Father's visit


It was a quiet day at the Hazbin Hotel, so much so that it could almost be considered boring by Hell's standards. Not a single raid from Sir Pentious or Vox, but not a single call either, not even one of Angel's classic prank calls. The hotel employees turned their thumbs, some taking care of housework, some engaging their time with reading or other hobbies and some simply sleeping hard, taken out from the boredom of that day. Only Charlie remained standing in front of the concierge seat, with her eternal smile on her face, ready to receive anyone who knocked on that door, either to join the hotel's redemption program or just to inquire about the whereabouts of the nearest brothel. Not even those who usually knocked just to berate her or leave insulting messages did not knock her down, on the contrary they encouraged her to give the best of herself, both for the damned souls of Hell and for those who worked for her. Still, she seemed to be starting to feel the thrusts of boredom too, letting herself go to a quiet yawn as she slumped on the concierge desk, resting her head on her forearms as she snorted. Suddenly she raised her head when she heard a knock on the door, recovering from boredom and running to the entrance.
-I bet ten grand it’s an attacker…- Alastor commented, grinning as he looked up from the book he was reading.
-I bet twenty that it’s someone who wants to know where to find the good stuff...- Angel sneered, waking up from his nap and stretching his four arms.
-Get it over with, you two ... - Vaggie grunted, too exhausted by boredom to raise her voice, while Charlie stopped in front of the door, the mysterious visitor kept knocking while the Princess of Hell recovered her composure and good humor, adjusting her long hair and slapping her rosy cheeks.
-Cooooooming! - She answered then, opening the door.
-Hello! - she said, smiling eagerly at the newcomer.
-Welcome to Happy Ho ... tel ... - the princess's good mood froze in her throat, seeing the figure that stood out in front of her, framed by the door.


Lucifer himself. He was there, in front of Charlie, in his usual red and white dress, staring at her with those eyes. The cold eyes of the King of Hell, capable of peering into the soul of any Sinner to discern the magnitude of their guilt and decide in which Ring to condemn them to spend the rest of their afterlife. But for Charlie, that cold stare was something else. It was the imperious gaze of a disappointed father.
-Good morning, Charlie ... - he spoke in a low and haughty voice, usually the king was much more playful and goofy with her, but at that moment there was no trace of that cheerfulness in his voice.
-F-Father ... What ... What an unexpected and w-wonderful surprise ... - Charlie stammered, bowing as she had been taught since childhood when she addressed her father. Lucifer raised his hand, at which Charlie stood up and rubbed her arm, made extremely uncomfortable even by the mere presence of her father: although he was shorter than her by a few centimeters, he still gave off an imposing aura, capable of making even one feel small. the biggest of the Demons.
-What ... What brings you here? - asked the princess, trying to do everything in her power not to stare into those cold eyes again.
-I was just passing through. I thought I'd see how you were dealing with this ... "project" of yours. - said the king, shrugging his shoulders and placing just a bit  too much of emphasis on the word project, revealing the disappointment he felt towards his daughter.
-V-Very kind of you t-to do so... - Charlie commented with a weak smile, having sensed the father's hatred towards the idea of ​​his daughter.
-I suppose so.- replied the king, raising a disdainful eyebrow.
-Can I come in? - he asked then.
-Oh! S-Sure! P-Please, come in! - Charlie stammered, making room for her father, who passed past her, with one arm behind his back and the other holding his black cane with an apple-shaped tip, similar to the ornament on his white top hat. Charlie heaved a long sigh and trailed behind her father, looking down as he darted his disinterested gaze across the corridor walls as if judging the hall itself.


