Duex

The day would begin with the same routine. I would finish my work, and head back towards the outskirts. Once there, the pathway towards the broken gates would begin. I had entered the forbidden land once already, and met a strange, albeit useful woman. She was kind of like an old lady. Oh well. I would smile while darting through the trees as fast as I could. Once the large, shattered ruins of gates had been reached, my head would turn to make sure I was alone. If that was the case, my body would lift off from the ground of our realm and move through the large, broken walls that revealed an entirely different realm. The pressure would change as my body took a physical mass and darted towards the ground. Most of the speed I gained was from natural falling as I let myself go. I would gradually increase for minutes before pulling my body up across the water below. It was a beautiful day down here, and the sun was bright across my body. There were a few birds flying across the distance cliffs. Taking my exploration to the north, I would fly for about fifteen minutes before coming to a halt and dropping down onto the rocky ledge that stood above the water.
234

Timeline: Current
Location: Coastal Regions

Now that was a fun job! Walking along the beach in light colored garbs, I was hoping to simply blend in for a while. I didn't want to be noticed by anyone looking to hire on an operative, so the change in attire allows me to be invisible without use of the Void. These region has always been my favored of all the realm and now that I have been taking on steady jobs and assignments from the Monarchy, I am actually considering taking an oath of service and joining the Monarchy's employ for good. Still, I don't know if I want to be tied down. I enjoy the freedom of coming and going when I please. Of accepting or turning down any job that I see fit. Still, the stability and patronage would be nice... plus I have the beach and the ocean next to me whenever I'm here. I look out at the office and wonder what might be out there. Looking up at the birds, I wonder what it must be like to fly and be so free. I see a boy playing out in the water and I am reminded of more peaceful times for myself. I remember the beach as a boy, but I don't remember who was with me or exactly which beach along the coast it was. All I know is that I have always loved this setting.

EXP: 246

The rocks were perfect for looking out across the beaches. The northern shores were quite beautiful, and as my first time gazing upon them I found them rather enjoyable. There was nothing here so far that had more beauty that the sun across pristine shores. I wondered if this was a new land, or was part of something new. I mean, it was only my second day down here and I was already curious to see what else was in this realm. Spotting a being in the distance (boy), I couldn’t help but let my curiosity get the best of me. Bending my knees, my body would leap upwards before taking flight. I would twist upwards through the sky before coming down a good distance behind where the human, what looked like a boy, was dabbling. I didn’t want to scare him off or anything after all. My white and blue robe hung off my shoulders, flapping upwards through the landing while I casually looked at the soft sandy ground below. How interesting it was. Soft, cushiony, and moving even if I stood still. It almost had the properties of a living creature. I’d have to make note to take some of it back for testing next time I came down to this realm. Shaking the feeling of oddness about the ground off, I would lift my feet lightly off the ground and move forward, appearing to walk but never actually touching the soft ground.


264

I lose myself in my thoughts watching the little boy playing and calling out to his mother. She did not seem to pay much attention to me or the boy for that matter. She was more concerned with whatever it is, she is working on over there. This annoys me a bit having grown up without anyone to look after me as a child until I was found by the Master. I move closer to the water when the boy drops under. He calls out for his mother and without even looking back all she says is, "Yes, sweetie, you're doing a good job. Enjoy the water." Careless wench! The boy goes under again and I dash towards the water, "Shimmer!" I have been practicing on moving things to me with the Portal power, but now would not be the time for me to experiment. Instead I use the power in the easiest manner possible. I step thru the Void quickly leaving my place on the sand for a much wetter one atop the water... well for a moment at least. I drop underneath to retrieve the boy. He coughs as I pull him above the water, which is a great sign because I possess no healing magic to help him had he been in a worse condition. I'm not sure if I want to shimmer with this boy because it's possible that I escaped notice the first time but to do it again would do the exact opposite of what I wanted. Still, his life is more important than my hiding.

EXP: 269/515

I would stand there to the side, watching what seemed to be the boys mother. Shifting myself towards the physical side, my body would fully form, materializing into this realm. I hoped to not scare anyone as the boy went into the water. It was interesting to watch him, and the carelessness of what seemed to be the child’s mother. It must be nice to have had something like that. Oh well, not my problem anymore. My eyes kept to the water, where the child disappeared. He would come up, then go down, and not come up. Dropping my head to the side, I wondered if she had even noticed. What a piss poor parent. Then again, still not my problem, even though I wanted to assist. Master had taught me to never meddle in the affairs of others, for the iron rule was best. Do not do for others what they must do for themselves. It was this rule that kept me out of trouble, and our sacred art secret. Fortunately for me, things would take a change for the more interesting. The boy emerged from the water, with another. Now, if I had paid attention well enough, I could honestly say that he went into the water alone. Where did this other being come from? For someone to either move fast enough to get there without me noticing was rather impressive. I may have to stay and watch how this unfolds after all.

