AN: All I have to say is, please don't kill me. Enjoy :)
Disclaimer: Vivienne Medrano owns Hazbin Hotel.
A startled bleat escaped his throat as Alastor fell out of bed, though he would deny making such a sound until his second death. Thank goodness no one was around to witness such a humiliating indecent. His friends had seen him experience plenty of embarrassing moments since his defeat to Adam, there was no need to add to the list, so to speak. Bringing his attention back to what had woken him, a scowl crossed his face. Vox must be in serious trouble, that was the only explanation for what had just occurred seeing as they'd sworn never to call on their bond in such a way. For the other demon to break that oath... the danger must be dire.
'What have you gotten yourself into this time, old pal?' He pondered, rising to his feet.
Brushing himself off, he grabbed his coat from the back of a nearby armchair and headed toward the door. He had just passed into the hallway when the peaceful silence was disturbed by the sound of an explosion from somewhere below and Alastor's ears perked to attention. Maybe Vox wasn't the only one in trouble, maybe he'd been trying to warn him of something. Calling forth his powers, his mic manifested in his hand and he took a moment to scrutinize it. There were still spiderweb cracks covering the shaft where he'd mended it and he pushed some of his renewed magic into them. Thankfully, his nap had done wonders to replenish his stamina and he was able to finish repairing his mic with little effort. He smiled as the cracks faded away before glancing out the window. Noticing the others fighting a group of armed men, he stepped into his shadow, intent on doing what he could to help.
"My, what do we have here?" He asked, materializing next to Angel Dust as the porn star gunned down a few of the unfortunate demons.
"Alastor!" The spider yelped, casting a quick glance his way as Al leaned on his staff. "What the hell? Don't sneak up on people when they're fighting dumb-ass, you're gonna get yourself killed."
He merely hummed, not paying the other sinner any attention as he took in the battlefield. Vaggie and Husk were both airborne, fighting off the men who attempted an aerial attack. Niffty was running around like the gremlin she was, stabbing unsuspecting foes in the ankles and darting away again before they even realized she was there. Cherri was nearby, throwing her bombs after any who dared retreat, it was this that had alerted him to the fight. All in all, they seemed to have things well under control. Maybe he wouldn't be needed, after all. For now, he'd simply sit back and observe the chaos, it was proving to be rather entertaining.
"Fall back, regroup!" a lizard-like man shouted from where he stood a good distance away from the main entrance (which appeared to be rather destroyed now that he thought about it), calling the rest of the aggressors to him.
It was then that the supposed leader's eyes locked with his own and a vicious smirk fell across the man's face. Alastor tilted his head, curious as to what could have caused such a reaction when they were clearly losing. He got his answer a moment later.
"There he is... the Radio Demon!" The lead sinner shouted, his voice grating against Alastor's sensitive hearing. "Let's get 'im, boys!"
He braced himself, preparing to rip the enemy to shreds for daring to attack him, though he didn't get the chance as his friends appeared in front of him. They moved, forming a barricade between himself and the attacking forces. He let out a disappointed sigh, they seemed determined to keep him from participating in the slaughter. How very selfish of them, making him watch while they had all the fun.
"Alastor, stay back and let us deal with them," Vaggie ordered and he felt himself bristle slightly at the implication that he couldn't defeat these mere sinners but her next words eased his mind, even if only slightly. "I know you could take them all out in the blink of an eye, I don't doubt that, but you shouldn't waste your energy on something so trivial."
"So be it, my dear," He relented, grateful for the wording she'd chosen as it made it sound like the fight was beneath him rather than that he couldn't handle it, thus sparing his pride in the face of the enemy. "I will let you dispose of these insolent pests."
Moving to sit in a patio chair he summoned, Alastor crossed one leg over the other and sat back to enjoy the show. Now, if only he had a hot cup of coffee everything would be perfect. Still, his mind couldn't help but wander to Vox. Where was his friend? What happened to keep him from returning? Those questions would need to be put on hold, however, as defending the hotel took priority at the moment and he needed to be ready in case any of the miscreants slipped by their defenses. He only hoped the other overlord could handle whatever trouble he was in by himself.
