Chapter 20: New Faces

Author's Note: This is a very experimental chapter that I need audience input on. I am trying out a new, more descriptive style of writing and I need you to tell me if this is good. Is this better or worse than previous chapters?

Should I switch back to the more contemporary style of writing I've been doing until now? Maybe split the difference and include some elements of this style within more contemporary scenes? Please let me know in the comments, happy reading.


The parlor stood silent and empty. The first rays of dawn had made themselves known some time ago, but had not yet begun to sink down to day. As the first signs of life began to stir within the building this peace was crossed by the building's owner, dressed in a sharp, red, professional looking new business suit. Looking around the newly reconstructed space she took a deep breath, enjoying the silence as she steeled herself for another day.

Breathe in, breathe out. Stillness.

Breathe in, breathe out. Calm.

Breathe in, breathe out. Peace.

Soft radiance filtered in through the front windows, the glass staining the light with a myriad of colors. Nary a creak or crack was herd, as time itself seemed to stop for the princess. A tranquil repose from the chaos that was life in hell.

Her worries couldn't find her here, in this small eternity before the start of another day. Nor could problems, or stress, or anxiety. As she stood within this sanctuary, a small selfish part of her longingly wished it could last forever.

But inevitably, inexorably, this all too short eternity ended as the heavy footsteps of an early riser came clomping down the hall. The stalwart man greeted his employer, but the two did not converse long. Wanting to get a head start on the day the man walked out to his morning patrol returning the innocent soul to stillness a few minutes more.

The rest of her associates were not far behind, as a silver haired woman of ashen complexion waded through the tranquility on her way to a morning repast. Sparing a few moments for her dear friend she found assurance that the rose cheeked woman would not be far behind, and thus affirmed, continued on her way.

*Zip*

"Morning Charlie."

*Zip*

Came the simple greeting of the mono eyed sprite before she departed just as she'd appeared, faster than the eye could perceive. Two more figures strode passed next, one bearing wings and a top hat, the other possessed of four arms. They likewise greeted their cheerful companion as they too went to their breakfast.

After a small period the last member of her convocation presented himself, striding down the grand staircase, cane in hand, an air of power and authority about his shoulders.

"Good Morning Charlie. How are we this infernal day?"

He said as he looked her form up and down.

"I must say that new outfit looks great! It truly suits you, 'Ha! 'Ha! 'Ha!"

"Thanks Al, you look sharp too. I mean, you've always looked dapper but, well, you know what I mean!"

"Indeed. Now is there something you need from me this morning?"

"Oh, well, not exactly. I just wanted to know what you had planned for today. Make sure we're on the same page ya know?"

"My my princess, prying into my personal life? If I didn't know better I'd say you want to keep me on a leash.~"

"What? No, of course not!"

"Well, if you must know, after my morning stroll I have another lunch date with Rosey, and after that I would return and see what needs doing around here."

Chuckled the overlord.

"Oh, OK, thanks Al. But, um, if it's not too much trouble, as long as your out,-"

"Could I point any poor wayward souls in need of redemption your way? Yes I suppose I can. Now I believe I'll be off. Ta ta princess."

"Thanks Al. Enjoy your day!"

"Oh I intend to Charlie, I fully intend to."

He said turning the knob of the glass portal. And with that the crimson stag was gone, freeing her highness to join her companions in the dining room. Taking a place next to her friend a new conversation takes shape, in much the same vein as the old.

"Morning Charlie. Hmm, gotta say that new outfit looks good on you."

"Yeah, I always found pantsuits tacky myself, but your pulling it off."

Began the red shirted manager, and rejoined by her arachnid companion.

"Thanks. So, what's on everyone's agenda for today?"

"Eh, probably just hang around here, try to coax more than one channel out of that old box in the lobby."

As he had hoped, the two women were none the wiser of his most recent escapades. While those events had blanketed the news the entire day, everyone had assumed it was Pentious gone too far with his havoc. Nevertheless he, correctly, felt it wise to lie low for the moment being.

