A/N: "Sorry for the long wait. Been caught with life aside other stuff. I was debating about moving to work on Kung Fu Panda fanfics more frequently due the movie, but that movie was such a fucking waste that I just got disheartened for few weeks to do anything. I will see to update in a more timely manner for the next one. Thanks for reading."
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"Listen, I already set a schedule for this junk. I don't need nobody's fucking agenda for what I have to do. Besides, what even is this crap for? We are pros, not a bunch of school girls that need toilet signs to feel certain where to go."
"Huh? This is just the routine we set for daily activities. Is just a thing we programmed for the next weeks. Also, what is even that comparison?"
"Blitzo, this is our new job, so play nice. Unless you want Vaggie shoving her spear up your ass."
"I'm inclined to agree with Loona on that remark, sir. There won't be much hesitation from that happening."
"I guess Blitzo is kind of used to it, to be fair."
"Oh, shut up Millie! No one asked!"
"Say, didn't you want to talk about the deal about your sister?"
"Yeah, but then I'm also having a... off time with Stolas. Shit is complicated right now."
"When has things not been fucking difficult between you both? Also, I'm kinda surprised his wife didn't skin you alive yet. She knows you're the fuck up besides him."
"Well, about that..."
Collin rolled his eyes, feeling slightly impatient with the Imp beating around the bush about something as simple as returning a book. He was sitting besides Loona while she engaged in talks with Blitzo, Millie, and Moxxie. They were at the... they still haven't properly named it yet, but the wolf could only guess the area was just the party saloon. Husk was at the bar, looking bored as always, although he did glance their way few times. Next to him were Razzle and Dazzle. Both goats were just enjoying their drinks while patiently waiting for Charlie to move on with her routine. The Morningstar would be leaving the Hotel briefly so they would escort her, such is their duty. Vaggie was busy giving Sir Pentious a run down about the elevator incident. Angel Dust was somewhere and Niffty was busy with her usual chores. Belle and Plinkton were not far from the main group. The daughter of Gluttony's Overlord seemed morose. She had all her four arms crossed, her ears folded and her eyes fixated towards the nearest wall. The male Hellhound at her side seemed even more detached than usual, head being held by one of his hands as he looked down at the carpet. The sight of both of them made Collin slightly concerned.
Collin raised from his seat, making way towards the Gluttony guests, but Loona was quick to notice him leaving her side.
"Where you going?" She asked with a raised eyebrow. It was unusual for her to see Collin wander off without saying anything. He shrugged.
"I think I should talk with them. They are really stranded here, if what Charlie said is fundamentally true. She can't go anywhere and Plinkton isn't really leaving her side. At least I get a feeling he won't." Collin replied quietly, his words went by without further attention from the rest of the group. Blitzo and Moxxie were having one of their usual arguments and Millie was busy polishing a dagger of hers. "I get you're not happy about Belle, but I think we could offer Plinkton some ground to find himself. We dragged him here after all."
"That ain't really our fault." Loona immediately replied, only to sigh at seeing Collin's frown aimed at her. "I guess you can try to see what's up. I won't be joining you, lots of things I need to figure out with Blitzo. He has a lot of shit going on and we need to return the book that Stolas gave him. That if we figure out how to do it without stumbling by his wife."
"Couldn't you just ask Octavia?" Collin suggested. Loona shrugged.
"I did mention her. Blitzo wants this to be a 'personal occasion' of sorts. Whatever his deal is I don't care, but since we are friends, I gotta do him a favor in return to a lot anyway."
Collin nodded, resuming his walk towards the other Hellhounds. Loona watched him walk away for a brief moment before returning her attention back to Blitzo and Moxxie still engaged on their own argument. It was almost night time, both her and the wolf spent most of the morning wandering around the area surrounding the Hotel. With Lucifer present it was decided that Collin should stay away until the area was clear, to which she was more than happy to follow him around to make sure he would be safe, introducing him to some particular stores and other things she liked to do when she had her outgoing nights without Blitzo being on her trail.
Pride Ring, despite the existence of Greed, was still the most prosperous economical part of Hell. The amount of merchandise was endless, with all kinds of varieties, both Human and Hell alike. Collin was quick to notice how most of the technological merchandise was rather limited to a specific timeline of the Human Realm. Not seeing nothing as sophisticated as tablets, drones or smartwatches, but something akin to the early two thousands. Mostly TV's with very few varieties of flat screens, dated computers and almost no laptops on sight. Yet, what Collin saw was still leagues better than what he saw Heaven had to offer, which puzzled him to no end. Heaven's extreme conservative tendencies were actually putting them behind by far on the tech department. Seeing it firsthand made the disparity much clearer. He couldn't help but wonder if trying to convert Lipton was some sort of shady attempt of finding someone who could boost their tech field.
