AN: Sorry for the delay. Been a bit busy and trying to beat writer's block.
With a little help on the poll I made in deviantart, was able to choose where our heroes should venture to. And I got big plans when they get there.
Chapter 7 : Change of plans
The meeting went as well as you expect, long small talk, mostly from Charlie, Stolas that is. Stella along with Andreaphuls are snooty as warned, they only spoke to Charlie directly while ignoring our friends. Not that it mattered, we were more worried about leaving this place before they catch on we're the mortal visitors, Paimon spoke to them about.
The group finally left the mansion, Charlie discretely tells the girls to be courteous and say goodbye to their hosts. Beth, Zaira, and Theo reluctantly do so. Stolas was polite to them but Stella and Andreaphuls brushed off.
Inside the bag monsters exchange worried glances. The tension in the air is palpable, and Ickis, being the most excitable of the trio, couldn't contain his panic any longer.
"Guys, we need to tell them what we overheard! It's important!" whimpered Ickis
"Not yet. Wait until we're in those moving things" said Oblina.
They waited as the front door closed and as the whole group stepped in the limo where Razzle and Dazzle were waiting. That was the right time, the monsters jumped out of the bag and started explaining.
"Guys! guys! We overheard something important. It's about Princess Stella and Andreaphuls!" cried out Ickis with urgency.
"What did you hear, Ickis?" inquired Charlie
"Any info on the dragonballs?" asked Beth, with an expectant look.
"We found info not just on the dragonballs…" said Krumm
Ickis stammered in agreement, "Well, see, they were talking, and we couldn't help but listen, you know, lurking skills and all... And they were planning to hurt Prince Stolas!"
"What?! Hurt him? Are you sure?" asked Vaggie sounding alarmed
Oblina then explained, "I heard it too. By the look of things, they are plotting against Stolas. The first attempt on him was stalled but they plan on some shady business to take his fortune."
Krumm nodded "It's true, we overheard Stella expressing her frustration and Andreaphuls advising her to be patient and wait for the right moment."
Ickis sounding on the verge of panic added, "And we saw Paimon, he told him about the dragonballs because Hades squealed on us. They're planning something once they find us and the dragonballs, I just know it!"
The group falls into a hushed silence, the gravity of the situation sinking in.
Zaira's eyes widened "This changes everything. We need to be more cautious around Stella and Andreaphuls. They're a threat not only to Stolas but to all of us."
Charlie, who has been quietly observing, spoke with a expression serious. "In that case, we can't let them succeed. We need to gather more evidence and expose their true intentions. But we must be careful, as they are likely aware of your presence."
Vaggie nodded "All the more reason to stay vigilant and work together to protect you and Stolas. Let's keep our eyes and ears open for any opportunity to gather more information."
Beth nodded sounding determined. "Don't worry. We won't let them harm anyone. Gotta find a way to stop them and retrieve the dragonballs. But for now, let's focus on our mission but keep tabs on Stella and Andreaphuls."
"I agree we can't ignore this, if Stolas in danger, we can't take any risks when it comes to the safety of everyone involved." Added Charlie
"Thanks for alerting us fellas." Theo turns to the monsters, "Those lessons the Gromble gave came in handy. While we're finding the dragonballs we must ensure Stolas is protected."
"Why should we help defend him? Isn't he a demon prince?" whined Ickis
"Ickis!"Oblina scolded while elbowling him.
"Because it's the right thing to do."said Beth
"She's right. And he's a victim of the circumstances. He may be privileged like me but his family forced him into an arranged marriage." Said Charlie
Vaggie nodded, "And from I heard, he's in an unhappy marriage considering Stella's nature, let's just say he has it rough."
"Are you saying-?" asked Theo
"Stolas is in a situation where the wife is the …abuser." Replied Charlie
The whole group gasps in shock.
Ickis stammered "B-but... How can he be in an abusive relationship? Shouldn't he be able to defend himself?"
Beth, Zaira and Theo looked at Charlie and Vaggie who had grim expressions.
Vaggie then spoke softly to him, "Abuse can affect anyone, regardless of their status or power. Just because someone holds a position of authority doesn't mean they are immune to mistreatment. And in Stolas' case, he may be trapped in a situation where escape is not as simple as it seems."
Anyone, can find themselves in toxic relationships. It is important to support those who are suffering, regardless of their background.
