Lucifer let out a half-hearted awkward laugh, his hand moving to the back of his neck. How was he going to get out of this one?
"I mean you know Alastor. Too stubborn to die, heck even Adam didn't kill him. He's probably out and about somewhere."
"Dad-", Charlie enunciated in an unhappy tone.
"Maybe he's not dead. He's probably gotten tied up with some other trouble."
"What did you do to him?"
"Nothing!" It came out too quick. He cleared his throat and elaborated. "I didn't do anything to the bellhop."
"He's been gone for a month and now every contract, every soul is gone. How could that not mean death? You know something, what aren't you telling me?"
Lucifer pulled at the collar of his shirt uncomfortably. He needed to leave. Now. But how? As the panic set in he quickly stood waving a portal open quickly exclaiming, "well I have a meeting to do. You know. Kingly stuff so uh…I gotta run," before darting through the portal back to his room.
He fell to a sit on the floor with a heavy breath. This was not going well. Both the mortal plane and Hell now seemed to be in turmoil, how long did he expect it to take before Heaven found out. Everything was out of his hands now. His gaze moved to his workbench to find the little duck still hadn't returned. He'd have to go looking for it, he couldn't wait for it to turn up on its own. He needed whatever guidance or luck the duck could give him.
Charlie stared at the spot her father had just disappeared from with an expression of mixed frustration and disappointment. Her gaze turned back to the cup of coffee that no longer brought comfort with its warmth. She groaned, pushing the cup forward as her head fell forward hitting the table with a soft thud. What was she supposed to do now? There had always been some possibility that Alastor would leave, she did only 'order' him to stay as long as he desired, but this was… he would have to come back to cash in his 'itty bitty favour' right? Something else to push aside for now she guessed. There was already so much happening it was hard to keep track of it all.
Another groan escaped her as she sat up, her head in her hands. She hadn't even fixed the fact everyone was still upset about Ellen's death, though she was pleasantly surprised Franklin suggested and helped plan the little gathering for her. They had buried her out back, a small stone with her name on it marking the spot, apparently that's what people did on earth. She was disappointed a certain deer demon never made an appearance but she was glad all of Franklin's friends showed up, making the gathering quite larger than she had expected.
Angel sauntered in not bothering to stifle a yawn as he made straight for the coffee pot. It wasn't until he had poured himself a cup and turned around that he found he wasn't alone in the kitchen.
"Oh. Morning Charlie."
She managed a weak smile pushing everything else down, for now she could smile and focus on the hotel. Everything else would work itself out in time. She hoped.
"Hey Angel. Sleep well?"
"Probably better than even when I was alive."
Charlie's smile turned genuine then. At least someone was having a good morning. She pulled her mug back to her, though the thought of having any now made her stomach turn, her appetite gone since her talk with her dad.
"I'm glad."
There was silence then but she noticed Angel was watching her suspiciously, even after she turned away forcing herself into taking the smallest of sips of her coffee.
"You're upset 'bout smiles,' He said finally, a set of arms cross his chest.
She opened her mouth but closed it, her cheeks heating a bit. She had always liked that she could be so open, but being so easy to read sometimes worked against her. She kept her eyes on the dark liquid slowly becoming still again in her mug.
"I just don't know what to believe anymore," she confessed quietly.
Hell was convinced that Alastor was dead, but her dad seemed to allude that wasn't the case. She didn't think the two even liked each other let alone get to the point where they were sharing some sort of secrets.
"What other explanations could there be? Yeah it sucks, but when he pulls 'imself back together I'm sure he'll be back. Where else can he go?"
Charlie shot up, eyes lighting up. "Angel, you're a genius!"
A small smirk pulled across his face, his coffee hand lightly toasting. "Your words toots."
She jumped to her feet, placing her mug in the sink before bolting from the room, she skidded to a halt before turning back to Angel.
"You guys can have the morning off! I'll be back later!"
Angel whined at the declaration. "Well that the fuck? Why'd I get up so early then?"
If he mentioned anything else, Charlie didn't hear it as she pushed through the front doors and headed into the city with a new conviction. If Alastor had died, he would have been wise enough to at least do it somewhere safe. A pang of disappointment hit her at the thought that the hotel wasn't a place he had considered safe, but in time maybe he would.
