002 ✗ video.

[soldiernoclass]

[ The second time around, these terminal things are a little easier to figure out. Zack still hasn't gotten the hang of their finer workings (see: anything other than Record and Send), but at least he's past the fifteen minute delay stage.

And he hasn't smashed anything - there's that. Technically, he's still in debt for the last computer he touched. But that's beside the point. ]

I didn't think it'd be this hard to find a decent weapon shop around here. They're usually front and center, y'know? [ Right next to the Items Shop and the Inn, generally. This is very basic city planning. ]

But I probably should've guessed. There's not exactly a lot around here to fight... [ Which is weird, and makes life a little boring - but it definitely isn't a bad thing. He shrugs, flashing the screen a lopsided smile. ] So what I'm saying is, if anybody out there's had better luck, I wouldn't mind a recommendation or two. I can't be the only one who wound up here unarmed, right?

Oh, yeah, and uh... [ He runs a hand down the back of his neck, looking around indecisively (as if that's doing anything to hide the faint hint of color climbing in his suddenly uncomfortable expression). ] If somebody wouldn't mind holding my hand for a while, I'd appreciate it, too. I kinda let that get away from me.

Comments

[little_girl_lost]

I dunno about weapon shops, I don't need any.

But... [She scratches her head, pondering the last question.] I guess I'm up for some contact and some hanging out if you wanted...

[soldiernoclass]

Ah, no problem. I figured there'd be some civilians around, too.

[ Because obviously someone who doesn't need a weapon is a civilian. Yes, that is logic. ]

And, er - if you don't mind, yeah! Though it probably wouldn't be a bad idea to introduce myself, first, huh? I'm Zack.

[little_girl_lost]

I'm not a civilian. I'm just a superhero.

I'm Kara. Nice to meet you.

[soldiernoclass]

A super hero? And just what does that mean?

[video]

[severaty]

Haven't been able to find so much as a traveling merchant- but if you just want to borrow a sword for whatever reason, I've got mine...

[Which really, she hasn't been needing much- or at all really, save for her sword drills.]

...And if you're that bad off, I guess I can help with the rest. If you really need it, I mean.

[video]

[soldiernoclass]

Well, maybe there's a good old-fashioned blacksmith in hiding someplace, who's just itching to expand business.

[ He can dream, okay. ]

I wouldn't mind sharing, but I have kind of specific taste in swords. [ Generally the huge, broad, two-handed type. He laughs a little (only distantly strained). ]

I don't think I'm as bad off as it gets, yet, either. I'll probably survive a little longer on my own, if it's an imposition.

[video]

[severaty]

Well, I guess it could happen.

[Severa can't make nice people feel bad... at least not when she's feeling as crummy as she is.]

Oh? How specific?

[Because now you have her curious- especially considering she'd seen Auron's sword a while back.]

--it's not. Not an imposition, I mean.

[Awkward girl is awkward.]

I'm not doing too hot at the moment myself, so...

[video]

[soldiernoclass]

The one I left behind is... [ He takes a step back, to put himself in (somewhat) better perspective as he holds up a hand to just about shoulder-height. ] About up to here, and maybe half as wide as me. A real heavyweight, with a sharp side and a blunt side.

[ Though he doesn't know if he really wants a close replica; he left that sword in good hands, and it was kind of important that he did. He wasn't planning then to ever need a weapon again, however. Which has complicated matters.

Among other, more obvious things. ]

...Yeah? I guess I don't feel as bad for forgetting, myself, in that case. [ A laugh, but not a very good joke. ] I mean, I consider it my duty to help out! If it helps both of us, that's even better.

[redcladidealist]

Damn, you haven't found one either? I've been trying to keep my eye out for one, but I haven't seen one yet.

[Zack's right. It is weird not to find a weapons shop. Even just a vendor with a blade or two! Surely someone sells something here.]

If you need someone to hold your hand... [Okay, okay, Lloyd's just teasing. He flashes a grin at Zack.] What if we arm wrestled instead?

[soldiernoclass]

Well, there's gotta be one somewhere, right?

[ It is simply unfathomable to think otherwise. HE WON'T BELIEVE IT. ]

Arm-wrestling? [ Ugh fine Lloyd he didn't want to hold your hand anyway!! Though that's an intriguing prospect, all kidding aside. There's just... One minor problem. ] That could be kind of dangerous, right now.

[redcladidealist]

Yeah, you'd think so. Even if there isn't one, you'd think there'd at least be a smith. A city this big has to have someone who can make things if something breaks.

[Who'd want to hold Zack's hand anyway? He probably has SOLDIER cooties.

The earnest warning earns a blink of surprise from Lloyd. His brow furrows and he tilts his head, confused.]

