Alright, so we're back in the story. It's just me this time as Tai is getting caught up in something at the moment… so, here's my take on this chapter before we start thinking about an original chapter to write.
Also seriously, can you guys stop writing paragraphs of stories in the reviews? It gets exhausting.
"Brand new day, Pikachu." Ash says while getting dressed. "Pretty comfortable beds too."
"Pika Pi." Pikachu says.
"It's good to know that Pentious decided to join the hotel. Bet Charlie is happy now." He says as the mouse jumps onto his shoulder before they go to the door. "It's good to know he's changing his ways. Pretty fast too." He says as they leave.
"Coming through, young mortal!" They stumbled back as the snake demon walked by them, rolling a canon with him to the lobby.
"... Okay, maybe not that fast." He says as Pikachu sighs.
Going to the lobby, they found a banner at the entrance saying 'Happy First Week Sir Pentious' hanging as Charlie descended a ladder. The demon as mentioned earlier rolled up with his canon to her.
"What the hell is that?" Vaggie asked.
"Oh, hello, purple female." Pentious says while tipping his hat. "It's my new invention, the Skin Flayer 11,000. I'm really looking forward to shooting the other residents."
"What!? Why!?" Charlie asked, baffled.
"Everyone is being too nice. Obviously, it must be a lie. I can sense they are planning to kill me, but when? How? I must be prepared!"
"Pentious, you can't just go around shooting everyone here." Ash tells him while walking up. "This place is supposed to be one where you give up on stuff like that. No harming anyone else. That's why you're here."
"Yes, but that doesn't mean the others won't try something." Pentious says before the door opens. "Ah, the new parts of my machine have arrived." He then slivered up to the door as a white hair girl rolled boxes on a flat cart past him.
"Sign, please." A blonde girl says while holding a clipboard out which he took and signed instantly. "Thank you for your business. Enjoy your Carmina purchase." She then says the two girls left.
"Wait, Carmine? As in Carmilla Carmine-You are buying parts from an overlord?" Vaggie says in annoyance.
"Of course. She's the top weapons dealer in Hell. Where else would I buy parts?" Pentious asked.
"Well, that stops right now." She then takes the cart of boxes and pulls them away.
"Hey!"
"You absolutely cannot build weapons in this hotel! Under ANY circumstances."
"She right you know. No one here is trying to hurt you. We're just trying to make you feel welcome is all. Everyone here." Ash also tells him.
"Pika, Pika." Pikachu also chimes in.
Pentious then looked over at the others. Husk was downing a beer as he gave him the middle finger, Angel was looking at his phone before giving him the middle finger, Niffty was cleaning before turning to look at him with a psychotic giggle, Infernape was glaring at him as if daring him to try something, Taurus huffing through his nose, Oshawott was snoring loudly, Heracross was giving him a blank stare… and Gible was eating a cockroach he took off the floor.
"Hmmm… I have my doubtsssss." Pentious says.
"Come on, you can trust us." Ash says.
"But I don't."
"Well… how about we focus on that for today's activities?" Charlie says while coming forward.
"Not before we lay some ground rules." Vaggie states. "No more building weapons, no more plotting against other guests, and you need to get rid of these things."
She pointed at the egg creatures, three of which were just around and two fighting over a rod… that shot a laser up, creating a hole through the ceiling when activated.
"Ugh, what did I just say? What did I just say?" Vaggie says while pointing at the recent hole.
"WHAT!? Not my little egg boys! They do my evil bidding for me." Pentious says while hugging the eggs.
"Do you wanna stay here and redeem yourself?"
"Yessssss?"
"Then no more eggs."
Tears welled up in his eyes. "Alright, eggies…" He says while pulling away from them. "You've got to go… I… c-can't keep you anymore!"
"Okay, boss." One egg says as they all salute.
"No, don't resist! This is how it has to be!" Pentious continues dramatically as the eggs just up and leave.
Once they were gone, he couldn't hold it in and started sobbing on the spot while Charlie and Ash comforted him. The boy felt a little worse than the others as this snake seemed to actually like them more than thought it to be.
(Pokemon World)
"Man, I feel bad for Pentious, but maybe this is for the best." Ash says while walking up to the professor's home. "Maybe that'll help him redeem himself… hopefully."
"Pikachu." Pikachu says.
"Well, maybe some other Pokemon of mine would like that place. Maybe I could bring Snivy to help cheer him up." Then he looked at his belt.
Infernape and Heracross decided to go back home, but Oshawott, Tauros, and Gible decided to stay at the hotel. They seemed to have gotten comfortable there.
"I should also work on training my aura too. For as much as I can."
As they went up to the door, the boy knocked on it and waited. After a bit, the door opened to reveal the old professor looking at him.
"Oh, hello Ash. Back from your trip to… the hotel?" He said.
"Hi, Professor Oak. Yeah, I'm back." The boy told him.
Of course, he had to tell someone about his recent escapade. After the Pokemon suddenly started disappearing from the ranch, he didn't want to spread panic so he told the professor. He was shocked but was quick to accept and get over it… even if he found it odd.
"So, how are my Pokemon doing?" Ash asked as he was let inside.
"Well, they're doing fine so far. A bit nervous about you know, disappearing to who knows where, but doing fine." The professor explained.
"Aha, yeah… yeah." The boy says nervously.
"But that's not what I came to you for. There's actually a bit of a surprise for you."
"A surprise? What kind?"
"You'll see."
Puzzled but curious, he followed the professor until they got to the entrance of the ranch. As they exited, he then saw something that made his face brightened up and he joyously started running.
"Charizard!" He calls as the orange dragon hears and turns to him and happily growls while his trainer hugs him. "Welcome back, buddy!" The dragon happily growled again as the boy let go of him.
"Charizard got back here not long ago. He's been waiting here for your return and has wondered where you were before you got here." Oak says.
"Nice, welcome back, buddy." Ash says while scratching his Pokemon's chin, before finding a piece of paper attached to his neck. "What's this?" He asked while taking it.
Dear Ash,
Charizard has been wanting to see you for some time now. He'll be staying with you for a few months as he wished for.
Sorry for suddenly dropping this on you out of the blue, but I hope you two do well.
From Liza
"Wow… so you're gonna be here for a while, huh?" Ash says while petting the dragon who cooed.
"I'll let you have some time. Enjoy!" Oak says while going back inside.
