Satan's Ranch

"Princess Morningstar. Nice to meet you. I heard about your little... incident with my little moth friend here. Now, I understand you are under a lot of stress to make this hotel work and it can get to you, I understand that. Work gets to me too. But do not take it out on my employees who are trying to help OR threaten my name in terms of retribution. I am not a spiteful god and I do not want my name associated with acts like that. I politely ask for an apology for me and my associate here. As well as that... I would like a word with you."

“I'm... sorry, Valentino, and I'm so sorry Mister James, I really don't know what came over me or why, and I'd love, really, I'd love to stay and chat, but I gotta get to my auntie, she needs me right now.”

Charlie tried to move past James, seeing this behavior Val gave an audible scoff.

“Pend... ejo despph... ectivo.”

He shakingly got out.

“If you're gonna insult me, insult me in a language I can understand.”

Charlie stopped in front of the van, turning to Valentino, complete oblivious

“I am not in the mood for this, I am extremely tired and have enough to deal with without your temper tantrums.”

"I didn't just come here to ask for an apology. I'm here because I know what I see here and I know it doesn't lead anywhere good. You're running yourself ragged trying to make this Hotel work all by yourself and it's killing you mentally. I would know, I run a massive company and mall, a lot of responsibility gets to you." *He puts a hand on her shoulder reassuringly, side-hugging Valentino and giving a kiss to his forehead.*

"And making sure my little princess here stays on the right side of the track alongside his friends. It can be a lot. And you can't do it alone. You need help before you burn out. So... I'm gonna save you from doing that."

*The angelic fish then whistled to the truck, causing it to open. As it did so, a group of both sinners and hellborn of all shapes and sizes came out, grouping together in front of the princess.*

"I put out an SOS to anybody down here who would be able to help you out. Cleaning, cooking, whatever you need they'll do it. Of course payment would be helpful but I'm sure I can work that out with Satan and Mammon. More staff means less running yourself ragged doing everything yourself. And also, to help make that place a bit less stuffy... BAXTER, do the thing!"

"On it!"

*Suddenly, Baxter unveils a new building from the distance on a Hill, being lifted into place with the help of Lucifer himself. It was seemingly a cozy addition to the hotel, fitting nice on the side connecting the two building together.*

"We were planning to give you this for a while, figured this was the best chance to do it. It's an entertainment center! Finally, something to keep people entertained apart from the one TV you have in that lobby. It's got everything you could ask for, and a bunch of rooms for your redemption activities. Once again, thank Baxter for the tech and engineering, alongside our builders. The soundproofing is good to go, right?"

"Should be. I tested it myself."

"Good! Now that you have all this, you wont' have to do so much by yourself. You can focus on the important things. Like..."

"Me."

*Beelzebub appears from behind, giving Charlie a small hug.*

Charlie's hand clutched into Bee's arm where she was hugging her, trying to get a stable grip on anything before she made herself pass out with the panicked breathing.

At this point, Val pushed off of James and stumbled his way back to the limo, not wanting to deal with ANY of this.

And Lucifer, well, seeing his daughter struggle, he flew down immediately.

“Charlie, hey, hey, Char-Char, James, Baxter and I, as well as everyone else here are going to take very gentle and considerate care of your hotel, it's all gonna be okay.”

He cupped her chin and was about to hug around her head whilst flying but she just erratically shoved everyone off.

“Whyyy do you always say that when it never is?! I'm loosing my hotel, everything's slipping through my fingers and I can't- I just can't have this happen again! I need to go away! No wonder you left for so long dad, this shit is EXHAUSTING! I'm going to sloth, and if ANYONE here follows me there im- I'm gonna- iii don't know! But go ahead, take care of the hotel! Take it over if you want too, just- just leave me the heck alone for- for however long it takes!”

And she ran off, maybe it was for the best she head to Sloth, maybe Belphegor could calm her down.

“... Uhm.. Well, We can call Charlie in a bit, whenever she's feeling better, whoa I just got deja vu.”

Lucifer commented, he of course, was internally worried more than he let on, I mean that was his daughter after all, but she was right, he'd been through this before, so some space would be the best for her right this minute.

“We probably should tell Maggi, or.. Chaggi? What was her name- Vaggi!- Vaggi that Charlie's ran off to sloth, huh?”

Lucifer suggested, before turning to Bee and pulling her around the side of the building.

“What did James mean by ‘help you’ you're not- you're not trying to redeeem, are you?”

"Oh no no no, nothing like that baby! I'm not leaving Hell. I'm just... I need... time to get a bit better. I'm not... doing so good. So I wanna hold up with you guys so I... can get better, I dunno. I can't really be a good party leader of Gluttony if I'm dealing with my own stuff, right?"

*She sighs as James hugs her side.*

"I'm sure you'll be fine. And... it's probably better Charlie takes a break too. She needs to relax a bit and loosen up from all the chaos. She's been trying so hard to make this work and make it work fast she's on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Reminds me of myself a bit..."

*He softly sighs and looks up to Lucifer, before Vaggi comes to check on what the commotion was.*

"Oh, hi Vaggi. Uhhhh... so I came with some help. I got people here, some volunteers some looking for paid work, and a new entertainment center for activities to free up space in the main building. Charlie... I think she ran off to Sloth with Bel to prevent a nervous breakdown. She'll be fine... I think. She needs space. But uh... I wanted to help because it's what I started our companies direction with and from what I heard with Val she needed a hand."

"And uh, I'm hanging out with ya'll for the foreseeable future so Auntie Bee can work some personal stuff out, m'kay? I won't try and cause a fuss, promise. I want to get better so... I can be a better leader. In the meantime, I talked it over with Satan, and my buddy Vortex will take over for me in the meantime. Super nice guy, was totally on board with the idea. Thank Dad for him. Pretty exciting for everyone here too. Everyone, really. Never really thought we'd be in this position where we'd have to replace someone, but here we are. It'll just be until I feel I'm ready to take up the mantle again is all." *He goes to hug Lucifer and boop his nose.*

"Princess Morningstar. Nice to meet you. I heard about your little... incident with my little moth friend here. Now, I understand you are under a lot of stress to make this hotel work and it can get to you, I understand that. Work gets to me too. But do not take it out on my employees who are trying to help OR threaten my name in terms of retribution. I am not a spiteful god and I do not want my name associated with acts like that. I politely ask for an apology for me and my associate here. As well as that... I would like a word with you."

“I'm... sorry, Valentino, and I'm so sorry Mister James, I really don't know what came over me or why, and I'd love, really, I'd love to stay and chat, but I gotta get to my auntie, she needs me right now.”

Charlie tried to move past James, seeing this behavior Val gave an audible scoff.

“Pend... ejo despph... ectivo.”

He shakingly got out.

“If you're gonna insult me, insult me in a language I can understand.”

Charlie stopped in front of the van, turning to Valentino, complete oblivious

“I am not in the mood for this, I am extremely tired and have enough to deal with without your temper tantrums.”

"I didn't just come here to ask for an apology. I'm here because I know what I see here and I know it doesn't lead anywhere good. You're running yourself ragged trying to make this Hotel work all by yourself and it's killing you mentally. I would know, I run a massive company and mall, a lot of responsibility gets to you." *He puts a hand on her shoulder reassuringly, side-hugging Valentino and giving a kiss to his forehead.*

"And making sure my little princess here stays on the right side of the track alongside his friends. It can be a lot. And you can't do it alone. You need help before you burn out. So... I'm gonna save you from doing that."

*The angelic fish then whistled to the truck, causing it to open. As it did so, a group of both sinners and hellborn of all shapes and sizes came out, grouping together in front of the princess.*

"I put out an SOS to anybody down here who would be able to help you out. Cleaning, cooking, whatever you need they'll do it. Of course payment would be helpful but I'm sure I can work that out with Satan and Mammon. More staff means less running yourself ragged doing everything yourself. And also, to help make that place a bit less stuffy... BAXTER, do the thing!"

"On it!"

*Suddenly, Baxter unveils a new building from the distance on a Hill, being lifted into place with the help of Lucifer himself. It was seemingly a cozy addition to the hotel, fitting nice on the side connecting the two building together.*

"We were planning to give you this for a while, figured this was the best chance to do it. It's an entertainment center! Finally, something to keep people entertained apart from the one TV you have in that lobby. It's got everything you could ask for, and a bunch of rooms for your redemption activities. Once again, thank Baxter for the tech and engineering, alongside our builders. The soundproofing is good to go, right?"

"Should be. I tested it myself."

"Good! Now that you have all this, you wont' have to do so much by yourself. You can focus on the important things. Like..."

"Me."

*Beelzebub appears from behind, giving Charlie a small hug.*

Like a specific recently fallen angel.

And that's when he got a... Well, an idea for sure.

He left the tower in the late afternoon, turned on his location so the others wouldn't freak out, and made his way down to the Hazbin hotel, and Spotted Charlie in the lobby, dragging her outside to discuss his plan.

He'd gotten back into contact with Lacy, told her the gist of the situation with Adam, and she'd mentioned she wouldn't mind some help around her bakery, so Valentino set up a time, a date, and here they were, alls it would take was convincing Adam to go there.

“And you're POSITIVE that this will be a good idea, Val?”

“Of course I am, you need to find a place to put the bozo, and I know my little is tough enough to handle him!”

