It was the grey light that occurred right before dawn, something that Miss Jones was all too familiar with, although this time in less disarray than what happened at the new moon. Treisdan had missed his check-in yesterday. A quick search showed that he was not on school grounds. She had spent the better part of the night trying to track him down as he was going to a great deal of trouble to conceal his whereabouts. And then a little while ago those efforts had disappeared, but so had he. So she was heading in the direction he should have been, fearing the worst and hoping that she was wrong. When she arrived at the large crater in the ground a few miles away from the school, she knew that she had been right to fear the worst.
"It wasn't supposed to end this way," she said softly, examining the carnage with despair. Treisdan's catastrophic decision to split himself in two had hurt more than just himself. She tucked her glasses into her pocket and carefully removed her hairpins before she began singing, a heartbreaking lament. When she was done, the crater was covered with grass and those willing to return from the land of the dead were standing blinking and confused along its edges, not remembering their time as part of an undead army. Calliope quickly ducked behind a tree before they could get a good look at her and replaced her hairpins and glasses. She hurried back to the school. She really needed to have that talk with the Headmaster now. It was going to take more than hairpins to keep her past contained.
"Cultural differences, Miss Sunwake," Miss Jones said, in response to Andromeda's puzzled look at Professor Rhys's response. "Such strictures are more common in cultures with strong gender separation, especially among those for whom fertility decreases with age. And yes, that does mean it is an attitude most commonly encountered among humans." she said primly. "But back to the subject at hand, I do not imply that Tryko'Sam is suffering from any form of psychosis. Trauma, yes, based on his own description. It is possible that there is more to the magic that is affecting him than the enchantment. I am an enchantment specialist, and that is what I am best able to identify. It is possible that their are other magics layered under it that might come to light with further study. The scarf is designed to counter destruction. As in the deific domain of. Please refrain from idle speculation, Miss Sunwake. I assure you, your uncle is aware of my unique circumstances," she added sharply.
"So, what's our next steps?" Tryko'Sam inquires looking between the three females in the room.
A playful smile forms on Maya's face, but she says nothing, seemingly lost in thought at something.
"I can assure you, Miss Jones, the way I lose clothing-- this scarf might not last long, and then we're back to where we were. The urge to thr- hurt people was getting harder to resist."
He says it fairly deadpan, but it could be the scarf muting things.
"You won't be able to destroy it, if that's what you're worried about. And I strongly recommend you find some regenerative clothing. I believe there are students who are capable of making such a thing. Given time I can fashion an item of your own for you that will do the same thing as that scarf does. It can be anything really. A watch, a necklace, a nametag. Whatever sort of item works best for you. But it won't be ready until the end of the weekend. In the meantime, I would suggest having your magical aura analyzed by the abjuration professor. And possibly evocation, divination...well, that would be the headmaster, but if he's not available Professor Ryleh will do as well, Transmutation, necromancy, and so on. If there are other magics working with this enchantment, the easiest way to find them is to consult the experts in all the fields of magic. A relatively simple task here at Avalon."
"Cultural differences, Miss Sunwake," Miss Jones said, in response to Andromeda's puzzled look at Professor Rhys's response. "Such strictures are more common in cultures with strong gender separation, especially among those for whom fertility decreases with age. And yes, that does mean it is an attitude most commonly encountered among humans." she said primly. "But back to the subject at hand, I do not imply that Tryko'Sam is suffering from any form of psychosis. Trauma, yes, based on his own description. It is possible that there is more to the magic that is affecting him than the enchantment. I am an enchantment specialist, and that is what I am best able to identify. It is possible that their are other magics layered under it that might come to light with further study. The scarf is designed to counter destruction. As in the deific domain of. Please refrain from idle speculation, Miss Sunwake. I assure you, your uncle is aware of my unique circumstances," she added sharply.
"Yes, you will find that the majority of the students here are quite unique. Some of them more powerful than others, but most of them would be considered monsters by the standards of 'ordinary' people. Many of them have experienced a great deal of trauma already in their lives. Or they are simply lashing out because that is part of growing up and learning to become independent, but because they are so powerful their lashing out can have lasting consequences. Others struggle to control their powers, sometimes with tragic results. And all of them are here to learn in a safe environment where they can have something at least approximating a normal life. I've never come across another place like this in all the traveling I did before I became a teacher here. I believe it is also rather unique," she said, calmly answering Professor Rhys's question as she continued to study Tryko'Sam.
"I believe that the enchantment that exists in Tryko'Sam's cells was placed there by someone else. Just now it was giving and receiving feedback from somewhere. The complicated nature of the spell suggests that he may have submitted to it willingly at some point, although that is pure conjecture at this point," she continued in the same calm tone.
"Oooookay. Well, good news, you're not a fixed point. But you are not when you belong. I'm not sure if you came forward or backwards, and I'm pretty sure you're not even in the right universe," Andromeda said, biting her lip as she tried to figure out what she was seeing. "Sorry. It's hard to be exact. Temporal dislocation is not an exact science. Probably. Well, at least it's not now. As far as I know."
Tryko'Sam looks up from the scarf and the hourglass eyes with a puzzled expression, "Well, I was floating in space for a long time prior to here. Does that matter? When that Vare guy did his last spell while I was a captive, I knew I suddenly was in space again-- somewhere, but not sure where, before folks showed up in the Mechs to bubble me and carry me back, I think I got sick in that bubble. I know I moved time and space in between the pickup and suffocating on the way back to the isolation and Maya, plus SIM Room 3. Sorry to be a hassle if this is, just -- I really think that thing did a whack job on my brain and what else. I know I don't feel normal."
He makes a light frown after all that, concerned.
