View source for 333/The Three T's: Training, Tactics, and T-leftovers!

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2023/08/30
|Location=Korma Chameleon
|Synopsis=While still recovering from his injuries, Chrono decided to give Rashmi a bit of light training; both to get an idea of her capabilities, and Just How Screwed He Is in Pictures. He learns a *lot.*
|Cast of Characters=41,166
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:41|Rashmi Terios (41)}} has posed:'''<br>It's the day after Chrono's... precipitous... arrival on Earth, and he has learned a few things about its people. He has learned that knowledge of magic is, somehow, actively suppressed in the minds of people without it. He has learned that, oddly given the first thing, more *types* of magic exist than the TSAB has recorded schools of *its own* magic. That there are Cures and Senshi and Culinary Guardians and people drawing power from curses and and and and-- He has learned that there are monsters and threats that *match* every possible kind of magic known and unknown, which means Rashmi has seen more active deployment in her two months than some TSAB agents see in a year of service.<br> <br>Closest to home, however, he has learned that the Terios Family takes food *seriously.* When he wasn't able to be woken for breakfast, he was rewarded with double-portions matching Rashmi's at dinner, and the spread that made the table groan under its own weight would have been enough to man a small buffet counter for sheer mass. But alongside this, he also learned that the Terios family firmly believes that food is caring, and the more you eat the healthier you are.<br> <br>Chrono was tempted to be very healthy, indeed.<br> <br>But that was hours ago. With Chrono still on the mend but offering training, Rashmi made the excuse to take him up to the rooftop for fresh air. And since the greenhouse plants wouldn't need tending at night, it was more or less the perfect excuse to talk to an Actual Professional about how all this magic nonsense was supposed to work.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:166|Chrono Harlaown (166)}} has posed:'''<br>Chrono Harlaown was... was a bit overwhelmed learning all of that, to be honest. The fact magic operated in such a manner only made him more concerned than ever. Was it possible that not everyone was affected? Was this why the other devices had stayed with him? Because their wielders hadn't been able to use them? Had they, somehow, known this would happen? Or had the veil ensured that the devices stayed only with the person who was still magical? Were they okay? Would he be able to track them like this? He'd gotten lucky once, but...<br><br>At the very least, he had a source for that strange behavior from the one he had met. And was more determined than ever to find them and get them *off* this planet. They'd all accepted the dangers and he knew if any of them were in his shoes, they'd accept the responsibility as well.<br><br>... His mother was out there as well.<br><br>However, he also learned that the Terios family seemed to take the care of their guests seriously and, as such, he'd given in and focused on thanking them for their kindness. S2U was still recovering, anyway. So it wasn't like he could overdo it now. Best to recover and allow himself the opportunity to get better. While it did take most the day for him to feel well enough to actually stand (a clear sign of the state he had been in and a hint that it might have been more than just injuries causing his exhaustion), he was able to finally get up for dinner. Sure, first he had to use the restroom, but he made it TO the restroom.<br><br>And the food. Oh by all things holy, the food. They encouraged him to be healthy and damn if he didn't agree. You'd think he'd never had... well... any of the food before. As so much was offered, even he knew it would be rude to restrain his appetite. Still, he was... small. So while he was able to put away a LOT more than his small size likely made seem possible, there were limits. And there would still be plenty of left overs. But damn, he hadn't eaten that well in ages. He was actually smiling by the end. A true smile. Something... he didn't do often. It likely wouldn't last long, but he had done it.<br><br>They'd also learn that he was a very serious lad. His speech and movements were... incredibly at odds with how small and child-like he looked. His eyes rarely seemed to waver.<br><br>Well, except in response to that food. Who WOULDN'T waver slightly at the sight of the groaning table?<br><br>But now, having had a while to process the meal, he followed Rashmi upstairs and outside. Breathing deep of fresh air.<br><br>"I suppose we should start with the basics," he said. "What spells has Nicomachea taught you so far?