Chapter 18: Dirty Healing
In the Hazbin Hotel, Crystal and Sapphire are inside Angel Dust's room with him and Fat Nuggets. The two little pigs are happily playing with a toy ball. At the same time, Crystal is trying to help Angel Dust get his outfit fitted. Crystal struggles as he pulls the strings of Angel's corset top.
Barely able to breath, Angel says, "Alright Crystal, make it a little tighter."
"I'm trying Angel," Crystal says.
Crystal pulls the strings until it's tight enough.
"Alright Crystal, it's good," Angel says.
And with that, Crystal then ties up the thick strings into a strong and thick knot.
Crystal sighs and asks, "Are you sure you'll be okay? You might not be able to breathe."
"I'll be fine, babe. I wear these tight all the time," Angel says.
"So remind me what you're doing?" Crystal asks.
"I got a call from Val that I have to 'hang out' with him at the studio tonight. Some of the other employees will be performing there," Angel says.
"Is this really a mandatory thing?" Crystal asks.
"Yes. Yes it is," Angel says.
"Oh," Crystal replies.
Crystal then says, "Hey Angel, when do you have to leave for work?"
"An hour or so, why?" Angel replies.
"Well, can I ask you something? That is, if you don't mind?" Crystal asks.
"I don't mind at all, what is it?" Angel replies, shrugging his shoulders.
"This is going to sound silly, how did you get yourself involved in Charlie's Hotel?" Crystal asks.
Angel begins to think a bit and asks, "I never told you that story?"
"Nope," Crystal answers, shaking her head.
Angel looks at his phone to see the time, "I still got time so I guess I could explain it to you. But exchange for story time, you gotta continue helping me get ready. I'm doing a late night shift tonight."
"Okay," Crystal says.
Angel then points to the closet, "Then you can start by passing me that black dress."
"Sure," Crystal says.
Crystal walks to the closet, opens it and begins to look for the black dress.
"So how did you meet Charlie and Vaggie and get into her project?" Crystal asks.
"Well, as you know, I worked at Valentino's studio long before getting involved with Charlie. I actually met them a couple of weeks before I met you," Angel says.
Crystal then shows him the black sleeveless dress and Angel nods his head. Then Crystal gives it to Angel.
Angel continues, "It actually started when I decided to finalize a drug deal with a group of shark demons on Val's behalf."
"And I have to guess it didn't go too well?" Crystal asks.
"You don't know the half of it," Angel says.
Flashback: Sometime ago
Angel Dust is in an unknown location as he is surrounded by a group of shark demons. He is sitting at the table on one side. The other side has a large shark demon with a dirty greenish blue shirt, blue overalls, and black shoes. He also has sharp teeth, red iris and light blue sclera, and scars on his head and back fin. He is the boss of the shark demon gang.
The leader says, "So lemme get this straight."
"Mmm," Angel replies.
"Val has a lanky filly runnin' his deals for him now?" The leader questions.
"Who ya callin' a 'filly' busta'. I'm more man than you could ever handle, baby," Angel says.
But the shark leader says, "Well, you certainly ain't talkin' like one."
Angel then leans to the table with his elbows on it and supports his head with his hands.
He says in a stern tone, "Look. Let's cut to the chase. Big Vee didn't have much time to deal with some shitty C-List Mobster in a tacky suit. So I figured it might be doin' him a big favor to get one of his petty deals out of the way."
Then asks, "You got the shit?"
"Depends on whether or not you have my money," The shark leader says and rubs his thumb and index finger together.
"You think I'd show up to a drug deal without the goods to pay. This is Hell dipshit. I ai't fuckin' stupid," Angel Dust says.
Angel Dust then reaches down as he stands and slams a briefcase on the table.
"There ya see. It's all he-" But before Angel can answer, there are multiple clicking sounds, and not the good kind.
Angel simply looks at his surroundings with an annoyed face. He soon finds himself surrounded by shark demons and all of them have guns.
The Dark leader evilly grins and questions, "What's that you said about being fuckin' stupid, 'Filly'?"
Flashback Ends:
"Woah! So you were surrounded by shark demons. That sounds really bad," Crystal says, surprised.
"Maybe so, but those guys were a bunch of assholes," Angel says, powdering his face.
"Maybe, but being surrounded by large shark demons, with guns, without any backups sounds like a death wish," Crystal says.
"I'm sure you're used to being surrounded by shooters when you're an assassin," Angel says.
"That's true," Crystal replies.
Then asks, "So what happens next?"
"Well, after finding that those overground sharkbaits are not going to let me leave so easily," Angel explains.
Flashback:
Angel Dust simply narrows his eyes a little, and holds a frown on his face.
Just then, Angel says, "So let ME get this straight."
