Post by Deleted on Jul 7, 2015 0:12:01 GMT
((Gravity set to x90. No weights))
For the narrator and the audience, the next day would become day two before the announcement of Earth’s demise by the Android Vi-Poi. For Zerori, it was the continuation of a training regiment she had developed based on the discovery of a new technique. Though… she would never admit that said technique was a fluke – in her mind, she was still twisting and turning over various theories on how it was even possible. The sprite wasn’t present, a fact that confused her and answered that eluded her – so how was she able to access any amount of control over the element? So, to amend this problem, she was in route to the forest she had first contacted the elemental of this planet at the fastest pace she could withstand. Upon reaching the warmest part of the enshrouded trees and grassy floors, she landed with a final step and grinded to a halt.
“Damn, traveled a bit too fast,” She complained with a hand to her head, dizzy from the quick stop. As she regained her footing and balance, her gaze traveled over the scenery with nostalgic abandon. This was also where… she met Snippar. An annoyed expression graced her features with she remembered him and she tried to shake the feeling of yearning; it had been a while since she’d seen him and though she would never tell him that their time was more than a one-night tryst, her mind would tell her otherwise.
You mated, after all… what the hell did you expect on the night of the Makyo Star alone with a man like him? She berated by her rationale. With a brief sigh, she closed her eyes and tried to cull the feeling into nonexistence. Now wasn’t the time for it…
You’re late, Came a deep and reverberating voice. Zerori’s eyes snapped open at that and she turned to see behind her. There, forbidding as always was her first guide – Pyrus. Swallowing her fear away, she glared at him. He met her gaze with the ever present glare on his own features, flames for eyes sharpening in response. Insolent as ever, I see…
“I didn’t come for you,” She said testily, seeming to be angry at his presence. In actuality, it was her trying to lock horns with him and show him her passion. They’re relationship could only be described as ‘inflamed interest’ and she was almost ashamed to be caught in such an embarrassing student/teacher relationship.
He growled low in his throat, the air clouding in his presence and the temperature rising rapidly, Is that so? He seemed to boom with intimidation, I’ll be sure to inform Terra… She couldn’t miss that amused tone if she plugged her ears and made herself sing while looking away. She was about to respond when the earth began to shake around her once more. Her gaze bounced around her in a panic before she focused it on Pyrus whom didn’t move nor showed surprise on his face.
Like before, the ground became to crack and move, like they were tectonic plates of their own and she was watching the seismic power of a new element she’d never met. Below her feet, she had to take a step back or risk falling into whatever depths lie below her as smoke erupted from the ground. However, unlike before, there was a figure that seemed to crawl from the deepness like an undead, looking at Zerori straight in her face.
As fight ignited in her hand at the sight, she nearly threw it at the being before it dissipated and Pyrus shook his head at her – taking magic from her very fingertips. Such was the power of the contract relationships in elemental beings. Looking back at the new element, they were getting to their feet – a fact that confused the Halfling – before stretching their body. She was ably to take in the form of the new being and what she saw before her was a shocking revelation in the form of a nearly humanoid anthrop. They were green in skin but had splotches of different shades all over their body from what looked like burns; their hair was caked with dirt but it looked like it was naturally made that way. What stood out the most was that they were clearly female and with a killer body that almost as Zerori envious.
After all, some didn’t want planes where curves should be…
Shaking her head of the last minute distraction, she gave a tilt of the head at the oddity of it all before asking, “Are you… Terra? Elemental of the Earth?” It was almost funny how tentatively she asked, prompting the being to look over at her. She just didn’t expect them to jump towards her and embrace her like a doting father to their daughter.
Why yes I am! Welcome yourself to Earth, dear and might I say – I’ve been looking forward to the day you’d come to me – yesIhave! Zerori’s eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets at how informal and strange this woman – elemental? – sounded, like she was from a different area of the planet with strange talking people. She also talked too fast!
“I, uh, - wait, you are? I mean, it’s not like-! Erm…” The saiyaness grasped for words, unbelted from her spot on the planet suddenly and nearly ready to float away from the surface. After a second of some much needed grounding, she tried again, “It’s nice to meet you, too – I think… Are we going to train?” It wasn’t an odd question for Zerori to ask, given that was why she had come here but when she got an odd look from the elemental she felt awkward.
Train? No, dear, I didn’t come here to train you. Notatall, no. We’re going to tell you what to do and you… are gonna do it! Perfect, isn’t it? It’s called ‘Supervising!’ Staring at her, the saiyaness could only blink in worry. It’ll be easy, m’dear. Let me first start by giving you a gift. Stepping back, the element known simply as Terra raised a hand into the air, speaking a language or a dialect Zerori couldn’t understand. As she spoke, she noticed the trees began to move and leave shook from the places to fall on the ground around them. When the earth shook once more, this time a very subdued shudder, Zerori could feel something embrace her from all sides and gave a short gasp.
“What did you-?” She whispered, her voiced hushed and submersed before she looked back at the woman with questions in her eyes.
