Post by sawg138 on Jul 5, 2013 21:31:57 GMT -5
Elex: Okay. On a night when the group is setting camp up/have camp set up. Elex will approach Cody, "May we talk for a moment...?" he looks his usual self, but his expression is sterner than normal.
Cody "Sure, Master Elex." .oO(He's on edge.... nervous. that's unlike him)
Elex: He nods slightly before turning away and moving away from the main group, motioning for Cody to follow.
Cody *straps on his gunbelt and follows, keeping his treads silent*
Elex: After moving out of earshot, he speaks, but his voice is low, "tell me... Cody... What does death feel like? What does dying feel like...?"
Cody "uh...well..... That's kinda hard to explain."
Elex: He nods slightly again, "Understandable... But... Could you try...?"
Cody lifts his eyes up to the stars and the few thin clouds drifting very high above. "You know what it feels like to be wounded, I'm sure, so I'm guessing you're not talking about pain of injury, right?"
Elex: He shakes his head absently, "actually... That's not true. I don't understand pain that well... Except in regards to my own training under MY Sensei. Well..." he places an absent hand of his red eye, "That's not entirely true either."
Cody "When the final blow hit me..." closes eyes, almost flinching, remembering that final hit.... "I knew it was over. The pain and blood loss.... was overwhelming. The hit pierced my heart all the way through and the axe head lodged in my spine, impaled. I... i remember thinking of Kima and then..... the darkness closed in on me, so fast. It was like fading to sleep, but without that sense of stopping halfway into the realm of dreams" A tear slips over Cody's cheek, following the curve of his nose and the laugh lines of his lips. "When I woke.... the first thought I had was of Kima and that last hit. But my body was whole. Younger than when I died, but whole. I... i don't have words to explain it other than that. I'm sorry."
Elex nods again, slightly, "No need to apologize. I was just... Curious, I guess." he frowns slightly, looking down at the ground, "I guess I wanted to know what to expect..."
Cody "Master? You... don't think you'll live past this expedition?"
Elex chuckles, darkly, "I... Don't know. A large part of me believes I will die in this strange land... I am only mortal after all. Eventually, I know, despite my best efforts, despite our best efforts, we will fight an opponent that cannot be bested..." he raises his hands and looks at them, "by these hands...I... Don't want it to happen... Mind you. However, the odds are not in our favor as they have been in the past. I was just... Wondering... What I should expect whe... If it happens."
Cody "Well, I think my case was...well, not the normal path. I was not exactly expecting a second chance. To be honest, I'm pretty sure there are others who deserve one more than me. So, i can't say for certain what the other side will be like for you. What I do know is that death is often only a beginning."
Cody lays a hand on Elex's shoulder. "You're a good person, Master. You've dedicated your life to helping the innocent, preserving life, making a difference in this crazy world. That has to count for something in the afterlife. And should the final blow come to you, I know you'll meet it with the same vigor and honor and, and.... and dignity.... that you bring to everything in your life."
Elex "if it does... I will consider myself extremely fortunate... For all I have done, I want to do that much more ten fold." he looks over at Cody, "We, as trained cyber-knights... Would lay our lives down on the line, gladly, if it meant upholding what we believe in. As such, I believe in protecting those around me, be they friend, associate or completely unknown to me... That is why I thought I would ask." he looks away again, "my very being demands it of me...@
Cody smiles and looks back up to the stars. "I might occassionally get glimpses of the future, but I don't see death in the immediate future."
Elex "You have seen it for all of us... Before... But that was before."
Cody "Those visions still hold true. But one thing I have learned from my training with the Oracles... the visions might be steady, but the future is not set in stone. Visions are a way that the divine in all of us reaches towards it's own goals." Cody looks back to Elex "A warning, perhaps, of what the future likely holds, and of points in time and place where one action may make a huge pivotal difference. I'm hopeful we will find those points and change the likely course. If I didn't believe that, I doubt the gods would have chosen to send me where i could at least help influence those events."
Elex: "it would seem like a large waste of divine power otherwise... Preventing you from moving on. Bringing you back to life... Back to us. However, our future is what we make of it. I intend to not allow you to waste the opportunity."
Cody "I'm just one scared, lonely, humble cyber knight squire, after all. With faith, hope and struggle, I will do what I can in the presence of gods and demons and mages and... well, whatever Ringo is... to do my part."
Elex: "as such... I have a request as well..."
Cody kneels, sitting back on his heels. "What would you ask of me, Master?"
Elex: "You... Should already know what it is. Considering our conversation up to this point."
Cody .oO(What the heck is he getting at?) "Perhaps you should say it, to be clear." *looks up expectantly*
Elex closes his eyes and takes a deep breathe in, sighing it out, "I have a son... A tribe... That may not have a father or a chief after this war is over. They are my legacy. I would make a request, to a Cyber-Knight, that they be watched over should the time come. It would be an oath, unbreakable. That would be sworn upon, as I did, The Code itself..."
Cody gasps... "Master... I... i don't know what to say. I'm not even a man myself, yet you would entrust me to protect your family if the worst should happen to you? I'm honored by your trust."
