Log:Mochi's New Human

2021/09/09 Radical|Connor Radical|Randal Grimm 1

Grimm called ahead about the situation with Aikireikinu and said she needed to consult both the Durans about a development from the Lord of Chaos' interference. She didn't go into much further detail because she had to babysit Mochi, and help with the police. Since Mochi's home is a crime scene, Gabrielle couldn't get any of Mochi's toys of belongings just yet.

Gabrielle knocks on the door, some cans of tuna and a stuffed soft catbed in her messenger bag. Mochi is cradled in her arms. She rings the doorbell, and then scritches Mochi between the ears.

Randal comes to the door, and opens it up. He then smiles. "Hey there. Connor's on his way over, from what I understand. Come on in."

"Hey, Randal," Gabrielle smiles and greets him the way she would her own family. A hug and the german way of a familial kiss on each cheek. "Sounds good. Thanks for having me over to talk about this. You're the expert on all of this."

Randal smiles and gives her a hug as he lets her in. "And who is this furry one?" He looks down at Mochi.

"This is Mochi! She's a very good kitty," Gabrielle coo's Mochi's name in baby-talk tones, then goes back to her normal way of speaking. "And she's the complication I wanted to talk to you and Connor about. I, ah, hope you two aren't allergic to cats."

Connor shakes his head, "No, neither of us are allergic, as far as I know." He reaches out to pet the kitty's head lightly. "Interseting complication."

"Oh, you haven't seen the half of it." Once the door is closed and Randal has a chance to give Mochi pet, she says to Mochi verbally while still communing telepathically, "This is Randal. He's a very good man." Having had a chance to understand Mochi's unique perspective on how she was the owner of her human, she grins and says, "He doesn't have an owner." She gently sets Mochi down to explore. "Show off your coat." She looks to Randal, the nods toward Mochi to indicate he pay attention to her fur coat's properties.

Randal takes a closer look at the kitty. "That is...wow. Interesting. Black like...oil, but still feelz fuzzy."

"Aikireikinu granted Mochi power to get revenge for the murder of her owner," Gabrielle explains. "Mochi was originally the size of a bus after that and started tracking down the killer's trail. We caught him, and thankfully no heroes went too gun ho, so Mochi seems to be okay. Except...I don't think Aikireikinu took back the power."

Randal nods. "That would...be consistent with what I know. The power would have to be given up freely. The little kitty would have to make the choice to go back to normal."

Gabrielle nods slowly. "That's...tricky. I think getting smaller wasn't her relinquishing power. Just choosing to be in a more conveniently small size. I've had a talk with her about not getting big indoors or while I was carrying her."

Connor shows up at the front door, and knocks before stepping inside. He smiles as he sees both of you in the front room. "Hey there."

Gabrielle smiles at Connor as he shows up. "Hey, Connor. There you are," she teases as if took a while to get there. She offers him a hug.

Connor smiles, and gives her a hug, and then just like Randal, he notices the cat. "And who is this?"

"This is Mochi. She was given a gift by Aikireikinu. A gift of power she still possesses." Gabrielle looks to Mochi suddenly. "I'm happy because they're family. Like...your friend. He is a good man, too." Another pause as she listens, then laughs softly. "No, I am not his owner."

Connor chuckles quietly at the one-sided conversation.

Gabrielle glances at Connor as he laughs and grins sheepishly. "I'm, uh, channeling my inner Doctor Doolittle. Kind of like how you and I commune mentally, I'm doing the same with Mochi to help communicate and translate."

Connor nods and smiles. "I see. Well, it's nice to meet you, Mochi." He chuckles. "I guess her prior owner liked the Japanese treats?"

"I...suppose so. They -are- delicious. Sweet cloud-like pillows of sweet chewy goodness." Gabrielle's smile dims and she sighs. "Unfortunately, her prior owner was murdered. Which is why Aikireikinu stepped in to grant Mochi the power for justice."

Connor takes a closer look at Mochi with his magic senses, "What powers did she exhibit?"

Randal smiles, and just pets the kitty's head again lightly.

