mazeofrelationships | in which an apology is about to be made

in which an apology is about to be made

Today is the day! Not only will they be revealing a memorial to all the Sinners lost to the exterminations, but Vaggi is going to make a public apology to all of the Pride Ring. Charlie couldn't be any prouder of her girl, so determined to make things right even knowing she may not get a warm reception. Realistically it will be mixed, some people will probably applaud her while others will say it's not enough and others still won't know what to think.

But this is what Vaggi needs, what she feels the people need to hear.

Defeating Vox and proving redemption is possible was one step towards mending fences between Heaven and Hell. Since then the propaganda machine has stopped and more people's minds are opening on both sides. But there are still those who can't forgive as easily, people who lost loved ones or were hurt during any given extermination, and they're valid too.

Feelings are always valid, the important thing is that they're not an excuse to do harm.

Charlie stands by her side as they approach the memorial, which is still covered. She reaches for Vaggi's hand, smiling.

"Ready for this?"

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"Nope." Vaggi takes a shaky breath, hands at her sides, looking a bit worried. For the first time since she'd proposed the idea, she's thinking that maybe it's not the best idea she's ever had. "I shouldn't worry. This is what I need to do, and no matter what happens, it'll be better for everyone."

Lucifer's there, looking as non-intimidating as he can, to support his girls through this. He's so proud of them and what they've accomplished.

"You'll be okay. And I'll be right by your side the whole time." And if anyone gets aggressive or nasty, well, she and her dad will gladly put a stop to it.

The crowd is a mixture of curiosity, confusion, trepidation, and other emotions. What did the Princess and the hotel manager call them all here for? What's that thing under the fabric? Did someone else get redeemed recently?

"Thanks, Charlie. I couldn't do this without you." Lucifer gives them a thumbs up, and they go up to the stage beside the fabric-covered memorial.

Husk, Niffty, Baxter, Cherri, Angel, and even Alastor are in the front row in solidarity. Husk's arm is around Angel, holding him close.

Edited 2026-01-14 00:06 (UTC)

Charlie's hand never lets go of Vaggi's, even as she tries to position herself so that her girlfriend is the more visible one. She doesn't want to be in the way, but she also wants Vaggi to feel safe.

"People of Hell. We are here to remember all of those who died in the Exterminations." Vaggi takes a breath. "We have made a memorial to all of those we lost, the known and the unknown."

She glances over to Charlie to pull the sheet off of the memorial.

"Even more than that, I'm here personally to apologize and confess." She flares her wings. "I was an angel. I participated in the Exterminations, and I am so very sorry. It was absolutely wrong of me, and I should not have done what I did."

Reactions are all over the place. Shock, surprise, awe, anger, it's hard to pick out where one ends and one begins. And yes, some people are seconds away from throwing down as they hurl accusations. A fucking angel?! You really think after your kind killed our people we're supposed to just forgive you?! How long were you going to keep up this charade?!

"Quiet!" Charlie hisses, her eyes going demon-red. "At least let her finish speaking first!"

The snarly ones quiet down as some of the more understanding ones glare at them. She must be one of the reasons the Princess believes in redemption, right? If that scientist guy who worked for Vox can be on our side...

"I don't expect forgiveness. I'm not trying to justify what I did. I simply want to tell the truth."

She takes a breath, stepping forward. "All of your reactions are valid. All I ask is you think for a moment. We all know that not everyone is the same. Don't judge one person based on the actions of others. I am on your side, Hell."

After a moment of silence, a small voice speaks up. "I know her! She saved me from the nasty angels! She's good!" He runs up to the stage and hugs Vaggi's legs. "I never got to say thank you." Vaggi looks stunned.

Even Husk is pretending he totally doesn't have a tear on his cheek.

Charlie's tearing up and unable to mask a sob as the kid runs up to the stage. Vaggi had told her about how she fell, what Lute did to her as punishment, but to see the kid Vaggi would risk and ultimately lose her status as an angel for, how grateful he is is so touching!

An older demon who resembles the kid gasps. "This is the person who saved my little brother?!" He barely escaped with his life to protect him, lost his arm in the process, and he just remembers his little brother coming home safe and sound because of someone.

Angel hugs Husk close, a bit misty-eyed himself as the older brother speaks. Maybe it's just him, but for a second he's sure he hears uncontrollable blubbering in British from somewhere.

"I saw him, and I couldn't do it. I couldn't hurt someone who was so clearly an innocent." Or at least seemed like an innocent in Hell, of all place.

Vaggi takes a breath, hugging the kid, then shooing him gently back to his family. "I'm not justifying anything I did, I don't want to. I only want to tell everyone that I regret everything, and I'm so sorry. No one deserved that, and everyone deserves as much of a peaceful afterlife as we can have in Hell."

Lucifer just beams, almost glowing. He's so proud of his girl. (Yes, he's claiming her now.)

Niffty sniffles a bit, then hands her hanky to Baxter. Husk kisses Angel on the cheek.

The anger has lessened, the people ready to throw hands are at least quiet now. It's clear all isn't forgiven, but it's also clear Vaggi felt these people needed to hear that.

