Chapter Text
Vox lost count completely of how long it truly had been since he lost the peoples favor being the peoples voice. He resorted to staying confined to his office keeping all eyes and ears to his camera's afterall when you're nothing more than a tablet there is quite literally nothing else to do. You cannot eat, feel, even have a good fuck or two. You can really only resort to reading and writing or even answering calls about anything business related but even then Valentino restricted nearly half of his access into the company he built. Not to mention all the news coverage is now centered by the new CEO, Vox has no one else to blame but himself but even then he will not admit to it. His screen glitches violently cutting back from the blue screen of death to the television SMPTE color bars, sparks of electricity crackle and pop even frightening Shock.wav to the point where yet again the power cuts out. There was no warning, none at all. The situation at the tower is getting worse yet none of the other Vee’s are going to acknowledge it.
Hanging from dozens of wires slowly descending down from a flood of smoke spewing from his vents, Vox's head slams flat on his desk as his internal fans start to kick in cooling him off or rather attempting to. A set of doors were heard opening along with rattling of a toolbox, Vox wasn't too quick to get up he already knows who it is.
“RiG-ht 0n t1Me Et4N!” Vox’s voice was as glitchy as ever but got his message across
Ethan with his headlamp on shining it on to Vox’s back panel while grabbing a Carmines screwdriver taking out the bolts even taking the panel out was a mission. More smoke spew out making the poor assistant cough.
“Sir!” He wheezed fanning out the rest with his hand “If you keep at this you’ll break more components, if anything I could try and see if I could add more pc fans to help cool you off. Though this will be the 4th fan you might not have space for that” Ethan says fixing small problems in Vox’s head
Vox let out a small growl in frustration, he had never felt this weak, never. He still has souls like Ethan under him following any and all commands, though in his state multiple voices fill his mind. At first Vox thought it was just Ethan messing around with his memory core until he realized it’s past conversations he had with countless sinners, some when he first arrived in hell. Voices over and over calling him a million different things flooded his mind to the point where any and all voices became so jumbled it became so inaudible to understand. Sparks start to form out of this frustration electrifying the room as Vox screamed, Ethan on the other hand lets out a soft sigh unaffected by the electricity.
“Sir.. I’m almost done back here, after that I’ll ask Mr. Valentino again for more-”
“Just save it Ethan.. Any luck finding my body?”
Ethan placed the panel back on Vox clearing his throat even prompting up Vox with a stand adjusting him to see him properly
“Well-” Ethan becomes timid
“Sir it’s been well over 3 months, our contractors did our best to try and locate your body however we were unable to find it. Even tracking it, it appears nowhere in the city and that is checking under every bit of rubble”
“Wait its been 3 months!?” His expression alone hurt, 3 months and not even a wellness check by Val or even Velvette were they even just tolerating him? Avoiding him, more thoughts fill his head though they were interrupted by Ethan's tablet.
Ethan pulls up his tablet popping up a message to vox through floating holographic messages, he even adjusted it to Vox so he can read it
“This just came in from Carmilla Carmaine sir, I think she’s requesting an audience”
Vox squint his eyes looking at Ethan “Yeah Ethan I can read!-” He looks back to the email reading it some more mumbling about some of the email stopping midway. His expression widen reading over a single line.
I have a single offer I wish to discuss if you are interested that is
Vox stared at that line for a solid minute, he couldn't tell if this was a trap or simply a conversation between overlords. Though if this truly was an opportunity to finally get his body back why not take this chance?
“Ethan, cancel any and everything for the next 2 hours”
Ethan was slightly caught off guard, he grabs the hologrammed emails making them disappear back to the tablet, already canceling anything for the next two hours. He even pulled up camera feeds from several different angles of Valentino and Velvette respectively working on different floors of the tower
“Good man, I shouldn’t be long. Start typing up a response for Mrs. Carmine to let her know about my arrival oh and do let me know if anything pops up” Vox stared at the screens he didn't even look at Ethan he was looking at both Val and Velvette, all while Ethan was setting everything in motion
“The email is sent sir” He adjusts his tablet, funny enough gets into position to not fall out of balance.
Vox smirks, in a volt of electricity in a shape of a shark he hopped from his tv head to the tablet. For once Ethan didn't fall from the weight of his boss. Even with limited power the overlord still uses technology for means of travel, even if that means he has to use powerlines to get to his destination. The longer way for sure when he’s so use to going from point a to b.
Announcing his presence was rather tricky, Vox made the warehouse flicker with electricity that volts of it were physically visible to the naked eye. Some workers were even terrified out on the floor following protocol avoiding the metals since the power is out even running on out seeing a silhouette of a shark towering over the whole warehouse before it crashes into a powerline connecting the building. Carmilla watched from her office. Unphased almost regretting this meeting though thats the kind of overlord Vox is flashy in her opinion, always craving others attention. Bits of electricity crackling around her monitor screen catches Carmilla's attention away from the chaos outside. Walking to her desk she sits in her chair glaring at Vox staring in silence.
“Ah! Mrs. Carmine!!” Vox chuckled confined to the computer monitor cutting in and out before finally settling in. “Thats better-” Vox grumbled
Carmilla didn't look all too pleased with his theatrical entrance, she was more or less annoyed.
“This is the 8th blackout this month Vox, I figured it would have been resolved by now especially by the other Vee's” she raised an eyebrow
“Ah-” Vox starts getting nervous “Here's the thing, when you're a head there is literally so little I can do!-” Before he can even start his little agitating rant Carmilla stops him with a single palm of her hand.
