nexus_crossings | Struggling with destiny

Struggling with destiny

[There’s a newcomer wandering around the Nexus, a girl no older than 16, examining the different sights and sounds. She’s hiding how nervous she is to be in a new place, but the wonders of the multiverse easily create excitement. From taking pictures of Pokemon, people, flowers and buildings, Zelda is pointing the Sheikah Slate at anything of interest. Which is practically everything.]

[She’s watched the video greeting, along with reading some of the helpful pamphlets that get left behind on coffee tables and chairs. After getting her initial exploration out of the way, she stands quite patiently in the square, clutching the Sheikah Slate tightly with one hand, while the other pushes back stands of blond hair behind her pointy ears.]

It seems as if I am to ask a question, given the traditions and rules of this place. To be fair, conversing with random strangers has never been my strong suit…

[She takes a deep breath before continuing.]

Many people here seem to have different abilities and skills. If you would tell me...how did you discover your own talents? I seem to be struggling lately with my training, so any advice is greatly appreciated.

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Ogilvy is happy to answer the newcomer's question, even if he suspects that they have very different jobs.

"Practice. Years of it - the kind of job I have is one where there's always more to learn and more to explore. But as for how I became an astronomer..."

He thinks it's because he was always the shy type, always wandering by the common by himself and looking at the stars. But he doesn't quite know why that imprinted itself on him, or why he's still fascinated with the stars even though his death came from them. Maybe he is just an old fool. However, just because he's in a strange world doesn't mean Ogilvy intends to give up his life's work.

"I was inspired by the work of scientists who came before me. Their studies paved the way for my own, as I hope mine pave the way for others in the future. It took a lot of hard work, rigorous studies, and practice."

[Zelda is sorting through a few of the most recent pictures she's taken when Ogilvy approaches. quickly, she straps the slate to a holster on her belt, then bows her head politely to him.]

Oh! I appreciate your input on the situation, sir. Alas, no matter how much practice I put in, I cannot reach my goals. I would like to have a few more years to study, but it seems like time is running out.

[The topic of astronomy is fascinating to her, as Zelda's eyes light up in curiosity]

Studying the stars, planets and moons sounds wonderful! I've always wondered about different constellations. Are there any good places to see the sky here?

That confirms Ogilvy's suspicions. The kind of thing she has in mind must have been quite different from astronomy. Nevertheless, she does seem interested, so he continues.

It isn't every day when he encounters a fellow stargazer.

"My name is Gavin Ogilvy."

Ogilvy takes off his hat in return and bows slightly. Judging from her clothes, this stranger must be important in her homeworld. He ought to pay his respects.

"Yes, there are - it's one of the things I most enjoy about the Nexus. Sometimes I go out into the Wilds and look at the stars, just like I used to back home. I could recommend some good sites, if you would like."

A pleasure to meet you, Gavin. My name is Zelda.

[She keeps the Princess title off her introduction, mainly because the people here seem nice to anyone and she also worries that announcing her royalty might be a risk. She returns his bow with one of her own, then clasps both of her hands together, listening intently to his words, chiming in once finished.]

Yes! I would love to see the stars! I also have an interest in the different animals and plants that grow around here as well. Someone also told me of a Grand Library which contains hundreds of books. Have you ever been there? What other things should I see in the Nexus?

"Zelda?" Ogilvy smiles - it's not a name foreign to his home world, but judging from the strager's clothes and mannerisms she was an outsider. The astronomer wonders how far she's come to get here and what her world is like. "That's a fine name."

He wishes he could visit some of these other universes himself for some hands-on learning.

"I need to visit that Grand Library. I've heard about it - and I need to set some time aside for a visit." Ogilvy is a tremendous reader, and has a love for scientific romances, Verne in particular a childhood favorite. "I'd most recommend the Wilds, if you enjoy nature. I go there to stargaze every once in a while."

T-Thank you.

[She lowers her head once more, a wide smile on her face. Hearing what Ogilvy has to say only makes her happier. It's like they're two bird of a feather, enjoying research and reading. What luck to find such a nice fellow on her first visit.]

Both places sound wonderful. I'll probably go to the Grand Library first, since Father has started restricting my time in the castle library. No time for reading when training is in order. Do you have any other visiting spots?

"I'm happy to be of service, madam."

Ogilvy's always pleased to run into people interested in astronomy, and Zelda's curiosity makes him happy. The Nexus could do with more inquisitive people. It helps take his mind off whatever may be happening in his home world. He couldn't do anything about that, anyway.

He thinks, trying to come up with more ideas. "Hmm. Other visiting spots. There are some cafes here that are good if you need a place to relax - they make some very nice tea." Ogilvy is one to enjoy a nice cup to drink after a hard day's work.

