Author note: Thank you for making it to Chapter 2! I forgot to add an A/N at the beginning of last chapter, but just wanted to say thanks for reading this little story that I've finally decided to put to paper, so to speak. Obligatory disclaimer of being a long-time reader of Fanfics, first time author, and newly obsessed with the Hazbin Hotel universe. Any comments and constructive criticism are welcome (all I ask is keeping things polite). Now on with the story!
Chapter 2: Welcome to Hell
Taylor came to gasping for breath, and everything ached. Even the simple act of trying to open their eyes or taking a breath hurt too much. They hadn't felt this terrible since the one time they caught the flu and was bedridden for a week. After a few minutes of mentally assessing their pain, Taylor's started to recall earlier events. The uncomfortable dinner, meeting their fiery patron, the contract, the strangling sensation of the chain and collar, and burning to death. 'Were all those things a horrible nightmare? Maybe it was all something conjured up from a bad migraine.' They wished longingly.
Even if it sounded far away, Taylor's ears perked up when they heard shouting, gunfire, and car wheels peeling away. 'Where am I? Was I left for dead somewhere?' Taylor's mind reeled. Panic started to set in, as they realized they might be more exposed than they knew. Taylor forced themself painfully to open their eyes and push themselves into a sitting position. The sky was a crimson red, and they seemed to be sitting among the ruins of a bombed out building. 'Good, it seems like I'm in a sheltered location at least', they thought. They then took stock of their condition and surroundings, checking for any serious injuries and anything useful nearby.
Taylor felt a soft yet gritty sensation under their palms and body and saw that they were sitting on a pile of blackened soot. 'Remnants of me burning to death? Jeez, it got everywhere.' Taylor observed as their clothes had patches of grayish black in several areas. Taylor was still wearing their dinner outfit, even if it was singed and blackened in places. Taylor startled when they didn't recognize their hands. Between the soot patches, their skin was now light yellow with a thin, soft, downy layer on top, with pointed claws at the tips. They felt their face and felt a similar downy layer all over. Realizing their error, they groaned, 'stupid! Now I probably have soot all over my face!' Taylor wiped their claws on their pants before checking their hair, which still seemed to be intact, but it felt different too. They felt a few longer sections of hair and following their length to their shoulders, noting that the strands were red. 'I guess my hair somehow survived the burning, but why would it be longer now?' They mused glumly. Determining that they didn't have any injuries outside of some bumps and bruises, Taylor stood up on shaky legs, tried to brush off as much soot as possible, and gingerly walked to a broken-out window. They seemed to be in an urban war zone, with many bombed out buildings, a few burned out cars, and trash scattered throughout. Taylor then startled and shrunk away from the window when they saw a few creatures prowling around. They looked like humanoid animals with washed out skin tones. Taylor noticed that some had claws like their own. 'Were they people once? I guess I'm looking a little different too. Not looking forward to what else has changed when I find a mirror.' Taylor grimaced internally.
Taylor stuck their hands in their pockets to check their phone, but found it was gone, along with their keys and wallet. The only thing was a piece of parchment that they didn't remember being there before. Taylor unfurled the parchment and read the message:
Little Taylor,
Welcome to Hell! I bestow upon you your task to prove your usefulness as my newest acquisition. I require that you infiltrate an establishment called the Happy Hotel, of which the princess of Hell is the proprietor. Once you are imbedded within, I will contact you once again and we shall speak further.
I do feel compelled to inform you of some tidbits concerning your new home. Firstly, where you landed is part of Pentagram City located in the Pride Ring. Most of the residents are called sinners, or those who were deemed inveterate reprobates in life and thus suffer eternal punishment in their afterlife within Hell as demons. Secondly, do not agree to any deals with anyone you meet. Wouldn't do you any good anyway, as your soul already is in my possession, and you have nothing to offer, so don't bother!
For now, keep your head low, and ingratiate yourself with the Princess and her cause. I do look forward to seeing how this pans out, this promises to be most fun!
Waiting with bated breath,
P
Taylor reread the message a few times to fully digest the contents. 'Seems straightforward enough. Get to a hotel, keep out of trouble, wait for more instructions.' Taylor thought. Suddenly, they felt heat come from the parchment, and within a few seconds it caught on fire. But despite holding the fire, it felt no warmer than a fresh mug of coffee. Taylor gingerly touched the orange flame with their claws, fascinated. No searing pain, but a comforting heat in its place. As soon as the parchment ran out, so did the flame, leaving a sudden chill in Taylor's hands. 'Weird. Especially considering my last encounter with fire. I wonder if it has to do with my patron?' Taylor pondered.
Feeling more secure that their legs were steady enough to start the trek to this so-called "Happy Hotel", Taylor found their way out of the ruined shelter, and onto the sidewalk. Not knowing which direction to go, they picked a street and kept walking. For a while there weren't any others in the streets, and those that they did see kept their distance. Blocks and blocks Taylor walked, and slowly the streets seemed to get busier, so Taylor guessed they were headed on the right path. 'I know I shouldn't ask for directions, but maybe someone has heard of the Happy Hotel.' Taylor hoped.
