Chapter 36: Guardian of Change
In the Medical Ward, a bit later...
*GotM Connor and Lindsey can be seen waiting outside the door to the Infirmary, with the former pacing back and forth to pass the time.*
Lindsey: *just sits there, worried*
*The door opens, with Kyle stepping out and looking at the two for a second while noting their demeanors.*
Kyle: *Bringing some good news.* "He's going to be fine...Just banged up from the tumble he took down the stairs."
Lindsey: *gives out a relieved sigh*
GotM Connor: "So, how long is he going to be in there?"
Kyle: "He'll be in there till the pain dies down, so he may be stuck in there all day."
GotM Connor: "Then maybe the three of us should get going and let him rest…"
*Kyle and GotM Connor begin to leave, but stop when they see Lindsey wasn't moving from where she was sitting.*
Kyle: *To Lindsey.* "C'mon, Lindsey. He's going to be fine…"
Lindsey: *just stays where she is*
Kyle: *Ends up saying, "Look, If you want, I'll go get someone to keep an eye on Triple M… ...Unless you want to do it?"*
Lindsey: "... … ...I'll do it…"
Kyle: "Okay. We'll...see you later, Lindsey."
*The two then depart, leaving Lindsey to be the only one outside the Infirmary.*
Lindsey: *gets up and moves to enter the Infirmary… … ...while seemingly generating something in her hands*
M3: *Looking away from the nearby TV to see who entered.* "Hey, its nice to see you paying a visit, Lindsey."
Lindsey: *looks at him worriedly and nods, before moving to sit down in a chair next to him*
M3: *Still looking at her.* "You doing alright? You have that look like where something terrible happened…"
Lindsey: "... … ...You got hurt…"
M3: *Just says back, in a neutral tone, "And?"*
Lindsey: *whimpers a bit*
M3: *Asking nicely.* "Can you please stop that? There's no need for you to do that…"
Lindsey: *looks up at him, before looking away slightly*
M3: *Retorts with, "Look, I'm fine despite what happened. And as much as I like you spending time with me, you should get out of here and go do something else…"*
Lindsey: "... … …" *doesn't say anything, just continues looking nervous*
M3: *Slightly blushing.* "... ...Unless that something you want to do is be here with me? Even if I'm going to be here for a while?"
Lindsey: *nods*
M3: *Smiles.* "That says a lot about you, Lindsey."
*After a bit of them talking, M3 finally decides to bring up something he noticed from earlier when Lindsey entered.*
M3: *Looking at Lindsey with a curious expression.* "Did you bring anything with you that you wanted to show me?"
Lindsey: "Well… … ...I...kinda made something… … …" *slowing bringing out… … …*
M3: *Surprised at what he saw.* "You didn't… ...Did you seriously make what I...think those are…?"
Lindsey: *nods; extends one to him*
*Both items resembled the Jump Crystals she had offered to Triple-M and given to IceBite respectfully from before, only these were more potent...more powerful…and one was more powerful than the other...specifically the one Lindsey was extending to Triple-M...*
M3: *Reaches forward...to instead push back her hand back.* "It's nice of you to offer me another one...But I still need to accept the very first one before I accept this one."
Lindsey: "... … …" *sniff*
M3: *Taking a wild guess based on her reaction.* "... ...Is the one you're offering now made specifically with me in mind?"
Lindsey: *nods*
M3: *Sounding like he really regrets saying this.* "That's very generous of you, Lindsey. But… ...I still can't accept it."
Lindsey: *looks down, and quivers*
M3: *Just asks, "Do...you...like me, Lindsey?"*
Lindsey: *gives a small nod*
M3: *Follows up with, "...Then do you consider...me to be...a really good friend?"*
Lindsey: *blushes a little, trying to contemplate, before nodding*
M3: *Ends with, in a very friendly tone.* "That's good, because I think you're a good friend as well. And as a good friend, I… ...I promise I'll accept both of the items you offered me soon."
Lindsey: *allows herself a small smile* "Thank you… … ...the reason for the new one is that… … ...when I heard you were hurt, I… … …" *can't seem to be able to finish that statement*
M3: *Responds back with, "Trust me, I've been through much worse. Did I ever tell you about the time I was on a 'Rocket Lawnchair'?"*
Lindsey: "Rocket Lawnchair?"
*Just as M3 was about to explain what the item was in question, a knock could be heard on the Infirmary door before a voice called out.*
Gene: *Being the voice in question.* "Hey, is anyone else in there besides the boss?"
