Hello everyone! It's me again with another fantastic chapter!
Vox goes to meet Elli for their Coffee date. In doing so, the Media Overlord gets his first experience in Cannibal Colony.
Chapter 5: Cannibal Colony
It was finally Friday! Vox was currently fixing his tie in his private bathroom in his office. He didn't really go into Cannibal Colony. Mostly because it was Alastor and Rosie's territory and there was barely an modern day technology there. It was like everyone was stuck in the late 1800s and early 1900s. How anyone could deny modern technology was baffling to him. Another reason because it was Cannibal Colony. Seeing other Sinners happily devouring others was not his forte. His stomach churned at the thought of seeing such actions happen in front of him. There was actually a few times that he literally vomited after witnessing Alastor in the midst of a broadcast. He learned quickly that it was better to stay inside than to go out when the stag was on the prowl.
He was glad that Elli wasn't like the other cannibals. Though it was probably because she didn't use to eat people so this was new territory for her since she arrived in Hell. But he was doing his best to mentally prepare himself for the trip. Even though this was Hell, some things you just can't get over. And for Vox, it was watching others digest their fellow peers. He just hoped that the cafe didn't just serve food with demon flesh inside of it. But he was sure that Elli wouldn't put him in a position that would make him uncomfortable.
Once he was sure that he was presentable to his standards, he made his way down to his limo. Elli would be getting off of her shift soon, and he wanted to be at the Emporium just as she getting off! Or maybe a little earlier to show that he liked being punctual. Okay, maybe he was always a couple of minutes early to basically anything that he was expected to show up to. But that was just good business and social etiquette! Everyone knew that! But there was something big that he was going to do...
He was finally going to tell her the truth about his and Alastor's rivalry.
No one knew how it actually started. And if you asked each of them, you'd get two different reasons why. The Media Overlord was certain that Elli heard Alastor's side plenty of times. Why wouldn't of she? She was his mother. Wanting this friendship to work, he knew that he had to tell Elli the truth. He knew that Radio Demon's mother adored her son. While he didn't feel guilty about what he did to Alastor, he did for Elli's involvement. Which is why he had to do this. He took to strolling through his phone as the driver headed to Rosie's Emporium. He couldn't wait to see Elli. Should we go inside to let her know that he had arrived? Maybe he should. Why send her a text when in a personal appearance would be more appreciated? A fond smile formed on his screen. He couldn't wait to see her!
Elli made sure to keep herself busy around the shop. Just because Rosie and her were like sisters, didn't mean that she was going to use that to slack off on her job. That would be most unbecoming! After all, that was a very entitled thought process and she refused to acknowledge such a thing! Even though Alastor had offer to cover all of her finances, bless his soul, she refused. He always was so insistent about taking care of her financial needs.
"You deserve it, Mama." He would say. "You took on multiple jobs to raise me, and it's only fair that I take care of you now."
She truly did raise a very caring and thoughtful son. He truly was her pride and joy. There was some guilt on how she died. It was so easily presentable, but she was so stubborn about not wanting to worry her son. She ignored the signs of her illness and kept working. And it resulted in her fainting after a church service. How embarrassing. And it caused such stress and worry for Alastor. She needed to apologize to him again about neglecting her health.
Speaking of apologizing, her and Alastor have yet done their own for the fight some days earlier. It wasn't for a lack of trying! She had tried to speak with her son, but he kept making up excuses or was no where to be found. She knew that he was worried about her, but to go for this period of time without speaking to her? This was unusual. They always made up by the next day. Was her friendship with Vox really a problem? Was she being insensitive to his feelings? She really need to apologize to him when she finally cornered him.
"Elli."
The doe-demon's ears perked and looked over to see her employer coming up to here.
"'Ello Rosie. I'm just restocking the selves. I noticed we were running a little low on certain items."
The female Overlord nodded.
"I appreciate the initiative. I just came to inform you that your shift is over and Vox has arrived."
"Oh thank you! I'll sign out just as soon as I put the rest of these items on the self."
"I'll inform him that you'll be out shortly."
