Hello everyone!
This is a new rendition of a previous story called Helluva(n) Accountant. It takes the concept I had set out and plans to do more with it and more appropriately. It is a planned improvement in general with a new, fresher start, so I hope you enjoy.
To those of you who enjoyed Helluva(n) Accountant, I do not plan to do to many updates. That being said, I may allow the story to be adopted and altered. Leon is a personal OC, however, and he is used within this story as well!
Aspects of financial troubles, divorce proceedings, and how companies flourish in Hell are no too covered in the Lore thus far. Other than the occasional passing comment, money problems do not seem all too real in the Helluva Boss world. I plan on changing that for this story, and do so out of love for the Helluva Boss/Hazbin Hotel Universe.
Anyhow, this story does contain OCs, Future Mature Content, Swearing, and Possibly Blood. Crossovers with Hazbin Hotel characters may occur! This is just a heads up. Then again, you people watch Helluva Boss. You should be fine!
With that all out of the way, onto the first chapter!
Chapter 1: In(Tension)s
Divorce.
It was not something that happened often within the rings of Hell. Especially within the upper nobility. To hear the tidings of divorce usually echoed the breakdown of a social standing, the destruction of a powerful family, and the potential to partake in the pieces of said union with avarice.
It was only a few months ago that such an event graced the higher castes, within the upper body of the Ars Goetia, no less. It caused quite a stir, with many already making speculations as to why it occurred. Some had heard claims regarding the fornication with an Imp. There were a few who even decreed it as truth based on personal testimony, involving the Lord himself. Many tossed such a notion aside with disbelief, however, claiming it was too wild a statement. An Ars Goetia and in Imp?! Outrageous.
Others were quick to point out the relationship of the Lord and Lady, even before they were wedded. How the relationship was a standard betrothal, though neither child enjoyed each other's company as they grew up near one another despite their future together. How the two would never accompany each other to Goetia parties unless required, and preferred to dance with other partners rather than with each other, even into their late teens.
Those with good memory could even remember to look of dismay, kept behind a cool exterior, expressed on the features of Stolas Goetia upon seeing his bride walk down the aisle. How he mustered up his statements during their vows, and even his glances to the audience with baited breath when the Cultist asked if anyone decried their union with an objection. The way the Lord and Lady maintained facades as they kissed to seal their bond with one another.
To some within the gossip circles, it was probably never a good pair to begin with. Then again, many relationships in the Goetia weren't, so you had to suck it up and deal with it, Just like many other unhappy married couples.
But instead of keeping it under wraps, and maintaining their position within nobility, the two were looking to become divorced. Ars Goetia Stolas had initiated it, with his wife throwing fuel to the fire with every social outing she committed herself to during the whole proceeding. It was clear to many that she was not taking it well, though refused to confirm any reasoning behind why it was happening in the first place.
A main issue to be resolved in such a divorce was the division of wealth, claims on dowry, property allocation, and who received what during the whole proceeding.
Such a task was usually done in house, detailed cordially between the two divorcing individuals. They would both bring forth an advisory council, as well as any individual who may be impacted by their separation, like their heirs. It would then be overseen by the upper nobility of the Ars Goetia, or by the patriarch of the Goetia family line.
However, Stella Goetia was making such a task more…. challenging.
Stolas's talons tapped on the floor as he listened to the dull hum of his phone. Several rings of bland audio danced through his ear canal as he held his breath.
*Click* "Thank you for your patience, Lord Goetia." A bariton voice said from the other line. "I understand you are looking for someone good with finances, like an accountant or actuary. Any preferences?" The demon on the other end asked.
Stolas thought for a moment. "I require someone who can handle a large amount of financial assets, and can be inconspicuous about it. Someone who is good in their field, but easily disposable. I have no preference for their species, so long as they can do their job right. I trust you have someone within these qualifications." Stolas listened as the demon on the line seemed to write all of his words down. "Of course, Lord Goetia. Give us a moment to find a candidate. Once again, we here at the Dog House are happy you have chosen us for such a duty!" With that, the line went mute, silence taking the room once more.
Ever since Stolas had attempted to push for the divorce, Stella had slowed the process with every action she did. Not being present for times to talk about her dowry. Starting a screaming match when he tried to invite over her family's accountant. Taking Octavia out for the weekend, despite the discussion needed between all three of them for custody. Denying admittance to her account details so wealth disposition could be assessed.
She was making divorce a very hard process. Stolas understood why, too. Divorce looked bad in the eyes of many Goetia, Stella especially. Even if she despised Stolas, she could keep up the guise for eternity so long as she could maintain her status in society. It was all a social aspect to her.
