Previously: Lumina noticed Micha's tense demeanor and reached out to touch her hand. "Hey, relax. It's just dinner. Let's enjoy it, okay?"
Micha forced a smile, nodding. "Yeah, you're right. Sorry, just a bit on edge.."
The cat's eyes glinted with amusement as it curled up on Lumina's lap, its presence a constant reminder of the unseen battle waging around them. Micha knew she had to stay vigilant. Alastor's influence was growing, and she couldn't let her guard down, not even for a moment.
Chapter 10: A Heavenly Dilemma
The theater was a hive of activity as actors and crew members rushed to finalize preparations for the evening's performance. The beautifully crafted sets were in place, each one designed to transport the audience into different musical numbers in the jukebox musical. Lumina, cast as the villain opposite Bertha, stood in her costume, adjusting her villainous attire while glancing nervously at the bustling scene around her.
"Alright, everyone, places for dress rehearsal!" The director's voice boomed over the intercom.
Lumina took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. Just then, Bertha sauntered over, her eyes glinting with malicious delight. "Don't mess up my scenes, Lumina," Bertha sneered, adjusting her costume in the mirror next to Lumina's. "I don't need you dragging me down."
Lumina clenched her jaw, refusing to rise to the bait. "Let's just get through this, Bertha."
Bertha smirked, leaning in closer. "Don't screw up, Lumina. I wouldn't want to steal the show entirely."
Up in the rafters, Micha watched the scene unfold with narrowed eyes. Her thoughts were a whirlwind of frustration and anger. She had gotten an earful from her superior, Sera, when she reported that Alastor had a contract with Lumina.
"How could you let a demon get close to her?" Sera had berated. "You should have been watching her more closely! You let her suffer at Pan's hands, let her spiral into addiction, and now this? Alastor is a demon, Micha! This is the last straw!" Sera's tall ethereal form glowered down at Micha, the meeting room with just them and Lute.
Lute was mostly there as a threat, and Micha was terrified. Her wings tucked in close as an involuntary response. Sera rubbed her forehead and sighed in anguish. "Lumina is a special case, and while she was necessarily important because she was to be with Adam. Considering our loss due to that…Hotel she's now needed in something else.." Sera says with a bitter tone, and Lute only scoffs and shifts her other leg over the other, turning her gaze from them.
"If she's so important to this plan," Micha had said, her voice flat and arrogant. "Why can't we just kill her and end this?"
Sera quickly turned her gaze to her, Lute looking at him in surprise. Sera had actually slammed her hands down on the table, glaring at Micha coldly. "Watch your tongue." She backs off and composes herself. Looking out the windows in a dramatic way. "Her death has to be of her fate, it is unbeknownst to me how she will perish. But it can't be by our hands."
She gave a side look glare to Micha. "Or a Demon's."
Her wings opened up to show off her opposing authority, staring down at Micha like she meant nothing. "You'll do well to keep her on this path Micha, if she dies because of that dreaded beast-" She paused for dramatic effect as Lute flipped on her helmet and with her brute strength ripped the legs from a chair.
Micha gulps in fear, keeping her wings tucked in.
Below, the director called for Lumina and Bertha's scene. Lumina stepped onto the stage, feeling Bertha's mocking gaze burning into her back.
"Alright, Lumina," The director called out. "From the top of your solo."
Lumina nodded and began to sing, her voice wavering slightly before she found her footing. The set around her was stunning, a dark and eerie backdrop that perfectly matched her villainous role. As she sang, she could feel the character's emotions flowing through her, a mixture of power and vulnerability.
Bertha, however, wasn't letting up. As Lumina hit a particularly challenging note, Bertha muttered just loud enough for her to hear, "Don't choke."
Lumina faltered, her confidence wavering, but she quickly regained her composure, finishing the song with a flourish. The director nodded approvingly, and Lumina felt a small surge of relief.
"Good job, Lumina," he said. "Take five, everyone."
From her vantage point, Micha could see the strain on Lumina's face. She scanned the crowd below, her gaze falling on the director, then the stagehands, and finally on Lumina. Her thoughts were interrupted by a rustle beside her.
