Chapter 11

Hazbin Hotel

"Come on, please don't do that." Said Charlie as she meekly asked two of her patrons to stop fighting, one of which was a new one. Behind her, two of the Iron Guard were watching them with glowing eyes, ready to grab them at Charlie's orders. The princess, however, didn't want them to be rough with them, fearing it'll cause them to leave. Thus, the reason she was doing it instead of the Iron Guard.

She didn't know why they were fighting. One moment everything was fine and the next two of her clients were fighting against each other, making a mess of things in the lobby.

Upon being ignored, Charlie once again begged them to stop fighting. When she was once again ignored, Charlie quivered her lips a bit before looking over at the Iron Guard soldiers and nodding her head. With that, the Iron Guard quickly went over to the sinners and separated them, handling them like they were nothing.

Watching the two sinners continue to glare at each other, Charlie spoke out.

"Why were you two fighting?" Asked Charlie as she looked at the two sinners, one having dog-like features and the other having cat-like ones, the latter being the newest of her patrons. "You both were doing so well so far. What is the case of this?" The cat sinner, a female, then looked at Charlie with anger.

"Want to know why?" Asked the sinner. "This is the fucker that had been fucking my sister when we were among the living! Behind my fucking back!" Upon hearing that, Charlie cupped her mouth in surprise before looking at the dog sinner, another female, looking a bit guilty.

"It's true, princess." Said the dog girl. "I paid her sister to have sex with me when we were still alive. And we did it without her sister's, Thana here, knowledge. You have to understand, princess, we really loved each other, but Thana's family had been hitting rough times. They needed money and I had plenty of it so I decided to pay her to have sex with me."

"Yeah, and you fucking caused her to end up here in Hell along with me!" Yelled Thana. "We were devoted Christians, you bitch. We spent our entire lives being devoted to God and his teachings. We did everything we could to be in his good graces. And you ruined it all by fucking my sister with premarital sex." She then began thrashing around in an attempt to free herself from the Iron Guard holding her so she can beat up the dog sinner. This caused the Iron Guard warrior to hold her even tighter. Charlie pressed her pointer fingers in anxiety at this fighting, not wanting her patrons to fight. Eventually, she spoke up.

"I get that your angry, Thana." Said Charlie as she looked at the cat demon, who hissed at her. Undeterred, Charlie kept speaking. "But this is a place for rehabilitation, forgiveness, and trying to be a better person. Stuff like this will undo everything that you trying to accomplish here. So, please." She adopted a pleading look along with some puppy eyes to go with it. "Just stop fighting and let's all get along with each other, no matter what history we have." Thana, upon looking at the princess' face, sighed and nodded. Smiling at that, Charlie asked the Iron Guard soldiers to let her patrons go, which they did without hesitation. Once both of the patrons were down, Charlie spoke again. "Now, normally if you break hotel rules, then I have to punish you, but since this is your first offense, I'll let you both go free with a warning." Both Thana and the other sinner nodded at that, seemingly grateful for the leniency, before leaving the princess alone. With them were the Iron Guard soldiers, to ensure that they don't do go back to fighting each other once they were out of sight of the princess. Once she was alone, Charlie sighed and went to a nearby chair to sit down.

That went better than she expected. She honestly expected, but hoped would never come to pass, them to just go down and fight with each other even after she told them not to. She was glad that her patients were reasonable. That made things a lot easier for her and the hotel staff. It also made their ability to redeem people much easier as well.

Humming to herself, she looked at a portrait of her and her parents. Both of her parents were smiling while she herself wasn't. She always was so nervous when she had to take those family photos. Especially when she had to play dress up and wear clothing that just wasn't her style.

But, moving on, she wondered how her parents were doing. And if they're proud of what she accomplished so far. When she last talked to them, they both displayed disapproval at her little passion project, though for different reasons. Her mother was fine with her attempting to redeem a few souls here and there, but she didn't think it was all worth risking her daughter's life. Especially, when there were Overlords and other demonic lords that would not take too kindly to her little project. Her father, however, was completely against it all. He thought it was all doomed to fail and that it was unbecoming of a princess of Hell to try to do what any run-of-the-mill Sinner can accomplish on their own. He even tried to talk her out of it all.

It hurt Charlie that her parents did not think highly of her passion project or of the good that it will do for their home. It hurt that they didn't think enough of her that she can't do this. And it hurt that they didn't approve of it like she wanted them to. She remembered the disappointed look in her father's eyes as she told him her passion project. How her mother looked so uncertain of the whole thing. She just wanted to bring a little hope and prosperity to her home and they think it's all for naught. Well, she hoped that she'll show them. Especially with all the support that she's getting from two Overlords and the Iron Revenant himself.

