voidtreckernet | horseshoe 22, voice

[ Roland watches with apprehension. There's something wrong here. Something he's missing. The way Tidus is communicating with the higgledy, and he's at a disadvantage because he can't hear them, can't understand the language of magic even as he begs for some semblance of it. His brows furrow, watching them interact. And as if his instincts are pushing him in the right direction, Roland knows that Something is Afoot...

...True enough. The worst part is there's no warning. From what was a simple transfer of spell, one Arms Band to the other, suddenly Tidus is next to him, isn't talking to him and continues to communicate silently. Then, glowing, and the trauma that follows - he remembers exactly what spell this is, his spine is already aching from phantom pain. ]

T-Tidus, what are you - ! Whoa!

[ It's too late. All of it is too late. Roland can only hope that his grace can see him through as Water Slide is activated the moment another source of water is found on the train. He didn't even know it could work this way, only riding puffer whelks down safely into the abyss and nothing else. But the relationship between Gibbs and Tidus seems to resonate strongly to the point where what used to be a simple geiser trick evolved into an actual slide. Like one in the amusement parks.

Like when he was a kid.

And so that's the memory he seems to remember immediately, top of mind, not even a reprimand as the slide carries them all over, making a mess of the entire car and back again. The words that would have been usual for Roland die on his tongue, instead his mouth growing into a smile - a toothy grin almost, until the end of the slide and they're deposited safely down. ]

Hah...Hah...

[ He's breathing heavily, palpitating. As Tidus celebrates a successful spell with Gibbs, Roland watches from the floor, robe and shirt and pants also soaked. Tidus is throwing his higgledy up and down the air now. All he can think about was how fun it was. Exactly like his first time down the slide back then.

So Roland's chuckle, turns into a laugh. Chesty, but genuine. Like he hasn't done that in a long, long time. ]

I-I can't believe it. I was going to demonstrate it in the kitchen with a sink! Did - whose idea was that? Yours? His? [ He's stopped laughing, stands up now. But when he speaks, the laughter colors his voice regardless. Like an amusement park. Way back then. ]

[ He catches Gibbs the next time in arms cradled around his stomach, just as Roland asks his question. Laughter off his tongue, a 'huh?' before he finds it in him to speak. ]

Gibbs did! I've done that in the gym with him before, keep the spell going so he can have some fun getting splashed! [ You have to get your fun somewhere in this train, and what's a simple water spell being used in new ways than just battling? ] Hey, I wonder if he could make my spell rise higher? We should try that again, Gibbs!

[ He looks down at the higgledy, who hiigs! gleefully at the idea. Hops down and stands on his own two little blue feet...! ]

[ That's honestly a bad idea. Roland knows it. He knows deep in his heart he can't agree to that. You should tell him not to do that, he thinks. Crosses his arms, despite the clothes sticking to his skin. The games car might get soaked. Things might get ruined. What if someone walks in, gets hurt?

But he remembers the rush, the joy that fills him. Simple in all that it is, just a water slide, just riding down from a soft height into a safe landing. It's not that big of a deal.

Roland gives in pretty fast. Has always been weak to the desires of his younger heart; the one that loves to watch movies of every genre, the one who can't help but marvel at toys and trinkets and roleplay out scenes when he has the chance to. ]

[ His smile is still on his face as he approaches them both, again, in just a few steps. ]

Room for one more on the second ride?

[ Truthfully, Tidus had been making the plan for later. A time when they weren't in the games room, since Tidus can respect that it isn't the place to be turning into a pool. But then Roland pipes up, and Tidus blinks at him; bursting with adrenaline, drenched as he is- ]

--Sure! [ And later is now. Tidus rises to his own feet, gives a ] C'mon! [ to the pair and, with some sense, leads them to the connecting doors heading toward the gym. Too bad about the trip through medical they have to make first, but Gibbers is twirling and jumping his way ahead of the pair, ecstatic for a round two, perhaps even for the company. But even for his eagerness, he's not bothering Tidus until they come into the gymnasium and its main room, spinning around his feet. ]

Okay okay, [ Tidus laughs. But before he begins, he decides to take this chance to regard Roland in amazement. He hasn't asked yet- ]

What did you do? Since when could you teach spells?

[ He shakes his head as soon as the question is asked. ]

I don't teach spells, Tidus. [ Though that would be quite a something if Roland could wield magic the way others could. Even Tidus's little trick with the geyser, which he hopes he doesn't have to experience any time soon again, was impressive to him. ]

I just passed on a skill that was passed on to me by someone else. Like, activating potential. [ Admittedly, round two is getting him a bit nervous - but in a good way! ] Anything more complex than that, I'm stumped.

Huh, passed on? [ Trying to think here what that means... ] So do people just... do that thing you did, and that's how you learn magic?

[ ... ... wait- ]

But then what's with the book? Do you put spells in books? [ Okay, now he's getting all the more puzzled as he tries figuring it out, rubbing the back of his head. ] I'mmm confused.

