A lone imp drove his van to the familiar mansion where his boyfriend resided. Well, Blitzo didn't know the current status of their relationship but he still hoped that their sessions wouldn't be interrupted by the new chaos that ensued in Pride. There was a passionate desire to ravish the Goetia in his own bed; however, hints of hesitation and self-doubt tempered the assassin from escalating that love into a substantial and permanent role in his life. Perhaps he was overthinking this transaction that had been initiated from the earliest days of I.M.P's but those quiet moments in those covers seemed to tell a different story.
He turned his vehicle into the driveway and expected to be met by a locked gate. Yet, this was a different situation as the Hellborn pushed against the brakes and took in the scenery in front of his car. Someone managed to bust through and hard with black tire tracks imprinting the assault on the Stolas' mansion. The carnivorous plants that would normally be decorated along the garden paths leading to the porch had their 'heads' ripped off or riddled with bullets. Even then, the remaining survivors were thinner and wilting underneath the sky. Their owner always fed them with gusto and care.
Suspicious, the low-born creature reached around his seat and pulled out a sniper rifle loaded with Railtracer's special rounds. The mere thought of the human irked his thoughts as he had been deceived by his true intentions but his actions as the company's repairman remained. One of these days, he's going to search around at the Hazbin Hotel and berate the lying sack of shit. Then he would demand an explanation as to why he played undercover with the denizens of Hell.
Blitzo dismounted from his car and quickly rushed to the main entrance whose doors had been left open. By the time he was there, all he could find was a hallway filled with torn carpets and broken furniture by the door. Someone broke in and seemed to have left a mess behind. Who in their right mind would do such a thing to a Hellborn noble? Even if they could, every imp knew that an Ars Goetia wouldn't hesitate to be ruthless to defend their home. Unless someone was capable of stopping one.
The last thought sent a chill to his bone as he immediately rushed inside and began to cry out for his lover's well-being. It couldn't be real and had to be some kind of twisted prank that was just there to hurt his pride. "Stolas, this better be a joke! Come out right now and maybe I'll give you a new record up the ass."
Hesitation transitioned into anticipation as the voice of the owl demon didn't reply while searching through the hallways. His presence somehow made life in Hell a little bit worth living while the CEO searched the rooms along the way. Yet, his fears became realized when Blitzo came across the corpses of imps whose bodies were attracting flies and other insects into the open. Some had their life taken away as if they were unaware of their killer's arrival while others seemed to be tortured on the sport or tried to struggle against their assailants. Not a single one was spared an easy death.
Each search into the rooms along the main hallway was just as terrible as the last. Despite the sight of servants being so plentiful, not a single piece of Stolas' whereabouts could be found. If he did miss it, the imp surmised it would be a waste of time given the size of his lover's 'humble' abode while further inspection shortened the length of the hallway to the other side.
The gun in his hands continued to clench harder with each failing look at the dead. His eyes wanted to release the floodgates until he found even the slightest clue worth a damn. On the other hand, anger and rage simmered from a mere possibility into reality should the killer be so eager to insult the noble's memory by returning to the scene of the crime. Part of him wanted to lash out and kill the person on the spot. If there was a group, he'd personally take his time torturing them and spare the last to extract what information could be found on his boyfriend's whereabouts.
Blitzo arrived at the last door in the hallway and tempered the rising wrath from surging out of control. This was the final opportunity to determine whether the meaning in his life was surely snuffed out. To say that managing his emotions was a difficult aspect was an understatement to anyone who knew about them. With his sniper rifle in one hand, he reached out to the doorknob and turned, slowly pushing forward to find what was left of the Goetian house. Soon, the hinges creaked as he swung it inside with his barrel slipping through the opening and flicking the fire modes into automatic.
When he summoned the courage to enter the room, all he found were more bodies littered on the far side of the living room. Holding out for some vain hope that he wouldn't have to face the reality of what just happened did little to ease his mind. He was distraught with the idea that someone so important and close to him could disappear in such a way. The imp wanted to be angry and lash out at the feelings of regret but he could only fall to his knees and scream to the stars.
A cold chill ran down his spine and soon the Hellborn paused to get a sense of his surroundings. He was never one to believe in having a sixth sense; however, the feeling of someone watching over him felt strong. "Who's there?!"
Blitzo frantically looked around and aimed his rifle at wherever he looked. Now, whoever lurked to close any loose ends would have a bad time with the owner of I.M.P. Anyone willing to get on his nerves would learn of the wrath that had entered his mind from the moment he entered his boyfriend's estate. Despite the possibility of someone being close, his eyes noticed the floor and caught a glimpse of a ruffled feather lying on the floor. His hand reached out and picked it up, perhaps it was a clue?
His nose managed to grasp a familiar scent, one that was too expensive for the likes of the lowest of Hell's society, Hellborn and sinners alike. What was certain was that it belonged to Stolas and maybe it could lead him to his location. After all, his daughter was a Hellhound and they had a unique ability to track their prey. While his employees would think it was some sort of kink, the imp could probably explain that he's just looking out for the Goetia to whom they owe their livelihoods.
