voidtreckerexpress | late night epic garden flowerpots [CLOSED]

Entry tags:

elidibus [ou]

late night epic garden flowerpots [CLOSED]

Who: Elidibus, Xehanort
Where: Garden Carriage
When: Llama 16, late
What: Angst and also Other Things
Warnings: Emo is here. Also, combat discussions. Maybe actual combat. Likely FFXIV spoilers.

There were a few quiet places to be had, long after the train tries to send everyone to bed. Quiet rooms of course. The dining carriage, at that hour, likewise empty. There might be a place or two for solitude and silence, and Xehanort's found one in the garden carriage.

It didn't seem like much of a garden to him, with its lack of flowers, something he'd remedied with a suspiciously Platform-like pot of vividly colored geraniums, tucked now beside the small pond. But it was quiet, the sound of the fountain was relaxing, and it gave him somewhere to sit and continue to try to process all that had happened.

Being brought to new worlds, with new people and new situations should be an exciting prospect to be eagerly anticipated. He should be roaming the train seeing what there is to see and poking at everything new. He isn't. He just sits, and thinks. Having everything, everything kicked out from underneath him in the span of a handful of minutes had a way of painfully re-prioritizing one's goals.

It's clear from an external perspective that while the young researcher is watching the fountain - or the flowerpot - his attention is in fact elsewhere entirely.

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Slumber is a casual afterthought for Elidibus. He would give his host body rest sooner or later but there is little evidence that staying up late would impact it greatly on the morrow. There are advantages to being an ancient being capable of amazing feats beyond mortal ken. ~~Breaking limits as only a Warrior of Light can.~~

He had passed through this rock garden before on an initial tour of the train. It had not boasted plant life before, so the splash of floral color is enough to draw his attention and move toward it.

The reason it exists becomes evident on spying the individual who placed it there. The Ascian had continued to observe Xehanort's movements among the others after they had parted and the experiments with the barrier and potted plant were recalled. Why it has been placed here Elidibus is uncertain. Yet it is also clear that the reason for it has long since passed observation.

Well given at least part of the events on the platform observed, it should be no wonder Xehanort is to be found in a state of reflection.

Elidibus is deliberate in making certain his last footsteps approaching are heard. Quietly he asks, "May I join you for a time?"

He hadn't really intentionally taken the flowers. He'd picked them up, and then got distracted and simply wound up with them afterward. Not that it helped, it amounted to the same thing: he stole a pot of flowers and really didn't have room in his shared quarters for it.

And now there was a potted geranium in the rock garden. Who knew how long it would last.

The sound of footsteps jerk him out of his stillness, head snapping up to track the sound, immediately tense - it fades, by degrees, upon spotting the Ascian. Elidibus, if nothing else, hadn't attacked him, and as a fellow new arrival couldn't possibly be one of those that Lea or Even would have to talk down from attacking him.

"As you would like." Not a rejection! ...But also, not quite, an invitation. He knows better. It's inappropriate to do so, Elidibus had done nothing to earn anything like frost. "Did you happen to see the small, blue haired man on the platform?" Not that Vegeta STAYED blue-haired. "I wonder if perhaps we might all be a little.. outclassed."

Elidibus does not characteristically sit. At first he doesn't, listening to the idle-seeming query and answering. "Yes, I did. I was not pleased to witness such action is allowable." At first he seems about to say more but stops himself.

It is at this point the Ascian chooses to take a seat beside Xehanort. It is a carefully chosen decision to do so after some thought. But now he has committed to it, he sees it through. And now the young researcher has company on the bench.

"I would not mince words on the matter. It was evident from the beginning that each passenger's current ability varies in scale. Though what one may have great power in, they can also possess a weakness which another's mastery can take advantage of. I believe it too soon to tell."

While Elidibus pauses momentarily, it is not a silence which lasts long.

"I was also witness to the assault you were victim of," he quietly offers. "I regret I heard little of the words and could not move fast enough to intercede. What was their purpose?"

"And who would stop it?" He saw no guardsmen, nobody who stood out as obviously some local police force. Maybe there wasn't one, and few would risk intervening in a battle when it's not clear which side is 'right'. "In the case of those.. I have not in memory felt someone's ... what would you even call it? A battle aura? It was nigh tangible."

Saiyans certainly do things differently; he knew his skills weren't up to THAT particular task. But maybe others would be.

There's a slight wince when his own conflict is mentioned. He'd come here to think about it, certainly, but that wasn't discussing it with others. ".... Murder, I think, at first."

It's hard to admit to. "Master Ansem was swift to intercede. Though I am, to their assurances, not in danger.. I find myself uncertain if that is actually true." He spreads his hands slightly, brow furrowed. "And here I am, jumping at shadows and whispers."

"I would deem it an explosion of aether." That was what it seemed to his senses in any case. "Though whether it was intended to be a flashy waste or a lack of control because of the state of his emotions, I could not say without further observation." There is a hint of mild disapproval in his voice for either possibility.

The horror if it was always like that for those people and they had almost no real control or desire to over that level of aetherial output.

As to who would stop it? Elidibus would have done more if it hadn't been dialed back shortly after it started. But the problem was the obvious lack of policing, self or otherwise. "I had the chance to speak to someone on the matter at the time. They claim the train does nothing to prevent such occurrences. And it seems evident few would bother to step in other than to mitigate the collateral damage."

He seems resigned. But at least it is a lesson that was learned early and not at the expense of his own personal ambush.

Murder. "...They were people you knew, then. Ones you expected to trust?" Elidibus offers this quietly and more in the form of a statement. At the very least he could discern that much."

