Chapter Text
The Hazbin Hotel… a foundation in Hell where sinners can stay and have a chance to learn to be redeemed and have a chance to go to Heaven… The founder and owner of this place is Charlie Morningstar, the Princess of Hell. This hotel has been a dream of hers for years, and after so long, Charlie has opened it to the people of Hell. However, she has gone through so much to get where she is today. Charlie has mourned and fought for the hotel just as much as she sang and protected it. But now her hotel, her people, and her loved ones are once again safe and sound, and her foes have been defeated.
But maybe… There are more ways to be redeemed…
And I, Charlie Morningstar, have found a way for that to happen… in the most unlikely and terrifying way possible…
~~~
“Charlie, could you help me with this?” Vaggi said, looking over at her girlfriend as she carried a few boxes of alcohol while barely flying in the air.
“Yep!” Charlie chirped, smiling and going to the fallen angel, and happily took some of the boxes as she and Vaggi went over to the bar.
“Thanks, hun,” Vaggi said, smiling at Charlie before putting down the boxes in her arms and flying away to do more tasks as part of the manager of the hotel.
Placing her own boxes on the ground behind the counter, Charlie saw a lot of sinners at the bar ordering drinks and having many conversations while Husk was busy making the beverages. However, the princess could even hear some of the conversations full of gratitude and excitement about her hotel.
She was so happy that, after everything she, her loved ones, and her hotel had to go through, it finally worked. Redemption was possible. And no one could stop her dream now. Every other day, some of the guests progress toward redemption through trust exercises, therapy sessions, even warming up a little to other guests or the staff, and, at the very least, wanting a room of their own to stay safe and comfortable. All of this was the least bit helpful to her people, for it was a step closer to a better life in the afterlife. And best of all, her friends were there to help her with her dream and each of them helped her with the hotel.
Nifty helps with cleaning, as it says on her name tag, even if she’s always a bit too quirky about it. Baxter helps Niftly with cleaning, but most of the time he works on his inventions in his underground laboratory while keeping his eyes peeled outside the hotel, for he has installed high-tech security cameras all over the hotel (it was Charlie’s idea, and she even helps him decide where to put the cameras).
With Vaggi, she helps stock anything the guests and rooms need (since she was the hotel manager) and even helps Charlie come up with different lessons and ideas for therapy sessions to help people who want to try redemption. As for Lucifer, he would support Charlie and sometimes help the other staff members with their duties regarding the guests. He would either help Emily or Charlie in many ways to help with the hotel and its patrons. But most of the time, Lucifer would just be in his suite, his obsession with rubber ducks occupying him.
As for Cherri, she would help Emily out with gifting, welcoming, and finding new sinners to the hotel while sometimes receiving and giving letters from/to Sir Pentious from the other side. And Husk will also help out Cherri and Emily sometimes, but his paws will be full of bartending and caring for Angel's pet pig, Fat Nuggets.
Speaking of which, a soft shove was at the side of the princess’s leg as Charlie looked down to see Fat Nuggets looking back up at her with a happy snort from the ground.
“Hey, little guy!” Charlie smiled with a soft giggle, picking up the little pig in her arms.
“Oh shit. Sorry about that.” Husk's voice was heard, Charlie turning to the bar counter to see Husk walking up to her and taking Fat Nuggets in his arms now.
“Today's been hella busy with the guests. Didn’t have much time looking out for this lil guy.” Husk explained, looking down at the pig before petting him in his hold. Charlie noticed how tired the bartender seemed to be and smiled again.
“Why don’t I watch him? You look like you’ve got your hands full already.” Charlie said, pointing behind Husk to show him that there were still a whole lot of demons wanting more drinks.
Husk looked back at the guests and cringed a little. It’s been a few weeks since it became so busy at the hotel and Husk has been working his tail off serving drinks and such to the guests while caring for Fat Nuggets. Even though Cherri has helped him a bit more with taking care of the pig, Fat Nuggets seemed to want to be with Husk more. However, hearing Charlie’s offer of caring for the pig made Husk smile. He could really use the break.
“Thanks, Charlie. Really could use the break.” Giving Fat Nuggets back to Charlie, Husk smiled once more at the princess before going back to the guests at the bar, quickly and efficiently making the drinks.
