estoria | ( closed ) the sword! the sword spoke!

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( closed ) the sword! the sword spoke!

Who: Mom (Otome) and the kids (Stahn & Leon)
When: 7/11 ic
Where: ViViD
What: ViViD doesn't always glitch, but when it does, the unchosen ones can hear talking swords. It's fine.
Rating/Warning: None

[going into ViViD to play a game can serve a host of purposes: staying sharp with their fighting skills, venting out some of their unspoken aggressions, and just playing a game to unwind a little.

today is something of a mix of all three. after everything that's happened, all three of them need to do something a little different—but stahn can admit to at least himself that he needs to buck up and be stronger so he can protect what matters without things getting as bad as they did during the robotocalypse. so once they've arrived at the ViViD entrance station, stahn will step up to the plate to select a game. he hums over it for a moment, finally settling on a genre, though it seems the game is definitely out of beta now.

...not that it's any less glitchy, as once they're dropped into Cadmus, things get a little weird. The sky flashes orange and a few lines of code seem to exist in place of the trees—even the three of them seem to flicker and jerk around a bit before everything straightens out.

huh. weird.

stahn looks up at the sky with a quizzical gaze for a moment.]

I wonder what that was about... [but everything else seems fine now, so he offers a smile to otome and leon alike, shrugging his shoulders. they can always bail if things get too weird, right?]

Let's go see what kind of quests there are! [taking the bright stance...

dymlos, on the other hand? as ever, he's letting out a quiet hiss that indicates that he's not so convinced that things are okay.]

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[Leon doesn't like the look of this either; he grimaces, glancing around suspiciously as the level seems to shift unpleasantly, but then it settles into how it should properly be.

Leon still doesn't trust it, but there's not a lot he can do, aside from settling his hand on Chal's hilt. (But honestly, what would having a sword do against things like this? That's why Leon hates these situations the most.)

Chaltier, however, doesn't share any of his uncertainty; he's quick to pipe up with a cheerful, "We haven't visited this level yet, have we, young master?"

Leon's response to that is a noncommittal noise under his breath, quiet and unobtrusive.]

[ Otome visibly flinches as the game glitches-- which might be odd, considering that there's not a whole lot that can faze her, and truly, nothing seems dangerous about it... but there's some kind of tension to her features before she opens her mouth to reply to Stahn.

... And nothing comes out, as she sharply turns her head towards a different direction. And blinks, clearly disconcerted. ]

Did you hear a voice...?

A voice?

[stahn looks around the area, but the only thing around them right now is trees and the nearest city in the distance. the only other voices he heard were dymlos and chaltier's, but that doesn't ring as something to question, considering otome has never been able to hear them before.]

I don't hear anything strange... [since that's not strange to him, though dymlos is letting out a suspicious hum.

he's always the one in this duo to pick up on things quickly, so after a moment:

"—Is it possible? Could she..." he's entertaining the thought. "Hey, you. Otome. Can you hear my voice?"

...dymlos is an unsubtle as ever, but perhaps that comes with the grounds of being the ringleader of getting shit done and having once been a commander.]

[Dymlos is so rude, wtf. Leon almost has to bite back a "hey, watch your tone", before he realizes that that's a ridiculous reaction, it's not like he cares how people talk to Otome...clearly..........

Chaltier just makes a questioning noise in response, though. Leon's starting to think along the same lines at Dymlos, though--maybe it has something to do with ViViD, since none of the rules seem quite right and some of the trees are still purple.]

[ No one should care how people talk to Otome, she tends to just gently brush it off anyway-- but this second voice still comes as a surprise. She's never heard Chaltier or Dymlos before, but the speaker knows her name, which makes her wonder if she knows the speaker in return. But she's still very flummoxed here, and her mind isn't immediately leaping to swords so she answers a little more tentatively than her usual. ]

... Yes?

["So that's indeed what it is. The voices you're hearing at present are not ones you'd be able to normally. We are the Swordians, Dymlos and Chaltier."]

—Eh? That's—The voice...

[naturally, stahn is surprised by this, because it didn't even remotely occur to him.]

You can really hear Dymlos now, Otome?

[Chaltier's startled "Ah!" is definitely audible now, but Leon's just looking calculatingly at Otome, almost thoughtful. Hmm... Mostly he's been watching and observing since arriving, but now he inclines his head towards Stahn.]

Perhaps the inversions of this level have changed who can hear the Swordians as well.

[Consider again: purple trees.

The natural laws clearly do not apply here.]

[ Otome nods-- to Stahn's question, and to Leon's theory. ViViD's glitches tended to inspire odd happenings, and back home, Hiro's temporary bouts of glitching had alerted her to the fact that such things were definitely impossible. Things could be erased, restored, or rewritten. Suddenly gaining the ability to hear the Swordians shouldn't be out of the realm of possibility.

