Won the Battle, but what of the War...? (Post-Purge)

[youknowwhothisis]

He won't tell a lie (this time): Getting to finally soften up Adam like a bad steak made Lucifer Morningstar pretty damn hard. But he wasn't about to say any of that in polite company.

He was too busy celebrating anyway, because they were done. They were done dealing with Adam and his bullshit, and according to Charlie, Heaven had been trying to keep the whole thing under wraps in the first place. If you asked the King? Well, well, well. Now look who had to stick their feet in their mouth!

That just left the 'what now?' Were the Purges done for good? Likely not. But for now, until the exterminators figured out how to recover from losing their leader and what HAD to be fallout among Heaven, Hell could breathe a sigh of relief and not have to worry about a yearly genocide.

Strangely, yet not strangely at all, Hell had been its most peaceful in years. The relief, the jubilation, and the confusion involving the future was enough to stop even the turf wars! His Charlie really was something else, wasn't she?

Of course she was. She was his daughter. His baby. He couldn't be even more proud.

His pride was at its peak even knowing Heaven wished to contact him. Normally he dreaded the call, but how often did he get the satisfaction and the- let's be real- privilege to be the one to gloat?

Heaven lost. Heaven LOST, and now they had to explain themselves.

He was ready for the circular talk, the lecture of broken rules, the whole nine yards.

But first, the perfect opening...

When the orb came down upon the Embassy, when that connection was made to give a visual feed between two individuals, Heaven's representative was met with:



...Well.

Comments

[high_seraphim_sera]

Sera took a deep breath. Closed her eyes. Counted down from seven.

It has been a week. She has given Hell a week to collect themselves. Rebuild. Bury their dead. Or eat them. Or whatever they do. She very rigidly tries not to think about what they did down there with Heaven's dead. Lucifer, fallen as he may be, can still be called an angel... of sorts... so surely there was at least some decorum.

They ate them. If Lucifer interceded, it was to collect enough ichor first to make a golden puddle to float his ducks in.

Sera banishes that thought. It is disrespectful. She summons an orb of light to initiate the conversation.

This would be the easy part. A quick call to Lucifer to facilitate a meeting. The hard part would be the meeting itself.

Lucifer, I need you to... No. Do not use need. That would sound desperate.

Lucifer, I request that... No. Do not give him a choice. If Lucifer is given a choice, he will make the wrong one. That is what he does.

Lucifer never had this problem.

You've got this.

Right.

Sera whispers into the orb: "Call Lucifer." The orb shimmers and splits in an act of divine mitosis, the newly birthed duplicate zipping downward obediently.

She waits, staring into the orb of gentle white light. Until an image forms in the middle of it, growing to fill the orb hovering over her hand.

It is a duck.

Of course. Why did I expect anything more.

"Lucifer," Sera states. "I require you to instruct your daughter to attend a meeting at Heaven's Embassy. The meeting is to take place in one hour."

Nailed it.

She had this.

[youknowwhothisis]

The pause was delicious. If anything, he expected old Sera to hang up, or at least give her message before hanging up.

The two of them didn't really look forward to speaking to each other, and would tend to keep things brief. Oh, but not today... today, he wanted to have some words!

Just... not without fucking with her a little bit.

For good measure, he put on his best duck voice to answer: "...Who?"

Talk to him. Talk to the duck. Maybe he'll pass the message along.

[high_seraphim_sera]

Still just the duck picture. And now paired with a duck voice.

Do not rise to it.

"Your daughter." Good. Keep this professional, even if he won't. "You have one. I assume you haven't forgotten. Again."

You rose to it. Brilliant.

"My apologies. That was unbecoming."

[youknowwhothisis]

Always quick to apologize after saying something to hurtful. Some things just don't change, do they...?

Despite that, a corner of his mouth twitched, amusement soured a touch with the taste of his own blood from a bitten cheek.

Steady. You're the victor here.

"Ah ah ah~ Somebody's upset!" The duck voice pressed on. "No manners at all."

Misguided daughter. Daughter of the Morning Star. Princess Morningstar. So many titles, so many swerves. She didn't deserve that. Not his baby.

"A name, Sera. It won't burn your tongue to treat a lady with respect!"

Like flicking rubber bands across the table at her. Really it was no wonder conversations between them remained short, but Luci- this mysterious mallard- had to help maintain the decorum!

[high_seraphim_sera]

Sera forced herself not to frown.

Setting aside the duck image and the duck voice and the whole Lucifer-ness... it was a reasonable request. If only for the sake of clarity.

"I require you to instruct Charlotte Morningstar to attend a meeting at Heaven's Embassy. The meeting is to take place in fifty-eight minutes."

There. Firm and clear.

Thank God that there were no headaches in Heaven.

[youknowwhothisis]

The duck exploded into a little spray of confetti, complete with a happy little party horn to celebrate Sera's achievement.