The second-in-command to the Archangel of Death opened his eyes for the first time since his slumber. Tony lived a life nearing exhaustion but made small steps never to let it interfere with his duties until now. His effort in stalling the attack and kidnapping had sapped away his energy from performing on behalf of the Department of Purgatory. As he sat up from his bed, the courier looked around surrounded by a luxurious room and silk bedsheets. Any longer and the saved would have considered laying his back down and enjoying himself in the Hazbin Hotel if his mind wasn't so focused on evacuating Archangel Lucifer's daughter out of Hell.
He thought about pulling the soft blanket off himself until the door ahead of him was kicked open wide. Old habits demanded that he instinctively reach for his pistols until his mind quickly recognized Princess Charlie Magne Morningstar standing in the doorway holding a tray occupied by a bowl, a glass of orange juice, and a mug of what he presumed to be coffee. "Good, morning!"
"What's going on?" Her ecstatic mood was certainly charming and the former post-apocalypse survivor appreciated the welcoming sight of a hotel manager bringing food to him.
"I heard that you collapsed and Vaggie dragged you to one of our rooms," She began, reminding him of his body failing him until he fell into a slumber, "Then she explained that you were just so tired. I thought about making you a great energizing meal to begin the day."
"Look, appreciate what you're doing but I have a job to do." He tried to reason with her as the priority of her safety meant more than his well-being. That and he needed to take that initiative before the window of opportunity closed. Yet, the princess eagerly walked over to his bedside and placed the food tray across from him.
"As the owner of this hotel and the princess of Hell, I will not let you leave until you get something to eat. You can begin your work after you finish eating."
"I don't need this much, just something small enough-" He was about to lift the tray until the royal of the dark realm leaned forward and planted the handle with enough strength. It took him by surprise as the department's second-in-command recognized a hint of her power as her gaze fell upon the servant of Heaven.
"This is not a suggestion but a command," The heir began as she leaned back and sat beside his legs, "Consider this my gratitude for helping my hotel and saving its people."
Tony relented and was convinced by the girl, not like he had much of a choice as he looked down at his meal to find a bowl of oatmeal and the rising heat. "Fine."
It was fresh out of the pot and he surely would snatch at the adjacent silver spoon. Grabbing the utensil, he scooped a small fraction of the main morning course and ate. Warm baked oats managed to slither through as his stomach became warm from the simple nutritious portion.
"Did you cook this?" Charlie smiled as if she was looking for his approval. Then his eyes trailed to the white mug and he reached out to quench his thirst, taking a sip of hot caffeine to rejuvenate him for what lay ahead of him and the bloodline of the fallen archangel.
"I know this might seem out of place but what does your department think of your Hazbin Hotel? Just, be honest with me as I'd like to improve upon it as much as possible when I get the chance to bring people to Heaven."
He lowered the mug from his lips and looked down at his food, contemplating his next words. Everyone in Heaven knew about the princess' redemption hotel and her positive outlook on the reality of the afterlife. Especially as Heaven still considered itself in a state of war with Hell but agreed to a ceasefire of an inconclusive war. "I don't know how to put this lightly."
"Oh," Her eyes lit up as the girl's excitement flowed into her expression. She raised a finger and felt the need to address the matter while looking away, "Is it because my hotel hasn't gotten enough people seeking redemption?"
"Your highness-"
"What about the advertisements? Surely, I could go out of my to spread awareness better than before."
"Ma'am-"
"How about I do another event involving celebrities?"
"Charlie!" She stopped herself from rambling and turned to him, reigning her enthusiasm from getting ahold of her."
"Sorry, I got ahead of myself."
"I've been to the meetings when my boss invites me to the Council of Archangels every session." Tony needed to explain to her the political situation in Heavenside. Her view of the world was too willing to believe in the best of outcomes and he needed to convey the nature of their hostility towards Hell, "It is unlikely that they will entertain your idea of redeeming sinners."
Her eyes looked down to the floor, saddened by his response. Seeing her somber face was disheartening to witness for a person so pure and good. "Why? What reason do they have to deny me this? All I want is to end the extermination of my people. Is it wrong to ask that? I can't abandon them like this, they deserve better."
"What I say may not be something you want to hear?" The truth held power but it could also be a bitter pill that most in life would be unwilling to swallow. Heaven's pure holiness was matched by its cold and ruthless efficiency when it came to the matter of managing the afterlife. The princess grimaced before turning her head to face him.
"I'm used to being ridiculed. What else could hurt me?"
It was time to reveal the plans behind the exterminations and one-sided relationship that Heaven cultivated with Hell so it would always stack the decks in God's favor. He grabbed the glass of orange juice and took a quick sip of the sugary drink. "The Archangels, the Heavenborn, and the saved view your father as a security threat. Ever since the day he signed the ceasefire treaty to end all hostilities after the War in Heaven, the exterminations were part of a clause our people included to ensure that if he ever raised his sword and rallied an army to his side, it wouldn't be enough to stop us. The Department of Purgatory, my department, specialized in infiltrating Hell so we could list priority targets for the exterminators to search and destroy as we were afraid that some sinners would be angel slayers. We kill enough of your people every year, all of Hell would be at a severe disadvantage."