"The only thing I really noticed was that she was able to grow to a huge size. Like a city bus. I could sense there was other possibilities, but I haven't seen anything manifest yet. She seemed to be able to slip out of the other heroes' grasp pretty easily, I think?" Gabrielle thinks on it. She pulls a tuna can out from her messenger bag. "Mochi loves tuna. Maybe we could feed her some to help her feel better?"

Randal smiles. "Of course. I'll open it up, and put some down. Let's go into the kitchen." He leads the way as Connor continues to look at Mochi, "I don't see the size changing magic, so perhaps she doesn't have all of the powers now? Or it's hidden?"

"Hmmm. Maybe? Her coat still looks unnatural at times. I can't tell if it's something she can do at will now, or what." She thinks on it and starts to walk to the kitchen. "Watch her coat as she moves. Here, Mochi!" she makes kissy noises to try and get her to follow to the kitchen. "Tuna!" She thinks on it for a moment. "Maybe Mochi knows and I could try asking? I'm just worried she might demonstrate. It's chaos magic. Who knows what'll happen?"

Mochi hesitates, but seems to understand 'tuna'. The magic word, plus the sound of a can opening is enough to get the cat to follow into the kitchen.

Connor nods. "I could try to counterspell it, but I'm not sure I have the power to undo something a Lord of Chaos can do."

Gabrielle nods. "It may be worth a shot? If your spell doesn't work, is there some way to...y'know...supercharge it? Is that a thing in traditional magic?"

Connor raises a brow, "Supercharge what? Mochi's powers? Or my spell?"

Grimm's head flops a bit as she gives Connor a quizzical look and a smirk. "Your spell, silly. Why would I want to supercharge Mochi's powers even more?"

Connor chuckles. "That's why I was confused. That seemed like a mistake."

Randal opens the can of tuna, and puts some on a plate, before placing the plate on the floor. Mochi walks over, sniffs at it once, to make sure it's acceptable, and then starts to eat while Randal puts the remainder in the fridge.

Grimm grins back at Connor. "Have you been getting enough sleep? I mean, I know you must assume I'm a little crazy, but I'm not -that- crazy."

Connor smiles. "I have...no easy way to boost that spell. Here's the bright side, though. Unless...Mochi has a way to detect my trying, the attempt will likely go unnoticed."

"I...don't really know. The only thing I really do know about her abilities is that Aikireikinu granted her wish. I just don't know what that wish was, beyond the power to make her owner's killer pay," Gabrielle grins nervously with a shrug. "I was hoping you or Randal would know more about what Aikireikinu was capable of granting."

Randal nods. "I certainly know plenty about that particular Lord of Chaos. I have a journal about my dealings with it over the years. I don't htink that Connor ran into it during his time, other than the one run-in regarding Rira."

Connor nods in agreement with Randal. "I think that's the only time I've seen it."

Grimm's eyes light up. Story time! "Really, you had to deal with that one a lot? I've -got- to hear this," she grins.

Randal chuckles, and he watches Mochi for a bit. There are little 'blips' of blackness that come off the cat every so often. But it doesn't seem to affect her in any way. Randal says, "Well, in many ways, Aikireikinu is similar to Calmet. Calmet, or 'Aptrgangr', is focused on retribution. Vengeance. Wrath. Calmet's powers given are always given for that reason. That isn't the case with Aikireikinu. That Lord of Chaos gives powers out to beings to 'help them', but also to just...create the most fun for itself as possible."

Randal takes a deep breath as he tries to recall details. "I think there was one young woman who was dying cf cancer, and as a last wish, Aikireikinu gave her the power to strike out at the world. The young woman was...angry at everyone and everything. And the powers given only enhanced that feeling. She was...very hard to stop. It required multiple heroes, from what I recall."

"Aptr...gangr," Gabrielle tries to pronounce the name. She has a lot to learn about the Lords of Order and Chaos, and given that Connor could potentially end up on either one's bad side as he tries to maintain balance, it's important to her to understand what they could be facing. She nods solemnly at Randal's story. "Doesn't sound like it was helpful or created any fun. That's awful. Sounds like Aikireikinu is just granting power to cause havoc. Which makes sense."

