[ the self-deprecation is absolutely real here as it keeps its head low. ]
I was hoping to find any traces of the substance that Giyuu had coughed up before he... [ died? absorbed? what the hell did they all see? ] Or traces of the hands that reached out to him. It had disappeared previously but it doesn't mean that traces of it couldn't have resurfaced.
[ it thinks back to the profile cards for everyone and— ]
You're familiar with Alchemy as well, correct? If it was not lying.
[ not me forgetting about the animal traits myself sobs anyway—once anaxa confirms that they are an alchemist for real, a pair of rabbit (hare) ears will sprout up from its head. ...which would be cute if i didn't pick such a horrible puppet for foxglove. ]
That's what I was thinking as well. [ thus the digging. ] I ask because I'm also an alchemist myself, and I was curious if we could exchange knowledge.
I have the feeling that the kind of alchemy that you're familiar with exceeds beyond what I know.
[ this puppet is not blind to how fancy anaxa is dressed. ]
[ Anaxagoras sees the rabbit ears pop up and pretty much is scarred because of the fact it's on a fugly puppet.
He grimaces, grateful for his dromas horns which have been there all along. He imagines it must have clearly took awhile for Foxglove due to being in a puppet form... ]
...I have nothing against the exchange of knowledge.
There is much about alchemy that I do know which would dwarf that of most.
[ It isn't him being cocky - hundreds of years simply makes it a fact and because he's been studying that long. ]
I suppose the only way to be certain about the holes of your knowledge is to let me know which kind you are familiar with.
[ naru behind the camera: this npc is actually cute but here i am ruining it...but it's okay. foxglove brought it up first and based on what it can understand, it doesn't find anaxa's claims to be cocky or boastful. ]
Unfortunately, I have to confess that much of the alchemy that I'm know of is still rather new. A lot of advancements have been made but much of it has been within the past few years.
[ sure, even though foxglove brought this up give it a moment to confess to it. ]
One of the greatest achievements is that we managed to create life—a entire person who is able to think, feel, and move on their own.
[ At the least with Foxglove going over these details, it grants him time to ponder over them. ]
The ability to create life is still no easy feat. And I presume that all panned out well from this achievement?
[ Creation of life via alchemical process is no easy feat.
Though, while they are discussing the topic, Anaxagoras ponders over the potential "gap" in the knowledge, so he will ask another question for Foxglove to answer: ]
In addition, have you ever used alchemy to restore a life that had been already lost?
[ It is tangibly related, but there is still a slight, yet still notable difference. "Creation of life" versus "Resurrection". ]
[ Anaxagoras, is just kind of listening to this...hrm. ]
...Though, it isn't like they attempted to bring back this individual with their original soul. Rather, they created this being in the image of their child, out of some kind of sentimentality.
[ There's still a difference in there. Very slimmer now than before given that there was the intent...perhaps, wish? To replace their child deep down and if they could, they would.
But in the end clearly settled for this. Yet, he does have to confirm this in the first place: ]
In the end, this is a replacement. But, still a creation of a new life rather than a complete revival. Speaking of which, was that what this person wanted originally? And thus based their methods on creation of life instead?
The man who was responsible for creating this person vanished without a trace and the only things left behind were his notes and other inventions he had been working on.
So, I'm not sure what he was thinking when he created them, and the person he created also doesn't know.
[ and here foxglove is doing its best to explain itself in the best way that it can. ]
I... [ its voice trails and there's a moment where it might look like foxglove might back out but it shakes its head and speaks clearly. ] Something that I created is what gives them life. In place of a natural heart, is a substance that I invented that was key to bringing them to life and the reason for why their body is toxic.
[ Anaxagoras says this, while supposing that it isn't exactly unreasonable to want a dead loved one to come back in some way...despite the, uh, irony here. It's fine? It's fine.
He sees fit to cast judgment like stones as always. No more, no less.
Regardless, he waits patiently, considering his words as Foxglove nervously offers an admission. He's curious about the topic nonetheless. ]
...Do you have a name for this substance? Or rather, what it was created from? It's not necessarily a given what someone uses to try to bring to life another being ends up toxic. But, it seems like a consequence.
