Heh...*sniff*
Gaia's hands drop to her sides, hugging her slowly reforming knees.
I appreciate the sentiment friends...but that would be difficult. Crant Starfull is...dead. Long dead. And if he truly did hide a salvation crystal the words filled with more venom than you'd have thought Gaia capable of aboard me then...then I think I no longer care about that.
Her head tilts in contemplation.
Vengeance though? I think that might be possible. Unfortunately not until my Solaris is at least operational. Though I wonder...
She looks over at Ouroboros, then Gerome.
Sirs? The crystal would have looked much like my Oathbearer's shard writ large. Likely possessing a radiance similar to mine but darker. Without my being present in the ship it will crumble upon activation - and I might be able to use that. Did you find anything other than the book in your searches?
Salt extends her left wrist and shows the shard.
Like this.
I don't recall Ouroboros said, slapping Gerome on the back. There may have been, there was broke glass all over the floor.
I Think we would remember another Gaia. He replied with a laugh. But OB is right, there was glass on the floor. Could have been a broken shard.
Motion to go inside and take another look?
Salt raises a hand eagerly in support of her own idea.
You...are lying. Sirs. Badly at that. A salvation shard would not leave anything that could be mistaken for broken glass. And...
Gaia levers herself to her feet. A blink - and she stands next to Ouroboros, then Gerome, leaning deep into their personal spaces. Then just as suddenly reappearing next to Salt. A concerned look on her face.
The Efreeti spoke true - there is a trace of Archaeomancer about the both of you, not the book. You didn’t have that in the ship - my Solaris would have picked up on it easily - so you gained it after I left. There were no records of anything that would leave such a trace in my cargo, so it would have been something NOT listed that caused it...you were both there for the activation weren’t you? It would really be best to be truthful - the potential side effects are slow yes, but potentially crippling long-term
Wh't'd y'take?
BZZT looks, if possible, more stern than usual...
Gerome cut in before Ouroboros could open his mouth.
The crystal fell out of the locker and exploded into nothing. There was... something trying to reform but... died? He shook his head. We were scared you would be angry... He trailed off, his eyes wide and innocent.
Ah. That makes... considerably more sense. Without me or one of my sisters there a salvation shard would have exhausted its internal reserves in a matter of seconds - they're a brute force manner of beast you see? Created to violate and consume in as efficient a way as possible. Deny it what it seeks and the beast dies in short order.
Gaia's eyes narrow, she gestures towards Ouroboros. As if pulling something towards her.
There is an ever so slight stirring in the air, a breeze that lifts a thousand ephemerally thin strands of something from the tieflings body.
The strands collect in Gaia's palm. Spinning and twisting together into a shape no different than a small black marble before she folds both hands over it. A grimace of effort is followed by the crackling sound of reshaping rock - and when Gaia opens her hands what lays within them is a gleaming red jewel, no larger than the head of a pin from the marble it had been before. The amber woman breathing a sigh of relief before turning to Salt.
Here Oathbearer. With this I can both enjoy a measure of vengeance and begin to repay the debt of gratitude I owe every last one of you.
She hands Salt the jewel. It feels warm to the touch - but nothing more.
Regretfully you will have to swallow it for the effects to manifest Oathbearer. I suppose whether or not you do so is contingent on how much you can trust me.
Gaia turns to Gerome - clearly about to repeat the performance - but before she can gesture a similar cracking sound to what occurred before emanates from around the gnomes neck - and a familiar looking tiny red crystal clatters to the ground.
What the...
Have fun explaining!
Salt looks dubiously at the crystal, then shrugs. Pulling a canteen from the depths of her coat, she smiles at Gaia.
I've swallowed worse after being asked to trust someone. And at least you asked nicely. And I have my eyes open...
A theatrical wink, and the crystal is chased by a long slug from the canteen.
Gerome blinks at the crystal at his feet.
Now how did that get there?
A beat. Of her heart? Salt cannot tell. A red ribbon lashes from her outstretched hand (when the hells did she move?), stretching beyond comprehension to snag a floating mote of anti-light the size and density of a crimson giant star...and drawing it in.
Past the level of the infinite cosmos, down through the scale of stars and their dances. The ribbon constricts the black star, wrapping and squeezing and compressing as it falls. The flame of nothing writhes as lesser things creep upon its being. A raging scream of thought and sensation stifled by the ribbons suffocation. It struggles now, a ball of teeth and fire and claws and blades, desperately wishing to return to what it had before. But the ribbon dances between its efforts. Never where the mote attempts to strike and never loosening that awful killing grip.
Life came and went with such vigour that it lasted a mere few seconds. The mote is dead now, then it is simply not alive, a material, a gleaming hunk of some strange rock entwined in countless wraps of thin red ribbon. And still that terrible pressure continues.
Lower even than material. Energy itself. A tiny black flame wavers in the palm of Salts hand. Resting on a single leaf of ribbon. Unbidden by thought that hand brings the thing that had been beyond everything to her chest...
And is promptly back in the engineering bay. Exactly the same as she was before.
Except for the mote of anti-flame she can feel burning next to her suddenly pounding heart and the sensation of being so much more than before of course.
