NationStates Jolt Archive

"367 go release the blast doors," ordered Rathma as 367 scattered away to the main controls. "Let's go see whose waiting for us,"

Rathma silently walked through the hallways towards the arena. It reminded him when he used to be with the Black Assassin's. It also started to make him miss his old squad. They say people change when they went to war. For Rathma, war was the only thing he ever knew. When he was a child he didn't have any friends and by the time he was 14, he had enlisted himself in the Imperial Guardians. From there, he went through the ranks and never taking any rank higher than major. He could never take a desk job from being in the battlefield for too long. Was it his addicition? He didn't know but he noticed the blast doors had opened again. There was no point in making a thought not knowing if whoever was in there was a mind reader. However, instead of going through the front door, Rathma went through an open door in the back of the arena hoping to suprise them. Sure enough, as he entered through the door there were two figures standing in the arena.

"Hello," smiled Rathma as he kept a hand on his sword which was covered by his cloak. "Who might I be talking to?" he asked carefully.
Delphina stood defiantly by Rathma's side, seeing the two she had been given so many psychic messages from.

----------------

Mathieu noticed Goltia's worry, bringing his hand to hold hers. This talk of other gods was a bit hard to follow.

"Hello Rathma,"said Aerith, looking over Auron's shoulder. Despite the fact that Aerith was almost as small as Delphina, the small woman seemed to radiate power, far more so then Auron.

------------------------

Goltia took Mathieu's hand in hers and squeezed it tight. She wasn't willing to admit it, but she was really really scared.

"So I'm taking your a god of some kind?" asked Rathma. "It doesn't take a genius to work it out and you didn't answer my first question,"

"Minerva is dead,"said Josh."Auron destroyed her in their final battle."
Goltia didn't understand half of what was going on, and so looped her arm through Mathieu's as to comfort herself, her hair going a dark blue.

"Gods don't die." Whately replied calmly. "Not so long as they have worshippers. These battles--they have had many?

"Probably a periodic event, then, or something that crops up when the balance of power is threatened. Which means Minerva is making a comeback, using you...which means that these Fallen Gods will doubtless act to stop it.

"Foolish, really, but some people can't handle the slightest loss of prestige or power, as if..." Whately cut himself short, suddenly. "The pair are here-think we should call them in for a conference, or will they just lie to us anyway?"

Sareau bristled at that, but he could feel their presence-had felt it since they manifested. Raw inchoate power-more than he could deal with, and Papau wanted to bluster and threaten with them, to coax their secrets and limit their actions. Sareau shrugged-Papau was a sorceror of no small ability, and godhood was hardly an indication of cleverness or wisdom...

"Hello Rathma,"said Aerith, looking over Auron's shoulder. Despite the fact that Aerith was almost as small as Delphina, the small woman seemed to radiate power, far more so then Auron.

------------------------

Goltia took Mathieu's hand in hers and squeezed it tight. She wasn't willing to admit it, but she was really really scared.
Delphina tensed, preparing herself to fight. Most of her powers were healing, but there was a touch of the Divine in them.

Raphael, be my strength

----------------

"Maybe we should help them," Mathieu nodded towards Delphina and Rathma. "Don't worry, I won't let anything happen to you," he assured Goltia, kissing her cheek awkwardly.

"Aerith, Goddess of Life. I'm the one who made you all who you are,"said Aerith.
"Auron. God of Shadow and Creation,"said Auron, turning to look them down.

-----------------------------

"No. Don't think we could help,"said Goltia, gripping Matheiu's hand tighter.

"I've heard that one before," replied Rathma making a note to the Fungi God he met during the Fungi Wars. "So tell me, what are a god and a goddess doing in the school?"

OOC: Orinon, there's a better and more detail application form about Rathma Phoenix in the OOC Thread to be used if you wish.

"Just checking on the twins....That's all...Although...."said Aerith, deep in thought. She began to walk towards Rathma, then suddenly disappeared and reappeared at his shoulder.
"Your a hard man to work out Rathma...All you know is war...And yet here you are...in a school...." At this point Aerith had began to walk around Rathma, gently touching his body, which would leave him feeling stronger, happier each time.

Rathma's addiction was too powerful and the touch felt like a simple tap. At first it made him feel slightly happier but it was cancelled out. The fearless man glanced at Aerith for a moment.

"Then you know I'm the Lynion Demi-God of war then?" Rathma asked with a grin. "I figured out what my lost memories contained and it doesn't surprise me. It explains how I've survived life threatening wounds," he added. "Nevertheless, I followed Lucus Lingston shortly after reading the report on his partol. It didn't take a genius to figure out he was badly infected. He kept it hidden up until last night," contiuned Rathma. "It turned out Lucus was infected by a son of the Fungi god. You think I was going to turn a blind eye to it?"

"God of War indeed....And i thought you wanted to teach these children...." Aerith then appeared behind Delphina, with her back up against Delphina's
"What drives you then, Delphina?" she asked.

"God of War indeed....And i thought you wanted to teach these children...." Aerith then appeared behind Delphina, with her back up against Delphina's
"What drives you then, Delphina?" she asked.
ooc: so i'm still a bit confused. what exactly happened to lucus?

ic:

"Drives me?" she asked, moving away from Aerith to face her. "My faith...I suppose."

Kyzburg looked over at Whately, a similar thought springing into his head, sitting forwards he clapped his hands together, "I do believe my dear fellow that a spot of parent-teacher conversing is in order for the good for our more... tumultuous students? If they're here like you say, then we'll invite them along for tea and biscuits, if they refuse, well, I have a machine that will take us to wherever they stem from..."

(OOC: Finally managed to log on after three days of Jolt incompetence...)

"I'm here to teach these students that once they're in the real world, nobody is going to babysit them," replied Rathma as he wondered what would happen next.

"Touch me with any machine and i'll blow you apart. Slowly,"said Josh, his voice suddenly very angry.

----------------------------------

"And yet before you stands proof that yours is not the only god,"said Aerith simply.

Kyzburg sighed, getting increasingly frustrated with Josh, "Firstly don't talk to me like that, in this school you are a student and nothing else. Secondly, it's an interdiemensional time machine, so if we go, we all go together; in relative comfort I assure you."

"I know," replied Rathma plainly. "I've seen so many gods in my time. False gods, fake gods, real gods and demi-gods. I've killed some, I've helped some. Either way, there's always a balance in the world,"

"There's no need for any of that." Whately snapped, his dusty whisper striking out like a serpant. "If Minerva is coming back, going to her in the past isn't going to help our current situation. Besides, the Fallen Gods are here, right now, so we don't need a time machine."

He began to sketch a few circles on the floor with his chalk, precisely measured, and to include sigils and scrawls along their edges. "Now, then-what's the symbols of those two? Please, don't speak their names until I've etched this out-just use 'him' and 'her'--no sense warning them in advance."

"What are you going to do? Gods can't be summoned and bound like common demons." Sareau chided.

"That would be an odd epithet, Mr. Sareau." Whately growled. "I'm not going to summon them-they're already here. I'm going to set up a circle of protection, then get their attention in a vulgar manner--I think if they're irate they won't guard their words as carefully.

"We'll soon get to the core of this-Now, Mr. Moyle, describe their symbols, please..."

Sareau bristled, then felt the icy hand of Ken Marcus on his shoulder. "Boss, calm down...these are gods."