Hm. Master Ansem. Hard to tell by that manner of phrasing whether that is the king Xehanort spoke of before or a mentor. Regardless it is someone of import. Elidibus narrows his gaze and grows thoughtful.

"I have little words of comfort to offer, I'm afraid. Though I believe their actions to have been yet another example of attacks upon new passengers which no one is held accountable for, I do not know their motivations." It is the truth. Perhaps a painful one, but at least he is willing to be honest. And in a sense helpful. "But mayhap I can provide a means to organize your thoughts on the matter, if you will allow?"

It is better than jumping at shadows and whispers or letting the roiling Dark wholly consume Xehanort. Quietly he says, "After such an event, it is no wonder you are sensitive to the possibility of further danger. Betrayal... is rarely soon forgotten."

The pang of seeing Hades appear and free the Warrior of Light and his companions from the darkness and leaving, with nary more than a wave. Was that betrayal? Azem's departure from the Convocation. Though that memory is freshly restored, it is even more ephemeral.

But those thoughts are dangerous distractions to the attention he means to pay to Xehanort's current state of mind. And so provided he is given leave to ask, the Ascian will present a query.

"Murder was the intention. But did they give voice as to their reasons? Did all three seem to possess the intention?"

"What a terrible system." But it did explain the lack of guardsmen, didn't it? He didn't much approve, but it wasn't his system to control or make changes to. Other worlds did things in their own fashion, and what would never be tolerated in Radiant Garden obviously didn't hold true everywhere. "I hope someone got a warm welcome, at least." That's at least two that didn't!

And if someone's rage was so great that their magic could be felt from that far away, how did that bode for the target of it?

Elidibus was a stranger, a wholly unknown person much like Lea, but unlike Lea, Elidibus hadn't faced him with hatred and rage in his heart and weapons in his hands. Quite the opposite. Although he can hear the Darkness, its whispers constant and strong, there were no equally strong negative emotions to go with it save a touch of what he would have guessed might be disapproval, focused elsewhere.

And so there's a nod, and not much else at first, both agreement to trust, and agreement to organization. He didn't have much else. Yes, he'd expected to trust them. Implicitly, in fact.

Betrayal.. is indeed not soon forgotten. But whose betrayal had it been?

"They did. Though the Master's heart whispered more of fear and pain than the hatred and terror of the others, it was... much the same sound. The same purpose." His voice is steady only through the force of will alone, but unseen and unheard, Darkness boils. "Ironic you call it betrayal, for it is that which I am accused. Betrayal of trust, of home, of friends and those I would have called family."

The steadiness wavers, cracks - he's still young even by human terms, maybe it's simply the changes of growth and not emotion. "I have.. for now been refused detail, save that I and mine have sown terrible calamity upon others ... or will, somewhere in the next ten years." His smile is brief and bitter. "I suppose in which case, speaking of returning to Radiant Garden is a null goal, for I do not think I have a place to return to any longer."

"Thus far I have seen little rhyme or reason. There are many possibilities for it, but none have yet presented themselves as a fact. Only that we are to perform the tasks set to us. Our injuries to each other. Or deaths. They seem to mean little so long as it can collect new passengers." Well, Elidibus doesn't blame such thinking if it turns out to be the case. He would be hypocritical to judge someone for what he himself has done. Though it does appear to be very inefficient to grab and discard tools with the whimsy of a babe.

There. An odd phrasing. Hearing emotions as whispers and sounds from the heart. It has Elidibus alert, as it is not unlike a manifestation of... It is also a distraction from the current topic. But it is filed away with the rest of the details to note about Xehanort and a growing impression of him.

In a sense, the young researcher would easily be a child by the standards of Elidibus's race. And it appears even by the limits of mortals he is quite... young. Elidibus understands the difference, yet it can be hard to tell sometimes. This wavering, cracking sense of stability does appear to suggest inexperience.

"...There indeed exists the possibility of differing timelines." It is not just a recent review of train literature that brings this sort of certainty. It is the knowledge of memories he recently observed before his defeat. "Though it is cold comfort, it would go a long way to explain their treatment, unjust though it may seem from your perspective." The words are likely to be little comfort indeed, though they do not ring with any sense of intentional malignance. Elidibus merely states the truth of it. "And it does nothing to change the sense of betrayal and loss you now feel. Even were you to return to Radiant Garden, the memory they have imparted upon you will remain while you regard their past selves."

But it is a full circle. "And thus is their perspective from whatever possible future they hail from when regarding you." Elidibus closes his eyes momentarily while continuing to speak. No details? Really... "...You should not trust their stay of execution. It is like they seek to compose themselves. Especially your master. Fear and pain may lead him to justify his decisions based on actions a potential fate."

"But for a greater good, at personal cost." That's an easier topic, one that would have interested him at any other time. "The goals set before the train seem to be quite deliberately in the best interests of wherever it stops. Although the price may be high, and though it seems to come in conflict as well.. there are perhaps many worlds out there who think of this vessel as a beacon of hope." He'd skimmed it, really, but it did seem like the train had a broadly beneficial impact. "A worthwhile cost, some would say."

Some. Like Ansem. It was a wise thing, the right thing, the sort of hard decisions that were left to those able to evaluate longer term things than the moment.

"They fought a rainbow recently and lost, however."

Which was of course, completely ridiculous. It's also not the entire story, he's leaving out much and doesn't know much, but the very idea of fighting a rainbow was utterly silly.

