AN: Gah! Val is such a sleazeball. It was horrible to write his sections in this but I hope I did it justice. So, putting that aside, I'm not the best at fight scenes so I hope you don't mind that I'm skipping over most of the action. Thanks for reading and I hope you have a great day :)
Warning: Very brief mention of intent to commit sexual assault but nothing actually happens.
Disclaimer: Vivienne Medrano is the owner of Hazbin Hotel.
Staring down the barrel of Val's pistol, Vox held his hands up in surrender. He stood no chance against the moth while he had the weapon aimed at his head, he knew that but it still pissed him off. He wanted nothing more than to shock him again though he knew it was too risky. If he so much as moved a muscle, the man could shoot him. He didn't know whether or not Valentino possessed angelic bullets but that didn't matter. It would still hurt like a bitch if he didn't and he wasn't fond of the idea of dying even if it wasn't permanent.
"Wrong move, mi amigo," the other overlord hissed, anger radiating from him as he lowered the gun. "But I won't kill you, in fact, I'll be nice and give you some time to think things over."
Letting out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding, Vox allowed his tense posture to relax slightly. He was still on guard, it wouldn't due to let that slip, but he wasn't as anxious as he'd been a moment prior.
"So what?" He asked, cautiously gauging the other's reaction. "You're just going to keep me locked up until I give in to your demands? Sorry to break it to you but that ain't happening."
"We'll just see about that." Val jeered, top arms crossed while his bottom ones rested on his hips. "You of all people should know how persuasive I can be. For now, though, why don't you take a nap? We'll talk more when you wake up."
With that said, the moth demon sauntered out of the room, not bothering to look back as Vox called after him, not having been able to ask about his plans for Alastor. As soon as the door shut, the lights switched off, plunging him into darkness as a fragrant gas began filling the air. Vox was unconscious before he even knew what was happening.
-XXX-XXX-XXX-
Vaggie sighed as she watched the clock, hours had passed since Charlie had left for the meeting with Heaven and she was beginning to grow restless. She wasn't worried about her girlfriend, she would be fine. After all, she was the Princess of Hell and also had Lucifer with her. She doubted Heaven would try anything, especially now that it had been proven that sinners could be redeemed. No, her concerns were directed at their resident overlord, or rather, overlords. Charlie had warned her before she'd left that Alastor hadn't slept well, if at all, and had returned to bed after preparing breakfast for everyone. To top it all off, Vox still hadn't returned, which probably accounted for the deer demon's early morning cooking spree. Something was off, she could feel it, but what? It had to have something to do with Vox's absence but she couldn't abandon the hotel to search for him when Alastor was out of commission. All she could do was wait and hope for the best.
'You better be okay, Vox.' She thought to herself, eye narrowed as she watched the time tick slowly by. 'I don't want to know what Alastor will do if something happened to you.'
"Hey, Vagina, you look like you're trying to set the clock on fire with that glare." An annoying voice called and she turned to face the smirking spider. "I can feel your fretting all the way over here. Anything ya want to share?"
She sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose in frustration as she took in the gathered demons who were now openly staring at her. Husk watched from the bar with Niffty sitting on the counter nearby. Angel and Cherri had taken seats on one of the sofas and had been talking quietly to each other up until the porn star had decided to intrude on her inner thoughts with his commentary. A raised eyebrow and unimpressed look were directed at him as she slowly moved to take a seat in the armchair across from the pair. Sinking into her seat, Vaggie sighed once more.
"Vox still isn't back," she explained, watching as the others nodded in understanding. "It just doesn't sit right with me."
"Yeah, well, he did say he wouldn't be back last night. Maybe something came up with the company." Angel Dust suggested, crossing his lower arms while one of the upper ones rested against his chin as he thought about everything. "It can't be easy moving a whole ass business with little to no warning. There are employees, equipment, merchandise, the whole shebang. Who knows what problems they might run into, Toots."
"He's not wrong," Husk agreed, though his furrowed brows betrayed his concern as he spoke once more. "But if something did happen, I'm sure Vox would have at least told Alastor what it was rather than simply say he wouldn't be home. Something smells fishy."
"I hate to say it, but I agree with you," Vaggie responded, meeting the cat's gaze with her own. "I've had this bad feeling since Charlie left and I can't explain why. It just feels like something's going on that I don't know about. It's got me on edge."
A moment later, the sound of shattering glass echoed through the room and they all jumped to their feet. Rushing off to find the source of the sound, Vaggie sent up a silent plea that it was simply another threat and not something worse.