-Good morning.- his voice echoed in the large, modernized hall of the Hotel. Alastor and Vaggie looked up respectively from the book and mini TV they were watching and saw the king standing before them.
-Ah! Your Majesty!- Alastor said, still grinning even if from the tone of voice there was a slight nervousness: although Al was one of the most powerful Demons ever seen in Hell, he well knew that the strength of Lucifer was well above his ability and this disturbed him, and rightly so too.
-Oh no ... - Vaggie commented, worried, especially seeing Charlie so humble next to her dad. Alastor teleported in front of Lucifer with his shadow and held out his hand, leaning a little as, like Charlie, he was taller than the king. 
-What brings our beloved sovereign to our small and broken asylum for redeemable Sinners?- asked the Radio Demon, with his smile of circumstance, always holding out his hand. Lucifer said nothing, his gaze alternating from Alastor's hand to his face, always with the eyebrow raised disdainfully.
-From Radio Demon to co-owner of a rehabilitation facility... in Hell, of all places. Could you have fallen any lower?- Lucifer snorted, passing past Alastor, who remained where he was for a few seconds.
-...HAHAHAHAHA!! Oh, Your Majesty always wants to kid...- laughed the Radio Demon, and then stopped in mid-laugh and looked at the king, who had his back to him.
-...Right?- he asked then, in an uncertain tone that not even Charlie had ever heard.
-Do I look like I’m kidding? Only an outdated good for nothing like you could think this... - Lucifer grumbled, without even looking, and continued towards the center of the hall, leaving Alastor of salt.
-Al...- Charlie gasped, seeing one of the most powerful beings he knew emotionally destroyed, slumping in a chair and staring into space with a contemplative air, covering his mouth with both hands joined. Charlie wanted to go to him and try to console him, but he probably would not have let her, proud as he was, so the princess sighed and ran after her father. Even Vaggie was surprised. Of course, she didn't like Alastor at all, but Charlie had asked her to try to put up with him for the good of the hotel, so she tried to show some camaraderie by going to him.
-...Uh ...Are you… okay?- asked the demon moth, who only then noticed the slight tremor that ran through the body of Alastor and his hands, clasped into fists, which clenched each other until it made his knuckles bleed. Alastor was obviously frustrated, although his iconic smile never left his face and despite his vague "Magnificently.", and Vaggie decided to leave him alone, following Charlie and his father at a safe distance.


Lucifer passed in front of Niffty, who was cleaning around and greeted him, ignoring her and replying with a cold:-I don't speak to the servants.-, leaving the little cyclops appalled and offended, while the king headed to the bar counter run by Husker, intent on cleaning a glass. Charlie lingered, apologizing to Niffty from her father, and the Cyclopine nodded softly, although it was obvious she was offended.
-Hello, Your Highness.- said the cat demon, being careful to show the right level of respect to a demon of Lucifer's stature, as he began to play with the liquor bottles, throwing them in the air and catching them, or making them spin and do stunts before pouring the contents into a glass.
-Let me offer you the best liquor available to me. Free, of course.- Husker said, handing Lucifer the glass, full of yellowish liquor. Charlie gave a sigh of relief, the introduction was good and Husker seemed to know how to behave, perhaps accustomed to having Al ordering him around. Unseen by Lucifer, Husker winked at Charlie, miming with his mouth:-Don’t worry, kid. He won’t get me.-. Lucifer took a small sip of the drink, smacked his lips as he tasted it all, then an evil grin formed on his face.
-You know, feline ... - Lucifer said, attracting the bartender's attention.
- Once I witnessed the painful performance of a man who transformed water into wine. Well, this shit did me the exact same effect.- Lucifer hissed, his eyes turned completely red as he bared his sharp and pearly teeth in an evil smile. That, coupled with the comment, broke Husker's confidence, and he lowered his ears and stepped back. Lucifer disdainfully put his glass down on the table and walked away, while Charlie stared at him, stunned and confused. He knew that his father couldn't stand the idea of ​​the hotel, but he had never seen him behave in this way. She tried to talk to Husker, but he was hiding under the counter, sitting with his arms folded and muttering between his teeth as he clutched his arms with his long clawed fingers. Charlie gasped: Within seconds, Lucifer was demolishing the trust and confidence his staff had built over months of working together. The princess clenched her fists and turned to her father, wincing again when she saw in front of whom her father had stopped.