Rosie made her way to where her fellow Overlord was. Honestly, she didn't trust Elli leaving with Vox. After all, he had lied and used her against Alastor. This wasn't something that she could easily ignore. Elli was a younger sister to her. And she would be damn if she allowed anyone like Vox to hurt her a second time. The cad did it once, and who was to say that he wouldn't do it again? She was going to make it clear to him the consequences he would face if he repeated what he did last time.
She saw the TV-headed Overlord looking around as he waited in front of the check-out counter. He was looking creeped out by her Marionette Workers that were strung up and making their way around her store. A grim smile formed her on lips as she took delight in his unease. Other than Elli, she only had two other Sinners that weren't Sinners turned into Marionette dolls.
"Elii will be up shortly. She's currently restocking the shelves."
She took in a bit of delight of seeing him jump at her appearance. He was weary of her. Good. As he should be. She maybe a lady after all, but she wouldn't hesitate into making him a fine meal.
"O-Oh okay. I uh... don't mind waiting."
She smiled.
"Wonderful! Because I've been meaning to speak to you about a very personal situation."
The TV demon couldn't help but give a small gulp. He didn't like the eerie sharp toothy smile that she was giving him. He instinctively took a cautionary step back as she stepped forward, leaning towards him. Her eyes glowing from her demonic powers.
"Elli may have agreed to give you a second chance, but you are on very thin ice. You use her again for personal gain like last time and I will personally shatter your screen till it's beyond repair. Elli is not just my employee. She is my sister. And if you mess with her, you mess with me. And I won't hesitate on turning you into my next meal, which I'm sure Alastor would have no issues in indulging with me. Technological demon or not. Is that understood?"
"Cr-Crystal..."
The dangerous aura sounding her vanished as she stood straight up, a more calm smile on her face.
"Wonderful! I'm glad we have come to an agreement."
Vox gave a crooked smile at her. If anyone else had threatened him, he wouldn't have cared. But Rosie was a fellow Overlord. And she's been down here longer than Alastor. She was a prominent figure in Hell. Pissing off Alastor was one thing. But Rosie was an entirely different story. He had no intentions of hurting Elli again, but now he definitely needed to make sure to never do it again. He saw a glimpse of red and purple and looked over.
"Elli!" He grinned, moving around Rosie to greet the doe-demon. "Are you ready to head out?"
"Jus' let me sign out and I'll be there right there."
She went behind the desk and into the backroom. He was once again alone with Rosie. He only hoped that she wouldn't be too long. He didn't really want to be left alone with the female Overlord. He shifted awkwardly as he continued to wait for her. After a minute or two, she came back out with her purse and a purple cloche hat. He perked up seeing her.
"Have a pleasant day dear." Rosie told her.
"You as well!" Elli waved.
The two were currently walking through Cannibal Colony. A suggestion made by Elli since she was wanting to meet and greet the other residents. He personally didn't want to, but he couldn't help but agree since it was only a few short blocks away. Vox had to admit that it was a nice district. In an old fashion kind of way. It reminded him of his great-grandmother. The stories she used to tell him when she used to visited Paris, France. He had seen seen pictures, but nothing compared to what he was experiencing now.
The two were making small talk as they walked. Just talking about work and what was going with their friend groups. She talked about the sewing club and their new outfits they were creating and he spoke about the crazy adventures that Velvet had dragged him and Valentino on. It was a nice walk. Until they turned a corner that caused Vox to stop dead in his tracks. Several feet away from them was a group of four women surrounding a body. They were tearing into poor soul as they lay dead on the ground. He was sure the tint on his screen had turn green on what he was witnessing.
"Hello Hazel, Primerose, Ivy and Willow. How are you ladies doing today?" Elli asked.
The four women looked up hearing her.
"Elli!" They greeted cheerfully.
Vox had no idea who was who. But apparently they were good acquaintances with Elli.
"Oh we're doing just fine, thanks for asking!" The red-headed one said.
She only had one eye, horns on her head, and wearing a green dress. The blonde wearing a pink dress piped up.
"Alastor wouldn't happen to be with you, is he?"
