Alastor teleported himself into the lobby. The closet door was open but empty. He had hoped to catch Husker before going in but was either too early or too late. He poked his head inside and felt himself smile at how terribly cramped the space was. Just as he had planned.
"I must express my gratitude."
Alastor stiffened, but didn't jump, wouldn't let himself. He turned slowly to see Nick behind him. Arms crossed, head ducked with a smirk and those dancing eyes.
"You're just as accommodating as I expected."
Alastor stood a little straighter, leaning on his microphone cane. "I did what I could in a pinch…old friend." His voice had dropped tinny and low. Dangerous.
Nick was unfazed. Even laughed much to Alastor's chagrin. "You're due for a one on one yourself. You haven't scheduled one with me-"
"I'll be passing, I'm afraid," Alastor cut over him. "I have a bit of prior engagements that influence my ascension. Nothing you need to concern yourself with."
Nick paused, his expression growing curious. "Well, a chat then anyways?"
Alastor gave a curt nod as shadows began to swirl up around him, taking his leave.
"If I were a more open man I'd admit you're hurting my feelings." The words came quiet but quick and the shadows sank back to the ground. Alastor felt his smile drop. Nick was still regarding him cooly but something behind his eyes had shifted. He shook his head dismissively before continuing. "After all of our fun… I'll admit I find it… poor sportsmanship that you've yet to ask me about how it was after I caught you."
Alastor visibily hesitated. If he could have blushed, he would have. He cleared his throat but didn't know what to say. His executioner looked on in silence.
"Al!"
Charlie's voice made both men jump as her shrill cry filled the room.
They watched her scramble to the television, turning it on, Vaggie and Angel Dust also running and jumping over the back of the couch.
"I TOLD YA its just started, get it on," Angel urged. Katherine drifted in as well but more confused than urgent.
"What is all-" the angel started but froze.
"And we have a special guest with us today on 666 News," Katie Killjoy's voice permeated the room. "A former victim of the Radio Demon himself and a current resident at the disastrous princess's Happy Hotel here to spill the tea on-"
"Angels," the cyclopian demon's voice rang out from the TV. "They have two honest to god angels there."
"Wait..Angels..so…" Tom's voice cut through.
There was a hiss and yowl before Katie's voice again boomed, "Two angels in hell. Absolutely insane. But I have to ask, i this is hopeful why are you here to…"
"It's got to be a trick. Overlord Alastor murdered me in cold blood on earth, and both the angels know HIM. Like they were sent just for his benefit. His mom and some other guy that seems a bit too friendly if you catch my drift-"
Nick and Alastor suddenly refused to look at each other.
"-I don't know what's going on but it seems shady to me." she continued.
"You said…his mother?" Tom's voice cut through. There was a wave of static that washed through the room and the tv sparked and went black.
Alastor's eyes were glowing. Everyone seemed frozen in place. "Get my mother somewhere safe", he hissed, before vanishing in tendrils of shadow.
