Chapter Text
The hotel’s construction was going smoothly with Alastor’s help and guidance. When Charlie announced that Lucifer wanted to preview the hotel, he insisted they work double time so as to not disappoint the king with their progress. The renovations would be finished within the week with the help of his gremlins working around the clock and a few Sinners that owed him some favors, Charlie and Vaggi had ordered the furniture and decor to be delivered once the building was ready to be furnished, and they were already booking reservations for Sinners interested in the hotel. If it was because they believed they could be redeemed or because of the Radio Demon’s very public interest in the hotel, who’s to say. Now that he knew Lucifer actually supported his daughter’s little project, Alastor was eager to show just how helpful he was. Which is why when Charlie asked him to bring invitations to the hotel’s grand opening to the next citywide Overlord meeting, he didn’t hesitate to enthusiastically agree. Not only was this another chance to endear himself to the princess, but the fact that he would have the power to pick and choose which Overlords had the chance to rub elbows with Hell’s upper crust made the envelopes tucked safely in his coat even more valuable.
He strolled down the streets of the Industrial District humming a tune and looking every bit the powerful Overlord he knew he was. He relished the way lesser Sinners would scramble to get out of his path like roaches in a suddenly lit room. It being the semiannual meeting of all the Overlords, he’d decided to have his Second accompany him. Especially since they would be spending more time together as bartender and hotelier at the Hazbin, it felt appropriate to remind him who exactly owned his soul. Husk walked to his right, the winged feline Sinner shuffling his favorite deck of cards as he scanned the area with an air of nonchalance.
During his time as an Overlord, Husk controlled a sizable territory in the Entertainment District made up of glamorous casinos, luxurious buffets, and a grand theater showing off Pride's up and coming talent. But as every gambler knows, luck can be a fickle thing and Husk was down on it when Alastor had come knocking. One too many bad hands on his part and Alastor had him in chains. Although unlike the Radio Demon’s other victims, something about Husk made him decide to spare him instead of adding his screams to the evening broadcast. Going so far as to allow Husk to keep his powers and continue managing his original territory, so long as Husk sent a steady stream of souls Alastor’s way as tribute. An Overlord in all but name. And while they certainly weren’t friends, they had grown to see the other as more or less an ally.
Husk drew a flask from his pocket and took a swig. “So, Boss, anything special about this meeting? You don’t usually have someone tagging along.”
“Hmm, could it not be that I simply miss your company, ole boy?”
“Heh, you already got my soul in chains, Boss, no need to butter me up. So, what’s the play?”
Alastor did not turn towards him, but Husk could feel his fur stand on end as the Radio Demon’s ambient static whined a touch louder. “My dear Husker, if you must know I was given the responsibility to distribute the invitations to the grand opening of Ms Charlotte’s darling hotel to the Overlords I deem worthy. Especially since there will be some high profile individuals in attendance, it would not do to let just anyone come to the soiree.”
“And any particular reason why she doesn’t just ask Lilith to do this?”
“HAHAHA, that’s the best part, my friend! She’s asked her parents to not interfere with this little experiment of hers. And so she must rely on us to do this for her,” he hissed with glee. “It’s simply the most ideal of situations, wouldn’t you say? The deck couldn’t be more stacked in our favor.”
“Hmm, so I’m here to what exactly? Extra muscle? Need me to protect you?”
The sound of an elk’s bugle briefly cut through the air. Green stitches appeared along Alastor’s joints as he whirled around to jab Husk’s chest with his staff. A green chain collar clicked around his neck with the other end wrapped around the Radio Demon’s free hand. “Do not presume I need your protection, Husker, remember who you’re talking to.”
Husk flattened his ears as the sudden weight of the chain brought him to his knees. He didn’t answer back. Didn’t defend himself. But he never broke eye contact with Alastor. A small act of defiance that made his master’s sinister smile grow wider. Green stitches at the corners of his mouth struggling to stay in place. And just as quickly, Alastor was back to his usual self. He even offered the end of his staff to help Husk up off his knees. Carrot and stick.
“But being prepared is something we can both get behind, yes? We are entering the lion’s den and I’m afraid God isn’t going to send an angel to seal their mouths if they sense any weakness.”
