For those who volunteered to repair Everglade's barrier and save the world from ruin: thank you. It's a mighty charity that can stand to rescue a world not its own.
[Weellll, this was awkward. Even since he had revived, Midboss had no idea how to approach the people his madness had hurt. Seeing Ted's message over the communicators reminded him that he really, really needed to apologise, now they had both had time to heal.]
Ted's face jumped. Definitely not who he was expecting, either in form or in personality. Expressing well wishes didn't seem like something jerk-Vyers would do. But he didn't want to get his hopes up.
"Vyers," he said flatly. "How goes the city-wide militia efforts?
Luckily for Ted, this definitely wasn't jerk-Vyers. This was massively sheepish gods-I-lost-my-marbles Vyers. At both the jump and that comment, the demon winced, breaking his glance from the camera.
"I think less said on that the better, perhaps... Of course, a militia would be beneficial in the future, but certainly not right now."
On the plus side, Vyers was dressed like his old self?
"Agreed." Ted was all too ready to believe that whatever possessed Vyers
had gone out of him. He'd been hoping it for it every day since, though
waning with time. Well, one way to make sure. "You owe an apology. I'd like
to hear it."
"Oui, oui, of course. I fear I owe you an explanation for that rather sorry display, as well," he sighed. "But first, I am truly, truly sorry for what happened. I quite lost myself, and-- I hurt you terribly."
"In my office in Attleton. I--still need to make a formal announcement of my return..." At that sign of a smile in Ted's face, a tired one came into Vyers' own, along with a sense of relief washing over him all at once. At least his friend would hear him out.
"Don't move from that spot. If you do, I'll hunt you down, shoot you, and then boast to everyone that I've got a demon mounted on my wall. I'll be there shortly."
About thirty minutes later, if Vyers did as he's told, he'd hear a loud and rapid knock on the door.
"Come now, I think I am more beautiful in person than a mount, don't you think?"
With that, he hung up and waited around the office, watching out the window for any signs of Ted. The office itself had been built onto the back of the Arena, so he could look out and watch the matches whilst he worked - that or fly down and interrupt any that seemed remarkably interesting. It was a tidy room, decorated tastefully with a rose motif and plush red sofas. An obnoxiously large oak desk sat at the other end of the room.
At the knocking, Vyers chuckled softly. Someone was enthusiastic although he half suspected he'd be punched in the face.
"Oh, yes, of course," he said, getting up and heading over to the door. He left his Piplup and Meditite playfighting on the sofa, whilst his Zubat followed him quietly overhead.
Sadly, he was none the wiser to the fact that he was about to get punched in the gut.
As it hit home, he staggered back, coughing and gripping his stomach. For a human, that was an impressive shot!
As his fist made contact with skin, Ted was sure that it was the same
barely-dressed Vyers he knew and loved. While he had him on the rebound,
Ted closed the distance and wrapped his arms around his shoulders. He was
on the verge of tears, but happier still.
"You're forgiven. Thank god you're back to normal; I thought I'd lost you."
Of course, as Midboss fell back, he might notice a fresh, wide scar in his chest. If Ted had watched the video where Laharl and he had fought--he'd have seen it end by Laharl impaling him with his sword high above the arena to end his life.
He recovered quickly from the punch, but soon found Ted's arms wrapped tight around him. "...thank you, I don't deserve that," he returned the hug with a tight one of his own. "I tried to stop those spirits by sealing the barrier, but my magic failed...they got to me, and stole every trace of emotion, of empathy...you saw what I became after that."
"Deserts are as vain as you are. Peace; we'll not talk of your own case
anymore, unless you'd like to be struck again. Forgiveness is forgetting."
He released him from the cobra clutch.
"Still, that's very odd. Why would passionless people act so wickedly?
Isn't morality bound up in the will, rather than in the fickleness of the
feeling?"
"I appreciate it...honestly, I would rather put that atrocious mess behind me, if I am able. Once I have had the chance to make it up to those I wounded, at least."
At the question, Vyers shrugged. "I am still a demon, Ted. We value strength, and a great many see love and emotion as weaknesses. I suppose without them I became far more what most of the Netherworld would see as an ideal Overlord."
