♛ 001: text

[spearsurfing]

EVE would like to verify that Chung, Raven, and Rena are still present in the tower. Additionally, if any others from Elrios have arrived in her absence, and updated list is requested.

EVE was not able to bring back any samples, but... I can confirm that our world has died. I was unable to find any traces of life or El energy. Not even the demons remain. The red-haired boy... I was also unable to find.

If there are still those here who doubt the information we have been given about our worlds, EVE urges you to reconsider. Whatever force caused this, there is no way anything could have survived. Revival is not possible. This death is absolute.

I am sorry.

Comments

[spearsurfing]

[She nods as he explains, making a quick gesture to Reby for him to start taking notes. If they had enemies here, she'd have to keep her database up to date and accurate.

She waits until Raven is done before interjecting, Reby still tapping away at his tiny holographic keyboard.] I was able to contact Chung earlier, so we can be certain that he, at least, is safe.

[No comment on Rena. It's not difficult to tell, even for a Nasod, that Raven cares deeply for her. Emphasizing her absence further would be unnecessary.

She hesitates for a moment, hugging her drone a little tighter.]

Raven, I am aware that our relationship has not been the most positive, but... I do worry about you. I would like it if you informed me of your status, from time to time. [Which is Eve's way of saying hey, I'd be sad if you disappeared, let's try not to totally avoid each other as much.]

I will continue sending Scouts to explore the tower's floors. If they encounter any sign of Rena or the others from our party, I will let you know.

[unkindnessof]

[There is no immediate response from Raven. He instead stares blankly out into space, at a panel of stained glass, before slowly heaving a long breath and slumping in his seat, left hand finding the edge of the pew and grasping it tightly.]

...Should it happen that I come across them before you or your Scouts do, I can promise the same. And I suppose... I am not too opposed to that course of action. It would be good if we all kept track of each other here...

[His voice is still that quiet, even monotone, but thin cracks spider from beneath his claw.] If you were able to contact Chung, then, at least... that's one less child to— worry about. [He'd been about to say 'mourn,' and only barely managed to catch himself at the last moment.]

...Is there anything else in particular you wanted to discuss?

[spearsurfing]

We should not allow our party to drift apart, even if we do not have a reason to travel together here. Because... we are united by more than just the El, I believe. [Perhaps Nasods didn't have a concept of "family", but they sure did make quite the dysfunctional one.

Eve pauses, raising a hand to signal to Reby that he could stop.]

... Ah, there was one more thing... the replacement sword Raven requested. Eve remembers completing it, however, she is not sure if it reached you. [considering she vanished abruptly before she could officially hand it off herself.

and maybe she also wants to see if she can get some comments on her work and then fill it with more lasers.]

[unkindnessof]

...Mmm. More than just a cause, I think. [It's the closest he'll come to outright agreement. No replacement for those lost... but they comfortably fill in the empty spaces all the same.]

I did find it. I'd assumed you intended it to be that way... I wasn't sure of whether it was finished or not, as by the time I'd thought to ask about it you were nowhere to be found in the Tower, but it seemed to be fully functional, at least.

[He was actually quite pleased with its performance, not... that... one could tell right now, with him carefully controlling—and supressing—any flickers of emotion that might arise.]

[spearsurfing]

The structure and electronics were completed, though Eve was unsure of the balance. She wished to perform proper equipment testing before finalizing it. Have you had any difficulties with it?

The El energy efficiency could also use some adjustments... While Eve was able to stabilize the beam, she was displeased with the results. [which is to say it can only cut through most things rather than ALL the things. Too bad she never got some kind of laser-specializing code, or something.]

[unkindnessof]

None that can't be adjusted to. It might be a bit heavier in the hilt than most I've used, though.

...Though you mean to say, this isn't yet entirely finalized? [Nasod tech. Nasod tech.]

[spearsurfing]

A lighter material could be substituted, then. Although, it will need proper reinforcement to ensure it is not too easily damaged... [hmmmmmm]

It is functional, but hardly what Eve would consider a final product. [she wants to make it a real lasersword, damnit.]

[unkindnessof]

[...should he be worried.]

I suppose... whatever you see fit to do will be fine. Should you wish to retool it, that is. I've a weapon from Chung that I can use in the meantime.

[spearsurfing]

[What if... WHAT IF... she added laserblades to his claw?

Just saying.]

... Ah, is that so? Eve was not aware Chung was constructing a weapon for you as well. [slightly disappointed, aww she's not special anymore] If that is the case, perhaps she will approach him for a collaboration.

[Wait shit, better idea: laser grenades.

And maybe it could explode into tiny Iron Scraps, too. The possibilities are endless.]

[unkindnessof]

[So you're saying he should be worried.]

He insisted. [Dryly.] In fact he would have been quite disappointed had I not allowed him the chance to try something of his own. [Actually he was intimidated by Eve, except when Raven tried to give him an out he was just sad instead . . .]

That isn't to say what he crafted was in any way inadequate, however... It's a perfectly serviceable blade, just... very unique.

[Or in other words he's just not used to his swords being grenade launchers. He's still not entirely sure how he's supposed to hold it when firing, for one thing- like a rifle? Like a sword, but just- point and pull the trigger? It has relatively little recoil, after all; is that how Chung meant it?

Why are gunblades such an inherently ridiculous concept? How does Veteran Commander even function?]

[spearsurfing]

... Unique in what way? [Come on, he can't say that and not explain. Now she has to know.

this tag is short and I DON'T CARE]

[unkindnessof]

... He constructed it somewhat similar to his own weapon, I think... or at least had it in mind during the process. [That, meaning:]

It fires grenades.

[Right back atcha.]

[spearsurfing]

...

Eve would like to examine this design.

[yeah there's no escape now

raven is now forever doomed to have the most ridiculous weapons]

[unkindnessof]

[he never did stop being a test subject did he

He carries it on him- both swords, yes, that's the wonder of wearing a number of ridiculous belts- so it's hardly a moment before he manages to shift and remove the sheath containing the gunblade to place it next to Eve.

Regardless of whatever it is that Eve does with it, he'll just lean back and stare up at the stained glass for the time being.]

[spearsurfing]

[whoops, you caught me

She takes it carefully from him, then begins turning it around to examine all the little details. It was surprisingly sharp, and much lighter than one would expect... After a minute or so of this she skips straight to the important part: the firing mechanism.

Which is to say she shoots a grenade at the altar.

Mort importantly: DOES IT BOUNCE? The answer to that question could be the difference between a hole in the floor and a hole in the pew they're currently sitting in, whoops.]

1/2

[unkindnessof]

[The answer is: YES THEY DO SWEET LADY OF EL WHY WOULD YOU JUST-]

2.

[unkindnessof]

Some warning would have been appreciated before you performed a practical test.

Re: 2.

[spearsurfing]

[w h o o p s

If it makes it any better, Eve looks a fair bit frazzled as well. Also her drones who probably just narrowly avoided getting exploded.]

Eve was only checking the trigger, she did not expect it to be set off so easily!

[unkindnessof]

Well, now you know that it works, and rather readily at that.

[what ever happened to danger close

if nothing else it's a good temporary distraction from heavy thoughts.]