Author note - welcome back readers, glad to have another chapter up. Wow, fifty chapters in, 36-45 favorites/followers and 29 reviews, I couldn't be more humbled by your continued support, thanks! Before I list you wonderful people below, please enjoy the chapter, I plan to make a certain short king make his grand appearance next time!

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Chapter 50: Insomnia

Taylor stood in the elevator, rubbing their eyes in exasperation. After their explanation for their absence went down like a lead balloon, they had to endure everyone dogpiling them about telling the truth and questioning them about their patron, only for Taylor to either stand firm on their story or to deflect by restating that they couldn't say, if they answered at all. Through all the clamoring, they saw Alastor in the back of the room watching the proceedings with a grin of genuine amusement, his eyes glittering in delight. Sensing that Taylor's patience was wearing thin, Charlie took pity on them and ordered everyone to disperse for the night. After getting up on shaky legs, Angel and Sir Pentious offered to escort them upstairs.

Once they opened their eyes, they noticed Angel wasn't wearing his cerise gloves and that he kept his hands behind his back.

"Angel, what are you hiding?"

He paused, as though he was thinking of the best way to answer them.

"Oh, just some Bolivian marching powder. Gotta keep it on the down-low, though, I'm running out of places to stash the goods." He drawled.

Taylor didn't buy it. If it were just that, he would've shown it off to them once the doors closed.

"Liar, you've been clean for a little while now. Lemme see—" They said, reaching over.

"I'm fine!" He snapped before he scurried away to stand with his back to the doors. "Unless yer paying, hands off the goods!"

Caught off guard by the response, they worriedly gave Angel a once-over with their eyes before they pressed.

"You're fine? Wait, did something happen? Angel, tell—"

"It's nothin'! Just some standard workplace stuff, I'll be fine in a few days!" He said dismissively.

The elevator doors opened and Angel gave them a regretful glance before he slunk down the hall backwards and disappeared into his room. Taylor stood in the elevator, dumbstruck, as they processed Angel's behavior.

"Well… this is awkward." Sir Pentious said worriedly.

Taylor whirled on him.

"Pentious, what is going on?"

The snake demon hesitated as he twiddled his claws and looked away.

"Look, I can make it worth your while. You want help on the war machine? How about I get you something from the Carmines? Or, I don't know, what do you want? Just… please, I need to know." They pleaded desperately.

His resolve crumbled and he sighed, removing his hat.

"Well… you see…" he fiddled with the hat as he shifted his weight side to side. "When you were in distress, he went to try to rouse you. But when he laid his hands upon you, I'm afraid you were… too hot to handle?" He said carefully.

They processed the statement before their thoughts ran wild.

'You didn't mean it.' A voice whispered in their head.

'Some friend you are. You can't help in the most important way, now you hurt him yourself? You're no better than Valentino.' Another angry voice hissed.

They gritted their teeth.

"Shut up." They uttered scathingly to themselves as a maelstrom of emotions slammed into them.

"What was that, dear?"

They looked up and Pentious was staring at them, eyes full of concern. They shook their head and made a beeline for Angel's door as fast as their sore muscles allowed.

"Angel, open up!" They yelled, pounding on the door.

"Go away, Fuoco! I already told ya it's nunya business!"

"Bullshit! I know I'm the one who hurt you, let me help!" They fired back. When they heard no response, their temper boiled over. "God, I know I haven't been here long, but I wish you'd stop coddling me like I'm a fucking baby!" They spat as their chest tightened and they forced the words out. "I can handle some bad news and not shatter into a million pieces, for fuck's sake! Now open this door or I'll break it down!" They practically screamed as their fists shook in anger.

When all they got was more silence, they took a step back and took a deep breath to tamp down their emotions.

"Fine. Fine! So be it." They muttered before fishing around in their pocket for their wallet. Taking another breath, they sang a song from the musical Annie that came to mind.

"The sun will come out,

Tomorrow.

Bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow,

there'll be sun."

They took out a card and used it to unlock the door after a bit of effort. Letting themselves in, they were greeted with Angel sitting on his bed with a tranquil smile and glazed over eyes watching them.

"Just thinkin' about,

Tomorrow.

Clears away the cobwebs and the sorrow,

'til there's none."

Moving to scoop up Fat Nuggets and give him a quick pet, they then strode over to the spider demon and put the piglet on the bed next to his owner. Gently grasping his bandaged hands, they unwound the wrappings as they continued.

