Back In The Other World…

Vox's ears rang at the sound of the bell ringing.

Husk had neglected to tell him that that obnoxious bell was how everyone was alerted to wake up in the morning and thought it was his second official day, he was already sick of hearing it.

Mammon sure loved letting them suffer since he held no regard for how much sleep they got. As far as he was concerned , time was money(literally) and even if they ran on five minutes of sleep, they were still capable of doing their jobs perfectly without a hint of trouble.

By now, Vox was starting to miss his demon form to a small extent as sleeping wasn't mandatory and he wasn't a morning person so waking up at the crack of dawn wasn't something he liked doing whatsoever.

The former TV Overlord rose from his bed begrudgingly, rubbing his eyes irritably as he mumbled a few incomprehensible things under his breath before getting ready, having already taken his shower at night to save time in the morning.

He gazed at himself in the mirror, cringing at his reflection as he walked by.

He definitely didn't look his best. His hair was visibly disheveled and the mark Val left on his face(still) hadn't faded. At this point, he was certain it wasn't a black eye but actually scar tissue that Val ended up fucking up with his carelessness.

Before, the worst he had to deal with from Val was a cracked screen, now he had to deal with physical scars that wouldn't heal.

"Damned rat…" He muttered before reaching into the drawer and pulling out a brush and other tools to organize himself.

He had a feeling that if he went out the way he did, Mammon or Fizz would tear into him and find a reason to punish him. The greedy fucker owned his soul so it was in his best interest to avoid Mammon's ire until he could find a way out of this demented carnival.

Vox began doing his face, removing the old make-up he had been wearing and replacing it with a new coat of eye-shadow and eye-liner to make his lashes stick out more than they would normally.

After he finished he placed his glasses on before he headed out, dread building up inside his pale blue eyes…

When he left his tent, he noticed Fizz was waiting for him outside.

Shit. That is not who he wanted to see. Not at all…

He narrowed his eyes,"What are you doing out here, clown? Is there a reason you're here? Or has Mammon sent you to spy on me?"

"Of course not," He laughed maniacally in a way that shook Vox to his core,"No, no, I'm just here to make sure you're aware of how things work around here. Ya see, we don't have to perform EVERY day and as a result, the rest of us get to focus on maintaining the carnival. Ain't that exciting, Vincent?"

"Yeah sure…" He mumbled awkwardly, his eyes shifting to the side at Fizz's closeness in proximity towards him.

Usually he wasn't one to become uncomfortable when others were in his personal space but Fizz was creeping him out just by his mere presence and that terrifying grin put Alastor to shame.

"Speaking of which, why don't you do me a favor as a newbie?"

Vox scowled, a bad feeling bubbling up in his stomach,"What kind of favor are you talking about?"

"Oh nothing major, just a little job I've got in mind. You see, with those mermaids around, Mammon wants me and that other guy to set up some sort of…device for them in an attempt to attract more tourists since they are apparently 'such a hit'. What do you say,blondie? You up for the task?"

The bitterness in his tone was unstable and Vox had to avoid cringing at how eerie the jester sounded, that sadistic grin still plastered on his face.

"I…I don't see why not…" He replied, highly doubting he had a choice in the manner. He doubted Fizz would take no for an answer…besides if it gave him a chance to be around Helsa and Seviathan it could've been that bad…

The jester was Mammon's second in command, all he'd have to do was whine to the bastard in order to get what he wanted. Fucker probably saw Mammon as a father-figure and would do anything to please him and if that meant Vox suffered instead of him then so be it.

"Good, Vincent…I'm glad you understand the situation…" He chuckled in a far too low voice to be genuine,"It's always great when Mammon's new tools provide their use instead of being useless logs. Perhaps I'll actually like you Vincent if you continue to be cooperative. Maybe we can even be buddies!"

Vox scowled,"Don't push your luck, Fizzarolli…"

"Aw, what's wrong?" He teased,"Don't like the idea of having friends? Or is that female siren more into your tastes? You know you're not the only one with eyes on her right? Mammon's taken quite the liking to her and I can hardly blame him, she's got quite the rack on her and that voice…boy I'd love to see her scream for me…"

Vox's eyes twitched with anger,"Don't speak of her that way you perverted leech!"

"Ooh, did I hit a nerve?" He laughed,"What's wrong? Don't like the fact that your friend has a lot of admirers? Or are you jealous?"

