paixaorpg | Not Quite Out of Dodge [completed]

Entry tags:

Not Quite Out of Dodge [completed]

Character(s): Vyers and Laharl
Content: Shortly after being interrogated, Vyers is interrogated. And most likely punched.
Setting: Vyers' place
Time: Sometime after Timon and co. leaves in this thread.
Warnings: Probable mild violence

The only sounds that could be heard coming from Vyers' room were the rapid clack of keys and the frustrated mutterings that accompanied them. Shortly after Timon had left the room, Vyers had pulled out his journal and began to type--or attempt to type--out something to say to Laharl. Every try usually ended in the entire thing being deleted in a fit of frustration or else as a result of the demon's doubts in the journals being the place to put his confession.

Even so, he still tried, and occasionally switched to the voice function, deciding that it would be easier to show Laharl rather than tell, but even that ended poorly, as he was unable to come up with anything to say. After an hour, there was only a paragraph at most on the screen, a paragraph whose writer stared at with tired, scrutinizing eyes. He understood why it was difficult, but did it have to be so much so?

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Getting away from Flonne and Etna wasn't too hard. He said he was going to find food. Given how hungry he was, he doubted they would think he'd gone to do anything else.

Laharl was trying desperately to think of a reason for coming over here in the first place, as he made his way to the apartment. A fake reason, not the real one, was needed. Not like he was going to admit he was coming over to check on Vyers. Never. He just needed some sort of reason for being here... something.

Would saying he left something in his room work?

Maybe. It was the best he could think of, at the moment.

Laharl just opened the door to the apartment; he wasn't about to go knocking, after all. He'd wondered if he'd have to deal with Timon or whoever else was staying with his old man now, but was surprised to find no one there. Well, this was convenient. Question was, would he find his father here?

Noise in his room confirmed that perhaps he was, so Laharl quietly approached the open door. Sure enough, there he was, his attention on his journal. Laharl stood at the doorway a moment before finally leaning lightly against the frame, trying to seem 'cool'.

"Oi."

Edited 2010-04-28 02:19 (UTC)

Vyers sighed with frustration, about ready to get rid of what he had written, when Laharl suddenly spoke up. Vyers jumped about half a foot, fumbling the journal from hand to hand until it ended up on the edge of the bed, its user pressed up against the headboard and staring at it as though it were something possessed. "H-How did he...?!" he whispered, a thousand thoughts streaming through his head all at once and then falling silent as he caught a glimpse of blue out of the corner of his eye.

He could only stare at Laharl, dumbfounded, not quite processing the fact that the boy was actually there. He should have known Laharl would make an appearance. He should have known, should have expected... But he hadn't. Two people in one day... This was going to be... tiring, to say the least.

Vyers fidgeted a little in his spot on the bed, suddenly finding the comforter very interesting. He looked as though he were going to say something once or twice, but remained silent in the end.

Boy, he sure caught his father off guard. Whatever was going on was apparently enough to distract Vyers to not even getting an inkling Laharl was here. Not that his senses ever seemed to be all that sharp, but still, that was pretty pathetic even for him.

The silence was even more unexpected, however. He'd expected Vyers to say something, given he'd showed up out of no where, but a cat had apparently got his tongue or something. Slowly Laharl straightened from the frame, faintly annoyed. This was difficult enough as it was, and Vyers wasn't making it any easier.

"What, no 'Hello?' or 'What are you doing here?'"

Edited 2010-04-26 02:31 (UTC)

Being called out on it only increased Vyers' discomfort, and his fidgeting more closely resembled a squirm as he finally managed to come up with a response. "I... think I might already have some sort of idea," he said quietly.

He glanced over at the journal briefly before recovering it and finally getting rid of what was written, shutting the lid and tucking it away. If Laharl was already here, what he had written was useless, was it not? Although that didn't necessarily make things any easier.

"This is... about our conversation before, am I correct?"

"Hmph. I didn't say it was. I... I could be here for a completely different reason," Laharl replied, looking not really a whole lot more comfortable with this than Vyers did. He would have bothered Vyers on the journals if he'd thought it would have gotten him anywhere, but given his first attempt, it hadn't seemed like the best option.

"Like how I might have left something in my room."

Ah, but he was transparent. And so many people accused him of having terrible excuses for things. Although... "I-If you left something in your room, I would not suggest going back for it." He wasn't entirely sure which of the many people (and animals) living in the apartment had taken Laharl's room and it was probably better that Laharl wasn't sure either.

"Were you really so worried about me?"

Edited 2010-04-26 03:23 (UTC)

Laharl almost forgot he didn't really have anything to look for when Vyers suggested not going back to his room. What did he mean by that? It wasn't important of course. That wasn't why he was really here, and of course, his old man knew that.

