Daniel's Dangerous Dynasty

"No." Mina said plainly as she sat on the couch in her living room. A massive television hung on the wall across from her, and the channels were being flipped constantly, showing numerous news reports in several different worlds. Plenty of chaos going around... her old pal Discord would be proud.

...

"Again, no. I'm not doing it." she deadpanned at the phone on her ear. Ever since she announced the news of her pregnancy to Daniel, he was literally hell-bent on marrying her to make things right. This was his third attempt this week.

...

"Look, Daniel. I appreciate the gesture. Really, I do. And you know my heart literally only goes for you, now. But for fuck's sake, didn't you know that marriage is something that can't just simply be done for, y'know, the Queen of Hell?!"

...

She sighed, pinching the bridge between her eyes. "Again, that's not the point. Marriage is more than just some lovey-dovey ceremony. It's also a sacred spiritual pact that must be approved by a god... you know, the ones who kinda hate us the most?"

...

"Because it would just be empty words, and nothing more! Isn't our upcoming child enough proof that we're more than just friends, now?!"

...

"Invent our own kind of wedding?! Why do you think ANYONE in Hell would want to attend a wedding, anyways?!"

"U-umm... Your Highness?"

"Ugh, hold on a second." Mina said, before turning to face the little imp servant that interrupted her important phone call. "What?"

The imp bashfully held his hands together behind his back and shyly brushed the carpet with his cloven toes. "I-if it means anything, uh... I've never actually seen a wedding before... a-and I would be honored to see one for the first time!"

She rolled her eyes and was about to just decline, when her senses picked up a presence behind the doors that lead to the Servant's Quarters. "For the love of, JUST COME IN!"

Several more imps, including a few bulky demon butlers, all piled in upon hearing their master's shouting, and each carried a bashful smile that practically plead for her to allow them this extremely rare, if not unheard of ceremony in Hell.

Then she rolled her eyes and sighed, tapping the arm of the couch with her fingers in thought.

A strand of hair from her mane fell over her eyes, and she blew it out of the way, deadpanning at the building crowd of demons and imps that would like to attend her wedding.

Finally, she brought her phone back up to her ear and said, "Fine. But you do all the arrangements! And so help me, if it's too sappy or fucking stupid and pointless, then I will end it abruptly! Understood?!"

She didn't even give him time to reply when she hung up the phone.

Then it rung again.

"WHAT?!" she shouted, only to pause for a moment and sigh.

"Oh... the cake? Jalapeno Red Velvet."

...

"DON'T FUCKING JUDGE ME! IT TASTES GOOD ONCE YOU GET PAST THE HEAT, YOU FUCKING WEAKLING!"

She hung up again, now a bit more pissed.

"Your Highness, your Chocolate Milk has arrived." one of the demon waiters said.

She took the glass from him and began to drink. Then she reached into a bowl next to her, which contained extra extra buttery popcorn, and ate a few handfuls of it at a time.

"Damn, this shit's boring." she said. At this point, there was a rather large crowd of servants in the living room, who gathered around the couch, but remained ducked low to allow their master her TV.

She looked over at them, who seemed to be looking at her like puppies begging for a treat, and rolled her eyes. "Yes, you're all allowed to attend, now GIVE ME SOME FUCKING SPACE!"

Immediately they were all happy, and hurriedly rushed out of the living room to prepare for the big day.

Meanwhile, on Earth, Daniel was probably the happiest man alive.

Daniel was an absolute train-wreck. He was pacing back and forth in front of his couch, while Death was sitting there, staring at the TV, and watching a cheesy Soap Opera.

"Man, you've got to relax." Death told Daniel. Daniel, on the other hand, did the exact opposite, and sat down next to Death.

"Relax?! Dude, I didn't even think this through all the way! I honestly didn't even expect her to accept! Now I don't even have the slightest clue where to start!"

Death shrugged his shoulders. "Google, my friend."

"Google isn't the answer to everything, Death!"

Death chuckled. "Answers my questions pretty well."

"Alright, then. What is the meaning of life?" Daniel asked.

"42." Death replied quickly.

"That... doesn't even make sense, dude!" Daniel said.

"42, man. It's the answer to everything! Number of the beast looks like three sevens, but translated as three sixes, making it both the number of COMPLETION and DESTRUCTION simultaneously, which gives it 2 meanings, one for good and evil. Anyways, add the three sevens together, and you get 21. Multiply it by two, one for the good, and one for the evil, and it equals 42. Plain and simple. 42 is everything. Didn't even HAVE to look it up!"

Daniel just stared at Death confusedly, before shaking his head. "Alright, I stand corrected. It doesn't make sense, and now I have a headache for trying to understand that shit."

Then Daniel went back to panicking. "Oh, shit... oh, SHIT! This is bad!"

Death deadpanned at him. "Alright, fine, I'll bite. Why is this so difficult? I mean, look, I'm sure that cake isn't as bad as you say it is! And the preparations won't be a one-man job. Just hire some of the staff, they'll likely be DYING to help!"

"First off, you don't even have taste buds!"

"Eh, that's fair."

"And second off, it's not just about preparations. Something else just crossed my mind!"

"Oh? And what would that be, exactly?"

"I..." he gulped. "I have to tell my parents."

Death just stared at him for a bit longer, before looking at an imaginary watch. "Well, would you look at the time? I guess I better get going, now!"

"Death. Let me look at their hourglasses." Daniel said.

"What?! What hourglasses? I don't have any-"

"Death..." Daniel said with a deadpan.

Death sighed, then reached into the void, drawing out two hourglasses: one with the name James on it, and the other with Elanor on it. They both have the words "1 Day" on the top halves of the glasses.

"Great. My fiance is going to kill them!" Daniel said in a panicked tone.

Death waves a reassuring hand at him. "Now, now! I'm sure it's not that bad!"

"Death, cast a spell on the glass, please. Tell it, 'What if Mina doesn't show up at their home?' for me, please."

Death sighs, before doing as requested. He then rotates them around, and through his magic, the sand pours down quickly, but slows once it's at the present time. It shows "42 years" for them both, with a slight difference leaning towards his mom's side.

"Yep. Called it. My fiance is going to kill them!"

"Unless you can convince her not to, man." Death says.

Daniel places his hands over his face. "It's not just that, Death. You see... there's one huge thing that makes this so much more complicated!"

"Seriously, dude. The suspicion thing is getting old. Just spit it out!"

Daniel took a deep breath, before explaining. "Okay, fine! You see..."

A day passed, and Sunday Morning was upon the town of Diamond Peak. A large crowd gathered inside a sacred church, while a man with gray hair, dressed in a black suit, preached upon the crowd.

"And then it says, 'Blessed are the Meek, for they shall inherit the Earth! Blessed are the Merciful, for they shall obtain Mercy!'" The preacher, however, paused upon seeing the church doors open up, and Daniel entering the Sanctuary. "And..."

The preacher paused a bit more than he intended, which caused a few heads to turn towards Daniel, who gave a sheepish smile and wave at them, before taking a seat in the back row.

Then the preacher continued the final verse for the day, looking directly at Daniel the entire time. "Blessed are the Pure in Heart... for they shall see God!"

And the church said, "Amen!"

Daniel continued to sit there, while the crowd left, giving their approval and words to the preacher, before finally, the crowd dispersed. Daniel then stood back up and approached his father slowly.

The preacher looked at him and smiled slowly, while he, in turn, smiled back at him.

"... Hey, Dad."

Daniel found himself sitting in the passenger seat of Father James's, car. It was a long, silent trip to his parents' home, and he felt awkward, given the situation.

After all, it's totally going to be easy to earn the blessing of a devout preacher to marry off his own son to the Queen of Hell, right?

... Sarcasm aside, he took a deep breath and looked over at James.

"So, Dad... you're probably wondering why I showed up out of the blue." he said.

James nodded his head. "I am... not that I'm unhappy to see you, of course. It's just... unexpected, after what happened last time."

"I know, Dad, and I'm sorry. I've learned that she was a b... just an absolutely horrible person, and came past that breakup years ago." Daniel said, recalling the breakup with his Highschool Sweetheart before he met Mina. Truth be told, though, she was the reason why he became a Hardened Drinker beforehand, and it led to a horrible fight between he and his father, that might've resulted in him moving out on his own.

Now, though, he felt guilty for putting his parents behind him. It's been five years, now, since that incident... and two years since he's met Mina. Not once has he mentioned her to them... so this would be both, a shock that he found someone else, and a shock on who said someone else is. Naturally, he was very, very tempted to just pretend he was only there to apologize, but he already made arrangements.

He told Death to let Mina know what was going on, and that he would like her to show up when he calls her, on account that she Pinkie Swear to spare his parents. Luckily, she accepted, and the sands shifted to their higher times, though a year shorter... possibly because of the massive load of stress coming up soon.

James patted him on the shoulder. "Son... you walked a dark path... but I, too, fell that day. And I felt like I had failed you. You... you know I... I love you, son. Your mother and I both love you, with all our hearts."

