A/N: Sorry it took so long. I basically had to transcribe a lot of episode one's Transcript into chapter form and figure out the ways Steel could change things while making it feel natural. I hope I succeeded.

Steel sat rather awkwardly next to the spider demon he'd met only a few minutes ago, staring at the pale blonde and her ashen… friend? The spider had tried flirting with him but all he had to do was rest his hand on Acerbus and Angel Dust got the point. So, it'd been relatively awkward, especially since the pale one Charlie, seemed defeated and dejected, and the grey one, Vaggie, seemed to be glaring daggers at both of them. Truly a tough skill to master. He noted sarcastically.

The one on the right… I do not think she's a demon. Nael responded.

Noticed that too, huh? We'll address it later. For now… Finally, Steel decided to speak. "Sorry for imposing. I promise you as soon as I find a way out of the mess I find myself in, I will no longer require any of the assistance you might be willing to provide."

Charlie smiled weakly. "It's not trouble! Really. Actually, it's… nice that Angel made a… friend? And! Even better that he's bringing him to the hotel to get him on board with our little project!"

"Yeah." Vaggie scoffed. "A project YOU just jeopardized!" She shouted, pointing at Angel, who was busy playing with the window to the cabin.

Angel quickly realized he was being addressed and stopped playing with the button. "What?" He asked, legitimately confused.

"What? WHAT!? What do you mean, what?! What were you thinking, getting into a PUBLIC brawl?!"

"Hey! I owed my gal pal a favor! And I paid it back! Isn't that a 'redeeming quality'?" He asked, putting air quotes on the last two words.

"NOT with gang war conflicts that result in territorial genocide!"

Angel shrugged and leaned back, putting his legs up on Steel's, who roughly shoved them off. "Hey. You win some. You lose… a few hundred." He laughed a bit at his own joke. "It wasn't that bad." He went to flick the window switch again before Steel grabbed his wrist. A mere glance with those terrifying red eyes was enough to make Angel stop. Good thing, too, because Steel had noticed Vaggie rearing up to throw a knife.

"A-Anyway, I had to!" Angel insisted, wrenching his arm from the Nephilim. "My reputation was on the line. Do you know what it'd do to me out there if people found out I was trying to go clean? It'd ruin my entire persona!" He accentuated the last bit by accentuating his 'cleavage,' causing Steel to grunt in disgust.

"YOUR reputation?! What about the Hotel's? Your little stunt made us look like a fucking joke! And don't even get me started on dragging a bleeding… whatever he is back to the hotel!"

"Nephilim." Steel stated simply. "Make of that what you will. But I assure you, I am as much a denizen of Hell as any other Demon." Nowhere near an Angel.

"Either way! You bring a gun toting half demon into the car, AFTER making Charlie look like a joke on live TV!"

"Nah, babe, you got it all wrong! Jokes are funny. I made you look…" He searched for the word. "Sad. Pathetic! Like an orphan. With no arms. Or legs. Oh! With Progeria!" He blinked. "Great!" He threw his hands up. "Now I'M bummed out thinking about it!" He got down on the floor and began rummaging. "Does this thing have any— "He was stopped by Steel pressing his hand down, firmly yet gently, with his boot.

"ON. The seat." He growled. Once Angel fearfully obeyed, he sighed, rubbing his nose. "Look, I'm sorry to be a bother. Sincerely. I promise you it's only temporary, whatever the case may be. But I'm going to be honest: I don't even know what the hell is going on or who the hell you are. So… may I know the names of the ones who have, apparently, agreed to help me? Or at least, receive a proper introduction?"

Vaggie sighed and leaned back in her seat. "This… is Charlie." She said, indicating to the pale one, who waved meekly. "The Princess of Hell, Daughter of Lilith and Lucifer. And I am Vaggie. Her girlfriend, and manager of the Happy Hotel that she opened. She wants to try and use the hotel as a proving grounds to redeem sinners."

Everything she just said set off alarm bells in his head. Lilith and Lucifer? They were never an item, not in the real world. He would know: he was Lilith's youngest. Princess of Hell? He formed a vertical frame with his fingers and thumbs and focused in on Charlie. Then imagined Mana, the actual princess of Hell. They were nothing alike. Girlfriend? He supposed it was Hell, after all. Sin of all varieties. But he decided to comment on the last part she mentioned. A hotel. Explains why they have space. And if it's for sinners it'll need security… that'll be my part, I suppose. But… redeem sinners? "What good does a hotel in Hell do to redeem the living?"

