Time experiment

Rising to its feet, the empyrean would go to the wildkin right next to him.. Soon after doing so, he would hold her with both his hands and toss the woman over his shoulder!

His assistant for today's practice.

"Time for the experiment, since you've been released from the.. dress up thing." And while he was saying that, his eyes were glowing on various lights, such that were turned to a Faerla who would also help.

Alwine!

And to such they went, before the same act he had done with Masumi - repeat itself! And then, they would move south of the swamp, to an island that the empyrean would use for said experiment.
(Stolas)

Masumi is kidnapped. She makes a sound like 'aeugh' as she's picked up. Very eloquent. Very dignified.

"...alright, experiment time!"
(Masumi Maki)

Alwine Ruina says, "I'll be there right after this, if you need my help!"

Well.. Alwine got involved in a fight, so she would only join them after the said friendly conflict - so for now, only XC and Masu went to the little, tiny isle! And in this place, the wildkin, she was carefully placed on the ground.

As.. He couldn't hurt or damage his test subject, yet.

"Well, what do you understand by time manipulation?" The question was asked, but due to her not even understanding what had been said before, the word chronomancy..

He already partially knew the answer.

Still, he waited for something, as he removed cylinders from his waist and from these, the notes of Cid - the Harbinger who tried to play with time.. Foolish mortal.
(Stolas)

Alwine Ruina says, "Hellllllo!"

Stolas says, "Good timing."

Kimura Taiki says, "Stolas, can I come watch? There's nothin' else t' do."

Stolas says, "Of course."

Stolas says, "But if you try to steal my research, I will throw you at the Spirit, Urgoz."

The wolfkin sits himself on the edge of the little island, dangling his legs over the edge as he observes the proceedings.

"I've no idea what you're gonna do an' I'll forget half of it within an hour anyways."
(Kimura Taiki)


The wolf's eyes dart around the small isle, as she's plopped back down; she's not really been in this part of the swamp before. Not for any specific reason, she simply hadn't thought there was anything interesting down there! So, ever the curious wolf, she glances everywhere - until she's talked to, that is.

Her head tilts, and Masumi flicks an ear at the Empyrean's question, humming in thought. A hand comes up, so she can taptaptap at her own chin, and her tail does much the same against her leg.

"Time manipulation... hm... I guess 's like.. stoppin' time? For a moment? 'm not quite sure, I've never even heard of anythin' like it before."
(Masumi Maki)

Alwines fight apparently hadn't lasted very long at all! Given how much she normally loved to drag out conflicts, that was likely a sign that she hadn't actually managed to pull off her victory at the end of the day. Oh well. She was still in training after all!

She wasn't really sure what was going on here, but she always loved helping with stuff and time magic sounded like some of the coolest stuff around! Just think of all the possible applications! Such as...hmmm...never showing up late to group meetings again?

Having shown up just in time to catch the question, she went right ahead and give her own answer! Short, simple, and right to the point.

"Nothing at all!" Yep. That sounded about right.
(Alwine Ruina)

"In theory, yes.

Stopping time, progressing.. Rewinding. Effects that normally tend to mess with the delicate but powerful thing called time! Quite amazing.

For me, something capable of manipulating this power, is adequate - considering I'm a timeless being.. Because as a Empyrean, I will exist forever, immortal in the relation to time.

So something like me is more than adequate for such a task." Explaining this beginning and then acting superbly - he would progress, "But now, in the notes I found it is reported that there is a mana flow, a stream which is related to everything related to time in the world.

This, had been discovered by Cid, a former Harbinger of Providence - and now, we will test such thing.. We will try to manipulate this energy and use its power.

That's why you both are here." His robotic, apathetic tone lingered as he explained that.

And in that, they progressed further.

"Now, if you're all ready, I'll ask you miss Alwine and you miss Masumi, to stand next to each other.. In front of me." And in that he pointed in front of him, at the mud, where they should both be.
(Stolas)

As Stolas begins explaining what time manipulation even is, Masumi perks up her ears, drinking in his words! It's clear, however, that she doesn't understand much about all this - a mana flow? A stream that has to do with time? She's never heard of this, so it's hard for her to even understand.