M3: *Looks at Lindsey, giving her a signal to respond back.*
Lindsey: "...I'm here…"
Gene: *Makes sure to ask, "Is it okay if I enter, or should I come back later?"*
M3: *Gestures to Lindsey to put away the Jump Crystals before he says out loud, "I'm okay with it, but what about you, Lindsey?"*
Lindsey: "...I guess…" *puts the crystals away*
Gene: *Pushes open the door and enters, carrying a box with one of his arms. * "Boss, I need to talk to you about a few things."
M3: *To Lindsey.* "Sorry, I still have to manage this place even in my current condition." *To Gene, who just got near the bed.* "And what's going on that needs to be addressed?""
Gene: "The first thing is to inform that Ice needs to be put in charge of the Studio till you get better…"
M3: "Okay. Just tell him to meet with me later to work that out."
Gene: "Next up is a problem concerning one of the Kivats…"
M3: *Makes sure to ask, "Which one specifically?"*
Gene: *Pauses as he realizes he forgot which one had a problem.* "... ...I'll double check and make sure to send them to you, Boss."
M3: "Anything else besides those, Gene?"
Gene: "Yes, just one last thing." *Opens up the box and shows the Bottle of Yggdrasil Dew inside to M3 and Lindsey.* "We're running low on the liquid inside."
M3: *Sees that Gene is telling the truth.* "Okay, begin rationing whatever is left and start inquiring around the Studio to see if we can come up with any solutions in trying to make more of the Yggdrasil Dew."
Lindsey: "Uhm… … ...who-the-whatsit?"
Gene: *Begins clarifying by saying, * "Ever heard of a video game series called 'Dragon Quest'?"
Lindsey: "I've HEARD of it, but only in the capacity of trivia that, for the Kamen Rider Ex-Aid series, it was what inspired the name of the Gashat 'Taddle Quest'...Beyond that, no clue..."
Gene: "Well, here's the thing. That same series has this particular item called a 'Yggdrasil Leaf'. You can actually see the leaf inside this bottle if you want to look."
*Gene allows Lindsey to get a closer look, as she does see the leaf inside the bottle.*
Gene: *Continues with, "Normally, the leaf itself can be used to revive a dead character in the games. But it can also be used to provide a full healing of wounds if it gets used in the process in making 'Yggdrasil Dew', which is what we have currently in the bottle."*
Lindsey: "I see… … ...like a cross between a Phoenix Down and Megalixir… … …"
Gene: *Showing his RPG knowledge.* "Not exactly, Yggdrasil Dew can't revive the dead, so it's not like a Phoenix Down…"
Lindsey: *points out* "You said the leaf could, though…"
Gene: *Clarifies.* "Yes, normally. But when its made into the dew, the revival effect from the leaf is made into a full heal effect instead."
Lindsey: "Alright…"
Gene: *Follows up with, "So now that you are aware of what this item is, can you help out in trying to make more of this for the Studio?"*
Lindsey: "I'd take me some time to find the proper universe: only reason I could track down Alma's easily is the fact that there was a portal leading there shortly before I opened my gates there: locating a universe I have neither been to, or have access to a portal to, will take some time…
Gene: *Making a mental note.* "I'll keep that as one of our current solutions while I'll go ask around. So, thanks Lindsey."
M3: *Offers up a suggestion.* "I'd start with asking Guardian Connor and Bugster Daniel since they are the most recent arrivals and you can work your way from there."
Gene: *Making a note of that as well.* "Sounds like a good idea, boss."
*The Studio Assistant then heads off after closing the box and making sure its contents were safe as he exits the room.*
M3: *With Gene gone, he looks at Lindsey again.* "You want to watch some TV with me to pass the time?"
Lindsey: *smiles a little* "Alright…"
*The two begin watching the nearby TV, as it played some old classic movie about an archaeologist that ends up running away from a boulder in the beginning..*
Elsewhere, specifically in the Residential Area...
*Guardian Connor was sitting on the couch in the Living Room watching a different movie that was based on a video game series, despite getting a lot of things wrong from the games.*
*Guardian Connor keeps watching the TV until he feels like someone is watching him.* "
Guardian Connor: *Turning around to see that it was Venat.* "Pardon, are you here in regards for my offer to help you out, or do you wish to see this strangely entertaining movie as well?"
Venat: "Mostly in regards to your offer…"
Guardian Connor: "Then I would sincerely suggest you get comfortable because I'm going to need explain what I have in mind in detail." *Moves over to one side of the couch and offers Venat the other side to sit down on.*
Venat: *moves over and awkwardly sits down*
Guardian Connor: *Noting the awkward action.* "Please do speak up if there's a problem you're having with the way you are sitting. I'm not aiming to add any unnecessary discomfort or pain if I can avoid it while I'm helping you out."
