Knock! Knock! Knock!

Waking up from the knocking I groaned before sitting up. Looking at my night stand I noticed the time on my clock. Dear me, I was supposed to wake up about an hour ago. Seems my alarm didn't go off like it should have. Getting up I walked over to a hanger grabbing my robe heading to the door. Walking to my door, opening it I saw Miss Mayberry dressed and ready for the day. In her hands was a box.

"Morning sir, I had a feeling your alarm clock didn't go off. Apparently there was a small power outage last night"

"Yes you are right, what is this?", I asked, pertaining to the box in her hand. Handing it to me she answered.

"your new suit just came in. Also you should get ready for the day sir. You have a very important meeting soon", she said, taking a step back. Oh yes, that's right. Carmilla called for a meeting with the overlords today. Most likely to assess the recent extermination. Which reminds me that Corvus called yesterday asking if he could accompany me to the meeting.

"Well, I'm sure you can handle cases for the day along with other business", I said, earning a small nod.

"Well done miss Mayberry, I'll want a report by my return. Please don't work you self ragged like I do *Chuckles*. Good day", I said before going back into my room. Setting the box on my bed, I opened it to see my new suit with a smile. Putting it on I made a mental note to make sure to order two more for spares. After I was dressed I headed down to the lobby.

"eh, that new suit really fits you Charon~", Angel complimented. Making my eyes glow I got an eye roll.

"Oh I like the hint of color. Always thought your suits were a little too dark", Charlie said walking in with Vaggie.

"Even I have to admit it looks like a good look", Vaggie commented.

"I thank you all for your compliments. I also am sorry to say that I will be exposed today for there is a meeting with fellow overlords I need to attend", I said, tightening my gloves some more. Even I had to admit this was a nice change of pace. Haven't changed my style in over four hundred years.

Our conversation soon ended when I saw Sir Pentious, our new guest, wheeling in a death ray. Strange enough his egg henchmen were riding on top of it. Looking at my watch I checked how much longer until I needed to be there. Seems I have time to deal with this situation.

"Sir Pentious, may I ask why you're bringing weapons into the Hotel?", I asked him.

"Even though it's against Hotel rule", Vaggie commented with a glare.

"Oh sir Charon I didn't bring this wonderful contraption, I invented it. I'm really looking forward to shooting the other residents with this", he said, rubbing his hands together.

"Wait what!? Why!?", Charlie asked

"Everyone is being too nice. Obviously it must all be a lie. I can sense they are planning to kill me but when? how? I must be prepared!", Pentious explained. Trust issues, now that's a hard one to deal with. Hearing the doors of the hotel open I saw Carmilla's kids enter with weapons.

"Ohhhh, the new parts to my machine are here"

"Odetta and Clara, my it's been some time since I've seen the two of you", I said, greeting them.

"Uncle Charon!?", Clara said, surprised. Both ran up giving me a hug, almost knocking me off my feet.

"It's been so long uncle!", Odetta said.

"*laughs* indeed it has", I said, happy to see them.

"How do you know these two?", Charlie asked, walking over.

"Me and Carmilla Carmine have been great friends for years. To a point when her daughters ended up in hell I helped with making sure they got to her unscathed. Doesn't matter where a mother is. She deserves to be with her children no matter what. They've been grateful for that to a point they started calling me Uncle and I see them as my nieces in return. Sorry I haven't visited in awhile, maybe after today's meeting we can catch up", I explained before looking back down at them.

"We'd like that. Actually if you wish you could come back with us and catch up", Odetta asked with a hopeful smile.

"As nice as that sounds I sadly will be attending with Corax, he requested we meet up yesterday before the meeting. Maybe another time", I said heading for the exit.

Walking out onto the front area I straightened out my clothes making sure I was fully presentable. Have to say I'm very happy with my choice of suit. Hearing a caw I saw a crow land on the patio above me. Hm, it seems my friend has arrived. The crow took flight again before going for a landing next to me but transformed into Corax in his usual attire.

"Corax, how nice to see you. Shall we be off?"

