It had been a few days in Tartarus that I've stayed at the hotel now, and I could safely say that the crew and tenants are easy fun to be around once you got used to their antics. I've also visited Cannibal Town on my own on occasion to visit Ms. Rosie, and listen to more music while conversing about the duties and responsibilities of being an Overlord while daddy was helping Miss Charlie out at the hotel. Today, however, was a different set of wheels as it was Angel's birthday today, and he had begged Miss Charlie to be more lenient on her rules so that he could throw himself a birthday bash! "PLEEEEEEEAAAAASSSSSEEE!" He begged on his knees, giving Miss Magne puppy eyes. "Angel, this is the fifth time this week! You know I can't let up. Rehabilitation, remember?" "But Charlie, it's my Birthdaaaaayyyyyyy." He whined, whimpering as his cute puppy spider eyes grew wider. Catching ear of this, I slid into the lobby from my morning tea and book to see exactly what it was the reasons for denying Angel a party when Charlie said, "That doesn't mean you can invite your dehumanizing friends to drink until you can't stand, or pump toxins in your body Angel! I'm sorry, but you go through enough crap as it is with you know who, and I'll NOT have the same thing in these halls." "Do pardon me, Miss Charlie, but isn't there anything we can do for Angel that DOESN'T cross your boundaries?" I asked, trying to help the poor dear. Miss Charlie shook her head, and sighed, "He wants everything I'm against there, and I just can't have that, Jessie." "Well prehaps a compromise is in order. I'm certain we can come to an agreement that way, yes?" I persuaded, keeping in mind what Ms. Rosie had taught about charming your target. "Y-Yeah, what the little Overlord chick said!" Angel added quickly, pointing over at me to show he was on board with the plan. Miss Charlie looked between the two of us, then sighed as she caved, "Oh, alright. We'll compromise and plan out your party, AFTER morning attendance and exercises in honesty!" Angel quickly leapt to his feet, and gave a genuinely happy hug before dancing his way out of the lobby, and I honestly felt good helping out a friend when Miss Charlie tugged on the sleeve to my robe for attention. "I know you're learning to be an Overlord and all, and you've picked up a few tricks, but that wasn't nice to do Jess." She sighed. "I only wanted Angel to be happy. Your Birthday only comes once every year, and all matters of misery and pain aside, he deserves to have a good day." I replied, smiling awkwardly. She shook her head in disapproval, and countered, "Then I'll hold YOU as head party planner. That means no drugs, no alcohol-" "Oh, come now. A glass of wine meant to be sipped isn't something that should be banned." "It is when the wine is CHUGGED, Jessie. I don't know about the people in the Envy Ring, but here in the Pride Ring- sinners aren't THAT civil around here!" "But it's like you said, Miss Charlie. This hotel is for rehabilitation, no? You can "rehabilitate" someone else's actions if you have the know how to do so!" I argued. "Get your head out of the mud, Jess! Angel doesn't throw extravagant, civil parties, and-" "If he wants a party, then he shall start with now. Cheerio!" I replied, making my way to the lobby for attendance. I stayed to listen to Charlie's methods on redeeming sinners, and to say the least, I found it quite intriguing! The activities she purposed were very creative, and I found her lectures adorable and amusing in a fun way as she went down the row telling the patrons how she truly felt about them, and asking them to do the same in turn. Some of what was said was very hurtful, but others that have known Charlie longer seemed to have a heartfelt admiration and connection with her- melting my heart right out of my chest! The most touching of all was Angel's open, and honest response showing how truly grateful he was for having a friend like Miss Charlie, and I swiped a single tear from my eye before applauding him lightly. "Would you like to try, Jessie?" Miss Charlie asked, shocking me only a little that she would offer me a turn. "I-I would, but.... I-I'm not exactly one of your patrons that are trying to be redeemed...." I replied sheepishly, blushing from embarrassment. "It's alright, the hotel is for EVERYONE! Even the cruelest Demon is allowed to take part in our daily activities- not saying that you are, of course, but it still doesn't hurt to try it." She replied, smiling wide and her eyes expectant. "Well.... A-Alright...." I