"I'm not jealous," He growled,"I just don't like assholes like you perving on my friends…"

"Sounds like someone's green with jealousy!" He quipped mockingly,"Don't be sad, I'm certain Mammon will let you have a turn with her if you ask, though I can't promise he won't have fun with her first once he gets the chance…"

"Why you little…" The former TV Demon clenched his fist, his eyes burning with rage. It was taking all of his self-control to not strangle Fizz with his bare hands and throttle the clown to death.

The urge to kill another being had never flowed so strongly before, not even when he was commanding game-shows to make demons both hellborn and sinner alike to suffer and die for the entertainment of the bloodthirsty masses.

"Aw, don't be sad, Vincent. I'm sure Mammon will let you have his sloppy seconds. He's not that greedy. He'll let you have a whirl with her if you just ask after he's finished. Maybe if you offer yourself up he'll be nice and let you have her first though I can't promise he won't play with her later…"

Vox gasped before hissing,"I'll do no such thing!"

Seriously, he already sold his soul to the bastard, the last thing Vox needed or wanted for that matter was for Mammon to be on his ass(literally in this case).

"Your loss, Vincent," He snickered as he poked Vox's chest with his index finger,"Don't say I didn't warn you. I'm just pointing out the obvious, it really doesn't matter what you think because sooner or later Mammon's gonna give that girl a whirl if you're not careful. And before I go, be sure to be on your best behavior around the kids, they tend to be hyperactive little brats and they tend to cry to their parents if the performers upset them so don't think you can hide anything from us…"

"I won't…"

"Good, glad we understand each other. See you later Vincent…" Fizz said.

Vox believed that was the end of the conversation but the jester wanted the last laugh and decided to mess with him by smacking his ass before he left.

"Nice ass blondie.

"Gah!" Vox's face flushed, his head whipping around as the clown left, spluttering with embarrassment,"W-Wha? How did…What just…" He snapped back into reality, his eyes twitching with rage,"Did…did he just…GRAB MY ASS!?"

The former TV Demon was beyond enraged, how dare that jester grope him. Under normal circumstances Vox would've electrocuted him until his body was nothing but ash and cinder for daring to put his hands on him. His fists crackle with lighting, preparing to strike but hesitating, stopping himself at the last second.

But he couldn't.

Mammon owned his soul and if he hurt Fizz the fucker would tattle on him to his boss and he'd be in deep trouble. Fizz could do anything to him and Mammon would allow it since he was his star employee.

Helpless…utterly helpless. And that jackass knew it, boy did that fucker know it with that pompous grin of his. He could get away with everything and Vox was forced to bear through it or else he'd face the consequences for rebelling.

Vox grit his teeth, the lighting in his hands fading as he reverted back to normal. As tempting as it was to attack Fizz, he knew wasn't in a position to do so. Not yet anyway. He still had to formulate a plan of escape before he did anything reckless.

Besides, he had to manage the carnival and he had the feeling if he didn't do what Fizz said that he would have Hell to pay…

"Better get to work.." He grumbled before heading off to locate Helsa and the others, still bitter over the incident that was fresh in his mind.

'Fucking perverted asshole…' He thought to himself as he pulled his robe down, his ass still stinging from the unwanted attention Fizz gave him.

As Vox walked around the carnival before noticing Husk was waving to him from a nearby counter, catching his attention. He made his way towards her, noticing she, Seviathan and Husk were all together near some sort of attraction that was attracting a large amount of enthusiasts.

"What is going on here?" He asked himself, narrowing his eyes at the amount of people there.

Upon closer inspection, he saw Seviathan and Helsa were sitting on top of dunk tanks and people.

"Look who finally decided to show up," Husk muttered, clearly irritated from the crowd of people who were pestering him at the attraction,"About time you got were beginning to wonder if something actually happened to you. What took you so long?"

"Fizz was being an asshole," He admitted,"Crazy clown slowed me down a bit. Wouldn't leave me the hell alone until I agreed to entertain people around the carnival."

"Color me shocked," The elder male retorted sarcastically,"That clown knows how to wear down a person's nerves…"

Vox rolled his eyes, well aware of how taxing Fizz could be if his brief interactions with the clown were any indication,"Tell me about it. That bastard is a menace and he revels in the fact he can do anything to us and hides behind Mammon to force us into submission. Bastard acts like he's invincible while he has the most punchable face around. I swear if Mammon wasn't there to protect him the fucker wouldn't act nearly as confident as he does…"

"So I take it that he made you come here didn't he?"

