Chapter Text
Zestial Morde is a very old soul. He has been dead far longer than he has ever been alive. He had not been a very good person, no he had been a rather evil person, or that's how most people of his time has seen it— not that he'd argue with that opinion, mind you. He'd been burned at the stake for his accused crimes of several murders and witchcraft— the latter of which others had been more concerned with. Of course, that was to be expected. It had been the early 1500s.
Neither accusation had been wrong, per se. Although the witchcraft one was less accurate. He was just reasonably interested in certain unfavorable practices of the time. The murder charges were completely true, and Zestial had not cared to claim them as false. And so he has burned. And then found himself unsurprisingly in Hell.
Zestial rose to power quickly, starting a killing spree of those whomst he had seemed worthy to be his victims. His display was an art, and it showed other sinners that Zestial was not one to be trifled with. He had forged deals, and with his growing reputation and souls, he had become an Overlord.
He enjoyed being an Overlord; enjoyed sinners running in fear of him. Enjoyment would sparkle in his green eyes as he watched sinners harm themselves to escape from crossing his path. The screams created a melody that uplifted his mood. Perhaps being the Overlord of Fear was lonely— he had not found the company of his fellow Overlords favorable, and no normal sinner would dare attempt a conversation with him for most part— but Zestial had not minded. He kept busy and he's never been one to crave companionship anyways.
A century or two later the lovely woman by the name of Carmine rose to power. He had found he held a great respect for the fierce matriarch, and for the first time he had found one who wasn't all that fearful of him. One more his equal of whomst's company he enjoyed. And that was pleasent, but despite what many gossiped and speculated, Carmilla was nothing more than a friend.
In the coming century after, the young Cannibal Overlord rose to power as well, and Rosie became one that Zestial would call friend as well, but he was not nearly as close with her as he was with Carmilla.
Finally, the last addition to the group of those Zestial greatly respected arrived in Hell. Zestial would always remember the year well: 1933. The first time in many years that a soul shook the Pride ring to its very foundation with its own rise to power. Alastor had shown great power with his broadcasts and choices in victims. And Zestial would not deny the thrill he felt as his peers' screams echoed across the city. It had been a very long time since he has felt even close to being hunted, and that? That had been an exhilarating experience. And Zestial has found himself recognizing some similarities with his own rise to power.
Eventually though, the thrill faded. Zestial met Alastor, and found another kindred spirit in him. Of course he always tuned into his new friend's broadcasts, but no longer did they quite hold the same intrigue as they once did. Which is what leads, eventually, to where Zestial is now. Nearly yet another century since the radio demon had arrived in Hell, life (or un-life?) had become rather mundane once more.
Sure, some small-bit Overlords rose to power, but they fell just as quickly as they rose. Most never even made it to a meeting. They are of no concern to Zestial. The Vees, with their flashy displays and misguided ideas of entertainment, also hold none of his interests. In simple terms, Zestial is bored. When you've existed for over 5 centuries, things can get very repetitive.
Zestial had questioned Alastor's recent fall to folly. Such concepts of 'redemption' were truly ridiculous. And yet... Perhaps as Zestial shared tea with Carmilla, he was beginning to understand the Radio Overlord's own motivations. While Zestial reveled in the violence and chaos, age had calmed his malevolent soul somewhat. But Alastor was still quite young, and the man thrived on chaos even more so the he. It wouldn't surprise Zestial if this hotel was just Alastor's new way of seeking entertainment.
"Penny for your thoughts, old friend?" Carmilla asked.
"Ah, just reflecting. One hast found thineself discontent as of late. Things doth not hold thine's interest as they once did. I find mineself wondering if perhaps Alastor is nay as foolish as I had'st first thought."
Carmilla's eyes glimmer with a hint of surprise, "Certainly you're not considering the princesses's misguided ideas of redemption? Zestial, that would ruin your reputation, you'd be giving up everything. Are you sure?"
Zestial chuckles faintly. "One didst not say such things. Only that one is needing of a new experience. Mine dearest friend, thou too shall understand someday. One is uncertain of thine's desires as of this moment."
Carmilla stays silent for a few moments, considering what advice to give him. "I can't tell you what to do Zestial, but Alastor is holding a position at the hotel, no? Perhaps you could seek something like that to start. I would think that would be a 'new experience' for you. And," she pauses. "If you would wish to try redemption, I would support your decision. I may not entirely understand it, but I would be behind you."
Zestial nods. "Thank you, Carmilla. As always, your insight is treasured. And while one appreciates thy support, for now I do not believe I wish to go as far as trying to achieve such a foolish idea."
Zestial slinks through the doors of the Hazbin Hotel. It could certainly use some fixing up, but he can see where parts already have been repaired, so it's obviously just a work in progress. Much of the color palette isn't Zestial's usual preference, however the bar is clearly an addition Alastor made. (Something obvious even without an a definitely-not-paying-attention Husk manning it.) Zestial almost has to chuckle, Alastor surely has staked a claim on this place, hasn't he?
