003 ⚔ Video

[danceofcurse]

[When the broadcast begins, the center of attention is a young man's gloved hands and the toy figure they hold, approximately thirteen centimeters tall and brushed with shining metallic white paint. Protruding from large armored shoulders embedded with green gems is a leathery-looking vinyl cape that hangs low enough to reach adjustable feet. When pressed, a switch resting behind a horned helmet triggers movement of the arms: a rigid up-and-down chopping motion.]

I was alright with building these things when I first got here, but now that they've started to model them after Escaflowne...

[To say Van sounds exasperated is an understatement, but even so, he doesn't appear to be in any hurry to dispose of the figure. Rather than treat it with any sort of disrespect, the toy is set aside in favor of collecting the phone, the camera positioned in his hands to capture his disapproving frown, no doubt expected by those who have come to know him.]

What I'm trying to say is that I'm looking for new work. I'm good with a bow and arrow, better with a sword, and if there are people who want to learn or need protecting...

[He doesn't feel good about suggesting they pay him for any of that, but he can't very well live off the generosity of others, now can he? And he's not happy at present doing something he feels serves no greater purpose. This is really the only option he has.]

I'm also looking for an armorer. And someone who knows their way around large... [He pauses, clearly searching for the right word, his face screwing up with concentration before, albeit with obvious dissatisfaction, he settles upon the only commonly accepted descriptor he knows.] ...large robots.

Mine needs some repairs. Potentially some improvements.

[That's it. As abruptly as his broadcast began, it ends.]

Comments

D8<

[danceofcurse]

If what you're saying is true and you haven't helped anyone at all, you're exactly the sort of person I don't want to be anything like.

Your being here is probably just a mistake.

83c

[deadtective]

Just like the guy who gassed an entire swear-in, or the one who turned Heropa into a jungle and brainwashed everyone, or the dude who filled an airport with explosives.

Right?

...

[danceofcurse]

You're annoying, but you don't seem quite that bad...

[As for what he thinks of the people Hazel has mentioned? It should be obvious by the expression on his face and the frigid tone of his voice. They're the entire reason he wants to put his skills to better use.]

8u8

[deadtective]

Mistake's a mistake, right? We're all in the same group.

[and while she's saying that purely to push his buttons, there's that dark part of herself that agrees with the statement. she's worse than Crane or Pan or Kimblee in a lot of ways.]

>:(

[danceofcurse]

You're wrong.

We might all be imPorts brought here against our will, but we're separated by the choices we make.

Those that would choose to do violence are those I will oppose.

(◕‿◕✿)

[deadtective]

For truth, justice, and the American way?

(ꐦ ಠ皿ಠ )

[danceofcurse]

No!

I'm not doing this for that machine or this country! Only...for the people. And because it's the right thing to do!

┌( ಠ‿ಠ)┘

[deadtective]

Kinda hard to know what the 'right' thing is with so many worlds here, man.

(ᗒᗣᗕ)՞

[danceofcurse]

The right thing to do is to help those in need. It's not that hard to figure out.

∩(︶▽︶)∩

[deadtective]

You'd be surprised.

(ఠ్ఠ ˓̭ ఠ్ఠ)

[danceofcurse]

I wouldn't expect someone who takes pleasure in making others miserable to understand.

( ಠ◡ಠ )

[deadtective]

Oh, I understand just fine! I don't think you're as committed to that shit as you say you are, that's all.

Σ(●ꉺ▱ꉺ●)

[danceofcurse]

You don't even know me. What makes you say that?

( °٢° )

[deadtective]

Because I need some help, and I'm willing to put down money that you wouldn't even think about moving your ass.

(;¬_¬)

[danceofcurse]

[There's a very long pause before Van sighs and asks...]

What is it you need help with? Depending on your answer, I may or may not agree.

ᕦ(ò_óˇ)ᕤ

[deadtective]

See, I don't know how to use a sword, but I'm gonna need to pretty soon...

[this is one of the most baldfaced lies that Hazel's ever told, but she doesn't care. it's completely worth it to listen to Van die on the inside a little more at the prospect of defending his morals.]

‧º·(˚ ˃̣̣̥⌓˂̣̣̥ )‧º·˚

[danceofcurse]

Why will you need to know how to use one?

(▰˘◡˘▰)

[deadtective]

You really need to ask after five minutes of talking with me?

〳 ͡° Ĺ̯ ͡° 〵

[danceofcurse]

[He really hates that he can't dispute that.]

Fine. When do you want to begin?

(☞ﾟ∀ﾟ)☞

[deadtective]

[Hazel Lockwood knows how to win, alright.]

Whenever you've got time, man. I'm pretty fucking open for whenever.

(눈_ლ)

[danceofcurse]

Tomorrow morning, then. I assume you have no complaints about being in Nonah before dawn? At the training center, that is.

(ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧

[deadtective]

Sure, sure. Might even beat you there if you don't haul ass.

（￣へ￣）

[danceofcurse]

Hmph. I doubt that.

（ ´∀｀）☆

[deadtective]

You'd be surprised. I've got a few tricks up my sleeve.

Action

[danceofcurse]

[There isn't anything more to say, and so with a goodbye that barely borders upon being courteous, Van disconnects.

As is his custom, he rises early the following day and makes his way to Nonah and its training center. The sun has just barely begun to rise, but as he ventures inside, there isn't any sign yet of his pupil.

Not that he has the faintest idea what Hazel looks like, but he's certain anyone with a personality like hers will stand out. And yet...no one does. As the hour grows later, one bleeding into the next, and as he decides to pass the time by practicing on his own, people come and go but none of them appear to be whom Van is waiting for. They barely make eye contact with him before giving him a wide berth, some going so far as to mutter under the breath where they think he won't hear, Talk about moody!

Well, they'd be moody too if they were waiting from sunrise to...what time is it even? Van checks the nearest clock on the wall and his grip on his wooden practice sword tightens. After ten o'clock!

That Hazel...she's probably off someplace laughing right now. But the joke's on her, he thinks to himself. He intended to come here today anyway. Needed to spend time practicing before he met with Gregor and whoever would be overseeing his combat demonstration...]