Part 211: 1/18/10

1/18/10

He might believe in a bunch of weird crap but it seems Ekoda gets this whole Nyx stuff is dangerous.



Lately, there’s been a lot going on in the world…
But, you shouldn’t let it get to you.
Common people are too susceptible to occult knowledge.
The worst thing a magician can do is lose control.
Always do what must be done, and you’ll be fine.
Anyway… Today’s lecture is on the magic of Greece.
Greece is known as the birthplace of Western philosophy and rationality, but…
The art of curses advanced right alongside them.
Philosophers such as Socrates, Thales, and Plato were Greek, but…
It was also the home to legendary enchantresses.

A… familiar name came up.



She was a witch who didn’t hesitate to kill her brother, or even her own children.
Then there was Circe, daughter of Helios, who was an expert in both poison and medicine.
Without Hermes’ help, the legendary Odysseus would have been changed into a pig.
…These may have only been myths, but reading between the lines, you can see Greece’s views on magic.
Greek magic began to take shape around the 8th century B.C.
It was around the same time that the poleis, or city-states, were developing.
Like many ancient civilizations, they worshipped protector gods.
There were temples that priestesses tended; these women would double as oracles.
Gradually, however, these ceremonies were performed in secret rather than in public.
The reason for this was the people’s desire to monopolize the power of the gods.
They copied the barbaric practices of legend: sacrifices, drinking, orgiastic festivals…
Dangerous acts such as these became widespread.
Apollo, Dionysus, Orpheus…
These were the gods they invoked when performing the rituals.
…Are you all listening? Don’t cross the river Styx now… Eeeheehee.
I’ll test to see if you were listening or not.
Get it wrong, and your aura will shift… Xilka, Xilka, Besa, Besa…

Still, I’m glad that it seems our teachers at least see this cult for what it is.



Circe.
Very good! Your aura is as clear as a mountain spring.
It was secrecy like that which turned priestesses into sorceresses.
Teachings originally meant to bring salvation to the body and soul fell into mere drunken orgies…
…luring people to the hideous path of immorality.
Necrophilia, using babies for potion ingredients…
This is where the abominable “black arts” began…

Aigis was worried about the old lady’s cat, so I agreed to help her look after school.



I’m worried about Mewlie…
Want to look for her?
Of course. I will not give up!
I look forward to the day I can return Mewlie to that woman…!

Before we headed out I stopped by the police station to see how the people we’d rescued were doing.



The girl they found the other day brought this in as a gift…
It looks like… some sort of liquid. By the looks of the container, I’m guessing you’re supposed to drink it?
She was murmuring something about fortune-telling, so maybe it has something to do with that.
…Anyway, just take it. We can’t have something this suspicious at the police box.
> Obtained Soma x 1.
There’s still more…
They found that missing student the other day. I tried questioning him, but…
His answers didn’t make any sense. He said some kids saved him from an attack by a black thing…
He left a reward with us, so I’ll hand it over to you.
> Obtained Salvation x 1.

Anyway Aigis and I headed down to the station to look for Mewlie.



Could it be…!?
> There is a spotted white cat in the corner of the back alley…
Are you… Mewlie-san?
Cat: Meow.
So you are Mewlie-san! I’m so glad…!
Aelita-san, let’s go tell the old lady about this!

We took her back to the mall, where the old lady was waiting.



Mewlie’s Owner: This little one is all I have left to keep me company…
I was so lonely when Mewlie was missing… I don’t know how I can thank the both of you.
“Lonely”…
Is being by oneself… “lonely”?
Mewlie’s Owner: Oh yes, dear…
When you get to be my age, you find that all the wealth in the world won’t take care of you…
Living alone is a dreadful thing.
Some of my neighbors have delightful children, but… * chuckle * They aren’t interested in old ladies like me.
Miss…
Mewlie’s Owner: Well, Mewlie, do you miss your basket and blankie? Want to go home now?
Thank you so much, you two.
> The old lady left.

Aigis has really been thinking about what it means for her to be alive now.



You may be right.
Yes.
It’s important to keep someone in your thoughts, and to know that you are in theirs…
To be able to contact them anytime…
And… to touch them…
……
> Aigis has a mixed expression for some reason.
But I do understand one thing.
I feel happy when I’m together with you, Aelita-san…
> Aigis smiles shyly…

I mean there are things she can’t do I guess, but there are lots of people with problems like that.



However, I am still curious…
If to live means to be able to connect with other people…
How close to that goal can I come with a body like mine…?
……
…Just kidding.
I have been exceedingly timid lately. Is there something wrong with me, I wonder?
…We should start heading back.
> You decide to go back to the dorm.

She shouldn’t be so concerned about what she’s like on the outside, I don’t… err, anyone who matters won’t care about something like that.