"Actually I was thinking we could get started on some of the rehab activities we thought up for you. Unless Charlie has something else in mind?"

"Actually I had a job lined up for myself today, so if you could handle Angel's activities for today that would be great."

"Oh, anything I can help with?"

"No, no, I don't really need help with this. In fact, it would actually be better if I handled this by myself."

Said the princess as she averted her gaze. Noticing this change Vagatha's face took on a sober expression.

"I don't know about that. Are you sure you don't need any help?"

"Don't worry, it's nothing bad! It just, it takes a lot of energy is all. But I can handle it just fine, trust me."

Vagatha didn't like the sound of that, but if her confidante insisted she didn't need or want assistance with this, she wouldn't interfere.

"After I take care of the dishes, I gonna' get my knives and go hunt more bugs!"

Interjected the half psychotic sprite.

"Wait I thought you took care of all the pests in this place already?"

Asked the spider

"That was in the old building. Since the reconstruction they came back, and the ones that survived are even tougher."

"Okay, you do that Niff. Knock yourself out."

"Nope. It's no fun when I do it myself.~"

Creepy. With that slightly disquieting remark the conversation cooled down. While there was some small talk between the five companions, nothing more of substance was shared. Shortly thereafter the meal came to an end, with the dishes left to be cleaned. It was here the remaining four went their separate ways, the winged feline taking his post, the hotel's resident odd couple going off to begin Angel's path to self improvement, and the princess herself heading to her room.

Ding!*

The clear tone of the elevator resounded on the penthouse floor. As the doors of the car shuffled open the heir of the inferno strode down the red carpeted halls to the suite she called her own. Two ebony double doors stood sentry at the entrance to the princess's private space. Eyes carved into the base boards and stained into the glass above the entrance gave a ceaseless vigil over any who might seek to ingress.

Turning the finely made handle reviled a suite as spacious as it was luxurious. At the insistence of her friends she had taken another luxury suite in the building, the penthouse serving this role quite nicely. To her left was a large, lavishly designed wardrobe styled to look like the main stage of a circus tent. To her right stood her bed, a queen sized masterwork of carpentry, with a curtain of silk and strung lights supported by a sturdy frame of intricately carved wood. On either side and throughout, illuminated pillars of glass caged by gold filigree filled the chamber with gentle radiance.

Ahead of her stood a sitting area piled high with cushions and some blankets where our heroine enjoyed her reading. But what not many knew was that below the blankets and cushions was a set of drawers built into the bench where her highness stored numerous items that were of value to her.

While many of her possessions had been destroyed in the attack that claimed her former abode, some quite irreplaceable, a good deal of others had been stored in her former office which had been spared the wrath of the pimp lord's thugs.

Reaching down to one of the drawers she withdrew a small ordinary looking cardboard box, layers of dust indicating just how rarely the items within were used.

*Ahh-CHOO!*

The princess was grateful no one was around to hear that adorable sound. Standing straight she went over to a bookshelf taking one particular volume from amongst her collection. With both in her possession she left her private space, but instead of returning to the elevator she turned to the stairwell, the lift couldn't reach her destination.

Opening the metallic hatch she scaled the last few rungs of the ladder and was greeted with the sight of the vacant rooftop. The roof was a large flat square of stone like material, devoid of any meaningful features save for a few skylights and the illuminated sign at the far end of the building. Soft breezes caressed her porcelain skin, warm and carrying the familiar unpleasant scents of her city.

Though wind was not unexpected at this elevation today it wasn't too strong. Good, she needed the privacy and open space the roof provided, and strong wind would've posed a problem. Setting the book down somewhere close by she opened the box and set to work.

