Here's chapter 7, everyone! Consider this chapter a gift for the new year, which I pray to be better than the old.

Disclaimer: I don't own Hazbin Hotel, Helluva Boss, or its characters, except for the OC's.

Warning: May contain violence, foul language, and mature themes in this and/or future chapters

Enjoy!

Reby Montana - I always thought Blitzo's love for horses is adorable, despite knowing it will probably be the death of him. The journey will continue and the truths will be revealed.

Happy New Year!

Journey for Exlucero

Chapter 7: Angel's Backstory

For the time being, the villains took a break from their pursuit inside an opened cave outside of the Goetia Woods. Two of Vittorio's Shades busily roasting the Goetia that Vittorio slayed after Reby escaped his grasp. While they spun their feast over the fire, Moxxie served two large chunks of the meat and delivered it to both an impatient Vittorio and Striker while humming away.

"Here you go, sir. Rotisserie Goetia a la King!" Moxxie grinned. Vittorio grabbed his meal, only for him to take one bite before scowling onto the horizon. "Bon appetit, my good sir," Moxxie said nervously as he backed away, praying he won't be considered dessert. "Here's your piece, sir."

"Pass. I have my own," Striker refused as he presented a demon hog he caught a while ago. "Besides, I'm not a cannibal."

"But the meat is from a Goetia, not from an imp," Moxxie said.

"Maybe, but it is still a demon. I have some dignity to preserve. Plus, I don't eat junk food which is what I consider to Bluebloods," Striker explained while skinning the animal for his dinner. "You can give that to the boss."

"I would if his appetite is craving which is not at the moment," Moxxie added.

Vittorio muttered, rubbing his head irritably. "I can't believe I'm reduced to chasing a little girl, an arachnid eremita, a pair of bickering demoni, and a Chaos Bitch with a pony! Oh, how the mighty has fallen." He noticed the Hellvern hungrily watching the food in his hand, slobbering impatiently. Not interested in finishing his meal, Vittorio tossed his meat to the beast and ordered, "Striker, I want you both to find them all and report back to me!"

Striker nodded silently and continued eating.

Vittorio grabbed him by the horn and forcibly turned his head towards him and said with a glare, "Did you not hear me?"

Striker swallowed and apologized politely, "Crystal clear, boss. I apologize, but my mouth was full. Didn't want to disgust you."

The bat demon growled. "Typical. Of all my evil minions, I had to depend on the one with table manners. And no mistakes or I swear I will use your skin as a rug at the foot of my bed! Do I make myself clear?"

Striker, though deeply afraid of his threats, lowered his head and nodded. "Yes, boss." He then got onto the Hellvern and flew away.

Now that they had rested enough, Vittorio gathered his minions in order to resume their mission. "Hey, useless!" Vittorio snapped at Moxxie, whom became startled by his voice. "Make yourself useful and rendezvous with the wagons and tell them to press on." Moxxie quickly left them and headed off to the forest. "As soon as I have Exlucero, we'll join them. And the kingdom will be mine," he said with an evil chuckle.

Inside the darkest part of the Slaughter, the group, with its new members, pressed on with Angel leading the way.

"I'm starving. All this heroic business has worked up my appetite," Blitzo moaned from hunger. "I need food!"

"Oh, come on, Blitzy. You haven't done a thing since we left the Goetia woods," Stolas complained. "If anyone should be hungry, it should be me since I'm the one doing most of the walking."

"That's not my problem!"

"Well, if it pleases you, I think I could whip up a little something," Stolas offered.

"That would be a nice change," Cherri Bomb said. "Better you than me."

"How come?" Blitzo wondered.

"Let's just say my cooking could wipe out eight of a cat's nine lives. That's why Angel's in charge of the food when it was just the two of us, unless you count Fat Nuggets and Dynamite," Cherri laughed.

"And let me know the minute you find food," Angel added before he came to a stop to a clearing of small trees. "Well, here we are. This is where we stop for tonight."

