Author note - welcome back readers! Sorry this chapter taking so long, it went through several rewrites until it was to my satisfaction. I was so happy to see this story hit 32-40 followers and favorites, that's so amazing! Welcome to George Zimmerman, Clexa300, and fanalis1995 to the party, I appreciate the support. And another shout out to the two new reviews, they made my day! Anyways, enjoy the chapter!
Chapter 45: Let's make a Deal
"Now's here's the question you need to ask yourself, Alastor: how badly do you want out of your deal?"
The question lingered in the air as the two heatedly stared each other down. Taylor winced as the harsh whine of static grated in their ears, but they focused on the smile and dials that kept flitting in and out of view through the cloud of red distortion that separated them, gauging for a response.
Taylor tensed when Alastor suddenly disappeared into the shadows. They summoned flames to cover the length of their arms in anticipation of an attack as they combed through the room to locate the hidden deer demon. A chill passed over them before the area became filled with voices talking over each other as the shadows lengthened and curled along the walls. Some voices hissed harshly or growled angrily, while others chittered back excitedly; they picked out another that sounded like it was speaking French, but with a thick drawl. Despite their confident front, they couldn't help but be unsettled at the hungry smiles that surrounded them. They inched away from the wall, keeping their eyes trained on their surroundings.
After some time, the shadows receded back with a chorus of cackles and the Radio Demon, back in his normal state, rose up in the middle of the room, gripping his staff and wearing a tense smile.
"You drive a hard bargain, chum!" He said brightly to hide his pique, but the eye twitch was a tell of his simmering ire.
"So sorry for my uncouthness, can you ever forgive me?" He said with a facsimile of remorse in his voice. Taylor didn't buy the apology, and they stared daggers at him in response. He rolled his eyes before he twirled his staff and addressed them again.
"How about this: I'll play ignorant about your activities" he moved toward them as his grin and eyes glowed. "And you keep what you saw earlier between us…" he leaned in close before symbols suddenly flashed around him and his entire face glowed red. "Shall we?" He said with a heavy layer of static in his voice.
Taylor ignored the shiver that ran through them as they fixed him with a stern glare.
"So, a deal of mutual discretion." They said tensely. Alastor leaned back, symbols fading away, and grinned mischievously.
"Exactly! Happy to see you're keeping up! Good job!" He said mockingly. Taylor gritted their teeth in annoyance before Alastor quickly moved and they felt his claws clutch their shoulders as he was suddenly behind them.
"And in return for you assisting me with my little problem, I'll help you with your work, free of charge!" He proclaimed as a crowd of cheers and applause rang out from him.
Taylor quickly moved out of his grip and faced him again.
"No thanks. Not if it means you'll take advantage of people by forcing them into new contracts." They shot back, bristling at the idea.
Alastor regarded them amusedly for a moment before he put a hand on his heart and cocked his head to the side.
"Oh, dear chum. Such a bleeding heart, even for the most despicable that plague this realm." He said with derision before he shrugged. "But I suppose I can restrain myself. Very well, I'll not trick anyone into deals after you're done with them."
Something felt off. 'He's being far too agreeable.' They thought suspiciously.
Sensing their hesitance, Alastor chimed in with a smirk.
"I wouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth, chum. While I pride myself in being a patient man, you must admit your process is far too slow."
"Excuse you?" They said incredulously.
"You've been at this for nearly four months now, and you've yet to show any meaningful results thus far." He said bluntly as his eyes gleamed maliciously. "Mr. Dust is still under the thumb of that lout Valentino, after all."
'Not for lack of trying, you prick!' They yelled in their head heatedly. Since their last attempt in the alley, they had been trying to get the Angel alone to try to break his contract again. But between the odd hours he kept, his need to be around people all the time, and Husk offering to walk him back to his room when he got too tipsy, they hadn't had many opportunities. On the rare instances they snuck into his room, Fat Nuggets had been too exuberant in their excitement and awoken his owner before they got close.
"So, are we in agreement then?" He said, shaking Taylor from their thoughts. They gnashed their teeth as Alastor looked at them smugly, relishing in the fact that he hit a nerve.
"Fine." They uttered through gritted teeth.
Alastor's smile was restrained but exuded pure satisfaction.
"Splendid! I see big things coming your way, and who better to help you than someone as well-connected as myself!" He said excitedly as he wrapped an arm around their neck and brought them close.