"That's not what she meant." Charlie interjected politely. "I mean, redeem them from hell!"

"… right." He said slowly. "Is… reality anathema to you? If you're in HELL, it's your last stop. Granted, this hell is nothing like the one I'm familiar with so maybe I'm wrong, but Hell is forever, right up until it gets yeeted into the Lake. Redeeming a soul from Hell… it isn't possible."

"Well…" Charlie was a bit taken aback but she recovered quickly, probably used to it all. "I aim to see if that's true! And if it can be done, to do it!"

He sighed and rubbed his eyes. "Well… you do you, I suppose. If it works, it works." No way it works.

This place isn't even supposed to exist, Strife. How would we know its rules? Who is to say it cannot happen?

So… you think it can?

Certainly not… but it makes you think.

The conversation between inmate and warden was interrupted by Charlie clearing her throat. "So! You mentioned the Hell YOU'RE familiar with… why don't you tell us about it? Are you from another ring?"

Steel sat up to speak and immediately felt his still healing abdomen twinge. "How about this…? You help me, and I'll tell you the story. Then, I'll help you."

"Oh! Of course, sorry, it's just… you seemed so stable with your wounds so I forgot about them. Even the blood seems to have… evaporated."

"Benefits of being a tough bastard." He sighed. He turned to Angel. "You. Spider. Nearest drug shop that sells herbs."

"Pfft, what makes you think I know?" He asked. The Nephilim just stared at him. Then he chuckled and looked out the window. "Ehhh… few blocks that way."

"Good." He said, snapping his fingers. A parchment appeared and words were quickly written by an unseen force. It then floated over to Charlie. "Can we make a stop? I need the things on that list."

Charlie took the parchment and looked it over. She nodded. "Of course." With a snap of her fingers, the car shifted course. "I'll go get them!"

"Charlie—" Vaggie started but Angel interrupted her.

"Ooh! They have some really good lollipops there! I'll go, too!"

"With respect, I'll stay here." Steel said, leaning back in his seat. "I'm tired enough as it is."

"Vaggie, will you stay with him? Please?" Charlie asked gently.

Vaggie WANTED to protest. But she sighed. "Fine… I'll wait with him."

Soon enough, the limo pulled up to the store in question and stopped. Angel and Charlie went inside while Steel got out and leaned against a light post, taking out a cigarette and lighting it with a snap of his fingers. Vaggie watched with mild annoyance.

"There will be no smoking in the hotel." She warned.

"That's fine. Not like I'm addicted. Nicotine does nothing for or to me." He took a deep puff and let it out as a ring. "So. No smoking, no alcohol. Why?"

"Sinful. The hotel is supposed to be a place that discourages that."

He stopped midway through a hit and looked at her. "So.. the gay pornstar and the lesbian hotel managers. Those are fine. But alcohol, which humans are instructed by the Word to drink in times of sorrow, and smoking, something not mentioned anywhere by the Word and that people have been doing for millennia… those are bad."

She seemed to get angry for a moment but she took a breath and let it out. "That. Is the decision that's been made. And you'll have to live with it."

"Uh huh…" He took another drag and let it out as a ship that floated through the still present ring from before. "So. How does an angel end up here in hell dating the princess?"

Her eye widened. "How—"

"You smell the same as the 'angels' I fought before." He answered, tossing the cigarette down and stomping it out. "Plus, you have the same pale hair, the same eyes, and the same skin. It's not that hard to figure out."

"You… fought the exorcists? And you survived?" She asked, stunned.

He indicated to his bloodied knee. "One of those harlots managed to get me in the joint. Hurt like hell, but it healed quickly enough." That is to say, painfully slow. "The four really weren't that challenging."

She searched him for any sign he was lying, joking, playing, anything. But he wasn't. He was telling the truth. He took on not just one, but four exorcists at the same time. "… What are you?"

"Like I said, silver hair. A Nephilim. But not the kind you think of… I'll explain the entire situation later." He pushed off of the lamp post and turned towards her, crossing his arms. "Charlie. She doesn't know." It wasn't a question.

"If… if you even think about telling her…" She trailed off. She wanted to threaten him. But she couldn't do so confidently knowing that he'd taken on four exorcists at once.

"Not my truth to tell." He shrugged. "But you'll have to tell her soon. If she could see what I see…"

"See… what?"

"Your hands, my dear… they're red. Not literally. But I can see the blood on them. And smell it. Not as bloody as my hands. But you're close."