Venat: "It is...awkward...trying to sit...I am mostly used to levitating…"
Guardian Connor: "But there is no pain going on, I take it?"
Venat: "No."
Guardian Connor: "Okay." *Takes a deep breath.* "The first part I'd like to start off with is if you have any concerns you want to bring up that I need to account for."
Venat: "None that I can think of at the moment…"
Guardian Connor: "Still, make sure to bring them up when they do. The second part is… ...complicated. One of my abilities is to be able to shape biomatter any way I would want, which means I can physically change your form if you were to let me."
Venat: "... … ...Curious… … …"
Guardian Connor: "However, I do have to bring up that I'm used to forming and creating biomatter that is simple or familiar to what I know. That brings up the problem that I'm not familiar with Ethereal Biology…"
Venat: "I see… … ...meaning you'd need an expert on genetics to aid you here…"
Guardian Connor: "Specifically a genetics expert that has experience with non-human beings or aliens in other words…"
Venat: "... … ...We could always check with Gene…"
Guardian Connor: "I take it you mean that assistant that works with my variation known as Triple M around this Studio is the one you're referring to?"
Venat: *nods*
Guardian Connor: *Quickly adds, "If you don't mind me asking, what do you think of Gene?"*
Venat: "Personality-wise, he used to be rather...abrasive...with some of the other residents...Granted, he has always been considerably nicer to myself...Fortunately, the former has abated to a considerable degree since the...Voxl Incident…"
Guardian Connor: *Making a mental note to ask about that incident later.* "Intriguing...Is there anything else to add besides what you mentioned?"
Venat: "We still play chess from time to time...he has considerable skill in it…"
Guardian Connor: "Okay, I believe with that said, we should go look for him. Do you have any idea where we may find him?"
Venat: "The Garage is a likely possibility. He usually is there when not doing work for the Studio."
Guardian Connor: "Then let us depart…"
*Guardian Connor gets off the couch and waits for Venat to get up as well before the two then exit the Residential Area.*
*As the Guardian and Ethereal head to the Studio Garage, they end up crossing paths with the Kivats, causing Guardian Connor to ask Venat about them after they pass by each other.*
Guardian Connor: *Asking in a curious tone.* "Pardon, were those the 'Kivats' I've heard about from the other residents living here?"
Venat: *nods*
Guardian Connor: *Not intentionally trying to be vague with, "Then did you happen to see the one that looked something was wrong with them?"*
Venat: *nods* "Kivat-bat the 2nd…"
Guardian Connor: *Offers a apperciative glance before saying, "Is it just me or does it seem like Kivat-bat the 2nd looked the least clean out of all of them?"*
Venat: "It would seem so… … ..."
*The two kept on moving till they ended up reaching the Garage. Once at the door, they head inside to see that Gene wasn't there.*
*As they turn around to leave, the person they were looking for ends up walking into the room and spots the two looking at him.*
Gene: *Just says to them.* "Nice to see you, Venat and nice to see you too, Guardian Connor. Is there anything I can help you with?"
Guardian Connor: *In a polite tone.* "Yes, there is actually. Venat and myself need your expertise in genetics in order to assist me in a solving a problem that Venat has."
Venat: *nods then explains what's going on to Gene*
Gene: *After the explanation.* "Hmm… ...I can see why you would need my help. Thankfully I already had data on Ethereals from an earlier scan of Venat."
*The Studio Assistant moves over to his computer station and pulls up the scan data on Venat.*
Gene: *Looking over the data on screen.* "... ...Venat, I may need to scan you again just to make sure everything is up to date and accurate. Plus, it would help me with explaining what Guardian Connor may need to do while he begins changing your physical form."
Venat: *contemplates for a moment* "...Very well…"
*Gene finds the scanner and quickly scans Venat after telling him to stay still. After the scan, Gene uploads the data to the computer.*
Gene: *Gets both the old and new set of data set up and ready.* "Okay...I'm ready for my part now."
Guardian Connor: *Moves over to be near Gene.* "Then you should get a bit closer to me, Venat so I can perform what I need to do."
Venat: *nods and approaches*
*Once close enough, Guardian Connor extends out his arm, telling Venat to extend one of his own and make contact. But before that happens, Guardian Connor pulls his arm back as he notices something.*
Guardian Connor: *To Venat.* "I just realized that my work would be easier if you removed your robe and helmet to allow me to visually see what changes occur on your physical form. Of course, this is optional and is entirely up to you, Venat."