Elex: "I would not entrust it to anyone else here, other than my mate. You are a Cyber-Knight. I would be honored if a Cyber-Knight accepted the... Responsibility... Of ensuring my legacy continued on after my passing... If it should happen."
Cody looks slightly embarrassed "I'm sure you've heard of my.... recent personal revalations?"
Elex looks over, his brow furrowed, "revelation...? No..."
Cody "Then perhaps before you completely entrust this awesome duty to me, you should know. I ... I am not known to females.... nor do i wish to be." Cody lowers his gaze. "I actually was worried that you were wanting to discuss that with me when you asked to talk. The rest of the crew knows at this point. I thought the news had traveled"
Elex raises an eyebrow, questioningly...
Cody "I... *sigh* feel more drawn towards males than females.... sexually. I'm not currently courting anyone, nor do i even know how to, but I know now who and what I am." pause "I understand if because of that you would rather ask Master Jeff to shepperd your tribe and your son." looks up
Elex: blinks... "I tend to not listen to 'traveling news' it has a tendency to be greatly exaggerated..." his eyebrow still arched, "you have no interest in a female? Unusual... But you are still young... And I fail to see what bearing it has on my request... Or this conversation, in general... I, myself, lacked an interest in intimacy in general until I had encountered Chu'si. Jeff... Has his own tribe. His own child to be concerned about... I would not make such a request of him..."
Cody nods. "I accept, Master. If the time comes when your tribe requires my protection, I will do my best, in your name. I swear by my Code, by my Sword and my Soul." *pops psi sword, holding it directly vertical and bowing behind the blade, making the color switch from blue to pure white* "Your children and tribe will have my protection as if they were my very own"
Elex looks away, whether the realization of what Cody told him has set in or not seems unsure at this point, "thank you, Cody..." he remains silent for a few moments, "remember, it is not the orientation, be it sexual or otherwise, that defines a cyber-knight. It is their actions, their beliefs and their faith that defines a cyber-knight. You are who you are, not because of WHAT you are... But because of HOW you act and WHAT you believe in. THAT is what defines us as people."
Cody *bainshes his blade* "I understand, Master. Well, I understand now, anyways. So, if I am to be your second, perhaps I should know more about your tribe. Can't accept a task without understanding how to do it or what it all means, now can I?"
Elex: "Being of your persuasion holds no interest to me. I care not whom you lay with or in what manner you choose to lay with them... That is your business and yours alone..." he looks back, "my tribe belongs to the wild, Cody. It is the way of the spirits that guides our hands. It is a belief that nature, the land, the spirits... The very earth itself... Will provide all we ever want or need. We are gracious to them for everything they provide for us... Should we slay a bison so that we may it. We give thanks to that bison, and it's spirit, for providing for us. Should we cut down a tree so that we may have wood for our fire, we thank the tree and it's spirit m for giving us that luxury..."
Cody nods "I have much to learn"
Elex: "We are wild. We are one with nature... The world is a living thing that deserves our respect and gratitude. For in the world... Does all exist. Chu'Si holds the spirit of Wolf in her and I hold the spirit of Dog within me. Our spirits entrust us with the duty to defend their way and the life of all whom they oversee. We hold life above all else."
Cody sits cross legged, paying attention, his mind formulating questions*
Elex: "All living things that exist within the natural order of the world are our allies and our friends. Even hawk, shark, snake or scorpion... All are a natural part in the circle of life."
Cody: .oO(I know that song.... )
Elex: "It is the unnatural that we hunt. Those which contain the Taint. Those which disturb the natural order. Those who defile the natural way of the world... They are our prey."
Cody "So... i'd have to abandon things like guns, metal and plastics?"
Elex shrugs lightly, "if we have no use for it... Should we need to have it? Metal has its uses and is provided to us by the earth. Guns...?" he shrugs again, "We do not use them... But the ancient ones, those that were here in the beginning, found them useful enough. Before this worlds rebirth."
Cody "So.. what would define this taint you speak of? I wish to understand."
Elex: "The Taint... The shaded fang... They smell it. Sense it within the air may be a better way to describe it. It is the evil that permeates the unnatural. Demons, dark mages, monsters and ancient as well as existing evils... They all carry it. It may feel different for each of them... But it is there. Like a foul stench in the air .Chu'Si... Being the only remaining member of the prior Shaded Fang... It comes naturally to her and those like her. For me... It was learned and trained."
Cody "Forgive me for asking, but, is the Shaded Fang a tribe of psi-stalkers, similar to Lady Chu'Si?"
Elex: "They were, prior to their nigh-extinction... Now... She is the only pure blooded on left... There are is one other that will carry on that bloodline... As well as another that will carry a similar lineage now."
A sudden realization comes to Cody and his eyes brim with tears. He turns his gaze down "I think i understand now.... "
Elex arches an eyebrow, but remains silent until Cody speaks again.