-XXX-XXX-XXX-
Pacing back and forth in the cement room, Vox kept an eye on the television. The hotel crew were winning rather easily, only a few of the attacking demons giving them trouble. He knew his plan had worked and that Alastor had gotten his warning as the deer had appeared a few minutes prior, the screen glitching upon his arrival. He felt terrible that he wasn't there to assist them but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't think of a way out of this place. He'd tried everything! Just then, he heard the clink of a key twisting in the lock and turned to face the door, taking an aggressive stance. Perhaps Val would come close enough this time that he could get a solid punch in. If he broke the moth's nose, there's a chance it could stun him long enough to steal the key. When the door opened, however, it was not who he expected.
"Velvette?" He questioned, disbelief practically oozing from his being as he stared in stunned confusion. "What the fuck? How are you here?"
The female sinner smiled cheekily, stepping through the doorway as she spun a key ring around on her fingertip. She sauntered in, glancing around the bare room as if it had personally offended her before making her way to his side. He was too stunned to do anything other than return her affection when she threw her arms around him in a tight hug.
"Sorry I'm late, V, it took forever to figure out where Val was keeping you," Velvette exclaimed, taking a step back while keeping her hands on his arms. "You alright? Anything hurt?"
"No, no, I'm fine." He said, wincing slightly at his headache. "My head hurts a little but that's all, I swear. Where's Val?"
"The piss baby took off about ten minutes ago. He kept mumbling about always having to do everything himself if he wanted it done right." She revealed and Vox had a sinking feeling he knew exactly where the other had gone. "I don't know, V, it really sounded like he was losing it."
She took another look around his cell, eyes locking on the chain affixed to his ankle as a frown fell over her face.
"Well, more so than he already has, that is." She continued, waving her hand to accentuate what she was saying.
"Yeah, no kidding," the TV Demon agreed, the man was clearly out of his fucking mind if he thought he could get away with what he had planned with no repercussions.
There was a slight pause before Velvette placed her hands on her hips and took charge once more.
"Right, then we'd best get you outta here so you can go help that friend of yours." The woman declared, quickly unlocking the chain as well as the inhibitor that suppressed his powers. "Don't worry, I'm coming along, it's the least I can do after what I allowed to happen. Sorry for that, by the way."
"It's fine, Vel. You helping now more than makes up for it." Vox smiled, warmth filling his heart as he realized she truly was his friend. "Now how do we get out of here?"
"Follow me, stick close or you'll get lost," Velvette revealed, taking the lead as they ran through countless empty corridors.
'Hold on, Alastor,' Vox thought, following the smaller sinner as they traversed the labyrinth that was the basement of V Tower. 'I'm on my way.'
-XXX-XXX-XXX-
The sound of a portal opening drew Alastor's attention from where he'd been watching the others wipe the floor with the remaining demons. It sure hadn't taken much to beat then, though he supposed not everyone could be blessed with powers such as his. Still, it had been a rather pathetic display, he hadn't needed to step in once, his friends were more than adequate for the job. Putting down his coffee cup (he'd gone and grabbed it when there'd been a lull in the action) Alastor rose to his feet and walked into the lobby to greet the returning princess. Charlie stepped through the portal, her smile dimming as she took in the destroyed entrance to the hotel.
"Al, what happened here?" She questioned, turning concerned eyes to him. "Are you alright?"
"Oh, quite alright, my dear." He revealed, noticing that the portal closed without Lucifer coming through. "Simply some demons who thought numbers outweighed quality. I assure you, the others have done a great job proving them wrong. In fact, they should be nearly finished with the lesson."
"Wait! Are you saying you were attacked?" She exclaimed, concern filling her face as she raced through the broken doorway, Alastor trailing behind at a sedate pace.