"Emotion, often. Love? Never, and never should the two conflate. The very
idea that they'd drain even that is criminal to the utmost; I should like
to exterminate the whole lot of those ghouls. Maybe relocate them to this
Netherworld of yours; they'd get along famously. Tell me about that past,
and I'll regale you with my present. You'd hardly believe the fuss someone
like me could cause with one little law."
Ted would, given permission, talk with Vyers for an hour or two, letting
his shy Squirtle mingle with the other pokemon. He wanted to hear about the
Netherworld to sate his morbid curiosity. His respect grew for Vyers as he
learned just how far he'd defied nature. In exchange, Ted told him of the
tribulations of his own job, and how banning necromancy stirred the pot
terribly. "Next election cycle, perhaps we could trade. A demon is just the
sort of Guardian they deserve." He was also none too subtle about reminding
Vyers of the lessons he still owed. "In case I might ever have to show a
nefarious narcissist his place, you understand." Ted would like to beat him
at least once.
By the end of Ted's talk, he realized he may be holding up the rest of
Vyer's repentance. He retrieved his Squirtle. "If I don't get back to my
office soon, I imagine a newspaper headline will make hay about my secret
confidences with demon kind. My overworked secretary would probably lead
the subsequent revolt. I'm looking forward to demonic martial arts; do not
worry, I'll put them to heavenly purpose." He got up to leave, deeply
happy. "Until we meet again."
He remembered what he wished to say just before exiting. "I'm so glad
you're back, Vyers."
"Love is the most important emotion there is," he said, feeling a pang of regret for the sacrifice he made. Nevertheless, until he had made up for the mistakes he had made, he did not think he had earned the right to reclaim that emotion back.
He wanted to tell Ted about what he had lost, but the chance never came up. Instead, he found himself telling him about the Netherworld -- about his life as the Overlord Krichevskoy before he died sealing the Tyrant Overlord Baal. That done, he listened to what had been occurring in his absence. Banning necromancy? That was a new one.
"Yes, I had better not keep you too long, and...if you're still up for training with me, I will be glad to teach you." At least he'd made things up to him, that much he was grateful for. "Indeed! Aidou, until next time. It is good to be back."
[That.. Is very nice of Ted. Satsuki agrees that those whom sarificed should be shown recognition, but instead she's just going to jab at him because she is impressed that he isn't dead.]
And I see you yet live. Do you think you can hold up for the next several months?
Let me check. [ He walks over to the curtain blinds, pries them apart, and has a good luck before snapping them shut.]
Yup, not a single torch or pitchfork in sight. Grace has kept me for another day; thank you for asking. Of course, a few Nova City toys might do wonders to take the load off of grace...
[Satsuki should have known that one was coming. The very though of Ted dual-wielding laser bazookas gives her chills. Bad chills.]
They are not 'toys'. But if you are so determined to procure a high-powered weapon, I would be more than happy to sign you up for classes. Completeing them would, of course, grant you the right to a license.
[And hopefully prove he won't turn an entire city into swiss cheese.]
Goodness, you sound like my mother. Yes, given my current position, it's
practically required that I arm myself to the best of my ability. By all
means, sign me up, however ridiculous. Really, trusted enough to guard a
city, but not enough for armaments. Even Koishi's familiar with lasers. I
look forward to both the license and your "more than happy" countenance.
[A drawn out sigh passes Satsuki's lips. Well, fact of the matter is she signed up for this so ... She'll have to deal with it. Somehow. She raises her hand over her mouth for a moment, then sighs once more.
Ted. Ted Ted Ted.]
I sound like someone who has common sense. First off, the difference between you and Komeiji are at least hundreds of years. I doubt she used them at your age. Secondly, there is a difference between a simple firearm [Which she, coincidentally would still have a small problem with.] and a laser rifle. Personally I was expecting you to desire a magical harp or something along the lines of that. It is not too late to change your mind.
[That's what performers use, right? Harps? Lutes? Horns?]
Oh, you awful tease! And here I thought I'd be strumming sweet lullaby's
with enchanted strings. Honestly Satsuki, you've no idea how hard it is to
tell when you're joking. It's a top-notch poker face. I hope, for the sake
of my own happiness, you weren't joking about the lessons either. A laser
would be just the thing to pierce the darkness of Everglade.
