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Post by Deleted on Aug 30, 2018 19:18:01 GMT -5
"What is magic?"
Aubus held his empty palm to the air.
"It is the invisible, yet very tangible essence that pervades all living things. Everything has a soul—plants, trees, animals and especially mortals. And that very life is sacred."
Closing his hand, a soft purple light emitted from his palm before Aubus opened it wide to reveal a shiny red apple. It caught and reflected the bright morning light, a vibrant green leaf hanging from its stem.
"I suppose you could think of magic as the 'soul' of the universe, by which beings of adept skill can manipulate to their own will."
A small group of children stood before the Kai, wide-eyed and gawking at the apple he'd just made appear in his hand. It was a rather strange sight—this oddly garbed stranger in the midst of children who were nearly his own height.
"If one's will is pure, void of evil and malicious intent, then his manipulation of magic shall remain just—for the purpose of benefiting his fellow man."
Suddenly, the apple began to glow with the same purplish light, only to be reformed into three pieces of hard candy. The children squealed in delight as Aubus closed his eyes and smiled brightly, allowing each to take a piece in turn. The children then ran off, having reached the end of their short attention spans, no longer interested in his lecture.
Aubus sighed, hands held idly behind his back as he watched them run away.
"They are Earth's future. I should only hope to plant a seed and cultivate it, for the betterment of mankind."
It was at that moment Aubus noticed a young woman with black hair observing him. Aubus turned his friendly gaze upon her. Perhaps he had found another for an audience?
"Were you curious of the nature of magic as well?"
word count: 313 | total: 313 | Cassava
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Post by Cassava on Aug 30, 2018 20:04:10 GMT -5
Meiku was finally able to assimilate back into society, luckily for her that meant getting back into the city. She had made it in before, but only briefly before her magical mishaps would begin. Fortunately, any new objects manifesting from her form were solely intended. Any interactions socially would be of ease because she wouldn’t have to worry about being around others even for extended amounts of time.
With an arm full of groceries and supplies for her shop, she browsed and caroused around the local shopping outlets. Suddenyl, the Earthling happened upon an odd scene with the local children. They all huddled around an obscure mohawked fellow. Meiku narrowed her eyes, trying to get a feel for where he was from based on his attire. Unfortunately, she wasn’t hitting any marks. He was surely and alien of some type.
“Wha…” She mumbled, managing to snap back to reality as his voice cut through the air. The odd man appeared to be performing a trick. Meiku chimed into the conversation, listening to the limitations, but possibilities opened up with mastering the arcane.
Apples appeared, disappeared and were replaced with candies! They were so real that the smell of butterscotch hit the nares once they were greedily sucked upon. Real magic conjuring, like only one other she had met besides herself.
Of course when asked if she was curious, she responded earnestly.
“I uh?” The Earthling paused before looking around to assure he was addressing her. “I guess you could say that.”
Meiku could admit that this man gave her an odd feeling. His whole appearance and demeanor screamed run away, but for some reason she was oddly lulled into it. She took a few steps closer now that the kids had scampered off to their next mischief.
“So you actually use magic. Impressive. Say, where are ya from?” The mechanic questioned, adjusting the groceries in her awkward grip.
@aubus WC: 321
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Post by Deleted on Aug 31, 2018 11:21:49 GMT -5
She was quite a bit older than the children. Aubus would wager the human woman was in the early prime of her mortality. Not that age was a thing to him. Time moved differently when you existed far outside of its normal margins. Even after a century and a half, he was still considered young and inexperienced amidst the rest of his brethren.
But age was not a denotation of maturity or wisdom. Both of which, at a glance, Aubus thought he sensed from her. He took in her black hair, slender figure, and curious gaze with an analytical interest of his own, judging whether or not she were the sort to understand or even manipulate magic.
She seemed hesitant to answer his question, even inquiring of where he was from. That cautious suspicion was something Aubus had grown accustomed to when dealing with lesser beings. Though he wasn't certain admitting he was a divine being—a god in comparison to her—was the best route. Most people either laughed as if he had made a joke, or quickly found another reason to be preoccupied elsewhere.
Thus, Aubus stood tall and squared his shoulders, extending his hand for her to shake.
"I am Aubus. I guess you could say I hold a certain... interest in this planet, and you Earthlings. You've nothing to fear from me, I assure you," he told her with a grin.
