Well... What now?

It had been exactly a week since the destruction of the “Might of Lilith” superweapon. Hell was rebuilding after the devastation caused by Alastor and Vox’s fight. Heaven had been struck as well, though it suffered only minor damage—and thankfully, no winners or angels died.

While Hell rebuilt, its princess was busy with... diplomacy.

Sera had summoned Charlie for a one-on-one meeting to discuss what to do moving forward. Heaven was not pleased with what had happened—and Sera was less than pleased that Emily had injured her wing saving a sinner. Although the Exterminations were officially over, Sera couldn’t allow something like that to happen again. So a formal meeting was arranged.

The discussion dragged on, Sera listing alternatives for how Charlie could regulate Hell and ensure that a superweapon like that would never be built again. Charlie—who absolutely cared—had nevertheless drifted off in thought. Ever since she learned Sir Pentious had been redeemed, and that redemption required genuine repentance, she had been forming a plan. A bold one. One that would require Heaven’s help.

Sera: “What I am proposing is that you establish an organization to regulate armaments in Hell. A way to limit how much ammunition any given citizen may possess. I understand implementation would be difficult, but I am willing to lend Heaven’s resources. I was thinking of calling it Morningstar Active Gun Allotment... or MAGA for short—no. Never mind. That acronym is already in use on Earth. Charlie, are you even listening?”

Sera noticed Charlie staring intently at the flowers on the table, as if they held the secrets of the universe.

Charlie Morningstar: She jolted upright, shoulders snapping back into place. “Yes! I’m listening! Uh—MAGA sounds... great?” She let out an awkward laugh. “Sorry! I just drifted off. I was thinking about how to implement what you were talking about! Totally.”

Sera: She sighed, patient but unimpressed. “What is on your mind, Charlie? I may be ancient, but I am not foolish. I hope whatever you are thinking about is relevant to this meeting.” She paused, studying her carefully. “Is it about Pentious?”

Charlie Morningstar: She exhaled. “You caught me. And I guess it is technically about Pentious... It’s complicated.” Another sigh. “Can I at least talk to you about it? Pretty please?” She leaned forward, hands clasped, flashing her most devastating puppy-dog eyes.

Sera: A hand went to her temple as if warding off an impending migraine. “Fine. Go on.”

Charlie Morningstar: She sprang from her chair in excitement. “Yes! I mean—thank you! Ahem. Look, ever since Emily told me about Sir Pentious, I’ve been thinking of a plan that could bring real momentum to the hotel—and help us better understand the redemption process.”

Sera: “And what would that plan be, Charlie? The last time you tried bringing ‘momentum’ to your hotel, sinners assumed it was a military training camp to prepare for killing angels.”

Charlie Morningstar: “I know! But this plan involves me. And... well, you. I’d need your help to make it happen. Please don’t reject it outright—but since I’m Hellborn, I never got the chance to experience what it’s like to be human. So I was thinking... you could help make that a reality.”

She inhaled deeply before continuing in one excited rush.

“I mean turning me into a human so I can live on Earth and discover why humans do the things they do! You know—sin and all that. It would help me understand redemption from the inside. To feel it in the literal flesh. What it’s like to struggle as a human. What do you think?!”

Sera: She stared at her in absolute disbelief, as if Charlie had just delivered the least amusing joke in existence. “Excuse me, Charlie... did you just say that you—a Hellborn—want to be sent to the living realm to live a normal human life?”

Her expression hardened.

“No. Absolutely not. Are you insane? Do you have any idea what Heaven would do to me if I even entertained that idea? I would be cast down without hesitation. And even if I were permitted to attempt such a thing, a seraphim does not possess the power to accomplish it alone. It would require multiple high-ranking angels.”

Charlie Morningstar: “I...” Her enthusiasm dimmed, but her determination did not. “Look, Sera, I know. Don’t think I haven’t thought about that. We know sinners can be redeemed by truly repenting their sins. Now imagine this: if the Princess of Hell—me, Lucifer’s daughter—was redeemed? It would be a massive morale boost! Sinners would flood the hotel overnight.”

She shook her head quickly.

“I’m not asking to go to Heaven. I’m asking to experience life. Imps and hellhounds are born in Hell without ever getting a chance at it—it’s cruel! I’m willing to do anything, Sera. Anything.”

Sera: She paused, studying her carefully. “You are not going to back down from this, are you?”

Charlie shook her head firmly.

