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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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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?

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.

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."

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."

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.

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?"

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."

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."

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.

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."

"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?"

"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.

"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?"

"It is. Rather like losing the key to the house in the grass." There's a mild huff. And yes, Vahl will be Alpha. It is like the sun being hot. "Moving shadow. If the person has a shadow that moves independently and seems completely trustworthy, that's likely him. I can't tell you what he looks like because he looks and sounds... trustworthy, whatever that means to you."

That could work. Hopefully he will just steer clear.

Alec has no idea what Vahl is talking about.

Here he scratches the back of his head. "We met on one of the worlds that summoned me improperly and I destroyed it. I was in a mood. His name is Zack... and he lives in Antillioch. Adopted brother of Abdiron. He's the first person killed by a man made apocalypse. Abdiron took him from his reward and turned him into this ... entity that is dumped out on worlds where a non-naturally occurring apocalypse happens. Now he has to ... absorb... the dust of the world he's on before coming back home." Alec is hazy on that part. It was probably told to him, but he just put it in the 'not important at the time' file.

"Abdiron had a spell on him that prevented him from thinking without hurting his head. Dispelled that one - with his permission. He looks like an adult but... he's pretty feral. Doesn't really know how to interact with people. Doesn't know how to use a spoon. He's smart but like has ... no ... people skills and the powers that be are the ones that know exactly what happened to him. Abdiron had his complete and utter trust until I came along."

Part of Alec feels a bit guilty at making Zack's life difficult by making him aware. Ignorance is bliss and all. But leaving things caged just isn't in him. Chaos requires freedom. Sure, he has those souls bottled up in jars but he put them there and he could release them if he wished and may even do so at some point. Also it's always different when you do a thing than when someone else does it.

"If there's anything out of kilter about him, I may be able to spot him fairly easily." One assumes this Death's Shadow has a mind to read, and Vahl is used to the .. flavour of different species.

Salmon and cucumber. One Sunday teatime. Autumn. You vagabond.

There's a slight wince as Alec mentions a destroyed world. Keldra had its own issues recently. Well, in one specific universe, but it had repercussions on them all. Vahl has no knowledge of the core universe though, only his own. That Drake Kaelen is suddenly a dragon, is enough to be going on with. This is about Alec's problem, not Keldra's.

Having relaxed a touch mentally, Vahl catches a hint of Alec's feelings of guilt. Freedom can often be a painful process, but to be aware there's a choice... that's not something Vahl would have withheld from this being either. Waifs and strays, Keldra has them in abundance. It seems to collect them.

He ponders for a moment, having listened intently to the information Alec offers up.

"Abdiron. Antillioch. Those names ring a very dusty bell." Vahl bites on a thumbnail for a few more seconds. "I'll look into those. So naturally, Zack has trust issues, possibly arrested development... it's impossible to tell without meeting him, but yes, bring him to me, and I'll do what I can."

What Vahl 'can' is not inconsiderable, and that's at worst. He's yet to meet an individual for whom he can't do something.

Off kilter, perhaps. But he's trustworthy. So trustworthy. Death's Shadow has a mind to read... but it would likely be that of the host's as opposed to the shadow's. "Hopefully." Is all Alec can allow. Part of him wants to see what sort of havoc Death's Shadow could wreck.

Well, the Everstorm of Chaos wants to see what might happen.

Not Alec would admit it.

Lies and slander. Damn dirty lies and slander. It was the cat they don't have that ate it.

At least it was a single world and not an entire universe. Though yes, best to just worry about your own world. And apparently new dragon problems.

Zack is definitely a waif and a stray.

"They're related to your... set of realities. Sentient. Like the nebula." He then grins. "Abdrion has heard of me."

Much as they love Alec, the Kayori are also wary of his nature. If not for Phoenix, they wonder if they might have been poked about rather unpleasantly.

Oh yes. That invisible cat. How silly of him to forget it.

The sentience of this Zack's world intrigues Vahl, not as much as Alec's tidbit though. "I imagine many pantheons have." Vahl tilts his head, sensing more to come, and then amused, asks, "did he greet your presence with abject joy?"

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."

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element_wizard - 2021-08-16 17:36 (UTC) - Expand

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