Worry no more, dearie; that strange place you call a home will not longer be locked to me! I noticed, yesIdid, that when you called me it was so very… dead, all around me. Rocks and rocks, and more rocks and… well, you get the idea, m’dear? The elemental grinned, Pick a more festive place, won’t you? Luscious leaves and spruce will do; no more no less but do hurry back! She gave the saiyaness a dainty wave and Zerori didn’t bother to give a nod before turning away and jumping straight into a step.
She cleared more land in less time than before, so engrossed in her mission to return to her ship that she never even thought about how the change in temperature might affect her. Upon landing once more in the general area of her ship, she found herself ensnared in a blizzard that made obscured all vision within about five feet and onward. Shit, where the hell is the ship?! She cursed, holding a hand over her eyes as she tried to find it. Pressing the button her scouter a couple of times to bring up the tracking tab, she hoped she even placed a tracer on the ship, I’ve been forgetting some of the basic rules to following a target and finding my way back… Zerori mused with annoyance.
When nothing seemed to work, she scoffed at the ridiculousness of it all. She should have known better than to just trust technology in the cold of the winter. She closed her eyes to concentrate, at the same time relaxing her body to enjoy the coolness that rushed over her warmed skin. Being a fire element user had it’s perks but against most stereotypes she liked to chill her body from the crescent of heat that would occasionally overheat her.
Ready to dispel the winter so she could find her ship, the temperature around her body escalated at a quick pace, quickly becoming steam that would erupt and fan out across the snowy plains. This wouldn’t help her as it was, but if she could just push a little more…
The flames that erupted from her melted the snow at her feet until she could only feel the rock that was hidden beneath, and with a loud exclamation, she pushed it out from her body as far as it could go. The flames would scorch the ground over her and scream toward the skies as high as the winds would take them – ice and water be damned, the fire would reach the peaks of the mountains if she willed it to. When she finally let the flames ease and die off, her eyes opened to reveal that she’d certainly made a mess of things, but before her was a path that was broken from the constant threat of the blizzard.
She wasted no time and within a few moments, was back in the ship and walking down the halls toward the chamber. “I’m not gonna bother with eighty anymore,” She heatedly resolved, a grin on her face as she passed by a door. It opened and she stopped her walk to look back and see Ari rubbing her eyes. Had she just woken up? Checking the time on her scouter for the earth, she raised a brow, “Ari, when did you sleep last…?”
The girl, still on the cusp of sleep, mumbled before looking up at the saiyaness and repeated what she said a little more clear, “’Bout five, I think, last night…”
Zerori grimaced, “Why up so late? What were you doin’, talkin’ with EMR?” Despite how true it might have been, she chuckled at the idea. Ari seemed to take offense – obviously – and puffed up her cheeks.
“Well, there isn’t anybody else!” She yelled and Zerori’s expression faltered a bit. For some reason, that comment really hurt – perhaps because it was true… Zerori smirked, raising a hand to ruffle the girl’s hair; however, as she got close Ari stepped back and turned around. “I’m going to get something to eat!” She declared with a pout and Zerori was just about to ask her to wait when she ran off.
Down the hall and already gone, Zerori stared in the direction Ari went down and gave a deep, melancholy sigh. I’d been training so much to try and best my enemies that… I guess I haven’t spent much time with her at all… After this, I’ll take a break. Turning around, unbeknownst to her that her decision would most likely be a final one, she walked back to the gravity chamber. When she stepped in, she had an odd bounce to her step and quite oddly chimed at the computer with an enthusiasm she’d not felt in a long time.
“Computer, activate up to times ninety gravity! I’m ready to finally kick it up a huge notch!” She chuckled and walked to the middle of the room, finishing with, “And begin playing the program ‘Ensign one-one dash zero-zero-one’. I believe that have vegetation in it…”
With a chime, the computer acquiesced and Zerori nearly fell to a knee at the pressure, “Oh fuck! Wasn’t ready – shit!” Struggling to keep herself up, she reached forward just as the program started and grasped onto a tree just in time. Unless her body, the tree was not effected by the amount of gravity she was inflicted until she touched it. With a cry, she fell forward and ripped the tree from its’ roots, her face nestled uncomfortably between it’s dirtied roots and bark. A loud groan could be heard from the dirt and Zerori lifted an arm with a struggle before she growled loudly and pushed herself from the ground with a yell, “Son of a bitch!”
As she sat on her knees and arms, the tree jabbing her in the stomach with it’s roots, she closed her eyes and mentally called, Ring, ring ‘Terra’cotta Pie – I could use some assistance now! After a few seconds of no response, she rolled her eyes and grumbled lowly, “…Please.”
Told ya it’d be nothing’! Zerori heard behind her and nearly jumped out of her skin, looking at the woman with a freaked out expression. Pyrus made a good point, m’dear. You are a mouthy little lass!
Zerori’s eye twitched, “Well, if I’m such a fucking handful, why are you helping me?!” The elemental shook her head with a smile.
