Alastor: My, my, what a performance! I must say, I wasn’t expecting such a showstopper ending to dear Guzzler’s little hunt.

The boy, or rather the entity within him, slowly turned to face Alastor. The glowing red eyes locked onto the Radio Demon, and Alastor felt the aura shift again, intensifying, growing darker.

This was no ordinary demon....the eyes, once filled with fear, were now cold, calculating, and brimming with a predatory malice that even Alastor found impressive.

The boy’s expression was eerily calm, a stark contrast to the chaos that had unfolded just moments before. Alastor’s eyes narrowed slightly as he took in the change, sensing that something far more dangerous than a mere sinner stood before him.

And then, in a move so sudden that even Alastor didn’t anticipate it, the boy lunged forward, his foot connecting with Alastor’s chest in a single, powerful strike. The impact sent Alastor flying backward, his body slamming into a nearby rock with enough force to crack the stone.

The Radio Demon coughed, the taste of blood filling his mouth, but even as he wiped the crimson from his lips, his smile remained, a grin of genuine amusement and fascination.

Alastor: W-Well well...now this is different...

Alastor murmured, his voice crackling with static as he tried to push himself off the rock. But he couldn't, the blow did too much damage to Alastor.

His eyes never left the boy, there was a glint of something new in them, something close to respect, or as close as Alastor ever got to such a sentiment.

The boy, or whatever was controlling him, stepped forward with a chilling calmness, the blood still glistening on his right hand which he wipes off.

When he spoke spoke....his voice was no longer the scared, confused tone of a lost soul, but a deep, ghostly timbre that seemed to echo with multiple layers of sound, as if several voices were speaking in unison.

(So Devil Mario)

???: Any last words, Radio Demon?

The boy..no, the entity asked, the red glow in his eyes intensifying. Alastor’s grin widened, his intrigue deepening.

Alastor: Oh, you know of me? And here I thought you were just a newcomer...

???: The boy has only just arrived in Hell, but "we"....we have been here far longer than you can imagine.

A realisation dawned on Alastor as he took in the entity’s words and the power radiating from the boy. This was no ordinary possession, this was something ancient, something that had lingered in Hell, biding its time.

Whatever it was, it had chosen this boy as its vessel, and now it was using him to manifest a power that could challenge even an Overlord.....and perhaps even beyond.

Alastor: You’re not just in him, are you? You’ve taken him, claimed him as your own. And now you’re here, in the flesh, playing your own little game.

The entity tilted the boy’s head, considering Alastor’s words.

???: Perceptive....yes, this body is ours now. The boy’s mind is….somewhere, locked away in the dark, unaware of what's happening. But his body? It’s ours to use as we see fit.

Alastor: And what is it that you see fit to do, my friend? Chaos? Destruction? Oh, you and I might get along splendidly…

???: Do not mistake us for some simple demon, Alastor.

As the entity controlling the boy lingered, the air around them thickened with tension. Alastor remained motionless, his sharp eyes trained on the boy as he moved with an eerie precision.

The hand of the boy suddenly reached into a portal that the entity created. They pull out a katana....a sleek, deadly blade that seemed almost too pristine for the chaotic environment of Hell.

Alastor knew it was made out of Angelic Steel Weapon, but he knew it was no ordinary weapon, even Alastor could sense the ancient power radiating from it.

The aura around the boy grew darker, more ominous, as the entity inside him prepared to strike. The Radio Demon, for the first time in a long while, felt a twinge of genuine unease. His mind raced, calculating his next move.

But then, an idea sparked, a desperate, cunning idea that only someone as devilishly creative as Alastor could concoct in such a short span of time.

Alastor: Wait! Before you do anything rash, how about we make a deal for ourselves?

The entity paused, the katana held mid-air, its glowing red eyes narrowing as it considered Alastor’s words.

???: A deal?

Alastor: Yes, I’ve been in need of an assistant for some time now. This boy, clearly in shackles from your control, could be quite useful in that regard. So, how about this....he works for me, carrying out my tasks, and whenever you need to... stretch your legs, you can take over his body as you’re doing now and do whatever it is you desire.

The entity remained silent, its expression unreadable as it weighed the proposition. The seconds stretched, feeling like an eternity, as Alastor stood there, waiting.

He was gambling, and he knew it, but if there was one thing Alastor was good at, it was turning the tides in his favor. Finally, the entity spoke, its voice resonating with a dark amusement.

???: Interesting…..we have not roamed Hell in the last thousands of years, so it will be satisfactory to see the changes. Very well, the boy shall work for you. But we will not work for you...

Alastor’s grin widened, relief hidden beneath his ever-present mirth.

Alastor: Excellent! A wise decision, I must say. Also, very nice touch of speaking in the third person. What’s the story behind that, if you don’t mind me asking?

Instead of responding, the entity’s ominous aura began to recede. The red glow in the boy’s eyes dimmed, returning to their original blue. The tension in the air dissipated as the entity retreated back into the depths of boy's consciousness.