gulped, and I thought long and hard about how I felt about Miss Charlie, and her grand hotel. "For starters, I feel rather thankful that I found this hotel of yours. And I'm also thankful that you watched over dad for me in my long absence. Without either, I feel like my father and I would've NEVER been reunited! And your friends- they're such lovely people, and I feel that your hotel will go as far as to help these lost denizens find the light." Miss Charlie became emotional, and threw her arms around me as she replied dramatically, "That was.... SO beautiful Jessie!" I smiled a little as I lightly patted her back in return, and the grandfather clock in the lobby chimed noontime- signaling that it was now time to plan out Angel's bash! I pulled Miss Charlie and Angel into the lounge, and quickly shut the door behind them before saying, "Now that THAT'S done, I would like for the two of you to take a pad and pen to write what you do and do NOT want at this party, so that way we can come to terms as a team!" "Yeah, what pad and pen are we talkin'-" Angel began as I snapped my fingers, and poofed the proper equipment needed into existence before catching them, and handing them over to the two demons before me. Angel took his, turned it over in his hands, and squeaked a little as he cried "It's my fat widdle Nuggets!" I giggled as I replied, "Happy birthday, Angel. I thought you'd like it, so I personalized it JUST for you!" I seated the two before each other on opposite ends of a grand, glass table, and the two busily began writing their own lists. I sat in a chair patiently, enjoying my afternoon tea as I took comfort in the silence of the lounge, with the only sound being the scratching of pens on paper. After about twenty minutes of the scritching, the two finally placed their pads down for me to see, and I brought them closer as I skimmed through each one. Miss Charlie's list of dos and don'ts seemed to be a lot more tight than Angel's, who seemingly wanted a party like any rebellious teenager would, and I knew I was going to have my work cut out for me if we were going to find the gray area between. Sighing, I summoned a pad and pen for myself, and declared, "Alrighty. First order of discussion: the Guests." The discussions went of without a hitch, both parties being open about concerns and honest about their desires for the event- but every debate has its downs as much as ups, and there were times where I had to intervene to quell the two when they began to raise their voices with each other, and even suggested some things that would ease both parties. It took four hours, but we finally managed to come to the gray area as I jotted down the terms and read them aloud. After their confirmation, I thanked the two, wished Angel another happy Birthday, and gathered my father's most trusted friends to help with preparations. "Husker? Could you do me a favour, and see if you have these particular drinks in your stock? Angel wants some of the fancy stuff, and Miss Charlie would like there to at LEAST be three nonalcoholic drinks." "You got it li'l lady." Husker replied, taking the list from me and observing his cooler for any of the required items. "Ms. Nifty? Could you be a doll and get the place spotless while I start decorations?" "ON IT!!!" She sang, and quickly zipped from place to place dusting, sweeping, mopping, and polishing up what she could. I summoned gold and red streamers and ribbons, and I used my abilities to hang them up, and tie them together. I summoned a rain of fine glitter, and quickly placed an umbrella over my head to avoid getting rained on by the sparkly substance as I continued to hang banners. We were so busy that I didn't notice my father walking in with his own umbrella, and he asked casually in his regular condescending sounding tone, "Some weather we're having this evening, hmmm?" "Oh, it's just a touch of glamour per Angel Dust's request. Do you like it?" I asked hopefully. "Personally, I'd do without the glitz but I suppose it's Angel in the end who we want to see smile. I was just simply looking in on what you were doing, after all!" He chuckled. "A simple "no" would've been sufficient..." Husk scoffed, and I could tell my father became a little perturbed by his comment. "Oh, don't be so cynical Husk! He seems like he's impressed by what I'm doing in his own way. In fact I'm positive that he may just be feeling left out on the preparations!" I replied, summoning a couple baskets full to the top with origami butterfly invites, and handing them to him. Shocked, he