"Yes, yes-so's Daddy." Sareau brushed off the comment casually. "I don't want Papau biting off more than he can chew, but he seems intent..."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The cottage was a simple, humble affair, it's sole occupant huming tunelessly over her kettle, resting on glowing coals. Her eyes were red from the dim smoke as she chanted over a bowl holding a severed hand, her will focussed entirely upon it.

I need that, Madam

She looked up and saw the shadows and moonlight swirl and resolve into an empty suit of eveningwear. "Begone, spirit-I shall have no truck with ye."

I think you will The sleeve rose up and the glove at the open end grasped the brim of the top hat it removed then set aside. There are so few countries that still indulge in hanging to remove unwanted citizenry...and fewer still that hang for murder

"'Twas this your killer, spirit?" Her red-rimmed eyes glared. A raven croaked before hopping in, and leaping to perch on her shoulder. "Nay-you are far older than this clay..."

I need that hand of glory, old woman

"I intend it for my grandson, spirit-it is not for you."

Pfeh the sound was precise. Look to your cauldron and see It would be the death of your grandson He could not hold that which he would steal and would die for his trouble

Her gaze wandered over the surface of her boiling kettle where she saw something very like the ghost described.

"Ill-met, ill-met." she gasped. "Yet he would be a thief still, and such a petty success his career...unless you would offer a bargain?"

I have not come to parlay I am here to menace You will give me what I seek or I shall claim not merely your life, but those of your family and friends long before I claim you You will know every small detail from me before I take you...

"I am a witch..."

Your power is in making and brewing You could not stop me from any course I decided upon

Her brow furrowed and thick eyebrows bobbed up and down as she thought. "Perhaps, spirit...perhaps not. Why would you require such a talisman as this Hand of Glory?"

I am bound to service, madame My master would make a scarecrow and that would light it's head

She laughed until she had to spit up some dislodged mucus. "An animate scarecrow? And what purpose would that serve?"

My master has Mother Rigby's journals

"Ah." she nodded, then hobbled to her shelves. "Come then-for Mother Rigby, I shall give the Hand-even prepare it so it may serve you best, rather than serve as a thief's talisman. That is done, then-now ye shall barter with me."

She took down a matchbox and removed one of three matches within. "These light with the fires of Hell itself, spirit-the last shall light my pyre, but I may do as I like with the others. One I shall give ye, to light the Hand I shall make for your fell purpose, and ye shall give me one service..."

The suit leaned forward. Name it and I shall consider your words

"My grandson-he would be a thief, like unto ye and your master. Take him as apprentice, spirit. Make a great thief of him and I shall give ye this match."

I shall mark him The ghost replied, it's tone indicating it would not budge from this point. Once he bears my mark he will be mine

"Then ye shall tend him as if he were your most prized possession."

He will need training

"Ye will give it to your apprentice."

He will be bound to serve as I do...my master forms an army

"He craves such." She held out the match.

The glove produced a white card and placed it on the table. Burn this when the Hand is ready I shall come for Hand, match, and your grandson then

She leered, and bent to her work, surrounded only by shadows and moonlight...

"Gods damnit...."muttered the Twins, who then reached to their necks, grabbed their pendants, then pulled them over their heads and placed them on the ground.
"Mine is his, Goltia's is hers,"said Josh, already regretting giving up his pendant.

-------------------------------------

"Killing a God is easier then the legends make out Rathma,"said Auron.

Kyzburg sighed, his electronic eye spinning so fast it was nothing more than a blue blur in his eye socket. His patience was now exhausted, and now lacked the inclination to explain to his egotistic righteous students and the magic laced Whately to point out that time travel had nothing to do with it. Simply hop over to the diemension from which the gods drew their power and you could have as long a chat as you like. A rather handy venture, especially if you threw a suitcase nuke into their lair and blew up the souce of their power...

Smiling slightly at fond memories he reclined once more, flicking his hand dissmissivly at Whatelys comment and watching him scrabble away with his archaic magic.

"Not really," replied Rathma as he snapped his fingers and suddenly appeared behind Auron. "Take Imperial Fungi for example. The Fungi were focused around their god, the Fungi God as we called it. We sent in the 87th Ranger Battalion to kill the Fungi god and not a single Ranger from the the 87th survived. It turned out it that the 87th had underestimated it," explained Rathma. "Then I myself ventured in with a single platoon. First we had to remove the loyalists with it. Then, I move for the kill. The bastard didn't wanted to die so easily but the moment he dropped his guard for a second, I used it and killed him quickly," concluded Rathma as his cybernetic feet tapped the floor. "To kill a god, you need to thorughly kill it. After the war I heard Lucus got infected with something quite powerful. At first it was believed to be a virus but it hid itself well. After being informed that he came here, I posed as a teacher and arrived in the school," he contiuned as it felt like an old war story.

"Eventually the infection became violent and attacked..." he suddenly stopped for a moment and gave it a thought. "...and attacked my brother and myself. It turned out that the god had survived in spirit form but lacked the required host. After a long and bloody battle, we bought it down into it's natural form and blasted the head off. With napalm plugged into the host, the soul dies from its natural enemy," he added wondering if they really knew what was going on.

"Npw, then-you stay in the Circle of Rama, Mr. Moyle-it's inviolate so long as you fast. The rest of you, get in this one-the gods may be a tad upset, and this circle is geared to them in particular. It should keep you safe, and I shall do my best to avoid irritating them to the point of destroying the station. Now..."

He began to chant in some pre-Aryan tongue, calling upon Yama-Who-is-Death to separate his Veil long enough for Minerva to speak. Oddly, he did not exhort or plead as is typical in these dealings, but the syllables rippled across the Divine Manifestation rhythm. The Fallen Gods could not help but take notice. Years of experience had taught Whately how to offend the Divine as only an undead sorceror could...

Sareau extended his senses fropm within the circle. "Kep aware, Cam--we know little of these gods."

"You sure about this, Boss?"

"No, but Pap-Prof. Whately is>"

Minerva spoke all right. What did she say?
"AURON! I'M GONNA RIP YOUR FRAKKING HEAD OFF!!!!!!!!!"
She then began to try to widen the gap in Death's dark veil so she could escape.


"Mother of Chaos...." muttered Auron, before vanishing into the shadows. He then reappeared in the med bay, with his sword drawn and pointed directly at Whately's throat.
"What. The. Frak. Are you DOING?!" shouted Auron, the shadows in the med bay grouping around his sword.

Kyzburg ran his eye over Auron, detected the usual sub-diemensional forces playing havoc with usual physics and most importantly realising Auron had been one of the figures in the stations Hanger, pulling out a long rifle shaped device with what seemed to be a tuning fork rather than a barrel from a slot in his chair he frowned and said incredulously, "This? Is a god?"

As the pair of gods vanished before his eyes, Rathma felt enraged as he felt his hand was slowly starting to vanish. He had seen this happened before during the Union Uprising in 2005. Prehaps somebody needed him for something. If Delphina had listened carefully, she could hear Rathma's name being whispered by a familiar voice.

"Head to the medical bay," stated Rathma as he suddenly vanished into nothing.

Shortly...