Charlie looked at the bartender at work for a moment before walking back to the main lobby. She sees every demon around her chatting and the staff quickly doing different tasks until Fat Nuggets snorted and nuzzled against the princess. Looking down at the pig in her arms, Charlie giggled and gushed a little at how cute Fat Nuggets was.
However, her brows furrowed and her smile faltered a little into a sad one at the pet pig. It’s been almost a whole month since Angel hasn’t come back and in all that time Charlie, her friends, and Fat Nuggets have been sad about his “job” situation.
But… Charlie has been the most effective on the issue. He was the first sinner to be at her hotel and since then, he gave her hope that her dream would come true and now it has. But Angel wasn’t here. Not with Charlie or their friends. It hurts for everyone that he wasn’t here, especially Charlie, and she just wished he were here. Happy, safe, and on a path back to redemption.
…A small tear left the princess’s eye as a realization came to her. The last time Charlie talked to him was when she found out about Angel being a murderer of his dad. It broke her heart seeing how Velvette and especially Vox tormented him for what he did and… how Charlie didn’t stop them sooner. But mostly, she pushed Angel too far about his past.
After some thinking, she realized back then that she was just too eager to help her friend to help him fix his issues from the past. Even though her intentions were good, Charlie ended up being too persistent in helping Angel to the point she pushed him too far. Now she wishes to make things right with her friend. She wanted Angel to be back and safe and more importantly, happy and wanting to feel worthy of being redeemed. Especially being away from terrible people who have hurt and abused him beyond repair.
Wiping the small tear from her cheek, the princess gave a small hug to Fat Nuggets before carrying him close to him and walking up the huge red staircase. While she walked, Charlie was going to another small lounge area where some guests were hanging around and talking amongst themselves as a tv was playing in the background.
As Charlie looked around, a news jingle came from the flatscreen tv on the wall. Turning her head, she looked to see the news being played as it was Katie Killjoy and Tom appearing on screen.
“Good morning all of Hell! I’m Katie Killjoy and I'm here with Tom! Usual shitty weather conditions are expected but fuck that! First, we have important updates from the new management at V Tower! Studio Producer and hottest overlord Valentino has made big fucking changes! And since becoming the new manager of the V Tower and VoxTec, he has made many alterations and improvements for the building and company! Isn’t that right Tom?”
“That’s right, Katie! Valentino has only been in charge of the building and company for a few weeks now and since then, he has made more products and services than before! One of these updates has the whole pride circle go fucking feral! It’s an audition for finding the next biggest star in Hell-!”
“Ha! Who the fuck would be a good enough demon in Hell to be the star of V Tower? As far as I can see, only Angel Dust is a good enough choice to be in that fucking position! After all, he’s nothing but Valentino's top employee both in stripping, acting, and being a fucking whore! That’s all he’ll ever be good for ha!” Katie laughed, and Tom joined in on the fun of mocking Angel.
Charlie felt her jaw clench at the mockery of her friend from the news reporters. Since Vox and Velvette's visit to the hotel those months ago, Charlie has not liked how anyone else hurt her friends. Whether emotionally or physically, she hated it all. Especially when her care and love go to a friend who was not only bound to a stupid fucking contract and has no choice but to be in a place where his constant abuse and harassment happen, but a friend who has ignored the princess and has some point not liked her for her stupid fucking persistence in helping him-.
“Charlie. Are you feeling alright?” A sudden voice caught Charlie’s attention and her anger didn’t simmer anymore as it died down. She looked over her shoulder to see her father looking confused.
It took her a second to get rid of her frustration against the news reporters and almost anyone who had hurt Angel beyond repair as she smiled lightly, walking up to her Dad now with Fat Nuggets still in her arms.
“Yeah, Dad. I’m ok. Just lost in thought.” Lucifer stared up at his daughter for a moment until his lips softly curled into a warm smile.
“I know you, Charlie. Something is bothering you and I'm pretty sure I saw you getting all angry at the tv.” Charlie’s smile fell as her brows furrowed. Crap she hoped that her dad or anyone else for that matter wouldn’t notice her anger showing, considering a second ago her horns, tail, and even her eyes got all demonic.
