I don't know how people can speak in front of a live crowd. I mean- I managed to record or broadcast to the masses, but only because I didn't SEE them.
I glanced at Charlie as we made our way to Cannibal Town's main square. She's going to have to convince these people to follow her. She seemed nervous.
"Cannibals and Cannibettes, assemble in the square."
Rosie called out to her people.
"Settle in! Settle in! Important meeting."
The crowd was HUGE. Even though I wasn't the one speaking, I couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable.
"Let’s go aside, dearest. Not to grab the attention our princess needs."
Alastor put his hands on my shoulders and walked us back.
"But how do I--"
"With sparkle! Razzamatazz! and that oh so appealing moxie of yours."
Rosie reassured Charlie.
"Shouldn't be a problem. It's not like you've ever failed to inspire before."
Al agreed.
"You can do this! We are right behind you."
I nodded.
"Now, fair warning. This group sticks together. So in order to convince any of them, you'll need to convince all of them. And there's one in particular--"
"Uuuugh, Susan."
Al rolled his eyes.
"Susan?"
I was confused.
"Susan."
He repeated.
"Susan, who's a bit of an... uh..."
Rosie hesitated.
"...Ornery old bitch?"
Oh wow. He doesn't cuss much. I respect my elders, but she must be a NIGHTMARE.
"...THAT. She's tough, but win her over and the rest will be easy as pie."
She concluded.
"Ready?"
I'm sure Charlie can do this.
She is a leader with a good heart.
She makes meaningful speeches in seconds.
Of course she'll win over anyone in a matter of-
"BOOOOO! Bring Rosie back!"
An elderly voice yelled.
"Susan?"
Charlie asked.
"Susan."
Al and Rosie answered, looking annoyed.
Still, even with the yells, Charlie attempted to talk. Nervousness took over her and she really struggled- she could barely get a word out!
...it wouldn't look good if I went there and hushed that salty lady myself, would it?
"BOOOOO! Get off the stage, you blue blood bitch! BOOO! We don't give a shit about some hotel! Leave before I eat those big ass eyes of yours. BOO! Get off! Where's the showmanship? Where's all the finesse? Fucking mediocre!!"
Charlie snapped.
"FUCK YOU YOU OLD BITCH!!!"
The crowd gasped.
S-Seriously?
Now. Now you are reacting.
Not when your god damn princess was disrespected.
Rosie excused Charlie and they walked away to cool her off. Al and I climbed down and went behind the stage.
"That could've gone better..."
I sighed.
"How about you try?"
Al grinned.
"With that old craze in the crowd? NO."
"It is unfortunate that our first outing turned out like that. I imagine all this crowd makes you tired."
"Yeah..."
I mumbled.
"What do you mean by 'first'?"
"Oh, err... as partners, that is."
Al's grip on his cane tightened as he was trying to keep cool.
Awww...
I felt thousands of butterflies fluttering in my stomach.
"I am having a wonderful time with you."
I took his hand and raised it to my lips.
I think he is getting the butterflies, too.
"My my, what a charmer..."
His eyes were distracted, staring down at my mouth. His hand reached to fix a loose hair of mine, before cupping my face.
Alastor sneakily scanned the empty surroundings as his thumb went over my cheek. His eyes locked into mine.
Oh lord...
Is he...
Is he going to...
"You've got this!"
"I've got this!"
"And how?"
"I'll sing!"
"That's a good girl!"
We heard Rosie hyping Charlie up on their way back.
Alastor cleared his throat.
"Looks like it's time, my dearest."
"Y-Yes."
I stuttered.
I smiled at Charlie, and watching her rally up the cannibals was AMAZING.
Even though I joined the singing, my mind was in a complete different place.
I kept thinking back to the moment we almost had.
We decided to stay a bit after.
Charlie wanted to check out the shops.
"You don't mind if I grab your sweetheart while you accompany our champion, eh, Alastor?"
Rosie put a hand on my shoulder.
I remembered the catching up she promised me from earlier.
"If that's what they wish,"
Al looked at me. I nodded.
"Lovely!"
She smiled, taking me to the town hall.
She sat me down and brewed us some tea.
"Well? How's the gentleman doing?"
"Good, good."
"Aww, look at that smile! Aren’t you two the sweetest!"
She laughed.
"Oh, you should've seen him when I first met him. He wanted to search my side of the pentagram for a certain soul~"
"He really did, didn't he..."
I mumbled.
"You seem to know him well, Rosie.
I'm afraid he's struggling with something which I can't figure out..."
"...why he always smiles?"
Rosie understood.
"He always has a good excuse for it, but it's something that I've yet to figure out, I'm afraid."
She admitted.
"Actually, dearie, I wanted to talk to you about the upcoming battle."
"Hmm?"
"I worry for good ol' Alastor. It's been a while since he fought, and I imagine he might get a bit too confident in the field."
She told me.
"But even the strongest overlord he beat is nothing compared to the weakest angel..."
"I see."
I nodded, though I started getting worried.
I know Vaggie is learning how to defeat the angels, but it's weird that she herself wouldn't know how. Are they completely invincible?
Alastor and Charlie are the strongest demons in the hotel, but if they can barely stand a chance... then... having the cannibals with us will merely delay our inevitable demise.
Rosie grabbed my attention.
"Say, there’s a rumor about coma patients. Is it true you never sleep?"
"Um... yeah, but I still need rest from time to time. Sometimes I pretend to sleep."
I shrugged.
"Then... if the rumors are true..."
Rosie thought before explaining.
"Coma is a limbo state between heaven and hell, and while being treated medically... well, it is believed that sinners like you might have special healing abilities."
That would be great, but...
"I don't think it's true, Rosie."
I dismissed.
"It would've been useful when I accidentally broke my finger while typing on a typewriter."
"Oh. Very well, then."
She giggled.
"Figured it never hurts to ask."
A knock on the door ended our brief conversation.
We had to go back to the hotel.
Rosie told us that we were welcome to see her any time.
"HOW DID I NOT NOTICE??"
Charlie excitedly rambled to Al and I on our way back.
"I am so happy for you!"
"Thanks,"
I smiled nervously.
"But maybe don't shout anything for all of hell to hear..."
"Oh! Sorry!"
She squeaked.
"Do you think Vaggie will like this?"
She showed me a souvenir she bought.
Looks like she changed her mind about her girlfriend. I am happy for her.
"I believe so, yeah."
I nodded.
She indeed liked it. And even had a surprising set of wings.
The other hotel dwellers started boarding up the windows, preparing for the big day tomorrow.
It's all of us verses the heavens.
I really hope that we are ready for this.