Vox and Alastor placed their hands on top of Vol's gem, their claws intertwined. The two gave each other solemn looks, knowing they wouldn't be coming back from this. There was no going back the moment they did this…

And yet they still moved forward, making their choice once and for all.

Slowly, they began to concentrate, focusing their energy on attempting to complete the merger once and for all. The injured pair used their powers to join forces and aid in a common goal. No longer did they think about their rivalry or their petty differences, no thought about if Video would ever truly kill the Radio Star, or if TV was better than the Radio.

Tonight, none of that mattered, for something more important had arisen in the midst of the chaos. All the insults they had thrown at each other, all those arguments, all of those times where they wished to tear each other apart...were put to the side. Their fueled rivalry over the decades had reached the tipping point, and they were going to put aside, for the final time.

Something bigger was at play, and what their personal views on technology and what was superior had nothing to do with this situation. Because it wasn't about TV vs Radio anymore, it was about saving the life of someone they mutually cared for, someone who (literally) couldn't exist without them…

For once, something, or rather someone had caused the two demons to see eye to eye, realizing that they valued Volastor as a person more than their personal goals, hell, even their own lives.

They soon held Vol close to their bodies for comfort, the other version of Vox and Alastor staring at them in awe from afar.

They didn't understand what they were seeing, to see their other selves so calm and tranquil in a situation that'd cost them their existence was something they couldn't understand. They couldn't even get along on their technology differences, the idea of mutually committing suicide for the sake of another was considered ridiculous and yet...here they were, watching their other selves kill themselves for the 'greater good'.

Charlie gasped in horror when she noticed Vox and Alastor's forms slowly becoming transparent, their physical forms fading from the world,"Oh god...it's happening…"

All the spectators tensed, the moment everyone was dreading was occurring. Though it seemed Vox and Alastor themselves weren't too fazed by this, still holding Vol close to their bodies as they began to lose parts of themselves, Vox and Alastor's bodies respectively turning a neon aqua and a scarlet red as they began giving up more and more of themselves.

"I can't believe it," Vox chuckled weakly, feeling himself becoming less whole as time progressed,"It's actually working. We're really fading, Al…"

"I know…" Alastor said sadly,"I'm just sorry that I can't say goodbye to anyone else before we go. The only people who can see us go are Charlie, our other selves and Baxter…"

"It's probably better off that way, none of the others should see us like this…" Vox then pat Volastor on the head,"Especially him. He'd be devastated if he saw us go…Hell, he'd probably even try and stop us…"

"Yeah...he definitely would…" Alastor retorted, his smile weary as he felt a tinge of pain in his chest, Vox sharing this feeling momentarily,"D-Dammit…"

"Trust me, I can feel it too. It fucking sucks..But remember, we gotta do it if we don't want the risk of this happening ever again. It's a necessary sacrifice. Even if we won't be able to see Vol ever again, we're going to be a part of him forever. He needs us more than we need ourselves, Al. We can't all exist at the same time anymore, since our other selves won't do it, it's up to us to fill in the gap."

"I know...it's just that...I wish we could've spent more time with each other...Knowing we'll never be able to see him really does make this more tragic…"

"Considering he needs us to exist, I say that it's a necessary evil. Vol will probably hate us for the rest of his life, and honestly, I won't blame him if he does, but what we're doing is necessary. We lived our lives the way we did, we have no future at this point given we're stuck in Hell for all eternity. It's best we free ourselves from this prison and do something right for a chance, one last time…"

Vox and Alastor were slowly fading away even more, their forms glitching and becoming harder and harder to make out. At the same time, Volastor's form was becoming less and less damaged, as if becoming a part of him made him become more alive, his pale skin becoming fuller and less sickly as time passed…

It was...excruciatingly painful. It may not have looked like it, but despite their smiles, the two demons were in great pain. Erasing yourself from existence was an incredibly daunting and excruciating task and it didn't help that you could feel yourself being taken apart piece by piece, particle by particle.