Arriving outside, the Radio Demon took great pleasure in finding that Charlie had immediately subdued the remaining reprobates. She had the entire group, or more accurately the ones who were still conscious, kneeling before her with their heads bowed as she paced in front of them. Her red eyes seemed to glow with fiery fury while her horns and tail were on full display. The Princess of Hell was currently giving the gathered sinners a tongue lashing the likes of which he hadn't heard since he was a small boy being scolded by his mother after getting in a fight at school. The remaining members of the hotel were milling about, smirks on their faces as they tried to contain their laughter. Al had no such qualms and earned several glares from the kneeling men as he chuckled joyfully at their misfortune.
"Now, I want you all to go home and think about what you've done." Charlie finished, one hand on her hip as the other pointed out at the city, her features returning to normal as her anger subsided.
A chorus of 'Yes ma'am' filled the air as the surviving demons took off to lick their wounds, leaving their dead comrades behind. Alastor made a mental note to have the bodies delivered to Rosie as a thank-you gift for all she'd done for him, he was certain she'd appreciate the extra stock for her shop. Once the men were out of sight, Charlie turned to face them with a warm smile, beckoning them inside with a wave of her hand. He followed willingly, allowing the others to go before him, and soon they were led to the lounge where they settled around the room. Alastor claimed his favorite armchair before turning his attention back to the others. He would have to ask about sending out a search party for Vox if he didn't show up soon.
"Hey, where's Lucifer?" Angel asked, glancing around as if just noticing the king's absence. "Shouldn't he have come back with ya?"
"My dad stayed behind to finalize our agreement with Heaven, he should be back soon." Charlie disclosed, smiling lightly. "I'll tell you all about it later but for now, what the hell happened here?"
"Well, you see," Cherri spoke up, only to be interrupted by an angry shout echoing from outside.
"WHAT THE FUCK! BASTARD'S CAN'T DO ANYTHING RIGHT," the voice ranted loudly and Alastor noticed their resident spider stiffen where he sat on the couch next to his best friend. "GOD FUCKING DAMMIT!"
The voice was vaguely familiar. He didn't have to think about who it could belong to, though, it was obvious from Angel's fearful state. Alastor tensed, rising to his feet just as a seething Valentino appeared in the doorway, guns clasped in three of his hands while the last held a lit cigarette.
"Well, would you look at this," the moth man spoke through gritted teeth, weapons at the ready. "The crew is all here, well, except for Vox but he doesn't count, now does he?"
The subtle jab was enough to turn Alastor's eyes to radio dials as he realized what the other overlord was implying. He growled low in his throat, itching to tear the other's limbs from his body.
"Where is he?" He demanded, noticing that the others had come to the same conclusion as glares settled on their faces, though no one dared to rise with the threat of being shot.
"Somewhere you'll never find," Val stated, raking his eyes over the Radio Demon's lithe form in a way that caused an involuntary shudder to climb up Alastor's spine, though he refused to let it show. "That's not why I'm here, however."
"Why are you here?" Charlie demanded, anger causing her horns to grow once more. "You were the one who sent those men, weren't you?"
"Why yes, princess, that was my doing." The pimp replied, turning toward the young woman with a smirk while still keeping Alastor in his line of sight. "Though it didn't go as planned."
Angel stiffened before seeming to gather his courage, rage clouding his eyes as he leapt to his feet, his body trembling with the strength of his emotions.
"Those men were after Alator," The porn star snarled, hands clenched so tightly Alastor knew it would be a miracle if he hadn't drawn blood. "Whatever fucked up thing you're planning Valentino, I won't let it happen. Not to my frie..."
A glowing, pink chain forming around his neck cut Angel off as he was jerked forward, the moth's smile turning sinister as he crashed to the floor several feet from where he'd been standing. Cherri and Husk jumped up to help, only to freeze as they each had a gun pointed at their heads, the final aiming at Angel. With the attention diverted off him for the moment, Alastor gathered his strength and discreetly summoned his staff. He couldn't take chances, not with the other overlord on the warpath. If he did, his friends would pay the price and that was something he wouldn't allow. Taking a deep breath, Alastor held it for a moment, allowing his eyes to close as his magic pooled within him.