"How is this supposed to be informative? Honestly, I think I should throw you off the balcony just for being complicit in that shit! How many tears have I shed for people who didn't get a chance to be better?! There better be a point to it all." Tony knew he was as guilty as Cain; however, there was a slight chance to do something about it. The concept of openly redeeming sinners required special circumstances to convince the council to make arrangements. Fortunately, these days were indeed special enough to demand their attention. Before his exhaustion, he remembered that conversation in the kitchen with Vaggie and felt the need to include that in this discussion.
"With what has been going on, you might be able to change that. As of right now, I'm going to tell you something that would sound unbelievable in the grand scheme of things."
She raised an eyebrow from her left eye while crossing both arms across her chest. "Really? Didn't you just tell me that your department was organized towards ordering kill teams on sinners?"
"Yes," He rolled his eyes before grabbing ahold of the tray and putting it aside. The meal would be finished but after he would reveal the knowledge of his plans, "Gabriel is coming after you and I haven't been able to report to my superiors and his peers about the situation. So, I'm going to break a couple of rules and find us a way to get to Heaven. The Council is going to need witnesses if I'm going to accuse an archangel of treason but this might be the one and only time you could present your redemption hotel to them."
"Say what, now?" She seemed confused at first until his words managed to resonate with her, "You're serious. Are you telling me that I get this one chance to showcase the Hazbin Hotel to my uncles?"
Tony nodded his head, confirming her aspirations. He still held reservations but his reasons were still in service to the Garden of Eden. Countless meetings about dealing with Lucifer could be undone by the pure nature of a daughter who wanted the best of people in life. She held her breath and giggled as it alleviated his worry for the princess ever since she embarrassed herself on live television. Despite that eventual meeting, the greatest obstacle they needed to cover was the lack of transportation. "The thing is, I need to find some transportation to help us get to the pearly gates, once we find it, we are going straight there without hesitation. So, if you want to make any preparations for your presentation, I'd get started right now."
"Thank you!" She lunged forth and hugged him as Azrael's second-in-command couldn't help himself but feel embarrassed. This felt less like a stressful mission and more like he was a therapist.
"You're welcome, ma'am."
"Charlie?!" A man shouted from the hallway as footsteps approached his bedroom she pulled herself away from him. Appearing in the doorway, was none other than the infamous fallen archangel, Lucifer Magne Morningstar. With an apple cane in hand, he observed the room for a brief moment before noticing her and the agent of the department, "Who is this?"
"Dad, I would like to introduce someone to you. This is Tony, he works for the Department of Heaven and directly under Azrael." The heir explained the infiltrator's credentials as he felt embarrassed that he would meet the ruler of the Dark Realm under these circumstances.
"You're one of Azrael's men. Vaggie told me about what you are planning and it certainly is a gamble I didn't think a man like you would propose. Heaven is many things and they don't like to have their rules broken."
"Neither do they like having one of their own engage in treason." Tony quipped but then he stopped and realized his mouth went off.
The ruler of Hell held a tighter grip over his cane as he took three more steps toward him. "So, why do you need my daughter in Heaven when you have many other witnesses to take with you?"
"Till this day, they remain unsure of whether you remain as a security threat or not," He answered as his plans began to become set in motion on whether or not the fallen one would agree to his insane scheme reliant on trust. Charlie had to be in the Council Chambers to give every sinner a chance, "Your daughter is one of the few qualities we know you'll defend to the bitter end. It would alleviate their worries and get the other archangels to shirk their support for Gabriel."
"I would also get an audience to talk about my hotel." Charlie revealed as the courier anticipated whether he would receive fatherly wrath or approval. Lucifer's head was raised as if that was the attention-grabber than the matter about his brother.
"You spoke to my daughter about the Hazbin Hotel," The king began, taking another three steps, reaching the end of the bed, "Are you merely entertaining her or being genuine?"
Their eyes fell on him as the second-in-command reached for his coffee mug and took another bitter sip. Charlie may not have seen what it's like to redeem people but he had always overseen the process when it occurred under his watch. "The Department of Purgatory has always been capable of redeeming sinners but we've done a good job keeping that under wraps. We don't do it often but when it happens, Azrael hasn't established a proper bureaucracy related to that subject. With good reason too, we're worried about maintaining appearances and keeping whistleblowers from sharing that in Hell. My department would love to help Charlie with a central location where we can assist but it needs approval from the council and what better time than now?"
"It's the latter then. What if I don't approve and have my daughter relegated to the protection of my guards at the palace? How can I be sure that you won't protect her as well as I would?"
"Hear me out," The threat of Gabriel loomed over the princess no matter how much anyone could do for her in Hell. Sure, Lucifer was the one who slayed archangels but all it took was a bit of luck and preparation to steal his daughter and lure him into a trap, "They came after her so they could lure you into becoming vulnerable and kill you. We know how dangerous your Crimson Guard is but well-trained Hellborn troops are no match for the Archangel of Judges. At the very least, if I can get her to the Council Chambers, even Michael wouldn't hesitate to intervene on her behalf as he also has the Seraphim Guard under his command."
An apprehensive Lucifer straightened his back and looked down on him. Few could claim they could see reluctance in the Devil but the power of words alone had an impact on him. "You are that sure that Charlie will be safe at all costs. Her mother and I… we can't risk losing her."
