Hazbin Hote: Hellish Misfits
Chapter 25: Brother, Who Art Thou? Survival Fighting in Bonds
Previously... on Hazbin Hotel...
Nero then walked to him, ignoring everyone, even going as far as to shove Charlie out of the way, as he stood in front of him, "Good. Now I know what you look like. It'll be easier to kill you when the time is right."
"Oh, for God's sake..." James muttered, "I had a shitty evening so can you go on 'challenging me to a duel' shit on another month? I'm tired. I'm sore. and I had to deal with an overdose of truth serum."
Nero looked at him for a moment, "Well then. Here's another truth: I am going to kill you, and it will be easy," Nero answered, as he explained. "Because you and I... we're brothers."
"HUUUUUUUUH!?" the others asked, all looking shocked.
But none was more shocked than James, who asked, "Come again?"
Vergil walked up to Nero placing a hand on his shoulder, as he said, "I assure you, James. Nero is your brother." And the two walked to the door, "You'll understand when you two fight, and all others see when Nero kills you." The two reached the door, but Vergil smiled, "I can't wait to see that day." And both walked out into the night, leaving the hotel's inhabitance, old and new, deeply confused about all this information.
While everyone was trying to process this, the Professor however had a suspicious feeling that the Lipton was up to something...
Present Time
When all was said and thought through, everyone quietly turned to James... and suddenly rushed him, bombarding him with so many questions, "WHAT IS HE TALKING ABOUT?"
"YOU NEVER TOLD US YOU HAD A BROTHER!"
"HOW CAN YOU HAVE A BROTHER AND NOT KNOW ABOUT HIM!
"EXPLAIN!"
Though James was just as panicked, as he waved his arms about, screaming out loud, "I have no idea what he's talking about! He's clearly confused; I'm an only child!" James calmly stated, as he remembered when he was five years old, explained, "When I was five and asked my parents for siblings. They gave me a talking to about the 'Birds and the Bees',"
Dan went wide eye, as he said, "Wait, yours parents explained to you about that when you was five?" And then lit up, "So did mine!" He then acted rather smoothly as he said, "Guess that explains why you and I are so smooth with the ladies. We got more experience than everyone else."
Husk arched an eyebrow, as he said, "Yeah, not so much for you."
Dan got angry and flipped off Husk.
James groaned, as he rubbed his forehead, "Look, I've had a rough day. I got caught by demon-obsessed nutjobs, drugged, and possibly killed a lot of bad people. And now I find this insanity out." He looked at himself, and groaned, "And I'm still covered in blood and guts."
Summer sniffed him a bit and gagged in disgust, "Meow needs a bath."
"Yes, that too, thank you Summer." James said as he gave her a pat on the head. That made her purr.
He walked to the bar, grabbed a bottle of soda and head for the stairs.
Charlie looked at James in worry about what the day had done to him. And worried a bit more if he would remain the same.
Moments Later
James's Room
James was washing up in his bath, alone, as he was now cleansed of the blood. He just sat in the tub, leaning back, and tried to at least get his mind on what had happened. But the thought of the agents he fought going on in his head never left. He even remembered on those four Exorcists when he arrived in Hell.
He sighed, as he combed his hair back, "Things really have changed for me. I guess it's true what they said in that Fallout show: In a new environment, you become an entirely different animal."
He looked at his arm with the white marks.
The feeling of the Crucible when it first transformed that day. The weight of it when he held it, and discharged the first shots at the last of the Exorcists. That feeling never left the muscle memory of using said weapon. Not even the feeling of the recoil from the firing.
He sighed as he rubbed his face in worry.
James sighed, as he wondered, "What am I gonna do if this fucks up the hotel?"
Though his thoughts were interrupted... by Charlie, as she spoke, "James?"
James almost crashed out of the tub, as he asked, "Charlie?"
"Um... is it okay if I come in," Charlie asked.
James went wide eye at that, as he blushed, "Uhh..."
"Can you give me a minute or two to um… put some clothes on?" He asked, looking at his naked body.
"I'm coming in," Charlie said, as the door clicked and began to open. James was about to protest, but stopped, as he saw her in a towel, as she blushed, "Um... would it be okay if we shared?"
He blushed and has a little nosebleed.
Charlie blushed, as she asked, "Well... would it be okay if I joined?"
Unable to think right, he nodded. She gingerly walked over, while still wearing the towel, and stepped in on the other side. She slipped in, and kept herself modest, as the two sat in the tub together... blushing as the warm water steamed up the bathroom. Both were unsure on how to respond or even try to speak up. Though truth be told, this might have been s step up from the last time they bathed together.
Things were quiet between them as they couldn't believe they're actually sharing a bath together...
But then Charlie spoke up, as she blushed, looking to him, "So... are you okay?"
Snapping out of it, James nodded, "Yeah. I'm fine. Warm bath helps. I mean, I'm fine physically." But then sighed, "Though I don't think that's what you wanted to ask about, is it?"
"No, it's not, James I'm really worried about you." Charlie said to him.
"I haven't been depressed about Lydia since I got back," James replied. "I mean, I know that was the main part. But due to the job, I haven't been thinking about it much."
"James... I meant about... when you escaped the human stronghold." Charlie brought up, not mentioning what he did to escape, not having the strength to.
James blinked, as he said, "Oh, that. Yeah, um... that, wasn't the best of times, honestly."
"No, it wasn't, James listen, you, Clint, IMP, Stolas, and I could get in a lot of trouble if the angels find out..." Charlie said in worry tone.
"Well, I know that, but..." James said, but then looked to her concerned, as he asked, "Do you think I've changed since we first met?"
"Well... you do have a fierceness about you." Charlie pointed out, "But also a caring side."
James looked at Charlie.
"But... even though I killed those agents..." James asked, expecting a 'but' from her.
"You didn't want your friends to be killed by the humans, right?" Charlie asked him.
"I didn't," James answered.
"So, you were acting out of both instincts." Charlie assured him.
"You say that, but... " He sighed, as he looked to the side, away from Charlie, "I don't feel like it was justified in some ways. Like, it might hurt the hotel and any chances you have for it."
Charlie looked to him, knowing he needed comfort. And without him realizing it, she glided over, and gently embraced him in the water. He blinked, as he realized, "Wha... Charlie?"
