Chapter 16: New Threads
A/N: Hey everyone!Hope everyone is ready for another crazy chapter!
Now that Jenny knows where Blitzo works at, she's gotta figure out how to get there. The only problem is that she really pissed of Alastor now. She's gonna be lucky if she can step out of the hotel alive at this point.
And the song that's going to be played is 'Little Drops of Rain' by Judy Garland. I want to thank everyone for giving out their ideas of what they would like Jenny to sing. While they didn't fit the theme for this chapter (you'll see why as you read). They will be used later when she has to sing some more.
Disclaimer: I don't own Hazbin Hotel or Helluva Boss. I just own Jenny.
Enjoy!
/
"Damnit Angel! If you weren't already dead, I'd fucking kill you right now!" Jenny growled as she scrubbed her wig.
Thanks to Angel's redecorating, not only did her clothes get ruined but so did her wig. Ever since she locked herself in her room, she was hunched over her bathroom sink trying to get the paint out of it but to no avail. She looked at the cursed thing and just threw it back in the sink.
"Guess I'll just have to wear my hoodie up for the time being" she grumbled.
She left the bathroom and flopped on her bed. Pulling out the map she had on her, she looked at the location that she circled earlier. She finally found out where Blitzo was! After two long months she was finally going to return home. She couldn't wait until she saw him. She was sure he as well as Millie and Moxxie were worried sick about her.
And she couldn't have picked the perfect time to find Blitzo's office after what happened today. She for sure thought she was going to die after she accidentally ripped Alastor's jacket. She could understand why he would be pissed about it but it wasn't like she did it on purpose. And why did he want to hide his tail so bad? Compared to how everyone else looked down here, it wasn't that big of a deal.
Well, either way she wasn't going to dwell on it because she was going to be out of here. Maybe then that stupid radio demon would find someone else to terrorize.
The sound of knocking alerted Jenny that someone was outside her room. She quickly threw her hood up and slowly approached the door.
"Who is it?" she called out.
"It's me" Charlie said.
Sighing with relief, Jenny went to the door and unlocked it. The princess quickly snuck inside and locked the door behind her.
"Just wanted to make sure you were okay" she said.
She then pulled out a new gray wig from her jacket.
"And because I'm sure you're going to need this"
Jenny accepted the wig and placed it on her makeup stand.
"If you hadn't chewed him out back then, I would have painted the walls with his guts for pulling that shitty stunt" she said.
Charlie smiled weakly but it didn't last long and quickly fell.
"What's wrong?"
Charlie went over to Jenny's bed and slowly sat down. She rubbed her eyes and sighed.
"Today was an absolute shit show"
"Yeah, today wasn't great but I think your fight on live tv was worse than this because everyone saw you. The only difference is that you handled this situation a lot better" Jenny admitted.
"So how long is it going to take Angel to clean up that mess?"
"Nifty is helping him so not long. And Vaggie is watching them to make sure he's actually helping"
Jenny chuckled at the image of seeing Angel trying to get all of the paint off.
"I gotta say, you scared me a little with how you put everyone in line back there. Think you reminded everyone who they're dealing with"
"My dad always said you don't take shit from other demons" Charlie admitted.
"Although according to Alastor I do"
Jenny scoffed and sat next to the princess.
"Oh, screw that old geezer! He hasn't done jack shit around here since he got here. You've been busting your ass trying to get this place ready and he just hasn't seen it. He only sees what's in front of him, not what's going on behind the scenes. Why should you care what he thinks anyway?"
Charlie rubbed her arm as she looked at the carpet.
"I just want this hotel to work. I want everyone to see that I'm not some ditzy princess living out a dream"
"Um, I don't know if you're hearing yourself right now but you just proved that today" Jenny said.
"Everyone is used to you being kind, sweet and trying to help out. You showed them that just because you're nice doesn't mean that you'll let them walk all over you. You let them stay here and you can easily kick them out. You're doing great, Charlie. I know you want this to work but it takes time. You have to see what works and what doesn't to make this succeed"
Charlie smiled a little feeling a lot better than before.
"Thanks Jenny" she said.
