[He snaps his fingers and a flat purple platform appears in the distance. It is visible, but barely.]
No reason not to stretch ourselves. From your memories I don't think I've seen you go quite that far. Do your best not to drop us in the void in between.
[He holds out his hand.]
Truthfully, I'm still surprised --- only slightly --- that you allowed me such a possession so early on in our meetings. I was right about your thirst for knowledge.
Well. If I do drop us in the void in between, I'll count on you to fix it before we experience the joy of dying in a dream.
[ taking his hand, and there's a smile at that ]
You were. I'll admit that even at the time I thought it was a terrible idea but in the end, I simply thought the potential benefit outweighed the risks.
I am definitely not going to put that much faith in a shady old man ever again.
As if I'm the shady one. Have I not told you the truth?
[He grumbles without bite. Unless previous times he merely evaporates into purple and black aether leaving no corpse behind. He'll settle in his vessel still uncomfortable and disconcerting as ever. The vaguest hint of emotions will leak through which should be no surprise to Five --- depression and despair held back by something himself but not. He leaves Five in the reigns of his body though as he observers.]
[ And to think last time he was so worried about the thought Emet-Selch could be able to feel his emotions. This time there's no worry, despite how uncomfortable and unnatural the feeling of having someone else's consciousness in his body is.
The emotions leaking through from Emet certainly don't make it better, but it's true that they're not at all surprising. They're both aware of the impact solitude had on each of them, after all.
There's a moment of pause as he tries to focus on himself alone, trying to ignore the discomfort and the pain. Then, soon enough he's starting to run the usual calculations in his mind, and a moment later he disappears in a blue light, only to re-appear right at that platform.
It takes a considerable amount of energy, but not so much that he needs immediate rest ]
[ He's going to examine that symbol as well, taking the time to admire and memorize it. The way he's studying it makes it clear he's at least understanding the basics of it, connecting what he's been learning so far with what he does know of his own powers ]
Only one way to see if it's accurate or not.
[ this time, instead of trying to use his own energy reserves he tries to channel the aether around them, focusing on the symbol Emet made for him. There's the familiar blue light, and it seems he is activating his powers ...
For the record, it sounds like a terrible idea and I'm going with it simply because it's a dream and it won't actually affect your aether. That, and we do need to experiment.
[ he takes Emet's hand despite his complaint, eyebrows furrowed as he tries to focus again, this time adding Emet's aether to the equation.
Just a section of it, then. Using Emet's aether seems to work, and though he doesn't move it all, he does bring to them its entire facade and front. So the good news is that it worked, the bad news is that now the crystal tower is like, 2d ]
As skilled a mage as you are becoming, you could hardly deplete it.
[Arrogance! Ascians. Never.
Well, that's better than nothing, and he does truly like to experiment with their combined abilities. It's fascinating to him!
He tilts is head to view the result, a small, proud smile showing on his features.
And being 2D the tower crumbles and he puts up his hand in way of a shield as it crashes around them. Mostly on the ground near them but never hurts to be safe.]
[ He sounds amused as he says that, though - Emet is right, and it's only now that he's able to actually sense it that he can understand the true extent of it.
He looks up at the tower crashing on them and okay, maybe he should have focused on just the upper part or something, but hey. Emet can take care of it just fine. ]
You should try it. You were able to make an arcane representation. Let's see how strong a handle you have on my powers.
Yes, yes, on my honor do I promise thee to make strides to your level.
[He only half listening to him because a problem has presented itself, and now he's focusing. He figures it is a comment about his work ethic. Hades is probably the type of person that could tune out a whole room if something had his attention.]
But how do I alter the symbol to get objects to move closer rather than moving them away?
[He looks dissatisfied, but he snaps his fingers anyway. Five is teleported, safely!, to the other platform a bit away from the remains of the Crystal Tower on this side. Hades is still pacing around the circle if he teleports back.]
[ Wow. It's one thing when he teleports on his own accord, it's another when someone else moves him out of the way!! He does teleport back and he looks just so offended!!
But Hades is still pacing and trying to figure this out, so he'll focus back on the symbol instead ]
I can't help you with that - my knowledge of your magic is still basic at best. But rather than having it teleporting to you, replace it with something else. Swapping objects around is the most basic function of my powers.
[He will get out of his scholarly focus once he sees Five's face and can't help but laugh a little. He might not be as big of a nerd as Lahabrea, but he's still a nerd at heart.]
Where is my congratulations on a job well done? I did you use your formula, not mine.
[He's teasing.]
Swapping. Hmmm. I do admit teleporation is so common to me, I do forget that basic fact.
[He re-summons the rubble so he has two piles to work with on one each platform.]
Tell me, do two equations dance in your head, one for each object. Or is it simply one complex one?
Did you get embarrassed? I should praise you more.
