Upon being addressed with regards to the food and drink she was offering, Aptera gave a nod in understanding of the worded response Caedus had given.
She moved with calm steady steps in mind to stand before the empty spot he had indicated and then knelt to gently place the paper bag there. And with another cautious but genuine smile, she offered the cloaked figure her congratulations, "I am of the mind that it is a great feat I can as of yet only imagine that you have endeavored and succeeded at leaving the so called rift you had been imprisoned in, Caedus."
And then she returned to where she had been standing again and continued to listen as a part of the gathering.
The Space Cauldron
Posted: Mon Jan 18, 2016 8:55 pm
Harmonia // Super of Harmony
Harmonia fidgeted as she pondered over Caedus's words. To her, he was being add forth coming as could be expected from a man who had his world turned upside down. Nothing was what he had expected when finally getting free and Harmonia could only imagine how hard that must be.
Licking her lips she stepped up beside Camelot so she was a bit closer to Caedus. "If...if it will help you get home iam willing to help. I don't know if going to the castle is for the best but I do want to see you get back to your work after being trapped for so long. "
She eyed the crystals in his hands. She had no idea how this would all work. She just hoped there were enough people here who would already feel sorry enough for Caedus to atleast try to get him home and not leave him steamed. Our worse.
Phone tag is short tag
The Space Cauldron
optimistic and naive bby!
Lithiasaur
Kolina
Inquisitive Agent
Offline
Guine
Crew
Lonely Explorer
Offline
Posted: Mon Jan 18, 2016 9:05 pm
Valhalla tried not to seem too awkward when others started showing up. He already felt out of sorts, and his chest was hurting again as it often did. He smiled politely to Venice and his friend, and was glad that Alexandria was there because he could use the familiar faces.
He’d already released his hold on Ganymede, but stared in confusion at Gevaudan’s comment about being her subordinate. He didn’t say anything, since Ganymede answered for him. It was understandable, though. Having been in the Negaverse for as long as he had, he probably expected things to work the same there as it was here. But that wasn’t the case at all. Valhalla instead turned to watch Caedus and those speaking to him, wondering what this meeting would mean for them in the near future.
And yet… maybe this Caedus knew the answers he was searching for. He said he would be able to help them. Yes, in destroying the negaverse, but with his knowledge of things, he might know how a starseed can be fixed.
“I’ll offer my energy,” Valhalla finally found himself speaking up, stepping away from Ganymede and the others to approach the mysterious man named Caedus and the strange crystals he was holding. “It’s not much, but hopefully it’ll be useful. What do you need me to do?” he asked, knowing he probably wouldn’t get that great of a reaction from some he knew. It was dangerous and naive, but what else could they do? Would those opposed fight? Would they all be lead to their deaths?
He didn’t know for sure, but he couldn’t imagine he had much time left anyway, having been unable to find answers to fixing the damage done to his starseed for months.
Sunshine Alouette
MoonKitsune
Sleet Tempest Snape
Fiction1119
[Mistress Morbid]
The Space Cauldron
Posted: Mon Jan 18, 2016 9:08 pm
"A lot...I am sure." Whether because it was safer, for them, or not the right time or for some other reason it didn't matter. A lot was likely being held back, he wouldn't deny that, but it perhaps didn't bother him as much as it did others, or as much as it should bother him.
"Finding where balance is...is the hardest part. It is fine...like knife blade." He spoke gently while his attention was on the cloaked figure who was again speaking. He listened and hearing it all understood only some bits and pieces but he got enough of it, or so he felt like he had. He knew this would bother Ganymede and perhaps Erebus, likely actually, but he looked to the Saturn knight and raised a hand. Pointing a single finger to the others chest. "Stay."
He wasn't going to bring someone else into whatever he was going into. Ganymede would just have to yell, shout, and get upset with him but he honestly didn't care at the moment. Instead he headed away from the gathered group that was around Ganymede and headed toward the figure once more. Again, like before,he bowed to the figure before lifting his head and straightening himself. he made sure to keep some distance, rather than crowd the figure. "You are tired...in need of rest. Please, allow someone to bring you bedding." He would if need be, he would bring proper bedding. if he could not go from here than a bed should be brought to him. Not just food or water but a bed, he needed rest - clearly.
