☼ 003 [video]

[got_it_memorized]

[Axel looks a bit haunted and haggard, like he hasn't slept in a few days and maybe was recently in a fight. Which wouldn't be incorrect assumptions, for that matter. He stares at the feed a moment like he's not sure what to say, then frowns.]

According to the date on my tablet, I've only been gone a little over a day. [A bitter laugh.] My, how much can change in a day.

[A brief pause and then he puts on a private filter.]
[Private to Riku]

We should talk. [His tone is severe, but not belligerent. You got some 'splainin' to do, Riku.]

Comments

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But back in your world, you were gone for more than a day?

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[got_it_memorized]

Well I was there for several months, but even though I'd been here for a while it was like no time there had passed at all when I got there. [He sort of grimaces and rubs the crown of his head.] I know a guy who can play with time a bit, but this is a little more than I'm used to.

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Is that a normal thing in your world?

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[got_it_memorized]

What, messing with time? [He looks thoughtful a moment.] I dunno if I'd say it's normal, exactly, but it's not unheard of. Takes a special sort of dedication to be a time mage, after all--too much work for my taste.

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There are time mages? Are you anything?

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[got_it_memorized]

['Are you anything?' Oh, Zuko, the retort he could make. A wry look crosses his face and then he schools it away, instead opting to hold up one hand. Calling a tongue of flame to his palm, he lifts his eyebrows.]

I prefer playing with fire, personally.

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[ His eyes widen marginally (Another firebender? It can't be.), and then they narrow as they dart from the flame to Axel's face on the screen. ]

... I see.

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[got_it_memorized]

[He closes his hand, extinguishing the flame, then frowns a bit when the boy's eyes narrow.]

Don't worry, I promise I don't use my powers for evil or anything like that. [Well, usually.] You seem awfully interested in this, though. No mages where you come from?

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You would be surprised with how many times I've heard that. [ Dryly said. ]

We don't call anyone capable of controlling the elements mages where I come from.

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[got_it_memorized]

[He rubs his chin.]

Well, frankly I'm not even sure I should be using the term for myself and my colleagues. A mage usually uses specific spells, but the stuff I can do goes way beyond the usual Fire-Fira-Firaga show. Some of the stuff I've seen done doesn't even have an applicable spell, that I'm aware of. [Zexion's abilities, for example, or Marluxia's. He shrugs.] But for lack of a better word, 'mage' usually gets the point across.

Whadda they call 'em in your hometown?

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Benders.

We call them benders.

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[got_it_memorized]

Benders? [Interesting. He never really thought of his ability as a bending sort of motion, but whatever works.] Are you one of these so-called 'benders', then?

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[ Now it's his turn to hold up a hand, the flame igniting effortlessly in his palm. ]

I'm a firebender.

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[got_it_memorized]

[Axel's eyes brighten a bit. Now this is interesting! No one back home could ever really touch his skill with a flame. It might be fun to see how this kid measures up.]

Well ain't that a coincidence~ Looks like we've got something in common. Got a name, kid? They call me Axel; got it memorized?

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Zuko.

[ The flame extinguishes and Zuko lowers his hand back to his side. ]