Lucifer opted to rise from the edge of the table he'd set the duck on, and prop his chin in a cocky hand. Horns present, his grin all teeth, he was still riding the considerable high even a week later. Rebuilding the Hotel only took the edge off.

He'd likely have lost his nerve by now, but today, he was willing to face the very figure of his 'discontent'.

He spoke at a purr, all smoke. "She'll be right on time. Now, was that so hard...? After the disrespectful display your little boy Adam gave her, it was the least you could do."

[high_seraphim_sera]

Sera watched Lucifer indulge in his little victory antics.

It as a reasonable request. Clarity was important.

Sera's memory flashed back to one of her arguments with Emily. The particularly painful one.

"Her name is Charlie."

Sera could almost hear Emily clapping along with Lucifer's nonsense. That just made it so much worse.

This was supposed to be the easy part.

But at least it was over. The meeting was set. Lucifer could go back to his ducks and...

Sera stiffened at that last remark. He had thrown the dead in her face. That was a new low. In all their conversations, she had never taunted him with the names of those the Exorcists had killed.

Sera did not keep the frown from her face this time.

But she bit back not one but several retorts that blossomed in her head. No. She would be the bigger angel. Metaphorically.

"You are correct. Charlotte Morningstar deserved more respect than The First Man displayed."

On multiple occasions, she added mentally. The golden scroll with FUCK YOU I DO WHAT I WANT had been shoved in a drawer for the call, but she could feel it's presence.

"On behalf of Heaven, Charlotte Morningstar is owed an apology. A sincere one, which should be delivered directly to the aggrieved party. As opposed to being used as currency in the game you are playing to amuse yourself."

"Despite you considering it a joke, that apology will be delivered. At a meeting in fifty-three minutes. Your presence will not be required."

[youknowwhothisis]

He was the little rat scratching away at the walls to see if he could make a hole, let it all spill out.

His composure remained cocky, even if something inside him rose. It was thin, wild-eyed and tired, shrieking with flecks of spit. Rabid. It dreamed of grabbing the pearly gates and rattling them, cursing them for everything.

Instead of giving in to it, he chuckled. "...A joke, is it? Well, well. I suppose after all of these years, I shouldn't be shocked you'd still completely fail to read me."

He clicked his tongue, eased back and idly juggled a small, sorcerous flame along his knuckles. "See, the way I'm reading this, you're only trying to make amends under the pretense that it was because one of your myriad rules were broken. But the truth is, I think this is only being called because we kicked your asses. You lift your nose, high and mighty, and try to be the bigger figure while you get to continue to portray me and mine as a bunch of chaotic, maniac mongrels. But you and yours have a wealth of things to answer for, and have for ages... and that's why my presence will not be required."

[high_seraphim_sera]

Finally. There it was. What she waited for. What she needed.

Don't use need. It sounds desperate.

This entire conversation, she had felt off-kilter. She was on the back foot ever since the reasonable request. Because he was right about that. Underneath the petty, chaotic, nasty gremlin energy he was projecting, the man had hit on a truth that had infuriated her less than an hour before. And he kept hitting more. And Lucifer wasn't supposed to be right.

Sera needed Lucifer to be wrong. And when he finally was, it was like the whole of Creation righted itself. Everything that was canted and ominous was suddenly back in place and behaving like it should.

Even Lucifer.

Especially Lucifer.

Sera's entire demeanor became more relaxed. Her frown slipped away. She even allowed herself the gift of a hint of a smile before banishing it.

How should she approach this? Part of her really, really wanted to lay it out for him. Explain how very wrong his misconception of things was. But he would either reject that or accept it. And if he accepted it and changed his views, he might not be wrong anymore. And as pride was never a sin of her own, she had no trouble admitting to herself that she needed this. Far more than she needed a little victory over an orb call.

Unless the meeting with the Daughter of the Morningstar went as badly as possible, Emily would certainly be informing Lucifer of the truth soon enough. When Sera didn't have to be there to see it.

"Oh dear. I misspoke. I meant to say your presence will not be allowed."

It was semantics. Lucifer wasn't about to trespass into Heaven when not invited. He knew how that could go. But being so explicit did generate another problem. Fortunately, there was an easy solution.

"However, giving consideration to the tensions, if you feel Charlotte Morningstar requires an escort, I will accept the attendance of her... partner, Vaggie. Otherwise, I will meet with your daughter alone. Deliver a much deserved apology. And discuss moving forward."

"I pray for the sakes all your people as well as my own that she has inherited her diplomatic skills from her mother."

She reached up with her other hand to end the call. But waited. Just a moment. Letting Lucifer have a chance at the final word.

She was just the bigger angel that way.

Heads up! It's your turn, Char-char!

[youknowwhothisis]

He took in a sharp breath, released it in a brief stream of some very unhappy flame.