Cody "It's not just your family that you want me to protect, not only legacies and bloodlines.... you feel that should I survive this and you do not, that you would like.... your children to not make the same mistakes we have made." Cody looks up, meeting Elex's eyes. "You ... you ask much of me, Master. I am as flawed as any. More so if you ask around. I don't know if I can live up to your example, but I promise you I will try."
Elex: "I'm not asking you to live up to me... I would be placing a large burden upon your shoulders by doing so and I feel I have already asked of you enough. No... You continue to be you, not try to live up to me or my expectations. Just promise me, since you have agreed to this, you will live past this war. To fulfill your oath, you must live."
Cody "So must you. We face danger, taste death in every breath, but we have to strive to live. So you're not off the hook either, Master," smiles
Elex chuckles, lightly, but with a heavy burden on his voice, "you are right, Cody. My life is no more, or less, forfeit than it was prior to us having this conversation. I have my own oath to uphold. In order to do so... I will do all within my power to continue on as I have done." he turns his head away and looks to the sky, taking another deep breath, "Master Elex may still have a few tricks up his sleeve. The life energy of this world will prove that much."
Cody "I'd be wholly disappointed if you didn't. Besides, these demon bastards are in for the shock of their lives when we get within striking range"
Elex holds a hand, looking at it and flexes it a few times in a familiar motion, "Indeed... My unwarranted reputation will be put to the ultimate test against these foes. They will discover..." he clenched his fist, seeming to regain some of his vigor, "... What it means to test their power against a true warrior."
Cody grins fiercely "Now, if we can just get our pirate allies to think more about land operations...."
Elex: "heh... Their hearts belong to the sea. Dry land is not their place. They are at home, in their true element, within her embrace."
Cody " yeah... *sigh* but our captain is our admiral. we need a general, and for whatever reason, Master Jeff isn't it. Neither has Ringo stepped to the plate there. And I don't think Mr. Masterson is outfitted with the right mindset for military matters, nor for fighting in general. I think he'll be with us, but his instincts are more.... probability based. Guess I'm not seeing the whole board, as it were."
Elex: "that... Is the case with most who deal in matters of luck or chance. Which is, it would seem, not just his chosen profession, but his very nature." he shrugs, "We all must do what we feel is right and best. We all have our own ideas of what is best. You and I... We are warriors... As are several of the others. Some of us are charismatic enough that others will follow us though."
Cody nods humbly, Then he looks up, eyes going into narrow, gunslinger-like focus. His right hand betrays a twitch, unconsciously reaching down to his gunbelt before relaxing *mumbles* "Looks like i'm gonna have to have a little conversation with our new friend when we get back."
Elex raises an eyebrow again, slowly, "a vision?"
Cody "No, just an observer." *points to the falcon on his family crest on his shield tattoo on the inside of his palm. "A certain godling with a big mouth and fast wings"
Elex continues to have a raised eyebrow, inquiring, "Talyn? Why? What has he done?"
Cody turns his gaze back level. "Nothing. he was probably just keeping watch on us from overhead, being protective and all. Still... he's been kinda vocal about me..... I should find out what his problem is and deal with it directly." smiles "Heart and Mind as One," *ironically*
Elex: (Talyn would've probably kicked off Elex's senses if he was within about 1000 ft of them talking. As it stands I would bet that Elex can still sense everyone in the camp still.)
Elex: The reference seems lost on him, "A new creed?"
Robby: falcon. 1000ft up is no problem for him,
Elex: (can't hear much from 1000 ft away though )
Cody "Clan motto.'
Elex: "ah... So you got to meet more of your clan as well. Your gods were indeed gracious."
Cody "Master, there's an entire planet that my clan has. A base where they test out new magic, new tecnology, new training techniques. It's a place where they are trying to give our clan warriors a better set of skills to use against our enemies. And it seems that my gods are working in concert with my clan to that end. And what is the Cyber Knight Code if not just a guide to the heart and mind? SO I guess it is part of my rebirth."
Cody "The motto, it... well, it helps me deal with that impulse to put a bullet into someone out of anger," grins like an idiot
Elex deadpans, "Yes... One should try and avoid doing that..."
Elex looks at him for a moment his eyes glazing over for a brief moment in the process, will his natural eye anyway, "hmmm... Your clan does not utilize the natural energy though... Otherwise, they would have taught you before your return."
Cody "They do. just not in the way your tribe might. I've discovered in my short time that there are many methods of arriving at the same point. Sometimes you just go with what is more natural to the individual. But, as I'm discovering as well, it's always wise to learn new things, even if they aren't your native ways, they at least bring understanding. So i'm open to ... well... discovery. Who knows what I can do, until I at least try"
Elex: "ah... They may know of certain energies. The mystical... The mental... What I refer to is another energy entirely. I would have been able to sense it within you, if you had learned how to use it. It is focused... But... You know not how to use it yet."
Cody "Is it hard to learn? Will it be a distraction if I begin such training to develop this... natural energy sense.. while we're hunting demons?"