"Can't get enough of your precious charge, can you?" A voice hissed. Micha turned to see one of her fellow angels, Azrael, perched nearby with a mocking smile.
"Go away, Azrael," Micha snapped. "I'm not in the mood."
Azrael chuckled darkly. "Sera really tore into you, didn't she? Can't say I'm surprised."
Micha glared at him. "This isn't the time, Azrael. I have a job to do."
Azrael's grin widened. "Oh so now you wanna be helpful? Being a little pissy because Sera got to you?"
Micha scoffs, unfurling her wings in irritation. "Look here, I did help her. I did what I was ordered to do, you don't know shit, Azzy!" She points down to Lumina interacting with one of the male actors, happily so, as he just helped her up. "She was absolutely terrified of men before I stepped in. Look at her now, I mean demon or not she's actually interacting with Alastor." Micha clenched her fists, turning her attention back to Lumina.
On stage, Lumina and Bertha were nearing the climax of their number. Bertha's voice soared, but Lumina held her own, her performance full of emotion and intensity.
As the scene came to an end, the director clapped. "Good job, both of you. Let's move on to the next scene."
Lumina stepped off the stage, feeling a small sense of accomplishment despite Bertha's presence. She glanced up at the rafters, sensing someone's eyes on her and shrugging it off as she thought it her usual paranoia.
Back in the shadows, Azrael leaned closer to Micha. "She's putting on a brave face, but how long do you think she can last?"
Micha's face burned with shame and rage. She had always hated her job, and Lumina was the most difficult case she had ever handled. Micha didn't answer, her eyes locked on Lumina, her jaw clenched. She didn't care about the short brunette, not really. The girl was just another assignment, a series of checkmarks on a long list of duties.
But Alastor's smug presence, his infuriating confidence—it drove her mad. She wanted to show him up, to prove that he didn't know Lumina like she did, that he didn't understand what she needed. To make Sera proud.
When Lumina was alone on stage, probably to assess her feelings about the upcoming show. Micha descended from the rafters, her human form as she pretended to be looking for her. "There you are, Lumina. How did rehearsals go?"
Lumina blinked in surprise. "You got here fast, I texted you like 10 minutes go."
The redhead raised an eyebrow. "You texted me…oh! Pfft yeah, I was just excited to know how well it went, you're going to be amazing, Darling!"
"Well, it went well. Bertha's being a pain, as usual, but I'm managing." Lumina chuckles a bit, seemingly in good spirits.
Micha nodded, her mind still whirring with plans. "Good. You need to stay focused. This is your chance to shine.."
Lumina glanced at her, sensing something was off. "You okay, Micha? You seem... tense."
Micha forced a smile. "Just thinking. Let's get you ready for the show tonight. You're going to be amazing."
As Lumina turned to head back to her dressing room, Micha's eyes flickered to the shadows. Alastor's presence was a constant threat, and she needed to find a way to neutralize it. Lumina's fate might be part of a greater plan, but Micha was determined to carve out her own victory, no matter the cost.
The theater was buzzing with anticipation as the audience settled into their seats, waiting for the show to begin. Behind the curtains, Lumina stood with her fellow cast members, her heart pounding in her chest. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. As she scanned the crowd, her eyes were drawn to the two empty front-row seats.
In all her performances, her mother and father would have been sitting there, soon just her mother, watching with a critical eye. They never cared about how well she did; it was always about their ambition for her. She felt a pang of sadness, missing them despite their harshness. Shaking off the melancholy, she looked further into the crowd.
Her eyes landed on Micha, seated a bit farther from the stage. Micha caught her gaze and gave her a thumbs up. Lumina smiled, feeling a rush of gratitude and happiness. She scanned the rest of the audience and spotted her friends—Lonnie, Lawrence, Duke, and Yanai. She waved to them, her heart lifting at the sight. Knowing they were there gave her a sense of peace; even if she messed up, they would be happy for her. She loved them dearly for that.
Then, just before the lights dimmed, she saw Alastor enter the theater. He settled next to her friends, all of which happily exclaimed his name and started whisper talking. Lumina's heartbeat quickened. "He actually showed up? Why the hell did he show up?" She whispered to herself. She had given him a ticket, half-expecting he wouldn't even consider attending. After all, he was a demon—uncaring and selfish. But there he was, and his presence confused her.