Venat: *looks down at himself...before sighing, and removing his robe and helmet*
*The physical form of Venat beneath the robe and helmet was very thin and tall, which made sense given that the visual signs of the atrophy that Venat talked about. Of course, he also seemed tall given that he was still levitating above the ground with his oddly shaped feet visible.*
*And yet this was nothing in comparison to the torso and the rest of Venat's upper body. Besides the set of four arms, the torso looked the most unique given how it was structured and connected to Venat's head. Then there was his glowing eyes, which had the same color and effect as the backside of his head.*
Guardian Connor: *Extends his arm out again, before he says, "From here on out, your body is going to be different and it may very feel weird. Last chance to back down if you want to."*
Venat: "If there is a chance that my race can be fixed without sacrificing another, I will take it…"
Guardian Connor: "Then make contact with my hand and be ready for whatever happens…"
Venat: *nods and does so*
*Guardian Connor channels his powers and begins the process of changing Venat. Gene begins his assistance as he demonstrates his skill and knowledge. And Venat uses every ounce of his Psionic energy in order to keep himself together.*
A few hours later...
*Guardian Connor finishes with the last touch of changing Venat's form as he breaks his hand away from Venat's hand.*
Guardian Connor: *Just says out loud, "I have completed my task and you may now experience your changed self."*
*The first sign that Venat was different was when he stopped levitating and actually stood on his own feet by himself after getting his balance and letting gravity do its job of affecting his body. Then came the second sign that became more apparent with him standing.*
*In comparison to what Venat looked like before, he still looked fundamentally the same, except instead of looking atrophic and thin, he looked more slender and muscular in his legs and arms.*
*And the last sign that exemplified how different he was his own voice. It was still his voice, but it sounded different with the way he talked.*
Venat: *less raspy* "It appears it has worked…"
Gene: *Commenting before Guardian Connor.* "I… ...I don't even know what to say.."
Guardian Connor: "Thankfully, I do." *Looks at Venat.* "Besides adding muscle mass to your atrophied limbs, I also made sure that your body can generate mass on its own to counteract the toll of your Psionic powers. I also made sure to have it increase and decrease depending on how much you exert of said Psionics."
Gene: "So, that means…"
Guardian Connor: *To Gene.* "...I have solved Venat's problem." *To Venat.* "I hope that your changed self is to your liking…"
Venat: *puts back on his robe and helmet, before nodding*
Gene: *Taking a few moments before he ends up asking, "...Uhm… ...Connor, if you're willing, I...need to talk to you about something that may require your help."
Guardian Connor: *Focuses on Gene now.* "I'll be willing to lend a hand since you asked. But what is the help you require?"
Gene: *Digs out the Yggdrasil Box out of his station's storage.* "I need help finding a way to make more of this item."
*The Studio Assistant then opens the box, allowing Guardian Connor and Venat to see the Bottle of Yggdrasil Dew.*
Guardian Connor: *Recognizing the item right away as he says, "You have a glass container filled with a 'Yggdrasil Leaf' and 'Elfin Elixir', which combined together with a Alchemy pot would produce Yggdrasil Dew."*
Venat: *tilts head* "Elfin Elixir?"
Guardian Connor: *Before Gene could talk.* "A item or alchemised drink that would fully restore any individual's magical energy to their capacity after consuming it. Though I should note that item is extremely rare and rather difficult to make more of given the ingredients used to create it."
Gene: *Getting to talk.* "... ...What he said…"
Guardian Connor: *Going back to Gene.* "I take it that you need my help in producing a method that will take the least amount of time and resources in order to make more Yggdrasil Dew."
Gene: *Just says, "Yes…"*
Guardian Connor: *Gathers his thoughts and takes a minute to come up with, "If you can get me at least 10 clay pots and three pounds of dirt, I can see about starting up a small plant room where we can make the ingredients for Yggdrasil Dew.*
Gene: *Jotting down that mentally.* "I'll get started on that right away."
*Gene then departs to search the Storage Room for the clay pots and tools for digging.*
Guardian Connor: *Turns to Venat.* "Unless you want to help out and also experience doing physical work, there's nothing stopping you from going on with whatever you plan on accomplishing with your changed body."
Venat: "There are some things I'd like to look into, now that it's completed, yes…"
Guardian Connor: *Responds back with, "And can I infer that one of these things relates to looking into understanding the mysteriousness of the individual before you?"*
Venat: *doesn't say anything in reply*
Guardian Connor: *In a polite tone.* "Then I take back what I said and make amends for any awkwardness I created. And with that, I'll be seeing you shortly after I assist Gene in locating the dirt we need."
*Guardian Connor then departs, leaving the Ethereal to be by himself.*
Venat: *contemplates what he can about Guardian Connor's abilities, as he leaves the room*
End Chapter 36.