Elex shrugs, "As you said, each individual is different. Some may never learn. Others learn, but slowly. Others, become masters in its use... For both good... And evil. The energy I spoke of exists where there is life... And death. Both exist in a balance within the megaverse. It is everywhere, it surrounds us... Always. For those who can tap it... A new pathway opens up to them.
Cody "Am... am I one who can learn this?"
Elex: "For ones such as us... We already tap into a small portion of it. All Cyber-Knights do... It is a part of our training that fuels the creation of our weapons..."
Cody "Then it is different from psi powers but related to them? To magic iteself? Can you teach me?"
Elex: "Yes... And no. It is a different source that provides similar results. Mental powers are fueled by the mind. Magical abilities are fueled by the ambient mystical energies that are conserved and concentrated within ones body. The energy of life, or chi, is an energy that flows through us and through all places and things. It is already a part of us to begin with. "
Cody nods
Elex: "Did you think, Cody, that my mental abilities were so vast as to be equal to Aliza's in regards to healing and soothing others? Or that my physical strength was so great as to be like Anna's? Or that My regenerative abilities were powerful enough to match One-Chans...?" He shakes his head, "No... All of these are merely a manipulation of chi within and without."
Cody "I thought it might have something to do with, well... that red orb replacing your eye. Or some innate power you had that I didn't..... perhaps a bit of Cyber Knight lore that my mother didn't have the chance to teach me."
Elex shakes his head, "No... This eye... Was a gift from the Church of Light from Wormwood. It provides me with many abilities, mostly vision based though. I also have no innate abilities that are unusual to any other elf. No... Those abilities come from the manipulation of that natural energy."
Cody "So, could you teach me to use that energy as you do?"
Elex: "I believe so. You already possesses the ability to use it, whether you realize it or not. As I said, every Cyber-Knight taps into a small portion of it when they create their weapons. First, you will have to learn to recognize it. Which involves opening yourself up to it. Learning to recognize what it is, then manipulating it to enhance your abilities. I may only have enough time to teach you the basics... But even the basics are enough for some. You must meditate on it first, learn to feel it out within yourself as well as its flow around you."
Cody "Okay." *begins meditating*
Elex: "when you meditate, imagine a golden light within you. It's warm, like the suns rays on a fresh spring day. It's the wind against your bare skin, the feeling of a new life coming into the world... It's energy exudes and creates life... It exists within us all. It is the source of all natural life."
*Cody focuses, exhales slowly, taps the magic and psi energies inside him to find the light Elex talks about, compartmentallizing the energies he knows so well to find the new light*
Elex places a hand on Cody and begins using dragon and chi healing to begin pumping chi into him so that he can feel the particular sense of energy. It's pure natural energy too. Pumped straight from the environment.
Cody's eyes open wide, almost glowing, he concentrates on the energy... learning it's uniqueness*
Elex: "Learn that feeling. Learn to recognize its own flow a feel. That is the energy of life from the world itself. That we all possess. It nurtures life itself..." he removes his hand, "Now that you know what it feels like... You must find it on your own."
Cody: "i.... i feel it!" *tries to channel the chi*
Elex: "Good... Now... Like all other energies that you can manipulate... You must train and practice with it in order to not only learn how to use... But also to learn your limits with it. This energy holds its own dangers if abused heavily..."
Cody: * tries to form a small globe of chi between his cupped hands, yet falls over backwards, chest heaving as the energy feeling dissipates*
Elex looks down at him and kneels down, "don't push yourself too hard... If use too much at once... You run risks. Your chi creates a natural defense within your body that allows your body to heal naturally as well as providing you with your focus and other natural defenses... if you completely deplete your natural reserve of chi... Your body will stop healing itself and much of your natural defenses will faulter..."
Cody "I could feel it though...I felt like it was.... growing... inside my chest at first, but like... it was like water, moving throughout me"
Elex: "Yes... That is it. Your heart is the greatest source of chi within you. It stands to reason since your heart is what pumps life through your body..." he tilts his head slightly, "understand? The flowing feeling you felt is the worlds chi flowing through this area. It is heavy here since we are so removed from unnatural constructions. It is strongest where nature is at its strongest... A f forest or waterfall... The oceans and beaches. Places where life is in abundance. the more life there is in the area, the more positive chi there is... eventually... You will learn to tap into the worlds chi and be able to use it in order to harden you skin, increase your strength, heal yourself and others... Make your strikes stronger or focus your mind and body to degrees that are superhuman..."
Cody *sits up, eyes wide* "I.... will have to practice meditating on that more. But you're right.... it can be a bit overwhelming. Slowly.....Heart and Mind as One.......wow..."
Elex: "I warn you so that you understand... This energy can be a double edged sword. For while you can utilize positive to influence life... There are those who can use negative chi to cause harm, manipulate others, cause insanity... Even death, both physical and spiritual. Sensei often warned me that becoming too dependent on either positive or negative chi held dire consequences for the user."
Cody "I can see how. There's like.... this strange tingle in my skin. Like after healing. Like.... like...."
Elex: "Like being brought back to life...?"
Robby: Cody looks over at Elex... ".... yeah"
Elex: "Understandably so..." stands up at that point and extends a hand, "Come... Let's return to the others..."