"...Tch. Your senses may be growing dull, but mine aren't. Something is off, whether you believe it or not," Laharl said, avoiding answering Vyers question.

There was a brief, half-hearted glare at Laharl's accusation of his senses growing dull. Maybe they might be due to this situation but on any normal day they were just fine.

He didn't need Laharl to directly answer his question. Laharl's persistence on this matter told him enough. And so the difficult part came. His eyes glued to the floor, a quiet "Yes" was all that Vyers could muster.

"Yes? Yes, what?" Laharl questioned, stepping into the room now, patience wearing thin already. It was obviously too apparent now why Laharl was here to even bother masquerading other-wise. Figured that wasn't going to work.

"What's going on, Old Man? What aren't you telling me?" he continued, now standing beside the bed, awaiting a proper explanation.

"Yes as in... you are correct," he finally said, his eyes shut as he strained to get out all of the words and fight back his need to lie and say that everything was all right. That was all that he had done before and it hadn't helped and even Urd herself had said he would need Laharl's aid if he truly wanted to stay.

"Do... Do you remember what I told you about how I am here?" he asked, finally working up the courage to look Laharl in the eye.

Laharl's brow creased as he tried to remember. "Didn't the Seraph have something to do with it?"

He wasn't sure he'd ever heard all the details to exactly how or why, for that matter, his father had been reincarnated. When he found out he'd been more concerned about Larxene's plot than things like that.

Vyers nodded. "Using his magic, he temporarily reincarnated me," he explained, and let the statement hang.

It wasn't hard to pick up what was important about what Vyers just said. It took a moment, but Laharl's expression quickly showed he'd picked up upon it.

"Temporarily? How can... You mean--? You're...?" he spluttered, as puzzle pieces began to fall into place, but he didn't much like the picture they were forming.

Slowly, hesitantly, Vyers nodded again. "The Seraph was able to slow things down while we worked together, but as he is not here now..." That, he figured, didn't need saying. "But Miss Urd believes that she has a solution. What it is she has not told me, but there is a way to fix things."

He hung his head again. "I did not want to say anything until I was certain." It was only a half-truth, but it was the truth nonetheless.

A vast array of emotions flicked on the boy's face at this point, as they welled up from deep within, old and new stirring around. His father was dying. Again.

But he could be okay? Urd. The goddess...

Laharl couldn't take it at this point. He turned his back to his father, trying to absorb all this. Admittedly he hadn't been sure what to expect when he headed over here. He knew something was wrong, but he hadn't really thought... When he'd joked to Flonne about making sure his father wasn't croaking, he never imagined he could have been so close to the truth.

"So you were going to actually tell me, huh?"

It was odd how something so difficult could be so freeing. He was still uncomfortable, yes, and he couldn't bring himself to look up at Laharl (imagining what he had to be going through was more than enough for him), but he felt... better somehow. The conversation with Urd, he realized, had helped in some way, but it wasn't quite the same. It had been hope, he was sure of that. This was something different.

"Y-Yes... I was. But I had to be sure." He wondered whether or not he should say anything, but after a moment, decided to go ahead. He had come this far, hadn't he? "It was what I was attempting to do when you arrived."

Laharl might have doubted him, if it wasn't for the fact he'd caught him holding the journal when he'd come into the room. "So that's what you were doing..."

Things went silent for a couple long moments before Laharl spoke up again. "Do you think whatever she can do will really help?"

He hadn't questioned whether or not Urd's methods would work before now. Whether that was because he didn't know what they were, because of the excitement of there being a way to fix everything, or because he didn't want to believe that it wouldn't he didn't know, but now he couldn't help but...

No. No, he couldn't let his doubt show through. And there was no reason for doubt at the moment, was there? It would likely be difficult, but Urd had never said it wouldn't work. "She is a goddess, so I imagine she would have enough power to do so. Although... she said you and Timon were needed for some reason."

"I am?" Laharl turned back to his father, with a lifted brow. What could he be needed for? He would have asked if it wasn't for the fact it sounded like Vyers didn't know either.

"...When?"

Vyers gave a small shrug. "I am not sure. She did not give me very much information before she left."

"Tch, figures."

He'd have to bother Urd for details, he supposed. It seemed clear there wasn't much he was going to get out of his old man about it. Although, there was one other thing he might be able to answer.

"How... long do you think you have?"

"I'm not sure," he replied honestly. "But I doubt that it is long." He had never reached the point where he had been in as much pain as he had in that fight against Laharl and he had never before felt this weak, but there was relief in that his condition still paled in comparison to that of two years ago. He wasn't all the way gone yet.

