Chapter 13: The Downs of Hell

"Hmhmmhmmm~" hummed a pleased Niffty. Jumping off the stool, she hopped over to the fridge and pulled out a few items before closing it yet again. Making her way back to the stool, she wondered if there was any way for her to improve the tray that she was working on. All looked well enough before she was finally content with her work and carried said tray off the counter.

Niffty hummed down the hallway making her way towards her destination with gusto~ As always, she displayed a smile while rarely blinking as she knocked the door before opening it and announcing her arrival. "Food is here!"

Roy's eyes peered over at Niffty who happily made her way by his side. "Thank you…" A somewhat weak smile, he shifted forward where he took the tray and positioned it over his lap. "Cheddar broccoli…looks good," he stated as the aroma improved his smile.

"I also baked the bread just for you!"

Naturally, Roy was humbled by Niffty's act of kindness as he began to spread butter onto the sliced bread. "Thank you Niffty but you don't need to do this for me; it's been days and I am capable of eating with the others."

"Well that doesn't mean that you can't use a pick-me up! Two major encounters where I have to patch and stich you up?" She suddenly appeared standing next to his shoulder opposite of where she just was. "Being vulnerable in Hell is a risky thing!" she added, gently reaching for his shoulder and exposing him slightly by the collar.

Used to her abnormal speed, he was far from phased even as she suddenly pulled on his collar to expose his injuries. He believed that they would be completely healed within the next few days by this point, given how only certain cuts were actually deep/requiring stiches. "Yeah, lucky me huh? Ugh I am just glad that nothing happens when I am here or at work…" As he said this, he took a sip of water from his glass. A long one at that.

"You must really like that place if you insisted to work after what happened at Wendy's!" said Niffty. Pulling back a sleeve, she then examined his arm with care.

Smirking, he enjoyed how Velvet's nickname was catching on but did not comment on it. "It helped get my mind off of things…nhhh." Leaning back, he began to unbutton his shirt where he exposed enough of where he was cut by a knife-wielding imp. "Besides I am- Nhh-…not one who likes saying indoors feeling sorry for himself…" Now did he button up his shirt before leaning back against the pillows ever so slightly, reaching for his spoon to stir the soup.

"Well until you're 100% again, I am going to keep bringing you your meals!" said a cheerful Niffty as she appeared beside his bed yet again. It was quite funny seeing her chin barely surpassing the edge of his mattress as a statement to her height. "Especially since I get to see your smile each time!"

Naturally, Roy was quite touched with the short demon's consistent kindness and care. "You're an angel Niffty. I really can't understand why you're even in Hell with the rest of us hahaha…"

"Oh no I am not an angel and it's not surprising that I am in Hell!" she said with a cheerful smile.

"Oh? What did a sweet little girl like you do to end up here? If you don't mind me asking?" Still in doubt, he chuckled before taking the first spoon of soup into his mouth. As always, it was never disappointing as he soon scooped a second helping into his mouth.

"Hehe oh, I killed over twenty people! All men too!"

"…." Roy paused as he was about to take another full scoop of soup. "What?"

"Yeah huh! Different ways mind you: knives, pushing them off high places, and even poison!"

"Poison?"

"Yeah huh! The right ones blend so well into food!"

"…" Roy's eyes naturally grew as he still held the spoon just barely an inch from his mouth which was now closed. "…" His eyes peered to the side. "…" He looked back at her.

This time, Niffty was standing….right. Next. To. Him. On the bed, displaying the same friendly expression as if all was fine.

"…"

"…"

"…Thanks again for the soup!"

"You're welcome!"

Roy watched as Niffty hopped off the bed and made her way out of his room, leaving him to focus his attention on his food with a whole new perspective. (Relax moron; if she wanted you dead, you be dead already…just eat your fucking food…although that pudding cup- NO, it's safe too; you're overthinking this!) With a sigh of relief after really thinking about it, he casted aside all doubt and began to enjoy his food.

With a free hand, he looked at his phone and continued to read Velvet's less than friendly messages. A crazy woman like that would naturally go into some "tasteful" details of what she would do the next time they came across one another. And of course, Roy would retort with some mockery from his end as well as adding the necessary insults. It was not exactly a simple decision for him to engage with her after that less than pleasant encounter. However, he had given himself some time before actually deciding to engage with her yet again.

