Chapter Text
Vox did enjoy watching the hotel in dismay.. but for some odd reason he found himself in the midst of it all. Fighting the extermination angels head on just as the rest of the Hazbin Hotel staff were. As he struggled to avoid every angelic spear that seemed to pass his vision he kept thinking to himself just what a lovely idea this was. Truly..
Something about watching Alastor fight got him keen on joining despite the other Vees warnings and pleas yet he went anyways insisting he'd be fine. And if anything got too bad he'd retreat. While fighting, an angel had hit him roughly on his screen causing cracks and warning signs to invade his vision. Muttering to himself and warding off the angels he tried looking for a damn way to escape. He felt like he should retreat as his injury reduced his chances greatly of surviving or putting up a better fight than anything.
However, As he looked over at his rival's state an angel was aiming its weapon right at Alastors back. He found his heart beating even louder in his chest.
Both were injured greatly and Alastor didn't notice the Angel behind him, perhaps because of the pain from his injuries his senses also blurred. He wondered if opening his mouth to usher a warning would come first instead of the impalement of the spear in Alastors chest.
While his thoughts continued back and forth, his body seemed to move first.
His lungs burned and his feet pushed his body to block the spear from impaling Alastor. He didn't even have time to think. To process what he was doing. If it was the correct response. If the radio demon could hold his own without him or really if risking his own life for his arch- nemesis was even worth it.
But before he could even register any of those thoughts into his being he just moved .
And he felt it. Trying to get in between the angel's murderous intent and Alastors back he used his static-like powers in an attempt to stun the angel. Unfortunately that didn't work. He wasn't fast enough.
And a rush of pain flooded through his senses. His core . Tearing through his internal processing. Black blood oozed from the wound staining his hands as he attempted to reach for the spear lodged in his chest. His screen flickered, glitching in pain and panic. A crackling static filled scream haunting the air, his own scream that he couldn't even recognize. However the noise captured Alastors attention, and before the angel could retrieve its spear he had turned that angel into nothing more than a golden bloody corpse. And while usually it would fill Alastor with such murderous excitement it wasn't the same.
Alastor was puzzled, and full of disbelief at the brazen, reckless, and selfless behavior that Vox emitted through his actions. Why?
Vox could tell that Alastor was searching for an answer no one could truly give him, not even the TV overlord himself. Because he didn't even think. He just moved. All because he couldn't bear to see his rival get hurt, or worse. And in a way he was relieved, and unregrettful in his actions. Maybe it was mostly because, for this one split second. This one moment, all of Alastors attention was on him, and no one else. Just like old times. Ha. If he could he’d laugh at his own patheticness.. But he could hardly think of anything but the caress and feel of Alastors blood red eyes, even as he died right there.
“No one… is allowed..to.. kill you but me..” Vox muttered, his tone was soft, much like the look in his eyes as he looked at Alastor.
However, to his own dismay and regret those last words had cost him the only strength he had left, his screen shutting down before he could even see how his words impacted the other. What a shame. He would've loved to see Alastors reaction whether it was one of surprise, contempt, or cold indifference. Just to bask in the warmth of the others' scorching gaze.. For just a few seconds longer. But, sadly his time was up.
The darkness surrounding him, the electricity through him just stopped, and, finally Vox was truly gone. Disappearing into nothingness as the after image of Alastors ever smiling face served as his last solace.
Vox blinked, being blinded by bright white lights, as he found himself in a gold and white place that was very unfamiliar to him. Strange. He never heard nor thought that there was a sort of afterlife for those who perished in hell. But perhaps he was wrong.
However, he stiffened upon realization that two angels surrounded him, and while they did not carry any weapons he knew better than to let his guard down especially as an ex-overlord. He would've been more prepared though, if he didn't feel so sluggish from his apparent re-birth.
Thankfully for him, the two angels did not appear to be out for blood and murderous, or his third life would be his shortest.
“See Sera! I told you that Sir Pentious wouldn't have been the only one!” The smaller Angel exclaimed happily and full of energy.
