Post by prodigi on Oct 17, 2005 6:51:01 GMT -5
Zack nodded emphatically. "Money, yup. We'll need that anyway... and I propose we use it to get the heck away from all these darn monsters!!! Where the heck are they comin' from all of a sudden!?" His arms flapped as if he were already trying to take off and fly away. He had been pretty quiet about his concerns for a while, but by now he felt more awake, and seriously was getting tired of being on the defensive without knowing what to expect. Prodigi shifted his feet uneasily and avoided looking into the eyes of either of his companions, "What do you think Bax?"
Bax hummed low to himself and nodded. "I admit it has been bothering me as well. Gargoyles, worms, and other creatures--they have just been appearing. I don't know if there is a place where we could get away from them. Although--I have only seen them here in Midgar." Bax looked with sudden intrigue at his companions. Maybe there was something to what he was saying…
"The Beta Continent" Prodigi said, "I heard that there was an advance in the field of space travel by a scientist working in the Super City."
"The Beta Continent?" Bax repeated. "Where and what is that?"
Zack's eyes popped wide and his sour mood dissipated immediately despite all the troubles they were focusing on, tossing them aside. "Oh Bax, that's perfect to get you back home! It's another landmass on the other side o' the ocean. I hear it's so rich an' nice that I never even dared dream o' goin' there."
That brought a grin to Bax's face. "Home," he whispered wistfully into the musky air of the gym. "That would be...nice..."
"It's going to be expensive though," Prodigi spoke softly, trying not to shatter any hopes, "Expensive to get across there, and expensive to find a place to stay. Not to mention how much it might cost to get Bax home."
Bax sighed, "Perhaps...but getting across should not be too difficult." Bax smiled again, "We have Keldira, remember?"
Prodigi faltered, his muscles tensing rapidly. Bax stared at Prodigi. "Did... Did you say Keldira?" Prodigi whispered, trying to remain emotionless.
Bax looked around for a quick moment, wondering if there was something around that was making Prodigi start. "Yes, Keldira. Why?"
The whispers from the back of Prodigi's mind, where he had pushed them away for so many years crept back into his consciousness. The knowledge of a creature’s entire history overwhelming his mind in mere seconds. Prodigi tried to hold some composure and muttered, "I know of Keldira..."
Bax took a few steps towards Prodigi. "Yes, I know that. You met her before, if I recall. Or were you unconscious then? Wait...what do you mean, Prodigi?"
A single word whispered through Prodigi's mind. Necrostiana...
"Prodigi...Prodigi, are you all right?"
Bax grasped Prodigi by the shoulder and gave him a light squeeze.
Zack's eyes widened and he stepped forward one pace, utterly confused once again and hoping something else wasn't about to happen.
Prodigi turned to Bax. "You know exactly what i mean Bax. You've read the book. i know it."
Bax shook his head, "Keldira is not like Necrostiana. She is my friend, and an old ally of my people. Do not think poorly of her."
"Well I’m sorry if i find it hard to trust any of their kind. The kinds of power they hold are not to be used lightly."
Zack's eyes widened more (if that was even possible) and he looked between the two with massive confusion.
Bax took a step back, slightly shocked. "Prodigi...'their kind' is my race's best weapon. The Phoenix is holy. Necrostiana was merely...something unholy. She is different than all the others. I have felt her power, too, the Fallen One. I know what she is capable of. Believe me--Keldira can counter that. I am sure."
" 'Their kind is my race's best weapon'. Exactly. Merely a weapon to be abused. How can you be sure Necrostiana was the only one?"
"They are not merely weapons! They have benevolently gifted us with their assistance. Necrostiana was born of evil--and I know she was the only one that way because history has said so. She is no one's weapon."
"...So there's an evil Phoenix out there?"
Bax looked over at Zack, "You met her. That night. When Valtiel attacked us, he was possessed by Necrostiana, the Fallen Phoenix. I don't know how or why, but when he came, he was...horrible. Much worse than when I met him in the hospital. Necrostiana was in that stone Azriel possessed before he died. Somehow she went from that stone to Valtiel and all hell broke loose."
Zack's eyes seemed they were about to pop out of his head and his knees went a bit weak at the overload of unexpected information. But then his oddly adjusted mind kicked in to make these things not matter too much to protect what was left of his sanity, so he suddenly grew grim and nodded. "I thought something more was up. Looks like things are a lot rougher than I realized... Is it even possible for us to handle at this point? My guess would be no."
Bax thought for a moment and answered Zack calmly. "Well Valtiel summoned the first worm and I was able to handle that. Other than that...we'll have to see."
Still grim and oddly mature, Zack queried, "Could this have something to do with Sephiroth X and what he went off to do? If that's the case, he didn't seem to want us in the wake of it."
Prodigi shifted uneasily, trying to find the words to explain. "This... This isn't the first time this has happened. The gargoyles, the worm, the unnatural amount of strange creatures, it's happened at least once before that i know of. Well, that i remember."
Bax shuffled his feet a little and lifted a questioning gaze to Prodigi. "This has happened before?"