took the baskets from my hand, and gave me a quizzical look as I said, "Use your abilities to send them out to other sinners. RESPECTABLE ones only! Miss Charlie made it very clear there is to be no drug addicts, arms dealers, alcohol smugglers, and absolutely NOBODY from the Lust Ring in attendance. Ta-ra!" I said, getting back to work on my little masterpiece of a banner. I heard my father scoff, and he began to walk off as I added, "Father? Being the Radio Demon and all, could you also be as kind as to spread this news to the other denizens who cannot get an invite? Please and thank you?" "Yes, yes.... Whatever keeps your little heart a flutter..." he sighed reluctantly, and his footsteps echoed distantly as I replied, "Perfect. Angel shall have a night that he'll remember indefinitely! All that needs work now is the music track and we should be all set, what with Miss Charlie on catering duty." "Are you sure it was wise to ask your deadbeat for help?" Husker asked, raising a brow to me in concern. "I'm positive he'll get the job done right. Oh! Seems the glitter rain has let up finally!" I replied, poofing away my umbrella as I looked around the main Lobby- the venue of which we were hosting Angel's party. "Now, what shall we have our dashing bartender wear tonight?" I asked, waving my hand in the air, and changing Husk's attire. "Shall we go with this? It's casual, yet very professional." "Whatever you see fit, kid." Husker replied with a wink before going back to cleaning his Martini glasses. "Nifty, dear?" I called, and the tiny, energetic Demon ran up to me as she said, "Here I am!" "Settle down, and I shall make a proper lady Demon of you. How do you feel with-" I twirled my finger, putting her in a small, royal blue dress with a tiny veil hairpin. "Hmmmmmm, how about red?" She asked, looking back up at me. Obliging to Nifty's request, I spun my finger again to make her dress go from blue to red, and she giggled maniacally before thanking me. "One more thing, Ms. Nifty. Miss Charlie said you are to have the night off from maid services. You're welcome!" I winked at her, and she seemed genuinely happy as she twirled her way through the lobby, and disappeared down a hall. "Now Ms. prim and proper," Husker began, leaning over his bar, "what'll YOU be dressed in for this shindig?" Thinking for a moment, I spun in place- my halter romper that I had turning into a chic, casual, black cocktail dress with sheer, draped sleeves that hung from a collar I could button behind my neck. My long, wavy hair scrunched up until it reached just beneath my chin, and diamond clip earrings appeared on my ears. I snapped, and summoned myself a lovely, golden chain with a sapphire pendant, shaped like a tear drop before running my finger up my arm to summon gloves that stopped at the crease of my elbow. Finally, I did a light jump to make my regular shoes turn into classy, black, strappy heels before fluffing out my dress, and tapping my eyes and lips lightly to put on modest makeup, and I posed as I asked, "How do I look?" "Very nice, kid. I rate you a full five stars!" Husk replied with a slight smirk, and I laughed brightly before working on the D.J. booth for Angel's party. Once I was done, and bid Husker farewell, I raced up the steps to Angel Dust's room before knocking a few times. The birthday boy answered the door, and I waved as I said excitedly, "Hello, Angel darling! I've come to doll you up for your big day." "This ain't no black tie affair, Chickadee. You look ready to do the tango with death himself!" Angel commented, raising his hand up to me to keep me from entering. "But that shouldn't be the reason a handsome thing like you can't look presentable otherwise. Besides, there's no reason to be uncomfortable with a girl helping you, especially given that you have an interest in men!" "W-Wait, I didn't say anything about-" "Didn't need to, love. An Overlord can pick up one's instincts and reasons like nothing!" I replied before leaning over and admitting quietly, "Though to be fair I heard it through the grape vine first." After pulling away I entered the spider Demon's room, and cycled through his wardrobe to find some rather.... shall we say, distasteful.... Clothes lined up on wire hangers. "Ermmmm...." I began awkwardly as he shrieked, and quickly slammed the door shut before smiling nervously. "For a celebrity, you sure aren't afraid to draw.... Attention..." I replied, backing a little away from him. "HA! Y-Yeah, let's stick with that..." Angel replied, blushing as he