Ellen woke up with a minor headache in a room she couldn't fully remember getting to. Sitting up she found a glass of water on the nightstand. Based on the lack of condensation on the glass, it was placed there recently. She looked over her shoulder to find the other bed empty, but messed up enough to conclude that someone had indeed slept there.
Taking a few sips of water, a few hazy memories started creeping back to her. She went out with Julie and got completely trashed. That would explain the water and messed up bed.
"Julie?"
When no one responded she pushed to her feet moving to the bathroom. She was just finishing up when a knock on the door pulled her attention.
"You guys decent? I'm coming in."
She knew it was Julie, she recognized the voice she just didn't understand why she felt the need to announce her arrival.
"Well hello sleepyhead. How's the hangover?"
"Oh haha," she responded dryly. It only added to Julie's good mood.
"So you have a good ni- what the fuck is that?"
She followed Julie's finger to find the window wall of the hotel no longer had a window. In fact the whole wall wasn't there anymore. She blinked a few times, certain she wasn't seeing correctly. It looked like the little pocket dimension that Alastor had in-
"Alastor's here!?"
Julie laughed. "Fuck you were trashed. Yeah he found you last night and you refused to leave him alone."
Ellen's cheeks heated. Oh no. She had no memory of that. Her thoughts instantly filled with terribly embarrassing situations, some that were even outlandish. She was afraid to ask.
"Did I-"
Julie held a hand up to stop her. "Relax, I told you I'd make sure you didn't make an ass of yourself."
"Okay yeah but-"
"Ah, ah. You're overthinking it Ellen. It was fine. Now what the fuck it that?"
"It's a pocket dimension, I think. Alastor likes to go hunting for wildlife in there and it probably feels a bit more homely. He has one in his room at the hotel in Hell, though it doesn't really look like this one." Her gaze swept over the bayou taking in the large gaps in between the trees and larger bodies of water.
Julie slowly made her way closer at a cautious pace, eyes scanning the bayou.
Ellen went back to the door putting the 'Do Not Disturb' sign on the door handle and closed the door behind her, making sure it clicked shut. She even went to the effort of using the chain. Just in case.
She turned to find Julie was standing at the edge of the dimension, her hand hesitantly reaching out unsure if she should touch it.
"It's safe, but just know your shoes are going to need a good cleaning after," she called as she went into the bathroom, already grabbing a few towels to place on the floor for when they came back. When she made it back into the room she watched as Julie stepped between the barrier a few times.
Ellen placed the towels down on the floor before stepping through, the warm humid air hitting her like a wall. The sounds of the wildlife filled the air, the frogs croaking, birds chirping, something that brought a smile to her face.
"And he's in here?"
Ellen shrugged, slowly working her way in deeper. "Yeah probably."
She was glad this wasn't the dimension he had attached to his room at the hotel. It would have been near impossible to run and hide in this dimension, there being very few paths to travel. She likely would have just run into the water.
Ellen continued moving in further, her eyes focused on her feet to make sure she didn't accidentally wander into the water. There was much less land than the other one she had wandered.
"Pssst hey."
Ellen turned to find Julie pointing a little ways to her right. Following her gaze she saw a great blue heron standing on a log that was just above the water level. She smiled taking in the sight. She had always loved being outdoors, though the woods probably would have been safer, but she was enjoying this all the same.
"So you know how to get out of here right? We're not going to be lost here for hours?"
Ellen opened her mouth only to close it. She had been focused on her feet and she hadn't really paid much attention to the direction they had gone. If things got out of hand she was certain Alastor would come find them.
"I'm sure Alastor will find us."
"Ellen…"
"I'm sure I can get us back, I'm not too worried." She waved Julie off hoping to keep the unease from her face.
"This isn't one of those 'I know how to do it in theory' kind of things right, cause you get lost with a GPS giving you directions."
"I'm fine with a map and compass," Ellen offered.
"Who the hell uses map and compass anymore?!"
Ellen pressed her lips together, raising a finger. "It's a good skill to know."
Julie's shoulders fell. "You have no fucking clue."
