So this one's a biggie. Yep. That's it.
Disclaimer: You know it.
A shadow glided over the alleyways of Hell.
The silhouette, long and ebony, appeared across shopfronts while its possessor trampled the cooling pavement. A steady echo marked each step he made, a noise which flowed freely through the polluted air.
The traffic was of no burden, the rush hour having come and gone.
Soon enough, he was nearing the end of his journey. Leaving the jungle of concrete structures, the only thing around became the large looming shape up ahead.
Even when free of audience, the demon grinned. And why shouldn't he, for there was a reason for his current exaltation. A reason he was going to share once he was in the company of the others.
The clacking of the cloven hooves got softer once the demon stepped off the asphalt, onto the scrappy walkway. The evening light made the Hotel appear a shade darker than usual, emitting a more tranquil tone. With no newly acquainted quests, not much else was to be expected.
Sensing a peculiar presence, the sinner stopped in his tracks and rotated his head. A reptilian gained his focus, standing ways off in the now distant streets, returning the attention. Pivoting to face the neighboring stranger, the red demon waved a hand at the lizard, the movement placid. Not long after, the stranger was gone with a swift exit.
Without dwelling, the sinner directed his smile back towards the Hotel, its grounds, for once, absent of sound. Carrying an entirely different tune, the demon opened the artistic double doors upon arrival.
"Charlie!" He hollered immediately. "I have some news to tell!"
The static made way for silence as the daemon sauntered deeper into the building. The light shone in through the stained glass door, illuminating the horned figure's way. At the same time, it made the dimly lit room appear even darker.
In the lobby, he stopped. The absolute stillness struck him as unusual, for reasons he didn't need to mull over. Searching for any sign of life, he eventually found such a candidate next to the stairs.
Walking towards it, the Radio Demon looked down on the figure before shifting his gaze to the empty bottle next to him.
"Still inebriated?" He asked, focusing back on the cat laying on its side. "You've been like this for a while now."
The feline stirred slowly at the noise. Pushing himself to sit upright, he lifted his face towards Alastor. Fighting to even squint, he eventually managed a groggy reply.
"Angel?"
"...That might be the most vile thing you've said to me."
Husk dropped his head to his chest, as if too heavy to hold. Uncertain of the cat's status, Alastor tilted sideways for better inspection. The most he could determine was how matted the drunkard's fur was.
"Come" He said with an open palm. His back now angled forward, Alastor placed his offering in Husk's downward view. "The floor is not an equitable position for you."
Otherwise inert, the cat's ears tweaked at that. His focus varied, Husker followed the limb up, this time recognizing its owner.
"No…" He deplored, akin to a child. Briefly putting a paw up in rejection, the cat began laying down again with a leaden effort. "I won't… sorry but not again."
The feline wrapped his arms around his torso. Alastor looked on, eventually withdrawing his hand. Straightening back up, an additional pair of footsteps gained his attention.
Descending the stairs, Charlie came into view. "Al? You called me?"
She stopped on the last steps as the Radio Demon walked up to her.
"Indeed I did for the schedule has been updated. Tomorrow afternoon we have a show to put on! So please, do be ready at noon."
"Oh. Okay then."
"Oh and Charlie…" The smiling demon added, halting before walking past her. "The reptilian fellow is back. I thought you said you would handle it."
"We haven't seen him in more than a week." Charlie stated defensively before wringing her hands. "...So no, I haven't handled it. Where did you see him?"
"Fleeing downtown." The demon recited. He resumed his ascension of the stairs. "No worries. I'd be more than happy to handle it next time."
The princess watched the tall demon's departure before stepping off the stairway. On the ground floor, a recumbent shape caught her eye.
Clearly indecisive on how to react, the hostess ended up just staring at the hairy figure. However, in the pitying gaze, there was no shock or surprise. Eyes roaming around the cat's form, they eventually landed on the close by bottle, its white, cool substance making the glass sweat.
After a single droplet slid to the floor, Charlie tore her eyes away to gaze back up the idle stairwell.
The next day
A sole Salvadoran paced away in the lobby. The fireplace, finally made habitable by the new furniture around it, was getting acquainted with Vaggie's complexion. Her anxiety-fuelled voyage was really putting the rug through its worth.
She paid no mind to the artistic paintwork. Once coming up to one, she would simply turn around, her feet taking her across the room to the other. She did, however, mind when she turned and met the glowing face of Angel. She had to pull back in order to avoid colliding with the smug interruption.
"What'cha doin'?"