"I know, sir, but the longer we wait the more time Gabriel and his followers will make another attempt at kidnapping her. Unlike last time, I don't have an army to stop them."
"Dad, it's okay. We can do this, you have to trust us. If this is what needs to happen, I'd gladly go." The princess spoke, walking over to hold onto his cane.
"Then there is one thing I need to do before I leave," He said before turning around and walking to the doorway, "Search for Artyom, for I intend to do my part."
It was hardly quiet at the Macho Machine as the two succubi and sinner sought its refuge. The thunder of explosions and the crackle of gunfire in the distance were more frequent than before. Verosika had received word from her father of an ancient war machine to stay put as he put out fires across the layers of Hell. The feeling of being in genuine danger was unlike any she had truly experienced and that scared her, more than she would like to admit. Yet, the real fear was the whereabouts and well-being of Railtracer and Mayberry at the Hazbin Hotel. Her phone had lit up with emergency messages about Heavenly soldiers appearing and attacking sinners and Hellborn indiscriminately. Was there truly a war going on while she finished filling up plastic cups with ice cappuccinos?
She carried a cupholder containing three drinks as she walked over to the counter where her dad would normally handle the customers. Yet, this was on her paycheck as she carefully handed the drinks across to Pavel and Kiki before they swiveled around in their seats and looked at the television installed from above. 666 News was trying to get their story together but there were brief channel previews of the Hazbin Hotel being attacked and defended. Part of her wanted to call the princess or anyone living there; however, connection to the phone network was spotty and the only reason she received any news from her dad was thanks to the incredible hardware built into its systems.
"Not much of a praying man but I hope Railtracer and the others are alright," Pavel commented before grabbing the drink and sipping from the black straw inside, "We all could use some good news right now."
Kiki, sitting beside him, scoffed at the notion of the greater powers at hand. "Heaven is probably the reason why shit like this is happening. Why the fuck are they coming down here all of a sudden?"
"I don't know and that is what worries me. It's too early at this time of the year. Something must have spooked them if they're going out of their way to cause that much of a problem." He surmised but Verosika noticed how the sinner's tone was different. This was one of the few times she ever witnessed him look at an issue with any serious thought while the trio kept watching the television screen, hoping for the news to arrive.
"Look, they're starting."
The television channel shifted into the background set of 666 News starring the female news anchor and her assistant wearing a gas mask. Soon, the pale blonde revealed her unsettling smile before her red lips opened to speak about the issue. "Welcome back! My name is Katie Killjoy and the limp dick with me is Tom Trench. We bring you the latest regarding the attack on Hazbin Hotel before the power went out. Hell's special softy just got the attention of Heaven but not in the way she imagined."
"There have been sightings of heavy concentrations of exterminators in the surrounding the hotel. If you like a one-way redemption ticket to Heaven, here's your chance!" The sinner in the gas mask enthusiastically reported as the woman beside him stole a glance at him with an annoyed look. "We also have inside info that there have been humans appearing around the building, some helping the exterminators while others joined up with the guests. There's plenty of speculation on where they came from but don't stick around the area for too long or you'll get a spear in you!"
"We also have some sinners take shelter there and have a recording of the building under attack. Here is one of the phones we managed to find intact."
The quality of the audio was compressed but there was a sense of power that Verosika had never felt before. She knew of Heaven's power; however, experiencing the feeling in its diluted form was entirely different. "YOU INSIGNIFICANT FUCKS, THIS IS NOT OVER!"
"Shit." The pop star commented, not knowing what else she could say to describe the situation at the Hazbin Hotel. Her only reason to be concerned was her boyfriend and girlfriend since it was their residence. Then Pavel's phone began to ring as he reached into his breast pocket and pulled it out. "Who's calling?"
"It's Art-I mean, Railtracer. Here's hoping things have gone well at the hotel." The communist revealed as she grew suspicious over his self-interruption. Did he know her sinner lover's true name?
"Ask if he's okay."
He nodded his head as he began to take the call. "Hey, comrade, how are things going on over there?"
"Better than expected, worse than desired," Verosika heard his tired voice but she slightly smiled, feeling better that he didn't die amid the attack, "Where are you, exactly?"
"The Macho Machine. Your girlfriend's dad runs the place."
"Anyone else with you?" She heard him ask.
"Da, Kiki and Verosika." Both men seemed calm despite current events. The succubus didn't know how to perceive whether or not it was a good sign. "Want to talk to your girl?"
"Yeah, kinda worried with what's been going on. Just so you know, Tony wants you to link up at the hotel. With what's left of us, we've been given priority tasking."
The next choice of words changed the attitude of the conversation as the pop star stole a glance from her friend. The nature of the discussion took both aback. "How many survived?"
"Aside from Tony - it's just me, you, and Uhlman. Everyone else didn't make it but we managed to keep the princess and her people out of the danger zone." It was a sad note within that conversation but what emotions the Russian had, he didn't reveal any hint of it. All he did was take a deep breath and exhale.
"Okay, I'm going to pass the phone to Verosika and let you two catch up."