"I know it was horrible how you ended up down here, but I'm really glad that you did. You've really helped me out"
"Just trying to repay the favor of keeping me safe until I found Blitz, which happened today!"
Jenny pulled out the map and showed Charlie Blitzo's address.
"I found his add on the tv! I can finally go home!"
Charlie smiled brightly and pulled Jenny into a hug.
"That's wonderful, Jenny! I knew you would find him! I'll take you there tomorrow"
It made her a little sad thinking that the human had to go so soon but she knew it was for the best. It was too dangerous for a human to stay down here and after that little incident with Alastor earlier she knew Jenny needed to return home.
"I'm going to miss you though. You've become such a good friend"
Jenny smiled and patted Charlie's back.
"Maybe next Halloween when the barrier is down you can come top side and see me. I can show you some of the stuff that you'll only find in the human realm"
"Like you performing?" Charlie teased.
"It'll probably be a school play for my students but it'll be a start" Jenny joked.
"Deal"
The two of them pulled away. Today was a rough day but at least it ended on a bittersweet note.
"I'll let you get some rest. We have a busy day tomorrow and I'm sure you wanna look your best for Blitzo"
Jenny blushed. She was excited about seeing Blitz again but she didn't need to make it sound like she was reuniting with her long-lost lover.
"See you tomorrow, Charlie"
The princess left, leaving Jenny alone. Now that she was by herself, it sunk in that she really was leaving Hell and the friends she made down here. She was a little sad but it was for the best. She had a life waiting for her back home. She could only imagine what David was thinking knowing she was missing for two months. She didn't even know how she was going to explain this to him.
"I'm sure he won't care; he'll just be happy to see me again" she told herself.
She flopped back on her bed and held the map close to her. This would be the last night that she stayed in Hell. Tomorrow, she was finally going to go back home!
/
Humming a happy tune, Jenny put on her makeup making sure none of her real skin was visible.
"I'll be so glad not having to do this every morning anymore" she thought.
Looking at her reflection one last time, she decided she was ready for the day.
"Hope Blitz doesn't think I look weird in this... but then again, he's bound to say something crude"
Tucking the map into her skirt, she opened the door to find Alastor once again standing right on the other side.
"Good morning, Miss. Firecracker" he said with that creepy smile.
Jenny gripped the door handle tightly. She could tell right away that he was still pissed off from yesterday. The only difference was that he wasn't trying to rip her apart so that meant he calmed down a bit.
"Is this going to be a habit of yours where you're waiting right outside my door? Cause if it is, I'm going to start going out the window from now on" she said flatly.
"Trust me, dear. I don't want to be here anymore than you want it" Alastor snapped.
"Then why are you here?"
Shadows formed around Alastor as he glared at her.
"We need to talk about yesterday" he said. The static in his voice growing thicker as he spoke.
Jenny fought off a shiver that went down her spine. She could do this. She just needed to apologize and she could go find Blitzo.
"Listen, I'm sorry about ripping your jacket. It was a freak accident and I had no idea you were behind me when I slipped on that paint"
"You think an apology is going to make this any better?" Alastor asked.
"No, but I'm owning up to my mistake which is something you don't do so I'm being the bigger person" Jenny retorted.
She squeezed past him and entered the hallway.
"If you came here for an apology, you got it. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to be somewhere"
Before she could even take one step, Alastor had a vice grip on her shoulder.
"You should know that I've killed people who have done lesser damage than you have" he threatened.
Jenny looked at him dully and swatted his hand away.
"Are you seriously trying to threaten me right now? If this is your way of trying to scare me, you need to do better than that. Besides, the minute you do that, Charlie is going to be on your ass and throw you out"
Alastor's eye twitched when she said that. She wasn't lying. If anything happened to her, the princess would for sure tell him to leave and he would lose his source of entertainment.
"True, which is why I have thought of something better"
Jenny raised her eyebrow at that. What would be worse than harming someone?
"Oh, what sort of torture are you going to dish out for me?" she said.
Alastor got right up in her face and gave her a toothy grin.
"You dearie are going to replace my coat"
"...say what now?"
"You're replacing my coat" Alastor repeated.
