AN: Hey guys, I'm so sorry this took so long. Life has been extremely hectic lately and I didn't have much time to write. Paired with writer's block, it just was not working. I'm not super happy with this chapter but I hope it's okay. I'm hoping to have the next chapter up sometime next week but I'm not making any promises. Thanks for being patient, I hope you enjoy :)
Disclaimer: Vivienne Medrano owns Hazbin Hotel.
The torment Alastor felt within his soul wrenched itself free in a desperate scream, his throat growing raw as he found himself unable to stop, the pain of loss far too fresh in his mind. Finally, after what felt like hours, he fell silent save for an occasional sob. The Radio Demon sat there on the floor of the hotel, rocking back and forth with his eyes closed tight as if he could deny the truth even as it rested in his arms. His heart knew better, though, and the longing ache to return to better days washed over him like a tidal wave.
"Why? Vox? Why did you do it?" He spoke in a hoarse whisper, eyes opening to study the face of his fallen comrade. "Why save me?"
Sixty years of friendship gone in the blink of an eye and for what? One man's hate, another's selfless love... two sides of the same coin... forever connected, forever apart. Was it fate that caused Valentino to take revenge and Vox to arrive at the exact moment to intervene? Some divine power that decided Alastor hadn't suffered enough in life and had followed him to Hell, giving him everything he could ever want, a home, a family, a brother... before ripping it all away like some cruel joke? Whatever it was, Alastor knew it had won. He was damaged, broken beyond repair. There was nothing left of him to fix, not after this, maybe there never was.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry," the mumbled apologies fell from his lips like rain, unrelenting in their urgency, and yet the one they were meant for would never hear. "I failed you. I'm so sorry."
Bending down, Alastor pressed his forehead against the other man's, red hair hanging like a curtain, hiding his face from view as he choked out a few final words through gritted teeth. "I swear on my mother's soul... I won't let your death be in vain."
With that, he carefully shifted the body of the fallen overlord off his lap and stood, stooping to pick up the man a moment later. Cradling Vox in his arms, Al moved over to the couch where he proceeded to lay out his friend's corpse. A peaceful expression lingered on his face and, if it weren't for the blood, one may assume he was merely sleeping. Taking a moment to fold the other demon's hands over his chest, Alastor paused for a moment before anger washed over him and he turned to face the one responsible for Vox's death.
"You," he growled lowly, murderous intent leaking from him as he pinned Valentino with a deadly glare. "I'm going to kill you!"
He began approaching the restrained demon, legs unsteady from the energy he'd expelled in his earlier fight as well as the emotional turmoil he'd gone through since, but Charlie blocked his way. The princess stood there, arms outstretched as she looked up at him with a pleading gaze. He stopped in his tracks, body trembling and ears flat. His eyes held a deep well of sadness hidden behind the flames of rage.
"Charlie, move," he ground out, teeth clenched. "I'm going to tear that bug to pieces."
"No," she replied firmly, conviction audible in her voice. "You're angry, Alastor, I understand... but this isn't the way. I promise, Valentino will get what's coming to him, I'll make sure of it. Right now, though, you need to rest. If you push yourself any further, you're going to collapse."
He frowned unhappily, that man had to pay for what he'd done to Vox but he refused to harm his other friends in the process. Al let his stance relax slightly, knowing he wouldn't win against the stubborn princess and, within moments, the young woman had him wrapped in a bruising hug. He barely heard what Charlie was saying, the fatigue catching up with him as she ran her hand over his hair and ears. The anger Alastor felt burning inside was pushed away by the soothing motion, leaving him practically boneless and he sank to the ground, taking her with him as he returned the embrace. He clung to the princess. The fear that she would disappear if he didn't hold on tight enough flooded his heart as tears began soaking her golden hair, sorrow washing over him once more. The adrenaline that had kept him moving quickly fizzled out, leaving him utterly exhausted. It wasn't long before the world darkened around him and he knew no more.
