Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Screens all around Pentagram City flicker as the blaring intro for 666 News sounds out, the flaring logo shimmering brightly before transitioning to two demons sitting at a news desk. The first, a tall slender woman with pale blonde hair, completely red eyes and a blood-red toothy grin, taps a stack of papers in her hands against the table. The second, a man with white-blonde hair carefully swept across his top, an expressive gas mask for a face and dressed in an immaculate suit, straightens up his red tie with his grey gloves as the initial jingle ends.

“Good evening, I'm Katie Killjoy!” the woman announces, her wiry neck snapping back and forth.

“And I'm-” the man begins before being shoved off his seat yet again by his co-anchor.

“No, they still don't care about you, Tom,” Katie grins.

The title card beneath him – Tom Trench – is quickly wiped off screen as Tom climbs back up in his seat. Katie's lingers longer before slowly fading away.

Katie lays down her papers except for the top report as she begins. “Our top story today!” Tom's head is covered with an image of the newly refurbished Hazbin Hotel. His arms can be seen flailing around in protest. “Following the failed extermination from Heaven two weeks ago at the hands of Charlie Morningstar and her little ragtag group, the Princess of Hell will be re-opening her Hazbin Hotel project tonight.”

The image over Tom's face expands to take up the entire screen, showing the completely new structure in all its radiant majesty. Bright lights, solid foundations, a cruise-ship bow jutting out of the side, and a strange blinking eye at the very top of the structure.

“Following her father, Lucifer, ruler of Hell, bailing her out in both the battle and with building expenses, Charlie has persisted with her brain dead idea to try and save the souls of sinners despite there being no evidence her theory can actually work.”

As Katie continues reporting, the feed pans down the building to the entrance, showing a large banner hanging over the door that reads 'GRAND RE-OPENING TONIGHT!' and a large crowd of demons clamouring in front of the sealed passage.

“Still, many demons eagerly await the doors opening to the site where the angel's extermination was quashed, alongside being the resting place of First Man and totally fuckable bad-boy, Adam.”

A picture of Adam clad in his full body robe and large mask and helmet is shown, devouring a place of spare ribs in the Heaven Embassy.

“Heaven has yet to make a statement on the attack, or on if the exterminations will continue at the current rate, or at all,” Tom adds on.

“Thanks for that, Tom,” Katie strains, followed by a crashing sound coming from the studio. When the image of Adam vanishes, the news desk is shown once again. Katie is still smiling, just finishing shaking her hand. Tom is face-down on the table, the structure cracked beneath him and his hair absolutely frazzled.

“666 News will be covering the opening in an hour with a special broadcast,” Katie continues like nothing has happened, “showing you sinners in Hell the fresh new renovations, with interviews from the Princess, her little squad of weirdos.” Her smile drops as her sharp eyes twitch. “Just so long as they don't do any of that icky gay love propaganda.” she mumbles, shuddering before sticking out her tongue. “Eugh!”

Tom lets out a pained groan from beside her. Katie just lays the report page she was holding on top of his head.

“For now, our crew is on standby chatting to some of the sinners waiting to get inside.”

The studio feed flickers to static before cutting to cameras outside the Hazbin Hotel. Standing in frame are two young attractive female demons; one with brown bark skin, a green halter-top and skirt, with an apple tree for hair, the other in a blood-red dress, silky black fur with a three-eyed horned sheep head, both looking rather disinterested.

“So, why did you both seek out the Hotel?” the reporter wheezes out.

The tree demon flicks up an eyebrow before answering, “Um … like, we heard this is where to go to kill angels.”

The sheep demon nods, before this particular screen cuts out completely, showing Vox in the reflection scowling with a remote. With a sigh, he tosses the remote away before he starts to pace around the large meeting room, surrounded by aquatic demons trapped outside.

The large vibrant blue space is immaculately decorated and rich in design, showing off many of his gadgets and riches. He paces before a long boardroom table, which has Valentino lounging in a cloud of billowing pink smoke gazing at the now switched off TV, and Velvette slumped directly across from him, flicking through her phone.

“Ooh, make sure they get the details of those two chiquitas,” Valentino croons. “I could do with a few new babes to recruit.”

Velvette slams her phone on the table. “Fuck off, Valentino! If anyone's getting first dibs on them it's me!” She points to herself. “Especially at the rate you've been tearing my models apart!”

Valentino chuckles and leans back, blowing out a smoke heart. “It's not my fault I'm irresistible.”

“You know damn well that toxin only works as well as it does because of me!” Velvette jabs before quickly swiping away the smoke heart. “You could at least have the decency to leave my business out of your petty tantrums! Why don't you just tear one of your own toys before fucking the shit out of their parts?!”

Valentino just shrugs. “Eh, not really my kinda kink. It definitely is for some, though. I like my stress relievers to have a little fight in them.”

Velvette scoffs and crosses her arms over her chest. “Kinda hard to resist when you shoot their legs out first.”

“I need to get my practice in somehow,” he grins.

“Would you two please be quiet?!” Vox pauses his pacing and raises his voice, before pivoting and pacing some more. “I'm thinking.”

Velvette rolls eyes and slumps back into her chair as she swipes her phone back up, undamaged from the forceful slam. “Brooding, more like.”

“Yeah, what's the big deal, honey?” Valentino presses.

Vox stops pacing again and turns to face the other two. “The 'big deal' is that all the attention is on Princess Morningstar and her home for holier-than-thou rejects when it should be all on us! And especially away from that blithe bilge Alastor.” His arms fold behind his back as he starts pacing yet again. “And yet with the repelled extermination and the fact they fucking killed Adam, the public demand is high on them and outside our control.”

Valentino smirks and waves one of his smoke trailing cigarettes through the air. “Oh come on. It can't be that serious-”

“OF COURSE IT IS!” Vox pounds the table, teeth bared and eye flashing. Velvette and Val freeze up, their eyes darting to one another. Vox winces, chuckling and dusting his hands off, before straightening up his suit.

“What I mean to say is that our brand is perfection. We present strength. Power. From the snivelling gutter stains, to our fellow Overlords, all they see is power and control. Any weakness – any cracks – and that all goes away. We give the people of Hell gadgets. We bring them lust. Desire. Freedom. Sin. Safety. Security. We promise we can deliver and they will pay anything. From Hell Bucks, to possessions, to their very souls. All they have to do is trust us.”

Vox starts walking around the table, beginning at the side Velvet's sitting on.

“But this time, VoxTek didn't deliver. Angelic Security came too late. Carmilla didn't fold in time. And instead of those losers trusting us for their security, the Princess swept in and saved them all. Getting all their attention, their trust, and their willing souls.”