I told you; I’m not. You need supervision, not training from the likes of little ‘ol me. After all, what power could a nearly omnipotent being with control over the Earth and all it’s life forces provide to a half-breed of saiyan and demon descent? It’s positively inequitable! Following her words with a very mocking laugh, Zerori could feel her blood boil in rage. Straining against the gravity, she snarled at the woman, making her gasp in surprise.
“You don’t get to make a call like that, you bitch…” However, she grinned sardonically, “-but you’re right. What the hell do I need you for, anyway? I only wasted time to try and find you and then accept your gift – only to be told that she wasn’t worth shit.” She allowed herself a chuckle of mocking, “What can I do, surrounded by weaklings. Must be the saiyan in me.” When she gazed at the elemental woman, expecting some sort of scathing or angry reply, she was surprised to learn that nothing came. Her expression was blank and unmarred by emotion before she smiled softly and gave a shrug in response.
That’s exactly right, M’dear – though not in so many words, She crooned and Zerori’s face fell once more but this time it was almost beseechingly worried. Never had she had someone just back off so quickly and agree with the terrible things she’d said. Terra continued however, We are known as the Sylphen and primarily, we are without equal as the guardians on this planets’ elements. She looked around at the simulated greenery, taking it in as if it were the real thing with no difference, However, we are merely guardians. Our powers stay where they are born and go no further than nature allows – this is our curse, along with that power.
Pushing herself into a sitting position, Zerori tried to listen while ignoring the pain of her compressed muscles and bones. Getting used to the gravity came first, so she stretched as the woman continued on. “I’m starting to get a picture, here…” Zerori muttered.
Yes, indeed! You see, without capable young magician such as yourself – we would never be able to see how full potential be met, nor think that we had any power at all until the time came for a disaster to strike. The Earth is a tumulus thing, you see, and we must make certain that every functions as we feel it should. When she was finished, Terra held her hands on her hips and finally smiled widely, Let’s make certain you can use this power for something amazin’, ‘lrighty dear?! Zerori just rolled her eyes before giving a dull ‘yeah sure’ and getting to her feet with a stumble.
She took a deep breath, willing her heart to calm enough for her to begin basis exercises, “So you said…” She began, throwing a kick in the air while trying not to fall onto her ass from the warped balance, “-that I should listen to you!” She did this a few times as she spoke in between the kicks, “Well, I’m… listenin’! What… do I do…. Next!?” Finishing with a round house kick, she nearly slammed her foot into the ground hard enough to shatter her bones – giving a loud wince of pain.
Terra chuckled, Well, first, m’dear, I would recommend turning down the settings. You don’t look very prepared for this level… In response, Zerori glared at her with fire in her eyes.
“No, no and hell no; I go all in or nothing!” Pushing aside the pain, she kicked out again, “Besides! What… is the point… of training… if I don’t risk something?!” With a final yell, she threw herself backwards into a back-hand spring and landed back on her feet with a painful yell. The elemental looks on with slight worry in her face, though it is more passive than direct, but Zerori just ignores it to get back on her feet. Breathing heavily, she looked up at the woman, “Now… begin with the ‘supervision’!”
With a raised brow and a cheeky grin, the elemental gave Zerori a once before she chuckled, As protégé to myself… as you wish!
..
.
The time was nearly 3:48 in the morning according do the time piece that was situated near a tree. She’d asked for one to be placed nearby just incase she needed to stop for rest or to make certain she didn’t forget when the next day would arrive. Being so early in the morning, she could feel the tell tale signs of exhaustion coming on from the constant workout since the night before. However, all around her were the evidence of her mastery of the use of the earthen power. Large crumbling masses of rock and dirt were pot holed around the forest, trees overturned and some even stripped completely bare of leaves…
Zerori was leaning against one suck tree, but made certain not to put all of her weight against it – or risk falling once more. Her breathing heavy but she was calming it while looking over at the woman whom lounged like a goddess on a branch of the tallest and strongest tree. So strong, as a matter of fact, Zerori was attempting to break it down with her strength and failing to do so.
“This is… by your own power?” She asked, looking up at the woman from the tree. The elemental gave Zerori a tilt of her head before she nodded with a smile. Zerori gave a scoff of disbelief before she lowered her head again and took one final deep breath, holding it for a second before releasing it and leaning away from the tree, “Shit, alright! Let’s go…” She pumped herself up, hopping from one foot to the other as she closed in on the tree once more.
The elemental seemed to laugh at her improvised rally and placed her hand against the bark of the tree beside her. The tree began to glow brightly, illuminated by her power and Zerori let out a yell – igniting the flames around her body like a whirlwind inferno. She threw an arm back and let the temperature gather and gather, getting hotter than the sun before she threw it with a great force toward the trunk. It smashed into splinters against her force, but did not flinch further – enhanced by the power of the woman above it. It amazed the saiyaness to know that one could empower an inanimate object so much so that it couldn’t be destroyed.
