1x1?

[pudding]

Coughing several times, the god slowly managed to gain control of himself. Before turning around to face the dragon, he carefully lifted his scarf back up to cover his mouth, clearly ashamed of his own face to a massive extent to not even turn to face the dragon before covering himself up. With a tired, bleak look in his eyes, he slowly turned to face So'reth, climbing his feet and staring at the enraged dragon with obvious apathy. Whereas other creatures may have cowered at the sight of the beast, the god seemed more defeated than anything else.

 

"I have not lied to you," he replied, staring up at the great wrym. "I have simply chosen not to elaborate on the details of what has happened to me. You took my memories because I had to forget, not because I wanted to." Covering his scarf slightly, he coughed a few more times but the vomiting fit seemed to have passed. "I did what I had to, So'reth. But that doesn't change that what I did was a temporary solution. We need to talk about this, preferably in an area more secretive and less open. We don't need the creatures of this forest running off with claims that Chaos is returning. Because it is not."

 

Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a familiar red vial and quickly uncorked it. Dumping the liquid on the black vomit, he grunted slightly as the vomit bubbled up then turned solid, like a rock. Picking up the rock, he held it in his hands for a few moments then turned away, tugging down his scarf and swallowing the rock. Shivering slightly, he hissed and gagged several times before, apparently, the rock settled down and he was able to recover his mouth. Looking even more tired, he turned back to face So'reth with a sigh. "Can we take this conversation to your cave now?"

[shadow_claw]

The Wyrm was silent for quite some time, considering his options for several moments. Fianlly, he agreed. He began to uncoil, but not without Aedus. The young man was lifted by the back of the shirt and then swaddled like a baby. Too terrified to speak, he remained silent.

"The beings of justice visited me not long ago." So'reth commented as he stretched out. "When we return, I would like some...hearsay...disclosed to you. Make haste in climbing on or I will handle you like the child and hold you." Indeed, Dwyer was lucky to have someone as patient as So'reth on his side. Most others likely wouldn't tolerate the god.

[pudding]

Dwyer hesitated clearly but didn't comment, instead choosing to follow the Wyrm back than comment on Aedus. Awkwardly shuffling forward, he shivered slightly then finally looked up at the Wrym. "You should probably just carry me," He finally said, looking up at So'reth. "You know I am weaker than before and I do not think that I can make it to your home as I could have before."

[shadow_claw]

So'reth nodded, lifting the god gently with his second pair of legs. He passed him along to his front pair of hands, nestling him into his free arm. "About that...I have some information you would like to know." As he uncoiled, he slowly lifted into the air. The Wyrm flew much like a snake would slither, gently slicing through the air as he ascended. "Of course, it can wait. I have much to discuss, but plenty of time to do so." Although So'reth flew slowly (at least in dragon standards) for the sake of the two beings he cradled in his arms, he reached his home quickly. In the earth, there was a massive hole surrounded with trees and hanging moss. The dragon landed, and slipped inside quietly.

 

Unlike his younger cousins, Wyrms weren't often ones to hoard objects. In fact, they were more likely to have humble lairs that were far more attuned to the world than its objects. So'reth settled Aedus and Dwyer on the ground, and lumbered over to a thick bed of moss. Aedus ducked behind Dwyer, trembling in silent terror. He didn't understand what was going on, and was terribly distressed.

 

The dragon made loose coils, choosing to wrap himself around horizontally as opposed to vertically. He rested his chin on his back, and sighed. "The sun has warmed." He stated after settling down. The light that shone in So'reth's eyes could only be described as pure joy. "The era of cold is ending. My...father is awake."

[pudding]

Dwyer didn't seem to mind as he was carried along, certainly not as afraid of the wrym as Aedus was. When they were carefully set down inside the layer, he merely straightened out his shirt and coughed faintly into his scarf before waiting while the wyrm settled down. Glancing back at Aedus as he ducked behind him, the god frowned slightly then stepped forward, approaching the wrym with a nod.

 

"Aye, I would not be surprised," Dwyer replied. "However, I believe we should discuss these things just the two of us. I know I certainly have not deserved special treatment but I once again open my mind to you. It is the safest place to talk about these troubling matters and the easiest way to avoid prying ears and gossiping tongues. Would you trust me this one last time in total secrecy?"

[shadow_claw]

There were several moments of silence as So'reth thought this over. Chaos was definitely harbored within the weakened god. Entering his mind could harm the dragon as well. The Wyrm eventually lifted his head, stretching it towards Dwyer. "I will not enter your mind. The risk of chaos is not one I am willing to take. However, I invite you to reside within my thoughts. It should suffice just as well." After he spoke, his gaze flickered to the trembling Aedus, and his eyes narrowed. It was unlike Dwyer to lack compassion for those in need. Then again, it had been many years since they had spoken. Slithering around Dwyer all together, he instead moved to soothe the terrified boy.

