"Alastor!" Vaggie called over to the Radio Demon as he headed for the entrance of the Hazbin Hotel just as she was about to start the day's activities as morning was passing and they all had breakfast though what, Alastor usually ate disgusted her. "Where are you going?"
"Why to fulfil an obligation, my dear." Smiled Alastor twirling his mike staff before tapping it on the floor. "I have accepted the task of babysitting the child of, Stolas Goetia. We made an arrangement at the gathering yesterday. I shall not be gone long. Take care." With that Alastor left the hotel and, Vaggie only shook her head in disbelief.
"There is no way that one of the Goetia Princes would ever trust that pendajo with their child! He would soon serve up the kid like a roast to feed to his friends in cannibal town!" She attested. For that Alastor was there was no low he wouldn't go just to entertain himself. She felt poor for the child that belonged to Stolas he may not see his son again!
A Knock had come to the Palace doors of the home of Stolas and the Prince already having prepared himself for the meeting between many of the high ranks of the Goetia was at the door and opened it up to see it was Alastor giving him a toothy smile. It made the Prince cringe knowing full well of the Radio Demon's history at least an extent of it but this was desperate time.
"Hello Alastor. I wanted to express my thanks for your wanting to babysit my son. But can I trust he will be safe and unharmed?" He asked and the Radio Demon's smile widened as he fiddled with his staff tapping it on the ground.
"Why, of course!" He snickered. "I can assure you he will remain with me. He will not be out of my sight, and I will ensure he will have day unlike any other."
Stolas nodded. "Very well then…" He was cut off when a Limo arrived through the gates of the palace and, Stolas glared at the vehicle. He knew exactly who that was and he despised seeing the sight to the vile bird he was married to for seventeen loveless and cruel years.
Stella when the limo was stopped she climbed out from the rear left passenger door with her long white dress hanging loose. She was ready to put the plan into action as discussed between, Paimon and her brother but when she looked up the stairs and saw the Radio Demon was talking with Stolas her mouth fell open.
"What is he doing here?!" She pointed at Alastor realizing that if the one hell's most mysterious and vile overlords was there it could only be for a particular reason.
"I am here to care for the young boy that his majesty requested for a sitter. I have offered my services and the conditions for the task is reasonable." Grinned Alastor giving Stella a vile look with his razor teeth showing on full display.
"How dare you bring him here! How much more will you dissatisfy and shame our family name!?" Screamed Stella pointing at Stolas marching up the stairs until she was facing both, Stolas and Alastor.
"You're not family anymore, Stella. Your only here for the obligation of having, Octavia for time that was agreed upon nothing more. My Affairs and choices of sitters for the child I took in is not your concern!" Retorted Stolas but Stella would not hear of it.
"The Divorce may have divided us, but we still are Goetia and the more you associate yourself and any kin whatsoever with low class vermin such as this we are losing more of our reputation due to your actions!" Spat Stella directing towards Alastor who's eye twitched. He had always been called many things and nothing could ever hurt him but for someone to speak to him in such a manner he had killed those for less but, Stella had to stay alive for now.
"Might I retort." Alastor cleared his throat stepping in front of Stolas looking at Stella with a deep glare his teeth glowing, and his eyes turned to dials with a reddish aura appearing around him with insignias appearing giving a very nasty towards her. "You will do what you came for and leave!" He warned. "As to the duty I agreed to uphold there will be no declaration against, Stolas or his child!" He bellowed loudly giving off a nightmarish look causing, Stella to stumble back in fright and she miss stepped off the stairs and stumbled down before she fell back onto the ground and, Alastor returned himself to normal just as, Octavia came out from the doors missing what had happened only eyeing her phone heading for the limo without acknowledging her father, Alastor or her mother who just got back to her feet wiping her dress off when, Octavia entered the limo.
"You will regret that!" Stella warned before stomping off into the limo and screaming could be heard from the closed doors as the limo sped off out of the palace courtyard.
