One Helluva Demon

Who He Truly Is - Pt 1

          It's been a few months since the hotel opened, and it wasn't as bad as Charlie thought. Sure, people still thought it was a complete joke. But there were people actually checked in, besides Angel. Business had been a bit slow, but that didn't stop Charlie. All she was focused on was one thing. Redemption. And she was determined to reach it. To reach heaven. Although there were issues she needed to face first. Things she had to discuss.

          "So, what do you wanna know?" Husk grumbled. Charlie sighed. She hadn't gotten any sleep for the past week. Of course she was tired for filing work and trying to entertain the sinners staying in the hotel, but it wasn't that. It was the portrait. The picture of "Abigail". Ever since the trivia session with Vaggie and Angel, she's been wanting to get rid of it. It had been stuck in her mind, like a WAY too catchy song. Whenever she was heading to her room, her mind kept going back to it. Whenever she saw the ledge that the vase was on, portrait. Whenever she sang, portrait. The worst thing about the situation was Alastor. She remembered his answer. Where had he gotten it? 'Oh dear, I earned it of course! An old friend left it for me..' It was too vague of a reply, even for him! It was clear to Charlie that Al wouldn't let these conversations go further,  so..why not ask someone who knows Alastor?

          "The portrait of the woman. Abigail." said Charlie. "What do you know about it?" Husk stopped drinking, almost choking on it. His eyes shrunk a bit, pupils dilated. His ears started drooping, more so than usual. Husk placed his bottle on the counter, stepping a bit back from Charlie, as if he was..scared? "How the hell do YOU know about it?" Husk growled. "It's in the hotel, Husk." As if he'd just been cussed out, Husk's back bolted up. He had his fists clenched, and he was starting to hiss. "W-What?! HOW?! There's NO WAY IN HELL that fucker brought it here! NO WAY!" Charlie's eyes widened. "Oh, we're fucked. WE'RE ALL FUCKED! GOD DAMN IT!" "Husk..?" "Kid, if you think you're going to accomplish ANYTHING here now, it'll be a FUCKIN CURSE." "Husk." "I SWEAR TO GOD! WHAT THE FUCK WAS HE THINKIN?! WE NEED TO HIDE. RUN SOMETHING!" "HUSK!" Husk's eyes shut for a few seconds, before slowly opening again. He felt a burning sense on his cheek. He gently touched it, only to quickly retreat. It felt like fire. He looked at Charlie, seeing she was distraught. "I..I'm sorry." she said. She slapped him. "Ugh..I-It's fine." he mumbled. Charlie held a weak smile, then dropping into a stern look. "So, what do you know about it?"

          Husk sighed, his brows scrunched. "When I was alive, I knew Alastor. We'd go for drinks..play blackjack..hell, we'd even do karaoke." Charlie's expression went serious to disbelief. 'Wow.' she thought. 'They actually WERE friends.' "We were pals. He was there for me, and I the same for him. I went to some of the shows he put on at the theatre. One specific night, he called a few hours before a show and told me he wanted to see me there. Of course, I went. He did some stand up comedy, the audience laughed and cheered, and everybody left. After, we bailed, had a few drinks, and walked around town. I thought that's all we'd be doing."

          "But, no. Oh no. The night had just begun.."

(Thanks for making it to the end! This is the first part of a 3 part chapter, which I will clarify in Parts 2 and 3. And, this is also the beginning of endgame of the story. I've put so much effort into this, and I hope you guys have enjoyed it so far. I'm giving a heads up for the rest of the story. It'll be dark, emotional, and possibly gory: I've warned you. Thanks again hitting over 200 reads! I really appreciate it. Love you all, stay tuned!