Then talks like he is offended, "I show up with Val'S money to pay. And you chickenshits pull the tough gangster routine on me. Just like that? Why? To look cool? You don't look cool. You look sad. Stoppit." And points his finger at the gangster leader.
Then the shark leader says, "I can tell a weak willed stooge when I see one. Easy money. Val must not give much of a shit about this deal. So why don't I just take it instead. Maybe if you behave, you can keep your head in exchange."
Angel then chuckles with a smug look and has his hand placed in his mouth, not paying mind to the guns being pointed at him.
"This bullshit tough guy act ain't foolin' me dipshit." Angel says, and gently pushes the rifle away with his finger, "But maybe I'm givin' off the wrong vibe."
He then says, "Lemme speak a language you might understand better." and places all four hands behind his back."
"What language is that? Fa-" But before the shark demon can ask.
Angel Dust then brings out his guns from behind his hands, and extends an extra set of arms, also holding guns. With that, Angel Dust fires the firearms on the spot and shoots all of the shark gang members. The sharp demons are shot, blood splatter, and the demons fall to the ground. Once the job is done, one of his pistols is still letting out some smoke. He lifts it towards his face and blows away the smoke. With most of his guns out of bullets, he only has the pistol left. He spins his gun around, and holds it back in his hand. He then walks to the Shark gang leader as he hums a little tune. He then gently rubs the leader on the hand, much to his irritation.
But then Angel puts the piston on his head and is ready to fire, "So. You gonna finish that word?"
The shark leader looks nervously at having a gun against his head. But suddenly, a gun has been fired and the Shark leader falls over due to a head shot. That catches Angel off guard. It doesn't take long to realize who has made the shot.
He places his hand on his face and says in frustration, "Eugh… god…"
Angel Dust turns his head to notice a pink color limo at front with a one eye demon with tentacles holding the door open, and red smoke coming out from the open window. Then, coming out of the darkness of the limo, familiar pink sunglasses, and a large grin appear, and a hand motion Angel comes inside.
The familiar voice calls out, "Angel."
Angel then walks towards the limo and is looking very nervous. He then climbs inside the limo and sits down as the driver closes the door. Then drives the limo away from the area. Now Angel Dust is in the limo and has to face his boss, Valentino who is in there as well with two feline demons.
"So tell me, Angel Cakes. What the fuck was that?" Valentino questions.
Angel begins to explain, "Um… I overheard you at the studio talking about how you didn't have anyone to handle this deal… I mean… I just thought… It was an… easy gig. I knew I could take him out easy, and even score ya both-"
But Val interrupts him, "Angel Angel Angel baby. What have I told you countless times, sweetheart, regarding your work, and my affairs?"
"C'mon boss. I know how this stuff goes-" Angel says, trying to explain himself. "It was just-"
But Valentino aggressively grabs Angel by his chin and glass down at him, "WHAT. Have I told you?"
Angel sighs and says, "... Stay in the studio."
"Very good. And where were you today?" Val sternly questions.
Angel reminds silent for a minute and soon answers, "... not… the studio."
Then Val lets Angel go as he sits back down.
He then says, "Very good darlin'. Now, let's talk about how you're gonna make up for the work you missed."
"I can pull a double shift tomor-" Angel says.
But Val interrupts him, "I think." Then snaps his fingers.
That makes the limo come to a stop.
Then says, "You can get out right here-stand on this corner, and make up the time you missed filming. You were supposed to do a Gang Bang today, so ya might be havin' a long night, sugar."
Angel sighs and says, "Yes sir."
"Is that all?" Val questions.
Angel nervously smiles and says, "Whatever you want, Mista Valentino."
"Good boy," Val says calmly. Then sternly says, "Now get out."
With that, Angel Dust climbs out of the limo and leaves as soon as Angel closes the door. Angel soon walks to the corner and remains there as he is given strange looks by the other demons. He then leans to a light post, lights up a cigarette, and begins smoking.
Angel mutters, "Fuckin' pompous shithead fuckin. Urgh."
Flashback Ends:
Angel says, "And this is pretty much how I got into deep shit with Val."
"Yikes. Talk about a harsh punishment," Crystal says.
"You can say that again," Angel says.
"I still can't believe you took down a group of shark demons by yourself," Crystal says, a little surprised.
"Well, there's a lot more to me than being a prostitute. I was in a mafia gang while I was alive," Angel says.
"Yeah. I think I remember you telling me that before," Crystal says.
Then asks, "So what happens next?"
Before Angel can answer, they hear a knock on the door.
Then hears Charlie's voice, "Crystal. Angel. Are you in there? Mind if I come in?"
"Yeah. You can come in," Angel says.
