Archive of Our Own ^beta

"Y'know, the thing about a shark, he's got lifeless eyes, black eyes, like a doll's eyes. When he comes after ya, he doesn't seem to be livin' until he bites ya"

.....

It was a safe bet that the announcement of second extermination had come as a shock and a surprise to all; one that was certainly proving a benefit to Alastor's amusement for dam sure. True, he still had his "Leash" to contend with but, the screams and utter panic that had been raging for the past few days had been music to the ears. Off set somewhat by the naïve hope of the Princess but, he could tolerate that for now.

If only to see that hope end up a bloody squirming mess when her grand dream was skewered.

Still, at the moment he needed to focus on the present; specifically the meeting of his "compatriots" that Zestial had dragged him into while he had been on his errands. A chore but, a needed one; he did need to remind not just the rank and file but, also his fellow Overlords that, seven years of absence or not, his was a name to be not only respected but, feared.

From Rosie's side he cast the room a brief glance; few Overlords had bothered to attend the meeting; not surprising really given that when to many of them ended up in a room together.... it certainly became a more colourful affair. The only ones here were those who were either board or had the sense to plan for the future. Now especially with the threat to their existence returning earlier than expected. Each Sinner was studied and judged thoughtfully; Zestial was easy, you did not last as long has he did without considering all options and planning well. Maestro was a quite one, more of a hermit but, even a hermit has a sense to head to higher ground when the tidal wave threatens his island the Radio Demon mused with a chuckle.

Zeezi was a surprise; the giant was normally more focussed on her bohemian live "every day as if it were your last" philosophy but, Alastor suspected her odd "friendship" with Maestro had convinced her to leave her garish lair for a few hours.

He wondered what the recluse had promised her for such an appearance?

His attention returned to the front of the table and their "host" for this little get together. Carmilla was another easy nut to crack; practical to tee, she thought about her next business move like a game of chess and, the last thing any arms dealer wants is to lose customers. It was said pragmatism that, allowed Alastor to forgive the jibe in his direction over his absence.

For now at least.

Till then he..... the door took that moment to be opened again. Seems there were a few late arrivals to the gathering and, honestly Alastor was very eager to see said arrivals thrown back out the door. Honestly standards for Overlords were slipping if the brat Velvet was counted as an Overlord. The girl had no decorum or tact to apologise for being late; focusses on her annoying little device and speaking at a volume to the room with an arrogance and presumption that, were they still alive might have Alastor "educate" her on manners.

Honestly he could see why Vincent had....

"Can we make this quick Carmilla, some of us have businesses that still need running" the voice was certainly that of the Media Overlord but, at the same time there was something out of place that had Alastor turn fully to appraise the other Overlord. He had seen the "upgraded" model around town on various advertisements; arrogant and mocking but, in person it seemed clear that was a simple mask. One worn for the masses to sell trinkets and baubles but, the Sinner standing next to Velvet was not wearing any mask now.

He smile was thin, teeth only slightly showing has he absently adjusted a cufflink before taking a seat. Eyes seemed more focussed elsewhere, no doubt some gadget or gismo that was taking up his attention before a head shake shut it off. Looking up his gaze briefly met that of Alastor.

And, there was nothing.

No anger, no hurt or hell even an ounce of fear that the Radio Demon expected after the thrashing he had delivered him for his little "tantrum". If anything there was only a brief flicker of surprise as if Alastor was some classical painting that had not seen the light of a gallery for sometime. Said flicker of surprise was swallowed by a cold stare and a sigh "Should have cancelled a few more meetings" he muttered under his breath before nodding to Carmilla to not stop on their account.

Alastor was not sure if he should be curious or annoyed.

.....

The meeting quickly devolved into a circus; on the surface level at least.

Alastor had to appreciate the irony of Vincent's little ploy; a shark chumming the waters was certainly an ironic image. True, it made it seem like like he had made a huge faux pa letting Velvette run ruck shot with the Angel's head and her argument with Carmilla but, that was the point. It seemed in his absence that Vox had started practicing a little slight of hand; draw everyone's attention in one direction so they did not pay attention to the other hand's activities.

In this case, while Velvette was making a spectacle the other Overlord was watching the room both with his eyes and the cameras; Alastor could feel the tell tale pickle of static in the air has the other Overlord reached out to the devices in the room. He might have spoiled the fun if the fact the out of character behaviour was not so curious. Vox was always one being the centre of attention and maintaining image but, this... crude though it was was actually a mild improvement in tact from the other demon.

Get a person flustered and angry and they would show their hand without realising.

He wondered if Vox had found what he was looking for before Carmilla called time on the meeting.

Velvette simply shrugged; interest now lost and off to have her own tantrum now. Her fellow V offering a dry apology and a thin smile to Carmilla before leaving. His gaze briefly met Alastor's again and, for a brief moment there was a flicker of something that had Alastor smile a little wider.

Interesting indeed, it seemed the guppy might just have grown into a shark.

End.