Previously: Previously: Lumina bristled at the insinuation, her voice tinged with bitterness. "N-no, I'm just…cautious of them. One of those little bitches almost mauled my arm once, and I didn't even provoke it!" (This is actually something that happened to me, in a CVS no less, lmao.)
She pouts in irritation and goes back to feeding the ducks to avoid dwelling on the topic any further. Alastor hummed thoughtfully, surprised to find someone who shared his aversion to dogs. It seemed that even in their differences, they had found a common ground.
Chapter 6: Practice isn't perfect
What Lumina is could be titled as an actor, though it's not the only thing she does. She was forced to be a jack of all trades so that's what she is, with a good knowledge of how to play a couple of instruments, with vocal talent that surpasses those of her colleagues, and the ability to learn any dance after a long amount of practice.
She's done everything to please her parents, everything so she could get their love. That's all she wanted, even though she knew she should've given up by the time her father left.
But hey…a child can dream, right?
As Lumina prepared for her comeback performance practice, she couldn't shake off the lingering anxiety gnawing at her insides. Despite her talents as an actor, musician, and dancer, the pressure of returning to the stage after a hiatus weighed heavily on her mind. She had spent years honing her skills, forced by her parents to become a jack of all trades in a desperate bid to earn their love. But even as she excelled in her craft, the void left by her father's departure remained, a constant reminder of her futile efforts to win her parents' affection.
Today marked the beginning of a week-long intensive rehearsal schedule at the studio, where Lumina would join her fellow performers in preparing for the upcoming show. As she glanced at herself in the bathroom mirror, she tried to muster the courage to face the challenges ahead. "You've got this," she whispered to herself, forcing a confident smile. "It's just another performance, nothing you haven't done before."
Deep down, though, Lumina couldn't shake off the sense of unease that gnawed at her soul. She had long harbored dreams of pursuing a different path, one free from the constraints of her parents' expectations. Yet, the words of Micha, her agent, echoed in her mind, urging her to seize the opportunity and prove her worth on stage once more.
With a resigned sigh, Lumina pushed aside her doubts and gathered her belongings, determined to face whatever challenges awaited her. As she made her way to the studio, a sense of apprehension mingled with anticipation, each step bringing her closer to the stage she had once called home.
Inwardly, Lumina made light of the fact that Alastor was nowhere to be seen today, grateful for the reprieve from his presence. She hoped that he would remain occupied with his own affairs in Hell, allowing her some semblance of peace as she embarked on her journey back to the spotlight.
Another pleasant valley Sunday, as Lumina arrived at the studio for her comeback performance practice, she was met with a mix of anticipation and dread. However, any sense of relief was short-lived as she was immediately greeted by Micha's tight hug, despite her disdain for the physical contact, Lumina couldn't deny the warmth in her heart at seeing Micha's familiar face again.
The studio was bustling with activity as performers prepared for the practice session. Lumina scanned the room, her eyes landing on her longtime rival, Bertha. Tall, talented, and undeniably envious, Bertha was a formidable opponent on stage and off.
Bertha's glare bore down on Lumina as she approached, her arms crossed in a display of defiance. "Well, well, well. Look who's back, thinking you can shoehorn your way in after you've been gone so long," She sneered, her voice dripping with disdain.
Lumina's jaw tensed as she exchanged a quick glance with Micha, who offered an apologetic shrug. "Why didn't you tell me Bertha was going to be part of this?!" Lumina demanded, her frustration bubbling to the surface.
"Because I knew you wouldn't take this opportunity if you knew she was!" Micha replied, her tone laced with exasperation.
Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Lumina turned back to face Bertha, her expression a mask of forced calm. "Let's just focus on practicing, shall we?" she suggested, her voice strained with restraint.
But Bertha was not so easily appeased. "Just because you're back doesn't mean you're taking over," she retorted, her tone dripping with superiority. "I'm the lead this time and have been for 3 months! You're second best here now."