Lucius was slowly coming down the stairs as he was not really looking forward to this babysitter. Seeing Alastor at Belial's was rather scary. He looked menacing and untrustworthy. How could Stolas agreed to let him be his babysitter. He was scared and only after awhile of staying in his room did he finally work up the courage to finally come down missing, Alastor's frightening of Stella.
Hearing the clatter of feet coming down the stairs the two demons opened up the doors wider to see that, Lucius was finally coming down. "Well, hello there my little friend." Greeted Alastor.
"Uh…hi." Lucius replied nervously.
"Lucius!" Stolas smiled gesturing the boy to come to them, which he did though he was very slow about it. "Now then I must take my leave. I cannot be late. Do listen to your sitters instructions. Do not disobey him. I will be back by the end of the day."
"Alright. I'll do what he says." Sighed Lucius feeling that he was back in the burning bedroom again with, Alastor right next to him a something about him was truly menacing not to mention his appearance. That Smile he had did not seem friendly though it appeared as one.
"Wonderful." Stolas petted the boys hair and left waited for his own vehicle to arrive, which it did within moments driven by his own loyal servants. He gave his child one more happy glance before the vehicle drove away leaving, Lucius alone with the radio demon.
Alastor saw how nervous the boy was. The Aroma of his mortality was easily taken in by his powerful senses. This would be quite the day with him.
"Are you afraid of me, Child? Please be honest." He asked closing his mouth hiding his teeth not wanting to scare the boy any further though he did enjoy seeing the fear in others.
"Yes...I am." Sniffled the boy trying to sound somewhat brave, but he couldn't. It was impossible but he was met by laughter from the radio demon.
"The fear maybe warranted but I assure you there's nothing to be frightened of by me. I have been assigned to care for you. And I will do just that. Do not be afraid. Might I know your name?" Alastor asked.
"Lucius, sir." The Boy said after clearing his throat standing up straight.
"Pleasure to be meeting you. Quite a pleasure. I am Alastor. Most know me as the Radio Demon. And Its good to be making your acquaintance." Alastor replied extending his hand to the boy and being polite, Lucius shook it. He noticed how Alastor's hands were nearly claw like. He could do tremendous harm with them, and it made him all the more scared despite the assurances by the Radio Demon.
"Thank you. Shall we go inside?" Lucius was about to step back into the palace but, Alastor stopped him holding out his staff.
"No. This is not a day to spending time inside your home. You need to be out. Come along we shall see the sights and I'll bring you to my place of work after." Alastor gestured out to the city but that made, Lucius nervous.
"But Mr. Alastor I was told that I shouldn't go out. I was lucky when I found myself teleported somewhere where a good group of demons brought me back but if I go out in public that maybe a bad idea." Explained Lucius but Alastor chuckled.
"As I said do not be afraid. You have been put into my care. And your father said to listen to my instructions, did he not?" Smiled Alastor giving the boy a rather caring look.
"He did." Lucius nodded remembering what Stolas did say minutes ago before he left.
"Then come along then. You need the exercise. Children should not always remain indoors. How can understand the world around if one only sees it from the window and not beyond it?" Chuckled the Radio Demon as he walked down the stairs and, Lucius followed him though every bone in his body was telling him this was a bad idea, but he could not let, Stolas down.
They left the palace courtyard and exited out the gates and walked down the sidewalk. Alastor humming a soft tune from his radio like voice that was a bit of a melody for the boy to hear but, Lucius remained very close as the streets were filthy and the sounds of screaming and yelling about filled the air. He had gained the attention of hundreds of eyes that came from all sorts of demons who were both surprised and dreadful seeing who the little Goetia was next by. The Fearful Radio Demon that all accept the newcomers of Hell knew to stay as far away from as possible or better yet off themselves before they could find themselves in the clutches of the most vile being in all of Hell. He had hundreds perhaps even thousands of souls under eternal contracts from those foolish enough to make a deal with him.
