Author note: hello again readers, thanks for coming back for another chapter. Finally made it to the Hotel and will get to know some of the Hazbin crew. Still not entirely sure which characters Taylor will jive with yet, but I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.
Chapter 4: Checking in
Taylor walked along the cityscape, using the glowing sign as their heading. By the time they reached the bottom of the hill leading up to the hotel, the red sky had darkened from a crimson red to a dark maroon. Looking through the wrought iron gates, Taylor saw a dilapidated mansion emblazoned with a pink glowing sign at the top with the hotel's name. The building was several stories tall and decorated with many arched stained-glass windows and spires. Haphazardly attached to the building were a cruise ship, a circus carousel, an airship, and a rollercoaster track. 'I wonder if they are part of some guest attractions or amenities.' Taylor mused. There was also a transmitter tower that glowed red on the top right of the building with a sign that read "on air," but it wasn't illuminated now. Other signs had arrows indicating to the hotel entrance and the transmitter tower. The entrance had a circus tent cover that covered a set of stained-glass doors. All over the building had decorations of eyes and apples.
Taylor walked up the hill to the building, noting a pentagram seared into the hillside. At the entrance, Taylor took a moment to prepare themselves mentally before opened the door and taking in their surroundings in awe. While it appeared to be in disrepair, Taylor admired the regal look that still shone through, with lots of gold and sumptuous furniture, sculptures, and paintings along the walls. In the center was a staircase with two curtained doors at the bottom. One side of the lobby had was a seating area with a fireplace, and the other a casino and bar area with green glowing walls. Taylor could see recurring themes of apples, eyes, and skulls throughout. 'Interesting style choice, but it works. I'd love to have seen this place in its heyday.' Taylor wished.
The lobby was empty, so Taylor stood around waiting for someone to show up. After a few minutes of admiring the paintings, Taylor heard shuffling and scurrying behind them. They turned to see a tiny demon with short reddish pink hair, white blouse, and red skirt rummaging in a crate, not noticing Taylor's presence. Taylor walked over to the demon and cleared their throat to get their attention.
"Umm, excuse me?" they said.
The little demon jerked their head up and Taylor was drawn to the large yellow eye and sharp toothed grin. Their pupil dilated as they gasped.
"Oh my gosh! It's a bad boy!" the cyclops said eagerly. The demon darted over to Taylor and before they could react, the demon had climbed onto their chest and held Taylor's face in their hands. "Are you gonna stay at the hotel? We need more men around here. It's only Husk, and Angel, and Mister Alastor right now."
Taylor stared at the demon for a moment as they processed the sudden close interaction. Laughing awkwardly, Taylor responded, "well yes, I'm looking to check in, but you're the first person I've met since arriving."
"Perfect! I'm Nifty, and I love to clean! I'm the head housekeeper!" The demon put their arms around Taylor's neck and leaned in for a hug. Talking a mile a minute, Nifty excitedly continued, "We're gonna have so much fun! I'll make sure your room is spotless and throw you roach puppet shows and we can- "Nifty suddenly paused her speech and looked up at Taylor. Suddenly blushing, the demon jumped off Taylor and stammered, "Sorry, that was rude! I'll go get Charlie and she'll help you get checked in!" Without a chance for Taylor to respond, Nifty darted away. 'What was that about? I hope I didn't offend her.' Taylor thought worriedly.
Within a minute, Taylor heard a high-pitched gasp and squeal come from upstairs, followed by running footsteps fast approaching.
"Hello!" Squealed a cheery voice from the top of the stairs. Taylor saw a woman with long blonde hair and a red suit looking ecstatic. Their white face and pink circles around their cheeks reminded Taylor of a porcelain doll. The woman continued talking as they ran down the staircase, "welcome to the Hazbin Hotel! You're gonna love it here!" Their enthusiasm was so palpable, Taylor couldn't help but smile.
"Thanks, it's a pleasure so far. Your housekeeper Nifty was very… animated about a new face." Taylor said warmly.
The demoness grabbed Taylor's shoulders as she spoke, "I'm so glad Nifty provided such a great first impression! I'm Charlie, co-manager, and Princess of Hell, and I hope you're ready to embark on the road to redemption!"
'Redemption? What does she mean by that? Did she say Princess?' Taylor wondered, confused. Remembering their patron's instructions to help with the Princess's cause, they decided to play along.
"Pleased to meet you, I'm Taylor. Thanks for the warm welcome, I'm happy to be here!" They said with as much enthusiasm as they could muster.
Before Charlie could go on, another voice called out from the top of the stairs.
"Nifty wasn't kidding, we actually have someone wanting to check in?" Taylor looked up at a gray skinned demon with long white hair gazing down at the two demons downstairs. She wore a white dress with mismatched stockings, an eyepatch with an X on it, and a pink bow in her hair. 'Lovely hair. She kinda reminds me of a moth' Taylor observed.
"Vaggie, this is Taylor, and she's here to seek redemption! She must have found a flier or heard my message on the TV!" Charlie gushed.
Vaggie jumped down from the top of the stairs, landing with a flourish, and stalked over to Taylor with a suspicious look.
"Is that so?" Vaggie said with a flat tone, clearly skeptical of the newcomer. Suddenly a spear was thrust in Taylor's direction, and they jumped back to get out of range. 'Whoa, she's fast!' Taylor thought.