[ Was it the materials? Elements used? He doesn't even know. ]
[ no comment on the foolishiness of this man. foxglove definitely can't say much on it and instead will move along with giving the name to its horrible invention. ]
Zicterium.
[ the puppet doubts that anaxa has heard of it before but— ]
When its been properly refined it becomes a Horologium, a blue gem that acts as the heart. If there are more uses for that, I haven't had time to study it.
However, when Zicterium is in its gaseous form, it becomes a fatal toxin. Only a little of it could wipe out an entire city.
[ Anaxagoras in the meanwhile will listen to the name of this...material, whatever it is, and be appropriately stupefied.
Unfortunately, he knows not of its origins, nor its makeup, and neither has a familiarity of hearing such a word being uttered to him prior to this in his presence. It is much the same of Horologium. ]
How dangerous. You must have felt honestly compelled to go through with this yourself - either perhaps a connection? Or, seeking the knowledge to achieve it in the first place. [ ... ] The formulas utilized must have all been severely complicated.
...Considering our situation, applying this kind of alchemical knowledge would not be for the best as well, hm?
[ is this praise or criticism foxglove has no idea because somehow it feels like both at the same time. either way it'll press on and just wonder: ]
Have you heard of the Philosopher's stone by any chance?
[ whether it's a good thing or a bad thing if anaxa does will become clear soon enough. ]
But, yes, you are correct and it's what I've been doing since arriving here with mixed results. I only have so much available to me and whenever I think there's progress, I end up looking at a wall.
[ Anaxagoras thinks he has more knowledge by default. He already knows of the Philosopher's stone, and there are alchemical methods he knows to forge weapons, to bind souls to them as well, and...
Well, he is probably the most skilled alchemist here, actually, and I can't believe I'm typing this for it to not be a lie. After considering this, he decides to elucidate on his knowledge to offer a helping hand: ]
Alchemy has a multitude of foundations and subjects.
There is that of the elements, of the traditional sort, where bioalchemy fits in, or of course...
Alchemy that deals with that of the spirit - of the beyond. It appears as if you specialize in the last, to an extent. Though, I doubt you have attempted resurrection, nor used it to try to call out to the dead.
[ IMAGINE IF IT WERE A LIE... i wouldn't tell you though until you figured out the person behind the puppet. nevertheless, foxglove listens intently to what anaxa has to say and nods along.
bioalchemy... that catches its attention but it doesn't have time to address that as it needs to do some correction. ]
I wouldn't think about resurrection ever. Once people are gone then what's important to remember who they were.
[ sometimes people take your inventions and run with them. ]
My invention—Zicterium—is the byproduct of my attempts to re-create the Philosopher's stone, and the Horologium is probably the closest that I'll ever see of the actual stone itself.
If I were to have a focus in alchemy then it would lie closer to my roots with chemistry—with medicines being a huge demand of me lately.
[ Honestly, that would be hilarious. It would not be the first time someone's lied to him!! Anaxagoras is at the very least cognizant that these people may be liars at any time...because we are still at very accordingly low trust levels.
But, honestly the element/invention name is so specific that he's believing it exists right away, lbr. ]
Oh really?
If you became more learned it wouldn't be too difficult to become a doctor. Or, I suppose, a mortician.
[ ...
There is a morgue now. Terrible.
Maybe this is getting too dark. Or maybe not, they're talking about life or death, so what does it matter? ]
Now, in addition to supplementing your knowledge thus far, we would need to focus on needing the right tools as well. Do you have those with you?
[ imagine if my puppet was a liar? damn. anyway—dark or not, foxglove will be taking it in stride with a little laugh. he might have said it in jest but... ]
If I ever decided to quit being an alchemist, I think I'd open up a clinic and be a doctor.
[ as for the matter of having the "right tools" well. won't this make things awkward. ]
They may not be the same tools that you're familiar with, but I do have my lab here. [ ...yay? but. ] However, it may be difficult for you to go to it right now.
[ HELP it's fine...at least they are getting somewhere? Anaxagoras may indeed have his gripes, and he has always been a grumpy person, but he's able to get towards knowing this individual in front of him better. ]
I hadn't thought it was a serious consideration.
[ He does have doubts about 'being able to get to it right now', so best way to clear that up is to straight up ask. ]
As for the other matter...