Whatever. Over it. He's over it.

His hand automatically went into his coat to fetch his phone, scrolled fast and dialed the contact: With less than an hour now to go, calling Charlie ought be sooner rather than later.

[minimorningstar]

After the week... no, the month, the year, the centuries they've had, Charlie is pretty tired. Who could blame her? Even with magic, building a hotel from the foundation up was a lot of work. Building memorials was a lot of work. Working with Rosie to collect all of the photos of those who fell that'd come from Cannibal Town was... an intense process, but their portraits were now lining the hallways in their honor.

Even today, a 'slow' day, was one where Charlie was focused on selecting photos of the new Hotel, updating their website, trying to get everything up for Sinners to see that things will be ready for them... anxieties and doubts still clung, but with a little more willpower, Charlie powered on.

So engrossed in her work, she jumped and squeaked a bit in surprise at her phone ringing - she grabbed it and answered, laughing a little from getting flustered. "Hi, dad!"

[youknowwhothisis]

That sound, that voice, had him briefly forget everything that had just transpired. He felt like a million Souls.

"Charlie! Hey, hey! How you feeling? Whatcha up to?" He hunched over his desk and swung his legs a little. Normal. This was nice and normal... god, he was so glad this was normal for him now.

He wasn't a disappointment. He was allowed somewhere! He was allowed where it mattered!

[minimorningstar]

"I am exhausted! Man. I'm really looking forward to the vacation with you now - just have to get what we can done before Alastor comes back. Aunt Bee's just had her pups, and she asked him to help - plus, that'll keep him resting after the rough fight he just had," Charlie admitted, sighing a bit! Phew!

"It's finally starting to feel normal again."

[youknowwhothisis]

"It's nice, isn't it? Ooh- remind me to send you some pictures of the pups sometime, in case you're not in that pipeline. They're the cutest widdle beans...!" Ohhh, he couldn't wait to see them up close, squish the little paw pads-

Right. Wait. Back on target. Damn it.

"Buuut before any of that, we've got a little, ah... situation on our hands. Not- not a bad one, I promise, even if she sucks..."

A sigh from his end of the call.

"Heaven... wants to speak with you. ...Today."

[minimorningstar]

The immediate response from Charlie is a dissatisfied exhale - a single breath really can convey a whole plethora of emotions, can't it? There's flashes of hurt, offense, mourning, anger...

"Fucking right they do. And I'm guessing the last second call is their way of trying to keep some control over things," Charlie grumbled, thinking things over and tapping her claws on the table.

"...Send a message to Sera. I'm only coming if Emily's also there for the discussion."

[youknowwhothisis]

Lucifer started in his seat and threw up an arm, feeling vindicated. That's his GIRL!! "Fucking- RIGHT?? I try and get you up to see them and they give me an appointment four weeks out but nOOOooo, when they want you it's a freakin' HOUR from now! Well-"

He checked his clock.

"...Forty-five minutes from now. For the hustling she's giving you, she better be able to have Emily on deck. I'll make the call for you, Charlie."

[minimorningstar]

"Don't let her intimidate you either. She had her chance-- I tried over and over to give them every chance to stop! I'm not talking to Sera without someone else to hold her to account, especially on her own turf. And after this, she's going to have to talk to me directly if she wants me there."

It was getting annoying, being forced to use her father as a middleman when she was being brought to the forefront of the issue - and let alone the fact that she understood now just how traumatizing Heaven had been for him.

But not for her. Not yet. She could stand up to them.

[minimorningstar]

Deep breath in. Long exhale.

Although I kinda feel unsteady,
Now I need to be ready for this.

It's just a little hum of the song, something to center herself - something like her hand holding tightly onto Vaggie's. She was glad that Vaggie was still willing to come with her, to support her... after everything was out in the open, she could have her partner there to support her with her whole chest, this time.

This was going to take a lot. She had a lot of things she needed to tell Sera to her face.

Waiting, softly humming along to the tune that had rallied Cannibal Town, that had been her coming to terms with her role as the Princess of Hell... any moment, the portal would open and they would step through. Out of the rebuilding efforts and right back under the scrutinizing gaze that had caused all of this.

[ambassador_emily]

Emily sat in her chair. Fidgeted nervously. Hoped she looked all right. Hoped this went well. Aaaaaaah, she was a nervous wreck.

But at least she was in the room. Right from the beginning. Of course, she had worked out her own way of not missing everything, but then Sera had shown an unexpected change of heart.

And okay, in reciprocal generosity, she did have to agree she had been undiplomatic with venting her frustrations at her sister less than two hours before the meeting. Not that what she said hadn't been earned, but the timing was unkind and imprudent. And Emily knows she should know better than that.

So as long as Sera hasn't managed to commit any other egregious acts in the last two hours, Emily solemnly swore she would keep her temper and her general feelings towards her sister at merely miffed.

