passimclamoribus

[ It's a little impressive, Lucifer will give that. Alastor makes a fine, snarling figure of inexplicable rage. Most other demons in Hell would be quaking in their boots to have something like this creature looming over them — and for a moment, Alastor very much is a creature, unthinking fury and a hunger for brutal violence. And then, the next moment, he's not.

He's not, because of the viscous drip of liquid that falls onto Lucifer's cheek. Before he even touches it, Lucifer knows what it is, warm and iron-tinged. Lucifer catches his hat before it can drift more than a couple inches from his head and resettles it. Then he wipes the liquid away, glances at the red on his hand for only a moment. Only a formality with the scent of Alastor's blood and the damp-earth smell of Alastor's power heavy around him.

And the way Alastor reacts to that drip of blood. Well. Things aren't fine. They're much less fine than Alastor would have him believe, if this much posturing is enough to have him bleeding all over his would-be-prey. Showing weakness.

It's fascinating, the way Alastor retreats back into this facade of propriety. As though he isn't the more ravenous of the beasts between the two of them. As though they both don't know.

Lucifer's lips curl up at the corners. He takes longer than he needs to as he licks the smear of Alastor's blood from his fingers.

And then he turns on his heel, presenting Alastor with his back. Offers a cheery little wave over his shoulder. ]

Well, I wouldn't want to embarrass you any more! Enjoy the rest of your meal.

[ Alastor isn't stupid. He is aware that Lucifer now has more information that anyone else ~~save for probably Husk~~ has. Some true insight towards Alastor's recent behaviors. No. Things are not all right. They are very much not all right.

But the thing is? Alastor doesn't have to acknowledge it. Shockingly, Lucifer doesn't rub it in his face. Not too much anyway. Less than the Radio Demon had anticipated.

And what... What is that Alastor had caught from the corner of his eye? Had he just... Really? Really?

For a moment, before he recedes into the shadows, Alastor doesn't know what to think or feel about that. Only that, well. There's certainly something. ]

[ Something that he chooses to ignore after returning to the hotel - after properly feeding himself. This time he might actually bring a few treats back for his own personal use.

It at least staves off the hunger for a time. After all, there is a hunt - for Alastor at least - underway. His focus certainly seems to be the new Sinner that had arrived; the very one that had caught his eye. They clearly had been newly dead given how they behaved and how little they knew about how all of this works.

Which means that this individual thinks that they can approach Alastor without any sort of reservation. The odd part of it is that Alastor humors them. Husk rolls his eyes at the antics that are carried out over the next two weeks. He's aware of what is happening here, but his lips are rather sealed. By all appearances, it would seem that this Sinner is drawing Alastor in. The Radio Demon entertains conversations - civil ones at that. Even touching - at least on an arm or shoulder - without consequence.

It's taking attention away from his usual verbal spars with Lucifer, that's for certain. If anything, Alastor doesn't seem... As into it as he had been. Rather, he isn't putting the same amount of energy that he usually does into it.

And then one evening, he says that he is going out for the night. He already has made dinner for everyone and no one needs to wait up for him. When asked where he is going, Alastor just replies that he is visiting Mimzy to see her new routine. That same Sinner expresses interest and Alastor permits their company.

Too bad it's not Alastor that has fallen to someone's ploy but very much the other way around. This one, however, he won't be sharing with Mimzy either.

This kill is his. But first? Enjoyment. Playing with one's food. ]

[ Lucifer doesn't exactly notice the new Sinner and his attempts to win Alastor over. What he notices is that there's less Alastor around in general. He can have a conversation with Charlie without the demon popping up to shove how vital and necessary to Charlie he is into Lucifer's face. He can get breakfast and not hear a snide comment about some perfectly normal thing he's doing, like eating scrambled eggs. He doesn't find himself snarling up at someone five times a day. And that is downright weird.

Eventually, he notices the reason why. And it's annoying, okay? Sure, Alastor's obnoxious, but this whole half-hearted arguing thing? Not worth the time of day. Lucifer'd rather the demon just skip them entirely instead of give a lackluster performance. So yeah, he's ticked off. Especially when it's obvious Alastor's playing... some kind of game with the new sinner. There's no way Lucifer actually believes Alastor's got the wool pulled over his eyes the way it seems.

Right?

Right, no way. So Lucifer should just ignore the whole thing. Put an end to the half-assed sniping and move on. Alastor obviously has; honestly, Lucifer doesn't know why he's still keeping up the pretense when he's found something more interesting.

