Author's Note: Um, hi~ :] Welcome to my Hazbin Hotel fan fic!

I have a bit of an idea of where I would like to go with this and has just been a fun creative outlet in the meantime.
The first couple of chapters take place before Season 1, and then eventually will fall into the timeline.

Enjoy!

Trigger Warning: Rated M for mature content; swearing, sexual themes, mentions of sexual assault (will put warnings on those chapters).

Disclaimer: Ari and Archie belong to me. Everyone else belongs to their rightful owners.

The Prodigal Daughter

Chapter I:
Day One

It was Archie who found me.

He had found me in the alleyway behind his bar, rummaging through the trash bins looking for my next meal. I had been in Hell for almost 3 weeks at this point, and I was still trying to navigate my way through its lifestyle customs. I had made my home the upper half of an abandoned townhouse at the very edge of Pentagram City. The neighbourhood was quiet with only a few residents who happily kept to themselves, which was perfect for me. The majority of shops and restaurants are located towards the center of the city, so it's quite the trek to and from home in order to salvage any useful items for survival.

I did search quite often through the papers and shop windows for anyone hiring; however, it was hard finding a job that didn't require you to take your clothes off or perform sexual favours in exchange for food or money. Not that I don't respect sex workers and their jobs, but it wasn't exactly a career I wanted to get myself into.

As I was saying, it was Archie who found me. He was working in his office at the club he owned when he heard my singing seeping in through his window. He told me it caught him off guard, as my voice was something he'd never heard before in Hell. He jokingly told me that I "had the voice of an angel". But I feel like his compliment was biased due to the song I was singing at the time.

"If you dance, I'll dance
And if you don't, I'll dance anyway..."

"The fuck...?" Archie muttered. He turned his attention up to his window that was opened just a crack, sitting still for a moment listening to the sweet melody that seeped into his ears.

"Give peace a chance,
Let the fear you have fall away
I've got my eye on you..."

Moving up from his desk, he drunkenly stumbled through the bleak hallway towards the exit door and gradually pushed it open just enough to spy on the person hanging out around in his alleyway.

I was humming to myself as I pulled out half of a stale loaf of bread, and a chicken leg from the trash can.

Score! I thought to myself with glee. This was certainly one of the better meals I've had this week, and I was starving!

I plopped down by the garbage and laid the food out in front of me, still entertaining myself through song, unaware I had an audience.

"Say yes to Heaven,
Say yes to me
'Cause I've got my mind on you..."

I hummed happily to my tune until a sudden shout caused me to be startled.

"Hey, you!"

I gasped, dropping the piece of bread that was in my hands. The light coming from the exit door's lamp was darkened by a large shadow towering over me. I swallowed hard as I glanced up to find a tall man standing before me. He had an athletic build to him, with jet-black hair that he slicked back with one, single curl that fell in the middle of his forehead. He had what appeared to be two large, black bull horns on the top of his head, and he wore a white button-down with dark brown trousers and maroon suspenders. A cigar hung from his mouth as he took in a large inhale.

I pushed my back against the brick wall behind me, trying to put some space between us, and slowly rose to my feet. All he was doing was staring at me so intensely and I didn't know what to do. Since being in Hell, I've come to witness and conclude that so many of the residents are violent creatures. Some even had such short tempers, that even looking in one's direction would set a demon off.

He just kept staring at me. I tried to figure out what he wanted without moving a muscle.

His brows furrowed as he looked me up and down. The demon would glance at my body, to my face, back to my body, and then back to my face. I could feel my cheeks beginning to redden with embarrassment; I crossed my arms over my chest and turned my face away. My whole being trembled in anticipation at what he was thinking.

He took another drag of his cigar and blew a puff of smoke in my face. I let out a cough and waved it out of my direction; I heard him let out a light chuckle at me.

"Do you need a job?" he asked.

I choked. "W-What?"

"You're picking through my garbage," he said with an arched brow. "Do you need a job?"

What kind of job? I mentally stressed to myself.

He must have noticed my hesitation because he began to speak again.

