Velvet made a face, it had been over a week since they had made the group vote. While Vox hadn't made any violent moves(thankfully), he was acting rather distant and got hostile whenever he was questioned about what was wrong with him, brushing off assistance with a cold shoulder…
But she knew better…
Whenever she saw Vox she noticed how exhausted he looked, his eyes were tired and it seemed like he always had some sort of headache that caused him severe pain to the point he struggled to stand at certain points of the day.
Several times they had to stop their journey purely because Vox crumbled to his knees and looked on the verge of fainting, screaming in agony and clutching his head.
After he recovered, he acted as if nothing happened and got icy whenever people tried to comfort him and refused to accept sympathy from others.
"Vox.." Velvet asked,"Are you alright? You look pretty awful…"
"I'm fine, Vel..really…" He mumbled,"I'm just…tired.."
"Vox, I've seen you when you were tired. This is not it. This is not normal. You don't gotta pretend it is, you can talk to me, you know that? We're friends here and friends don't hide things from friends…"
"Everyone has their own secrets, Vel. Not everything needs to be shared, especially when it comes to their private life…"
"Vox, you're one of the least private people I know," Vel said, not buying his lie,"Come on, I know you're just trying to pretend everything is fine but you know this ain't healthy…"
Vox scoffed,"Says the girl who stuffed herself with sweets and cupcakes on a daily basis to get a sugar rush in order to cure her 'boredom' after not getting enough likes on her latest photo. You are not one to talk about indulging in unhealthy coping mechanisms, Vel and I refuse to be lectured by you of all people about my actions."
"That's an entirely different ballpark and you know it," She huffed,"Quit trying to change the subject. I know I ain't all there in the head but at least people expect me to act crazy. You're supposed to be the level-headed one, Vox. And this ain't like you."
The former TV Demon pinched the bridge of his nose, partially out of annoyance and partially because of the migraine he had been experiencing. His head hurt like hell and he couldn't enjoy even a moment of silence with the whispers inside of his head. He hadn't gotten an iota of sleep and Vox was downright exhausted having to deal with such torment and having to hide the effects from the public eye.
He knew what the goal was, Mammon was trying to break him down, drive him insane and render him nothing but a raving lunatic hellbent on serving him and him alone. He was constantly trying to tempt him with things he knew Vox would want,targeting his sinful nature and using his vices against him.
He offered money…power…fame…a welcome return if he just submitted and granted him total control over himself.
A part of Vox wondered why Mammon hadn't taken over his body entirely. He figured a Deadly Sin would be able to control one person without issue, especially one that was bound to his command. The fact he had to resort to breaking Vox down instead of outright taking it over did bring into question how powerful he truly was or if there were any limitation on his powers…
Perhaps the distance was interfering with a full-takeover. It only allowed Mammon to influence Vox's mind and partially control his being but wasn't able to shake Vox's influence. Or perhaps he was playing the long game, waiting to break Vox down before taking him over completely.
Either that, or Vox's sheer willpower was preventing Mammon from controlling him entirely. Given how Vox usually found a way to snap out of Mammon's attempt to control him, he figured that even with his soul bond to him that Mammon simply couldn't fully take over someone without their mind being ripe for the taking lest he face backlash from the host.
It was just a theory and Vox wasn't entirely sure but it did make sense. If Mammon could've taken control over his body at any time he would've done it by now.
And it did make sense, all of Mammon's other workers complied with him without issue until he arrived. No doubt they had some sort of sigil on them too and they were all obedient and complacent.
Vox was neither of those things. He may have acted that way to earn Mammon's favor but he held no true loyalty towards him. Mammon viewed all of his works as disposable vessels and none of them dared to go against him out of fear of what he'd do to them. He however, hadn't stayed at the carnival long enough to be broken down and he still had a fair bit of resistance left.
Perhaps that was why he was trying to break him down first, that way he could control him without the risk of him fighting back. By forcing him to endure unbelievable amounts of pain on a daily basis, he'd break him down and leave him nothing but a shell of a man ripe for the taking.
If that was the case…Vox was not going to make it so easy for him. If he wanted control over him he'd have to pry it from his cold dead hands because if he gave up control…Mammon would hurt everyone, including those he called friend…
He grit his teeth when another migraine hit him, firmly standing his ground and letting out a pained hiss."F-Fuck…"
"Vox?" Velvet called out, snapping him out of his trance,"Vox, are you alright? Your eye color…its something wrong with your eyes? Do you have an infection?"
