As soon as the door to the White Room opens, a raven flies out, and heads straight for the door to the SIM room, trying to escape.
Silinrul is seated inside, meditating. Noticing the entrance opened, he stands up and strides out into the SIM room. Looking around, he sees only Jaiye, wielding a pair of tonfas. He looks confused "Where is the Elven brat? It is he who I have a quarrel with, not you sister."
"See, that's where I disagree. You attacked my boyfriend which implies you think I can't protect him. You're talking over me like I'm not here, like I'm weak and therefore you can take the lead. Like. Hell."
"You want to earn the right to have a challenge with him? First you have to challenge me," she said flatly.
"People might not always believe Ryuzo."
"Halt the damned SIM! Blasted music of his gives me a headache. . . ."
"Now. Can I finish eating and can we all get along for a while?"
"Yea. I'm hungry."
"Yeah. Sure. Fine. Whatever. *grumble*"
"Good. Shall we? Or would you like to see something else?"
The heavenscape fades out and the room returns to its black and white stripes.
Ignace made her way outside to the gardens looking a bit dejected. She deliberately avoided people and seemed to be acting more like she had a few days ago.
"Alright, just find me if you need anything. Are you gonna be around more often now?" Vai asks, and awaits an answer from Keme before smiling and nodding, reaching up on her tiptoes to give Fei a kiss on the cheek before closing her eyes and focusing her mind on Anahita, teleporting to her."I'll have to find some other way to be endearing enough to not kill when I start in with the tricks," he said laughing. "Should be easier without having to worry about keeping people around me safe from her."
"Yeah, it's okay. She clearly needs a little assistance. The first couple of days can be rough. I'll be fine now."
He nodded.
After Vai left he hopped down off of the bed. "So I guess this is the time to be talking huh? Fei, you should probably hear all of this too. People might not always believe Ryuzo."
The young monk nods in agreement.
"I think it will be a very wise thing for more of us to know. It makes it more difficult for the Patrons to continue to act in secret," he replies, his features growing somber again.
Ignace made her way outside to the gardens looking a bit dejected. She deliberately avoided people and seemed to be acting more like she had a few days ago.
After his conversation with Headmaster Ephebe, Lang used the arrows to locate Ignace. he was happier that she still came out to the gardens. but still a bit sad over the way he had behaved.
Finding her still slowly walking Lang hurried to catch up.
circling around to be in front of her at a distance she can see and hear him.
Ignace. he calls to her in an apologetic tone.
Igance, I want to apologize for earlier. I actied stupidly. I fear I have treated you with disrespect. I plead for your forgivness and allow me the chance redeem myself to you, and your family
He bows to her. Please Ignace, I hurt your feelings. Please talk with me
Sil looks Jaiye in the eyes, so she knows he's talking to her "Jai, if he can't stand up for you, and needs his girlfriend to protect him, then he doesn't deserve you, regardless of his race"
"nah, what use would that be," he grins, "I mean of course I could go to everyone about how I am so much more fantastic than them, but that's readily apparent so I don't bother" he grins and waits for her response before continuing "in all seriousness you're doing fine, especially for a first timer, Carl and I, we've been doing this kinda stuff for years, relax"
at her other statements he shrugs and says "what else do you suggest we do, I just got here last night, so I don't really know what the whole situation is about"
Mel smiles at Arhur's compliment. she seems to have need that. there is a little lonliness in her eyes, but it seems to be fading more and more.
Mel holds the doll tighter not seeing the owner. she glances down at it then at the refugees.
the only other thing I know how to do is play music. maybe a concert. maybe we can give them just a few hours of time without fear, without sadness. a chance to dance, a few hours of happiness.
Looking to Arthur what do you think?
|
you just barely have enough time, and the wounds are huge. His muscles are seared from close exposure to fire, and he may lose a limb from lack of blood flow, but he isn't gonna die.
zix notes that the child has stabilized, there is the mental equivalent of an exasperated/exhausted sigh with a hint of relief sent to the medic::please note in the future that we deal with students with wildly varying physical and supernatural conditions and that apologies are meaningless to the dead, also, I apologize for my shortness and lack of patience with your errors and unprofessionalism, I site only that it has been a long 24 hour period. with that I shall take my leave of you. good day:: and he moves to do just that
"uh, sure, though I wouldn't be the one playing, perhaps I could rig up a light show or a fireworks display?"
lets keep it simple for now. and I wasn't asking you to play on a stage; but rather I want to hear what you think of the idea.