"indeed"

---------------------------

Getting into the city it seems it was much better than last I saw it. There were no fires, at least in this part. As we walked, many of the city's denizens walked out of our path. Though they were mainly reacting to me. Corax is actually pretty respected by hell's citizens while I'm feared. Mainly due to my abilities.

"I must ask, how is your time at the hotel?", Corax asked.

"Surprisingly enlightening and entertaining"

"Guess what I meant more to ask is, do you see it possible now?". We walked in silence as I thought on how to answer that question.

"It's there, that I'll admit but its feasibility to be achieved is still in question. For now the ghosts of the past are being soothed"

"You know I still believe in it but I've lost the energy and will to push for it. It does make me happy to see someone else seeking the goal and gaining results. I'd like to talk another time in more detail", Corax said happily.

"We're not there yet, which is where my doubts stem from. Until one of them is redeemed is when our dreams become a reality along with proof that it can be done", I said, giving him some sense of reality rather than just hopes and dreams.

"Interesting conversation this fine day". From the shadows formed another overlord that is well known in hell and is good friends between me and Corvus. Zestiel.

"Zestiel! I did not expect to see you this soon. What a welcome surprise", I said as we shook hands. Corax and him just bowed in respect to each other.

"This is a wonderful surprise", Corax said with a friendly smile agreeing. We continued to the meeting as Zestiel walked with us.

"How hast thou been since last I saw the?"

"Can't speak for Charon but the same old same old with myself. Though I have found some interesting old texts from Hell's beginnings! From a time before I even fell to hell. Still trying to translate it so others can share in it's knowledge, it's very fascinating. If you wish Zestiel you could visit my main library to look over them with me if you so choose"

"That is a very satisfying offer thy have given that I would be a fool to turn down. But what about thou Charon? I hear rumors that thou is at the a hotel to redeem sinners"

"Well let me lay those rumors to rest. I am currently a resident of the hotel but not as a guest but as one of its patrons one could say. Their bookkeeper to be exact"

"And do thou believe in redemption?"

"Once, but it seems the belief may be returning but we shall see in time for I won't be completely sold on the idea until I see a sinner redeemed", I responded.

After that we talked about other things on our way. Zestiel talked about some of the new deals he's made which has allowed him a nice new area for him to control. He's still up in the air right now what he wishes to do with the new found territory. With the topics of deals I talked about some of my cases as well. Still keep up to date along with handled ones I'm needed in which lately hasn't been much. Most of my time is still going through the books but i've actually been able to finish it yesterday. Still don't understand some of those papers though. Soon we made it to the location of the meeting.

"Do you two think the V's will be showing up to this meeting?", Corax asked as we waited on the elevator.

"Hopefully not, can barely stand dealing with them. Toyed with the idea for a while to not allow them to make any more deals with me due to it", I answered.

"Thou agrees as well", Zestiel chimed in. Soon the elevator arrived with all of us piling in. Then a comfortable silence followed. Reaching into my Jacket I pulled out one of my cigars lighting it.

"Still not sure why you do that"

"It calms me, Corax. Especially when dealing with people I don't necessarily like"

"What brand are thou smoking now?", Zestiel asked.

"One that one of my employees gave me simply called "Pride". So far I've been enjoying this brand"

"It's hard to find one that you don't like", Corax said with a smirk. Soon we reached our floor hearing a ding.

Walking out we all headed to the conference room as other Overlords started showing up. Walking into the room me and Corax sat next to each other near the end of the table where Carmine sat with an empty chair next to her for Zestiel to sit next to her. Zestiel always sat next to her during meetings such as this. Zestiel is one of the wisest overlords alongside me and Corax. We three are the oldest so it's to be expected. Soon everyone made it including Alastor who I gave a simple friendly wave to. Summoning an ashtray I set my cigar down in it leaning back in my chair waiting for the meeting to start.

"Welcome hell sovereign overlords. I've invited you all here because you represent the controlling powers of our city. Together you own millions of souls. Souls at risk with a new extermination schedule. We need to discuss what can be done to minimize the impact to our interests. Zestiel, so good to see you my friend", Carmine said walking to the front of the room.