Vox's grin became loose as his head began spinning. He was feeling so weak. He knew he wasn't going to last much longer. It was only a matter of time before he faded away completely.

Still, he couldn't let anything go unsaid, not now. This was his last chance to say anything, may as well blurt things out before all was lost…

"Hey...other me?" He called out, the TV turning to his alternate self.

The other Vox blinked, pointing at himself momentarily, Vox almost resisted the urge to roll his eyes at this gesture as he said,"Yes you. I need to tell you and Alastor something before we go…."

"W-What is it?"

"It's just that...I know that when Vol wakes us, he's going to have a lot of questions. He'll probably know you're not us and I just want you to know, Vol is very fragile emotionally. He may not come off as that, but we know him well enough to know he's very sensitive when it comes to those he cares about. He'll react negatively to our deaths, so just know that if he acts hostile towards you, it's more than likely him lashing out. He may deny it, but he's a child at heart despite having the body and mind of a middle aged man…"

"Indeed," Alastor said,"He's not exactly in tune with his emotions and he reacts poorly when others are hurt. It's in your best interest to try and keep him in a decent mood, as while he can act a bit childish, he's very powerful and won't hesitate using those powers against anyone who upsets him enough…"

"Wait…" The other Alastor muttered,"Are you asking us to babysit him for you?"

"Well...yeah?" Vox mumbled,"Look, I know it's asking a lot, especially since you two were kind of trapped in this gem for a while, but Vol will need all the support he can get when he finds out we're gone. We need to go, but I want you guys to tell him that we loved him and that he was the best thing that ever happened to us and that he meant everything to us...It's just that...we're running out of time.. We're going to give up our forms so that he can exist permanently, we can't watch over him anymore and we need someone who can keep him in check while we're gone….Can you at least do that for us?"

The other versions of them stared at each other briefly, their gazes reluctant, as if they were hesitating. There was a sigh on Vox's part before he looked back at his fading counterpart,"We'll try...It's the least we can do after all…"

"T-Thank you…" Vox replied before looking down at his clawed hand. He could barely see himself and Alastor was in similar condition. They didn't have much time and yet they wanted to hang on just a bit more, just to be with Vol before they faded away completely."Come on, Alastor. Let's at least hug him before we go…"

Normally, Alastor would balk at the notion of holding anyone ,but considering this was his last experience before he gave up consciousness, the Radio Demon was willing to make an exception to this rule."I...I don't see why not…"

Using the last of their strength, Vox and Alastor embraced Volastor, eyes closed peacefully as the crystal began to absorb their essence entirely. Vox and Alastor then looked at those watching their deaths, Charlie and Baxter waving their farewells with teary gazes while their other selves looked away, unable to watch them disappear.

Vox then felt a tear in his eye as he smiled one last time,"Take care of Vark for me princess..he's the only person I have left..."

"I-I will…"

"And be sure to watch over Niffty, she probably won't be able to function quite right without me…." Alastor sighed as he faded away more,"Our presence within this world isn't needed any longer. The clock is ticking, so please, don't mourn for us and cherish the times you had with us instead. And remember, every time you see Volastor from now on, you'll see us loving him. Even if we're not there physically, we'll forever be a part of him..."

"Farewell everyone...Take care of him for us, both of you. We'll be counting on you. And Alastor?"

"Yes?"

"I believe it's time for us to exit stage right…"

Alastor nodded in silent agreement.

Everyone watched in horror as Vox and Alastor's form began to merge with Volastor's, the crystal taking in their essence completely once and for all.

A bright light enveloping his form as the ritual was complete.

Charlie covered her eyes, the others following suite to avoid damaging their eye-sight. When the light faded away, they saw Volastor's body had magically been lifted into the air, his clothes reforming from the crystal, drawing his head back momentarily as his hair shape-shifted back into its signature pony-tail.