Vaggie's face was quite the contrast. "Building a rocket."
"Really?!"
"No!" She responded, subtly connoting 'dumbass' as she did. Turning the other way, she almost kicked the little maid who had appeared on that side. The grin on the girl's face made Vaggie's shoulders slump.
"Fighting a mummy then?" Niffty joined.
"What? No." Turning for the third time, she walked towards the fireside. "Just… thinking. And peace would be appreciated."
"Duly noted." Angel said, cracking his back. He then headed for one of the new sofas, to splay himself across its length. "Now that we're at peace-"
The cold, hard, backwards stare that Vaggie sent caused the spider to freeze.
"...Ah, you were being a sourpuss…" He mumbled with faux recognition.
"Hey Vaggie!" Niffty spoke up. She had found a spot on the other couch. "Have you tried smiling?" She also survived the increasingly frosty stare. "Since you're never fully dressed without one!"
Had the furnace been ablaze, it surely would have withered away. Vaggie now faced the two demons.
"Out. Both of you."
The maid and the spider changed looks.
"Shocker, she's pissed." The latter piped.
A tense, judgeful stare and a resounding grunt later, the 'pissed' woman chose to let it go, restarting her pacing.
The two add-ons glanced at each other again before Angel took the initiative. "Sooo-"
"No" Vaggie said, not looking their way.
"You didn't even-"
"No!" Now she was looking their way. "If you're gonna stay there, you will be. Fucking. SILENT!"
And in the silence, there was only one noise.
"Ugh, my earz…"
Everyone glanced at the saloon. Only the cat's head and arms could be seen as Husk had his face planted on the bar, his paws patting his ears. After the dilatory mussing, the clawed limbs disappeared, leaving the head bare. The cat hadn't even opened his eyes.
When the trio turned back towards each other, the silence endured exactly one second longer.
"Don't be like that Toots." Angel pleaded, shuffling to sit upside down. "Can't we just hang, just us girls? Talk about boys and our future dreams?" Pausing, his smile grew. "Maybe some pillow fights in undies."
Vaggie, again pacing, was seemingly in her own world of worry. The responding exhale though gave her away.
"I understand, it doesn't fit your lesbitus-spiritus." Angel continued, following Vaggie's movements from his odd angle. "Might let something slip if you get too comfortable. Something deep within… a dark secret!" He paused for dramatic affect. "Like you having the secret hots for Al!"
The stride stopped with a thump. It made Niffty's snickering die while Angel was busy basking in Vaggie's remarkably warmer glare.
"Heh," He giggled, switching to look at Niffty. "She didn't even deny it."
A thud stirred the entire couch. Angel, pulling his head up, saw a knife sticking out of the soft material. The blade had quite the intimate touch to it.
"AAGH!"
As the spider scrambled to escape his position, a set of clattering footsteps chimed on the floor. Coming to the shaking couch, Alastor's voice cracked while he tread past it.
"You should work on that aim of yours, dear."
Resolving on shoving himself onto the floor, Angel frantically felt his groin for any damage. After deeming his webslinger intact, the spider let his head fall with a deep breath of relief.
A view inhales later: "I'll second to Niffty." Angel stated, a relaxed smile spreading along his cheeks. "You shouldn't be so grim. It's not healthy, especially for others."
A foot slamming next to his head had Angel's smile vanishing. A set of quite-open eyes gazed up as Vaggie crouched, bringing her expressive grimness for them to examine.
"You're lucky I don't want your lay-off prolonged." She seethed, the finger making a return as it was poked into the white demon's face. When no quip was thrown, Vaggie considered herself understood.
"Alright! I'm ready!"
The light voice echoed from the top of the stairs, soon followed by a rapid descending of high heels. Coming to the ground floor, the lobby was warmed by Charlie's ecstatic gushing.
"I got it done. The lyrics are amazing!"
The princess of Hell took in the room, the not so matching joy as well as the vertical differences among the occupants. "Did I miss something?"
Niffty, about to give her bombshell report, got shut down by Vaggie. Motioning the maid to let it go, the mostly composed woman approached Charlie.
"No, you didn't." The Salvadoran assured as she reached her girlfriend. "Nothing serious at least, since I handled it so!" The last part was said with an opposing glance towards Alastor.
The Radio Demon's smile got a bit more toothy. However, the nearby cat gave a more prominent reaction by raising his paws to squish his head under them.
"And that?" Charlie asked, pointing at the incriminating knife erecting from the sofa.
"A missed chance at a good deed." Alastor cut in, suddenly next to the two ladies. He stepped aside to extend his hand towards the front door. "Shall we?" He was looking at Charlie.
