ϡ - Chapter TwentyOne; Return [action/voice]

[folkloristic]

[ There’s the sound of shaky uneven breathing coming over the transmission and then a cough or two. It’s almost as if the person on the other side is a bit startled, a bit confused and a bit in pain. The sharp intake of breath and the murmured exclamation of surprise doesn’t really yield anymore good results for those listening in. ] I-I can’t

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Re: [Action]

[semper_cogitans]

I see... [Somewhat disappointing. Almost annoying to Robert, actually... though he knows Helios was serious about magic, it's harder to take this concept seriously without proof. Still...] Perhaps one day I may be able to visit your planet and see them directly.

[Robert listens to Helios' explanation with interest, though he also seems confused by the concept.] I see... well, it's not as if Terrans do not wear clothing, but it's generally only to maintain professionalism and to safeguard against damage from the elements. Nudity being an inherently sexual thing... hrm. [Such a strange world that Helios has...]

... I can see why you would react that way to the prospect I suggested, then, if that is how your view is; though I thought nothing of the sort, I assure you. Not as if you... aren't attractive, of course. But... certainly not in this situation; you are injured and require assistance, and assistance is what I meant to provide. [Robert offers a small, kind of awkward smile.] However... if you have objections, I certainly won't

Re: [Action]

[semper_cogitans]

[Robert steps inside Helios' apartment for the second time. The mun finds himself wondering if Frederic's around. And like the last time, it's because Helios needed help. Robert hopes one day he can visit the headmaster without some bad experience necessitating it.

He walks into whatever area is designated as the kitchen, searching for an apparatus to boil the water with.] Ah, forgive me, but I haven't the foggiest notion of where you keep your tea. Or even what type of tea you'd like - there are different varieties, are there not? [Robert vaguely remembers that being true of Terran synthetic teas as well.]

Although... you could go take your bath while I prepare this. If you'd want to, of course. [Robert's voice sounds very slightly concerned.] I would... rather be around to assist you if an emergency were to arise. [Which doesn't seem too unlikely considering the fact Helios faceplanted on the way to the apartment.]

[Action]

[folkloristic]

[ Helios will close the door and follow Robert into the kitchen taking an abrupt seat in one of the chairs. He's a bit more tired than he previously thought a small sigh as he points to the far right cabinet. ] Tea is in the top shelf and you can use the teapot to boil some water. Green tea might be good either way I'm impartial to what flavor. And yes there's several varieties depending mostly on the country you get it from. [ Helios will slowly push out his chair shakily before getting a steady grip on the table. ]

Thank you. I think I'll go and have a bath while you fix the tea. I'll call if there's any problems.

Re: [Action]

[semper_cogitans]

[Robert follows Helios' directions, making sure to get the green tea because Helios expressed a specific preference for it, and heats the water in the teapot. As he does so, he listens to the various noises that may be audible of Helios running the water for the bath. Part of him is poignantly aware now that the feelings he has for Helios are always going to be just that, and a little part of himself hates that, in a way. Yet... maybe it's better that way. Robert did wonder if he would have been able to have a polyamorous relationship. Now there was no reason to worry about it.

... It still hurt being rejected, though. But not enough to make Robert cry; just enough to make that discomforting feeling of tightness that made Robert have to swallow down the lump in his throat.

He focuses on the teapot then to distract his attention, on the steam slowly beginning to curl from it, while he waits for both the water to boil thoroughly and for Helios to finish his bath - assuming it ends without incident.]

[Action]

[folkloristic]

[ It goes with incident, thankfully. Today has been too filled with incident for another thing to happen. That bath certainly did wonders for Helios. He'll emerge into the kitchen some few minutes later hair still a bit damp and a fresh change of clothes on. He looks better almost back to his normal self even. ] I did like that sweater... [ A sigh. ] Perhaps the store will have something similar to it.

[ He'll take a deep breath pulling out a chair and sitting in it almost slouching. ] Ah it smells wonderful.

Re: [Action]

[semper_cogitans]

[Robert tries to wipe off as much of his obvious sadness as he can when Helios returns - this is made significantly easier by the fact Helios looks much better. The scientist pours some of the green tea into a cup for Helios and brings it to him at the table.]

You look much better now... which is very reassuring. For awhile I thought you were going to need me to fetch a doctor, but your condition seems to have improved significantly.

However... [And Robert looks serious here.] I do strongly advise against trying to use your magic for the next while. The side-effects will probably endanger you if you try to use it.

[Action]

[folkloristic]

Ah like I said I'm used to getting banged up. [ Usually by Ra or something gone haywire in the school derp.

The next sentence makes his eyes go wide a little. ] No using magic...I never thought I'd see the day when that happened. [ Granted he used it little when in the vicinity of his students but at least he had known he had it at his disposal--almost like security and safety. He'll look at his hands which are now clean and resting lifelessly in his lap. ]

But you are right. I-I suppose until I return to normal. At least it's not permanent.

