A week had flown by in a haze of preparations and anticipation. Now, the time had come for Millie to embark on her temporary stay at the Hazbin Hotel. With her things packed and her heart filled with a mixture of excitement and apprehension, Millie waited for a certain deer demon to arrive. He had offered to accompany her to the hotel and help her with whatever she brought with her. Millie looked down at the two medium sized bags she planned on as she started to pack. Not that she really needed any help but she would take it. She just hoped that Alastor wouldn't use his shadow warping ability this time. While she found it fascinating, the experience often made her dizzy and nauseous.
Millie, being more of a homebody, decided to stick to the essentials and not overdo it with her belongings. She gathered her standard toiletries, some comfy clothes, a few books of her own, and her underthings. Her work bag, containing notes for the library project, was carefully tucked away, serving as a constant reminder of her responsibilities.
As she carefully packed her belongings, she figured that would be enough for her stay in the hotel. She knew she wouldn't be spending much, if any time outside the hotel. And the tiny fact that she was in Hell was a strong deterrent. Not a nice place to just take a stroll, unless you were a powerful Overlord. Millie looked longing at the old fashioned radio that sat on her nightstand. She would miss it but figured it wouldn't be practical to take it with her.
She cheered herself up with the knowledge that she would be getting a front row seat to the lovely jazz music that the Radio Demon played on the less murdery segments of his broadcast. Well, maybe she would, she didn't know if she would be able to hear the music from inside the hotel without a radio.
And as cool as it would be to actually see inside Alastor's studio, she wasn't that crazy. She didn't know why she had such an interest in radios. It wasn't a deep interest or anything, but she would get excited when she saw an old radio in pawn shops when she was alive. She figured it was the buttons, so many buttons to press. And who didn't like pressing buttons?
As her mind wandered to various random thoughts, Millie made her way down the stairs from her apartment to her shop, making sure to lock up her living space. She sat both of her bags on the floor and made one last circle through her shop to make sure everything was in order. With that task done, she stood in the middle of the shop and waited.
While she waited for Alastor to show up, she thought about how she was going to 'order' the rest of the books for the library without her abilities being found out. Though she didn't consider them extraordinary, the reality of being in Hell made her cautious. Fearing the consequences of being discovered, she knew she had to exercise caution and find alternative ways to secure the books without raising suspicions. She knew that Hell was a place where unusual abilities could easily catch the wrong attention. She was sure someone would find a use for it and try to trick her, or worse force her, to give up her soul.
Millie's unique ability to manifest an extension of herself in the form of an antique quill allowed her to manifest any book she desired. She never heard of any other demon having a power like hers and at first she wasn't concerned. But over time, she heard about the Sins and other demons in the other levels of Hell.
The Ars Goetia were the first ones that came to mind. She didn't know much about them except that they were giant owl-like demons, powerful, and they had books called grimores. Well, she heard that one of them had a grimoire, she just assumed that they all might have them too. With all the supernatural, other worldly beings in Hell, there had to be books and tomes that were full of magical knowledge that any sinner in the Pride Ring would do anything to get their hands on. Again, she could only assume.
Millie was gripped with a sense of fear whenever the thought of summoning magical books crossed her mind. She had never attempted to do so, too afraid of the ramifications of her actions should she succeed. The idea of her powers inadvertently accessing such knowledge sent a shiver down her spine. She did have a few books about magic, like that voodoo book Alastor seemed to like, but those were just about folklore from Earth. She wasn't concerned about conjuring books like that. None of that stuff was real.
She would figure something out, she had time before Charlie expected the next 'shipment' of books. Worrying about it wouldn't do her any good, but that didn't mean she would stop stressing about it. All the worrying she was doing was making her restless.
Millie's expression turned into a pout as she stood waiting, feeling as if she had been waiting for ages for Alastor to arrive. The anticipation was gnawing at her, and the prolonged wait only heightened her impatience. "When is he going to get here?" she murmured to herself, sighing in frustration. As her impatience grew, so did her agitation. Millie walked over to one of the windows and leaned against it, hoping to catch a glimpse of Alastor walking up the sidewalk.