There's a small gesture with one hand, almost but not quite dismissive. "If indeed it is my future then there are certainly different timelines involved." Which he means in a very literal way as opposed to alternate realities.

There is quiet for a time, head bowed, studying his own interlaced fingers as if they're the most fascinating thing he'd ever seen. "I do not think he would be wrong to do so. He is a wise and fair ruler, and his decisions just. If even he regards me as a ... a threat, a danger.. then he may not be wrong to do so. I don't know where I come from, nor what I have already done in the past, and that may be some of the information being withheld. This may simply be ... old patterns reviving themselves, as they are wont to do. It does seem.. familiar after a fashion."

He shakes his head slightly, sounding almost resigned. "It does seem unfair. I have done nothing that I know of, but I am being judged by it regardless. But if I have done these terrible things, then simply not knowing it does not absolve me, does it?"

Xehanort pauses, then straightens up a little, frowning. "I shouldn't trouble you with this nonsense. It's no concern of yours, and it will sort itself out for the best, I'm sure."

Edited 2021-06-07 00:40 (UTC)

A rainbow. ...Yes, Elidibus suspects there is more to the story than what is given at face value but he doesn't question Xehanort diverting briefly to mention it; in light of heavy thoughts and as long as the topic is not strayed too far from, having a small moment to speak of other things will not harm the goal.

What Elidibus can answer without hunting for details on this rainbow manifestation is the familiarity of the cost which is the burden of any beacon of hope. "...Yes, sacrificing oneself for the greater good is a worthwhile cost." There is no negativity for it. Not... for the thought of self-sacrifice for the greater good. The man may have remorse for where the path he felt was best had led. Whether there might have been a better way to restore his lost people and their God. But he does not regret seeking to save them.

Yet this train of thought has its own issues. Elidibus can recognize how it may connect with what Xehanort next speaks of. Namely when the other man speaks of his master again. Ah yes, so it is the king of Radiant Garden. A 'wise' and 'fair' person. The Ascian offers in a firm manner. "Yet even the wise and fair can be led astray by their fears. Do not mistake this for disregard of your king's ability. He will no doubt attempt to judge matters calmly in possession of those traits. But when it is colored by a past which only he and his compatriots recall, it is unlikely to be truly objective."

Wise perhaps for the safety of another possible future. Even reasonable in a sense. But 'fair', far from it. "Their refusal to give you any detail is telling. They fear you repeating their past if you learn of it? More like they risk your repetition for lack of knowledge they could well prepare you for."

Absolution. Elidibus takes on a thoughtful expression, though with a certain intensity of study of Xehanort's presence. The dark aspected aether, the odd nagging thought there is something strange about the signature's composition... "I cannot say with any certainty," the Ascian finally answers. "Without knowledge of your past," patterns repeating themselves. An odd familiarity with the concept of being a threat, "I cannot hazard to say if you have done something warranting acceptance of the sins belonging to your future self."

If Elidibus did not want to bother with this, he would not have asked to join Xehanort. Nor would he have offered to provide questions and insight. "I would not have allowed you to trouble me had I not been prepared to hear you speak on the matter," the Ascian points out in a calm manner. "And if you wish to simply go with what others choose, that is your decision to make. Yet you seem the curious sort. Would it sit well with you to not know what occurred? Both past and future, if you are to be judged by your peers for it, you at least have a right to demand such knowledge."

"With as little to work with as you do, such lines of thought are reasonable. You only have what I've told you to draw upon after all, but let me reassure you that Master Ansem is not so easily swayed by fear and doubt." Surely so. It can't be otherwise. Even if he had ... what, made some catastrophic mistake in the future? Any judgment levied upon him would be in the name of what is right - not only for his potential victims but Xehanort himself. One did not build a kingdom on compassion and education and then simply throw out all of it for revenge!

Even though? Even he wasn't sure about. He'd always had a temper, and could give as well as he got on tricks and pranks. He could see it going sour and dark and ominous. "I have been promised that I will sooner or later be told. But that it is a painful subject for those who are not here to consent to it being discussed." And there his tone darkens, threads of irritation and possibly anger rising momentarily above bewildered unhappiness. "In spite of my hypothetical past or future being open for discussion to anyone at all to the degree where I must watch my back lest some stranger attempt to kill me with a pinwheel. The only upset that matters is theirs. THEY are upset, so I must bide my time, meek and silent, until they deign to grace me with the very information they've so willingly divulged to others, no matter what taunting me with the knowledge I've apparently ruined the only home I can remember might cause by way of pain!"

In those bare moments, though they don't last long, it's clear this sorrow and uncertainty isn't going to last, and could so easily tip over into indignant fury and simply never go back to something quieter and more manageable.

But it is indeed momentary. Fury doesn't win over grief, over the shock and hurt of knowing for certain exactly how some of those he most trusted felt about him, when just hours before there had been nothing but peace and companionship, with a bright future and much to look forward to.

"I will find out, eventually. And if these promises of telling me, or of my safety prove to be nothing more than whispers on the wind, then.." Then what? What would he do?

He had no idea. Xehanort rakes his hands through his hair; the lack of disruption this causes suggests it does in fact mostly stick up like that on its own. "Then at least the next time someone comes at me with a weapon I'm going to throw them into a wall."

Elidibus does not know Ansem the Wise but he does know the nature of mortals. Both the danger Ansem presents to Xehanort and the stubborn faith in the King the young researcher which is unlikely to be swayed by a near stranger, however rational the opinion. Thus he does not press further on the matter. A soft sigh follows before the Ascian offers, "Mayhap your faith will not be misplaced. I will speak no further on the matter then."