What was more impressive was that this woman’s lack of boasting completely threw Zerori for a loop. She was a powerful deity of the planet, yet she held no power over those that she protected – or her enemies. That meant that this was a rare demonstration that she could only imagine made the elemental feel exhilarated and refreshed.
After a heavy-handed five minutes of throwing her fist and legs into the monstrously strong tree, Zerori stopped and held up a hand, waving it about. “J-Just… Just a second!” She gasped and took a few steps back before letting her legs collapse under her and land on her ass. Her tail jolted a bit, making her groan from pain but she didn’t land on it and that was enough for her. Her energy was depleting rapidly and if she didn’t take a break soon, she was certain that she wouldn’t last another hour. So far, she’d made a lot of progress on this technique – it didn’t have a name yet, however and she needed to make that a priority at some point.
You’ve made progress, little Saiyan, The element, Terra jeered with a teasing smile, Oh, but you’re mostly demon, aren’t you? It’s hard to tell with that cute little tail of yours… From her spot on the ground, Zerori groaned and glared up at the witch.
“And it’s hard to tell you’re so gods damned powerful when you’re up in tree, lazy as a kitten after eating her fill! What kinda powerful ‘guardian’ is so peaceful anyway? Don’t you have to train yourself?” Her attitude was short and impassioned but her question was valid, and it made Zerori suddenly curious had a being like Terra came to be. She obviously wasn’t like the other Ephemerals, and they called themselves that much. Was she a different being all together and did that mean that more ‘Sylphen’ existed besides her? “Ain’t Pyrus like you?”
Tilting her head to the side, the elemental shook her head, Not at all, M’dear, for he comes from a different realm of magic than I. You see… Zerori could sense another story coming on, but she couldn’t blame her - she was the one that opened her mouth in the first place. There are three realms of magic that exist on their own individual plane; however, the backbone of all of it is natural energy of the body – this is known as ‘Ki’. The first type of magic is known as ‘Planet Magic’ but you can also call this another type of energy. All living people possess it, but these do not harness it directly from themselves. It is magic that only I and the deity guardians – among other more powerful destruction gods. This has no place in the world for mortals due to it’s potency so it’s quite literally locked away.
Zerori stared in awe, enraptured in the knowledge. So many forms of energy and she always pined for the one she could never use. However, wasn’t magic and energy different? “Wait, hang on here. What is-?”
The elemental narrowed her eyes, This is listening time, little saiyan… Getting the hint, Zerori frowned and let her continue. The woman above pretended to clear her throat, Yes, now where was I…? My, yes! There are two more types of Magic that separate the ‘Good’ from the ‘Evil’. And M’dear, this is especially important for you.[/i] Her expression changed to one of sorrow and regret, Clear magic is the first that is utilized by all magicians of a pure nature. Kaioshins, Planet Guardians – not to be confused with the elemental guardians, and finally magicians of the planet themselves that practice healing and bring light into the hearts of darkness… On the other side of this coin, however…
A chill ran down her spine and Zerori knew that this was the part Terra was referring her to, There is dark magic. Beings that practice more than destruction, they seek to circumvent the natural order of light by disrupting it into darkness. That is not to say that they are completely without function, however. All light breeds a shadow of darkness – and darkness, without light, has no form to spread. We need both. What is important to know, however, is that Makaioshins, Black mages and Demons use this type of magic primarily. It is the essence of their life source… The guardian tilted her head, You are an unconventional example of dark, natural and elemental energy tied within one body, little saiyan. However!
Zerori wasn’t sure what kind of trip she was on, but at this point it seemed like every word was spoke to have a second addendum that confused or over-complicated the last! She pinched the bridge of her nose, “What is it?”
This power than you control inside of her body is unstable and highly inflexible. A mortal cannot hold such combinations, and an immortal cannot function properly utilizing all of these as well. For this example, you have become a mystery to many of us who wish to understand you. That does not mean that there aren’t those in the universe that look at you as a chaotic unit with a short fuse, ready to go off at any second! Why, even at this moment, you could use natural energy and fly right off the handle! At her last words, Zerori’s face scrunched up a bit in an emotion the elemental couldn’t quite place.
The saiyaness explained, “That’s going to be difficult since I can’t use it… Well… I can, but-”She gave a short sigh, “It hurts too much. All over my body, when I try to form energy than many I have known, it gets… gets ‘stuck’, y’know? Somewhere in my body, there is a damn in place that takes all my energy and keeps it locked up. This ‘elemental’ magic – or energy – is the only thing I’ve managed to make work for me,” She laughed softly, “-and believe me, I’ve tried…”
For a few good moments, the elemental did not move. Merely stared at Zerori as the saiyaness couldn’t help but only think about her life from when she was a child. Always trying to be like everyone else, to work together and be as one, when it was a struggle not to feel like she was merely a puppet, played like an instrument for a path she had no idea existed.
When the silence was interrupted, Zerori couldn’t only stare at the woman in shock at her next words, I’ve a little more to teach you, but what if I could show you.. what it was like to see what that dark power looked like?