Vaggie shook her head, not believing just what he was capable of. "… why do you even need our help? You seem powerful enough on your own."

"You're right. I'm probably more powerful now, even weakened, than any other demon here. Maybe even any angel." He pointed his fingers towards a spot in the sky and made a 'bang' motion with a finger gun. "Don't feel like testing that, though. Or fending for myself as wounded and weak as I am. So… I figure a trade."

"A… trade?" She raised her eyebrow, now suspicious. "What kind of trade?"

"Quid pro quo. I get a place to live while I'm here, you all get to learn my story, and have me as your security officer."

"Well…" She said first, inhaling. It wasn't a bad deal. He was easily as powerful as any overlord. And all it would cost them was room and board? "I… can't find a problem with that. I'd been handling that but if you can take on exorcists, you're stronger than me. But Charlie has the final say. And she's not going to want you to handle it the way you handled that gangland nonsense."

"Of course. I'm a strict, consummate professional. That was simply… letting off some steam." His eyes shifted red for a moment as a smirk graced his features. Imagine if they were real demons. The sheer amount of blood that would drip down my body… He blinked and shook his head of those thoughts, clearing his throat. "Anyway… I don't eat. I don't do drugs. I barely sleep. I don't drink except for fun. I don't gamble. And I don't bring home floozies. I don't mean to sound arrogant, but I'm a prime, perfect tenant."

"Yeah, well, you can explain that to her." She sighed. "Fuck it. Got any more cigarettes?" She got out of the car and stood next to him, arms crossed. With a chuckle he pulled two more seemingly out of nowhere, offering her one and lighting them both with a snap of his fingers. She took a drag and let it out, humming. "Mm… premium."

"Grow the tobacco myself. Organic. No additives. Just straight leaf in an organic paper made from hemp."

"Fancy." She said, taking another deep drag and letting it out. "But it works."

"Like a tobacco pipe without all the hassle." He chuckled. They stood there a few minutes before they heard the door open. With another snap, both cigarettes burned to nothing and left both unscathed. He turned, rather hopeful, but the lack of anything in Charlie's hand and the look on her face suggested failure. "Didn't have them?"

"Never even heard of them." She sighed. "What are they anyway? Some of these names sound weird."

"A medicine that could treat my injuries, and my current condition." Hopefully. He sighed. "Probably don't even exist here."

It can't be a perfect copy, Strife. Nael lamented.

Look, it's better than just sitting and waiting for this poison to wear off, or to see if it even does! I feel like I'm going crazy without the Light.

Well, you're holding it together well, if that's the case.

I'm an assassin... I have to.

Angel shrugged, sucking sensually on a lollipop as he brushed past them all and climbed in. "Eh, whatever. I got you an 'herbal' sucka. Help ya 'loosen up,' so you don't end up like that one with her taco in a twist."

"Is that you trying to be racist… or sexist?" Vaggie inquired, genuinely confused.

"Whatever pisses ya off more, toots~" Angel shot back immediately with a shit eating grin.

"I'm going to kill him." Vaggie growled which made Charlie roll her eyes, but with a small smile.

As they climbed back in, Steel gently grabbed Charlie's wrist. "Miss Charlie. I know you don't know me, but I'd like to offer my help. For the time being, in exchange for remaining in your hotel, I'd like to offer my services as security."

She blinked and smiled wide. "Of course! Absolutely! The more the merrier! But, uh… maybe no killing? Like you did with the eggs?"

"If that is your desire…" He snapped his finger and a contract appeared, words being inscribed in fire. "In exchange for room, board, and a defense budget, I agree to protect the hotel, her staff, her guests, and her interests without using lethal force, and to remain loyal until such a time as either I no longer require your shelter or you no longer require my assistance. Such loyalty including never lying to you, telling you anything relevant to your interests I discover, and putting your safety above mine."

She blinked. "That's… kind of heavy."

"I owe you a debt. I intend to repay it." He raised his hand as she went to protest. "I'll do it all regardless. All this contract does is allow you to summon me as needed and ensure I can't go back on my pledge. It doesn't put me on a leash, and I have no control over you either." A quill appeared. "Sign. Please."

She considered for a moment before hesitantly taking the quill and signing her name. The quill disappeared as Steel snapped his fingers, his own signature appearing before the contract poofed away and an ethereal blue shackle linked them for a few seconds before disappearing.

"Hellooooo!" Angel shouted from inside the vehicle. "Let's go already!"