"I know... I'm sorry for being upset... Like you said, you were protecting yourself and your friends, and if anyone finds out it would hurt our chances to have the hotel work..." Charlie stated, "But you didn't see any of the Reapers there, right? No Shrouds? No Angels of Death?"
James thought on it, as he realized he didn't see any of them, "Um... not really. Nothing at all."
"The Scythe, as belonging to Death, would've allowed you to see them if they had made themselves invisible to do their work." Charlie explained.
"Well, I never really saw them in the heat of battle," James replied. "Was kinda busy fighting off a dozen agents rushing at us with Edo Period weaponry and no concern for themselves."
"That's weird." Charlie said confused.
"Still doesn't make me feel a bit guilty that I hurt the cause for the hotel," James replied.
Charlie sighed and hugged him again.
James blushed though, as he asked, "Is this you trying to help me feel better?"
"Both." Charlie answered holding him close and he can feel her bosom against his arm.
"Both what," James asked, confused on what she meant.
"Both to help you feel better and to let you know we're still in this together."
She blushed at what she was doing, but she kept him close.
James smiled, as he held her close in, but then blinked, "Ummm, you do know your towel isn't on anymore. Right?"
Blinking Charlie looked down before her face became pale and she screamed, her arm swinging by reflex to James' direction.
"Sorry, sorry! I wasn't trying to ruin the moment," James pleaded, as she was slowly calming down. He then smirked, as he chuckled, "Though seeing you freak out like this also helped to show your silly side."
Charlie chuckled nervously as she kept her bust covered.
"Could we keep this part between us please." Charlie asked.
James smiled nervously as he nodded, "You got it."
But then he looked to her, blushing, "You know... I've never really seen you nude, Charlie. You're really beautiful."
That made Charlie blush as red as the spots her cheeks.
He smiled to her, as he stood up, making her blush, and even more so, as he pulled her close, hugging her, as he said, "I'm really glad I fell in love with you, Charlie."
Charlie held him close and agreed, "I'm glad I feel in love with you too James."
Both were merely holding one another, despite being in the nude, this was close to sexual intimate they could go without having sex. But for now, she made him feel strong enough not to doubt again, and he made her feel loved too. There was nothing at that moment that could ruin this feeling for them. Nothing even for...
The Next Day
In the Morning
Both James and Charlie, refreshed and dressed, looked in a mixture of shock and annoyance. As early in the morning, Nero and Vergil were present; the former standing in front of them, while the latter was sitting in the lounge, enjoying a cup of coffee.
"Fuck..."James said, rubbing his eyes in annoyance.
"Nice to see you too, Brother," Nero said, looking to him.
"Sorry for the intrusion, but I felt that later today, would be when I would reveal on how Nero and James are truly brothers," Vergi calmly said, ignoring Vaggie wanting to stab him. "And the others will be arriving soon."
"Others?" Charlie asked in confusion, brow raised.
"What others?" Vaggie demanded.
Vergil took a sip from his coffee, and smirked, "Why, the Vees, of course." He then looked to Charlie, as he smirked, "I was assuming since you already met Valentino, I figured you would love to meet the Brains and Backbone of our group."
Everyone's eyes widen in shock, fear, and worry.
Vergil casually replied, "I've told them so much about James, that they wanted to meet him face-to-face before the events that will perform."
"Hmm... I don't think this is such a good idea." Alastor said appearing form the shadows smiling at them, before his smile widens, "Unless you can assure that you and the rest of the Vees do not do anything to harm any residence of the Hotel. If you can make that promise and enforce it then Charlie won't have to call the Royal Guards."
"They're merely here to witness Nero's performance against Dante," Vergil said, not caring about Alastor's intimidation. But then looked to him, as he said, "Besides, with everything that Vox has said about you, I would have thought you'd love to see your 'old friend'."
"Oh, I do." Alastor admitted, before explaining, "But since I made my promise to Charlie to aid in her business endeavors, I must make sure that the Hotel and those who reside in it will not be harmed in any way, shape, or form."
"Don't worry, the occupants shan't be harmed in anyway or at all by the Vees," he looked to Alastor, "I promise on that."
Daredevil looked to Nero, as he snarled at him, and then charged right at him. Nero spotted this as he knelt down, reached out as Daredevil got close...
Charlie panicked as she screamed out, "DAREDEVIL, NO!"
Even James freaked out as he would have attacked...
...
But both stopped as they saw Nero gently nuzzling Daredevil on the head, as he said, "Good boy."
Everyone stared, "Huh?!"
Vergil smiled as he leaned on the arm rest, "Looks like he's got a handle with animals. Just like his brother..."
James though, blushed in annoyance, feeling like Vergil was making fun of him or twisting the knife in all this.
the professor showed up and said, "Hmm... curious how such a thing is possible..."
Looking at James then at Nero again.
"Although amazingly..." he said, as he put the two together, making them hold hands, like leaning on a glass wall, "The resemblance... is almost striking." He then said, "It's as if... they're two characters in a movie..." And slowly turned to face (the audience) "Being played by the same actor."
The Professor then looked between the two as he makes a height comparison as well as other visual checks.
He then moved back almost falling backwards into Dia and Summer's direction.
They caught him, as they pushed him back on his feet.
"Thank you, girls." The Professor stated before he placed a hand to his forehead, "I feel a bit feverish... could you two be dears and help me to my lab please? Before I suffer any more lingering effects of being around a Lipton for much longer?"
The two carry him to his lab, before blowing a kiss to James and mouthing him good luck.
James nodded, but Nero leaned in as he waved, and mouthed a thank you to them both.
Once they reached the elevator a slight spark happened around the shaft which made the professor shout, "Confounding, fucking shotty repairs!"
Before they heard it went down.
Everyone blinked at that, as Nero walked to the bar, and asked Husk, "Coke Zero, Cherry flavored with a squeeze of lemon, please."
James gagged at that as he fell over, much to Charlie and Vaggie's surprise.
"You okay big guy?" Vaggie asked her beau.
James got up, groaning, "That... that's my usual drink."
"How does he have the same taste buds as you do?"
"Is he a clone?" Dan asked in fear.
"Is he your twin?" Clint asked.
Charlie shook her head, as Nero sat at the bar, "No, cloning's not possible. We're souls or from another plane of existence. That wouldn't make sense to it all. Otherwise, he'd be like the Eggs Pentious has, they're artificial demons, not clones."
