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Price of Freedom	By : Venka Category: +G through L > Hazbin Hotel Views: 85 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own or claim any rights to Hazbin Hotel or its characters, settings, and storyline. All rights to the original series and its intellectual property belong to VivziePop and its respective owners.

Chapter List
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Chapter 3
"Can't ya see fuckin' see what sort of trouble ya cause?!" His older brother's harsh words reverberated in Angel's mind, each syllable cutting deep. "Ya ruin the lives of everyone around ya! And to make matters worse, ya aren't fuckin' satisfied until you've completely destroyed everything. Don't ya get it? Ya don't have the luxury of doing whatever you fuckin' like, because ya actions reflect on Pops and our family's reputation, and it don't make us look good. Ya swore in blood to serve the family until your last breath, remember. The family before everything, now Luca is dead, and who do you think is fuckin' responsible for that? Ya were the one seeking him out like a cat in heat, and he got shot dead for it. Tony, ya may not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but you're far from stupid. If you had done the smart thing and just gotten yourself a beard, we wouldn't be having this fuckin' issue right now."
"Fratello, I didn't choose to be gay," Angel, once known as Anthony, replied with a mix of frustration and resignation. "I don't even understand why I'm attracted to fellas, but…it just feels right."
"It doesn't matter that it feels right," his older brother retorted with disdain. "What matters is that it's seen as unnatural and vile, and on top of that it's an embarrassment to the family. To think you're my own brother, you disgust me. Molly only accepts ya because you're her twin, but she's moved on with her life now. And thanks to ya, she was disowned. Her only family now is her husband and his relatives. So, ask yourself…was it worth it? Is having everyone in our family wanting to see you shelved worth it?"
Angel hugged his knees tight to his chest as the weight of the words his older brother had said long ago pressed down on him, sinking into the depths of his soul like heavy stones. The pain of being rejected for something innate, something he couldn't change, was a crushing burden that threatened to suffocate him. Isolation had become his familiar companion, a shadow that never left his side. Though he possessed the ability to command attention when necessary, it was always a facade that never revealed the vulnerable truth of his being.
Even those few souls in Hell whom he trusted did not truly know him. The layers of secrecy he maintained were not solely for self-preservation but also to shield others from the complexities of his inner world and the life he once lived. The life he was expected to live. There was a persistent fear that if they glimpsed beneath the surface or learned the truths he held outside his oath of silence, he would once again face the cold sting of rejection and told who he was is wrong.
The ache of not being understood, of yearning for acceptance that seemed perpetually out of reach, gnawed at him like a relentless storm tearing at a fragile shoreline. Each day, the weight of his hidden self grew heavier, threatening to burst forth in a torrent of emotions he could ill afford to release.
He yearned for a world where he could shed the weight of others' expectations and simply be himself, free from the confines of roles like that of a pornstar or any other societal labels. The constant need to tiptoe around potential pitfalls that could endanger his home only compounded the suffocating pressure of societal judgments and demands.
In the depths of his heart, Angel clung to a fragile hope that one day, someone would look past the surface and fully embrace him for who he truly was—a soul craving genuine love and acceptance without conditions.
Husk seemed to be edging towards this understanding, and Angel found himself drawn to the cat demon in unexpected ways. Yet, amidst these emerging feelings, Angel couldn't shake the nagging doubt that this connection might be based on a misplaced hope. Husk, having lived as a human for much longer than Angel ever had, might possess a wisdom and experience that surpassed his's own. This age gap could evoke feelings of deep respect akin to filial reverence rather than mere infatuation. Or perhaps Angel was merely hoping that Husk could be the one to untangle the complex layers of his identity, revealing the person behind the pornstar persona.
Cherri had stood by Angel's side in Hell ever since their paths first intertwined years ago. Over time, she developed a profound familiarity with him, though her understanding was selective, grasping only the facets that resonated with her own worldview. When confronted with challenges, Cherri's coping mechanism was a blend of chaotic violence, sexual escapades, and self-medication with drugs and alcohol—a habitual response to the harsh realities of their existence. A vice Angel knew all too well.