I'm very grateful for your assistance, Mr. Ogilvy. I'll be sure to pay you back for the kindness soon.

[She wonders if Ogilvy would be okay with visiting Hyrule. Sure, his wardrobe would have to be changed, but it would be a treat to have company come back with her, if only for a day. Or maybe he's the type who likes payment in gold? She's become so distracted with her thoughts that his words almost slip by without acknowledgment.]

Tea sounds wonderful. I have a perchance for enjoying a slice of fruit cake when tired or stressed. It's good to know the food options in the Nexus are grand and diverse.

"Oh, you don't have to pay me back in any way. Helping another visitor is the least I can do."

Ogilvy's always happy to meet new faces, especially since he's become aware he cannot return to his homeworld. The Anti-Violence Field has made him more confident about approaching even the most intimidating of strangers. It's done a lot to rebuild his trust after everything that happened with the Martian invasion. He would like to visit other worlds, though, if he knew it wouldn't kill him.

"There's all kinds of different dining options here. With so many people from so many different worlds, there would have to be. I'm afraid to say I haven't visited them all, but I can recommend a few."

The Indoraptor has taken to wearing a white board around his neck, together with a marker, to make it easier for him to communicate with fellow Nexus dwellers. He absorbs the question, then uses his marker to write the answer.

My abilities were given to me by my creators - I wasn't trained. I learned to use them on my own with time and opportunity. Instinct helped - I know how to hunt, for example.

His claws were tested on the people who strayed too near his cage, but he doesn't mention that particular detail. He isn't one for lying, at least not with words, but he has learned to omit things from stories. But it is true that he had to learn quickly, and nobody taught him to use him how to echolocate or hunt. He'd learned himself, and continues to train in the Wilds.

[Zelda is not as open to the idea of a large, dinosaur-like creature approaching. Cute and soft animals, yes, but something scary is only bound to frighten her. Which is sadly what happens when the Indoraptor approaches, causing her to jump backwards, quickly strapping the Sheikah Slate to her waist. She can't afford to lose it here.]

A Lizalfos!

[She looks scared, not even noticing the dinosaur writing something on his white board. Instead, she's quickly running over to a nearby table, grabbing a small chair and hoping it can be used as a shield.]

Help! Someone please help me!

The dinosaur lowers his head and gives a birdlike trill. Even semi-reformed, he has trouble in not coming across as frightening. Razor-sharp teeth and claws, as well as a formidable size, have that effect. He steps back a little, hoping that would get the message across that he means no harm.

He has no clue what a Lizalfos is, but he knows he isn't one. Does he look like one? He has no idea. His creators didn't call him that, but he has no frame of reference for what one is.

A Lizalfos? What is that?

He decides to ask the stranger to explain, not sure what kind of response he'll get.

[Stepping back means very little to her, having been attacked by monsters and humans alike on her home-world. Back then, she had the protection of the soldiers, but here, she's left to fend for herself. And seeing a giant lizard is not helping her already stressful situation.]

Get back! I warn you that I'm a trained magic user and can defend myself!

[She isn't reading what he says at all, taking the chair and pushing it out towards the dinosaur, hoping he'll see that she's willing to fight back. Either he goes or she might be tempted to bolt when the moment is right. Sorry, Indo, this might be too much for a first time Nexus visitor.]

The dinosaur is initially confused by the stranger's reaction, but it isn't the first time someone who met him for the first time responded like this. He should be used to it by now. However much he wants to socialize, he is still a large dinosaur with claws and razor-sharp teeth.

He needs to remember that, but sometimes he forgets he isn't a person-person and will be treated differently.

Wordlessly, the Indoraptor turns and leaves the stranger in peace. He doesn't enjoy scaring people as much any more, especially when they don't enjoy it, too. He is proud of his looks, his sleek black scales and long nails, but he's increasingly aware not everyone likes them.

If this girl's world had Instagram or Pinterest Peter's pretty sure she'd be a shoe-in for a pretty popular blog. Her hand's remarkably steady and she's got good composition in her pictures. Which...he definitely doesn't know from peering over her shoulder no sir that would be creepy.

Teenage girls taking photos of everything is at least something Peter's familiar with, even if he's terrible at talking to them.

"I uh." Wow Peter maybe don't start talking from behind a girl like that. You might scare her. "...I mean, i think you have to do a whole bunch of stuff to find something you're good at. But even then, it takes a lot of hard work to become anything better than decent you know?"