"I'm Archie, the owner of 'The Eden Lounge'. If you can sing like the way you did just now in my club, I'll give you a job." He explained, taking a step back. He rubbed his chin with his hand as his eyes glazed over me once again, "I just lost a performer and I like your look – well, how you look – and I have a feeling my audience will too. You'll bring in a lot of revenue for my club."

My hands fiddled with the hem of my dress, my nervous hands sweating profusely as I tried to register what he was saying. I furrowed my brows as I wondered if it was a good idea – it was already hard enough making ends meet as is, so again, a job wasn't a bad idea. I just didn't want to do anything I would hate or regret. I remembered stories of demons tricking people into selling their souls and being trapped into contracts, losing their freedom forever in exchange for promises of riches that they will never receive. I refused to fall into this same fate; my situation was fucked up to begin with.

"Listen, I..." I stammered, trying to find the proper words, "I don't want to do anything that would make me uncomfortable."

Archie stared at me for another moment before shaking his head and letting out a light laugh, "Listen, Sweetheart, I don't want your soul!" He took the cigar out of his mouth and threw the butt on the ground. He had a gentle smile on his face now and appeared less intimidating than he did before. "No, see, I already have enough comedians, magicians, and 'dancers'." – he made quotation signs with his fingers when he said the word dancers – "I think a singer will be an enticing new act, especially with your kind of voice."

I wasn't aware that I was holding my breath until I let out a big exhale of relief, "You just want me to sing?"

Archie nodded, "Your look will sell itself, and your voice is just a bonus."

"What do you mean 'my look'?" He brought it up a couple of times now, and I was curious as to what he meant by it.

He appeared to have needed a second to collect his thoughts before he spoke, "It's odd, but you have this bit of an innocent look to you. Like this little light of hope in this hellhole. A lot of demons will take, uh, a fancy to that, for a lack of better words."

I arched a brow at him, "Innocence?" It was hard not to give a bitter laugh at that statement considering where I ended up when came between Heaven and Hell.

"The song you were singing is beautiful," he admitted. His gaze moved away and then returned to mine. "I think people need to hear stuff like that. Wear a pretty evening gown, put your hair in curls, and you have an act."

I took in a deep breath, "I just have to sing?"

Archie grinned, "Just sing, Sweetheart. I ask for nothing else."

Big exhale.

"Okay. I'll sing in your club."

"Excellent!" Archie exclaimed, wrapping an arm around my waist and guiding me to the entrance. "Let's get you cleaned up and a hot meal. We'll talk about show details! What's your name, anyway, Sweetheart?"

"Oh, uh...I'm Arella." I stated.

We paused just as we were about to walk through the door. I observed silently as his smile disappeared into a firm, straight line and his brows furrowed. He hummed to himself and then shook his head, clearing his throat. "We'll have to find you a stage name, but you got a job."

"Sure thing," I replied. I suppose a stage name is nothing new in show business.

"Hey, listen, Arella. Word of advice? Don't ever reveal your real name if anyone asks." he warned.

"Huh? Why?"

"It'll ruin the magic," Archie stated matter-of-factly. Odd, but okay, I suppose I get it. He pushed open the door and we both stepped inside the club.

"Alright, now let's put on a fucking show!"

I couldn't believe it. Within months, the club grew so much in popularity. Shows have been sold out night after night, and I started to gain quite a bit of attention from demons, earning myself a collection of fans. Archie had started to dub as my manager while also running his club. We had become quite dear friends over this period, and he took very good care of me – mentoring me on how to navigate my way through Hell. There would be talent agents hiding out in the audience who would approach me after my shows and attempt to con me into signing a contract. Archie chased them all away though, as he assured me, he would make sure I was well taken care of and that I didn't need a record company to make a living. His goal for me was to earn the status of an Overlord, which I apparently, was very close to. Archie said I was only off by a couple hundred souls to be considered the title.

It was a weird transaction, and I gave props to Archie for being quite the businessman. Fans gave up their souls quite easily to me, for me. They would buy one of my CDs in exchange for their souls. Archie tried to explain it to me as the fans' way of showing their loyalty, but I couldn't really wrap my head around the idea. Who sells a soul for a fucking CD? It was odd to think that souls were just some form of currency here, and it made me a bit bitter to think that it meant so little to them once dead. Every time the idea crept into my mind; Archie assured me that at least the souls were best kept safe in my hands rather than in the hands of others. He wouldn't specify what he meant by that but did let me know that a long time ago, Hell didn't have the greatest Overlords. And then he wouldn't go further beyond that of what happened to them.

