No Strings Attached

Getting to know them

The balcony was quiet for a moment, the breeze was the only sound that could be heard. The wind also carried the rustling of the trees from down below.

Will: "You must really love her."

Vaggie gripped her spear harder.

Vaggie: "More than my life."

Will turned around to come face to face with Vaggie.

Vaggie expected many different expressions, anger, loathing, smugness, and maybe pride in himself. But she wasn't expecting to see tired eyes.

Will: "I love my family more than anything. My first sin was done protecting them. But even then, it was too late. I'd gotten a taste for blood, the power to control the people around me was addicting, I couldn't let go of it."

His hollow eyes stared down into the garden, staring at the statue in the park.

Will: "I tried to let go of my desire, but the more I tried the harder it became. By the end, it was too late, I wound up here. At first it was fun. I could sate my desire as much as I wanted. After all these are all sinner's rights, they deserve to suffer. Right!?!"

Will's shout was directed at Vaggie, It confused her.

Vaggie: 'Where is he going with this?'

Will: "It took a few years to know what my real punishment was. The sole reason I fought was for my family and now, I won't be able to see them ever again!!! Never to hear my mom's sweet songs, my dad's motivating words, or my sister's playful fight's!!!"

It was at that moment that Vaggie realized what William was talking about. She should know after all. She tried to protect someone too and she paid the price.

Although the circumstances were different, they were both cast down to hell, and they both had something to protect.

Will: "If only I wasn't stupid and took hold of my life, I wouldn't have wound up here! Isn't it ironic!? I have the power to control the souls of others but can't take charge of my own life!?! Ha Ha, it's so stupid"

His face was a mixture of pain and laughter.

Will: "And the funny thing is that I still fall for the same trick. I still can't control myself"

William's voice grew somber, false strength held in his eyes. He grabbed the railing of the balcony and began to sing.

Will: "...Telling myself I won't go there,

Oh, but I know that I won't care,

Tryna wash away all the blood I've spilled,

This lust is a burden I alone bear.

One sinner can't atone from a lone prayer

Soul's tied, intertwined by my pride and guilt"

Vaggie: 'He's suffering'

Will: "There's darkness in the distance

From the way that I've been living'

But I know I can't resist it"

Vaggie sympathizes with William, she knows what it's like to not have control of your own life and suffer the moment you try to take control.

Will: "Oh, I love it and I hate it at the same time

I alone drink the poison from the lone vine

Oh, I love it and I hate it at the same time

Hiding' all of my sins from the daylight

From the daylight, running' from the daylight

From the daylight, running' from the daylight

Oh, I love it and I hate it at the same time"

Vaggie stood looking at Will, tears collecting in her eyes. Maybe she wasn't completely right about him. Maybe, just maybe, he's also looking for the same thing.

Will: "Telling' myself it's the last time

Can you spare any mercy that you might find

If I'm down on my knees again?

Deep down, way down, Lord, I try

Try to follow your light, but it's nighttime

Please, don't leave me in the end"

Vaggie stepped forward, joining William.

Vaggie: "There's darkness in the distance"

Her tears shed from her eyes.

Vaggie: "I'm begging' for forgiveness (ooh)

But I know I might resist it, oh"

William was surprised with the sudden joining of Vaggie; she continued the song, just to vent.

And maybe find something long lost.

Vaggie: "Oh, I love it and I hate it at the same time

You and I drink the poison from the same vine

Oh, I love it and I hate it at the same time

Hiding' all of our sins from the daylight

From the daylight, running' from the daylight

From the daylight, running' from the daylight

Oh, I love it and I hate it at the same time"

The two looked at each other before shouting their emotions.

William and Vaggie: "Oh, I love it and I hate it at the same time

You and I drink the poison from the same vine

Oh, I love it and I hate it at the same time

Hiding' all of our sins from the daylight

From the daylight, running' from the daylight

From the daylight, running' from the daylight

Oh, I love it and I hate it at the same time"

With the song ended, the two stayed on the balcony, staring into the city far away.

Vaggie: "...I don't trust you. You're an Overlord, the most despicable, notorious, and malicious sinner in the world."

William didn't interrupt her, wanting to know where this was going.

Vaggie: "But Charlie wants to believe that you can change. I won't fully trust you. But I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. And I'm willing to start over if you'll let me"

She outstretched her hand.

William stared at the hand for a second, chuckled, and took it.

Will: "Then let's start over... and for the record, I want this hotel to succeed just as much as Charlie"

Vaggie: "Doubt it, if you need anything we're always free."

William nodded.

Vaggie made her way out of the room. She stopped at the door.

Vaggie: "The journey to redemption starts by admitting your flaws. If you ever need to vent, Charlie and I are always available."

As she was about to close the door she heard William speak to her.

Will: "Thank you, Vaggie"

Vaggie smiled.

Maybe there is hope for demons yet.

Song: "Daylight" by David Kushner