"Hold it." Vaggie protested "I need to talk to her first."
With that, she grapped the hostess and pushed her forward. While bemused, the princess complied with being led out of the crowd. In the hallway devoted to the entrance, Vaggie and her gently acquired companion stopped so the former could vent.
"Are you sure this is a good idea?"
The hostess searched her up and down before grinning like a fool.
"Aha"
"Charlie!" The Salvadoran shook the princess by the shoulders. "I know you're excited but I'm serious!"
"I-I know you are," Charlie conciliated, though she kept smiling. "But everything's going to be fine!"
Vaggie wasn't reassured. "You're going into his station, to do his show, at a specific time he appointed."
"Yes…" Charlie enunciated. "Because it's his station and his show."
"You aren't listening!"
Now it was Charlie's arms on Vaggie's shoulders.
"No, no, I am listening." The hostess said assuringly. "Or rather, I have been. Ever since the first time you brought this up."
Vaggie remained doubtful, despite the gentle feedback. "It doesn't make my point any less true."
"No, it doesn't." Charlie agreed, taking a moment to appreciate the care her partner had for her. "Look, I'll be careful." She resumed, a bit of mirth seeping back into her voice. "And as for your upcoming argument: This broadcast won't be like the last one. Because I'll be there to bring the rainbow!" Finishing the sentence with a dramatic fist pump, even Vaggie couldn't help but to roll her eyes.
They stayed like that for a moment. Charlie, with her fist up in the air, stared into Vaggie's eyes with a starlike energy while the corresponding gesture was a set of crossed arms. After the moment passed, Vaggie sighed.
"Okay. Alright." The Salvadoran caved. She then raised her hands to run them along Charlie's jacket, to even out the ruffled spots she had caused. "Just… be careful. And I know you said that but I mean it."
Charlie gave her girlfriend a heartwarming smile. "Razz and Dazz are coming too. So I think I'll be just fine."
A nod was all the girlfriend could manage, her mind still harboring some doubt.
"So cheer up!"
Moving out from Vaggie's side, Charlie gave her a kiss on the cheek in passing, taking no concern in the Salvadoran's frozen state. Coming to the front door, she clapped her hands to summon the two goats.
Vaggie on the other hand was backing away towards the lobby. Her train of thought frozen solid, she had a hard time registering the flying goats or their mistress' departure by the door.
"UUuuu," Vocalized the playful voice behind her. "That must have stung."
"Eah… WHAT?!" With an unhoped-for aid, the ice was broken, bringing Vaggie's focus on Angel. "Were you listening?!"
"You weren't exactly quiet in this high, wide, echoing space."
When the blunt statement wasn't received well, the spider added a couple more steps of space between himself and the danger. An area which was traversed by Alastor strutting straight through it.
"Indeed! You should work on the volume while you practice your aim." Naturally, proposed through a smile.
Vaggie hid no frustration. However, as the red demon went further away, the Salvadoran got less inspired to act on it. The faltering levels of anger left her more tired than anything else.
After the door closed, Vaggie ran a hand down her forehead. A moment later, with her arms settled against her midriff, she turned around.
Angel followed the broody walk. It ended with her taking a seat at the familiar gambling table, head landing in her hands. The spider proceeded to eye the room, first scanning the cat's carcass before landing on the cyclops.
"You know what this means?" He said, gaining the little maid's attention. The ensuing eye contact caused both of them to grin uncontrollably.
"PARTY!"
Vaggie stayed seated, not moving an inch as the coexistent howling proceeded to bounce around the room. Then there were actual bouncing sounds, to which she didn't react to either. For the moment she was set on indifference.
"Finally, we're home alone, without parents, free and liberated!" Angel whooped, lifting his shirt off to fling it triumphantly. Niffty stopped mid celebration to follow the spectacle, her mouth gaping. The spider then continued to throw the clothing away before attaining the center of the room. There, the show began.
And shortly stopped as well once Angel caught a glimpse of Charlie in the midst of his stripteasing. The two locked eyes with quite the awkward flair.
"...Vaggie?!" Charlie called with a mix of inquiry and pleading, never taking her eyes off its cause.
"For fuck's sake" Vaggie muttered before standing up to look down the hallway. "I'll handle it, just fucking go already!"
Taken off guard, Charlie stood stiff at the entrance.
"I… f-forgot the car keys." She explained before starting to backtrack. "But it's ok, we'll just use magic or… something."