Daniel smiled and looked over at him. "Thank you, Dad. I, uh... I'm guessing you both'd go through Hell for me, wouldn't you?"

"Absolutely." James said, unknowing of the weight of his own words.

"That's... that's good, Dad. Because there's something big I need to ask both you and Mom."

"Of course, Daniel. I know these things are hard to tell us, but know that we will be as open-minded as we can be. But of course, I will restrain from asking you what it is until we're home." James said.

He then turned on the radio. It started playing some classic Christian Music, and James began bobbing his head with the tune, singing along with teary eyes.

"Praise you, God. Our son has come home."

Daniel sighed and leaned against the door, quietly mumbling to himself. "Yeah, this was a terrible mistake."

"DANIEL! OH, PRAISE THE LORD, YOU HAVE COME HOME!" his mom practically cried upon their arrival. She rushed over to greet him with a big, warm hug, as they stood inside the living room entrance.

She then released him and looked between both men of her life. "Oh, my goodness! You both must be hungry! Why, I've got just the thing for you both... Spaghetti with Meatballs! Oh, and Daniel, we also have your favorite Garlic Bread! Mmmmm!"

Daniel was practically blushing at his mom's warm greetings. Out of both parents, she has always been his favorite... but he'd never tell his dad, of course.

"Thanks, Mom, it's good to see you, too. Umm... but actually, I would like to make an announcement before we start eating."

James nodded his head. "That's right, Elanor. Daniel here would like to tell us something. Something big that's been bothering him."

Daniel raised an eyebrow. "Wait... how'd you know it was bothering me, Dad?"

He chuckled. "Ha! Oh, my boy, you were troubled the whole trip up here! But really, son, it's alright! Tell 'em, Elanor!"

Elanor nodded her head and smiled warmly at him. "Yes, Daniel. You can tell us anything! It won't bother us at all, and I promise, we'll still love you, no matter what!"

Daniel nodded his head, but wanted to make a quick confirmation. "... You'd even go through Hell for me, wouldn't you, Mom?"

She nodded her head quickly, and replied, "Of course, Daniel! I'd go through Hell a thousand times for you! And you know it!"

He lightly chuckled at that, while his parents smiled warmly at him, with James wrapping his left arm lovingly behind Elanor, as they both waited for the announcement in anticipation.

"Well, uh... you both have no idea of the weight those words mean on me..." Daniel began, and they both nodded their heads at him.

Then he took a deep breath. "Okay, so... the thing is... I met this girl."

His parents gasped.

"And... w-well... it was a bit of a rocky start, but eventually, we... kinda-sorta fell in love."

James raised his free hand to stop him. "It's not that Darla girl again, is it?"

Daniel shook his head and chuckled. "No, Sir. It's... someone else, this time."

"Oh, thank God." they both said.

"Yeah, I doubt if you'll be thanking him for long." Daniel thought, as he continued.

"Anyways, so... it gets better."

James's mouth dropped open. "Daniel, are... are you telling us that you..."

Daniel nodded his head and smiled weakly. "Y-Yes, Dad. I... I asked her to marry me."

They both threw their arms up and cheered for their son, and took a step forward to wrap their arms around him, but before they could take another step, Daniel raised a hand and stopped them.

They paused, then corrected their posture, as James motioned for him to continue. "Right, sorry, son. You weren't done, yet, were you?"

"Yeah, there's actually a bit more."

"Well please, Daniel, don't keep us in suspense! What else do you need to tell us?" Elanor practically plead for an answer.

"I... uh... w-well..." he took a deep breath, then closed his eyes. "I know it's too late for me, but if you're still listening to me, then... please, at least grant them peace through the news."

"Well?" James asked.

Daniel opened his eyes and frowned, which didn't go unnoticed by his parents. "I know what you're both thinking. That this is a Blessing of God. I, uh... would like to start by saying that that statement is... far from true."

Then his parents' smiles began to falter.

"In fact... it's... kinda the opposite, really."

Silence filled the whole house. His parents started to grow more concerned for their son, and Elanor raised a hand to cover her mouth in shock.

James looked at him a lot more sternly... like the father he once knew. But he sensed it. He wasn't angry at him. Just... concerned, and now completely using his Paternal Instincts to protect his son.

"Daniel... is she hurting you?" Elanor asked, while James pitched in.

"Daniel... be honest with us. Did she do something terrible to you, my son?"

"No, Mom, no, Dad! Gosh, she's been the most wonderful person in my life! And... a-and that's what makes this so difficult for me to explain!"

Then his parents sighed in relief, before a slightly weaker smile returned on their faces. James walked over to him and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Daniel... it's okay. You can be honest with us. I promise, I won't be mad at you. In fact... I absolutely will not judge you, either, no matter what sin it is you've got hiding behind us."

Elanor approached Daniel as well and wrapped her arms around him in a warm hug.

"That goes for me as well, Daniel... we're your parents. We love you... we always will love you, no matter who you decide to love!"

Daniel then looked at them confusedly. "Wait... what?"

James shook his head and looked him in the eye. "Again, Daniel. You can be honest with us. If God can love a murderer, surely he can love you as well. I know it."

"Wait, Dad... Mom... are you thinking that..."

His mom only confirmed his fears.

"Daniel... you can be honest, now. Is she actually a man?"

He was silent for a moment, before he started to smirk... then he burst out laughing.

His parents released him from their grasps and weakly smiled at him, wrapping arms around each other, instead, as they let their son get the sudden burst of laughter out of his system.

Then he raised a hand up before they could get any more wrong ideas, and said, "N-no, guys! She- HAHAHA! She... s-sorry, I just... I just... no! Absolutely not, guys! She's definitely a girl!"

Then his parents looked confusedly at each other, then at him. James then asked, "Oh... then, uh... is she an older woman?"

Elanor pitched in, "W-with gray hair, perhaps?"

This only made Daniel laugh even more, shaking his head rapidly. "O-ho-ho, definitely not that, either!"

Then his parents frowned a bit, while Elanor plead, "Please, Daniel... just tell us! Why is this so difficult for you? What part of it would we not understand?"

Then Daniel started to calm his breathing. He took a few deep breaths, before finally regaining his composure.

"Okay, okay... I... well, obviously, you both won't believe me at first." he said, frowning slightly as the reality kicked back in.

"Son... we told you we'd keep an open mind." James said to his son, once more placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Yes, but... I know it won't be as open as you think." Daniel added, which made his dad tilt his head confusedly. "Okay... you want the absolute, Hand-On-The-Bible Truth?"

"Please, son... I'm begging you, now... just let it all out." James said.

Daniel had to take another few elongated breaths, and closed his eyes. "Well... here goes nothing."

He then opened his eyes and confessed to them.

"... I'm getting married to the Queen of Hell." he said in as serious of a face as he can muster up.

The silence in the room was so strong, one could almost hear a pin falling from a mile away.

Then his parents started to chuckle lightly, albeit out of unease.

"Son-" James began, but Daniel shook his head.

"No, Dad. I'm serious. I'm marrying the Queen of Hell. The Devil Incarnate. The one who lives within the Realm of Fire and Brimstone."

"Daniel, that's enough. My Lord, how can you say such a thing about this girl, and you haven't even married her, yet? Have you no shame?!" James said, now starting to feel a bit more agitated, not just on the buildup, but the entire mockery of what all he believed in. "And last I checked, Hell doesn't even have a Queen!"

"Listen, Dad. It's... you know what, it's probably better if I just introduced her to you both, instead of this." Daniel said, also feeling a bit annoyed.

James nodded his head. "Yeah! And with God as my witness, you will give her an absolutely well-deserved apology for saying such horrible things about her, while you're at it!"

Then James began to storm off, until Daniel raised a hand up to stop him. "Wait, Dad! Stay in here, please!"

James turned around and glared at Daniel. "Why, so I can listen to you speak so lowly about your fiance?! Forget it! I need to go say a long, long prayer so that God may forgive you for speaking such blasphemy, and terrible words about one of his beloved daughters!"

Daniel pinched the bridge of his nose, before finally glaring back at his dad. "You know what, then? Fine. She's actually close by, now. I guess you'll just miss the chance to greet her warmly into this house!"

This got James's attention. He crossed his arms and raised his nose up in the air in an aggressive stance. At this time, Elanor was covering her mouth with both hands, looking back and forth between them, and silently praying that they not get in yet another fight like last time.

"Guys, please stop! C-can we just settle this peacefully for once?!" she begged.

Daniel looked at her with sorrow. "Yes, ma'am, Mom. I'll call her in now, and then we'll both explain everything... together."

James then nodded his head slowly. "Call her, then."

Daniel nodded back at him before pulling his phone out of his pocket and calling Mina.

...

"Hey, Mina. It's... it's time."

They both looked at each other briefly, before looking back at their son.

"Yes- I mean, no! I mean... well... they're as ready as they can possibly be at this point."

James leaned forward and called out, "Yeah, but a little upset about some choice words he said about you!"