Husk hummed in agreement, but kept quiet when he noticed a familiar blue limousine coming up behind them. Alastor didn’t show any signs of acknowledging the car, but Husk knew better and was hyperaware of the tension that filled the air around them. The limo’s passenger side pulled up to center the Radio Demon’s reflection in its tinted window before it lowered to reveal one of the biggest fish in the Entertainment District. Vox peaked out of the car, smirking at the pair like they were the same kind of pathetic souls that scrambled at an Overlord’s mere presence.
“Alastor! Still no car, I see. Radio sponsors not paying you enough? Such a shame to see an old pal so down on his luck. Why not let me give you a ride, I bet you’d even enjoy it? SYKE! FUCK YOU, YOU FUCK!!” Vox crowed at them before the limo peeled away down the street.
Husk just curled an eyebrow at the cloud of dust Vox left behind, the TV Demon never learned the art of timing when it came to his insults or jabs. Then again, when verbally jousting with Hell’s number one radio host there were few who could actually keep up with Alastor’s wit. Given he had the chance to respond before his opponent ran away. But Vox’s poor timing just made him seem even more pathetic as they stood in front of the building Carmilla was hosting the meeting in. Alastor simply chuckled, patting the invitations hidden under his lapels. Not even Vox could dampen his mood, Husk supposed. Falling back into step with him as they entered the building.
Vox and the other Vees were the last Overlords to arrive at the meeting, much to Alastor’s amusement. And because of their lateness, the trio were relegated to sitting far from anyone that really mattered at the meeting. There were no assigned seats other than Lilith’s place at the head of the table, but where one sat and in relation to whom said a lot about an Overlord’s place in this fraught hierarchy. Closest to the head of the table was their hostess, Carmilla. Nearest to her were Zestial and Maestro, two of the most powerful Overlords by way of simply being two of the oldest. Alastor had taken a seat a respectable distance from the head of the table with Rosie. Husk being here as his Second also appeared to be the right move as Carmilla had her daughters with her and several other Overlords had brought Seconds of their own. When everyone had settled at the long table, the double doors behind the head of the table opened. Lilith gracefully stole the attention of the entire room. Dressed in a tasteful dark purple velvet strapless dress, a pure white fur shawl draped loosely around her middle, and her obsidian horns on full display. Per usual, her mere presence made the air in the room feel stifling. Like the American South during the height of Summer. Every Overlord stood from their seats, the Seconds that lined the walls stood at attention, and all that could be heard was the rhythmic clicks of the Black Queen’s heels as she made her way to her seat. Her entourage included two armored hellhound guards and a Goetic demon who pulled out her chair for her to sit.
Lilith leaned back into the chair as it morphed into a black throne and Alastor, not for the first time, wondered if that parlor trick was only for Overlord meetings or if it just happened whenever she sat down. Either way, once she was settled, the Overlords took their own seats in unison. The Goetic demon conjured a stack of papers and walked around the table, placing a stapled packet in front of each of them. The front page had been embossed with the seal Lilith had adopted as an Overlord. A stylized filigree owl clutching a serpent in its talons, the image contained in a crescent moon.
“Thank you for taking time out of your schedules to be here,” she said. “I expect today’s meeting to be particularly long and appreciate everyone’s patience as we go over each topic. We will break around noon today. If no one has any pressing announcements, let us begin. If you will all open your packets, we will begin by going over today’s agenda.”
…
“So, Alastor, how’s your little pet project going? Your darling Nifty had stopped by my shop for your usual lunchbox the other day, but I never got the chance to chat with her! Ever the busybody, that one! And you haven’t stopped by since I introduced you to the princess,” Rosie chuckled. “I hope that means things are going well?”
The meeting had paused for lunch and the Overlords were moved to a larger space with a buffet set out for them to pick from and tables spread out for more intimate conversations. Although none of them really needed to eat, they all politely partook in Carmilla’s hospitality. It was an important chance to socialize on neutral ground. Reestablish alliances, exchange rumors, and, of course, observe fellow Overlords. Rosie thought ahead and packed food for the three of them to share to avoid the buffet line. Graciously packing something that was more agreeable to Husk versus the pair’s usual cannibal fare. Alastor wasn’t wasting time and used this chance to more or less gauge who to give an invitation to and what they could offer him in return. He’d led Rosie to a spot that wasn’t the center of the room, but close enough that their conversation could be picked up by any who was curious. A strategic move to chum the waters and see who’d bite first before he cast his net.
