(no subject)

[element_wizard]

While Alec's exit from Abe's office is quick and clean on the outside, on the inside Alec has decided to go through a scream of panic. He flicks off into the in between spaces of reality to give himself some time to think. Or not time to think. Time is over-rated.

In that not space he paces. Obviously he needs someone to talk to about this. It's been a while since he's gone off and adopted someone... or well... it was something more his older self tended to do. Or...well... time was a chowder soup. In any case, the adopting part wasn't so hard. He knew had to take care of kids and teenagers. Which is what Zack is sort of. The demon... really screwed up in the head part on the other hand is a bit beyond him. Alec is aware enough of some of his weaknesses. Dealing with emotional things is a one.

He needed to talk to someone.

Two people popped into mind.

One he immediately dismissed. Rhys wouldn't be useful here. He wasn't apart of these realities and he wanted to keep his friend out of it as much as possible. The realities. Cross contamination could be bad sometimes.

Which did leave the other. Vahl was from Zack's set of realities and would be familiar with what he was. Also, he was good at dealing with head problems. Besides it would be nice to see him again. It'd be ages.

Flicking through realities like one flipping through the pages of the book, Alec searched around for "his" Vahl. So many different variations. But he could find him. He could find anyone and anything. Perfect sense of direction made it possible.

And there it was, the little flickering bit of him and the bigger flickering of Phoenix.

Good.

Good.

Good.

Being on the edges of Dreamtime amused Alec as he'd been poking at an alternate of himself who existed near the edges of dream and awakening as a Changeling. That one is far away from here in a different part of the Dreaming. They were all connected eventually somewhere. It was one of those ways some people traveled between realities.

Lots of things could travel through them.

In a rather messy ripple of reality, Alec appeared in front of Vahl, ignoring the scenery. "I accidentally adopted a not-demon and he's really screwed up in the head which I'm really bad at dealing with so I was hoping you could help?" Then. "Hi. Long time no see. How are you?"

Maybe a bit backwards there...

Comments

[twofold_psyche]

With the growth of his powers, and the evolutionary path he's on, Vahl feels comfortable pretty much anywhere, but Al'Karingha always feels the homiest. This home is particularly pretty and reflects the side of the Tzarkaehl that is the Lord of Dreams. The Nightmare... might crop up a little, especially when he's indulging in some kind of game with Phoenix … but that side of Vahlmir is just a memory at present.

The villa itself, as yet unnamed because Phoenix can't take it seriously and the pack keep squabbling about it. The fact that it's unnamed has become a personal pack 'thing', and it probably will never be named because of it. In fact, they don't even say 'The Villa' with capitals, because that constitutes a name. So it's just 'the villa'. For reasons Vahl doesn't quite understand, Lex has threatened them all with his wrath if they don't keep it that way.

The adorable little pet.

It's as private as private can ever get. So the place is single-storied and sprawls rather. It can also change and shift, as dreams are wont to do. There are numerous doors, leading to numerous garden areas, the most beautiful one of which is the central courtyard. It's filled with shady trees, greenery, flowerbeds, and a large clear pool, which has a natural grassy shore, from which one can easily wade in for a dip.

There is a grass lawn, on which Phoenix is reclining in the dappled shade of the trees. He has a glass of bourbon and his T-pad, on which he's browsing the Galactic Hub, and texting various clan and pack members.

Vahl likes to have a study wherever he's staying. 'the villa' is no exception. This one is smaller but comfortable, with shelving that houses interesting bits and pieces. Large shiny polished stones, geodes, and ceramics from exotic worlds. The window is large, and glass double doors open onto a smaller garden area that has a bubbling fountain.

There's not much that shocks or surprises Vahl, even Alec Troven - well, actually, let's cancel that statement. Today, Alec can congratulate himself on Giving Vahl quite a start. The god has undergone the process of shock, reaching for his power ready to fend off an invader, realising it's not an invader but Alec, and that it's Alec as a younger being, and then wondering what the fuck... before he's processed what his guest is actually saying.

Guest. Yes, Vahl will call him that.

Because Alec is always welcome.

Even when he's ranting/panicking/making a mess of reality. Vahl silently ticks off that checklist before rising from his seat, amused, perplexed, and really very pleased to see Alec again.