But the Goetia walking with him didn't seem to appear to be under contract. One could almost tell if someone was under the Radio Demon's control, which he was not. To take control of one of hells highest hierarchy's as a hostage or take what valuables he has on him. A Few lowly demons tried to act casual sneaking up behind the boy but, Alastor was quite aware that many of the eyes watching them some were getting rather bold. Stupid all the same for believing they could try to pull one on the likes of him and with his responsibility right by him.
With a flick a snap of his hands some imps and sinner demons who thought they could get an easy grab were suddenly snatched by a series of tentacles and before they could even scream they were gagged and pulled through the portals the tentacles came out from.
Lucius thought he heard something from behind them as they walked along but when he looked there were some demons that were running in the other direction as if something frightened them. But other than dirty streets there was nothing at all.
"Did you hear something Mr. Alastor?" Asked Lucius.
"Not at all. I see your quite formal. Peculiar traits for a child in such times. Though quite captivating." Alastor smiled as they walked across a street towards what appeared to be a park. There was a lot of greenery and graveled pathways. Rose bushes and even birds about. One could not have imagined that something like that would have existed in hell.
Lucius's gaze went all over the park and Alastor grinned again seeing how the boys' curiosity was taking him over. "I see your quite surprised. Did you expect something else, my boy?" Alastor but his hand over the boys shoulders making him wince from seeing his long finger like claws over him.
"Well…yes. I didn't think that this place could have anything like this at all. Its not what I imagined or even believed, Mr. Alastor." Admitted Lucius as they walked over a small bridge over a tiny flowing stream.
Alastor continued to smile, not once changing much of his expression which made Lucius to continue to feel uneasy. This Demon was completely unreadable. How could always smile? "Oh, how those from above tend to know so little. I can see truth in such feebleness wouldn't you agree, Lucius?" His voice sounded a lot more devious as if he knew something about the boy that he was not letting on.
Lucius got even more nervous stopping in place looking up at Alastor guiltily. He had to keep silent, but the truth was easily seen through the boys troubled eyes. Alastor only chuckled. "There now no need to fret about it. Come along I wish to introduce you to a dear friend of mine." Alastor continued on with the boy as they left the park behind. Entering another part of the city which, Lucius only just noticed a sign that read "Cannibal Town."
"Cannibal town? As in a place where people eat other people?" Asked Lucius frightfully.
"Why, yes." Alastor answered that grin of his never leaving his face. Lucius was completely scared as he tried to cease his steps but, Alastor insisted they keep going. The Streets around were surprisingly a lot cleaner. The Demons had changed as well. They looked more human. They wore clothes that seemed to be an old-fashioned models from decades past. Despite having sharp and pointed teeth and some had some blood stains on their clothes all the demons around them were going about their day raising and tipping their hats in greetings. Stands giving out balloons to children of the same demons that were around them.
Again, Lucius was dumbfounded. Cannibal Town he expected to be an even worse sight before the park, but it was clean and substantial even the buildings were undamaged. "Wow! This place is…a…" The Boy tried to find the right words to use. "Clean. And the people here are not like other demons we saw."
"Quite, my young friend. You will learn all there is about the domain you now call home. There is much for you to understand, and you will have to be smart. Learn to know who can be of good acquaintance and ones that should be avoided but more will come in time." Alastor said as they walked up to a boutique and he was about to head for the door but, Lucius ran ahead and opened the door for him. Alastor smiled again but this time out of satisfaction. Already the boy was showing a good form of manners. Opening the door for him without asking and out of politeness instead of fear which he normally gets.
"Thank you." He said to the boy with a soft ruffle of his hair until putting his hand on the boy again leading past a few more of the town's residents coming up to lone female demon that wore a large sun hat and a dress that seemed far out of time. Lucius was not all too familiar with attire of all ages of history, but he knew little enough to know what was modern and what was not.
The Woman was sipping on a cup of tea keeping posture as a proper lady would but when her eyes caught, Alastor she hastily set down her tea cup on a counter and went up to the Radio Demon.
"Alastor! How good to see you!" She greeted happily her own sharped teeth grin almost riveling, Alastor's own.