"Alright." The boy says back before the dragon Pokemon turns around and knelt. "You want me to get on?" He asked as the Pokemon gave an approving growl. "Okay."
Hopping aboard and getting settled in, Charizard stood up and took off to the sky. They started soaring around the air going in circles, doing loops, and well, other fun tricks.
"WOOOOHOOO! Yeah! This is amazing!" Ash cheered happily.
"Pika! Pika!" Pikachu also cheered.
"Man, if only Charlie was here to see this. She'd have a blast." He laughed before thinking. "Maybe I could take her here to visit."
They soared for another minute before coming back down. After some time talking with his Pokemon, and getting some nuzzles from his dragon, Ash went and sat on a rock nearby, sighing to himself as he looked at the sky.
The more he thought about it, the more he started to think that maybe bringing her into his world wouldn't be so bad. She might like some of the Pokemon there. Heck, maybe he'd get to have someone else from their world come join him… well, not everyone, but still. This could be a nice vacation for her if ever she needed one.
'I can think about that later. Right now…' He looked at his hands. 'It's time to focus.'
He inhaled and closed his eyes before putting his hands together as he started focusing. He relaxed his body, relaxed his breathing, relaxed his muscles, relaxed his mind. He was sitting there for about a minute, his Pokemon stopped playing and looked at him in curiosity.
Time passed by and nothing seemed to be happening, at least to our dear hero. After a bit, Ash slowly opened his eyes and looked down, his hands were emitting a blue glow that looked familiar. He looked at each of them individually while chuckling to himself. Curious, he decided to try something and created a sphere structure with his hands once more… and in an instant, a blue flash emitted between them.
Pulling them away, he saw that he had created a sphere of blue light that was bigger than his palm. The Pokemon all looked amazed by what they were seeing, slowly approaching him.
Ash stared for a moment, then he got excited and started laughing as he stood up. He tossed the sphere up and caught it in his other hand, then tossed it back to the other, then let it roll down his arm to his shoulders down his other arm to his other hand, then tried to spin it on his finger, only for it to nearly fall before he caught it.
"Look at this! Do you see this, guys? This is amazing." He says while showing it off to his other Pokemon. "Oh man, I am one step closer to getting this down." He says as Pikachu jumps onto his shoulder.
He was happy to know that he was starting to figure out how to use his powers and couldn't wait until he mastered it. Looking at the sphere, letting Pikachu touch it a bit and even pick it up. Said Pokemon hopped back down with it, starting to use it as a ball, tossing it around with the other Pokemon.
Ash chuckled at seeing them happy before sighing. He looked at the sun, thinking maybe it would be a good time to go back to the hotel. He then looked at his dragon Pokemon and hummed for a second in thought.
"Hey, Charizard." He says while catching the dragon's attention. "Do you wanna go somewhere?" He says, catching his attention.
(Hazbin Hotel)
"Alright, everything should be all set and good to go." Charlie says while getting down from a ladder.
"Okay, mind explaining why the fuck we're all here already?" Angel asked while lounging as usual.
"In a minute, we're just waiting on-" She started to tell him before she heard a flash and turned back. "Oh, right on time. Welcome back Ash-WOAH!" She says before jumping back as instead of seeing the boy, she comes face to face with a dragon.
"Hey, Charlie. Hope you don't mind, I decided to bring another friend of mine here." Ash says as the big Pokemon looks around curiously.
"You have a fucking pet dragon!?" Husk says as the group all walks up in astonishment.
"Hey, he's not a pet, he's my friend. His name is Charizard. Say hi, buddy." The boy says while patting the dragon's back.
"Uh… hello?" Vaggie says while raising a hand before the Pokemon leaned down and let her pet him. "O-okay, this… is nice." She nervously says.
"Aw, you're just a big sweetheart aren't you?" Charlie says while rubbing the dragon's head as it cooed and rubbed against her.
"Uh, yeah… are we just gonna ignore the fact that its tail is on fire?" Angel says while pointing at the tail.
"That's normal for Charizard. That flame at the end of his tail is his life force. It goes out and… yeah." Ash explains.
"Aw, you poor thing." Charlie says while still petting the Pokemon.
"That's honestly scary to think about." Vaggie says.
"Yeah, one waterdrop, and that'll be the end of him." Angel says.
"Oh, you don't have to worry about that. His flame-"
"Niffty, stop trying to stab him!" Vaggie called.
They looked and saw Niffty on Charizard's back, trying to stab him, only for the needle to bounce off again and again only to groan in annoyance and get off, giving up.
"... Uh… l-like I was saying, Charizard's flame is super powerful. It'll be ages before you could put something like that out." Ash explained.
As he finished, Charizard let out a mighty roar and the flame on his tail flared up, causing the crew to stumble back. Citizens walking around Pentagram City suddenly stumbled from the quaking ground below.
Velvette was in the middle of doing her eyeshadow before the room started to shake and messed it up, Valentino was holding onto the couch he laid on, and Vox… his screen cracked.
"FUCK!" He yelled in pain.
A certain white-haired woman was sitting in her office with some papers, not minding the shaking while grabbing a liquor bottle to keep it from falling. One building had three imps and a wolf who were hiding under things to avoid getting hurt.
"Okay, Charizard! Stop!" Ash yelled while grabbing the dragon's arm.
Charizard stopped and looked at his trainer before looking at the frazzled crew. He sweated a bit upon seeing them and let out a small breath of fire in embarrassment.
"Wow… that… was kinda hot." Angel says while getting up.
"Shit, that was nothing like… I've never seen before." Vaggie says.
"Sorry about that. He gets a little carried away." Ash apologized as the Pokemon tapped his talons nervously.
"No, no, it's fine. Nothing to worry about and no harm done." Charlie says… to which every single window in the hotel shattered and her eye twitched. "... For the most part."
"Wow…" Pentious says while slithering up to Charizard. "I didn't know there were dragons on Earth. Such power in a single creature, it's… amazing." He says while inspecting the creature.
"Certainly is." Ash jumped as he looked behind and saw Alastor there. "Welcome back. I see you've brought some more company, and I must say this one is quite… fascinating." He says, the last part of his voice sounding normal.
"He… certainly is." Ash says as Charizard takes a small step back from the radio demon. "You don't mind if he stays here for the day, do you?"
"No, not at all. Charizard, you are welcome to stay here for as long as you please." Charlie says as the dragon cooed in appreciation. "You can take part in our activities for the day."