Welcome to Mythic Rank 1...Trickster.
+10 due to previous lies and the general unbelievability of Gerome knowing nothing about what just happened.
While Ouroboro’s really has no idea what just happened it’s clear that Gaia is unimpressed with Gerome’s attempt to divert responsibility. A devastating raised eyebrow saying all she really needs to convey.
Salty? You ok? That felt like you just...nevermind. Do you feel any different?
Salt falls to her knees, gasping for breath. She winks at Sash,
You'd know what that looks like...
Yeah, I'm OK, just,
She turns to Gaia.
What in the name of the Tarrasque's pendulous armoured ballsack was that?
Turning back from her assessment of Gerome Gaia smiles and explains...
A...window Oathbearer. One I forced open with a combination of my essence and the beasts lingering strength. Crant Starfull lusted for the secrets behind that world you just saw. Now you have them - and he never will. I can think of no better vengeance. And before I can be the wings of our new team I can certainly provide you the strength you'll need to get where you need to.
It was incredible. Anyone got a drink? Or some pipeweed?
Gerome flashed Gaia a cheeky grin, but said nothing.
Ouroboros studied Gerome a moment longer, and then returned his attention to Salt, who was suddenly on her knees. Of course the fruit bat was cooing over her like she was some damsel in distress, and Gaia was spouting some technological mumbo jumo, that he didn't understand. Gerome was being oddly cheeky. He watched the scene in silence, arms crossed oozing grumpiness.
The Frontrunner sighs in relief before shaking her head in bemusement.
Heh...you know I'm feeling kinda jealous right now Salty. You just swallow a rock and get to tap into that power? I had to get shot in the damned head by an angel and have a demon punch it out of me. Nowhere near as fun as it sounds by the way.
A companionable hand rests itself on Salts shoulder as Sash briefly knocks her forehead against the techslingers, a wistful smile playing across her lips.
Welcome to the group I suppose - can you sense me yet? Generally kicks in after a few seconds...
Even as Sash speaks Salt can feel what she means, the Strix almost seems to glow a searing red light of power that she'd never noticed before, whatever it is that dwells with Sash connecting to that same strange force Salt just forged a bond with. And Sash isn't alone. Alas burns with a sputtering white flame - whilst Markus almost seems to exude waves of calming bluish green. And Gaia? A kaleidoscope of dancing auras almost makes her impossible to see.
Speaking of Gaia - she's turned back to Gerome. Pinching her hand between her eyes in exasperation.
Master Gerome? You do realise I can see well past the normal visible spectrum yes? Your secret is still safe if you wish it - likely that jewel won't work for anyone but you now anyway - but please stop being childish. I'd be very interested to hear about how it was done.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
The caravan master's outburst is loud and raucous.
Would you look at this Alva! A new one! J'st like that! A black one too! Things just keep getting better!
He strides over to Salt, his huge calloused palm clapping down on the shoulder Sash isn't currently holding.
Congrats Salt. Tis always an honour to be there when someone else treads the same ground. Now then...
A razor-sharp gaze focuses on Gaia.
That a trick you can repeat miss? Looks like the trombone gnome's got his own already.
It depends on how much essence the beast left behind when it expired Master Markus. The next 2 I make are for Master's BZZT and Ouroboros as per our agreement. Any more I can make will be at the discretion of my Oathbearer. Might I suggest we make our way back to my cell? Without a life to cling to the remaining traces will be fading fast.
Gerome cautiously stepped forward and collected the little red gem from the floor and studied it closely. He wasn't entirely sure what had just happened or what he was to do next. He wasn't about to tell his secret just yet though. It had been a while since he felt in control of his own destiny, and keeping his secret for just himself made him feel stronger and more confident.
I am sure I have no idea what you are talking about. He replied, smiling widely, eyes innocent.
He gestured to the stone.
For me?
Eat y'rock young'un. Looks fun.
Gerome looks sceptically from Bzzt to the rock and back to Gaia.
But...Really? Why?
Because the trip is F%##EN AWESOME!
Salt announces from her spot on the floor, still half-hugging Sash.
AND THERE ARE COLOURS!
Gerome eyed the rock suspiciously. Just this morning he had had to deal with the repercussions of his all night bender, did he really want to get high with Salt right now? His eyes flicked to Ouroboros for... what? Permission? The teiflings expression was neutral, his stance brooding. If he knew what was going on, he wasn't giving anything away. He was probably annoyed that Gaia had wheedled information out of them...He looked to Gaia again.
I've learned the hard way not to stick things in my mouth unless I know where they've been. What is this?
Seeing the doubt on the young Gnome's face, Salt softens her voice. Were Gerome to look carefully, he could still see the gleam of black fire dancing across the faceted onyx of her irises.
It's the very power of the universe distilled into your hands. Nothing quite like what I just felt. The sheer power of it. But in a good way. Like, something grand and infinite, but warm and comforting...
Ouroboros felt a spark of concern, it seemed to him that Salt spoke in a sort of reverent way, as if she had had some great religious experience. As if she had had a personal moment with the universe. He moved to her, in an uncharacteristically gentle manner, pressed his hand to her forehead. Was she warm? He didn't have a point of reference really. His experience of her body temperature had always been during rigorous activity....
