The Alien Wars 6: Da Capo

Session 504

Session Start: Mon Jun 21 15:10:06 2021
Session Ident: #TAW-Session504
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<DeathStar> Yes, come into my parlor, my pretties. Ho ho ho
* DeathStar sets mode: +ooo Alicia ChadWinters` Sara
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<DeathStar> Date: 19,966 2.29 Croza Era
<DeathStar> Date: 19,966 2.28 Croza Era
<DeathStar> Location: Planet That Could be Called the Spirit In Each of Us (roughly Translated)
<DeathStar> *Celes stands outside the small dwelling they have been giving, trying to work on her combat skills with her sword*
<Seraphna> **Talia helps! Having a summoned big scary sword to teach with**
<DeathStar> *Celes seems to be trying to build up muscles, since she lacks most of her innate Hapian abilities*
<Seraphna> Talia> Swing like you is carrying all of Mistress books at once!
<Jackieness> <Lana> *is working in her 'lab' space on her own projects*
<Xanatos> 6* Simon sits outside, just to be near, while studying spirits from the croza's book-like things. Looking for anything that may help them.
<DeathStar> *the large tablet materials float, changing pages to the next subject when needed*
<Seraphna> **Alita reads through one as fast as she can, taking notes**
<Alicia> * Ceilidh is likewise studying, fascinated by the Croza's knowledge base... also she wants to help.
<DeathStar> *Celes wipes her forehead, having indeed cut her hair down to her shoulder length, eyes Talia*
<Sara> * Liana watches Celes
<ChadWinters`> 6Id floats nearby Lana, processing scans/data he's gathered. 1"
<Xanatos> <Simon> I really must figure out how to pull this sort of knowledge back to our time. 6* He notes offhandedly.
<Seraphna> Talia> Doing good! Now swing with the might of 110 books 50 times!
<ChadWinters`> <Id> None of these have a chance to kill us all, do they?
<Seraphna> **Alita is mildly amused**
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Id, has there been any luck on our data gathering attempts?"
<Alicia> * Ceilidh has been taking notes! Copious amounts of them, in fact.
<DeathStar> *Gwen lifts Talia up and puts on her head as Celes continues her sword exercises, soon shrugging her shirt off as she is coated in sweat and leaning on the blade, the strikes becoming sloppier and sloppier*
<DeathStar> *it is clear she lacks the talent Selena has*
<ChadWinters`> <Id> I'm still working on that. I admit, it has been more difficult than we had originally theorized. But to be honest, I have been cautious since there is a chance I any aggressive attempts could light up our location like a beacon.
<Seraphna> Talia> Mew! I'm a good trainer.
<Seraphna> Talia> Next is gonna be the 150 tea and biscuits run.
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Mmm-hmm! Basic hacking... don't let them know where you are." *aises her hand and then gestures, forming a virtual display in front of herself*
<DeathStar> <Gwen> Sadly, the only thing she has going for her is speed.
<ChadWinters`> <Id> Exactly. But I do believe it is possible.
<Seraphna> Talia> Training fix all. She will be a great familiar.
<Sara> * Liana deadpans at Talia
<Alicia> <Ceilidh> "Proxies?"
<Xanatos> <Simon> I could place some buffs upon you if you would like to continue training, Lady Celes.
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Precisely." *extends two fingers and adjusts some of the floating panels around*
<DeathStar> *Celes waves her hand as she takes a seat, realizing she is doing more harm than good after a bit* If it is not my own doing, I imagine it would be no good.
<DeathStar> *Neekito comes out with some food and sets down a tray or some seaoned gray cubes for those outside*
<DeathStar> *then sits down listlessly*
<Alicia> <Ceilidh> "What are these cubes?"
<Seraphna> Talia> Neekito trying spirit cooking on nourishment stuff.
<DeathStar> <Neekito> Ask the Ancient peons. *she notes, in one of her moods*
<DeathStar> <Neekito> I tried some seasoning on them to see if it improves the taste
<ChadWinters`> <Id> I believe if we can scan a Croza while they're talking long distance, we'd be able to narrow down the 'bandwith' of spirit energy that they use to communicate over
<Xanatos> <Simon> Seasoning? 6* He tilts his head curious and tries one.
<Jackieness> <Lana> "We should find some volunteers to work with then."
<DeathStar> *it still has the same bland taste as always, but with a bit of seasoning now. She tried, at least; Simon feels the cube restoring his energy as always*
<Seraphna> **Talia noms one and Alita gulps one down**
<Sara> * Ellie scritches Neekito's ears
<Alicia> * Ceilidh pops one of the cubes into her mouth, tasting it before just swallowing
<Xanatos> <Simon> You've certainly made them better. Thank you Neekito.
<ChadWinters`> <Id> But would any be willing to do so?
<DeathStar> *Neekito leans into the pets and her tail swishes bit, looking in a better mood*
<Alicia> <Ceilidh> "Who knows? They were willing to let us read their entire library, or as much as we can, at least."
<Jackieness> <Lana> "We can but prepare our arguments and then ask." *adjusts her glasses before spreading her arms out, the virtual screens flaring out into a sphere around her*
<DeathStar> *Neekito leans into Ellie as Celes eats one to regain her strength to practice again*
<DeathStar> <Celes> So, Simon
<Xanatos> <Simon> Yes, my lady?
<DeathStar> <Celes> You think we can convince them to let us explore worlds closer to the war?
<DeathStar> <Celes> See spirits and talk to them that are in danger
<Xanatos> <Simon> I'm not certain they trust us. It would be ideal, I need to find more resources for the portal, after all.
<ChadWinters`> <Id> That is fair.
<DeathStar> *she folds her hands* Unless I'm totally wrong and there are a bunch of corrupted Spirits out in the universe right now, I think our Geyze Spirits are all that are left. And it might have something to do with the final days of the war. And maybe something to do with our actions. Maybe our interference with the spirits now made them less corrupt or something - we know some of them were sealed. Are they even looking into that technology? *she muses* And you are right, we need to find more worlds with your resources
<Alicia> <Ceilidh> "If we mention that we might be able to find out about the bad Croza, they might be willing to accept."