Oh well, she's just happy to help. When instructed to step closer, she does just that, standing right in front of the Empyrean, awaiting whatever other instructions to follow, or whatever the Empyrean had in mind to happen!
(Masumi Maki)

"Oh, you don't have to worry about growing old? About rusting or anything?"

Man. That would be nice! She wasn't all that old herself, but the thought of age had occasionally started to cross her mind. While there was no doubt some appeal to be had with the whole MILF lifestyle, she still didn't want to loose the prime of her youth! She wanted to be like the young and vibrant growth, not the ancient dead and dry trees.

"So have you done any testing already? What do you plan to do with all of this power? Anything special in mind?" Questions, questions, questions! It was one of the her main methods of talking to people, but given the nature of everything going on at the moment it was a pretty fair time to go ahead and ask stuff! She wasn't exactly worried or anything, but she had just signed herself up as one of the first lab rats!

"Right here?" That final question was asked as she walked up closer, her socks sinking down slightly into that muddy floor below. Right next to the wolfkin!

She still found the time to turn away and wave at Kim over in the background, flashing him a big bright smile!
(Alwine Ruina)

Alwine's wave made his head tilt, a delighted grin crossing his features as he waved back ever so enthusiastically, kicking his legs up a bit. Her face always brightened his day. His ears were perked too, interested in Stolas' lesson!
(Kimura Taiki)

"The only thing that is necessary, is occasional repairs, otherwise nothing is required.

I don't age or anything like that." Beings clearly made to be the future, by one of theEmperors.

Now.. Had he made any previous tests?

"Not exactly, this will be the first time we will be testing my abilities - following the instructions in the notes! So be prepared for anything." And that could only result in two things..

Success due to luck or failure, which could be problematic for them.

Still, it is made in the name of SCIENCE!

And now, with both positioned, he would then prepare himself.. Gazing at Cid's notes one last time, to be sure what he was doing is right - his mana would start flowing.. Based on Arcane Weaving's knowledge, this was used to then fill in the air around them.

And in that, he started looking for the mana stream said in the notes.. Something he hadn't done before as told, he had never tried.. Since he used a natural mana stream like many others.

Still, there is a first time for everything! And the time is now to manipulate the time.. Quite the thing to be said.
(Stolas)

"..'m sure it'll be okay, even if 's jus' your first time."

Reassuring words, possibly more for herself than to Stolas, uttered in a soft voice. A gentle grin is shot in the Empyrean's direction, and from there - she waits.

Her ears flicks as she watches XC prepare himself, gazes in wonder as mana flows around the small group; she's never seen, or felt, anything like it before, and she looks amazed.

She'll most likely be even more starstruck by whatever's to come next, but - she'll have to wait a bit for that to happen!
(Masumi Maki)


Alwine loved yelling SCIENCE just as much as anyone else, but she was clearly just the smallest bit concerned about the untested nature of everything going on here. Maybe they could have tried it all out on a deer or something first?

But hey! It was too late for that now! She would just have to hope that everything ended up working out, as her own mana started to slowly saturated the air right around the three of them. The Faerla was something of a walking mana-battery after all, with blood that literally burned with the stuff. Maybe she was trying to help with it, or maybe it was just a side-effect of that aforementioned concern.

"So what are you currently trying to do here? How will we know if it worked? Are you gonna send me back in time or something? Oh! I had a really good breakfast this morning, if you want to aim for that! This might be my chance to eat it all over again!"

It seemed like she had come up with a second use for time powers after all! Just think of all the coin they could save on food by doing this, if it worked! Genius.
(Alwine Ruina)

"Ah, I appreciate your trust in my abilities, dear Masumi." A nod was directed at her while he was doing his part of it all, but he could still reply to them while doing so - "And Alwine, the plan is to find the stream and try to manipulate the mana, directly.

And we'll know if one of you get older or younger! Maybe slower or faster, for a while.. We will see." That.. It was something, wasn't it?

Probably.

However the empyrean's concentration continued. In Cid's notes he had connected to said stream and then manipulated it using rune systems.

What Stolas would do was more direct... and perhaps more dangerous.

"Just.. Give me a few moments.." Added.. While focusing fully..

Hos mana continued to flow, wandering around.. There were countless magical strands in place due to the Convergence.. Mainly the void, since they were in the swamp, so it wasn't easy.

Still, they continued.
(Stolas)


"..ahah- I hope I don't get older, but I could do with bein' faster, aheh."