A large flask was withdrawn from the old cardboard box filled with shifting grains of red salt. Being uncapped, clear lines were drawn in a very precise pattern across the stone. Moving around, across, at sharp angles and specific symbols, a magic circle took shape. When this was done candles were produced and placed at exact points within the circle. Once the last candle was placed Charlie moved to the center of her circle and dug into her pocket for the object of this exercise, the key to the hotel.

Making sure not to smudge the salt, she moved back and retrieved her book. With everything in readiness, the princess of hell took a deep breath and quieted her mind focusing her entire being onto the task at hand.

Opening the tome she recites esoteric incantations in a language unknown to mortal ears, a tongue known only to a select few in creation. The candles light of their own accord as the circle begins to glow with prodigious power. The key at the center of this begins to float a few inches above the ground and takes on a soft glow of it's own.

Her golden locks are whipped back by a silent wind that seemed to affect nothing else. Black pupils set in red eyes become slits, crimson horns extend, and a wicked black tail is reveled as the princess pours more of herself into the ritual. The key at the center of this exertion of esoteric energies pulses brighter and brighter as the chants increase in volume. Esoteric energies crackle, spark, and swirl along and within the circle.

Finally, with one last incantation,

*!FLASH!*

*Whoooom!*

In a singular blinding flash all the energy that had been building within the concentrating rings of salt converge and bind to the small shard of metal, leaving it changed forever. Crackling embers of ethereal power swim and spark across the interior of the circle in the aftermath of the expression of power, similar to the falling sparks of a forest fire. When the last of the mystic energies begin to dissipate and her highness had returned to normal she closed her book and approached the key, bending down to inspect it.

A little ball of fur rests where just moments before was a piece of black steel, small and dark in color. Quivering for a few moments as if attuning to the sensation of life a small feline uncurls itself, a singular red and yellow orb in the center of it's head. Curiosity and slight fear writ on it's features, it's eye cast to and fro as it's ears twitched taking in every sound. Hmm, it's ears had white tufts that looked like two halves of a heart, but given the nature of who had brought this creature to being, maybe it wasn't that strange.

"Aww, hey there."

Greets Charlie softly as she slowly crouches down. The tiny cat focuses on the woman in front of it, the first person it ever saw. While most animals in hell would react with fear, or more likely hostility, when confronted with an unfamiliar face the cat felt an immediate familiarity and bond with the pale woman who gently reached out to it. Cupping it's head in her hand after a moment or two the feline nuzzled it's owner and began to softly purr.

"Welcome to hell, Keekee."


Elsewhere, Late Afternoon


The radio demon strolled down the avenue, taking in the sights and screams along the way. The well kept classic stylings of cannibal town had since given way to the more contemporary, more rundown architecture of the gap district south of downtown. Having enjoyed a few hours with his companion he now took his time on the way back to the hotel, taking in what entertainment he could find as he went. The grey concrete of the sidewalk stretched out underneath him strewn with the trash and detritus of a million careless souls. Cars of all descriptions rushed passed him to his right, and the lights of numerous apartments shone overhead.

He had hoped to see a few more amusing scenes play out on his stroll, but apart from a little domestic disturbance a few blocks back, his walk had been frightfully dull. Demons were just so afraid of overlords, ducking into alleyways rushing across the street and generally giving them a wide berth whenever they were spotted. Of course this was occasionally hilarious whenever a demon didn't look before crossing the road, but sadly there was no such luck today.

But after another block filled with naught but tedium Alastor began to sense something was amiss. He could feel eyes burning a stare into the back of his head, and he could swear he picked up on soft shuffling sounds that might've been footsteps. He paused his walk and turned around, to find nothing but an empty sidewalk, curious. Resuming his stride the feeling returned after a brief delay, a pair of eyes burning a hole in the back of his head.

Focusing, he increased his hearing to superhuman levels, taking in every sound in his immediate area. In truth, this didn't even require an expenditure of his power. It was just part of his natural abilities, and over time he had trained his hearing to regress to normal levels, for obvious reasons when there was a sex club on every corner. Who could say how much he could hear if he used his aural faculties to their fullest potential? The perks of being the radio demon.

