Chapter Text
After the princess had escorted Adam to the grand lobby downstairs, she set off to gather the remaining demons for the activity she had planned, leaving the man seemingly alone in the expansive room. Well, not entirely alone, the spider demon and his cat buddy were there with him, lounging on one of the many plush couches provided for the hotel's occupants and chatting away like crazy. However, to Adam, their presence was nothing more than a nuisance, irrelevant and bothersome. Thus, he chose to tune them out completely, which basically meant that he was alone.
Releasing a heavy sigh, the man found himself growing more impatient as he awaited the return of the royal figure. With each passing moment devoid of Charlie's presence, his unease grew, a knot of frustration tightening in his chest. Why was she taking so long?
Unable to bear the stillness any longer, he resolved to break free from the grip of waiting, determined to occupy himself with other pursuits. His golden eyes scanned the expanse of the room in a fleeting moment of contemplation, searching for a distraction amidst the quietude. Finally, his gaze settled upon the semi-vacant seating area of the lobby, where the other two sinners were staying.
"Ugh..." the fallen angel groaned, physically deflating. He harbored no desire to engage with the others, yet the allure of a seated respite proved irresistible, especially since he was still injured. Squinting his eyes, Adam pondered for a moment, carefully weighing his options before conceding defeat.
With a begrudging shuffle, he made his way to the seating area and sank into a nearby sofa. Purposefully sprawling out, he claimed the entire expanse of the plush cushions, ensuring no one dared encroach on his space. He wanted to make it clear that close proximity to him was strictly off-limits to the sinners of the hotel.
Dropping his head back, the angelic man directed his gaze upward, tracing the intricate patterns of the ceiling with a contemplative sweep of his eyes, before allowing them to drift shut. He relaxed into the soft embrace of the couch, listening to the symphony of the building's varied noises and finding an unexpected sense of serenity in their discordance.
Opening his eyes, the dark-haired man shifted his gaze to the side, observing the sinners scattered across the nearby sofa. He couldn't fathom what Lucifer's brat saw in them, nor could he grasp how she held onto the belief that such twisted souls could ever find redemption. From his perspective, they were all lost causes, irreversibly bound to the depths of hell for eternity, which was somewhat hypocritical, considering he found himself in the same predicament as them, albeit as a fallen angel, a being who had once basked in the divine light.
However, the situation differed drastically for him, because he knew the essence and implications of divinity, which meant that he had a greater likelihood of attaining entry into Heaven.
...
That's what he kept telling himself anyway. Deep down, there was a small part of him that was a bit worried and not so positive. A part that was telling him that, if the horns adorning his head were any sign, he was turning more and more demonic rather than reclaiming his divinity, and becoming more and more like Lucifer, the outcast.
Adam's pulse quickened at the thought, a cold sweat dampening his brow as he clenched his fists in a desperate attempt to quell the rising tide of apprehension. Despite his best efforts to distract himself, the unsettling notion refused to loosen its grip, its tendrils of doubt weaving through his thoughts with relentless persistence.
Ever since awakening in the depths of hell, the exterminator harbored the belief that redemption should come effortlessly to him due to his angelic past. However, he never paused to wonder that if that really was the case, then why had Lucifer, once a celestial being, never sought redemption before? He, too, grasped the concept of divinity and had once donned a halo of light, so it should have been just as easy for the king of hell to reclaim his place in Heaven. Yet, he remained a demon, ensnared in the unforgiving grip of darkness.
What if Adam ended up just like the former Seraphim, a fallen angel, cast aside by Heaven, destined to wander the fiery abyss of hell for the rest of his existence?
No...there was no way such a terrible fate could be bestowed upon him, for he was Adam, the first man, leagues apart from Lucifer. His very essence far surpassed that of the former Seraphim. Surely, he couldn't be condemned to the depths of hell for eternity. Could he?
"Argh!" the fallen angel groaned, hitting his head against the armrest of the couch in a desperate attempt to banish the intrusive thoughts. With a grimace of irritation etched across his features, he pressed his hands against his face, careful as to not to disturb the sunglasses perched upon his nose, while muttering a string of curses under his breath.
"What's gotten your feathers so ruffled, new guy?" a voice, cracky yet alluring, chimed in, catching the exterminator's focus and prompting him to leap up like a tightly wound spring.
With swift movements, the first man's eyes scanned the room until they settled upon the source of the voice, recognizing it as belonging to the overly tactile spider demon, Angel Dust, who was regarding him with a puzzled expression.
As the angel's gaze focused on the arachnid, a mix of emotions swirled within him, bewilderment, wariness, and a hint of trepidation. His golden eyes lingered on the sinning demon, blinking in confusion and mild panic. "What... feathers?" he asked, his voice cautious, laced with a subtle tremor of unease, his head instinctively tilting to inspect his back.
"Gee, it's just an expression, no need to get so paranoid!" Angel Dust quipped, letting out a laugh before tugging on one of Husk's wings and eliciting a soft grumble from the feline demon. "Ya scared of feathers or something?" the effeminate man questioned as he stretched out the wing, revealing its vibrant red feathers.
Adam released a sigh of relief once he saw that his wings remained safely hidden before his features contorted into a dark scowl, his brows furrowing deeply in response to the demon's mocking words and gestures. He could already feel a wave of anger washing over him. Who did that arrogant demon think he was, to taunt and belittle him in such a brazen manner?
"f*ck you!" the fallen angel spat, his retort dripping with venom as he sank back into the sofa, deliberately averting his gaze from the spider demon, who responded with a derisive scoff.
"Ya might need to pay me for that!" Angel Dust remarked in a joking tone, clearly aware of how annoying he was being, which caused Husk to let out a stifled chuckle, which further infuriated Adam.
To hell with it all. These wretched sinners were utterly insufferable, deserving nothing but the cruelest of fates. There was no way that he was going to be able to maintain his composure while staying here. He needed to get redeemed and get the hell out of this blasted hotel before he completely lost his mind.
"Ugh..." the dark-haired man grumbled, beginning to feel terribly sick of everything.
Those demons were so irritating, it was no surprise they resided in hell, especially the spider demon. He was the worst. How could anyone, let alone the princess of hell, entertain the absurd notion of redemption for such a vile being? The very thought was preposterous.