Randal nods, "Aikireikinu grants powers, by claiming they're acting like a 'make-a-wish' request. But the goal is just to create havoc, yes." He then smiles. "'Aptrgangr' is a Norse term, and their name for Calmet. Aptrgangr translates to 'After-goer', or 'One who walks after death'. The name is related to the Draugr, another type of Nordic undead. In the case of Calmet, whoever is granted powers has...died. Emotionally, on the inside. They are so distraught that the only way they believe they can live is to get revenge."

Connor nods. "I'm far more familiar with Calmet than I am with Aikireikinu."

Grimm nods slowly. "Easier to lure people into it if you're proposing to help them." Gabrielle listens to the name explanation for Calmet. "Wow...I've run into a few of Calmet's 'recipients'. I originally thought this was Calmet's work, so I was surprised when I saw Aikireikinu." She then asks Connor, "What happened with Rira when you encountered it?"

Connor nods. "It was at the final meeting to discuss Rira's fate. The Cartesian and Anarch both showed, as well as...Aikireikinu and Kanzoutsukamu. The latter is a Lord of Order, who...ALSO looks like a cat."

"What is it with cosmic beings and cats? It all seems connected and suspicious," Gabrielle opines none-too-seriously. "So at that point, was the Cartesian...umm." She uses her hand to block her mouth from Mochi's line of sight and mouths, "You?"

Connor smiles. "Kanzoutsukamu was the one who made the decision to let Rira be. I had already lost my powers at the time, and was working as Radical. The Cartesian was...my replacement."

Randal smiles, and crouches to pet Mochi while the cat finishes up the tuna that was placed down. "So, where's the kitty going to be living?"

Grimm nods in understanding. "Gotcha. I bet she wasn't too happy." She looks to Randal and scratches the back of her head. "I don't really know. I don't think it's exactly safe to place her with a cat rescue or other home until her powers are better understood, or dealt with. But she seems like a good kitty. And very loyal."

Randal nods. "I can take her in, if you'd like. I know enough to probalby be able to handle her relatively safely. And she'd have the run of the home. And..I know I have some mice."

"If you're sure it'll be safe. I mean, she got big and was hunting down her owner's murderer like it was a mouse. Who knows what'll happen if she isn't fed on time?" Gabrielle suggests. "I guess you're just a call away for either of us, though. I'm afraid she has a tendency to play with mice and then let them go. So I don't know if she'll be all that useful in actually getting rid of them." Out of curiousity, she tilts her head and expands her senses to within the walls and attack of the house, feeling for anything tiny that's scurrying. "Oh yeah...you definitely do."

Randal nods. "It's an old house. It's not surprising, really." He smiles. "Well, I'm not the one fighting various otherworldly things every day. What happens if say...one of you two doesn't make it back from another dimension? At least I'm retired. I'll be around here, mostly."

Grimm opens her mouth, then closes it. "Good point. There's a chance one of us doesn't make it back. I don't think that'd be fair to Mochi."

Randal nods. "So, do you think that Mochi will be okay with staying here? I'll need to get some supplies, like food, and a litter box or three, but I should have plenty of room."

Grimm looks down to Mochi. << Do you like this place, Mochi? Would you be alright owning Randal for a while? I'll bring your old toys when I can find them. There are mice to play with.>>

Connor thinks about it. "We might have to let the victim's next of kin know. If there is one. I'm sure they'd be okay with someone else taking care of Mochi given the cat's powers."

The cat looks up at Grimm, and then Randal. And then back to Grimm. << Here is good. Thank you. >> She walks over and head butts Grimm's shin before walking over to Randal to rub against his leg.

Grimm smiles and looks up to Randal. "She said here is good. And thank you." She looks to Connor and nods. "I've got a contact at the police station. I was going to wait until the crime scene was cleared and maybe get Mochi's stuff for now. The police can probably tell me who her next of kin are and the situation can be explained. Maybe the powers won't be an issue then if your spell works?"

Connor chuckles. "Maybe. I'm just hesitant to try."

Grimm nods. "Okay. I respect that. I'm just curious about what concerns you have."

Connor nods. "Aikireikinu could notice and take umbrage. Mochi could notice and get defensive."

Grimm clenches her teeth and makes a displeased "Eewwwoooooo" noise. "Yeah, both would be bad."