"I think it will be enough," he added with a nod, partly to Laharl, mostly to himself. There was little he could say if he didn't believe what he was saying, wasn't there? He would believe it, and he would make sure he continued to believe it.

"Hn," was Laharl's quiet reply as he took that in.

Well, it seemed there was nothing much more that could be done until Urd sent for him or spoke to him.

"Well, let me know when she needs me or whatever," he said, looking like he was getting ready to leave, since there wasn't really much more to say. It was probably also best he not stick around too long.

"So, did you tell him yet?" Urd's voice rang out from the window. She was upside down, hair trailing down in long silver locks. As she twisted around in the air to smile at them right side up, she propped her elbows on the windowsill and places her chin in her hand.

Edited 2010-04-28 03:01 (UTC)

Vyers would have nodded if he weren't currently on the floor in a crumpled heap from being scared halfway past half-to-death by Urd. Shakily, he reached up and pushed himself off the floor, whipping his head up to look at the window. "Wh-When did you get back?!" he cried, heart beating a mile a minute in his chest.

Laharl jumped at the sudden voice himself, though his reaction was nothing compared to his father's, of course. (It was hard to beat falling off one's bed.)

Still he choked and cried almost at the same time as Vyers, "H-How long have you been there?!"

Urd waved a dismissive hand as she pushed herself into the room, floating off the floor. "Don't worry about that, not important." She tilted down a bit towards Laharl as she neared, smirking. "Hey, Laharl. Checking up on your dad?" She moved away before he would get too nauseated at her curves, instead floating towards Vyers instead.

She looped her arm around his shoulder, lightly tracing a circle on the arm she was presently pushed up against. "You told him, right? The sooner we do this, the better off you'll be."

Edited 2010-04-28 04:03 (UTC)

Vyers attempted to lean away from Urd as subtly as possible, though the comically awkward expression on his face likely gave him away. "Y-Yes... Now if you would give me just a little space," he stammered out, quite possibly attempting to fuse with the headboard.

The young demon took a step back from Urd anyways, as he folded his arms and frowned. At least she got out of the way pretty quick, but he didn't particularly enjoy watching the scene before him either.

"But he didn't know what you need me for," Laharl said, eager to hear the details so he could get out of here.

Urd didn't relinquish Vyers but her expression grew serious. "Stopping the deterioration of this body is going to take more than just my power. I'll need some of yours." She held up a finger, placing her chin on the hand presently resting on Vyers' shoulder. "And, yes, it has to be you. Vyers may be reincarnated but proof of heredity is still connecting you. Your power won't just help boost my own temporarily, it will serve as the link connecting him to this plane."

A slow, lazy smile spread across her lips even as her eyes glittered with intense watchfulness. "And Timon will help, too, of course."

Slowly, cautiously, Vyers had been migrating from his pressed position beside the headboard to the edge of the bed, occasionally glancing behind him to make sure he wouldn't end up in an undignified heap on the floor again. Despite this, he paid close attention to Urd's words and found himself somewhat comforted. She had some sort of plan, it seemed, and knew what she was doing. That was good.

"And, ah, what exactly is Timon's role in this? What do you plan on doing?" he asked curiously.

So that's what she needed him for? His power. That wasn't so surprising, really. Something like this? It had to be pretty costly; which did lead to the question: Was Laharl willing to do this for his father?

Did he want to see him die again? He was meant to be dead. He was on borrowed time as it is, but... No. No, Laharl didn't really want to. Losing his mother, again, was already too raw. If he was going to go dying again, he deserved at least a better death than this.

He wasn't sure how he'd deal with Etna not finding out. Spending such a large chunk of energy would undoubtedly not go unnoticed, but what choice did they have? It couldn't wait. Either way, it didn't take him long to decide. Laharl would go through with it.

Timon helping? Timon? Was she crazy? Nevermind the fact he was as powerful as a rock, he made even Laharl look unselfish, which was quite an accomplishment. "Yeah, really. What can Timon do? ...Assuming he even would consider agreeing to this."

For a moment, she looked mildly amused at their doubts about Timon, mixed with a hefty dose of exasperation. The expression was gone quickly, though, as Urd left Vyers alone and made herself comfortable on the bed, arms crossed behind her head.

"Neither of you need to worry about that," Urd replied, acting for all the world that the very subject disinterested her despite being the one to bring it up. She pointed her toe at Laharl, cracking open one eye to give him a hooded-glance over her knees. "You just make sure you understand what's happening here. There's a risk, for all of us. Without the usual program structure, there's a chance I won't be able to stop the drain on our powers."

