Max returned to the Hazbin Hotel as the neon glow of Pride dimmed into its usual restless hum. The lobby was quieter than normal, the kind of calm that never lasted long in Hell.
He had been thinking a lot lately.
Fully integrating his memories had given him clarity he hadn't expected. Not just about himself—but about others. About Alastor.
When Alastor was human, he hadn't killed indiscriminately. There had been a pattern. Men of influence. Men with power. Men who abused women and hid behind status. He had been charming, even protective toward women, and strangely principled for a serial killer.
What Max didn't understand was the ambition.
Alastor already had enough power to live comfortably in Hell. More than comfortably. So why push further? Why keep climbing?
"So," Alastor's voice crackled through the air as he stepped into the lobby, cane tapping cheerfully, "what does lover boy want now?"
Max looked up and smiled. "Ah, Alastor. I was hoping I'd run into you. Thought we could hang out for a bit."
Alastor's grin widened. "How delightful! It has been ages since I've stretched my legs properly."
He leaned closer, eyes glowing faintly. "I feel a massacre coming on."
Vaggie immediately turned from where she'd been organizing supplies. "Max. I know we can't exactly stop Alastor yet, but can you please keep his killing… reasonable?"
Max raised a hand. "Relax. I've got it."
"Oh don't worry, dear," Alastor said lightly. "I only intend to kill the truly awful sinners. No one with even a sliver of redemption left."
Charlie, who had been adjusting some equipment nearby, looked up sharply. "Everyone can be redeemed if they're given the chance. So no permanent kills."
She narrowed her eyes slightly. "And absolutely no killing demons. They aren't immortal like sinners."
"Of course," Max said smoothly. "I'll keep an eye on him."
He glanced around. "What's the occasion anyway? New sinner?"
"It's nothing to worry about," Charlie replied. "Just… make sure nothing permanent happens."
They headed out together into Pride.
Alastor did what Alastor did best.
Chaos followed him like a loyal dog. Screams echoed. Shadows twisted. Sinners fled—or didn't get the chance to. Alastor reminded the city exactly who he was, and why his name still carried weight.
Max stayed close, quietly intervening when things threatened to go too far. Redirecting attacks. Pulling Alastor away from anyone who might have had even the smallest chance at redemption.
It was indulgent. Controlled—but indulgent.
Later, Max stood on a rooftop overlooking the city, a cigarette between his fingers. He didn't actually like smoking. It tasted awful. But for a moment, it helped him think.
"I guess Charlie and Vaggie are more accepting of indulgence," he muttered to himself. "The Originals would've shut this down instantly."
He took one last drag and flicked the cigarette away.
Alastor appeared beside him moments later, as if summoned by the thought alone, conjuring his own cigarette with a flourish.
"Ahhh," Alastor sighed, smoke curling around his grin. "That felt marvelous. Reminds me of my early days down here."
Max glanced over. "Alastor… mind if I ask you something? Just personal curiosity."
"By all means," Alastor said pleasantly. "As long as I may ask questions in return."
"Fair enough." Max crushed his cigarette under his boot. "Why do all this? Not helping Charlie—I get that. I mean your rise to power. Being an Overlord just seems like more trouble than it's worth."
Alastor's smile softened—not vanished, but changed.
"I should be asking you," he replied. "But I suppose my reasons are… older."
He leaned back against the ledge. "Mind if I tell you a story?"
Max sat down on the rooftop, ears twitching. "Go ahead."
"When I was young," Alastor began, shadows subtly shifting around him, "my family lived in a very poor part of the city. My mother was the only good thing in my life."
His voice remained calm, but the air grew heavier.
"My father was a drunk. He would do anything for alcohol. One night, in a rage… he killed her."
The shadows rippled violently.
"I snapped," Alastor continued. "He was my first kill. And ever since, part of me has wanted to kill him again. Now i want to see my father again and cause him enternal pain again and again. Maybe even see my mother one more time."
He chuckled quietly. "Though she's probably in Heaven, if I had to guess."
Max nodded slowly.
"Oh," Alastor added casually, "I once heard my daughter was in Hell. But I could never find her."
Max immediately choked on his drink. "Fuck—wait, what? You have a daughter?"
Alastor laughed. "Oh yes."
He turned his gaze back to Max. "But enough about me. What about you? For an Overlord, you do remarkably little killing. And you've somehow managed to charm five Hellborn."
Max scratched the back of his neck. "Pathetic, right? I just… love who I love."
He shrugged. "As for the Overlord thing, I mostly avoid killing so I don't upset Charlie. The last thing I want is to hurt them. Plus, they're bound to me through contracts."
He hesitated, then smirked. "I'll tell you a secret. You won't repeat it."
Alastor raised a brow. "I do adore secrets."
"I technically have another lover," Max said. "A fiend who bound her soul to me the same way Charlie and the others did. I haven't even met her yet."
Alastor burst into genuine laughter. "How delightfully old-fashioned. A lover you've never met."
He glanced sideways. "And the rumors? That you haven't slept with any of them yet?"
Max sighed. "True. Guess I'm nervous about disappointing them. Or causing problems."
Alastor studied him for a long moment.
"…Would you mind taking my daughter in?" he asked suddenly. "If she's still alive down here, I couldn't think of anyone better."
Max stood up slowly. "I really hope you're joking."
Alastor's smile widened. "Maybe. Maybe not."
He tipped his hat. "It's about time, isn't it?"
With that, Alastor melted into the shadows.
Max chose to walk back alone.
The city lights flickered below, and the questions lingered long after Alastor was gone.
[Author Note: I don't care if its not cannon or not but I based Alastor's reasoning and history on the Song labeled "Upside Down" by Black Gryphi0n. Anyways Enjoy]