You have just entered room "Chat 36787524370206004157."

Dark Japheth: Zao likely won't initiate the conversation.

AndrewRogue: That is a good point.

Dark Japheth: You'd have to bug him in his room.

AndrewRogue: Hmmm...

AndrewRogue: *there is a slight, almost tenative knock at Zao's door*

Dark Japheth: Zao yells from inside. "Come in."

AndrewRogue: *the door opens a bit slowly, but Aria slips inside* "Ah... hello Zao."

Dark Japheth: Zao's room isn't a room. The moment you step inside, you are standing in what looks like a buddhist temple, almost. Wooden floors, and whatnot.

AndrewRogue: *she... looks notably surprised. She hadn't known there would be a room like this in the house*

Dark Japheth: Zao is not himself- he has what looks vaguely like a spirit of fire, in the shape of a bird, surrounding him. He is sitting cross legged on the floor, facing you- his eyes closed. "Arianna. How can I help you?"

Dark Japheth: On the walls are various insignias of birds on fire, and a chandelier. "Don't be alarmed. Its all illusion." He waves his hand... and it turns into a somewhat spartan room.

AndrewRogue: "Ah... that's... really impressive. Is that what you can do with your magics?"

Dark Japheth: "Mostly, illusions. Some other minor things, but mostly changing appearances."

Dark Japheth: He smiles. "Its a talent that got me in trouble back home. How can I help you?"

AndrewRogue: "Is it all just changing of appearence?"

Dark Japheth: "Again, mostly. I have a few... utility spells. But for the most part, illusion is more useful than reality."

AndrewRogue: "But... its all fake then. How is that..." *she sort of trails off as she realizes how badly she's been duped before* "N-nevermind. I see."

Dark Japheth: "Well... not entirely fake."

AndrewRogue: "Oh?"

Dark Japheth: "They have tactile sensations. But I can't do actual harm- one has to do harm to themselves. It is a lesson hard learned by mages." He nods, and waves his hand.

Dark Japheth: Casting detect thoughts. You get a save, will, DC 18. >.>

Dark Japheth: Failure indicates that when Zao wishes, he'll just pull something out of your mind.

Dark Japheth: :P

*OnlineHost*: AndrewRogue rolled 1 20-sided die: 5

AndrewRogue: Fail.

Dark Japheth: Heh.

Dark Japheth: When indicated, I'll just say "type up what you think" and so on.

AndrewRogue: So he's not actively listening in? Just tell you what's on her mind when you ask?

Dark Japheth: Right.

Dark Japheth: He has to focus on it. :P

AndrewRogue: Ah.

AndrewRogue: "So... why did you get kicked out of your home... if you don't mind me asking of course."

Dark Japheth: He smiles. "I don't mind. It wasn't so much that I was kicked out... rather... forcefully invited to leave."

AndrewRogue: "I... it really doesn't feel different."

Dark Japheth: "As you know, my homeland was, for a long time, plagued by the Shadowlands. Almost half the nation had a literal connection to hell- and Oni hordes spawned frequently from the foul crater where lord moon fell."

Dark Japheth: "And his dark blood pooled, forming the oni. You might call them demons."

AndrewRogue: "I... didn't know that actually."

Dark Japheth: "Oh." He looks down for a moment, and looks up. "Well, allow me to give you a history lesson."

AndrewRogue: (Is there a seat for her to take?)

Dark Japheth: "The world was created by many spirits. There were... nine, I believe. Each had a different name. They spoke in words too beautiful for men to understand, and their power was incredible."

Dark Japheth: Yes.

AndrewRogue: *unless he objects, she sits down*

Dark Japheth: "These spirits are often called Gods. I do not believe as such, as other beings have been called Gods and been eliminated, but I digress."

Dark Japheth: "One, Lord Moon, was a spirit of learning. He walked the Flower for many years, and spoke to many beings about life, and reincarnation, and spirits. He was a great mystic."

Dark Japheth: "But one day, his spirit turned black, blacker than the pits of the shadowlands. And the other spirits cast him out of the Celestial Heaven. He fell, and landed in the Shadowlands."

AndrewRogue: "That was... Karnage?"

Dark Japheth: He nods. "That is how you know him, perhaps."

Dark Japheth: (brb, horses need feeding.)

AndrewRogue: (Horses O_o Okay.)