Rathma felt himself find the source of the voice as he appeared in the medical bay. He glanced about and found Blackett and Lucus looking at him while holding a flag. It made Rathma's eyes grow a bit as he remembered the flag. It was the purposed flag that would be used for Free Union. It was only a rumour, but, if you held great faith in Rathma, held the sacred flag and believed in him, you can summon him to the cause. Lucus opened his eyes as his torso was exposed but it had a few cybernetic implants from where the Fungi infection had concentrated.

"Why was I summoned?" snapped Rathma as 367 gainned his attention.

"We have unusal supernatural readings coming from inside the school," started 367 as Rathma realised it was Auron and the other god. "If something was to happen, the school could be tipped out of orbit and head into the earth or explode,"

"I'll be back," he smiled emotionlessly as he left.

Rathma kept his side arm in its holister as he walked through the medical bays and finally arrive near the room. At first he thought about jumping into the room but he thought it might be wise to wait and see what happens. He looked about carefully before placing a small device against the side of the wall. He then came to the thinist point of the wall and just listened to the conversation going on. He only hope the gods inside wouldn't do something stupid or give his position away.

Whately watched amusedly. "Think we got his attention?" he asked no one in particular.

"Papau, what the hell did you do?" Sareau held an arm over his eyeslits, warping space around himself and Ken Marcus, who stared, ice spear ready.

"I figured Minerva would draw Auron and Aerith." Whately whispered huskily. "Now that she's here, we can impose a certain order-but it's certainly more fun to watch her expend vital energies trying to escape the inescapable. Of course, once Auron tries to stop her from leaving the Death Realm, he'll be weak enough we can parlay as well.

"Gods are such children."

Minerva continued to pound against the walls of death for about 5 seconds, before stopping, thinking, then using her still-godly powers to summon spears of light inside the med bay to impale all inside it. Most of them were stopped by the various barriers in the room, although 3 managed to impale Auron. Grunting in pain, Auron dropped his sword, then grabbed the spears and ripped them out of his body one by one.
"Minerva....I think Death has do a number on you,"said Auron, showing no signs of being impaled about 3 seconds earlier.
"Auron....I'm gonna kill you,"said Minerva, before slamming all her energy against the walls of death, to no avail.
"Sister, enough,"said Aerith, stepping out from behind Auron, then placing her hand against death's veil and mending the rift. Turning to Kyzburg, she then said:" Put your toy away, before I turn you into a frog." Meanwhile, Auron had by now picked his sword back up and again had it at Whately's throat.
"You have any idea what she could of done if resurrected?"

OOC: OK, I know that i already said that we should keep this on the Jolt Forum, but people from NS can't seem to log in unless their come through the NS game site. So, I say that we reboot this on the NS site forum. All those in favour?

OOC: You realise how many noobs we'll get?

Kyzburg didn't even blink, in the face of divine intervention, being turned into a frog, and shard of light bouncing of his sheild, he pulled the trigger.

No one died, no one was hurt, gods didn't spontaneously shrivel into dust; instead, a secure sub-diemensional field enveloped him and his chair projecting from the weapons tip which had begun to hum loudly, it was not visible, but could be clearly felt by those intune with the "other" forces. Safely inside it where no gods could get him nor project their power he glared at Aerith, tapping his finger against a dial currently set to "minimum" he said nothing. If it came to it he'd raise it's power and cut of evey source of magic, force, telekinetic and all that other nonsense out of this room; and if Josh and his sister started screaming too bad.

His electronic eye played a red beam of light across her, science facing off against magic as it were.

"Whately can we move this along to the intended point of having the kids guardians here before they attempt to kill us for the sheer hell of it."

(OOC: You can still log in if you go to the "URL CHANGES ANNOUNCEMENT" Link at the top of the International Incidents forum, that's how I managed to get back here; it's a pain, but works. And yes the NS forums will be filled with noobs. I for one am for staying here.)

((OOC:This was addressed previously in the OOC thread-where it belongs, BTW-by some brilliant and far-sighted genius who was shouted down. I've had no problem getting here, but I've also bookmarked it. If we should change venues, I'll adjust-just keep me informed))

Whately looked almost bored as he sleepily regarded Aerith. "Actually, no-I've never heard of any of your pantheon before. However, she'll doubtless give you lots of trouble as you seek to obtain a Cosmic Balance that still leaves you top dog." he yawned, then and smacked his lips.

"Now, then-since that aperture will only open wider if I stop holding it at a pinprick with my will, perhaps you'd like to tell us all why you've elected to play your little games here, with my students. Mr. and Ms. Moyle really have better things to do than act out your deviant power struggle.

"For one thing, they both have papers due, and this little diversion is not affecting their deadline one whit. They bear a curse from the apkallu and next week is the Sadie Hawkins' Dance. Do you really think they've time to be your puppets as well?"

Sareau groaned and buried his head in his hand. "Sadie Hawkins..."

Ken patted him on the shoulder. "Don't worry, Boss-we'll either go stag or knock off a bank..."

"Like I told Rathma, We are just watching. Making sure that nothing universe-ending happens,"said Aerith, before smiling.
"I think its time to go,"said Auron, before stepping into a shadow and vanishing. Aerith shook her head, then she too vanished. Josh, Grace and Goltia stood there, in shock. But not because of the sudden appearance of their Gods.
"Dance?!" said the Twins, before having similar reactions. That being fainting.

"Oh, honestly-Sadie Hawkins is a tradition." Prof. Whately huffed, somewhat piqued. He glared at the tiny window where Minerva fumed. "If you've nothing to say, I'll be sealing this up now..."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Reverend Fletcher was most pleased-Volunteers for the Soldier of the Lord program were lining up, though the man he was told to contact largely vetoed several on grounds of age. Still, they could go forth, aid in neighborhood watches, bring food to the hungry, bring the Word to the lost. His soldiers would spread, be his eyes and ears, and when the Word communicated through His angel to His Most Faithful Servant, Fletcher would be His Mouth and pass it on to the world.

Those few that the man approved were taken to private lands, deep in the Oklahoma desert, where Reverend Fletcher had been moved to make property purchases by the Lord, who spoke to him through His angel even now. These few chosen were taken, and tested, and trained, so none had yet returned, but the angel had complete faith in the man Janos, so Reverend Fletcher did as well.

He couldn't wait for his first returns on the program...

Minerva fumed as the window was sealed. She didn't like being dead, and was hoping that Whately was another idiot who wanted to resurrect her. But she would be back.

"Josh. Josh. JOSH!" shouted Grace, slapping Josh across the face.
Ow! What?!" said Josh, sitting up.
"You fainted. And besides, I wanna talk about the dance," said Grace.
"Oh gods. You know I can't dance," whined Josh.
"Yes you can. And you are going to the dance, and thats final," said Grace, using what most would call a commanding voice. That, combined with a glare that would of melted steel, had Josh rather quickly telling her that he would go to the dance.

"A dance?" muttered Rathma to himself as he picked up his things and retreated back to Lucus medical bay. He found the boy alive and well as Blackett and 367 all looked at him wondering what had happened. "Everything went fine. I also found out that there's a school ball or school dance of some kind coming up," he said.

"Dancing?" said a shocked Lucus as he had never learned how to dance.

"Yeah we teach you how to dance and you pick the girls up from the ball," joked Blackett as the others got a laugh but Lucus blushed.

"Com'n leave the boy alone," started Rathma. "We all started somewhere and it's only fair he starts at the end of year ball," he joked as Lucus threw his pillow at him.