James groaned, his min spinning, "I need... to sit down."
Vaggie and Charlie helped him sit down while looking at Nero.
Meanwhile
The Professor's Lab
The Lab looked to be the equivalent to a space station's quarters and laboratory, with hints of the Baxter Building from Fantastic Four. There was lab equipment and futuristic contraptions, and even a repair bed table for stuff. Even a section for weird sci-fi tube chambers for sleeping or healing. Though the Professor, was present there at his work bench desk, and deep in thought on something.
The moment he was out of sight he stood straight up and said, "Thank you two for playing along with me."
he then marched his way to a handle and said, "We don't have much time so I suggest you hold on."
He gestures to the other handles next to him.
Dia asked, "What's going on, Professor?"
"Hurry and grab the handles." He ordered quickly.
The two looked to each other, and shrugged as they grabbed the handles.
"Apologies in advance for any discomfort." As he pressed the button and immediately the three of them as well as the lab felt an electric shock along the surface of everything while a recording of him shouting what was heard upstairs. Before slamming sounds were heard around them at all entrances and ventilations.
The shock made the girls dance a bit for a few minutes.
Once it was over The Professor shook his head in order, "What an invigorating experience."
Marching past Summer whose fur was standing on end same and Dia whose her tail standing out straight. Both were stunned by the electric shock they had experienced. as he went and placed two strands of hairs in two compartment devices and he began typing while beams began to envelope every trace of the hairs.
"Clean showers and robes are there for you if you wish to recover from the electroshock sweep you both experienced." The professor stated as he kept typing.
"Electro shock sweep?" Dia asked, confused
"Why do we work with you again?" Summer asked as she and Dia walked to the showers to clean up.
"For the past several months I found it curious how that Lipton shit discovered or knew of what we have been doing since all of our arrivals to the hotel. Especially what James was getting involved in." The Professor explained, as he kept typing and looking through the research, "While it is true some of their exploits are seen in the local tabloids and news articles, but that does not explain what he knows from going inside the hotel."
"So being myself as well as acting as a fool, I wave been conducting secret investigations around the hotel and found that we've been a host to a rather large colony of bugs. A kind of bugs that do not like being electrified to a high degree."
He then pointed blindly to another screen that showed the said bug in question, "Do not worry it's completely deactivated, and I've been making sure that Lypton's little spy does not come back to life as well."
"He's been spying on us, that fucker better not have watched me and Dia do our private time." Summer said with a little growl.
"As they used to say, 'Bingo'." The Professor stated, "And I had to go through every means to make sure my lab is clean of the buggers. So, I went along with everything until I found the right electroshock frequency and voltage to make sure they are not going to be turned back on."
"Unfortunately, my lab is the only way I can make sure that it's safe without letting the Lypton germ know I caught on."
Dia and Summer blushed as they learn that the bugs watch them have wet dreams of James.
"He most likely have considered what you ladies dream about with my nephew as unimportant and deleted them." The Professor assured the girls while he kept working. The two signed in relief.
"Though still, I doubt this will prevent him from planting more bugs in the hotel," the Professor said, as he groaned. "Or if these bugs are beginning to self-replicate or he's been bringing in more advanced bugs."
"Which is why I regularly do the Electroshock sweeps in my lab to make sure that I kill the bugs to keep my research and my means to counteract his spying without letting him catch on that I figured it out from being noticed by him."
"But this latest introduction to this 'Nero' individual has the same warning bells that his father has once done." He stated as he looks at all information, diagrams, and states on the screens.
The girls' eyes widened at what they're seeing.
Summer blinked, "What the…?"
"Professor? What exactly are we looking at," Dia asked, wondering what the Professor found out.
"Genetic information, even though we're presently existing in these spiritual bodies, we still have echoes of our former lives, memories, personalities and quirks of more intimate nature as well as the connects one former being to another, DNA patterns. As such my private research. It is a shame that Demonic and Angelic Ichor are a vastly different subject all together."
They then see a pair of pie wheels that was labeled as Subject A and Subject B.
"Huh?" The girls said in confusion.
Getting up, The professor gets a stick that literally has a miniature hand in a poking position as he pointed to Subject A, "This is James' genetic data."
Then pointed to B, which has a widget that was dark for some reason, "This is Nero's."
"Now watch as I overlay them." He said snapping his fingers and the two move to the center where they look nearly identical except the Dark widget in B's.
"This shows that both have a 76% match."
"So, Nero is a clone, just not a good one." Dia said.
Summer was a bit shocked at this, too, as she asked, "Nyaaah!? Are you saying that Vergil found some way to clone spiritual entities?! And he used our darling James?!"
"It's just as Charlie says, but instead of Clones not having a soul. It's more like the clones' souls are more like ripped apart from the main Soul 'cluster' of the original subject which allows such abnormalities to happen in those fictional stories." The Professor answered Dia, then stated, "This however shows that something was added on to Nero's structure to keep him docile and not have an existential crisis and path of insanity or nihilism."
He then said to Summer, "To answer your question. The boy may be a Lypton but even he cannot lie about someone he wants to be superior to and most likely created Nero to either test or prove his superiority over James."
Dia then asked, "But why go that far?"
He clenched his wrinkled hands tightly, muttering angrily, "The apple doesn't far from that twisted family tree..."
"So, he's a fucking Frankenstein monster?" Dia asked.
"The overall result is not the issue; it is what was added to the structure to keep him stable." The professor told Dia.
"The computer should be able to identify the foreign subject within Nero's structure shortly before they notice your absence." The Professor remarked.
The professor's computer pinged as he stated, "Ah, there."
"Let's see what the evil scientist put into his clone concoction" The Professor said as he turned around. He then saw the moving black tar-like substance that made the professor swear, showing fear on his face for the first time since the girls met him, "My god... the mad fool... He has actually gone and done it..."
Meanwhile
Back Upstairs
It was lunchtime, and the others were watching Nero all the same. At the moment, when everyone was ordering lunch... he ordered the same thing as James. A spicy chipotle foot-long chicken sub sandwich. Apparently, James developed a taste for spicy foods: something he was worried about in life and would get burned from it. But since his affinity for fire, he wanted to try it out, and loved it. Though oddly enough, Nero was having the same thing too.
Dan though mentioned it as he leaned next to Niffty, as he said to her, and to Sir Pentious who slithered by, "Niff. They love the same snoogin' things. They gotta be bros."
