AN: Hey guys, I just want you to know that I'll be taking a week off from updating to deal with some personal matters. It's nothing to worry about and I should be back to updating either Monday or Tuesday. Anyway, I hope you like this chapter in the meantime. Thanks, as always, for reading and have a great day :)
Disclaimer: Vivienne Medrano owns Hazbin Hotel.
The day was stretching on, seemingly endless as he lay there bored out of his mind. Being bedridden was not very entertaining, Alastor was finding, and he wanted nothing more than to be able to stretch his legs. Rosie and, to a lesser extent, Vox refused to allow him to do so, however, stating it was too soon for him to be walking around after receiving such a grievous injury. So here he was, halfway through his third coaster. He figured since he had nothing better to do he may as well knit one for each of his friends. It gave him something to focus on while keeping his mind off the fact that he was effectively helpless at the moment. He'd already finished Charlie's and Vox's and was now working on Husk's, the cat demon's being black, red, and white in alternating colors. He even planned on making one for Lucifer, though he wasn't sure the king would accept it. In his mind, it was the least he could do to repay the man after he'd rid his body of the poison tainting his wound.
Letting out a frustrated sigh, he carefully set his project to the side and glanced out the window beside his bed, concern shining in his eyes. After their discussion this morning, Vox had mentioned needing to return to V Tower to gather his belongings. That had been several hours ago. Now, he knew the other overlord could handle himself but still, Alastor couldn't help but worry. If only he'd been stronger, he would have loved to give Velvette and Valentino a firm talking to, maybe with a few threats thrown in for good measure. Sadly, he wasn't able to accompany his friend though he'd been relieved when Husk had volunteered to go in his place, Charlie supporting the idea before she and the rest had left for the day to continue working on the hotel. Alastor wished he could see what they were all getting up to. Surely it was more amusing than being stuck in this room?
'Maybe I could check on them?' The overlord thought to himself, a plan forming in his mind. 'Hmm, I wonder. It should be possible as long as I don't overdo it.'
He'd regained a small portion of his strength in the day and a half since he'd first awoken, not enough to do much but he could manipulate his shadow if he was careful of how much energy he was spending. With that in mind, he figured it wouldn't hurt to check in on Vox. Then, if he was feeling up to it, he might see how the construction was coming along at the hotel. Just as he was about to summon his shadow, however, a knock sounded and he quickly put his plans on hold.
"Alastor, Sweetheart, how are you doing?" Rosie's voice sounded as the door creaked open, revealing the woman's smiling face as she leaned into the room. "I've got to return to the shop shortly but I had a moment so I figured I'd check on you. Is there anything you need? More yarn, perhaps?"
"That's quite alright, Rosie, no need to worry," the Radio Demon replied before faking a yawn. "I think I may take a nap, I'm feeling a little tired."
"Yes, that's probably a good idea," she responded, nodding in agreement to his words. "Rest is the best thing for you right now. Don't you fret, dear, you'll be back on your feet in no time."
He didn't answer, merely turned his face away to continue looking out the window. Hearing a soft sigh from the woman, he felt a little spike of guilt.
"I'll check on you again later," Rosie murmured, voice filled with warmth. "Rest well, Alastor."
With that, the cannibal closed the door with a quiet click and he was alone once more. He waited for five minutes to make sure the female sinner wouldn't return before gathering his strength and calling his shadow. It was slightly more taxing than normal and he knew he wouldn't be able to keep it up for long. No matter, what he wanted wouldn't take much time. Sending the being forth, Al watched through his shadow's eyes as it sank into the darkness only to reemerge in the penthouse of V Tower soon after.
"Vox, would you listen to me for a damn moment!" A voice shouted and he quickly directed the shadow in that direction.
It emerged into what appeared to be the living room and from his vantage point he could just make out Vox and Husker on one side of the room, several boxes stacked around them with Velvette standing a few feet away. The woman had her hands held up as if trying to show she wasn't a threat. He couldn't see Valentino anywhere. Alastor assumed that meant he was working today. All the better for his friends, they'd only have to deal with the female Vee and it appeared she had no wish to fight. Hiding his shadow behind a nearby planter, the Radio Demon listened in to what the group was arguing about.
