Infernal Rivalry - The Clash Of Vox And Alastor

Chapter 2 : And Your Name Is?

(Alastor's POV)

As I make my way back from the latest overlord meeting, the streets of Hell are alive with the echoes of my footsteps. My shadow dances eagerly at my side, a silent companion. Suddenly, it darts ahead, drawn by the faint sounds of movement echoing from within an alleyway. It has always been a rather curious thing. Intrigued, I follow its lead, my sense heightened with anticipation. As I approach the mouth of alley, I watch through my shadow's eyes as it hovers near a trembling figure – a man with a shattered screen atop his head, cowering in the shadows. A rather pathetic looking being, but so interesting at the same time. From my vantage point, I can see the fear etched upon his face, his eyes darting nervously as he tries to make sense of the shadow that has presented itself in front of him. "Please... don't hurt me" the man please, his voice filled with static and barely above a whisper, his words barely reaching my ears. The shadow continues its approach, its movements fluid and graceful, like tendrils of smoke dancing in the night, to my surprise, the shadow responds with a subtle, reassuring smile – a silent gesture that it means no harm. It reaches out a shadowy hand, offering it to the man.

The man hesitates for a moment before tentatively reaching out to touch the shadow's outstretched hand. As his clawed fingers make contact with the darkness, a surge of relief washes over him as he realizes that he is not alone in this realm. "Thank you" he murmurs. The shadow offers no response, but its silent presence speaks volumes. As I approach the scene unfolding in the alley, I can't help but feel a sense of curiosity about the interaction between the man and my shadow. Very unlike it, to take pity on a soul. With a knowing smile, I step forward, breaking the tense silence that hands in the air. "Ah, it seems you've already made acquaintance with my shadow" I say, my voice carrying across the alley with a sense of calm authority. The mans eyes widen in surprise as he turns to face me, his expression a mixture of confusion and relief. Going off of his reaction, or lack of, I can guess he's new here. "I'm Alastor" I continue, offering a friendly nod. "And you, my friend, seem to have found yourself in quite the predicament". The man looks at me, his gaze searching as if trying to make sense of the surreal situation he finds himself in. "I... I don't know how I got here", he admits, his voice slightly trembling. "I don't even remember my own name". I continue smiling at the soul in front of me, a glimmer of amusement dancing in my crimson eyes.

I extend a hand to help the man up, feeling an odd pang of sympathy for his plight. "Come now, my friend" I say gently, "Let us depart from this gloomy alley and make our way to a more hospitable abode". As he rises to his feet, he leans heavily on me for support, his shattered screen flickering with every movement. "Thank you" he murmurs, his voice tinged with gratitude and uncertainty. "You are most welcome" I reply, linking arms with him as we begin our journey. "Now, tell me, what shall I call you? It's not often that one gets to choose their own name". the man pauses for a moment, as if considering his options. "I... I don't know" he admits, his voice tinged with frustration. I nod sympathetically, understanding the frustration and confusion that comes with memory loss. "Well then" I say cheerfully, "Let's make it simple. How about Vox? It seems fitting, given your unique appearance". The man- now Vox- offers a tentative smile, a flicker of gratitude in his eyes. "Vox" he repeats, testing out the name on his lips. "Yes, I think I like that".

We continue our journey through the streets, Vox still leaning on me for support. But as we walk, I can't help but notice that his screen is glitching more frequently, the cracks in its surface causing his form to flicker and distort. "Are you alright, Kid?" I inquire. He nods weakly, though I can see the strain on his face. "I'll be fine" he replies, his voice crackling static. "It's just... the screen. It's not what it used to be". With a nod, I offer him a reassuring squeeze of the arm. "Fear not, Vox" I say. "We'll find a way to fix it". As we continue walking, I can't shake the curiosity gnawing at me. "Vox" I begin, my voice calm but probing, "How did your screen end up in such a state?". Vox's expression darkens, a shadow crossing his features as he recalls the events that led to his shattered screen. "Another demon" he explains bitterly, his voice cracking with static. "He wasn't too pleased to find me on his 'turf'. Things... escalated". I nod sympathetically, understanding the territorial nature of demons. "I see" I reply. "Well, fear not, Vox. You are safe with me. And as for this demon who dared to lay hands on you, let's just say they'll think twice before crossing with us again". He offers me a grateful smile, a flicker of hope stirring within him. "Thank you, Alastor" he says, his voice tinged with gratitude. "I don't know what I would have done without your help". I clap him on the back, "Nonsense, Vox" I reply with my usual grin. "Now, let's focus on getting you patched up. We will have that screen of yours fixed in no time".