One Helluva Victory (Helluva Boss/Hazbin Hotel x OCs)

Chapter 25: The Sheriff.

In the dimly lit room, Lewis lounged in his chair, his booted feet resting on the desk. His eyes, concealed behind closed eyelids, darted restlessly beneath. Shadows played on the walls.

Aliza entered, "Someone's looking for you, they're from Wrath."

Acknowledging her, Lewis swung his legs off the desk, his movements swift, "Give me a second." Hitting a concealed button, the room transformed. Panels whirred and spun as a hat stand emerged from a hidden corner. It was joined by a collection of Wild West memorabilia, creating a stark contrast to the otherwise dark room.

Aliza remarked, "You really have an obsession with the old West..."

With an indifferent nod, she exited the room, closing the door behind her. Then a few seconds later a figure appeared, clad in a pristine white cowboy hat. Meanwhile, Lewis remained nonchalantly seated at the desk, his booted feet resting defiantly on the tabletop, an oversized hat casting a shroud over his eyes.

Observing the unspoken signals, the man in the white hat quietly placed his hat and a black duster coat on a nearby rack. Aliza's departure sealed the room in an air of expectancy as the man gravitated towards the table, awaiting his turn to sit.

Lewis inclined his head, positioning himself in a way that only his left eye was exposed, a calculated gesture of secrecy. "Name?" he inquired.

The newcomer nodded, revealing his identity, "Sheriff Capone."

At the sound of the name, Lewis's intrigue lifted him from his reclined position. He greeted Capone with a subtle chuckle and a marked change in accent, adopting an American accent that masked his typically distinct South English tone. "Well, I'll be damned, that's a helluva ironic name, Mr. Capone. Names Dolus. What can I do for you today?"

Capone nodded, "Mr Dolus, I heard you resolved a problem not too long ago at a little place called the Rough n Tumbleweed Ranch." Lewis nodded. As the self-proclaimed Sheriff continued, "I want to propose that you help me make my ring a safer place, for pay of course."

Lewis's smile remained as he delved further into the conversation. "Wrath, huh... do you know someone by the name of Striker?"

Capone's throat tightened, his apprehension evident as he responded, "Only the most feared assassin in Wrath."

In a swift and decisive movement, Lewis stood up, "Is he one of our targets?"

Capone's nod was the affirmation Lewis needed, "Only if he gets on the wrong side of the law."

Lewis's inquiry delved deeper. "Laws in hell?"

The ravaging fire of duty in Capone's nod filled the room like a warm embrace, "I have been maintaining a few towns, and implementing laws..."

Lewis's demeanour changed again, sending ice-cold shivers through the air, combating the warm feeling in front of him. He removed his hat, turning away, a sense of unease thick in the air. "You're no sinner..."

Capone was taken aback. "What do you mean?"

In a flash, Lewis spun on his heels, his Oni face revealed to the tall imp. The room was engulfed in a dark aura; an overwhelming malevolent force filled every nook and cranny. Capone almost stumbled backwards, his trembling hand reaching for his revolver, hesitating as he attempted to draw. Lewis's lightning-quick movements kicked into action as a sudden blast echoed through the room.

Capone's revolver shattered into pieces as Lewis smoothly holstered his own. "Your draw isn't bad. But it's not winning any awards either."

Capone rose to his feet, still visibly shaken. "What was that... that horrifying... thing?"

Lewis wore a sly grin. "When you make a deal with me, I always make sure I come out on top. However, that does not mean I neglect the other party, equal exchange often brings about prosperous times, as someone I once knew said." He paused, reaching for a lever-action rifle from a nearby rack. "I'm a man of many talents, with numerous connections, a multitude of soldiers, and countless deals made."

Lewis deftly flicked the lever action rifle around his finger, spinning it with practised ease. The metallic click of the mechanism echoed through the room. The rifle cocked a round as Lewis scrutinised it, still speaking to Capone. "So, now do you know who you are dealing with?"

The Sheriff was deep in contemplation, fully realising the gravity of the situation. "I do," he finally replied, his voice unwavering. "The offer still stands."

Lewis grinned, his eyes gleaming with a touch of cunningness. "I want to be made a sheriff, not a deputy. I'm willing to train any deputies you need. However, I will not bring anachronistic weapons to Wrath while a Sheriff."

The Sheriff nodded, the determination in his eyes not wavering in the terror that was Lewis himself. Rising to his feet. "Done," he declared firmly, extending his hand.

Lewis met the handshake with a firm grip and a nod. "It's a deal then."

***

Lewis made a striking entrance as he rode into town on his jet-black horse. He was clad in a sleek black cowboy hat that cast a shadow over his piercing eyes, a crisp white shirt accentuating his imposing presence, and a black jacket with the sleeves roughly cut away for easy access to his weapons. His attire was completed with a matching pair of black trousers, giving him the unmistakable look of a gunslinger.

A revolver was holstered on his right side, ready for quick-draw action, and a lever-action rifle was securely fastened in the saddle, an intimidating sight for anyone who dared to challenge him. As he entered the town, the townsfolk couldn't help but turn their heads, their whispers carrying the weight of both curiosity and apprehension.

At the moment, Lewis had taken on the face of an imp. He'd concealed his characteristic fangs, and with magic, he'd even added a pair of curved horns to his head. A stark white scar marred his neck, a detail on his form not even he could control, and slashes across his cheek gave him an intimidating, battle-hardened look.

With his horse standing patiently nearby, he halted in front of a rugged, weathered building. Lewis skillfully secured his horse to a nearby pole, ensuring the animal wouldn't wander far.

As he tethered his horse, the distinct sound of footsteps echoed towards him. A low voice called out, "Dolus."

Acknowledging the voice, Lewis raised his head, his eyes meeting those of the man who had called him. "Capone."

More lightly armed men emerged from the building.

Capone descended the creaky wooden stairs that led to the porch, his weathered boots echoing on each step. Approaching Lewis, he extended a badge with the word 'Sheriff' engraved on it. Lewis accepted it with a firm nod, recognising the significance of the badge.

With a brief exchange, Lewis responded, "Let's get to work."

As a group, they ventured into the building. Inside, a sense of urgency filled the room. One of Capone's deputies took the lead, directing their attention to the pressing task at hand. "We need to commence the raids immediately. Who's our primary target?"

Capone's head bobbed in agreement. "Currently, we have no knowledge of any of the gangs," he admitted, "however, our most wanted is the Rodriguez gang. They are guilty of murder and human trafficking."

Lewis affirmed his understanding. "If they attacked within the last week, I can track their escape."

Some of the deputies expressed their scepticism, raising an eyebrow. One of them remarked, "That's not possible."

Lewis met the comment with a focused expression, then he turned away ignoring the deputy. "So where did they last attack?"

Capone nodded and confirmed, "A ranch just outside this town, we managed to injure one of them, but they got away."

Without hesitation, Lewis strode out of the building, "We don't have any time to waste." He forcefully pushed the door open and mounted his horse. "Mount up. We'll find the bastards."

The group swiftly rode out of town.