"Have fun with that. I have some errands to run." Alastor says as he was preparing to leave, only to stop. "Ah, right. Young man, would you perhaps like to join me?"
The boy looked surprised before turning back to face the radio demon. "Me?"
"Of course. I'm sure you've been waiting to see more of Hell have you not?"
"Uh… I…" He hesitated.
"Woah, why do you want him to come with you?" Vaggie says, getting suspicious.
"Oh, nothing. Just want him and I to spend some time to know each other. After all, isn't trust something someone needs for redemption?" The man says.
"Uh… yeah, that is true, but…" Charlie says while wincing a bit before grabbing Ash's shoulders and pulling him back a bit. "I think it's better to have him stay with us."
"Oh, surely it wouldn't be trouble. The young man is perfectly capable of taking care of himself."
"It's fine, not a big deal." Ash says while stepping forward.
"What? But Ash, don't you wanna at least see the activities for today?" Charlie says desperately. "T-they're really fun! You'll love them! Trust me."
"Yeah, it sounds neat and all, but… he's not wrong, I am a little curious to see what the rest of Hell is like." Ash says before looking at Alastor. "Plus, he is also right on the whole, trusting thing."
"Ash, you don't need to prove we can trust you by going with him." Vaggie explains.
"Maybe, but-"
"I can assure you, I will make sure he comes back unharmed." Alastor says while putting a hand on the boy's free shoulder. "Trust me."
Ash looked uneasy as he removed the man's hand from his shoulder. "I'll be fine. I can take care of myself."
"Are you sure?" Charlie asked.
"Yeah. Besides, I got Pikachu with me. Don't worry." He says while giving them a thumbs up and smiling.
The girls were practically shaking trying to resist, Charlie inhaling through her teeth. "OKAY! Alright, just…" She looked back and forth before taking his hand in hers. "Please, try to stay out of trouble."
"I will, I promise." He says.
"Also-" Vaggie says while grabbing his other hand. "Do not make a deal with him. No matter what you do."
He stared for a moment, gathering his thoughts. "I won't."
After taking his hands back, he gave them a nod before he went along with the Radio Demon. As he turned away, he couldn't help but feel just how worried they were for him. Alastor put a hand on his back as they left the door.
"He'll be okay… he'll be okay." Charlie says to herself before turning around and walking away. "Okay, if everyone is ready let's get started."
Vaggie looked back at the entrance, then sighed. "He'll be fine."
(Outside)
"I am so glad you decided to join me on my little outing. You will not regret it." Alastor says cheerfully.
"Okay, but… what's with them?" Ash asked while gesturing behind.
They stopped and looked at the group of eggs following them. "Oh, these little ones? Well, I just figured they might be of good use for entertainment."
"... Right." The boy says as Pikachu shakes his head before taking out his disguise.
"What is that?"
"What is what?" Ash asked.
"That ridiculous pair of glasses. What are those for?"
"They're my disguise? Charlie gave it to me."
"Oh, I see." Alastor says while taking the fake glasses away. "Well, they're a good disguise… if you're looking to fool simpletons." He then says before setting it ablaze, dropping it, and letting it turn to ashes as it falls. "You're gonna need something better than that."
"Like what?"
The radio demon snapped his fingers and an eyemask appeared in his hands. "Try this."
Ash took the mask and looked it over, looking at Pikachu who shared his puzzled look. The mask looked like a white, birdlike domino mask with black designs around the eyes reminiscent of full eyeliner and sharp lashes. It seemed like it would cover less of his face, so they didn't think it would do much.
"Are you sure this'll work?" He asked.
"Absolutely. Try it." Alastor tells him.
He still looked confused before he decided to put the mask on. As soon as he did, a glow started to emit from the mask and go down his body. His hat disappeared and his entire outfit was changed to a black ankle-length tailcoat, a high-necked waistcoat with gold accents, cinched black pants, brown-black winklepickers boots with taller heels, and a pair of red gloves.
Basically like Joker from Persona.
He looked amazed by what he was wearing, checking himself out and laughing to himself a bit. Then Alastor summoned a mirror to see himself. However, what caught him off guard was his face. He moved closer and moved his hand up to his cheek.
His skin was unnaturally pale… pure white in fact. And behind the mask, his eyes were glowing red.
"Wow, this is… amazing. You made this?" Ash asked in astonishment.
"I had a feeling it might come in handy at some point." Alastor says while making the mirror disappear. "Now, shall we continue?"
(Back at the hotel)
"Hi, guys. Thanks for coming. It's been brought to our attention that there may be a little… tension in the hotel." Charlie says as Pentious grabs Niffty with his tail and pulls out a ray gun thingy.
"Tension that could be counterproductive to what we're trying to do here." Vaggie says as she takes the gun away.
"We think this group could really benefit froooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooom…"
They wondered what the princess was doing now.
"TRUST EXCERCISES!" Charlie says while cheerfully bouncing.
"Trust exercises! Ah, shit." Vaggie says while jumping out of sync and falling flat on the ground.
"Vaggie we rehearsed this." Charlie says while helping her up before sighing. "We're doing trust exercises."
"So, uh…" Husk says while pulling Oshawott off of him. "What's with the whole, uh… this?" He asked, referring to the stage that had 'Trusting 101' written on top. "I'm not about to put on some show for these fucking chumps."
"Oh, I will." Angel says while laying his legs on the cat's lap. "But it's cash up front, and I know that one-" He pointed at the snake. "Can't afford me."
"Grosssssss! I'd never think of it, ssspider." Pentious says in disgust.
"Then what about you, big boy? You up for it?" Angel asked as Charizard… looked puzzled, then seemed like he was trying to figure out what he was alluding to, which made him annoyed. "Okay, does no one from that shitty world know what sex talk is? I'm getting real turned off right now."
"Angel, stop trying to pull one of Ash's Pokemon into having sex with you. Let's get started. Charlie." Vaggie says.
"Actually, I thought maybe you could take the lead on this one." Charlie says while referring back to her. "I trust everyone so maybe you know better about how to build it properly." She then says while stepping back as everyone else walked up behind her.
"What? Uhh, I don't know if I'm qualified, uh…"
"Oh, come on. It'll be easy. I'm sure you can handle this."
