Alastor's fingers drummed restlessly along to the top of the table, eyes narrowed at the Seraphim. It was bad enough this meeting had pulled him from the mortal realm, but having to sit with the oafish King and the seraphim only added to his annoyance. His time would be better spent doing anything else. He had always loathed these sorts of meetings, ones that typically lead nowhere.

"This is no longer a concern, that man, Dolion has been stopped, there is no longer a threat, thus no need to delay this any longer." Sera's tone was firm, set in her decision.

Alastor kept his grin rictus disguising his disdain. "You realize that now instead of one being with demonic blood we now have multiple running amok. What happens when any of these individuals have blood drawn? Tested? It'll spread like wildfire. This is no different than having to hunt down Dolion. They need to be eradicated, and preferably in a timely manner."

Sera's mouth thinned in a tight line, glaring at the demon. "Ellen has proven she is capable in removing-"

Alastor didn't bother letting her finish. "- you are sorely mistaken. She will do no such thing."

Lucifer had a distinct pout on his face, for once agreeing with the deer demon. "Her soul is still pure, and while killing Dolion wasn't…great, it was necessary. But to expect her to continue roaming around, killing others is not fair to her. She's already sacrificed enough." How long had it taken them to just eliminate Dolion. Now she was going to have a list of others to do on her own? There was no way.

"She's killed once before, I don't see the issue, her soul has undoubtedly been corrupted already, " her eyes narrowed at the red clad demon. "We will not allow this, or any other demon to wander the earthly plane. This ordeal with Dolion was bad enough."

Alastor grit his teeth to keep his smile from faltering. "She needed great motivation to kill Dolion, and even so she only did in a fit of blind rage. It's idiotic to think she would be successful taking another life, let alone a list of six. If I were to accompany her-"

"-You will do no such thing."

"She is severely outclassed! A mere mortal expected to take out half demons? No one knows what abilities they may have and it's likely each one is different. You are sending her to an early grave at best, years left to rot in a prison at worst."

The corner of Sera's mouth twitched up, though there was no warmth in her gaze. "We are not to interfere with mortal affairs. If she is caught by the police, it is the price she is meant to bear."

Alastor growled, pushing to a stand, ignoring the concerned whispers of the King beside him. "If she is caught, who is left to eliminate the rest, hmm? To end this quickly it's imperative she be set up with the best resources. I have plenty of experience in eliminating those deserving without leaving a trace. It only makes sense that I be allowed to escort her-"

"NO!" Sera stood, voice echoing off the walls. "I will not repeat myself. She is to deal with this on her own."

He couldn't fathom how idiotic the seraphim was being, anger burning hot on his skin. He could feel the familiar weight of his antlers elongating in his ire. He was about to retort back when a hand was placed on his arm. He flinched, turning not bothering to hide the anger to find Lucifer giving him a warning look.

"We'll figure it out."

The phrase had Alastor pause for a second, the familiarity of it momentarily sedating his anger. That was always Ellen's answer to things they didn't have a clear solution for. A phrase that while did nothing to solve the issue at hand still seemed to ease some of the tension. In a blink the moment was gone, he refused to let it linger.

He sat back down, re-collecting himself before glare back up at the Seraphim. They refused to interfere yet doing nothing would only be more detrimental. While it seemed fruitless to try reasoning himself to be an escort, maybe he could try for someone else. There weren't many he would trust to keep Ellen safe, but if he had to pick…

"So no angels or demons back on the mortal plane to assist Ellen, is that right?" He already knew the answer but he needed Sera to confirm it.

"That is correct."

"Then you can let Xander go. He is not an angel, nor a full demon."

"Alastor," the king hissed, clearly not on board with the idea. Alastor just waved him off, ignoring the outcry.

"Xander? Who is this?"

Alastor grin widened a bit knowing he had likely found a loophole. He was ready to reply with a snarky comment but the king of Hell had beat him to it.

"He's their son."

"Absolutely not."

Alastor shot a glare at Lucifer before going back to his point. "He is part mortal, surely it is acceptable for him to wander in that realm. He blends in, yet can be of assistance if Ellen needs. A win-win as it were."

