Log:Randal's Caveat

The Madness of David Flyte 2020/03/10 Radical Cartesian|Randal Grimm 39

Radical arrives with Grimm outside of the house, teleporting the pair of them here after a few jumps, and to save Grimm from having to use her powers. He then lets the pair of them inside the back door. He knocks loudly, and says, "Randal, just came in the back!" Randal calls back, "I'm in the library!"

"Thanks for the ride," Grimm smiles once they're finally there, a little off balance. "I'm not so used to other people's teleports," she chuckles as she steps inside, hand against the doorframe to steady herself. She's fine after a few more steps.

Radical chuckles. "You just have to remember to keep stepping forward. I fold space. It's like stepping between point A and point B."

Radical leads Grimm into the library, which is Randal's old sanctum. Old posh chairs. Dark carpeting. Books on shelves all around the circular room. Large windows looking out onto the lawn with thick curtains that can be drawn.

"Yeah, that's the tricky part. I keep thinking I can just stay still, but the step forward and being somewhere else while moving is disorienting to me," Gabrielle snickers. She follows along to the library. "Oooo, it's been a while. Still digging the vibe," she smiles as she looks about for Randal.

Randal is seated in a nice comfy chair that looks almost like a throne. It's a high-backed antique chair. He looks up and smiles, "Gabrielle! Nice to see you."

Grimm smiles warmly. "Good to see you, too, Randal. How's it going?"

Randal smiles. "I'm doing pretty well. I just had some information to pass on, so I sent a message. I'm surprised you both showed up so quickly, ot be honest.

"Oh, well. Courtesy of Radical. He wanted to be here quick," Gabrielle comments.

Radical nods and pulls his mask off. "There's that concert tonight to check out. I think Flyte might be involved with it." He looks to Randal as he runs a hand through his hair, getting it out of his eyes, "What was it you wanted to tell me?"

Randal taps the spine of a book he's been reading. "So, I found my tomes on Qliphothic planes. This prison you're dealing with is of course...one of those. There are some mentions of things not...quite working correctly when you first arrive in a dimension like that. Technology can fail. Spells can work incorrectly. Energy doesn't move as you expect. It takes time to acclimate."

Randal adds, "Most people who seriously study Qliphothic dimensions either die...or become fascinated and corrupted, like Flyte was or Lereau. Or arguably...what was starting to happen to me, after I read the digital version of the book.

Radical listens quietly, just taking it in. Randal then says, "Those realms will actually drain person's life energy just by being there. The life energy will be...replaced. Presumably corrupting the human affected? I'm not sure on that point. But humans can't survive in that environment for long. That's likely true for any organic being."

Grimm shudders a bit as she listens. "I'm glad Connor was able to snap you out of it," she says softly to Randal. "I would've never let you read it if I realized what it would do," she adds sorrowfully." Her expression becomes haunted by the mention of what happens to one's life energy in those realms. She pushes it down quickly, and looks to Radical. "It sounds like people have made it to some Qliphothic dimensions before. Maybe that's why Lereau looks the way he does. Or...maybe it's just the magic that did it to him."

Radical nods. "Probably the magic replaced some of his humanity?"

Grimm nods in return. "Probably. He may have done it to himself on purpose. He's an insane cultist." She shrugs. While trying and failing to hide her discomfort about it.

Randal adds, "Sources of light can physically explode in those dimensions. The energy from them explodes outward. Flashlights. Matches. I hesitate to think what would happen if someone like...Spirit ended up there."

Grimm winces at the thought. "Well, Spirit came back from the dead once, they say. I'm, uh...sure he could do it again. But maybe it's a good thing I haven't mentioned any of this to him."

Radical nods. "Yeah, but his energy would be trapped there, even if he survived. I suspect he would be...sufficiently changed, if he survived."

Grimm shivers at the thought. "Yeah, so...that sounds a bit worse than dying almost. So double reason to not give him ideas to help."