"Oh yeah, definitely," Niffty said, though looked at Nero, star-gazing at him.
Pentious then leaned in, watching her and then at Nero, as he asked, "Um, Niffty? What are you...?"
"He's a bad boy..." Niffty sighed, looking at Nero dreamily.
Which both snake-men sinners groaned at Niffty's affinity for bad boys.
"Oh boy..." They groaned after that... Bruce even face smacking himself as a response
James though was silently groaning, annoyed at not Niffty, but Nero. It seemed he was making it a habit of making it look like they were brothers by ordering the same thing. And Charlie picked up on that, as she sat next to him.
"You okay James?"
"Ugh, it's just everyone is making similarities between me and Nero. It's like everyone believes I have a sibling," James grumbled.
"I don't know... but it is peculiar at how he has all of your interests down."
She then looked past him and added, "Except for hanging around Vergil..."
"I don't trust them; I mean this a vee we're talking about." Vaggie said giving Vergil and Nero a glare.
"And unfortunately, that means the others are coming too..." Husk reminded pouring Angel Dust's strongest drink. Angel Dust was shaking in fear for his friends at the thought of Val being HERE of all places.
Though something snapped Angel out of his fear, and drew everyone's attention. Nero suddenly showed up in front of Vaggie, as he looked at her, non-threatening or attempting to pick a fight.
The porn star looked and asked, afraid, "Wh- What do you want?"
Nero took Vaggie's hands in his, as he said, "You really are amazing, Vaggie. No wonder my brother is conflicted with his feelings about you and the princess."
Everyone gapped at that.
Dan shot up, as he pointed out, "SHIT BRO! HE'S DIGGIN' on your girl, James! You guys are definite brothers: You have the same taste in women!"
James shot up, as he asked, "What?!"
Clint asked, "So that's what cemented the claims?"
"Hell yeah," Dan shot out, as he held a photo of Vaggie with her turning and her hair flipping, "WE'RE ALL BROTHERS!"
Pentious shot out, "Now there's three of them?!"
James grabbed Dan's head and slams it on the table, shouting, "Shut up!"
From afar, Vergil was watching this little show, as he sat alongside Alastor, who was studying Nero, but also Vergil. Vergil though couldn't care less about the Radio Demon scoping him out, as he was silently chuckling at this, "This is way funnier than The Fall of the House of Usher."
But Vergil then stopped a moment, as he looked to Alastor, "You might as well as me why I'm here, Alastor. You've been trying to figure it out for some time now. Might as well ask."
"OH, it isn't that complicated. Clearly you are here to show up Mr. Dante here with this curious person you brought with you." Alastor stated, "But I am curious about the origins of this young man, as I have it on good authority that James does not have any siblings. Well, those that would not be down here."
"I could also say you're an even bigger mystery too, Alastor," Vergil smirked, as he pointed out. "Vox is pissy because he figured you as a member of the Vees would be a step up. They hate disrespect as much as I do; you'd be an excellent fit for their empire. Why say no? Is it Valentino? I bet it was Valentino."
"Oh, it's nothing of the sort. it's more of how he asked me which made me say no and that's how he just can't let go of those who got away." Alastor deflected with a laugh, "Watching him cause a blackout is so much entertainment."
"Is that the reason why you disappeared for seven years? Because you needed the space," Vergil asked.
"Oh, you have no idea." Alastor drawled dramatically, a hand over his forehead to emphasize it, "To be in the same city as the one who has been hounding me every waking moment has drained me of inspiration..."
Before he placed his hand down and fixed his bowtie, "I am so glad to have finally come back in time to see my inspirational muse before me."
His eyes were on Charlie while sitting, "Such a charming demon belle she is."
"Yeah, it does seem rather nice that you've found a means to work again, even after seven years. From what I've heard," Vergil replied. "But why help the princess out with a lost cause? I doubt it's for the entertainment, as I've heard around. There were some rumors you fell to Angelic Steel, but it would seem they could never touch you." He then pointed out, "It could be rumors you eloped with Lilith the same time she disappeared the same you went out of sight. Seven Years." But then smirked, "But I had a theory. You attempted to make a deal with someone... only to be the one bound to a leash."
Alastor remained calm and smiling, as his tone stated calmly, "My dear boy, I would never in any situation elope with the queen of this realm. Not for any reward or benefits. And certainly not having her dearest husband, excuse me ex-husband wish to hunt me down and torture me for all eternity. And your theory is by far the most entertaining theory I've heard to date."
He then got up and stated, "now then if you excuse me, I need to speak to our maid about a pest problem I have been noticing for months."
And proceeded to walking away, humming as calmly as his face showed, snapping for Nifty to join him.
But Vergil then said, "I did think about that one in which you were forced to be put on a leash by another Overlord as a primary theory, you know. Made a few guesses on who you'd be crazy enough to try and leash up. Carmilla Carmine? Not really, she couldn't care less about you. Zeezi? Nope, not your type. Zestial doesn't factor in, as you two seem like good chums. The Vees? Hard no, obviously." He then smirked, "Which would leave... that sweet Victorian lady you seemed to sit next to at the meeting? The one with a similar shark-like dazzling and mysterious smile as yours. What's her name?"
Alastor barely registered what the boy was saying while clearing his monocle.
"No, seriously. What was her name," Vergil asked innocently. "I didn't get many of the rosters."
"Oh, you must mean Rosie?" Alastor asked, turning to face Vergil, "Such a lovely friend. Though if you do wish to do business with her, I'd suggest you change your manners and your wardrobe before someone there would like to make you into their snack."
"I doubt Cannibal Town is interested in having cyberware for food," Vergil replied, "But I do appreciate the advice. Thank you."
Though before anyone could say or do anything else, a knock came on the door.
"Oh, Vaggie, would you be a dear and open the door for our guests?" Alastor asked just as he left the main lobby with Nifty close by.
"Not your door lady," Vaggie said, as she pulled away from Nero, who watched her go to the door. And then opened it... to see the Vees standing there.
"Why... hello Hazbin Hotel." Vox greeted as he grinned deviously to them all.
"Vox, you guys made it," Vergil smiled, as he violently shoved Vaggie out of the way, smiling to the trio. He then turned to the Princess, of whom she and James were helping Vaggie up, "You don't mind if they come in, do you? This is strictly for business of course."
