Chapter 18: Aftermath (Part 2)
Author's Note: This chapter is being published after the Hazbin Hotel premiere on the 19th, and I have taken this day off to enjoy the first half of the season with my writing advisor. As the series proper is now upon us, updates will be spotty as I will be taking time to do a lore deep dive, as well as watch a few choice videos from YouTube to hopefully get some useful advice to improve this piece.
After the season finale on February 2nd updates may get more regular, depending on how much I will need to re-write the plot. I have had a general outline for the entire narrative covering all four books from the very beginning, and it is uncertain how much of this I will need to change to comply with the new canon set by the show.
Rest assured I am still very much committed to finishing this book, as well as the three squeals I have planned, to tell my story in it's entirety. However, and I hate to say this, but further writing will be on hold until after the season finale on the 2nd. There remains the possibility of my going back once both this series and Hazbin Hotel have reached their conclusions and doing a complete re-write from the ground up to make an, almost, fully canon compliant crossover.
Ultimately I believe the new canon will, and already has, enrich this narrative in ways I could not imagine before the premiere. In the immediate future, I cannot promise exactly when the two remaining chapters of this bloc will be done, both because of the changing lore, and because I will need to write outlines for chapters 19 and 20 before I can truly begin with them. Chapter outlines are a technique I use to aid with direction and consistency, to help give myself and you the best story I can make.
Sidebar; How blessed are we to live in a time where the official series, especially one as good as Hazbin, is only half the fun? I know fandoms like this are often a double edged sword, but there are so many good stories to be had out there for anyone to pick up and read. Sidebar over.
Thank you for reading my walls of text, and please continue to bear with me as the fandom goes through this most exiting time. Now without further delay,
"Damn straight!"
Sounded an unfamiliar voice from behind the armored man. Wheeling on his heel and drawing his pistol in the same moment, he is confronted by the sight of a pale, thin, mono eyed woman with a pastel punk aesthetic and blonde hair.
"Easy tin man! Is that any way to thank the lady who just saved your asses?!"
"What?"
"Yeah, who do you think was dropping all those bombs on Valentino's ass? Rambo? Arnold Schwarzenegger? Or did you really think ol' white bear popped down here to deliver a few divine smites?"
"That was you? Leading those men that took Valentino's thugs from behind?!"
"Duh! Thought I made that pretty obvious. You get a concussion or somethin' when you were running down the dregs?"
"Shit."
He said as he holstered his weapon.
"Sorry, instincts. Heard a strange voice from behind and just reacted."
"Don't sweat it, I would've done the same. Cept' I probably would've blown the bastard away before bothering to check who it was."
"From what I've overheard about you from Mr. Dust, I don't doubt it."
"Aw, Angel talks about me? All bad I hope!"
"Well, I wouldn't exactly call anything I heard good, so your safe there."
"Ha! That's my boy!"
"But seriously, you saved our asses back there, myself and the others owe you a big thanks."
"I think you owe me a little more than that! Angel said there's a bar here, and I want to see how long it takes to drink you guys dry."
"I'm almost certain Mr. Husk has beaten you too it by now, if it even survived. But head on inside, see if there's anything left. I need to park my jeep."
As Cherry Bomb moved for the entrance and Tafford began to climb into the driver's seat, something occurred to him.
"Wait, one last thing! When I left this entire street was jam packed with wrecked cars, abandoned guns, and scrap. But I've only been gone around a half hour, what the hell could've cleared this whole road in that time? Did you see what did this?"
"Oh yeah. Radio demon. Pulled some insane voodoo radio magic shit that sucked up damn near every car on the street and magicked it into, that."
She said gesturing to the building at the end. With a word of thanks, Tafford climbed into the driver's seat and went to park, while Cherry Bomb went to check out the Hazbin Hotel 2.0.
"Yo! Anyone alive in here?!"
The explosive punk yelled as she threw open the front door. Across the parlor three sets of eyes were drawn to the noise made by the bombastic bombadier.
"Cherry!"