First, why is it I can't reach the lab? Second, after you explain, why not move from tools from the lab to temporarily elsewhere?
[ Anaxagoras is a problem solver, first and foremost. ]
If my inventions are going to end up hurting people, then I would rather use what I know to help them instead.
[ anaxa might not have asked, but foxglove offers it regardless just before addressing the stickiest part of the whole situation here. ]
I haven't been able to figure out why that you all haven't been able to go to the places that we are. The only thing I could imagine is some sort of outside interference.
...it's a lot of equipment to move, you know. I've managed to move some of my smaller instruments to my clinic, so that I don't have to walk as far.
[ Anaxagoras did not ask, but forthright answers are always good, so he isn't going to say it was something unwarranted, either. ]
Outside interference as always seems to be the barrier. How convenient.
[ He sounds particularly bitter about that. It's fine. ]
Either way, if you've already moved some of your smaller instruments, I don't see why some more can't be moved.
Enlist the others to help move the rest, if you haven't already.
We don't know when access will open up to your lab and we don't have time to sit around, praying that suddenly everyone will be able to waltz in just fine.
[ and while it would be extremely easy for foxglove to wither at being scolded and told what to do, (not that what he's saying is particularly wrong ) what it ends up doing instead is starting chuckling softly midway of anaxa's "rant".
it'll cover it's face with its puppet hands despite not really needing to. ]
Sorry, it's just— [ ahemn. ] Just then, you reminded me of someone.
Having been a Professor simply means that he's liable to go into such rants at any particular point in time. Although he is used to people listening, he hadn't expected to hear laughter at the end of it.
...And then he is told that. Now it makes perfect sense. ]
How so? Is this someone the type to lecture people as well? Or perhaps having taken up a job as a Professor?
[ It's fine, laugh at him, even as he wrinkles his nose at this. Let's all be grateful he was not a horse this week or there would be grumpy stomping.
But, at least he's still listening. ]
I can already imagine why she'd have been ready to make similar demands. Particularly if you were the type to have the words of others at the ready so you can find better solutions.
I assume you must have served her before arriving here, then.
[ Or they were friends - if that is the case, Foxglove can correct him. ]
[ though to sober up and get with the program here— ]
I did; I was the Head Alchemist of her Imperial Court, but I left shortly after I created Zicterium. [ lowering its head just so. ] She and I had different opinions of how to use it.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[ the self-deprecation is absolutely real here as it keeps its head low. ]
I was hoping to find any traces of the substance that Giyuu had coughed up before he... [ died? absorbed? what the hell did they all see? ] Or traces of the hands that reached out to him. It had disappeared previously but it doesn't mean that traces of it couldn't have resurfaced.
[ it thinks back to the profile cards for everyone and— ]
You're familiar with Alchemy as well, correct? If it was not lying.
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Even if he does not say so. He huffs at this sight...though, he does also decide to focus on this subject in particular. ]
I am familiar with Alchemy, yes. It did not lie about that.
...Perhaps it is that traces of it are still around, but they cannot be seen to the naked eye.
[ This is not another sight joke, he is being serious. ]
Anyway, why is it you ask about my familiarity?
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That's what I was thinking as well. [ thus the digging. ] I ask because I'm also an alchemist myself, and I was curious if we could exchange knowledge.
I have the feeling that the kind of alchemy that you're familiar with exceeds beyond what I know.
[ this puppet is not blind to how fancy anaxa is dressed. ]
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He grimaces, grateful for his dromas horns which have been there all along. He imagines it must have clearly took awhile for Foxglove due to being in a puppet form... ]
...I have nothing against the exchange of knowledge.
There is much about alchemy that I do know which would dwarf that of most.
[ It isn't him being cocky - hundreds of years simply makes it a fact and because he's been studying that long. ]
I suppose the only way to be certain about the holes of your knowledge is to let me know which kind you are familiar with.
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Unfortunately, I have to confess that much of the alchemy that I'm know of is still rather new. A lot of advancements have been made but much of it has been within the past few years.
[ sure, even though foxglove brought this up give it a moment to confess to it. ]
One of the greatest achievements is that we managed to create life—a entire person who is able to think, feel, and move on their own.