"When I'm stuck with a day,

That's gray and lonely.

I just stick out my chin,

And grin, and say, ohh…"

They stared down and grimaced. The affected areas were swollen with an angry mix of deep reds and browns that was riddled with painful-looking blisters. In some areas, the top layer of skin had peeled away to reveal shiny and moist patches underneath, making them shudder as they took in the second-degree burns they had caused.

"The sun'll come out,

Tomorrow

So ya gotta hang on 'til tomorrow,

come what may."

The room around them became watery and distorted as hot, angry tears flooded their eyes. Bringing their friend's hands close, the heavy feeling of guilt settled in their chest before they pushed through it.

"Tomorrow, tomorrow

I love ya tomorrow.

You're always, a day away."

They sang hopefully as their tears streamed down their face before pooling in Angel's hands. Smiling over at their dopey-faced friend, they kept it up.

"When I'm stuck with a day,

That's gray and lonely.

I just stick out my chin, and grin,

and say, oh…"

Adjusting his palms up, they quickly moved away to snag his first aid kit from the shelf before grabbing the needed materials.

"The sun'll come out,

Tomorrow

So ya gotta hang on 'til tomorrow,

come what may."

They sang in earnest, wiping their eyes using their sleeve before delicately redressing his hands.

"Tomorrow, tomorrow

I love ya, tomorrow!

You're always, a day away!

Tomorrow, tomorrow

I love ya, tomorrow!

You're always, a day, away!"

As they finished, they settled their friend back to lay on his bed and nestled Fat Nuggets alongside. Taking slow steps backwards, they returned the first aid kit to its spot and lingered at the door.

"Good night, and I'm sorry." They said quietly as they saw the spider demon's eyes close sleepily. Closing the door behind them, they took a ragged breath, only to realize that Sir Pentious was still awaiting orders in a trance-like state.

"Oh, right. You go on to bed too. I'll see you tomorrow." They instructed gently. He silently saluted them before slithering down the hall and into his room without a word.

Now alone, they made their way to their door and unlocked it. Once it creaked open, bile hit the back of their throat as their breath came in quick, painful puffs. They stared at their bed before they saw a flash of red eyes, making the hair on the back of their neck rise. Staggering back, they slumped against the wall as terror seized them. There was no way they could sleep, not when their patron was probably on the warpath now and waiting for them.

They shuddered as they recalled the brief snippets of what happened right before Charlie forced their patron away. Orange claws running along their face, trickles of blood running down their cheek, a shrill shriek. Sharp, all-consuming pain coursing through them like lightning, the sensation of being ripped apart. Cutting claws reluctantly releasing their grip, then darkness. Next thing they knew, they were back in the hotel with the news that their patron had fled the scene. Despite their exhaustion, they headed downstairs for the strongest cup of coffee they could make. After stealthily setting themselves up in the library, they spent the night trying to find something to read to distract themselves from their worries.

Stifling a yawn, they made their way around Pentagram City to their final destination of the day. As if their song had prompted the shift, the rain storm had ended and the city bustled with life after its denizens were cooped up for a week. After their disastrous return, they had opted to try and smooth things over with the hotel residents by procuring gifts for everyone. But their hopes to slip in and out of crowds as just another face went up in smoke; they discovered their notoriety as an Overlord and associate of the Radio Demon made them stick out like a sore thumb, leaving no opportunities for them to find a secure spot to change their appearance. Most would jump, hide, or otherwise avoid them at their approach and store associates were especially obsequious and helpful; many even waived the delivery charge to have their gifts dropped off at the hotel, which their now thin wallet sorely appreciated.

Stopping in front of the steps of the Heaven Embassy, they gazed up at the clock tower with dread.

"Sixty-one days." They whispered as they watched some granules of sand trickle down the giant glowing hourglass. A little over two months before Adam, Lute, and the Exorcist army would come back and wreak havoc on the populace. If Carmilla's counts were right, at least a hundred thousand souls would be erased at that time, making them clench their fist in frustration.

'I'm proof redemption works, even if it's just temporary at this point. I just need a chance to show it off before my patron drags me back.' They sulked.

"Vox sends his regards." Sneered an unfamiliar voice far too close for comfort.

They gasped and quickly leapt forward and onto the second step of the Embassy stairs, narrowly avoiding a shank aimed for their side. Alighting on the steps, they looked to see about a half a dozen snickering demons had formed a semi-circle around them, all brandishing weapons. Scanning the menacing faces, they paused in recognition; one was the same eagle demon that had attacked them months ago on their first stroll around town with Alastor, only he sported and sharp hooks for hands now.

