Sorry for the wait. Action scenes are difficult for me to write, so this was I couldn't finish it in my usual time frame. With that said, I hope you like how it turned out. :)
Melody Dear
Chapter Twenty-Five
The Wither marked the end of Melody's second week of training. It went back and forth between weapons, martial arts and magic training, but as with many things she was taught, she learned quickly. Her evasive skills had improved, and at least with melee weapons, she could put up a good fight. Especially with her spear.
Her powers took a bit of time. Focusing on what made her whole was difficult in the heat of the moment, especially when they were training her to fight. This changed a few days ago, when she began compartmentalizing her abilities, essentially pairing them with the people of the hotel. Her vines made her think of Cherri and Angel, always quick to lend a hand when things got crazy. Any roots she made reminded her of Husk and Vaggie, trustworthy, wise and not easily beaten. And her trees reminded her of Alastor and Charlie, who were strong, dependable and safe.
She couldn't grow her shadow plants quickly yet, but doing this did allow her to more easily help herself and anyone she was training with. Like right now, when she used a vine to grab Angel so he could escape Alastor's tendrils.
"Thanks, Mels!" He shouted before turning the shoot the appendages.
"No pro-!" Melody screeched as a tendril landed, barely able to dodge it in time. It moved to strike again, but she summoned roots to make a shield. She was grateful that Alastor wasn't really trying, because him not trying already made things difficult. The thought of him putting in effort during these spars sent a shiver up her spine.
"If you can't talk and fight at the same time, Dear, then save the chatter for later!" Alastor ordered before snapping his fingers.
Melody's ears straightened and she began running, green explosions going off behind her as she crossed the room. They were so loud that she almost missed the sound of metal, lowering and turning in her direction. She jumped off to the side, dodging blast after blast from one of Pentious's lasers.
Up in the rafters, the others watched. Cherri, Vaggie and Husk cheered Angel and Melody on, while Niffty watched with sadistic delight. Charlie on the other hand looked at her facility manager with a sharp grimace. "Um, Alastor?" She called out so the deer could hear her. "Isn't this going a bit TOO FAR with the training exercise?" She asked as Alastor caught Melody's leg and threw her to the other side of the room.
"Whatever do you mean, My Dear?" Alastor asked, his eyes never leaving his "opponents." Oh, he forgot how much fun this was. Just toying with people who thought they had a prayer against him. It was always a delight, and the reptile he had helping him managed to make it even better. Somehow Pentious was proving to be competent assistance in... Actually, not battle, no. The notion made Alastor laugh. But he was good at making training at least a little more difficult for the others. Lower stakes and a good outcome for everyone seemed to be the way to make him useful.
Such a shame Alastor had no use for any of that.
"Well, if things get any more intense, you might hurt them," Charlie said right as Angel got blasted back by one of Alastor's explosions.
The overlord chuckled. "Oh, this won't leave them with more than a few bruises, Charlie. Besides, if there's no risk of getting hurt, then they can't protect themselves," he said, moving another tendril to lunge at Melody. The bat dodged him a few times then jumped back again, managing a full back flip without stumbling or landing in a way that caused discomfort.
"That's it! Perfect form, Melody!" Vaggie cheered. "Keep at it like that and dodging will get easier." Vaggie said, eye brimming with pride.
Melody would have replied if Alastor didn't lunge a second tendril at her. She growled, dodging the assault as her eyes turned white and the cracks on her face spread. Her shadow spread to the tendril's and up one of the columns. Black vines crushed Pentious's gun before firing down and trying to bind the slippery appendages. Alastor laughed, initially not giving any real concentration so the pieces could break free. But, as Melody ran pqidgassed them and towards his general direction, he found an ounce of effort was necessary to break free. So, with a flick of his wrists, his tendrils snapped her vines. In the same instance, Melody outstretched an arm, forcing her shadow to spread towards Alastor. The moment his tendrils were free, Alastor felt the shadow connect, and with it, a tree sprouted faster than those prior.