If Miss Jones still has her Sense Enchantment going, she would see the effect on Tryko'Sam flare ever so lightly. It's clearly powerful, but very obscure. I also remembered something. Sent you a PM, Lynora.
"It's Miss Jones actually. While Professor is the customary title, it is not my preferred one," Miss Jones said crisply, neatly avoiding the implied question about her first name. She returns Maya's polite nod. "A pleasure to meet you Professor Rhys. And yes, I wish to speak with you about Tryko'Sam," she said, pronouncing his name as if it pained her, as it always did when dealing with students who only had one name. She preferred to keep names at a polite distance, knowing how much power they had. "I'm sure you are aware that he has been having difficulties with destructive impulses of late. Rather severe impulses. The scarf I gave him was made for me. As a means of controlling ordinary destructive urges, it is a bit like swatting a fly with a bomb. The fact that he feels normal, rather than extremely meek and happy tells me that this imbalance was quite severe. And therefore is something that requires long term treatment once the source of it, whether psychological or otherwise, is discovered. But that is not the only anomaly that requires examination in the case of this student. He is, it appears, producing a rather powerful enchantment effect, on a cellular level. Which is most singular as such effects usually generate in the mind. I need to know if you are aware of this effect, and if it is something that was done to him, or is simply a part of him that he needs to control. He indicated that you would have insight into his history that might shed some light on that subject. And as he has expressed discomfort with mental contact, I felt that speaking with you was the best way to gain the necessary information."
"It is powerful magic," she agreed. "Not to worry. I keep spares. I find them...necessary. Teaching children is not for the faint of heart, and keeping any and all destructive impulses corralled while doing so takes enormous effort," she said dryly. "But I think that for you this is only a temporary fix. I would like to get to the heart of what is causing your problems. Not to mention what is producing the enchantment effect you are still emanating. Professional curiosity if nothing else. This Maya Rhys you spoke of, is she available to consult? I think that it would be most helpful to understand your history in order to understand what is going on now. You may keep the scarf until you no longer need it, but I would like to facilitate your no longer needing it."
"Maya? sure -- she works here now, I believe. I'd call her up, but no cell," he says with a grin at some joke. "Want me to fetch her? I'm pretty sure she's probably teaching someone or reading more. She's a brainiac, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. If anyone can give you a good snapshot of a part of ...recent, history, she might. Or we can go to the SIM Room, I'll whip up a program that unloads the thoughts and memories best I can straight from the source."
He stands up, actually smiling, waiting for the choice.
"As for being charming, someone -- if I recall right -- just said it's due to what makes me, me. Maybe my personality is just charming." This affects a larger grin.
"Yes, there are plenty of people who are naturally charismatic. This does not produce an enchantment aura. I am simply trying to determine if it was something done to you, which needs to be undone, or some part of your own natural abilities, in which case you should be enrolled in my class so you can learn to control it. And yes, if you would be so good as to fetch Professor Rhys, I would appreciate that," she said primly.
Miss Jones walked over to her desk, opened a drawer, and pulled out a scarf. She walked back over to Tryko'Sam and handed it to him. "This will help. I realize it is not a particularly masculine item, but it is what I have to hand right this moment. It has powerful magics woven into it to help quell those destructive urges. Temporarily at least. Which is usually enough of a delay to prevent any lasting harm. You're not the only one who has this kind of problem," she said, an just for a moment, he could swear he heard the sound of waves crashing.
Tryko'Sam looked up after a few more breaths and accepted the offered cloth. He first smelled it, then brushed it against his cheek, seeming to immediately ease from the inner demons that plagued his mind or soul.
"Anyone who cares about their appearance over being sane, has a lot to learn. Thank you, Miss." He looked puzzled for a second, glancing about then back to her quizzically as if he heard something, but didn't grasp the source. Considering what all was going on currently, another bridge to cross later on.
Glancing between the two in the room he adds, "I ... feel much more calm, no stray thoughts presently, or feelings of ...hah. Wild. All this in a scarf? Powerful magics, guess this is expensive? I'll do what I can to keep it safe." With that said, he wraps it around his neck, so that it hands with two ends on his chest and back, looping once or twice as needed.
The effects can be noticed immediately, he even radiates a bit of calm, but that's likely due to his overwhelming charm which he does exuded unconsciously. Mere beings (or overly unperceptive) would be subject to it instantly, though it's not magical or psionic-- something completely typeless.
A few more heart beats and he states, "Wow, like -- wow. Okay. Focused. Finally. What now? I owe you girls a fine dinner or drinks. You ever need to get somewhere fast, just ask."
"It is powerful magic," she agreed. "Not to worry. I keep spares. I find them...necessary. Teaching children is not for the faint of heart, and keeping any and all destructive impulses corralled while doing so takes enormous effort," she said dryly. "But I think that for you this is only a temporary fix. I would like to get to the heart of what is causing your problems. Not to mention what is producing the enchantment effect you are still emanating. Professional curiosity if nothing else. This Maya Rhys you spoke of, is she available to consult? I think that it would be most helpful to understand your history in order to understand what is going on now. You may keep the scarf until you no longer need it, but I would like to facilitate your no longer needing it."
After pacing around him for a full five minutes, Miss Jones stopped right in front of Tryko'Sam. "You have some very interesting effects on you, young man. I am not surprised that Miss Sunwake was concerned. To begin with, have you had any memory altering magics or abilities used on you recently that you are aware of? Or any charisma enhancements? I would like to rule out any benign spells or powers that were done with your knowledge."
Tryko'Sam has a rather full s!+* eating grin on his face right after she says, 'young man', then shrugs and replies to her.
