[015] Need to Roam [Filtered from the Joker]

[wizardsgrace]

[Zedd's face shows up, not looking right at the PCD. Still, he looks troubled.]

Augury, Gladius, I'll be home in a few days.

I'll be fine. Don't worry.

Keep supper ready on the third day. Augury, I expect spice soup.

[He lifts his hand and there is a rippling to the air, a soft whump, and a moment later, an earsplitting, in-human shriek. His

Comments

[law_of_reason]

That sounds interesting... so what would you be up to?

[wizardsgrace]

I'm taking a stroll. You are?

[law_of_reason]

Rather intensive stroll, isn't it?

My name is Kurotsuchi Mayuri. You?

[wizardsgrace]

Not especially. Though it is a touch warm where I am now. Lots of ferns and big lizards.

[a pause as he thinks over the name]

Zeddicus Zu'l Zorander. You've not been here terribly long, have you? Oh, excuse...

[a low growl is heard, and then a second. Something snaps, and then there are pained sounds that fade]

So, yes. Are you here from your world alone?

[law_of_reason]

It sounds violent at least. Anything dangerous?

But yes, I've recently arrived. Though some others I know evidently made it here some time ago. Have you been here long?

[wizardsgrace]

...not especially so. I don't even have blood on me yet. Most of these beasts learn to stay away fairly readily. Again, not especially so, no.

Mmm. I've been here long enough, I suppose.

Who do you know?

[law_of_reason]

I see... you must be relatively powerful, I assume?

Enough to know your way around?

I'm a shinigami. You've probably met some of the others - Unohana and Zaraki seem to get around.

[wizardsgrace]

Not especially so, no. There is much I have read of I cannot do, while wizards of old did it all often and without effort. Powerful...not so much.

Perhaps. Enough to know how much no one here knows, at the very least. Enough to try and figure it out. Don't worry, I wouldn't put aside such considerations for a mere walk.

Mmm, yes, Unohana. A rather impressive woman. Formidable, even. Quite charming, as well. I am quite glad I had this chance to meet her. Are you capable of the same sort of tasks as she?

[law_of_reason]

Ah... you're a magic-user of some kind?

That sounds rather ambitious. There must be quite a lot to figure out about this space.

Unohana is... very skilled, yes. And if by capable, you mean are we of the same rank, then yes. Our specialties differ, of course.

[wizardsgrace]

That is certainly a possibility, though there are many here who do not believe in magic, so it is possible I am not.

Ambitious? Perhaps...but what else is there for a mind to do than seek to understand the world. Besides, I intend to get home. I have a daughter there.

...same rank, hmm? Well, then...what are your specialties?

[law_of_reason]

Why would anyone here not believe in magic, when it can be easily demonstrated? But that's interesting... humans don't typically have powers in my world.

Exactly! Understanding is truly one of the greatest things to try to accomplish. ...Oh, a daughter? I have one as well, actually.

Primarily, I do research.

[wizardsgrace]

Well, the human mind is more than willing to let itself be deceived for many reasons, I fear. Really? It is...uncommon, to an extent, in mine as well.

Ahh, a fellow thinker. There are few enough around, I fear, who truly seek to understand this world.

And a father, as well. How old is she?

Research...research. There are times I think half my life has been spent researching what I need to do merely to start researching something of importance.

[law_of_reason]

That's indeed true, unfortunately. Humans appear to enjoy creating their own limitations. And yes... what kind of skills does your sort of spell-user possess?

Extremely few. Though there are quite a number who think they have a grasp on it. It's a rather blind idea, to try to assume total knowledge of anything, isn't it?

Around forty. We age much more slowly than humans... so she appears about 18 by mortal standards. Yours?

I recognize the sentiment. There always seems to be yet another avenue to look into, to try to master, before even beginning the original goal.

[wizardsgrace]

First Rule. People are stupid. Skills? Well, that depends on the specialty, doesn't it?

Well, yes, but...it is the journey that is the worthier part, the seeking of Truth.

I see. My little girl is only human, and only five.

So there is, and life so short...for mere mortals, that is.

[law_of_reason]

So what sort of specialty do you have?

I suppose. There's no reason to believe that any kind of ultimate exists, though.

I see... that's not a terribly useful age.

Well, the longer you live, the more unpleasant things you experience. It's a sort of balance.

[wizardsgrace]

Well, that's the big question.

[a long pause]

I do not have one.

[another pause]

Truth...the facts, the understanding of the universe. It does not need to have mystical significance...it is merely truth. There is truth and falsehood...I prefer to know truths.

Useful? No. But exceptionally endearing, nevertheless.

...perhaps. But the more pleasant ones you may enjoy, as well. I am not a fool, I know of this balance.