Baxter swipes at his face, a bit embarrassed to be crying. Cherri sighs, clutching a photo to her chest and muttering about how she's not crying, the silly snake in her photo is. One of Angel's other arms comes out to pat her hand.

"It's like I sang to our very first redeemed sinner. It starts with sorry, and it goes further with understanding. Heaven and Hell still have a long journey to reconciliation, but this is a big step," Charlie says.

Carmilla Carmine is in the audience as well, smiling approvingly. Her protege has come so far.

Somewhere, Vox is vibrating, pissed that he can't spin this, because frankly, there's nothing to spin. It's just someone being real and vulnerable in front of all of Hell.

Vaggi nods, "Thank you for listening, Hell. I will do everything I can to make sure we never forget those we lost. Come talk to Charlie and ,me please. We want to remember those we've lost, not just as figureheads, but as souls."

And Velvette flips Vox's head over so he's staring at the couch because he's still making it all about himself and hasn't apologized to the friends he tried to blow up!

It's clear not everyone is on the same page, but her message has reached them and people seem to be at least thinking it over. It'll take time, but progress has been made. Charlie smiles proudly, squeezing her girlfriend's hand.

"I hope I didn't add too much. This was supposed to be your moment."

"No, you were just fine. I think it was fantastic." Vaggi steps back, taking a breath. She feels lighter than she has in years, perhaps since she got to Hell.

Glancing over at her friends, Husk gives her a thumbs up, Niffty bounces, and Lucifer holds out a rubber duck. They're all proud of her.

Before anything else can happen, a huge, white shining portal appears above her, and she's lifted up, away from Hell.

Husk stares, swearing. What the fuck was that?

Angel's face looks pretty much the way it did when Pentious got blown up, Baxter just blinks, and Cherri's doing her impression of a goldfish.

And Charlie? She just stands there in shock before she collapses to her knees, screaming Vaggi's name before sobbing hysterically. This is what happens when someone's redeemed without dying for it?! What she almost did to Angel that day, except this is worse!

It takes half a tick, but Lucifer goes over, turning to the people for a moment. "You'll have to excuse us. That was not planned. Please disburse." He wraps his arms around Charlie, glancing at the Hotel crew. "Home. Now. All of you."

In a flash of fire and a whiff of brimstone, Lucifer and Charlie are gone.

Husk takes Angel's hand, pulling a bit. "Let's go, Legs. Charlie needs us." Niffty just picks up Baxter and starts bouncing off home.

Charlie buries her face in her dad's shoulder, crying even more than she did over Pentious while she was still mourning him. Everyone else files away, clearly confused and shocked, several worried about the Princess.

Angel nods, following Husk as he takes one of Cherri's hands, too. "How the fuck? She wasn't even tryin' to get back in there, she was doin' this for us." Fat Nuggets, in the baby sling Angel's taken to carrying him in when they go places, just snorts.

Baxter is very much okay with this tiny gremlin carrying him home!

"I don't know. This makes no sense." Husk thought Vaggi was happy with them, and the apology was clearly sincere.

Once they're back at the hotel, Lucifer has Charlie on the floor of the lobby, just holding her tight while she cries. There are a few tears on his face as well, both because of Charlie's pain, and the daughter he just lost. "I'll find a way, Charlie. I don't care what I have to do, I'll get her back."

"Ya don't think they're gonna punish her for apologizin', right?" Cherri asks warily. "Cause I know we're on better terms with Heave now but it aint perfect and there's that angry bitch simpin' for Adam still there."

"She aint the one in charge, though," Angel reminds her. "She's crazy but I dunno if she'd be allowed to do that."

"Why would they take her?! It's not fair, this is her home, she was apologizing to the people for Hell's sake, not Heaven's!" Charlie sobs.

Lucifer shakes his head. "No, I don't think Lute has the power to portal. That was always reserved for higher angels. Seraphim and Guardians and similar." A pause. "I have no idea what the fuck just happened, but I swear to all of you, I'll find out."

Husk reaches out and puts a hand on Cherri's shoulder to comfort her. "Anyone want a drink? I think we all could use one."

Before he can get to the bar, however, a bright light appears in the middle of the lobby and Vaggie steps out. She's much brighter, a shining halo is over her head, white wings are on her back, and she looks absolutely confused.

Alastor casually returns, claiming he was searching for Vaggi, but everyone knows he was simply distancing himself from drama he doesn't find amusing. Charlie, meanwhile, looks up, spots her girlfriend, and...it doesn't take long for her to let go of her dad and run to hug Vaggi.

"How?! Where-I mean, what...how did...?!" Words, how do they work?

"Vaggi?!" Baxter gasps. "You..."

"Th' actual fuck?" Cherri sputters. Angel stares, patting Fat Nuggets as he wriggles in confusion inside the baby carrier.

Vaggi clings to Charlie, holding her close for a moment, before stepping back. "So, uh. I'm an angel again, but I don't have to leave. I'm the Guardian of this hotel and everyone in it." She takes a breath, running her hand through her hair and knocking her halo askew. "Fuck if I know what any of that means, but... uh. Guess your redemption worked again, Charlie."