"Well, if I'm not mistaken-- I've had my memory rebuilt, twice since crash landing on this planet from my free fall in space. The worst part about me is brain damage, that tends to make me lose my memory and then, yeah-- ugly times. I vaguely recall saving some ..." he twitches, again, at the mention of 'saving', "blonde girl, in loose whites? Didn't speak, I think she was in danger or something. So, that was happening, then people were helping and ... blackness, like, days passed, or so I was told by Maya Rhys. She's a friend of mine, popped out of me, apparently after being an unaware passenger for my space trip. Then this whole last week-ish, I've been spending time re-adjusting, maybe getting stitched together again mentally from the mental copy I'd synced into the SIM databanks. I kind of feel like I'm 'here', but not right. My biggest complaint, to be honest, is a non-physical ...yuck, eagerness to ..." he pauses again, and closes his eyes while falling silent, breathing deeply, and then quietly, "rip everything up, apart... gnawing in me."
He bends over for a second and inhales again, looking physically fit as pie, hasn't even broken into a sweat, yet acting ill-- nausea.
"I know something is off. I think it had to do with those demons, or that winged guy. Not the girl in the school, she's cool. The other places-- beings, things. Not humanoid, for...
Miss Jones walked over to her desk, opened a drawer, and pulled out a scarf. She walked back over to Tryko'Sam and handed it to him. "This will help. I realize it is not a particularly masculine item, but it is what I have to hand right this moment. It has powerful magics woven into it to help quell those destructive urges. Temporarily at least. Which is usually enough of a delay to prevent any lasting harm. You're not the only one who has this kind of problem," she said, an just for a moment, he could swear he heard the sound of waves crashing.
After pacing around him for a full five minutes, Miss Jones stopped right in front of Tryko'Sam. "You have some very interesting effects on you, young man. I am not surprised that Miss Sunwake was concerned. To begin with, have you had any memory altering magics or abilities used on you recently that you are aware of? Or any charisma enhancements? I would like to rule out any benign spells or powers that were done with your knowledge."
"I prefer to be appreciated for my mind," she said dryly. "If you would please sit down, Tryko'Sam. She might be lacking in the manners department, but Miss Sunwake is a competent healer. If she thinks that there is a problem, it is at least worth investigating. I would like to begin with the same sort of spells that she has already cast. Because I have more experience with magic than she does, I might gain information that she missed. Once that is done I will know more about what the next step should be. I assure you that I will not proceed with anything without your express permission.
"Gotcha. Well, rest assured-- proper gent here. How can I help? Not exactly 100% beyond the physical, and I know I don't feel right... so..."
He shrugs at that and then adds, "Go for it. When we start talking mental probes, that's where I'll start getting nervous. Bad habit. Not entirely sure why anymore."
"Many people feel anxious about mental probes, Tryko'Sam. It is nothing that I am not used to working with. This is why I take the time to reassure students that I will not do anything without permission. No mental scans or examining of memories or anything that you don't agree to before hand. If you do not agree to something I will work with you to find some other way to gain the necessary information that you are comfortable with," she said primly.
She spoke, or maybe sang, it was hard to tell a word and paced slowly around him as she examined the magic in his aura. Same suite of spells as before. No need to go into the alignment ones. We'll just worry about Detect Magic and Detect Charm. Knowledge Arcana1d20 + 42 ⇒ (13) + 42 = 55 Knowledge Arcana (charm)1d20 + 42 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 42 + 2 = 49
"Tryko'Sam, one word, only name I remember and I'll start by saying confused, for sure -- both by the current process going on, but, hey, magic's new to me. Guessing those rounds she pumped me with back on the knoll gave her some insight to my 'situation' post abuse by something dark and nas--" at this point he twitches a second, looking anywhere but in the room as his eyes slam shut rapidly in reaction to the feeling he gets, his thought process completely shattered.
Not quite doubling over, but looking ill, he soon regains himself and looks back towards she of glare obscuring beauty. "You're really quite beautiful, why are you hiding that?" Her 'visible' age doesn't seem to stop his mouth or announcement.
"I prefer to be appreciated for my mind," she said dryly. "If you would please sit down, Tryko'Sam. She might be lacking in the manners department, but Miss Sunwake is a competent healer. If she thinks that there is a problem, it is at least worth investigating. I would like to begin with the same sort of spells that she has already cast. Because I have more experience with magic than she does, I might gain information that she missed. Once that is done I will know more about what the next step should be. I assure you that I will not proceed with anything without your express permission."
Miss Jones had been sitting at her desk grading papers. She raised an eyebrow at Andromeda's behavior. She was not one to tolerate a lack of manners.
"Please sit down Miss Sunwake. And in future please remember that it is customary to wait for a reply after you knock before entering a room," she said coolly.
She turned her gaze towards Tryko'Sam and stands up, walking around her desk. "Hello. I am Miss Jones, the Enchantment teacher. And you are?" she asked in a clipped, businesslike tone.
Tryko'Sam sees a woman somewhere between the ages of twenty and fifty (probably) of medium height with blonde hair pulled back into a severe up-do, not a strand out of place. She is slender and her posture is impeccable. But her clothes seem to have been chosen for their ugliness. From her overly sensible blocky high heel shoes to her suit with it's below the knee skirt (at just that most unflattering length) to her blouse that was buttoned all the way up to her neck and lacked any sort of feminine details that might have made it appealing. And she was wearing large thick framed glasses. On most this would have created an appearance of dowdiness. But Miss Jones in spite of all her efforts to the contrary was still quite attractive. If you didn't mind being glared at.
Heh. If you're getting surface emotions from Miss Jones, run. Better yet, teleport. :P
My assumption throughout the scene with Thad and Miss Jones was that she somehow suppressed her emotions, like, all the time. If she's GOT emotions, but just doesn't display them physically -- that changes things considerably. Sorry for my assumption. Please advise.