"Well, Mister Strife… shall I show you my hotel?"

The Nephilim nodded. "I'd love to see it."

The doors to the Happy Hotel flew open as the three permanent (one temporary) residents walked inside. Vaggie went to sit on a couch in the corner and sulk. Angel went to go examine a toppled fridge against the wall. Charlie went and sat on a makeshift bench made from a large crate, looking rather tired and depressed. Steel looked around the place with an incredulous face. From the scattered boards to the gaudy architecture, from the horrid decorations to the absolutely pitiful state of the concierge desk, he came to a single conclusion: "This place is a dump."

As Angel took a melting popsicle out of the box and tossed the package away, he agreed. "Yeah. I recommend getting some ACTUAL food for this place. Ya know, to help all the wayward souls ya got in heae!" He chuckled weakly, but as Steel glared and Charlie's face fell, he trailed off. He started to approach Charlie but decided against it.

The Nephilim approached to try and comfort her, but she stood and walked to the door. He heard her speaking quietly from the other side and assumed she was on the phone. But he did hear her say 'mom,' which caused a twinge in his heart.

You cannot grow attached. Nael warned.

I'm not.

You see yourself in her. You cannot let your emotions cloud your judgement. Whatever she is, she is not a real demon.

No. But she is a child of Lilith.

Not YOUR Lilith, Strife.

He knew Nael was right. But that didn't help the sympathetic pain in his heart. As she walked in and leaned against the door, he approached. "Hey."

"Hey." She said, putting on her best smile. "Sorry the place is a mess."

"I've lived in far worse. Trust me." He said with his own smile back. "So, I had an idea—"

They were both cut off by a loud banging outside the door. Hesitantly, Charlie opened it, revealing an exceptionally tall demon in a red suit with eyes that glowed crimson and teeth that looked like sharpened bits of gold. Immediately, Charlie's face fell as she slammed the door, cutting off his 'Hel—' and looking at Steel in disbelief before opening the door again to let him finish his 'lo' just for her to slam it again and rush past him. Steel followed, confused.

"Vaggie!" She said nervously.

"What?" Her girlfriend responded tiredly.

"The, uh, Radio Demon is at the door!" She said, pantomiming the smile and pointing to the door.

"What?!" The fallen angel shouted, panicked.

Meanwhile the Nephilim and the Spider had the same question. "Who?"

"What should I doooo!?" Charlie pleaded, pulling down on her cheeks in exasperation.

"Wha-uh—well, don't let him in!" Vaggie responded frantically.

Steel could tell before she even moved. She was going to let him in. As she opened the door and he stepped inside, Steel peeked around the corner to watch the exchange with mild interest. He then watched as Vaggie immediately threatened the obviously more powerful demon with her spear and began cursing at him. The laugh and the distortion displayed with his threat actually made Steel chuckle. He could respect a showman.

Alastor cleared the air and stood straight. "No! I'm here because I want to help!"

Charlie was taken aback. "Say what, now?"

Alastor laughed. "Help! Hahaha, hello? Is this thing on?" He tapped on his mic."Testing, testing!

Steel heard his voice, slightly higher pitched, answer. "Well, I heard you loud and clear!"

Charlie paused for a moment, considering what he just said."Um, you want to help?" She reiterated. "With?"

Alastor, ever the showman, teleported behind the two ladies using his shadow. "This ridiculous thing you're trying to do!" He clarified excitedly. "This hotel! I want to help you run it."

Charlie looked down for a moment before looking back with a raised brow."But... why?"

Alastor chuckled before a smug look plastered his features. "Why does anyone do anything? Sheer, absolute boredom! I've lacked inspiration for decades. My work became mundane, lacking focus,aimless!" He accentuated his last point by roughly shoving Vaggie, whom Steel shot over to catch. "I've come to crave a new form of entertainment! Hahaha!"

Vaggie gently brushed herself off and gave Steel a nod in thanks before moving to stand next to Charlie. "Does… Getting into a fistfight with a reporter count as entertainment?" The pale princess asked with a nervous smile with Vaggie just gave Alastor a flat glare.

Alastor laughed once more. Sure is jovial… Steel thought to himself. "It's the PUREST kind, my dear! Reality! True Passion! After all, the world is a stage! And the stage is a world for entertainment."

"Soo…" Charlie began hopefully. "Does this mean you think it's possible to rehabilitate a demon?"