Husk is at the bar, pouring everyone drinks.

Lucifer stands up, looking absolutely relieved. "I didn't know that could happen... but I'm so fucking glad it did. Welcome back, Vaggi."

"So...you're an angel, but you get to stay down here." Baxter repeats. "Very interesting, I never would have thought Heaven would come up with something like that."

"Wait...that's possible?! Then does that mean-"

"Oh, I doubt it, your precious snake isn't nearly special enough," Alastor says. "Sorry to burst your bubble, Miss Bomb." Cherri angrily folds her arms over her chest.

"Fuckin' radio cunt," she mutters. Angel gives Alastor a nasty look, even if it's not possible he didn't have to be such a prick about it.

"I don't get it. Is this something new they came up with just for you?" Charlie asks. "Well, obviously it is, but...oh, I can ask for more details later, I'm just so happy you're back, seeing you disappear like that was terrifying!"

Vaggi glares at Alastor, smirking. "I might be able to get you up for a visit, Cherri. We'll work it out." Whether or not she can, she has no idea at this point, but she feels like needling Alastor.

"I think so? Definitely because of the Hotel. The Speaker of God told me that I wasn't really meant to Fall, but I had to be here so I understood what I was meant to protect." She takes a breath, reaching over and taking Charlie's hand. "When I first got there, I told Sera to rip off my wings again and throw me back down here. I can't leave you, Charlie, angel in Heaven or not."

Another pause. "I have no idea what the fuck any of this means, guys. I really don't. I didn't get told much."

"Aw, that'd be great. Thanks!" Cherri says. Whether or not Vaggi's needling Alastor, the idea still makes her feel better.

"I guess this is something we'll find out more about along the way?" Baxter suggests. Angel finally lets Fat Nuggets out of the carrier, and the pig makes a beeline for the bowl of nuts on the bar.

"As long as you're here to stay," Charlie murmurs, hugging Vaggi tight. "I was so afraid I'd lost you."

"I sure as fuck hope so, Baxter, because I have no idea what I'm supposed to do. Well, other than keep everyone safe. I can do that." She kisses Charlie's nose. "I'm not going anywhere. All of Heaven can't keep me away from you."

Lucifer steps up, an almost unreadable look on his face. He's so relieved to have Vaggi back, but the thought of a redeemed angel is confusing. "Did you get any powers, Vaggi? Or are you just going to be flying around with your spear?" He's honestly curious.

"The Speaker said I had all my powers back and more, but I have no idea what in Hell that means."

Becoming an angel again certainly hasn't changed her vocabulary.

"Then maybe that's all you need to do," Angel said. "Just...keep us safe from revenge maniacs like Lute, or God wannabes like the iPad living at V Tower." Because Prick or Hatchet could get a big head one of these days.

"That probably means anyone who crosses her is gonna get their shit wrecked," Cherri says, coughing pointedly at Alastor. "I'd watch your back if I were you." Alastor just smiles and steps into the background. He's dealt with Rosie, he isn't too concerned.

"Well, at least the hotel will be in the best hands possible!" Charlie says. "The strongest manager ever!"

"Lute is getting nowhere near this hotel." There's a righteous fury in Vaggi's expression, and there's a somewhat-intimidating glow that surrounds her for just a moment. She calms, however, and just smiles at everyone. "Of course. I'd do that even without all of this, but you do have a point, Angel. Maybe it isn't as hard as I'm trying to make it."

She grins at Charlie. "I guess so."

Lucifer cheers. "We have the best hotel staff. And the best hotel." A pause. "Could I convince you to add a few more ducks, Charlie? That would make it perfect."

Charlie giggles. "I could see if there are duck demons in need of a job around here! Or should we program some of your rubber ducks to do some work?"

"Not cooking. The kitchen's mine and Niff's domain!" Angel said. He wasn't an official hotel cook but he enjoyed doing it enough that he was allowed to prepare meals for the guests.

"The roaches might like ducks to play with!" Niffty giggles. "And now we have two Angels!"

Husk facepalms. "Nothin's ever normal around here." But he loves it.

Vaggi puts an arm around Charlie. "So, I think I need to take my Princess upstairs and make sure she's well-protected."

Lucifer snorts, an amused smirk on his face. "If you say so, Vaggi."

Angel grins, watching as Fat Nuggets eats the last of the nuts in the bowl. "Normal's boring!" Baxter chuckles warmly at Niffty's silliness, and Cherri gets out the bag of nuts to refill the bowl.

"I'd like that," Charlie says, and she'd like to be alone with her girlfriend and just...bask in the relief that she's here and that she won't ever leave.

"Dang it, Nuggets! Stop it with the nuts!" Husk sighs. He has no real malice towards his piggy-son, he's just teasing on principle.

Vaggi sweeps Charlie off of her feet full bright white wings unfurling and flies her upstairs to their room, putting her down gently on the bed.

"I thought we could use some time to unpack all of this."

Away from the chaos downstairs, Charlie leans back against the pillow and sighs. "I saw you disappear into that portal and I thought you were gone forever. I...may have reacted less than heroically."

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