He jumped back, stunned that she could get him to move at all. Then he looked back at Charlie with a wide smirk. "You see, Dear? Have a bit more faith!" He said twirling his staff before slamming it onto the floor. His tendrils re-emerged, green electricity coming off of them, and rushing towards the tree to destroy it. Alastor made short work of it, only to find three more growing around him, their roots spreading in his direction.
Alastor's grin tightened into a smirk. Seeing Melody take the offensive gave him a strange sensation. Like he had witnessed an explosion of some kind, and simultaneously like he had found a pond at the perfect temperature to cool off on a hot day in New Orleans. The feeling was somehow just as pleasant as it was exhilarating. And the rush it brought him was beyond measure.
The Radio Demon cackled, using his tendrils against the trees and his staff to destroy the assaulting roots. It was still too easy, but by Hell was it entertaining. Although it did beg the question on how Melody had done all of this. It was a more complex attack, one that required her plant powers to work quickly. Where a moment of hesitation could make it all fall apart.
"Alastor! Look out!" Pentious yelled.
"Hm!" Alastor said, eyes widening for a moment before locating the next assault.
It was Angel, standing in the center of some new tree roots, firing bullets at Alastor from behind. Such a thing was simple to deal with, a mere flick of his cane to stop the bullets and to stop the spider's onslaught. However, the roots shielded him, almost completely protecting him from the blast, even after most of it burned away. Alastor fired another blast, but the spider leapt back, grabbing onto branches and vines as they grew. Alastor's eyes never left the spider, and he began sending his tendrils after him. The trees began to collapse as Angel moved away, each attack getting closer than the last. But, just as they were about to connect, something hard made contact with Alastor's face, making him stagger back, struggling to keep his balance.
The crowd in the balcony cheered. "Way to go, Mel!" Cherri called out.
Crimson eyes widened before Alastor turned his head and located the bat. While Alastor had been busy, she grew more plants to spread her shadow farther. The shadows of her plants created more ground for her to grow them without strain. Melody had grown vines over the column closest to Alastor and used them to execute a kick that would have sent other demons flying.
Alastor wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and noticed a small bloodstain on it. The strange sensation came back in a smaller wave than before, but it still excited him. She drew blood while versing him. It took quite the effort, but she managed where most all others had failed.
He started laughing. Two weeks. What she managed in two weeks, most sinners couldn't pull off in two decades.
How much more could she do? He had to know.
He turned his gaze and found Melody manifesting a vine from one of her trees, using it to swing away. Alastor waited for the moment. The moment she swung up, letting go of the previous vine that swung her into the air. And as she began descending, that is when Alastor chose to strike.
That is when he destroyed her trees.
"Melody!" Charlie yelled as the plants disintegrated. "Alastor, you have to stop!" She cried as the overlord snapped his fingers. Tendrils spawned from the floor, right in the direction Melody was heading into.
Alastor ignored Charlie, instead calling to the falling bat. "Unless you intend to sprout wings, My Dear, you best summon something to help yourself. Otherwise, this could be a grizzly end," he said, anticipation filling his being.
What would she do? What could she do? Would she summon her powers again to shift her trajectory, or was she doomed to land in his grasp? Would she try to catch herself only for it to be too late? He needed to see it. Just how much did Melody have at her disposal like this?
How strong was she, truly?
Melody descended towards the tendrils, the air of the room whipping against her face. She tried to create something from her shadow on the ground, but she was moving too fast. She tried stretching it into the shadows of the tendrils, but it wouldn't connect. She had to plant a vine or root somewhere. Anywhere. But she had nothing solid to stand on or grab onto. The only thing she had was herself.
Purple eyes snapped wide.
She only had herself.
Then maybe...
Lavender irises turned bright white, willing for something to be planted within. It didn't matter what it was, but it had to come from her. Not a vine, not a root, not a tree. She wasn't any of those things, but Melody couldn't fathom being grass or shrubbery or flowers. She didn't know what she could be, but it wasn't small. It wasn't weak. It wasn't something to take lightly. She was quick. She was powerful.
