9th Taunt | Video/Action

[misterbrief]

[He'd thought a lot about this, long and hard. But even with all the evidence presented to him over the past year and a half, that still was never enough for him. He didn't want to rely on anything else to fight, he had his own power and his own strength. But being caught like he did so many times on the draft by shifters, relying solely on his own natural strength to survive- there had just been too many close calls.

And he had needed help more than once. How much that ate at his mind was unfathomable except to a few. One day no one was going to be there to help him, even if he hated the very idea of needing help. And if he wasn't ready, where would he be? Put into a position that he allowed for himself to be in, to die. To be sacrificed, like he was already by that bomb the cultists used on them. And next time, he wouldn't be so lucky and he knew it. He still had his reservations about contacting the spirits. But, he felt as if he couldn't avoid it much longer.

Too many what ifs. What if even something so small from the spirits would have helped him? He was sick of it, sick of knowing that might be the only thing he could rely on against their enemy. The only thing that worked when all his other powers were disabled. But even so, there's still more he wanted to know. Because if there's anything he hates, it's wasting time on things that are pointless.]

Video:

[The video feed flickers on, revealing the face of the prince, looking as serious as ever. He gets straight to the point.]

I must know. For those of you who are in contact with the spirits here, what use do you find in their power? Especially in combat. I might even have the patience to listen to a story or two regarding that, as I find it incredibly important in this matter. [He glances off to the side, knowing how this goes in Luceti.]

I know some of you would prefer to speak in person about such things. I'll be at Mythoria Café later tonight. But I won't stay long.

Action:

[As always, he's easily found. During the day, either at House 29 or the Battle Dome training, with both his sword or with his abilities. He does keep his word, appearing at Mythoria Café after he's done training and showered for the day.]

Comments

[misterbrief]

Capable of what? Killing us all and giving us up to whatever that thing is that they worship?

[It makes him angry just thinking about that entire debacle. How lucky he is to be alive today.]

[enchantressofore]

What?

[ That news is startling. To hear it so blatantly like that... There was truth behind those rumours? Adela, for a few seconds, was speechless, unable to even breathe as she just stared. Eventually she does find herself again, her shoulders slumping as she just stared. ]

They... They defeated everyone?

[misterbrief]

That's one way of putting it. [He jerks his head to the side in disgust.]

All of us, dead! I can't believe it!

[enchantressofore]

How is such a thing even possible? You are incredibly strong, and Saori, a goddess... It cannot... How could they have done such a thing?

[misterbrief]

That bomb of theirs was powered by the very souls of the people they sacrificed. Whatever it is that they do to keep the dead from returning to this world was used on us. John called it a sacrificial black hole.

That's all I know. And I don't plan on letting that happen again.

[enchantressofore]

... So there was a true risk of losing everyone... Forever.

[ Her stomach flips at the thought and she bows her head, suddenly feeling incredibly sick. That they could do something like that...

She takes a shaky breath, allowing herself to recover. She can't just stay hidden away in the forge any more, can she? Not when so much is at stake. ]

Your highness. It may be too bold, but I ask of you to train me in what combative arts you know. Something that can be used should my powers be of no use.

[misterbrief]

Whatever power you have now is just as useless as mine at the hands of those shifters. Besides. I'm not looking for students. [He's going to be very straightforward with that.]

There are plenty of others that can train you. Ask them instead.

[enchantressofore]

I have. Saori is furthering my sword work, but what if I were to lose my weapon on the field?

There are others I could ask, that is true. But I do not wish to ask them above you.

[misterbrief]

You're just going to have to ask them instead. It's just like I told that other idiot, I don't waste my time with those at a simple, basic, human level. There are teachers here well within your limits that can train you in hand to hand combat.

[He stands firm, and he is making sure his voice is stern enough to get across the fact that he will not budge on this.]

[enchantressofore]

[ She dearly wants to protest, to as for his consideration, but... What right does she have to?

Eventually she sighs, frowning at the ground and away from him. ]

Who would you suggest?

[misterbrief]

If you're already training with Saori, you can always ask her. She was offering her services a while back, but you must not have noticed. If she won't, you could do what every other person here has done and just use your journal to find someone, I'm sure it won't be hard.

[It makes him sick how friendly and helpful so many were, but hey if it got the job done, then by all means.]

[enchantressofore]

I had not known Saori to be disciplined in hand to hand, but it will be worth asking her.

Until next time, your highness.

[ Eventually she turns to leave, feeling a little down at being dismissed so readily. She should have expected it, being of lower stature but... Perhaps, foolishly, she let herself hope that it didn't matter.

It truly is foolish, though. ]

[misterbrief]

[He lets her leave, not caring for her feelings- he figures she'll just have to get over it, and he had things to do. He doesn't even bother to watch her leave, immediately starting in on his normal training routine, sword flashing against a few targets he'd set up in his simulation.]