Alastor mockingly chuckled, waving his hand in front of her face. Steel found himself with the desire to break it for that, but reigned himself in for the moment. "Of course not! That's wacky nonsense!" The radio demon shook his head, leaving Charlie looking dejected. "Redemption! Oh, the nonexistent humanity! No, no, no, no, I don't think there's anything left that could save such loathsome sinners." He looked over his shoulder to Vaggie, Angel Dust, and Steel. Vaggie looked hurt, Angel just shrugged, and Steel's eye twitched. I don't like being lumped in with these people.

I don't think you have much choice. Nael said, a hint of amusement in his voice at the angel's annoyance.

"The chance that was given was the life they lived before, and the punishment is this!" He extended his arms and indicated to the Hotel, and Hell as a whole. Steel found himself agreeing. "There's no undoing what is done!" He announced with closed eyes and a wide grin. His crimson orbs opened as Charlie spoke.

"So, then… why do you want to help me if you don't believe in my cause?" She asked, causing the demon to smile.

"Consider it an investment in ongoing entertainment for myself!" He announced, putting his arm around her and pulling her in. He then began dancing with her, twirling her and flopping her into his waiting arm as he pointed at her. "I want to watch the scum of the world struggle to climb up the hill of betterment only to repeatedly trip and tumble down to the fiery pit of failure!" He explained, his voice growing deeper and his face more pleased as he did.

"Right…" Charlie said slowly, unconvinced as she removed his arm from her back.

"Yes, indeedy!" He announced loudly before grabbing her by the waist and literally dragging her along. "I see big things coming your way and who better to help you than I?"

As they walked away, Steel bent down to Vaggie's level. "What's his deal?"

"Yeah, I don't quite get 'im either." Angel agreed.

Vaggie looked at Angel in disbelief. "Wait. The Nephilim I get if he's new, but you? You've never heard of him? You've been here longer than me!" When Angel shrugged, she continued. "You know. The Radio Demon? One of the most powerful sinners in hell?!"

"Not big on politics." Angel said with a shrug.

"Everyone says that. Until those politics cause the nukes to drop." Steel mused.

Vaggie groaned. "Alright. Let me explain then, for both of you… Alastor manifested decades ago. Seemingly overnight, he began to topple overlords who had been dominant for centuries. That kind of raw power had never been harnessed by a mortal soul before. Then… he began to broadcast his carnage all throughout Hell just so everyone could bear witness to his abilities. Sinners started calling him 'The Radio Demon.'"

"Lazy, but accurate." Steel noted with a snort.

"Many have speculated what unimaginable force enabled him to rival the world's most ancient and destructive evils. But one thing's for sure: he's an unpredictable source of danger, a wicked spirit of mystery, and a violent monster of chaos! The likes of which we can't risk getting involved with unless we want to end up erased!"

"He looks like—" Steel began just for Angel to finished.

"A strawberry pimp?"

"I was going to say cherry magician, but that works."

"Eh, cherry is a little darker. Now maybe in something rosy—"

"Either. Way." Vaggie interrupted the two. "I don't trust him."

"To be fair… do you trust any man?" Angel asked mockingly just to receive a smack on the head from the Nephilim.

"Don't be rude, eightball." He admonished.

Vaggie groaned and stood up as she approached Charlie, grabbing her arm and pulling her close. "Charlie. Listen to me. You can't trust this creep! He ISN'T just a happy face! He's a deal maker, pure evil! He cannot be redeemed! And honestly… I think we're taking enough of a risk with Steel here as it is." She knew Steel wasn't a threat. Currently. But he could be and she knew he could cause some havoc. "But at least THIS risk—" She indicated to Alastor. "Can be avoided!"

Charlie sighed. "I… we don't know that! Look, I know he's bad, and I know he probably doesn't WANT to change. But the whole point of this is to give people a chance!" Looking over, she found him admiring the royal portrait. "To have faith that things WILL be better! How can I turn one away and not the other? I can't. It goes against everything I'm trying to do. Everything I believe in." She gently placed her hands on Vaggie's shoulders. "Just trust me, Vaggie. I can take care of myself."

"Charlie. Whatever you do, do not make a deal with him." Vaggie pleaded, looking over to see Alastor menacingly flexing his claws.

"Don't worry: I picked up one thing from my dad." She puffed up her chest and put on a deep voice that made Steel cringe. "Don't take shit from other demons!" With a confident stride that quickly broke into nervous jitters, she approached Alastor. "Okay, so, Al. You're sketchy as fuck and you clearly see what I'm trying to do here as a joke." As she turned away, Steel noted the same symbols from before appearing around him before disappearing.