He passed his phone over to the Hellborn as she received the device and prepared to hold a conversation on Railtracer. "Hey, babe, how are you doing? I heard what's going on the news."
"I'm glad to hear your voice. Mayberry and I were worried you were caught up in the attack as well." She heard his concern as she released a small laugh at their dire situation. Maybe the worst of times were over; however, he continued, "I… I don't know where to begin. Everything's a mess."
"How about we come over and worry about that in person?" The succubus needed to see for her own eyes. Railtracer sounded troubled and maybe a little comfort would go a long way.
"No. Not a good idea, it's very hard to explain but it's too dangerous."
"Look, maybe I can help you out," There had to be a good reason why he was acting like this, "Why don't you want me to come?"
She heard his exhaustive sigh on the other side. "I have some skeletons in my closet that I've been keeping close to my chest. My superiors are going to give me an ass-kicking but the truth is, Pavel and I are going to be escorting Princess Charlie and her people somewhere safer. The people who attacked the Hazbin Hotel are still in Hell and we're being hunted."
"Where can I meet you?" The way he mentioned 'superior' demanded questions. While he did work for her ex-boyfriend, even she knew the imp wasn't good at organizing his business. Rather, it felt like a third party was involved, one that Railtracer wasn't too privy to reveal.
"Verosika, I can't say anything. You have to trust me on this." It was almost as if he was pleading with her. If she had to be honest with herself, his words were convincing, "Once we make preparations and head out, I have to cut off communication for everyone's safety and I don't know how long that blackout will last."
"Will we see each other again?"
The pop star took his word; however, she desired to hear his intentions once he left her. If this were going to part ways as lovers, now would be the time. At the very least, the sinner managed to soften the blow compared to how Blitzo left her in the dust. "I can't make guarantees if this will succeed but if everything goes well as planned… I will come back for you."
"Look, I like your enthusiasm but don't die trying to keep a promise to a girl like me." What words could she say next? This could be the last time they would speak to each other but her heart's deepest desires still sought his return.
"Don't take this the wrong way but you almost sounded like my wife… before I ended up in the afterlife." The mention of his past had taken her aback as in all of the time she spent with him, he never spoke of his previous life. Hearing a sinner reminiscence wasn't interesting to most denizens of Hell but it sounded like he enjoyed that moment enough to break the serious tone of his situation/ In the background, she could hear commotion through the speakers as someone called for Railtracer's attention before he continued speaking, "I'm being asked to do something and I got to get off."
She nodded her head, understanding his dire situation. "It's okay. Do what you have to do?"
"Mayberry sends her regards but I just want to say that I love you."
"I love you, too." His heartfelt honesty was a welcome to her ears, only matched by her songs for the concerts. Railtracer sounded vulnerable, perhaps the most she had ever heard from a man who seemed to be relaxed about his existence in the afterlife.
The call ended as Verosika placed Pavel's phone on the counter and took a sip from her cappuccino. Time will tell whether the relationship will endure.
Prince Stolas had to suffer the indignation of being kidnapped by lowly imp gangsters and their ilk of a master. Yet, despite the present danger he found himself in, his mind drifted to their employer. No love was lost between the arranged husband and wife but the prince knew her too well. She was prone to outbursts and openly expressed her anger towards him whenever he was away sleeping with Blitzo. What he also knew was that the high-ranking Hellborn was short-tempered to the point that it couldn't possibly be her alone in this scheme. Someone else was involved and carefully prepared for his capture.
He and his daughter were brought into a warehouse in Greed. The stench of gross heaps offended the sensible nose but such was the place where the Hellborn make a living off salvaging the failed remains of businesses on other levels. With multiple hands of gangster muscle and a cowboy's lasso, they guided him to take a seat in a metal chair while hearing the cries of his daughter on the far side of the room. He wanted to reassure Octavia that they were fine, the truth was, he couldn't admit that. Nothing could comfort her about their capture and it made his blood boil that the jewel of his life was being used as collateral in case he stepped out of line.
An arrogant voice dictated the building; yet, its owner was all too familiar. "Remove the bag. I want to look at him face-to-face."
"Andrealphus?" Stolas immediately recognized him as his sack was pulled out. He had been brought to a metal table, sitting across from another Ars Goetia in white and blue. The high-ranking member of Hell was from his wife's side of the family and he smugly looked down upon the prince while sipping a cup of tea.
"I normally despise going into Greed but for an occasion like this, the offense can be overlooked."
The imp in charge of the operation approached the royal while adjusting his fedora to a slight inclination from the left. "We did what you asked. Where is our payment?"
"In the bank accounts of you and your associates," He answered as he placed his cup on the table and turned to the kidnapper. It was one of the few times that a low-born would ever receive the praise of its social superiors, "You have my thanks, Crimson. I am grateful that you have offered your services. Especially, with the risk involving Paimon."
"It's my pleasure. Besides, one of my employees seems to have an incredible grudge against your man. Had to placate him, you know." The imprisoned bird thought back to the moment when it all took place. It wasn't surprising that his family had enemies but the question was who received the worst of his bloodline's decisions?
"Very well, he shall receive a bonus. While that is settled we need to address my in-law in the room."
Their heads turned toward Stolas with the beady eyes of the noble inciting his questions. "What do you want?"