Re: [Action]

[semper_cogitans]

[Robert frowns at this once more.] Ah, Helios, I am saddened to hear that this would ever be a regular occurrance for you. Nobody of your calibre should suffer such injuries on a regular basis.

And I would only recommend it for your own safety, Helios. You are well-aware of what healing yourself happened to do - I shudder to think of what might happen if you attempted a more dangerous spell. [Robert cringes inward again at that.]

[Action]

[folkloristic]

[ He waves the other off. ] Nothing of this sort usually. Bumps and bruises mostly but it comes with the territory of knowing and interacting with mythological creatures I suppose.

[ Helios goes silent taking sip of his tea while listening to Robert. ] I know. It's just...no magic. I never imagined having to go completely without it.

[Action]

[semper_cogitans]

[As if Robert would know what that entails. Still, it makes his gaze flicker down into the green depths of the tea.] ... I see. Something of an occupational hazard then? [The tone isn't as mirthful as it should be for a half-hearted attempt at humour.]

... You depend on it that much, then? [Some surprise from Robert. As if he doesn't depend on his technology just as much.] I rarely see you using it here... or perhaps I am simply not around you often enough.

[Action]

[folkloristic]

[ Helios will chuckle a little. ] Something like that, yes.

[ A pout. ] Not depend it just...gives you a feeling of security I suppose. Especially in this place one needs all they can get sometimes. It's--it's been with me since I was born. It feels odd, really, to be able to use it on a whim. [ Another sigh as he leans back eyes closing. ]

I don't tend to use it in public because back home it wasn't widely advised.

[Action]

[semper_cogitans]

[That pout is weirdly adorable on Helios.] Ah, I see... ... You had magic since you were born? So it is a genetic trait in your world, part of your physiology?

...

Why wouldn't all humans have it, then? It seems like it would be evolutionarily advantageous. [It really does. And it's also confusing that something so advantageous wouldn't be well-known.]

Does the scientific community in your world know about this? [Does his world even have one?]

[Action]

[folkloristic]

[ Isn't it just? Helios does pout a lot so you know Robert will probably see it often. ] Yes we--I mean the Magic Council thinks it's genetic. Er, they're not entirely sure however. Ah! That is the trick question isn't it? Only certain bloodlines are apparently able to wield magic in its purest form.

[ Helios will laugh at that. ] Oh dear I don't think so. They might do experiments on us or even worse...magic in the wrong hands could lead to so much trouble. We keep it from most people because...it might cause an all out war.

Re: [Action]

[semper_cogitans]

[Robert blinks at this. That's odd.] Perhaps it is a recessive gene then, or a gene passed through only certain pathways. I assume your world's humans must not interbreed very much then, if it is so limited.

[And now he looks actually indignant. Not angry - indignant.] Experiments on you? I should hardly think that would be an issue - unless it was something barbaric like the Malnosso's "experiments".

But magic seems like something that can and should be dispensed to all. [Robert here does not get the concept of people fighting and killing over things.] At the least it could have the potential to revolutionize your world's understanding of physics... Imagine all the practical applications for such knowledge. Your world is missing a great opportunity. [Robert shakes his head.] Knowledge is something that should be shared and distributed freely.

[Action]

[folkloristic]

You're right. Most magical families keep their ties with other families close. So it might just be because we've never truly...had relations with normal humans. I can't really however...it's not up to us to choose. [ A soulmate that is. Helios will look at Robert and frown slightly. ]

I'm afraid that might be the case. People in my world...they fear things they cannot comprehend that they do not understand. Revealing our magic might cause a massive worldwide panic. And something akin to the witch trials might reoccur. That's one of the reason most if not all of us went into hiding. We can't take that chance because they out number us two to one. [ he sighs a bit more tiredly than he would have liked to let on. Today has been a very long day. ]

I wish we could share our knowledge truly I do. It's--it's why I...opened my school in the first place. Before anything we need to learn to trust in one another.

[Action]

[semper_cogitans]

[Robert frowns deeply, because this sounds like exactly the kind of self-censorship that other major stigmatized groups have done in the advent of aggression from outside sources.] I see... well, I would say the only way to counter this kind of stigma is to provide rational evidence to the populace. If the scientific community of your world is anything like the scientific community of a world ought to be, then evidence will be accepted readily if it is given in a way that is consistent with scientific principles. Though I would imagine that it would initially be received reluctantly, such data would be cause for quite a physics revolution.

But... your world is pre-Terran. I suppose it is understandable that they would fear the unknown. [This being said by the cultural xenophobe.]

... I must commend you on your effort to resist that, Helios. However strange your world is... prejudices are something that should be overcome. [So much hypocrisy.]