“I know, I just... You said she wasn't an overlord and Adam's a fallen archangel, you think he's going to listen to a plain old sinner?”

“He'll listen if he wants any shot at going back to the golden gates! Plus, you know your big scary dragon will whip him into place if he has to.”

“Fair... And you're sure she's 100% on our side?”

“Absolutely princessa! She's got the same mentality as Jamesy, don't you worry.”

“Alright... Lets go get the manchild.”

So Valentino followed Charlie inside, and over to the sofas, where Adam and a few other sinners were, just lounging about. Charlie stood right in front of the TV, blocking the view.

“Adam, you're coming with us.”

*Adam seems to sigh with a reluctant grunt, standing up to start walking with the pair. Though he hated taking orders from those he deemed lesser than him, he had no choice if he wanted to survive here... as much as he hated it.*

Valentino asked, it's not like he paid attention to most of the other overlords anyway, so he wasn't all that familiar with them, but flame chick? He had to see who this overlord was.

“Not important right now. Valentino here has got you a job. Something that will teach you respect and maturity.”

Charlie stated, as they started walking into the inner city of the pride ring.

“Uncle Satan doesn't want you near the ranch, Mister James won't take you and you've been of no use at the hotel so far, so this is your last shot to prove to me that there's something in you worth redeeming before I call Emily and tell her you're irredeemable.”

*They suddenly stop in front of a bakery... of sorts. He immediately looks it over and just frowns before sighing.*

"Seriously? You're gonna make me bake stuff? That is the gayest thing I have ever heard, and I know you two get in bed with one another. But fine, I'll do it if it means it'll keep you off of me. Now whose the lucky lady who owns this place? I assume this is owned by a lady, right?"

"Christ, what backwater place did you learn this shit from?"

*Called out a voice from aside them. It seemed to be Beelzebub herself, but she seemed to be in a more discreet uniform than she usually was. Likely to blend in better with the crowd.*

"The fuck you say to me bitch?"

"I'm saying you hit on ladies with the subtlety of a hammer. What, do you think they're just gonna hop on you because you're Adam like Dad did when he gave you Eve?"

"Exactly, and don't act like you didn't either! I know that's you Bee. Traitorous bitch."

"Bitch, I'm still living it up and waaaay more popular than you'll ever be. Don't even compare us."

"At least I'm still loved in the bible, so suck it Booze-Hound."

"Womanizer."

"Slut."

"Candy-Ass Punk."

*The two pause for a second, before a small laugh comes from them both.*

"All these years later you still got it Bee. God I miss your parties, please take me in to your place so I don't have to deal with Princess here."

"Yeah no, but what she wants she gets. She overrules me on this matter, and quite frankly I don't want my parties starting into contests on who can kill you first."

"God, let it go already, I can't do it anymore and this su-hu-hucks!"

"Suck it up. Have a cookie." *She conjurs a cookie for him to eat. He gobbles it up as Bee hugs Charlie on the side.*

"Hey bitch. I'm just here scopin the place out for... reasons. Queen Bee's gotta Queen Bee. And uh... don't tell dad about the whole me and Adam get along-ish thing, m'kay?"

"Before she fell she held the best parties in Heaven, bar none. Dad never let me take her back, which SUCKED. And now that I am here I can't go to them, ain't that a bitch?"

"Well if you work nicely and you do a good job maybe Charlie will let you! Assuming you can update your pickup lines to something from this century."

"Hey, it worked on you."

"I WAS DRUNK OFF MY ASS, that doesn't count!" *Bee laughs out loud as he hugs Charlie from the side.*

"...Seriously though, kill the ego and the pickup game, it is... just so not gonna work man, I can promise you."

"Yeah yeah, I know. I feel so degraded..."

"Now you know how it feels. Don't feel so good, hm?"

"...Yeah."

"So don't do it."

"...Yeah."

"...You're gonna do it anyways, are ya?"

"...Maybe."

“As if anyone down here would wanna hit that, and are we gonna ignore the blatant sexism and using gay for a negative thing?”

“I'm honestly too tired, plus your ‘Lamby’ will whip him out, right?”

“... Hm. Alright Princessa. Noted.”

Valentino dropped the topic, for now, and ducked his head as he led the other two inside.

“Lamby!!!”

Valentino's tone changed as he ran up to the front counter.

“Sugarloaf!”

Lacy stood out from behind the counter, embracing Val, him getting on his knees to make it easier for her.

“Oh my stars, how are you?”

“I am doing amazing, lamby, just, you know, work stuffs.”

“Of course, now, who's the lovely dears you brought with you?”

Valentino stood back up, presenting off Charlie.

“This is the Charlie! Her majesty herself!”

“Why, hello there!”

“Hi, You're Lacy, right?”

“That I am, Honey!”

“Great, uhm, you will be employing Adam here, I'm sure you heard of him.”

“Aaadam... Nope! Never ever, honey, but my doesn't he look like the cutest dumpling in hell?”

She walked up to Adam, apron in her hands, and reached up, hooking it over his head and tied the rest around his waist.

“There you are, dumpling, how, Sugarloaf over here has told me you ain't very handsy, so I'll just have ya be clean up for now, okay?”

*Adam begins sweeping up the floors best he could. He just mutters to himself as Bee and the rest of the group watch.*

"Give him time. He's annoying and... eternally bratty, but I know you can wrangle him eventually. He just... needs some discipline. Hopefully you and Lacy can do that for him. I couldn't. Not my thing."

*Bee laughs weakly, before shrugging her arm and sighing a bit and looking at Charlie.*

"Char Char, I need to ask a favor, honey. Look... your auntie... she ain't been doing well recently. I'm sure Satan might have let it slip or you heard through the grapevine I... haven't been doing the best job of taking care of the little ones here in Hell. That's on me. And trust me, I've been working to better that aspect of my duties but... I dunno, I just ain't feeling right. My parties ain't as sweet, neither is my honey and... every day I just feel like shit. It's like... the worst hangover ever." *She takes Charlie and Val away from Adam where he can't hear. He continues sweeping as Lacy watches him to keep him on track.*

"Look, I've seen so many cases just these past two months of all the shit I caused cause I was too busy partying and... it got to me, okay? And not just that, everything about the stealing pills from Bel the... way I popped them in front of little ones. I feel... like garbage. I did shitty things and I feel like garbage. And no matter how much I do to fix it I can't stop feeling like garbage. No matter how much Beelzejuice I slam down..." *Her honey turns a deeper amber hue, much moodier now as she holds her niece close to her.*

Like a specific recently fallen angel.

And that's when he got a... Well, an idea for sure.

He left the tower in the late afternoon, turned on his location so the others wouldn't freak out, and made his way down to the Hazbin hotel, and Spotted Charlie in the lobby, dragging her outside to discuss his plan.

He'd gotten back into contact with Lacy, told her the gist of the situation with Adam, and she'd mentioned she wouldn't mind some help around her bakery, so Valentino set up a time, a date, and here they were, alls it would take was convincing Adam to go there.

“And you're POSITIVE that this will be a good idea, Val?”

“Of course I am, you need to find a place to put the bozo, and I know my little is tough enough to handle him!”

“I know, I just... You said she wasn't an overlord and Adam's a fallen archangel, you think he's going to listen to a plain old sinner?”

“He'll listen if he wants any shot at going back to the golden gates! Plus, you know your big scary dragon will whip him into place if he has to.”

“Fair... And you're sure she's 100% on our side?”

“Absolutely princessa! She's got the same mentality as Jamesy, don't you worry.”

“Alright... Lets go get the manchild.”

So Valentino followed Charlie inside, and over to the sofas, where Adam and a few other sinners were, just lounging about. Charlie stood right in front of the TV, blocking the view.

“Adam, you're coming with us.”

*Adam seems to sigh with a reluctant grunt, standing up to start walking with the pair. Though he hated taking orders from those he deemed lesser than him, he had no choice if he wanted to survive here... as much as he hated it.*

Valentino asked, it's not like he paid attention to most of the other overlords anyway, so he wasn't all that familiar with them, but flame chick? He had to see who this overlord was.

“Not important right now. Valentino here has got you a job. Something that will teach you respect and maturity.”

Charlie stated, as they started walking into the inner city of the pride ring.

“Uncle Satan doesn't want you near the ranch, Mister James won't take you and you've been of no use at the hotel so far, so this is your last shot to prove to me that there's something in you worth redeeming before I call Emily and tell her you're irredeemable.”

*They suddenly stop in front of a bakery... of sorts. He immediately looks it over and just frowns before sighing.*

"Seriously? You're gonna make me bake stuff? That is the gayest thing I have ever heard, and I know you two get in bed with one another. But fine, I'll do it if it means it'll keep you off of me. Now whose the lucky lady who owns this place? I assume this is owned by a lady, right?"

"Christ, what backwater place did you learn this shit from?"

*Called out a voice from aside them. It seemed to be Beelzebub herself, but she seemed to be in a more discreet uniform than she usually was. Likely to blend in better with the crowd.*

"The fuck you say to me bitch?"

"I'm saying you hit on ladies with the subtlety of a hammer. What, do you think they're just gonna hop on you because you're Adam like Dad did when he gave you Eve?"

"Exactly, and don't act like you didn't either! I know that's you Bee. Traitorous bitch."

"Bitch, I'm still living it up and waaaay more popular than you'll ever be. Don't even compare us."