-XXX-XXX-XXX-
'Oh fuck,' Angel thought to himself, the chain cutting into his throat as he stared up at the gun. 'I'm gonna die.'
"Wait!" Charlie cried, though he couldn't be bothered to look at her. "Don't do this. I'm sure we can work something out."
"Oh, I'm sure we can, princess." Val agreed with the air of someone who knew they had the upper hand. "You see, there's no way you can save all three of your friends before the bullets reach their targets and I know you wouldn't want to choose one over the others. It's best if you simply do as I say and sit there like a good girl."
Angel choked back a sob as he tore his gaze away from the looming overlord to glance at Charlie. She met his distressed eyes with a frown before turning back to the lunatic who owned his soul and nodding unhappily. Vaggie looked pissed as she sat beside the princess but he knew she wouldn't risk attacking, not if it could cost the lives of their friends. Valentino had them exactly where he wanted them and the bastard knew it.
"Perfect," The moth purred, pleased by their cooperation. "Now here's what's going to happen. The Radio Demon is going to sell me his soul and, once I have what I came here for, I'll get out of your hair... simple as that."
Angel gasped, his previous anger reigniting at the thought of Val owning Al's soul. That scheming bastard! There was no way in hell he'd allow that to happen. He refused to let a fate such as his own befall one of his friends. Briefly, he wondered why Alastor hadn't spoken up yet, but a glance at the other sinner revealed him standing there with his eyes closed, ears at alert, and a look of intense concentration on his face. Whatever he was doing, it was taking a lot out of him. Already, he could see sweat building on the deer's brow. Still, he had better act soon or Val would notice.
Turning his attention back to the pimp, Angel supposed he could buy his friend a little extra time. Gathering what little courage he had left, the spider launched himself at the unsuspecting moth, attempting to seize his arms in hopes of redirecting the bullets... but Val was too strong. He was thrown to the ground with barely any effort, having been pistol-whipped without a second's hesitation. Gasping in pain, he reached up to hold his aching cheek only to be met with the sight of a gun once more being aimed at his head.
"Wrong choice, Angel Cakes," Val snarled, the anger in his voice causing the pink sinner to tremble. "That's going to cost you dearly."
Tears flooded his eyes as the man looked between Husk and Cherri before pulling the trigger on both guns. He cried out as twin shots echoed in the still room, certain that his two best friends were as good as dead. Then, all of a sudden, a ghastly green aura filled the room, blinding everyone within. Blinking to clear his vision, Angel found himself locked inside a mini version of Alastor's shield with the chain around his neck dissipating as it was cut off from the source. Upon glancing around, he realized the rest of their group (except for Al who was leaning against his mic with a smug expression) were also being shielded, the bullets having glanced harmlessly off the spheres, leaving their inhabitants untouched.
"My, that just won't do," Al spoke up, drawing Angel's attention as he walked forward to stand before Valentino. "I'm afraid I cannot allow you to harm any of these good people. You see, this hotel and its inhabitants are under the protection of the Radio Demon and you are not welcome here."
With that said, shadow tentacles burst through the floor and attacked the moth, causing him to retreat slightly. As the moth was forced to dodge Al's attacks, he took the opportunity to quickly make his way back to the others, glad to note that the shield moved with him.
"You okay, mate?" Cherri asked, wrapping her arms around him while Husk laid a wing over his shoulder, his shield merging with the one protecting his friends once he'd gotten close enough.
"Yeah, I'm good." He said, getting a hug from Charlie after Cherri backed off
Niffty climbed up and took a seat on his head, absentmindedly patting his hair.