“Which is the very reason I've summoned you, production alone is backing up and not just here. I'm not sure if you've been watching your little propaganda on 666 news lately, nearly all of hell is having an outage about the constant blackouts. If this continues you'd surely and truly face death again”
For once Vox didn't mind that outcome, he's lost everything. His partners, his body, even his dignity. His expression alone raised some red flags once Carmilla's monitor turned black with hues of white outlining Vox’s face. He was getting into his own mind again, having lingering thoughts of failure seeping every ounce of his core. It was interrupted however by a singular slam to a desk which snapped Vox back to hell.
“Do I have your attention now?” Carmilla snapped
Vox’s eyes were darting back and forth from Carmilla's fist to her face. “Y-Yes! Yes!” He smiled widely
Carmilla let out a sigh
“I simply wish to make a deal, the terms are simple. I will make you a whole new body to your liking as long as the power outages are nonexistent as well as going to the Hazbin Hotel for however long as I say.”
Vox mouth dropped, he couldn't believe what he was hearing. He couldn't fathom what Carmilla was implying.
“So let me get this straight?-” he squints his eyes. “You want ME. To go to that insect infected, color clashing, out dated hotel?! Where uh- NEWS FLASH!! They all hate the ever living shit out of me!!” To exaggerate it more the capital letters were more in his television speakers he is always so fond of.
Carmilla stares at Vox this time with a smile on her face, it slightly terrified Vox. The whole time he had been there she showed no true emotions yet here, here is when she smiled. It was off-putting.
“Aww~ What happened to being the people's voice? What was it you called yourself? Vox Populi?” It wasn't praise, it was more or less mocking what Vox once was. “Eres un puto cobarde- You still have your voice!”
Vox for once was silent, this didn't wipe the smile off of Carmilla's face.
“I suggest you come up with an answer Vox, this will be the only time I offer it-”
“You said any modifications to the body!?” He cut her off.
Carmilla sits up grabbing a pen along with her clipboard.
“What modifications would you like to add?”
“Is there a way for the endoskeleton as well as the exoskeleton to be laced or even made with angelic steel. I want this body to last or rather my head actually stay on it's body”
Writing this down Carmilla busted her pen, when she meant body modifications she didn't think he'd go for a stronger reinforced one. He's sharper than he lets on though it's only fitting after all the hotel might not be as welcoming. She grabs another pen to continue writing.
“I'll see what I can do, oh and your old body? Are we able to make certain modifications to it or?-”
“You seeeeee about that!” He let out a dry chuckle “I wasn't able to find it, well none of my employees were able to find it”
Carmilla turned the monitor around to reveal on her couch that Vox’s body was in a chair.
“One of our foremen found it and brought it over to me, this was a little over a week ago. I had plans to scrap it however I decided to hold it a little longer” She turned the monitor back to face her.
“What I do need is a small team that works for you that is able to rewire the old body to the new. Since you want angelic steel we'd have to cut a lot of the old you to fit the new.”
“I'll send over my assistant, he's the only one I really trust. He's been helping upgrade me for years, I'll even supply you with generators for the meantime. Ethan also will have all the schematics for my old body”
Carmilla stops writing, putting her pen down looking at Vox.
“With this new order for loads of angelic steel we'll need to add onto our deal” she smiles
Vox looks at Carmilla fully paying attention, no gimmicks, no charming jokes. He's silent.
“It will still be the same as before. I give you a body, you continue the order of electricity so that I can do my job. However you must leave the other Vee's to join the princesa at her hotel. Until I see actual change in you Vox. After that little stunt you pulled you definitely need a wakeup call. This includes your precious social media, I'd like you off of it as if you never had one.” Her face goes back to being stone cold.
“If there is no change, none at all I simply get what is mine being the body. Regardless of its upgrades afterall I am building it, the steel alone will set me back for a month. I'll be lenient and give you days to test your body before actually sending you off to the hotel. Once it's yours you'll have a day to get your affairs in order. Is that understood? Fair enough for you Vox?”
Vox was hesitant for once, especially in a deal. He raised an eyebrow.
“This is no trick? No type of mind manipulation?.. I've been tricked into a deal before some reassurance would be-”
“¡Puta madre! Do you want the body or not?” Her stone cold face starts to become angry.
Vox instantly changed his tune.
“IT'S A DEAL!!” Vox says with a forced smile, a nervous forced smile though as the silence thickens the room both overlords sit there in slight confusion.
“Ummm I don't think you can shake volts of electricity?” Vox chuckled nervously
“Mind shaking my hand while having the monitor turned around? Maybe then the binding deal will be settled?”
Carmilla humored Vox, turning the monitor to face his body once again after all she herself didn't have any other ideas to complete the binding deal. She adjusted his hand outward shaking it to complete the deal. Both parties felt surges of electricity, especially storm clouds forming outside making all kinds of thunderous noises. The static alone turned on the power throughout the warehouse. Vox can feel slight glimpses of power surging in him only for a moment before seeing his body forming shackles not where his head is supposed to be but rather on his arms. Silver chains, pretty thick and far too many for two shackles. Only there for just a single moment, a moment too long for Vox’s taste. For he never thought for nearly over 70 years would he ever be on someone else's chains, he’s so used to chaining others to his command yet now he’s in their shoes.
Carmilla chuckled, turning back to Vox slightly amused especially by his pathetic expressions displayed on the monitor.
“Eres tan patético, que resultas entrañable” She smiled.
“Send over your assistant, especially anything useful. From blueprints, spare parts, perhaps a new screen at least to reinforce this model. I wont keep it a surprise, as any other client I always send updates. Just be on the lookout for any and all calls for testing the body out” Still a business women at the end of the day.
