Side Story I - Similar, not the same (I).

Takes place in: Month I* - Day 10.

Unless otherwise mentioned, Sidestories will take place the same Month. 'Flashbacks' are likely the only cause of a side story 'going back'. This will also be the only instance of a 'Scene' taking a step back to a day before the current 'date'.

Side Stories are a collection of scenes that form a singular little tale. They'll likely tend to go from short in the first chapters, to longer as the scenes add more context in later ones.

*** Rosie faces old doubts and feelings almost two weeks after Extermination. A close repeat of decades ago, only with different players and verses. This culminates with an unexpected finale than the one she thought she'd get. ***

There were many sights in Pentagram. Some were truly horrifying things that would make almost anyone puke in disgusts. Others were truly beautiful, despite the many that tried to unmake them. And some? Some were just breathtaking.

Rosie and Alastor having a walk, arm in arm, was one of those able to fit in the latter category.

This had been a normal sight for quite a while, despite the Radio Demon's normal approach to most people touching him. Only those he knew and cared for enough, a number that could, at the present, fit in both hands at best, were safe from reprisal if it ever happened. Mimzi was one very well known example, with Rosie a close second.

It was nowhere near the same level as some other Overlords or ancient demons. One of the few ways a demonic entity could gain power, sans souls hoarding, was to live longer. True that physical might may, in certain species once their lives were long enough, diminish. But magical acumen? That was something different altogether. Even Imps, if a thousand years old or more, could become monsters in the field with magic alone. If they lived that long.

But such thoughts were far away from Rosie's mind as the pair walked, looking at the carnage, the sights and anything that caught their fancy. It was a friendly outing more than anything, a reason to have a talk, as if they needed any.

"... had to sleep for the whole day. Such levels of pain he had to go through." Rosie had all but recanted the first week's more interesting events by now. A simple way to pass the time as they decided on a venue to have some tea. "I'll admit, I had expected him to be under for more than a day."

"Ah, such power curses have." Alastor chuckled to himself at the idea of such screams filling his waves. He let that go. The young man was far more entertaining alive. Besides, he wouldn't try and harm Rosie's Deal. Friends are scarce in Hell after all and Carlos promised much! Besides, the young man struck him as a very sincere and stalwart sort. Alastor knew not to harm future partners if at all possible. "Still, his trust in you is great for such a short time."

"Sincerity will avail you little in Hell my friend." Rosie gave Alastor a side smirk. "But it truly works wonders with him and his people. If that is all it takes, and a bit of protection? I am more than happy to provide."

Alastor gives a simple nod. "Low maintenance, unlike some of our contracted souls."

"Considering some of the deals we make, can you blame them?" Rosie had a no less cruel grin on her face as Alastor chuckled at the thought.

"Desperation should only guide your actions if there is no other way. Most of those that work for us had so many outs, dear Rosie." And for once Alastor, while sadistic, was not playing around. "That little family under your command had only one other choice."

"Death is not a pleasant route, no." Rosie did her best to hide a small hint of trepidation by masking it as an idle comment as a passerby almost crossed them. The pair had to chuckle as said Sinner opted to jump into traffic, creating a bloody spectacle, instead of staying in front of the duo for half a second. "Then again, some pick that choice with ease."

"That is not desperation my dear." Alastor grinned at the road, a mess of blood, organs and a single car that had flipped over now making the scene even more of a hellscape. "That is hopelessness."

The pair let out a laugh at the chaos they left behind without having to do a single thing. It sparked a simple desire. Something… sweet. Yes. Rosie knew where to go now.

There was one thing that Evelinde and her shared, and why her little emporium had so many sweet treats. If this didn't lift her mood, then today's walk was a wash.

Then again, there was a chance it would all be for naught. She truly hoped Alastor could help her calm her thoughts. And what better place than one many Overlords went to just to have a few minutes of calm with little to no worry? Yes, Rosie knew she had picked well as he announced her destination.

"Let's head to Wallace's."