Despite her confusion, Lumina felt a strange comfort seeing him there. Alastor gave a small nod in return, a curious glint in his eye. Just then, the curtains began to rise, and Lumina disappeared from view, her heart racing not just from nerves but from the unexpected support she felt from those she cared about. And apparently Alastor.
The show began with a burst of music and lights, the stage transforming into a lively scene. The first few acts went smoothly, each performance dazzling the audience with its energy and precision.
Lumina's turn was approaching, and she could feel the adrenaline coursing through her veins.
As she took her place on stage, the spotlight shone brightly on her. Odd little creatures that were puppets on strings scrambled up and around Lumina's feet, she put on a worried look. "Don't worry, Little Ones. She'll pay for what she's done.."
Bertha's character entered the scene, and the tension between them was palpable, adding to the dramatic effect of their performance.
"I've come to stop you, Madam Belle, I know it's been you all along." Bertha sneered, her voice dripping with malice.
Lumina met her gaze, channeling her character's defiance. "You think you can intimidate me? You have no idea who you're dealing with, you destroyed my pride and joy!"
"Because you took everything from me! I was told this was some sick way to get me to join you, but why? Where are my friends?!" Bertha's character exclaimed, anger seething from her every word.
The audience was captivated, the tension building as the scene progressed. Lumina could feel the eyes of everyone on her, but instead of fear, she felt empowered. She was in control of her performance, and it was exhilarating. She could hear the music cue up, and stood proud.
"My dear girl!
You think you have a say in this? A way out? HA!
C'mon and stay a while as I share with you the who, what, when, where, why, and how of my genius plan!"
Bertha was wrapped up in chains as Lumina's character cackled like a mad woman. As her little puppet creatures started up a shadow puppet show of her song. Lumina sat next to Bertha all casually as she narrated in song.
"Our scene opens on a Little Madam Belle
Now cut to her having no friends
It was a struggle to find anybody who could be my buddy
So instead, I created them! (ooh, ooh, ooh-wah!)"
Shadow Puppets emulated the scenes with ease as she sculpted her friends or made a plushie of them.
"I was sad, oh so sad, because they had no souls! (No!)
Until one day I found a lovely little book!
(Backup singers) So she made a decision to get into dark magic
I hunted down special folks and took their souls for the host! (ooh, ooh, ooh-wah!)
Patience is a virtue, my dear girl. (ohhh-woahh)
Good things comе to those who wait, they say. (ohhh-woahh)
Proverbs utterеd by utter fools, pfft. (ohhh-woahh)
I'll do anything it takes!
(Are you ready for trouble?)
Got ya right where I want ya!
(You're stuck with Madam Belle!)
You can't stop me from taking over this world! (ooooh, wahhhh~)
You'd look fantastic in my new magnum-opus!"
The backdrop dropped to reveal an actor playing a dead person, Lumina's lovely laugh sent shivers down Bertha's spine.
"It's time, it's time everyone grab a seat!
(Time for a parlor trick!)
Don't wanna miss the moment
When I bring my best friend back to life and
I get control of your…
Soul!"
The music paused for a moment as Lumina danced around her best friend, happily so. "I made one, one actual friend and stupid reality had to take them away!It's unfair!" She sobs, the audience is taken, gasps all around.
As the scene reached its climax, Lumina sang her song with Bertha's lines cutting through in protest against her character's actions. Lumina's voice was strong and clear. She poured her emotions into the song, the pain and strength of her character resonating with the audience. This being something she can do, no matter how nervous and anxious she is she gets into the love she has for singing and dancing and forgets her troubles. She could see the admiration in the eyes of her friends.
"But why me?~
Why my friends?!~"
Madam Belle turned slowly to her, on a 360 with special effects
"You wanna know why I chose you?
You wanna know why I chose YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS?
'Cuz you're the greatest souls that I've ever seen!
Powerful souls that will let me take over!"