Mel continues her pre-flight checks as she keeps an eye on Arthur wanting to hear what he has to say. If your heart really isn't into it, then thats fine also, just say so.
|
|
"uh, sure, though I wouldn't be the one playing, perhaps I could rig up a light show or a fireworks display?"lets keep it simple for now. and I wasn't asking you to play on a stage; but rather I want to hear what you think of the idea.
Mel continues her pre-flight checks as she keeps an eye on Arthur wanting to hear what he has to say. If your heart really isn't into it, then thats fine also, just say so.
"I was just looking for where I could help" he says as he does his own preflight checks, like his father taught him, doesn't matter who tells you they already did it, or even if you see them do it, it's best to check over your equipment yourself every time, take care of your equipment and it'll take care of you he pauses in his work lost in thought I wonder what dad is doing right now, and whether he'll be safe.. he shakes his head to banish the thoughts as he continues checking over the equipment "well music, other than like orchestral stuff is not really my thing,"
I was just looking for where I could help" he says as he does his own preflight checks, like his father taught him, doesn't matter who tells you they already did it, or even if you see them do it, it's best to check over your equipment yourself every time, take care of your equipment and it'll take care of you he pauses in his work lost in thought I wonder what dad is doing right now, and whether he'll be safe.. he shakes his head to banish the thoughts as he continues checking over the equipment "well music, other than like orchestral stuff is not really my thing,"
Oh, well Okay... Mel heads to the cockpit and takes a seat in the pilot seat. she sets the doll down on the side of the cosole so she can see it, kind of a reminder of why she is doing this.
she sets her datapad into a docking station off to the side.
over the radio Hey Carl, Mel here ready for take off. you still with me?
"I am currently operating the Hammershaft with Mr.Promethium as copilot. We are clear and ready to depart on your mark."
He looks back to ensure that all his passengers are well seated.
"Would you like to add anything, Mr.Promethium?"
The young monk nods in agreement.
"I think it will be a very wise thing for more of us to know. It makes it more difficult for the Patrons to continue to act in secret," he replies, his features growing somber again.
Keme nodded. "I'm guessing this isn't the best spot for this discussion. They probably need this room back and I'm just as glad not to need it anymore. I think I know a good spot though. I'll see you later, Gramps...umm....maybe we can have dinner together? I'm pretty sure I owe you at least one family meal," he said with an apologetic shrug.
Keme led the way to a sun-drenched deserted corridor on the first floor. "I'm not sure where this used to go...but now it's just a dead end. I come here sometimes when I need to be alone." He sighed.
"The first thing you need to know is that Esperanza is a lot more powerful than she used to be. This environment...a school full of children.....it was like a huge well of power to her. You can't underestimate her."
After his conversation with Headmaster Ephebe, Lang used the arrows to locate Ignace. he was happier that she still came out to the gardens. but still a bit sad over the way he had behaved.Finding her still slowly walking Lang hurried to catch up.
circling around to be in front of her at a distance she can see and hear him.
Ignace. he calls to her in an apologetic tone.
Igance, I want to apologize for earlier. I actied stupidly. I fear I have treated you with disrespect. I plead for your forgivness and allow me the chance redeem myself to you, and your family
He bows to her. Please Ignace, I hurt your feelings. Please talk with me
"No, I'm sorry. You were excited about your ceremony and I....I don't think I'm a very good friend. I should have just been happy for you," she said miserably. "Not reminded you of horrible things. But leaving the school is so very dangerous for me....I might hurt people. Not even bad people. Innocent people who don't deserve to get hurt. And I won't mean it, but that doesn't bring people back to life. And you don't know what it's like, listening to the screams." She had to pause and sniffle as tears were running down her face. "You're my friend and I especially don't want to hurt the people you care about. I know you believe in me, but that's just not enough."
"No, I'm sorry. You were excited about your ceremony and I....I don't think I'm a very good friend. I should have just been happy for you," she said miserably. "Not reminded you of horrible things. But leaving the school is so very dangerous for me....I might hurt people. Not even bad people. Innocent people who don't deserve to get hurt. And I won't mean it, but that doesn't bring people back to life. And you don't know what it's like, listening to the screams." She had to pause and sniffle as tears were running down her face. "You're my friend and I especially don't want to hurt the people you care about. I know you believe in me, but that's just not enough."