Seeing the… fear when certain people saw Valentino walking in to the hotel, Vergil said, assuring them, "You don't need to worry about Val, let's just say I put a little toy in his neck to keep him... tamed."
With a smile, he looked at the moth demon and pulled out a remote.
Valentino snarled, but sound like he wasn't annoyed, "Don't fret, everyone."
He then looked over to Angel, as he snarled, while Angel looked nervous, "I won't start on anything one bit."
But then cleared his throat, as he returned to normal, "But seriously. This is strictly business, as Vergil called us here to witness um... "
He then looked to Vox, as he asked, "What was it?"
"A test," Vox answered, "As I seem to recall on what he said it was."
Velvette strutted over bored about everything but Vergil as he said, "This better be important, darling. Otherwise, we're all gonna have issues."
Vergil smiles and tickles her chin, and said to his lover, "Trust me Velvet, it will be worth the wait."
Velvette blushed embarrassed before play whacking him, "Don't do that in front of the nobodies you sappy bastard!"
Though some caught the eyes of Charlie, as she was gushing over the aspect of a couple being done. Vaggie rolled her eyes at this.
Vergil smirked, as he walked to the center, "Now. Everyone is wondering why they are here, right?"
Nobody answered or said anything, as he explained, "You're all here... to witness a battle royale..." and then pointed at James and Nero, "... against brothers! To see who is the best!"
"Wait... YOU WANT THEM TO FIGHT TO THE ERASE!?" Vaggie practically screamed.
"You said it not me," Vergil replied, as he explained, "Though considering James's no kill policy, I'm sure he'll keep his end of the terms to not sully the hotel."
James frowned at that, but said nothing, as Nero walked to one corner of the room.
Vergil then explained, "Rules are simple: the main lobby is the arena. From the top of the staircase to the front door, and on the floor to ceiling is the boundary. If one crosses the boundary, they forfeit, and they don't have to kill one another. Rule one: No weapons, only fists, feet, and maybe tail. Rule two: No Angelic Steel whatsoever; if you wanna do damage, use what magic you have." Vergil then walked up to Alastor and Charlie, as he tapped their noses, "Rule 3: No interference or the party loses."
Alastor then pointed out, with an annoyed smirk, "Rule 4: No cheating."
"Oh, you won't have to worry about that, good sir," Vergil walked to the Vees, as he smiled, "So without further ado..."
"Hold it." Alastor interrupted.
He then approached Vox, "Are you willing to shake on the rules in a simple deal making?"
Even offering his hand to his 'friend' to seal the pledge of following the rules.
Vergil turned to him, and asked, "That desperate for a soul, are you?"
The sounds of firearms being chambered caught their attention as they look the right to see multiple Apex tactical demons, armed with assault rifles and Submachine guns, rushing through the opened door and aimed their weapons at Alastor.
One of them held a handgun against the back of Alastor's head, the owner of the handgun was a Hellhound with a Belgian Malinois-like appearance, she has a pointed, dog-like muzzle with sharp and pointy teeth, and a dark grey nose, her eyes have a red sclera and white irises, and she wears grey eyeshadow and black winged-eyeliner for makeup.
Her fur is mahogany brown with black and white countershading encircling her face, black patches on her shoulders, a white underbelly that goes to her legs and short black hair with two white streaks in a swept back bob cut to reveal her dark grey ears, finally she has a large, black bushy tail with white on the underside.
Her outfit consists of a combat vest overtop of a camo-colored sports bra with a large pouch satchel rig slung over her chest, and a set of black cargo shorts.
The vest has a pair of double mag pouches on the front of it, a radio pouch and utility pouch, one her right leg was a holster and a pouch on her left leg and ankle, with a sheath on her left wrist.
On her hands were black fingerless combat gloves and on her legs were black thigh-high toeless stockings, this was Cerbi.
"Want me to blow this deer's brains out?" She asked Vergil.
"Best answer her boss, she's got an itchy-trigger finger and those are angelic rounds" Caine said walking up beside her.
"Calm yourselves, everyone. Alastor's just being an arrogant prick to everyone," Vergil said, calmly. "It's his thing, Cerbi."
"Fine." Cerbi scoffed, lowering her handgun and moving away.
"Uh who are the commandos?" Dan said as one of the Apex soldiers who looked like a red stripped green chameleon wearing ACU camouflaged gear pointed an assault rifle at him.
"Business associates," Vergil replied, as he sat down next to Velvette, as he said, "So... shall we continue this test, or do you want to turn this into a blood bath?"
Alastor didn't lose his smile, unafraid of the weapons that the armed demons have with then, "This isn't a soul claiming deal. It's just a promise between two overlords to ensure that both sides will not do anything to break the rules otherwise they and their status will be forfeit."
He then goated, "And Vox is an Overlord of his word, are you not... Old... friend?"
Vox's face glitched, as he was straining on not wanting to kill Alastor, as he said, "Of course... Old... FRIEND."
Vergil shrugged, as he walked back to Alastor, as he held his hand out, "I have no intention of cheating. Like I said before: this is a test. But I'll abide to your terms, Radio Demon."
"Since you are the latest member of the group it falls on the leader to make the Overlord Promise." Alastor informed while his smile became darker, "And the tv here wants to ensure that no one thinks that he's anything but perfect... Right?"
Vox calmed down, as he stood up, "Right."
And walked to Alastor, Vox held his hand out, reciting, "By the terms, the deal will be set."
"By the terms, the deal is set." Alastor recited as the moment the two clasped hands, they felt a ring form around them before washing over their hands to form a pattern over their sleeves, which then appears on the arms of the other Vees as well. Alastor chuckled once the Oath has been made and stated, "The Overlord Promise has been made."
Before exclaiming, "Allow me to take us to the appropriate spot!"
And immediately everyone in the room, but the Apex mercs, were swallowed up by his shadows while Vox screamed, "Alastor! You Fu-!"
They soon arrive in a wilderness like area as he said, "Welcome to the outskirts of Pentagram city! Roomy and more than anything, not gonna destroy or damage the hotel more than it needed to be."
While most of everyone was still standing, Vox was on his ass grumbling at his luck and repeated in a mantra, "Need to be Perfect" to relax.
Vergil sighed, "Well, so much for a boundary."