"Stop? But what about Exlucero?" Reby protested, wanting to press forward.

"Believe me, Batty, no one travels through the Slaughter Forest after dark," Angel scoffed.

"Well, maybe you won't, but I know someone who would have."

"Really? Who might that be? Sounds like he's one crazy jackass," Angel laughed.

Reby was insulted by his remark. She picked up a pebble and threw it at him, only for Angel to duck in time. "Don't you dare talk shit about something you don't even know! Especially when I'm referring to my father! He would have traveled through this place blindfolded."

"Like I care! I don't even know your dad!" Angel argued.

"Too bad, 'cause he's a hero! I'm sure he wouldn't waste his time on you! He was a Chaos knight and one of the greatest knights of the Pentagram: Sir Dante!" Reby retorted.

Angel completely silenced himself as soon as he heard her father's name, staring at her with a shocked expression. Memories of the past played over his mind, especially of the knight he remembered years ago. All the way to his final moments. His mouth was gaped opened. Never once he thought of Reby being related to Dante and this changed everything.

"What?" Reby wondered, feeling uncomfortable from the silence.

Meanwhile, Stolas and Blitzo had gathered some firewood and attempted to start a flame through unsuccessful methods. Blitzo rapidly rubbed a stick back and forth onto the wood, hoping to get a spark.

"Come on, baby, come on. Light my fire! Daddy wants to get warm and toasty!"

"Blitzy, don't take this personally, but honestly, you're just embarrassing yourself here. Other demons would think there's nothing more pathetic than an assassin who couldn't start a simple fire," Stolas remarked before he took the stick and tried the same method with no results which he didn't notice since his eyes were closed.

Blitzo glared at the Goetia, insulted by his words, and with a smirk, he spoke out, "Hey, Stolas! You made a flame!" He pointed down to the wood in order to make Stolas look. He saw nothing. "Oh no, what a shame. It quickly died...just like all your hopes and dreams!"

Stolas glared at Blitzo, considering whacking him with one of the sticks, only to feel the stick escaping his grip. Soon, they realized all the sticks they've gathered came to life and quickly made a run for their lives. Dumb folded from the scene, they gazed at each other, wondering if what they saw was even real.

"Blitzy, be honest, am I drunk?" Stolas asked.

"If anyone should be drunk, it should be me, but this time, none of us are even close to that," Blitzo answered.

"So, what we just saw was real?"

"Yep," the imp simply replied.

"And shall we go after them?" Stolas asked.

"They may be alive but they're still our firewood and I need something to cook my food! After them, chicken legs!" Blitzo urged Stolas as the Goetia got up and went on after the runaway sticks.

Back to Reby and Angel, the spider demon knew that talking about his past will hurt, yet he knew that Reby deserved to know the truth, realizing now that she's Dante's daughter. He sat down on a small ledge and began his story.

"Reby, I'm sorry that I made you upset. You're right about one thing: that I shouldn't talk ill about something or someone I don't know. In this case, I didn't know you were Dante's daughter," Angel said apologetically.

"How come?" She wondered.

"Because the truth is...I knew your father," he admitted.

Reby had calmed down and became surprised by this reveal. "You did?"

"Yes," he nodded as he reminisced his childhood. "I used to live in Pridalot with my family. I was a stable boy. Though the job was fine, I still dreamt of becoming a knight. It drove my father and brother crazy, but my mother and sister supported my dream. After my parents passed and my siblings moved on to different paths, I remained in Pridalot, watching the knights every day and every night, training to become stronger. One evening, a fire broke out in the stables. Instead of helping put out the fire, I rushed to save the horses despite the other demon's protests. One stallion, in a panic, kicked me across the barn where I hit my head on one of the beams. I would have died if Cherri Bomb hadn't pulled me out from the flames. In my weakened state, I still made out some words from the demons, saying how I was foolish in trying to prove myself a hero or that I was too weak to even be knight. My injuries weren't severe after the Queen's advisor, Alastor, had checked me, but my faith in myself had faltered.

