V O I C E ★

[debtor]

[The voice on the other side of the tablet is young and vaguely male, and a little hesitant. Despite being here for months, this is is the first time he's actually tried posting to the network himself, and addressing a sizable, unseen audience, live, is somehow daunting. . . But he knows he needs to find someone, sooner rather than later, so:]

Er. Good afternoon! I'm wondering... if there is anyone here who is skilled with a sword, who would be willing to help train a beginner? I've a few months' practice already. And I don't require formal lessons, but I would appreciate a sparring partner. [ a pause, he clears his throat ]

But, if preferred, I could provide compensation for lessons...

[Though he'd rather not, it seems only prudent to offer. —And oh, right:]

Right, also, my sword is— a bit broad. And tall. And held with one hand? I don't know if that matters!

[He knows for a fact there are talented swordsmen here. One in particular comes to mind immediately, but he's not going to just ask him. And there's one or two others he could possibly wheedle lessons out of, but isn't it best to cast a wide net?

He's about to end the feed there, when he remembers one last thing: ]

And if it's all right, I have a question for those who use one of the Initiative's sentient weapons. ...How long did you train with it before it began to 'evolve'? Were the changes very drastic?

Thank you very much!

Comments

UGH!!!

[debtor]

No, sorry. How inconsiderate of me.

[wilder]

Very inconsiderate! Depriving me of some of the few pleasures I have in life, poor me...!

[He sits up crossing his legs]

Though I gotta say- even if you claim otherwise? You definitely need formal lessons.

[debtor]

I wouldn't say no to formal lessons, if I find a good teacher. But I think I'll find more sparring partners, in this place.

[And besides, he's never had proper formal lessons before in... pretty much anything, and he turned out JUST FINE!]

[wilder]

[...Yeah he'd strongly argue about the just fine thing]

Who knows, maybe some older guys will be bored enough to take you on. I could probably think of a couple if you need it.

But anyway- why were you asking about the sentient weapons?

[debtor]

I might. I'll see.

[And a shrug!]

I'm just curious...

[wilder]

What? Has yours not evolved at all?

[debtor]

No, it d- has. It has. It started months ago, when I broke that punching bag!

[Yes, that weapon he still definitely uses!]

[wilder]

Hm?

[That d was weird]

Something you're not telling me Allen?

[debtor]

What? No.

[Nothing that concerns you!!]

I was only wondering how other weapons evolved.

[wilder]

[Everything concerns him when you're incredibly nosy!! ]

Uh huh.

Well mine hasn't changed in appearance at all, but my magic's definitely getting stronger.

[debtor]

[Yes, that's right, Kaneis's weapon is attached to him. He's not sure it's anything like Innocence at all, but he has to ask:]

It hasn't affected anything else?

[wilder]

Anything else?

[He considers.]

Not that I've noticed, but I don't regularly test all my abilities so I can't say for sure.

[debtor]

Nothing's... behaving strangely?

[wilder]

Allen you do know when you ask questions very vaguely like that, it can make one think you're asking about their private parts, right?

[debtor]

[SQUEAKING] What!? THAT'S NOT WHAT I'M ASKING AT ALL!!

[wilder]

[Oh cool he got squeaking!]

Then be more specific! Or I might think you want me to talk about my libido.

Which don't you fret, despite the many months of an empty bed? It's been functioning just fine.

[debtor]

Stop talking!

[OHMYGOD HE IS LEAVING BYE!!!]

[wilder]

[Calling after!]

Whoa hey hey! C'mon! You're sixteen, don't tell me you're still squeamish about that stuff!

[debtor]

[YELLING BACK,]

Don't be vulgar!

[wilder]

[yep and we're back to yelling]

Don't ask vague questions that can be construed to be vulgar!

[debtor]

Only you would construe them that way!!

1/2

[wilder]

Hmmm...nope! I think a lot of people would!

[wilder]

[Poking his head out his door and leaning against the frame]

But don't worry Allen, I'm a professional! So if you ever do something with your weapon to make...you know, that 'behave strangely' or something- I won't judge or tell anyone! Promise!

files for divorce

[debtor]

[—THROWS A TABLE LAMP AT KANEIS'S HEAD.]

denied!!

[wilder]

[He makes a "whoa" noise before he quickly moves his head into the door to dodge that. The table lamp hits the ground with a crash]

Dude- a table lamp seriously!? What if it had hit!!