Friend to Foe

Chapter one: Charisma

      Alastor had been loving his time as the most dangerous overlord in Hell. Everyone feared him. They cowered at his name. The Radio Demon had successfully showcased himself as the true threat that he is. His radio show had all of hell in a chokehold. His influence grew every day. So naturally, when he heard of a new media that had arrived in hell, he needed to scope out the competition. He needed to gauge if this new television was a threat.

      With Alastor's many connections throughout hell, getting in contact with the TV demon was easy. They scheduled a meeting at a local jazz bar. Alastor loved this place. Mimzy and Husk were both employed here. Alastor sat in which ever seat he pleased as no one dared to tell him what to do. He sat down in a booth in a corner. While he was being served his black coffee, he saw a clunky TV walk in. Alastor had been made aware of the existence of television on Earth, he assumed that Vox's head was one of the earliest models. He looked oh so nervous. That made Alastor's smile grow slightly. As the tv approached Alastor stood up to greet him. He was exactly on time.

       "Why hello there! You must be Vox. Pleasure to be meeting you." Alastor said with a fabricated charm. He extended his hand out to Vox. The TV hesitantly took his hand and responded,
"The pleasures all mine, sir." Vox also wore a smile that Alastor noted. Alastor gestured for him to sit down on the opposing side of the booth. Vox did. Their eyes met, Vox's gaze cowered away.
"So! Tell me about yourself!" Alastor leaned forward and rested his head on his hands. Vox smirked.
"Well, I after I arrived in Hell, I saw that there was a general lack of technology that was arising on Earth when I died... so I've found it was an open field for the taking." Vox explained, his charisma grew with every word. Alastor felt the need to grimace, but he repressed it. Alastor was not a fan of change.

        "I see..." Alastor started, "and you have two business partners, yes?" Alastor tilted his head to the side. His smile never faltered. Vox was lost in thought for a moment.
"I do. With the rapid growth of technology I thou-"
"And you think this growth will be successful?" Alastor quickly cut him off.
"...yes, I do." Vox said with a confidence that Alastor could appreciate, although he didn't enjoy what the confidence was in reference to.
"So what exactly is your plan..? How will you ensure your technology becomes more powerful than those already established?" Alastor said in a mocking tone. Vox was taken back by his forwardness. Alastor was clearly referring to himself and his radio show. He wanted to gauge Vox's reaction.
"Well before I try to overpower anyone... Maybe I'd try to work with them." Vox said, his voice dropping lower. The sound tickled Alastor's ears.
"Hmm... and you think you'd be worthy?" Alastor asked. Vox's face twisted into a similar expression.
"I do."

     Alastor withheld the fact that Vox was likely nowhere near worthy enough to work with himself. Not yet that is. After all, the TV couldn't exist without radio waves. The two engaged in what Alastor considered a frivolous conversation.
"So how does one end up as a TV demon?" Alastor asked curiously. Vox hesitated.
"Well, I was a TV show host in my life on Earth." Vox responded.
"What genre?" He asked.
"Quite a few actually, but primarily game shows. I was known for my charisma." Vox reminisced.
"Although I'm sure you are no stranger to fame on Earth." Vox attempted to slide a compliment at Alastor, who only treated it as facts.
"Indeed. My radio broadcast is popular up there as well." Alastor smiled. Vox noted his use of the word is. Did Alastor know about the fall of radio as a medium? He assumed he didn't, and he sure knew better than to tell him.

     "So, Alastor, where do you see yourself and your broadcast in say... 10 years?" Vox asked, growing more comfortable with the other demon. Alastor knew where this question was going, and he did not like it.
"That's for me to know, and you to find out." Alastor said the last part with a condescending tone that Vox felt. Vox couldn't help but swallow his nervousness. He felt like talking to Alastor was already giving him emotional whiplash.
"R-right.. of course, my apologizes." Vox managed to speak out. Alastor couldn't help but laugh to himself.
"Can I ask why you scheduled us meeting? As lovely as this conversation has been I'm very interested in your motives." Vox said, smothering himself with his usual charisma. Alastor's eye twitched.
"I just wanting to speak with you, dear! I'd been hearing all about you and just had to see it for myself!" Alastor said with little truth behind his words, but Vox was none the wiser. Vox was too focused on the fact that the radio demon just called him dear. He felt a slight heat rise to his screen.
"Oh well.. thank you. The pleasure has really been all mine. It's been incredible to speak to someone of your status." He thanked.
"Oh, I'm sure it has been, darling." Alastor said. Vox could have d i e d. He had to be dreaming. There was no way.

      Alastor knew exactly what he was doing. Throughout more and more conversation, Vox clearly began to get more comfortable. He had so many physical tells that Alastor immediately caught. If he wanted to make it anywhere in Hell, he'd have to work on his body language, Alastor thought.
"I must admit I am so curious Vox," Alastor started, "how have you been able to gain such notoriety in a short amount of time?" This time, Alastor was actually curious. He was asking this question as a last ditch effort to not name Vox a pathetic waste of time. Vox took a moment before answering.
"Well Alastor," he looked around, "I guess it's just me and my partner's charm!" He lied, and Alastor knew he lied. Vox thought he pulled it off well, but Alastor saw right through the pixel's facade. Alastor had to admit though, he was now curious. What information was he purposefully hiding? Alastor just had to know.

       But was it worth meeting up with Vox again? As much as he seemed to dislike the man, there was something about him. He respected Alastor no doubt, and he had a drive and a passion that Alastor hadn't often seen in Hell. He couldn't tell if he wanted to nourish or crush that drive.

A/n:
I've written a few fanfics but never really posted them. If you ever have any questions about what I'm writing feel free to ask!