Guardian Four seems disturbed by Nissa talking about the Wand and the time-travelling enemy who would take it. Whether he suspicious of the story or afraid of the enemy, something bothers him about it.
When Nissa asks about entering mother Utopia, he responds. "I have been considering that possibility," says Guardian Four. "I am tempted by the idea of you going where we are unable and learning things about Mother Utopia we cannot. However, we cannot allow this; our reverence for Mother Utopia is unifying. Our myths bring us together. We could allow you to visit one of the other structures left by the ancients, but not our Mother."
He looks at Guardian Nine and some unspoken agreement passes between them. "If your visit here is to be extended, you will be limited in your movements to the estates of the Guardians. Rumours about you are already spreading in the lower city and it is becoming disruptive. Guardian Nine would be responsible for you."
** spoiler omitted **
"How long are you actually wanting to stay? I'mma get so many parking tickets or impounded. WHen were ya'll expected back?"
She says, “I was worried about asking as I didn’t want to risk offending you… but I’m glad I asked. The tunnel you permit me to enter will do.”
She turns to Nine, “Do you prefer we stay, and give the tunnel another look?”
She doesn’t ask Legato this.
Charles wonder why Nissa isn't bringing up how the Sword of Truth can open gates such as these, given it's how they arrived here in the first place. They guess Nissa wants to hold some information in reserve, so they do not comment.
To Legato they say, "Much depends on how these gates were built. The flow of time between worlds is... complicated."
As Meo began to sing with Theo in her arms, The Olympian smirked.
I think I know what THAT means, Theo thought.
Godling and Healer lips quickly met, quickly turning passionate. Thunderbolts shot across Theo's closed eyelids as only an arrow from Eros could.
"Okay", The godling breathed. "We need to find a thick enough tree to go behind!" Theo looks around the Garden while still passionately kissing Meo.
"Meo," explains Mindy the Minder in English. "We call it like 'Mother' ... our word, 'Meo.'"
She continues in the Utopian tongue and a Communicator provides you with the understanding. "We call it 'mother' because it is plentiful and sustains us, like Mother Utopia."
[dice=Bluff]d20+6
She says, “I was worried about asking as I didn’t want to risk offending you… but I’m glad I asked. The tunnel you permit me to enter will do.”
She turns to Nine, “Do you prefer we stay, and give the tunnel another look?”
She doesn’t ask Legato this.
"Our problems are significant," communicates Nine, "But, they are not urgent. And, having some of our own gathering information so as to inform us, could help us to choose the wisest path for our people. If you leave now, please take some of those we select. If you stay, it is best we remain discreet so as not to cause social upheaval."
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
Theo turns to see the bright sun behind him, only to witness the towering glowing form of giant humanoid about 10 miles high. Theo backs up a little bit to get a better look. From his vantage point, the giant glowing humanoid looks to be a perfect specimen: rippling muscles with golden bracers on his wrist, and a perfectly curled tresses of a snow white beard and hair in an ancient Greek style.
It is Zeus. Ruler of Olympus. King of the Gods. And looking out into the distance, completely ignoring his half-mortal son.
Typical, Theo laments.
"Hey, Sport."
Theo turns around to hear a voice he hasn't heard in nearly two decades. From the cloud bank walks a human, mid-30s, brown wavy hair, frosted with the beginnings of white hair. He's wearing his favorite plaid flannel shirt open with a Led Zepplin shirt underneath and cargo pants. A bit lanky, compared to Theo.
"Gary?!" It was Gary. Gary Nuebaum. His step-father from when Theo was a child. He helped raised the fatherless boy with his mother, Barbara. Theo's face fell slightly, remembering his death all those years ago. His car 'somehow' got stuck on some railroad tracks and his car doors could open or his windows break. Gary's last minutes alive must have been horrific. Unable to get out of the way, and watch his death occur. The police found an out-of-place peacock feather among the wreckage.
Gary. He was one of the first family members to fall to Hera's machinations. One of many family members who died tragically, to, I don't know? Punish Theo's mother for Zeus's seduction? Punish Theo for existing?
"Why the long face, Theo?" Gary asked, noticing Theo's change in expression.
Theo smiles again. "Nothing. It's just good to see you again."
"Well, Theo. You've grown up tall and strong. Just like me and your mother figured you would. I wanted to congratulate you. On the new family member."