Valentino scoffs as the TV Demon walks behind Velvette. “Come on, I've met the Devil's princesa. That little bitch couldn't hurt plankton. Plus she's preaching redemption. No way a bimbo like that'll know the first thing about dealing with souls.”

Vox chuckles as he reaches the end of the table and starts to walk down Val's side. “You're right, she's not like her mother.”

Both Velvette and Valentino perk up at that, with the former voicing, “Her mother?”

Vox continues on, ignoring Velvette's query. “But with a snake like FUCKING ALASTOR IN HER EARS!?” he screams in Val's face, eye glowing once more as his voice distorts. Val shrinks back wide-eyed. Vox reverts back to normal and continues walking like nothing happened. “There's no telling how powerful she could be if she took his advice. We saw her stop Adam cold when she got serious. She could end up the strongest being in Hell.”

The other Vees share another look. “So, what are we going to do about it, then?” Velvette presses.

Vox gets back to where he started and stops. He sighs and leans on the table. “I-I don't know. Something like undermining her ability to lead and provide, or latching her into our brand.” He flails his hand around. “Only an opportunity like that isn't going to just present itself.”

There's a beat of silence before Val yawns and stands, stretching his slender figure before noisily sliding his chair out.

“Well, let me know when you got it all figured out,” he swishes his 'cloak' behind him as he walks. “I gotta look over the next script. All this extermination hype has got people wanting to watch angel porn. Guess now that they've seen them getting fucked figuratively, they want to see them getting fucked literally too.”

He chuckles before stopping short. His eyes widen, as does his toothy grin, before he starts moving even quicker to the door. “Of course! An angel Angel Dust would be the perfect model. Or, I guess, him fucking an angel, if people really wanna see reality at play. I should go tell that twink the plan.”

His tongue slurps over his teeth as he reaches the door, and as Velvette jumps out of her chair and spins around. “Are you hearin' yourself, ya numb nuts? That's a daft plan!”

“No …” Vox softly says, the other Vees turning as he slowly adopts his demonic form once more, his grin growing even wider. “In fact it's just what we need.”

“Hurryhurryhurry! The doors will open in a few minutes!” Charlie giddily squeals, rocking side-to-side in rhythm as Razzle slowly flaps its wings, lifting up the drooping half of a banner over the reception desk – the other half already having been pinned up before. The banner itself has had a few rewrites and crossed out words, leaving a mismatch of writing forms that manages to read 'WELCOME ONE AND ALL!'

“Yep, yep! A little higher, a little higher- Oh, Cherri!”

She zips off across the foyer to Cherri Bomb, who is leaning up against a luggage trolley, lazily tossing an old-timey explosive in her hand. The long fuse sparkles a cherry-red as it slowly hisses down to its fiery end. She blearily looks up as the Princess of Hell screeches to a stop in front of her.

“Did the oil fix the squeaking on the trolley?”

Cherri catches the explosive, stands straight and rocks the trolley back-and-forth. “Sure did.” The trolley makes no sound. The still burning fuse, on the other hand …

“Perfect,” Charlie giggles a little maniacally to herself. She makes to rigidly march away before pausing and re-righting. “Oh, and please put that bomb out?”

Cherri groans. “Righto.”

She licks her fingers and extinguishes the sizzling fuse. She drearily looks around before her eye widens at seeing the painting in honour of Sir Pentious. Sparing a quick glance at the bomb, Cherri walks over to the artwork and delicately balances the shell on the top of the frame. She flashes a small smile before giving a salute to Sir Pentious' tribute, and then heads back to the luggage trolley.

“Oh, Husk!” Charlie darts over to the bar as the soul-bound bartender slowly polishes a handled pint glass. “Did the order come through okay?”

“Yeah, everything's accounted for,” he grumbles, putting the glass away before looking over his shoulder. “As was the backup order.”

“Uh-huh, uh-huh,” Charlie nods rapidly, her breathing picking up a little. “But there was nothing expired? N-Nothing wrong?”

Husk fixes her with a look of concern. “Uh, you know you were all right with it when we sampled 'em last night.”

“Ooh! Right, right.” she smacks her forehead hard before snapping back into a rigid position. “Well, if there's a problem, please shout! Oh!”

Charlie takes off without waiting for a reply, leaving Husk to deflate. “Will do,” he drily responds to no avail.

The Princess of Hell flies across the room to Niffty, sat on top of a grand piano humming to herself as she swings her legs, leaving Husk to look slightly worried after Charlie. “NIFFTY!”

Niffty's swinging legs freeze as her head turns around at the loud call. “Huh?

The cleaning menace is tackled off the instrument as Charlie crashes into her, rolling head over feet over and over until they somehow come to a stop on their knees.

“You haven't seen any bugs, have you?” Charlie stresses, gripping Niffty's shoulders tightly as her eyes go a little bug-eyed themselves.

“Bugs?”

At this point, Angel Dust leaves his post by the reception desk between twin arching staircases and walks over to Cherri Bomb.

“Does she look a little nuts to you?”

Cherri chokes back a snicker. “A little?”

“Yep, bugs,” Charlie nods as she releases Niffty's shoulders, her fingers digging through the air instead. “Nothing scurrying around?”

“No, no bugs.” the maid shakes her head before grinning “But if there are, I'll stab 'em.” She pulls out a knife the length of her head from her uniform.

“No! No!” Charlie screams as she manages to wrestle the knife out of Niffty's grip, tossing it to the side with a loud clatter.

“No! My bug stabber!”

Niffty reaches for her blade and makes ready to run off for it when from out of the air, Vaggie dives down and lands right in front of her, stopping her cold. The former exterminator drops to a knee and puts a hand on Niffty's shoulder.

“You know, Niff, you've got a new broom.” Niffty's eye goes wide. “Maybe it'd be worth-”

“BROOM!” The miniature menace leaps up in the air, her legs running in mid-air before landing and scurrying away, cackling madly as she dashes up the stairs.

“It's up against the door to your room!” Vaggie calls after her as she disappears from sight, her laughter growing fainter in the distance. Vaggie just gives a small smile and turns to Charlie, only for her smile to drop as Charlie continues to panic.

“Maybe we need some more seats here? Or a fresh coat of paint on the wall?” Charlie paces back-and-forth as she mumbles, though her voice quickly gets louder and louder. “Is the banner too small? Too big? Do we need to hang more banners?! Should it say something better?!”

Vaggie reaches a hand out to her girlfriend. “Deep breaths, Charlie …”

Charlie takes a few quick puffs of air. “Rightrightright! Oh, why didn't we go with the matching uniforms-?!”

“Charlie! She freezes in her tracks as Vaggie grabs her shoulders. “Breathe! In …” Vaggie breathes in slowly, Charlie matching her pace.

“Out …” They breathe out in sync with each other.