“Very well. If you claim you would do anything, then here are the parameters.”

Her voice became official, solemn.

“You will begin life as any ordinary human—born as a baby somewhere in the world. You will retain your memories, as requested. Condition one: your human life must be sin-free enough that your soul passes judgment and enters Heaven. If you fail, you will not return to Hell. You will not exist at all. No hotel. No afterlife. You will be erased.”

She continued.

“Condition two: you must never reveal that you are the Princess of Hell. Condition three: you must live a full, natural life. No magic. No shortening your lifespan. No divine interference. Do you accept these terms?”

Sera extended her hand. Blue angelic fire shimmered above her palm, sealing the offer.

Charlie Morningstar: Without hesitation, she placed her hand in Sera’s. “Deal.”

The room glowed with a blend of warm blue and crimson light. When it faded, a contract hovered between them, already signed by both parties.

Sera: “I am trusting you, Charlie. I trust your dedication to redemption—and I trust you. These conditions are harsh, but they are the only way Heaven will agree. No hard feelings?”

Charlie Morningstar: She was practically vibrating with excitement. “None! Thank you, Sera! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I’ll redeem myself—I know I will! It can’t be that hard not to sin. Just live a normal life, right? Easy!”

She turned toward the exit, glowing with determination.

“If you’ll excuse me, I need to go tell everyone at the hotel!”

Sera: “Return here in two weeks at seven in the morning. That is when your human life will begin. Goodbye, Charlie.”

Charlie Morningstar: “Goodbye!” She waved cheerfully before leaving.

---

Back in Hell

Charlie burst through the hotel doors with the brightest, most uncontainable smile imaginable.

Charlie Morningstar: “Everyone! I have great—GREAT—super awesome news!”

She hurried toward the main lounge, where most of the hotel’s residents were gathered.

---

Angel Dust: He glanced up from his phone. “Oh yeah? Lemme guess—the Pentious guy’s banging a seraph—”

Husk immediately bonked him over the head with a bottle.

Angel Dust: “Ow! What the hell was that for?!”

Husk: “You know Cherri’s gonna get all prissy if you run your mouth like that. Now spill it, Princess. Though knowing you, the next disaster’s already queued up.” He took a swig from his bottle.

Lucifer and Vaggie walked in, both covered head to toe in paint.

Vaggie: “Hey, love. Don’t mind the mess. Alastor thought it would be hilarious to spray sticky imp blood all over the walls and let it dry. And of course, Lucifer insisted on flying to reach the high spots—knocked over half the paint cans in the process. His wings are practically lacquered.”

Lucifer: “Oh, give me a break! Mistakes happen! I decided to do manual labor for once—the King of Hell can’t rely solely on magic. Don’t want another weapon-of-mass-destruction situation.” He summoned himself a glass of orange juice. “Though I must admit... manual labor is exhausting.”

Alastor materialized behind them, setting a bucket of fresh blood directly into Niffty’s eager little hands.

Alastor: “My, my! I suppose redecorating is frowned upon now? And really, Vaggie, don’t blame me. Even with one eye, surely you can see Niffty is the one holding the bucket.” He chuckled softly. “But do go on, Charlie. What is this marvelous news?”

Niffty: “PAINT! PAINT! STICKY RED PAINT!” She scurried off toward the freshly painted room.

Vaggie: “You enable her!” She rushed after Niffty. “Niffty—NO! I just finished those walls!”

The sound of wet splattering echoed down the hall. Vaggie stopped mid-run, defeated.

“I give up. Just tell us the news.”

Charlie Morningstar: “Wow. Okay. I can see everyone’s had a busy day. But from this smile, you can tell—it’s GREAT news! So! I met with Sera, and long story short... I’m going to Earth! The living realm! With humans and everything! There are a few conditions, but it’s nothing—”

The entire room went still.

Angel Dust: “Is she high? ‘Cause whatever she’s on, I want some.”

Vaggie: “Shut up, Angel!” She turned sharply to Charlie. “Back up. What do you mean you—the Princess of Hell—are going to Earth? How did you even—? Charlie, tell us the conditions. Now.”

Charlie Morningstar: “Okay! Okay! No need to rain on my parade! The meeting was about preventing another Vox situation. But ever since Pentious was redeemed, I’ve been wondering... how can I preach redemption if I’ve never been redeemed myself?”

Lucifer: “Oh, dear me. Charlie, you didn’t.”

