The moment they got back to the hotel, everyone was trying to find out what to do with Husk.

Everyone was on high-alert, especially since Husk was basically on death's door. He had been shot multiple times with holy weapons and had to have several limbs removed just to prolong his life-span for a short period of time, and even then, he was basically dying slowly.

Hooking him up to a breathing machine did very little to improve his condition.

While Niffty had done her best, it was clear that the injuries wouldn't just respawn after they were detached. Damage from a holy weapon was permanent and required said organ to be removed so that it didn't spread to the rest of the body. And given how much had been removed...it wasn't looking good for Husk in terms of survivability.

At this point, they were all debating what to do, the tension was running high as time ticked.

"Alright, does anyone have a plan?" Alastor asked wearily as he looked up at Husk on the operating table, keeping an eye on Husk's heart-rate which was getting slower by the passing second.

"Plan for what, Alastor?" Vox asked,"Don't tell me you actually think you'll be able to save him?"

"That's why we came to the hotel, Vox! Just because you don't care what happens to him doesn't mean I don't! He's my friend and I want him to live!"

"He's barely alive anyway!" Vox shouted,"Your little maid friend may have been able to prolong his life expectancy, but unless someone has a miracle cure that can undo the damage of HOLY WEAPONS, I highly doubt you'll be able to salvage him!"

"You don't know that…" Alastor hissed.

"Oh really?" Vox asked,"Then why the fuck hasn't anyone come up with a solution since we got here!? Nobody has any ideas on how to save him because there isn't any! He's been shot multiple times with holy bullets for fuck's sake! All Niffty did was extend the period of time it would take for him to die naturally by cutting off the damaged limbs and even then, assuming he doesn't die from blood loss, the damage from losing his body parts is going to get to him! Even if there was a way to save him, he'll be a cripple for the rest of eternity! He won't be able to fly, he won't be able to hold a drink normally and he won't be able to see out of his other eye! Does that sound like LIVING to you? To rely on others to do basic tasks because you got crippled in battle? If Husk was conscious, do you believe for a second that he'd want you to keep prolonging his life-span just for him to suffer? It'd be an act of mercy to let him die at this rate because even if we could save him, he'd probably wish we hadn't given his condition!"

"So what are you saying? For me to stand here and allow Husker to die!?"

"Honestly, at this point, yes! What the hell do you plan on doing at this point, Alastor? He's been hit with holy bullets and the only real way to survive that is if you have some type of armor beforehand or if the part of your body is some type of gem that can be replaced." Vox said this while motioning to Velvet and Vol respectively,"And Husk doesn't apply to either of these conditions. He's been hit multiple times in point blank range with no protection or preparation! Face it, he's already dead at this point, we may as well pull the plug before he ends up getting worse."

"N-No! I'm...I'm not giving up on him…There's a way to fix this...There has to be!"

"Well what the fuck is it? I don't know what drugs you're on, Alastor, but clearly you're delusional if you believe you can save your little cat friend from a gruesome end. We should stop wasting time and end his suffering. This debate is a waste of energy, especially when the answer is right in front of our faces!" Vox then turned his head to the side,"Speaking of which, I believe it's time we put an end to this pointless argument once and for all. Which is why I need Vol to hand over his spear, so I can put it to good use here and now."

Volastor narrowed his eyes,"Why should I give it to you?"

"Isn't it obvious? Husk is going to die, we may as well put him out of his misery before his body ends up failing him. Besides, there's a chance he'd puke out his organs or something before he dies so I say we just avoid it by killing him now."

Vol drew the weapon back, just out of Vox's reach,"No…"

"What? Are you kidding me, Vol? You're seriously going to not hand me the spear? I'm not even killing him to be a dick, he's literally dying and Alastor over here is too delusional to acknowledge his friend is beyond help! I'm doing him a favor by killing him!"

"It's not that, I just don't think you should do it…"

"Why? Are you volunteering? Because I'm not going to object if you do it. Alastor certainly isn't going to do it and if you're fine with getting the cat's blood on your hands, that's alright with me."

"No, I'm just thinking that perhaps there is another way…We might not have to kill him just yet."

"Oh my god," Vox groaned,"You're just as delusional as Alastor if you think we can save him! What the hell are you proposing we do? Because I haven't seen anyone here actually come up with a solution! Tell me, Vol! What is your idea that could possibly save this cat from a fate worse than death? Because I'm certain Alastor would just cling to whatever could play into his fantasies saving his friend…"

Vol scowled,"You speak of this too casually, Vox. Even if there wasn't a way to save him, you act like you have a heart of stone…"

Vox rolled his eyes,"Not the first time I've been called cold-hearted, kid. Even if I am, you can't deny this situation is ridiculous. Trying to save someone beyond help is pointless. The fact you can't even counter my argument proves I'm right."

