Eddie On a Cross: A Hazbin Hotel Fanfiction

by Kiki94NightWitch588

Eddie, aka Headshot, is a sinner demon assassin. To give his sister a better future, he leaves her at the Hazbin Hotel. An accident convinces him to stay and use his powers for good. Adam's return will disrupt everyone's lives, a birthday present will prove dangerous, Charlie will discover his dual nature, and Angel Dust will finally find someone who truly loves him.

3. Lean On Me

Eddie opened his eyes and with horror he found himself back in that cellar. The smell of dampness and mold permeated the air, the cold penetrated his exposed and wounded skin, deep cuts that had been inflicted on him were promising serious illness and infections. His stomach was hurting with hunger and his mouth was so dry that it hurt with every movement: who knows how long it had been since he had eaten or drank.

He tried to get up and escape, but heavy rings on his wrists kept him chained to the wall, preventing him from doing so. The only light in the room came from the tiny barred window in the wall he was stuck to. Outside there were loud noises, like an outdoor party, and a great fanfare framed the voices of people enjoying themselves.

Eddie pulled himself together. Turning around, he stood on tiptoe and grabbed the bars to check what was happening outside. As he had already guessed, there was a big parade: confetti fell from the sky, glitter lit up people walking, and rainbow floats carried smiling, scantily dressed individuals shouting "Love Is Love," enraging conservatives.

Desperate, Eddie called for help. He begged for someone to call the police, the hospital, CPS... anyone to get him out of that nightmare, but no one answered his pleas. He stretched his hand as far out the window as he could, moving it in the hope that someone would notice it, but in the confusion he was just a small black dot in a sea of colors. He wept bitter tears as he realized that even this time no one would save him.

An all too familiar voice took him by surprise: «Still trying to escape, faggot?»

Eddie turned around sharply, only to be hit in the face by something. The pain jolted him awake, as he screamed.

He looked around: no cellar, no chains, he wasn't hurt... he was in hell, in his room at the Hazbin Hotel, completely safe.

His breathing was still heavy, his heart was pounding in his chest. Every detail of the dream felt so real. Eddie ran a hand through his hair, trying to calm his nerves. Still shaken, he got out of bed and headed for the bathroom, trudging like he'd been on a long run. Leaning over the sink, he looked at himself in the mirror: his gaze was desperate and furious at the same time, as if two people existed in him: a wretch who only wanted peace of mind and a wrathful who didn't understand why the nightmares still haunted him.

His days of imprisonment were long gone, he was in a safe environment with people who relied on him ... yet his mind kept torturing him, reopening wounds that he tried so hard to ignore, to forget. He looked at his right wrist, staring at one of the many scars that the hellfire never took away: the mark of one of the handcuffs that shackled him. As he looked at it, he still felt the coldness of the metal rubbing against his skin with every single movement, increasing the torment he was already enduring.

Anger and frustration boiled up inside him. Clenching his fist, Eddie struck the mirror, creating tragically picturesque veins. A few shards lodged lightly in his knuckles, causing him to bleed.

The physical pain was a blur compared to the emotional one, but at least it was tangible, real. Breathing deeply, Eddie watched the blood mingle with the pieces of glass. Perhaps, he thought, this was the only way to feel alive, to distract himself.

He turned his gaze to the mirror: the fragmented image of his face seemed a real representation of his shattered mind. He washed his face, hoping to wash away at least some of the discomfort he started the day with, and cleaned the wound on his hand. In a couple of hours it would have regenerated.

Leaving the bathroom, Eddie made his way to his desk, where his radio was placed. The only comfort he had, after the gym and physical pain, was music.

He connected his phone to the radio, the sound of a reassuring click bringing him back to a familiar routine. Tapping the phone screen, he selected his favorite song, which he had been listening to on a loop for months: "Mary On A Cross." The melody filled the room, the familiar notes enveloping him in a sonic blanket of comfort.

As the music flowed, Eddie closed his eyes for a moment, allowing the voice and instruments to transport him away from his troubled thoughts. The song had become his mantra, a refuge from the chaos of his mind and the painful memories he was trying to keep at bay.

As the song continued, he paused for a moment to look around his room. The reddish light of the Pride Ring filtered through the window, tinting the entire room with an eerie crimson glow.

Various objects were scattered on the floor, waiting for a permanent arrangement, but it seemed that every option was off the table.

The closet, large and massive, was already overflowing. Clothes were piled on one side, while the other was devoted to an impressive collection of rifles and various weapons.

The bed, a queen-size, dominated the center of the room. The mattress still showed signs of his nocturnal agitation, and underneath it, no drawer offered extra space for his belongings. The private bathroom, small but functional, did not offer many options for storage. The sink was surrounded by bottles of soap, shampoo and some medicine, while the broken mirror stayed a silent reminder of his frustration.

And finally, there was the desk, a makeshift workbench for repairing and updating his weapons, so it couldn't accommodate other things.

Eddie sighed as the song reached its climax. His room was terribly messy, but it represented a kind of refuge for him, a place where he could at least try to feel safe. Taking courage, he dressed and used the bracelet Molly had given him a while back to cover the scar on his wrist.

Leaving the gym, Eddie immediately noticed that something was wrong in the hotel lobby. The air was charged with agitation, and fear and anxiety were perceptible even without his antennae. Every movement seemed hurried, every whisper charged with worry.

Intrigued and a little worried, Eddie headed toward the cafeteria, where he knew he would find the other staff members, his new friends.

Upon entering and reaching the staff table, he immediately noticed the lack of the usual relaxed chatter. His friends were silent and had serious, worried faces. Eddie decided not even to take his breakfast; his curiosity and the need to understand what was going on were too strong.

«Hey, what's going on?» he asked, approaching the group.

«Hey, Headshot.» greeted him, Cherry, «I see you noticed it too.»

«Yeah, yeah, there's something strange in the air, but I'd like to know what.»

The tension was almost tangible, and the silence that followed his question only increased his sense of urgency.

Eddie sat down. «Well?»

Charlie was the one who finally answered, «One of the guards informed me that Adam has fully recovered. Now I have to go question him, and I don't know if I can make it.»

Eddie heaved a sigh; now everything was clear.

Adam had been recovering for almost two weeks, continuing to complain of pain in his ribs. Charlie had already anticipated that she wanted him to make a full recovery before subjecting him to her questions, and in the past few days she had been preparing: she created a list of questions, had decided to go down to the cell with Alastor (the group had proposed Nifty, but the idea was discarded), established that Molly would videotape the interrogation, and Eddie would be present at Alastor's own request. The reason for this request was unknown to all. Eddie could smell strong scents coming from Charlie, a determination that covered a veil of terror. He understood how important this moment was; it could change their perception of life after death.

The young sniper would have liked to find words of comfort, but it was difficult for him too. What do you say to someone that was in danger of seeing their convictions crumble?

Angel Dust anticipated him. He squeezed Charlie with both of his right arms: «Hey, toots. Whatever Adam will or won't reveal, we'll deal with it together, okay? And anyway, you've got Mr. Creepy Face by your side, he's not going to try any trouble now that he's down here.» Charlie looked at her first guest with a thread of gratitude and simply dropped onto his side, seeking some comfort.

Eddie was surprised: when Angel was around him, he usually was either heavily flirting with him or using sarcasm. In the nearly month he had spent inside the hotel, he had seen no characteristics other than those two.

Angel Dust's gesture was a pleasant novelty, a sign of solidarity that surpassed his usual jokes and frivolous behavior. Eddie watched the scene, realizing he was wrong about him. Perhaps Angel did have a profoundness unknown to him, something that emerged only with those he loved and trusted. Perhaps even he was seeking some kind of redemption.

Eddie found himself wanting to know him better, beyond the wall of stinging flirtation he seemed to place between himself and others.

Charlie rested leaning against her friend for a few seconds deep in silence. She felt Angel's reassuring warmth, which gave her an unexpected strength. She lifted her head, determined to do what she had to do.

«All right. I don't know if I'm ready, but I'll get over it. Headshot, as soon as you've had breakfast let me know. We're going as soon as possible.»

Eddie nodded, «All right, Charlie. It won't take me long.»

Charlie took a deep breath and slowly pulled away from Angel Dust. «Thank you, Angel. I really needed that.»

Angel Dust smiled at her, a smile that had lost its usual mischievous and sarcastic undertones. «Always here for you, toots. Everything will be fine, don't worry.»

Eddie watched Charlie as she headed toward the cafeteria exit, followed by Angel. He felt a little more at peace, knowing that he wasn't alone in this situation. There were people around him who, despite everything, were ready to fight together.

Eddie got up, determined to have a quick breakfast. "Better not keep her waiting too long" he thought, as he grabbed a double bowl of cereal loaded with sugar. The day was looming to be long and difficult, but perhaps he had the strength to face it.

He returned to his room for a moment to change. He had to give the impression that he wasn't there by accident, and he needed his usual hit-man outfit. He opened the closet, carefully examining each item. He was definitely going to take two Stun Guns with him, a switchblade in case he ran out of ammunition, and a well-hidden Beretta under his jacket.