But now his enhanced auditory perception allowed him to clearly perceive the sound of soft footfalls trailing behind him. Hmm, perhaps this wouldn't be a dull night after all. Without warning he glanced behind himself without breaking his stride, glimpsing a sleek figure as it dashed behind a bend. Hm, hmm, hmmm yes! This could be quite amusing! Maybe this was just the entertainment he had been pining for! A game of cat and mouse commenced, with the radio demon randomly glancing and turning as he weaved his path through rows of apartment buildings filled with the damned, blocks of small shops selling common fare, and even a few workshops busy with their petty little projects.

But by the time he got close to downtown he began to tire of his little passtime. So he employed his shadow to hang back and shed light on the situation. As he crossed the street to the next block his shadow finally got a good look at his pursuer.

A mink like woman of average height, cream colored fur and wearing a slightly tattered hoodie and jeans ensemble tracked the stag, keeping her distance and trying her damnedest to go unnoticed. This little diversion had been fun, but it was time to ascertain this woman's intentions. Having his shadow stalk up right behind her he used his powers to teleport to the very spot his shade stood upon.

"See something interesting my dear?"

"AAAH!"

The woman about jumped out of her skin, launching about a foot in the air before landing flat on her back. She scrabbled backwards on her hands and feet before bumping into the brick of a nearby building. The stag loomed over her, his smile becoming a grin as his features turned mischievous. The little mink stammered for several seconds before finding her voice.

"I-I-I- I'm sorry!"

"My my, now what would a little young thing like you be doing out here by yourself, and following someone like me no less? You don't strike me as the type to work in one of these greasy little shops, and all the apartments in this district have been full since the seventies. So what would you be doing out here all alone?"

"W-W-Well, you see, Mr. Alastor, sir, I had to f-follow you because, well, BECAUSE YOUR THE RADIO DEMON!"

"Hmm?"

Hummed Alastor, his right eyebrow rising. Before this interaction had been simple amusement, but now his curiosity was peaked.

"You just showed up one day and started toppling overlords that had been there for hundreds of years, you broadcast it all to every radio in hell, you stalk the streets with that smile that makes even the nobles take a step back, your a legend!"

The woman raved with eyes that might've become stars if she were any more excited. Well now, this was interesting. There was no shortage of demons who admired the overlords and the control they held over their various domains. However most of these onlookers were filled with envy, either scheming to take their power for themselves or concocting how to raise up their own empires in the inferno.

But to see a true fan, someone with no desire to take their seats of power or profit from them in some way, just an individual who saw their deeds and admired them, that was rare. The stag's expression shifted, his eyes softening just a bit and his smile seeming to become more genuine.

"Well now, who am I to refute a woman who speaks the truth? Come now, let's get you up off that filthy sidewalk."

He said extending the end of his cane to help her up. Once the mink was back on her feet the object of her appreciation backed off a few steps for his comfort.

"Now then, since I obviously need no introduction, that only leaves you. Might I have your name my fine lady?"

"Hightail. That's what people call me."

"Well a pleasure to meet you miss Hightail. Would you mind if we walk as we continue this conversation?"

"Uh, sure. Let's do it."

The woman who now stood astride Alastor wasn't a fool, so to say she wasn't nervous being so close to an overlord would be a lie. But the man also happened to be one of her idols, so she seized the opportunity and ran with it. Metaphorically.

"Okay, first off, this goes without saying, but I'm a big fan! When I first herd the stories about you I couldn't believe them! I actually thought you were just a myth for awhile, but you were real! Your actually the reason I got into overlords."

"Oh, ho, ho, so I'm not the only one? Tell me, who else in this metropolis of scum and villainy has caught your eye?"

