Hazbin Hotel(Eternal Vows: A Tale of Love and Redemption in Hell)

Chapter Three: Embrace of Eternity

As Maksim's eyes fluttered open, he found himself lying in the middle of a dimly lit street, surrounded by the eerie glow of neon lights and towering buildings that seemed to stretch endlessly into the sky. Panic gripped his chest as he scrambled to his feet, his heart racing with confusion and fear.
Looking down at his chest, Maksim's breath caught in his throat as he saw the faint outline of a bullet hole, a grim reminder of the events that had led him to this unfamiliar place. Memories of the girl's desperate plea and the searing pain of the gunshot flooded his mind, sending shivers down his spine.
Where was he? And how had he ended up here?
The surroundings seemed to blur together in a haze of uncertainty as Maksim stumbled forward, his senses overwhelmed by the cacophony of noise and activity that surrounded him. Everywhere he looked, demons of all shapes and sizes bustled about their business, their sinister forms illuminated by the flickering glow of neon signs and flashing lights.
Unable to make sense of his surroundings, Maksim began to wander aimlessly through the crowded streets, his mind racing with questions and doubts. Was this some kind of twisted afterlife? Or had he simply lost his mind in the wake of Velvette's death?
As he passed by seedy alleyways and dilapidated buildings, Maksim couldn't shake the feeling of unease that gnawed at his insides. The air was thick with the stench of decay and desperation, a tangible reminder of the darkness that lurked within this strange and twisted city.
With each passing moment, Maksim's sense of disorientation only grew stronger, his steps faltering as he struggled to find his bearings in this unfamiliar landscape. And as he gazed up at the towering Clock Tower that loomed ominously overhead, he couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding settle over him like a shroud.
As Maksim wandered through the labyrinthine streets of the infernal city, his gaze fell upon a towering billboard adorned with the image of a demon named Velvette. Clad in sleek attire, she flashed a charismatic smile as she posed with a cutting-edge phone in hand, the epitome of modern sophistication.
For a moment, Maksim found himself captivated by the sight, drawn in by Velvette's allure and the sleek design of the device she held. There was a certain elegance to her posture, a confidence that seemed to radiate from her very being.
Though he couldn't quite place where he had heard the name before, Maksim couldn't deny the sense of familiarity that washed over him as he studied the billboard. There was something about Velvette's presence that stirred a long-forgotten memory deep within his subconscious, a fleeting glimpse of recognition that danced just beyond his grasp.
But before he could dwell on the sensation for too long, the hustle and bustle of the city pulled him back to reality, urging him to continue his journey through the twisted streets of Hell. And as he tore his gaze away from the billboard, Maksim couldn't help but wonder about the enigmatic demon whose image had captured his attention, and the role she might play in this strange and unfamiliar world.
As Maksim continued his aimless trek through the twisted streets of the infernal city, his eyes fell upon a grandiose building that towered above the surrounding structures. Adorned with lavish decorations and neon lights, it bore the unmistakable mark of prosperity and influence.
Intrigued by the prospect of finding answers amidst the chaos of Hell, Maksim found himself drawn towards the imposing edifice, his steps guided by a sense of curiosity and determination. As he approached the entrance, a bold sign emblazoned with the words "The Vee's" caught his eye, sparking a flicker of recognition deep within his mind.
With a sense of purpose driving him forward, Maksim pushed open the doors and stepped into the opulent interior of the building, his senses assaulted by the sights and sounds of bustling activity. Demons of all shapes and sizes bustled about their business, their voices mingling in a chaotic symphony of conversation and commerce.
As he made his way through the bustling crowd, Maksim couldn't help but marvel at the sheer scale of the operation before him. There was a sense of order amidst the chaos, a carefully orchestrated dance of power and influence that pulsed through the very heart of the establishment.
With each passing moment, Maksim felt a surge of excitement building within him, a newfound sense of purpose driving him forward as he sought out the elusive figureheads of this enigmatic organization. And as he approached the front desk, his gaze fixed on the receptionist who greeted him with a warm smile, he knew that this was his chance to make a mark in this strange and unfamiliar world.
In his mind, Maksim reasoned that perhaps this was all just a dream, a figment of his imagination born from the depths of grief and despair. But if this was truly a dream, then why not make the most of it? After all, he reasoned, life was too short to dwell on the uncertainties of the past.