straightened himself back out. I cleared my throat, and replied quickly "Well, we'll soon put a stop to that, won't we? Now hold VERY still dear." Waving my hand like before with Husk, I changed Angel's current attire he had into a magnificent, pink dress shirt with a sparkling black bow tie, complete with a pair of bone white slacks and men's loafers. I rolled his sleeves up to his fore arms, buttoning it with a little slit of cloth as I snapped my fingers to summon a special cologne that suits the wearer's tastes. "Oooohhhh, that smells nice!" Angel breathed, and I giggled as I mentioned, "My Aunties' special concoction. They're quite talented in making body sprays, colognes, Parfums-" "Nice." He replied as I summoned up a comb and some gel. "Alright, sit in front of the mirror Angel, and I'll slick your hair back from your eyes." I instructed, and as soon as he had a seat, I busily got to styling his soft, white hair. After his hair was nice and styled, I decided to get to work on his mascara and eyeshadow, making him glamourous with a touch of glitter sprayed on him. He observed himself in a mirror, seemingly astonished by the dashing gentleman standing before him as he gasped, "Wow...." "You look stunning, Angel dear. Now you just sit here all pretty in your room- Miss Charlie and I still have some preparations to attend to for the upcoming bash for the birthday Demon." I replied, quickly planting a kiss on his cheek before running excitedly to collect my father, and getting the other residents ready in the process. Once I've dressed the residents in their casual finest, and their classiest, I tracked down my father to an exquisite looking broadcast room, and opened the door lightly as I overheard my father say, "Come at exactly six o'clock, don't be late or you'll be visited in your homes dear viewers, and dragged to the hotel by your organs! So long!" I slid inside his studio, wanting to suprise him when he asked, "Is there something I can help you with, my dear?" I looked behind me from closing the door to find his head fully turned to face me while his torso remained facing his desk, and I stuttered, "O-Oh! Y-You... Knew I was here?" I asked, confused. My father laughed my confusion off before replying, "Overlord's insight. It comes in handy when your worst enemy is about to do you in, hmmmm?" "I suppose, though I hardly see any reason to think I'm anything threatening. Regardless, I've come to get you all done up for the party!" My father's eyes widened in shock, and his countenance faltered a little before regaining his composure, replying nervously, "Now, now. There's no NEED for me to be helped when I can just-" "Too late. You're done!" I chirped, causing him to pass me a confused glance before looking down at his attire. For him, I thought we could match for the evening, giving him black spats, and a pollo of the same colour! His neck tie was a glorious crimson, as were his shoes, and I've made it to where his unruly, short hair was neatly combed and gelled. His monocle became a pair of gold specs, and I couldn't help but to run and embrace him as I remarked, "Oh, father! You look absolutely smart!" "Eh?" "You know? Good looking?" I translated, making his smile slightly fade again. "Riiiiiiigggggghhhhhtttt... And I suppose you'd want me to come with YOU to this celebration, then?" "Well I've a word put in with Miss Charlie about it, but all in all she requires everyone in attendance. Have you sent out the flier invites I made?" I inquired. "Don't worry your pretty head about it, Leslie." "Erm, "Jessie"?" "Right! I'll see you tonight at the required time. Off you go!" He said, ushering me out the door before quickly shutting it, and I stood in silence before saying to myself excitedly, "Yes! Our first party together!" I did a little dance before running back inside, and doing a once over of the Hotel before the big night. The clock struck six exactly, and Charlie and I waited in front of the door to greet the party guests when she asked insecurely, "I-Is my make up too much?" "Miss Charlie, you look spectacular! I've said this thrice over now." I replied quietly, giving her a smile as I took hold of one of the glistening, golden double doors in front of us. "You ready?" I asked, and Charlie nodded as she got into her position as well. "On the count of three. One.... Two...." as soon as three left her painted black lips, I threw open the doors alongside her, and we both announced, "Welcome, to the Hazbin Hotel!" The guests ushered themselves into the lobby- Miss Charlie directing