“Y-Your right. It’s just…” The princess started, looking a little upset before continuing.
“They talked about Angel like… he’s not good enough to be redeemed. They talk about him like he’s nothing when we all know that’s not true. I miss him so much and… I… I-I wish I could just a-apologize to him and…” The words were stopped as tears rapidly formed in her eyes before spilling. Lucifer frowned upon this and wiped a few tears away from his daughter's cheeks.
“Honey… it’ll be ok. I know that you miss Angel. We all do. But I know that sooner or later either Angel will realize that his true place is the hotel or his shitty boss may finally get tired of him. We just… have to have hope.” Charlie looked at her dad as tears continued to spill and he still smiled comfortingly, letting go of her face.
“I know it’s hard. Not just with him being over there and not here, but how you feel. You were only trying to help him and I know that sometimes, you can’t help yourself but push. But I also know that when you're determined to prove something to yourself or for someone else, you don’t stop. Even… if it means hurting someone you don’t intend to hurt.” Charlie looked at her father with hope and uncertainty in her tearful eyes but Lucifer reached up and wiped another tear from his daughter’s eye before continuing his words.
“Angel will be ok. As long as we have hope. And I know that he has all of us in his heart too.” Lucifer smiled once more as Charlie smiled softly and her tears stopped spilling, her eyes now glossy.
“Thanks, Dad. For cheering me up.” With a sudden snort, Fat Nuggets looked up at Charlie before bouncing in her arms a little to give a few licks on her cheeks, causing her to giggle a little.
“Yes yes, you too Fat Nuggets!” Charlie said, hugging and giggling as the small pig kept licking her face. Lucifer smiled at the sight before talking again.
“Anytime, honey.” Both Morningstars smiled at the pig in the daughter's arms before Lucifer spoke again.
“Looks like you can use some time for yourself. I can watch Fat Buckets-.”
“Nuggets, Dad.” Charlie corrected.
“Nuggets right! I can watch him for a little bit while you go and do what you need to relax. Your friends, Vaggi, and I got the hotel covered for a little while.” As Lucifer took the small pig in his arms now, Charlie looked a bit surprised at her Dad.
“Wait really? I mean I’ve already done my duties for today for the guests, therapy, and the hotel. I even helped Emily make more new decor for the new opening entry in Heaven. But are you sure it’s all right for me to take some time away from the hotel just to relax?” Lucifer smiled encouragingly at his daughter.
“Trust me, you need a break. Even if that break is small, you gotta take care of yourself. And like I said, all of us got this, even though that deer guy doesn’t do shit around here. He just hosts the guests.” Charlie looked at her dad for a moment until she took a deep breath and let it out gradually with a small smile.
“Well… alright. I guess I could use a moment away from work.” Lucifer chuckled at Charlie’s accepted defeat.
“More like a couple of moments I think. Just take your time to relax ok? I’ll let everyone know about you stepping out for a while. Now go.” With a small but affectionate hug being shared, Lucifer gave one more smile to Charlie before walking back to the main lobby with Fat Nuggets in his arms, and the princess walked out of the hotel to give her dad's advice a try.
~~~
The streets were busy, sinners and hell-born combined as Charlie walked down the sidewalk, and passing by many people either stealing, fighting, or killing anyone. It’s only been a few weeks since her hotel was finally successful, but some of the people weren’t all that interested in redemption even though sinners could go into heaven. Charlie already discussed this issue with Vaggi and Lucifer as well as Emily about the dilemma, slowly brewing an idea to have practically every single bit of her people give redemption a shot.
Continuing her walk, Charlie looked over to the more popular region of Pride. It was where the more powerful overlords stayed. And she knew that while they were terrifyingly powerful (though not nearly as powerful as her and her dad), their territories were just as cool. She never really explored there since her focus was on her hotel for the past couple of years. That and she had some business the last couple times she was here so she couldn’t really sightsee.
Charlie started to look around the area as she saw how bright and colorful this area seemed even though it was slowly becoming nighttime after a full day of working and now just walking around and mostly taking a break for fresh air and clearing her thoughts. This area was even more populated and exciting than the usual busy streets in Pride. However, one particular group of sinners and hell-born gathered around a large window display as Charlie managed to catch a glimpse of what was so striking to catch her people’s attention.