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:41|Rashmi Terios (41)}} has posed:'''<br>And despite Chrono's stature and childlike looks, Rashmi *does* recognize An Actual Professional. When Chrono asks after Nicomachea's grimoire, she looks -- and feels, let's be honest -- like a student called up to give a practical demonstration. So, clearing her throat, she calls Nicomachea out of standby mode, and flips him open. Whereupon the book *projects a flat screen* above its pages, giving data on every spell Rashmi knows of, as she explains it. "Well there's the Barrets, that was the first thing Nicomachea taught me when I needed him. Hannah's given us some Belkan combat-magic data Nico's still trying to teach me -- honestly the hardest part is figuring out how all the *math* works together, I'm not a great math student -- but what I *have* figured out is, I can give Barrets an actual *payload* to activate on impact. I've been using it to sneak some Bind magic through in a fight."<br> <br>"Boost Up is probably what I get the most use out of," she goes on. "Accel, Strike, and Barret types of that. There are some extremely hard-hitting people I end up fighting with, so I prefer to use that to get the fights finished quicker. Um... Barrier and Shield I use pretty often, and I've been working on versions of that to get some breathing room? Also the Time-Space Barrier, given the kinds of things we end up having to fight that's a literal life-saver. The healing spell I used on you, that was the first time I've used it... mostly because I tend to forget I have it, and there's bigger things to worry about immediately anyway." This last, said with an appropriate flush of the cheeks at her inattentiveness.<br> <br>"Flier Fin for mobility, and... Oh yeah, the Investigation spells. Nico's been teaching me how to read the data it comes up with, alien forensics wasn't on my secondary-school curriculum, aheh..."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:166|Chrono Harlaown (166)}} has posed:'''<br>Chrono Harlaown nodded, listening to every word she said. Rather adamantly, in fact.<br><br>The Barrets weren't the most effective magic, but they weren't bad, either. &lt;&lt;Nicomachea, requesting data on Master: Rashmi Terios. Query: Status of linker core.&gt;&gt;<br><br>The fact she was using belkan combat-magic had him a little concerned. A midchilda device wasn't designed for that same kind of assault. However, with limited access, it made sense she would use what she could. It wasn't like he had the ability to teach her anything and everything. He was a powerful and well learned mage... but there was a difference between 'knowing' and 'teaching'.<br><br>"Boost up is effective. A force multiplier, that's wise of you to focus on, especially if you understand your own lack of power." He gave her a small smile. "And to be honest, I'm hardly the most powerful mage there is. Power only counts for so much. Your knowledge in amplifying others, as well as supporting with shields and binds, is a talent to be proud of. I can see why you were accepted as Nicomachea's master."<br><br>His eyes did narrow slightly, though. She was young. And not in the way that he was young. He was young in body. She was young in experience. She should NOT have THIS much experience, with her minimal training. The fact she did... made him feel just a pang of guilt, even though he knew it wasn't his fault.<br><br>"Your repetoire is actually far higher than I would have expected," he admitted. "It seems that Nicomachea has been teaching you well. We have a saying where I come from. 'Fear not the mage who knows a thousand spells. Fear the mage that knows a thousand ways to perform the same spell.' The fact you have rarely used the healing spell stands as a testament to your efficiency. I know from my own experience that the creatures you fight can be incredibly dangerous and not to be taken lightly."<br><br>He held out his hand. He had... a small, pink charm on it? &lt;&lt;Heart's Choir guest access, User: TSAB Enforcer-CH01.&gt;&gt;<br><br><span style="color:#E0345E">&lt;Yes, master!&gt;</span><br><br>Well, if she expected him to be in his great dark outfit again, she would be mistaken. Instead... he was... in a white... nurse's... outfit... with blue stripes. A small, pink staff in his hand. "My device is currently damaged, so I will be borrowing Heart's Choir for the moment. This should be fine, as it is more calibrated for support spells anyway. My own specialty is in ice and binding spells. Now then. As that is my specialty, I figure a simple training exercise would be this. Attempt to bind me. You may use any tools you desire to attempt as such and I will not move from this position. However, as your mission is restraint only, you may not strike me with an offensive spell. You may strike anything else you desire."<br><br>&lt;&lt;Heart's Choir, display my current state in my vision. If I over extend myself, alert me immediately and send a cease alert to Nicomachea.&gt;&gt;<br><br><span style="color:#E0345E">&lt;Yes, master!&gt;</span><br> <br>