Wait. Sir Pentious? Wasn't that the name of that useless demon he sent to spy on Alastor and Lucifers little brat? The one who died in vain at a stupid attempt at defeating Adam?
Not that he was really one to talk after his little stunt.
Before he could even begin to register anything about this uncanny situation, the smaller angel walked towards him barely able to contain her excitement and curiosity.
“Hi! I'm Emily! Welcome to Heaven!”
Heaven!? What the hell ? What the fuck !? More like…Vox definitely was very aware that he didn't fit in the good person category. I believe him being in hell served more proof than anything or so he thought, so why would he be sent to heaven? Or maybe he's finally gone insane. Or maybe he is delirious from his death, making some weird as shit scenario in his head. I mean that would be more realistic than an overlord of hell ascending to Heaven for no reason whatsoever.
“What happened?”Emily said, babbling earnestly. “Did you die protecting someone you love, too?”
It really started to hit Vox as he recalled the visceral fear flooding his being at the thought of losing Alastor. How he didnt want to even take that risk, to stand by and watch a slow painful visual of the radio demon getting impaled by an angelic spear, even if there was a chance Alastor would have simply parried the hit with his powers.
And the pathetic feeling of happiness he felt when Alastor had acknowledged him again in his last moments… All because of a single glance from his former friend.
“Fuck, I… I guess I did,” Vox replied softly, stunned at the realization. Not the love part of course.
He gripped his screen, and let out a broken and pitiful laugh. What a fucking mess he had become. He could picture the headlines that would be prompted everywhere in the pentagram once his demise was known.
Vox, founding member of the Vees and utter fool, Dies stupidly to save his nemesis. Yes that's right the radio demon who couldn't give less of a shit about him. More at seventeen.
Not that they'd know the worst part of it. They would never suspect nor know of his deeply rooted infatuation truly ran for his rival, just like how they'd never guess he'd obtain redemption.
How absurd, Vox , had achieved an ascension to heaven which most demons could only dream to achieve and yet he felt neither pride nor joy in this. Only emptiness, As he couldn't help feeling disappointed at such a supposed “perfect paradise”.
All because for him it couldn't be. Simply because Alastor wasn't there.
Shit. Fuck.
“Um Do yall do returns? Like return to sender type shit…” Vox said, trying not to be awkward as he lifted himself up to his feet.
“What.” The larger angel said, who Vox presumes is named Sera.
“Y’know like hellazon.. or I guess- Heaven prime-” he said chuckling nervously, “I understand what you mean. But that's not how this works. You don't get to pick and choose where you end up.This is just absurd. A sinner lands in Heaven and doesn't even wish to be here?” Sera said as she interrupted Vox.
Her eyes narrowed on Vox. Who admittingly did think that she was confused as to the whole ‘ return to sender sentence ’. But obviously not. She's not Alastor with his lack of wanting to get with the times per say.
“Yes, that's exactly correct. And I'm sure you don't want me here anymore then I do so can you send me back or not?” Vox questioned. Waiting for a response from Sera.
Sera sighed about to answer before Emily responded, “Up until recently it wasn't really clear as to what gets people into heaven.. So while it is easier to get sent to hell we aren't able to send you there. Nor are we aware how you can go from heaven back down to hell..Sorry”
“ Why do you wish to be sent back to damnation? I'm sure sinners would kill to get a chance in heaven, yet you wish to leave ? What could possibly be so much better in hell that you'd turn down heaven without a thought?” Sera asked, watching Vox with a careful eye.
‘Alastor ’ Vox’s screen heated a bit at the thought. God how pathetic was he? Seriously, that was his immediate thought? ugh.
“That doesn't matter. What does matter to me is getting back. It may be baffling to you but yes I do. Because this so-called paradise isn't what it's propped up to be. At least not for me.” Vox said he met her stare which was filled with judgment.
