A Total Drama Story, Hazbin Hotel Crossover Story

Demon's Daughter: Love Across the Divide

Chapter 17

Returning to Earth

~Gwen's POV~

Following the incident involving Sir Pentious, calm returned to the hotel within a few days. I still had reservations about fully trusting Sir Pentious, yet he appeared to be conducting himself properly, particularly with Vaggie and Angel monitoring him closely. Every time I see Pentious get nervous around either of those two, I giggle quietly to myself, finding a strange pleasure in watching the snake tremble with fear. As much as I've enjoyed this, lately I've felt somewhat out of sorts. No, that doesn't quite capture it. I believe I'm feeling upset, yet there's a sense of something lacking. Upon further reflection, I realize I yearn to return to Earth and reunite with those other all the excitement, I hadn't given much thought to returning to Earth. The dilemma is how to get back without the grimoire. It rightfully belongs to Stolas, and according to Via, it's now with the imp assassins. It seems unlikely that I could simply walk into their lair and request the book. Besides, I don't even know how to read the grimoire. Indeed, I find myself in quite a predicament.

As I pace around my room, I'm in search of a novel transportation method to Earth. If my memory is accurate, there's an alternative route that involves descending to the Lust ring to confer with Lord Asmodeus. You might wonder, who is he? Asmodeus is one of the Seven Deadly Sins, sovereign of the Lust ring, a place where, akin to Angel, all are in pursuit of that surge of lust. Rumor has it that Asmodeus possesses crystals capable of transporting those born in hell to Earth and even granting them human forms. Maybe if I sneak down to the Lust ring, I could find and speak to Asmodeus about acquiring a crystal. However, I'm not familiar with navigating the Lust ring, nor do I know how to find my way around any of the other six rings, apart from the one I currently reside in.

I stop pacing and settle down on the bed to think. The grimoire and an Asmodeus crystal are the only two ways of transportation to Earth that I know of. Unless I am overlooking something, is it conceivable for a demon to possess the power to transport other demons to Earth? Never heard of such a thing happening, but it could be possible. Only problem is finding a demon who has that kind of power. As I let my mind wander in thought, a sudden knock on the door breaks my train of thought. Wondering who that was, I got up and answered the door. To my surprise, Alastor stood outside.

"Alastor, what brings you here?" I was not displeased to see him, yet a feeling in my gut warned me that something was about to unfold, and it likely wouldn't be pleasant. Nevertheless, Alastor has consistently shown himself to be a reliable ally.

"Apologies for disturbing you my dear, but I was wondering if you could spare some time so that we may have a little chat." He smiled as he usually did.

"Yeah, sure, come on in." I stepped aside to let him enter my room. He walked in with a spring in his step, humming a melody and surveying my bedroom. "So, what brings you to my private area of tranquility?"

"Indeed, it's quite straightforward. I've noticed your behavior over the past few days. You appear to be rather distracted. Is there something preoccupying you?" Alastor asked me.

This came to me as a surprise. I didn't think anyone noticed my behavior because when it comes to hiding my feelings, I can keep them hidden for a long time. Then, when I'm alone I go ahead and let loose however I want. No one can judge me when I'm alone or bombard me with questions. I hate it when people annoy me with questions when I want to be alone. Honestly, hasn't anybody ever heard of the words 'butt out' before? But enough complaining about my personal privacy problems. Alastor is here for a reason, and I doubt he's concerned about my feelings.

"You could say that but forget about that for a moment. What's the real reason behind your sudden visit?"

He gave me his usual smile. I swear, that smile can sometimes seem creepier than his entire personality.

"Seriously Alastor, what are you after?" The silence is making me uneasy.

"My dear what makes you think there's something I'm after?" He asked me. "I'm simply being a concerned adult for the well-being of a child."

Somehow, his words lacked conviction.

