The Blackrock Prison complex has amassed many names in its hundreds of years of existence: The Rock, Hell for Wizards, Wizard Alcatraz, and even The Most Secure Prison in the World, and for good reason. Blackrock Prison is where the most dastardly and vilest of sorcerers are stored. They're guarded 24/7, have strict schedules, and no chance of escaping through magical means due to the Black Iron shackles they're forced to wear, which earned Blackrock prison its name. The mountain on which it was built is rich in Black Iron, a material known for making it difficult and painful to channel magic. One such prisoner that's watched especially closely is Arthur Grimshaw III, or Arthur the Vile.

He was one of the more tame prisoners of Blackrock despite his crimes: misuse of magic, mass murder of Mundies, murdering several Wizards, using illegal sorcery, and worst of all, possessing the grimoire of another, much worse Sorcerer, Arthur Grimshaw Sr, or Arthur the Undying, a Sorcerer who would forever change the magical and mundane worlds the most in history. While he wasn't the cause, he was involved in numerous armed conflicts for his vile magical experiments, including the Iraq-Iran War, the First Nagorno-Karabakh War, the Soviet-Afghan War, and the South Lebanon conflict, all while collecting money from both sides and spilling the blood of hundreds.

He's been in Blackrock for 7 years now, which doesn't even make a dent in his sentence. Since then, his schedule's been the same thing every day: wake up, get breakfast, do activities, lunch, personal time in his cell, final count, dinner, then lights out. But today was different. During those 7 years, he was quiet, obedient, and a model prisoner; he was really planning. Despite its reputation, Blackrock puts a lot of faith in its security guards and its use of Black Iron to dampen magic. The Black Guard was reputed for its coordination and lethality, comprised of 3 divisions of Pyromancers, Shadowmancers, and Spiriters with a few Shamans thrown into the mix. They're relaxed with some prisoners; even Arthur has some wiggle room to occupy his schedule with prison work to keep himself occupied. 

Arthur was currently in the mailroom with another prisoner. He was a short weasel of a man with a hunched posture. He was a gangly, skinny man with short, greasy black hair and bloodshot brown eyes. He looked like the type you'd find in a shady alley doing who knows what. Arthur simply organized the mail, which was surprisingly a lot considering Blackrock prisoners had little to no people who wanted to associate with them.

Arthur: They call you the Weasel, right? I heard you can smuggle things outside of Blackrock.

The man looked up.

Weasel: Who's asking?

Arthur: I am, obviously.

Weasel merely rolled his eyes.

Weasel: Alright, smart guy. What do you need smuggled out? It's gonna cost ya.

Weasel's eyes widened when he saw Arthur channeling magic into a tattoo with a noticeable strain.

Weasel: H.....hey man, you're gonna kill yourself-

Arthur: No, I'm not. You can channel magic even in the presence of Black Iron if you have the willpower to push through the headaches. 

With considerable effort, Arthur pulled a book out of the tattoo on his arm. It was a crimson red book with a gold spine and golden blocks along the edge. Along the cover were golden runes, and connected to the spine was a ribbon with bones and blocks tied to it.

Weasel: What is.....

Arthur: It's a gift for my son. Now, can you smuggle it to him? It takes too much effort to hide this again.

Weasel: Y-yeah.....just hand it here.

Wiping the blood off his nose, Arthur gave the book to Weasel. Now, Weasel was in here not for sorcery or not for murder, he was a smuggler. He used a special form of Shadowmancy to hide small items in plain sight and added a dash of Astromancy to make sure it wasn't found. He smuggled all sorts of things across magical borders: illegal magic items, parts from poached animals, weapons for sorcerers, and even stolen magic crystals. Despite being in Blackrock, he would smuggle small-time items every now and then through letters with his contacts. While he wasn't a talented Wizard, even he could feel the arcane secrets behind the book Arthur just gave him. Arthur left to get more mail, leaving Weasel to his lonesome.