“Enough. Of this. You may do as you please. But no we cannot send you back so for now you shall stay in heaven. Emily will show you around. I would ask that you don't cause trouble though I fear you already have plans too?”Sera said, raising a brow at Vox who was muttering to himself before turning his attention back as she continued,
” Ahem. As I was saying. You will have a place to stay and Emily will be your guide, as well as your helping angel to any questions you may have. That is all.”
Vox muttered a thanks and Emily squeaked in excitement, practically dragging Vox out of the office to show him around heaven.
“So what is your name? I never got it?”she said with sparkles in her eyes.
“Vox..”
“Great! I'm so excited to show you around. But why don't you check yourself out? You have some unique wings.” Emily said flying behind Vox
Vox could feel a difference in his body and in his internal units spotted some mechanical like wings. Hm. It was pretty sick looking until he found a mirror and realized a lot had changed about his appearance, not just an addition of wings. His screen was the same really except for his eyes pink with blue irises, A light pink heart over his usual eye he used for hypnotizing, as well as a halo above his now white hat, his suit now white and yellow with light blue accents too it, his vest striped with blue and yellow, and an irritating light pink bow. Honestly the sight was a bit sickening despite his cool mechanical wings that happened to go right with his new color pallet.
He sighed and Emily hesitated before she spoke,” Sorry for asking but, why do you want to go back? Is it because of the person you love?”
“I don't love him!- I just… it's complicated but I also had people I cared for down there who all believe I’m dead. But that doesn't mean I'm gonna do nothing. I will find a way back. I will .” His voice glitching at the end.
Emily smiled softly at Vox, “ Even if you don't believe me I hope you can, not because I don't want you here but simply because if that's what brings you eternal happiness then so be it. Sometimes it's just love and that person is all you need.” She said with a slight teasing tone at the just love part.
Vox glitched and muttered, “I said I don't love him!” which made Emily giggle.
“But y’know your kinda- um.. more open than I thought, at least for an angel.”
“Haha, well I'm sure the ones you've seen aren't the best… You know something, I never knew about the exterminations, neither do the rest of the angels or people in heaven really. I think it's horrid and for it to be hidden from us.” Emily said a bit sullen but popped back when Vox replied,
“Yeah thats pretty fucked up. I mean that's how I died really. But it doesn't matter now. And it's not like you're a part of the exterminating squad so no hard feelings.” She beamed and she somewhat reminded him of Velvette in a way.. She'd totally kill him if he said that.
He chuckled to himself.Vox and Emily continued to chat as she showed him around heaven bit by bit, it was certainly a lot better than hell in terms of cleanliness and looks that's for sure. Though hearing that stupid angel sing ‘Welcome to heaven ’ made him wish he couldn't hear,
“Fuck if that guy doesn't shut up I might shoot myself in the head, or fucking kill him for that matter. Ugh .. Wait hey would that get me into hell?”
Emily looked at him in concern, “ Um.. I don't. I don't know but please don't.”
Vox laughed,”Don't worry I won't make you my accomplice haha, I'm just kidding (no he wasn't) relax”
“Oh yeah hahaha” Emily sighed in relief at the joke.
He wasn't joking but she didn't need to know that. Plus he wasn't gonna do it out in the open. He's not that stupid. But it's definitely a plan for later. He didn't want this redemption crap, he was never interested in it. Ok yea now he's aware it's not a totally full of shit idea but he still didn't want it. He knew he was a bad person. That's why he was in hell. But that's where Alastor was.. and Val and Velvette…
Passing by a certain store he saw a radio and a phone. He wondered if with a little rewiring he could use it to contact people in hell or at least hear them.
Emily floated next to Vox,
“So what did you like to do in Hell?”
“Ha, well I was an overlord, I had my own empire called the Vees which I ran alongside two friends of mine Val and Velvette. And I had loads of control and power,I could see and hear everything through my Voxtek electronics that I made and designed myself. But he still wouldn't join me! He even refused to get fucking vox tech phone or even a tv! fucking old timey prick. But I did enjoy our rivalry. Our fights. When his eyes were on me..”