"Rosie, my dear. The Pleasure is the same. I have paid a visit as I wanted my young friend here to meet you." Alastor gestured to the boy next to him. Rosie only could make out the Owl within a regal looking outfit and there was only one group in hell's hierarchy that are of such class of the same race of many types.
"A Goetia child!" Rosie beamed. "My, my you always knew how to charm your way in any class, Alastor."
The Radio Demon only took his monocle off and blew it clean before putting it back over his right eye. "Its only a natural, Rosie. One should always attempt to continuously move their way through this domain of ours to find more ways to upkeep their reputations and exceed upon it."
"Oh, of course." Chuckled Rosie having known Alastor all too well. She turned her attention to Lucius who was quite afraid moving behind, Alastor's legs but he gently pushed him out from behind him. "Hello sweetheart. I am Rosie Who might I ask who graces my boutique with his presence and in the company of, Alastor?"
Lucius was nervous but he stood straight and bowed slightly. "I am Lucius Ms. Rosie. Alastor is my babysitter and he insisted I come with him out to town instead of staying home. I have to say your town and boutique is quite fabulous. I really love how you designed this place."
Rosie giggled. She enjoyed the flattery especially from the sophisticated Goetia family. She may not know how Alastor truly had done it but it was quite nice to finally see the rather reclusive goetia's have one of their own in the company of her dear friend.
"Well, are you so sweet. Can I offer you something to eat? Maybe a finger or a toe?" Rosie offered which made, Lucius's eyes go wide looking up to, Alastor pleadingly.
"Perhaps my young friend here would prefer something on the sweeter side and not once belonging to another once living being?" He insisted.
Rosie smiled and nodded coming up behind a counter and pulled out a box taking the top off revealing a series of chocolate bits towards the boy.
"Is it alright if I may have one?" Lucius asked.
"Why, of course! You may. Pick out one for yourself." Offered Rosie and Lucius found one that looked to be the most delectable one and grabbed it not too fast and brought it up to his lips. He immediately though that chocolate could be a covering for something he would not have wanted to eat but the chocolate was nothing more than just a tiny size bit that only needed soft chewing to swallow it down.
"That was delicious. Thank you very much Mrs. Rosie." Lucius thanked taking a napkin handed to him by, Alastor who wiped his mouth clean and put it in a waste basket near the counter.
"Oh, your quite welcome. Sweetie. Do you wish to stay for tea?" She asked but Alastor shook his head.
"A Delightful offer but we have plans we must attend to. A Pleasant day to you." Alastor bowed politely and, Lucius did the same though he wondered what plans was, Alastor talking about.
"Right…Thank you again for the chocolate, Mrs. Rosie." Lucius said again and the Overlord of Cannibal Town smiled kindly.
"Of course. Take care you two. Come back anytime." She waved off Alastor and the boy as they turned and left again, Lucius offering an open door for the Radio Demon. They said nothing for a time as they left the town and went back into the city with all the other demons that seemed to be less hospitable than those back in the more pleasant place of the entire city.
Finally, after they walked down a few city blocks Lucius finally had to say something. "Mrs. Rosie was very nice." He admitted.
"Quite so." Alastor agreed looking down at the boy with satisfaction.
"Your very well mannered. I am quite surprised." Alastor complimented.
Finally a smile of the boys own appeared on his face besides having eaten a piece of candy from a generous overlord. "Well, I always try to be respectful. Even after what happened to me I always tried to be polite."
Alastor chuckled in delight. "That is well Lucius. You bare quite good fortune. Now allow me to show you the humble establishment where I assist in running." After turning another block Lucius saw a grand building that was shining with illuminated lights with shapes from cards and heart shaped figures on the front part of the building. Above it on the middle looked to be a giant key with a single eye and in big words upon a board said "Hazbin Hotel" upon it.
"Wow! You work at a hotel?" The Boy gasped in awe. Other than the palace where he lived he never saw anything look so grandiose. The Building itself stood out among the entire city. It seemed a lot more welcoming than most other places they walked by.