Now thing is we may have our reservervations. And considering we have everyright to be cautious with demons. Unfortunately Charlie and Vaggie had a point. Even Beth, Theo and Zaira acknowledged they may be the guardians but they're also heroines the honest good guy rules. As I mentioned before they tend to listen to their alturism.
Theo then spoke in agreement "Stolas may have his – uh rules regarding what he is, but no one deserves to be mistreated. Nobody does."
Beth then added, "Where we come from men suffer from abuse too and there are times where society Societal see abuse when usually portray men as the aggressor. It's difficult for many to see a man as a victim in his relationship. There are fewer resources available to them if they need help. And men abused by women often feel they can't speak up because they have so much to lose. We have an opportunity to help him and make a difference."
"Alright, Alright!" Groaned Zaira. "While we look for the dragonballs we'll look into helping Stolas."
"I know, it's complicated, but it's part of the code of honor of true heroes and the good guys, saving people, not just humans." Reasoned Krumm.
It was true, their mission had extended beyond the dragonballs and encompassed compassion and justice. The group shared a collective nod, their resolve solidifying. They knew that their path would be filled with challenges, but they were determined to stand up against abuse, unravel the mystery, to retrieve the dragonballs.
If you thought we had problems alerting the staff when the whole mess started in the first place, you haven't seen the issue when our friends tried alerting them. I knew it was a matter of time before the Gromble came calling to the girl's teachers.
"Ugh! Where are those three? It's not like them to ditch us." Grumbled Sara who was irrated.
The rest of the guardians, and friends, Kylie, Sara, Haruna, Yui were wondering the whereabouts of their friends. And there was the matter of being left to deal with a messed up and ransacked dormitory.
The KND promised to tell the other fairies, about the group's mission after 48 hours , they arrive at Alfea and try to tell them only to encounter the same problem Beth's group faced when they tried telling them about the stolen dragonballs, everyone's busy or distracted.
The other fairy students were helping the guardians find the whereabouts of Beth's small group. One the fairies assumed that Beth along with Zaira and Theo went to a tutoring job. And the monsters are tagging along.
Numbuh 4 scoffed interupted their conversation, "Pfft. Tutoring? Yeah right! The only thing Beth, and those two are teaching is sleuthing in the other side.."
"They said I was too little and we couldn't go!" pouted Numbuh 3
The other fairies shook their heads.
"Now young ones even older kids needs responsibilities." asked Flora, "Anyway, do you have a number where we can reach them?"
"NO! They-" Numbuh 1 tries to speak but is interrupted.
"Easy there's no need to be upset, you'll get you chance and when grown-ups are talking, little boys and girls are supposed to wait quietly,"
"That's the sort of problem we have when -" protested Numbuh 1
"Calm yourselves," said Haruna
Faragonda calls over the fairies needing them in the Office. "You'll have to excuse us a moment." Said Kylie as she and the other fairies entered Faragonda's office.
"But!-" All the KND protested trying to explain the situations but the doors of Faragonda the headmistress close.
All five kids groan in exasperation, how were they supposed to tell about the whereabouts of Beth's group and the dangerous mission in Hell to retrieve the dragonballs.
Thanks to our spying courtesy of our skills, we were aware of the danger posed by Stella and Andreaphuls. Still we needed to think, so perhaps if we all put our heads together we'd think of how to go about it. Sadly time wasn't exactly on out side which Beth realized when we reached the Hazbin Hotel.
"Oh the KND!" yelped Beth as the group stepped out of the vehicle.
Zaira looked at her, before slapping her forhead. "Oh right, the deadline! We forgot!"
Beth scrambled to pull out her cellphone, "I gotta tell them things have gotten complicated but they still gotta alert-"
A familiar mircophone staff hits Beth's hands knocking the cellphone out of her hands, "Ow! What did you do that for?!"
It was Alastor who struck her and spoke in as if warning the group about danger. "Consider it a warning, my dear. I advise you to refrain from using that contraption. Even they have ears."
Charlie looked at Alastor not approving of the way he stopped the Beth from using her tech,"A little uncalled for Alastor."
She looked at Beth, "But he's right, you may want to put off using your celphone girls. Vox can access technology, and has the ability to travel through it whether it's to arrival to a location or to spy."
