The Demon's Gambit (Alastor x OC)

Episode 8: Between war and desire

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the city, the group gathered in the hotel, buzzing with anticipation. The preparations for the impending battle were in full swing. Demons and allies alike worked tirelessly, fortifying the building, setting up makeshift defenses, and strategizing. Charlie and her team were at the heart of the bustling activity, directing the efforts and rallying everyone. Angel Dust, Husk, and Nifty were busy setting up the final touches, while Vaggie took charge of organizing the troops with her strict sergeant mannerism.

"Tomorrow, the exorcist angels will face a Hell to defend itself and win", Charlie stepped up to address the gathering one last time, her voice imbued with a newfound strength. Clutching Alastor's staff, she used its power to amplify her words, filling the room with a resonant and compelling tone. Her speech, both stirring and reassuring, carried across the crowd, igniting a fire of determination in everyone present. However --

"BUT! In case we don't..." She raised her finger, her tone turning softer and less rebellious.

"I want you all to know...that getting to know you has been the biggest honor of my life. Whatever redemption really means, I know you all tried." Charlie took a deep breath.
"I have seen the good in all of you. And it's...I'm just...", she was trying not to tear up by now, closing her eyes painfully. "I love you all...so much, and-- and live tonight however you want because--"

"WE'RE ALL GOING TO DIE! HAHAHAH!" Nifty's gleeful cackle broke through the heartfelt moment, her laughter disrupting the emotional speech.

As night fell, the atmosphere shifted from preparation to celebration. The hotel, transformed into a temporary haven, was filled with the sounds of laughter, clinking glasses, and music. The group, having worked hard to get to this point, let loose, embracing the rare moment of camaraderie before the battle. Sir Pentious stepped forward with a dramatic flourish, his elaborate costume accentuating the gesture.

"Here's to being alive today and not dying tomorrow!" With a theatrical wave, he raised a glass, offering a toast that commanded attention and added a touch of levity to the gathering.

Meanwhile, Alastor observed from the balcony above, his eyes gleaming. Leaning casually against the railing, he watched the lively scene unfold below, a sardonic smile playing on his lips as he took in the festivities.

"Ah, the celebratory night before a courageous last stand. It's been a surprising thrill to witness these wayward souls find connection." Alastor's head was tilted slightly to one side, as if he were savoring the spectacle below with a mixture of interest and bemusement. "Almost makes one sentimental, eh Nifty?" His eyes were half-closed, and his shoulders relaxed as he leaned his head gently onto his hand.

"I really like them, Alastor", Nifty was perched on the railing, her small form balanced effortlessly as she watched the scene below with a font glint in her eye. "They let me put on roach puppet shows without booing!"

The Radio demon closed his eyes gleefully. "Ahh, an enjoyable collective to be around. I admit one could get accustomed~" Nifty carefully placed a makeshift roach crown atop Alastor's head. The tiny, wriggling insects added a bizarre touch to his otherwise regal appearance, their legs brushing against his scalp as Nifty giggled, delighted by the view.

"I dub thee King Roach!" She returned to her perch on the railing, leaving Alastor standing upright and composed as usual. "Oh, to understand your twisted little mind ~" Both of them erupted into fits of wild, uncontrollable laughter, their mirth echoing off the walls as they savored the moment.

Alastor's gaze swept over the bustling crowd from his vantage point on the balcony, his frustration growing as he failed to spot Vira among the sea of faces. Charlie's words echoed in his mind, a persistent reminder to live in the moment and embrace the night's potential.

It was a notion he hadn't fully considered until now, and it was pushing him toward a decision he had been reluctant to make. After days of admitting the deep emotions he felt for the demon belle, he realized he could no longer ignore the unresolved tension between them. With renewed determination, Alastor vanished into his shadows, the inky darkness enveloping him as he bypassed the crowd with eerie ease.