"To that end, you're going to cease this nonsense of refusing the position of Overlord this instant." He said with a wag of his finger. Before Taylor could protest, he went on, undeterred. "After all, if we are to be working closely together, what better way to mask our clandestine endeavors than the story of yours truly taking the newest Overlord under my wing and showing them the ropes!"
Taylor pushed him away forcefully.
"Not going to happen. Have you forgotten I don't have any contracted souls? Once they check, the jig is up! I'm better off staying away from all that and off their radars."
He chuckled as he smoothed out his suit jacket.
"Too late for that, chum. You've garnered quite the name for yourself already! Carmilla and Valentino already know who you are, and Rosie has taken quite the shine to you! And I can vouch for your network of souls, it's not something we divulge to one another, it's just bad manners." He replied, waving away their concerns.
Taylor took a moment to consider Alastor's words. They were on friendly terms with Zestial and Vox had reached out earlier, so Alastor was right that they weren't unknown amongst the Overlords now. But it wouldn't matter anyway, they already secured enough no votes to ensure their denial. So for now they would pretend to go along with Alastor's plan.
"Fine, I'll honor whatever the vote comes out to." They said nonchalantly. "But you better not leave me high and dry either way." They warned.
Alastor squeezed them to his side before he laughed boisterously and puffed his chest out proudly.
"Don't you worry, chum, I pride myself in being the best! I'll make you into the most feared Overlord there ever was! After myself, of course." He said with a winning smile.
"Yeah, I'm just so lucky to have the Radio Demon as my mentor. But settle down with the 'most feared Overlord' bit." They replied sarcastically as they squirmed away from him.
His satisfied smile crept up as he savored his victory before he brought a finger up.
"Last thing. I wish to impose that you refrain from freeing anyone bound to me. Can't have you bleeding me dry now, it just wouldn't do!"
"Absolutely not!" They balked. "I've never refused anyone wanting out of their contract! If what you say is true and you only make fair deals, then they wouldn't come to me!"
They heard garbled voices and noises come from him as his smile grew thin and his eye twitched.
"Then just Husker and Niffty for now." He acquiesced before his voice grew malicious. "I'm sure you noticed how our surly feline has become quite chummy with Mr. Dust as of late. I'd be a real shame if Husker were to vacate the premises for greener pastures upon being freed and leave the poor fellow distraught." He detailed, savoring in Taylor's discomfort before he continued. "Why, it might even make our spidery friend leave the hotel altogether and back into the fiendish arms of Valentino! Dearest Charlie would be heartbroken that her little endeavor utterly failed!" He said with a cruel grin, twisting the knife as Taylor looked away and shook in fury.
'Low blow, you pompous piece of shit.' They fumed internally as they tried to contain their temper.
"Okay. Until I break your contract, you can hold onto him. Niffty too, I can see she likes working for you." They accepted quietly.
Alastor watched on with a wide grin as a rush of malevolent glee surged in him.
After a moment to collect themselves, Taylor stared up at the deer demon with eyes full of hatred. "I want to add that when this exchange is complete, that our situations still remain confidential."
"You needn't worry, chum!" He chirped. "I don't plan to let you cash in your chips so soon." He promised before he stared back at them imperiously and cocked his head. "Anything else?"
Taylor crossed their arms and took a moment to scan for any loopholes that Alastor could exploit. Seeing none, they shook their head, and at once Alastor sprung to life in excitement. He twirled his staff and tossed it from one hand to the other in a showy manner before he began to extend his hand.
"Excellent! So, it's-" he started animatedly before a wave of heat washed over him and the room was bathed in a yellow glow as the acrid smell of smoke permeated the space. Alastor looked down and Taylor had beat him to it, presenting their flaming hand with a smirk.
"Do we have a deal?" They asked with a gloating grin.
Alastor's smile was more of a snarl as his eyes gleamed red and his antlers grew. But like a passing storm cloud, the dark look faded from his eyes, and he regained himself before he placed his hand in theirs, smile inhumanly wide.
"It's a deal."
The room was filled with a blindingly bright light as the flame reared up and engulfed their hands. Soon after, the two were contained in a swirling dome of fire, making Taylor's eyes flit around in awe.
A thrilling surge of energy made their heart race as it ran along their arm, up to their skull and down to the tips of their toes, making their body buzz pleasantly as power flowed through them as the abundance of energy came out as laughter. All too soon, Alastor tore his hand away and Taylor stood there wide-eyed as they got lost in the feeling for a moment longer. As the heady sensation left them, they noticed that Alastor was subtly rubbing his hand while furtively shooting them a furious look. He then placed his hands carefully on his staff before addressing them with a strained smile.