"Enchanted as always Camila", Zestiel said, taking a sip of tea he summoned. Looking at his tea cup I wished I brought my own. Just as I thought it, a cup with a small plate of tea was summoned in front of me with a snap from Corvus.

"You know me so well Corax", I thanked before taking a sip.

"Alastor?", Carmine said.

"Yes I know, I've been absent for some time I'm sure you've all been wondering", Alastor said with his usual smile. Carmine's response made me chuckle.

"Not really, but welcome back in any case". one of her daughters handed her a clipboard before she continued the meeting.

"This year's extermination was brutal. Far more even than years past. We have assessed that about 16% of the population was lost! With the angelic legions now returning twice as quickly I think it prudent we...". Before she could finish with her slideshow the door to the room was kicked open. The person who did it was Velvette who was on her phone with what I believed to be Vox.

"I think I'm going to need something stronger than tea for this next part", I said, already messaging my skull. Suddenly my tea cup vanished with a glass and bottle of my favorite whiskey next to it.

"Thank you", I said to Corax, pouring myself a drink.

"Yes, I've got it handled Vox. Are you doubting me? Really, me? That's what I thought. yes I know, they're all a joke. Thank you V, see you soon *kiss sounds* kisses darling", she said before sitting down. My headache has begun.

"Nice of you to join us, Velvette. Will your...colleagues be joining?", Carmine said, hopeful with her question.

"No, they have better shit to do than listen to an old windbag who thinks she's tough shit. I'm here to represent '', she said while taking a photo. A low growl came at me with her lack of respect.

"charming, so as I was saying we need to discuss....Yes?". She was cut off once again by Velvette raising her hand like a child.

"On the subject of discussion". Suddenly she threw the head of an exorcist onto the table. It bounced all the way to the front of Carmilla. Carmilla had a small glare which led me to taking a peak. oh, oh now that is very interesting. If I could smirk one would be growing on my face. took a lot not to start laughing at this sudden news.

"oh, how fascinating", I whispered, making corvus over hear.

"Where did you find this?", Carmilla asked.

"We found it during extermination day. If these holy rollers can be killed it changes the game. we can take the fight to them. The boys and I have come up with a full assault". Everyone's attention was soon shifted to Zestiel as he loudly sipped his tea for a good moment.

"If it be true that me and my colleagues desire to war with such meager proof. Thou art far more...foolish than I be thought", Zestiel said, setting his cup down.

"On top of that, how was the exorcist killed?", I asked, trying to help Zestiel prove his point.

"meager proof? How was it killed? It's a dead fucking exorcist! I say that's pretty fucking definitive. You going blind old man?". The room became slightly darker with many noticing.

"Choose your next words carefully", I said, my eyes glowing slightly. Her disrespect can only take her so far before my patience is gone.

"Charon speaks the truth. We do not know how this perished. Mayhaps it was never a demon's hand at all. If we rush to war without knowing might they purge all of hell for daring an uprising", Zestiel said, further proving his point. It fell on deaf ears with Velvette though but everyone else was in agreement.

"oh I get it. So grandpa and the judge are too pussy to fight. So I guess there's no point right? oh, what's the matter fossil? Too senile to make a real power grab?", she said, getting in Zestiel's face. Zestiel glared at her before Carmine started singing?

"Oh Satan, this is a waste of time", Corax commented, annoyed as i was. I let out a long sigh agreeing with him while messaging my skull.

"you better show some respect, check your behavior. No one speaks to zestiel that way. Did you expect us? To sit back and take your insolent, brazen display?"

"*laughs* you've got it twisted. I'm not the one who needs a new attitude. Maybe you missed it, but I'm the #bitch and I will do nothing less than what I please. Whoa!", Velvette sang standing onto the table. Suddenly media posts formed around her as she continued.

"I'm the backbone of the vees. Mad that I acted respectless? well, it's cause no one could respect this. Sorry group attending, since when are overlords too scared to fight? your' long past trending. sorry, bae, but I ain't swiping right", she said swaying across the table like a model. She jumped down next to Zestiel continuing. This whole time my anger was getting worse.