Lumina's grip tightened on the strap of her bag as she fought to keep her emotions in check. She knew she had to navigate this delicate situation carefully if she wanted to succeed in her comeback. With a steely resolve, she met Bertha's gaze head-on. "We'll see about that," she replied, her voice laced with determination.
As the grueling practice session neared its end, Lumina found herself immersed in the role of the villain, channeling all her pent-up frustration and determination into her performance. Despite Bertha's relentless attempts to throw her off balance, Lumina remained steadfast, refusing to let her rival's antics derail her focus.
With the spotlight on her, Lumina belted out her lines with conviction, her voice ringing clear and powerful through the studio. As she delivered her lines with a captivating intensity, even the other performers couldn't help but be drawn in by her commanding presence.
Bertha, on the other hand, struggled to maintain her composure as Lumina's performance overshadowed her own. The venom in her eyes was unmistakable as she glared daggers at Lumina, seething with jealousy and frustration.
When the song reached its climax, Lumina let out a wicked laugh that sent shivers down the spines of everyone in the room. It was a laugh that sounded all too real, echoing with a sinister edge that left no doubt about her prowess as a performer. As the final notes of the song faded away, Lumina couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction wash over her. Singing like that made her feel nostalgic, she loved it.
To Bertha's surprise, the teacher offered Lumina genuine praise for her performance. "That was exceptional, Lumina," The teacher remarked, her voice filled with admiration. "Your portrayal of the villain was absolutely captivating."
Bertha's fists clenched at her sides, her jaw set in a tight line as she struggled to contain her frustration. She couldn't bear the thought of being upstaged by Lumina, especially not after all her efforts to undermine her throughout the practice session.
Despite Bertha's best efforts to sabotage her, she had emerged victorious, proving once again that her talent and determination were unmatched.
Lumina winced as she felt the impact of being shoved to the floor, Bertha's furious form above her like an angered god. She could feel the eyes of the other performers on her, their gazes filled with a mixture of pity and unease.
"I was sure you lost your talents when you were gone," Bertha hissed, her voice dripping with contempt. "You're going to regret trying to get back into the performing business. You fell off when you started your habit. I'm going to make you wish that you stayed gone!"
Struggling to push herself up from the ground, Lumina could feel her heart pounding in her chest as Bertha loomed over her, her anger palpable in the air. Each word Bertha spat at her felt like a dagger to Lumina's already wounded pride, her confidence faltering in the face of such ruthless hostility.
As Bertha towered over her, spewing venomous threats, Lumina felt a surge of anger and defiance welling up inside her. She wanted to lash out, to stand up for herself and prove Bertha wrong. But the weight of Bertha's words bore down on her, crushing her spirit and leaving her feeling small and helpless.
As Bertha sauntered out of the studio, leaving Lumina cowering on the floor, a sense of defeat washed over her. She knew that Bertha's words would linger in her mind long after she had left, casting a shadow of doubt over her dreams of a comeback. But even as she tried to muster the courage to stand up to Bertha, doubt gnawed at her from within. What if Bertha was right? What if she had lost her edge during her time away? The thought filled Lumina with a paralyzing fear, leaving her feeling more vulnerable than ever before.
Micha rushed to Lumina's side when she had come back to pick her up to go home. Concern etched on her face as she helped her up from the floor. "Are you okay?" She asked, her voice filled with worry.
Lumina forced a weak smile, trying to brush off the encounter with Bertha. "Yeah, I'm fine," She replied, her tone unconvincing even to her own ears.
As she gathered her belongings and prepared to leave the studio, a sense of defeat weighed heavily on Lumina's shoulders. Bertha's cruel words had struck a nerve, reopening old wounds and leaving her feeling more vulnerable than ever.
Bertha's threats hung heavy in the air, casting a shadow over Lumina's spirit as she struggled to find the strength to stand up to her tormentor. Her mind raced with a whirlwind of emotions, a mixture of anger, fear, and self-doubt clouding her thoughts. She couldn't shake the nagging feeling that perhaps Bertha was right, that she had lost her edge during her time away from the spotlight.