It was just another night at the club...or so I thought.

I was sitting in my dressing room doing my makeup when there was a knock on the door.

"Come in!" I hollered.

Archie opened the door and took a step in, closing it quickly behind him. I could see his expression in the reflection of my mirror with a mix of worry and excitement.

"Archie?" I questioned, finishing putting on my lipstick. "What is it?" I turned to the side of my stool to face him.

"Valentino's here!" he screeched with enthusiasm at me.

I raised my brows at him, confused as to what this meant. "What do you mean? Like...the Valentino?"

Archie swiftly moved towards me and fell to his knees, taking my hands in his. "Yes! The Valentino of the Vee's. Ari, this could be a very good thing for you. They practically have a solid influence everywhere – social media, television, you name it!"

I couldn't explain it, but Archie almost seemed desperate that I make a good impression. Any other time, he would talk mad shit about the Vee's. He thought VoxTek was cheap technology (it's okay, gets the job done), Velvette's designs were rip-offs (I heavily disagreed on this fact), and that the pornos Valentino directed were awful and lacked any decent writing (of course, when I jokingly asked him how he came to this conclusion about the pornos, he went red in the face and completely dropped the conversation).

"I don't understand. I thought I was doing extremely well here at the club," I frowned.

"You are, Ari, yes. But just think," Archie breathed, clutching my hands tighter. "They could offer you so many more resources. They probably have a pretty kick-ass proper studio you can record your songs in rather than my basement. Ari, they could set you up for life."

My hands began to tremble, "Archie, you make it sound like you're disappearing. What's going on?"

He let out a heavy sigh, "I've been doing a lot of thinking. Extermination Day is in 2 weeks. Arella, if anything happens to me, I want to make sure you're taken care of." He moved his hands from mine to my cheeks, gently caressing them. "I can't explain it, but I think you're meant for something extraordinary. And if I'm able to set you up with the Vee's comfortably, that if anything ever happens to me, I'll be able to rest peacefully knowing that you're okay."

Tears rose in my eyes at his words. Thinking about anything happening to Archie made my stomach turn into knots. I didn't want to be alone again in this world.

I turned my attention to the window of my dressing room. The red-purple colour palette of the city had this amazing contrast compared to the bright yellow-white hues of the Heaven portal above us. I took in a deep breath as I stared at the golden clock tower that stood in the very center of the city with a countdown – 13 days, 2 hours, 33 minutes, and 58...57...56...seconds left ticking until Extermination Day.

"Archie, what is Extermination Day?"

"It's one day out of the year where the angels come down to purge Hell of sinners."

"W-What? Why?!"

"To prevent Hell from ever uprising against them."

I thought it was ironic that Heaven had such things known as Exorcist angels. It was such a contradiction to the teachings, that I wondered if Heaven was any better than Hell. Even if it was an action to prevent an uprising from Hell, the death of human souls just never seemed like a justifiable reason for it.

He slowly brushed the tears off my cheeks and smiled at me, "Hey now, don't ruin your makeup. You still have a show to perform."

I rolled my eyes and gave him a small laugh of reassurance. He stood up from his spot and pulled out a long, white evening gown from the rack of clothes, and handed it to me.

"Here, wear this one. It's personally one of my favourites," he said, giving my cheek a soft pinch of affection before walking out.

The gown Archie picked was quite a classic look. I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the skirt out of angst; hoping that I looked good enough for Valentino to notice me. The white was an ivory in colour that complimented my porcelain skin tone nicely.

The fabric was satin, and the top part of the dress had a corset-like bodice with six pieces of boning going down along the torso, stopping just right above the hips. The neckline was a semi-sweetheart with off-the-shoulder sleeves, and a long skirt that extended to the floor with a small train and a high-slit cut up to my thigh, that bunched slightly at the top of my hip. I paired it with nude heels and my platinum blonde hair was made into soft curls that extended to my rear, with part of it tucked behind my ear. I paired the dress with small diamond earrings and nothing else, not wanting anything to take away from the statement of the dress.