Daniel deadpanned at his dad, who only smirked back at him in response.

Then Daniel sighed and said, "Anyways, so can you swing by the Front Door, please? We're all gathered in the Living Room now."

...

"Uh-huh... thanks, hon. Oh, and please, please don't forget about the promise."

...

"No, I don't take you for an idiot. I just... Idunno, I'm just a bit nervous, that's all. I mean, this is my parents we're talking about here."

...

"Right, I'm sorry. Touchy subject... no, I know you didn't have parents."

This made Elanor gasp.

"Oh, you poor dear! Please, come on inside! We're happy to have you as our guest!"

"Son... there better be a damn good reason why you said such things about her just now." James swore... a rare thing, for sure. Daniel knew that he was now on very, very thin ice with his dad, as the last time he swore at him, it was during that horrible fight they had years back.

"Alright... love you too, hon. See you in just a bit." Daniel said, before hanging up and turning around, facing the front door.

Elanor quickly hurried towards the door, only for Daniel to stop her quickly.

"No, Mom. You don't want to get too close. Not... not yet, at least."

"Why not? Daniel, I have to go greet her, at least! We need to be hospitable!"

"Mom, listen, she-"

"And plus, the door is locked! Can't we at least unlock it for her?!"

"That doesn't matter, Mom." Daniel replied, only for James to slam his foot on the ground, causing all eyes to focus on him.

He raised his finger up sternly at Daniel and pointed angrily at him. "Alright, that's it! No son of mine is going to waltz into this house, and... and..."

But soon, Jame's eyes drifted over towards the door, and his jaw dropped open widely. Elanor stared at him confusedly, while Daniel smiled, knowing fully well what his dad was witnessing.

Elanor turned around and just stared blankly at the scene before her, while Daniel turned around, keeping his "I-Told-You-So" Smile on.

Once again, the walls around the house have turned into fleshy, Hellish, pulsing muscles, and the door was a brighter tone. The blade was already stabbed into the door, and tore a wound down to the ground level, then vanished behind it.

Mina then opened the wound up and stepped into the room, turning the bit of flooring below her into exposed muscle as well.

Her piercing red eyes were closed upon entering, but when she opened them, they first laid eyes on Elanor.

Everyone was silent at that point, until Mina raised her hands up towards Elanor. Mina began to weakly smile at the shocked human woman, before she finally leaned forward. and wiggled her fingers.

"... Boo." Mina simply said.

Elanor fainted at that point, falling backwards and landing on the soft carpet, with a fleshy pillow that was conjured up behind her head for safety.

Daniel planted his face in his palm, while Mina started to laugh hysterically. She didn't really expect to have this much fun at the start, and seeing such chaos before her brought a single, solitary tear to her eye.

Then she turned her attention to James, who was so dumbfounded at her presence, that he forgot his finger was still pointing, albeit now at her instead of Daniel. She smiled wickedly at him, which made him reel back a few steps.

"So let me ask you, James... when you said my fiance had some choice words about me, I have to ask... were they at least fitting for the Queen of Hell?" she asked, blinking rapidly at him with her Cheshire grin held strong.

James closed his mouth and opened it again, but only mumbles came out.

Mina then looked at his hand and deadpanned. "You know, when you point at someone, three fingers usually point back at you, right?" She then shrugged her shoulders. "Unless, you know, you were an Amputee, of course. Like, say, someone rude enough to point at their guests?" She placed her hands on her hips and leaned towards him with annoyance now on her expression, and within her tone.

James quickly dropped his hand down and backed into a counter separating the Kitchen from the Living Room... it almost looked like he was reaching for something, but Mina paid it no mind, as she turned towards Daniel and she weakly smiled at him.

"Hey, hon!" he told her with a casual wave.

She waved back at him. "Hey, dear."

Then she crossed her arms together. "You know, I didn't think your family would be this much fu-" she began, before a large splash of water went up into her face... Holy Water, to be exact.

She slowly turned towards James, who was holding a now empty bucket in his hands, and staring at her like a fish out of water.

She deadpanned at him for a few seconds, as the contents fell onto the floor, which simmered with each drip, before she turned away from everyone and spat some of the contents out of her mouth. Then she looked at James again.

"Being the Queen of Hell doesn't make me a Demon, you know."

James backed up several paces, then turned towards Daniel, who looked at him as well with an amused smirk.

"Son... get the hell away from that thing!" James ordered.

Daniel shook his head and crossed his arms. "No, Dad. You said you'd have an open mind about this."

"Son! I'm not in the mood to repeat myself! Now, GET THE HELL AWAY FROM THAT CREATURE!"

Rather than listen to his dad, however, Daniel walked even closer to Mina and wrapped his arm around her. She looked up into Daniel's eyes, and felt an inner sense of pride and comfort when she saw, and sensed, his determination to stand by her side, even against his own parents.

"Dad. What good is a man's worth if he can't stand true to his own words?"

James quickly glared at Mina, then reached behind the Counter and pulled out a Kitchen Knife. He pointed it at her and threatened, "What did you do to my son, you monster?!"

"DAD!" Daniel shouted, pointing at his father angrily. "DON'T YOU EVEN THINK ABOUT IT!"

"Don't worry, son. I'm gonna break you out of that spell!"

Daniel quickly turned to Mina and begged, "Mina, please don't hurt him. I swear, he's just-"

Mina raised a finger up to his lips and silenced him. Then she replied, "I know, Daniel. I gave you my word, and I meant it. Besides, I'm actually kinda entertained by this!"

Daniel sighed, shaking his head. "Hon, please... I know it's fun to you, but they're... they're afraid, and this is causing them enough stress to kill them in the long run."

Mina sighed, before shrugging her shoulders. "Fine, then. James... you can put the knife away. I'm not here to hurt any of you, nor will I even try to, even if you tried to hurt me."

"As if I'm going to believe the words of the Devil, himself!" James threatened. "I can see the deceit within your eyes! I know you're actually Lucifer, himself, here to taint this home with your foul magic! And by the Grace of God, I will-"

Mina rolled her eyes. "Oh, bla bla bla. Look, if it makes you feel any better, I killed Lucifer, and took the crown as a result."

"As if I'd buy that load of crap, as well!" James shouted at her.

"Jeez. You know what, Old Timer? 'Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.' Fuck, I'm the Devil, and I understand your god more than you do!"

James gritted his teeth. "The Devil spoke Scripture to Jesus Christ when he was tempting him... it shall not work on me!"

"Shall? You know words like that aren't of this Century. I should know. I read it all out of boredom during my stay here last year!"

James bowed his head and began to pray for strength, while Mina just rolled her eyes and let him finish.

Then he opened his eyes and placed the knife on the counter. "Alright, then... answer me this. Why are you after my son? What good does this family have of you, other than to torture and kill us?!"

Mina giggled, before giving him her Cheshire smile again. "Oh, James..."

Then the entire room was instantly engulfed in the flesh and bloodied walls, floor, and ceiling. Numerous fires started to surround James, and he quickly recoiled in shock.

"If I wanted to kill you, I would've just done so already. If I wanted anything from you, I could just have taken it from you. And yet, I didn't take your son from you... no, he took me from myself, and I agreed to marry him for his benefits. Not mine. Personally, I don't give a fuck about weddings, and lovey-dovey bullshit, but for him, and my subjects, I gave it the benefit of a doubt. And so, your son's and my wedding is on, with or without you!

"Now, you have two options! Either you give us your blessing, and keep to your word that you'll go through Hell to see him happy, or we have the wedding without you or your wife, and your son loses any and all shreds of trust he has left in you for letting him down, and not being there for the happiest moment of his life!"

After getting her point across, Mina snapped her fingers, and the house went back to normal, save for the door and a small circular area surrounding her.

James was shaken at this point. He was very, very conflicted. He wanted his son to be happy, but he couldn't bring it to himself to let that happiness be towards... well... the Devil, Lucifer or not.

Elanor groaned and slowly opened her eyes. She had missed out on essentially everything, but when she looked at Mina, her panic soon returned.

Mina looked at her with a deadpan. "You know, your choice of husband is... kinda terrible, actually. Dude only made one good choice in his life, and that's to have Daniel with you."

Elanor looked at Daniel, who was still holding Mina's back in his arm, then slowly brought herself back up to her feet. She then slowly, shakily, approached them.

James held a hand out. "Elanor, NO!"

But instead of listen to her husband, she reached out and gently touched Mina's face.

Mina raised a confused eyebrow, while Elanor looked into her eyes. "Uh... I mean, sure I can swing both ways, but I don't think your son would like that."

Elanor paid her jest no mind, however, and shook her head. "No... you aren't the same Devil we read about... you truly love our son, don't you?"

Mina blinked at that. Then, for the first time in her stay there, she sincerely smiled at her and nodded her head. "Yes... I really do love him. It's... it's not something I normally say to just anyone, either."

Elanor nodded her head then moved over towards her son. She placed her hands on his cheeks and looked closely at him.

"D... Daniel?" she asked.