Dark Japheth: (Back)

AndrewRogue: *she nods and continues listening*

Dark Japheth: (My neighbors have horses, I have to contractually feed them at about this time whenever they aren't in town)

AndrewRogue: *Ah.)

Dark Japheth: "Anyway. Lord Moon fell, and his black blood tainted the land- forever. Or so we thought."

Dark Japheth: "For nearly six thousand years, if I remember my history lessons well enough, we fought against the Oni. And Lord Moon, and his dark followers."

Dark Japheth: "Their very monsters produced a sort of taint. Mages who learned to cast spells from the lands could not visit the shadowlands, for they would become Maho-Shujenga. Blood sorcerors."

Dark Japheth: "Using their black taint, and insanity.. they would enslave many. And many a good and virtuous samurai fell in combat against the Oni, or would return successful... but changed. And they would have to be put down."

Dark Japheth: "Brandon, a high and holy priest from this land, came to Nagukor after the Darkening of the Skies, when blood rained upon Nagukor for forty days and forty nights."

Dark Japheth: "The Long black was broken by Bandon, it is spoken, and he cleansed the shadowlands of evil. And while the lands are still cursed, they do not present such a palpable threat to those of us who do not seek it."

Dark Japheth: "What was I talking about, again? I am dreadfully sorry."

AndrewRogue: "Ah... you were telling me about the history of your land. And... ah... why you got kicked out."

Dark Japheth: "Right, right."

Dark Japheth: "So thats the history of Nagukor. Mystically and spiritually. In reality, it is merely as all other lands have been."

Dark Japheth: "Gelendar seems to fight off its dark past with wizardry and censorship. And Penobscot uses diversity and hope."

Dark Japheth: "Nagukor uses tradition, honor, and purity. They claim it works far better, but I have my own doubts."

Dark Japheth: "I was born a karmic ancestor, or so I was told, of the great Shujenga of my clan, Isawa Absimiliard, who aided Brandon in his final days, and granted him peace."

Dark Japheth: "And the blood and magic of the five elements..." he looks at you for a moment. "Do you know what the five elements are?"

AndrewRogue: "Um... Earth. Fire. Air. Water. And... uhm... Ah... Rock?"

Dark Japheth: He smiles. "No. Fire, Air, Water, Wood, and Metal."

AndrewRogue: (So... tempted to say heart <.<) "Oh."

Dark Japheth: "Anyway. I was destined to be a Shujenga, trained by my father, in the ways of Air Magic. The Isawa school is renowned as the strongest of the schools, the most powerful and strong of the schools."

Dark Japheth: "Far better than the Bayushi."

Dark Japheth: "But I digress. I was groomed for perfection in the art of mysticism."

Dark Japheth: "But my heart wasn't in it."

AndrewRogue: *she nods*

Dark Japheth: "I..." He stops. "No, it is best to show you."

AndrewRogue: "What?"

Dark Japheth: He waves his hands, and suddenly... you are in what appears to be a small creek. Or standing beside it. Zao is standing next to you, and points at two little figures in the creek."

Dark Japheth: No "

Dark Japheth: "The larger one is my father, Isawa Kiriyama. Little Isawa Zao-Lot is... there." He points at a little kid with a bamboo stick, with some string on the end of it.

Dark Japheth: The father shows young Zao how to string a worm on the end, and Zao sits impatiently.

Dark Japheth: Big Zao nods. "Here comes the fun part."

Dark Japheth: Little zao concentrates, and suddenly, the fish begin leaping out of the air, and Zao catches one adeptly.

AndrewRogue: "Really?" *she watches curiously*

Dark Japheth: His father smacks him on the back of his head, and he drops the fish.

Dark Japheth: "Zao-lot! What are you doing?"

Dark Japheth: "Fishing, Father. It takes less time. And then we have more time to train, and less to worry about catching food."

Dark Japheth: "That is not our way. That is not the way of the family. That is the way of the Oni, of deception, of trickery."

Dark Japheth: "You will not do such things. The old ways must be preserved. You will be the death of me yet, Zao-lot."

Dark Japheth: Little Zao sighs, and a little tear is in his eye, as he sits down and patiently waits for the fish to bite the end of his string.

Dark Japheth: Then you are back in the room. "I've always been a trickster, and by the dictates of my father, somewhat lazy."

Dark Japheth: "But I like to think of it as more... eff... innovat... what is the word? More outcome for less work?"

