Infernal Rivalry - The Clash Of Vox And Alastor

Chapter 7 : Introduction To Rosie

(Alastor's POV)

As we browse through the emporium, admiring the eclectic assortment of trinkets and curiosities, my eyes catch sight of a familiar figure making her way through the crowd. Wit a casual wave, I beckon her over, eager to introduce Vox to the esteemed overlord of Cannibal Town. She approaches us with a graceful stride, her presence commanding the attention of everyone in the room. Rosie has a very striking appearance, with her grey skin and sharp, toothy grin reminiscent of my won, she cuts and imposing figure. Her eyes, pitch black and piercing while her hair is a blend of grey, white and dusty pink. But it's her attire that truly sets her apart. A large pimped-out hat adorns her head, its pale shade of marron accented with two skulls and three burgundy flowers. A plume of black and red/pink feathers add a touch of extravagance, giving her an air of regal elegance, her dress, in matching hues of pale maroon and burgundy, features shoulder pads and ruffles cuffs, with black trimming adding to the overall allure.

"Ah, Alastor, my dear", Rosie greets me with a warm smile, her voice smooth and melodious. "And who do we have here?" she asks, turning her attention to Vox. "Rosie, allow me to introduce you to Vox" I say, gesturing towards my companion. "He's a new arrival in Hell". Rosie's gaze is fixed on Vox, her expression unreadable. Vox extends a clawed hand out to her, "It's a pleasure to meet you", he says, his voice slightly wavering. She shakes his hand and chuckles softly "A gentleman, I see. How refreshing" she remarks, her tone amused. Then her gaze shifts back to me and a playful smirk tug at the corner of her lips. "And Alastor" she says, addressing me directly. "I must say, im surprised to see you with companion. Not exactly the social type, are you?". I see Vox's gaze look up at me, with a confused look. I grin in response, a hint of mischief glinting in my eyes. "Oh, you know me, Rosie" I reply with a casual shrug. "Always keeping people on their toes". Rosie laughs, the sound rich and melodious as she gestures for us to follow her further into the emporium. "Well, regardless, it's a pleasure to have you both here". She says warmly. "Follow me".

As Rosie leads us through the bustling building, we follow her into a back room where a cozy seating area awaits us. Taking a seat on one of the plush chairs, Vox sits next to me. I watch as Rosie gracefully pours cups of tea for each of us, the steam rising in delicate wisps. "Ah, tea" I remark with a playful grin, accepting the cup she offers me. "You know me, Rosie. I'm not much of a tea drinker". She chuckles softly, amusement gracing her face. "Oh, Alastor, it's not always about you" she teases, her tone light and playful. I laugh along with her, acknowledging the jest with a nod. "Fair point, fair point" I concede, taking a sip of the tea despite my aversion to it. Turning her attention to Vox, Rosie offers him a small box filled with severed fingers, a customary snack in Cannibal Town. "Care for a finger, Vox?" she asks with a mischievous grin. Vox's eyes widen in horror at the sight of the grisly offering, his polite demeanour faltering for a moment. "Um, thank you, but I'll pass" he replies, his voice trembling slightly. I can't help but chuckle at his reaction, finding his discomfort amusing. Rosie catches my amusement and raises an eyebrow inquisitively.  "What's so funny, Alastor?" she asks, a playful glint in her eyes. I nod towards Vox, still struggling to contain my laughter. "Just enjoying Vox's reaction to the snacks" I reply. She follows my gaze to Vox, a smirk of her own forming on her lips. "Oh, don't worry, Love" she reassures him, her tone light and teasing. "I promise I'm not going to eat you". He visibly relaxes at her words, a nervous chuckle escaping him. "I appreciate that" he replies, grateful for the reassurance. Rosie joins in the laughter, her warm demeanour putting Vox at ease. "Besides" she adds with a wink, "If I were going to eat you, I'd at least wait until after dessert". We all share a laugh at her joke.