-Why, hello, Your Highness. What a fascinating look you have today.- chuckled Angel Dust, sitting with his hairy chest pressed against the back of the chair, with the first pair of arms under his chin and the second wrapped around the backrest, his long legs crossed in front of the back legs of the chair, while he smiled teasingly, showing his tongue and winking.
-...Who are you? The hotel mascot? - commented Lucifer.
-Pft, they wish... Nah, I live here... More or less. My name is Angel. Angel Dust, you know?- asked the porn star, extending his lower right hand.
-Ah yes, Valentino's toyboy.- commented Lucifer, with a malicious tone.
-Uh, f-father? We… prefer not to mention his name here...- Charlie commented, knowing full well of the violent trauma that the demon moth had unleashed in Angel. Just hearing him mention his name made the porn star retract his hand, using his lower arms to cling to the chair as his face took on a dark tint.
-And tell me, how do you sleep at night?- Lucifer asked, ignoring his daughter and Angel's growing bewilderment, who tightened his grip on the chair as he stood straight.
-Father, s-stop it ... P-Please, stop ... - Charlie complained, still being ignored by Lucifer.
-Can you sleep, or are you periodically awakened from the nightmare in which he rams you until your ass bleeds? - asked the king, with a growing tone and evil grin as Angel's mascara dripped on his face because of the tears that were running down, copious, from his eight wide eyes. His upper arms left the back, leaving noticeable grooves of her long nails, and went to wrap around Angel's chest in a desperate attempt to calm down and protect himself.
-F-Father! - Charlie yelped a little louder, grabbing his father's coat, trying to pull him away as he moved closer to Angel, putting a hand under his chin and turning his head to the side, inhaling deeply.
-The smell of PTSD you emit is even stronger than the stench of sperm, perfume and cheap cigarettes with which you try to wrap yourself with... Hmhmhmhm ... Our dear Valentino made a real masterpiece...- Lucifer hissed in the porn star's ear, while Charlie tried to keep him from getting closer to Angel, on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Angel was shaking uncontrollably, sobbing as he continued to cry and squeeze his chest, and had even begun to breathe erratically, on the verge of hyperventilating, as Lucifer insisted on reminding the porn star of his pains and Charlie failed to stop him.


-Oye, cabron!!- Vaggie yelled, shifting the king's attention from Angel to her, standing behind them with her arms folded as she stared at Lucifer with a proud frown.
-Vaggie?! - Charlie said, widening her eyes and immediately understanding the danger that her friend/girlfriend was running.
-I can't believe I’m saying this... but leave Angel alone! That poor guy has already been through too much! - Vaggie roared, she had never been very attached to Angel but could not bear the bad behavior of Lucifer towards her colleagues and their, so far, only guest any longer.
-V-Vags ... - Angel stammered, moved by the interest she had taken in him. Angel's posture relaxed, his breathing calmed down and he even stopped crying. Lucifer stared in disappointment at Angel as he visibly calmed down, then fixed his almost predatory gaze on Vaggie.
-V-Vaggie, please...- Charlie yelped, running to her and hugging her shoulders.
-I'm sorry Charlie, but I won’t stand here doing nothing while someone attacks my colleagues and our guest. Even if he's your father.- Vaggie replied, with a serious tone. The others stared at Vaggie with renewed respect for her.
-B-But ... - Charlie stammered, but her girlfriend raised a hand to interrupt her, and then closed it into a fist.
-ESPECIALLY if it's your father.- Vaggie pointed out, pulling Charlie aside to glare at the king, who began to giggle disturbingly.
-Huhuhuhuhuhuhuhu…- sneered Lucifer.
-F-Father, I-I ... - Charlie said in a submissive tone.
-No, no, no, Charlie...- Lucifer interrupted her, with a terrifyingly calm tone.
-It's all right, let her speak…- the king chuckled as he approached them, his shadow looming on the two girls while Vaggie bravely placed himself between Charlie and his father, now wrapped in a dark aura of pure, absolute hatred as his eyes turned completely red.
-After all ... What kind of king would I be if I didn't listen to the opinions of my subjects, even the lowest among them? - he asked in an evil tone, showing his teeth in a disturbing grin.
-Is this how you see me?!- Vaggie roared, taking a step back with Charlie.
-What are these confidences? I am your king, ignorant brat. Just because my daughter finds you a nice pastime does not mean that you are part of the family.- the king hissed as the glint of his eyes enveloped Vaggie.
-G-Gh…- Vaggie staggered and took another step back.
-D-Don't listen to him! - Charlie moaned at her girlfriend.
-I have never seen you as a part of my family, but rather as a stubborn puppy which, no matter how many times you throw it out of the house, keeps coming back ... Again ... Again ... and again ... Inevitable and tedious, like the exterminations…- Lucifer roared softly, giving even more power to the poison in his words, which left even Vaggie speechless. She was convinced that, at least, Lucifer endured her, but now the truth was out.
-F-FATHER! D-Don't say that! - Charlie moaned louder and, only then, her father finally gave her his attention.
-I really can't understand how you could have slammed the door in the face of a good match like Seviathan to be with… this one. At least with him, you would have given me grandchildren of high lineage. Your judgment, both working and emotional-wise, is poor, to be kind.- muttered Lucifer. Vaggie remained silent, her eye wide open and shrunken in shock, while Charlie looked first at her then at her father.
-No... That's not true!- Charlie raised his voice, at which his father snorted, disappointed.