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The ability to create life is still no easy feat. And I presume that all panned out well from this achievement?
[ Creation of life via alchemical process is no easy feat.
Though, while they are discussing the topic, Anaxagoras ponders over the potential "gap" in the knowledge, so he will ask another question for Foxglove to answer: ]
In addition, have you ever used alchemy to restore a life that had been already lost?
[ It is tangibly related, but there is still a slight, yet still notable difference. "Creation of life" versus "Resurrection". ]
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this is where foxglove gets antsy despite the one who is bringing this up. hmm. it sounds especially guilty here. ]
Not exactly... They're not perfect—anything that they come in direct contact with melts. There are few exceptions but very few.
[ a reasonable follow-up question that foxglove was ready for. ]
In a way, that's what this person is. The alchemist responsible for their creation modeled them after their child, however, they are not the same.
[ so. where do you put that? a new life that was created to be the image of someone who was dead? ]
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...Though, it isn't like they attempted to bring back this individual with their original soul. Rather, they created this being in the image of their child, out of some kind of sentimentality.
[ There's still a difference in there. Very slimmer now than before given that there was the intent...perhaps, wish? To replace their child deep down and if they could, they would.
But in the end clearly settled for this. Yet, he does have to confirm this in the first place: ]
In the end, this is a replacement. But, still a creation of a new life rather than a complete revival. Speaking of which, was that what this person wanted originally? And thus based their methods on creation of life instead?
You also sound quite instrumental in this.
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So, I'm not sure what he was thinking when he created them, and the person he created also doesn't know.
[ and here foxglove is doing its best to explain itself in the best way that it can. ]
I... [ its voice trails and there's a moment where it might look like foxglove might back out but it shakes its head and speaks clearly. ] Something that I created is what gives them life. In place of a natural heart, is a substance that I invented that was key to bringing them to life and the reason for why their body is toxic.
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[ Anaxagoras says this, while supposing that it isn't exactly unreasonable to want a dead loved one to come back in some way...despite the, uh, irony here. It's fine? It's fine.
He sees fit to cast judgment like stones as always. No more, no less.
Regardless, he waits patiently, considering his words as Foxglove nervously offers an admission. He's curious about the topic nonetheless. ]
...Do you have a name for this substance? Or rather, what it was created from? It's not necessarily a given what someone uses to try to bring to life another being ends up toxic. But, it seems like a consequence.
[ Was it the materials? Elements used? He doesn't even know. ]
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Zicterium.
[ the puppet doubts that anaxa has heard of it before but— ]
When its been properly refined it becomes a Horologium, a blue gem that acts as the heart. If there are more uses for that, I haven't had time to study it.
However, when Zicterium is in its gaseous form, it becomes a fatal toxin. Only a little of it could wipe out an entire city.
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Unfortunately, he knows not of its origins, nor its makeup, and neither has a familiarity of hearing such a word being uttered to him prior to this in his presence. It is much the same of Horologium. ]
How dangerous. You must have felt honestly compelled to go through with this yourself - either perhaps a connection? Or, seeking the knowledge to achieve it in the first place. [ ... ] The formulas utilized must have all been severely complicated.
...Considering our situation, applying this kind of alchemical knowledge would not be for the best as well, hm?
no subject
Have you heard of the Philosopher's stone by any chance?
[ whether it's a good thing or a bad thing if anaxa does will become clear soon enough. ]
But, yes, you are correct and it's what I've been doing since arriving here with mixed results. I only have so much available to me and whenever I think there's progress, I end up looking at a wall.
no subject
[ Anaxagoras thinks he has more knowledge by default. He already knows of the Philosopher's stone, and there are alchemical methods he knows to forge weapons, to bind souls to them as well, and...
Well, he is probably the most skilled alchemist here, actually, and I can't believe I'm typing this for it to not be a lie. After considering this, he decides to elucidate on his knowledge to offer a helping hand: ]
Alchemy has a multitude of foundations and subjects.
There is that of the elements, of the traditional sort, where bioalchemy fits in, or of course...
Alchemy that deals with that of the spirit - of the beyond. It appears as if you specialize in the last, to an extent. Though, I doubt you have attempted resurrection, nor used it to try to call out to the dead.