But even thinking it through logically, she's still... sort of stunned. She's talked to them before, of course, but it was always one-sided, and she hadn't been able to hear their responses (unless Stahn and Leon translated). But to hear them for herself and realize that these are the swords that mean so much to the boys...

... Don't mind her tearing up just a bit. ]

Dymlos... Chaltier. I finally get to meet you properly...

I didn't know ViViD could do something like that... Amazing...

[stahn is surprised, but in a really good way. it actually makes him really happy for otome to be able to hear dymlos and chaltier—the swordians are their companions; precious and irreplaceable friends in his eyes.

"It seems that way, though I imagine it will be short-lived. This programs stability seems to be compromised." otome can quickly learn that dymlos isn't the personable one of the group.

yet, at least. right now, he's just acting cautiously even though he's fully aware that otome is a reasonable and good human being—even if he thinks she's also foolish and reckless and remains a little agitated about the excursion to the dark parts of the city.]

[And it'll quickly become clear who the cute one is, because Chaltier's piping up immediately after Dymlos, practically ignoring everything he said.

"You can hear us? I'm so glad! It's nice to be able to talk to you for real, Otome! Thank you for always looking out for the yo--"

Okay yeah no, Leon's cutting in here, unsurprisingly.]

Chal.

[SHUT UP.

As for Otome, well... it was kind of surprising to see her so emotional over this, but... nice, too. She cares that much about the Swordians, even though she couldn't hear them before now? ...Otome's a good person, she really is.]

[ So the more chipper, enthusiastic voice is Leon's partner, and the sterner, focused one is Stahn's. There's something about this that seems... very fitting. But first things first, she's going to rub at her eyes with a coat sleeve. This is beyond what she'd ever expected, and it likely won't last, but just having this one opportunity is something she'll be grateful for. ]

It's nice to meet you both, as brief as this might be. [ with a watery laugh. ]

But don't let me hold up our progress here. We were going to explore, weren't we?

Mm. We can take a few minutes, Otome... it's okay.

[he can see that it's a little overwhelming for her, even if it's not in a bad way. it makes stahn happy, honestly, that even if it's just for a brief period of time, she can hear the swordians.

they're all precious to him, after all—human and swordian alike, so the experience of everyone being able to freely communicate is an important one.

"Stahn is right. Being distracted won't do anyone any good. Remain cautious for threads, and you can continue on shortly."]

Mm, exactly! Besides, you don't want to waste a chance to be able to talk to them, right? [that's... not the point, stahn...]

["Besides, I have so much to tell you, Otome! We can take a few moments to just talk, right, young master?"

Leon glances at Chal at that, before grimacing ever-so-slightly and looking away with a "hmph".

But he's weak to Chal........so.]

...Just don't waste too much time.

[ O-oh. Once again, it's a little odd hearing so many voices with only two faces to accompany half of them, but Otome smiles more than a little ruefully and tucks a curl behind her ear. It's certainly true that she's wanted to talk to them for a long time... ]

Well... I don't have any problems with it, myself.

[ Of course she doesn't. Even if Dymlos reminds her mostly of Yamato right now, she's still thrilled for the opportunity. ]

We didn't have any other plans today anyway.

[naturally, stahn decides this is a great time to just plop in the grass and soak in some of that digital sun. for the moment, dymlos is quiet—he's just not nearly as chatty as chal is, after all, especially when it comes to casual conversation.]

[It's fine, Chaltier will pick up the conversation, because he's Chaltier, and he's excited about this.

"Otome, it's really nice of you to always talk to us even though you couldn't hear us before! I wanted to thank you for that."

Leon's...rolling his eyes. What a sap. (Even if he secretly agrees.)]

[ Well. She'll just neatly sit with her legs folded beneath her. And laugh, shaking her head. ]

You don't have to thank me! Just because I couldn't hear you doesn't mean you couldn't hear me, and you're such important partners to Stahn and Leon... I wouldn't dream of ignoring you.

["Chaltier has his reasons for that sentiment. Even though who are aware of our presence rarely speak to us directly, even if they use our Masters as a go-between."

which likely isn't that surprising; dymlos himself is used to it. but he knows that chaltier is a much more sentimental type, given how little he regards his duty as a swordian in favor of... well, supporting leon. it doesn't hurt to point this out, especially knowing that he may not have another opportunity to do so.]

[Chaltier is 100% the more sappy and sentimental of the two, and Chal (after a bit of an awkward laugh to have Dymlos agreeing with him) is going to go ahead and pick up the conversation.

"Besides, you're always looking out for Stahn and the young master, too, and I really appreciate that too!"

UGH.]

Chal!

[stop being embarrassing]

[ ... Sorry, that's just making her laugh. ]

I think it'd be more accurate to say they look out for me, unfortunately!

[ Although she's getting better at... not pushing herself... as much?? ]

Although I think it's a little disappointing that hardly anyone spoke directly to you before. If they were aware of you, wouldn't that just be rude?