"More than that. I help run it with none other than, Princess Charlie." Explained the Radio Demon as they walked passed a large statue that looked to be a dragon of some sort in front of the doors and, Alastor gestured for the boy to follow him inside. Taking more of a look at the Hotels surroundings it looked to be a cruise ship was connected to it on its right. The Building all the more looked to be something of wonder but what was the hotel for?
They entered the lobby, and it was so grand there was nothing much to say other than how incredulous it looked on the inside. A Fireplace on the far right while it looked to be a bar on the left with elevators and staircase leading up to the second floor.
A Familiar looking woman came running down the stairs when she saw, Alastor but was surprised to see that he wasn't alone.
"Alastor! Why did you bring him here?" Charlie, who had just finished up the morning activities for redemption was coming to the lobby for a break when she saw her hotel's co-manager.
"Why I offered my assistance in babysitting this child on behalf of, Prince Stolas and might I say he has been fine company so far." Alastor explained as Charlie came up to them both giving the boy a kind smile.
"Welcome to the Hazbin Hotel, Lucius." She greeted warmly.
"Thank you, your highness. I didn't know you were running this too!" Lucius replied but Charlie only gave him a more welcoming smile.
"Please no need for formalities. You can call me Charlie." She said. "Yes, I founded this hotel in hopes of redeeming my people for anyone willing to give it a try so that they may go to heaven."
"Is it really possible for that to happen?" Lucius asked not sure how one can go to hell then heaven if they are good enough but isn't it all eternal?
"We may not yet but we shall try." Charlie winked at him. But then she noticed his lips were quite dry.
"Would you like something to drink I am sure Husker at the bar can give you something." She offered to the bar where what seemed to be a winged cat was polishing drinking glasses while there were two others around the bar. One looked to be a child like him being how she was his own size and another familiar looking demon tall and thin and wearing clothing that, Lucius saw once before.
"May I go get a drink? I have some money in my pocket." Lucius asked but Alastor only smiled at him though he never stopped smiling which was still giving the boy an uneasy feeling. Did he ever not lose that expression?
"No need. You're our honored guest. No money necessary run along and take a few minutes I need to talk with, Charlie here." Alastor gestured with his staff pointing to the bar and the boy went over to it but before he got close the little demon that had only one eye saw him, and she ran over to him laughing happily.
"Oh! Look a new guest! He's my size! He looks fun! Not a bad boy though!" She groaned sadly but then laughed again hopping around the boy excitedly. "Who are you?"
"Uh…Lucius and you are?" The Boy replied slowly walking towards the bar, but the one girl was still hopping around him.
"Nifty! We're going to be good friends!" She snickered evilly but then the tall demon at the bar having finished his drink turned on the stool and his eyes widened.
"Hey! Lucius little buddy!" He beamed and, Lucius saw it was Angel Dust!
"Angel! Hi, I didn't think I would see you so soon again!" Bubbled Lucius running past, Nifty getting next to the Demon who lifted him up onto the stool next to him rubbing his head.
"Whatcha doing here?" Angel asked but then noticed Alastor talking with Charlie. "Smiles bring you?"
"Yes. He is my babysitter today." Answered the boy.
"Ah! Well, that's new for him." Laughed Angel. "Husk! Can you get my friend a drink? Nothing strong just something his age?"
"What do you want, kid?" Husker the winged cat asked putting a small empty glass in front of the boy giving him a somewhat nice smile, but his deep voice made him sound gruffy.
"May I have a soda please?" Asked the boy and within seconds the glass given had ice and the demon clicked open a can filled with sweet fizzy liquid and poured it into the glass filling it up to the top with a straw added to it.
"There you go, kid." Husker said tossing the empty can away.
"Thank you Mr?" Lucius thanked taking a quick gulp of the iced soda he was given looking at the demon behind the bar.
"Husker." The Bartender spoke his name.
"Thank you Mr. Husker." Thanked Lucius once more as he continued to slurp up his soda and, Angel gave the boy an asking look cocking his head trying to see if any of them especially, Alastor knew the truth about him which, Lucius shook his head making give a sigh of relief. It was best for everyone else not to know the truth it was for his own safety.