After all, what else is there to say? Either Xehanort will learn the hard way or Elidibus will find another mortal to be slightly impressed with.

'Sooner or later'. Xehanort's outburst is met with a long habit of tired disgust, though it is not directed toward him. Unbidden, Elidibus's lip curls slightly. "Ah yes. How typical of mortals to not see the impact of their words for the sake of their selfish desires and misguided altruism." The Ascian's expression straightens to favor the young man with serious regard. "And yet they will no doubt seek to justify any outburst on your part as evidence of their righteousness. Make no mistake. Your anger is justified. But this is not a situation where you have the luxury to indulge in it."

Bitter it may be, but Elidibus has gone this far with offering the unvarnished truth. He certainly won't stop now. Though a part of him does wonder why he is going to such lengths. Little familiar comparisons. Surely with all the evidence of differing universe and worlds outside of the ones he has traveled, there are going to be coincidences like this.

Yet there is a possibility Xehanort's lost past is not a coincidence at all.

The corner of Elidibus's mouth twitches upward briefly in passing humor. Maybe because 'throw into a wall'. Perhaps because of the hair that refuses to follow common sense. "You would do well to defend yourself regardless. Your master will not always be on hand to stay the blade of those who might seek vengeance." There is a pause where he considers. "Though I remember you mentioned a feeling of being outclassed earlier."

Granted, this was an extreme example.

"...What level of skill do you possess in the arts of magic and war?"

Slowly, the momentary hostility leeches back up to something closer akin to despair. He didn't really doubt the accusations, they certainly believed what they were saying and that was enough to tell him that he probably has done or will do exactly as they say. It might have already happened, and his mind somehow blanked it out. Again. Like so much else. "And yet if all has unfolded as they say it has, then they have every reason to act thus. A heart doesn't cease to feel something simply because the mind says it isn't so."

As irritating as it was - as INSULTING as it was! He could also understand it, and allow for it. Had to, else he wouldn't just be sitting here waiting for the other shoe to drop. "I can't say, were our positions reversed, that I would not do the same." Though in a way ... their positions were reversed after all, for this felt very much like betrayal to him. From peace to assault in the span of an hour, with no real explanation to soothe the confusion and pain.

Slowly, by degrees, it along with everything else, is carefully packed away and put aside. He ruled his emotions, not the other way around!

Or so he likes to think.

"... Not as much as I likely should given the tasks this train seems assigned to," Xehanort admits reluctantly. "There never seems enough time in the day to do all the studying I want and keep up with my more combat-oriented fellows." Like Dilan and Aeleus. "I've made certain to master low-level magics in case of the necessity, and I don't believe I'm in terrible shape, but if it came to it, I believe I would be at a ... rather significant disadvantage versus even Even."

Elidibus did not doubt they were reacting to events remembered either, for all there is little to go on so far. Falsehood did not generally beget what has so far happened since their arrival on the platform. And as Xehanort has indicated he can sense the emotions behind it, there is even more validation.

"They do." Have reason to act thus. "And perhaps it is to be expected they will act in this manner. Yet it does not invalidate the pain they are causing you." Anyone else saying that would have been seeking to extend comfort through the truth. From Elidibus, it is simply the truth.

Whether the dark aether Elidibus sees twined with the young researcher's soul reflects his efforts to corral emotions, the Ascian is wise enough to realize Xehanort is not necessarily as in control of his emotions as he's trying to believe or appear. It would certainly stand to reason that he is as in turmoil as those he calls friends, co-workers, and family.

Elidibus is not without sympathy. One of the prices to be paid for the return of his ancient memories of Amaurot.

"Hm." By context, Even might well be one of the three who confronted Xehanort. Elidibus does remember that name being shouted- admittedly a lot was going on. The Ascian turns to regard the geranium. "Perhaps it is time to give it due diligence. If not from desire then the potential of necessity."

And though he truly has every reason to doubt that this group would set aside their past and help Xehanort learn, Elidibus keeps his voice neutral. "Should you find your trust misplaced in your comrades or their fears too great, you may come to me for lessons. I am not without some skill. And I believe we can settle upon an acceptable arrangement."

"No. But it does mean I am not likely to recieve any such consideration, for who offers kindness to those who have inflicted suffering upon them?" It's not quite acceptance, still edged in resgination. There would be no apologies for the platform, no comforting moments of peace, and none expected. "In time it will trouble me less." It's only the freshness of it that makes it a problem, right?

If he pretends long enough it didn't bother him as much as it did, surely eventually it would become reality.

In turn if there's anything to be learned from his once-comrades.. it wouldn't be combat. None of them that he knew of were especially inclined, and being able to formulate a defense did not a serious fighter make. Lea was ... possibly an exception, he seemed very much familiar with what to do with those 'pinwheels', and it's Lea (and the shattering of ice so close he had to shield his face or risk shards in his eyes or worse) that draws a long moment of consideration.

"I have no reason to think they'd be willing to instruct me on anything but my pending sins," he says eventually. "Master Ansem had guards for a reason, he is a king, not a warrior. Even too, is a man of science and not violence, ordinarily, and the third.. I'm still not even sure who he is." Or where he got involved in any of it! "But the train sees fighting frequently, and it would.. probably be wise to be able to defend myself better." Not that he has doubts but.. "What kind of lessons do you offer? What are your skills? My ... inherent inclinations might not be something you're familiar with."

In THIS train there is no giant friggin axe and heavy armor to prove 'ardbert' is a skilled fighter used to melee mayhem!