“Screwed in the head being one of the least dreadful diagnoses, I'm sure there's something to be done.” Vahl will take things in whichever order Alec puts them. It's been centuries since the days of their own pack. Vahl has long since mended after the end that he knew would one day come, came. Today he's just happy to see his former Omega again as a beloved friend.

“Now come here, you little baggage, and say hello properly.” He opens his arms. “And if it's not too awkward, a hug.” After all, it may not have been that long for Alec. Who can tell?

[element_wizard]

With the messy entrance Phoenix would have felt it. Phoenix would have felt it anyway. That's how they worked for some reason. No matter what their ages.

Taking a moment to settle properly into reality, with a flicker that's rather like a bird fluffing up to settle their feathers, he takes in the actual place he's in. Because even though they're in the Dreamlands it's still "reality" as far as he's concerned. Things exist in the place which makes it real. Which makes it apart of reality. The office is Very Vahl. One of the god's constants. Alec would possibly suggest that it was a constant of his lairs. A way for others to know it belonged to him. It did have its own feel.

Considering he's not been around in a while and he just sort of crashed in, it makes sense he would surprise Vahl. There has been no reason for him to do so.

"Oh. You have no idea," he said dryly. The initial panic had been put under control. Being called 'little baggage' gets him an eyebrow raise but he will give Vahl a good hug.

How long it's been? Several years? Several centuries? An eon? Who knew? He certainly didn't. No matter the time that's past he's still exceptionally fond of Vahl. They were good times. Needed times.

[twofold_psyche]

Phoenix is well aware, but figures that Alec has burst in on Vahl, rather than himself, for a reason. He'll wait until Alec comes to find him... Because he'd better. And not just disappear.

To be sure, Vahl communicates the visit to Phoenix on their pack bond, and he confirms he's going to wait and that he can't wait. All at the same time.

Oh, come now, Alec, it was purely affectionate. Vahl will just fondly grin back at you and give you a bearhug. "This is where I sit you down and ask you what seems to be the problem," Vahl says, indicating the comfy sofa and chairs to one side of the study, near the window.

"Or ask you a multitude of questions about not-demons, the degree of screwed-in-the-head-ness, and accidental adoption. Though for a second, I'm more interested in how you've been keeping."

[element_wizard]

Of course Alec will come and find him. If he didn't then it wasn't Alec but some imposter. Even Alecs who haven't met Phoenix will seek him out, if only out of curiosity from the feeling they got.

True. True. It's the principle of the matter. The bearhug feels good though and he reluctantly lets go. Sometimes it's tempting to just drop in maturity. But now's not the time for it. Perhaps never. Flopping onto the couch, he runs his hands through his hair absently. "We can do how I'm doing first and deal with not-demons second. Time travel is useful," he said. "He'll keep."

There's a moment of thinking how he's been keeping. "Mostly well. Shifting around some history. Mine and some other alts. The Fool's changed a lot. Had to kill off one alt because he'd become... unstable... I've some how become the responsible adult in one reality and Rhys is the unreliable one. He's also Russian, not Welsh. Not sure how that one happened. There's a few others," he said. "Personally, it's been rather quiet. Mostly me messing around with other mes."

[twofold_psyche]

Despite the centuries that have passed for Vahl, it's a little tempting to tilt Alec's face toward his and push his hair back. But those times are gone, and this is good enough. As Alec picks his seat, Vahl takes one of the armchairs, draping himself across it sideways, legs over one arm. It's easily a large enough chair, and it shows how much Vahl has relaxed in himself over time. He still values his self-control, but he's less rigid, less brittle than he was in days gone by.

Assuming the not-demon is safe, Vahl listens to what Alec has been up to with interest, and not a little boggling of the mind. "I never did meet Rhys, but I recall you telling us about him." He grins again, then, "though it's hard to imagine you as the responsible one in any reality. No great disasters then? Apart from the purpose of your visit?"

If that can be classed as a disaster. Vahl hopes not, and he'll do what he can to make sure it's not.