Fortunately for him, Charlie's absence was short-lived as she returned from her task of rounding up the remaining residents, rescuing him from the uncomfortable situation of having to continue engaging with the two sinners.
With a purposeful stride, the blonde girl made her way to the seating area, her enthusiasm evident in the swift movement of her steps. As she finally reached the lounge, her voice filled with palpable excitement, resonating through the room like a melodic chime. "Alrighty, everyone!" she exclaimed, her hands coming together in a series of animated claps, demanding the attention of all present. "Now that everyone's here, we can finally start!"
"f*cking finally..." the exterminator breathed out in relief. Never before had he been more grateful to see the princess, desperate to escape the suffocating presence of the bartender and the arachnid. Slowly, he turned his head to behold the regal figure. Yet, just as his eyes fixed upon her, they couldn't help but stray towards the figures standing at her side, a knot of dread tightening in his chest. There, beside the princess, stood her traitorous girlfriend and the small one-eyed maid.
Just great.
Not only would the man have to exercise extreme caution around Vaggie, as she possessed the deepest understanding of him among all the others, making any misstep likely to arouse suspicion and potentially reveal his true nature. Additionally, he would have to tolerate the presence of the little psycho who had literally stabbed him multiple times in the chest.
Adam let out a sigh, closing his eyes in an attempt to soothe the fiery storm raging within him. He silently reminded himself that once he achieved redemption, he would bid farewell to these individuals forever, urging himself to maintain composure until then. His nerves settled as this assurance took hold. Yet, his tranquility was short-lived, interrupted by an odd sensation grazing his skin, as if something was poking his cheek.
Opening his eyes, the fallen angel found himself face to face with the small maid, Niffty, who was sporting a sinister grin on her face and staring intensely at him. "Hiii hehe!" she said, retracting her hand and waving it in a a quick manner.
In the blink of an eye, the exterminator sprang from his seat, darting to the other side of the couch with such rapidity that it left the room in a collective state of astonishment. Every demon froze, momentarily taken aback by his unexpected reaction. It was as though he had seen a creature of true terror, rather than some harmless looking house keeper.
"The f*ck is wrong with you?!" Adam nearly shouted, his frustration intensifying twofold. "Don't you know what f*cking boundaries are?!" he accused, jabbing a finger in Niffty's direction, her unsettling smile unwavering. "You f*cking deranged pest!"
Anger pulsed beneath his skin, accompanied by a subtle yet undeniable current of fear that twisted his gut. It was more than mere apprehension, his trembling hands and frayed nerves betrayed the depth of his unease. Yet, admitting to being intimidated by such a small creature? That was a truth he'd sooner bury than confess.
His gaze, concealed behind darkened lenses, remained locked on the small maid, intense and unwavering. He couldn't bear the idea of her slipping from his view, haunted by the notion that if she were to vanish, she might reappear behind him and stab him in the back once more. The mere thought sent a shudder coursing down his spine, causing him to recoil inwardly in apprehension.
His eyes remained locked on the one-eyed demon, but as the seconds ticked by, he became acutely aware of the stifling silence that now permeated the air. Only moments ago, the chamber echoed with the lively voices of the princess's friends, but now, an unsettling stillness replaced the once vibrant atmosphere.
Hesitantly tearing his eyes away from the redhead, Adam glanced at the other occupants of the room. As he surveyed each of their faces, he couldn't ignore the collective astonishment that seemed to be aimed squarely at him, as though he had just committed a grievous crime rather than simply raising his voice at Niffty.
"Crap..." the words slipped through the dark-haired man's lips, his teeth clenched in frustration as he mentally scolded himself. Once more, he found himself yielding to reckless impulses, his tangled emotions clouding his rationality. No soul would ever display such trepidation towards such a diminutive demon. He alone harbored fear towards her despite her innocent facade. Yet, can his apprehension truly be faulted? That parasite posed a perilous threat, a bloodthirsty creature poised to wreak havoc.
As he eased back into the plush cushions of the couch, the exterminator made a conscious effort to appear more at ease, hoping to diffuse the tension. "Uh..." his voice wavered slightly before he cleared his throat, a nervous tic betraying his attempt at composure. "She... she just caught me off guard..." he confessed, his gaze momentarily flickering towards the floor before meeting the eyes of the others. "It's her fault..." he added, a touch of defiance creeping into his tone as he sought to shift the blame away from himself
The fallen angel scanned the expressions of the demons, silently pleading to God that his words would suffice to cease their scrutinizing gazes, which bore into him as if he were a wanted criminal. Fortunately, Lucifer's daughter appeared to shake off her initial bewilderment, choosing to shatter the uncomfortable silence.
"Okay..." she murmured, her expression tinged with uncertainty before swiftly regaining her composure. "Well then, apologies, Alex, if Niffy here has caused you any discomfort!" she declared, gesturing towards the diminutive figure beside her. "She's usually more careful with everyone!" the girl attempted to reassure Adam, but he remained unconvinced, his intuition telling him that the princess's words barely held any truth to them.
"Right..." Adam retorted, casting a scornful glance at Niffty, his expression laden with pure disdain, prompting the princess to release a weary sigh as she turned towards her girlfriend.
"Vaggie...?" she murmured, her gaze flickering from her lover to the small housekeeper in a silent plea.
The former exterminator offered a sympathetic nod before scooping up Niffty and settling her onto the couch beside Husk, strategically positioning her farther from Adam to alleviate his unease. "Okay, Niff, just give our guest some breathing room until he adjusts to everything and feels more at ease." she advised the redhead, who responded with a wide smile, cheerfully swinging her feet over the edge of the couch.
"I like this new guy!" Niffty admitted, letting out a small laugh. "He's funny!"
Upon hearing the house keeper's words the first man visibly flinched, for she was the last person he desired to earn favor from. However, at least she wasn't as close to him as she had been before, which made him feel a bit better.
"Okay everyone!" Charlie's voice resonated through the room, her words jolting the fallen angel from his reverie, drawing not only his focus but also that of the others. "Now that everything's sorted, we can finally begin!"
Yes!