There was a moment of hope as the seraphim seemed to be thinking it over. The seconds seemed to tick by and Alastor was sure he had done it. If he couldn't go then he could at least find a way to send someone to keep an eye on Ellen. She would need the help and if this was the best he could offer he would do it. It was better than nothing.

When Sera finally responded he voice was slow and thoughtful, though still had a bit of bite. "I fear it would only perpetuate the problem. Sending anyone, anything not fully human runs the risk of spreading more tainted blood. Ellen will be charged with eliminating these other half breeds and she will do so on her own," she finished with conviction.

Another growl escaped Alastor. None of them knew Ellen like he did. The lengths that were taken just to insure she killed Dolion were great and he knew they wouldn't be repeatable.

He would have liked to believe she would have no problems killing others but he'd be a fool. And a fool he was not. He knew the time and effort it took to meticulously plan and execute murder, he'd done it plenty of times. Sure the planning wouldn't be a problem, he was certain she would be quite thorough. It was the execution where she would fall through. And even if she did manage to kill, eliminating the evidence was something she'd have no experience in. The bodies would need to disappear completely, to never be found. And that was arguably the most important part.

"She will fail." He glared at the seraphim, his voice laced with a faint distortion emphasizing the seriousness in his tone.

The room relapsed into silence, the weight of those three words hanging heavy in the room. Sera's gaze matched the demons, unwavering as she met the heated red eyes.

"Then she will do that on her own too."

…

Alastor barely noticed the sinners that scrambled out of his way, no doubt feeling the anger radiating off him in waves despite the carefully curated grin stretched taut across his face. The sight usually lifted his mood though it seemed to barely touch his inner turmoil at the moment. His eyes swept the streets in front of him more so out of habit than taking in the sights of the miserable depraved souls.

"Insufferable woman," he muttered to himself as he found a quick but casual pace, his steps creating a steady and even rhythm. "What hogwash."

While on his way to the heaven embassy he had a lot of time to take in the glances shot his way. A pleasant distraction from the idle prattling of the King of Hell. Some may have been staring in awe, it was the first time walking the streets since returning to Hell and his absence was clearly noticed, not that he thought it wouldn't have been. He refused to acknowledge the possibility of the King's presence attracting such attention, especially while harping on about some nonsensical topic. The looks were definitely for his sudden reappearance.

But now with the king's absence it seemed some sinners were daring enough to try engaging him in some fist to cuffs, normally a humorous notion though at the moment only became a quick nuisance. He took little time wiping the streets with them. He didn't have the patience to toy with them, make them an example, simply ending it as quickly as it had started.

By the time he returned to the Hotel he had managed to shove his anger down enough to mask it better behind his smile, though had Rosie or Ellen seen him they probably wouldn't have been fooled. Letting off a bit of steam tearing sinners apart may have aided in that front but not taking the time to really enjoy it made it seem all rather drab.

The lobby looked the same as the day he left. He barely got the chance to look around before a mix of voices filled the space. He picked out Charlie's bubbly exclamation easily as it was probably the loudest. Husk was quiet, but having spent years with the fellow even his quiet 'well I'll be damned' made it across the room. He slipped into shadows as Charlie moved to embrace him. He would have none of that. Not while his ire seemed to pulse under his skin at least.

There was one screech he didn't recognize, a rat looking sinner, that took one look at him and bolted in terror. It brightened his mood a bit. He had missed instilling terror in others and it was nice to know even while gone his reputation hadn't been besmirched too much.

"Alastor! Welcome back!" Charlie stood a few feet away rocking on her toes, a wide smile pulled across her face.

He gave her a light nod, tucking his arms behind him, eyes wandering to the new faces that had taken residence at the hotel. All held a look of fear that he reveled in, all but one.

Charlie pulled his attention from the sinner, eyes darting around before leaning closer, her voice lowered in a conspiral manner. "Did you guys succeed? Did you get little Xander back? Dad told me about your little mission."

"Did he now?" He should have known Lucifer wouldn't keep his mouth shut. Little thing was an emotional wreck when it came to his daughter. He resisted an eye roll at the thought.

She nodded enthusiastically, eyes wide and hopeful.