"Pretty much. Don't know what that clown is doing right now but I have the feeling that the bastard is having a lot more fun than we are. Can't believe he made me go over here to manage a stupid dunk tank…"

"Trust me, you didn't miss out on much. It's about as exciting as you expect around here. The guests have fun…well, at least the young ones do given they aren't concerned about the money their parents are losing to these damn games."

The former TV Demon raised an eyebrow,"What do you mean?"

"Just about every game in this damned carnival is rigged. Mammon's designed these to be impossible to win and it goes beyond challenging, it's just painstakingly unfair and he's playing with all these desperate folks who think they have a chance at winning."

Vox would've said he was surprised but that would've been a blatant lie. He knew Mammon was a cheapskate and would sucker money from anyone within reach purely to fill his pockets despite being the richest bastard around.

Making games he knew damn well no one could win was perfectly in character. The more desperate fools who thought they had a chance at victory were more victims to aid in stuffing his wallet with cash.

While Vox knew he wasn't a good person(he hadn't been in several decades and never deluded himself into thinking otherwise) and was complicit in a lot of shady and morally bankrupt things but if there was one thing he was going to give himself credit for it was that he made sure the games were winnable and fulfilled the end of deals once the other played their part.

They were difficult but they were still possible and assuming you survive, you get what was promised to you.

Mammon on the other hand was just swindling people out of their money without even making the challenge possible. That bastard could literally sell anything and he'd have people lining up to buy something completely worthless.

Vox then noticed the prizes behind Husk, only now just realizing he was manning a prize counter. They were like all those toys you'd see at carnivals, large stuffed animals and other things that would entice gullible little children into trying their luck at the rigged games.

"How long do you think these dolls have been here?" He asked, picking up one of the teddy bears and examined it closely. It kind of looked like those archaic dolls Velvet had in her room when they were still with Val. He wasn't sure how old those toys were but he was under the assumption it was centuries old at the very least..

"Who knows? Probably longer than the two of us have been alive." Husk remarked, shrugging his shoulders,"All I know is that these things have been untouched since I got here. If I had to guess, nobody has ever won these games so all these dolls just sit on the shelves to rot so to speak…"

Vox narrowed his eyes at the toy, the fabric was a little worn and the colors were faded but other than that, it seemed in pristine condition. Definitely seemed something a gullible kid would try getting their grubby little hands on if they had the chance and that greedy fucker knew it all too well.

As he looked at the bear, he couldn't help but feel reminded of something, something he would've rather forgotten.

His attention then shifted when he heard a young boy's voice, his inner thought shattered as the child said,"Mommy look over there! They're selling toys!"

A young child no older than seven approached the corner with his mother. The child wore a dark blue shirt of overalls and clung to his mother's dress with dark brown hair and light brown eyes.

Husk looked at the kid before shaking his head,"Sorry kid, this isn't a prize store. If you want the toys you have to win the game."

The boy looked a bit disappointed before turning to his mother,"Mommy, can I play? I wanna win a prize! Can I play, pretty please?"

The mother sighed irritably,"Gregory, you know you have a low chance at winning these sorts of games. If you truly want a toy you can just buy those Mammon or Fizzarolli plushies at the front desk."

"But I don't have those dolls, they're creepy!" He whined,"I want a toy that isn't scary!"

"And what would that toy look like in particular!"

"It would look like…uh…" The boy then scanned the counter before noticing the teddy bear in Vox's hand and pointing at him as he said,"Like the one in that girl's hand! That's the one I want!"

"Girl?" Husk wheezing, going as far as to slam his hand penalty against the counter,"Ha! Vincent ain't a woman, he's just a little effeminate that's all."

"Oh shut up…" He growled, sending the elder male a death glare as his face heated up with embarrassment.

"Can I have the one in his hand then?" The boy pressed,"I really want that toy!"

"Hate to burst your bubble kid but this is a toy store. It's a prize corner and if you wanna get a toy then you gotta win the game," Husk said, motioning toward the dunk tanks,"If you somehow manage to hit one of the twins in then you'll get a prize."

The child brushed off Husk's warning as he still requested to play, jumping up and down with excitement,"I wanna play, I wanna play!"