"Huh?" Theo questions, only to have a small blonde girl run out of a nearby cloud bank, and stop at Theo's feet. This child could only be about 4 years old. But she looks like a younger version of Nissa. Or maybe how Nissa looked when she was child. Wearing a My Little Pony pink t-shirt, frilled jean shorts, and a pair of rainbow flip-flops; Little 'Nissa' raised her hands up to Theo. "Up!" She demanded.
Smiling, Theo bend down to pick of Little Nissa under her armpits and into his arm.
"Hiya, Nissa. I want to introduce you to someone", Theo said, speaking slowly in a way the child could follow. "Nissa, This is Grandpa Gary. He help Grandma Barbie raise me. Say hello, Nissa."
"Hello", Nissa said, still not quite sure of what to make of Grandpa Gary.
Gary step forward and gently pet Little Nissa's hair. "Hello, Nissa. So nice to meet you."
Suddenly a loud bird call came from somewhere in the distance. Gary and Theo turned to look at a large feathery mass of peacocks flying into toward the trio.
"Damn it, She found us", Gary cursed. Can't even get one little nice moment"
Gary pushes Theo and Little Nissa away from him. "Go! I'll hold her off as long as I can. GO!"
Theo wanted to stay and fight, but somehow knew he had to keep Little Nissa away from Hera. "Thank you, Gary. For so much! I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!"
"GO!" Gary roared as he stretched his arms and legs wide. "Get our little girl out of here!"
With Little Nissa in his arms, Theo ran the opposite direction on the massive cloud bank. Little Nissa began to cry as the godling ran with all his might. Theo took a moment to look behind him to see Gary no longer there, replaced with a towering wall of peacocks flying toward both of them. Soon the cloud bank was ending. Using Dream Logic, Theo jumped off the cloud bank holding Little Nissa. The two were up amazingly high and falling. Looking behind him. Theo saw the giant peacock flock giving chase still.
"Dammit! I'm a godling! Why am I not flying yet?!"
By the speed of the peacocks flight, it looked like the peacocks would be upon both father and daughter before they hit the ground.
In frustration, Theo shut his eyes and screamed over the air rushing past him.
"ZEUS!! HELP ME! SAVE NISSA! -g-g-g-g-g-g-g-"
Charles sample some of the fruit. They are glad, again, that in spite of the number of carnivores in their makeup, they are still omnivorous.
Sometimes startlingly omnivorous, given some of the odd cravings they've had. Their adaptability does place unique demands on their body.
"We--meaning ourself--do think it would be best if we left soon through one of the gates, but we should be able to take a few of your people with us when we do," they state aloud. "It will be dangerous, however. Travel between worlds always has risks."
Nissa replies to Nine, “If I can examine the tunnel that Guardian Four permitted me to enter—without causing a disturbance—I would like to do that.”
Delighted to talk to Mindy, Nissa replies to her too. “‘Meo’… that’s a pretty word. What is the word for ‘father?’”
Nissa’s glow seems to brighten at Mindy’s words. “It sounds so much like my Teo’s name!” And the Dawnflower is my Meo? Wait, so am I a demigoddess? Or three-quarters divine? Is there a word for— “Speaking of Teo, we should wait for… oh… well. By the time he gets back, the wand should be charged.”
She turns to Charles, “We could activate a gate, but I fear those are Fictionaut type worlds, and we don’t know what happens to anyone not of the fiction when the world resets. But… we know who we can ask. I mean ‘Doctor’ Moore, but probably a lot of experienced TAROT teams know this too.
“If we do venture into a gate, we’re sure to get caught up in its story!
“Another option is to take Mindy the Minder, Kate the Communicator and our third Morovian.” Moreauvian? “We can regroup with the others and discuss our thoughts on the ship Congressman Mills mentioned, involving Pah, and of course those twelve gates.”
Regardless of Theo's answer, she suggests heading back to the banquet.
Mindy does not recognize the word 'Morovian' as anything in the Utopian language, but they know nothing about the world of those who built the structures.
Another member of the entourage, one whose mix of masculine and feminine features leave their gender uncertain, tells Nissa that the alternative structure they could investigate will require flying in one of the vehicles they use, another piece of technology left for them by whoever created their home. It's about a 30-minute flight from Utopia.
Theo is woken with Meo nudging him. "Irkon-tet du 'Nissa, Nissa'?" she asks in a difficult to interpret tone.
