Chapter 14: Ruler

Inside of the Hazbin hotel it was an ordinary day. Guests entered and only very few left. Charlie Magne was known to run it very well. The hotel was neither ugly nor too expensive for the average demon to stay there temporarily. Even those who didn't really sought redemption tried it out. Most of the inhabitants were unusually nice and well mannered. This made newcomers and outstanders concerned since you wouldn't normally see this in hell.

Charlie was more than just happy to be in this position. But soon everything was about to change. In the main lobby a TV was running the news as it always did. It didn't take demons long to see that today's news were "special".

Katie:" Good evening dear viewers, I am Katie Killjoy."

Tom:" And I am Tom Trench."

Katie:" Today's news might be shocking for many. The internet trend, which suggested an attack on the Vault of pride took place just a few minutes ago. And it was successful, a unknown demon managed to secure the symbol of pride and with that achieved a part of God's power himself. The following message is a live feed of this demon attacking the triple V alliance."

The TV cut to a video of Ryuga fighting Velvet, Valentino and Vox all at once. It was mostly a throwing of furniture but occasionally also hand-to-hand combat. Ryuga was an unrealistic high physical strength. As Ryuga got close to Valentino he lifted him by his back and started to rip him apart into two halves. Covered in blood Ryuga sprinted towards Velvet who was shooting at him with two sub machine guns. This didn't even seem to bother him.

When he got in range he leaped at her. After getting his hands on the overlord he broke her neck ending her life once and for all. The last one was Vox, the one who took Ryuga in and who gave him a home when he had nowhere else to go. This meant nothing to Ryuga. The only thing Vox was to him was a problem in his way. The two fought for a bit longer than Ryuga did with the other two. But ultimately even Vox was no match for Ryuga's new found power.

He stabbed him with a sword that came seemingly out of nowhere. This wounded Vox deadly, but surprisingly Ryuga didn't kill him. Vox fell to the ground and could only look Ryuga in the eyes.

Vox: "Come on, what are you waiting for? End it! END IT!"

Ryuga put a finger on Vox's digital mouth before he spoke: "Shhh. Save your strength. I need you use you for something. You will send this message all throughout hell if you don't want eternal torture. Is that clear?"

Vox:" Will you let me live?"

Ryuga:" Yes. But only if you do as I say."

With this Vox began broadcasting all over hell. Every mobile device, every computer, everything with a screen was broadcasting Ryuga's message.

Ryuga:" Listen citizens of hell. I have defeated the triple V alliance. I have succeeded in securing the symbol of pride. I am not just powerful, I am stronger than anyone else. I will use that power to bring peace to hell. The ones who follow me will see me as a great ruler, and as someone with their best interests in mind. But the ones who oppose me will see no mercy. All the overlords of you will work under me. The rest will die in pain."

The TV picture went to static and left all of the viewers with shock in their face. Mumbling started to spread as the demons realised how strong Ryuga had become. Charlie, who saw the entire message on her phone, couldn't believe this is what had become of Ryuga.´I need to talk to him. I can't let him do this, I have to get him back to his senses.´ She thought to herself. She tried to replay the video for clues and found some. Pink furniture with stripes and some animal skin, that was the style of Valentino. And while everyone else was hung up on discussing the news she silently sneaked away and drove to the Valentino porn studios.

On her way there she listened to Alastor's radio show.

Alastor:" And this goes to all the overlords out there who think of giving their territory to this out of control boy. Don't do it. I know this one, the attack at the triple V alliance was a fake. They're still alive and probably are laughing their most valued part off by their little plan working. I will not be submitting my territory to these guys and you shouldn't either. This was the radio demon Alastor with a special podcast. I wish everyone a wonderful night."

After a few more minutes of driving Charlie arrived at Valentino's hideout. She got out of the car and got up on the top floor. As she searched the rooms she saw a figure standing by the window, it was clear who it was.

Charlie:" RYUGA!"

Ryuga:" So, you have decided to track me down. Wasn't so difficult now was it."

Charlie:" Why are you doing this? I thought I knew you. I thought you wanted to redeem yourself."

Ryuga:" You still believe in that? Fucking hell you're pathetic."

Ryuga turned around and started to explain things to Charlie.

Ryuga:" Redemption is not worth it. Heaven is annoying and there is nothing to do up there. Except, looking down on everyone else. And judging them for everything they do."

Charlie:" No, it's heaven. It is the best place possible. And no one gets exterminated in heaven."

Ryuga:" And how do you know that? Your dad obviously never talked about it. And I don't think one of the exterminators would just stay for a tea party at your place. You don't know anything for sure. But it's not your fault, it's God's. He created everything, but never explained or guided anyone. He never had a great plan. He created Angels, Humans and even Demons just so that he can watch them desperately trying to figure out what he wants! I won't be like that."