"Guys, as touching as this is, I don't know how long Al can keep this up," Vaggie stated, drawing their attention back to the fight. "We all know how draining his shield magic is. Combine that with his shadow tentacles and it's only a matter of time before he exhausts himself."
"I know, Vaggie," Charlie spoke up, her nerves frayed. "But until Alastor lets us out, we're stuck. All we can do is watch."
"Can't you break the shield like Adam did?" Husk asked in a gruff voice, though Angel could tell he was worried. "You are the Princess of Hell, after all."
"No, I've never used magic like that, if something went wrong the backlash could hurt Al." She revealed, not willing to take that chance even as sweat began dripping down the deer's face.
The group stood there in silence, watching the battle rage around them as they wracked their brains for a solution only to come up empty. It was obvious that Alastor's powers far surpassed Valentino's, even at half-strength, but he was still recovering. Within minutes Alastor was panting from exhaustion, his ears drooping, though his enemy didn't seem much better. It was lucky for them the pimp wasn't much of a fighter, preferring to trick people rather than using brute force. Even so, it was clear to them that Al couldn't last much longer and, judging by the smirk on Valentino's face, he knew it too.
"Why don't we end this useless charade?" The moth taunted as Alastor's tentacles fizzled out of existence, leaving the Radio Demon shaking with fatigue. "If you sell your soul to me, I swear I'll leave this wretched hotel and its inhabitants alone. I'll even release Angel from his contract, he's past his prime anyway. No one wants used goods, after all. Quite the deal, hmm?"
Angel couldn't believe his ears. Everything he ever wanted was being handed to him on a silver platter, his freedom, the power to live how he wants... all it would cost is his friend's life.
"Don't even think about it, Smiles!" He screamed, pounding his fists against the inside of the shield... no matter how badly he wished for his deal with Val to be broken, the price was too high to accept. "I'll be fine. Just kick his ass!"
A twitch of the ears was the only sign the deer heard him as he kept his eyes focused on the other overlord.
"Sorry to break it to you," Al sneered victoriously, directing his words toward the pimp. "But you're too late."
"What the fuck are you saying?" The moth demanded, eyes narrowing dangerously.
It was as if the room had been frozen in time. No sound was heard, no flicker of movement was seen. The group watched as if under a spell. They'd realized what Alastor meant a moment after the words left his mouth, now they were simply waiting for confirmation.
"My soul already belongs to someone else." The deer revealed... and everything went to hell.
-XXX-XXX-XXX-
It took a while to make it out of V Tower but soon the pair of overlords were on their way to the Hazbin Hotel, Vox behind the wheel of the car they'd procured from the parking garage. He would have preferred to teleport but he couldn't take Velvette with him. Besides, the female had brought up the point that it was better to save his strength as he'd had nothing to eat or drink since his capture, leaving his body more worn down than he'd care to admit. Even if he managed to make the jump to the hotel, there was no guarantee he'd arrive in fighting condition, thus it was best to take the car.
"Here, I don't know how much good it'll do but it's better than nothing," Velvette stated, holding out an unwrapped granola bar.
He took one hand away from the wheel and grabbed the snack, shoving the entire thing in his mouth before chewing and swallowing without ever tasting the damn thing. He had more important things on his mind. Still, when a bottle of water was shoved at him, he downed that as well before turning his attention back to the road. Traffic, unfortunately, was a bitch at the moment and he's sure he's run over a handful of sinners in his rush to reach the hotel. Whatever, they'd be fine, it's not like the car was made of angelic steel, after all.
"This is taking too fucking long," He growled for the umpteenth time, noticing his companion's eye twitch at the complaint.
"We're almost there, just hold your horses," she replied, doing her best to exude a calming aura even as her annoyance grew. "I know you're worried Vox, but you need to keep a cool head. If you don't, you'll end up doing something stupid."
"Yeah, yeah, I know, alright!" The TV Demon exclaimed, his screen flickering in frustration. "It's just... you didn't hear what that asshole said about Al. I knew he was into some seriously messed up shit but, I don't know, It's just different when it's someone you care for, you know?"