“What do you think an estimated time limit would be? I’d like to know now before planning my departure. I’m not going by myself you know, I’m still taking some of my sharks that aren't attached to the hip to Valentino.”
Carmilla paces a moment thinking, Vox watches before she comes up with a solid answer
“3 weeks, that's with estimating again sooner I have everything the sooner the order could be completed yet there are no promises” She waved her hand “I also do believe this concludes our meeting Vox, and a very productive one at that. I look forward to our next meeting now if you will excuse me. I have to get to work managing my workforce and of course getting started on some sketches. Good day”
Before Vox could say anything else he was just as easily forced off of Carmilla’s computer monitor, it took him a moment to realise it was a command rather than a send off. He let out a small growl before using the powerlines to travel yet again to the Vee tower back to his decapitated self. Ethan still in his office in one of the chairs doing his own work before realizing his boss is back, he shot upward, nearly spilling his coffee.
“Wellcome-”
“I have an important task for you Ethan, I’m going to send you a list of equipment as well as an address. Take whatever is on the list to the address, ask no questions and represent our company well. I recommend you for this task alone, do not embarrass the Voxtek brand.” He sighs "Especially in front of Carmilla Carmine. Oh, and take the extra blueprints in the drawer over there. You’ll be there for roughly 3 weeks.”
“Yes sir!” Loyal as always Ethan does what he is told, seeing this as nothing more than an opportunity. Once he grabs the blueprints he dashed on out of Vox’s office.
Vox scrambled surveillance cameras as well as edited several packaging stocks they had in the loading bays, enough to where it was unnoticeable by the other Vee’s let alone employees that valued their lives enough. Again Vox was alone, he couldn't fathom that 3 months had come and gone. He doesn't remember sleeping, just the endless stream of work emails, calls, and meetings he had to attend. The constant humiliation endured by the media let alone from within his own company he had built. Vox let out a low growl. Though now things will be different, now that he knows what is waiting for him. A new and stronger body in just a few short weeks. As much as he wanted to celebrate he could feel how heavy his chains really are, he couldn't help but wonder will he always feel its weight?
Vox brushed it off as nothing more than just lack of sleep. Wires extended down hooking up to his ports in the back of his head lifting him up from their holographic screens appear showing a plethora of things. Vox’s focus was more or less focused on the screens that have both Valentino and Velvette, both seemingly enjoying each other's company in the lounge area of the tower. Desperately so Vox wished he was there with popcorn enjoying their gossip even though he doesn't understand their slang. He just simply wishes to be included.. He knows deep down that they were more than associates and business partners, even friends. They were his dysfunctional family and he fucked that up.
*****
It had already been 2 weeks since the deal had been made, not a single power outage had hit the pentagram. It had caused some suspicion at least within the tower, the city however is enjoying the power. There had been talks mostly from the Voxtek employees especially about the forecast error that led to their weatherman swarming with bullet holes for such imperfections. The new CEO despised such imperfections after all their brand relies on perfection. Yet rumors being rumors circle the tower especially with the power, many grow weary especially the veterans knowing very well that Vox is gaining some sense of power. It also doesn't help when Ethan makes his rounds doing things here and there, many know not to let curiosity get the better of them. Which was good on Ethan’s behalf especially with Vox’s aid blurring cameras as he walked with parts, child's play on Vox’s behalf. Little does Vox know that he isn't the only one watching the cameras.
Velvette stared at various screens displayed in front of her, no doubt keeping up with the media. The top trend is of course the Vee’s fixing the power situation, praising them for working electricity even for working wifi. She glosses over, reading posts even reading whatever the companies journalists spouted before they edited it to seem more dramatic. All the while making the next batch of potions. She stops completely grabbing one of the screens seeing that the cameras are being blurred intentionally. She found it odd. Raising an eyebrow she digitally made more screens appear specifically for that floor to check if her suspicions were merely suspicions, yet in real time another camera blurs out while the other that was blurred before went back to normal.
“That prick!” she hissed, she snapped her fingers having her magic continuing to stir the pot. Vel walks on over to the counter pulling her phone out, pulling more digital holograms out from it. More importantly surveillance feed from that day. Finding it odd that it's being scrambled, almost hiding something or someone. She sits there a moment thinking almost as if it physically hurts. She furiously dialed a number on her phone, quickly the caller answered;
“Melissa! I need you to drop whatever it is you're doing!” Her attitude was always the same, being the baddest bitch in the tower.
In an instant her assistant wasn't expecting such a response, she quickly stopped in her tracks “You want me to stop setting up tonight's show?” She was surprised just uttering the words out her mouth.
“Forget about that, I have an important task for you to look at” Velvette starts typing up a list forwarding it on over Melissa “I've sent you a list, I need you to go on over to the technology department and go through their inventory-”
“Forgive me for being too bold, though why not just ask Ethan? He specializes in that department-” Her expression alone was cowardice even through the phone call only to be cut off by Velvette.
“At the moment-” She hissed through the phone straight at Melissa, eye twitching clearly vexed “He's under investigation” she gritted her teeth “Just do an inventory check, even if it takes the whole damn day! I'll relieve you of your other tasks of the day just do it. And not a single word to anyone else”
“Understood..” Melissa had no other choice to be compliant after all it’s her job, it's the will of the brand along with her department no matter how obscured the request by her boss. She simply straightened up changing course through elongated halls going through a set of doors before reaching an elevator.