((Learned Terra-Form [UP2], when approved))
For the narrator and the audience, the next day would become day two before the announcement of Earth’s demise by the Android Vi-Poi. For Zerori, it was the continuation of a training regiment she had developed based on the discovery of a new technique. Though… she would never admit that said technique was a fluke – in her mind, she was still twisting and turning over various theories on how it was even possible. The sprite wasn’t present, a fact that confused her and answered that eluded her – so how was she able to access any amount of control over the element? So, to amend this problem, she was in route to the forest she had first contacted the elemental of this planet at the fastest pace she could withstand. Upon reaching the warmest part of the enshrouded trees and grassy floors, she landed with a final step and grinded to a halt.
“Damn, traveled a bit too fast,” She complained with a hand to her head, dizzy from the quick stop. As she regained her footing and balance, her gaze traveled over the scenery with nostalgic abandon. This was also where… she met Snippar. An annoyed expression graced her features with she remembered him and she tried to shake the feeling of yearning; it had been a while since she’d seen him and though she would never tell him that their time was more than a one-night tryst, her mind would tell her otherwise.
You mated, after all… what the hell did you expect on the night of the Makyo Star alone with a man like him? She berated by her rationale. With a brief sigh, she closed her eyes and tried to cull the feeling into nonexistence. Now wasn’t the time for it…
You’re late, Came a deep and reverberating voice. Zerori’s eyes snapped open at that and she turned to see behind her. There, forbidding as always was her first guide – Pyrus. Swallowing her fear away, she glared at him. He met her gaze with the ever present glare on his own features, flames for eyes sharpening in response. Insolent as ever, I see…
“I didn’t come for you,” She said testily, seeming to be angry at his presence. In actuality, it was her trying to lock horns with him and show him her passion. They’re relationship could only be described as ‘inflamed interest’ and she was almost ashamed to be caught in such an embarrassing student/teacher relationship.
He growled low in his throat, the air clouding in his presence and the temperature rising rapidly, Is that so? He seemed to boom with intimidation, I’ll be sure to inform Terra… She couldn’t miss that amused tone if she plugged her ears and made herself sing while looking away. She was about to respond when the earth began to shake around her once more. Her gaze bounced around her in a panic before she focused it on Pyrus whom didn’t move nor showed surprise on his face.
Like before, the ground became to crack and move, like they were tectonic plates of their own and she was watching the seismic power of a new element she’d never met. Below her feet, she had to take a step back or risk falling into whatever depths lie below her as smoke erupted from the ground. However, unlike before, there was a figure that seemed to crawl from the deepness like an undead, looking at Zerori straight in her face.
As fight ignited in her hand at the sight, she nearly threw it at the being before it dissipated and Pyrus shook his head at her – taking magic from her very fingertips. Such was the power of the contract relationships in elemental beings. Looking back at the new element, they were getting to their feet – a fact that confused the Halfling – before stretching their body. She was ably to take in the form of the new being and what she saw before her was a shocking revelation in the form of a nearly humanoid anthrop. They were green in skin but had splotches of different shades all over their body from what looked like burns; their hair was caked with dirt but it looked like it was naturally made that way. What stood out the most was that they were clearly female and with a killer body that almost as Zerori envious.
After all, some didn’t want planes where curves should be…
Shaking her head of the last minute distraction, she gave a tilt of the head at the oddity of it all before asking, “Are you… Terra? Elemental of the Earth?” It was almost funny how tentatively she asked, prompting the being to look over at her. She just didn’t expect them to jump towards her and embrace her like a doting father to their daughter.
Why yes I am! Welcome yourself to Earth, dear and might I say – I’ve been looking forward to the day you’d come to me – yesIhave! Zerori’s eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets at how informal and strange this woman – elemental? – sounded, like she was from a different area of the planet with strange talking people. She also talked too fast!
“I, uh, - wait, you are? I mean, it’s not like-! Erm…” The saiyaness grasped for words, unbelted from her spot on the planet suddenly and nearly ready to float away from the surface. After a second of some much needed grounding, she tried again, “It’s nice to meet you, too – I think… Are we going to train?” It wasn’t an odd question for Zerori to ask, given that was why she had come here but when she got an odd look from the elemental she felt awkward.
Train? No, dear, I didn’t come here to train you. Notatall, no. We’re going to tell you what to do and you… are gonna do it! Perfect, isn’t it? It’s called ‘Supervising!’ Staring at her, the saiyaness could only blink in worry. It’ll be easy, m’dear. Let me first start by giving you a gift. Stepping back, the element known simply as Terra raised a hand into the air, speaking a language or a dialect Zerori couldn’t understand. As she spoke, she noticed the trees began to move and leave shook from the places to fall on the ground around them. When the earth shook once more, this time a very subdued shudder, Zerori could feel something embrace her from all sides and gave a short gasp.
“What did you-?” She whispered, her voiced hushed and submersed before she looked back at the woman with questions in her eyes.