261/ 759

As Fortune would allow, 50 feet is really not a far distance for me to swim. I tell the boy to hold on tight and I submerge under water with the boy kept above on my shoulders and back. A few citizens had noticed the entire ordeal, or I at least hope they only noticed part of it. We reach the shallow shores and I rise to my feet holding the boy on my back. The mother finally notices and upon seeing me walking out of the water with her son, her first reaction is to think that I am trying to hurt the boy. She yells for me to stay away from him before she calls the guards. At this moment, I focus on my breathing to remain calm and not give in the chaotic fury that would have me teleport her into the Void and leave her there. It would probably be better for the boy anyway! Still, I do no such thing. I pat the boy on the head and tell him that he is safe now. I scoff at her before I walk away down the beach.

It is now that I notice the man in blue and white robes. I wondered if he was a priest of some sort. I was not aware or at least I had not encountered a faith or sect that wore garbs like his own, but out of respect to the spiritual forces, I bow my head in respect to him. I continue walking down the beach as other citizens approach. A few knew her and the boy and seemed quite fond of him and they tell her that she should not have scolded me, but thanked me since I was the one that saved his life. They all tell her that I moved so fast that it looked like I just vanished and then I was there. One of the men remarks that I probably just swam under the water.

EXP: 320/835

Well now, this was an interesting turn of events. I was rather interested in how this entire ordeal would play out and who this other being was. He had appeared out there, I was sure of it. It wasn’t like my eyes could trick me on this matter, I was absolutely sure of what I had seen. What magical abilities did that being possess? Was he a spirit like myself? I couldn’t get a feel for him from here. Luckily for me, he would make it to the shore with little difficulty while the woman whined about him being an improper fellow. What a horrible parent she was after all. My hands would dig into my pockets while the scene unfolded and a small crowd gathered. Making eye contact with the being, he would nod to me. Was this a greeting of theirs? Maybe it was a custom that one must follow. Not wanting to be disrespectful and to avoid any suspicion, I would lightly bow, half as a nod, my head in return. He had done something good, whether others saw it or not. Turning away from the crowd, I would take a step, raising my body an inch off the sandy beach before walking after him. It wasn’t every day that I discovered someone who could keep my interest for very long. Maybe today would be different. Hopefully, not touching sand would keep my movements silent while following him.
As soon as we reached a safe point away from the others, I would go ahead and give him a call out.
“It’s not every day you get to watch someone move that fast..”
290 / 1049

While I am used to not being thanked for my deeds, I am rather annoyed at that woman's actions. How could she be so neglectful as to not notice that her child almost died! Void energy begins to gather around my hands that I quickly exhale to try and breathe my way back to calmness. The trouble with trying to master something that is chaotic... it tends to bring out the chaos within you. Just keep walking and leave it all behind. The feeling of the sand between my toes and sticking to the bottom of my feet is relaxing and the warmth of the sun is even more welcomed. The water is not really cold this time of year, but it definitely isn't like a prepared bath. Those are exquisite to say the least. I stop once I am far enough away and face the ocean again. Simply beautiful. It would be around this time that a voice speaks in my direction. Now I am not sure to whom they are speaking as I didn't know anyone around here, but when I look and see that the priest had followed me down here and was looking at me, I conclude that he must be talking for me. I nod as I reply, "Adrenaline allows us to do things that we normally could not. You do not have to worry about me, priest. I am used to being treated in such a manner." I honestly was. When you neutralize situations for a living and instruct warlords on how to efficiently conquer their enemies including innocent villages, they tend to dislike you a bit.

EXP: 287/1122

how interesting it was that he would give an explanation of the circumstances so quickly. Adrenaline did have some interesting effects, but to not notice anyone entering the water, now that was quite strange. I trusted my eyes and my senses more than I cared to, and they would not betray me in this situation. I turned to face the sunlight as it forced a serene shade of blue to shimmer across the vast expanse of water. It was rather calming to watch it like this. Setting down, I let my boots slide into the sand for a moment before getting comfortable with standing. I had been wondering how he had really done it, whether his speed really was faster than what I could see, or maybe he was under water the whole time. I did see him before that, but only momentarily, so that option had to go out the window. Maybe a more direct approach would be plausible in this situation. I didn't want to encroach on his privacy or anything, but I was curious and really, really wanted to know.

