Hey guys!
So I rewrote this chapter since I didn't feel like it was my best. If you read it before you may notice a lot of differences and I promise that I kinda know what I'm doing. Haha.
I was listening to a lot of Aviva, Starset and lots of Nightcore while making this. So a bit of that influenced this story.
I do not own Hazbin Hotel. All I own are the clothes on my back and my sketchbook.
******************TRIGGER WARNING- IN THIS PARTICULAR CHAPTER THERE IS A TORTURE SCENE AND I CAN PROMISE AT LEAST ONE RAPE SCENE IN THE LATER CHAPTERS. PLEASE DO NOT READ IF YOU CAN'T HANDLE IT. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED**********************************
Forgiveness and redemption seem to be rather difficult to find in our world and even more so in Hell. It is the most common belief that Demons and sinners do not wish or seek out either. It is believed they were to be punished and nothing could save them from an eternity of suffering for their crimes. That they deserved to be there.
That is wrong. Somewhat.
Hell has more self-loathing than any other place in the world. In Hell you are subjected to reliving your sins until your sins become your reality. In Hell you lock your heart up tight and throw away the key. You rip and claw at that chapter of your life until it becomes a blank canvas for you to smear your blood upon. You look inside the beautiful red and try to find your true self beneath all that fear. But you fail.
Because of this most demons can't cope with the guilt. Even the most powerful succumb to the guilt of their past chapters. Most don't realize their sins, thinking that it's just normal. That the world is wrong and that they are right. Some think that they are far from being saved.
It all started with a parcel the size of a book which wasn't surprising considering inside the blood stained paper was an actual heavy set tome.
Charlie had woken up earlier than the rest of the hotel's residents so that she could get some work done. 3 am to be exact. It was at this hour of the day that she felt calm, since it was the quietest hour of Hell. After giving her sleeping girlfriend a light kiss on the cheek, she swung her red blazer on and put on her best grin. It was effortless and an aura of purity engulfed her like a halo.
Charlie shut the door behind her softly and padded down the corridor. She was currently on the 6th floor of the 8 story hotel. The 1st and 2nd floors encompassed the living room, pool, kitchen. Husk and Niffty occupied rooms on the 2nd floor since they were the closest to the places they work. Plus there was the added benefit of privacy. Their rooms were in a hallway near the back of the hotel next to a few storage closets.
So far the 17 rooms on the 3rd floor were being occupied by various demons that had come in for a free room even if it came with the cost of their dignity and reputation. Almost all of them had arrived at the hotel about a year ago which was a year after Charlie's musical debut on TV. So far they had assimilated quite nicely to Charlies therapy courses. In total about 30 demons had come through the doors of the hotel after it had gotten into full swing if you don't include the random harassers and Angel's customers/fuckboys(which ,he had assured them,he didn't meet up with anymore ). 5 of them had died. 3 of them just plain left. 3 had gotten disemboweled- courtesy of Alastor. There's not much to say about that incident, except that you should know when to keep your mouths shut and hands to themselves. After that incident tensions ran high and the Overlord was forced to swear never to hurt any other hotel patron- even if they laid hands on Charlie.
The 4th floor was weird to say the least. Patrons avoided it and Charlie herself didn't know what to do with it. To put it plainly, anyone who walked into the large space found themselves suspended over a large hole then dropped in. They had lost 2 souls due to this, to which Alastor laughed at. He thought that it was a rather nice way of killing. No blood. Very clean. Now the button for the fourth floor was ripped out. Until they figured out how to get rid of the hole the floor was effectively closed.
The 5th floor was another residence hall on which Angel Dust resided. His room had been magicked and enchanted so that he wouldn't be able to escape and wreak havoc during the night. The floor above housed Charlie and Vaggie. They shared a room together even though there were plenty enough rooms for the two of them to have their own. Vaggie claimed it's because she didn't want to give Niffty more work to do but really she just wanted to be with her lover. Charlie was fine with it. She loved seeing Vaggie's face so early in the morning.
The demon princess reached the 2nd floor on which was her office but before she could enter she decided to go to the 1st floor. 10 minutes later, she sat behind her desk in her office with a cup of hot coffee in hand.
A few hours into her paperwork and research she reached a dead end. She leaned back in the black upholstered chair and stared at the figures in her hand. She was currently researching how to actually make sinners redeem themselves. In contrast to others perception of her due to her colorful personality, Charlie was actually quite smart. She may have come up with the idea of the hotel without seemingly much thought but actually had devoted herself to research and testing in order to reach her goal. She had poured endlessly over everything she could find. The books nearby were about the same topic as well as lore on how to reach Heaven or how to come back to life. A few books were about the psychology of killers.
So far the lore was bullshit, the figures abysmal.
It was a quandary that she had faced for the last few years. The issue was that only those with humane emotions and feelings felt bad for anything. Psychopaths or sociopaths don't. Some people could just kill people without feeling a shred of remorse. This then begged the question-could killers truly be rehabilitated? Drug addicts and other such 'minor' crimes, sure they most likely could. Murderers on the other hand were tricky. Ugh this is why Al kept on making fun of her. He knew that he couldn't be reformed. Still she had to at least try.