The bubbly blonde also known as the Princess of Hell, Charlotte Morningstar pops up out of seemingly knowhere, but Zestial believe's she's just fast.
"Oh my Satan, HI!" She says joyfully, "Welcome to the Hazbin Hotel! Where you'll find a second chance awaits and—" The princess cuts off her sales pitch abruptly. "OH! Oh my gosh, uh, wow. Um, Zestial, sir. Sorry, I didn't— obviously you're not actually here to check in, I'm sorry. Are you... looking for Alastor or something?" She asks sheepishly, embarrassed for rushing in on Zestial.
"Thou hath no need for apologies. Thou hast done nothing to warrant them. As for my business, thou need'st not hath cut thyself off."
"Wait," The princess says slowly before she lights up, eyes sparkling, "Are you saying you're interested in redemption!?"
Zestial chuckles softly at her excitement. "Not quite, young one. However when one has existed as long as mineself... One finds thineself in a unique position. Thou might say I am curious."
Shadows pool next to Charlotte and a familiar red deer sinner emerges out of them. "Zestial, old friend! I thought you called my interest in this fine establishment, oh what was it... a folly?" Alastor cracks his neck, smile as sharp as ever. One might take his words as mocking, but Zestial knows better. Nay, he recognizes this familiar banter.
"Thou was not mistaken. However, thou did'st say something keeping sinners on their toes, no?" Zestial speaks with a soft grin.
"Oh-ho!? Zestial, are you saying you're here to join this misguided little hotel?"
"Unless thou would'st object to a fellow Overlord on staff?"
"Oh, no, no, no, not at all! In fact you have just made things far more entertaining!"
"Um, hi! Sorry, just y'know, this is my hotel, and not that I don't think it's great that you want to join, even if only as staff, and it's really amazing you and Alastor have this friendship going on, maybe you could um... Ask me first?" Charlotte speaks quickly her nervousness and sincerity both shining through clearly.
"Of course, mine apologies Princess Morningstar. Would'st thou be amenable to mine pressence?"
Charlotte smiles brightly, "Just Charlie is fine. And of course you can stay here. I'd never turn any soul away, not even if their thoughts aren't on redemption right now. Although I'm sorry to say I don't really know what you could do here? Alastor's the facilities manager—"
"And the host!" The other Overlord interjects.
"That too!" Charlie beams at Alastor. "Niffty is our maid, and Husk has the bar covered. And Vaggie helps me out with anything else. We only really have two guests so I'm not sure we need a bigger staff yet— but! Maybe you can just help out where its needed? That would be hugely appreciated!"
"That is perfectly acceptable, Charlotte. Thank you."
"Of course! I can't wait to tell everyone!"
"WHAT!??? Charlie! How could you let another Overlord into this hotel! Especially one like Zestial! Do you know all the shit he's done? Alastor was bad enough!"
"Vaggie, Vaggie, Vaggie, calm down! You know I can't turn any soul away. I would be hypocritical if I did. Besides, Zestial won't hurt us right?"
"I hath nary such a desire."
"So, are ya like Smiles then? Jus' here fa' shits n' giggles?" A pink and white fluffy spider sinner asks.
"I am curious, yes." Zestial decides on as his answer, unsure how else to respond to the other spider's question.
"Charlie I still think isn't a good idea—" Vaggie pleads with her lover.
"Vaggie, I understand your concern, I do. But I can take care of myself, and you're here too, if anything did go wrong, not that I think it would." Charlie turns her attention to the whole parlor again. "Anyways! This is Zestial. He's an Overlord like Alastor and will be helping out where needed! Zestial, this is my girlfriend Vaggie—"
"Hi," the girl huffs out.
"Husk and Niffty—"
"Hey."
"Hi Zestial! Wanna see the bug collection? I've gotten more since you last saw it," the tiny maid giggled and Zestial smiles softly. The girl had a rather intriging mind and temperament, but it was easy to be fond of her.
"Perhaps thou can show me later."
"Angel Dust—"
"Hey, tall stuff."
"And—"
"And I am the Grreaat Sssir Pentiousss! Inventor extroidanair!" The black snake sinner says with flair. This sinner seems... interesting perhaps? Mayhaps the inventor part interests him.
"An inventor? Interesting. Tis' a pleasure." Zestial's voice rings out melodically.
"Ah, the pleasure is mine Sir Zestial!" Pentious says quickly.
Zestial thinks he made the right decision. The princess is endearing, and this Sir Pentious might be good to have tea with and discuss his inventions. Zestial had dabbled in inventing himself, for a short while. Though he found he had far greater affinity for alchemy and such things similar.