"Yeah, um… sure, I can handle this. No problem." Vaggie says, seeing Charlie give her the double thumbs up before she sniffs and starts walking. "All right!" Then came the sergeant tone. "We are starting with trust falls. Each of you is gonna share something vulnerable with the group about yourself and then fall backwards, while the rest of the group catches you. Got it? Who wants to go first-"
"OH ME! ME! ME! ME! ME! ME! ME! ME! ME! ME! ME! ME! ME! ME!" Charlie says excitedly like a kid who was told they could have any candy they want.
"Alright, get up here." Vaggie says as the princess happily runs up on the stage
"I love you guys, like really, really… really love you."
With that, Charlie turned and fell. Vaggie was about to catch her before a pair of orange arms appeared in above of her, catching the blonde. She looked up and saw it was Charizard… who saw her looking and then let the blonde fall into her arms.
"That… felt good!" Charlie says happily. "Angel, why don't you go next?" She asked.
"Fine." Angel says while going to the stage.
"This time, everyone needs to catch him, or I will hurt you." Vaggie says while taking out her spear.
"Well, let's see." Angel says while thinking of something. "I love to suck-"
"I FUCKING SWEAR! IF YOU SAY DICKS!" Husk says in anger.
"Popsicles, ya sicko. Get your mind out of the gutter." Angel laughed before turning and falling into his arms. "But ya know, dicks too." He says before being promptly dropped.
"Alright, uh… what about one of you guys? You wanna go?" Vaggie asked the Pokemon as a familiar otter jumped in excitement. "Alright, go on up there."
Oshawott happily got on the stage. "Osha! Oshawott! Osha! Osha!" He cheered while holding his seashell up with pride.
"Aw, can you imagine what he is saying now?" Charlie cooed before the otter jumped into her arms.
"Alright, new guy. You're up." Angel says while nudging the snake person.
Cue the dramatic lighting.
"I… don't want to live without my minions… nobody catch me." Pentious says dramatically before falling as Charlie and Vaggie catch him. "Dammit!"
"That's great-Oh wow, you are slimy." Vaggie says as he gets up before they feel a few rumblings and hear an excited growl.
"Oh, I think Charizard wants to go next." Charlie says as her girlfriend's eyes widen.
"Wait, wait, I don't think Charizard should be fall-ING!"
Charizard fell on top of both of them, causing them to groan in pain as he crashed to the ground. The rest of the group cringed from seeing it happen… well except for Niffty who was giggling while Gible was gnawing on her head.
"That's… nice, Charchar." Charlie says in pain before gasping as the dragon Pokemon gets off her. "Ow…" She says while standing up, feeling a crack before groaning.
"Fuck." Vaggie says as she is helped up before feeling a crack as well and having to lean on the stage for a second. "Shit, you're heavy." She says as the dragon looks embarrassed. "Okay-AGH! FFFFF… Niffty?"
The little cyclops ran on stage with the Pokemon still on her head. "Sometimes, I kill mother bugs in front of their children as a warning to others." She says while giggling like a maniac as everyone and the Pokemon look at her like she is deranged. She jumped and everyone scooted back, letting her fall to the cracked floor. "YAY! Pain!" Okay, maybe she was a little more deranged than thought-she's going up again aaaaand, she jumped down again as Charlie and Vaggie walked off.
(With Ash and Alastor)
Sirens were blaring in a… city place with so much smoke flowing into the air. Yay, pollution.
"Oh, boy. What's the plan boss?"
"I like your suit."
"What are the antlers for?"
"Can I touch your staff thing?
"Are those your ears or is it your hair? I can't tell?"
These were all questions asked by the eggs as they followed the disguised boy and Radio Demon through the street. The Radio Demon in particular was… dealing with it… if the twitching eye wasn't enough to convince you.
"Man, this place reminds me of Gringey City. Haven't been there since we got Muk." Ash says.
"Pikachu." Pikachu also.
"Before I forget, Alastor, why did you really bring me out here? Is it really to build trust with me?"
"Indeed it is. Is that so wrong, young man?" Alastor says while ignoring the yapping eggs behind them.
"Well, no, but… from what I was told about you, this kinda seems… off-ish."
"I understand. Now I can't deny that some… things are true about me. But you see, I'm not all that I'm really said to be, and I can assure you that you can have trust in me."
"Gotcha." Ash says before looking around. "By the way, where are we going? It feels like we've been walking forever now." He asked as they came to a stop.
"Just meeting with some people. So… well, now I think you should say hello."
"Hello, to who?" The boy asked, confused.
"Hail fellow." He and Pikachu jumped at a voice behind them before a shadow appeared in front of them taking the form of a demon with green glowing eyes and mouth. "Hark, Alastor. How fare thee this day?"
The sound of this being's voice and the mere presence were enough to make Ash and Pikachu freeze in place… filled with fear just by looking at him.
"Who's that boss? Want me to rough him up for you?" One of the eggs says as they look like they were ready to throw down.
"Follow in silence if you value your shell." Alastor says while tapping the one on the head before looking back at the other demon. "Greetings, Zestial!"
"HOLY SHIT!" Ash heard and turned to see a demon run off in a cloud of dust.
"Ah, the weather… doth become this fine day." The other demon says, making the boy raise an eyebrow from what he was saying as another demon quickly jumped into a filled trashcan.
"Indeed. Looks like we might be having some acid rain this afternoon." Alastor says.
"Wait, acid rain? T-that… that's not really a thing down here, is it?" Ash asked in concern before he heard a scream and turned to see a demon lighting himself on fire before running… traumatized from seeing it.
"If our luck doth hold! I do revel in screams." Zestial says before moving down to the boy who backed in fear. "And who art thou might be?"
"Oh, no one special. He's just curious in my work, so I figured no one would mind me bringing him along." Alastor explains.
The other demon stares at the boy while humming in interest. The boy and his Pokemon doing their best to keep themselves from showing fear.
"You… are quite interesting." He says.
"... W-what do you mean by that?" Ash asked.
"I don't know… but maybe thy will hopefully entertain." The demon then turned and started walking away.
The boy was left frozen in place before the radio demon patted his back, snapping him out of his stupor. He looked at Pikachu who had the same unnerved look. Shaking their heads, they continued forward, following the Radio Demon and… the other demon.
Yeah, you're probably not gonna read any original sentences from me with this guy cause the way he talks… I cannot speak like that, so… yeah.