With a newfound sense of resolve, Maksim approached the receptionist and inquired about potential job opportunities within the organization. And as he waited for a response, a sense of anticipation washed over him, fueling his determination to carve out a new path for himself in this surreal and otherworldly realm.
As Maksim approached the front desk of The Vee's building, he was greeted by a receptionist with tired eyes and a weary smile. "Welcome to The Vee's," she said, her voice tinged with exhaustion. "Are you here for a job?"
Maksim nodded, his gaze scanning the bustling lobby. "Yes, I'm looking for employment. Could you tell me more about the opportunities available here?"
The receptionist sighed, her shoulders slumping with weariness. "Well, we've got openings with Vox, Velvette, and Valentino," she replied, her tone resigned. "But I'll be honest with you, working for Vox or Valentino can be a real nightmare. They're not exactly known for their... uh, pleasant management style."
Maksim's brow furrowed as he considered his options. While the allure of working for powerful figures like Vox or Valentino was tempting, he couldn't shake the feeling that it might come at a cost. Instead, he found himself drawn to the idea of working for Velvette, the name sparking a flicker of recognition deep within his mind.
With a sense of intuition guiding him, Maksim nodded decisively. "I think I'll go with Velvette," he said, his voice firm. "She seems like she might be... a better fit for me."
The receptionist nodded in understanding, a hint of relief flashing across her features. "Good choice," she said with a weary smile. "I'll let her know you're here for an interview."
Moments later, Maksim found himself seated in a plush office, facing a panel of demons who regarded him with a mixture of curiosity and interest. As they fired off questions about his experience and qualifications, Maksim answered with confidence, his mind focused on the opportunity before him.
And then, just as the interview was drawing to a close, the door swung open, revealing a figure that took Maksim's breath away. Clad in sleek attire and exuding an air of confidence, Velvette strode into the room, her presence commanding the attention of everyone present.
As their eyes met, a sense of recognition washed over Maksim, a fleeting glimpse of familiarity that stirred something deep within his soul. And in that moment, he knew with certainty that he had made the right choice.
With a smile that sent a shiver down his spine, Velvette extended her hand towards Maksim. "Welcome to The Vee's," she said, her voice smooth as silk. "I have a feeling you're going to fit in just fine here."
As Maksim and Velvette walked down the hallway of The Vee's building, Maksim couldn't shake the burning question that weighed heavy on his mind. With each step, he felt the tension mounting, the need for answers gnawing at him relentlessly.
"Velvette," he began tentatively, his voice breaking the silence that hung between them. "Can I ask you something?"
Velvette glanced at him with mild curiosity, her expression betraying little interest. "Sure, what's on your mind?"
Maksim hesitated for a moment, gathering his thoughts before plunging ahead. "How... How did you die on Earth?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Velvette's demeanor remained unchanged, her gaze distant as she replied with a shrug. "I was killed by a close friend, in an office," she said simply, her tone devoid of emotion.
The words hit Maksim like a sledgehammer, sending a shockwave of realization coursing through him. "Marcus," he whispered, the name slipping from his lips before he could stop it.
Confusion flickered across Velvette's features as she turned to look at him, her brow furrowing in puzzlement. "What? How did you...?" she trailed off, her voice trailing away as she searched his eyes for answers.
But before she could voice her questions, Maksim's resolve hardened, his gaze meeting hers with unwavering determination. "I killed Marcus," he confessed, his voice steady despite the tumult of emotions raging within him.
Velvette's eyes widened in shock, her breath catching in her throat as she struggled to comprehend his words. "You... You did?" she stammered, disbelief coloring her tone.
Maksim nodded, his heart pounding in his chest as he held her gaze. "Yes," he affirmed, his voice unwavering. "I did it to avenge my wife."
A flicker of recognition sparked within Velvette's eyes, a glimmer of understanding dawning upon her as she regarded him with newfound clarity. "Your wife?" she echoed, her voice barely more than a whisper.
And then, as if a dam had burst within her, Velvette's expression softened, her eyes brimming with tears as she reached out to him tentatively. "Maksim," she breathed, her voice trembling with emotion. "Could it be...?"