The girls giggled. Oh god. They were Alastor fangirls. Of course they were. The TV-demon couldn't fathom why so many girls fawned over the Radio Demon. Sure, he was charismatic, a smooth talker, dramatic, enthusiastic, captivating, attractive-
Okay, maybe he could understand why they admired him. But still! The forums that he had seen online for the deer-demon was insane! And he was not spending hours on end on said sites for pleasure! He was collecting research on his hated rival! There was a different! He was gathering evidence! He was not obsessive with the Radio Demon like other demons! He wasn't.
"I'm afraid not. We got into a little quarrel and he hasn't spoken to me in a few days."
"Oh, that's awful," Another said. She was wearing a dark red dress and hat, with a lighter red flower on the side. "Is there anything we can help?"
Elli shook her head.
"No. This is an argument between a mama 'nd her son. But thank ya kindly fer ya concern."
"Well, if we see him, we'll make sure that he tell him we saw you! And to make amends with you!" The fourth one stated.
She wore a mauve-colored dress with a matching headband on top of her white hair. Vox had to admit. They all were very attractive women. He probably would've been willing to date them. If only they weren't cannibals. Just as he was sure that Elli was going to excuse them, the women took notice of him.
"Oh who's this fine gentleman that's with you?" The hat woman asked.
Not wanting to appear rude, he bowed at them. Making sure to put on the charm for them.
"I'm Overlord Vox. But you all can call me Vox. What I really should be asking is for your names. Never before have I been graced by such beauty before."
The ladies giggled, obviously flattered by his words. He smiled at them. Though he did his best to make sure that his uneasiness wasn't shown. He did his best not to focus on the blood and flesh that was dripping from their mouths and on their clothes. Stay strong Vox. Don't vomit. It would be humilating and make a bad first impression in front of more friends of Elli's. Especially when they're in Alastor's social circle! The last thing he needed was for Alastor to hear about such an embarrassing ordeal from him!
"Oh Elli, where did you pick him up? He's such a charmer!" The red-head giggled then turned to the TV-demon. "I'm Ivy."
"I'm Primrose." The hat one answered.
"My name's Hazel." The blonde responded.
"And I'm Willow." The headband wearing woman stated.
"Well it's a pleasure to meet you all." He told them.
"I'll have to tell you that story another time." Elli answered Ivy's question. "Vox and I are on our way to Cadaver's Cafe. But it was wonderful to see you all!"
"Goodbye Elli! Goodbye Vox!" They waved.
Vox was relieved that they were continuing on. He wasn't sure if he could keep himself from getting sick if they stayed longer. He swallowed in hopes to calm his nerves. It wasn't that blood bothered him. Far from it. He tortured and murdered himself. You have to when it comes to being in Hell. It was basically just second nature. No, it was the fact that they were eating a body in front of them was what got to him! No matter how many times he had seen it happen in front of him, it still made him sick to actually watch it.
Cannibal Colony was as he expected it. Old fashioned and stomach churning. There was no way he was going to be able to eat anything once they got to the cafe. Looks like it was just going to be coffee for him. But he had to admit one thing. The smile on Elli's face did make the trip worth it. While he didn't care about the cannibal aspects of Cannibal Colony, he did like the atmosphere of it. It was like being in a friendly small town up on Earth. He wouldn't mind come back here. With Elli of course. It was a charming district.
Vox has his first experience with Cannibal Colony!
I thought this would be a good chapter to show how Rosie felt about what Vox did and how engraved Elli became in Cannibal Colony. The idea of Rosie being like a sister to Elli is something that I put in my Christmas Oneshot, Baby, It's Cold Outside, and was mentioned in His Mother's Son.
I have read the Alastor comic so of course I had to incorporate it in! I liked the idea of the Alastor Cannibal Colony fangirls having met Elli during a few of Alastor's walks. Since we don't know the Cannibal Colony girls' names, I had to come up with them. If anyone knows what they are, let me know and I'll edit it!
The idea of Vox being quesy with cannibals was something I thought would show how far he was willing to go for Elli. And since that it's Alastor's and Rosie's territory, he doesn't normally go there.
Thank you all for reading!