The following days at Hazbin Hotel passed with an unsettling calm. The reddish light of sunset filtered through the lobby windows, mixing with the faint incense smoke that hung in the air, while the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the hallways. Ishnofel wandered silently through the corridors, each step echoing across the marble floor, and everyone watched him warily. Only Lucifer and Charlie seemed to trust him.
Lucifer, with his usual serenity, said to Charlie:
—Let him be here, darling… there's more to him than meets the eye. Even if he looks… intimidating, he carries a pain few would understand.
Charlie looked at him with tenderness and determination:
—I know, Dad. I see something beyond his appearance.
In the common room, Alastor, Vaggie, Niffty, Husk, Cherry Bomb, and Angel Dust were gathered around the table. Nervous whispers and distrustful glances filled the room:
—I don't understand what Lucifer sees in him… he's a monster —muttered Vaggie, frowning
Angel Dust, crossing his arms, added:
—That demon scares me more than Valentino… and that's saying a lot.
Husk sipped his drink with disdain:
—He's not someone I'd trust. And I don't care what Lucifer says.
Niffty, in a trembling whisper, murmured:
—He's scary… very scary…
Alastor, with his characteristic smile and an air of elegant menace, intervened:
—My dear friends, this demon… is suffering made flesh.
From the shadow of his room, Ishnofel listened to every word like invisible knives, dragging him back to his childhood in Lima, where the wounds still bled.
Flashback 1
In Lima, Peru, a nine-year-old boy named Sumaq Atilano Bonilla Sánchez endured constant teasing from his classmates in the schoolyard, under a scorching sun that made the dust in the air sparkle:
—Weak.
—Stupid.
—Weird.
—No girl wants to be with you.
Sumaq could only cry, clutching his backpack tightly as each word sank into his heart like thorns.
End of flashback
Shaken by the memory, Ishnofel stood up, consumed by contained rage. His steps echoed across the hotel's main courtyard, where Lucifer and Charlie shared a tender moment. The sound of laughter and the scent of freshly cut grass mingled with a slight smell of ash from a small fire Lucifer had made just for fun.
Lucifer held a small rubber duck that spat fire and jumped:
—Look, Charlie, I made a little duck for you.
Charlie, her eyes shining, replied:
—Wow, Dad! It's amazing!
Charlie's heart shone with happiness, and the sight deepened Ishnofel's pain, forcing him to breathe heavily and stay silent.
Flashback 2
Sumaq returned home after a day of teasing, feeling the warmth of the sun mixed with the aroma of freshly baked bread from the kitchen. He hugged his mother, Rosita:
—My son… I will always protect you —she said softly.
Sumaq smiled, comforted by the smell of home and his mother's unconditional love.
End of flashback
Ishnofel averted his gaze, trying to maintain composure. Niffty ran back and forth cleaning with skill, leaving a trail of sparkle on the floor while Baxter watched from his makeshift laboratory, the scent of chemicals hanging in the air.
Flashback 3
Sumaq, now 27, dreamed about the future while gently stroking the head of a sleeping child under his care:
—A boy or a girl… it doesn't matter… I just want to teach and protect them —he thought, as the cool afternoon breeze drifted through the open window.
End of flashback
Ishnofel took a deep breath, struggling not to show his true power. Angel Dust and Cherry Bomb joked around, their laughter echoing through the walls:
—Check this out, bitch —said Cherry Bomb, throwing a small sparking bomb that left a smell of gunpowder.
—Hahaha! —laughed Angel Dust, amused.
Charlie and Vaggie shared a romantic moment under the orange light of sunset:
—Oh, Vaggie… I don't know what I'd do without you —whispered Charlie, radiant.
—I'll always protect you, darling —replied Vaggie, embracing her gently.
The kiss and hug they shared filled the air with tenderness, and Ishnofel felt a void he could not ignore.
Flashback 4
Sumaq played soccer in the streets of Lima with his best friend, César. The golden sun illuminated puddles from recent rain, and the scent of wet earth filled their noses:
—It's not fair! That goal doesn't count —complained César.
—Liar, that goal counts —replied Sumaq.
They playfully pushed each other, falling onto the grass and laughing without a care.
End of flashback
Ishnofel's pain grew as he remembered everything he had lost. The most recent memory struck him hard: his life with Eliana.
Final flashback
Sumaq was with Eliana, the love of his life, on a warm afternoon, with the scent of flowers in the garden and birds singing in the background:
—Darling… I can't wait to have children —said Eliana, full of excitement.
—I love you… I always will —replied Sumaq, smiling and kissing her gently.
End of flashback
Ishnofel stepped away from the hollow, unbearable pain coursing through his body. With trembling hands, he removed his helmet, revealing a human face, tired and suffering, while the hotel's smoky, fragrant air seemed to surround him:
—I miss you… —he whispered, his voice breaking.
He put the helmet back on, letting his demonic side dominate once more, hiding any trace of vulnerability.