"It has been an age since thou hath graced us with thy presence." Zestial says as demons all around were running in fear upon just seeing him. "Some hath spun wild tales of you falling to… holy arms." He says while showing one of his hands.
"Oh ho ho, oh I just took a well-earned sabbatical. Nothing serious." Alastor tells him while fixing his bowtie. "Though it's fun to keep everyone on their toes."
Zestial chuckles. "There too hath been rumor of thy involvement with the princess and her recent flight of fancy… TELL ME!" He then says while spreading his arms, revealing wings that only spread more fear into the boy's body before he closes them. "How does thou fall in such folly?"
"That is for me to know, but please do guess. I'd love to know the theories." Alastor says as they continue on the walk.
"T'would be grander folly by far to assume the workings of your mind, Alastor. Thou hath been naught but an enigma since thy manifested in this realm."
"Coming from someone as ancient as you, I take that as quite the compliment."
"Hey, not to interrupt, but really, where are we going?" Ash asked as they turned a corner and the Radio Demon looked at a camera as they entered an alleyway.
"You'll see soon enough."
"Okay, I guess."
He and his Pokemon then looked stunned as they approached an elevator door. Well, their curiosity was peaked now. As they walked in the elevator, Alastor stopped the eggs.
"No, no. I have a very important task for you. Stay here and guard the front until I return." He says as the eggs then saluted before the door closed and the elevator started.
"Oh look, Frank is up there." One of the eggs says while pointing up at one of them banging on the glass door of the elevator.
"... We have names?" Another one of them asked.
(Up the elevator)
Once the doors opened, everyone stepped out as Ash and Pikachu stopped, looking amazed from the inside of the building they were in. They heard two more dings and looked around, seeing two other demons come out of the other elevators.
They nodded to each other before they passed by him… he felt a rumble and looked back, ducking as what looked like a big dinosaur went over them.
"Careful there, shrimp." She says.
That through them off guard a bit before they heard a throat clearing and saw Alastor gesturing for them to come along. They went with him and sat next to him at a meeting table with the other demons.
One next to him looked at him. He looked caught off for a moment, but then he and Pikachu gave a kind smile while waving… before she smiled, showing her teeth. They looked scared and scooted away as much as they could.
Looking around, the room, being around all these demons in such a small space was somewhat overwhelming to the boy. He could feel the power radiating off of them. He took a deep breath and did his best to keep himself calm.
Then he heard the clinking of something and looked around, seeing three more demons enter. Two out of the three he recognized as the women who had just visited the hotel earlier, however, the other was a very tall woman who looked taller than both Alastor and Zestial.
They walked up to the end of the table and looked towards the rest. "Welcome, Hell's sovereign overlords." The taller one says which made the boy and his Pokemon look at her in shock. "I've invited you all here because you represent the controlling powers of our city."
"These guys are all overlords?" Ash muttered to himself before looking around, understanding why he felt so much power coming from them.
"Together, you own millions of souls. Souls at risk with the new extermination schedule." The woman continued before slamming her fist on the table. "We need to discuss what can be done to minimize the impact to our interest." She stops at the sound of a rattle before looking to her side. "Zestial, so good to see you, my friend."
"Enchanted as always, Carmilla." Zestial says while sipping from his teacup.
"Carmilla?" Ash muttered again.
"Wait, Carmine? As in Carmilla Carmine-You are buying parts from an overlord?" Vaggie says in annoyance.
"Of course. She's the top weapons dealer in Hell. Where else would I buy parts?" Pentious asked.
"Oh boy…" He mutters in realization. "Pikachu, we need to get out of here." He whispered which caused the demon next to him to look at him and he quickly straightened up.
"Alastor?" Carmilla says.
"Yes, I know, I've been absent for some time. I'm sure you've all been wondering." Alastor says with the last part not being under his radio filter.
Carmilla then noticed the boy sinking under the table. "And you are?" He and his Pokemon flinched when she addressed him.
"Uh…" Ash got back up. "I just…" He started to get nervous as all eyes were now on him. "I-I was-"
"He's with me. He owes me a favor." Alastor quickly saves him. "His being here won't be a problem. Will it?"
Carmilla took another glance at the boy who was sweating bullets. "Not really, as long as he doesn't pose a distraction. Welcome back in any case."
Ash let out a gust of air with Pikachu, knowing they were in the clear. Then Carmilla snapped her fingers and was handed a clipboard.
"This year's extermination was brutal." She said the last word with an accent. "Far more than even years past. We have assessed that about 16% of the population was lost." She finishes as the screen behind her lit up, showing the results. "With the angelic legions returning a second time this year, I think it prudent we-"
*SLAM* Everyone's attention was drawn to the door as a chick the boy didn't recognize walked in.
"Yes, I've got it handled, Vox. Are you doubting me? Me?" She says on the phone while going over to a chair and leaning against it. "That's what I thought." She then laughed for a second, the boy being puzzled as to what she was doing there. "Yeah, I know, they're all a joke… thank you, Vee. See you soon. *Kiss* Kisses darling. Hope you fix your face."
"Nice of you to join us, Velvette. Will your… colleagues be joining us?" Carmilla asked.
"No, they have better shit to do than listen to an old windbag who thinks she's tough shit." Velvette says mockingly as the woman glares at her. "Also, one's got a crack in his face from the random earthquake just now, so I'm here to represent." She says before holding up her phone and putting emojis over the woman's head.
"Charming."
'Earthquake?' Ash thought for a moment. 'Charizard.'
"As I was saying, we need to discuss-" Carmilla started to say before someone's hand rose. "Yes, Velvette?"
"On the subject of discussion." Velvette says before suddenly tossing the head of an angel across the table, causing everyone to gasp.
"Oh, shit." The dinosaur girl says as Ash turns around to vomit.
"Oh, tasty." Alastor says.
"Where did you get this?" Carmilla asked.
"We found it during extermination day." Velvette says before getting on the table. "If these holy rollers can be killed, the game has changed. We can take the fight to them." She continues as the boy wipes his mouth. "The boys and I have a full assault plan ready-" Velvette started to say.
Then a loud and long… long… very long slurping noise came from Zestial who was… slurping his tea. He did it for… a little bit before placing his cup down.
"If it be true thee and thy colleagues desire to war, with such meager proof, thou art far more foolish than I be thought." He says.
"Pfft, meager proof? It's a dead fucking exorcist. I'd say that's pretty definitive. You going blind old man?" She says back mockingly.
