Chapter Two
The Future in Death
"Naruto, wake up!"
"Huh? Shit!" Naruto stumbled out of his bed, landing on the floor roughly. "Ahhh, fuck."
After he was judged by Emily, found to be too sinful in life that he could not be granted a way into Heaven, he was cast down into Hell. Deep down, it hurt how the creator of all things would not understand the circumstances that he faced.
He did not care, in the end, as shown when the seraphim had given her verdict.
When he landed in this world, he found it to be nothing he expected from a place of torment and punishment. A rundown city of steel and concrete, with bright signs that advertised every service and business much like the redlight district he lived in. Oddly enough, as he looked around and was ignored by the other Sinners, he felt like this was just like his home.
There was a sex worker on every corner, maybe even a few at the same time, and they were not just women. There were men and even hermaphrodite prostitutes as well, selling and having sex in public alleys. Yup, definitely like the redlight district at home.
Then there was the drugs that were literally sold from vending machines. Every drug known to the world, most of which he couldn't even pronounce if he was honest with himself, were being offered like a snack. He was unsurprised when he found many drugees passed out not far from these vending machines as the Sinners just wanted their fix immediately.
Once he was over finding out about all of that, there was the change in everyone's appearance that had him surprised. He noticed immediately from those around him that, despite being humans, they had been changed into more animal- or object-like appearances. Cats, dogs, reptiles, there were endless combinations. He was no different as well, but his appearance became one that he should have expected and has gone from hating to accepting.
For some odd reason, his face and body maintained a human complexion and his skin gained a more reddish-orange tint to the tanness he usually had. His normal ears were replaced with rabbit-like ears that were completely similar to the Kyuubi, while his blue eyes were now red with a single black slit. His whisker birthmarks were now thick and pronounced compared to how they were in life, and from his tailbone a black-tipped red-orange fox tail was now there.
It seems that from having the Biju in his body, exposing his own soul to the malevolent chakra, has changed him into a fox hybrid in Hell. It was irony at its finest, but he found his new abilities and appearance more appealing than how he was in life.
For starters, his base senses were insanely tweaked to the maximum. He could hear just about anything in the city if he decided to focus hard enough. He could see anything in perfect clarity, his binocular vision perfect for a hunting species but he was finding it most useful in spying. His touch remained largely the same, but he could feel the slightest disturbance around or any him.
What he found the weirdest was his ability to feel emotions in life - like a sixth sense. That did not disappear and instead it had been modified into his sight and taste, literally seeing auras and tasting them. In the time he has spent in Hell, he has been exposed to all manners of emotions - ranging from lust, greed, envy, anger, love, and disgust. He has even been able to tie each emotion to a flavor and color.
"I swear to fuck, if you fell asleep again I'm coming and raping your ass!"
"The fuck?!" Naruto blinked his eyes and scrunched his eyebrows in confusion and disgust. "I'd like to see you try, ya bitch!"
He groaned as he rolled over from his back and pushed himself off the floor. His tail curled around his leg and he grabbed the blanket and pillow that followed him out of the bed and threw it back on. The blanket is dark purple and black, while the pillow was a dark red. They were a gift from his first friend in Hell.
He walked over to his dresser and pulled on underwear, slipping that on easily considering he slept naked, and then a pair of blue jeans over that. He grabbed a simple black t-shirt and threw that over his shoulder before grabbing socks and walking over to his swivel chair. He put on the long socks and then slipped on and tightly tied the laces of his black leather boots.
"Nathan," a new voice from the one shouting at him before spoke from the other side of his door. "Taylor is going to throw a fit if you don't come down right now."
Naruto sighed at that and ran his fingers through his hair. "Alright, alright, tell Tayuya I'll be down in a minute. Thank you, Stephen."
"Sure thing, sir."
Stephen is a young Sinner from the other world, Earth, who was cast down due to him committing suicide. He took himself out because he was being bullied in high school for being gay, a stupid thing to fuck with someone over but apparently that was common in that world. He became a squirrel-like demon, with a fluffy curly tail and small rodent-like ears, and his meek personality fit his small appearance.
Stephen came to work for Naruto as a waiter at his bar and grill, a joint of moderate popularity named Get Wasted and Get Out. Tayuya also works here after he found her fighting in the Cannibal Town section of Pentagram City. She didn't trust or want to be around him at first but after the close call with a former up-and-coming Overlord she had a change of priorities.
Other than that, there is Haku who was working in the Vees territory. Zabuza was nowhere to be found, apparently, and he had given up on finding his former mentor. Naruto gave him a job at the bar, considering the boy was proficient in the ice magic of this new world.
Naruto rubbed his face to get rid of the remnant webs of sleep one last time before getting up and making his way to the door. Opening and closing it once he stepped out, he turned right and made his way for the stairs that lead down into the restaurant. It was a good place, with five rooms on the second floor and another three on the third floor. The first floor is the restaurant that he built with the help of his clones, as this was once a multi-family apartment complex.
He had gotten this place for a good price too, after threatening the landlord into signing it over to him.
"Fucking finally, dipshit."