Elidibus wonders whether time would cause it not to trouble the young man. He might come to accept it. Make it a strength to forge onward. But if the return of the Ascian's memories made anything clear to him it was that time did not ease pains.

Though in fairness, Elidibus has gone through a somewhat unusual manner of recovering memories from an outsider's perspective. In any case, he has no advice to give to Xehanort this time.

You would think wouldn't you, the train that wants you to fight battles for it would give you the means to fight battles? Not that Elidibus can complain really, he does have options. Give him enough time and he can create the equipment again. ...Though it would do no good as proof unless he had something to show his talents on, would it?

"I am well versed in sorcery and I have had many an opportunity to experience many styles of fighting." As Elidibus speaks he studies Xehanort carefully. "...Whether you can adapt to the methods with which I am most familiar would be the immediate question. What may be most prudent is to work on your fundamentals and devise tactics with what you already have knowledge of. It would of course require you to show me what you already know. But in regards to improving on your skills, I am confident I could provide adequate instruction."

Pausing in his answer, Elidibus takes on a thoughtful expression. "Privacy upon this train is unlikely to exist. Should you accept my offer, I leave it to you with regards to whether you should explain what you intend to your ..comrades. Or let them discover for themselves."

Nonsense, everyone says time heals all wounds so it must. Against all actual evidence to the contrary. But he does look a bit interested at calling magic sorcery. Only wizards did that, and Merlin did appear now and again! "While I'm sure it's unlikely, you don't happen to know a rather aged-seeming gentleman named Merlin?"

His tone already says he thinks it's unlikely, but stranger coincidences have happened.

He would want to see for himself where Elidibus stood as well - if he compared to the likes of Braig, or Aeleus, or could pull off the gravity-defying nonsense Dilan specialized in. "I don't see why they would have any say in the matter. I am merely being ... prudent as to our task here, am I not?"

And also making it less likely to be suddenly murdered, of course.

Merlin? The name doesn't appear to be familiar with Elidibus though he does try to give it some thought. "No one by that name has left an impact. Though I cannot say I have never met someone with that name."

Well, it's probably someone he hasn't met. That Merlin can certainly leave an impression.

"Then that is how it will stand." As Elidibus said, he did not care which action Xehanort would have chosen regarding his comrades and it appears he isn't intending to explain it without further prompting.

"I am certain there are other unbiased options on this vessel." Unless these former comrades of Xehanort's get to them first with a very biased opinion. But there's no need to make a mountain out of a molehill. "Though I may be the first to have offered and may prove an adequate instructor, you need not limit yourself to one teacher." The advice is intended to be pragmatic as well for the Ascian soon follows it with, "The more you establish yourself as a person in your own right amongst your fellow passengers, the more difficult it becomes for their opinions to be tainted by the perception of a potential future."

That draws a huff that from anyone else might have been a laugh. "Less concerns about only one teacher and more concerned about time, I think. There's only so many hours in a day, and ... I admit my interests do not lie in the realm of violence."

He taps his fingers together, looking thoughtful.. or rather like a thoughtful child, with such a childish gesture. "Faced with so much that is different... life in its infinite combinations and impossibilities, there's not enough time in the day to seek it all out and seek multiple teachers." Scholastic pursuit, it seems, is still just as important to him as any sort of self defense.

But right now he couldn't do much of either, there was too much ... pending. The weight of the future was unpleasant and he wasn't sure he wanted to know. "Though how much I can establish myself depends on how much has already been spread around. It is the first impression that lingers." He stands suddenly, in one smooth abrupt motion. "But if you'll forgive any impropriety, perhaps a little activity will.. be good for the moment." A distraction, one he won't be able to skip paying attention to or risk pain for it! "Heaven knows sitting here staring at a flower pot isn't going to clear my head."

No one in their right mind would expect to have to prepare for the day they were kidnapped from their researcher-scholar life and told they needed to help save worlds. ...And also then find people want him very dead for just existing on the same train. Elidibus accepts the explanation with a nod. He can appreciate that the young man, for all he doesn't particularly care for violence, is willing to take the steps that seem... necessary.

Too much to sort through, not really enough time to judge. Even in the past days Elidibus now remembers, there were times where he had to scramble to find the best possible solution quickly. It led to kind teasing about his obsession with work.

From people now gone. The pang of grief is evident, as is how quickly he struggles to contain it. Xehanort has risen and suggested activity. "Yes," Elidibus answers and rises from the bench. Quickly isn't a good word for it, but it is certainly decisive. A welcome distraction indeed.

"I believe I came across a carriage which would be suited to our needs. Provided no one else has claimed it at this hour." It is late but not unreasonably so.

It helped that he knew, whether or not he indulged in it often, that he absolutely could actually throw someone into a wall. He wasn't completely helpless, simply reluctant to put it to work, the less educated chose violence as a first response!

The echo of an emotion that doesn't quite seem to fit with the topics at hand draws a brief glance, surely only because Elidibus is also getting up and he's seeking confirmation. "Wonderful. I've not been doing much exploring yet, not with the proverbial axe hanging over my head, but perhaps with company any such sudden assault will be more reluctantly begun."

Safety in numbers, and all that. "Please, lead the way."

And thus they are away through a long walk--

No, wait. There are a number of reasons Elidibus made sure to learn the train layout and one such reason was to know where certain limits existed.

There is no need for incantation. A smooth gesture of an outstretched palm, a certain amount of manipulation of aether and two points are thus connected. One here, the other some two carriages away.

Dark aether billows into an entry point. "You may journey through this gate if you desire." Certainly there is no desire to go alone. And this would prevent any inconvenient encounters on the way to the training area.