 

"Do not worry so, little one. My home is a place of safety, and you will be treated as a valuable guest." He tilted his head as Aedus began to retreat, pity flickering in his golden gaze. "If I had been aware that another would be visiting, perhaps I would have prepared better. For that, I offer my deepest apologies. You are welcome to roam my home, but be aware that others reside here as well." The dragon extended a hand, patting Aedus gently. As soon as the young man was given the chance, however, he turned and fled.

 

Sighing, So'reth returned to his coil, watching the young man run in a panic. It bothered him deeply to think Dwyer had dragged this child along just to let him loose in the best's home. Although happy to accept wanderers, this was different. This dracon was scared out of his mind and heartbroken. It radiated off him in waves. Dwyer wasn't one to keep slaves but...what was the god doing?

[pudding]

The god seemed slightly irritated by this stipulation but settled down on the ground anyway and closed his eyes. His consciousness left his body almost immediately, instead working it's way into So'reth's thoughts where only the two of them could hear one another. In this state, his body was simply left alone in a coma-like state and would remain like that until he returned to it. "So'reth," He whispered, his voice soft and faint in the wrym's mind. "You mentioned that you felt the sun had warmed. I am not surprised you have felt this change as your father has returned. The...boy I brought with me has at least some fraction of his essence. But he has none of his memories. Attempting to revive him further nearly proved fatal to the boy so I have found it prudent to wipe his mind of this incident and others to prevent further injury to him." Sounding incredibly tired, the god paused for several moments before continuing.

 

"Moreover, he has an incredible fear of magic and some part of his being seems to respond to my presence as he has spent nearly the entire time he was with me either crying, terrified or being incredibly...clingy. I originally wanted to have him live with me but I can't deal with a child, especially not one that reminds me so much of him. It is dangerous to both of us as being around him is dangerous for myself as well. Since he is your father, I felt it would be better for you to watch over him. But he cannot stay with me as he is now."

[shadow_claw]

The dragon settled back down, shutting both eyes as Dwyer spoke. He, too, retreated into his own thoughts, his outward appearance merely slipping into a doze. But he was not searching for Dwyer. Instead, he focused on the other souls around them, both near and far. And there, he could feel Aedus. Frustratingly silent for a long while, So'reth had no hurry in answering the god.

 

The boy's soul was clearly only a fragment of what it should be. A small golden blip, flickering as if it was a flame. When the dragon returned to his own mind, he was pensive. "You have lost your touch with the world over the years." He stated simply. "While he is most certainly Pallian, his soul is shattered. In fact, it is a near inverse of yours. Although you lack most of your abilities and strength, you maintain a sense of self. I suspect the exact opposite from Pallian."

 

A mental sigh echoed throughout So'reth's mind as he finished speaking. "I believe he has constructed a life so he would be safe...but it seems as if this life is not as safe as he had intended."

[pudding]

"I cannot afford to keep him near me," Dwyer insisted with a distinct hiss in his voice. "Or, at least not how he is now. Perhaps if he was able to actually control his emotions slightly and function on his own but it appears that the fae who was looking after him before ruined his self confidence and made him scarcely able to function without orders." He huffed back at the wrym then managed to reel himself in slightly, a wave of sorrow instead emanating from the god.

 

"I suppose now would be the best time to say what I should have from the start. I love this world. I have from the start and continue to do so every moment that I breathe. And when Chaos devoured him those many years ago and turned it's hungry gaze on me, I saw it's end. And I could not bear for that to happen. So I took action to make sure that would not happen for as long as I lived. I am sorry for lying to you. I was just trying to protect the last piece of him I had left. I can't let this world just end."

[shadow_claw]

"I see... And, once again, he fell silent. Although a highly intelligent creature, he was generally pretty slow and methodical. Most beings were often too impatient for his sluggish way of living. Because of this however, everything the beast did was precise and careful. It had been many a century since he had offended someone accidentally. "You're punishing the boy for something he cannot control and you cannot handle. I will keep him, but healing from such conditioning will be difficult." If the beast could give a look, he most definitely would have. But the knowing in his voice was enough. "Furthermore...I feel as if he will not be well without you. Leaving here means you permit me to erase any memories he has of you in this life."