"Well done! You might be more of a dealmaker than you realize! Very impressive!"
Taylor wasn't fooled. He didn't sound impressed, if anything, he sounded pissed off. But they didn't care; instead, they felt a swell of pride that they ruffled his feathers after he needled them so much.
"Uh-huh, sure." They nodded as they flexed their fingers to loosen them up. "You want me to try to break your contract now?"
"Another time perhaps. I'll call on you again when I've made the appropriate arrangements." He said tensely.
Taylor took that as their cue to leave and shrugged as they made their way to the door.
"Suit yourself, you know where to find me. Good night, Alastor." They bade before they closed the door behind them.
Traveling down the elevator, Taylor felt a swirl of emotions. Relief that the deal they made worked out in the end and that the Overlord business would be over soon, pity for Alastor being in the same situation as them, and a thrumming excitement that their deal forging brought them.
'If all deals feel like this afterwards, I can see why dealmakers do what they do.' They mused guiltily. They wondered if Hell was starting to rub off on them, giving them pause.
Shaking their head, they got off on their floor and made their way to their door. Alastor's harsh words rang in their ears as they clenched their fists angrily.
'I'll show you meaningful results. I'll break yours and Angel's contracts soon enough, you asshole.' They fumed.
Determining that they were too full of pent-up energy to sleep, they quickly changed into workout clothes, snagged a book from their nightstand, and headed downstairs. On their way to their destination, they heard Husk call out from the bar.
"Where are you going? It's almost one in the morning!"
Taylor turned around and walked backwards.
"Ballroom. Taking advantage that I feel lighter than air to get around to something I've been meaning to do. Don't wait up for me!" They called out determinedly.
Alastor listened for his visitor's footsteps to recede before he strode over to the fireplace and snapped his fingers. With a flash of emerald light, the broken armchair disappeared, and a new one appeared in its rightful place. As he took his seat by the fire, his shadow self stretched across the room and brought over a glass of whiskey. After taking a sip and savoring the flavor, he smirked as he reflected on the previous events. Perhaps it wasn't the exact deal he wanted, but he could make it work. After all, he didn't become the infamous Radio Demon without honing the ability to think on his feet and alter plans to his favor when the need arose. His only regret was having lost his cool for a moment and forced to confer with his shadows to keep him from eviscerating the fiery wretch on the spot for their insolence. It was disgraceful, but he was only human.
Having the firebrand living at the hotel was turning out to be both a blessing and a curse. A blessing where he already had established a somewhat strained rapport with them, resulting in him knowing just where to poke, prod, and tug at their heartstrings to steer them towards his goals without their knowing. A curse insofar as him not being able to vent his frustrations by subjecting them to his darkest and most elaborate forms of torture as recompense for their disrespect. It was a shame really; their screams were quite entertaining.
His thoughts moved to the next steps of his plan. He already had some ideas of where to find more dealmakers to bolster their strength as quickly as possible. His grin grew wide at the idea; while he had promised not to trick or force the unfortunate souls into deals afterwards, he never said he wouldn't wait and have them come to him when they were at their most desperate. The prospect made him positively giddy.
He was pulled from his musings when he heard his shadow hiss behind the opposite chair as it retrieved something and placed it in his hand. It looked like a business card, but when he flipped it over and read the name, the glass he held cracked under his tightening fingers. His grin grew furious as his antlers stretched into a crown of pointed spikes and symbols began swirling and pulsing around his head. Now whatever could that flat-faced vainglorious excuse of a demon want with his new associate, he thought. Suddenly it made sense why they were willing to even consider the Overlord position after all the fuss they put up before.
After quieting the part of him that wanted to succumb to his darker urges, he reverted to his normal form and set the blasted card on fire as he pondered on what to do. A flash of inspiration hit him, and he chuckled to himself diabolically. He couldn't wait to see the results of his scheme; it should prove to be most enjoyable.
After finishing his drink and dismissing the glass, he stood and rolled out the tightness in his shoulders. Deciding that he could use a good hunt to sate his bloodlust for now, he sank into the shadows with a wicked grin on his face.
Taylor sat bleary eyed on the couch in the parlor with Angel and Sir Pentious next to them as they waited for Charlie and Vaggie to start the daily activity. They had spent the rest of the night working on summoning flaming wings, but it was slow going. By the time the rays of dawn had shown through the ballroom, they could maintain the new appendages, but they couldn't move them much before the flames extinguished to their frustration.
They stifled a yawn as Angel leaned over.