"Still, you act so judgmental towards someone when it comes to their friend's lives. If Velvet were on the table would you be so willing to let her be killed?"

Vox folded his arms,"If she were in a condition like this, I think she'd be begging someone to kill her honestly. I wouldn't want to, but I'd know Velvet would want to die rather than to live in such a sorry state. And regardless of the timeline, I bet your Velvet would say the same thing...right?"

Velvet didn't say anything but her expression made it clear she agreed with Vox's statement.

Still, Vol looked at Alastor and made a face. It was hard to look at him without thinking of the one he knew previously and if he was in this situation, he had the feeling he'd react the same way…

'There has to be a way to fix this...He can't die here…'

Baxter then spoke up, now rubbing his chin,"Actually...now that I think about it...Perhaps there is a way?" His tone sounded doubtful, face still rather sombre and serious.

"Oh great, someone has an idea just when we're about to make the final call, how convenient," Vox sneered,"What is it now? What idea do you have that could possibly save him? I'm certain we'd all love to hear about this failure…"

"Vox," Charlie chided,"Don't speak that way. You're being insensitive about a delicate topic."

The TV Demon scoffed, eyes rolling,"Oh sorry, princess,but I don't entertain delusions of naivety unlike some people here. Even if it's considered rude, I am only pointing out how absurd it is that Baxter only now has an idea, one that likely won't work given the condition Husk is in…"

"What is it?" Alastor asked, his voice overpowering Vox's,"I want to hear you out on this one…."

"I was just thinking if there is a way to save Husk, we'll need to compensate by giving him use of his limbs, since as Vox said earlier, he'll be a cripple for the rest of his life if we don't find an alternative. Assuming we can successfully save him, I believe we'll need to give Husk functional limbs in order to ensure the survival of his body, but his well-being when he wakes up. Which is why I believe making artificial limbs will be key to bringing Husk back to his normal self...or at least, what we can salvage from him is…"

Alastor narrowed his eyes, falling silent before gathering the courage to speak,"Is this truly the only way you can save him? By making him more machine than man?"

"He's not exactly a man at this point," Baxter shrugged,"Besides, the alternative is him being heavily crippled and I think this would be better for him in the long-run. Whether it works is up to the breathing machine keeping him alive and Husk's own will-power. If we can get him to last, I should be able to salvage him…"

"Al, I think we should do it," Niffty said,"I know he's not your Husk, but I can tell you care about him and if cybernetics is the only way to save his life, I think giving it the OK would the best option for him…"

Alastor looked at Husk, eyes glued to the heart-monitor that was barely moving, grasping his remaining paw with a sombre glance. Without looking, he said,"Do you know what you're doing, Baxter?"

"I've never added limbs to a living person, but I do know how to make artificial limbs. It shouldn't be above my capabilities. Though whether he makes a recovery isn't something I'm certain of…"

"He will, he just has to…" Alastor replied.

"And what makes you so sure?" Vox asked,"You have no evidence he'll wake up…"

"I know because every time Husk got hurt in the past, he always fought to stay alive. The only difference is that he's been hit with holy bullets instead of regular artillery. The point still stands, I know he won't give up on his life just yet…" He then tugged on Husk's paw,"Please stay with us. I doubt you can hear me, but we need you to hang on. I'm not certain if this will work, but it's the least we can do for you.."

"Eugh!" Vox choked,"The sappy emotional bullshit is killing me! I'm going to be sick…"

Alastor seemed ready to retort but Vol cut him of and said,"Oh my god, shut the fuck up and get over yourself, Vox! If you don't have anything positive to say, don't fucking say it! And if you are, you should take your leave because you're not making the situation any better."

"Like I give a damn…"

"Vox," Charlie warned,"I know you're still moody about the whole fusion thing earlier, but there is no excuse for this rude behavior. You should take your leave elsewhere if you're going to behave like this…"

"Oh I see how it is," Vox sneered,"Well then, I suppose I should get going. This situation is hardly my concern. But I will say this," He then looked at Vol,"I don't quite understand why my other self wanted to preserve your existence so badly, especially with this dramatic attitude of yours. Honestly, I don't get where my part of the fusion went, you're clearly too much like Bambi for my liking. My other self must've gone soft if he really believed you were worth it, because from what I'm seeing, you're just an overpowered teenager in the body of an adult, one who happens to be Lucifer tier in terms of strength. Then again, even our other selves seemed to realize how much of a you were man-child when they told us to look after you before they died, probably because they knew you'd turn into an emotional wreck without someone watching over your shoulder and-Gah!"