"Does it still fucking hurt?! I hope you get Cellulitis!"

The most recent text, his brow furrowed as he began to text back.

"Well I hope you catch Syphilis and next time I'll take your whole evil condo!"

"Evil? I am the victim here! You're the evil one!"

"Says the one who ruins another's living space! At least I had the decency to take what I wanted and leave everything else as they were!"

"OMFG this shit again? You are such a whinny little bitch!'"

"Fuck you Wendy!"

Somewhat content for today, he dropped his phone beside him and continued eating. That whole rug encounter in her condo was one memory he hoped to forget. At least he had it back and there had been no visible attempts breaking in once again into his room. That and Charlie's assistants did a wonderful job restoring his living space to the proper state that it was in.

As he used the last of his bread to absorb the last of the soup's residue, he saw another text from Velvet. One that did catch his attention:

"My name is VELVET you dumb fuck! I hope you enjoy the next few days!"

"…" Lifting his phone, he squinted at the text with curiosity. Did she have something in mind planned for him? He'll have to keep his guard up…as he knew that Velvet wanted to affect him both physically and mentally by this point via any means.

With his lunch done, he decided to finally get ready for the day. After all, he was due to meet Valentino soon and knew that having another Overlord on his side was vital; keep their relationship consistently positive and he have one less enemy. And not being late was part of his plan as he soon made his way to the bathroom in order to deal with his business.

**Twenty minutes later**

Angel continued to look at the ceiling with a furrowed brow. It was obviously not going to be a pleasant experience as he expected Valentino to take advantage of his relationship with Roy aside from being his escort. And not the fun kind of escort that he could specialize in…

The door soon opened, and Roy stepped out of his room, where Angel then turned his head before standing straight up and removed his cigarette. Roy ran his hand through his head as he glanced at Angel before asking, "How far is this place of his?"

"Not far enough…" Angel led Roy down the hallway. "I don't mean to sound like a broken record and all but you really gotta be careful with how you talk to him Roy…"

"Noted," said Roy.

Soon the two demons found themselves right outside the entrance where a long limo was awaiting them. Roy had assumed that Angel was joking when he said that a limo was going to be sent out for them, only to realize that Angel was serious from the start. Not one to complain on a free ride, Roy followed Angel into the limo where they began to move the moment the door closed.

"This guy likes to flex huh?" asked Roy, watching as their surroundings began to shift. "We could have just gone there ourselves after I made it clear that I was going to see him…"

Angel couldn't help but chuckle as Roy had no idea. Not looking at him, he said, "He prefers to do things his way…" His smile began to vanish. "Are you seriously going to ally with the guy?"

Roy didn't bother to look at Angel as he said, "I am trying to be as neutral as possible; no offense but your boss is fucking creepy and just him leaving me alone if I leave him alone is all I want."

"Hmm~ None taken." Angel's smile came back.

**One hour later**

Roy led Angel out of the limo once they arrived at their destination, then taking the time to recognize how big this building was.

"Jesus I know he's an Overlord…but this is fucking big!" he said, then looking forward to see Angel already entering the building. Following him closely, he asked, "Stupid question but-"

"Yes, buildings are this large even in Hell." Angel only turned his head slightly as they walked deeper inside. It was quite clean and the atheistic did give a somewhat retro yet highly professional atmosphere. There was also a pleasant smell that wasn't easily recognized but did remind one of sweet fruit.

Eventually, Angel guided Roy to an elevator where a demon stepped out greeting Angel.

"Hey Angel."

"Hey Lita."

Roy glanced at "Lita" for a moment before stepping into the elevator with Angel. There, he saw Angel pushing a button before the doors closed, acknowledging how high the number of options were. The elevator lifted them where pleasant music was heard, settling both their nerves if there were any to begin with. Eventually, they reached their destination where Angel then gestured at Roy to go first, to which he didn't argue against.

"…"

Roy glanced around as the elevator closed behind him and Angel who walked past him, led the way. Things…looked as one would expect: expensive. The marbled floor and walls were always an indication of wealthy…at least in Roy's mind as they continued to walk. There were also some interesting statues that displayed various demons performing various positions. Was it a display of strength or something else? He wasn't sure as he assumed that it was to indicate strength as he and Angel came across two bodyguards.

