VIDEO;

[elkmobile]

Please, for a moment, give me your attention, all of you.

My name, again, is Ashitaka. I have a request to make. Most of you don't know me very well, and I understand if you disregard this.

First, I owe you all an explanation. Where I'm from, there are gods and demons alike. Gods to guard forests and the mountains. Demons that form due to anger and hatred.

[Ashitaka undoes his sleeve, pushing it back to reveal his scarred skin.]



I was cursed by a former god turned demon where I am from. When it is done claiming my body, it will kill me. I originally asked about the spirituality of this world because I was unsure of what could help me. Lord Prima has advised that I go on a journey to the Badlands. He has given me a map and a task.

However. Lord Prima also advised that I do not venture alone. So what I ask is this: will anyone be willing to go out into the Badlands with me? It will be dangerous, so I have need of those who can defend themselves. I will be honored if you volunteer yourself, but I need to know if you can fight as well.

I also understand if you do not wish to offer your help to me. If I must go alone, I will.

Thank you.

Comments

[video] sorry if this sucks but I want CR with ashitaka ;-;

[sword_redemption]

I'll go. [Spirituality and danger? Just ringing his bells, you realize.]

[video] psh no you're fine

[elkmobile]

[Ashitaka doesn't hide his surprise at the acceptance.

But he nods gratefully.]

Thank you.

You're one of the giant metal warriors. Do you... transform like some of them do?

[video]

[sword_redemption]

[A shrug.] You need help. You're fighting this thing. [What else does he need to know? Fighting a cursed scar is just a metaphor for what Drift is trying to do: fight the weight of four million years of brutality and war.]

Yes. My alt's a ground vehicle.

[video]

[elkmobile]

I am trying, true. But I'm also still grateful.

If you don't mind my asking, may I ride with you? I've noticed your people are faster than Yakul, and I don't wish to endanger him anymore than I already have.

[video]

[sword_redemption]

[He grins.] How about you hold off thanking me until I've done something worth it?

[He considers. There might be a problem if he has to transform to defend them, but it could be worked around.] It's best not to bring anything into danger if you don't have to.

[video]

[elkmobile]

Then I'm sure I'll have a better round of my thanks later.

I agree. That will work.

[video]

[sword_redemption]

I'll do my best to earn it.

Will this quest cure you of your 'curse'?

[video]

[elkmobile]

No. Lord Prima said it'd only contain it so it does not kill me. It's not quite lifting the curse, but...

I just want to live, Drift.

[video]

[sword_redemption]

[Drift nods. ] I had something similar when I arrived. Vector Prime could only slow the progress of the plague. But it gave me a chance.

Wanting to live is not a bad thing. Ever.

[video]

[elkmobile]

You were sick with something? I wasn't aware that was possible with your people. If you don't mind my saying, you're all a bit... impressive.

[video]

[sword_redemption]

It happens. Not often. It was a first for me.

[And something he'd rather not repeat.]

What's impressive is Pharma, who manufactured a cure. All I had to do was not die.

[video]

[elkmobile]

I'm glad, at least, it was something you were able to walk away from.

[video]

[sword_redemption]

I hope the same for you.

What are we doing in the Badlands?

[video] /jacked w/ permission

[winged_knight]

[Oh Drift, every time you do something noble it just makes Wing swoon a little harder you know that?]

Drift. I'm glad to see you coming to this man's aid. I'd thought to offer myself. Shall we go together?

[video]

[sword_redemption]

[One mech's 'noble' is another mech's 'foolhardiness'?]

[After Wing's recent, uh, incident, Drift really just wants to wrap Wing in bubble wrap and blankets and stow him some place safe, but he realizes how irrational that is. And Wing wouldn't be Wing if he let himself be restricted like that. Better to have him where Drift can keep an optic on him.]

I'd like that.

[video]

[winged_knight]

[The two often go hand in hand, but Wing would argue there's nothing truly foolish about doing what's right. ]

[Given the way trouble's followed Drift around ever since he got here, the idea of him traipsing off to the Badlands feels like pulling a 180 and embracing trouble with open arms. Not that he could stop Drift, and Wing knew his reasons for wanting to were selfish. He also wasn't ready for a repeat of his earlier experience: knowing Drift needed help and being unable to respond.]

[He grins.] Good, a small group has better odds. I'll let Ashitaka know I plan to accompany you.