Turned out demons weren't as forthcoming as Taylor had hoped. Most of Taylor's questions were met with abrasive or lewd answers at worst, and disgusted glances at best. 'I guess I do look like I climbed out of a furnace, but jeez, would it kill them to be a little helpful?' Taylor huffed. They started to feel exasperated, hungry, and tired. But without any money or shelter, there wasn't anything to be done but to keep walking and hope a clue would present itself eventually.
Taylor walked past an alleyway when they heard yelling and yelps of pain. Stopping mid stride to look down the alleyway, Taylor saw two demons arguing, a large lion demon talking down to a smaller dog demon.
"Sir, I didn't do anything wrong this time! I did what you asked!" Pleaded the dog demon as it backed away from the taller demon.
"Bullshit, you piece of trash! I know you're skimming off the top and pocketing the money. Now hand over the cash or I'll beat you bloody!" Snarled the lion demon as they stalked forward.
"Sir, I promise that I'm not keeping anything from you. I know the terms of our deal, honest!" The dog demon held up its hands to try to calm the seething lion.
Taylor's ears perked up at the mention of a deal but was concerned over how this would turn out. Even if they were unarmed, Taylor couldn't just let things get out of hand and do nothing.
The lion demon bellowed, "Won't pay up, scumbag? You forget I own your sorry ass?" The larger demon smiled darkly. "Fine then, I'll just beat you till you're a stain on the sidewalk and take my money! At least I get to let off some steam!" With a rattle, a blue glowing collar and chain appeared between the two demons, causing the dog demon to start choking as their air supply was cut off. The lion pulled the chain taut and started to laugh at the smaller demon's suffering. "Now don't go fighting back, it'll just turn out worse for you." The lion purred maliciously.
Without thinking, Taylor rushed forward and stood before the dog demon, grabbing the chain and pulled on it to give the demon room to breathe. Glaring viciously, Taylor faced the larger demon.
"That's enough! You made your point! You can't treat him like this!" Taylor shouted.
The lion demon was stunned for a moment at the interruption, but quickly recuperated and snapped loudly.
"You stupid bastard, fuck off! You must be new, 'cause this idiot sold his soul to me in return for my protection! So, I get to do whatever the fuck I want with his sorry hide!" The lion yanked back on the chain, causing the dog demon to choke.
Taylor's rage started to rise with indignation. 'What is the point of offering protection if the contracted needs protecting from you?' They seethed. They gripped the chain harder and pulled, getting into a tug of war with the lion demon. Taylor started to shake from the exertion but held fast.
Taylor gasped as they saw several flashes of the lion demon beating and torturing the dog demon, all while the lion laughed in sick pleasure. Taylor glared daggers at their foe.
"Seems to me you're not fulfilling your end of the deal, you lowlife!" Taylor shouted, incensed. They started to feel like they were smoking with fury as they gripped the chain harder.
"If you care so much for this piece of shit, how about you join him in the fun?" The lion smirked as they took one hand off the chain, looking away as they searched for their weapon. When they looked back, the lion demon had a look of shock.
"What the hell?" The lion uttered, confused.
All at once, Taylor heard metallic popping and rattling, and their hands were empty, causing Taylor to fall over backwards. Looking down, the chain had shattered and started to disintegrate into smoke. The blue miasma gathered into Taylor's palm and when they closed their fingers around it, they felt a rush of energy. Their heart started to pound, and jolts of electricity were coursing through their whole body, but it felt fantastic. Their tiredness was gone, and they felt so full of energy. A smile started to form as the exhilaration took over and Taylor started to laugh with glee. Still laughing, Taylor glanced over at the other two demons, both were in watching the display in shock.
The lion demon shook itself out of its stupor and brandished a knife as it approached Taylor. "I have no idea what the fuck you did just now, but I'm gonna carve that smile right off your moronic face, fucker!" They growled angrily. Taylor was about to respond when two gunshots rang out. There was a moment of silence, then the lion demon slumped over and fell hard, crimson blood pouring from a head and chest wound. Taylor stared at the blood pooling on the alley floor for a moment before turning to the other demon. The dog demon was panting while holding a smoking pistol aimed at the fallen beast, and their eyes darted over to Taylor.
"You okay, kid?" They rasped; voice still hoarse from being choked out.
Taylor could only nod, and the dog demon lowered their gun. "You have no idea how long I've been wanting to do that to that piece of shit." He got up and walked over to Taylor. Extending out an arm, Taylor took it and looked back at the deceased demon. 'What just happened? What was that rush just now?' They wondered. The initial rush of energy had passed but Taylor felt full of energy despite being exhausted a moment ago.
"Hey kid, we gotta get out of here. Now." The dog demon urged. Still a bit numb to the whole ordeal, Taylor followed the demon out of the alley as they tried to make sense of what just happened.