"Fellas, our friend here has an appointment with the boss~" Angel said, forcing a smile as he knew these two.

With a nod, the guards did not bother to say a word before opening the doors and allowed the pair through. Roy didn't bother to give them another look since he had more things to worry about: like his host who was sitting directly across from them. This time, their surroundings distracted him for a while long due to the aesthetics being quite…cheesy?

(Is that a zebra rug?) Roy noted as they approached the red couches that were before them; Valentino had already signaled them to sit down before standing up to greet them. Also some items of interest that told more then enough of what kind of business he was in. (That's a lot of…woodies?) He felt dirty now.

"Roy my boy! So happy you came!" Standing up from his chair, Valentino took his time and held his arms wide open as if he wanted to embrace the two of them. Yet as he approached them, he lowered his arms and said, "Thank you so much for coming to my humble abode~ Would you like a drink?" Sitting down, a tray was then presented to the pimp demon as if on cue. Opposite of that, was his other assistant who smiled calmly at Roy and Angel Dust, as the first assistant then turned to smile at them as well.

"Eh I am good-"

"White Russian."

"You heard him sweet Summer~" With that, the assistant known as Summer nodded and left them while Dia continued to stand in the same spot. Valentino then decided to spark up the conversation as he took a sip from his drink. "Ahhh…so tell me Roy: how are you enjoying Hell so far? Been…what, more than a month since you moved down here with the rest of us?" Laughing a bit, he got increasingly comfortable before taking another sip and sighing with relief.

"It's been…" Roy's words trailed off as Summer returned with his drink. Not bothering to look at her, he gave the slightest of nods before taking his drink. "…a real pain. I hope your experience arriving here was better than mine…" With that, Roy began to take a sip from his drink.

"If it makes you feel better, no, it wasn't any better. Let me tell you: being one of my size does bring a lot of unnecessary attention to you. And when you're not an Overlord yet, you're in for a bad time. Took me a while to get to where I am now, and I am quite envious of your ability to make friends."

Roy lowered his drink with a satisfying sigh of his own before stating, "And enemies. It seems to me that you can become popular and unpopular at the same time with the right and wrong people…" Pausing for a moment, he chose his words carefully. "…So far, you haven't given me a reason to think that I am unpopular with you Valentino…"

Valentino's expression remained consistent until he began to finish his drink. "Ahhhhh~" That sigh… "Quite obvious my boy. It's no secret how much I like you and the vibes you give. You come off to me as a smart individual who isn't interested in making enemies over petty things such as money, territory, etc., but rather just wanting to move on with your own existence. This thing you have going on with little Vox and little Velvet is of no business of mine. I wanted to make it clear that I ain't looking to make an enemy out of ya…"

Roy finished his drink with a satisfying sigh of his own before a tray was presented to him. Not bothering to acknowledge her, he placed the drink down and continued to look at the demon before him. "Right back at ya Valentino…" Nodding softly, he however knew that he needed to be very blunt and clear from the start. "Yet I can't help but wonder if you're looking for something…more then just us being friendly towards one another…"

"Well can you blame me? I mean you're gifted in more ways than one~ You have the qualities to be an Overlord. Especially if you've survived quite the encounter with both Velvet and Vox simultaneously~ Plus, you've met a good chunk of us Overlords already…some aren't even lucky enough to meet one of us face to face."

Angel, who had said nothing up to this point, glanced Roy when Valentino said this. "…"

"So I've been told…" A quick glance at Angel was as discreet as Roy could manage before he added, "I not bullshitting you: I honestly have no interest in becoming an Overlord. I've made this clear especially to Alastor…"

A smile grew on Valentino's face when he heard that name. "Ha, Alastor trying to secure a rookie like you into his side?"

"…" Roy didn't blink.

"I am kidding Roy~ I do believe you that you're not interested in becoming an Overlord but-"

"-I may still become one against my will?"

There was silence as Valentino's smile began to soften. "Ahhh…I see that Alastor wasn't afraid of being blunt with you. Well, he's not known for beating around the bush so I am not surprised…"

"Well I figured that even then, I just need to keep a low profile right? As long as I do nothing and my issues with Velvet and Vox are kept to a minimum, I won't attract as much attention. Just enough to be left alone and just enough to not be dragged into your mafia-like lifestyle…" Roy leaned back against the couch before taking the time to remove his hat. Good…things were promising and quite civil between him and Valentino during this meeting of theirs. His hunch about this tall…pimp…whatever kind of demon he was, was spot on. No bullshit so far and he himself made it clear of what his intentions were during his time in Hell. Yet he couldn't help but be cautious at the same time; he did the same with Alastor despite his relationship with him being more developed.