Daniel weakly smiled back at her, and replied, "Yes, Mom?"

She just stared at his eyes for a bit more longer, before shaking her head. "No malice... no tricks. No... you really are Daniel."

"Yes, Mom... it's really me." he replied with a confused smirk. "What, are you suddenly some kind of Mind Reader?"

She chuckled, before gently bopping him on the forehead with her palm. "Oh, you're definitely him, alright... and you're still in control of yourself?"

"Yes, ma'am."

She was silent for a moment longer, before she decided to back away from them, and turned to James.

"James... we have to see it through."

James gawked at her. "Are... ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR FREAKIN' MIND, WOMAN?!"

She slapped him across the face immedately, and glared at him. "No, but you are! You've just been so lost in your own selfish desires, that you didn't think about your own son!"

Mina whispered to Daniel, "You know... I think I'm starting to like your Mom. Almost feel bad for scaring her first... almost, at least."

Daniel chuckled at her as he saw his parents have a slight, one-sided argument.

"But the Bible says-"

"AND LOOK AT THE FACTS FOR ONCE! Yes, we are God's children, but his feud was with Lucifer! NOT this poor young lady, uh..." she looked back over her shoulder.

"Pinkamena." Mina said, which won her an appreciative nod.

"Pinkamena, of whom has done nothing to threaten us!"

Her eyes then started to water.

"In fact... the only one who appears to have been a threat here is you!" she shouted, slapping James in the chest.

He looked at her confused. "Me?!"

"Yes, you! I know that knife wasn't on that counter before!" she said, pointing at said knife.

James sighed and closed his eyes. "I'm just trying to protect you... both of you... from this... this..."

Mina raised a hand up. "Equestrian. Pony. Earth Pony. Queen. Devil. Take your pick."

"... this thing!"

She crossed her arms and deadpanned at him. "Jeez, aren't you the charmer?"

But Elanor shook her head and glared at him. "I see how it is, then... if that's the way you want it, that's the way you'll get it!"

"Honey, what are you-" James began, only for Elanor to raise a hand up and stop him.

"I'm going with them, and keeping my promise I made to our son!" she stated.

"To hell you are!" James stated, which only won a laugh from both women in the room.

Elanor then chuckled at him. "That's right! To Hell I am going! And if I had anything to say about it, to Hell with you, too!"

She then slapped him again across the face, before turning towards Daniel and Mina.

"So... when exactly is the wedding, dearies?"

Daniel cleared his throat. "Uh... does three days sound alright to everyone here?"

"Try never!" James stated.

*Slap*

"Oww!"

"Three days sounds wonderful! And don't worry. I'll make sure he minds his manners, while we're there!" Elanor said, gesturing towards her husband.

Mina chuckled. "Good to know. I'll make sure you both are at least safe... for the most part. Just, uh... tone down the Religious Theme when you're there, please. Don't want any of my subjects being uncomfortable in the wrong kind of way."

Elanor waved a dismissive hand at her. "Oh, not to worry, Dearie! We'll be sure to only bring regular jewelry and clothes for the trip. No Holy Water, no Religious objects!"

"Good. I kept my word, so I'll trust you both to keep yours." Mina said. Then, she looked over at Daniel. "Well, guess that part's done. I'll see you at the wedding in three days! Master Room's off-limits until then!"

Daniel nodded and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. "See you at the Altar of Blood, hon!"

And with that, she left through the wound. In the blink of an eye, the house was back to normal.

"So... who wants Spaghetti?" Elanor offered.

Daniel waved a dismissive hand. "Thank you, Mom, but I really do need to get going. I've got a whole wedding to plan out in three days."

"Oh! Will you need some help with that, Dearie?" she offered.

He was about to decline, when an idea struck. "Actually, Mom... didn't you plan yours and Dad's wedding?"

She smiled even brighter at him. "Oh, I most certainly did! Did you know I was actually a Wedding Planner back when I graduated High School?"

"Yeah, you told us back in school. Then... hey, Mom. How would you like to take a quick trip with me?"

It was Day 1 on the Planning Routine. Two more days until the big celebration! Daniel and his parents (one willing and one reluctantly being dragged by his wife) were standing at their front porch when the black limo appeared. Daniel opened the back door and let his parents in first, before following behind them.

Elanor smiled and looked up at the driver, but nearly jumped out of her skin when she saw a skull looking right back at her, and the driver apparently already out of his skin... literally.

"O-oh! Uh... y-you must be..." she began, only for Death to chuckle.

"Don't worry, Miss Elanor. It ain't time for y'all, yet! Heck, your son even guaranteed y'all a few extra years!"

"Oh, did he now?! Well that's a... relief, I guess!"

Daniel laughed and motioned towards them. "Yeah... hey, Death! Mind taking us to the Shopping Center, first?"

"Oh, sure thing Daniel! Whatcha have in mind? Hellish Desires, or the Sea of Blood Stylists?" Death asked.

"Um... actually, I was thinking more along the lines of us shopping here on Earth for a bit." Daniel replied.

"Oh? Alrighty, then!" Death agreed.

Daniel's mom was surprisingly quick to decide on the decor and doodads. While Daniel initially thought of grabbing red things, Elanor decided on a mixture of red and blue.

"Really, Mom? Blue?" Daniel asked.

"Well, duh! Pinkamena strikes me as a blue type of gal!" Elanor stated matter-of-factly.

Daniel decided not to question it. To him, understanding women's taste was an entirely different language he was initially born to fail at.

Next up, they grabbed some lunch. It was quick and easy takeout, though, and they managed not to scare anyone off, since Death came extra prepared... by wearing a mask and gloves to put over his suit. He was greeted with suspicion, however, and he was a bit worried about the stares he got.

Finally, they booked a hotel for Hell using Daniel's phone. He figured his parents should at least get a good feel of the place, so that they know for certain that they would be safe during the ceremony.

"Welcome to the Dead Man's Landing! How can I help you fine souls today?" the red-skinned, yellow-eyed incubus asked the group.

Daniel smiled and told his parents, "Trust me, this place is actually really cool! Just, uh... don't ask for Room Service or Meals."

"Don't worry, Dearie. That's why we got extras from that Takeout." Elanor replied to her son.

James just grumbled angrily as he avoided looking at anyone during the whole trip.

Daniel then looked at the incubus and told him, "Hey, Dave!"

The incubus blinked owlishly before squinting his eyes. Then he gasped and smiled widely. "OH! Daniel, it's you! Heeeey, man! Been a while! What've you been up to?!"

"Ah, you know, I've just been busy with work lately. Couldn't have much free time. So how's everything been up here?"

"Oh, it's been terrific since that COVID stuff kicked in! Heaven's been too occupied to wage another brawl with us, and we've been getting more and more customers coming in! Though... I'll be honest with ya, it seems we're BOTH kinda getting close to a shortage of space here..." Dave then looked over at Elanor and whistled. "Whew! Well hello there, beautiful!"

Elanor giggled and waved a dismissive hand at him. "Oh, stop it, you rascal~."

"You know, maybe I can show you the sauna sometime? They've got gentle hands, and they won't go down too hard... unless, of course, you want that~."

She blushed and looked at Daniel. "Oh, Daniel! I didn't know you had such a gentleman for a friend!"

This time, James actually reacted by staring at Dave dumbfounded. "Uh, excuse me?! That happens to be my wife!"

Dave looked over at him and blinked confusedly, before gasping in shock. "Oh! OH! I'm sorry, I'm so sorry!"

He then leaned towards him and wiggled his eyebrows, staring half-lidded at him. "Naturally, you can join us too, handsome~."

"Mother of God, I'm going to be sick..." James and Daniel both thought to themselves simultaneously, James for obvious reasons, and Daniel because he couldn't get the image of his parents in the sauna with Dave out of his mind, now.

Daniel then quickly broke the awkwardness by clearing his throat. "Uh, actually, we're just here for a room for two nights."

"YES! JUST ROOMS! NO WEIRDNESS. NO SAUNAS. NO DAMN THING EXCEPT A COZY BED AND REGULAR, HUMAN-FRIENDLY, NON-SINFUL THINGS!" James shouted, actually agreeing with his son for once.

Daniel planted his face in his palm at his dad's loudness, but nodded his head nonetheless.

Dave nodded his head in understanding. "Aww, that's too bad. Well, lucky for you-hoo guys and gal, we've got two rooms open right now! Of course, with Daniel here being under Royal Guidance, you all don't have to pay a single Soul Fragment! Can I get a woo-hoo?!"

"No. You can not." James deadpanned at the incubus.

Dave just harrumphed. "Hrmph. Party-pooper."

Then he passed them their keys: one for Daniel, and one for Elanor. They made their way over to their rooms, which was thankfully not far from the lobby, and right next to each other.

The walls were mostly made of brimstone, which gave it a beautiful yellow hue. The floors were made of pitch black crystal, however, and red carpets similar to the carpets in the castle gave the floor a nice touch. The beds were also surprisingly soft, with blankets that emitted a slight steam from within.