"You again? What happened to your hands?" They asked, a mix of curiosity and disbelief.

The eagle demon gnashed his teeth angrily.

"You happened, stupid bitch! It took me months to put myself back together, but for some reason my fucking hands never came back!" He snapped as he took a step closer. "Now I'm going to return the favor and make your hands into a trophy!" He screamed as the others followed his lead.

'This isn't good.' They mused as they began to sweat. Outnumbered and still weakened from their patron's visit, Charlie's exorcism, and their lack of sleep, they were at a disadvantage. They braced for an attack, but before they could focus on summoning something to protect themselves, they heard a voice just beyond their aggressors.

"We got a problem here, boss?"

They glanced up just as assailants looked over their shoulders in surprise. A respectable number of demons they recognized as their former clients or clients-turned-contacts stood behind their would-be attackers, looking ferocious and wielding their own arsenal of weapons. A lynx demoness spoke up among the crowd.

"Let us deal with them. We know you can wipe them out yourself, but you have better things to do than waste your energy on something so insignificant." She said while giving them a subtle wink.

Sparing a glance at the worried looks of the aggressors, they stood up straight and clasped their hands behind their back.

"All right then, I'll let you teach these pests a lesson." They yielded, playing along by projecting indifference. They focused and managed to set their eyes ablaze before staring back fiercely at the eagle demon and his posse. "Unless… there isn't a problem, right gentlemen?" They asked with a smirk, giving the group an out.

The eagle demon gritted his teeth as the others stared back in disbelief and fear. One of them made a break for it, causing the others to quickly follow suit before the eagle demon gave them a death glare and joined his companions. Once all were gone, they sighed and extinguished their eyes tiredly before addressing their assembly.

"Thanks for the assist, everyone, especially since you didn't have to." They said gratefully.

"Anytime, boss! We got your back, just like you had ours." A jackal demon chimed in before the crowd agreed and most dispersed. Taylor walked down the steps where about five demons lingered and drew in close.

"Listen, we have it on good record that our former employers are holed up at a casino nearby. I realize it's a big ask, but… do you think you'd be willing?" The jackal demon whispered with uncertainty.

"Of course." They said without skipping a beat.

The group beamed as they brought out their phones and showed them pictures of their new targets. Taking a moment to memorize each face, their troop then walked them over to the casino in question. Dismissing the others, they moved to secluded spot to come up with a spur-of-the-moment plan.

"My, my, you have been a busy bee!" A staticky voice said.

"Jesus Christ!"

They whirled around to see Alastor standing in the alleyway that had been empty just moments before. He gave them an amused grin as his eyes gleamed.

"Hmm, I'm afraid not." He replied impishly.

"You've got to stop doing that." They said as they clutched their chest to slow their rapidly beating heart.

"But where's the fun in that?" He teased, chuckling at their startle.

"What are you doing here? Besides trying to scare me half to death."

"Why, keeping tabs on you, chum! Slinking off in the wee hours of the morning with nary a note to allay our already frayed nerves?" He held his head in mock despair before smirking at them. "For shame."

They rolled their eyes.

"Riiight, 'cause you're well known for your altruism." They deadpanned. "But I guess it's handy that you're here. I'm about to start a job, you want in?"

Alastor perked up and strode over animatedly.

"I'd be delighted to!"

Taylor's eyes narrowed.

"Without devouring the dealmakers once I'm done with them, please."

A flicker of annoyance crossed his face as his eyes, the X on his forehead, and his grin glowed ominously for a moment before everything faded and he considered it.

"Hmm. Well, that's a lot less fun. I will endeavor to be more merciful this time around." He quipped.

With a sigh, they were about to summon the blue flames when Alastor cut in.

"Oh, wait a moment, chum! This poses a golden opportunity! If you would be so kind, I'd request you take on the appearance of a mutual winged feline friend of ours! You'd blend right in!" He suggested eagerly.

They thought about it for a moment before acquiescing. Once the flames went out, they stumbled back as they adjusted to having a heavy set of wings behind them along with a tail to throw them off balance.

"Jeez, how does Husk manage these?" They muttered as they brought their wings back to a comfortable position.

