#acegust

~~~

There were no thunderstorms in Heaven.

Vaggie did not understand how anyone could enjoy this.

The walls groaned as winds smashed debris into the Hotel’s exterior. Lightning flashed bright against the dark sky—had Vaggie not known any better, she would have thought it was night instead of midday. A roar of thunder sent tremors through the foundation of the building.

Or perhaps Vaggie was the one shaking, if the way her teeth chattered was any indication.

Was this normal for a thunderstorm?

Was the building supposed to sound like it was screaming?

“I do love a good ssstorm,” Pentious sighed happily from his spot on the couch, and Vaggie wanted to throw something at him.

Behind the bar counter, Husk snorted. “Sure—it’s all fun and games until you get caught outside with fur.”

“…You make a good point.”

Husk rolled his eyes. Thunder crashed. Vaggie flinched.

Why was the rain so loud?

This storm had come suddenly, catching all of Pentagram City off guard. Aqueous rain in the Pride Ring was rare, and unlike brief acid showers, these rainstorms had the potential to be long and disastrous. In her three years in Hell, Vaggie had been lucky enough to avoid this weather so far.

Charlie promised her it was not so bad.

Vaggie already wanted to vomit.

Her mind was foggy, thoughts slow and sticky as molasses. Her body, on the other hand, vibrated like a live wire—every muscle was pulled taut with suffocating fear and the overwhelming urge to get away from the rain. Distantly, she heard footsteps, but she could not tear her eyes away from the window. A knot tightened in her chest.

Lightning flared through the room. The lights flickered. Vaggie inhaled sharply.

Before she could recover, a deafening crash of thunder shook the entire building. A high-pitched noise—she refused to call it a shriek—tore past her lips.

Pentious snapped his head in her direction, brows furrowed as she hurriedly schooled her expression into one of neutrality. He reached a tentative hand toward her before letting it drop. “Are you…all right?”

She blinked rapidly to clear her vision, belatedly noticing that Husk was gone. When had he left? “I’m fine, Pentious,” she responded, clumsily rubbing her upper arms. Her fingers were numb.

Her voice sounded hollow—and very much not fine.

If Pentious’s frown was any indication, he did not believe her, either.

But before he could speak up, the Hotel doors slammed open—another crash that made her jump—and Angel fell into the lobby. Literally.

Vaggie cringed at the sight of his soaking fur, remembering Husk’s earlier comment, as Pentious quickly moved to help him up.

“Long day?” she asked, digging her nails into her arms as Pentious led Angel to the couch. Her voice wavered as another boom of thunder sent vibrations through the building. Pentious shot her a look, but Angel did not notice her strange behavior as he shook his head.

“Not really, believe it or not. Val actually let us go early.” Angel flopped backwards onto the arm of the couch and scrubbed at his face. “But he made me walk home in the fucking rain.”

Vaggie opened her mouth—but before she could reply, every light in the building flared.

~~~

August 8th, 17:02 Server: Pentagram City Energy

Pentagram City is offline.

~~~

August 8th, 17:43 Group Chat: Hazbin Hotel Residents!!!

Angel Dust Damn. Why was the power out for so long this time? Vox usually has the city back up and running in ten minutes.

Charlie Where is everyone?!

Angel Dust Husk and I are in the kitchen. Why?

Vaggie In the lobby. What’s going on?

Husk Kitchen.

Niffty Alastor and I are cleaning the basement!

Angel Dust We have a basement?

Charlie All of you need to stay in the Hotel until further notice. I promise I’ll explain when I get home. Don’t go outside. No matter what.

Angel Dust Can we go in the basement?

~~~

August 8th, 18:30 Transcript: 666 Evening News

“Good evening! I’m Katie Killjoy.”

“And I’m—”

“Shut the fuck up, Tom. Breaking news: strange activity has been spotted at the Heaven Embassy!”

“During today’s blackout, the spire of the tower lit up and sent several beacons of golden light into the sky. While many believe this incident was a prank or hoax, eyewitnesses claim that the light was angelic in nature.”