-You're such a disappointment... You are still just a blank canvas, a whining brat, unfit to be a princess as well as to be a demon... You are pathetic... - Lucifer hissed, giving her a loud slap on the cheek, making her fall to the ground, moaning.
-And don’t you ever dare to raise your voice to your father again... - he grunted, leaving the hall.
-I no longer want to hear about this decrepit shack, your ridiculous colleagues, your loser guests... And most of all, I no longer want to see your weak and pathetic face.- Lucifer roared, entering the corridor door. Charlie gritted her teeth and rubbed her cheek as Angel walked over to her and helped her up, followed by the others surrounding her, looking depressed and offended. Although it was clear that none of them were blaming Charlie, she couldn't help but feel guilty for the insults her father had thrown up on him.
-...Fuck him.- Vaggie snapped, taking Charlie's hands.
-We don't need his approval, nor his permission to do what we do.- the moth demon said. Charlie, who had so far looked down, looked her in the eye and winced: Vaggie was crying.
-If... If he doesn't like what we do... I-It's his problem, isn't it? We... We are not the losers he thinks... - Vaggie stammered, trying to lift the spirits of others and above all, her own spirit, as Charlie had always done. The princess sighed and hugged her girlfriend, who only then burst into bitter tears, and then everyone else, even Alastor who so hated having his personal space invaded, joined in that bittersweet moment.
-...I'm such a fool...- Alastor sighed.
-...I’m no one for him...- Yelp Niffty.
-...I'm not good enough...- Husker snorted. Angel and Vaggie said nothing, but they both huddled tighter and tighter around Charlie, all of them hurt by what they perceived to be the truth about themselves, as said by Lucifer. Charlie hid her face on Vaggie's shoulder as her hands fisted more and more with every sigh, every groan, and every sob of the people around her.