Sil looks Jaiye in the eyes, so she knows he's talking to her "Jai, if he can't stand up for you, and needs his girlfriend to protect him, then he doesn't deserve you, regardless of his race"
"Sil, you're doing it again. I never said he wouldn't stand up for me. He's already agreed to a challenge...an athletic contest. But you don't get the right to do that until you finish with my challenge. You have no idea what I've been through in the last three years, Sil. I'm not a pup anymore. No more than you. So stop treating me like I'm weak. You want to invoke the right of the strong, you have to earn it. So fight me and prove your right or admit to your own weakness," she growled, not backing down. "This is about respect."
Shortly on the heels of Repp asking about Ginni, she and Ace arrive at Kitty's door. Seeing Michael, Ace gives him a sad smile "Hey Michael, how's Kitty? We brought her some breakfast, which I am hoping is to her liking. I asked the kitchen staff to make it especially for her. Also, Ginni thought it would be a good idea to bring Squeaky, the puppy I rescued on Friday, who miraculously survived last night. She thinks it might help her feel better" While he is in his usual optimistic mood, there is definitely an overlaying note of sadness in his voice.
"No, I'm sorry. You were excited about your ceremony and I....I don't think I'm a very good friend. I should have just been happy for you," she said miserably. "Not reminded you of horrible things. But leaving the school is so very dangerous for me....I might hurt people. Not even bad people. Innocent people who don't deserve to get hurt. And I won't mean it, but that doesn't bring people back to life. And you don't know what it's like, listening to the screams." She had to pause and sniffle as tears were running down her face. "You're my friend and I especially don't want to hurt the people you care about. I know you believe in me, but that's just not enough."
Lang really looks saddend at the comment about not being a very good friend.
Ignace, He moves closer to her. you are the best thing that I ever experienced at this school. I value your friendship so much.
Lang takes one more step closer, but no closer.
I do believe in you, I was wrong with how I acted. I still want to be friends with you, I want to help you overcome your fears. I want to be there to encourage you to keep trying, to help you up when you fall, and stand beside you in your triumphs. I will always be there for you.
Lang holds out his hand for her. I also believe I have an owl named Simba that would like to meet you. he says with a smile you know, sometimes, having someone believe in you is all that is needed to encourage you to have faith and believe in yourself.
"I'm sure seeing Squeaky will be a great help. She's pretty bummed out. I was thinking about taking her to Anderail today, look for the alicorns again, play with Cait some."
Shortly on the heels of Repp asking about Ginni, she and Ace arrive at Kitty's door. Seeing Michael, Ace gives him a sad smile "Hey Michael, how's Kitty? We brought her some breakfast, which I am hoping is to her liking. I asked the kitchen staff to make it especially for her. Also, Ginni thought it would be a good idea to bring Squeaky, the puppy I rescued on Friday, who miraculously survived last night. She thinks it might help her feel better" While he is in his usual optimistic mood, there is definitely an overlaying note of sadness in his voice.
Lewis moves off towards the side as the two new people come up.
He doesn't say anything but looks over the two new people and their dog.Ace picks up that he now feels unsafe after all this and even more so after hearing about the animals and kitty being attacked. He also hears various things about a voice and someone named Tarka. Also his thoughts on them mostly being 'everyone here is really big and too many people carry around weapons.'
Ginni picks up a very worried and insecure little dragon near the floor. His body language depicts almost exactly the same thing, holding his hands together and never looking anyone in the eye for more than a moment.
"I'm sure seeing Squeaky will be a great help. She's pretty bummed out. I was thinking about taking her to Anderail today, look for the alicorns again, play with Cait some."
"Bleek" the hexapodal cat announces his prescience
"I don't want to get her hopes up, but I have a spell that might be able to bring back her animal companions, if they are willing to come back"
Lang really looks saddend at the comment about not being a very good friend.
Ignace, He moves closer to her. you are the best thing that I ever experienced at this school. I value your friendship so much.
Lang takes one more step closer, but no closer.
I do believe in you, I was wrong with how I acted. I still want to be friends with you, I want to help you overcome your fears. I want to be there to encourage you to keep trying, to help you up when you fall, and stand beside you in your triumphs. I will always be there for you.
Lang holds out his hand for her. I also believe I have an owl named Simba that would like to meet you. he says with a smile you know, sometimes, having someone believe in you is all that is needed to encourage you to have faith and believe in yourself.