She hurried on to the Cannibal district. If he needed someone to keep an eye on him or his body surely Rosie was his first choice. A bit ironic to trust your body being safe in the home of a cannibal, but they were good friends. Rosie was also an overlord so others would likely keep their distance even with the reward.
There was a small twinge of hope swirling in her chest as she approached the emporium. Was it possible that Alastor wasn't actually dead? He just needed somewhere to lie low for a bit, and the hotel wasn't the safest place right now that it had people crashing the lobby looking for him. It was the logical place to look for him, no wonder he hadn't come back yet.
Her smile slipped a bit seeing the shattered glass at the front of the store. Her hasty march slowed to a hesitant creep full of causation. She pulled the door to find it was locked. Charlie took a few seconds glancing around to find the streets were empty, though now that she had stopped and looked, the hairs on the back of her neck had started to rise. It was early sure, but for no one to be around? She pulled her phone out to check the time. It was late enough in the day now, shops and stores should be open so why was the door locked?
The glass door had been shattered making the lock now seem redundant. Should she just walk in anyway? It seemed rude too, the door being locked meant Rosie wasn't looking for company.
After a few seconds of mental deliberation she stepped through the frame, her eyes carefully scanning the store front. Most of the merchandise was left untouched. Whoever broke in didn't seem to cause damage or steal anything. A bit odd for Hell, but maybe it was an accident, some kids playing around and kicked a rock through the glass? That didn't explain why the rest of town had become barren. She was just about to turn and leave thinking she probably should have phoned Rosie a head to let her know of her visit when a voice spoke from the darkness causing a chill to run down her spine.
"They just keep coming. Guess we'll be feasting well tonight."
Charlie's eyes widened, turning to find the owner of the cold, dead voice.
"You know, I think I'll just…" She pointed to the door working her way back to it with a nervous laugh. "I'll come see Rosie later. Tell her Charlie stopped by?"
There was a sound of shuffling before a pair of gentlemen appeared from the darkness with surprised, hollowed eyes.
"Charlie? The princess of Hell?"
A nervous smile slid onto her face as she gave an awkward wave.
The two cannibals shared a glance before they turned back to her with a sharp toothed, and a bit bloody, smile. "I'm sure Rosie will be delighted to see you have stopped by. We'll take you to her."
Charlie bushed a stray lock of hair back behind her ear but followed them into the back of the store. They led her to a door where they gestured for her to stay. She did, nervously kicking her feet, her hands fumbling with the hem of her jacket.
They knocked calling through, "Miss Rosie, you have a guest. Miss Charlie Morningstar."
The door opened to reveal a slightly flustered Rosie. Her smile lit up her face as she met Charlie's gaze.
"My, my, to what do I owe this regal visit? I apologize for the disarray of the shop. It seems Vox's reward is causing quite the upset everywhere." She muttered the last sentence with displeasure. She gave the two gentlemen a nod and they turned to leave the two women to converse in private.
Charlie wanted to be polite, greet Rosie, maybe engage in some small talk but her mouth opened on its own, cutting straight to her reason for the visit.
"Is Alastor here?" She couldn't help herself, peering around the overlord looking to see if he may be tucked into a corner. She could almost hear his chuckle, the light jest he'd make about her worry. 'Miss my company already darling?~'
Instead of answering Rosie took a step to the side ushering the princess in. "Why don't I put on a pot of tea?"
Charlie felt herself deflate knowing the answer without having to wait for Rosie to speak. She nodded, giving the taller woman a meek thank you before shuffling in and taking a seat on the ottoman. It was the same room she had been in when she last spoke with the overlord about her girlfriend.
Charlie sat in silence as Rosie moved around the room putting on a fresh pot of tea, eventually handing her a cup.
"He's actually dead isn't he?"
Rosie sat beside her taking a small sip before turning to put her tea on the table behind her, her hands falling into her lap.
"It sure seems that way doesn't it?"
Charlie put her tea down to her right, biting her lower lip to hide its trembling. "Did he say anything? He's been gone for over a month."
Rosie sighed in thought, looking back to her last conversation with the Radio Demon. "He knew he was going to be away for a while," she said absentmindedly. "He was getting some of his affairs sorted."
