A Cold Wind In Hell
Chapter Eleven: New Toys
After the defeat of Valentino, Sam split up from Angel Dust and Cherri Bomb, the two sinners making their way back to the hotel and swinging the doors open.
"Honey, I'm home!" He yelled aloud as he entered the threshold.
"Damnit, do ya have to be so god damn loud?!" Husk growled.
"Angel Dust!" Charlie gasped before jumping at the spider demon with a bone-crushing hug. "Thank grandfather you're okay!"
"Yeah, thank God above." Angel Dust choked out from the iron-clad hug, feeling his ribs getting crushed. "Charlie! Can't…breath…!"
"Oops, sorry!" Charlie said before releasing him, the spider demon falling to the floor, before noticing the absence of a certain samurai. "Where'd Sam go?"
"Said he had to meet with Sir Snake-Butt." Angel said after straightening himself out. "Something about giving him something to do."
Suddenly, the TV that was on switched to the news channel, with the two familiar demons hosting.
"Good afternoon, everyone, I'm Katie Killjoy," The pale, slender sinner declared.
"And I'm Tom Trench," Added the trench coat demon with the gas mask. "And this is Channel 666, coming at you with some intense news!"
"Just recently, the Porn Studio belonging to the overlord Valentino had been set ablaze and turned to rubble!" Killjoy declared. "At first, no one seemed to know what caused the fire, but after digging through the rubble, we found the answer from discovered video footage!" She then turned to someone off screen. "Play it!"
The screen then changed to the inside of the building, showing Cherri Bomb and Sam blitzing their way through Valentino's men before reaching the pimp lord himself, showing the fight between Sam and Valentino before the pimp lord was soon cut down.
"Now that's what I call 'cutting things up'!" Killjoy declared, clearly enjoying the carnage.
"Looks like the Clyde of Hell is making a comeback!" Tom Trench added. "And he's reunited with his Bonnie, no doubt!"
"Could these two be making a comeback? We have no doubt about it!" Killjoy said. "These two lovebirds are no doubt coming out of retirement!"
"I doubt they were retired to begin with, but yeah!" Trench added. "Anyways, that's all for today!"
With the news ended, Charlie stood in silence, still taking in the news.
"Valentino's dead?" Vaggie said in surprise.
"And thanks to that, I'm going clean!" Angel Dust declared. "All thanks to Sammy boy!"
"Sam did that?" Charlie asked, wanting to confirm.
"Yeah, after Val rejected his offer for mercy." Cherri said in an almost grumbling tone.
"Wait, Sam tried to spare that bastard?" Husk laughed. "Why would he even consider that?!"
"This proves that he still has humanity in him." Charlie declared. "I knew I made the right call accepting him!"
"Finally, someone who doesn't indulge in sin." Vaggie added with relief.
"It still didn't feel right." Cherri said, clearly still sore from that scene. "After everything that sleazy bastard did to everyone, to Angie, he had it comin'!"
"I'm not arguing against that," Charlie said with a shake of her head. "But mercy is one of humanities most redeeming qualities, and Sam willing to show mercy if proof of that. I'm not arguing against killing to protect."
Cherri took a moment to think it over before a knock on the door was heard. Charlie went and opened it, revealing the two demoness' that Sam had rescued before Sam had gone off to face Valentino.
"Um…hello," The vixen said shyly. "Is this the Hazbin Hotel?"
"Yes, actually." Charlie nodded. "Can I help you?"
"Well, after Val was killed and the studio burned down," The fox sinner said. "Me and my friend here decided to give this place a try."
"Yeah, especially after hearing about the one and only Clyde of Hell living here!" The succubus declared. "Like, he's soooo hot! Where's he at?"
"Went out on an errand and it'll be a while before he makes it back." Cherri said with a shrug. "But you can always thank him when he gets back."
"Oh, that's cool." The fox sinner smiled. "I'm Summer, by the way." She then pointed a thumb at the succubus. "This here is Dia."