-XXX-XXX-XXX-
Charlie had never heard anyone, much less the Radio Demon, scream with such soul-crushing agony and the princess fought back tears of her own at the sound. She didn't know how long it lasted before the sound cut off, falling away to become quiet sobs as the overlord sat cradling his friend's body on the floor of her hotel. Every once in a while, broken whispers escaped into the air, the anguished words causing her heart to clench in sympathy. She stood there in frozen shock, taking in the scene before her. It was, in a way, a cruel reversal of how she'd originally met the TV Demon after the failed extermination. At that time, he'd been the one holding onto Alastor, looking for all the world as if his life was falling apart around him. The only real difference between the two occasions was that Vox had truly died. What she'd just witnessed... Valentino's cruelty, Alastor's bravery, Vox's altruism... the entire ordeal felt as if it belonged in the pages of a book. It couldn't possibly be real, could it? And yet, here they were, watching as their friend fell to pieces in front of them, his heart shattering for all to see as clearly as the chains that once bound the two overlords together.
At that moment, movement drew her attention and she came back to reality in time to see Alastor stand, walking over to the couch with Vox's body. He laid it down, reverently, before turning to stare at Valentino with hate-filled eyes. She didn't pay attention to what her business partner was saying, only knowing she had to stop him before he hurt himself further. Al was in no condition to use his powers, even on a restrained foe. He looked utterly destroyed, swaying on his feet as his legs trembled, chest heaving as if he couldn't get enough air. Moving to stand between the Radio Demon and his intended target, Charlie held her arms out to gain his attention.
They briefly spoke and Alastor met her worried gaze for the first time since Vox's death. She drew in a sharp breath at what she saw. His eyes were full of anger yet they hid a pain as deep as the ocean and his bottom lip was clenched between sharp teeth, drawing pricks of blood as he fought to keep his emotions subdued. It broke her heart seeing him like this and she didn't know what to say. What could she possibly offer that would be of any comfort in the face of such tragedy? Even so, the princess knew she had to try. She would not sit by and let someone she cared for suffer on his own. Upon seeing his stance relax slightly, she swiftly moved forward, pulling him into a tight embrace as she stroked his flattened ears.
"Hey, Alastor, it's going to be okay," Charlie spoke reassuringly, tears filling her eyes as her friend brought his arms up to wrap around her in a death grip, his entire body trembling as he clung to her like a lifeline before he sank to the ground, taking her with him as she fought to cushion his fall. "I know it might not seem like it now but I promise, things will get better given time. You're not alone, we're right here with you, we aren't going anywhere."
Footsteps sounded behind her and the young woman quickly glanced over her shoulder, noticing the rest of the hotel residents approaching with careful steps, not wanting to startle the deer when he was in such a delicate state. She smiled, the concern her friends felt for their resident overlord was clearly visible and it warmed her heart knowing how far they'd come in the half a year they'd known each other.
"How's he doin', Charlie?" Angel questioned quietly, trying not to disturb the other male.
She just shook her head, continuing to rub a calming hand over Alastor's hair. Suddenly, she felt his weight shift and quickly adjusted her hold. When she looked back at the distraught sinner, she realized he'd passed out... whether from exhaustion or the emotional turmoil he was feeling, she didn't know.
"Angel, Husk, can you take Al to his room? He's asleep and I don't want him waking up to the sight of blood... or Vox's body," she said and the two quickly came to her aid, supporting their friend's weight between the two of them as they made their way to the elevator. "Vaggie, I need you to call Rosie. She should know what happened and I'm sure she'll want to be here when Al wakes up."
"Got it," her girlfriend replied, rushing off with her phone in hand.
Taking a look at the remaining demons Charlie noticed Velvette seemed to be in almost as bad a state as Alastor, though she still kept a tight grip on Valentino's restraints. Approaching the shorter woman, the princess smiled sadly, barely paying attention as Cherri and Niffty went their own ways, leaving the two alone with the restrained moth demon.
