16566/Go Go Power Slayers

Go Go Power Slayers
Date of Scene:	12 October 2024
Location:	Enchanted Grounds, Sunnydale
Synopsis:	Immovable Technical Jargon meets Unstoppable Force of Personality.
Cast of Characters:	Blue Ranger, Buffy Summers

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Blue Ranger has posed:
Billy Cranston pushed open the heavy iron door of the Enchanted Grounds, the stained glass windows casting colorful patterns across the floor. He adjusted his glasses as he stepped inside; noting the scent of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the earthy aroma of herbs. His laptop, cradled under his arm, felt slightly awkward in the cozy atmosphere. This was a place unlike any he had visited before, a blend of coffee shop and occult boutique, that both intrigued and intimidated him.

As he walked further into the shop, Billy was drawn to the shelves filled with books on new age topics and fantasy lore. His heart raced at the sight of a particular volume on ancient spells, its cover embossed with intricate designs. He glanced around, assessing the layout. The store resembled a labyrinth, with narrow aisles winding between displays of mystical trinkets and potions. He appreciated the meticulous organization of the space, even as he felt a twinge of anxiety at the thought of interacting with anyone.

At the coffee counter, Wendy, clad in a witch's outfit, was preparing drinks with an air of casual confidence. Billy cleared his throat, a nervous habit, and approached her. "Excuse me," he began, his voice slightly higher than usual. "I would like a medium latte, please. With oat milk, if that is available. And perhaps a slice of your most popular baked good?" He glanced at the display, noting the various options, but his focus remained on Wendy's expression.

After placing his order, Billy took a moment to observe the other customers. He noticed Tanya and Tina assisting a couple who appeared to be discussing tarot cards, their animated gestures contrasting sharply with his own reserved demeanor. He shifted his weight from one foot to the other, feeling an urge to engage, but unsure how to break the ice. Conversations had never been his strong suit, particularly in settings filled with unfamiliar faces and eclectic energies.

Buffy Summers has posed:
"I'll have a large chai tea please, four extra scoops of chai."

The voice came from behind him in the order line as Wendy had just been approached by a new customer. Buffy was dressed in a pair of black slacks with a pair of short heeled boots. Her top was white, a button up blouse with short sleeves, tucked neatly in the pants. A matching black belt held the pants in place around her slim waist. Her hair was down at the moment, falling around her shoulders in slight waves.

She had in her hand a book. The very book he had just eyed on the shelf. It was open as she examined the information within, flipping pages somewhat quickly as she scanned them for information. Then she paused. Her eyes narrowed. And a moment later, her voice was heard again.

"Theurgy. Thaumaturgy. Multi-dimensional trasmutation. I'm going do need a dictionary just to read this thing." Then she lifted her head and glanced around, eyes falling on Billy. "You wouldn't happen to know if they sell dictionaries here, would you?" Since Wendy was busy with another customer, easier to just ask someone that might be famliar with the shop but didn't work there.

Blue Ranger has posed:
Billy felt his heart skip a beat as the stranger addressed him. He turned slightly to face the woman, his initial surprise quickly morphing into an acute awareness of her presence. She was attractive and confident, and the book in her hands only piqued his curiosity further. "Um, hi," he stammered, adjusting his glasses as he tried to process her question. "I... uh, I do not believe they sell dictionaries here. But I could assist you by explaining some of those terms if you would like."

He took a breath, mentally scrambling to recall what he knew about theurgy and thaumaturgy. "Theurgy refers to rituals or practices intended to invoke the presence of divine powers," he said, his voice steadying as he spoke. "Thaumaturgy, on the other hand, is more about performing miracles or magic.. essentially, it is about using supernatural forces to achieve practical results. Multi-dimensional transmutation is... well, that's a more complex concept involving changing the state of something across different dimensions. It is all theoretical, of course, but it touches on physics and metaphysics."

Billy felt a wave of relief wash over him as he shared this information. Despite his social awkwardness, discussing topics he was passionate about always brought him comfort. He glanced at the book she held, intrigued by her choice. "If you want, perhaps I could help you find a simpler book on those topics," he offered, trying to sound more confident than he felt. "Or, you know, at least something with less technical jargon."

Buffy Summers has posed:
"Or you could help me by finding out if this is even a book that will help me with my specific issue really quickly? If you have the time?" The please was inherent in the tone but she realized she should add it so did verbally. "Please?"

And that is when Wendy put up his order so he could pick it up as Buffy still waited for hers. "I'll get us a table." And she was off, going to the table and setting the book atop it to claim it was theirs. Then she saw Wendy put her order on the counter and went to retrieve it. "I'm Buffy," she offered to Billy. "And I'm specifically looking to see if there is anything on..."

And here she paused as they walked toward the table, considering how to put this. "If there is anything about books with evil intentions causing something that seems like possession or splitting personalities of people that are influenced by them."