The man with golden eyes snapped to attention, channeling every ounce of his concentration into listening to the princess. Uncertain of the exact nature of her intentions, he understood only that it involved a gathering of sorts, intended to foster greater familiarity among the group, a prospect he found distinctly unappealing. Yet, he couldn't shake the suspicion that there was more to her plan than mere socialization. Redemption must surely lie at the heart of this endeavor, for the pursuit of salvation was the very essence of her hotel.
"Since we have a new guest, we are going to play a little game to help him get to know us and to help us get to know him better!" the royal announced with a beaming smile. "Each and every one of you is going to say their name then say something that they enjoy doing!" she continued, motioning toward the room's occupants before clasping her hands together. "I'll start!" she exclaimed, clapping. "I'm Charlie and i really love singing and dancing!" the girl confessed, her voice tinged with enthusiasm, before pointing toward the spider demon. "What about you, Angel?"
"Uh kay." the arachnid drawled, his voice dripping with languid amusem*nt as he paused, contemplating his response before initiating a leisurely applause. "I'm the one and only Angel Dust, real famous round' this place!" he declared, a playful smirk gracing his lips as he elegantly flicked back his hair with one of his many hands. "And i likeee, well, i like a lot of things, but i don't think any of them are appropriate answers!" he quipped with a mischievous glint in his eyes, earning himself a nudge from Husk.
"Just choose something already." the feline huffed with an audible sigh of exasperation, disbelief coloring his tone. "And it better be normal."
"Fineee!" Angel Dust retorted with a dramatic huff, his disappointment palpable as he crossed all four of his arms in a gesture of defiance. "I like, i don't know, fashion."
As the words of the other man reached him, Adam felt a surge of confusion wash over him, because it was becoming increasingly apparent that this activity was merely a guise for introductions rather than something to actually help anyone get into heaven, a realization that left him deeply unsettled. After all, he hadn't signed up for the funsies, but for the promise of redemption.
"Great! That's a very good answer!" Charlie effused, lavishing Angel with exaggerated praise, who appeared quite prideful at the accolades. Then, pivoting toward Adam, she beckoned toward him with a gentle gesture. "Now, that you've seen some examples, would you like to try?" she inquired, her face adorned with a smile that seemed far too radiant for a denizen of hell
Upon hearing her words, the fallen angel was taken aback, as he hadn't anticipated being chosen for her mundane activity. However, his surprise was short-lived, swiftly replaced by confusion. He couldn't fathom what the royal hoped to achieve by forcing him to talk about himself, as he saw it all as meaningless nonsense unrelated to redemption.
Redemption was meant to be a means for sinners to attain salvation, an extraordinary and divine concept. It wasn't about trading names or bonding over hobbies, it was supposed to be about.... actually, Adam himself had no idea what redemption was supposed to be about. He knew, in theory, that it entailed the betterment of one's being, but he couldn't fathom how it could possibly extend to the souls condemned to the depths of hell. How could redemption possibly manifest in such a realm of perpetual damnation?
The exterminator's gaze narrowed, his lips drawing into a tight line, a contemplative expression taking over his features. In that fleeting moment, he found himself ensnared by the stark realization that he actually had no idea how the princess was planning to rehabilitate sinners. He was utterly devoid of knowledge regarding the intricacies of redemption, whether it was a formidable task or a simple endeavor, whether anyone had ever successfully attained it, and if such a feat was even within the realm of possibility. Thus, he was basically treading blindly, clinging to the hope of somehow getting redeemed.
As his brow furrowed in thought, the man with dark hair delved deeper into the recesses of his mind, pondering his predicament. Despite the lack of evidence of any sinner's redemption, he couldn't afford to relinquish hope. After all, Lucifer's daughter, for all her airy optimism, must have possessed some understanding of redemption, otherwise she wouldn't have started this hotel.
"ALEX!" suddenly, a strong voice rang out, slicing through the fallen angel's reverie and jolting him from his contemplations, prompting him to scan his surroundings in a state of disorientation.
"The f*ck..?" the dark-haired man murmured quietly to himself, blinking in surprise.
"Charlie's been calling your name for a whole minute now!" the voice persisted, its frustration palpable, urging Adam to turn his attention toward its source. With a begrudging sigh, he shifted his gaze, finding none other than Vaggie, his former subordinate, as the one who had been shouting at him. Her eyes blazed with impatience, fixed on him with a deathly glare that left him feeling distinctly unsettled.
"Oh," he simply responded, striving to maintain an outward appearance of nonchalance despite the discomfort bubbling beneath his facade. His gaze flitted nervously between the angered girl and her girlfriend before he replied in a dry tone. "I got lost in thought..."
Upon hearing his response, Vaggie couldn't help but roll her eyes in exasperation, though the tension in her expression began to soften gradually. "Okay, well, next time, maybe make an effort to actually listen when someone's speaking to you." she remarked, her tone carrying a touch of reprimand. "It's basic human decency."
Blah blah blah.
Adam's patience with Vaggie and her incessant pestering was wearing thin. Her persistent nagging grated on his nerves, each word uttered in that annoying tone of hers pushing him closer to his breaking point. He yearned to unleash a torrent of snarky remarks or, better yet, curse her out, but he knew he had to maintain composure for the sake of his redemption.
Suppressing the urge to lash out at the girl, he gritted his teeth and offered a strained nod of agreement, attempting to muster what he hoped resembled a smile, even though he felt certain the corners of his mouth were downturned.
"It's alright, Vaggie," Charlie interjected, her hands waving in a dismissive gesture. "He's probably still trying to get adjusted to everything!" she reassured her girlfriend before redirecting her attention to the man in question. "Don't worry, everyone makes mistakes!" she remarked. "It's the mistakes we make that really shape us into better people. We learn from them and grow as individuals because of it!"
"I guess...?" Adam replied tentatively, observing the regal figure with uncertainty, as she beamed at him as though he had just committed an act of great valor by agreeing with her.
"Anyway, let's get back to the activity!" Charlie exclaimed eagerly. "Now, where were we?" she mused for a moment before her eyes sparkled with comprehension. "Ah! That's right!" she chimed, gesturing toward the first man. "It's your turn!"
"My turn...?" the exterminator tilted his head in puzzlement, taking a moment to contemplate before recalling that the princess had designated him for the next round of her game. "Ah...right, my turn." he acknowledged with a nod of realization.
For a fleeting instant, he wavered, reluctant to engage in what he perceived as a rather mundane activity. However, realizing he had little to forfeit save for his pride, he relented, opting to go along with it.