"Girls, glad ta see ya!" Angel declared. "I was worried somethin' happened, after the place burned down!"
"Summer suggested coming here." Dia said. "Especially now that we're free from that scum fucker!"
"Well, if you two follow me, we'll get you situated." Vaggie spoke up. "Just keep some rules in mind; no drugs, no alcohol, or orgies. I don't want this place to smell like a brothel."
"You say no alcohol, but there's a bar over there." Dia said while pointing at said bar.
"Well, just watch how much you drink." Charlie said.
"And what if it's just regular sex?" Summer asked.
"Then…just keep the noise to a minimum." Vaggie sighed.
While Vaggie was getting the new guests situated, Charlie noticed the conflicted look on Cherri's face, "What's the matter, Cherri?"
"Sam tried sparing that asshole." Cherri told her. "After everything that cunt did, after what he had put Angel Dust through, Sam tried showing him mercy!"
"I understand what you mean." Charlie said, the two women sitting on a couch. "Given how things work down here, anyone would be more than happy to indulge in their bloodlust. But Sam? He's different."
"How would you know?" Cherri asked with a raised brow. "You didn't spend three years with the guy like I have!"
"Even without that, even I could tell he's tired." Charlie countered. "The look on his face, his eyes, even his body language. He's a man who's seen years' worth of bloodshed, blood on his hands, and has reached a point where he wants to lay down his sword, killing only when pushed." She placed a hand on the cyclops' shoulder. "Trust me; there's nothing wrong with trying to show mercy, even if it's in vain."
Cherri gave this some thought, finding merit in the princess' words, before sighing, "I'll think on it. This is a lot to take in."
"Take all the time you need." Charlie said with a warm smile. "In the meantime, I'd better call Sam."
Standing up, Charlie pulled out her cellphone and dialed Sam's number, which they had exchanged after getting Sam settled in, and didn't have to wait long before she heard the other end pick up.
"Hello?" She heard Sam asked on the other line.
"Hey, Sam?" She said. "I was just calling to check on you. Cherri and Angel said you were with Sir Pentious."
"That's right." Sam replied. "Figured I'd give him something to do that'll keep him out of trouble."
"You're having him invent something for you?" Charlie asked.
"Took something from Vally boy's collection." Sam explained. "It gave me an idea, but I needed Penty to make it happen."
"Is it alright if I come pick you up?" Charlie asked. "There's something I needed to talk to you about anyways."
"Sure, I see no reason why you shouldn't." Sam agreed. "You might be waiting a while though."
Hanging up, Charlie soon left with Razzle and Dazzle following behind, the goat brothers getting up front while Charlie got in the back.
"Full speed to Sir Pentious' place!"
Nodding, Razzle mashed on the gas, the limo zooming off.
Meanwhile, in another district of the Pride Ring, inside Stolas' mansion, a lone figure was walking down the halls of the home, simply wondering about going nowhere in particular, just looking about, wearing an all-black suit without a shirt, showing several scars on his torso. He was a lion sinner, with shoulder length blonde hair and blue eyes and his mane cut short, his long, lion tail swinging back and forth.
The sinner seemed to be enjoying the peace and quiet, before he heard the sound of giggling coming from behind.
"Quiet day today, huh?"
He turned around to face an Imp that reached up to his neck, her physique slim, red skin with large, curled horns, red eyes with yellow sclera, sharp teeth and black, and claw-like fingers. Across her skin were white stripes, some forming crosses on her forearms as well as forehead. She wore a white and dark red, short striped dress with black, knee-high boots.
The lion only smiled in the presence of his wife, "Indeed, just the way I like it, Barb."
Barbie Wire smirked before standing at his side, "You've really changed, Eli. To think that just twenty years ago, you were trying to kill Stolas."
"What can I say?" Eli chuckled. "The crusty old bird rubbed off on me."