"I mean how lost could we actually be?"
Julie rolled her eyes with a heavy sigh. "God it's a wonder how you never got lost as a kid."
Ellen stuck her tongue out at her.
"So what do you know of this place?" She spun with her arms out.
"It's a bayou."
She moved closer to the water. "So why does the water look so murky?"
Ellen leaned over watching the water. It was moving very slowly, which would make it difficult to remain murky. Not impossible but unlikely. "Hmm."
Julie turned to Ellen looking a little uneasy. "We're not going to find crocodiles right?"
She wasn't too sure, it had been a while since she had been in school for that information. Animal care had one class that had a small ten minute segment on alligators and crocodiles, how to tell the difference and how to handle them safely. Not that she ever intended on using that knowledge. She shook her head. While she had wandered in Alastors little pocket dimensions before she had never really encountered anything dangerous.
Julie squealed at the sudden radio filtered voice behind them.
"You won't find crocs here. Gators on the other hand are a much more likely encounter."
Julie's quick spin to Alastor's appearance knocked Ellen off balance causing her to fall into the water making a large noise, scaring the birds in the area. Julie's screams may have aided in that.
"Ellen! Ellen what the fuck is that?!"
Ellen spit some water out of her mouth finding Julie had fallen backwards scuttling away from Alastor.
Alastor's smile only brightened at the sight.
She swam back to the edge of the water Alastor holding the end of his radio cane to help pull her out of the water.
"It's just Alastor."
"No-no that- it looks horrifying."
Alastor took a bow, eyes looking smug. "Why thank you dear." He turned back to Ellen. "To think she hasn't even heard about my reputation. What a delightful reaction."
"That's not human, that's- I don't even know what that is."
Ellen moved to her friends who had continued her scuttle away from Alastor. She had been friends with Julie for almost seven years and never once had she seen horror like she was on her face now.
"That is Alastor's normal look. He is a demon after all. Ain't his ears cute?"
She didn't need to turn around to know Alastor was scowling at her for her comment.
Julie took her hand, being pulled to her feet, though stayed behind Ellen. Giving her an incredulous look.
"Cute?! How the fuck is that cute?"
"My thoughts exactly."
Ellen turned and stuck her tongue out at the demon.
"No Ellen, I am not going to be around that thing."
"Thing?" He turned to glare at Julie for a moment before running his fingers up the shaft of his cane which didn't really help her horrified look on her face as she took in the long sharp claws. "Just a simple sinner demon my dear Julie, no need for the harsh names."
Julie shrunk a little further behind Ellen. She lowered her voice to a whispered hiss, though unknown to her, Alastor would still hear everything she said.
"You married that?
"Him," she corrected. "Yes I did."
"You had sex with…that?" Her arm flung out toward the demon who was patiently waiting for Julie to calm down, though he did seem to be enjoying it.
"Him," she corrected again a little more sternly. "And yes."
"Jesus Ellen, he's…he's…"
"A demon," she finished for her.
"A demon. Holy fuck. That's what they look like? Where did the little horned things come from?"
"Those would be the imps. Hellborn creatures."
Julie shrieked again, shoving Ellen to the side as she sprinted by her to put space between her and Alastor as he had appeared from the shadows behind Julie to answer her question.
"Still not tired of the horrified screams," he hummed pleased with himself.
Ellen looked over her shoulder to see he was leaning forward lightly on his cane.
"But to answer your inquiry, no, the sinners all have their own appearance, based on a few circumstances, though I don't care to bore you with all the details."
"You can teleport?"
Alastor chuckled. "Oh no my dear I simply move through the shadows. A small taste of what I am capable of."
Ellen cut in, giving Alastor a warning look. "And we are not going to put it all on full display, because Julie needs a few minutes to absorb this."
"THERE'S MORE!?"
"Of course! I am quite a powerful demon if I do say so myself." He tugged at his lapels proudly.
Julie just stared at the two horrified but unable to speak.
