epidemiology | (closed) the ultimate reward is honor, not awards

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(closed) the ultimate reward is honor, not awards

CHARACTERS: Alisha, Sorey (

circulets)
DATE: backdated to 03/05
WARNINGS: ~~unrelenting salt for a canon~~ dorks being dorks and nerds being nerds basically
SUMMARY: Dragonball Z-style fusion dancing. No, really.

[After her conversation with Edna, Alisha had no intention of taking her time with this. Honestly, she was too excited to wait, and she contacted Sorey as soon as she could because of it. While the earth seraph never actually said one way or another, she's pretty optimistic that she'll be able to serve as Squire again, but this time without causing any problems for Sorey due to lack of resonance. If he can see perfectly fine even with her as Squire, she'll be more than satisfied with just that.

She just doesn't realize that she's in for a whole lot more.

Waiting down in the courtyard just as she said she would be, she calls out to Sorey and Mikleo as soon as she sees them.]

Sorey, Mikleo! It's good to see you two. [It's a normal greeting, but she definitely seems a bit more excited than usual. Even more than that though, Mikleo would probably be able to notice that her resonance had improved. By a lot. From the last time they saw each other with her above average resonance being enough to just slightly feel the seraphim's presence, now it's enough for actual armatization.]

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[Alisha is someone special to Sorey. The first human he ever met. So of course he's happy to see her so eager, so excited. Even if he's still not entirely sure what she wants to talk to him about or potentially show him. But after her message, he did nudge Mikleo and inform him she wanted to see them.

When he sees her, how upbeat she is, he can't help but return the smile, giving a wave. Though he himself isn't paying attention to if or how her resonance might have changed, that's not as much a give-away for Sorey himself.]

Hey, Alisha! You weren't waiting too long were you?

{ It's her excitement that draws a smile to his face. Whatever she wanted to say to Sorey, it has to be good news. After all the odd things this place had to throw at them, it's refreshing to see someone else from home be so energetic.

Well, besides Sorey, anyways. But, Sorey was Sorey. That sort of attitude was pretty unchanging no matter what the situation is.

He nods his head, offering a greeting of his own. ]

Hello, Alisha. It's good to see you again.

Not at all. Thank you both for coming. [With that though she'll dive straight into the news. She hopes that they find it as exciting as she does.]

Recently, I put in a request with ALASTAIR to see if my resonance could be improved. After being notified that the request was approved, I asked Edna to confirm for me whether it had changed or not. While she did not say just how much it had changed, she did seem to suggest that I could serve as Squire again without causing any problem, so... [She takes a deep breath. Objectively it's pretty much a done deal that Sorey wouldn't say no, but she knows she's asking a lot.] It may be impertinent of me to ask, but Sorey, would you make me your Squire once more?

Of course. You wouldn't have asked us out here if it wasn't important. Besides, it's good to see you and know you're okay after....all that.

[But really. The important thing here is clearly Alisha's request. Sorey blinks, taking a moment to process what she means. The potential there.

And then all but lights up in that energetic, almost childish way of his almost akin to when he's exploring some old ruin or other.]

R-really?! Of course, it's worth a try if she thinks it helped!

[ Mikleo's eyes widen in surprise at that, before looking rather thoughtful. ]

Resonance doesn't seem to be a problem here, so it's definitely possible. [ He cups his chin. ] You haven't needed Sorey's help in seeing us, but the same goes for everyone here. Either way, it's worth a try.

[ He looks to Sorey, crossing his arms. ] It's a good thing I decided to come here, then.

[ They could give armatization a go in that case... It's probably much better to try it out while they're out of danger rather than rushing into it like Rose had to. ]

Edited 2016-03-21 05:25 (UTC)

[To say she's elated would be an understatement. While this merely started as a personal wish of hers that she didn't expect to have much of a result, it's a very different feeling to see it actually happen like this.]

Thank you both so much, truly! I shall leave it to you. [Lailah seemed to reactivate it easily enough last time, and hopefully it won't be too different even without her here.]

Okay then! Let's do this.