Charlie then opens the door from the outside and walks inside the room.
"What are you both doing?" Charlie asks.
"Helping Angel get ready for work. He's on a late night shift this time," Crystal says.
"Oh. Okay. It sounds like you two are having a conversation," Charlie replies.
"We were. I was actually telling Crystal about how I met you and your girlfriend and got involved in your little pet project," Angel says.
"Really?" Charlie asks with a smile.
"Yeah," Angel says.
Then Charlie asks, "So which part are you at?"
"Hmm, I was at the part when I was on the street. It's actually before your family limo drove by," Angel says.
"That's good. Can I help explain this part?" Charlie happily says.
Angel thinks about it, and shrugs his shoulders, "Sure, why not."
"Thanks," Charlie happily says.
Crystal asks, "So when did you two come in?"
Charlie then says, "Well, I was in my family limo with Vaggie. She and I were trying to find someone to take part in our project, and we noticed Angel outside the window.
Flashback:
Riding in the limo, Charlie and Vaggie are having a disagreement, or a small argument. They turn their heads out the window to notice Angel Dust smoking outside. Then turns his head to another demon. Outside of the limo, Angel notices the vehicle pulling over and honking. Thinking the person inside is calling to him, he walks over to the back window. Soon, the window begins to roll down.
Angel says, "Well hey there, see-" but stops to see Charlie nervously waving as Vaggie places her hand over her eyes, "Oh."
He then says "Woah now-for ladies I charge extra."
But Charlie quickly says, "No no no! No! We don't want any of that. I was wondering if we could talk to you real quick?"
"I'm on the clock sister. Ya godda pay if you want to waste my time," Angel says, not very interested.
Charlie quickly opens the door with a smile, "Oh yes, sure I can do that!"
Angel looks a bit confused, but then shrugs his shoulders and climbs inside the limo.
He crawls past them as he asks, "Ya got any booze in this fancy ass car?"
He then takes a seat.
Vaggie turns to Charlie and questions, "Are you sure this is the one you wanna talk to?"
Charlie turns to Angel to see him leaning on the chair as he holds a cigarette in one hand, and rubs his inner leg with another.
Charlie smiles, "Yes. He's good. I can tell."
Vaggie however, doesn't seem to think so.
Then Angel asks, "so what's what? Like I said. I'm on the clock.
Charli then leans to Vaggie, "Weeeelllll…!" with their cheeks pressed against each other.
Vaggie turns to Angel and asks, "What is your name… mister?
"Angel. Angel Dust the Porn Star? I'm kind of famous here, bitch," Angel says.
"Was that necessary" Vaggie questions.
"Nah. But those words tend to just slip outta me," Angel says.
And Vaggie begins the introduction, "My name is Vaggie. This is Charlie. We-"
But Angel blurts out, "Like Vagina?!"
Then chuckles as he covers his mouth.
Crystal's voice (sarcastically): Nice first impression, Angel.
Angel's voice: What? You have to admit, it's pretty funny.
Charlie's voice: Vaggie didn't think it was so funny.
Vaggie pinches the bridge between her eyes and decides to ignore him.
Then says, "We have a proposition for you. Your princess, Charlie here has repurposed one of her family's buildings into a Rehabilitation center for souls like you, who we think have a chance of redemption. Our goal is to get a damned soul into Heaven! At least one, just to prove that is possible."
"Is it?" Angel questions.
"We don't know yet," Vaggie says.
"Uh huuuuh right," Angel says, not very convinced.
Then Charlie nervously says, "BUT! We want you to be our first test subject!"
"Why my?" Angel asks, tilting his head.
"Because you seem like someone who regrets his life choices and would be interested in self reflection and bettering yourself," Charlie says.
But Vaggie shoves her away a bit and says, "Because, we have been talking to demons all day and nobody has agreed to it yet."
Angel covers his face as he tries his best not to laugh, but is not able to hold it in. Soon, Angel begins laughing at them, and the project.
Then Vaggie says, "Look, you will get free meals, free housing, and protection from Hell's constant hazards that is -if-i you agree to attend what activities we planned. And genuinely attempt to rectify your behavior."
Angel finally stops laughing and says, "Sounds lame."
This makes Vaggie grits her teeth with anger.
Charlie leans against Vaggie and says, "Aw! You can't tell me you enjoy standing on the side of the street waiting for someone to pay to-"
Charlie stops herself and grows embarrassed.
She turns her eyes away and says, "Ya know…"
"I don't know," Angel says with a smirk, "Please finish that sentence."
Just then, Vaggie says, Eugh, Charlie, he's not a good candidate. We'll just look again tomorrow." That causes Angel to frown and turns his eyes away, thinking.
Then Angel says, "HEY!"
Catching the girl's attention.