The once more closing door brought another sight out of Vaggie. After which she turned to Angel.
"Get out. Now." She governed, not giving a lot of room to protest.
"I don't wanna." The spider protested anyway, crossing his arms over his bare torso. "There's no one to funnoy!"
"There's no one to annoy? Out there in Hell?!"
"No." Angel answered with a shit eating grin. Which he then erased as he veered away from Vaggie. "I'll be all alone…"
"Then… take Niffty with you." She fumed, indicating the girl who was still enticed by the spider. "Hell, take that wreck of a cat, just fucking… leave!" With the last word breaking her voice, Vaggie spun away from them.
Angel's eyebrows rose. He then put a hand on his chin in consideration, his sight drifting towards the bar.
"Well, whatta you know, not a bad idea."
The new destination set, Angel departed from the girls. At the saloon, he casually leaned on the desk, his elbow next to an empty bottle. His target, the lone feline head presented on that same surface.
"Hey"
The cat might as well have had crosses in his eyes with the way he was laying.
"Huskyy" Angel tried a little more, now softly patting the hat-free head. "Vaggie insists you go out with me."
It took some more hand movement before a reaction was achieved.
"Go away." The request came heavy.
"Wish I could." Angel stated, now just fondling the soft fur. "Buut I'm pretty sure Vaggie will kill you if you don't come along."
The cat's body went through a slow reanimation, the first sign being the downward twist of his lips. Soon he was swatting the white limbs away while straining to open his eyes.
"What did I do?"
Angel shrugged at the fuddled question. "Ask her."
Scanning the lobby like a periscope, Husk found Vaggie. She was facing away from them.
"Hey!" He called out, trying to ignore the headache. "What the fuck did I do!?"
The reply was a whizzing sound, cut short by the breaking bottle. The two humbled sinners looked at the shattered pieces.
Angel was the first to turn back towards Vaggie. "Seriously, where are you keeping thes-"
A sudden need to duck made the spider forget the rest. Hearing the blade land some ways away, Angel opened his eyes to see a couple stray hairs flitting down. Standing back up, he and the cat shared the same look.
"OUT!" Came the primal bewailing. And this time the advice was effectuated.
Hand and paw clasping together, the spider pulled the hairy mass over the bar. The cat had a rough landing but, in the haste, was able to recover rather quickly. The two then headed for the front door, all the while dodging any and all thrown objects.
The girls stood still, watching as the boys zigzagged, slid and rolled around the lobby. Or one of them did, the other giving it a respectable attempt while teetering to stay on his feet. Vaggie was out of words at the sight.
At some point, the pair had made it to the door. Angel yanked it open and motioned for Husk to go through which he did, tripping on the threshold. Angel followed behind, slamming the opening shut.
It was only then, when the sound of a banging wood rang for the fourth time that day, that Vaggie ceased to facepalm. Taking a slow, heavy breath, the Salvadoran noticed the remaining soul next to her.
"You're not going to be a bother anymore. Right?"
Niffty didn't respond, apparently still captured by something. Her eye was on the entrance.
"Hey!" Vaggie snapped her fingers. "You listening?"
Whatever spell Niffty was under, it broke. Blinking a few times, she gazed up at Vaggie.
"Did you know Angel was a guy?"
It was said with such astonishment and wonder that Vaggie didn't just drop it. She abandoned the entire thing.
The dynamic duo of the spider and the cat journeyed the streets of Hell. Working the cracked sidewalk, one paced with pride while the other barely paced at all.
Still, Husk was slowly improving, in terms of headache. First massaging his eyes in an effort to clear his sight, the feline then raised his head. Moving somewhat behind the spider, his vision got tested right away.
"Could you put on a shirt?"
Angel pivoted towards the plea, walking backwards. "Distracted, are we?" He probed, proceeding to puff out his chest with his lower limbs. The cat held the spider's gaze, unamused.
The connection got severed once a passerby hit a pole.
Snickering, Angel turned back forward. "Or maybe you're just worried about the extra attention."
Husk didn't reply. And so the two walked in a collective silence, letting the sound of traffic take over. In search of a focus point, the cat viewed a display of electrical screens. Seeing as none of them were on, Husk switched to gaze up into the sky only to regret it a moment later. The headache was indeed slow to improve.
"You can go." The spider suddenly spoke, his tone easy. "Not gonna drag you into any fun activities that might destroy your image." He made a little backwards peek.
Husk didn't stop nor did he react, deciding on remaining quiet. A choice which became harder once Angel added some sway in his gait, a distraction sweetened by their height difference.