Charlie was perplexed at those words. "I won't be like that."

Charlie:" What do you mean?"

Ryuga:" I thought that was kinda obvious. After I take over hell and rule it as the new king, I will gather enough strength to attack heaven. I will kill God and take his place… And there is nothing you can do to stop it."

At this moment Charlie lost all of her patience and snapped. She couldn't let Ryuga start a war of this size. She attacked him, but that was exactly what Ryuga wanted. He needed something from her. Charlie opened with a salvo of fire, created out of nowhere. Ryuga dodged it but then got punched in the face.

After he fell to the ground Charlie tried to hold him there, by sitting on him and holding his arms down. Ryuga was most amused by this effort.

Ryuga:" What are you trying to do? Seduce me? Hahahaha. It's just like back in the hotel when you and I had so much fun! Hahahaha!"

Charlie got even angrier at him making fun of her and her past feelings. She started punching him in the face which made her distracted enough so that Ryuga could grab her shoulder and push her of off himself. He kicked her in the stomach before trying to slice her with his claws and tail. But she evaded every move.

One time she grabbed his arm and tried to break it. But for some reason the arm was rock hard and seemingly unbreakable. That was when Ryuga took the chance and sweeped away her feet, causing her to fall on the ground. He jumped on her and started to punch her. He broke her nose and caused her some head trauma. He took her left arm and copied what she did earlier. He broke her arm leaving her more defenceless. After he got out enough blows he stopped.

Ryuga was out of breath and now spoke to an almost unconscious Charlie." You know Charlie, it's nothing personal. You just need to give me something, so I can get into the other rings of hell. Sadly, this thing is something I can't get from you without making a mess." He looked at her neck before biting into it, like a vampire. He sucked out her blood to become more like her. To seem more like a hellborn. For only the hellborn can traverse the rings.

The next thing Charlie saw was a bright light directly above her. She was blinded by it and tried to reposition her head. Then voices started to speak, at first she didn't understand any of it. But soon words became clearer and she noticed they were saying her name. She turned on her side and things started to get clear. She saw something grey and pink. It was Vaggie. Her friend hugged her very strong and full of love before letting go of her and asking her questions:" Charlie! What happened? Who did this?" Charlie looked around herself and realised that she was in a hospital.

Charlie was a bit slow to answer as she had to sit herself up at first. She then looked at her with fear and sadness in her eyes.

Charlie:" It was Ryuga. I went to confront him and he attacked me. He nearly matched my raw power. But I realised that too late…. Where is he now?"

Vaggie:" Ryuga took over half the territory in pride. Alastor most of the other strong overlords are still fighting against his henchmen. But Ryuga, he…"

Charlie:" What is it Vaggie?"

Vaggie:" He left the ring of pride. I don't know he managed to do that. But he already has all of Wrath and Greed on his side. Your dad, has declared allegiance to him illegal."

Charlie:" That's horrible. We need to stop him."

Charlie tried sitting up but she was stopped by Vaggie and a strong pain. She was not ready yet. She needed to stay in bed.

Meanwhile in the ring gluttony, there was a big fire fight. The sky was grey and the streets ran red with blood. Hungered out bodies littered the place and gunfire was a constant noise. And an obese man was being carried by lakes. He shot everyone he saw and devoured the leftover body parts that were close to him. As an ominous shadow covered the area seemingly all of the hungered out warriors began to burn up from the inside. Within seconds everyone except the obese man died, finally.

The man looked up and saw the monster known as Ryuga land before him.

Ryuga:" Henry, prince of Gluttony, were those the last of Lucifer's troops?"

Henry:" Yes, lord Ryuga, they were the last ones in my ring."

Ryuga just menacingly stared at him with his glowing eyes reminding him of his position.

Henry:" I-I mean, your ring. You, of course, rule this realm."

Ryuga:" Make sure to never forget that."

Ryuga shot himself up in the air and proceeded to his next business. He now had nearly half on hell on his side. And the second rebellion against god will shortly begin. The only problem left was Lucifer. But he was an optional obstacle; it would not be needed to fight him. And all that it would do is cause unnecessary casualties and a lower amount of followers.

As he flew through his new property he grew increasingly impatient. He didn't want to wait, he wanted to start his rebellion right now. ´Why? Why should I wait? I already have 4 symbols. I am strong enough. I can be the new God. And those idiots will follow me. Just like they always do.´ He traversed the rings and went back to the original one, pride.

