Guess who's back with another ramble, hehe… And it's about Vox again yes, I am a certified stan 🫡
Episode 7 showed us exactly how Vincent climbed the ranks in life, and how he did it unnaturally fast:
By murdering every piece of competition in his way.
He didn't hesitate. He didn't reflect. He didn't regret a single one of those killings. Not then, not now in Hell. To him, it was efficient. It worked. It paid off.
But Hell isn't the same playing field. Down here, sinners are technically immortal (keep in mind that this was long before the exterminations began), which means Vincent couldn't repeat his strategy. He couldn't simply eliminate his rivals. It would only earn him powerful enemies.
But you know who could eliminate competition?
A demon who made other overlords vanish. A demon whose victims' screams were broadcast across Pentagram City, and who were never seen again. That kind of power immediately caught the attention of our brand new Media overlord.
And Vox, without a doubt, was scared to become one of those disappeared sinners.
But he also saw something else in Alastor:
A gateway. A way to continue his climb efficiently. Through Alastor, his competition would "die", and he could claim their place. Just like before. All he had to do was become someone the Radio Demon valued. Someone Alastor wouldn't dare to hurt.
And so he did. Because Vox is, above all, an opportunist.
But something complicated the plan.
He didn't expect his cold strategy to be interrupted. By feelings, no less. Genuine admiration. He likely didn't even recognize it as such (given the era he comes from)... but he definitely recognized how good it felt to be around Alastor.
For the first time in his existence, Vox wanted to share his spotlight.
To be on top, but to be there together. While still using Alastor as a tool when needed, of course! That part of his nature never changed. But whether he understood it or not... things were no longer purely tactical.
Which brings us back to the infamous bar scene in Episode 4.
Watch how Vox presents himself: all charm, charisma, determination.
The constant compliments. The "You're inspiring!" line, a line so impactful that even Alastor himself remembered it years later (was he genuinely flattered for a moment, perhaps?).
Vox does feel embarrassed for laying it on so thick, but only briefly. He catches himself, blushes, recovers. And keeps going. Because he's excited. For more reasons than one.
He's confident when he talks about how people know them, love them.
But when he anticipates possible rejection?
He grabs his own shoulders, a gesture often tied to insecurity.
Alastor never interrupts him... and that makes Vox shy.
The static dancing between his antennae, the tiny smile. He is genuinely happy. Things are going perfectly.
"So... I've been thinking, Alastor. With your incredible power-"
Look at the shy glance when he speaks of Al.
"-and my massive influence-"
His posture sharpens. Admiration shifts into pride.
A quick reminder to us: he is still very much in love with himself. Even while loving someone else.
"We would be unstoppable. Radio and Video. Me and you."
That is both his plan and his desire. Because in his mind, there are only two who truly deserve to be on top: Vox... and Alastor.
"We could rule Hell. Together."
The sheer happiness and excitement in his voice say it all. A picture-perfect image. The two of them as "gods", having fun, getting rid of anyone who dares approach their thrones.
In a single line, the opportunist returns. Suddenly it's official. It's business. It's strategy again. A chance to get his "tool" on his side.
The Radio Demon should be honored. Vox believes Alastor couldn't possibly deny this. Not in a million years.
Both pure and malicious. Both heartfelt and strategic. Because that man loves Alastor almost as much as he loves himself.
Alastor laughs. Right in his face.
The rose-colored glasses break instantly.
Complete confusion floods Vox's expression. He never expected rejection, especially not humiliation.
Alastor's tone is different this time. Not playful. Not teasing.
"I knew you could be pathetic at times, but I didn't realize you were so weak!"
A nervous laugh slips from Vox as he tries to process what he just heard.
He knew Vox could be pathetic at times?
He didn't realize Vox was so weak?
What is Alastor talking about?
Where is this coming from?
It's clear Alastor has never used this level of mockery with Vox before.
But this isn't teasing. It's not banter.
Vox's face shows it. The distraught, the disbelief. And Alastor keeps laughing. And laughing. And laughing. Someone Vox considered close... someone he's known for years... laughs at him.
"You need me to join your team! And here I thought you might actually be approaching my level. But asking for assistance? A partnership?"
This hits exactly where Vox is weakest. Because it's true. He was asking. He did want that.
And now he knows Alastor sees that desire as pathetic.
His posture curls in on itself again, insecure, ashamed.
That little spark of vulnerability is punished instantly.
His screen fills with static. His pupils tremble. His voice cracks.
His world tunnels because Alastor said one word that breaks him:
"I am quite disappointed in you."
From someone you admire, that is the deepest cut possible.
And everything begins to splinter.
A wave of dizziness hits hard, so much that he has to sit down.
His hands curl into trembling fists.
For someone like Vox, who built himself on control, strength, and image, that loss of composure is the deepest kind of defeat. His body reacts before his mind can catch up.
"I just thought... since we're friends-"
There it is. Confirmation. Vox did see them as friends. And his vulnerability spills out because pain rips down defenses.
Alastor doesn't back down. Instead:
"There are no friends in Hell, Vincent."
That line forged a new layer of armor around Vox's heart, one he would never again remove.
The moment he opened it... it was torn apart.
Vox's grief hardens into rage.
If Alastor wouldn't stand beside him... then Vox would stand above everyone. He doesn't need partners. Only followers.
And yet... 70 years pass.
Still, Alastor outplayed him. Alastor stood above him. Alastor looked down on him.
And that is when the original wound resurfaces.
Vincent... the man who never allowed his heart to heal.
What a doozy tism ramble I did, oh God… Hope you guys read this to the end haha… Boy oh boy, do I love analyzing my comfort characters ✨