A small chuckle follows the wolf's words, as she waits for something to happen; she's all too unaware of just how dangerous this may be, thankfully, and seems rather relaxed throughout this whole ordeal!
(Masumi Maki)

"Well. I sure hope that I get the better of those outcomes! Younger and faster would really be preferable, if you have anyway to direct it!"

It seemed like both of the test subjects really were blissfully unaware of the true extent of the danger they were in at the moment. It was such a lovely day after all! In the distance Alwine could make out the faint sound of some birds singing, as sunlight filtered down past the trees above. It seemed like the wind had started to pick up as well, blowing some of that long black hair right across the front of her face.
(Alwine Ruina)

After several, several minutes, finally the empyrean would find what was reported in Cid's notes.. A stream of mana, of magic, totally unlike any other.. And in that, he would have his eyes flickering in shades of green.

Apparently something positive!

"Well, found it! Prepare now you both." And in that, he would begin such manipulation..

His own mana would connect to the time magic strand, so that mana would flow to him, drain from it - going more specifically, to his hands in which he concentrated a sphere of pure energy..

Which he was trying to influence with such magic.. To use it upon the two test subjects.

But.. Being his first time trying this, it was noticeable that he was being.. Too hasty, he was.. Forcing his will too much and clearly, it wasn't going to end well..

Even so, he continued.. Sure he could  do this without much difficult..

Sure it wasn't that a problem or dangerous, to himself..

What a foolish empyrean he is being!
(Stolas)

The shift in hues in the Empyrean's eyes is noted, and one of the wolfkin's ears flicks curiously, as she awaits what is going to happen eagerly!

Masumi's gaze settles upon the sphere of energy, a brow raising at the sight of it - how was this different from any other spells?

She'd soon find out - whether it was good, bad, or didn't do anything at all. She could do nothing but wait, really, with bated breath, all too unaware of the danger she may possibly be in!
(Masumi Maki)


Alwine wasn't exactly sure how she was supposed to prepare for such a thing, but she still went ahead and did her best attempt at it! Standing tall and ready as those lines that ran across her form started to glow with their usual light, possibly picking up on the strange kind of energy that had started to fill up the air around them. It sure didn't seem to taste like anything that she had ever picked up on before!

"Do I just-am I supposed to do anything special?" She asked her question as her bright blue eyes darted around, squinting as if that would let her better see whatever was going on here at the moment. In the background the wind seemed to be picking up speed as the tip of her hat started to flutter, pushed back and forth by some errant gust of air. Well. If something did end up going wrong they still had Kim waiting on standby! She did really feel a lot more safe with him watching.

Because if something went real wrong, then the empyrean was in the range of getting a beatdown! But well-that didn't seem very likely. Surely he knew what was doing, right?

She had always been a pretty lucky Faerla, so at least that was on here side. Hey, maybe this could be even be her cool superhero origin story! It sure had all of the traits and checked all of the important boxes.
(Alwine Ruina)

Notably Stolas' fingertips were starting to 'rust' given such power, but because of his concentration and inability to feel anything.. He didn't realize this as he continued to channel that volatile energy.

Oh no.

"Just.. Stand.. Still." And in that, XC's hands were raised towards them.

It was remarkable that it wasn't under the Empyrean's full control, but to him - it wasn't noticed, nor would it matter.. For then, that energy was dispersed, fired, in the direction of the two of them!

Such as a fireball, or rather a essence bomb, but with concentrated time mana and which was slowly going to them..

Why had he done this? Because.. They were the guinea pigs of his experiment that would totally end well! And the effects, they would soon find out about, but for XC these were already noticed.

At least, for himself.

As he now noticed what happened to his metal hands, which he could barely move - "Oh, that's troublesome.." He made the comment in an apathetic tone before turning his attention to the two..

What would happen when it hit them? Time to discover.
(Stolas)

Alwine blinked a couple of times, unsure about what had really happened! Her skin felt all funny at the moment but.... that was it, right?

"Heeeeeeeeyyyyyyyy Stollllllassssss I'mmmmm nnnnnooooottttt reeeeeealllllllllyyyyy suuuuuuureeeee iiifffff iittttt wooooooorrrrrrrkeed...."