And to James's and Elanor's surprise, there was also running water, courtesy of a deal Dave made with Mina, involving a few competitive sirens. Needless to say, said sirens would no longer haunt the Seven Seas on Terra.

Mina, in exchange, gained a powerful ally for Hell's Army that day, seeing how the incubi and succubi were among the more cunning Demons of Hell, considering their natural art of seduction and disguises.

Daniel, in his room, hung out with Death for a bit. Death was excessively happy about the whole ordeal. For once in his existence, he was given a go-ahead from both halves of the Cosmos to take a few days off, so he lent his job to some random sap who'd likely screw things up a bit more, but he didn't give a shit, as he was finally free for a moment.

"So, Death. I've been meaning to ask you something." Daniel began. Death cut him off quickly.

"Whoa there, dude! Those words should be used on hot ladies, and not moi!" he replied.

Daniel playfully punched him on the shoulder, while he laughed in return.

"Yo, for real, dude. I need to tell you something."

"Aight, shoot." Death said, crossing his arms over his chest, as he plopped down at the foot of the bed.

Daniel shrugged his shoulders. "I know you're free from your job for a bit. And, well, thank you for that, by the way."

"Hey, you're the only friend I've had since my brother Abel. You know I'd be willin' to be there for ya during this important time of your existence!"

"Right, right... but listen. I'd hate to ask you to do work, but... well... my mom could really use the help. And... well... I was wondering if you would... like to be the Best Man?" Daniel asked.

Death gasped. "Oh my gosh... you didn't realize that I am the best until now?!"

Daniel deadpanned at him for a moment... but couldn't hide his amused smirk for long.

"Eh, yeah yeah, fuck you too."

"Looked like Dave wanted to with your paren-"

"Death. Remind me to lobotomize myself after this whole thing's over."

"Heh. Your fiance wouldn't want that, would she?"

"No, she wouldn't."

Death then patted him on his shoulder. "But for real, man. You can count on me."

"Thanks, man. And, uh... I know my dad's not going to want to marry Mina and I off, so... we may also need you to put on two hats here, as well."

"Ah... yeah, about that... I don't know if I can marry you two off."

Daniel raised an eyebrow. "Why not? Isn't marriage a major life step?"

"It is, yeah, but... well... my domain is usually around breaking the relationships. Not joining 'em together!" Death admitted. "I mean, they even have the saying, 'Till Death Do Us Part'. Clearly gotta mean something, right?"

Daniel shrugged his shoulders. "Well, yeah, that's true... for Normal Weddings. But need I remind you that we're having a Hellish Wedding?"

"Hmm... point taken. Well, I can't promise excellency, but eh, what the hell. I'll give it a shot!" Death agreed to it.

Daniel fist-bumped him before Death went to his own bed across the room.

The rest of the night was uneventful, save for the sound of arguing from across the wall.

James was not happy about Elanor's antics with Dave, and Elanor was not happy with James for not taking a little crude humor every now and then.

After calling him a prude, she went to sleep on her own bed, while he grumbled himself to sleep separately.

The second day, Daniel, Elanor, and Death went into the castle to decorate. They had numerous imps and demons who each volunteered to help out.

It had its ups and downs, some natural and unnatural disasters here and there... but to Elanor, it was the most fun she had in years!

James, on the other hand, was being a stubborn grouch, and refused to leave the hotel room, wishing it would all just be done and over with already.

By the time night hit, the castle was ready for the following morning.

It was midnight, and James was standing there at the railing of the hotel's roof. He sighed, staring up at the red hellish sky, where the blood-colored moon shone.

This was an unnatural, unholy place of sin and despair. The land of damnation and torment... and yet... why did his wife and child have to fall victim for its evil charm? Why were they actually enjoying their time here?

He heard the door to the elevator close behind him, and he turned around. Mina was standing there, dressed in her usual red attire.

He scowled at her. "What do you want, huh? You've already taken everything from me. My wife. My child. Now have you come to take my life?!"

Mina said nothing. She lifted her hand up and snapped her finger, summoning her cleaver from the void.

James sighed, before turning back around, looking at the sky again.

"Fine... go ahead. Just get it over with... not like they'd miss me, anyways." he finally said to her.

Then he heard the sound of the weapon hitting the stone surface. He turned around again, only to see that she dropped her cleaver where she stood, then approached him unarmed.

"What? You're just gonna use your fancy magic on me? You gonna choke me out with your bare hands?! Go on, then! DO IT!" he shouted.

She stopped walking. At this point she was face-to-face to him, and within reach.

His fists shook, but he remained glaring at her, as he tried to read her expression.

Her eyes were half-lidded, and she was frowning at him.

Then, she closed her eyes completely, and shrugged her shoulders.

"I just came to say I'm sorry."

This caught James off-guard. "Excuse me?"

She opened her eyes and deadpanned at him. "You heard me."

He just stood there petrified, as she walked over to the rail beside him and leaned over it.

"I don't say it often, so I guess relish in this moment... but yeah... I'm sorry." she said again.

"Why... are you apologizing to me?!" James asked.

She shrugged her shoulders. "Eh... for being me, mostly."

"For being... you?" he asked, scratching his chin confusedly. "I don't follow."

She sighed. "Well, think of it like this. You inherit a title, gain immense power. The world is your oyster, right? But then, when you think you've won, you lose it all shortly afterwards. Now you're powerless, and saved by someone... someone who actually trusts you for being you, and not for being who you were remembered as."

"Okay... so what are you implying?" he inquired.

Her eyes turned towards his own, and her pupils glowed a feint red color.

"You have every right to fear me. After all... before becoming the Queen of Hell, I was a serial killer. A murderer. A seductress that killed guards, an assassin that murdered Nobles... and I didn't do it just for money. I did it because I found it fun. I enjoyed watching them bleed."

James felt his grip on the rail tighten. Hearing this was just making him feel even more uneasy.

"... Then I was captured, finally, and sentenced to Eternity in Hell." she said.

"Eternity?"

"Yes... they cast a spell that made me Immortal. They said that, rather than taking my life, they'll watch me never be able to end my own. I was then beaten senselessly, and tortured. I was cut, bruised, stabbed, maimed... and every time, my body would regenerate. Eventually, though, I grew to savor the pain."

"Hmm..." James said, thinking to himself. "You savored the pain?"

"Yes... I never knew feeling such agony could make me actually feel more... alive."

"Then how come you escaped your torture if you loved being in pain so much?"

"Because after they realized I was enjoying the pain, they decided to inflict a different kind of pain... one I didn't enjoy at all."

"And that was?"

"... Isolation."

"..."

"That's right. They left me alone after a week of endless pain... only to be given a month of endless torment. And that's why I escaped the cell."

"You escaped the cell because you were alone?"

"Yeah... and that's when I realized that I was stuck in Hell. Eventually, I found my way to the more populated areas, but in that circle of it, was a seemingly endless prison."

"How did you escape it?"

"Heh... I guess I have my original to thank for that."

"Your... original?" James asked.

She nodded her head. "It was about five years ago. I was created by the original Pinkie Pie, as a means for her to be in two places at once. I learned everything about her, her friends, and all kinds of things about myself. How much my body was able to physically handle, how much my spirit could handle... and I was the first one she made out of hundreds, so I held a special place in her heart.

"Because of this, she taught me the most... and one key thing she mentioned was that we were actually part Nephilim."

"Nephilim?" James almost seemed a bit surprised.

"Yeah... we were descendants of a hybrid between a Pony and an Angel. However, we were the most mortal of the line, as the ancestry was lined back up by thousands of millennia."

"So you were immortal before they immortalized you?" James asked.

She shook her head. "Like I said, we were the weakest. This meant that we were the line where immortality ends, and mortality begins. However, because of our closeness to such abilities, magic flowed through our veins as naturally as breathing."

"Hmm... so that's why the world around you corrupts?"

"Heh... partially. But that's not relevant right now."

"Sorry... go on." James said, looking back at the sky.

Mina nodded her head and looked at the moon.

"Unlike the other clones she made, I actually studied up on my lineage. And from there, I learned the truth... that we were more than capable of becoming the equivalent of gods... but all it took was immortality, and we'd be a force to be reckoned with."

"Is that why you started killing people?" James asked.

She nodded her head. "Yes... but then, after the first one, it became a Cold Case, so I needed another. Then another... and before long, I guess I got lost in the swing of things. I started to make murder an Art Form, and... well... as I mentioned earlier, I began to enjoy it a lot."

James sighed, shaking his head. "You know... this is starting to sound a bit like a Confession."

Mina chuckled at this, which caused James to blink in surprise. Did... did he make her genuinely chuckle?

"Yeah... I guess you can call it that. Something like it, at least. Not religious-themed. I'm not asking for Forgiveness, after all."

"But you said you were sorry."

"Yes, and I meant it. Whether you forgive me or not isn't in my interest, though. Basically, I'm giving apologies, without asking forgiveness as a return policy."

"Ah... I... guess that actually makes sense."