Vaggie walked in with a yawn and bagels. "Good Mornin' Hon" she yawned. The moth demon like her namesake, detested light and early mornings. Vaggie pecked a smiling Charlie on the cheek and pulled over a matching chair. She handed her a bagel-already filled with cream cheese just the way Charlie liked it.
"Good Morning Vaggie!Thank you" She graciously took the bagel.
" Whatchu working on, Charlie?" Vaggie looked over a paper in Charlie's hand. " ' Demons who managed to Redeem themselves-Where are they now? Plot twist-there are none' by Kyrsti LaKill. " She looked up. " You do realize that Krysti LaKill is the biggest fraud in Hell right?Plus she's related to Katie Killjoy. Ugh"
Charlie bobbed her head up and down. " I know. I know Vaggie but I'm trying to look for any sort of record of any sort of crossing between Hell and Heaven. If we can just find one way then we have a staring point. So far, I've only found evidence for what we already know. Let's take this one step at a time. There has to be at least one case of a sinner reforming. I just have to keep looking for it."
"What if you don't find anything?"
"Then I guess we'll be the first."
"Hmm, well, I hope you know I'll be behind you every step of the way."
In response, Charlie leaned in and kissed Vaggie on the lips."I you."
A comfortable silence based between them for a few minutes.
It was broken by Charlie. "Hey Vaggie?"
"Hmm?"
"Why do you think that people do bad things? What reasons would they have to take someone else's life?
Vaggie said nothing. She thought about it long and hard. "Some people just had to. It feels so much better to do the wrong thing. Especially when you know that perhaps God gave up on you too. People think that they're right inside their own head. It's human nature to be the dominant ones in every situation. To find pleasure wherever they can. Even at the expense of others. "
Charlie considered this then bounced out of her chair. "I'm going to the library to go look for a few more books! Be right back!"
"Wait Charlie." But she was speaking to an empty room. Vaggie sighed and looked around the room. Good lord it looks like a sandstorm hit. Papers were scattered everywhere and books lay open in precarious positions. She was just picking up a book when all of a sudden Niffty sped in like a rocket.
"Oh so messy! So messy! Are you cleaning up? 'Cause this room really needs a ladies touch which means that both of us can clean this up and make this a lot better than it was before! Oh and Good Morning!"
Before Vaggie could even respond the papers were in neat stacks. All the books were stacked with their spines and titles showing in alphabetical order.
Niffty herself was just stabbing a bug near the window. "Wow it looks a lot better now! Do you want breakfast? I can cook some up right now! Oh boy, it's late! The others will begin to wake up soon and they would want to eat!" She was moving every part of her body if possible in her excitement.
Vaggie shook her head " I already got myself a bagel, but thank you for offering."
" You sure? "
Vaggie considered. Niffty's breakfasts always proved to be a delightful experience if a bit extra. " Meh, okay I'll take some."
Niffty clapped excitedly and the pair started their way towards the kitchen. " So was up working again? She works so hard for this hotel!"
Vaggie laid a hand on the mahogany banister. " Yes she was. She works so incredibly and foolishly hard, but that's what I love about her. She's so optimistic about this shithole, it's endearing." Vaggie looked at Niffty's happy form. She seemed content with her role in Hell.
Vaggie thought a second before asking her question. " Hey Niffty?"
The young demoness responded with a "Hmm?"
"Why are you helping us? You seem pretty happy here, why are you working so hard for a slim chance of reaching Heaven?"
Niffty paused and considered the question. She skipped down the last few stairs." Well, Alastor asked me to help so here I am! Although I am really hoping to be able to go to Heaven. The bad guys aren't there so I must be the best place in the, well, world. I heard nobody can hurt you in Heaven."
"Hmm, I hope so. I really do."
A loud static pop came from behind them. Vaggie jumped but Niffty looked unperturbed.
A tall man with a red pinstripe suit materialized behind them from a shadow. He swung his microphone between his fingers and strode forward.
"Good Morning my dears! So sorry to give you a fright, although I presume that you're more awake now!" He laughed." Apologies Vaggie dear, I hope I didn't give you a fright."
Vaggie glared at him. " Can you stop scaring us like that? Why can't you just walk down the hallway normally?"
The Radio Demon laughed goodnaturedly, contrasting with Vaggie's glowering expression. "But, ho, darling! That would be rather boring wouldn't it, hmm? Well I'm absolutely famished! Niffty dear what's for our morning meal?"
"Eggs Benedict, Pancakes, Rice Balls and Hell Bacon."
"How wonderful!" A sound like radio dials being tuned sounded before the demon started humming an upbeat jazz jingle.
" You know back in my day this song was played over and over again. Why Bessie Smith herself graced us with her presence in my radio studio! As kind and witty as she was a beautiful belle!"
Vaggie rolled her eyes. "Ugh how retro." Dying in 2014 gave her a rather harsh view on older blues and jazz music. She enjoyed alt-rock and R&B neither of which Alastor knew about. All he knew was that Vaggie had no appreciation for real music.