Are those… voodoo symbols? The Nephilim warden asked his prisoner.

Not sure. But they do certainly appear to be. Or at least alchemy.

"But I don't." The princess continued, turning around. "I think everyone deserves a chance to prove that they can do better. So I'm taking your offer to help! On the condition there be no…" She wiggled her hands and fingers. "tricks or voodoo strings attached."

As the radio demon rolled his eyes, Steel fist pumped subtly. Called it!

"So. It's a deal, then?" Alastor asked, twirling his staff and presenting his hand for a shake. Green energy burst from his hand, filling the air. Steel felt a tingle, shivering a bit.

Scared, Strife? Nael chuckled.

No. Just… damn.

"Nope!" Charlie said, refusing his hand. "No shaking! No deals! I…" She paused and 'hmm'd' in thought. "As Princess of Hell! And heir to the throne! I, uh… hereby ORDER you that you help me with this hotel! For as long as you desire." Charlie looked to Vaggie, who looked away. "Sound fair?" She added after an awkward pause.

"Hmm, fair enough!" He answered rather quickly after rubbing his chin. He tucked his staff behind his back.

"Cool beans." Charlie sighed, relieved.

Alastor hummed as he walked about, looking around before stopping at Vaggie. "Smile, my dear!" He announced loudly, tickling her chin which irritated the fallen angel. "You know you're never fully dressed without one!" Taking a few more steps about, he moved back to Charlie. "So, where is your hotel staff?"

"Uh, well…" The immediately embarrassed princess indicated to Vaggie, who was still glaring at the pinstriped prick.

"Ohohoho!" He chuckled, adjusting his monocle. "You're going to need more than that." He moved over to Angel Dust. "And what can you do, my effeminate fellow?"

"I can suck your dick!" The spider offered nonchalantly.

Steel heard audible feedback as Alastor took a moment to process that… before he laughed loudly. "Ha! NO!"

The spider scoffed. "Your loss."

By that point, he'd approached Steel, looking him up and down. "Well! You're certainly dressed to the nines, my fine fellow! All those guns, that armor, those wounds! Let me guess: security?"

"That was the offer I made to Miss Charlie." He admitted, crossing his arms.

"Ah! A formal fellow at that! I do so enjoy the swarthy types and their intimidating appearances!" He tapped Steel's shoulder with his mic, which Steel promptly grabbed. The Radio Demon's eyes widened as his smile grew tense. He looked from the mic to the Nephilim. But instead of the green eyes from before, he found crimson.

"What I am, Sir Alastor, is a sheepdog. I protect lambs. And I will not abide wolves of any pack, stripe, or status… if you catch my meaning." Steel didn't know what they saw when he struck them with Fear. He never found out. But it was clearly enough that even those with immense power felt it in their bones, such as Alastor, whose body went stiff. The angel released the microphone. "But I'm sure you understand." He said congenially. "That's why you're here, right? To make it better, even for selfish reasons?"

Alastor took a minute to recover before he cleared his throat. "Yes! Indeed! Which is why all of this just won't do!" He straightened his suit and stepped to the middle of the room. "I suppose I can… cash in a few favors to liven things up!" With a twirl of his fingers followed by a snap, the dreary, decrepit fireplace burned away to reveal a grandiose one already lit. Something charred and blackened flew out, which Alastor went over and picked up. A single giant eye opened and looked at the group, who were all taken aback.

It then popped clean, revealing a diminutive demon, not even an imp, with one giant eye and a brightly colored dress. "This little darling is NIFTY!" Alastor announced, dropping her to her face.

She pushed herself up and waved. "Hi! I'm Nifty! It's nice to meet you! It's been awhile since I made some new friends!" Her eye went wide and bloodshot for a moment before she shook back to normal. "Wow, that's a lot of women!" She rushed over to Steel and looked up at him. "Why are you the only man here?!" She turned around and rushed to the middle of the group. "Sorry, that's rude!" She rushed into the rubbish pile nearby and began rummaging through it. "Oh man, this place is filthy!" She popped out of a drawer nearby, killing a spider. "It really needs a lady's touch! Which is weird because three of you four are ladies, no offense…" She took out a feather duster. "Ohmigosh! This is awful!" Steel looked back to Alastor as she sped about cleaning the room and stabbing insects.

"So… what's next, rosy radio man?"