“Well, Tom—either several people are lying, or Heaven is up to some shady shit, as usual! No activity has been spotted since, but we urge all of you to keep your eyes open. Coming up—Mr. Vox shares the source of the longest blackout this year, right after this commercial break!”

~~~

August 8th, 21:23 Private Chat: Lucifer and Vaggie

Lucifer I just got off the phone with Charlie. Are you all okay?

Vaggie We brought out our angelic weapons and put the Hotel into lockdown. Do you know what’s going on?

Lucifer I know as much as you do. Heaven is basically useless right now. When I spoke to Sera, she politely told me it was not her problem and not-so-politely told me to go fuck myself. Which was practically an answer itself. Whatever is happening, she’s definitely involved.

Vaggie Have you heard from Emily?

Lucifer Silence.

Vaggie Security cameras around the city should be hooked to backup generators. Can you convince Vox to give you the footage? Charlie was the only one of us who was close enough to see the flare. Maybe the tapes caught something she missed.

Lucifer Vox. Is that the overlord Alastor hates?

Vaggie Yeah.

Lucifer In that case, absolutely! I’ll call him tomorrow morning.

Vaggie Sir? Do you think the flare could have been a false alarm?

Lucifer I hope so, Kiddo. But maybe you all should stay at the palace for a few nights. Just in case.

~~~

August 9th, 00:19 Group Chat: Unofficial Vee Communication Channel

Vox Something is wrong.

Velvette I’m glad you finally noticed. Don’t worry, we can burn that disgusting suit and replace it with something better. Something that inspires obedience and respect.

Valentino And something more sexy.

Velvette Anything would be more sexy than those rags.

Vox What?

Velvette What?

Valentino What?

Vox I was talking about today’s blackout. But what’s wrong with my suit?

Velvette Another time, darling. What’s happening right now?

Valentino I thought everything was fixed. On the news, you blamed the blackout on some drunk imps and said you took care of them.

Velvette You watch the news?

Vox Obviously, I lied! As far as I know, the city went dark for no reason.

Valentino Then how did you fix it?

Vox That’s the thing. I didn’t.

~~~

August 9th, 03:34 Private Chat: Husk and Vaggie

Husk You wanna talk about it?

Vaggie Is it that obvious?

Husk Yep. You’re a horrible liar.

Vaggie Why are you texting me? We’re in the same room.

Husk The others are all asleep, and I don’t think either of us wants to wake someone up. Or worse—get Alastor’s attention. Nice deflection, by the way.

Vaggie Fair enough.

Husk What’s up?

Vaggie I can’t figure out what Heaven is planning. The only reason we held our ground on Extermination Day is because we were prepared. If we can’t figure out what will happen, we can’t do anything to stop it.

Husk I understand. But Heaven hasn’t initiated anything yet. We still have time. And now, we have Lucifer on our side from the get-go. If any more angels come to Hell, we’ll be there to make sure it lives up to its name.

Vaggie But that’s just it. What if angels aren’t coming to Hell?

Husk What do you mean?

Vaggie What if they’re already here?

~~~

August 9th, 03:36 Search History of User: Velvette

Footage of angels Footage of exterminators What do exterminators look like without masks How to kill an angel How to survive an angel How to hide from an angel

~~~

August 9th, 03:36 Private Chat: Husk and Vaggie

Husk Do you really think angels could be that subtle?

Vaggie I hid myself down here for years. No one noticed.

Husk Let’s go with that.

Vaggie I’m going to pretend that was sincere. But without their masks, most angels look like any other demon. I might be bad at lying, but most of the Exorcists aren’t.

Husk You think Heaven is infiltrating Hell?

Vaggie I think Heaven is capable of more bad than people realize.

Husk True. The Extermination itself is proof of that.

Vaggie But it doesn’t even stop there. Heaven values perfection, so they eliminate Cherubs who make mistakes. They wipe the memory of new souls when they arrive. No one remembers their family or friends. And some angels do shitty things behind closed doors, only for the leaders of Heaven to turn a blind eye. On the surface, it looks perfect, but Heaven is so much more fucked up than everyone realizes.

Husk Do you think Exorcists would willingly come down to Hell for this? Outside of an Extermination?

Vaggie If they had the chance to kill Sinners? I think most of them would.

~~~

August 9th, 03:38 Search History of User: Velvette

Good places to hide Can you survive a fall from Vee tower How to remove air vents How to remove ceiling tiles Where do you go when you die in Hell Vox Vox please Help me

User: Velvette is offline.

~~~

August 9th, 05:20 Group Chat: Hazbin Hotel Residents!!!

Angel Dust Bad news: I still have work today. Just letting you all know before I leave.

Lucifer I can portal you there, if you’d like!

Angel Dust Normally, I’d be polite and say no, but I’m desperate. Also, how and why are you awake right now?

Lucifer Counterpoint, why are you awake right now?

Angel Dust I have work. What’s your excuse?

Lucifer I’m the Devil. I don’t have nightmares. I am one. In what world would I possibly need sleep?

Angel Dust Terrifying, but fair enough.

Charlie Stay safe today, Angel!

Angel Dust I will, Toots.

Charlie And if you can, keep your phone with you.

Niffty Bye, Angel! Alastor said to give Vox a middle finger from him.

Angel Dust How the fuck does he even know what that means?

Lucifer Where is that stupid deer, anyway? If he’s in the kitchen, tell him to keep his disgusting claws out of my refrigerator! I don’t want his grubby hands in my pancake mix. Angel, message us when you need to come back. I’ll pick you up.