"Stella has revealed your indiscretions with a particular imp and I feel the insult warranted a matter of compensation. Your marriage with my sister guarantees my family with your father's impressive troops and assets in exchange for a daughter to continue your bloodline. Now that the matter is settled, it is time that we merely cash in on that promise." The cold and calculating life of an Ars Goetia was made known in that room. Even the surrounding Greedsharks and imps revealed awe in the conversation, reminding the dregs of Hell's society who held sway.
"I can certainly accept you concocted such a plan. Your sister has no idea how to manage subtlety, even if her life depended on it." It was an insult masked by his respect for Andrealphus' ability. Yet, the message was made clear that he caught his brother-in-law scowling at his words. Crimson glanced at the trapped Goetia and showed a distinctive message to one of his guards. Someone walked from behind and Stolas felt a hard slap on the back of the head. Painful as it was, he wouldn't be coerced to accept the power granted by his father. "No. What you received was an alliance, nothing else."
"Oh, I do love a challenge but I think you are in no position to dictate terms. After all, what would dear Octavia feel about your complete disregard for her feelings? Perhaps, if you ever want to see your daughter again, I would be careful with your next words."
Once he was reminded of one of the few precious and good people that came into his arranged marriage, the prince became paralyzed in his decisions. What could he do under those constraints? Every single person in Hell valued their power, Hellborn and sinners alike. He had principles but what good were they when the child's life depended upon it? There wasn't a choice to be had as his head lowered and he resigned himself to his fate. "Then you better make your request."
"Very good! What I need is your signature and we'll be on our way." Andrealphus was elated as he stood up from his chair, towering over Stolas with the moment of power. His fingertips snapped and a parchment appeared across the table. A contract with all of its legalese presented, all while the bottom of the paper revealed the line where he would write his name. "Our impish friend will release you from the lasso but any attempt to fight and break free will forfeit any chance to see my niece again."
The golden rope that tied him had been loosened from behind as he felt his wrists freed from its capture. Then they reached out to the paper as he looked over the details, seeing that his family's military power would be transferred. Once signed, his father's fury would be tremendous as it was legally binding and the only true way for him to undo it all would be to bring it up in Lucifer's court. Although he had met the ruler of Hell before, he had doubts that the king of the dark realm would even remember him given the nature of the noble politics.
Crimson approached the kidnapped side of the table while his hand reached for a black pen from his breast pocket. The gangster passed it close enough to the Goetia's hand with a cold and distant message. "Get this over with. We don't have all day."
Then the imp retreated to Andrealphus' side with both arms behind his back.
Stolas contemplated his fate as he reached for the pen and uncapped the top, revealing the dark tip. There was no going back once the ink dried along the signature line. With the instrument ready, his hand hovered over and accepted the consequences.
He never had the chance when the warehouse's glass panels along the ceiling shattered from above. The aura of devastation inside the room had been disrupted with shards descending and crashing onto the floor. Everyone quickly looked up to find the shadows of intruders arriving on the scene. For a brief moment, no one could be recognized save for the war cries of an imp with a sailor's mouth. "Nice to meet you, assholes!"
"Blitzy?" Confused settled in as he realized his beloved rescuer had arrived just in time to prevent the contract's completion. His lover was rappelling fast and landed on his right as two Greedsharks and an imp attempted to assail him from around with bats; however, the assassin was quicker with his rifle as he dispatched the guards with the speed of his trigger finger.
"Alright, motherfuckers, hand over the horny bird and no one will get hurt!" The owner of I.M.P. announced with the weapon's barrel smoking. Meanwhile, the far side of the warehouse revealed that his two employees were doing the same on the other side of the building. Gunfire erupted but there was some hope that his daughter would be rescued from the kidnappers.
The brother-in-law stood up from his chair and revealed his annoyance. "Bloody peasants! Get rid of them!"
Stolas didn't hesitate to enjoy his newfound freedom by spinning his head around enough to find a lanky Greedshark taken aback. He stared hard at him, revealing a red hue that paralyzed the target in fear before his powers began to petrify the Hellborn into stone while overtaken in horror. Then the noble spun around to see his kidnappers take notice of his freedom as gunshots rang out.
"Sign the damn contract!" Crimson said with a scowl as he reached within his suit.
Not a chance was wasted when he quickly threw the pen at the mobster with a mere flick of his wrist. It darted forward as the imp was about to retrieve a handgun from his jacket; yet, the speed managed to stab into his hand. His target yelled out at the stinging pain before the prince decided to take advantage of the moment by kicking his foot upward to toss the table and soar towards the Goetia and his dirty muscle.
He spun around and ran by to snatch Blitzo off his feet while he was in the midst of shooting at more guards elsewhere. "We got to go!"
"What the - hold on." An imp ambushed the duo from the left but Stolas' lover raised his rifle and fired, killing the assailant mid-air, "You mind telling me where I'm being taken?"
"Octavia. Once we fetch her, we are leaving. Andrealphus won't take this lying down."
"Uh, who?" He expressed his confusion as the prince swiftly crossed halfway across the warehouse.
"My brother-in-law. He almost got me to sign a contract to hand over my legions. Your rescue came in just in time."