When he landed on the ground, he blinked momentarily as he took in his surroundings, doing a double-take. He truthfully believed he had died the moment he had been stabbed with the spear, now looking down at himself to see he was fully healed,"W-What? I'm alive? H-How is that possible? I was stabbed with an angelic spear, I should be dead…" He then felt the crystal, bewildered when he felt that it was fully intact,"It's healed? I-I don't understand…"

"Volastor," Charlie called out, trying to catch his attention.

Volastor then turned to her and asked,"Charlie? When did you get here?"

"I came later on to help out with the fight…"

"Oh...You know you didn't have to, right?"

"I know, but I did anyway. But really, you should be thanking Baxter for organizing us all together. He's the reason people came here in the first place…"

Baxter rubbed the back of his head sheepishly,"Aw shucks, that was nothing…"

"It wasn't nothing," Vol replied,"You put not only yourself but others around in danger for the sake of rescuing me. Its as stupid as it was admirable…."

"Gee thanks, hey wait a minute! I'm not stupid, Vol!"

Vol rolled his eyes,"Statements like that aren't helping your case. Don't misunderstand, I'm happy to be alive an dall, but I really would prefer you not to put yourself at risk. Especially since...Oh god! What the hell is that slash across your chest!?"

Baxter blanked,"Huh? Oh this? I almost forgot about that…'' He admitted nervously, trying to ignore Vol's disturbed glance at his wound that was still bleeding out heavily.

"What happened to you!?"

"The bitch with claws cut me up real badly…"

"Oh...Figured as much. Do you want me to deal with her? I'd gladly make her pay for what she did…"

"That's not necessary actually," Baxter said, pulling out the bottle,"I got her right here. She won't be bothering anyone for a while, trust me…"

Vol blanked,"Oh...Still, have you thought about getting that checked out?"

"I was too busy trying to decimate Lucifer's army of lunatics and saving your ass to focus on my injuries. But it's fine...it's just a scratch. I'll get it checked out...probably sew it up myself honestly and forget about it…Or just let it heal on my own ..."

Truthfully, Baxter didn't like treating his own wounds and preferred letting them go away on their own.

Vol narrowed his eyes before summoning a large bandage and wrapping it around Baxter's chest so that he didn't continue bleeding out."Hmph!"

"Uh...thanks?"

"Don't mention it. You should know better than to walk around with injuries and act like they're nothing serious when you're bleeding out. You need to stop being so reckless…"

"Good lord, I feel like I'm being lectured by my mother…" Baxter groaned,"Seriously, I get it, Vol. I know I'm super weak compared to you but I'm not glass. I'll recover anyway."

"Doesn't matter. I can't just ignore a major injury because 'you'll recover' either way…" Vol huffed, folding his arms over his chest,'Stubborn fish. 'Just a scratch'...How ridiculous…'

Vox then coughed,"Ahem…"

"Hm?" Vol turned before locking eyes with Vox and Alastor. Vox and Alastor watched as he choked his head to the side in a state of shock before lunging at them, hugging them tightly,"Vox! Alastor! I'm so happy to see you two again!"

Unfortunately, Vol's affection was not returned, as not only were they in a state of confusion, but they could barely breathe. Vol's grip was suffocating and being hugged by him was the equivalent of being hugged by a bear.

Alastor cringed before pushing Vol away, brushing himself off,"Err, no offense, but please refrain from touching me.."

Vol faltered, shrinking a bit,"O-Oh...sorry...Was I too rough with you?"

"You could say that," Vox huffed, rubbing the back of his head,"Seriously, you need to work on not being so rough. Thought my head was going to pop off…"

"I'm sorry, Vox. I wasn't aware I was hurting you…" Vol then paused before examining Vox and Alastor closely, narrowing his eyes at them.

"W-What are you doing!?" Alastor shouted,"Unhand me!"

"Woah! What the fuck is your problem!?" Vox screeched, giving Vol a look when he began touching his arm.

Vol then frowned,"Why are you two so uninjured? I explicitly remember you two looking battle-worn when I saw you last. Even more so when I beat you within an inch of your life and yet...you're in pristine condition? How did that happen?"