them where to go as I ran upstairs to collect Angel Dust from his room. "Angel, darling! It's time for your big night to start!" I exclaimed, knocking on his door, and the fabulous looking Demon ran his hands over his slicked hair once more before saying confidently, "Let's tear this joint up!" Angel and I reached the upper balcony leading to the lobby, and I could see Husk in more business than I thought as he served up Wines, Champagnes, and even spiked fruit smoothies! Everyone was just grand- the ladies dressed in Mermaids, cocktail, and A-lines while the men wore polos, suits, spats, and slacks! I told Angel to stay put at the top of the steps, and I quickly went three steps down as I summoned a gold microphone in hand. I cleared my throat before speaking into the device, "Could I have your attention, please?" The chatting died down, and I felt millions, if not BILLIONS of eyes on me as I continued enthusiastically, "I'm pleased to see such wonderful faces in this room tonight. Thank you all, again, SO much for your attendance! Now, I wish to present to you the birthday Demon of the hour- place your hands together for our one and only: Angel Dust!" The crowd began to applaud as spotlights lit up, and placed themselves onto Angel as he strutted down the stairs. He was truly a star, the way he was blowing kisses to the crowd, and stopping now and again to do a sassy pose. Even I applauded in admiration for the Spider as he made his way to the floor, and thanked everyone as he shook their hands. I took up the microphone again, and announced, "Doesn't he look nice? On behalf of Miss Charlie and Angel, I would like to say that this party is now started! Please, do enjoy yourselves everyone." I flicked my wrist to send the mic away as the first song played, and an eruption of cheers flooded the room as I strode down the steps to look for daddy. I searched nearly EVERYWHERE- the bar, the catering table, even in the closed off rooms beside the lobby, but he was just nowhere to be found! Worried, I began to seek out Miss Charlie to inquire her of his whereabouts when I bumped into someone in front of me during all of the dancing and mingling. "Ow! Watch it!" A familiar voice scolded as I looked up, and before I apologized, my voice got caught in my throat. It was my father, holding an unsightly scowl, but that's not what bothered me. His attire.... Did he swap out?! "D-Dad?! What happened to your polo, spats, and tie!?" I asked, observing the now gray suit he donned. I looked up, and his tamed mane was untamed once more, and my heart grew heavy as he simply replied, "Black isn't very "In" as they say, dear. Besides, a nice gray can do wonders for ANYONE!" "B-But I thought-" "Hey, if it isn't my fav darned soul here!" I turned around to find Angel approach me, a garland draped over his shoulders, and shades as he carried a drink in two of his hands. I looked back towards my father, only to find he had scarpered as Angel casually threw his free arm over my shoulders, saying, "Whatcha doin' standin' round here in the back for? Ya not gonna go dance with somebody?" "Well I was HOPING father could attend with me, but it seems he's not interested...." I moped, my shoulders drooping as I looked to the floor. "Ah, don't be hung up about that drab creep. I know! Howza bout you an' I hit the floor as friends? We can bust out our best moves, then hit up the bar when we're parched, huh?" He said, handing a plastic cup to me. "O-Oh, you're too kind. But, I'm afraid I'm a tad underage for alcoholic beverages." I replied, holding my hand out towards him. Angel smirked a little as he giggled, "It's a "Shirley Temple". Literally just dyed Sprite with a cherry in it- on my honor!" He replied, placed one hand over his heart, and the other one up beside him as he used one of his lower two to hand me the cup again. Giving him the benefit of the doubt I took the cupfrom him, and I took a small sip to assure myself it was safe before taking a large gulp. The cherry seemingly made the lemon-lime flavor pop more than usual, and I had to hand it to Husk for making such a delightful drink! Angel and I seemed to be having loads of fun, sitting in the lounge chatting up a storm, and even dancing to a couple toons before grabbing a bite at the food table where a mountain of presents stood high above us. "Whoa! I've NEVER gotten THIS many presents for my birthday!" He gasped, stunned. "It goes to show just how many people here truly adore you. You should be quite glad!" I replied, looking up at the pile, and