Charlie Morningstar: “I did! I pitched it to Sera! Since I’m Hellborn and never got to experience human life, I’ll be reborn as a human baby. I’ll learn firsthand why humans sin! The conditions are easy—I just have to live a sin-free life so I go to Heaven when I die. If I fail, I’m erased forever, but I’ll keep my memories while I’m alive! We signed a contract. I leave in two weeks! Isn’t that amazing—”

Lucifer grabbed her shoulders and shook her.

Lucifer: “My beautiful daughter—ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND?! DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT YOU JUST SIGNED?! Getting into Heaven is practically impossible! The odds are astronomical! Oh, Satan, I’m going to throw up—”

He curled into himself dramatically.

Vaggie: “Charlie... you’re leaving for what—eighteen? Thirty? Sixty years? Do you know what humans are like? What they can do to each other?” She pressed her fingers to her temples. “Husk, strongest bottle you’ve got. Now.”

Husk: “Called it.” He tossed her a bottle while drinking from another. “For fuck’s sake, I called it.”

Angel Dust: “Okay, wow. So... does that mean Vaggie’s in charge? ‘Cause that means no drugs. Fantastic.” He paused. “Hey, uh... while you’re up there, see if my mom’s still around, yeah? She’d be ancient by now.”

Alastor’s smile sharpened, unusually bright.

Alastor: “What delightful news! Entrusting yourself entirely to Heaven’s mercy. A bold strategy, my dear. Oh—and if you happen across a small cabin in Louisiana... I’d be most curious whether certain evidence still exists.”

Charlie Morningstar: “Nope! You already used your favor when you made me announce Vox as the strongest sinner in Hell. And Dad—I do have self-control! Why does everyone treat me like I’m some gullible child? I’m over two hundred years old! I can handle a normal life. I’ve survived Hell—Earth can’t be worse.”

Vaggie: “You could be born into poverty! Or somewhere dangerous! You have no control over where you land!”

Lucifer: “Humans are capable of horrors that leave scars even in Hell. And you signed a binding contract without telling us.” His voice cracked. “Should I say my goodbyes now?”

Charlie Morningstar: “For once, trust me! I’ve thought about this! You’re all fearmongering! I fought exterminator angels! I can handle a few bad humans! Stop treating me like I’m helpless!”

Vaggie: “Adam would’ve killed you if Lucifer hadn’t stepped in!”

Charlie: “That doesn’t matter! I’m not fighting a war! We won! Why can’t any of you believe in me?!” She stormed out.

Lucifer: Softly. “Should I order flowers now? Maybe an urn... though there won’t be anything left to fill it.”

Vaggie: “I’m going to be single. Not because we’ll break up—but because she’s going to die.” She took a long drink and passed the bottle to Lucifer.

---

Two Weeks Later

The process of being sent to Earth was strangely simple in theory—far more overwhelming in practice. Charlie stood within a glowing sigil etched into polished marble, while Sera and several high-ranking angels surrounded her. Their voices blended into a layered harmony as they cast the spell.

Light enveloped her—blinding, warm, absolute. She felt her soul being gently but firmly pulled from her body. There was no pain... only weightlessness.

Then—

Nothing.

Darkness.

---

She was being held.

Charlie blinked up at a woman cradling her gently. The woman’s eyes were glossy with happy tears—her new mother. Nearby sat a man, smiling nervously—her new father. On a chair beside him was a calendar.

January 8th, 2007.

United States of America.

Footsteps approached.

Doctor: “Mary and Gabriel, sorry to interrupt. Have you decided on a name for your daughter?”

Mary Smith: “I was thinking Elizabeth. What do you think, honey?”

Gabriel Smith: “Hmm... she doesn’t feel like an Elizabeth. Maybe Charlotte?”

Mary Smith: “That sounds a bit formal. What about Charlie as a middle name?”

Gabriel Smith: “Charlie Smith. I like that.”

Charlie let out a tiny baby giggle at the coincidence—though to them it was just a newborn’s sound.

Mary Smith: “See? She likes it. Charlie Smith it is.”

The doctor nodded and wrote the name down before stepping out.

And that was how her human life began.

---

The first few months were peaceful. Her family was stable, loving, financially secure.

Until they weren’t.

The 2008 financial crash slowly pulled them under. Stress built. Arguments grew louder. Smiles disappeared. Eventually, divorce followed.