"Why should I listen when you didn't let me get a word in before kicking me to fucking the curb?" Vox retorted, anger and hurt clashing on his face. "I told you about Al because I trusted you assholes! You were my friends but when my other friend was hurt, you both turned your backs on me without a second thought!"
"I'm sorry, okay? I know that was a shitty thing to do but I was upset! It felt like you were replacing us." The woman had the audacity to say and Alastor felt his skin prickle with rage as she continued. "Come on, V, you're overreacting. What's a little spat between friends?"
Usually, Al hated resorting to violence when a woman was involved but right now all he wanted was to rip her tongue out of her mouth. He knew what so-called 'little spats' between friends were like. Hell knows he and Vox have had their fair share and he'd never once have thought of doing what they'd done. If it weren't for Husk speaking up then, Alastor might have attempted to shadow warp himself to V Tower and fulfill his desire.
"I don't think he's overreacting at all. You fuckers messed up, plain and simple, you've got no one to blame but yourselves." The cat demon stated, eyes glaring at the female sinner. "Now you're pissy cause someone's calling you out on all your bullshit."
"Also, for your information, Velvette, I've been friends with Alastor longer than I've fucking known you," Vox spoke once more, a lingering sadness hidden behind angry eyes. "If anyone had the right to be afraid of being replaced, it was him. But guess what? He trusts me enough not to worry about such a thing! I think you need to take a good, hard look at yourself before trying to apologize again cause as of now, I don't accept it."
Alastor's ears perked up with pride, the shadow's doing the same, as Vox let the other overlord know exactly where they stood. It seemed there was nothing to worry about, after all. He was about to recall his shadow, seeing no reason to remain any longer, when the TV Demon turned around unexpectedly and a look of surprise crossed his face. Al quickly had the shadow sink away but it was too late, he knew the other had seen. With that in mind, Alastor decided not to risk further consequences by checking on the hotel group as he knew Vox would be upset enough at him as it was.
-XXX-XXX-XXX-
Taking a deep breath through his nose to calm his frustration, Vox focused back on the task at hand, namely grabbing his stuff so he could get out of there as quickly as possible. Still, he couldn't believe that fucker! They'd told Alastor multiple times that he shouldn't try and use his powers yet, not until he was stronger, yet what does he do the moment they leave him alone? Uses his shadow to spy on him! For fuck's sake, what part of don't use your powers did he not understand? When he got back to Rosie's Al was going to get a piece of his mind, that's for sure.
"Vox, please don't say that." A quiet voice drew his attention back to the matter at hand and he turned to face Velvette once more. "I'm sorry, alright? I'll do better just... don't leave... not like this."
"I thought you guys wanted me gone, after all, you're the ones who kicked me out." He replied, done with this shit. "If you were so sorry, why didn't you call or text or something? You're always on your phone, you could have spared a moment to reach out."
"I didn't think it was right to do over the phone!" She exclaimed, eyes filling with tears. "We treated you so horribly, that's not something you apologize for by sending a damn text!"
Letting out a weary sigh, the male overlord took a moment to think. Velvette seemed genuinely upset by her actions but he wasn't ready to forgive her, not now at least. He stood by what he'd told her a few minutes ago. No matter how much she begged, it wouldn't change what had happened. Both Velvette and Valentino had hurt him deeply.
"These things take time, you know. There's no quick fix, no cure-all to broken trust... just hard work." Husk said, a comforting paw landing on Vox's shoulder. "I think you could both use a fucking break. Why not take a few days to think things over? If you still want to apologize then, set up a time to talk and see where it goes from there. How's that sound?"
The two overlords met each other's eyes, silently appraising one another before nodding in tandem.
"I can live with that." Velvette agreed, a serious expression on her face.
"I guess it wouldn't hurt, but I'm not making any promises. Just because I agree to meet, doesn't mean I'll forgive you." He replied, vehemently.
"I know. It's enough that you're willing to try," the other said, voice cracking slightly. "Now, you'd best get going before Val shows up. I may be ready to admit that we were wrong but he sure as hell ain't. Do you have everything?"