"You ruined it so you're going to get me a new one"
Jenny glared daggers at him. Was he serious right now? He wanted her to pay for something that was an accident?!
"It wasn't that bad of a rip! I'll fix it if you're that upset over it" she argued.
"Hmmm tempting but knowing you, you'll just make it worse. Besides, that's a custom-made jacket and shouldn't be messed with little gremlins such as yourself"
Jenny growled. This man really knew how to be a jackass.
"Listen here, asshole. If you think for one minute that I'm going to go down town and buy a-"
She stopped when she realized what she just said. She would have to go into town if she got his jacket. She was going to go into town anyway to see Blitzo. She could just pretend to get his jacket and she would be long gone!
Pretending to still be mad, she took in a deep breath.
"You know what, fine. If getting you a new jacket will get you out of my hair then I'll do it" she said annoyed.
Alastor raised an eyebrow at her sudden change of heart.
"Will you now?"
Jenny nodded, doing her best to keep the shit eating grin from appearing on her face.
"I just know you'll bug me until I do, so I'll just get it over and done with. Happy now?"
"Hardly"
Jenny rolled her eyes. Go figure.
"Whatever"
She walked past him and made her way down to the lobby.
"Just tell me what the store is called and what size you wear" she called out.
She went down the steps humming a little tune.
'Fuck you, Alastor' she sang in her head.
/
'Fuck you, Alastor! Just fuck you!' she screamed in her head.
Seething with rage, she looked at the demon out of the corner of her eye.
"And why the fuck are you coming with?" she snapped.
She had expected to go on her own but Alastor being the jackass that he was, tagged along. It also didn't help that Charlie suddenly had to fix something at the hotel (probably Alastor's doing) so she couldn't take Jenny down town.
Alastor just hummed as he gave her a shit eating grin.
"You've never been to the store we're about to go so I only thought it would be fair that I tagged along" he said.
"And to make sure you don't run off"
Jenny growled and shoved her hands in her pocket. For being an asshole, he sure was a sharp one.
She quickly noticed that he was walking a little odd. He had his hands behind his back like he tended to do, but instead of clasped together, they were flat against his back.
"Why are you walking like that? You didn't rip your pants"
Alastor glared at her as he continued to walk weirdly.
"That's because my jacket hid my tail. And thanks to a certain someone said jacket is ripped" he snapped.
Jenny rolled her eyes.
"What a baby" she muttered.
She unzipped her hoodie and handed it to him.
"Just tie this around your waist"
Alastor looked at the clothing in disgust.
"I am not putting that filthy thing on me" he spat.
Jenny gave him an annoyed look.
"Would you rather everyone look at you holding your ass as if you crapped your pants?" she asked.
Alastor's eyes narrowed as he snatched the hoodie. He grumbled as he tied it around his waist and hid his tail.
"I'm dressing like one of those modern Sinners. How humiliating"
"Why are you so worried about others seeing your tail? It's not that big of a deal" Jenny reasoned.
"It's annoying, that's why" Alastor snapped.
"I'm supposed to look like this refined, powerful demon. No one will take me seriously when they see a cute fluffy tail"
"Oh, trust me, no one was thinking you were cute yesterday" Jenny said dryly.
"But if it bothers you, then I won't ask anymore"
Alastor raised an eyebrow at her. He was expecting her to talk about his tail just like everyone else but she just let it go as if it was nothing. What an odd girl.
They continued walking until they reached a section of town that read 'Now Entering Cannibal Colony'.
"Be a dear and stay close while we're here" Alastor said all of a sudden.
Jenny didn't need to be told twice. She had a feeling this place was called Cannibal Colony for a reason.
The area looked surprisingly nice. All the buildings and vehicles were themed after the 1920's and 30's. It looked so different from the rest of Pentagram City.
"It's like we've gone back in time. I didn't know areas like this existed in Hell" Jenny marveled.
Alastor laughed.
"Of course, dear. Certain areas of the city tend to have their own 'timeline' so to speak. Even though we all end up here when we die, we tend to stick with our 'group' so to speak. Makes things a little bit easier"
Jenny's eyes sparkled when she heard that.