As Angel confided his grievances about Valentino, Cherri pieced together a vivid impression of the kind of person he served. Despite her frustration with Angel's reluctance to retaliate against Valentino, she reluctantly acknowledged the vast power disparity between an Overlord and a mere sinner. Complicating matters were the looming threats posed by Vox and Velvette, adversaries who were formidable enough to eclipse even Cherri's skills. She realized that confronting anyone from this trio alone would be an insurmountable challenge.
Angel found himself gradually warming up to Charlie ever since she had intervened to secure him time off from the studio. While her arrival caused a number of problems that he had to end up suffering for. He had recognized that her intentions were rooted in genuine care and a desire to be helpful. However, Charlie remained oblivious to the full nature of Valentino and the toxic environment prevalent within the studio.
In the aftermath of that incident, Charlie began to realize that Angel's job held significant priority in his life. Despite this understanding, Angel could sense her discomfort and concern whenever she witnessed him leaving for or returning from the studio. He empathized with her, understanding that the studio's objectives clashed directly with the hotel's mission, and Charlie had personally experienced the toxicity of Valentino enough to know he was a problem.
Despite her observations, Charlie had chosen not to delve deeper into Angel's situation. She recognized her limited understanding of the circumstances and wisely refrained from intervening until she deemed it necessary.
When Arackniss had arrived, Angel keenly sensed that his older brother now had full confirmation of his presence within the hotel. The White-furred spider harbored no desire for the dark-furred Spider to acknowledge him as family. Both of them were well aware of the strained familial relationship that had only deteriorated further when Angel resorted to sex work for survival.
During the very brief encounter between the two spiders, Charlie seemed to pick up on the tension but tactfully refrained from delving deeper, simply asking Niss if they had known each other before. Angel also had noted Andreioli's presence alongside Arackniss but chose not to acknowledge him, understanding that any familial bonds had dissolved with his departure from the crime family.
In contrast to their father figure, Pops, Andreioli had made genuine efforts to act as a guardian to Angel and his siblings during their previous lives, owing to his marriage into the family. However, severing ties with the crime syndicate had necessitated cutting off all connections to his former life, no matter how painful, for the sake of his newfound independence and well-being.
There was a gentle knock at the door, followed by its creaking open to reveal Cherri with her characteristic swagger. Fat Nuggets, who had been cozily settled beside Angel, perked up at the sound and sprang to his trotters, bounding eagerly toward Cherri, oinking for attention. Cherri's face softened into a smile as she scooped up the small pig into her arms, pressing him affectionately against her chest.
"Don't tell me you're getting all depressing on me," Cherri said with a playful roll of her single eye. She closed the door behind her with a deliberate click. "Seriously, you let Valentino live rent-free in your mind, and now these dickheads show up and bother you."
Angel nodded in acknowledgment. "You know those areas of the city I warned you about, the ones better off avoided," he explained, a hint of resignation in his voice.
"Yeah, what about it?" Cherri asked as she settled onto the bed beside Angel, the mattress creaking slightly under their combined weight. Fat Nuggets, sensing the tension in the air, wriggled out of Cherri's arms and nestled back beside his owner, seeking to give comfort and stability. The spider demon absentmindedly scratched the small pig behind the ears, his thoughts clearly preoccupied with troubling matters.
"Arackniss is one of the guys who runs those areas," Angel explained, his tone serious and tinged with caution. "He may not seem like much, but he's not someone you want to mess with."
"I can see that," Cherri remarked dryly, her expression reflecting her disdain. "The dickhead looks like he'd have no problems killing his own mother. So, how do you know him? When the Princess asked if you two knew each other, Mr. short, dark, and creepy downstairs answered with 'Unfortunately'. What did he mean by that?" Angel's silence lingered, a weighty pause that spoke volumes—Cherri recognized it as a sign that something was truly bothering him, stirring her concern.