[Well, Lailah might not be here with them, but Sorey is and he of course remembers more or less what she said, and what he chose for her True Name. So he does his best to imitate and repeat what was done and said at that moment he agreed to let her help as his Squire, approaching her and holding her hand, eyes closed before calling out her True Name 'Melphis Amekia', hoping to feel that same familiar rush and transfer of power.

Once he's done, he pauses, opening his eyes again and looking excited, if curious. He doesn't want this to let her down again. But at the same time, he wants to see what she might now be capable of with her improved resonance.]

Right, you ready then? I'm curious to see if this might work myself. If you did improve, potentially enough to armatize, that could definitely help a lot! Ah, you'll need to know their true names though....Mikleo, you want to tell her yours?

[There are a few seraphim around, after all, and Sorey can only help on missions and armatize with one of them at a time. This is worth at least testing out to see if Alisha really can do it. He turns to Mikleo, giving a nod, as he watches. Or, well. She might have picked up some of the true names from her time with them back home, already. But Sorey doesn't want to just assume she has and not give her all the possible support and help she might need.]

[ Mikleo watches the process. It's-- the first time that he's seen this up close. It's different than when he saw Sorey take in different sub lords, yet it just serves as a reminder about how much power Sorey's truly been given as the shepherd.

He crosses his arms, eyeing Sorey carefully for a moment. He wants to absolutely make sure that he's alright. He doesn't want Alisha to have any regrets about this, nor does he want Sorey to endanger himself.

He looks to Alisha once more at the question. ] Luzrov Rulay. It'll be vital for you to remember the name if Sorey's assumptions are correct.

[Thinking about it, this is the third time she's being made into a Squire. She hopes this'll be the last time she has to go through this process. Just like last time, it almost doesn't feel as if anything's changed, but at the same time, she feels somehow lighter, fresher almost. It's a good feeling.

But first things first. Alisha really has no idea if she'll be able to armatize or not, but there's something about this she has to confirm first.]

Before that, how are your eyes, Sorey? Can you see well? [She won't take "they're fine, just a little blurry" this time, no ifs, ands, or buts!! If there's even the slightest bit of fatigue still, she's not sure she should go through with this. (Luckily for her, there shouldn't be.)

Although in truth, Alisha does remember Mikleo's true names, as well as a few of the others'. She's seen most of them artmatize enough by now that it would be hard not to remember. But she also felt that it wasn't her place to know them, not really. She's well aware of the importance and power of a name, and she didn't want to presume to use theirs without being given them first.]

[He probably shouldn't be so surprised that the other two seem more concerned about him, right at the moment. It isn't like they don't have reason to, with the previous time Alisha was Squire causing his sight to be affected as he tried to make up for her lack of comparative resonance.

Sorey simply gives an almost sheepish look as both of them look to him, as Alisha asks on his sight this time.]

Ah, I feel fine! Really. I just want to see what you can do now.

[Besides, it'd be that much harder to try hide it when the group is all well aware of the consequences last time when he tried to take on that burden alone to avoid upsetting Alisha. He knows they'd be watching him that much more carefully now, just in case.]

[ Mikleo had relaxed even before Alisha had asked him. As much as Mikleo watches over Sorey, he's able to see if anything's off rather quickly. ]

There's no rush, is here? [ But, he understands Sorey's excitement. Not to mention, that is typical Sorey--wanting to jump right into things like this.

Still, it'd be better not to rush Alisha. This... would be rather big for her. ]

But, I want to see, as well.

Edited 2016-03-27 08:07 (UTC)

[She regards Sorey carefully for a moment, trying to make sure. He only ever hid things from her for her own sake, but she hopes he won't feel the need to do that anymore. If there were any more ugly truths being kept under wraps, she wants to hear them. No more secret blindness, okay!!

Although the fact that Mikleo seems at ease as well is definitely reassuring. If there was anyone who wouldn't accept Sorey hiding something again, it was him.]

... If you say so. [She'll relent... for now. But the two's eagerness to see what happens next is so like them, it makes her laugh just a little. Some things never change, in a good way.] In that case, I won't keep you two waiting any longer.