Theo's eyes shoot open to look into the face of an Angel. Meo looks down at Theo she props herself up on her elbow.
"Nissa? Oh! NISSA!" Theo sits up and tries to explain."Nissa.." Theo points back from when they came and makes a butterfly motions with his hands. "Nissa. Is my daughter." Theo then made the arm movement of holding and rocking a baby in his arms.
"Oh wait. You guys don't have kids." Theo tried to come up with a good explanation, but can't think of a good one.
Theo then reaches over and caresses Meo's cheek. "It's okay, Meo. Theo loves Meo. But as a Healer, you likely can't come with me when I leave", the godling realized as he said it, his face turning into a frown.
Theo then took Meo by the hand and held it close to his lips. "Just make time run a little slower, please? Make this moment last longer than it needs to", Theo prayed to whoever was listening.
He opened his eyes and looked into Meo's. "Theo loves Meo. Wherever you go, my heart is with you. Always."
Meo slowly pulls her hand back and motioned to their clothes strewn over The Garden. She gets up and begins to get dressed. Theo sighs, resigned to Fate, and gets up and gets dressed. If Meo is every in arm's distance, Theo comes in with a kiss or caress. The couple slowly get dressed and make their way back to the others.
Charles' tail lash behind them at the talk of staying longer. They are starting to feel restless in this dead little world, with so little life in it.
"It depends on the specifics of where we go and how, but we should be able to take a group of that size, yes," they say aloud.
”I’m interested in seeing this other location. And your flying ship - I’m very interested in such machines.”
Nissa seems to think there’s at least agreement on tunnels, and that those who can’t fit in a mouse-hole will likely still have something to do. Like actually understand all the technical stuff I’ll find!
“Okay, so a ride in the flying machine. Then we can meet somewhere not disruptive along with the three people of your world you selected.” Seeing her Dad returning with a Healer, and the way he looks at her, Nissa says to Nine, “May I have a brief father-daughter talk?”
“Dad… is everything okay? This Healer isn’t like the…” Nissa searches for a nonjudgmental term. “lady at the diner. And the way you look at her is different. I mean, like… if I were into guys, it’s how I’d want a guy to look at—well, a lot of them did, but weird because they didn’t know me—”
She catches herself. Slows her speech…
“Maybe it’s because our relationship has changed I’m maybe… maybe imagining this. And sorry if I am.
“Is she… different than other women? I mean different to you? Good-different?”
The godling smiles sadly. "Perceptive as always, Nissa." Theo sighs. "Yeah, I would have said about a half hour ago, that Meo would likely be your next step-mother..But Meo is a Healer. She too important for this society to leave with us. I guess many of the ancient Greek Myths are litered with tragic love stories." Theo sighed again. "I guess this will be one of them."
"Listen. Once things calm down for us. I'd like to have a Daddy-Daughter Dinner. A time to sit down, eat, and learn more about each other. Answer any questions you have. Stuff like that."
It would not be difficult for Mills’ agent to snatch it.
For all the effort it takes to carry the wand, it takes considerably less to insert the wand into an unseen black hole.
“Tragedy is a choice, Daddy. You can choose to leave Meo here, or we can make the case to bring her—a Healer who knows how to help the other three, should they need healing.
“It’s not my place to push you into a decision. Just know that I would help you if you wanted to bring her. Or even if you didn’t, we do plan to return. You could think on it without hurting her feelings. Kate could even help you ask Meo what she wants, if you want to ask.
“Oh… and Meo means ‘mother.’ But then, Teo means ‘father,’ so if she were my stepmom, I could use her language and practically be on a first-name basis with you both!”
Her cheeks fiercely rouge like twin red dwarves.
“Sorry… I really am not trying to push you one way or another. The dinner will be fine. It’s just that… I don’t eat. I haven’t had the need for food since obtaining my powers.” She traces her fairy form with her hands, and simply states the fact: “In this body, I don’t eat. Food would just burn and I don’t even know if I’d find pleasure in it or taste anything.
“I’m actually a little scared that what I’ve become is…” Her sunspot eyes seem to have sparks welling within. “…too far from human… for…”
“Oh… and Meo means ‘mother.’ But then, Teo means ‘father'
"Wait! Meo means Mother? And Teo ..or Theo means Father? Is this the work of The Moirai that we're..I'm here?!!"