“Mm, everything is going quite swimmingly. Ms. Charlotte and I have found our stride and expect the hotel to be ready in less than two weeks. Speaking of the hotel,” Alastor grinned, reaching into his coat and producing a cream colored envelope sealed with the royal seal in apple red wax. “I have a gift for you, an invitation to the grand opening of the Hazbin Hotel. I promise, the party will be the place to be! I’m told on good authority the King and all the Sins will be there to show their support for the princess and it’s invite only! A truly an exclusive party.”
Rosie gasped loudly and snatched the envelope from his hands. She caught on to his plan and laughed loudly enough to draw attention to their little corner of the room. “Alastor, you shouldn’t have! Oh, I’ll need to contact my tailor! This requires a whole new outfit if I’m going to be chatting with King Lucifer!” she cackled.
He could feel the eyes on him as soon as she started waving her envelope around and the smile on his face turned predatory. “Now now, I only have a few invitations. It's a shame, but I can’t invite everyone, my dear. Best to keep it hush hush for now.” This was a lie, of course, but the effect was immediate.
The ground shook as Zeezi’s shadow came over to the three of them. “Hold on, what’s this I hear about an exclusive party? You better have an invite for me, Radio Demon!”
“Why, Zeezi, I haven’t a clue what you’re talking about.”
The saurian Sinner growled, but she only huffed hot air at him. “Okay, we both know your game. What do you want for one of those fancy invitations?”
“Invitations? To what?”
“To a party with the King!”
“The King is having a party!?”
“Invite only and he’s the bouncer!?”
Soon, their table was surrounded by Overlords vying for an invitation from Alastor. Rosie looked positively ravenous when Prick and Hatchet started offering Sinners for her butcher’s block in exchange for her envelope. Even Husk was being fawned over as if he could put a good word in for them, the former Overlord grinning cruelly as they plied him with exotic alcohols for a prize he had no right to. Suddenly, a spark of blue electricity parted the crowd. The Vees strut together like a demented high school posse with Vox in the lead, a manic smile stretched over his flat face.
“And what’s got everyone so excited, friends? Did Alastor finally drop dead?” Vox sneered.
Hook. Line. And sinker. Radio feedback whined through the air as Alastor stood up with a flourish and smile. Summoning his microphone cane and not too gently tapping the pointed handle against Vox’s sternum. “HA, no. I was just saying to our colleagues that I had a few invitations to an exclusive party being hosted by the Princess of Hell. Nothing serious, just a little soiree to celebrate the grand opening of our hotel. It just so happens that the who’s who of Hell were going to be there. Old Hellborn money. The Deadly Sins. Even Lucifer himself will be coming down from on high to mingle with the common folk! And you’re. Not. Invited.”
Vox clenched his fists, his signature blue electricity sparking off of him as the screen that served as his face glitched. “WHAT!? AND YOU HAVE THE FINAL SAY IN WHO’S COMING!?”
“Ahahaha haaah ahA! Well, yes. The princess asked me to personally pick and choose which Overlords would be attending. And just like how I’ve been keeping your pesky little toys away from the hotel, I intend to do the same for their master. Can’t have the riff raff ruining the evening, now can we. Husker, if you would clear the table. Rosie, dear.” He turned his back to Vox, holding out a hand to help her out of her chair. “I believe lunch is over. Shall we?”
They left the crowd and ignored Vox as he hurled insults and threats at their backs. Just as they left the lunch room, Alastor heard the distinct sound of glass breaking and he couldn’t help the smile of delight that stretched across his face.
…
The rest of the meeting went smoothly, even if Vox had to excuse himself for ‘technical difficulties’. Alastor refrained from handing out any more invitations, but the glances he noticed from the other Overlords made him think he would be having company over some time soon. As they began packing up, the Goetic demon serving Lilith approached him.
“Overlord Alastor, if you wouldn’t mind staying behind. My Lady wishes to speak to you in private.”