Pointing toward the pouch of crystals then he stared at the others golden eyes, as if he could read him but he could not. "For use on civilians or us?" He asked. If it was that his energy could help the other, could help try and restore a balance and could help this person return home than he was willing to help.
"What you do when you go home?" He questioned now pointing up toward the clear star filled sky above them. Wasn't it dead up there? Or was his home still there? Was there some for him to return to? But he couldn't stay here...right? Hadn't he said that or had he misunderstood? Not that it was an uncommon thing for him.
Surprise flashed across his dark eyes as Valhalla came out of the group also and offered his own energy and he shook his head slowly. "I can offer mine as well." He added, deciding to join in on this and not let the knight beside him be the only one making the offer; not that he hadn't been planning on it anyway he'd just had a few questions first.
Hugbell nodded to Caedus and sat the apple slices and water down where he'd motioned and smiled softly, "Of course, The negaverse Corrupts, it's what it does. Their judgement is clouded and not all are good and not all are bad. It's difficult to pick bad apples from the good ones. Though if we can save any of them, it's better than to lose them all. Trusting or not, the only way they can come back to our side if they're truly willing it seems." She said softly.
There was a pause when he mentioned that the homeworlds have souls. ". . . That explains why people showed up to help me, it had called for help when I was trapped by a youma that had hidden itself there. . . " She seemed to muse over this clearly interested in the thought itself. "So it does feel."
Her head canted however, when Maia had said transcendent, as did Caedus' mention of not sure what it could do for one since he'd never met one. "I . . . would be more than willing as well to offer to be a - uh . . . test subject? I after all have Transcendent marks it would seem." Perhaps they were useful for something after all? She showed where her ribbons once were, they now glowed soft yellow as if a tattoo that could only glow in the moonlight.
She paused when he said he couldn't go to anyone's home there. "What about a homeworld?" She offered, "Hugbell's not anything what it looked like in the past but you could have some sanctuary there if you didn't mind the uh obliviously decayed stuffed animals and some small disrepair." She was aware others were around her, and some would object to her offering him a place there. She also looked at Barnaby, whom had fallen from her shoulder and stooped to pick him up pausing to tie the ribbon around his neck so the bear could move and interact with the others. "If you'd trust him and since you do seem hungry. . . " She said sitting the bear on the ground, "He can't go far if you hold him; you could let him sit on you're shoulder and hold something to help you?" He was there for comfort after all. "Barnaby's usually a very good helper and well since I'm the senshi of comfort I should perhaps, at least offer some way to comfort both your clear need to eat something, and help soothe your worries. I won't be offended if you feel you can't accept that offer though." She wasn't sure how he felt about a bear being animated and offer to assist him. "He's animated through a crystal on his ribbon." She added softly in case Caedus wanted to know how that had even worked.
The Space Cauldron
iStoleYurVamps
Quoting for proximity to hugbell + Anyone around Castor
Guine
Quoting for proximity to hugbell + anyone around Oberon
Halley lofted a brow as she watched the fellow bring out a bag and from it a pretty crystal. "Such a pretty crystal!" The senshi of superstition though got up to wonder the crowd not sure whom or what she was looking for but she felt it maybe best to move away from Castor and his Crystal, since she wasn't sure what it'd do and she didn't want to find out.
However she wanted to ask Caedus about his crystals, maybe this was something that came from his place? "You're home has no soul? So ours. . . those of us that are senshi. . . Our homes do?"
She shifted softly as she stood there looking at him curiously. He was a strange and curious man, if Caedus could be called a man since he often reminded them he did not look like them.
Posted: Mon Jan 18, 2016 9:25 pm
Castor- (Delayed reaction/time lol)
As Castor took everything in stride, including noting the oddly familiar knight with the eye patch who he doubted was one in the same with a figure from his past, he looked at the figure.Fist closed, the crystal vanished. "Well, you've satisfied a good part of my hesitancy."
They hadn't reacted to it indicative of a want for power. A more telling sign than most.