[element_wizard]

Alec would let him. It would likely lead to things that were fine then but problematic later. So, it's good that it doesn't happen. Here. And in this reality. Other realities are other realities. It is nice to see Vahl more relaxed, however it happened. Chilling. Who knows maybe he might end up in Hawaiian shirts one day. Meanwhile Alec has not shifted into his upside down position the couch he used to do around the Pack. He's doing a good full slouch, arm flung over the arm rest, but he's not flipped over.

Considering that Alec has put the fear of the Everstorm of Chaos into Abe, Zack is going to be safe for a very long time. Not that Alec is going to leave him hanging for long on his sense of time. It'd confuse Zack.

"He thinks it's hilarious. Though I can be responsible." He's being tetchy there. It's been a stressful day. There's some thought on the matter. "Well. There's a possible disaster there because of my fiddling around with the Fool's history. I don't remember. Have I mentioned the other Forgotten to you?"

[twofold_psyche]

Gods forbid the Hawaiian shirts.

Vahl is noting the slouching with fond amusement. He's half-expecting Alec to adopt that very position at any given moment.

"I've witnessed you being responsible on many occasions," Vahl points out. "If you ever require a reference, don't hesitate to ask."

He thinks about it for a bit. "Mentioned, yes, but I think not by name."

[element_wizard]

Alec is going to get him one. This is now imperative. The when is up in the air but it is coming.

There's an amused snort and a tired grin before he does sober up. "Right. The Forgotten are the fears of humanity made manifest, so to speak. They were created by the shadows of humanity's minds when they were learning how to be human. You've got your fear of death, your fear of the unknown, fear of fire... etc. etc. etc. One of them is the fear of betrayal. He goes by Death's Shadow. He is... He was created by the victim of the first murder and the fear of death. And he will betray and kill anyone. Family. Friends. Random people on the street. The worst bit about it is that he thinks he's doing it for the good of people."

There's a grimace because he isn't going to like this next part. It was and wasn't his fault. He was just trying to make the Fool's life make sense. Something he'd been trying to do for ages. The consequences were unexpected and one he didn't realize could happen until it happened with Zack.

Not that he showed it. No need to worry the kid. "While I was fiddling around with the Fool's history, Death's Shadow became their creator. Much like the Blind King was theirs." And there's a pinch of the nose. "Since he is the Fool's creator and the Fool is connected to me, he's managed to use that connection to ... get free from his world."

[twofold_psyche]

Vahl will steadfastly refuse to wear it. Even if Alec woobies.

Listening and following Alec's tale, Vahl had almost already worked out that this might be bad news Not just for Alec, but there's a hint of a warning already. The god isn't particularly looking into Alec's mind, or even noticing the surface thoughts. That can be dull when you're asking a guest for news.

"Is he likely to trouble you?" he asks, then adds "or anyone else we need to be concerned about?" This could refer to Keldra, and indeed does encompass it, but Vahl is equally concerned for Alec and those he holds dear.

[element_wizard]

Clearly, Alec will need to recruit Phoenix for this endeavor.

Vahl wouldn't need to read Alec's mind. He's not trying to hide anything in this particular instance. "Me... Well, he might take an interest in you, if he discovers you and Phoenix... and others exist. I don't think he'd try and kill anyone." There's a pause. "Maybe Phoenix, now that I think about it. But that's more on ... well, he resembles the Forgotten's opposite number and he will kill any of them at any possible opportunity. On general principle."

Getting out of his slouch, he leans forward to rest his elbows on his knees. "He's already taken an interest in my ... not demon problem, which is what I'm more worried about right now. Death's Shadow doesn't know exactly how much of his power extends to other worlds yet, so he'll be cautious."

[twofold_psyche]

"Could he do you harm?" This isn't encouraging news. Vahl hears Alec out though, bristling for a moment that Phoenix might be a target.

"I understand these creatures can't be killed, and we'd only try if he came to our world and tried to harm our loved ones... can he be blocked, or banished?"

A little knowledge and understanding of Death's Shadow will certainly prepare them for trouble. Vahl will obtain as many details as he can from Alec later. The main point seems to be that this character is interested in Alec's not-demon, for the time being though.

Vahl too shifts position. He's a little more alert now. "Has he tried to harm your..." Vahl wavess a hand vaguely, imagining a youngster of some species or another, "... boy? Creature?"