He decided to wear something that was practical but also intimidating, something that would make Adam tremble at the mere sight of him. He opted for a black leather jacket, fitted and reinforced, paired with a dark T-shirt and tactical pants with many pockets to hide his weapons. Sturdy, reinforced boots completed the look, offering protection and stability.

He wore a belt with holsters on both sides, making sure the Stun Guns were easily accessible.

He slipped the switchblade into an inside jacket pocket where he could quickly reach it. The Beretta, one of his favorite weapons, found a place in a holster tucked behind his back.

He looked at himself in the mirror, adjusting the final details. The reflection showed a man ready for anything, determined and dangerous. The previous discomfort seemed to have disappeared with the wounds he made on his hand; he finally felt confident and unstoppable.

This feeling quickly vanished when he returned to the hotel lobby and found himself in front of the new elevator.

Eddie went pale: he completely forgot that the entrance to Adam's prison was an elevator. The shiny metal doors reflected his distorted image, and promised a cramped interior ready to lock him in a grip of anxiety.

Panic tightened his throat. After a lifetime of avoiding cramped and potentially dark places, he found himself unprepared to face one of his worst fears. In the midst of fight-or-flight mode, Eddie looked for a way out of that situation: he had been avoiding the Hotel elevators using exercise as an excuse, since stairs could be used, but at that moment there were no stairs, only that metal trap ready to send him back into wide-eyed nightmares. He bitterly regretted having armed himself: what if he panicked and hurt someone?

He began to feel dizzy, again feeling trapped in a situation from which he couldn't get free.

Someone pulled his hand, calling his name, and he jerked: it was his sister.

Molly looked like a little multicolored reporter, wearing a pink blouse with vertical white stripes and jeans that she had decorated with a rainbow pendant attached to her green belt.

On her head she wore a black and emerald visor that said "PRESS," wore her cell phone around her neck with a special beaded string, and had managed to retrieve a mini microphone.

«Headshot, are you okay?» she asked him with concern.

Eddie caught his breath, confessing: «I'm in trouble, honey. I haven't thought about asking Lucifer to create a staircase.»

«Do you...want me to ask him?»

«No, no, that would be suspicious. Who knows what other people will say, if someone heard about it. Fucking Odin, I don't know what to do.»

Seeing her brother in despair, Molly took his hand again and reassured him: «Don't worry. You can hold my hand as long as you need.» she said with a smile.

Eddie looked at her, feeling miserable again: a ten-year-old girl who is also his sister was assuming the responsibility of calming him down because of a debilitating and stupid phobia.

During his fifty years in hell he'd taken down demons and hellborns, several monsters even bigger than himself, and right that moment he was trembling in front of a moving cabin. He could not help but feel ashamed of himself.

He hugged his sister tightly, asking her for forgiveness.

Molly reassured him by saying that there was nothing to forgive, but it wasn't enough to appease the sniper's turmoil.

«What a disgustingly heartwarming scene!» a well-known voice interrupted them. Alastor, with his elegant yet disturbing manner at the same time, had again appeared almost out of nowhere causing the two brothers to jerk and separate.

«An untrained eye would say that something is troubling you, my dear Headshot. You are not troubled, am I right?»

Eddie, wearing his usual mask of control and coolness, replied to the Radio Demon: «No troubles, I'm just showing affection toward my sister. I guess you know what that is.»

«Oh, but of course, dear. What kind of monster do you think I am? Besides...» Alastor approached Molly and stroked her head lovingly «...we all love our little reporter here, don't we?»

Molly enjoyed Alastor's gesture, pleased with the attention she received. Eddie, meanwhile, heard a lion screaming from within that he wanted to bite the Radio Demon in the neck. He stayed still in his posture for his sister's sake as he hissed: «Oh, we all love her, it's just that I love her a little more. I would do anything to keep her safe.»

Alastor, with a gesture of annoyance, played the feigned offended, «Oh, how are we biased! You aren't the only one who loves her, you know?» he gave Molly a pinch on the cheek «And I love her very much...»

The adrenaline was rising, Eddie was ready to strike at first sign of threat, but he was interrupted by Charlie joining them with a notebook in her hand. «Oh, you're all here, good. If you're ready we can go.»

Alastor and Eddie glared at each other.

«Yes...we're ready.» replied Eddie, taking Molly's hand and holding her close to him. «Perfect!» exclaimed Charlie with his usual enthusiasm, «Come on, then! I have a feeling it will be just fine!»

Charlie called for the elevator, which immediately opened. She hopped inside without a thought in the world, followed by the other three. Glaring at Alastor, perhaps, would have helped Eddie take his mind off the narrow interior of the elevator.

The ride down was painfully long. Eddie, though he was still on guard, felt the cold sweat roll down his forehead. Every second felt like an eternity, the elevator descended as slowly as if it wanted to torture him with every single foot. Every metallic noise seemed amplified, every vibration louder and deeper, shaking him to the core.

Molly, clutched at his side, continued to hold his hand, offering a reassuring presence. Eddie was clinging to that contact like an anchor, trying to keep his mind occupied with thoughts of protection and affection for his sister. Alastor, on his side, was observing the scene, appearing to be enjoying that tense moment.

Charlie was humming to herself, rereading the questions she had marked down. She too was tense, her enthusiasm a mask for not showing fear in front of Adam.

She tried to lighten her mood by breaking the ice, «Do you think Adam is here to try to redeem himself?»

The other three looked at her for a moment, undecided how to answer: it was quite unlikely that Adam believed in redemption; after all, his motto was "hell is forever." Yet it was hard to see why else Adam had entered the Hazbin Hotel.

Alastor was the first to speak, with his usual enigmatic smile. «Redemption? Ah, my dear, that would be a rather ironic turn, wouldn't it?»

Eddie nodded, forcing a smile, but his heart was racing. Every fiber of his whole being wanted to get out of that metal trap, but he knew he couldn't show weakness, not in front of Alastor, and especially not in front of Molly.

Finally, with a dull sound, the elevator stopped and the doors opened. Eddie breathed deeply, trying to regain his composure as they stepped out into the underground corridor that led to Adam's cell.

Though it was a closed space, it did not trigger his claustrophobia: the lights were on and bright, the interior was large and well-ventilated. The hallway, painted white and green with metal features, seemed designed to look cozy, but at the same time offer some security and control.

Eddie walked beside Charlie, keeping Molly close to him. The reassuring grip of his sister's hand gave him the strength he needed to stay calm. Alastor moved with an air of superiority. Turning the corner, the group found a large wall made of bars, and beyond the bars, Adam's cell looked more like a hotel room, as Lucifer created on Charlie's request. The warm light created an almost cozy atmosphere, a jarring contrast to the idea of imprisonment.

To the side of the cell, one of the guards had her back to the prisoner, guarding him; she was a woman with mostly human features, except for horns, one spiraling outward, the other broken at the base, and a pointed tail. Her skin was red, her black hair in red locks was short on her head, long in the back, and shaved behind the broken horn. She was a tall woman and all muscle, armed with a two-handed axe. She looked as if she had been fighting all her life. «You can leave us, dear» Alastor told her, mellifluously, «I'll call you when we're done.» The woman nodded and left her position.

Adam, lying on the bed, saw the group approaching and stood up. His look was annoyed, almost like a teenager seeing his mother entering his room.

He did not spare his sarcasm, however, as he approached the bars, «Oh, I see someone bothered to visit me. It's been a very lonely few days, you know? If only I could chat with the guards, those guys don't even look at me.»

With a snap of his fingers, Alastor summoned up an armchair for Charlie and a cell phone tripod for Molly to use (although at the sight of the "diabolical modern device" he could not hide a grimace of disgust).

Charlie sat down on the armchair, opening her notebook. Molly got busy, setting up her cell phone and starting the recording. She managed to find a way to tie the microphone to the cell bars and connected it to the phone to improve the audio.

Trying to keep an authoritative attitude, the princess said: «Adam. I've left you alone these past few weeks to regain your health, but now we have questions.»

Adam huffed, pursing his lips: «Of course. If you want to ask me how I came back a second time, I have no idea.»

«Shit.» cursed Charlie under her breath as she erased the first point. She still tried to insist: «Are you sure? Maybe you saw or heard something before...»

«I told you I don't know shit. One moment before I was the dick master and the next one I was one of you losers!» replied Adam, vehemently «Do you have any idea how humiliating that is?»

Charlie took a deep breath, trying to regain control of the situation. «Adam, we're trying to figure out what happened to you. Any details might be helpful. Do you even remember anything about how you found yourself in hell?»

Adam stared at her with a bored look. «Like I said, I don't remember anything useful. We were fighting, I yelled at you about how much you sucked, I got stabbed in the back, Lute said something I didn't understand, and then, poof, here I am. And now I'm in this ... hotel cell.»

Charlie leaned against the backrest, pondering. There had to be something there. «Maybe some fragmented memories? Dreams? Something in the unconscious?»

«Do you speak my language? No-thing! Between the "I fucking rock" and the "I fucking suck" phase, there is no. NOTHING!»

«LANGUAGE!» yelled Molly «There will be more 'BIPs' than sentences at this rate.»

