Time to begin again. Another chapter, that is. ;)

Melody Dear

Chapter Fifteen

Hell's morning sun came through the window in streaks of white. Melody let out a low squeak and a groan, wanting to turn on her side and pull her blankets over her head. Sadly, she couldn't. In fact, just trying to move ranged from difficult at its best and painful at its worst. She groaned again, squeezing her eyes tightly for several moments before cracking them open. Her vision was hazy at first, but then it focused on the familiar ceiling to her room.

"Ah, good to you're awake, My Dear," a smooth and distorted voice said. With more effort than normal, Melody turned her head and found herself staring at Alastor, sitting in a chair by her bed, a cup of coffee in hand.

"Alastor," she said, her voice coming out hoarse. It hurt to talk, but she cleared her throat and continued anyways. "What's going on? And...and isn't that the first thing you said to me?" She asked, her left ears twitching.

The Radio Demon chuckled and adjusted his monocle. "Quite the memory you have, Melody Dear. Do you truly not remember what happened yesterday?" He asked her.

The bat's eyes narrowed, trying to determine if he was just messing with her or not before looking back at her ceiling. Yesterday...her day started early like usual. She cleaned up the grounds, which were still messier than normal, had breakfast, had a Hell Lesson on common low lives, did trust exercises, had lunch, then went to work the flowerbeds, only to have Alastor stop her and make her mow the lawn. She recalled finishing, and she vaguely remembered Alastor telling her to finish up early. What else was there to remember?

Flashes played in her head again. Every strike she and the jungle cats exchanged, every blow that they landed, and every failed attempt she made to keep defending herself. It all came to her so quickly, making her eyes widen and bolt up. She screeched at the pain that shot from her entire back, then making weak squeaks as she tried to stay up and catch her breath.

"No no! Lie back down," Alastor said, grabbing her shoulders and easing her back onto her mattress.

Melody's eyes squeezed shut, and she breathed in puffs and gasps. Her chest seemed to shake as it rose and fell, and was matched by the way her heart pounded in her chest. Her squeaking slowly ceased, but stray tears started falling down the side of her face.

Alastor manifested a handkerchief and wiped her tears, his fingers barely touching her face through the cloth. He set the cloth aside, his eyes glaring at the object with disdain before he looked back at her. His eyes relaxed just in time for Melody to open hers. Once he was certain her vision had focused, he spoke.

"Now, now, Melody. You need to stay in bed today, and possibly tomorrow as well. Those ruffians did a real number on you, and that was before you were thrown into the fence," Alastor told her, gesturing with his cane.

The bat gave him a weak smile. "Is that what they did? They didn't know how to use real offense, so they needed an actual fence to do the job?"

Alastor laughed. "Good to see your sense of humor is still in tact, My Dear. However, best not to joke when the spine is involved. If you were still human, it'd take you months to recover," he said, amused yet calm.

"Well, thank God I died, then," she said.

The two shared a laugh, and Melody looked back at Alastor with a soft smile. "So, what happened after I met the fence?" She asked.

"Oh, I took care of them," Alastor said, looking at his claws. "The people of Cannibal Town will be enjoying a marvelous feast today. I'm sure Rosie will be pleased," he said, his smile and eyes relaxing.

Melody's ears all twitched, and she let out a small, happy chirp. "It sounds like you and Rosie are good friends," she said.

He looked back at her. "Oh, we are. In fact, I make it a habit to visit her at least once a month for lunch or an afternoon tea. She's one of the most delightful demons I've ever met," Alastor said, putting a hand to his chest. The overlord let out a hum, his eyes shifting away from Melody for a moment, then making eye contact with her again. "You know, Charlie wants you to take some time off from work after you heal. Why don't you come along with me, next time? I promise, the food is to die for," he said.

The bat's eyes widened, her cheeks turning pink, and her smile fading. "You want me to go out with you and your friend? Would Rosie be okay with that?" She found herself asking.

Alastor's toothy smile returned. "Of course! Rosie's quite the social butterfly. She would be delighted to meet you, Melody. Especially if I'm the one introducing you," he said, the radio distortion fading towards the end.

Melody thought about it, her soft smile reappearing on her face for a few seconds before faltering back to a frown. "I mean, I would love to. You make Rosie sound lovely, and I wouldn't mind wearing the dress you got me. But I don't think Charlie's program allows for eating demon meat. I'd prefer to stick to it," she said, her ears pinning back.

Alastor laughed, causing the bat's eyes to widen. "Not a problem, Melody Dear. Cannibal Town has the widest meat selection in town, and top quality to boot. Their meats serve most of the Pentagram, and they do offer animals for outsiders. It keeps the town thriving," he said, leaning forward slightly.

"Oh. Well...if that's true, and you two don't mind, then yes. I'd be honored to join you," Melody said, her smile returning, large and warm.

"Wonderful!" Alastor said, standing as he spoke. "Now then, I'm going to make us some breakfast. Do try not to move while I'm gone, Darling," he said, walking towards the door.

Melody's whole face turned red. "Don't worry! I don't plan on it," she said. With that, Alastor left, leaving Melody with her mind reeling.

What was he doing? Why would he invite her out somewhere? Why did she say yes? He didn't have anything kind in store for her, so why was he doing this? He couldn't have decided that he liked her all of a sudden... Could he?

She shook her head a few times before a shot of electricity rose up her back. She bit her lips to muffle the screeches, and breathed through her nose. As the pain subsided, Melody allowed her eyes to close, and she gripped her comforter. That couldn't be right. Not Alastor. He couldn't possibly care about her in that way. He may have been a gentleman, but he didn't give the impression of someone even interested in those kinds of relationships. Friends, acquaintances, and enemies? Absolutely. But Melody could never imagine him even lusting after a woman, forget falling in love with one. Besides, even if he could, she refused to believe it would ever be with her.

Alastor arrived in the kitchen, gathering ingredients for crepes, and humming along to "When You're Smiling." He knew how much Melody had loved this for breakfast. Her face lit up when she first tried it, and she was over the moon when Alastor prepared it a week ago. This little treat would be another step in the right direction.

He chuckled as he began preparing the batter. Why hadn't he thought of Rosie sooner? It seemed so obvious. His old friend was always so delightful, and Melody respected authenticity among those around her. She and Rosie would hit it off, of that he was certain. Perhaps he could get her a gift while they were there. And who knew? Maybe Melody would change her mind and decide to sample demon flesh. Or if not that, just sample the blood. Alastor was no bat expert, but he knew of vampire bats, and was curious if Melody had their appetite.

When the batter was ready, he started cutting the fruit. Yes, this would allow things to become more casual. He could more easily charm her. Melody would start lowering her guard, and Alastor would get a firsthand look at what made the amnesiac tick. It wouldn't happen all in one outing, but it would present him with more options, and open the door so he could manipulate and bend her to his will. Once that happened, then all of his concerns could be laid to rest.

He made whipped cream then took to the stove, thinking up compliments that would make the bat fluster. This was going to be so much fun.

Well, this one is a little shorter than I intended. But, I also don't want to make the chapter a slog. Hope you enjoyed. Can't wait to take y'all to Cannibal Town! :D