[element_wizard]

"He can kill me - physically - and it'll be a bit longer than usual for me to get my way back. It also hurts a bit more than usual because he cuts into a person's essence or soul, depending on what they have. He kills people two ways. One is just your normal physical ways stabity stab. The second way is to cut into a person's essence. Because you can't say betrayal doesn't hurt deep down in your soul. Especially when it comes from someone you thought you could trust like family." Wryly he has to add, "That would be easier done to people connected to you. It doesn't physically kill a person, though."

Which includes Phoenix.

"The trick would be blocking the host. Because everyone has that 'they betrayed me' voice in their head. Even if it's because someone ate their sandwich." Which Alec absolutely hasn't done. "If the host can't physically come here, then Death's Shadow in particular can't come here. Nobody prevent that little voice in your head."

As it stands right now, it doesn't look like Death's Shadow will make it over here. Vahl just asked about disasters and might as well prepare for a disaster. "Physically? No. Mentally? Well, let's just say he's not used to being able to trust someone who doesn't have ulterior motives and that's prime 'stabbing' material right there. Which is part of the reason why I wanted to bring him to you."

It is a show of trust that Alec knows what Death's Shadow could do to Zack in regards to him trusting Alec, but he's willing to still bring him to Vahl for help. Because oooh boy, you really have to trust someone with Vahl's history. Especially if Zack might of heard of him.

[twofold_psyche]

"How inconvenient." The dry comment belies Vahl's more visceral reaction to anyone who could or would harm Alec. Well, old habits, and all that. He'll always be an Alpha, if not Alec's Alpha. None of this shows on his face, however. "Betrayal being quite the theme where most of the Kayori are concerned, we'll be on our guard."

If they can get a DNA sample from the host, blocking would be easy. However, there are powerful wards created by the five chieftains to deter would-be tricksters and overt aggressors. Combined, the chieftains are greater than the sum of their parts, so there's that.

Vahl can't help a half-grin. He's familiar with missing sandwiches, Alec. You little fibber you.

The plight of this youngster resonates with Vahl. He may be on sabbatical as Tzarkaehl, but it's as much in Vahl's nature to heal, as it is to hunt and... other things. Not that he'd turn Alec down even if this weren't the case. "I'll help, of course, if I can. Do you have a little more background information? Actual species, home life?"

[ashes_ascended]

Phoenix has been in a really lazy mood. He's still on one of the sun-loungers under the trees in the large courtyard. Not one for shorts, it's usually either full nudity for the angel, or his usual jeans and teeshirt. The latter are adopted today and the tee reads, 'Restraining orders are just another way of saying I LOVE YOU'. He's finished messing around on his T-pad, and has grown a little more impatient to see Alec with each passing minute.

He knows this is important though. Vahl hasn't given him specifics due to patient confidentiality but will give him an info-dump of whatever he does need to know.

The angel has paced a bit and is now crouching by the pond, encouraging a couple of the pretty Keldran ducks to approach him. One of the female birds has a gaggle of six ducklings, who are currently cheeping around the Phoenix's feet, while he gives mom a well-earned head rub.

He contemplates feeding them, but bread is bad and they have plenty of good stuff in the natural pool. Alec might like to see the ducklings though.

[element_wizard]

Alec reappears on the sun-lounger, legs crossed to watch Phoenix with the ducks. There is something just permanently adorable about Phoenix, especially with critters. Bread might be bad for birds, but Alec can dig up some tiny sardines from nowhere that he can toss at them. The little ducklings do get all excited at the random fish.

Zack will be stressful, but Phoenix is relaxing and he's missed the angel terribly. This will be fun. Maybe they'll do something different this time around. Right now, he's waiting for Phoenix to turn and see him, because it's funnier that way.

Admittedly, he will toss a fish at his head.

Because that's also funny.

[ashes_ascended]

Love is like a butterfly; if you pace about waiting for it, it won't ever leave Vahl's fucking study. But if you turn your attention to other things, like ducklings, it will come and ... throw a fish at your head.

Phoenix starts as it plops softly against his head, and already the babies are excitedly pecking at it. The angel turns. For about a nanosecond, he tries to look unimpressed, but ... Nah. Sod that.