"Good... anyways, so I eventually got caught mid-process of skinning a victim, when they finally put the clues I left together.

"Then, they immortalized me, and banished me to Hell. Once all was said and done, I took some odd jobs around the place. Put some lost souls in their place, give an idiot a taste of poison so they can't do anything for Eternity... it was still fun to me. But then... I heard that Lucifer was the one in charge of this place. I challenged him for the crown, and being the challenger that he was, he accepted."

"A challenge? What kind of challenge?"

"A duel to erasure, of course. Whoever can find and erase the other's soul would become the next Monarch of Hell... and, well, as you can see, I emerged victoriously. Using the innate powers I learned from my Nephilim Blood, I was able to absorb his powers before erasing his soul. Thus, the Corruption Aura you usually see around me while on Earth."

"Ah... I see, now."

"Anyways... so, after I succeeded, I was bested by a hero from my home world, Equestria, and banished to Earth after being drained of most of my powers."

"And that's when you met my son?"

"Yeah... after falling a bit too high, Daniel came to my aid. At first, I tried to seduce him to shut up about me, but he just kept on, even resisting my charms."

"Heh..."

"Yeah... laugh it up, Grandpa. Anyways, so I even got really close to just wanting to kill him. Not out of fun, this time, but out of frustration."

"Hmm... how come?" James inquired. He felt uncomfortable again after hearing this. Paternal Instincts, and all.

But he was relieved after hearing her response.

"Because he just kept on calling me 'Mina'. Not Pinkamena, which I repeated to him over and over again."

"Oh... hah! Well, he's always been one to give those he cares about pet names."

"Hmm... I see..." Mina said, thinking about something. "I'll have to talk with 'em about that, then... but anyways!

"So he resists my charms once again, but this time I kissed him and offered to be his girlfriend... and he rejected me!"

"Well, I mean, you are kinda-sorta not human."

"I've seduced humans before, you know. I learned the arts of seduction by a few succubi, so I knew it wasn't a thing about me... it was something about him, instead."

"Hmm... maybe because I raised him?"

"Pfft. Nah. I've even been able to seduce a priestess who was straight... that was a fun kill, actually."

"That's... not helping."

"Right, sorry... too soon. Anyways, as I was saying, so I spent a year with him, living in seclusion while he worked to keep us both fed, groomed, and cared for in a home... and during this time, I learned something."

"And what was that?" James asked.

"... He wasn't just the only one able to resist my charms... he was also the only one in my existence to ever treat me as... well... as more than just a killer, or a monster. Even after I confessed who I was to him, he told me that he didn't care. He still saw something in me. He saw that spark of life in my eyes... and at that moment, I really fell for him."

"Huh..."

"So, yeah... after we had our little heart-to-heart confession of our feelings, and all that sappy crap, he helped me go back to Hell to reclaim my kingdom from that hero who, might I add, became its new queen during my absence. I wasted no time on her, but I had Daniel and even Death on my side. I, uh... made Death swear in my name that he not allow Daniel to die. He agreed, of course."

"Wait, so my son's immortal, now?"

"Yep... don't worry, he's still very much human. He just... can't die, basically."

"Hmm... that's... a lot to take in."

"I know... anyways, so bottom line is this. I want your son to live Eternity as happily as he can. And for some unknown reason, he fell for me, despite knowing who I was. I admit, I'm not perfect. Far from it, and will absolutely fucking deny ever becoming perfect. I have the right to be flawed... but even still... I guess you can pat yourself on the back."

James raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And how come?"

She released the railing and turned to leave. "Well, simple. You sired the man who tamed the Devil, herself... and now, he's slowly making her a better figure."

With that, she picked up her blade and returned it to the void. Then, she vanished into thin air, leaving James to look at the rising sun.

He was still very much a man of God... but now, he was confused, conflicted... he didn't want to say it out loud, but he felt like he and the Devil, herself actually... had a decent connection there.

If anything, despite the horrendous sins, and the ungodly title she claimed, no, sought for... he also felt a bit sorry for her.

He looked towards where she was standing one last time, then sighed.

"Oh, Lord... what should I do?" he prayed.

But he heard nothing more than the wind's silent breeze as a response.

The moment was finally there. Daniel and Death were both standing there at the Altar of Blood, with Death holding his own copy of the Necronomicon, which emitted a slight purr as he began to pat it like a pet cat.

Daniel also snuck in a slight patting, which made it hiss in delight. The eyes on its corners were squinting happily.

The aisles were filled to the brim. After a bit of rumormongers managed to gain word of an actual wedding taking place in Hell, starring none other than their Queen, herself, they were almost out of chairs. As such, some of the taller Demons offered the Imps a free shoulder seat... by which, they let the imps sit on their shoulders... just this once, at least.

A ghost was playing the piano, so none of the regular human guests could see anything but the organ's keys moving... however, occasionally, they'd hear him humming with the tune.

Daniel was looking a bit worriedly through the crowd, though. Not because he was nervous about the wedding day, but rather, because he could see his mom... but not his dad.

He frowned a bit, and looked at Death uneasily. "I don't know, man... it's not like him to just walk out on something. Especially when mom's around."

Death reassured him, "Look, he's probably just gotta go use the toilet. I'm sure there's a logical explanation behind it!"

"Well, the logical explanation is that he refuses to accept this day, and decided to pack his bags."

"... Correction. I'm sure there's a rational explanation behind it!" Death corrected.

"Rational isn't even in dad's book." Daniel replied.

Suddenly, the doors slowly opened, and Daniel looked over to see a sight he didn't expect to see.

Pinkamena Dianne Pie II... the Queen of Hell... was approaching them in what was a beautiful, long white Wedding Dress with a blue ribbon tied around her stomach.

And she was smiling... she was smiling like she was genuinely touched in the heartstrings for once.

Daniel just stared as she made her way down the aisle, behind the imp who was tossing small pebbles and charcoal bits down the center from a basket made of Crimson Stone.

Then, when she reached the staircase, next to where Daniel stood, he could barely compose himself as he lifted the veil up over her hat.

"Whoa..." Daniel began. "Umm... wow... Mina, you..."

She smirked at him, before winking. "Like what you see?"

He could only manage a nod, before Death cleared his throat.

"Ahem!"

They both turned to look at him, as he began.

"Umm... right, so... as we move on to remember the days of- oop!"

Death coughed a bit.

"Sorry, everyone. Force of habit. I'm mostly in the Funeral Business!"

A few chuckles emerged from the crowd. Mina only rolled her eyes, while Daniel smirked at his friend's antics.

"Anyways, so... Friends, Family, Enemies, and Acquaintances! Today, we all set aside our differences, at least for a moment, to bear witness to, what can only be described as, the FIRST Miracle to be done within Hell, itself!"

A few nods in the crowd.

"For it is on this day, that two souls, despite being Existential Planes apart... make vows to forever love one another, from the day they met, to the end of Eternity!"

Several imps, demons, and Elanor, all wiped tears from their eyes, while one imp grabbed a hold of a demon's jacket beside him and blew his nose. The demon, of course, still wearing the jacket, glared at him before crushing him with his fist... then, he looked back at the couple, and started to tear up, himself.

"And now... I guess it's time to exchange your vows!" Death continued, looking at Daniel.

Daniel took a deep breath, before looking Mina in the eye.

"Mina... I know I promised you that we wouldn't make this wedding sappy, but... well, I want you to know that I love you. Now, and forever. I'm not the brightest. I'm not the strongest. But I'll bet my soul that I'm one of the most determined men in Existence who will always strive to be by your side, not to change you, but to embrace you for who you are... who you choose to be. Whether good or evil, I vow to be on your side, no matter where we end up. I... uh... thank you, Mina, for everything."

Several imps clapped for him, followed by Elanor, and finally, the demons.

Mina closed her eyes, and remained silent for a moment.

Then, Daniel noticed a single tear fall down her cheek... followed by another.

"Oh, no... Mina, I'm... I'm sorry if I-"

She raised her hand to stop him, before her piercing red eyes opened up, looking into his dark green ones.

"Daniel... you're right. I didn't want sappiness in our wedding. I didn't want any of that nonsense... but... well... I didn't hear any sappy words coming from you this time."

A lone demon d'awwed at her remark.

"You see, Daniel... you're actually a bit of a knucklehead. That much is certain... but now, you are my knucklehead. And I, as Queen of Hell, itself, wouldn't want you any other way. And the reason why, yes, might be selfish of me. But to Hell with it, the truth is... I want you to be mine. Not as a servant. Not as a tool. No... I want you to stand at my side, as my equal. To love one another in these unforgiving lands below, as well as the far more forgiving lands above... and who knows? Maybe one day the even LESSER forgiving lands above that one."

A few demons cackled at that one.

"But I can't say it's sappy to tell me that you love me... because for you, Daniel... I feel the same."

Daniel smiled at her, and lifted a hand up to wipe a tear that was about to break itself from his eye's dams.