Vaggie nods in agreement, her arms crossed over her chest, "So you may want to turn off your gadgets, Vox can see through screens and monitor others, even appearing to stare directly at them through electronic displays."
Beth's group look at Charlie, their incredulous expressions indicating their frustration at the timing of this information. "Now you tell us!" groaned Zaira
After the incident with the yominet and close encounter with the tech Overlord, she didn't want to take chances.
We knew that finding the dragonballs were important and waiting for Charlie to think of a plan with the Hazbins would have cost time. No choice we had to risk sneaking out. Luckily Sir Pentious handed the dragonradar back to us in tip top shape beforehand.
Then there's the disguise needed after being filmed in the picture box, Theo reminded Beth and Zaira to put on makeup, Oblina then mentioned that using a glamour, magic fair folk use disguises their appearance might be useful.
Now that would've been helpful so I called out them out for not using it before. And they said, there wasn't an occasion that was required to use or practice it.
So, you won't believe what happened when we decided to sneak away. We were tiptoeing through the corridors, when suddenly-
Ickis opens the door only to see a swarm of Cuddles the bear toys that were alive.
"We wuv you!" they said trying to reach out to the monsters and girls.
This causes the small monster to scream, he shuts the door and puts a lot of stuff so that the Cuddles toys won't get in the hotel
Oblina's voice heard interuppting the narration, Ickis! Nothing attacked us when we were sneaking out. Let alone those bears from that movie that gave you nightamres and that cruel prank Zimbo pulled on you.
May I remind you we were still in Pentagram city, the pride ring? It's not possible for anyone including the academy's bullies to follow us there. Furthermore the girls and the residents of the Hazbin Hotel will have something to say about it. Now tell the story right.
Ickis's voice sounded annoyed, Alright sheesh, the truth is, time was not on our side. We couldn't wait for the others to join us in the search for the dragonballs. We had to slip away on our own.
But us slipping away didn't go unoticed.
"Going somewhere?" Asked a familiar Brooklyn accent voice.
Beth, Zaira, Thero and the three monsters jumped to see Angel Dust leaning against the wall, with a smirk.
"Oh we were-" stammered Ickis
"We're following the dragonradar to find the dragonballs in the other rings." Answered Beth with a defiant glare.
She didn't like people or adults underestimating her, just because she's young.
"Don't ask Beth and Theo say we could try sneaking through the helluvator to reach the rings." Said a releuctant Zaira.
The goth emo girl, didn't like the idea of sneaking into the rings without Charlie or Vaggie or run into anymore trouble.
Theo then spoke next, "We get that Charlie told us to wait but our friends on the topside will be getting worried and might've alerted our teachers. The sooner we move and get them the sooner we go home and won't worry anyone."
"And the fact if anyone down here finds out what the dragonballs can do. We'll be doomed!" whimpered Ickis
Oblina nodded. "It's not that we're grateful but we don't wish to burden Charlie since she is concerned with the extermination fast approaching in six months."
Angel just looked at them mischievously, "That's it? You ain't going anywhere, not without an escort, besides I know a few shortcuts ya can use to reach the rings without the helluvator."
"You mean there's another path to reach the rings?" asked Zaira raising an eyebrow.
"Yep. Too bad, we sinners can't explore the other rings."confirmed Angel
"If Sinners can't explore the rings, how do you know?"inquired a curious Krumm.
Angel shrugged then spoke, "Some of the clients I meet are usually hellborn and can travel discretely throught there."
Beth's group exchanges glances, weighing the risks and rewards of Angel Dust's proposition. Despite their initial hesitation, they realize that time is of the essence, and having a guide who knows the shortcuts could be advantageous.
"Are you sure about this, Angel? We don't want to bother ya." Asked an unsure Beth.
It wasn't the trust issues, Beth was worried about. She remembered a few months back after the Yomninet incident, Zaira mentioned that Angel was a sex worker. Despite showing, he can tease a few demons and being promiscuous, he has a rough afterlife considering he worked under an overlord's thumb.
Despite not putting much effort in the hotel's activities, they hope Charlie can help Angel be free and finds redemption. And the last thing they wanted was to burden him with being a sitter for three teen faries and monsters.
Angel Dust smirks, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Chill, I know my way around these parts. Just stick with me, I can handle it. I can show you the hidden paths that sinners like us can use to reach the other rings."
