Chapter Text
1st Ring of hell, Pride.
31 of October, I do not remember what year it is, but I'm still alive.
Busy streets in the Entertainment District wasn’t uncommon; loud music, full bars, and people fighting on the streets. Truly looks like the end of the world, but it was just another normal day in Hell. Thankfully, I got to see the chaos from the backstage window, both a blessing and a curse. This room was nothing but a cage made of gold, the room smelled like make up and perfume, costumes too revealing and eccentric. Oh well, that’s the afterlife for ya. There was an assistant fixing my hair, putting red roses on it and making sure it looked presentable for the next performance. After bitching about how my hair was too thick and too long, she went to talk with the other assistant about the new situation that happened in the news, something about the princess and her hotel. Never put much attention to the news, not like there was anything to trust with Vox in charge.
Suddenly the door opened abruptly. “Jeez, Valentino, perhaps you can tell a guy about his performance schedule instead of telling him the last fucking moment!” The door then was closed into what I would presume was Valentino’s face. I didn’t even have to look to see who it was, the Italian accent and his lack of decent vocabulary told you all you needed. Still out of respect, and the fact that I liked the guy, so I looked at the mess that was at the door, taking off his coat.
“Afternoon, Angel Dust, late as usual?”
A chuckle came out of him, “of course, doll. Ya know how Valentino is and his awful schedule, we barely get this type of performance and the guy forgets to tell me! Can you believe that?” Angel always had much more courage to speak vulgarly of his boss, even with cameras watching everywhere. He had balls, I’ll give him that.
“Yeah, same old. Better start getting ready, you know how cranky he gets when we get there late. I’m pretty sure neither you nor I want to get our butts whipped.”
“True to that!” Angel Dust went to get his custom and get changed real quick, he put that thing down so fast because I swear only 5 minutes passed and that mad was already beside me getting his make up done. Since we were both doing a duo tonight, we have red and black outfits, which for some reason was a very common color in this hell hole for some reason. I was wearing a tight dress, it was a strapless bodycon, although it had this part in the middle that went from my ankle until the end. The whole dress was this dark red, but the heels were black with vibrant red under the back of it. The outfits had long gloves in mind but those were discarded with the issue with my long fins that went from the back of my arms to the back of my wrists. I had to say goodbye to long sleeves the moment I died, now that was a true punishment!
The spider right beside me was wearing a black and red suit, it was actually very masculine compared to the rest of his outfits… It is weird to look at after seeing him all pinky for so long. We were going to do a jazz duo, but I thought he was going to go in drag. Vintage clothing and styles was hitting the scene again, jazz was rising through the city even if more modernised. This performance was also going to be for the more elite members of hell, so perhaps that is why you were both taken care of like dolls for this show. You honestly thought this wasn’t the best look for you, your skin color was a grayish blue, which contrasted totally with the dress. However, you never really liked red. There was nothing good that came with that color.
Both of the assistants finally finished the styling, and went out of the room to chatter even more. Angel sighed, and I couldn’t agree more, this was going to be a stressful night. I stood up first, “we should get going. Better get this done and go home.”
“Yeah that sounds good.” Angel said, giving an honest smile, which was an odd thing between us. He stood up and we both started heading out the door, but for better or worse, the door was opened by the man who I didn’t want to see at all. My boss, also known informally as the pain in my ass, Mr. Vox. He had his usual signature smile and was wearing a new suit, although still very reminiscing of his old one. Even though the television head looked fine, I could tell there was an air of stress. Worked enough years with that asshole to know what his ticks were.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Vox.” I bowed my head to him and stood straight back up after a few seconds. Angel greeted him as well, however he didn't bow, mostly because Vox wasn’t his own personal boss. I would say lucky, but having any of the Vees as your bosses is like asking to be torn apart little by little.