Worry no more, dearie; that strange place you call a home will not longer be locked to me! I noticed, yesIdid, that when you called me it was so very… dead, all around me. Rocks and rocks, and more rocks and… well, you get the idea, m’dear? The elemental grinned, Pick a more festive place, won’t you? Luscious leaves and spruce will do; no more no less but do hurry back! She gave the saiyaness a dainty wave and Zerori didn’t bother to give a nod before turning away and jumping straight into a step.
She cleared more land in less time than before, so engrossed in her mission to return to her ship that she never even thought about how the change in temperature might affect her. Upon landing once more in the general area of her ship, she found herself ensnared in a blizzard that made obscured all vision within about five feet and onward. Shit, where the hell is the ship?! She cursed, holding a hand over her eyes as she tried to find it. Pressing the button her scouter a couple of times to bring up the tracking tab, she hoped she even placed a tracer on the ship, I’ve been forgetting some of the basic rules to following a target and finding my way back… Zerori mused with annoyance.
When nothing seemed to work, she scoffed at the ridiculousness of it all. She should have known better than to just trust technology in the cold of the winter. She closed her eyes to concentrate, at the same time relaxing her body to enjoy the coolness that rushed over her warmed skin. Being a fire element user had it’s perks but against most stereotypes she liked to chill her body from the crescent of heat that would occasionally overheat her.
Ready to dispel the winter so she could find her ship, the temperature around her body escalated at a quick pace, quickly becoming steam that would erupt and fan out across the snowy plains. This wouldn’t help her as it was, but if she could just push a little more…
The flames that erupted from her melted the snow at her feet until she could only feel the rock that was hidden beneath, and with a loud exclamation, she pushed it out from her body as far as it could go. The flames would scorch the ground over her and scream toward the skies as high as the winds would take them – ice and water be damned, the fire would reach the peaks of the mountains if she willed it to. When she finally let the flames ease and die off, her eyes opened to reveal that she’d certainly made a mess of things, but before her was a path that was broken from the constant threat of the blizzard.
She wasted no time and within a few moments, was back in the ship and walking down the halls toward the chamber. “I’m not gonna bother with eighty anymore,” She heatedly resolved, a grin on her face as she passed by a door. It opened and she stopped her walk to look back and see Ari rubbing her eyes. Had she just woken up? Checking the time on her scouter for the earth, she raised a brow, “Ari, when did you sleep last…?”
The girl, still on the cusp of sleep, mumbled before looking up at the saiyaness and repeated what she said a little more clear, “’Bout five, I think, last night…”
Zerori grimaced, “Why up so late? What were you doin’, talkin’ with EMR?” Despite how true it might have been, she chuckled at the idea. Ari seemed to take offense – obviously – and puffed up her cheeks.
“Well, there isn’t anybody else!” She yelled and Zerori’s expression faltered a bit. For some reason, that comment really hurt – perhaps because it was true… Zerori smirked, raising a hand to ruffle the girl’s hair; however, as she got close Ari stepped back and turned around. “I’m going to get something to eat!” She declared with a pout and Zerori was just about to ask her to wait when she ran off.
Down the hall and already gone, Zerori stared in the direction Ari went down and gave a deep, melancholy sigh. I’d been training so much to try and best my enemies that… I guess I haven’t spent much time with her at all… After this, I’ll take a break. Turning around, unbeknownst to her that her decision would most likely be a final one, she walked back to the gravity chamber. When she stepped in, she had an odd bounce to her step and quite oddly chimed at the computer with an enthusiasm she’d not felt in a long time.
“Computer, activate up to times ninety gravity! I’m ready to finally kick it up a huge notch!” She chuckled and walked to the middle of the room, finishing with, “And begin playing the program ‘Ensign one-one dash zero-zero-one’. I believe that have vegetation in it…”
With a chime, the computer acquiesced and Zerori nearly fell to a knee at the pressure, “Oh fuck! Wasn’t ready – shit!” Struggling to keep herself up, she reached forward just as the program started and grasped onto a tree just in time. Unless her body, the tree was not effected by the amount of gravity she was inflicted until she touched it. With a cry, she fell forward and ripped the tree from its’ roots, her face nestled uncomfortably between it’s dirtied roots and bark. A loud groan could be heard from the dirt and Zerori lifted an arm with a struggle before she growled loudly and pushed herself from the ground with a yell, “Son of a bitch!”
As she sat on her knees and arms, the tree jabbing her in the stomach with it’s roots, she closed her eyes and mentally called, Ring, ring ‘Terra’cotta Pie – I could use some assistance now! After a few seconds of no response, she rolled her eyes and grumbled lowly, “…Please.”
Told ya it’d be nothing’! Zerori heard behind her and nearly jumped out of her skin, looking at the woman with a freaked out expression. Pyrus made a good point, m’dear. You are a mouthy little lass!
Zerori’s eye twitched, “Well, if I’m such a fucking handful, why are you helping me?!” The elemental shook her head with a smile.