Her emotions, like most of her powers, are placed under powerful seals. If those seals are off, then she is very, very dangerous. There's a whole story there and it started to come out during Treisdan's story arc. He kicked off her current difficulties maintaining those seals when he discovered her real name. But since that player is no longer around, I'm not sure when or even if all of Miss Jones's story will come out. So, short answer, from Thad's viewpoint she has no emotions. If that ever changes, you're dealing with what's under all those seals and that is not at all a good idea.:)
"I am amending your assignment, Thad," she said crisply. "You will turn in that essay on ethics and enchantment in two weeks time. No later. In the meantime, I am signing you up for emergency sessions with Professor Shiro. How you managed to reach this advanced age without any understanding of good and bad, or even positive and negative, is a mystery. But it cannot continue. You were hurting Miss Sunwake. As, from her description, it sounds like you were hurting this other student. The wards didn't place you in detention because you don't understand the ramifications of your actions or of how they affect others. That does not mean you can continue in this manner. Given time, practice, and proper teaching you should be able to manage to be around other people more easily. You and Miss Halliwell should get on well together as neither of you possesses the slightest iota of magical or psionic talent, and yet neither of you can stay out of the emotions of others. None of this means that your ability is in any way bad, if that's what you think I am saying. It simply is. And you must learn to use it in a way that does not cause pain to those around you. People always expect empaths to be so sensitive," she added shaking her head. "If only that were true. Very well, you are dismissed. Go and report to the infirmary. They'll let you know there when your appointment will be."
Miss Jones frowned. "And yet you lack control or any awareness of how what you do affects others. Do let go of him now, Miss Sunwake. It appears to be having an ill effect on you. A fine way of paying back someone for trying to help you, Thad. To begin with, I am enrolling you in Basic Enchantment. This is not optional. At the very least you and Miss Halliwell can practice not reading each other's emotions," she said, dryly, apparently speaking of another difficult student to manage. "And to catch up, you will spend this weekend reading the first chapter in the textbook and writing an essay on it. Appropriately enough it's about ethics and mental influence. Now, to make sure you haven't bitten off more than you can chew, I would like to scan your mind. Surface thoughts only. I won't even look at your memories. Not without permission. May I proceed?"
Thad looks around, a bit confused by what's going on, but he's certainly looking healthy and aware. "I know I can empower other's emotions-- but, I know I have to concentrate to make that happen. That's good, right? I have to willfully make that happen." He doesn't seem to realize or sense Andromeda's surge of emotions, but they are still touching for now.
Then realizing something was asked of him, he shrugs and says, "I guess-- sure, go ahead. It's not like you're asking me for my choice on anything really. If I said no? I mean, I don't have anything to hide, so go ahead." Then more quietly, "go ahead ... "
If you'd like to mail me the nature of the 'scan'-- whatever details, that'll help in my response to it. :) Or mail me such.
"If you said no, I would have referred you to the Headmaster so that he could use his divination skills to make sure that you are not under the influence of any outside presence without invading the privacy of your mind. You are not under any compulsion here, young man," she said sternly, as she reached out and forcibly removed Andromeda's hand from his shoulder as Andromeda had frozen in place. Andromeda whimpered a little bit before staggering back. "Look at what you are doing to the people around you," Miss Jones scolded Thad. "Even the ones trying to help you. You must learn to control your powers before you do yourself or someone else irreparable harm. Now that you know that it is not compulsory, do you wish to change your mind? Do I have permission to scan your surface thoughts or not?"
scan stuff:
It's not really much of a rules thing. No save since he would be voluntarily agreeing to it. Just a quick glance through his mind to see if there is anything out of place. Mostly double checking to make sure that there isn't anything there that doesn't belong there. It would take a deeper scan to get into the whole mindscape thing.
Miss Jones frowned. "And yet you lack control or any awareness of how what you do affects others. Do let go of him now, Miss Sunwake. It appears to be having an ill effect on you. A fine way of paying back someone for trying to help you, Thad. To begin with, I am enrolling you in Basic Enchantment. This is not optional. At the very least you and Miss Halliwell can practice not reading each other's emotions," she said, dryly, apparently speaking of another difficult student to manage. "And to catch up, you will spend this weekend reading the first chapter in the textbook and writing an essay on it. Appropriately enough it's about ethics and mental influence. Now, to make sure you haven't bitten off more than you can chew, I would like to scan your mind. Surface thoughts only. I won't even look at your memories. Not without permission. May I proceed?"
Miss Jones raised an eyebrow as she slid her last hairpin into place. There was a strong smell of the ocean in the classroom, although there was clearly no water anywhere around. "Fascinating, Miss Sunwake. And the reason you didn't bring this other person along as well is...?"
Is this kid taking enchantment classes? It makes a difference to her response to him. Also what is his last name? Chances are she already knows, especially if he's ever been in trouble before. :)
** spoiler omitted **
Thad takes one last shot at Andromeda saying, once they break contact, "You just force your will on me, and then give me heck about doing the same! I didn't ask for your help! That's why hypocrite..." He's emotional, but likely due to his 'issues'... he sniffs the room and loses some color, visibly going pale at the lack of emotions present in the room, and a hint gaunter too. A small sound of gasping comes from his throat before he says, "So ...cold."
"He teleported away," Andromeda said with a shrug, answering Miss Jones's question and mostly ignoring the guy's complaints. "I'm planning to go after him, but I had to make sure this guy was okay first."