Velvette smiled “Good, I want anything that appears out of the ordinary. I mean anything digitally, paper documents, even ledgers. I need solid evidence that there had been some type of forgery. From motherboards to power supply units, even to the CRT?” Velvette questions how she even remembers some components to Vox’s tv head. “Call when you have any leads” she hangs up frustrated at the situation.
“Damn it V…” Clearly she knows she has been deliberately abandoning Vox, not visiting for a while. Clearly not her fault since she and Valentino had been working twice as hard to bring back the brand's image after Vox’s little mental breakdown. Not to mention being the voice of reason to Valentino's sudden bursts of fury to not again ruin our image more than what it already had become. While also simultaneously doing her own job, a tall and heavy order. Still despite all of that she still manages to push through somehow.
Velvette pauses her work for now. Pulling up her schedule on a holographic screen taking the time out of her precious day, canceling and rescheduling shoots, her fashion show she worked endlessly on, even meetings for the day. Since she sent sweet Melissa out doing far more important tasks, being down an assistant. Already being more annoyed than she already is she gets started with her investigation going back as far as the beginning of the month. Vel writes any and everything down in a nearby notepad, anything of interest jotting down employees seen in several cameras before they get interfered with. While simultaneously figuring out how to deal with the problem being Vox, even considering taking it directly up to Val.
*****
Vox’s face was displayed on a screen simply observing, his body being prompted up with cables. Behind his body was Carmilla along with her daughter's simultaneously welding together fragments of angelic steel in Vox's spine. Working double time to fill in this rush order, Clara and Odette clearly had their own opinions on the situation yet remained silent.
When losing interest he simply opened holographic screens easily, looking back at it now upon making his deal with Carmilla he noticed some of his strength had come back to him. Something he hadn't considered though is still learning, despite still being new to technically selling his soul he still has power. He despises it. Gaining power easily by simply asking for it? Pathetic.
Before Vox can dwindle deeper in his thoughts a set of doors open making the Carmine’s stop dead in their tracks lifting up their welding hoods. The daughters back away to the machine itself, powering it down grabbing its wires to hang up. Vox even closed off all his screens, turning the screen he’s projecting himself from. Carmilla herself walks closer to the timid Ethan struggling with several crates on a dolly followed by her daughters to aid him, setting it down on the workbench.
“Ahh Ethan” Vox chuckled “Good work, gone unnoticed as usual I presume?” He merely observed the situation at hand since he couldn't do much at the moment but offered some key features about his body, especially what to avoid. Some things cannot be regenerated or replaced so easily.
“Yes sir” Ethan says opening a crate taking out tons of wires, parts and overall any and everything to upgrade Vox efficiently. Even though he’s timid he teaches Carmilla’s daughters the wiring even the blueprints and nerve systeming for the spine lining up to the dorsal fin.
Meanwhile Carmilla faces Vox’s screened face, her face with soot from welding for hours. Her expression was cold yet unreadable as Vox lowered his screen on down to match her height, he actually couldn't tell what he was outright feeling. Until he cleared the tension by clearing his throat.
“Can I be of any service today lady Carmine?” He’s nervous, he shouldn't be. Why is he nervous? Even the twitch in his eye is sending the wrong message in the presence of Carmilla
Carmilla couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, almost in amusement. Almost.
“I’m afraid not Vox. With your assistant here I’m sure we can manage effectively, especially with an extra set of hands that knows the wiring just as well as you do Vox. You do not give the poor boy credit where it is due.” She chuckled “Run along now before your associates notice” she waves her hand
Vox growls zipping on out of there with the currents of electricity within the cables of the tv hooked into the wall. Not by his own will. Carmilla watched with slight relief that he was finally gone. If it weren't for the constraints of the deal Carmilla knew Vox would have lingered for results. At first she found it amusing to see his desperation yet now it was rather annoying. She let out a sigh staring back at the mangled body, she walked closer to it examining the progress.
Carmilla lets out a sigh staring at the angelic steel protruding out of Vox’s hand to his elbows, his claws seemingly a lot sharper. A single wrong gesture Vox truly can injure himself or even those around, she makes a mental note to revisit his hands and feet, she continued on making mental notes. Deliberately afterall she doesn't trust Ethan especially when he too is soulbound to Vox, she can never be too careful these days especially with what has happened.
*****
Appearing once again in his office he growled in frustration with sparks of electricity surrounding him. The lighting in his office brightened intensely to the point the lightbulbs combusted one by one, followed by Vox shouting in his television speaker voice. His pent up rage was nearly about to come out especially with all the static in the air, he only stopped when Shok.Wav swarmed violently behind him. Shok.Wav smashes face first into the tank, something he hasn't done since he was pup. Instantly it was a huge red flag for Vox especially hearing the cracks as Shok.wav continued to hit against the tank several more times expressing his urgency.
Vox wasn't alerted at all, no transmission not even from Shok.wav. It was pure silence only to be violently turned by an enraged Velvette sitting in his office chair. With all the static from his tantrum cut short her once flawless hairstyle of the day was now resorted to an unmanageable eye sore.
“Way to go V!! Mucking up my hair! My hair!!” She hissed and pouted well, mostly pouted. Touching her hair with bits of static buzzing around it, not to mention she now smells like incense. Not that Vox can smell her, Velvette on the other hand can from how much more teeth she's showing as she scowls.
“Velvette!” Vox was surprised, overall he was ecstatic. Finally he thought, a visitor after months of isolation. Vox smiled though it fell flat processing the actual situation, especially Velvette’s enraged face especially ruining her hair. Vox let out a nervous chuckle “I- uh.. Wasn't expecting visitors" His voice chokes almost squeakily so.
