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Alexandria - With Ganymede, Valhalla and the lot (Are any of you surprised? No. You're not)

"It's not my story to tell Themi." He murmured quietly. "But he's okay alright? Now isn't the time or place to be talking about this though." He knew she meant well though.

"You're one to talk." Alexandria snapped almost immediately at Bablyon, once the other Mercurian Knight was done addressing Valhalla. "I can remember a time when you didn't look any better then Valhalla does because you were the one playing Martyr." The squire hissed. "If he wants to give up some energy, let him." At this point he turned and looked at Valhalla. "Though for the record, I think you're insane for even considering it. But you know what you're doing so I won't stop you." To say Alexandria was about done with everything right now, was an understatement.

The squire glared at nothing in particular and shoved his hands as far into his coat pockets as he could manage without ripping the fabric. "I don't like like this Ganymede. I mean he's offering help, but here he is waving crystals around and wanting energy. It's just.... sketchy as all ******** hell."

Kairatos of Mars:
"It's come up a lot recently..." He answered, uncomfortably. "I'm not sure what we could salvage in there but." Ehhh. Magic rocks... He wasn't sure where he stood on that, but then, maybe he had a bias thinking of them in terms as much like the communicators, or out of reach things like Camelot's sword or the Royal's stones.

He gnawed his lip, barely long enough for Babylon to attempt to hurl himself on the imagined grenade.

"I'll Help. I want to see what you can do with this." Screw sitting back and letting that stuck up glow stick pat himself on the back. He'd already seen what happened letting Babylon control any kind of information. If Babylon was in on sharing energy, they needed at least ONE other in who wouldn't decide for themselves what others needed to know.

He wasn't the only one who decided to volunteer anyway, and that made him fight off a little bit of a grin. Timing wasn't right, but he could be a smug, shallow b*****d about it later.

Cassiopeia, Senshi of Wonder

She gave a soft, wistful sigh and smiled to Enif. "I figure, if this war keeps getting bigger... everyone's going to find out eventually, no?" She was... kinda surprised it was staying this small anyways... Well. Relatively speaking. Sure rumors were going around, and sightings were around the city but. Overall? People outside the war didn't really... seem to know about it. It was just rumors, just s**t on TV.

The apology from Myrrha caught her off guard, and Cassiopeia quickly waved her hands in the air, shaking her head. "Oh no, you don't need to apologize! I mean..." She shifted a little where she stood, suddenly feeling a tad awkward. "We were fighting some... weird senshi. I kinda figured something was going on--or at least it wasn't your fault?" She wasn't sure if it was magic involved but... maybe? If her magic could cause distractions... What was the limit out there? "But jeeze you're fast," she laughed, remembering how quickly the girl had taken her down.

The response towards her offer--from both Myrrha and Pye--made her blink a bit, lips pursing in a slight frown. Or well... pout. She was pretty close to pouting. Let's just be honest here. "I mean... what if he's telling the truth? Don't we at least owe it to give him the benefit of the doubt? If he meant us harm... don't you think he'd have already hurt us?" Ok sure, logically he could use their energy to hurt them after but... "Just um... I guess keep an eye on me? And if you see anything wonky, get the crystal away from me..?" She didn't blame them for being uneasy. But she wanted to believe that this creature meant well. And if he really could help them...

Leaning down, she lifted Pye up into her arms, greatly relieved to have the guardian present. Hard to not be biased towards the one that helped you out and awoke you into it all, she figured. "After this though... we'll definitely have to start looking into some research..." Flicking her gaze around the large group gathered, she gave a small hum of thought. "Definitely not a lack of people to look up later..."



----


Themiscyra, Squire of Mars

Her eyes rolled a bit when Alexandria said it wasn't his story to tell--it wasn't that she didn't understand what he meant, in fact she did give him credit for it. Just... she wanted to know, damnit. So clearly she'd just have to go speak to Valhalla about this... later. "Point taken, point taken," she sighed, adjusting her view to focus back on the matters at hand. So the guy wanted... energy..? She stiffened a bit, hand tightening around her golden chain.

