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His thoughts stewed as he walked through the streets of Cannibal Town.
First that snake fucks up my hotel, and now he has the audacity to lay a hand on me?
Alastor's footsteps got faster, matching the rhythm of his heavy breathing. Finally sighting his destination, he hastened to the door of his favorite tailor, looking to get his coat patched after that- unfortunate incident earlier. The windows were dark, but there was a young demon wearing an outfit sewn from colorful Mardi Gras patches sitting at the counter, fidgeting with the notebook used to write down orders.
Alastor pushed open the door and the demon at the counter, appearing to be somewhere near teenaged, startled like a deer at the sound of a shotgun. “S-sir, hello, welcome. What- what can I do for you?” She asked hurriedly, hands shaking as she picked up her pencil and prepared to take down the order.
“Why, hello there. I have come to inquire about getting the hem of my coat patched, since it was torn. Is that something you could be able to do for me?” Alastor asked. “S-sure, sir, can I- can I see where it was ripped?” the demon asked, hands shaking a little. Alastor nodded and lifted up the bottom of the overcoat, showing her the tear and the chunk missing from the lining.
“That- yeah, I can fix that without calling my boss for sure, just let me see if I have any of the remnants from the lining. I shouldn't need much, I don't think.” She said, ducking behind the counter and going over to the boxes of fabric scraps lining the walls. Alastor slid the overcoat off his shoulders and set it down on the counter, going over to one of the plushy chairs beside the window and sitting down, his radio cane at his side.
Come on, come on, Mardi, don’t mess this up! This is the freakin’ Radio Demon! He’ll kill you if you screw this up! She thought, searching through baskets and baskets, but the red velvet fabric that served as lining in Alastor's overcoat was nowhere to be found. Oh shit, this is bad, this is bad, this is bad. “S-sir? The fabric for the lining isn't in the remnants box, I- I’m gonna have to go out back and see if we have any left on the rolls.”
“Of course, child. It’s alright. I’m content to simply sit and rest for a while.” Alastor replied, the static in his voice softening a little. She nodded quickly, her entire body trembling, and hurried into the back room, leaving him sitting out there in the lobby, his cane humming a soft melody in the background.
A few minutes went by before the demon returned, only the smallest pieces of fabric in her hands. “I- I’m so so sorry, this is all we have left, we haven't stocked fabric in ages and this is an old print so we don't have a lot of it and there's hardly any left so I don't know if I can patch the tear and I'm so sorry please don’t be angry and hurt me.” She ducked her head, pulling back against the counter and closing her eyes.
“Come now, darling, it’s alright,” Alastor said, the static in his voice disappearing entirely as he rose from the chair and walked over to her. “You don’t have to fear. I do not harm the innocent.”
“You- you’re in a rush and I’m holding you up cause my asshole boss won’t restock the fabric rolls and he's gonna be angry at me for messing it up even though it isn't my fault and I’m sorry for the delays cause your an important and powerful overlord who’s got a lot on his schedule and is probably stressed so me getting in the way is going to piss you off and- and-” The demon sank to the floor, knees drawing to her chest, shoulders shaking.
“Oh, darling, calm yourself. It’s alright. What is your name?” Alastor asked, kneeling in front of her and gently touching her shoulders. “M-Mardi.” She said, knees drawing tighter. “Mardi, what a beautiful name. It’s alright, dear girl. I’m not going to hurt you because of this. I only attack people that deserve it, like that creep who runs Voxtech. Now, what were you saying about your boss?” “He’s- he’s an asshole really, he gets angry at us for things we can't control and all the other apprentices were either fired or left because they hated him so it's just me now and it's awful.” Mardi said, voice tight.
“Let me take you somewhere you can practice your craft without worry, and we'll take care of your boss. Dont worry..” Alastor said, the static returning. He stood up and took her hand, helping her stand as well. She grabbed his coat and handed it back to him as they left the shop, Alastor allowing Mardi to gather her things before they walked away.
“You’re awfully young to be in hell, darling.” Alastor said, taking her arm as they walked. “What unfortunate event brought you here?” “A man tried to hurt my younger sister at the Mardi Gras parade, so I strangled him with a string of beads.” Mardi said, looking down as though she was ashamed.
“You were protecting the ones you love. That’s a noble cause, if anything,” Alastor said, leading her through the door to Rosie’s emporium. “I guess the world didn't see it that…… way ………..woah.” Mardi’s voice trailed off as she took in her surroundings. “Welcome, dears!” Rosie cried, coming down the stairs and welcoming them. “Ah, Rosie, my old pal! Allow me to introduce a friend. This is Mardi,” Alastor said, gesturing to the girl at his side. Mardi waved shyly, and Rosie drew her in for a hug.
“Now, let’s get you settled, dear, and I believe you have a customer?” Rosie said, smiling, and Mardi nodded and went with her as Alastor looked on, his ever present smile slightly softer than before.