"My name is Ad-" the fallen angel started, only to abruptly halt, clenching his jaw with such intensity that he half-expected to taste blood as he fought to suppress the name from escaping his lips. "Ahem," he cleared his throat awkwardly before continuing. "My name is Alex." he finally stated, the lie only known by him. "And, uh, i like... myself."
"Oh..." Charlie exclaimed, visibly taken aback by his response, her eyes widening in astonishment. "That's... um, it's wonderful that you have such a strong sense of self-love. Self-love is incredibly important! However... " she paused, offering him an awkward smile. "It's just that I wasn't anticipating that kind of response. Not that it wasn't valid, it was very nice of you to share that with us, but I was hoping that you would share a hobby or an activity that you enjoy doing..."
"A hobby... ?" the angelic man queried incredulously, his brows furrowing in disdain. "What's this? Third grade English?" he retorted sarcastically, scoffing. "Do i have to tell you my favorite color too?"
Upon hearing his response, the royal's girlfriend interjected, giving him another death glare. "Look," she began, her tone firm yet tinged with a hint of exasperation. "I understand that you might perceive this entire thing that we're doing as stupid, but it really isn't. It's important, and it's going to benefit you." she insisted, her determination palpable in her voice, despite the seemingly petty nature of the project. "Plus, if you wish to stay here, you must fully engage in the activities we've arranged for you. Otherwise, you're out!" she declared, punctuating her words with a pointed gesture toward the hotel's exit, as if to underscore the gravity of her statement. "This isn't just some free place you can crash at!"
"You've got to be kidding me... " the fallen angel muttered through clenched teeth, resisting the urge to let out an exasperated groan. This was beyond absurd. What relevance did any of this hold to redemption?
"Listen, I don't mean to ruin this whole thing you've got going on here, but please do enlighten me." he said, drawing in a deep breath in an attempt to maintain his composure. "What the actual f*ck do sharing names and hobbies have to do with redemption?!"
Vaggie appeared momentarily startled by his inquiry, her expression briefly betraying surprise before quickly resettling into its usual demeanor. "Well, through engaging in this exercise, you have the opportunity to become better acquainted with everyone, which can later help you build friendships that can positively influence your personal growth and development." the girl explained, her gaze drifting toward the others in the room with a soft, fond smile. "Friends can offer support, encouragement, and new perspectives, which can help you become a better version of yourself."
That was...
So lame!
Adam's mind reeled at the absurdity of the demons' words. The lies she spun were as nonsensical as they were cringeworthy. How could she possibly hold such misguided beliefs about the sanctity of friendships? To Adam, friendships were simple affairs, devoid of lofty aspirations or transformative power. They were mere conduits for amusem*nt, with no deeper significance or purpose.
"Aha..." the fallen angel mused, feigning comprehension of the girl's words, though in truth, they were nothing but gibberish to him. "So, this activity thingy that we're doing right now is like what, a starter before the actual thing?" he inquired, his tone dripping with doubt, a clear indication that Vaggie's attempts at elucidation had fallen upon deaf ears.
"What?! No!" the former exterminator exclaimed, disbelief etched across her features as she buried her face in her hands. "That's not—" she started to protest, only to emit a frustrated groan instead, irritation practically radiating from her. "Ugh! Were you even paying attention to a word I just said?!"
The dark-haired man simply blinked in confusion, shaking his head in a dismissive manner. "I'm lost." he confessed, tilting his head to the side to accentuate his bewilderment. "Is this not part of redemption?"
"It is!" the girl with silver locks shot back, her frustration mounting visibly with each passing moment. "What don't you get?!"
"Everything! Especially the sh*t that you're spewing!" Adam seethed inwardly, though he refrained from vocalizing his thoughts. Instead, he opted for a more restrained approach. "Good God, you're so f*cking confusing!" he groaned, pressing his fingertips against his temples in a futile attempt to ease the growing tension. "No, you know what?" he declared, pushing himself up from the couch with a frustrated sigh. "I've had enough of this pointless sh*t! Just skip to the actual thing!"
"Huh? What do you mean-" the former exterminator started, her voice trailing off as she attempted to comprehend the sudden interruption. However, before she could finish her sentence, the man's hand pressed against her shoulder, a sharp push that sent her stumbling to the side. With a mix of surprise and indignation, she watched as he seized her place, positioning himself beside the princess in her stead.
Charlie's countenance twisted in surprise as Adam's hands gently settled on her shoulders, his eyes peering down at her with a determined glint. "Alright princess, i'm sick of all of this beating around the bush stuff!" he proclaimed, his voice carrying a harsh edge. "Just redeem me already!"
The royal's eyes widened in bewilderment upon hearing his request, a faint furrow forming between her brows as she struggled to comprehend his words. She glanced to the side, her gaze searching for some semblance of understanding before returning to him, her confusion evident in the slight parting of her lips. "Me? Redeem you?" she repeated, her voice tinged with disbelief as she attempted to grasp the gravity of his request.
"Yes!" the fallen angel exclaimed, nodding quickly. "Use your demonic or angelic magic thingy or whatever magic ritual it is that you have and get me the hell out of here!"
His words only seemed to deepen Charlie's perplexity, which grated on Adam's nerves, as he was certain she understood him perfectly well and was merely feigning ignorance. "Ugh! Come on, you know what i mean!" he persisted, his impatience mounting. "Use whatever power it is that have and cleanse my soul or whatever!"
As Lucifer's daughter processed his words, her expression morphed into an even deeper state of confusion, a mixture of surprise, bewilderment, and puzzlement swirling across her features as though what he had said had struck her with profound astonishment. She parted her lips as if to respond, yet no words emerged. After a moment of silent contemplation, she spoke again, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "Do you truly believe that I possess the capability to redeem you through... my half-divine abilities?"
Now it was Adam's turn to look confused, , his brow furrowing in perplexity. What did the princess mean by that? Did she lack the capability to redeem him? No, that couldn't be true. Surely, she must be either puzzled by his query or toying with him, given that she established this hotel for rehabilitation with the explicit goal of guiding sinners towards Heaven. It stood to reason that she possessed the means to facilitate their redemption. She couldn't possibly be navigating this endeavor blindly. Could she?