What she wouldn't give to lay it against him...

Of course Valhalla offered up energy. Much like the others around him, she winced and laid a hand against the Knight's shoulder. "...just be careful, alright?" No, she wasn't going to lecture him. At least not there. But if it was clear the crystals were taking too much energy...

Looking between Alexandria and Ganymede, she grumbled a bit herself. "We can... see what happens with those offering now. If it's clear it's a trap, at least we can step in to intervene. If this guy was telling the truth though..." Her shrug was a bit half-hearted, unsure what to make of this situation.

But as for offering up energy herself... nope. The Squire stayed firmly back and largely quiet. "First the Code's ******** up... now this..."

Eternal Sailor Megrez, Sailor Sadachbia

Megrez and Sadachbia had begun to bristle after the revelation of Caedus's tools and the subsequent reactions, though they had entirely different reasons.

Sadachbia thought she heard some mumbles or whines about "we don't collect energy like them" or somesuch nonsense, and it made her want to roll her eyes as hard as possible. And in fact, she did roll her eyes before quickly resetting herself to speak to the cloaked figure. "I'll be happy to collect energy for you, whether it's from the Negaverse or from Order donors. Seems like you've got something in mind, and I see that some people are willing to bet on you already. As for those that aren't... well, I don't think I've ever heard a Negaverse agent say 'Eeeeeew, we're not gonna do that because Order does that.' We can't really afford to limit our tactics in front of an enemy that's not going to do the same, can we?"

There was something dangerous, almost beastlike, in her smile after she said that.

Megrez, meanwhile, could feel her discomfort building, rising to her head like bonfire smoke. She saw people strongly for and against energy draining, and the friction was making all kinds of demons resurface inside her. She could hear her own voice from two years ago, furiously denouncing all who refused to take action as Castor had done.

Shut UP!

None of you ******** get it, and that's why there's been no progress!

If you guys are just going to sit there with your thumbs up your asses and whine about how tehhhh-wibble this is, then get the hell out of the way of people who want to take action!

Break your henshin pens or never summon your weapons again for all I care- just get OUT!

No, no, no, it was all coming back to her. Once again, she wanted to take action, and once again, she could feel the pull of the other side. Her heart pounded away in her chest and her breathing accelerated to match. She clenched her fists to stem the tide of stress, but in the end, a single syllable burst forth.

"...I."

I what?

"I will help."

It was what she wanted to do, wasn't it?



Super Sailor Cor Caroli

"Huh." Cor Caroli shifted his weight and scratched his head. "He's asking us to take energy like the Negaverse does, but we can also donate ourselves... Hmm. I don't think I'm really against it, but... eh, never mind. I don't see a problem with a little payback against the guys who had someone manhandle my soul. If it gets us some sort of advantage or at least helps this guy get home, I think I'm okay with it." He gave Fornax a little nudge. "Penny for your thoughts? And where'd the kid go? We should keep an eye out for him, because he seems to have a good head on his shoulders. Maybe I'll grab him later and do the phone registration thing."



Sailor Porrima

Porrima watched as her "senpai" continued negotiations. Negotiations with what appeared to be a side of gushing, anyway. "You're really into this, aren't you?" Porrima said to Elpis, watching her go with a bemused smile. The smile faded, however, and she swallowed nervously before addressing Caedus. She felt a little awkward addressing the man of the hour, but maybe it'd be okay if he saw she was following Elpis's lead. "In any case, I have no problem with helping out with the cause, or providing for you where I can. I'm not the best cook, but I might have something."



Glitnir, Knight of Mars

Glitnir found himself biting his lip a bit as he heard the man's proposition. He didn't have a huge problem with it per se, but he could see the dissent in the crowd. He realized that he might have to coach people who were unsure of what decision to make if they came to him. There were a lot of shades of grey surrounding the event; a real right or wrong would be difficult to tease out. He would probably take a crystal if he was offered one, but he knew that he would be very judicious in using it. Perhaps donating some energy himself would do the trick.