"What a beautiful song " Niffty said simply. While she had lived in America she had heard a few jazz songs but never truly got into it.
They were now on the 5th floor. Niffty ambled towards Angel's room. The others followed.
"Why are we here?" asked Vaggie.
"Well if I don't wake him up, Mr Angel could sleep in until night time. " She knocked on the door. No response. Then she knocked again. No response again. She tried a few more times and called out his name. They stood there awkwardly.
"Hmm doesn't seem like our dear spider wants to wake up this morning." mused Alastor "Shall I help with your endeavor, Niffty?" He snapped his fingers and black hole appeared under Angel Dust and transported him to the hallway right next to the trio. He dropped like a sack of potatoes with a loud oof! He wore a silk nightie and no pants.
Vaggie spluttered loudly and looked away. "What the fuck!? I'm never getting that fucking image out of my head."
Niffty blushed and looked away as well.
Alastor averted his eyes and snapped again. Now Angel was dressed in a modest suit and tie. "There that looks a lot better."
Angel realized where he was and what had happened a second later. "Wha-? Why the hell am I not in my room? And what are these atrocious clothes? Egh it's like a fucking church threw up on me."
"Well I must say, you look quite neat and dapper my fine fellow."
Angel purred. "Is that how you like me, daddy?"
A shock of static filled the air between them. Alastor snapped his fingers again and Angel disappeared only to be followed by a crash on the other side of the door.
Alastor began walking away.
Niffty called out "Make sure you come downstairs for breakfast!"
"Got it, Nif!"
He had taken to Niffty after she managed to dig him out of terrible hangover and nurse him back to health whilst dodging his terrible tantrums. After that he became fiercely loyal to the small cyclops.
Alastor, Vaggie and Niffty continued their way to the kitchen where a sour looking Husk was sitting.
" Good morning, Husker!"
"Fuck off, Alastor."
"Aww don't be like that. It's a beautiful day and a beautiful new opportunity to cause chaos. "
Angel Dust joined them in his usual outfit. "What's up toots? What's for breakfast?" He eyed Alastor. "Me?"
Alastor ignored this.
Niffty began buzzing around the kitchen preparing food. She rang the breakfast bell which could be heard from anywhere in the hotel. Guests came streaming down the stairs after a little bit.
The kitchen fell into a comfortable rhythm with the hotel guests chatting and on the occasion throwing punches. Angel flirted with everyone at least once. Husk started to mix breakfast smoothies- no alcohol or so he claimed.
Vaggie couldn't join in on the good cheer though. She was still mulling over Charlie's question from earlier.
She looked over at Husk near the bar. His ever present glower greeted her.
"Hey Husk. Can I ask you something?"
"Ya just did." Husk sipped his booze.
"Okay smart-ass. But can I actually?"
"There is another one."
Vaggie huffed. "Fine. I want to know why you're here?Why don't you just leave? You obviously don't like it here."
Husk took a long sip of his booze, then dropped the bottle with a klunk. "Are you getting rid of me, girlie? To answer your question, it's 'cause I owe our dear friend the radio freak a favor. A pretty big one. Plus we've been through too much for me to just up and leave. He knows I know his secrets. He ain't gonna let me go that easily."
"Secrets huh? I'm sure he's got many of 'um. I just wanted to know how loyal you are to the Hotel. Charlie has taken a liking to you. If you betray her I will make sure that you spend the rest of your life in Hell in misery."
Husk raised an eyebrow. "Huh. Cheery gal ain't ya. Ya don't have to worry. I'm not staying for Alastor. Charlie's really grown on me, I guess."
Vaggie's eyes widened at this. Husk noticed this. "Make sure you keep that to yourself bitch. I can't let people think I've been going soft. "
"Yeah alright you son of a bitch."
She walked over to Angel who was flirting with one of the hotel guests.
"Hey baby. Do you wanna come over to my room tonight? I can help you with anything you need."Then he noticed Vaggie glowering over him.
"Ugh fine. I wasn't actually going to do anything."He walked off with Vaggie but not before blowing the guest a kiss and making the 'call me' signal with his hands. They walked into the dining room.
"-And so I said leg day? You're right I would never miss the culling of your legs!" Alastor bellowed.
Niffty and a few of the hotel's guests sat around the island table, eating. Vaggie and Angel Dust joined in and helped themselves to some eggs and pancakes. The rest of breakfast went by uneventfully. As part of her "good people therapy" Charlie had had everyone put their names into a hat. Whoevers name got pulled out had to do the dishes and clean up after breakfast.
Today was Alastor's and Vaggie's turn.
They collected all the scattered plates while the guests went about their day. Niffty was still there, constantly peeking over their shoulders and cringing whenever she saw something that wasn't being done to its utmost perfection.
Vaggie stacked the plates next to the sink and turned to Alastor who had collected the various napkins and silverware around the room.
"Do you want to do the dishes?"asked Vaggie.