In the crowd, Alastor watched, surprisingly captivated. Lumina's portrayal was nuanced and compelling. She was a villain, but there was a depth to her character that spoke of pain and sorrow. Alastor found himself enamored by her performance, appreciating the layers she brought to her role. She started to puppeteer Bertha and danced with her manically laughing through it all.
"(Are you ready for trouble?)
Got ya right where I want ya!
(You're stuck with Madam Belle!)
You can't stop me from taking over this world! (ooooh, wahhhh~)
You'd look fantastic in my new magnum-opus!"
"It's time, it's time everyone grab a seat!
(Time for a parlor trick!)
Don't wanna miss the moment
When I bring my best friend back to life and
I get control of your Sooooooul!"
Her last powerful note was cut off when her character was shot down by one of her puppets, this one still having the sentience of Bertha's character's friend. A weapon that weakens dark magic.
The audience erupts into applause at her song, she lays on the stage as the curtains close for intermission. Heavy breathing as she really held that note. The oher actors crowded around her gushing over her song, and she was thanking them for being great background vocals.
Bertha, though still her usual self, couldn't deny Lumina's stellar performance. "You did well, Lumina," She said, begrudgingly.
"Thank you, Bertha," Lumina replied, her voice sincere.
The rest of the show continued seamlessly, the last act adding to the vibrant tapestry of the performance. When the final curtain fell, the theater was filled with thunderous applause. Lumina stood with her fellow cast members, taking in the adoration of the audience. She felt a sense of accomplishment and pride as well, a weight lifted off her shoulders.
The after-party buzzed with energy as the cast and crew celebrated their successful performance at a nearby restaurant. Laughter and chatter filled the air as everyone shared stories and congratulated each other on a job well done. Lumina went to be with her friends.
The restaurant buzzed with laughter and chatter as the cast and crew celebrated the success of their show. Lumina was surrounded by her friends and fellow performers, basking in the glow of their praise and camaraderie.
"That was amazing, Lumina!" Duke exclaimed, raising his glass in a toast. "You absolutely killed it!"
"Thanks, Duke," Lumina said with a warm smile. "Everyone killed it though, honestly without Bertha I don't think my song would've sounded so good."
Bertha, despite her usual competitive nature, begrudgingly admitted, "You were good tonight, Lumina. Really good."
"Thank you, Bertha," Lumina replied, trying to keep the surprise out of her voice. "That means a lot."
Micha was enjoying herself, chatting with some of the other crew members, when she saw Alastor entering the restaurant. Her smile faltered, replaced by a look of irritation. Of course, Lumina had invited him.
Alastor's presence immediately drew attention, his human disguise as handsome as ever. Lumina's friends greeted him enthusiastically, clearly happy to see him after a long time.
"Alastor!" Lonnie called out, waving him over. "Long time no see, man!"
Alastor smiled and joined the group, exchanging pleasantries. Lumina rolled her eyes at her friends' excitement but couldn't help but feel a small flutter in her chest when she saw him.
Bertha, ever the competitor, quickly took notice of Alastor and made her move. "Hi there, I'm Bertha," she said with a flirtatious smile, stepping closer to him. "You must be Lumina's friend. I don't think we've met before."
Alastor, however, didn't seem particularly interested in her advances. "Nice to meet you, Bertha," he said politely, his attention quickly shifting back to Lumina's friends.
"So, how did you like the show?" Lawrence asked, eager for Alastor's opinion.
"It was quite captivating," Alastor replied, glancing at Lumina. "Especially the performance of our villain."
Lumina felt her cheeks warm slightly at the compliment but tried to keep her composure. "Thanks, Alastor. I'm glad you enjoyed it."
Bertha's smile wavered as she realized that Alastor's focus wasn't on her. She tried again, leaning in closer. "So, Alastor, what do you do when you're not attending theater shows?"
Alastor glanced at her, his expression polite but detached. "I have a few interests here and there," he said vaguely before turning back to Lumina's friends. "Tell me, how have you all been?"
Micha watched the interaction with narrowed eyes, her irritation growing as Bertha's attempts at flirting became more desperate. Lumina, on the other hand, seemed to take it in stride, chatting with her friends and occasionally glancing over at Alastor.