She was a force to be reckoned with.
Black veins spread over both her cheeks and the black lines that formed branches from her torso began sprouting something out her back. A gulf of dark energy surrounded the girl, with water-like waves of crimson and violet swirling around her. The dark energy let her swerve up before Alastor could grab her, up to a height he couldn't reach. Then the energy was forced to disperse, sending a strong gust down at the onlookers.
Everyone stared.
Mouths slightly agape and eyes wide.
Melody hovered above everyone, her hardened gaze on Alastor. The clothing that covered her back was in tatters because of what Melody grew from it.
Those were not plants.
Attached to Melody's back were not one, not two, but three sets of bat wings, black in color, and each pair in a different size. The largest pair came out near her shoulder blades, the smallest pair at the small of her back, and the second-largest pair sat between them. Below these was a short, white and gray fluffy tail, which though cute, did nothing to soften the image of Melody in that moment, who looked down at the resident overlord like he was her worst enemy.
Like he had a death wish.
Alastor was stunned, almost completely taken by the sight of her. He had wondered once what she would look like with wings, but this surpassed anything he had envisioned. Melody looked positively menacing as her wings flapped back and the sclera of her eyes began to turn black.
It wasn't until the last moment that Alastor realized what she was doing. With one strong flap of her wings, roots and vines shot down at the Radio Demon. At first, Alastor tried to withstand the attack. But this wasn't like the tree in Cannibal Town, and soon the deer found himself dipping into the shadows so he wouldn't get forced back by the onslaught. He re-emerged next to Angel, his grin tight, his eyes wide, and his hair in slight disarray.
"Well! That was exciting, wasn't it?" He said, looking at the porn star. He got no response. Everyone was still too stunned for words.
Low squeaks and weak chirps reached Alastor's ears. Looking up, he saw Melody's face return to normal as she flapped her wings to stay in the air. However, as she returned the normal, her wing flaps became more erratic until they eventually stopped.
Charlie shouted to her again, and Husk and Vaggie began flying to her. But, to both of their surprise, it was the Radio Demon who caught Melody. His tendrils held him high in the air, allowing him to reach her quickly. One of his arms was wrapped around her waist, between her second and third set of wings, while the other kept her head resting on her shoulder. The green stitches that were attached to his being peered through, and his eyes turned to radio dials. He lowered himself down, ready to lie the bat on the floor when he felt her grip the sleeves to his coat. He moved back, watching Melody's dazed eyes get their normal color back. The black veins retreated to normal within seconds, however, her wings and tail remained.
The bat looked up at him. Stared at him through those narrow yet dazed eyes.
A few seconds passed.
A minute passed.
A few moments more.
Purple eyes then blinked, widening at the older demon. "Are you all right, Alastor? Your eyes-"
Alastor's face returned to normal in a blink. "Yes, Melody Dear, I'm fine," Alastor said, the green details of his demon form fading away. "And what about you? Are you all right, Darling?" He asked her.
Melody blinked and looked back. Her wings were in the way, and she could barely spot her new tail past them. But she soon found herself blushing and lowering her head. "M-my back's a little sore," she admitted. "Um, if it's not too much trouble, would you give me something to cover my back? Please?" She asked, her face turning bright red.
It was only in this moment that Alastor realized he was touching her bare back. He removed his hands from her and cleared his throat. "Of course, Dear. Just tuck your wings in," he said before snapping his fingers. Without even thinking about it, he manifested a fuzzy blanket, deep violet in color, with gold antlers stitched into its corners.
After a few moments, Melody was finally able to tuck her wings into her back. The sensation made her shudder, holding her arms in her hands. But it was replaced by feeling of soft fabric against her back, and a familiar set of claws brushing against her.
"There we are!" Alastor said, tugging the corners together. He held them in place with one hand and cupped her face with another. "That was incredible, Dear. And your new wings are stunning!"