"Velvette, thank you for everything you did to help. I'm sorry things ended up like this, I know you and Vox were close, but Valentino will be punished, you have my word." She declared, sending a hate-filled glare at the moth before turning her attention back to the female overlord. "I know this is a lot to ask given the circumstances but, if it's not too much trouble, could you drop him off at the nearest police department? I'll inform my father later so we can hold a trial but right now I have more important matters to deal with."
Reaching up to wipe tears from her eyes, the shorter demon turned back with a determined face, nodding as she made the bonds holding the murderer tighten enough to make him squirm.
"You can count on me, princess, this bastard ain't going anywhere until he pays for what he did to V." The woman stated resolutely, though Charlie could see the grief reflected in her eyes as she continued in a more subdued voice. "I told him to keep a cool head, ya know? Vox, that is. He tends, well, tended to act rashly whenever he was worried, I just didn't think something like this would happen."
"No one did. It's not your fault." She soothed, voice calm and collected, the flurry of emotions she was feeling hidden away until she could release them in the privacy of her room. "You did everything you could. Vox knew the risk and he chose to save Alastor, don't let his sacrifice be tarnished with regret. I may have only known him for a short time but I don't think he'd want that. He'd want you to be happy and to move on with your life... just like he told Al."
"Yeah, you're right," Velvette acknowledged, a small smile forming on her face before her eyes landed on her friend's body. "It's going to be hard, I know, but I'll try my best. I want to make him proud."
Pity filled her heart and she knew that if Vox were here he would do what he could to reassure his friend. After all, they may have had a falling out recently but he still cared, that was obvious. He wouldn't have agreed to meet with her if he hadn't.
"You will," Charlie said, hoping to ease the woman's doubts. "I'm sure of it."
"It's so strange, though," the other continued, a puzzled expression appearing on her face.
She stared in confusion, not understanding what the younger woman was talking about before asking, "What is?"
"I could have sworn Val didn't have angelic-tipped bullets," the female overlord stated.
That caused her mind to screech to a halt, unable to comprehend what she'd just heard.
"Wait, what did you say?" The princess questioned, at last, brows raising as her mind flooded with possibilities.
The other demon stared at her for a moment, face blank before realization caused it to light up with hope, Charlie mirroring her reaction.
"Val doesn't have angelic-tipped bullets!" Velvette exclaimed, excitement causing her voice to spike in pitch.
Without another word, Charlie rushed for the discarded guns, needing to be sure. She made quick work of unloading the pistols, sighing in relief at what she found.
"You were right, these are normal bullets." She revealed, sharing a smile with the other woman before it turned into a concerned frown as a new question emerged. "Shouldn't he be showing some sign of respawning by now? Sorry, but I've never dealt with this before since I didn't have much interaction with sinners before opening the hotel."
"Well, Your Highness, it tends to vary a bit but a demon will usually begin breathing again within ten minutes," the overlord agreed, confusion evident in her voice as that wasn't the case with Vox. "Waking up is another matter entirely and can take anywhere from a few days to a few months depending on how severe the injury that killed them was. A single bullet wound shouldn't take more than a week, it's not like he has to regrow his body or some shit."
"So what you're saying is that Vox should be showing some sign of life by now but isn't, even though he was hit with a normal bullet and not an angelic one?" Charlie asked, wanting to make sure she had her facts straight.
"Yeah, that about sums it up. Something strange is going on here, that's for damn sure." Velvette declared before her attention was drawn to her prisoner who was trying to inch his way toward the exit while they were distracted.
The female overlord quickly put a stop to his escape plan, smirking when muffled curses sounded through the muzzle, before turning to face Charlie once more.
"I'll have to contact my dad and maybe the Seraphim about this issue. I'm sure one of them will have an answer for what's going on." She decided, running a weary hand down her face before reaching out for a handshake, smiling fondly at the shorter woman. "Take care, okay? If you ever need a friend, or just someone you can talk to, you're always welcome at the Hazbin Hotel."
"Sure thing, and thank you, that means a lot." The sinner replied, taking the princess's hand in her own. "Well, I'd better be off. Can't risk this fucker getting loose now, can we? Let me know what you find out."
