Chapter 4: Welcome to the Dark-I mean Hazbin Hotel

Summary:

The two adventurers get to learn more about Charlie and Hell.

Chapter Text

Reynauld and Dismas were quite surprised when the Limo had arrived. If they had to describe what it was, they would've only said it was some sort of Eldritch entity.
The "Limo" was a mixture of white and gold, a wide, long, and flat build, with red glass holes along its sides. Viewing into these crimson crystal holes showed what appeared to be its guts, still and lifeless. It had two red eyeballs on the front of the carriage, sharp needle-like fangs in a rectangular mouth laid dead center of the front. What disturbed them the most was that on the sides of this creature, were multiple giant golden blood vessels lining it, spewing a black ichor and suffocating smoke from the cut ends. Reynauld looked slightly worried. Was this the familiar Charlie as talking about? Where is the carriage? How were they supposed to ride on such a creature? While Dismas was wondering how much the thing cost, was it feed, and how the heck was it alive? The metal skin made them think it was some sort of vehicle, but the two couldn't help feel as if the thing was, alive, breathing, and grunting as if it was angry. However, the reality was that it was just a regular limo, and the two adventures were just trying to figure out what the heck it was.

As if things couldn't get any weirder, the front window began to roll down with a small whir. Inside were two goat-like demons in black suits and red bow ties. They looked childish in appearance, not anything like the demon goats Reynauld had fought earlier. They were more of a hybrid between a lizard and a goat. They had little bat-like wings and red puffy ruffs of hair. They had bodies of goats, but the bottom half looked more like a miniature dragon. They looked friendlier than the other demons they encountered as well, which was a large statement for hell. Eventual one of the goat boys, Razzle, began to speak.

"Hey, Ms. Charlie! Where here! Sorry about being a bit late."

Dazzle climbs on top of his twin brother's head and finishes his brothers' sentence.

"We had to run over a few people to get here. New Record by the way! 3 people! That's the lowest kill count Yet!

Charlie walks up to the two and begins to pinch their cheeks, smiling in admiration "Hooray that's awesome, Good job you two."

Both Reynauld and Dismas stared at each other for a bit "I'm going to regret this but, What's the usual kill count?" Dismas questioned.

"About 17 on Average, give or take," both demon goats and Charlie said as a matter of factually.

Dismas merely slapped his face While Reynauld spoke under his breath "*Huff* May the light protect us."

To the two newcomers were surprised, when the metallic eldritch creature had doors. They swung open, revealing the inside of this "beast", but when the two peered inside they found no organs. What they found instead were red velvet cushions lining the inside of the beast, buckets of ice containing various drinks, and juices sat in between cushions, along with pitch black pillows on each end. This creature was the carriage. They were at first cautious of this "thing", could this be a trap? Both Reynauld and Dismas carefully stepped inside of the mechanical beast, surprised to feel a rush of cold air blow in there faces. They had not noticed how warm and humid hell was outside, and the cold crisp air inside the carriage made them feel more relaxed. They sat down on the velvet cushions, although they couldn't explain it, they felt a small feeling of nostalgia when they sat down. It was like the carriage that was taking them to...the estate. It had been so long, several years in fact. Reynauld and Dismas remembered the time they meet each other, the day they were hired by the Heir, the bumpy road, and the crash that forced them to walk the entire way to the estate. Once the four demons situated themselves, the drive-through pentagram city began. The trip was..."uncomfortable" for the four. Reynauld and Dismas were still wary of the two demons. Although they were demons themselves, they have seen enough crime in the city just by walking around. That small tour of the city had already built up a sense of wariness and caution in the two. Violence and crime was the main activity for every denizen. But then all of a sudden, these two demons offering these two complete strangers a place to stay? It was suspicious in a city of sin. Although they knew the kind words and attitude from Charlie were genuine, they still kept their guard up. As for Vaggie, she didn't necessarily trust the two mercenaries either. Reynauld conveniently passing by when Charlie was in trouble, somehow coming across Dismas's, both friends that conveniently meet up with each other on the same day they fell? It was more than enough to be suspicious. However, she had to admit, both Reynaulds and Dismas's attitude, behavior, and friendship were all genuine, and they weren't hostile when asked to come to the hotel, she'll allow them to enter. Charlie, however, couldn't help but smile, two new members at the hotel! Demons that were polite and had moral codes! Maybe she could help them. Maybe they can be redeemed. Although she was optimistic about the idea that didn't mean she wasn't completely naive. Reynaulds sword made her very uneasy, when he had fought those other demons, it had felt like the blade was slicing through her own body. Every cut and wound send shivers down her spine, and just by observing him, she could tell that he was well trained and had seen combat before. She remembered the techniques her father taught her, and Reynaulds fighting style was reminiscent of the manuals she had read during her self-defense training. Dismas looked street smart, and the scars on his face and arms were proof he had his fair share of skirmishes. But the pistol he had was a very old flintlock pistol if she had to guess, somewhere between the late 17th to 18th century. It would make sense that both of these men came from that period, both knights and gunpowder were prevalent during those times. But if they had come from those time periods, why were they here now? They both said that they recently arrived her in hell, so why do they look as if they just traveled through time? She would have liked to ask more, but it looked like the two travelers had their own set of questions they wanted answers to.

