Chapter 42: A Solution To A Flaw
Craig and Stripe
The ascent to the tower's rooftop has been nerve-racking. But only to Craig. He's not making it visibly known, though, since Cloud's Inner Aura is acting as a very bright flashlight, who's in the back by himself. He doesn't want to worry his friends, Clyde especially, who's right next to him. The stairway is wide enough for people to walk up them in pairs, Ingrum and Henrietta are leading the way. Everyone has their raincoats on, either with their hood up or down. The irregular sounds of their footsteps combined with the pounding rain prevented the rise of a dense silence. No one has been inclined to start another conversation. Before they went up the stairs, at that time they had to wait for Henrietta, Bebe asked why they couldn't teleport to the roof. Ingrum answered they wouldn't need to walk for long because a lift will take them the rest of the way up.
Craig is starting to doubt that. He doesn't know how long it's been exactly since they began walking up the stairs, but it definitely feels like it's nearly been an hour. He's probably exaggerating the duration since nobody appears tired, plus the thoughts as to how he's going to demonstrate his inability to use Purification has been weighing on his mind. He doesn't get how it's going to be possible to do. Unfortunately for him, his Inner Guardian still can't offer him any tips to ease his predicament. When they discovered Craig couldn't initiate Purification, it took Stripe by immense surprise and abolished any subsequent training lessons he had in store for Craig in case he needed to practice the semi-advanced spell. It was the day Kyle asked Craig to Purify Ike five years ago. Craig wasn't sure if he could do it, but he decided to give it a try anyway. His attempt ended in failure as expected, and no advice Stripe later provided made any difference.
The climb up the stairs continues until finally, Ingrum and Henrietta stop. They turn to look at something on the left side wall. Craig and the rest come to a halt and see that Ingrum and Henrietta are looking at an outline of a door engraved into the wall. Craig knows straight away that it's the lift Ingrum mentioned before. Ingrum puts a palm on the apparent door, transferring a little bit of his magical energy into it. The door slides open in a downward motion. Ingrum turns around, his forest green eyes scanning the group for a few moments. "Hmm," he hums in a thoughtful manner. He looks back at the lift, then at the group again. "I think the lift is big enough to fit seven people each. The five of us with Light magic will get on first, naturally, and two more can join us. The remaining half will go up after." With that being said, he and Henrietta walk into the lift, which is made of wood based on the dull groan produced by their footsteps.
Craig, Wendy, and Cloud make their way inside the platform, Cloud's Inner Aura highlighting every aspect within. If not for the light, it would've looked like they're entering the void instead. Craig doesn't see anything that will take them up, he expected there to be a control panel on one side of the doorway. He guesses magical energy will activate it as well. He hears a bit of murmuring out on the stairs for several seconds. Seems his friends are deciding on who the next two will accompany them to the roof. After a brief silence, Bebe and Clyde walk in. The others inch forward to stand in front of the lift's entrance.
"Hoods up," Henrietta says.
As those that didn't have their hood over their head do as told, the lift starts moving upwards. The ligneous platform is making soft humming noises as it transports them to their destination in steady motion.
"So where does the other staircase lead up to?" Craig knew at some point Bebe would've had something to inquire about. She isn't the only one still curious about the tower, but since they won't be here long, Craig thinks there's no point acquiring any more information about this place.
"That's none of your business," Henrietta responds rudely. "The Research and Production Lab is the only and last thing you're gonna know about."
"But we're allies now and you know we're not bad people," Bebe argues. "Why can't we know more about the tower?"
"I agree," Cloud says. He turns around while narrowing his eyes at Ingrum and Henrietta. "Unless one of you or the proprietor of this tower harbor ulterior motives of some kind for your own benefit."
Ingrum frowns. Craig and his friends turn to look at him and Henrietta. "Seriously?" Henrietta scoffs, smirking amusedly. She shakes her head, then crosses her arms. "Well, hate to break it to you, but we have no idea what's on the other side."
"She speaks the truth," Ingrum says, but his tone and frown convey a different meaning, Craig perceives. It's like he actually has knowledge regarding the other staircase, but is refusing to tell them, or perhaps, he was warned to keep his mouth shut about it.
Cloud doesn't believe them. "Is it a prohibited area?"
