voidtreckernet | horseshoe 22, voice

...

[ He can do it but... ]

How will I show you proof? Use the digital camera to take a picture of the ICP before I send it off?

[ The nerve to audit the auditor!! ]

[ Wow, Tidus just wanted to be present once or twice when he wrote it out, but- ]

Can you record on it? 'Cause anyone can write up a message and not submit it. [ ... ] Not that I'm saying you would, but...

[ But. You know. ]

A little extreme, but fine. I'll do it.

[ Not that he's trying to prove anything here, buster. But hey, posterity right? ]

Everyday till platform day. Be ready to get updates. If you want, I'll send you a quick message before I do.

[ Watch over him indeed! Go tell Roland how to woo this train to talking to them, giving them answers! A reaction! Anything. ]

You might as well do it after breakfast - I can hang around and watch you do it instead. I'll give you some feedback of my own!

[ Isn't this a lot better than offering to slowly fade oneself?? Submitting yourself to Tidus's whims? ]

Sounds like a plan. Let's hope we get the train to talk. And hey, speaking of sharing something. Remember the spellbook I mentioned?

[ The tell-tale sound of something being summoned out of the hammerspace is heard faintly in the background. ]

Let me know when you've got a quick minute. I'll teach you and Hibber-Gibber something. Or at least, I'll attempt it.

[ Oh? That wasn't a direction he was expecting Roland to go. ]

You can come over and bug us now. We're top floor of the games room- I was showing him the giant game you pull out the giant blocks from earlier.

[ Before Tidus decided to take a break and whine about the train, that is! ]

Is right now good though? I can't feed him 'til his food comes in. Isn't he gonna get hungry if we teach him anything?

[ He'll start to rearrange his things, getting ready to move. ]

Should be. [ And wow, he got him his food already? ] Like I said, they don't need to eat. The food is to help them get stronger.

Hold on, I'll meet you in five.

[ Channel turned off, spellbook tucked under his arm, Roland heads off to games room. A quick jog up the stairs and in five minutes as promised, Roland arrives watching Hibber-Gibber and Tidus go about their business with the toys and games. ]

Hey. [ A greeting for both of them, a nod to the high higgledy in respect, and a wave for Tidus. ] You'll have to forgive me if this doesn't work right away. I'm no spellcaster. But I should have enough to activate the spell for you at least. You've got your Arms Band on, right?

[ Look, Tidus respects the necessary of food when growing big and strong and healthy!! He doesn't want to make Gibbs work hard and miss out on food! Maybe he just feels bad about Gibbs not getting any food! It's good, 10/10 would eat any time!

But there's not really much of the 'pair' playing so much it is Gibbs, Tidus cross-legged on a giant plush cube and near the terminal upstairs. Gibbers messing with the oversized jenga puzzle, using smaller higgledies to get up to where he wants in his game. All turning in unison to Roland when he arrives, and each squeaking in unison too.

As for Tidus, he doesn't move from where he's sitting. Doesn't need to as Roland gets into it, and he quizzes him with a knitted brow. ]

I brought it. [ He lifts his wrist with it, wearing a polo shirt: SCA on one wrist, the band on the other. ] But why? Do I need something?

[ His sword, maybe? Something else inside? ]

[ He shakes his head and moves in closer, his book, thick as he had described earlier with golden engravings decorating its cover, already open on the page he's been reading over and over again. ]

No. I need you to wear it, is all. It'll remember the spell for you. And...[ Roland will glance around the smaller higgledies, before turning back to Tidus with a wave of a hand. ] They need to come join you for this. The spell won't work without them.

[ He'll let Tidus gather them up first while he reads again, his eyes going left to right in rapid succession. This should work. He already knows the spell, so activating it on someone else, someone who is clearly more magical than him, should be no trouble at all. Roland nods and walks a few steps back to give himself some space. ]

Let me know when you're ready.

Edited 2020-10-22 16:14 (UTC)

[ ...???

???????

'It'll' remember the spell? Tidus is lost, but he decides to get his butt off the cube, whistle to the higgledies to drop their came with that and a - ] Yo, Rolo wants us! That cool, Gibbs?