When Nissa talks about her concerns, Theo sympathizes. "Baby Girl, we both have gone through a lot of chances in a short period of time. But consider this: since you are now my daughter, you may now have a means of enjoying a richer life. Let me explain. As a godling, I'm half deity. And The Olympian Gods are know for enjoying existence to the fullest. You've seen me eat and drink to my heart's content. Because I share The Olympian God's zeal for existence. And now you do too! You may not need to eat, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy eating. Understand? Both of our personal perspectives have been changed. We need rime to see through these new perspectives. I doubt a butterfly knew everything it needed to know about being a butterfly once it came out of it's chrysalis. Give it time, and don't be so hard on yourself. We are both still learning."
“Wait… I’m… I’m not a mortal anymore. That means a mortal I love will age and… oh no.” She looks up at Theo. “How long have you walked the Earth, Daddy?”
And if Theo is centuries old, she follows up: Were there serious girlfriends, or wives, that you were with until… their mortal lifespans took them from you?
And to think only yesterday, age was something Nissa loved to celebrate!
"I'm 22, gonna be 23 in November. I have heard of some godlings have very long lifespans compared to mortals. We'll have to ask some relatives the next time we're on Greek Pantheon World."
"For right now, you age as normally as any mortal. Enjoy life, my daughter. Let the future take care of itself."
The Olympian leans his head closer, but not enough to head butt his daughter, in hopefully a tender moment.
After a moment, she flutters back and says, “Okay…
“But I don’t think food and drink are things I’ll enjoy.” Blushing again, she explains, “I have a really small bladder.”
”I’m interested in seeing this other location. And your flying ship - I’m very interested in such machines.”
Gesturing his tumb towards Henri, "Hells yea road trip? We need snack food. Wish I had my fancy camera."
While Theo and Nissa have a private conversation, the hosts begin to have a serious and seemingly tense discussion with the Healer that Theo calls Meo. The Communicators do not translate the conversation, whether by oversight or intentionally.
As the party agrees to the trip off island, one of Guardian Four's entourage rushes to get a vehicle. Someone explains to Henri and Charles that in a cave inside of the mountain, the ancients had left a large empty hanger bay with a dozen of these vehicles and that the mountain cleaned and repaired them if they were returned to the bay. They have five of them left, the others eventually being worn out and not replace. It's a similar flying vehicle to the one that brought you here.
When Nissa and Theo return, Guardian Four stands. Guardian Nine stands right behind him. They both look resolute.
"You should leave now to the other site. As we predicted, your presence is somewhat disruptive," he shoots a glance at Meo as he speaks.
Nissa looks at Theo. “As I was saying?”
Nissa is asking Theo if he wants to take Meo.
Theo will try to sit next to Meo as they travel, offering his hand to his Healer for comfort, sensing this might be the last time he could do so.
The godling looks to Nissa and nods his head affirmative.
Nissa turns to the Guardians. “The Healer should come with us. I was thinking Mindy, Kate and the other one joining us will need a Healer of your world, in case of an emergency.
“Considering the disruption, I believe this arrangement is acceptable to everyone here, if not preferable?”
The Guardians consult. They ask a few questions of their entourage. "We need to talk further with the Healer in question. Her health is paramount. Our Healers develop their innate excellent physical, mental, and spiritual healthiness so that they can heal others. If your short visit has endangered the Healer's mental health, as we suspect, it would be irresponsible to compound that. Visit the other site and return here before departing. We will have investigated further."
Nissa understands she’s done all she can for now. “Daddy… we should go on our mission now.”
She glances back at the healer, but flies toward the gender-neutral person. “Let’s go to your machine.”
Theo's voice turns sharper at the insinuation. "There is nothing wrong with Meo's mental state! I'm certain she can heal anyone when needed! We've all had a really Big Day, okay?! First Contact and all that. Meo's fine!"
Though it’s hard to see the features on her tiny glowing face, anyone who happens to be looking may notice the slightest grin as Theo defends his lover.
Tell ’em, Dad.
The Utopians bristle at Theo's response. Guardian Four responds, diplomatically, "If she has had a big day, she needs a rest. She should stay here with her fellow Healers while you investigate the nearest ancient site."
The vehicle opens like a giant flower. Passengers are invited to take a seat in one of the rotating chairs around the central ring. The pilot invites you with a gesture.
