Infernal Rivalry - The Clash Of Vox And Alastor

Chapter 9 : Dance Time

(Vox's POV)

As the first light of dawn filters through the windows, I awaken to the familiar sights and sounds of Alastor's home. Stretching, I rise from bed and make my way downstairs, where the enticing aroma of breakfast wafts through the air. As I join Alastor in the kitchen, he offers a warm smile while gesturing towards the food before us. "Good morning, Vox. Hungry?". I nod eagerly, taking a seat at the table as he joins me. His shadow hovers nearby a silent but reassuring presence in the room. Amidst the clinking of utensils and the soft murmur of conversation, he mentions a task he has to undertake today, helping out a friend in need. "Trouble, you say?" I inquire, curious. Alastor nods, "Indeed. She's found herself in quite the predicament with some demons" he replies. Intrigued by the prosect of accompanying Alastor on his mission, I can't help but speak up. "Is there any way I can assist?" I ask, eager to lend a hand. He pauses, considering my offer before responding. "It's not going to be the most peaceful task, Vox" he warns, "You see, I'll be doing what an overlord does best". Despite his cautionary words, I remain undeterred. "I still want to come" I assert, determination colouring my voice. He regards me with a mixture of surprise and approval, his smile getting larger. "Very well, Vox" he concedes.

As Alastor finishes his warning, I nod solemnly, ready to face what lays ahead. But before I can fully process his words, he leans in close, his voice dropping to a whisper. "This is one of those instances where I need to arrive in a different fashion" he explains cryptically, "Through my shadows". Before I can respond, he takes my hand and pulls me into a sudden embrace, his strong arms wrapping around me protectively. And then, in an instant, we disappear into the shadows, leaving behind the familiar surroundings of his home. My sense reel as we traverse through the shadows, the sensation both exhilarating and disorientating and then, just as suddenly as we vanished, we emerge into a bustling bar, the air thick with the scent of sweat, alcohol and excitement. As I take in my surrounds, a woman approaches us. She is short and plump, with pale lilac skin and platinum blonde hair styled in a chic 1920s bob. Her eyes are a striking black, with pink pupils that seem to glitter with mischief. She bears sharp pale-yellow teeth, offset by dark magenta lips and her cheeks are adorned with dark-clouded blush. Her outfit is a riot of colour, with a bright pink flapper style dress adorned with yellow detailing, maroon heels, magenta opera gloves and a pearl neckless. A maroon headband with an oval-shaped pink gem and a pair of fathers completes her ensemble.

She strides over to use, her every movement exuding confidence and sass. "Fucking finally, Alastor! you've decided to show up" she declares, his voice dripping with disdain, as she gestures towards the entrance of the bar. Following her pointed gaze, I notice a group of angry demons gathered just outside, their expressions dark and menacing. Sensing the tension in the air, I exchange a wary glance with Alastor, silently bracing myself for whatever confrontation may lie ahead. She turns back to Alastor, "They're over there" she says, her voice tinged with urgency. "I need you to sort his out". He nods, "What happened Mimzy?" he asks, his voice calm but authoritative. She sighs, her bravado faltering for a moment. "I borrowed some money from them, with no intention of paying it back" she admits, "and, well, let's just say they're not too happy about it". I watch as Alastor's expression hardens, his jaw set in determination. "I'll handle it, you're lucky I like letting off steam Mimzy", he assures her, his voice firm and resolute. As we step outside to confront the angry demons, I can't help but feel a surge of adrenaline coursing through me, ready to stand next to Alastor and face whatever is going to happen.