At the hotel, Charlie's enthusiasm was contagious as she informed the others about Millie's upcoming temporary stay to complete the library project. A wide smile graced her face as she spoke, her excitement evident in her animated gestures and joyous tone. "I'm so super excited!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Vaggie couldn't help but smile at Charlie's infectious enthusiasm, her heart warmed to see her girlfriend so happy. It always brought her joy to witness Charlie radiating positivity and excitement, especially for a project as important to her as the library.
Charlie's excitement continued to spill forth as she began to fantasize about the possibility of convincing Millie to stay and participate in her redemption program after the library was completed. Her voice rose and fell in a passionate torrent of words, her imagination running wild with possibilities. "Maybe," she said, her eyes glinting with determination, "we could persuade Millie to stay, and she could join the redemption program! I just know she's got potential to change!"
Angel Dust sprawled lazily on one of the couches in the lobby, his gaze fixed on his phone as he aimlessly scrolled through it. He was half-listening to Charlie's excited ramblings about Millie's potential for redemption.
He recalled his interactions with Millie. The memory of her flustered reactions sent a sly smile across his face. He still kept the magazine she had given him, and he found himself paging through it nearly every day. "She's a cute little thing," he mused, his smirk widening. "So damn easy to fluster."
"It'll be great to have a new face around here. I like you guys and all but it gets boring seeing the same people everyday." He leaned over the couch in the direction of the bar where Husk was. "Except you Whiskers~ I could never get tired of seeing your handsome face everyday. Hmm, I can just imagine what you'd look like after a night of fu-"
"That's enough out of you Angel," Vaggie interrupted the spider, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Look, this could be a good opportunity like Charlie said. And we don't need you scaring her off with your dumbass jokes."
Angel rolled his eyes, "Relax Vagina, it's all in good fun. Maybe a few of my 'dumbass jokes' will loosen her up a little. If ya notice, Mousy is wound too tight," a sly grin creeping onto his face. "Maybe I can help her out of those boring clothes and into something a bit more daring."
As Charlie continued to fantasize about Millie staying at the hotel and possibly getting redeemed, Angel kept scrolling, and Husk kept...well sleeping, Vaggie gave a sigh and walked to the other side of the lobby. Charlie had insisted on throwing Millie a surprise welcome party. She had been decorating with Nifty and surprisingly Angel's help. He said he only helped because he had nothing better to do, but Vaggie could tell that the spider had seemed to brighten up at the prospect of someone new at the hotel. Vaggie knew she gave him a hard time, she saw real potential in Angel and she was glad that he might make a new friend, who could be a positive influence in his afterlife. She'd never admit this to him though, not even under threat of angelic steel. She didn't need his smug comments getting on her nerves. The perverted ones were bad enough.
Vaggie checked over the decorations that were hanging up and made sure Nifty hadn't knocked anything over in her eternal pursuit of killing everylast roach in the building. Even with the new build, they still seemed to find a way in. Shaking her head at the thought, Vaggie made her way into the kitchen to check on how the refreshments were going. Alastor had volunteered to whip up something for the party and Vaggie wanted to make sure that something wasn't actually someone.
She shivered at the thought, 'I don't understand how anyone could eat people, but as long as he doesn't take a bite out of anyone at the hotel...' Vaggie thought.
Alastor stood by the stove, checking on whatever it was he was making. Vaggie had to admit that it smelled amazing. She would never admit it to that smug bastard, even under threat of God Himself.
"Alastor, how is everything coming along for the party?" Vaggie asked, as she leaned against the counter. She had to stop herself from laughing when the radio demon turned around wearing an apron that read "Don't Kiss the Cook". She didn't wait to make him mad. Not that she cared if he was or not, but Charlie would care and Vaggie cared for Charlie.
Alastor spun around carrying a pot of something that smelled divine. It wasn't the jambalaya he had made for them before, but it still looked tasty. He placed the pot to the side along with another one. When he was done, he turned to Vaggie and adjusted his monocle, his trademark grin forever in place.