Vox sighed before weakly smiling at her to assure her otherwise,"You're seeing things, Vel."
"Vox, it's not normal for your eye color to change like that. I thought they were exaggerating about your eyes changing color but now…I'm not sure what to think…"
"Vel, I promise, it's fine…I'm fine…really.." He lied,"I told you before, it's really just a minor headache. I'm certain it'll pass. I've just been a little cranky that's all since it's been bothering me for a while…"
"That can't be all there is to it…"
"It's none of your concern, Velvet," He retorted firmly,"Do not question me, if I say I'm fine, then that means I"m fine. Nothing else to it."
Velvet frowned, tempted to try and continue the conversation but Vox had sped up his pace and turned his back on her before she could. She sighed in disappointment as her friend ignored her attempts to help him and summoned one of her ghosts in order to make her feel better.
They weren't made to be friends but they did try their best, offering a shoulder to lean on when Vox refused to open up to her. It wasn't much but it was at least something that would make her heart stop aching so badly…
"Thanks guys…you're the best…"
Angel saw this and leaned over to whisper to Charlie,"No offense but am I the only one who thinks it's weird she treats those ghosts constructs of hers like people? It's kind of creepy to be honest…"
"It's a little weird but it's nothing we haven't seen before. Besides, she's not harming anyone so I don't see why she can't…comfort herself with her constructs."
"It's weird as fuck to me…" He admitted,"I don't know about you but I ain't a fan of ghosts, bastards give me the creeps. I prefer people that won't haunt me for the rest of my life. Like Wiggles!" He then cuddled the pig in his arms,"Aw, you're so cute! Such a good boy, yes you are! You're the cutest pig ever! Ain't he adorable, Charles?"
Charlie nodded,"Yeah…he is…" She booped his snout playfully as the pig oinked at the affectionate contact.
Seviathan watched this act from afar, narrowing his eyes and scoffing. He couldn't believe Charlie had actually fooled these people into thinking she was a man. It was a good disguise, he'd give her that but he wasn't a fool like the rest, he knew it was her the moment he laid eyes on her.
Even after all these years, Charlie hadn't changed much, she still acted like a fool, believing in the betterment of others.
It was a naive belief and he couldn't understand the idea that demons could change for the better. As far as he was concerned, compassion was a weakness and anyone who thought sinners could change was a deluded fool.
To see her acting like she was a commoner amongst the other sinners was rather amusing though he did find it beneath her. He knew Charlie was a softie but he didn't think she'd resort to hiding her true identity by playing the role of a uneducated peasant.
The way she acted around Angel was something he found most peculiar.
If he had to guess, Angel had a crush on her and was completely unaware of Charlie's true gender. Not that he could blame him, Charlie's disguise was very good and she almost had him fooled for a moment but her eyes gave her away.
He was a little bitter and resentful, to think that his ex was getting all buddy buddy with Hell's top porn star filled with his distaste. What was he? Chopped liver? To think Angel Dust was preferable compared to him did make him envious…
Still, it wasn't all bad, he knew it'd come falling apart sooner or later.
Once Angel was aware of Charlie's true gender he'd likely lose interest in her altogether since it was a well known fact that Angel Dust was gay and flaunted it at every opportunity.
And boy he couldn't wait for it to blow up in her face.
It'd serve her right for dumping him, making him the laughing stock for all these centuries and earning the ire of his parents for all these years. Charlie breaking up with him caused a wedge within the family that never healed and his parents, most notably his father, never forgave him for ruining their chance at claiming Hell's throne.
He could still remember those damn lectures, the isolation he felt when they ignored him and the disappointment inside of their eyes every time they faced him. His parents were never close with him…but after that day, what little relationship they had only crumbled further and further into the abyss and the indifferent attitude they had ramped up by ten-fold…
Charlie his one shot at having his parent's approval and made him look like a fool for have Lucifer nearly throttle him only cemented his low opinion of the Magnes and he wanted to see them fall…
And if Charlie suffered…then so be it. She would FEEL the suffering that he endured for so long.
But not yet…no…she was still…comfortable with Angel. Angel was are..blissfully ignorant….He thought he had finally found his dream guy…oh how Seviathan couldn't wait to see his distraught expression when the guy he had been after turned out to be a girl the whole time…
'OK…Perhaps I'm being a little too harsh. The whole 'enjoying the sight of others suffering' is usually my sister's mojo…But I'm willing to make an exception on this one. Call it childish..but I have waited a long time for something like this and soon…Charlie will know my pain…'
"Hey Seviathan?" Husk asked,"Are you right? You've Been looking at Charles and Angel for a while…is something on your mind?"