Although, while Hell was faring rather well on tech, Collin couldn't help but notice how awful the food market was in comparison with both Humanity and Heaven. Most of the food shops, restaurants, bars and whatnot, the food offered was either extremely similar, a cheap copy, or poorly done compared with what Humanity has provided since many hundreds of years. Most folk did not cook their food, some would just eat raw most of what was for sale. Everything looked outdated, gross or just plain dirty. Meat, vegetables, pastries, and several others just had no appeal to them. Which was not what he saw back at Gluttony. Perhaps Pride Ring just offered the bare minimum for those who needed to eat.
Such discovery made the wolf even more enthusiastic about the following conversation with the one who used to live in Gluttony for so long.
"Hey, how are you doing?" Collin started as he reached the other two dismayed beings. Belle seemed forlorn and just glanced at him with a tired look.
"What? Not in the mood for talk." She replied curtly. Plinkton stared apprehensively at them both, gesturing for Collin to just avoid pushing any topic. Collin pointedly ignored that warning.
"Sure, I imagine the talk you had with Lucifer this morning wasn't a pleasant one. Still, from what Charlie told me, I think this is the moment we find an alternative for you to find your own success without depending on drugging an entire population."
Belle glared at him this time. She was never keen on discussing the methods she employed for years with anyone, much less being called out about it. The snarl on her face wasn't enough to faze the wolf.
"Piss off."
"I guess you can count on those many friends you made at Gluttony to give you some support? I'm almost sure they always went to the parties you constantly hosted cause they liked you so much, not because of the questionable food, besides other things."
Plinkton sighed heavily once realizing what Collin's up to, especially due the cynicism he injected on his words. He could only hope Belle wouldn't freak out with him too quickly.
"What the fuck do you want? I already got enough of a pain in the ass as it is. I don't need you giving me crap." Belle retorted hastily. "I'm fucking done. I got nothing. That fucking... I knew it. It was only a matter of time. I guess I should consider myself lucky I learned what was going on before dear fucking dad decided I no longer was useful." Collin couldn't help the grim look on his face at hearing those words.
"What deal is preventing him from coming after you?" Belle shrugged.
"Just what Lucifer told me. As long I remain in Pride, I don't have to worry. I'm never returning to Gluttony. That being said, all my stuff, the money, all the hard work I made this many years, all fucking gone. I'm no better than a hoe on the street as of now."
"That's not even remotely true. You're so much better than that Belle. Don't sell yourself so low. You mean a lot to many Hounds out there and... yeah." Plinkton said, fumbling his words at the end with some noticeable fluster. Belle raised an eyebrow, caught off guard by the supportive words.
"Even so Pinks... I can't really do anything. I got my powers, but what good are they in this place?"
"Well, that's exactly what I wanted to address." Collin said with a smirk. "I'm not sure you're familiar with Pride Ring a-
"Yeah, yeah. Been here a ton of times. Interviews and some other shit like shopping and whatnot. Lots of good stuff, but I gotta say the food was always shit." She replied with a frown. "I swear no one here can cook anything that won't taste like a sewer."
Collin debated internally what even could be that bad for her to make that weird kind of analogy, but shook his head to focus on more pressing matters.
"Err, well. Yeah, I also wasn't fond of the food around here. Which is exactly what can put the Hotel, and you, on a very promising position, both financially and, well, the influential also. Not like it was on Gluttony, but something close."
That seemed to have caught Belle's full attention, she stared down at him with a mix of hope and skepticism.
"What's the plan then? Come on, don't hold out on me. I promise I won't try to suck you off whenever your girl ain't watching."
The wolf frowned again, letting out a quiet disgruntled noise before replying.
"I take most Hellhounds have some sort of affinity to cooking?" He asked seriously. Belle snorted.
"Well, kinda? Those who grew at Gluttony usually do. Outside? No chance. But they are always good judges when it comes about food quality."
"Alright, I will give you the whole run down. Since Charlie is trying to get this hotel going, I'll be here to assist her to make things work on an orderly manner. Running an hotel of this size won't be easy, especially if we ever reach near full capacity. It will take a huge amount of staff to make sure service won't be lacking. We need to offer quality and efficiency, it will be the only way to justify the pricing she's aiming for. Yet, I feel we can go further when it comes about the food. The kitchen this hotel has is quite large, clean and surprisingly functional. No rusty equipment, all ovens are working properly, countless amount of kitchenware. It was made to work with dozens of kitchen staff. Yet, the refrigerators are empty, there is no menu, no plan or ideas to put on the table to make this place unique regarding the food. Belle, you, Plinkton, and so many other Hounds could help this become true. If you all can deliver we may even be able to extend further than just the hotel. Wouldn't you be interested on having your own chain of restaurants across Pride? Knowing very well your food would be far superior to anything else in this ring? It is the most populated, rich, and easygoing for this type of market. The amount... well, you can be extremely successful financially. Working with Charlie will only get you further up, that is for certain."