"Hmm." He had left Xander in Ellen's old room insisting he stay there until he returned. It was one thing to have to introduce him to the rest of the hotel, many questions would arise, but he heeded Ellen's warning that throwing the kid into the midst of Hell would likely overwhelm him. All in due time. At least with the additional time he had the ability to plan and execute exactly how and when to properly expose his son to his bustling new life.

The sinner he had been eyeing before had moved closer, unbothered by his appearance, perhaps she was new to hell and hadn't yet had the chance to hear about his reputation. That could be remedied relatively quickly, so long as he could catch her out of Charlie's view.

"Well it's about time you showed up," she said when she finally approached the two.

His eyes narrowed slightly, silently challenging this sinner to continue. "I beg your pardon?"

Those watching held their breath feeling the unspoken tension that had suddenly filled the room. Many moved to put something between them and the radio demon, hiding behind couches and tables, others simply leaving the area with wary glances over their shoulders.

The room was silently watching the doll sinner stand face to face with Alastor. After what felt like minutes, but was likely only a few seconds, her hand shot out, eyes meeting his unafraid. The smug grin slipped a little turning to something softer, something one might perceive as grateful.

"Thank you." She paused, eyes watching him with a familiarity he had yet to decipher. "For keeping your word."

He raised an eyebrow, eyes darting down to look at her hand still outstretched. The sinner let out a small huff amused. "Even if it is the word of a demon."

It clicked, eyes darting back up to the face he had not recognised looking for any of her familiar human traits. His grin stretched slightly before taking her hand and shocking the rest of the room by pulling it to his lips. With the current mess of things he had forgotten about Ellen's best friend. He truthfully didn't know where she would end up, heaven or hell, it didn't matter much to him. Now it seemed he had his answer, something Ellen would probably like to know when he saw her next.

"I am a man of my word Julie. Have you settled well?"

She pulled her hand back with a small laugh. "Yeah Charlie here has been very accommodating." She turned, giving the hellborn a grateful look.

Charlie squealed lightly before throwing an arm around Julie. "She's been great! I'm so glad you're making friends Al."

Before he could correct her, Julie took his sleeve pulling him to follow.

"We got a lot to catch up on. More plans for the wedding."

His eyes darted to the horrified and confused looks of those in the room. He cleared his throat, pulling himself from Julie's grasp. When she turned to silently inquire, he stood straighter, fixing his tie. She seemed to understand, gaze looking at the room.

To his disbelief she raised her voice, gaze hardening as she addressed the room of trembling sinners. "Worry not citizens, the great Radio Demon will still rip you to shreds and eat your innards should you even look at him wrong. I'm only spared such brutality because I'm an old friend."

Charlie laughed awkwardly, trying to ease the rekindled tension in the room. "But he won't of course! He's here to protect those in the hotel."

Julie turned, giving Alastor a knowing wink before making her way up the stairs. In a single sentence she all but killed whatever comfort the princess had managed to create.

"Yeah but outside the hotels' confines there aren't such restrictions and you can't stay cooped up in here forever."

Alastor laughed, the sound echoing in the stunned silence of the lobby.

"Right you are my dear!"

He summoned his cane and gave it a twirl before tucking it behind him as he followed Julie up the stairs listening to Charlie stuttering to find calming words to ease the sinners that now all but reeked of fear.

It seemed she was keeping good on her word as well; keeping his name in good graces. Can't have the lowly sinners thinking he had gone soft. She really was quite good at coming up with agreeable lies. Now if only she could have taught Ellen…

…

Alastor disliked the idea of having to spend such an undetermined amount of time disguised in his human form.

Weddings were typically all day events between the ceremony and reception, which left little time to step out and get a bit of air, especially when he was one of the 'guests of honour' so to say. A nuisance, but one he must endure.

He worked at fixing his bow tie, the reflection in the mirror looking almost picture perfect in his black suit. Strange how quickly he had readjusted to seeing himself this way. Human.

Faint heeled footsteps could be heard coming down the hall before stopping on the other side of the door. There was a light knock before a voice called in.

"You decent?"

He didn't bother turning, his shadow already at the door opening it for Rosie.

"Well, look at you."