Smiled Angel Dust as he got up to greet her, bottles in three of his four hands.
"Got here just in time, we're only a third of the way through the liquor!"
"I know we're celebrating, but I still think you should slow down. How is it even possible for anyone to drink that fast anyway?"
"Experience."
Chimed Vagatha and answered by Husk.
"Well shit don't leave me high and dry! This is a party, so you better be sharing!"
The spider passed over an unopened spirit as the spunky kingpin took a place at the bar, with Angel taking his seat between her and Vagatha.
"God damn Angie I thought you were done in for sure that time! I may have been in hairier scrapes then that, but damn if I can remember when!"
"Eh I've seen worse. Ever had a front row seat when Val and Vox were having a tiff? Now that was a fucking war!"
"Seriously?! Are you kidding! Even if it was between overlords, you think some little spat is worse than facing down a literal army of thugs?"
Interrupted the moth.
"You said it yourself babe, right in the details. It was a spat between overlords. I know you haven't had as much experience with em' as me, but suffice to say, shit gets scary."
He turns back to Cherry Bomb.
"But really, thanks for pullin' our asses out of the fire sugar tits. Way to take em' from the rear~"
"I learned from the best~ *Phft* Alright, don't go getting mushy on me now ya twiggy jackass."
"Jackass? Ouch, oof, such an insult~ Stings more than the bullets~! Really Cherry, now that slaps worse than Val's gangs ever could~!"
Before Cherry Bomb could make a sarcastic rebuttal the front doors opened and Tafford walked in.
"Hm, the interior looks better too."
Opined the armored man as he walked across the space carrying something wrapped in cloth strapped to his back.
"Yo Hardtack, glad to see you finally found the entrance! Come on and join the party!"
"Much as I'd love to stay and listen to you make crude jokes with your friend for a few hours, I'd much rather just find a room to pass out in for the night. Maybe see if any of my stuff survived."
"Aw come on baron von wet blanket, you just helped us survive the mother of all turf wars! Put down the sergeant serious act for one night and live a little!"
"Mr. Dust I've known you for a good few months now, and in that time I've seen enough of you to know your definition of living and mine are worlds apart. Maybe I'll grab a drink tomorrow, but after the day I've had, all I want to do is rest."
"Uh, tomorr- the booze is gonna be gone by tomorrow! It's been what, an hour, and the bar is half dry! At least get one stiff one in you before you march off to dream land!"
"Never thought I'd say it, but I agree with Angel. You went through that hell just like us, and it was your plan we followed that held em' back. For a while at least. Even Nifty grabbed a bottle before going to keep an eye on Charlie, so at least get one! Come on, I'll fix you whatever you want from what we have left. If nothing else, It'll help you sleep."
Interposed Husk, surprising both the spider and the moth.
"No. I don't care if there's nothing left tomorrow, I'm going to find a bed. Key?"
Refused the armored guardian as he extended his hand.
"Hm, stubborn bastard."
Muttered the winged feline as he handed over a random room key. Tafford wasted no time in making for the hallway that had, formerly, led to the staff rooms intent on seeing if the layout was the same. But before he could get very far, the moth slid from her stool and moved to follow.
"I'll be right back."
She told her companions as she moves after the man. Swiftly coming up behind him she calls out as she goes to wave him down.
"Mr. Tafford, can we talk? I know you want to get to bed but, there's something I have to say first."
Somehow Tafford could tell this was important. The voice was devoid of it's usual annoyance, and although still serious, her tone was very different from the one she normally used.
"Yes?"
He replied simply while turning to face her.
"I wanted to say thank you. For saving Angel. I know I don't let it show in public, but I care about him. A lot. He pretty much constantly aggravates me, and I wish he'd stop flirting with anything that moves but, I don't want to think about what my life would be like without him. If Valentino succeeded today, If I had lost Angel then… then… I… I don't…"
In spite of herself and her best efforts to restrain them, tears threatened to flow even now. Tears that she had never wanted anyone to see, not even her lover or her best friend if she could help it. And now here she was, on the verge of crying in front of a man who was a stranger just a scant few weeks ago. A warm and gentle hand cupped the moth demon's shoulder as she began to choke up.