"Seriously tho," stated Blackett. "Do you know how to dance?"

Lucus was quiet as he shaked his head in shame.

"Awww..." Blackett and Rathma said together as they laughed.

"Rathma and Blackett should be able to teach you how to dance since their records state they've being to at least one ball in their life," stated 367.

"Most of them were military balls mind you," said Rathma.

"Ballroom dancing will be easy for you to learn," smiled Blackett. "Besides, there might be a teacher prepared for it. If not, we'll take it in turn in teaching you,"

"A dance?" muttered Rathma to himself as he picked up his things and retreated back to Lucus medical bay. He found the boy alive and well as Blackett and 367 all looked at him wondering what had happened. "Everything went fine. I also found out that there's a school ball or school dance of some kind coming up," he said.

"Dancing?" said a shocked Lucus as he had never learned how to dance.

"Yeah we teach you how to dance and you pick the girls up from the ball," joked Blackett as the others got a laugh but Lucus blushed.

"Com'n leave the boy alone," started Rathma. "We all started somewhere and it's only fair he starts at the end of year ball," he joked as Lucus threw his pillow at him.

"Seriously tho," stated Blackett. "Do you know how to dance?"

Lucus was quiet as he shaked his head in shame.

"Awww..." Blackett and Rathma said together as they laughed.

"Rathma and Blackett should be able to teach you how to dance since their records state they've being to at least one ball in their life," stated 367.

"Most of them were military balls mind you," said Rathma.

"Ballroom dancing will be easy for you to learn," smiled Blackett. "Besides, there might be a teacher prepared for it. If not, we'll take it in turn in teaching you,"
Hmph," Delphina said, popping up behind the two. "As if two men could properly teach someone to dance," she tutted, smiling bemusedly at Lucus. "What do you say?" she asked, assured of the answer. "Care to be your teacher's escort to the dance?" Delphina asked bravely.

----------------------

Mathieu had heard of Sadie Hawkins, and were it not for his Shocking Episode, might have had a date to one. Now, though, he had Goltia beside him, and he wondered how to steer the conversation towards that.

"D-do you know how to dance?" he asked hesitantly, hearing some others speaking of actual dancing to be required. He smiled meekly.

"Why yes I do Mathieu,"said Goltia, turning to Mathieu and smiling.
"Would you like to go to the dance with me Mathieu?" she asked, giggling slightly.

"Why yes I do Mathieu,"said Goltia, turning to Mathieu and smiling.
"Would you like to go to the dance with me Mathieu?" she asked, giggling slightly.
"Y-yes, I would," Mathieu said bashfully, his hair turning staticy. Her giggle made his heart leap as he stared into her eyes.

Those words went through Blackett, Rathma's and 367 ears as Lucus just shaked his head at Delphina. Of all the things that could go wrong, this would have to be the number one thing you don't ask in front of another professor and two other people. Rathma turned from a joking face to a serious face as he looked at Delphina and then at Lucus. He sighed for a moment as he felt he should do something about the relationship. Blackett wondered what would happen as Rathma thought about it for a moment.

"Naturally we don't allow teacher-student relationships to extend from being...well...from being a teacher and nothing more," started Rathma as he read the rules before coming onboard. "I should report this to the Elders of the School because it breaks the rule..." he stated as he noticed Lucus showed signs of becoming upset. "Then again..." he added as he showed an emotionless face. "I was in the same situation as you two are back in 2007 and look where it got me," he said as he showed his wedding ring on his right cybernetic ring finger. "I'm not going to report this for the time being. However," he stated firmly as hope could be sense from Rathma's emotionless face. "Since I'll never be able to have you two seperated, I'm going to set some conditions and if you break any, there'll be no second chances," he stated as Lucus nodded as a sign of relief. "This can only exist in your private life and not in the classroom. I will not tolerate Professor Davois favouring Lucus for any reason in any subject. Lastly, I won't be able to intervine if your caught by any other teacher," he stated firmly as Lucus gulped gently. "Is that understood Professor Davis?" Rathma asked her firmly.

"Y-yes, I would," Mathieu said bashfully, his hair turning staticy. Her giggle made his heart leap as he stared into her eyes.

"Good," said Goltia, giggling more and playfully poking Mathieu on the nose.

"Mr. Moyle, unless you'd care to become Lord of the Fourth Heaven, you may go." Prof. Whately instructed him. "Mr. Sareau, Mr. Marcus-you may return to your dorm. No need to be here." With a tip of his hat, Prof. Whately walked out of the room, pausing at the doorway.

"By the way, Mr. Sareau-I should like you to research the apkallu-the beast will have to be placated, and I may as well dump that in your lap."

"Gee, thanks" Sareau grumbled. "Friggin' dumbasses come to class late, attack the speaker without protection, then it's up to me...should let them all rot..."he muttered, sweeping into the hall with Ken following in his wake...

Josh rather hurriedly moved away from the circle, then coughed and then walked out of the Med Bay.

Meanwhile, Templar walked into a hanger bay to see a shuttle landing. Walking up, he said:" This my shipment mate?"
"For one Markus Templar, yes,"said the man walking towards the shuttle.
"Right. I need that stuff moved to my classroom. The storage room there, if you will,"said Templar, before walking up and picking up a white barrel from the shuttle, then walking with it towards his classroom.

Those words went through Blackett, Rathma's and 367 ears as Lucus just shaked his head at Delphina. Of all the things that could go wrong, this would have to be the number one thing you don't ask in front of another professor and two other people. Rathma turned from a joking face to a serious face as he looked at Delphina and then at Lucus. He sighed for a moment as he felt he should do something about the relationship. Blackett wondered what would happen as Rathma thought about it for a moment.

"Naturally we don't allow teacher-student relationships to extend from being...well...from being a teacher and nothing more," started Rathma as he read the rules before coming onboard. "I should report this to the Elders of the School because it breaks the rule..." he stated as he noticed Lucus showed signs of becoming upset. "Then again..." he added as he showed an emotionless face. "I was in the same situation as you two are back in 2007 and look where it got me," he said as he showed his wedding ring on his right cybernetic ring finger. "I'm not going to report this for the time being. However," he stated firmly as hope could be sense from Rathma's emotionless face. "Since I'll never be able to have you two seperated, I'm going to set some conditions and if you break any, there'll be no second chances," he stated as Lucus nodded as a sign of relief. "This can only exist in your private life and not in the classroom. I will not tolerate Professor Davois favouring Lucus for any reason in any subject. Lastly, I won't be able to intervine if your caught by any other teacher," he stated firmly as Lucus gulped gently. "Is that understood Professor Davis?" Rathma asked her firmly.

"Of course I understand," Delphina said softly. "I'd never do anything to jeapardize this school. And I've always conducted myself professionally in the classroom."

"Good," said Goltia, giggling more and playfully poking Mathieu on the nose.

Mathieu smiled in return as he curled an arm around Goltia's waist. "Um...I kinda...don't know how to dance," he said meekly.

"Geez...Better learn fast, then,"said Goltia, smiling."Ask one of the teachers. They might help."

"Geez...Better learn fast, then,"said Goltia, smiling."Ask one of the teachers. They might help."
Mathieu looked over at them, then back to Goltia. "I'd rather learn from you," he blushed slightly.

"Oh....Why didn't you say so?" said Goltia, before grabbing Mathieu's hand and leading him out of the Med Bay.