Taking a final glance around the place he'd called home for so long, Vox felt his heart clench. This was probably the last time he'd return here. Even if they did make up, he couldn't see himself living with the pair in the future. Still, so many memories had been made in this place and while some were bad, they were mostly good. It saddened him to leave that all behind. Though thinking about Alastor and the members of the Hazbin Hotel, maybe it wasn't the end... maybe it was simply a new beginning. That thought made him feel exponentially better and he felt a small smile grace his face as he nodded.
"Yeah, I think that's all of it," Vox spoke, soft voice wavering with emotion. "Take care, Velvette."
"You too, V." The woman returned, tears beginning to stream down her face as she clasped her hands in front of herself. "I really am sorry."
Without so much as looking back, he helped Husk gather the boxes and they made their way downstairs to load it all into his car. They'd already made multiple trips so the vehicle was rather packed. Once they'd managed to cram it all in Vox took a second to soothe his nerves. Then, taking his seat, he put the key in the ignition and started the engine. Within minutes they were on their way.
It didn't take long to get back to Rosie's as there wasn't much traffic at this time of day. Once they'd arrived, the blue sinner parked the car and told Husk to leave the boxes for now before immediately jumping out and stomping toward the shop. He had a deer to reprimand. Brushing past Rosie who called out a warm greeting, Vox stomped up the stairs and straight to Al's room. Pushing open the door, he saw his friend propped up on the bed, a soft smile on his face as he worked on his knitting. When he entered the room, the other male carefully set the needles and yarn on the nightstand before looking up at him with wide, innocent eyes.
"Cut the act, Alastor. I know what you did." He voiced, moving to tower over his friend.
"Whatever are you talking about, my good fellow, I've been working on my knitting all afternoon," he denied, causing Vox to snap in frustration.
"Damn it, Al, what the hell were you thinking? We told you not to use your powers! Couldn't you just listen for a change!" He yelled, toning it down when he saw the other flinch. "Look, I'm sorry, okay? Just promise me you won't do something stupid like that again, it's for your own good."
There was a moment of hesitation where Vox was sure the other demon would refuse, then Al nodded, face completely serious and he let out a relieved breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding.
"Okay, I promise," Alastor spoke softly, remorse clear in his voice.
"Good," he said, letting the tension in his body relax as he took a seat on the bed, pulling the other male into a tight hug. "You really worried me, you know? What if you passed out from using too much energy and no one was here?"
A fond laugh filled the air as the deer nestled his head against Vox's chest, his antlers poking in slightly but not enough to cause discomfort.
"You worry too much, I was being careful." His friend uttered, voice slightly muffled. "I only wanted to check on you to make sure nothing happened. I had no way of knowing if a fight had broken out."
A caring smile spread over his face as he reached up to run a hand over the other's head, deliberately messing up the red hair.
"Remind me, who's the one that worries too much?" He joked, earning a huff as Alastor pulled back with a muted growl, fixing his hair the best he could without a comb. "You still have your phone, right? You could have just called."
"You know I hate using that infernal device," the Radio Demon pouted before continuing. "Besides, I left it in my room at the hotel."
"Oh for... Al, phones are useless if you don't have them on you." He lectured for the umpteenth time as this was a reoccurring event that's happened often since he'd first gotten the damn thing. "You agreed to use it for emergencies but that doesn't work if you leave it in your room!"
Before the other had the chance to respond, the sound of shattering glass split the air and Vox pulled Alastor tight against him once more, curling around the weaker male to shield him as glass rained down from the window beside the bed. Lifting his head, he noticed a rock lying on the floor nearby. A second later, another flew through the remaining window, sending more glass careening around them. He cursed as he felt it bite into his skin and saw Al wince as the same happened to him. Having had enough, he jumped to his feet with Alastor held securely to his chest. Ignoring the older sinner's protests and thanking Lucifer he was still wearing his shoes, he swiftly retreated from the room.
"What's happened? Are you both alright?" Rosie called frantically, meeting them in the hallway with Husk close behind.
"Some punks decided it would be a good idea to throw rocks through the fucking windows," Vox explained, anger coursing through his system as he saw a thin trail of blood flowing down Alastor's cheek.
A troubled look crossed the woman's face and, to be honest, he couldn't blame her. Why the hell was this happening now, hadn't they been through enough in the last few days?