The Four of them chat and laughed lowly at some jokes while keeping everything appropriate by, Angels asking. No need to taint the boys mind with anything one his age doesn't need to know until much later in life. But then Alastor came next to the boy.
"Pardon me. Would you like to see where I host my radio broadcasts? Offered Alastor.
"You make broadcasts?" Asked Lucius but Alastor only laughed so hard his teeth parted making his maw hang open for a moment.
"Why, of course! Wouldn't my title as the Radio Demon be that obvious to you?" He pointed out and Lucius realized how foolish he was looking down embarrassed but, Angel only patted his back. He was just a kid after all. Not too much thinking logically yet but he was not going to make fun of him for that none of them were only, Alastor who helped him off the stool.
"Only I must ask you don't touch anything." Alastor bent low looking at Lucius straight in the eye letting him understand the rule given and the boy nodded with a drop of sweat coming off his head.
"Lovely." Grinned Alastor and he took the boy to a room filled with all sorts of radio equipment which he used to announce his broadcasts across the city and all of hell itself. Lucius was again amazed and quite impressed with the layout and how, Alastor was much resourceful than he thought, and he did what was told, not touching a single thing which pleased the Radio Demon further. The Boys manners and obedience was to be commended. He may just be someone of great worth for the future. Someone worthy of his time and perhaps some guidance if not some protection as the little mortal in disguise will need it.
But as hours had passed it was time to take the boy back home and after saying goodbye to the others, Alastor had teleported himself and, Lucius all the way back to the front doors of, Stolas palace. The Boy was shocked by the sudden teleport as it just left him in darkness for a second and then back to familiar ground.
"Your Guardian will be home soon. I trust our outing was pleasant?" Asked Alastor humming a soft tune between his teeth and, Lucius smiled but then looked sad.
"What is the matter, Lucius?" Asked Alastor concerned.
"I owe you a huge apology." Whimpered the boy but the Radio Demon leaned down to him.
"What would that be for? You have done nothing that requires a notice for the Prince when he returns or a disciplinary measure." Alastor said.
"Its just I thought you were someone to distrust. I was scared of you, and I feel bad I didn't believe you at all and I had fun and you introduced me to many nice demons, even one I knew. I'm so sorry Mr. Alastor." Apologized Lucius but the Radio Demon just patted the child's head chuckling.
"You have been well behaved. No apologies are necessary for feeling as you have. Its natural. But you have been decent company and I have been very impressed. Now run along now I must soon take my leave. We shall see each other again in due time." Alastor opened his arm up and, Lucius hugged the demon around his waist and, Alastor hugged him for a moment before releasing him letting the boy go back into the palace just as, Stolas arrived back in the same vehicle his servants drove him in.
"Greetings Alastor." Stolas waved up to the Demon who nodded back at the Prince. "How was Lucius?"
"Oh, a most gratifying and well-mannered child. Certainly, one of the most pleasant children I known. Not like the many I knew in life. Quite fascinating how in the modern times there is one child among its masses that possess a rare trait of good manners." Alastor pointed out hinting that he knew a lot more than what any would believe.
Stolas eyes went ride in realization. Alastor somehow knew the truth. There was no lying to him. "How did? You cannot…" Retorted Stolas fearfully but the Radio Demon just put up his hand assuringly.
"Do not worry I do not intend to tell another soul. It will be our secret." Promised Alastor. "The Boy's future is in your hands. I advise to watch him closely for the future has many surprises in store for the sake of the boy do watch him and make sure he stays healthy it would be a great misfortune if something would befall him in hell." Alastor warned. "Well then I must be off. Farewell my fine feathered friend. Should you need my services for watching the boy I will gladly offer them. Our Arrangement has been fulfilled and I will gladly continue to offer my assistance for the boys care when you're not around."
Stolas nodded though he did not like it that an overlord of hell now knows the secret too but, Alastor was known to keep his word which meant, Stolas could only hope he would as the Radio Demon departed and, Stolas went into the palace to see just what, Lucius and Alastor did together while he was gone.