"That's good you know where it stands," concluded Rathma as he glanced over at Lucus who was still looking in shame. "Well?" he asked him as Lucus looked up at hi nervously.

"I...I understand what I..." started Lucus.

"I know you know that," interuppted Rathma. "But, Delphina just asked you to the ball," he said as Lucus was lost for words. "Are you going to take her? If not I'm sure somebody else is willing to take her," he offered.

"Listen mate, if your not going to take her I will," joked Blackett teasing Lucus to hurry up with the answer.

"No way sir," replied Lucus sharply. "I'll be honoured to escort you to the ball," answered Lucus nervously as he was relieved of the worry he had when their relationship was discovered by Rathma. "Err...is it...err possible that someone can teach me how to dance?" he asked nervously.

"I can teach you how to dance," offered Rathma. "Unless Delphina can teach you," he said.

Whately was dimly pleased. Ah well-if drawing down an ancient from before recorded history could not stymie the students, the prospect of a dance always brought out that tinge of fear that made them alert.

Things did not please hiim overall, though-strange gods were at work and had revealed nothing of their machinations. The students still bound together into cliques rather than a cohesive whole-as instructor in teamwork, this was seen as a failing on his part, and one he would need to correct. Perhaps a simulation was in order...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sareau pored over transcriptions of ancient texts he found on the 'Net. The apkallu were mentioned but briefly, going from odd merfolk similar to the Deep Ones, who gave the civilisatioons of Ur and Sumer their technology, to avian demon-spirits rumored to have been sent by the gods to give the ancients the rudiments of their civilisation. Later texts were worthless, obviously accounts several times removedand chock-full of misconceptions and addons, but the earlier texts...

The apkallu were animals who thought like men, not demons, spirits, or what-have-you. The presence of the divine was not there. UFOlogists had likened the myth to First Contacts, but people often glommed onto vague myth to uphold their own opinions.

One thing was certain-the apkallu had walked among the early civilisations of the Tigris and Euphrates, and they seemed to wish all humanity well. Sareau suspected his grandfather had forced the issue-created a threat to bind the students together, as the curse was unlike them. Then again, so many empty centuries doing good without so much as a thank you would have grated on even a benign entity, and then to summon one only to attack...

He dismissed his thoughts. Prof. Whately had handed him this assignment for a reason, so letting the curse wipe them put, though tempting, was not the answer...

"Actually I need to get going," stated Rathma as he glanced at Blackett. "I've handed in my resigination and I'm leaving the school. My talents are in short supply back home and I'm more than eager to go back into combat. I'll be back for two days next year but only to make sure the next teacher is up to shape," he added. "So I'm going to pack my things so I don't have much to do before we all leave," he smiled as he left with Blackett and 367 at his heel.

"Sir," called out Lucus as Rathma stopped to look at him. "Who's taking over then?"

"The Vamperial Order is already going through some professor's and you'll know next year so nothing to worry about," smiled Rathma as he decided to put a bit of cheek in. "Besides, you got Delphina and the ball to worry about," he added as Blackett and Rathma got a smile as the trio (including 367) walked towards Ratham's Office to pack his few things.


OOC: Ordo Drakul, if you wish for another simulation, you'll need to chat to Rathma about it.

"That's good you know where it stands," concluded Rathma as he glanced over at Lucus who was still looking in shame. "Well?" he asked him as Lucus looked up at hi nervously.

"I...I understand what I..." started Lucus.

"I know you know that," interuppted Rathma. "But, Delphina just asked you to the ball," he said as Lucus was lost for words. "Are you going to take her? If not I'm sure somebody else is willing to take her," he offered.

"Listen mate, if your not going to take her I will," joked Blackett teasing Lucus to hurry up with the answer.

"No way sir," replied Lucus sharply. "I'll be honoured to escort you to the ball," answered Lucus nervously as he was relieved of the worry he had when their relationship was discovered by Rathma. "Err...is it...err possible that someone can teach me how to dance?" he asked nervously.

"I can teach you how to dance," offered Rathma. "Unless Delphina can teach you," he said.
"I said it once, leaving the teaching of grace to men is just inviting trouble," she tutted to Rathma, her smile showing she meant no malice. Delphina offered her hand to Lucus, "Ready for a dance lesson?"

----------------

Mathieu smiled bashfully at Goltia.

"It's just, the last time my school had a dance...I zapped my date when she tried to teach me," he chuckled. "I swear, I won't do that, though!" he held up his right hand, "Honest, I got it under control...I think," he muttered the last part.

"Come on, you've zapped me before and I'm still standing,"said Goltia, chuckling a little before pulling Mathieu into a empty classroom. Looking around, she smiled, then turned to Mathieu and said:"Right then. I only know how to waltz, so thats all your gonna learn, ok?"

OOC: FYI: I can't dance myself

"Sadie Hawkins?" Kyzburg muttered to himself whilst rubbing the bridge of his nose, "I sometimes wonder if I picked the wrong diemension to live in..." Leaving the medical bay he joined up with Gee who had been wandering aimlessly around teh school after doing Kyzburgs errands.

"Well?" Gee asked impatiently.
"Gods, demons, pixie dust and bad tempered students." Kyzburg muttered.
Gee sighed, "Yes I know, you hate gods, and magic."
"I can handle the gods" Kyzburg retorted as he entered his classroom, "It's the self righteous students I want to kill." He slid himself out of his chair, stretching as he felt the last of his spinal discs slip back into place; stomping over to his desk his boots caused a resonating banging sound. Gee rolled his eyes.
"Well at least we got a taste for it before term ends... theres a prom isn't there?"
"Yes... not entirely sure what it consists of..." He sat behind his desk, putting his feat up, and began turning over his unimaginitivly "anti-god" gun pondering it.
"Are we coming back next year?" Gee asked taking a seat.
"Yes....." Kyzburg replied distantly.
"Are you going to teach the same thing?"
"Hmmm... I wonder if theres space in the engineering room..."
"What?"
"Could I make a bigger version of this." Kyzburg said to himself flicking the ariel of the device he held
"Ahh... Drake? Mate?"
"Wouldn't it be nice if we just... pushed it all out?"
"What? The magic?"
"Yes.... puft" He waved his other hand for a moment, before seeming to come back to earth, "Go into the more remote parts of the station for me will you and find out where the generators and boilers are and such, life support to..."
"Ahh...."
"Consider it homework."

Gee opened his mouth and then decided it was better to say nothing, leaving the classroom Kyzburg pondered momentarily on a small crack in the ceiling before walking over to a trapezoid metal sheet, switching it on it became a door way to a room resembling a laboratory of sorts; he stepped through leaving it open to browse through his workshop...

"Come on, you've zapped me before and I'm still standing,"said Goltia, chuckling a little before pulling Mathieu into a empty classroom. Looking around, she smiled, then turned to Mathieu and said:"Right then. I only know how to waltz, so thats all your gonna learn, ok?"

OOC: FYI: I can't dance myself
"Ehehe, I guess I have," Mathieu smiled. He looked into her eyes as she told him, "That's fine with me...something is better than nothing," Mathieu chuckled, his hands clumsy as he tried to remember how to hold a partner. "Like this, right?" he asked her.

"I said it once, leaving the teaching of grace to men is just inviting trouble," she tutted to Rathma, her smile showing she meant no malice. Delphina offered her hand to Lucus, "Ready for a dance lesson?"




