maskormenace | 001 ⚔ Video

[The device is unfamiliar to Van, but he has always been a quick study. After a brief fumble with the initial direction of the camera, he appears upright on screen, a young man with earthy red eyes, wild black hair, and a stern expression that suggests he is attempting to, and only halfway succeeding at, controlling a barrage of intense emotions.

Probably confusion and disorientation, the same sort almost all imPorts feel upon their arrival, though some more so than others, particularly those who hail from worlds much less advanced than this one...]

I'm looking for two friends of mine.

[He's abrupt and to the point, seemingly unhappy with having to ask for help, but obviously knowing that he's without any alternative options at the moment.]

We were traveling together before I found myself here. Merle, Hitomi...I've been told that this is the quickest way to reach you if you've also been brought here by that Porter.

[If...

Van's expression darkens, and a gloved hand rises to cover the lens of the camera.]

...I would be grateful to anyone who has perhaps heard of them, or who recognizes the names Gaea or Zaibach.

[The latter said with such potent disdain it's a wonder the young man's voice didn't crack before he simply...disconnects.]

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They can't help it, [ the Doctor responded with a little shrug. ] Humanity's always fond of their fun little new toys. Always have, always will be.

No matter the damage it might cause.

[Van's understanding is...decidedly grim.]

You've unfortunately got it in one, [ said with a little siiiiiigh. ] People start wars without thinking of the aftermath—a bit funny, considering that nine times out of ten they're fighting for a certain aftermath.

[Fighting to bring an end to fighting...? There's no such thing!]

I know what you mean.

[Van's sigh mirrors the Doctor's.]

That sounds like the sigh of someone who's had to deal with pointless fighting before. [ well, he's definitely had to deal with fighting before because again, Escaflowne, but point stands. ] I'll tell you mine if you tell me yours.

There's not much to say.

[Well, that's not entirely accurate. The amount Van has to say about the conflicts back home could fill a book. But he's not the most verbose person, nor the most trusting and ready to share sensitive details.

He supposes, though, that he can scratch the surface. He may as well with what he's said already.]

Zaibach burned my home—my kingdom—to the ground. They've started a war that continues to spread, as wars do, and claim their intentions are to end fighting. But how many will suffer, how many will lose their lives as a result? Fanelia is gone, they laid siege to an Asturian outpost belonging to the Knights of Caeli, and even attacked Palas unprovoked. They'll stop at nothing...and if not stopped, there will be nothing left.

[ Congrats Van, that line of thinking means that you've officially joined the group of Teenagers The Doctor Has Practically Adopted, you're never getting rid of him. ]

And don't forget about the dissidents. There's always dissidents. The people who fight to stop the rush of war, the people who fight to protect Palas or save their own city. Fighting to stop fighting only leads to even more fighting.

But doing nothing isn't an option, either!

[And Zaibach can't be reasoned with. Van knows this too well. He's tried. His brother...Folken walks his own path now, has ever since he betrayed Fanelia and allied with Dornkirk.

The only thing that he can do now is uphold his vow. He mustn't turn his back on his enemies. He must take up his sword and, if necessary, stand before Zaibach's guymelefs with Escaflowne. If he doesn't...

Well, it's an impossible situation, really. He knows it. He hates it. But what else can he do?]

Exactly. In a situation like that, you've got to find the least terrible option and stick with it. Will it be a bit terrible? Course it will, all options are terrible. But it won't be the most.

[He isn't the type to vocalize what a relief it is to hear that someone understands his situation so well, particularly when the subject matter is one he wishes no one had to understand. At all, ever. But his feelings are probably evident anyway in the hesitant way he glances at the camera and asks...]

Is that what you did?

That's what I've done time and time again, [ the Doctor mutters, a little small sad smile on his face. He's had to deal with so many wars, after all. ]