"Ah! Dear Vagatha, come to take a look at the delicious meal I've prepared for our soon to be residential mouse I assume? I know it smells wonderful, but you must wait until the party!" Alastor exclaimed in a chipper tone. " Although, if you must have a sample, I suppose I can spare one beignet~" he reached over and gave her cheek a pinch.
Vaggie growled and smacked his hand away from her face, "Cut it out, shitlord! I didn't come in here for a sample. I wanted to make sure everything was going to be ready in time. Charlie is so excited about this and I'm letting you mess it up for some twisted entertainment!" Vaggie quietly yelled at the overlord. "And stop calling me that!" She didn't want Charlie to hear her yelling at Alastor and think something was wrong. She was stressed out enough without Vaggie adding to it.
Alastor narrowed his eyes at the woman in annoyance. "Everything is ready and I even used magic to keep everything hot until the party," he rolled his eyes. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I must get going if I'm to pick up our little mouse on time." Alastor straightened the lapels of his coat. He tried to step around Vaggie, she stopped him.
"Listen ass-hat, don't think I didn't notice how you treated Millie on her first visit here. I don't know what kind interest you've taken in her, but back off," she hissed and jabbed a finger in his direction. " I'll have my eye on you."
Alastor felt his eye twitch with every word that came out of Vaggie's mouth. "Oh Vagatha, I mean no harm to dear Millie," he walked towards the kitchen door, passing a plate of beignets as he went. "And of course you'll have an eye on me, you only have one! Haha!" He watched as her face turned red at his insult. Before she could say anything else, he quickly grabbed a beignet off the plate and shoved it in her mouth as she opened it to most likely yell at him.
"Don't think I forgot about your sample dear. Now I really must be going. I'll be back shortly so make sure everything's ready. I'd hate Charlie's hard work to go to waste." And then he was gone.
Vaggie could only look after him in shock, the beignet still stuffed in her mouth. She chewed it slowly, still in disbelief at Alastor's actions. She finished the pastry begrudgingly.
"Damn that was good"
Alastor strolled along the sidewalk, deciding to actually walk to Millie's place instead of shadow warping. He thought about the party Charlie had planned for her. He chuckled to himself as he contemplated how Millie would react, given her reserved nature. Walking leisurely, his cane tapping against the pavement in a steady rhythm, he allowed his mind to wander, imagining Millie's potential reaction upon being showered with attention and fanfare. "This ought to be quite the spectacle," he muttered to himself, the corners of his mouth curving into a sly smile.
As he continued his stroll, many sinners did everything they could to get out of his way. He chuckled at the sight. A sense of amusement and satisfaction washed over him as he observed the reactions he inspired in the denizens of Pride. He reveled in the power and influence his presence held, relishing the unease and fear he instilled in others. It only fueled his ego further.
Over the past few days, Alastor had immersed himself in an intense and relentless hunt for souls. Motivated by the knowledge he had gained from the tome he had obtained from Millie's shop, Alastor sought to replenish the souls he had lost while he was away. Fear had begun to spread among the citizens as word of the infamous radio demon's increased activity reached them. Alastor, while not actively attempting to conceal his actions, made sure to keep certain things discreet from Charlie and her guardian angel Vaggie. Well fallen guardian angel. His focus was solely on expanding his collection of souls and increasing his strength.
He couldn't fathom how a timid mouse-like creature was able to obtain a book of such power and knowledge. He couldn't help but wonder how she managed to acquire it. If she had access to that tome, what other treasures could she have stumbled upon? The wheels of his mind began turning, contemplating the possibilities. Millie seemed totally oblivious to the true nature and power of the tome she had stumbled upon. She seemed entirely blind to the significance it held. This only served to intrigue the Radio Demon even further, causing him to question her background and the extent of her knowledge.
The desire to uncover her secret began to slowly consume him. Every fiber of his being was starting to fixate on unraveling the mystery surrounding the little mouse. Millie's impending stay at the hotel presented him with a golden opportunity to dig deeper and unveil any secrets she harbored. His mind already scheming, Alastor considered the possibility of striking a deal with her. If he managed to uncover what she was hiding, he may even be able to secure a monopoly over it. The Radio Demon reveled in the thought of gaining such leverage.