:'''{{#var:41|Rashmi Terios (41)}} has posed:'''<br>Nicomachea's report on Rashmi's Linker Core is brutally honest: were she a TSAB Agent, she'd be a C-class Wizard at best, thanks to her capacity. Her output is simlarly anemic, proven when on the two occasions she's tried to provide identical support to multiple targets, the drain on her Linker Core was enough to knock her right out for a bit. On the complementary side, she *is* shown to approach her Support role as an exercise in problem-solving, and as long as she can remain *in* a fight, she can seriously tilt the balance of power in her favor.<br> <br>It's simply too bad she doesn't yet even have the capacity to throw *one* Buster-class spell, but there are notes that a workaround might be achieved. Still, in the moment, Barrets and trap shields are her sole offensive options.<br> <br>"Okay... Bind only." Taking a deep breath, the bookworm activates her Barrier Jacket, and Flier Fins unfurl from her ankles as she *absolutely refuses* to say anything about Chrono in a white and blue nurse's outfit. "Be right with you!"<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color:#ffff5f">*BONG!*</span> <span style="color:#ffffff">&lt;&lt;</span> <span style="color:#ffff5f">COMMAND INPUT AWAIT</span> <span style="color:#ffffff">&gt;&gt;</span><br> <br>Straight up she flies, mulling over how best to apply a Mage's specialty against them. Banking over and back down, she starts by testing the defenses he has against straightforward attacks.<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color:#ffff5f">*BONG!*</span> <span style="color:#ffffff">&lt;&lt;</span> <span style="color:#ffff5f">RING BIND</span> <span style="color:#ffffff">&gt;&gt;</span><br> <br>With a wave of her hand, she casts a ring of golden light that arcs out from her position, taking an oblique and curving path toward Chrono. As she closes onto the rooftop, she sends another in the opposite direction, both spells set to simply grab onto whatever they can touch, be it limb, body, or rooftop.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:166|Chrono Harlaown (166)}} has posed:'''<br>Chrono Harlaown took this information in stride. In the end, she'd hardly be the first C-class wizard he knew and there were plenty of C-class mages who could achieve better than AAA class in their fields. Raw power made things easier, certainly. But versatility and the ability to wield one's power alongside other's could mean so much more. A shame he wasn't in better condition, he could help her practice her other magics as well.<br><br>Besides, Cronos was unable to perform a buster-class spell either. He didn't let it stop him.<br><br>He didn't move, his focus on the magic she was sending at him. The staff raised...<br><br>Two circles, from different directions. Efficient, effective. Distract a target, make them panic.<br><br><span style="color:#E0345E">&lt;Stinger Snipe&gt;</span> <br><br>A small, blue ball of mana appeared. It then flew out, piercing the first ring. It then zipped back in a curve, piercing the other.<br><br>A moment later he spoke to her through his device, to hers. &lt;Magic comes in a multitude of forms. However, the primary classifications are Attack, Defense, Capture, Support and Illusion. There are other magics, but those are the ones you're most likely to come up against. Many devices are calibrated both to the user and the user's specialties. Your device is what we commonly call a intelligent device. They tend to be a bit slower at calculations, but trade off this weakness with the use of an AI assistant who can cover for their wielder in times of need. I use what is commonly called a storage device, they lack the ability to act independently, but are more efficient and quicker due to the lack of an AI system.&gt;<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:41|Rashmi Terios (41)}} has posed:'''<br>Oh... well that was new. So you can use spells to pierce spells... &lt;&lt; Nicomachea, remind me to remind you about putting that into our toolbox xomehow... &gt;&gt;<br> <br>As she banks again to take another circuit of the airspace above the Korma, she sends back a message in kind. &lt; Because they don't have to spend all that computing power to work the AI, right? But doesn't that mean you have to do all the math in your head by yourself? &gt;<br> <br>The tone of her message shows that she does, indeed, think this to be a seriously impressive feat. Next attempt; as she takes another loop, she generates and drops one, two, three more rings. Then, with a command to Nicomachea, has them all activate simultaneously. With maneuverability lowered in favor of acceleration, the arc these spells describe is much shallower, with a someone smaller window of time to target, in which to be brought down.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:166|Chrono Harlaown (166)}} has posed:'''<br>Chrono Harlaown gave a small nod. &lt;Exactly. But it's not as impressive as it sounds. Think of it as... hmm. What would be the equivalent in this world's level...&gt;<br><br>The orb hadn't disappeared, however. And it ran out, piercing the first of the loops. At least it would be easy to see WHY he chose that spell. While it used magic to create, afterwards he could direct it as needed for far less of a strain on his linker core. But it did have the issue in that since it didn't originate from him, it had to curve back around. It wouldn't make it in time for the second loop...<br><br>He held out the staff. <span style="color:#E0345E">&lt;Round shield&gt;</span> A small, blue shield formed in front of him, the bind striking it. The third was pierced by the small orb of his.