"You can put me down now, old pal," Al said with an embarrassed tone, tapping him on the arm to gain his attention. "I'm perfectly capable of standing on my own, besides, your hands are bleeding."
Huh, he hadn't even noticed in all the excitement. Now that it was pointed out to him it was rather obvious and he could feel them beginning to sting. He never got a chance to say anything, though, as Rosie chose that moment to voice her displeasure.
"Don't even think about it, mister." The woman admonished, hands on her hips. "Vox, be a dear and follow me, once we get you both taken care of you can lay him on the couch in the sitting room."
Vox snickered at Alastor's annoyed expression, catching Husk doing the same as they both followed the Cannibal Queen. Once they'd arrived, she rushed off to get new clothes for them both to change into as the ones they were wearing still had pieces of glass stuck to the material. She also grabbed the first-aid kit and cleaned the various cuts they'd gotten from the ordeal. Once that was finished, they got Al situated on the couch (thankfully away from any windows) and Rosie turned to address them with a serious expression.
"I believe it would be best to call Charlie and get her to return with the others as quickly as possible," Rosie revealed, dark eyes full of concern as she took a seat beside the couch. "We need to discuss what just happened."
-XXX-XXX-XXX-
Upon receiving an urgent call from Husk, Charlie and the rest of the hotel group, along with Lucifer and Cherri, rushed back to Rosie's Emporium. When they arrived, the princess gasped in shock. She could clearly see the broken windows on the second floor, the ones that led into Alastor's room. Filled with concern for her friend, the young woman rushed through the shop, taking the stairs two at a time before bursting into the sitting room with a wild look on her face.
"Alastor!" She exclaimed, racing to his side. "Are you okay? What happened? Husk said that someone threw rocks at the windows! Why would they do that?"
"Calm down, babe," Vaggie soothed after managing to catch up to her distressed girlfriend, gently wrapping an arm around her shoulders in support.
"I am fine, Charlie, nothing to worry about," Alastor replied, though it did little to assuage her worry as she could see the band-aid on his cheek where the glass must have cut him.
Taking a look at Vox, she noticed he had a few as well, mostly on his hands and arms. It was clear that he'd protected Al and she felt a rush of gratitude fill her heart. The last thing their friend needed was a setback so soon into his recovery.
"I'm glad you're all safe," Charlie sighed, meeting the eyes of her friends.
"Same here, but I still wanna know what happened!" Angel Dust spoke up, standing next to Husk and Cherri. "Was this just a random crime or is it something else? Do we know?"
"It was probably random seeing as no one knows Alastor's here except us, much less that he's injured," Vaggie stated, though she fell silent as Rosie shook her head.
"I'm afraid not," She revealed, taking out a couple pieces of crumpled parchment from her dress pocket. "You see, when I grabbed the first-aid kit from Alastor's room I found something. There were pieces of paper attached to the rocks that were thrown. This was a targeted attack."
Shock swept through the crowd as the female overlord spread the first paper out on the small table in front of the sofa. What met their eyes was horrifying. On the wrinkled page lay a rather crude drawing of Alastor. His chest was sliced open in a familiar line, though this time his entrails were hanging out of the wound, and his head was severed, laying a small distance from the rest of his body.
"What the hell?" Someone muttered, though she couldn't tell who it was at first, only realizing it was Husk once he continued. "That's some fucked up shit."
Charlie choked back tears, her hand flying to her mouth as she glanced at her injured friend. Alastor had gone slightly pale and, though he was attempting to appear unfazed, she could tell this had rattled him. The second piece of paper was laid out in a similar fashion to the first, this one only containing a single sentence. There, for all to see, were the words 'Radio is fucking dead.' scrawled across the page in messy script. Pushing himself up on his elbow, Al reached out and grabbed the paper, pulling it closer as he examined it with great intensity before meeting her gaze.
"Those miscreants sure lack creativity, do they not, my dear?" Alastor laughed humorlessly, the note held tightly in his trembling hands.
"What do you mean, Al?" She questioned, placing a comforting hand on the sinner's arm. "I'm afraid I don't understand."
He took a shaky breath, visibly trying to calm himself as the rest of their friends gathered closer in a show of silent support.