Vox started to ramble about Alastor and Emily smiled listening to it all. As he would describe Alastor, how they interacted, the last time they were at each others throats, how he always had a camera looking out for Alastor. How they used to be friends. And really just ranting on and on about his arch nemesis.
But Emily listened intently to it all before she said,
“Is that the person you love?”
Vox stuttered and glitched, “What makes you think that! I hate him! He's an annoying prick and always wears a shit eating grin on his face!”
“Haha yeah… sure you do. You don't have to deny it, I can see that you care for him quite a bit. Enough for you to give your own life to save him. Even if it were painful, even if he couldn't care less about you at all. That's love. And unconditional love at it's finest.” she said smiling
“I think you have some angelic screws loose or maybe your minds just warped cause that's not- no- I can't be in lo- I can't “like” Alastor okay? Not possible. We're rivals. And.. we haven't been friends for a long time..I just admire him. And I want him to look at me. Plus how could I have just let him die. If anyone's gonna kill him.. It'll be me.”
“You're kinda odd haha. But sure. And I will be rooting for you. To get back and everything.” Emily said with a smile.
Getting a ‘thanks’ from Vox in return. He did end up getting the radio and phone. And decided to mess with it later.
“You said that Alastor? Was a radio demon right? Is that too listen to him?” She said with a knowing smile.
Vox replied, ignoring her implication,”Yes he is. I'm hoping to see if I can reach hell's frequencies. Even if I can't communicate with them I hope to at least be able to hear his broadcast.”
She hummed and gave a teasing look and smile which Vox denied her implications again. Ok maybe he was a tad bit obsessed with him but… love….
He flushed thinking to himself as they walked
Ok maybe he was in love just a bit… But he won't admit it! Not aloud anyways and not to Emily either! Ugh I hate that she's right and she knows it. Fucking angels. Smug as shit too
“STOP LOOKING AT ME LIKE THAT!”
“No one… is allowed..to.. kill you but me..” Vox muttered, his tone was soft, much like the look in his eyes as he looked at Alastor.
As the last of his breath left him Alastors tentacles fended off the angels who tried to kill him. Not a moment's peace. Not in this battle. He felt himself cracking. His smile fighting against the want to wilt. A light chuckle exited his body; he felt like he was going insane. The pain of his wounds burning and clawing at him all at the same time.
He couldn't understand it and he hated it. Why? WHY? Why would he do such a thing..
For me ..
Alastor was in utter disbelief, disorientation… and discomposure. At the sight. The thought of his rival dying for him. Vox dying… for him. Vox dying..
Risking his own life
No..
Giving his own life to save Alastors…
‘Why? Why aren't you getting up! How could you be defeated like this? ’
He shakily brought his clawed hands to touch Vox’s face but as he did Vox’s body began to disappear, his screen was pitch black, his skin cold to the touch, and not a single sign of life.
Alastor felt something well in his eyes that he fought dangerously to keep in as Vox disappeared right before him. Bringing a tentacle to take out the angelic blade in Voxs chest, he brought vox closer to him, it didn't feel as disgusting as he thought. Biting back his feelings. His rage. His uncertainty and dangerous thoughts.
As the feeling of Vox in his hands,
his arms,
And against his body..
Began to disappear.
Biting his lips and drawing blood he squeezed until he was holding nothing but air and stood up as the angels of extermination weren't going to wait for him to finish his mourning. No they were the cause of it after all..
And with that thought he began to laugh psychotically enough to catch the others attention. As he felt himself losing his grip. Having to hold himself together with an aching smile as he continued to fight off the angels.
Viciously ripping them apart bathing his red suit and overcoat in golden blood. Eventually having to fall back as he knew when he should give up. With a snarl and a wide smile goodbye he slithered away into his shadows as the others of Hazbin Hotel along with Charlie's father Lucifer fended off and ended the battle.The angels new boss Lute commanding a retreat.
And Alastor slowly finding himself slowly losing his slip on his usual demeanor,
“This place reeks of death, there's a chill in the air
And I barely escaped being killed by a hair
A grand sacrifice by a dear old friend..
Great Alastor, altruist, died for his friends"?