Zaira would usually decline but Angel offered to escort them to theses shortcuts and the urgency of their mission.
She sighed, "Fine, but we stick together, and you better not lead us into any NSFW places. We can't afford any more setbacks."
"Hey give me a little credit. Even I get into some scuffles when I was kid so I'm cutting ya some slack." Said Angel
"Fair enough" shrugged Theo
Krumm surprisingly spoke "We appreciate your help, Angel. Our friends on earth are already worried, and we need to retrieve the dragonballs as soon as possible but it won't hurt to stay vigilant and keep our guard up. We don't know who or what we may encounter along the way."
"That's one way of putting it, Krumm" said Oblina
Angel Dust flashes a toothy grin, his enthusiasm radiating through his slightly rough demeanor. "Just follow me kids."
Now it would've been a walk in the dump. But not only was time was not on our side even luck wasn't either. Sure we didn't run into any trouble in most of the walk to those shortcuts Angel mentioned, trouble decided to emerge when we were almost there. Trouble as in in the shape of One of the demon Overlords Zaira was hoping to avoid.
Zaira opened a compact mirror to check in the mirror because something got in her eye. After getting it out she saw in the reflection something that made her go pale with fright.
It was a scarlet limo, with a gold moth as a hood ornament. And on the hood was decorated with a large white heart with the windows being black as night and the license plate was bright red with VAL stencil on it. Her blood ran cold as she recognized that limo, it belonged to the Overlord Pimp Valentino!
"Danger coming...behind us!" she said to the group in alarm.
Everyone looks over their shoulder, Oblina was the only one who screams then jumps to hide with Ickis and Krumm. Angel looked just as alarmed as he pulled the teen girls behind a small wall to hide from a pink limo.
"Shit. I didn't think we'd run into him." Cursed Angel
"What? Who's that?" asked just looked at Beth and Theo. Right. She remembered they don't know what the overlords she encountered looked like.
"That's Valentino. My boss." Hissed Angel
"The moth pimp Overlord, Zaira warned us about?"
The spider demon nodded in response to Theo's question. "Yeah, He ain't someone you want to mess with."
Beth's group exchanges concerned glances, realizing the gravity of the situation. They had hoped to avoid any encounters with the other demon overlords, knowing the potential danger they posed. Zaira takes a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves.
"Angel's not joking Valentino is not someone we should meet, he's craftier than he looks." Said Zaira
Angel looked over to peek from the alley, he watched as the limo slowed at the end of the street suddenly stopping and began to reverse. The Limo was backing up where they were!
He spoke in a hushed voice. "Listen very carefully, I'll distract him, you just follow that street, you'll reach a cave which has an underground path. Long, dark that travels under the pride ring. You'll reach a fork on the way dividing into six paths."
"What does he want? We didn't do anything to him!" Ickis whined in panic
"He want the girls! When he wants someone, he'll get it."Angel warned, poking his finger into Beth's neck.
Zaira cringed at that statement, she remembered too well the predatory look, Yui and Sara described when Val approached them. Now he's after Beth, Theo, and it seems he hasn't forgotten Zaira as one of the few, who got away.
A celphone sounded, Angel checked it was message from Val demanding to come over at once.
He then looks at the girls with fear before speaking, "Kids, If that radar is used to find those dragonballs work as well as you say it does follow it to the rings, it will lead to when you get to those shortcuts."
"How will we know if we reach a ring?" Oblina asked with urgency
"The greed ring is all green, Lust is deep blue, sloth is pink, wrath is orange, envy is purple and Gluttony is yellow." The cellphone sounded again indicating another message from Val, "Shit! Move and be careful!"
He pushes the group to run down the alley away from the limo.
"But Angel!" Theo looked at him with worry.
"Look you want to find those dragonballs or not?!"
Beth nods, understanding the urgency. "Alright, we'll go. But please, be careful Angel."
Angel shoos them away. "Yeah, yeah, just go! I've got this." He takes a deep breath and heads out of the alley, putting on a confident swagger as he approaches Valentino's limo.
The group watches anxiously as Angel goes to confront Valentino.
Filled with both gratitude and concern for Angel Dust's safety, the girls and the monsters quickly follows his instructions. They dart down the street, trying their best to blend in with the bustling crowd of demons, their hearts pounding with a mixture of fear and determination.