Sailor Fenrir, Senshi of Werewolves

She gave a similar hug in return to her canine senshi pal, and them pursed her lips as she was told to wait on her questions. That cloaked guy was talking again. The one she had no idea who he was. Besides the name that Inari had dropped. Which was confirmed by another senshi that Fenrir hadn't met before.

Turning enough to get a proper look and greeting, Fenrir took the hand that was extended. "Sailor Lacrimosa? Pleasure." She paused. "Well, probably not the best of times... but still a pleasure." She said, giving the other senshi a sheepish smile. "I'm Sailor Fenrir!" At least this Lacrimosa had given her a few more details. A way into Metallia's castle? And all they had to do was give him energy?

Fenrir was honestly not sure what to think about this.

Annnnd then Inari was getting even closer! "Woah, whatcha doin' Foxy?" She would have grabbed her arm when she felt the squeeze against her own, but she'd been distracted introducing herself. Which, in lue of current events, probably hadn't been the wisest of choices. What, with some stranger standing right there and she didn't even know a thing about him?

"Is this really wise... ?" She tried to hiss at Inari, though she didn't stop her either. And clearly, her friend was not the only one stepping up. Fenrir, however, stayed back by Lacrimosa. For now.





Sailor Seiryuu, Senshi of the East

She was sure that the others had felt it. And not just her team. No, not with a Pull so strong. But she'd been warned to leave it be. Such a gathering going to investigate would only draw attention. Of the unwanted kind most likely.

But Seiryuu had never been very good at ignoring her curiosity.

It got her into way too much trouble, she knew.

Just like it was probably going to get her into trouble tonight. But the senshi was so not passing this up! She wanted to know what the heck was creating that feeling. And why it was so strange. Almost like she might have recognized it. But she didn't. And that just made it even more curious, right?

So like many of the others, Seiryuu had taken the initiative to follow that pull. To see where it lead. And thus she'd wound up in a little (okay so maybe not so little anymore...) gathering of Order peeps. Innnnnnteresting. None of them were familiar to her. Not yet. But there were way more than she had expected! Something she would share with her team.

Seiryuu watched as the strange cloaked figure began speaking, listening intently (sort of) as he spoke. What was all this horse s**t he was talking about? Where was Genbu when she needed her... maybe this stuff would make more sense to her teammate. Why did he need energy? How was it going to help? Was he really a 'he' under there?

At least she had a name. Caedus.

Confused she might have been (she really needed to listen more closely), but one thing stood out clearly. Beryl. Metallia. Negaverse.

This had her eyebrows rising and Seiryuu inched closer, to better hear this Caedus. Just how old was he? She was starting to feel like she was in one of those video games her friends loved.

Seeing a crystal pulled out made the senshi tense up and take a small step back. But it looked harmless. And he said it was empty. And needed to be charged... Seiryuu frowned. Something about this was bothering her. Was he saying, in not so veiled tones, that they had to 'borrow' or 'steal' energy from somewhere? Or... someone? She didn't like the thought of that.

Of all the voices trying to be heard and question this stranger, one in particular caught her attention. It was a Princess, though not one she immediately recognized. She was right. This Caedus was using them. And there were too many of them stupid enough (probably herself included) that would blindly jump right in without knowing all the finer details.

There was also a little voice inside her head that couldn't help compare him to others that had only wanted 'exchanges' of energy...

"I wonder what he'll actually use that energy for?" She murmured to no one in particular, though those closest would probably hear.

Eternal Sailor Lenka

Drain energy? Enter the rift? Crystals that could drain energy? Lenka was intrigued. She took a step towards Caedus—my god that name though. It almost made her not want to trust him. Almost…but at the same time, she wanted to try. The Negaverse had been draining energy since…well, since forever…and if she could drain energy…oh just think what she could do to Remarque.