"'Unfortunately' is a good way of saying it," Angel said somberly, his gaze fixed on some distant memory. "Arackniss…he was my older brother...when I was alive."
"Wait," Cherri interrupted, her tone incredulous. "That dickhead is your brother… why didn't…"
"I cut ties to my entire family when I died," Angel explained, his voice carrying a weight of unresolved emotions. "At least all ties to the family I have here in Hell. So Niss is just as much a stranger to me as he is my blood. My Pops and the majority of everyone else, they are…" Angel trailed off, unable to finish his sentence as painful memories resurfaced.
"The drunk downstairs suspected you were from a Mob family," Cherri interjected with a chuckle, trying to lighten the mood. "But that's crazy, right? You? Part of the Mafia?" Her laughter faltered as she noticed Angel's serious demeanor, realizing the gravity of the situation and the depth of her friends troubled past. She fell silent, waiting for him to continue, her expression now one of concern and empathy.
"So Husk figured things out," Angel murmured, more to himself than to Cherri, his voice carrying a weight of resignation. "I guess I shouldn't be surprised. I had the impression he had at least some ties to the life."
"Wait, seriously?" Cherri interjected, her curiosity piqued as she leaned in closer.
"I never told ya because there is nothing to tell," Angel explained, his tone heavy with the burden of his past. "It's not that I don't trust ya with knowing that, Cherri. It's just something I'm not proud of, and it's one of those things where the less ya know, the better. If outsiders know… it causes problems, and well, then those people who do know disappear and are never seen or heard from again. On the off-chance they are discovered, ya might find sort of remains, but most of the time... it's ensured they are never found.
"When I arrived in Hell decades ago, I knew that the family had already set up things and it would be a matter of time before Pops and Fratello arrived," Angel continued, his voice tinged with resignation. "So, I just left. If they wanted to set up shop and establish the family business here, they could go ahead and do that. I wasn't going to stop 'em. But I wasn't going to be pulled into their bullshit either. I'm not the only guy who left the family; there were others, though a majority were taken out.
"If I was on a target list — and I probably am — it's because I knew too much about the family and how they operated," Angel confessed. "They haven't taken me out yet because I've never spilled anything on them, and they have no proof that I did. Even if I was inclined to reveal what I know about the family, there is nothing to be gained. The FBI agents and government organizations that would want to know that kind of thing are corrupt enough to be Mafia organizations themselves. Even if I keep quiet, that doesn't mean I don't have to live constantly looking over my shoulder." Angel's expression darkened, the weight of his secrets and the perpetual danger he faced evident in his eyes.
"Niss and the family already knew I was here," Angel sighed, his voice tinged with resignation, as he gazed pensively at nothing in particular. "How could they not? I mean, we did put out a commercial for the hotel, and of course, there was that interview Charlie had while you and I were in the midst of that turf war against Pen. Aside from my involvement, up until now, the hotel hasn't been of interest to any of those guys because there is nothing that affects their business. So at best, all they could do is observe and see what transpires.
"Around the time I called you about the battle against Heaven's army, I also placed a call with Niss to inform him what was going on," Angel continued, his words carrying a weight of past decisions and unresolved conflicts. "I wasn't asking for his help and didn't expect anything from it. But we were going into something we didn't know if we'd see the other side of, so if this was our final stand… I didn't want to be erased without offering an olive branch. Yeah, that's rich coming from me considering I was just saying that I didn't want anything to do with the famiglia. Yet, family ties severed or not, Niss is my only brother, and the only sibling I have down here. We've never seen eye to eye, but growing up together has got to account for at least something?
"At the same time, when he showed up here… I didn't want him to catch sight of me," Angel admitted, a flicker of vulnerability crossing his features. "By him seeing me at all, he will report it to Pops, given the powerhouses that are here. That will have my former relatives wondering if I'm plotting something against them." Angel's expression revealed the complexities of his emotions, torn between familial ties and the ever-present dangers of his past catching up to him in the depths of Hell.
