"So, your death. Not metaphorically, rhetorically, poetically, or theoretically. Your death"

"*sigh* yes for the millionth time. It also doesn't mean you have to stand far from me like the plague. Though she's a pretty nice person", I said before sipping my tea. While I sat on the couch everyone else was standing or sitting at the bar far from me. Having come out I was the angel of death has made them...paranoid. Though I can't blame them.

"We've been living in this hotel with death itself for almost half a year!!", Angel said, surprised and frightened. I scoffed at his reaction.

"Yes, now get over it. We have more important matters to discuss", I said, setting my cup of tea down.

"He's right, we need to figure out what to do now that heaven's coming after us", Vaggie said joining us.

"Will miss Charlie being joining us?", I asked. Before she even answered me her behavior of just looking down answered my question. Taking the last sip of my tea I decided it was better late than never when it came to being an uncle. Well this could go wrong or right, we'll see. Standing up I made my way up the stairs but was stopped half way.

"Hey, where are you going az..."

"Charon, I'm going to talk to Charlie. Hopefully I can help her in some way", I said truthfully. Wasting no time I went to talk to Charlie turning into shadow to get there faster.

Moving through the Hotel I was able to make it into Charlie's room quickly. Reforming into my physical form I saw that she was laying in her bed with the covers held over her. Next to her were Razzle and Dazzle comforting her. One was even holding a tissue box grabbing tissues from time to time to blow her nose. Walking in slowly I stood at the foot of her bed before clearing my throat which made her jump.

"SHIT! az...i mean...Charon. what are you doing here?", Charlie asked surprised. Have a feeling people who know who I am are going to be doing that for a bit.

"We were going to talk about what to do now and it seemed you would be unable to join us. So, I wanted to check on how you're doing", I said, taking a seat at the foot of her bed. Leaning forward with my hands intertwined, I waited for her honest answer. Seeing the look on her face one could tell she was contemplating something.

"Why did you hide who you were?", she suddenly asked. Ah, knew someone would ask me this eventually. Looking across the room out a window at pentagram city I answered her.

"It wasn't my life anymore and wasn't who I wanted to be known as. Since I arrived in hell I created a whole new life for myself. Built an empire that was limited but it was mine. Created a whole new person. I also didn't want to have any connections to heaven as well, I was done with his lies and hypocrisy. It's why I will NEVER tell a lie. which I didn't with who I am. This is my truth", I told her. From her look I could see some form of understanding on her face.

"I'm not doing great, Charon. Every choice I've taken has blown up in my face every time. I keep failing and failing with it getting others into danger, especially now. What's the point of continuing", she said, turning over in her bed. 

https://youtu.be/3AG_ororx8E

"Your having a hard time and lately you don't feel so good", I sang standing up. Looking at Charlie she just tucked herself under her blanket.

"You're getting a bad reputation in your neighborhood". Grabbing the blanket I quickly ripped it off, surprising her. Throwing the blanket to the side I sat next to her with a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"It's alright, it's alright sometimes that's what it takes. You're allowed to make your share of mistakes", I sang. Standing up quickly I pulled her up to her making her eyes bulge in surprise. Once we were up our surroundings changed. Soon we were surrounded by choices she made throughout her life.

"You better believe there will be times in your life when you'll be feeling like a stumbling fool". Pushing her back she stumbled forward before catching her as she was about to fall. Pulling her back up I continued.

"So take it from me you'll learn more from your accidents than anything you could ever learn at school". Stepping to her side I snapped my fingers making her pajamas switch out with her normal suit. Stepping back in front of her I held my hands on her shoulders comforting her.

"Don't forget your second wind! Sooner or later you'll get your second wind", I sang while dancing in front of her. Charlie just watched unsure.

Turning around I kept walking through the street of Charlie's choices with her in tow. Summoning a cane with a skull head I used as a walking stick. Looking over my shoulder Charlie followed holding her arms crossed over her chest.

"It's not always easy to be living in this world of pain. You're going to be crashing into stone walls again and again", I sang, coming to a stop as I started shifting my weight to each leg. At the same time summoning two screens to the sides of me. One showed her first meeting with Adam and the other trying to get more sinners to join the hotel.

"It's alright, it's alright though you feel your heart break", I sang showing up next to Charlie as she looked down.

"You're gonna have to deal with heartache", I sang while walking behind her. Snapping my fingers we suddenly were transported to a boxing ring. Charlie was in it with a boxing outfit as I stood next to her as a coach. My attire also changed leaving me in my dress pants and black button up with the sleeves rolled up.