More interesting. Ha! More interesting than the king of Hell. Whatever, Lucifer said from the start he had bad taste.

So Alastor's going out to see Mimzy. Lucifer's going out, too — heading in the opposite direction of the dive where Mimzy performs. No need for him to see whatever mess Alastor's planning. Alastor's not the only one allowed to go for a stroll around Hell, and Lucifer is damn well going to enjoy his night free of the demon.

Which is why it's genuine surprise on Lucifer's face when he steps through a door and sees— of course. Of course it's Alastor. Why wouldn't it be? ]

You have got to be kidding me.

[ How quaint! Did someone get turned around?

Of course the place is to Alastor's liking. Not just his either, given that there is quite a crowd. No one can say that Alastor doesn't enjoy the party scene - it's just that his version is entirely different than the rest of the hotel. It's quite lively inside this building, jazz and swing playing. People dancing; it's not that deplorable bump and grind but true dancing. Graceful movements across the dance floor and both partners needing to keep time with one another.

Mimzy singing so it isn't like Alastor had been lying. He is currently sitting next to his evening companion, drink in hand. Chattering away. He is fully within his element here. Naturally that's why he's chosen this location.

It's not Alastor that notices Lucifer, but rather his shadow. Next to Lucifer, the thing shakes in laughter. Looking like a gremlin up to no good. Really, it reflects Alastor's mood better than Alastor himself does. So chances are that is how Alastor will know that the King of Hell is there.

Well. No sense in waiting the entire night. Alastor sets his drink down and stands. He walks towards the dance floor before turning on a heel. His hand goes out to the Sinner in the universal gesture for "may I have this dance." Complete with bow and everything. That shadow's grin only grows larger, showing many sharp teeth as the two take to the dance floor. ]

[ Lucifer's first instinct is to turn on his heel and walk right back out the door. It'd save him a lot of trouble. One less argument with Alastor, probably. Not like their tiffs are on the enjoyable end of the spectrum anymore, he could do without. But he'd turned into this particular doorway because he'd heard the music drifting out. Something older but lively that he rarely hears anymore.

So what if this is Alastor's chosen haunt? So what if this is where he's taking his... whatever that particular sinner is to him. Lucifer doesn't know and doesn't care, and he's not going to be put off an evening of good music just because some upsstart little demon is also in attendance. Alastor's noticed him, hard not to with the shadow grinning at Lucifer and all but daring him to stick his nose in.

Ugh, no thank you. If Alastor has a problem he can come tell Lucifer himself.

(Maybe that'd be something he actually cares enough to put some feeling into.)

So fine, Lucifer does the polite thing and removes his hat — leaving him with just the sinuous curl of his crown as he waves the hat into thin air and out of the way. A little pop of air and he's down on all fours, padding through the crowd until he gets to an empty table. Back to his more usual shape and he makes himself comfortable.

As comfortable as he can be, at least, when everyone's noticed the king of Hell is out and about and wants some face time while he's in their midst. Maybe he should've stuck to the cat form and found a place to perch on the rafters. The constant onslaught of flirty smiles and winks and offers — ugh, some of these demons could use a visit to one of Charlie's self-esteem group sessions — keeps his attention away from whatever Alastor's up to, at least. Even if he's already feeling the headache creeping up on him. ]

[ That shadow oddly doesn't leave Lucifer. It seems rather content to follow the King of Hell around. Alastor and this little Sinner that he's brought with him seem to be enjoying themselves, but not Lucifer, hmm? All those stares and faces. That need to try to obtain something that is well and out of their reach. It doesn't take too awful long for them to stop altogether. A glance to the wall will show that shadow in it's full glory - monstrous and grotesque. Contorted and warding off anyone that would think to draw near.

And if a few rub at their necks well. There might be some reason for that.

At some point Alastor and his company disappear - likely to some back room. Oh one would be aware of such implications, though that is all that they would be. The air in the building does turn tense. It's as though despite the jovial atmosphere, there's a tension brewing - as though something is about to snap. And oh snap it does as a blood curdling scream sounds from somewhere close by. And there comes that same Sinner, pushing their way through. The music stops and everyone turns their attention onto the Sinner, who is holding their side. A side that has a considerable chunk ripped out of it and bleeding.