In the days that followed, a noticeable shift occurred as Mimzy assumed the responsibilities of activities coordinator at the hotel. Despite her clear displeasure with this new role, the female demon ultimately acquiesced. Alastor's persistent reminders of her commitment to join the hotel weighed heavily on her, leaving her feeling obligated to honor the agreement she had made. Thus, she reluctantly embraced her duties, albeit with a palpable air of discontent.
Despite her relief that everything had been settled without any issues. Charlie felt a lingering unease about the arrangement she had made with Arackniss. Nonetheless, she couldn't shake the nagging feeling that Arackniss and his family might unexpectedly appear for some purpose as a form of retrebution.
When Andreioli revealed that Angel and Arackniss were related, Charlie had experienced fleeting moments of curiosity where she wanted to pull Angel aside and delve deeper into this connection. However, she held back, cautious not to intrude into Angel's personal life or uncover any information that Angel might prefer to keep private. She wanted to respect Angel's boundaries and chose to let the matter rest, albeit with a lingering sense of curiosity and apprehension.
Earlier that morning, Angel had casually mentioned that he needed to report to the studio, a statement that left Hellborn Princess feeling increasingly uneasy. However, she grappled with how to approach these concerns. Her previous attempts to intervene in Angel's work had resulted in negative outcomes, causing her to doubt whether voicing these worries would be beneficial.
Moreover, she had recently witnessed troubling incidents that cast doubt on the studio environment. When Angel had firmly instructed her to leave, she sensed a trace of regret in his voice—a clear indication of the internal conflict he faced in carrying out such directives. The unsettling image of Valentino's smug smile as Angel did this deeply troubled Charlie.
Overwhelmed by a surge of emotion, Charlie had fled in tears, stealing a fleeting glance back briefly to witness Valentino's put his hands on Angel's shoulders—an action that visibly repulsed the spider. Despite her desire to respect Angel's request and support his professional commitments, a persistent, gnawing feeling persisted in her gut, warning her not to ignore these distressing signs.
"A drink for your thoughts, Princess?" Husk asked casually from behind the bar when Charlie's thoughts had her wonder into the lobby that morning.
"Oh," Charlie responded, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "It's nothing... I'm just wondering if I did the right thing the other day regarding Mimzy's actions." Husk's demeanor didn't betray concern; rather, he seemed to expect her question.
"When it comes to crime families," Husk remarked thoughtfully, wiping down the counter with a rag. "Much of the time, the only right thing is to avoid entanglements with them. You were considering what was best for the hotel, and that led you to cover for Mimzy. That is admirable. However, it does open the door for Henroin and his family to seek further business or even propose an association, and that is something that we don't want. It doesn't matter whether what we're doing is directly connected to them or not. Some crime families do support charitable causes or aiding those in need. But you must remember, while these actions may seem noble, they often serve as a facade to gain trust and respect, masking darker dealings that may also be occurring."
"Refusing to yield to their demands," Husk continued, his tone grave. "That would undoubtedly mark this hotel as problematic, and they would stop at nothing to hinder its success. For the safety of this establishment and its inhabitants, you made the right choice. Still, you will need to be prepared to acknowledge that your agreeable nature may make you vulnerable to exploitation by those seeking advantage." He paused, meeting Charlie's gaze with a sober expression, emphasizing the gravity of their situation.
Charlie's heart sank as she let out a groan of dismay, realizing that her suspicions had been right all along—things with the Mafia were far from settled. The uneasy feeling in her gut had been a warning sign that couldn't go ignored.
"Remember that family I suspected Angel was connected to the other day?" Husk inquired. "You've probably figured it was Arackniss's family I was referring to."