He sighed,"Alright fine. You can play but your mom's gotta cough up some cash before we let you in.."

"Mommy…"

She grumbled before pulling out some cash"Just this once…I'll allow it. But if you don't win, we're done. Understand? This place is ridiculously expensive and I can't afford playing more than one game…"

"Yes Mommy…"

After they paid, Vox and Husk watched them leave to get in line before turning to him and asking,"What was that?"

"What was what, Vox?"

"You know what I mean. Why'd you do it?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about.."

"We both know that's a lie. Now tell me, why did you make that kid think he had a chance at winning? You know the games are rigged, Husk, why'd you make him think otherwise?"

"Didn't wanna break the little guy's heart, kids his age deserve to be unaware of how harsh the world truly is. Besides, it's technically my job to get people to try their luck at these games. I'm not a fan of it but it gets Mammon and Fizz off my back. Why? Don't tell me you actually care do you, Vox?"

The former Overlord scoffed,"Of course not. I just think it's stupid to make a kid think he has a chance at winning this rigged game. These fucking carnival games are bullshit, all of them are. "

Husk raised an eyebrow,"You speaking from personal experience, Vox?"

He flinched, his tone becoming softer,"You..you could say that…"

"Wanna talk about it? The line's pretty long and Fizz and Mammon aren't here. We've got time to spare…"

Vox paused before sighing,"I…I suppose I can share. It started a long time ago, back when I was still alive. It happened in 1943 but I still remember that damn day like it was yesterday..."

"VINCENT!"A young woman with brown skin and pale white hair called out,"Hurry up you slowpoke, the carnival isn't gonna be open all day, we have to play all the games before they close!"

"Lenore, wait up!" Vincent shouted as he caught up with her before grabbing the woman by her shoulders,"Don't run off like that from me, you nearly gave me a heart attack!"

"Relax, Vincent, there's nothing wrong with a little race!"

"Yes there is!" He hissed,"Lenore, we've talked about this. You can't keep running off from me like this. You know it's not good for you."

She huffed,"Vincent, you're no fun. I don't get why you're so strict about this, just because I'm a little sick doesn't mean I can't have a little fun. What's your problem? You never talked to me like this before…"

"You know what my problem is. You remember what the doctor said didn't you? You're not supposed to be running like this. It's not healthy for someone like you…"

"You've been saying that a lot, Vincent. I get you want to protect me but this a little much. We're supposed to be having fun and you're being a sourpuss."

"I'm not being a sourpuss.."

She scoffed,"Says the guy who only let me ride one roller coaster since we got here and forbade me from riding anymore…"

"After you fainted on the first one mid-way through the ride" He added,"Seriously, Lenore, you know why I have to be like this. You are sick, there is no way around it and you can't do the things you used to without becoming ill…"

"I know, but I just want to have fun…"

"There are ways to have fun that don't put your life at risk,"He stated,"I understand your disappointment but it's in your best interest to avoid those types of rides at all costs. You had a light-stomach for years and your sickness getting worse isn't helping you whatsoever.

"Fine…" She sighed,"I…I understand your reasoning, I'm just not happy about it that's all…"

"I know…but don't worry," He assured, clutching her cheek gently,"I promise that whatever is causing your sickness will be fixed in due time. We'll find a way to fix this, Lenore. There's hope for you to be better…"

Lenore weakly smiled nervously,"I wouldn't be too sure about that, Vincent. Nothing is ever guaranteed…"

"Don't think like that," He said to his girlfriend in an urgent manner,"I swear, Lenore, you're going to be alright. Once science comes though we'll be able to find our happily ever after…"

The dark-skinned woman said nothing for a moment before clearing her throat,"I hope that's the case, Vincent…"

"It will be the case, Lenore. We were meant to be and no sickness is going to get in the way of our happiness.." He said,"Even if you're not currently able to do the things you used to, that doesn't mean we can't find something else for you. You may not be able to ride the roller coasters but we can find something better…"

"Like what?" She asked,"You know roller coasters are my favorite. I doubt anything here could ever replace them.."

Vincent bit his lip,"Well..that may be true. But we can substitute roller coaster riding for another less dangerous activity like…like…" His eyes scanned the area for a different attraction and spotted a prize corner with a shooting game."Like that game over there! It's perfectly safe and I'm certain that if we get lucky we can score a prize!"