During my recovery, your father was the only one who still believed in me. He gave me great advice during our training spars where I learned the ways of the sword by mimicking his moves. In his eyes, I had all the tools to be a knight. He told me that a knight's strength comes from his heart and his loyalty to the oath of Pridalot. United we stand, now and forever. He was more to me than a teacher. He was my closest friend and a father. I was happy." Angel stopped when his eyes began to water as he reached his worst memory. With a strong composure, he said, "I'm afraid to tell you this because when I do, I don't know if you will see or treat me the same way."

Reby, out of sympathy and understanding, joined his side and gently hugged him. The gesture surprised Angel, yet he didn't pull away. This helped him gain the courage to continue his story.

"I was there...on the day he was killed. It was ten years ago, when the knights arrived for Queen Charlotte's gathering. I smiled when I saw your father and my curiosity got the better of me when I decided to sneak into the meeting room. Heaven knew that it would be the last time I would see him. The meeting was interrupted when one of their own betrayed the Queen and Dante bravely fought him. During the struggle, I leapt to the traitor and battled him, but his dishonorable ways overpowered me." Swallowing the urge to shed tears, he continued, "Before he could finish me, Dante took the blow that was meant for me. I tried to save him...but my efforts were in vain, though I did leave my mark on that bastard! The Queen ordered me to run and I hid after the traitor fled, only to realize that he had taken Dante from me...and from the rest of Hell. Any hope I had in becoming a knight died with him. With his death, there was no reason for me to stay and soon, the forest became my only home."

Reby listened to his every word, wiping her eyes after hearing her father's death. She never imagined her father's last moments and now she realized that she wasn't the only one impacted by the loss.

"I'm sorry, Reby, for it is because of me that you no longer have a father. He was a great man and I'm a waste. A nothing," Angel sniffed, trying to hide his emotions from her.

"Angel, I had no idea," Reby replied, understanding what Angel had gone through. "Is that why you were mean to me? Because I reminded you of him?"

"I wasn't that mean to you," Angel said. Reby gave him the 'oh, really?' look while putting her hands on her hips. "Okay, maybe my attitude was harsh, but now that you've told me who you really are, I should have realized your relationship with Dante. After all, you both have the same eyes." Reby smiled at that. "Whenever I see a bat demon, it reminds me not only of Dante, but also, the one who took his life. It was another bat demon that betrayed the Chaos knights."

"Like Vittorio," Reby muttered silently. Reby then placed her hand on his shoulder, comforting him. "I'm so sorry for your loss, Angel. I felt that way too. Like all was lost when my papa died, but deep down, I knew he wouldn't want me to give up. Oh, he wouldn't want you to give up either. You're as good as any Chaos knight in Pridalot."

"How can you say that? Knights are supposed to protect others and keep them safe. After all, I couldn't protect Dante," Dante sighed.

"That's not true," Reby argued gently. "What happened to my father wasn't your fault. The only one at fault is that monster whoever he is. He died honorably by protecting you and the Queen. And you're doing a fantastic job protecting me and surviving inside this forest."

"You really believe that?" Angel asked.

"I do," Reby smiled which also made Angel smile back warmly.

While the others chatted, Stolas and Blitzo, in this case Stolas being the only one running, still chased the only runaway stick. "Hey, stick! Come here. Come here! Come back here, you shitty stick!" Blitzo insisted. But the chased tired them out and the stick disappeared. Both Dynamite and Fat Nuggets laughed at the duo.

Blitzo glared until he glanced at Fat Nuggets. In his eyes, he sees him turning from a demon pig into a hot roast pork served on a plate. Licking his lips, he waited until Stolas walked past the pig and said with a glare, "I've got three words for you, piggy. DINNER IS SERVED! And you're the main course!" He then grabs Fat Nuggets and attempts to eat the helpless pig. "Come to Papa," the imp chuckled deviously.

"Blitzy, you wouldn't dare!" Stolas gasped.

"Oh, try and stop me, feather brain!"