His eyes found her sparkling ones in the mirror only to widen in shock upon finding a face he hadn't expected. While he had never seen Rosie while alive, it was the woman beside her that captured his attention, hands forgetting their task as he turned to face her, afraid he was mistaken. There was no way it was possible.

"Maman?"

She stepped forward with a warm smile on her face, an expression he had thought he'd never see again. Her hands moved to finish adjusting his tie, Eyes focused on her task. When she finished, her hand gently brushed down his arms, eyes finally taking him in.

"Oh Alastor you look magnificent." Her voice was soft, but comforting, like a warm summer breeze at twilight.

She finally looked up, meeting his eyes. He couldn't help but stare. How long had it been since he had seen her? Seen her like this; looking alive. His eyes darted over her, recalling every stray hair, every mark, every wrinkle. She was exactly how he remembered her. How he wanted to remember her. Without the bruises and lashes on her face, without the… He turned away, smile faulting for a brief moment before he shook the thoughts off.

Cecile light brushed his lapels, removing non existent dust before moving to fix his already perfect collar.

"How did…?" He cut himself off already knowing the answer, though he couldn't believe it. Julie must have found a way to get her here, a feat that likely wasn't easy. He would have to ask her later.

She smiled, a hand lightly reaching up to cup his cheek. "You didn't think I'd miss my own son's wedding now did you?"

He leaned into her touch, eyes softening. He didn't have to force his smile, this one was genuine.

"They left you in Lucifer's care?"

She chuckled, pulling her hand back. "Oh no, they were quite adamant I not be allowed to come, but one of the archangels said he would escort me." She turned gesturing to the door where a tall blond man stood in a pristine white suit. He gave a small nod in acknowledgment, his smile warm.

Alastor gave a light nod back in appreciation. He didn't know the man, though if his looks were anything to go off, it was likely someone related to Lucifer, the hair and eyes an obvious tell.

His attention was drawn back by a sharp tug on his ear, momentarily wincing at the familiar feeling.

"I can't believe you were going to go and get married without me. Again! I would have found out and heaven knows I woulda found a way to give your ear a good tweaking if you did it again without inviting me."

A little grimace passed his face pulling away from his mothers grasp. "The first time could not be helped. This time…" He gave his mother a sympathetic grin. "Well I suppose I don't have a good excuse."

Her hands were on her hips. "Indeed you don't," she scolded. "Now," she stepped close again, grabbing his chin and looking up at his face. To his horror she licked her thumb and proceeded to wipe something on his cheek.

"Mother!"

She ignored his outburst, giving his cheek a light pat, pat before letting go. "I do believe you are ready."

A giggle from Rosie had his gaze shot her way, giving her aglare, though it lacked any heat.

"Alright, I hate to break up the tender moment, but we got a wedding to do and we can't do it without the groom." Rosie took Alastor's shoulders, directing him to the door giving Cecile a small sympathetic smile as she passed her.

Cecile laughed as she watched the two, following them out. "Rosie dear, I do believe you have been a wonderful influence on my son."

Rosie cackled, resulting in an unlady-like snort. "Ma'am I have spent years working on Alastor, I'm glad it's Ellen's turn."

Alastor huffed, a glare flitting between the two women. "You two are dangerous together, I can't imagine the trouble I'd find myself in if you two were in cahoots. Far too much incriminating knowledge between you."

The two laughed, Cecile being the first to retort back with, "Well Rosie it seems we have much to discuss before the day is over."

"Mother…," he warned.

They all stopped just outside of a large heavy door with intricate patterns carved in the wood. Rosie gave him one last look over before giving him a quick peck on the cheek.

"I'm glad you finally got a chance at love. You deserve happiness too."

"Thank you. I'm grateful to have found a friend like yourself." He tipped his head at her, his smile sincere and wide, white teeth flashing in the delicate light of the hallway.

She hummed before turning to push the door open leaving him and his mother for the processional. She paused for a second, turning her head to call over her shoulder, "and Cecile dear, whatever you want to know about dear old Alastor I'll give ya free of charge."

"Rosalyn…"

She didn't hear it, already gone, the door closing behind her.

Cecile chuckled, patting him on the arm before leaning over to hug him from the side.