Randal nods, "And...this all basically makes it clear that someone like you, Connor...would be a poor choice to try to act as bait. You wouldn't be able to get back out on your own."

Radical takes a deep breath and nods in agreement. "Yeah, you're right. Based on the acclimation issue...and tech failing...and energy not flowing correctly. I feel like this is backing us into a corner. We can only really take actions from outside of that dimension." His PDA buzzes, and he takes a quick look at it, reading the message. "Hmm. Well, that's interesting, and explains a bit."

Dialydd's text says: <<Ser Radical, I hope this message finds you well. To be rudely direct, I have neglected to mention an important point to sera Grimm about her inability to percive the 'fissures' about her. There is a second, vastly alien mind at work working a mental illusion to all her senses, mundane and mystical, preventing her from sensing the 'fissures' the Tentacled One is causing. The signature of the power indicates it is likely one the Destroyers, a group of Qliphothic 'gods', that once nearly destroyed my race. (I do not know which Destroyer at present. I regret I do not have the resources I once did for such research) I have not told sera Grimm of this as I doubt we have the power to break the effect and I do not know what effect breaking it would have on sera Grimm's mental state. As it's best for her to remain as stress free as possible, it is possible that, for whatever reason, this Destroyer wishes to 'blunt' the Tentacled One's influence on her. Should you need to speak to me further, please call at any time. I seldom sleep.>>

Grimm takes a breath and nods in agreement with Randal, secretly relieved that he's on board. "It's really too much of a risk for anyone. I don't feel quite as terrible about securing a guarantee, though. I wouldn't want to lose any of you." Gabrielle smiles gently at Randal. "Thanks for all the work you did researching all of this. You sure you're feeling okay? You did say people go crazy reading this stuff. Just want to make sure you aren't feeling the whole...oblivion vibe," she cracks a smile at the end. She glances Radical's way at his comment. "Hm? What's up?"

Randal says in a deadpan way, "Life is pain." Then he smiles, "No, I'm fine. What I've been reading is all secondary sources, rather than primary. So...not the evil tomes that corrupt people, but books written ABOUT those books. So, no ill effects, as far as I can tell."

As Connor's brain goes working on Randal's revelations, some theories on energy and dimensional theory and physics begin to brew. It's crazy, and there's no way to really test it to be sure, but in theory...that dimensional stabilizing project he was working for Grimm could perhaps be modified to yield a way to help acclimate and compensate for functioning in a Qliphothic realm. There's not enough time to adjust it to work for just anyone. But at least Connor could perhaps make it work for at least one person.

Grimm gasps at Randal's deadpan delivery and holds her breath. Until he smiles. Then she lets it all out in a rush. "Geez, you scared me there!" she laughs.

Radical blinks as he thinks about it. "Huh. That's an interesting though, too." He shakes his head, "Okay...so now I guess I have two things. First, the message, from Dialydd. He says that the reason you can't see the rift, but I can...is your mind has been fooled by...another of the Destroyers. His working theory is that it might be intended to keep you calm." Radical takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly..."That explains why you couldn't see it, but others could. Dialydd also recommends not necessarily removing that mental block. I think...I have to agree with him."

Gabrielle goes from mirthful from Randal's joke to serious pretty quick. "So. That's why." Her voice is uneasy. She doesn't look at all relieved, aside from at least having some understanding on the how. "If...that's what you both agree on, I'll trust you," she says quietly. She offers up her trust easier than she used to, in spite of the small struggle and brief hesitation.

Radical puts his PDA away. "Not really anything further to be worried about. It doesn't change the situation. And you've seen what it looks like through my eyes. It does however clear up that particular mystery. It makes me wonder when that mental effect was placed on you, though.

"I've never noticed the cracks. The first time it was mentioned was...a while back. But I hadn't been around many other magic users since Flyte's ritual," Gabrielle thinks on it and rubs her chin. "I'm more worried about the source of it. If it's another Elder God intervening? I don't even know what that will mean."