Everything comes to an immediate crashing stop.

There were goals here, ones of getting to point B from point A, and seeing about this exercise thing, but if the goal was merely distraction Elidibus has immediately and thoroughly succeeded perhaps without intending to at all.

".....Do that again, first."

He knows darkness when he saw it. Its whispers, its echoes, the ebb and surge of foreign emotion, intoxicating power, and though he rarely dabbled with it thanks to the disapproval of Ansem over the risks darkness posed, he's never seen that before.

Elidibus blinks. "What?"

For just a second he does seem thoroughly taken aback. Upon recomposing himself, the matter is given due consideration. "Very well," Elidibus then goes and a hand is waved to safely disassemble the spell.

"I will do it slowly. In return, I would have you tell me precisely how you perceive it." It would serve a purpose. A staple to his kind as it is, few mortals could work the same. And it would be interesting to see how well Xehanort can follow along.

Thus the spell is again assembled slowly, at least at the pace that a child of Amaurot would be capable of easily following. Finding two points, weaving the bridge, connecting the bridge, open the gate...

"Much the same as any other, I would imagine." His focus has very much significantly shifted, while he's definitely responding to what's being said, there's a distracted tone that hadn't been there before. This ... this is far more riveting.

And beyond his reach, as yet. As the portal reopens with its distinctive cloud of shadow, constructed with more care and time than the first, it's circled slowly, a frown settling on his face. Not of disappointment or irritation, that much is obvious. One tanned hand reaches out, and the amorphous haze of red, purple and black shifts in response, tendrils of shadow wisping from the cloud to reach back.

Not all of it. The portal is stable, this tremulous shred of aether wouldn't begin to affect the whole. "...Again, if you will."

"Only if the standards of your world were consistent with mine own," Elidibus remarks. "I would ask you to provide a more detailed description."

Then there is that tendril. And that was certainly unexpected. Generally, when one looks into the abyss, one is not expecting to see it waving back. While Elidibus had been aware of the young researcher's deep connection to what is known to the Ascian as 'Dark', it had yet to express itself so emphatically.

"Interesting," Elidibus muses. And indeed he sounds momentarily fascinated. Composure is recovered but the phenomenon has bought another round of indulgence. Or rather, the intention of indulgence. First, it would be best to make sure it is safe to do so.

"Before I do so, I would like you to touch the gate itself. There is a reaction. A... recognition if you will?" Elidibus says this slowly, not entirely willing to commit to it completely. "Before we continue I would be certain. I will allow no harm to befall you."

He is reasonably sure he can pull Xehanort free of the gate if it tries to collapse. The important part is that his assurance is confident and lacks any type of deceit.

Edited 2021-06-09 22:30 (UTC)

"It looks to be a cloud of darkness. The colors are .. a little off, I am not used to these touches of sanguine, but the sound is much the same." He gestures, to the shifting colors not quite as he is used to them, and the think wisps of aether follows his gesture. "I can tell it's magic, but not where it goes or what its purpose is if I hadn't been informed already. It may be trying to tell me, but I don't understand it."

There is no conversation going on that could be considered telling him anything at all, is there? He glances at Elidibus at the thought of any of this causing harm.. of all the things darkness ever does to him, harm had yet to be one of them... or so he thinks.

Like many things, he's a little off on that estimation, he simply doesn't know it yet.

But as bidden he reaches to the heart of the spell, after a brief moment of toying with the stretching wisps of shadow; another step or two and he'd be through it instead of lingering on one side, but he remains where he is. The aether Elidibus had called into existence seems content to shred off tiny tendrils to coil around first hand and then arm, but there is a moment later a surge of darkness of a different hue, black and deep purple, not from the gate but from Xehanort himself. It's close, it's damned close to the power Elidibus had conjured up, but it's just different enough that as ribbons of dark and red and purple intertwine in a way that seems almost eager ... almost hungry, it's enough to risk destabilizing the entire thing in its sudden desire to grow.

"..I don't know if I can reproduce this." The yet is unsaid, as the unstable gate swells a bit, fed by this external source of foreign darkness. "I can.. almost tell what it's doing but not.."

"I believe that will suffice."

As the 'not...' trails away, Xehanort will suddenly find the arm nearest Elidibus grasped by the man. While it is gentle, it is also firm in an effort to guide him and the outstretched hand away from the portal.

The Ascian had watched. He had observed as the aether responded as before to the subtly different darkness within Xehanort. He'd even held back to study the purple and black Darkness show its true colors, so utterly like a voidsent in the way it hungers and grabs for more. Elidibus held himself back a second longer to gauge whether it was observable intent from Xehanort or the darkness within the man.

He did not leave it too late. He is too experienced for that. But Elidibus took no chances. Light still answers his call. And it is used here to unweave and corral the two elements of Dark and Darkness apart from one another. Only once he is sure they are separated does he dismiss the gate.

Make no mistake. Elidibus did not need to grab the young man to do this. But there was a fleeting feeling which bordered on concern which gave him the impetus to make contact physical.

The rest was as pragmatic as usual. He promised to keep him safe. Letting things spiral out of control would not be useful to Elidibus.

Surely that was all.

"It can be learned in time. Tell me, where you attempting to do more than touch it?"

He really should be paying more attention to his surroundings, or it wouldn't be quite the same shock as it is when suddenly seized. That narrow focus was going to make him an easy target sooner or later to someone less well predisposed than Elidibus currently was.