I assure you it was no joke, just providing other options to consider. Even if I possessed such a weapon I would not simply hand it to you; work to gain your weapon with the provided information.
[She is, of course, more than happy to hand out work.]
Why are you so convinced that advanced technology will be effective against the supernatural?
You are either the strangest girl I've talked to, or you know some very
strange harps. Do they produce notes of aural devastation? Well, rather
than go on goose chases for lyres of mass destruction, I think I'll go with
something a titch more sensible. Those fusion rifles look handsome. Do
reconsider your stance on my arms and your generosity; as the bit with the
spirits proved, Everglade's problems pour into others', and I'm manning the
spigot. Not to twist your arms, of course.
Oh, I wasn't being literal, there. Still, the imagery is very fine.
[She can empathize with his scepticism bu- Oh my god did he just say fusion rifles. He did. Satsuki can't see her reflection, but she's certain she just went a bit pale.]
That very incident is why I am asking. Their effectiveness against spiritual beings appear to be minimal at best, so I agree that something more.. Effective needs to be developed. Importing Fayren weaponry is something I would prefer to avoid having to do.
I will not retract my offer but I will say that 'sensible' to us may not neccessarily be so in this reality.
[She glances to the side, followed by a series of boops and beeps. She might be playing Galaga.]
God's been proven to be pretty effective against such, you might ask him. Ephesians 6:12, and all that.
Alas, I'm afraid being Guardian means tossing preference out the window. But you likely know more about that than I. Still, spiritual weapons...those may be the most dangerous of all. One good thing to come of the last calamity was the defeat of the idea that spirituality was somehow intrinsically noble or superior. With that in mind, I'd be very careful of spiritual arms. Wouldn't want to get your soul sucked out by a sword or driven mad by a bloodthirsty blade, or something.
Besides, even dark forces dabble in flesh and blood. Castlevania taught that much. [ If only he'd gotten better loot there, Ted would be knee deep in weaponized faith. Alas, he has not yet attained the holy hand grenade.]
[Satsuki's brows furrow as she looks to the screen again. This is one of those strange situations where she's hearing what he's saying, but it still takes a moment for all of it to actually register. No wonder Koishi likes him.]
I... Follow. [To her own surprise.] Very well, then with the intinerary this far, you would start by attending a 'First Steps' orientation, then enroll in a beginner's rifle class. This would be followed by advanced rifles classes of level 1 and 2 stages. I have also added a Tactics, Scenarios, and Maintenance sessions.
If you'd like I could forward the list to you so that you may create a schedule that is convenient for you.
He chuckled at the ruthless efficiency on offer. "With any luck, I'll be
able to finish all that before the end of the world. I wonder if they can
shuttle me through if I prove especially adept. Nonetheless, I appreciate
it very much, thank you. You might want to apologize to my secretary,
however; I'm about to offload a lot more labor onto her back. For the very
best of reasons, of course." Sorry Levy, but the pew pew is calling.
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[Video]
Ah...Ted, I am glad to see you are looking well.
Re: [Video]
"Vyers," he said flatly. "How goes the city-wide militia efforts?
Re: [Video]
"I think less said on that the better, perhaps... Of course, a militia would be beneficial in the future, but certainly not right now."
On the plus side, Vyers was dressed like his old self?
Re: [Video]
"Agreed." Ted was all too ready to believe that whatever possessed Vyers had gone out of him. He'd been hoping it for it every day since, though waning with time. Well, one way to make sure. "You owe an apology. I'd like to hear it."
Re: [Video]
Re: [Video]
[Video]
no subject
About thirty minutes later, if Vyers did as he's told, he'd hear a loud and rapid knock on the door.
no subject
With that, he hung up and waited around the office, watching out the window for any signs of Ted. The office itself had been built onto the back of the Arena, so he could look out and watch the matches whilst he worked - that or fly down and interrupt any that seemed remarkably interesting. It was a tidy room, decorated tastefully with a rose motif and plush red sofas. An obnoxiously large oak desk sat at the other end of the room.
