Video;

[of_the_lake]

[Berserker's communicator comes on in the middle of him standing in a clothing store. He has his comm open, camera pointed towards him and a very irritated cashier. He's standing at the front end of a clothing store.]

What is this?

Isn't it one of those phones you guys use?

Did I leave this in my armor?

How should I know?

[Glancing at it a bit closer, Berserker turned it over. One could see that he was wearing a black suit, black dress shirt and an equally black tie, much as if he were going to the most grim of all grim funerals.]

It must have fallen out when I shifted my attire into this suit.

No, you must have slipped into the dressing room and taken it!

I don't have any need to steal. I simply altered the state of my dress to reflect an outfit I've seen. It's not theft at all.

I'm not getting into a data-sharing argument with you, pal.

[Somehow, this caught Berserker's attention.] Was that a joke?

Comments

[showmeyourwreath]

Really? And what sort is that, exactly?

[of_the_lake]

One you would dislike. [It didn't bear explaining. Magi were often times the most cruel and despotic people in the world.]

[showmeyourwreath]

...Are they really awful? _{[She's still curious, and unafraid of pursuing her curiosity, but she becomes a little wary.]}

[of_the_lake]

[As if to respond while ignoring the weird way in which Vynd's text lines were somehow stupidly skewed, Berserker craned his neck a measure and frowned inwardly.]

Closeted experimentation. Toying with life and death while tearing into their own bodies looking for immortality they can create before they die.

The subjugation of families and extermination of those who violate their personal rules. Magi do research to find the Akasha--the end of the cycle of reincarnation--so that they can prove their methods are superior to those around them.

They compete from generation to generation, creating children who would become heirs to their self-delusion. Their magic is more important to them than anything else in the world.

[showmeyourwreath]

_{[As he explains, she looks mildly horrified and angry. There are just so many things wrong with that. So many.]}

That isn't what magic is for. That shouldn't be what it's used for. How could anyone abuse it like that? How could anyone involve their own children?

[of_the_lake]

Their arrogance, my lady. One could say that their drive to create perfection is what makes them so cold to all other things.

OMMMMFGGG FUCKING 503s

[showmeyourwreath]

I can't say that I've never met people like that before, but it doesn't make it any less acceptable.

LOL WHAT

[of_the_lake]

Acceptable? Somehow, I don't believe they would even listen to you.

lmao i meant to have that tag up hours ago but dw was like 503 SERVICE UNAVAILABLE ;n; OMFG AGAIN

[showmeyourwreath]

I wouldn't be surprised, though it's worth trying at least once. The bigger problem is the people that get hurt that have nothing to do with it, or who have no choice in the matter.

zzzz

[of_the_lake]

It's their way of life. I could certainly imagine their circumstances being worse and even less redeemable.

wao rude

[showmeyourwreath]

There's always a "worse". It doesn't make it right. Are all the mages you know like this?

[of_the_lake]

Nearly all of them. There are fledgling families who never reach that capacity.

Though, they die out quickly, much like fireflies.

[showmeyourwreath]

So they all try for this, or fail to. That's...beyond disappointing. There has to be someone who knows there's more to magic than that. _{[That last bit she says more to herself than to him, but she's not entirely quiet about it.]}

[of_the_lake]

Is there anything else to it? [He only knew magic to be used for personal gain. That was sort of how everything in the world worked.]

If you believe any item or means of power should be utilized for something benevolent, then I believe you're rather naive.

[showmeyourwreath]

[Her brow furrows a little.]

Why is that naive?

[of_the_lake]

Because, selflessness is a lie. Regardless of good intentions, we only operate out of ambitions to make gains.

In that regard, nothing can ever truly be used for the sake of 'good' if that's your desire.

[showmeyourwreath]

Selflessness isn't a lie at all. But fine, if we go with your definition, I'll be glad to say that what I gain out of it is seeing others safe and happy.

[So, suck it, Lancelot. tumut]

[of_the_lake]

Happiness in one person's eyes is turmoil in another's.

This sort of argument only really serves as a means for me to see how long you'll hold on to that notion.

omfg yes i finally get to use this icon.

[showmeyourwreath]

If it's the bad guys in turmoil, I can't say I mind that much.

It's my responsibility, and it's not something I plan on stopping anytime soon.

oh is that her climax face

[of_the_lake]

Then, I suppose I'll be the one to account for your mistakes, Master.

yes, shes so unimpressed. try harder

[showmeyourwreath]

I don't think I'm wrong here, but in general, I wouldn't ask anyone else to hold themselves accountable for the choices I make myself. [A huff, then a D8 face.]

Can't you just call me by my name?