He chuckled softly to himself, the sound low and wicked. "Oh, I can't wait to get a hold of whatever it is she's hiding... And who knows, I might just make a deal with her. A monopoly on her secrets? Why, that sounds delightful."
As Alastor plotted and planned in his mind, a renewed vigor filled his stride, giving him an extra spring in his step. He couldn't help but succumb to the infectious rhythm, channeling his thoughts into a melody. A joyful hum escaped his lips, an impromptu jazzy tune that echoed through the air as he approached Millie's home/shop.
Millie had long since abandoned the window in favor of sitting behind the counter and doodling in her notebook. Her patience had been wearing thin while waiting for Alastor, and she was contemplating the idea of just walking to the hotel by herself. However, relief washed over her when the door creaked open, revealing the tall, imposing figure of Alastor. She let out a sigh of contentment, grateful that she wouldn't have to navigate the perilous streets of Hell alone, especially with any valuables on her person.
Alastor strode into the shop, "Sorry to keep you waiting, my dear," he drawled; he noticed her relieved expression upon his arrival. "I hope you didn't entertain the idea of walking to the hotel by yourself," a hint of amusement in his voice. "It's quite dangerous to venture out into the streets of Hell, especially carrying valuables," Alastor continued, his voice dripping with a mixture of concern and sarcasm, gesturing towards the two meager bags on the floor. "You wouldn't want to attract the wrong kind of attention, now would you?"
He approached the counter and leaned against it, his gaze studying Millie intently. "I can't have you waltzing around the city without any proper protection, now can I? Who knows what kind of unsavory creatures might take notice of a precious thing like you." He paused, his voice lowering to a near whisper. "Besides, there's a certain appeal in having you all to myself, so I can't let just anyone get their hands on you now."
Millie looked up at Alastor with a mixture of relief and mild annoyance at his late arrival. She was so irritated at him, that she didn't even acknowledge his last statement. "I wasn't planning on walking by myself," she responded softly, her tone slightly edged with irritation. She set her notebook down on the counter and gave him a firm glare. "And I know how dangerous it is outside. I'm not an idiot."
Alastor chuckled at Millie's feisty retort, amused by her unexpected boldness. He took pleasure in the way her irritation with him seemed to fuel her confidence. "Well, well, it seems I've got myself a spunky little mouse on my hands," he quipped with a sly smile.
Alastor observed the adorable blush that crept onto Millie's cheeks, his gaze lingering on her reaction. Despite her attempt to hide it, he could sense the effect his words had on her, and it only encouraged him to tease her further. "How cute," he drawled, a knowing smirk playing on his lips. Millie's cheeks flushed pink, and she averted her gaze from Alastor's intense stare. "Don't call me that," she mumbled softly, her voice filled with a mixture of embarrassment and feigned annoyance.
"Whatever you say my dear" Alastor said with a shrug. He looked around the shop and raised an eyebrow. "Is this all you're bringing, my dear?" he inquired, a hint of skepticism in his voice. "I assume you must have more belongings than these few bags," he continued, gesturing towards the bags on the floor. His gaze shifted to Millie as if expecting her to produce more items from a magic hat.
Millie fidgeted slightly under Alastor's gaze, feeling a bit self-conscious about the small amount of belongings she had with her. "I... uh..." she began, her voice trailing off as she looked at the bags. "I don't have much, honestly. Just some clothes and a few books."
"Ah, that's it?" Alastor responded, feigning disbelief. "Just some clothes and a few books, huh? No hidden treasures or secret possessions stashed away somewhere?"
Millie shook her head, feeling a bit embarrassed by Alastor's probing questions. "No, nothing like that," she replied quietly, avoiding his gaze. She suddenly wished to make herself seem more interesting. Sensing Millie's evident discomfort, Alastor decided to ease up a bit. He chuckled softly and gave her a reassuring smile. "Alright, I won't press any further," he said with a smirk. "But I gotta say, I was expecting a bit more from you. A secret dragon egg, perhaps? A rare tome written in ancient demonic runes?"