~~~

August 9th, 06:49 Transcript: Source Unknown

“Log four: this is Acting General Lute, leading the current mission into Hell. The first three targets have been eliminated. Our plan is now in action.”

~~~

August 9th, 08:08 Group Chat: Hazbin Hotel Residents!!!

Angel Dust So…change of plans. Can someone bring me back to the palace? Right now?

Niffty This is Alastor. Niffty is typing for me. I’m afraid our dear king is unable to assist you at the moment. However, if you are willing to wait a few minutes, I can come and retrieve you myself.

Angel Dust Fuck. Okay. Just hurry. Things over here are really fucked up. But on the bright side, you’ll definitely be entertained by it.

Niffty Interesting. I am on my way.

~~~

August 9th, 11:54 Article: Two Overlords Found DEAD!

This morning, overlord Missi Zilla of the Doomsday District was found dead in the backrooms of her largest club, Siren Song. An assistant reported finding angelic knives beside her body, although the wounds are inconsistent with suicide.

A few hours later, the overlord of social media, Velvette Vogue, was discovered dead in her kitchen.

“She was surrounded by blood, with an angelic spear still in her chest,” said a Vee tower worker who has requested to remain anonymous. Investigators have ruled her death as foul play, and some have suggested that it may be linked to the erratic behavior of the Heaven embassy.

In possibly related news, the west side of Cannibal Town has experienced a series of similar murders, with residents found dead in their homes. The identity of the perpetrator is unknown.

At this time, overlords Vox, Valentino, and Rosie have declined to comment.

~~~

August 9th, 15:15 Transcript: 66.6 Radio Broadcast

“Salutations, dear listeners! My, my—we have quite the story today.

“For those of you who don’t know, beloved overlord Missi Zilla was recently found dead. Now, I would normally dismiss this incident as ordinary Hellish activity, but one of Vox’s better halves has been found dead as well. I’m nearly envious—getting away from Vox sounds like Heaven in and of itself! Minus the eternal boredom that comes with a second death, of course.

“And speaking of Vox, is it any wonder that the coward has refused to comment on the death of his so-called dear friend? Why, if I didn’t know any better, I’d suggest he took care of her himself! But that would require the bare modicum of effort, and we all know he has trouble with that.

“In fact, according to His Majesty, Vox hasn’t even mustered the effort to tell you all the truth! That blackout yesterday? Vox had nothing to do with it. He doesn’t even know what happened!

“Thus, I’d like to propose a new theory. The blackout, flare, and recent murders are too close to be a mere coincidence—and after investigations, Lucifer has determined that two angels used the chaos of yesterday to infiltrate Hell. Who else would go after not only overlords, but peaceful civilians whose only crime was defending their home on Extermination Day?

“So, Vox—how does it feel? You refused to share the truth, and now your protogeé is dead at the hands of the very monsters you kept hidden.

“What do you have to say to that, old friend?”

~~~

August 9th, 16:28 Private Chat: Angel Dust and Charlie

Angel Dust I think your dad might actually kill Alastor.

Charlie What makes you say that?

Angel Dust Just a gut feeling. Also, the giant fucking shockwave that he sent through the palace. How is Alastor still laughing right now? I’d be running for my life.

Charlie Fuck. I’ll talk to Dad. But I really wish Alastor hadn’t revealed the angels to Hell. Everyone was already panicking!

Angel Dust Yeah. Do you really think angels killed the overlords and Cannibal Town residents?

Charlie Honestly? I don’t know what to think. But two overlords were killed out of nowhere. And the only other people killed were the cannibals we fought with. Also, Dad and I can’t contact anyone from Heaven. It’s too big of a coincidence.

Angel Dust But Adam is already dead, so who do you think Heaven sent down here?

Charlie Vaggie said Lute would have jumped at the opportunity to kill more Sinners. But I’m not sure who the second person could be.

~~~

August 9th, 18:05 Transcript: Source Unknown

“Log six: this is Acting General Lute, leading the current mission into Hell. With the first stage of our plan underway, my companion and I are ready to enact the keystone.”

~~~

August 9th, 19:46 Group Chat: Carmine Family

Odette Mother, what is happening?