[ --don't mind the new nickname, Roland. That's a private one between friends.

But as Hibber-Gibbers makes his way over, rejoined into one large high higgledy, Tidus turns to the older man. ]

Uh, so, what's this about remembering a spell? What are you gonna teach him?

...Gibbs?

[ And the high higgledy is...okay with that?

Ah well. They're the partners now. God forbid Roland calls Bambosh, Bambs...? ]

[ He shakes his head. Focus! ]

It's just something to help you out. Mind you, it's not made for a fight, but if you need to make a quick getaway, or travel somewhere...deep? [ Well, it was learned in the Abyss. And in fact, the more Roland talks, the more Hibber-Gibber squeals in delight, knowing exactly where he was leading. ] This could be good to have in your arsenal. [ Another gesture with his hand. ] It's called Water Slide. It's why you need water higgledies for it to work. This isn't the best place to demonstrate it after you've learned it, but let's take it one step at a time, shall we?

Alrighty. [ He takes a breath. Faces them both fully, where the higgledy has taken his spot somewhere on Tidus. ] Here goes nothing.

[ Roland will close his eyes, and the spellbook floats for a moment in front of him. He extends his arm forward, palm facing Tidus, and the younger man will feel it in his bones; his body engulfed in prismatic, blue light. The moment passes fast. He opens his eyes, the book floating back down into his hands. ]

Can you ask, uh, Gibbs? If it worked? [ And of course it did, but Roland has to make sure. ]

[ This does not answer anything Tidus wants to know!

Confusion only etches deeper into his face, the explanation far from being that, although Tidus feels the joy from Gibbs in his chest louder than he hears it. But also, the spot he's taken on Tidus is absolutely his shoulder. That's where Little Bros ride.

And then there's the light, the sensation that sinks into him, breathes with energy unfamiliar, not unwelcome. Tidus too puzzled to be opposed, and Hibber-Gibbers at his side only blossoms more by the opportunities being gifted to them.

A gift Tidus still doesn't understand once the light dims away, and the high higgledy teleports from his shoulder to the ground in an animated dance, running on the spot. 'Can you ask Gibbs if it worked?' Already lost to anything, everything, Tidus looks down to his small pal, asks out loud- ]

Uh... did Roland get it right?

[ The higgledy squeaks in response, an answer just for Tidus- ]

'Young sojourner! Why don't we test it? Craft me some of your magic - the one that sprouts from the ground! Now, gather with your friend-!'

[ This isn't anything Tidus needs to warn Roland about? He switches between the pair, but then does as Gibbers tells him, stepping beside Roland with a 'like this?', nodding, then- ] Wait, under us?

... ... Are you sure? ... well-

[ Tidus's hand glows, Roland's singular warning for what's to come as the air rushes up around Tidus, his eyes closing, and- ] Here we go!

[ And it's a spell that'll be familiar to Roland: as from below, the water bubbles up from the carpeting around the trip and then shoots up under them, Hibber-Gibber merging and disappearing within the blue miniature geyser that appears. They're bumped up onto its ride, and that's exactly what it becomes: the mass made from Tidus's spell increasing and supporting them, a floating circular disk of water that knocks them onto their butts as it shoots them around the room, whizzing between ad dodging the jumbo-sized games, leading them down the sloping stairway.

With, of course, the appropriate acoustics from Tidus: ]

Whoooa-a-a-a-hahaha-haaaeeyy!

OOF.

[ And that would be the landing sound, as the diagonal force of their journey sends the water carrying them directly at floor, tumbling the pair of them into a giant puddle of their own (Tidus's) making.

But don't worry--Hibber-Gibbers pops out from the water before it splashes completely into the ground, hopping out with hands coming up, posed dramatically, in all his glory.

And Tidus... ]

That... was...

[ A laughter, that grows and grows-- ] Awesome!

[ And he laughs on, straight from the belly, no concern for his wet pants and the rest of him soaked from bubble of water that's drenched him, the mess in the games car.

He even picks up the high higgledy and starts throwing him in the air, catching him. Happy, delighted. ]

[ 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.

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