Vol then grabbed his spear and shoved it in his face, Vox tilting his head out of the way,"And what? What are we going to say? Because I already got the gist of your rant, Vox. I'm well aware I'm not exactly stable, but I'm at least trying to remain in control. However, your attitude is making it hard for me not to kill you where you stand. You've done nothing but irritate everyone since you got to this hotel and you're testing my patience.."

"If I'm testing your patience, why don't you just do the deed and quit wasting time? You have a spear pointed at my neck and considering what you did to Lucifer, I doubt I or anyone else here could damage you. Maybe Charlie can, but we all know she's not going to do anything. You're more than capable of killing me, so why don't you do it? Go on then," Vox then smiled,"Kill me."

Vol scowled, he VERY tempted to kill Vox. All it would take was one singular swipe and he'd be dead…

And yet, when the moment came to end it, his memories ended up fucking it all up. When Vox told him to kill him, he remembered what the other Vox said earlier during their confrontation before Lucifer snuck up on him. It was what caused him to revert back into his old form.…

"Kill me."

Those words echoed through his end. No matter what, he couldn't do it. Every time he looked at Vox...he saw his other self. The side of his face was broken, body heavily injured with a sombre smile on his face, giving her a gaze of affection despite his wounds. He was still smiling at him despite him being an utter monster at that point, hoping he could save him...

Vol tensed before lowering his weapon, tossing it to Vaggie. It was her weapon after all and he didn't want to use it. Not like this...

"I-I can't do it..."

"And why not?" Vox asked,"You seemed ready to do it, what changed?"

Vol didn't respond, merely looking away with guilt burning in his eyes.

Vox smirked,"Oh I see, you couldn't do it because you saw my other self in me, didn't you? Can't say I'm surprised, I knew you couldn't do it, you're all bark but no bite, kid. How pathetic…"

Vol snickered darkly,"Pathetic hm? Maybe I am...but that doesn't change anything. Make no mistake ,Vox, I would've done it had my mind not played tricks on me. Regardless, I want nothing to do with you or Alastor, you cannot replace the ones I used to know. They were like fathers to me and that is something you can never replicate even if you tried. Now if you don't mind, I suggest you leave."

"Why? We both know you won't kill me, you said it yourself. You're too much of a pussy to go through with it…"

"I may not be able to kill you, but I will not hesitate forcing you out if necessary. And believe me, you don't want that. So go, your presence isn't wanted here…"

Vox shrugged,"Fine by me. I was starting to get bored anyway," Vox then took his leave, everyone sighing in relief.

"Thank god he left," Sir Pentious said,"I was starting to grow weary of him.."

"He is such a dick! I knew he was an ass, but god, he's ramped up the asshole meter by like 10!" Vaggie muttered.

"Just how he is," Velvet shrugged,"Though he seems like he got worse…Maybe being in that crystal affected his personality..."

"Hardly an excuse," Alastor chided,"He had no right to act that way before us…"

"Honestly,I'm starting to miss our Vox now," Angel mentioned,"At least he chilled out a bit. This one is just an utter asshole. If only we could swap them back…"

"A bit late for that," Charlie mumbled,"All we can really do is hope Vox eventually mellows out. We don't need anymore fighting after what occurred before. We need to all come together and be friends…"

Baxter tensed,"Good luck getting Vox to not be a dick to everyone around him. That's going to take a while…" He then said,"In the meantime, I say you all head out somewhere. I'm going to be working on Husk and I need all the privacy I need so you should go…"

Alastor looked reluctant to move from his spot,"Can I stay?"

"Alastor, I need to be left alone. I get you want to watch, but if I want to be productive, it'd be best if you took your leave alongside everyone else…"

"Fine…Just tell me when a breakthrough is made...We're all counting on you."

"I know. I'll do what I can to save him…"

Alastor then lowered his head before standing up, everyone else taking their leave from the room and giving Baxter the time he needed. When they all left, the hotel began heading to their rooms.

Volastor was about to head to his room when Alastor suddenly called out,"Hey, Volastor?"

"Yes?" Vol asked flatly, remaining distant,"What is it?"