"Very well. I shall take care of this," Miss Jones said dismissively. She looked at the boy critically. "So. You are not currently enrolled in any enchantment classes, Mr...." She sighed. "Thad," she said, as if the sound of a student's first name was personally offensive to her. "Are you perhaps enrolled in an introduction to either psionics or magic? Because if the answer is no, I expect the first thing we need to do is alter your class schedule. What exactly is the nature of your powers?"
She sighed and rolled her eyes. "You're thinking of my sister. Ephebe. I know we look identical, but we're not the same person. I'm Andromeda. And I'm not doing this to get you in trouble. Well, you'll probably get detention. Miss Jones is pretty strict. But that's nothing compared to what she'll do to you if you let something fester and she has to clean up a bigger problem later. There's something not right in Tryko'Sam's head and you need to have Miss Jones look at you in case it messed you up too."
"Oh come on, give me a break! You're practically abusing me physically-- I mean you didn't even ask me to come with you, you just imposed your strength and will! How is what I did any worse? it was a joke, he's always getting the girls! This happens all the time. Don't be such a snitch. Gods!"
As they got closer to Miss Jones' doorway, forgot if she was there or elsewhere the physical contact with him and the resulting /focus/ on one emotion (probably the primary one in effect now), really -- really grows stronger. Must be a by product of touch contact, the compulsion while dragging along (perhaps fueled by being in touch too), at bursting levels.
"So high and mighty! The world's full of hypocrites! Do as I say, not as I do!" he rants a bit more, probably subject in some ways to his own emotional abilities.
"Yeah, I'm such a hypocrite," she said sarcastically. "Taking you to get help you won't admit you need so you don't end up with a fate worse than death is just like rooting around in someone's mind and bringing up all of their bad memories because you're jealous. Totally see the similarity there. And try to remember, girls are not things or possessions. We're people. Maybe if you start treating us like people, you'll have better luck with girls."
When Miss Jones's door opens, Andromeda drags the kid inside and shoves him forward. "This guy did a stupid. He was playing...
Miss Jones raised an eyebrow as she slid her last hairpin into place. There was a strong smell of the ocean in the classroom, although there was clearly no water anywhere around. "Fascinating, Miss Sunwake. And the reason you didn't bring this other person along as well is...?"
Is this kid taking enchantment classes? It makes a difference to her response to him. Also what is his last name? Chances are she already knows, especially if he's ever been in trouble before. :)
She sighed. She hadn't wanted to commit this to paper, but it was impossible to talk to the Headmaster these days. Too many emergencies. She sat down and wrote the note, which magically delivered itself to the Headmaster's desk.
Ryo:
Headmaster,
I wish I did not have to inform you of this, but there is a possibility that you may have to relieve me of my post in the near future. You already know the particulars of my past and the manner in which I have locked those things away. However, when I was assisting a student by the name of Treisdan Achdarach with a psychological problem (I was unfortunately unable to prevent him from splitting his psyche in two...this will no doubt come back to haunt us in future) the student discovered my name. He has not been free with it this far, thank goodness, but the knowledge being out there is enough to disturb the fragile balance. My powers are somewhat unstable and I have noticed that everything I have done recently has acquired a distinctly aquatic bent. This is unsurprisingly exacerbated by him trying to break free. The problem with dealing with dead gods is that they can't seem to grasp the concept that they are not in fact gods anymore. I would consult with someone to see if there was some way to regain control of this, but as it turns out there have not in the history of history been a great many accidental Deicides. The only ones I have been able to find reference to in the library decided to ascend completely, which is a very different situation than mine. If you know of some solution to my problem, I am happy to consider it. If not, well, I felt that it was my duty to warn you before I became another unforeseen problem.
Miss Jones
She nodded. "As you wish," she said in her usual business-like tone.
Miss Jones removed her hands from Djalos's head and took a step back.
"Miss Surya, if you would please bring the hoverchair here," she commanded. "Once we get Mr. Tyon in the chair you need to take him to the infirmary. Tell them that he is recovering from psychic trauma and that the details are in his file."
"It is encouraging to already see signs of healing here," she said, looking around. "I think, Miss Tyon, that given time you are going to be just fine. Just remember to vent off some of that energy from time to time until it can be better understood and hopefully controlled. I will be available if you need me. But I suspect that you won't. I am going to leave now. Do you still wish for me to forget what I have seen inside your mind? If so it will be the same as the last time I asked. That information will only be available to me at such time as I am interacting with your mind like I am now. I do not mean to pester. I will always ask this question before breaking contact with your mind. I find it best to ask too often than not at all."
Djalos nods, and gets in the quintessential lotus position.
** spoiler omitted **
Miss Jones places her fingers gently on Djalos's temples.
Mindscape:
"Well, Miss Tyon, it would seem that you are no longer in danger of cooking your own mind. However, the energy itself does not seem to have dissipated much at all. Given how much of it was released, I am...concerned. I will make a note of this in your medical file. I am not sure exactly which teacher here is best suited to help you with your problem, but I do not think it will be me. This program will continue to be available here in the SIM rooms whenever you need to vent off energy in the meantime. Which will be easier to avoid if you don't try to squeeze the energy away from yourself. It can't be done. Instead of chains to bind it up, it may be helpful to visualize a tank with a pressure valve that needs to be released now and then."
Sorry... Guess I didn't make it clear that this thing keeps pumping until Djalos closes his eyes.
And suddenly, it stops. Djalos falls to the floor, and despite his mentally trainwrecked condition, his instincts take over and the young elf lands on his feet.
Eyes closed, Djalos expertly picks up his blindfold and ties it around his eyes, completely shutting them to the outside world. Despite the massive...outpouring? Inpouring? Of energy, Djalos is completely unharmed. Despite this, he falls on his knees.
"It... it doesn't stop until I close my eyes," Djalos whispers, the SIMroom's microphone picking it up and amplifying it so that Archena and Miss Jones can hear.