Are you ok? he asked quietly.
Salt is slightly taken aback by the gentleness, but smiles kindly up at Robbit.
I'm good. I'm very good. I feel... Powerful. Like a little piece of the universe is burning in my heart. Like I'm connected to something bigger.
Ouroboros turns on Gaia fire burning in his veins.
What did you do to her? He growled. All he could think was she had spiked that rock with some sort of hallucinogen.
I already told you all what I did Sir Ouroboros. My Oathbearer’s mind is her own, albeit slightly overwhelmed at the moment - this should pass quickly enough. If you require further proof of this you might ask Miss Sash? Sir Markus? Sir Alas? They can all sense it as well I’m sure.
She turns to Gerome.
I know what I made Sir Gerome. Perhaps you should ask your secret what it spat out instead? All signs point to it being the same as what I gave to my Oathbearer in any case. And I have already said what that is.
She’s fine lad. The gruff dwarf speaks almost gently. Tis only power at t’ end o’ the day. Wielders can “see” their own, but the gifts are all unique. The harpy’s right though - usually have to go through a heck of a lot more t’ tap inta it all.
Gerome is staring to feel the pressure. Riddles upon riddles. Eyes are upon him from all directions, the very definition of peer pressure. And there stands Ouroboros, a soul resister, ready to start a confrontation with an all powerful being for committing the sin of hurting one of his own. Gerome looks down at the gem sparkling in his hand, feels a gentle squeeze of reassurance around his neck.
He takes a deep breath, and swallows the stone.
YAY!
Salt claps excitedly as Gerome swallows the little rock.
Juice?
She offers him her canteen.
For a few precious seconds at least, then the world goes black with a cacophony of thunder, all Gerome can see is darkness, all he can hear is endless crashing waves of sound.
But it isn't just noise. There's...something else there. A rhythm? A tempo? A beat? WAIT! THERE! A sound he knows! The trill of a bird. A familiar goats bleat. Lashing rain steaming in unnatural sunlight.
No...this isn't just noise...someone...something is singing.
And - unbidden by any thought of his own - Gerome is singing along.
Then the song rises. Beyond the petty constraints of the world. Now Gerome somehow knows that the sounds he hears are those of the stars dancing in the void of space, his voice somehow emulating their every spark and flutter.
In fact...he's getting louder.
His every other sense blinded Gerome can only wonder at how he knows that he is above stars now. In the place where galaxies play - their every action untainted by that minuscule thing called thought.
And even here - where the void should be more silent than the grave - the song remains.
Or...Gerome remains. His voice anyway. Where before he twinned with the song...now he is the song. And it is him. And everything. And nothing.
And...he opens his eyes. Back in the engineering bay. Everything unchanged.
Except for now he's played along with the song of the universe...and it's still playing in his head. And Salt's heart...and Alas's back...and Sash's arms. Markus even has the same song that he does now.
Welcome to Mythic Rank 1...Marshal.
He green... And blue... Like the sea...
Oh gods...she's gone power drunk. Little help Alva?
Salt has just begun to wonder why Sash and Markus have stepped away from her when a bucket of very cold water suddenly and mysteriously empties itself over her head.
Gerome finds himself sat on the floor, legs splayed in front of him, teddybear style. He sighs wistfully, humming quietly to himself. He idly wonders if he had been singing out loud...When he opens his eyes, he finds Ouroboros fills his entire field of vision. He was bent over him, his face so close their noses were almost touching.
Salt sat looking shocked for a minute, before turning to Sash.
You know I'm Musetouched, right? Colours are kinda my thing... Still, insert comment about getting me wet.
She winks up at the Strix, still smiling.
Ouroboros had been the one to help Gerome into a seated position when gravity had taken over the little gnome. He still wasn't sure what Gaia had done to him.
What secret did the boy have?
He studied him carefully as the boy sat there, eyes closed, humming to himself. The tune was quite lovely.
Gerome? he shook him gently, trying not to be angry at the fool who sucked on random magical items. You in there?
Geromes eyes flashed open, and the universe was in them.
Geromes jumps to his feet smiling widely, causing Ouroboros to stumble backwards a little.
Here I am, he half sings, alive at last.
BZZT follows Gaia calmly on board Solaris.
We are going then? Good.
Gaia gently rests a hand against one of the freshly revealed panels, a few seconds of focus passing before the door glows a soft gold and begins to grind itself open...
Onto total and complete wreckage. Shards of black metal and crystal dust spill out as the door opens, larger pieces of unknown machinery clatter and clang as the great pile of debris shifts and falls around the amber woman.
Hmm...so this is where the invading force deposited the life support systems. This setup should have been distributed somewhat evenly throughout my...the ships infrastructure - yet from what I can determine nearly all of this wreckage is sourced from that and little else. Interesting.
Gaia's body seems to melt from the waste down, becoming an amorphous wave of amber material that sweeps over the blockage...and begins to pull. Slowly but surely clearing the intended way to her cell.