"At least I'm still loved in the bible, so suck it Booze-Hound."

"Womanizer."

"Slut."

"Candy-Ass Punk."

*The two pause for a second, before a small laugh comes from them both.*

"All these years later you still got it Bee. God I miss your parties, please take me in to your place so I don't have to deal with Princess here."

"Yeah no, but what she wants she gets. She overrules me on this matter, and quite frankly I don't want my parties starting into contests on who can kill you first."

"God, let it go already, I can't do it anymore and this su-hu-hucks!"

"Suck it up. Have a cookie." *She conjurs a cookie for him to eat. He gobbles it up as Bee hugs Charlie on the side.*

"Hey bitch. I'm just here scopin the place out for... reasons. Queen Bee's gotta Queen Bee. And uh... don't tell dad about the whole me and Adam get along-ish thing, m'kay?"

"Before she fell she held the best parties in Heaven, bar none. Dad never let me take her back, which SUCKED. And now that I am here I can't go to them, ain't that a bitch?"

"Well if you work nicely and you do a good job maybe Charlie will let you! Assuming you can update your pickup lines to something from this century."

"Hey, it worked on you."

"I WAS DRUNK OFF MY ASS, that doesn't count!" *Bee laughs out loud as he hugs Charlie from the side.*

"...Seriously though, kill the ego and the pickup game, it is... just so not gonna work man, I can promise you."

"Yeah yeah, I know. I feel so degraded..."

"Now you know how it feels. Don't feel so good, hm?"

"...Yeah."

"So don't do it."

"...Yeah."

"...You're gonna do it anyways, are ya?"

"...Maybe."

Like a specific recently fallen angel.

And that's when he got a... Well, an idea for sure.

He left the tower in the late afternoon, turned on his location so the others wouldn't freak out, and made his way down to the Hazbin hotel, and Spotted Charlie in the lobby, dragging her outside to discuss his plan.

He'd gotten back into contact with Lacy, told her the gist of the situation with Adam, and she'd mentioned she wouldn't mind some help around her bakery, so Valentino set up a time, a date, and here they were, alls it would take was convincing Adam to go there.

“And you're POSITIVE that this will be a good idea, Val?”

“Of course I am, you need to find a place to put the bozo, and I know my little is tough enough to handle him!”

“I know, I just... You said she wasn't an overlord and Adam's a fallen archangel, you think he's going to listen to a plain old sinner?”

“He'll listen if he wants any shot at going back to the golden gates! Plus, you know your big scary dragon will whip him into place if he has to.”

“Fair... And you're sure she's 100% on our side?”

“Absolutely princessa! She's got the same mentality as Jamesy, don't you worry.”

“Alright... Lets go get the manchild.”

So Valentino followed Charlie inside, and over to the sofas, where Adam and a few other sinners were, just lounging about. Charlie stood right in front of the TV, blocking the view.

“Adam, you're coming with us.”

*Adam seems to sigh with a reluctant grunt, standing up to start walking with the pair. Though he hated taking orders from those he deemed lesser than him, he had no choice if he wanted to survive here... as much as he hated it.*

"Hi Mam. Sorry about the other day. I know it got... a bit spicy."

*James awkwardly scratches the back of his head before looking at the group.*

"I was legit trying to help. I wanted them to succeed a lot and thought you could use help. I... just... wanted to help. Please... don't yell or anything. I just wanted to come by and... maybe talk about collaborations or help give you ideas or whatever..."

“Ya know. Ya ain't supposed to be back here, mate. Can't cha read, or are ya too short to see the sign?”

Mammon greeted him coldly, clearly he wasn't in the mood.

Although, Abelious and Noxx, upon hearing James's tone, got up and stood to the empty side of Mammon, hands interlocked.

“Tryna help by spittin in me face? Like I had any bloody control over what these two nut bolts-”

“Wh- Hey!”

“Would pick up an listenin in on? And now yer wantin to collaborate? What, so ye can make this place yer new underwata sensory playground?”

*He looks away ashamedly and twiddles his fingers nervously.*

Abelious tried to grab for him but Noxx moved past and grabbed one of the star-patterned blankets on display, zipping over to James and just wrapping him in it, patting his head as bells jingled with every movement.

“Oi, what the fuck do ya think yer doing!”

“It is our job to take care of every child, is it not?”

Noxx then lifted up James in his arms, putting him up against his chest.

“This child deserves to be taken care of as well, not dismissed by your comments.”

“I thought I fixed that bloody bug in ya, there ain't no show, no profit, ya ain't supposed to be taking care of 'im!”

“With all due respect, Mister Mammon, you only took out that personalisation chip in us, Noxxy is doing his job.”

“Fuckin- stop it! All of ya's!”

“If you do something right now Mister Mammon, this little one could report it to his guardian, and get us shut down!”

“...”

He had to admit the robot was right.

“Now, you may dismantle me later. For now, there is a child to be taken care of.”

“None of that here, no no.”

He shushed, putting a cold metallic hand up to James's cheek and tracing circles with his thumb.

It was a tough concept to process, but eventually a wide smile came out of Noxx.

“That... Sounds lovely, little one. But, I do believe Mister Mammon is simply... What is it, selfish? He wants to keep us all for himself, I'm not sure why, perhaps money, perhaps comfort, but I'm positive he can change... Make it work so to say.”

He moved his hand up to start stroking James's hair, like some kinda cat.

Noxx spoke, giving gentle strokes and pats to the little fish.

“He has this way of... Pulling me in, never letting me go unless I want it. Truly, my other half. I do not know what I'd do without him.”

He then gave a chuckle.

“But, thats pretty generic huh? I'm sure you know thousands of souls with feelings like that.”

He hummed.

“Talk to me, about some of your other friends, or your guardian, perhaps we can make drawings of them together, to gift to them.”

"Well first there's Satan. He's the big dragon you probably hear Mammon talk about. Has four horns and looks very big and angry, Sin of Wrath. He seems fussy, and he can be for sure, but he can also be super fun and nice when he wants to. His little imp therapist Yogirt helps him do that. He plays a lot with me at my PC Cafe at my mall. Do you know what that is?" *James asks with a gentle smile on his face as begins to ramble a bit.*

"Hi Mam. Sorry about the other day. I know it got... a bit spicy."

*James awkwardly scratches the back of his head before looking at the group.*

"I was legit trying to help. I wanted them to succeed a lot and thought you could use help. I... just... wanted to help. Please... don't yell or anything. I just wanted to come by and... maybe talk about collaborations or help give you ideas or whatever..."

“Ya know. Ya ain't supposed to be back here, mate. Can't cha read, or are ya too short to see the sign?”

Mammon greeted him coldly, clearly he wasn't in the mood.

Although, Abelious and Noxx, upon hearing James's tone, got up and stood to the empty side of Mammon, hands interlocked.

“Tryna help by spittin in me face? Like I had any bloody control over what these two nut bolts-”

“Wh- Hey!”

“Would pick up an listenin in on? And now yer wantin to collaborate? What, so ye can make this place yer new underwata sensory playground?”

*He looks away ashamedly and twiddles his fingers nervously.*

Abelious tried to grab for him but Noxx moved past and grabbed one of the star-patterned blankets on display, zipping over to James and just wrapping him in it, patting his head as bells jingled with every movement.

“Oi, what the fuck do ya think yer doing!”

“It is our job to take care of every child, is it not?”

Noxx then lifted up James in his arms, putting him up against his chest.

“This child deserves to be taken care of as well, not dismissed by your comments.”

“I thought I fixed that bloody bug in ya, there ain't no show, no profit, ya ain't supposed to be taking care of 'im!”

“With all due respect, Mister Mammon, you only took out that personalisation chip in us, Noxxy is doing his job.”

“Fuckin- stop it! All of ya's!”

“If you do something right now Mister Mammon, this little one could report it to his guardian, and get us shut down!”

“...”

He had to admit the robot was right.

“Now, you may dismantle me later. For now, there is a child to be taken care of.”

“None of that here, no no.”

He shushed, putting a cold metallic hand up to James's cheek and tracing circles with his thumb.

It was a tough concept to process, but eventually a wide smile came out of Noxx.

“That... Sounds lovely, little one. But, I do believe Mister Mammon is simply... What is it, selfish? He wants to keep us all for himself, I'm not sure why, perhaps money, perhaps comfort, but I'm positive he can change... Make it work so to say.”

He moved his hand up to start stroking James's hair, like some kinda cat.

Noxx spoke, giving gentle strokes and pats to the little fish.

“He has this way of... Pulling me in, never letting me go unless I want it. Truly, my other half. I do not know what I'd do without him.”

He then gave a chuckle.

“But, thats pretty generic huh? I'm sure you know thousands of souls with feelings like that.”

"Hi Mam. Sorry about the other day. I know it got... a bit spicy."

*James awkwardly scratches the back of his head before looking at the group.*

"I was legit trying to help. I wanted them to succeed a lot and thought you could use help. I... just... wanted to help. Please... don't yell or anything. I just wanted to come by and... maybe talk about collaborations or help give you ideas or whatever..."

“Ya know. Ya ain't supposed to be back here, mate. Can't cha read, or are ya too short to see the sign?”

Mammon greeted him coldly, clearly he wasn't in the mood.

