It was night in Pentagram City.
Or, at least, it would be night if there were a sun to mark the time, but considering the hour shown by the clock on the tower of the Heaven embassy, it was night.
There was that oppressive feeling in the air that made you realize you were in a bad place; in the distance, you could hear screams and gunshots, occasionally an explosion, and wherever you turned, there was someone using substances, having sex undisturbed in the middle of the street, committing a robbery, or engaging in any form of crime or wrongdoing by those who had ended up in Hell.
Among them, a man was walking the streets laughing boisterously, accompanied by two ladies that definitely were prostitutes. These women were fawning over him, laughing at his sordid jokes and filling him with false promises and compliments.
As the trio walked carefree through the dirty and dark streets of the infernal city, on the roof of the nearest building, somebody pointed the barrel of his rifle at the head of the man in the street. Looking through his scope, the sniper positioned the stock just above his armpit, took a deep breath, held it, aimed carefully, and fired a shot, immediately bringing the man down.
One shot, one kill.
The air was filled with the screams of the two harlots, and the sniper did not hesitate; with a swift hand, he used the reserve bullets and also eliminated the source of all that noise as well. He finally caught his breath: every target down meant more money, but at what cost...
The sinner took out his phone, snapped a photo of the dead target and his companions, and sent it to an unnamed number.
‹It's done›, he wrote, attaching the photo. Responses arrived within seconds.
‹Great›
‹The other part of the payment is on its way› with the emoji "bank", "money bag", and "dollar-eyed smile"
‹Plus a bonus for the harlots›
‹You really do live up to your reputation.› "thumb up"
The sniper sighed, the weight of his thoughts bearing down on him like a boulder. His reputation allowed him to have a home and take care of his sister, a rare privilege in Hell. Despite everything, he couldn't help but reflect on what it had cost him: years of survival in a ruthless environment, earned at a high price thanks to his lethal skill, had left deep scars on his soul.
Every life taken from the targets, no matter how hellish, weighed on his conscience. It was a cruel paradox: the same reputation that gave him work and money to survive condemned him to relentless inner torment. "Like I don't have enough problems already!" he thought bitterly, clenching his fists in frustration.
But he couldn't afford to break down. Not now. His mind returned to the promise he had made to himself: to do everything to ensure a better life for his sister, far from the horrors he knew so well. However, the weight of the broken lives was not something he could simply ignore.
With a final sigh, he tried to push those dark thoughts away. He had to stay focused, for his sister and the promise he made to her.
As he calmly disassembled and put away the rifle, two more notifications arrived; one was his bank account swelling further, the other was yet another 5-star review on Yelp.
He quickly glanced at the review: more praise, more promises to hire him again if needed, another satisfied client recommending "Headshot" as a hit-man against their enemies.
Headshot, as everyone called him, was an assassin for hire with a specialization in the use of sniper rifles. He always aimed for the head and always hit his mark, hence his name. Fifty years in hell had shaped him into the expert killer he was. Nothing could stop him.
Despite being a damned man, his appearance remained very human, with some features that recalled a butterfly: his skin was green and covered with very short hairs that gave him a velvety appearance, his large eyes had black irises and purple sclera, and two long antennae emerged from his black hair. These allowed him to perceive odors that his nose could not detect. He also had purple and blue retractable wings that allowed him to fly from palace to palace without being heard.
Headshot took a deep breath: he had enough money to pay the exorbitant rent, the even more expensive groceries, all needs met, and even to buy his little sister' first phone.
He took off his leather jacket, leaving only a tank top that left his toned back exposed, allowing his wings to hang out freely. He rose gracefully and silently, the suitcase containing the rifle firmly in his hand, heading towards the busiest parts of the city, where Vox had opened its shops.
With a graceful movement, Eddie descended, enjoying the wind created by the kinetic energy that ruffled his hair, one of the few pleasures he could afford in that hellish world.
When he was close enough to the sidewalk, he controlled his fall to get back into an upright position, first placing his toes on the concrete, then slowly unloading his body weight. With an elegant roll of his shoulders, his wings folded onto his back, reabsorbed with pinpoint precision.
Headshot looked for the store he needed. As he walked down the street, his antennae picked up the acidic odors of adrenaline, the dampness of cortisol, and the sulphurous odors of ammonia: all elements emanating from sinners enslaved by desperation and anger.
The streets themselves reflected these scents: crumbling and dilapidated sidewalks, ugly graffiti on the walls, burning cars and people almost ready to shoot themselves, everything blended perfectly with the perceptions of his antennas.
Trying to ignore the filth around him, Headshot resolutely headed towards the electronics store. Blinding blue lights forced him to shield his eyes, an irritating choice of lighting that annoyed him more than many other things in that world. Sometimes he wondered if Vox had chosen this type of lighting for his stores to please Valentino. It was common rumor that Vox and Valentino were an open couple, with Velvette as their protégé, a kind of extended family among the most powerful demons of that hell.
But it wasn't the time for gossip; it was time to buy his sister's phone.
Entering the store, Headshot browsed through the different models, irritably noting the further increase in prices. Vox and Velvette seemed to become increasingly greedy, perhaps trying to get a piece of soul as well as money. All this to buy a piece of plastic and various metals that were overpriced, but as needed as water. Especially now that her sister would have moved...
He chose one with a good quality/price balance and headed to the checkout.
The woman behind the counter, a pink dragoness looking exhausted after a 15-hour shift without breaks, greeted him absentmindedly. «Do you need a paper bag?» she asked automatically, and Headshot replied that it wasn't necessary.
As per protocol, the clerk handed him a document: «This is the phone purchase contract, your signature is required as per store policy» explained the woman, and a slight smell of adrenaline spread in the air.
Headshot had spent enough time in the afterlife to understand the origin of that smell: fear. It was a pungent aroma, typical of all negative emotions, and it came from the dragoness. The sniper also knew why the clerk was anxious: she hoped he wouldn't sign the contract, as Vox used this trick to acquire souls or fragments of souls from those to whom he sold his products, binding them to himself forever.
Fortunately, Headshot knew how to avoid falling under the yoke of an Overlord: in hell, those who know your true name can possess your soul, so if you use a stage name and present yourself with it on all occasions you are at Safe.
At the bottom of the contract, he signed as "Headshot", thus ensuring he would get the phone without giving up his soul to Vox.
The dragoness, looking at the signature at the bottom of the sheet, gave him an eloquent look. «You were smarter than me.» she said, bitterly.
Headshot gave a half-smile: unfortunately, he couldn't do anything for her.
He swiped his card on the reader, and half of his recent earnings vanished to pay for the phone. It was a considerable sacrifice for him, but he would do anything for his sister.
He placed the suitcase on the counter and, like it was nothing, opened it to slip the new phone inside its box next to maybe the scope or the barrel, or under the rifle's stock.
The dragoness sighed, raising her hands wearily, almost as if she were used to it, making Headshot feel the need to reassure her.
«No, no, I'm not here to rob; I just finished my job.» he said, trying to calm the clerk.
He was glad to leave the store: a little more of that blue, and he would have gone mad.
He flew again over the rooftops, away from all those smells of sadness and fear, and felt like he could breathe again.