Alastor grinned with delight when he heard the excited whispers behind him. A private audience at the request of Lilith was a big deal and he could practically feel his influence growing. He straightened his coat and gestured for the Goetia to lead the way. Before they passed through the door Lilith had exited, the Goetia turned to face him again.
“I’m afraid your Second will have to wait here.”
“Oh, of course. Husker, be a pal and wait here,” Alastor said in a singsongy voice, like he was speaking to his pet rather than a fellow.
“Whatever you say, Boss.”
“Worry not, your master shall be returned unharmed,” the Goetia assured Husk. Whether it was because Husk seemed suspicious or because he was Alastor’s Second, it didn’t matter as the pair left the feline Sinner at the door.
As Lucifer passed the fence, he felt the unmistakable caress of a barrier pass over him. It wasn’t unpleasant, but it definitely was not from Charlie. It lacked her signature and her magic was not this advanced to begin with. The Radio Demon, perhaps? Either way, as soon as he passed the barrier, the cell phone in his pocket began blaring. He yanked it out just in time for it to burst into flames.
“What the-!? Damn it, I just got that phone!”
“Dad!” Charlie screamed excitedly and threw herself at Lucifer.
“Char Char!!” Lucifer easily caught his daughter, allowing his wings to flair out as he took them both into the air to spin her around. “How’s my baby girl? Daddy’s missed you so much, you haven’t visited in ages! Also, my phone literally exploded? Any reason for that?”
“Dad, I was at the palace for dinner like yesterday,” she giggled. “Sorry about the phone thing, though. Alastor has a thing about tech, especially VoxTech. We’ve compromised and he lets tech made by Carm Industries through, I’ll get you a new phone later.”
“Huh, what a weirdo. Anyways, don’t worry about it. I’ll take it up with that Sinner later,” he said as he set her down. “How are things? Is Ma-Vaggi with you?”
“No, she’s running errands before the stuff we ordered comes in. It’s just you and me today, figured we could have some Daddy-Daughter Time?”
Lucifer got a little misty eyed and hugged Charlie again. “Of course, Char Char! I love Daddy-Daughter Time!” he dramatically sobbed.
“Dad! Calm, deep breaths!” Charlie laughed, completely used to Lucifer’s antics. “The hotel doesn’t have any furniture and we still have to replace most of the carpet and wallpaper, but the building itself is all fixed up! We’ve updated the plumbing and electrical and patched up all the holes and broken windows!”
Charlie leads him around the grounds first, showing off the herring bone pathway that wound around the hotel. She explained that they planned to have the landscapers plant flowers that could survive the acid rain and beautify the property. She also planned to add benches and a small court for outdoor activities. And Lucifer couldn’t help but smile at his daughter’s enthusiasm. She didn’t know it, but she was acting just like Lucifer did when he was shaping the first galaxies and it made him ache with love for her. His greatest creation by far.
“Are you listening, Dad?”
“Huh, wha-? Sorry, I was thinking. What did you say?”
Charlie looked at him with concern, laying a hand on his shoulder. “You okay? I know you get lost sometimes. Did you want to end the tour for now?”
“Charlie, I’m no spring chicken, but I’m fine. I was just thinking about how proud of you I am, that’s all. Now, how about you show me the interior?”
Charlie didn’t look entirely convinced, but she just wrapped her arm around him and gave him a firm squeeze. “Okay, Dad. Let’s go inside.”
…
They ended the tour in what would eventually become Charlie’s office in the hotel. She served him some tea and snacks as the excitement of spending the day together wound down. “So, Dad, tell me honestly. What do you think?”
“Well, Charlie, it sure is something. I can see your vision for everything is very clear and that’s important for any project,” he said, adding several heaping spoonfuls of sugar to his tea. “But I have to ask, what exactly is your plan for redemption?”
“Well, I was hoping you could help with that. You’re an angel, one of the first! Do you have any inkling on how souls are sorted?”
Lucifer sighed and for a second he looked ancient beyond comprehension. Charlie forgets sometimes that her father may have been in Hell for ten thousand years, but he existed long before that. Existed even before light itself. And so she waited quietly knowing that these conversations, the ones that touched on Heaven and his life before Hell, were hard on him.