covering my eyes from the light as I tried to spot the top as Angel laughed in response. He was having a good time, and I felt rather happy for him when his laughter abruptly stopped, and the sound of shattering glass was heard..... What had happened?.... I turned my gaze over to Angel, whose face was now contorted in terror as his eyes bugged from his head, and the glass of wine he held was now a shattered mess in the floor! Concerned, I followed his gaze until my eyes fell upon a Demon unknown to me, with a tall hat and heart shaped shades conversing with a group of unamused ladies. Before I could ask Angel had grabbed my arm, and swiftly dragged me to an obscure spot in the lobby as he muttered beneath his breath, "Please tell me he didn't see me. Please PLEASE tell me he didn't see me!" "Angel, dear? Is something the matter?" I asked, confused by his sudden fearfulness. "Is something the matter? Is something the MATTER?! YES there's something the matter, and it's that man we just saw! Oh, if Charlie finds out he's here she'll shut the party down and I'll be absolutely-" "ANGEL!" I said, grasping his hands softly, yet still retaining my firmness as I looked into his worried gaze. "Who is that man? WHY does he frighten you so?" I asked, raising a brow to him. "You've been alive eighteen years, and you have NO IDEA who that man is?!" He asked in a low, firm voice. I shook my head, and he sighed as he explained, "That man there is called "Valentino".... And he's..... Well.... He's..." "Angel my sweet little sugar lump!" I heard someone coo, and Angel stiffened up as he let out a tiny squeak. Turning my head, I saw the man from before- this "Valentino" I presume, stalking his way up to us casually. He seemed to have an air of authority to him as he made his way up to our hiding place, and knowing how frightened Angel was beside me, I took his trembling hand into my own as I asked, "Pardon me, sir, but may I inquire as to who you are?" "I should be asking YOU! What beauty graces mine and my rising star's presence at this time?" Valentino asked, seemingly kind in tone- believable too we're it not for the deep feeling of him wanting something more sinister of us as I answered, "Jessabelle. Alastor's daughter. I believe you know him as the Radio Demon?" "THE Alastor? I never knew he had such a beautiful spawn! If I may, malady?" He took my hand, and kissed the back of it before traversing up my arm. Utterly disgusted, I took my hand and arm back, and replied dryly, "Pleasure to meet you, sir..." before wiping my hand and arm on my dress. "Valentino, could we NOT do this now? Charlie's gonna FREAK if she sees you here!" Angel said, putting himself in front of me a little. Valentino remained calm at first, with a sinister smile on his lips and collected demeanor when he suddenly flipped like a switch. He scowled, and backhanded Angel across the face as he hissed, "You have some nerve. Not ONLY did you NOT show up for tonight's show and answer my calls, but NOW you're having a party with randos who mean NOTHING! Give me a reason I should burn you up where you stand, you using, backstabbing little-" he progressed upon Angel, who cowered against the wall as I remained shocked and disgusted by his unsavory mannerisms and words. "I-I didn't NOT want you to come," Angel lied boldy, picking himself up from being slung out of our hiding spot and into the floor for all to see, "It's just that-" "I know FULL well what it "Just" is, ANTHONY. You think you're a rogue now, just because you stood up to me ONCE! But I bet you don't have the guts to do it a second time. I OWN YOU!" To my horror, he produced a sheet of glowing paper, and flashed it in front of Angel, and the rest of the guests as Angel looked away in shame.... Valentino, was an Overlord! My jaw hung open for a bit before being clenched tightly shut, and my rage boiled over as I balled my hands into fists at my side; glaring at Valentino in vitriol as he continued to get up in Angel's face, and pull him closer to him as he fought Valentinos grasp. I had act quickly if I wanted to save what dignity Angel had, and remove Valentino at once! Thinking of the only thing I could, I ran around Valentino to place myself as a buffer for Angel as I announced loudly, "Excuse me, Valentino, but may I see that contract of yours?" "Eh? Why would I wanna show a brat like you?" "Just for curiosity reasons, unless you don't trust a lady?" I replied, placing by hands on my hips, and remaining as strong as I could while the party began to gossip quietly. Valentino