Then says, "Who said I'm not a good pick. I'm the best pick! You broads don't know me! I could be whatever I want to be!"
"Then prove it," Vaggie sternly says, glaring at Angel.
The two then viciously glares at each other, and practically growling.
Then Angel says, "... I'm in."
Vaggie replies, "Really."
While Charlie is excited, "REALLY?"
Angel shrugs his shoulders and says, "Yeah. I'm also 3 months behind on my rent and so free housing' sounds fucking good to me. Plus it'll be nice to not have to suck the greasy landlord's dick every month."
"Charming," Vaggie bluntly says.
Angel stretches his arms and says, "Anyway, if that's all, then I guess I should prolly get back to work today at least. If you gals ain't payin' for playin' I still need to make about-"
But suddenly, Charlie plops a stack of cash in Angel Dust's hands.
Confused, Angel asks, "What is this?"
"Money!" Charlie says.
"For…?" Angel says, confused.
"Helping us," Charlie says with sparkles in her eyes.
Angel soon stares at Charlie with a dumbfounded expression.
Then says, "...This is a trick."
"No. This is an investment in you," Charlie says.
She places her hand on Angel's chest and leans to him.
She then says, "There's a lot more to you than you think there is, Angel. We want to help you."
"Pfft okay…" Angel says and rolls his eyes, "I mean I don't really need any help so… yeh."
A little while later, Angel climbs out of the limo as he says, "... Okaayyy… Well um… Thanks. We'll be in though. Eh?"
"Yes and thank you!" Charlie says.
Charlie then closes the limo and the vehicle drives away.
"Sure," Angel says to himself.
Then clutches the cash in his hand.
Flashback Ends:
Crystal is sitting on the bed with Fat Nuggets, Sapphire, and Charlie. Angel Dust has also finished getting himself ready to head out for the night.
"And that's it," Angel says.
"That is quite a story," Crystal says.
"Yeah. Angel stayed for the hotel and two weeks later we had that interview, which didn't end so well," Charlie says.
Crystal rubs the back of her head, "Yeah. I don't think I made things easier by getting myself involved in that Turf War with Angel and Cherri, fighting against Sir Pentious and his Egg Bois."
"Well, it happened on your first day, so it couldn't really help that you don't know what goes on in Hell," Charlie says.
"Yeah. And it doesn't help that Pentious and his walking Eggs attack us," Crystal adds.
"True, but it was still the best action I had in ages," Angel says.
Soon, Angel finishes with his makeup and is all dressed.
He looks at his phone and says, "Well I have to get going. I'll see you guys tomorrow. You don't mind if Nuggs sleeps with you tonight?"
"I don't mind. See you tomorrow," Crystal says.
"Yeah. See ya," Angel says.
Angel then leaves his bedroom and begins to head off to the nightclub.
Crystal giggles and says, "Angel sure is an interesting demon, even before coming to the hotel."
"I suppose, but it's nice to have Angel here, and you," Charlie says.
"Thanks," Crystal says.
She turns to see Fat Nuggets and Sapphire are fast asleep, and snuggling to each other.
Charlie gushes, "How precious."
Crystal giggles with a smile, and uses her phone to take a picture of the pair sleeping.
Meanwhile, Angel is riding in a taxi to the nightclub. As he is having the car ride, Angel begins to think of what has happened after meeting Charlie.
Flashback:
After meeting Charlie and Vaggie, and being given the money for the night, Angel Dust decides to head back home for the night. He soon walks into an apartment complex and walks down the hall to his apartment. As he gets back home, he can't stop thinking of what just happened. He meets the princess, and takes part in a rehabilitation project. He still doesn't understand how or why he decided to get involved in this.
He opens the door with a sigh of exhaustion, and walks into his room. It's not a big room, but it's at least livable.
His room has pink walls, with a magenta carpet, and a pink and light pink rug. There is a mattress with a blanket and pillow, with a desk, a chair, and many different, adult toys around the room. Waking up from his sleep on his bed, is Fat Nuggets. His eyes and the pattern on his back glow.
Angel calls out, "Hey Nuggs, I'm home."
Seeing Angel, Fat Nuggets leaves his bed and walks to his owner.
He looks down as he says, "Redemption."
He then picks up Fat Nuggets, and walks to his bed to sit down.
He pets Nuggs on the head and says,"Silly, huh Nuggs!
Fat Nuggets squeals with glee.
Flashback Ends:
Angel sighs as he's deep in thought. Suddenly, he hears his phone beep. He looks at his phone to see Crystal has sent him a text photo of Fat Nuggets and Sapphire sleeping together.
Angel smiles and says, "Redemption may seem ridiculous, but maybe being in the hotel isn't that bad."