"I'm glad you asked!" He chuckled, a small flash occurring nearby.

"Ha! Read em and weep, boys!" Said a strange looking cat creature, slamming his cards down on an empty table he spawned with. "Full Ho-oooooooooh…." He paused as reality around him distorted and he turned around. "Tel? What the fuck is this?!" He growled before his eyes fell on Alastor. He pointed and said with all the disdain he could muster, "YOU."

"Ah, Husker my good friend!" Alastor said, stepping up. "Glad you could make it!"

"Don't you 'Husker' me, you son of a bitch!" he growled. "I was about to win the whole damn pot!" He turned and indicated to the money… which disappeared with the table.

"Good to see you too!" Alastor replied, pretending not to notice his subordinates anger.

Husker face palmed. "What the hell do you want with me this time?" He sighed.

Alastor whipped his arm around him and pulled him close. "My friend, I am doing some Charity Work, so I took it upon myself to volunteer your services! I hope that's okay!"

"Are you shitting me!?"

Alastor 'thought' for a moment. "Hmm… No I don't think so!" He smiled at Husk, accompanied by a laugh track.

Husk shoved him away. "You thought it'd be some kind of big fuckin' riot to just pull me out of nowhere?! You think I'm some kind of fuckin' clown?!"

Alastor dusted himself off and smiled, biting his lip for a moment. "Maybe!"

Husk glared at Alastor as he walked away. "I ain't doing no fuckin' charity job." He growled, but a 'thud' on the table behind him distracted him.

Turning, he found Steel opening a small leather bag that looked positively ancient. With an annoyed expression, the turned it over and dumped out a small pile of golden coins and precious stones. "Here. 50 Umayyad gold Dinar's, Afghani emeralds, Burmese rubies, and Ethiopian black opals…. Is that sufficient?"

"What the—why do you just CARRY that?!" Vaggie shouted, staring at him with wide eyes.

"Never know when you'll end up in a place with no money. Gold and jewels are universal."

"That's over 200 million dollars!" She shouted. "How can you just-!"

Before their argument could continue, Husker had already scooped up the loot like they were poker chips. "I'll do it." He said without hesitation.

"There, see? It works. Besides, I have plenty of treasure back home."

Alastor let out a disappointed hum. "Pity. I was hoping to entice you in other ways." He said, waving his hand and causing a bottle literally labelled 'cheap booze' to appear on the table. "But! Since you're actually being paid to be our front desk associate, that means you'll have a reason to smile and be welcoming!" He indicated to the front desk turned bar.

"Yeah yeah…" The cat muttered, rubbing the coins together and watching them fall with soft clink! clink! noises. Though he did take a swig from the bottle.

"Hey. Hey! Hey, hey, hey! No!" Vaggie interrupted. "No bar! No alcohol! No gambling! This is supposed to be a place that discourages sin and already we have avarice and drunkenness!"

"Oh, what's the matter, gloves?" Steel said, stepping forward. "Can't let anyone have a little satisfaction, huh?"

"This isn't about satisfaction! It's about how I don't want the hotel to turn into some kind of… brothel… man cave thing!"

Steel managed to catch Angel before he could tackle Vaggie. "Shut up!" The spider snapped. "WE are KEEPING it!"

As those two growled and glared at one another, only held back by the whims of the Nephilim, Charlie rushed up to Husk and surprised him, causing him to drop the coin he'd been fondling. "Omigosh! Welcome to the Happy Hotel! You are going to love it here!" She announced excitedly before offering her hand for a shake.

Husker regarded her for a moment before pulling his treasure closer. "I lost the ability to love years ago." He said flatly, taking another swig from his bottle.

"So! What do you think?" Alastor asked, smiling.

"This is AMAZING!" Charlie announced, rubbing her cheeks in what Steel could only assume was excitement.

Vaggie sighed as she stepped away from Angel, who turned his own attention to flirting with Husk. "It's… okay." She relented, crossing her arms.

Alastor used his long arms to pull both of them into his embrace. "Hahaha!" He laughed loudly. "This is going to be very entertaining!" He let go of Vaggie as she shoved him away and, with a dark chuckle, summoned a fireball, threw it upward to distract Charlie, and gave Vaggie a hard shove. He summoned a top hat and twin tailed tux, grabbed Charlie's hand… and started singing. "You have a dream-!"

He was cut off from his showman ship as a suppressed but still loud *crack!* sounded and his hat was taken off by a bullet. Steel stood in the corner, looking incredibly annoyed. "No. Singing." He growled.