Annoyed, with his signature arrogance, Adam commented: «And who is this little cunt, a friend of yours?»

Everybody got shocked and Eddie, enraged, pulled out his beretta: «Watch your mouth, you filthy animal. You, right now, are like a rat in a barrel, I'll have no problem putting a bullet in your skull!»

Extending his staff, Alastor made him lower his weapon: «Easy, Headshot dear. We're not here to kill him. Not today, at least.» in saying the last sentence, his face took on an eerie shadow, his eyes glowing menacingly.

«Watch your mouth anyway» Charlie continued, addressing Adam, «The one you just called a cunt is a ten-year-old girl.»

Adam laughed, mocking the group: «Yeah, right. A little girl in hell! This one is probably several centuries old and she has been fooling you! Everyone knows that children don't go to hell. They are too young, naive...»

Molly, with a firm voice and a maturity that seemed to be transcending her age, replied: «I was eight years old when I got here. That was two years ago. Do your math.»

For a moment, Adam seemed baffled. His arrogance faltered as he tried to process the information; it was clear that he had not expected such a direct and authentic response. He shrugged his shoulders, recovering: «Sure, whatever you say.»

Charlie regained control of the situation: «Adam, if you want to be taken seriously, start by behaving. This is our first warning. Now, back to the questions. Do you know if there are others like you? Maybe some of your soldiers? Other exorcists?»

Adam huffed: «I'm the only one here. If I wasn't, I'd continue with the extermination, don't you think?»

Charlie held back a shudder, continuing stoically: «And why did you decide to come to the hotel after all these months?»

«You saw how the other demons in here reacted when I arrived, right? Well, imagine dealing with that every day, every hour, every minute. They all want me dead, that's why. I chose the lesser of the two evils.»

«So you're saying you're here to protect yourself? That the Hazbin Hotel is your last resort?» asked Charlie, trying to keep a calm tone.

Adam shrugged, sarcasm painted on his face. «That's right, princess. Here at least I can count on you losers to keep me from bigger trouble. And who knows, maybe I'll enjoy watching you trying to pointlessly redeem people.»

Eddie, still on guard but trying to control himself, added: «And what makes you think it's pointless?»

Adam smiled wickedly. «Because you are such pathetic optimists. Do you really think you can change someone down here? I'm fucking messing with you, yet here you are asking me questions, trying to figure out how to save this gang of losers. It's funny, really.»

Charlie was undeterred. «We are here because we believe that anyone can change, even if you are the last one who would like to admit it.»

Adam crossed his arms, observing the group. «Well, good luck then, losers. Be sure not to come crying to me, though, when you find out it's not possible.»

Molly, meanwhile, continued to record everything with her cell phone. Her steady gaze was a testament to her determination and courage, even in the face of a person like Adam.

«Any more questions, you dumb pricks?» asked Adam annoyed.

«Just a useful one, so far» continued the princess «If you have any contact with heaven by any chance.»

Adam stared at her, his gaze becoming more attentive. «I'll tell you on one condition. I want someone I can talk to. Company, that is. And ribs for lunch and dinner.»

Charlie sighed: «Company? What for?»

Adam rolled his eyes. «It's not like I enjoy talking to the walls, princess. I want someone to talk to, some human interaction, or demonic, or whatever it is. At least I'll have something more interesting to do.»

Charlie pondered for a moment, then nodded slowly. «If you answer the question, we'll see what we can do to accommodate that. But you have to be honest.»

Adam sneered: «Deal. The moment I came up here, I headed to the embassy to ask for help from the higher-ups, but the contacts with heaven were closed after you... blasted me.» there was a deep resentment in the last words. «However, there is still a way. Inside the embassy there is a telephone, a direct contact with heaven, the only one that stays open in any case. It's in a crypt hidden in the main hall. I found the entrance, all you have to do is to press an X-shaped metal button on the east side of the room. It opens a staircase that leads to the lower floor. However, opening the crypt is an impossible task.»

«How is it impossible?»

«The crypt can be opened only by solving a very complicated puzzle. Up there they say that only a divine intervention can solve it.»

Charlie raised an eyebrow, skeptical. «A divine intervention? And how do you think we should do that?»

Adam shrugged his shoulders with indifference. «That's not my problem, bitch. I've done my part. Will I have my company? Maybe a nice chick.»

Charlie stood up from his chair, indicating that the interview was over. «You will have your company. And the requested menu. But remember, if we find out you lied to us, we will not hesitate to close this deal.»

Adam grinned, satisfied. «Got it, got it. I don't want any trouble, just a little conversation. Maybe we'll laugh together at your pathetic attempts at redemption. I said it, bitch: hell is forever!» he laughed, mockingly.

«Oh, so you are forever trapped here with us?» teased Eddie.

Adam went white for a moment, as if the realization had only come over him on that occasion. His gaze wavered, revealing a flash of vulnerability.

Realizing what was going through the ex-exorcist's mind, Eddie commented: «Really? You just now realized that? That's why humanity is mostly made up of stupid people, with you as the first man it couldn't be otherwise! You know, maybe you really should reevaluate the idea of redemption.»

Adam remained silent, his arrogance muted by a newly found awareness. The group walked away, leaving behind the former exorcist deep in his thoughts.

–

Sitting in one of the hotel rooms used as a meeting room, Molly scrolled in frustration through the video she had taken during Adam's interrogation.

«Man, this footage is useless» she complained «I was hoping that he had, I don't know, encountered a seraphim yelling "you're an idiot" at him or something. We're back to square one.»

Charlie ran a hand through her hair, reflecting. «Maybe they're not entirely useless» she said in a somewhat measured tone. «Adam revealed that the crypt with the Heaven Phone is protected by a complex puzzle. We could ask for help from those who will watch the video. Maybe somebody knows how to deal with this puzzle.»

«Uh, yeah, sure, maybe we can ask Valentino! Nobody in hell wants redemption except us in here!» commented Angel Dust sarcastically.

Passing a hand over his face, Husk said serious: «And, by the way, what were you thinking promising Adam company? Who knows what he's up to. It's an unnecessary risk.»

Nifty jumped up, raising her hand: «Send me! Send me! I can keep him under control!» he pulled out a knife and laughed sadistically.

«For the last time, no.» Angel replied, taking the knife out of her hands. Nifty pouted, displeased.

«We need him alive, dear Nifty.» continued Alastor «Although I don't like the idea of placing someone beside him at all, he gave us valuable information. We owe it to him.»

Vaggie, ever the practical one, raised a worried eyebrow. «I'm more concerned about the other request. Where do we get all those ribs?»

Eddie, thinking for a moment, added: «And how come he's obsessed with ribs... ooooh, never mind, I figured it out myself.»

Charlie, trying to bring attention back to the main issue, stepped in with determination: «I'd rather talk about the riddle.» She turned to her father and asked: «Dad, did you know anything about this phone?»

Lucifer shook his head, his face grim. «If it was created after my fall, then I know about it as much as you do. And if it really takes divine intervention to solve the riddle, then we're screwed. And I sure as hell am not going up to heaven to ask for a favor.» Thinking about the angels made him frown, remembering how they treated him after giving the apple to Eve.

Charlie, seeing her options running out, ran her hands through her hair in frustration: «So no solution to the riddle, no phone, no answers as to why Adam is damned, and no clue about Sir Pentious's fate! How wonderful!»

Cherry interrupted her: «Whoa, whoa, whoa...wait, what do you mean by Sir Pentious's fate?»

Charlie realized she had talked too much. All she could do was to explain: «Well... Kitty pointed out to me that if Adam is down here after dying in battle... maybe... Sir Pentious may have gone up to heaven? I mean, it makes sense as a theory.»

Cherry paused briefly, assimilating the information. «Pentious ... could he be in heaven?» she asked, her voice somewhere between incredulous and hopeful.

«But Adam doesn't know how he woke up as damned. So my theory went bananas.» concluded Molly «I can just share the news of Adam redeemed without mentioning the interrogation, on the blog...»

«Yes, better do that anyway.» said Charlie «The news is already starting to spread anyway, so we might as well write our version. But be very careful about what you write, we don't want to attract unwanted attention.»

Molly nodded, already beginning to pull down a draft.

«I consider the interrogation a great success, actually.» said Alastor «We may not have gotten the answers we were looking for, but we did get ... a lot of useful information.» he gave Eddie a look that made him shiver deep inside.

The sniper feigned nonchalance: «Like what?»

«But the phone, of course.» replied Alastor, pretending to be friendly: «If we find a way to find what this 'divine intervention' means, we can solve the riddle and talk directly to heaven. Imagine if we could talk to the Creator himself.»

Eddie made a bitter laugh: «I'd have lots of things to say to him, and none of them are good.»

«No one here would have anything good to say to him, for that matter.» Husk said sardonically.

«Oh, can you imagine? "Thank you so much for sending me to hell just cause I like cocks!"» Eddie said sarcastically

Angel Dust laughed as well, imitating a telephone with his fingers: «"Hey, dear, why make me be born into a mafia family and then punish me if I become a mafioso?"»

Many at the table laughed, with a hint of bitterness.