Eventually, Bertha gave up, her competitive spirit dampened by Alastor's clear lack of interest. She retreated to the bar, nursing a drink and casting occasional glances at Lumina's group.
As the night went on, the celebration continued with more laughter, stories, and toasts. Lumina felt a sense of belonging and happiness that she hadn't felt in a long time. Even Micha seemed to relax a bit, though she still kept a watchful eye on Alastor.
At one point, Lumina found herself standing next to Alastor, away from the main group. "I didn't expect you to come," she admitted, looking up at him.
Alastor's eyes softened slightly. "You invited me. It would have been rude to decline."
Lumina chuckled. "Since when do demons worry about being rude?"
"Since when do humans invite demons to after parties?" Alastor countered with a smirk.
Lumina shook her head, unable to suppress her smile. "Touché."
They stood in comfortable silence for a moment, watching the others celebrate. Lumina's heart felt lighter than it had in a long time, surrounded by friends and allies, old and new.
"Thank you for coming," she said softly, her gaze meeting Alastor's.
Alastor's expression was unreadable, but there was a hint of something softer in his eyes. "You're welcome, Lumina."
The after-party was in full swing, the restaurant filled with laughter and lively conversation. Yanai, who had been busy chatting with the cast members, finally joined Lumina and her friends. Her eyes landed on Alastor, a puzzled expression crossing her face.
"Hey, Lumina," Yanai began, nudging her friend. "Is this guy your boyfriend?"
Lumina, in the middle of taking a sip of water, choked and coughed, spluttering as she tried to regain her composure. "No!" She exclaimed. "He's not my boyfriend!"
Alastor raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Oh, come now, Lumina. No need to be so defensive." He smirked, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "You're so full of it," Lumina retorted, crossing her arms and staring up at him confidently.
Alastor leaned in slightly, his tone teasing. "Am I? I think you're in denial, my dear Fawn."
Lonnie, who had been listening in, squealed in delight. "He called her Fawn! How cute!"
Lumina's face turned a rosy shade of red, and she huffed, trying to cover her tracks. "Me? In denial? Oh, please!" She grunted, stomping her foot in frustration.
Their friends watched the exchange with wide smiles and laughter. "You two are like an old married couple," Lawrence teased, shaking his head. "It's hilarious."
Duke chimed in, "Seriously, Lumina. I've never seen you blush like that."
Lumina's eyes darted around, her embarrassment growing. "You guys are annoying," She muttered, though there was a hint of a smile on her lips.
Alastor's grin widened. "You're not helping your case, Lumina."
She glared at him, but the playful spark in her eyes betrayed her true feelings. "I think you enjoy this way too much."
Alastor chuckled, his gaze softening just a fraction. "Maybe I do. It's quite entertaining."
Yanai, still curious, leaned closer to Lumina. "So, if he's not your boyfriend, how did you two meet?"
Lumina hesitated, trying to come up with a plausible explanation. "We...uh...met through a mutual acquaintance," She said, avoiding Alastor's eyes.
Alastor, not missing a beat, added, "Yes, it was quite the fateful encounter."
Micha, watching the scene from a distance, frowned. She couldn't believe how easily Alastor was integrating himself into Lumina's life and social circle.
It was infuriating.
As the night wore on, the bickering between Lumina and Alastor continued, much to the delight of their friends. It was clear to everyone that there was something between them, even if Lumina wasn't ready to admit it.
For the first time in a long while, Lumina found herself laughing and enjoying the playful banter, a welcome distraction from the weight of her past and the uncertainty of her future.
Alastor, too, seemed different—less menacing, more human. As they argued and teased each other, there was a strange comfort in their interactions, a hint of something deeper that neither of them was ready to acknowledge.
As the party began to wind down, Lumina found herself standing next to Alastor again, her friends giving them knowing looks from across the room. "You're impossible, you know that?" She said, shaking her head with a smile.
"I've been told that before," Alastor replied, his tone light. "But I have to admit, I enjoy our little exchanges."
Lumina rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress her smile. "Yeah, well, don't get too used to it."
Alastor's expression softened slightly. "We'll see, won't we?"