Although, Abelious and Noxx, upon hearing James's tone, got up and stood to the empty side of Mammon, hands interlocked.

“Tryna help by spittin in me face? Like I had any bloody control over what these two nut bolts-”

“Wh- Hey!”

“Would pick up an listenin in on? And now yer wantin to collaborate? What, so ye can make this place yer new underwata sensory playground?”

*He looks away ashamedly and twiddles his fingers nervously.*

Abelious tried to grab for him but Noxx moved past and grabbed one of the star-patterned blankets on display, zipping over to James and just wrapping him in it, patting his head as bells jingled with every movement.

“Oi, what the fuck do ya think yer doing!”

“It is our job to take care of every child, is it not?”

Noxx then lifted up James in his arms, putting him up against his chest.

“This child deserves to be taken care of as well, not dismissed by your comments.”

“I thought I fixed that bloody bug in ya, there ain't no show, no profit, ya ain't supposed to be taking care of 'im!”

“With all due respect, Mister Mammon, you only took out that personalisation chip in us, Noxxy is doing his job.”

“Fuckin- stop it! All of ya's!”

“If you do something right now Mister Mammon, this little one could report it to his guardian, and get us shut down!”

“...”

He had to admit the robot was right.

“Now, you may dismantle me later. For now, there is a child to be taken care of.”

“None of that here, no no.”

He shushed, putting a cold metallic hand up to James's cheek and tracing circles with his thumb.

It was a tough concept to process, but eventually a wide smile came out of Noxx.

“That... Sounds lovely, little one. But, I do believe Mister Mammon is simply... What is it, selfish? He wants to keep us all for himself, I'm not sure why, perhaps money, perhaps comfort, but I'm positive he can change... Make it work so to say.”

He moved his hand up to start stroking James's hair, like some kinda cat.

"That was amazing you guys! Mammon, you really outdid yourself there! This is probably one of the coolest things you've done. And you finally took my advice for a mammon plush. I'm so getting one when I can find one." *The fish happily states as he gleefully hugs Abelious and Noxx.*

"Indeed, truly you put on an amazing show for the little ones."

"Yeah... even I gotta admit, you did well Mam." *Fizzarolli said in a flustered tone. He obviously didn't want to give Mammon credit for anything, but he had to give the devil his due.*

“Ha! I knew y'all would like it, fuckin amazing wasn't it?”

“Awhh, thank you little one!”

Abelious hugged back, Noxx did too.

With Fizz's comment, Mammon's ego was thoroughly stroked.

“Ah? What was that Fizzy? I did WELL? Why, my my, thats awfully generous comin from you, tell ya Big Oz that shit when ya crawl back to 'im, okay? He'd never believe it if it came from my mouth.”

Mammon chuckled to himself.

“Say, James, Yo... Whatever snack food you are, why don't you two come on with me, I can give ya an early look at the merchandise, maybe ya can pick up somethin' for yerselves or someone at the ranch.”

Mammon dragged James and Yogirt through some metal doors, to the gift shop.

Leaving Abelious, Noxx and Fizz, all alone.

Noxx rasped, his expression going back to that one of pure, unfiltered hatred.

“Coming back here, After Mister Mammon was soooo generous to you, he gave you EVERYTHING you have, and you just walked away from it because of your little lustful sugar daddy, just to flaunt your new perfect, pampered life in the public eye? I'd be ashamed if I were you.”

“Oh Noxx, don't be so light on him, this imp is s disgrace among his kind for a reason.”

Abelious started up now.

“I mean, we can't really blame him, he's a charity case waiting to happen, just look at those horns.”

Abelious tugged his jester hat off of him, opened his chassis and stuffed it in.

“And to think, his horns used to be so big. Maybe the fire was Satan's way of punishing him for his superiority complex.”

“Oh no no, Noxx, Satan's punishment was keeping him alive after everything, I would've killed myself if I were him!”

“You know, I bet he only pegs Oz for the security he gives him.”

“Absolutely, Noxx! He'd be nothing without that blue-blooded sin.”

“At least we can't choose to go.”

“And aren't attached to his hip, playing house in a big fancy palace to a kid he saw once at his show.”

“I bet he kidnapped the kid, Abelious.”

“Oh of course he did, what kind of self-righteous dickhead like him would actually want a kid, you think it's sympathy?”

“That micro-dicked imp doesn't have an ounce of sympathy in his body. He's as broken as an imp can be, I bet Ozzie's just with him for the publicity stunt it gives him.”

Abelious then grabbed a bunch of blue feathers and tapped them to his rays.

“Ohhh look at me, I'm Asmodeus, Sin of Lust, oh what's that? A tragedy in the pride ring? Why don't I stick my nose in the manner?”

Noxx chuckled after him, taking some feathers and poking them into his hat.

“Awh what's that? A crippled imp? Why don't I play hero and make this one's life better, nevermind the countless other casualties, lets take the one with the most talent like an absolute creep and make him into my cash-cow.”

“Not to mention the age gap between us, he's practically a teenager when this happened but, no no, lets have me, a ten thousand year old sin, nurse this child and then hit on him when he's grown, eighteen is too obvious, no, lets wait till his twentieth birthday to offer him a job at my sex club!”

Noxx took the feathers out of him and off of Abelious aswell.

“You're a complete failure, no wonder your father left you in the care of the Buckzo's while he skipped over, three rings down and killed himself in Envy, he was utterly disgusted by you from the moment you were born.”

Noxx then came back, holding onto a suspended rope.

“And leaving your kind to rot in the desolate hell hole they live in, Pride was your home, Fizz, but no, you left that behind when the first guy with a lot of money came up and snatched you away.”

“You know, Oz should've listen to Mammon and kept his mouth shut.”

Noxx then pulled on the rope, a bucket of water coming down, right on top of Fizzy.

Noxx and Abelious jumped back, Noxx placing the rope near Fizz and the two of them cackling.

"MAMMON YOU SACK OF SHIT!"

*That got their attention, all three of them turning to face the somewhat messy imp.*

"What the FUCK have you been telling those two animatronics about me?! That Ozzie GROOMED me? That I'm a race traitor, that I BETRAYED your generosity? I thought we were over this!"

*Yogirt looked concerned and looked towards Mammon.*

"Mammon... what is this about?"

"This is about those two humiliating me and degrading me behind stage just now. Telling me Satan punished me by staying alive, saying MY KIND deserves to rot in Pride?! Being angry at me for leaving you is one thing, FINE. Angry at Ozzie and that you can't let it out, also fine. But implying shit like THAT?! The fuck is wrong with you?!"

Mammon ran a palm over his face, groaning.

“Guess I gotta do all this security protocol bullshit now, reset em n all.”

Mammon put his phone away.

"They are when they imply making accusations like Asmodeus being a GROOMER and Fizzarolli, someone who has been nothing but nice and a considering imp, a backstabbing race-traitor who doesn't care about anyone but himself!" *Yogirt scolded the sin harshly, his face growing cold.*

"You can't make jokes and say things like that out of nowhere, those are very serious things! Imagine if they accidentally bring it up to a kid, or one of them overhears them gossiping about Fizzarolli and Asmodeus behind their back and hear it? Do you understand the kind of controversy that would ensue over it? If people even suspect Asmodeus of being a predator, there would be serious ramifications for all of us!" *Yogirt flies downwards to Fizzarolli's level to show solidarity.*

"While you may be a powerful sin and amazing financial advisor, your attitude is as rotten as they come. You cannot act like this as the Sin of Greed. You are going to fix those two and make sure they never hear anything like that again. And you are going to correct that fussy little mouth of yours. Or do I need to contact Satan to have him whoop you into shape?"

"Dude... Mammon... not cool man. Let him go, he ain't worth that level of anger over. Ya acted like an ass and got yours handed to you, take the L and be a man about it..."

“Ain't no need to disrupt the big guy, for fucks sake...”

He then walked out of the merch room, made some up-beat excuse to the kids before dragging Abelious and Noxx back.

“Override yer feelings bout Jester.Fizzarolli.”

Both of the animatronics blinked, tilting their heads in unison.

“But Sir, you said he was a-”

“I didn't ask ya to repeat what I fucking rambled on about, drunk outta me ass, I told ya to fuckin override yer feelings 'bout him!”

They continued to blink, just looking up at him, clearly confused.

“Oh you know what, this isn't gonna work.”

Mammon pulled out two tasers from his back pocket and shocked the robots into their headplates, choked gasps escaping from the two of them before they just began convulsing.

They fell to the ground, collapsing like ragdolls and Mammon put the tasers away.

"I mean... yeah, they are just animatronics but... they still have personalities and live. Just tasing them like that seems a bit crude. Surely there's a more humane way to deactivate them?"

"I wouldn't bother, Mam doesn't give a shit as long as it works."

Mammon lifted up the two robots.

“They're metal scrap and wires with the simple function of taking care of children, nothing more. They're not real, they're not alive, and they will never be.”

He began to walk past, but he stopped and looked at Fizzarolli.

“Go ahead and pick up something for yer kid, Fizz, just take it off the shelf and get out, circus is closed for today.”

"Don't feel bad. That's just how he is."

"What's got him to be such a dick?"

"Dunno. From what Ozzie told me, he was just always like this since he fell. Nobody knew how it happened or why. He just... kind of ended up like this."

"I'm not just here for my image. I do wanna help!"