Melody's eyes widened, a large smile gracing her face, and a few fangs biting her lower lip. Happy chirps came out of her, her new tail was wagging, and she moved her hands. One to grab the corners of the blanket from under Alastor's grip, while the other rested on his wrist.
The sight stirred a heat in Alastor's chest, blossoming out like a field of lilies in the summer sun. He had grown accustomed to her downplaying herself, not accepting compliments nor praise. But seeing her smile like this, to want to touch him, it told Alastor that she believed what he said. It made her he happy.
And he liked that.
"Hey! Get a room!" Angel called amused, shocking the both of them. "And when you're done in there, I want all the details," he added.
Alastor and Melody stepped away from each other, the former trying to conceal his embarrassment while the latter turned bright red again.
Charlie ran up and hugged Melody. "Are you okay? I got so worried about you!"
Melody patted Charlie's back with her free hand. "Aside from a sore back and a few bruises, I'm fine. My clothes less so," she said as Charlie pulled back. "Come to think of it, none of them have room for a tail or wings."
"That's not a problem!" Alastor said. "Niffty Dear! Be a doll and adjust Melody's clothes for her?"
"Okay!" She said before scurrying over to the bat and hopping on her shoulder. "Let's go, Melody!" She said, giggling maniacally.
Melody blinked at the girl. "Um, okay." Melody said. She didn't know Niffty could even sew, but if Alastor trusted her, then she would too.
Charlie sighed in relief. "Well, I guess that's training for the day," she said, looking back at the others with a smile.
Alastor hummed at her. "Quite. And as a gift for your progress, Melody Dear, I'm going to schedule you an appointment with the tailor. Get you a nice, custom dress," he said, his smile large.
He was rewarded with a few surprised squeaks. "Y-you don't have to do that, Al..." She stammered out before trailing off.
He chuckled. "Nonsense! You've earned it, My Dear," he said leaning forward. He was rewarded with a large, bashful smile.
Vassago landed on one of the sidewalks in the Pentagram. What an exhausting two weeks it's been. And it wasn't about to get any less busy.
He informed Lucifer of what he knew, and the next day, was dragged into a video conference with the Sins. He had to go over everything again, and even had to defend his conclusions. Because when a rended soul comes to Hell, there's normally more damage to be found. However, there were only two incidents in the Pentagram that confirmed what he sensed, despite them taking place so far apart.
He could sense that a Goetia sent a soul to Hell, but with so many sinners, finding the one was difficult. But he knew when it happened, and how far apart from their arrival the incidents occurred.
The first took place after three weeks in Hell. He located the incident in the center of Cannibal Town, where black branches brimming with raw soul essence could be found, and construction was being done. He had asked Rosie what happened, and usually, she was happy to gossip. However, the ruler of the town only said that some big cat was bugging a "new friend of a friend," but she managed to defend herself just fine. When he asked if the soul was alright, Rosie revealed that she was a little shaky after the encounter, so her friend took the girl home.
This revealed more than it seemed to. Far more, in fact. The soul died young and was staying with a friend of Rosie's, but not in Cannibal Town itself. This didn't narrow the list down too much. Rosie was a social butterfly, and she got along with most everyone she met. However, one thing that most all of them had in common is that they were able and more willing than others to provide shelter to souls in need. That meant that whomever this girl was, she at least had a safe haven here in Hell. One she managed to find before an overlord or some other demon could take advantage of her.
In addition, Rosie's brief story told him that this was the first time the girl used her powers. This was great news. It meant that she only lost control when her life depended on it. Although, he had to wonder what became of her attacker. There was no trace of him, something he commented on.
He could still remember the look on Rosie's face. "Oh shit! Ya know, I never thought of that. I'll ask her the next time she drops by."
The second incident didn't take place until about a month later. Dark trees had to be broken apart in an alley, with Vassago ordering all the pieces be brought back to his palace for research. In the alley itself, there was blood. There were signs of a struggle. And lastly, there was a lone high heel shoe, as well the remains of undergarments and a red dress. Vassago didn't need to guess what happened, and he sincerely hoped the soul made it to her haven safely.