Alastor shrugged."Of course, my dear. " Carefully he took his gloves off and placed them in his pocket. Before Vaggie got to see his hands , he thrust them into the soapy water. He noticed her expression. "Yes I know how to wash dishes my dear. My mother taught me that a good gentleman knows how to do the housework."
"Wow, some mother. For you to end up a serial killer in Hell. "Vaggie grabbed a towel and started to dry the dishes.
A cold fury rippled off of Alastor. "My mother had nothing to do with me ending up here and what I did. She was a strong and wonderful woman. Plus it's none of your business."
They spent the next few minutes in silence. Alastor started humming 'The Song is Ended' by Irving Berlin.
"So my dear. I heard you talking with Husk. You're not trying to take him away from me are you, hmm?" Alastor laughed jovially as through he wasn't mad a few seconds earlier.
Vaggie wiped a plate and placed it on the counter. " I was just wondering why he hung around a lunatic like you. " Alastor didn't mind small jabs like that and it had often become a source of banter between the two.
"Hmm we have a bit of a history together. I helped him so he helps me." Alastor grabbed another bowl. " I know everything about everyone. Thats what makes me powerful. One way or another people inevitably tell me things."
"So torture?"
"Haha nonsense my dear! I am a gentleman. I don't force others, I merely persuade them to see my way. "
"Hmm, so if you're all-knowing then answer me this? Why do you think people kill each other?"
Alastor eyed her. " Where is this question coming from my dear?"
"Charlie. She doesn't understand what we do. She was blessed never to be human although I don't know if that's really a blessing or not."
He nodded "Yes, she is rather enviable. That's what makes her humanity more admirable. She overestimates humans too much." He flicked a rag over his hands, then snapped and his gloves were back on. "To answer your question, I think it's for the same reason as I am here. Sheer absolute boredom." He quoted himself. " Life was so drab without the occasional drop of blood. It provided more entertainment than anything else."
He walked out of the room leaving Vaggie behind with a rag and wet dishes. She abandoned her endeavor. Niffty would take care of it later. No sooner did this thought cross her mind, when a blood curdling scream ricocheted off the walls.
"What the-" Husk started.
Then he recognized it. Oh my god- no. He sprinted towards the staircase, extended his wings and shot upward. Everyone realized the scream a second later. Alator snapped his fingers and a shadow portal erupted beneath Vaggie, Angel Dust and himself. They were all swallowed into darkness.
"Dude, the fuck-"
When the portal spat them out again. They were in Charlie's study. Husk arrived a second later to find that Niffty was being sucked into a book by black tendrils of ink. Her large orange eye stared back at them with large tears dripping down.
Charlie had wandered down to the library. What if Vaggie was right? What if there was truly no way for sinners to be redeemed?
Charlie sighed and rubbed her temples. She needed one breakthrough. Just one.
The library was in the basement of the 9 floored hotel and its enchantments only opened for her, which was a meant that unless someone else was a Magne they would be denied entry and possibly blasted for their troubles. One thing on Charlie's itineraire was to open up the library to all of the hotel patrons.
She stood in front of the large mahogany door and placed a hand on the scanner near the door knob. It glowed bright red as it should and allowed her was a large desk with cabinets. The demon princess started rifling through the folders of id tags which held the bookshelf and row that the books were on as well as its genre. Who was she kidding, it would take a small miracle for the books to be where they were supposed to. This was Hell for God's sake. She gave up her fruitless rifling and started to walk down the aisles in search of anything that may help her in her research. The bookshelves were arranged in stacks that were arranged in the shape of a maze.
It was said that when Lucifer came down to Hell he had managed to steal some books with him. He had stolen them right underneath the nose of God. How fitting. She was looking for something to return sinners to God from God's knowledge.
Charlie got further and further down the rows of books, taking countless twists and turns, pulling out fruitless book after book, when she finally hit a dead end.
Literally.
She turned the corner and walked straight up to a wall that extended towards the neverending ceiling. In frustration, she hurled a book straight at the wall. Damn it. Damn this wall. Damn everything! Damn Hell!
She was frustrated by the lack of answers. The lack of feeling that anyone was on her side. Everyone had their doubts and everyone liked categorizing her in their neat little stereotypes. Oh she is so go lucky and happy so she must be stupid. Oh she'll fail in her endeavor like she does with everything.
But most of all, it was the fact that even with her powers, her optimism and everything she couldn't save everyone from Extermination Day. That there would be more demon blood and that the cycle would start all over again. Sinners would continue to sin. Demons would still die. She had to face facts- there was nothing she could do.
Charlie didn't realize how hard she had thrown the book. It glowed with the light of a comet entering Earth's atmosphere and punctured through the hollow rock to reveal a small alcove.
Charlie entered the alcove cautiously surrounded by dust and rubble. Before she could take another step a pedestal popped out from between her feet. It was transparent and made out of glass and on the top was a rather large book covered in a beige wrap and blood stains.
What the-?
Charlie placed a tentative hand forward and took the book. Surprisingly, it wasn't heavy. She carefully ripped the paper off and a note slipped out. She picked it up and it read-
To the sinner reading this,
Congratulations! You have picked up The Redemption Book. I must warn you that this book is NOT a toy. Whatever you do you must never open this book nor should you use it.