Randal shakes his head, "No, it's consistent. Lereau wants you for his master plan. And perhaps that greater power he supports is the one who is powering hte blindness. It all falls together." Connor nods in agreement. "I agree. The only question is...how did that happen? And I'm not sure we'll get a quick answer on that."

"Dialydd seems to know a whole lot about these things for a tailor," Gabrielle says with some suspicion. It's mild. Dialydd offered to help. "Maybe he knows more about that, too."

Radical nods. "He might. We can ask." He smiles, "But...I did have a thought. That dimensional shielding device I was working on? It might work to shield someone in the Qliphothic dimension. Like...creating a barrier. A bubble, to operate in. It might only work temporarily, but it would give someone time."

Randal raises a brow, "That's an interesting idea."

Grimm looks surprised and impressed by Radical's suggestion, but there's still that undercurrent of concern. "That would be awesome if you can get it to work."

Radical nods, "But...I think it would require tailoring it to the individual. So, I might be able to make it for Dialydd?"

Radical shakes his head, "Then again...let's think about this from further back. If it works to push back the Q dimension...what if we try having Gabrielle wear it? And then if it pushes N-raz back enough, I can close the rift. No muss, no fuss."

Randal looks surprised, "In theory, that might work? It certainly can't hurt to try it. I don't see a downside."

Grimm looks excited by that prospect. "That sounds way safer than what we had planned so far."

Radical nods, "It might not work. We'll need to make sure you're feeling good emotions at the time, too. I want to make you as...unpalatable to N-raz as possible."

Grimm takes a deep breath. "I'll try my best. It's been getting a bit harder, but I'll try."

Randal smiles. "Well, if it'll help, I can participate. By...hanging out and just keeping on eye on you for support."

Grimm smiles at Randal. "I wouldn't bother you with all that. And you definitely shouldn't be near wherever we try this. Just in case."

Randal chuckles. "Of your plans, this one's pretty safe, I think. Either the barrier doesnt' work, or it does. And we know the healing spell will work." He smiles. "If you don't want me there, that's okay. Just remember I'll be there in spirit. I said it before, but I consider you family now."

Grimm blushes a bit at his reminder. "Yeah, I haven't forgotten," she says softly. "I guess I'm just being a bit overprotective..."

Radical smiles. "So...I'll work on trying to finish that as soon as I can. I'll continue tailoring it for you, Gabrielle. Maybe we won't need Lereau's help after all, if this works."

Grimm visibly relaxes at Radical's words. "Wow, that would be great. I really don't want to be near that guy again. He makes my skin crawl."

Radical nods. "I suspect he wont' take it kindly if we do solve this without him. So, we'll have to be wary. But we'd have to be wary if he DID help, so...no real change there?"

Grimm shrugs, not looking certain. "I think all Lereau cares about is that I survive to serve -his- master's plans for me. But yeah, I think either way, there's no change."

Randal nods. "So...that was basically it. That was everything I found out that I thought might apply to the situation."

Connor smiles, "Thanks, Randal. That helped quite a bit, even if it initially seemed like just more hurdles to jump over. But...I think it gave us the clue we needed."

"Yeah. Better we knew more about what we were potentially facing," Gabrielle smiles at Randal. "I owe you big time."

Randal shakes hsi head and smiles. "Just stop by to visit sometime when the world isn't falling down around your ears."

Grimm chuckles softly. "I'll definitely do that once this is all over. I'll even come with a present or treat to say thank you," she smiles. She looks over to Connor. "And something for you, too."

Radical smiles. "You don't really need to do that. But...thank you."

"I know I don't -need- to. But I want to," Grimm says as she plants her hands on her hips and smirks, her expression saying she wouldn't take a refusal.

Radical smiles, "Fair enough. Well...I guess the next step is to talk about the club tonight?"

Grimm chuckles. "Yeah. Guess we better get you put together, too. Get you roughed up to fit in," she smiles in amusement.

Radical shrugs and smiles, "I was leaning toward wearing hte costume, if you can alter some of hte aesthetics of it? And I can forgo the mask, but keep the goggles."