"Just like a boxer in a title fight you got to walk in that ring all alone", I sang before pushing her into said ring. Charlie held her fists up but had wide eyes seeing a shadow of a person standing above her. For me I leaned against the corner as the sound of fists being thrown could be heard.

"You're not the only one who's made mistakes", I sang thinking about my own mistakes. Suddenly Charlie came flying to me with bruises but I caught her easily with both arms stopping her from falling.

"But they're the only things that you can truly call your own", I said, pulling her up.

"Don't forget your second wind! Wait in your corner until that breeze blows in". Soon a strong breeze came in, blowing charlie away with me in tow. The breeze stopped as we ended up in a dark void.

"You've been keeping to yourself these days cause you're thinking everything's gone wrong. Sometimes you just want to lay down and die, that emotion can be so strong". Around us screens of her failures were shown circling us causing Charlie to fall to her knees with a sad look. Summoning my cane I hit the ground twice getting her attention as I held my hand to her.

"But hold on, till that old second wind comes along", I sang as she took my hand letting me pull her up. Suddenly lights flashed all around us showing us on a stage before we started to do a tap dancing number together earning a smile from Charlie.

She did a small tap dance before stopping letting me do my own number. I followed after with my own using my cane. Then we synched up doing a number together. She had a huge smile before we stopped. Now we started bobbing to the music as I continued.

"You probably don't want to hear advice from someone else. but I wouldn't be telling you if I hadn't been there myself", I said, summing new screens as I used my cane to point at them. This time they showed my own mistakes. Charlie watched them surprised.

"It's alright, it's alright sometimes that's all it takes. We're supposed to make mistakes". Soon we were back on the street of mistakes but this time replaced with her memories of success. We were even walking side by side with her in a better mood.

"But I survived all those long lonely days when it seemed I did not have a friend cause all I needed was a little faith so I could catch my breath and face the world again", I sang as we walked. Soon Charlie joined in singing the last lyrics

"Don't forget your second wind. Sooner or later you'll feel that momentum kick in". Walking down the street it soon all began to shift until we were back on the bed sitting next to each other. Charlie looked better after my pep talk. Standing up I decided to take my leave and let what I said sink in a bit.

"Take your time but not too long m..Charlie. You got people relying on you including me", I said before taking my leave. Stepping out into the hallway I took a moment to think about recent events before something that happened before our visit came back to me.

Before The Trip to Heaven

I was seen in Corax's office smoking a cigar. Usually Corax hates when I do but he allowed me this once. Probably knew how stressed I was at the time. I just finished explaining the situation the hotel is in. Corax as usual was indifferent and didn't seem very worried. The whole time he was reading one of his books.

"Don't know how but Lucifer was able to get us a trial with heaven to plead our case"

"Hm, interesting. Interesting that they would give the hotel the time of day to be honest. Didn't really give me much time during my case", Corax commented, turning a page of his book.

"Usually in most cases I never feel worried. Always calm and collected no matter what the outcome may be but this time is different. Not just me but the whole hotel needs to win this case"

"Sure you're not worried about something else? or someone else?", Corax said looking up. My response was silence while letting smoke escape my teeth. Though at the time I'm sure Corax knew my answer.

"All I can say on this matter is don't be surprised if you find something out what you wanted isn't what you wanted"

Present

"don't be surprised if you find something out what you wanted isn't what you wanted", I whispered out loud.

That one line has been tickling my mind. Almost scratching as if something wanted to get out or noticed. Thinking on those words as I continued to stand in the hallway I started to piece some things together. Did he expect the case to fail? Was he actually talking about the case failing? or did he mean something else?

Being Friends with Corax all these years has allowed both of us to understand each other, sometimes better than the other. He did mean something else. Thinking back on the trial the biggest reveal came to mind. Neither heaven nor hell know how a soul is actually judged after death. Funnier that me, the angel of death never knew either. Looking back now that's something that always itches my mind during my time as said angel. Even went to hell to see souls that have passed on that I thought would go to heaven end up here for just one mistake. This is a question that has haunted me and something tells me the answer at the trial I found was one I didn't like like Corax said. Like he warned me. I need to know.

Holding my index finger up I summoned a small black flame above it. Taking two steps forward I drew a big circle in the air. Soon black flames formed in the circle making a small portal. One of the spells I know quite well and thankfully where I'm going his usual barrier shouldn't block me. He did give me permission to do this if I have to. So without a second thought I walked through ending up in a new building.