When it was my time to go on, Archie peered inside to let me know. He let out a soft gasp when he saw me.

"Ari, you look beautiful."

I grit my teeth looking at him, "Archie, I don't know what to fucking sing!"

His eyes widened at my sudden panic, and he placed his hands on my shoulders. "Ari, you'll be fine. We've literally rehearsed every night this week. You know what you're going to sing."

"It's a new song though...I don't know..."

"It'll be perfect," he assured me. "And if Valentino doesn't like it, he can get the fuck outta my club."

That comment got a laugh out of me. We both took a hard glance at each other before I made my way out of my dressing room and to the stage. I stood at the side, taking in a deep breath before walking on stage.

"Holy shit," Archie muttered. "Vox is here too?"

"What?" I whispered harshly back to him. We both made strong eye contact before he sheepishly gave me a grin.

"Break a leg?"

I scowled at him, and then put on my best smile. I walked onto the stage, and the crowd erupted into cheers and began tossing flowers to greet me. There was a man who stood right at the very front with a large bouquet of white roses, holding them up high for me to see. I walked over and gingerly took them out of his hands, blowing him a kiss as a thank you that seemed to have gotten the crowd into an even more enthusiastic attitude.

I made my way to the center of the stage where a tall, lone microphone stood for me, hugging this bouquet of roses. I let out a giggle and positioned them in my arms to show them off, "Look, he got me white roses and they match my dress." This led to a response from the crowd murmuring a bunch of "awes". Archie cautiously walked onto the stage and took the bouquet from my hands so that they were free for my act. "Don't forget to put them in water!" I called out to him. Archie turned and gave me a humorous look of "I know". This gave me another lead to a joke – for whatever reason, the audience loved it when I picked on Archie. I don't know if they enjoyed watching our friendship and found it appealing in some way, but if it got us laughs, then I figured there was no harm in adding it to my act.

Archie was walking across the club floor with the roses. I called out to him again, "You know Archie, you never get me flowers..."

He whipped around and called back, "I give you a paycheque!"

This caused the audience to erupt into another burst of laughter. I let out a little laugh, "Touché, Archie."

While entertaining the crowd, in the far back of the club sat the guests of honour – Valentino and Vox. They, rightfully so, occupied one of the VIP booths the Eden Lounge had to offer. Vox was sipping on a whisky on the rocks while Val had ordered his third round of vodka sodas for the evening. His arm was wrapped around his date for the night – Angel Dust, a famous porn star who happens to also be one of Valentino's employees.

"Hm, she's cute," Val stated, taking an inhale of his cigarette, "but cute isn't really my thing."

Vox let out a hum as he shook his whiskey lightly before taking another sip.

"But it's apparently yours~" the moth demon teased, eyeing his business acquaintance.

Vox scoffed at him, rolling his eyes before placing them back onto the performer. "She's alright."

"Well, I think we should invite her for a drink after her set," Angel suggested.

Val snapped his fingers in agreement and a big grin appeared on his face, "What an excellent idea, Angel, baby. What do you think, Vox?"

Vox once again rolled his eyes and leaned back into the booth, his concentration never breaking from me, "Whatever you want, Val."

There was a quiet hush that moved across the crowd as I positioned myself properly in front of the mic. I had asked the audience if they wanted to hear a new song I had written, to which they agreed. Soft acoustics filled the room from the band, and I took in a deep breath.

"After having spent a fast year, waiting for the next time I can get you close
I grew used to being back here, like a chorus and rhyme, soldier at his post
You call and I respond, the sparrow and the song
I miss you when you're gone

When I am alone, I see you in the dark; I talk into the empty like you were with me
Started on a cold night, felt you in the low light
Noticing a reflex taking over me,
I see you when I reach muscle memory

"Wow..." Angel Dust whispered, leaning his elbows on the table. He intertwined his fingers and rested his chin right on top, completely engaged in the music. "She has the whole room's attention."