Lenore noticed the prizes, one of which happened to include a teddy bear and her eyes filled with joy,"Vincent, look at the cute teddy bear! I want it!"

Vincent smiled, relieved his girlfriend's attitude had turned itself around,"That's the spirit,Lenore…."

They approached the corner and saw a young male manning the counter, greeting them with an apathetic face,"Oh…hello. Welcome to Master Blaster, the game where if you cough up three dollars you are allowed to play and shoot the targets. Go ahead and test your luck, maybe you'll win…or not. Doesn't matter to me so long as you pay…"

Vincent and Lenore blanked for a moment, not expecting such a brutally honest statement upon going up to the counter.

"Uh…OK…" He stammered, pretending he hadn't heard that before reaching into his pocket and paying three dollars,"My girlfriend and I want to try and win a bear. Take this…"

The boy took the money before saying,"Alright, go for it. Can't promise you'll win anything though…"

Vincent then turned to Lenore before saying,"Wanna give it a whirl sweetheart?"

"Of course.." Lenore stepped up and grabbed the 'gun' at the booth and prepared to fire.I'm ready… I think…"

The boy started the game and the ducks on the front started to move. Lenore attempted to shoot the ducks however no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't shoot the ducks down.

"Aw…I missed…" She whined.

"Don't worry, Lenore. It's not your fault," He said, rubbing her shoulder,"Hey, if it makes you feel any better I'll play the game for you. Maybe I'll have better luck…" Vincent then looked at the guy at the counter before saying,"Hey, let me have a shot at this game. I think I'll have a better shot at this sort of thing than my girlfriend does…

"Go on ahead, knock yourself out…"

Vincent then began attempting to fire at the ducks in an effort to rack up enough points to get the item his girlfriend so desperately craved, this time taking more precise and calculated aims. One of the shots made contact yet the duck didn't go down, much to his surprise and he exclaimed,"HEY! I hit that duck, that should've gone down! What gives!?"

"Well clearly you didn't hit it because the duck didn't go down."

"Lies, I saw that damn duck get hit with my own two eyes!"

"Your eyesight must not be that great if you thought you saw it then. Why don't you go and try again? Perhaps then you'll see that I'm right…"

Vincent hissed,"Why you…"

"Honey, there's no need to get so worked up. It's just a doll, I don't need it anyway…"

He shook his head,"No, I'm not leaving until I get something for you. I promised I get something and no stupid kid's game is going to get the better of me…"

Vincent continued to try his luck, only to become more and more frustrated. He kept making his shots but the dam ducks wouldn't go down! It was infuriating and he felt his patience waning the more attempts he made, throwing money into the fire in a desperate attempt to try and win the prize his girlfriend desperately wanted.

He cursed when he reached into his pocket, realizing he had spent all his money at this godforsaken game. He hadn't realized just how much time had passed since he was so determined to get that doll for his girlfriend only to end up short on change as a result of his stubbornness.

"Dammit…" he growled, clenching his fist.

"Well, looks like you're outta luck. Better luck next time…" The clerk said only for Vincent to suddenly grab him by the collar,"Hey, what are you doing!? Let me go! I have to leave!"

"Ich gebe keinen Scheiß!" He shouted in German, entering a blind rage as he started screaming at the guy, his grip tightening as his voice rose in volume,"Du schuldest mir mein Geld zurück!"

He probably would've actually choked the guy had Lenore not stopped him, snapping him out of his haze,"Vincent, stop attacking him! It's not his fault, please! This isn't you!"

He paused, looking down at himself and the man before scowling and dropping him to the floor. He looked at his girlfriend, his gaze softening when he saw the fear in her eyes before saying,"We…we should get going…"

Lenore silently agreed, apologizing to the man before leading Vincent away. It was late and by the time they left carnival, neither had said a word.

"Vincent," She started,"What were you thinking!?"

"What do you mean?"

"You know what I mean! Attacking that poor man like that! How could you do such a thing? You never behaved like this before, what happened to you?"

"I…I don't know what came over me..I just…just felt so angry."

"Angry at him? He was just doing his job…"

"I know…but it wasn't him who I was angry at. Not necessarily anyway…I was just angry at this stupid carnival, whoever created that damn game made sure that it was impossible to win. I would've got you that bear had they not rigged it to not work. And for what? To sucker fools out of their money? It's so fucking unfair…"

"A lot of things are…" She admitted.