"I can see what you meant about them being a rough group," Charlie said, nodding thoughtfully. "Andreioli, the guy with Arackniss, mentioned that Angel is Arackniss's blood relation. Could this mean that Angel and Arackniss are brothers?"
"I never heard of Henroin having any other sons," Husk remarked. "At least not ones he wants to openly acknowledge, if what you are asking is true that does shed light on some of Angel's actions."
"Since we know this," Charlie said, looking concerned. "How should I approach Angel about it?"
Husk leaned forward, offering a cautious suggestion. "It might be better if you keep all this to yourself... for now. I know your intentions are good, but digging into someone's past can be delicate, especially if it's a painful subject. It could bring up difficult emotions that they're not ready to face. Unless Angel chooses to share more with you voluntarily, it's best not to push him into revealing things before he's ready."
Red smoke billowed around the room as Valentino glared at the Hazbin Hotel, his frustration palpable. Despite Angel Dust continuing to fulfill his obligations at the studio under the Moth Overlords' watchful eye, he remained irrevocably entangled with the Princess's cursed establishment. Val had naively hoped that Angel would eventually tire of the hotel's antics and return to the studio, but to his dismay, over six months had passed and the spider had showed no signs of extricating himself.
To compound the Moth's vexation, news had reached him that Angel's cyclopic girlfriend had also taken up residence at the hotel. This addition not only solidified Angel Dust's connection to the Hazbin Hotel but also hinted at a deepening involvement with its inhabitants.
What truly grated on the Overlords nerves was Angel's burgeoning relationships with Husker and Niffty, two souls under Alastor's enigmatic power. These connections threatened his influence over Angel and potentially jeopardized the delicate balance of power the Vees held over the city.
The billowing red smoke seemed to mirror Valentino's simmering anger as he contemplated his next move. Angel's continued affiliation with the Hazbin Hotel posed a threat not only to Valentino's control but also to the fragile alliances that kept the underworld in check.
Worse yet, King Lucifer himself had also decided to become involved with the place. While Angel's contract remained more or less intact, it seemed inevitable that the Princess of Hell would eventually learn of it. The Moth clung to the belief that Lucifer's daughter had no sway over soul contracts. He had assured Angel countless times that there was nothing Charlie could do to terminate the agreement, yet doubts gnawed at him as to whether that was true. Just because the Princess of Hell hasn't shown the possiblity of breaking such deals, no one has gotten close enough to Lucifer's daugher to even consider whether it was possible.
As the Princess of Hell, Charlie defied convention. Her lineage as the daughter of a Fallen Angel endowed her with influence and authority beyond the grasp of ordinary demons. Valentino couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that Charlie might possess unforeseen abilities or connections that could challenge even the most binding contracts in Hell. The prospect troubled Valentino deeply, stirring concerns about the precarious nature of Angel's commitment to him.
In the swirling red haze of his domain, the Overlord pondered the implications of Charlie's potential involvement. He knew that while her father did have a hands off approching to leadership, leaving much of the Pride Ring under the juristiction of the Ars Goetia and the Overlords. His influence still loomed large over Hell, casting shadows that obscured the boundaries of power and control. The notion that the carefully crafted agreements and deals the Vee's had established could be undermined by the whims of Lucifer's lineage left Valentino unsettled and wary, contemplating strategies to safeguard his interests amid this new and formidable complication.
Vox often pointed out that despite Angel's immense popularity as a porn star, his unpredictable and rebellious behavior contradicted the "Perfection" brand meticulously crafted by their trio. Angel's wild antics, especially when fueled by alcohol or substances, stood in stark contrast to the polished image the Vees sought to uphold. The TV demon had suggested more then once that the simplest solution would be to permanently terminate Angel's contract by destroying his soul and erasing him completely.
Valentino, though increasingly exasperated by Angel's behavior and his association with the Hazbin Hotel, found himself reluctant to agree to such drastic measures. Despite Angel's disruptive tendencies, he remained the most lucrative performer in Valentino's stable. Efforts to spotlight other struggling sinners who had pledged their souls to the Moth Overlords paled in comparison to Angel Dust's enduring fame and draw.