“In …” Their pace is matched again, though Charlie takes in more air as her eyes start to bulge out.

“Out …” they breathe out in sync once more as Charlie deflates.

Vaggie gives her a small smile and a squeeze on her shoulders. “Better?”

Charlie nods, putting a hand on top of one of Vaggie's. “Yeah. Thanks.”

“You okay?”

“I-I'm just a little concerned,” she confesses as she removes her hand from Vaggie's and rubs her arm. “We've never had this many people here. Well, apart from the cannibals, but none of them checked in afterwards.”

“Isn't this good?” Vaggie starts to pull her hands away. “This means everyone's interested in the hotel.”

Charlie catches one of Vaggie's hands in both of hers. “Of course it is! I just want to make sure we make the best first impression we can. It hasn't entirely gone our way before … Plus Dad isn't here yet, and he promised he'd be here.”

“Yeah, Alastor's not down here yet, either,” Vaggie notes as she looks around. “Though that may not be the worst thing …”

“Plus I kinda hoped Mum would be back for this too …”

Charlie's gaze starts to drop to the floor, though it stops as Vaggie cups her cheek. “Hey, the important thing is that we're all here.”

“I know,” Charlie whispers, the two's eyes softly caressing one another. At least until Charlie's eyes flicker slightly upwards, noticing something. “You put your hair back up?”

“Huh? O-Oh, yeah …” Vaggie stammers a little as she runs a hand through her ponytail. “I-I just figured it'd help with the wings …” She gives a nervous laugh, shrugging with her wings. “Why? Does it not look good?”

“No!” Charlie blurts out quickly before her mind can quite catch up. She freezes and shakes her head, stammering herself. “I-I mean, yes, it looks good. Great even. It's not a problem.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Of course it looks great.” Charlie stresses as she tucks a stray lock of hair behind her ear. She meets Vaggie's eye with a shy smile. “You always do.”

Vaggie gives a little giggle as she matches her smile. “Charlie …”

The two partners each look at one another with half-lidded eyes, slowly leaning in to one another until …

Angel Dust cups his four hands to his mouth and calls out across the room. “Hey! Lovebugs! You know you're gonna have an audience real soon!”

They jump apart, Charlie nervously stammering while Vaggie pinches her brow and growls.

“Right! Right-right!” Charlie rigidly walks off, back to being highly strung.

Vaggie sighs and sends a death glare over at the Porn Demon. “Really, Angel?!”

“Hey, if there's one look I know, it's bedroom eyes,” Angel explains as he struts over to the bar and sits down at one of the stools. “And both of you were looking for a king-sized.”

Vaggie goes to step forward, but staggers back as Niffty darts across, giggling maniacally with her shiny new broom sweeping furiously, already kicking up dust from the ground. “Sweep! SWEEP!”

“Watch where you're going, Niffty!” Vaggie growls after her.

“Did you have to be so blunt about it?” Husk leans in to quietly ask Angel.

“It's what you would do, right?” he shrugs.

Husk smirks and raises his hand in faux surrender. “I'm just saying.”

“Those two want this place to do well more than anyone. Going at it in the foyer ain't gonna leave the impression they want for this place, or for themselves. But, hey, if they wanna go for it afterwards,” Angel lifts all four of his arms to shrug, “they'll get no complaining from me.”

“Well, don't start the party without me, ha-ha!” The filtered voice of Alastor resonates out as the Radio Demon appears at the top of the stairs, microphone cane in hand and fingers resting on his new pink pin-striped tuxedo collar.

“I'm sure this'll leave quite the impression, Charlie.” he observes, looking around the foyer as he slowly walks down the stairs. Upon reaching the bottom of the stairs, he clinks his cane on the ground and lays a hand on Charlie's shoulder.

“Oh, thank you, Alastor.”

Alastor's head scans the room again as his eyes narrow. “Hmm, I see daddy dearest hasn't turned up yet.” His pointed eyes close as he flourishes his arms and cane. “Let's hope he hasn't abandoned you again! Ha-ha!”

Charlie winces at his jab. However, just as he finishes laughing, a poof of red sparkling dust appears in the centre of the foyer. Out from within the cloud pops Lucifer decked out in a pink fluffy bathrobe, matching ducky head band and slippers, and his silky blonde hair wrapped up in hair rollers.

The ruler of Hell hacks and coughs as he fans the sparkling dust. “That'll take some getting used to again.” As the cloud dissipates, he stretches his arms up before freezing, taking a quick look around. “I am in the right place, aren't I?””

“Dad!”

“Charlie!”

The royal family rush up to each other, Lucifer wrapping her up in a big hug that makes her squeak like a rubber duck. “So good to see you, kiddo! I've missed you so much!”

Charlie winces from how tight he's hugging her, squeaking once again, but still smiling. “It's only been a day, Dad.”

“Well, it's still one day too many,” Lucifer releases her and looks off to the side. “Hello, Vaggie!”

Vaggie nervously smiles and brushes her bangs before shaking his offered hand. “H-Hello again, sir.”

As they continue conversing, Cherri joins Angel and Husk at the bar, snickering under her breath, “Does he know what he's wearing?”

“He does pull off that work from home motif rather well,” Angel sniggers.

Charlie's eyes widen as she too now seems to realise what her father is wearing. “Uh, Dad? You know you're …”

“Hmm, what's that?” Lucifer brushes past as he keeps looking around before turning and waving to the trio at the bar. “Hey all! Ready to go?”

They wave back, Angel and Cherri trying not to burst out laughing. Niffty hurriedly sweeps up next to the bar and joins in, rapidly waving her arms at Lucifer. “Yes sir!” they all respond in varying cadences.

Lucifer continues to beam until he turns slightly more to the left, his face falling as he finally notices Alastor.

“Alastor,” he bluntly acknowledges the Radio Demon.

“Lucifer,” Alastor bluntly responds with a flicker of static to his voice, though there's a glint in his eyes and his grin seems to widen even more. “My goodness, look at you. Why, don't you scrub-a-dub-dub up well?”

Angel and Cherri's snickers become audible. Lucifer's brows furrow before he turns down and looks at himself. He nearly jumps out of his skin as he finally realises what he's dressed in.

“Oh golly gee! What happened?! I swear I should be-!” He pauses, finger tapping in the air as if noting something, before he sighs and rubs a hand down his face. “Ah, right, right, the magic needs extra steps for that.” He sighs again and turns to face his daughter. “Sorry, sweetie, I-I've been a bit busy lately, and I've gotten a little rusty with that teleportation over the years.”

“It's fine, Dad,” she smiles as she reaches up and straightens up his shower cap. “It is a nice bathroom outfit.”

He flashes her a half smile and pats her shoulder “I'll be right back, Charlie. I promise.”