 

---

 

Aedus, being as muscular as he was, ran for quite some time in the underground. `By the time he actually stopped, he was more than a little lost. In fact, he seemed to have wandered into some sort of shrine.

 

Breathless, Aedus heaved as he looked about. He was in some sort of massive pit, a statue of a massive dragon in the middle. Sunlight streamed from the sky above a, magical filter allowing nothing but its rays in. Once his breath returned to him, he slowly wandered toward the monument. Its meaning had long since been lost to all but its very creator, but it had still been lovingly kept up. Aedus stopped at the statue and stretched a hand out towards it, running his fingers down the intricately carved scales. He could feel a hum of energy within it, and somehow, he knew it was part of him. Jeweled eyes momentarily flickered to life as the boy stared into them. As if something flipped a switch within him, Aedus fell unconscious onto the cold ground.

[pudding]

Dwyer's hesitation lasted several long moments before he finally conceded. "It's the only way to make sure he doesn't get hurt any further," he replied faintly. He was throwing himself into a life of solitude again. Aedus would forget him and any lingering traces of the past would slip out of his grip. But it was all he could do to keep him safe. Or at least protect what was left of him. "And I will be sure I forget as well. I've taken precautions to keep the Chaos's influence on myself low and knowing that he is..or some part of him, at least is still alive has allowed it's power to grow. I'll remain at my castle and contain it as best I can until the end." With that note, his spirit suddenly retreated, falling back to his own body. Stiffening slightly, he took a few breaths before the familiar pains gripped his body. Wheezing slightly as he got his breathing back under control, he coughed loudly and shook his head, trying to clear his head.

[shadow_claw]

When So'reth opened his eyes, he slowly uncoiled himself and began towards the pathway further into the underground world. A request soon pulsated through the air, reaching the minds of all those in the area. Please find the stranger known as Aedus. Escort him to me.

 

What So'reth didn't realize was Aedus was able to detect this sensitive transmission. Not directly, but he could feel the danger prickling behind the words. And yet, he didn't seem able to wake himself up. Warmth spread throughout his mind, comforting him into silence. Something broken within him felt...slightly fuller than before. The reason within him, that warm feeling, seemed to breathe now.

Their intentions are pure, but what they plan on doing will do naught but harm us. A strange, yet familiar voice rang in the back of his mind. For whatever reason, it didn't feel out of place at all. I will lend you our abilities to ensure our safety. Flee, but do so quietly. I will remain with you.

 

And just like that, he was awake again. The shrine had crumbled into dust, and it coated the previously unconscious boy in a fine layer of dust. Even though he still felt like himself, he felt as if someone...else was there as well. It wasn't until he looked down at his hands did he notice something was different. Two arms, one set of legs. Not only this, but he seemed twice as tall as before. He had become some sort of...thing. A six-legged dragon with four eyes. One eye shone a bright, shimmering gold, while the other remained oddly human. Dropping onto all six legs, he sprinted out of the shrine room. Although he was moving on his own actions, he could feel that same warm being guiding him through the motions.

 

((Pallian ain't having none of that foshizzle))

[pudding]

Dwyer watched as the wrym left before slowly climbing to his feet. Trembling, he turned away, putting his back to both So'reth and all the other inhabitants of the caves. Including Aedus. Hobbling towards the entrance to the cave, he looked outwards before sitting down. He needed to do this now. He couldn't wait or dwell on it. A day longer and he may no longer be able to keep his hold on the Chaos. So he crossed his legs over one another and pulled out his stone necklace. It was a very important item to him. Years upon years of struggle and laboring to control the chaos had eventually forced him to look for other methods to keep the Chaos under control. This is where the potions came from. This is where the necklace came from.

 

The rounded stone was green with a large, fat line down the middle. The line looked like the eye of a cat and was gradually growing wider and wider. In the beginning, the line had been barely a sliver of murky black. Clasping his hand over the stone, he decided not to ponder over this change and instead began muttering under his breath, holding the stone to his chest. His whispering became more and more intense over time and, slowly, the stone began to pulse in his hands.

[shadow_claw]

The struggle within the depths of the cave quickly bubbled upwards towards the entrance. Soon, a lanky beast shot out of the cave at a surprisingly quick speed, managing to slip past So'reth with ease. It was only when the fusion of god and man leaped over Dwyer did they stumble and fall. Betrayal was a concept that broke Aedus's heart. Pallian, however, was no so easily upset. The solid gold set of eyes narrowed at Dwyer as it slowed to a stop.

"If you are unwilling to save me, then I will save myself. Perhaps I will consider finding you once my being is whole." He declared cooly. His message clear, he turned and began to run away. His time nearly destroyed had gained him independence. If his other half wished him to be forgotten, would collect his soul fragments by himself. He could be his own whole.