–
Among hideous palaces of poor quality, but far enough from the most violent and dangerous areas, there was one of the many buildings that seemed to remain standing by a miracle. On the fourth of twelve floors there was a studio apartment barely large enough for one person, consisting of a single bedroom, a bathroom and a living room with kitchen area.
This small apartment was Headshot's home, the shelter he returned to at the end of every mission.
Inside this apartment, a little girl-demon was waiting for him with trepidation, she was ten years old with chocolate-colored skin, big green eyes and roots and leaves that wrapped her body. Her curly hair was often tied into practical braids, her wings, small and more decorative than useful, resembled dried leaves. Her body bore the signs of burns caused by the sun, and a few wrinkles decorated her face, her expression was innocent but melancholy, typical of someone who lived her short life in suffering.
The only element that brightened up an otherwise dramatic figure were her clothes, purchased by her brother; a riot of colors and glitter that she couldn't afford in life.
Molly, that was the little girl's name, was up despite the late hour. She couldn't fall asleep, as she was so used to getting up well before dawn in the morning that she didn't feel the need to sleep until eight or even later. Not knowing what to do and knowing that Headshot would complete the mission soon, she had prepared two large portions of pancakes, one for herself and one for her older brother.
She was about to take a bite when she heard a coded knock on the window. Happy, she put down her fork and went to open the door: she knew it was her brother.
"Hi, Eddie!" she greeted him by his real name.
Headshot put a finger in front of her mouth, before entering: «Don't scream my name!» he scolded her.
Molly closed the window as soon as her brother landed inside the apartment.
«Shouldn't you be in bed?» Eddie asked her, letting his wings reabsorb.
«And who would have opened the window for you, then?» the little girl replied slyly.
«I came to the window because I saw the light on. I would have entered through the door» replied the brother, a little annoyed.
«Yes, climbing four flights of stairs and waking up the neighbor. Do you want him to try to break down the entrance again?» Molly tapped her foot on the ground with her arms crossed.
«Come on, I would have used the elevator!»
Molly looked at him with a meaningful look: no, he wouldn't.
It was the eldest who diverted the conversation: «Did you make pancakes?»
Molly shrugged: «I couldn't sleep, my brother wasn't home and it's almost time for breakfast.» she pointed to the embassy tower in the distance, which read 4 in the morning.
Eddie sighed, thinking of the sad fate his sister had had in life.
«But let's talk about important things!» she said, raising her voice.
Without another word, she put her hands behind her back and began to swing with the smile of someone waiting for a gift at Christmas on her face.
After a few seconds, Eddie pretended to be stupid: «What's that face?»
The little girl pressed her lips together, swinging her head: «Well?»
Eddie continued with her game, imitating her movements: «'Well' what?»
«Have you got any news?»
Eddie continued with his game: «What's new? Um… news… » he put his fingers to his chin, resting his other hand on the opposite elbow, as if he were reasoning «What kind of news can I possibly have?»
Frustrated, Molly stomped her feet as quietly as possible, «Come on! Don't keep me on edge!»
Eddie decided to take pity on her and went to retrieve her suitcase: «Ok, as usual Vox tried to buy my soul, but as long as he doesn't have my real name he can't do anything!» he opened the bag and took out the box of the new phone «So I could take the pho...» Eddie couldn't finish the sentence as Molly had already taken it out of his hand making happy screams, but always at a low volume to not disturb the angry neighbor.
Eddie felt the air rapidly fill with the smell of cotton candy, vanilla and sweet fruit typical of endorphins, dopamine and serotonin: his sister's euphoria was palpable even without the superior sense of smell given to him by the antennas.
«Thanks, brooooo!» Molly said as she opened the box, kneeling on the rainbow carpet near the window. Once opened, she took the phone with a slightly trembling hand and turned it on: it was a great product, entirely touchscreen with very large icons, suitable for a little girl. It had a metallic pink cover and, when she opened the camera, Molly noticed that it took excellent photographs, even by increasing the zoom to maximum.
«It's perfect!» the young girl exclaimed, almost in tears.
«Nah, there are better ones.» the other replied.
«Anyway, let's remember the rules.» Eddie began, moving closer to his sister. He listed with his fingers, giving instructions: «No social media, don't answer phone calls and texts from numbers you don't know, don't share your number or IP address with anyone who isn't approved by me, keep SafeSearch and child mode always active and don't lose it.»
«Who's going to lose this?» Molly was almost hugging her cell phone.
«Don't act crazy, it's just an object to communicate.»
Eddie felt fatigue overcome him now that he was in a quiet environment. He had been studying his prey all night, preparing to strike, and at that moment he felt his eyes closing on their own.
«I'll rest for a while, you can go ahead and pack your bags.» Eddie said in a tired voice.
«You're not eating?» Molly asked, her attention already drawn away from her phone, worried about her brother.
«I'll put my plate in the fridge, I'll eat later.» Eddie walked over to the small table to do as he had just said.
Molly thought about what she was going to say, then, standing up, she asked: «Eddie... are you sure you don't want to join me?»
Eddie stood in front of the freshly opened fridge for two seconds, sighing: «You know why I can't do it.»
The little girl approached her brother: «But you aren't even sure that he is in Heaven, or at the Hazbin Hotel! He could be walking around freely here in Pentagram City and you've never crossed paths with him!»
Eddie closed the fridge and headed for the sofa: «After 50 years? I should have met him at least once. No, if I didn't find it here, it's definitely up there. And I have to avoid him at all costs.»
«Come one, he can't be up there after what he did to you.»
Eddie began to get upset «For his religion, all you need to do is be a believer to end up in heaven, no matter what you do in life. He may have marked me for eternity, but it doesn't matter, he had his "faith pass", so he will definitely be there.»
«So that's it? Will you let him win again?»
Eddie, visibly angry, raised his voice without caring about his neighbor: «You saw what he did to me! You've seen the effects on my mind! You know well why I can't meet him again!»
Eddie would have continued to scream, but his sister's frightened look and the adrenaline he felt emanating from her stopped him.
He took a deep breath to calm himself down. «It's also his fault that I'm here.» he concluded bitterly «And, ironically, I feel better down here than when I was alive.»
Flopping down on the couch, Eddie couldn't tell if the cortisol he felt was his own or his sister's. The damp smell typical of sadness had replaced the sweet and fruity smell of euphoria. He hid his face in his hands, blinking back tears.
Molly understood it perfectly; she hadn't had an easy life either. What she found difficult, however, was understanding the reasons behind Eddie's decision: was meeting that person really worse than hell? Especially now when there's a way out?
She didn't have the courage to insist further.
Timidly, she admitted her surrender by saying: «Alright, then… I'm going to pack my bags. As soon as I finish breakfast. »
Eddie didn't answer. He lay down on the sofa, turning towards the back, and waited for sleep.
–
He fell into a cold, dark room. Heavy iron rings chained him to a cross of ice, or perhaps of iron; he could only feel the cold penetrating his skin. The room opened, revealing a desolate tundra beneath black clouds and lightning illuminating a chilling scene. He was surrounded by dark figures, and the tallest among them was reading verses from the Bible that described him as an abomination, a hopeless sinner.