Cherry took this opportunity to add her own piece: «Uh, my turn. "Dearest, thank you for letting me live a life of suffering and despair only to end up in hell anyway!"»

Laughter rippled through the group, even as the sarcasm hid deep resentment.

Charlie, trying to bring the discussion back to a more serious tone, intervened: "Guys, guys... we have to stay focused, if we don't think about what to do, we will never know how to find this "divine intervention".»

As the group argued, Lucifer stared at Eddie. Eddie, playing talking on the phone with God, had gesticulated a lot with his hands, especially with his right one. Thanks to this act, Lucifer noticed the bracelet that Eddie was wearing for the first time since he knew him: leather binding, with a metal triangle wrapped in rays and an eye in the center. He was looking at him like if he saw a bomb in the hand of a child.

Not knowing that he was being watched, Eddie continued: «Maybe by "divine intervention" they mean a big stroke of luck?»

«There's no such thing as a stroke of luck. Is that right, kitty cat?» Alastor replied, teasing Husk, who gave him the middle finger.

«The only useful thing to do is going to the embassy, try to solve this riddle and see how it goes, now as now.» Vaggie commented

Husk, serious but with a hint of sarcasm, added: «Yes, and if by chance it doesn't work out right away, what do we do?»

Angel Dust replied lovingly: «We'll think about it later, Husky. Let's give it a try first.»

«Well, now there is the other problem to solve.» said Vaggie «Adam. Who do we send him as a company?»

Nifty and Cherry raised their hands.

«Someone who doesn't want to kill him.» Vaggie said

The two slowly lowered their hands, visibly disappointed.

«Good luck finding them.» Angel commented, bitter «Everyone wants him dead, inside and outside the Hotel.»

Charlie tried to think: «There must be somebody. Someone who may have just been here and who doesn't know him well. Someone who can keep him calm.»

Alastor, with his usual enigmatic smile, said: «You should send someone who can stay calm and have the strength to keep him under control if necessary. Someone with some ... experience in diplomacy.»

Charlie looked at Alastor with suspicion. «Do you have anyone in mind?»

Alastor made a vague gesture with his hand. «Well, I'm always willing to serve the cause of the Hotel, of course.»

Vaggie shook his head. «No, Alastor. We can't trust you with Adam. We need someone more neutral.»

After a moment of silence, Husk suggested: «What if we send Angel Dust? He knows how to handle difficult situations and can be persuasive when he wants to.»

Angel Dust flatly refused: «You can forget it. I already have to endure Valentino, I can't have Adam too. Why don't you go instead?»

Husk was about to respond, when Eddie commented, «You know that it's not a bad idea?» the rest of the staff looked at him questioning, Husk looked at him as if he was going to punch him.

Eddie continued: «Think about it, Husk is good at reading people, he can listen, he is wise and he can keep his cool under pressure. He also already has a contract with Alastor, so if Alastor orders him to, he couldn't hurt Adam even if he wanted to, like the guards.»

«You, little...» Husk so wanted to make Eddie pay, feeling betrayed.

Charlie blocked him and persuaded him with kind words: «Husk, we know that it is not an ideal situation, but you do have the necessary skills. You are one of the few here who can handle Adam without letting the situation escalate. And you know how important it is for all of us to find a peaceful solution.»

Husk paused, considering Charlie's words. He knew she was right, but he wasn't happy to be put in that position.

He tried to use his ace up his sleeve: «I'm already busy with the bar, can't the guards talk to him?»

Alastor gestured with his hand, as if to diminish his objection: «My guards are excellent sentinels, but Adam can be clever, he could manipulate them as he pleases.. You, my dear Husk, are pretty hard to fool, you know? And don't worry, I won't leave you to Adam's mercy all day, just for… let's say four or five hours. The guests will survive if there is someone else in your place for that period.»

After a long breath, he nodded slowly. «Okay, fine. But if this turns out to be a mess, I promise you, I will make you pay.»

«Don't worry, we trust you. I know you can do it.» said Eddie, encouraging his friend. «And anyway you suggested Angel earlier, call it instant karma.» he added teasing him.

Husk turned his middle finger to him, while Angel Dust sent Eddie a kiss with his hand.

Eddie, noticing Angel's gesture, gave a small smile, somewhere between amused and resigned, commenting to himself: «Silly.»

«Perfect.» Charlie concluded, clapping his hands enthusiastically. «Now we have a plan. Husk, prepare everything you need and be ready. Everyone else, make sure no one interferes. Adam must have no distractions. The meeting is closed, I guess. You can go back to your commitments.»

The group got up and began to leave, conversing in a low voice. As the princess made her way to the door, Lucifer approached her and whispered something in her ear. Hearing what her father was saying to her, she widened her eyes and looked at him in shock. Lucifer gave her a nod and they both retreated.

–

The day slid lazily into the evening, with no other major events. Eddie walked out of the gym again, satisfied with his efforts to keep fit. He said goodbye to Cherry, who he'd been bumping into while working out for a few days, and decided to reward himself with a nice lemonade.

When he arrived at the bar, however, he noticed that the other side of the counter was empty. He put his palm to his face: Husk was still busy with Adam. "But wasn't he only supposed to be there for four hours? How strange..." he thought.

A whimper to his right caught his attention. The young sniper turned to see who was whining and, at the end of the counter, was Angel Dust semi-lying on the wooden surface, tapping an empty martini glass. The bottles of gin and dry vermouth were at his side still full, as if they had been taken but not used.

"That's not like him" Eddie said to himself. Intrigued, the young man approached Angel, hoping to not catch him at a wrong moment.

«Hey, Ang.» he greeted.

Angel Dust turned around, gave a weak smile, returned the greeting, and started looking at the glass grimly again.

Eddie was even more surprised: «No attempts at flirting this time?»

Angel gave a bitter laugh, «I'm not in the mood. Husk's not here and it's not the same without my best friend.»

«Ah, that's why you haven't emptied the bottles yet. I was saying to myself earlier, "either he got them new and he's too drunk to get another one, or he hasn't started at all."»

«The correct answer is the second one.»

The two giggled.

Eddie gave a short sigh «Come on, I can't see you like this. If you give me instructions, I'll make you something.» the rookie stood behind the counter, facing Angel Dust. The spider-demon looked at him gratefully.

Angel pointed to the bottles and began to explain: «Okay, get the gin and the vermouth. Two parts gin and one part vermouth. Shake well, don't stir. Then add a lemon peel.»

Eddie reached for the bottles, but the gin slipped out of his hand, falling onto the counter and rolling away. «Oops, sorry!» he said, awkwardly retrieving it. Angel laughed slightly, amused.

«Don't worry about it. Now put the ice in the shaker.» continued Angel.

Eddie grabbed a handful of ice and threw it into the shaker, but some of the ice ended up on the counter and on the floor. «Damn, I'm not good at this» he admitted, laughing nervously.

«All right, all right. Now, pour the gin and vermouth.» said Angel, barely holding back a laugh.

Eddie followed the instructions, but as he poured the vermouth, some ended up spilling out of the glass, wetting the counter. «Eh, I'm trying» he said, trying to keep his composure.

Then, he grabbed the shaker and began to shake it without closing it first. The liquid splashed everywhere, wetting both him and Angel. «Oh, no!» exclaimed Eddie, as Angel burst into uncontrollable laughter.

«You have to close it before you shake it!» said Angel, laughing so hard he almost fell off the counter.

Eddie, blushing, finally closed the shaker and began to shake properly, but the shaker slipped from his hands, flying off and landing noisily on the floor.

Angel Dust was doubled over in laughter. «You are such a mess!»

Eddie, embarrassed but laughing too, reached over to pick up the shaker. «Yeah, well, at least I made you laugh» he said. Resigned, he set the shaker down on the wooden top, believing that by now he could no longer make up for the mess he had just made.

Angel regained his composure. He took the shaker and poured the contents (or what was left of them) into his glass and tried it. A satisfied smile was painted on his face, « You know, in spite of everything it turned out well.»

«Glad I'm not a total mess.» commented Eddie, a little more relieved.

«It's okay. You compensate with good looks.» Angel teased again.

«Ah, now that's the Angel I know» replied the other, as he poured himself his lemonade.

Pondering, Angel asked him a question «Speaking of which...how do you keep yourself like this?»

«Like this how?» asked Eddie in reply, as he drank his soda.

«So...fit. It's true that you work your ass off in the gym, but you're on a sugar diet. How does that work?»

After a moment of disbelief, Eddie replied: «It works because I'm a butterfly.»

Angel Dust was puzzled: «A butterfly? How are you a butterfly? Sorry for saying this, but it's not like you have wings...»

Eddie, with a sardonic smirk, began to take off his jacket.

Angel Dust made one of his jokes: «Stripping in public? I didn't think you could do that...» he couldn't finish the sentence, because suddenly two large butterfly wings sprouted from Eddie's back, almost spooking Angel.

Angel jumped backward, dropping his glass on the table: «What the f-?» he exclaimed as he admired Eddie's large multicolored wings.

Eddie laughed. «Ta-Da!» he said spreading his arms wide, proud of his unique features.

Still amazed, Angel looked at the wings with a mixture of wonder and disbelief: «Why on hell you never showed them?»