Weasel: This is one lucky kid....

Timeskip
Grimshaw residence
Arthur IV wasn't a man to say much about. Other than his lineage, he was a Magician taught to use magic by his father before his imprisonment. So, his mother supplemented much of his education in magic with friends of hers in the magic world, having owed numerous favors from each of them. They discovered his knack for magic, and it was a race to influence him to join any of the magic academies in the US, even if it was a failed venture. A knock on the door snapped him out of his trance, prompting him to close his book and answer it. At the door was a shady man wearing a coat, which put Arthur on edge. His Magesense didn't see much; he had about as much magic as a beginner Wizard, but he could see his coat was enchanted with who knows what?

Man: Are you Arthur?

Arthur narrowed his eyes.

Arthur: Who wants to know....?

The man raised his hands and opened his coat, carefully pulling out a letter and handing it to him.

Man: Someone sends his regards from Blackrock.

As the man left, Arthur's eyes went wide at the letter. Blackrock is where his father was sent to for his crimes, and letters from Blackrock were rare due to all the security checks. Arthur went into his house and opened the letter.

"Dear Arthur,

How's everything been going? I hope it's been well.

Formalities aside, it took a lot of time and effort to get this to you because I had to go through a rat tunnel to do it. I smuggled you a gift I'd been saving for your 18th birthday, but we know why it's so late.

Inside this letter is a grimoire known as the Liber Daemonarium. It's a book on Demonology that's decently filled out. It has information regarding Hell, Demons, and all things Satanic if unfinished. There are also rituals to get to Hell for you to do in-depth studying because you're a little nerd, but you're my little nerd.

Have fun, stay safe, and remember, you're much better than a Wizard, license or not.

Love, Dad

P.s, channel a bit of magic into your hands and rip the letter, that's to get the grimoire."

Arthur clutched the note, his hands shaking. He cared for his father deeply, considering he's the reason Arthur could live the free life he lived. Up until he was 16, Arthur's life of learning magic was quiet, thanks to his dad being a wanted criminal with a portfolio in each color. Granted, the favors his mother cashed in with well-known Wizards in America helped him greatly, but being pressured to enroll in a magic academy takes a toll on a person, especially when you hear your whole life to never trust the academies. He doesn't condone what his dad did, but he knows his dad did his best.

Arthur: Come on, Arthur, calm down. Dad's just.....eccentric is all.

Following the instructions, Arthur channeled magic into his hands before ripping the letter. Just like it said, a heavy tome fell out. He picked it up with awe, wiping imaginary dust on the cover. He opened the book, taking in the worn pages and that old book smell. Chuckling, he started reading it before coming to a rather interesting section.

Arthur: A....portal to Hell? Wow, Dad really wasn't lying.

Timeskip
Arthur had followed the instructions in the book, which were a little hard since the language derives from the early 19th Century. He drew a circle that was 6 feet by 8 feet to the book's specifications, which involved a lot of intricate symbols. Next, he spilled some blood onto it, which, thankfully, any kind of blood would do. So, he used some Brown Magoc to hunt a deer and use its blood. Currently, he was wearing a simple red shirt and black pants with boots, something easy to move around in to do magic.

Arthur: Ugh, I hate Latin incantations.....Per me si va ne la città dolente. Lasciate ogne speranza, voi ch'intrate.

The moment Arthur spilled a drop of his blood onto the circle, it glowed a deep red before engulfing him in a flash of red light. 

In the Hotel
The light died down to reveal Arthur in some kind of....hotel? His curiosity was short-lived when he came face-to-face with a spear from a rather angry woman.

???: Who are you?! Alastor, is this another one of your goons?

A deer-like demon Arthur could only assume was Alastor, only hummed, his unsettling smile never leaving.

Alastor: Hm....no, I've never seen this boy in my life.

The spear wielding girl felt the cold metal of Arthur's sword against her throat, but it didn't deter her in the slightest. Another girl wearing a red suit with rosy cheeks tried to break up the standstill.

