Hell's Redeemer

Chapter 5

The lobby of the Hazbin Hotel was filled with a tense, uneasy energy, far removed from its usual chaotic but welcoming atmosphere. Charlie sat in the center of the couch in the lobby, her hands folded in front of her, her usual bright smile replaced with a look of deep contemplation.

Vaggie, arms crossed and expression set in a hard scowl, was the first to speak. "This is a bad idea, Charlie. I mean, really bad." Her voice was low but firm, each word edged with concern. "Did you even feel the energy coming off him? He's dangerous. More dangerous than anyone we've had in here before."

Charlie nodded slowly, her eyes downcast. "I know, Vaggie. I could feel it too. But we can't turn people away just because they're dangerous or intimidating. That goes against everything we're trying to do here."

"And what exactly are we trying to do here?" Vaggie snapped, her voice rising. "Get ourselves killed? He's not just another sinner looking for redemption. He's... he's something else."

"Yeah, and what's the big deal?" Husk grumbled from behing the bar, taking a long swig from his flask. "Just another damn soul in Hell, far as I can tell. As long as he doesn't trash the place, I don't care."

"See? Husk gets it!" Niffty piped up, her single eye bright with excitement. "I think he's super cool! All mysterious and broody. Like a comic book hero!" She giggled, spinning around in her seat. "And he's polite! Didn't make a mess in his room at all. I even asked if he needed anything!"

Vaggie rolled her eyes. "Niffty, you'd like a serial killer if he smiled at you."

Niffty just shrugged, unbothered. "A smile goes a long way!"

Charlie's gaze moved to Angel Dust, who was uncharacteristically quiet, leaning on the arm rest of his chair as he stared off into space. "Angel?" she prompted gently. "What do you think?"

Angel blinked, seeming to come out of his reverie. He sighed, leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms. "I dunno, Char. I mean, on the one hand, he's like... totally my type, y'know?" He gave a half-hearted smirk. "Tall, dark, and brooding. But... I dunno. There's something else there. More than just the whole bad boy routine."

Vaggie snorted. "So, you're into him?"

Angel shot her a glare. "I'm just saying there's more to him than what he shows. It's like... he's got this raw aggression, but it's not just for show. There's a whole mess of something under the surface, and it's not just anger."

"Like he's hiding something?" Charlie asked softly.

"Yeah, maybe," Angel said, rubbing the back of his neck. "Or maybe he's just been through some serious shit. Whatever it is, he's not like anyone else here."

Charlie nodded, a small, thoughtful smile forming on her lips. "I felt that too. Like there's something deeper to him. Something he's struggling with." She glanced at Vaggie, her voice gentle but firm. "That's why we have to try, Vaggie. If we don't, then who will?"

Vaggie's expression softened, but only slightly. "I get it, Charlie, I do. But we need to be careful. We don't know what he's capable of."

Charlie reached across the table, taking Vaggie's hand in hers. "I promise, we'll be careful. But I can't just turn him away. Not without trying."

Vaggie sighed heavily, squeezing Charlie's hand before pulling away. "Alright, fine. But the first sign of trouble, we're getting him out of here. No arguments."

"Deal," Charlie agreed, her smile widening. She turned to the rest of them, her voice taking on a more optimistic tone. "So, let's just do what we always do. Be kind, be patient, and see where this goes."