I told you; I’m not. You need supervision, not training from the likes of little ‘ol me. After all, what power could a nearly omnipotent being with control over the Earth and all it’s life forces provide to a half-breed of saiyan and demon descent? It’s positively inequitable! Following her words with a very mocking laugh, Zerori could feel her blood boil in rage. Straining against the gravity, she snarled at the woman, making her gasp in surprise.
“You don’t get to make a call like that, you bitch…” However, she grinned sardonically, “-but you’re right. What the hell do I need you for, anyway? I only wasted time to try and find you and then accept your gift – only to be told that she wasn’t worth shit.” She allowed herself a chuckle of mocking, “What can I do, surrounded by weaklings. Must be the saiyan in me.” When she gazed at the elemental woman, expecting some sort of scathing or angry reply, she was surprised to learn that nothing came. Her expression was blank and unmarred by emotion before she smiled softly and gave a shrug in response.
That’s exactly right, M’dear – though not in so many words, She crooned and Zerori’s face fell once more but this time it was almost beseechingly worried. Never had she had someone just back off so quickly and agree with the terrible things she’d said. Terra continued however, We are known as the Sylphen and primarily, we are without equal as the guardians on this planets’ elements. She looked around at the simulated greenery, taking it in as if it were the real thing with no difference, However, we are merely guardians. Our powers stay where they are born and go no further than nature allows – this is our curse, along with that power.
Pushing herself into a sitting position, Zerori tried to listen while ignoring the pain of her compressed muscles and bones. Getting used to the gravity came first, so she stretched as the woman continued on. “I’m starting to get a picture, here…” Zerori muttered.
Yes, indeed! You see, without capable young magician such as yourself – we would never be able to see how full potential be met, nor think that we had any power at all until the time came for a disaster to strike. The Earth is a tumulus thing, you see, and we must make certain that every functions as we feel it should. When she was finished, Terra held her hands on her hips and finally smiled widely, Let’s make certain you can use this power for something amazin’, ‘lrighty dear?! Zerori just rolled her eyes before giving a dull ‘yeah sure’ and getting to her feet with a stumble.
She took a deep breath, willing her heart to calm enough for her to begin basis exercises, “So you said…” She began, throwing a kick in the air while trying not to fall onto her ass from the warped balance, “-that I should listen to you!” She did this a few times as she spoke in between the kicks, “Well, I’m… listenin’! What… do I do…. Next!?” Finishing with a round house kick, she nearly slammed her foot into the ground hard enough to shatter her bones – giving a loud wince of pain.
Terra chuckled, Well, first, m’dear, I would recommend turning down the settings. You don’t look very prepared for this level… In response, Zerori glared at her with fire in her eyes.
“No, no and hell no; I go all in or nothing!” Pushing aside the pain, she kicked out again, “Besides! What… is the point… of training… if I don’t risk something?!” With a final yell, she threw herself backwards into a back-hand spring and landed back on her feet with a painful yell. The elemental looks on with slight worry in her face, though it is more passive than direct, but Zerori just ignores it to get back on her feet. Breathing heavily, she looked up at the woman, “Now… begin with the ‘supervision’!”
With a raised brow and a cheeky grin, the elemental gave Zerori a once before she chuckled, As protégé to myself… as you wish!
..
.
The time was nearly 3:48 in the morning according do the time piece that was situated near a tree. She’d asked for one to be placed nearby just incase she needed to stop for rest or to make certain she didn’t forget when the next day would arrive. Being so early in the morning, she could feel the tell tale signs of exhaustion coming on from the constant workout since the night before. However, all around her were the evidence of her mastery of the use of the earthen power. Large crumbling masses of rock and dirt were pot holed around the forest, trees overturned and some even stripped completely bare of leaves…
Zerori was leaning against one suck tree, but made certain not to put all of her weight against it – or risk falling once more. Her breathing heavy but she was calming it while looking over at the woman whom lounged like a goddess on a branch of the tallest and strongest tree. So strong, as a matter of fact, Zerori was attempting to break it down with her strength and failing to do so.
“This is… by your own power?” She asked, looking up at the woman from the tree. The elemental gave Zerori a tilt of her head before she nodded with a smile. Zerori gave a scoff of disbelief before she lowered her head again and took one final deep breath, holding it for a second before releasing it and leaning away from the tree, “Shit, alright! Let’s go…” She pumped herself up, hopping from one foot to the other as she closed in on the tree once more.
The elemental seemed to laugh at her improvised rally and placed her hand against the bark of the tree beside her. The tree began to glow brightly, illuminated by her power and Zerori let out a yell – igniting the flames around her body like a whirlwind inferno. She threw an arm back and let the temperature gather and gather, getting hotter than the sun before she threw it with a great force toward the trunk. It smashed into splinters against her force, but did not flinch further – enhanced by the power of the woman above it. It amazed the saiyaness to know that one could empower an inanimate object so much so that it couldn’t be destroyed.
