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Rain, not acid rain but, actual, proper rain falling in Hell.
Honestly if Charlie was not standing in it, feeling the wet cooling touch over the burn she would have thought she was dreaming; a non hell based weather system was not unheard of but, rare did not begin to cover it. Truth be told a herd of unicorns would be more likely than the cool liquid that struck her and, was also running down over the seated sinner.
Vox did not seem that bothered, heck even Shockwave seemed to be enjoying the rain that slid off his bulk has he curled protectively around his master. His usual rumbling laugh reduced to soft, concerned crooning for his beloved father and the glum mood that had brought about this little "upset".
"Its nothing bud" he assured, azure claws running along the beast's side with a gentle pat but, much like the observing Charlie the shark was not convinced.
"Daddy sad.... red thing mean?"
Vox chuckled weakly, his "boy" could read him like a book "Nothing I am not used to by now" honestly even Charlie was a little concerned at how low Vox's moods were since she had taken him into the Hotel's care. Yes he had done plenty of terrible things but, to see someone this broken... well Vox seemed less a shell of himself and more a vapour ready to be blow away in a strong breeze.
Alastor's "teasing" certainly did not help.
She had had words with the Radio Demon but, in truth she might as well have gone and lectured a wall. It did not help that nobody was running to Vox's defence save one titanic robo shark but, Shockwave could not be everywhere at once. And, if Charlie was honest with herself this was not simple playground teasing.... far from it.
Then again people were likely sent to Hell for less given some of the stories she had heard from the guests of the Hotel.
Still, lack of defenders aside, even those who had no love for Vox had been a tad unsettled with the observed interactions between him and Alastor. It was one thing to see people pick on the down trodden in Hell but there was something in the way Vox... well did not respond that gave people pause. This was not the inaction of someone playing dead against a stronger foe; hell Vox did not even beg or try and run.
He just... did not seem to care anymore.
It was certainly amusing Alastor, or possible frustrating him that his favourite "toy" was not dancing his usual tune much to Charlie's confused disgust. Again, she had tried talking to Alastor but, all she had gotten was talk of "testing" to ensure they were safe and, that indeed the Shark had lost his teeth.
Husk and, even her father had simply noted that Alastor was in denial.
That he had pushed Vox past some invisible line and, there was little chance of dragging him back.
Not "That" line mind you; even if that had seemed likely during his breakdown at the Might of Lilith fiasco. No, it seemed the shark sinner had been broken in a way that not even regeneration could heal. To the point that Alastor's taunts an quips no longer hurt because, in all honestly when you are so broken.... what can really be used to hurt a person anymore?
A rumble of thunder had her attention return to the seated sinner and his pet or, more importantly the small storm cloud that had manifested above them. The mecha shark rumbled at his father warily "Hmm oh sorry bud" with a wave of his claw the cloud shrunk and dispersed among the other rain clouds. The shark seemed to purr at that, tail wrapping around the Sinner affectionally.
"Like Daddy's weather tricks"
Vox chuckled weakly at that "Just keep it to yourself Shockie, last thing I need is it getting out that I am a literal weather man" the laugh was tired and bitter.
The surprised gasp of the princess was as loud as any thunder bolt.
End of Chapter One