"It's OK Ms. Vagatha, I understand. I was in love myself once."
Well. That was unexpected. She didn't know what she thought would happen just now, but she never thought it would be pleasant. A man whom she thought was some kind of nutcase. A man who she had quarreled with since day one, now offering comfort and understanding. The pair just stood there, the moth's emotions and thoughts whirling for a few minutes, all the while the comforting hand never left her shoulder. Finally she reached up and gently removed the warm palm from her person.
"Thank you. Again."
"It's no problem, I'm here to help. Ms. Vagatha, some, maybe a lot of what I may do may seem counter intuitive, but never doubt that whatever I do, I do for the Hotel. This is the only worthy cause in hell, that's as true now as it was all those weeks ago, and I'll be damned again if I let the opportunity to further that cause slip through my fingers. Now, you better get back. I think your paramour might be getting lonely."
She smiled, and his eyes smiled back, before he turned and resumed his hunt for a bed. As she also turned and walked back toward the parlor, she began to wonder if maybe her estimation of the man had been off. Maybe he wasn't so bad after all. Just maybe.
Back at the bar the party continued unabated. Seemingly unaffected by the moth's absence, the trio on the stools kept on drinking, joking, and generally horsing around without a care in the world. Retaking her place by her spider's side, the moth would join in the revelry, taking a few glasses of wine and several shots of tequila. This celebration continued on into the wee hours of the morning but, predictably, dropped off rapidly once the last of the booze had been spent. In the end Cherry Bomb and Husk were almost too drunk to stumble to the couches nearby, to immediately pass out with zero prelude.
Once again it was up to Vagatha to help her drunken man to bed. But just this once, she didn't really mind. Any annoyance she might have felt at having to half carry Angel Dust to a room was massively overshadowed by the joy and relief of just having him here beside her in one piece. So as the two finally found the right room and tipsily collapsed onto the mattress, there was no arguing, no complaints, not even a single gripe.
"Vaaaaagieeeeeee, I got somthin' to say to yooooouuuu~"
"Mh, Angel, your drunk. I am too, just go to sleep."
"But I got somnthin' to say, an is important!"
He woozily said as he leaned over and planted a kiss right on her lips.
"Okay, I'm really fucked up, goonite' Vags."
He said as he turned over and passed out. Meanwhile the moth began to turn a new shade of red, this one having nothing to do with the alcohol.
The Next Day
The princess stirred from her place on the bed slowly but surely returning to the waking world. Little by little, her senses returned as she stretched out under the blanket and took in the still air. It was calm and quiet, so she took her time rousing herself from the sandman's embrace. As her physical senses began to return, so to did her memories. The day had started like any other, she and Vaggie were discussing finances and brainstorming ideas in her office. Then they had got a call from Mr. Tafford, about Angel. He had brought him in, and then…
Her eyes shot open and she sat bolt upright as the prior day's events screamed back in full force. Angel, his injuries, then Valentino, Tafford's plan, and then, and then…
The Hotel!
She went to throw off the blanket, to be stopped by two small charred bundles wrapped in the same. Sounds of protest came from them as they were jostled, but did not awaken. Oh shit, that's right! At the last moment the two goat men had assumed their full forms to shield her from the blast! As they were brought to life by the power of her father she wasn't really surprised they had survived. But that didn't mean she felt any less horrible that they had been injured protecting her!
These two had been her constant companions for most of her life, and seeing them like this was too much for her tender heart. She broke down and sobbed over her bodyguards for a solid minute, emotions streaming out of her like so many tears that moistened the bedspread. Eventually she calmed enough to take a second look at her guardians, and what she saw brought surprise and mild confusion.
The tiny rams had been stripped of their suit coats exposing burnt hair, chipped and broken horns, and bandaged wounds. While she had expected all of this, the damage was nowhere near as severe as she thought it would be. The injuries she could see were largely superficial and would heal by themselves within a few weeks, horns would regrow, and hair would return to it's original hue in time.