"Now, now, you really needn't worry my dear. As I said during our little talk last night, I have no need to cause you any harm." He shifted in shadow again to stand behind Julie, fingers crawling up her arms, head leaned down to speak next to her face. "Unless of course you give me a reason to."
Julie pulled herself from his grasp with such force she fell backwards, back onto her butt. "Fuckin' Christ! Don't do that!"
Alastor leaned forward on his staff, bending over her.
"I do believe I informed you that my more mortal look was just a disguise. How exactly were you expecting me to look, hmm?"
"Not like-" she gestured at him. "- that clearly. You look-"
Alastor leaned in with each suggestion. "Absolutely horrifying? Dreadfully nightmarish? Tremendously petrifying?"
"Deerish?"
He straightened quickly, eyes narrowed. "Yes well, not ideal but it can't be helped. Now on your feet, there's no need for you to stay in the mud."
He seemed to know offering a hand wouldn't have been a good idea, instead holding the end of his cane out for her to grab and pull herself up. There was a long moment of pause where she stared at it before she finally moved to let him pull her back to her feet.
"Thanks," she mumbled.
"Think nothing of it my dear."
"So why do you talk like that?"
"Whatever do you mean?"
Ellen moved closer, answering her friend's question. "He was a radio host down in New Orleans when he was alive. Back in the twenties, early thirties. After his death he became the Radio Demon."
Julie chuckled. "Well that sucks, you're old and outdated now."
Alastor's smile tightened, eyes narrowed dangerously. Only a slight pop of static emanated from him.
Ellen gently tiptoed her way between the two laughing awkwardly. "I think that's enough of that. Julie you're good right? Bit of an adjustment but I'm sure you'll get used to it."
"Can we just get back to the room? I need a shower now and we haven't eaten yet."
Ellen gave her friend an appreciative smile. "Sounds like a plan. Alastor? Mind leading the way back?"
He raised an eyebrow. "Lost are we?"
"You don't know Ellen if you have to ask," Julie snorted, crossing her arms glaring suspiciously at the demon.
"And miss Julie, I take it you are also lost?"
Her silence was enough of an answer for him. He leaned back chucking at the opportunity unfolding before him.
"Well it seems you two are in a bit of a predicament. What was the first lesson you learned in hell dear Ellen?"
Ellen's brow furrowed together before the answer came to her, her expression turning to one of disapproval. "Really?"
"What? What's going on?" Julie's gaze flipped between the two. "He's not going to help?"
Ellen rolled her eyes. "Not for free." She let out a sigh. "Alright Alastor, what are you offering?"
His grin widened. "You're actually going to make a deal with me? Should I be worried?"
"I said nothing about deals, but I may be inclined if I deem it fair."
The look that passed Alastor's eyes would have had anyone else second guessing their decision.
There was a moment of silence, as the two stared each other down, both refusing to look away first. Julie watched the two stare off before finally asking, "Uhh, why do I get the feeling this isn't just a simple little fun thing?"
"It's not." Ellen answered.
"Your soul," Alastor offered.
"Absolutely not, try again."
Julie looked at the two of them dumbfounded. "Soul? What the hell does that mean?"
"A name."
Ellen squinted suspiciously, arms crossed her chest. She knew that was much too vague to be anything good. He should know better, she'd never take such an unclear offer. "You'll need to be more specific."
"I want one name from your list of despicable partners."
Ellen scoffed. "Uhh, so you can put them six feet in the ground? I don't think so."
Alastor narrowed his eyes, grin tightening signaling his displeasure. "Might I remind you that it is you two that need the help, not I. I'm quite content with leaving you two here on your own."
Ellen pressed her lips together in a small pout. Alastor was correct, he had the power in this deal. She hummed in thought trying to find something that would appease the demon. Had she really wandered so far she didn't think she could find her way back on her own?
"A favour for a favour then," she concluded. One look at his eyes and she clarified. "Where no one gets harmed."
"Well, aren't you living dangerously?" His hand shot out a devilish grin on his face. "A favour for a favour then." When Ellen didn't move he rolled his eyes. "Yes, alright where no one gets harmed," he added.