"Okay Alastor, you and I both know that you're a man who feeds off of misery. So why don't you tell me what's going on before I kick you out." That probably sounded rude, but it's not like I'm going to hurt his feelings.

Alastor gave a hearty laugh before speaking, "You waste no time cutting to the chase I see. Very well, I'll tell you what it is I'm really after. You see my dear Gwen, it's true that I've noticed a difference in your behavior. You seem distracted, and I think I know why that is."

I raised an eyebrow in interest. "Could you be a little more specific? I don't know what you're talking about." I walked over to my desk to clean it up.

"Oh, I think you do Gwen, or did you forget all about your trip to Earth?"

The notebooks slipped from my grasp and tumbled down. The clatter of metal against the wooden desk pierced the quiet of the room, then silence reigned once more. My heart thudded against my ribs. Beads of sweat trickled down my forehead. How could he have known about my journey to Earth? Only Octavia should have been privy to that information.

Slowly, I turned my head to look at Alastor, "What did you just say?"

"I think you know what I said."

"Okay, but how do you know that?"

"Ah, so you're not denying it?"

Facepalm moment.

"Never mind that, how did you know I traveled to Earth? Only Octavia and I are aware of Operation Earth, which admittedly still sounds like a preposterous name when said aloud." Another facepalm moment.

"Trade secrets, my dear. I'm afraid that's not something I can disclose; however, what I can offer is a way to return you to Earth for any matters you need to attend to."

Whoa, back up, are my ears deceiving me? What I heard could not be the correct information. Did I hear Alastor correctly or is there wax built up in my ears? No, there's no denying I heard Alastor correctly. Saying he can get me back to Earth.

"Wait a minute, you're telling me you can help me get back to Earth?" It still sounds unpredictable saying a loud, but I have to be sure I heard him right. "Really Alastor, you want to help me? What's the catch?"

Obviously there had to be a catch. Vaggie told me all about what Alastor is like, and he wouldn't just do something out of the kindness of his heart without wanting something in return. If he thinks he's going to get my soul he's got another thing coming.

Alastor stared at me for a few moments. As if he were studying my behavior and body movement before speaking, "There's no catch my dear. Call it a favor. I do this for you and in the future, you do something for me."

"Is that simply an I.O.U.? You're asking for a favor in the future, and nothing more? No strings attached?" When dealing with an overlord, caution is paramount. With Alastor, staying vigilant is the best course of action. "Your offer almost seems too good to be true."

"You may perceive it differently, but I am only stating the truth. I am simply seeking your assistance for a time in the near future when I may need it."

I'm not saying I fully believed him, but it did sound like an offer I couldn't refuse. Of course, just what he meant by a future favor was beyond me. Hopefully, it wasn't anything serious or deadly I'd have to do for him. Wait a minute, I'm not seriously thinking about accepting his offer, am I? As much as I'd like to return to Earth, making a deal with an overlord isn't the best move. No matter how desperate I maybe, I'm not an idiot.

"Sorry Alastor, but I'm going to pass. I may seem desperate, but I'm not an idiot."

Alastor remained silent, merely gazing at me with his customary smile. This made discerning Alastor's feelings or thoughts challenging. There was a part of me that found this disturbing. Even if he wasn't doing anything he was creeping me out. I thought about saying something, but what could I say?

"Hmm, very well I respect your decision."

Wait, what?

"I am aware of my reputation. Some people find me intimidating and untrustworthy. It varies with individuals, but rest assured, I won't compel you to do anything outside your comfort zone. Just know that I'm happy to offer you a helping hand should you need it."

I'll admit, I wasn't expecting him to be calm with my answer, but Charlie did tell me about her encounter with Alastor when she was starting the hotel. He was fine with the deal she offered him. Guess this shouldn't be a surprise now. Still, there was something nagging at the back of my head. Why would Alastor offer his assistance to me?

"One thing I've got to know before you go."

"And what might that be my dear?"