Yet, as he searched for reassurance in her demeanor, he couldn't shake off the nagging sense of unease that gnawed at him. Despite his efforts to rationalize her hesitation, the subtle tremor in her voice and the cautiousness in her expression hinted that the answer he sought might not align with his expectations. "Well, you can... can't you?" he probed, his voice tinged with a hint of desperation as he grappled with the uncertainty looming before him.
The blonde girl's eyes met his with an anxious intensity, her expression carrying a weight of sorrow and pity that only served to worsen the first man's growing unease. He found himself perplexed by her gaze, unable to grasp why she regarded him with such depth of emotion, as if she bore a genuine sense of regret for his plight.
Despite wracking his mind, he couldn't discern any reason for her to feel sorry for him, nor could he identify any cause for her pity. So why, then, did she cast upon him that pathetic, pitiable look?
"...Can't you?" he repeated, his voice wavering with increasing desperation, his gaze pleading as he searched the girl's face for any indication of agreement with his plea. Yet, she evaded his stare, offering no response, not even an attempt to brush aside his inquiry, merely maintaining a painful silence.
In that pivotal moment, a devastating realization washed over Adam, shattering his world into irreparable fragments.
The princess lacked the ability to redeem him.
It was a truth so profound, so merciless, that it left him reeling in disbelief. Why else would she remain silent? Why else would she refrain from challenging his assertion? She was simply attempting to shield him from the anguish of acknowledging her inability to grant him redemption. Yet, the silence cut deeper than any admission could, leaving him grappling with a profound sense of despair.
With a hollow understanding, Adam felt his heart plummet, consumed by a suffocating dread that seized his entire being, causing his breath to hitch in his chest. It was a sensation that once felt foreign, relegated to the distant past, but now it gripped him with a familiarity born of recent torment.
The weight of this revelation was so overwhelming that his hands, once anchored to the princess's shoulders, now fell limply to his sides, bereft of purpose or solace.
No...
She couldn't possibly not be able to redeem him. She had to help him. She simply had to.
"Why... why aren't you saying anything?" the fallen angel implored, his resolve beginning to crumble. Deep down, he grasped the truth, but he clung to denial, unwilling to confront the harsh reality before him. It felt inconceivable, impossible to accept.
"Because she can't redeem you." Vaggie interjected in Charlie's stead, her sudden presence causing the exterminator to startle, his body instinctively recoiling as she reentered his line of sight, positioning herself beside Charlie. With a regretful glance, the silver-haired woman sighed heavily, her expression tinged with weariness. "Don't tell me that all this time you thought that Charlie could simply cleanse your soul of your earthly sins and send you to Heaven just like that." she continued, punctuating her words with a snap of her fingers, her voice laden with exhaustion. "She might be Lucifer's daughter, but she's no miracle worker... "
"She can't... redeem me?" the dark-haired man echoed, his words emerging in a slow, hushed cadence. Each syllable felt like a heavy burden, dragging him deeper into a whirlpool of disbelief. The repetition of the phrase reverberated in his mind with a relentless intensity, threatening to overwhelm his senses. It was all too surreal, too horrifying to accept.
The princess's hotel was built for redemption, she herself had declared as much. So how could it be that she lacked the power to redeem him? There must be something he was overlooking, some crucial detail that had slipped through the cracks of his consciousness. Otherwise, the entire premise defied logic. How could a building intended for redemption not be able to offer it?
"Hah..." Adam let out a strained exhale, his chest tight, feeling as if his lungs weren't functioning properly. "I'm... i'm never getting out of here... " he whispered, the words he'd battled to keep silent now slipping from his lips after days trapped in this torturous abyss. "I'm gonna be stuck here forever..." he muttered once more, the desperation in his voice palpable.
He was going to be trapped in the depths of hell, doomed to face an eternity of unending torment. He, the progenitor of humanity, the very foundation upon which civilization was built, was going to be consigned to a realm where only the most depraved souls dared to tread.
It was a waking nightmare, a cruel twist of fate that he prayed was merely a figment of his imagination. Oh, how he longed to shut his eyes and awaken in the celestial embrace of Heaven, to escape the suffocating grasp of this infernal abyss. Yet, no matter how tightly he squeezed his eyelids shut or how fervently he beseeched the divine, he remained ensnared in the clutches of that accursed hotel, each moment a stark reminder of his harrowing reality.
Suddenly, the fallen angel was seized by a searing agony that radiated through his skull, causing him to double over in anguish. "Augh..." he groaned, his hands clutching his head in a desperate attempt to alleviate the pain. Each revelation hammered against his mind like a relentless storm, leaving him reeling from the onslaught.
How had he been so naive to believe that Lucifer's offspring held the key to his salvation from the clutches of hell? She was but a mere demon, possessing only a fraction of divine power that she struggled to wield. He should have anticipated this outcome, should have seen through the illusion of hope that had clouded his judgment. Yet, consumed by his yearning to reclaim his celestial throne, he had blindly placed his faith in the princess and her dubious scheme for redemption, never once questioning the fragility of her supposed solution.
He was so f*cking dumb.
"W-wait!" the princess's voice pierced through the air, shattering Adam's panicked reverie. "Please, don't feel disappointed!" she implored, her words charged with urgency. "While I may not possess the means to redeem you myself, you mustn't lose faith!" her words rang out with unwavering resolve as she advanced toward him, the echo of her heels reverberating on the hardwood floor. "I've witnessed your determination, and I know how much redemption means to you. If you continue to maintain a positive outlook, and put forth the effort, I believe you will ultimately achieve your goal!" she reached out, seeking to offer solace, her hand coming to rest gently upon his arm. Yet, the moment her touch met his skin, Adam's composure shattered like fragile glass.
With a harshness so intense, the exterminator forcefully knocked Charlie's hand away, eliciting a hiss of pain from the girl as she staggered backwards. Reluctantly tearing his gaze from the cold, unforgiving floor, he slowly raised his eyes to meet hers, only to find her expression shadowed by sadness, amplifying the intensity of his simmering rage. How dare she display such sorrow when he was the one who had been betrayed?
It grated on his nerves, this sight of her appearing so forlorn, as if she bore the weight of the world's sins upon her shoulders. She had no right to wallow in self-pity, not after leading him astray with false promises of redemption, only to leave him stranded in a sea of bitter disappointment and despair.