The boy blinked, his expression shifting back to one of confusion and fear. Blue looked around, his voice trembling as he spoke.

Boy: W-What? Where am I?

Alastor: Hello there, young fellow!

The Boy:

Boy: Don’t hurt me, please! I don’t even know where I am! Q_Q

Alastor held up his hands in a calming gesture, chuckling softly.

Alastor: Nonsense, my boy, I am not here to hurt you!

Boy: You’re... not?

Alastor: Of course not! Instead, I see an opportunity here. You’re clearly new in Hell, and you might find it a bit overwhelming at first.

Boy: [Blinks] What’s Hell?

Alastor paused, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied the boy.

Alastor: You...don’t know what Hell is?

The boy shook his head, his expression innocent and blank.

Boy: S-Should I?

Alastor’s mind whirred with possibilities. Either this boy had severe memory loss, or there was something far more mysterious going on here.

Alastor: Tell me, what do you remember about your life before you ended up here? Anything to do with your Parents?

The boy frowned, his brows furrowing in concentration. But after a moment, his face fell, his confusion deepening.

Boy: I...I don’t know. I don’t remember anything...what is ‘life’? And...what are ‘parents’?

Alastor’s grin faltered for a fraction of a second, quickly replaced by a look of feigned understanding.

Alastor: Ah, I see. It seems you’ve lost your memories....or perhaps you’re something even more unique. But no matter! We’ll figure that out in due time.

Boy: Okay...

Alastor: For now, let’s focus on the present. You need guidance in this new world, and I happen to be in need of an assistant. What do you say, my boy? Work for me, and I’ll ensure you’re well taken care of.

The boy hesitated, looking around the desolate wasteland with a lost expression. He spots the light of the city he was in, scared for another attack. Seeing no other options, he nodded slowly.

Boy: O-Okay... I guess I can work for you. I don’t know where else to go.

Alastor’s grin returned in full force, this time with a touch of genuine satisfaction.

Alastor: Lovely! Now, as a token of our new partnership, take this sword as a welcoming gift.

He gestured to the katana lying on the ground, the very blade the entity had summoned. Alastor recognised its nature immediately, an ancient, angelic weapon, the kind not often seen in the hands of demons.

Alastor conjured up a sword sheath with a flick of his wrist, and with an air of ceremony, he placed it on Boy's back.

Alastor: There you go! Now you look the part, my dear assistant.

As the two began to walk back toward Pentagram City, the boy’s innocent voice broke the silence.

Boy: Mr Alastor, did you.....kill that giant thing chasing me?

Alastor paused for a moment, glancing sideways at the boy before a mischievous smile crept onto his face.

Alastor:....Yes, yes I did. To save you, of course.

The boy’s face lit up with gratitude, his fear momentarily forgotten.

Boy: Oh.....thank you!

Alastor merely chuckled, his mind already spinning with the possibilities this strange boy and his mysterious power could bring.

Alastor: You’re quite welcome, my boy. Now, let’s get you settled in. We have much work ahead of us, and I suspect your presence will make things....very interesting indeed.

As they walked on, Alastor couldn’t help but marvel at his luck. Whatever the boy truly was, whatever ancient force dwelled within him, it didn’t matter. All that mattered was that Alastor now had a powerful, if unwitting, tool at his disposal.

The game in Hell had just changed, and as always, Alastor intended to be the one holding all the cards.

Alastor: I forgot, you don't have a name do you?

Blue: A-Actually I think I do...I keep thinking about the name....Blue, so maybe that's my name!

Alastor: A wonderful start we are making, Blue!

As they made their way back toward Pentagram City, Alastor slipped effortlessly into the shadows, his form blending with the dark alleys and winding streets of Hell.

Blue followed close behind, his wide blue eyes darting nervously around, still trying to comprehend the world he had just found himself in. Alastor moved with ease, navigating the hidden paths and keeping them both out of sight.

Despite his casual demeanor, the Radio Demon was always careful. He preferred to remain unseen unless he wanted to be seen.

Alastor: We’ll take the scenic route, no need to be out in the open for now. Plenty of unsavory types would love to get their hands on a new face like yours, and I’d rather not share you just yet......or at all.

Blue nodded, his confusion still evident but his trust in Alastor growing with each step.

Blue: Where are we going?

Alastor: Ah, patience, my boy, all in due time. But first, you need a proper education about this lovely place you now call home. I do hate leaving someone in the dark, unless, of course, it benefits me.

He winks at Blue, though the young boy didn’t quite catch the joke. They continued walking through the shadows, the chaotic sounds of Hell just barely reaching their ears as they moved deeper into the less crowded parts of the city.

Alastor began his explanation with a grand, theatrical flair, his voice filled with the excitement of someone who had rehearsed this speech many times.

Alastor: Now, let me give you the grand tour of Hell. You’ve found yourself in a rather unique afterlife, my dear boy, one filled with countless sinners, demons, and all manner of unspeakable creatures.