Vincent fell silent a second before saying,"I…I'm sorry, Lenore."

"For what?"

"Not getting you that doll you wanted. I know you really wanted that bear…"

"It's fine, Vincent…I didn't need it anyway. Besides, I appreciate the effort…"

"Thanks..you know..life hasn't been perfect for us so far but I know that it's gonna get better. For both of us, I mean. I promise that we're going to be together forever, just like how those princes and princesses live happily ever after. We'll find our happy ending and I look forward to being with you throughout every step of the way…" Vincent then grabbed her chin before whispering,"Don't you agree sweetheart?"

Lenore stared at him for an incredibly long time before nervously saying,"I..I think it's a tad too soon to tell, Vincent. I'd love to stay with you, really, but you do know that happy endings are just things in fairy tales after all. Reality tends to be a bit..disappointing."

"It does, but I know that we'll find happiness, together, forever…We were meant to be and nothing can stop us from being happy."

"I..I hope you're right Vincent…"

"I know I am…"

Vincent leaned down and locked lips with her, Lenore returning the kiss passionately for what felt like forever. Time seemed to freeze and nothing mattered other than themselves and their love for each other, the kiss only breaking when Lenore separated, turning her head to cough, letting out several wheezes. She struggled for air and Vincent quickly acted and helped her clear her throat.

"Are you alright?" He asked.

She coughed a little before saying,"Yes…I'm fine..Just a little cough that's all.."

"Lenore, I've never seen you cough like that before. We should probably go to a doctor so they can check on you again."

"Vincent, I promise I'm fine. I don't need to go to the doctor over a little cough," She said frantically."I'm fine…really…"

"Are you sure? You've been sick for a good portion of your life, Lenore, I don't think it'd be a good idea for you to be left like this…"

"It's fine, I swear. I'm just a little sick, it's a little rough but I promise that I'll be fine…"

He sighed,"Alright , if you say so. But if you get worse we're going to a doctor, understand?"

"Yes…"

They then headed to the car and as they drove, Lenore's smile faded as she coughed, struggling to breath before leaning back in her seat…

Husk stared back at Vox as the younger male slumped downward. He hadn't expected to hear such a tale and judging by Vox's expression, he didn't seem to like recalling that memory, as if it was painful to endure.

"So…I take it you two didn't live happily ever after did you?"

"What do you think?" Vox asked flatly,"Of course we didn't. Lenore got really sick and that sickness was destroying her body. I tried to find any sort of solution to save her but the technology didn't exist for her at that time and all I could do was watch as she faded away…"

"Damn…that's rough buddy. I know the feeling though…my wife may not have died but she left me once the booze started affecting my life after the war…Never quite recovered from that one."

Vox decided it was best not to ask what Husk saw in the war, figuring that whatever it was not something he wanted to hear about.

Vox then thought aback to that night, his stomach turning as he recalled how happy they were. A part of him wondered if Lenore knew she wouldn't be there to fulfill their happily ever after. He never got the chance to ask but now that he thought back on it, he had a feeling that deep down, she knew she wouldn't live to see the future Vox envisioned for them.

He then thought back to that kid he saw earlier, that delusional child who believed he could win the game just like the rest of them. Remembering he fell for the ruse all those years back made all the anger and resentment from all that time ago.

He looked at the teddy bear in his hand, clenching it before rising up.

"Where are you going, Vox?"

"I'm going to try my luck…" He said,"Assuming I'm not too late, that is."

"You know you could get in trouble, Vox. Fizz could be watching out there. Are you sure you want to do that?"

"Yeah…I'm sure. Besides, it's just a doll. What's the worst that can come of it?" He asked.

"You know how Mammon is, Vox. If Fizz catches you doing something…he'll make you regret it."

Vox shrugged off the warning,"I'll be fine, Husk. I can take care of myself."

The former Cat Demon wasn't quite sure of that remark but allowed Vox to continue.

Vox approached the front of the line and saw that the kid was already batting for the dunk. The boy whirled his arm back before throwing, his aim missing completely due to how far he threw it.

Seviathan laughed,"What were you even aiming at? That wasn't even near me for Satan's sake!"

The boy flinched looking away, embarrassed by Seviathan's mockery towards him. Vox grit his teeth at this display before stepping forward, the boy looking at him and asking,"Sir, what are you doing?"