"Where are we going?" The cat eventually asked, constrained. "And does it involve clothes?"
"On the floor maybe."
After enough silence passed, Angel glanced backwards again. "And maybe get you a sense of humor since that one was reaction worthy."
It was worth Husker's glare. "Want a reaction? Then say where we're going."
"And we're here!"
Stirring into Angel's behind, Husk reversed with more skill than the hangover should've allowed. The spider swirled around, presenting the close-by establishment to the bristled cat. The slit eyes followed after they were done glowering.
The institution wasn't the most eye-catching on the street, even if unique. With a yellowish and grey pattern, the frontage gave off a dated tone, as if from another era. The spider-web theme didn't do it much good.
Husk viewed the mixture of… style. Before he could comment on it, his focus floated over the sign on the marquee. The slit eyes widened.
"A pub?"
"A pub."
The cat turned to the spider, dumbfounded. Angel just smirked back. "Am I good or am I great? Come on!" About to go to the entrance, Husk stopped him.
"Hold it." The feline ceased. "What the fuck is this place and why are we going inside?"
The insect was quite desisted. "Why, it sounds like you don't trust me?" He took an emotion filled step towards the cat. "You don't think of me as a friend!?"
The cat yawned.
"Alright," Angel dropped the shit. "Been thinking about going in there for a while, need to get something. But I'd like to have someone there if things go sideways." Ending it on a cheerful note, he then finger gunned his partner. "That'd be you."
Husk looked like he was witnessing a visual paradox.
"You're stupid."
"May be." Angel divulged. "So, you're in?"
"If you hadn't noticed, I'm kinda out right now." Husk paused to rub his temple, to ease a sudden throb. "...You haven't asked that girl buddy of yours?"
"Aaat the moment, she's not really… let into these kinds of places."
The raised eyebrow got no further explanation.
"Soooo…" The spider began.
"And what were you getting?" Husk queried joylessly.
Now Angel's brows went up "What you're doing now killed the cat, you know that right?"
The cat didn't dignify that with an answer.
"So, you're not gonna give me anythin'?"
"There probably won't be anything!" Angel expressed before toning down. "Just a quick in and out with hopefully no mess to clean."
An unwanted flavor mixed in with the following eye contact, the statement putting off even the perv. The two drew blanks to an unnatural extent, nearly to the kicking of the feet.
Luckily, Angel's spontaneous grin saved them from that fate. He swayed a finger between himself and the cat.
"See, we're already in sync."
"Fuck you."
In spite of this, Husk began a slouching pace towards the pub.
"You're gonna help?!" Angel exclaimed in surprise, high heels singing as he caught up.
"I'll see it go down, at least." The cat stated, keeping the pace.
"Awesome!" Angel cheered, walking alongside Husker. "And don't worry about the hangover. Once I get what I came for, we're in the clear."
Coming to the black, open entrance, the topless star bowed, making way for the fair feline. Inside, a black curtain came next which the cat lifted aside for himself to pass.
Stepping into the dank, shaded interior, Husk was surprised to find it worse for his eyes.
The layout was pretty normal, with a long bar on the left, some booths on the far right and random tables in the middle, all sections with one or two customers. There was also a simplistic stage along the opposing wall with some items on display. All would have seemed fine if it wasn't for the muddish black and gray colors, flavored with some sparse yellow-neon lights. Again, the recurring web theme wasn't the saving grace.
"I know." Angel spoke, sharing the sight. "With his many talents, an eye for decor is not one of them."
And, as usual, the spider walked off before Husk could ask the obvious. Beelining it to the stage, the stripper ignored all ogling coming from the more vocal clients.
Husk soon followed, strolling deeper into the room while keeping Angel in sight. Arriving by the bar, the cat's ears folded at an acute banging. Evidently, one of the attendants was set on getting a view out of a grainy screen. Aching focus going back to the stripper, the cat slowed to a stop.
With a head shifting several degrees off vertical, the feline watched as Angel began pulling himself onto the stage. Then, quenching any paranoid thoughts, the spider jumped at the wall, reaching for-
"Hello?"
Husk blinked at the sound. Looking around for the source, he found it behind the bar. It was a brightly colored tarantula, one who's humanoid features were solely above waist. Upon discovery, Husk also realized that he had no idea what to say.
"What's your poison?" The arachnid requested, the voice sultry and feminine.
The cat's eyes were open while his mouth was thin and tight. Until they were replaced by a deep frown as he gave it some real thought.
"You fucking with me?"