<Jackieness> <Lana> "And look at this... application of Croza technical theory with a Lana twist."
<ChadWinters`> <Id> It is impressive as usual
<DeathStar> *Gwen muses* It is weird we never encountered other Spirits - especially now that we can travel the universe
<Xanatos> <Simon> We should certainly ask. The least they can do is tell us no.
<DeathStar> <Gwen> The one time Tora tried to make more, that had disasterous results; something about making too many in one location
<Alicia> <Ceilidh> "I'm with Simon."
<Jackieness> <Lana> *claps her hands together, dismissing the virtual displays, hopping to her feet* "I have a hypothesis!"
<ChadWinters`> <Id> And that would be?
<Xanatos> <Simon> We did encounter the gravity spirit before. But nothing like what Geyze has.
<Seraphna> Talia> I wanna meet a cat spirit!
<Alicia> <Ceilidh> "Maybe the resources aren't available in the future? Or in other places."
<Jackieness> <Lana> "I want the others to hear this." *heads out to join them* "I have a hypothesis to soundboard."
<DeathStar> <Gwen> Yeah, in the past
<ChadWinters`> 6Id floats after
<DeathStar> <Gwen> Did we encoutner such in the present?
<Xanatos> <Simon> I'm...not certain. 6* He blinks and looks to Lana.
<Sara> * Ellie glances between Talia and Neekito
<Xanatos> <Simon> Hypothesis?
<Seraphna> Talia> Well we had a lightning spirit and a plasma spirit and a time spirit, and they're not considered standard I think.
<DeathStar> *Celes looks at Lana, eating cubes*
<DeathStar> *a bit annoying since she was in her own theory talking*
<DeathStar> *annoyed
<Jackieness> <Lana> "The apparent ideology of the renegade Croza has been one of..." *looks at the cubes* "...cubes again?" *shakes her head* "...anyway, an ideology of enhancing their spirits to increase their power."
<Alicia> <Ceilidh> *looks to Celes* "We can compare and synthesise theories, don't worry."
<DeathStar> <Gwen> Well, all I've seen of them so far is the Spirits go insane and they get stronger
<DeathStar> *Gwen shrugs*
<Xanatos> <Simon> Is it increasing their power more so than an increase through instabilitiy?
<Jackieness> <Lana> *points at Gwen "Right, but take a Gravity Spirit... power increased and losing sanity... what do you think will happen to the world under its care? Either squish or the biosphere gets repulsed into space is what I'm thinking."
<ChadWinters`> <Id> The insanity/instability is most likely a by product of the process
<Alicia> * Ceilidh pauses at the phrasing and gets a look of possible realisation. "Oh no."
<Seraphna> **Alita muses** Perhaps the instability is what creates the boost to their power. Yes.
<Seraphna> Alita> Their lack of care or reverence for their own power and responsibility could cause them to channel their power at an increased and simply destructive rate.
<DeathStar> <Celes> You are assuming the world is in danger, mind you
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Most worlds. We know Geyze is spared, but... Kumen is wiped clean."
<Alicia> <Ceilidh> "Even if it's not, it's possible that the instability would be destructive to the spirit themselves."
<DeathStar> <Celes> Take Geyze - Gaia alone could destroy it
<DeathStar> <Celes> Take the other elemental Spirits along with her
<Seraphna> Alita> That is why I think that. The only other world we have witnessed the aftermath of the corruption on is Kumen... and it was spiritless for ages.
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Right... I beleive that the spirits themselves caused their own apocalypse events on their own worlds, with only Geyze spared."
<Xanatos> <Simon> If we get permission, we could go to that gravity planet. But it could be risky for us.
<Xanatos> (gravity spirit)
<Alicia> <Ceilidh> "Why only Geyze? Is it special or... is it because we're here?"
<DeathStar> <Gwen> Maybe, but I think Geyze shows there might be a flaw in Lana's thinking
<DeathStar> <Gwen> If she is right, Geyze having 4 powerful Spirits should super be destroyed
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Again, something is different about Geyze spirits."
<Seraphna> **Alita muses** Well... unless they act to counterbalance one another?
<Xanatos> <Simon> Maybe the bad Croza had a level of control we don't quite understand yet.
<Jackieness> <Lana> "The question is what..."
<ChadWinters`> <Id> It's possible the 4 core spirits are what kept Geyze saved. But it is possible that the Spirits on the other planets became insane from the whatever process they used and they wound up either dying or destroying their own planets.
<Alicia> <Ceilidh> "There could be some other reason it was saved, but looking into the Geyze spirits can't hurt."
<DeathStar> *Celes stands up, putting her top back on over her bra* I believe instead of guessing or theorizing, gaining hard facts would be better.
<Jackieness> <Lana> "But ahypothesis must be tested either way."
<DeathStar> <Celes> That is what you do, correct?
<Alicia> <Ceilidh> "So, how do we find out more?"
<Seraphna> Talia> We ask the Crows!
<Jackieness> <Lana> "I need more data points." *adjusts ehr glasses*
<DeathStar> *Neekito snoozes on Ellie's lap*
<Sara> * Ellie pets her8
<Sara> **
<DeathStar> *Celes goes to change and wash up* Simon, if you could arrange a trip for us, I would appreciate that
<DeathStar> <Gwen> So where to? *he asks Simon* What should we ask the Croza?
<Xanatos> 6* Simon bows his head and stands, placing the reading device inside.
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Id, we need to come up with a way to quantify the spirits themselves."
<Xanatos> <Simon> Well we can go see if our Croza contact will meet with us.
<Alicia> <Ceilidh> "I've been working on a spell to analyze things, but I'm not sure it's ready."
<Jackieness> <Lana> *snaps points at Ceil* "We are going to make it ready."