He disappears into waves of red dust, though as the last of him vanishes a rubber duck appears and plops down onto the floor. Niffty rushes over and starts to violently sweep up where he had disappeared, though none of his magical teleporting dust lifts up from the ground.

Cherri is tearing up, wiping at her eye with one arm as her other clutches her belly. “Think he can turn that dust into bubbles?” she chokes out.

Angel simpers along with her. “He'd be able to pop off anytime!”

They both fold and start howling, leaning on one another for support. Charlie and Vaggie turn to them.

“Come on, guys,” Charlie wryly says.

Angel and Cherri just keep laughing. Husk – while not openly laughing, is smirking along with them. While Charlie and Vaggie's backs are turned, Alastor moves up behind them and picks up the rubber duck, pocketing it in his immaculate coat.

BONG!

BONG!

BONG!

It takes three resonating clangs from the grandfather clock before Charlie gasps. “Ah! AH! It's time!”

“Alright, places everyone!” Vaggie claps her hands together before flying over to the reception desk.

Cherri and Angel manage to compose themselves, the explosives expert getting up with one final choked snicker as she heads over to the other side of the reception desk where the luggage trolley awaits. Meanwhile Angel remains seated, pulling a folded piece of paper out of his chest fluff and holding it out to Husk.

“Hey, do me a favour and start making one of these, 'kay?” Husk takes it and starts reading. “Name's on the back when it's ready.”

Husk raises an eyebrow. “You came up with this?”

“A slight variation.”

As the last of the grandfather clock's bell chimes end, Charlie reaches the door, glancing down at the floor at the two Egg Boys there. “Frank, Yolko, ready with the poppers?”

Frank and Yolko hold the poppers by their side and salute. “Yes boss!”

“Okay …” Charlie leans up and takes a deep breath as the Eggs waddle to either side, “you can do this, Charlie …”

Flinging the door open, she steps through with arms swung out wide, a big beaming smile lighting up her face. “Hello, everyone! Welcome to the Hazbin Hotel!”

The poppers pop as confetti and streamers rain down around her – what little filled the celebratory items, anyway.

“Come in! Come in!” Charlie waves the crowd through as she walks back through the doors, with the crowd of sinners trickling in behind her.

“It's so exciting to have so many new visitors!”

She turns around before the reception desk and freezes a little at the sheer number of people there.

“Sweet baby demon spawn! That's a lot of sinners …” Charlie nervously laughs before clearing her throat. “Anyway, yes, welcome one and all to the Hazbin Hotel! Our reception desk is right over here, for whenever you want to sign in, and can help with anything you need during your stay.

Charlie gestures behind her, where Vaggie waves with a hand on her hip. A hand goes up from within the mass of the crowd.

“Yes?” Charlie points in the direction of the hand.

“What is this place?” a gravelly voice asks.

“Oh, right! You'll want to know about the facilities. Well, all around you is our lovely foyer, where everyone can meet up, get to know each other, tell lovely stories and just relax.”

A few murmurs come from the group as everyone looks all around them.

“Isn't this a little tacky?” one voice notes from the swarm.

“Think it can withstand one of Zeezi's kicks?” another murmurs.

“Wonder how many bodies I could hang from the rafters …” a snide voice darkly cuts through.

“Okay, we really don't do that here …” Charlie grimaces, her smile shaking a little before she perks back up. “Oh, over here we have the bar.” She walks over to it and rubs a hand against the counter-top. “Here you can get a nice hearty drink after a hard day's work, all thanks to our barkeep, Husk!”

Husk lazily raises a hand as he drawls, “How's it going?”

A wiry voice calls out from the crowd. “Is the booze free?”

“Well, yes, but-”

Charlie is unable to finish as a large number of the crowd roars and surges forwards, arms raised to order and voices clamouring over one another.

“L-Look, it's only free for patrons and associates,” Charlie tries to explain, but her peppy voice is drowned out by the swell of the crowd who are unable – and uncaring – to hear. Husk is trying to do his part too, bellowing out his own grievances as loud as he can.

“Look, I'm only serving what's here and what I can make! Calm your fucking asses down and order one at a damn time- No, I can't make a fucking Mai Tai! Oh, fuck this …” The bartender growls and glances over to Angel Dust. “You gonna help me out here or just sit there like an ass and watch?”

“Okay, don't get your whiskers in a twist.” Angel sticks two fingers into his mouth and sharply whistles, getting the crowd's attention. As they settle down, Angel quickly slips into his performing act, flipping his legs up onto the bar as he sultrily lazes across the top of it. “Fellas! Who'd love to come stay here at the Hazbin Hotel with me?”

He sensually runs his fingers up his legs, across his abdomen, up to his chest fluff which he grabs with both fingers and puffs out of the cleavage window. A huge loud roar erupts from the crowd of sinners.

“Well, honeys, you're gonna hafta be good boys and girls and let Charlie finish talking. Once she's done, and you sign in, then you can get yourselves a drink and chat with yours truly.”

Within the throng a bunch of heads can be seen nodding as the mass of sinners settle down once more. Charlie sighs and looks over to Angel.

“Thank you,” she mouths, getting a wink from him in return.

“Ahem … Right. We also have a luxurious kitchen for whenever you want to cook up something. Just try not to have it be human or demon.”

“Boo! Lame!” A couple of cannibals from within the mob voice their displeasure, although the ringing of static and feedback gets them to settle down.

The cause of this, Alastor, slowly steps down the staircase. Many of the camera crews that had pushed to the front of the crowd curse and turn their devices away as they start to fizzle and spark in response to the Radio Demon.

“You had best listen up,” his voice cuts through the atmosphere, silencing everyone. “Anyone who repeatedly breaks the rules, or intentionally brings trouble here ...” His grin fixes in place as his teeth light up, a heavy aura exploding out of him as glowing symbols light up the space around him. “WILL DEAL WITH ME.”

He reverts back to normal, with a large number of wide frightened eyes staring back at him and the princess. Vaggie just grumbles as she pinches the bridge of her nose, while Charlie nervously laughs.

“W-We also have a beautiful aquatics room with a beautiful pool and beach area for people to play and relax in,” she continues, trying to right the ship back on course. “There's a rec room for you to enjoy, plus a massive library with nearly all the books in existence.”

“Even the banned ones?” a sinner calls out.

“Eh … u-um …” Charlie blanches before shrugging, a few demons deflating at her lack of answer.

“Oh, and every day we'll be running activities for everyone to enjoy,” she adds as she starts to list them off on her fingers. “Trust exercises, getting to know one another sessions, theatre – the scripts are written by me-”

A hand gets raised up above the bodies once more. “Is that also where we'll learn how to kill angels?”