Nero looked to James, as he cracked his knuckles, "Fine by me. I want this fight to last longer just to kill my brother."
Alastor remained silent finding a log to sit on as he patted it, "Come along my friends. let's enjoy the show."
"Alastor, seriously," Charlie pleaded on this, wondering if there was a way to end this without the fight, as everyone sat down. Reluctantly, so did Charlie.
"Regrettably Charlie, this is an official Overlord matchup between our two 'champions' as such I made a promise that no one on our side will break the rules nor will the Vees do so or they will lose everything even their souls to the opposing Overlord in the Pact between us." Alastor explained, looking at the fight with his smile pleasant.
He then noticed Charlie's still worried expression and spoke, "But have faith in the boy. Did he not done much for all of us and yourself to show his strength? Surely a pretender as this Nero chap is nothing compared to the genuine article."
Charlie thought on that, and looked to James, as he was getting in position. Though, Charlie prayed,'Please... let him be okay...'
She felt someone patting her head and Alastor stated, "There's a good girl."
James was now on the opposite end of the 'arena' while Nero was on the other. James though spoke as he said, "You know, we don't have to do this, Nero."
"I want to do it," Nero replied, as he narrowed his eyes.
Both stood at the ready, waiting for Vergil to call out for the battle to begin.
"Two will enter, one may exit!" Vergil announced before shouting, "BEGIN!"
And in a flash, Nero disappeared, and appeared at James in 1.9 seconds... and James was shot to the other end without anyone noticing in time, as he skid-crashed at the ring. Luckily, he skidded to a stop before he could touch outside the non-existent boundary. James was about to get up... only to collapse on one knee, as he held his right side... to everyone's shock, was bleeding. And the left side of his face, severely bruised up.
Alastor's eyes widened in surprise but kept his smile.
And it wasn't the fact that James's face was half-beaten, or that he was bleeding.
At the other end, Nero stood like an animal ready to pounce. But what caught everyone's eyes was his form now. His chest showed a blue-glowing rib chamber of sorts, his eyes sparking with electricity and glowing blue. HIs right forearm was enlarged but longer, with his fingers turned metallic gray, and the gemstone surrounded by a metallic gray ring, with two electrical blades sticking out of it, the same done with his left forearm and hand. But his back... sprouted two wings colored orange and grey membranes, but folded out like glider wings as they generated sparks of electricity, as his back also had two black spikes like lightning rods, and unseen by them all, a blue sphere between the spikes on his back began to glow and pulsate.
"Is he now transforming?" Vaggie asked, never seeing anything so bizarre in her existence.
"Did he just sprout wings?!" Vaggie then exclaimed.
"Oh, you finally caught on that, eh, Vaggie," Vergil said, as he looked to her, and the surprised look on Alastor's face. "I told you. He's James's brother. Which means the two share similar genetic traits."
Nifty looked ready to kill, "Bug!"
Vergil then asked them all, "Don't you want to know who Nero really is? I mean, you've all been dying to find out, right?"
"You said earlier that it would be impossible for James to have any siblings, and you're right: as long as I've known him, he never had any," Vergil replied. "So, with tidbits of his Soul DNA or SNA as I think it could be called, I grew him, modified him, made him similar to James but also different in few other things." But then Vergil smirked, "But he is still a sibling to James, nevertheless."
"You... You cloned him!? And changed bits to match what you wanted?!" Vaggie asked getting furious.
Suddenly, Nero disappeared again, and everyone saw James thrown again on the ground, still clutching his side, while now, his left arm was broken. Suddenly, it was like flashes were being shown of Nero, bolting back and forth, pummeling James to a pulp before he could do anything. Even massive bolts of electrical lightning were hitting him, and almost cooking James to bits.
"I changed it so that Nero can generate and discharge lightning: the purest form of fire," Vergil replied, as he smirked, "And not to brag, but I also enhanced him with cybernetics. His most prominent feature on his back: the Sinharvestor. A unique nerve-enhanced tool that speeds his reflexes and movements, to the point where it looks like he teleports."
"Oh, my God..." Charlie breathed horrified by what she was hearing...
It sounded like something from a horror story told to her by a teacher...
"Nero will become the Vees' most powerful asset. And he will achieve this..." Vergil smiled, as he pointed at James, "... by killing the most powerful being known in Hell - aside from Lucifer, of course."
Everyone's eyes widened in fear for their friend.
James was slowly getting up, as he wobbled on his legs. Though to the Hotel's occupants' relief, it was showing he was quickly healing up. His broken arm resetting like there was nothing wrong, his face returning to normal. And much to James's lovers' relief, his wound and stopped bleeding and had healed itself up.
"Okay..." James said cracking his neck, "Vergil's supped the guy up with tech that Cyberpunks might like...
However, Nero shot again, and then this time, made a side punch, as everyone heard broken ribs. James stumbled a bit, as he held his side, coughing up blood, as he groaned, "What the...? Why...?"
"Do you feel sluggish," Vergil asked aloud. He explained, "It's simple really. It turns out it takes a lot of energy for you to recover so fast. Not sure how that works, but I found that once you heal and are in recovery, it makes a bit of deficit to your healing as well as recovery afterwards. Not to mention it takes a lot of mental focus to heal, as well as to utilize your other abilities outside the norm for normal Sinner Demons. What you went through yesterday, and the big reveal earlier about Nero being your brother kinda put your mind in a tizzy." He then smirked, "So focus is the name of the game when beating me. And you... aren't focused enough. And Nero is taking advantage of it."
"Only a fool is distracted by things that are not in front of them, such as someone wanting to kill them." Nero recited before coming in for a flurry of punches.
James was punched to and from all over the place, as he was sent flying all over, battered and bruised to bits. Until he finally got a foot down, and landed a punch at Nero. Only his wings shot out and shielded him, and when James struck, it felt like he had smashed into a wall of iron and brick.
And... it was moving? before he felt himself being pushed backwards by the impact?!"
James skidded to a halt on his feet, as he looked at the wings, while Vergil called out, "Oh, by the way. I found out that with concentration, as well as practice, the wings' cells can harden and shield the host from physical damage, much like how a sea cucumber's body hardens against predators. We've trained to fight someone like you, James. This isn't like with Striker, the Loan Sharks, or anyone you've fought against. This one... Nero. He's going to be your replacement in every way, and as such, he trained to be stronger than you in every way."