So as the demons drove through the roads of pentagram city, the group decided to answer each other's questions.

"So we're in Hell, and there are two main types of demons, Sinners, and Hell born. Sinners are people that have sinned greatly and have been transformed into demons, like you and me." Vaggie explained to Dismas

"Okay and hell-born demons are demons that are born here?" questioned Dismas.

"Yup! Demons like me." Charlie exclaimed.

Both Dismas and Reynauld were surprised at Charlie's sudden reveal.

"...your...a hell-born demon?!"

"Well...yeah."

Reynauld was the most surprised by this. "Aren't hell-born demons supposed to be pure evil?"

"Yes but, not really. I wasn't like the other demons. Which is surprising, because my parents are also...the...the Rulers of hell."

Both Reynaulds and Dismas's were both stared at each, confused for a moment. Staring back at Charlie in disbelief.

"I'm sorry. Could you repeat that?"

Charlie awkwardly places her head around her neck, clearly hesitant and regretted forgetting an important piece of information "Um...My parents are the rulers of hell. My full name is Charlotte Magne. Princess of Hell."

Dismas and Reynaulds were taken aback, Reynauld lost for words, while Dismas's jaw had practically dropped to the floor. Vaggie places her hand on her lover's shoulders with an amused smile

"You know, you could have a bit more subtle."

Charlie responded by giving a cheeky smile.

"...Wait...your parents are what?!" Dismas stuttered still trying to grasp the situation

"I'm the princess of hell, and my parents are the King and Queen of hell.

Both Reynauld and Dismas immediately fell to one knee and bowed their heads. Both exclaiming

"Your majesty!"

Charlie and Vaggie were surprised at this sudden jester, no one ever bowed to Charlie. Even new arrivals would laugh at her or maybe not believe her, but for the two to bow on one knee was something else. Vaggie couldn't help but give a small chuckle, while Charlie was frantically trying to stop them.

"Wait! Wait! please stand up. You don't have to do that down here."

"Oh, our apologies." Reynauld and Dismas both sat back "It's just we did not know you were royalty down here. You didn't look or sound like a one when we meet."

"Yeah despite being a hell-born demon, I'm nothing like my parents."

"Why is that?" Reynauld questioned.

"Well, it's a bit of a long story, so I'll give you the short version...*Ahem* I was always fascinated about the living world, and heaven and what it was like up there. So I always read about the two realms in my father's library."

Charlie's eyes started to sparkle "And it was amazing! In the living world, they are Sunshine, Blue skies, Beaches, Parties, Rainbows, Puppies, Kittens, Candy, Carnivals, Colors and CLOUDS AND AND AND-"

"OKAY OKAY! We get it! You like the living world and Heaven!"

Charlies was now out of her seat and up in front of Dismas's face, and smiling like a deranged psycho. Realizing she was invading Dismas's personal space and crushing him into his seat, she quickly sat back down, embarrassed.

"Sorry about that, Ahem. While I was studying the human world, I learned a lot of the various cultures, religions, politics, philosophies, and of course, the good and bad things that humans have done up there. A lot of bad things. But also, a lot of great things! Concepts and ideas that I never really heard about or even been taught. Kindness, happiness, Politeness, being nice to others, I learned a lot of those things from my father and mother, but when I read those books and stories, I saw a whole new world! All those people in the stories smiling and happy I wanted the demons in hell to be sort of like that one day. I know that it could never happen to everybody, but never hurt to try. So that's how I'm sort of like this now. He heh."