[Although it still takes her a moment to settle her nerves. She places a hand over her pounding heart, as if trying to steady it. All she has to do is say Mikleo's true name, and the answer of whether she could armatize or not would be there, just like that. She knows in reality that it's pretty simple, but it's exciting and nerve-wracking all the same. She's almost afraid to hope that she could be capable of this, of something so incredible, but at the same time, the tentative what if? calls out to her.

It's now or never.]

Luzrov Rulay!

[The armatization is effortless, as if it were Sorey or Rose who called that name. But it's not them, it's Alisha who called, it's her armatizing right now, and she can hardly believe it even as she feels it actually happening to her. There's a surge of power running through her veins, through her very soul it feels like, unlike anything she could have possibly imagined. She feels like she could stop rivers, move mountains, do anything. The impossible suddenly feels possible, like looking at the same old world but with new eyes.

For all her awe though, the actual transformation only lasts an instantaneous moment, and then she's there, armatized, feeling unlike anything she's ever felt before (and lighter than she would've thought with a sudden five foot side-ponytail tbh). Trying to calm her heart before this was useless because it's still pounding a mile a minute.]

Did... Did I do it? [Obviously, since Mikleo isn't there anymore and all, but she's still trying to get it to sink in, okay.]

[It's true. Sorey now knows he shouldn't try hide things anymore. From any of them, but least of all from Mikleo. Even prior to figuring it out, the water seraph had still sensed something was wrong, that Sorey was keeping something from him. The water seraph wouldn't stand for it again.

But it's all worth it and then some, every moment of wariness, of imminent danger from his previous blindness, as he watches, hearing her call out Mikleo's true name. Seeing that almost instantaneous transformation. At least this time he's more likely expecting it in comparison to Rose's initial armatization to say the least.

His face all but lights up in amazement, in wonder that she's come so far. It's incredible, to think of this when previously she could barely see or hear the seraphim without his help! It's a huge progress for her, one Sorey delights in and feels pride in, even if it might not necessarily be through his own efforts but Alisha's own hard work herself.]

You did it, Alisha! It looks great! See, I told you it was worth trying!

[And he still feels just fine. No blindness as a result, when she's come this far!]

[ The process feels the same as it always does to Mikleo. He's been mind and soul with Rose and Sorey more times than he can count, but this time, he can't help but feel a surge of pride knowing that Alisha was able to call on him like this.

He knows that it'll make Alisha happy, too. It's likely everything that she previously wanted when she wanted to become the Squire - not for her own sake, but for eveyone elses.

It'll certainly make everything better in the long run. They'll be able to defend themselves against any upcoming dangers easier. ]

You'll be able to armatize with the others as easily, I'm sure. How do you feel?

Edited 2016-03-27 10:08 (UTC)

[It's a little weird hearing Mikleo's voice directly in her head after seeing him in front of her only moments earlier. In a way, it reminds her of when she could only sense the seraphim as disembodied voices, but this is much closer than that. While startling, she figures that she'll adjust soon enough.]

Incredible... I'm not sure how to describe it. [She looks up and down at herself now clothed in similar white garb as Sorey or Rose would be. Frankly, she can hardly believe it, even as she stands there as proof. But as it slowly starts to settle in, Alisha lights up once more, practically radiant.] But you were right, I really did it! I'm really able to armatize now!

[She can't remember the last time she was happy. To think of how much better she'd be able to help the others now... It's nothing less than exciting.]

You don't need to. I know, Alisha.

[Sorey's armatized countless times by now. So he understands, he knows what it feels like. How it's not really something you can exactly describe in words easily. He gets it, and doesn't need her to explain. Aside from the obvious that she -- and he, are both thrilled about it, anyway. He can't help grinning, giving a nod.]

You can do it. And if you can manage with Mikleo, I'm sure you won't have any trouble with Edna or Dezel either. You feel okay, right?

[She looks happy, excited enough. It's just Sorey wants to make sure she isn't being burdened by this somehow, even if her resonance has increased.]

We can take things as slowly as you'd like, but it may be a good idea to practice bow and arrow in this form.