That was oddly specific.

Blue Ranger has posed:
Billy followed Buffy to the table, his mind racing with her unusual request. "Books with malevolent intentions causing possession or dissociative identity symptoms?" he repeated, intrigued. He considered the implications of her inquiry, wondering what had prompted such a specific focus. "That is quite a unique topic. From a scientific standpoint, possession is frequently conceptualized as a psychological phenomenon rather than a supernatural occurrence. However, it is entirely plausible that certain narratives or belief systems surrounding a text could significantly influence an individual's mental state."

As they reached the table, he took a moment to gather his thoughts. "In psychological literature, there exists a concept known as 'cognitive dissonance,' which describes the mental discomfort that arises when an individual simultaneously holds two conflicting beliefs or ideas. If a book, especially one with malevolent themes, can induce a sense of internal conflict, it might manifest as altered behavior, or even perceived possession. This is a fascinating area of study, although it is reasonable to assert that most authors would not intentionally craft a work to elicit such effects."

He observed her, sensing her earnestness. "If you would permit me, I could assist you in navigating the sections pertaining to metaphysics or the psychological ramifications of literature. There are various theories regarding the influence of storytelling on cognitive processes, and it is conceivable we might identify relevant materials." He paused, feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement at the prospect of delving deeper into her inquiry. "I shall strive to be as efficient as possible; I understand that temporal constraints can be a significant factor when addressing such issues."

Buffy Summers has posed:
As he started talking, Buffy found she had to pay attention. It wasn't that the words he was saying were impossible to understand. She knew them. all. But it just wasn't what she was used to hearing and she couldn't half-ass listen or she was going to miss something there. Thus she watched him very closely as he was speaking, eyes widening a bit when he mentioned the cognitive dissonance and she nodded cause that sounded like the thing.

As he wrapped up, the temporal contraints had her stumped for a moment then the lightbulb went off. "Oh! Yes. Time is of the essence in this one, I'm afraid. There is someone that I care about very much that seems to have developed a split personality. I don't think it's possession so much as the influence of this book has sort of brought out all the negative traits at once and stuffed the good person down in the cupboard under the stairs, so to speak." Because Harry Potter references fit so well with the intelligent verbage used by Billy.

"Oh, and just to let you know. That whole possession thing? Totally real. Demons are real. Supernatural stuff is real. Monsters are..." She paused and sipped her drink. "Let's simplify this. All the supernatural stuff? The scary stories? Yeah, all real."

Blue Ranger has posed:
Billy listened intently as Buffy explained her situation, her urgency evident in her tone. He felt a surge of concern at her mention of someone experiencing a split personality. "That sounds quite serious," he responded, maintaining his analytical demeanor. "If you believe a book has catalyzed this transformation, it might be worth investigating the content and themes presented within it. Literature can certainly have profound effects on behavior, particularly if it resonates with underlying psychological issues."

Her assertion about the reality of possession and supernatural phenomena caught him off guard. "Demons are monsters are... real?" he echoed, his brow furrowing in disbelief. "While anecdotal evidence exists in folklore and cultural narratives, from a scientific perspective, these concepts lack empirical validation. The existence of supernatural entities would fundamentally challenge established understandings of psychology and physics." He paused, recalibrating his thoughts. "However, I must admit that my own experiences... have occasionally blurred the lines between science and the fantastical."

Billy took a deep breath, reminding himself to keep an open mind. "If you are serious about this, then it may be essential to approach the situation with both critical analysis and an acknowledgment of the experiences involved. Perhaps we should examine the book's contents closely to identify any specific elements that could be contributing to this psychological phenomenon. I can assist you with research, and we might also consider consulting someone with expertise in the occult, should that become necessary." He felt an odd mix of excitement and apprehension; this was unlike any scientific inquiry he had previously undertaken.

Buffy Summers has posed:
At his offer of them looking at the book in question, she made a little face. "Unfortunately, we can't see the book. She took it and has hidden it somewhere. I checked everywhere. Even where she used to hide her diary when she was eight. At least, where she did according to her best friend. I suspect she has stored it in a pocket dimension or something to keep us from finding it. Not that it was findable other than by physical means anyway. You couldn't do a location spell or scrye or anything. It was protected. Or hidden. Point of view. Tomato, tomahto," she made sure to pronounce them differently. "As the saying goes."

"Apparently it can open a gate to Hell and, considering my experiences with the Hellmouth here in Sunnydale, I really don't want to get the full thing running amok." She gave him a pointed look, like he had to understand what she meant there. Even if he didn't experience it in his lifetime. She hoped he didn't, she really did.

"And yeah, all the things are real. But maybe not like they are in the stories." A little half shrug. "It's hard to explain. But I have some experience so can tell you that. Admittedly I'm curious about your own experiences now."