Vox was about to answer, but Charlie cut in first,"Because they're not the Vox and Alastor you're familiar with, Vol."

He blanked,"What? What are you talking about Charlie? That doesn't make any sense…"

"Vol, the Vox and Alastor you see in front of you were the ones imprisoned in that crystal of yours.."

Vol stood back,"W-What? They were in there the whole time? Have I been keeping them trapped all this time?"

Charlie nodded,"Technically yes. But it wasn't like you were aware of it, so don't fault yourself for it. No one was really aware they were there anyhow. They only came out when Lucifer stabbed you…"

"Wait a second...how am I alive?" Vol asked wearily, now touching his chest,"I got stabbed with a holy spear, I should be dead…"

"Well, the spear hit your crystal, not you," Baxter said,"Though, we had to replace your old one in order to save your life since that one was broken beyond repair. Thankfully, Charlie managed to find a spare so that reviving you was possible. However, when we did that, you were still in critical condition and we didn't know what was wrong at first...At least until I figured it out…"

"Figured out what exactly?"

"Vol, this crystal is alive and it needs a power-source to feed off of. Even when it put it inside you, it seemed like it needed something in order to maintain it. It had a host, but it needed something extra in order to function. Or more accurately, someone."

Vol stared at him,"Where are you going with this, Baxter? I don't like where this conversation is heading…Where are the Vox and Alastor I know? Tell me what happened to them.."

"They're in the gem, Vol…" Baxter replied.

"W-What? No...no...That's not possible!"

"We saw it with our own eyes," Charlie said,"Because the other Vox and Alastor refused to cooperate and we were running out of time. There weren't any alternatives, Vol. Something had to be done and Baxter suggested that our versions complete the merger. They agreed and erased themselves from existence so that you could exist…"

"N-No...no..NO! You're lying!"

"We're not lying!" Baxter shouted,"We all saw it happen! They erased themselves from existence for you, Vol! They sacrificed themselves so that you could exist!"

"Why!?"

"I just said it was to save you-"

"That's not what I meant!" He shouted,"Why did you all let them do that!?"

"It was their choice, Vol!" Charlie cried out,"What did you want us to do? Stop them and let you die?"

"YES!"

Everyone stared at him in confusion, no one said anything for a moment as Vol's hurt expression worsened. Charlie tensed,"Vol, that's enough crazy talk. You can't possibly believe that it would've been better if you had died instead.."

"But I do believe that," He replied coldly,"I don't know about you, Charlie, but unlike some people, I really don't appreciate it when others attempt to go and save me at the expense of their own life. I would've preferred to die than to have them sacrifice themselves to prolong my existence…"

"But Vol-"

"Quiet, Baxter…" He hissed,"I can't believe you people! You all just stood by and let them die for me! Did you not think how I would feel knowing that I killed them!?"

"You didn't kill them," Alastor said,"They made the choice to erase themselves. I don't know what exactly my other self was thinking when he made the choice to die, but clearly he cared more about you than his own life if he was willing to go through with the merging process. That's his call, not your's…"

"You don't get it!" He shouted,"They killed themselves for my sake after everything I did to them! I doubt any of you are aware of this, but I tried to KILL THEM earlier and do you want to know why? Because I wanted to take my anger out on another person. And yet they still fucking believed that I was worth saving while I torn them to bloody pieces. But you know what? That isn't even the worst part...You want to know what it is?"

Everyone gave each other looks. They were tempted to say no, but Vol didn't seem like he genuinely cared what their response was, as he went on anyway.

"I'll tell you what it was," He then cackled sadistically,"I...I actually enjoyed hurting them...I don't know what came over me, but all I cared about in that moment was causing the worst pain imaginable to them. Had Vox not gotten to me, I probably would've torn him apart limb from limb as well. In all honesty, Charlie...your father was right about me...I am a monster. One that's not supposed to exist…" He then giggled madly,"Heh...heh...I can't believe those idiots...the fact they thought I was worth saving is just proof they're delusional. I shouldn't exist...I should've never existed and it'd be better off if I died, because I can't live with myself knowing my existence cost theirs…Destiny really does like suffering...Certainly explains my existence.."