"Those are the same words Adam said before cutting me down," he revealed, dismay and outrage filling the hearts of everyone in the room at this revelation.
"What the hell?" Angel exclaimed, running a troubled hand through his hair. "How the fuck do these assholes know what Adam said to ya, Smiles?"
It was quiet for a moment, Alastor shrugging in obvious frustration at his lack of knowledge before a low growl drew everyone's attention to where Vox had begun to pace. Charlie watched, warily as the man quickly scrolled through something on his phone before throwing the thing at the wall where it proceeded to shatter into a hundred pieces.
"Motherfucker!" The TV Demon swore, breathing heavily while his eyes blazed with anger. "I can't believe this shit."
"Care to share with the rest of us?" Cherri spoke up calmly, though Charlie could tell how upset the girl was from the slight waver in her voice.
"That fucking hag, Katie Killjoy, got a hold of my surveillance drone. She showed the video of Al's defeat to all of Pentagram City!" The blue overlord revealed, face pulled into a snarl as his voice dripped with contempt. "Because of that bitch, everyone knows that he's in a weakened state!"
"What? But how did she get the footage?" Charlie said, a worried frown on her face as she watched the distressed demon. "I thought your electronics had the best security in Hell!"
"They do," he affirmed, brows drawn together as he pondered her question. "I have no idea how she managed to bypass it, unless... no... no fucking way! That asshole! Damn it all to hell, Valentino must have given it to her. The other Vees and I are the only ones who have access to the security codes and I know for a fact Velvette wouldn't have done such a thing... not after how she acted when I spoke with her earlier. Fuck! This is all my fault!"
Rosie wrapped her arms around the frustrated overlord, gently running a hand over his back.
"Hush now, you're being too hard on yourself." She said in a pacifying way, her voice soft and gentle. "No one blames you, especially not Alastor, isn't that right?"
"Yes indeed," Al agreed, though Charlie could tell he was forcing the cheerful tone. "If anyone's to blame it's that pesky moth."
Seeing that Vox had calmed down thanks to his fellow overlord's words, the Princess of Hell turned her attention to the rest of her friends. They were talking amongst themselves, debating the best course of action. She knew they needed a plan, after all, killing the Radio Demon would be a huge accomplishment for any demon wanting a status boost. She couldn't allow that to happen. Alastor was her friend, her partner, they'd started the hotel together and Charlie would be damned if she continued it without him. Turning to face Alastor once more, she found him staring into space, fear hidden in his eyes and his smile barely present. It was clear he wasn't used to being at such a disadvantage and it was starting to get to him. She needed to find a way to reassure him, to show that everything would be fine and that he could trust them to keep him safe. Just then, a thought crossed her mind and she smiled. They'd already finished building the hotel, all that was left was to put the finishing touches on the decorations. That could wait, however. This was much more important. If her plan worked it would distract Alastor as well as let them protect him better. It was a win-win!
"Hey, Al?" She called, the room falling silent as she successfully drew everyone's attention. "We've got a surprise for you. Do you think you're up for it?"
The group who'd been helping with the reconstruction instantly caught on to what she was saying, their faces shifting to happier expressions as they all stared at the deer. For a moment, Alastor simply stared at her, confusion evident in his eyes. Then, his ears perked up and the confusion turned to curiosity, swiftly overpowering the fear she'd previously seen in his crimson orbs.
"And what, pray tell, is this surprise?" He asked, the slight tremble in his voice the only sign that he was still worried about the notes.
"We need to go to the hotel to show you," Charlie revealed cheerfully, keeping a firm hold on her own negative emotions. "It wouldn't be much of a surprise if I told you, now would it?"
"Hmm, very well, I suppose I can humor you." He agreed and she quickly moved to give him a gentle hug, breathing a sigh of relief that her plan was working.
The quicker they got Alastor back to the hotel where it was more fortified the better. After that, they'd just have to make sure nothing happens before he could make a full recovery. Hopefully, there would be no more problems or threats like what had happened today but, if there were, she knew they'd be ready. If a fight did break out she wouldn't hesitate, after all, she would be fighting to protect someone she loved and there was no way she'd allow herself to lose.