“Where have you been V?” Her mood doesn't shift, nor her tone. Vox however can tell that this is now an interrogation from how this is playing out.
Vox chuckled “I was in a meeting, I’m always in a meeting or even filling out my tasks for the week. Effectively no doubt” He let out a wide smile like he always does “It’s not like you’ve bothered to check up on me. You or even Val…” Which his smile falls short into more or less an angered expression to where even his eyes didn't even want to match Velvette’s.
“Don’t start!-” she snapped “You nearly killed us over that fucking deer!!” she smashed her fist on his desk, this time Vox eyed her fist then finally looked her in the eyes. Of course he says nothing. “You pushed us aside as if we didn't matter only to stroke your ego, did nothing else really not matter? We have been at this for years, Valentino longer than I. Understandably so we left you alone you fucking prick, we are still fucking angry.” She didn't skip a beat “Though that isn't why I am here V.” She stared him down getting his full attention.
Vox didn't know how to process the information, he thought he could bullshit his way through this especially using his cunning ways. However after Velvette’s statement, the confidence he once had is slipping slightly breaking this whole persona he was putting on at this moment in time. His thoughts speaking louder and louder. His eyes glanced almost everywhere looking for the answer in anything else than what his brain is conjuring up, it's almost as if he’s drowning. Funny, how does one drown without lungs? Let alone linger with the single question: Did nothing else really not matter?
Velvette didn't give him a millisecond to answer, no. She pulled out her phone, gliding her hand from her screen to thin air to display out multiple hologram’s hued in her colors surrounding Vox catching him slightly off guard. Vox can see it clearly, mostly just recordings. He analyzed the situation carefully thinking on what to say or do, especially how much evidence Velvette really has on him before jumping to conclusions. Velvette watches him trying to read him, especially his confused expression.
“Ummmmm what am I looking at?” Vox was glancing between screens seeing some going in and out of service before they become normal again
Velvette parts the screens away so it doesn't cover her at all, she eyed Vox not believing him not one bit “Bullshit V!” she leaned closer profusely tapping her nail on his screen “Not to mention we haven't had a blackout!! Explain!” She hissed, straightening herself in his chair.
Vox didn't like when Velvette profusely tapped his screen, he scowled a moment out of announce. “Bullshit? Had you had anyone check the security system since our servers had been hacked and data exposed?!”
From Velvette’s expression alone with her lips being pursed as she crossed her arms, clearly they hadn't done a proper security check since Baxter hacked the server room, not to mention Vox blowing a hole in the servers. Indicating that this was the only evidence she had. Bold? Perhaps, a little too bold.
“Then explain the sudden fix to the blackouts” Her patience is thinning.
“Upgrades, Ethan has been fixing and upgrading me with the latest parts. He’s been tinkering here and there in hopes to fix the countless power outages, it did take some time. Trial and error and all that” Vox says with slight confidence since they were partially true.
Velvette sat there in silence, she dispersed the holograms with a single click of her phone. She gets up from Vox’s chair, her eyes squinted as she got close to his screen again lips pursed in frustration more on herself. “If something is happening once I’ve gathered any and every bit of evidence of tampering, I am going to call in a meeting especially with Val!” Vox knows it’s a fact.
Velvette backed away, Vox couldn't even bear to look her in the eyes. She scoffed "You're officially under investigation any and all future-” She took several steps away from him etching close to the door, what she didn't expect was for Vox to outright say anything. She stopped dead in her tracks facing away from Vox.
He heard it clear as rain that she had stopped hearing him preparing some type of answer, maybe even out of curiosity. No matter how much he’d want to open a glimpse of himself under all his charismatic persona yet again it plays in his head; There are no friends in hell. He lets out a soul crushing sigh not answering the question. Velvette lingered a few seconds too long before walking completely out of Vox’s office again leaving Vox truly alone, the sound of the door echoed a little too loud for Vox.
He had the answer. Though Vox being himself simply couldn't muster the courage, for the afterlife of him he couldn't tell her how he actually felt. Being reduced to nothing more than a tv someone can mount on their walls, he was once somebody. Somebody that almost had everything. Vox lingered idly by his thoughts; moments he deemed himself a failure from his living life to his afterlife. The trials he went through, the trust he once put in someone he thought of as a friend. He couldn't bear that heartache again if he told his partners the truth, the word alone frightens him to say out loud. What if they leave him too? They are going to leave..
Vox couldn't help it when his thoughts got loud. They only amplified his negative emotions, something he tried and failed to stop no matter how hard he tried. Distractions had helped in the past yet with being left to his own devices only the negative thoughts get the loudest. He thinks back to when he nearly blew up Alastor and himself, he was finally going to win. To not be seen as a failure to prove finally that he is strong, that everything he worked on everything he had built meant something. That the other overlords would see him and his accomplishment not just another mouth always doubting in his abilities, his value as an overlord especially what he brought them. Yet when Vox squinted his eyes closed he couldn't help but see their faces. Valentino pulling him in an embrace calming him down only to push him away as Velvette was trying to talk sense to him. Yet his ego looking back at it now is what pushed them to do what needed to be done, not out of fear. The only thing Vox can truly think they still kept him around was simply that they still care about him to some capacity, yet there were no visits except just now with Velvette.
When he opened his eyes he looked on over to Shok.wav seeing he’s now calmed down from his constant warnings, Vox couldn't help but slightly smile at his companion even if it was for a mere moment. Yet now with this new information he gets to writing two emails via his tv screen as a warning for both Ethan and Carmilla that now he’s under investigation, that this may put a type stall to him getting his body. Of course he didn't word it like that, he was more professional about it like he always is with his work emails going as far as hiding his message within the emails.