The rest of the message was crossed out. The only legible words were 'Freedom', Redemption, Heaven, and Escape.
Towards the end there were two signatures. One was again crossed out blood red ink however a large loopy 'A' was visible. The other simply read Lucifer.
Lucifer.
Lucifer Magne.
Charlie's father.
Her eyes widened. Her father originally used this book? When was that? And just what is this book? Why was it here if it was so dangerous?
Then another thought struck her.
What should I do with it now?
The title of the brass covered brown book was The Redemption Book. Could this really redeem demons? But if her father had used it, does that mean that he was redeemed? Then why was he still in Hell?
Before she could muse further, she heard a loud bell go off. Breakfast Bell. Oh yeah. Charlie decided to contemplate more about this book later. She grabbed the note and the book and before she had cleared the archway, a plume of dust engulfed her. She coughed and spat.
Ugh great. Now she needed a shower.
She set off towards the entrance of the library.
Once she got upstairs, she decided to leave the book on her desk for further investigation.
She left to grab a change of clothes and a quick bath.
Niffty was perusing around the kitchen watching Alastor and Vaggie like a hawk. Just one nick or chip on those plates could cause a catastrophe in her mind. The plates wouldn't be even anymore and would look messy when she tried to serve food in them. The others wouldn't mind however Niffty's OCD would possibly combust.
She was distracted from her musings when Angel Dust walked over and said "Hey Nif, do ya mind giving me a hand? I lost something and I can't find it."
She eyed him. "Drugs?"
He sighed. "What come on? You think that's the only thing I own? Nah Nah. It's for Fat Nuggets. I lost his little name tag for his collar."
"Fat Nu-? Oh you mean your pet. Yeah I'll help, but-" she glanced towards the sink where Alastor and Vaggie were perched.
"Oh come on. They can take care of themselves-and the dishes."
Grudgingly Niffty, conceded. They walked upstairs and in no time Niffty found the tag.
"Honestly Mr Angel, it was just under your bed. Did you actually look? You should be more careful."She scolded him.
"Honestly Nif I , what are you my fucking mom or something?"
Niffty shrugged. "If you want me to that's what it takes for you to grow up."
Angel looked over and sighed." Ya know what, I think I'd like that."
"Like what?"
"If you were my mother. My own is the biggest bitch ever."
"Oh don't say that. I'm sure she loved you even a little bit."
"Would you say that if you knew she sold me for $50 and some drugs to my father?"
Niffty paused at that. "I'm sorry."
Angel waved her off. "Meh I got over it real she didn't want to be a part of my life, then that's her problem not I'm going to get going. I have to get ready for my outing, with my girl Cherri."
"Alrighty, I guess I'll see you later Angel! Take care."
"Right. Tootles."
Before Niffty could exit the room. She turned. "You know I would be fine with it. Being your mom I mean."''
Angel looked surprised." Thanks Nif.I really appreciate it...and everything you've done for me." He smiled at her and she smiled back.
She climbed the stairs downstairs. Mothers, huh? She remembered her own. Then what happened to her. What her death had caused. A shiver ran through the demoness remembering that woman.
She reached the staircase. Dust tracks led upstairs. Strange she didn't notice that before. SOmeone must have come up the stairs. She followed the track until they led to Charlie's office. All the while she had been dusting up this mess. In order to get the rest of the mess she would have to go inside of Charlie's office. And so she did so. Inside the red carpet was covered in gray and white dust. The books were still in neat stacks on the desk as they had been left before.
Except for one. This book was new and covered in a bloodstained wrapping paper. Niffty looked towards it. She liked reading. So much so that she had already read pretty much every book in the hotel that was available to her, including the ones on Charlie's desk. Except this book.
She glanced at the mess then glanced back at the book. One little break wouldn't hurt. She would just read the book and go back to cleaning. With that she placed her rag on the ground and sped up to the book.
She opened the cover carefully and took a sharp intake of breath.
Welcome to the Redemption Book by
The author's name was crossed out viciously in black ink.
If you are reading this it must be because you are looking for some light reading material.
Or not
I'm not the boss of you
If you are reading this perhaps you are looking for a way to redeem demons.
Or to go to
Heaven.
To be able to escape Hell and face your own past and redeem yourself in the eyes of God.
If you are then you must at all costs follow these rules
Failure to do so will result in DEATH of the most excruciating kind.
RULE 1
The names of those who shall be redeemed must be written.
RULE2
Their stories shall be entombed in chapters.
RULE 3
No harm may befall the book lest there be a terrible accident.
RULE 4
Chapters are irreversible.
RULE 5
All Chapters must be read. There are no exceptions.
RULE 6
Once the book is entered you must complete the story. Unless you are willing to
This last word was crossed out with black ink.
RULE 7
This rule was crossed out again with bold black ink. The only words that were legible were "Ownership" and "passed".
RULE 8
You may not visit the book twice.