Clara Is that who I think it is? Mom?!

Carmilla I love you both. Okay? Do whatever it takes to get yourselves to safety. Find Zestial and have him contact Lucifer. Do not let this information die with me.

~~~

August 9th, 19:50 Group Chat: Hazbin Hotel Residents!!!

Vaggie Shit. Shit shit shit. I have some really bad news, but you might need to sit down.

Charlie What’s wrong?

Vaggie The angels are launching their next attack. They went for the Carmine family. Odette just sent me a video, and…well. See for yourself. AngelicInvaders.mov

Lucifer Wait.

Husk Is that—

Angel Dust HOLY SHIT!

Niffty Huh?

Charlie WHAT THE FUCK?!

~~~

August 9th, 20:00 Transcript: Source Unknown

“Log nine: this is Acting General Lute, leading the current mission into Hell. Our infiltration has been successful so far, and the destabilization of Hell is underway. By tomorrow, we should be—you’re already back?”

“Yes, ma’am. The children have escaped, but Miss Carmine is dead.”

“Good. She ran the black market of angelic arms. Without her, we should be able to take out the stronger overlords with no issue, starting with the Radio Demon.”

“The Radio Demon? He works at that Hotel, correct?”

“Exactly. If we can eliminate him, Hell will fall apart.”

“And with Hell dessstabilized, we will be able to take control once and for all!”

“Without their previous overlords, those demons will destroy themselves in no time. It may seem extreme, but this is the only way to guarantee that no more of those disgusting Sinners ascend to Heaven.”

“Demonic ascension—sssuch a ridiculous concept!”

“That’s right. Because these monsters around us? They’re nothing like you and I, Pentious. And we’re going to make sure they get the Hell they deserve.”

~~~

~~~

It was far past midnight, and the Hotel lobby was almost empty.

Almost.

The credits rolling on the television cast a sickly blue glow over the couch, and the generic outro music was haunting in the otherwise silent room. Charlie had long since gone to bed, with Husk following a couple of hours later, leaving Vaggie and Angel to yet another movie that neither truly cared about.

Of course, the movie was over. It was time for both of them to retreat to their respective rooms.

Neither moved from the couch.

The music trailed off. The screen faded to black.

Finally, Angel pushed himself up straight and stretched all four arms behind him, his joints popping loudly. “So,” he said conversationally, his voice quiet but still deafening against the heavy silence. “Any particular reason you’re avoiding your bedroom?”

Vaggie stiffened, and that reaction alone dashed any hope of denying his question.

Angel raised an eyebrow expectantly.

Her voice was hollow to her own ears as she asked, “What makes you say that?”

“Babe, has anyone ever told you that you’re really bad at dodging questions?”

“Kind of.” Charlie always said she was a bad liar.

Angel just laughed. He propped his elbows on his knees and ignored the flat glare aimed toward him. “I mean, we both know why I’m avoiding sleep—”

“And I think we should talk about that instead—”

“—but why are you out here? Don’t you like cuddling your girlfriend?”

Vaggie flushed, but not at the question. She looked down at her socked feet, drumming her fingers against the couch. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Her reply was clearly a deflection—and a poor one, at that—but for better or worse, Angel played along.

“Oh, really?” he teased, tilting his head. His grin was shit-eating. “Staying up until the asscrack of dawn is just an angel thing, then?”

“Yes.”

He snorted. “Sure, and I modeled for the Mona Lisa.”

Vaggie glanced up and stared absently at the dark screen, her eyes unfocused.

“Actually, there was this one film that Val had me do—”

“Please shut up.”

Angel grinned more widely. “Okay,” he began. “I’ll spare you the details of work tonight.”

“Thank you.”

“But! In return, I want you to tell me why you don’t wanna head upstairs.”

Vaggie blinked as the question registered. Slowly, she twisted her head toward him, meeting his expectant stare with a blank one of her own.

It was late.

She was tired, the long nights beginning to take their toll.

“Does it matter?” Vaggie heard herself say.

The silence was practically screaming.

Angel pulled back slightly, his smile dimming. “You don’t have to say anything,” he said. “But…look, take it from me—it helps to talk about your shit.”

Vaggie chuckled mirthlessly. “In that case, maybe you should talk about your nightmares instead.”

“I already do! Husk is a wonderful listener.” The smile was back in place, bright as ever. His eyes were glued to her own. “Who do you talk to?”

Vaggie tore her gaze away.

She really was tired.

Tired of sleep deprivation. Tired of spending her nights in the Hotel lobby.