"Uh…no," He mumbled,"I'm just fine. I was thinking that's all…"
"Uh-huh…Whatever you're is thinking about, try not to get lost in thought alright? The roads are probably gonna get bumpy so I just wanted to warn you on that note…"
"Oh…thanks I guess.." It was weird having someone care for your well being and Seviathan did his best to shrug off the feeling and focus on something else.
Just then, Alastor's movement came to a standstill, freezing in place."
"What are you doing, Al?" Niffty asked,"Are you tired? Do you need to rest?"
"Oh god, don't tell me you're already tired. We've already had to stop several times because of 'someone's headaches, don't tell me that shit is contagious is it?"' Angel asked irritably, ending Vox with a glare that was returned in a spiteful manner.
Al brushed Angel's statement off before saying,"Do you all feel that?"
"Uh…no?" Velvet retorted sarcastically,"I dunno what you're feeling Alastor but you should know the rest of us don't have earth bending powers and what not. We can't feel what you're feeling. Maybe your senses are getting more fucked up than they already are…"
"I'm certain of what I felt, Velvet,"He shot back,"And I know what I felt. I can hear the sound of many footsteps can only mean one thing…we are approaching civilization…"
"We are?" Charlie asked,"How far is it?"
"It's nearby…We should be approaching it within a few minutes…"
"Are you sure we're not approaching a cliff or something?" Vaggie inquired,"Wouldn't want you to be leading us to our deaths…"
Al scoffed,"Is there a reason all of you all question the validity of my claims? What have I done to deserve this ire?"
"Well other than being an untrustworthy scumbag, you're fucking blind and I don't trust your statements as completely reliable until I see it with my own eyes…"
"Just because I'm blind doesn't mean I' am incomplete,'' He hissed,"I know you all don't trust me but leading you astray would be a foolish move on my part given we're all on the same side. I am not purposefully trying to mislead you, and I'm fairly certain there is civilization up ahead and a grand one at that…"
"Guys," Charlie said," understand your skepticism but All is right. It wouldn't make sense for him to lead us astray and we should give him the benefit of the doubt. We should follow him and see where his senses lead us."
"You're way too trusting, Charlie. This could easily be a trick…"
"Or he could be wrong," Vox admitted,"Last thing I want is to end up crushed beneath a because Bambi couldn't differentiate between a rock-slide and a civilization…"
"Al knows the difference, Vox…I know he does…" Niffty growled,"Give him a chance will you? He's not trying to trick you…"
"Of course you would say that…" Vox said,"You're his friend, but the rest of us are not and I'm not keen on taking that old bastard's word for it on what is safe and what is not…"
"Guys, guys, let's not fight," Charlie ushered,"I understand you're not all fans of each other but let's refrain from poking each others buttons while we're here. There's been enough drama and we should not press any issues just because of our dislike for one another. Besides, there's a chance Al is right and we should see where this leads since we'll be approaching it soon…"
"Fine…" Vaggie groaned,"Just know that if he leads us to our deaths I'm not even going to bother saying I told you so…"
"Alright, Al…lead the way…"
"Thank you, Charles…I appreciate that you had trust in me unlike all the others. I may not fully understand your views but I do appreciate someone who believes in someone despite being told otherwise. Come on now, I'll show you where it is…"
They all followed Alastor's path(albeit reluctantly). After a few minutes, Al then said,"We're here…"
"We are?" Vox asked skeptically,"Are you certain of that Bambi? Because I don't see any-OH MY GOD!"
"What? What's the big idea, Vox?" Velvet asked before her jaw dropped,"WOWIE! Would ya look at that? It's…it's…"
"So huge…" Vaggie finished, equally astonished at the sight.
"That's what he said!"
"Shut the fuck up Angel!'
"Oh come on, that was funny!" He huffed,"Seriously, you've got no sense of humor, toots…"
"Angel, you promised not to cause any fights…"
"We ain't fighting, I'm just pulling her leg that's all…"
"Angel…"
"Alright, fine, I'll stop…" He groaned irritably,"Can't even have any fun around here…"
"W-What is this place?" Niffty asked as they stood over the hilltop, examining the world around them.
Husk narrowed his eyes before seeing a sign, squinting as he read out the words,"Welcome to the Kingdom of Pride. We hope you enjoy your stay…"
"Kingdom of Pride…Oh sweet Satan, don't tell me we've walked right into Lucifer's domain now did we?" Seviathan asked irritably.