Voices began to whisper around her and seemingly from the book itself. They drew her in.
Write your name.
Hurry if you write your name you can escape.
No need to see all that blood if you just sign here.
You don't have to live your life in fear anymore!
No more violence.
You can see Natalie again!
Mama can't bother you anymore!
Uncle Mike can't bother you anymore.
Lucas can't touch you.
You don't have to live not knowing if they're in Hell too!
The voices all rose in a cadence drowning out any other thought. They screamed and screamed until Niffty clutched her head and screamed.
SIGN YOUR NAME NAKASA!
And so she did. She finished the 'y'. The voices stopped.
Nothing happened at first. But then her name disappeared and the ink bled through the page and spread throughout the rest of the book, turning a thick stack of white paper ink suddenly rose out of the book and enveloped Niffty. Black mist poured out of the book and ink spilled all over the floor. The cyclops's eye teared up and widened to the size of a dinner plate. She screamed and screeched begging for someone,anyone, to help.
A portal appeared and Alastor, Angel Dust and Vaggie dropped right behind them. They turned just in time to see Niffty get sucked into the book. It shut with a thump and fell back onto the table with a thump.
The room was deadly silent. No one said a word. Footsteps clambered down the hall and Charlie barged it. That seemed to snap everyone out of their reverie.
"I heard screaming! What happened?" she panted.
Angel stepped forward and fell to his knees."What the fuck? What in the 9 circles of Hell was that? Where's Niffty?"
"I-I-I don't know. She was there-then she was gone- and I-" Vaggie stammered.
Charlie looked at them then looked at the object they were staring room was as messy as before Niffty had cleaned it. Perhaps grandfather clock in the corner began its chime up till 12. Sitting on top of her desk was the book.
"Wha-What happened?"
Alastor took a tentative step forward. He walked over and gingerly opened the book. He glanced at the title reaffirming his suspicions. A loud static signal filled their ears, and they all clutched their heads to try and get rid of it.
"Lucifer! That fucking BASTARD! I told him to get fucking rid of it! THAT MOTHER FUCKING DERANGED PSYCHO BASTARD!." Voodoo symbols appeared and the windows blasted outwards, raining glass on the poor souls below. Alastors horns grew and he gnashed his teeth.
The clock chimed for the 5th time.
The others watched this in horror as Alastor proceeded to attack the book. His extended claws ripped at the cover spilling out ink.
Vaggie screamed out "No don't!" but she was too late. A second later the ink surrounded them and they seemed to be floating in a black dark void.
"Is everyone alright?"It was Charlie.
"Hghf!" yelled out Husk who had just collided with Vaggie.
"Wha-?" Angel started before the gravity seemed to turn off and they were all dropped to the ground.
"Umm, who's that?" asked Charlie pointing towards a figure standing over them. They wore a charcoal black suit except for the white angel cufflinks. Their eyes and face were shadowed by a fedora.
The figure tipped their hat towards them. "Welcome to my home. Pleased to meet y' well that's what I would say if our dear deer wasn't here." They laughed. "Get it? Dear? Deer?"The voice was eerie and vibrated through their skulls.
Alastor was wrenched upwards by some force. A cross appeared from nowhere and large iron spikes pined Alastors arms to the arms of the cross. They entered his flesh with a sickening squash and a soft hiss escaped his lips.
"L-let him go!" yelled Charlie but found that she couldn't move. None of them could.
The figure spared them a glance and flicked his hand. "Yes, yes. I'll get to you lot later."
Charlie tried to respond but it was like her mouth was glued shut. She and Vaggie exchanged wide eyed glances.
Alastor's gaze shifted to the demons behind him, then to the figure before him. He was the immediate worry. The figure was studying him quizzically. Like an animal at the zoo.
"Well when you think about it you are an animal. Being a deer and all. Your antlers have grown out quite beautifully."
Shit! Alastor thought. I forgot he could read minds.
"You do well not to forget, Al. So I presume you know why you're here, hmm?"
When Alastor didn't respond, the figure yanked his face upwards "I asked you a question. Now. Answer."
This time Alastor knew a bit of lost pride is worth indulging this figure lest the consequences be harsher.
"I-I broke a rule."
The figure clapped like a child. "Yes you did! And you know the consequences don't you?"
"Just get on with it!"
"My my! So eager. Very well then."The figure mused for a second." What shall I do today? Oh I know!"They clapped again. "I'm going to stab you for an entire 10 minutes since that's how long I can keep you here!If you're alive by the end of it then you win! If not then I win. Sounds fair to me." They looked at the group around Alastor. "Hmm lets have one of you count for me! What about you? The one with all the arms. You count to 600, 'kay?"
Angel tried to respond but he was still gagged.
"Oh of course. Tsk. Duh!" The figure snapped his gloved fingers.
Angel opened his jaw experimentally. "Why should I, you psycho ? Let us all out of here! What is this place anyway?"
"Oh come now Anthony."Angel Dust cringed at that name. " You can probably tell that perhaps this isn't the time to argue or make wisecracks. Al, can tell you everything later on. Well if he's still alive." He cackled loudly."Now then, start counting or I'll get mad."