And while dark and light aether are of course opposed, the power Xehanort possesses all but metaphorically flinches away from the unwelcome presence of light, though whether its presence or the surprise of being touched draws a brief surge of swirling shadow is a mystery, either way it soon ebbs with a swiftness that does indeed suggest it had been quite deliberately called on, not accidentally.

Which might explain the very brief, very brief guilty look before his mask of calm snaps right back into place. "...a little. I wanted to see if I could determine where it was going if I ... used a little more pressure?"

Mmhm. There is a long look. It's a knowing look.

"I see." Curiousity is not a bad thing. Elidibus doesn't want to discourage it. "I will remember to be more clear in the future about whether you should attempt independent exploration in our lessons." He lets go of Xehanort's arm and steps back a pace to study the young researcher.

"The quality of the aether you possess is intriguing." By rights, the Dark so complete it has become Void should have a distinct impact upon a mortal. Yet Xehanort is different. Is it a matter of the differences in their worlds or is it because the young man is more like Elidibus himself. Not an aetherial being, but...

"Before I explain, I would ask about your experience. You perceived the element of the gate adequately. Yet what is the nature of Darkness by your world's reckoning? And of its counterpart, Light?"

There will be another question as well.

"What did you experience when you sought to use more pressure? Your emotions. Your senses. How is the aether you poured into it perceived?"

Leaving well enough alone is just not something he's terribly good at! But he will try to be mindful when toying with things that frankly he has no control over yet, even if it also came with being pretty sure he's going to work on this in private regardless - simply not tamper with other people's spells.

"The nature of light and dark as taught to me are not ... unassailable; understanding of things change constantly and with it the teaching methods employed." But what is CURRENTLY taught.. "We dwell in the realm of Light, it is.. as you see. Life and peace and all that ordinary daily stuff alongside the miraculous. As a power it is difficult to call upon specifically on its own, easier to draw the other elements and use merely a part of it, such as fire or lightning or healing. All things beneficial are broadly attributed to it. It sits counter to the darkness and a hypothetical Realm of Darkness, which may be equal and opposite to our own but none who have ventured there have returned, so it is unknown. Darkness is easy to call on, unlike Light; it wants to be used, and so anyone at all may draw upon its power."

Well. Maybe not EVERYONE, but that too is theoretical and a complete side tangent - the pure of heart may exist but also there's no real evidence of that at the moment. "Darkness however is seen as a corruptive force, the root of all evil and malevolence in the hearts of all living things. To allow darkness in is to allow in what it brings with it, hatred and rage, jealousy, fear, violent impulses.. if it's negative, it's associated with darkness."

Xehanort clasps his hands behind his back, frowning at the spot where the gate had been. "For my part I have not experienced any sort of corruption that I can tell, so the claims on the rest strike me as questionable, I doubt somehow I am a single exception. Using it does agitate emotions, but that could simply be due to an ordinary adrenaline rush. I wouldn't call it hate or fear, merely.. anticipation." He hasn't used it in combat yet, that tune's going to change fast; he rocks lightly back on his heels, eyebrows rising slightly. "I admit my senses aren't as good as those of my fellow apprentices! I can tell power is there, I can touch it somewhat, if I tell it what I want it may obey, but I don't think I can verbally describe what goes with it."

If there is a compromise to be had it's definitely on the lines of 'at least do not tamper with anyone else's spells'. Really, do not tamper with others' spells. No matter how interesting they are.

Elidibus listens to the explanation. It may be interesting to Xehanort, given what perspectives may be present in his remembered world about Darkness and Light, that there are no negative emotions attached to the Ascian's internal responses to the information. He does not fear it. It does not make him angry.

It does not taint his perception of Xehanort.

"There is a difference in your world's element of Darkness." The Ascian does not say it is the incorrect way to look at it. "...Than what we refer to as its primal state. Without seeing your world with my own eyes I could only give conjecture. But I would not call the view you have of it wrong."

"Where I am from, Light and Dark are simple elements. They are tools and two states of polarity rather than separate realms."

So Elidibus begins, but it is not without visual representation. An open hand weaves image into being. Dark in its base aetherial state. Light in its own; white, faint yellow, and edged with a hint of blue. They are not the true elements, however. Touching them will not invoke a response.

"Light exists in a passive state. It is stasis. Order if you will. Dark in its contrast is the condition of activity and growth. One may be stronger than the other at any given point. But both must exist to keep balance."

The illusion begins to shift. A humanoid figure is added to the mixture. There is no resemblance to either himself or Xehanort. The representation of light fades while the 'Dark' begins to engulf the humanoid. "As with any element, too much exposure to dark aether will begin to shift the surrounding aether to that same element. To become completely consumed by the dark element is to become Void." Briefly, Elidibus glances at the kaleidoscope and flicks his fingers toward it. "Not this transitory space we now travel called 'Voidspace'. But Dark in its purest state with no balance. It is a hungry existence."

The humanoid figure is... warping. Something winged, contorted... demonic. Elidibus regards this illusion again. "The nature of Darkness with which you reached out is very similar to that concept. Were it part of which governs my world, I would believe the realm of Light you speak of to be the last remaining pocket not completely consumed by the Void. It would be viewed as 'evil', for it is against what is needed to live. Yet it also lures with its promise of easy power."

The Ascian pauses to reflect momentarily. "A Void-like Darkness which may be affected by the emotions of the user. Yes, a dangerous power. I would refrain from invoking it while your heart is not at ease. And much is still unknown."

"If darkness can distort a being so, can light? Could fire?" Or any element, clearly, is what he's going for. "If I had the ability and exposed you to enough thunder magic, would you become lightning itself?"