On Corax making himself home in hell he dived right into any information telling of its history from books to old scripts. In return he stockpiled what he found creating enchanted libraries to share what he's found. I didn't make a mistake though using the word enchanted. To make sure the buildings were never destroyed during extermination day or overlord territory battles he enchanted them to have a barrier. His crown jewel of these buildings are his main one where he does his research, reading, and where his main office is.

With our friendship Corax added a special condition to his barriers on his buildings. His normal libraries usually stop anyone uninvited into the building entering unless allowed by one of its employees. That includes using portals but for me I get special privileges. So I used one to get outside his office. Putting my hand on the handle I hesitated for a moment. Hesitated that again the answers that I hoped for wouldn't be what I wanted, but I need to know. So stealing myself I walked in.

As usual his office was dimly lit but with my presence seemed to cast a shadow making it slightly darker. Corax as usual was behind his desk reading a blank black book that had some obvious age. Around his office were bookcases full of the ancient knowledge of hell that made his personal collection. On his desk was a teapot with a small cup that he casually took a sip from. He barely even looked at me when I entered. For once his casual laid back attitude with little interest began to annoy me.

"Did you know?", I asked, breaking the silence. Still he didn't look up from his book but I could see a raised eyebrow.

"Good to see you too, my friend", Corax replied, his tone light, avoiding the question. Wasn't having it.

"Answer me", I said, making the room become darker. With a soft sigh Corax placed his book down after marking his page now giving me his full attention. Looking at his expression for once I wasn't able to read him. Through his eyes, I could tell he was calculating. His dodging was draining my patience.

"That heaven isn't aware of how souls are judged. In fact nobody knows", I said with a sharp tone. Corax looked at me letting the accusation hang in the air. He reached down grabbing his tea cup taking a sip making my anger grow.

"Of course. It was one of the first things I discovered in my studies. Rather disturbing, honestly", he finally answered casually.

Like that my anger was seeable as it coursed through my skeletal form. It took everything I had not to smash one of his book cases or even his desk to destroy his damn tea cup and he knew that. My hands curled into fists by my sides. It was becoming harder by the second not to lash out but hearing that and knowing he knew since our days in heaven didn't help my anger in any way.

"And you didn't think to tell me this when I went to Heaven for Charlie's trial!?", I said my voice shook with disbelief. Corax though remained completely composed showing no emotions except for a smile. "Don't you think maybe, just maybe, we could have used that information!?"

"Perhaps", he admitted, setting his cup down with care. "But even if I had told you, nothing would have changed. Charlie would have been rejected and sent back regardless"

You don't know that!", I snapped, slamming my fist on his desk. A tremor went throughout the room by my anger with the light being further sapped away. My empty eye sockets locked onto Corax's gaze, trying to search for some hint of why he would do this. Hell I'd take an apology at this point.

"The fact that you're asking me now means it came up during the trial. And it also means that, despite that revelation, she still failed to convince them", he deduced, his voice softening. "Besides, I thought it was better for you to find out this way"

My hands tightened on the table's edge. The weight of Corax's words sinking in. I whispered through clenched teeth, "What?"

"If I had told you beforehand, you wouldn't have believed me. You'd think, somewhere in heaven, knew the truth", Corax's tone was measured, patient. "I understand your anger, and perhaps it's justified, but I needed you to hear it from the source. To know it for yourself"

"I would have believed you. If anyone has the truth, it's you", I muttered. my voice quieted as my anger began to settle. "If we want to redeem sinners, we need to understand how souls are judged. More reason you should have spoken up". Corax leaned back in his chair, watching me closely.

"I still believe there was value hearing it firsthand. I can feel your anger. Charon, it's barely contained. And that's because you've finally seen it yourself: the self-righteous hypocrisy of heaven. That's what truly angers you, isn't it?". Hearing him say it made me realize he was right. My anger isn't at him but at the truth.

"it is, even when I'm someone who usually is accepting of the truth", I spoke softly. Looking down I hung my head with both hand's pressed down on his desk feeling my anger leave me.

"I can also guess Heaven will be coming to knock at the hotel's door now or more like knock down. Sure while you're here miss Charlie and Vaggie are working on ways to protect the hotel. So that leaves the final question, what will you do to protect the hotel?"