[ It's just a suggestion, really. Sorey was able to become used to it quickly enough, but Sorey and Mikleo have always been insynch with one another considering they grew up together. Though, who really knows--maybe Alisha received training with weapons other than a lance.

Either way, Mikleo can't help but feel so pride and excitement for Alisha's sake. She was excited at even the idea of communicating with seraphim to begin with. ]

[nodding at Sorey] I'm fine, yes. More than fine, honestly.

[Will she ever get over what it's like to be armatized? The world may never know... Although while she certainly feels fine right now, it's unlikely that she'd be able to remain armatized for as long as Sorey or Rose would. Especially now, it'll take some time to adjust to having so much more resonance.

But none of that's really on her mind, and she nods at Mikleo's words (even if she can't actually nod at him right now, but details).]

No, that's a good idea! I may as well start practicing while I can. [Does she even need to reply out loud to Mikleo? Honestly she's not sure, but she's more comfortable doing so regardless. She looks at the bow in her hand, larger and more ceremonial-looking than most she's seen. As a knight, she'd received some amount of training with a few different weapons, but while she was at least somewhat familiar with a bow, it wasn't something she would claim to have expertise or skill in.]

Good! I wasn't sure if...if you tried to armatize and still might have issues. But your resonance must have improved a lot now! If you want to try with the bow, Mikleo can take care of the aiming if you figure the timing.

[That's how Mikleo assisted him, anyway. And he knows the spear is still really her main weapon of choice. Getting used to even one of the Divine Weapons will take some adjusting to, regardless of how instinctive it can be when armatized and letting the seraphs assist them. The more practice she gets, the better.]

That's how Sorey and I do it. Do you want to give it a try now?

[ It may be better to do so now since they're already armatized. If Alisha was comfortable with trying now, then why not? Though, it seems like she's already adapted to the idea of being connected like this.

He has no doubts that she'll easily get used to being a vessel, too. Though, he can't quite blame her if that turns out to be the case. ]

I see, so that's how you were able to do it... [She remembers thinking how it hadn't seemed like either Sorey or Mikleo had trained with a bow and arrow, but they had both been so comfortable using one while armatized. Now it makes sense.] Very well, I'll give it a try!

[Her casual, loose grip on the bow tightens, and she raises it, her back straight as she pulls the string back and taut. Although, it's starting to occur to her...]

... What should I aim at? [This feels like a silly question, but they ARE in the courtyard. Is there really anything here suitable for target practice???]

Yeah! I mean, I'd never really used one before. Or, not much, anyway. I still prefer my sword. And Mikleo has his staff, but that way we work together and it's not so difficult. Just a matter of teamwork! If you can armatize, I'm sure you'll figure it too!

[He's still so excited, still so wishing to encourage his friend in this newfound ability that it's only when she asks that he considers the question of targets for a moment. Taking stock of just where they are and he pauses.]

Maybe we should relocate and figure somewhere a little more open. Or reschedule the actual target practice for a bit until we find somewhere else. With a bow and arrow, you need more space than the melee sort of sparring Mikleo and I do.

As long as we can find an empty area, that should work as somewhere to practice.

[ All they'd need is a target and an empty area, then. There was no rush right now, but they should also shouldn't wait to practice.

... Though, he hopes that Alisha will be able to be able to figure out how to un-armatize as quickly as Rose has. He knew that Sorey's learning curve was-- rather strange. ]

Edited 2016-04-18 00:29 (UTC)

Yes, relocating sounds like a good idea. [And there's no point in staying armatized while just looking for a place to practice. She fulls intends to un-armatize until.... Well.......

Yeah she has no idea how to do it. Sorey always did it so seamlessly and naturally, both armatizing and then getting out of it, that she has no idea what he did to do the latter.]

... I apologize if I'm missing something obvious, but how do we separate now?

Hm? Oh....Yeah, I had a bit of trouble figuring that myself initially when Lailah and I first armatized.

[He's just so used to it now he didn't stop to think that Alisha might also get a bit stuck with it. But he does his best to try and explain anyway. But they only made the pact with Alisha after that, once he had a bit more of a handle on it. He doesn't want her in any way feeling inadequate about it so he offers his own advice. Which hopefully helps, even if he's not sure he's quite explaining that well. This sort of thing isn't easy to try and explain in the first place.]