It leaves a pretty trail, the Sinner stumbling to their feet. Trying to make their way to the door that is suddenly blocked by patrons of this establishment. In fact, all exits now have bodies acting as a barricade as the lights flicker and spark sickly green. It grows darker and darker as Alastor strides into the room, eyes black and red and a brilliant smile on his face. Calm and in control despite the ravenous hunger he now feels.

The Sinner is on their backside. Trying to scoot further and further away from Alastor who doesn't pause in his stride.

"H-how! How did you -" ]

Do you honestly believe that you could pull the wool over my eyes? Convinced were you that you had managed to swindle me? Oh my dear old pal is not so clever as to try something new and different. I knew what you were the moment that you entered the hotel.

[ Now the shadow is giggling again. Enjoying the show from where it still lingers next to Lucifer. No, Alastor hasn't forgotten the man is in attendance but. Well. It doesn't really matter now does it? Alastor really had meant to handle this little matter with no others involved but if it can't be helped...

The Sinner tries to pull themselves up. To yell at everyone to get out of the way. It only makes Alastor cackle, high pitched and without his filter. ]

You seem to misunderstand the situation here! No one here is likely to assist you, little spy.

[ Alastor holds out his hand. A chain manifests itself within. It doesn't link to one individual but nearly everyone in the room. ]

No one here is on your side!

[ It paints the ever darkening room in a different shade of green. Of course not everyone is like Husk. Not everyone is like Niffty. There are those that are ambivalent to the deals that they have made with Alastor but he's not above using his little pawns when it is convenience.

This is a hunt, but it is also something of a show. A show that Vox and the rest of the Vees will see. Alastor exerting his power and control. Crushing anything and anyone who gets in the way of his goals.

He bends down towards the Sinner, grin wide. ]

N̸̛̘̥͖̦̮͈̦̟̘̳̱̬̞̩̭̆͛̿̒o̵͙̳͓̗̻̙̱̅̋̀̽̃͛̋̔̾̓̎͘̕͠͝w̷̡͔͎͈̬̼̣̞͓̳͎̣͑̈́̇̂̔͆̎̏̉́̀͘͝ ̶͎͚̝͚̤̒́̍ͅs̶̟͆̍̾̀͆́͒ḩ̵͚̩͕̹͇̠̍͒̌̔̇̉͋́̆̔ą̶̡̞̦̼̞̲̱̞͎͑͊́͐̒̑̆͛̃̈́́̕͝ļ̵̧̖̖͖͖͖̥̤̠͕̓͐̽̐͒̈̀̍͑̍̚͠l̵̯̝̗̟̪̙͔̰̿͆̎̒̈́̾̏̒̚̚͠ ̸̭͎͔̹̱̻̻̱̜̬̬͎͔̙͌̽́̏̇̐̋̉́̚̕͝͠w̷̢̛͙̤̳̞̹̟̩̺̯̥̙̆̇ë̸͇̟̪̮̜͖̤ ̴̨̧̛̻̖̹̮̠̣̟̫͔̯̱͔̅̆͗̈́̀̂́̃͛͆͘͘͝ĉ̶̟͕̖͕̼̰̎̇́̀̽͆̋ơ̸̪̦̔̀n̸̢͍͇̮̼̠̐͂̿͂͛̑̆͐̓͊̌ͅt̷̛͓̪̫̯̫͔̱̫͒͊͛͑͊͌̀͐̄̈́͑î̷̺͌͒̍̋̑n̴̦̘̜̺̊̒̂͝ŭ̶̠͕̻̂͛̿͋̒̎͒͐̉̃̚ẹ̷͖̱̲̼̬̩̦̓̑̾̚͜ͅ ̵̛̛͔̈́̎̈̀̿̄̆̍̍ẁ̵̞̩̥͑͊̒̈̒̈́̿̓̿̾̋̇͝͝h̸͕̹̩͂͊͘ͅé̵̛̱̘͔̞̄͋̉͆͆̎̃̅̂̔̐͘r̴̨͉̺̝̲̹̪̹̜͕̥̫̤̈̎̓̔̒̍͜è̵̤̺͙͓̱̝̮̦͈̊͝ͅ ̸̬̥̱̮̈̄́̓̀̿w̶̠̫̳̲͔̲̰̺̬͓͈͚̿͂̀̔̀̂̈̇̽̕͜e̵̙͇̱͊̇͛́͋̔ ̴̳̂͋͐̌͐͐̀̇͆̉̅̈͠ͅļ̷͚̬͈̱͚̬̝͇̤̯̫̠͌͜͜ĕ̸̡̛̥͚̬̯̦̙͔̠͈̦̗̰̥̰͛͗̿̎͑̕̕f̸̨̟̱̩͈̤͚̫̌͆̒̓͑̽̀t̵̨̤̲̮͈̩̖̙̘̫̾ ̶̦̙͉̤̤͚̗͉̃̉͂́̄̄͋̎͜͜͝ō̶̲̭͚͇̯̖͌̃̾͂͆̄͗f̵̡̟͙͊͌͒̈̾̏f̷̧̛̗͈͚̪̙̘̘̟̝̲̳̯̦̭̔̀͗͛͌̐̄̿́̆͠?̷̙̻̀̒̓̕͘