As the jovial atmosphere settles, Rosie turns her attention to Vox. "So, Vox, how did you end up in Hell?". Her curiosity evident in her gentle inquiry, Vox shifts uncomfortably in his seat, his gaze momentarily flickering between Rosie and me. "I... I'm not entirely sure how I ended up here in Hell" he begins cautiously, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "But I remember waking up in an alley, my screen smashed and my memory blank". Rosie listens intently to Vox's words, her expression a mix of surprise and intrigue. "And then Alastor found you in the alley?" she asks, her tone laced with curiosity. He nods slowly, his eyes reflecting the turmoil of his memories. "Yes, well, not Alastor himself, but his shadow" he clarifies, his voice trailing off as he recalls the moment. "It led him to me, and he... he bought me home". Rosie's eyebrows raise in genuine surprise at Vox's revelation, a react that doesn't go unnoticed by either us. Vox, sensing Rosie's surprise, glances at me before returning his attention to her, his expression unreadable. "You took him home?" she echoes, her tone tinged with astonishment. "Well, that's certainly unexpected". I chuckle softy at her reaction, a wry grin on my lips. "Always ready to lend a helping hand", I reply with a shrug, trying to downplay the situation. She nods slowly, her gaze lingering on me for a moment longer before returning to Vox. "Well, Vox, it seems you're in good company" she says warmly, offering him a reassuring smile. "If Alastor took you under his wing, you're in safe hands". With her comforting words, Vox seems to relax slightly, a sense of gratitude evident in his expression.

As our conversation flows, Rosie's observant gaze shifts to Vox's unique appearance, her curiosity piqued by his boxy Tv head and slender figure. "I must say, Vox, you certainly have a distinctive look" she remarks with a playful grin. "You and Alastor here make quite the pair". Vox offers a polite smile in response, though a hint of uncertainty lingers in his eyes. "Thank you" he replies softly, his tone thoughtful as he processes Rosie's observation. "I mean, he's the radio demon" she nods towards me, "and you're a Tv, it's like a match made in Hell!", she smiles at us both. Vox's eyes widen in surprise at the mention of my moniker, his expression shifting to confusion. "The radio demon?" he echoes. "Yes, Alastor here has quite the reputation" she explains gently. "He's called the radio demon because he broadcast the screams of the overlord he took down". The colour drains from Vox's screen as he absorbs Rosies words, a cold chill creeping down his spine. His hands clench into fists, his entire body tense with fear. "Broadcasts screams?" he repeats, his voice barely a whisper, his eyes darting nervously between Rosie and me. I offer him a reassuring smile, trying to alleviate some of his distress. "Don't worry, Vox" I assure him, my voice calm yet tinged with sympathy. "There's no need to be afraid. You're safe with me". Rosie notices his discomfort too and reaches out a reassuring hand, her voice soft and comforting "Alastor may have a fearsome reputation, but he's a loyal friend. He's right, you're safe with him". Despite out reassurances, his terror remains palpable. I can't help but feel a pang of sadness for him, knowing that his introduction to my world has been marred by the harsh truths of my reputation as the radio demon.

We bid goodbye to Rosie and begin our journey back home; Vox's troubled thoughts are evident in his furrowed brow. "Alastor" he begins tentatively, his voice tinged with uncertainty, "why didn't you tell me about your title?". I glance at Vox, noting the apprehension in his expression. "I didn't want to scare you" I reply honestly, my tone gentle yet apologetic. "I thought it best to ease you into the realities of Hell". He nods slowly, his gaze fixed on the ground as he processes my words. "Is that why everyone keeps staring at us?" he asks quietly, a hint of sadness creeping into his voice. I nod in confirmation, understanding his unease all too well. "Yes" I admit with a sigh. "People in Hell tend to stare out of fear. They're afraid of me and confused as to why I'm walking around with a regular sinner like you". Vox looks up at me, his eyes filled with a mixture of confusion and concern. "A regular sinner?" he asks. I offer him a reassuring smile, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "You're a newcomer to Hell, Vox", I explain gently. "And compared to some of the other residents here, you're relatively normal. It's only natural that people would be surprised to see us together". As he absorbs my words, a sense of understanding dawns in his eyes, tempered by a flicker of sadness.

We finally arrive home, the familiar sight of our dwelling offering a sense of comfort. As we step inside, I can feel Vox's relief at being away from the prying eyes of the curious and fearful residents. "Home sweet home" I remark with a wry smile, gesturing at Vox to make himself comfortable. "Feel free to make yourself at home, Vox. You're safe here". He nods gratefully, his shoulders relaxing as he takes in the familiar surroundings. "Thank you, Alastor" he says softly, "I appreciate your hospitality".