"Unfortunately, you're right. Staying on earth would have you discovered and slain or corrupted if that's even possible- whatever Metallica thought fitting. However as I understand it- She'd probably keep you alive as a tool. Frankly speaking? I have reasons to doubt you., reasons that would just take time to alleviate. A synthetic world does not simple happen by chance. It would explain why your world lacks a senshi, but it does little I'm afraid to alleviate some of my reservations to blindly aid as some would seek to."
He let himself power down, wings giving way to the simple white ones on his lower back, laurels of ice replaced with a gold band. Energy replaced by something less overbearing.
"Cats might be able to cover you for a time, but it would not be indefinite, and unfortunately, as far as I know, no senshi or knight has a world or wonder that can sustain humans or other lifeforms while we are not present. My world is a rare exception, but the moment I am removed you'd be stranded. The surrounding might be an option provided the Princess Chronos would agree, but, that is not mine to say. Either way, if you do get the energy you need, the surrounding would probably be an issue, anything not directly being sent to or from a world or wonder through us, goes through it."
He gave a shrug. "I've been at this too long to trust blindly. You wanting to go home-" He bit the inside of his lip.
"We all want to strike the negaverse, but blindly doing so without a plan is foolhardy. You once had a trade agreement, a treaty with earth."
He figured it was worth a shot. "If your world is alive, if your people yet exist and you truly wish for the powers behind the negaverse ended I would propose a deal. A new agreement and accord. A new alliance. While we of order alignment are not a cohesive nor a government, we are all that remains. We need allies. If what you say is true, if what you can offer us is real- I'd wish to see your world. To form something between our parties to defeat our common enemy. Not just for a moment, but until this war is won, until this world is free. This would be the start perhaps of something greater and for all my hesitance and reservations, you need to return to your home world. For your own safety. That much is assured. In time though? I would like to inquire more deeply to your world, and all of it's mechanization, perhaps form a new alliance or something towards our mutual benefit. But that is, would be only a later possibility, our priority should be for now, getting you protected until we can find a safe method to see you safely to your home. The negaverse will not defeat us in a day."
Grus was fidgeting in her spot, hair wound tightly around her finger in a knot, but she didn't care. This whole situation made her nerves stand on end. She didn't want to be here anymore; she wanted to be back on her homeworld, digging through the rubble and learning more about Svelte and her path to becoming a senshi. Already she was feeling homesick, something that she was surprised by. You know, considering it wasn't actually her home...
The idea of her homeworld having a soul was interesting though....
But she was getting distracted. The crystals caught her eyes, and she stared at them like they were going to come to life. Weary, but curious. The way he said it sounded so easy. Everyone take a crystal, let it drain your energy, BOOM. Negaverse castle. But something didn't sit right with her. The way he flinched at Camelot's sword. The way he kept a few things secret. It all made her think this could be a trap.
What saved him from the negative judgement was the sound of gratitude as people began to offer him water, food, places to stay. She could hear genuine gratitude in his voice as he thanked them. It softened her heart.
"Damn." she said, wriggling her finger free of her tangled bangs. She sighed heavily. Curse her easily won heart.
"I..." she faltered as those closest to her stared as she spoke up. "I'll...give up some energy, if it helps. "
Esquiline Esquiline was scared by the crystals. They seemed innocent enough, but so did half the kids in town, and she was sure most of them belonged to some faction or another. She kept her eye on the bag, and backed away slowly, holding her hands up. This wasn't for her.
'He can't be serious." she muttered, sharing the sentiment with a few folks in the crowd. But just as many were agreeing to do it, and she thought them insane. "How are we supposed to trust a complete stranger who wants to do what the Negaverse does?"
Posted: Mon Jan 18, 2016 9:31 pm
Houshi bit the inside of her cheek. So far, this Caedus seemed honest, and he had answered all the questions presented to him. Had even explained why he was a dark ripple in Metis's vision. And he was offering something Houshi could admit she sort of liked the idea of.
Her brother wouldn't have approved, Taiki was far more tactical - but the idea of a direct strike on the Negaverse appealed vastly to her. He had a way, he had a plan, he had everything they could have asked for.