Cody hops up lightly. "Wow... i feel.. wow...Okay"
Cody "Sure, Master Elex." .oO(He's on edge.... nervous. that's unlike him)
Elex: He nods slightly before turning away and moving away from the main group, motioning for Cody to follow.
Cody *straps on his gunbelt and follows, keeping his treads silent*
Elex: After moving out of earshot, he speaks, but his voice is low, "tell me... Cody... What does death feel like? What does dying feel like...?"
Cody "uh...well..... That's kinda hard to explain."
Elex: He nods slightly again, "Understandable... But... Could you try...?"
Cody lifts his eyes up to the stars and the few thin clouds drifting very high above. "You know what it feels like to be wounded, I'm sure, so I'm guessing you're not talking about pain of injury, right?"
Elex: He shakes his head absently, "actually... That's not true. I don't understand pain that well... Except in regards to my own training under MY Sensei. Well..." he places an absent hand of his red eye, "That's not entirely true either."
Cody "When the final blow hit me..." closes eyes, almost flinching, remembering that final hit.... "I knew it was over. The pain and blood loss.... was overwhelming. The hit pierced my heart all the way through and the axe head lodged in my spine, impaled. I... i remember thinking of Kima and then..... the darkness closed in on me, so fast. It was like fading to sleep, but without that sense of stopping halfway into the realm of dreams" A tear slips over Cody's cheek, following the curve of his nose and the laugh lines of his lips. "When I woke.... the first thought I had was of Kima and that last hit. But my body was whole. Younger than when I died, but whole. I... i don't have words to explain it other than that. I'm sorry."
Elex nods again, slightly, "No need to apologize. I was just... Curious, I guess." he frowns slightly, looking down at the ground, "I guess I wanted to know what to expect..."
Cody "Master? You... don't think you'll live past this expedition?"
Elex chuckles, darkly, "I... Don't know. A large part of me believes I will die in this strange land... I am only mortal after all. Eventually, I know, despite my best efforts, despite our best efforts, we will fight an opponent that cannot be bested..." he raises his hands and looks at them, "by these hands...I... Don't want it to happen... Mind you. However, the odds are not in our favor as they have been in the past. I was just... Wondering... What I should expect whe... If it happens."
Cody "Well, I think my case was...well, not the normal path. I was not exactly expecting a second chance. To be honest, I'm pretty sure there are others who deserve one more than me. So, i can't say for certain what the other side will be like for you. What I do know is that death is often only a beginning."
Cody lays a hand on Elex's shoulder. "You're a good person, Master. You've dedicated your life to helping the innocent, preserving life, making a difference in this crazy world. That has to count for something in the afterlife. And should the final blow come to you, I know you'll meet it with the same vigor and honor and, and.... and dignity.... that you bring to everything in your life."
Elex "if it does... I will consider myself extremely fortunate... For all I have done, I want to do that much more ten fold." he looks over at Cody, "We, as trained cyber-knights... Would lay our lives down on the line, gladly, if it meant upholding what we believe in. As such, I believe in protecting those around me, be they friend, associate or completely unknown to me... That is why I thought I would ask." he looks away again, "my very being demands it of me...@
Cody smiles and looks back up to the stars. "I might occassionally get glimpses of the future, but I don't see death in the immediate future."
Elex "You have seen it for all of us... Before... But that was before."
Cody "Those visions still hold true. But one thing I have learned from my training with the Oracles... the visions might be steady, but the future is not set in stone. Visions are a way that the divine in all of us reaches towards it's own goals." Cody looks back to Elex "A warning, perhaps, of what the future likely holds, and of points in time and place where one action may make a huge pivotal difference. I'm hopeful we will find those points and change the likely course. If I didn't believe that, I doubt the gods would have chosen to send me where i could at least help influence those events."
Elex: "it would seem like a large waste of divine power otherwise... Preventing you from moving on. Bringing you back to life... Back to us. However, our future is what we make of it. I intend to not allow you to waste the opportunity."
Cody "I'm just one scared, lonely, humble cyber knight squire, after all. With faith, hope and struggle, I will do what I can in the presence of gods and demons and mages and... well, whatever Ringo is... to do my part."
Elex: "as such... I have a request as well..."
Cody kneels, sitting back on his heels. "What would you ask of me, Master?"
Elex: "You... Should already know what it is. Considering our conversation up to this point."
Cody .oO(What the heck is he getting at?) "Perhaps you should say it, to be clear." *looks up expectantly*
Elex closes his eyes and takes a deep breathe in, sighing it out, "I have a son... A tribe... That may not have a father or a chief after this war is over. They are my legacy. I would make a request, to a Cyber-Knight, that they be watched over should the time come. It would be an oath, unbreakable. That would be sworn upon, as I did, The Code itself..."
Cody gasps... "Master... I... i don't know what to say. I'm not even a man myself, yet you would entrust me to protect your family if the worst should happen to you? I'm honored by your trust."