Connor nods again, "And...I have already experienced the results of taking someone's powers away, making the decision for them. It did not turn out happily. I came across a newly turned vampire, and converted them back to human, since it was soon enough for me to do so. He wanted to keep the powers, but was a...power hungry sort, and couldn't be trusted with the powers. So...I took them away."

He waits a few seconds before he completes the thought, "The guy started attacking...and killing...vampires for their blood to try to get a similar effect. Heigthened awareness, speed, and strength."

Grimm takes a breath and breathes it out as she thinks on his story. "That doesn't sound like it's your fault. If he went to those lengths to get it back, imagine what he would've done if you left him with that power?" She reaches to lightly rest a hand on Connor's shoulder if he'll allow it.

Connor smiles and nods. "I know. But I'm just...considering the idea that if I take away Mochi's powers, what's it going to be like each time I come and visit here?"

"Mmmm...no pets for you? Scratches and bites?" Gabrielle smiles. "Maybe you could buy her love back with tuna? I'm more worried if Aikireikinu is bothered by it."

Connor nods. "I've already annoyed at least one Lord of Order. I could do the same to the other side, I suppose."

"Only one?" Gabrielle sounds impressed.

Randal glances to Connor, "You shouldn't push your luck, Connor."

Connor nods. "I know. I should be more careful. We have some time to consider it. In the meantime, while I think about the options, perhaps Mochi will relinquish the powers."

Grimm smiles gently. "Yeah, you already have some evil space mage after your gem and who knows how many other enemies. It's not like you need the ire of -more- cosmic entities." She then looks to Randal and says, perhaps to give some reassurance to him in addition to Connor, "But whatever happens, he won't have to face that stuff alone." She thinks on it for a moment. "I could try and ask Mochi to. I was trying to not bring it up until I could figure things out with her."

Randal nods, "It's probably worth talking to Mochi directly if we can. If we can convince her to give up the powers, that would be the ideal solution."

Grimm nods. She glances over at Connor and grins. "Also just because I've got your back doesn't mean you should lightly entertain doing things that'll make you a cosmic fugitive," she winks. She walks over to Mochi after and crouches, giving her a pet and scritching at the spot just above her tail. "Hey, Mochi. The power that other cat gave you? Will you give the back?"

Mochi arches her back, and looks up at Grimm. She rubs against the human's leg, and 'says' << Will I need to protect this human? The one I will be staying with? >>

Grimm opens her mouth and closes it at the thought. "Huh." She wouldn't mind Randal being protected. She looks over to Connor and Randal with a smile. "She wants to know if she needs the power to protect Randal."

Randal looks surprised. "Umm...That's...I'm not sure."

Connor smiles. "That's a fair point, I guess."

Grimm looks back to Mochi. "He has human friends who protect him sometimes. But if you keep the powers, it may be difficult to find you another home. Perhaps even home with your human's family."

Mochi continues to rub against Grimm's legs. << I think...I will keep these powers until they are no longer needed. Or until I have to lose them to secure a home. >>

Grimm scritches Mochi between the ears. "I guess I'm not very good at negotiating with cats," she says to Randal and Connor. "She wants to keep them until they aren't needed anymore. Or if it's needed to get a final home." She looks to Mochi. "Could you tell me what powers you were given? Do you know?"

Both of the men nod. Randal says, "Well...since she wants to protect me, I'm flattered. I'm sure that'll make you both a bit more comfortable."

"Okay, Mochi. Good kitty," Gabrielle says with another scritch before standing up. "I guess that would make me feel a bit more comfortable that you'd be protected, y'know, while we're off being 'Cosmic Fugitives!'!" she says it in a voice like it's the title of a movie or TV show.

Connor chuckles quietly. "Umm...Randal, if you run into any problems, just let me know. Though you might need the cat whisperer here."

Grimm snickers. "I'm well on my way to being a fairytale princess, don't ya think? I can sing, talk to animals...that's like two major check points," she smirks. "But yeah, if there's any problems, you can always call us. And I can try and translate for Mochi or communicate things. She's smart. And at least well intentioned. But also...a cat, so. Y'know."

Randal nods and smiles. "Sounds good. She can definitely stay here, then. And...we'll see if the woman's family wants to take her in. If they don't, Mochi can stay here indefinitely."

