004: Aftermath [Action/Video, Backdated to Darkness Event]

[beautifulmidboss]

[When Vyers finally regained consciousness, it took him a moment to remember where he was, what had happened. It was lucky he'd not been too badly burnt as the fire passed over where he lay.

Slowly, memories started coming back through the haze:

Lucifer. The hospital. His wings...

He had to get somewhere safe and make sure no one was hurt. If Lucifer's spell had worked, then those people would be...!

But every attempt to move was agonising - those gaping wounds in his side and across his back. His right arm and ribs heavy, sending stabbing pains through him, probably broken when he fell...

He couldn't get up.

Vyers lay there on the pavement for a little while - he needed to call for help, warn the others, work out what happened - but what could he do like this? That spell... The hospital could never have withstood a power like that.

Reluctantly, he reached for his videophone and - with great effort - managed to open a video feed. He would have locked certain people out the video, but right now it took almost all the energy he had to grasp onto it and get it working - the device had already been damaged by the long fall.]


[It was a few hours after the hospital's destruction when the shakey video comes on - distorted by a rather large crack across the screen - Vyers can be seen lying on blackened pavement, jacket torn and drenched in blood. The hand holding the device is shaking, so Vyers is only in the shot half the time.]

The hospital, I-- D-did those people-- a, anyone--

[Vyers' voice is raspy, delirious, talking through shaky breaths.]

Ergh...! Can't move… [coughs, his voice sounding more strained as he felt another twinge from his back.]

My-- my w-wings, he took--my--wings...

[A strangled sounding sob escaped him, the demon flinching as he did so. Everything hurt. Every little movement sending a flare of pain through his body.]

Thought I, could stop him...as--as I, did before… [coughs, blood running down his chin.]

That spell, it... The hospital…!

...Gods, help... them... p-please...

Comments

[dragonform]

[It's something he is happy that comes to him naturally, and it's a talent he's put to good use many times over.]

Just try to take it easy, okay? Retreat to one of the other cities and be careful while my magic finishes fixing you up.

[beautifulmidboss]

[Perhaps at this point, retreating was his only option. There was not much he could do in his current condition.

It would take a little while until the healing had enough effect to allow him to get up, but his limbs did twitch a bit whilst he tested himself. The movement was still an effort, but did not feel nearly as painful as it had before.]

W, where…Fayren, perhaps…?

[dragonform]

[He nods.]

There should be people gathered there or Nova City. I've been clearing the rubble as much as I can, there should be a path cleared through the city. Once you can move, make your way there quick as you can. There are still people out here who need my help.

[Ryu finishes channeling the spell, sheathing his sword. He glances back to Vyers.]

I'm gonna ask that what you see, you keep a secret.

[With that, he channels his transformation one more time. It's the same form he arrived in. While it's humanoid in shape, his limbs are now replaced with red claws for hands and talons for feet. In addition, he's now sporting a set of wings and a tail.]

But this isn't the form that monster will see when I find him. For what he's done to you and the others, I plan to show him the full wrath of the Brood. This is but a tiny fraction of that power.

[Ryu's demeanor has changed almost completely. He's no longer hiding anything about himself, not to Vyers.]

Can you make it on your own?

[beautifulmidboss]

[Vyers nodded. He was less familiar with Nova City, but for now any way out was welcome.]

Of course, please...do what you can for them, at least.

[The demon's eyes widened as he saw Ryu transform - taking in the change for the first time - but then, he nodded, giving a small smile.]

...No one will know, I assure you.

[He, too, had dropped his usual melodrama and theatrics.]

I should be able to. Thank you, again...

Be careful, at least. I do not wish to see anyone else harmed by his wrath like this.

[Vyers hesitated. One show of trust deserved another.]

...I fear Laharl may attempt to challenge Lucifer when he learns of this. I hate to ask another favor so soon, but... please, stop him, if it comes to that?

[dragonform]

He seems like a pretty stubborn kid, but I'll do what I can. If I can't stop him from fighting Lucifer, I can at least lend my power to help him.

[Ryu offered a hand, wanting to help Vyers off the ground. His claws definitely feel hot to the touch, but not hot enough to burn. It's clear that while his anger seems to influence his power, he's intentionally holding it back for now.]

When this is over, I have a few things I want to talk to you about.

[beautifulmidboss]

He can be rather stubborn...I suppose we both are.

Thank you, I appreciate it.

[With that, Vyers shakily grabbed hold of his clawed hand and with Ryu's help, slowly got to his feet. It was a relief that his legs were able to support him again - the healing definitely worked.]

Of course. Let us talk a little more once this madness has passed.

[dragonform]

[He nods, giving his wings a light flex before taking to the sky.]

Be careful, okay? This guy is already asking for it for hurting one of my friends once.

[beautifulmidboss]

You as well, keep yourself safe, as much as you are able.

Enough people have been hurt in this mess already.

[And with that, he began to slowly make his way to the Fayren gate.]