Chapter Text
Alastor never had enough time.
Especially when he was alive.
He had always dreamed of power, of control, which he had finally reached when he died - that’s what comes with being an overlord. Some sizzle with greed, developing a burning desire for more and more souls - dreaming of an endless reign.
But, ever since Alastor was a child - he held on to a quiet, hidden yearning for family. It didn’t truly foster until his mother died, he didn’t have much time to grieve; so, he seeked a familal bond in those closest to him. He had turned to Rosie all those years ago, Charlie even regarding her as ‘an Aunt,’ and Alastor agreed. The woman could always somehow sense how he felt, like some sort of power. It was one he wanted for himself.
This came with Niffty.
They were always glued to each other, some even confusing her for his hellborn daughter, he brushed it off, as did Niffty. But he couldn’t ignore the way he shielded her, held her hand, even despite her age - nothing could stop the lingering fear in his heart when he walked too close to Lucifer.
Alastor yearned for fatherhood, for something . And as much as he rejected it, affection. He wanted to hold something.
And the little book was how.
Alastor had never been fond of spells, he had memorized a few though mainly stuck to his cane - but, for this spell, he needed read it aloud. He sighed as his fingers grace the cover, his everlasting grin glowing in the night.
This would give him everything, just for a while.
Niffty was always a bit… strange. But that was okay. Everyone in the hotel loved the little gal, with or without her coping mechanisms. They knew how bad her stress would get, so they were grateful she found a way to… relax, even if it was a bit overwhelming for them.
Sure, Niffty wasn’t really a baby, but, they didn’t mind when she acted like one… if it made her feel better, then what was wrong with it? Niffty could always switch up pretty easily, too.
…well, emphasis on the could.
Husk was the first one to notice, even when regressed, she’d always wake up right at eight and begin making breakfast - but it was ten… and hell, even Husk was up.
Maybe she was sick?
Husk shook his head, in all the years he’s known her, she’s never been sick. It just wasn’t possible.
He raised a paw to the door, and gently knocked.
No answer.
“Hrm…” Husk groaned, knocking again.
Angel Dust eventually awoke, rubbing his back and making his way over to Husk - watching him. “Maybe she’s tired, let her be.”
“No,” Husk mutters. “Never this tired, this isn’t normal.”
Angel rolled his eyes, “Your loss.”
It was nearing twelve now, and Angel Dust had finally felt a hole forming at the point of his stomach. He noticed as Husk’s eyes went from the bar to the nearby hall.
Alastor had left, saying something about Cannibal town, though no one truly listened (besides Charlie.)
But, before he left, he had reminded Husk to check on Niffty. Sporting a familiar cheeky grin, one that always managed to irritate the former overlord.
Husk growled.
Everyone soon began to wonder about her, Lucifer even questioned her absence as well (though getting her name wrong.)
So, with Charlie’s bleeding heart, and Vaggie’s nervous form, the duo walked to Niffty’s room, approaching the door with shaky hands. Angel and Husk stayed downstairs. Though they listened closely.
The duo could hear Charlie knock on the door gently, then loudly - then call Niffty’s name… then unlock the door, the doorknob hitting the wall as it was thrown open. They heard frantic footsteps from overhead, and a small gasp.
But no cries, screams, or anything.
Husk and Angel couldn’t fight it anymore - both of them rushing to the youngest's room. At this point, the whole hotel was in front of Niffty’s room now, peering in - watching carefully as Charlie picked up a heap of blankets.
Vaggie turned around, “Look, guys, uh—don’t… don’t freak out… okay?”
Husk and Angel nodded, as Lucifer let in a sharp breath. Cherri just stared.
“She’s not… hurt, is she?” Cherri asked, moving closer.
“No!” Vaggie said, just as Charlie shushed her. The angel began to whisper again, “Just… you gotta promise to not pan—”
A small cry could be heard, and although quiet - it bounced off the walls and echoed throughout the room - and even through Charlie’s gently whispering and bouncing, the whimpering still continued. Charlie eventually handed the bundle to Vaggie, the cries finally ceasing.
“…oh, is she small?”
“Oh no! Maybe—”
“Does she need milk? I can go—“
Vaggie whipped the bundle around, revealing the smallest version of Niffty they’ve ever seen, physically at least.
Husk’s eyes dilated, his gaze fixed on the small child in front of him - Vaggie allowing the cat to take Niffty in his arms. They all watch as Niffty - or Baby Niffty - melts at the contact, closing her eye.
Angel looks down, reaching to pet the cyclops head, before yanking his hand away, “Shit… how… How did this happen?”
“We… don’t know, we thought she was just little at first… but looking a bit closer, well,” Charlie sighed. “Obviously she’s… not herself.”
Lucifer eyed the small creature, noticing how her form shrunk - regression mentally was a known concept, liked or not - but literal regression was nearly unheard of. Even to those with magic, it wasn’t a common topic explored. Why would anyone want to be a baby in hell?
…he just had to brush off the fact that he in fact had a baby in hell. Charlie grew up happy, right? It surely wasn’t all bad.
Her hell was always different than everyone else’s.
Husk let Lucifer feel her forehead, she was hot, maybe this was a reaction to being sick? Did someone curse her?
“Does she have any… enemies that would try to hurt her?”
“Hurt her by making her a baby?” Charlie questioned. “What harm would that do?”
“A pretty severe inconvenience, depending on how long,” The king said, looking on nervously.
Vaggie chimed in, “Maybe she did it herself?”
“But how? She isn’t tall enough to get to most of our bookshelves, and it’s not like she knows a bunch of people.”
Husk grumbled, ripping Niffty away, “For now, we just need to take care of her, we can worry about this later.”
Charlie nodded, “Yep, and I know just the person to call!”
Vaggie smiled, knowing who. Everyone relaxed, just a bit… except Husk.
The cat actually was offended, to say the least.