Valentino paused as he glanced at Angel who naturally tried to avoid eye-contact. "…" Glancing at Roy, he then asked, "Did Alastor tell you how one becomes an Overlord?" When Roy said nothing, he continued on. "Two ways from what I've understand: the first option is to forcibly make yourself as one. This…as you can imagine involves becoming powerful. Either in the literal sense or the less literal sense involving purely your influence in Hell. I am one who relies on having more and more territory and money baby~ Alastor as you can tell goes about it in the most literal sense…"

Roy's hand never left his hat, given that it felt more natural for him to keep it in the same spot. "And what's the other way?"

Tilting his head slightly, Valentino asked a simple question. "…Who do you think decides above all, who gets to be what exactly?"

"…" Roy's brow furrowed ever so slightly, as he felt a sweat drop trailing down the side of his face. "I…" Roy's words trailed a bit as he was having trouble getting his words together. In fact, he repeated himself once more in an attempt to conjure a proper sentence but with his eyes closed. "I…"

"Oh my….are you afraid of Lucifer my boy?"

There was silence once again for a longer period. A few seconds passed. Then a minute. Then…

"….Ha."

Valentino stopped smiling as Roy was…laughing?

(What the fuck-) Angel was just as confused.

"Hahahaha…are you serious man?" Roy smiled widely at Valentino as he continued to laugh for a bit. "What kind of a stupid question is that?" Now Roy was the one dominating in the area of facial expressions as he looked at everyone around him. "No fucking shit I am afraid of the guy who runs Hell itself! Jesus christ- I was raised as a catholic and ended up here in Hell where I assumed that I would immediately be judged by the guy. Only, I have yet to be judged because he apparently doesn't have the time or care for most of us in Hell. But now you're telling me that I may be forced to likely meet the guy just because he may want me to be an Overlord?"

It had not been obvious to Roy at first, but he was standing up from the couch, staring at Valentino while his emotions were finally stabilizing to the proper levels. He looked at Valentino, as honest as he could be in such a position.

"…If it makes you feel better Roy…" Valentino slowly leaned forward, holding his hands together as he confessed, "…We are all afraid of that motherfucker…"

Roy's expression softened as he looked at Valentino with complete focus. Maybe it was just his mind playing tricks but he could swear that Valentino was sweating as much as him. As shady as he may have been, Roy could at least be 100% sure that Valentino was not playing him for a fool in this instance as he sat back down. "You've met him I assume…"

"Naturally…" Valentino reached into his pocket where he pulled out a cigarette. "Angel baby…"

Angel wanted no attention brought to him, but he knew better than to disobey Valentino…especially in front of his guests. Thus, he stood up and wasted no time coming around and pulling out his own lighter, lighting up Valentino's cigarette.

"Thank ya…" Exhaling a bit in his direction, Valentino looked away from Angel in order to continue his conversation. "One advice that is universal to all within Hell: never push your luck with the man. That's all… Now maybe you'll be lucky enough not to meet him and he'll let you be. But with each passing day, Hell gets more and more complex in more ways than one. Having folks like us Overlords makes managing Hell a lot easier for him…in more ways than one." Taking in more of the red fumes, he decided to shift the subject. "Regardless of whether or not you become an Overlord, I want to make it abundantly clear that I simply want us to get along without trouble. And I think we're clear that neither one of us wants trouble. Agreed?"

"…Yes…?"

"Good. So, you stay out of my business and I stay out of yours right?"

"Yes."

"Good. Then I guess we're in agreement that you and I will notbother one another so long as we both exist in Hell. I assume you have that with Alastor and lovely Rosie and I too want to remain on good terms. Wanna shake on it?"