"Yea.. adrenaline.. that would help you swim with someone on your back.. but how did you get out there? I don't recall you entering the water, and I'm pretty sure the boy was alone the entire time. It's slightly peculiar for an individual to just appear out of thin air to save a child. While it was a great gesture and show of your constitution, it is still peculiar. What exactly are you?"

I hated to be so upfront, and that last bit kinda just slipped off the tongue after all. Hopefully he would take no offense to it.

305 / 1354

Internally, I grumble at his persistence. It is an admirable trait, but completely against my desires for the day. My gaze remains fixed on the body of water. It seemed wrong lying to a priest even if I was not of his faith. With a sighing exhale, I answer vaguely, "The Void." Pausing for a moment longer, I ponder upon what he means by what exactly am I? I am a man of course. What else would I be? This priest is a peculiar one, but rather interesting as well. "I am a problem solver for those whoever hires me. You are rather inquisitive for a priest."

My attire is still wet from my little rescue. It would only be a matter of time before the sun dried them and my hair for me. Until then, I suppose the company of a priest would be suitable. "So tell me, what brings you to the Coastal Regions? Besides the view of course."

EXP: 169/1291

That was an interesting response. The void. I thought about it for a moment in my head. I knew what a void was, or, rather, the absence of something was. Was he possibly creating an absence in space to reach that child that quickly. I would study it in my head for a moment before giving another inquisitive comment and question. He was still wet, and I figured probably a bit chilled. The water was warm from when I had touched it earlier, but I wouldn't be willing to go swimming. Maybe that was just my mood though. So many things could have changed in variable, shifting that thought to wanting to go swimming or not. Dismissing the entire idea altogether, I continued to stand about a half inch off the ground.

"A priest? I was unaware that this realm had those... Oh well, back to that void thing.. Could you teach someone how to do that? I can see a lot of potential in an ability like that.."

190 / 1544

Considering that he is all too comfortable with the concept of the Void, I allow dark strands of energy to swirl around me before they pull away from me. The water and moisture of my clothing would be pulled with it. It was a nifty trick that I had discovered the same way as most of my tricks and powers... by accident while trying to do something else. Once dry, I would smile before I gesture for the strange man who speaks of interesting things to move forward. It seems we both enjoyed the serenity of the ocean, so I figure it is easier to converse if we are standing next to each other. It was probably the "Negotiator" side of me that wanted to remain respectful in all aspects. Something he just said really holds my attention... "this realm".

Glancing over (or back if he didn't advance), I nod to him and speak, "So you are not a priest then? Your attire looks very priestly, tho I suppose attire can be very deceptive. The Void is not something to be taught but to be embraced. I do not possess such Mastery that I could teach it to someone. I myself do not hold such an understanding." That was true. I also did not know what he would try to do with such knowledge so I wanted to keep the Void guarded in that aspect. I have encountered those who were not disciplined enough to control the chaotic order that is the Void and they have caused terrible damage and destruction or have perished of their own accord being unable to control their powers. I would not be the one to bring such despair upon this man or upon the world.

My thoughts keep falling upon this realm talk so I ask, "What did you mean when you said, "this realm"? You mean the Coastal Regions?"

EXP: 341/1632

I kept my eyes on him while turning my body towards the beautiful waters. Without a moment or two of passing, the water would be stripped from his form, drying him. Now, that was a nifty use of one’s abilities. I already liked this guy, even though I didn’t really know him. I wouldn’t move when the other came to stand next to me. I actually preferred it if he had been closer. While he could easily escape using that kind of ability, I was far more confident in my own defenses was he within a close proximity. I would simply smile as he began to speak about something that I didn’t quite pay attention to. Were my looks priestly? I didn’t really know what a priest looked like or what they wore. Maybe the priests modeled their garb after us?
“That’s a shame, it seems like it would be quite useful. There has to be a base concept and understanding to it. “
I was determined to learn that now. I didn’t really have any aspirations for mastery, but that transportation ability was something that would be quite convenient for me. Regardless of how I looked at it, this path was now within the scopes of my best interest.