The two mercenaries looked at each other with surprise. Reynauld was amazed to hear Charlie's passion for the living world and heaven. Her emotions seemed genuine and a demon like her wanting to truly learn about the upper realms and spread it to other demons was something of a miracle. Why was a person like her born in the literal hell out of all places? Dismas, however, was a bit more skeptical, her story was almost too good to be believable, and he still had more questions.

"Did your father and mother approve of this?"

Charlie hesitated before answering "No... they didn't at first, but they didn't mind me looking into it either. So, I guess both yes and no."

Dismas wasn't really satisfied with the answer, but he noticed Charlie's hesitation and her smile starting to drop. Realizing it was personal, he decided not to pry any further.

"We're here Miss Charlie!"

"Oh, Thanks Razzle."

The two mercs stare out of the windows and spot the hotel. It was very intimidating. It wasn't any hotel they have seen before. It was almost the size of a mansion, maybe even more! It was a tall building that was at least 10 maybe 20 stories tall. It didn't look like any hotel either, it looked as if multiple crushed up and destroyed buildings had been smashed up and rebuilt together as a makeshift shelter. Different parts of buildings all piled on top of each other with no real sense of purpose. The building looked as if it was going to fall at any given time but it also looked like it could support its self on its own. On the top, there was a large yellow lizard-like eye that stared at the limo as it passed by. The Sign above says "Hazbin Hotel" in bright pink and white light. At the front, there were multiple balconies that didn't look like they fit anywhere, they looked as if the building was protruding them outwards like tree branches. At the front, there was some sort of black wagon contraption on the top of the front of the doors. The right side of the build had a protruding tower, with wedding ribbons fluttering outside. It reminded them of the sanitarium they always visited, to fix them both physically and mentally. At the bottom of the tower they saw the copper horses and kelpies skewered by metal poles, the two had no idea why that was even there, but this was hell, maybe it was "A popular thing" to have. But what confused the two the most was the freaking metal ship that as protruding from the side of the building. How did that even get there!?

As the limo stopped by the entrance, the two mercenaries stepped outside to see a large cobblestone walkway, "expensive for a hotel" Dismas thought to himself. The two were amazed to see the glass stained doors, the perfectly cut colorful glass was shaped into a red beautiful apple surrounded by multiple colorful glass squares surrounding it. It was interesting. As the two turned around they spotted the two goat-like familiars taking the divine weapons and the broken stand into a nearby window. Charlie soon walked up the entrance, taking the lead opening the large double doors.

"Shall we"

As the two walked through the doors, they felt a bit of nostalgia as they walked in. The interior was a wide-open space, bigger than the two would originally thought it would be. There were couches and chairs that again were cover in eldritch eyes, bones, and teeth. Vases that looked as if they were made of teeth and gums, and the eyeballs, so many eyeballs staring at them. It reminded them of the mansion the ancestor had. In The Darkest Dungeon...the two placed their hands on their weapons, anxious, cautious, a familiar sense of danger filled them. Noticing their hesitation, Charlie placed her hands on the two mercenaries' shoulders and gave a reassuring smile.

"Are you guys okay? Is something bothering you?"

Not wanting to trouble the two Demoness Reynauld replied: "No, we're just not used to the eyes looking at us, I think we'll be alright."

Dismas looked at Reynauld and gave a nod. The two had already begun to analyze the room, trying to see if the hotel wasn't an ambush site. Immediately, they noticed something in the distance. A small child looking silhouette at the edge of a nearby couch. As the child popped out her head, the two adventurers saw that she had a large singular eye, like a child cyclops. She had reddish-pink hair, a white top shirt, a black bandanna around her neck, and a small pink dress with what appeared to have a small dog on the side. The Cyclops child smiled at the two new visitors, revealing her sharp shark-like teeth. Dismas immediately drew his sword, while Reynauld pulled up his fist in a fighting stance. Before the two could do anything serious, the cyclops ran up to the two demons, surprising them with her speed.

"Hi, I'm Niffty! It's a pleasure to meet you! Finally, we got some more men in the hotel!"

Reynauld and Dismas were taken aback by Niffty, her sheer speed had surprised them. She was standing right on top of Reynauld's chest plate, while Reynauld was arching his back trying his best not to fall. Niffy stares directly into Reynaulds visor. Her eye still and unblinking.

"Sowhereyoufrom?! I'mguessingeuropemaybebritishorfrench! OH! Whattimeperioddidyouboyscomefrom!? I'mguessing17thor18thcenturybut-Ohmygoshyourarmoeisfilthy!Theresbloodeverwhere!"

Niffty zips over to Dismas, clenching his torn jacket!