Ellen eyed him carefully knowing full well she was probably not going to like whatever this favour was. She knew he wasn't going to be nice about it seeing as she had left the wording very vague. He could ask for almost anything, but at least she was assured of no harm to anyone. Depending on the ask, she could use that vague wording to her own benefit. Mental or emotional harm was something he probably wouldn't think about. "Very well, you got yourself a deal then Alastor," she said, already taking his hand.
The subsequent swirl of wind and magic sealed their deal leaving Julie looking horrified.
"What did you do?"
"Made a deal with Alastor." Ellen turned and gave Julie a pointed look. "Do not, make any deals with him. He'll chew you up and spit you out. Trust me, nothing he offers is worth it."
Alastor's grin stretched, "and what makes you think I haven't already secured a deal with dear Julie?"
"The fact she had no idea what we just did is pretty solid proof." She gave him a knowing look. She also would have liked to think Julie was smart enough to not get caught up in something beyond her, but seeing as she had no experience with a demon, let alone one like Alastor, she couldn't have been too sure.
"Wait, so if it's a dangerous thing, why the hell did you do it?"
"Cause I know Alastor, and I know how he makes deals. I don't normally concede to deals, but I think all the ones we've made, I did a pretty good job keeping myself out of trouble."
He twirled his staff looking annoyed. "My dear, trouble finds you regardless, I have no part in anything of the sorts."
There was a moment of silence before a loud snap had the three back into the hotel room. Ellen was in a fresh, clean set of clothes and cleaned of any lingering evidence she had fallen into the swampy water, while Alastor was back in his human appearance, dressed for the day.
It took a few seconds for Julie to realize she was still in her dirtied pajamas and her shoes still a mess.
"Uh… am I chopped liver? Why the heck are you guys dressed?" She turned to give Alastor a glare.
He disappeared his staff before turning to Julie with a smug smile. "I do believe during our little discussion last night you made it very clear that I do not alter your attire. I'm simply keeping my word."
She stared at him for a few moments unsure if he was being serious, when he made no move to fix her clothes Julie turned with a huff for the door, a very audible 'fucking asshole' muttered as she went.
When it slammed shut Ellen shook her head. "You know you could at least try to play nice with my best friend."
"We both know I will do no such thing. Now-" a quick wave of his hand had a small radio appear on the nightstand closest to them, some soft music playing. "-I do believe we have much to discuss."
Ellen went on to explain everything that had happened since her death, making sure to be as detailed as possible in hopes that Alastor may have something to add. To her surprise he just listened, only asking a few questions for clarification. When she finished she waited to see if he would go into what he had done while in hell, but he remained silent. When it was obvious he wasn't going to open up on his own she started to pry.
"So you did make it up to heaven right?"
He nodded, the smile faltering a bit. "I did and I understand that you already knew and came up with a plan."
She smiled. "I did. So it all worked out then, I'm glad." As she thought about it another question came to mind. While she and Lucifer did come up with a plan on getting him from heaven, Lucifer said breaking his contract with Lilith was going to be very difficult, but he never went into details about it.
"So what loophole did you guys find to get your soul back?"
The slight straightening of his back and quick look in her direction was enough for her to realize she wasn't going to get an answer, or a fully truthful one at least. Something happened that he wasn't too happy about.
"No loophole needed, the King and Queen made a barter for my soul, Lucifer won."
Ellen nodded. So it was a partial truth. She felt a small pang of hurt in her chest at the thought that he still couldn't feel safe being fully honest with her. She was about to push further when the door opened and Julie walked in.
"Alright let's go for breakfast. I am starving."
Ellen watched as Alastor quickly got to his feet, offering her a hand to help her to hers. She forced a smile to her face and took his arm as Julie led the way going on about how everything moving forward was going to be exciting. Alastor stole a few glances at her but she was too lost in her thoughts to manage more than a small smile that she hoped was reassuring.
AN: I am so excited to share the next Chapter with you all! it will be in a POV we haven't seen yet and it will be a bit heart breaking. Stay tuned and see you on Thursday for 'The Red Door'.
Cheers!