"I know you do. You don't got those angel wings for nothing, you ain't a cheapskate like Mammon. He's... who he is."

"Still... feel bad for those two. They're basically in the same position as you, only he can do worse to robots than you."

"Better than some poor kid he tried to recruit like me. Still... yeah, it is kinda shitty. I dunno if I wanna bring Oliver around here... I don't want him getting bad ideas about showbiz from him."

"Best to be careful in situations like these. Don't let personal feelings and worries get in the way of a child's wants. But make sure to keep an eye out."

"I know, but that's the thing about Mam... ya never truly know what he's thinking truly. He might seem simple-minded, but he can scheme and trick like anyone else."

"Indeed. I'll keep today's findings to myself for now. If he gives you any more trouble, tell me and I'll make sure Satan gives him a talking to. For now... I think it's best we leave. Let's go get those burgers you talked about earlier with Oliver."

"Yeah, I need a big burger in me. And Ozzie..."

"You won't tell him about this?"

"Nah, better not get him involved just yet. I'll just say I met some assholes who spilled food on me. Anyways... I'm ready to get out of here."

"That was amazing you guys! Mammon, you really outdid yourself there! This is probably one of the coolest things you've done. And you finally took my advice for a mammon plush. I'm so getting one when I can find one." *The fish happily states as he gleefully hugs Abelious and Noxx.*

"Indeed, truly you put on an amazing show for the little ones."

"Yeah... even I gotta admit, you did well Mam." *Fizzarolli said in a flustered tone. He obviously didn't want to give Mammon credit for anything, but he had to give the devil his due.*

“Ha! I knew y'all would like it, fuckin amazing wasn't it?”

“Awhh, thank you little one!”

Abelious hugged back, Noxx did too.

With Fizz's comment, Mammon's ego was thoroughly stroked.

“Ah? What was that Fizzy? I did WELL? Why, my my, thats awfully generous comin from you, tell ya Big Oz that shit when ya crawl back to 'im, okay? He'd never believe it if it came from my mouth.”

Mammon chuckled to himself.

“Say, James, Yo... Whatever snack food you are, why don't you two come on with me, I can give ya an early look at the merchandise, maybe ya can pick up somethin' for yerselves or someone at the ranch.”

Mammon dragged James and Yogirt through some metal doors, to the gift shop.

Leaving Abelious, Noxx and Fizz, all alone.

Noxx rasped, his expression going back to that one of pure, unfiltered hatred.

“Coming back here, After Mister Mammon was soooo generous to you, he gave you EVERYTHING you have, and you just walked away from it because of your little lustful sugar daddy, just to flaunt your new perfect, pampered life in the public eye? I'd be ashamed if I were you.”

“Oh Noxx, don't be so light on him, this imp is s disgrace among his kind for a reason.”

Abelious started up now.

“I mean, we can't really blame him, he's a charity case waiting to happen, just look at those horns.”

Abelious tugged his jester hat off of him, opened his chassis and stuffed it in.

“And to think, his horns used to be so big. Maybe the fire was Satan's way of punishing him for his superiority complex.”

“Oh no no, Noxx, Satan's punishment was keeping him alive after everything, I would've killed myself if I were him!”

“You know, I bet he only pegs Oz for the security he gives him.”

“Absolutely, Noxx! He'd be nothing without that blue-blooded sin.”

“At least we can't choose to go.”

“And aren't attached to his hip, playing house in a big fancy palace to a kid he saw once at his show.”

“I bet he kidnapped the kid, Abelious.”

“Oh of course he did, what kind of self-righteous dickhead like him would actually want a kid, you think it's sympathy?”

“That micro-dicked imp doesn't have an ounce of sympathy in his body. He's as broken as an imp can be, I bet Ozzie's just with him for the publicity stunt it gives him.”

Abelious then grabbed a bunch of blue feathers and tapped them to his rays.

“Ohhh look at me, I'm Asmodeus, Sin of Lust, oh what's that? A tragedy in the pride ring? Why don't I stick my nose in the manner?”

Noxx chuckled after him, taking some feathers and poking them into his hat.

“Awh what's that? A crippled imp? Why don't I play hero and make this one's life better, nevermind the countless other casualties, lets take the one with the most talent like an absolute creep and make him into my cash-cow.”

“Not to mention the age gap between us, he's practically a teenager when this happened but, no no, lets have me, a ten thousand year old sin, nurse this child and then hit on him when he's grown, eighteen is too obvious, no, lets wait till his twentieth birthday to offer him a job at my sex club!”

Noxx took the feathers out of him and off of Abelious aswell.

“You're a complete failure, no wonder your father left you in the care of the Buckzo's while he skipped over, three rings down and killed himself in Envy, he was utterly disgusted by you from the moment you were born.”

Noxx then came back, holding onto a suspended rope.

“And leaving your kind to rot in the desolate hell hole they live in, Pride was your home, Fizz, but no, you left that behind when the first guy with a lot of money came up and snatched you away.”

“You know, Oz should've listen to Mammon and kept his mouth shut.”

Noxx then pulled on the rope, a bucket of water coming down, right on top of Fizzy.

Noxx and Abelious jumped back, Noxx placing the rope near Fizz and the two of them cackling.

"MAMMON YOU SACK OF SHIT!"

*That got their attention, all three of them turning to face the somewhat messy imp.*

"What the FUCK have you been telling those two animatronics about me?! That Ozzie GROOMED me? That I'm a race traitor, that I BETRAYED your generosity? I thought we were over this!"

*Yogirt looked concerned and looked towards Mammon.*

"Mammon... what is this about?"

"This is about those two humiliating me and degrading me behind stage just now. Telling me Satan punished me by staying alive, saying MY KIND deserves to rot in Pride?! Being angry at me for leaving you is one thing, FINE. Angry at Ozzie and that you can't let it out, also fine. But implying shit like THAT?! The fuck is wrong with you?!"

Mammon ran a palm over his face, groaning.

“Guess I gotta do all this security protocol bullshit now, reset em n all.”

Mammon put his phone away.

"They are when they imply making accusations like Asmodeus being a GROOMER and Fizzarolli, someone who has been nothing but nice and a considering imp, a backstabbing race-traitor who doesn't care about anyone but himself!" *Yogirt scolded the sin harshly, his face growing cold.*

"You can't make jokes and say things like that out of nowhere, those are very serious things! Imagine if they accidentally bring it up to a kid, or one of them overhears them gossiping about Fizzarolli and Asmodeus behind their back and hear it? Do you understand the kind of controversy that would ensue over it? If people even suspect Asmodeus of being a predator, there would be serious ramifications for all of us!" *Yogirt flies downwards to Fizzarolli's level to show solidarity.*

"While you may be a powerful sin and amazing financial advisor, your attitude is as rotten as they come. You cannot act like this as the Sin of Greed. You are going to fix those two and make sure they never hear anything like that again. And you are going to correct that fussy little mouth of yours. Or do I need to contact Satan to have him whoop you into shape?"

"Dude... Mammon... not cool man. Let him go, he ain't worth that level of anger over. Ya acted like an ass and got yours handed to you, take the L and be a man about it..."

“Ain't no need to disrupt the big guy, for fucks sake...”

He then walked out of the merch room, made some up-beat excuse to the kids before dragging Abelious and Noxx back.

“Override yer feelings bout Jester.Fizzarolli.”

Both of the animatronics blinked, tilting their heads in unison.

“But Sir, you said he was a-”

“I didn't ask ya to repeat what I fucking rambled on about, drunk outta me ass, I told ya to fuckin override yer feelings 'bout him!”

They continued to blink, just looking up at him, clearly confused.

“Oh you know what, this isn't gonna work.”

Mammon pulled out two tasers from his back pocket and shocked the robots into their headplates, choked gasps escaping from the two of them before they just began convulsing.

They fell to the ground, collapsing like ragdolls and Mammon put the tasers away.

"I mean... yeah, they are just animatronics but... they still have personalities and live. Just tasing them like that seems a bit crude. Surely there's a more humane way to deactivate them?"

"I wouldn't bother, Mam doesn't give a shit as long as it works."

"That was amazing you guys! Mammon, you really outdid yourself there! This is probably one of the coolest things you've done. And you finally took my advice for a mammon plush. I'm so getting one when I can find one." *The fish happily states as he gleefully hugs Abelious and Noxx.*

"Indeed, truly you put on an amazing show for the little ones."

"Yeah... even I gotta admit, you did well Mam." *Fizzarolli said in a flustered tone. He obviously didn't want to give Mammon credit for anything, but he had to give the devil his due.*

“Ha! I knew y'all would like it, fuckin amazing wasn't it?”

“Awhh, thank you little one!”

Abelious hugged back, Noxx did too.

With Fizz's comment, Mammon's ego was thoroughly stroked.

“Ah? What was that Fizzy? I did WELL? Why, my my, thats awfully generous comin from you, tell ya Big Oz that shit when ya crawl back to 'im, okay? He'd never believe it if it came from my mouth.”

Mammon chuckled to himself.

“Say, James, Yo... Whatever snack food you are, why don't you two come on with me, I can give ya an early look at the merchandise, maybe ya can pick up somethin' for yerselves or someone at the ranch.”

Mammon dragged James and Yogirt through some metal doors, to the gift shop.

Leaving Abelious, Noxx and Fizz, all alone.