The dark figures, following their leader's chant, began to write words full of hatred on his chest and belly. Eddie, desperate, begged for mercy, but those figures remained impassive, looking at him with disdain. He pulled at the chains, which tightened even more around his wrists and ankles, further exposing his torso.
The taller figure closed the book, gave it to one of the disciples, who took it reverently. Another disciple handed him a red velvet pillow with a knife on it decorated with crosses and golden angels. Eddie knew what was going to happen. Desperate, he tried to squirm, but the chains held him tighter and tighter. He begged to be left alone as the figure approached with cruel eyes, ready to inflict pain on him. Some followers blocked him further, holding him in place. The leader, with a hand on Eddie's shoulder, began to carve the words written by his disciples into his flesh. Eddie screamed out all his pain and humiliation, but nothing stopped the cultist. He stopped only to clean up the blood, then he started again: one by one all the letters of the hateful phrases were engraved on his skin forever.
When Eddie felt himself fainting from the pain, he woke up: no tundra, no iron cross, no cultists. He was in his apartment, on his sofa, facing towards the backrest, safe. Tears were falling from his eyes, his breathing was labored, the echo of his torment still fresh in his mind.
That wasn't a nightmare, it was a memory. Or, better yet, an exasperated version of the memory of his trauma. He touched his chest, trying to ease the pain he still felt, but this only further increased the torment, remembering that, unfortunately, he had marks engraved on his chest, scars that not even the flames of hell had managed to erase.
Determined not to be found like this by his sister, he forced himself to take deep breaths. He stared at the back of the couch, trying to ground himself in reality as his body trembled like a leaf.
Every deep breath was a struggle against the grip of anguish. He could still feel the wetness of the blood and the burning sensation of the incisions on his skin.
With immense effort, he focused on every detail of his apartment: the muffled noise of the city outside the window, the familiar warmth of the small space, the faint scent of the pancakes Molly had made. These little anchors brought him back to the present, giving him the strength to get up from the couch.
He had to eat something: soon, Molly would need him.
–
Molly emerged from the only bedroom in the apartment with two suitcases larger than her in tow. She found her brother reheating the pancakes she had cooked a few hours earlier; he seemed relatively calm and not as upset as usual after sleeping. She looked around the living room for anything out of place: no furniture had been broken or knocked over, all the knickknacks were in their original places, nothing had been thrown… the night terrors that tormented him had given him respite, for the moment.
«Ready already?» her brother asked her, his mouth full
«It's been 4 hours. Have you had any more nightmares?»
Eddie didn't respond: his silence was enough.
Molly changed the subject: «I had to make a selection, I don't know how many things will be needed in the Hotel…»
Eddie took the opportunity to distract himself from the memory of the nightmare «Don't worry. In a month I will have sent you all your personal items.»
He got up from the table to start washing his plate.
Molly wanted to give it another try: «Look… maybe they can at least help you with your nightmares…»
«Molly, don't start again.» Eddie answered harshly. Then he approached his sister, easily taking the two large suitcases: «Are you just taking these for now?»
Molly nodded, defeated.
Eddie started listing, speaking out loud: «Okay, what time is it? Half past eight. Do you have your phone with you? Good. Any documents? I don't think they will be needed. Did you take the toothbrush? The brush? The hair mask?» With each item listed Molly simply nodded sadly. Eddie could smell her sadness, but he was too caught up in his own internal discomfort to handle his sister's as well.
Once the check was over, he reminded the youngest of something very important: «Remember that down here it is dangerous to share your name, so when you introduce yourself you must say: "Hi, my name is…"?» with a gesture he invited her to conclude the sentence.
«Kitty.» Molly replied.
Eddie was surprised: «"Kitty"? This is new, didn't we agree on "Sugar"?»
«The neighbors pointed out to me that "Sugar" sounds like a prostitute's name.»
"Not that 'Kitty' is much better" Eddie thought, but he kept the thought to himself: «Okay, but why 'Kitty'?»
«Because you rescued me from a garbage can. Like a kitten.»
Eddie's heart sank. The memory of him finding her two years ago at the end of an alley overwhelmed him.
He remembered her, with her hands raised, asking not to be hurt, crying, and that she was just looking for something to eat.
He remembered that, seeing her in trouble, he felt a pang in his heart.
Molly was very thin, dirty and with torn clothes, he couldn't leave her to herself. It was at that moment that he decided to welcome her into his home, even if it meant having to sleep on the sofa from then on.
He had to fight back the tears again as another terrible thought entered his mind: he was about to leave his sister, the only person he had truly bonded with in Hell, in the care of a visionary with a crazy dream. Once this was done, he would be left alone.
With a great deal of effort, Eddie tried to appear strong. «Okay, Kitty. I like it.» he finally said, trying to smile. Then, taking the suitcases, he added: «I would never want to leave you, especially on your own. But you see how I am every morning: I haven't had a peaceful night since before I died and it's all because of him. It's because of him that my name is...» his words died in his mouth.
Molly, despite being very young, was a mature child and knew suffering. The harsh experiences she had gone through on Earth had made her stronger, but no less sensitive.
She was angry with her older brother and his attitude of resignation: «I have spent my whole life on Earth planting cocoa, I too have nightmares. When I sleep, I see endless plantations and whiplash on my arms and legs. Do you ever see me complain? Do you ever see me in fear of finding one of my masters in Heaven?». Her gaze was hard and determined as she picked up one of her suitcases and slung it onto her back.
Every gesture was filled with a strength and determination that shouldn't have belonged to a little girl of her age. She walked determinedly towards the door, her back straight and her gaze fixed. «I'm not going to let my past influence my present, no matter how much it hurt.» Her words were like a declaration of war against the pain and fear that had marked her life.
In one fluid motion, she opened the door with one free hand and closed it behind her, slamming it shut with a sound that echoed through the apartment. It was a sound of resolve, a sign of his desire to move on and leave the past behind.
Eddie stood still, the sound of the door slamming shut still ringing in his ears. Molly's words had affected him deeply, leaving him with a sense of shame and helplessness. He had always tried to protect her, but he realized that she was already strong enough to face her demons.
He looked around the living room, feeling crushed by the weight of his fears and memories. He knew Molly was right, but fighting his past seemed like an insurmountable task. He sat on the sofa, his head in his hands, knowing that, unlike a little girl, he would never be able to be stronger than his inner demons. The thought of losing Molly tore him, but the reality of his nightmares and his past they were an unbearable burden.
–
Eddie was physically strong, but those two suitcases were tiring to carry halfway across Pentagram City, especially in flight. He had loaded them into an old compact car, held together with duct tape, and got behind the wheel. Molly, still offended, played with her new phone without saying a word to her brother.
Eddie started the car and drove off. The red streets of the Pride Ring flowed around them, people committed atrocities in broad daylight, homes burned, and banks were robbed again. For the two brothers, all this was part of normality.