"He knew he was going to die?! Why wouldn't he say something?"
Rosie laughed. "No I don't think he knew it was coming, if he had he would have prevented it. I do find it a bit odd he hasn't respawned yet."
"Is there a chance he didn't… you know." Charlie really tried not to sound too hopeful but she couldn't help it. She had always seen Alastor as an immovable object. A stone that was unbreakable. Her dad had made a good point, Adam hadn't killed him, though she still didn't really know how badly he got hurt from the fight. It was bad enough it took him a few days to come back. Could it be possible this was the same?
"If there's one thing I know about Alastor, it's that no one can really know what he has hidden up his sleeve. His plans are of his own, and if he is keeping himself in the shadows, there's a very good reason."
The two sat in silence for a bit, Charlie's mind swirling with possibilities, her hands fidgeting in her lap. Was she naive to believe Alastor was unkillable? Rosie seemed to think he died and she was a good friend of his. Was she just too delusional to accept the obvious reality?
"Could he have made a deal to trade all of the souls he owned for something else?"
At this point she was grasping at straws. He had owned hundreds of souls, what could someone offer greater than that? Whoever it was would have to be powerful or someone with really good connections. She knew Alastor wouldn't just let them all go without something better in return.
Rosie hummed in thought taking another sip of tea. "I suppose that is possible, but there aren't many down here that would have something to offer for such a big price. I doubt even you could have made such a deal." There was a moment of silence before she continued. "It would have to be someone very powerful and that list is short."
Rosie put her tea cup down, turning to face Charlie with a sympathetic look. "I'm not going to say it's impossible, but oftentimes the simplest explanation is the correct one. He miscalculated somewhere along the way and he paid dearly for it. He's been down here for almost a century, we all get sent to respawn at some point. It's unpleasant, but he'll come back and rebuild what he lost. He never stays down for long, much too stubborn for it." She placed a reassuring hand on Charlie's shoulder. "You needn't worry dear."
Charlie nodded, but she didn't feel any better. Rosie was probably correct. With a heavy sigh she stood, turning to face the overlord with a large smile, though it didn't reach her eyes.
"Thank you Rosie. You've been very helpful."
Rosie stood offering the princess another small smile in return. "Of course, you are welcome anytime. Hopefully your next visit will be on a happier note."
Her walk back to the hotel was slow, her mind trying to process everything. It was obvious what had happened to Alastor, yet something in the back of her mind couldn't shake the thought that they were wrong, all of Hell was wrong.
Charlie wrung her hands as she rode the elevator up to the top floor. It had been a while since she had been up there. The only reason now was for her dad, who had been avoiding her for the past three days. She even tried getting Vaggie to find him, talk to him, but he avoided her too. It seemed he had been avoiding everyone. Another person that had isolated.
She tried not to let her disappointment get to her. The whole hotel felt emptier and colder since Ellen had died and now with Alastor gone, still having heard nothing about him or a body, it only added to the emptiness. She couldn't have her dad lock himself away now too. She had to find a way to ease whatever was bugging him. She needed him more than ever. Everyday now there were attacks on the hotel, small groups looking to either search the place for Alastor's body or to try taking the hotel as their territory now that Alastor wasn't here to defend it.
They never had any real problems dealing with them but the fact it was now a daily occurrence wasn't good for business, or her sanity.
The elevator 'dinged' on the top floor and she stepped out, her gaze first turning to the left at the two rooms down that way that had been untouched for months now. She let out a sad sigh before turning to her dads door knocking, though it wasn't very hard, her nerves having gotten the better of her.
"Dad?"
She waited for a response, but didn't seem to get one. At a time she would have assumed he may have left to go back to the palace, but after the appearance of her mom she knew he wouldn't go. He had to be here. She knocked again a little louder, raising her voice to call afterwards.
"Dad?"
She could hear the sound of small squeaks and some movement. She turned the knob and pushed the door open, stepping in. She wasn't sure what to expect, but his room looking like it had been ransacked was definitely a shock. He was going through a pile of rubber ducks, hands tossing one over his shoulders each landing with a little ducky wheeze. It seemed like he was looking for something.