He even had a very, very good reason. Revenge. Houshi knew that feeling, the aching, burning desire to hurt someone as badly as they had hurt you - and she found herself wanting to help Caedus get exactly what he wanted. She was, she admitted to herself, a little angry at the Negaverse too - she had seen how Metis reacted to Labyrinthite, wanted to destroy whatever organization produced murderous monsters like him, for herself and for the woman that had been her guide in the confusing, sometimes terrifying adventure that was being Houshi Ryokan of Jupiter.
She squeezed Metis's hand, but took a few steps closer, addressing the figure directly for the first time. She had lingered enough, as silent support to her friend and mentor.
"Show me," she requested, extending her free hand. "Demonstrate on me, how you do this - you said it wouldn't take anything that can't be recovered, and I want to know how to do this." She was already on board, and she might as well make as big a show of it as she could. The opportunity here was just too good to pass up.
Adria just looked more embarrassed at being called out. On the bright side, his face was burning so much that he almost didn't even feel the winter chill at all.
…Except, then, his blood ran cold. Gathering energy sounded like the stuff the bad guys were supposed to do, and Adria didn't have the guts to be involved in some sort of ambush. He could barely fight even now; throwing himself into the belly of the beast didn't seem like a good way to make sure he stayed alive.
Kaefaux
Newgrange, Squire of Earth
Newgrange held Sherwood's hand a little tighter. From the back, he couldn't get a clear view, but it was at least possible to hear what was being said from the front.
"The Negaverse steals energy," he said quietly, cautiously. He didn't like the idea of taking someone's life essence—especially if it was against their wishes. "I'd like to know what type of crystals have the power to drain someone's energy, though. What kind of person carries something like that around?" he murmured softly.
…Who stayed gone for a thousand years and just so happened to also have a bag of crystals capable of draining energy?
It didn't bode well for him.
Leaving sounded like the safest option, but there were faces here that he recognized. People here that he considered friends.
…People who were already signing up to help this guy, even before they'd had all the answers.
Newgrange was all for helping him get home, but the last part?
…An ambush was too shadowy for his taste.
ZaiaFantasy
Posted: Mon Jan 18, 2016 9:32 pm
Troy, Squire of Chronos
Troy had been elsewhere because he was passing gas and wanted to keep a distance. Thus, he arrived late for casual reasons, and not because he was some roleplay character in an online forum and the player didn't check the website for the weekend. No, not that. Just farting.
He had been drawn to this event - or whatever it was - just like all the others, but his questions and concerns were kept to himself as he listened patiently. He always had questions - always, and usually regarding breakfast - but with these large groups he often kept quiet as to not sound dumb. Because he had too many questions tonight to stay on track.
Who was this guy? What kind of name is Caedus? Is that Spanish? Where did this thing come from? Did it bring food? Did it bring chicken? Did it bring Chick Fil A? Was it going to offer any? Why is it here now? Who the ******** is Beryl? And why is she dead? Is anyone else cold? How are these Senshi not cold in tiny skirts in the middle of January? What's Haley up to now? What are these crystals that he is talking about? And is he ever going to offer some of that goddamn chicken?
Following along with the conversation best he could, he pushed his way forward through the crowd to get a better look, hopefully leaving the gas behind him.
It made sense that the safest for Caedus would be out of the way on his home planet so when that was the answer given he nodded thoughtfully. It sounded to him like an almost good exchange. Only almost because he was worried if they did end up helping the stranger get home then they would just be sentencing him to death. "If we help you home then how can you be sure there is necessities there like food and drink?" He asked with a frown.
However he was temporarily derailed from his question by Venice pulling away and pointing at him only to tell him to stay almost like he was a puppy. Erebus blinked in bewilderment at him for a moment, even turning a questioning look Aaru's way briefly, but that changed when the other Page started to head back over to Caedus. He, of course, did not actually stay put. He followed right behind the Ganymede Page and stopped behind him off to the side with a small frown, one only there because he was confused on just why Venice wanted him to stay put when he was just offering to help bringing stuff and asking questions.
And then he got it once Valhalla and Venice both offered up their energy. He gave a sigh, more at himself then at anything else, as he should have expected that. "I could help as well in giving energy. I had already said most of use Knights would be willing to donate seeing how the Academy is in the rift."