Suit: V-Vaggie, stop! He could be lost or.....or here to check into the hotel!

The now named Vaggie looked at the girl in the suit.

Vaggie: We already have one force of mischief here already, we don't need two, Charlie!

Charlie and Vaggie looked at each other, having a silent conversation, before Vaggie sighed and stepped back. Seeing this, Arthur put his sword between his hands and put them together, making it disappear into his tattoo. Charlie walked up to him with a smile, being only about an inch taller than him.

Charlie: Hi! Welcome to the Happy Hotel, I'm Charlie!

Charlie held out her hand, which Arthur politely shook.

Arthur: I'm Arthur, a Magician.

???: Magician? Like one of those guys on a street corner that makes quarters out the ass?

Arthur looked at a.....rather tall demon with an effeminate figure, but the voice says otherwise.

Arthur: No....as in a magic caster with no formal education but actual training.

Everyone looked to be a mixture of surprised and intrigued. They had seen Arthur conjure and make a sword disappear, but the shock of his appearance hadn't worn off yet.

Charlie: Wait.....are you a Wizard?

Vaggie: Wizard?

Arthur: No, I'm a Magician. There's a difference.

Charlie: What is it? My dad says they're all the same.

Arthur exhaled out of his nose, rubbing his temples to calm himself down. He didn't want to lash out at the poor girl; she's just repeating what she was told.

Arthur: A Wizard is someone who goes to school to study magic; a Magician is someone who is homeschooled in magic; a Sorcerer is someone who practices dark magic and is therefore labelled a criminal, and a Hedgecrafter is someone who learned petty magic and cantrips on their own through trial and error.

Alastor pushed past Charlie and held out his hand.

Alsator: Hello there, my dear boy, the name's Alastor! Quite the pleasure to meet you!

Arthur: Likewise.

The two shook hands, making Vaggie uneasy.

Alastor: What brings you to the fiery pits of Hell? You don't look like a demon.

Arthur: Oh, my father sent me a book on Demonology, and I decided to do a field study with an incantation to summon a portal to Hell.

Vaggie spoke up, grabbing him by the shoulders.

Vaggie: You're a human who came here VOLUNTARILY?! Are you crazy?!

Arthur: No, just hungry for knowledge.

Vaggie looked at Charlie.

Vaggie: Charlie, I don't know how, but you have to send him back.

Arthur: I'll just come back.

Vaggie ignored Arthur, pleading with Charlie.

Vaggie: Charlie, it could be dangerous for him to be here. There's demons that would tear him apart down here!

Charlie took a deep breath, giving Vaggie an assuring smile.

Charlie: Vaggie, I'll admit....I don't know what to do. My dad told me about the Wizards in the human world, and if Arthur's one of them, as he says, then maybe.....maybe he could help the hotel. Please?

Vaggie tried to stay strong, but she could never say no to Charlie, especially after what she's been through. She sighed and rubbed her temples.

Vaggie: Por el amor de Dios.....we have to deal with Alastor and now some.....some Wizard?

Charlie: Cheer up Vaggie, maybe he knows spells to make people happy!

Arthur: I do not.

They looked at Arthur, who had just appeared behind them.

Arthur: I am a man of many talents and many hats, but mentalism or hypnotism are not in my portfolio. But if you'll let me, I'll help you in.....whatever it is this hotel is for, if you help me in my studies of Demonology, does that sound fair?

Arthur held his hand out for Charlie to shake, but the demoness engulfed him in a tight hug, surprising him.

Charlie: Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you! You're not gonna regret working at the Happy Hotel!

Arthur: Right.....so if this is a hotel, where's the staff? 

Charlie laughed nervously while Vaggie looked away,

Charlie: W-well.....you've already met Angel Dust, he's out exemplary patron!

Angel Dust gave a sultry wave.

Angel Dust: Hey~.