"Uhhh…Did you lose something?"
He spun quickly, almost falling over from the abruptness. "Charlie!" His face lit up in shock, clearly not having heard her knock or calling. "I- what- umm Hey." When he found a duck in his hand he quickly hid it behind his back, chucking it to the side.
She knew her dad had some quirky moments but this seemed a bit-frantic? Her gaze swept over the room, the usual pile of ducks now gone, the collection just aimlessly thrown about. A lot of the furniture had been moved or was tipped over and it looked like he hadn't slept in days.
Maybe she should have come to check up on him sooner, clearly he was frazzled about something. The thought only added to her disappointment.
"Um, did you lose something?" she repeated, gesturing to the state of the room.
"Uh yeah, but it's fine, I'm sure it's here somewhere. It's not like things can just get up and move on their own right?" He chuckled uncomfortably. "So uh, what can I do for you, my little apple?"
She forced a reassuring smile to her face clearing her throat ready to push on. "So I'm sure you've probably noticed that the hotel has gotten a bit more..uhh…attention lately."
"Uh huh, well that's great." He had started shifting through more ducks, his focus no longer on Charlie.
Charlie let out a sigh, finding she had lost her dad already. She moved toward him, lightly turning his shoulder to face her. "No, actually it's not great. I was hoping maybe-"
Her gaze turned away trying to find the smoothest way of asking for his help. He didn't partake in anything that involved killing unless he had to. She knew it was because he knew it would be an unfair fight. If the king of Hell interfered in that way sinners would be trying to curry favours and he didn't want any part in that.
"-you could help protect the hotel?" She tried, unsuccessfully not to wince knowing already this was likely a hopeless endeavor.
His eyes widened. "Protect the hotel? Charlie you know I-"
"Just once," she interjected. "Without Alastor here some sinners are trying to destroy the place and even if we had everyone help, eventually we'll get out numbered. If you step in, even just once it will stop most from even considering trying. Please dad?"
"I-" He ran a hand through his hair. He didn't have to look at her face to know she was giving him her puppy dog eyes, something that even the devil himself couldn't resist. Before he could respond there was a second knock on his door.
"Hey Charlie, we got some new guys at the door."
"Oh!" She turned quickly, rushing to open the door, finding Angel there with an unsure look on his face.
"There's one that's new ta Hell but he's kinda weird, says some messed up shit but he seems pretty big on gettin redeemed."
Charlie took one more look at her dad, "Just think about it okay?" She gave him a small smile before turning down the hall back to the elevator with Angel at her side.
"Well lets get his journey underway. I'm sure we can get him redeemed in no time!"
Down in the lobby Charlie could see a few new sinners talking with Vaggie. Charlie's heart swelled up at the thought of having some new patrons joining them. They really needed some fresh faces around the place, hopefully it wouldn't be long before others joined. She zipped over her hand out introducing herself promptly. She and Vaggie showed the three around the hotel.
She was so excited to show Chichi, Tim and Roger around the hotel. She really needed this, something to get her focus back into the hotel. She had no excuse now to mope around. She had lessons to plan, activities to run and positive vibes to create.
She was able to figure out which one Angel had been referring to, the rat demon named Roger.
Roger was completely drunk through the whole tour, but he kept muttering things about having to get out of Hell. She tried not to get lost in his ramblings, but she couldn't help the few mentions of being terrified of someone from his earthly life. She was sure it was just drunk rambling but every time she saw the guy she couldn't help feeling a slight chill run up her spine.
AN: Hey All! I did it! On AO3 you can find and this story, under the same name 'Mortal Soul' and/or the same username 'Ellie0528' It won't be up to date yet (70 chapters is a lot to post at once) but I have the first 30 or so posted already. I'm hoping by my next post (Tuesday) I will have both sites at the same point. For those that are waiting for AO3 to be up to date, leave a comment on your favourite chapter so far, I'm curious! Tuesday I'll let you guys know mine. ;) I'll post another little Fic I wrote a while ago that you can read while you wait if you like. Anyways, that's all for today, have a good weekend guys and hope you enjoyed this one. Next one is FINALLY Alastor in the mortal realm I promise. Oh! And remember the name Roger. ;)
Cheers!