Lucifer still hadn't left, pausing in the hallway to stare at a family photo. Him, Lilith and Charlie hug together, all smiling. The king grinned at that photo when he heard heavy footsteps.
-HEY!- Charlie yelled, revealing herself behind him. The king did not flinch, not even turning to look at her.
-How… fucking…- she hissed with her head down as, slowly, she transformed into her Demonic Form.
-...DARE YOU??!!- she exploded then, her hair, normally wrapped in a ponytail behind her head, exploded out of the rubber bands and began to whirl behind her head, as if it were flames.
-What did I just say about raising your voice with me, little girl? - said Lucifer, not at all impressed by his daughter's anger.
-DON'T YOU DARE CHANGE THE SUBJECT!- Charlie roared, approaching with a heavy step.
-YOU DARE TO COME TO MY HOTEL...- Charlie hissed, pointing the finger at him.
-...INSULTING ME, MY STAFF, MY GUESTS, MY WORK ... - while she roared, Lucifer continued to look at the picture, phlegmatic.
-...BUT WORST OF ALL... INSULTING THE PERSON I LOVE MOST IN THE WORLD?!- she screamed at the end, bringing her fist to her chest as her hair crackled and her eyes burned with anger, as tears streamed down her cheeks.
-You don't need to scream, I'm here in front of you, Charlie .- Lucifer snorted, still turning his back to her.
-WELL, IT'S AS IF YOU AREN’T!!- she barked, still in tears.
-DO YOU THINK I DON'T KNOW ?! DO YOU THINK I DIDN'T UNDERSTAND THAT YOU HATE ME?!- Charlie shouted, at which Lucifer finally turned, still staring at her with a disdainful and disinterested gaze.
-WELL, I KNOW HOW IT IS!! LOOK AT ME, I'M A FUCKING FAILURE!! THE WHOLE HELL LAUGHS AT ME AND MY STUPID IDEA, SO GO AHEAD AND JOIN THE LAUGHTER!!- the princess cried, her flames crackling louder and louder as she kept her eyes closed and clenched her fists.
-C’MON, LAUGH! LAUGH AT YOUR STUPID, PATHETIC, WEAK AND FAILED PRO… Geny?- the screams and flames stopped abruptly, and Charlie returned to normal as he stared at a point behind Lucifer, astonished.


Lucifer raised a confused eyebrow, then turned his head and his eyes widened too. Behind him there was a second Lucifer! Identical to him in everything, clothes, hair and expression. The newcomer entered the hotel and looked at the father and daughter duo with a piquant look.
-F-Father? - Charlie asked, confused.
-Shit... - whispered the nearest Lucifer as the newcomer approached.
-What the hell is going on here? - asked the newcomer.
-Charlie... Stay behind me. I don't know who you think you are, stranger, but you made a huge mistake coming here, to my house.- hissed the first Lucifer.
-Your home? Stranger? Do not joke. This is my home. If there is a stranger here, it’s you.- snapped the second Lucifer. Charlie looked at both fathers, confused and unable to discern who was the fake and who was the real. The two continued to scowl and insult each other and almost came to blows, before Charlie got between the two.
-STOP IT!!- she screamed, putting an end to the fight.
-This is my hotel, so I will decide who is telling the truth and who is not!- she said peremptorily. The two Lucifer calmed down, while continuing to glare at each other, while Charlie took a breath and thought deeply about what to do, thinking of asking questions that only the real Lucifer could answer.
-Ok ... What is my favorite type of pizza?- Charlie asked.
-With pineapple.- they both replied, in unison.
-... What’s my mom’s name?- she asked again.
-Lilith.- they both replied together again.
-Gh ... When is my birthday? - Charlie groaned, pulling her hair.
-On February, 22th.- they answered together once more.
-...Ugh, this isn’t working...- Charlie muttered, rubbing her temples.
-Of course not, Charlotte. You have to try something less obvious. - the second Lucifer resumed.
- That's right, Charlie. Otherwise we could continue like this forever.- reiterated the first Lucifer. In that Charlie had an idea. The perfect question had just occurred to her. A question that only her real father could answer.
-Tell me… What's my song?- she asked. The first Lucifer thought about it for a moment, then replied: -Inside of Every Demon is a Rainbow.- without hesitation. The second smiled and replied: -Sing by My Chemical Romance.-, at which Charlie's eyes lit up and she ran to Lucifer who said that, hugging him.
-C-Charlie?!- said the first Lucifer.
-Father... It's really you...- Charlie sobbed, hugging the second Lucifer, who smiled at her fatherly and stroked her hair.
-Yes, it's me, darling... Are you hurt?- he asked, holding her to him, while the first Lucifer gritted his teeth and clenched his hands.
-N-No... Not physically, at least...- Charlie sighed.
-Damn traitor! You just made a costly mistake!- roared the faux Lucifer, but Charlie ignored him, moving to his father's right and hugging his back.
-B-But if you are you ... T-Then, who the heck is that?! - She then asked, while the first Lucifer gritted his teeth.
-Your princess asked you a question, scrawl. You better answer her.- the second Lucifer hissed at the first, who made a snort before being enveloped in a dazzling and cold light.