Upon hearing Alastor's words, Millie's heart skipped a beat, and she couldn't help but laugh nervously. Her thoughts raced as she internally panicked that Alastor might have somehow discovered her unique ability to summon books out of thin air. "A—a dragon egg? A mysterious tome? Hah, that's a bit much, don't you think?" she responded, trying to maintain a casual tone while her anxiety was screaming at her to deny everything.
He could see her panic in response to his mention of supernatural items. "Relax, my dear," he drawled, his voice dripping with amusement. "I was just teasing you. But your reaction is quite telling, I must say." He tilted his head slightly, studying her expression closely. "Oh, my dear," he began, his voice laced with playful condescension. "Your reaction tells me that there might be something you're hiding. You're awfully jumpy when I mention magical items."
"Which leads me to wonder... What secrets could a little mouse like you possibly be hiding?" he continued, his tone dripping with curiosity and mischief. Alastor leaned in closer, his gaze fixated on Millie, eagerly awaiting her response. Alastor relished in the moment of suspense he created as he left the question hanging in the air. After a brief pause, he chuckled and added, "Of course, it's just a joke... I mean, a demon like you? Hiding something like, say, a magical tome? Absurd!"
Millie bristled at Alastor's comment about her being "a demon like her," feeling a pang of offense at the implication. Her cheeks flushed with a hint of irritation as she retorted, "What do you mean by 'a demon like me'? Are you implying something?"
Alastor couldn't help but notice the shift in Millie's demeanor. Her boldness returned, and he found her feistiness rather amusing. He chuckled softly, attempting to reassure her that he meant no harm in his choice of words. "Now, now, my dear," he drawled, his tone soothing. "No need to get all up in arms. I didn't mean anything by it. Just a bit of harmless teasing, that's all."
Alastor found Millie's tail whipping back and forth behind her incredibly amusing. He chuckled softly at her irritation, and he even found her puffed-out cheeks adorable. "Oh, my dear, your little pout is quite something," he teased, a smirk playing on his lips. "All worked up over a little comment? You're like a little mouse trying to puff herself up."
Millie huffed and crossed her arms, clearly impatient to leave. She cast a quick glare at Alastor and asked, "Can we please get going? I've been waiting here for ages, and I'd like to get settled into the hotel already." Her annoyance was evident in her tone and gesture. Her shyness seemed to vanish in the face of annoyance.
Alastor chuckled at Millie's frustrated pout, but he finally relented, deciding it was time to head to the hotel. "Alright, my dear, we can set off for the hotel now," he said, his voice carrying a hint of humor. "Let's get going before your irritation turns into a full-blown tantrum."
As Millie smiled upon Alastor's agreement to leave, she chose to ignore his last comment and made one request. "Could you, uh, please not use your shadow magic this time? It kinda made me a little nauseous last time," she admitted, her voice tinged with a hint of sheepishness.
Alastor chuckled mischievously as he responded to Millie's request. "Ah, but you seemed so eager to get to the hotel a moment ago. So eager in fact that I couldn't bear to make you wait a minute longer." With a quick movement, Alastor grabbed her bags and wrapped an arm around her waist. Then, without warning, he shrouded them in shadows, enveloping them in a brief moment of darkness.
As Alastor's arm wrapped around her waist, a shiver ran down Millie's spine. In spite of her earlier impatience, the sudden closeness with Alastor created butterflies in her stomach. Alastor smirked, sensing her subtle reaction to his touch. He playfully pulled her a little closer, enjoying her flustered demeanor.
As Alastor emerged from the shadows with Millie in tow, he made a grandiose announcement as they stood before the hotel. "We have arrived!" he declared with a flourish, his voice carrying through the air. "Follow me, my dear," he said, guiding her towards the hotel's entrance with a sly grin on his face.
Alastor led Millie through the front door, keeping her completely unaware of the surprise that waited inside. The lobby was enveloped in darkness when suddenly, the lights flicked on, revealing a chorus of voices shouting.
"Surprise!"