[ Before the Sinner can do anything, those shadowy tendrils wrap themselves fully around Alastor's intended target. His meal. They most certainly drag the cornered prey out of the room, barely muffling those cries and screams. It's absolutely divine.

The chains all disappear and Alastor turns on his heel and walks back to deal with the little spy. The rat in the hotel's midst. He pauses only at the doorframe and simply waves. ]

Thank you all for your assistance. Carry on and enjoy the rest of your night, hmmm? I most certainly am!

[ And just like that, the room returns to normal. The equipment starts to play a pleasant little tune. Something light and bubbly and all of the lighting returns to normal. It's as though someone had taken a rather huge sigh; all of the tension leaving the area with that exhale. ]

[ As the throng of give-me's conveniently thins, Lucifer looks around for the reason. He doesn't see Alastor and his whatever — must've gone to a room in the back when he was busy with the crowd. His eyes stop on the hulking monstrosity of the shadow spread across the wall and stretching the floor. Even with a lack of a third dimension, it's very obviously hunching over him, glowering and growling — almost protectively, Lucifer might have said, if the shadow belonged to anyone but Alastor. Huh. So Alastor's shadow is useful after all. Certainly more useful than the man himself. He won't complain about having a companion without compunctions in clearing away the crowd. Already, Lucifer's feeling his shoulders relax, his breath coming a little easier. He hadn't even noticed how tense he'd become until there's only him and the shadow left in a wide ring marked out by its grasping, razor claws.

He can't figure out why the shadow has decided to lend a hand. Why Alastor would, for all that the shadow often seems like it has a mind of its own. The reason certainly isn't out of the goodness of Alastor's rotted, dead heart, and try as he might, nothing else comes to mind. Lucifer's about to try asking the shadow when that nails on chalkboard scream interrupts him — and makes the reason exceedingly clear.

As soon as he sees the bite taken right out of the demon's side, Lucifer knows what's happening. This is just dinner. Dinner and a show, though, very deliberately. Well, when offered the evening's entertainment, who is he to turn it down?

A wave of his hand and Lucifer has one of those fruity drinks with the little umbrellas that he likes so much. He kicks back in his chair and sips as the melodrama plays out. It's all very exciting. Excellent effect, that whole gaggle of chains even if Lucifer finds the whole contracting souls deal gauche. He'll give Alastor his due, the man does know how to stage a scene.

The question really is why. Why the production? The shadow isn't any help, too busy cackling where it's still being his now considerably littler buddy.

There's no doubt Alastor could have kept the whole thing from playing out. He hasn't had any trouble with his previous entrees escaping, let alone going to the trouble of making sure there was a clear warning for someone to see. That someone isn't him, for all that Alastor's shadow made sure he had a front row seat.

He glances at the shadow. Swirls the umbrella in his cocktail before tapping it against the glass, dropping it on the table, and downing the rest of his drink. The glass clicks as he sets it on the table and stands. ]

I take it you're the invitation to the private part of the show.

[ Not a question. There's no other reason for the shadow to still be with him — and Alastor wouldn't have gone to the trouble of making sure he could see the first half if he didn't want Lucifer at the second. For some reason. For once, Lucifer finds himself more curious than dreading what he'll see as he walks with the shadow through the parting crowd — nice touch, that — and follows the trail of blood into the room where Alastor's waiting. ]

[ The statement, for that's clearly what it is, makes the shadow cease its movements. It tilts its head to the side. Then to the next, as though it doesn't understand or maybe it is considering. It then glances towards the door, as if seeking something. Confirmation. Permission.

And then it does, indeed, glide along the floor to lead Lucifer towards the room. Really it's through the door and down a hallway and then through another door.