Grimm holds her chin as she looks him up and down. "Sure, I can alter it. Got something in mind?"

Radical shakes his head, "I figured the lines of it are already suitably gothic. So...I wasn't sure."

Randal shrugs, "I'm the wrong person to ask about that kind of thing."

Grimm looks over to Randal and chuckles, then looks back to Radical. "Well, let's get rid of the red lines for starters. That's something that's really associated with you. Different style cuffs and bottom trim. Maybe a higher split...hmmm." She seems to have a few ideas for him. "Maybe unnecessary zippers," she muses.

Radical raises a brow, "Zippers without a pocket behind them? Why?" Grimm laughs. "Fashion?" she says in amusement. "I could add pockets."

Radical blinks. "That just seems kind of weird." Randal chuckles. "I agree."

Grimm laughs again. "Yeah, Fashion is weird. But I'll make them real pockets for you." She turns aside and waves her hand, generating a Connor double as before, though in his current state and costume. Although the illusionary version has his hair messy and in his eyes the way they were when he removed his mask. Seems to be a stylistic choice she made. The red trim and designs fade to black. The collar style and cuffs adjust to a different look, more in line with gothic and punk styles. The way the bottom is designed changes a bit too. Just enough to make it look like a different jacket.

Radical nods. "that might help keep Flyte from recognizing me. He did see me in person, after all. But...I think he also had some other dimensional being...telling him more about who I was. He might see through aesthetic changes. But no way to know for sure."

Grimm flicks her fingers a bit to add zippers. With pockets! "Did he see you without the mask?" she asks. She looks over at his mask, then back to the illusion to add goggles. "Hmm. He might see through it. Or be told by something that can. Oh." She hesitates.

Radical shakes his head, "HE didn't see me without the mask. But you know as well as I do that magic has a signature. My harness will have a similar one. Dimensional energy."

Radical rubs his chin, "I only used magic in the area to scan things...and to heal the nurse who had been transformed. Everything else was tech, I think." "Yeah...I guess I hadn't considered he can see magic," Gabrielle realizes. "So he may only notice you if you're actively using your magic."

Radical nods. "Maybe? It's going to be hard to know for sure. But...he could realize that my appearance has been altered, so...I'm not going to sweat it much.

Randal shrugs, "Maybe it'll just be...a concert? With nothign weird going on?"

Connor raises a brow and looks at Randal, "Seriously? There was no coincidences. Flyte's going to be there. I'd bet money on it."

Randal chuckles. "You're probably right. Just...don't jump at shadows."

"Why do I feel like that was a crack at my powers," Gabrielle winks at Randal.

Randal chuckles. "It wasn't. Honest."

Connor smiles. "Okay, sounds like we have a plan, at least."

"Sure, sure," Gabrielle says playfully to Randal, then looks back to Connor. She makes some final tweaks to the outfit to make it look different enough. "Okay, that look good enough, you think? Or do you want any other changes?"

Radical thinks about it. "Maybe make the bottom of the jacket look a little more tattered?"

"Oooo, okay, I'm into that," Gabrielle flashes a grin as the bottom of the long coat starts to gain some tattered wear and tear. "Color me surprised. I thought you wouldn't be into that."

Radical smiles. "I wouldn't be. But...it's further from who I am. Which makes it a better disguise."

Radical shrugs, "It's too late to affect a change like...altering my voice. Since Mari knows waht I sound like...and so does Flyte."

Radical chuckles. "Besides, I'd probably do it poorly anyway."

"Hmmm, yeah, I should've thought about it. But...I wasn't expect us to run into a lead," Gabrielle smiles. "Who knows, maybe you'll dig the style once you try it on for yourself. You did seem more confident, after all," she teases.

Connor smiles, "I might. It's umm...I guess I'm finding out who I really am now? So, new experiences are good."