Dark Japheth: "Efficienty?"

AndrewRogue: *she nods*

Dark Japheth: "Efficienty. Alright."

Dark Japheth: "Anyway. Similar things happened."

Dark Japheth: "My country is also very well prepared for darkness to strike. They half-expect the Oni to return from the slumber of their creator, and to rampage our lands once again. We participate in War Games.'

AndrewRogue: "War games? Like... practice?"

Dark Japheth: "Yes. Exactly."

Dark Japheth: "We used dulled weapons, and are prevented from killing our foes."

Dark Japheth: "We must defeat our enemies, who truly are our allies, in honorable and fair combat."

AndrewRogue: "That's... how I practiced." *she nods slightly*

Dark Japheth: "It was the Phoenix clan, my clan, against the clan Mantis. Truly, an unfair challenge."

Dark Japheth: "We would not have beaten them, had it not been for me."

AndrewRogue: "Really? What happened?" *she sounds, intrigued*

Dark Japheth: "They were crossing the " he says an unpronouncable word, "ravine, and I used my magics to make our side seem larger than life. Our few samurai seemed like many, and the five dragons flew overhead in the sky."

Dark Japheth: "They fled in terror, and my soldiers, set to defend me, went under cover of night, and claimed victory."

Dark Japheth: "We had won, at a terrible cost. All of us had lost face."

Dark Japheth: "I didn't quite understand. I felt I was following the rules of combat fairly- we did not kill our foes, and we won. Easily. Against a foe of greater strength."

Dark Japheth: "Though we won the battle, and what little honor that carried, our 'toh... our face... was lowered. And we lacked fairness."

Dark Japheth: "Each of us was sent to our fathers and to the lords of our clans."

Dark Japheth: "My father was greatly disappointed. It was the first and last time I had seen him cry. He knew that illusions were not the way of the Shujenga, and that I was instead a sorceror."

Dark Japheth: "He spoke the word with such a disdain that I felt ashamed for not learning what my father had taught me. He knew I had lied to him."

Dark Japheth: "He cried for days, and I came up with a solution. His honor, and the honor of family Isawa, would be restored if I were to leave. In willful exile."

AndrewRogue: "I... don't understand though. Such an ability seems like something they'd want though..."

Dark Japheth: "And my mother bought me a ticket, and wished me good luck. I traveled to the mainland soon after. And I have since wandered the world, although this is the most time I've spent in one dwelling."

Dark Japheth: "No. Not if it comes at the loss of their honor."

Dark Japheth: "And I was wrong for using my trickery in such a way. Think of it this way."

Dark Japheth: "If you had the ability to destroy these pillars, but in so doing, would be shunned forever by your people, for the rest of your life... would you?"

AndrewRogue: "I..." *she pauses for a long moment* "Y-yes. I... I would."

Dark Japheth: "That is dishonorable." He sighs. "I am different from my people, in that I would sacrifice my very name to Oblivion to do what I thought was right."

Dark Japheth: (like the old character who took bad luck scraps of cloth from children to take their luck away.)

AndrewRogue: "That's stupid that they'd think that th..." *she looks aghast* "I-I'm sorry. I don't mean to be insulting."

AndrewRogue: (Indeed!)

Dark Japheth: He laughs. "Don't worry. I think its somewhat stupid, too."

Dark Japheth: "It has its merits, but they do not outweigh the flaws. Bushido is much the same way." he nods. "I'm sorry. Since you've come in here, I haven't shut up. How are you doing?"

AndrewRogue: "I... I'm fine. A little stressed. That's all." *she swallows* "And its fine. I... talk too much anyway. Its nice to sit and listen."

Dark Japheth: He nods. "There is a reason people have two ears and one mouth."

AndrewRogue: *she smiles* "That's a good point."

Dark Japheth: He smiles. "Its easy to regugitate the wisdom of other people."

AndrewRogue: "I... I guess you have a point there." *she smiles weakly* "But at least it shows you pay attention to things people tell you..."

AndrewRogue: *there too

Dark Japheth: He looks at you, his head sideways somewhat. "You seem to pay attention."

AndrewRogue: "I... wish I did." *she slumps ever ever ever so slightly*

Dark Japheth: He touches your shoulder gently, and pushes you back up straight. "You do listen. Whether or not you realize it, you do listen to people."

AndrewRogue: "Ah?"