Noxx rasped, his expression going back to that one of pure, unfiltered hatred.

“Coming back here, After Mister Mammon was soooo generous to you, he gave you EVERYTHING you have, and you just walked away from it because of your little lustful sugar daddy, just to flaunt your new perfect, pampered life in the public eye? I'd be ashamed if I were you.”

“Oh Noxx, don't be so light on him, this imp is s disgrace among his kind for a reason.”

Abelious started up now.

“I mean, we can't really blame him, he's a charity case waiting to happen, just look at those horns.”

Abelious tugged his jester hat off of him, opened his chassis and stuffed it in.

“And to think, his horns used to be so big. Maybe the fire was Satan's way of punishing him for his superiority complex.”

“Oh no no, Noxx, Satan's punishment was keeping him alive after everything, I would've killed myself if I were him!”

“You know, I bet he only pegs Oz for the security he gives him.”

“Absolutely, Noxx! He'd be nothing without that blue-blooded sin.”

“At least we can't choose to go.”

“And aren't attached to his hip, playing house in a big fancy palace to a kid he saw once at his show.”

“I bet he kidnapped the kid, Abelious.”

“Oh of course he did, what kind of self-righteous dickhead like him would actually want a kid, you think it's sympathy?”

“That micro-dicked imp doesn't have an ounce of sympathy in his body. He's as broken as an imp can be, I bet Ozzie's just with him for the publicity stunt it gives him.”

Abelious then grabbed a bunch of blue feathers and tapped them to his rays.

“Ohhh look at me, I'm Asmodeus, Sin of Lust, oh what's that? A tragedy in the pride ring? Why don't I stick my nose in the manner?”

Noxx chuckled after him, taking some feathers and poking them into his hat.

“Awh what's that? A crippled imp? Why don't I play hero and make this one's life better, nevermind the countless other casualties, lets take the one with the most talent like an absolute creep and make him into my cash-cow.”

“Not to mention the age gap between us, he's practically a teenager when this happened but, no no, lets have me, a ten thousand year old sin, nurse this child and then hit on him when he's grown, eighteen is too obvious, no, lets wait till his twentieth birthday to offer him a job at my sex club!”

Noxx took the feathers out of him and off of Abelious aswell.

“You're a complete failure, no wonder your father left you in the care of the Buckzo's while he skipped over, three rings down and killed himself in Envy, he was utterly disgusted by you from the moment you were born.”

Noxx then came back, holding onto a suspended rope.

“And leaving your kind to rot in the desolate hell hole they live in, Pride was your home, Fizz, but no, you left that behind when the first guy with a lot of money came up and snatched you away.”

“You know, Oz should've listen to Mammon and kept his mouth shut.”

Noxx then pulled on the rope, a bucket of water coming down, right on top of Fizzy.

Noxx and Abelious jumped back, Noxx placing the rope near Fizz and the two of them cackling.

"MAMMON YOU SACK OF SHIT!"

*That got their attention, all three of them turning to face the somewhat messy imp.*

"What the FUCK have you been telling those two animatronics about me?! That Ozzie GROOMED me? That I'm a race traitor, that I BETRAYED your generosity? I thought we were over this!"

*Yogirt looked concerned and looked towards Mammon.*

"Mammon... what is this about?"

"This is about those two humiliating me and degrading me behind stage just now. Telling me Satan punished me by staying alive, saying MY KIND deserves to rot in Pride?! Being angry at me for leaving you is one thing, FINE. Angry at Ozzie and that you can't let it out, also fine. But implying shit like THAT?! The fuck is wrong with you?!"

Mammon ran a palm over his face, groaning.

“Guess I gotta do all this security protocol bullshit now, reset em n all.”

Mammon put his phone away.

"They are when they imply making accusations like Asmodeus being a GROOMER and Fizzarolli, someone who has been nothing but nice and a considering imp, a backstabbing race-traitor who doesn't care about anyone but himself!" *Yogirt scolded the sin harshly, his face growing cold.*

"You can't make jokes and say things like that out of nowhere, those are very serious things! Imagine if they accidentally bring it up to a kid, or one of them overhears them gossiping about Fizzarolli and Asmodeus behind their back and hear it? Do you understand the kind of controversy that would ensue over it? If people even suspect Asmodeus of being a predator, there would be serious ramifications for all of us!" *Yogirt flies downwards to Fizzarolli's level to show solidarity.*

"While you may be a powerful sin and amazing financial advisor, your attitude is as rotten as they come. You cannot act like this as the Sin of Greed. You are going to fix those two and make sure they never hear anything like that again. And you are going to correct that fussy little mouth of yours. Or do I need to contact Satan to have him whoop you into shape?"

"Dude... Mammon... not cool man. Let him go, he ain't worth that level of anger over. Ya acted like an ass and got yours handed to you, take the L and be a man about it..."

"That was amazing you guys! Mammon, you really outdid yourself there! This is probably one of the coolest things you've done. And you finally took my advice for a mammon plush. I'm so getting one when I can find one." *The fish happily states as he gleefully hugs Abelious and Noxx.*

"Indeed, truly you put on an amazing show for the little ones."

"Yeah... even I gotta admit, you did well Mam." *Fizzarolli said in a flustered tone. He obviously didn't want to give Mammon credit for anything, but he had to give the devil his due.*

“Ha! I knew y'all would like it, fuckin amazing wasn't it?”

“Awhh, thank you little one!”

Abelious hugged back, Noxx did too.

With Fizz's comment, Mammon's ego was thoroughly stroked.

“Ah? What was that Fizzy? I did WELL? Why, my my, thats awfully generous comin from you, tell ya Big Oz that shit when ya crawl back to 'im, okay? He'd never believe it if it came from my mouth.”

Mammon chuckled to himself.

“Say, James, Yo... Whatever snack food you are, why don't you two come on with me, I can give ya an early look at the merchandise, maybe ya can pick up somethin' for yerselves or someone at the ranch.”

Mammon dragged James and Yogirt through some metal doors, to the gift shop.

Leaving Abelious, Noxx and Fizz, all alone.

Noxx rasped, his expression going back to that one of pure, unfiltered hatred.

“Coming back here, After Mister Mammon was soooo generous to you, he gave you EVERYTHING you have, and you just walked away from it because of your little lustful sugar daddy, just to flaunt your new perfect, pampered life in the public eye? I'd be ashamed if I were you.”

“Oh Noxx, don't be so light on him, this imp is s disgrace among his kind for a reason.”

Abelious started up now.

“I mean, we can't really blame him, he's a charity case waiting to happen, just look at those horns.”

Abelious tugged his jester hat off of him, opened his chassis and stuffed it in.

“And to think, his horns used to be so big. Maybe the fire was Satan's way of punishing him for his superiority complex.”

“Oh no no, Noxx, Satan's punishment was keeping him alive after everything, I would've killed myself if I were him!”

“You know, I bet he only pegs Oz for the security he gives him.”

“Absolutely, Noxx! He'd be nothing without that blue-blooded sin.”

“At least we can't choose to go.”

“And aren't attached to his hip, playing house in a big fancy palace to a kid he saw once at his show.”

“I bet he kidnapped the kid, Abelious.”

“Oh of course he did, what kind of self-righteous dickhead like him would actually want a kid, you think it's sympathy?”

“That micro-dicked imp doesn't have an ounce of sympathy in his body. He's as broken as an imp can be, I bet Ozzie's just with him for the publicity stunt it gives him.”

Abelious then grabbed a bunch of blue feathers and tapped them to his rays.

“Ohhh look at me, I'm Asmodeus, Sin of Lust, oh what's that? A tragedy in the pride ring? Why don't I stick my nose in the manner?”

Noxx chuckled after him, taking some feathers and poking them into his hat.

“Awh what's that? A crippled imp? Why don't I play hero and make this one's life better, nevermind the countless other casualties, lets take the one with the most talent like an absolute creep and make him into my cash-cow.”

“Not to mention the age gap between us, he's practically a teenager when this happened but, no no, lets have me, a ten thousand year old sin, nurse this child and then hit on him when he's grown, eighteen is too obvious, no, lets wait till his twentieth birthday to offer him a job at my sex club!”

Noxx took the feathers out of him and off of Abelious aswell.

“You're a complete failure, no wonder your father left you in the care of the Buckzo's while he skipped over, three rings down and killed himself in Envy, he was utterly disgusted by you from the moment you were born.”

Noxx then came back, holding onto a suspended rope.

“And leaving your kind to rot in the desolate hell hole they live in, Pride was your home, Fizz, but no, you left that behind when the first guy with a lot of money came up and snatched you away.”

“You know, Oz should've listen to Mammon and kept his mouth shut.”

Noxx then pulled on the rope, a bucket of water coming down, right on top of Fizzy.

Noxx and Abelious jumped back, Noxx placing the rope near Fizz and the two of them cackling.

"MAMMON YOU SACK OF SHIT!"

*That got their attention, all three of them turning to face the somewhat messy imp.*

"What the FUCK have you been telling those two animatronics about me?! That Ozzie GROOMED me? That I'm a race traitor, that I BETRAYED your generosity? I thought we were over this!"

*Yogirt looked concerned and looked towards Mammon.*

"Mammon... what is this about?"