Charlie almost trips up over nothing as she freezes. “Excuse me?

The quietened crowd steadily grows much louder as many demons talk at once.

“Yeah, that's the only reason I'd come to a dumb place like this.”

“When're we gonna get to fight angels?”

“Those holy fucks are gonna wish they never met me.”

“No! No!” Charlie cries out, swiping her hands in the air in front of her. “That isn't what we do here at all!”

Through the middle of her protests, a cackling floods the room as Niffty scurries along the stairs with knife in hand. The blade is repeatedly driven into the ground as she chases after a plague-ridden rat.

“Stab! Stab! Stabby stab-stab!”

“Hey, look everyone! It's Niffty!” a voice calls out from the throng right as Niffty catches hold of the vermin.

“Stab!” she cackles as she stabs down into it.

“The Adam Slayer!”

Niffty turns to face the crowd, the rat squirming in her grip before she rapid-fire stabs it with her blade. “Stabstabstabstabstabstabstabstab!”

The crowd erupt into cheers as she brutalises the pest repeatedly.

“Oh boy …” Charlie moans, dropping her head into her hands.

“Where did she even get that?” Vaggie says as she moves up next to her girlfriend, before calling out to their cleaner. “Niffty, where did you get that knife?!”

“From my collection!”

“Of course she did …” Vaggie's face falls flat.

Niffty continues to stab the rat until she gets picked up by several members of the crowd. “Niffty! Niffty! Niffty! Niffty!” they chant as they throw her celebratorily into the air, the miniature menace laughing and cheering along with them.

“Okay, enough of that.”

Vaggie unfurls her wings and soars up, swooping in to catch Niffty in midair and carry her over to a table. “Niffty, we asked you to behave,” she states, setting her down on a table.

“You also asked for pest control.” Niffty holds up the impaled rat. “This is a pest!”

Vaggie throws her hands up and grumbles. “Ah, jeez.”

As Vaggie struggles, the two demons that were interviewed outside walk up to the table.

“Hey, Niff, we're big fans,” the apple tree demon says.

The sheep demon nods. “Yeah. Like, can we get stabbed by you?”

Niffty blinks before rapidly nodding. “Uh-huh!”

“Niffty, no!” Vaggie reaches out to try and stop Niffty, but before she can the knife has already been plunged once into both of the sinners – right into their abdomens. Several more members of the crowd surge forwards to try and receive the same fate, but Vaggie manages to wrangle their idol into her arms.

“Holy shit, I got stabbed by the Adam Slayer,” the apple tree demon groans, clutching at her stomach.

“Yeah, so cool …” her friend strains, her arm wrapped around her torso as she starts hacking up blood.

“No! Niffty! You need to stop!” Vaggie demands as she wrestles to keep the flailing Niffty in her arms.

“Hey, doesn't she look like an angel with those wings?” one of the demons points to Vaggie.

Vaggie's face goes blank as her eye widens. “Huh?”

A number of the crowd starts to laugh and cackle amongst themselves.

“Yeah, she totally does! Probably some kinda promotional scene.”

“Totally! Hey, Adam Slayer! Save us from the angel and stab that bitch!”

Vaggie's face contorts in fury, but before she can say anything, she notices Niffty slowly turn her head round, her teeth beaming even wider as she slowly cackles. “You stab me, and I'll shove my spear all the way through you!”

Niffty's head quickly snaps back as she puts on an innocent expression, sweetly answering, “'Kay.”

The clamouring of the crowd gets louder and louder, the lust for blood spreading rapidly throughout the venue. Charlie grits her teeth and breathes heavily before her eyes blaze crimson and her hair begins to unfurl. “Look, this isn't what tHE HOTEL IS FOR!”

Every soul in the foyer falls silent and slowly turns to look at her. Before she can completely transform, she reverts back to normal, taking a couple of breaths to centre herself.

“We don't want to fight Heaven,” she softly declares. “This isn't a haven for violence. It's the first stop on your journey to heal. To redemption.”

“Ms Morningstar?” a demon steps through to the front of the crowd. A scarlet skinned demon with a crimson poof of hair covering her eyes, holding a microphone in her hands. “666 News. You maintain that the Hazbin Hotel is not for fighting angels?”

“Of course not, that was never the intention. This has always been about redeeming the souls of sinners. Of each and every one of you.”

The reporter presses on. “So you truly believe that redemption is possible?”

“Of course I do!” Charlie exclaims before drawing into herself. “I have to. It has to be. Otherwise I've wasted most of my life, and I just watched one of my closest friends get murderedbeforemyeyesand-”

As Charlie's hands start to grip into her hair and she starts to break down, an explosion of red dust rushes forth once again. As it swiftly disperses, Lucifer is revealed in the middle of it, now properly dressed in his pristine white tuxedo, beautifully swept locks and well-balanced top hat.

“Everything seems to be in order …” he murmurs, looking down at himself and checking it all out before he finally notices the crowd. “Gee golly gee, that's a lot of people!”

The crowd erupts into shrieks and excited gasps at the sudden appearance of the Big Boss of Hell itself.

Charlie's hands loosen ever so slightly from her hair as she too shrieks, “Dad?!”

“Hello again, sweetie! What did I miss?”

The reporter is one of the first to regain her composure. She covers her microphone with her hand and clears her throat before pointing it towards Lucifer. “Your highness, your daughter has just stated her claim that redemption is possible, and that there's no need to kill angels. Do you agree with her stance?”

Lucifer's eyebrow gives the tiniest flicker. He briefly glances over towards Charlie before taking a deep breath, his apple cane clinking on the ground.

“Many, many years ago, I would've been standing before you all with a similar dream. A dream that things could change. That we could change. Those dreams …” he deflates a little, “they were beaten out of me. But my darling little girl listened. She held onto them, and made them her own. Transformed them into this place. Twice.”

He gestures all around them, from the walls to the ceiling, with nearly every eye and camera following his movement. The tap of his cane on the floor brings their attention back to him as he continues. “No matter what anyone else thought, no matter if no one else would help, she continued to work towards it. She saw the good in people who couldn't see it themselves, and helped them be better.”

Each and every one of Charlie's friends and staff in the room smile widely – not that Alastor could help it. Charlie meets each of their warm looks with tears welling up in her eyes, her hands clasped together in front of her. A touch on her shoulder causes her to look to her side, towards her father wearing the proudest smile she's seen on him.

“And helped those who thought it was snuffed out for good.” Charlie can't help but sniff as she wipes away the tears threatening to spill over.

Despite this, the reporter remains undeterred. “Considering there hasn't been any word from Heaven following the recent extermination day, should sinners not be concerned that the schedule remains unchanged? Or that it gets sped up yet again?”