*****
The week had come to an end, during the week alone Velvette had been overworking herself especially without Melissa’s aid to organize her many shoots, shows, even getting a decent damn coffee. Sure she had other assistants yet Melissa could do the job of 3 of her assistants effectively at that. She huffed looking at the calendar, especially the deadlines. What she didn't expect was her assistant placing down a cup of coffee next to her as well as a giant file, like a natural Melissa takes a look at the schedule making several adjustments.
She wasn't one to argue about her coffee through after drinking some of it her attention drifted to the file. Without hesitation Velvette placed her cup down opening the file, she didn't keep her eyes off of it while addressing Melissa.
“This is all from the last few weeks?” Velvette pulled up a few pages skimming through information, especially papers of missing inventory which did catch her attention.
“Yes” Melissa didn't hesitate
Upon completing her adjustments on Velvette’s schedule along with her fashion shows she made it more doable with her bosses schedule even leaving some time for herself. Melissa goes on over to the file she placed down earlier pulling out several pages each being former Voxtek employees. She spreads out the pages almost how investigators do when questioning witnesses.
“I also took the liberty of trying to track down these employees, however-” Melissa sighed out of frustration as Velvette listened, having her fullest attention. “Sadly all lead to dead ends"
Velvette frowns, her eye twitched with anger “He’s either covering his tracks or something really wrong is happening” She sighs laying back in her chair completely dumbfounded, almost impressed if Vox wasn't attempting something shady. “I can't tell if he’s stealing from the company, planning something unprovoked, or-”
“Actually-” Melissa cut her off, bold of her to do yet given the circumstances Velvette does look to her expecting an answer remarkably without lashing out about being interrupted. “I had a little chat with Ethan” she smirked.
Velvette jolted upright almost surprisingly “Noooooo you didn't!" Velvette laughed. She was practically gobsmacked that Melissa had the balls to do that kind of thing. It was honestly unexpected on her behalf. She let out a laugh finding it hysterical “Please tell me he was pathetic” She was now invested.
Melissa chuckled, pulling out her phone “Very. Yet he did tell me a lot of interesting things, especially about his superior” She gave Velvette her phone. Both watched an actual pathetic confession from Ethan both laughing at how easy he is to crack especially when Vox doesn’t have eyes on him. Yet the laughing falls short when Ethan confesses to Vox’s deal with Carmilla of all people, Melissa knew when to stop laughing yet she didn't remember hearing this part whatsoever.
Velvette was appalled, she couldn't even form a sentence. He sold his soul to get his body back, it almost sounds incomprehensible the Vox she knows would never stoop that low. Never. It did confirm the sudden stop in blackouts even the weatherman they gracefully let go due to lack of professionalism. Now with missing inventory it paints a clear picture, he really did stoop that low. Her silence was almost alarming, Melissa can feel the tension in the air.
“Cancel everything for today.” Melissa was taken aback yet did what was asked of her. Velvette however wasted no time whatsoever, Velvette forwarded Ethan's confession to herself along with grabbing all the evidence. She even was dialing Valentino only to be sent to voicemail. “Fuck! You fucking asshole!” She hissed attempting yet again walking along the halls of the Vee tower.
Velvette called Valentino 48 times looking for him everywhere going to his studios, talking with his workers, well more like demanding his workers to tell her where the so-called Ceo is at. When getting the answers out of frustration she starts stomping to Valentino’s penthouse during work hours where he’s supposed to be working. Upon getting to the doors Val’s his bodyguards didn't even get a chance to open the door nor get involved with an enraged Velvette knowing very well this isn't the first time she’s barged in unprovoked.
A huge gust of pink smoke poured out, revealing him lounging about on a couch smoking from his theater-style holder huffing out pink smoke. He wasn't surprised by the sudden visit, he chuckled having his attention taken away from Angel Dust who was on his knees. He was drugged out of his mind of course yet Velvette could care less about his boy toy or how drugged up he actually was.
“Babydoll!!” Valentino laughed “Why the-” Valentino was in a hilariously good mood yet squeaked when Velvette interrupted him by slamming the file on his coffee table, any harder she could have shattered the glass. Especially with how dramatically his cocaine fell out of its tray making Angle Dust flinch by the sound of such ferocity Velvette put into slamming the file. Val snapped his fingers causing Angle to shutter slightly and in an instant Angle was dismissed, staggering left and right in a bit of a blur going to his room well out of earshot holding himself with all four arms. Leaving the two remaining Vee’s to their own devices.
“ Mmm?” He raised an eyebrow forcing a smile “What the fuck is this?” Val leaned down to the file tilting his head like how dogs do when curious, even adjusting his heartshaped glasses before looking back to Velvette. The comment itself was supercilious and Velvette felt that tone in on itself which only aggravated her slightly more.
Velvette was in no mood for Val acting idiotic or simply being himself, she scowled “I’ve been looking for you all fucking day!” She huffed. ”I even called you!!” Her temper is well written on her face; it even makes Val slightly nervous. He lets out a nervous squeak looking down to the file once more, caving in picking up the file looking at it. Val even squinted his eyes skimming at several lines while listening to Velvette.
“He sold his soul Val!!” Velvette screamed. “Not to any rando on the streets! But to Carmilla Carmine of all overlords!” As much as she hated the old crone she for once couldn't tell what her angle was. She wasn’t to be toyed with yet Velvette still pushes and probs her buttons despite the warnings and now Vox of all people had bend his fucking knee to her. Velvette didn't even know how to process it, Valentino could see her once perfect mascara pour down her face now an absolute wretch.