Grimm looks a little surprised by the comment. "Yeah, I guess you are," she smiles encouragingly. She remembers he was preparing to take on the role of the Cartesian, and then got manipulated by Order. "You got to catch up on all the stuff you missed," she smiles. With the costume set for now, she works on altering his actual costume. It's not as instant as the illusion, but it's fairly quick. "There you go. Dressed to kill," she winks.

Connor smiles, "Thanks." He then looks to both of them, "Speaking of such things...I was considering asking Lazare if he could teach me some Chaos magic. Do you think that's a poor choice? Or not?"

Randal frowns at the idea. "I know that Order isn't 'Good'...and Chaos isn't 'Evil', but I'd be wary about doing that, Connor."

Grimm freezes a moment, then looks ot Randal to see his response. She looks back to Connor. "I've fought against his schemes long enough to think either is a bad idea. Or at least...don't go in blind? I suspect he'd try to trick you. On the other hand...catch him in a weird mood, he might be delighted. Spin it in a way that makes him think you could be an asset for his side. But...Order's going to probably see you as an enemy."

Radical nods, "Maybe Rira could help me with it, instead? I helped her learn to control her powers. Maybe she can help me learn to do some of the things she can pull off?"

"Not...that that changes much. But more of an active participate in the war," Grimm adds as she thinks of her brief meeting wtih the new Cartesian. "Rira might be safer. I mean, she's not The Anarch. Or an anarch, is she?"

Grimm grins. "If Lazare refuses, you could try her as a backup. Or both. I bet they know different spells."

Randal shakes his head, "She doesn't have hte title. She's independent. Just that she can channel Chaos magic much like you channel Qliphothic power."

Grimm nods thoughtfully. "Then...can she even teach it? I don't have a way to teach my powers. But someone like Lereau probably knows spells to use Qliphothic energy."

Connor grins, "I bet you COULD teach it, if you thought about it. But I admit...it would probably be harder for Rira than it would be for Lazare."

"Teach it...how? I just think and things happen," Gabrielle shrugs. "But given the source, maybe it's best I don't know how to teach it."

Grimm adds, "And I've studied magic and rituals under Ghostfist. If I wanted to learn spells to do what I do, I'd probably end up crazy like Flyte."

Grimm shifts uncomfortably, leaving some details out.

Randal nods. "Good point. Dont' try teaching it, Gabrielle. Even if you're immune to the mental and emotional changes, your student wouldn't necessarily be."

Connor nods, "That's a good point. I'm sure that the Chaos magic affects both Rira and Lazare to a degree, too. After all, the Order magic affected us. It only makes sense. It's just a matter of degree."

Grimm lets out a breath. "Yeah. There's...another thing. I might be able to just...grant some abilities to someone else. But I'm not sure what it would do to them." She glances to Connor. "So...would it alter your mind and emotions if you used it? I mean, I know I said you needed to loosen up a bit, but that may be too much."

Radical smiles. "I...would like to be balanced, if possible. A little of both? I'm not a pawn anymore. I refuse to be one. But while I use only the magic of Order...am I not really still on their side?"

Grimm smiles at that. "That's...a good point. Maybe some balance would be good. Then you'd really be on neither's side."

Grimm shrugs and grins. "Or an enemy to both. Still. So...like you say. No change?"

Radical chuckles. "I'm already an enemy to both. It just hasn't involved much shooting. Yet."

Randal shakes his head, "I...still have my doubts. But I can't fault you for feeling the way you do, Connor."

Grimm smiles, but looks a little worried briefly. "Yeah, hopefully it stays that way." She looks to Randal. "Don't worry. I'll help keep an eye on him. So will his team."

Grimm looks back to Connor. "Just remember, if you ended up being tapped to be the next Anarch, they would've manipulated your emotions, too. Just on a different spectrum. Would've made you a more fun teacher, though, I bet," she winks.

Connor chuckles. "Probably true. But a scattered teacher is really hard to learn from."

Grimm laughs lightly. "But you'd probably be teaching liberal arts if you were teaching at all."

Next: Log:House of Vipers