There were several bars nearby. The employees were all interviewed, and when asked about a demoness in a red dress, they recalled one. She traveled with two others, and she had blotchy skin in different shades of grey. Somehow though, that was the only detail they all thought was there. Some said she had black eyes. Others blue. Others purple. Some said she had horns, others antlers, one of them said she had two sets of ears!
When asked about the patrons she was with, they were all in agreement that one was a woman with one eye, while the other was a man with four arms. No one heard a name, and if they did, they didn't remember. So, with very little to go on, Vassago went about examining the plants his legions brought back to his palace. They were identical to the branches he found in Cannibal Town, and where that wasn't a call for concern, the soul essence he found in the trees were. Usually when breaking it down, you can get a sense for the soul. Their sins, their prides, what they were. But everything came back murky and clouded.
That's when he knew what they had. That's when he made an appointment with the king.
Vassago let out a heavy sigh, beginning to walk. He needed a breather. Or a coffee. Or both. Because with this news came the order to find the soul as quickly as possible. What would happen next to the soul next, they would decide later, but either way, it left him running ragged. His legions were observing Cannibal Town from a distance, but reported no one with the skin type they were looking for. In the weeks prior, some of them took to the skies and similarly found nothing. It was hard thing to find, in all fairness. And if the girl covered up for the cold weather like a sane demon, then she was going to be even harder to find.
He turned the corner and was met with an unexpected sight. It was the Radio Demon himself, stepping out of a tailor shop with a ticket in hand and humming an old human tune.
Vassago righted himself before calling out. "Alastor?" He said, causing the deer to freeze up. "Is that you, old friend?" Vassago asked, approaching the overlord with a casual stride.
Alastor turned around, cane in hand, and a large grin on his face. "My, my, Vassago! Greetings! What brings you out this way?" Alastor asked, tapping his cane to the ground.
The parrot placed his arms behind his back, maintaining eye contact with his colleague. "Orders from His Majesty. We have a few things to tie up before the festival. Better to get it done sooner rather than later," he said with a small laugh.
Alastor returned it. "Ah, yes, that's right! You're the one who watches the overlords so everyone can enjoy the festival. It's been so long since I attended the event that I nearly forgot," he said, swatting his hand in the air. "Well, don't let me keep you from work, old friend. It was a pleasure to see you, again!" He said, turning to leave.
"Actually, I was about to get some coffee. Would you care to join me? My treat, of course," he said, softening his smile.
If Vassago weren't born a Goetia, he was certain that Alastor would try to wiggle out of a social interaction with him. The status did have its perks, especially when overlords were involved. Besides, Alastor did love learning what he could about his associates, so it was a safe gesture.
Alastor hummed before turning around. "I suppose I have time for some coffee. But I can't be held long, my friend. I have a prior engagement," Alastor said, his grin tight.
Perfect. "Well then, let us be on our way." Vassago said.
He opened a portal to an upscale cafe. One that was, conveniently, in the same direction that Alastor was headed in. They made their orders and sat together at a booth. Alastor ordered his coffee, while Vassago ordered coffee and soup. When the waiter left, then he spoke.
"So, how have you been, Alastor? It's been far too long," he said, giving the deer a smile. He recalled that Alastor responded better to those. He didn't really understand it, but he would grin as much as he could. He needed to learn what he could from Alastor's dealings with the hotel Charlie was running. See if there were any ill intentions. Starting with idle small talk.
Alastor shrugged. "Not too much. I've taken up a new project, and it's been quite enjoyable. Aside from that, I've just been doing business as usual."
Vassago chuckled. Next, a compliment. "I've noticed. I tuned into your radio show last week. I forgot how energetic you are, it was very entertaining," he said. Alastor loved to be the talk of the town, and he thrived on praise from others. He was much easier to work with when he was in a good mood. Granted, that would only work so long as he didn't know Vassago was fishing for information.
Now, an extra detail. Just to prove his comment genuine. "Although, I must admit, I don't recall a classical piano segment from your previous broadcasts. When did those start?"