[b]"what do you mean by the "coastal regions?" Are the sections of your world different based on where you are physically located? I find it peculiar that there are different people's all within one plane of existence. Are you aware of each other, or do you function completely independent from your neighbors? I have so many questions, I doubt you could answer all of them in one afternoon."

I would sigh, disappointed that I had found someone who may not be able to give me answers. While I ultimately seeked new places to explore, if this place was inhabitated it might make it a tad bit more difficult to do so.

350 / 1,894

You know... in all honesty, there probably is some basic concept to understanding the Void. There must be in the same way that in all forms of fighting there are basic concepts. A single continuity that links the aspects of a particular discipline together. Perhaps, if this stranger and I got to know each other, I could in fact entrust him with the basic knowledge of teleportation. It would also allow me the time needed to learn enough about the Void in order to teach him, but I should be able to accomplish that task if I had reason to set my mind to the task. His peculiarity grows as he talks about planes of existence. Though it starts to make some sense when I begin to think back to how the Void was once explained to me. Perhaps, I did understand the Void after all and I merely need the time to focus on all that I have been taught in order to formulate my knowledge. Perhaps, this task would even be a benefit to me as well as it might open the door to deeper connections as well as new powers granted by the Void.

After he finishes speaking, I smile and recall how I was as a boy when I had so many questions about the world and the Void when Master showed me that there was no location off limits to us. I attempt to address most of his questions, "Given time, I may be able to help you in your quest to understand the Void. Obviously you are not from around these parts or you have not be out often. This area is called the Coastal Regions for obvious reasons (pointing out at the ocean and coastline). There are also other regions that are based around their geographical location. There are the Lands of the Desert tribes to the south. The North West and South West Forest Regions and there is Medius. There is also a small island surrounded by land and that is called Latito. The people of the regions interact when they come across one other, but primarily that is done by merchants, the wealthy who have free time to travel, artists and bards, and of course mercenaries and operatives. Everyone knows that the other villages exist, but they don't know specifics of their lives. The world is vast and so that is a great amount of separation and regional isolation. And yes, the regions are very different from one another. In terrain, climate, and behavior of the people. So where exactly are you from?" I had just realized that I had not introduced myself properly, but that would wait for a moment or two. I wanted to know a little bit more about him first.

EXP: 502/2134

I would gaze across the water while he explained how this world essentially operated. I was satisfied with the answers to the point of being more curious. TI seemed that this world was larger than I originally anticipated, and was full of new people to find. I was fully satisfied with his answer about how complex the void was. It was something that would of course take time, even though I knew I was a quick study. I was now, more than ever, interested in this realm. The waters up here were beautiful, and I was really interested in the society he spoke of. Latito sounded interesting and would be next on me list to go visit when I got a chance. Right now though, I had a new objective.
“Connect the area between two points..”
I tried to understand a basic concept of it, but I figured there had to be a better trick of it. Taking my attention back to the other, I smiled simply before pointing upwards. He might be able to see the shambled gates off in the distance. Maybe.. maybe not.
“I’m from that place. It’s a long way up there, but it’s really an easy flight down here. I have only been to one other place, but it was on the Cliffside of the water. I enjoy the water, so I followed it north to see what I could find. It seems like there are a lot more places down here that I originally anticipated. Is most of your realm in ruins? ”
The thought had never really occurred to me that he may think I’m crazy, or a heretic. I could have been putting our entire civilization in danger, or myself for that matter just by speaking of it. I was unaware of how much these people knew of the other realms. There was a bit of interest that I had with discovering as much as possible to assist in my adventures, and defending our people.

353 / 2,247

I nod at his basic concept of the Void. That was essentially it though it was less of connecting the two points as it was merging or bending the path of the two points. When he brings my attention to the giant door in the sky, I find myself slightly confused and intrigued. I knew that there were spirits in this realm, but he was implying that he lived in the clouds. Perhaps, it was figurative, but he just said that he possessed the power of flight. Now that is a power that I don't see many possess. That is a power that makes me wish that I could indeed clone the powers of others for my own use. Alas, I possessed neither the ability to fly or borrow/clone others' powers. I find a new deep curiosity in this stranger. I decide that introductions would be beneficial. I shall let him go first. "What is your name, traveler? As for the state of the world, I am not familiar with this term, "ruins". In ruins? What does that mean?" I try to guess at what the term might mean on my own, but it is still foreign to me. I now had several questions for him. Like what exactly he is and if he is a spirit, why I and only certain others are able to see him and other spirits but the majority of the world cannot. I would try to avoid blurting out several at once, so that we could have an actual back and forth of learning about one another and our cultures. The ocean and the sound of crashing waves makes for an amazing backdrop to this conversation.