Sleet Tempest Snape
Sunshine Alouette
Guine
Viva Viola
The Space Cauldron
Posted: Mon Jan 18, 2016 9:50 pm
Babylon
Babylon had been about to step forward when Valhalla beat him to the punch. He wasn't sure how public the other knight's condition was, but it didn't take more than passive knowledge of the situation to know this was a bad idea. "Don't be a martyr, Val," he called, making his way from his position in the middle of the crowd towards the front. Caedus could say the crystals wouldn't take any more than what could safely be spared... but Babylon had no reason to believe that a damaged starseed could take any sort of strain.
Or that Caedus's methods were as benign as he claimed.
But hey, this was a thing and they were going to try it.
"I can't tell anyone not to volunteer as tribute," he said, to the page of Ganymede in particular (Venice), "but since we're still just testing this out, it would probably be safest if we stick to transcendent guinea pigs."
"Not," he added to Caedus, "That I don't believe you when you say it's safe, just... due caution. But I can make the same offer as Hugbell. Energy donation is something of my specialty."
It was the least he could do - Babylon would be much more comfortable with them all pooling resources they currently had than taking energy from civilians. That wasn't how Order worked. That wasn't what Order did. At least not as he saw it.
He pulled the glove off his right hand and extended it slightly towards Caedus. Transcendent circuitry glittered on the back of his palm.
Caedus' reaction to the Royal's crystal, and the Royal Knight's sword was noted--even as she reflectively blinked her eyes repeatedly due to the influx of white energy flooding her vision, not that it actually helped her clear her sight. He clarified his plan, answered questions to what she.... supposed was to a decent level--anyone could be hiding information, but she would give him the credit he was giving them a great deal of information... how much more could he have to hide?
And then he... well. Explained her largest problem with him. The crux of her whole unease and distrust. "The... whole planet is... synthetic?" She gaped at him, bewildered and... in awe. If his entire planet was synthetic, and she could detect no living energy from him--at least to her understanding...--then.... "Good God, is he synthetic as well?" She turned to look at Houshi, unsure if she was missing something in Caedus' appearance that would make this obvious to everyone else. But if that was the case... that... would explain a bit, wouldn't it?
A deep flush covered her cheeks and she looked down, fully aware of her behavior and none too pleased with herself now. Though she hardly trusted him, her justification for being standoffish was... well. Knocked away. No less, here she'd been, potentially being a hostile b***h to someone who genuinely sought help. All her questions had yet to be answered. She wasn't reassured none of this was a trap.
But for the life of her, she had to at least put in a show of good faith now that he'd... sort of explained away her issues. Which, he could just be giving her a bullshit answer... but.... If that was the case, she'd just get her revenge on that if need be. Metis had smiled as Houshi stepped forward. Well. The brunette had already told her she wasn't intentionally dragging her into trouble. She couldn't just... let Houshi do this alone, now could she?
Stepping forward to stand beside the Page, she held out a gloved hand for one of the crystals as well, her smile... apologetic towards Caedus. "I suppose now that... you've answered the riddle that was my first, and chief concern, I'd like to offer an apology for my behavior and offer my energy as well to assist you. If you really can aid us in this fight how you say you can... I would like to think we have to at least try." This wouldn't end the war. That much she knew. But if... he really could help them get in, and attack the Negaverse on their own turf.... how many times had they attacked Order in their so-called "safe havens"?
Noir Songbird
The Space Cauldron
Ryuthulhu
I assume area~
----
Cassiopeia, Senshi of Wonder
Her nose scrunched up a little as she made a face, laughing a bit. "Yeah, I've never been to anything like this either... I just awoke late in December..." Not that she thought she'd seen it all or whatever yet. Not even close! But just... how many were there in this war? Was most of the city involved and she never had any clue? "I think... it's better to at least see it all now, rather than blissful ignorance..? I think?" Her smile was lopsided, giving an unsure shrug to the girl (Enif) before she offered her hand with a smile. "Cassiopeia, nice to meet you."