"It sure does sound like we have…" Vox grumbled,"Just great, and to think I thought we had finally caught a break after all this time. No matter where we go there's always a Deadly Sin in our midst and the worst part is that it's the head honcho himself. And with our luck, he's likely just as nasty as our version of him is. And to think the other Deadly Sins were bad enough, we've now found ourselves in Lucifer's domain. That's just what we all needed isn't it?"
"Yeah..I'm so excited…"Seviathan grumbled,"Things just keep getting better. First our parents, then Mammon and now fucking Lucifer. That's just what I needed…"
"Believe me, I'm about as excited as you are, Seviathan,"The former TV Demon stated,"Screw this, we should turn back now while we still can. We've dealt with enough Deadly Sin bullshit, let's not make their jobs easier by walking straight into their territory."
"Turn back?" Charlie asked,"And then what? Live out in the forest for all our lives?"
"Living out there sounds a lot easier then going down there and getting caught. Besides, if we stay in there long enough there's a chance the Deadly Sins will stop looking for us."
"That idea doesn't sound half bad honestly,"Husk admitted,"I'm honestly kind of tired of those assholes…"
"We can't do that!" Charlie exclaimed,"if we stay here forever,we'll never find a way back home!"
"What makes you think there even is a way back?" Vox inquired,"The world is pretty primitive compared to our world's history, they don't even have cell phones, the chance they have some magic portal that can get us back home is pretty slim. This isn't the Wizard of Oz, Charles, we can't just wish our way back home. It's not that fucking simple."
"But there is a way out…at least..I think there is.."
"You think?" The blonde repeated,"I'm not asking if you 'think' there's a way out of here. I'm asking if you KNOW the way out of this world! Now do you have any concrete answers or not because you're trying my patience and I'm not in the mood for you wishy washy bullshit right now!"
"Well…it's not concrete but it's the best lead we got," Charlie pulled out the book she had been keeping on her person earlier and turned to the page about the Tower before showing it to Vox and his group,"This Tower Of Fate as they call it could be our ticket out of here. From what this book says, it's located all the way in the 'Holy Lands' so to speak and if we get there, there is a chance we might make it back home if we get to the top and wish for it to take us back to Hell."
Vox, Husk and the twin's faces had varied degrees of skepticism(though surprisingly Helsa and Seviathan seemed the least skeptical out of the four).
"You've gotta be kidding me," Vox grumbled,"This is the best you can do? A fucking book of myths is what you're relying on to get us out of here?"
"It's the only lead we have, Vox. I get you're all skeptical but it's really the only thing we've got going for us."
"Charles, this is ridiculous!" He exclaimed,"Not only are you asking all of us to believe there's some mythical Tower all the way out in the great unknown but you're telling me it just so happens to have wish granting abilities? This sounds like nothing more than a fairy tale, a myth! You're trying to get us to put our faith in something that may or may not even exist for crying out loud! This could all just be some wild goose chase for all we know!"
Charlie flinched as Vox got up in her face, anger evident in his expression.
"Hate to agree with the TV but he's right,"Husk admitted."May not have delivered in the nicest way possible but he's not wrong. This Tower sounds pretty sketchy and who's to say it even exists? It could be made up for all we know."
"I understand your skepticism but you gotta give it a chance. As unlikely as it sounds, this could be our ticket out of here given if we stay in this world…we'll be fugitives for the rest of our lives and I don't know about you, but that's not the life I want and I doubt you guys want that either."
"It's not about what we want anymore,"Vox retorted,"Believe me, if I had things my way I wouldn't even be here but I prefer being realistic. Even if this supposed Tower exists, who's to say it has the power to transport us back home? Do you truly believe it's that easy? That if we get to the top of the Tower we can just wish our way home? Because if there's anything about life that I've learned, it's that there's always a catch to this sort of thing. No good deed goes unpunished and I wouldn't be surprised if this Tower had some sort of trick installed on the off-chance anyone actually did make to the top. After all, if a place is rumored to have nobody return from it alive, there's likely a good reason for it."
"So you're just gonna give up?" She asked,"I thought you were better than that, Vox…"
"Oh don't pull that 'you're better than that' shit with me, Charlie,"He growled, his eyes glowing with a dangerous green glow,"You do NOT know me, almost no one here does and I don't appreciate you thinking that we are anything more than allies. The only reason I'm here is because we're all in the same predicament. Do not act as though we are friends because even if we were, going to this so called Tower would be a high task to ask out of someone. You don't even know if it's real. I won't be tricked into going on some wild goose-chase just because you're foolish enough to believe what you hear in some dusty old book."