Elex: "I would not entrust it to anyone else here, other than my mate. You are a Cyber-Knight. I would be honored if a Cyber-Knight accepted the... Responsibility... Of ensuring my legacy continued on after my passing... If it should happen."
Cody looks slightly embarrassed "I'm sure you've heard of my.... recent personal revalations?"
Elex looks over, his brow furrowed, "revelation...? No..."
Cody "Then perhaps before you completely entrust this awesome duty to me, you should know. I ... I am not known to females.... nor do i wish to be." Cody lowers his gaze. "I actually was worried that you were wanting to discuss that with me when you asked to talk. The rest of the crew knows at this point. I thought the news had traveled"
Elex raises an eyebrow, questioningly...
Cody "I... *sigh* feel more drawn towards males than females.... sexually. I'm not currently courting anyone, nor do i even know how to, but I know now who and what I am." pause "I understand if because of that you would rather ask Master Jeff to shepperd your tribe and your son." looks up
Elex: blinks... "I tend to not listen to 'traveling news' it has a tendency to be greatly exaggerated..." his eyebrow still arched, "you have no interest in a female? Unusual... But you are still young... And I fail to see what bearing it has on my request... Or this conversation, in general... I, myself, lacked an interest in intimacy in general until I had encountered Chu'si. Jeff... Has his own tribe. His own child to be concerned about... I would not make such a request of him..."
Cody nods. "I accept, Master. If the time comes when your tribe requires my protection, I will do my best, in your name. I swear by my Code, by my Sword and my Soul." *pops psi sword, holding it directly vertical and bowing behind the blade, making the color switch from blue to pure white* "Your children and tribe will have my protection as if they were my very own"
Elex looks away, whether the realization of what Cody told him has set in or not seems unsure at this point, "thank you, Cody..." he remains silent for a few moments, "remember, it is not the orientation, be it sexual or otherwise, that defines a cyber-knight. It is their actions, their beliefs and their faith that defines a cyber-knight. You are who you are, not because of WHAT you are... But because of HOW you act and WHAT you believe in. THAT is what defines us as people."
Cody *bainshes his blade* "I understand, Master. Well, I understand now, anyways. So, if I am to be your second, perhaps I should know more about your tribe. Can't accept a task without understanding how to do it or what it all means, now can I?"
Elex: "Being of your persuasion holds no interest to me. I care not whom you lay with or in what manner you choose to lay with them... That is your business and yours alone..." he looks back, "my tribe belongs to the wild, Cody. It is the way of the spirits that guides our hands. It is a belief that nature, the land, the spirits... The very earth itself... Will provide all we ever want or need. We are gracious to them for everything they provide for us... Should we slay a bison so that we may it. We give thanks to that bison, and it's spirit, for providing for us. Should we cut down a tree so that we may have wood for our fire, we thank the tree and it's spirit m for giving us that luxury..."
Cody nods "I have much to learn"
Elex: "We are wild. We are one with nature... The world is a living thing that deserves our respect and gratitude. For in the world... Does all exist. Chu'Si holds the spirit of Wolf in her and I hold the spirit of Dog within me. Our spirits entrust us with the duty to defend their way and the life of all whom they oversee. We hold life above all else."
Cody sits cross legged, paying attention, his mind formulating questions*
Elex: "All living things that exist within the natural order of the world are our allies and our friends. Even hawk, shark, snake or scorpion... All are a natural part in the circle of life."
Cody: .oO(I know that song.... )
Elex: "It is the unnatural that we hunt. Those which contain the Taint. Those which disturb the natural order. Those who defile the natural way of the world... They are our prey."
Cody "So... i'd have to abandon things like guns, metal and plastics?"
Elex shrugs lightly, "if we have no use for it... Should we need to have it? Metal has its uses and is provided to us by the earth. Guns...?" he shrugs again, "We do not use them... But the ancient ones, those that were here in the beginning, found them useful enough. Before this worlds rebirth."
Cody "So.. what would define this taint you speak of? I wish to understand."
Elex: "The Taint... The shaded fang... They smell it. Sense it within the air may be a better way to describe it. It is the evil that permeates the unnatural. Demons, dark mages, monsters and ancient as well as existing evils... They all carry it. It may feel different for each of them... But it is there. Like a foul stench in the air .Chu'Si... Being the only remaining member of the prior Shaded Fang... It comes naturally to her and those like her. For me... It was learned and trained."
Cody "Forgive me for asking, but, is the Shaded Fang a tribe of psi-stalkers, similar to Lady Chu'Si?"
Elex: "They were, prior to their nigh-extinction... Now... She is the only pure blooded on left... There are is one other that will carry on that bloodline... As well as another that will carry a similar lineage now."
A sudden realization comes to Cody and his eyes brim with tears. He turns his gaze down "I think i understand now.... "
Elex arches an eyebrow, but remains silent until Cody speaks again.
Cody "It's not just your family that you want me to protect, not only legacies and bloodlines.... you feel that should I survive this and you do not, that you would like.... your children to not make the same mistakes we have made." Cody looks up, meeting Elex's eyes. "You ... you ask much of me, Master. I am as flawed as any. More so if you ask around. I don't know if I can live up to your example, but I promise you I will try."