Lucifer ducks his head before turning back to face the cameras. “Look. I've requested a meeting with officials from Heaven in the upcoming days. I assure you, I will get an answer on their stance on the current extermination schedule.”

“But, without proof of redemption, how could anyone believe in this vision?”

Lucifer audibly sighs and visibly rolls his eyes before turning to the crowd at large. “Alright, show of hands, how many people here actually believed in Heaven and Hell while living on Earth?”

The sinners all look round at one another, with even the cameras turning to catch their response. Barely a handful of hands are raised.

“See? It's a system that has been increasingly inconceivable to humanity. Because many don't see any proof of our existence.” Lucifer throws his hands out wide. “Yet here we are, alive and kicking. Great inventions – great moments – are born from people searching out things that many don't believe to be doable.” He sags a little before taking a breath. “Is redemption possible? I don't know. But if anyone – anyone – in existence can make it happen, it's Charlie.”

His declaration is met with a groundswell of silence. That is, until Alastor leans in close to the King of Hell.

“Oh, by the way, you forgot this.”

The cameras fizzle and spark once again, being directed away from the scene. Lucifer turns to see the rubber duck in Alastor's claw. Angel and Cherri quickly cover their mouths with their hands to try and prevent themselves from laughing out loud again.

Lucifer shoots the Overlord a glare before taking back the duck. “Boy, you really know how to ruin the moment, Antlers.”

“I try my best, ah-haha!” Lucifer places a hand on his chest, as the sound of a crowd laughing accompanies his own.

Lucifer just huffs before looking at the duck, turning it over in his hands as he squints at it. “Oh, you didn't set anything on fire with this, did you?”

“Excuse me?” Alastor's head tilts.

“Oh, didn't you know?” Lucifer smirks. “It's a backflipping rubber duck …”

The duck proceeds to do a backflip in his palm.

“… that spits fire!”

Lucifer holds the duck aloft as it spews out a burst of flame. There's a smattering of disjointed applause from the crowd.

“Thank you, thank you.” Lucifer bows in the small adulation while Charlie leans in close.

“Dad, why do you have that?” she whispers.

Lucifer jumps a little and grabs hold of his top hat. “Oh, it's, uh … it's a work in progress.” He sheepishly chuckles as he tucks the duck into his suit.

Another beat of silence fills the room before a tentative voice rises up from the throng. “… So … does that mean there's no angel fighting?”

“No!” both Morningstars yell out.

“No fighting angels,” Charlie adds on. “No attacking anyone!”

There's a huge rush of noise, disparaging, cursing, moaning and booing aplenty, as a large majority of the crowd immediately head for the doors.

“Boo!”

“Lame!”

“I only came here to kill angels!”

The many souls leaving the premises spill forth from the glamourous entranceway and spill out across the pentagram scorched and lined into the ground. Among them are the two demons Niffty stabbed.

“Such a lame place,” the tree demon scoffs, before groaning in pain.

The sheep demon coughs up blood before nodding. “Like, yeah, why not go for the angel killing?”

“My dear people …”

They, along with many of the crowd, look up to see the Vees walking towards them with warm smiles and open arms. Several of their assistants and associates are standing behind them. Vox continues to address them.

“Looking for work? Feeling disingenuous with the power set. We at Voxtech hear your concerns. Your talents are wasted in a place like that.” He gestures to the Hotel. “Instead, why don't you join us? Trust us, you're going to be well taken care of.”

“I can make sure your fit will be lit and worth every digit,” Velvette smirks, resting one hand on her jutted out hip while the other snaps and fits one of the staff members behind her in a form-hugging, sparkling, sexy silver dress.

“And I can make you a star, living out your ev-er-y fantasy,” Valentino giggles, his long tongue dripping and cascading along his fangs.

“Come one, come all! For each and all of you, there's a show!” Vox gestures behind him. “Just sign up with our assistants back there and we'll take care of the rest. Fame, riches, power! It all awaits you! Even the power to slay the angels themselves!”

Almost all the crowd surges forwards, the Vees warmly welcoming them as they themselves push forwards towards the Hazbin Hotel. Velvette darts a glance over at Valentino before moving over to the two demons they saw earlier.

“Oh yeah, you two look like you need some new drip.” She reaches out and tugs at their slashed clothing. “Something that makes everyone think 'Gyatt damn, your fit!'”

The sheep demon tugs at her ripped open dress, slowly stained with blood. “But, that's from the Adam Slayer …”

“I know, I know, it's sentimental. It has your blood, sweat and tears in it. But, it's soooooooo two seasons ago.” Velvette pulls out two business cards, hands one to each of them and points to one of her associates – a violet-scaled feminine snake demon with full lashes in a black dress. “Go see her, she'll sort you out.”

They start to make their way over to her, as Velvette calls out behind them. “Just make sure you get patched up too! Ghostface ain't been around to make that slasher victim look trendy again!”

She turns round and meets Valentino's gaze, bouncing her eyebrow at him. Valentino huffs and blows her a kiss. The two, along with Vox, continue to direct traffic as they walk to the Hotel.

Back inside, Charlie groans and clutches her head in her hands. “This was a disaster …”

“Oh, it could've been much worse,” Alastor dismisses her with a wave of his hand. “You could've lost all of them!”

He laughs all on his own as Vaggie comes over to wrap an arm around Charlie, but not without giving the Radio Demon a glare. “Really, Alastor?”

“Hmph, no accounting for taste, I guess,” Alastor shrugs before looking at his wrist. “Oh my! Look at the time! It's high time I get ready for my broadcast!” He twirls his cane around before tucking it into his armpit. “Now, don't worry, I'll be doing my part to advertise the Hotel. If you need me, I'll be in my new radio tower!”

He holds up his hand, fingers at the ready, but suddenly snaps back with an audible crack and leans in close to Charlie. “Remember the power of a smile!”

With that he snaps his fingers and his shadow envelopes him, swallowing him into the ground.

“Quite the … uh … character,” Lucifer flatly says.

“Yeah, I know … But he was one of the first to actually take a chance on this place,” Charlie explains, rubbing the back of her neck. “Regardless of his reasons, he has been a big help.”

“Well, just as long as you know what you're getting into.”

Vaggie goes to open her mouth, but upon meeting Charlie's eyes, she shuts it quickly. Lucifer catches himself from lurching forwards as well and instead starts to dust off his arms.

“Well, I should probably make a move too. Need to get a few things sorted before the Heaven meeting.” He reaches out and pinches Charlie's cheek. “I'll let you know what's going on. Okay?”

“Yeah … Charlie nods, giving him a small smile. “Of course, Dad.”

“Take care, sweetheart.”