«There haven't been many occasions for using them, lately.» Eddie replied «And, as you can see...they're quite bulky. Besides, they attract attention and tend to destroy my shirts. Why do you think I only have bare-back shirts?»

«Well, they are beautiful.» Angel said, retrieving his glass and leaning back against the counter. «So you feed on sugar to sustain them?»

«Yes, that's right.» replied Eddie, taking a sip of lemonade. «It's a source of energy for me. Without sugar, it's like running out of fuel.»

Angel smiled, still admiring Eddie's wings. «Okay, you win. You officially have the coolest excuse for eating sweets all the time.»

Eddie laughed again, folding and reabsorbing his wings to put his jacket back on. «Well, I have to say that's quite an advantage. Both the wings and the sense of smell.»

Angel looked like he was brightening up: «It's true, Husk told me you have some kind of super-smell.»

Eddie shrugged: «I told you, I'm a butterfly.»

«That's actually cool. If I give you an object belonging to someone, then can you use your sense of smell to track them down?» Angel teased him

«Those are the bloodhounds.» replied Eddie patiently «Though each person has their own unique smell, I wouldn't find them unless I walk near them. At best I can tell you how people around here feel.»

Angel looked at him curiously. «Really? Then tell me how I feel.»

Eddie inhaled deeply, catching the nuances of Angel Dust's scent. «Well, you're definitely less gloomy than before. I'd say you're amused and a little curious now.»

Angel nodded, impressed. «Not bad, really. What about the others around here?»

Eddie smiled and looked around the bar, concentrating. «The girl over there is worried and definitely in love. She's probably waiting for someone and afraid they'll stand her up. The one over there is frustrated and, given the way he's looking at the glass, I'd say he's disappointed in Husk's absence. And I smell a strong odor of terror from behind the door. I guess the girl's partner is much more scared than she is.»

Angel nodded again, surprised by Eddie's accuracy. «Wow, you're like an emotional radar.»

«Something like that.» replied Eddie with a laugh. «It's useful in some situations, but it can be a little overwhelming when there are too many people around.»

«I can imagine.» said Angel «But at least now I know who to ask if I want to know what's going on in someone's head.»

«Always there for you» Eddie replied with a smile. «And if you need another drink, I'll try not to make the shaker fly this time.»

Angel laughed. «I'm counting on it, Eddie. Thanks for the talk. It really did me good.»

«Me too.» said Eddie. «See you next time, Angel.»

As he walked away, Eddie felt a sense of satisfaction. Not only had he lifted Angel's spirits, but he had a feeling that their relationship had improved. Who knows, maybe one day they would be great friends.

Contented, he walked out of the bar, anticipating a good night's sleep, when Charlie stopped him in the middle of the hallway.

«Headshot. My dad and I need to ask you something important.»

Eddie, startled by the question, replied «Of course, tell me.»

«In private.» stressed the princess.

Eddie, while uneasy, followed Charlie.

–

The princess led him to the hall where the staff had gathered that same day. Inside was just Lucifer, sitting at the head of the table with a serious look on his face.

The young sniper felt a bit uneasy, but tried to act confident. «Good evening, Lucifer. Is there something you wanted to ask me?» Eddie sat down next to Lucifer, the King of Hell, and trying to keep his cool.

Lucifer looked at him with a piercing gaze. «Yes, Headshot. You've got something you shouldn't have.» The fallen angel stood up and came over to Eddie's right side. He was calm and collected, which made the sniper feel uneasy for the first time in his presence. The friendly vibe that had always come across to him was gone. Even his smell, which had reminded him of the lotus flower when he first met him, was now more like pure sulfur.

Lucifer grabbed Eddie's arm and lifted his wrist, pointing to the bracelet he was wearing. The young sniper felt a rush of anxiety. «Can you tell me how you got this?» Lucifer asked, his true demonic form beginning to emerge as his eyes glowed with restrained rage.

Charlie, concerned, tried to step in. «Dad, calm down! Headshot isn't a threat!»

It seemed like Lucifer was set on holding his ground. «This is more serious than you think, Charlie. That bracelet can put everyone in danger.»

Eddie, feeling the grip of fear tighten around him, tried to explain himself. «I'm not sure I understand what you're talking about. It's just a bracelet!»

Lucifer looked at him for a couple of minutes, then took a deep breath and released Eddie's arm. His expression softened slightly, as he returned normal. «What do you know about that object?»

Eddie, massaging his sore arm, replied: «It's a bracelet. My sister gave it to me. That's all I know.»

Lucifer cursed and sat down on a nearby chair. Holding his head in his hands, he asked his daughter, «Charlie, would you mind calling Kitty?»

Charlie nodded and left the room.

The two stood alone in silence for a while.

Eddie figured he'd ask him: «Okay, what's the problem?»

«You don't really know what you're wearing, do you?» Lucifer asked him.

Eddie shook his head.

Lucifer began, severe: «That ... is not just any jewelry. That is a Deus Ex Machina, a very powerful angelic artifact. It's so rare and powerful that only the highest angelic circles know of its existence. It is literally a piece of my Father's all-powerfulness and should only be in the hands of archangels. The fact that some sinner is wearing it ... is serious.»

Unbelieving, Eddie lifted his wrist to better examine the bracelet. «A very powerful angelic artifact, huh? Shouldn't I, like... burn, since I'm wearing it?»

Lucifer shook his head. «That's not how it works. It's a piece of my father, so it has its own will and is capable of omniscience. If you're still alive, it's because it has other plans. If it wanted to, it could wipe out hell with all its inhabitants.»

Eddie looked at the object on his wrist, his expression a mixture of bewilderment and curiosity. He suddenly felt afraid of it, too.

The door opened, and Charlie came in with Molly. Lucifer turned to Molly and was less intimidating this time as he inquired: «Kitty, honey, you recognize this little bracelet?» He took Eddie's arm to show her.

«Uh, yes?» Molly replied, taken aback.

«Can you tell me where you found it, please?» Lucifer enquired, in his usual affable manner. «I picked it up in a pawn shop in Cannibal Town. I ended up paying two dollars and an ear for it. That was the worst week of my life. Regenerating sucks!» she replied.

Lucifer was getting more and more incredulous as he commented: «HA! In a pawn shop?! For two dollars?! THIS?!» He let out an almost insane laugh and pointed to the bracelet. The situation was completely ridiculous. «Did you heard her, Charlie? They sold it for just two dollars!»

Lucifer seemed pretty out of sorts, which was a concern for those around him.

Charlie, worried about his father, tried to calm him down. «Dad, are you okay?»

Lucifer tried to stop laughing and took a few deep breaths. «This is crazy!» he said. «How on earth did he end up in Cannibal Town? How did it end up in a pawnshop?»

Molly, who didn't understand what was going on, looked at her brother. The other one was already looking for a way to get rid of that bracelet.

«I'm not sure, but I don't want to keep it.» commented Eddie, sounding tense.

Molly was even more confused and offended. «Hey! That was my gift!»

Eddie looked for a way out of the situation. «Yes, I know, but Lucifer just told me that this thing could wipe out the whole of hell, and I don't feel like keeping it. It's too dangerous. Since it's such a powerful object, you'd better keep it, Lucifer.»

The king of hell sighed, «I am a fallen angel, I can't keep it.»

Eddie quickly took off the bracelet and stretched it toward Lucifer: «We can always try. You may be a fallen angel, but it's safer in your hands than in mine.»

Lucifer gave a sad smile, touched by Eddie's trust in him.

The two started to pass the burden, but as soon as the bracelet touched the hand of the king of hell, it disappeared. Eddie had just enough time to say: «What the f-» and then he found it back on his arm, screaming in surprise. Charlie and Molly were shocked.

«Okay, this isn't normal.» Eddie said, taking off the bracelet again and placing it on the table. The bracelet disappeared and immediately reappeared on his arm, causing Eddie to scream again.

Trying to stay calm, Eddie tried to take it off again and held it out to Charlie. «Charlie, why don't you take it, it's getting creepy-EEEEEH!» he yelled again as the bracelet disappeared from his hand and reappeared on his arm.

«I told you. It has a will of its own.» said Lucifer «It's like that ring in that movie... what was it called? Oh well, you get it. If he chose you as the owner there's not much you can do about it.»

Molly spoke up, trying to calm Eddie down. «Perhaps we can study the bracelet and understand better how it works. There's got to be a way to control it. Or take advantage from it.»

Charlie had an epiphany. «Maybe you're the divine intervention we need to solve that puzzle.»

«Oh, yes, wonderful.» Eddie said sarcastically. «I've got a fucking thermonuclear bomb on my wrist and I can't get rid of it.»

«If it wanted to do something bad, wouldn't it have done it already?» Charlie said. Eddie paused for a moment, thinking. «Maybe you're right. But it doesn't change the fact that this thing makes me anxious.»

Molly tugged at his shirt. «Can I call you "Frodo"?»

Before Eddie could respond, Lucifer approached him, placing a hand on his shoulder. «I understand your discomfort, but the Deus Ex Machina has chosen you. We don't know why, but maybe it will work to our advantage.»