Belle glared, eyes blinking rapidly for few seconds, her jaw hanging slightly open before she caught herself slacking.
"What? When did you... listen, I didn't even say anything about staying in this hotel. What makes you think I would stay?"
"Free food, free room, we do have laundry service, party rooms, saloons, theatric house and few others things. I mean, you could still host parties here, if that means we can get income for the house. Charlie wouldn't charge you any rent and I'm sure you two can get to an agreement on event's percentages."
Belle shared a befuddled look with Plinkton, who in turn seemed somewhat excited about the idea.
"That... actually could work really well, all things considered. What you do you say Belle? Wanna give it a try? I do know a lot of folk who would be interested after all." The male Hound asked, seemingly hopeful. "Say, Collin, you think Charlie could let the staff have a place here aswell? Would be tough for them to go from ring to ring everyday."
"Not to mention." Belle started with a heavy frown on her face. "It would be best for these Hounds to stay here for their own safety. I can break the curse tying them to Gluttony, if what Charlie said about refusing to make contracts is true. Also... my dad most likely would find out they are working here and chase them down, I rather not endanger them like that. I cannot keep them safe anymore, at least not at Gluttony." She sighed heavily, giving the wolf a surprising pleading look. "Make sure Charlie can offer them a place to stay. You do that and I will take charge of the kitchen stuff. I do like your ideas, as long the Hounds working with me have some sort of safe guard."
Collin nodded solemnly. Convincing Charlie wouldn't be hard at all, perhaps having more people filling the Hotel may cheer her up. Anything at this point was better than nothing and she would be finally earning some sort of income. It would not be enough to cover the staff expenses but that would gradually change as they kept improving the functionality and adjusting the needs of the Hotel. More people would help for stress test and locate all the flaws that would need to be addressed before they could officially open.
Yet, an Hotel that could run smoothly would not compensate the kind of clients that the Morningstar would be aiming for. That was another issue entirely that Collin would discuss with Charlie later on.
"Fine, I will let you see how that works out. Come on Pinks, let's check the room Charlie gave us." Belle called as she got up from the couch with a lazy stretch. Collin raised an eyebrow as he stared towards the male Hound. Pinklie chuckled nervously.
"It's a big room, enough for us both. Charlie offered a room of for each one, but Belle-
"Ahah, you're staying with me. I need some company or I will go crazy in just few hours. Don't be nervous, I won't bite you while you sleep." Belle said with a mischievous grin. Plinkton sighed, although the smile on his face betrayed any worry he could have.
"See ya Collin. Take care of Loona." Plinkton added with a wink. Collin nodded dutifully. The male Hound followed after his new roommate, clearly eager for the next events to come.
Collin walked back to the I.M.P group, his head working around how Charlie would take the news about having to host a lot more people into the Hotel. Certainly as long the newcomers were effective at their jobs she wouldn't have any reason to object their stay. Added the safety factor it was unlikely for the Morningstar to turn them down. As of now both Charlie and Belle needed each other.
Yet, as he tried to concentrate his thoughts on pressing matters, his attention shifted as he saw two newcomers nearby the entrance door. Collin blinked, one was the familiar face of Octavia, who seemed very uncomfortable and anxious, while at her side was a figure that stood out like fireworks among the dark style of the Hotel. Which also reminded him that he has to tell Charlie to work on the design of the main hall.
The figure reminded him of a Seraphim for a moment, but the contrast was much evident, her colors far more intense, her face of an avian species, eyes red like most, if not all, Hell inhabitants. The dress she wore a design far outdated, but matching her feather colors perfectly. Her expression was anything but soft, which displayed immediate displeasure and extreme judgement of everything her eyes could see. At least Collin guessed it was a 'she'.
"This is Hotel you were talking about? Seems like my uncle's guest room, whenever my parents were out for important matters I had to tolerate his insufferable stench. At least the odor here isn't as foul. Pch, the Princess of Hell owns this? Seems like a clear waste of time, certainly she could have made use of something more presentable for the bare minimum."