<DeathStar> <Gwen> Hm?
<Alicia> * Ceilidh practically squeals with delight at that
<ChadWinters`> <Id> Well I can scan them but I'm still working on something to compare them to
<Xanatos> <Simon> I'm sorry, scan whom?
<Seraphna> **Alita flaps her wings a bit, somethingg she's done often since no longer having to hide her looks and keep them under a cloak** I suppose I can help where needed.
<Alicia> <Ceilidh> "The spirits, wasn't it? But looking at the spirit wavelengths would help too."
<Xanatos> <Simon> Ah, for a moment I thought you were talking about scanning the Croza. That would be bad. But the spirits it may be okay. 6* He muses to himself as they begin walking toward the Croza main area.
<Jackieness> <Lana> "We do have a project for that requires scans of the Croza too!"
<ChadWinters`> <Id> I have been collecting data on the spirits as we've crossed paths with them.
<DeathStar> *Celes leans in the small device to "Wash" oneself and steps out a moment later, dressing after her clothes goes through a similiar process. She steps out and follows everyone*
<DeathStar> *the Croza seem to be debated heavily about something but one moves to meet the group*
<Xanatos> <Simon> If you scan the Croza without ther explicit permission...please don't do that. Ask first, they have not taken well to that in the past.
<Xanatos> 6* Simon bows in greeting as they approach.
<Xanatos> <Simon> Hello. Is everything alright?
<DeathStar> <Croza> Simon greetings well
<Jackieness> <Lana> "We were totally planning to... yeesh."
<DeathStar> <Croza> Others aggressive debates on spirits fallen.
<DeathStar> *the mechanical device it is shakes a bit*
<DeathStar> *Neekito, having waken up a bit, leans around Ellie and eyes the Croza*
<ChadWinters`> <Id> I have not Simon.
<DeathStar> <Gwen> Those things creep me out. *he murmurs to Ellie*
<Sara> * Ellie gently pets her, nodding to Gwen
<Xanatos> <Simon> Is there anything we can help you with? Perhaps we have a spiritual knowledge that could assist the debate?
<DeathStar> <Croza> Later bringing offer. Anything else needing?
<DeathStar> *Celes joins the group*
<Xanatos> <Simon> We are curious if we could get closer to the conflict. We know there are risks involved but we have some questions that investigating these areas may answer.
<DeathStar> *it pauses, studying the group, turning to face Ellie a moment, then floats toward a map*
<Sara> * Ellie blinks
<DeathStar> *the map seems to be being updated in real time; the gravity planet now has planets around it that have Spirits corrupted.*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ceilidh, Id, let's go to get ready."
<Alicia> <Ceilidh> "I think we're getting permission, or at least some degree of."
<DeathStar> *after eyeing the map, the Croza floats toward the pad* This way
<Seraphna> Alita> It all seems to be happening so fast...'
<Jackieness> <Lana> "...or we can just go right now."
<ChadWinters`> <Id> Not really. I imagine it'll only pick up in speed from this point on.
<Xanatos> 6* Simon nows and follows the Croza.
<Alicia> <Ceilidh> "That's scary."
<Seraphna> Alita> That wasn't reassuring.
<ChadWinters`> <Id> I do not believe it's worth sugar coating it.
<Xanatos> <Simon> May I ask, if we are attacked by spirit or the other Croza that you are no longer working with. Would defending ourselves be seen as a slight against you and your people in any way? Obviously retreat is our priority. But if there is no other way?
<Alicia> <Ceilidh> "I agree, but it's still scary to think about."
<DeathStar> *Celes leans on Liana, taking a breath, clearly mimicing her style in training*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "How exactly do we safely retreat?"
<DeathStar> *The Croza turns to peer at them, as if confused*
<Xanatos> <Simon> Your confusion is confusing. Is that not something we should be concerned about on these excursions?
<ChadWinters`> <Id> I believe you over complicated the question for them.
<DeathStar> *it enters the code* No longer brethren. If not return to path, all means acceptable to return to path or free from confines. spirits, capture if not, free.
<DeathStar> *it opens a portal and floats through*
<DeathStar> <Neekito> Free?
<Jackieness> <Lana> "...I think they mean free from their physical husks."
<Seraphna> **Alita pauses** Confines... are you sayingg it's not the Crowza who are going bad... but those suits you are wearing?
<Alicia> * Ceilidh nods solemnly.
<Xanatos> 6* Simon follows along with everyone, a slight frown on his face.
<Alicia> * And then looks to Alita. "It's... a euphemism."
<DeathStar> <Celes> I guess we'll see since they're joining us
<Seraphna> Alita> Ah, so you mean stopping them is viewed as a mercy. Understood.
<ChadWinters`> <Id> Everyone should prepare for the worse.
<DeathStar> *they arrive at a world that seems normal; after all the group said a border of the conflict, not the conflict itself. It seems to be a stormy planet with lots of humidity and rain. The rain pelts off the suit the Croza wears while Neekito's hair and rail fuzzes up*
<DeathStar> <Neekito> ...mrrr
<DeathStar> *tail
<DeathStar> <Gwen> Great. It never thinks to tell us where we're going first
<Seraphna> Talia> Bet there's a storm spirit here!
<DeathStar> *Celes ... quietly moves Liana's arm over her head*
<Seraphna> Alita> Is that a variation or an upgrade to a Wind Spirit?
<Sara> <Liana> How does one "upgrade" a spirit?
<Seraphna> Talia> Ellie! Name one of your kids Storm!
<ChadWinters`> <Id> I imagine the bad Croza found a way.
<Alicia> <Ceilidh> "That's a question that shouldn't have been asked."
<Xanatos> 6* Simon squints and shields his head a bit from the rain with his arm.
<Seraphna> Alita> Humoring my daughter tends to avoid her seeking more attention.
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh... after I finally got my hair under control, its going to get frizzy again."
<ChadWinters`> 6Id begins taking a reading of the planet's spirit level.