"Think of it as a simple matter of energy. All things contain a living energy, or a life force. But for everything to co-exist there must be a balance. Similarly to the existence of Keldira and Necrostiana. Good and bad, creating the balance. When the negative life force becomes too great something acts out to regain the balance."
"So," Bax started, "What has become too great?"
"It's the Element," Prodigi said simply, "The Element of Prosperity is trying to regain the balance. Think of all the bad events that have been happening. The bad easily out ways the good. The Element is using its amazing energy, and channeling it into creatures to act on its will. The creatures have come after us, well me specifically, because i am, or was, one of these evils. But, it didn't come after me first specifically because i am evil. No there are far greater evils around. It came after me first for two reasons. Firstly, because eradicating a higher order evil will through the world off balance even more, but into good energy rather than bad. And secondly because only i and another know of this."
Zack looked thoughtful, and nodded slowly. "But the gargoyle, it seemed interested in Bax only. What does he have to do with all this?"
"That i am not entirely sure of. I did not even know of this until recently. Perhaps Bax sets an entirely new imbalance. Not of good or evil, but rather of... well, extra terrestrial?"
Bax nearly fell over, "Is that a nice way of calling me an alien?" He coughed and put in his own two cents. "Could my transcending have caused a temporary imbalance in the opposite way? Like, the Element sent the gargoyle out with orders but no longer needed it to carry them out?"
"Umm... yes, sounds good."
"Seriously? I was just guessing."
Zack sighed a bit. "Sounds complicated, but still makes sense I think... Still, gotta keep all possibilities open. But a lot's happening now that's bigger than we are, that's for sure... We can try trusting the theory that the monsters won't come specifically after us anymore, and use this time to gather resources." Then his eyes widened and became pools of innocent hyperness again, and he gestured variously as he squeaked out, "Um that is if it's ok with you guys, whatta you think? I don't wanna be bossy when I don't know anythiiiing!"
Bax laughed and patted Zack on the head, "That sounds fine to me, Zack. We will need the resources inevitably. I agree with you completely."
Zack grinned and closed his eyes, letting out a happy hum, proud of himself for suggesting something good and it being recognized. "Well then, more mercenary work for me." He then opened his eyes and looked thoughtful. "Hmmm... But what about you guys? That might be a good option for you too, just not sure if Edos Lee will accept newcomers easily or not though there are other agencies."
"I can get a job at McDougals, may not pay well but it's easy enough to get."
Bax put his hand up to his chin, "How does your agency feel about 'extra-terrestrials,' Zack? I would like to try your line of work."
"Well, I don't know the particulars, just that Mr. Lee is very partic'lar about who joins. He might test your strength. Which of course you'd impress him so I'd say you can go for it. We can tag-team the suckas!" He raised a fist in the air.
Bax smiled and raised his fist to meet Zack's.
"Sounds good. Now let's go get some money."
Bax hummed low to himself and nodded. "I admit it has been bothering me as well. Gargoyles, worms, and other creatures--they have just been appearing. I don't know if there is a place where we could get away from them. Although--I have only seen them here in Midgar." Bax looked with sudden intrigue at his companions. Maybe there was something to what he was saying…
"The Beta Continent" Prodigi said, "I heard that there was an advance in the field of space travel by a scientist working in the Super City."
"The Beta Continent?" Bax repeated. "Where and what is that?"
Zack's eyes popped wide and his sour mood dissipated immediately despite all the troubles they were focusing on, tossing them aside. "Oh Bax, that's perfect to get you back home! It's another landmass on the other side o' the ocean. I hear it's so rich an' nice that I never even dared dream o' goin' there."
That brought a grin to Bax's face. "Home," he whispered wistfully into the musky air of the gym. "That would be...nice..."
"It's going to be expensive though," Prodigi spoke softly, trying not to shatter any hopes, "Expensive to get across there, and expensive to find a place to stay. Not to mention how much it might cost to get Bax home."
Bax sighed, "Perhaps...but getting across should not be too difficult." Bax smiled again, "We have Keldira, remember?"
Prodigi faltered, his muscles tensing rapidly. Bax stared at Prodigi. "Did... Did you say Keldira?" Prodigi whispered, trying to remain emotionless.
Bax looked around for a quick moment, wondering if there was something around that was making Prodigi start. "Yes, Keldira. Why?"
The whispers from the back of Prodigi's mind, where he had pushed them away for so many years crept back into his consciousness. The knowledge of a creature’s entire history overwhelming his mind in mere seconds. Prodigi tried to hold some composure and muttered, "I know of Keldira..."
Bax took a few steps towards Prodigi. "Yes, I know that. You met her before, if I recall. Or were you unconscious then? Wait...what do you mean, Prodigi?"
A single word whispered through Prodigi's mind. Necrostiana...
"Prodigi...Prodigi, are you all right?"
Bax grasped Prodigi by the shoulder and gave him a light squeeze.
Zack's eyes widened and he stepped forward one pace, utterly confused once again and hoping something else wasn't about to happen.
Prodigi turned to Bax. "You know exactly what i mean Bax. You've read the book. i know it."