Collin frowned, immediately aware that this person was of the problematic kind. It seemed those words reached Loona's sensitive audition, the Hellhound peeked around the couch she was sitting, stunned for a moment to see Octavia at the doors. She quickly got up and made her way towards the owl teenager.
"Hey, Octavia! Didn't expect to see you here, what's up?" Loona called at her as she approached. Collin, sensing imminent danger, made his way towards them aswell. Octavia, who was previously trying her best to go unnoticed, perked her head towards the Hound with something akin to panic.
"O-oh, h-hey. Huh, we are just passing through." Octavia replied awkwardly, Loona reacted with a suspicious frown while deviating her attention towards the taller avian.
"Welcome to Hazbin Hotel, may I help you?" She asked formally, with such a grace that took Collin by surprise. He couldn't help but smile at seeing that Loona has taken her role seriously after Vaggie's instructions.
"Yeah, yeah. Just looking for the manager, I would like a few words before being off. I need to be to an important meeting and Octavia said she has some friends working here. I presume it would be no trouble to let her around for few hours. This place looks filth, but I heard it's one of the safest there is. Normally I wouldn't bother but her useless piece of father is molding the house and it's my turn to take Octavia for the week. I'm sure once we are done we can do a visit to the shop you were interested."
Octavia nodded slowly, while Loona raised an eyebrow at the displicency coming from the older avian demon.
"Sure thing, I will call her right away." Loona replied without much enthusiasm before making her way to the balcony.
"Yes, do hurry. I've seen my fair share of lazy whelps to know how often your kind drags the service across."
That made Loona stop on her tracks, slowly turning around to face the owl with a very calculated glare. Collin quickly stepped in before she decided for a rather nasty action.
"Is there something you would like to drink or eat before leaving, miss?..." He started with a forced smile.
"Oh? Name's Stella for you. Yes, perhaps a fe-"
She paused once taking a better look at the wolf who just appeared nearby. Her eyes narrowing slightly before she scoffed at him with disbelief.
"Piff, indecent cout, as if wasn't bad enough your kind around. Such an abhorrent choice of dye." She fired, looking at him with disgust. Collin blinked in confusion for a moment before he understood what she meant.
"Oh, huuuh. No? It's not dye. I'm just like this." He replied with some hesitation. Stella looked even more unimpressed.
"Then I'm sorry for the sad thing that birthed something awful as you."
"Mom! These are my friends!" Octavia finally let out, looking extremely embarrassed and irritated.
Stella glanced down at her daughter with surprise and a bit of shock.
"These are your friends? Surely you can do better sweetheart." She suggested rather gently, which earned a snort from Loona. Octavia groaned.
"I had a lot of fun last time I was out because of them, I really like them. They treat me well and stuff happens, unlike that boring house. I don't need to see you and dad glaring murder at each other or screaming whatever excuses about who is to blame. I need to get out more, being at home will drive me insane."
Stella frowned lightly, seemingly in disagreement for a moment, but the reminder of her current relationship with Stolas did not bring her any peace of mind. She sighed heavily before giving the wolf an aggravated look.
"Whatever my daughter sees in you, I hope her trust is not misplaced. Otherwise I will see that you are throughly removed from this establishment." She warned, eyes glowing with malice. Collin couldn't help the cheecky smile.
"I'm sure the Princess of Hell will be very willing to listen your complaints. Certainly the Goetia are very important to the chain of power." He couldn't help the touch of mockery. Stella's eyes narrowed dangerously, but even her arrogant manners could not placate the truth of such statement.
"Urgh, whelps! I'm off Octavia, surely I don't need to waste time with the likes of here. Farewell." She said before turning around agressively, her footsteps sounding heavier than what her figure presented possible. Octavia watched her leave with immense relief, while Loona patted Collin on his shoulder with a proud smile.
"Since when did you get so cheeky? I like it." She said with a fond smile. Collin chuckled before addressing the teenage owl.
"You wanna eat something Octavia? We are having a short talk before heading out for launch." He offered. The owl nodded quickly.
"Starving actually. Say, what's the commotion over there? I still could hear these guys arguing even with my mom wanting to explode at my side."
"Ah, that? It's just Blitzo and the others figuring shit out. We were talking about returning the Grimoire." Loona replied with a shrug. "Seems he doesn't want to deal with Stolas though, they are on a awkward moment or something. Dunno."
"Sure, whatever I suppose." Octavia replied with a frown. She had no reason to be fond or care about the likes of Blitzo. "Hey, I was kinda wondering..." The owl girl hesitated, seemingly nervous for a moment. Collin tilted his head slightly.
"Something the matter?"
"Y-Yeah, I was like... kinda wondering... you think I could a job here?"