[Zelda hasn't noticed the young boy watching her movements, focused intently on her research and photo-taking. She's happily watching a couple walk by with a pair of fluffy white dogs, trying to resist taking another photo. Thankfully, Peter's words break her out of her thoughts. She turns around quickly to face him, somewhat surprised as his sudden appearance.]

Oh! I would appreciate it if you approached me face to face next time, young man.

[She makes sure the Shiekah Slate is still in her hands, before thinking about his words, while also assessing his personality based on looks alone. He reminds her of the young farm boys who help out around Hyrule Castle Town.]

Hard work. Yes, I understand how important training can be, but I wonder...What would you say if someone was destined to do a great thing, but that person isn't able to perform the task? They put in the work, but no results seem to occur.

"S-Sorry! I was just going this way when you asked and uh--w...wait. Young man?"

She looks like she's the same age he is! Maybe a bit older. She looks awfully mature for her age after all and Peter will probably look sixteen yet when he's thirty knowing his luck. His perpetually awful luck.

Any blustering and sulking about that comment is falling by the wayside though. Her words and concerns are ones he knows all too well. He's been there and the feeling of crushing disappointment is so heavy.

"I...don't know about destiny. But I know about expectations not living up to reality. Sometimes no matter how hard you try it seems like nothing comes of it. And you're all alone. Always relying on someone else to fix what you should be able to do by yourself."

Here's hoping her crushing expectations don't involve being actually buried under an entire warehouse of concrete. He wouldn't wish that on anyone.

It's alright this time. You just surprised me a bit, that's all.

[Seeing dangerous monsters and evil clan members has put her on edge, even in the safe confinements of the Nexus. She's managed to calm down now, having realized that Peter is not a threat to her.]

That...That's exactly how I feel right now. It's as if you read my mind. Thus, my inquiry to the Nexus. Perhaps I'm hoping to find answers to my current dilemma.

[No, her problem is worrying about a decade old evil pig wizard getting loose and destroying her home-world. Concrete is better in comparison.]

"So okay, it's gonna sound really cliche and like I'm not taking you seriously but I've been there. You gotta have courage and not give up. Even when it seems impossible. Even when it hurts."

He sounds so serious now. Not a hint of his awkward stutter or foot in mouth teenage faux pas. This matters. Her feelings matter and Peter desperately wants to help someone else sitting in that situation. Even a little bit.

"There's gotta be something only you can do. You can't unlock that if you're doing it because you're supposed to or because you think you have to. You have to do it for you. To protect the things you love. The things that matter to you, personally. If your heart's not in it you're just spinning your wheels in the mud."

Hermione has an armful of books again today, as she heads through the plaza to return to the Grand Library. She is followed closely by a orange kitten (who is growing quickly and could soon be considered a cat).

She pauses at the question.

"I was quite young when I discovered some of my more remarkable talents." She can remember the panic of her Muggle parents when she started casting spells accidentally at age three.

"But it took years of practice and schooling to help me know how to use them."

[Oh! Seeing the kitten immediately gets Zelda to pause and put the Shiekah Slate in front of her. She doesn't ask for permission, quickly taking a few pictures of the orange kitten, before extending one hand to the animal.]

Such a beautiful animal! Your fur is vibrant like the rising sun.

[It'll take her a moment to look up at Hermoine, smiling brightly.]

Was there a particular event that helped you to awaken those powers? Or did they sort of pop out of nowhere?

Pictures? CJ poses for the photos. Then holds out his paw in return to the woman in return. And he purrs at the compliment of his fur. Thank you human.

"They just started to manifest. But if I was upset or emotional, then they would get harder to control. It was difficult for my parents, who did not have the same talents."

[She laughs and puts the slate away, happily petting CJ with her gloved hand. He's so soft that she can't help but gently offer to hold him in her arms.]

They just showed up one day...?

[She sighs, looking at the kitten with a forlorn look on her face.]

It seems I am not so lucky. I would happily trade uncontrollable powers over not having them.

The kneazle can sense this woman is in need of a cuddle, so he climbs into her arms with no hesitation. And purrs contently.

"Is that what has you concerned? That you might not have special abilities?"

Quite the opposite, in fact. I have abilities but they've yet to awaken...

[She frowns, gently caressing CJ in her arms.]

There is an entity that's threatening to destroy my world. I am the only one who can stop it.

"Perhaps CJ and I can help you awaken them?" Hermione offers. CJ purrs in agreement, looking up at the woman with his big green eyes.

Would you be willing to try? The fate of an entire world rests on my shoulders, so I'm open to any options at this point. The people of Hyrule need me.

[She tenses up, petting CJ to calm her nerves.]