-XXX-XXX-XXX-
Waking up in this room was getting old. That was the first thing Vox thought when he regained consciousness. The next thought he had was that his head was killing him. Whether it was from Val backhanding him or from being drugged again, he didn't know. It didn't really matter, either, seeing as he had more important issues to deal with... like finding a way to escape. He'd barely begun searching the room for anything that could be of help to him (not like there was much to search as the room was practically empty) when the door opened once more. It was like the moth knew when he woke up but without cameras or some kind of motion sensor in the room that was nearly impossible. It must have just been bad luck on his part.
"Are you going to fucking tell me what you're planning or not?" The shorter sinner bit out, cutting right to the chase as he aggressively confronted the smirking pimp.
"My, someone's impatient, aren't they?" Valentino mocked, a slight frown on his face at the other's tone. "Say please and I'll consider it."
Biting his tongue to hold back the piercing words he wanted to throw in the man's face, Vox took several deep breaths before rising to his feet and swallowing his pride.
"Please, Val," He said, voice mechanical with no emotion behind his words.
It was clear that his former associate had wanted more of a response and Vox counted it as a win when he saw the frown deepen slightly. The joy he felt at his minuscule victory was quickly extinguished, however, as Valentino's lips curved into a wicked smirk. A foreboding feeling filled Vox's heart at the sight and he found himself dreading what he was about to hear.
"Well, I suppose since you asked so nicely, I can share," Val teased, the air around him turning sinister as his wings flared in excitement. "I've hired a highly skilled team of demons to attack the hotel. It's a group made entirely of potential overlords, ones who wanted a chance to prove themselves to someone who could help them gain power. They are to find the Radio Demon and convince him to sign his soul over to me by any means necessary."
Opening his mouth to protest, Vox found himself unable to make a sound, his voice abandoning him as he felt the deranged malice the other demon was exuding. He didn't understand, since when had the pimp been interested in Alastor's soul? Was it merely a spur-of-the-moment decision to get back at him or had he been planning this in secret, looking for an opportunity to enact his plan? Whatever it was, Vox didn't like it one bit. Watching the man with wary eyes, Val took his silence as a cue to continue. A lecherous smirk graced his features, an aroused moan filling the air as he spoke once more.
"Mmm, the things I'll make him do once I have him under contract. You know, there are a lot of people who would pay good money to either watch the Radio Demon get fucked or have a go at him themselves. I could make quite the pretty penny," the moth scoffed and Vox felt his blood boil at the insinuation. "If the rumors I've heard about Alastor are true, imagine how much it will break him to experience such an ordeal. I bet he'll be begging for death within a week... and I'm going to make you watch every minute of it."
"You sick bastard!" Vox roared, finally finding his voice as he lunged at Val with savage rage. "I won't let you fucking touch him!"
It was no use, though, the pervert was just out of arms reach as the chain attached to his ankle held him back. He then tried using his powers only to realize that an electrical inhibitor had been slipped onto him while he slept, making it impossible to shock the damn moth.
"I've always wondered if he's hiding a cute, little deer tail under that garish coat of his. I guess I'll learn soon enough, hmm?" Val winked, smiling as Vox continued to struggle against his bonds but the bed was affixed to the floor and wouldn't budge. "Come now, don't tell me you're not curious. Or perhaps you already know. Tell me, Voxy, what's the Radio Demon hiding under all those layers?"
Involuntarily, Vox's mind flashed back to when he'd first seen Alastor's scars and he growled lowly in his throat. What he wouldn't give for a giant bug-zapper right about now. At that moment, he wanted nothing more than to end Valentino's miserable existence for the vile things he was saying about his friend. Frustrated tears began building in his eyes but he refused to give the pimp the satisfaction of seeing him cry. His only solace was knowing that the asshole's fucked up plans wouldn't come to fruition. Alastor's soul would never belong to Valentino, that was one thing he could be certain of.
"I won't tell you a damn thing," he replied vehemently, glaring at the other as he mentally ran through all the ways he would make him suffer once he got free.
"Suit yourself," the moth shrugged, unbothered. "By now, the men I hired should have arrived at that pitiful hotel the princessa is so proud of. Soon they'll have subdued everyone inside and if all goes as it should, the Radio Demon will be mine by suppertime... if it doesn't, well, they have orders to kill."