The radiant arachnid held the gaze for a while, all the way to the reply.
"Excuse me?"
A tap at his shoulder prevented Husk from further interaction.
"You can stop flirting now." Angel whispered.
The cat turned around to find a not-so-subtle pile of weaponry, all stacked in the arms of his partner. The hangover was suddenly the least of his pains.
"Really?" Inquired genuine disbelief.
"Shush" Answered the brains of the operation. Nodding towards the exit, Angel proceeded to power walk towards it, the cat coming behind.
"Hey!" Someone yelled about three steps later. "You can't take those!"
A quick peek showed an increase in the pair's popularity. Along with the guests' attention, there were some employees moving their way.
Heart rate rising, Husk turned back to Angel. "What do you suppose I do now?"
The spider refrained from speaking, though he respected the sneer by winking at the cat. Then, without warning, he stopped and faced those approaching.
"Sure about that!?" He questioned loudly. With some twisting of limbs, the stack of hardware was pulled apart into four loaded submachine guns, one on each hand of the white demon. The barrels were lowered upon the room. "Because the four tommies here will tell you otherwise!"
Needless to say, no soul was coming their way, the lack of argument astounding.
Husk was standing by the door, witnessing the event. An armed spider in a miniskirt, lit up by neon lights, standing before a crowd that previously threatened them. The cat's graph of thought just… wasn't.
He was brought back at the feeling of a dingy velvet being pushed against his face. Paws going up to keep the material away, the drapery parted, leaving the cat defenseless against the blinding light.
"YEAHAS!" Celebrated the gay voice.
Regaining his vision, Husk found Angel springing and whirling about on the street.
"Watch it!" The feline cried, trying and failing to stay out of the spinning cylinders' way.
Angel halted with a laugh. "Easy there, partner! The guns aren't even loaded."
"Whh-!?" The puff of air came out whilst the cat yanked his head from the spider to the pub. "Buht-, They… What about the magazines!?"
"Props." The spider declared, taking one off and tossing it to Husk.
It wasn't caught. Nor did its rattling undermine the heavy breathing of a pissed feline.
"You're a Fuckin' Cunt!"
Angel didn't deny it. He did, however, walk up to the cat with an investigative air.
"Are you… blushed?"
A new wave of heat took Husk unawares.
"...I-I…"
Realizing that he was too short of breath to even answer, he did the first thing he could think of; pushing Angel.
"H-hey!"
Ignoring the oppressive feeling, the cat walked right past the spider with the sturdiest steps of the day.
"Husk?" He heard from behind. The subsequent sound of footsteps was harder to dismiss. A perturbed visage popped into view. Husk proceeded to look away.
"Husker…" Angel tried to play off, the execution half-hearted. It only deepened the cat's features.
"...Look, I… I didn't mean it like that." Angel expressed, getting in front of the cat while walking in reverse. The guns were stacked on his lower limbs so that the higher ones could get the point across. "I was just teasing!"
Yet the cat remained unresponsive.
A moment of one-way staring passed before the matter was addressed again.
"Okay," Angel spoke. "We did something for me. Now we'll do something for you."
The cat didn't sway.
"Come on." The spider urged, trying to introduce some light to the dark face. "You had fun! And no, don't admit it. Just saying… we should do it again."
"You should leave me alone."
Husk hadn't looked up. Nevertheless, the vocal silence as well as the stopping black heels said a lot.
Though, as it turned out, not enough.
"'That what you really want?" Angel queried, once more by his side.
"Didn't I just say that?"
The spider hmm'd a: "No"
This time Husk did turn, to glaringly search the spider's face for bullshit.
Which there wasn't any. A questioning gaze was the only thing looking back.
Prompted to think of an answer, Husk moved his mouth to deliver it. Which soon clamped up, his head twisting back forward in irresolution.
No comment was made about it.
And so the twosome party traveled the streets, the reticence only broken by the occasional nearby crime. They were spared from interactions, very likely due to their claimed spoils.
As long as the silence was, it didn't last forever.
"Well," The spider started, the sound of his clasping hands attacking the air. "I guess it's up to me to decide what we'll do. For you."
It wasn't what Husk wanted to hear.
"I didn't really help you back there." He grumbled.
"Sure you did!" Angel countered. He then jumped forward, displaying a case of Niffty-ism. "So tell me, what is da cat's pleasure? And I've heard them all so no need for whispers and worries. We could start with another pub, or…"
Da cat followed Angel's high-powered prancing. In the many twists and turns that he did, Husk took notice of a dim imprint on the spider's side, brought out by the daylight.