The problem was that she was dragging not only Stolas through it, but also Octavia! Their daughter did not deserve to have such a situation continue forever. It only seemed to draw his precious owlette further into herself, especially on days where Stella had no planned events and needed a way to vent her frustrations for the evening. Octavia was more often than not in her room for the days, music quelling the noises of shattering pottery and squawking that Stolas had to endure. Stella didn't have to be at the manor, she just chose to.
Stolas just wanted to be done with it and over. The fact that he had to call upon a decrepit business like the Dog House made the situation all the more sour.
"Lord Goetia, are you there?" Stolas shook his head free of thoughts, clearing his throat.
"Yes. I assume you have found what I am looking for?" Stolas drawled out, maintaining his decorum.
"Of course! We have a perfect candidate for you. They fit all of your desired parameters, and have a short, but experienced history, meaning if you need to get rid of 'em, no tears will be shed!" The demon on the other end barked out with laughter.
Stolas gave an unamused look to the phone. "Explain."
The demon coughed, pulling themselves together. "They worked under Loo Loo Land for nearly two and a half years, moving up from low level asset denizen all the way to secondary financial actuary, all while being offsite from the amusement park. Quite impressive, all things considered!"
Stolas sat down on his couch, crossing a leg over another. "All things considered? And only secondary financial actuary? I don't feel that such a degree of skill will be enough." The last thing Stolas needed was an unqualified new hire who was more trouble than they were worth.
The demon began once more. "Well, your highness, due to their demonology, they are barred from gaining a higher position within the company. That, and the only reason they were let go was due to the destruction of the amusement park and the cutback on labor. I'm sure you understand!"
Stolas hummed, waiting for them to continue.
"They don't talk much, have no instances of prior aggression in the books, and have no ties to anyone! Perfect for servitude!" The demon explained with glee.
Stolas tapped a claw to his beak, laying out the information in his mind. He pulled the phone away from his face as he thought. The demon on the other end maintained the quiet as the Goetia demon thought about it. The tension emanating from the other end of the line grew thick as seconds turned to minutes. Their breathing was soft, and constricted as they awaited the decision.
Eventually, the Goetia brought the phone close to his face once more. "I shall be at your main building tomorrow for collection. If they do not meet my standards, I will deny the transaction."
"Of course, Lord Goetia!" The demon all but yelped out, a cough heard on the other end as they seemed to pull themselves together once more. "Eh' hem. We will have them ready for pickup by 8:00 am."
"Make it 6:00. I have prior commitments that morning." Stolas coerced.
"But the building opens at- I mean, yes, Lord Goetia! 6:00 am!" Stolas placed the phone on the base of the landline. He sighed softly to himself.
Schooling his features, he exited out of his living room. It didn't take long to hear the echoes of yells bounce off of the walls, courtesy of his dear wife.
Tomorrow couldn't come fast enough, it seemed.
*Splash* Icy water washed over the form of a young man, forcing him awake upon contact. His body seized up at the freezing temperatures, immediately shaking in an attempt to keep back the cold.
"Get up, boy." Growled out a sinner who looked like that of a bear, his features twisting in a gnarled scowl.
The young man sputtered, coughing weakly as they stumbled out from their cot and onto the floor. They hit the ground on all fours, slowly pulling themselves up. They stared up at the bear-like sinner with ire, matted hair splaying over their eyes.
The bear-like sinner scoffed, shoving the boy to the floor with little effort. "I've seen imps scarier than you, bitch. Quit wasting my time."
The young man pulled himself from the ground once more, hacking at the buildup in his throat. The bear sinner gestured for the exit to his 'room', a low growl making it much more of a demand rather than a request.
The young man reluctantly obliged, placing one foot in front of the other and following the path designated for him. His eyes glanced around at the other 'rooms' as he walked, noting the thump of heavy steps just behind him. He shivered in his steps, the chill of the air seeping into his damp clothing. Icy water dripped down to his bare feet, which walked across the stone floor.
He slowed the slightest bit at the fork in the hallway. A clawed hand gripped his shoulder.
"Keep walking forward, bitch." The young man made a 'tch' noise before complying, continuing the walk. After passing around a few turns, and listening to the screams of others within their own 'rooms' two make it to a door. Unlike the rest of the facility, this door was made of a rich, dark wood. A brass handle, shined and polished, perfectly matched the company nameplate fastened to the entryway.
The young man didn't even bother reading it, instead merely waiting. The bear spoke to someone on his radio, the small sounds of static and occasional words being muttered being the only thing he could catch with all the surrounding noise filling his ears.