"You sure about that, Randal?" Gabrielle smiles.

Randal smiles. "Quite sure. We'll just have to set some ground rules, but I think we can manage that."

Grimm nods and chuckles. "I can help you set some now while I'm here."

Connor nods. "We'll need a box, and some litter. And some cat food."

Randal nods. "I just don't want her scratching the furniture in the library. It's all...important to me."

Grimm nods. "I can conjure the box and some toys. And a cat tree for her to do all her scratching?" She looks to Mochi. "The human says he will be very, very sad if you scratch any of his furniture. Especially in the library," she points towards it. "I will try to make you some toys you wish for scratching." She looks back to Randal. "Is there a sentimental reason behind the furniture in there?"

Mochi scowls a little bit. << A...special thing to scratch is acceptable. >>

Grimm takes a moment to look for an empty spot. "Where do you think would be a good place for a scratching post or cat tree, Randal?"

Randal thinks about it. "There's a nice location in the library, actually. So she'll be able to hang out on it while I'm in there." He steps into the library, and points to an open spot. One that would likely house another bookcase otherwise.

Grimm follows along with Randal. She looks at it and smiles. "Hmmm. Okay. I got an idea." She cracks her knuckles before beginning to use her powers to weave something into reality. It's a carpeted cat tree with a few platforms winding on the way up. The platforms are actually just shelves with cubby holes capable of holding some books. The trunk of the "tree" also has some holes within and little hiding spots for Mochi. The coloring matches with the decor of the the place, with the carpeted parts matching in harmony with the room, and the wood shelvings matching the wood of Randal's current bookshelves. It takes her a few moments to build this creation, as it manifests from a dark swirl of energy on the ground and begins rising upward. She places her hands on her hips when she's done. "So...any changes?" she asks both Randal and Mochi.

Randal smiles. "Very nice."

Mochi sniffs at it, and then looks up at the two humans before starting to explore a little bit. She jumps up and walks along looking for a place to sit. She ends up pretty close to eye level with Grimm. << This will do nicely. >>

Grimm smiles. "Wow, managed to make you both happy with that," she grins. She looks to Randal. "I suppose she can keep you quiet company while you read."

Randal smiles. "That's kind of what I was hoping."

Grimm smiles. "So maybe this'll work out for now. I'm sure I could go on a quick run to help get you some supplies and toys."

Randal smiles. "I'd appreciate that. Thank you. I'll happily pay you back for whatever you pick up."

Grimm waves off his offer. "Please. You're the ones bailing me out of this problem."

Randal smiles. "I also have more money than you do. Seriously."

Grimm laughs sheepishly and rubs the back of her head. "Okay, fair. It -would- be appreciated."

Connor smiles and steps into the library to take a look. "I think you're doing Randal a favor, too. He'll have more company during the day."

Grimm smiles. "Yeah, he needs someone to keep him company when we're busy," she admits playfully.

Randal smiles. "Well...that's true, I do."

"Awwww...I'm sorry we've been so busy. I'll try to come by more often now that I'm done with classes. My job hunt has...well. It's still a work in progress, but I'm making some money," Gabrielle apologizes, sad that Randal's been lonely. "We just have...umm...a minor thing to also wrap up in another dimension. Y'know, just...uh...trying to jumpstart their world again. Well, hopefully just a country..."

Connor chuckles. "I've told him about it."

Randal nods, "Oh, don't worry. I understand what it's like. There's one crisis after another."

Grimm smiles. "Yeah, I know you of all people know. But we're still family. We gotta make time for family. Maybe we'll have to do a dinner night soon."

Randal smiles. "That'd be nice. Just let me know when."

"Probably pretty soon. I could either do takeout or I could help cook something...or we could all go out somewhere. Anywhere," Gabrielle smiles. "I imagine once we've helped this dimension start getting back on its feet by having Connor show them how to use his spell, we'll have some time. Though we still have no idea how to track down the version of me that did that. I may have to go talk with the Twilight Society and see if any of their members know anything."

Connor nods. "Worth trying, but I don't think they'll be much help. I'm just guessing, though."