“Afternoon to you as well, Liz. I wanted to have a small talk with you before the show starts. Could you give us a moment, Angel?” Angel just nodded and went his way to the stage, it’s not like it was a question, a demand was all you got in this job. Me and Vox entered the backstage room, he closed the door, and there was this silence between us. I started to go through any scenario, anything that I could have done to possibly endangered him. However, another part of me told me that he wanted to let off steam. None of these options were really any better.
“Is there anything you need, si-”
“Well, yes, don’t be dumb. I didn’t call you here just to chit chat.” Rude as always, how this man has a charm with people is something that I could never guess. “You need this performance to be absolutely perfect, you hear me? There are people here who are worth a few pretty pennies, and I don;t need you to fuck that up. Do you understand, siren?”
“With all due respect, have I ever failed you, sir? I will give you what I always have, success.” I said looking him directly in the eyes. He only smiled back, it’s not like there was anything to prove against my statement. For as long as I worked with him, I have brought him power. There’s a reason why my soul isn’t on a leash yet, perhaps it’s luck, but I still hold my soul to myself. Sure, I’m not free by any means, but my soul is my own and that’s all one can have in this world.
Vox chuckled, putting a hand over my shoulder. “And that’s what I expect from you. Now go with that spider man, I'm sure he’s waiting for you to start the act.” He took me to the door and opened it for me, so now he wants to act like a gentleman? I thanked him and stood at the door walking to the stage. But before I could truly go, I heard my boss say in a louder tone. “Do me a favor, doll. Keep an eye on that spider man, he’s taking care of some business and I need someone to make sure he falls in line.”
“Yes, Mr. Vox. Hope you have a fine evening” I nodded at him, before going straight to the curtains. As nervous as you were, I carefully measured how I walked. Showing any emotion would be a death sentence in this place. The only thing that could be heard for a while was the clinking of the heels and the muffled voices of those who sat at the tables. Music started to fill my ears, the band before my performance was coming to an end, arrived just a few minutes earlier. Angels saw me and went to me, he had this worried look on him, he scanned for any type of injuries.
I pushed him away softly, “it’s fine, Angel. He didn’t do anything, just threats as always.” He let out a deep breath, poor thing, making him all worried. It’s been a while since we met, having so many performances and acts together as the years went made us have quite the bond. I would even call him a friend, but perhaps we still have a way to go before that.
“Thought you were gone, sweetcheeks. Ya never know what’s gonna happen when any of those three are around.” I laughed with him a bit, better to laugh it off rather than be swallowed by the misery of this situation. Can’t complain much, Angel was chained to Valentino in more ways than one, now that is a fate that not even the cruelest of people could handle.
“Can’t get rid of me that easily, itsy bitsy. Now come on, we got crowds to please and men begging at our feet!”
The curtains were down for the musicians before us, and they started to head out of their places. The stage was cleaned fast by the staff, and each prop for the act was put in its place. Thankfully, the song chosen wasn’t the hardest. Tenderly, the version between Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, truly a masterpiece if I said so myself. Even if this version came out long after I died, it was still nice to catch up with the times. Sure, not all modern songs were a hit, but some still move my heart. I put myself in position for the act, I sat on top of a piano, right next to the pianist. I worked with him before, truly quite the gentleman. Angel Dust was at the other side, he would make his entrance much later. No matter how many times I have been in public, my heart always beats a little faster every time it’s a few seconds before the show. I could hear the voices of sinners chatting and enjoying their dinner, well until they all came to a stop and only a loud voice could be heard.
“For your next performance for this lovely afternoon! We have Angel Dust and Lizz Shell! Give an applause for their act tonight!"
The curtains started to go up, I could still see even in the darkness. The Vees were on the top of the building having their own individual table, although they had some guests with them, you could only guess they were Overlords as well. In a moment, the light hits right where I am and the pianist starts playing, it’s my moment to shine once more.