"You mean there's an area that's like the 40's and 50's too?!"
At the mention of that, Alastor made a noise as if a record was being scratched. He turned to her with a strained smile on his face.
"And why pray tell would you care about that?" he spat.
Jenny was oblivious to his mood and continued to get excited.
"Because that was considered the Golden Age of Hollywood!" she said cheerfully.
"All of my favorite films were from that time! Everyone looked so classy and dignified back then. It was always a dream of mine to become an actress with real talent. Now pretty much anyone can become a celebrity thanks to the internet but back then that was when you could really tell who was a star and who wasn't"
Alastor actually looked amused as he saw Jenny gush over the olden days. It was refreshing to see someone enjoy real talent over that fake modern trash people spewed out nowadays thanks to a certain Television Demon.
"I must say, you have good taste however your taste in history is questionable. It is a well-known fact that the 20's were far better"
Jenny hummed in thought.
"I guess. They did have better music. My grandma had a huge record collection when I was growing up. There was this one record she had from a French singer named Edith Piaf that I loved. I would play this one song over and over again to the point where it wore down. It didn't matter because I remembered the lines by heart and would sing to myself"
She smiled a little when she remembered that day. She felt so upset that she ruined her grandma's record but her grandma just laughed and said that was it was considered a compliment to the artist. If you loved someone's music so much like that, then it meant they were doing something amazing.
Alastor continued to by impressed. He expected her to like the more modern things from her time but instead she preferred real talent.
"You really are a mystery, Miss. Firecracker"
Jenny just snorted.
"Gotta keep people on their toes" she said.
They saw a group of ladies huddled around the ground. Jenny thought that maybe they were picking something up but as they got closer, she realized that they were all eating someone. She almost screamed but remembered they were in Cannibal Colony.
Alastor smiled when he saw the group and waved.
"Afternoon ladies"
The women stopped eating and turned to Alastor in excitement.
"Hi Alastor!" they said.
They all looked happy and excited when they said the Radio Demon. If Jenny could use a word to describe them, she would go with Fan-Girling.
One of the girls noticed Jenny's hoodie tied around his waist.
"What in the world are you wearing?" she asked.
"You look so weird dressed like that"
"Did you rip your pants or something?"
The girls laughed a little. Jenny saw Alastor's ear twitch out of the corner of her eye. For a group of fans, they sure weren't being nice to him.
"That's kind of weird coming from a group of women who are on their hands and knees looking like a bunch of dogs with food all over their outfits" she said
The women looked at her shocked for a second before they started growling. They went to lunge at her but Alastor put a hand around Jenny's shoulder and pulled her close.
"Now, now ladies. That's no way to treat a guest. A guest" He emphasized the last part.
His eyes glowed just to prove a point. The women stopped and pouted when they couldn't tear Jenny apart. Alastor just smiled and tugged Jenny along.
"Enjoy the rest of your lunch, dearies. I'll see you around"
When they were away from the group, he gave Jenny a pointed look.
"Didn't I tell you that mouth of yours will get you into trouble?" he asked.
Jenny shrugged sheepishly.
"I was just calling them out on their bullshit. If they're gonna talk about how someone looks, they should know it can be done right back at them"
Alastor just sighed. Kids these days.
He took her around the corner and stopped at clothing shop.
"Rosie's Emporium" Jenny read.
"Yes indeed. If you ever want a proper outfit, Rosie is the one you go to" Alastor said.
He led her inside where Jenny was amazed to see every style of clothing from the 20 and 30's.
"Rosie! Are you in?"
Shuffling could be heard from the back room before someone came out. A woman who wore a Victorian style dress and hat came out with a razor-sharp smile on her face. Clearly this was a friend of Alastor.
"Alastor! It's so good to see you! What brings you in today?" she said.
Alastor put on a fake smile as he patted Jenny's head.
"This little dearie accidentally ripped my jacket. She felt so horrible about it that she insisted on getting a new one to replace it" he said.
Jenny was about to snap back but Alastor tapped her on the back with his microphone to shut her up.
Rosie looked at Jenny with interest.
"Oh, who do we have here?"
Jenny waved a little.