[ He should clarify a bit more, but in Roland's defense: he practically fakes it till he makes it when it comes to the magical stuff. Here's what he does know... ]

Err, not exactly. The book has tougher spells in it that I can't even perform myself. [ A shake of his head while one of his hands tries to do half the explanation, animated and all. ] I was only able to teach you Water Slide because it was taught to us by an actual spellcaster. I believe an Arms Band can remember activated spells, and that one is simple enough for me to pass it on to you and your Arms. The process in doing so isn't known to me, so I needed the book for instructions. But anything harder than that? I won't know it, so I won't be able to activate it for you, even with Gibbs's help.

[ He looks at the said higgledy as if asking for him to confirm what he just said. Sadly, Gibbs is just dancing in place and isn't really paying Roland much mind. Ah well. ]

[ higgledies really love to dance roland.

But Roland mentions the arms, and Tidus makes a blank face that's also partially one of recognition: for when he asked if Tidus had it before, and he hadn't understood why. Now, Tidus raises his wrist with the band around it to examine, small and gold and glittery with its small gems. And Roland may be able to recognise that Tidus's brain is at work, realising that... ]

...did you ever tell me this can hold magic?

[ What is this new tech? ]

[ That makes him pause. Did he...? Roland's gaze darts around, a finger to his chin as he tries to recall the first instance he ever mentioned it to Tidus. It's been so long ago now that even Roland's memory of it is hazy. ]

...Well, I'll presume so? Arms Bands are primarily for fighting, after all. Holding other items in it is just a bonus. [ Look at this masterful deflection! ] They store weapons and remember skills attuned to them. They activate the best possible potential of anything equipped to it, so you might notice a more powerful move coming out of a sword or...a metal pipe, that's in your Arms.

[ Roland tilts his chin, signaling the high higgledy still moving about like he owns the place. ] You can even absorb him to make certain moves stronger, but that'll have to be between you and Gibbs to figure out.

[ Please don't throw shade at the pipes.

But huh. That's interesting. Was his sword any different while he was wearing the bands..? It probably doesn't help unless he's aware about it adding to his skills though. Tidus swings a look at Gibbs, knowing he's eager to do more with the Water Slide - speaking as he swings those hips, 'Young sojourner, make haste!' - but he has an idea that the high higgledy grants him some patience to ask: ]

Hey -- so if I hit you with a spell, you think you'll learn it?

[ It's asked, wide-eyed and earnest, his magic left hand up and eager. ]

[ Whoa whoa whoa, let's slow our jets here! Roland takes a couple of tentative steps, as if ready to block anything he does to his poor higgledy. Not that Roland thinks they can't handle a bit of roughhousing, but -! ]

Why would hitting him with a spell make him learn it...? Gibbs might get angry?

[ He would rather not see the very essence of Hope lose patience, thanks! ]

Not him!

[ wow, he's not going to attack Gibbs just yet! ]

You! With your arms!

...

...

...

Pretty sure that's not how learning skills on the Arms Band works, Tidus. And besides, if I didn't learn it in the hot springs, what makes you think hitting me with another one now is gonna do the job?

[ That's the most sincere he'll ever sound. Also, WHY WOULD HITTING SOMEONE MAKE YOU LEARN THE SPELL???

pro, do you need help?? Blink twice for yes! ]

You wore it in the springs? [ Oh...? That gets a puzzled look at first before it drops into one more disappointed. Awww... ]

Well... it couldn't hurt to try, could it? [ Yes, if you're thinking like Roland, except- ] I thought I could try powering up the spell and touching the Arms! You know! Like a...transfer?

[ That's where his brain went anyway. ]

[ Roland nods. ] As a ring. I try not to leave myself defenseless as much as possible.

[ He turns to Gibbs still so animated and...actually can't disagree completely with Tidus, if only because he's never been too informed about magitek and how it works on a deeper level. Where he succeeds in administration and tactics, Roland leaves the more naturalized citizens of Evermore to the task of Arms Band management and spellcraft. This is the only reason why Tidus's request can't seem to get a hard no from Roland, who is now humming in thought. ]

...And you've done this before? I mean, the transfer of the spell to someone else? [ Without the Arms of course, just the general act is what Roland is thinking about. He should at least see if it's worth a shot. Why wouldn't he want a new spell on his arsenal? The worst that could happen was nothing. ]

Nope! [ Tidus can give a confident confirmation about that. ] You'll be my first go! Hey, what's the worst that can happen?

[ Without a pause, there's a hiig! from below, Gibbs twirling and appearing with a blink and flash of light on top of Roland's head. Not seen by the president: arms held out and up, a body of confidence and belief of his own.

But Roland may sense it, even if he can't see it--and isn't that the very nature of hope? Being optimistic, having the belief of a better future. What can come out of risks, even in the darkest of times. Tidus grins at Roland, wiggling the fingers of his waiting hand. ]

Even Gibbers agrees! [ Heheh.

Let Tidus cast a spell on you, Rolo. ]

[ Roland isn't sure what sound comes out of him now; a mix of a half-hearted groan and an uncertain sigh. The higgledy on his head doesn't warrant much of his shock either, but between Gibbs encouraging Roland with waves of hope to his own higgledy residing inside him at the moment, Courage! he feels Bambosh express... ]

[ Roland looks apprehensively at Tidus, but ultimately has no better argument for denying him the experiment apart from worry something might go wrong. But there was Gibbs for that, huh? Sly little thing. The worst that could happen was he gets hurt!

