"Looking dapper as usual!"
Alastor smiled and waved off his cute little assistant, Niffty, looking at himself in the mirror. It was a big day today. Every year, there was a party with all the top heads of hell being there. Common demon folk weren't allowed to join in obviously, restricted to only the heads and their most trusted, but it was a day of celebration for everyone anyways. The usual violence was reserved for another day, and this was one of their few so called holidays.
"Why thank you, Niffty. Go ahead and take the day off..." The radio demon summoned his wallet and took out a few gold coins, handing it down to her. "...and buy something pretty."
"Thank you!" The little minx bowed her head and zoomed off, gone in seconds.
With that, he snapped his fingers, disappearing into nothingness, and appearing in front of the red carpet to the meet place in a black warp. The demons behind the poles greeted him with questions and camera flashes, all of which he simply walked past with class and regality. The attention felt nice from paparazzi once in a while. Walking up the steps, he was greeted by another figure who quickly stole the spotlight.
"My, oh my. They just cannot get enough of us, can they?" It was the king of hell himself: Lucifer. He extended a hand, and Alastor happily took it, the two posing for the cameras.
"Indeed. Normally I'd wipe out this wretched paparazzi, but today, I'm in a good mood." That, and murder would be looked down upon on a day like this.
The two shared some small talk as they both entered the large golden gates where they wouldn't be pestered, then into the large mansion. Inside were the rest of the bosses and other specially invited guests. Relaxing, smooth jazz was played accompanied by the calming sounds of the blood fountain in the middle. Really, everything in the mansion was pure art. Then, he recognized the singing. It was Mimzy. Lucifer seemed to notice Alastor staring and grinned, patting his shoulder.
"Oh, so you're interested in her? You have a fine eye for women..." Lucifer offered a wave to the lady in red, and she gave a wink back in return.
Alastor looked to him and chuckled, shaking his head. "Oh, dear me, no. You know me. I don't..."
"You're not into women? That's fine, I can arrange for some boys..."
"No, no. It isn't that. Every ceremony I've..." Alastor seemed to get flustered. This was the one thing he disliked about this day.
"...avoided the end." Lucifer raised an eyebrow as he looked straight at him, the disappointment on his face obviously a mockup. He was being playful.
"You know, it just makes me feel bad not being able to give you something. Something... pleasurable! Everyone likes sex!" Lucifer spread his arms out, and a few demons around him nodded in approval.
"I just don't see the point of it, is all."
"Sweeeeetie?" Before Lucifer could speak, he was greeted by the lovely sing-song call of his wife. She was truly a doll, both in looks and personality. A queen for a king.
"We need to have a chat. Our daughter seems to be..." The rest of the words became faded out as they both turned away from the radio demon, speaking about something that looked important.
With Lucifer gone, he decided to enjoy himself now, seeing everyone smiling. It was so endearing to see a moment of peace between even the most dangerous competitors, spotting Vox on the other side of the room, dancing, who even offered a wave. He returned it, their differences put aside for the moment. Looking over to the large tables of food set out for everyone, he decided to get some red wine, and saw a familiar person.
"Angel Dust! What a joyous occasion, hm?"
Angel looked over, already taking advantage of the free drinks, wine glass in hand. He dressed sharply today, wearing a brand new white suit with an inner dark pink shirt. Though he didn't particularly look excited himself.
"Oh my!" Alastor pretended to be shocked, leaning back with a horrified look.
"What?" Angel asked, already smiling a little and nearly laughing at the act.
Mimicking the previously almost deadpan face, he brought his claws up to the corners of his own mouth, and drew a smile with his thumbs. His mouth followed, curving back into that trademark, radio demon grin.
"Hmm..." At this, Angel smiled even more widely. Though, he remained reserved, looking the opposite direction.
This honestly surprised Alastor, as Angel would usually always be smiling. He made a habit of knowing which demons typically smiled, and which didn't. Odd, but it interested him how people wore it. The key to it was, whether the individual usually was smiling, and if it was their true smile. Angel struck him as someone who always wore a lecherous grin. His eyes normally lidded, his body language was always suggestive and smooth, at least towards him. But now, of all days, he was the complete opposite. Quiet, and without emotion.
"Angel, are..."
Before he could even ask, Angel was already off walking outside, seemingly ignoring everyone around him. Shrugging, Alastor surmised it was none of his business, turning to a beautiful batch of cookies.
Angel saw him across the room and wanted to get it over with. He was only here for one thing, after all. As with all special invitations, you were expected to show up to the ball. Every single entity with high power would be there, and 'special guests' were a more friendly way of saying, 'you've got some power, but not enough,' not that it offended Angel, of course. The only demons considered for special invitations were decided by the bosses. And right now, he was eye to eye with one.
"Come on, Angel. That's no way to greet your old friend."
"I'm not your friend, Val'."
"Hoho!" Valentino raised his arms away from the two demons at his side who were hugging his sides. "...don't be so sensitive. You knew it was all a game."
"Kiss my ass. I'm done with your shit... and don't you ever bother inviting me here again. Screw this party." Angel practically hissed. "I only came here to tell you to never. EVER. Contact me again."
With this, Angel stepped back, staring him down for a few steps, then scuffed his chin outwards towards Valentino with his fingers. This was all he really came for. The boss gave a shrug and went back to his mistresses, seemingly uncaring about the altercation as the spider made his way straight out of the mansion.
The event proceeded as normal. It was pretty standard in terms of parties; food, dancing, a few games if the guests were feeling up to it, and the very last two activities were the highlights. Alastor looked forward to only one of them. The speeches. It was sort of strange as it sort just spoke to everyone about their ambitions and goals. Or maybe, it could be a warning to the other leaders. It could really be anything, as long as no actual violence took place. This day was simply a break from all of it.
Speech after speech came, most of them unmemorable except for Valentino's, who was very, very drunk during it. In summary, he said: 'Let's all fuck!' Of course, no one did this.
That would come after the speeches.
Then came Alastor. He was the very last, as he preferred it. Going up to the microphone, he danced his way to it, the showman movements coming to him naturally. The crowd clapped in cheered, as with every boss, though his was loudest. The Radio Demon knew how to play the crowd so well.
"Oh, golly! What a lovely set of faces I see here!" Alastor laughed as the crowd cheered once more. Compliments were an easy way to win them over.
"I really don't want to say much. So I won't. It has been such a long party, and I don't want to beat the dead horse with more rot about what I want. Power, money, territories... the oh so intoxicating vices we drown ourselves in."
There was a pause.
"Looking at you, Vox." Alastor jabbed, but gave the TV a point, shaking his head, letting him know it was in jest.
"But really. I'd like to end this speech ceremony on one note." Alastor adjusted the microphone slightly, then sighed in a relaxed manner, closing his eyes. He wanted to say right.
"I appreciate every single one of you. For hell would not be what it is without each other." There was a soft murmur of approval among the crowd, and Alastor stayed quiet for a few moments, letting the message sink in.
"To hell." And with that, Alastor left the stage, waving goodbye, the sitting occupants erupting into cheers.
Shortly after though, the murmurs in the crowd shifted, and Lucifer appeared right on stage with a puff of smoke. Out of nowhere, he made his presence known, standing casually against the podium.
He was smiling widely. A smile Alastor knew all too well. Even if he had lacked the prior knowledge of tradition, it was easily read like a book. Behind him, the curtains opened up, and there appeared a row of beautiful demons and demonesses. Some of the crowd were impatient, already settling for each other and cutting into action. Raising his cane as a signal to listen, he spoke loudly and clearly.
"It's time... for the great annual hell orgy!"