Seeing her fumble with the bags in her arms, Aubus waved his hand, materializing a small table upon which she could set her groceries if she so desired.
"So, then, what is your interest in magic?"
word count: 271 | total: 590 | Cassava
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Post by Cassava on Aug 31, 2018 15:58:59 GMT -5
It wasn’t often she caught a man baring his chest in public, at least, this far away from the coast. It was an odd sight, but what purplexed her more than his appearances was his skills of manifestation. With limited experience in magic herself, she would be an idiot not to inquire a bit from this skilled stranger. Since he was offering up knowledge, she might as well have a seat at his metaphorical table.
“Aubus, ah. Earth is pretty interesting when you get down to the grass roots of her yeah. Stereotypes will always be the first opinion of our planet and its people though.” Meiku confessed, making use of the surface that the ‘god’ had manifested at her side. It was more than convenient and kind of the stranger to aid her weary arms.
Meiku shook the upper extremities a bit, attempting to quell the stiffness in her joints. The Earthling had been training her body so much recently that even walking was tugging at her hamstrings. Any bit of relief or solace she could find during such a trying time was most welcome.
“Well, I suppose it would take a while to explain…” The woman ran the scenario through her head again in an attempt to summarize her powers.
“Well, up until a few months ago I was very much the skeptic. Until, one day…. Things just started falling out of me.” An odd sentence indeed, however she wasn’t joking one bit. The Earthling dug her hands into her hips before licking her lips. It seemed she was winding up for a long breath.
“I thought it was, random at times. Pennies one day, rubber ducks the next. I’m talking out of every part of my body, anywhere they would force themselves out.”
She waved a finger towards the mohawked man, whipping up one last bit of information, “Eventually I noticed that when I lost a pencil, one would appear out of me. It was connected to my wants and needs in that moment. After realizing this was a power and not a curse, I started training my body more, met a few mages and can at least control the random materializations.”
Meiku took in a long breath, her hand waving between them before her hand reached for a glowing spot on her arm. She tugged, pulling out what seemed to be a screwdriver of all things. However, the object meant a lot to Meiku, it described her as a person. The one there when you need them, in that one drawer that you never open. However, she’s still always there.
@aubus WC: 434//755
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Post by Deleted on Aug 31, 2018 19:54:31 GMT -5
Aubus could only grin as the woman recounted the origins of her capabilities. He could remember his own humble beginnings with wielding his magic manipulation abilities.
"May I?" He inquired, taking the tool in his hand.
He balanced it perfectly on the tip of his finger while his other hand stroked idly at his bare chin, examining its nature and properties.
"Amazing," he whispered, more to himself than to the woman before handing it back to her. "And you say this all began suddenly, without warning? Hmm. Intriguing."
Aubus turned and paced away from her a few steps, his mind whirling with possibilities. On one hand, as much as he would love to, he could not monitor the usage of magic throughout the known cosmos. There were beings of great power, greater even than himself, who wielded it with great skill and precision. Either to the benefit of mortals, or their utter destruction.
Majin Buu, and the evil wizard Babidi were a prime example.
Yet on the other hand, magic could be used for the greater good. It was his responsibility to ensure that someone such as this not only wielded it properly, but understood the nature and essence of magic itself.
With a slight nod, Aubus turned and faced her once again.
"I can only imagine how difficult that must have been for you. I remember my own lessons under the careful watch of my former master... then again, I would wager that I was an exception."
He was a candidate to apprentice under the Supreme Kai, after all.
"If you'd like, I could help teach you how to control these manifestations?"
word count: 273 | total: 863 | Cassava
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Post by Cassava on Sept 1, 2018 11:12:16 GMT -5
“May I?” His voice rang through her mind. She allowed the stranger to take the tool with a carefree smile. Meiku also managed to be as awkward as possible as he scanned the object for some origin or creation. She wasn’t sure of the actual structured side of the arcane, merely the wild and chaotic traits it could possess.
“Huh? Yeah. It was only a few months prior, before that I just worked in peace at my mom and pop’s shop.” She took the screwdriver, but it soon disappeared into a cloud of glitter. She was only needing it for the example after all.
The alien appeared to contemplate, pacing around as his mind fired off in what seemed like a thousand directions. The raven-haired woman scratched at her cheek while trying to figure out what to say next. There was a long moment of silence between the two as they both brainstormed.