And not just to Remarque…but all of the Negaverse…

If she could drain energy…

Her eyes were bright and she took another step forward. “I want to have a crystal as well, if you don’t mind. I am very, very eager to help you out, Caedus, thank you for the opportunity.”

Caedus looked relieved when so many volunteered—not just to demonstrate, but to help. While his face was hidden, his posture relaxed, and he no longer gripped the bag of crystals so tightly to him. No one had moved to attack him, but some had moved to the front—offering hands.

"You may all have a demonstration," he said; he did not discriminate and did not see this as any sort of competition. He wrapped his fingers around the crystal in his hand, held it close for a moment, and then dropped his crystal into the nearest open palm.

He promptly reached into the bag he clutched in his other hand and withdrew a small handful of crystals. He did not seem eager to move closer to anyone, but it was necessary. He took great effort to always stay at last half a foot away from each person, holding his hand above theirs to drop a crystal into their palm.

He was mostly silent as he shared the crystals, and seemed exceptionally focused. He offered a crystal to every person who stood before him—who had either said they would help, or who was holding out their hand for him. It was with particular caution that he shared the crystals with any of the royals; Ganymede had been particular in her distrust, so he was quick to drop a crystal into her hand and move on. Metis had been vocal before, too, though he did not seem as rushed with sharing a crystal with her.

When he reached Hugbell, he considered her offer of Barnaby. Caedus tilted his head and watched it curiously. "Your toy is interesting. I cannot accept." He was eying the crystal on its ribbon curiously. As an after thought, he added, "Perhaps later," before moving on to the next waiting person.

He faltered when he saw Kastra, and spoke again. "It is not painful. The crystals are not uncommon to be used medicinally. They have many purposes." He looked to Aaru, who had been extremely vocal about not wanting to share energy. "That is fine." He understood their trepidation, and to Esquiline elaborated, "I understand if you have reservations. But this is not…like them."

Not exactly, at least.

He shook his head and continued spreading the crystals. When he dropped one in Chariklo's hand, he paused, and confessed, "I do not understand half of the things that come out of your mouth. But thank you."

Finally, it seemed every open hand had a crystal in it. The bag still had plenty more to share, though.

"These crystals can collect energy from nearly anything, but some energy flows cleaner than others. Trees, flowers, they can provide energy. But it's next to nothing. What would take you a month to collect from them, you could collect in an hour from a human. Animals, for the most part, are the same. Some life forms are just more susceptible to the energy transfer. On this planet, humans replenish energy quickly, and they give the cleanest energy."

He looked towards the crystals already touching bare skin. Already, they were changing; a few seconds after touching the skin, they began to glow. No longer did they appear just plain; a white, swirling mist glistened within the crystal.

"If you get lightheaded, you only need to drop it. It will stop collecting immediately. If your vitals are challenged, it will not gather. It only collects energy until unconsciousness. They are prescribed as a sleeping aid," he insisted, as if to further demonstrate this was not meant to be a weapon. "Rest and food will restore any energy lost."

Though the crystals had only been charging for a short time, already there were some things to be observed. Those in higher rank seemed capable of sharing more energy, and those that were Transcended also had the boost. The Mauvians did not seem to fall into the category of 'animal', and despite not being human, any that had accepted a crystal might note that theirs was collecting energy at a steady rate.

There was nothing particularly unpleasant about the sensation; as the energy left them, they may have begun to feel cold, but for as long as it was absorbing their energy, it was warm.

"So they are safe to use. On anyone. Mostly."

He looked around, eyes skimming rapidly to observe the crystals. The absorption process was not particularly fast; extreme fatigue and unconsciousness were unlikely to set in until at least fifteen minutes of contact, so there was still time to answer some of the other questions while they were examining the crystals.