Come now, Strife. Nael said with more than a hint of mocking. Surely some music could soothe your savage breast.

Shut. Up. He growled inwardly, putting his pistol away. Everyone was staring, Husk and Nifty more in fear, Charlie more in shock, Angel and Vaggie more in disbelief, and Alastor with more than a hint of barely restrained rage. "Miss Charlie, I can appreciate he is now your 'business partner' but as your head of security I draw the line at him shifting the hotel for mere theatrics. Besides… I hate showtunes."

Alastor used his shadow to approach the shorter Nephilim, standing over him and glaring. Steel, for his part, wasn't intimidated, crossing his arms and standing in the typical 'bouncer' style as he glared right back. "That. Wasn't very nice." Alastor said after a pregnant pause.

"I'm not here to be nice, radio demon. We can be friendly. But I prefer you alter the hotel as little as possible. Or at least wait until I can address security concerns and vulnerabilities. Then, you can do as you please! Within Charlie's reasoning. After all, we both do serve at her whims, at this point." His eyes flashed crimson for a moment as he once more used Fear to worm into Alastor's mind. "You can accept that. Right?"

Alastor's eye twitched slightly, the Sinner obviously annoyed at being ordered around. But at the same time, he could see a battle would be pointless, with any victory being pyric. "For the moment…" He growled slightly before he sighed. "Well. I suppose I cannot fault you for your frustration. You have a horrid taste in music and you're in quite a lot of pain with those wounds. But in the future… just ask."

"I can do that, Sir Alastor." He said with a nod, the two killers coming to a respectful understanding. He then smiled. "You strike me as an Etouffee man."

Alastor blinked but smiled. "Actually, I prefer Jambalaya! My mother once showed me a wonderful recipe. In fact, it nearly killed her!"

"A kick right out of hell, with a taste to die for?"

"Ohoho! Took the words right out of my mouth!" He chuckled. "Yes, I do think, despite our differences, we'll have a grand ole time at this Hazbin Ho—"

They were all interrupted and taken aback as the front door was blown open, the projectile entry piece slamming right into Nifty. They all approached the hole in the wall and saw a massive war ship overhead, Sir Pentious appearing through a window. "HAH! Well, well, well. Look who it is harboring the striped freak! We meet yet again, Alastor!"

"Do I know you?" Alastor queried, seemingly confused.

Pentious deflated. "Oh, YES, you do!" He shouted, pointing at Steel. "And I see you've found my OTHER nemesis!"

"Sup, snake." Steel replied, waving his hand.

"What's 'sup'!" He shouted, slinking inside. "Is that I now have the element of… SURPRISE!"

A massive cannon flopped down from the bottom of the ship and began spinning up. Alastor raised his hand, but Steel tapped his shoulder and shook his head. The Nephilim stepped forward to the massive laser and simply pointed, delivering a lightning bolt that short circuited it and electrifying the entire ship. As Sir Pentious tried to recover, Steel took out his sword and cut right through the arm holding the cannon. Grabbing it, he pointed it upwards and grabbed the wires, sending a current through it that fired the massive laser right into the airship, detonating it and sending it crashing into a crater. He then dropped the cannon and put his fist through it, pulling it out and detonating the weapon. He stepped out of the smoke, unscathed, and cleared his throat. "Well… exciting first day as security officer."

Everyone stared at him blankly. Everyone except Alastor, who had the biggest, most joyous smile as he clapped. "Bravo, my good man! Bravo! Simple! Quick! Efficient! But still oh so entertaining! THAT is how you perform!"

"Well, now I wished I put a little more flourish on it for you." Steel chuckled.

"Oh, my dear friend, I think you and I will get along fine." Alastor chuckled before straightening up and walking back towards the hotel. "So! How about that jambalaya?"

Steel fell in step, the rest following a safe distance behind. "Well, if you know a good butcher, I could make us some muffaletta."

"Oh indeed I do! But I doubt they're the type you'd want to associate with."

"How about some beignets, then?"

"Ooh, ooh!" Angel interjected. "Can they be the savory ones?"

"Hell!" Alastor laughed. "Let's whip up an entire Cajun buffet! My treat!"

As they walked back inside, Alastor snapped his fingers and his magic changed the sign. From Happy to Hazbin. Steel was the only one that noticed… and felt something inside of him shudder.

A/N: Next chapter will be like the first: almost entirely focused on Steel and dealing with... issues.