Charlie added: «Headshot, it's a heavy burden, but you're not the only one carrying it. We're all your friends here.»

Eddie sighed, trying to accept the situation. «Okay, okay. I'll keep an eye on it and try to figure out how it works. But if it really has all this power, we need to make sure no one knows about it. I don't want to put any of you in danger.»

Lucifer reassured him: «Don't worry. It'll be a secret between us for now.» he looked at Molly «And no one will write it on a blog, right?»

Molly held up her hands, "Do you think I'm stupid?"

–

Eddie walked out of the room, a heavy burden on his chest. What he was carrying was a terrifying responsibility. He felt the pressure building as he walked down the deserted hallway, each step reverberating like an echo in his mind.

He stopped in front of a window, looking out. The sight of hell seemed placid compared to the turmoil inside him. He wondered how he could handle such a delicate situation without endangering his friends and himself.

Leaning his head against the cold glass, he tried to find some clarity. «How on hell did I end up in this situation?» he muttered to himself, feeling the bracelet pulsing slightly, almost as if it were alive and aware of his thoughts.

The bracelet on his wrist seemed to weigh more than he could have ever imagined. He looked at it, feeling as if it were watching him. «Why me?» he asked himself, observing it.

He couldn't answer that question, cause he saw Angel Dust walking past him.

He seemed agitated, anxious and terrified at the same time; Eddie could sense his state of mind from the scent he gave off.

Seeing him walk away, Eddie was faced with a choice: follow him to figure out what was going on or ignore him and go to sleep. The recent discovery had unsettled him, but his instincts told him that Angel needed help.

He decided to postpone sleep to help a friend.

He reached out to him and tried to start a conversation, «Hey, Ang. You all right? You look agitated.»

Angel tried to play it down: «Ah, everything's fine, Headshot. I'm just going to... shoot my usual stuff. Valentino really needs me.»

Eddie knew there was something going on, but he played dumb: «Oh, well, let's not keep him waiting.» he thought for a moment, then proposed: «Let's take my car, we'll get there sooner.»

Angel tried to decline the offer: «Don't worry, I'm jumping very high, I'll be there shortly anyway.»

«I insist, Angel.»

«Don't insist, I can handle this myself.»

Eddie took a more serious tone: «Angel, I can't let you go knowing that you feel in danger.»

Angel stopped, speechless. Turning to Eddie, he looked at his antennae, then at him.

Visibly shaken, he looked at Eddie with eyes full of concern. «I don't want you to get in trouble for me.»

«It's not about getting in trouble» Eddie replied, determined. «It's about taking care of your friends.»

With a sigh, Angel gave in, accepting Eddie's offer.

In Eddie's car, the song "Mary on a Cross" played for the third time, at a low volume. Eddie could feel Angel's anxiety growing as they got closer to their destination.

Continuing to drive, he put a hand on his shoulder: «I know we haven't known each other very long, but I feel like something's wrong, and I want you to open up. Is there a problem with a coworker? With the job itself?»

Angel, with a sad expression, replied: «It's Valentino. He seems angrier than usual tonight.» Eddie, trying to lighten the situation, commented: «Come on, let him be angry. Worst case scenario, he'll end the contract and give you back your soul, right?» He gave him a friendly nudge, but Angel huddled further in his seat. The smell of fear was replaced by that of sadness.

Eddie, sensing the change in mood, decided not to make the situation worse and remained silent for the rest of the drive.

–

Once they arrived at the V Tower, Eddie parked the car just outside the entrance. The two got out, Angel headed for the door with a firm but still agitated pace. Eddie went after him.

Angel, hearing him walking behind him, turned and, in a whisper, said: «What are you doing?»

Uncertain, Eddie replied: «Uh, walk you inside?»

«No, no, no, I don't want Val to see you. You definitely have to leave.»

Eddie huffed: «I'm not afraid of Valentino, what will he ever do to me? Blow smoke in my face?»

Angel clenched his hands in a claw at the sides of his head; Eddie didn't know what he was saying. «If you're lucky, he's gonna do only that. Look, thanks for coming with me, but right now you really need to-»

The door to the tower entrance opened, revealing two assistants anticipating the exit of the Overlord, Valentino. The demon, shrouded in a cloud of red smoke, exuded an aura of authority and terror. As Angel had anticipated, Valentino was furious. As soon as he saw his slave, he exploded in a howl of rage: «About time you showed up, you damn spider! Get in there and get ready, today is not a da...»

Valentino spotted Eddie. The anger he had until a moment before seemed to vanish, replaced by surprise. The surprise changed to a flirtatious attitude.

«Oh, so that's why you're late.» Val commented, with a mischievous smile that betrayed sudden interest. His expression quickly changed, now warmer and more friendly, like Eddie was the unexpected guest who had made the evening more interesting.

Angel tried to stop him, but was blocked by the assistants.

«Why hello, hot stuff.» continued Valentino, ignoring Angel for a moment «It's not like maybe you're an apology gift from Angel, are you?»

Eddie felt paralyzed. The smell he felt coming from him was comparable to the wild, to the dangerous, to a tiger in the jungle. The scent of a predator was on him, and everything in his demeanor confirmed this. He had to say something quickly.

«Eh... no, not really. I just came to make sure Angel arrived safe and sound.» Eddie said, trying to keep calm despite the cold sweat running down his back.

Valentino raised an eyebrow, amused by the response. «Really? How thoughtful of you.» he said, his tone mellifluous. «But you see, Angel is already under my protection. There's no need for anyone else to worry about him.»

Angel, still restrained by the assistants, tried to intervene: «Val, he has nothing to do with this. He's just a friend who gave me a ride. Let him go.»

Valentino ignored Angel, keeping his gaze fixed on Eddie. In a tone that betrayed his true nature, the Overlord said: «You know, you would be an interesting addition, to my collection: athletic body, young face...you would please the tastes of many. Ever thought of working for me? I could make you a star.»

Eddie felt a chill run down his spine, but kept control: «Flattering, really, but I'm already busy. Now I have to go, or Lucifer will wonder where I am.»

Valentino laughed uneasily at the King of Hell's name, but it was still enough to put him off.

«You're lucky I...don't have time now.» he looked menacingly at Angel. Both boys shuddered. «But stick around, maybe I can find five minutes for you. In the meantime, this is on the house.» Valentino handed him a glass bottle. Eddie, trying not to further provoke the demon's wrath, took it without hesitation.

«Thank you.» said Eddie, trying to maintain a neutral tone of voice.

Valentino took Eddie's chin between his fingers, forcing him to look into his deep red eyes. «I'd ravish you right here if I weren't so busy. We'll make up for it next time, sweetheart.» he said, in a tone that did not bode well, as a trickle of pink saliva trickled down the pimp's chin.

Eddie recoiled slightly, trying not to show the disgust he felt. Valentino released his grip and turned to Angel. «Get inside now and prepare yourself, Angel.» he growled, as the assistants pushed Angel toward the tower.

Angel managed to give Eddie a pleading look before disappearing inside.

When the doors closed, Eddie finally felt free to breathe. His heart was still beating wildly, his legs trembling. "So that's why Angel fears him," he thought, sad.

Eddie looked at the bottle: it was Valentino's infamous love potion, often advertised by Velvette.

He never had one in his hand before.

Curious, he removed the cap to check its contents. A line of pink smoke came out of the container, taking the shape of a heart.

He brought the neck of the bottle closer to his antennae to better smell it, but suddenly his vision became blurry. The world around him began to sway, sounds became muffled, and a sense of euphoria swept over him. He felt his heart pounding, as if it were about to explode in his chest.

Eddie tried to keep his balance, leaning against the car. «What the hell...» he muttered, trying to clear his mind.

The world around him turned into a swirl of colors and sensations. He felt completely out of control, like he had been catapulted into another dimension. The lights became brighter, the sounds louder, and everything seemed shrouded in a patina of unreality.

His antennae picked up every nuance of the potion's scent, a heady mix of roses, spices and a touch of something dark and dangerous. Each breath seemed to amplify the effect, making everything more intense and surreal.

Eddie struggled to stay sane. He had to find a way to counteract the effects of the potion. With the last glimmer of consciousness, he noticed a puddle of acidic water on the road: the only solution. With a desperate effort, he threw himself face first into the dirty water. His face immediately began to burn, but thanks to that pain he came completely back to himself. He pulled his face out of the toxic water and inhaled deeply, trying to regain lucidity. While still half-lying on the concrete, Eddie looked at his right hand in which he still held the bottle, now half-empty: the pink liquid had spread around when he had thrown himself on the puddle.

He quickly realized that that bottle did not contain a simple love potion, but something far more sinister. It was more like a date-rape drug, a means of control.

Eddie stood up with difficulty, putting the pieces together: Valentino's red smoke, the pink saliva, the potion of the same color, the sinister predatory smell... This was how the Overlord held his slaves in check. That was how he controlled Angel.

Angel ... was in an altered state during the shooting. He was not consenting.

A blind fury assailed him. His hand clenched hard on the bottle, adrenaline gave him the charge, and he threw it as far as he could, screaming. Of all the Overlords, Valentino was definitely the most disgraceful.