Blue: I think I already know first hand Q_Q

Alastor: Yes, yes, quite traumatising for you. But Hell is more than just fire and brimstone, you see. It’s an entire ecosystem, with its own rules, hierarchies, and delicious little power struggles.

Blue listened intently, his expression one of both curiosity and bewilderment.

Alastor: To begin with, Hell is divided into several circles, each one representing a different sin and its associated punishments. You’ve got your classic circles like Gluttony, Lust, Greed, and so on! All the way down to Treachery.

Blue: That's a lot to remember!

Alastor: Yes, but don’t worry, we don’t really spend much time dwelling on the specifics of ehy someone ends up here. What matters most is where you fit once you’re here.

Blue’s brow furrowed as he tried to grasp the enormity of it all.

Blue: So....I ended up here because I did something bad?

Alastor: More or less, though, in your case, there seems to be something a bit more...."unique" at play. We’ll get to that later. For now, let’s focus on the bigger picture.

Alastor began to gesture around them, as if pointing to the unseen layers of Hell that lay just beyond their sight.

Alastor: You see, Hell is a place where power is everything. The strongest demons, often known as Overlords, rule over their respective territories, fighting for dominance, resources, and influence.

Blue: Like that demon who attacked me?

Alastor: Yes, Guzzler is now....retired. But he was at the top of the food chain, alongside the other Overlords. And at the very top of them all is Lucifer, the King of Hell himself. Most demons work their way up, clawing for scraps of power in hopes of becoming Overlords themselves one day.

Blue nodded slowly, still trying to wrap his mind around the idea of Overlords and a hierarchy within Hell.

Blue: And...what about you? Where do you fit in?

Alastor: [Grins] Me? Oh, I’m in a league of my own, dear boy. You see, I’m what they call a..."Radio Demon". Not just any demon, mind you, but a special breed....a broadcaster of chaos, a herald of misfortune. My influence reaches far beyond the average Overlord, though I do enjoy keeping a lower profile.

Blue: Oh so you're like the Leader of the Overlords?

Alastor: Leader? Oh how amusing, but no. I like to think of myself as...an observer, a conductor of this grand symphony of suffering.

Blue: So...you’re powerful, too?

Alastor: In my own way, but power comes in many forms, my boy. Physical strength is one thing, but influence, control over the minds and hearts of others, is the real currency here. And I’ve learned how to play that game very, very well.

As they walked, the environment around them subtly shifted. They were leaving the more populated parts of the city and entering a desolate, more barren landscape, with flickering flames, and distant screams.

Alastor continued his lesson as though the hellish backdrop was nothing more than a walk in the park.

Alastor: There are many different types of demons here in Hell. From the Hellhounds, to the Imps, to the myriad of sinners who arrive daily. Sinners, by the way, are the ones who were once human, like you.

He shot a sideways glance at Blue, watching for a reaction. Blue nodded, looking somewhat relieved to know he wasn’t entirely out of place.

Blue: So...I’m a sinner?

Alastor: Hahaha, that’s right. A fresh one, it seems. Most of the demons you’ll meet were human at one point or another, but after spending enough time in Hell, well... let’s just say they start to change

Blue: Change?

Blue glances at his hands as though expecting to see something monstrous.

Alastor: Oh yes, some grow horns, wings, claws, even additional eyes. Hell has a funny way of reshaping souls, twisting them into their most sinful, grotesque forms. But you...hmm, you’re still very human looking. That’s quite rare for someone newly arrived. Curious, don’t you think?

Blue didn’t answer, too absorbed by the thought that he might change into something monstrous. Alastor assumes that the only change in him would be his pale skin as that wasn't normal among humans.

Perhaps....this entity inside of him...has something to do with that.

Alastor: As for the ranking system, well, that’s a bit more complex. You see, there are sinners, the lowest of the low, trying to carve out a place for themselves. Above them are your common demons, who typically serve the more powerful Overlords.

Blue: Like me?

Alastor: Yes but I have a feeling that you will be different. Overlords are the elites, as I mentioned before, but even they answer to the Seven Deadly Sins, the original demons who embody each vice. And, of course, all of us ultimately answer to Lucifer.

Blue listened in silence, his mind whirling with information.

Blue: This is...a lot ._.

Alastor: [Chuckles] Indeed it is. But don’t worry, you’ll get the hang of it soon enough. After all, you’ve got me to guide you! And I have big plans for you, my boy. You’ll fit right in once you get your bearings.

They walked on, the shadows cloaking them from sight as Alastor continued to explain the inner workings of Hell, the politics, the infighting, the nature of sin itself.

Every step took Blue deeper into the underworld, both figuratively and literally, and Alastor watched him closely, gauging the boy’s reactions.

There was something different about this one, something Alastor hadn’t quite pinned down yet. But he would figure it out.

He always did.
_______________________________

One more Prequel Chapter to go!

Should come out either this week or early next week.