"By the way, I thought I'd let you know," Barbie said. "The news is spreadin' around; Valentino's dead!"
"Is that so?" Eli said with a raised brow. "Huh. Didn't think someone had the spine to do so."
"Apparently, it was the Clyde of Hell." Barbie explained. "That samurai guy that dropped in three years back."
"Well, the moth served his purpose." Eli shrugged. "At any rate, I'd better inform Stolas of Val's transgressions; teach what's left of his men what happens when they try to prey on the bird's family."
"Heads are gonna roll!" Barbie bellowed in laughter.
Eli only nodded before walking off towards Stolas' studies.
Meanwhile, Jetstream Sam sat on a couch within Sir Pentious' mansion, Egg Bois running about performing various tasks while some sat around Sam, saying many things.
"The Clyde of Hell is so COOL!" One declared.
"Strong and fast!" Said another.
"Can you cut me into pieces with your katana?!" Another asked.
Sam raised a brow at the last one but chose to ignore it, waiting patiently for the snake-demon to finish his request. And by the Egg Bois excited attitude, it was something to be excited for.
"Thank you for your patience."
Sam looked over to see Sir Pentious return with the cane Sam had brought, but it certainly looked different from when he brought it in. Where it was once just a simple cane, now the main section of the cane was a little more blocky than it originally was, and the handle had a trigger near the hilt of the handle.
"Perhaps you'd like to give it a test?" The snake demon suggested. "I've already prepared some training dummies in the back for you to practice, get a feel for the weapon."
Nodding, Sam got up from the couch and stepped out back, the backyard littered with training dummies. Taking some breaths, Sam readied his new weapon and pointed the end of the cane out, his finger squeezing the trigger that released a stream of fire, setting the dummies alight, before he started twirling the cane by its handle, then with a twist of the hilt, the long end soon separated into bladed segments, the fire trailing behind, before Sam unleashed several lashes from the cane-turned-whip, slicing the dummies into pieces before he started twirling it overhead before slamming the whip down, unleashing a wave of fire that incinerated the dummies.
"Magnificent!" Sir Pentious applauded. "This is the power of my creation; Burning Lust!"
"A fine weapon indeed." Sam admitted, reverting the weapon back into its cane form. "I'll be sure to put it to good use."
"And should you find more, do bring them to me." Sir Pentious requested. "For a small fee, I can make them into the perfect weapon of destruction."
"I'll consider it." Sam nodded. "And I expect you to stay out of trouble."
"Of course, sir!" The snake demon said. "Again, feel free to stop by if you acquire any more weapons in need of modifications!"
Nodding, Sam left the mansion and saw Charlie's limo near the sidewalk, Charlie patting the seat next to her, Sam getting in and sitting next to her and the limo speeding off.
"How'd things go?" Charlie asked.
"Pretty good, actually." Sam replied. "Had the snake craft a weapon for me."
"For self-defense?" Charlie inquired.
"Of course!" Sam laughed. "I mean what I said, Charlie; I want to change and lay my weapon down, but should they push me, I will be forced to draw my blade."
"Like with Valentino?" Charlie pointed out.
"Yes." Sam nodded. "I will spare, if possible, but should they keep pushing…"
"I understand." Charlie nodded in turn. "Still, this proves that you're not beyond help."
"I'll take that as a compliment." Sam chuckled.
"Sam, I've grown to trust you, ever since you first came to us." Charlie confessed. "You've shown amazing progress, and even went out of your way to help Angel Dust."
"I try." Sam shrugged.
"Which is why I wanted to ask you," Charlie said, taking a breath before finally saying, "If I could have your babies!"
Sam looked at her blankly, before blinking several times before finally managing a reply, "Eh?"
"Please hear me out!" Charlie quickly said. "Vaggie and I have been together for a long time and we've been wanting to have a life together. And we also plan on having kids, no doubt adoption, but I was wondering if, with your permission, we'd have your kids, since we trust you."