"Unhand that pig!" Cherri Bomb snapped, kicking him hard on the belly. The force sent Stolas to the ground. Dynamite snorted angrily at the imp for trying to eat his friend and Fat Nuggets blew a raspberry in retaliation before dashing off.

"Sorry, Stolas. Don't know my own strength sometimes," Cherri apologized.

"None taken," Stolas spat out some dirt.

"But I'm dying of hunger!" Blitzo whined pitifully.

"Lucky for you, I managed to find food for everyone. Feel free to join us later," Cherri Bomb said before walking off to join the others.

"Sure thing. Just let me catch my breath... and possibly cough out my lungs!" Blitzo groaned from the pain.

When Cherri Bomb arrived with the gathered food, she noticed Reby and Angel having a conversation and listened on. Soon Dynamite and Fat Nuggets arrived as well. Angel prepared resting places with soft leaves and moss while Reby and Cherri prepared the food.

"So, how did you find Cherri?" Reby asked as she petted Fat Nuggets.

"I didn't. When I came to live here, Cherri found me again," Angel replied. "We became close since she saved me. By then, she was a newly appointed knight and after I left, I realized she was assigned to watch over me by Alastor. She still had knightly duties to fulfill so, she returns to the kingdom and comes back to check on me a few times. Imagine my happiness when I saw her again today after some years had passed."

"I missed you too, Angie!" Cherri said. "You, Fat Nuggets, and Dynamite are my only friends."

"Four friends if you include me," Reby pointed out.

Cherri Bomb chuckled. "Right on, girl! Angie may be my BFF but you are my BGFF: Best Girl Friend Forever!" She then shared a high five with Reby.

"So, what made you join the Chaos Knights?" Reby asked Cherri.

"For two reasons, one: to prove others that women can be just as good, if not better, knights than the men. We are not just for being damsels in distress, maids, or even housewives. And two: I was inspired by one of the greatest female knights ever to live," Cherri explained. "I remembered seeing her in joust competitions during the fairs when I was younger. She even let me ride with her on her horse. One day, she told me that a female knight only needs four things in order to become one: the freedom to live the life they wish, a true heart to protect their loved ones, the power to secure their future, and most importantly..."

"A sword of justice!" Reby finished immediately.

Cherri was stunned. "Why, yes, that's true, but how did you know that?"

"My mother always used to tell me that whenever she told her stories of her adventures. She was also a Chaos knight as well."

"And if I may be bold, who was your mother, Reby?" Cherri wondered.

"My mother was none other than Silvia or Lady Silvia," Reby answered.

Cherri Bomb was shocked. "What? Lady Silvia was your mother?" Reby nodded. "She was the one who inspired me to follow the path to knighthood! It's an honor to meet the daughter of a legend." Cherri Bomb happily hugged Reby tightly which made the bat girl smile. "She was the greatest knight in my book. Since her accident, I tried to do all I could to be like her."

"No one can be like her. You can only be you, Cherri," Reby said. "I'm sure you're doing your best."

"True. I'm sorry for your loss," Cherri said softly.

"Thank you. At least, you've managed to fulfill your dream, go on adventures, and even become friends with Angel, despite his attitude."

"Hey, I am what I am," Angel chuckled. "As I was saying, when I saw her again, it felt like as if destiny was watching over me. She taught me how to survive the forest and showed me all of its secrets. From what can hurt you to what can heal you." He then showed Reby a dark magenta plant that has healing properties. "But the best way to survive here is to have at least one companion by your side. That's why I have Nuggs whenever Cherri is not around."

"Well, at least you're not alone and that your knight training paid off," Reby commented. "I'd say you're a knight, knighted or not."

"Thanks. And I admit that you're quite gifted for someone who wants to be a knight. You already have heart, bravery, determination, athletic skills, resourcefulness, and stubbornness," Angel stated.

"Thanks, I guess," Reby said.