"Hey!" Angel hissed,"Quit picking on Charles! He is just trying to help us, Vox! There's no need for such a dick! He's the only reason you're still in this goddamn group, show some goddamn gratitude towards your leader for fuck's sake!"
Vox's eye twitched as he glared at the taller male in disbelief,"Excuse me? My leader? Who died and made Charles King because I certainly don't remember pledging allegiance to him," Vox spat out,"Second of all, just because he kept me around doesn't mean I have to bend over backwards and follow everything he says like everyone else around here has! You all may be comfortable with Charle's decisions but I am well within my rights to question the validity of this Tower's existence! The only goddamn proof we have of this thing existing is a page in an old ass book with the most bare-bones description I've ever seen! There isn't even a sketch of what this place could possibly look like! How do you expect me to take Charles's claims at face value when there's no physical evidence this place exists!?"
"Because it's our only hope outta this place! Do you wanna stay in this world forever, Vox?"
"You're acting like I have a choice. I'd love to leave this place but unfortunately, my powers only apply to lightning, not the fabric of the goddamn universe so I'm afraid I can't just wish it true, sad as it is to say. Why? What's it to you?"
"Then how do you think the rest of us feel? We don't like being here either and this Tower is pretty much our only lead of potentially getting outta here."
"Oh good lord,"Vox groaned,"Don't tell me you actually believe this Tower nonsense, do you Angel Dust? I know you're a skank but even someone like you should know better than to fall for something like this.``
Angel scoffed,"I may be a whore but I ain't an airhead, Vox. Believe it or not, just about everyone here is skeptical of the Tower too. You ain't the only one, the only difference is we're not being absolute dicks like you are and taking our anger out on the kindest motherfucker that's ever roamed this fucking planet. I don't know what's gotten into you as you've been acting like even MORE of selfish jackass than usual but you better keep that shit to yourself since Charlie has been nothing but kid not you and I ain't gonna stand here and watch you walk all over him. If you're gonna mess with him, you're gonna have to deal with me."
Vox blanked,"Are…are you threatening me, Angel?"
"A threat is a taunt, this is a promise…"
"Why you…"
"He's right, Vox…"Seviathan said,"As amusing as it is to see you argue with Charlie, it is not helping anyone. Besides, while I doubt the Tower's existence, Helsa and I have done our own research back while we were in the Sea that points to the Holy Land actually existing."
"Oh great…and where'd you learn that from, Seviathan? Another dusty book?" He hissed.
"May be dusty but it was useful. I was only looking through it in hopes we could find a way to reverse Helsa's muteness and there was a passage about some sacred water being able to heal things. I'm not certain if it exists or not but given how the Holy Lands has been described as an actual place there is a chance these landmarks are real as well. Where they are still intact or not is currently up for debate given how it's likely been centuries since anyone has last been there."
Vox growled in frustration, not only did he feel like he was growing crazy with the people around him but the headache he was having was only getting worse with the way this conversation was going. It felt like everyone was just going what he was saying and continuing to indulge in this ridiculous idea that some all powerful Tower capable of granting any wish truly existed.
"You're insane!" He said,"This is absolutely insane! I cannot believe you believe you people actually believe this Tower is real! This is without a doubt, the most absurd thing I've heard in my entire life! Are you all that goddamn foolish that you actually think this place is real and that you can just wish your way out of this?"
"It's stupid but it's literally our best chance out of here,"Vaggie stated,"Unless you have better ideas, Vox, I suggest being quiet because Charlie is only trying to help with what she has. We don't have concrete owners so the best we can really do is hope that this lead is correct."
"Not only that, but with what the sirens said earlier…there's a chance that if the healing water exists, the Tower may exist. Assuming these were not the insane ramblings of ancient people, those books could've just given us the answers we were all looking for.``
"Oh god, not you too, Vel! Don't tell me you're actually falling for this bullshit!? Are Husk and I truly the ones calling bullshit on this?"
"Don't act like we're all naive fools, Vox. We may not believe this Tower fully but Charlie is the only one coming up with solutions and until I see anything out of you, then perhaps you should be quiet," Al said calmly.
"Besides, as crazy as it sounds, it's not like we haven't seen some wacky things since we fell down here. It's not entirely out of the question,"Niffty said,"Even if it's very unlikely…"
Vox rolled his eyes,"Even if the Tower did miraculously exist, there's more than likely some sort of catch to it. Good things are never free and there's bound to be something nasty lying deep inside that Tower. Who's to say the price is something any of us would be willing to pay?"