 

((Imagine this, but six legs and four eyes.))

[pudding]

The spell faltered on Dwyer's lips and he hesitated as the massive golden beast stared down at him. His fingers tightened around the stone he held as he recoiled away from the beast. Find him later? Absolutely not. His own green eyes narrowed to barely a squint as he stared down the direction of the dragon as it fled. Climbing shakily to his feel, he steeled his nerves then called out to the retreating figure. "Do not blame this on me, apparition!" He bellowed, his words biting. Stalking forward after the fleeing beast, he made no obvious effort to chase after Aedus to stop him but obviously wanted his words to be heard by him. "JUST LEAVE ME BE!"

 

((Dwyer is an angsty little puppy))

[shadow_claw]

((Bet'cha never expected Pallian to downright give up on Dwyer. Love may be one thing, but so is doing what's right for himself.))

 

And leave him be they would. At this point, Pallian had grown rather sick of the broken creature that was once his lover. This was not his Moon. This was some shallow embodiment of everything he had once loved. And this god would not stand for it. Weaving through trees skillfully, the dragon's figure shrunk in the distance until it was naught but a golden speck. He could, and would restore his soul. And he would banish chaos once and for all.

[pudding]

((Well, in his defense, Dwyer did give up on Pallian first.))

 

Seething now as the golden creature retreated, he god huffed then sat right back down again. What a horrible, dreadful creature. He didn't need Pallian. He didn't need him at all! Forgetting all about both him and Aedus would be much better for him as a person and for keeping Chaos under wraps. Frustrated, purple bubbles began to appear on the god's skin before completely enveloping him. In an instant, he had blinked out of the wrym's cave and onto the floor of the forest. He was going back to his castle where he would forget every single scrap of memory about Pallian and Aedus. The next time someone attempted to follow him home, he was just going to turn a blind eye. It was better if he just focused on containing Chaos instead of involving himself in the affairs of mortals and even other gods. He had created the world. All he wanted now was solitude.

[shadow_claw]

((...What now?

 

I mean, I could totally throw in another character for Dwyer to interact with. Or we could timeskip. I dunno.))

[pudding]

((A timeskip might work best. Or at least until after Pallian gets most of himself back and Dwyer completely forgets about him.

 

Or, alternatively, what if Dwyer has part of Pallian's self, forcing him to show back up at the castle?))

[shadow_claw]

((yaaasss I like the second option much more.

 

OR WHY NOT BOTH.

 

THE PAIN WOULD BE INDESCRIBLE.

 

also angry kissing. Yes. I like that.))

[pudding]

((

 

I need there to be angry kissing when Dwyer has less of a control over Chaos

 

So it's like

 

Actually Chaos and it's super creepy because Chaos is a complete ass and it's great.))

[shadow_claw]

((Chaos is the kind of being to angrily make out with Pallian and leave Dwyer to suffer with the resulting hickies. Just saying.

 

Anyways, I'll start.))

 

It hadn't taken too long for the two beings to accumulate soul shards. Although they were scattered quite far, nothing could stand in the way of a determined god. Unlike Dwyer, Pallian commanded their abilities with ease. And as such, nothing could set them back.

 

Except for one thing.

 

Although mostly whole, only one fragment remained. One that could not be obtained without much struggle. In fact...It was in the last place they wanted to visit. In the last being he wanted to see. But Pallian was hellbent on returning to their past glory.

 

In their time restoring themself, they had come to enjoy the fraction of their being known as Aedus, enough to heal much of the boy's pain. Except for his thoughts of Dwyer. The god had really played with his heart in the short time they had been together. Pallian's past had the hybrid fawning over him, desperately seeking affection even through his fear. Upon learning of how...how little Dwyer was willing to help, he had retreated within himself. He had given Pallian free reign for much of their time as one, leaving the newly-awakened god to wander in silence. But whenever Aedus spoke of Dwyer's actions, it hardened their heart.

 

This was not the god they had loved so dearly. Chaos had corrupted this one, swallowing much of the compassion and tenderness Pallian had loved. The being that they shaped the earth with was shattered as well. Although Pallian had been the one to be banished, Dwyer was the one who was truly destroyed. But the Sun would burn up Chaos's, whether Dwyer wanted them to or not. They wanted their love back, not this wretched husk of a god.

 

As the being stood upon Dwyer's doorstep, they adopted a much smaller form. Although mostly human, they kept the four eyes they had began with. The bottom pair were gentle, yet sad. The top set of eyes were steely. They would not be split for much longer. All the gentle aspects of Aedus and the powerful being of Pallian would return to be one. Although together, they were not whole. They only needed one more piece.