Alastor is within, though he has taken a seat onto a couch. Cane against the wood and his hands crossed, resting upon the top of it. ]

Well well! It would seem that we have an important guest joining us!

[ His gaze shifts towards the opposing wall. There, that Sinner is strung up by Alastor's shadows. One tendril about the throat. others have attached themselves to limbs, pulling the thing rather taunt as it bleeds. ]

We were just about to get started.

[ What, was this not an invitation already offered? Had Alastor — and by extension the shadow — not considered that Lucifer would stick around? Just makes the whole damn thing even more bizarre. Why put on a show and make sure Lucifer sees it if he didn't want that?

Oh well. He's back stage so to speak anyway, no more time to puzzle over it. With a wave of his hand, Lucifer's got another of his favored fruity drinks. Unlike out in the main room, there's no condensation on it. Back here it feels strangely cold. Another thing Lucifer doesn't think too much about as he takes a seat beside Alastor. Because there are no other seats unless he wants to sit on the floor.

It is very, very obvious what these rooms are meant to be for.

But apparently tonight it's a spot of murder. Lucifer spares the strung-up sinner a glance but he doesn't really care that much, not after what Alastor said during the show. ]

Didn't think I'd get the VIP treatment. [ He's still not sure what to feel about that. Or why he got the special attention. But since he has, he stretches out more comfortable and takes a long sip of his drink. ] Who was all this for, anyway?

[ Who the show was for, who sent the spy. If not for that latter part, he really wouldn't care. ]

[ Some of what goes on in the back rooms have always been handled with far more discretion during Alastor's time. It's one of the reasons that he had picked the location. Well that and it does belong to a couple that had made a deal with him and had been rather pleased with the results.

His eyes trail towards Lucifer, still black and red rather than their usual hue. He leans back further, posture stiff. There's a hum as the king takes a seat and then his attention turns towards the petrified Sinner on the wall. ]

No one of any significance. It was merely time I showed this one's owner here that I don't appreciate little spies being sent to the hotel. Be it screens or fiends, I will not tolerate it any longer.

[ Now he hasn't done anything spectacular yet. Just. Grinning - though his jaw is tighter and Alastor himself is tense. Even his breathing seems to be even, purposefully measured. ]

I'd devour this one whole if they didn't taste so horrid.

[ No one of any significance. Lucifer doesn't particularly feel like prying; this stinks too much like Overlord business, and that's the last thing he wants to stick his nose into. He's more curious about how tightly wound Alastor seems. It can't be because of Lucifer's presence. He did get an invite, after all, even if it wasn't planned. Alastor's had no trouble telling him to kindly fuck off before, he has no doubt Alastor would do it again if he objected to Lucifer's presence here.

Curiouser and curiouser.

Well, don't let it be said Lucifer is an inattentive guest. Before anything else, he conjures up another fruity umbrella drink — unlike his own, this one is mellower, less sugar sweet and more smouldering spice: apple cider and cardamom, a hint of burning leaves, and a dark, smooth liquer. The drink gets handed off to Alastor with a showy little flourish. ]

Huh. So he's just your before dinner entertainment?

[ Alastor goes around eating sinners raw — what makes this one different from his previous meals to the point he's not going to do more than bite a bloody chunk out of his side? ]

[ For a moment, Alastor looks between Lucifer and the proffered drink. It's as though he is trying to figure something out himself. Now he doesn't think that the king would poison him. In reality, Lucifer isn't much for violence and bloodshed unless he's invested.

Alastor takes it, deciding that maybe the alcohol will numb the fact that his chest is burning. Aching. ]

He's been reduced to just that, yes. Though proving to be less and less entertaining with how easy it all was. Little fool genuinely believed that he had lured me in. With that personality? Laughable.

[ Just to reinforce that point, he's snickering. Then Alastor elects to take a drink out of the glass and is pleased to find it is not sweet. That makes it more than tolerable as he allows for the taste to settle. Better than that Sinner anyway. He holds the glass against his chest ~~to hide the fact that he is trying to be discrete.~~ ]

Now what to do, what to do. Do we just leave an arm on his master's doorstep? A head?