“The evening breeze caressed the trees tenderly. The trembling trees embraced the breeze tenderly..” My voice echoed throughout the room, letting myself let go with the music. Time has stopped and suddenly I’m back at being young and naive, wearing my old worn out shoes, hoping for a chance to be a star. Back in the days, rebellions and outbursts around the city were normal. Truly not my brightest moments, but they still run so deep in my veins. The world had always been a stage for me, and I was born to perform. I feel Angel’s hand grabbing mine just in time as I finish my part of the chorus. Just like practiced, he helps me get off the piano while singing his own lyrics, he twirls me around and I follow his lead.
We dance like puppets, held by different strings, but all with the same purpose. Allure and trap those who can’t stand on their own, and bring power to those who have always been on top. Yet, all of us who are children of the devil, have come together to enjoy one fine evening. There’s no difference between us, we will all perish one day, all it takes is just one slip. For all performances must have an end, although it will always end quicker if one wrong move is taken. No matter how much power, pleas, and tears will help us escape for the hell we put ourselves into. Angel takes my hand and moves with me to the sound of the trumpet, we create an illusion of a life that could never be found in this place. For gentleness does not exist in this world, for care disappeared the moment I had sinned. My red dress is hit with the warm lighting that is above the both of us, even though our performance is small, it has felt as though I've been dancing for a century. I put my own hand on Angel’s cheek, a sign that his own lyrics have come to an end. For a few seconds, only the piano and trump could be heard, the only angelic sounds left in this rat hole.
Well, it wasn’t that bad, at least this act was for the sake of entertainment. To warm the sinner’s heart, even if just for a moment. On other occasions, where Vox needed my services in more than just singing, he would make sure that I enchanted each of his foes and allies. Sure, he could manipulate them with his own power, making him follow his orders. However, when he felt like the mission was too risky or he simply didn’t want to get his hands dirty, he chose me. Even after doing it so many times, it still makes me feel uneasy when doing so. To use my voice to force others into my command when all I wanted to do was put a smile on people’s face. But oh well, seems the final lyrics are coming to an end, the curtains must close and the light will be gone.
“Tenderlyyyyy” I let myself fall and angel dust caught me with both of Angel’s right arms, letting the dramatic scene last a little longer before the music stopped and the crowd cheered. Looking at Vox, which seemed now to have been talking better with the Overlords in his table. The night was a success then, just like always. The curtains closed and now we were absolutely breathless, not like it was a hard performance per say, but rather the nervousness of messing anything up probably made you both feel like you had run a marathon all over the Americas. I just chuckled a bit, however the next performers were coming, so you both best decided to talk back to the changing rooms. My least favorite part of the performances was the sticky and sweaty feeling I had. All of the sudden, my makeup felt too heavy and the outfit itches every part of my skin. Angel and I walked back in silence, we both were exhausted and honestly we knew we didn’t have to pretend to each other that we weren’t absolutely drained.
I opened the door. “Ladies first, ma’am.”
He laughed tiredly, “fucking asshole.” He went straight to change his clothes into something more comfortable. I was ready to take my makeup off though, so I went straight to one of the drawers that had makeup remover and headed straight to restrooms right besides the changing room. After a few minutes, my face felt clean and refreshed. Without the makeup, my dark circles were a bit more noticeable, as well as the beauty mark close to the eyelid of where my left eye starts and one in the right side of my nose. I yawned, and went back to the changing room to get out of my clothes. When I entered the room again, Angel was scrolling on his phone until he looked at you. “Hey, can I ask ya something?”
You thought about it for a moment, getting this clothes off could not wait. But you’ll still hear him out, “sure, but I’m gonna go change. So just tell me while I’m in the cabinet.” Then I grabbed my bag and went straight to the small space to get undressed.
“You’re that impatient? Well can’t blame ya. So if I didn’t tell ya yet, I have been staying at this hotel free for a few days now. The place is pretty chill and everything. I wanted to ask if ya wanted to come get some drinks with me? Celebrate that we are still living another day!”
I was putting on a shirt with spaghetti straps. “Are you sure it just ain’t an excuse for you to get drunk?”
“Anything is an excuse if you are thinking about it, sweet cheeks. Come on, it’ll be fun!”