"Stay where you are, Mr. Tyon. I will come to you."
"Just to be on the safe side, you may wish to stay here, Miss Surya, although I do not believe there is any further imminent danger from Mr. Tyon at this time."
She leaves the observation room and walks over to Djalos. "With your permission, I would like to check your mind to see if this has lessened the buildup of power. If it has then I think that you should spend some time in the infirmary recuperating. You have had a difficult day, Mr. Tyon."
"Well, that should certainly help matters. Now we simply have to wait until he has drained off enough power," she said crisply. "I am inputting this data into his medical file. When we are done here I am planning to send Mr. Tyon to the infirmary, and the more information they have on his condition the better."
That would be all fine and well... if his power was draining off. At all. There is simply no decrease in energy in the gravity/plasma matrix, as the SIM's analytical programs tell you. Djalos could conceivably hang there for eternity and there wouldn't even be a dip in his power.
Miss Jones frowned. "Computer, check those readings again. This doesn't make any sense. He stopped once before. There has to be some way to make him stop....preferably before his body simply collapses from exhaustion and dehydration. That could take hours at minimum."
Umm....okay.....you've written me into a corner here. Not sure what I'm supposed to do now....
"Well, that should certainly help matters. Now we simply have to wait until he has drained off enough power," she said crisply. "I am inputting this data into his medical file. When we are done here I am planning to send Mr. Tyon to the infirmary, and the more information they have on his condition the better."
Djalos seems to have pulled himself together a little bit. He's nowhere near coherent speech, however. He unsteadily rises out of the wheelchair and stumbles to the center of the room. Once there, Djalos gives Miss Jones a shaky nod.
"Come along, Miss Surya," she said, ushering Archena into the booth and double and triple checking to make sure everything was sealed and as it should be.
"Yes, Miss Surya, you just push. The chair does the heavy lifting. All you really need to do is steer. Thank you," she said, blatantly ignoring Archena's request to be referred to by her first name.
She only refers to people by first name if they have no last name...or occasionally inside someone's mind when she is trying to help them if she feels that it is necessary.
Miss Jones held open the door so that Archena could push Djalos in the chair out into the hallway. Once that was accomplished she quickly led the way to the SIM rooms, which were only a couple of hallways away. She quickly found an empty room and proceeded to instruct the program to create a safe space for a large discharge of energy, including a protected observation space where herself and Archena could stay without being at risk from Djalos's powers.
"Mr. Tyon, please find a comfortable spot near the center of the room and wait for my signal. Miss Surya, please join me in the observation area. Once we are safely inside, Mr. Tyon, I will ask you to remove your blindfold. Do not worry. It is perfectly safe. This is a protected area where you will not be able to harm anyone with your power."
Archena is uncomfortably warm to hug, but that's probably not Djalos' biggest problem right now.
"Uh. Ok. Uh... There... uh... There..."
She gently pats him on the back to punctuate both "there"s.
She gives Ms. Jones a look of slight alarm and confusion fairly obviously meaning "what do I do now?"
"Help Mr. Tyon into the chair, please. Once he is seated we can steer him to the SIM room. I imagine it will be close considering the seriousness of his condition," she said firmly, gripping one of Djalos's arms and beginning to guide him towards the chair with Archena's help/
"You are welcome to accompany us if you like. ....You don't have a fear of explosions or anything that I should know about, do you Miss Surya?"
I'm good with that, but let's get through the whole scene first if we can. Miss Jones plans to take Djalos to the SIM room to vent off energy, followed by a lesson in how to manage the build up. Afterwards Djalos can get admitted to the infirmary due to the emotional trauma, to have time to process memories and emotions, etc. That lets you keep Djalos off screen for as much time as you need and you can jump back in as soon as you are able. I can try to expedite the wrapup if it will help. I have a hard time thinking of the end of the school year already since the schools here run until the middle of June. So apologies if I haven't been as aware of the time limits as I should be.
"Very well. I will respect your wishes," she said crisply. Miss Jones faded from the mental landscape.
Miss Jones stepped away from Djalos and opened a cupboard. "Miss Surya, I may require your assistance in getting Mr. Tyon to the SIM rooms. He requires a safe place to vent his powers before he cooks himself with them. I am not certain if he will be aware enough to navigate there under his own power," she added as she slid the hoverchair out of the closet.
"Yes, I remember. Those memories will be locked except when I am present in your mind like this. I will not even recall that there was anything to forget. They will return when I interact with your mind like this for the sake of helping you. It saves a great deal of time and trouble not having to cover the same material each time. Unless you change your request they will then be forgotten again once I exit your mind."
"One quick question though. Outside of your mental landscape do you wish me to continue to refer to you with female pronouns, Miss Tyon?"
Miss Jones looked thoughtful as she examined the storm more carefully.
"I believe, Miss Tyon, that we need to reconvene to a different place in the physical world before we can address your problem. We need to drain off some of the energy safely or you will never learn to harness it and bring it under your control. This can be done in the SIM rooms without endangering anyone. It is time to wake up now."
Djalos quits crying, and instead a contented smile rests upon his face.
Mindscape:
She nodded. "Peace, contentment, happiness....hang onto these memories. They are important."
She glanced up, gauging the strength of the storm raging overhead, and the urgency of the task of calming it....or at least containing it more efficiently.
"Yes, there are others like you. There are spells that can change the body if desired. I cannot think of any other reason for such spells to exist. And you can see for yourself in my memory that I showed you that there is at least one other like you. A member of a ninja clan. And their clan appeared to be doing perfectly fine to me. So. I know you didn't have a choice then, but you have a choice now. And your feelings of shame....I do not believe they are necessary. The problem was with that man. Not with you. I find nothing particularly unnatural about you. You're simply a child who was subjected to some horrible psychic and emotional abuse. It is understandable that it will take some time for you to come to terms with this. It is common for victims of such crimes to blame themselves. You will have time to work through all of these feelings."
