He wasn't wearing a shirt. His physique wasn't exaggerated, but it was that of someone forged through consistency: firm muscles, quiet endurance, faint scars that spoke of training and battles. There was a serene presence about him that commanded respect without the need for showmanship.
Emily stopped a few meters away. The warm air brushed her skin and, without realizing it, she blushed.
Kutichay finished the sequence with one last clean movement, rested the sword on the ground, and took a deep breath. The metallic sound echoed softly in the open space. Only then did he grab his shirt, put it on, and turn his face, meeting her.
— Hello, Emily — he said with a calm smile, as if he had always known she was there.
— Ah… Kutichay — she replied, adjusting her hair to hide her nervousness —. I was looking for you. She made a brief pause as a light breeze stirred the feathers of her wings. — Could you come with me to visit Charlie? Sir Pentious is coming with us.
Kutichay tilted his head, thoughtful, as the sun reflected in his dark eyes.
— Charlie?
— She's the one who helped redeem Sir Pentious — she explained —. And… well, she's also Lucifer's daughter. She smiled, with a serene pride that didn't hide her affection. — She's my daughter.
Kutichay's eyes widened slightly, surprised.
— Wow…
He didn't have time to say more. Emily naturally took his arm and opened a celestial portal. The light descended like a living curtain, wrapping the place in an ethereal murmur, while Sir Pentious hurried to follow them, muttering to himself.
The hotel lobby buzzed with activity. The place was filled with warm colors, soft lights, and a constant mix of laughter, nervous voices, and hurried footsteps. The air smelled of recent cleaning and something sweet, almost comforting. Charlie guided several sinners through their redemption exercises, gesturing enthusiastically and speaking with contagious energy that seemed to brighten the environment.
A flash illuminated the entrance.
Emily and Sir Pentious appeared with the familiarity of those who already knew the place. The portal light slowly faded like glittering dust.
— Emily! — Charlie exclaimed when she saw her.
She ran to hug her without hesitation, almost dragging her a few steps. Sir Pentious, meanwhile, stepped aside to greet Cherri Bomb, visibly relieved to see her unharmed.
— How have you been? — Charlie asked —. I hadn't heard from you in so long.
— I've been well — Emily replied —. And… I brought someone I wanted you to meet.
— Oh really? — Vaggie cut in, crossing her arms, her gaze alert.
From the back, Husk watched with his usual annoyance, leaning against the bar. Angel Dust smirked shamelessly, sizing up the possible "new little angel." Niffty kept cleaning nonstop, moving like a whirlwind, while Janet flirted openly with Alastor, who returned an unsettlingly polite smile.
Emily looked around, confused.
— That's strange… he should've arrived with us.
As if hearing her, another portal burst open, releasing a gust of luminous wind.
Kutichay fell straight to the floor.
— …I'm definitely not good at this — he muttered while getting up, placing a hand on his head.
Black hair, dark eyes, tan skin, and just over five feet tall: nothing in his appearance suggested what he truly was. The lobby fell silent for a moment.
Then light enveloped him.
His armor manifested before everyone's eyes. The metal shone as if forged at dawn. On his chest appeared an ancient symbol: a fish pierced by a radiant sun. Two golden wings unfolded from his back, engraved with quipus and geometric motifs that seemed to move to the rhythm of invisible music. A helmet shaped like an Inca crown settled upon his head, while a soft aurora shone above him like an eternal sunrise.
— Kutichay — Emily said —, this is Charlie.
He inclined his head slightly.
— A pleasure. I am Kutichay… Archangel of Hope.
— Well, well… — Angel Dust smiled —. What a cute little angel. Tell me, are you still a virgin?
— Angel! — Vaggie scolded immediately.
— Interesting — Alastor commented, watching him closely, his eyes gleaming with curiosity —. Hope personified.
Kutichay blinked, surrounded by curious gazes. Yet it was Charlie's he noticed most: there was no distrust in her, only genuine fascination, almost childlike.
As they walked through the hotel, conversation flowed naturally. They passed halls decorated with paintings, plants, and little encouraging notes stuck to the walls. They talked about redemption from different angles: faith, experience, mistakes, and second chances. Different paths that, without trying, converged on the same point.
Kutichay stopped in front of a family photograph: Charlie with Lucifer and Lilith, smiling. The frame was slightly crooked, as if someone had touched it many times.
He lowered his gaze, feeling a knot in his chest.
— What was your childhood like? — he asked softly.
Charlie smiled instantly.
— Happy. Mom used to sing me to sleep… and Dad made me rubber ducks.
Her eyes shone at the memory, reflecting honest warmth.
Kutichay pressed his chest lightly. He smiled, though emotion slipped into his voice.
— I'm glad to hear that.
Charlie looked at him carefully.
— Is something wrong?
— Just… — he hesitated —. I only had my mother. He took a deep breath. — My father is still in the human world. Sometimes I wonder if he thinks about me.
Charlie didn't answer with words. She simply hugged him. The hotel continued with its usual noise around them, but for them, the world seemed to stop. After a second of surprise, Kutichay returned the embrace.
— What are your parents' names? — she asked gently.
— My mom is Eliana. My dad… Sumaq. He paused briefly. — Actually, my mother and I died during my birth. He was left alone.
Later, Kutichay returned to Heaven and descended directly to his mother's home. The house was simple, bathed in soft light streaming through the windows, smelling of cleanliness and a lived-in home.
Eliana was cleaning when she felt the presence.
— Son…?
Kutichay appeared behind her.
— Hi, Mom.
Eliana turned. She was a strong woman, warm-eyed, marked by years and faith.
— I'm fine… — she said, approaching — but you're not. What's wrong?
Kutichay lowered his gaze.
— Mom… what did Dad say when he felt lonely?
Eliana smiled with serene sadness.
— He used to say that no one walks alone if they walk with God.
Kutichay hugged her. She held him tightly, as if she could still protect him.
— Do you miss him? — he asked quietly.
— Eighteen years have passed — she replied. She looked into his eyes. — And there hasn't been a single day I've forgotten him.