[He...had to admit the idea of a little adventure did have its appeal. He wasn't about to publicly admit the ping of curiosity at the thought of venturing near the Badlands though, danger or no.]

[video]

[sword_redemption]

[Trouble has always stalked Drift. He's used to that. Less used to it mattering to anyone else.]

I...thank you. [He says it like it's a personal favor to him. Because in a way it is: a chance to do things with Wing, like they might have done if only he hadn't.... He shrugged off the end of the thought. This was now, and Wing was here. ]

[video]

[winged_knight]

[It's good we're an adaptable species then, isn't it?]

It's my pleasure really. [He smiles again. Maybe it's a common enough occurance, but it seems to happen a whole lot around you.]

Ashitaka wants to leave fairly soon from what I understand. We should start preparations now.

[And then he shuffles a bit, as if considering how to say more.]

[video]

[sword_redemption]

It'll be [he falters. 'good'? 'nice'?] I'm looking forward to it. [Spending time with Wing, doing something, maybe showing Wing what he's learned, what he's become?]

[Wing's smile elicits a matching one, less bright but no less sincere.]

What do we need to prepare? [He catches the gesture, but doesn't know what to do, to get Wing to confide in him.]

[He pauses. And adds. ] And say goodbye. [Vandal? Someone has to keep an optic on her.]

[video]

[winged_knight]

Yes it will. An excuse to explore a little, even if only in one direction. [And not alone like he has been. That's the best part, really.]

[He's still smiling, brighter than even, but it's like it can't sit still on his face, twitching and worming around.]

Well, aside from securing enough energon rations for ourselves... [Really, it was a bit silly that he'd let this go so long, borderline embarrassing even...] There's uh, some maintenance I should probably do--since it'll be a long trip--I can't exactly do it myself though. Maybe you could give me a hand?

[A nod.] Yes, it's important we let them know we've left...of our own accord, and will return. [Without a doubt.]

[video]

[sword_redemption]

Everything we know about this place helps. If nothing else, we can spot things in the Junk Pile we may need later.

[He frowns.] I'm not a medic. Maybe First Aid would be better for maintenance? [He wants to, but, he doesn't want to mess up.]

[video] A SMALL part of me feels like I should apologize for this...

[winged_knight]

Indeed. Every little bit helps.

[A slight bark of a laugh. Oh, if it was a simple as that, getting a medic's help, it'd be so much easier...and a lot less interesting.]

Ah well, it's not complex, just...I can't exactly reach. [He clears his vocalizer, a slight warmth stealing through his frame.]

See, I managed to stress all my flight structures after arriving here. Daily flights after centuries of barely doing it at all will have that effect. Ratchet chided me about it then, told me I need to cut back on my flight time [his eyes wander at that, looks like someone's not been following doctor's orders] and he gave me a hot oil rub to apply...

[He passes a deep breath through his cooling system, willing his fans not to kick on just yet.]

Ah, but I haven't exactly been doing that. It's a touch awkward, asking just anyone... [His gaze finds Drift's, pausing to let all of that sink in, his optics keen and bright.]

[video] my only regret is I do not have a keysmash icon

[sword_redemption]

Oh. OH. [About three or four more internal 'oh's. And an obvious moment where he overrides his own cooling fans from kicking on noisily.]

[Drift is not one to berate someone for not following Ratchet's orders. Starting with 'stay here'.]

Well. I see. I mean, that would be bad if that happened.

...yeah.

[video] NGL, I've had this idea in my back pocket since week 3 of this game.

[winged_knight]

Ah-ha. Yes. Exactly. [Wing looks...slightly giddy.]

I should, get that taken care of if I'm to be at my best you know. [Yes, of course that's what this is all about.]

I'm pretty sure if Ratchet knew I was--well--neglecting myself, he'd take matters into his own hands. [He coughs, and now he's pretty helpless to keep those fans from coming on. Why hide it now?] But I doubt he'd be prepared for the reaction...

[He clears his vocalizer again.]

So.

Are you busy?

[video]

[sword_redemption]

Y-yeah. You should...I mean we should. You know. Take care of that.

[His face creases at the mention of Ratchet. And the idea of Ratchet touching Wing, like that. Jealous? Drift?]

[Yep.]

[Especially at the 'prepared for the reaction' comment. He tries to hide a shiver.]

Uh. N-not right now. No. Not busy.