Tayuya rolled her eyes as she loaded up the dishwasher with dirty plates and cups as the blond foxboy came down the stairs while putting the shirt over his head. She was now stuck in her Cursed Seal form after death, something she hated with every part of her being. It reminded her too much of her service under the snake bastard and how easily she was thrown to the slaughter for one boy.
"Don't be like that," Naruto chuckled and grinned at the girl. "What time is it even? Ten? Eleven?"
"It's three in the afternoon, sir," Stephen chimes in softly as he walks back with more dirty dishes from a cleared table. "And the von Eldritch girl is here for you again."
Tayuya growled at the mention of Helsa and slammed the dishwasher wall down. "Fucking whore."
Stephen gave Naruto a pitying look as he placed the dishes in the loading area. "She wants to talk to you."
Naruto nodded his head to Stephen and gave the boy a smile. "I'll be right out. Thank you."
Stephen shyly nodded his head before scampering to the front to handle the customers. He has long since developed a crush on Naruto, which is surprising as it took a year for him to show it.
"Cute kid," Naruto chuckled before leaning on the sink next to Tayuya with his arms crossed. "So what made you all upset? Helsa doesn't get under your skin this easily, no matter what she says."
Tayuya breathed in before sighing out with closed eyes. "You'll be away for a bit. She has a request for you."
"It's not the first time, you forget what I like to do in my free time," Naruto glanced at her from the corner of his eye and breathed through his nose. "Let me go talk to her."
"Yeah, whatever."
Naruto rolled his eyes as he exited the kitchen to be beside the bar. The entire lobby is full of hellborn and Sinner demons of varying shapes and sizes. The room was always busy with a filling lobby and dining room, making Get Wasted and Get Out the most profitable business on this side of the Entertainment District. But at one booth in the corner near the window facing the sidewalk held the most important guest in the restaurant.
The woman has white tentacle-like hair, part of her bangs covering her right eye. Her eye is a sickly lime green with black sclera, and very minor application of eye shadow and liner could be seen. Her gray skin is beautifully pristine with meticulous care, and her hourglass figure was accentuated by the rock outfit she wore. A lime green, snipped crop-top over a pink bra, black net stockings under stonewashed jean bikini shorts, and bolt-250 combat boots.
"Hey-a, Helsa-chan!" Naruto grinned as he slid into the booth across from the woman.
"Naruto!" Helsa sat up from her bored slouch to grin prettily at the blonde foxboy. "I've been waiting here so long! You don't love me anymore!"
"Of course I still do," Naruto sighed at the demon's antics. "What's wrong, though? You don't usually come by this side of the neighborhood."
"I have a party to attend at King Magne's place today," Helsa gave a pained sigh as if this was the worst thing to happen to her. "I want to attend, but I don't have a date."
Oh, now he sees where this is going. "That's unfortunate, I hope you find someone who can go with you."
He held a neutral face despite the sour look given by Helsa making him feel like laughing. "I'm trying to get you to ask, Naruto!"
Naruto now smirked and chuckled at the girl's huff. "I don't do well in big settings, Helsa-chan. I've just been keeping a low profile since arriving in Hell two years ago, and going to not just any party but the King's party will defeat the entire purpose."
Helsa pouted leaning back in her chair and crossed her arms. "You won't make an exception for me?"
Naruto smiled softly and leaned his chin in his palm as he rested his elbow on the table. He really didn't want to go, quite enjoying the semi-quiet afterlife that was only disturbed by a sudden turf war or by one of the Vees. If he were to show up at one of these royal parties where the big wigs of Hell will most likely all be attending, he will be on more than a few radars.
Is that a tear? Ah, fuck, it is. Naruto could not believe that Helsa was now sniffling to herself, her eyes no longer meeting him or anywhere near him. A tear was sliding down her otherwise-perfect skin, a thin black line of makeup the only sign that it was tears.
"Fuck, okay, fine. I'll make an exception this one time."
"Yay!" Helsa cheered as the blonde sighed but a smile made its way on his face. "I bought you a suit! I want us to match our outfits for this party so everyone knows you're with me!"
A tall bag appeared on the table and from it she pulled out a thin box. Opening it, she revealed a lime green dress shirt with black buttons and a black tie. Next from the box are charcoal gray dress pants with matching suspender straps, long green socks, and black leather boots. He had expected dress shoes typical of these outfits, the standard from Earth, so he raised an eyebrow when he saw the boots.
"I know you don't like shoes, and sandals are a definite no," she emphasized the word with a blank stare at the blonde who only wore sandals typically. "So these boots are fashionable and professional so will be perfect for this party."
"What is the party even for?" Naruto glanced at all the clothing and wondered how she had all of his measurements for the outfit. "And how do you know my sizes?"
Helsa smirked flirtatiously, her green eyes traveling from his eyes down to his body. "I've had plenty of time to make the measurements in my head. As for the party, it's Princess Charlie's seventeenth birthday."
Naruto blinked once. Twice. His right eye twitched. The corners of his mouth curved in amusement. "So, not only is this my first time in front of the aristocracy of Hell, but it's in attendance with the literal Princess of Hell?"