She waited. And thought about the twelve things she would have done to prepare if she knew that she would have these few minutes. But Sera's benevolence was awfully last-minute, so she had barely thrown her best Heavenly raiment back on and rushed through the portal.

To find Sera waiting for her while not really there, and looking mildly disappointed at something. Which was absolutely expected.

Another moment. Emily put a hand to her breasts, feeling her heart thudding in her chest. Her nerves jangled. This should be a happy day. Why did she feel a wreck?

A look towards the entrance. "Um... the portal?"

"Adam told me she prefers to walk to the Embassy," Sera stated.

Emily winced.

"Really?" Emily stood, reaching out with a hand and twirling a finger to open a golden portal into the Hazbin Hotel. While shooting her sister a thoroughly miffed look.

[minimorningstar]

It'd been a quick change... but Charlie wanted to wear what she'd worn to the battle. Her dress, her crown, her ensemble - a symbol of her resistence. It still had her own blood stains on it. Let Sera come face-to-face with that.

"Ready?" Charlie asked Vaggie, squeezing her girlfriend's hand. Vaggie nodded, returning the gesture and stepping in tandem with Charlie as they entered through the portal. It was a relief to see Emily there as she demanded, as well as Sera. She was the Princess of Hell... now was the time to act the part. To keep her head held high for her convictions.

"I'm here, Sera. You called for us?"

[ambassador_emily]

Emily's halo left behind a streak of light as she launched from her chair and closed the distance in the space between Charlie's words "called" and "us".

"CHARLIE! VAGGIE!"

The embrace was fierce. The kind of fierce that Charlie would sometimes get from her father. Emily held it for a moment longer than strictly necessary before letting go and pulling back to look at them. "You're both okay. Oh thank you, I was so worried. I mean, I knew you lived through it, but... oh... that's blood." Emily's eyes went wide. She opened a few more of them, really looking. "Your blood."

She dropped to her feet, hands rising to her mouth in dismay.

[high_seraphim_sera]

Sera stood at the end of the table and watched as Princess Morningstar and her partner stepped through. Her eyes took in what she had chosen to wear.

Well, that certainly sets the tone.

She gave a thin-lipped expression, not quite a frown. Not particularly conductive to diplomacy. But Sera remembered what the Daughter of the Morningstar had worn before, and the failure in diplomacy had not been on the Princess' end. So no, this was not an unwarranted show.

"Welc-"

And then Emily. Sera waited for the hugging and exuberance to end. And winced at the note it ended on. Emily did not deserve to see that, even if Sera herself did.

That got the slightest bit of a frown. But Sera controlled herself.

"Welcome, Daughter of the Morningstar. Welcome Vaggie-"

And now Emily was glaring at her. What did she do wrong this time? That was the Princess' due and respectful title. And that was her angelic partner's name. Sera was unfamiliar with the former Exorcist herself, but had heard Adam say the name many times.

[minimorningstar]

Charlie squeaked a bit, smiling at Emily even as she got squished in a big bear hug - but the realization for Emily sobered the mood again. While Charlie didn't feel great about scaring Emily, who'd been in their corner... it was important that Heaven had to face the reality of what they had been doing, in some way.

Daughter of the Morningstar. Right. Time she act the part of her title, too. Charlie steeled herself, stepping forward to meet Sera.

"You called for me, so I'm here. I assume we're talking about you ceasing all future exterminations?"

[high_seraphim_sera]

Ceasing all future exterminations.

Okay. This is an attitude Sera could work with. Firm, but not belligerent. Willing to talk, but with a self-righteous sense of the requisite outcome. Sera could relate.

"That is my hope," Sera responded. Let her know that was on the table. But not assured. Make sure the young woman realized that getting what she wanted would rest on her.

Sera motioned towards the two chairs at the far end of the table. "Please feel free to take a seat. Although I understand if you wish to remain standing."

Sera sat down in her chair. Even sitting, she was taller than everyone else. She didn't want to loom. Making them feel uncomfortable wouldn't help.

"Thank you for arriving on such short notice. We have three items on the agenda, and I am sure you would like to get through things apace so you can return to your day."

[ambassador_emily]

Emily closed her eyes. Then opened only the two. She gave Charlie and Vaggie a reassuring smile before moving to her seat.

Charlie wasn't wounded. It was, as Sera called it, a tactic. Okay, okay.

As she sat down, she hissed a whisper at her big sister. "It's Vaggie. Hard-g. Stop pronouncing it like Adam did. I've told you this." Seriously.

Still, it was hard to keep in an internal squee. This was going to be so good! This was going to be amazing! This...

Wait. Three?

There was only supposed to be one.

Emily's eyes went wide as she stared at her sister. Did Sera change the agenda and not tell her? Or... no... benefit of the doubt... maybe she's just breaking things down a bit?