At Vox's horrified look the other overlord moved forward just enough to place a hand under the TV Demon's chin and force his head up to meet his demented gaze.
"You know, all of this could have been avoided," Val continued in a condescending tone as if he were speaking to a naughty child. "If you had never thought of leaving I would have had no reason to go after Alastor. I would have left him alone. I suppose I should thank you for this marvelous opportunity, after all, whatever happens next is all... on... you.
The moth removed his hand and Vox allowed his head to fall, choking back the guilt that threatened to overwhelm his heart. This was all his fault. If he'd only taken time to think then maybe he could have prevented all of this. Instead, he'd made a rash decision that could cost him everything.
"Ooh, I almost forgot! I took the initiative to send one of your drones to keep an eye on things. You'll be able to watch the entire spectacle live, won't that be fun?" Val continued, quickly wheeling a TV into the room and turning it on before positioning it to face the captured demon. "Now, you be good for Daddy and stay put. I have to prepare for my new pet's arrival, you know, pick out a collar and all that. Hmm, I think he'd look best in leather."
With that, the other overlord ambled from the room with a smug expression, leaving Vox alone with nothing but his anger and the television. Snarling, his gaze locked to the screen as it showed a cloud of smoke pouring from the entrance of the Hazbin Hotel. He'd never wanted to endanger Alastor, especially not while he was still weakened. He hadn't thought Valentino would go so far as to target his friend but he should have known better, this was the entire reason he and Al had kept their relationship secret in the first place. At least Charlie and Lucifer were there. With the two rulers of Hell residing at the hotel, there would be no way for the demons Val had sent to win, even if they were potential overlords as the man claimed.
-XXX-XXX-XXX-
Arriving at the front entrance, Vaggie coughed as smoke filled the air. Covering her face with her sleeve so she could breathe, she looked around for the cause of the disturbance. A malevolent laugh drew her attention to a group of demons stepping through the haze and she felt tension fill her soul. There had to be at least thirty men entering through the ruined doorway, all bearing weapons and a dark aura that promised trouble.
"Well look what we have here, fellas," a lizard-looking demon spoke and she quickly determined that he was the leader. "A rag-tag group of misfits blocking the way. Why don't you move aside and we'll spare your lives. We're only here for the Radio Demon."
"Like hell we will!" Angel exclaimed, fingers twitching as he fought the urge to draw his guns. "Al's our friend so why don't ya fuck off before the Princess gets back."
"Angel," Vaggie hissed through clenched teeth, turning to face him with fire in her eye.
"Oops," She spider mumbled as he realized what he'd done, gaze locked on the intruders.
"Well isn't that convenient? Little Miss Goody Two Shoes isn't here," the leader spoke once more, smirking at the hotel inhabitants. "That'll make our job much easier."
The man moved to walk forward, only to have his way blocked by an angelic spear.
"Why do you want Alastor?" Vaggie spoke up, hoping the lizard would be stupid enough to reveal their plan. "Do you have a grudge against him or something? I know he can be an ass but this is overkill, don't you think?"
She kept her weapon aimed at the leader, trusting the others to keep an eye on the rest of the gang. The man stayed silent for what felt like ages and the former angel began wondering if he'd ever speak. Finally, he smirked and a laugh tore from his throat as he regarded her with an amused expression.
"Hell, for a broad, you've sure got spirit. And ya ain't bad to look at neither," he said, causing her skin to crawl as his eyes roved over her body and she fought down the urge to slay him there and then. "If you ever get tired of working in this shit-hole you can call me up anytime, I'll make it worth your while."
Beside her, she felt Husk's fur bristle in disgust and, taking a glance at Angel's reflection in the hotel window revealed his narrowed eyes glaring daggers at the outspoken demon. She was sure it was a sentiment that was mirrored in Cherri and Niffty as well. Thankfully, they all remained silent and let her lead, though it made her feel a little better knowing she had friends she could rely on who wouldn't stab her in the back.
As wolf whistles filled the air from the man's flunkies, she was once again filled with the urge to murder him. That wouldn't tell them why these men were after Alastor, though. Vaggie wanted to know if they were simply taking the opportunity to attack while he was weak or if there was something more at play. Was there a mastermind hidden behind the scenes, orchestrating this entire event? If so, they needed to know.
"I'll think about it." She spoke at last, humoring him while also planning the most painful way she could kill him once this was over. "But for now, answer my question."