But, to answer your question—
[ he starts writing formulas on the fancy floating blackboard, explaining as he goes along ]
It's three. First, you calculate the position of object A. Let's say that's the building you'll place instead of the tower. Then you'll need to do the same for object B, the tower.
And finally, you'll need to know the volume each of these objects take. In other words their height, width and weight. Once you have that—
[ he's writing down each formula Emet would need to use to make the swap, and then he'll just tap on the blackboard with a knuckle once he's done ]
It's the same as teleporting, but instead it's these items that have moved. Simply put, they're each occupying the other's space.
[He does not engage the first comment. Not that he believes Five will forget about it.]
Three?
[He sighs as he does study Five's equations in detail. He's having to translate these from math to arcane and it seems like that is not something he is going to be able to do in his head on the fly. Someone should tell him to think in math instead of the arcane, like learning a new language, but a problem for another time.
He taps his chin.]
The object doesn't warp. Space does.
I do believe I will need you to write these for me upon waking if it wouldn't be too much trouble.
Exactly. Now you're getting it. It's the same when I teleport, it'd be more correct to say I warp space around me. But the end result is teleportation, so. Easier to simply call it that.
[He waves a hand and dismisses all but the chalkboard as he continues to stare. One, perhaps two equations he could have managed. Three? That is going to need to some time.]
I think yours is the more versatile power honestly. You could probably float if you liked. Or make space infinite around you like a shield if you were dodging any projectiles.
A lack of Creation almost. You utilize what is available.
[ Oh, wow. It's his turn to be taken aback, even if he honestly shouldn't be surprised — Hades is generally affectionate, after all. But as usual that in combination with the words is a critical hit, even if he gives him a small smile ]
I take it you're suitably impressed.
My warping is instant and wouldn't last enough for that. And there's the problem of my lack of sufficent energy, of course.
Though maybe that'll be something to try once I start using aether properly.
More times than not I am impressed, but if I said it every time would it not lose its meaning?
It is different. As I said inverted. It will take a little time to change my way of thinking. Though it is no less spectacular, and truthfully I'm looking forward to the puzzle it presents.
With access to aether beyond your own, more possibilities will be open to you. I'm quite interested to see where it goes. Though I do believe you and I deserve some actual rest tonight. Don't you agree?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Re: 258 Night
No reason not to stretch ourselves. From your memories I don't think I've seen you go quite that far. Do your best not to drop us in the void in between.
[He holds out his hand.]
Truthfully, I'm still surprised --- only slightly --- that you allowed me such a possession so early on in our meetings. I was right about your thirst for knowledge.
Re: 258 Night
[ taking his hand, and there's a smile at that ]
You were. I'll admit that even at the time I thought it was a terrible idea but in the end, I simply thought the potential benefit outweighed the risks.
I am definitely not going to put that much faith in a shady old man ever again.
Re: 258 Night
[He grumbles without bite. Unless previous times he merely evaporates into purple and black aether leaving no corpse behind. He'll settle in his vessel still uncomfortable and disconcerting as ever. The vaguest hint of emotions will leak through which should be no surprise to Five --- depression and despair held back by something himself but not. He leaves Five in the reigns of his body though as he observers.]
Re: 258 Night
The emotions leaking through from Emet certainly don't make it better, but it's true that they're not at all surprising. They're both aware of the impact solitude had on each of them, after all.
There's a moment of pause as he tries to focus on himself alone, trying to ignore the discomfort and the pain. Then, soon enough he's starting to run the usual calculations in his mind, and a moment later he disappears in a blue light, only to re-appear right at that platform.
It takes a considerable amount of energy, but not so much that he needs immediate rest ]
Satisfying enough?
Re: 258 Night
He leaves his vessel forming beside him and holding out his hand. Unlike it's normal pinkish vines it's glowing a faint blue.]
Getting closer. And remarkable aim. It goes without saying you'd be a brilliant battle tactician.
Re: 258 Night
[ taking his hand again though, examining that faint glow, a little surprised ]
But I'm happy to accept your praise.
Re: 258 Night
[He let's Five examine the magic around his fingers until he is satisfied.]
An arcane representation. Though I know not yet how accurately I've represented your skill.
[He holds that hand up and the blue glow brightens as a quite large and intricate arcane symbol of the same color appears on the ground before them.]
There is your power source. Move the Crystal Tower here.
Re: 258 Night
Only one way to see if it's accurate or not.
[ this time, instead of trying to use his own energy reserves he tries to channel the aether around them, focusing on the symbol Emet made for him. There's the familiar blue light, and it seems he is activating his powers ...
But this time, it doesn't work ]
—shit. It's not enough.
Re: 258 Night
He kneels and holds a hand out to Five, the one not glowing and activating the magic symbol.]
Use my own aether to augment yours if you find energy lacking. Focus simply on a section of the Crystal Tower. It need not be intact when you move it.
Re: 258 Night
[ he takes Emet's hand despite his complaint, eyebrows furrowed as he tries to focus again, this time adding Emet's aether to the equation.