"I will, don't worry," she expressed, concern written on her face. "Be safe, Velvette."
"I always am," and with that, the female overlord marched her former compatriot out the door and down the road away from the carnage he'd wrought.
Vaggie reentered the hotel just as Charlie put her phone to her ear. This was going to be a long conversation but, hopefully, by the end of it, she'd have good news to give Alastor. Until then, she would keep this discovery to herself. It wouldn't do to get his hopes up only to have them crushed once more if Vox couldn't be saved.
-XXX-XXX-XXX-
Rushing through the streets of Hell, Rosie quickly made her way to the princess's hotel. The phone call she had received had been straight out of a nightmare but she knew there would be plenty of time later to focus on herself. Right now, all that mattered was Alastor. According to what Vaggie had told her, the younger overlord had fallen unconscious shortly after the attack and had yet to awaken. She wasn't surprised, her boy had probably run himself ragged trying to protect his friends. Paired with the shock of Vox's death, she suspected he'd be out cold for several hours at the very least.
Arriving at her destination, the cannibal immediately walked through the wreaked entrance and noticed Charlie and her girlfriend standing a short distance away. The princess looked busy, speaking animatedly to whoever she was on the phone with. The poor girl seemed terribly stressed and Rosie couldn't blame her, she had a lot on her plate. Deciding it would be best to check in with Vaggie, instead of the princess, and let them know she'd arrived, the overlord began to approach only to stop dead in her tracks at the sight of a bloodstained carpet. Taking a moment to get her emotions under control, she glanced around the room, his gaze landing on a familiar form lying on the couch. A form that should have started breathing by now... but wasn't. Her heart clenched at the thought. Had Valentino used angelic-tipped bullets? If so, then... no... she wouldn't allow herself to think of that. She had to keep it together. Moving steadily across the room, she came to a stop beside the two lovers.
"Oh, Rosie, you're here," Vaggie stated thankfully as Rosie mentally shook herself to be rid of her troubled thoughts. "Alastor's in his room. He should still be sleeping if you want to head up."
"I think I'll do that, dear," she replied, a worried frown marring her face as she gave the shorter woman a grateful nod. "If there's anything I can do to help, just let me know. I'll gladly offer what assistance I can."
"You being here for Al is enough," the former angel assured with a sad smile. "He's not taking it well."
With another nod, this one more solemn than the last, Rosie swiftly made her way from the room, refraining from looking at the couch where Vox was lying. She was not sure she would have been able to hold it together if she lingered near his body for a moment longer. He had been a part of her life for so many years, it was almost as if he'd become a second son to her. Now, he was gone and Alastor needed her more than ever. She knew this loss would be terribly difficult on him and she was determined to see him through it to the best of her ability.
"Vox," the woman said to herself as she entered Alastor's room, hoping that maybe the other's spirit could somehow hear her. "I can't thank you enough. You protected my boy and for that, I am eternally grateful. I'm sorry the price for your kindness was so high. You deserved better."
Taking a seat at her adopted son's bedside, Rosie studied his face. Her heart clenched upon noticing the dried tear stains on his cheeks and how, even in sleep, he wore a troubled expression. It hurt to know she could do nothing to ease the pain he was feeling at that moment. She'd do what she could when he awoke, of course. She would be there for him, show him he was loved and that he wasn't alone, but the cannibal leader knew how deeply the pain of loss could seep into a soul. She'd gone through her fair share, after all, and it never got easier... only fading with time. The female overlord was so distracted by the thoughts plaguing her mind that she failed to notice the deer's eyes flicking open until a quiet voice called her name, drawing her attention to the waking demon.
"Rosie?" Alastor asked, not fully aware yet. "What are you doing here? Is everything alright?"
She stayed quiet, simply brushing a strand of hair from his forehead as she allowed his mind to catch up with current events in its own time. Suddenly his eyes snapped fully open and he shot up with a start, a sob tearing from his throat as his hand flailed blindly, reaching for something to ground him. She took it in both of hers, bringing it up to her lips and planting a tender kiss on the back before simply holding it. He was trembling, eyes wild, and she desperately wished there was something she could say that would take away the hurt she could see swimming in his crimson eyes.