Vox shot up, as he pumped his fists back and forth, "YES! THAT'S THE GUY I SCOUTED WHEN HE ARRIVED HERE!"
He stomped a dance, as he shouted, ignoring Velvette's incredulous look "He's gonna fuck your prodigy up, Alastor! HHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAA!"
He then cackled, "I am so... fucking hard right now!"
"We did not need to hear that, asshole!" Clint shouted from his seat.
James was slowly healing up, as Vergil gloated, "Oohoo, looks like you've just burned up more energy. That would make you twice as weak."
A chute opened up from below as three figures shot out from it as the Professor with a laser bazooka, Dia with a laser rifle, and Summer with two laser pistols. All of them wore Sci-fi armor as the uncle shouted, "FREEZE YOU LIVING ABOMINATION OF SCIENCE!"
James shouted, "WAIT!"
He managed to get back on his feet again, as he huffed, wiping some blood off his lips and face, as he said, "This has to be won by me. I don't know what kind of secret he's got in the fine print, but Vergil might do something if you guys interfere."
"You mean like this?" Velvette says as she points upwards which shows more armed Apex mercenaries with their weapons pointed right at Hazbin Crew.
"Or this?" She says looking towards a large hill range where several Apex snipers had hidden and had their sights on them.
"None of you understand the dangers of what that... freak is! He may have originated as James' clone but Vergil put in an extra, dangerous, component to the mixture!" The Professor cried out, not caring about the danger on himself. He then angrily shout at Vergil, "Lypton you bastard! You added the Cthulhu-protoplasmic sample to his SNA didn't you!?"
The Hazbin Hotel occupants looked confused or shocked, while the more confused, namely Dan, Angel, Niftfy, and Bruce, were in a quandary on that. As Angel asked, "What does that mean?"
"Go back to the nursing home old man, yer ruining the bloody show dammit!" Velvette shouted.
"It means Vergil actually put in something that could wipe out all three realms and make everything go back to the void with a thought..." Charlie said terrified, hearing of such lessons from Stolas.
Niffty looked at Nero, and then asked, "But... he doesn't look all... tentacally." and emphasized with her arms waving around like tentacles.
She then looked over to Vox and pleaded, "Vox! Stop the match!"
"I said wait," James said, as he stood up, semi-fully recovered, as he said, "I'm still fighting. Or does nobody think I can do this?"
"Not really!" Angel shouted from his seat, only to get a glare from Vaggie.
"James! This isn't about if you can do it or not! I don't want to lose you to something that can erase you with a thought!" Charlie cried out tearing up afraid for his safety.
"It's alright," James said, as he looked to Nero, and said, "I have to admit, Nero. No one's ever run me ragged like this. A lot more thought was put into all this just to kill me. And if I die now, I won't be able to try... and help you. And so, I have to beat you."
Nero's face never changed, as he asked, "You really think you can beat me? I've been pummeling you nonstop, and you haven't landed a single hit."
"Then come and get me again," James said, his face not flinching either.
With no signs of aggression or anything Nero charges in at James while ready to kill him.
"This is the end for you, Brother," Nero roared, as he got close, in a flash disappeared. With James standing still, as he closed his eyes.
"JAMES," Charlie cried out.
SMASH!
...
And suddenly, Nero was thrown to the ground, stumbling. He righted himself up, his right eye bruised, as he looked in shock to see James. Standing there... but his left arm was out, as if he had just punched him. To which he did.
Everyone was silent as Val snapped, "WHAT THE CUNTING FUCK!?"
Nero groaned, "What the...? How did you know...?"
"I had to wait to where you would attack, and listen," James answered, as he turned to him, "So far, you had been attacking my vitals and ribs, as that much blood loss would make me loopy, and the ribs alone would cause too much pain to move around. Joints to immobilize me at first, but then you started to want to get it over with my attacking vital areas, and hitting my head to concuss me to stumble and not focus. It's an easy pattern to learn when it's being done to you, dozens of times."
Nero looked in shock, as he asked, "You mean you were letting me attack first on purpose?!"
"I didn't know your method of attack. With someone like Striker, he likes to run around to confuse an opponent and then slowly tortures his kills because he's a sadistic sadist," James explained, as he pointed to Nero, "But you're more methodical and target areas to make your opponent's stumble and lose focus. And you were moments ago, about to hit my head." And then suddenly rushed forward at him.
Nero attempted to bolt out of there, but strained as he felt something within him make him nauseous. Suddenly, James appeared overhead, and landed a dropkick down to his head, as Nero crashed into the ground, as James went on, "And that Sinharvestor ability of yours. It must put a lot of mental strain on you, so I'm guessing you have to take some time between uses, like say 10-15 minutes, so that leaves a window of opportunity. Those other times, you were just dashing with electricity to boost yourself."
Nero did something no one expected, he was smiling... He then let out a laugh as he said, "You figured me out, brother."
"Oooh, I also have a few more tricks up my sleeves, so don't think you're gonna change this," James replied, as his forearms and hands grew.
Nero tilt his head confused, "Why would I when I can..."
He stopped talking and turned to Vergil, he asked, "Creator. May I go beyond my current restriction?"
But before that could be answered, James rushed him, and smashed hard in his face, even as Nero attempted to use his electrical attacks. Nero shot bolts and bolts at him, but James knocked them away with his flaming fists, as he rushed at Nero, delivering powerful punches that pushed him back.
The Professor beamed at this, "Oh dear Lord! James is using an Air Lance on him!" He gushed at this, as he smiled, "That's my nephew!"
Angel looked to him, and asked, "What de heck is an Air Lance?"
The Professor straightened himself out, as he explained, "Well, it's a method of superheating the area around the user, which can refract or block electrical attacks. In this case, James is using his to block and parry against Nero's electrical attacks."
"Smart." Vaggie said with a smirk.
Suddenly, James sped right behind Nero, and grabbed him in a full-body lock, as he held him off his feet. "I have to admit, we both are exceptionally powerful," James smirked, "But I'm exceptionally observant and adaptably clever." He then looked to Alastor and asked, "Would you mind taking us back to the hotel, please?"
"Wait... I still live... you need to end me so that we can return." Nero groaned from the group
"Well, my family has a rule, never take the life of a family member." James said with determination.