The young man zeroed in on the radio. He looked at the offending piece of technology with intent, focusing on the small black box as the assortment of buttons on it. The bear noticed, growling at the young man before finally shoving him to the side and knocking on the door.
*Knock* *Knock*
"Enter." Was heard through the door.
The bear-like sinner grabbed the handle and twisted, pushing the door forward and forcing the young man into the room before entering himself.
It was a small office space, adorned with a simple, yet refined appeal. A glass chandelier hung overhead, glistening from the bulbs above. Two small shelves pressed the far corners of the room, covered with trinkets and ornate items. An elegant, mahogany desk sat in the center of the room, behind it a smirking sinner.
Just in front of him was a gilded nameplate that displayed his name, 'Madadh'
He was dressed down in a classic, pinstripe suit of black, a wolfish expression affixed to his canine features. Grey and Black fur mixed in with his attire, fading into the trim button-up under his jacket. His claw seemed to play around with a small metallic ball, swirling over the top and making it spin slowly on his desk. His yellow eyes gazed into the young man with hunger, before glancing at the bear sinner.
The door shut, leaving them now in silence.
"Welcome in…." Madadh looked down at a paper in front of him. "Leon. I take it you've been taking your stay here well?"
"..."
Madadh sighed. "Listen, I know you're upset, and that's fine, but rules are rules. And despite it being Hell, someone has to follow them." The wolf expressed with false sadness.
"..."
"Not much of a talk-" Madadh stopped before chuckling to himself. He scratched at his own neck mockingly. "Oh, that's right."
The young man, Leon, glared at the wolf sinner. A growl from behind forced him to straighten up, as if daring him to try and do something.
Madadh was unperturbed. He picked up a file on his desk, overlooking the information before nodding to himself. He growled lowly. "You're probably wondering why your here again. Well, one of my managers had recommended your file to a client. At first, I was against the idea, especially after your last… assignment."
Leon gave Madadh a dark look, hands curling into fists at his side.
"But, my manager made a convincing point. After all, it's not often we get such a client, nor that we have access to someone with your talents in the Dog House. Wouldn't you know, most people who are good with money tend to stay out of places like this." Madadh leaned forward, a wolfish grin taking his maw.
Leon took a step forward, only for a heavy paw to land on his shoulder, claws digging in and piercing into his threadbare shirt. He glared back at the bear sinner, who snarled in response.
"I will lay it out straight for you, boy." Madadh stood up from his desk, showing the difference in height between himself and Leon. He trailed around his desk, nails tapping the wood as he came to the front of it. Madadh looked down at the young man before him. "You're being bought tomorrow. You're gonna be good for this client, understand. If he asks you to jump, you jump. If he asks you to stab yourself, you become a pin-cushion. If he asks you to get down on your knees, you suck him off well and clean." Madadh barked out, his smirk showing off an impressive set of fangs.
"I will not have a repeat of what happened two months ago. The fact we were able to cover it up does not mean you get off scot-free." He brought a claw to Leon's chin, forcing the young man to look him in the eye. Red met yellow, aggression swimming within both sets.
"Got it?"
"..."
Madadh grabbed the back of Leon's neck, forcing him to the floor. An inaudible gasp in pain choked out of the young man, claws tightening their hold. There was no movement, the young man completely immobile on the floor.
Madadh lifted before slamming Leon back into the floor for a second time, a choke of pain barely heard. Leon's wet clothing slapped down with his body, leaving an imprint on the carpet below. "Got it?!" Madadh barked loudly. A few moments went by, the wolf prepping to go again when he felt it. A small shake of the head came from Leon, still firm in Madadh's hold.
Madadh gave a closed eyes smile to the body on the floor, releasing his hold. He stood back up, looking over the quelled figure before him. Madadh chuckled, patting Leon on the head.
"Good boy."
End Chapter
For those of you who came from Helluva(n) Accountant, this is the same concept I had planned on, though interpreted in a much different format. I had planned to introduce characters like Madadh into Helluva(n) Accountant, but my chapter layout just didn't mesh well. Overall, this is planned to be an improvement on plot, character design, story, and themes. I hope you enjoy.
Leon is going to be very similar to himself from the original story, but keep in mind, this is several months AFTER Loo Loo Land closed down. It's almost an AU of an AU, but it's fresher.
Those who are interested, Madadh translates to 'A Wolf' in Gaelic.
For those of you new to this story, I hope you like what you see. Economics are never truly covered in Helluva Boss except for a few passing comments, so I felt it necessary to bring it up, especially with how messy divorce is financially.
I hope those of you who enjoyed this follow/favorite, and have a wonderful week. Until Next Time, See Ya!