At the knocking, Vyers chuckled softly. Someone was enthusiastic
although he half suspected he'd be punched in the face."It's open, Ted," he called over from the window.
no subject
Not a bad ideaGasp! Is he clairvoyant as well as demonic? Well, no matter. Ted had at least one surprise. He made a hefting sound like he was carrying something.
"Can you open the door yourself, or do you embody sloth? I've got something for you, but I'll need both hands to bring it in."
If he did, Ted would try to sucker punch him in the gut.
no subject
Sadly, he was none the wiser to the fact that he was about to get punched in the gut.
As it hit home, he staggered back, coughing and gripping his stomach. For a human, that was an impressive shot!
no subject
As his fist made contact with skin, Ted was sure that it was the same barely-dressed Vyers he knew and loved. While he had him on the rebound, Ted closed the distance and wrapped his arms around his shoulders. He was on the verge of tears, but happier still.
"You're forgiven. Thank god you're back to normal; I thought I'd lost you."
no subject
He recovered quickly from the punch, but soon found Ted's arms wrapped tight around him. "...thank you, I don't deserve that," he returned the hug with a tight one of his own. "I tried to stop those spirits by sealing the barrier, but my magic failed...they got to me, and stole every trace of emotion, of empathy...you saw what I became after that."
no subject
"Deserts are as vain as you are. Peace; we'll not talk of your own case anymore, unless you'd like to be struck again. Forgiveness is forgetting." He released him from the cobra clutch.
"Still, that's very odd. Why would passionless people act so wickedly? Isn't morality bound up in the will, rather than in the fickleness of the feeling?"
no subject
At the question, Vyers shrugged. "I am still a demon, Ted. We value strength, and a great many see love and emotion as weaknesses. I suppose without them I became far more what most of the Netherworld would see as an ideal Overlord."
no subject
"Emotion, often. Love? Never, and never should the two conflate. The very idea that they'd drain even that is criminal to the utmost; I should like to exterminate the whole lot of those ghouls. Maybe relocate them to this Netherworld of yours; they'd get along famously. Tell me about that past, and I'll regale you with my present. You'd hardly believe the fuss someone like me could cause with one little law."
Ted would, given permission, talk with Vyers for an hour or two, letting his shy Squirtle mingle with the other pokemon. He wanted to hear about the Netherworld to sate his morbid curiosity. His respect grew for Vyers as he learned just how far he'd defied nature. In exchange, Ted told him of the tribulations of his own job, and how banning necromancy stirred the pot terribly. "Next election cycle, perhaps we could trade. A demon is just the sort of Guardian they deserve." He was also none too subtle about reminding Vyers of the lessons he still owed. "In case I might ever have to show a nefarious narcissist his place, you understand." Ted would like to beat him at least once.
By the end of Ted's talk, he realized he may be holding up the rest of Vyer's repentance. He retrieved his Squirtle. "If I don't get back to my office soon, I imagine a newspaper headline will make hay about my secret confidences with demon kind. My overworked secretary would probably lead the subsequent revolt. I'm looking forward to demonic martial arts; do not worry, I'll put them to heavenly purpose." He got up to leave, deeply happy. "Until we meet again."
He remembered what he wished to say just before exiting. "I'm so glad you're back, Vyers."
no subject
He wanted to tell Ted about what he had lost, but the chance never came up. Instead, he found himself telling him about the Netherworld -- about his life as the Overlord Krichevskoy before he died sealing the Tyrant Overlord Baal. That done, he listened to what had been occurring in his absence. Banning necromancy? That was a new one.
"Yes, I had better not keep you too long, and...if you're still up for training with me, I will be glad to teach you." At least he'd made things up to him, that much he was grateful for. "Indeed! Aidou, until next time. It is good to be back."
[Video]
And I see you yet live. Do you think you can hold up for the next several months?
[It's possible that's a joke.]
Re: [Video]
Yup, not a single torch or pitchfork in sight. Grace has kept me for another day; thank you for asking. Of course, a few Nova City toys might do wonders to take the load off of grace...
[Where the laser weapons at]
[Video]
They are not 'toys'. But if you are so determined to procure a high-powered weapon, I would be more than happy to sign you up for classes. Completeing them would, of course, grant you the right to a license.
[And hopefully prove he won't turn an entire city into swiss cheese.]