He shakes his head. Slowly, he pushes the sleeve up from his bicep and reveals the gold band with glittering jewels studded across from it. Roland turns and extends that arm forward, palm facing Tidus, giving him access to the Arms. ]

...Count to three, got it? [ He's most CERTAINLY not looking away from this! If Roland has to barrel roll from getting blasted, he will!! ]

3-2-1.

[ That was the most low energy, hurried countdown to be granted.

But Tidus does it as requested, even keeps the eye-roll out of his voice, too intrigued to bother. He clamps his hands around the band and his eyes close, energy picking up around himself, the appearance of the floating, aurora-like lights fluttering that signal his magic. First from off Tidus's body, and then to his hands, where he focuses the spell.

And he holds it for a few seconds, hands squeezing around the ban. There's an energy to the spell, animated, bustling - for whatever Roland can tell when it's trapped in the state it is. But he soon releases it, arms moving back, and the familiar rings of gold circle the man, an ease of limbs and quicker, keener senses. A Haste spell, instead of anything deadlier.

Tidus takes a step back, looking, waiting. Gibbs jumping from Roland's head to Tidus's shoulder to wait on the verdict with him. ]

Well?

[ It's familiar certainly, the same spell that quickened his feet against troll after troll back in Irivar. A boost, something he's never had the privilege of casting even in the second world. Everyone else in the team capable of magic that could wreak the entire field, but Roland was always the physical front liner, not quite hitting the requirements for casting for one reason or another. Perhaps as the perfect counterbalance to his other, more spell-oriented half?

So you can forgive that spark of excitement that may or may not be hidden behind open eyes when he watches Tidus use the spell on his Arms Band. Not taking his eyes off of it, feeling a bit of its effects crawl up his muscles, as if he's now ready to take flight. At Tidus's prompt, Roland he nods and lets the spell - if at all - settle in. A few seconds, even Gibbs watching, then he extends his arm again, eyes closed, trying to access the same mindspace he would had this been a regular move of his.

...

...

...

Nothing happens. Roland opens his eyes, deflates somewhat. ]

Well, I guess I shouldn't have expected learning a spell to be that easy for me. Thanks for trying, Tidus.

[ Tidus clicks his tongue against the back of his teeth. ] Really? What's the difference? Pah, woulda been a good move to have.

[ He's biased for his speed moves though. ]

What if I tried teaching you? I mean, try - it took some work for me to get it, but I know the idea about it. It's just getting you to understand it too...?

[ Would it be difficult though? If Roland knows what magic is and believes in it, and uses some form of energy anyway, with his weaponry. It can't be totally hopeless. ]

[ Roland glances at Gibbs, who for some reason, is still in the mood to move around? And then back again at Tidus who proposes something unusual. If only because Roland's own skillsets were the responsibility of not just the Arms Band remembering moves, but Evermore's own scholars granting him extended power to perform them. He leans a hand against his hip. ]

I'm sure you'll welcome the challenge, pro. I certainly won't stop you from trying. [ Not to be a downer, but he is a realistic person. ] Just set your expectations. If Evermore's Spellworks sorcerers couldn't teach me the kind of magic you cast, I don't know what can.

[ Tidus isn't stubborn about everything, he knows he can be outmatched and this is certainly it, but at the same time- ]

Well, what's the problem? What was stopping you? How did you learn it?

[ He feels insistent, only since he figures that if he can get it, why can't Roland? The guy's a lot smarter and dedicated than himself. ]

...

[ He looks away in thought. Gibbs won't have the answers this time, and so Roland asks himself the same question. Was it for lack of trying in the second world? Never really bothering to try?

No, that's impossible too. Roland was at the Spellworks learning new moves for everyone - and the Arms Band only enhanced or awakened underlying potential and skill. ]

Hm. It might be because I'm from a world that doesn't have magic in the first place. [ A helpful suggestion; one rooted in logic? ] Or I'm just not cut out for spells. It's not unheard of, you know? There's a country in the second world that manufactured magic wands so that even non-magic folk could cast spells. It could be as simple as that.

[ It seems unfortunate, or confusing, that a guy that ca use some type of skill with his weaponry can't do magic. A reason or logic that Tidus couldn't understand even if he wanted to, but the mention of the wands light up his face. Like an answer being right there: ]

Can you get one? Why not use that then! [ Meanwhile, Gibbs hops down onto the floor, an understanding happening between them in supposed silence. Tidus rolls a shoulder, elbow bending in. ]

What's a wand look like?

[ Can you wear it?? ]

[ That's...not something Roland ever thought about. At the time, this information was only relevant because of the mission. ]

It's called a smartstick. It kind of looks like a metal rod that can extend and collapse at ease, with a gem at the tip. But I don't know about getting one. I'd have to swap out my pistol for it in a fight.

[ And he'd rather stake his life on the gun than the wand; the gun, he knows he's great at. The wand, well... ]

horseshoe 22, voice

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