"Fine, whatever you say, Missy." The lizard retorted, his tongue flicking over dry lips before speaking once more. "I've heard rumors that the Radio Demon is a snarky bastard but I've never met the guy myself. So, no, we ain't holding any grudges. You see, we're pretty new to Hell. Most of us have only been around a few decades but the man who hired us for this job promised he'd give us a nice boost in status once it's completed."
The hotel group shifted uneasily, not liking the sounds of this. The confirmation that someone was pulling their strings didn't sit well with Vaggie. Who could have such a grudge on Alastor? Thinking about it, the fallen angel winced as she realized the list was probably rather extensive.
"What's the name of your employer and what does he want with the Radio Demon?" Husk questioned before she could say anything more, drawing the rogue sinner's attention.
The man looked at Husk with narrowed eyes, sizing him up before his face twisted into a frown.
"You know what, I didn't mind speaking to the pretty lady here but I don't find myself interested in talking to an oversized pussycat." He hissed and Vaggie readied herself for the oncoming fight she could feel brewing. "I say enough talking! Let's go boys, time to get this over with so we can claim our reward!"
Flaring out her wings, Vaggie took to the air with her spear at the ready. Around her, she could see the others pulling out the modified weapons they'd used during the extermination and knew they wouldn't hold back. They were fighting for the safety of their friend, after all, one who had already been through so much. She only hoped Alastor would sleep through the battle so she wouldn't have to worry about the overlord getting himself killed. Letting a solemn frown settle on her face, the former exorcist charged, never noticing the camera that was hovering in the air nearby.
-XXX-XXX-XXX-
Staring at the TV in disbelief, Vox swore. Where the hell were the princess and Lucifer? They were supposed to be there but according to Angel Dust, they must have gone out for some reason. A sinking feeling pervaded his stomach as he watched the battle take place. There were far too many men against the five hotel members and he knew it was only a matter of time before things went south. How had Val managed to find that many potential overlords? Was he lying? Continuing to watch the screen, it was clear to see that some of the men were more powerful than others. Maybe they'd brought their lackeys to the fight, that would explain things. Still, it didn't matter. He was just glad that he hadn't spotted Alastor yet. If he worked quickly, he may be able to get out of this place before Al became aware of the fight... but how? There was nothing of use in the room and with the electrical inhibitor, he couldn't access his powers. He was fuckin' stuck. All he could do was watch as his new friends fought to defend their home and Alastor without him.
"Dammit!" He shouted, feeling utterly useless as he ran a weary hand down his screen. "There has to be something I can do. Come on... think, Vox, think!"
He wracked his brain, trying in vain to come up with a feasible idea that would get him free and allow him to help the others. For a brief moment, he glanced at his sharpened claws and considered cutting off the foot that was shackled to the bed. He quickly dismissed the idea, however, as he wouldn't be of use to anyone if he bled out. Another idea was to break the TV and see if there were any components he could use to pick the lock on the chain. That would mean he'd have no access to what was going on at the hotel, though, and he refused to give up his only link to the outside world unless it was absolutely necessary. Seeing as he'd never once picked a lock in his life, he figured that plan wouldn't work anyway and continued scheming.
'There has to be something I'm missing.' Vox thought to himself, pacing the room while keeping one eye glued to the screen at all times. 'What haven't I thought of? I can feel it, it's on the tip of my tongue.'
"Oh fuck!" He exclaimed, suddenly coming to an abrupt halt, eyes wide in realization. "That could work!"
It was a possibility, one that Alastor most likely wouldn't be happy about but what the hell? It was the only chance he had. He couldn't get free so the only other option was to warn Alastor before those fuckers got the drop on him. Sure, he'd rather Al didn't have to fight in the state he was in and if he somehow managed to free himself he would make sure he didn't have to. But, just as a precaution, this would let the other overlord know of the danger lurking on his doorstep. Besides, the others had already taken out several of the attacking demons and the princess would hopefully return soon with her father in tow. They wouldn't let anything happen to Alastor, he was sure of it. If they did, they would have him to deal with... once he got out of here, that is. Because he would get out, there was no other option.
"Well, here goes nothing." He stated seriously, closing his eyes and letting his breathing even out into a nearly meditative state.
Sinking further into his subconscious, the sinner reached inside his soul for the physical manifestation of the bond that connected him with Alastor... and pulled.
"Sorry, pal," Vox murmured, regret filling his entire being. "But this is the only way I can think to warn you."
Back at the hotel, Alastor jerked awake to the phantom feeling of a chain tightening around his neck.