Until her body froze and her eyes were wide as they stared at the window display. It only had a couple of big flat-screen TVs in the popular store's window display but they all had the same commercial. An official commercial done by the Vees themselves with a very familiar face.
“Why hiya there dollfaces! Angel Dust here and representation of V Tower! I am reaching out to tell you that there will be an audition for a top employee for the Vees! They gotta be flexible, sexy, and the best part is they can work beside me! So don’t waste your time away at some shitty hotel where you can work for Valentino toots! The new big boss of the V Tower and VoxTec! And yes they plan to change the name, trust them!”
The big group of people chattered excitedly and were on their phones as they rapidly spread the word about the new commercial that spread throughout Pride. However, Charlie didn’t hear what people nearby were saying as she stared wide-eyed at the screens. Her friend's face was on them smiling and having a great time like he wasn’t getting hurt or… being miserable as that commercial was performed live no doubt.
Angel looked so confident and almost happy but Charlie knew that was a mask. To hide how terrified he was right now. Of Vox, Velvette, or worse Valentino. This thought scared Charlie to her core that her friend, the first sinner to stay at her hotel giving redemption a shot by staying at least, and the one who gave her hope for her dream was truly trapped. No true freedom. Just being in a constant loop of abuse and fear. That's when a conclusion came to her, her determination and almost anger going along with a plan. She had enough.
Gritting her teeth, the princess walked away from the window display, going to a very familiar tower. If she wasn’t gonna do anything about this soon, her friend may be lost forever. And she didn’t want any of her loved ones to be in just as much misery as her for missing Angel every day. She just hoped by Heaven's grace that it would be easy to get Angel out of his situation.
Eventually, Charlie walked into the big empty area where Valentino usually shoots pornos and sometimes music videos. Luxurious furniture, camera equipment, and more props and costumes as well as Latino architecture showed that everything looked brand new since the last time she was here. But with the task still in hand, she walked past the sets and walked into one of the many hallways throughout the tower.
It wasn’t until a couple of minutes later that Charlie found a purple and gold double door, shining and swirling gold and hearts designed onto it. She guessed it was Valentino's… office? Probably a penthouse-like home or something since she got that kind of vibe from the moth man based on his work. As she opened the doors, her eyes scanned the huge living area that really looked like a penthouse-.
“Well well well, princessa~.” A voice that had a hint of Hispanic (and even a bit sultry-like) caught Charlie’s attention, turning to see the one person she needed to talk to. Valentino himself. He wasn’t in his usual red (and barely pink) coat, which was really his huge moth wings and his dark purple half buttoned up shirt was being shown as the sleeves were rolled up. He also had his usual matching red hat and heart-shaped and gold-rimmed glasses, a pair of white pants, and a black belt with the buckle being heart-shaped and it itself was pure gold.
Charlie didn’t know what to say at first, still surprised that the overlord caught her off guard by his sudden appearance and voice. But with another second passing by, his voice was heard again, his upper left hand on his hip while his other arms stayed at his sides.
“I’m a bit surprised you want to speak to me at this hour~.” Charlie walked into the penthouse and took a deep breath to calm herself before giving a polite but rather sheepish smile.
“Right, yes! I actually do need to uh discuss something…” Valentino now smirked and raised a brow just as he walked more into his living space, the princess following.
“Oh~? And what might that be-? I doubt it’s the entertainment I offer~?” Charlie didn’t really notice how he looked back at her with an amused smirk as she no longer smiled.
“No nothing like that. I um… wanted to speak to you about an employee of yours…” A hand rubbed the back of her head, still feeling a bit stiff right now. She felt more nervous than she expected and didn’t know how to properly bring up her reasoning for being here tonight, especially since it was unexpected.
‘Come on, Charlie! Stop being nervous and be the fucking PRINCESS that you are! This’ll be all for Angel.’ She thought, her eyes shut to get herself more confident before opening them again to look at Valentino straight into his red eyes. If she wanted to have her friend be free from this monster, then she had to be brave. No matter what happens.
“I want you to give Angel his soul back and break off his contract. No matter the cost.”