Re: [Video]
Goodness, you sound like my mother. Yes, given my current position, it's practically required that I arm myself to the best of my ability. By all means, sign me up, however ridiculous. Really, trusted enough to guard a city, but not enough for armaments. Even Koishi's familiar with lasers. I look forward to both the license and your "more than happy" countenance.
[Video]
Ted. Ted Ted Ted.]
I sound like someone who has common sense. First off, the difference between you and Komeiji are at least hundreds of years. I doubt she used them at your age. Secondly, there is a difference between a simple firearm [Which she, coincidentally would still have a small problem with.] and a laser rifle. Personally I was expecting you to desire a magical harp or something along the lines of that. It is not too late to change your mind.
[That's what performers use, right? Harps? Lutes? Horns?]
Re: [Video]
["Performer" is not an inaccurate job description. It might be a bad time to bring up his loving relationship with conventional firearms.]
You don't actually have a magic harp, do you?
[He heard there was a secret chord that David played and it pleased the Lord. But you don't really care for music, do ya?]
[Video]
[It could possibly be Nonon's. Maybe. Probably. Satsuki can't tell if he's being sarcastic or genuinely asking.]
But if I wished to acquire one, I would search in Fayren.
Re: [Video]
[Genuine. So genuine.
Oh, you awful tease! And here I thought I'd be strumming sweet lullaby's with enchanted strings. Honestly Satsuki, you've no idea how hard it is to tell when you're joking. It's a top-notch poker face. I hope, for the sake of my own happiness, you weren't joking about the lessons either. A laser would be just the thing to pierce the darkness of Everglade.
[Video]
[She is, of course, more than happy to hand out work.]
Why are you so convinced that advanced technology will be effective against the supernatural?
Re: [Video]
You are either the strangest girl I've talked to, or you know some very strange harps. Do they produce notes of aural devastation? Well, rather than go on goose chases for lyres of mass destruction, I think I'll go with something a titch more sensible. Those fusion rifles look handsome. Do reconsider your stance on my arms and your generosity; as the bit with the spirits proved, Everglade's problems pour into others', and I'm manning the spigot. Not to twist your arms, of course.
Oh, I wasn't being literal, there. Still, the imagery is very fine.
[Video]
That very incident is why I am asking. Their effectiveness against spiritual beings appear to be minimal at best, so I agree that something more.. Effective needs to be developed. Importing Fayren weaponry is something I would prefer to avoid having to do.
I will not retract my offer but I will say that 'sensible' to us may not neccessarily be so in this reality.
[She glances to the side, followed by a series of boops and beeps. She might be playing Galaga.]
Re: [Video]
Alas, I'm afraid being Guardian means tossing preference out the window. But you likely know more about that than I. Still, spiritual weapons...those may be the most dangerous of all. One good thing to come of the last calamity was the defeat of the idea that spirituality was somehow intrinsically noble or superior. With that in mind, I'd be very careful of spiritual arms. Wouldn't want to get your soul sucked out by a sword or driven mad by a bloodthirsty blade, or something.
Besides, even dark forces dabble in flesh and blood. Castlevania taught that much. [ If only he'd gotten better loot there, Ted would be knee deep in weaponized faith. Alas, he has not yet attained the holy hand grenade.]
[Video]
I... Follow. [To her own surprise.] Very well, then with the intinerary this far, you would start by attending a 'First Steps' orientation, then enroll in a beginner's rifle class. This would be followed by advanced rifles classes of level 1 and 2 stages. I have also added a Tactics, Scenarios, and Maintenance sessions.
If you'd like I could forward the list to you so that you may create a schedule that is convenient for you.
Re: [Video]
He chuckled at the ruthless efficiency on offer. "With any luck, I'll be able to finish all that before the end of the world. I wonder if they can shuttle me through if I prove especially adept. Nonetheless, I appreciate it very much, thank you. You might want to apologize to my secretary, however; I'm about to offload a lot more labor onto her back. For the very best of reasons, of course." Sorry Levy, but the pew pew is calling.
[Video]
[Yet. And a secretary? Well played, Ted, well played. She has to grant him credit there, even if that wasn't the outcome she would have preferred.
So. Apologizing, eh?]
Hmn. I will take your advice into consideration.
private;