"Well, there's Carmila Carmine who owns the weapons trade, Zestial the oldest overlord still in existence, and this brawny powerhouse Miss Zilla! Now I'm not really into the whole "soul trade" aspect of being an overlord, but being a self made person who built a monopoly over an entire industry always inspired me. Plus being able to break a car in half with your bare hands never hurt either."

"Ha, Ha, True, very true. You'll never hear me complain about the ability to crush a jalopy as easy as a can. But tell me, what do you think of the newest additions to our number? Those upstarts calling themselves the Vees?"

Her nose wrinkled at the mention that trio of reprobates.

"Ugh they're the worst! I mean yeah, they control a few industries like anyone else, but they do it by exploiting any poor schmuck who's desperate enough to work for them! I hear they actually make all their employees sign a soul contract to work for them! I don't actually know if that's true or not but from the horror stories going around about those three I believe it! Can we please change the subject?"

Alastor was liking this woman more already.

"Alright. Tell me, have you met any other overlords in your time here?"

"No, not really. I might admire some of them but, they're overlords. Bothering an overlord is a good way for someone like me to end up as a fur coat. Everyone knows that. The only reason I trailed you for so long was that you didn't seem too busy, and I was keeping my distance."

The conversation took a lull at this point as the two walked in silence for the next block or so.

"So Mr. Alastor, what are you doing in this part of town?"

"Ah, I was just leaving a lunch date with my friend Rosie. Lovely woman, one of the only people with real style in this decrepit pit we call home. But enough about me, what about you my dear? What brings a sweet young thing like you to downtown on this hellish day?"

The mink averted her gaze at that, looking to the ground and avoiding eye contact.

"I, uh, was actually looking for a job. I haven't been able to find work aside from waitressing for awhile and I'm tired of all the drunk bastards slapping my ass. My bosses too if you can believe that. Even when I worked at that tea house for rich people! *Sigh* And I'd better find something fast or my landlord's gonna put me out on my tail."

Alastor believed it. At this point in his existence he was a centenarian, and most of that time having been spent in hell, he had seen every stripe of debauched and detestable soul in existence. He had no doubt that every word of what she had told him was true. But he also saw something else in her words. An opening. An opportunity if you would. A golden opportunity, to add a bit more spice into his latest venture.

"Miss, hightail is it? Just how long have you been looking for work?"

"A couple weeks I guess? Why do you ask? Do you know somewhere that's hiring?"

"As a matter of fact I do my fine little mink. Have you ever heard of the Hazbin Hotel?"


A short while later


The parlor was filled with sounds of joy as the princess, delighted with her new pet, was quick to show Keekee off to her friends and companions. The cat of the hour was, at the present moment, sitting upright on the parlor's coffee table, being fawned over by the Hotel's resident hyperactive housekeeper.

The princess herself was seated on the couch, admiring her handiwork with the rest of her companions. Her two closest friends were seated close by, the silver haired woman in one of the chairs with her flame leaning over the backrest absentmindedly scrolling through his phone.

The other two members of the group were also present, with Husk unmoved from his usual spot, and the stocky form of their maintenance man leaning against the wall by the counter.

"Aww, she's so cute!"

"I know. She's adorable!"

The maid doted from one end of the table, as Charlie agreed from her seat.

"Okay I'll admit, having the little fuzz ball around might be nice."

"Yeah. Get a little more life in this big ol' place."

Acceded the silver haired woman, and assented by her boyfriend. The spider didn't know just how right he was.

"Eh, it's a cat, so what?"

"Eh it figures you wouldn't be impressed you old tomcat. You don't get exited about anything unless it's a bottle or a deck of cards."

"Hey, why should I be exited? Magic or not it's just a cat. You seen one, you've seen em' all."

"True, but didn't miss Charlie say it was going to help protect this place?"

Tafford inquired.

"Yeah, she will. But we shouldn't really need Keekee unless something crazy happens. Don't worry."