Charlie had to cover both eyes from the dazzling light while Lucifer just narrowed his eyes, for someone like him who had seen the light of the Lord this was nothing. When the light went out, Charlie blinked for a few seconds to get her eyes used to the normal light and then looked straight ahead. The fake Lucifer had given way to a demon about as tall as Alastor and with very long limbs, his head was in the shape of a whitish-blue fireball floating above the individual's torso and with a red beret on top. The only facial features were two eyes which were also flaming, with black lines running down to the base of the head and a mouth, twisted into a grumpy expression. He was dressed in a brown and black vest over a white shirt with red papillon, brown gloves like his trousers, and a pair of black shoes with brown overshoes.
-The ... The Painting Demon?! - Charlie said, recognizing the intruder.
-Vanasium ... - Lucifer commented, nodding with annoyance and disgust.
-Who did you expect, the Krampus?- Vanasium snorted, speaking as if he had inhaled sulfur hexafluoride, folding his arms and stamping his foot.
-But how the hell did you figure it out?- roared the Painting Demon at Charlie.
-I-I got suspicious because you never called me Charlotte... My father never called me Charlie before, even when he was disappointed... But then I thought he must’ve been particularly angry with me... But then you got the question wrong. What I sang on TV was yes the song I wrote, but I didn't mean that when I said "my song".- explained the princess, while Lucifer held her close to him, he knew well that she meant the song that best described her. 
-Next time you try to ape me, do your homework.- Lucifer grinned provocatively.
-Grrrr... HOW COULD I TRIP OVER SOMETHING SO... DULL??!!- Vanasium roared, grabbing the flame and pulling it like hair.
-Because the only thing you've ever loved, scrawly, is you.- Lucifer snorted.
-But ... Why did he do it? - Charlie asked his father.
-Obviously, because he is a self-centered, vain, power-hungry maniac obsessed with stealing my throne. Isn’t that right, Van? - Lucifer answered with a mocking tone while Vanasium growled, defeated.
-You wanted to distance Charlie from me even more and then pretend to be her friend and convince her to give you her green light to oust me... You're awfully predictable.- Lucifer snorted then.


-Ten years... Ten years spent studying you in secret ... Learning every single vocal tonality... Every movement, even the most imperceptible... It was the perfect canvas, an infallible plan... HOW COULD I MISS A DETAIL SO INSIGNIFICANT??!!- roared the shapeshifter as his flame burned more and more.
-You’re wrong. It’s by no means an insignificant detail.- Charlie blurted out, stepping in front of his father.
-You simply underestimated my father.- She said, making Lucifer smile with paternal pride.
-It’s true that sometimes he is a bit of an asshole... - the princess said, depressing her father a bit, who hunched over himself.
-Charlotte ... - he groaned comically.
-Uh, no offense, eh... - she corrected, giggling embarrassed.
-Don’t worry, I deserve it a little... - Lucifer moaned softly, waving a hand.
-...But the point is that, no matter what, he loves me. That is what you failed to show.- She then said, with folded arms, to Vanasium, who adjusted his collar with a disgusted face.
-Tsk, filial love… Such an idiocy. I'd better leave before I throw up...- muttered the shapeshifter with a disdainful tone.
-Good idea. Scram, you freak. And if I catch you hanging out around here again, I swear I will not answer for my actions...- Lucifer snarled, making way for Vanasium, who passed between father and daughter, but stopped at the door and glared at Charlie, turning his head alone.
-Before I go, Charlie... Know that you will regret this...- the Painting Demon hissed, surprising the two Morningstars.
- From now on you are on my blacklist, like your father. You will never be able to trust anyone again… Not your stupid family, or your pathetic friends… Not even your insipid girlfriend. I will have a lot of fun torturing you… Making you feel weak, making you believe that you no longer have anyone in the world... At that point, I swear to you that YOU WILL BEG to have me by your side!- Vanasium roared while smiling wickedly. Lucifer, dismayed, cracked his knuckles, ready to beat up Vanasium, but stopped when he saw Charlie's fist clench.
-You know what?- Charlie said in a piqued tone, before taking a run and unleashing a powerful kick in the buttocks of the Painting Demon, who howled in pain.
-FUCK YOU!!- Charlie roared as she flew him out the door, which she slammed hard, before he landed in a puddle of mud and dried blood. Vanasium stood up, rubbing her backside and dusting his clothes, then looked back at the hotel and gritted his teeth in anger.
-This isn’t the end, you brat! Nobody treats the fantastic, the beautiful, the brilliant Painting Demon like that!- he shouted to the girl, and then walked away, muttering.