Dark Japheth: "What are the five elements?"

AndrewRogue: "Water. Air. Fire. Metal. Wood."

Dark Japheth: He smiles. "See? That was the point I thought you were paying the least attention to. But you remembered."

Dark Japheth: He focuses for a moment.

Dark Japheth: (thoughts?)

AndrewRogue: DT is surface thoughts right?

Dark Japheth: Yeah

AndrewRogue: He gets a slight overlay then. Gimme a sec.

AndrewRogue: ~That's not what I meant...~ ~Never do learn...~ ~That was stupid... stupid... shouldn't have...~ ~But I wanted...~ ~Who wwas she? Arianna?~ ~Who am I?~ ~Poor Zao... that must be even worse~ ~That was a neat story.~

AndrewRogue: (Yes. Aria has horrible surface thought overlay.)

Dark Japheth: "Arianna? Are you alright?"

Dark Japheth: (Its ok.)

AndrewRogue: "Ah? What do you mean?"

Dark Japheth: He smiles. "Who was she? Arianna? Who am I? That was stupid, stupid, shoudn't have. But I wanted."

Dark Japheth: "Normally, all most people tell me is 'why the hell won't that nagukorian bastard shut up? WHO CARES.'" He smiles.

AndrewRogue: *there is a long moment of silence* "I... didn't say anything though." *you probably notice she is tensing a bit*

Dark Japheth: He smiles. "Your face said it, Arianna."

AndrewRogue: Sense Motive <.<

Dark Japheth: Bluff.

*OnlineHost*: AndrewRogue rolled 1 20-sided die: 19

*OnlineHost*: Dark Japheth rolled 1 20-sided die: 5

Dark Japheth: +18 for me. So... 23.

Dark Japheth: :P

AndrewRogue: 16

AndrewRogue: ;_;

Dark Japheth: lmfao

AndrewRogue: I win the roll by 14... and lose the check by 7.

Dark Japheth: RPG quotes, man.

Dark Japheth: Anyway. Zao seems to be telling the truth. He seems thoroughly empathic, and not at all cheating.

AndrewRogue: "You're... good at reading faces. Really... good."

Dark Japheth: He smiles. "I live on the kindness of others. It becomes somewhat necessary."

Dark Japheth: "Is there anything I can do to help? Maybe you need someone to listen?"

AndrewRogue: "I... have you ever made a decision in a moment of passion... one you can never, ever take back... that afterwards you're not sure you wanted to make?"

Dark Japheth: He looks at you for a moment, and says nothing.

Dark Japheth: Then, he speaks a few words, and manipulates his fingers.

AndrewRogue: (Yay. Zao is doing a good job connecting to the party through Aria. He did a good job of luring her into friendliness <.<)

Dark Japheth: And you and he are seated next to each other, and you are in what looks like a ramshackle cottage.

Dark Japheth: Knocks on the door.

Dark Japheth: I'm coming!"

Dark Japheth: A startlingly cute girl walks across the room, and opens the door.

Dark Japheth: And standing there, in a little more fancy garb, is Zao. Probably about fifteen.

Dark Japheth: He walks in, and with no words, hands a group of flowers, Amaranths, to the cute girl.

Dark Japheth: "....Zao.." She blushes, and her head turns down.

Dark Japheth: Zao (not the real one) smiles, and he hugs her. "It has been eternity since I have seen you, Jala."

Dark Japheth: She holds him in her arms, and her head rests on his shoulders.

Dark Japheth: And the two of you are back in the room.

Dark Japheth: He nods. "Yeah. I think we all have."

Dark Japheth: (Side note- this is the most beautiful picture I have ever seen. http://elfwood.lysator.liu.se/art/m/e/metacreat ive/dragontears_4_25_04.jpg.html )

AndrewRogue: (That's awesome. Hell of a good lighting affect)

Dark Japheth: (Yeah! And look at the eyes.)

Dark Japheth: MY GOD

AndrewRogue: *she blushes faintly* "Did that... really happen?"

Dark Japheth: "In my past. I gave you a sort of.. vision. No, I used my illusions to make it seem like we were there."

Dark Japheth: "But it did happen, once."

Dark Japheth: "What did you do that you regret? You aren't a day over sixteen. You are too young to regret."

AndrewRogue: (The wings are great too.) "Several months over seventeen." *she corrects almost off-handedly* "I... I just did something I don't think I should have. It felt... I don't know. I wanted it... but I didn't..."