Elex: "I'm not asking you to live up to me... I would be placing a large burden upon your shoulders by doing so and I feel I have already asked of you enough. No... You continue to be you, not try to live up to me or my expectations. Just promise me, since you have agreed to this, you will live past this war. To fulfill your oath, you must live."
Cody "So must you. We face danger, taste death in every breath, but we have to strive to live. So you're not off the hook either, Master," smiles
Elex chuckles, lightly, but with a heavy burden on his voice, "you are right, Cody. My life is no more, or less, forfeit than it was prior to us having this conversation. I have my own oath to uphold. In order to do so... I will do all within my power to continue on as I have done." he turns his head away and looks to the sky, taking another deep breath, "Master Elex may still have a few tricks up his sleeve. The life energy of this world will prove that much."
Cody "I'd be wholly disappointed if you didn't. Besides, these demon bastards are in for the shock of their lives when we get within striking range"
Elex holds a hand, looking at it and flexes it a few times in a familiar motion, "Indeed... My unwarranted reputation will be put to the ultimate test against these foes. They will discover..." he clenched his fist, seeming to regain some of his vigor, "... What it means to test their power against a true warrior."
Cody grins fiercely "Now, if we can just get our pirate allies to think more about land operations...."
Elex: "heh... Their hearts belong to the sea. Dry land is not their place. They are at home, in their true element, within her embrace."
Cody " yeah... *sigh* but our captain is our admiral. we need a general, and for whatever reason, Master Jeff isn't it. Neither has Ringo stepped to the plate there. And I don't think Mr. Masterson is outfitted with the right mindset for military matters, nor for fighting in general. I think he'll be with us, but his instincts are more.... probability based. Guess I'm not seeing the whole board, as it were."
Elex: "that... Is the case with most who deal in matters of luck or chance. Which is, it would seem, not just his chosen profession, but his very nature." he shrugs, "We all must do what we feel is right and best. We all have our own ideas of what is best. You and I... We are warriors... As are several of the others. Some of us are charismatic enough that others will follow us though."
Cody nods humbly, Then he looks up, eyes going into narrow, gunslinger-like focus. His right hand betrays a twitch, unconsciously reaching down to his gunbelt before relaxing *mumbles* "Looks like i'm gonna have to have a little conversation with our new friend when we get back."
Elex raises an eyebrow again, slowly, "a vision?"
Cody "No, just an observer." *points to the falcon on his family crest on his shield tattoo on the inside of his palm. "A certain godling with a big mouth and fast wings"
Elex continues to have a raised eyebrow, inquiring, "Talyn? Why? What has he done?"
Cody turns his gaze back level. "Nothing. he was probably just keeping watch on us from overhead, being protective and all. Still... he's been kinda vocal about me..... I should find out what his problem is and deal with it directly." smiles "Heart and Mind as One," *ironically*
Elex: (Talyn would've probably kicked off Elex's senses if he was within about 1000 ft of them talking. As it stands I would bet that Elex can still sense everyone in the camp still.)
Elex: The reference seems lost on him, "A new creed?"
Robby: falcon. 1000ft up is no problem for him,
Elex: (can't hear much from 1000 ft away though )
Cody "Clan motto.'
Elex: "ah... So you got to meet more of your clan as well. Your gods were indeed gracious."
Cody "Master, there's an entire planet that my clan has. A base where they test out new magic, new tecnology, new training techniques. It's a place where they are trying to give our clan warriors a better set of skills to use against our enemies. And it seems that my gods are working in concert with my clan to that end. And what is the Cyber Knight Code if not just a guide to the heart and mind? SO I guess it is part of my rebirth."
Cody "The motto, it... well, it helps me deal with that impulse to put a bullet into someone out of anger," grins like an idiot
Elex deadpans, "Yes... One should try and avoid doing that..."
Elex looks at him for a moment his eyes glazing over for a brief moment in the process, will his natural eye anyway, "hmmm... Your clan does not utilize the natural energy though... Otherwise, they would have taught you before your return."
Cody "They do. just not in the way your tribe might. I've discovered in my short time that there are many methods of arriving at the same point. Sometimes you just go with what is more natural to the individual. But, as I'm discovering as well, it's always wise to learn new things, even if they aren't your native ways, they at least bring understanding. So i'm open to ... well... discovery. Who knows what I can do, until I at least try"
Elex: "ah... They may know of certain energies. The mystical... The mental... What I refer to is another energy entirely. I would have been able to sense it within you, if you had learned how to use it. It is focused... But... You know not how to use it yet."
Cody "Is it hard to learn? Will it be a distraction if I begin such training to develop this... natural energy sense.. while we're hunting demons?"
Elex shrugs, "As you said, each individual is different. Some may never learn. Others learn, but slowly. Others, become masters in its use... For both good... And evil. The energy I spoke of exists where there is life... And death. Both exist in a balance within the megaverse. It is everywhere, it surrounds us... Always. For those who can tap it... A new pathway opens up to them.