As they stood there, surrounded by friends and laughter, Lumina couldn't help but feel that maybe, just maybe, things were looking up. And despite the chaos and the uncertainty, she found a strange sense of solace in the presence of the enigmatic demon by her side.
Alastor stood on the sidelines, watching as Lumina laughed and chatted with her friends. They were a lively bunch, and he couldn't help but feel a pang of envy as he observed their easy camaraderie. Why did he feel so weird? He had never experienced anything like this before, this strange mix of longing and discomfort.
With a sigh, he pushed aside his conflicting emotions and made his way over to Lumina. He needed to give her the gift he had prepared, even if it felt like a struggle to do so.
"Lumina," He said, his voice oddly awkward as he approached her. She turned to him, a bright smile lighting up her face.
"Alastor! What's up?" She asked, her eyes curious.
Alastor hesitated for a moment before extending his hand, presenting her with a small gift box. "I, uh, I got something for you," He said, his tone hesitant.
Lumina's eyes widened in surprise as she took the box from him. "For me? What's this for?"
Alastor cleared his throat, suddenly feeling self-conscious. "It's, uh, it's just a little something. Open it."
Lumina eagerly tore open the wrapping paper, revealing a delicate charm bracelet nestled inside the box. Her eyes widened in awe as she admired the craftsmanship. Loving how it's both shiny and makes a jingling noise when she shakes it.
"Oh, Alastor, it's beautiful!" she exclaimed, a genuine smile spreading across her face. "Thank you!"
Alastor shuffled awkwardly, unsure of how to proceed. "It's..it's not just for show," He said, his voice low. "There's something special about it."
Lumina looked up at him, curiosity shining in her eyes. "What do you mean?"
Alastor took a deep breath, steeling himself for what he was about to say. "It's a charm bracelet," he explained. "This specific charm is enchanted, to...well protect you."
Lumina's brow furrowed in confusion. "Protective charm? What do I need protection from?"
Alastor hesitated, unsure of how much he should reveal. But then he remembered the events of the night—the flirting, the teasing, the undeniable tension between them—and he knew he had to be honest.
"From… from anything that might threaten you," He said cryptically. "If things go bad, if you're in danger… You can summon me by saying my name. Anytime, anywhere."
Lumina's eyes widened in surprise, her mind racing with questions. "But… why? Why would you care if I'm in danger?"
Alastor's expression softened, a rare glimpse of vulnerability in his eyes. "Let's just say… I have my reasons."
Before Lumina could press him further, he quickly changed the subject. "Anyway, it's just a precaution. You probably won't need it."
Lumina looked up at him, her heart swelling with gratitude. "Oh…well...Thank you, Alastor," She said, her voice choking with emotion. "I love it."
Without thinking, she threw her arms around him in a tight hug, her warmth and affection catching him off guard. For a fleeting moment, Alastor allowed himself to bask in the embrace, the closeness, the intimacy of the moment.
But just as quickly as it had come, it was over. Lumina pulled away, her smile bright as she thanked him again before hurrying back to her friends.
Alastor watched Lumina with a mixture of frustration and something he refused to acknowledge. He knew Micha was watching too, her eyes narrowed in suspicion.
Turning to face her, Alastor grinned, a mocking glint in his eyes. "What's the matter, Micha?" he taunted. "Cat got your tongue?"
Micha's expression darkened, but before she could respond, Alastor turned on his heel and strode away, leaving her seething with frustration and suspicion. As he disappeared into the crowd, Alastor couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction at having rattled her cage. But beneath the bravado, beneath the facade of confidence and control, there was something else—a nagging doubt, a flicker of uncertainty that refused to be girl was doing things to him, stirring feelings he had long thought buried. And as much as he tried to resist, he couldn't help but be drawn to her light, even if it meant stepping into unfamiliar and unsettling territory.
Lumina never puts Alastor in a good light, sure even a demon can be nice apparently she thinks. But a lot of them are in Hell for a reason, she has yet to know what Alastor has done. But she knows it's something horrible.
Writing a song is fucking hard lmao.
Next chapter is a nice day trip to Hell!
Micha is trying to be a much higher ranking angel, she hates being a guardian angel. She hates listening to human problems, she doesn't care much for them in the first place. Lumina is her must straining case yet.