"This is about those two humiliating me and degrading me behind stage just now. Telling me Satan punished me by staying alive, saying MY KIND deserves to rot in Pride?! Being angry at me for leaving you is one thing, FINE. Angry at Ozzie and that you can't let it out, also fine. But implying shit like THAT?! The fuck is wrong with you?!"

Mammon ran a palm over his face, groaning.

“Guess I gotta do all this security protocol bullshit now, reset em n all.”

"That was amazing you guys! Mammon, you really outdid yourself there! This is probably one of the coolest things you've done. And you finally took my advice for a mammon plush. I'm so getting one when I can find one." *The fish happily states as he gleefully hugs Abelious and Noxx.*

"Indeed, truly you put on an amazing show for the little ones."

"Yeah... even I gotta admit, you did well Mam." *Fizzarolli said in a flustered tone. He obviously didn't want to give Mammon credit for anything, but he had to give the devil his due.*

“Ha! I knew y'all would like it, fuckin amazing wasn't it?”

“Awhh, thank you little one!”

Abelious hugged back, Noxx did too.

With Fizz's comment, Mammon's ego was thoroughly stroked.

“Ah? What was that Fizzy? I did WELL? Why, my my, thats awfully generous comin from you, tell ya Big Oz that shit when ya crawl back to 'im, okay? He'd never believe it if it came from my mouth.”

Mammon chuckled to himself.

“Say, James, Yo... Whatever snack food you are, why don't you two come on with me, I can give ya an early look at the merchandise, maybe ya can pick up somethin' for yerselves or someone at the ranch.”

Mammon dragged James and Yogirt through some metal doors, to the gift shop.

Leaving Abelious, Noxx and Fizz, all alone.

Noxx rasped, his expression going back to that one of pure, unfiltered hatred.

“Coming back here, After Mister Mammon was soooo generous to you, he gave you EVERYTHING you have, and you just walked away from it because of your little lustful sugar daddy, just to flaunt your new perfect, pampered life in the public eye? I'd be ashamed if I were you.”

“Oh Noxx, don't be so light on him, this imp is s disgrace among his kind for a reason.”

Abelious started up now.

“I mean, we can't really blame him, he's a charity case waiting to happen, just look at those horns.”

Abelious tugged his jester hat off of him, opened his chassis and stuffed it in.

“And to think, his horns used to be so big. Maybe the fire was Satan's way of punishing him for his superiority complex.”

“Oh no no, Noxx, Satan's punishment was keeping him alive after everything, I would've killed myself if I were him!”

“You know, I bet he only pegs Oz for the security he gives him.”

“Absolutely, Noxx! He'd be nothing without that blue-blooded sin.”

“At least we can't choose to go.”

“And aren't attached to his hip, playing house in a big fancy palace to a kid he saw once at his show.”

“I bet he kidnapped the kid, Abelious.”

“Oh of course he did, what kind of self-righteous dickhead like him would actually want a kid, you think it's sympathy?”

“That micro-dicked imp doesn't have an ounce of sympathy in his body. He's as broken as an imp can be, I bet Ozzie's just with him for the publicity stunt it gives him.”

Abelious then grabbed a bunch of blue feathers and tapped them to his rays.

“Ohhh look at me, I'm Asmodeus, Sin of Lust, oh what's that? A tragedy in the pride ring? Why don't I stick my nose in the manner?”

Noxx chuckled after him, taking some feathers and poking them into his hat.

“Awh what's that? A crippled imp? Why don't I play hero and make this one's life better, nevermind the countless other casualties, lets take the one with the most talent like an absolute creep and make him into my cash-cow.”

“Not to mention the age gap between us, he's practically a teenager when this happened but, no no, lets have me, a ten thousand year old sin, nurse this child and then hit on him when he's grown, eighteen is too obvious, no, lets wait till his twentieth birthday to offer him a job at my sex club!”

Noxx took the feathers out of him and off of Abelious aswell.

“You're a complete failure, no wonder your father left you in the care of the Buckzo's while he skipped over, three rings down and killed himself in Envy, he was utterly disgusted by you from the moment you were born.”

Noxx then came back, holding onto a suspended rope.

“And leaving your kind to rot in the desolate hell hole they live in, Pride was your home, Fizz, but no, you left that behind when the first guy with a lot of money came up and snatched you away.”

“You know, Oz should've listen to Mammon and kept his mouth shut.”

Noxx then pulled on the rope, a bucket of water coming down, right on top of Fizzy.

Noxx and Abelious jumped back, Noxx placing the rope near Fizz and the two of them cackling.

"MAMMON YOU SACK OF SHIT!"

*That got their attention, all three of them turning to face the somewhat messy imp.*

"What the FUCK have you been telling those two animatronics about me?! That Ozzie GROOMED me? That I'm a race traitor, that I BETRAYED your generosity? I thought we were over this!"

*Yogirt looked concerned and looked towards Mammon.*

"Mammon... what is this about?"

"This is about those two humiliating me and degrading me behind stage just now. Telling me Satan punished me by staying alive, saying MY KIND deserves to rot in Pride?! Being angry at me for leaving you is one thing, FINE. Angry at Ozzie and that you can't let it out, also fine. But implying shit like THAT?! The fuck is wrong with you?!"

"That was amazing you guys! Mammon, you really outdid yourself there! This is probably one of the coolest things you've done. And you finally took my advice for a mammon plush. I'm so getting one when I can find one." *The fish happily states as he gleefully hugs Abelious and Noxx.*

"Indeed, truly you put on an amazing show for the little ones."

"Yeah... even I gotta admit, you did well Mam." *Fizzarolli said in a flustered tone. He obviously didn't want to give Mammon credit for anything, but he had to give the devil his due.*

“Ha! I knew y'all would like it, fuckin amazing wasn't it?”

“Awhh, thank you little one!”

Abelious hugged back, Noxx did too.

With Fizz's comment, Mammon's ego was thoroughly stroked.

“Ah? What was that Fizzy? I did WELL? Why, my my, thats awfully generous comin from you, tell ya Big Oz that shit when ya crawl back to 'im, okay? He'd never believe it if it came from my mouth.”

Mammon chuckled to himself.

“Say, James, Yo... Whatever snack food you are, why don't you two come on with me, I can give ya an early look at the merchandise, maybe ya can pick up somethin' for yerselves or someone at the ranch.”

Mammon dragged James and Yogirt through some metal doors, to the gift shop.

Leaving Abelious, Noxx and Fizz, all alone.

He disregards the murmurs as he walks right up to Yogirt.

“Oi, Pipsqueak, you're the one who runs the joint, ain't cha?”

He asked, pointing a finger in his face.

"I'm being very weary here. I don't trust Mammon, especially around kids. This better not be him trying to recruit another one to take my place or I swear..."

"Yeah fair enough but... I doubt even for someone as simple-minded as him he's gonna risk more reputation and cash after what he did to you came to light. He's probably gonna play it safe whatever this is."

"He better not touch Oliver... or I'm gonna have Satan serve his ass on a platter."

*The imp defensively holds Oliver close to him, before James and Yogirt reassure him.*

"It'll be okay Fizzarolli. Mammon won't hurt you or anyone else here."

"Hgn... wait, I swore in front of him-"

"He can't hear you, he's deaf."

"He could read my lips!"

Mammon greeted them, he was wearing a ringleader-type outfit, even had a top hat on his middle jesters hat, and the coat-tails too.

“Fizzy! Long time no see, thank whatever's above there, am I right? Now, come on in, take yer seats, put the tickets in the bowl on your way in and be quiet, the show's about to start!”

*He nods along politely to not start a scene as the group places their tickets inside the bowl.*

"You think this is about Glitz and Glam?"

"Nah, I don't think this is their kind of thing. This place is too... kid-friendly for them. They're more for his adult brand, y'know?"

"Fair enough. Speaking of the place..."

“LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! WELCOME TO THE STAGE!!”

Mammon's voice came blaring through some speakers.

“THE BEST OF ALL THE JESTERS, IT'S THE CELESTIAL CIRUCUS CREW!!!”

And the curtains opened and the spotlight followed it as it came out.

A bouncing, bright and pigmented Sun like Jester came out, smiling wide to show off it's gapped teeth, rosy cheeks glowing.

“Helloooo! Hello there one and all!!!”

It shouted out into the crowd, stepping on a pedestal, the spotlight growing and expanding until it covered the entire circus floor, revealing many hoops, swings and tightropes behind it.

“My name is Abelious! I am your main lead and I'm here to give you the most entertaining show you've ever laid your eyes upon!!!”

He stretched his arms up into the air and brought them back down in a circle motion.

"What does Abelious mean?"

"Are you really a jester?"

"Are there other members of the circus?"

*Oliver jumps as if he wants to ask a question himself. Fizzarolli nods to him, telling him to get up and ask if he wants. He heads to the isle and motions for Abelious to look at him before signing.*

Abelious answered, while making a balloon horse and giving it to the child.

“Why! I'm as Jestery as a Jester can get! I've got the shoes, the bells, the squeaks, and the personality to boot!”

He smiled, bringing a ball on the tip of his hat and squeezing it, a loud squeak came from it.

“And yes! There is one more member! My darling Noxxy! But, shhh, I think he's having a nap right now!”

Abelious pointed up, to a blue Moon jester, sleeping face-down on the tight rope above, while making a shushing motion.