"Something you'll thank me for later…" He replied before shouting,"Hey Seviathan, pick on someone your own damn size for a change!" He then summoned a bolt of lighting and hit the target directly with his powers.

"Gah!" Seviathan gasped when he suddenly got knocked into the tank of water, Vox smirking at his apparent victory."What the fuck!?"

Helsa giggled at his reaction, the elder twin sending his sister a glare,"Hey, not funny, Helsa! Quit laughing!"

His response fell on deaf ears and Helsa continued to laugh at her brother's predicament, Seviathan making an internal comment that while his sister may not have had her voice, her bitchiness still shone through her actions all too well…

Vox then turned to the kid before handing him the bear,"You wanted this one didn't you? Well, it's yours now. Take it. I have no use for it anyway…"

The boy took the bear and the biggest smile imaginable took over his face,"Thank you mister! I always wanted a new toy! Thank you so much! I really appreciate it!"

His mother then approached and said,"Thanks for making my son happy. He would've been so devastated had we not gotten something out of this carnival. You are quite the life-saver…"

"Just helping out where I can…"

"You know…perhaps you could help me out in that case. My husband has been out of my life for a while and it does get rather lonely at home…"

Vox's face heated up in response before he stammered out,"U-Uh actually, I'm already interested in someone else, sorry…" He said this while looking at Helsa, entranced by her beauty and grace even from afar.

She looked disappointed,"Oh I see how it is, you like younger girls don't you? Ones like that siren over there, am I right?"

"Well um…yeah…" He admitted,"Nothing against you but…you're not my type, sorry."

She huffed,"Whatever. I suppose I should be grateful for what I can get. Come on, Gregory. Let's get going. It's about time we've left this wretched circus."

"OK Mommy…" He then waved as they left,"Bye Mister! Thanks for the toy! You're the best!"

Vox was caught off guard by the last comment, it had been so long since he heard someone genuinely compliment him that it almost made his black heart feel warm for a split second and weakly smiled.

'What a sweet kid…'

However, the moment wasn't meant to last…

Vox suddenly felt a feeling he knew all too well. The feeling of being watched. He looked out from the corner of his eye and he saw Fizz just standing there, watching him intently. If he had to guess, Fizz was there the whole fucking time, waiting for him to slip up and he caught him right there.

When he looked at Fizz in the eyes, the fucker's already sadistic grin grew even wider. He didn't need to hear the bastard to tell what he was thinking and he had the feeling that no good jester would be reporting this to Mammon in no time and that he'd get flack for it.

Still, there were several hours left on the clock. Fizz would no doubt be counting down for that very moment. He decided to savor the time he had before the inevitable came for him, heading back to the corner with Husk and pretending things were alright, that it was all going to be OK.

But he knew better than that...

After hours,Vox said goodbye to the others, giving an excuse about having to check something back in his tent and that he'd see them later. As he was walking, he tensed upon hearing a familiar laugh as Fizz asked,"Going somewhere, Vincent?"

"I know what you're here for, Fizz…" He said.

"Oh you do? Is that honesty I sense off of you?"

"No point in lying about something this obvious," He retorted,"We both knew you'd come for me. There's no point in lying about it. I don't know what exactly you're here to do but if you're gonna punish me for giving that kid a teddy bear you should do it now."

"Oh I'm not going to be the one doing the punishment, unfortunately. As much as I'd love to to torture you, that responsibility goes to Mammon. Speaking of which, he told me to come get you after I informed him of your actions…"

"I take it that I don't have any choice in the matter do I?"

"Nope. But I think we both already knew that, didn't we?" He chuckled,"Don't look at me like that. You knew what you were getting yourself into signing yourself away, didn't you? This is to be expected. Now, come along, Mammon wishes to see you."

Vox sighed, he knew better than to resist and followed Fizz, allowing the clown to lead him to Mammon. They traveled on foot for a while before approaching a large luxurious building with guards at the front.

Upon spotting Fizz, they immediately let him through, giving the jester clearance.

Fizz then dropped Vox off near a room and grinned menacingly,"His highness is inside his bedroom tonight. You should go join him. I'm certain he'd love it if you did…"

Vox cringed as Fizz opened the door. He reluctantly stepped inside, testing as the door shut and locked behind him.