"Daniel... I, Pinkamena Dianne Pie II, Queen of Hell... confess my undying love for you. Now, and forevermore. Until the end of Eternity... and beyond even then."

With that, the entire room began to erupt with applauds from each member.

Daniel couldn't hold it anymore. He began to cry, feeling like the luckiest man to live for that one moment in time.

They both turned to face Death again.

Death was hugging the Necronomicon and crying small blue flames from his eye sockets, while the necronomicon in return rolled its eyes at its holder.

"Umm... Death?" Daniel quietly said.

Death froze before shaking his head and straightening back his posture.

"R-right, then! Now, for, uh... the rings! Yes, yes, the rings!"

An imp quickly rushed over, holding a pillow made of the red lava-like cloth. Tucked onto the pillow were two matching rings: each made of solid black gold, with red engravings written in Ancient Equish that read "Eternally Yours".

As the imp stood idly beside them, Death cleared his throat again. "Now, then! Before we give out the rings, does anybody here object to the binding of these two souls? If so, please speak now, or forever hold your pieces! Heh... get it? Because objecting to the Queen of Hell will, like, definitely get you cut up into pieces!"

A few chuckles, but nothing more.

"Right, then, little fella! Go ahead and pass 'em those rings, so they can finally be-"

The doors immediately slammed open, and at the top of his lungs, James shouted, "I OBJECT!"

Immediately, numerous gasps came from the crowd, and Mina began to shiver.

Daniel's pupils became pinpricks, as he turned to face his glaring dad from the opposite side of the aisle.

James, holding up his glare, raised a finger at the couple, and declared loudly, "This wedding is, without a doubt, IMPROPER! UNFAITHFUL! And most of all... NOT A REAL WEDDING!"

Daniel, Elanor, and Death pinched the bridges of their noses, while Mina slowly looked at her shaking hands. Something was up, and she wasn't able to control it.

"D-Daniel..." she whimpered.

Daniel quickly looked at her, and gently grasped her hands. "Don't listen to him, hon. Please, just ignore him. He's..." He was beginning to panic, as his dad approached them, now at the middle of the aisle.

And then, a dark thought began to fill within Daniel's mind... a deep, inner desire to just let it happen at this point. His dad was ruining his life... and so, what good was he to the family?

But James continued on. "And I, of all people should know!"

Daniel gasped. "He's not really going to... is he?!"

"And that is because... I... am a PREACHER OF GOD!"

Numerous demons and imps gasped in shock and terror.

"W-what is a Man of God doing here?!" one of them asked their neighbor.

"I-I don't know... something must be wrong!"

"Perhaps it's a Declaration of War?!"

"Or... w-what if he's actually here to assault our Queen?!"

James closed his eyes, ignoring the numerous glares and mixed expressions he was getting, and spread his arms out widely.

"And as a Man of God, I declare this wedding to be improper! By that regard, it can not go on like this!"

"Dad... if I were you, I'd stay the fuck back." Daniel thought... and Mina picked up on his emotions.

She lifted her head up and cleared her throat. "EVERYONE! HEED YOUR QUEEN, AND OBEY!"

Then, all attention was brought to her.

"BY DECREE... HE OBJECTS TO THIS PROPER! AS SUCH, HE IS ALLOWED TO SPEAK HIS PIECE!"

This confused everyone there, except James, who nodded his head. Daniel even stood shocked, hearing that his soon-to-be wife was actually allowing his dad to practically tarnish their hopes and their dreams, here and now of all times.

"But hon, he's-"

"Shh... as I said before, it doesn't matter if we get married or not. Our love holds true, does it not?" she asked, looking him in the eyes.

He then found the courage to weakly smile at her again, so long as he was in her eyes.

"Y-yeah... you're right..." He then looked at his dad and frowned. "Then... go ahead, dad... tell us what you need to say."

Again, James nodded, already expecting this reaction.

"Very well, then." he said, before clearing his throat. "As I was saying. I am a man of Faith. A man of Truth. A man of Justice. And most of all, a man of God. And here, I stand, in the land of which my entire FAITH has been tested! And here, I see a wedding... a wedding that is, without a doubt, BLASPHEMY!"

More demons began to glare at the middle-aged man.

"A HORRENDOUS LIE!"

"Oh, James... why?!" Elanor was deeply crying, not just out of shame, but embarrassment. She was seriously regretting bringing her husband into Hell at this point, and was even praying for God, himself, to shut him up before someone else does in other ways.

"AND BECAUSE OF THIS, I CAN NOT LET IT GO ON!"

Mina's shaking only intensified.

"AND THAT IS BECAUSE OF ONE SIMPLE THING!"

"And what, Father, is that, exactly?" Daniel spat.

James, again, paid the hatred no mind, as he raised his point even more.

"IT IS BECAUSE A WEDDING CAN ONLY BE TRULY MADE BY A MAN. OF. GOD!!!"

"Okay, THAT'S ENOUGH! WHY NOT JUST RIP A FUCKING HOLE INTO MY HEART, HUH?!" Daniel shouted at his dad.

Several Demons stood from their chairs and gave a loud, "YEAH!"

James kept his composure, before calling out, "BECAUSE I AM NOT HERE TO DO THAT, MY SON! I... AM HERE TO MAKE THINGS RIGHT!"

"Like Hell you are!" Daniel spat, only for Mina to raise a hand up and stop him from lunging at his father. "Mina! At this point, I won't hold you back. Do what you wish!"

"I am." Mina replied casually, despite her shaking. She then turned towards James, took a single step down the stairs, and folded her arms over her chest. "So... you've made a valid point. This whole thing is, in fact, wrong."

Several gasps filled the room, while Daniel looked away from everyone, closing his eyes.

"And so... what is it you have in mind, then, Old Timer, to fix it? Far as I know... you wanted us to not be together."

"You'd be correct, Pinkamena." James replied coolly, folding his own arms. "I didn't want you both together. Hell, part of me still have doubts about it... but even still, what must be done, must be done."

Mina nodded her head in understanding. "I agree... and so, we shall call this so-called 'wedding' off!"

Many demons felt a sudden pang in their hearts. Here was their queen, being strong, and putting on a brave face, and taking on the abuse from the Man of God that somehow found his way among them... and despite their anger, they also felt a touch of fear for the man. After all, who's to say killing him wouldn't upset the Divines, and force a war upon them?

She then looked at Daniel sorrowfully. "Daniel... I'm sorry. I know this was really important to you, but... well... it is what it is. I'm the Queen of Hell... and... well... I just can't be married to anyone, because of that. It... it goes against everything we believe in!"

Daniel didn't respond. He only kept looking away from it all, questioning why this kind of heartbreak had to happen to him.

He felt Mina's hands gently caress his chin. She turned him to face her, and he saw that she, too, was crying deeply, despite her calming voice.

"Your dad made it very clear. And... I may be Queen of Hell, but... even I know to respect our limits, at least. He doesn't want us married... and so, we'll just have to live with that."

...

But then, James cleared his throat.

"Ahem... actually, I had a different proposition in mind."

This made Mina look over at him confusedly. Her shaking intensified at this point, and she couldn't explain why, for all that is Unholy, she was doing so.

"A-and... w-w-what i-is it, the-e-e-n?" she asked curiously and shakily.

James looked at his son, took a deep, deep breath, and replied:

"... I want to be the one... that marries you both off."

Again, there was a collection of gasps.

Daniel's blood went cold for a brief moment.

And suddenly, Mina's shaking came to an abrupt stop.

"You... you what?" they both asked in unison.

James sighed, before closing his eyes and placing a hand on Daniel's shoulder.

"Daniel... you're my son. I've always wanted what's best for you. And... well... I believe I owe you an apology... both of you."

Mina blinked surprisedly, and the entire chapel went silent.

"You... you're apologizing to me?" Daniel asked.

James nodded his head again. "Yes, son... I'm sorry."

"What... are you apologizing to me for?" Daniel inquired.

"Well... as a surprisingly wise person told me not too long ago... I'm sorry for being me, mostly."

Mina looked slightly amused by that comment, but she remained silent.

"You see, Daniel... I've watched you grow into a fine, strong, smart young man. And, well... I've never really noticed it until now. The lady in your arms right now, though... she noticed it long before I did. She... well... she actually loves you, son... and so I, not as a Man of God, but as your Dad, personally... I give you both my blessing."

Daniel couldn't believe what he was hearing. He looked between his dad and Mina, who looked equally as confused, before motioning towards her. "Dad, I... I-I don't know what to say... uh... y-you're really my Dad, right?!"

James smiled brightly at his son, then nodded his head.

"Yeah, son... it's really me talking."

"And... y-you're actually offering to marry me to the Queen of Hell?!"

He nodded his head again and chuckled.

"Yeah... I am."

"But... that goes against everything you've raised me for..." Daniel said, to which James waved a dismissive hand.

"Yeah, well... to Hell with the details."

Daniel smirked a bit, then started to cry again. Here he was, wanting to kill his dad about five minutes ago... and now, he wanted nothing more than to hug him.

And so, he did just that.