"Hmm, yeah. Somethin' like that," Henrietta shrugs, her lips dropping into a line. "What's also prohibited is the gateway you all saw that was busted open earlier. Of course we won't reveal what lies behind it, so don't even bother asking."
Cloud smirks. "Hmph." He turns away. "We already know where it goes anyway."
"Oh, do you now?" Henrietta asks with mock interest.
"Yes, but of course, we'll retain the answer to ourselves."
Henrietta glares at the back of Cloud's head for his pettiness. "As if I care." Ingrum just shakes his head.
No more words are exchanged afterwards. Eventually, a frail awkwardness settles around the group. As they leisurely get closer to the rooftop, Craig's nerves become troubled once again. He masks it by keeping a straight face, however the look doesn't fool Stripe for he, too, is feeling anxious. Ever since Ingrum demanded to see Craig's incapability to cast Purification, Stripe has been racking his brain for a way to issue proof. It sounds utterly illogical, but Ingrum wouldn't have made such a declaration if that was really the case, so that must've meant there was a way to prove it, and it's up to Stripe to figure it out. Alas, ruminating for an answer has not been fruitful.
Stripe lowers his head, feeling greatly ashamed of himself. His domain went through a few major modifications—it's no longer just a plain white space. The only thing that has remained unchanged is the big circular viewscreen that's now up in a clear blue sky. Behind him a couple yards away is a small, light blue house. The endless ground is covered in grass, fluttering as if a light gust of wind is blowing.
As much as Stripe doesn't want to, he is going to have to admit his failure to Craig. His body tensing up as he balls his hands into fists, Stripe raises his head towards the viewscreen. "Master Craig?" He says almost quietly.
His meek tone of voice tells Craig that he's in for unfortunate news. Craig knows that Stripe has been pondering deeply for a means that would help him show how he's unable to Purify perhaps the second Ingrum wanted to witness his way of invoking the spell, and it seems he was unsuccessful. Craig isn't disappointed, not at Stripe. In fact, he feels really bad. He wouldn't be in this kind of difficult position if he could use Purification to begin with. This is definitely a rare case.
"It's okay, Stripe," Craig responds softly.
"I...I'm Terribly Sorry. I Wish I Could Offer Helpful Guidance, But I Failed To Come Up With A Single Method."
Craig doesn't blame him. There has most likely never been a host that couldn't use Purification before, despite being good at healing, he's sure. "I'll try to figure something out." And that's asking Ingrum how the hell is he supposed to show that he can't use Purification. With that thought, Craig no longer feels nervous. He and everyone else look up when there's a low sound of something grinding against stone. More than several meters away is a hole opening in the roof, widening about the exact size of the lift. Cold, black raindrops pour down on them. They quickly lower their heads and thankfully, their raincoats remove the minimal dark liquids from off their faces. Craig doesn't shudder at the ticklish feeling, but Bebe and Wendy do. Clyde is making a weird face, looking like he might laugh in spite of his disgust. He notices Craig looking at him and when they lock eyes, Craig presses his trembling lips into a hard line, sealing his laughter. His own funny-looking expression causes a stifled laugh to force its way past Clyde's lips. He clears his throat as he averts his eyes. Craig does the same, smiling faintly.
As soon as they're closer to the entrance, the lift starts slowing down. It stops when the group is finally on the rooftop. The air feels nippier, perhaps indicating that it is the evening. Craig looks around, there is nothing up here. Cloud's Inner Aura vanishes, allowing the darkness to creep over them and the surrounding area.
Ingrum and Henrietta walk off the lift, Craig and the others follow them. The lift lowers back down. After taking about five more steps, Ingrum and Henrietta stop and turn around as everyone else comes to a halt also.
"While we wait for the others to come up here," Ingrum looks solely at Craig. "Let's see why you're unable to cast Purification."
"How do I go about proving I can't use it?" Craig asks.
"Firstly, describe the feeling you got when you attempted it for the first time," Ingrum says.
Craig knits his eyebrows and frowns as he thinks back to the day he tried to Purify Kyle's little brother. At that moment, Stripe explained that the procedure was similar to healing someone of their injuries, however the main difference was that he needed to focus only on the Dark magic within Ike. But that didn't help. Craig shakes his head. "I didn't feel anything."