"Vaggie, don't be scaring guests away! I thought I only had to tell Alastor not to do that!" Charlie admonished.
Vaggie huffed at the comment but put her spear away. Pointing at Taylor, Vaggie warned, "Until I suss out your intentions, I don't trust you. I'm keeping my eye on you."
'I'd better keep the peace, rather not get on her bad side' Taylor concluded. Raising their hands in surrender, they replied, "no worries, I can tell you're being protective. You won't get trouble from me, you'll see."
That earned another glare from Vaggie, but Charlie grabbed her hand and then went to grab Taylor's. Not wanting a repeat of the Vinny incident, Taylor retracted their hands quickly and put them behind their back. Charlie paused for a moment before shrugging.
"Anyway, let's check you in and get you your room key!" Taylor followed the two demons to the bar area that seemed to double as the concierge desk. Charlie went around the bar counter and started rummaging around the shelves. After some searching, she stood back up awkwardly. "Ooh, looks like the room keys might still be in the main office, so wait here while Vaggie and I go get them!"
Taylor just nodded and took a seat at the bar to wait. The two dashed up the stairs, one excitedly, the other giving Taylor another glare before departing. Drumming their claws on the counter, Taylor had a moment to think. 'I wonder what this redemption business entails. Ugh, now that I'm here, I hope I have some time to settle in before my patron finds me again.' Taylor shivered at the memory of their last encounter and dreaded seeing the sociopathic flame again.
Taylor was so deep in thought that they didn't even notice another being walk behind the counter.
"You here for a drink, kid?" Said a gruff voice. Taylor jerked their head up and saw a cat demon with red wings folded behind them. The demon stared at Taylor with a bored expression while they started cleaning glasses. Taylor considered the question before responding,
"What do you recommend? I'm partial to some peach whiskey, but I'm open to suggestions." They said diplomatically. The cat glowered a bit at the response before turning to grab a bottle and a shot glass. Pouring some amber liquid, they passed the glass to Taylor.
"It ain't peach flavored, but we got a decent enough rye whiskey. It's also a favorite of another resident here." they offered.
Taylor thanked the cat demon and took a sip. Sighing in pleasure as the liquid burned their throat and stomach pleasantly, they said graciously.
"Ahh! Still prefer peach whiskey, but this feels top shelf! You got excellent taste; I can respect that. Thanks."
The cat demon just rolled their eyes and huffed, but Taylor could see a small smirk at the compliment. 'Good to know there is a decent place for a drink at least.' they noted.
Taking another sip, Taylor asked, "got a name?"
"Husk" grumbled the cat demon.
"Taylor" they responded, tipping their glass in acknowledgment.
Charlie and Vaggie started coming down the stairs as Taylor finished their drink. Pulling a bill from their wallet, they held it out to Husk.
"Thanks again. If you take drink stocking requests, a peach whiskey would be appreciated."
Husk stared at the bill, then took it and stuffed it into his pocket before Vaggie could see. A barely audible grumble of "you're welcome" followed as they went back to cleaning glasses.
Taylor turned to the demonesses and Charlie handed them a black key with an eye on the handle and the numbers 317 on it.
Charlie was radiating excitement. "We've placed you on the third floor, right across from our other guest. You're welcome to get settled in. You've met Nifty and Husk, but the others are still out. Dinner will be in a few hours, and then you can meet everyone else!" Charlie looked around Taylor before asking. "Where are your bags?"
"Oh, I don't have anything yet. I've only just arrived maybe a day or so ago." Taylor said matter-of-factly.
Vaggie responded, mildly shocked, "you don't have anything?"
Shrugging, Taylor answered. "Well, I have a little bit of money, so I suppose I'll venture out tomorrow and pick up the necessities then."
Charlie chimed in, "Nonsense! Since you're a guest here, Vaggie and I will go out and get you the basics while you focus on settling in!"
Before Taylor could protest, Charlie called out, "Razzle! Dazzle! Please go get the limo ready!" Taylor looked up as two small flying goat demons with dragon features and matching suits flew down and out the front door.
Taylor started to stifle a yawn. 'I guess the day has finally caught up with me.' They mused. Sighing, Taylor conceded, "ok then. I could use a power nap anyway. Thanks Charlie, Vaggie. I'll see you when you get back." Waving to Husk in acknowledgment, and getting a gruff nod back, Taylor ascended the stairs.
When Taylor was out of the room, the three demons looked at each other with expressions of excitement and suspicion.
Vaggie piped up, "I don't trust them, they seem far too nice to be in Hell. What if they're hiding out from people or looking to take advantage of your kindness? They could bring danger to the place!"
Charlie gasped. "Vaggie! How can you say that? Taylor hasn't done anything to earn your suspicion."
Husk offered, "least they have some manners. Been awhile since I've heard someone speak so genuinely. And I can tell when someone is faking it."
All three demons were silent for a moment before Charlie started to get excited again.
"Never mind that now. We now have another guest that we can use to show redemption is possible and that Exterminations are unneeded! C'mon Vaggie, let's go get those things and we can talk about treatment plans on the way!" Charlie grabbed Vaggie's hand and ran out the door, dragging Vaggie along.
"Babe, slow down, Taylor will be here when we get back, promise!" Vaggie called out while trying to keep pace.