<br><br>&lt;Very good, by the way. Now, while I have to do some calculations myself, it's more akin to using a calculator versus having an assistant use the calculator. For example, if you need to strike three targets, Nicomachea could target all three for you, prepare the spell and calculate where they will be while you focus on other things. They could even hit a fourth or fifth target you were not aware of. In my case, I would need to prepare the spell to strike the three targets, determining on their own where they'd be and ensure that I knew where all of my targets were. It does allow me to do other things, however, as I have complete control over which programs and spells I wield from my device. But in return I have to be certain whatever I do I am doing correctly, as there is no backup or second pair of eyes to catch any mistakes. Neither is better than the other and there are plenty of pros and cons of both. There are even a few users who use multiple devices and could have one of each, though that is quite rare.&gt;<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:41|Rashmi Terios (41)}} has posed:'''<br>&lt; Ooohhhhh, okay, &gt; Rashmi sends, coming to rest directly above Chrono. &lt; That makes sense! If you don't need the help, you can afford the tradeoff in not using the help, I can understand that. Um... one second. &gt;<br> <br>A spell-circle spreads out underneath Rashmi, the glow blocking her actions from physical view. Heart's Choir might note that she's not constructing *one* spell, but several, one after the other. There's a Shield, and a Bind, and something else, and Rashmi seems to be muttering an aria while putting multiple spells together like a child's assembly toy. The effort is telling, though, and sweat drips down her face while the magical construct is being put together.<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <span style="color:#ffff5f">*BONG!*</span> <span style="color:#ffffff">&lt;&lt;</span> <span style="color:#ffff5f">SOLAR MAKE-STUFF-UP-ON-THE-WING BIND</span> <span style="color:#ffffff">&gt;&gt;</span><br> <br>...Oh *that's* a spell that probably isn't going to be used that way again.<br> <br>What finally gets launched downward is a tightly-packed sphere of golden light about the size of two fists, surrounded with three bands of rune-ribbon like it had taped the whole mass together. The moment Chrono's piercing spell touches it, the Shield surrounding the spell collapses, launching a trio of Ring Binds out that... seem to have had the homing properties of a Barret slapped on, and turned to max. The rings tumble outward in randomized flight paths, altering direction and arrowing oin on Chrono when they hit twenty meters away.<br> <br>And Rashmi's wings are flickering as she lowers herself back to the rooftop; whether or not the gambit is successful, she is very definitely wiped for this session.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:166|Chrono Harlaown (166)}} has posed:'''<br>&lt;Exactly. This is why many forsake intelligent devices in the TSAB, though they're not unheard of. Those who join later in life will often prefer them due to their lack of familiarity with the systems. I've been doing this for... hm. Eleven years now, by your time tables. Most of it is second nature at this point and if I had an intelligent device, the lag would throw me off.&gt;<br><br>He squinted slightly, watching her from above. That was... interesting. A lot of spells. Combining them like that wasn't simple. Especially for what he had presumed was a rookie. Which told him more that he really, really didn't want to know. Something was going on here, on this planet. That made it a lot more dangerous than it had any right to be. She shouldn't even be considering things like that if she had only been wielding the device for a few months. Especially if she didn't even KNOW about magic before that. Just what kind of battles had this girl been through?<br><br>Her gamble pays off. The combination was unlike anything he'd ever seen someone actually try. Once it exploded, the small orb of his lanced out, barely, just barely managing to pierce one of the rings...<br><br>But by then the other two were too close. Their erratic patterns were harder to track. He had to disperse the orb and instead held up the staff again. How much more of an expenditure could he manage? On the upside, he'd been careful to not do too much.... the advantage of defending. But he had to be careful to not strain himself, lest he prolong his recovery. Well, so long as he used it to a lower level, it should be fine. Even with a different device.<br><br><span style="color:#E0345E">&lt;Stinger blade&gt;</span><br><br>Four blue swords appeared overhead. Two on either side... then they struck out. The first missed, the second struck the second bind, piercing it.<br><br>The third blade went out, exploding in a small sparkle flurry, but not damaging the wall it hit. The fourth, and final blade...<br><br>Missed. Striking the ground, doing no damage... And the bind got him. It hit his arms, binding them together. A smile was coaxed out of him from this display. "Very good, Terios-san. Quick thinking and adaptability such as that will serve you well," he said, before holding up his wrists. "If you wouldn't mind?"<br><br>He decided to not mention... just how concerning it was that she COULD do that. How much danger she likely was in if she had developed THIS quickly.