How was this possible? While she knew her guardians were durable, they had just tanked a blast from a rocket, and anyone who had just taken that level of punishment was bound to be mangled! But somehow this wasn't so.
Emotions whirled through her like a kaleidoscope, confusion, grief, sadness, fear, all these and a million questions spun through the princess's mind. What happened? Was she still in the Hotel? Was the Hotel even still standing? Where was everyone? Were they alright?
One thing was for certain, she wouldn't find the answers laying in this bed. Her resolve set she, gently, rose from the covers taking care not to wake her still sleeping companions. They deserved their rest. Collecting her clothes and emerging into a quiet hallway, Charlie quickly took stock of her surroundings. The space seemed familiar, so like the hallway she had known, and yet so different. If this was the Hotel then something had changed, something big.
Walking down the hall she heard soft sounds coming from the direction of the parlor.
"Hello?"
As she drew closer she heard the noise more clearly. It sounded like heavy footsteps and muttering.
"Is someone there?"
"Ms. Charlie?"
Came the response in a familiar voice. Finally emerging into the space Charlie was greeted by Tafford, who seemed to be walking around the lounge and taking notes. Upon seeing his employer the man rushed over, concern written in his voice.
"Ms. Charlie! Are you feeling alright? Do you need to sit down?"
"I think I'm fine. Is there something wrong? Why are you looking at me like that?"
"You took a blast from a rocket during the battle. I'm told Ms. Nifty gave you a stimpack, but anyone would have major injuries after that. I'm not convinced a stimpack is enough to recover from a literal rocket to the face."
Her demeanor darkened after that, her expression saddening as she looked to the floor.
"Razzle and Dazzle jumped ahead of me to shield me from the blast. They took the worst of it. I probably wouldn't be standing right now if it weren't for them."
"Oh. Good little men. How are they?"
"That's just the thing. I looked them over after I woke up, and yeah they're hurt, but they're not as hurt as I would have thought. I always knew they were tough, they're bodyguards so they have to be. But anyone putting themselves in harms way like that is bound to be way more injured than what they are!"
"Hmm. I don't have an explanation for that. However I was away at the very end of the battle. Something could have happened after I left, it's possible the others treated their injuries. Probably at the same time they treated yours."
"Wait, you left at the end? Why? What were you doing?"
…
"Let's just say, I got mad."
"Meaning?"
…
…
…
"I can wait all day Mr. Tafford."
"*Sigh* When Valentino's gangs were pulling out, I was furious. So as soon as there weren't any left in the immediate area, I hopped in my jeep and chased the thugs across the city. I killed, so many. I don't even know how many, but I know I destroyed at least half a dozen of their cars.
When I saw the damage they had done to this place, when I saw the cause going up in smoke, I snapped. At that point I didn't care anymore, I was enraged and I was going to make the people who did this hurt. I know it's not what you'd have wanted, I know you probably disapprove of what I did, but that's what happened. I can't go back and change it now, and truthfully I don't want to."
…
Charlie thought on this. She hated violence, this was true, but she also saw the context that surrounded that violence. Valentino and his gangs had struck first, threatening his life as well as those of the others. Had that not happened Tafford wouldn't have retaliated. But more than this, from his explanation she could make out some of his underlying motive.
When he saw the dream, her dream, the dream they had all worked toward for so many weeks come crashing down, she understood his anger. She understood it so damn much. The princess saw a reflection of her own actions within his. That did a lot to shape her reply.
"*Sigh* Well you were right, I don't like what you did Mr. Tafford, but I also get why you did it. While I wish you didn't go after those guys, in this case I'm not going to punish you for it."
"Uh- Really? I hesitate to ask this but, are you sure? This seems like exactly the kind of thing you or Ms. Vagatha would reprimand me on."
"Yes I'm sure. Like I said, I get why you did it. I understand. And besides, I hear Valentino mostly employs sinners anyway, so no permanent harm done."