Finaly! He turned around and expressed his sympathies; she wondered if they were truly sincere. Afterwards, he offered his efforts in aiding her knowledge of magic and its uses. Figuring out the functionality and even the basics of magic could aid in improving her overall combat skills. The Earthling cracked her neck before shooting her newfound mentor a thumbs up.
“Yeah, my parents kinda kicked me out. I lived in a shed for a while! But hey, at least I can somewhat keep the objects from randomly popping out! Sometimes I still have issues getting what I want to appear. Any help you could give would be greatly appreciated Aubus!” Meiku chimed in, the smile beaming on her face. She wasn’t a stranger of asking for help, after all...people asked her for help all the time.
“To what...extent does your knowledge go? Should we….” The Earthling looked around to noticed the stares of a few passerby. Meiku whispered to the man, “Are you like, on David Blaine level? Or are we talking devil worshipping shit.”
To be fair, the woman had no idea about magic, it’s origins, or anything beyond what you would see in a halloween movie special. Perhaps this, Aubus… would be able to unlock new levels in the woman’s set of tools with ease.
@aubus WC: 372//1,127
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Post by Deleted on Sept 2, 2018 23:05:11 GMT -5
David Blaine? Demon worship?
Aubus deadpanned, staring up at her. His smile faltered as he studied the woman. Meiku seemed unassuming. Certainly not the sort to go cohorting with demons.
"No. Nothing of the sort. Just so you know, demon worship is a grave offense. I should hope it is that dry sense of humor your kind are notorious for..."
Resting his hands behind his back, Aubus took a moment to consider her words. He had not come to Earth to find a pupil, someone to pass on his knowledge to. That was typically reserved for a Shinjin who was designated a master and teacher. And he was far too young and inexperienced to be considered either of those things.
But it was his duty to properly educate every mortal in the responsible use of magic. One could not regulate the use of another, but Aubus could be sure that if Meiku used it, it would be for the benefit of others.
"I cannot make you a disciple, if that's what you are after. Simply because I do not have the authority to do so. But something simple should suffice, no? We can start with the connection between your emotional state and your magical potential. First—"
Aubus held out his palm, and the same red apple appeared.
"—I need you to replicate this."
word count: 227 | total: 1,090 | Cassava
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Post by Cassava on Sept 3, 2018 11:49:09 GMT -5
The man’s now-fading smile confirmed her jokes fell flat. She could feel the fluster in her cheeks. The Earthling hid the awkwardness behind and even more unsettling chuckle. It was hard enough for her to communicate with other humans, let alone some weird magic alien from space.
“N---No. It was all a joke. Man, I...am terrible with those. I promise I don’t worship devils,” Meiku responded with sympathy. It was clear by her expressions she was trying to be overly friendly. If she perhaps caused some unrest within Aubus, then she would feel horribly. Also, she definitely didn’t worship anything, let alone myths.
“I have a horrible sense of humor…”
Meiku mumbled quietly. She had chosen to remain silent instead of bringing anymore suspicion to her person. Not that she had anything to be suspected of. So far Aubus hadn’t made a single threat or demand. In fact, he merely seems genuinely curious about the Earth, its people, and possibly its potential.
Aubus went on to explain the complications of pupil-hood. Meiku didn’t want to be a pupil however, honestly in raw strength she was rather capable. Still, learning to use an innate power, that was what truly interested the Earthling girl.
Aubus held out his hand, materializing a bright crimson apple like before. Her eyes studied it for good measure, especially considering he just asked her to replicate the action.
As she tried to muster up the power to try, she couldn’t even put it into words her step by step process.
The Earthling held out her own hand. Her eyes pinched closed as she tried to picture the apple in her head. The way she did it, was just through a belief system. If she thought the fruit would be in her hand, it would...maybe...be there.
With a gulp and a bit of magical energy, something managed to be within her grasp. Round, smooth and almost identical in shape and apple nestled into her palm. One thing was off..., it was definitely bright green. Her face twisted with disappointment as she gripped the fruit of her failure.
“Damn… I...failed,” Meiku mumbled, her sad eyes fixated on the green orb.
@null WC: 365 | 1,492
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Post by Deleted on Sept 3, 2018 21:17:54 GMT -5
It was not meant to be a simple task.
Had Aubus required her to materialize another screwdriver or some other inanimate object, he understood that would have required little skill for Meiku. For that tool spoke volumes about her. Most wizards manifested dark magics, summoned undead servants, worked spells to bring great ruin and destruction.