"We know not how this perished. Mayhaps t'was not by a demon's hand at all. If we rush to war without knowing mightn't, they purge all of Hell for daring an uprising."
All the other overlords started to mutter in agreement as Velvette looked annoyed. Ash looked back at the head, still feeling a bit queasy, especially seeing its golden blood, but, then a thought hit him.
"Oh, I get it." Velvette says, getting everyone's attention again as she walks down the table smugly. "Granpa is too pussy to fight, so I guess there's no point, right?" She says mockingly as one could hear a rattle from the aforementioned demon. "Seriously, look at this. I'm trying to motivate you guys and this is what I get."
"You're not motivating us." Ash spoke up, causing her to drop her smile as everyone looked back at him in surprise. "You're setting us up for a high chance of losing everything."
Velvette slowly turned her head to face him, then glared. "Okay, who invited this brat here? You got something to say, you little shit?"
"Velvette, that's enough. I suggest you sit down now." Carmilla demanded.
"Firstly, I don't order from old bitches with sagging tits. Secondly, I wanna hear what this little fucker has to say." The younger demon says before bending down to the boy's level. "What? You think you can come up with something better? Go on then, tell us how you plan to deal with the next extermination."
Ash was stunned for a moment, gathering his thoughts. "Well… you're not exactly wrong for coming up with a plan of attack. It is a good idea to be ready to go on the offense at any moment." He says which makes Carmilla look miffed.
"Oh, so you agree with me, then?" Velvette says, her smugness returning as she looks at her nails.
"Not exactly." Ash continued, causing the smugness to vanish. "A plan of attack is necessary, but we shouldn't just rush in and expect to win that easily, we'd need a balance between offense and defense. Plus, what Zestial said is also right. We don't know what killed this angel, much less do we even know how it was done. If we don't know even that then… it might be the end of everything."
Then the murmurs of agreement started to happen again and Velvette looked pissed off once more. However, once she looked back at him, she squinted her eyes thinking about where she'd last seen him. When she realized it, she smirked evilly.
"Well, sounds like you're no smaller of a pussy than the fossil here." She says as she stood up. "If you've got a better plan, let's hear then. Hmm? What's your plan of balance between offense and defense, huh? Hmm?" She says, causing the boy to glare harshly along with his Pokemon. "Nothing? No? Oh, what a shame. I guess you're just gonna be next to be slaughtered along with your disgusting pet."
Ash then, stood up, knocking his chair over, leaning over the table as Pikachu got off his shoulder. Velvette stepped back startled as well as everyone else. He gripped the table fiercely and huffed and puffed. Then the young overlord snorted.
"Oh, the whittle sinner is mad. Careful he might just end us all." She says, fueling his anger. "Oh, what's the matter, loser?" She says while leaning down again, not noticing the blue glow in his eyes that Alastor did. "Can talk hot shit, but too scared to do some-?"
Carmilla: YOU BETTER SHOW SOME RESPECT!
Carmilla got in her face, forcing her back.
Check your behavior! Do not ever speak that waaaaaaaay!
Ash calmed down as he looked confused as to why they were breaking out in song right now.
Did you expect us to sit back
And take your insolent, brazen displaaaaaaaaay!?
(Song: Respectless)
Velvette laughed before spinning.
Velvette: You've got it twisted
I'm not the one who needs a new attitude
Maybe you missed it, but I'm that #Bitch
And I will do nothing less than what I please, woo!
I'm the backbone of the Vees
Mad that I acted respectless?
Well, it's 'cause no one could respect this
She then strutted across the table like it was a runway.
Sorry group attendin'
Since when are overlords too scared to fight?
You're long past trendin'
Sorry, bae, but I ain't swipin' right
Ash: It's not the time to act selfish!
Velvette turned back to glare at the boy.
Zestial: We can't act without more intelligence
Ash: You can't keep acting so respectless
When you're the one here acting reckless
Carmilla: You and the Vees are inane and uninformed
Smug wannabes, who don't heed when you've been warned
Velvette: Oops! Did I strike a nerve?
'Cause when I brought out the angel's head
She then threw the head across the table again.
Couldn't help but observe
That your wrinkled face was turning red
And why are you avoidin' war?
That's what the guns you sell are for
Thanks to my being respectless
One thing I'm starting to suspect is
You know why this angel's headless
Do you have a disclosure?
Carmilla: THIS MEETING'S OVER!
The two glared at each other as everyone else stared in astonishment.
"... That was a productive meeting." Alastor says, breaking the silence.
Then Ash shook his head, snapping out of his trance. "P-Pikachu, was I just… singing just now?" He asked as the Pokemon didn't know what to say.
"Hmmph, fine." Velvette says while going to the door. "Safe travels back to the nursing home, fuckers. Kiss my ass!" She then flipped them off as she laughed while the door closed.
"Pft, what the hell!? We literally just got here." The dinosaur girl says.
"Mother?" The blonde woman asked while reaching out to Carmilla only to have her hand blocked.
The overlords then started to leave as Alastor put a hand on the boy's shoulder, signaling for him to follow. Taking another moment, he started to leave before being stopped.
"I wish to speak with you for a moment." Carmilla says sternly as he looks up at her.
"Uh…" Ash says while looking at the Radio Demon who was waiting for him. "I kinda have to-"
"I understand that you were trying to be rational, but for what it's worth, I ask that you don't behave the way you had today from here on out." She tells him. "What you did you could've easily cost you your life."
"But I was just trying to-"
"Velvette is an overlord, which makes her more powerful than you. Even if you are right, it is not worth provoking someone who could easily ruin your life in an instant, again, I ask that you stay out of this and keep to yourself. For your own sake. Do I make that clear?"
He lowered his head. "Yes, ma'am."
"Good. And do NOT tell anyone what you saw today."
Then she started to leave with Zestial and the other two girls. Ash still had his head down being comforted by Pikachu, not noticing the Radio Demon send something to follow the demons that recently left.
"Well now, shall we be going, chums?" Alastor asked.
"... Yeah… let's get out of here."
(Meanwhile)
"Angel, what the actual FUCK!?" Vaggie yelled as the group was now in… a… sex place, IDFK what it's called.
"No activity requires more trust than BDSM, baby. No bond is stronger than those formed through bondage." Angel says before referring to the poster that said the same thing.