"Yourjacketissooldanddirty! Ithinktheresevenliceinhere! Andthetearsarejusthorrible! HoldonIcanfixbothofyouinasecond!"

In a blur, both of the adventurers are surrounded in a flurry of pink and white. They at first want to shake her off, but by then the little cyclops was already finished with her work. Reynaulds tunic and blood-splattered armor were quickly wiped away from all grime and crusted blood. While Dismas's bloody and torn jacket, was immediately stitched together, and most of the more notable bloodstains, gone.

"Wooo. *Huff* *huff* *huff* *huff* Okay okay. *Huff* Wooo. I think I calmed down now!"

Reynauld and Dismas could not help but stare in disbelief at what just happened. In an instant, this little cyclops had fixed up there clothing and armor. Was this normal?

"Ahem! Reynauld and Dismas. This is Niffty. She's our little custodian/head maid at the hotel. Niffty this is Reynauld and Dismas."

"Pleasure to meet you two."

Niffy raised her hands at Dismas, who hand given her a small handshake. "Hey."

She then raised a hand to Reynauld, but to everyone's surprise, Reynauld had knelt to Nifftys level, and removed his helmet, revealing his shadowy face. He then gave a small gentle kiss on her hand.

"It is a pleasure to meet you Ms. Niffty"

A visible puff of steam could be seen above Nifftys head, as her entree face had turned red as a cherry. Charlie couldn't help but blush as well. Dismas and Vaggie, however, couldn't help but facepalm.

"Oh. A gentleman. They're not that many left down here in hell."

"Oh, for god's sake. The moment we enter the place, you already got the head maid swooning."

Reynauld simply gave Dismas a coy smile. Charlie then stepped up to the two adventures, presenting them with two keys.

"Niffty, gather everyone for lunch, it's going to be Curry and rice."

Niffty shot right up and began to speed away towards the stairs.

"These keys are for your rooms. Room 301 and 302. We'll show you where they are after lunch. Come on you must be hungry by now."

The two adventures felt a small rumble in their stomachs and thought that maybe a meal wouldn't be so bad. They followed Charlie and Vaggie down the hallway, passing by various portraits. Many of them having Charlie on them. Two particular pictures caught the two's attention. One was a picture of Charlie in the middle and two figures at her side. On one side a tall beautiful woman with white hair and a light purple skin tone, and a thorn-like crown. On the other was a man with a large razor-sharp grin. He had pale white skin, blonde hair, and white suit. He had a large hat with an apple as a decoration and a small worm could be seen curling around it. They looked like Charlie's parents!

Reynauld and Dismas looked at each other for a few moments, and then to the portrait. If these truly were Charlie's parents, the rulers of hell looked a lot less intimidating than the horrors they had fought before. But that just made them more uneasy, things that looked the least dangerous were often times deadlier than they could have ever imagined. Her mother was something that they had expected, but her father? He was surprisingly...calming to be around. They expected a man that oozed evil or horribly disfigured, but it wasn't like that at all! He almost looked silly.

The next portrait confused the two adventures. It was a picture of Charlie dancing with another man. They looked as if they were in a warm embrace, like lovers. The man was a tall bluish-green and wore a fine tailored suit and tie. Both of them were smiling in the picture but unlike Charlie's warm and soothing smile, the young man's smile was a smug and arrogant one. The hat on top had multiple eyes embedded in the top, while teeth dangling from the sides, and his hair was pitch black darkness and from just one look at him, they both recognized something Eldritch about him. Reynauld curiosity got the better of him and asked.

"Who is this man?"

Charlie looked at the portrait Reynauld was pointing at, but then quickly looked away. She started to clench her arms and moved uncomfortably. Vaggie noticed and took her lover's hand. Comforting Charlie. Giving a quick glare to the two and then went back to comfort her. Charlie then spoke up in a weak smile.

"A person that I had a thing for. It didn't work out."

Reynauld and Dismas knew that it wasn't the full truth, but that was when they noticed that Charlie was rubbing her arms as if she was comforting a wound. Reynauld and Dismas immediately put the pieces together in their heads. They couldn't explain it but they had a sudden urge of hatred fill them. They looked back at the portrait and Dismas fired a quick shot into the man's face.

BAM!

The two demonesses looked back to see what happened. They saw a hole where the head of the blueish man used to be in.

"Whoops. Misfire. My fault. Sorry about the picture."

Charlie and Vaggie couldn't help but smile at the small gesture. Dismas and Reynauld couldn't help but smile back.