"Sure," replied Lucus as he felt relived about Delphina teaching him as he took her hand.

"I think we'll leave you two alone," said Rathma as he and Blackett left the medi-bay. 367 on the other hand looked at Lucus and Delphina for a moment.

"I believe the pair of you should find another room," started 367. "A medical bay shouldn't be used as a dancing room. Try the arena then," concluded 367 as he left.

"Well..." started Lucus as he looked at Delphina. "Can we start?" he asked.

"Sure," replied Lucus as he felt relived about Delphina teaching him as he took her hand.

"I think we'll leave you two alone," said Rathma as he and Blackett left the medi-bay. 367 on the other hand looked at Lucus and Delphina for a moment.

"I believe the pair of you should find another room," started 367. "A medical bay shouldn't be used as a dancing room. Try the arena then," concluded 367 as he left.

"Well..." started Lucus as he looked at Delphina. "Can we start?" he asked.
"Of course," Delphina smiled, leading Lucus on to the arena. "Lucus...that illusion you made, can it recreate anything?" she asked as they entered.

"I didn't create it," answered Lucus wondering what could be done. "But I do know how it work," he smiled. Lucus hurried off to where the master controls were and punched in a few things. he looked up as the arena changed from being dull to the fantastic ballroom in the Vamperial Temple. The floor was made of marble and it was shining enough to see one's reflection...just.

"Is that what you mean?" Lucus asked her.

"I didn't create it," answered Lucus wondering what could be done. "But I do know how it work," he smiled. Lucus hurried off to where the master controls were and punched in a few things. he looked up as the arena changed from being dull to the fantastic ballroom in the Vamperial Temple. The floor was made of marble and it was shining enough to see one's reflection...just.

"Is that what you mean?" Lucus asked her.
"Yes...if I tell you the place, can it be recreated?" she asked, looking around the fabulous ballroom. "Or would you like your first lesson here?" Delphina asks sweetly.

"Sure," replied Lucus knowing that the controls only require the name and not a large amount of detail for the recreation. "What's it called?" he asked as he prepared to punch it in.


OOC: FUS, just say that the Lucus had done so we can get on with it.

"Sure," replied Lucus knowing that the controls only require the name and not a large amount of detail for the recreation. "What's it called?" he asked as he prepared to punch it in.


OOC: FUS, just say that the Lucus had done so we can get on with it.
ooc: ok, sorry. my bad :P

ic:

The scene changed as Delphina gave him the particulars. It was a nice quiet lounge with a nicely-sized dancefloor and draped in a bluish and calming light.

She smiles sweetly at Lucus, "Before you say anything; I never took vows, remember?" she giggled, holding out her hands. "Let's try a slow-dance, okay?" she offered.

"Vows?" started Lucus as he attempted to copy her moves. "Are you suggesting something?" he asked jokingly wondering if she knew where he was taking it. "This might sound like something stupid...but why do I have a feeling we're in your house?" he asked seriously as he tried to keep up with her foot work.



OOC: Ahh yes...ballroom dancing. I remember being taught but we never used ballroom dancing out our yr11/12 Ball.

ooc: she was going to be a nun, remember? vows as in "vows of the clergy"

ic:

Delphina giggled as the music (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzJMTSaAl8g) started to play. She guided him slowly on the dancefloor, counting the steps.

"Well...I rented an apartment above it, actually," she said. "The Blue Heron is a famous jazz club in my hometown," she explained.

"Ehehe, I guess I have," Mathieu smiled. He looked into her eyes as she told him, "That's fine with me...something is better than nothing," Mathieu chuckled, his hands clumsy as he tried to remember how to hold a partner. "Like this, right?" he asked her.

"Almost Mathieu,"said Goltia, shifting his hands a little."Ok, now...One two three...." Goltia then began to lead Mathieu through the dance, softly counting each step.

"Almost Mathieu,"said Goltia, shifting his hands a little."Ok, now...One two three...." Goltia then began to lead Mathieu through the dance, softly counting each step.
Mathieu mouthed the steps with her, looking down to make sure he stepped right, not wanting to step all over her.

Goltia looked in Mathieu's eyes as she danced. She smiled, then continued to dance.

Goltia looked in Mathieu's eyes as she danced. She smiled, then continued to dance.
Mathieu caught her gaze and returned the smile. He leaned in and kissed her cheek, before stepping on her foot.

"Er...sorry," he smiled bashfully.

ooc: she was going to be a nun, remember? vows as in "vows of the clergy"

ic:

Delphina giggled as the music (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzJMTSaAl8g) started to play. She guided him slowly on the dancefloor, counting the steps.

"Well...I rented an apartment above it, actually," she said. "The Blue Heron is a famous jazz club in my hometown," she explained.

"So...you never lived with anyone else?" Lucus asked curiously wondering if she had family to go back to. "Or did you do it just to hear the sweet music?"

Whately sat in his office, watching his black mirror. Upon hearing Professor Davis admit she hadn't taken vows, he rolled his cold, dead eyes. "Ah well-the Church's loss is our pain." he harrumphed.

Finally, he typed in a code to Prof. Kyzberg. "Professor? I'd like to talk to you about preparations for the Sadie Hawkins..."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The young man squatted in the dust outside his grandmother's yurt, waiting for her to finish her Dark Workings. It was rather bored-only descendant of the most lethal witch the muri had known in generations, and him not capable of even the slightest spell. If he could become a Great Thief, though...

Wishing won't make it so, boy

Shadow and moonlight resolved themselves into an empty white suit, fleshed out as if a lithe, limber man wore it.

You dissappoint...but I suppose one works with the materials at hand First... The cane held in a free-floating glove lanced forth, touching the young man in the shoulder.

He tensed and screamed, the sound strangling in his throat.

Oh, do shut up...now, your first task

He was suddenly sealed up in a box and he could hear laughter. Get out of that before you're out of oxygen It's but a short swim to the riverbank, on the other side of these crocodiles...

The box was very small, and he didn't know how he was compressed into it, but he would win out.

It was expected of a Great Thief...

Technically Kyzburg was in an completely different diemension, a diemension so far away that it was impossible for any "local" gods or divinities that would take an interest in him to get to; in fact it was for that exact reason that he'd souht out this place. However, the trans-diemensional doorway to his classroom remained open, allowing him access in and out. Whilst flicking through a large notebook filled with his various scribbilings he received Whately's message.

With most of his personalities still preoccupied with a nagging issue that was bothering him he replied courteously but briefly, "Certainly, do I need to abandon my current endeavours and come and see you? Or would you be kind enough to come to a far away universe located next to my classroom? I do not jest."

That sent he continued flicking through his book untill alighting upon the original designs for his "anti-god" gun. "Ahhh...." he mused to himself.

----------

Gee wandered down a remote hallway, could have been a large maintenance tunnel for all he knew, it certainly appeared to be somewhat unhomely; clean, but clearly not intended for normal living. Eventually he came across a large hatchway, reminding him forcibly of old submarines, trying to turn the handle failed, but a shaft of telekinetic energy through the doors frame solved that problem. Pushing it open he entered tentativly.

----------

(OOC: Is that mirror some kind of watching glass of sorts? I'll assume for now that you've sent him a message.)