"What the f*ck are you saying?!" the fallen angel seethed, each word dripping with venom as he sucked in a sharp breath. "Are you even hearing yourself?!" he demanded incredulously, a disbelieving chuckle escaping him.
Previously, he had entertained the notion that the princess was merely eccentric, harboring unrealistic expectations and aspirations. However, now he was convinced that she had truly lost her mind, for the nonsensical blabber escaping her lips was beyond absurd. If she genuinely believed that mere behavioral changes and a positive attitude held the power to redeem him, she was in for a horrible awakening. Such simplistic notions lacked any semblance of miraculous potency, they possessed no divine power, no heavenly essence capable of effecting true transformation. The only force capable of performing miracles was angelic magic itself. Thus, the princess was not only a liar, but a fool as well.
"Effort? Optimism?" Adam scoffed, his tone steeped in disbelief. "I put in the f*cking effort and was hella optimistic before because i thought that you actually had the f*cking capability to help me, but now i've lost all f*cking hope because of you and your uselessness and this... this..." his anger surged, rendering him momentarily speechless as he struggled to articulate his disdain. "Ugh!" he grunted in frustration before finally finding his voice. "This scam of a hotel!" he shouted, his raspy voice resonating throughout the entire lobby.
As his words hung in the air, the couple's faces contorted in a mixture of shock, their eyes widening in response to the raw brutality of his confession. Charlie, in particular, seemed to crumble beneath the weight of his revelation, her features etched with an unmistakable agony. Yet, despite the anguish he witnessed in her expression, the fallen angel remained resolute in his resolve. He cared little for the pain his words wrought upon her.
"This hotel is a f*cking scam and you all are a bunch of dumbass frauds who have just wasted my f*cking time!" Adam continued to shout, gesturing at every participant in the room. "f*cking liars!" he exclaimed. "I could have used these f*cking hours for something that could've actually helped me leave this stupid sh*thole, but instead i stayed here and everything just got worst for me!"
He was about to unleash another string of curses at the encroaching demons, However, before he could even part his lips to speak, his former subordinate, Vaggie, swiftly intervened, her voice resonating louder than his own, effectively drowning out any words he might have uttered.
"What the f*ck is wrong with you?" the former exterminator exclaimed, her expression a mix of disbelief and outrage. "What gives you the right to yell at us like this? she demanded, her voice dripping with indignation. "Who exactly do you think you are to accuse us with such baseless accusations? To accuse Charlie of such bullsh*t?!" she continued, shooting him a look of incredulity mixed with revulsion. "She never made any promises to you, never claimed to possess the ability to absolve your sins," the girl explained, irritation evident in her voice.
"All she offered was guidance, a chance to better yourself. I don't know where you got this ridiculous notion that she could magically redeem you..." she muttered, her frustration palpable. "Redemption isn't something that divine power can grant you, it isn't some sort of magic spell that can just erase your sins and make you an angel. It's something that you have to achieve on your own with your own efforts." she pressed on. "Sure, you can get help from other people to help guide you through this process, but if you don't put in the work to become a better person you can keep trying and trying for an eternity."
Vaggie's words struck Adam like a thunderbolt, leaving him momentarily stunned, his mind scrambling for a retort. He wanted to reply, to say something mean in return, but found himself at a loss. What could he possibly say to that? It wasn't as if she was lying, she was telling the truth. The princess, in all fairness, hadn't bound herself with any promises. His misguided belief in her partial divinity to save him stemmed from his ignorance of both her capabilities and the intricate nature of redemption.
However, could he truly be blamed for having such high expectations? All he wanted was to go back home, to leave this this desolate place and resume his esteemed position, his former life among the other angels and his Lieutenant, Lute.
God, how much Adam missed her.
He fervently longed for just one more chance to see her, to ask how she was faring, if she was well, if she missed him too... Yet, with the slim odds of his return to Heaven, the prospect of seeing Lute again seemed akin to a distant, elusive dream.
Shaking his head from the many thoughts clouding his mind, the man focussed on the present moment. He needed to respond, but with what?
The fallen angel wracked his brain for a retort to defend his stance, but his mind yielded nothing. It was as if a void had swallowed his thoughts whole. Luckily, the princess intervened, saving him from the obligation to reply.
"How about we all try to calm down?" she suggested, her gaze briefly flickering toward Adam before returning to her girlfriend. "I think it would be for the best..."
"Right, sorry... " Vaggie replied, exhaling softly as her fingers gently kneaded her temples. "My anger got the best of me... "
"It's alright! I really appreciate the fact that you defended me and the hotel, it was very nice of you, but..." her voice trailed off momentarily before she recomposed herself. "You should also keep in mind that it's not really Alex's fault for believing in information that isn't true and for having such, um, unrealistic expectations. " the royal figure slowly said, appearing as if she was choosing her words with upmost care.
"He said that he was new in, well, hell... so he probably doesn't know much about how things work here or about me and the limitations of my powers. I mean, i'm sure that we all would feel disappointed or a bit distressed if we were in his place. If we wanted to go to Heaven, to a better place, but found out that it isn't as easy as we had initially thought." she confessed, placing a hand on her chest to signify that she was being sincere. "I know i would... "
Just as the princess had finished speaking, she shifted her attention to Adam, her gaze softening as she bestowed upon him a gentle smile brimming with empathy and understanding, a gesture both unexpected and unsettling to him. Especially considering the venomous insults he had just hurled at her and her beloved project.
Her kindness toward him felt out of place, stirring within Adam a discomfort he couldn't quite shake. Guilt gnawed at him, a sensation foreign and unwelcome, for he was unaccustomed to such emotions.
Shutting his eyes, the man fought against the encroaching guilt, striving to banish it from his mind completely. With a deep breath, he opened his eyes once more, revealing the frustration etched into his features as he directed his gaze toward Charlie. "Stop talking as if you know the kind of sh*t that i'm going through right now!" he snapped angrily. "You have no f*cking clue just how f*cking sick i am of all of this! For the past few days i've been put through f*cking torture!" he admitted through clenched teeth, his voice tinged with annoyance. "You can't say how you would feel in my place, because you aren't in my place and never will be!"