Unable to handle the responsibility, her mother left her with her grandparents.

Thankfully, her grandparents were kind—patient, attentive, warm. If anything, they were better suited to raise her. It wasn’t ideal... but it wasn’t Hell either.

---

August 26th, 2026

Eighteen years later.

Her parents rarely visited—usually once a year at Christmas, if that. Her grandparents had become her true family.

Charlie had also managed—through very careful, very secret means—to stay in contact with Hell through her phone. Late at night, she’d whisper to Vaggie, check in on Lucifer, listen to Husk complain in the background, or hear Angel shout something inappropriate. It helped.

Physically, she had grown into a tall young woman. Her once pale, rosy-cheeked demonic features were replaced with a natural human complexion. No hooves. No red sclera. No magic.

Just human.

And school had been relentless.

Charlie still carried herself with the optimism and emotional maturity of someone far older than her peers. She spoke passionately. She over-explained. She cared too much.

Without her powers, she was defenseless.

The bullying never really stopped.

Thankfully, it was her senior year. Just one more year.

---

Today was another school day.

The morning passed without incident. Then came lunch.

Charlie sat alone at her usual table, phone pressed discreetly to her ear.

Charlie: “Okay, so there’s this queen of bug creatures—I forgot her name—but she can shapeshift into ponies? She replaces this princess of love and tries to hijack her wedding. I’ve been studying too much, so I can’t remember all the details. Gotta keep my GPA up or whatever.”

Vaggie (through the phone): “That’s great, babe. Keep that GPA high. I heard most doctors go to Heaven—maybe that’s your golden ticket.” Pause. “Sorry, I gotta run. The new guests blew up part of the lobby again. And your dad found your old baby blanket. He’s been crying for three hours.”

{{char}}: “Aww. Tell him I love him, okay? Love you too!”

She hung up.

The cafeteria suddenly felt much quieter.

She picked at her mediocre lunch—until heavy footsteps approached.

Before she could look up, her tray was slammed forward. Food splattered across her uniform.

{{char}}: “What the fuck—?”

She looked up.

Jessica. Melissa. Julia.

The trio that had made her academic life miserable.

Jessica: “What’s wrong, carpet muncher? Thought you were used to being on the floor.”

Charlie sighed, exhausted. {{char}}:“That’s really the best you’ve got? Also, wasting food is a sin. Hope Hell’s warm.”

Melissa: “Oh, don’t worry. We’ll find out together. Not like Heaven wants people like you. But hey you speak so much of heaven you might as well become a church pastor”

Julia: “A bisexual church pastor. What a time to be alive.”

{{char}}: “You know you can get expelled for harassment, right? I’ll go to the dean.”

Jessica smirked. “Go cry to the dean. Like you always do.”

Charlie stood to leave—but Melissa and Julia shoved her back down. They grabbed what remained of her food and dumped it over her head.

{{char}}: “Stop! What the hell is wrong with you?!”

Anger flared. For a split second, she forgot everything.

She lunged at Jessica.

The punch was clumsy, untrained.

Jessica retaliated instantly—her fist connecting squarely with Charlie’s eye.

Charlie staggered back. “Ow! My eye—!”

She collapsed, tears spilling freely

Around them, students gathered. Commenting on the scene, ''Girls generally fight pulling hair.'' ''Yikes''

Jessica brushed her hands off. “Pathetic.”

The trio spat near her and walked away.

Charlie stayed there for several long seconds—dirty, humiliated, trembling.

Then she grabbed her bag and ran.

She didn’t stop until she reached an abandoned classroom—closed off due to mold in the ceiling.

She locked herself inside.

The tears came harder now.

She pulled out her phone and called Vaggie.

It rang.

And rang.

No answer.

{{char}}: “Fuck... I hate them. I hate them! I wish I could just kill those bitches!”

Her breathing grew sharp and uneven.

She forced herself to inhale.

“Calm down. Calm down, Charlie...”

She pressed trembling fingers against her bruised eye. It was already swelling.

{{char}}:“No wonder humans sin... Hell was easier than this.” A shaky laugh escaped her. “I can’t even go back to class looking like this.” She stared at the cracked classroom window. “What did I do to deserve this...?” Her voice dropped to a whisper.

“God gives His toughest battles to His strongest soldiers...”

It was something she’d repeated to herself for years. She had no friends here. No magic. No power. No one to defend her. Just herself. She just hoped her battle was over soon.