He saw the war waging on the different territories. As he flew over to his news station he thought of the words to say. But he knew that it ultimately won't matter. There is no going back, everything that is going to happen now will be final. As he got closer to the station he got nervous. He grew hungry, he was irrationally angry and even unsatisfied with what he owns, he wanted more. He had so many different emotions all going off at once. But he couldn't let them control him. He needed to focus for just a little longer.

He arrived at the studio, Vox was hung up by strings unable to move.

Ryuga:" Hello Voxi."

Vox didn't answer.

Ryuga:" What? Are you mad that I don't let you sleep on a couzy couch? Well, tough shit man. I said I'll let you live. Not that it would be worth living."

Vox:" What do you want from me?"

Vox was visibly shaken by Ryuga's presence.

Ryuga:" Oh I just want a favour from you. Do you remember our little livestream about 2 weeks ago? Do it again."

Vox:" I aint doing shit for you."

Ryuga:" Hey, do you smell that? It smells kinda weird. Almost like the bullshit of a cheap 90's TV box. YOU DO, AS I SAY, WITHOUT QUESTION! IS THAT CLEAR?" Ryuga began to yell as he grabbed Vox's throat.

Vox began to sob:" Yes, my lord."

Ryuga:" Very good."

Another Hellwide live stream started. With Ryuga as the star of the show.

"My loyal followers, you have only served me for a short while, but you have served me well. Now the time has come. My power is strong enough to protect you under my wings and shield you from the harshness of the ones who oppress us. This is the day we rise to the heaven. We will defeat the angels and their underlings. I will personally rise to the highest sanctum and defeat the torturer known as God and I will take his place. I will rule as the first peaceful ruler. As the one true fair creator. And today is the day for it. CITIZENS OF HELL, ARISE!"

With that the live stream ended and Ryuga started to rise from the building with a pitch black stream. The few demons that had the ability to fly followed him. He overshadowed anyone else with his sheer size. Ryuga broke through the pentagram that held the sinners and demons inside of hell. They soon left the gateway to hell and entered the storm between the realms. A lot of Ryuga's followers couldn't keep up and fell back home. The few who kept going were motivated to fight. Ryuga broke through the gate but something was wrong. He didn't see anyone.

Ryuga faced his followers.

Ryuga:" You stay here and wait for reinforcements. I will go up to the highest sanctum."

A follower asked:" Why can't we come with you?"

Ryuga:" There is no one lesser than God who can traverse the barrier. You cannot come up to me."

With that Ryuga rose further up to the highest place possible. He flew through the clouds and left on top of them. And up there was nothing. Just the ground made of clouds and the sky was white. His own darkness and his power was minimal in comparison to his surroundings. He looked everywhere but there was nothing to be seen.

Ryuga was more than just confused. But then something happened. His wings fell off. He looked at them in shock as they shrunk and died before his very eyes. The same started to happen with every of his demonic features. Ryuga began to scream in fear. "No." NO!" NOOOOOO!" But it was too late. His powers vanished and he had nothing. As he kneeled there with disbelief in his face he heard a voice.

"Long day?" He looked behind himself to see a middle aged woman in a white dress. Ryuga had a suspicion to who it was.

Ryuga:" God, I presume?"

The woman answered:" Yep."

Ryuga:" I don't know what you've done to my powers, but I don't need them to kill y-"

God:" I am not the one responsible for your loss."

Ryuga:" Who else would it be?"

God:" If you let me explain, I promise it will make sense."

Ryuga:" You have 5 minutes."

God:" After Lucifer rebelled and I had to kick him out I tried everything to fix this. But my powers were not strong enough. I went to this place, a place between existence and the nothing that once was the universe. I thought that here I would gain enough power to fix my mistakes and make everything perfect. It instead took all the power I had and trapped me here."

Ryuga stared in disbelief. `This cannot be true. She has to be lying. I can't accept this.`

God:" This was soon after I created humans. How are they doing?"

Ryuga waited a few seconds before answering:" It sucks. That is actually the main reason why I came up here. But it seem like I just put myself into a prision."

God:" Why were you so focused on getting here? What did you expect to find?"

Ryuga:" I thought I could fix things. I thought I could make things as perfect as I hoped they would be."

God:" So you had the same reason as I did. You were so desperately holding onto the idea of fixing something that you would do everything for it. Even if it would've been easier to just start over."

Ryuga:" Can I still start over?"

God:" I don't know."

Both of them just sat there in silence for a few moments.

God:"…do you want to go for a walk? It's been a while since I walked with someone."

Ryuga:" Why not? I could use something new."

And with that both of these now immortal watchers walked off into a direction. Talking eternally about the land and the sea. About everything there is, and can be.

The End

(That's it. That's the end of my little story. I hope you enjoyed it till the end. I will now leave you with this without much extra information. I just want to say:" Thank you for reading." By Xaphan)