<Alicia> * Ceilidh practises her analysis spell.
<Jackieness> <Lana> *observes Ceilidh's spell in action*
<DeathStar> *the Croza floats on ahead*
<Xanatos> 6* Simon lets out a breath.
<Xanatos> <Simon> I have far more trouble understanding them than I care to admit. At any rate, let us..go. 6* He follows the Croza after having hung back to say that.
<DeathStar> *Ceilidh studies the area*
<Jackieness> <Lana> *starts forward*
<DeathStar> *she learns the area's weaknesses*
<DeathStar> *Earth magic is great to do damge heer*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Did your spell work?"
<ChadWinters`> 6Id floats along, taking a reading on how much spirit energy is around them and when getting a good baseline, see's if there spirit levels change around the Croza
<Alicia> <Ceilidh> "It still needs a couple of tweaks, but it's working."
<Alicia> <Ceilidh< "Earth magic is particularly good here, apparently."
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...?"
<DeathStar> *while spirit energy in the air is lower than on Geyze right; but as for anything related to the Croza, that seems to be blocked by an outside force*
<DeathStar> *they soon arrive at stormy port where a Spirit made of electricity is located, the spirit zapping around; when it notices them it seems to form a "body" and stops moving about*
<Xanatos> <Simon> Hello. 6* He greets the spirit with a bow as it approaches
<DeathStar> <Gwen> .. that's an unusual one
<Jackieness> <Lana> "We come in peace?"
<DeathStar> *the spirit speaks, it's voice a bit hard to understand, sometimes booming like thunder, othertimes normal* Hello.
<Alicia> <Ceilidh> "Is everything alright?"
<DeathStar> <Celes> So this is a thunder spirit?
<DeathStar> *she looks at Ellie*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Wow..."
<DeathStar> <Electric Spirit> All is well; just preparing
<ChadWinters`> <Id> Preparing for what?
<Seraphna> Talia> What's your name?
<DeathStar> *it holds out his hand and uses electric images of the war and the other Croza; indicating it is ready incase they show here*
<DeathStar> <Electric Spirit> Name?
<Alicia> <Ceilidh> "Don't spirits usually have names?"
<Seraphna> Talia> I am Talia!
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Nomenclature, self-designation. What do we call you?"
<DeathStar> <Croza> Names given by people often
<ChadWinters`> <Id> Are there no people here to give them names?
<Jackieness> <Lana> "...so who are the poeple around ehre then?"
<DeathStar> <Croza> Geyze Spirits given by each other. Aska, Shade, Void named others
<DeathStar> <Croza> Unique
<DeathStar> <Electric Spirit> Do not interact with the people often. Here simply to provide. *makes image of a planet of low intellect primates*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "See what I mean, again? Somethign abotu geyze spirits..."
<Alicia> <Ceilidh> "I can see it."
<DeathStar> <Celes> So you are not worried about the other Croza?
<DeathStar> <Electric Spirit> Here to protect my charges above all others.
<DeathStar> <Electric Spirit> But I have set traps
<DeathStar> *the Croza floats out of the area for a moment; Gwen watches him go*
<ChadWinters`> <Id> Is it wise to let him travel away from us?
<DeathStar> *Neekito muses when the Electric Spirit turns to Ellie and Alita, then studies Simon, as if seeing something in him* You. Two females and male
<Seraphna> **Alita nods**
<DeathStar> <Electric Spirit> Are you students of the Croza?
<Xanatos> <Simon> In a sense, that is correct.
<DeathStar> <Electric Spirit> So you wish to become like them
<DeathStar> <Electric Spirit> It is a tough path
<Xanatos> <Simon> Oh? How so?
<Jackieness> <Lana> "There's me too..."
<DeathStar> <Electric Spirit> I am sorry, little one, you have not begun the steps yet
<Seraphna> Alita> We are Summoni, which is what we call it.
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ah, I see... so that path is the Summoner path. Got it!"
<DeathStar> <Electric Spirits> There are many ... Summoni? *it repeats the word* But you two have gone beyond that
<ChadWinters`> <Id> Interesting.
<Xanatos> <Simon> I must confess I'm amazed you could sense that.
<DeathStar> <Electric Spirits> And the male has something else as well. I am not sure what
<Xanatos> <Simon> I am able to perform rune powered spells to enhance myself. Perhaps that is it.
<Jackieness> <Lana> "I'm a technomancer."
<DeathStar> <Electric Spirits> I doubt it is that. *he studies Ellie* I have just heard tales that there are some students who wish to become like the Croza. Perhaps they will tell you more
<DeathStar> *Neekito holds onto Ellie, huffing*
<Xanatos> 6* Simon considers that, glancing to Alita and Ellie.
<Alicia> <Ceilidh> "Pacting with spirits, or in some other way?"
<ChadWinters`> <Id> What would one gain from becoming like the Croza?
<DeathStar> <Electric Spirit> *it tilts it's electric body; if it had eyes, it would stare at Id*
<DeathStar> <Electric Spirit> To become beyond a spirit I suppose.
<Seraphna> **ALita muses** I vaguely remember someone much more experienced then I saying something about a higher path.
<DeathStar> *at that moment, boom sound is heard* <Electric Spirit> One of my traps. *it zaps away*
<Alicia> <Ceilidh> "Should we follow?"
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Hey... where did our Croza guide go?"
<Xanatos> 6* Simon blinks at that, then glances to see if the sound is also the direction their Croza floated off toward
<DeathStar> <Gwen> Maybe it fell in the trap
<DeathStar> *it is indeed*
<ChadWinters`> <Id> We should check them out.
<Xanatos> 6* Simon frowns and moves in that direction.
<Jackieness> <Lana> *heads that way then!*
<ChadWinters`> 6Id floats after the group
<DeathStar> *Celes takes Liana's hand and follows along. Neekito frowns in thought and moves along quietly back into the storm*
<DeathStar> *as they move along, the landscape begins to feel a bit off. Not corrupted like the Dark Ones, or anything like that. But spiritally the landsape feels wrong.*
<Alicia> * Ceilidh looks to Neekito, then follows
<DeathStar> *Neekito makes a face*
<Alicia> <Ceilidh> "Something is very wrong."