"Ya look like shit. Burning the midnight oil, Fuoco?" He teased.
Taylor chuckled before parroting Angel's cocky smile and show persona.
"Pfft. Not possible. Just a long shoot, nothin' new." They replied jokingly, earning an eye roll from Angel.
Sir Pentious chimed in.
"Did you even go to bed last night?" He leaned in close and whispered. "You didn't have another night terror, did you?" He asked, voice filled with concern.
Taylor stiffened and glanced over at Angel, who was wearing a similar look of worry as Sir Pentious. They sat up straighter before they answered.
"I'm fine, guys. Just a little bout of insomnia, nothing to worry about." They said casually.
The two demons didn't look convinced, but before they could say more, Charlie and Vaggie arrived.
"Morning everyone!" Charlie greeted with pep. "Today we're going to try an activity to share our feelings, tell stories, and maybe even some secrets to foster friendship and trust!" She finished as she vibrated with barely contained excitement.
The trio glanced at each other with skepticism before they saw Vaggie glare sternly from behind Charlie and not so subtly threaten them into compliance.
"I thought we'd start with something everyone has! Today we are going to talk about our families!" Charlie said with enthusiasm.
Taylor groaned and slumped in their seat. Angel looked equally put out while Sir Pentious looked contemplative.
"Angel, let's start with you! I'd love to hear what things you did with your family!" Charlie said quickly.
Angel clenched his jaw before he heaved a sigh. Taylor listened as he angrily told the group that his father Don Henroin and brother Arackniss were down in Hell with him, but that his mom and twin sister Molly were up in Heaven. He spoke bitterly on how his relationship with his father and brother was nonexistent, seeing as they didn't agree with his lifestyle. He brightened as he recalled his escapades with his twin and how despite missing her dearly, he was glad she wasn't down in Hell with him. Taylor put a hand on his shoulder comfortingly, earning a smile in return from the spider demon.
Charlie was moved and thanked Angel for his candor.
"Taylor, you're next!" She said with a smile.
"Do I have to? You already know how I feel about my parents, Charlie." They said tensely.
"Please? It might be of help, just try!" Charlie pleaded with puppy dog eyes.
Taylor doubted it but decided to do it for her.
"Fine. I'm an only child and both parents are still alive, as far as I know. We left on bad terms, but things were already strained before that." They said hotly as they looked away.
"There wasn't ever a time you got along?" Charlie asked hopefully.
Taylor pondered the question for a moment.
"I suppose when I was a kid, things were fine. We didn't have much, but I didn't complain. I remember at some point there were more presents and a bigger house, along with my parents being happier for a while." They reminisced before they frowned.
'That's probably when they made the deal with my patron.' They brooded.
"Then something changed; they started to fight a lot and while they didn't take it out on me outright, as a kid I felt like I was somehow responsible. So, I did the only thing I could think of: I became the kid they always desired. Dad wants an obedient sport-loving son? Done. Mom wants a demure daughter she could dress up like a doll? Sure thing. And for some time, it worked. They were happy again, and that was enough for me." They said with a sigh. "Time went on and my efforts didn't abate their resentment toward each other, and they separated in private, but old habits die hard." They said in a detached tone before their tone grew full of rancor.
"They kept me close and at their beck and call up until I died. Turns out they had sold me down the river without my knowledge and they didn't want their collateral wandering too far away. I guess the jokes on them, I died before their creditors could collect." They chuckled wryly, but they knew it wasn't true.
They glanced back at the somber faces of their audience and smiled genuinely.
"It's funny, I feel more alive now than I ever was up top." They said before continuing. "I don't know what I did to end up down here, maybe it's punishment for not being true to myself." They lied before they wrapped their arms around Angel and Sir Pentious and stared squarely at Charlie and Vaggie. "But I think this program is working, and I'm not the only one who thinks so." They said with a grin.
Charlie was misty-eyed and Vaggie smiled softly as Angel playfully shoved Taylor away. Sir Pentious was equally moved as Charlie and nodded toward the blonde demoness.
"Aww, thanks you guys!" Charlie sniffled appreciably.
After the group took a moment for Charlie and Sir Pentious to compose themselves, Taylor tried to listen to Sir Pentious's story of his wife and son but found their thoughts going back to their patron. It had been some time since their possession and the memory made their anger flare up.
'I'm done with people pushing me around. Maybe if I get redeemed, things will turn around for the better.' They pondered hopefully.
They inhaled deeply to quiet their mind and focused on the future.