He considered some of the easier questions; Cassiopeia, Tomlin, and Erebus had asked about his homeworld, and the crystals, and it was easy to hear the pride and longing in his voice when he spoke of those things. "We spent a lot of time doing research. My world is the culmination of many great minds. Crystals are the key to powering many aspects of it. My world was designed to survive. I am certain I will have the resources I need once I return. Though, it has been a while," he did not seem to doubt its resilience, "I am sure it will be flourishing when I return. It is not so far away. I hope to see it soon."

Castor's questions were not so easy, but he turned to the prince. "I could consent to a new treaty. If Beryl is truly gone. If Metallia has no influence here. I would not offer aid to any planet she uses as her host. I apologize, but I have made that mistake before. I will not be fooled again. When I am home, and rejuvenated, and the Negaverse disbanded, I would see no harm in reconnecting with our roots. But if what you say is true, then I cannot speak on behalf of my world without contacting them. I do not know how much has changed. I am sure they would understand when I return. But I will not leave Earth for anywhere else between now and my return. I am sorry. I was trapped once before. I cannot risk being trapped somewhere else in space." He would not be taken to homeworlds, no matter how kind the offer. Like Cuan Oilean had supposed, no single cat could mask him, and the amount of energy they would need to conceal his energy for any prolonged time would be taxing on them, even in numbers.

On Earth, it might have been cold, but there were a surplus of people here already that were offering aid. And even if they weren't, he would take a known evil over an unknown one.

He nodded to Aptera in silent thanks for the food and kind words she offered. Venice's offer of bedding seemed to please him. He glanced and what Scylla had offered, and thanked her. "You are too kind." To Elpis, he was not sure if he had a preference for food. At this point, he wasn't picky. "…Anything."

Caedus seemed more tired now, but he was persisting. He had kept in mind Hvergelmir's concerns, and, after another brief respite of silence from him, added, "There is time to collect energy, if you choose to aid me. It will not be something that happens overnight. This will give you time to think. To organize, and plan. And I…will remain here." He looked around the park somewhat thoughtfully.

"…We can convene again in the near future. After tonight. This is no small decision and it would be best to take time to prepare."

He looked around once more. "Are the crystals satisfactory? …There are more," he rasped, "If anyone else wishes to inspect them."

More than ever, as he passed out more crystals to go around, he seemed feeble. His hand trembled when he offered the crystal.

It did not seem as though he had much left in him; his voice had lost much of its volume already.

Andronicus Squire

Andronicus listened quietly, keeping her face as neutral as possible. On one hand, she should have expected it to be harder to walk the line of grey than this. On the other, her impatience wanted to turn her face into a scowl and demand to know if there was another way. Any way.

She leaned a little too much on the Sith side of grey at the present moment.

That aside, she wasn't going to refuse to help the man regardless. There was merit in looking for the Academy, for trying to get into the Castle and at least landing a blow on Metallia. Killing it would be improbable, but nothing said they couldn't weaken it some. (She referred to Metallia as 'it' given she felt it to be more of a cosmic power such as the Cauldron than a person, per say.) Perhaps, as well, there was a way within the Academy to help further her cause.

The squire stepped up to the feable man and offered her hands. "I will take one, Caedus, and I will definitely help get you home. You could use a long sleep in a familiar bed, after all," she said with a smile, being as nonthreatening as possible.



---

Sailor Skoll

The Senshi of the Pack kept one eye on Caedus, and glanced behind her to where Methone and the other... Saturn senshi and knights stood. She caught her eye and mouthed, "we taking the crystals?" to her in question. This was unknown territory for Skoll, and frankly she was going to be cautious on this one.

She leaned into Hati again, whispering in his ear.



Skoll wasn't going to completely avoid senshidom like her brother, but she knew when to hang back.



---

Chibi Iduna

Nopenopenope that sounded like those damn masks from last New Years nope. Iduna was not going to take one, no matter how nice the old man sounded like.

Stranger danger, stranger danger.

"Teide... I don't think I want what he's offering..." she said in a small voice, tugging on the knight's skirt briefly to get her attention. The twelve year old worried her lip, glancing up at her.