Again, off into the next fall; I am on the back steps trying to let you in
See you standing in the front hall, maybe this is madness underneath my skin
Guess love is a response of the body it haunts
And we do what it wants

When I am alone, I see you in the dark; I talk into the empty like you were with me
Started on a cold night, felt you in the low light
Noticing a reflex taking over me,
I see you when I reach muscle memory; I feel you endlessly, oh...

Valentino smirked as he watched Vox seem to fall into the same hypnotic state as the crowd.

"You really like this Chiquita, hm?" he taunted. Vox gave him only a mumble as a response without moving his head. Val rolled his eyes with a smirk and took another drag of his cigarette.

When I feel the chains of a thousand words and I speak your name like I know you heard
I can feel you there, I can hear you move, and it moves me too
When I'm playing games and I'm drinking wine, and I see your glass sitting next to mine
I can feel you there when you're not at home, like I'm not alone

When I am alone, I talk into the empty like you were with me
Started on a cold night... Noticing a reflex taking over me,
I see you when I reach muscle memory,
I feel you endlessly... Oh, muscle memory...

As the last words fell off my lips, there was a moment of silence before the crowd erupted into applause. I gave a small bow before exiting the stage.

I moved my way down the steps and towards the bar where Archie was standing for my set. When I approached, he gave me a small thumbs-up with a wink.

"You did great, Sweetheart."

"Thank you," I smiled, letting out a relieved sigh. My voice then lowered, "Do you think they liked it?"

Archie gave me a slight shrug, making quick eye contact at the table and then back to me. "Who knows...might have been a bit 'too soft' for their liking."

I scrunched my nose at the thought and took a seat at the bar. Archie poured me a glass of champagne as I tried to compose myself, cooly. I picked up the glass when he handed it to me.

"This better be the good shit," I told Archie.

"You drink what I fucking give you," he bickered back, walking away from me with a wave.

I let out a laugh as I took a sip, finally feeling my nerves relax after such an anxious build-up. Suddenly, a voice from my right spoke.

"You have amazing vocals, Toots."

I looked up to see a tall, slender figure who seemed almost 8 feet tall compared to my 5'6" frame. His body was covered in short, white fur, and he had fluffy white hair with splotches of light pink. He had two sets of arms – a low and a high set – and his eyes were two different colours: one with a light-yellow sclera and one with a dark sclera with hot pink irises with a set of smaller eyes underneath. He flashed a bright grin, and I spotted one gold tooth. I guessed that he was given a spideresque form when he fell into Hell. He was clothed in a gorgeous bright red sequined evening gown with a sweetheart neckline that extended to the floor, and on his arms, he wore long sheer red gloves and pearl earrings. I couldn't contain my excitement – I knew it was a Velvette Original. I absolutely loved her designs, but they're completely far out of my budget.

"Thank you," I bit my lip trying to compose myself, "That is an amazing gown, it's a Velvette Original, isn't it?"

He did a twirl to show off the deep open back and then gave a proud smile, "Why, yes, it is! Glad to know you have great taste. I'm Angel Dust, by the way."

"I know," I paused and blushed at his surprised reaction, "I mean, you're practically a star here in Hell. Your face is on billboards all over! I'm Ari."

Hopefully a good save…? I scolded myself.

Angel Dust let out a laugh, "I like you, Toots. You should come sit at my table!" Before I had time to respond, he linked arms with me and pulled me towards the booth in the back where the two of the three Vee's lounged. I made sure to grab my glass of champagne before he kidnapped me.

When we approached the table, the conversation they were having ceased to a stop. Angel gave a smug smile and with a motion with his hand, introduced me to them. "That right there is Valentino – my date, by the way – he is the owner of Porn Studios, and that flat-faced prince there is Vox, the CEO of VoxTek." (The 'flat-faced prince' comment was funny because Vox had a T.V. screen for a head).

Vox gave Angel Dust a scowl in response to his introduction. Valentino stood up from his spot and took my hand in his to properly greet himself. "Oi, Angel Dust, brought me some fresh meat?" The sound of his voice sent shivers down my spine as the words slipped off his tongue in a low sultry tone. There was a sudden warm feeling of liquid moving its way up my arm, and I noticed that Valentino had traced his tongue all the way up to my forearm, "My, my…what a lovely specimen you are, Chiquita."