<Jackieness> <Lana> "...ID... scans..."
<Alicia> * Ceilidh also attempts to analyse the situation
<ChadWinters`> 6Id flickers a bit and begins taking scans
<DeathStar> *The area has corrupted spirit energy all about the area; the storm seems to be picking up and a thunderbolt sends Gwen flying back away from the group as more thunder bolts pick up*
<DeathStar> <Celes> ... We need to hurry forward if we are to catch up to our guide
<Alicia> <Ceilidh> "Is it safe? Running into a thunder storm, I mean."
<ChadWinters`> <Id> The spiritual energy is becoming corrupted.
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Gwen!"
<Seraphna> **Talia races after him to go heal him while Alita puts up a shield**
<DeathStar> <Neekito> If only we had a way to not get hit
<DeathStar> *thunderbolts slam into the shield, as if to take it out*
<DeathStar> *Gwen leans up on Lana and Talia, thanking Talia as he rejoins the group*
<ChadWinters`> <Id> The question we must ask ourselves is, if this is the same spirit we just talked to, how did it become corrupt so quickly?
<Seraphna> Alita> This can hold for a little bit... but if we could... ground ourselves...
<Jackieness> <Lana> "IF they have a weapon that can corrupt spirits quickyl... that explains their fast pace of conquest."
<Xanatos> <Simon> ... 6* He keeps moving forward, beginning to form and hold some of his time abilities on the ready.
<DeathStar> *as the group continues they soon find the Croza and the Spirit, peering into the distance at something*
<Alicia> <Ceilidh> "Could we ground ourselves with earth magic?"
<Jackieness> <Lana> "There they are!"
<ChadWinters`> 6Id begins scanning the spirit to see if it's giving off any corrupt spirit energy
<Seraphna> **Alita focuses on feeding the energy from the bolts into herself, then back into the shield, creating a magical grounding** Possibly, but my speciality is Void, Ether, Fire and Life. Water to some extent throughg Brooke.
<DeathStar> <Gwen> I'd think so
<Xanatos> 6* Simon approaches the Croza and the spirit, trying to see what they're looking at
<DeathStar> *The Croza turns toward Simon* Welcome. You should return to the exit. This is dangerous. *in the distance is another Croza, along with two spirits it seems; but it is hard to tell which ones from this distance*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "And what about you?"
<DeathStar> <Croza> Returning to path or freeing brethren is duty.
<ChadWinters`> <Id> Do you know which Spirits are at the other Croza's side?
<Jackieness> <Lana> "..it doens't look too good though..."
<DeathStar> *at that moment a giant earthly hand rises up, corrupting the ground and shattering the hand as it grabs the electric hand. It makes the electric spirit's hand jerk about as it sinks into the ground*
<DeathStar> <Gwen> ....
<Alicia> <Ceilidh> "...oh no."
<ChadWinters`> <Id> I believe an Earth based one.
<DeathStar> <Croza> Earth Spirit
<Seraphna> Alita> They knew what to send...
<ChadWinters`> <Id> They aren't dumb.
<DeathStar> *the Earth Spirit makes off with it's target while the Croza and the other Spirit approch; it appears to be a tiny female spirit, almost loli in size. Surely it can't be that tough.* <Celes> ... that spirit is going to be tough, I imagine. I know these cliches
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Totally. Dynamite in a small package. If anyone gets smug about ehr size, they will die first."
<ChadWinters`> <Id> It is most likely one based in lightning or wind.
<Seraphna> **Alita frowns** I have some advantage with water.... but it will resist fire strongly too.
<DeathStar> *The loli like spirit holds out her hand and a small speck appears in front of the group.*
<DeathStar> <Gwen> .. what?
<DeathStar> *Neekito holds out her hand, mimicing it slowly*
<Xanatos> 6* Simon blinks and squints
<DeathStar> <Neekito> ... run. Run run run run
<Jackieness> <Lana> "EEEEEEEEEEE!" *turns and starts running*
<Xanatos> 6* Simon pulls an ice wall up as quickly as he can between them and the speck
<Alicia> * Ceilidh turns and runs
<DeathStar> *Gwen runs and slides down the muddy hill*
<DeathStar> *Neekito begins to mimic it as it begins to grow and grow, forming what appears to be nuclear*
<DeathStar> <Gwen> How is that spirit?!
<DeathStar> <Celes> What even IS that?!
<Seraphna> **Alita's eyes go wide and she leaps back, sending out a mana burst towards it as she runs** It's a naturally occuring element!
<Xanatos> 6* Simon blinks and runs away as quickly as he can.
<ChadWinters`> 6Id begins floating away as fast as it can.
<Seraphna> Alita> I would say Void or some variation of Radiation!
<Jackieness> <Lana> "NAturally-occuring nuclear piles are a thing!
<ChadWinters`> <Id> I would imagine it's utilizing science among it's natural affinity.
<DeathStar> *Neekito keeps using her mimicry and the ice wall to try to give them time to run; the storm makes their progress slow when the Croza lands in their path to stop them*
<Alicia> <Ceilidh> "But nuclear fire is still fire, isn't that cheating?"
<DeathStar> *it holds out it's mechical hand and spirit energy begins to try to bind them; the other Croza crashes into it to stop it, briefly*
<ChadWinters`> <Id> Can one of you take out that Croza?
<Seraphna> **Talia mewls from Gwen's shoulder and sends a blast of mana at the bad Crowza**
<Jackieness> <Lana> *wheezes* "...could...toss it into the other... spirit attack..."
<DeathStar> <Gwen> How far do we need to get? *He stands up, muddy* If you want to take it out, throw it at the thing behind us!