AndrewRogue: "And afterwards... I just feel like I don't know who I am suddenly."

Dark Japheth: He smiles. "I can help you with that. You are Arianna of Gelendar. Nobody, not even the great spirits, can take that from you."

AndrewRogue: "I... I know. But who is 'Arianna of Gelendar?'"

Dark Japheth: "A child of Tarin, a general of great importance to the world. A hero, ordained by those who are of the light, fighting against corruption and despair."

Dark Japheth: "Someone who never backs down. She never allows something so small as a mile high fall from the dome of Whittyre to stop her, or her quest."

Dark Japheth: "Is my assessment correct?"

AndrewRogue: *she's quiet for a long moment* "I... I think so. But there are parts of me I... I just don't understand. These echo things... they're so much like me, but not... Even me... I'm not sure I'm acting like me."

Dark Japheth: He smiles. "Don't allow it to get to you, Arianna."

Dark Japheth: "Here. Let me help." his two fingers touch your temples, and begin rotating counterclockwise.

Dark Japheth: And only a second passes, he speaks a few words of gibberish, and then he backs up. "This cures stress and relieves the mind of ills."

AndrewRogue: "Ah?"

AndrewRogue: "Does it... really?" *she sounds... kinda doubtful*

Dark Japheth: He laughs. "Of course."

Dark Japheth: "It cannot substitute for sleep and meditation, but it is a fast and easy way to calm one down."

Dark Japheth: Bluff

*OnlineHost*: Dark Japheth rolled 1 20-sided die: 15

Dark Japheth: 33.

AndrewRogue: Wanna say I fail and save time?

Dark Japheth: Sure.

AndrewRogue: *she smiles weakly* "I... I guess you're right. I do feel a bit better."

AndrewRogue: "Thank you."

Dark Japheth: He smiles. "Don't worry about it. I've got about a million other miracle cures."

Dark Japheth: He smiles. "Anything else I can do to help you?"

AndrewRogue: *she smiles weakly* "Ah... I'd... perfer not to use them too much. Its silly to rely on little miracle cures all the time. I will need to deal with this... this identity thing sometime."

AndrewRogue: (Ack. Put that above yours <.<)

AndrewRogue: "I... Have you ever been forced to face yourself?"

Dark Japheth: He shakes his head. "No. That is something I would definately lose in."

AndrewRogue: "I... didn't mean really." *she sighs* "Spiritually I guess."

Dark Japheth: "My statement stands."

Dark Japheth: "But. No, I haven't."

AndrewRogue: "What do you mean you'd lose though?"

AndrewRogue: *she sounds a bit concerned... for him surprisingly*

Dark Japheth: "I am most definately not as spiritually pure as I may think I am. It is no matter."

AndrewRogue: "You aren't? You seem... fine though."

Dark Japheth: "One would think."

AndrewRogue: "What's the prob... Ah... I'm sorry. I'm prying."

Dark Japheth: He smiles. "I'm not honorable. Thats all it means."

Dark Japheth: "Anyway. Please go on."

AndrewRogue: "Don't let that bother you Zao. Its... its silly..." *she stands up* "Its not like you hurt anyone doing what you were. I... there was nothing wrong with it. Not honorable? You've been nothing but a gentleman since

AndrewRogue: you met us. You came all the way here to tell Hunter that I'd died! You even offered to help us..." *she pauses awkwardly for a second as she seems to consider something* "...after everything you heard. You are one

AndrewRogue: of the most honorable men I've met."

Dark Japheth: At this, he smiles. "Thank you, Arianna." He bows. "You honor me."

AndrewRogue: *then she sighs as she reseats herself* "And I'm doing it again! I'm sorry. I mean it but... I can't help it. I want to trust people. I want to believe them. But it keeps getting us almost killed. I should be treating you like

AndrewRogue: you could be some Nagukorian spy who's joined the legions of people who apparently want us dead."

Dark Japheth: At this, he frowns. "Perhaps you should. But do you know why you do not?"

AndrewRogue: "Why?" *she sounds somewhere between angry, upset, and satisfied*

Dark Japheth: He smiles again. "Because you are a good person."

AndrewRogue: *she's silent for a moment* "Thank you Zao. I... I just wish it didn't get me in trouble so much."

Dark Japheth: "It is the fate of good people."