"Do you know what the price would be?" Charlie asked.
"I wouldn't know, but if I had to guess…it's not something I'd want to trade anything for. I don't know about the rest of us, but I'm not all too enthusiastic about putting my hopes into something like this. It's way too sketchy for my liking and I'm not much of a fan of putting my faith into things that aren't concrete. Nothing in this world is free, Charles and there's not a doubt in my mind this Tower is something far more malicious than you all give it credit for assuming it actually exists…"
"Then that's a risk we'll have to take. It's not something I desire of course, but considering the alternative is living as a fugitive for the rest of my life, I believe that it's at least worth a shot. If you and everyone who doubts is right then you can laugh in my face about it for the rest of time but I at least want to try before giving up and the only way to do that is to move forward, not look back."
"Easy to say when you haven't seen what the price truly is, because I'll tell you something, Charles, things don't come for free and this Tower that you view as our savior could very well be our devastator. The others may follow your word out of courtesy for your kindness but I'm not willing to overlook this," Vox remarked before growling and recycling in agony as another migraine hit him,"Argh! My head…it hurts…"
"Vox…are you alright? These headaches seem like they're getting worse. Do you need to lie down?"
Vox slapped Charlie's hand away,"Don't touch me!"
"Hey! Vaggie snapped,"Charlie was just trying to help you! Don't fucking hit him!"
"Yeah, keep your damn hands to yourself Vox!" Angel growled,"I won't hesitate to snap your bones like a twig if ya keep laying your hands on my boy over here. I don't give a damn if you've got a headache, keep that shit to yourself if you're gonna get into a shitty mood and attack people who are concerned for your well being!"
"Shut up! Shut up!" Vox hissed and Angel would've snapped back at the former Overlord had he not suddenly gripped his hair and started yelling not at him in particular, but at someone else,"G-Get out! GET OUT OF MY HEAD DAMMIT! GET OUT!"
"What the fuck is he talking about!?" Angel asked,"Is he going coo coo or something? He's been acting strange for a while but this is taking the cake…"
"Vox, you gotta snap out of it! Whatever you're hearing ain't real!" Velvet said,"I don't know what's happening to you but it's gotta stop!"
"SHUT THE FUCK UP!" He shouted, Velvet backing away in terror when Vox's eyes glowed with great ferocity,"JUST SHUT THE FUCK UP AND GET AWAY FROM ME! I'M SICK OF YOU PESTERING ME! LEAVE ME ALONE ALREADY YOU FUCKING BASTARD!"
Velvet hid behind Niffty who sent the younger woman a sympathetic stare. Vox slowly calmed down and winced,"Vel…I…"
"It's fine…" She mumbled,"I'll..I'll give your space, Vox…You look like you need it…Sorry for bothering you…"
"Vel, wait, I wasn't talking to y-" Velvet had already turned her back and Vox groaned,"Dammit…just what I needed…"
"Hey Vox…" Charlie said,"I believe it's best if you catch a breather over there for a minute. You seem…rather stressed and perhaps it'd do you some good if you stood back and calmed yourself down. We'll wait for you when you're ready…"
Charlie asked for the others to leave, however Husk stayed behind and told Niffty and Velvet to carry the twins for him.
"Are you sure you wanna stay with him?" Angel asked,"The guy has something wrong with him. He might hurt ya in his crazed state. Wouldn't wanna lose that pretty face of yours now would ya?"
"I'm not worried," Husk said,"I've dealt with him before and I don't scare easily. I just need to talk to him for a moment. We'll catch up with you guys. Just give me and him a minute…"
"Suit yourself. Just be sure to tell if he tries killing ya…"
"I doubt I'll need to…"
When the others left, Husk turned his attention to Vox who sat on a log with his head buried in his hands with shame. He approached the younger male before asking,"Mind explaining what that outburst of yours was, Vox?"
"What do you mean?"
"Who were you talking to?"
