Eighth Duel

[misplacedxsheath]

*It's Gaignun! Except the look on his face is oddly exhasperated to anyone who happens to know the Changeling. In fact, he's facehoofing rather strongly.*

Of course it would be too much to ask for a month to pass without some form of disruption. For reference, this is Margulis. I'll be attempting to look like myself once I get used to this body's magic, but until then try to keep it in mind.

And Kukai, I believe I have something of yours.

Comments

Check the kid icons.

[namedforcat]

[You know Margulis, it must be weird seeing 'Frustrated URTV' written all over your own features.]

Logically I know that.

I don't want to use kid icons unless he decides to look like a kid...

[misplacedxsheath]

*Well, not like he's never been face to face with himself before. Or even seen someone else occupying his own body...though that'll be a Story to tell.*

Then you should also know that all you're doing by dwelling upon your fear is giving it power. Now why don't you get out of there and we can find something to keep your mind occupied until you calm down.

*Yes, Gaignun, you're not seeing things. He's actually offering you a hoof to help you out from your hiding place. You...uh...you look kind of stuck.*

[namedforcat]

[Well, Gaignun wasn't stuck per say...but Margulis's body was built like a brick wall and panic pretzeling could get kind of convoluted.

He'll take that hoof, but Margulis can probably feel the pulse pounding behind it.]

Thank you. I...don't think I like this very much.

[misplacedxsheath]

*Hey, he's flexible! But it is a lot of bulk to get used to.

He does notice Gaignun's pulse racing, but he declines to comment on it. Instead he just helps Gaignun out of his corner.*

Think of it from this perspective: at least enduring this means that there isn't someone unaware of your body's capabilities occupying it. For that matter, it means we don't have to worry about someone using my body without any awareness of how to control an Ether network this time.

[namedforcat]

[Gaignun is used to bulk, but he's also used to it being a little more spread around. Thanks extra 3 inches of leg.]

I suppose so. Being in Prospero really served to highlight the differences between my constitution and that of a normal humans...

Wait. What do you mean 'this time'? Has this happened to you before?

[misplacedxsheath]

In Exsilium. There was an incident with the transporter and Nakagawa and I wound up trading bodies. Another thing I'm grateful for: I don't have to worry about you hitting my head on everything.

*There's a little bit of wry humor in his tone. As genuinely frustrated as he was swapping with someone so short, he can't help but tease Saori for her height now and then.*

[namedforcat]

[Give him a minute to process this, though Paschar will find everything in there coming to a screeching halt during this. Then the mental imagery which delights him. But only the imagery of Margulis in a tiny body squeaking angrily as Saori has fun being tall.]

You switched with Saori? That must have been...oh dear... [que snickering]

[misplacedxsheath]

It was an experience, I'll say that much. Our powers are different enough in nature that we both required some adjustment. Though I suppose now I should be thankful that it gave me experience in dealing with enhanced strength that I can't alter the degree of.

On that note, try not to set anything on fire while you have access to my Ethers. And I'll ask you to refrain from using Reuben should you have to fight.

[namedforcat]

Oh right, you're a fire user...and don't worry. It's been years since I used a blade and it never got up to sword level. I wouldn't even think of using them. Right, right, powers. Um. You know the drill for most of it but one thing. Did Albedo ever tell you about when I exploded his arm? Please try not to do that, it thankfully requires line of sight though.

[misplacedxsheath]

Fire and lightning.

*And a frown.*

Hmph, even more reason to be glad there are few things here that can cause me to truly lose my temper without justifying violence, then.

He would have rather had something more like his brother's powers but Nooooo.

[namedforcat]

One last thing. Be very careful when you're talking to people. My voice can sometimes have added effects.

[He is SO uncomfortable even talking about this power, you have no idea.]

It works as subtle hypnosis. It can be resisted by those with strong wills or if someone notices it happening but...I don't like to use it often but it does sometimes activate if you aren't careful.

He'd rather be a shorty his whole life? :P

[misplacedxsheath]

*His wings buzz unconsciously at that. Ugh, he hates mind control in all its forms.*

Well then, I suppose it's my turn for warnings about things that might be activated by mistake. My bloodline isn't as powerful as some, but you've already noticed that the connection to the Zohar is there. I'm not certain what effect it would have here, without the Zohar present, but it's possible for me to mentally communicate with it. My abilities are powerful enough to theoretically control it at a distance, and I'm certain neither of us wants to risk what might happen if that's done without conscious awareness.

He'd rather have a non morally dubious power.

[namedforcat]

No need to tell me about that one twice. I know what U-DO uncontrolled can do. If you don't mind, I would rather stay away from that particular ability of yours anyways.

Aren't the illusions automatically morally dubious, though?

[misplacedxsheath]

Heh, fair enough. Most sane members of the Fleet reserve it for traditional displays or necessity, aside from those whose power is too strong for their own safety. I just felt I should warn you since sufficiently strong emotion without awareness of the ability can sometimes result in our will being conveyed to the Zohar regardless of intention.

Everything about the URTV build is moraly dubious

[namedforcat]

[He is just going to avoid some very obvious comments here. They have to work together right now.]

That's understandable. I'm just trying to think if there's anything else...Probably nothing of mine that you wouldn't already suspect. Though I do apologize for Black Rider. His puns are a little dated, and need to be entombed.

Because Yuriev.

[misplacedxsheath]

*He is sane, thank you. He wouldn't have acknowledged his mistakes if he wasn't.*

Hmph, it's not too much worse than Paschar's sense of humor. So long as he doesn't make a habit of offering unsolicited advice, I think I can manage.

Yup

[namedforcat]

[Maybe you are, but Gaignun could point to other Fleet members...]

He does, but I think that's just a persona thing.

And cue unsolicited advice.

[misplacedxsheath]

*Okay, he can't argue about certain people. He'd even agree on some.*

'Perhaps it is merely that thou art in need of such advice.'

Hopefully they'll keep quiet while we're switched.

[namedforcat]

No such luck I'm afraid.

[misplacedxsheath]

Wonderful. Paschar, leave him be. It's none of your business.

'Dost thou agree, Gaignun? I have insight that mine summoner stubbornly refuses to give contemplation...wouldst thou refuse it?'

[namedforcat]

[Paschar, he's just going to be slightly amused at you trying to bait him.]

At any rate, we have more important things to worry about. Such as explaining this to Saori.

[misplacedxsheath]

'Ignoring mine words will not make them vanish, any more than covering thine eyes destroys the truth.'

At least she's already familiar with such situations...let's just hope she's actually in her own body.

[namedforcat]

We should probably check on her before we do anything else. [This does include a full out conversation with Paschar. Baby sister always trumps things.]

[misplacedxsheath]

I haven't heard from her over the scroll yet, but I didn't have much time to pay attention to it before I had to come dig you out of your corner.

[namedforcat]

Well, if she hasn't said anything on the scrolls, she probably hasn't been effected. But I want to go find her to just make sure.