"Yup!" Helsa grinned cheekily. "You already agreed to come, no backing out!"
Naruto's eyes twitched at the sing-song voice of the girl's. "Of course."
"And between you and me," Helsa leaned forward conspiratorially, and moved her hand to the side of her mouth. "Charlie is dating my little brother. Seviathan is a piece of shit and I want you to be there in case I need someone to stop him from ruining the von Eldritch name."
Naruto sighed as he had met Helsa's brother and had a very low opinion of him. He was cocky, disrespectful, and went around abusing his last name. Somehow, he got the attention and love of the heir of Hell but he knew deep down it was through fake kindness, compliments, and gifts. The weakness of any naive, innocent girl.
"I blame the bastard in charge for babying his daughter," Naruto rubbed his face before looking at his watch. "What time is the party?"
"We leave in an hour," Helsa pulled out a second bag that contained what Naruto assumed was her own party outfit. "Can I change in your room?"
"Just changing?" Naruto raised an eyebrow as a pink and scarlet color was emitted from the girl. Strawberry and dark chocolate. Love and lust.
"I guess we have time for more if you want," her voice purred at the end and Naruto felt the hairs on the back of his head stand on end.
Turning around, he only had to glance to the bar and kitchen door to see Tayuya standing there with crossed arms. Stephen and Haku stood to the side with smiles on their faces, but Stephen was more nervous than anything. Green and sour apple surrounded Stephen and Tayuya, while yellow and lemon came from Haku. Envy and Joy.
Fucking hell, Naruto shook his head before turning back to Helsa. "Probably best if we don't. Last time that happened, we had to replace my bed frame and we closed early cuz the noise was being heard down here."
She pouted and blue and blueberry was coming from her now. Sadness, but most likely just disappointment. "Fine. I told you to just leave the bed on the floor so we won't have to worry about that."
"And my customers?" Naruto smirked as he got to his feet and grabbed his suit for the party.
"This is Hell, it should be expected," Helsa retorted as she did the same.
Standing up, Helsa was only to Naruto's chin but that was with the added two-inch heel from her boots. He looked down at her as she made sure she wasn't leaving anything, quickly taking in the chasm between her breasts when she leaned over to grab something on the table.
"Ready?"
"Ready!"
Charlie looked at herself through the mirror, making sure everything was perfect and in place. Hair brushed and in a hair tie? Check! Beautiful, wrinkle-free red and black dress? Check! Makeup? Check!
She couldn't wait to see Seviathan and his family again, especially his parents as they were basically like an aunt and uncle to her. Ever since meeting her boyfriend, they've treated her like one of the family and always invited her out for events and dinners. His sister has treated her horribly, though, always insulting her and her looks and making it seem like they were nice to her out of charity.
"Charlie, dear, the von Eldritchs will be here soon!"
"Coming, mother!"
Giving one last look at her reflection, she smiled to herself before leaving the room. After her birthday party, she will be going to spend the night with Seviathan. After two years of a relationship with him, she will finally offer him the last thing she has yet to do. Her body.
We will continue to the next level!
She had withheld this for two years because she wanted to establish the foundation of a serious relationship. She wanted there to be love beyond the lust of each other's bodies. Seviathan didn't understand and more than a few times trying to have her do something with him. He would eventually relent, but the day or night would not be the same afterwards.
"C'mon, Char-char!" Lucifer called from the bottom of the staircase.
Her father is wearing a white and red suit, with a pink dress shirt, and a black bow tie. He has a white and pink top hat that made him look as tall as his wife next to him. Lilith wore a red dress with black designs, gray stockings with red high heels. Her pale skin with her platinum blonde hair were contrasted with dark makeup.
"They should be here any minute," Lilith smiled sweetly as she watched her beloved daughter come down the steps. "I heard from Bethesda that Helsa had a plus one to bring this time around."
"Ooh, is she actually dating now?" Lucifer hummed curiously as they turned to face the door in wait for their guests. "I thought she's spurned and abused every demon in Pride by now."
"Apparently not," Lilith glanced down at her daughter. "You look beautiful, darling."
"Thank you, mother," Charlie smiled with a blush on her cheeks. "I wonder what type of person could handle and keep the attention of Helsa. She's quite a bi- er, character, y'know."
Lilith shook her head as her daughter caught herself before she could insult family friends, even if the girl was indeed a bitch. She was everything a demon was; cunning, manipulative, prideful, and one of the meanest streaks in Hell. But she had a good head on her shoulders, evidenced by her willingness to play politics with Charlie and the royal family.
She cared a lot about her family and their reputation. She would argue with her brother about him flaunting their status and being the one to date the Princess. Even Frederick and Bethesda were thinking of publicly naming Helsa their successor of their clothing and magic business, as they've been holding off on a decision until they could see which child would be best suited.
"They are here, your majesties," an imp servant came forward and bowed.
"Perfect! Lead them in." Lucifer grinned and looped his arm with his wife's.
Charlie took a deep breath in, before exhaling. Okay. Let's do this.