It seemed to affect him as the recoil shifted over his left shoulder. "Well fuck me and call me a fleshlight. Better now than later."
The other side of the warehouse was just as chaotic with the scared Goetian girl being closely protected by a Hellhound, ferociously fending off lucky gangsters trying to reach out to the royal daughter. Stolas also caught a glimpse of Millie and Moxxie flanking Blitzo's adoptive daughter with the husband dual-wielding submachine guns on the left and the wife sweeping through thugs with a two-headed battle axe. He rarely got the chance to speak with them but perhaps he would personally express his gratitude when they were in safer territory.
A dozen guards assailed the three defenders with metal pipes and wooden beams but little did they know about the Hellborn noble coming upon them from behind. Their heads turned around as they finally heard his quick footsteps in the middle of the aisle. The prince immediately revealed his crimson power and they found themselves stuck in place as more statues occupied the building.
When they reached the others, Octavia ran past Loona and reached out to embrace him in a hug while placing Blitzo on the ground. "Dad!"
"My little bird," Relief rushed over him as he turned his head to the imp who orchestrated his escape, "We better get out while we can."
"Easier said than done. Moxxie told me his dad runs this place. He literally has an army surrounding this place. We should count our lucky horns that we even got through in the first place." He explained but it only revealed the dire straits of their situation. Stolas' brother-in-law was smart to have placed a bag over his head as he wouldn't have figured out the exit even if he escaped.
The cries of imps and Greedsharks began to flood into the building, and loud shouting and kicked doors echoed out from behind the Goetia's back. He looked back to find so many people outnumbering the party, that it would require his powers to deal with the problem. "Does anybody here have my Grimoire?"
"I do!" The Hellhound girl responded with haste.
"Hand it over," She was intelligent enough to use some of its spells but he was a master of its arcane knowledge while she popped the lock by her waist and handed the ancient tome into his hands. He looked back to see the army of gangsters growing while the two of Blitzo's imp employees readied their weapons. It wouldn't be enough to stop them and he was eager to find someplace safer. His home wasn't viable but perhaps I.M.P's office would suffice. The prince flicked through the pages until he found the spell to open a portal. "There you are."
The Wrath-accented imp in the group spoke about the incoming onslaught. "Uh, I don't wanna rush you but there's a lot of them."
"Give me a second." Stolas brushed past the Hellhound and his daughter, approaching the empty white wall, a canvas for the powers he would perform. He spoke in the tongues of the ancient past as his free hand began to motion to draw a circle in the air. Once the incantation was complete, a blue outline appeared on the wall as eldritch powers broke through the fabric of reality and opened a way out. In contrast to the chaotic atmosphere of the warehouse, the assassination office appeared relatively peaceful.
"Alrighty then, let's get the fuck out of here!"
He didn't even need to reply as he grabbed his daughter's hand and guided her through. The others were quick to follow after him, escaping the mafia out for blood. Blitzo and Moxxie were the last to come through, shooting their guns out through the portal. It wouldn't be long before the magical connection would falter but as the freed Goetia looked back and saw the imps and Greedsharks come short of reaching them, the blue and white form of Andrealphus on the far side remained prominent.
The two nobles stared at each other before they were cut off and a wall of pink and purple took place of the spell's location. He let out a breath of relief, enjoying the moment of reprieve. At some point, the high-ranking Hellborn would be forced to face them again but at least he would do so on his terms now that Stella's side of the family revealed their intentions.
Blitzo brushed off the sweat from his brow and walked past the relieved employees of I.M.P. on his way toward the prince. Yet, he stopped as blood was drained from his face. "Uh, are you got us at our place?"
"What are you talking about?" He turned around to glimpse at the sight that seemed to have stunned his lover. Upon turning, a lithe blonde woman in a black dress was sitting on a chair taken from the table in the middle of the room. Black horns protruded out from her forehead with a beautiful appearance surpassing the likes of the most famous succubi. "Oh, her."
"Hello, Prince Stolas, my husband has need of you." She rose from her chair and walked over to the Goetians and their imp companions. It was not long before all knelt or bowed in the presence of Queen Lilith.
The Hazbin Hotel's local homosexual porn star found himself at odds with its new human inhabitants. On one hand, he enjoyed the idea of tempting some of Heaven's servants with a room and a drink. Yet, Angel resisted the urge to seduce the investigators as their existence brought questions about his existence. There was once a time when he did look human but his soul had gotten accustomed to living in Hell that his mind once thought about remembering how he looked like before he died. That thought did the most damage to his psyche as he couldn't remember and it terrified him.
Sitting quietly on the living room couch, he was interrupted from that thinking when he noticed Uhlman kneeling beside the television, making adjustments to its wiring. "Chyort, my lada works better than this and it's missing half the parts to run."
"Don't you have anything important to do?" He asked, wondering why this undercover agent wasn't being productive.
"It all requires Tony, unfortunately, he's exhausted and needs sleep until he starts barking orders. Until then, I'm going to take this one opportunity to relax. I haven't gotten any ever since my group was assigned to the investigation."
"Just like that? You're just going to sit on your ass and do nothing." He was in disbelief that someone from Heaven would act so nonchalantly as if the kidnapping never happened. How the Hell was the hotel going to last with that attitude? "Maybe I had too much of an expectation."