[ He has! ]
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bioalchemy... that catches its attention but it doesn't have time to address that as it needs to do some correction. ]
I wouldn't think about resurrection ever. Once people are gone then what's important to remember who they were.
[ sometimes people take your inventions and run with them. ]
My invention—Zicterium—is the byproduct of my attempts to re-create the Philosopher's stone, and the Horologium is probably the closest that I'll ever see of the actual stone itself.
If I were to have a focus in alchemy then it would lie closer to my roots with chemistry—with medicines being a huge demand of me lately.
[ this...is hopefully a tasteful joke..?? ]
no subject
But, honestly the element/invention name is so specific that he's believing it exists right away, lbr. ]
Oh really?
If you became more learned it wouldn't be too difficult to become a doctor. Or, I suppose, a mortician.
[ ...
There is a morgue now. Terrible.
Maybe this is getting too dark. Or maybe not, they're talking about life or death, so what does it matter? ]
Now, in addition to supplementing your knowledge thus far, we would need to focus on needing the right tools as well. Do you have those with you?
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If I ever decided to quit being an alchemist, I think I'd open up a clinic and be a doctor.
[ as for the matter of having the "right tools" well. won't this make things awkward. ]
They may not be the same tools that you're familiar with, but I do have my lab here. [ ...yay? but. ] However, it may be difficult for you to go to it right now.
[ please do not think of it as a liar. ]
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I hadn't thought it was a serious consideration.
[ He does have doubts about 'being able to get to it right now', so best way to clear that up is to straight up ask. ]
As for the other matter...
First, why is it I can't reach the lab? Second, after you explain, why not move from tools from the lab to temporarily elsewhere?
[ Anaxagoras is a problem solver, first and foremost. ]
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[ anaxa might not have asked, but foxglove offers it regardless just before addressing the stickiest part of the whole situation here. ]
I haven't been able to figure out why that you all haven't been able to go to the places that we are. The only thing I could imagine is some sort of outside interference.
...it's a lot of equipment to move, you know. I've managed to move some of my smaller instruments to my clinic, so that I don't have to walk as far.
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[ Anaxagoras did not ask, but forthright answers are always good, so he isn't going to say it was something unwarranted, either. ]
Outside interference as always seems to be the barrier. How convenient.
[ He sounds particularly bitter about that. It's fine. ]
Either way, if you've already moved some of your smaller instruments, I don't see why some more can't be moved.
Enlist the others to help move the rest, if you haven't already.
We don't know when access will open up to your lab and we don't have time to sit around, praying that suddenly everyone will be able to waltz in just fine.
no subject
[ and while it would be extremely easy for foxglove to wither at being scolded and told what to do, (not that what he's saying is particularly wrong ) what it ends up doing instead is starting chuckling softly midway of anaxa's "rant".
it'll cover it's face with its puppet hands despite not really needing to. ]
Sorry, it's just— [ ahemn. ] Just then, you reminded me of someone.
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[ Anaxagoras crosses his arms...unbelievable...!!
Having been a Professor simply means that he's liable to go into such rants at any particular point in time. Although he is used to people listening, he hadn't expected to hear laughter at the end of it.
...And then he is told that. Now it makes perfect sense. ]
How so? Is this someone the type to lecture people as well? Or perhaps having taken up a job as a Professor?
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[ tragically for him, this puppet will chuckle again, softly. ]
She has made similar demands—not about me moving my equipment—but refuting anything that I would say and then offering me solutions for my rebuttals.
[ not entirely sure how he's going to take that information. it's...a positive? ]
She's also very particular.
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[ It's fine, laugh at him, even as he wrinkles his nose at this. Let's all be grateful he was not a horse this week or there would be grumpy stomping.
But, at least he's still listening. ]
I can already imagine why she'd have been ready to make similar demands. Particularly if you were the type to have the words of others at the ready so you can find better solutions.
I assume you must have served her before arriving here, then.
[ Or they were friends - if that is the case, Foxglove can correct him. ]
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I'm sorry; it's a compliment, I promise.
[ though to sober up and get with the program here— ]
I did; I was the Head Alchemist of her Imperial Court, but I left shortly after I created Zicterium. [ lowering its head just so. ] She and I had different opinions of how to use it.
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