<br><br>"Nicomachea, you have chosen your master well. If the captain was here, she'd have said the same." He'd have Heart's Choir go into standby mode a moment later before taking a slow, deep breath. He didn't stumble after, so he seemed to certainly be holding up well. But he was more shaken than he cared to admit.<br><br>He was still recovering and this exercise had, in many ways, been as much for him as it was for her. "How do you feel?" he asked.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:41|Rashmi Terios (41)}} has posed:'''<br>The Bind is dismissed the moment he calls her attention to it, and her wings shatter into shards of light as she touches down on the rooftop. "Pretty wiped," she admits, raking her hands through her hair. "But better than I would have been if I was supporting the front-line fighters... Boosts need like twice as much mana as Nicomachea says the default is, to integrate with completely alien magic types. How about you? I know where I was starting from, but you're still recovering?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:166|Chrono Harlaown (166)}} has posed:'''<br>Chrono Harlaown nodded. "You've only been doing this for a short while, your linker core, like any other part of your body, is likely still adapting to the new strain put on it. The more you work at it, the better you'll do. Practice makes perfect, as they say."<br><br>He then held up the small charm. "I'm fine. More tired than I care to admit, but Heart's Choir was-- is the device of the Arthra's head of medical personel. Optimized for support and medical care. There is no better device to ensure I don't overdo it as well as stick to more defensive practices. Perfect for light training such as this."<br><br>"However, I want you to try doing one more spell. Nicomachea, monitor her linker core and don't allow it if it puts her at any risk of danger. But I want you to try your healing spell on me once more. I don't expect it to do much in your current state, but there may be times you find it necessary to be able to use such a spell when already pushed. So learning how to better utilize the spell is important."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:41|Rashmi Terios (41)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color:#ffff5f">*BONG!*</span> <span style="color:#ffffff">&lt;&lt;</span> <span style="color:#ffff5f">ACKNOWLEDGED,</span> <span style="color:#ffffff">&gt;&gt;</span> says Nicomachea, as Rashmi pulls in a long, slow breath. "...All right."<br> <br>Closing her eyes, she reaches deep into her reserves, and starts the sequence for the healing spell. Nico's chime says that all is non-threatening, if inadvisable, and the spell-circle spreads out to resolve under her feet again.<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color:#ffff5f">*BONG!*</span> <span style="color:#ffffff">&lt;&lt;</span> <span style="color:#ffff5f">SOLAR HEAL</span> <span style="color:#ffffff">&gt;&gt;</span><br> <br>It's still not *great* as far as medical magic goes, but as a second wind on tap one could do a lot worse, and it covers enough area for both Mages to enjoy its benefits.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:166|Chrono Harlaown (166)}} has posed:'''<br>Chrono Harlaown let out a soft, small sigh as the healing magic washed over him.<br><br>He prayed that it would never come to that. Where she was already tapped out and forced to push past her breaking point in order to heal the wounds of someone else. That she'd never have to feel that desperation. But... if she did? Hopefully she'd take this lesson to heart and be able to help them.<br><br>It might never, likely would never, come up. But he could at least help prepare her. Who knew? The life he saved might be his own. Not like he had any other backup at this point.<br><br>"I... don't suppose... err... does your family object to eating leftovers so soon after a prior meal?" he asked sheepishly, lightly scratching his cheek when he chuckled.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:41|Rashmi Terios (41)}} has posed:'''<br>"Heh... If they did, I'd be in a lot of trouble lately," Rashmi chuckles, though her thoughts are similarly turned inward.<br> <br>Jade Eyes' tantrum.<br>The Clover Mall.<br>Hannah's assassination attempt.<br> <br>How would those fights have gone different, if she'd paid attention to the fact that this spell *existed?* How much needless pain did those brave warriors suffer?<br> <br>She shook her head a bit, banishing the question. She'd been fumbling in the dark this whole time. Now she has another tool to her toolbox. Perhaps it'd be worth it to see if healing magics could integrate with payload Barrets. If so, she could do a lot of precisely-targeted good, and make up for her ignorance that way.<br> <br>Blinking the ruminations away, she gives Chrono a reassuring smile. "Anyway, yeah... let's get a snack, maybe there's chom chom in the fridge! Because I don't think you've seen what Mami's people call dessert yet, have you?