As they reach the designated street, they notice a cave entrance, hidden in the shadows. They pause, casting one last worried glance back before disappearing into the darkness of the underground path which was dark and foreboding, but they know they have no other choice. They enter the cave cautiously, the sound of their footsteps echoing in the damp, eerie space.
While they navigated the winding tunnels, their minds race with thoughts of Angel Dust. They worry for his safety, knowing the risks he took to distract Valentino and ensure their escape. They silently vow to find a way to repay him and express their gratitude once they reunite.
"Remember, everyone, stay close and keep your senses sharp." Whispered Oblina, "We have to reach the shortcuts and find those dragonballs."
They proceed through the underground passage, the darkness enveloping them. The air grows heavy and the silence is interrupted only by the distant drips of water. Suddenly, they come upon a fork in the path, the six different tunnels stretching out before them.
"Alright, according to Angel, each tunnel represents a different ring." Said Beth, "We need to choose the one that matches the color of a specific ring."
"But which do one we choose?" shrugged Krumm.
"Let's check the radar" said Theo. She pull out the dragonradar and pushes the button. The dragon Balls emit a faint electromagnetic pulse, which the Dragon Radar can detect. The radar activated pointing in three directions, Left, Up and Right.
Looking over the radar we know we had to split up eventually, each taking a different ring of Hell to search for the dragonballs eventually. But for now we had to agree to go together to one ring to know what we're up against.
Zaira examines the tunnels which the radar indicated, her eyes scanning the distinct hues of each path. She chose one direction which lead ahead with a green glow. "There, the one with the green glow is the greed ring."
The monsters gaze at the radar and the arrows pointing, Zaira found that one dragonballs is in the greed ring. So they walked left which the path had an orange hue.
"Alright this path leads to which ring? The wrath ring!" said Ickis aloud.
Theo moved right to another tunnel which the path had a blue hue which indicate it leads to the Lust ring. "And this one leads to Lust."
Beth's voice echoes through the damp underground passage, "OK, we know the locations of the dragonballs now. If we're going ahead with this, let's at least be organized."
The monsters exchange glances, contemplating their options. The tunnels beckon with their distinct hues, each representing a different deadly sin. Their decision carries weight, as they must choose which ring to tackle first.
Just as they are about to make a choice, a peculiar scent fills the air. The monsters inhale deeply, their senses tingling with recognition. It is a scent that reminds them of their home, the Dump. Trash, smoke, and the stench of polluted air intertwine to create a strangely comforting aroma.
Krumm's eyes light up, his excitement evident. "Hey! I smell a symphony of garbage and smoke."
Ickis sniffs the air, nodding in agreement. "I smell it too!"
The two monsters follow the scent which coincidently leads to the path to the Greed ring.
"It's coming from the Greed ring." Said Krumm, pointing.
Oblina, interjects. "While it may be enticing, we must exercise caution. Remember, temptations often come in guises that we find appealing."
Beth furrows her brow, considering the potential risks and rewards. "The Greed ring. But we better be prepared for any dangers that's ahead."
Zaira spoke next "Might as well head there, afterall the monsters need to refill their airsacks but let's proceed with caution. We can't risk being exposed."
With their decision made, the monsters follow the alluring scent, with the girls close behind, the smoke intertwining with their memories of the Monster Academy in the Dump and the comfort it once brought. The path of greed awaits them, promising both hidden treasures and treacherous trials.
What can I say? Visiting the Greed ring was benefiting for us. And it's like what Zaira said we needed to refill our air sacks, don't wanna risk suffocating with the fresh air. Little did we know the Greed ring held more dangers that were just as bad as the Pride Ring.
To be continued…
AN: I know what you're thinking. Bad idea for the monsters and girls to head out alone to the rings. That is because since they're all teenagers and they commonly take more risks than younger children and adults because they are more willing to accept risks.
And the reference Oblina berating Ickis to the story right is from the Simpsons episode "And maggie Makes three" There will be more of that running gag, where a over the top scene is called out and has to be corrected.
To explain Angel tagged along to help the group is like one those fun grownups and I heard despite being a grump Husk is actually good with them. But he would've made the group to stay put.
Don't worry the group will find a way to help both Stolas and Angel's problems.