Dangerous? What's dangerous about something like that?

Video;

[sweettalker]

You mean they're actually serious about this physical contact requirement...? [Well that's stupid. In that case why in the world did they drag her here without anyone she knew??]

Video;

[soldiernoclass]

A newbie, huh? Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but it's no joke.

I haven't felt this bad since... Well, uh, since a while. And I'm only a little behind on the touchy-feely stuff.

Video;

[sweettalker]

[Wonderful. That's wonderful.]

Is someone able to help you out, then? [Only a little behind and he's in that much discomfort? That's... not boding well.]

[brainiest]

[ Hermione had really, really hoped that the touching requirement was more of a joke or a 'once every now and then' occasion, but... This is disproving her theory with a slap in the face that she isn't particularly keen on. But, she thinks, she wants to make herself useful and, in return for her usefulness, she's hoping for some education. ]

I might be able to help you if you really need a weapon.

[ Transfiguration was her strong suit, after all, and as long as Zack was able to find the right things around to help her then making him... Something would probably be do-able. He doesn't seem like the sort to start attacking people randomly, so hopefully her judgement is sound. ]

I - Um. [ Now she looks rather flustered. ] Would you be able to tell me about the - physical contact? How long do we have until we have to touch someone, for example? My letter wasn't particularly clear about our 'illness'...

[ And, of course, Hermione has to know everything about everything. ]

[soldiernoclass]

Really?

[ Forgive his skepticism; she just doesn't look like the type. (And transformative magic that turns stuff into things rather than just people into frogs or into much smaller people is an entirely new one by him, so he'd never suspect.) In spite of his misgivings, though, he still looks hopeful. ] You know anything about swords?

[ Not that an ordinary knowledge of sword structure will do much good in regards to the kind he's looking for. But they've gotta start somewhere.

Speaking of which. Zack puts on a considerably more thoughtful face, for the sake of her questions. He hasn't been keeping the most exact track of things. ]

How long? I don't know for sure - I think it's been a couple weeks since the last time I had any real contact with anybody.

[brainiest]

Really.

[ She's used to people underestimating her initially, so she's not at all offended by Zack's apparent skepticism. Instead of getting angry, however, she just smiles and shakes her head. Her knowledge of swordcraft is limited to what she learned about Goblin construction, especially concerning the Sword of Gryffindor, so she isn't entirely sure how useful it'll be. ] Not exactly, but I don't think I need to be for what you want.

[ The information is welcome, however, and Hermione purses her lips and think it over. She probably has a fortnight before she has to find someone to 'touch'. Apparently, hand holding seems to be enough, so she isn't too worried: surely she'll be able to make friends enough that someone will hold her hand?

That's not something she ever imagined herself thinking, but that's not exactly uncommon in her life. ]

That's... Comforting? At least there's a window of time between each touch. Enough to make some more friends before I have to ask for hands and cuddles - or 'contact'...

[video]

[tough_love]

I have yet to find a single smith. It is unfortunate, not to mention infuriating. Should my hammer ever need replacing, I doubt I would find a suitable replacement.

As for your pathetic need for companionship, I fail to see how that is any concern of mine.

[She knows exactly why he's asking. She's just mean. And, from time to time, enjoys it.]

[video]

[soldiernoclass]

[ As much as he sympathizes with her first point, it's already tough enough maintaining a good mood without being belittled for trying to meet much more basic needs, in this backwards world. ]

Unless you just got lucky, we all need each other - it's not pathetic to admit it.

[dontthesunlookgoodtoday]

They weren't exactly a big thing back home, but… I dunno. It'd be a pain to lose the edge on your skills, though. [and… well. He bites his lip, and tilts his head a bit.]

It's really something you've got to think about, huh.

[soldiernoclass]

Yeah, right? I don't want to get lazy, now, just because things seem pretty chill, here.

Let the ordinary people do that! A SOLDIER's job is to protect the peace, not to enjoy it.

[dontthesunlookgoodtoday]

Exactly. And what if something turns up out of the blue? I guess the superheroes could probably help out, but…

Soldier? You're in the army? [blinking at him, which he might… not really be able to see. He seems a lot friendly than Davesprite'd have expected.]

late :( [video]

[driftlock]

Right. You really think they sell weapons in Huggy City?

IT'S NEVER TOO LATE [video]

[soldiernoclass]

Why not? They sell 'em everywhere else.

[ Regardless of hugging and hey wow what the heck is he looking at

pardon the faces Zack is making while he tries to puzzle out where the person is on the other end of this thing. ]

[video]

[driftlock]

Everywhere else ain't stupid Hug City.

[Here, Deadlock will give you a better angle on his scowl.]