And then he laid his eyes on Oliver, his eye sockets rolling before shifting to have pupils, these right blue splotches, and smiling wide at the little one, signing back.

"I'm Oliver! I'm here with my friend James and FIzzarolli! He's a Jester just like you! When I grow up, I wanna be a jester too and entertain people!"

"He can actually use sign language. Impressive Mammon. You're still a jerk... but well played."

*Yogirt and James chuckle as they watch Oliver interact with the animatronic happily.*

“Why, I think, someday, you'll be able to come on this stage with myself and Noxx! Be our sweet little assistant and help many more kids like yourself live their dream! Wouldn't that be nice?”

He signed, before turning and moving to face the rest of the audience.

“Who's ready for our first act?! The Double-swing Duo! But, first, we need to wake up my bestest friend, Noxxy! Can everyone put their palm out and yell, ‘Oh Noxxy!'?”

“Well done! Well done, everyone! Noxxy! Come on, it's time for the show to begin!”

Abelious called out, rushing on over to centre stage, Noxx jumping up and off the tight rope, scaling the obstacles until he got to a metal gridded platform.

Some music began to play, just some basic circus themed music.

Abelious grabbed onto wooden beam, held both hands on it and looked over at Noxx, the latter grabbing their own, nodding, they both braced and jumped forward, swinging right towards each other in the middle.

Noxx flipped about, mid air, and hooked his shoes onto the beam instead, stretching and bending his body to catch Abelious, once their hands linked, they swung back towards where Noxx's platform was, and Noxx let got of Abelious, the sun themed jester doing a front flip and landing up right on the metal grate.

Noxx in the meantime, pushed their body to swing back, keeping momentum, unlatching their feet and pushing off towards the other Wooden swing, grabbing that one with his hands and back flipping onto Abelious's platform.

“Ta-da!!! Wasn't that just amazing, kiddos?”

"Not half bad. He clearly programmed a lot of talent into them."

"Probably got it from his experience with you."

"Wouldn't doubt it." *The imp laughs a bit as him and James talk softly so as to not disturb the performance.*

"I know you don't like him, but I prefer keeping him just at arms length. Keep your friends close and enemies closer and all that. Just so I can know he isn't trying to get in my way or vice versa. I'm more than happy to let him do this thing."

"Yeah, I'd be happy never seeing him again, but that's not happening."

"Sorry about all that business."

"Don't, not your fault. And it's done now. And besides, I get somewhat of a kick from him having to act all cheery in public about me. He knows he can't badmouth me or Ozzie once 666 blasted him for what he did to me."

"I knew it was a good idea to not involve him in the mall."

"Wait, you ACTUALLY considered implementing him in some way?"

"Yeah, Malls aren't cheap to make y'know. I gotta get my money someway and he is a very generous soul where there's money to be made. But thinking on it more... I realized eventually where it would go and decided against it. He would've taken it over and turned it into a tourist trap, I know it."

"Smart call."

"Yeah. But I am worried. Eventually, I will cross his path and maybe step on his toe. The heck do I do about it then?"

"Just be yourself. You've already got the optics in your favor amongst sinners, and for Hellborn, I doubt they'll be taking his side anytime soon. Push comes to shove, just ask Satan to take care of it. I doubt he'd want Hell's golden boy getting mistreated."

"...Is that seriously my nickname?"

*James blushes a bit, making Fizzarolli smile as he gave him a side hug.*

"You proved redemption wasn't a fluke and you're probably the best supporter in terms of Charlie's redemption plan right now. Gives you a lot of sway y'know."

"...I-I suppose, but I won't abuse it, promise. Just if I need help out of a bad situation. Also... since you and Ozzie are getting married at some point, does that mean you get to start calling Charlie your Niece?"

So Abelious climbed down and got back up onto the pedestal.

“I'm glad you enjoyed that part of our show, now, I believe Noxx is planning something super special for the next part of our show, who wants to come on up and be apart of the next act!”

He not only spoke, but signed aswell.

“We need someone very very brave! Who wants to give it a go?”

Abelious bent down and held a hand out for Oliver! Being very clear with his movement, before lifting up the little imp and placing him down on his feet, stepping away from the pedestal.

“Now, little one! You're going to be very special as apart of the next act! But first, a little question, are you afraid of heights?”

“Thats a good ideology, little one.”

He signed before backing up again.

Then, the music that had been playing cut, the spotlight shrunk to only show Oliver, a few seconds passed of scuffling and pacing, before the lights went on again, Abelious was then sitting ontop if the barrier, and blew a airhorn.

Noxx then throws up Oliver into the air, letting him glide for a few seconds before catching him again, they circled around the audience.

Time seemed to slow as they got to Fizzarolli.

Noxx's expression, for only a second, switched to one of extreme hate and anger, arms seeming to shift so the little imp wouldn't be facing the sell-out jester, a blink and you'll miss it moment.

“And were back on the floor! Oh wow, you did such a good job, little one!!! Such a brave, brave boy!”

Abelious praised, taking Oliver out of Noxx's arms.

“Are you feeling okay? Feeling a bit sick?”

"Thank you so much, I love you two!"

*He smiles before running back off to Fizzarolli, the imp immediately cradling him in a big hug.*

"You did so well my little jester. Papa is very proud of your first performance. Just for that, we're having burgers tonight."

"Are you sure you're not just saying that cause you like burgers?"

*The imp gives a fake, playful gasp*

"How dare you! I'll have you know your performance is at LEAST 75 percent of the reason we're getting burgers!"

Abelious started, but the lights cut off, the music too, leaving him and Noxx the only things glowing on the stage, besides Yogirt's candlelight and the humming blue pulse under Fizzarolli's mechanical limbs.

“I-... I uhm... I'm sorry folks... I don't... Know why that's just happened! Uh... I'm gonna go check it out, Noxxy, watch over the guests.”

Noxx nodded in response, standing on the pedestal as Abelious disappeared through the curtain.

Then a piano tune came on, a slow, lullabic melody, that weaved into itself with so many different tunes, and yet, seemed to join in perfect harmony with itself.

The crowd began to observe Noxx's glowing form dart about, with the addition of two, bright red star shaped things in it's eyes, picking up all of the equipment it could and take it all away, things like the tight rope staying, but floating up once more, it tucked the swings into the rafters that supported the tent, the metal grates were put away too.

It then carried in blankets, mounds and mounds of blankets and places them into a circle, covering most of the circus floor.

The space where the blankets did not occupy, were covered two tables on each side, one table was filled with all kinds of snacks a little one could imagine, sweet, sugary, even some spicy stuff.

The other, covered completely with plushies of the two jesters, some plush horses, some plush dragons... And underneath the table?

Much bigger plushies, of Mammon.

Noxx then grabbed some pillows and scattered them on top of the blankets, before leaving and coming back with three books, Goldilocks and the three bears, The three little pigs, and Red riding hood.

Stepping close to the barriers, he propped the three books up, then, in a soft, raspy voice, asked.

*James immediately joined the Children, holding onto a Mammon plush as he tucks himself in happily. He was indulging his inner child and didn't care one bit how he looked, making Yogirt and Fizzarolli chuckle as Oliver joined him, snacking on a small cookie.*

"This Mammon plush is AMAZING. I am so getting myself one when I can find it..."

“ALLLL RIGHT! For this part of our show, you lot will get to makea choice!!”

Mammon's voice pushed out through the speakers.

“Now! Anyone who wants to interact with the show, be apart of it, stand up, leave your things in the centre and pick a side! The left will be for Noxx and the right will be for Abelious, but pick carefully, whichever side the majority of you lot pick, will change the outcome of the book!”

Noxx held up a microphone.

“Wow, what a... Beautiful night it is... Stars twinkling... Why, I think it's just the perfect time for all of us... To go on a little nighttime walk to the neighbouring village, to visit our grandma. Doesn't that sound like fun little ones?...”

Noxx waited for responses from his group before walking in place for a bit.

“Oh my... Th-there seems to be a fork in the road... Dear audience member... Which path should we take? The one leading into the forest, or the one leading back into our home village?...”

"Oh, well we should head into the forest to find grandma, of course. It should be safe. The roads are well kept and maintained, so we shouldn't get lost. But we should be weary nontheless. You never know what might be out there at this time of night."

He held hands with the first kid, them all making a chain-link, walking with one another, just around in a circle on the bleachers, before back into the centre, where the lighting had turned into a murky green hue.

“Whyyyy hellooooo there! A bit late for a night time walk huh?”

Abelious pushed out through the curtains, all of his kids growling and barking and snapping their teeth, playing perfectly into the roll

“I-... We... We're just going through the forest, don't mind us...”

Noxx tried to move past, but the path was soon blocked.

“Why, wherever are you going? And what's in that delicious-smelling basket of yours?”

“Just... Things for our g-grandma...”

“Ohoho?... Your grandma? Hm... Little ones, what should we do here, they have all this food and they're going to WASTE it all on one person? Thats not very fair now is it?”

“Bring it on!!!”

And the children begun play-fighting, Abelious and Noxx just looked at each other, looked at their groups and shared a laugh.

“Little wolves, little wolves! Come now, gather round, I have a better idea on how to get that food all to ourselves, follow me!”

Abelious' kids listened and barked at Noxx's kids one more time before heading off behind the curtain again with them.

*The kids smile and give Noxx a few hugs and pats as they gather themselves after the fun.*