It was sort of nice to see she wasn't the newest person around there... but yeah. Jeeze. How much did they not know about this war? Looking down at Pye with a small smile, she chuckled, "Think you'd want to go info searching with me on all this? I had no idea this war was so big--I mean it makes sense but... jeeze. I wasn't expecting to have to start doing research so soon." A thought occurred to her and she added, "Oh, Pye, can you see ok down there? I can lift you up if you want." Five-foot-two was at least a better view than ground-level.
As Caedus continued to answer questions, she went silent, though her eyes went wide and she had to bite her tongue to keep herself from screaming out her questions. A synthetic planet? Was he a machine? An android? Omigosh was he synthetic too then? What was his world's cultures like? He mentioned having to rely on other places for resources... were they originally a colony that settled on this world? Did they make the planet to escape somewhere else..?
Her mind was abuzz with questions and she was giddy at the idea of maybe speaking to him about it all.... But. For now. A more pressing matter. Lifting her hand, she called out to Caedus. "I can offer some of my energy, too! That's... amazing technology that you have though. Was this technology formed on your homeworld? Or elsewhere..? What are some of the different properties of the crystals?" Ok so those might have been irrelevant but this was so cool...!
White Trickster Rabbit
Orangeish Sherbert
Kyuseisha no Hikari
tatterpixie
tefla
Posted: Mon Jan 18, 2016 10:07 pm
Every once in a while, Ganymede heard something about balance.
This wasn't an entirely foreign concept to her, given that Valhalla had told her all about the Code and Knightly objectives, but she still didn't really understand it. Perhaps it was proof of her general ignorance or the level to which she was self-involved, but the whole balance thing just seemed really stupid, because from what she'd heard it sounded like they were supposed to coexist with Chaos. Which made no sense to her whatsoever.
She hadn't always paid attention to her parents' nerd fandoms, but she was at least invested in their interests enough to have watched Star Wars. She had all of four opinions about it. 1) Han solo was hot. 2) She wanted to be Princess Leia. 3) Padme's sanity was questionable for getting with a creep like Anakin. (Like, girl, if it makes you uncomfortable when he looks at you, you should probably not jump all up on that.) And 4) Lightsabers were cool.
Absolutely none of that had any bearing on the current situation, but she thought she knew enough about the series to have a pretty clear understanding of what the Jedi's objectives were. Didn't “bringing balance to the force” mean getting rid of all the Sith?
So... shouldn't they get rid of... all of Chaos???? Like, just ******** Metallia's s**t up and be done with it????
Thankfully she didn't have to think of all this for long, because the Caedus guy was promising a way into Nega HQ that would take them directly to the castle. (Naturally Metallia had her own castle. God, and they hated the Moon Queen? When Metallia had herself set up as supreme leader? What a bunch of hypocrites.) This idea pleased her. She didn't entirely trust this guy yet (she probably never would), but if he could put his money where his mouth was she'd at least stop giving him such a hard time about it.
Maybe.
She sputtered when first Valhalla and then Venice went up to Caedus and offered him their energy (and also the page with Venice). She heard a few others in the crowd offer, too. She rolled her eyes at their apparent need to trust so openly, glancing up into the night sky as if to ask, “What did I ever do to deserve this?”
But since they went forward it meant she couldn't stand back, because this was Val and she loved him (and if he was going to be giving up some of his energy she wanted to be around to make sure nothing went awry), and because Venice was clearly new and probably had no idea what he was getting himself into.
“I'm not really sure this is such a good idea,” she said to Val. “You're not exactly in tip-top shape. You don't even know what that thing'll do to you if he uses it on you.”
She knew Val often felt like he didn't contribute enough, but this was just a little beyond her comfort zone. Even so, she eyed Babylon for his comment to Val. She was less that pleased and hoped it showed. She knew how Val would take it, like his efforts to help were being invalidated. There wasn't much he could do without his magic, but he could do this. Given his current state, it was an extremely generous offer. She wanted that to be recognized.
“Don't be a martyr says the martyr,” she said.
Ganymede took hold of Val's arm—not to restrain him, just to remind him that she was there and that she was worried about him. Venice got a hand on the shoulder before he could draw too close to Caedus.