"Vol, don't talk like that," Charlie said,"Please, I know you've been through a lot and you're hurting, but wanting to die isn't the answer. Vox and Alastor gave up their forms for you so that you could live a happy life…"

"A Happy life? That's what they wanted for me?" Vol asked,"What a naive delusion. Being happy would require the people I care about to still be here. First Velvet, and now them too. Everyone I care about is gone from my life within the span of a day. All for the sake of protecting me. Do you not realize how AWFUL it feels? Knowing your loved ones killed themselves for you? I doubt you do, because if you did, you wouldn't be saying these sappy phrases to me…"

"Volastor," Vox called out,"I…"

"You what?" Vol snapped,"What the hell are you planning on doing? Do you think you can sort me out? That you can FIX me? Just because you share his face doesn't mean you can replace him in my heart, neither you nor Alastor possess that capability."

"I know," He replied,"But that doesn't mean I can't try talking to you. I know we're more or less strangers, but that doesn't mean we can't talk. I get you're upset with what our other selves did, but there's nothing we can do now. They're gone and there's no way to revive them…"

"So what the hell do you expect me to do? Act as if nothing happened?"

"No. I never said that. I'm just saying that blaming yourself for what happened isn't going to solve anything. You need to focus on moving on and accepting it…"

"Easy for you to say," The fusion rebuffed,"I don't know what you think you're trying to pull, but if you think for a second you can weasel your way into my heart, you've got another thing coming. You're not the Vox I know and nothing you say will change that."

"Vol, both Alastor and I are aware we'll never replace the ones you know. I know you probably don't want anything to do with us, but our other selves wanted us to look after you and we promised we'd watch over you in their absence…"

"Oh really now? How touching," Vol said flatly,"I just feel so overjoyed at this, having to have another copy of the ones I care about trying to fill in as replacements on their behalf. Utterly fantastic."

Alastor sighed,"Vol, there's no need to be so hostile. We know we cant' fill in for them, but we can at least try to help you through this. It's the least we can do…."

"I don't need your help.." Vol replied bitterly.

"But Vol-"

"Shut the fuck up!" He growled,"You two know NOTHING about me and I'd appreciate it if you two backed off. I have enough issues as it is and the last thing I need is another Vox and Alastor trying to infiltrate their way into my life. I made the mistake of getting attached to the first pair, however, I've learned my lesson here. I will NOT make the same blunder and cause myself pointless pain again…"

Vox and Alastor gave each other bewildered expressions as Vol turned his back on them, the fusion giving them death glares out of the corner of his eye.

Baxter sighed,'Should've seen that coming…'

"Guys," Charlie said, trying to break the tension,"I think we should go. There's nothing left for us here and I'm certain the others have dealt with my father's army…"

"Speaking of your father…" Volastor growled before using his telekinesis to summon the angelic spear to him,"I still need to have a 'word' with him…"

Vol then marched over to Lucifer(who while conscious, was still heavily injured). He tried to move away when he saw Vol approach, but Vol made sure to kick him first.

Vol's glare was stone-cold as he raised the enhanced weapon into the air, ready to strike him down,"Going somewhere, you god-forsaken coward? Did you think I wouldn't notice you trying to slip away? That I'd just let get away with everything? After all the pain you caused me...I believe it's only fitting I take your life in return for all the lives you ruined.."

"You wouldn't dare…"

"Yes I fucking would…" Vol said,"If you doubt me, I'll gladly prove you wrong…"

Lucifer then looked at Charlie and called out,"Charlotte, help me! Don't let this psycho kill your old man! Do something!"

"Charlie...don't…" Baxter whispered,"Just let this slide...just this once…He deserves it..."