"You lost your relevance"

"We can't act without more intelligence", Zestiel sang.

"ugh, no wonder I'm so respectless. I could eat you lot for breakfast!"

"you and the vees are inane and uninformed. smug wannabees who don't heed when you've been warned!", Carmine sang jumping to Zestiel's defense again.

"oops, did I strike a nerve? cause when I brought out the angel's head, couldn't help but observe. that your wrinkled face was turnin' red. And why are you avoiding war? that's what the guns you sell are for. Thanks to bein' my respectless one thing I'm startin' to suspect is..you know why this angel's headless. Do you have a disclosure?"

Suddenly the room became devoid of light, only a little being shown. My patience..is...now...gone. Standing up I knocked over my chair. Holding up a finger a black flame formed before I pressed it against the table. The flame quickly formed around the table burning it to ash. Corax was smart enough to lift his tea cup and plate in time without questioning anything. He even took a sip watching everything play out. Velvette ended up falling to the ground as the table vanished from under her. While she was on the ground I walked over towering over her, my eyes now having red flames in them as I stared down at her. I could see her clench her teeth in anger but the sweat forming on her forehead showed me the fear she felt. Reaching into my jacket I grabbed my cigar and using the flame from one of my eyes I lit it. Taking a long puff I let smoke out before speaking.

"I will make this clear to everyone in this room. I do not care what any of your feelings concerning the dead exorcist are and what you wish to do. No one will make a move against heaven and if you do. I will burn each and everyone of your territories to the ground. You will watch as you what you built burns to ashes in front of you unable to do a thing because as you all know". Chains formed around everyone in the room with them connecting to me. "None of you can touch me".

"As for you, if any of the Vees make a move against Heaven. I'll personally make a visit to your tower to bring it crashing down with all of you in it unable to do a thing. Before that though I'll make sure each of you three go through pain you've never felt before. Court adjourned", I said, extinguishing the flame from my eyes. Soon everyone left including Velvette leaving me, Corax, Zestiel, and Carmine alone. After everyone left I shifted my attention to Carmine.

"How'd you kill it?"

"Sorry?", Carmine asked, feigning ignorance.

"Since it's just us in this room I'll let you in on a secret Carmine and Zestiel. Corax already knows this. Did you ever wonder why no one could keep a secret from me? How every time I met someone I knew their deepest darkest secrets or parts of their past they never told anyone else? easy. I have the ability to look into the soul. By looking into a sinner's soul I can see their whole life to the point they meet me even after. So everything that's happened to you Carmine I know. So I've seen you kill that exorcist and I want to know how", I explained. Zestiel and Carmine's eyes went wide hearing that.

"It's one of the reasons he gained power so quickly in hell when he first arrived centuries ago. It's hard to pull one over on Charon when he takes a peak into a sinner's soul", Corax said continuing to enjoy his tea.

"Though it has its limits. Depending on how strong the soul is I can sometimes have a difficult time seeing their past. At most I may get snippets of their past. It's how I knew your daughters were you daughters when I ran into that day. Surprised after all this time no one figured it out"

"Fine, angelic weapons. The same that exorcists leave behind after extermination day that I use for my weapons. They're able to kill an angel", Carmine said finally caving in.

"He...he...hehehe..heheheheh....hahahahahahahahahah!! oh most joyous! They're weakness is the very weapons they use!? Oh the irony, the sweet self destructive irony. The very weapon they use to kill sinners can kill them. Oh this has made my day", I said, finishing my cigar and burning what's left to ash.

"What will you do with this information Charon?", Carmine asked nervously.

"Nothing, we keep this information to ourselves. The last thing we need is an all out war between heaven in hell. We would lose many souls. For now we wait and in that time I will watch since princess Charlie's hotel seems to be in the middle of this ongoing problem now. Which means Heaven's focus will be on the Hotel for now"

"And what happens if Heaven decides to attack the hotel?", Carmine asked. A slight glow formed in my eyes from her question.

"I kill them all"