As she makes her way outside into the cool evening air, the weight of Bertha's words lingers in her mind, threatening to crush her spirit with their cruel certainty. Her fists clenched in frustration as she fought to hold back the tears threatening to spill from her eyes. Bertha's taunts hit close to home, dredging up painful memories of her past struggles and mistakes.
Time goes by fast when you're having fun, or just avoiding an issue. Alastor was doing just that, though wasn't thinking about it. It was involuntary.
Before making his reappearance Alastor spent a couple days trying to get as much information on Lumina as possible. How would he go about doing that? By any means necessary that's how.
It turned into 2 weeks but who's counting?
A few days ago, down in Hell, Alastor observed the arrival of a new guest at the Hotel. Damien, as he introduced himself, was unlike the usual souls that found themselves in the depths of the underworld. He took the form of a fox man, his demeanor remarkably kind and eager to make amends for his past sins.
As Alastor watched from the sidelines as Damien mingled with everyone, his smile never faltering, Alastor couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to him than met the eye. He watched as Damien helped out around the Hotel, lending a hand wherever it was needed, his actions reminiscent of someone trying desperately to atone for past sins.
Alastor made a mental note to keep a close eye on Damien, his suspicions growing with each passing moment.
One evening, as Alastor made his rounds through the Hotel, he found himself face to face with Damien in the hallway. He was helping Husk with something before he went off back to the bar.
"You seem awfully interested in me, Mr. Radio Demon," Damien said, his tone pleasant but tinged with a hint of menace. "Is there something you'd like to ask me?"
Alastor's grin widened, his red eyes gleaming with malicious intent. "Oh, just curious about your stay here in the Hazbin Hotel, my dear guest," He replied smoothly, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "After all, redemption is such a fascinating concept, don't you think?"
Damien's smile faltered slightly, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his features before he regained his composure. "I'm just here to make amends, " He said, his voice steady but clearly annoyed. "If that's okay with you?" He finished sarcastically before walking off.
Alastor was not having that.
Husker leaned against the bar in the dimly lit lounge of the hotel, his expression troubled as he spoke with Alastor. "Look, Al, I gotta admit somethin'," He began, his voice low and hesitant. "I've been thinkin' about Lumina a lot lately. And it's not just 'cause I'm worried 'bout what you're puttin' her through."
Alastor's eyebrow arched in curiosity as he turned to face Husker, his gaze piercing. "Oh?" He prompted, his tone deceptively casual. "And why, pray tell, have you been thinking about her, Husker?" That almost sounded defensive to the winged cat demon which was helping the point he's about to say.
Husker sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair as he struggled to put his thoughts into words. "Well, it's just... it's been nearly a month, and you haven't so much as laid a finger on her soul," He admitted, his voice tinged with disbelief. Alastor doesn't take his time unless it's important to him, and it was clear that she was. "And, usually.. you're up in the Living Realm botherin' the poor girl every chance you get. You finally grow a conscience or something?"
Alastor's expression darkened at Husker's words, a dangerous glint entering his eyes. "And what exactly are you implying, Husker?" He asked sharply, his voice a low growl.
Husker raised his hands in a placating gesture, his eyes widening in alarm. "I'm not implyin' nothin', Al!" He protested, his voice tinged with panic. "I just... I've grown fond of Lumina, in a way." Even if it was from just bits of gathered information whenever Alastor spoke of her, it sounds like she's on the brink of breaking down and his presence wasn't helping her at all. "How you've been actin' lately... it's got me wonderin'.."
Alastor's expression hardened at Husker's confession, his lips curling into a sneer of disdain. "You dare to question my motives, Husker?" He spat, his voice dripping with venom. "Lumina is nothing more than entertainment to me, a mere plaything to amuse myself with. Don't you forget that."
Husker recoiled at Alastor's harsh words, the weight of his anger pressing down upon him like a leaden cloak. He had overstepped his bounds, crossed a line that he had no right to cross. And yet, deep down, he couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Alastor's relationship with Lumina than he was willing to admit.