EXP: 294/2428

Did I say something wrong? I thought I had said ruins, and meant it. It was wasn’t like it was a very difficult concept, ruins were ruins no matter where you were. I was curious to whether or not their land had fought with the same strife that ours had. Maybe they had hidden their past. I knew there were ruined parts of it, maybe they didn’t really care though. However, I did care. I cared enough to want to know what happened to our society to come explore and get things under bearing to keep it from happening again.
“Ruins. Was your society ruined twenty years ago?”
Standing there, I discovered I was tired of standing. Since I was already technically floating, I would pull my legs up and cross them in front of me, pretty much sitting to keep myself at eye level with him.

160

Now if I had thought that he was joking or crazy, seeing him actually floating in a seated position in the air would certainly alleviate a good amount of that now. But now I really want to be able to fly. He seems confused about my confusion of his concept of ruins. I did not want to upset my new curiosity but I genuinely had no clue what he was talking about. I inform him, "I have only seen 18 Springs myself, sir. Though even with the elders that I have encountered in all my travels, I have never heard this term, ruins before. The realm is how it is and how it has been since the Dawn. What are ruins or what does it mean to be ruined?" He used strange words that I figure are normal to sky people. "Can all Sky People fly like you or is it a special power of yours, Sky Man? Do many sky people come down to "this realm" (using one of my new Sky People terms) to visit often and do they all dress like you?" I hoped they did because then I could identify them and continue to investigate my curiosity about Sky People as I just now termed them. This was turning into a very interesting and insightful trip to the beach.

EXP: 228/2656

He had an interesting question. I guess this really was the forbidden realm after all. If they didn’t really know about us then this place had to have been off limits. I was now more curious than ever about this place. I wanted to explain things more, but I didn’t know what impact that might have on the relationship between our realms. All he needed to know right now was that there was more than just this realm. That was the important concept to learn.
“Yea, we can all fly.. we learn it when we are young. Are you unable to fly in this realm? You can move from place to place instantly, but you can’t fly.. that would be rather humorous. As for the ruins, it was kinda like this. We were born and everything was destroyed. Once we ventured outwards, we discovered that places were not, and put pieces together. We built a new civilization on what had to have been the old one, before when things existed. Did you do that, or are you living in the ruins of a lost time? ”

200 /

I blink at him for a moment. I decide to return the jab coyly, "Most of us in this realm cannot fly. So I cannot fly and you cannot walk thru the Void. It would seem that we both have our shortcomings in terms of travel. Such is life." I smile at my answer. My expression changes to one of thought as he explains to me the situation in the Realm of the Sky People. "Interesting, so ruins are bad. Being ruined means being destroyed. Our realm is not destroyed. You're in it. There are plenty of villages and major ones too. Some of them like Medius are really interesting as the architecture looks like several villages put it together. I am told that the Coastal Regions are similar as they say there are places that the Queen did not build but that people from before the Dawn built. I haven't seen them yet, but I plan on finding them soon. Medius is also somewhere that I want to explore. Oh you might like Medius too. There are relics there. Maybe that is what you call ruins. Tho the relics are just damaged it seems, not destroyed." Thinking about his last question, I begin to wonder myself about the answer. "Well some villages have no relics and some like Medius do have relics within them, so maybe we did both. Built new stuff and built upon relics. Ok, now your turn... what are you called, Sky Man? Do you have a name? Also, what is your role within the Sky People?" That would service the beginning of my curiiosity, tho there were many more questions that we both seemed to have.

Off in the distance, I notice a couple of the local citizens approaching our direction. Now what did they want?

EXP: 327/2983

It seemed that there might be the same problem down here, they just didn’t really know it. If they started from scratch then the idea of something being ‘ruined’ wouldn’t really matter. I knew that for a fact based on what happened with the girl the other day. She was an interesting one, but I knew I could find more information to the north thanks to her. I listened to his explanation of the society, and formulated more questions.
“I am called Ashurei. Our entire society is kind of like yours. We don’t remember anything from before the Dawn, we just exist. What we do know is that there were buildings that were intact, and buildings that were destroyed. Up there, I assist with rebuilding and reorganizing parts of our society. What about you?”
Taking a look at what seemed to be people coming, I would casually lower my legs to the ground to appear standing. I wasn’t going to risk people freaking out just because I was lazy. After all, not everyone was probably as friendly or curious as this one was.