Arthur: My word.....this is a trainwreck.

Alastor appeared next to Arthur, his smile never leaving.

Alastor: Right you are, my dear boy! I suppose I can cash in a few favors to liven things up.

Alastor snapped his fingers, making the fireplace ignite and burn away the loose debris. He took out some kind of black blob. It opened a single, large eye before the soot poofed away, revealing a short demon who sweetly smiled at everyone.

Alastor: This little darling is Niffty.

He dropped Niffty, who instantly recovered and waved at everyone. 

Niffty: Hi, I'm Niffty! It's nice to meet you! It's been a while since I've made new friends! Why're you all women?

Despite her size, Niffty lifts Charlie with no effort.

Niffty: Are there any men here?

She spots Arthur and gasps, rushing over to him after putting Charlie down.

Niffty: A man! Wow, this place is filthy! It really needs a lady's touch! Which is weird because you're all ladies, no offense.

She gasped, grabbing a feather duster at seeing the neglect of the lobby.

Niffty: Oh, my gosh! This is awful! Nope! Nope! Nope! Nope! Nope!

Arthur was fascinated by her precision despite moving fast, as well as her size. Everyone hears a new voice and sees a cat-like demon with a hand of cards.

Cat: Hah! Read 'em and weep, boys! Full Hoooo.....

He saw reality distort around him with radio static before taking in where he was.

Cat:......tel? What the fuck is this?

He finally spots Alastor, eliciting an angry purr as he points at him.

Arthur: He even purrs....

Cat: You!

Alastor: Ah, Husker, my good friend! Glad you could make it!

Husk: Don't you "Husker" me, you son of a bitch! I was about to win the whole damn pot!

The pot in question, a jackpot full of money, disappears into mist.

Alastor: Good to see you too!

Husk facepalms while angrily grumbling.

Husk: What the hell do you want with me this time...?

Alastor: My friend, I am doing some charity work, so I took it upon myself to volunteer your services! I hope that's okay!

Husk: Are you shittin' me?!

Alastor: Hmm... No, I don't think so!

Husk: You thought it'd be some kind of big fucking riot just to pull me out of nowhere?! You think I'm some kind of fucking clown?!

Alastor:.....Maybe!

Husk: I ain't doing no fucking charity job.

Alastor teleports behind him through his shadow, wrapping an arm around him with his usual smile.

Alastor: Well, I figured you would be the perfect face to man the front desk of this fine establishment!

He gestures towards the bar he made out of his magic, which Arthur was writing down.

Alastor: With your charming smile and welcoming energy, this job was made for you! Don't worry, my friend, I can make this more welcoming! ...If you wish.

Alastor makes a bottle labelled "Cheap Booze" appear out of nowhere.

Arthur: I'm prepared to sweeten his offer as well.

With the flick of his wrist, Arthur conjures the Apothecary's Satchel and pulls out a few bottles of herbs to make the Cheap Booze look more appealing. Husk just stares at them.

Husk: What? You think you can buy me with a wink and some cheap booze?!

Arthur: And catnip.

Husk:...Well, you can!

Husk just downs the cheap booze, but Vaggie wouldn't stay silent about the addition of a bar to the hotel.

Vaggie: Hey, hey! Hey, hey, hey! No! No bar, no alcohol! This is supposed to be a place that discourages sin! Not some kind of mouth...brothel...man cave!

Angel Dust launched himself at Vaggie.

Angel Dust: SHUT UP! SHUT! UP! We are keeping this!

Arthur: Besides, didn't Jesus turn water into wine?

Arthur helped a pouting Vaggie up as Angel Dust went to the bar, attempting to flirt with Husk.

Angel Dust: Hey~

Husk: Go fuck yourself.

Angel Dust: Only if you watch me!

Arthur: If you have a spare room available, I can make myself a study. I'm a philosopher, so I can assist with therapy sessions.