Charlie just stared at him blankly. She didn't move at first and only shifted when she saw how close Vol was to stabbing Lucifer for real. She was tempted to stand back, considering the ramification for her father's death….

And thus, much to the disappointment of almost everyone present, Charlie said,"Vol, put the weapon down…"

"Why? He's the reason all of this happened, Charlie. He ruined everything...None of this would've happened if it weren't for him and yet you want me or let him live? What for? So can he try this again?"

"It won't happen again," Charlie replied,"And besides, if you kill my Father, Hell will probably erupt into chaos...or more chaos to be exact. Not to mention my Mother will have you on her kill-list…"

"If she wants to die too, she's free to do so…" Vol replied.

"Vol, it's better we avoid that entirely. My father's presence is integral to Hell's society. We can't risk killing him without the circles going into chaos. Even if I managed to take over, there'd be so much blood-shed and war and honestly...I doubt I'm ready for the throne at this point, especially in those circumstances."

"Are you just saying this so I don't kill your old man?" Vol inquired,"Because it sounds like you're making excuses."

"Even if I was, My Father dying has more negatives than positives at this point. It's best we let him live and go back to the Hotel. So please, put the weapon down so we can leave…"

Vol snarled before stabbing the ground right where Lucifer's chest was, just barely missing. He then took the weapon out of the ground and said,"You got off lucky, Lucifer. If your daughter wasn't so convincing, you wouldn't be here. But then again...maybe it's better to keep you alive. Letting you live in shame sounds better than offing you…"

Lucifer merely sent him a glare.

Vox and Alastor both gave him judgmental looks. This looked rather pathetic honestly...

The TV Demon then gathered the courage to speak his mind,"Honestly...I never thought I'd see the day where the King of this realm would look so pathetic. Almost got shanked by a fusion of me and Al and had to be saved at the last second by his kid. I can't believe I actually feared such a paranoid dick-head back at home…"

"I concur, to think I once respected you is surprising. Looks like I was wrong to hold you in such a high-regard…" Alastor muttered,"How disappointing."

Baxter scowled, giving him a look of utter disdain,"Fucking paranoid asshole…"

Lucifer then looked at Charlie and asked,"My sweet daughter, can you help your dad up?"

Charlie didn't turn around and scoffed,"Oh, so now I'm your daughter, huh? Funny, I thought I was a failure in your eyes. And also, don't fucking call me that, Lucifer. You lost the right to ask me for help a while ago and by the way, you're not my Dad. You may have raised me, but I've become disillusioned about you. You're just a paranoid asshole who refuses to admit he's wrong. It's too bad I only now realize how awful you were. I guess Vox was really right about your true nature. If only I saw it sooner…" She then looked away sadly,"Come on guys, let's go catch up with the others…"

There was a mutual nod form the group as they all left the chamber.

"CHARLIE! GET BACK HERE THIS INSTANT! I'M WARNING YOU! GET BACK HERE AND HELP ME! I'M YOUR FATHER, YOU DON'T GET TO TURN YOUR BACK ON ME!"

Charlie didn't pay him any mind, counting to stroll her way out with the others. No one acknowledged his presence as they left the scene.

Lucifer watched in disbelief when they turned their backs on him. Charlie, the ray of sunshine, had just told him he wasn't her Dad anymore…

"DAMMIT!" He clenched his fist, punching the ground in defeat before looking at the room,"Lilith isn't it going to be like this when she comes back from her vacation...Better go clean up…" He then laid on the ground, slumping,"After I regain the ability to move that is…"

Thanks for 6.487 views! Tell me what you think below on this chapter! Thoughts are appreciated and if you have questions, you can ask!

Mitsuru6: Yeah, the events are a shocker. I can tell. I'll take that unbelievable comment as a good thing lol.

Enigmus-288: We'll get to that. I'm impressed you could see that coming cuz other people didn't when I posted this to my other account lol. Guess some people pick up on hints faster.

Chronosign: I just looked that up and damn, what a nice song. Kind of fits honestly.