"Hello, I'm Jennifer but feel free to call me Jenny. It's nice to meet you, ma'am"
Rosie smiled finding her to be cute.
"Oh, call me Rosie dear. So, you want to get Alastor a new jacket?"
"Yes please, if it's not any trouble" Jenny said politely.
Since Rosie had a shop in Cannibal Colony that meant there was a fifty percent chance, she was a cannibal herself. Jenny didn't want to test her luck by being a smart mouth unless she wanted to end up as the woman's dinner.
Rosie just chuckled at the human.
"It's no trouble at all, dear. You're just in luck too, Al. I just put together this new outfit that'll look perfect on you!"
She went into the back room and grabbed a box before coming back out with it.
"Try it on and see how it fits"
Alastor took the box and headed towards one of the fitting rooms.
"Why don't you show Jennifer your shop. She has a taste for things from the 'Golden Age' so to speak"
He gave Jenny a warning look as if to say 'behave' and 'stay put'. Jenny rolled her eyes at him. Like she was going to run off in Cannibal Colony! He left the two women alone. Jenny kept her distance from Rosie and looked around her shop. She had to admit, the outfits here were amazing. Even the ones she had seen in movies and museums paled in comparison.
"Did you make all of these yourself?" she asked.
"Most of them. I did have a partner named Franklin who helped me out but there was an... accident"
Jenny didn't want to ask what that accident was.
"These are very pretty. I'm lucky if I'm able to sew a button back on my shirt without it falling off"
"Everyone's got a talent dearie" Rosie said.
Alastor came back out sporting his new outfit. It looked similar to his old one with the exception that the jacket had a white outline, red flaps and the stripes weren't as noticeable as the old jacket. With those minor changes, he still looked rather good.
"You look like a million bucks, Al" Rosie said.
Alastor looked at his reflection and couldn't agree more.
"Yes, this will work just fine. What do you think, Jennifer?"
Jenny was shocked that he actually said her name. She shook it off and gave him a thumbs up.
"Looks good. The white trim gives it a nice pop"
'Whatever, just take the fucking jacket so I can go to Imp City' she thought.
"Very well, we'll take it" Alastor said.
"Perfect! Let me ring you up" Rosie said.
They went over to the vintage looking register where Rosie rang up the outfit.
"It's gonna be $350" the Overlord said.
Jenny pulled out the card Charlie gave her for emergencies and handed it to Rosie. The dressmaker gave the human a weak smile.
"I'm sorry dearie, but this side of the city doesn't have credit card machines. Trying to match the time period and all that"
"Oh, ok. Do you know where I can find an ATM so I can pull some cash out then?" Jenny asked.
Alastor and Rosie looked at each other then busted out laughing.
"Oh, she's a riot Al!" Rosie chuckled.
Alastor wiped an eye and snickered at Jenny.
"The closest ATM is near where the Hotel is at"
Jenny's eye twitched. That bastard! He could have told her that before they got here!
"OK then, how do you plan for me to replace your jacket if there isn't a way for me to pay for it?" she said through clenched teeth.
"You could always sign for it"
Alastor brought up a contract that glowed green. Jenny looked at him with disgust.
"You think my soul is only worth 350 dollars? How dare you!"
She swatted the contract away and paced around the room.
'There's gotta be another way' she thought.
Just then she saw a very familiar face. The street performer that she sang with that one time was walking down the street with his instrument.
"I gotta an idea. Wait here"
She went to leave the store when Alastor gripped her shoulder.
"And how do I know you won't just run off?" he asked.
Jenny rolled her eyes.
"You're seriously going on with that?"
She pulled off her engagement ring and handed it to him.
"I'll be back for that so just wait a few minutes"
She left the shop to chase after Lue.
Alastor looked at the ring she gave him. That was a clever move on her part. Rosie looked at the ring too and made a face.
"You call that a ring? Whoever gave her that has bad taste"
/
"Lue! Hey Lue!"
The musician stopped when he heard his name. He cracked a smile when he saw a familiar face.
"Hey, if it isn't the little songbird" he said.
Jenny caught up to him and caught her breath.