Angel Dust recoiled and started to count.
"1"
"2"
The figure got up and summoned a simple knife."Hmm, where to start?" He dragged it down from his eye down to his chin. It should have been a mere surface wound but Alastor grunted. "So Al. I made a few upgrades since you were last here." Without warning they stabbed the Radio Demon in the shoulder and twisted. This time Alastor let out a strangled cry and bit his tongue."Pain is now much more amplified in this dimension. A single cut could feel like a thousand whip lashes.
"10"
"11"
The others could only watch in horror as stab after stab landed on the demon, ripping his immaculate suit to shreds. The figure dug lightley in the side of Alastors neck, slicing neatly through the muscles and tissue. Blood spurted out caking the figure, while Alastor's breath hitched and involuntary tears filled his eyes.
He would not scream. Stab. He would not scream. Stab. He would not scream. would not scream. Stab.
"240"
All, the figure got in return for their troubles was a few grunts and a lot of red blood. They were growing bored. "Hmm… You should really make this more entertaining. Isn't that like your thing or something? I'm bored and it hasn't even been 5 full minutes yet." He glanced towards the other demons who were struggling on the ground. They tried to scream and yell but their mouths were still shut.
Charlie had tears and frustration in her eyes.
Vaggie had fury and rage in hers.
Husk's eyes were wide and fearful.
Angel was close to crying and at every number his breath hitched.
"I'm sorry to disappoint but I don't entertain scum like you." Alastor rasped quietly. He was in a shit ton of pain but even so he wasn't going to let this guy get one over on him.
"300"
The figure stabbed his leg in response. "Ugh what to do, what to do?" He glanced at Charlie's strained figure. "Charlotte right? You are quite a pretty lass. Do you have something to say?" He snapped and she found that she could speak again.
"Let him go you bastard! It's my fault we found the book in the first place."
The figure shrugged casually. "Wow a beauty with a mouth. Yeah, that was your own stupid fault but this situation right here has nothing to do with finding it."
Charlie frowned, the wheels in her head turning. Maybe. Just Maybe. 'Well if I hadn't found the book then you wouldn't be able to talk to us wouldn't you? So basically you should be thanking me, um? What was your name again?"
"340" Angel started counting a bit quieter. He had caught onto what Charlie had been doing.
The figure cocked his head. "Did I really not introduce myself? Oh well that rude of me. Oh wait I think I forgot that I don't care. Unlike your...friend here, I'm not a gentleman. Although if I find a pretty specimen, like you I could be convinced to turn that route." He stepped forward and dragged her up by the waist. Their bodies were now flush against each other and the blood that had seeped into the figures jacket now stained hers. Charlie fought the impulse to recoil. Instead she placed a seductive hand on the figure's chest and purred. "I've taken an interest in you. You've shown yourself to be quite powerful. Guess you can say, I'm attracted to power."
"Yet you hang around with this lot. I can tell you have very powerful magic."
Charlie cocked her head seductively and looked him in the eyes. The figure didn't notice the color change in her black eyes. They were now purple.
"400"
The figure seemed entrapped by her eyes. He felt an uncontrollable urge to do anything she wanted. To be her's and to make her his. "Come on darling. Let's just leave these people. That way you can show me the true extent of your powers."
They hesitated then his magical hold on the demons relaxed. "Yes I would like that very much dear. You are very powerful aren't you."
"430"
Vaggie found herself able to move again, albeit slowly. Husk was flexing his wings. The pikes that held Alastor's arms to the cross disappeared and he crashed to the ground.
The figure tried to look towards the noise but a gentle and firm hand from Charlie brought his attention back to her eyes. "You don't want to hear that noise. Not when there is such beauty in front of you.I can make all your dreams come true."
"My dreams…. But I don't have any. Only nightmare and darkness."
"Then I will heal those too. Now why don't you put me down."
He did so placing her gently on the ground. "I would do anything for you my dear. Anything…. But I can't seem to remember why…."
Before he could think about it too hard, Charlie interrupted him "It's because you love me. Why don't we talk about, oh I don't know, you ?"
"There is not much to say about me. I'm very powerful in my own realm but in this cross dimensional pocket I can only maintain my power for 10 minutes. Then I will be sucked back into the book."
Angel had moved slowly around the figure until he was within Charlie's range of said quietly.
"510"
They only had to hold out for 90 seconds then they were free.
The figure was still talking. "Well I'd love to be in the real world but I'm stuck in that damned book and the book travels all over the place. I'm stuck until some god damned thing opens it and writes their name. After that I'm a tour guide." He spread his arms wide. " That's why I want to gather enough energy to escape this prison. I want to spread my power over the world. I want to make the living world my own personal playground! That's why I had that little girl write all of your names in it. All of your collective energies could help me escape this place."
"595" Angel started to raise his voice.
"596!"
The figure turned around, breaking eye contact with Charlie.
"597!"
Charlie backed away from him towards Vaggie and Husk who were with a now unconscious Alastor.
"598!"