“Easy there. Remember what I said about making yourself vulnerable?”
She eyed Caedus critically. It bothered her that she couldn't see what he looked like. Part of her distrust likely stemmed from the fact that everything identifying about him was concealed. He didn't seem as if he intended to show himself to them, either. She was tempted to just dart right in and uncloak him. She took a step forward like she meant to, and looked him in the eye in such a way that he could probably figure out what she had in mind.
Inevitably, she held back. It wasn't her place.
“You're using us,” she said matter-of-factly, “and some of us are so damned stupid we'll take what you're offering even though we know that. Including me,” she admitted.
“We've always been at a disadvantage when it comes to the Negaverse, but if what you're saying is true... and I'm not saying it is, because you could still be a lying piece of s**t... but if it's true then we could really get one up on them for once. So, go on. Show us how those things work. If I'm satisfied, I'll take one and you can have all the energy you want. I've got plenty.”
In her head a tiny voice said, “Just you wait, Laurelite. b***h, I'm coming for you.”
Hvergelmir considered, above all, the notion of a synthetic planet. Synthetic lifeforms too, perhaps -- if that was what this Caedus was. It was, somehow, a strange and eerie notion: not because Hvergelmir had any objection to technology and progress, but because some part of her would have preferred to believe that a synthetic world would be imbued with as much of an animus as any other world was.
A synthetic world . . . was such a thing outside the purview of even Sailor Cosmos herself?
Questions for another time, perhaps -- or for the princess herself, if Hvergelmir were lucky enough to contact her and receive a reply.
The questions that now lay before them were more immediate. More urgent.
Could they truly enter Metallia's castle? Could they truly fight her there? Without even a scrap of a plan?
And the more difficult one -- the one that would be harder to make people understand. Even Ida (don't think about Ida, don't think about Ida, don't think about Ida) didn't always agree with her about the Dark Mirror Court. Even she couldn't always understand what Hvergelmir found so objectionable in it, when she herself had spearheaded an alliance with them in their memories of the future. The big, painful, difficult question:
Was it really such a bad thing to steal a little bit of energy from someone else, if you were going to use that extra power to safeguard your way of life? If it was going to a good cause? If you weren't trying to kill someone . . . wasn't it okay to just skim a little off the top?
She'd always imagined -- always understood -- that this was a difficult decision to make. Now Hvergelmir was the one having it placed directly in front of her.
She expected to think of Persephone, who she'd argued with. Of Chariklo. Of Zirconia. She expected to think of Teide, who was still trying to rid herself of the shame that she carried from her Negaverse days, or of Bischofite, wasting away from an unwillingness to harvest the energy that at least part of him seemed to need to survive.
In truth, she thought of none of them. She'd thought of all those things before. She'd turned this over in her mind.
Instead -- improbably -- she thought of Sailor Cosmos again. A cool hand briefly gripping hers. Soft words:
"You will not summon me in this way again. Too much blood has been spilled.
"I will not see you bleed like this again. There is always another way. Find it, Hvergelmir."
It was an odd moment that had stayed with Hvergelmir for a long time. It wasn't that the attention was special -- they were strangers, but strangers could show kindness and care to one another -- but, rather, that it was the one time in which Hvergelmir had thought that perhaps the pale, distant princess of the Galaxy Cauldron had shared something in common with her, some small core belief that ran through the heart of everything.
There is always another way.
"Chaos uses fear, desperation and need to justify theft -- and small theft to justify larger theft. We have to be better than that. If we do this, we use our own energy, energy freely given. We find a way to ensure that it's enough. I won't be party to anything else."
She sighed.
"That said . . . I believe an attack on the Negaverse's stronghold would be a foolish waste of all our lives. We're uninformed and unprepared. Half of us have been involved in this conflict for less than a year. Almost none of us know a thing about military strategy, especially against an opponent most of us have never seen and know nothing about the abilities of. I don't believe we're equal to the task you're offering."
Hvergelmir glanced over at Gevaudan. "What do you say? Can it be done? Can Metallia be defeated by the people assembled here?"
If anyone had any chance of knowing, it would be the former agent who claimed to have seen her.