She tentatively took his hand. "Believing isn't enough," she said stubbornly. "Not unless it also comes with planning and work. And even then nothing is guaranteed. I'm not saying it isn't nice. But I won't risk anyone's safety on just belief. There's a difference between trying to overcome my fears in a mostly safe environment and hoping that things work out going to a not safe environment. That's why I said I would only go if Mrs Blackscales was going. She can keep other people safe and heal them if they get hurt. It's not because I don't want to be there or because I'm not happy for you. I just have to be responsible..."
"Alright," she said with a hesitant smile. "I guess that's enough of that. We can go and you can introduce me to your owl friend."
"I think that sounds like a good idea, Michael. Getting out into nature is probably just the thing for her."
"Oh, hello, who are you?" she said, surprised by the hexapodal cat. "And I have no idea why I just asked when I can't speak cat....well, Kitty can and I'm guessing she'll be happy to see you..."
She knelt down next to Lewis while Ace and Michael talked about the possibility of trying to raise Kitty's animal companions.
"Hello. My name is Ginni. What's yours?" she asked gently.
"I'm Lewis. I have a long name, but people like Lewis cause it's shorter."
He looks up at her for a moment before looking back down again.
She tentatively took his hand. "Believing isn't enough," she said stubbornly. "Not unless it also comes with planning and work. And even then nothing is guaranteed. I'm not saying it isn't nice. But I won't risk anyone's safety on just belief. There's a difference between trying to overcome my fears in a mostly safe environment and hoping that things work out going to a not safe environment. That's why I said I would only go if Mrs Blackscales was going. She can keep other people safe and heal them if they get hurt. It's not because I don't want to be there or because I'm not happy for you. I just have to be responsible...""Alright," she said with a hesitant smile. "I guess that's enough of that. We can go and you can introduce me to your owl friend."
Lang leads Ignace to the spot where Simba, Sun, and Sara are at only moments after Sara got off Simba's saddle.
Ignace, This is Simba. Simba, Say hello to Ignace
[owl speak]So she is the one, Hi Ignace [end owl spek] Simba bows his huge head to acknowlwdge Ignace.
Sara looks over from where she was rubbing the owl's belly.
"Hi."
She listens to the owl.
[Just Owl]"What one?"[/Just owl]
"Simba says 'hi.'"
The Lycan sighs "If I must beat you to prove you are wrong, then I will. However, before any challenges take place, would you at least like to know why I am here and why I was looking for you in the first place?"
"People might not always believe Ryuzo."
"I am currently operating the Hammershaft with Mr.Promethium as copilot. We are clear and ready to depart on your mark."
He looks back to ensure that all his passengers are well seated.
"Would you like to add anything, Mr.Promethium?"
Carl sits back and pops a cigar in his mouth, unlit.
"Nope, lets see how you do Tinman, then all add things, Mel good to go"
As Mels takes off so its over to Hermes to pilot
Asha laughs as she watches Rena's enjoyment of the new room. Which happily had rafters she could use to keep in practice with the gymnastics. And an enormous fireplace. It was so big she could crawl inside it and curl up in the fire if she wanted to. Who needs a bed when there's a perfectly good fireplace to use instead? And the bathroom had a sauna! This was pretty much heaven.
She opened the closet and was surprised to find school uniforms. She could tell which closet was Rena's because the ones in that closet were designed to fit around her wings. "Huh. I guess it automatically gives us clothes for school days."
She jumped on her bed, reached up and grabbed a rafter, swung herself around it a couple of times before flipping up and landing on another rafter which she easily balanced on as she walked across it.
"So this place is definitely awesome so far." She flipped around and ended up hanging upside down from the rafter by...
"Why should I ever want to be untwisted?" Rena says after a few happy moments of silence, but her head does eventually pop out from underneath the blankets, smiling, her hair strewn about wildly and now desperately in need of a good brushing. "You're upsidedown!" Rena giggles, the good mood obviously not dampened at all by being completely tangled up.
Rena begins to slowly float towards the rafters herself, bringing with her the tangle of what was once well-made bedding. Her wings appear to be attempting to flap, but they are definitely not the reason why Rena has suddenly begun to fly. "I want to try!" she says excitedly, floating herself and the blanket pile up towards the rafters.
...snip...