"Dude, we're all in the same boat here." Angel Dust chimed in, seemingly taking Charlie's side in the argument, causing Adam to turn his head in the arachnid's direction and scowl at him. "Just because you're new and more mentally unstable than the rest of us doesn't make ya any better."
"I'm not like you!" the fallen angel shot back, his voice rising a couple of octaves too high, betraying his frustration.
"Really?" The spider demon asked, titling his head to the side in a mocking gesture. "Then how are ya? You're not a sinner?"
"I'm..." Adam began, intending to assert his celestial identity, but he abruptly clamped down on his tongue, halting his words mid-sentence. The realization dawned upon him that divulging his true nature as an angel was not an option. "I'm..." he tried again, this time speaking with caution, his voice barely above a whisper. "...a demon."
Just as the words escaped him, Adam was engulfed by a surge of sadness, his chest tightening with an overwhelming weight. For some inexplicable reason, he found a semblance of truth in his words. He knew that he wasn't a demon, but at the moment he truly felt like he was one. He was in Hell, his once radiant halo absent, his once pristine wings now stained, and currently growing horns. With every infernal characteristic manifesting within him, he couldn't help but feel that the only thing missing to complete the ensemble was a tail.
"Right, veeery different from the rest of us." the arachnid scoffed, rolling his eyes in an overly exaggerated way.
The fallen angel quietly bit the inside of his cheek in response to the other's words, opting for silence instead. Disagreeing would risk exposing his true identity, a risk he couldn't afford to take.
With a dry swallow, he shifted his gaze from Angel Dust to the ground, nervously pondering, particularly about the daunting prospect of reclaiming his place in Heaven now that his initial plan had failed miserably.
He knew he needed to devise a new strategy to regain his divine essence, but how? Despite his desire to leave the princess' hotel and search for a solution, he was tethered to the place out of necessity. Lacking funds and status in hell, he couldn't afford to survive elsewhere, and leaving would only lead to his demise on the unforgiving streets. Moreover, the notion of seeking an alternative path to restoring his divinity seemed utterly foreign and bewildering. He was at a loss, trapped in a situation with no clear escape route in sight.
The fallen Angel sighed heavily, his hands trembling as he nervously fidgeted. Though the voices of those around him filled the air, their words blurred into an incomprehensible cacophony against the backdrop of his racing thoughts and mounting panic.
Adam didn't know what to do, uncertain of his next move or how to proceed. He was typically decisive and would forge ahead without hesitation, confident in the outcome of his choices. Yet now, he grappled with a sense of powerlessness, as if the reins of control had slipped from his grasp.
With time ticking away, he faced the urgent need to take action, lest he succumb entirely to the clutches of the infernal realm. Already stripped of a portion of his divine essence, he couldn't afford to relinquish any more of his sacred heritage.
"Hey, glasses..." Angel Dust's voice pierced the exterminator's conciseness, prompting him to snap out of his reverie and focus on the spider demon, who greeted him with a subtle wave. "I don't mean to get all up in yer business again, but erm..." the arachnid hesitated, his upper hands intertwining in a display of discomfort. "How do i put this..." he trailed off, shifting his gaze up and down Adam's form.
"You have some things sticking out of your head." the bartender bluntly interjected, his tone unyielding and direct, cutting through Angel Dust's words.
"Yeah, that..." the arachnid murmured, illustrating his point with a gesture toward his own head, directing Adam's attention to the specific area. "like right here."
"Huh...?" The fallen angel's brow furrowed in bewilderment. What on earth could the two demons be referring to?
With a puzzled expression, he tentatively raised his hands to his head, fingers lightly tracing the fabric of his cap. Initially, everything seemed normal, until his touch encountered something unexpected, some sharp, asymmetrical protrusions jutting from the sides of his skull.
In that instant, a chill ran down his spine, beads of sweat forming on his forehead, for he knew all too well what these bumps signified. They were the horns that had inexplicably sprouted from his head not too long ago, barely noticeable at first, easy to conceal beneath his cap. But now, they had grown in both length and size, ripping through the fabric of his headwear.
Oh God.
Adam's breath caught in his throat as he struggled to stifle the rising scream of terror threatening to escape his lips. With every fiber of his being, he clenched his jaw tightly, the muscles straining against the urge to release the agonized cry echoing in his mind. The excruciating pain in his head finally made sense, but the reason behind his rapidly growing infernal horns remained a mystery. Had he unintentionally triggered their growth? He had no clue. All he knew was that he needed to immediately hide them from the others.
"I..." the first man hesitated, his hand instinctively reaching to cover the emerging horns, his words faltering in uncertainty. "...need to comb my hair..." he finally uttered, his voice strained as he attempted to deflect the curious stares directed his way. "My, uh, my hair tends to... get spiky," he improvised, the lie stumbling awkwardly from his lips. "...very spiky."
As the words escaped his lips, Adam instinctively began to retreat, gradually edging away from the group before quickening his pace. Yet, just as he tried to escape, the princess stopped him, materializing seemingly out of thin air and startling him to the core.
"Wha-?" the fallen angel began, but couldn't even finish his sentence before Charlie started talking over him.
"Alex..." she began, her expression downcast as she looked at him. "I'm truly sorry if I ever led you to believe I had the ability to turn you into an angel," she apologized slowly. "But trust me, you don't need angelic powers to bring about positive change!" her tone shifted to one filled with determination as she continued, "You just need to—"
"Please just leave me the f*ck alone." the fallen angel pleaded desperately, turning his head away from the blonde girl. He really didn't have the time for her feeble apologies. He needed to get to his room immediately. "I want to be alone."
As his words reached her ears, the royal's countenance fell, betraying her disappointment. Yet, Adam spared no moment to witness the extent of her sorrow. Without a backward glance, he hastened upstairs toward his chamber, leaving the princess with a heavy heart.
.
.
.
Charlie watched as the new candidate vanished entirely from her sight, a sorrowful sigh escaping her lips.
"It's okay Charlie..." Vaggie softly reassured her, placing a hand on her shoulder in a comforting gesture. "He's just stupid and angry for no reason."
