exsilium | ⚔ [video]

[Raiden is pacing around outdoors somewhere, holding his communicator in one hand as he talks. The shot is sloppy and at times unfocused, but he doesn't do anything to correct this.]

You know, during military phases stuff sometimes comes up that nobody expected. Lulls in combat are like that. Unplanned. So I get why some people are nervous. Use this time to rest up a bit and get prepared for when the war resumes.

[He taps a claw against the side of his head.]

Not saying you shouldn't enjoy yourselves while you can, but a lull isn't the same thing as a ceasefire. The United Earth hasn't agreed to anything, so things could get shitty pretty quickly.

That's why I'm thinking about teaching classes during lulls. Nothing official, really, since we have lots of folks here willing to teach combat tactics, but I wouldn't feel right if I didn't offer. I was a military trainer back home so I can teach you how to survive and protect yourself on the battlefield. There are things that even VR won't prepare you for, trust me.

[A pause]

Speaking of that, I wouldn't mind sparring with someone to keep my reflexes sharp. I know some of you enjoy that sorta thing so let me know if you're interested.

[Soft, rusty chuckle]

Just don't expect me to go easy on you.

[He waves his claws in what is supposed to be a playful salute, but it comes across as clumsy and awkward.]

Raiden out.

[-Disconnect-]

((ooc: Raiden will probably hold his first lessons on the morning of the 25th since he really isn't doing a regularly scheduled thing at this time. You can handwave this and the sparring if you want, and if you want to hash out the details feel free to hit me up in PM or on the CR Meme))

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Yes . . . it is.

[that's odd. She tilts her head, curious]

[He manages a feeble smile]

Just thinking.

Mind if I ask you about your world?

[He twists a claw in the air in a rewinding gesture]

You said you didn't know much about modern technology.

Ah . . .

[she gives a shrug]

The best way to put it, I suppose, is that what I have learned of technology at all, I have learned here. There is no word for it in my native tongue.

I see.

[He doesn't, really]

If you want I can at least teach you how to use the VR facilities. It can be kinda tricky at first but once you get used to it, it's pretty useful.

[sigh] Electricity does not exist either. Does that help a bit more?

. . . I would appreciate that.

If you want to stick around a bit after we spar, I'll show you.

That will be fine.

[she pauses, studying him for a moment] If I may ask . . . I have never seen armor like yours. I take it it is a modern type?

Heh.

Kinda, yea.

[He knocks a fist against his breastplate, making a metallic clattering sound.]

Not all armor, though. Some of it's my body.

[Raiden's probably used to staring, only from her, it's more interested than anything else]

I . . . your body? How is that - is it magic?

[He is used to staring by now, so he tries to offer a casual smile]

Nope. Technology, actually.

I'm a military cyborg. That means a lot of me is mechanical.

[you've just blown her mind, Raiden]

I . . . see . . .

Yeah. Pretty crazy, huh?

I - yes, but - not in a bad way, of course!

[A raspy, rattling chuckle]

Don't worry, I had the same reaction the first time I met a fairy here. Being around people from completely different worlds, it's...well...

You never really get used to it but you get used to not being used to it. If that makes sense.

I . . . yes, it makes sense.

[it does, but that doesn't change that she isn't used to it right now]

This place is too much at times.

How long have you been here?

Two months.

Not long. Guess things could still feel pretty overwhelming.

Maybe I shouldn't talk, though. Only been here for three months, myself. Maybe four or five if you count the first month or two.

Some people say they've been here for well over a year now.

Edited 2013-08-27 20:34 (UTC)

I cannot say I am surprised . . .

Makes you wonder how long this war is gonna be, and how long they'll keep us here afterward to help establish some civil authorities.

[He trails off then gently taps his claws against his forehead and makes an explosion gesture when he realizes he's going off topic.]

Anyway, yeah. Even the people who've been here a while get taken by surprise sometimes. That's why I said that the best you can probably hope for is just learning to roll with the punches, you know?

Until then, I can show you around a bit, though. Been trying to help folks get adjusted 'cause, well, I know it was rough for me at first.

[He spent most of his first couple of weeks hiding and feeling sorry for himself.]

I am, at least, somewhat adaptable. I have yet to run off and hide, yes?

[she blinks at the offer, surprised. But it fades into a small, if genuine smile]

That . . . is very kind of you. I would like that.