Velvette couldn't tell if it was out of anger, frustration, even anguish, hell even an amalgamation of emotions seeing Valentino’s face despite her blurred vision yet she can tell very well that he was indeed in a sense hurt. Valentino’s forced smile was quickly flushed out of his face, staring at pages of evidence, only to see the words blurry as hell. His hands trembled overcome with emotions he couldn't even describe. He snarled getting up, extending his wings all high and mighty despite being damaged no thanks to the Might of Lilith. “It’s time to have a little chat with that puto llorón estúpido!!” He angrily squeaked, flapping his wings.
*****
Spew of numbers and coding flash at the bottom of the screen, to the average eye it may be nonsense yet to Ethan as well as to Carmilla it was progress. It was a simple start up. The coding starts spewing from the bottom jumbling up, simply doing a system check. Nothing new on behalf of both Ethan and Vox for Carmilla however this was slightly disturbing knowing this is how the media overlord upgrades himself every few decades.
Vox was hooked up to multiple wires sprawling from the ground even to the ceiling, all against osha regulations yet all was necessary if they wanted to power his whole body. He slumped over as soon as his screen went to black causing Carmilla to be in a split second of panic only for Ethan to type away at his laptop. Surges of static pick up in the air, a good sign that washes away Carmilla’s panic as Vox’s screen turned on with surging volts of electricity laughing.
For once Vox felt a semblance of joy, he finally has his body back and the amount of power coursing through his new wiring feeling every surge through his bioluminescent veins. The moment he got up he almost fell, his tail swooshed annoyingly. Vox figured that would take some time getting use to even if he wouldn't want to openly admit it, he relished the moment until Carmilla stepped forward.
“How does the body function? Is it well suited to your liking? Does it need more time in the workshop?” Her responses had a shimmer of resentment almost as much so as Frankenstein had towards his Monster. Yet she was always to the point, she did not want a defective product of hers to be released let alone get overwhelmed to the point it explodes. Again.
“Everything seems to be operational on my end” Ethan spoke up clearing his throat “No bugs, all the technology is holding up well and operational, especially the malware which is usually used for computers. Any other discrepancies that the systems cannot pick up solely rely on Mr. Vox alone..”
Vox does take a moment unhooking himself taking a few steps along with stretches to get a feel for his body, the standard. Vox does go the extra mile slashing the air with his angelic claws as Carmilla watched in silence, yet when Vox stopped standing upright she finally broke that silence.
“Well?” She etched closer still towering over him despite him getting a slight boost in his height. He noticed how small he felt, he knew he shouldn't do anything to brash yet it was tempting. Far too tempting.
Vox couldn't even look her in the eyes, that was a first. A first he thought. Vox couldn't muster up a single ounce of his courage he swore he had, his hesitation brought attention and wasn't the only one to notice in the room. They all knew though unlike Ethan, Carmilla found it amusing even letting out a little laugh that frightened the poor eel. Vox was all smiles before laughing even, now he’s silent. The single ounce of happiness was now a single memory stored in his memory banks, the only emotion he can truly feel is regret.
“Oh what's the matter Vox?” Carmilla raised an eyebrow with a condescending smile etching her lips showing a superiority Vox had never seen from the Industrial Overlord. Which had begged the question on Vox’s mind: Had she really planned this from the get go?
Vox finally stared at Carmilla growling exposing his teeth in a wide toothy scowl with two streaks of blood drooling out of his mouth, even his left eye in its hypnotic state in attempt of authority out of anger knows now exactly what he had gotten himself into. Vox forgets himself. Despite his anger and his frustration he forgot one vital thing, he sold his soul. With a flip of Carmilla wrists a set of chains materialize followed by the shackles that Vox knows all too well though wishes he’d forgotten. Vox knows his strength all too well yet when it came to his shackles he could barely lift them, Carmilla yanked his chains so hard its force had forced Vox on down to his knees where his whole body weighed a ton. No matter how much Vox had wanted to struggle he couldn't move he was welded shut to the concrete floor looking nowhere but the ground, hell not even his eyes for the afterlife of him couldn't look up. It was only until Carmilla herself tilted his television screen up as it weighed nothing to her.
“Perhaps I was being too lenient with you” She hissed "That'll be my final mistake..” Carmilla punched him knocking him back an inch, luckily for Vox it didn't crack his screen. It did knock him flat on his back making him even more smaller yet the literal weight of the world was lifted and the chain along with his shackles dispersed, he no longer felt like Atlas bearing the sky.
“I was going to give you days for you to get adjusted to your body while also getting your affairs in order, you have until the end of the day Vox. There is no negotiation” Carmilla said coldly. She turned to Ethan who is trembling like a leaf “Pack your things, our business is concluded” Ethan didn't hesitate he started packing any and everything that he brought but did leave Carmilla copies in case Vox did need extra parts afterall Carmilla is now his supplier.
Vox slowly gets up even using his environment to prop him up even if it was slowly as if wounded from a battle, especially after a scuffle here and there with Alastor. Suddenly Vox starts feeling the pressure or rather what was once the weight of his consequences only to be met with Carmilla again, this time he knew his place. He trembled. Something he didn't think he’d actually do in the presence of another Overlord that wasn't Valentino let alone Velvette before her morning coffee.