I could feel my face burn with discomfort as my eyes stared at the bit of cherry-coloured residue left from his saliva. When I looked back up, I spotted Archie standing behind the bar, almost red in the face, his hands gripping a dish towel so tight that his knuckles had turned white. I've only ever seen that look on him twice, and it never ended well for the other guy…

"Don't mind him," Vox interrupted, moving to Valentino's side. He pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped my arm clean. He then took my hand in his and gave me a gentle kiss on the top. "Pleasure to be meeting you, Miss Ari."

When I shifted back into focus, I smiled slightly at him, "The pleasure is all mine."

Still holding my hand, Vox guided me to a seat at their table. Angel took a spot across from me, and outreached his hands to mine, clasping them in a tight hold.

"So! Ari, when did you arrive in Hell?"

Straight to the questions, I see…

"Um," I looked down at our hands and I prayed that he couldn't feel mine sweating profusely, "Almost about 7 months ago now, I think?"

"No way! So, you haven't been in Hell for a year yet!" he smirked, letting go of my hands and resting his on his cheeks. I quickly moved mine into my lap and wiped them discreetly on the side of my dress. "And look at you! Making a name for yourself in such a short time." I felt like I was being interrogated…or maybe he was just genuinely curious and had no sets of boundaries? It was hard to tell.

"I…guess," I muttered shyly, now realizing I was holding my breath.

"And that song you just sang – you said you wrote it, right?" I nodded. "What was your inspiration? Quite a different style compared to what's usually playing here in Hell."

I paused for a moment as I caught a glimpse of Archie in my peripheral vision. I gave Angel Dust a slight shrug, "It's a song about longing for someone who's not around."

"Oh?"

I glanced at my reflection in my drink. "I was inspired by my friend. He never got to reconnect with his wife when he died. He thinks about her quite often, but believes she resides in Heaven 'cause her soul was too pure for a place like this."

When I finally looked back up, the smug smile that was on Angel's face had faded. He had a hard expression on his face that I couldn't read. Did I say something wrong?

I felt my face blushing once again, feeling like all I was saying was stupid shit this evening.

"Sorry, I, um…" I stammered.

"No," Angel replied, "that is…quite lovely to think about, actually."

We both exchanged a soft, genuine smile. Suddenly, a puff of red, sweet smoke was blown in my direction, and I moved my attention towards Valentino who seemed annoyed by my words but didn't let it get to him completely.

"Y'know, Chiquita, you're a whole lot sexier when you don't talk." He shot me a large, mischievous grin, and his front gold tooth similar to Angel Dust's sparkled in the club's dim lights. "With a body like that, I could make you a star. I can't believe you've been hiding out in this seedy little club this whole time."

Asshole.

"Val," Vox hissed; his voice went into this higher-pitch static then reverted back to normal. "She's not going to do porn for you." He wrapped an arm over my shoulders and pulled me into his chest. It felt like a bit of a dominant power move towards Valentino, I think?

I disgustingly felt like a pawn between them. And Archie wanted to set me up to work for these guys? Honestly, fuck that. I pulled myself away from Vox and stood up, flattening out the wrinkles in my skirt. I moved my gaze to both of them with a stern look and cleared my throat.

"I do appreciate your offer, gentlemen. But my place is here at the club." I stated flatly. "Thank you for the lovely evening." Bidding them farewell, I turned around and began walking towards the back where Archie followed shortly after me.

Angel Dust watched as I disappeared behind a set of curtains. He nervously then looked over at Vox who was gritting his teeth while his nails were dug deep into the wooden table.

"What a little bitch," Val snorted, rolling his eyes. He looked over at Vox and noticed how much he was fuming. "Vox, what's with you?"

Crossing his arms, Vox leaned back in his seat, not moving his stare away from where I exited. Angel Dust gulped in his seat; Vox had the same look in his eye that Val had when he first met him.

"She's going to be mine," he affirmed.

Confession: I have a crush on Vox.

Song:
-Say Yes To Heaven by Lana Del Rey
-Muscle Memory (Acoustic Version) by Lights