink in turn before glancing at her glass. Tentatively, she picked it up. Never in her life had she indulged in any form of sin; she was the purest of angels. However, Sera had tasked her with a mission to learn how the hotel operated. In doing so, Sera granted her the power to lie, which was a sin in itself. Eryn questioned whether she would ever be allowed to return to Heaven, and now her emotions surged to the surface faster than she could manage. Fear permeated her soul, anger lingered just at the edge of her control, and worry for her future made her heart race a bit faster. Soon, she would be having dinner with a sinner, one who had done evil in life, and she would be doing so by choice.
Quickly, she realized that if she was going to be forced to do all of this, she may as well play the part well. With a deep breath, Eryn copied the others and downed her drink in one swallow before she heard Kevin's warning.
"Eryn, wai—!
It was too late, as Eryn promptly fell unconscious.
As Kevin dropped to check on Eryn, Husk's voice gruffed from across the bar. "Well, it seems someone can't hold their liquor, huh?"
Charlie and Vaggie both face-palmed at the same time.
Suddenly, a familiar voice came from behind them. "Ya guys have all the fun when I'm gone!"
Kevin sighed, bent down to pick Eryn up, and looked up at the spider demon, Angel Dust. "Want some fun? Would you put those six arms to work and help me with her?"
Chuckling, Angel Dust obliged and helped Kevin lift her up onto his shoulder. "So, who's da broad?"
Kevin shook his head. "Would you believe it's a long story?"
Epilogue One
Kevin stood on the balcony of his shared suite with Charlie and Vaggie, his eyes lingering over the cityscape as his mind filled with worry. Eryn's arrival, Sera's intentions, Alastor's behavior, and Lute lingering somewhere up in Heaven with deadly intentions held dominion over Kevin's emotions. He'd accepted that Eryn would be with Alastor for the duration of her stay, but he would be keeping a close eye on that potential relationship.
But he was grateful that the hotel would mask most of Eryn's movements so they could converse freely, and having his friend back was pleasing. It may even give them an advantage over Heaven should they resume the exterminations.
But that was another thought that lingered: why send Eryn of all beings in the first place, and why give the hotel this chance? Something else was going on, a mystery that was just out of reach of Kevin's grasp, and he would have to let time unravel the clues at its own pace. For now, he needed to shed all of that and turn his focus on the one who deserved his full attention. Turning around, Kevin peered through the open door of the balcony and watched his lover step from the bathroom, dressed only in a sheer, see-through silk nightgown.
Tonight was their first official night, and Kevin would not let anything interfere with what they'd waited an eternity for. With a smile, Kevin pushed away from the railing, stepped into the room, and met Charlie next to the bed.
"You look beautiful, My Princess of Hell." Kevin bowed his head lightly.
"And you, my precious Knight, are as handsome as ever." Charlie blushed a soft crimson. "For a while there, I thought our first night was going to be postponed."
"For a while, I did, too." Kevin agreed, brushing a strand of her blonde hair off her face. "Let's agree that no matter what happens from here on out, we cherish these moments because things will likely get a lot worse before they get better."
Lifting a finger to press against Kevin's lips, Charlie shushed him softly. "I know, but that's a discussion for tomorrow. Right now, please… take me. Make me your demon bitch, again."
Bending to kiss her softly, Kevin whispered, "I love you, Charlotte Morningstar."
"And I love you, Kevin Angelus Collins." Charlie breathed lightly in response.
And the two lovers finally shared a night all to themselves for the first time in forever. And yes, Kevin finally got to undress her the proper way.
Epilogue Two
Dinner had been illuminating for Eryn despite the headache that nagged in the back of her eyes for the duration of it. Never again would she dare touch any sort of alcohol, and she'd all but threatened the bartender's death for serving her in the first place.
Kevin's laugh at her pain hadn't helped, but he explained that Hell's libations were much more potent than anything that existed on Earth, and he was sorry he hadn't stopped her before realizing it was her first drink.
Alastor, though, had teased an encouraging offer to punish Husk himself for daring to harm the beautiful young angel. Eryn had blushed at his compliment, and she found him increasingly endearing as the night went on.
She carried out some of her mission, asking all the right questions, and the Radio Demon graciously answered many of them.
Until she got personal, then things changed. Alastor informed her that much of his past was to remain unspoken. He would help her understand the hotel and see the good in it, but any knowledge of himself he would reveal only at his discretion.
The way he closed up revealed a spark of his power to her, and while his voice had been guarded and his posture tight, Eryn found herself pulled in deeper.
She didn't realize then what she would later discover was that his power was pulling at her emotions, sparking their reaction, which would lead her down a perilous road.
One filled with all sorts of revelations of who she was, is, and could be if her power were ever fully explored. Something that a particular Radio Demon knew he could make happen, albeit for his plan to break the soul contract that held him under the power of another.
However, for that to happen, he needed to convince Eryn of the Heaven Born to make a deal.