"But you're still lacking some skills in order to become a knight. For one thing, you need to learn how to defend yourself. Allow me to show you what I've learned," Angel stood near a dark purple bulb which opened up, revealing its thorny tendril. "First, I take my position," he began as he stood ready with his staff in hand. "Face my fears and hold my ground until the last possible moment, waiting for my friend's signal if you're not alone."

The tendril reared back, ready to attack. Upon Fat Nuggets' signal, Angel dodged the vine and whacked it with his staff.

"There. See? Simple. Now it's your turn," he handed her his staff.

"All right. No problem," Reby said eagerly.

Angel then helped her take her position properly, their hands touching the other. Reby tried to keep calm and control her emotions but being close to the spider demon wasn't helping her focus. She didn't understand why she was having trouble concentrating but took a deep breath and prepared to strike. Unfortunately, she had moved instantly, and the plant struck her in her stomach, sending her tumbling to Angel where they both fell on the ground. Reby recovered and realized that she felt Angel's soft chest fur and nested in his arms.

"Comfortable?" Angel teased.

Reby madly blushed in embarrassment and lifted her head from his chest. "I'm sorry! I tried to attack it like you did."

"Well, you moved too soon," he chuckled, now gazing upon her bi-colored eyes.

"Uh-huh..." Reby slowly replied, also staring at his pink eyes, completely feeling lost in them. "Still, I'm not as great as you, Angel."

"You will, someday," Angel comforted her and decided to reveal one more secret to her. "And it's Anthony."

"What?" Reby asked.

"My name. My true name is Anthony," Angel revealed. Cherri Bomb and the animals gaped their mouths. Never once did Angel aka Anthony gave his name to just anyone. Angel truly was opening up to her and to some new emotions as well. "You may call me that or the other. Whichever you like best. But you'll be the only person to use my real name."

"Anthony...I like it. It suits you," Reby smiled.

The two demons remained silent even as Reby remained in his arms after they got up from the ground. They both smiled warmly, a sight which Cherri Bomb noticed and grinned. Soon, they realized what they were doing and quickly turned around, hiding their blushing faces.

"You know, I am very lucky. Even though my parents are gone, I'm glad to have met you two. Both of you were very special to them. Now, I feel like they sent you both to me, to guide me, to help me, and even become such terrific companions and friends," Reby admitted. "Maybe even be something more."

Angel and Cherri looked at each other in confusion, but soon grasp in her words and smiled. "Perhaps it is destiny that we all met," Cherri said.

"I guess both Dante and Silvia never truly left any of us...and possibly never will," Angel said. "Maybe they have bigger plans for us."

"One thing for sure is that even though I'm their daughter, my parents cared for all of us. To them, we're family," Reby added.

"Family..." Angel thought it was a nice feeling. He believed this journey had brought them closer than ever.

"Coming through here!" Stolas and Blitzo finally arrived, putting themselves between Angel and Reby.

"Nice try, spider boy," Blitzo said with a smirk.

"I'd say, Reby, do you have a light?" Stolas asked her.

Deep down, Reby was irritated that their moment was ruined yet felt like it was for the best. They should be focusing on the mission instead of their feelings. If only it were that easy.

Later that night, Angel remained awake while the others slept peacefully. He turned in his bed and spotted Reby, sleeping with Fat Nuggets. It was obvious to see his pig immediately took a liking to Reby. When they first met, Angel thought she was nothing more than an annoying, helpless girl. But after spending time together, he now realizes that she is as brave as her father, tough and kind like her mother, and wise for her age with a little touch of stubbornness. After sharing his past with Reby, something formed between them. He truly never met someone like her. She was different. Her eyes gave out a bright spark that can make one's heart beat faster than a horse's gallop. And her laughter can lighten any dark day.

It was that moment that he discovered what was happening to him. "Am I feeling love...for her?"

Unbeknownst to him, Cherri spied on him quietly and was happy to see that he was not only opening up to others but that those two are becoming a pair. At least she hopes so for Angel's sake. She soon returned to her sleep once Angel dozed off as well.

Hope you liked it!

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