I frown and put on my flats, I wasn’t in the mood to be anywhere but my bed. Do I really have to force myself to go, sure, it’s not like I have anything to do tomorrow, but sleep is still nice. Still, if I just went straight home, I probably won’t have an offer like going out in a while. Might as well take it, not like I have many friends to really be around anyways. “Sure, Angel, just don’t take me somewhere where your little perverted men are!”
“Sure, sure. Don’t worry, it’s a small hotel with not that many people, it’s basically just me and the people who work there . You’ll be just okay.” A hotel with only one person? Was their business that bad? I didn’t know much about hotels, usually just went right back to my apartment, but I don’t think that a hotel could possibly keep itself afloat with only one customer. Oh well, Angel hasn’t mostly failed when it comes to the places we go for drinks, so might as well just give it a try. I look for the final piece of my outfit, a long pearl necklace with a locket shaped shell in the middle. The shell is a turquoise color although the tip at the end fades to blue. After putting it on, I looked at it from the mirror for a few seconds. However, I do not wish to contemplate my old life today, so I just left the changing room and all my thoughts behind.
“Finished!” I said, finally my feet felt better without those heels. I like cute shoes, but I’ll admit that I’m no fan of super tall halls.
“I find it weird that ya always do this mix of modern and the jazz era. I mean, it looks great, I just always thought it was kind of odd.”
“I don’t know, I just always had a nag for the area. However, modern clothes are still much more comfortable at times. Enough about my own outfit, I wanna get drunk and forget today already!”
“We both know ya don’t get drunk often, at least not after the last time.” Angel laughs it off and starts to exit the room. Well ain’t that a night to remember, I had drank a little much more than I could handle and ended up in Angel’s old room with a bunch of bruises in my face and body. I got into a fight with some bastards that were bothering us. Now how I managed to pull that off while drunk is an absolute mystery, even worse is that it ended up all over the internet the next day, Vox gave me quite the talk and punishment for the past three months. Since then I have tried to keep my drinks to what I could handle and to keep my temper to myself. Doesn’t mean I haven't gotten drunk, just means I have gotten drunk alone in my own apartment. Although that one just ends up with me crying in my bed, but hey, at least I’m weeping in a very fancy apartment!
“You’re a pain in my ass!”
“And yet ya still keep me with ya! Might think you’re a masochist!” Angel yells back even if he wasn’t that far from me. Jeez, this is about to be one long and interesting night I see.
“Whatever you say…” I say closing the door of the backstage room and heading out to some sketchy alley. Usually a limo would take us to our destination, part of the glam of working with the Vees. However, I convinced him that it was better to walk there. I didn’t feel like getting there fast or anything. The moon was pretty tonight, sure it was always the same damn red, but it had the beauty of a ruby. The walk to the place was not that far as I thought, usually to get from district to district, it would take a good hour. Although I guess our performance was in the outer parts of the entertainment district. Thankfully, we didn’t get into that much trouble on the way there. Sure there was always the occasional dead body on the street, or the inappropriate couple having a wild night in public. But hey, it’s hell, don’t think there’s any shame to feel in a place like this. Sometimes I wished I loved without it, it would have made my life much more easier.
We finally got there after 30 minutes of walking, and I looked up at the big sign of the building. “Hazbin Hotel”… ain’t that one tacky name. I mean, I guess it hits, truly whoever named this hotel wanted it to crumble before it even started. It also had this vintage look to it, perhaps something seen during the 30s or 40s. Although it had this very nice look to it, it was just ruined by that odd looking building that hanged on top. It was might and the rusty looking place that hanged for it dear life was blurry at the moment, perhaps just some weird are for looking around?
“Well here it is, promise it’ll be a great night!” Angel opened the door and I followed after him. Might as well just loosen up after today’s work. Hell knows that there’s going to more for the rest of my afterlife, and spending one night with a work colleague won’t hurt at all. Worst thing is that both of us get kicked out, best scenario is we get good drinks.