The Russian slapped the television as the connection to the networks was reached and the channel played without interruption. He grabbed the remote by his side and walked over to Angel before taking a seat beside the spider sinner. "That's on you for setting the bar. Besides, I used to be a soldier, which is ninety percent boring bullshit with the rest made up of absolute terror."
"How long have you been doing this, then?"
"Me? A couple of years. Mostly just eavesdropping on sinners and snagging a few poor souls wrongly placed there." He casually answered while flipping through the channels. Angel's initial impressions of their group after they revealed themselves seemed to water down the cold and ruthless appearance. It was as if they were merely doing a chore. "Sure beats the cubical work the office drones have to do back at headquarters. I don't know how Artyom managed to handle the processing."
That detail perked his head up as it seemed there was more to the real identity of Railtracer that he never revealed in the past. He stole a look from a bored Uhlman before asking about their mutual friend. "He wasn't one of you guys?"
"Yeah, he was recently reassigned to my group. You could say that our current mission is his first. Before that, he was sending souls to either Heaven or Hell."
"You got to be fucking with me! You're telling me his other job was sending people down here." He was taken aback by the news. It was a hard fact to swallow, knowing that an authority in Heaven willingly sent people to this depressing existence.
The investigator stopped clicking after stumbling upon a television show about a dysfunctional family shouting at each other. Then he reached into his body armor's breast pocket and brandished a cigarette. "The one job no one in Heaven that nobody is envious of, having to review a person's sins and good deeds then deciding whether or not to be greeted at the pearly gates."
"Shit must be bad if Heaven doesn't want to do that job."
"Oh, you have no idea. Azrael took it upon himself to do that job. Then as time went out, he had to deal with a backlog of incoming souls before the Council of Archangels decided to green-light the creation of the Department of Purgatory." Uhlman replied with his tone as he became the closest person to inform Angel Dust of the inner workings of those in charge, "Let's forget about my daily life of depression that is my average work week."
"Okay, your call." The porn star acknowledged before he noticed the hotel's one-eyed black feline jump onto the couch from the right.
He looked over and chuckled as his hand reached out to the creature. "I forgot you guys got a cat running around here."
The animal sniffed the man's fingers before taking a moment to take in his scent. Then it hissed at the Russian as he pulled his hand back.
"A shame I didn't bring any cat treats. I wished I stole some from the Grim Reaper's zoo."
"The guy in charge of dealing with dead people has his own zoo?" The homosexual was baffled by the idea. His mental image of one of the most terrifying beings in existence running around with cute fluffy animals was on the edge of comical. At the same time, it was also a wholesome notion, "Shit, I'd want that too."
"Eh, that one is a special case. A depressing one at that. You'd find more humor in a graveyard." Uhlman answered before pulling out a lighter in the shame of a bullet. After flicking the top off and sparking the small flame into existence, he lit the end of the cigarette between his lips.
"It can't be that bad."
"They were animals who were poorly mistreated and traumatized. Living and loving creatures that enjoyed life who were victims of human cruelty." He exhaled the smoke buried within his lungs and then glanced in Angel's direction. The tone alone revealed a silent sadness from within. "They're an example of why some humans deserve to go to Hell."
It was quite a statement but to openly convey that feeling in the hotel made around redeeming damned souls was a declaration. Maybe he was being too harsh on sinners. "It can't be that bad. They might have made a mistake."
"There is no doubt that a sinner can make an honest mistake, but then there's deliberate vile action. Tell me, do you know what it's like to watch some mother goose have her eggs smashed by a brick because a boy found it gratifying? What about throwing a box of kittens into a river, hoping they'd die from drowning." For a brief moment, the sinner caught a glimpse of the man's anger with a wrathful glare.
"Hey, I didn't mean to get you pissed off. Just like wanted to know more about the people who sent me down here." His words seemed to have calmed Uhlman as he leaned forward and stared at the television screen.
"That one is on me. I admire the princess' efforts at redeeming a sinner but she hasn't been in our position and read the evil that mankind possesses. Charlie doesn't understand that some people have forfeited that right a long time ago."
Minutes were spent watching the television of two lovers attempting to fall in love in a comedic way; yet, it was in contrast to the viewers on the couch. Angel Dust didn't have the words to continue that conversation but he got a glimpse of the life working for this Department of Purgatory. The choice to damn a soul for eternity or save it from the Dark Realm was this task just as difficult as it was to convince sinners they could be redeemed through good and honest behavior.
"I will admit, your benefactor does seem to know how to pick a sinner deserving of redemption." Anthony couldn't help but smile at that remark. The fact that there was something good out there who thought well of him.
Author's Note: Thus, ends the chapter on a relatively minor note that progresses the plot a bit. With the announcement of a third and fourth season for Hazbin Hotel along with the introduction of characters like Baxter, it's such a shame that this somewhat stealth multi-crossover storyline won't be able to incorporate the newer details of characters. I already have the arcs planned out from the back of my mind. Well, that is presuming I maintain the pace of the updates. If you have any thoughts on the story, leave a comment or a review behind. I'd appreciate that.