"Did your Inner Guardian explain to you how to properly cast it?" Ingrum asks.
His tone wasn't belittling, rather he spoke like a teacher that wanted to make sure a student was being taught properly. "He did," Craig says. "He said it was similar to healing someone, except I had to focus my concentration and magical energy on the Dark magic."
Ingrum nods, though he appears even more perplexed about Craig's circumstance. "That's correct." Ingrum raises a hand slightly and grabs a manifesting test tube containing a monster's black blood. He inches closer to Craig to give it to him. "You will demonstrate how that method fails to apply to you."
Frowning hesitantly, Craig takes the test tube and becomes the center of attention. He begins to concentrate his mind and magical energy on the fluid inside of the test tube, but he feels not even a pinch of his magical energy pouring out of his Magical Core. Stripe and everyone else sense this as well. Craig keeps this up for a few seconds longer, then gives up. He sighs at the expected outcome. "No good."
Henrietta calmly widens her eyes slightly. "Huh, he really couldn't do it."
"Did you think I was lying?" Craig retorts, a little offended.
"No, just found it very strange, was all."
Ingrum frowns sympathetically. "Indeed. It's as if your magic refused to respond, despite the exertion."
"How about Stripe casts the spell through you?" Wendy suggests to Craig. It's almost the same invocation procedure she and Elena use to get Purification done completely. The thought of casting the semi-advanced spell with Stripe's magic never even crossed Craig's nor Stripe's mind. It feels like that was the most obvious solution, and Wendy was able to help them dig it up from the depths with ease.
"Wanna give it a shot?" Craig asks his Inner Guardian.
"Yes, Let's Try," is Stripe's determined answer.
Craig feels a cool stream of magical energy flowing into him, bringing forth a white aura around his body. He then feels Stripe's magical energy travel to the hand holding the test tube. A colorless glow lights up the dark fluid. Mere seconds later, the light fades away and shows red blood inside of the test tube. The aura begins to disappear.
"It Was A Success!" Stripe says happily. However, Craig experiences hardly any elation as he stares at the human blood. There is a faint feeling of...unfulfillment growing in his chest. "Master Craig? Is Something Wrong?"
Craig disregards his discontent. "It's nothing." Stripe doesn't believe him, he clearly looks unhappy. Although Stripe wants to know why, he staves off the impulse to voice out any more questions. He will ask Craig about his sudden change in demeanor at an appropriate time later.
"Good, we have an alternative method now," Ingrum says, relief apparent in his tone and eyes. He looks at Wendy. "Thank you for proposing the idea."
Wendy smiles. "It's kind of what Elena and I do. My Purification alone isn't strong enough yet, so she does the rest for me."
"Hmm, well at least you can cast the spell, so that's good enough." Craig shoots Ingrum a glare that seemingly goes unnoticed. "It'll become more proficient with time as long as you keep practicing it. Although I'm sure you already knew that. I just merely reminded you of the fact."
"Who wouldn't know that?" Ingrum ignores Henrietta's snark remark.
Wendy lets out a short laugh. "Thank you for the advice nonetheless." She raises her right hand and looks down at her palm. "Purification is the key to getting rid of all of this darkness. I'm hoping we come across more people and spirits with Light magic on our journey."
"Yeah, cuz we're gonna need a lot of them," Clyde says.
Craig thinks he's right, but he also develops a sense that Light magic won't be the only remedy that will banish all sorts of darkness in the future. He gives the test tube back to Ingrum, and he returns it to the lab.
"The others should be on their way, so let's get ready," Ingrum says.
"I'll explain how Enhanced Purification works," Henrietta says. "Well I guess only to Wendy since Craig's Inner Guardian will be casting the spell through him and Cloud obviously knows how to do it already. You can still listen, Craig, in case you figure out how to use Purification one day." Craig nods his head, he was going to listen to her explanation anyway. "There aren't many steps and my explanation will save us at least ten minutes, if not less."
"Don't think about omitting anything," Ingrum warns Henrietta. She rolls her eyes.
"...I wonder if I can help..."
Craig looks over at Bebe. It may have seemed as if she quietly murmured to herself just now, but Craig knows that the question was directed at her Inner Guardian. Emerald is most likely the very first Inner Guardian to have acquired a secondary attribute the way she did.