He disappears into another cloud of red dust, though this time he doesn't leave one of his numerous rubber ducks behind. Just as he leaves, and as the 666 News crew start to pack up their gear, the Vees burst through the doors led by Vox.

Velvette stops partway in along with Valentino, while Vox continues walking forwards. She looks around with a critical eye before bluntly stating, “It's giving tacky.”

Valentino blows out a cloud of smoke from one of his cigarettes as he nods. “Mmm, could do with some extra poles and cages around the place.”

Vox walks right up to where his news crew is continuing to wind up, with the reporter the first to notice him. “Mr. Vox, sir.”

“Keep rolling,” he quietly motions to the camera crew before walking past them.

Meanwhile, at the bar, Husk finishes serving up Angel's drink before placing the glass in front of him. “Here you go.”

Angel slowly spins the ice in the drink as he smirks at the bartender. “Shouldn't you call it out when you serve it.”

“Right …” Husk grumbles before pulling back up the paper and turning it over. “Order for a … 'Harder Daddy?'” He growls and facepalms as Angel just laughs. “Oh, for fuck's sake ...”

“Ooh, that sounds like a fun time!”

Angel freezes up at the hauntingly sweet voice and rips round to see what he hoped he didn't hear. “Valentino?!”

“The fuck?!” Husk exclaims alongside him, slamming his hand on the bar counter and glaring at the porn director that sashays on over to them.

“Angel, baby, so good to see you!” Val croons, wrapping an arm around his star. “So, this is the dump you ran off to stay at? It certainly has nothing on the tower.” He reaches out and tilts Angel's chin up gently with his fingers. “Maybe you should think about coming back?”

Angel manages to struggle out of his grip, and then throws an arm out to block a growling Husk as he rushes forwards. “What are you doing here, Val?”

“Oh, I was just in the neighbourhood and thought I'd drop by. And let you know the new script idea we're working on.” His roaming eyes settle in on Vaggie, in particular running all over her wings. “Ooh, maybe we should get that chica with the wings involved too.”

“Absolutely not,” Angel dismisses the idea with a slice of his hand through the air.

Over by Charlie and Vaggie, the two's eyes are caught by the commotion at the bar, their mouths dropping in sync when they notice Valentino.

“What the hell is he doing here?!” Vaggie yells.

“Oh, this is not good …” Charlie whispers, then glances over at Vaggie who now has her spear raised in her hands.

“I'll get rid of him.”

“Ahem. Ms. Morningstar!”

Vaggie's charge stops cold at the interruption as they both turn to look at the newcomer. Vox.

“Oh, hello!” Charlie straightens as she waves, while Vaggie stands her spear upright by the grip.

“Oh shit!” she mumbles.

“I apologise that it's taken so long for us to meet,” Vox warmly says, placing a hand against his chest. “I'm Vox, the TV Demon and CEO of VoxTek. It is a pleasure to make the acquaintance of the Princess of Hell.”

“Nice to meet you too,” she smiles politely though her eyes do keep glancing over to the bar.

Vox follows her gaze over to the bar. “I believe you've met my business partner, Valentino?”

Charlie winces as she desperately tries to keep a pleasant expression on her face. “Yeah … we've, uh … we've met,” she ends up grimacing.

“And over there is our other partner, Velvette.” He gestures towards the doors where Velvette appears to be interacting with a violently animated Niffty.

“Oh, I haven't met her yet,” Charlie says and makes to start moving towards her, but gets blocked off by Vox.

“Maybe some other time,” he smiles, while behind his back waving for the camera crew to move closer. “Now, you've made your position on redemption quite clear. But, if I may, if Heaven were to attack again, would you be protecting all of Hell? Or just your favourite little characters?”

“Well, we don't know that the exterminations will continue,” Charlie answers, her smile a little wobbly.

“Oh, I know. Your father made it clear he'll find out soon. But, hypothetically, if it did happen, what would your stance be?”

“We shouldn't need to fight,” she replies, her voice firm and yet almost pleading. “I don't think Heaven will continue. They were already at odds over it before the last one.”

“It's a nice sentiment,” Vox nods, pressing the tips of his fingers against one another. “But, shall we remind everyone what happened with the last extermination?”

His face flickers to rolling images of dead angels littering the ground surrounded by members of the army of cannibals, before showing off Adam's dead body with Lute leaning over him, and finally the remaining exterminators retreating.

“They were pushed back. Beaten. Slaughtered. All thanks to you.”

“M-Me?” Charlie staggers back, crumbling in the face of the images and his accusation. “N-No, I-I didn't-”

“You've proven that angels can be killed. That Hell isn't powerless anymore.” His face flickers away from the images and returns to normal, though he still presses on with his professionally trained inquisitive mask. “Do you really think they won't come for you?”

Charlie's mouth opens but her voice continues to catch as no words come out. This continues on for a few seconds before Vox warmly chuckles.

“But, of course, you are right. This is all just speculation until we hear from Heaven.” He places a hand on her shaking shoulder. “And I see we've given you a lot to think about. Shall we revisit it when that happens?”

Charlie's mouth continues to hang open uselessly, with only a couple of broken noises coming out. “I-I …”

The TV Demon gives her a gentle pat on the back. “We'll send someone round to sort out the details. And there's no pressure to accept. None whatsoever.”

With that done he starts to walk away, cutting his hand across his neck as he gets to the 666 News crew. At his command they cut the feed and get back to packing up their gear. His eyes dart towards his fellow Vees and flashes them a malicious grin. “Velvette! Val! Let's get moving!”

“Well, I'll see you tomorrow, Angel, baby.” Valentino straightens with a chuckle before flourishing his 'cape' behind him. “Make sure you get those holes all warmed up!”

Velvette hands Niffty a card before she and Val fall in step beside Vox. The trio stride out the doors, followed by the 666 News crew. And, after a brief glance towards a broken Charlie, several of the remaining sinners also head out, leaving the foyer nearly empty.

The remaining members of the Hazbin family all look towards Charlie with concern and worry in their eyes – sans Niffty – as the princess squats all the way to the floor, pressing her head into her knees and cradling her legs in her arms.

“That was a disaster,” she whimpers, her voice shaking with every word.

“Oh, Charlie …” Vaggie crouches down next to her girlfriend, wraps her arms around her and presses her head against Charlie's. The two stay there for a beat before Vaggie's eye opens up, looking out at the foyer. She moves her mouth closer to Charlie's ear and quietly says, “Maybe not. Look.”

Charlie tearfully looks up at Vaggie's words and – if anything – her eyes shine with even more tears. For standing in the foyer, there remains a couple of handful of sinners standing around awkwardly.

“Soooo … where do we sign in?” one of them asks.

Charlie sniffles and turns to face Vaggie, who just gives her a smile.