His breathing became heavy as he tried to calm himself. He had to find a way to help Angel and get him out of that situation. Yet ... Lucifer had known him much longer than he had. So why had he done nothing to help him? This thought troubled him deeply. He decided that he would confront Lucifer as soon as he returned to the hotel to understand the reason for that inaction.

He got into the car and made to leave, but then he remembered that Angel was alone to face that monster. He felt a growing responsibility to his friend. He could not leave him there, but he could not face Valentino alone either.

He looked frustratedly at his bracelet and said: «If you really can do everything, it's time to do something!»

He got no response. He sighed deeply and closed his eyes, rubbing them with his hands, trying to find a solution: "Angel Dust has a contract with Valentino, and Valentino owns his soul. Even if I found a way to get him out, Val could simply drag him back in. I have to find a way to convince him to let him go early or distract him to forget Angel for tonight, but how?"

He felt useless.

He heard a clunk of something being slammed into his hood. Eddie suddenly opened his eyes and, much to his surprise, saw a drunk guy who had placed the potion bottle on his hood.

«Don't lose it, this stuff is great!» muttered the man, and sauntered off. Eddie looked at the bottle, in disbelief: it was as half-empty as when he had it in his hand, but it didn't seem to have any other damage.

It took him a few seconds to recover from his surprise. He got out of the car and took the small bottle in his hand. As he stared at it for a long time, a brilliant, but also dangerous idea shaped in his mind.

«Fucking Odin, I could get into a lot of trouble...» he said to himself.

It took him a long time to make up his mind. He knew he could not release Angel directly, but maybe he could find another way to distract Valentino and at least get his night off.

With a deep breath, Eddie took courage and headed for the side entrance of the tower.

He sneaked in, trying not to attract attention. The air was unusually scentless, a sign that the way was clear.

Arriving at the main lobby, he found himself among a variety of people running around, each busy with their own chores. He was going to take advantage of the situation. Hiding behind a corner, he waited for someone too busy to notice him to arrive.

He didn't have to wait long. A clerk walked past him without even giving him a glance. Eddie grabbed him swiftly, forcing him to inhale Valentino's potion. It wasn't long before the poor fellow suffered the effects of the pink liquid, being sent into another universe of euphoria and daze.

Eddie dragged him into a bathroom, removed his clothes and put them on: a gray hoodie and black sweatpants. Settling himself as best he could, he walked out of the bathroom trying to blend in with the other employees and pulled his hood over his head so he wouldn't be recognized.

In the lobby, he found a map marking all the floors of the tower and their functions. To his horror, he discovered that the pornographic studio was located halfway up the tower and that the only way to reach it was by elevator. Eddie felt himself whitening again, wondering: «Why does everyone here hate stairs?»

Despite his terror, he had to grit his teeth. The elevator was the mandatory route to his destination. He approached it with caution, trying to maintain a natural attitude and not attract unwanted attention.

When he finally reached the elevator, making his way through the crowd of employees, he pressed the button. Luckily, no one seemed to mind him, such that other people entered along with him, taking the elevator with him. Once inside, he breathed deeply, trying to calm his tense nerves as the elevator took him to the desired floor.

As the doors closed, he again felt the walls compressing toward him. He had to maintain an appearance of calm in order to avoid drawing the attention of the others present, but in the depths of his being, his demons screamed, summoned by horrible memories. His throat closed, every inch of his skin trembled, his eyes searched every corner for an escape route that didn't exist. He forced himself to take slow, deep breaths, trying to calm his irrational side. He looked at the display on the wall: he was not even halfway there. His jaw clenched, he wanted to clench his fists in search of a contact that could distract him from that slow climb, but all around him was only emptiness: emptiness inside a closed box.

His legs began to tremble, his teeth chattering against each other so much that he forced himself to put his tongue between them so that they would not be heard.

After minutes that felt endless, the doors opened with a metallic ping and Eddie stepped out and finally caught his breath.

He found himself facing a long hallway, the walls decorated with opulent red carpets and crystal chandeliers. Each door along the corridor led to rooms equipped for various kinds of erotic settings. The atmosphere was saturated with a mixture of sweetish scents and a background of seductive music.

Along with Eddie, four employees came out of the elevator, each heading to a different room. "Four movies in one night? How hard do they make him work?" he thought, as his disdain for Valentino grew.

Staying alert at all times, Eddie slipped down the hallway, stretching his ears to pick up noises that might help him figure out where Angel was.

He heard Valentino's voice shout something, enraged, then the sound of a loud slap and a small whine of Angel's voice. He found him.

Quickly, Eddie reached the door from which that noise came and leaned against it to continue listening.

Valentino kept screaming, while Angel responded in a shaky, submissive voice. It was obvious that the situation was getting worse.

Carefully, he opened the door just enough to look inside. The set looked like a tribal village: thatched houses decorated the scenery, on a platform in the center consisting in several platforms, one bigger than the other forming three steps, were tucked two poles far apart, with enough space in between to hold a grown man with his arms outstretched. All the actors around were unclothed, armed with spears and wearing only bondage harnesses, leaving genitals and breasts or pecs exposed. Valentino had his back turned, while Angel was slumped on the ground, his face scarred with fear and pain. Valentino was screaming at him that he couldn't refuse to work, no matter how little he liked the scene, and that he had to get tied up. He kicked him in the stomach, causing him to buckle in half. A black demon, who appeared to be one of his deputies, approached the Overlord trying to calm him down, reminding him that Angel was needed in good health for the scene. Valentino, in response, struck him as well.

Eddie could not help but shiver, disgusted by Val's behavior. With a sinuous movement he managed to slip inside the room, and hid behind some discarded scenery.

As he hid, he observed the scene carefully. Angel was visibly terrified, his body trembling slightly. The technicians approached and helped him to his feet, and the makeup artists covered his black eye with powder foundation. The first ones then began to tie him to the two poles in the middle of the fake tribal houses. All four of his arms were tied by the wrists, triggering a terrible flashback feeling in Eddie. For a moment, he saw the man who had trapped him in that cellar, the darkness of his prison, the cold and dampness felt on his skin. The young hit-man slid the Deus Ex Machina on his arm just enough to look at the scar he hid. Tears clouded his vision, a strong sense of injustice kindled in his chest. One of the technicians, a deer demon, looked like he was trying to encourage Angel. Angel, unsure, eventually convinced himself to pull out his third set of arms so that they would be tied as well. Then he was tied by his feet too, remaining completely vulnerable.

Eddie felt helpless and furious, but he knew he had to act fast. He tried to keep calm and figure out a way to approach Valentino without being seen. The bottle with the love potion was safe in his pocket; he just had to find a way to get Val to drink it and the evening would be ruined.

«Lights, camera!» shouted the Overlord. Angel quickly wore the mischievous grin he always used when he was working; the remaining technicians ran out of the set. «Action!»

The actors got to work: one of the actresses recited a short monologue about a ritual and a sacrifice, and then several actors approached Angel.

Eddie had no time to play spectator. He slipped stealthily toward Valentino, hoping he was having a drink: it would make his task easier. To his utter delight, he saw that the Overlord had a glass of wine at his side. «Bingo!» he said to himself, a smile of victory on his face. With a quick movement, he poured a small amount of the love potion into Valentino's glass, hoping no one would notice. He then went back to hiding behind the discarded set, breathing shallowly as he observed the scene.

He was distracted for a moment by Angel's simulated moans. Thanks to his antennae, Eddie could tell quite well that nothing was real; the smells were all wrong, he could smell boredom, sadness, resignation. Even Angel's face was contracted, lacking any trace of pleasure, not even lust. Eddie's heart clenched, feeling deep sorrow for his friend.

The scene ended with a (fake) orgasm, and the smoke machines, well hidden in the scenery, went off. The scene was partially blacked out.

«Cut! Let's do another one and make it last longer!» shouted Val, drawing Eddie's attention again. Valentino picked up his goblet, unaware of the change to his glass, and took a sip. Eddie celebrated inwardly, just waiting for the potion to take effect.

The scene resumed, Eddie kept his eyes fixed on the Overlord, waiting for him to meet the same end as the employee. Several minutes passed, but Valentino seemed unaffected by his own potion. The scene continued to go on and on, with poor Angel having already changed seven colleagues and still the potion having no effect on Valentino.

Eddie ran his hands through his hair: how the hell could he use that potion if it didn't work on Val?

One of the smoke machines near the hidden sniper activated mid-scene. The Overlord fumed: «STOOOP! Who started the smoke machine early!?»

The technicians were trying to justify themselves; no one had touched the machine.

Eddie looked at the smoke and finally understood how he could use the potion.

As the technicians tried to figure out what was going on, Eddie managed to slip from one machine to another, putting a drop of potion inside, hoping it would be enough.

Finishing tampering with the props, Eddie stole a clean towel and a bottle of water. With a firm swipe, he tore the towel in two and used one of the halves to create a sort of mask to cover his nose and mouth.

With a flip, Eddie returned to the shadows, waiting for disaster to strike. The senior technician, having checked and adjusted the controls, announced: «Very well, now I'll give it a try and see if everything runs smoothly.» Eddie gave a victorious smile «On my three...two...one...»