<Seraphna> **Alita opens her tome and points, sending a meteor at the Crowza too**
<Seraphna> **Aimed carefully of course**
<DeathStar> *The bad Croza is hit, the mechanicl body absorbing the attack; it seems to be what it is designed for. It's hand reaches up and stops it, the gears in it making a noise. However, it also means they're not running. The good Croza uses it's body to attack at the wings*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh... that didn't... work... maybe we shoud...just...run?"
<ChadWinters`> 6Id forms a condensed spirit shield around it's core. 1"Over power it."
<Seraphna> **Talia starts rapidly whispering a spell and tosses a flame blast at one o f the bad wings**
<DeathStar> *the bad Croza begins to gather spirit energy from within and unleashes it directly into the good one's face, cracking it; it looks like point blank attacks work*
<DeathStar> *the wing shatters on the bad one*
<ChadWinters`> <Id> Gwen, do you think you can strike it's face mask with enough force to crack it?
<Alicia> * Ceilidh tries her study spell on the Croza, hoping for more information.
<DeathStar> <Gwen> Give me a moment
<Jackieness> <Lana> "F...fine...Id...scan it... when we have a chance..."
<Seraphna> **Alita stamps her staff into the ground and sends a lance of water at the Crowza's legs as a distraction**
<ChadWinters`> <Id> Eveyone help Gwen. Celes back him up.
<DeathStar> *While Ceilidh exposes herself to double damage to get information, Gwen gets readyh*
<Seraphna> **Talia seems to duck behind Gwen's neck, planning something**
<ChadWinters`> 6Id prepares to scan, waiting.
<DeathStar> *Gwen brings out his sword, focuses, and hardens his body, dashing in for the face while the legs are hit; it absorbs the attack, ot seeing Gwen hit the face and cracking it; Ceilidh gets the information that it mainly absorbs magic and spirit to reuse and physical is it's weak point if it's hit a lot in one spot repeatedly*
<Jackieness> <Lana> *brings up ehr virtual consoles and then weaves a spellhack to buff up Gwen's next action*
<DeathStar> *Gwen, buffed up, twirl and then slashes again at the face*
<ChadWinters`> 6Id begins scanning fully on the Croza now that it's being distracted by all the attackers
<Alicia> <Ceilidh> "It absorbs magic and spirit? That's going to be tough..."
<DeathStar> *The Croza slams the good one down and stomps on it repeatedly, until it smashes the good one's suit is ruined, exposing the spirit being inside*
<Seraphna> **Talia leaps off Gwen's back, forms her full self and slashes as a back up attack**
<Seraphna> Talia> SWORD OF MEOWICLES!
<DeathStar> *Talia's manages to break the helmet/face off, exposing the spirit being's head*
<DeathStar> *meanwhile, a coutndown has begun - 10*
<Seraphna> **Alita aims and fires a bolt of fire into the head area**
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Id...now..."
<DeathStar> 9
<DeathStar> <Gwen> *Grabs Talia and Lana, running*
<DeathStar> *Celes stabs at the head*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ack! Scan and retreat!"
<Xanatos> 6* Simon focuses and forms his spear moving in after Talia to go in for a stab he pauses to stop and try to assist the other croza even if it means carrying the spirit being.
<ChadWinters`> 6Id takes what scans it can. 1"We need to go now. I'm picking up huge spike in radiation.*
<DeathStar> *then runs*
<DeathStar> 8
<Seraphna> **Alita throws up a new barriere shield for the others to run into, moving herself as well**
<ChadWinters`> 6Id continues scanning the bad Croza as it flies away
<DeathStar> *Simon manages to drag the spirit being out before it can be taken out, the bad Croza stumbled*
<Xanatos> 6* Simon once he has the good croza would begint or un, forming a rune as he does so to increase his speed.
<DeathStar> *rolls opn the scan*
<DeathStar> 7
<DeathStar> 6
<Seraphna> **Talia leans around carried byn Gwen adn shoots a blast at it's head too**
<Alicia> <Ceilidh> "Lets go!"
<DeathStar> *Celes runs and pants, as they near the portal*
<Alicia> * Ceilidh rushes for the portal
<DeathStar> 5
<DeathStar> *the injured Croza opens it*
<Seraphna> **Alita heads for the portal, maintaining the barrier**
<DeathStar> 4
<DeathStar> 3
<DeathStar> *Celes hurries in as does Gwen with Talia and Lana*
<Xanatos> 6* Simon takes himself and the injured Croza through the portal.
<DeathStar> 2
<Jackieness> <Lana> *stumbles through with Gwen's help*
<ChadWinters`> 6Id floats through the portal
<Seraphna> **ALita heads in, as the others clear she shatters the shield energy and throws it at the bad one**
<DeathStar> *celes lugs liana and ellie in*
<DeathStar> 1
<DeathStar> *the portal jerks as the nuclear spell goes off, Neekito's delay having worked*
<DeathStar> *the information on the Croza comes in*
<Xanatos> 6* Simon leans there panting.
<Xanatos> <Simon> Close...it.
<DeathStar> <Celes> But... Neekito?
<Jackieness> <Lana> "...they have... nuke spirit..."
<DeathStar> *she pauses, realizing that was a dumb thing to say*
<Xanatos> <Simon> ...What?! 6* He jerks up to look toward the portal.
<Xanatos> 6* Simon immediately begins channeling his power.
<Seraphna> **Alita throws up a barrier to protect them on this side**
<DeathStar> *there is no sign of her - just a mushroom cloud*
<Xanatos> <Simon> Chronos.
<DeathStar> *Chronos appears*
<DeathStar> <Chronos> I take you want me to take a look
<DeathStar> *it
<Seraphna> Talia> Bring Neeky back?
<Jackieness> <Lana> "...all she wanted was to be able to cook a decent meal..."
<Xanatos> <Simon> Reset, how far back can I go?