"You know, on second thought, I'm glad we sent Ash off with Alastor." Charlie says before smiling nervously. "Angel, love the enthusiasm, but umm… uh… hmmm…"
"What makes you think that anyone would be into this!?" Vaggie says… before they hear a purring noise and look in the direction of it.
"Ya know, I… I don't hate this." Husk says as he is getting a backrub from one of them, Charizard purring at getting the same treatment.
"I'm ready to punish some bad boys. ~" Niffty says while giggling psychotically while wearing… well, whatever TF she was wearing.
"Yeah, never mind, I'm out." Husk says as he gets up with Charizard and leaves.
"Osha… wott…" Oshawott says as he looks traumatized.
"Okay, this is not good for the Pokemon." Charlie says while picking the otter up and petting a just as traumatized-looking Tauros.
"Yeah, I can't fucking believe I let you drag us here, Angel. This is disgusting." Vaggie says while leading them to the door.
"It's no big deal Vaggie, ya know, maybe I can just help, uh-"
"No, I said you could trust me, so I won't let you down. I just need to teach them, the way I was taught."
(5 Minutes Later)
"THIS IS HOW YOU LEARNED TO TRUST PEOPLE!?" Charlie yells referring to the warzone down from the building they stood on.
"There is nothing stronger than the trust between comrades and arms." Vaggie says in the sergeant tone again. "Buckle up, butter cups, because today you boys become men!" She says as an explosion goes off. "You…"
"Wait, wait, I can't fight without my minions!" Pentious says before he was picked up.
"Are going to survive together!" She threw him off. "And you-"
"D-D-Don't you even think about it-" Angel says while stepping back, only to get picked up too.
"Are gonna make this hotel work!" She threw him off next as Husk took Oshawott and started to sneak away with Tauros.
Charizard didn't wait, letting out a mighty roar, he charged into battle as well. Then Niffty and Gible started hopping up and down.
"My turn! My turn!" The cyclops says all giddy as they are picked up next.
"VAGGIE NO!" Charlie says while yanking them away.
"This is the only way they'll learn, Charlie." Vaggie says.
"No, it's not." The princess says while placing the two down. "There are other ways. It just takes time." She continues as the two climb over the edge and into battle.
"Time we don't have. How many exterminations will have gone by before these idiots get their shit together? How many times do we have to watch your people get killed before we make headway?" Vaggie asked her, before sighing and leaning on the edge.
"Vaggie-"
"I took charge and it all went sideways. I'm supposed to help you with your dreams, supposed to protect you, to never fail you."
"You didn't fail me, Vaggie. You're not-"
"I just… What's the point of me if I can't even help you."
"Don't say that! You do so much-"
"I'm sorry, I just… I need a minute alone… please."
Charlie stared at her for a moment, then sighed as she headed for the exit. Vaggie stayed at the top of the building sighing as she looked out upon the destruction, seeing Charizard blast some guys with fire, and… well ignoring it.
(Meanwhile)
"I must say, that was quite the performance. You were astounding, today." Alastor says as they step out of the elevator.
"I… I don't know about that." Ash says before looking around. "Where are the eggs?" He says before hearing laughter and looking at the dumpster, seeing them playing in it.
"I love garbage." One of them said.
"Huh, you wouldn't believe they used to be minions to an evil guy."
"Indeed. If you wish to go back, you may do so. I'll stay here and deal with them."
"Yeah, I think I need a minute alone anyway."
Ash then walked away, leaving the Radio Demon and eggs. He scratched his head, thinking about what just happened.
As he was leaving, Alastor thought back to earlier. The blue eyes threw him off a bit, but as he thought of it further, his smile widened. And well… who knew what he was thinking?
"Forget singing, what we saw just now… Pikachu." Ash says as the yellow mouse looks at him. "I think I know the real reason why the time was cut short now."
"Pika, pi." The yellow mouse says.
"And all this time I thought they were just being petty… well, not completely petty anyway." He then took out the Arc Phone and activated the NAV app. "Maybe we shouldn't tell Charlie. Who knows how she'd react to this." He says before stopping as he sees his fingers. "Ah geez, come on!"
He put his phone in his other hand as he swatted the angel's blood off. With another sigh, he continued on, following the directions on the phone. Then another thought crossed him. That angel had golden blood. Where did he see it before?
Then remembered, back when Vaggie got shot in the leg. She was bleeding golden blood as well. Was it…
'No, it's gotta be a coincidence, right? Come on, don't jump to conclusions.' He brushed it off and continued on his way.
As he was walking, he swore he could hear some music. Strange, but, he shrugged it off. This world seemed to have a habit of having random singing happening so… maybe who knows what was causing it this time.
(Song: Whatever it takes)
Zestial: What weighs on your soul, old friend?
I implore you to share the load
If it was thou who slew the angel
Why not let your strength be known?
Carmilla: I always thought that I would keep blood off my face
But when that thing attacked, I had to act
To cross that line and keep them safe
But if anyone knew, then all of Hell would rise to war
And who's to say who'd survive the fray?
I might lose the ones that I was killing for
So I... I'll be your keeper
Do whatever it takes, I'll make the mistakes
I'll keep you safe and keep this secret
Ash was just reaching the hotel but then stopped as he looked up. Him and Pikachu saw Vaggie, standing on it and wondered what she was doing.
Vaggie: When I saw your face
You made me feel like a stranger in a brand new place
And it felt so good to be understood
But there's so much I wished that I could say
So I... I'll be your armor
Do whatever it takes, I'll make the mistakes
I'll spend my life being your partner
They looked amazed as the boy took off his mask, revealing his true self to watch.
Carmilla: And I don't know what we might face
But I know I can't replace you
So I'll do anything to save you
Vaggie: And I will try to make your dreams come true
Both: Whatever we go through
I know I…
C: I'll be your keeper
V: I'll be your armor
Both: Whatever it takes,
C: I'll make the mistakes
V: I'll make the mistakes
Both: Whatever it takes…
Once she was done, Vaggie looked down, and was shocked to see the boy. Quickly, she got down from the top of the hotel and landed in front of him. She saw his eyes threatening to release tears.
"... You… heard all that, didn't you?" She asked.
Ash quickly wiped his eyes. "Yeah, I did."
She closed her one eye and looked down. "Do you have anything to say?"
He stared at her for a moment gathering his thoughts. "Your voice sounds nice."