Maksim's heart skipped a beat as he watched Velvette's transformation, a sense of recognition stirring deep within him. "Velvette?" he whispered, his voice choked with emotion.
With a soft gasp, Velvette surged forward, wrapping her arms around him in a tight embrace. "Oh, Maksim," she murmured, her words muffled against his chest. "I've missed you so much."
Tears welled in Maksim's eyes as he returned her embrace, his heart overflowing with love and longing. "I've missed you too," he confessed, his voice trembling with emotion. "More than you'll ever know."
As they stood locked in each other's arms, the weight of their shared grief and longing hung heavy in the air. And in that moment, they knew that no matter what trials lay ahead, they would face them together, united in their love and devotion for one another.
Eventually, as their embrace lingered, Velvette pulled away slightly, her eyes meeting Maksim's with a mixture of tenderness and apprehension. "There's something I need to show you," she said softly, her voice tinged with urgency.
Maksim nodded, his heart racing with anticipation as he followed Velvette through the winding corridors of The Vee's building. With each step, he felt a sense of anticipation building within him, the promise of revelation hanging tantalizingly in the air.
Finally, they arrived at Velvette's room, a cozy sanctuary tucked away amidst the chaos of the infernal city. With a hesitant smile, Velvette turned to face Maksim, her eyes shining with unshed tears.
"Maksim," she began, her voice trembling with emotion. "There's something I need to tell you. Something... important."
Maksim's heart pounded in his chest as he waited for her to speak, his breath caught in his throat with anticipation. And then, with a gentle smile, Velvette took his hands in hers, her gaze meeting his with unwavering love and devotion.
"I'm your wife, Maksim," she confessed, her voice barely more than a whisper. "I'm Velvette, the woman you loved and lost. And I've been waiting for you, all this time."
As Velvette stood before Maksim, her heart pounding with anticipation, she couldn't help but feel a surge of curiosity wash over her. The revelation of their shared past had left her reeling, her mind racing with questions that begged to be answered.
"Maksim," she began, her voice soft with uncertainty. "How... how did you know who did it? And why... why are you here, in Hell?"
Maksim's expression softened as he met Velvette's gaze, his eyes filled with a mixture of sorrow and determination. "I never stopped searching for answers, Velvette," he confessed, his voice tinged with regret. "Even after you were gone, I couldn't rest until I found the truth."
As he spoke, memories of his relentless pursuit of justice flooded his mind - the sleepless nights spent poring over evidence, the countless dead ends and false leads that had plagued him along the way. But through it all, one thing had remained constant - his unwavering dedication to avenging Velvette's death.
"And as for why I'm here," Maksim continued, his voice growing quiet with resignation. "I suppose it's because I couldn't let go of the past. Because I was consumed by grief and rage, and I couldn't see past my own pain."
Velvette listened in silence, her heart aching with sorrow at the thought of the burden Maksim had carried for so long. "Oh, Maksim," she murmured, her voice thick with emotion. "You don't have to carry that burden alone anymore. We're together now, and that's all that matters."
With tears shimmering in her eyes, Velvette reached out to Maksim, her fingers brushing against his cheek in a tender caress. And in that moment, as they stood locked in each other's embrace, they knew that no matter what trials lay ahead, they would face them together, united in their love and devotion for one another.
As they held each other close, Velvette felt a sense of peace wash over her, knowing that they were finally together again. But amidst the tender embrace, she realized that Maksim needed answers, clarity about the world they now found themselves in.
"Maksim," she began softly, her voice breaking the gentle silence between them. "In Hell, there are rules... fundamental laws that govern this realm."
Maksim nodded, his expression one of earnest curiosity as he listened intently.
"Firstly, time is different here," Velvette continued, her tone gentle yet solemn. "It doesn't flow in the same way as it does on Earth. Days can feel like minutes, or even stretch into what seems like eternity."
Maksim furrowed his brow in confusion, the concept of time in Hell seeming foreign and disconcerting.
"And secondly," Velvette continued, her voice growing somber, "there are consequences for our actions, both in life and in death. The choices we make have weight, and they shape our existence here in ways that can be... unforgiving."
Maksim's gaze softened with understanding, the gravity of their situation sinking in as he absorbed Velvette's words.