"Oh! Ho ho, roughly a month ago. Melody Dear is quite the talent," Alastor said, leaning back in his seat.
"Indeed. Wherever did you find her? The last sinner I heard play that well was you," Vassago admitted.
Alastor chuckled. "Oh, I didn't find her at all. Melody is the groundskeeper at the Hazbin Hotel, so I see her daily."
The statement made Vassago's eyes widen. The sinner that was attacked by the Vees? "Isn't that Princess Charlotte's hotel? Whatever are you doing there, old friend?" Vassago asked instead, one eyebrow arched.
The waiter came by and served their drinks. Alastor took a sip of his coffee, then he answered. "Why, yes! We're business partners. She focuses on the hotel's mission, while I manage the facilities. Keep everything in working order and all that," he said with a wave of his hand. "And you, old chum? What have you been up to? Anything exciting?" Alastor asked, his red eyes brimming with curiosity.
There were a few moves here, but if Vassago wanted to keep the conversation light, and keep it going, then it was better to answer. "Sadly no. My responsibilities take up most all of my spare time. And that was before preparations for the festival began. It's been quite the hassle," he admitted. Alastor was no fool, and could easily detect when he was being lied to. It was better to give him some kernels of truth without telling him everything.
Alastor chuckled. "And yet, you have time to sit down and have coffee with me? Is a Goetia making excuses?" Alastor asked in a smug voice.
Verbal barbs. Good. That meant he was getting comfortable. "No, I'm making time. There's a difference, you know?" Vassago said, smirking as well. "Besides, when was the last time you and I saw each other?"
A hum escaped the Radio Demon, and Vassago was served his soup. "Probably the last Overlord Ball. And what a night that was. You had a lively band, and Carmilla and I were actually enjoying our interactions. What a shame that Vox and Valentino ruined it..." Alastor said, looking away.
Vassago groaned. "I nearly forgot about those two charlatans. I hear they have a third now," the prince said.
Alastor didn't respond well to this, just hummed in agreement. Vassago needed Alastor's willing engagement. So, he sipped his coffee and said: "Speaking of, I noticed that their shops were closed. The signs on the door bore the royal insignia. I can't help but wonder what those imbeciles did to get under His Majesty's skin." He said, taking another sip of his coffee. "Then again, I would have done that for their mere existence."
At this, the deer laughed again. "I thought you might have heard something from Lucifer. After all, it was by Charlie's request."
This was news to Vassago, who responded with a raised eyebrow. "That doesn't sound like the princess. She hates overlord politics," he said, furrowing his brow and putting his cup down on its saucer.
"True, but she hates people threatening the hotel guests more," Alastor offered with a shrug. He had tried to be dismissive, but Vassago knew otherwise. There was a tension and animosity in Alastor's voice that told him he was just as angry about the event. He wanted to dive into that, but doing so would reveal his angle to his associate. And that wouldn't do.
"I see," he said as Alastor sipped on more of his coffee. "Will you be broadcasting tomorrow, old friend? Watching the news is so dull in comparison," Vassago said, offering the Radio Demon another smile.
Alastor chuckled. "But of course. Though I must warn you, Melody won't be performing tomorrow. She has a prior engagement," he said.
"Really? Such a shame. Do you have a selection lined up?" Vassago asked. "And will I see you at the festival this year?"
Alastor's grin only grew. "Oh, I'll be sure to put on something special. As for the festival, I'm not sure this time around. But, you'll see me in the overlord's booth if I do," he said.
With this, the conversation shifted, talking about some of their colleagues and catching up on what the other had been doing. He had mentioned Rosie in passing, teetering around his curiosity. If Alastor knew about anything that happened there, then he didn't let it show, but it did well to re-acquaint himself with the Radio Demon. He'd be sure to keep his eyes open. Even if it added to his current workload.
FINALLY DONE! As of me writing this, I'm gearing up to move, so that's why the update took so long. I hope you enjoyed this new chapter, and I can't wait for you to see what happens in the next chapter.