203

Responding in kind, I introduce myself as well, "I am known as Dravec. As for my role, it is not as grand or important as yours. I solve problems for those who hire me. Some require me to formulate plans and strategies to overcome obstacles for them, primarily military obstacles though I have aided with some judicial obstacles before. At other times, I am called upon to retrieve what has been taken be it cargo, heirlooms, friends & allies, or enemies that have escaped from my employer's custody. They ask and I accomplish." Pausing for a moment, I notice him land and I nod with a smile before noting, "I like you Ashurei, you are interesting and forthcoming with knowledge. Apparently there is much that I still do not know about the world. We too know nothing about what came before the Dawn. Like the realm of the Sky People, our realm had structures and lots of people but we just attribute them as being gifts from the Great Spirits. Personally, I am here, so I make the best of it."

He was straightforward in his answers to me and I have to admit that I like that. Most people I deal with are so deceptive... or they try to be. Some of them I would like to be called upon to neutralize. I could just trap them in a pocket realm and leave them there until I could find some feral beast to lock inside with them. Of course, I keep these sorts of thoughts to myself, just as I kept the fact that there are times, albeit they are rare, that I am called upon to neutralize targets permanently.

When the citizens approach, they look at us and say, "The heat must be getting to all of us. I remember you, young man. About a month and a half ago, you were the one who stopped those vagrants from kidnapping my daughter. You didn't even ask for payment. I know some people think your kind are villains, but you, young man, are a blessing. I just wanted to say thank you for saving her son. She was wrong to react the way she did but your whitish silvery hair is becoming well known in these parts." I nod to the man to show my gratitude for his words. I had hoped that I was more anonymous than that, but it was also good to be seen as a benefit to our society here instead of a curse as most do see me and the other operatives of the Mare Maris Monarchy.

EXP: 456/3439

I listened astutely to his observations about the comparison between our realms. It seemed like there was a lot more than just the little things going on. If their civilization was indeed reduced to ruins, just like ours, then maybe there was a common reason for it. What it was, however, I had no idea. This kind of just gave me one giant headache to even think of where to begin. There was no memory of anything before that time. What happened, nobody knew. It was frustrating to say the least, but what could one being do in these times. A smile and a light nod would be given at the compliments to the others. I was slightly curious about his profession. I. however, wouldn’t press that matter any further. It really seemed like this individual was someone who could handle himself. What I did anticipate questioning more was his ability to use the void. I was still highly interested in that, but my focus was broken when a group of people neared. Listening to what seemed a story, I waited for them to pass before commenting.
“So, you saved someone? That was rather honorable of you, even though you admit to doing dishonorable things. You can transport rapidly across distances.. does the void have other uses?”
I had been rather inquisitive of his abilities since I had caught on, which already prepared me for a reciprocated request from him. I had shown him I could float, which pretty much said I could fly. However, I had kept my primary attribute and talent to myself since there was really no reason to show it.

306

I would rest my hand on the older man's shoulder and convey to him my happiness for his daughter's safety. He smiles and offers me two of the fish that he caught today, one for myself and the other for Ashurei here. I smile to the man and tell him that I am provided for, but I want to be sure that his family has plenty to eat or trade. He bows to me and thanks me again. They continue on up the sloped path back towards the city or the road leading to one of the nearby villages.

With them gone, I prepare another question, but he beats me to it. So the Sky People are quick too. I will have to make note of this. I respond to him promptly, "She was kind to people who could not trade anything to repay her kindness. Those vermin picked the wrong village. I follow my orders. If I am commanded to do something dishonorable then that is what I commanded to do. As long as it does not violate the Code by which I was raised and trained, then I will do it without question. The Void can do just about anything you need it to do. If you were able to teleport, what would you do?" I may be jaded at my young age, but it typically my experience that every great builder I have encountered is equally skilled at destruction. I anticipate that he is no different. My full attention is on him and his response. Both physical and verbal.

