Infernal Rivalry - The Clash Of Vox And Alastor

Chapter 12 : The Power Of A Smile

(Vox's POV)

As I stir from sleep, I'm greeted by the unexpected sight of Alastor's shadow perched silently at the end of my bed. A wave confusion washes over me as I wonder how it got there unnoticed. Nevertheless, I offer it a gentle pat on its head before rising from bed and making my way downstairs. In the kitchen, the enticing aroma of breakfast fills the air, courtesy of Alastor. His shadow follows me down the stairs, a silent companion that seemed to echo my every move. "Good morning, Vox", Alastor greets me, though his attention quickly shifts to his shadow trailing behind me. "What's this? Why is my shadow following you again?". He scolds the shadow, his voice tinged with annoyance. "Leave Vox alone. Stop pestering him", he commands sternly. I interject, trying to ease the tension. "It's alright, Alastor. He's not bothering me". His frustration lingers, but he relents, realising I'm not bothered by the shadow's presence. As we sit down for breakfast, the atmosphere relaxes.

Curiosity gets the best of me as we eat, and I finally ask a question that's been nagging at me from the moment I met him. "Why do you always wear that smile?" I ask tentatively, noting the slightest twitch in one of his eyes, despite his unwavering grin. Alastor's smile remains fixed but there's a subtle tension in his response. "Ah you've noticed, have you?" He says, his voice showing signs of discomfort. He's got to joking right. How the fuck could I not notice. It's always there! "It's a long story, Vox", he continues vaguely, his eyes briefly flickering with an unspoken depth before returning to their usual gleam. "It's not just about looking pleasant, Vox" he explains, his tone becoming more serious. "A smile is a symbol of control. It's a way to assert dominance, to install fear into those around you, even when everything seems to be falling apart". His words carry a weight of experience, hinting at depths of darkness beneath his cheerful façade. "But" he adds, a glint of something softer shining in his eyes, "it's also a reminder. A reminder that no matter how grim the situation may be, how overwhelming the darkness, I still hold the reins. It's a reminder of strength, of resilience, even in the face of adversity" his smile widens ever so slightly, revealing a glimpse of the complexities hidden behind his enigmatic persona.

"I understand the power aspect" I reply, noticing the subtle shift in his attitude. "But there's more to it, isn't there? Something deeper, perhaps a memory or sentiment tied to that smile?" I press gently, curious to uncover some of his layers. As Alastor's smile loosens for a moment, I feel a sense of unease beneath his usual confidence. With a gentle touch, I place my clawed hand on his, he flinches when our hands make contact, showing his initial discomfort. However, he doesn't pull away, allowing my hand to remain on his as he gather's his thoughts. "Alastor, what's really behind that smile?" I inquire softly, feeling him slightly relaxing under my touch. After a brief hesitation, he meets my gaze, his eyes revealing a mixture of emotions. "It's... about my mother" he finally admits, his voice carrying a touch of vulnerability.

As Alastor's words unfurl, I can sense the weight of his emotions, each syllable carrying the essence of a cherished memory. His voice is soft yet resolute, imbued with the reverence of a son honouring his mothers' legacy. "She believed that a smile could bring light on even the darkest days" he begins, his tone dripping with nostalgia. "No matter how dire the circumstances, she always found a way to smile". He pauses, as if savouring the memory, before continuing. "My mother used to tell 'you are never fully dressed without a smile' it was her way of reminding me that even in the bleakest moments, a smile could be our most potent armor". A wistful smile graces his lips as he speaks of her strength. "She was the strongest person I knew" he confides, his gaze distant but tender. "No matter what challenges life threw her way, she faced them with unwavering courage and grace". There's a quiet determination in his voice as he concludes, "For her. I will never stop smiling. It's my way of honouring her memory, of carrying her light with me wherever I go". As the echoes of his words fade into silence, I'm struck by the depth of his devotion to his mother.

I squeeze his hand gently, offering a silent gesture of understanding and support. "She sounds like a wonderful woman" I say softly, my voice carrying a hint of admiration. Internally, a strange feeling tugs at my heartstrings, a fleeting moment of affection that catches me off guard. But I quickly push it aside, burying it beneath layers of rationality and self control. Alastor's vulnerability, his openness about his past, stirs something inside me, a desire to comfort and protect. Yet, I remind myself of the boundaries between us. So, with a subtle shake of my head, I banish those unbidden emotions, returning to the present moment with a reassuring smile. He meets my gaze, his eyes reflecting a mixture of gratitude and vulnerability. "Thank you, Vox" he murmurs, his voice carrying a hint of emotion. As we sit in silence, the weight of his words lingers in the air, casting a gentle aura of camaraderie between us.

When I open up about my own family, the atmosphere shifts. "My parents were pretty absent most of my life..." I pause, swallowing hard before continuing. "My mother died when I was young, and my father was always working". His expression changes, his eyes widening in surprise. "You have your memory back?" He asks incredulously. His question sends a shockwave through me, Shit, he's right. Memories, buried beneath layers of darkness, begin to resurface, fragmented and disjointed. Flashes of faces, snippets of conversations and long-forgotten emotions flood my consciousness, leaving me reeling in their wake. "I... I think so" I reply, "It's all a bit... fuzzy". He nods understandingly, "do you remember anything else?" He asks gently. I take a deep breath, trying to piece together the fragments of my fractured memory. "I remember bits and pieces" I reply slowly. "I remember what I did in life... I was a TV host. Quite famous, actually". A wistful smile tugs at the corner of my lips as I recall the faint echoes of applause and adoration. "But then..." I hesitate, the memories growing hazy as I delve deeper into the recesses of my mind. "Something went wrong, I can't remember what exactly, but... I... ended up... I ended up taking my own life". His eyes widen in comprehension and a somber understanding passes between us. "By electrocution" I murmur. "That explains why you look the way you do now... a fitting testament to who you were before" he says, his voice solemn. I nod, my thoughts swirling with a mixture of sorrow and acceptance. Alastor looks at me intently, "do you remember your name?" He asks. I hesitate for moment, unsure of how to respond. "I... don't know" I murmur, my gaze drifting momentarily before locking back onto his. I'm certain I do know my name... Vincent... but I'm going to keep that knowledge to myself. I'm not that person anymore. I bury that memory down beneath forgotten memories and lost identity.