<ChadWinters`> 6Id studies the data as he listens/watches Chronos and Simon
<DeathStar> <Chronos> *Holds up a hand* Before you do that. 1) Neekito is alive and well in the present. She made a copy to protect Ellie
<Seraphna> Talia> How come she hasn't come through the portal?
<ChadWinters`> <Id> Because this copy is most likely dead.
<Seraphna> Talia> But....
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Right... she did do that... didn't she..."
<Alicia> <Ceilidh> "... the memories... are they lost?"
<DeathStar> <Chronos> IT's one reason the copy is always so weak
<Xanatos> <Simon> ......6* His hands clench tight.
<ChadWinters`> <Id> And I assume even if Simon resets, there's no guarantee it'll change.
<Xanatos> <Simon> If I stop her, we likely die. 6* He says after a hesitation.
<Xanatos> <Simon> Damnit.
<DeathStar> <Chronos> Again, she is a mimic spirit. There might be a chance she is alive. She COULD have switched to another spirit in time.
<ChadWinters`> <Id> At the most, I could pump all the spirit energy I've been gathering in to her and hope she could do a short range teleport.
<Xanatos> <Simon> Do...what you can Lady Chronos. Do not risk yourself to corruption however. 6* He slumps down to a sitting position.
<DeathStar> *Chronos warps out*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh... I hope this isn't how Chronos got captured."
<DeathStar> <Celes> Hm, if she is a copy, I wonder if this copy has it's own memories, or do they go to the main body in the present
<Seraphna> Alita> Chronos didn't get captured, per say. She and Pyro gave their cores to seal the Spirit Realm doors.
<DeathStar> <Gwen> Pyro was a problem though
<Seraphna> Alita> That Cookie girl fed their dead cores the entire pool to bring them back.
<DeathStar> <Gwen> Odd that Chronos wasn't
<DeathStar> *the Croza has finally awakened* Owe you thanks. Without protection could have been dispelled and met final fate
<ChadWinters`> 6Id forms a hand and pats Simon's shoulder. 1"It'll be alright Simon. We did what we could."
<DeathStar> *it floats up, it's body much like a Progenitor but Spirit like*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "They are packign some serious heat!"
<Seraphna> Alita> The idea you have Nuclear Spirits is unsettling.
<Alicia> <Ceilidh> "How did things go beyond that?"
<ChadWinters`> <Id>
<Xanatos> 6* Simon doesn't say anything but does nod to the Croza and Id.
<DeathStar> <Croza> Planet they belong to need such
<Seraphna> **Alita frowns a bit, looking at the Crowza** Interesting...
<DeathStar> <Chronos returns, dragging a body but drops it outside the range of the portal*
<DeathStar> <Chronos> ....
<DeathStar> <Chronos> We have a problem
<Seraphna> Alita> What is wrong?
<ChadWinters`> <Id> Explain.
<Alicia> <Ceilidh> "Please don't be corruption spreading..."
<DeathStar> <Chronos> *she rolls Neekito over, who is alive, but burnt in places from the nuclear explosion* She copied the spirit's power to stop the explosion partially and survive. And ehr spirit energy is nearly depleted.
<DeathStar> <Chronos> I'll let you connect the dots
<Jackieness> <Lana> "...she's dying..."
<DeathStar> <Chronos> And..
<ChadWinters`> 6Id floats over to and drops down enough to start pumping spirit energy in to her. 1"I will do what I can."
<Xanatos> <Simon> She copied a corrupted spirit.
<Alicia> <Ceilidh> "Careful."
<Sara> <Ellie> Neekito...
<Seraphna> **Talia mewls and hops over, frowning** Neeky....?
<Xanatos> <Simon> Did that corrupt her?
<DeathStar> <Chronos> Yes. She is most likely corrupted or pratially corrupted. And since she sends data to herself in the present
<DeathStar> <Chronos> That could be bad
<Alicia> <Ceilidh> "How do we reverse it?"
<Seraphna> Alita> We at least have the cure in the future.
<ChadWinters`> <Id> I see. It may be best to end her now to save her later.
<Seraphna> ALita> But... what are you suggesting we can do? We could try to cleanse her core.
<Xanatos> <Simon> Id. Pause. We knew how to cure in the future, how did we do that?
<Seraphna> Alita> We removed their corrupt cores and gave them new ones.
<DeathStar> <Chronos> This one has a core?
<Seraphna> The cores can transger, if blank.
<Xanatos> <Simon> >..I don't think Neekito has a core.
<Jackieness> <Lana> "We don't have any spare cores now."
<ChadWinters`> 6Id stops
<Seraphna> Alita> True...
<Seraphna> Alita> But... does that mean she can even be corrupted?
<Xanatos> <Simon> Lady Chronos is there any way to put her in a type of stasis until we can sort this out?
<Seraphna> Alita> If there is no core to effect...
<DeathStar> <Chronos> Hm, we can. I could also bring her over and you all could monitor her
<DeathStar> <Chronos> IF you believe her unable to be corrupted
<ChadWinters`> 6Id scans Neekito to see if she gives off any corrupted spirit energy
<Xanatos> <Simon> We can't be certain until we study her. This is tricky, we need to put her in stasis but we also need to make sure she's stabilized and not going to wither away.
<ChadWinters`> <Id> What bothers me is that they're willing to nuke a massive area just to win.
<DeathStar> *Neekito has partial corruptive spirit energy in her, but nowhere near the levels of a Corruptive Spirit. Who knows if that will make her eat bunnies*
<Alicia> <Ceilidh> "I'm not surprised... they've been willing to corrupt spirits, after all..."
<DeathStar> <Celes> Go ahead and heal her. We don't want her to go transmitting corrupted data to the present yet.
<Jackieness> <Lana> *whispers* "...no wonder civilization collapses..."
<DeathStar> *turns to Ellie* We'll let Ellie make the final call to put her in statis to be safe or to let her walk about
<ChadWinters`> <Id> She does have corrupted spirit energy within her.
<Sara> <Ellie> I don't want to take chances with her. I want her to be as safe as she can be. I'm worried...