"As for how you got here, Maksim," Velvette explained, her voice tinged with sadness, "it's... complicated. The events that led to your arrival occurred shortly after the cancellation of the Extermination."
Maksim's eyes widened in disbelief, the mention of the Extermination sending a chill down his spine. "But... how is that possible?" he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief. "I thought the Extermination was supposed to be final."
Velvette sighed, her expression pained as she recalled the tumultuous events that had unfolded in the wake of the Extermination's cancellation. "It's a long story," she admitted, her voice tinged with regret. "But suffice it to say, things didn't go according to plan."
She paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts before continuing. "A week after the Extermination was canceled, there was... chaos," she explained, her voice heavy with sorrow. "Many souls were lost, caught in the crossfire of the upheaval that followed."
Maksim listened in stunned silence, the weight of Velvette's words settling heavily upon him. "And... that's when I arrived?" he asked, his voice barely more than a whisper.
Velvette nodded, her eyes brimming with tears as she reached out to him, seeking solace in his embrace. "Yes," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "You arrived a week later, lost and confused... but alive."
As they held each other close, Velvette couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness that surrounded them. Though they may be in Hell, they were together, and that was all that mattered. And as they faced the uncertain future that lay ahead, they knew that as long as they had each other, they could endure whatever trials came their way.
Velvette drew in a deep breath, steeling herself for the next part of their conversation. "Maksim," she began, her voice tinged with a hint of nervousness, "there's something else I need to tell you. Before we meet with my peers, there's something I want us to do together."
Maksim looked at her, his expression filled with curiosity. "What is it, Velvette? Whatever you need, I'm here for you."
A soft blush tinted Velvette's cheeks as she met Maksim's gaze, her heart pounding with anticipation. "I want... I want us to be together, Maksim," she admitted, her voice barely more than a whisper. "In every sense of the word."
Understanding dawned in Maksim's eyes as he realized what Velvette was suggesting. A warmth spread through his chest, mingling with the desire that had been building within him since they had been reunited. "Are you sure, Velvette?" he asked gently, wanting to be certain that this was what she truly wanted.
Velvette nodded, her gaze unwavering as she reached out to him, her fingers trembling with anticipation. "Yes, Maksim," she whispered, her voice filled with longing. "I've missed you so much, and I want to feel close to you again, in every way possible."
With a tender smile, Maksim took Velvette's hand in his own, his heart overflowing with love and desire. "Then let's make the most of this moment," he murmured, his voice husky with emotion.
As they retreated to Velvette's room, the air crackled with anticipation, each moment filled with the promise of passion and intimacy. Velvette paused at the threshold, a shy smile playing on her lips as she slowly began to shed her clothes, revealing the beauty of her unadorned form.
Maksim watched in awe as Velvette undressed before him, his breath catching in his throat at the sight of her nakedness. She was even more exquisite than he remembered, her skin bathed in the soft glow of moonlight streaming through the window.
With a silent invitation, Velvette slipped beneath the covers, her eyes never leaving Maksim's as she waited for him to join her. And as he approached the bed, his heart pounding with desire, he knew that this moment would be etched into his memory forever.
Hours passed in a blur of sensation and emotion, their bodies moving together in perfect harmony as they explored every inch of one another. And as they lay tangled in each other's arms, spent and sated, Velvette felt a sense of contentment wash over her, knowing that they had finally found solace in each other's embrace.
But even as they basked in the afterglow of their lovemaking, Velvette knew that they couldn't delay their meeting with her peers any longer. With a sigh of reluctance, she turned to Maksim, her eyes shimmering with affection.
"Maksim," she said softly, her voice filled with tenderness, "as much as I want to stay here with you forever, we have important matters to attend to. I need you by my side when we meet with Vox and Val. Will you come with me?"
Maksim nodded, his gaze never wavering from Velvette's. "Of course, Velvette," he replied, his voice filled with determination. "I'll be there every step of the way, no matter what."
With a sense of purpose guiding them forward, Velvette and Maksim prepared to face whatever challenges awaited them, secure in the knowledge that together, they could overcome anything. And as they set out to meet with Velvette's peers, their hearts intertwined in a bond that transcended time and space, they knew that their love would carry them through whatever trials lay ahead.