But as Alastor's icy gaze bore into him, Husker knew better than to press the issue any further. Lumina may have stirred something resembling empathy within him, but he would never dare to defy Alastor, not when the consequences could be so dire.
Though Alastor had a vow, a silent vow in the depths of his mind. A vow to protect Lumina, in his own twisted way, to shield her from the darkness that lurked within him and the world around her. For despite his best efforts to convince himself otherwise, Alastor couldn't deny the burgeoning sense of empathy he felt for the young woman and it angered him.
As Husker and Alastor's tense conversation reached a strained silence, Damien approached them, his face a mask of pure worry. The mere mention of Lumina's name had drawn him in, his anxiety palpable.
"Did I hear you say..Lumina?" Damien asked, his voice trembling slightly. "L-like Lumina Beaumont?" His tone is hopeful.
Alastor, now composed, turned his attention to Damien with a curious gaze. "And how exactly do you know Lumina?" He inquired, a bit skeptically at that.
Damien swallowed hard, his ears flattening against his head as he gathered his thoughts. "Three and a half months ago, we... we almost OD'd together one night in the living realm," he admitted, his voice heavy with regret. "I died that night, and I've been looking for her ever since. You've seen her, you have had too..is she here? Is she okay?"
As hectic as his questions were he was calm, as much as he could let himself be. Even though he was holding Alastor's suit like he was trying to hose him out of money, Husk had taken this opportunity to quietly slip away. Thinking that this was going to go badly.
As no one gets away with touching Alastor in general.
Alastor's expression was unreadable as he took in what was being said, he slowly took his hands off of his suit and glared down angrily at him. He of course didn't believe Damien at first but his actions proved louder than his words, Lumina never mentioned him at all and probably because she didn't want to interact with the being who was taking her soul.
One day.
"You almost killed her?" Alastor said slowly, his tone heavy with accusation. "And now you expect me to believe that you care for her well-being?"
Damien nodded vigorously, his eyes filled with genuine remorse. "Yes, of course I care about her," He insisted. "I know I made terrible mistakes, I shouldn't have dragged her further down with me…but I want to make amends. I need to know that she's okay."
Alastor, however, was not so easily swayed. "Lumina is very much alive, if you must know," He said, his voice icy. "And she's not in Hell. She's still in the living realm."
Relief washed over Damien, his shoulders sagging as the weight of his guilt lifted slightly. "Thank God," He breathed, a faint smile of gratitude forming on his lips. "I was so worried..."
Alastor's gaze hardened once more, his protective instincts flaring up. "Don't think for a moment that your past with Lumina gives you any leverage here, Damien," He warned, his voice cold and unyielding.
Damien nodded, understanding the implicit threat in Alastor's words. "I understand," he said quietly, his voice tinged with regret. "I'm not going to ask how you know her, I figure something contract wise…just.." He paused, he really wanted to say "please don't hurt her" but he forgot who he was talking with.
He clenches his fists as he keeps his anger at bay, ugh how did Lumina get contact with demons let alone someone like this horrific deer beast. "Just try to be nice with her, I guess? I know you, I know how you are…, I know how you treat those you keep under contract."
Alastor's eyes glinted with a mixture of determination and something akin to protectiveness. "I make no promises." He said, despite his previous thoughts.
At this point he was in denial.
Bertha is envious about a lot of things with Lumina, she and Lumina were rivals since they were kids. It started with the school play and Lumina's costume made her trip and fall flat on her face in front of everyone, though it was an accident she was a stubborn little lady who can hold a grudge.
Bertha is a transwoman, with a superiority complex.
She enjoys what she does on stage, and worked hard to take top billing when Lumina was shoved into rehab. She's worried that Lumina is going to make everything go wrong, as she has a way with people and her talents that swoon them over.
Lumina may hate Bertha but she's not going to disrespect her pronouns, even when they were teens when Bertha became Bertha.