Cody "Am... am I one who can learn this?"
Elex: "For ones such as us... We already tap into a small portion of it. All Cyber-Knights do... It is a part of our training that fuels the creation of our weapons..."
Cody "Then it is different from psi powers but related to them? To magic iteself? Can you teach me?"
Elex: "Yes... And no. It is a different source that provides similar results. Mental powers are fueled by the mind. Magical abilities are fueled by the ambient mystical energies that are conserved and concentrated within ones body. The energy of life, or chi, is an energy that flows through us and through all places and things. It is already a part of us to begin with. "
Cody nods
Elex: "Did you think, Cody, that my mental abilities were so vast as to be equal to Aliza's in regards to healing and soothing others? Or that my physical strength was so great as to be like Anna's? Or that My regenerative abilities were powerful enough to match One-Chans...?" He shakes his head, "No... All of these are merely a manipulation of chi within and without."
Cody "I thought it might have something to do with, well... that red orb replacing your eye. Or some innate power you had that I didn't..... perhaps a bit of Cyber Knight lore that my mother didn't have the chance to teach me."
Elex shakes his head, "No... This eye... Was a gift from the Church of Light from Wormwood. It provides me with many abilities, mostly vision based though. I also have no innate abilities that are unusual to any other elf. No... Those abilities come from the manipulation of that natural energy."
Cody "So, could you teach me to use that energy as you do?"
Elex: "I believe so. You already possesses the ability to use it, whether you realize it or not. As I said, every Cyber-Knight taps into a small portion of it when they create their weapons. First, you will have to learn to recognize it. Which involves opening yourself up to it. Learning to recognize what it is, then manipulating it to enhance your abilities. I may only have enough time to teach you the basics... But even the basics are enough for some. You must meditate on it first, learn to feel it out within yourself as well as its flow around you."
Cody "Okay." *begins meditating*
Elex: "when you meditate, imagine a golden light within you. It's warm, like the suns rays on a fresh spring day. It's the wind against your bare skin, the feeling of a new life coming into the world... It's energy exudes and creates life... It exists within us all. It is the source of all natural life."
*Cody focuses, exhales slowly, taps the magic and psi energies inside him to find the light Elex talks about, compartmentallizing the energies he knows so well to find the new light*
Elex places a hand on Cody and begins using dragon and chi healing to begin pumping chi into him so that he can feel the particular sense of energy. It's pure natural energy too. Pumped straight from the environment.
Cody's eyes open wide, almost glowing, he concentrates on the energy... learning it's uniqueness*
Elex: "Learn that feeling. Learn to recognize its own flow a feel. That is the energy of life from the world itself. That we all possess. It nurtures life itself..." he removes his hand, "Now that you know what it feels like... You must find it on your own."
Cody: "i.... i feel it!" *tries to channel the chi*
Elex: "Good... Now... Like all other energies that you can manipulate... You must train and practice with it in order to not only learn how to use... But also to learn your limits with it. This energy holds its own dangers if abused heavily..."
Cody: * tries to form a small globe of chi between his cupped hands, yet falls over backwards, chest heaving as the energy feeling dissipates*
Elex looks down at him and kneels down, "don't push yourself too hard... If use too much at once... You run risks. Your chi creates a natural defense within your body that allows your body to heal naturally as well as providing you with your focus and other natural defenses... if you completely deplete your natural reserve of chi... Your body will stop healing itself and much of your natural defenses will faulter..."
Cody "I could feel it though...I felt like it was.... growing... inside my chest at first, but like... it was like water, moving throughout me"
Elex: "Yes... That is it. Your heart is the greatest source of chi within you. It stands to reason since your heart is what pumps life through your body..." he tilts his head slightly, "understand? The flowing feeling you felt is the worlds chi flowing through this area. It is heavy here since we are so removed from unnatural constructions. It is strongest where nature is at its strongest... A f forest or waterfall... The oceans and beaches. Places where life is in abundance. the more life there is in the area, the more positive chi there is... eventually... You will learn to tap into the worlds chi and be able to use it in order to harden you skin, increase your strength, heal yourself and others... Make your strikes stronger or focus your mind and body to degrees that are superhuman..."
Cody *sits up, eyes wide* "I.... will have to practice meditating on that more. But you're right.... it can be a bit overwhelming. Slowly.....Heart and Mind as One.......wow..."
Elex: "I warn you so that you understand... This energy can be a double edged sword. For while you can utilize positive to influence life... There are those who can use negative chi to cause harm, manipulate others, cause insanity... Even death, both physical and spiritual. Sensei often warned me that becoming too dependent on either positive or negative chi held dire consequences for the user."
Cody "I can see how. There's like.... this strange tingle in my skin. Like after healing. Like.... like...."
Elex: "Like being brought back to life...?"
Robby: Cody looks over at Elex... ".... yeah"
Elex: "Understandably so..." stands up at that point and extends a hand, "Come... Let's return to the others..."
Cody hops up lightly. "Wow... i feel.. wow...Okay"