“I don’t, I’m sorry, Charlie. I was cast out of Heaven before there were Sinners and Winners, so I have no experience with what their expectations are when it comes to sorting souls. All I can say for sure is that there have always been more Sinners coming to Hell than Winners going to Heaven. It’s been a point of contention between our realms for quite some time now and it's why Heaven insists on the Exterminations.”
“But I thought Heaven was supposed to be all about forgiveness! Why wouldn’t they have a way for souls to prove they deserve Heaven after death?”
Lucifer shrugged, “Your guess is as good as mine, kiddo. Actually, I was hoping I could ask you a favor. And maybe you could get some answers of your own from the source.”
“A favor?”
“Yes, a favor. I know you know how I feel about Redemption and that hasn’t changed, but if we could prove that the Sinners are harmless. That there isn’t a grand scheme to overthrow Heaven. Then maybe we could stop the Exterminations. And I was hoping that you’d be willing to explain your plan with the hotel at the next summit with Heaven to help me convince them. At the very least to pause the Exterminations until we definitively prove that Redemption isn’t possible.”
Charlie looked at Lucifer with hope filled eyes. “Dad, that would be amazing! But why the change of heart?”
Lucifer grimaced, but he didn’t want to hide the truth from his daughter. “In the last meeting with Heaven, they brought up reworking the treaty they have with us. Specifically regarding the Exterminations. They want to expand the number of Rings affected and they want to hold the Exterminations twice a year. Your Uncle Ozzie and Aunt Bee brought up a good point the last time they were over for dinner, I’m getting stronger and it's making Heaven nervous. For ten thousand years, the power that came with ruling Hell was split between your mother and I. But with her stepping down, it all comes to me now.”
Lucifer held out his hand and allowed his Grace and Hellfire intermingle. Charlie watched in awe as her father’s power took shape, golden light and ribbons of red flame coalesced in his palm before a burst of heat and light made her turn away. When she could stand to look again, in Lucifer's black hand was a little black ball. He offered it to her and when he slid it into her hand a large eye appeared on the ball. Slowly, the ball uncurled itself to reveal a mostly black cyclops cat who began purring in her hands.
Charlie gasped and held the cat to her chest, “Oh my god, you got me a cat!?”
“Hehe, I made you a cat. I know you said you don’t want any help with the hotel, but I hope that you’ll make an exception for this little girl. She’ll be the embodiment of the hotel and its guardian as long as you will her.”
“Thank you thank you thank you! I promise I’ll take care of her and the hotel! And don’t worry, Dad! We’ll stop the Exterminations. Together!”
“Together.”
Alastor was led through a series of halls. The industrial architecture slowly morphed into something more art deco, not his cup of tea but he acknowledged it was at least cohesive. His eyes hungrily consumed every detail when he realized he must be inside Lilith’s home or something close to it. He was brought to a large office where Lilith was behind a desk reading over a document before she excused the Goetia and gestured for Alastor to have a seat. He did and quietly waited to be spoken to, grinning all the while.
“Alastor,” she said, tucking the document into a drawer and turning her full attention to him. “I’ll cut to the chase as I’m sure you know we are both very busy people. What intentions do you have with my daughter?”
To his credit, Alastor didn’t flinch. Even as the air around him seemed to compress to a suffocating degree. “I’m not sure what you mean, My Lady.”
“Do not play coy with me, Sinner. If you have ill intentions for my daughter, I will find out and I will make you suffer for it. Not to mention the king and the Sins. If you value your continued afterlife, you will answer me.”
The pressure was starting to become uncomfortable. He could feel his shoulders and neck begin to protest as he fought not to collapse into the chair. “I swear, Queen Lilith, I have no ill intentions towards Princess Charlotte,” he gasped out through gritted teeth.
Lilith narrowed her eyes. With a gesture, her black flames formed a circle around him and slowly inched forward. She was going to burn him. End his afterlife. Incinerate his eternal soul until there was nothing left for him to regenerate from. Or at least she was going to try. Just as those flames came close to consuming him feet first, a pulse of golden light extinguished them. It did not repair the toe of his charred shoe, but shoes could be repaired or replaced. The pressure eased with the flames gone and Alastor simply grunted uncomfortably as he straightened himself out.
“Was that entirely necessary?” he growled.
Lilith simply smiled at him, unbothered that her attempt at his afterlife was stopped. “No, but I have to have my fun somehow.”