"Really?" he asks, failing to not smirk. Phoenix stands, being careful not to tread on a duckling and approaches Alec. "You're always so romantic, lover mine. Now give me a fucking hug."

[element_wizard]

It's not his fault that Phoenix is in the way of fish being thrown. Sure. Well, Alec did aim it at him directly but...

It was funny.

"I am as romantic as a toad," he says but does bop up to his feet to give Phoenix a good hug. The best hug. A snuggling hug. A slightly fishy smelling hug. For a moment, all is right with the multiverse.

[ashes_ascended]

It was funny for the thrower, not necessarily the throwee.

Alec will get an enormous hug and a kiss to the temple. And one on the nose. He pulls Alec in so he can snuggle as much as he likes.

"Naw, there was that one time on vacation, when you left a magnolia on my pillow." There must be more times. Phoenix can't quite think of one right now.

In the meantime, the ducklings have finished the sardine, and are clamouring around their ankles hoping for more. Much to the consternation of mom.

[element_wizard]

Well, it's the thrower that counts, right?

"Maybe." There have been. Scattered and few. He may not do romantic gestures, but he sends his love in other ways like interesting things he's discovered along the way. Some perhaps permanently borrowed, but still sent with love.

"Hi. How are you? We should go talk and stuff." He grins at him. "It's been a busy few days. I want to get out of everything."

Not wanting to have his ankles pecked to death by ducklings he creates a bowl of very yummy duck food closer to the water.

[ashes_ascended]

Love is unique to the people involved. Over time, Alec has been loving and lovable in his own very special way, and Phoenix adores him. Even when he gets turned female.

"I'm really good," he grins. "I guess you're not, seeing as, uh, Vahl's study and no detours."

En masse, the ducklings waddle quickly to the tempting bowl of temptation. Mom is a lot happier with this outcome. "Softy," Phoenix mutters, ruffling Alec's hair before releasing him.

Pots and kettles much?

"Okay. Let's get out of everything, then. What you wanna do?"

[element_wizard]

It really is. And for them it works. Which is all that matters.

"Oh... I'll explain in a bit. And yeah. It was unfortunately a business before pleasure moment."

It's probably a lot healthier than ankles. "I wanted to keep my ankles intact."

Pots, kettles, and frying pans.

"You trust me, right?" he asked. Yes, he knows this answer, but it feels important right now to ask. Sometimes, you need to ask.

[ashes_ascended]

Alec can explain whenever he wishes, or not at all. Phoenix will get the basics from Vahl if needs be. Not that Vahl discusses patients. Confidentiality and all that, but he can give Phoenix the gist of things.

"Most of the time." He can't help that one because of getting his hair turned pink, or Moshti getting turned tartan. "When it counts though, yeah. And it counts today."

[element_wizard]

There are some things he needs to explain. Other things not. But still, not here.

A snort and amused smile. "Good." Then he grabs Phoenix's hand tightly and well, it's a pivot. Sort of.

One blink there are ducklings and a lovely pond outside the villa and the next an office building hallway. It's a long stretch of hallway. The lights flicker on with a faint buzzing hummm that electric lights do. It has the feeling of waiting. Of being left behind. Of faintly remembered thoughts. Good times past.

A sense of purpose lost.

And puddle of glitter goo under their feet. It seems to be oozing out from under one of the doors. Making a face, Alec mutters, "I told them that stuff would leak."

[ashes_ascended]

'Getting out of everything' is a major clue-stick for the angel. So when Alec takes his hand, he knows it's not going to be a bog-standard teleport.

Despite that, Phoenix feels a tad dizzy for a spell, and blinks a bit before realising they're in an office hallway. Okay. Yeah. He thinks he knows where they are and what they are, and he's good with it.

"Why.. whenever we do stuff, do I end up getting glittered?" He looks down at his boots ruefully. "What is it? Sparklpire ooze?"

[element_wizard]

"I get glittered too," he pointed out. His shoes are also goo covered. It'll take a while to get rid of it. Glitter sticks no matter what you do to it.

"It was supposed to be a glitter decontamination goo... like a glitter removing soap. Glitter doesn't work like that. But they were hopeful." Which he doesn't blame them for. He too would want something that easily got rid of glitter.

But glitter is glitter.