The car traveled peacefully amidst the infernal chaos, but the only discomfort that mattered, at that moment, was the tension there was between Eddie and his sister. Eddie's antennae picked up the wet, metallic smells of his sadness, hurting him more than the harsh words earlier. He didn't want them to separate like that; there were only a few minutes left, Molly would be moving to the Hazbin Hotel and he would only see her on weekends. As he drove, he put a hand on Molly's shoulder, trying to keep his attention on the road. Molly kept staring at her phone, ignoring him. Eddie tried to get her attention by joking with her: he touched her neck, ruffled her hair, stuck a finger in her ear. He managed to make her laugh, but it wasn't enough.
«I'm still mad at you.» Molly said.
Eddie sighed: «I know, and you're right. But I have my reasons.»
«Stupid reasons. Charlie managed to stop the extermination, don't you think she can stop him from hurting you further?»
«The mere idea of being in the same room with him gives me anxiety. What do you think would happen if I had to see him again?»
Molly frowned again. Eddie sighed again, trying to hide his true feelings so he wouldn't worry Molly.
«Don't worry, honey. I promised you, I will come to visit you every weekend and we will call each other every day. It will be as if we had never parted.»
«What if you'll forget me?» asked Molly, almost on the verge of tears.
«First of all, it's impossible for me to forget a treasure like you.» Eddie replied, ruffling her hair again. «Secondly, I have this.» Eddie raised his right arm, proudly displaying a leather bracelet that linked a metal triangle surrounded by spokes with an eye in the center. «You gave it to me. Just one look will remind me of you.»
Molly seemed relieved and hugged her brother tightly: «I love you, Eddie.»
Eddie cleared his throat and shook his head.
«Ups, sorry. Headshot.»
Eddie chuckled, «I love you too, Kitty.»
–
The new building of the Hazbin Hotel was definitely more impressive and majestic than the one in the old television advertisements that the two brothers had seen before the extermination. At the entrance, an imposing golden dragon-ram welcomed guests, while various bright porticoes invited people to enter the building's doors. Three large naves led towards the tallest building, a riot of lights and decorations culminated in a large feline eye at the top of the building, which seemed to scrutinize the surroundings with a mysterious charm.
After getting out of the car, Eddie and Molly were speechless: everything was much more inviting and beautiful than they would have ever imagined.
«Gods above us!» Eddie exclaimed.
Molly, enraptured by such wonder, ran to the trunk to get her suitcases. The melancholy of moments before had vanished, her eyes shone with euphoria as she uttered disjointed sentences, eager to enter.
After getting the bags, Eddie adjusted his black cargo pants tucked into his combat boots. His antennas picked up an air of absolute tranquility: no anger, sadness, desperation or fear. Indeed, the smells he perceived were calm and pleasant: the fruity aromas of joy, the flowery and vanilla ones of happiness, alternating with a few sprays of cloves and... chili pepper? Someone must had brought their partner with them.
At that very moment, observing his sister's euphoria and perceiving all those positive aromas, a faint idea of staying formed in Eddie's tormented mind. However, he shook his head firmly to dismiss the thought and followed Molly into the building.
–
The interior of the Hazbin Hotel was even more impressive than the exterior: luxurious, large, brilliant and pulsating with life. It was evident that after the abolition of extermination, many sinners decided to give the Hazbin Hotel a chance. Eddie noticed an elegant bar, several fountains with water features, signs for the SPA and even a forum dedicated to redemption workshops. "How curious...", Eddie thought, intrigued by the variety of services offered.
But what thrilled him the most was the… «Look, look, Headshot!» her sister tugged on his arm, using one of the suitcases as a makeshift scooter. «They also have a gym!»
«I see, Kitty. And it looks fantastic too! » Eddie exclaimed, peering at the hotel gym with admiration: it was impeccable, well equipped and... «It has rings!».
Eddie was ecstatic, undecided whether to cry or scream of joy in front of such beauty. The gym he usually attended was a disaster: dirty or missing equipment due to theft, fights over the only available mat, and precarious rings. In comparison, what he was looking at truly seemed like a piece of paradise. The idea of staying became more and more attractive.
The two were so busy admiring all that beauty around them that they almost didn't notice the woman with long gray hair and the missing left eye, who was trying to attract their attention.
«Hey, I'm behind you!»
The two siblings turned around quickly, slightly embarrassed by their own behavior.
With great patience, the woman began again: «Hello, and welcome to the Hazbin Hotel. I am…»
«Vag… Vag… Vag…» Molly was holding on to the suitcase with all her might, her eyes wide open, repeating the name like a broken record.
The woman, worried, cast an inquiring look at her older brother. Eddie chuckled, shaking his head: «Sorry, she just adores you. She has learned about the history of the hotel and knows all the staff.» He shook her sister to bring her back to the present: «Kitty, get a grip!»
Molly shook her head, jumped down from the suitcase and grabbed the hand of the woman she had just met, forcing her to bend down while shaking it vigorously: «VAGGIE! It's an honor to finally meet you, I'm M-Kitty!»
Retracting her hand and massaging it with the other, Vaggie tried not to make the little girl feel embarrassed: «I see that there's no lack of enthusiasm, eh eh... nice to meet you, Kitty. If you want to follow me, I'll take you to check in.»
Crossing the grand entrance, Vaggie there informed: «As you know, the Hotel was created to allow the sinners who ended up here to redeem themselves, however we expect commitment on your part as well. Anything that threatens you outside these walls will be kept at bay, but we will need to know who is hunting you and why, so that we can prepare. There are rules, obviously: no violence, mutual respect, and don't make Alastor angry. Substances are allowed in limited quantities, and if you suffer from any addiction you will begin a detoxification process.»
They reached the check-in desk. Vaggie continued with the instructions: «No one will ask you to pay anything, this is not a for-profit business, but I don't want to see you take advantage of this.» In the last sentence, Vaggie's tone became more threatening. Staring at the siblings with her one good eye and pointing her index finger at them, she added, «We've already had a swindler, and I don't want to repeat the experience.»
«ANGEL DUST!» Molly nearly shouted, still enthusiastic.
«Yes, him.» Vaggie replied, rolling her eye. «I'll leave you here for a moment. Charlie will be here shortly to check you in.»
Vaggie walked away, leaving the two brothers in front of the reception. Molly was about to lose control again at the idea of meeting another of her heroines.
Eddie had a better look at the hotel reception: it was a marble desk with metallic floral decorations, elegant and luxurious, as if it belonged to a five-star hotel in Las Vegas, something like three meters long. Behind the desk, the receptionist's space was framed by a wall with numerous metal hooks in the shape of flowers, some of which still had keys attached, all richly decorated in art nouveau style.
"Not bad really" Eddie thought, leaning down to take a closer look at one of the desk decorations. The voice inside his head telling him to stay was getting louder and louder. The more time he spent inside the Hazbin Hotel, the more unpleasant the idea of leaving became.
His train of thought was abruptly interrupted by the anxious voice of his sister, who almost seemed to be losing her breath. On the other side of the desk was her: Charlie Morningstar, daughter of Lucifer Morningstar and princess of all hell. She was a tall, slim young woman with long blonde hair and pale skin with rosy cheeks. Like Eddie, she also had a primarily human appearance, but with slightly animalistic characteristics, such as a black nose that vaguely resembled that of a goat and large eyes with yellow sclera and red irises. She wore a distinctive red suit, similar to those worn by her father, with a black bow tie around her neck. Despite her title and social position, she gave off a jovial, cheerful and almost naive air, typical of a visionary. Without hesitation, she greeted them with an enthusiastic smile: «Hello and welcome!» she said, theatrical in her speech and gestures. «It's always nice to meet new guests, and when a father and daughter join us it's even more beautiful!»