She gazed at the young demon steadily for a moment in silence, her words gaining gravity in the still room. Then Urd flopped back down on the bed, eyeing Vyers even as she spoke to Laharl, the look in her eyes all too knowing. "But make no mistake: Vyers will die sooner than later if we don't try."

Edited 2010-04-30 18:49 (UTC)

While Vyers would normally be a little annoyed at Urd's taking over the bed, the fact that he could now easily escape was more than a fair trade. He slipped off the bed and went to stand near Laharl, wondering why exactly Timon's part in all of this required so much secrecy. It looked as though he would have to tell the meerkat soon, possibly when he returned from his ice cream trip.

Vyers' head snapped up as Urd continued. "Unable to...? How high is this chance?" he asked, unable to keep the worry out of his voice.

A risk? Laharl had no idea what she meant about program structures, but he did certainly understand what could happen if he was drained entirely. He'd be left with nothing, and if it started draining his mana... well, demons with no mana died. Risky, indeed.

The young demon held Urd's gaze, catching that knowing look. He felt it in the pit of his stomach, emotion making something clench. If they didn't take the risk, his old man would die again.

Laharl didn't look at his father when he moved beside him; instead his gaze fell to the floor.

"That doesn't matter," he interrupted.

"Just say when we're doing it, and I'll be ready," Laharl uttered quietly, but with little audible hesitation.

She watched father and son stand side by side with a steady gaze. How alike they were, even with Vyers being in a reincarnated body. Urd could still recall the memories she had read, see the scene unfold in front of her...

What do you think of me? Do you love me?
...No, I hate you.
Hm... A typical answer for a demon. Which is fine, for now. But, one day...

Urd smiled, closing her eyes and bowing her head. "Mmm." At that moment, she saw the boy for the truly amazing Overlord he'd become in the future. She stood up and patted Vyers' shoulder, slanting a gaze to see how his son's choice had affected him. "Well, you heard the Overlord. You won't stand in his way, will you?"

Vyers frowned. He didn't like this. Being saved was wonderful, yes, but if it were to cost the two of them their lives... If it were to cost Laharl his life... He did not want to see another member of his family die in front of him without him being able to do a thing about it. "How great is the risk?" he asked again, a little more forcefully this time. Even if he could not change their minds, he had to know that, at least.

Urd's mouth curved into a small, apologetic smile. "It's high, I won't lie. But it's no longer up to you, Vyers. We're all in this together and if Laharl wants to do this, he has that right." She moved away to the center of the room, tossing her hair off her shoulders. "Besides, I thrive in high-risk situations. Nothing worth doing was easy!"

She turned around to face them again, arms crossed. "I need to talk to Timon before we do anything, but it shouldn't be too long now. I'm sure you both have some things to do too. I'll be in touch soon." Without waiting for further questions or protests, she was out the window and gone.

Laharl hoped it would be sooner than later. Particularly, before he started having doubts about all this.

And then she was gone, leaving him alone with his father. Great.

Slowly and hesitantly, Laharl raised his head, looking up at him, to see his reaction to all that. The Overlord knew all too well his old man wouldn't like the sound of that, of course. Don't throw away the life your mother gave you. That's what he'd said before, in Celestia.

Not that Laharl had any intentions of throwing it away. Even if Urd thought it was risky, he had no plans on losing his life any time soon. Especially not like this.

That didn't make Vyers feel any better about the situation. He still had his doubts with this, but...

If it looked as though the two of them were going to lose their lives, he would stop them, whether they liked it or not. If that was what it would take, he would not allow it. He couldn't. But Vyers said nothing more about it, keeping his plans to himself. There was no doubt that they would disagree, but he could be just as stubborn as both of them when he wanted to be.

The look on his face, however, showed his disapproval of this turn of events. That was far too difficult to hide.

Met with a look of disapproval, Laharl quickly looked away. He'd expected it, and there it was. A feeling of turmoil was starting to build. Deciding to help his father so easily had been a change for him, but he'd not expected it to be so risk filled. He wanted to do this, but... Dammit, why had something simple, turned so difficult?

He had no idea what to say at this point. Maybe escaping while the getting was good was the best idea.

"I'll leave now," he mumbled, turning away to escape to the door.

Vyers stood there silently for a moment, only breaking out of his thoughts when Laharl announced that he was going to leave. "I don't want to see you be harmed for my sake," he admitted quietly. "But... it is your choice to make." And he did appreciate it. He truly did.

Laharl paused at the doorway, slowly glancing back at Vyers over his shoulder. He paused there a moment, then looked back away, giving a faint nod. "Yeah, I know," he replied, quietly.

"See you later, Old Man."

And with that, Laharl left the room.

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Not Quite Out of Dodge [completed]

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