The technician started the machines and, quickly, everyone present except Val and Eddie, well hidden, began to sway, enraptured by the bliss and confusion of the love potion. Val, furious, stood up trying to bark out orders, but in that condition, no one would listen to him, no matter how threatening he was. He tried to use his own wings to sweep away the toxic smoke, but it was no use: all his subordinates were hopelessly stoned, and some in their euphoria dared to call him names.

Eddie,in his disguise, faked that he had just arrived from outside, rushing: «Mr. Valentino, sir! Somebody confused the liquid from the smoke machines with your lordship's potion, sir!»

«Confuse?! How could anyone get confused with two such different liquids!?»

«I'm afraid it was the new one, sir!» Eddie lied.

Valentino was getting angrier and angrier: «LOUIS! This is the final strike! I'm going to break him!» he headed for the door with great strides, ready to hurt poor Louis.

Eddie stopped him, asking: «What do I do with the others, sir?»

Frustrated, Valentino replied: «Open the windows, wait for them to recover, and give them the night off. I have a newbie to destroy!» he opened the door and closed it by slamming it very hard.

«Victory!» exclaimed Eddie in a low voice.

He opened the windows for those present to sober up. As the smoke dissipated, Eddie ran to Angel and released him from his ropes. The spider-demon fell deadweight onto him.

«Ang, can you hear me?» he called to him, trying to bring him back to his senses «It's me, Ed...Headshot. Your friend, the one who's bad at making drinks.»

Still under the influence of the potion, Angel Dust looked him in the face muttering: «Eh...Headshot... you know you're cute, right?»

Eddie rolled his eyes: even in his altered state he was the usual Angel Dust. «Silly.» he commented, as always.

Taking off the poor employee's hoodie, left naked in the downstairs bathroom, Eddie remained only in his shirt with his back exposed, letting out his wings.

In his condition, Angel touched Eddie's wings, commenting: «Uuuuh, nice...I want them too...»

Eddie assented: «If you come with me before Valentino discovers my fraud, I'll teach you how to grow them.»

Angel held him close, almost as if looking for some form of comfort. «Take me home, I don't like it here.»

Eddie, moved, soothed him: «Don't worry, we're leaving. As soon as I find your clothes...» The young sniper turned completely red, realizing: Angel Dust was on him and he was completely naked.

Eddie flew out the window with wings outstretched, Angel Dust at his side still stoned wearing the employee's hoodie.

They landed on the sidewalk in front of the entrance.

The young sniper made him sit in the car, on the passenger side. He wet the other half of the towel with water taken from the study and put it on Angel's face.

Slowly, the demon-spider recovered.

«What-what happened?» he asked, still confused «And who does this sweatshirt belong to?»

«My fault.» replied Eddie «I'll explain on the way back to the hotel.»

Angel Dust was stunned; «The Hotel?! But Valentino...»

«Don't worry about Valentino.» replied Eddie, as he got into the car on the driver's side «He gave the night off.»

«What? That's not like him...»

Eddie started the engine and pulled out of the parking lot: «Well, after you got in...»

–

«...So we literally flew out the window and I loaded you into the car. It was crazy, but we made it.» finished Eddie's explanation.

«You...you're not hurt?» asked Angel Dust, concerned.

«Don't worry, I've been through worse.» Eddie reassured him.

Angel replied: «Good. WHY THE FUCK DID YOU DO THAT!?»

Flinching and almost lurching, Eddie looked at him incredulously for a moment: «You scared the shit out of me!»

«He could have killed you! He could have forced you to sign a contract! You shouldn't put yourself in danger because of me!» he added, with a tone that betrayed fear and concern

Hurt and offended in his pride, Eddie replied: «Oh, so sorry I made him leave you alone!»

Raising his tone of voice and tearing up, Angel replied: «I've known Val for years! I know how to handle him, I know how to take his blows! ALL kinds of blows. I don't want others to be hurt by his ... behavior.» Angel covered his face, trying to hide his crying.

Eddie was struck by Angel's sincerity: for the first time since he had met him, he was seeing the man behind the mask.

The young sniper felt torn: on one hand, he wanted to respect Angel's desire to protect others, but on the other, he could not ignore the injustice of that situation.

Lowering his tone, Eddie said: «I didn't mean to worry you. I understand that you want to protect others, but someone has to protect you too. Val cannot continue to behave like that and go unpunished, no matter whether you have a contract with him or not.»

Angel lifted his gaze, his eyes shining. «Headshot, you don't understand. Val knows exactly where to strike to hurt people under his command as much as possible. He knows that if he hurts you, he hurts me. He knows too much about me, he doesn't touch the Hotel just because first Charlie was there to protect it, and now Lucifer too, but if they weren't there...» a lump came to his throat, unable to continue the sentence.

«... he would destroy everyone you love.» Eddie concluded, understanding. Angel nodded.

«What a bastard.» said Eddie to himself.

The air was thick with tension, and the silence between them grew heavy. Eddie wanted to find a way to help Angel break free from that oppressive grip, but he knew it would not be easy.

Continuing to drive and after a moment of reflection, Eddie declared: «Well, it doesn't matter. I can't just stand by hoping that asshole will let you go. I've seen the way he treats you, I've felt your fear, the sadness, the resignation...I won't accept it!» a tear ran silently down his face.

«I'm afraid there's no way out.» Angel replied, resigned.

«I will create it, then.» Eddie replied, adamant: «I'm not leaving you in that jerk's claws. No one should be treated that way, no one should be kicked in the stomach, be tied up and locked in a basement for months...» he bit his tongue, realizing what he had just said.

Angel looked at him, a questioning expression painted on his face.

Eddie shook his head: «Forget that last part. I only know that I can't accept it. I can't just turn away, look the other way and go on with my life, what kind of person would I be?»

«One who stays safe, away from Valentino.» replied Angel, frustrated «So that only I will suffer his abuse.»

«No way!» replied Eddie «Now that I know how he treats you, I have a moral duty to snatch you from his hands, even if it takes me centuries.»

Exasperated, Angel asked him: «Why are you doing this?! We've known each other less than a month, and during that time I've done everything to get on your nerves! Why on earth would you risk your life for me?!»

Eddie swallowed a moment, undecided whether to open up that much, but decided to admit: «Because I don't want to lose a friend.»

There was a brief pause. Angel, surprised by Eddie's confession, was trying to figure out how to respond.

Eddie, trying to recalibrate what he said, continued: «I never had any friends, even when I was alive. During childhood my father would push other children away from me because in his opinion they weren't "pure" enought or "holy" enought or... "good" enough. Then teenage years came, I found out I liked boys, and that pushed me to isolate myself even more, fearing to be outed. Then when I ended up down here... well, I was even less inclined to bond with other people. There was my sister, yes, but taking care of a person who needs you is not the same as having a bond with... a peer of yours, you know? And then Kitty persuaded me to go into the Hotel and... suddenly I found you people: a rambling group of crazy folks who found a home in a hopeless place. And the more I hung out with you guys, the more I longed... to be part of that group. I adore you guys, there isn't one of you I haven't grown attached to: you, Charlie, Husk, Vaggie... all of you. I feel like I finally have a family, and I wish you could count on me. And, after what I saw tonight, I wish that you, more than anyone, could count on me.»

Silence fell.

Angel was a tornado of emotions: disbelief, gratitude, fear and hope mingled within him. He didn't know how to respond; he was moved by his friend's honesty, and at the same time frightened: if Valentino found out...

The spider-demon did not know how to reply, the words dying in his throat.

Eddie, sensing Angel's inner turmoil, reached out and laid a hand on his shoulder. «You don't have to say anything, Angel. Not right now. Just know that you are not alone. Not anymore.»

Angel nodded, feeling a lump in his throat. Finally, he managed to say in a trembling voice: «Thank you, Eddie. I don't know how...»

«You don't have to thank me.» interrupted Eddie, with a reassuring smile. «I gladly do it, really.»

Angel could only smile, grateful.

The radio played "Mary On A Cross" again, surprising the two. A little embarrassed, Eddie commented: «You can tell it's my favorite song, huh?» he moved his hand closer to the knob: «Maybe I'll change it...»

Angel managed to stop him by saying: «No need. I'm getting to like it, you know.»

Eddie put his hands back on the wheel with a smile: «Oh, really? Maybe someday I'll play it for you on the guitar.»

Surprised, Angel asked: «You play guitar?»

Eddie shrugged: «Even hit-men need hobbies.»

As the rhythmic, melancholy tones of the song filled the car, the light began to grow, simulating a vague depiction of dawn.

When they finally reached the hotel, the light was already higher, as if the sun was rising. Eddie parked the car and the two friends sat for a moment, enjoying the quiet after the storm.

«Let's go get some rest.» Eddie said, turning off the engine.

Angel nodded, opening the door. «Yes, we need it.»

As they walked toward the entrance, Angel paused for a moment and looked at Eddie. «Seriously, thank you. I'll never forget what you did for me.»

Eddie put a hand on Angel's shoulder and smiled at him. «You just know that you can always count on me. We're a team, Angel. Always.»