Charlie closed the windows, snorting disdainfully at the curtains, then turned and looked at his father, visibly upset.
-Charlotte... I am... Mortified... I am so very sorry... - Lucifer sighed, his face traversed by an expression of great guilt addressed to himself.
-You’re sorry, father? For what?- Charlie asked, while her father put his hands on her shoulders.
-For not having been there for you... For not having protected you from that shape-changing worm... He almost separated us even more than we already are...- Lucifer groaned, trembling imperceptibly. Charlie smiled and held his shoulders.
-But you have been there. You came when I needed you the most.- she said to console him.
-Only because the sleeping drug that that scab gave me didn't last long. But... What if I arrived late? I... I can't even think about it... - Lucifer muttered, clenching his fists.
-I try... I try to protect you with all of my strength, but... The greatest fear of a parent is knowing that he cannot always protect his child... - the king moaned, turning his back to Charlie.
-It's the same thing with your hotel. Publicly, I go against you or show indifference... But your idea has never stopped buzzing in my head.- he said, wiping one eye and turning in front of his daughter, who listened to him without saying a word.
-Redemption... It would be wonderful if it was an effective way to empty Hell without resorting to the Exterminators. But... - he said, starting proud but ending still depressed.
-...But...?- Charlie asked, seeing the tremors of her father return as he collapsed on his knees.
-You don't know them... Not as well as I do... - Lucifer yelped, tears streaming down his face as Heaven reflected in his eyes, or at least a fraction of its beauty, making Charlie make a sound of amazement.
-They... Th-They don't believe in second chances up there... - the king of Hell sobbed, grinding his teeth and unable to stop trembling.
-T-That's why I am hostile to you and go a-against you ... N-Not because I-I want to s-see you f-fail ... B-but because I don't w-want you to f-feel bad w-when they’ll r-reject your idea…- he then added, to which Charlie knelt in front of him and hugged him with transport, making him open his eyes.
-...Thank you, Dad... You have no idea how relieving it is to know this... - Charlie said with a lifted up expression while calling him dad, then moved away from him, still holding him by the shoulders and smiled at him.
-But you're wrong. It's not WHEN they reject my idea... It’s IF they reject my idea... - she added with a determined tone. This made Lucifer smile.
-Heh, you are really incorrigible... Stubborn, obstinate and very, very optimistic...- the king chuckled.
-Of course I am, I got it from my dad...- Charlie laughed back, getting up and helping her dad to get up.
-Okay, it's time to explain what happened to the others.- Charlie said, holding her father's hand.
-Okay.- Lucifer answered, walking with her towards the hall.