Even if Angel's star were to fade, Valentino harbored a deeper motivation for keeping him close. It went beyond financial gain; there was a personal connection between Valentino and the wayward spider that transcended mere business interests.
As if on cue, the tune of "Funiculì, Funiculà" began to play from Valentino's phone. "Ah, Senior Henroin," Valentino answered, his voice sounding pleasant yet strained. The call from the Chief of the Ragno Family indicated there was dissatisfaction with the current situation. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"Cut the crap, Valentino," came Henroin's gruff voice. "I thought I told ya to handle that worthless son of mine and his involvement with that hotel. Why hasn't that been dealt with yet?"
"Well, that's what surprised me," Valentino remarked. "I assumed Angel would have grown tired of this whole endeavor the Princess is running by now. After all, redeeming souls to enter Heaven—even when he's out of his mind—isn't something he'd truly believe in."
"That's precisely the issue," Henroin retorted. "My more promising son informed me that individuals who join the Princess's establishment are under her protection as long as they call it home. There must be a way to either compel that bastard to leave for good, if not find a way to force him out!"
Valentino's expression tightened. "I understand your concerns, Senior Henroin. I'm exploring every avenue to address this matter. Rest assured, I will find a solution."
Henroin grunted. "You'd better, Valentino. If that boy manages to taint our reputation and business, there will be consequences, capiche!"
The call ended, leaving Valentino to stew in frustration. The tangled web of alliances and protections surrounding the Hazbin Hotel posed a significant challenge, but Valentino knew he couldn't afford to fail. With Henroin's ultimatum echoing in his mind, Valentino resolved to take decisive action, determined to regain control over the unruly situation and protect his interests in Hell's cutthroat hierarchy.
He had deliberated on these matters with his business colleagues, Vox and Velvette. Together, they explored various strategies, including orchestrating a scenario that would implicate Angel or initiating a smear campaign against him as part of the Hazbin Hotel. However, they confronted formidable obstacles.
The Princess of Hell, known for her forgiving nature, posed a challenge; she might readily dismiss any fabricated accusations against Angel. Furthermore, there were discerning individuals within the hotel who could easily uncover falsehoods.
While neither Vox nor Velvette held any genuine affection or apprication for Angel, they shared concerns about safeguarding their business reputation. The looming presence of influential figures like Alastor and Lucifer heightened the risk of exposure for any deceitful scheme. Although these tactics were theoretically possible, executing them convincingly would demand substantial time and effort, especially to fabricate video evidence that could withstand scrutiny within the discerning community of Pentagram City.
Summoning the soul contract he held with Angel, Valentino observed areas where the once pristine golden scroll was beginning to tear—a troubling development he attributed to Angel's acts of defiance several months earlier. Perplexed by this deterioration, Valentino grappled with the realization that unlike his other ensnared souls, Angel's contract appeared vulnerable to unraveling. Recalling Angel's remarks at the club regarding contractual limitations tied to the studio, Valentino scrutinized the document repeatedly, searching for loopholes or clauses that could potentially nullify the agreement.
After careful examination, he unearthed a critical clause stating that anything happening 'at the studio' was deemed consensual and thus fell within the jurisdiction of their deal. Before the Hazbin Hotel had materialized, Angel had been confined exclusively to the studio. Now, with the hotel providing an alternative sanctuary, Angel had unwittingly found a loophole—a revelation that struck Valentino with a mix of chagrin and grudging admiration. He had arrogantly assumed absolute dominion over the spider, blindsideing him to the the unforeseen liberty afforded by the hotel's emergence.
"Well played, Angel," Valentino muttered, a blend of begrudging respect and simmering malice coloring his tone. "Enjoy your fleeting freedom, but your luck, puta, has just run dry."