EXP: 270/3709

What would I do with an ability like the void? That was a great question, and I already had the answer to that. There were three types of abilities for movement in combat. Attack, Retreat, and Dodge. If I was capable of flocculating my body through the void at each distance in order to attack, retreat, and dodge, I could greatly enhance my combat ability. I wondered if he had thought about utilizing his abilities for more than just saving people or doing his job. Hell, with that kind of ability I would be able to cut the trip down here in half.
The other half of it was what I could do with using it as a combo platform for combat. The possibilities for mixing it with my own talents were endless, and that was something I was interested in more than anything.
“The void has a peculiar ability for travel. In combat, there are three types of movement: attack, defend, evade. With mastery of the void, these can become subtle and instantaneous, allowing a minimization of physical body movement to achieve maximum effect. I could also learn to transport myself directly from up there to down here to save time on travel.”
The last part would be given a little light laugh. I had no idea what kind of animal had attempted to be given, or how difficult it was to capture them here. Allowing him to ask a question, I already had another one in mind. I was also curious about his code of honor and ethics. Did he have a master like I did, who gave him a sacred art? There were so many questions that I may just end up spending all of my time today down here with this one individual.

320 / 3,436

His answer was one that I had expected for the most part. He did not hide or try to mask the fact that he would utilize the Void for combat as well as travel. I merely grant one warning. "The Void is very useful and angerous, Ashurei. My Master could bend the very fabric of space and time and with that, he could tear enemies apart with ease. He was a Master with the Void. I have also seen those who thought they possessed mastery destroy innocent people, buildings, and crops... I have even seen some fools kill themselves because they could not control the Void. The Void is like a powerful storm that u tap into but its core is not something that u can see or even truly touch unless u inside of it. The worst fate I have heard of is not being killed by the Void but being trapped within one's own pocket realm. The Void is vast & as such, locating someone who is lost inside is near impossible unless u have both a strong Mastery of the Void & connection to the one you are trying to find. If u wish to travel this path, I want u to know what tis path truly is." I wasn't one to sugarcoat or lie about the dangers of the Void. I had seen many & been told about others. They were NOT to be trifled with carelessly.

EXP: 244

It had almost been a complete flashback to when my master had first explained the dangers of our sacred art. The pact that we made, and the danger that was withheld in storing high amounts of highly refined energy inside of our own bodies came at a risk. The higher the strength, the more damage you could potentially do to yourself if you weren’t ready. If you were to process too much energy and be unable to control it, your body would burn up from the inside out. To me, that didn’t really seem like the way I wanted to go.
“The void sounds dangerous, but that’s something I’m used to. I can tell you now, its potential far outweighs the risk of learning it. As with all powers, I assume proper mastery of the basics should allow you to apply it to any other set of abilities as well. There is a lot of strength in that power of yours and regardless of whether or not I can master all of it, mastery of just that warping technique you used would be more than enough for me.”

196 / 3,632

At least he fully understood what he was getting himself into. The first step then would be as much for my benefit as for his. Drawing Void energies to my position, I control them to move out towards Ashurei for a moment. "Follow me into the Void." I relay that as a request though I was in the process of pulling him into the Void anyway. I just wanted to be polite about the whole ordeal. Provided he didn't flee, a dark purple and black portal would form around us as I step backwards. The beach would fade away and Ashurei would find himself within the Void. An aurora of sunset colored lights would be off in the distance. "Welcome to the Void, Ashurei. Moving around will be difficult for a while. It is unlike anything else I know. It is like you have no weight and yet you are tied down by an incredible and at times overbearing force. You are free, but pulled in so many directions. It is magnificently dangerous here." I chuckle at that last bit. With a wave of my hand, I would create the image of stairs. This was in fact a teleportation that I was using my own concentration to slow down. It was a trick I had learned during my training in the Village of the Sun

EXP: 240/4193

I kept my eyes on the other people as they disappeared into the distance. It was strange for others to be so casual. I guess this place had some form of way of accommodating them to the point where they can live happily. That was a rather good thing to have, peace of mind you know. We had it up in our realm, but it wasn’t like very many people from down here could even get up there. Much to my surprise, he intended on giving me a some sort of demonstrative walk through right now. I was unsure what his style’s actual rules were, but if he was not within the single inheritance, I could rightfully learn this style of power without consequence. That idea made me rather happy. Watching the events unfold around me, I would keep my mouth shut and observe while trying to get a feel for the winds of magic that flowed around us. The purple and black swirl of color was rather impressive, and before my body knew it I was floating straight into it. This could have been some sort of trap. I remembered him saying how easy it was to trap someone inside the void. Then again, the best place to learn about something is where it is the most abundant. Was the void a middle ground between all planes of existence? Were there multiple voids? I had many, many questions. The feeling I would receive would be thick, like a hot and humid jungle. There was a pressure from all directions, but it was also pulling my body outwards. It was a strange feeling, but there nonetheless. Listening to his words, my gaze would shift over to a new set of stairs. It almost seemed like anyone who was in here could channel their energy freely into a style of open manipulation once the basics were mastered. Of course, I still intended to use it for my own personal support which would give me a heavy advantage in combat against the dark ones. I may have to stay with this human, and learn and train with him for a while. He was greatly interesting, and to have such a great power was highly impressive.