The moment Vai arrives on this strange and alien planet, she immediately regrets the decision as the heat and pressure immediately engulf her, almost killing her right there... and it is only by Anahita's quick action that Vai is saved, granting her the ability to survive in such a space.
With the immediate threat gone, and a chance to recover taken, Vai looks about, marveling in the beauty that surrounded her, and not seeming to mind the intense bombardment of light radiation from the stars - indeed if Anahita could possibly perceive such things, the ionizing Light particles seem to 'bend' around Vai, being deflected before they can cause damage - and hopefully Anahita's magic can protect against any other forms of radiation coming from the stars.
At the communication, Vai nods, now understanding Anahita's attempt at pantomime. She repeats the 'back' gesture, with another nod, before vanishing herself away from the no-longer-deadly alien world.
Back at Avalon, the young half-elf appears on the grounds on what seems to be one of her preferred locations at the school - the green facing the rising sun, where she shares her morning practices with Fei.
"That's what we're doing. We can't just steamroller over other cultures. But it's our job to keep our students safe. So this duel is taking place in a virtual reality where all damage is non-lethal. This is a way for students to resolve conflicts in a supervised and safe environment instead of actually hurting each other."
"It is a shame that it may come to blows... but as you say, if this is their culture, perhaps it is better for all parties if we do not interfere. I apologize if I seem... naive. I am still learning how to properly handle social situations." He says, deferring to his colleague's apparent depth of experience in this regard.
"Yeah, he wants to talk to you tomorrow probably. So far Mithros and Jeran are the sum total of pilots in this program so he's more than happy to consider more applicants. And if you know of anyone else who might be a good fit for it, let him know."
"Alright, let's get this over with and hope we can finish before things go boom."
"Mithros? Well, at least I won't be alone or friendless there. Mithros seems like a good guy, and really, how can I not like him? Without him I doubt I'd be standing here... or at least things would've been much different."
Pausing just a moment longer before they head out, Ardiente says: "What about Fei? I understand he cannot spar... but if my judgments are correct, he has an excess of chi, does he not?"
As is typical for Repp, neither Ace nor Ginni's natural telepathy appear to be able to pick up anything from the gnome. He does appear to be greatly relieved once Ginni and Ace rush up, greeting them gladly to see that they are safe and sound. "After all the nasty business, I am glad to see both of you whole and healthy. Did either of you see Melody or Dom yesterday? I want to ensure that they are alright as well." Repp chimes in, directed at both Ginni and Ace as they seperate, Ace to speak with Michael and Ginni with both the approached cat and Repp's friend in the little dragon.
Given that no one is particularly paying attention to the gnome, no one notices the ever so slight narrowing of his eyes as Ace presents the 'miraculous' survivor of the massacre in the animal hospital. His demeanor towards Ace does seem to shift slightly after the fact. He was beginning to form suspicions.
"Pardon the interruption, Michael... you said that the animals were /all/ killed? Squeaky there must be the most fortunate pup in all the planes to have escaped that horrible fate. I am very glad at least a small glimmer of happiness has come out of this... senselessness." Repp seems to be completely honest and sincere in his assertions and question - obviously just seeking clarification on Michael's part. Nothing about him is sarcastic, sardonic, or accusatory.
The moment Vai arrives on this strange and alien planet, she immediately regrets the decision as the heat and pressure immediately engulf her, almost killing her right there... and it is only by Anahita's quick action that Vai is saved, granting her the ability to survive in such a space.
With the immediate threat gone, and a chance to recover taken, Vai looks about, marveling in the beauty that surrounded her, and not seeming to mind the intense bombardment of light radiation from the stars - indeed if Anahita could possibly perceive such things, the ionizing Light particles seem to 'bend' around Vai, being deflected before they can cause damage - and hopefully Anahita's magic can protect against any other forms of radiation coming from the stars.
At the communication, Vai nods, now understanding Anahita's attempt at pantomime. She repeats the 'back' gesture, with another nod, before vanishing herself away from the no-longer-deadly alien world.
Back at Avalon, the young half-elf appears on the grounds on what seems to be one of her preferred locations at the school - the green facing the rising sun, where she shares her morning practices with Fei.
Whatever magics or alterations that may have altered Vai earlier seem to have physically changed her, and upon arriving back in Avalon, she feels no different, and adapts easily back to the environment she originated from.
Moments later, perhaps twelve seconds or so, Anahita appears looking as she did in the other world, with a smile and raised hand in greeting. Her appearance more of a turn and apparent partial 'step' towards Vai in her teleporting to Vai's side, as if merely stepping right next to her.
