Homeless, Possibly Forever

[reaperchop]

So you went through all that trouble to put together this account for me for no reason other than to have some fun from time-to-time?

Well, I can't argue with that! It's good to get out and stretch my legs so to speak!

And stop fretting over the name you entered in my profile. I've been around the block long enough to have earned a variety of names! Really, you'd be surprised how many ways different people address me. As long as they're familiar with who I am and it's not too rude, I don't mind~!

Comments

[perfectorder]

[Though perhaps I could find some way to join you instead if you wanted.

that. makes him jerk a little. and everything his father said afterward just went completely past him. he heard the words but they just didn't enter his mind. all he could think of was the immediate answer that popped in his mind as reply:

If I wanted? Of course I'd want it but it's impossible—

and then he had to stop himself, or at least try to. but in doing so he had fallen silent, his fist unknowingly clenched as he tried to fight off that wave of emotion.

now what was he supposed to? how was he supposed to explain that no matter how hard he wanted his wish, there was just no way that his father could appear into his own world again? ever?

how!?]

[reaperchop]

[...Kid, you look like a blue screen of death.]

Kid? Are you all right? Did I say something wrong?

[perfectorder]

I...

[no. no he wasn't all right.]

[reaperchop]

[He's going to move closer to you. Gonna put a hand on your back, too.]

You...? [You're worrying him, son.]

[perfectorder]

[...and that killed him. feeling his father's (rather extremely large) hand on his back, he looked up sharply.

seeing and talking...he could handle it. at least he was still distant. a sense of separation that still allowed him to have some control. but upon that closer physical contact, things that he had tried to keep down bubbled up. no he wasn't going to cry, but there was a moment when his throat dried and tightened. realizing this and realizing how he must have looked, he averted his gaze and cleared his throat.]

Sorry. I'm fine. I'm...fine.

[even if his expression said otherwise. but perhaps...now it was time to tell him the truth.]

Father...as much as I would like you to be where I am...

[and once again his throat tightened for a second. it was hard to say. hard to say it to the one standing next to him. to the one no longer there for him.]

...I'm afraid that's impossible.

[reaperchop]

[Really. You don't look "fine".]

Why's that? It shouldn't be too difficult, right? All she has to do is fill out one of those applications for me.

[He's not going to be all bouncy right now since it seems like this is really important. Or should he be cheerful? Parenting is hard.]

[perfectorder]

[if he was paying attention to his son's soul, there might be a lot of ANGST and ANGUISH and A LOT OF EMOTIONAL PAIN going on right about now.]

She can't. No one can.

[it was time. he took a breath.]

The place I'm in is our own world, Father, set some time after the battle with Asura. But things changed.

[and now he looked up at him. he had said this many times before. knew this for months. and he could not lie to his father—well yes he could. but not about this. and at least in this place he could also be angry about how convoluted and stupid the whole thing was, but for now his voice was just strained.]

You're presumed dead. And I had to take your place.

1/2

[reaperchop]

[...Dammit, what is he supposed to say to that? It kind of floors him actually.]

[Part of him wants to find the muns who came up with that world and give them a good Reaper Chop or two. He can feel the way your soul is reacting. If Kid takes a look, he'll see that Death is in angry, protective parent mode.]

2/2

[reaperchop]

[However, he'll punish those who did this to his boy later. So many Chops, so little time. Right now, he needs to focus on Kid.]

I'm sorry you had to go through that, Kid.

[perfectorder]

[yes, he could sense and see his father's reaction. not too surprised, but he hardly ever really sees him loose his "jovial cool" so to speak.

but at the words he just gave a slight shake of his head.]

Don't apologize—it's not your fault.

[reaperchop]

Maybe not, but I still wish there was something I could've done or could even now do. I may not be able to go to you there, but I'm more than willing to be here when you need me.

[perfectorder]

[he just looks up at his father for a moment. there were a lot of things he could talk about. ask about. however...]

Thank you, Father. But I had decided a long time ago that I would walk my own path and fulfill my duty as your successor on my own.

[reaperchop]

Very well. But at least try and drop by every-so-often to let your old man know how you're doing? I know I can't do anything, nor should I given your decision, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't appreciate knowing what's going on.

[perfectorder]

[small pause.]

I wouldn't mind that.

[though truthfully it would just be so he could at least speak with him again. it didn't matter which version or what. his father was his father.]

[reaperchop]

Good. I'm glad to hear it. [His mask loses the melancholy look, but he's not quite back to his usual chipperness. There's a time for mood whiplash, but this isn't it.]

[perfectorder]

[and now it's...awkward. and it's his fault.

there's a moment as he tries to think of something else to talk about.

ah—]

Liz and Patti are almost ready to turn into Deathscythes. We just need one more witch soul and we'll be set.

[reaperchop]

[And your old man can take a hint. He does a cheery bounce.]

Now that is good news! I see you decided to complete the job at the same time for them.

[perfectorder]

Of course. I couldn't have one be a Deathscythe while the other was not.

In the process of acquiring that witch's soul, I was also able to connect one of my lines.

[reaperchop]

Even better news! Ah, you're growing up so fast~

[perfectorder]

I don't really have much choice in the matter.

[though he says that lightly.

...hm.]

Actually, Father, I do have a question about the Sanzu lines.

[reaperchop]

Oh? What would that be?

[perfectorder]

I was able to connect all of them once before, but I haven't been able to since.

What is it that I must do?

[reaperchop]

[Death sighs.]

Unfortunately, that's something I can't tell you. I know it'd make things simpler for you and possibly allow you to send those nice people home, but it's not something that you can just look up in a book or ask someone more experienced about for guidance. It's something you have to discover on your own.

[perfectorder]

[...Dad, this is not the time to be all cryptic and all knowing. but he sighs.]

Somehow I expected you would answer that way.

[reaperchop]

Sorry, Kiddo, but there are certain things that I really can't simply tell you no matter how much I'd like to. This is one of them.

I can, however, provide you with a hint:

If you do not master yourself first, instead of you mastering Power, Power will master you.