"I think it is a good sign that you are willing to let yourself experience a positive memory such as this one," she said, indicating the glade.
Miss Jones frowned as she considered the implications of the memory.
"Correct me if I'm wrong," she said crisply "but it appears as if you are basing your entire mental health and happiness on the unreasonable hang ups of one man. What he says is demonstrably, factually untrue. I can show you a memory of my own that will show why. You are not the first student from a ninja clan to attend Avalon and the family of one student visited a while ago. They were rather...disruptive. I will show you."
A picture swirled into view as Miss Jones concentrated. A group of people were walking down a hallway at Avalon. They were all dressed in kimonos, and the majority of them it was visibly obvious were tieflings due to horns, tails, etc. A pair of students were showing the group around. Presumably the red haired girl with the tiny horns was who this group was related to. The group clearly revolved around an old woman who was asking questions and bossing everyone else around. The red haired girl noticed Miss Jones and bowed. She turned to the old woman. "Obaa-sama, this is Miss Jones, the enchantment professor." The old woman looked her up and down, sizing her up. "Hmmph. She doesn't look like much. One would expect an enchantment professor to be more enchanting." "Obaa-sama!" The girl said in a horrified tone. "Sorry Miss Jones," she added hastily before hurrying the group on before the old woman could make more trouble. One of the younger members of the group, a boy with light hair and hooves for feet, stopped and bowed to Miss Jones. "Gomen-ne. Please forgive my obaa-sama. He is of the opinion that tact is for the young." "He?" She asked. "I thought that..." The young man didn't let her finish the sentence. "Obaa-sama is definitely a woman, yes. And no. Sometimes these things are complicated. Thank you for your understanding." And with that he hurried off to rejoin the group.
For clarity's sake, I would like to explain that the head of the Akuma clan has a complicated history and that the decision to use male pronouns in spite of presenting as female is his.
Miss Jones massaged the bridge of her nose. It was moments like this when she almost understood the justifications her sisters had used for why the landwalkers were only food animals. They could be so uncivilized. It could be difficult to believe that they qualified as sentient. She sighed. She needed to shut those thoughts down. Her past was too near the surface. She needed to add more layers or this child would see and be frightened. This one was still afraid of monsters, not like the other child who made bargains with them. She had enough penance to serve already without adding more by damaging the psyche of a patient.
"Why do you believe that this memory is shameful?" she asked patiently, hoping to gain some insight into this aspect of landwalker culture. "I am afraid it is not at all obvious to me why you wish to hide this part of yourself."
She nodded. "Yes, I know. That storm is your power. But you can't contain it with chains. You're killing yourself trying. And unless we can help you process enough of your memories to be at least mostly coherent, you don't have the strength to do what is necessary to fix it. Or at least begin the process. I suspect it will be a very long process indeed. One that must be begun as soon as possible for the sake of your continued health."
She reached out and grabbed a few memories, drawing them to her like the tide. "These are important to you, but there is one that is especially important. You keep trying to hide it from me even though you have given me permission to see. Are you rescinding your permission? I will not look if you do not wish me to. But you must."
On the out side, Djalos is still sobbing. He repeats "So many... So... many..." over and over again.
]
More later.
Mindscape:
She sighed. "Djalos, I can't put you back together again. That is going to take time. But I can help, at least get enough of you together to let you function. But this will require access to your memories. Do you want me to do this? Or shall I simply try to help you get that storm under control? It is your choice. I will not look at anything in your mind without your permission, nor alter anything against your will."
Outwardly, Djalos appears deep in meditation. He's utterly serene.
** spoiler omitted **
** spoiler omitted **
On the outside, Djalos' face gradually turns ashen, and in an instant, he hunches over and begins sobbing violently....
Mindscape:
Miss Jones remained calm and unruffled in spite of the tidal wave of emotions that washed over her. She should have known better than to use water imagery. It was her strongest ability so naturally it took out the wall much faster than she had intended. She was getting sloppy. She needed to stay away from water as much as from music. She couldn't afford to get distracted or she'd have even more to pay penance for.She turned around and examined the now colorful space, taking care to forget the memories she had seen. She hadn't had permission to look so it wasn't right to remember them. The storm still raged overhead. He was going to kill himself if he didn't stop chaining it up. She sighed. It would be better if she could give Djalos time to adjust to all of these memories and feelings, but of course things had built up in more than one place. She approached him, gently tapping him on the shoulder.
::Djalos. We are not done yet. I would like to give you time to rest and process, but there are other issues,:: she added pointing up at the storm.
Outwardly, Djalos appears deep in meditation. He's utterly serene.
mindscape:
Miss Jones examines the problem areas and frowns. She paces around the area a few times before coming to a decision. The wall. It wasn't the main source of the problem, but it had to come down. And she suspected that the storm that would result from releasing the main area of pent up emotions would make it difficult to continue working here. So the wall would come down first. She approached the wall and laid a hand on it. Sprays of water sprung up around the brick, sapping the wall's foundation and pummelling it over and over until it began to crumble.
Djalos sits comfortably in the lotus position, and nods once. "I am ready," he says confidently... but with a hint of trepidation in his voice that Miss Jones' enchantress training can clearly pick up.
I'm back!
Miss Jones nods and stands behind him resting her fingers lightly on his scalp. He feels a sensation akin to floating in water for a moment as she begins her examination of his mind.
