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

[wolfchild]

Then trust me. That's what friends do. I'm safe for now. I'm sorry I worried you.

[debtor]

[ He wants to trust her. It's just a bit difficult, when he doesn't have the full story. Or a fraction.

But he can't keep questioning her, either. She has her reasons, for staying with a man who may or may not be her brother.

He lets out a breath. ]

I know they do- I will. I apologize, for prying.

[wolfchild]

[ a little pause. ]

Thank you, Allen. For helping me.

[debtor]

[ Aaaah?? ]

You don't need to thank me, Cat. You've helped me as well.

[wolfchild]

I haven't done anything except be a problem.

[debtor]

That's not true at all. Who told you that?

[wolfchild]

No one has to.

[debtor]

Nobody has to because it's not true.

Thinking something like that isn't fair to yourself. And I don't think the people who care about you would agree.

[wolfchild]

[ words are wind. she doesn't say anything. ]

[debtor]

Cat...

[A quiet groan. Was it not the right thing to say? What else can he do...]

[wolfchild]

What?

[debtor]

[He's about to say something - but stops himself, and changes course.]

The man who says he's your brother... he's kind to you?

[wolfchild]

[ the question is unexpected. it makes her stop and blink even if she has her answer ready immediately. ]

He is.

[debtor]

Good.

Then, I do hope... he's somebody you can consider family.

[Family is important, and if she's found it- well, she really needs it, he thinks.]

[wolfchild]

I don't need family.

[debtor]

[ 'yes you do' ]

Even so, I think it's important to have.

[wolfchild]

Where is yours?

[debtor]

[ A pause. Because she's somebody who lost hers too, ] My father died, a long time ago.

But my friends and comrades, they're like a family to me now.

[wolfchild]

Families are bound by blood. Others don't last.

[debtor]

No, that's not true.

[He doesn't blame her for thinking that way. He'd thought similarly. He might've called Mana 'dad', traveling with him, but he didn't consider himself a real member of Mana's family. Not until after he'd died.]

Blood doesn't always define them. What matters most... is how you care for one another. It's about love.

I wasn't related to my father by blood, but he'll always be my family.

[wolfchild]

That's not how it works. [ not for her. not when everyone she thought to be hers left her. ]

[debtor]

Yes, it is. That's how it is for me.

[wolfchild]

Then you're stupid. Those don't last. Words are wind. No matter what anyone says, they'll always go.

[debtor]

[Nettled by what she's implying, he's about to argue—

but cuts himself off.]

I'm sorry, that they left you.

[wolfchild]

[ pity. that's all anyone ever summons for her. she doesn't need it. ]

Don't be! I'm better off!