[Accidental Voice Post]

[lezareno_prez]

Of all the people, why did it have to be him... damn it!

Alicia, forgive me. To think that I would ever find myself in his form...

[OOC: Yep, Regal is stuck as Vharley, to add insult to injury.]

Comments

[fonon_professor]

[Gelda, unaware of Regal's change, has just gotten out of the shower. Now dressed in a bathrobe and slippers, she heads downstairs to see if her housemate's around. If not, she's free to head into the kitchen and put the tea kettle on the furnace.

-But what's this?! Just as she rounds the corner, she sees a fat, ugly, creepy-looking man in the kitchen! The horror! She quickly hides herself out of sight again, waiting. If she's lucky, he hasn't noticed her.]

[fonon_professor]

[He's thanking her for covering up her cleavage? My, Regal, such high class.]

Ah... I should get changed.

[lezareno_prez]

Perhaps you should.

[In the meantime, he's going to take a seat at the table, slumping down into the chair with a strained sigh. How is he supposed to explain just who he turned into to her?]

[fonon_professor]

[He won't have to if he doesn't want to talk about it. We all have people in our past we didn't really get along with, after all.

So she'll trust Regal to keep an eye on that tea kettle while she's gone and returns ten minutes later, fully dressed. Her hair's still mildly damp from the shower, though. Situation is... a bit less awkward now. But still awkward.]

I hope I didn't strike you too hard.

[lezareno_prez]

Not at all-- I have taken far worse hits during training.

[As awkward as it may be, he owes her an explanation for the fat creepy guy she found in her kitchen, particularly if it happens again and he starts actually ACTING like Vharley. She needs to know what to expect, for her own safety.]

... that man was Vharley.

[She's heard the entire story by now; hopefully she'll remember the name.]

[fonon_professor]

[Oh, the name definitely rings a bell. And if it is who she thinks it is, then it may very well be for the best that she stays on guard. Even so, she can't help but feel sympathy. It must be a terrible fate, being forced to take on the role of someone you despise.]

The Exsphere broker?

[lezareno_prez]

That is correct. Of all the things... it would seem the Malnosso's cruelty knows no bounds.

[It's obvious how much this is hurting him, though he is clearly trying to hide it. Being reminded of Vharley only serves to bring Alicia to his mind as well, and with Gelda around, that's just making him even more distressed. Worse yet, it's not a topic he can bring up easily.]

[fonon_professor]

[Of course it would hurt him. To be turned into someone who's had such a horrible influence on your life... The one who took your beloved away from you and stained your reputation forever... That must be painful. Discussing it even moreso.]

While the change certainly serves as a terrible reminder of the past, it's limited to appearance and perhaps a few personality traits. You do not share his sins.

[lezareno_prez]

[He shakes his head sadly.]

No, I have my own sins I must atone for. But they would not exist were it not for Vharley's actions. Our crimes are inextricably entwined, as are our fates.

[He sighs again and leans his forehead on his hands. How much longer was this experiment going to last...?]

[fonon_professor]

[This whole situation is leaving Gelda with a rather helpless feeling. While she's now Regal's girlfriend and has heard his side of the story, she still can't claim to know what he's been through. Most reassurances could be easily brushed off, or might even sound disrespectful towards Alicia. So she says the only thing she can say:]

I don't think of you as a criminal at all. I'll be here for you, both after the experiment and during it.

[lezareno_prez]

Thank you. That means more to me than you know; however, I worry for your safety given what I know of Vharley's nature. Until I am able to ascertain just how extensive his influence on me is, it may be safer for me to stay elsewhere.

[... also I'd really rather not get whacked with a broom again, thanks. You've got some arms on you there, Gelda.]

[fonon_professor]

Don't be silly. I just said I'd be here for you. As you've experienced only ten minutes ago, I can take care of myself just fine.

[lezareno_prez]

[Congratulations, you've gotten a laugh out of him!]

My head is not likely to let me forget that for quite a while.

[fonon_professor]

[Excellent. If he can still laugh about the situation, all hope isn't lost yet.]

Then, I see no reason for you to leave the house.

[lezareno_prez]

Not as long as you keep that broom at hand, I suppose.

[fonon_professor]

Though, if you'd prefer to avoid a concussion, we could just use a pair of handcuffs to keep you restrained.