AndrewRogue: "Isn't there some way to fix that though?"

Dark Japheth: "Yes. You can become evil." He sighs. "No, none that I've found."

AndrewRogue: "Not much of a choice then. Just hope and pray and keep doing what you think is right?"

Dark Japheth: "Yes. I recommend prayer and meditation, myself."

AndrewRogue: "Prayer and meditation?"

Dark Japheth: "Yes."

AndrewRogue: "Does it... does it help?"

Dark Japheth: "To pray is to accept that you are not unstoppable, and implore the assistance of those that are most holy to come to your aid."

Dark Japheth: "Meditation to clear your mind and relieve stress."

Dark Japheth: "Yes, it helps a bit."

AndrewRogue: "Maybe... maybe I need to try that."

Dark Japheth: "It also helps in focusing your mind, if you happen to be sorcerously inclined. Are you sure you are not a mage?"

AndrewRogue: *she smiles* "I... I can do a few strange things, but from what I know about mages, its completely different from what they do."

Dark Japheth: "Perhaps. Magic is unique and touches us all in a different way."

AndrewRogue: *she demonstrates her uncanny ability to glow*

Dark Japheth: "See?"

Dark Japheth: "You are a mage. Albeit a different kind than normal. That isn't a problem."

AndrewRogue: "But that... would make me something other than a mage. I... definitely don't think the guild back in Gelendar would admit for what I can do."

Dark Japheth: "So?"

Dark Japheth: "Who cares what they think?"

AndrewRogue: "I... suppose you're right. But really... the title doesn't bother me."

AndrewRogue: "I... maybe I can do things that another mage can't. I don't know. I... haven't ever really explored what I can do."

Dark Japheth: "Why not?"

AndrewRogue: "It... the opportunity has never really come up. It... feels like I can do things in the back of my mind... but they seem so strange. Its... its almost like the ability Jerri gave me. I feel I can do it, I'm just not sure

AndrewRogue: what it is."

Dark Japheth: "I repeat- you have nothing to do at the moment. Clearly, since you are talking to the man who is only now talking to you because of your kindness and the fact that I found your body."

Dark Japheth: "So why don't you tap into that section of your mind, and unlock it/"

AndrewRogue: *she laughs* "I suppose you have a point Zao."

Dark Japheth: He nods. "I always do." But he's laughing, and clearly doesn't really take himself that seriously.

AndrewRogue: "Do you think... maybe you could help me? I'd ask Hunter or Le..." *she trails off slightly awkwardly* "Ah... you just seem to know the most about magic. If that's what I can do..."

Dark Japheth: He laughs. "Tutor you? It would be my pleasure."

Dark Japheth: "I will admit that I can't personally do *much* with my spells. Though I can make it seem like I do a lot."

AndrewRogue: (For some reason this strikes me as hilarious considering her abilities are so... not related <.<)

Dark Japheth: "If that is your skill, then sure. I would be glad to teach you."

Dark Japheth: (spellcasting prodigy might be your next feat. >.>)

AndrewRogue: (What's it do? <.<) "I... don't know what I can do really. It all just... keeps showing up."

Dark Japheth: (And yes, it is hilarious. I wasn't going to do it, because in retrospect it seems too flirtatious.)

Dark Japheth: (+2 to a stat as far as spellcasting goes.)

AndrewRogue: (A shame that helps her in absolutely 0 ways <.<)

Dark Japheth: (I.e. +1 to DC and bonus spells and what not.)

Dark Japheth: (....so? You could get the Hunter Sopko award for "most useless feat progression and selection ever")

AndrewRogue: (*looks at feat list*)

AndrewRogue: (Eh?)

Dark Japheth: He chants a few words. "There. Now my ki energy will guide yours."

Dark Japheth: (nothing. Nevermind. Useless feats are Hunter's forte.)

Dark Japheth: "Now. Hold out your hand."

Dark Japheth: "Clench it into a fist."

AndrewRogue: (And I'm not runner up? And try not to fake her too much, or she might try this in an important situation. <.<)

AndrewRogue: *she does as he requests*

Dark Japheth: (And Zao would cover for you there. *sighs*)

Dark Japheth: "Now. Focus your mind. What kind of effect do you want to focus on? Fire is pretty easy. You can already do the light trick."

Dark Japheth: "Anything in mind? Summoning, maybe?"