"It's an interesting feeling to say the least. Once here, you can open and step out to pretty much anywhere? That would make this a middle realm that can virtually connect any two seperate points of physical existence."

445 / 4,077

Once the stairs are created, I would smile. I pause for a monent focused on the stairs & I try to create more stairs on top of the current ones, but it is to no avail. I still couldn't focus enough to hold them together. It would seem that I was still limited in how far I could travel. It is very strange yet interesting to me to see my curiosity when I was first brought into the Void. Turning to Ashurei, I explain, "Not without sufficient practice and focus. I am still limited in how far I can travel due to the second factor. I haven't been able to focus on strengthening my connection to the Void in several months." There were many distractions to say the least and I wasn't getting any closer to figuring out how to overcome them so that I can once again advance my powers.

I explain further the concept of traveling. "Right now, I created stairs to symbolize the distance & direction that we are traveling, but it's typically just a launched feeling. It is kind of like being the arrow and the Void is your archer. You decide where u want to go within your realm of control and within moments, u are there. With practice, you can manually hold a portal open like I am doing now in order to have more time within the Void. I have used this to train powers or to just relax and get away. While it difficult to perform this feat, it is also quite enjoyable to be able to control something that is so chaotic and out of control." This would be enough for now. I snap my fingers an we would appear on the cliff overlooking our previous position. "I will show you more of the Void... in time. Are u hungry by chance?"

EXP: 325/4518

The explanation was simple and easy to understand. An arrow was the void. Technically, we weren’t really moving; we were just opening a hole into a separate realm, and then opening a hole out of it to a new place. This middle ground was rather intriguing to me, and I really had to learn more now. There was a ton of questions I had. I would look around at every place I could before it all disappeared, and we were on the cliffs where I had originally been early. While we hadn’t taken a single step for the most part, we had traveled a distance. That was impressive to say the least, and even I was at a loss for words after being part of a live demonstration.
“That is definitely impressive for a walker. “
That was the name I had given to their people. They walked around down here and couldn’t really fly. They walked around, some aimlessly, to do their daily work. I found enjoyment in just observing some of them live their day to day lives. They had meaning, but they didn’t know what it was, and that was the part that fascinated me.
“Hunger? No. We sustain ourselves on only our food. I am unsure whether or not it is safe to consume anything from down here since our physical bodies are different.”

exp 245

Looking out at the ocean for a moment longer, I hear his term for "my people" which seemed very fitting. I referred to them as Sky People so we would be walkers. Physical bodies, he said? Perhaps he is like that one man that I met several years ago. He had spoke of physical bodies and called the other form his spiritual body. Was he one of the Sky People as well? Still, I would not push the issue since I did not know enough about their physical makeup and such. That was definitely out of my realm of expertise... as if I even really had one. "Hmm... I figure you could at least safely drink tea. There's a village nearby that cultivates and grows amazing tea leaves. If you have time, we can continue our conversation because I definitely want to know more about the Sky People and life up there. If you are busy, come find me some time. When I'm not on assignments, I like to come here to relax and dive off these cliffs to teleport to the water." I would wait for a moment to see if he would be accompanying me. If not, I would bow respectfully before turning to get some sushi and green or herbal tea. Always a great way to unwind after spending some time within the Void.

EXP: 239/4757

I was happy that he had accepted the name I had given him. There was still a bit of reservation about consuming anything at all down here, but something told me a little bit of tea would be safe. We had that up there, and there couldn’t be much difference, right? I was rather looking forward to sharing some tea with this individual. After all, conversation best went well over things such as that. I had hoped that this may be the basis of a long partnership of information sharing, and what may just be the foundation of partnership between our two people. I was concerned about why this was considered the forbidden land, and we were kept away from it. There were so many sights and sounds and things to explore that it didn’t make sense for us to have to stay away. Maybe if I were able to bring solid evidence of peace, I could unite our people for a new, higher cause. There was so much that we could share to assist in their lives down here that we absolutely should be.
“I have time to spare and would enjoy spending more time learning from you if you wish for it. I have yet to have tea in this realm, and would quite like that experience.”

235 / 4,554
closed