Djalos strides into the Enchantment classroom and pulls up a chair that Archen could've sworn wasn't there before. "Greetings, Miss Jones," the young elf begins, his tone crisp, clean, and clinical. "My name is Djalos Tyon, of the... formerly of the Anonemuss clan. It has recently come to my attention that I have a psychic block in my mind, most likely placed there by my handler. I do not know the purpose of this block, but Raelle del Sol, who noticed it, cautioned me that it may be detrimental to my mental health. I was guided here by Archena, as I cannot see due to my powers. Is there anything you can do to remove this block in my mind?"
Miss Jones raised an eyebrow. "I hadn't realized that Miss del Sol had progressed so far in developing her psychic abilities," she said dryly. "I am capable of removing this mental block of yours provided it wasn't placed there by a deity. THat would require more time. However, provided your handler was mortal, this should be a fairly simple matter. I will require permission to access your mind and examine the areas around the psychic block. If for some reason I discover that the block is placed there in the interest of your safety or the safety of those around you I reserve the right to refuse to remove it. If. as I think is more likely, it was simply placed in a misguided attempt at control, then I will remove it as requested and will provide counseling as necessary to help you through the process of its removal. More long term therapy may be required and is outside my area of expertise. In that case I would refer you to someone else who can help. Are these terms acceptable? Do I have your permission to proceed?" she asked in a crisp, businesslike tone.
Djalos nods. "I agree to your terms. Should I sit down during this process?" The young elf asks. He is in the "at attention" position.
Lyn, PM incoming.
"I find that it does tend to help reduce the rate of concussions from falling down during the process. Disorientation is common during this sort of procedure," she said dryly, waiting for him to find a comfortable position before proceeding.
Djalos strides into the Enchantment classroom and pulls up a chair that Archen could've sworn wasn't there before. "Greetings, Miss Jones," the young elf begins, his tone crisp, clean, and clinical. "My name is Djalos Tyon, of the... formerly of the Anonemuss clan. It has recently come to my attention that I have a psychic block in my mind, most likely placed there by my handler. I do not know the purpose of this block, but Raelle del Sol, who noticed it, cautioned me that it may be detrimental to my mental health. I was guided here by Archena, as I cannot see due to my powers. Is there anything you can do to remove this block in my mind?"
Miss Jones raised an eyebrow. "I hadn't realized that Miss del Sol had progressed so far in developing her psychic abilities," she said dryly. "I am capable of removing this mental block of yours provided it wasn't placed there by a deity. THat would require more time. However, provided your handler was mortal, this should be a fairly simple matter. I will require permission to access your mind and examine the areas around the psychic block. If for some reason I discover that the block is placed there in the interest of your safety or the safety of those around you I reserve the right to refuse to remove it. If. as I think is more likely, it was simply placed in a misguided attempt at control, then I will remove it as requested and will provide counseling as necessary to help you through the process of its removal. More long term therapy may be required and is outside my area of expertise. In that case I would refer you to someone else who can help. Are these terms acceptable? Do I have your permission to proceed?" she asked in a crisp, businesslike tone.
"Do you think there's like a worm or something in your head?"
They arrive at a door as she asks a weird question.
He can hear her try the other side of the door.
"The door doesn't say infirmary, but the arrows keep pointing to it. The sign says p-si-choh-there-appy."
"Because apparently the school likes to rearrange the labeling on the doors as well as the classrooms' locations," a crisp voice says as the door swings open. A woman dressed in a professional yet unflattering style is seated at a desk. Her hair is pulled back into a severe bun and she looks at them over the top of her glasses as if measuring their worth.
"I am Miss Jones. I teach enchantment. However, based on the door's change I am guessing you aren't here about classes. What sort of crisis are we dealing with this time?" she asked getting straight to business.
Treisdan is sitting there... Learning about the enchantments.... Quietly humming a tune...
Keep watch, ye hearty.... For reefs an sharkshe hums to himself quietly... the ancient song called to mind for some reason that Treisdan cannot recall....
"This is enchantment class not music, Mr. Achdarach. Please keep your musical stylings to yourself and do not interrupt my class with them again," Miss Jones snapped, standing right beside his desk. For just a moment she looks truly angry before her expression once more became an impassive mask.
Treisdan's mood cannot be dulled by Miss Jones' form of punishment, and so he simply nods his head and gives a smile as he pulls out a quill and paper from his satchel to take part in the assignment.
Looking at the blond headed girl next to him he scrawls the first things that come to his mind as he watches her.
1d20+32
** spoiler omitted **
After the thirty second note was taken, Treisdan signs his name at the top of the paper and...
"Please pass your assignments to the front. I will grade them and return them to you tomorrow."
"Now, open up your textbook to chapter five," she said, not meeting Treisdan's eyes when he tried to make eye contact.
Finally walking into class Treisdan gives a sheepishly apologetic smile to Miss Jones, and tries to take his seat to focus upon the lessons being taught.
"So good of you to finally join us, Mr. Achdarach. And since you've deigned to grace us with your presence I'm sure you won't mind also adding your presence to detention tonight," she said coldly.
"Now, as I was saying, the art of suggestion requires understanding your subject and what they would consider reasonable. Observation is key. Therefore we will begin with exercises in observation. I want you each to write down at least ten things that you observe about a student seated next to you in the next thirty seconds. Yes, Miss Balenquil, these are going to be graded."
Dave glares at her before he closes his eyes, calming himself saying "no, I'm fine, I find my mind is usually in better a state when I'm actually able to do something, be productive and all that" he says, depression seemingly forgotten.
"Good. I will see you after classes this afternoon, then. You should hurry or you will be late to class."
With that she turned and walked away, her shoes making that same clicking noise on the floor as she left as they had when she arrived.