AndrewRogue: (You might want him to believe a bit that she does have some abilities and really try to bring those out. Her power is sorta similar to his in the way its harnassed I think <.<)

AndrewRogue: (Or better yet...)

Dark Japheth: (I actually do think you've got power. Zao is just interpreting it as sorcery, though it clearly 'ain't.)

AndrewRogue: *she concentrates hard for a long moment, considering what feels right* "...healing." *she pauses for a moment* "That's... what feels right."

AndrewRogue: (Its so funny to have four levels in a PrC and have Aria just now trying to learn abilities :p)

Dark Japheth: "Alright." Zao takes his knife out, and makes a small cut in his hand. A circle with a vertical line going through the center.

Dark Japheth: "Now. Heal it."

Dark Japheth: (...I feel bad that this is all an illusion.)

AndrewRogue: "Ah! Y-you shouldn't do that!"

Dark Japheth: "Trust me. I trust you have faith in that."

Dark Japheth: "I trust you."

Dark Japheth: *nix first line, and replace it with the I trust you.)

AndrewRogue: *she nods and reaches out, closing her eyes*

AndrewRogue: *Zao... probably notices the manner in which her nimbus changes. The glow dims all around, except her hands*

Dark Japheth: He does. :P

AndrewRogue: *its brightness around her hands actually increases and then she sets them over the wound. It sits for a long while before she slowly pulls them up, her eyes opening as a trickle of sweat runs down her cheek*

AndrewRogue: (You got LoH'd <.<)

Dark Japheth: And the wound seems to seal up. The blood that has spilled on the floor flies up and back into his hand, and he closes his hand... which has not even a single scar upon it.

Dark Japheth: He smiles. "See?"

Dark Japheth: "You have your own form of magic."

Dark Japheth: "Like the magic of a water Shujenga."

AndrewRogue: "It... worked?"

AndrewRogue: (I just thought of the weirdest thing. Her HP draining ability can technically be used on herself... and achieve something <.<)

Dark Japheth: (heh)

Dark Japheth: "It seems to." he opens his hand, palm forward, and shows it to you. There is no scar.

AndrewRogue: *she pokes it curiously*

Dark Japheth: At this point, he screams.

Dark Japheth: "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"

Dark Japheth: "GOD IT HURTS IT HURTS IT" he stops. "No, i'm just kidding. Its healed."

AndrewRogue: (You are a cruel man :p) *she leaps back startled* "I'm sorry... I'm sorry... I'm... s..." *she frowns* "That... that was mean."

Dark Japheth: He smiles. "I'm so sorry. I have a strange sense of humor."

Dark Japheth: "Go on, laugh."

Dark Japheth: He's certainly giggling.

AndrewRogue: *she does so* "You're worse than Hunter him Zao, and his sense of humor isn't going to win him anything."

AndrewRogue: *delete first him

Dark Japheth: "Maybe so."

Dark Japheth: "But you know what? WHat did you learn from this experience?"

Dark Japheth: "Other than the fact that Isawa Zao-Lot should be trusted at all times and is never wrong." He has fake shifty eyes and a smile.

AndrewRogue: "That you are a cruel man and I shouldn't have healed the cut on your hand." *but she's smiling*

Dark Japheth: He laughs. "Ok, other than that, too."

AndrewRogue: "That... maybe I do have something I can do."

Dark Japheth: He smiles. "See?"

Dark Japheth: "I may not be the greatest teacher, and I know I can't help you do much other than build confidence, as your gift is different than mine, but I am glad to help."

AndrewRogue: (Should I mention this to Alex?)

Dark Japheth: I'd send him the log and ask him to approve. And just to state this in case he reads it, yes, Zao used an illusion to pierce his hand, and Major Illusions to do the flashback scenes. >.>

AndrewRogue: "Its better to have someone showing me, even if you don't exaclty understand." *she smiles* "Not like I do." (Hah. He's going to be surprised when she does it for real :p)

Dark Japheth: "Its not important to understand. All it is important is that you know you can do it."

Dark Japheth: "The mechanics are hardly necessary." He points to her calf. "Do you know which muscle that is?"

AndrewRogue: "Ah... its... I... no idea."

Dark Japheth: "But you still know how to walk."

AndrewRogue: *she blushes slightly* "Sorta."

AndrewRogue: (<.< Bad example)

Dark Japheth: "It is the same principal with magic. You no more need to know the names of the muscles in your body to walk than you need to know the intricacies of magic to cast spells."