"You'll have to forgive me: Alastor offered the same thing and well…I think you know what happens…" Neither of them had blinked but Roy continued on. "But I'll keep my word if you do…"

"Hahaha fair enough baby…fair enough. Your word is your bond as mine is." Not that Valentino even lifted a hand, but at the least he could take Roy's word for it. (This kid is safe…I like him…but of course, my little Angel will keep an eye on him…) As he thought about this, he turned to Angel who remained consistent but did acknowledge a look from him. With a small devious smile, he pulled out another cigarette with a freehand before slowly placing it in Angel's lips.

Angel didn't argue against it as the cigarette was already in his mouth. Smiling nervously, he was about to pull out his lighter again…only for Valentino to pull out his own this time. He forced another smile as he inhaled once the flame made contact. Soon he and Valentino were smoking before one another and exchanging flumes.

"Want one Roy?" offered Valentino as he turned to his guest.

Roy was once again calm and processing his meeting with Valentino. However, he did acknowledge Valentino's offer, which he politely declined. "I am good: I don't smoke anymore but I will take another White Russian." This time, he glanced at one of his assistants with a smile. At the very least he was going to keep Valentino satisfied with his hospitality and not risk making him feel insulted.

"Don't keep him waiting hon." Valentino looked to Summers who was clearly in charge of making drinks today. "And I would like another drink myself…"

Roy then noticed that Valentino gestured at his other assistant, even calling her by her name "Dia". "Dia" nodded and made her way opposite of the bar where Summer was at. As Summer returned with new drinks for him and Valentino, Dia brought over a tray of her own with some…interesting items.

"I don't suppose you partake in enjoying some particular substances?"

Roy's eye lids lowered as it was blatantly obvious what was before him on the table. Of course, Valentino was already reaching for some items of interest. "Can't say that I am…" Glancing upwards, he then said the right words. "But feel free to enjoy yourself; I am not one to judge~" Smoothly, he began to take a sip. Yet as he did, he found himself being greeted by his two assistants who sat beside him on either end. "…" His eyes peered at them for a moment before looking at Valentino who spoke up.

"Well I appreciate that Roy…while I and Angel enjoy ourselves to these fine quality substances, why don't you go ahead and enjoy yourself?"

"…Excuse-" Roy was naturally confused until the girls got…clingy. OH. One leaned into his ear with her tongue while the other was rubbing and stroking his chest. Even teasing softly via wanting to open his jacket.

"Unless you prefer men? I can-"

"I prefer women." Roy especially wanted to make that clear as one of the girls took his unfinished drink before placing it on the table and got back to showcasing him proper affection. "You do this for all your guests?" The girls continued to smile as Roy did share the same expression somewhat. One couldn't help but still take things as carefully as possible…but Roy was not one of those men. Oh no: he was most certainly going to do the opposite and completely take advantage of this.

"Typically…" Valentino leaned down and began to take a full hit of the white substance on the table. "Hmmmmhmmmmm~" That deep yet low growl indicated how stimulated Valentino was becoming from the drugs. Yet Angel had yet to touch anything as the spider demon was watching Roy getting into Dia and Summer…not literally…not yet at least.

(That fucking whore!) Angel was naturally annoyed as Roy was actually allowing Dia to kiss him and even spark a welcoming smile out of him. After all the comments Roy said about Angel being too thirsty! At least he didn't expect Roy to actually be messing around with women in front of him.Yeah Roy was straight but boy would Angel would have liked to have some fun with Roy….not everyone was 100% one thing…right? Eh maybe he just wanted to be the one judging Roy… Then again maybe it was for the best as while he did "like" Roy, he wasn't fond of him criticizing him too many times. Then again, he was not so bad compared to-

"I know this is your favorite…"

Angel was interrupted by Valentino who held up a small tray of Angel's favorite drug.

"Why don't we enjoy yourselves…Angel baby~?"

Angel Dust naturally was conflicted: on one hand…it was his favorite. On the other hand…Valentino was the one offering it to him. A lot of pros and cons to this as drugs weren't a new thing to Angel Dust. The pros and cons involved the fact that Valentino was here and naturally not one that Angel was fond of. Looking at the table and then what Valentino was offering, Angel knew he had to compromise somewhat… "Thank you kind sir!"

As expected, approval came from Valentino in the form of a smile and backrub upon Angel Dust. "Hahaha I knew you wouldn't disappoint me baby~" Clearly he was fond of one using banter in his presence. Especially when it was Angel doing what he was fucking told like a good little boy.