What was more impressive was that this woman’s lack of boasting completely threw Zerori for a loop. She was a powerful deity of the planet, yet she held no power over those that she protected – or her enemies. That meant that this was a rare demonstration that she could only imagine made the elemental feel exhilarated and refreshed.
After a heavy-handed five minutes of throwing her fist and legs into the monstrously strong tree, Zerori stopped and held up a hand, waving it about. “J-Just… Just a second!” She gasped and took a few steps back before letting her legs collapse under her and land on her ass. Her tail jolted a bit, making her groan from pain but she didn’t land on it and that was enough for her. Her energy was depleting rapidly and if she didn’t take a break soon, she was certain that she wouldn’t last another hour. So far, she’d made a lot of progress on this technique – it didn’t have a name yet, however and she needed to make that a priority at some point.
You’ve made progress, little Saiyan, The element, Terra jeered with a teasing smile, Oh, but you’re mostly demon, aren’t you? It’s hard to tell with that cute little tail of yours… From her spot on the ground, Zerori groaned and glared up at the witch.
“And it’s hard to tell you’re so gods damned powerful when you’re up in tree, lazy as a kitten after eating her fill! What kinda powerful ‘guardian’ is so peaceful anyway? Don’t you have to train yourself?” Her attitude was short and impassioned but her question was valid, and it made Zerori suddenly curious had a being like Terra came to be. She obviously wasn’t like the other Ephemerals, and they called themselves that much. Was she a different being all together and did that mean that more ‘Sylphen’ existed besides her? “Ain’t Pyrus like you?”
Tilting her head to the side, the elemental shook her head, Not at all, M’dear, for he comes from a different realm of magic than I. You see… Zerori could sense another story coming on, but she couldn’t blame her - she was the one that opened her mouth in the first place. There are three realms of magic that exist on their own individual plane; however, the backbone of all of it is natural energy of the body – this is known as ‘Ki’. The first type of magic is known as ‘Planet Magic’ but you can also call this another type of energy. All living people possess it, but these do not harness it directly from themselves. It is magic that only I and the deity guardians – among other more powerful destruction gods. This has no place in the world for mortals due to it’s potency so it’s quite literally locked away.
Zerori stared in awe, enraptured in the knowledge. So many forms of energy and she always pined for the one she could never use. However, wasn’t magic and energy different? “Wait, hang on here. What is-?”
The elemental narrowed her eyes, This is listening time, little saiyan… Getting the hint, Zerori frowned and let her continue. The woman above pretended to clear her throat, Yes, now where was I…? My, yes! There are two more types of Magic that separate the ‘Good’ from the ‘Evil’. And M’dear, this is especially important for you.[/i] Her expression changed to one of sorrow and regret, Clear magic is the first that is utilized by all magicians of a pure nature. Kaioshins, Planet Guardians – not to be confused with the elemental guardians, and finally magicians of the planet themselves that practice healing and bring light into the hearts of darkness… On the other side of this coin, however…
A chill ran down her spine and Zerori knew that this was the part Terra was referring her to, There is dark magic. Beings that practice more than destruction, they seek to circumvent the natural order of light by disrupting it into darkness. That is not to say that they are completely without function, however. All light breeds a shadow of darkness – and darkness, without light, has no form to spread. We need both. What is important to know, however, is that Makaioshins, Black mages and Demons use this type of magic primarily. It is the essence of their life source… The guardian tilted her head, You are an unconventional example of dark, natural and elemental energy tied within one body, little saiyan. However!
Zerori wasn’t sure what kind of trip she was on, but at this point it seemed like every word was spoke to have a second addendum that confused or over-complicated the last! She pinched the bridge of her nose, “What is it?”
This power than you control inside of her body is unstable and highly inflexible. A mortal cannot hold such combinations, and an immortal cannot function properly utilizing all of these as well. For this example, you have become a mystery to many of us who wish to understand you. That does not mean that there aren’t those in the universe that look at you as a chaotic unit with a short fuse, ready to go off at any second! Why, even at this moment, you could use natural energy and fly right off the handle! At her last words, Zerori’s face scrunched up a bit in an emotion the elemental couldn’t quite place.
The saiyaness explained, “That’s going to be difficult since I can’t use it… Well… I can, but-”She gave a short sigh, “It hurts too much. All over my body, when I try to form energy than many I have known, it gets… gets ‘stuck’, y’know? Somewhere in my body, there is a damn in place that takes all my energy and keeps it locked up. This ‘elemental’ magic – or energy – is the only thing I’ve managed to make work for me,” She laughed softly, “-and believe me, I’ve tried…”
For a few good moments, the elemental did not move. Merely stared at Zerori as the saiyaness couldn’t help but only think about her life from when she was a child. Always trying to be like everyone else, to work together and be as one, when it was a struggle not to feel like she was merely a puppet, played like an instrument for a path she had no idea existed.
When the silence was interrupted, Zerori couldn’t only stare at the woman in shock at her next words, I’ve a little more to teach you, but what if I could show you.. what it was like to see what that dark power looked like?
((Learned Terra-Form [UP2], when approved))