Bax shook his head, "Keldira is not like Necrostiana. She is my friend, and an old ally of my people. Do not think poorly of her."
"Well I’m sorry if i find it hard to trust any of their kind. The kinds of power they hold are not to be used lightly."
Zack's eyes widened more (if that was even possible) and he looked between the two with massive confusion.
Bax took a step back, slightly shocked. "Prodigi...'their kind' is my race's best weapon. The Phoenix is holy. Necrostiana was merely...something unholy. She is different than all the others. I have felt her power, too, the Fallen One. I know what she is capable of. Believe me--Keldira can counter that. I am sure."
" 'Their kind is my race's best weapon'. Exactly. Merely a weapon to be abused. How can you be sure Necrostiana was the only one?"
"They are not merely weapons! They have benevolently gifted us with their assistance. Necrostiana was born of evil--and I know she was the only one that way because history has said so. She is no one's weapon."
"...So there's an evil Phoenix out there?"
Bax looked over at Zack, "You met her. That night. When Valtiel attacked us, he was possessed by Necrostiana, the Fallen Phoenix. I don't know how or why, but when he came, he was...horrible. Much worse than when I met him in the hospital. Necrostiana was in that stone Azriel possessed before he died. Somehow she went from that stone to Valtiel and all hell broke loose."
Zack's eyes seemed they were about to pop out of his head and his knees went a bit weak at the overload of unexpected information. But then his oddly adjusted mind kicked in to make these things not matter too much to protect what was left of his sanity, so he suddenly grew grim and nodded. "I thought something more was up. Looks like things are a lot rougher than I realized... Is it even possible for us to handle at this point? My guess would be no."
Bax thought for a moment and answered Zack calmly. "Well Valtiel summoned the first worm and I was able to handle that. Other than that...we'll have to see."
Still grim and oddly mature, Zack queried, "Could this have something to do with Sephiroth X and what he went off to do? If that's the case, he didn't seem to want us in the wake of it."
Prodigi shifted uneasily, trying to find the words to explain. "This... This isn't the first time this has happened. The gargoyles, the worm, the unnatural amount of strange creatures, it's happened at least once before that i know of. Well, that i remember."
Bax shuffled his feet a little and lifted a questioning gaze to Prodigi. "This has happened before?"
"Think of it as a simple matter of energy. All things contain a living energy, or a life force. But for everything to co-exist there must be a balance. Similarly to the existence of Keldira and Necrostiana. Good and bad, creating the balance. When the negative life force becomes too great something acts out to regain the balance."
"So," Bax started, "What has become too great?"
"It's the Element," Prodigi said simply, "The Element of Prosperity is trying to regain the balance. Think of all the bad events that have been happening. The bad easily out ways the good. The Element is using its amazing energy, and channeling it into creatures to act on its will. The creatures have come after us, well me specifically, because i am, or was, one of these evils. But, it didn't come after me first specifically because i am evil. No there are far greater evils around. It came after me first for two reasons. Firstly, because eradicating a higher order evil will through the world off balance even more, but into good energy rather than bad. And secondly because only i and another know of this."
Zack looked thoughtful, and nodded slowly. "But the gargoyle, it seemed interested in Bax only. What does he have to do with all this?"
"That i am not entirely sure of. I did not even know of this until recently. Perhaps Bax sets an entirely new imbalance. Not of good or evil, but rather of... well, extra terrestrial?"
Bax nearly fell over, "Is that a nice way of calling me an alien?" He coughed and put in his own two cents. "Could my transcending have caused a temporary imbalance in the opposite way? Like, the Element sent the gargoyle out with orders but no longer needed it to carry them out?"
"Umm... yes, sounds good."
"Seriously? I was just guessing."
Zack sighed a bit. "Sounds complicated, but still makes sense I think... Still, gotta keep all possibilities open. But a lot's happening now that's bigger than we are, that's for sure... We can try trusting the theory that the monsters won't come specifically after us anymore, and use this time to gather resources." Then his eyes widened and became pools of innocent hyperness again, and he gestured variously as he squeaked out, "Um that is if it's ok with you guys, whatta you think? I don't wanna be bossy when I don't know anythiiiing!"
Bax laughed and patted Zack on the head, "That sounds fine to me, Zack. We will need the resources inevitably. I agree with you completely."
Zack grinned and closed his eyes, letting out a happy hum, proud of himself for suggesting something good and it being recognized. "Well then, more mercenary work for me." He then opened his eyes and looked thoughtful. "Hmmm... But what about you guys? That might be a good option for you too, just not sure if Edos Lee will accept newcomers easily or not though there are other agencies."
"I can get a job at McDougals, may not pay well but it's easy enough to get."
Bax put his hand up to his chin, "How does your agency feel about 'extra-terrestrials,' Zack? I would like to try your line of work."
"Well, I don't know the particulars, just that Mr. Lee is very partic'lar about who joins. He might test your strength. Which of course you'd impress him so I'd say you can go for it. We can tag-team the suckas!" He raised a fist in the air.
Bax smiled and raised his fist to meet Zack's.
"Sounds good. Now let's go get some money."