Charlie pointed him to a room off the lobby. He walked in and saw it was surprisingly large.

Arthur: Perfect. Rothia!

With a clap of his hands, Arthur converted the room into a wizard's sanctuary. It featured numerous astrological tools, a shelf of books, an alchemy station, drying racks for herbs, ingredients in jars, and all sorts of magical trinkets and scientific instruments. 

Arthur: Well?

Charlie: This is amazing!

Vaggie: It's... okay.

Alastor gave a jovial laugh, patting Arthur on the back.

Alastor: Hahaha! This is going to be very entertaining!

https://youtu.be/gWH_xdRAxCg

Alastor conjured a fireball and threw it up, distracting Charlie and allowing him to push Vaggie out of the way before magically changing his clothes into a top hat and tuxedo.

Alastor: You have a dream! You wish to tell!

He twirls Charlie and dresses her up in a 20s flapper outfit.

Alastor: And it's just laughable. But, hey, kid, what the hell? 

He picked up Charlie and tossed her up the stairs, where he caught her and the two began tap dancing.

Alastor: Cause you're one-of-a-kind! A charming demon belle!

They slid down the flattened stairs.

Alastor: Now, let's give these burning fools a place to dwell!

He snapped his fingers, transforming everyone into 1920s themed outfits. Even Arthur got a gray tuxedo and a top hat.

Alastor: Take it boys!

He snapped his fingers again, conjuring demons from his shadow to play instruments. Vaggie tries to speak to Charlie, only for Alastor to pull her into a group hug.

Shadows: Boo!

Alastor: Haha! Inside of every demon is a lost cause!

He pulled a feather off of Husk and put a fedora on Angel Dust, making Husk flip him off and Angel Dust to snap his fingers at him.

Alastor: But we'll dress 'em up for now, with just a smile!

He puts a hat and fur on Vaggie before slapping her butt, making her growl and throw the accessories to the ground.

Shadows: With a smile!

Alastor: And we'll chlorinate this cesspool with some old redemption flair! And show these simpletons some proper class and style! 

Shadows: Class and style!

Alastor: Oh! Here below the ground, I'm sure your plan is sound! They'll spend a little time, down at this Hazbin Ho-

The song was quickly cut short by the door blowing off its hinges, taking Niffty with it. Everyone looked out the hole in the wall to see an airship flying above the hotel, where a serpent demon laughed.

Snake demon: Hah! Well, well, well. Look who it is harboring the striped freak! We meet yet again, Alastor!

Alastor: Do I know you?

The snake demon's ego visibly deflates before he gets angry once again.

Snake demon: Oh, yes you do! And this time, I have the element of.....SURPRISE! Ahaha! I'm so evil!

The airship deploys some kind of laser, which was aimed directly at the group. Alastor looked at Arthur, who was writing things down in the Liber Daemonarium.

Alastor: Would you like to show off your magical talent, my magician compatriot?

Arthur: Gladly.

Arthur flicked his wrist and conjured the Clear Bell, giving it a rather furious ring.

Arthur: Shimmering Cloak!

Everyone was engulfed by a barrier of solid, shimmering light.

Arthur: Fireball!

Arthur conjured a large fireball and shot it at the airship, blowing it to smithereens. When the smoke died down, he dispelled the barrier. Everyone looked at him in shock. Even Alastor was impressed by the carnage.

Alastor:......Well I'm starved, who wants some Jambalaya?

Arthur: Oh I do. I'm quite famished.

Alastor: Well you're in for a real treat my friend! My mother once showed me a wonderful recipe for Jambalaya. In fact, it nearly killed her! Hahaha! You could say the kick was right out of Hell! Ohoho, I'm on a roll! Yes, sir! This is the start of some real changes down here!

As Alastor joked about his mother's recipe, he used his magic to subtly change the sign from "Happy Hotel" to "Hazbin Hotel", prompting Arthur to write in his book again.

Arthur: This has turned out to be a fruitful field study.