Molly froze in place, momentarily forgetting that she had one of her heroines in front of her, and looked worriedly at her brother, expecting a bad reaction.
Eddie felt his stomach clench and a wave of blind fury rise in his chest. His eyes glittered for a moment, red as burning embers. He remained still just below the surface of the desk, concentrating on calming himself down. When he regained his composure, he stood up and corrected the girl with a smile: «Kitty is not my daughter, she's my sister.»
Molly relaxed.
Charlie noticed the misunderstanding and, in her dramatic way, began to apologize: «Oh, man, what a fool, sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry...»
«Hey, everything's fine, no problem.» the older brother reassured her.
Eddie picked up his little sister, and placed her on the desk: «Anyway, I'm here to put my sister in your hotel.» Eddie spoke those words in a tone that reflected both resolve and a hint of hidden regret. He looked at Molly with an encouraging smile, knowing that this was the right choice, even if it meant separating from her most of the time.
Charlie looked slightly disappointed, evident in the lowering of her eyebrows and the slightly twitching expression. "What? Really? Just her? I saw two suitcases, and… » Her voice broke off, leaving the implicit question hanging.
«No, no, I have too many issues, I can't abandon everything. The little one, on the other hand, is free and deserves to give it a try.» Eddie tried to explain, trying not to give the impression of abandonment. He felt torn between the desire to always have Molly by his side and the desire to see her happy and safe inside the hotel.
Molly reached over the desk and held out a hand towards Charlie, her previous enthusiasm returning: «Hi, Charlie! Nice to meet you, I'm Kitty and I'm a big fan of yours!»
Charlie, momentarily forgetful of Eddie, immersed herself in conversation with Molly. She was visibly happy to receive so much positivity and admiration from the young girl. Molly seemed like a flood, with a myriad of compliments and questions pouring out of her mouth, while Charlie did her best to answer everything with patience and kindness.
At that moment, Eddie watched the two interact with a mixture of joy for Molly and a hint of melancholy for himself. He wondered if he had made the right decision, but he knew that seeing Molly so enthusiastic and confident was a positive sign.
After several minutes of chatter, Charlie gently interrupted the conversation with Molly: «Kitty, dear, I'm so happy that you already know so much about the Hotel, but we don't have to drag out your check-in. I'll be busy with trust exercises for newcomers in a few minutes, so I need you to fill out two documents.»
Eddie was stunned, there was no mention of bureaucracy anywhere: «Documents? Really?»
Charlie shrugged her shoulders naturally: «It's a simple registry. After the extermination, many decided to try redemption and we could not take into account those present.»
Eddie shrugged, accepting the situation with a nod. Charlie placed two sheets of paper on the desk, which Molly eagerly took. «I'll do it.» she said, possessive, and she began to write.
«Whatever you say, little one.» replied the older brother. «I'm going to the bar to ask if they have anything sweet. Hoping they won't spit in my eye.»
«No, don't worry! But stay contactable, your signature will still be needed, since your sister is a minor.» Charlie informed as he walked away.
Eddie headed towards the bar, leaving Molly and Charlie to do the paperwork. He felt a little overwhelmed by the speed of events, but he was grateful that Molly seemed so enthusiastic and comfortable.
As Eddie crossed the hall again, he couldn't help but feel watched. Maybe it was the curious looks of the guests, maybe it was just his impression, but the feeling of being followed did not leave him. He tried to use the sense of smell of his antennas, but he didn't perceive anything unusual, only sweet or spicy scents... had someone also lit incense?
Since his more developed sense gave no warning signs, he ignored his sixth sense, convincing himself that it was just a trick of his mind.
He walked into the bar and sat down at the counter. The acrid smell of alcohol stung his antennae a bit, but he managed to ignore it. On the other side of the table was the hotel bartender, an anthropomorphic cat with large feathered wings and eyes with black scleras, a top hat on his head and two thick suspenders holding up his trousers.
Grumpy and a little annoyed, he put down the mug he was cleaning and welcomed him: «You must be new. What's your poison?»
«My sister will be new soon. I'll get a soda while I wait.»
The bartender looked at him frowning and sardonic: «A soda? We usually serve stronger stuff here.»
«Soda is more than fine. I need sugars.»
The bartender didn't press further, and turned to serve Eddie. He put him a lemonade in a large glass with ice, a straw and a small umbrella: «For the young lady!» he mocked.
Eddie ignored the insult, simply thinking about how childish the guy was.
As he sipped his soda, his sixth sense kicked in again. He didn't feel simply observed: there was something in the environment that had changed, something different and inexplicable.
Before he could investigate, a slight shift of air brought him the most pleasant and intoxicating scent that his sense of smell had ever detected, something that crossed honey with fresh tobacco and a light hint of vanilla. His antennae moved almost madly in search of the source of that scent, while the rest of his body remained in control and the coldness that characterized him: he tried not to be overwhelmed by the sensations that smell was giving him.
Someone sat down beside him, very close. Eddie turned and found himself facing a figure he recognized immediately: Angel Dust, the star of hellish pornography. He was a flamboyant-looking spider-demon, tall and slender, with a defiant and self-confident attitude.
In person he was even more fascinating than he appeared on the billboards.
«Oh, the quality of the new arrivals has finally increased. What brings you here, handsome?» he began the porn star, leaning against the counter
Eddie tried to maintain a detached attitude and, with a slight smile, replied elegantly, looking into his eyes: «I'm just here passing through. I'm waiting for my sister.»
Angel Dust was undeterred: «Passing or not, looks like you've lit up the room. I hope you don't mind if I… » he squeezed his hand on Eddie's arm cheekily, the sniper shivered pleasantly.
«Uh, lala.» Angel Dust exclaimed «Tell me, is this all your stuff or is it just padding?»
Eddie used to stay calm and collected, but right now he was struggling to maintain a façade of detachment. He felt a light blush on his cheeks and the antennae pulled towards Angel Dust as if they had a life of their own. He did his best to feign nonchalance and reply: «Yes, it belongs to me. I like to go to the gym.» He started drinking his lemonade to calm down, but the poker face was in danger of falling off at any moment.
«Oh, an athlete, huh?.» Angel commented, with a slightly flirtatious attitude «Can I propose myself as a barbell?» He winked, his voice thick with innuendo.
Eddie almost choked on the soda, coughing slightly as he tried to keep his composure. «You don't mince your words, huh?» he said, masking his embarrassment with a smile.
Angel Dust chuckled, satisfied with making him react. «No, in fact, it's one of the many things I don't do. But I can do a lot of other things, you know?»
Before the conversation could continue, a notification interrupted the vibe. Eddie pulled his phone out of his pocket and read the message that had just arrived: his sister needed his signature.
«I really need to go.» he said, getting up from the counter, picking up his glass. «But it was nice chatting. See you around!»