remained hesitant at first, looking me up and down in mistrust before smiling in amusement. "Very well, if the little mouse wishes to learn then who am I to say otherwise." He snapped, and brought up Angel's contract for me to read. It gave a surprising insight as to what Angel sold his soul to Valentino for, and his lengths to get what Angel desired-and it was as legitimate a document as can be, which would prove difficult if I wanted to make my plan convincing. After I read through the document, I tapped it lightly as I giggled, and showed the document to Valentino as I declared boldly, "Sir, I'm afraid you actually DON'T own Angel's soul." "WHAT?! YOU JUST READ THE CONTRACT THAT SAYS OTHERWISE!" Valentino cried, outraged by my statement as I continued, "A contract, sure, but it's a contract that has been FORGED. Even the contract of which you used was counterfeit!" Everyone in the room gasped that I would challenge the legitimacy of his contract over Angel's soul, even Angel seemed pretty shocked as Valentino scoffed, "Oh, PLEASE! WHY would I go to such lengths to forge THIS scum's-" "I think it's quite evident, Valentino, seeing as how you run the Lust Ring. That so called "Contract" with Angel is OBVIOUSLY a set up to conceal your lack of confidence in actually LANDING the deal, and so you gaslight your way into making them believe YOU own the soul simply because you don't have the stomach to take it!" I replied with confidence, making everyone in the room wince at my words as Valentino's jaw dropped in awe. "So you think I'm a cheat?! Well miss prissy, I'd like to see your proof!" He challenged, approaching me angrily. "Certainly. If you're willing to let me see your contract again." I replied calmly as he loomed over me. This part was the difficult part, as nobody EVER dared to question the legitimacy of an Overlord's status, and I had to be cunning if I wanted to pass of an illusion to make a real document fake. There was a certain symbol that would appear beside the signer's name that signified if the contract was false- in this case I had to find some way to tamper with it without making it obvious that it was tampered with! Valentino summoned up the contract again, and I skimmed my finger as I squinted, making it appear I was reading the name and fine print. I took the contract in my hands, and held it up for everyone as I shouted, "AH HA! RIGHT THERE, EVERYONE!" "WHAT?!" Valentino cried, snatching it back from me as he saw the page again, only this time, due to his lack of being observing, I slipped the mark unknowingly beside Angel's name as I declared, "Valentino used a fraudulent document in hopes to gain control! Tell me, everyone, does THIS make Valentino a TRUE Overlord?" Everyone looked amongst themselves before a lady in the audience said in suspicion, "That WOULD explain why he hid behind Vox." "Yeeeeaaaaahhhh, I've never seen Valentino ask for ANY souls. Or make ANY deals!" A man said, and the debate began as an embarrassed Valentino looked from side to side. "Aww, come now, good sinners! Are we REALLY to take the word of a child? For all we know, she could've used a spell to conjure up that mark." He mused, but I could tell he was nervous that I had managed to sway the crowd towards my favor. THIS was the easy part of my plan as I replied, "I may be an Overlord's daughter, but that doesn't mean I automatically know HOW to be one. I've merely studied counterfeit from legitimate dealers, and their motives as part of the training so I may one day succeed my dad when he is long gone. You sir, have all the motives of a fake dealer, and I think you used your abilities to conceal the truth to sucker poor souls into doing your bidding! How many more have you muscled into believing they were trapped, sir?" There was NO way Valentino could weasle his way out of my claims, much less win back the crowd after this move. At that moment, the leash that tethered a soul to it's master appeared for all to see, and it burned a bright red colour before simply dissolving around Angel's neck. He was stunned by what had happened as Valentino trembled, and he took a deep breath as he sobbed, "Thank you.... Thank you!" Before turning to run off when I lightly grabbed his arm. I had a bigger blow to land on this dirt bag who called himself an "Overlord", and announced, "Now, Valentino, if you may KINDLY excuse me, I'll be taking this soul I claimed here back to his party." "Y-You don't own his soul- you didn't even make a deal with him!" Valentino spat harshly, and I snapped my fingers