"I'm really sorry to be asking you this when we barely know each other but I have a favor to ask"
She told him about her predicament with the whole jacket fiasco and how she was unable to pay for it with her card.
"So, it's either I sing in the streets or I pay with my soul. And to be honest I think my soul is worth more than 350 dollars"
Lue cackled at her story.
"You know you shouldn't be making with deals with sinners down here, girl" he warned.
"But since you're dealing with the radio demon and I made extra money the last time you sang, I'll help you out. Whatever we make, you can take it out of that"
"You are a lifesaver, thank you!" Jenny said.
Lue chuckled and gestured for her to follow him.
"Come on, we'll go by the plaza area where everyone can hear us"
They went towards the center of the area where there was a garden section. Lue set his hat down and gestured for Jenny to start singing. She thought of a song that would be interesting and that didn't sound too modern. Taking a breath, she started to sing.
Little drops of rain
Little grains of sand
Make the mighty ocean
And the pleasant land.
Little notes that sing
Little words that rhyme
Make the mighty memories
And the dreams of time.
As she sang a group started to gather around. Lue smirked as he played his instrument. Jenny didn't pay any attention and continued to be lost in the song.
Never let a minute
Lie there on the shelf
For there may be in it
All loves life itself.
Little smiles of hope
Little drops of tears
Make this thing called love
Go dancing down the years.
Little drops of rain
Little rays of sun
Make the hopeful rainbow
Glow for everyone!
When she finished singing, she was welcomed to the sound of applauses and cheers. She smiled at the fact that they loved her singing.
Sure enough, everyone who listened threw money into Lue's hat. It got to the point that it was spilling on the ground.
"You sure do got a pair of lungs on you, songbird. I might have to team up with you if I wanna get paid like this" he joked.
He counted out a couple of bills and handed them to her.
"Like I promised, here's your half"
Jenny accepted the money. Now she could pay off Alastor's jacket.
"Let me give you the address of the hotel I stay at. I'll pay you back for this" she insisted.
"Nah, you earned your half, songbird. And like I said, don't be making deals with anyone down here. It'll come back at ya" Lue warned.
"Now you go pay off that jacket. And don't be ruining anymore outfits, ya hear?"
"I will. Thanks again, Lue!"
She ran off to head back to Rosie's. Lue just chuckled. His eyes glowed yellow as he watched her leave.
"Until next time, songbird"
/
Jenny was out of breath when she made it back.
"Here's the money for the outfit"
She handed it to Rosie and made sure it was the exact amount.
"Sorry for the wait. Thanks for letting me figure out how to pay you"
Rosie accepted the money and put it in the drawer.
"Anything for a friend of Al's. And I heard you over near the plaza. You're quite the little Nightingale, aren't you?"
Jenny blushed.
"You could hear that from here?"
"Everyone could, dear" Alastor said.
"Although next time, perhaps you could sing something closer to my time"
Jenny rolled her eyes at him.
"Yeah, yeah, whatever. So now that I got your jacket are we good?"
Alastor pretended to think it over before he shrugged.
"I suppose so" he said.
"As always, you do marvelous work, Rosie"
"Stop in again soon. Next time I'll find an outfit for our little songbird to perform in" Rosie said.
Jenny didn't like where this was going and tugged Alastor out of the store.
"It was a pleasure meeting you, Ms. Rosie"
Rosie smiled and waved as they left.
"Oh, I'm going to have fun dressing her up"
/
When they left Cannibal Coloney, Jenny turned to Alastor.
"Well, now that I paid for your new jacket this is where I leave you. I have errands to run and I want to get them done before it gets dark out"
She spun on her heel and started walking away.
"Not so fast, dear"
He held up her ring.
"I believe you forgot this"
/
A/N: Jenny you idiot, why did you give him your ring?! It's a crappy ring but still!
Even Rosie could tell David is a tool and she's never met the guy lol.
It seemed like Jenny and Alastor were starting to get along since they have similar tastes.
And it seems Lue is acting more mysterious the more we meet him. Wonder what his game is.
Hope you guys liked the little tie in I did with Alastor's new look. Thought it was a clever way or explaining why everyone had to get new outfits.
Please review and tell me what you think!
Take care!