nexus_sages | (no subject)

There is a stone pylon standing in the Nexus, a waist-high obelisk with an iron ring set in its tip. To the ring is tied a rope, blackened with weather and age, that rises ramrod-straight into the uncertain distance above. Etched into the faces of the pylon are cryptic glyphs--utter nonsense, right-side-up, but upside-down, these runes read, "Here, above Ymir's cloven brow, do I set my anchor. Let him who cuts the rope have vipers in place of blood."

Normally, the rope is still, but today it sways faintly, twisting slowly this way and that, emitting the occasional creak. In time, the reason becomes clear, as a young boy in green and black and gold is climbing down it. Or up it, perhaps. He is upside-down, and closer to the pylon and the ground with every length he climbs, yet he seems to be straining against some strange gravity that would pull him away from the ground he seeks.

Hand over hand he descends, grasping at last the ring and flipping lightly to stand on the ground and crow in triumph. "I knew there was something up here!" Digging out a Starkphone, he holds it at arm's length. "Selfie!"

Having recorded his triumph, he turns his attention outward, balancing on one foot with his arms out to his sides, turning slowly around. "Advisers, counselors, sages, and oracles! What more could a soul in want of answers wish? But that isn't my question, don't count it. Do we have a set limit? Don't count that either."

"Sages! If you needed to learn, and learn quickly... what would you try to learn first?"

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"Oh, yeah, it's got a camera, too. See? There's a picture of you, now."

Pikachu pouted at it. It'd done that on purpose! He folded his arms, cross that it'd stunned him like that. But hm. He held it away from him and, after several tries, managed to take another picture. Ooo, better! "Chu!"

Pulled a tough pose, he fired some sparks off his cheeks and took another picture. Even better! He then hopped behind Loki. He could try taking a picture of him!

Selfie time! Loki grins, taking the phone and holding it out, throwing a peace-sign with his other hand. "On three. One, two, three-!"

"Pikachu!" he hopped onto Loki's shoulder, copying his gesture with a wink. Oh he definitely liked the phone now! He'd have to see if he could get one back home. Then he could take pictures of everybody! He eagerly leaned forward to see the picture they took.

Behold, Pikachu, the awesome glory of Loki's selfie-fu! Perfect focus, nobody's head or significant gesture is cut off, they look great.

It was far better than Pikachu's efforts. He pat Loki on the head, to show his appreciation for the beautiful photo. Which caused him to notice Loki's fancy headgear. He didn't have any hats like that. He tried to take it, so he could put it on and see how it looked but it didn't exactly fit.

Loki laughs. "Oh, you like my crown? You look quite princely in it!" That's worth another photo.

Princely? He only knew Princesses. But that must be good, since the Princesses were very fancy, polite and just as dangerous as any other fighter.

He posed for the photo, acting as posh as he knew how to be. Then had an idea. "Pi chu!" One moment! He hopped off and quickly returned as fast as his legs could carry him. In his mouth was a green headband. He fitted it over Loki's head, beaming.

Loki chuckles again. "Well, alright. Thank you. Another one together?"

Popping up right under his chin, Pikachu nodded and tried to look all princely and regal again.

He didn't know the boy's name! He kept forgetting - a lifetime of hearing your acquaintances names blared over loudspeaker before a battle helped cut down on the small talk but evidently wasn't good in forging manners. After the camera flashed, he turned to Loki and pointed at himself. "Pi Pikachu! Pi-?" He poked Loki.

"Pi-ah, your name's Pikachu?" He beams. "I'm Loki. It's very nice to meet you, Mr. Pikachu." A pause, as he considers what he's just said. "Is it Mr? I wouldn't want to offend a Ms."

Loki! "Pipi!" He repeated, smiling back at Loki. His vocal range was limited after all.

At the question of his gender, Pikachu nodded and pointed to his tail. A straight lightning bolt, with no heart shaped notch at the end! Either way, being called a Mr. was something very new. It was a good thing, right? He gave Loki back his crown, placing it on his head - over the headband. Woops.

Loki's not sure what he's meant to be looking for about the tail, but apparently something about it is a pretty good indicator. He'll keep that in mind.

"Oh, thank you." Feeling the crown get stuck on the ribbon, he asks, "are you going to want this back?"