"Well, I'm hoping someone there can give me an idea of how to track her down. Or give us an idea of why we can't," Gabrielle shrugs. "Worth a shot. Do you have any other spells you can think of?"

Connor nods. "I could try looking into the past in that world, but...it'll be a long shot."

"Oh, right! I guess we need to go back there to check on their progress, anyway. Maybe chat up that handsome Archmage some more," Gabrielle chuckles. She never did put two and two together.

Connor chuckles, "You...want to chat up the Archmage?" He just grins at that, figuring that she's already noticed, and she's trying to pull his leg.

Grimm honestly doesn't seem to know. "Yeah, sure. I mean he had this whole silver fox thing going for him," she grins. It's hard to tell if she's grinning over salacious thoughts, or because she's pulling his leg. "Though...just talking. My boyfriend and I just closed our poly loop."

Connor says to Randal, by way of explanation, since clearly Grimm already knows. "She's messing with me. The Archmage was a version of me. Just older and wiser."

Randal chuckles, and pets Mochi a little bit. "Ah hah."

Grimm looks completely livid. "Wait, wait...What!?"

Grimm's cheeks are flushing rapidly.

Connor chuckles and looks to Grimm, "You didn't notice? Really? With an apprentice named Rira?"

Grimm blinks a few times, then looks like she's trying to do some complicated math. "Wait...but her last name wasn't...but...oh. Ohhh noooooo...."

Connor smiles. "So you'll...find me attractive in like...10 or 15 years?" He chuckles.

Grimm blushes and rubs the back of her head. "I...I didn't say you were unattractive..."

Connor chuckles. "I know. You can relax, Gabrielle."

"That's easy for you to say. I kind of had the hots for what was apparently your older self," Gabrielle squirms a bit. "The beard was really doing it for me, I guess."

Connor rubs his chin as he considers it. "A beard, huh?"

Grimm shrugs. "I mean, it was a bit wild. It'd probably be nice trimmed. Or...smooth faced is good, too. I like smooth. Or a little five o'clock shadow..." she begins to go on, then stops. "Okay, so I'm into a lot of things," she shrugs. "I used to think bad boys were my type, but...my tastes have changed," she smiles.

Connor chuckles quietly. "Fair enough. Apparently so."

Grimm chuckles, though she's still a bit embarrassed. "I mean, who would've thought I'd fall for a clean cut, by-the-book detective?" she smiles. She raises a brow at him. "You sound like you're considering a beard now..." she accuses.

Connor chuckles. "Not seriously, no. A beard is more work than it looks."

"Yeah, I bet. Beards are to guys like...hmm...contouring is for girls," Gabrielle thinks on it. "You look fine as you are, though," she says encouragingly.

Connor smiles, "Well...thank you. How are things going with your boyfriend, by the way? Well, I hope?"

Randal just keeps petting the cat. Mochi is purring loudly now.

"Really good. I kept worrying I'd screw things up, or dating me would make him realize things would be really weird or dangerous. And...yeah, he has some trouble understanding all the things involved in my life on the weird and unnatural side, but he never gave up on me," Gabrielle smiles. "It's nice to have someone to just curl up with and watch movies of read books with, y'know? And I finally got him to even agree to a vacation. No kidnapping needed. But I was -this- close to doing it for his own good if he refused again."

Connor laughs, "I still think that actually kidnapping him for a vacation would be a bad idea. So, where are you both going to go?"

"He said he wanted someplace to get away that wasn't very touristy, with beaches. Tonga was his first choice. I don't think I've ever heard of it," Grimm admits. "So...once he gets approved time off, we'll find a hotel or something there, and I'll scout ahead and gate him there. Avoids all the stress of traveling, going through the TSA, having to explain handcuffs..." she says, then quickly stops as she lets that last part slip. "...because he's a cop." Yes. That is why they would be bringing those. Totally.

Connor chuckles, "And he'd be bringing his official police cuffs...on vacation to another country?"

"Y...yes. Just in case. He's really dedicated to his job," Gabrielle flounders for a lie, but it's painfully obvious.

Grimm suddenly remembers that time she accidentally overshared with Connor. She sighs under the 'interrogation'. "Okay, okay, not for work!" she confesses.

Connor laughs, "Wow. That was a sudden turnaround."