As we step outside, Alastor greets the group of demons with a polite nod, "Good morning gentleman, what appears to be the problem" he says in a calm voice. Suddenly, without warning, one of the demons raises a gun, aiming it towards where me and Mimzy were standing, "That bitch owes us money", he shouts. My heart skips a beat as I watch the dangerous situation unfold before me, feeling a surge of fear and uncertainty grip my chest. But Alastor's reaction is swift and decisive. With a harsh tilt of his head, he unleashes his dark powers, summoning black tentacles that coil and writhe around him menacingly. In a blur of motion, he begins to pick off the assailants one by one, tearing them apart with ruthless efficiency and throwing them and their entrails to the ground. I watch in shock and awe as Alastor unleashes his formidable powers, his movements fluid and graceful despite the chaos unfolding around us. Mimzy, standing next to me, seems to revel in the spectacle, her excitement evident as she cheers Alastor on with enthusiastic shouts. Despite my initial shock, I can't help but feel a sense of admiration for Alastor's strength and prowess. It is an insight into the unfathomable power that lurks within him, a power that commands respect and instils fear in all those who dare to oppose him. The last of the assailants falls to the ground, defeated by Alastor's overwhelming force. As we stand amidst the wreckage of the confrontation, I know that I am witnessing firsthand the true extent of Alastor's power, a power that both terrifies and fascinates me in equal measure.

the chaos subsides and Alastor's tentacles recede, leaving behind a scene of scattered debris, entrails and defeated adversaries. Mimzy approaches him with a mixture of relief and admiration in her eyes. "Thank you, Alastor" she says, "You truly saved the day". I follow her over to him. Alastor nods in response, acknowledging her words with a smile. But before he can reply, Mimzy turns her attention to me, a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "And who might this handsome friend of yours be, Alastor?" she asks playful, casting a teasing glance in my direction. I feel a blush creeping up my cheeks, my screen taking on a slightly pink hue in response to the unexpected compliment. "Uh, h-hi, I'm Vox" I stammer awkwardly, feeling suddenly self-conscious under her scrutinizing gaze. Alastor chuckles softly at my flustered response, a knowing gleam in his eyes as he nudges me teasingly. "Looks like you've caught someone's eyes, Vox" he remarks with a playful smirk, "Better watch out, she's trouble". I roll my eyes at his jest, but I can't help but feel a sense of amusement at his light-hearted teasing. As we make our way back into the bar, I turn to Alastor with a massive grin. "That was quite the display out there" I comment, unable to contain my admiration. "Remind me to never get on your bad side". He laughs in response, his demeanour relaxed and jovial as we settle back into the bar.

We are seated at the bar, getting a drink, where I catch sight of Mimzy beckoning Alastor over to the dance floor with an irresistible smile. He glances at me with a playful twinkle in his eyes before turning to Mimzy. "Lead the way, Mimzy" he says with a charming smile, accepting her invitation to dance. Before he disappears into the crows he turns to me, "Care to join us, Vox?" he teases, extending a clawed hand in invitation. I chuckle and shake my head. "No thanks, Alastor! I reply with a grin. "I've got two left feet. I'll leave the dancing to the professionals". He laughs and winks and me before following her onto the dance floor. As I watch them dance, I can't help but smile at the sight of Alastor letting loose and enjoying himself, his laughter mingling with the music as he twirls and sways with an effortless grace. Lost In my thoughts, I finish my drink and decide to wander around the bar, taking in the sights and sounds of the lively establishment. Everywhere I look, demons of all shapes and sizes are engaged in conversation, laughter and revelry, creating a vibrant tapestry of life.

As the night wears on, I find myself drawn back to the dance floor, where Alastor and Mimzy are still spinning and twirling with infectious energy. Despite my earlier reluctance to join them, I can't help but feel a pang of longing as I watch them dance, wishing I could shed my inhibitions and join in the fun. But as the music fades and the night begins to wind down, I realize that sometimes it's okay to be a spectator, to simply enjoy the moment and savour the memories that come with it. Alastor and I bid farewell to Mimzy and the bustling bar, our laughter echoing through the air as we make our way outside. "Until next time, Mimzy" Alastor calls out with a wave. She waves back, a playful grin on her lips, "Take care, you two" she replies, her voice carrying over the noise of the night. With a final nod to Mimzy, Alastor and I disappear into the shadows, the familiar sensation of being enveloped by darkness washing over me as we make our way back home. We arrive at our destination, Alastor bids me goodnight and heads off to his own room, leaving me alone in the darkness of my own thought. I make my way to bed, feeling a sense of anticipation building within me, as I wait to see if Alastor's shadow will come to join me once more. But as the minutes tick by and sleep eludes me, I realize that tonight the shadow will not come to visit. I lie in the bed, the darkness enveloping me like a shroud, as I drift into an uneasy sleep.