He sighted.
Angel slowed, to further engage Husker. "Feel like holding one of the tommies? Bet you'd liikee iit."
"I'll pass"
"Oh I know!" The spider skipped ahead. "Wanna see how Al hands out flyers!?"
"Dear fellow. Experience an upliftment!"
*Smack*
Behind, Charlie stepped out of the limo, to find a sinner on the ground with a face full of paper. Seeming to struggle with its removal, the princess crouched to help.
Shortly, she and the man locked eyes.
"Sorry about that." She gave an embarrassed grin. "But if you do sign, you'll become an off-"
The form went in two. Then, it found a sanctuary on Charlie's head. The sinner, whoever he was, left the scene to commit another act of barbarity.
Charlie brushed off the shreds. "I thought you were a salesman."
Hearing no reaction, she thought Alastor had already gone inside. Turning revealed that he was waiting by the door, without a speck to cloud his smile.
When Razzle and Dazzle stepped out of the vehicle, the princess started her way over.
They had come to the skirts of the city, a place which was a lot less colorful than the downtown. The buildings were mostly large, and dull, apartment complexes, with a few exceptions of course. One of them being right in front of the happy group.
Walking across the humble courtyard, Charlie analyzed the building that overshadowed it. With its straight, square lines and simple colors, it almost blended in with the neighborhood. What made it an exception was the antennas on the roof, as well as the fact that it was far away from rundown. It also appeared to be quite large for a radio station.
Past the yard, the station's entrance opened, its owner waiting for the others to walk in. And they did, with the goats alert and close to their mistress.
The lobby was a good sized room, fashioned like a gallery hall with old-timey music drifting through it. On the right, Charlie saw it curve into a longer corridor that went deeper into the building.
Illuminated by gentle lights, the princess took notice of the chaste design. While the wallpaper was red and decorative, there wasn't a single picture or an item to be seen. There was a coat rack along with some seats but not much else.
On that note, there wasn't a bit of dust either. Listening closely, Charlie thought she heard noises coming from down the corridor.
"This way." Said the Radio Demon, guiding them to the left which held the stairway. Charlie didn't protest, deciding that it wasn't for her to pry. Afterall, the place certainly felt lived in, even if not equipped with the common belongings.
"Charlie, I've been meaning to ask about that song of yours." Alastor spoke from ahead. "Is it a duet?"
The princess no longer eyed the room, instead focusing on not smiling too much.
"You'd want to? I mean, since it's your show I wasn't sure-"
"Of course!" The red demon assured while stepping onto the stairs, somehow glancing back as he did. "It would be the perfect way to send a message."
"Well great!" With that, Charlie dug out the note with the lyrics. She didn't get to offer it before Alastor had it.
They stayed quiet while climbing the rounding stairs, during which the demon reviewed the note.
"Will you mind if I make some changes?"
"Uuuh…" Was Charlie's quick reply before the smile shone back. "No. Please, go ahead!"
"Splendid!"
And so the note was back in Charlie's hands. Upon going through it, she grew confused.
"What were the changes you wanted to make?" She asked tentatively.
Alastor had reached the apex of the stairs. "Just some light tuning. It's all on my side so you don't have to worry."
"Right," Charlie noted, also coming to the second floor. "And what lines were yours?"
With a snap of fingers, the note received some highlights.
"Seems good!" The princess perked after checking it. With no further comments, she folded the note away to focus on their destination.
The second floor seemed to be a replica of the first one, with it too bending into a long hallway at the end. It also had the same sturdy floor, red walls and dark doors that continued along the left wall. However, unlike the first area, this wasn't just bare bones. Technically.
As if guided by the music, the group turned the last corner to the lofty corridor. On its walls were multiple trophies, all displaying different species and parts of an animal. Some were horns and antlers. Then there were teeth and bones. But most were heads.
Charlie followed in curiosity, her eyes large as she walked on under them. Her gaze eventually wandered onto her bodyguards, who were less than thrilled about the sights. She offered them a quick, happy, thumbs of reassurance before turning away.
They moved past a small table equipped with a softly rumbling radio. Her focus shifting from the souvenirs to the light on the device, Charlie soon looked ahead to find the hallway ending.
It would seem that the corridor went through the length of the structure, given by the two long windows built into its concluding wall. The row of doors ended with the last one getting showered by the light from outside.
When at the end, Alastor parked the group.
"We are here!" He stated, pivoting to face the others. "Are you ready to spark the very hearts of your people?!"