With a sinister grin spreading across his face, Valentino plotted his next move. Determined to reclaim control over Angel and restore order to his standing, he resolved to exploit every advantage and leverage any means necessary, regardless of the cost or consequences. The stage was set for a calculated showdown between the Moth Overlord and the rebellious spider, each vying for supremacy in the dark and treacherous underworld of Hell.
Henroin's hand trembled as he slammed down his phone, a primal growl escaping his lips in frustration. The very mention of Valentino, one of the most despicable of Overlords, sent waves of disdain through him. Yet, grudgingly, he acknowledged the necessity of maintaining ties with these beings to navigate the treacherous waters of their world. Sycophancy toward the powerful had become an inescapable reality in this grim, cutthroat existence.
Oh, how he yearned for the days when he was the one whom others sought to please! In those bygone times, he had been fully alive, a formidable force atop the food chain. He wielded the power to elevate individuals to prosperity or cast them into the depths of despair with a mere whim. The sway he held over peoples lives was intoxicating, deciding the fate of those who crossed his path.
Even then, he had danced delicately, while he had power he still was a small fish in a big pond with the likes of the Five Families and the Commission holding control. Each move had been calculated, every favor painstakingly curated. The various gangs had understood their place in this hierarchy—some were to be toyed with, while others were left strictly alone, a lesson enforced by fear and respect alike. But now, with Valentino's looming presence and oppressive grip, Henroin found himself trapped in a twisted dance of survival, forced to swallow his pride and bow before those he despised.
The Vees were indeed perilous allies, yet amidst their ranks, Valentino stood out as the sole party interested in forming an association. Velvette had nothing to offer in terms of business potential, and she saw no reason to connect with the criminal underworld overseen by the Ragno Family. Vox had bluntly declined any association with a lower-tier mobster family. Essentially, this signaled his reluctance to engage in paid relationships with the criminal underworld when he could easily manipulate his followers to do his bidding without financial incentives.
Valentino, however, displayed a keen interest in various illicit ventures—whether it involved drug distribution, prostitution, or marketing the coveted Angelic Steel weapons yet to be secured from Carmilla Carmine and her followers. Henroin agreed to associate on one condition: Anthony would work for Valentino to ensure he posed no threat to the family. When Valentino saw a photo of the younger Ragno Boy, he promptly agreed to the arrangement. To this day, Anthony remained unaware that his own father had effectively handed him over to the Moth to secure ties with the Ragno Family. All Anthony had to do was play his role as "Angel Dust," and Valentino would benefit from the connection to Henroin's family.
Arackniss, however, believed Anthony's involvement in the adult film industry was completely voluntary on Anthony's part. Don Ragno had taken extreme measures to prevent any bond from forming between the two brothers, fearing they might pose a threat if united. Arackniss, was trained to be merciless and efficient in executing orders. However, he harbored a hidden vulnerability, particularly following Anthony's demise—a guilt that Henroin had endeavored to suppress, now that Anthony was considered a traitor to the family.
Henroin suspected that fatherhood also had softened Arackniss to some extent. While preserving the family's authority and respect held value, Henroin viewed compromise or selective exertion of authority as signs of weakness—a perspective not universally shared within the complex network of the family's alliances and rivalries.
Valentino's recent pursuit of Angelic Steel had escalated dramatically after the Extermination attack at the Princesses' hotel. Through observations conducted by Voxtek Drones, it became clear that Adam's Angelic Army could be defeated with Angelic Steel weapons, exposing their supposed invincibility as a profound vulnerability. Valentino and his collegues viewed the acquisition of Angelic Steel as crucial in their quest to settle scores with Heaven.
For too many centuries, Heaven had reigned over Hell with fear and oppression. Now, with the balance of power shifting, the Vees were resolute in ensuring that those self-righteous beings experienced the terror they once inflicted upon Hell. While the Vees focused his vengeance on the Heaven Born, they paid little heed to the collateral impact on human souls caught in the crossfire.