She knew that her parents disliked Mordekaiser for the humiliation he did on her father so long ago, her mother had told her about it some time ago, but she could see that he wasn't as bad as people make him out to be. He was up-front and to the point, but reasonable enough that he was willing to help her out in her dream. She was scared of him, don't get her wrong, but she saw there was more to the Iron Revenant than meets the eyes. He didn't have to help her as his people aren't affected by the exterminations like everyone else in Hell, but he still was helping her. So there must be a kind heart underneath that persona of darkness and fear he put up around him. She just hoped her father won't be angry with her for interacting with Mordekaiser. Though, considering that it had been two weeks since Rosie's interview that told everyone that Mordekaiser was helping the Hazbin Hotel and her father hasn't contacted her since, she can safely assume that he was fine with it. Thus, with her parents not interfering in her hotel, she can focus on both funding and maintaining her hotel as well as focus on redeeming people.

So far, it's been going well. There had only been a few fights here and there between patrons as well as a few relapses into bad behavior, but her employees knew what they were doing and thus acted accordingly with patrons that broke hotel rules or went to committing sins. Even Alastor was surprised with the efficiency of Rosie's employees and he knew her for years. Thus, it was Charlie's hope that one of their patrons will be redeemed soon and prove that her way was possible and that the exterminations are no longer necessary.

As far as Charlie was aware, not a single person has ever been redeemed before. You either go to Heaven or Hell. Or stay in purgatory for a long while until the Angels decide if you go to either afterlife. So, it excited her that she was making history with her hotel right now. Oh both the lords of Hell and the Archangels of Heaven are going to be so surprised and happy with her success.

Still. She had to get through the hurdle of actually redeeming people, which shouldn't be too long now. Everyone was making excellent progress and was on the course of redemption.

When her hotel makes their very first redemption, she'll be throwing a huge party to celebrate. She'll be inviting all her investors, friends, and even her parents for this momentous feat. Oh, she just hoped Mordekaiser, and her parents won't destroy everything when they see each other. She didn't want to pay money to fix stuff that they all break just because they can't stand each other.

But enough moping around, she had clients to work with soon and she wasn't going to disappoint them by being late.

Adjusting her suit a bit, Charlie took a deep breath before she ventured to her next assigned meeting.

Meanwhile

"I don't understand why you put up these conditions, Alastor." Said Sahn-Ikal as he talked to the radio demon, who was currently fiddling with his radio-cane hybrid. "I need to speak to my father regarding the angel that has placed both my mother and me under her grasp. So, he can do something about it before it's too late." Alastor simply chuckled at that. During his stay here, Sahn-Ikal had told Alastor of the angel Kayle and all that she did to Rosie. Truth be told, Alastor was more than upset about hearing what had been done to his friend, but otherwise remained calm and maintained the deal between him and Rosie's son.

"My dear boy." Said Alastor with his signature smile. "There's nothing to worry about. If this angel is as vindictive towards your father as you say she is, then she won't make her move until she can be certain that she will have ultimate satisfaction. Oh yes. I know how people like her work very much. Don't you worry, my boy, she won't make a move on your mother or you. Not when it would draw too much attention to her."

"I hope that you're right, Alastor." Said Sahn-Ikal, still not certain of all this. "But just so you know, I'm telling my father about what has happened the first chance I get. He deserved to know."

"Of that, we can agree." Said Alastor. "But that doesn't mean we can't have a little fun now, right?"

"I would rather get things done over having fun that may cause us to lose much by delaying what needs to be done." Said Sahn-Ikal, causing Alastor to chuckle. He's very much like his father. Always business with him.

"Duly noted." Said Alastor. "Don't worry, though, I'm sure that you'll get your chance soon. The princess is making remarkable process in redeeming souls. I'd wager she'll be able to redeem at least one soul by the end of the month."

"Good." Said Sahn-Ikal. "Now, what about the other conditions of our deal? Do you need something from me or should I expect something from you in the future?"

"Oh, you'll know it when I need you." Said Alastor with a smile. "Now, I got to go and handle some business for the hotel. It wouldn't do if an investor doesn't do the best he can to ensure his investment is profitable. No?" Sahn-Ikal just stayed silent as Alastor left him. Once he was alone, Sahn-Ikal walked to the security station, eager to get back to his job. It was only after a few minutes of walking that he bumped into someone, causing them both to fall to the ground.

Shaking his head, Sahn-Ikal looked to see that it was the princess of Hell, Charlie. Seeing that she was currently rubbing her forehead, Sahn-Ikal went over to her and helped her up.

"Forgive me, princess." Said Sahn-Ikal as he helped her up. "I didn't see you there. It was unbecoming of me."

"It's okay." Said Charlie with a smile as she looked at Sahn-Ikal, noticing just how tall he was. "I should be apologizing too. I didn't see you there. Forgive me. I've been so busy with work that everything's a blur. So sorry."

"It okay." Said Sahn-Ikal. "Such things can actually be good. It means your hotel is off to a good start." Charlie giggled at that.

"That's not what Angel says." Said Charlie. "He's always complaining about how people are taking his liquor from him and that the food given by Rosie are now being spread out to people that aren't accepting his services."