"I get it," Velvette said, patting his arm as he turned to look at her with a worried frown. "Really, I do... but you'll be no help to him if you work yourself into a tizzy. Save all that anger for Valentino."
There was silence for a while and he watched the street signs pass in a blur. They were still about ten minutes away from their destination so when his focus began drifting to the woman who had risked so much to help him, he let it. He knew this must be hard on her. The three of them had formed the Vees shortly after Velvette had first arrived in Hell, it was all she'd known and now she was losing the sense of security that had come from their combined power. Sure, she'd admitted that their relationship hadn't been healthy but even so, he couldn't help but feel sorry for her. Taking a deep breath, he turned back to his friend with a concerned frown.
"Are you going to be okay?" Vox asked, watching her brow furrow in confusion before he explained further. "I mean, this is the end of the Vees. What are you going to do now?"
She sighed, resting her elbow on the window and leaning her head on her hand as she gazed at the passing city. It took several minutes for her to answer but, when she did, she was smiling.
"I'll move on, I guess." She stated, certain of her choice. "I've got a fashion empire to run. Sure, it won't be as profitable without you and Val but I'll get by... I always do. Besides, just because the Vees are done doesn't mean we can't collaborate in the future, right? Just the two of us, of course. I don't want anything to do with that bastard, Valentino, after the shit he's pulled."
"Sure, just the two of us." Vox agreed quietly, a fond smile resting on his face as he pulled into the hotel's driveway and parked the car. "You ready?"
"Are you?" She replied, smirking.
"As ready as I'll ever be." He returned, eyes growing serious as he pushed the door open.
The pair hurriedly got out of the vehicle and made their way to the destroyed entrance to the hotel, passing numerous bodies on the way. Vox let out a low whistle, the hotel group had done quite a number on the men who'd attacked them, that was for sure. Entering the building, he was barely able to make out Val's voice and he rounded the corner just in time to hear Alastor's reply.
"My soul already belongs to someone else." His friend said, voice defiant yet dripping with exhaustion.
Taking in the scene before him, Vox felt his heart stutter in his chest. Al stood there, trembling as if it were all he could do to hold himself up. The rest of the hotel's inhabitants, except Lucifer who he couldn't see, were gathered together near the couches being protected by the Radio Demon's magic, though, as he watched, the shield seemed to flicker before falling entirely. That wasn't what worried him, however. No, what caused his blood to run cold in his veins was that Valentino had a gun pointed directly at his friend's chest and there was no way Al was in any condition to deflect a bullet.
"ALASTOR!" Vox shouted, surging forward on shaking legs as soon as Val's finger fell to the trigger.
-XXX-XXX-XXX-
Alastor stared down his would-be master, smile never wavering. He knew there would be no avoiding the oncoming attack, he was simply too exhausted from the battle to dodge or deflect. Maybe if he'd been at full power things would be different, but he wasn't. Even so, he refused to bow before such a man. No, he would face his death standing proud like he's always done, though he had to admit, the irony was amusing. That he would perish the same way in death as he had in life, lost to a bullet's deadly embrace, it was unthinkable, and yet, here he was. As the gun fired, he closed his eyes, waiting for the flash of agony that would signal his demise... but it never came. Instead, he heard a voice call out his name and felt a body collide with his own, sending him flying to the ground in a sprawling heap.
His eyes snapped open at the impact and the deer let out an agonized gasp, taking in the sight before him. There was Vox, standing directly where Alastor had previously stood, a bleeding hole through his chest where the bullet had struck. His friend met his gaze for a moment before shocked eyes moved down to stare at the red quickly spreading over his striped shirt, blending with the original color and making it darker. A pained whimper escaped the man's throat as his legs gave out and he began to fall.
"NOOOO!"Alastor roared, pushing to his feet and rushing to catch his friend before the other demon could hit the ground.