He has no such capability, even remotely, but there's possibilities being opened up here that he didn't quite know what to do with beyond simple curiosity and a desire to fill in some gaps of knowledge. "The light I have seen tends to have a more.. tawny hue, not this blueish touch, I wonder if that's ... mere nuance or if the source is somehow different in each case.."

There's no real way of knowing, he can't call on the light and wasn't much interested in trying. Someone else probably could, and if he ever got the opportunity a more thorough study would be needed but for now..

"Once I find a way back, you're welcome to come to Radiant Garden yourself and see if it is as you expect. There are those even among the castle's staff who have finer magical skills or sharper senses, and may be able to better tell if there is a ... fundamental difference in darkness between your place and mine as well as the light, or if ..." He grasps at the air, as if the word he hunted could be found that way. "...if it's merely different shadows and different light because they are cast from different angles."

"Yes." The answer is simple and direct. "It is the danger of any elementally aspected aether in excess." But on the matter of being exposed to thunder magic? Elidibus offers a faint smile. "I would not be affected. What my God's grace would not shield me from, my birthright is sufficient deterrence."

The illusion of the warped humanoid- voidsent- is dismissed with a wave. "In the terms I would use, were you to repeatedly wield sufficient thunder magicks in a single area, the ambient aether of the surroundings would eventually begin to align to the element of Lightning. The concentrations needed to make this a significant threat are not commonly generated by a single individual's spellcasting, however."

It might generate a small storm. Some crystalized aether might generate. Might feel a little tingly or affect electronic instruments. But it would inevitably balance out.

"Shifts to one elemental aspect in aether occur naturally or through the intervention of great conflicts and strife. It would be more efficient if one were to push at the right confluence, should one desire to tip the balance one way or another."

In theory of course.

"...I suggest you do not experiment with this on your own."

Anyone who knew Xehanort at all would not be even remotely surprised by the thoughtful look that settles into place as Elidibus explains - whether or not that worked ANYWHERE besides wherever it was he's from, Xehanort's interested.

And not at all tempted to put it to the test and see what happens. Not even a tiny b--

As soon as he's getting the opportunity he's definitely going to see if he can change the elemental alignment of some unsuspecting area. "How much spellcasting would be necessary?"

He wasn't overly concerned about balance, but generating a fire sprite might be neat and completely worth burning all his MP to see if he could cause one. This time there isn't a guilty look when questioned (or at least cautioned), because there is an instant and immediate opportunity that presents itself. "I will of course find myself a suitable partner for any such experiments." That was probably not what Elidibus meant-- "After all, two mages could create far more elemental charge than just one."

This attitude receives a bit of a stern look. Xehanort might not have a guilty look when questioned the first time. But this is the type of long and silent regard meant to suggest he might need to express a little more forethought on the matter.

"Perhaps if the mage were familiar with the concept. I would recommend you not conduct tests of this nature so blindly." No, he is not going to offer an exact amount of spellcasting. There is a slight sigh of resignation.

"When you wish to experiment, with or without another mage, call upon me. I will supervise your endeavors until you are experienced enough to proceed on your own."

Why Elidibus, that was almost like caring.

Xehanort glances around the garden car. "Oh of course not." That absent tone suggests it's definitely going to be something he'll feel compelled to poke at. "Not onboard the train, one does not test potentially explosive theories anywhere near where one sleeps."

Besides, he's going to have to find a mage who compliments his skillset, or at least has enough power where his lack of expertise isn't an issue! "Don't worry, I'm well familiar with the basics of laboratory safety, whether the lab is truly a lab indoors, or a broader testing field away from habitation." His smile is brief, but how much true happiness is in it is a good question. "Preparation must be had, theories proposed, medical supplies gathered, aid in case of emergencies both mundane and magical.. I'm sure it might seem like I'm about to dash off and try to create myself a fire sprite, but there is much that would have to be done first."

Really. Elidibus listens patiently. And then he points out in a mild manner, "And yet I see you already have the specifics of your results planned."

The Ascian does not fault the assurance of knowing there needs to be steps taken to prepare a place for testing safely. But he does question if Xehanort knows what exactly he would need to specifically generate a fire sprite.

"If I cannot get your assurance that you will seek me for supervision of your project, then allow me to get a measure of your skill with magic. Shall move on with what we had planned earlier?"

This is dismissed outright with a negligent wave of one hand. "It wouldn't be a fire sprite, fire is not one of the elements I'm best at casting repeatedly. It was merely an example."

He'd probably try for a less temperamental element, one less likely to incinerate everything for miles if it got tetchy. Time would have to be spent planning.. but the idea!

The idea's there now. "I'm more than happy to have you along, either to assist or put out metaphorical fires or whatever else pleases you, don't get me wrong. It's merely a little too soon to be planning exactly who comes along and who doesn't when there isn't even a proper world with which to set upon. Though I've heard there's an opportunity every fortnight or so."

Guess what he's going to do then! "...Oh, yes, quite. ... With your shadowy spell, or the ...ordinary way?"

Well, Elidibus has said his piece. All that remains to be seen is whether Xehanort comes to find him when setting out on this experimental adventure some stop in the future or if he does not.

"Very well." The matter of portal or walking is debated internally. "With, I think. I would prefer to settle the matter of safety now, ere it might be a matter of haste and unknown in the future."

Now, he can be watchful. Using a portal to get to himself and Xehanort to safety during a mission might be a whole other matter entirely.

One last time the portal is made, this time at full speed. "Proceed and I shall follow."

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