Guardian Nine approaches the group with Communicator Kate and Mindy. "These two will accompany you and the Pilot to the other site," she says loudly.
More quietly she says, "To help us understand what the Healer is claiming and how much of it could be true, could you tell us how long it takes for a conception to occur on your worlds? Is there any reason for this Healer to believe she now carries a child as she is claiming?"
Theo's eyes grown wide with shock and disbelief. "Ah..um..eh..I think it was 20 minutes. Felt longer. But in a good way." The godling is trying to avoid his daughter's gaze.
Nissa answers Guardian Nine’s second question with a “Yes.”
Charles can't understand why Theo and Nissa are so focused on this healer until Guardian Nine asks her question. They look over at Theo with what is probably disbelief on their vulpine face. He had time for that!?
They shake their head. Too late now. The chimerical being simply gets on the vehicle without a word. The sooner they're done with this and off this world, the better, as far as they're concerned.
Nissa answers Guardian Nine’s second question with a “Yes.”
"Thank you. We should speak more of this when you return. Our Healers will gather information about this Healer in question while you are gone," says Guardian Nine.
More quietly she says, "To help us understand what the Healer is claiming and how much of it could be true, could you tell us how long it takes for a conception to occur on your worlds? Is there any reason for this Healer to believe she now carries a child as she is claiming?"
Nodding, Henri replies in a low voice, "We can discuss details later if you wish, but yes, absolutely, it is possible."
He sits by the pilot, looking at the communicator and gesturing, "Can you tell them I would like to know how his vessel works? What it feels like to fly?"
"If you press your hands into the arms of your seat," the Pilot explains to Henri, "I can give you control, but I'll wait until we are in the air. Don't be embarrassed if you can't fly it though; not all of us are born with this ability."
The Pilot suggests that to help balance out the weight, Charles have an empty seat on either side of him.
Henri's smile is genuine and child-like as he nods and complies.
Theo looks longingly at Meo as he departs. "I'll be back soon."
Charles don't think the other refugees should come with them. They take the indicated seat without comment, tail lashing slightly at the discomfort of crowding into a seat not made for a winged, tailed being again.
Once all the passengers are in the flying vehicle, it lifts into the air with a slight jerk. With its saucer-like shape, it could easily have been one of those UFOs that confused an fascinated humans before they found out how boring and everyday most aliens were.
Once up there, Mindy and Kate start asking questions of Theo and Nissa about reproduction. They were both more standoffish until Nissa gave them names; now, they treat you like close personal friends. Only intimates and close colleagues use names on Utopia, so that's what you must be. In the course of the conversation it becomes clear that the Healer in question believes she became pregnant during the psychic healing session with Theo earlier. She has been claiming this all day now. It is for that reason she greeted Theo by telling him she would be a 'Meo,' a mother.
The Pilot, true to their word, offers Henri a chance at the controls.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
The budding Utopian pilot does some simple, straightforward direction changes and speed changes.
He does some more radical modifications to the flight, elevation changes, stopping in mid-air (if that's possible) to hover, tighter circles. All trying not to make it obvious to his passengers - think professional airborne limo driver - no bumps or potholes on this ride!
Bringing the craft to a stop in mid-air, he grins as he turns it slowly in a full circle before pointing it back in their original direction of travel.
He will fly it all the way to the destination if Pilot Henri allows. ;-)
Once up there, Mindy and Kate start asking questions of Theo and Nissa about reproduction. They were both more standoffish until Nissa gave them names; now, they treat you like close personal friends. Only intimates and close colleagues use names on Utopia, so that's what you must be. In the course of the conversation it becomes clear that the Healer in question believes she became pregnant during the psychic healing session with Theo earlier. She has been claiming this all day now. It is for that reason she greeted Theo by telling him she would be a 'Meo,' a mother.
The Olympian's eyes widen slightly with rcognition. "Ah. And Theo sounds a lot like Teo."
"As for 'Meo's interpretation of events, there was that story of Zeus turning into rain to impregnate a ancient greek princess. It is possible, but extremely rare."
Nissa kinda-hastily clarifies, “Not to say Daddy rained on her in the literal sense. And wow, what a day to forget your umbrella that would be! But Meo is a Meo from regular consensual intercourse.”
“I didn’t see or ask. Just a safe assumption.”