Sam was silent for a moment, Charlie anxiously waiting for his answer, before something unexpected happened…
Sam started chuckling, before turning to bellowing laughter, much to Charlie's confusion.
"Let me guess; Cherri Bomb put you up to this?" Sam finally asked.
"How did you-" Charlie was about to ask, but Sam had already answered.
"I've been with Cherri Bomb long enough to know what she's up to." Sam declared. "Trust me; when you're with someone for three years, you learn to memorize everything about them."
"Yeah, I pretty much know everything that goes on through Vaggie's head, with a few exceptions." Charlie admitted. "So, does that mean you'll…"
"When I'm ready, but not right now." Sam said. "And as long as Vaggie's okay with it."
"Oh, I told her, and she said she's fine with it." Charlie assured. "In fact, she approved the idea!"
"Really?" Sam said with a raised brow. "Didn't think she'd be interested in guys."
"Oh, she doesn't." Charlie said. "But I wanted us both to have kids from the same man we both trust; even if it is a one-time only."
"Well, I'm okay with it." Sam said. "As long as you give me some time."
"Sure! Take all the time you need!" Charlie said with a toothy smile.
The two sat in silence, at least trying to enjoy the speeding ride.
Terumi walked down the corridor of an undisclosed tunnel, carrying what looked like a briefcase in one hand before entering a rather large room, several television screens, seven to be exact, six of them turned on and having the shadowy appearances of demons on screen.
"Terumi the Terrible." The dark figure of a large hellhound greeted on the screen with the label 'wrath'. "It's been a while, since you last called for a meeting like this."
"My apologies, fellow members of the Seven Deadly Warlords." Terumi said with a respectful bow. "Business has been keeping me busy."
"I highly doubt you called just for pleasantries." One of the images of the screen labeled 'sloth' spoke up in a Swedish accent.
"You'd be correct." Terumi nodded. "I wanted to inform you that our Warlord of Lust, Valentino, is dead."
The images, like greed and gluttony, leaned back in shock, the one in sloth gasping, while pride and wrath seem unmoving.
"Valentino was weak and worthless." Wrath scoffed. "Talks a big game, but in the end, he was nothing but talk."
"He did put up one hell of a fight…" Terumi pointed out, as if to defend their fallen comrade, but said. "But it wasn't enough."
"So why call upon us, Envy?" Pride said, leaning back in what looks like a chair. "Surely, given your status, I figured you'd handle things yourself."
"Because it would be best if we defeat this foe with our combined efforts." Terumi said as he pulled a picture of Sam from his coat. "None other than the Clyde of Hell; Samuel Rodrigues."
"Hah! Truly a worthy opponent!" Wrath laughed boastfully.
"I thought the guy was retired." Gluttony said as he seemed to be munching on something.
"Perhaps he grew bored with his hiatus." Sloth inquired. "I know I would."
"If he managed to kill Valentino, what's stopping him from coming after us?!" Greed said, almost fearfully. "This bastard's gonna kill our business if he so much as catches us in his sights!"
"Which is exactly why I decided to call upon you, my brothers and sister." Terumi declared. "With our combined power, we will dispel this wind of destruction and make our names known throughout this cursed plane!" He holds up the briefcase and opens it, revealing stacks of money. "And I'm willing to pay a hefty sum!"
"Now, you're speaking my language!" Greed declared, any semblance of fear quickly gone.
"I don't care for the money." Wrath growled. "So long as I get a decent challenge."
With all of them in agreement, the screens switched off, Terumi turning to leave.
"It's only a matter of time, old friend." He said to himself. "Let's see how you fare against the deadliest Hell has to offer."
And there's the new chapter! We see Sam get a new weapon, similar to Raiden gaining weapons from fallen bosses, and Terumi is setting the Seven Deadly Warlords after him! Who are they? Hope you'll stick around to find out!
Not much else to say, except I hope you'll stay tuned for more! Reviews are greatly appreciated!