It was not easy to explain what had happened to the others, still offended by the insults of "Lucifer", but thanks to the testimony of Charlie everything was resolved fairly quickly.
-Vanasium ... That damn scarecrow will pay dearly...- Alastor grinned in an annoyed way. Vaggie, Husker and Niffty said nothing, but all three were visibly relieved to discover the truth.
-So... It wasn’t you the asshole who insulted us? Not that I... am saying that you are an asshole, Your Highness... - Angel asked, correcting himself immediately.
- Don’t worry... But yes, that's it. I'm sorry my problem has caused you all this trouble. I thought that he was just a vain jerk, but it is clear that I will have to keep an eye on him more often.- Lucifer sighed. Charlie had stood next to Vaggie and put a hand on her hips, smiling, and even the demon moth couldn't help but smile back.
-I admit that there is a part of me that thinks that this story will not go very far, but...- said Lucifer, smiling at the end and emitting light.
-...the part of me that believes in your project is much bigger!- he added then, to which Angel approached the girls and hugged them, giggling.
-And these two won't fail, will they?- asked the porn star, making the two girls laugh. Alastor materialized next to Lucifer as Angel tickled both girls.
-Do you see, Your Highness? Your daughter is a real good mood vortex. I joined them to have fun... To see Sinners fail in their redemptive intentions, but...- said the Radio Demon, turning to look at Charlie and Vaggie, who freed themselves and responded to Angel's tickle war.
-...Now I seriously begin to believe that his project can really make a difference.- Alastor concluded, Lucifer smiled at what the demon was saying.
-She makes you want to follow her to the end of the world... And I don't mind that one bit...- Al added, smiling sincerely.
-Yes, she took that from her mother…- Lucifer confirmed, laughing and taking a step forward, attracting everyone's attention by clapping his hands together.
-Okay, funny guys, listen to me. Since I am a hopeless mad man full of guilt, I have decided to subsidize the Happy Hotel, from now on! - announced the king, spreading his arms.
- REALLY?!- they all asked, in chorus, surprised and happy.
-Well, what's the point of having a hotel to redeem Sinners without Sinners to redeem? Come on, let's fill this place!- Lucifer said, putting his hands behind his head and smiling goofily. The others nodded vehemently and the staff members resumed their seats as Angel sat back in the chair.


As he passed, Lucifer stopped next to Niffty, intent on cleaning a large knick-knack.
-Well done, dear. You know, none of our attendants have ever managed to make this place shine like you did.- said the king, complimenting Niffty.
-Oh come on, Your Highness. It's nothing... - Niffty stammered, blushing. Lucifer then passed by Husker, chatting with him and tasting his liqueurs.
- Did that scrawl really compare your liqueurs to the transformation of water into wine? But what does he know? At least your stuff tastes like alcohol .- Lucifer admitted, laughing.
-Heh, good to know, Your Highness.- Husker chuckled, making a toast with him. After the drink, Lucifer walked over to Angel with his hands behind his back.
-You know, I'm a big fan of yours. I did things a king shouldn’t do to have the special edition of your first film with commentary, and now my lady and I have fun watching it while we do our thing in bed.- revealed Lucifer, as he handed the DVD to Angel to have it signed.
-Oh, dad... Did you have to say it out loud? - Charlie sighed, laughing embarrassedly and covering her face.
-Ho ho ho... Soooooo interesting, princess... - Angel chuckled as he signed the DVD. Putting it back in his pocket, Lucifer went to Alastor and shook his hand.
-You did a great job protecting my daughter from those beasts out there and giving her a staff. I trust that you will continue this excellent work. - said the king.
-If they just touch a hair on her head, I will cause an uproar, Your Highness.- Alastor reiterated, grinning.
-Well said. And, Vagatha? - Lucifer then asked, watching Vaggie arranging a carpet and attracting her attention.


-I don't think my daughter has ever made a better choice with you... You are loyal, courageous, selfless...- said the king while Vaggie smiled and rubbed her arm, a little embarrassed.
-And, between you and me ... I never liked that Seviathan. He and his family are all megalomaniacal pieces of shit.- Lucifer then whispered to Vaggie, who laughed.
-Ppfftt ... Yeah.- she snickered, as Alastor joined her.
-I know my daughter is in good hands with you- Lucifer said, smiling.
- SURE!- they both said in unison, looking into each other's confused eyes immediately afterwards.
-...I still don’t like you, though…- Vaggie snorted, turning her back to Alastor.
-Oh, Miss Vagatha, you break my heart!- Alastor snickered. While the two of them were arguing, Lucifer walked over to Charlie and put his arm around her.
-...Charlie...- Lucifer said, making the princess turn towards him as he called her Charlie for the first time.
-I wish you good luck with your project ... Both as a king ... and as a father ... - he said then, holding her shoulders and smiling.
-D-Dad ... - Charlie moaned, with tears of joy in her eyes.
-...Thank you.- whispered the princess, as she hugged him again.
-No, my daughter… Thank you…- Lucifer sighed, hugging her back as, behind them, Husker, Angel and Niffty cheered and Vaggie and Alastor kept arguing.


The End