Al wrapped his arms around the injured sinner, gently lowering him down as he took care not to cause further harm. He sank to the ground beside his fallen comrade, heedless of the blood soaking his pants, and carefully moved the other overlord's head to rest in his lap. As Vox lay there gasping, body trembling in pain, Alastor felt tears build in his eyes at the thought of what had just occurred. He'd saved his life, taking the bullet that had been meant for him without a single thought for his own safety. He was a true friend, always had been, and now he may be losing him.
"Stay with me, old pal." He murmured, dismay warring with anger as he pressed a shaking hand against the wound, attempting to contain the life-giving liquid. "You are not allowed to die, you hear me Vox? Not after everything we've been through."
He briefly spared a glance at Valentino, noticing that he was no longer a threat as Velvette had used her clothing manipulation powers to restrain him. The moth was struggling against the straitjacket he was now dressed in with a muzzle firmly attached to his face, muffling any sounds he attempted to make. A large ribbon secured his wings, tied with a perfectly formed bow, and the guns lay discarded on the ground. Before turning back to his injured friend, he saw the small female's eyes seek out Vox's prone form, tears streaming down her face in a reflection of his own misery.
A choked cough brought his attention back to Vox. It was as if the world faded away, leaving nothing but the two of them as blood began dribbling from his companion's mouth. Alastor wiped it away with his thumb, taking tender care not to scratch the man's screen with his claw before leaning over and meeting the other's dull eyes with a wavering smile.
"Hey, it's... it's gonna be... alright, Al." His friend spoke through pained gasps, weakly reaching up to grasp the Radio Demon's hand as Alastor cradled him in his lap.
"Stop talking, idiot," He cried, voice cracking pitifully. "Save your strength."
Vox chuckled weakly, though it soon turned into a pain-filled wheeze. It only lasted a moment but it was enough to leave the man breathless. It took several seconds before he gathered the strength to speak again.
"You'll be fine," He stated, voice barely louder than a whisper. "Even if I'm... no longer here with you... you have to live... you have to... go on."
"I don't want to, not without you." Alastor denied, shaking his head.
Tears fell unimpeded down his face and it felt as if his heart were shattering into a million pieces. He made sure to keep pressure on the hole in the other sinner's chest as their friends gathered around them in a loose circle, though he could feel the blood leaking from between his fingers as he spoke once more.
"Please, Vox, don't leave me here alone," Alastor begged, head bowed low, his face hidden by a curtain of red hair. "I can't do this without you."
"Shh, it's okay... you're not alone... You've got Rosie... and the friends you... made at the hotel." The TV Demon spoke slowly, voice glitching as his screen flickered. "Promise me, Alastor... that you'll let them in... you won't... push them away."
Alastor agreed, willing to give the other anything he asked for. He sat there, watching helplessly as Vox's life faded before his very eyes, the other demon growing weaker with each passing second.
"Thank you... for sticking by me... all these years... my... friend." With that, the overlord closed his eyes and fell frighteningly still as Alastor's tears dripped on his screen.
He shook his shoulder, calling his friend's name but all that answered him was silence. Leaning forward, the deer placed one ear against the blue sinner's chest, listening intently. He couldn't hear a sound. There was no heartbeat, no whirring of internal wiring that was a constant whenever Vox was around... just nothing. A sob tore itself from his throat as he cradled his friend's lifeless body to his chest.
All of a sudden, a pair of glowing chains became visible to all in attendance, weaving around the two overlords and intertwining with each other in a display of ethereal beauty. One was a vibrant green, the other a cool blue. They floated in the air, almost as if caught in an ocean current, leading from one demon's hand to the other's neck. It was the ultimate show of trust, one that has never been seen in Hell until this day. The two friends had made a double soul deal, forever tying themselves to one another until death separates them. Now, as Vox's heart beats its last, the chains break in unison. Glowing shards plummet to the ground in an agonized rain of broken promises... and Alastor screams.