Dark Japheth: (Zao doesn't know that. :P)

Dark Japheth: "The mind is a muscle that can move the world."

Dark Japheth: "And the heart is a muscle that can move the mind."

AndrewRogue: *she smiles* "That... that is how it feels."

Dark Japheth: He nods. "Is there anything else I can help with?"

AndrewRogue: "Could... I see the knife?"

Dark Japheth: He nods, and hands it to you.

Dark Japheth: It is by all appearances a normal knife.

Dark Japheth: He squints a bit. (thoughts)

AndrewRogue: ~I wonder how it works...~ ~Could I do it again?~ ~It worked once~ *the rest are horribly subtle undertones, thoughts drifting less actively* ~Lea... I'm not her...~ ~Not so bad...~ ~Wanted...~ ~Shouldn't...~ ~Too fast...~

AndrewRogue: *she turns the knife in her hand and gently cuts along her arm, wincing slightly*

Dark Japheth: "You can do it again."

Dark Japheth: It doesn't cut you.

AndrewRogue: (Not at all?)

Dark Japheth: In fact, the knife bends away from your arm when you try to cut yourself.

Dark Japheth: :P

AndrewRogue: :p

Dark Japheth: Actually

Dark Japheth: why not

Dark Japheth: It cuts you.

AndrewRogue: *she gently wipes the blade off on her skirt and hands it back*

Dark Japheth: He takes the knife back. "Why did you do that?"

AndrewRogue: "I... wanted to try again."

Dark Japheth: "Ah. Admirable."

AndrewRogue: "If I really can do it..." *she closes her eyes and lays a hand over the wound. The same process as before repeats, and again she opens her eyes, a little sweat trickling as the nimbus glows normally*

Dark Japheth: And the wound seems to heal.

AndrewRogue: *she smiles as she runs her hand along it* "Ah! It did!"

AndrewRogue: "Its more than what Jerriford gave me! This is different!"

Dark Japheth: I may have made a terrible mistake.

Dark Japheth: Major image might not allow motion.

Dark Japheth: In which case

Dark Japheth: I'm FUCKED

AndrewRogue: (Eh?_

AndrewRogue: (What would be the problem? Your cinemas?)

Dark Japheth: (Nope, it works as I thought)

Dark Japheth: (Yeah)

Dark Japheth: (And this whole scene)

Dark Japheth: "What did Jerriford give you?"

AndrewRogue: "He lent me some of his own power when he chose to stay behind with Verity. But this is different, its not like the spell he gave to me."

AndrewRogue: *she holds out her arm* "This is... its mine."

Dark Japheth: "For one, it is generated by you." Zao gestures, and the knife disappears.

Dark Japheth: He nods. "Now, a warning."

Dark Japheth: "You cannot use it infinitely."

Dark Japheth: "Try to use it sparingly. Only at great need. Exceptional need."

AndrewRogue: "I... I could feel that. It was exhausting." *she nods*

AndrewRogue: (This is so funny.)

Dark Japheth: (I think so.)

AndrewRogue: (Wants to see Zao's expression when one of her powers actually does go off :p)

Dark Japheth: (*doesn't*)

AndrewRogue: (Her Heartfelt Bond is gonna be the weird one. Most easily discovered by accident, but weird.)

AndrewRogue: "Thank you though Zao."

AndrewRogue: "I... it was great help to talk with you."

Dark Japheth: "Any time. You always know where to find me." He smiles.

AndrewRogue: "Of course."

AndrewRogue: (And log and send?_

Dark Japheth: And he sits down, cross legged on the floor, and the image of the pheonix surrounds him, and it grows with his respirations.

Dark Japheth: The room becomes more spartan, cushions vanishing and a chandelier with many flames flickers at the top of his room.

AndrewRogue: *she looks really impressed*

Dark Japheth: "Details, Aria. Everyone who masters things fails at details. Like this."

Dark Japheth: Zao stands up... and steps apart from himself, creating another Zao.

Dark Japheth: Which does not breathe, or blink.

Dark Japheth: "It does not breathe. And thus it is easily detectable."

Dark Japheth: "Remember that. The Spirits are in the details."

AndrewRogue: *she nods* "I will."

Dark Japheth: and log and send if you will. :P

Dark Japheth: *realizes he wasted a lot of his spells on that little RP chat*