'Shit…No going back now…' He then looked forward and saw Mammon standing there. He wasn't in his formal attire, instead wearing a burgundy robe. He took a deep breath before saying,"Hello Mammon, I heard that you wanted to see me…"

"Ah Vincent, about the time you came here. I've been expecting you," The Lord of Greed greeted, sounding as amicable as ever,"Tell me, how was the boy? Did he enjoy that present that you so selflessly gave out for free?"

"Yeah…He did. What's it to you?"

"Everything…" He answered slowly,"That attitude could cost me profits if it's allowed to continue…"

Vox scoffed,"It's just one doll, Mammon, an old one at that. You probably haven't purchased those types of toys in years, centuries even. Giving it to one kid is hardly affecting your bottom line. You're already the richest man in the land, one child getting a teddy bear isn't going to bankrupt you."

"But it still means less profits, had you just done your job and let the kid exhaust his mother of money they could've come back countless times, spending more money in the process. Thanks to you, they likely won't do that. Not only that, but they could've bought one of the prize Fizz dolls."

"The kid said your dolls were creepy so I doubt that…"

"Pah, children have no taste in true quality," He dismissed,"Naive pests don't understand how profitable and beautiful the designs of those dolls are. Your job was simple, Vincent, all you had to do was let the gullible folks throw their money away at the games yet you just had to take pity on a foolish child. Though I don't understand why, what made him different?"

"None of your business…" He grumbled,"Regardless, what are you going to do about it? I don't fear you, Mammon.."

The Greedy Lord laughed, holding his chin up,"We both know that's a lie, Vincent. I can sense your fear…you can't hide something so obvious from me…"

"You don't scare me, Mammon," He denied, pretending fear wasn't threatening to consume him then and there,"You can do your worst to me, it won't make a difference…"

Mammon seemed more amused by these taunts if anything and decided to call his bluff,"But what about the girl?"

Vox internally cursed,"What do you mean, Mammon?"

"You know, Helsa, that beautiful siren? I know you are quite fond of her…It would be quite a shame if something were to happen to her…"

"You wouldn't dare…"

"You know I can and I would…" He taunted,"And there is really nothing you can do to stop me, Vincent. You know that. We both do.."

Vox scowled,"You…you sick bastard…How dare you threaten to hurt Helsa…She's done nothing to you."

"I wouldn't want to, but if it's the only way to keep you in line, I'll consider my options…Though it doesn't have to be that way. After all, there are ways you can make up for your actions. Because truthfully, Vincent, I do like you, you're quite amusing and I like those who will do anything to protect those they care about. They make the best sources of entertainment…"

The former sinner clenched his fist,"What do I have to do to get you to leave Helsa alone?"

"You know what I want…" He whispered into his ear, the hairs on Vox's neck standing upright as the realization kicked in."Come on, Vincent, don't look shocked. Your entire being belongs to me, soul, mind and body. That is what we agreed to, isn't it?" He asked, motioning to Vox's hand that had the sigil on it."Don't tell me you've already forgotten who you belong to, have you?"

"I…I haven't…"

"Good, now do as you're told," He sneered,"Submit to me, Vincent. You know you want to…"

After a moment of pause, Vox 'made' a decision(more like accepting the inevitable at this point) before saying,"Get on with it, Mammon. Assuming you have the guts that is-Gah!" Vox suddenly was thrown against the bed, Mammon pinning his arms above his head.

He gasped as his wrists were bound with some sort of magical energy of chaotic nature as Mammon began to undo his clothes while spreading his legs apart and feeling up his body.

Vox was left at the mercy of the Greedy Lord for hours on end screaming throughout the rest of the night as he allowed the bastard to explore his body...

Tell me what you all think below! I'd love to know what you guys think below! Feedback is appreciated so long as you're being reasonable! Thanks for 5,504 views everyone! Keep it up!

Also if anyone asks why I made Fredrick ruler of Envy, it's because we haven't got an official design for the Sin of Envy and I based this off of the Journey To The Light Wiki's where he goes by Leviathan for his character. I wanted to mix the lore a bit into my fic so I went with this.

BTW if you want to know what Vox/Vincent said in the flashback he said,"I don't give a fuck! You owe me my money back!"

Enigmus-288: Yeah. I think everyone reading this story agrees with you even if they don't speak their thoughts aloud. Anyone whose made it this far probably views Val in a negative light to say the least.