"Stripe, do you think it's possible Bebe can use Purification?" Craig asks, looking away when Henrietta orders those that don't have Light magic to step back some.
"Hmm...I Believe So Since Her Inner Guardian Was Initially Light. If She'd Been Teaching Bebe To Train Her Light Magic More And Prioritizing Her Healing, Then There Is A Chance She's Viable To Cast Purification."
Craig feels a twinge of jealousy. It's not because of the possibility of Bebe ending up having the potential to utilize Purification someday, it would be a really fortunate consequence. It's just the thought of someone else being capable of using it without an unknown setback is what bugs Craig. He curls his hands into clenched fists, unaware of Stripe's troubled frown.
"Alright," Craig relaxes his posture and pays attention to Henrietta preparing to start her explanation. "The first step to enhancing Purification is concentrating while also keeping your body relaxed. It sounds complicated, but just think of it as if you're about to cast a basic spell while also amplifying its potency. It'll drain more of your magical energy, but that's to be expected. At least the end result will pay off. Now the second step-"
"You should give them time to process, Henrietta," Ingrum says.
"They can do that after I'm done, or you and Cloud can repeat it to them after, or their Inner Guardians can. Anyway, step two requires absolute confidence. That's self-explanatory, so I'm not gonna go into details for that."
"What she means to say is that you mustn't let doubt or worry obscure your mind or it'll disrupt the spell," Ingrum clarifies.
"The third and final step is an obvious one," Henrietta continues. "Don't go overboard, be patient. There are only five of us with Light magic, so it's gonna take more than a few hours to Purify the darkness throughout the entire State. Stop immediately if you feel low on magical energy," she ends with a serious look on her face.
Wendy furrows her eyebrows, seemingly taking in all of the information into her brain. Meanwhile, Craig is a bit doubtful. He thought there would be more to enhancing a semi-advanced spell aside from concentrating whilst maintaining a composed body, which does sound pretty difficult to pull off, but since neither Stripe nor Cloud corrected Henrietta or added their own input, then she must've provided truthful advice.
The hum of the lift would've went unheard had it not been for a sudden green glow shining from behind. Craig catches a glimpse of Ingrum's and Henrietta's looks of surprise before turning around. Cloud is also stunned by the sight. Even from a slightly far distance, the white sparkles can be seen in Tweek's Inner Aura. Craig remembers him mentioning that a spell brought about these faint hints of Light magical energy in his Inner Aura, and it made him wonder if Tweek is actually able to use both Dark and Light magic but he just isn't fully aware that he can. Tweek and the others approach them. The lift remains in place.
"What an incredibly rare Inner Aura," Ingrum says in awe. "Ah! But yours is still very prepossessing, Cloud," he quickly adds.
"Thanks, but I wasn't offended," Cloud says, waving his hand to show he really wasn't bothered.
"Let's get started," Henrietta announces, gaining everyone's attention. Tweek's Inner Aura disappears once he and the others stop and stand beside Bebe and Clyde.
"So a solution to Craig's dilemma has been found?" Yuna asks.
Craig nods. "Stripe will cast Enhanced Purification through me."
Yuna frowns. "The continuous influx of his magical energy will eventually cause harm to your body."
"I'll endure it," Craig says. It's the least he could do, plus there is no other choice.
"Also, be ready to defend us," Henrietta says. "As soon as the monsters sense an ample amount of pure magical energy, they'll definitely lose their shit."
"Even if they do, they'll have to get through my barriers first," Ingrum says. Cloud purses his lips worriedly. Ingrum gives him a smile, as if telling him needn't be concerned.
"We will protect you all with the utmost of our abilities," Raven assures. Yuna and the teens nod determinedly in agreement.
Craig takes a deep breath, readying himself. "Don't overexert yourself, Stripe."
"Don't Worry. My Domain Will Prevent Me From Succumbing To Exhaustion." Craig forgot about that."Though, I Must Apologize To You In Advance. I Will Stop The Instant You Show Any Discomfort."
Craig shakes his head. "Don't. I'll be fine."
"Get ready," Henrietta says.
A radiant white aura surrounds the five Light users as they commence the long process of weakening the darkness.