As father and son reconciled with a hug, the demons and imps calmed down a bit, with some even aww'ing at them. A few, however, were still confused about what was going on.

James closed his eyes, as he too began to cry on his son's shoulders. "I love you, son."

Daniel nodded his head. "I... I love you too, Dad."

Then, after they broke from the hug, James looked at Mina. "Pinkamena Dianne Pie II... Queen of Hell... I, James Richard Banks, would be honored to allow you into our family, and to be the one who properly marries both you, and my son, together in Hol... erm... Unholy Matrimony."

Mina was speechless at this. She certainly didn't expect something of this caliber to happen... especially given the details she told James this morning.

She had to give it a moment to think... but then, after what felt like eternity, she looked over at Death, who was wiping the flaming tears from his own eyes... then, ushered him to move.

He saluted her before backing up, and blending into the crowd.

Then she looked over at James and, with the lack of words available to mind, gave him a sincere nod and smile.

He smiled back at her, before walking over towards Death, who in turn, lent him his necronomicon.

The necronomicon began to growl fiercely at the Man of God, but a quick, subtle snap of Mina's fingers, and it behaved itself... for the time-being, at least.

James then walked over to where Death once stood, and cleared his throat.

"Whether by the Grace of God, or by the Will of my Family... I hereby pronounce you both... Husband... and Wife!"

The entire room shook with applause, as they witnessed Daniel and Mina exchange their rings.

"And Daniel... you may now kiss the bride." James concluded.

Daniel looked lovingly into Mina's eyes, before reaching his hand behind her back and pulling her closer.

She gasped in surprise, as he brought his lips onto her own, kissing her passionately.

James gently patted the necronomicon to calm it down himself, but it tried to nip at his fingers, so he decided to just give it back to Death immediately.

Death sighed in relief upon taking the cursed living book back. "Yo, Mr. James! Gotta tell you, I took a peek at your Sands of Life. Whew! Lemme just tell ya, you dodged a major bullet on that one!"

James rolled his eyes, before retorting, "Yeah, well spare me the details."

"Hah! Whatever you say, Old Timer!" Then Death looked at the crowd, who were still seated, before approaching Mina after she and Daniel finished with their kiss.

"Hey, yo! Boss!"

She rolled her eyes and, once again, returned to a grumpy deadpan. "What?"

"I'm, uh... still the Best Man, right?"

She scoffed. "Oh? When were you ever the best at anything?!"

He lightly frowned at that, feeling a bit downtrodden. "Aww, come on, man, that... that just hurts."

She looked at Daniel, who rolled his eyes and smirked. "Yes, Death, you're still the Best Man."

Death perked up at that immediately. "Oh! OH, SNAP! YO GUYS! I JUST GOT APPROVAL BY THE KING OF HELL! I'M STILL BEST MAN! I'M STILL BEST MAN!"

He ran down the aisle cheering, while Daniel and Mina paid him no mind, as they were lost in each other's eyes.

Then, loud booming music began to play from the Main Room. Mina's ears twitched, and she sighed.

"Well... I guess I better explain the situation to our subjects." she said, before clearing her throat and standing up at the center of the Altar of Blood. "ALL ATTENDANTS AND ATTENDEES, REPORT TO THE MAIN ROOM FOR THE AFTERPARTY! THAT'S AN ORDER!"

The demons and imps, of course, cheered as they were dismissed into, what would likely be, Hell's most lively party out there.

Daniel raised an eyebrow at her. "Huh... I thought you'd be against a party in the castle."

She rolled her eyes. "Oh, please. Need I remind you? I'm also the clone of a Party Planner. Now come on, let's go before Death tries to sing Karaoke again!"

Daniel winced at that remark. "Ah, jeez. Hell's got enough torture in it as-is! We'd better hurry!"

To their dismay, however, they were too late, as Death had already been marked by numerous targets: gunk of various colors marked his once pitch-black robe as he continued to sing with his eye-sockets closed. Because he couldn't feel anything, naturally, he just kept on singing.

James and Elanor were standing at the balcony of one of the Castle Towers. Elanor had a lot of things on her mind, no doubt... and James knew it.

She then cleared her throat and began. "So... I don't know whether I should slap you, or kiss you right now."

James shrugged his shoulders. "I, uh... feel like I deserve the slap more, to be honest. After all, I've been a bit of an asshole these past few days."

"Yes... you have been." Elanor remarked, before finally deciding to give him a warm hug. "However... after what you did back there... among that crowd that honest-to-God looked like they were going to kill you... including our son..." she couldn't really say much more without choking out on her own tears.

He sighed, before returning the hug, rubbing her back gently. "I know, I know... and honestly, El... after how bad I've been treating our Daniel... I would've let 'em. I would've let 'em all have at me, knowing I died loving my family, even to the point of going through Hell for 'em..."

"Oh, James..." Elanor sighed, before lifting her head up from his chest, and planting a loving kiss on his lips.

He returned the kiss with a tender brush of her hair. He trailed his hand down her cheek, before Daniel cleared his throat from behind them.

"Uh... should we get another Balcony?" he asked.

They both looked at their son, who was arm-wrapped with their new Daughter-In-Law, and shook their heads.

"Uh... no, actually! We were about to come speak with you two!"

"Oh? Is that so?" Mina asked, as she and Daniel stood next to the other, older couple. "How come?"

"Well, we mostly just wanted to congratulate you both on the wedding... and most importantly, to welcome our newest member!" Elanor said, to which she rushed over and gave Mina a hug.

Mina's eyes widened at the sudden contact, but looked over at the back of Elanor's head, which was leaned over her shoulder, and smirked, before gently tapping the back of her shoulder in a pat-styled hug.

James, on the other hand, looked at Daniel and smiled. "Well... you treat her right, you hear me?"

"Heh... don't worry, Dad. I will. Always have."

"Good... you know, there's something that's been bothering me, though." James began.

Elanor and Mina regrouped with their men, leaning against the railing.

"And what would that be, exactly?" Mina asked.

"Well... you both were already content together. That much was a given... but why'd you both want to push on marriage of all things? Did you just want it to be official?"

Mina shrugged her shoulders. "Oh... well, honestly, it was Daniel's idea for the most part. He had lots of reasons why. Y'know, like the whole 'Love' thing, the Diplomatic Position I promised him... oh, and the baby, of course. Can't forget that."

"Wait, wait, wait..." James began, as Daniel's and Elanor's eyes widened. Alarm bells began ringing in their heads at once, as James was, once again, about to go on a tangent.

"You mean to tell me you're pregnant?!" James asked, staring between Mina and Daniel.

Mina shrugged her shoulders. "Uh... yeah?"

His face was starting to turn red with anger, as he stared daggers into his son. He then lifted is finger up and pointed wrathfully at Daniel.

"Y-YOU BOTH HAD... B-BEFORE YOU EVEN..." he began, as his wife, Elanor, quickly wrapped her arms around him and dragged him towards the exit portal behind them.

"Well, look at the time! We really should get going before the portals close! Thank you both for this wonderful time!" Elanor said to her children.

"H-heh... y-yeah, I should probably spend the night here in Hell... you know, where it's safe!" Daniel added.

Elanor mouthed, "Good idea." to him as they made their way next to the portal.

"Bye, Mom! Bye, Dad! Love you both!" Daniel called out.

"We love you too, Dearies!" Elanor called back, before James finally erupted.

"THAT DOES IT! WE'RE SAVING THIS FAMILY, AND CLEANSING IT IN THE NAME OF GOD! EL, GET MY BIBLE, WE'RE GOING TO FAST FOR A WHOLE WEEK! THEN WE'RE GOING TO DEVOTE OUR-"

Then, the portal closed behind them, and they were back at home on Earth.

Daniel sighed in relief, after having dodged yet another one of his dad's many bullets he had for his son.

And then, there were only two.

"So... your parents were nicer than I thought. Especially your mom." Mina said, breaking the silence.

Daniel nodded his head and smiled. "Yeah... they're a bit overzealous at times, but my mom's likely the only reason my dad never got kicked out of the church."

"Heh... I wonder why?" she playfully asked.

Mina had quite a few things on her mind. For one, how she felt blessed, despite being an entity of curses and death. Someone like her, who murdered and maimed... now a happy wife, and soon a happy mother.

"... This doesn't mean we have to get all mushy, now, does it?" she asked Daniel.

He smirked. "Here in Hell? Nah, fuck that!"

She laughed, before gently resting her head onto his chest, as they cuddled beneath Hell's full Bloodmoon.

"Good..." she said in response. "Because I have an image to uphold, after all. Which means I'm whipping you into shape once all this bullshit's done and over with."

"Heh... well, if there's a whip involved, we should at least develop a Safe Word, huh?"

"Daniel... just enjoy the silence for a bit, will ya?"

"Ah, okay..." he said.

She then closed her eyes and, for once in her life, decided to give whatever spirit, whether Light or Dark, Good or Evil, a single word she didn't think she'd ever tell them.

"... Thanks."