"Where's Vox?" Al questioned, his voice urgent as he glanced around the room as if his friend would appear at the mention of his name.
"Sweetheart, I'm afraid you already know the answer to that," she said gently, reaching out to cup his cheek with one hand, the other still holding his.
"But... that can't be," he exclaimed, static screeching in the background as he spoke once more, fear lacing his tone. "He should have respawned by now! What's going on?"
She stared at him with concern, knowing what she was about to say would cause the man great distress. She also knew that keeping it from him was not an option. Rosie didn't know why Vox was still dead, but it didn't matter. Even if Vox revived, that didn't make the pain Alastor was feeling now any less real.
"I'm sorry, baby," she soothed, voice quiet in the stagnant air. "But he's still not breathing."
"No! No, please, Maman... tell me this isn't real. It's just a joke, right? Vox is alive he... he has to be!" He panicked, tears trailing down his face to drip off his chin as he stared at her with pleading eyes. "I can't lose him, Maman! Please... he's not double dead... he's not... anything but that... please..."
Pulling the younger demon into a tight embrace, Rosie held him as he broke down. Alastor's words trailed off as he sank into her, chest hitching with choked gasps as he struggled for breath. Rosie shushed the distressed man, running her hand over his back as she did her best to soothe his frantic cries. By the time he settled, the poor dear's voice was nearly gone, stolen from him by grief in much the same way as his friend had been stolen by the bullet from a gun. Radio silence would fill the air in the days it took for him to heal, she knew this, and yet, her heart ached at the thought. It was always strange whenever Alastor was silent, after all, he was a radio host... he prided himself on his voice. But it couldn't be helped. She would just make sure to give him plenty of honeyed tea to soothe his wrecked throat, even if he didn't much care for the beverage. Rosie knew it would help him and, if need be, she would force him to drink it. For now, though, the best thing she could offer was comfort.
"You're alright, Sweetheart, I've got you," she cooed, watching Alastor's eyes droop once more. "Go back to sleep, I'll be here when you wake. I promise I won't leave you alone."
His breaths evened out as he fell into a peaceful slumber and the older demon gently tucked him back into bed, being careful not to wake him as she wiped the tears from his pinched face. Alastor was drained in all manner of the word, be it mental, emotional, or physical, and Rosie knew the best thing for him was rest. Maybe in the morning things wouldn't seem as bleak... she doubted it but hey, it didn't hurt to hope... after all, sometimes hope is all you have.
-XXX-XXX-XXX-
Waking up the morning after the attack, the residents of the Hazbin Hotel had been eager to help their resident overlord through his grief in any way they could. That was obvious as Alastor had found them all waiting for him in the kitchen once Rosie managed to coax him from his room for a bite to eat. What they weren't expecting, however, was to be met with a mute radio host who barely acknowledged their presence. He listened, uninterested, as Rosie informed them that he'd put too much strain on his vocal cords and would likely not be talking much for a day or two. Everyone winced, clearly thinking back to the previous day when he'd screamed himself hoarse. Even so, he could tell they were determined to do what they could to make him feel better and, to be honest, it made existing a little more bearable.
After breakfast, he was approached by Charlie who asked to speak with him alone once she got back from another meeting with her dad and Heaven. Al didn't know what she wanted, exactly, but had a feeling that it was something to do with why Vox wasn't respawning as a normal demon would. The overlord agreed to her request, though with his voice still ruined from the day before he wasn't sure how much of a talk it would be. In the meantime, he made his way back to his room, not feeling up to keeping the others company. Sitting on the bed, hands shaking as he stared at nothing, Alastor let his mind wander as he awaited the princess's return. He sat there for hours, replaying the years he'd spent with the other overlord. Vox had been more than a friend to Alastor, he was like the brother he never had... now he was gone and for some reason showed no sign of returning. The younger demon's death made it feel as if he'd lost a crucial part of himself and he didn't know if he'd ever feel whole again.