“See?” the former exterminator smiles warmly and runs a curled finger up Charlie's cheek before standing up to address the remaining hopefuls. “Follow me over here. We'll get you sorted out.”

Vaggie waves them over to the reception desk as she settles in behind it, while Charlie picks herself up and skulks to the bar. Upon reaching it, she whimpers and flops herself onto a stool, draping herself over the counter. Angel gives her a pat on the back, before looking down as his attention is drawn to a couple of tiny squeals.

“Alright, Fat Nuggets, up you come,” he gives in, reaching down to pick up his tiny pig. He brings him up to his face and they nuzzle one another.

“Hey, Angie!” Cherri shouts from over at the luggage trolley, her arms full with suitcases and trinkets. “You gonna give me a hand with this shit?!”

Angel grimaces a little guiltily before nodding. “Yeah, coming!”

He gently sets Fat Nuggets down on the bar, who sits as Angel takes off to help Cherri. It then looks across the bar counter to Charlie, snorts, and then trots across to the princess, nudging her head with his. She glances up as the pig nuzzles her again, getting her to finally give off a little smile and a giggle as she rubs him back.

(as this happens, Amadeus enters through the doors. Flicks down his sunglasses and has a glance around before heading over to the bar and sitting on a stool.)

While they're all preoccupied, a humanoid figure appears unnoticed in the door. He's dressed in a pair of denim jeans, a jet black-button up shirt – the top couple of buttons undone and showing off a necklace with a guitar pendant dangling from it – and a thick storm-grey trenchcoat thrown over the top of it, while held in his right arm is a crimson guitar case. Sitting atop his head is a black wide-brimmed hat, and a pair of gold-rimmed sunglasses cover his eyes. A long three-clawed scar runs from under the hat, along his forehead and down the right side of his face. Across his chin is a thick, scraggly beard with streaks of ashen-brown and silvery-grey, a combination shared by the occasional tuft of hair that can be seen behind him.

The newcomer takes a look round the foyer, noting where everything and everyone is, before making his way over to the bar. His guitar case gently plods against the wooden floor as he takes a stool at the bar a couple of stools away from Charlie. He keeps his head tilted down, letting the hat obscure his face, though he does remove his sunglasses and sets them to dangle in the V of his shirt.

“What'll it be?” Husk huffs.

“Dealer's choice,” his deep, rough voice rumbles.

Husk raises an eyebrow before turning round and grabbing a bottle off the shelf, pouring the amber liquid within into a glass topped with a couple ice cubes. He slides it across the bar to the stranger who catches it in a hand with clawed nails, picks it up and gives it a little swirl before gently sipping it.

“Hmm ...” he hums, a warm tone vibrating the air. “Very nice.” He takes a larger sip before glancing over at Charlie. “Rough day?”

“Not as good as I'd hoped,” she grumbles, until she turns to look at the sinners who were now mostly signed in, while Cherri and Angel continue to stack their cases. She sighs and manages to bring a small smile back to her lips. “But I guess it could have been worse. Are you here to sign up too?”

“Maybe some other time.”

“In that case, you'll have to pay,” Husk points out.

Charlie starts to reach into her suit. “Oh, no, I'll take care of-”

“No, no, it's fine,” the stranger cuts her off and puts a small lump of notes on the bar, nodding towards Husk. “Keep the change.”

Husk stares at the money and the demon before slowly collecting the payment and taking it over to the till.

Charlie lets her hand softly rub an appreciative Fat Nuggets again as she looks at the stranger. “Well, what are you doing here then?”

“A few young pups in my end of the city have taken an interest in this place. But, I figured it'd be better not to saddle you down with their particular brand of chaos on your re-opening.” He takes another swig before spinning round, letting her and Husk catch a glimpse of the long shaggy hair flowing down into his trenchcoat. He gestures to the rest of the foyer before adding, “Then again, maybe you would've needed the pick-me-up.”

“I guess …” Charlie lets out a little sheepish laugh, her eyes managing to glimpse underneath the rim of his hat just in time to catch his tongue licking across glistening fanged incisors.

“I also wanted to make sure this wasn't some cheap scam to bring in gullible suckers,” he bluntly adds.

Husk sneers and gestures to Charlie. “You really think this bleeding heart would lead people astray?”

“I think in Hell you need to keep on your toes,” he levelly responds, glancing back over his shoulder. “But, after this train wreck, I think that puts a few more points in your favour.”

“Really?” Charlie asks, getting a nod in return. “If you're coming here on behalf of a few 'pups', does that mean you look after demons?”

He lets out a deep gravelly chuckle. “Something like that.”

Charlie dusts herself off before getting to her feet. “Well, we're always ready to welcome more souls who seek redemption.”

The stranger pauses with his glass raised to his mouth, as he glances towards the princess. “You think it's possible?”

She breathes in deeply before nodding. “I have to,” she quietly answers.

There's a beat as he takes a swig, savouring the taste of the liquor. He then sets the glass down on the bar behind him and nods. “Well, I can bring 'em round tomorrow if you'd like?”

“That'd be amazing!” she cheers, sticking her hand out to him. “We'll be waiting, Mr. …?”

“Oh, where are my manners?” he chuckles, removing his hat and revealing the top of his shaggy mane and his bearded, scarred face to the both of them. “I'm-”

“Amadeus?!” Husk exclaims, the ends of his wings dropping to the floor. Charlie's head whips around as Amadeus shakes her offered hand.

“Guilty as charged,” he smirks, his red irises lighting up in Husk's direction.

“I thought you'd disappeared,” Husk leans in.

“It was just a hiatus from touring,” he coolly responds, taking his hand back. “Nothing serious.”

Charlie briefly glances down at her hand before smiling at Amadeus. “Well, it's nice to meet you.”

“Likewise.” He takes the glass and chugs the rest of the liquid down before setting it back down. He then slides his hat and sunglasses back on. “Thanks for the drink.”

Amadeus stands up and slips out from the bar, gathering up his guitar case before making for the exit. Charlie stands up too, her face lifting up and looking a little brighter than before.

“Bye!” she shouts, waving her arm rapidly above her head. “See you tomorrow!”

Without glancing back, he lazily raises a hand in response as he steps through the doors.

“New guests,” Charlie hums, sitting back down in the stool and spinning round to the bar. “Little by little.” Her brow furrows as she rests her elbow on the counter, and her chin on her palm. “But I feel like I've heard that name before.”

“Amadeus,” Husk growls, his eyes never leaving the doors, “the Demon of Rock and Roll.”

Charlie's eyes light up in recognition. “Oh, that's right!”

“He's also an Overlord – and an odd one even by their standards.”

“Really?”

Husk nods before finally tearing his eyes away from the door to look at Charlie. “Trust me. You'll need to keep on your toes around him.”