"Delightful! You're the bee's knees, or should I say, the cat's meow?" He joked as a recorded sound of laughter followed. Snapping his fingers, their outfit changed to black pants held up by shoulder suspenders, a red bow tie, and a top hat.

"Ha ha. Very funny." They held out their clawed palm to the deer demon. "Care to cast that little marking spell again? It seems to have worn off."

He stared back at them, eyes wide in mild shock before he quickly tapped their hand with his microphone and the swirling green skulls and the tingling sensation appeared. Shaking their wrist, they uttered a thanks before Alastor roughly pushed them forward, nearly sending them to the floor.

"I'll wait until I see you take a seat at the bar before I make my glorious entrance! Just keep in mind not to go and gamble your soul away, chum!"

Taylor caught themselves and bristled at the mean-spirited comment before they readjusted their hat and made their way into the casino.

Taking a seat at the bar, the bartender approached them as they kept a sidelong glance at the front doors to the casino.

"What'll ya have?" The bartender asked.

They stared squarely back.

"If you know what's good for you, you'll make yourself scarce and not look back." They warned as their eyes indicated to the front entrance. After a moment of assessing their seriousness, the bartender's face paled and they made a swift exit out the side door. They sighed; they had tried to get as many employees out of the space before taking their seat to limit the number of innocent bystander casualties, but not all heeded their warnings.

'Oh well, I tried.' They thought grimly as they braced themselves for the grisly event to start.

Immediately after, they heard the front doors open dramatically and they turned to see Alastor, mouth to his microphone, waltzing in like he owned the place.

"Good afternoon listeners, it's your host with the most, Alastor! Today, we've entered a charming little clip joint for some good old fun and games! After hearing interesting things about the place, I just couldn't resist popping in! Oh, do you hear that noise?"

Taylor watched as the room's atmosphere flipped on a dime, with the sounds of frantic scrambling starting as chairs screeched, chips spilled, and panicked babbling and hurried footsteps resounded. Alastor's smile inched up as he chuckled darkly and made his way over to the bar.

"Why, it seems some of the patrons think it prudent to depart right before passing a good time! It simply won't do to have them miss out! Let's just skip ahead and get started with the music, shall we? Stay tuned!"

As the tumult raged on before them, he stood tall with his back straight to them as he stared down his victims while twirling his microphone. Suddenly slamming the staff to the ground, the area glowed green before a portal opened at his feet and his doll demon familiars spilled out, teeth gnashing and snarling along with various shadowy tendrils. He glanced at them over his shoulder, grin growing wider.

"Enjoy the show."

A slaughter ensued: the doll demons rushed at the crowd, biting off flesh, ripping out insides, and spilling enough blood to make them more than a little queasy. In an effort to settle their stomach, they instead focused on Alastor himself, coattails billowing as he flexed his fingers this way and that, conducting his symphony of violence. Despite the gruesomeness, Taylor could admit that there was a gracefulness to his movements, a macabre artistry that could only be attained after extensive time honing his skills.

The air became heavy with glowing symbols and the whine of static as the shadow tendrils moved at Alastor's command, punching holes through chests, crushing bones, gouging out eyes, and slowly tearing limbs off. A brave or desperate soul tried to bum rush Alastor, only for him to clench his bloodied fist and one of his shadows swiftly beheaded him and then promptly tossing the body aside like a broken toy.

Their stomach roiled and they had to look away to keep from vomiting. Behind them, they listened to Alastor playing with his prey as the sounds of ripping, crashing, spurting, pleading, crunching, and other gorey things echoed in the space.

They nearly jumped out of their skin when a heavy hand landed on their shoulder and quickly spun them around.

"You're missing my performance, chum!" Alastor proclaimed. He looked absolutely unhinged, the red X on his forehead glowing brightly, pupils blown out, grin stretched unnaturally wide.

"That's rather rude of you. Are you not enjoying yourself?"

"N-no..." they stuttered. The air shifted as his eyes darkened, glazing over and growing hooded as he gazed back dangerously at them, making alarm bells ring in their head. Thinking quickly, they added.

"It's not that! I was just so moved, I had to take a moment to… collect myself?"

There was a tense moment before his expression softened, as if some of the bloodlust clouding his mind dispelled. "You're far too kind, chum." He said graciously, his voice almost sounding affectionate. Removing his hand, he straightened up before turning his attention back to his task.