Sorry to disappoint... That is not where this ends!
I'm hungry for freedom like never before
The constraints of my deal surely have a back door
Once I figure out how to unclip my wings
Guess who will be pulling all the strings!”
Laughing to himself his ears pressing down against his head, clawing at his own body at what had happened. How his mind warped. His smile manic.
Could he.. Would he have done the same?
If he had been more attentive and unbound would Vox still be living?
Bloodied and battered he stayed to himself clawing at the floor before reaching into his desk at his destroyed radio tower. Inside was a ripped piece of a photo and a framed photo of him and Vox from years ago. Looking at the both his smile stayed but he was solemn as he stared at the photo softly. Thinking of the last words and sight he saw of Vox before he disappeared in front of him. The ghost of his being, the ghost of his breath and the ghost of Voxs soft voice and chuckle still resounding around Alastor as he curled into himself with the photo for a moment..he didn't know why this affected him so..
Perhaps it was because someone else killed Vox who was his rival and his rival only. Or maybe it was the confusion and utter shock at the foolish decision Vox made with such a smile.. Giving his life for Alastors.. Was it to cause him this feeling?
Carrying it with him in his coat, cleaning himself up a bit before heading back to the hotel as Lucifer repaired it and gave the hotel a tacky but admittedly glowing and appropriate new look. He smiled in his usual behavior as he joined them..
However they could tell he was a bit off. How could he not be.. Truly.
Charlie looked at him saddened but with a soft smile.
As they all bound together. They had gotten through the extermination. Not without their own losses but they had gotten by.
As they each headed to their new respective quarters Alastor was silent. His smile grew weary but stayed on his face. He needed that control. He needed it. Craved it. Even if he couldn't keep the ghostly warmth of tears off of his face he would remain smiling. He demanded it. Whether he noticed his tears or not. And whether or not he understood why his tears fell despite his resistance. No matter how much it hurt. No matter how much he tortured himself inwardly.
His ears rested on his head instead of up high as usual, tucking himself into bed curling into himself with the picture frame by his side.
And he felt as if the ghost of Voxs body was with him. His laugh and idiotic phrases that left his mouth. The soft smile and look in his eyes. As if he were content. Content dying instead of allowing that spear to pierce him. To kill him instead.
Dying without a single regret in his eyes. Not a twinge of regret for what he did. Just happiness despite his pain and life fading away. Giving his last words, his last thoughts to Alastor..
Which he would keep safe. As Vox’s last words belonged to him.. And him only.
What a fool. To do that with a smile. To be so sickening.
‘So foolish’ he muttered
Because for Alastor hell wouldn't be the same.. without Vox.
Whether he himself could admit it or realize it.
Alastor closed his eyes but not before putting the song, “We’ll meet again.” On his radio..
As that what felt better than hearing the emptiness on the other side of Vox and Alastors shared frequency.
–
Vox was a bit exhausted after his first day in Heaven. He couldn't try anything too bad with Emily around him but he has a few ideas. But he managed to tweak the radio he had gotten a bit more to his liking to see if that would change anything. Putting a bit of his own spark in the radio before he played around with the nobs, seeing if maybe.. Just maybe he could find that frequency..
His frequency.
The radio began to play the song “we’ll meet again” and Vox was surprised at first but smiled softly..
“We will. We will meet again no matter what I have to do to get back..”
Humming some of the song and singing,
“We'll meet again,
Don't know where, don't know when,
But I know we'll meet again
Some sunny day.”
Thinking of Alastor he continued,
“Keep smiling through,
Just like you always do,
'Till the blue skies drive the dark clouds far away.”
And as it ended his thoughts remained on Alastor and his smile and he wasn't sure if he would be able to tune on their shared frequency he tried anyways and he could feel a very small very faint hum on Alastors end as he finally closed his eyes to rest..
Cause truly he couldn't enjoy a supposed paradise because Alastor wasn't there.
And Alastor truly couldn't enjoy hell and neither could he find it as entertaining for Vox wasn't there.. Not without his rival…