You still don't know how, Sorey?

[ If Alisha listens carefully enough, he can nearly hear just how Done Mikleo is with Sorey. It is true that a lot of Sorey's powers still came naturally to him, but... That isn't much help to Alisha. Well, it figures that it just sort of happens when it's Sorey using their powers, but...

Rose probably knows how, but that doesn't help them now. ]

[From Mikleo's tone, she can't help but laugh just a little. It just goes to show just how close these two are.]

It can't be helped. I suppose this isn't something that can be explained easily in words.

[Although Sorey's explanation does give her something of an idea, or at least something close to it. She closes her eyes, concentrating, and after a moment she and Mikleo finally separate.]

There! [In a way, it's both reassuring and almost saddening to be back to normal. The feeling of armatization was like nothing else, but she's also happy to see herself as she usually is again. She didn't think the process would be so exhausting though; now that she's just her regular self again, she feels a bit winded.]

It's kind of hard to explain, okay? But I'm glad you figured it. Initially I had to just kind of wait until it wore off when I first did it with Lailah, underneath Ladylake.

[But well, he is nothing if not used to Mikleo's teasing and banter. He simply shoots the water seraph a slight pout before slipping back into that easy smile, proud and pleased of what Alisha had just accomplished.]

It takes some getting used to, but you'll figure it! The others -- it's different, fighting while armatized, but I'm sure you'll get in some practice.

[ And, just like that, Mikleo is standing beside Sorey once again - as though he'd never been connected to Alisha at all. It's always feel as though being armatized feels a little surreal when everything is said and done. ]

Well, you'll get to try it with Edna soon enough, too.

[ Edna... might be pretty harsh about it, but that's just how Edna is to everyone. ]

Armatizing with her will be a very... unique experience, I feel. [Not that she doesn't like Edna of course, but Edna is... Well, Edna. Arguably every conversation with her is a "unique experience".]

I guess in theory it's the same once you've armatized with one of them. But it's...yeah. Obviously each of them have their own weapon, their own way of fighting. How much help or control you have or let them have in battle. We just need to let her know and you can try it with her next.

[He always felt bad for Alisha, for most all other humans that they couldn't experience this. Couldn't see or hear the seraphim, might even go their whole lives without doing so. He's glad that Alisha has a chance to, here at least, even if not back home.]

There's some abilities that's still limited to Sorey, but... I believe that I'll be able to travel with you, as well, Alisha.

[ Better to teach her about everything now, rather than surprise her later. Or, leave it to Edna to surprise her. ]

You think so? In that case, I'll have to get used to conversing with you like that. [It was kind of surreal while armatized, talking to a voice she only heard in her head. She's pretty sure she'll get used to it after a while, but at the same time, she feels like she'll always be at least a little amazed at all this.]

It takes a bit....Even I had to get used to it when Lailah and the others first started using me as a vessel, hearing them in my head like that.

[Mikleo was admittedly probably the easiest in that adjustment, probably because he already had done so with Lailah but also because he knows the other so well regardless of having that pact with him or not.]

I still remember even you getting pretty overwhelmed when Edna joined us. [ His lips tug upwards, leaning forward to bump his shoulders against Sorey.

Though, it isn't something he doesn't understand. It's pretty admirable that Sorey's been able to adapt to everything as he has. ]

[She laughs lightly behind her hand.] Edna certainly makes a first impression, doesn't she?

[While Alisha might not have been there when Edna first joined, she understands the sentiment. Edna really is something else... After all, who can forget the squirrelcarena.]

Ah, she does.....

[Even Sorey can't exactly deny that. From the moment they first saw her, coming to defend them from her brother and telling them to run. The way she initially seemed to deny she would help them with the bridge once they had the chance to talk.]

That's an understatement.

[ Mikleo's expression becomes rather dry when he remembers their first meeting. He still hates the nickname Meebo. He doesn't think he'll ever Not dislike it. ]

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(closed) the ultimate reward is honor, not awards

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