And Meiku brought forth a tool.
Something practical. Uncomplicated. Something that could fit just about any and every occasion. Most mortals Aubus attempted to tutor in the art of magic use wanted to start with something big and elaborate, and gave up before learning its true nature.
Magic was more than a tool—it was essence, as alive as any spellcaster. And it was fickle.
"Don't be so hard on yourself. Observe."
Aubus took a couple steps forward, holding up his own red apple close to Meiku's green one. Though the colors were different, nearly every other detail down to the smallest was impeccable.
"You did what I asked of you. Why should the color matter? We are two different souls. No mortal is the same. No life is the same. We have encountered many different experiences in our lifetimes, and though our threads may cross, we walk very different paths. You manifested an apple."
Aubus flourished a hand, and the apple disappeared.
"Try this."
A magical flame enveloped his hand, though Aubus felt little more than a tickle in his palm.
word count: 244 | total: 1,334 | Cassava
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Post by Cassava on Sept 4, 2018 17:38:30 GMT -5
Her eyes continued to linger on the apple until his soothing voice met her ears once more. The Earthling managed to find a smidgen of positivity and crack a smile. It was true, any other mortal would kill for even a lick of magical talent, and here the girl was, granted this unknown power. She shouldn’t feel ashamed having only practiced with the skill for a few short months.
Aubus seemed to linger on for a moment after the awkward failure on her part, but he soon came through with words of encouragement. In any other learning process she had always had the ‘tough love’ approach. Her father when teaching her the career she chose, her lecturers in college...everyone seemed to think that fear was the best way to instill a life lesson. Still, Meiku felt that was a bad approach.
She watched him carefully as they compared their apples. Indeed, they did seem to mirror each other physically, only the color was off. She couldn’t speak for the taste, but she was curious if they were the same sweetness. After all, the woman didn’t know what the inside of Aubus’ fruit tasted of. Magic was wild, and she couldn’t even begin to understand the nuances.
More words of encouragement came from the man, he was a tender teacher thus far. Meiku could appreciate his tactics.
“A-Ah, something so fluid,” remarked the Earthling as she marveled at the flame within his hand. It waved and danced, but still was in complete control of Aubus. She had only manifested object that were static and ready to be use; this type of magic seemed as if it was alive.
“I’ve ….never done this before but...I can try,” her words seemed frazzled, but she somehow mustered up the strength to focus on the palm of her hand. As she exhaled she attempted to force her ki out through her hand, a few pitters of a spark manifested, but no flame.
“Huh, I wonder…..what do you even think about when you...do that?” Meiku frowned and concentrated again at the task of hand. She was diligent and persistent; definitely not the type to give up until she succeeded. It was a trait of her father’s so she was told.
“I-I mean, before I would just imagine a static object, no movement; just...the object and it would appear in some form or another. This is, hard to capture in my mind.” Her eyes reflected the light from his own flame as she tried once more.
Finally, a small orange flame started just above the skin of her palm. It was nearly a fourth of the size of his own, but a flame nonetheless. She struggled to keep it steadily rolling however.
@null WC: 461 | 1,953
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Post by Deleted on Sept 5, 2018 12:31:19 GMT -5
Aubus did not think like a mortal. Therefore, Aubus could not inspire the manner in which a mortal would. Perhaps it would have been much safer, endangered less lives, if Aubus had merely continued to work with Meiku and discover the cause of her magic blockage. In his experience, a blockage was often mental, sometimes emotional—rarely physical. It was a tangible manifestation of one's own struggle with the improbable, for it was not impossible to use magic, but often a rarity unless one gave themselves wholly to darker beings and wilder magics. The sort of magic that poisoned the soul, twisted the mind, and planted seeds of ideals that wrought destruction.
That Nevermore witch was one such individual. With his recent increase in power, Aubus knew the time drew short for another of their fateful confrontations. And this time, he would be ready.
So, it wasn't with careful speech but decisive action—hence, the large cargo truck barreling along the sidewalk heading their direction. The poor driver gripped the wheel, eyes wide as he mashed his foot onto the brake pedal but to no avail. He was no longer in control. It was only a matter of moments before the truck reached the crowd. Civilians spilled out of the way, some ducking into shop fronts while others took their chances and stumbled directly into the street.