Needless to say, the look on Anahita's expressive face was exhilarated. "Greeings, Vai, I trust you are uninjured? I can throw you a heal if you wish it, yet my awareness suggests it is not required. Was that not truly breath taking? We could return, yet, the speaking is an issue in that muck of it's atmosphere. The teeming new born life... Every second there, the illumination and conditions cause new beginnings, at an unprecedented rate- ahhhh, glorious to behold with my eyes, and these new found senses. How is your friend, the Kitsune? He appeared restored to health, I am glad he choose to return all things considered. I must ... Focus, one moment."
With that, Anahita stood quiet and closed her eyes, drawing in a breath. After a few seconds, she opened them again and smiled awaiting a response with a calm expression about her face.
Keme nodded. "I'm guessing this isn't the best spot for this discussion. They probably need this room back and I'm just as glad not to need it anymore. I think I know a good spot though. I'll see you later, Gramps...umm....maybe we can have dinner together? I'm pretty sure I owe you at least one family meal," he said with an apologetic shrug.
Keme led the way to a sun-drenched deserted corridor on the first floor. "I'm not sure where this used to go...but now it's just a dead end. I come here sometimes when I need to be alone." He sighed.
"The first thing you need to know is that Esperanza is a lot more powerful than she used to be. This environment...a school full of children.....it was like a huge well of power to her. You can't underestimate her."
"No...which means we may have to contend with her new Champion here. Esperanza must have some reason to believe she will succeed where Madness failed. I presume this is why she is seeking to ally with another Patron - she has already seen the result of standing alone. Hmm...."
Before Ginni talked to him, Lewis looked at the cat for just a bit longer than other people but stil looks away andl avoids its gaze as well.
Keme nodded. "I'm guessing this isn't the best spot for this discussion. They probably need this room back and I'm just as glad not to need it anymore. I think I know a good spot though. I'll see you later, Gramps...umm....maybe we can have dinner together? I'm pretty sure I owe you at least one family meal," he said with an apologetic shrug.
"At least indeed." he said with a smile.
"I shall expect you around dinner time then."
Listens as Keme and Fei speak...
"It would be most unfortunate if she were to select another student from Avalon. Your grandfather has sworn to slay any of her champions on sight, until she apologizes for your death.
But, I understand her draw to this place, I think my patron finds it as delicious as Hope, as nothing is as willingly deceptive as an insecure teenager.
Did she make the mistake of sharing any of her plans with Lumos with you before you decided to turn on her? Did she want you to kill Vai?
What does she hope to gain with an alliance with her?"
Before Ginni talked to him, Lewis looked at the cat for just a bit longer than other people but stil looks away andl avoids its gaze as well.
It moves toward the lizard thing... then when ginni crouches down it stops to watch
"Uh, hello, Simba," she said nervously as she looked at the large owl. On some level she was very intimidated by the large predator. She knew that even in bird form she wouldn't make a very enticing snack for it, aside from the temperature issue firebirds tended to be poisonous to such things which certainly discouraged predations, but still the recognition of looking at a predator was a bit unnerving. Like meeting someone's pet shark or pet lion.
The Lycan sighs "If I must beat you to prove you are wrong, then I will. However, before any challenges take place, would you at least like to know why I am here and why I was looking for you in the first place?"
Jaiye looks at him exasperated. "You come into my den, attack my lover, and then you want to talk? After I've just given you a formal challenge? Bloody hell, Sil, what's happened to you? Have things changed that much since I've been gone?"
"Why should I ever want to be untwisted?" Rena says after a few happy moments of silence, but her head does eventually pop out from underneath the blankets, smiling, her hair strewn about wildly and now desperately in need of a good brushing. "You're upsidedown!" Rena giggles, the good mood obviously not dampened at all by being completely tangled up.Rena begins to slowly float towards the rafters herself, bringing with her the tangle of what was once well-made bedding. Her wings appear to be attempting to flap, but they are definitely not the reason why Rena has suddenly begun to fly. "I want to try!" she says excitedly, floating herself and the blanket pile up towards the rafters.
Asha giggled. "It's easier without the blankets, but really all you have to do is hook your legs over and let yourself hang. And if you can manage that, I can show you how to flip around the beam so you go around and around and around in circles right side up and upside down," she said happily. "And since you can float there's no chance you'll get hurt falling down."