Her highness said, stroking her pet's ears. This scene of domestic tranquility would continue unabated for a time. The atmosphere was mellow and pleasant as Charlie and Niffty played with their new feline companion. Angel Dust lowered his phone so his girlfriend could see too. Together they scrolled through the various feeds of social media, occasionally chuckling at what they saw. Husk and Tafford stood at the bar drinking and chatting about small inconsequential things. Eventually the front door creaked open and the room saw the final member of their group return, and he wasn't alone.

*GASP!*

In the blink of an eye Charlie moved from sitting on the sofa to voraciously shaking the newcomer's hand.

"WELCOME! I'm Charlie, the owner! Are you here to check in? You must be! Your gonna love it here! I just kn-"

"Princess! Please calm yourself if you would."

Interjected Alastor interrupting Charlie's mile a minute verbiage. As Charlie settled her nerves and tried to contain her excitement the group focused their attention on the radio demon.

"Thank you. Everyone this fine young woman is known as miss Hightail. She has come to join our little endeavor, but not as a guest. Say hello to the Hotel's newest employee!"

"E-Employee…"

Charlie said, her expression deflating as fast as her excitement.

"Now princess, I know you must be disappointed that miss Hightail here isn't a guest, but please don't be rude. Rudeness doesn't become you my dear."

"Your right, I'm sorry."

She said before plucking herself up some and turning to the newcomer.

"Uh, hi."

Said the mink demon awkwardly with a little wave.

"Hello there miss Hightail, and again, welcome to the Hotel. Like I said before, I'm Charlie. And since you've clearly met Alastor, let me introduce everyone else. This is Vaggie, my manager and best friend, Angel our first guest, Niffty our homemaker, Husk the bartender, and this is Mr. Tafford our handyman and security guard."

She said gesturing to each in turn.

"Hey there."

Started the Mink

"Hey."

"Heya toots."

"Hi!"

"Mhhm."

"Hi."

Returned the rest in more or less the order they had been introduced.

"So miss Hightail."

Began Vagatha.

"Alastor says you've come here for a job, why do you want to work here?"

"Now Vagatha, I don't mean to knock you while your doing managerial duties, but do we really have time for this right now?"

"Yes Alastor! As manager, it's my responsibility to interview all new hires, and its only… shit. I didn't think it was that late."

She said looking up to a nearby clock.

"Oh damn! I should've been on evening patrol an hour ago!"

Voiced Tafford before he rushed out the doors.

"Oh wow it is late! Sorry miss hightail but we don't have time to do a proper interveiw right now, sorry!"

"Oh, that's OK I can just come back tomorrow."

"Actually, if you'd like you can stay in one of the rooms for tonight. I'm not so sure going out this late is a good idea."

Glancing up at the clock a second time Hightail accepted without delay. She didn't really like her neighborhood during the day, so she was not about to chance it at night. Thus Charlie and Vaggie showed the newcomer to her room as the rest of the group began to turn in for the night, leaving Keekee seemingly forgotten.

As the lobby grew quiet and still the cat was left sitting alone in the parlor. A few lights had been left on here and there, and the night guard had forgotten to lock the front doors on his way out. With a flick of Keekee's tail, the bolt turned on the front doors as the remaining lights in the room winked out. She then leisurely made her way down the dim hallway to the elevator, the doors opening as if they had been waiting for her.

As the doors closed and the lift began to ascend, a peculiar atmosphere permeated the building that seemed to radiate with potential. Things were about to get more interesting.


Author's Note:

At long last, this chapter bloc is finally done! And I am pleases to say I was able to get with my co-author and I have a confident plan for the rest of this book! Thanks to everyone who liked this enough to favorite and follow it over the passed year or so.

Keep those comments and constructive criticisms coming, it's how I know where to improve. If you have any suggestions or ideas leave them in the comments, they may yet be worked into this book or added in with the next books in the series.

Thanks again for toughing it out through my long hiatuses, and as always, Stay tuned folks!