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:166|Chrono Harlaown (166)}} has posed:'''<br>Chrono Harlaown gave a light chuckle, unaware his own worries were being so mirrored by the other girl. She may not realize it, but she was going to be pivotal in whatever battle was being fought on this planet. At least, he suspected she would. Civilian or not, the fact she could support the front lines and keep herself out of danger was a pivotal skill that made her an incredibly valuable resource. Especially with their numbers so... diluted.<br><br>"I... I have not. But I've admittedly been incredibly familiar with, ahhh, dessert. My mother has always been known to have quite the sweet tooth."<br><br>&lt;Nicomachea, don't tell Terios-san I'm asking this. But can you send me the calibration data on her enhancement magic usage on other... on the other magic users? I'm... not sure I can do much, but I can at least see if I can figure out a way to better optimize her spells.&gt;<br><br>Truth be told? He was doubtful he could. He was a talented mage, but he wasn't a meister, nor was he a support mage. He knew some basic spells in that regard, healing and the like. But as much help as she and her family had offered him up to this point, he felt it was at least his obligation to try her in any way he could.<br><br>Besides, looking over that kind of information while recovering was a LOT less strenuous than most other activities. and it would keep him from going mad and feeling useless.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:41|Rashmi Terios (41)}} has posed:'''<br>Quietly, as if accustomed to acting outside of his Master's wishes toward her well-being, Nicomachea does so. He also includes what is likely to be hair-raising review material; recordings of the fights that he *knows* are on his Master's mind, complete with performance and diagnostic data. Because form follows function, and Nicomachea is purpose-built to gather, collate, and provide helpful information.<br> <br>And in his idea of a joke, he also provides recordings of a much more low-stakes fight; a huge shark-man stomps ashore, promptly vaporized by Rashmi, a werewolf, and a pirate. Just magical girls bein magical girls.<br> <br>If nothing else, all this data does provide one reassuring fact; that the redhead *was not kidding* when she said the Device Mages on this world have a wealth of allies.<br> <br>Now if only one could know where all the *enemies* are coming from...<br> <br>"...So chom chom," Rashmi is chattering, as she helps Chrono back down the roof-access stairs. "Take fresh -- and I mean, you made it yourself just a bit ago -- cheese, and start kneading it until it starts working like dough. Turn it into little pieces about two fingers wide each, and just simmer them in flavored syrup! Papi likes to do a lot of floral syrups for those, it's my favorite..."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:166|Chrono Harlaown (166)}} has posed:'''<br>Chrono Harlaown could work with that, at least. The more information he acquired, the more he could use it. But all of this was incredibly worrying. He'd... well. Never seen magic like that recorded. There were, occasionally, rumors of other magical creatures. But the most wide spread they were familiar with were belkan and midchildian. If there were other ACTUAL magical people, he was unaware of them existing aside from rumors.<br><br>Yet apparently here they were practically falling out of the trees. Something here didn't measure up right. But... allies. He may not have the TSAB, but if there were people who he could count on, allies in whatever battle they'd face, it brought him some peace of mind.<br><br>Force multipliers were great, but nothing beat true numbers.<br><br>"Hmmmm... that does sound quite delicious. Admittedly, I've never had it. Or fresh cheese, for that matter. I've had some cheese, mind. Just not at the freshness you're requiring. I look forward to sampling this dessert. If it's anything like the other treats of your family, it will be positively delicious."<br><br>Though, that did bring to mind one... other thing he felt he should mention. "Though, err... in the interest of being entirely honest with you, I feel I should clear up one... small... misunderstanding." He glanced around to make sure her father wasn't around. "I'm... not sure how old your family thinks I am. But I am, by your calenders, fourteen. I would have said something earlier when your father... was speaking. But ummmm..." He kind of collapsed.<br><br>"I do hope that doesn't cause any issues." ... Yes, he did feel a little guilty at the idea of getting dessert before clearing up this little misunderstanding.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:41|Rashmi Terios (41)}} has posed:'''<br>"Papi likes to tease me," Rashmi chuckles. "And no, it won't be a problem! Just... huh! I mean I know I'm *kind of* tall for the area, but... Yeah I uh... thought you were closer to ten, sorry. Well... that kind of makes *me* feel better, I gotta admit I was kinda terrified of people who'd give a ten year old the kind of combat training that made them an, uh, whaddayacallit... Enforcer? But now it makes more sense, you're a prodigy."