A few seconds more, and Aubus knew he would have to stop the truck. And at that moment, it was stopped, as if it had plowed into some invisible barrier. The truck skidded to a sudden halt, and a smile began to tug at the corner of Aubus's lips. Meiku wasn't pleased, demanding to know if it were some debased test on Aubus's part. He lifted a placating hand, looking to quell her fears.
"A test would imply that you had a choice—either to pass, or to fail. No such option was afford to you here, because the lives of others were at stack. You had but one choice, and you chose wisely." His eyes cut to the driver, surrounded by several civilians. Their careful inspection of the now immobile truck was almost comical—flinching each time the twisted hunk of metal groaned, almost afraid to touch it for fear it were haunted by some destructive apparition.
"Now, take your anger and your passion... and attempt to create that flame once again."
word count: 407 | total: 2,427 | Cassava
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Post by Cassava on Sept 6, 2018 21:26:49 GMT -5
Her struggle in conjuring the flame was clearly noted when he mentioned how quaint her attempt was. The Earthling found herself conflicted, how could manifesting tools she used everyday be so different than the raw and living energy of an element. While she lingered on the defeat for a moment, before he spoke once more.
"I do not mean to insult you, Meiku. I simply expected more."
However, it still felt like one.
Suddenly, her attention was drawn to a truck that barreled down the alleyway.It Moved normally at first but then it seemed the driver had murder in his sights. The expression on his face only showed dismay and confusion as to why he suddenly lost control of the vehicle. The engine revved and charged towards the pair in the alleyway.
Ran within
The tires blew, the sound of crunching metal and scraping echoing through the narrow alleyway. Meiku jumped into action, her hands raising in front of her with a magical wave. She thought of anything that could help the situation, but nothing came to mind. She just wanted it to stop, just stop. Frantically she searched her mind, a giant mattress? No. A crash pad?There would still be casualties. JUST STOP!
As the truck was but meters between her and the crowd, it came to a sudden halt. The entire van simply stunting in all movement. The driver recoiled and hit his head on the steering wheel before stumbling out of the vehicle.
“Is everyone okay?”
The Earthling turned to check on all of the civilians,the driver, and then Aubus who lingered nearby. She walked with him with a curious expression while the passerby and the man estimate the damage to his truck.
“W-What was that? Some sort of twisted test?!” Meiku Whispered in a hushed tone to the alien, her face showed brother concern and anger towards the man.
@null WC: 316 | 2,269
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Post by Deleted on Sept 7, 2018 20:03:21 GMT -5
Aubus did not think like a mortal. Therefore, Aubus could not inspire the manner in which a mortal would. Perhaps it would have been much safer, endangered less lives, if Aubus had merely continued to work with Meiku and discover the cause of her magic blockage. In his experience, a blockage was often mental, sometimes emotional—rarely physical. It was a tangible manifestation of one's own struggle with the improbable, for it was not impossible to use magic, but often a rarity unless one gave themselves wholly to darker beings and wilder magics. The sort of magic that poisoned the soul, twisted the mind, and planted seeds of ideals that wrought destruction.
That Nevermore witch was one such individual. With his recent increase in power, Aubus knew the time drew short for another of their fateful confrontations. And this time, he would be ready.
So, it wasn't with careful speech but decisive action—hence, the large cargo truck barreling along the sidewalk heading their direction. The poor driver gripped the wheel, eyes wide as he mashed his foot onto the brake pedal but to no avail. He was no longer in control. It was only a matter of moments before the truck reached the crowd. Civilians spilled out of the way, some ducking into shop fronts while others took their chances and stumbled directly into the street.
A few seconds more, and Aubus knew he would have to stop the truck. And at that moment, it was stopped, as if it had plowed into some invisible barrier. The truck skidded to a sudden halt, and a smile began to tug at the corner of Aubus's lips. Meiku wasn't pleased, demanding to know if it were some debased test on Aubus's part. He lifted a placating hand, looking to quell her fears.
"A test would imply that you had a choice—either to pass, or to fail. No such option was afford to you here, because the lives of others were at stack. You had but one choice, and you chose wisely." His eyes cut to the driver, surrounded by several civilians. Their careful inspection of the now immobile truck was almost comical—flinching each time the twisted hunk of metal groaned, almost afraid to touch it for fear it were haunted by some destructive apparition.
"Now, take your anger and your passion... and attempt to create that flame once again."
word count: 407 | total: 2,427 | Cassava
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