element_wizard | (no subject)

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...

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That is one thing that one will never know. Unless there is a Kayori without Phoenix. But that is neither here nor there. How many would be amazed and amused that Phoenix has managed to 'tame' a force like the Everstorm?

Quite a few invisible cats about. Annoying things.

"I gave Zack a penguin to give him as a rather protective charm. I didn't want Zack to get into trouble for me lobbing him off for lunch instead of going right back home. He, I am told, didn't take it well saying I was worse than Lucifer and ilk, the dark Kayori gods and a bunch of other stuff rolled into one." He is not at all smug about that.

"Buuut... that turned out to be the problem. I went to talk to Abdiron ... had a moment... and accidentally ... sort of ... claimed Zack as mine."

Edited 2021-08-15 17:14 (UTC)

The penguin ... is funny, actually. Vahl has a complete chessboard of them in one of his studies. Even here at the villa, there are one or two dotted around the shelves in the kitchen. Every half-century or so, a new one finds its way into one of his shoes, or soup, or stuck to the soap in the bathroom.

"He didn't?" there's mirth in Vahl's eyes as he imagines well how this alien god creature might have reacted. "What I'd have given to be a fly on that wall. I wonder if I could pop into one of his dreams at some point?" That's always riskier with higher begins than it is with mortals. But it is tempting.

"So he's obviously aware of us. I'm assuming hell realm?" Alec hasn't said so much, but it's been strongly implied. "I'll chase Drake up. See if he has any contacts."

Completely not smug. *cough*sandwich.

Vahl can relate to that sudden urge to claim. He's done it occasionally with some of the more abused patients, who stood no chance in their situations or families. Most of the Kayori have done so at some point. "I wouldn't feel quite so embarrassed at doing that, if I were you. It's more easily done than not, on occasion." Vahl picks up his T-pad and starts tapping at it, jotting down 'must do' notes. "This Abdiron, repugnant individual one assumes?"

There are probably untold number of beings out there wonder why the Everstorm of Chaos uses penguins as his calling card. Sure, it's a unique calling card, sure. But... there are many other things one could pick that the rather innocuous penguin. Alec is happy to let them continue to wonder.

Personally, Alec has thought about slipping between realities and time to watch, but has decided that leaving it to the imagination was funnier. "I'm sure it was quite the show. If you want to try, go for it. Bring some popcorn." Vahl knows his own abilities and won't be ... too stupid when it comes into other people's dreams. "Actually, since Zack was there you might want to risk it."

He nods. "One that takes on the dying worlds into it. Apparently me taking Zack is going to cost a lot of souls and possibly requires someone like what he's done to Zack for his Hell to work."

It could have been worse. It could have been that brandy... oh wait... It was for something very important.

Claiming people is not something he does too often. It's a big responsibility and even his older self just doesn't have the attention span to deal with one. Also he really does have a bad track record with kids/taking responsibility for people. Four have been wiped out of history, existence even. And those are the ones this version of him has dealt with.

"I just wasn't planning on doing it. I went a bit eldritchy when I did it without realizing I was going to. He just pissed me off when he said loosing Zack would cost him a lot of souls," he said waving his hand letting reality ripple around him. Which made it a bit more binding. "Pretty much. He's got one redeeming quality. He genuinely cares about Zack. The idea of him not being able to see Zack again really shook him up. Other than that, utter trash."

"I may do just that." The dreams of others - especially gods - can be a risky proposition, but if Vahl feels it's required to be able to gauge Zack's past, then he might attempt it.

It's always about the souls with so many overlords of the hell realms - or dimensions. Drake has never really fixed on souls as currency. Whenever Keldra's hellgod trades in them, it's usually to rescue or to help in some way. His rule is based on his sharp mind and his tight rein over the demon populations. Souls are almost incidental. "Hopefully, Zack can enlighten me a little more on the internal workings of this Antillioch."

That this brother seems to at least care for Zack is interesting and may be a potential starting point to build a better relationship. Hellgods are hellgods. They are what they are, but at the same time, damaging one's brother is repugnant to many of them. Even the worst of the worst often value and protect their kin. "For what it's worth, Alec, I think you did the right thing. We'll give you all the help you need."

Both Vahl and Phoenix are aware of at least some of Alec's track record. However, with a support group that comprises an entire pantheon of gods, it needn't end in disaster.

Edited 2021-08-16 13:12 (UTC)

"If you do, take pictures." Be careful.

Money is a construct and about as real as Alec is. That includes souls. Which is partially why he's never been bothered about ruining economies or anything. It's all fake.

"I don't know how much he knows. More than he thinks. He's a watcher." Amazing what people unconsciously pick up that they don't realize until asked.

Siblings are funny. You could be utterly savage to your sibling and that's fine. But gods forbid someone else is even rude to them... well, then they deserve to be destroyed. At least in proper sibling relationships.

He gives Vahl a small wry smile. "We'll see," he said. "But thank you. I do need the help." While he's not sure if he did do the right thing or not -Vahl's opinion notwithstanding - he's not going to just dump Zack in the dumpster bin. A not-demon thing is for ever, not just hogswatch.

Knowing more than you think is a basic tenet for a psychological healer. The insight on Zack is appreciated though. It's a slow building up of a picture of a person. Obviously, a meeting will yield more information, but Vahl likes to have something to mull over.

"Bring him as soon as is convenient," Vahl tells Alec. "I'll make time."

"Between myself, Phoenix and Laya, both of you will have the support of a surrogate pack. And with the rest of the Kayori pitching in if required, well," Alec shouldn't have to face any crisis alone.

Unbidden, Phoenix nudges at Vahl's mind. 'My turn yet?' It makes the god smile. "I think someone's angling to see you. No prizes for guessing who."

It might help if Alec had spent more than three hours or so with Zack. But he didn't. He just grabbed the poor "kid" and dragged him along in his wake. Ah well.

"I will. I've got to tell him what I've done first." He's not looking forward to that. Zack probably won't mind, but he doesn't need him glomming onto him any more than he has. "And thank you."

Though a genuine smile that reaches up into his eyes appears on Alec's face. One that breaks through the exhaustion of panic. "Can't imagine who," he said. "Mind if I borrow him?"

"You're always welcome." There's a warmth in Vahl's voice that's reserved for those who truly are welcome. "And good luck with that," he adds, genuinely, with no trace of sarcasm. Alec doesn't need that right now, and possibly won't for some time.

Vahl chuckles. If Phoenix can't make Alec's face light up, and ease some of the concern, then the god is fairly sure nobody can. "Fill your boots, as they say. It was good to see you, Alec."

A larger grin appears on his face. If Phoenix doesn't do that for him, then it's clearly not Alec.

And he's gone.