"That's what we're doing. We can't just steamroller over other cultures. But it's our job to keep our students safe. So this duel is taking place in a virtual reality where all damage is non-lethal. This is a way for students to resolve conflicts in a supervised and safe environment instead of actually hurting each other.""It is a shame that it may come to blows... but as you say, if this is their culture, perhaps it is better for all parties if we do not interfere. I apologize if I seem... naive. I am still learning how to properly handle social situations." He says, deferring to his colleague's apparent depth of experience in this regard.
"No, don't worry about it. It's a pretty steep learning curve. I used to teach PE so supervising this kind of thing is normal for me. And there's nothing wrong with duels in a controlled environment. It's good practice. Like it or not, one of our jobs is to prepare our students for the world outside of Avalon, and sometimes the world tries to kill you. Better they learn to defend themselves here."
"While they're sorting out the preliminaries, I can show you the thing you asked me about earlier," she said, bringing up the footage from the projector on her wrist band. "You can see her here in this stasis unit. Which is surrounded by a cube of force...don't worry, we pump in fresh air in case the stasis fails so she won't just die. That stuff there is the medical monitoring equipment. It sends me an alarm if there are any changes. And over here is the pod she came in. Also held in stasis and surrounded by forcefields. All EMP resistant. Everything is now. Not going through that twice. The walls are smooth stone and the whole facility is one hundred percent isolated. Over here is the first airlock....that's the only way in or out. There's a second airlock further down followed by a decon area and then another double airlock. The whole facility is underground. There's an elevator down that can be accessed from the infirmary and only from the infirmary and even then only if I've granted security clearance. We have every precaution we can think of in place to make sure the virus doesn't make it into the school. Hopefully we'll be able to have someone look in on her today, perhaps pull her out of stasis and deal with her injuries. Start working on a cure, or at least a way to make her non-contagious....she's just a kid. I'd ask what kind of monsters could do this to a child, but I'm already pretty familiar with the Empire and just what kind of monsters it's made of."
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"Yeah, he wants to talk to you tomorrow probably. So far Mithros and Jeran are the sum total of pilots in this program so he's more than happy to consider more applicants. And if you know of anyone else who might be a good fit for it, let him know."
"Alright, let's get this over with and hope we can finish before things go boom."
"Mithros? Well, at least I won't be alone or friendless there. Mithros seems like a good guy, and really, how can I not like him? Without him I doubt I'd be standing here... or at least things would've been much different."
Pausing just a moment longer before they head out, Ardiente says: "What about Fei? I understand he cannot spar... but if my judgments are correct, he has an excess of chi, does he not?"
"I think Fei might present some other interesting equipment interface problems...but it's worth asking him."
Listens as Keme and Fei speak...
"It would be most unfortunate if she were to select another student from Avalon. Your grandfather has sworn to slay any of her champions on sight, until she apologizes for your death.
But, I understand her draw to this place, I think my patron finds it as delicious as Hope, as nothing is as willingly deceptive as an insecure teenager.
Did she make the mistake of sharing any of her plans with Lumos with you before you decided to turn on her? Did she want you to kill Vai?
What does she hope to gain with an alliance with her?"
"She's not stupid. I don't think she offered the position to anyone here...I think she had someone in mind out in the Empire. Things are bad out there I guess and that's the best time for her. When people lose everything, all they have left is....well, hope. It's a feast for her and one she enjoys given her penchant for pain and suffering. And since Lumos's more powerful Champion wants to destroy this place, she's having her new Champion build their power up elsewhere. I'm not sure how, but they plan to destroy this place....it's got so many Champions here that it really is the most efficient way to strike a blow against all the others. It was....it was supposed to be a three way alliance, but Ephebe has something on Kronos. Something big. Big enough to force him to back out. They....they don't want to destroy everyone, but...they feel like there are too many Patrons. They want to destroy a few of them. Which means first killing their Champions to make them more vulnerable...she seemed to think it had been done once before. Madness meant to do it to everyone but himself. Lumos and Hope are being more selective and using an alliance to make it happen."
"I don't know if Lumos is planning to kill the Vai here....I do know that with the more powerful version out there, that our Vai is less valuable to Lumos. More easily sacrificed. But they probably want her alive for now so they can use her as an unwitting spy."
"That's really all I know. I wish I could tell you more. But anything else there was I...just don't remember anymore."