[ A grin ]

Ǫ̶̹̉̑͆̐̒ȑ̴̰̀̕ ̷̩̯͔̖̻̈́̎͘͜j̷̤̯̥̏̒u̶͎͗͆͊̑̒ś̵͕̃͊͝ť̶̗̫͌͂͗̈́͆ ̶̠̟̄̈́̚̕t̵̯̙̙͑̕̕͘h̷̩̙̙̦͒ë̸̛̗́̉͋̐̈́ ̷͈̦͎̼͙̉b̴̛̮̻̈l̶̞̯̑̈͋͗ö̶̧̭͋̾̕ǒ̸͓̫̭̳̱͍̂d̶͚̒́́̀́ȳ̷͍̼͘ ̸̢̘̼̙̺̎̿̌͊͘͝ṫ̷̡̹͔̜͚̟̈́͘͘ô̴͔͓r̷̨͉̗͈̣͂͊͐̕͜s̵͗ͅơ̸͎̩̻͒͑̀̊ͅ?̸̠̰̟̘̇͐͂̋̂͛͜

Edited 2024-03-06 02:26 (UTC)

It's hard to believe anyone would think you'd actually act like that.

[ So dry the air goes a little thinner. Lucifer takes a slow sip of his own drink to hide his smile, pleased with himself at guessing a drink Alastor would actually enjoy. Ha, he's not as inscrutable as he'd like to think! The brief moment of smugness vanishes as Alastor lays out his potential plans for the rest of the evening. Which, fine, he gets this is Alastor's idea of a good time even if it's not to Lucifer's taste. He's still not sure why he was invited along.

Oh well. Before they move on to that part of the evening, there's one last thing he has to do. Lucifer leans in to smile at Alastor from up close, wide and nearly guileless. ]

Before you turn him into a torso, I have a question. [ He sets his drink down, a quiet thunk of punctuation. ] What exactly did this spy intend to do at the hotel? [ An ominous pause; Lucifer's smile grows a little toothier. ] Was it something to do with Charlie?

Edited 2024-03-06 18:44 (UTC)

[ He raises a brow at the statement. Alastor understands where it is coming from and yet he can't help but feel somewhat offended. ]

I'll have you know, I was quite the charmer when I was alive. My modus operandi might have changed slightly upon finding myself in Hell, but I am still capable should I set my mind to it.

[ The Sinner is already opening his mouth. Trying to plead or ask to make some sort of deal. Anything that might result in him getting out of this. A tendril slaps over the mouth of the Sinner while others stretch and pull him taught with enough force that the poor thing begins to scream and struggle anew. ]

Ah ah ah! It's rude to interrupt when the adults are conversing.

[ He looks back towards Lucifer as the other leans in. There's a thoughtful hum from Alastor in return. ]

In order to understand that, you'd need to refresh yourself on the political workings of your ring, Your Majesty. It requires knowledge of who currently holds power and how.

[ About Alastor being a charmer (ha! impossible!), well, hold that thought.

The remakr about refreshing himself on the power dynamics of the ring earns Alastor a roll of Lucifer's eyes, but he doesn't lean away. He doesn't care about the politics. He doesn't care about the Overlords and their petty squabbling, or who has which parts of the Pride Ring under their sway. None of it matters, really. Very little in Hell actually matters. Alastor's really making this much too complicated. ]

Do I? The question sounds like a simple yes or no to me. Either he [ the screaming sinner in question abruptly stops screaming as something golden a very, very cold crawls over his mouth, sealing it ] was going to involve Charlie or he wasn't.

[ Yes well. Alastor isn't going to back down either so here they are. ]

He went into the hotel and posed as a Sinner desiring redemption. Of course it was going to involve Charlie.

[ Alastor thought that this much would be obvious. ]

How deeply it runs... Well. How about you ask?

[ It is obvious — and they both know that's not what Lucifer's really asking. It would have been easy enough for Lucifer to lay down wards for the hotel. Extend his power through the ground, weed out those who might be there for genuine interest in redemption from the riffraff who only wanted trouble. But that would be overstepping.

Charlie's a big girl now. He has to let her make her own mistakes. Has to let her learn to deal with the sinners who she'll one day rule in his stead. For all that she believes the best in him, what kind of father would he be if he let her believe they all could be handled so easily?

So no. He'll let Charlie make her own mistakes. Let her learn not to take any shit in her own way. That's why he's not demanding to know who sent Alastor's victim of the moment. Why he's not grabbing at the chains connecting the man to his Overlord master and dragging them out by the roots. ]

I'd hate to ruin your entertainment. [ Tone bland. No, he doesn't particularly want to get involved with whatever grisly plans Alastor has for the poor sucker strapped to the wall by boiling shadow. ] All I want to know is if he was he targeting Charlie. Or was her involvement going to be purely incidental?