"I want to know how you knew I went to Earth, and why you haven't told Charlie. You obviously hoped to gain something if I agreed to your deal, but I've got to know how you found out what I did. So, start talking and don't lie to me. I know when someone's lying to me."

It wasn't a lie; I can sense when someone is withholding the full truth from me, yet I am not an expert at uncovering it completely. I just know when someone isn't being honest. I can detect subtle signs when someone is lying. Small details such as eye twitches, tail movements, wing flutters, or neck rubbing are giveaways. These are the indicators I watch for when I suspect someone is not being entirely truthful. It was now time to reveal Alastor's telltale signs.

"You want to understand the truth behind why I kept your field trip to Earth a secret and the method I used to discover your deception."

"If you want to call it that, fine, but all I did was go above for an hour and came back. Besides, plenty of other demons go back and forth from this world. Why can't I go like them?"

"I never said you couldn't my dear. I am saying you should be careful should you want to continue your little trips. You never know who may find out."

"Like you?"

"I consider myself an exception as I am collaborating with your sister."

"Whether it's an exception or not, that still doesn't account for how you discovered my trip."

"That can easily be explained. You're aware of my ability to control shadows, yes?"

"Sort of, can't say I've seen you do it often around my presence."

"Fair enough, but I possess control overshadows, including my own. During your absence at your friend Octavia's manor, I took the liberty to investigate. Your haste to depart and peculiar behavior piqued my curiosity."

Honestly, I thought my behavior didn't reveal anything. However, Alastor noticed my act.

""Okay, I'll admit I was eager to get out and initiate my plan with Via. I didn't think my behavior was noticeable," I confessed. "Could you just tell me how you used your shadows to catch me in the act? It's obvious you used them, right?" I was quite apparent.

"Indeed, I utilized one of my shadows to stealthily follow yours. It proved to be a reliable mode of transportation, if I may say so myself." Alastor sounded proud of himself as he spoke.

"Are you suggesting that one of your shadows attached itself to my shadow without my knowledge?"

"Correct, then upon your return my shadow returned to me to report its findings."

"And you didn't tell me this sooner because...?"

"I wanted to wait and see how long it would take before you felt the urge to go back."

It's understandable; to him, it was merely a game. Why does this lack of surprise come as no surprise?

"Glad you had fun watching me slowly give into temptation."

"You're welcome, I was glad to have enjoyed watching; although, there is one thing I'm curious about. How did you plan on returning to Earth had I not confronted you?"

I assume it's okay to share my earlier thoughts with him. I provided an explanation of my previous ideas. He listened quietly, nodding in comprehension.

"Those were good thoughts you had in mind my dear, and I can see how they may come as a problem."

"Yeah, it sucks." I had to agree with him on that. There was no denying the truth.

"But you know, my deal still stands. I can offer you the ability to return to Earth whenever you like as many times as you like. In return, you'll owe me one favor that I will call upon you at the given time I wish."

There's a part of me that wants to give in and say yes but doing that would be similar to signing my soul away. Even if he's not asking for it. I'm better than this. Temptation shall not draw me into its embrace. Yet, the desire to return lingers. Similar to an itch that must be scratched despite being told not to scratch it should the outcome give back results one doesn't want to know.

"I best be going, I'm sure you'd like some time alone with your thoughts." Alastor was making his way for the door when I suddenly did something I didn't expect to do. As if my body acted out on its own. Leaping forward, I grabbed Alastor's right arm.

"Wait!" I can hardly believe I'm actually proceeding with this.

"If you are sincere about returning me to Earth and assure me that I won't have to harm anyone as part of your favor, then we have an agreement."

Alastor's expression intensified. He turned to face me, extending his hand. Mustering my courage, I shook his hand, thus sealing the deal.

What is to become of Gwen's fate in the future?

What sort of favor will she owe Alastor?

All these answers and more in the following chapter(s).

Be sure to read, review, and comment~