"Wait- no! You tricked me! Fuck you demons!"
"599!"
"600! See ya slut!" Angel flipped him off with all 6 arms while the inky darkness sucked itself upwards. The figure started cackling a maniacal laughter!
"I'll be back! I always am! You shall rue the day you decided to mess with the Gamemaster! BBBBWWWWWWHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
In a flash he was gone and they were sent tumbling through a dark tunnel. They were dropped onto a street in the dead of night. Nothing moved around them except for the water in the lake nearby. The sky was filled with a single crescent shaped moon and an array of stars. Charlie got up, then fell back down. Her legs wobbled and shook. Her breath came out in short huffs that steamed in the chilly air. Something seemed to seep into her bones, something that gave her shivers and chillied her. Is this what...cold feels like?
Vaggie rose to her feet nearby. "Ugh it's so cold. Charlie are you okay?" \
"Uh huh. Y-yeah I'm g-g-good." She was shivering terribly.
"No you're not hon." Vaggie wrapped her arms around Charlie.
"Ugh what is this place- A-CHOOO" Angel sneezed loudly.
Nearby Alastor let out a groan through gritted teeth alerting his presence to the others.
"Alastor!"
"Oh my god! Are you alright? This was my fault I'm so sorry…"
"Where is that fedora shithead?"
"How'd you know about the book?"
Alastor huffed and rose slowly from his position on the ground. He staggered a bit but regained his balance. "I'm truly fine, my dear. See not even a scratch." It was true. His usually immaculate suit now hung in tatters around his slender frame but there were no cuts, not even blood. "That's its power. Any injuries sustained only last when you either in his dimensions or one of his pocket rifts. "However to say that he was entirely okay would be a lie. A faint pain emanated like a ghost from all the stab wounds. "Hmm no class whatsoever. I just bought this suit too."
Charlie was still shivering at this unknown feeling. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have touched that book. I-its my f-f-fault this happened."
"Yes I do suppose it was." Alastor picked up his monocle from where it had fallen. There was a crack. "You should have left well enough alone although I suppose most of the blame lies with Lucifer." The Radio Demon looked at Charlie and smiled graciously."If you hadn't done what you had done dear princess I would not be here right now. If I had died in the pocket, I would have truly died. So I believe that I owe you my life. Thank you Princess." He bowed at the waist.
Charlie flushed slightly. "It was really no problem! It was my fault anyway…"
"Not to interrupt this lovely discussion but where the hell are we?" Husk rasped out.
"Niffty's past. I believe the 1950s in Denver." Alastor responded.
"Denver?" Vaggie asked.
"Colorado, the United States."
" how do we get out of this place?" asked Vaggie. " We have to get out quick unless we want to run into fedora again."
"Wait wait wait. And leave Niffty? We can't do that! We've got to go find her!" Angel sounded indignant.
Alastor flexed his fingers testing his powers. He tried summoning his microphone and it popped into existence. Good at least the little things worked. He tried summoning a shadow portal to whisk away the lampost next to them but to no avail.
"Don't fret my dear! We shall accomplish both. The only way to get home is with the book which is in our darling Niffty's hands. The Gamemaster can't touch us while we're here until the chapter is over. Even it wouldn't tamper with the ancient laws of the book. "
"You s-seem s-s-strangely a-alright with this…" Charlie's lips were blue now. Vaggie's warmth
wasn't helping.
"Well, I'm not going to lie, I am extremely vexed that even after everything I ended up back in the book. My dignity is gone and so are my powers. "
Charlie heaved a huge breath.
Alastor frowned. "Pardon me for allowing a lady to freeze out here." He didn't feel much of the cold but for Charlie's heat-dependent body the sudden temperature drop was more than she could handle.
Husk pointed to a bar."Let's go in there. It should be warm."
Charlie tried to wave them off. "I-I'm f-f-f-fine.I r-really-"
"Hon you can barely speak. Lets go inside. We're going to " Charlie nodded.
Everyone huddled around her and walked inside the bar. Alastor stood a little apart but he too followed them in.
Confused? Its fine so am I. No, I'm just kidding. I have a good idea of the direction I want to take this story. The question is motivation. I'm stuck at home due to quarantine so I will try to update this about every week.
I promise that everything will be explained later on in much detail. In the earlier version Alastor gets pretty pissed about ending up back in the book. It is my belief that he likes to keep things bottled up inside so I tried to fix it. I'm sorry if the characters seem a little OOC . I wanted to give Husk and Angel more lines but I guess I have to wait till the next chapter.
By the way, I like torturing characters. Torturing Al was tough 'cause I had to keep him in character but I enjoyed it.
Also Charlie's mother is a succubus so in this AU she will have some succubus powers! Sorry for the confusion.
Also I will be using their canon names or at least the ones we know about as well as most of their canon backstories. However I need a canon name for Husk so please suggest any you think would be fitting.
Please do review! I would love to hear your thoughts and if I should make any sort of changes to the story! Let me know if I'm doing something right or wrong.
See ya'll later! Stay safe and healthy!
~Per Aspera ad Astra