Instantly my mind got stuck on that question. What will I do? What can or could I do? The exterminators are merciless and brutal. An army of them with Adam leading them will be hard to deal with. Even if Charlie gets extra numbers they'll still be outnumbered and more of hell's citizens will lose their lives. More bodies for the graveyards. Having that thought in my head I looked up at Corax with an idea which he caught.

"Corax, be honest with me. If I was to break one of my rules to protect others who deserve it would you think less of me? Especially my one rule with my magic?". Hearing these questions Corax folded his hands with a serious look on his face.

"You break that rule there will be consequences. You and I both know Heaven won't ignore this. Are you sure you're ready to do this?"

"To save the hotel. To Save Charlie and its residents. Yes, yes I am"

Earth-Highgate Cemetery- London, England

You might be surprised to know I'm still free to travel to Earth. Could do the same with Heaven but my connection has been cut after the trial. Now I'm a semi full time resident of hell. Now I find myself walking the grounds of a cemetery that I used to visit a lot during my time as the Angel of Death. This cemetery has so much history along with so many souls that have yet to move on that I occasionally like to chat with to help them move on. Now it seems not many are still here. Was hoping none would still be here for what I'm to do.

Stopping for a moment I took in the moment. Cemeteries always brought to peace during my time as the angel of death. It feels good to be here after all this time. Walking down the path I turned a corner and was surprised to see what was waiting for me. Since coming here I was determined to do what I needed to do but now, hesitation began to seep in.

"I should have known heaven would be watching my movements. Though I'm surprised they would have guessed I'd do this. Even more that they would bring you into this. I'm sorry for that", I began. She turned to me and seeing her full face I felt myself tense up. Still as beautiful as ever.

"Charon, you told me you would NEVER do what you are about to do. They were able to persuade me to try and talk you out of this. If you'll still listen to me after all this time", she said. How badly I wanted to feel her touch but I pulled myself together stopping the urge.

"I'll always listen to you, it's the other way around between us. Never expected if you would listen to me after everything", I said walking closer.

Now staring at each other she slowly walked up to me making me freeze in place. She soon was standing right in front of me. She reached up to touch my face but I took a step back out of fear. I didn't want her touching me, feeling that by touching me she would catch my sickness. Becoming corrupted. Though when she tried again I didn't fight it and she flinched slightly, feeling my face.

"What happened to you?", she asked softly with sadness. It hurt me to see her like this. Gently I grabbed her wrist.

"Going to hell had its consequences meta. I've made peace with them", I said, gently pulling her hand away. She looked down before looking at me with tears in her eyes.

"Please, just come home. You don't have to do this. We can go back together and heaven is sure to forgive you. You haven't truly done anything wrong". Gently I took her hands in mine, my determination solidified now. She looked up as I softly wiped a stray tear away.

"I have to do this Meta. For too long I've been ignoring, neglecting beliefs I thought were long dead. They've haunted me ever since all of this started. It's because those beliefs are a part of me and all these years by ignoring it I've been denying a part of myself. For too long it's been wanting to claw itself out and now it's out and back to being a part of me once again. Charlie's cause is noble and just one. Souls shouldn't be damned because of one mistake, one bad day. They should have a chance to redeem themselves. I know you know this too because you're one of the kindest angels in heaven. You value the souls of mortals as much as I do". She looked down deep in thought. Letting my words sink in. At this point I let go of her hands as I took a step back, turning around ready to do what I needed to do.

"Just promise me one thing", she suddenly said. I stood in silence not turning around waiting for her to continue. "Please, come out of this alive". By the time I looked around to answer her she was gone with a quick breeze. No going back now.

"Forgive me the souls of those who passed and those who still linger. Hear me the old hosts of life, hear your lord. Hear the lord of the dead's voice. I ask you to come forth to me in service for a higher cause, a just cause. Become the embodiment of my wills and wishes. Become my soldiers to my cause. Now, RISE", I said, Kneeling down putting my palm against the ground.

For a few seconds nothing happened but soon green veins went across the ground spreading throughout the graveyard. The veins become darker and brighter as I slowly stood up. Walking out of the crypt the sounds of bangs can be heard as concrete was broken through certain graves with skeletons crawling out. Walking through the part of the graveyard that had actual normal graves skeletons were crawling out some with little skin attached. Getting to an open area I made a portal back to hell big enough for the army to walk through. Turning toward my undead army I felt ready than ever to face Heaven.

"I will meta, I will"