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:166|Chrono Harlaown (166)}} has posed:'''<br>Chrono Harlaown let out a sigh of relief... though he did cringe when she said 'ten'. Still, he decided to just brush past it for now. "I began my military training at a very young age and have had extensive training by many of our elites. On the Arthra, I was... not quite second in command, but my authority would only be countermanded by the captain so long as I was acting within my purvue. However, I am a special case and, usually, enforcers would be closer to your father's age than mine. Which... admittedly, is part of the issue. This... magical block over your world? I am young enough to avoid it. But I don't believe any of the others who came here would be. As such... there's no telling what situation they are in now. I've only managed to make contact with one member of the crew and he... was... different. Lost, almost," Chrono said softly, his gaze wavering slightly.<br><br>"... I will need to meet and ally with other mages of your world if I am to have any chance of aiding them. There are very few in the TSAB who could help me here, even if any of them could get onto this planet. As... much as I wish I didn't have to, I will likely need to lean on you, Terios-san, even after my wounds heal. As much as I hate having to involve a civilian, I do not have much choice. Of course, you have every right to refuse... but... from what I have seen, you are not the type to deny one in need. So I feel it behooves me to explain the situation as plain and simply as I can, so there are no misunderstandings between us."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:41|Rashmi Terios (41)}} has posed:'''<br>Rashmi listens very gravely to Chrono's story, even as she busies herself taking a selection of leftovers out of the fridge. Tikka masala, naan of several flavors, rice, half a dozen desserts like what she described, in a candy-apple-colored glaze, and two plastic-wrapped packages that seem to contain cakes in the shape of... fish? "These're taiyaki," she explains, taking them out of the wrapping and handing them over. "It's like a sweet pancake, grilled crispy on the ouside, with fillings in. I like the sweet-potatoes, but yours has custard."<br> <br>By the look on her face, it's pretty obvious that the talk is mostly autopilot, while she gives Chrono's request and warning serious consideration. "Koji said that 'magic is the power of youth,' on this world. And... y'know thinking about it, it *doesn't* really make sense! *Especially* considering you and your people, if it's not that way for you then... Yeah. Your people *do* need help, quickly. And I'm pretty sure if you promise to help Hannah -- uh, she's Belkan nobility or something, and she followed her murderous-coup-committing uncle here -- she'll help you too. So... don't worry about be being a civilian, Chrono-kun. On this world? I don't need to be in civil service to consider it my duty to help everyone I possibly can. Otherwise...?"<br> <br>She looks down at Nicomachea's charm, and touches the gem, before chuckling to herself. "...Otherwise I never deserved to *find* Nico in the first place."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:166|Chrono Harlaown (166)}} has posed:'''<br>Chrono Harlaown gave a nod and... there it was. Mouth. Watering again. Oh, he was partially grateful his mother wasn't here. She'd be *loving* this. The amount of teasing he'd receive if they saw him actually staring at the treats like this... Just the thought made his cheeks burn a little red.<br><br>"It sounds delicious," he said in as calm a tone as ever, managing to barely hide just how delicious it really sounded to him. If nothing else, he knew his time with the Terioses would be good.<br><br>Though, that brought another thought. They were letting him stay here. Why were they... without asking if he was... Did they suspect he was a runaway? Or something else? Well. They weren't asking questions and he wasn't going to look this gift horse in the mouth. With so much going wrong, he would be grateful that one thing was in his favor.<br><br>"Belkan nobility? Oh... I'm going to get punched," Chrono said with a tired sigh. Ah. So he HAD met belkans before. "Wait, her murderous... Of course I'll help her," he said matter of factly. "The TSAB and Saint Church have been allies for a very long time, if she requires aid I am bound to give it."<br><br>He glanced down to the charm and smiled. "Indeed. Were times... less difficult, Terios-san, I would recommend you be given proper training and the possibility to traveling to our home. However, as things are... I feel Nicomachea has chosen well and I will do all that I can to aid you in realizing your potential. I am certain you will live up to all that Nicomachea sees in you. If you don't already."<br><br>And then he took a bite of the taiyaki...<br><br>Soooooo goooooooood. Okay. You know what? Even if it WASN'T a TSAB planet... the food here was MAGICAL.<br><br>After he swallowed he looked over at her. "I don't know if it doesn't make sense, however. This sector has always been considered dangerous. As far as I am aware, no TSAB ships have ever returned from it. But things seem to work differently here and it's my duty to find out how and why."<br><br>Chomp. But only after he recovered.