Eddie walked away from that exciting yet embarrassing situation. As he sipped his drink, a thought entered his mind: «I'm going to need a cold shower tonight.» he murmured in a low voice.
Behind him, Angel Dust watched him go, his teasing smile transformed into a softer, more thoughtful one.
«Eh, too bad for him.» the spider-demon murmured, shrugging as he watched Eddie disappear from sight.
–
Eddie, still embarrassed about the earlier encounter, walked to the reception desk. Molly was still sitting on the cold marble slab, holding the documents proudly in her hand.
«I wrote everything myself, I didn't even ask for help!» she declared, happily.
«Very well!» Eddie complimented.
«All we need is your signature and she will officially be part of the Hotel.» Charlie said. With some reluctance, she took out more documents. «Are you really sure you don't want to join her? You seem close together."
«Really, Charlie, I'm fine.» Eddie replied as he signed. «I have my own business, and it's not one that earns you eternal life. There's still time for Kitty not to get involved.» he returned the signed documents to Charlie.
Charlie picked them up to reread them. «Okay, but if you change your mind, you know where to find us, Mr...» she read the name at the bottom of the documents. «Headshot? I've heard this name before...»
«That's what I said. I have my own business. » Eddie replied with a sad smile.
With a sigh, Eddie turned to his little sister: «Fine, Kitty. I'll have the rest of your stuff sent to you ASAP. I'll see you next weekend." he pinched her cheek, affectionately «Be a good girl, huh?».
He turned, heading sadly towards the exit. Each step felt heavier than the previous one, as if a heavy weight was crushing his chest. The idea of leaving his sister there, of separating himself from the only fragment of hope and serenity in all of hell, tormented him. The Hotel represented a rare and precious refuge, an oasis of peace in the midst of chaos and desperation. Outside those protective walls, Eddie knew he would have to face the horrible reality of his world once again.
The delicate and inviting aromas of fruit, vanilla and spices that pervaded the air inside the hotel would be replaced by the disgusting infernal miasmas, nauseating smells that would renew his torment. The daily violence, the work he hated and the nightmares that haunted him every night were ready to welcome him outside those walls.
The thought of his empty apartment struck him forcefully: a silent and desolate place, where there was no one waiting for him. Nobody to greet him with a smile, nobody to share a meal or a moment of comfort.
As he got closer to the exit, the voice in his head screaming for him to stay became very powerful. Every fiber of his being wanted to stop, to go back, to find refuge in the safety of the Hotel. But another thought, equally strong and determined, forced him to proceed. The fear of meeting him again, of meeting his gaze after all those years, was too great. That "he" who had left deep scars in his soul, who had turned every night into a nightmare, was an unbearable presence.
Anything was better than having to face him. Eddie preferred the certainty of known pain to the chance to relive past trauma. So, with a heavy heart and a tumultuous mind, he continued towards the exit, leaving behind the only hope of redemption he had ever known.
He hadn't even made it halfway down the hall when he heard his sister's voice screaming and her little body clinging to his leg: «Headshot, don't go away!»
Shocked, Eddie stopped walking. Molly gripped his leg with all her strength, light sobs shook her body, a few tears ran down her round face: «You're the kindest person I've found down here!» she said, her voice broken by tears.
Eddie felt his heart tighten in his chest. The smell of Molly's sadness, intense and palpable, overwhelmed him. He tried to stay calm, wearing his usual mask of balance to reassure his little sister. He lowered himself to her level, turning to her, and gently wiping away her tears with his thumb, he said: «But, darling, you'll find people here who are just as kind. You should know better than me, there's Charlie and Vaggie, and... well, Charlie and Vaggie. I don't know if the "redemption thing" works, but at least here you will be safe, protected, calm... you can start studying again, improve your handwriting, maybe even learn your times tables. You will be able to read hundreds of books, find a favorite field and become an expert. I, in a few years, will still be walking around on rooftops shooting at someone else's targets while fighting against nightmares, I don't want you to suffer my fate. Really, you saw me at my lowest point, you know I have no hope.»
Molly looked up at him, eyes filled with determination mixed with sadness. «You could have abandoned me there in that alley but instead, you adopted me. How can you say you have no hope?»
Eddie sighed, his response full of bitterness. «And have I gotten better since that day?»
Molly didn't reply, her silence said more than a thousand words. Eddie held her tightly, fighting the urge to cry himself. «It will be difficult to adapt at first, but you will be fine. And, like I told you, I'll come visit you every weekend and we'll text each other every day.»
«Promise?» Molly asked with a hint of hope.
«Promise.»
Eddie tried to lift his little sister's spirits with a familiar game. He stopped hugging her and took her nose between the knuckles of his index and middle fingers, drawing his hand into a fist with his thumb between the two fingers. «As a reminder, I'll take your nose!»
Surprised, Molly jumped back, laughing through her tears. «What? HEY! Give it back!»
Playfully, Eddie kept Molly's "nose" away from her clutches. «No, no, it's mine now!»
Molly, determined to repay her brother with the same coin, said: "Very well, then I'll take your antennae!" she used the same trick to simulate the antennas in her hands.
Eddie played along, feigning theatrical horror. «Oh, no! How will I smell now?! You sneaky little deceiver, come here!» He caught his little sister, who was trying to escape with his "antennas", stuck his face on her neck and made a raspberry on her skin, amid Molly's laughter and screams of amusement.
Once the games were over, Eddie proposed an "agreement": «Hear me out, honey, you keep my antennas and I keep your nose for the other days of the week, at the weekend we give them back to each other. Do we have a deal?» he held out his hand to her sister, who shook it vigorously.
«Deal!» the little girl replied, her smile returning to light up her face.
Eddie stood up, feeling a little lighter. Even though his sadness didn't completely leave him, seeing Molly's smile gave him the strength to carry on. He knew that, for now at least, he had made the right choice for her.
Beyond the marble desk, Charlie, who had witnessed the whole scene, couldn't help but be moved. Her hands trembled slightly as she wiped away a tear that slowly rolled down her cheek. Witnessing such an intense and emotionally charged moment between the two siblings, whose real names she still didn't know, touched her deeply. It wasn't just the tenderness of their bond, but also the awareness of Headshot's sacrifice and determination to provide his sister with a better life. Seeing their heartfelt familial connection, in a place as dark and desperate as hell, gave her hope.
Charlie reflected on her mission, on why she had opened the hotel: to offer a second chance to anyone who was willing to change, to improve. In that moment, she saw everything she was fighting for embodied in the two siblings. Kitty's sweetness, her trust in her brother, and Headshot's determination to protect her at all costs, despite his seemingly doomed fate, represented a light in the darkness, a hope that change was possible for anyone.
Watching their interaction, Charlie felt a renewed sense of purpose. She decided that she would do everything she could to make sure Kitty was happy and safe in the hotel, and to prove to Headshot that he too had a chance at redemption, despite everything he thought of himself. That scene reminded her that no matter how difficult her path was, every small act of love and sacrifice mattered. And at that very moment, Charlie felt more motivated than ever to continue her mission.
The tender moment was abruptly interrupted by a noise that made the blood of those present freeze: rifle shots and screams of terror.