Andreioli voiced concerns about family members such as Molly, Maria, Sabina, and other family who might be in Heaven and vulnerable to repercussions from the use of Angelic Steel against Angels. However, Don Henroin dismissed these worries with a wave of his hand, declaring that any family members not by his side were as good as dead to him. This cold indifference underscored Henroin's unwavering commitment to his own goals, regardless of the personal cost to those outside his immediate sphere of influence.
The mystery surrounding Anthony's involvement with the Princess's hotel persisted. His active participation in repelling the Exorcists' attack showcased not only his improved combat abilities but also a notable personal investment in the hotel's well-being. The question loomed: what motivated this level of commitment, particularly when the benefits seemed limited to mere accommodation? Anthony's engagement in the battle did not necessarily imply his endorsement of this concept of redemption, but it did raise concerns of what he was actually intending.
"You wanted to see me, Boss?" Arackniss asked as he entered the office.
"Ah, perfect timing," Henroin replied. "Tell me, boy, when you were at the Princess's hotel the other day, did you happen to run into Tony?"
"Briefly," Arackniss answered. "I got the impression he didn't intend for either of us to encounter one another. He only intervened when that female demon who landed the killing blow to Adam rushed at me screaming some nonsense. After that, he just went off elsewhere on the second floor."
"So you don't know what he's planning?" Henroin inquired, his tone betraying a hint of irritation. Arackniss paused, carefully considering his response before speaking.
"No, Boss," Arackniss finally replied. "Tony's actions were... elusive. It's hard to discern his intentions, but I'll have guys watch him whenever he's away from the hotel so they can make sure he ain't doin' anything he shouldn't."
Henroin's eyes narrowed, his gaze fixed on Arackniss. "We can't afford any surprises, especially from fuckin' trators like him. I need more than someone tailing him when he's out on the town. I need somebody in that hotel to make sure whatever your brother is doing don't affect us."
"It's been over seventy years, Pops," Arackniss pointed out. "I don't know what Anthony is hoping to gain from this. But like Andreioli said the other day, he has been maintaining Omertà. If he was aiming to do anything against the family, he would have done so by now. Maybe Tony just wants to be left alone."
"And then what?!" Henroin growled. "Sure, he's got nothing to gain by breaking Omertà and all he's getting is easy housing. But...let's say he is there for redemption, he will need to break his oath. He's got some powerhouses at that place and all it would take is for him to gain some sympathy from them, then our family is finished."
"And if we assume he's hoping to act against us," Arackniss brought up, "If that assumption is wrong, that only reflects poorly on the family. Seriously, I don't know what Lucifer's daughter is hoping for with this redemption scheme, or why Anthony is involving himself with her. I doubt he's hoping for redemption even if the Princess could write down in her own blood that she would guarantee his reunion with Molls. I also know he wouldn't be doing this without reason, so there has to be something at that hotel he finds beneficial."
"All the more reason to have someone fuckin' check into that hotel," Henroin emphasized. "The Princess is clearly a soft touch who believes she can redeem anyone here in Hell. She might accept someone from our family, and then we'll have an informant on the inside."
"We don't have the guys for that," Arackniss pointed out. "If I check in, they'll know I'm not there for redemption, even if the Principessa accepts anyone. And Tony knows everyone in the family who could pull this off."
"Who said it had to be one of our boys," Henroin countered. "Have that dame of yours make herself useful. No one there would suspect a woman doing a job for the family."
"Vina is a good option," Arackniss agreed. "Although she never cared all that much for Tony, and it won't take much to see right through her. Though, now that I think about it...there are a couple of guys that Anthony wouldn't officially know, because they only joined the family after I died in that train accident. Maybe, it's about time my kid brother met his nephews."
Henroin nodded, a scheming glint in his eye. "Let's set it up then. Ari and Riven will check in and keep an eye out for any useful information and pass it over to Vina. We need to stay ahead of Tony and this Hazbin Hotel nonsense."
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Price of Freedom