“I expect to hear word that the Media Demon is in the hotel later on today, I do not care how you do it as long as you play nice. Just remember to get your affairs in order before your departure” Carmilla said coldly, she wasn't playing and Vox knew this. He was hesitant yet answered with a trembling nod, it was a good enough answer for Carmilla. “Now that we both have come to a mutual understanding, leave. I will check up on you every 3rd of the month, don't you forget.” Those words hit Vox in the gut in a twisted way yet both Ethan and Vox weren't ones to linger longer than they should. Both were unaware of what waits for them back at the tower.
*****
Normally Vox would have simply zapped his way to the tower yet with a semi injured internal body he rather not had pushed his luck, the car ride with Ethan as the driver put him at ease. It also gave Vox some time to make a reservation, he grumbled picking up one of the few spare phones from his middle console. Though when calling he didn't expect a burst of energy and a kind voice to answer: “This is the Hazbin Hotel where redemption is possible! Are you looking to make a reservation?”
It had obviously been rehearsed countless times, especially the little quote which sounded ridiculous to Vox. He wanted to hang up yet he answered, clearing his throat in a voice he’d thought he’d long forgotten “Ah yes!” Vox even put on a fake smile as if in front of a camera. “I’d like to make a reservation!”
“Wait really?” The receptionist sounded shocked, she even scuffled around grabbing a pen for the ledger sounding as if she was rather new at this job. “Your name?-”
“Vincent!” Vox had cut off the receptionist quickly without hesitation Vox knew if he used his name he’d definitely get cut from the call, and he can't afford that.
“Okay, Vincent, what time can we expect you by? and any special accommodations to your room before your arrival?” This time the receptionist actually sounds slightly professional; it threw Vox off slightly even when his dead name was tossed in.
“Umm Possibly around 4 pm! Oh! And.. are you guys pet friendly?” Vox was honestly nervous if he couldn't take Shock.Wav let alone his new pup Vark, he wanted to be sure he can take them before requesting accommodations.
In a heartbeat the receptionist answered “Yes we are pet friendly!! We even have rooms to fit their accommodations-”
Vox nearly forgotten where he’s staying at, he was honestly happy he could bring his sharks “Perfect! I’ll take the suite with the biggest fish tank! Expect me at 4!” He hung up ecstatic that his boys can come with him
The receptionist however was confused, hearing that Vincent hanged up she sighs putting the phone down scribbling down notes in the hotel's ledger. Sensing this confusion Charlie comes on over looking at Emily smiling managing the receptionist desk seeing that she finally jolted down a name; Vincent. Charlie looked on over the ledger see accommodation notes raising an eyebrow
“They want a giant fishtank?” Charlie was slightly confused though she chuckled finding it hilarious
Emily being Emily ruffled her feathers, it's clear she's taking her receptionist job seriously even if it's only a single person that made a reservation that day. “Yes! They are requesting a suite, whatever that is!” Emily pouted, Charlie couldn't help but chuckle.
*****
The Vee tower was in a bit of a buzz, especially with everything in the workday canceled. Fashion shows, perfume lineups, investor meetings, adult filming productions, nothing is happening. It didn't help when many employees saw Vox walk through the halls with Ethan at his side which in it of itself was unfathomable. Not to mention his noticeable upgrades.
Vox sensing glaring eyes growled turning back to everyone gawking at him barely fitting in his backup suit which is all he had in the car “Back to work!” He growled through his speakers which was enough to make everyone run up and out of his radius. He should be satisfied to still have some authority yet he wasn't, he didn't find any pleasure in it knowing he’s no longer the ceo. Vox lets out a sigh “Ethan, what's next on the agenda before I have my meeting at 4” Vox pushed the elevator button waiting on Ethan's response only for his assistant to choke up.
“A-Ah..” Ethan mustered, staring at his tablet rereading it to make sure he was reading it correctly. The hesitation aggravated Vox which snapped at his assistant, again Ethan finally uttered the actual words “Your fellow Vee’s wish to see you immediately…” Looking at Vox Ethan saw sparks of electricity from his antenna’s
“I have a different task for you Ethan” Vox sounded almost somber “Pack my bag, I cannot fit in any of my suits so any of my loose clothing will do. Prepare a pair of pants along with a jacket in the car… oh and get Shock.wav and Vark prepared for my departure I am taking them with me. The rest have to stay, they bonded with Valentino and Velvette sadly…” He turned to Ethan showing almost his lost humanity “25 years..” He chuckled “Still the best assistant to boot, let’s see how this meeting goes and lets hope it goes to 26” Vox nods zapping away in one of the cameras not waiting for the elevator whatsoever. Ethan stood there for a moment not knowing how to feel, that was the most genuine thing his boss had ever told him. Yet as his most loyal assistant he does what was asked of him thinking it is indeed possibly the last time he’d work under him.
*****
Vox materialized in front of a set of doors, he did notice it as he entered his building if he can even call it that anymore. So much had changed in very little time, he was used to change yet spanning over decades not over several weeks. He stared at the doors knowing damn well they were once his signature blue now they are maroon, Valentino’s colors. Were they so keen to get rid of every ounce of his existence let alone image, he noticed on the way in that his posters were gone and were replaced by that wretched spider. Vox couldn't help but growl, he knows damn well that he couldn't salvage what he had torn no matter how much make up sex or expensive nor luxurious designer items he could buy. It would never be enough. How much will be enough?
Did nothing else really not matter?
There goes that question again, that single question that has been on his mind since Velvette last saw him. He didn’t know how to answer it right then and there Vox doubts if he even knows a statistical analysis of an answer. Vox is stalling and he knows it. He lets out a small sigh before straightening out his posture putting on a fake smile most would know in the television business. Vox pushed the doors open slowly letting out a small chuckle before entering the conference room lacking everything he once had going into conference rooms just like it, his sense of self.