<Alicia> <Ceilidh> "If only we knew how to fix that in the moment..."
<Xanatos> 6* Simon nods to Ellie, agreeing on all counts.
<Seraphna> **Talia starts casting a healing spell for Neekito, looking scared**
<DeathStar> <Celes> I understand. Chronos? *after they are done healing her up to max. Chronos turns her over to their Croza who takes Neekito off*
<Xanatos> <Simon> ...a nuclear spirit.
<DeathStar> <Gwen> Yeah and Neekito now has that in her arsenal
<DeathStar> *he points out*
<Alicia> <Ceilidh> "But she mustn't use it."
<ChadWinters`> <Id> Let us hope that what corruption is in her, does not affect her mentality.
<DeathStar> *The Croza place Neekito in a bed that puts her in statis*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Well... she needed a break from the energy cubes anyway..."
<DeathStar> *Gwen crosses his arms* Are we positive the corruption in her was enough to make her go nuts?
<DeathStar> *He sounds sour*
<DeathStar> <Celes> And if we were wrong?
<Xanatos> <Simon> We don't know, no.
<Xanatos> <Simon> ...Lady Chronos, thank you. 6* He rises to his feet and bows.
<DeathStar> *Gwen rubs the back of his head and moves off to the house*
<DeathStar> *Chronos nods to him* I should return back to Aska and the others. Things are getting tense there as well. Are you learning much here?
<ChadWinters`> <Id> Well, for now, we can atleast have the Croza tend to her wounds while she's in stasis.
<ChadWinters`> <Id> Yes and no.
<Alicia> <Ceilidh> "Well, we're learning a lot, but not fast enough."
<Xanatos> <Simon> Not nearly enough. Most spirits we've encountered have been corrupted shortly after. It would appear these Croza are losing.
<Jackieness> <Lana> "...need more data points..."
<DeathStar> *Chronos considers that.*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "And we know no one is going to really win..."
<ChadWinters`> <Id> And they seem to be willing to use the knowledge to give them an advantage over the spirits they want to corrupt
<DeathStar> *the Croza floats by Ellie, talking to her about Ascension* Consider. Could help her.
<DeathStar> <Croza> You are intune with Spirits.
<DeathStar> *it bows to her*
<Alicia> <Ceilidh> "Ah, what is ascension?"
<Xanatos> 6* Simon glances at the Croza.
<DeathStar> <Croza> Only speak to those worthy; but times trying. *it floats over and makes a spirit bubble so others cannot hear it breaking the rules*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Maybe its turning into a spirit being."
<Alicia> <Ceilidh> "I'm not worthy to even know what it is?"
<ChadWinters`> <Id> You are most likely correct, Lana.
<DeathStar> <Croza> Much like stolen information *motions at the data Id scanned* Ascension intune with spirits. Few. Goes beyond calling and answering; beyond working with.
<DeathStar> <Croza> Think like spirit. Live like spirit. Become like spirit. Ascend fleshly body. Reach new stage.
<DeathStar> *it points at Ellie* Has what it takes.
<Alicia> <Ceilidh> "Ah. Thank you for the knowledge."
<Alicia> * Ceilidh bows in appreciation.
<DeathStar> *it points at Alita* Also could.
<ChadWinters`> <Id> To cast off one's mortal coil and become as close to a spirit as possible.
<Sara> <Ellie> ...I see
<DeathStar> <Celes> I guess that time you did you know what meant you broke the barrier and did the entry forums
<DeathStar> *she muses*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Huuuuuh?"
<Alicia> <Ceilidh> "I don't understand either."
<DeathStar> *Celes whispers in her ears as not to say it outloud* Ellie and Sylph becoming one
<Sara> <Ellie> Why would that help Neekito?
<ChadWinters`> <Id> I do not see the thrill in that, but I'm also not of flesh.
<DeathStar> <Croza> So far many have failed to Ascend. <Gwen> And how many is many? <Croza> All
<Xanatos> <Simon> And what became of them? Death?
<Jackieness> <Lana> "...umm... if now one has puled it off..why is there even a word?"
<DeathStar> <Croza> Spirit energy can heal spirits one is close with
<DeathStar> <Croza> Know it is possible; believe
<DeathStar> *turns to Simon* Those who fail remain as is
<DeathStar> *it looks sad for a spirit being*
<DeathStar> *it moves to go* Report must
<ChadWinters`> <Id> So there's no loss in trying then.
<Xanatos> <Simon> Ah, well thank you for your information.
<DeathStar> <Gwen> Other than Ellie looking like one of them
<DeathStar> <Gwen> That's like, terrible
<Alicia> <Ceilidh> "I wonder if the spirits would agree."
<Xanatos> <Simon> I must admit. Today has rattled me.
<Sara> <Ellie> ...I guess I may have to do it. I'm remiss to give up my humanity in any way, but...
<Alicia> <Ceilidh> "I understand."
<ChadWinters`> <Id> It would probably mean you could live far longer than you currently do.
<DeathStar> *Celes touch Ellie's shoulder* Hey, you should not do anything you do not want to do. Neekito may be fine after all. Just give it some time
<DeathStar> <Celes> She's a strong one - remember that
<Jackieness> <Lana> "...we need to study our data now..."
<Xanatos> <Simon> For what it's worth Ellie, I would personally not do it if I was able. So do not feel like you must. In the meantime we will work to come up with a way to help her.
<Alicia> <Ceilidh> "I'll be working on studying what we learnt."
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Let's go to my hut and lay it all down then."
<DeathStar> *Celes takes Liana's arm and moves back to the dwelling; Gwen pats Ellie's back* <Gwen> When you're ready to open it, I'll be by your side. I'll bet money she'll be just fine
<DeathStar> *Gwen moves off to mess with Talia*
<ChadWinters`> 6Id floats over to Lana. 1"Yes, I am curious to go over what I have scanned."
<DeathStar> -END-
Session Close: Mon Jun 21 22:27:32 2021