"Thank you ma'am."
Something else caught on Tafford's attention as he looked his boss in the face.
"Are you sure your all right? You look, different."
"Different? Like How?"
"I think it would be best to just show you."
The man said as he walked behind the bar and fished around on the shelves.
"You may want to sit down for this."
He said returning with a small mirror, which he handed to the princess. Taking a seat on a bar stool, what she saw surprised her as much as her employee. Her eyes, which had previously been black, had turned a shade of bright red. It didn't look like blood or something like that leaking into them, and she felt no pain or discomfort, but her eyes had changed color, almost as if they had always been that way. Charlie stared for a few more minutes her mind searching for any possible explanation, and finding none.
"H-How is this possible?"
"I'm afraid I don't know ma'am. I never was the best at medicine, and that's before we get into the differences with demon anatomy. How do you feel?"
"Like I said I think I'm fine, or at least not in any pain."
"I think you should still see a doctor about that. At least, after everything has calmed down."
"Right. And getting to that, where is everyone?"
"Sleeping in most likely. They were drinking pretty heavily last night. Celebrating, though I wouldn't call last night a victory."
"Ah, OK. By the way, what time is it anyway?"
"About half passed ten."
He said pulling out his phone. The sound of snores coming from nearby drew her attention to the couches where she saw Husk and Cherry Bomb.
"Oh there's Husk. But who's that woman there?"
"Oh that's Cherry Bomb. She's a friend of Mr. Dust who led the men that broke the attack. Saved all our skins last night."
Whoa. Charlie didn't know that. She wasn't sure how the battle had ended, one moment she was raining down fire and brimstone, and the next she was out cold. If that was true than the least they could do was let her sleep awhile longer. And even if it wasn't Charlie was too nice to interrupt someone's rest.
"So, why aren't you sleeping in?"
She said refocusing on her employee.
"Ah, I never let myself sleep in before, not gonna start now. Besides I wanted to get a head start on listing needed repairs after the big restoration."
"Oh, that's right! I completely forgot, what happened to the Hotel? The bar looks the same, but the rest of the place looks so different. What happened?"
"Mr. Alastor. I wasn't here to see it myself, but I'm told he used his magic to basically reconstruct the entire building. The others could tell you more than I can."
Wow. Another curve ball. If these kept coming the princess's head was liable to start spinning like a top. Everyone knew overlords were figures of obscene power, but Charlie didn't know he would have that much left in him after holding an overlord at bay single handed for however long the battle had lasted. She had to admit, she was both amazed and impressed.
"I started a pot of coffee in the kitchen, should be ready by now. I thought it'd be nice if everyone had something to wake up to, I just didn't expect you'd be up this early."
"Coffee would be great right now. If you like I can help you prepare a tray. I know just how everyone likes it."
"I appreciate that. Thank you."
And with that, the two made their way to the kitchen. About five minutes later they got back to the parlor and set the tray on the counter. Charlie one again sat at the bar and savored her warm calming drink while Tafford resumed his note taking, eventually moving down a hall and out of sight. Shortly thereafter a very groggy, very hungover moth slowly made her way into the room.
"Charlie!"
Her pace quickens on catching sight of her friend, but not too much.
"Charlie are you alright? How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine Vaggie, how are you? You look like you have a headache."
"Mhuh, hangover. Angel and Husk were celebrating last night and I went and joined them. A little too much."
"Oh, well, I got you a cup of coffee! Just how you like it!"
"Coffee sounds amazing right now, thanks."
Vagatha smiled taking the cup from her friend. Sitting next to Charlie, she too took in the comforting flavors and aromas of the brew in her hand, until a new sound drew her attention back to the hallway.
"FuuUuuUcK!"
Cried the spider stumbling into the parlor.
"Ugh, Angel! Not so loud."
"Good morning Angel. Are you alright? How do you feel?"
"About as alright as you can be with a dozen jackhammers goin' off in your head."