The guests in the lobby reacted immediately by falling into total panic. Some sought refuge under the tables, others hurried up the escalators, a group crowded into the elevator, in a dangerous chaos of fleeing bodies. Terror was reflected on the faces of the guests, transforming the lobby into a scene of disorder and fear.
Eddie, with his reflexes honed by years of experience, quickly grabbed his little sister and dragged her behind the solid marble reception desk. His heart pounded in his chest, his mind forgot everything except one order: to protect his sister. Charlie, with surprising agility, jumped over the cold block, giving them the space they needed to hide. «Stay here, don't move! » she ordered them, pulling out a two-way radio. «Alastor, we have a problem.» she communicated in a tense voice.
Eddie tried not to be distracted by Charlie's conversation on the radio. Molly trembled, pale, with her hands covering her ears to try to block out the sound of gunshots and screams. Her terrified look revealed that she was reliving a bad memory. Eddie held her tightly, trying to give her confidence. «It's going to be okay.» he whispered, trying to keep his voice calm despite the adrenaline pumping through his veins. «I won't let anything happen to you.»
Charlie disappeared, probably gone to manage the terrified guests, trying to limit the damage. The screams were far away, but the shots had not moved much. Eddie recognized three different sounds, two from a rifle and one from a pistol: there were at least three of them.
With a determined look, he turned back to his sister: «Molly, I need you to stay here. Don't move a muscle, don't take a breath, no matter how close you feel them or what they say, you're not here, okay?»
Molly shook her head: «Don't leave me here!»
Eddie looked her in the eye, trying to give her courage. «Molly, you can trust me. I've always come back, remember?» Molly nodded, although unsure. «Good. DO NOT. MOVE. »
Eddie leaned his head over the edge of the desk, sniffing the air: everything clear. He stood up, ready to face the threat looming over the hotel. Hell might be a merciless place, but no one would threaten his family without paying the price.
–
The ones who caused that commotion were three armed and very angry scoundrels. The angriest seemed to be the leader, who brandished his rifle and threatened a group of guests trapped in the forum. Charlie and the other hotel staff were protecting the guests with their bodies, weapons in hand.
«I'll ask it one last time» said the leader of the thugs «WHERE IS MY WIFE?!» One of his henchmen fired a shot into the air, knocking the guests to the ground and covering their heads.
A frustrated, tall, pink-haired female staff member turned to Charlie. «Come on, let me blow them up and let's get this over with.»
«Again, Cherry, if you blow up the forum, you'll make the hotel collapse on our heads! We need to buy time so that Alastor finishes his things and joins us.»
«TALK TO ME, BITCH!» the guy ordered again.
The entire staff bit their tongues to avoid making the situation worse. Charlie, with all the patience she could muster, tried to play down the situation. «Frank, Frank, calm down… we've already explained it, your wife has decided to try to redeem herself and she doesn't want to see you. Maybe if you lowered that weapon and we could talk…»
«I didn't ask you the story of how you brainwashed my wife into coming in here, I asked you where she is!» the sinner nodded to his companion, who pointed his rifle at the crowd and loaded the shot.
«Stop!» Eddie appeared behind the three criminals, attracting their attention and holding his arms up «Don't shoot. I know where your wife is, but you need to let the hostages go first." he lied, as he slowly approached his interlocutor.
«Who the hell are you? I've never seen you in here before!»
«I'm new.» Eddie replied, continuing his bluff, moving closer: «They hired me to protect your wife, but since we risk lives I'm willing to tell you where she is.»
No longer under threat from the trio, Charlie gestured to her friends to take the guests to safety out of the forum. Cherry was tempted to throw a bomb anyway, but Charlie stopped her. She didn't want unnecessary deaths, even if it meant making her friends angry.
The criminal leader grinned, believing he had won. «Very well, then, newbie. You are making the right choice. Tell me, who are you? So that I can properly reward you once I bring my wife home.»
Eddie was just a few centimeters away from the three criminals.
On rare occasions, using his anger as fuel, he could concentrate all of his adrenaline into his muscles, achieving superior strength and speed for short periods, as long as he took something containing sugar immediately afterwards.
With a sardonic smile, he closed his eyes: «My name is Headshot.» he opened them again, shining red like blood «And you threatened my family.»
An expression of horror was painted on the leader's face, terror paralyzed him for an instant. But that moment was all Eddie needed. He threw a devastating punch at the leader's face, breaking his jaw and causing him to fall to the ground with a dull thud. Time seemed to slow down for the other two crooks, who only realized a moment later what had happened.
The criminal with the rifle reacted instinctively, trying to raise the weapon to shoot. But Eddie, with lightning-fast reflexes, deflected the aim with a rapid movement of his arm, causing a shot to fire and shatter on the ceiling. Without wasting a second, Eddie grabbed the barrel of the rifle with an iron grip, pulling the second thug towards him. The close distance left him no escape: Eddie planted a violent punch in his stomach, knocking him out of breath and doubling him in pain.
Using the principle of leverage, Eddie lifted the stunned thug above his head with surprising ease. The man was screaming, waving his arms and legs, but Eddie, ignoring him, used him as a human shield against the third criminal, who was trying to take aim with his gun. The latter fired, but the bullets hit the back of his companion, who screamed in pain as Eddie threw him at the other, making them both fall to the ground in a tangle of twisted limbs, managing to snatch the rifle from the hands of the second criminal.
Eddie wasted no time. With impressive speed, he put the stolen rifle back upright and, with two well-placed shots, shot the two sinners on the ground in the heads. The precision of the shots rang with a cold echo in the hall, once again bringing to fruition his battle name: Headshot.
Eddie's eyes returned to normal, and the adrenaline began to subside slightly. With a deep breath, he opened the rifle to check the remaining rounds. «Tze, cowards.» he commented contemptuously. «Common ammunition. Not even the decency to use angelic ammunition.»
The leader of the criminals, his mouth destroyed, was trying to drag himself towards his rifle. Eddie reached him in a few steps, kicked the weapon away and forced him to the ground with one foot, crushing his chest with enough force to immobilize him. «Listen to me carefully, you piece of shit.» he threatened, his voice cold as ice. «Your wife decided to try the road to redemption and, from what I understand, she left you. Now you only have two options: either you accept it and move on with your life, or you accept it and try to start a similar journey too.»
Eddie aimed the rifle at his forehead, his gaze as piercing as a blade. «Show back around here with other intentions, and I will plant 168 grams of angelic steel in your skull. Do you get it?»
Scared to death, the leader nodded with difficulty. Eddie released him from his grip and he ran off with the tail between his legs.
–
Eddie returned to the lobby, dragging behind him the two limp bodies of the thugs he had shot. Hotel staff were still taking the names of the injured, trying to round up those who had tried to flee in the chaos. The scene was a tumult of voices and excited movement, a stark contrast to Eddie's icy calm.
Cherry, seeing the sniper moving his victims, exploded in frustration: «REALLY?! He can kill, and I can't?!»
Eddie looked up and answered in a flat, controlled voice, anticipating any intervention from Charlie: «They're not dead.» He paused to let the information sink in. «Their weapons were loaded with ordinary ammunition, they will regenerate soon. And, I don't know about you, but I don't want them in here when they wake up.»