Just a section of it, then. Using Emet's aether seems to work, and though he doesn't move it all, he does bring to them its entire facade and front. So the good news is that it worked, the bad news is that now the crystal tower is like, 2d ]
Re: 258 Night
As skilled a mage as you are becoming, you could hardly deplete it.
[Arrogance! Ascians. Never.
Well, that's better than nothing, and he does truly like to experiment with their combined abilities. It's fascinating to him!
He tilts is head to view the result, a small, proud smile showing on his features.
And being 2D the tower crumbles and he puts up his hand in way of a shield as it crashes around them. Mostly on the ground near them but never hurts to be safe.]
Re: 258 Night
[ He sounds amused as he says that, though - Emet is right, and it's only now that he's able to actually sense it that he can understand the true extent of it.
He looks up at the tower crashing on them and okay, maybe he should have focused on just the upper part or something, but hey. Emet can take care of it just fine. ]
You should try it. You were able to make an arcane representation. Let's see how strong a handle you have on my powers.
Re: 258 Night
I doubt I could with such efficiency. I lack your skill with internal calculations. Yes, yes, homework I will work on.
[He looks at the arcane circle and then back at the other platform.]
It's backwards.
[He's more mumbling that to himself as he alters the circle slightly.]
If you would step in it.
Re: 258 Night
[ he sighs, but he does step into the circle ]
Though, I mean. You're not going to get anywhere near my level anytime soon, regardless of how much you study.
Re: 258 Night
[He only half listening to him because a problem has presented itself, and now he's focusing. He figures it is a comment about his work ethic. Hades is probably the type of person that could tune out a whole room if something had his attention.]
But how do I alter the symbol to get objects to move closer rather than moving them away?
[He looks dissatisfied, but he snaps his fingers anyway. Five is teleported, safely!, to the other platform a bit away from the remains of the Crystal Tower on this side. Hades is still pacing around the circle if he teleports back.]
Re: 258 Night
But Hades is still pacing and trying to figure this out, so he'll focus back on the symbol instead ]
I can't help you with that - my knowledge of your magic is still basic at best. But rather than having it teleporting to you, replace it with something else. Swapping objects around is the most basic function of my powers.
With another building, for example.
Re: 258 Night
Where is my congratulations on a job well done? I did you use your formula, not mine.
[He's teasing.]
Swapping. Hmmm. I do admit teleporation is so common to me, I do forget that basic fact.
[He re-summons the rubble so he has two piles to work with on one each platform.]
Tell me, do two equations dance in your head, one for each object. Or is it simply one complex one?
Re: 258 Night
I suppose some congratulations are in order, despite your lack of warning and terrible manners. Good to see I'm not the only one making progress.
As for that.
Give me pen and paper, please. Or better yet — chalk and a blackboard.
Re: 258 Night
Of course.
[He snaps his fingers and a blackboard appears, but it just floats at perfect Five level instead of standing on any legs. Like, you know, they do.]
Re: 258 Night
Did you get embarrassed? I should praise you more.
But, to answer your question—
[ he starts writing formulas on the fancy floating blackboard, explaining as he goes along ]
It's three. First, you calculate the position of object A. Let's say that's the building you'll place instead of the tower. Then you'll need to do the same for object B, the tower.
And finally, you'll need to know the volume each of these objects take. In other words their height, width and weight. Once you have that—
[ he's writing down each formula Emet would need to use to make the swap, and then he'll just tap on the blackboard with a knuckle once he's done ]
It's the same as teleporting, but instead it's these items that have moved. Simply put, they're each occupying the other's space.
Re: 258 Night
Three?
[He sighs as he does study Five's equations in detail. He's having to translate these from math to arcane and it seems like that is not something he is going to be able to do in his head on the fly. Someone should tell him to think in math instead of the arcane, like learning a new language, but a problem for another time.
He taps his chin.]
The object doesn't warp. Space does.
I do believe I will need you to write these for me upon waking if it wouldn't be too much trouble.
Re: 258 Night
That said. Of course I'll write it down for you.
Re: 258 Night
I think yours is the more versatile power honestly. You could probably float if you liked. Or make space infinite around you like a shield if you were dodging any projectiles.
A lack of Creation almost. You utilize what is available.
[He reaches out and pats his head.]
Re: 258 Night
I take it you're suitably impressed.
My warping is instant and wouldn't last enough for that. And there's the problem of my lack of sufficent energy, of course.
Though maybe that'll be something to try once I start using aether properly.
Re: 258 Night
It is different. As I said inverted. It will take a little time to change my way of thinking. Though it is no less spectacular, and truthfully I'm looking forward to the puzzle it presents.
With access to aether beyond your own, more possibilities will be open to you. I'm quite interested to see where it goes. Though I do believe you and I deserve some actual rest tonight. Don't you agree?
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