She blushed a bit. "Thanks." She says before she turns around. "Listen, this has nothing to do with you. You don't have to put yourself in harm's way to deal with our situation. I don't know if there's much you could do to-"
She stopped when she suddenly felt arms wrap around her. Ash embraced her from behind in his arms, gently so as to not hurt her.
"I don't care. This became my business after what happened. I'm not gonna turn my back on you guys no matter what." He then tightened his hold a bit. "Just don't think you have to do this alone, 'cause you don't. I'll help in any way I can."
She didn't move, letting him hold her in his warm embrace… letting him comfort her… letting him take care of her… a tear went down her face as she reached up and held one of his hands.
After a bit, they separated from each other as she looked back at him.
"Thank you… I didn't know I needed to hear that." Vaggie tells him.
"Just keep hope in mind. If you need someone to talk to, I'm gonna be there. For everyone." Ash tells her while giving his signature smile.
She chuckled a bit while wiping her eye. "Thanks again." She says before stopping him as he is about to enter the hotel. "Again, listen. If I'm not there to protect Charlie, can you promise to be there for her?" She asked while taking his hand in hers.
"Yeah, of course-"
"I mean it. Please, promise me that you will take care of her when I'm not around."
He was taken aback for a second before responding. "I will. I promise."
"Thank you. That's all I needed to hear."
She let go of his hand and turned away for a moment, before turning back and going back, kissing him on the cheek before she started running back to the hotel. Ash put a hand on his cheek, a small tint of red forming as his Pokemon got on his shoulder. They looked at each other for a moment.
"That… that was just her being nice, I'm sure of it." He says before shaking his head. "Besides, she's already dating someone, so…"
(Sometime later)
Charlie stood at the railing of the hotel lobby, arms on the edge as Vaggie walked up to her.
"Hey."
"Hey."
"I'm sorry I got so crazy today." Vaggie started.
"No, no, I'm sorry." Charlie started. "I'm sorry, I put pressure on you. We work as a team. I guess I just thought it would be easier, but…" She then smiled. "We'll figure it out. Together." Vaggie smiled at what she said. "I mean, look what your exercise did for them." She then gestured to the group who were laughing in the lobby.
"And then, when that buff guy started beating the shit out of you!" Angel laughed.
"Ha ha! Yes, with the dismembered arm." Pentious says. "That… was particularly unpleasant." She dropped his joyous demeanor.
"I liked that part." Niffty giggled.
"Well, hey, at least you can take a beating like a champ." Husk says while walking up to him, patting him on the shoulder. "You did good, new kid."
"Really?" Pentious says in disbelief. "Oh, well, I suppose I did get into a little of the old rough and tumble today."
"Yeah, well, nothing more than this guy right here." Angel says referring to Charizard. "I mean, you were a fucking riot. That guy you flew into the sky with and went round and round before slamming his goddamn ass into the ground! You are one crazy son of a bitch." He says as the dragon growls happily.
"And uh… thank you for pulling me out of there." Pentious then says to Angel.
They continued to laugh with each other… until the moment got ruined by Niffty's more… overdone laughter.
"Huh, now that's a sight for sore eyes." Ash says while walking in, throwing the girls off guard.
"Ash, you're back." Charlie says with a smile as she went up to him. "Did anything happen with, Alastor?"
"Well, not much, but I did get to meet a couple more Overlords." He explains.
"Really?"
"Yeah, they were… nice. Kinda."
Charlie sighed in relief. "I'm glad you're alright." She says before looking at the entrance.
"Alastor." Vaggie says, grabbing the aforementioned demon's attention. "Failed to get rid of the eggs I see."
"Yes, well, the little monsters prove to be rather useful." Alastor says.
"Why don't you give them back to Pentious?"
"Really?" Pentious says while smiling with tears in his eyes.
"Yeah, after today, I guess we can trust you with them. But seriously, no more weapons."
With that, Pentious went down and hugged the eggs while crying hysterically. "My eggs! Yes!" He says while looking at them happily. "Oh, it's so good to have you back… Now go clean my quarters, this instant!" He then shouted as they scurried off.
"... Well, I guess everyone has their own ways of being affectionate." Ash says as the girls chuckle with him.
"Maybe things will move faster than we thought." Charlie says while putting a hand on both of their shoulders. "I think this is a wrap for today."
"Wait." Ash says, stopping them. "Is it too late to do one of the exercises today?"
"Uh… no do you… still wanna do one?" Charlie asked him, getting a nod in return. "Okay, well… you could do a trust fall if you want. Just say something vulnerable about yourself and… well, someone is supposed to catch you."
"Um… alright." Ash says before he gets on the railing, catching the attention of the guys below. "Well, I know this may sound a little corny but… it's an honor to be here. And I'll do everything I can to help this hotel. No matter what."
With that, he lifted one foot and let gravity take its course. "Wait, wait!/We're not down yet/Pika-!" Charlie, Vaggie, and Pikachu tried to say, but weren't quick enough as the boy fell off the railing.
They closed their eyes for a second but didn't hear any grunting or groans of pain. Looking down, they saw he was all right. Why? Because he was lying in a crowd of the other demons and his Pokemon who came over to catch him. He pushed himself up in a sitting position and looked down at them with a smile before looking up.
Vaggie and Pikachu looked impressed while Charlie held her hands over her heart.
'We got this in the bag.' Ash thinks to himself.
(Meanwhile)
"He brought FFFUUucking human to the meeting?" Vox asked while putting his new TV cover on.
"Yeah, seems like he really wants to make a deal with that kid. I could see through that disguise so easily." Velvette says while she was scrolling on her phone.
"Why would cherry-dressed fucker want to go out of his way to try and make a deal with a fucking mortal so badly?"
"Who knows? But that little shit sure has some nerve to speak to me the way he did at that meeting."
"He does sound rather gutsy for a being of status." Valentino chuckled while breathing out smoke. "Perhaps he might be more useful than you think. I mean, getting into the princessa's good graces is one thing, but if he's so special that even Alastor is trying to get into his good graces then… hehe, maybe we could do something with that."
"Well, considering he would be an easy target, maybe we can." Velvette says. "But hey, I couldn't care less what you two do about him."
Vox glitched for a second before thinking. He pulled up a picture of the boy on his screen before it turned back to his normal face. He hummed for a second before nodding, then smiling evilly.
To be continued…
… Over a million words. Okay, I'm going to bed now, uh… hope you enjoyed the chapter.