"Hmm. He must be just complaining just to attain attention." Said Sahn-Ikal, causing Charlie to look at him in surprise and curiosity. "He's used to be the center of attention, considering he was a highly successful and popular porn star. Now that most of the attention of the hotel staff is directed to less recognized and successful people, many of whom aren't asking for his services on account of it being against hotel rules, he's doing whatever he can to get the recognition that he's used to receiving. Even if it's a little bit." Charlie just frowned at that.

She didn't agree with that assessment at all. She knew Angel Dust. She knew that underneath all that rudeness and dislike for the hotel goals, laid a person that wanted to be helped. That he was a good person at heart. He was just putting up a persona because of all the things that have happened to him while he was working with Valentino, his former boss.

She knew that Angel Dust can be redeemed and become a better person. They just needed to find the right way to get through to him. So far, nothing has worked. Even with all the help from Rosie's workers, Angel wasn't cracking. Whenever he was in his sessions, he just hit on those working with him and made crude jokes on basically everyone. It made a lot of people annoyed with him and want nothing to do with him, much to Charlie's sadness.

Still, she can't blame Sahn-Ikal for thinking what he thought of Angel Dust. Angel can be quite a difficult figure to become friends with, especially when he hits on you, multiple times. That being said, she was going to make him see that Angel Dust isn't as bad as he thinks the spider demon was.

"That's a bit unfair, Sahn-Ikal." Said Charlie as she looked up at the demon. "He's not as vain as you think he is. He's a good person at heart. It's just that he had a lot of baggage from his previous line of work that makes it hard for him to show his true self. Give him a chance. Get to know him better. He might surprise you." To Charlie's surprise, Sahn-Ikal simply nodded.

"If you believe so, then I will do it." Said Sahn-Ikal. Seeing Charlie's surprise, Sahn-Ikal explained himself. "This hotel's goal is to redeem people. To send them straight to Heaven in order to alleviate Hell's overpopulation problem. How can the hotel achieve its goals if its staff does not believe that its residents can be redeemed? I did not mean to say that I don't believe that Angel Dust can be redeemed. No, I'm merely stating what I believe to be the reasoning behind his behavior as of late. If you believe that it's for a different reason, then so be it." Charlie just smiled at that, happy that Sahn-Ikal was so considerate and understanding. She thought that it would be difficult for her to convince Sahn-Ikal that Angel Dust wasn't as he seemed. That there was more to the spider Sinner than what he gave off. But no. He was, to her eyes, willing to give Angel Dust a chance, thus increasing the chances of Angel being redeemed. In her mind, having more people around that believe Angel can be redeemed will help him see that he wasn't irredeemable and that he'll reform quicker as a result.

She wished her girlfriend, Vaggie, could see that, but alas, she didn't. She loved her with all her heart, but boy did she and Angel Dust just dislike each other so much. So very much.

Looking back at Sahn-Ikal, she was about to thank him for his understanding and views when she heard the front door to the hotel open. Gasping out loud at the thought of another potential patron, Charlie immediately went down to greet whoever was at the door. Sahn-Ikal, thinking it was a potential enemy of the princess, went with her in case she needed protection. When they both arrived at the lobby. Upon arriving they saw who it was and were immediately taken aback.

Standing before them was perhaps the most beautiful Sinner they had ever seen, rivaling even Lilith in beauty. With pale skin that was the same complexion as Vaggies', the buxom woman had blue hair that was done in twin tails that went to her thighs. She wore a flowing blue dress that hugged her curvy figure well, showing it off, while also showing a generous view of her ample cleavage. Finally, her blue eyes showed a kindness that was unbecoming of someone in Hell.

Mouth slightly open in awe at her, Charlie then heard a light cough from Sahn-Ikal, who recovered first from seeing the beautiful Sinner. Blushing a bit, Charlie then spoke out to the woman.

"Sorry for that." Said Charlie as she looked at Husk just drinking from a bottle of beer, uncaring of the beauty of the woman before him. Then again, he didn't care much for anything these days. "Welcome to the Hazbin Hotel! I'm Charlie, the owner. Are you here to become a patron for our rehabilitation services?" Upon hearing that question, the woman smiled before showing Charlie a folded, piece of paper. Curious, Charlie took the piece of paper and unfolded it. Upon reading its contents, she opened her mouth in an O-shape before nodding in understanding.

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that." Said Charlie as she folded the piece of paper back to its original shape. "Or read that, rather. Anyway, I'm sure to pass the information on to the doctors and psychiatrists that will be helping you on your way to redemption." The Sinner nodded in thanks at that, still smiling. Sahn-Ikal was watching all this with all his attention directed towards the Sinner, ready to act if she's a threat to the hotel and Charlie. "Welcome aboard, Sona." Sona bowed at that before going over to Husk with Charlie. As they walked away from him, Sahn-Ikal couldn't help but have a feeling that something was amiss with this Sinner. Something that made him want to keep an eye on her during her whole stay here in the hotel.

Meanwhile, a fair distance away from the hotel, a pair of blue eyes was gazing at the hotel. Unlike Sona's, which showed kindness and compassion in them, these ones showed bloodlust and darkness in them that would make any Sinner wet their pants in fear. With a growl, the pair of blue eyes went away. Gone in the blink of an eye.