Blue Ranger has posed:
\
Billy felt a wave of unease wash over him at Buffy's description of the hidden book. "A pocket dimension?" he echoed, processing the implications. "That is quite an advanced form of concealment, particularly if it is impervious to standard location... spells or scrying... methods. If it can indeed open a gate to... Hell, then the potential risks are magnified exponentially. The 'Hellmouth' sounds like a conduit for various malevolent entities, so your concern is entirely valid." He met her gaze, the seriousness of her situation sinking in.

"I find it intriguing that you have had direct experiences with these entities. My own encounters, while not typical, do include instances of battling creatures that defy conventional classification. For example, I have faced beings crafted from baked clay, animated through unknown means. They possessed considerable strength and are fully mobile, displaying behaviors that suggested a rudimentary intelligence."

"I wonder if there are underlying principles or patterns that could be identified? While I typically rely on empirical data and logical reasoning, I must admit that this exploration into the supernatural raises questions about the nature of reality itself. If you are willing, I would be happy to share more details, but I also want to prioritize addressing your friend's situation. It sounds urgent."

Buffy Summers has posed:
"True. We'll talk about that stuff later. But I am curious about clay people or things. Cause that isn't one I've had to deal with so far." She rapped her knuckles on their table. "Knock faux wood." Since she had no idea if it was real. But hopefully it was the thought that counted as opposed to the wood itself.

"She has the ritual items she needs. She has the book. And she's royally pissed. She's had some outside influences and I think they helped sort of push her over the edge, if that makes sense." Dracula by name might be as step too far for her current companion. She didn't want him thinking she was just making stuff up to mess with him. Hell, she probably shouldn't be this open with a stranger about everything but desperate times called for desperate measures. And she was getting really desperate.

"I am hoping she won't try to use the book but it's ...kind of sentient? It has it's own will. Think Ring of Power from Lord of the Rings. It wants to be used to open that gate. I think."

Blue Ranger has posed:
Billy nodded, intrigued by Buffy's mention of the ritual items and the nature of the book. "The concept of a sentient object is particularly concerning," he said, processing her analogy to the Ring of Power. "If the book possesses its own will, it could act as an active agent, manipulating its possessor to fulfill its desires. This notion aligns with various theories in both folklore and psychological studies, where artifacts imbued with specific intentions or energies can exert influence over individuals."

He leaned forward, a mix of concern and curiosity etched on his face. "If she has been subjected to external influences that exacerbate her anger, combined with the potential sentience of the book, it creates a precarious situation. The interaction between her emotional state and the book's inherent desire to be utilized could result in unpredictable outcomes."

Billy considered their options carefully. "Given the circumstances, it might be beneficial for us to delve deeper into the contents of the book your friend possesses, even if we cannot physically access it. If it has been previously examined or referenced by others, there may be secondary sources that detail its properties or potential countermeasures. I suggest we explore any existing literature on similar artifacts or magical texts that have exhibited sentience or exerted influence over their users."

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy felt the oddest sense of relief suddenly and she gave him a small smile. "Sounds perfect. I have access to quite a library of reference books and a shop filled with stuff we could use. My friend that is in this state used to help me do the research so, I really appreciate that you are willing to help out." She tapped the book on the table. "I'll buy this one and anything else you feel might be helpful. Then we can go over to the Magic Shop and you can see what we already have? Maybe new eyes will help me find a solution."

Blue Ranger has posed:
Billy felt a wave of gratitude at Buffy's smile, appreciating her willingness to collaborate with a stranger. "I am glad to assist," he replied, his tone earnest. "Accessing a library of reference materials will significantly enhance our ability to formulate a strategy. The combination of empirical research and practical application could yield useful insights, particularly when dealing with something as unpredictable as a sentient book. Your experience in research will undoubtedly be advantageous in navigating the complexities we might encounter."

He paused, realizing he hadn't introduced himself earlier. "By the way, I should mention that I am Billy Cranston. I have worked extensively in scientific fields, and while my experiences with the supernatural are limited, I am eager to contribute to this endeavor. Collaborating with someone as knowledgeable as you, should provide a fresh perspective on the issues at hand." He gestured toward the book again. "Once we finalize our selection here, I am ready to delve into the resources at the Magic Shop and assist in identifying potential solutions."

Buffy Summers has posed:
"Nice to meet you, Billy. And thank you," she added in earnest.

Then another brief smile as she gave an assertive nod. "I'll leave the smart stuff to you but I can definitely help with all the supernatural side. It's kind of what I do. I also work at the Magic Shop full time so I know everything we have. We even have a section that is not open to the public so hopefully that'll give us something. I have other people looking into things in their personal collections." Giles and Constantine specifically. She was sure Harry was working on the problem from his own side as well. Maybe she should reach out the Justice League. Willow was a member and they did have magic types so perhaps that was a good idea.

"Once we finish our drinks, we can do a little more shopping then head over."