"I...I just want to thank you for sticking up in my defense earlier...I know we're still strangers, but I do appreciate the help…"

"Don't mention it,"He replied,"It was nothing…"

"Not to me…You did help me back there. I am sorry though…"

"Hm?" Sorry for what?"

"For...allowing our other selves to die to save you. If Vox and I had just gone back, they would still be here. I'm sorry that we took away your 'parents'..."

"Don't be, there's no need to feel sorry for me. I don't like anyone pitying me, it makes me feel...weak," He said, a sad smile on his face, eyes tired and aged,"Besides...I deserve it. I tried to kill them...it's probably best they never see me again. You and Vox's presence is just a reminder of my failure to control myself. And in the end, I lost the people I cared about most for no reason...So I guess Vox's comment about me wasn't too far off…"

"Vol-"

"Save it. I don't need anyone consoling me. I'd prefer to be left alone and the last thing I need is another Alastor trying to fill in the gap out of a pity promise," He hissed, giving Alastor a glare to dissuade him.

Alastor backed off before merely turning and teleporting inside his room, his shadow giving him a sombre glance….

Vox narrowed his eyes. All the rooms downstairs had been taken and he sure as hell wasn't asking anyone to share. As he was walking, he noticed a room with the door slightly open,"Hm? I don't remember anyone living up here...Maybe this is a free-space."

When he stepped inside, he noticed a neon blue and black shade of the room. It looked just like his personal office and everything was decorated to fit a techno theme.

'This...this must be my counterpart's room. He must've stayed here for a while if he managed to change the room to this extent.' When he stepped inside, he noticed that Vark was not too far from the door, eyes gazing up at him expectantly.

Vox immediately blanked before slowly saying,"Uh...hey Vark…"

It was kind of awkward, this wasn't even his Vark but he couldn't help but feel a connection to him.

Vox then noticed he wasn't moving and tried to call towards him,"Hey Vark, come to me…"

Vark didn't move. It seemed like he was...confused? It was hard to tell, but judging by his expression, he seemed to have realized that he wasn't the Vox was familiar with just by looking at him. He didn't know how, maybe he smelled slightly different or something, but that small distinction was enough to dissuade Vark from approaching him.

"You don't recognize me, do you?" He asked.

Vark shook his head in response.

"Figured as much," He shrugged,"I don't know how you could tell the difference, but I'll give you credit considering we're the exact same person. Though I bet you're probably wondering who I am. You see, the Vox you know...is dead."

Vark looked distraught by this news, his wide eyes turning into pin-points. Vox tensed when he saw the shark having tears well up in his eyes, now putting his hands up,"S-Shit! Hey! There's no need to cry! I get you're upset, but I promise that there's a reason for this! Volastor was on the brink of death and they needed a way to save him. That weird gem in his chest needed some type of fuel and when Alastor and I refused, the Vox and Alastor you know decided to fill in for us. As a result, we got to keep our bodies while they killed themselves by merging with Volastor permanently…"

Vark slumped on the floor, sniffling and crying. Vox cringed and reached out to pet him, Vark flinching and moving away for a moment.

"Vark...I know I'm not your Vox...but maybe we can work this out. I'll probably never replace him in your heart, but I can at least try and live with you until we can figure something out. I don't know what he was thinking, but I have the feeling my other self knew deep down that he wasn't coming back from this journey alive. I think that's why he wanted Charlie to take care of you, but I have the feeling I'm better suited for that job anyway. Are you fine with that?"

Vark sniffled before putting his head onto his lap, Vox smiling,"Thanks boy...You may not be my Vark, but you certainly act just like him…At least that's one positive about being trapped in this timeline..." He then looked up and out of the window, frowning,'My other self left me with a lot of baggage to clean up….Hopefully we can find a way to make things work. I have enough issues with that fusion and Alastor, the last thing I need is more problems. Especially since my chances of getting home are bleak as it is. Being trapped in that crystal didn't do me any favors...'

Thanks for 6,728 views! Tell me what you think of this chapter below. Also yeah, Vox is a massive dick now that I read over this.

Mitsuru6: Yeah, I took that into consideration here. Also, yeah. Al would probably care about Husk and Niffty, even if they aren't his versions. It'd be really strange if Alastor's reaction to Husk literally dying with his limbs cut off and eye gouged out was,'Meh, whatever. Not my Husker.' That'd be out of character honestly.

Chronosign: I always saw Lucifer as too prideful to get help, at least when it comes to battle. He wouldn't want to look weak for losing a fight and going to a hospital in his mind would be admitting weakness, especially since he lost lol.