The princess placed her own hand over Vaggie's, offering the other girl a faint smile before returning her gaze to the stairs. "I feel so bad Vaggie..." she admitted softly, her voice barely audible. "He seemed so angry, but also... panicked...as if this was his last resort or something..." her words dripped with sorrow as she turned toward Vaggie, her eyes filled with worry. "What if i just crushed all of his hope? What if he's going to leave and fall into the hands of the horrible things in hell?"
"That won't happen... at least i think so." the silver-haired girl replied, her voice laced with reassurance as she sought to comfort her girlfriend. "And even if he chooses to leave, it's his decision. He holds the reins of his own destiny, whether it leads to virtue or vice. We can't compel him to remain here against his will."
"I know, but still..." the blonde girl pressed on, nervously biting her lip.
"You shouldn't blame yourself for this, it's not your fault." the former exterminator responded emphatically. "As you've said before, he's new and doesn't know a lot of stuff about hell, so it's better that he learns now rather than later that you as a princess don't hold that much power to simply take him to Heaven." she said, before adding with a tone full pf frustration. "Another thing he should learn is how to stop being so god damn stubborn and irritating!"
"Vaggie!" Charlie said, letting out a laugh. "He's not that bad..."
"He is." the silver-haired girl responded, shaking hear head in disagreement before a solemn expression settled upon her features. "It's kinda weird tho..." she mused, her brows furrowing in contemplation. "His attitude and, well, just he in general seems strangely familiar, as if i've seen him before, but i just can't quite put my finger on it..."
"Hmm..." Charlie hummed in a contemplative tone. "Maybe you've seen someone that looks like him before?"
"...Maybe." Vaggie responded, her mind momentarily lost in contemplation before she shook her head slightly. "Perhaps, it's just me." she admitted in a hushed tone, her eyes shifting back to Charlie with a gentle smile. "Come one, let's go see what the others are doing!"
"Alright!" the princess responded cheerfully, nodding in agreement.
.
.
.
After Adam stepped into his room, he swiftly pivoted on his heel, his movements driven by a sense of urgency as he fumbled with the lock, sealing off any potential intrusion.
Letting out a sigh of exhaustion, he lifted his hand to remove his cap and sunglasses, then carelessly tossed them onto the bed. With deliberate steps, he then walked to the bathroom, stopping right in front of the mirror and glimpsing into its cold, reflective surface.
The black horns had significantly increased in size, their contours sharpening into a more demonic appearance, causing Adam's countenance to darken with solemnity. Leaning in closer to the mirror, he attempted to scrutinize the cursed protrusions more closely, but his attention was diverted to his eyes before he could fully assess them. They appeared less golden than usual, a deeper shade as though drained of their color. The once radiant glow had faded, leaving them tired, red, and devoid of their former vitality, cloaked in weariness and listlessness.
Adam couldn't even say he was surprised at this point. After enduring everything he once prayed to avoid, he had grown immune to further shocks, his capacity to be rattled drained by the relentless onslaught of events.
With a trembling exhale, the man bowed his head, his eyes fixed on the interior of the sink, deliberately avoiding his reflection. He really needed to figure out a way to go back home, otherwise, he feared that nothing of his divine self would remain.
Raising his head once more, he cast one last glance at his fractured reflection, absorbing the sight of the shattered angel he had become, before a wave of anger engulfed him. In a fit of blind rage, his hands balled into fists, and with a forceful blow, he struck the mirror, causing it to explode into shards that cascaded into the sink and scattered across the floor with a resounding crash.
Breathing heavily, the fallen angel surveyed the aftermath of his outburst, a twinge of remorse gnawing at him, but at least now, he no longer had to confront his distorted reflection. Relaxing his clenched fists, he raised one of his hand's to his face, observing the trickle of golden blood beginning to seep from the glass wounds etched into his skin.
"Ouch..." Adam murmured softly, his voice barely above a whisper, as he used his other hand to turn on the faucet before allowing the water to flow over his damaged one, soothing the injury.
With eyes devoid of vitality, he observed as the water rinsed away his golden blood, its essence swirling down the sink's overflow hole, vanishing without a trace. This was the blood that defined him as divine, that separated him from the rest of the demons and also the blood that brought him here in the first place.
With a wince, he gingerly pressed his teeth into the tender flesh of his cheek, a futile attempt to distract himself from the discomfort radiating from his injured hand. Reluctantly tearing his gaze away from the wounded appendage, he redirected his attention to the fragments of glass swirling in the flowing water. His fingers hovered over the fragmented pieces, hesitating momentarily before finally picking one up, intending to clear the sink of the shards. However, as he moved to dispose of the glass piece, a sudden stillness overcame him, his eyes slowly fixating on the glimmering fragment in his hand.
It was broken much like himself, uneven and sharp enough to rival a blade. The exterminator's gaze lingered on the piece of glass, studying it profoundly before shakily bringing it closer, its sharpness gleaming under the harsh light. With bated breath, he aimed the jagged edge toward one of his horns. If the princess couldn't rid him of these cursed protrusions, perhaps he could do it himself. All it would take was a single, decisive cut, a firm graze of the shard against the horns, and he would return to his former, hornless self.
His movements grew more forceful, digging the shard into the unyielding surface of his horn with increasing intensity. With each push, a surge of agony shot through his skull, causing his vision to blur momentarily with pain. Gritting his teeth, he fought to suppress a cry of anguish, his hand shaking violently as he persisted in his desperate attempt to rid himself of the tormenting appendage.
Push through it, push through it.
He held his breath, his muscles tensing as he endured the piercing sensation coursing through his head. For a fleeting moment, the agony threatened to consume him entirely. Then, with a sudden, desperate motion, he yanked the shard away, his hand trembling violently as he flung it to the ground below. The glass exploded upon impact, scattering into an array of shimmering shards that glinted in the dim light.
"f*ck, control yourself goddamn it!" Adam berated himself, his voice laced with frustration, as he ran a trembling hand over the damaged horn. "I... I can't... I can't go through with this. It's not right."
He drew several deep breaths in an attempt to regain his composure before ultimately deciding to exit the bathroom, lest he act on impulse and regret it later.
Stepping into the cramped bedroom, the fallen angel collapsed onto the bed, his face sinking into the plush pillows. He just needed to get some rest to clear his mind then, when he will be able to think better, he will be able to come up with another plan to go back to Heaven.
Yeah.
He was going to figure this out.
At least that's what he hoped.