"So...you never lived with anyone else?" Lucus asked curiously wondering if she had family to go back to. "Or did you do it just to hear the sweet music?"
"Well, I did live in the dormatories at the orphanage," Delphina smiled sweetly, "But once I got into university, I decided to strike it on my own. I actually served drinks here," she chuckled lightly.

ooc: ordo, how is he hearing her?

Mathieu caught her gaze and returned the smile. He leaned in and kissed her cheek, before stepping on her foot.

"Er...sorry," he smiled bashfully.

"Its ok,"said Goltia, not missing a step."I had to teach Josh how to dance. Now THAT was painful. He had two left feet until Grace showed up. Turns out she taught him how to dance better then I did."

"Its ok,"said Goltia, not missing a step."I had to teach Josh how to dance. Now THAT was painful. He had two left feet until Grace showed up. Turns out she taught him how to dance better then I did."
"Ehehe," MAthieu chuckled, "Well...I'd rather be taught by you than my sister, I'll tell you that," he smiled.

"Well, I did live in the dormatories at the orphanage," Delphina smiled sweetly, "But once I got into university, I decided to strike it on my own. I actually served drinks here," she chuckled lightly.

ooc: ordo, how is he hearing her?


"That would've being nice," replied Lucus as he followed her steps. "It sounds better than what I did before I came here," he said. "What type of drinks did you served?" he asked.

"Ehehe," MAthieu chuckled, "Well...I'd rather be taught by you than my sister, I'll tell you that," he smiled.

"That what Josh said,"said Goltia, smiling back.

"That would've being nice," replied Lucus as he followed her steps. "It sounds better than what I did before I came here," he said. "What type of drinks did you served?" he asked.
"What were you doing?" Delphina asked as the music (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8tRTZIx298) changed. "Drinks? Well...just to list a few; Lemon drop, Buttery Nipple, Cherry Vodka Sour, Cape Cod, Blue Hawaiian, Kamikaze, and Jager-Bomb."

"That what Josh said,"said Goltia, smiling back.
"Hmm...probably because he wanted to do this," Mathieu answered, bending down to kiss Goltia. He surprised himself by continuing to move in rythym with her, sans stepped-on feet.

"My parents enrolled me into the Vamperial Order shortly after one of them discovered my powers," he started as he didn't regret leaving his parents. "It wasn't a bad thing, it was sorta like this school but more practical and little less theorigocial. I was 12 when I enrolled and spent two years in the Order," he explained. "I was classed as an apprentice and after ten months of waiting, Headmaster Phoenix or Professor Phoenix as you know, took me in as a student," he added as Lucus listened to the music. "I like your style of music Delphina," he said as he followed her steps.

"My parents enrolled me into the Vamperial Order shortly after one of them discovered my powers," he started as he didn't regret leaving his parents. "It wasn't a bad thing, it was sorta like this school but more practical and little less theorigocial. I was 12 when I enrolled and spent two years in the Order," he explained. "I was classed as an apprentice and after ten months of waiting, Headmaster Phoenix or Professor Phoenix as you know, took me in as a student," he added as Lucus listened to the music. "I like your style of music Delphina," he said as he followed her steps.
"Oh, I see," Delphina said, their steps light as he caught on, and she smiled down at him. "Thanks, I love this music. So soulful...it touches you at such a deep level, doesn't it?"

"Yeah it does," smiled back Lucus as he was able to keep up with her. "Do you have any plans for the holidays?" he asked her.

"Yeah it does," smiled back Lucus as he was able to keep up with her. "Do you have any plans for the holidays?" he asked her.
"Hmm...not really," Delphina said, her eyes looking into his lovingly, "Perhaps I'll return to the Motherland...San Salvus is lovely at this time of the year."

ooc: to which holiday's are we referring to?

"Hmm...probably because he wanted to do this," Mathieu answered, bending down to kiss Goltia. He surprised himself by continuing to move in rythym with her, sans stepped-on feet.

Goltia kissed back, equalling as surprised by Mathieu. She herself kept in rythem, even when she closed her eyes.

Goltia kissed back, equalling as surprised by Mathieu. She herself kept in rythem, even when she closed her eyes.
He wrapped his arms around her, no longer waltzing as they embraced, swaying with one another.

He wrapped his arms around her, no longer waltzing as they embraced, swaying with one another.

Goltia wrapped her arms around Mathieu's waist and mentally shut out the somewhat insulting comments she was getting from Josh through their link.

"Hmm...not really," Delphina said, her eyes looking into his lovingly, "Perhaps I'll return to the Motherland...San Salvus is lovely at this time of the year."

ooc: to which holiday's are we referring to?

OOC: the one's coming up.

IC:

"Well..." started Lucus as he looked her in the eyes. "I was wondering if you wanted to come back with me to my home? I understand if you want to go back to your home," he said as he danced with her.

OOC: "Scrying" encompasses all senses, though a hedge witch is lucky to get even fleeting clairaudience, Professor Whately is conceivably the most adept practitioner available. While Whately's "black mirror" is a potent representation of a scrying tool, the actual ability itself comes from Prof. Whately, who has had occasion to mention he routinely "eavesdrops" on the station, particularily when his name or his grandson's is mentioned. He's aware of a great deal more on the station than anyone suspects, but for the most part keeps out of private affairs and the like-back when he was a super-villain, he was notorious for this sort of behavior.

IC:

"I'd prefer to collaborate with you on this matter of the gods." Whately whispered from his desk, his words wafting on the Wind Between Worlds to Kyzberg's ear. "While the station does need some defenses, your plan is premature and poorly thought out.

"Certain of the faculty and students harness a great deal of mana, more than adequate to burn out your devices, and from a personal standpoint, I require a certain amount of free-flowing mana to maintain my carcass's animation.

"Let us set up defenses, without tuning out a vast and powerful source. I'd hate to have to set up a second school for the mystically inclined because of some rash action on your part. For one thing, no government could resist keeping it's sticky fingers out of that pie-Why do you think we built this station in the first place?"

Kyzburg frowned, pacing around his desk, even if Whately couldn't see him he gestured as he spoke out of habit, "Premature? Yes. Poorly thought out? Certainly. Hence so far it is... given time..." he paused at his desk again and ran a finger over a diagram, tapping a small detail he resumed his pacing.

"We stand at an interesting cross road, I will not deny that I... am... unpleasent towards the aspects regarding sorcery due to my personal encounters with it..."

He ran a finger down the side of his face in thought, focusing on the input from his eye as he drew up a rough design and then discarded it, "You presume that i'll simply suppress such forces. You are... mistaken... if I were to create such a device everyone would be cut off from their powers... not my problem that everyones suddenly normal but..."

He huffed and sat in his chair, "Obviously the uproar from all the students, staff an including yourself would be immense... a final measure against those... idols perhaps..." He stood up once more and began pacing, talking more forcefully now.

"What do you propose? That we suppress the students via medical agents? I doubt anyone would approve of that, genetically engineer them to be weaker? Easy but again impossible. There are hundreds of possibilities my good man but all of them will encounter resistance due to them being... ahh..."

He stopped in his tracks as he realised something, Whately had inadvertently inspired him...

"My dear fellow" he said smiling to himself, "You need a supply of mana, and I want to keep those magical agents under control... would it not be... appropriate, for the sake of the school of course... if I were to say... build a device that provided the only access point to your so called "vast and powerful source"? I could build a wall if you will around the school that will keep it all out... but include a doorway, for lack of a better word, that enables everyone to keep in contact with their sources of power; and when things go bad, we either close it, or tune it to a specific frequency."