A knock sounded on the door then and Charlie's voice called out a quiet, "Al, can I come in?" tearing him from his thoughts and letting him know it was time for their talk.
He took a breath, held it for a moment, then released it in a whoosh of air as he rose to his feet and quickly checked his appearance in the mirror. Red-rimmed eyes stared back at him, irritated from all the crying he'd been doing recently, and his hair was dull, the strands unkempt and hanging in his face. The smile he prided himself on was no more than a shadow of its usual self but it would have to do as it was the best he could presently manage. Still, he knew she wouldn't judge. His friends, especially the princess, had been nothing but patient with him, after all.
"Hello, my dear," he spoke in a whisper while opening the door as it was all he could manage, voice still painfully hoarse "What did you need to speak with me about?"
"Alastor, I know your throat is still bothering you. Please don't feel the need to talk on my account," she fretted, concern clear in her expression.
He shrugged, before proceeding to guide her over to the pair of armchairs near the fireplace. As the two got comfortable, Alastor conjured her up a cup of tea which she accepted with a warm smile. He refrained from taking any himself, Rosie had already forced several cups on his earlier and he found himself unable to stomach any more. Instead, he stared at her expectantly, waiting for her to explain.
"I'll try and make this quick," she stated, eyes growing serious as she took a sip of her drink to gather her thoughts.
Al cocked his head to the side, ears held alert. He was on guard, ready for anything she could throw at him and, as she took a breath, the princess's gaze locked with his.
"I talked with my father and the Seraphim again today. You see, I wanted to know if Vox had been redeemed," the female demon revealed, causing Alastor's eyes to widen as that possibility hadn't crossed his mind. "The similarities between his death and Sir Pentious' were too great to be ignored. They both died protecting those they cared about and I thought that maybe, since he wasn't showing signs of respawning down here, that he may have manifested in Heaven."
While it certainly wasn't an ideal outcome, Alastor was willing to accept it if it meant his friend still lived... even if they couldn't be together. His hopes were dashed, however, as he took in the frown that appeared on the princess's face as she spoke once more.
"Sadly, that isn't the case," Charlie disclosed, reaching out to take his hand. He hadn't even realized it was trembling. "I'm sorry, Alastor, it looks like Vox's situation is more complicated than I'd thought."
"What do you mean by that?" He choked out, voice nearly failing halfway through but he persisted.
Charlie reached out, pulling him into a quick hug before holding him at arm's length to look him in the eyes as she said, "My dad told me this isn't the first time a sinner has failed to respawn."
That revelation caused the overlord to suck in a sharp breath as the princess met his hopeful gaze with concerned eyes. "He said that it's only happened a handful of times throughout history and over half of them never woke up. I won't lie, Al, the odds aren't in our favor."
"That may be but Vox and I have defied the odds for over sixty years, my dear," he croaked, causing the woman to sigh before nodding.
"I know," She acknowledged, before continuing her explanation, "For now, I'm going to have my dad put a stasis spell on Vox's body. I've already had him moved to his room and we'll continue to monitor him for any sign of change. That's all we can do at the moment, I'm afraid, that and hope."
He muttered an agreement and the pair sat in silence for a short while before rising to their feet. Alastor walked Charlie to the door where she paused a moment before turning and staring at him with pleading eyes and spoke in a near whisper, "Please, Al, try not to get your hopes up. I don't want to see you get hurt again if he doesn't wake up."
The Radio Demon didn't say a word, they both knew it was too late. Instead, he smiled fondly and took her hand in his, planting a gentle kiss on the back of it before watching her walk into the hall. Closing the door behind her, he rested his head against the wood and simply breathed. If Vox failed to awaken, if he was truly gone... Alastor didn't know what he would do. As tears gathered in his eyes once more, a chill ran down his back causing him to shiver. Unbeknownst to him, a presence lingered in the room, watching, waiting, and beyond all else, hoping.