Tired of ignoring the problems at the back of her mind.

She opened her mouth. Closed it. Opened it once more and let the words slip out.

“I miss home.”

Even in the quiet, she was barely audible. Vaggie moved her hand off the upholstery, tracing random shapes on her leg as she forced words past the sudden lump in her throat. “I—I know that I shouldn’t, but I miss the Exorcist barracks.”

There it was.

The truth that had been weighing on her since rebuilding the Hotel. The reason she spent her nights in the lobby, finding any semblance of an excuse to avoid going to bed. She had even spent one night doing paperwork with Alastor of all people, pretending not to notice the suspicious glances he kept sending her way.

More than the others, though, Angel regularly stayed up with her. Both of them knew why he avoided sleep, and both of them stood by an unspoken rule to ignore it. To ignore both of their problems.

Until now.

Her vision blurred slightly.

“Lute and I shared a room,” she continued without thinking. Angel’s gaze burned against her, but she could not bring herself to look at him. “It was the first time I had to share a room with someone, but I didn’t mind. It was still mine, at least partially. It was safe.” She swallowed hard, throat tight. “It was the first place that ever felt like home.”

Chills shot down her spine, goosebumps pricking her skin. Vaggie rubbed her arms and discreetly sniffed. Now that she had stepped into her memories, she was almost too lost in her thoughts to notice Angel sitting up and watching her carefully. “Lute was a decent roommate, too. She respected my privacy. Never said anything about how I kept my spear with me when I slept, or about how I never slept under the covers. She let me do what I needed to, and slowly, the room started to feel safe.”

Her voice cracked, and she internally prayed that Angel had not noticed.

The ache in her chest grew heavier. The words were falling from her lips faster than she could stop them.

“I hadn’t even known it was possible to feel so comfortable. I started keeping my spear in the closet at night. I started sleeping with blankets. I—I  picked my own bedsheets. For the first time ever, I was allowed to choose.” She sucked in air, panting as though she had sprinted up the stairs. “They were gray. With little blue roses. My covers were also blue. They were my choice, too.”

“Vaggie…”

“It was just one room, but it was mine. It was a home.” She trembled, clenching her jaw to stop her teeth from chattering. Blinked rapidly as her eye grew dangerously wet. “It was the first time I was free. The first time I felt…safe.” Her breath hitched on a choked sob.

A warm hand settled on her upper arm. A beat later, it snaked around her shoulders.

Her words hovered uncomfortably in the air.

“Do you…not feel safe anymore?” Angel asked tentatively. She did not need to look at him to see the concern painted starkly on his face.

She was tired.

She wanted to go home.

Vaggie did not want to say it aloud, lest it somehow get back to Charlie, but….

“I did,” she admitted. “A little. I—but I was so scared Charlie would find out I was an angel, and then everything happened with Heaven, and Lute came down and tried to kill us, and then Adam died, and the Hotel was destroyed, and—and—”

She rubbed her face, trying and failing to discreetly wipe her eye. If Angel noticed, he was kind enough to not comment, instead pulling her trembling body closer against his side.

Her voice was a choked whisper. “Everything feels so…temporary. Like our life is going to fall apart at any second.” Again.

“But the Exterminations are over,” Angel tried. His hand rubbed up and down her arm. “Charlie’s plan got approved. I mean, it’s definitely hard to get used to, but…it’s actually safe here. For once.”

“And—and I know that.” Despite the clenching of her jaw, her teeth were chattering. Her muscles felt tight and like jelly at the same time. “But I—I still can’t relax. And I—and I love Charlie, but I can’t go into our bedroom. I can’t sleep in there. It just…doesn’t feel safe anymore.” Her voice was a strangled whisper. “Nothing feels safe anymore.”

Her eye stung. Her face burned.

Against her will, a couple of tears slipped down her cheek.

Vaggie sniffled and wiped them away, ducking her head. Wordlessly, Angel tightened his grip, adjusting his hold to pull her into a proper hug.

“I just…want to go home.”

It was so late.

The exhaustion of several late nights weighed down on her. She was nearly limp in Angel’s grip. Tears silently trailed down her cheek.

Her eye was slipping shut. Numbly, she wrapped her arms around herself. She was shaking.

Distantly, Vaggie felt herself being lifted into the air. Carried up the stairs before a door creaked open and someone set her onto a bed. Warm blankets were pulled over her. She was shaking a little bit less.

“Goodnight, Vags. We…can talk about this in the morning.”

The door clicked shut as her fingers laced with a familiar hand. She exhaled.

This was not home. But she really wished it was.

~~~