The words all sounded fine to her own ears but-huh. It seemed like someone was talking all slow at the moment! It was a strange effect, as even her hair got with the program! That wind had really been kicking it around below, but now it was possible to see each and every strand slowly shift around as Alwine's head turned with a very noticeable delay. Well. It felt like normal speed to the Faerla but-wow. Everyone else seemed to be moving so fast! The leaves on the trees now looked like a total blur as they moved too fast for her slowed down eyes to follow! Hopefully this wouldn't last very long? It was fun for a couple of minutes, but she wasn't exactly all that functional in her new altered state! Her time having been all stretched out until it felt like it was going to snap, seconds turning into... well... maybe not minutes but they really weren't in much of a hurry to get anywhere!

Her hand moved up as she went to look at herself, feeling almost like there was water in the way or something. Why was-ugggggh. Head hurty.
(Alwine Ruina)


Oh, huh. One moment, she's looking at that built-up energy, and the next, it's fired right at her and Alwine! Masumi has to forced herself not to move out of the way, conditioned by sparring sessions and more serious fights to fear oncoming balls of energy; she manages to keep herself still, though, even though she's grimacing slightly.

She'd offered herself up to help with this experiment, so help she would!

Even if she really didn't like the Empyrean's comment, when he watched his own hands. If it had had a negative effect on him, who knew what'd happen to them?

Well - they find out in the next moment. The wave of energy hits the duo, and Masumi is almost sent backwards, staggering; she manages to raise the swamp's mud into some sort of solid barrier behind her, to keep herself upright, at least - but... oh.

Her next step back, as she hits the solidified mud, is... way too fast. In fact, she hits the rocks right before they finish solidifying, and ends up half-covered in mud! Ew. Her ears flick rapidly, most likely looking like a blur to anyone around.

"Uh-diditwork?Diditdoanything?"

Seems she's speaking even faster than usual! Which probably isn't good for Alwine, who seems to have been affected with the exact opposite effect as she has! How fun.
(Masumi Maki)

While his hands were rusty, having suffered something that was clearly going to get in the way and would need repairs soon - Alwine would suffer from lethargy! Basically speaking in slow motion and also moving slowly..

While Masumi spoke extremely fast! And probably would move faster than normal.

And given such effects, he would take notes on it! But when he tried it, he remembered it was not possible, given his hands that rusted - "Ah, well.." And then he'd settle for mental notes about the situation.

Will serve for that.

"Very well, apparently the mana flow ended up accelerating the degrading process of my vessel, rusting my hands in the process, in far more quick way.

While Alwine had effects that rippled around her and in herself, leaving her sluggish.. Intriguing. And Masumi being the opposite, getting faster, possibly - and uttering words in moments.

I can already think about how to use, apply, this in future tests." And in that they could already be sure, that it wouldn't be on them - possibly, the tests would be on enemies..

When Stolas had a better handle on it.. More able to manipulate the flow of mana!

Per hour?

"Well.. I think we'd better stop here, since.." He looked at his own hands, "We were in a delicate situation and I don't know how long the effect on you two will last." And at that he was gesturing towards them, with both his hands no longer moving at this point.

He needed to.. take care of it.

"Thank you both for the help, it has given me greater insight into the study of chronomancy! For now, let's rest." And now, that practice was finished.
(Stolas)


Masumi nodnods at those explanations, her tail moving quite faster than usual behind her - even though she's not wagging it; the effects of that ball of energy are just making even her fluff move faster!

"Well- itwasagoodexperimentatleast!" Oh boy, it'd be hard to understand her, if one weren't paying full attention, for the next while!

"'mgladIcouldhelpthough! Thanksforaskingforourhelp! Itwassuperinteresting!"
(Masumi Maki)


Alwine found that it was pretty hard to understand what Stolas was saying at the moment, and she really wished he would slow down slightly! It was actually impossible to make out what Maki had said, this sudden blur of noise that had ended about the moment she started speaking!

"Riiiiiighttttt gllllllllllllad thhhhhhhhhhhhhhat IIIIIII couuuuuuuld heeeeeeeeeelp yooooooouuuuu ouuuuuutttt tooooooooodaay!"

Resting sounded good! She was falling a bit sleepy, as she turned around to walk away. It did seem like whatever had happened was slowly starting to wear off as her hair started to flutter normally again, time catching back up to normal!
(Alwine Ruina)