Hazbin Hotel - A Dream of Redemption

Chapter 62: Blood and Shadows

The dimly lit room echoes with the sounds of idle chatter as Alastor, Husk, and Zephyr lounge, waiting for the impending chaos. Boredom creeps in like a thick fog, settling over them like a heavy blanket.

Suddenly, the silence shatters with the arrival of a gruff-looking crocodilian Sinner, who saunters over with a mischievous grin plastered across his rugged features. With a peculiar laugh, he drawls in the thickest southern accent they've ever heard, "Well now, ain't this a sight. Three fresh faces seekin' their freedom, and right tardy too. Say, what's got y'all tangled up in this mess?"

Alastor's lips curl into a sly smirk as he leans back, twirling his cane with practiced ease. "Ah, my good yokel, we've partaken in a most exhilarating escapade. We relieved the Citadel of several tomes from their esteemed Archives. A daring exploit, I must say. They dispatched a veritable legion in pursuit of us."

The Sinner's eyes widen in genuine admiration. "Well butter my biscuit and call me corn-fed! Pleasure to make your acquaintance. Name's Al."

Zephyr flashes a grin. "Howdy, Al. What's your tale?"

Al grins back, his teeth gleaming like gold in the dim light. "Well, you see, there was this fine lady, all dolled up and such. Caught her eyein' me sidelong, so I did what any self-respectin' fella would do. Turns out she's some fancy Yankee's squeeze. The little imp barely reached up to my ankle, but he weren't too pleased to find me cozyin' up to his lady. Course, she didn't seem to mind none. Jumped out the window soon as the commotion started. Got myself acquainted with the pavement. Then got scraped up and locked up courtesy of them guards."

Zephyr tilts his head, intrigued. "Quite the escapade."

Husk nods in agreement. "Al, can you shed any light on these fights we're waiting for?"

Al scratches his scaly chin thoughtfully. "'Fraid not, boys. Heard a few whispers 'round about some contenders, though."

Alastor arches an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "Pray tell, who might they be?"

Al scratches his chin thoughtfully. "Well, there's a hellhound they call 'Bella.' Supposedly pulled off the heist of the century in Dis. Mean with a gun and a battle axe, so they say. Then there's this Nexthrali fella, 'Chaffti,' they call him. Built like a reinforced steel wagon, that one. And lastly, there's this enigmatic Sinner, 'the Unnamed.' Fancied by half the bettin' crowd. Rumored to be a wizard of some sort. Spooky fella."

"Interesting indeed."

The group turns as one towards the source of the familiar voice behind them, their eyes widening in surprise. "Azazel?" Husk exclaims.

In a flourish of smoke and flames, Azazel materializes before them, his hands raised in mock surrender. "Ah, busted! You caught me."

Zephyr furrows his brow. "Why are you here?"

Azazel shrugs casually. "Just thought I'd swing by and see how my favorite troublemakers were faring. And wouldn't you know it, the festivities are about to kick off. In fact, I'll be getting things started right about...."

---

Az saunters onto the stage, his hair swept back in a style even more impeccable than usual. The announcer's voice booms, "Who's ready for some action?"