"...Yes!" Charlie expressed, endeavoring to match his energy. With flawed results, mostly caused by him not paying attention.
Having marched to that last door, the Radio Demon unlocked it. He then stepped aside to hold it open.
"Let's get the show going then, to woo those unsuspecting fools!"
That last part was dismissed with an eye roll.
The princess managed a single step before her bodyguards pushed past her, moving to the open frame with a tactful approach.
"Guys! There's no need for that." Charlie tittered, reaching that same spot. Anyhow, they entered the room.
While the two goats did whatever they needed to, Charlie veered away from the studio set, to face Alastor. He didn't seem to mind the extra measures, staying put with his hands behind his back, that same smile on his lips. The light was shining from the further window, outlining the demon from behind.
"Thank you Al."
This unveiled a greater reaction, the intrigue obvious in the demon's eyes.
"I just… wanted to thank you. For helping with the Hotel, for doing… this. It all gives us a greater chance of being heard, a better chance of success. And while it hasn't all gone the way I would have wished…"
A quiet acknowledgement passed between the two, one showing remorse while the other didn't.
"...I still wanted to thank you. And you might not believe in the revival of a soul but I do. Even one such as yours."
The intrigue was gone, replaced by a relaxed set of red eyes. The smile was the same, perhaps with an easier edge. Or so Charlie thought, softly smiling herself.
For a bit, only the 20's melody was in the air.
She couldn't tell how long the moment lasted. Although, it was clear when it ended.
The sound was so distant, so faint that she hardly registered it. It was accompanied by a burst of tearing glass, to which the music buzzed off. Suddenly, she couldn't see.
Blinking a few times to fend off the bright spots, Charlie stepped out of the light. She was rubbing her eyes in an effort to clear them.
The window near the door was hit. Or that much she could tell with her impaired sight. Turning it around, she didn't notice anything else different.
Or anyone.
After another check, she nearly yelled the question. However, the words didn't make it out, dying in her throat as she caught a glimpse of the answer.
Against the hardwood floor, right at Charlie's feet, was a figure. Twisted and crooked throughout, the mass could only be identified as tall and red. It didn't have a face, only large amounts of hair.
Charlie's vocal cords seeked to close in on her. Looking at the hair, she could make out a deeper color, oozing out in a thin line onto the wood.
"Al?"
The world grew unperceived. The sight kept pulling, drowning her. Because of that, the flicking needle on the dark, stationed radio went unheeded.
A/N: *Rapid footsteps approaching* Did I- *gasps* Did I make it!? *Grabs nearest pedestrian* DID I MAKE IT!? *Checks date* ...Holy fucking shit I did it.
Or weeell… technically not because the original thought was to have two chapters ready. But, that was before this one turned into a damn behemoth. But MAN if it wasn't worth it!
So- *gasp*, if you're wondering what I'm on about, basically, I gave myself a deadline. Which, if you've seen my rate of updating, is… unheard of. In a nutshell, I wanted to have chapter(s) for this halloween, plus, I was curious how it would feel to have a time limit breathing down my neck. And after doing just one chapter, well… Now I just want to go out and touch grass.
Seriously though, this one was a fucker. Not only did I blow my entire vocabulary into this (not impressive, I'm well aware) but the amount of rewriting… just… uuuuugh! So many arms didn't get crossed, too many brow-raises were cut… This is more of a cemetery of unfulfilled gestures now that I think of it. Also noticed many, many, repeats of the same formula I apparently fall back on. So I really hope there's not much repetition since I sweated over rooting it out.
Now, about that left turn I took- I mean the story. Hope it didn't come off as messy with all the stuff I threw in there :) Since, there are some clashing tones, most notably in Vaggie's scene. I do feel like saying that this is the most polished chapter yet, buuut, once upon a time I almost claimed the same about the Grand Opening. So eah.
Talking about fuckups, the story has been updated throughout. In total it adds up to a handful of word fixes so mostly cleaning without actual changes. The main reason for it was to change the name of Husker to "Husk" (in certain places). Yep. I fucked up another name. At first I wasn't going to bother with it, even after noticing it AND having a comment point it out. I mean, technically it was a mistake and I said I wasn't gonna fix those. Then I grew brains and fixed it.
So… eah. Think that's my tantrum for the day. The next chapter is something I've had my mind on for a while. I did wanna post it along with this one, even debated doing so by holding this chapter off but that might take a bit. So stay tuned :)
And Happy halloween!
Oh, and delayed congrats to Vivzie for her birthday! Not that she'll see this but it's out there anyway :)