 

A hard fist connected with the door, forcing it from its hinges. It shuddered briefly, before settling on the floor. "Moon. I know you dwell within these walls. Keep this struggle at a minimum. You harbor the last fragment of my soul, and I am here to retrieve it." Only then would they be able to restore themselves, and work on saving their other half as well. There was no other way.

[pudding]

((I absolutely imagine Chaos as just a flirty little who constantly takes control of Dwyer so they can force Pallian up against a wall and hate kiss him.

 

And then they just abruptly disappear back inside Dwyer and the moon god comes to and just backs away and locks himself in a closet for several hours. ))

 

The days blurred together and the castle had collected dust. Whereas the god had bothered to clean up after himself at least previously, since returning to his home he found himself unable to bring himself to do even that. Eating was questionable and he barely maintained the willpower to down the red potions each morning and night to keep the Chaos under wraps. Still, it was starting to prove ineffective. Whispers stung at his ears and, for periods of time, he even started to find himself coming to after moments of blackness where his body had moved by himself. Usually these spells lasted only a few seconds but it was enough for the god to grow worried. Chaos's resistance was growing. How long could he actually keep the vile thing contained? Slumped over his desk in his back room, the god began to doze off when he was suddenly started by a loud thud from a nearby room.

 

Startled upright, he looked around the room before shuffling his papers together, spreading the various pages away from one another so their order would be lost. He couldn't have anyone trying to break in just looking at his private notes. He had to make sure that they were out of order and the ancient glyphs remained unreadable.

 

As soon as the papers were scattered and his scarf hastily pulled up over his mouth, the god pulled open the door to his private study-a room he had not left in the past few days-and slunk out into the hallway. Who was bothering him now? He hadn't had to deal with crazy adventurers for some time so he supposed it could be one of those. Grunting slightly, he moved into the main hall, staring at the man who had rudely barged into his home, noting the four eyes but choosing not to comment on them. The waves of magic that rolled off the man were obviously powerful and, immediately, a dangerous thought formed in his mind.

 

This man could easily kill me.

 

Shivering slightly, the god took a cautious step backwards towards his study, his hands wrapping around the necklace he wore. "I have no such thing," He replied faintly, the start of a headache prickling up in the side of his head. "You'd best take your leave of this place. I have nothing to offer you or anybody else."

[shadow_claw]

While the bottom set of the being's eyes widened, the top set only narrowed. Aedus was terribly emotional over anything that involved Dwyer, while Pallian was the exact opposite. Dwyer was a coward for choosing to forget. Pallian had never forgotten anything to keep the pain away. Pain from past choices allowed them to learn in the future. It was no wonder that So'reth could burden the agony of remembering so well. The dragon had gotten that directly from his father.

 

"H-How...Why? Why would you for-forget me? Forget u-us?" Aedus sniffled, tears welling in the human set of eyes. Pallian took control of their shared mouth instantly after the boy had spoken his mind, stepping forward quickly.

"I can and will take my soul back by force. Your poor choices will not kill me once more." Both hands shot out for Dwyer, reaching to pull him towards Pallian's face. There was only one way to retrieve their soul fragment without killing the god, and that was through a kiss. A furious, frustrated kiss, but a kiss nonetheless.

[pudding]

The god stared at the tears in shock but this hesitation proved dangerous as he was suddenly grabbed and pulled towards the other man. Kicking out, he struggled against the grip, kicking out at Pallian while his hands tried to pull the two hands off of him. However, this moment of struggle proved pointless as the god suddenly heaved and looked like he might very well be sick. His struggles suddenly ceased as his entire body went completely dead in Pallian's grip. His head slumped forward and his eyes closed while his arms and legs went completely limp.

 

And then, with a sudden increase in vigor, the god's head snapped back up and he leered closer to Pallian, a sadistic fire alight in his eyes as the green irises were rapidly consumed by a rich purple color. "I would NEVER forget you, dearest," the god retorted, pulling down his scarf to reveal his scarred mouth. The black lines in his skin that peeked up underneath his collar pulsed and glowed faintly in response to the new commander of their body as their sharp teeth twisted into a smile. "Go on, give us a kiss," The entity said with a hiss, leaning in closer to Pallian with a cheeky grin, as if they had nothing to worry about. After all, the god was never even aware of the fact he possessed a fragment of Pallian. That was because it was Chaos all along that had housed it. And there was no way it would give that up so easily. Pallian was going to have to try harder than that.