Angel made the right call as Valentino was being friendly for now and not escalating things into a very ugly situation. When he snorted a small hit, he naturally felt the effects sending him on the path of stimulation. "WOAH HOHO!" Naturally, he exaggerated a bit but to appeal to Valentino's desires; he took only a small hint in order to remain as sober as possible. After all, a vulnerable Angel Dust was not especially safe in the preference of his boss.

"Why so shy honey?"

"…Wha?" Angel Dust looked up at Valentino who was leaning against the couch.

"Embarrassed?"

(What is he-?)

"You must be quite fond of Roy if you're being quite tamed in front of him. I know you wanna take more than just a small hit…" Valentino took a moment to finish his cigarette. "Hmmm…but hey I get it: you don't want your new little friend to think less of you…"

Angel had not anticipated this as Valentino was saying things that wouldn't be on Angel's betting list. "What him and me? Come on I am above giving a fuck what he thinks! For fuck's sake he's about to get a blow job…for fuck's sake!" Gesturing at Roy, Angel looked at him to see that while they weren't at that point yet, the girls had already opened up his jacket and were already working on his vest. "That guy is a whore like the rest of us!"

"Sure, whatever you say honey~"

"I- Ugh…" Angel decided to let it go. Roy his friend? More like…well, he couldn't really think of anything at this very moment.

"But because you're my favorite…" Valentino pulled Angel closer and stroked him as one would expect Valentino to. "Hey Roy…perhaps you would like some privacy? I am sure Summer and Dia would be more than happy to take your fun elsewhere…"

"Hmmm?" Roy opened an eye before breaking the kiss from Summer, who responded accordingly and shifted down to his neck.

"I am sure you prefer having fun with Dia and Summer on a bed and not in front of two other guys snoring coke…"

"I-" Valentino did have a point as Roy's excitement made him forget where he was. And well…it had been a while since he…you know, had fun. Even when he was alive… "Lead the way," he said, smiling at the women who happily stood up and guided him out towards the doorway. "Mph!" Roy felt himself go red as both of the girls got a firm grasp of his rear. "Woah easy now-" Oh these girls clearly had particularly open taste as they giggled at his reaction. Even their tails were beginning to run and feel him up as they all left the room.

"…" Angel Dust had forced a smile…a smile of anger. For some reason, it made him angry seeing Roy enjoying himself as such. (That hypothetical-)

"Honey why don't you take some more…"

"I-" Angel was distracted as Valentino offered more of the shit that Angel loved. "…Yeah…why the fuck not…" Angel gave a smile…a legitimate one. Yeah…who cares what Roy was doing? Who cares if he was banging two demon sluts? Who cares if he wasn't here by his side while Valentino was getting him under the influence? Who fucking cares?

"….WHEW!" Angel groaned happily as he snorted quite a bit this time. Yeah…Angel was getting his groove into the right levels as he began to laugh. "Ah…where's the rest?" He could have not snorted all of it already…right?

"Oh I have a special one for you this time…" Valentino reached into his coat and pulled off something out.

"What the…" Angel was under the influence but even he could tell that there was something…different about what Valentino had. The contents were mostly white but there were blue and gold coloring in the mix? He was familiar with drugs both found on Earth and found in Hell but this was a first even for him.

"Looks fun huh?" asked a smiling Valentino as he began to spread a good amount of it on the tray. The substance was mesmerizing as Valentino began to divide it into proper lines. "And no it's not meth that gives the color…this is all pure blow my little Angel~" Naturally, he held up the tray close to Angel and said, "Why don't you try it?"

Angel blinked slowly as he stared at the substance. Now he was snorting it as his curiosity and influence was getting the better of him. "Ah….AHHLJJK!" Angel suddenly held his face as he threw himself back against the couch. This was beyond what he was expecting as he then shouted. "HOLY FUCK THAT IS SOME STRONG SHIT!" Angel then began to smile widely as his face rubs were getting slower but more aggressive. "Holy fuck that is some good shit...oh fuck!"

"Glad you like it…~ I made it myself~" Valentino smoothly inhaled from his cigarette watched as Angel was losing himself. "I can promise you that you won't ever be satisfied with anything else…anything else…" A bit of laughter came from the devious moth demon as Angel's smile began to soften, indicating that he was now about to learn the cons of such a unique drug.