The spider snipped as he plopped down next to his flame. With a huff of annoyance Vagatha passed him his cup and returned to her own. Angel Dust didn't really care for coffee per say, but he wouldn't turn it down if it was offered either. Especially on a morning like this.
Comfortable silence pervaded the room broken only by the occasional sound of sips and soft groans. Finally,
"*Yaaaaaaaaaawwwwwwwwwn!* *Smack* *Smack* Ugh, damn, hangover again! Oh well, must have been a decent party."
"Cherry!"
"Ah, Angie! Not so loud!"
Hissed Cherry bomb, speaking both for herself and Vagatha.
"Sorry. Well, hangover aside, how ya doin' Cherr?"
"I've been worse. Just wish my head didn't feel like broken glass."
"Oh I'm right there with ya. You want some coffee or something? Might not be much, but it dulls the edge."
"Nah, I think I'm just gonna bounce."
"Already? You literally just woke up?"
"Yeah, just gonna head back to my place. Maybe grab a bite. But don't worry, I'll be back around. Really really soon."
"Oh. Well, OK. Guess I'll see you later. Thanks again for pulling our asses out of the fire."
"Glad to do it Angie, just don't go getting attacked by a full ass army for awhile OK?"
"Heh heh heh! I'll try, but no promises~"
"*Sigh* Angel, your really gonna joke about this now? It's literally the morning after."
Interjected Vagatha
"Eh, why not? I don't see any of em' coming back, and since we survived, I say we earned the right to joke all we want."
"Because I don't like tempting fate."
The moth replied now turning to Angel's companion.
"Hey, before you go I want to give my thanks too. If it wasn't for you and those people you brought with you, I don't know if we'd be sitting here. So, thanks."
"Me too! You saved Angel, and probably the Hotel! If there's ever anything we can do for you, just ask OK."
"Eh, thanks princess. I'll keep that in mind. Later Angie, I'm off to find something to murder this hangover."
And with that Cherry Bomb left, leaving the trio and the still sleeping Husk. Charlie took this opportunity to ask what happened to the Hotel. The explanation took a little time, but it's not like they were in any rush today. Afterwords Charlie went to the front lawn to take in the building's new appearance. It gave her mixed feelings, on one hand the new facade looked great, cleaner, brighter, and easier to take in. On the other, she had really grown accustomed to the building's old appearance. This was going to be an adjustment, that was for certain. But at least her dream was still standing.
"Shit, we actually pulled it off. Almost can't believe it."
"Yeah. Fist all those gangs, then the mercenaries, I didn't think there was any way out of that. But we pulled through."
"Yep. Looks like I'll be livin' out of that free room a while longer."
"Well, good to see you getting back to your old self."
"You know you love it."
"Not that you make it easy."
"Eh, fair enough."
"*Sigh* But, I'll admit, I am glad your here with us. With me. If he had succeeded- I'm really glad your here Angel."
"Yeah after nearly getting bashed, blasted, and torn to shreds. And after all that you went and decked me in the side. I coulda been double dead, so you should feel like super bad. Let's watch superbad!"
"Really? Out of everything we could do today you want to watch that?"
"Yeah."
"*Pfhhht* Ha, Ha, Ha, Ha, Ha, Ha, Ha! OK. Let's go see if there's anything left to watch it on."
Author's Note:
Once again I apologize that this chapter was not out sooner, especially as episodes 5 & 6 dropped today. The series just keeps getting better and better, with 5 & 6 delivering bombshell after bombshell. Unfortunately for this reason writing will not continue until after the season finale on February 2nd. Before any new chapters are released there will be another update to let my readers know where this story stands in light of the radical lore changes brought about by the show's release. On the bright side, I do believe I will attempt a complete re-write once Hazbin Hotel reaches it's conclusion. I was absolutely right to decide on Hazbin Hotel as my favorite show, and although it will be my most difficult writing challenge of the decade, this show is worth it. Thank you all for reading despite the myriad of flaws in this work, and my inability to completely conform to the new canon.