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:41|Rashmi Terios (41)}} has posed:'''<br>"I mean, thanks," Rashmi says, flushing at the compliments. One gets the idea that compliments for something besides schoolwork are a rare thing, for her, and perhaps too embarrassing to acknowledge, because she seems to deflect them with all the zeal of a Belkan, and all the grace of an *extremely drunk Belkan.* "But I'm just doing my best because I believe in it."<br> <br>The food is warmed up in short order, and set out on the table to be picked over to fill the conversation. "So I have to ask... The Time-Space Administrative Bureau. Does that mean like... You *actually travel in time* as well as space? Or is it more of a dimensions thing? Again, bad at math, but sometimes the things that come up in popular science *feel* like magic, so I get curious."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:166|Chrono Harlaown (166)}} has posed:'''<br>Chrono Harlaown couldn't help but smile a little at her attempts to deflect praise. Well, and all the treats. Her comment, however, made him pause. He was silent after that, eating the taiyaki and considering how to answer her. Finally, he shook his head.<br><br>"Yes and no. Time travel as you are imagining it is likely to never be done. I do not even know if it can be. But many of the things we work to protect the universe from can have an... interesting effect on time. For example, I've only been on this planet for a few weeks. The Arthra was likely not destroyed until after I arrived here. Yet, your device? It has been here longer than I have been alive. Time is not always a straight line and it is our duty to stop dangerous items across both time and space that can threaten the balance of the universe."<br><br>"So yes, we travel through time, no, not intentional, and if I have, I cannot say. That was before I arrived here. This place is an anomalie. We normally avoid it, for good reason. Already I've had to adjust my view on so many different fundamental laws."<br><br>He sighed and sunk a bit. "It's going to be quite the report I'll have to submit if I manage to ever find a way to get everyone home."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:41|Rashmi Terios (41)}} has posed:'''<br>"Yeah but by that point," Rashmi points out, "I'll probably be in a position to *help* you with your paperwork, so... It won't be *as* bad as it could be, right?" Her face splits in a wide grin for a moment, and she heaps some leftover murgir jhol onto a scrap of naan, and considers as she chews.<br> <br>"...But multiple dimensions *are* a thing. The Time-Space Barrier proves it, and that's a concept I'm *still* having trouble wrapping my head around."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:166|Chrono Harlaown (166)}} has posed:'''<br>Chrono Harlaown nodded. "Oh, don't worry. If you are, there will be enough paperwork for the both of us," he said in a flat, serious tone. "If there is one thing that proves the existence of other dimensions it is that paperwork is truly infinite." ... He didn't seem to be joking. He... he wasn't joking, was he?<br><br>Chrono then gave a light, tired yawn. "Maybe... I should take a short rest. You likely should as well. Your linker core will need time to recover after today's training. But you did admirably, Terios-san. I'm grateful of all the devices I had to choose from, yours was the one I reached out to."<br><br>If for no other reason than hers was unlikely to try and stab him. Or punch him. "But... uhhhh. Perhaps... delay my meeting with the belkan until after I have had a chance to heal fully." Once again. Dead serious.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:41|Rashmi Terios (41)}} has posed:'''<br>"No that is a *fantastic point* and you should definitely do that," Rashmi says gravely, agreeing fully with Chrono on the last one. "And anyway, if Koji can successfully argue that Hannah shouldn't fight *me* in greeting, you'll be fine. We'll talk to him tomorrow, if you're feeling up to it."<br> <br>Standing, she begins to clear away the dishes. "And hey... I'm glad I got to help, too. It's just nice to know someone who knows what they're doing, *and* has a view of all this weirdness from the outside, y'know? I'd be happy to be your friend, Chrono-kun. Get all the rest you need, okay?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:166|Chrono Harlaown (166)}} has posed:'''<br>Chrono Harlaown nodded. "Ah. I see. Hannah must be the belkan, then? Meeting with Koji then sounds good." Oh. Yes. He was definitely getting punched. He could feel it in his soul. Her comment on the matter only confirmed what he knew was coming. The fist of the belkan star tolled for thee.<br><br>Chrono would, at least, try to help gather the dishes, but that was about it. Namely because he was still learning and more likely to get in the way than actually help.<br><br>He'd then head back to the couch, laying on it. His mind was adrift with so many things. The wonders of this strange world. The other crew members. His mother. How much danger were they in? He doubted he'd be able to sleep at all.<br><br>By the time Rashmi was done, she'd find him on the couch, passed out and snuggled up under the blanket. Like it or not... he still had a lot of recovery to do.<br> <br>
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