Under his feet, two tentacle-shaped shadows rose from the floor, grabbing the two unconscious bodies and dragging them away. A mellifluous, distorted, radio-like voice filled Eddie's ears: «You're kind, dear, but let me take out the trash.» Without any regard, the tentacles threw the two unfortunates out of the entrance, making them land who knows where.
When Alastor arrived, Vaggie impatiently exclaimed: «Oh, there you are, you took your time!» But the radio demon completely ignored her.
Eddie felt a shiver run down his spine. His antennae detected a pungent smell, a mixture of burnt wood and dried blood, all covered in layers of cinnamon and cloves, an aroma that masked a Machiavellian personality. He turned and saw what he feared: a few meters away stood the Radio Demon, with his distinctive disturbing smile. Eddie gulped, his body tense and ready for any eventuality.
Alastor rubbed his hands with satisfaction: «Oh, that's much better.» He disappeared into the floor like a shadow, reappearing a few centimeters from the sniper. «Alastor, it's a pleasure to meet you, quite a pleasure!» he exclaimed, holding out his hand to Eddie, but withdrawing it immediately. «I was able to watch your performance down at the forum, an absolutely magnificent spectacle. I haven't been this emotional since… well, ever, I'd say. Consider yourself lucky, not everyone hits me that way." Eddie tried to speak, trying to maintain control, but Alastor interrupted him again: «Really remarkable. Rarely do I see such a mix of precision, speed and… controlled brutality. I'm very curious to see what else you are capable of doing.» as he said the last sentence, Alastor's face darkened and acquired a green hue for a moment, his eyes shining even more.
Eddie, with an effort, finally managed to find his voice. «I'm not here to impress you, Alastor. I'm here to drop off my sister.»
Slimy as a snake, Alastor replied «Oh, you mean her?» With a wave of his hand, the demon showed a small table in the corner of the room where Molly sat, sipping a cup of tea with a shadow that was shaped like Alastor. At the sight of her brother, the little girl greeted him loudly, unaware of the danger: «Hi, Headshot!»
Eddie shuddered at the sight. Seeing of how close Molly was to that monster and at the same time so unaware of his evil made him feel helpless and furious. He didn't attack the demon just because he had to recover.
Alastor continued his performance, his voice tone laced with false concern and a hint of mockery: «That poor creature was left alone and shivering under a cold slab of marble. I wondered who was so irresponsible to abandoned her down there. Headshot, right? You disappoint me, Headshot.» He concluded by shaking his head in disapproval, his tone filled with insinuating malice.
The comment hit Eddie like a whiplash. He could feel his blood boiling under his skin and his muscles tensing. Every fiber of her body screamed for action, to protect her sister from that manipulative demon. However, he knew that any hasty movement could put Molly in even more danger. So, with a superhuman effort, he held back his fury, staring at Alastor with eyes full of hatred and determination. «Sir, with all due respect, I would not have left Kitty alone if I had known she wasn't safe.»
Alastor smiled, a look that was anything but reassuring. «Oh, sure, sure, after all, you're the expert.» He leaned towards Eddie slightly, his smile widening even more, eyes sparkling with mischief. «I'll keep an eye on you, Headshot. I have a feeling you might be… funny.»
With a superhuman effort, Eddie forced himself to answer calmly, «I'll make sure not to disappoint you.» His words were filled with a subtle meaning, an unspoken promise of resistance and determination.
Alastor laughed, a sound that echoed through the room like an ominous omen. «Ah, I sure hope so.» Then, in one fluid motion, he straightened up and walked away, leaving Eddie staring at his receding figure.
The lobby suddenly seemed colder and quieter. Eddie ran a hand over his forehead, wiping away the cold sweat that was beading on his skin. Charlie came over to make sure he was okay. «Hey, you good, Headshot?»
Eddie sighed, «As soon as I have something with sugar in it, I'll feel better.»
He looked over at Molly, who seemed oblivious to the tension that had just swept through the room. The sight of his sister, serene and calm, gave him a glimmer of comfort, but also a deep sense of terror. How could he leave her at Alastor's mercy? There was something deeply rotten about that demon and he seemed somehow interested in him. Was he going to use his sister to achieve his goals?
Eddie's mind raced through a thousand scenarios, one worse than the other. Alastor wasn't just any demon; he was manipulative, cunning and sadistic. Every smile of the Radio Demon was a promise of pain and suffering, hidden behind a friendly look.
«Why is Alastor here?» he asked the princess
«What? Alastor? Well, he gave a big hand in getting the Hotel started...»
«There is something deeply rotten about him.» Eddie interrupted «I don't think he cares about the sinners reaching heaven.»
Charlie nodded, but with a slightly resigned expression. «Yes, he actually told me that he enjoys seeing people try and fail miserably. But, hey, any motivation is good! »
«His motives are not good, not even as a joke.» Eddie replied firmly. A thought entered his mind, a decision that would change his life forever. «Did you hear him? He wants to keep an eye on me. I don't know why I caught hi attention this much, but I can't let him use my sister to get at me.»
Charlie's eyes widened, filled with joy and a big smile appeared on her face: she knew what he was about to ask.
«Charlie… wouldn't there be an extra room for me?» Eddie asked.
Charlie let out a muffled cry, replying enthusiastically: «Absolutely! I can't wait to tell Kitty!» She started to run to the little girl, but Eddie stopped her: «No, no, no, wait. I want to be the one to tell her.»
Charlie, very happy, agreed.
Eddie approached his sister, calm and confident in his decision. «Everything okay, honey?» he asked with a smile.
Molly nodded, lifting her teacup. «I made friends with Alastor's shadow! It's funny.»
Eddie suppressed a shiver. «Good, very good.»
He took a deep breath and began: «So... despite today's misadventure, this place remains a safe place. I don't know if it actually earns you redemption, but it's definitely a better place than our overpriced studio apartment.»
Molly looked at him dazed, not understanding what he was getting at.
«Plus, I know Alastor looks nice at first's sight, but there's something fishy about him and I don't like the idea of leaving you alone in his presence.»
Molly began to understand.
«So… I know I was a little stubborn with the idea of not coming here even accidentally, but…»
«You want to stay?» Molly asked hopefully
With a smirk, Eddie confirmed «Yes, I've decided to stay.»
«Really?» Molly asked, her voice breaking from tears, big tears coming out of her green eyes «It's not a game, a joke, are you really staying?»
«No joke, I'm really staying, Molly.» Eddie was getting emotional too, he didn't even realize he said her real name.
Molly jumped into his arms, shouting with joy: «My brother is staying!» she started jumping around holding her brother close to her, chanting the last four words as if it were the best thing that had happened to her. Eddie didn't even try to hold her back, letting her vent her happiness.
Observing the scene, Charlie with her hands covering her nose and mouth held back tears, moved again by their affection. «Oh, Lord, this is beautiful!» she exclaimed, trying not to start crying. Vaggie, her colleague and girlfriend, handed her some tissues to blow her nose. Looking at the two new members of the Hotel, a small awareness made its way into the minds of those present: today is a happy day in hell.