"I think it's time for the final curtain call, don't you?" He said as glowing symbols swirled around him and his tendrils and familiars collected the remaining sobbing victims before dispatching them at a leisurely pace. He grinned as the final lifeless body fell to the floor and he summoned his microphone. "Much fun was had indeed! Dearest listeners, this is Alastor, Hell's greatest host, signing off! Until next time, and as always, stay tuned…" he tapped his microphone, the red glow fading as the broadcast ended.

'Ugh, I'll never get used to this.' They thought as the strong smell of death made another wave of nausea hit them.

"I can't believe you. Seriously?" Taylor grumbled accusingly as the two made their way to the doors to the hotel. Right after breaking the dealmaker's contracts, they had stepped away for a moment to change their appearance, only to hear ripping and crunching behind them as they realized Alastor had opted to devour the dealmakers despite their request. The deer demon himself walked alongside them, grinning like the cat who ate the canary.

"Well, chum, I haven't been hunting in quite some time, and I only said I'd endeavor to be more merciful! You should learn by now to pay attention to wording, chum!" He said brightly, his eyes gleaming mischievously.

"Whatever, I'll be more specific next time." They uttered grumpily as they stepped into the lobby. They got a few paces in before they found themselves lifted up into one of Charlie's crushing hugs.

"Where have you been? Never mind, thank you for the gift, it was so nice of you!" She gushed.

They smiled at her reaction, glad that the deluxe art kit they'd picked won her over. They figured it would be perfect for her hand drawn pictures she used for activities and presentations.

"Of course, Charlie. It just a small token of appreciation and an apology for my disappearance." They said, voice strained from the constrictive grasp. She giggled before setting them on solid ground again and the others gathered around to say their thanks.

Their gifts seemed to had hit their marks: a set of throwing knives and a weapon polishing kit for Vaggie, a new set of cleaning supplies and aprons for Niffty, a cat toy for KeeKee, a box of fancy donuts each for Razzle and Dazzle, a high-end baking tool and pan set for Sir Pentious, a new set of poker chips and cards for Husk, a 12-year Macallan whiskey for Alastor, and a pair of designer boots Angel had been mooning over for a while.

"Uh, thanks kid. And sorry for trying to slug you last night, it wasn't right." Husk muttered sheepishly as he rubbed the back of his neck.

"Yeah, Fuoco, sorry for giving you a hard time, what with all that happened. Can ya maybe see in ya heart to forgive me?" Angel said, his expression guilty.

They nodded before addressing the group.

"Guys, I just wanted to say I'm sorry for making you all worry. Again. Seems it's all I'm good for around here." They said apologetically before looking pointedly at the blonde demoness. "Whether you believe me or not, I know what Charlie has going here works, it's just a matter of proving it to whomever will listen." They said determinedly.

There was an awkward silence before Charlie put a reassuring hand on their shoulder.

"That's the spirit! Besides, we still have some time before the next Extermination." She said in a strained voice.

The others still looked skeptical, but took it in stride as they gave a final round of thanks and all but Charlie and Vaggie dispersed for the night.

"Thanks for the vote of confidence, Taylor, it means the world." She said before she grasped their hands and a look of worry crossed her face. "Listen, I heard that you didn't sleep last night, and I think I know why. You're afraid your dealmaker will come back, aren't you?"

Taylor flinched as their mark burned.

"I don't know what you're talking about." They said carefully as their eyes darted about frantically. The burning receded with their answer, calming them a smidge.

Charlie sensed their distress and squeezed their hands tighter.

"It's okay, I know you can't say. I was talking it over with Vaggie, and I think it'd be best if you stayed in our room tonight. If something happens, I'll be able to help."

"No, I don't want to intrude." They replied quickly as they tried to pull away.

"Please! I insist. You need the sleep, Taylor." She pleaded as she used her sad puppy dog eyes. They looked over to Vaggie, who gave them an encouraging nod.

Taylor sighed. They knew she was right; they couldn't avoid sleeping forever, but the thought terrified them.

"Fine. For you, Charlie, anything. But I'll need a hell of a nightcap first. Just let me know when to show up and I'll see you there." They said with a small smile. Charlie gave them another hug and let them go to get ready.

When they arrived at the penthouse suite, Vaggie directed them to a cot on the floor Charlie had conjured up for them and after settling in, the two demonesses wished them good night and a reassurance that everything would be okay. They nodded before turning over and fretting the hours away while looking out the windows at the maroon sky. Eventually, they couldn't keep their eyes open and they succumbed to their exhaustion.