I think we all just look out for each other.

[isn't that a fair enough way to appease everyone? leon and stahn certainly do look for otome, but she also looks after them and provides a wealth of support when they need it. stahn knows it—dymlos does too, even if he's not acknowledging it and focusing on the more on the factual, practical aspects of conversation.

"It's not particularly rude. We don't exist to carry on casual conversation, and we're more than aware that most are unable to communicate with us. It's stranger when someone does unless they are constantly in our company."

the party members acknowledged their presence often, after all, but it was difficult not do given the circumstances; dymlos is used to not talking to people beyond masters.]

[... Chal thinks it's kind of rude, even if he'd never say so out loud where Dymlos could hear him.

"...But still! It's nice to talk with you anyway! You're such a kind person, I'm really glad that you're around for the young master and Stahn, even if they do try to take care of you too!"

Leon's starting to think this was all a terrible idea, for the record.]

[ Poor Leon... ]

Well, if it's not any trouble then, I'd be happy to keep talking to the both of you like I have been. Even if this is hardly permanent.

[ But still, she's grateful. ]

["It's hardly trouble for us. We're able to hear what you're saying, regardless of whether or not you can hear our voices."

which sounds a bit harsher than dymlos means it—all he really means is that stahn and leon are the ones hwo have to act as their mouthpieces.

but it's fine, because dymlos isn't afraid of a quip every now and then.

"Some are a little more honest in conveying our words than others. ahem, leon. of course, sometimes stahn is a little too honest, but that's not really the point here.]

[Okay, yeah, Leon's shooting Dymlos a sharp Look at that, and Chal just laughs a little awkwardly.

Ahah...ha..............

But Leon just clears his throat.]

Translating for them becomes troublesome regardless. This is more efficient, even if it isn't permanent. Just do not expect to have constant conversations with them outside of scenarios like this.

[ ... Oh, Leon. It's good to know Dymlos has something slightly resembling a sense of humor, though. ]

Of course not. I'll be sure to speak to them in a way that you wouldn't have to translate so much.

[dymlos definitely has a sense of humor, it's just very different than stahn's even if they're two peas in a pod in so many other ways.]

I don't really mind. If it means you and Dymlos can talk sometimes, then it's okay! [stahn will do his part without complaint, unless dymlos is being rude and bossy.]

[................. Yeah Leon's less sure about this.]

... You do not need to speak to Chal.

[aka: Chal says embarrassing things so don't make him translate for him.]

I can't really not speak to him, but you're welcome to avoid translating if you'd like. But thank you for offering, Stahn.

[ Leon, please, your sword hasn't said anything she doesn't already know?? ]

Mm, it's fine!

[dymlos snorts, though.

"If you're that desperate to know what Chaltier has to say, Stahn would probably pass his words along as well."

—this is what you get for being a punk, leon. he may have his tiffs with chaltier, and the two of them still have plenty of issues to speak over themselves one of these days... but he'll still stick up for his fellow swordian when leon's being a brat about things.]

[Aaaaaaaah STOP THIS, DYMLOS.

Leon was not prepared for this, and he scowls at Dymlos immediately before crossing his arms and huffing.

Chal, who can sometimes read the atmosphere, laughs a little awkwardly, but says nothing.]

Thank you, Stahn... not that I think it'll be necessary, but I appreciate it.

[ Now, now, Leon... ]

Hmph.

Chal is too fond of saying unnecessary things. Most of what he says does not need to be translated anyway.

[That gets a whiny "Young maaaasteeeeer..."]

Oh, come on, Leon! It's not that bad. Chaltier's just really proud of you, that's all.

[he thinks it's really nice.]

I think it's sweet. You obviously deserve the praise!

I--!

[Shit...

he can't say "i do not", that's hard, he doesn't want to act like he doesn't deserve praise...... but....what is he going to do...

...Aaaaaaa save him....

Just a muttered--]

Chal still talks too much.

[stahn can't help but to let out a small laugh... he likes seeing leon get defeated a little when it's in playful ways like this. poor leon, so bad at dealing with positive reinforcement.

dymlos is letting out something that almost sounds like it could be a laugh. almost.

"I doubt that will ever change."

chal will be chal, after all. as a human, he'd been more reserved as the youngest in their ranks with such a high position, but once he started talking? he didn't stop easily, even when fumbling in his words. he may have changed a lot in the thousand years that have passed, but it's for that reason dymlos can make a snarky remark like that.]

Frankly, I hope it never does.

[ Because Leon really does deserve it, and seeing his reaction to his sword and Otome's agreement is pretty adorable. Maybe sooner or later, he'll get used to it? ]

[Now both Chal and Leon are pouting, because they're both being teased... life is hard.

"I don't talk...that much!" he says in a huffy, pouty tone, and Leon just crosses his arms and looks away with an embarrassed hmph.]

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( closed ) the sword! the sword spoke!

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