[ Wow. Look at Lucifer putting his adult pants on. Are they finally starting to fit well?

Alastor chuckles, brow twitching in a suppressed wince. The movement is starting to hurt and, quite frankly, the Radio Demon is starting to become exhausted. He certainly needs to devour someone and soon to maintain appearances.

He leans away and turns his attention back to the Sinner. ]

If I know Vox like I do, his primary interest is me. At first the subversion would be indirect and then likely attempting to broker some deal.

[ His pants have always been immaculately tailored, thank you very much!

The twitch doesn't go unnoticed. Neither does the way Alastor's movements are just a little... off. Something's going on. Something that can wait for a moment, though.

Lucifer leans back, satisfied. So not a direct threat to his little girl. Fine, then this... Vox person can play whatever stupid games with Alastor he wants. So long as Alastor's taking care of them properly, not letting them actually reach Charlie, he doesn't have to step in.

Really, Alastor should be careful what he wishes for. He probably wouldn't have half as much fun if Lucifer actually started acting like the king he's supposed to be. ]

So he's weirdly obsessed with you and doesn't give a fig about my daughter. Fine. [ A little dismissive wave and the golden gag vanishes. It's all Alastor's show again. Speaking of, back to that thought... ] Why he's so fixated, I can't imagine. It'll be a cold day in hell before I believe you're anything resembling a "charmer."

[ He makes the air quotes. ]

I wouldn't say that, sire. With the hotel surviving and Sinners now starting to consider the redemption angle more seriously, do you not think that the Overlords are going to be pleased?

[ A roll of his eyes. Short sighted indeed. ]

With a possibility of redemption and now someone willing to put their immortal soul on the life for them, that means souls no longer under their control. Vox is only getting a head start.

[ But he also doesn't really want anything to happen to the hotel. So there is that. Alastor doesn't want to actually play games with the safety of the hotel or those that actually live there. So yes. He will manage those threats. ]

I never thought you had much taste, so I can hardly be surprised that you can't wrap your itty bitty brain around it.

[ You know what? He honestly doesn't care about this Sinner any longer. Alastor already knows the little games the Vees play. So with a snap of his fingers, the tendrils yank and pull. Screaming and the popping of bones follow. It's a raw, wet tearing noise that fills the room as Alastor makes good on his promise to rip the Sinner limb from limb. ]

Ugh. [ He slumps down in his chair, not even trying to hide his pout. ] This is why I find it so hard to believe in you sinners like Charlie does.

[ Of course he believes in Charlie. She's better than him in every single way. But believing in anyone else, well. He'll do anything to support her, but he's still having trouble with that. The motley little crew at the hotel (excepting one demon currently in his company) is all well and good, but they're hardly the norm for Hell.

He's trying real damn hard to keep this new streak of motivation and looking on the bright side going for the exceptions. ]

There's still more than plenty of souls in Hell for you Overlords to squabble over. [ It's not like the overpopulation problem has gone away! Petty assholes. ] What does it matter if a few of them decide to try to get out of this crap hole? It's not like—

[ Whatever else he's going to say is interrupted by that abrupt drawing and quartering. Delicately, Lucifer wrinkles his nose and fishes a handkerchief out of thin air to wipe a spatter of blood off his face. ]

Yuck.

It would appear that you and I can agree on that much.

[ Who would have thought? But that's probably where it ends. If Lucifer doesn't understand the further reaching consequences of redemption and what it would mean for Overlords, well then that just shows how out of touch he is. Alastor really doesn't feel like explaining it.

After all, he could care less. the Radio Demon can always make more deals. It doesn't matter how small or large the deal is, after all. A soul might provide an exponential boost, but if that soul is gone then there goes that power. Smaller deals, like bribes or favor exchanges linger even should the soul leave. Sometimes it pays to play the long game.

Instead he enjoys his drink and the little show, giggling. The static in his voice is a little louder than usual - muffling the strain and the toll that all of this is taking on his body. ]

Well then! I suppose I have a few more errands to run before I turn in for the night.

[ He reaches out towards Lucifer before that bit of cloth can touch his face. A thumb swipes at the blood before Alastor's tongue cleans off the digit. ]

Hmm. That made it somewhat more palatable. That was a fellow I would not invite for dinner.

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