He looked over at the doorway linking him to his classroom, thousands of diemensions away, "After all my good man, your only talking to me through a eight by seven foot hole between our universes and all I have to do is close a single door..."

"At which point I would reroute my voice through other channels." Whately replied. "Magic is a universal force, Prof. Kyzberg-your own devices are more fitting to an alchemist's shop than a pure laboratory. The trappings necessary to convince yourself you aren't as much a magus as I..."

Goltia wrapped her arms around Mathieu's waist and mentally shut out the somewhat insulting comments she was getting from Josh through their link.

Mathieu hugged her close as he kissed her once more, the usual blue static jumping between their lips.

OOC: the one's coming up.

IC:

"Well..." started Lucus as he looked her in the eyes. "I was wondering if you wanted to come back with me to my home? I understand if you want to go back to your home," he said as he danced with her.

ooc: summer holiday's you mean?

ic:

"I've never really been outside my country...investigations don't count," she chuckled lightly. "I'd love to visit your home," Delphina answered, pecking his cheek lightly.

Kyzburg merely laughed, "There are diemensions with gods, those without, those with magic, those with not, those with both, one of each and some with varying powers attributed to either. Conversely, there are places where technology does not work, where the laws of physics are warped and the improbable happens."

"Ignorance is bliss, and bliss leads to a misplaced sense of superiority... I will not drop down to a level whereby we resort to arguing about what is more commendable; magic or technology... In the end, my knowledge of... magic... extends no further than the bare minimum I need to force it into to do whatever I need to do."

"Conversely you have an expansive knowledge of magic and I suspect a very basic grasp of technological methods. Neither of us is better than the other, we are merely different."

"Rather than berate each other for me playing with a pack of cards, a top hat and a magic wand, and I lamenting your ineptitude with a childs chemistry set. Why do we not simply exchange our skills to acheive a joint goal. You have a knowledge of the other realms which I cannot, nor wish to, understand, and I have the means by which to capture, block, store, amplify and preferentially distribute this power of yours. So, shall we enlist each others help or not?"

Mathieu hugged her close as he kissed her once more, the usual blue static jumping between their lips.



Goltia felt the energy flow into her, but ignored it. All she cared about at the moment was Mathieu, as she continued to kiss him.

Goltia felt the energy flow into her, but ignored it. All she cared about at the moment was Mathieu, as she continued to kiss him.
Mathieu pulled back slightly, smiling down at Goltia.

"We're not dancing anymore..." he chuckles, leaning down to kiss her again.

Mathieu pulled back slightly, smiling down at Goltia.

"We're not dancing anymore..." he chuckles, leaning down to kiss her again.

"And? You've got the hang of it..."said Goltia, returning his kiss.

"I've never really been outside my country...investigations don't count," she chuckled lightly. "I'd love to visit your home," Delphina answered, pecking his cheek lightly.


OOC: Yeah the summer holidays.

IC:

"That'll be great," smiled Lucus as he danced with her for a while. For a short moment, Lucus kissed her gently on the lips. "Thanks for teaching me to dance," he added quickly.

Delphina chuckled, caressing his cheek.

"Want to learn another?" she asked, as the dance changed to a slow waltz.

"And? You've got the hang of it..."said Goltia, returning his kiss.
Mathieu couldn't argue with that as he kissed her back.

Mathieu couldn't argue with that as he kissed her back.

Goltia hands moved from Mathieus back to his hands, while deepening their kiss.

"Is it a slow move or a quick one?" he asked in a soft voice as he stroked her hair for a moment.

"Please, Professor-Science is a way of talking about the universe in an attempt to bind it into a common reality. Magic is a way of talking to the universe in terms it cannot help but respond to. The two are not mutually exclusive, and bot hexist no matter what reality one has wandered into. Magic knocks but once, however, and if one does not answer, that door is sealed. There are sad realms where no one answers, but rarely longer than a generation or two.

"However, that is neither here nor there. I cannot have you endanger my existance by eradicating Magic, however temporarily, from this station, so I must, of necessity, aid you as I may. Bear in mind, magic is a power our students will be utilizing, so we will want safety protocols and perhaps power level caps, but not an overall disenchantment.

"I shall research the required circles and talismans in my office. You may come whenever you are finished with your own preparations."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sareau and Marcus hovered over their work in their rooms. The scarecrow had been constructed of wood taken from Sareau's toys, mostly his rocking horse. The clothing cast over the wooden frame was the finest found in the cabinets at Sareau's home-old evening wear his step-father no longer fit into. The pumpkin had been taken from the crisper and placed carefully on the wooden shoulders.

"Now..." Sareau ran a gloved finger down the fragile page of Mother Rigby's grimoire. "All that is left is the candle and the flame..."

Done, my lord

Ken jumped. "Jeezus-you could knock first!"

Sareau looked at the Ghost, holding a wizened hand, preserved in wax rendered from the owner's own fat. "Spirit-Is that?"

It is Especially constructed for this my lord Better there is more

The ghostly suit produced a single match. This will invoke the very fires of Hell

"Well, then-best get a wiggle on..." Sareau picked up the book. "Prepare the candle-on my signal, place it in the pumpkin. On my next, light it."

Receiving a bobbing of the top hat hovering over the spirit's collar, Sareau opened the grimoire and began to read: "Our Father, who wert in Heaven,..."

Kyzburg closed his eyes for a moment before replying, "The designs will be done soon enough, the actual construction... that will be an affair to be over taken over the summer; probably best, no interference; i'll come see you once the designs done and we'll reference each others particular... area of work."

Kyzburg sat down before his desk and gazed at the designs, his mind however wandered somewhere else; pondering Whately's words. Whately was indeed knowledgable on the subject they had briefly touched upon, but Kyzburg couldn't suppress a small smile as he began to note down his ideas as the perception formed that Whately had not yet embraced a truly holistic view of the collossal infinity of the intertangled universes, realities, diemensions, planes of existance and so on which spanned endlessly across... well, everything.

He smiled, making a note to maybe introduce Whately to a more comprehensive view of the universe. Someone such as Whately he presumed would be intrigued at the existance of places where science failed or magic was all there was; the idea that both existed in the presence of other was, in Kyzburgs experience, utterly wrong.

----------

Gee had arrived before a large secure door, on Kyzburgs orders he had made his way deep into the school where the stations operational equiptment was kept. The door was locked, but a brief, and painful, ray of his concentrated kinetic energy was enough to sheer any lock present on the door off. Heaving it open steam swirled around his feet as he entered a vast cavernous room interwoven with rattling pipes and boilers... this was the spot.

"So what should I do over the break?" said Templar, sitting alone in his classroom with Pandora's Box on the desk in front of him. The Box was still, then emitted a whispering sound.
"Yeah, but whats the point of staying up here?" replied Templar, evidently able to talk to the things within the Box. The Box replied with a sharp squeal.
"No, I am not gonna crash the station into the Earth. Bad idea. For one thing, I would be back in Hell. And I don't think I'm gonna get out of there twice"
Clicking, then whispering again.
"Yeah...Maybe heading back to Meridian is a good idea."
Clicking, then a squeal.
"New Meridian? The Orinon Islands? Sounds fun. Maybe there will be some work as well...."