“Perhaps, but I would prefer that you find it elsewhere next time,” he grumbled as he stood to leave. “Oh, and I assume you won’t need an invitation to the grand opening?”
“No, I already received mine from Charlie. But Alastor, I’m serious. If I catch a whiff of you putting my daughter in danger, well, we both know I can’t kill you. But remember, my dear Overlord, there are worse fates than death in this afterlife.”
When Alastor returned to the hotel, Charlie was just locking up the building. A strangely familiar magic permeated the air as he stepped out of the shadows. At first he thought that it was Charlie trying a new spell, but that wasn’t where the familiarity came from. It felt like a memory. Like when he reminisced about steaming pots of jambalaya and cast iron cornbread. Or the feeling of ivory keys under his fingers and bright spotlights overhead. He was briefly lost in this feeling when something curled around his ankles. He looked down to see a one eyed cat, purring and rubbing its bulbous head against his pants. Gently, he leaned down and picked up the creature to read the tag on its neck.
“Keekee?” He read out loud. The cat purred louder at the mention of her name, pressing her head under his chin. And then he smelled it. Crisp, sweet apples. Earth after a heavy, cleansing rain. And something new, spicy and warm. Cinnamon.
“Al, you’re back! You just missed my dad. And I see you’ve already met the newest member of the Hazbin Hotel!” Charlie bounced up to him excitedly. “This is Keekee! My dad made her for me! Aw, and she really likes you.”
“Yes, she is, um, quite the enchanting little creature.” Alastor scratched Keekee’s ears gently and the cat’s purr rumbled in happiness.
Charlie looked at him curiously. “You okay, Al?”
This snapped the Radio Demon out of it and he gently returned the cat to Charlie. “Yes, why wouldn’t I be! I was just stopping by to renew the barrier. Can’t have any unwanted guests stalling our progress with our grand opening so soon.”
“Oh, did you hand out the invites? How many Overlords are coming?”
“Well, I was able to give one to Rosie, but didn’t have a chance to hand out the rest. Busy meeting. I’ll get to it tomorrow, don’t you worry about that.”
“Oh, no worries! Well, I’m finished locking up. I’ll see you tomorrow, Al! Have a good night!”
“Um, Charlie! A moment, please. You said your father was here to visit?”
“Yeah, I told you he wanted to preview the hotel. Why?”
“Was he…alone? Did he have someone with him? Another Sinner, perhaps?”
“No, it was just him. Although, his phone did explode because of your barrier, so you might want to prepare for him giving you a few choice words for that,” she chuckled nervously.
“Do you–.” Alastor had to pause to catch his breath. He was panting like an animal. His chest felt tight and his cold, black heart was hammering against his ribs. “Do you happen to have a picture of your father?”
“Yeah, of course I do. But, Al, you look like you’re about to faint. Are you sure you’re okay?”
“Please, Charlotte, I need to see him! I need to see Lucifer!”
Charlie was taken aback by his sudden outburst and the use of her full first name, but she pulled out her phone. More concerned that her friend looked like he was going to be sick than the sudden obsession with her father.
“Here, this was taken today during his visit.”
The ambient noise that usually followed Alastor suddenly cut out. He reached out, taking the phone from Charlie, and cradling it gently in his hands. In the image was the last person he expected to see in Hell. Of course, it was not an exact match to his memory. This person looked more androgynous and doll-like, his skin is a pearly white with bright red circles on the apples of his cheeks. Blonde hair peaked out from under the tall, white top hat he was wearing and the yellow sclera and red irises are stark opposites of what he remembers of his beloved friend. But there is no mistaking him for anyone else. Not with how beautifully he smiles, even if it’s not directed at him. Not with how something bright and warm surges to life within him. Alastor feels his chest ache with longing and recognition, he forgets where he is as Charlie calls his name. Of course, it was Lucifer. Of course his angel was the King of Hell. Because who else would be worthy of his adoration. After Luke–, no, Lucifer… After Lucifer left his life, he’d never felt anything remotely close to what he felt for the fallen angel. Oh, how he felt like a fool to think that his beloved friend was anything less than a divine being. Now fate has brought them together again and he had every intention of never letting him go.