"No one…I wasn't talking to anyone…"
"That's bullshit and you know it," Husk said,"Don't fucking lie to me, TV. I know you weren't speaking to Velvet or anyone here for that matter when you were shouting,especially since you were telling the person to get outta your head and no one here is capable of telepathy as far as I'm aware…"
"It's…it's none of your business…"
"It is my business. Frankly, it's everyone's given how your outbursts effect this entire group," Husk stated in a matter of fact tone,"You can't just have these outbursts where you're clutching your head in agony and shouting at someone who ain't there and expect the rest of us to brush it off. The first time I can at least understand that you thought Al was a danger to Helsa but this has no reasonable explanation. I thought at first you were just pissed that Angel was pressing your buttons but then you started yelling for someone to get out of your head and I realized something was truly wrong with you…"
"What's it to you? Can't you all just leave me be? I don't need your goddamn help…"
"You don't? Because it sure sounds like you do without the amount of pain in your mouth. Look at yourself, Vox. You look awful. I'm impressed you haven't fallen over into the grave a second time with how dreadful you look…"
"Thanks for the compliment,"He replied,"I'm well aware I don't look my best, Husk.. There's no need to rub it in."
"Not rubbing it in, just stating facts, Vox. You can't ignore this forever, I don't know what you're going through but it wouldn't hurt to talk about it. We're all a team here and whatever your 'problem' is becomes our problem when it starts affecting how this group operates."
"Like I said, I'm fine. I appreciate the help but I don't need it."
"We both know that's a lie, Vox. You need help…"
He scoffed,"Even if I did need help, I sure as hell am not gonna get it from any of you. I'd rather deal with my problems myself than you all try and 'fix me' so to speak…"
"You know that ain't healthy right?"
Vox actually laughed, it wasn't a genuine one of course, but a dry chuckle that was dripping with darkness in his tone,"Oh I know you didn't just try and lecture ME about what is healthy. That is like the kettle calling the pot are in no position to judge me, Husk, especially given you cling to alcoholism like it's the only thing keeping you going…"
"Hey, I never said drinking was healthy," He admitted,"I may be a depressed drunk but I know it ain't healthy. Just too fucking tired to quit. You on the other hand…you're not dealing with a drug problem."
"How would you know?" It was a rhetorical question of course, Vox knew his problem had nothing to do with drugs but he was interested to see how Husk would respond.
"I haven't seen you indulge in drugs since I met you. Second of all, this only started happening after we escaped the carnival. You were fine up until then but once we left, you took a downward spiral and it's only gotten worse with time. Whatever you're experiencing isn't normal, Vox."
"I know it's not normal…"
"Then why don't you tell us what's causing it? Maybe we could help…"
Vox rolled his eyes,"You wouldn't be able to. That's beyond your comprehension…"
"Are you certain of that, Vox?"
"Very…" He said,"Look, I understand you're just trying to help me, but don't bother. Its not worth it. I can't be helped…"
"You sound like you've already given up on yourself…Is it really that bad?"
"More than you realize…"
Husk made a face, having reached a standstill. He wasn't quite certain what to do, Vox refused to tell what exactly was causing his headaches and whatever he was experiencing was far worse than he initially imagined.
He wanted to help him..but he truthfully wasn't sure how. Comforting wasn't his specialty and while he could deliver harsh truths to someone, comforting them through a rough time wasn't in Husk's natural skill-range.
"Vox..I know we're not friends here. To be honest, you are probably one of the most irritating people I know, second only to that smiling bastard we all know and hate.."
"Aw, only second? I'm hurt…"
"Oh ha ha, very funny,"He grumbled,"The point is, as annoying as you are, I still like ya enough as a teammate to give a damn about your well being. Because the way you've been acting ain't like ya and it's starting to concern everyone."
"Pfft, the others don't care. The only reason they might even notice is because it's slowing them down…"
"Alright fine, some of them probably don't care about you as a person and it's within their right to do so. Regardless, I know there are those who genuinely care for you. Like Velvet, Charlie…Helsa…and…and.."
Vox snickered dryly at this statement,,"Are you struggling to include yourself in that list? Is that empty shell where your heart used to be growing soft?"
"You're pushing your luck, Vox. All I'm just saying, you've got people who care for you and locking yourself up like this only hurts you in the long run. You'll put not only your mental and physical health at risk but your soul as well…"
"My soul?" Vox cackled bitterly, Husk startled by this,"My soul is already forfeit, Husk. It lost its value a long time ago…" He then thought somberly,'It also doesn't belong to me anymore…'
"Is there any way we can help you, Vox?"
"You can't…" He said with a sick chuckle,"You can't save me…it's far too late for that. There's no point in trying to help the damned, Husk, you of all people should know better than to help someone who's far too gone…."
"You think you're beyond salvation?"