Alastor smirked, as he snapped his fingers, which sent them, the Vees, the Hotel inhabitance, and even the APEX mercs back to the Hotel. Once there, James smirked, "Keekee, could you open the door to the main front?"
Keekee did so, as the doors opened, and James threw Nero in the air for a moment. And with a quick shot, he then roundhouse kicked Nero straight outside, crashing in the front lawn. James landed, as he looked to Nero's dust cloud, "He should be fine. But technically, he's outside the boundary, as it was stated in our agreement."
The Vees had their own means of showing frustrating at the fact their side lost.
Nero got up as he looked in a mixture of shock and anger, as James stood there, waiting for what would happen. But he didn't as he walked towards Nero. Charlie saw this, and panicked, "James! Do..." but the professor blocked her, as she looked to him in confusion, "Professor?"
"You should know James by now when it comes to enemies like Pentious or him," the Professor smiled to her, ensuring her it would be okay.
James stopped as he was five feet from him, as he said, "Nero. I have a proposition for you. Why not stay here at the hotel?"
"What?" Nero asked surprised.
Vox however shouted, "ABSOLUTELY NOT!"
Nero groaned, as he looked to him annoyed, "Are you kidding me? I was designed for the sole purpose of beating you and taking your place."
"I know you were created with the sole purpose in replacing me. But that doesn't have to be your only path," James said, softly smiling to him. "Maybe away from the Vees you could find your own path. And at least here, you can keep fighting me to your heart's content; bear in mind the same tricks won't work twice on me. The way to being yourself isn't by replacing me, but by absorbing the lessons from the losses."
Nero's eyes widened, as he calmly said, "What are you saying? That I'm never going to beat you?" He then snarled, as his horns grew longer, branching out like Alastor's antlers, as he snarled, as his eyes went completely black, "YOU THINK THAT I'LL FOREVER BE WEAK?!"
Vergil sweat dropped, "Oh crap. If there's one thing I learned about Nero's personality, is that he hates being called weak. If James keeps talking... we'll be seeing that Eldritch side of him real soon."
The Professor pulled up his bazooka, "I'm just going to kill him. And clean up your mess."
"I am strong! STRONG!" Nero roared out, as black and green tinted tentacles shot out of his back, his face splitting down the center, as a mouth appeared, as he roared, "THIS POWER ASSURES MY...!"
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZP
Nero jolted, as he wobbled, the tentacles and his face returning to normal, as he fell to the ground, unconscious. Vergil walked on over, as he said, "I apologize. This was too soon for Nero, and it's proven he's not the best to be around others so quickly." He walked over and picked him up, slumping him over his left shoulder, as he turned to the Hotel, "I apologize on all this. Until next time."
"Seriously? We're not gonna kill them?" Val complained glaring at Angel and the others who used to 'work' for him, before getting a look from Vox.
Velvette gives them the double bird before jogging after Vergil.
Vox turned to them all, and simply shook his head, and turned to walk away.
After the doors slammed shut, they all fell to either the floor or the seats in the fireplace area.
"That was fucking scary." Dia said, grabbing a beer bottle.
"Meow too..." Summer said as she was hugging her tail to her.
James though... collapsed on the floor, as he looked like he had just fallen asleep.
Charlie, Vaggie, and... Oh right... she left... well the Princess and her bodyguard went to check on him.
Charlie quickly knelt down, as she gently shook him, "James?"
He didn't reply as she panicked, "JAMES?!"
Though he breathed softly as he mumbled in sleeping, as she sighed, "Phew, he's just sleeping."
Daredevil walked over to his master, he then climbs onto his back and curls up to join him.
Vaggie sighed, but smiled, "Guess we should get him to bed without a fuss."
"I'll help!" The two lustful demons exclaimed, stars or hearts in their eyes as they looked at James hungrily.
Vaggie grabbed a spray bottle and sprayed them.
Summer, as a cat trilled and then hissed angrily at the water hitting her as she withdrew.
"Sorry girls, but I think less is more in this case." Vaggie said as she and Charlie carried the tired James to his room.
Moments Later
James was in bed, sleeping off the exhaustion. Though he was without his shirt, as Charlie and Vaggie looked at him. His left arm was scarred in white due to the Holy Light, but the slice and stab wounds on his right abdomen were dark red. Possibly due to their origin, but Charlie looked concerned and saddened, seeing him in this state.
Vaggie sighed sitting down, "Charlie... I..."
She then stopped and looked down, uncertain what to say.
"It's alright. I should have probably expected something like this," Charlie replied. "James always thinks and acts. While I..." Charlie said, her voice sounding like it was breaking, as her eyes got misty, as she allowed tears to fall, "I'm always nothing but talk while he acts."
"Better than saying something wrong and ruining things..." Vaggie muttered disappointed in herself while she offered Charlie a hankey.
"I just... Why do I say or do things that people think I mean the most negative?" Vaggie asked, feeling very guilty...
Charlie looked to her, as she dried her tears off, "Vaggie, you couldn't have known what you said..."
"...I still caused all this to happen... I'm the reason why we didn't get anything from Lydia that James didn't have a brother... I'm the reason why we didn't stop him from being hurt so badly..." Charlie heard her best friend, and fellow admirer of James, interrupt looking very guilty about it all.
Charlie wiped her tears, as she softly smiled, as she asked, "Do you think James would take that and hate you for it?"
Vaggie was silent as she shook her head, as she was startled when she was pulled down with Charlie, "He's not like that at all, Vaggie. If anything, if he were awake, he'd hug you, assure you that things would be alright, and give you a smile to assure it."
Vaggie smiled as she said, "Why don't you get ready for bed, I'll keep an eye on him."
Charlie smiled, as she kissed her forehead, "Okay. Just don't overwork yourself." And then walked out as she said, "I recall you and James have a date later on."
Vaggie sighed, under her breath, "Right..."
She sat down next to him, as she turned to look at his sleeping visage. A mixture of happy elation and frightened worry was upon her face now, hugging her legs during this whole thing.
While her attention was focused on James, she did not see his scythe glowing gently in a pulsing manner.
Far from Pentagram City
Meanwhile in the outskirts in the Pride Ring, a stone wall began to pulse while a mark that resembled a star with 3 angelic wings on the right side while 3 demonic wings on the left, half a Halo shaped like a crescent moon and a horn on the left side pulsing in sequence with the Scythe.
Next Chapter: Kiss of an Angel