Hermione takes out her wand, and casts a Revelio spell over the other woman. She watches the spell work its magic for a second.

"I do see great powers within you. But you are going to have to find your own way to unlock them."

As another relatively new arrival, Thor has spent the past day or so familiarizing himself with the Plaza proper, and its immediate surroundings. Including the clothing stores, so he doesn't have to borrow Steve Rogers' outfits anymore, perhaps to the disappointment of several visitors. It's no armor, but the sleeveless Nordic-style tunic fits him well, so he's pleased with it.

Several other shopping bags sit at his feet, tucked up under the small cafe table he's occupying. He looks up from the transparent, smartphone-like device in his hands at the sound of a question being asked, and peers at the speaker with his one good eye. Is that a Light Elf? A young one, if so.

"I first felt the call of the storm when I was six. My father had taken me to Vanaheim to learn about trade agreements, or something of the sort, and while we were there, a storm swept in. I thought I heard a voice call my name, so I went out into it, and was struck by a great blast of lightning. It didn't hurt at all, more like..." He trails off a moment, at a loss for words to describe it, everything coming up short. "Like coming home after a long day's travels, or seeing a friend that's been long away. The storm sang to me in my bones that night, and it has ever since."

[Zelda's attention goes to the bags and device Thor is holding first and foremost, fascinated by the different items he has. The Nexus is simply wonderful and she has to resist peeking into the bag. Instead, she turns her attention to Thor properly, nothing his appearance and how it reminds her of the veteran soldiers from back home.]

Well met, good sir. Your story is very interesting, and if you don't mind, I'd like to ask you a few more questions about it.

[She bows her head politely to him.]

You say the storm called out to you? Was this something you was expecting to happen in your life? A predetermined destiny of sorts. What kind of powers or knowledge have you gained from forging a bond of this nature?

The device might be made of glass, with a silver stripe down one side, and glowing Futhark-like runes inscribed across its surface. He presses a corner of it and the runes fade, leaving it blank as he sets it down on the surface of the table to face her more fully.

Her formal attitude seems familiar, and though Thor has spent a lifetime as a warrior, he's spent just as long learning court manners. Something he'll probably need more of in the coming days, now that he's king. He bows his head in return greeting, and gestures broadly to the chair opposite him. "Not at all. Please, join me."

He's never minded talking about himself, though these days it's of a slightly humbler nature than it used to be. "Not destiny, exactly, but I knew it'd come. My family is particularly strong in magic, so it went without saying that I'd develop a talent sooner or later. Illusions, prophecy, that sort of thing. My talent just happens to be elemental power. Lightning and storms, specifically. I can change the weather with a thought, turn it against my foes... and apparently cast lightning with my bare hands. That's kind of a recent thing."

[She smiles and makes a mental note of the device, what it looks like, in case if she can find one around here later. Seeing Thor bow his head gets a smile from her, as she politely accepts his offer to sit down. Such a nice gentleman.]

Why thank you, good sir. It is refreshing to see people care about one another in this place.

[She folds her hands, placing them in her lap, back straight up as she sits on the sofa. Based on her posture and behavior, it's clear that she's been trainer to be respectful and royal at any given moment. Being in the Nexus is no exception.]

I understand completely. Though I may not look like it, I come from a family with magical powers. Alas, I've yet to unlock those skills, hence the nature of my question. Can your magic be taught to other people, or is it exclusive to your family?

His own relaxed posture straightens subconsciously, though it's been a long time since he's been in the company of royals that aren't related to him. Centuries of training are good for something after all, as it turns out. Hooray, manners.

He doesn't remember the Light Elves being quite so reserved and polite, but then, this is the Nexus. She might not be an elf at all, despite the ears; humans may look Asgardian too, but that doesn't make him one either.

Her question puzzles him slightly, an odd angle to take for the topic, to his ear. "Use of magic is like any other skill. Most people can learn to access it, with proper training, but inborn talent tends to influence what shape that magic will take, and how powerful it is. I'll never be as talented with illusions as my brother, for instance, just as he will never harness a storm."

[Hylians are probably comparable to both humans and elves, their appearance shared with both races. She just happens to be one of royalty, hence the specifics in her behavior.]

I see...It all comes back to training, no matter how you look at it. But what if...

[The distress is very clear on her face now, looking away from Thor to stare at her gloved hands.]

Can I confide my problem to you? It relates to the questions I've been asking, but I've been avoiding the real problem.

"Of course." Thor offers a friendly smile, as reassuring as he can make it. "That seems to be what this place is for."

And sure, he's no teacher, but he can be a listening ear at least. Maybe there's some small scrap of wisdom he can pass along, once he understands her reasons.

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