AUDIO;

[elkmobile]

I'd like to also start a project in growing trees on Cybertron. I don't know how well that would work, to tell the truth. Perhaps around the garden would be best. It would take sometime, but in the end, their growth would help improve organic life.

I... do have a question for everyone here. Is there any kind of spiritual presence on Cybertron? Is such a thing possible?

Perhaps that's a better question for the Firstforged. I don't know if asking the Cybertronians or humans would answer something like that.

Comments

action;

[primianpolarity]

[and Prima lets the light pull back. well, that answers /that/. his frown deepens.]

I know of gods, I know of demons - but of a god becoming a demon, that is strange to me. [he's not accusing Ashitaka of lying, simply stating the facts.] What else can you tell me of him?

action;

[elkmobile]

[He nods slowly, his arm calming as Prima withdraws.]

He was a beast god, a board. Originally, he was protecting some mountains until some humans began to cut down trees and digging to smelt iron. Nago was enraged and attempted to protect the forest and the mountains.

He was shot with an iron ball, and chased away when more people arrived to fight him. His hate consumed him, and he became a demon.

That is all I know.

action;

[primianpolarity]

Mm.

[he knows there are things beyond their world, and yet...it's odd. this combination between a demon and a god. while he's not at all convinced it's beyond his, or at the most /their/ power...]

And you said it will kill you, if left untreated?

action;

[elkmobile]

Yes. It... will tear my soul apart, Lord Prima.

[He does not hide the faint tremble in his voice.]

action;

[primianpolarity]

[if Prima thinks less of Ashitaka for that, he doesn't show it. he simply curls his hand, a pensive expression on his face]

...I could try to purge it, Ashitaka, but at the moment I am concerned for what my own power would do to you - and your soul, with this curse already so deep.

But.

I do not think it it impossible to stop. My only question is this;

Are you willing to risk your life, to save it?

action;

[elkmobile]

I understand.

If you have a suggestion, I will listen. And I assure you that I am willing to risk my life if it means saving it. I don't mean to speak so selfishly.

[Is it selfish, to just want to live? It's such a simple desire.]

action;

[primianpolarity]

Very well.

[he pulls his hand back, resting it on his knee as he regards Ashitaka. he's such a small creature...]

We have warned you to stay away from the Badlands. I feel, however, that I must send you to them, because it may be that the dark energy there is the key to your survival.

action;

[elkmobile]

[Small as he is, Ashitaka does not buckle from the sheer size of Prima. This one of the Firstforged has been gracious and patient. He respects that.]

Is there something specific that I would be looking for?

[primianpolarity]

I need you to absorb some of the energy that radiates from there. I feel its nature is not unrelated to that of the curse you bear, and with it, I will know how to constrain your curse without constraining you.

[elkmobile]

[There's a pause. That sounds... dangerous, of course, and he's more than willing to try. There is nothing else here that can help him, after all.

But.]

Constrain my curse without constraining me. I'm not certain if I quite understand, I'm sorry.

[primianpolarity]

Constrain your soul. [a pause, and then he clarifies;] In trying to subdue this...curse...I could subdue your soul as well, which would cripple if not outright kill you. I do not wish to risk that.

[and yet he's willing to send Ashitaka off in to danger. there's a logic there, but he's not making it glaringly obvious.]

[elkmobile]

I see.

If you're confident that this is my chance, I will try. Thank you, Lord Prima.

Is there anything else I should know?

[primianpolarity]

You may thank me when you return.

[and that said...he tilts his head.]

I will have one of my Acolytes bring you a device you may use to gather what I need. It is possible you may only need to go to the outskirts of the Badlands before it is able to begin its absorption...but even if so, I would suggest not going alone, if you have made allies here. If nothing else...

[another pause...]

...the Badlands are unexplored by us, but we know them to be a danger. Be careful. I do not like sending you there, especially with it still Calling, and I do so with great reluctance.

[elkmobile]

All right.

[Ashitaka frowns faintly.] Although, if it's as dangerous as you say, would it really be wise to take someone with me? I don't want to endanger them with this task.

[primianpolarity]

Would it be wiser to go alone?

[he regards Ashitaka soberly]

This is your duty...but you do not have to perform it by yourself. If that is your choice, then that is your choice.

But I do know that what is left of Cybertron's demons lurk in the Badlands, to say nothing of the beasts that the Lambda has brought to this world.

[elkmobile]

I see.

[Then his chances of returning would be slim, even if he made it to the Badlands.

He would have to ask help. This means openly admitting his curse to the people here.

Ashitaka's expression does not change.]

I understand and accept.

[primianpolarity]

[at that, Prima bows his head solemnly before moving to his feet]

Then Primus guide your steps.