to show him a forged document with Angel's name that I made as real as I could, and the seasoned Overlord remained shocked as he skimmed through it; speechless, he looked back my way over the document as I smiled smugly. "I say THIS is a fake, and you're just a lying little dog that thinks she's SOOOOO clever!" He cried in outrage, and offended, I placed my hand over my chest and replied, "Me? A liar? Remind me who it was that just got exposed for being a fraud in front of everyone, THEN question my credibility. Begone! Before I toss you to the curb myself, as you weren't permitted an invite!" Valentino charged at me with everything he got, but I was stronger as my horns began to curl from my head, and my eyes turned blacker than pitch before growing thrice his height, and sending a gust of wind to throw him back against the wall. "YOU'RE NOT WELCOME HERE! LEAVE!" My voice boomed deeply, louder than an explosion as the crowd cowered and screamed in fright and confusion. Just then I heard, from the right of me, Miss Charlie yell my name as I snapped my gaze over to the wonderfully, casually dressed Demon in a gray suit herself.... NOW I knew why my father had changed, and it broke my heart in twain as I continued to stare on at the princess. "He's not worth it, Jessie! Please, let him go." She begged, her yellow eyes glistening with tears. Miss Charlie was truly an inspiration: kind and loving to boot, but Valentino was BEYOND deserving of such mercy from the way he had conducted himself to myself, AND towards Angel. I looked back at Valentino again, seemingly butthurt that I had overpowered him with a simple swipe of my arm, and narrowed my eyes as I waved my arm through the air again- causing him to be thrown towards Charlie's feet as I returned to normal. Collecting myself again, I demanded coldly, "Get out, Valentino...." as I put myself in front of Angel Dust as I finished, "You should find yourself fortunate and grateful that Miss Charlie has a SLIVER of hope for you enough to stop me!" Valentino picked his pathetic frame from the ground, and threatened, "Oh, I'll show you..... I'll show YOU, and you're little PRINCESS too! NOBODY messes with-" "Oh, boo hoo! You got your butt handed to you by a child, man! Are you REALLY gonna embarass yourself even further than you've already done? Or are you going to kindly buzz off?" Husker shouted from the bar, causing Valentino to growl in his direction before taking his leave. Once he walked through the doors, and I was sure he was gone, I let go of Angel's arm as he asked quietly, "Did you... REALLY claim my soul?" "No, dear. That was just part of my plan to drive that ghastly moth away from you. In any case I think we should keep on the down low, just in case he decides to have another go." I whispered, patting his arm after I dusted off his shirt, and he pulled me into the biggest hug of relief anyone in Tartarus could give as he said again, "Thanks, for havin' my back kid." "You are very welcome, mate. Go live as a free man, and party like one too." I replied, kissing his cheek before sending him away. After the part had calmed down and continued their good fun, I walked my way exhaustedly over to Husker's bar as he complimented, "Not a bad job for an up and coming Overlord." "Just doing my best to protect my friends. The way Valentino acts is abysmal- NO Overlord in oblivion acts the way he did!" "That may be, but you really oughtta be careful about what cards you put out. You can lose a whole lotta chips thata way!" Husk warned. He was right, because not only did I just challenge is status, but I also challenged his control and worth as an Overlord on account of personal feelings. "I'm sorry, Husk. I'll try to be wiser next time." I replied, looking down at the polished bar top. I stayed quiet for a while when I looked back up at Husk, commenting, "You know, for a common soul, you seem to know a thing or two about Overlord behaviour." Husk shrugged his shoulders as he replied calmly, "Comes with being enslaved by one I guess. Never make a deal with the devil, one once said. That's why you need to think with your head, and use your heart when and where it matters. But one thing for sure, it was a fine thing you did for Angel back there." He set his large paw on my shoulder before patting it lightly, and I couldn't help but grin as I met his soft gaze. That night I couldn't help but wonder how Valentino even KNEW of Angel's bash, or even how he acquired an invite to the event when one sly, slippery cod crossed my mind..... "Father...."