ϡ - Chapter Twenty; those who have gone missing [action/voice]
[ There's a clear strained sigh coming from the opposite end of the transmission. A few moments later some shuffling as someone moves about in the background. ] Frederic's been...taken. He, um, has been for awhile. I-I wasn't supposed to make anyone worry, I'm terribly sorry for not saying so sooner. [ There's a clear tone of guilt in his voice. It
( Read more... )
It's just so strange that it needs blood to work. But Robert figures he's already cut himself - so why not? Plus Helios' reassuring smile makes him feel a bit better about having done it.
Robert studies the symbol drawn onto the paper. It's nothing he recognizes, but it has an organic shape that reminds him of a stomach. Odd.]
Certainly. [Robert looks at the blood on his arm. Before it has a chance to congeal, he picks it up on his fingertip and begins to meticulously replicate the symbol in the closest-to-dead-centre he can muster. It's almost a ridiculous picture - Robert oh-so-carefully painting a symbol with his blood on the floor. The detached part of his mind wonders if the stain will ever come off.
A mental picture of a region, huh? Robert's mind instantly goes to the fountain in the village square. It's an easy-to-remember landmark, after all, and so significant.] The... fountain. In the village square. Is that acceptable, Helios?
Reply
Reply
Then he feels a wrenching feeling in his stomach - a sensation very much akin to the sensation of sudden motion one experiences when one stands on a moving elevator platform. And suddenly the air around him is cold.
Freezing, in fact.
Robert's eyes flicker open. He is most certainly not at the fountain. In fact, he's only a few feet away from the door of Community Building Five. Still, the fact remains is that the spell actually worked.
It's a few moments before he opens the journal and speaks into it.]
I-I... Bloody hell it worked. But I'm n-not at the fountain. In fact, I am barely outside the building.
... Still, it... I can't believe it actually worked.
Reply
Would you like me come back down and get you? [ He sounds rather amused. Not at the other's disbelief but the fact that it actually worked! Despite the original destination not being reached it's definately a start. ]
Reply
... Dear gods. I... I just cast magic. I cast magic. [Robert just keeps shaking his head slowly.] I... ... How many principles of physics did I just violate doing that?
It has to be at least three.
Reply
Robert are you...alright? [ No signs of physical injury. Helios isn't sure of his mental state however. ] I'm absolutely fascinated! I honestly didn't know if it would work given what you've told me of your world. The outcome was much better than I had predicted though.
Reply
... principles of conservation of energy... a-and the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, and... and... bah, I don't know... how could this happen? Terra doesn't have magic. I know it doesn't.
[He looks up at Helios almost pleadingly.]
... How did this work? Why? This isn't supposed to be possible. [A definite look of... panic, on Robert's face.] I don't understand. [And when he admits that there's a problem.]
Reply
[ Helios will walk over to the other. ] You didn't make to your destination though. But it's still rather good for using it for the first time.
Reply
... I... I thought perhaps that it was limited to only certain individuals. Like the physics here seem to be. ... [Robert takes a few slow breaths, as calm as he can make them.]
... perhaps... there is an explanation for this. Perhaps. It... It might've had something to do with the fact you prepared the spell and I simply finished it. [Really Robert is just desperately hoping that everything about Terra isn't null and void.]
Reply
You know that actually might be the case. Considering you didn't fully reach your destination. We'd have to test it--if you'd like to try again that is. [ He says that tentatively looking back and forth between Robert and the building. ] Perhaps another time...
Reply
... If I am correct in my hypothesis, then...
... I would need to copy that circle exactly. [Robert looks at Helios.] Is there any specific procedure or do you simply draw it? [Robert's face looks... serious. He's in full-on researching mode and his mind is already thinking of what could be happening.]
Reply
Yes of course. Ah! N-No there isn't really. You simply need to draw it that's all.
Reply
[Robert's thinking. If the physics of their world encompass them only... then what happens if he tries to make the spell and has Helios finish it, instead?]
Reply
Reply
It doesn't take him long to get up the stairs at that rate, though he's wheezing by the fifth floor. Regardless, his voice is relatively clear as he approaches the door of Helios' apartment again.]
I m-must copy exactly what you did... To the smallest detail. I need to eliminate experimental bias.
[He pauses a moment before looking over at Helios.] I will need your help to test this - if you'll agree, you'll be going to attempt to finish the spell I make.
Reply
And the good thing about spells is they never run out. As long as you have the circle written somewhere it's easy to replicate.
Reply
Leave a comment