"I know I am…" He admitted,"Just like every other sinner, we've lost our chance to be good long ago and I'm not gonna deny what I am. Just another twisted bastard like everyone else. I don't know what Charlie's got in his mind thinking he can change us, but it's all naive nonsense. Demons cannot change. They can't improve for the better because in order to improve, it has to be something they want. And no one wants to change, no one wants to give up their vices or freedom for that matter. Too bad that poor fool can't understand that because if he did, he'd realize every demon he sees is a lost cause…"
"I don't exactly agree with him either, but you shouldn't give up on yourself just yet. Especially if we ever want to get out of here…"
"Oh don't tell me you believe that that Tower really exists do you? Come on, Husk, I know you don't actually buy that garage Charlie's telling everyone…It's all a bunch of fable bullshit."
"Never say never, Vox. This world isn't bound to the rules that we're familiar with. It still has a magical aurora to itself so there is a chance the Tower is real."
"Even IF it is real, who's to say it'll work as intended? Because even if Charlie is right that the Tower is not a myth, the chance it can just wish us home without consequence is highly unlikely. This is not a fairy tale where we all live happily ever after, there has to be a catch…"
"You're probably right, I'm not too sure about the wishing stuff either but it could be our only way out. I don't trust it for a second but I'd rather take my chance with the Tower than be on the run for the rest of my life and I know deep down, you do too…"
"You don't know anything…"
"I do know you wouldn't want to live in the woods for the rest of your life…Besides assuming the Tower does exist, there is a chance we could go home…"
"I doubt it can grant us that," He replied,"Though assuming it can grant wishes, perhaps it would be wise to use it for our own purposes."
"What are you talking about, Vox?"
"Oh don't play dumb with me, you know this Tower won't actually bring us home. Even if it can grant wishes, the idea that something like that can actually bring all ten of us home is something I'd see only in fairy tales. I'm merely being pragmatic because assuming it's not made up of course, the Tower realistically would be able to grant us an array of reasonable wishes…"
"What type of wish are you talking about, Vox?"
"I'm not quite certain. There are so many things I desire...Money...power..fame..I want it all but if I had to pick...the perfect partner for me. That is what I want most…"
"What about Helsa?"
"After that disaster with Alastor? Do you really think she would like me? She's probably terrified of me...not that I can blame her. Who wouldn't be terrified of me at this point?"
"Me?"
"That's nice, Husk. But that's just not enough for me…"
"So you're just gonna give up on her without even trying to give her a chance?"
"I can't take a risk, Husk. I already blew my chance…" He mumbled sorrowfully, refusing to make eye contact with the former veteran."You know what it's like to lose someone, don't you? Because if you do, then you should know why I'm doing this. I am not dealing with another loss…"
Husk frowned, he knew the feeling all too well but he didn't feel this was how Vox should handle things.
"You should think about it too. Wouldn't kill you to be a bit greedy now would it? It's not like you actually believe in the Tower like Charlie does. You should think of your wish…"
"I'll think about it…" He admitted,"Say, why don't we go catch up with the rest of the group? They probably think you attacked me or something…"
"Fair enough…" Vox sighed before standing up and regaining his footing.
"Alright, let's get going…"
Vox nodded before flinching as another surge of whispers entered his head,"Dammit not again…" Not only was it Mammon's voice but some other demonic voices that he had grown far too familiar with being inside of his head.
"You can't avoid us forever, Vincent…"
"Resisting only prolongs the inevitable, why fight it? If you just surrender yourself to Mammon things would be SO much easier…"
The part that sent shivers down his spine was when Mammon boomed over all of them with a sickeningly calm yet malicious voice,"You're quite stubborn, Vincent. I must give you credit on having such a strong resistance to my control. Yet you are not immune. Whether you are willing to admit it, you are becoming more of a slave to your sinful desires and sooner or later, your resistance will wane. I know you're curious as to why I didn't take control of you when I first had the chance. Truthfully it's more fun to see you struggle. Besides, there's no harm in toying around with things, is there? It's not like you can stop me. Remember, I can read your thoughts whenever I choose to and I know where you are. We'll be seeing each other far sooner than you think, Vincent. I look forward to reclaiming what is rightfully mine."
Vox grit his teeth,"Gngh..shut up…"
"I didn't even say anything!" Angel hissed.
He spluttered,"I wasn't talking to yo-Ugh! You know what? Nevermind. I'm not even going to bother with this one. Let's just get going before something happens…"
Charlie nodded in agreement,"Fine. Come on guys, to Pride we go…"
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Enigmus-288: And then they'd shoot them both. If they were alone it'd be one thing but with a group of people around Arackniss he had to make a difficult call.
Fair enough. It's supposed to make people mad since Val is getting away with everything just like he is in canon. People are supposed to hate the fucker.