re_alignment | VIDEO;

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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

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.]

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.]

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.

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?

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.

I'm glad you agree! [You have NO idea how glad he is Drift. But you're about to.]

[Add Drift's jealousy on top of 3 different kinds of friend-doctor-patient awkward, and it's no wonder Wing hasn't said anything to any of the medics...]

Perfect! ...My quarters then? [Oh, well, that grin is getting a little sly now. And very leading...]

[Drift would control his jealousy: Wing being happy is more important than what Drift wants for himself. But he can, you know, hope.]

[He sputters for a minute--he might need some medical attention if you keep this up.]

I...uh...sure. We can, you know, plan what to bring on this trip. [Just in case Drift's tiny little spark is reading too much into this, that's his cover story.]

[Drift can just hope that Wing wants what's best for them both. Because it's entirely true.]

[There's a joke about playing doctor here somewhere... You've got good hands right?]

All I need is you.

[And some fuel. Maybe.]

Because you realize: we'll be spending roughly the next week in each other's constant company...along with at least three other people.

[And suddenly Drift looks terrified. ]

Yeah, we....will, won't we.

Yes. Indeed.

[Wing has pretty good self control, but...that's pushing it.]

So, where are you right now?

...Junk Pile. [That's about all he can manage.] Near Solus' temple.

[A smile, though not the one he gives everyone else.]

So, it should take you...maybe 10 minutes to get here right?

Then I expect opportunity to come knocking in 11.

[That's...yeah, that smile should be weaponized. Because it stops Drift dead in his tracks and pretty much annihilates any rational thought. Other than 'guh'.]

[~~Goodness, Drift, stop being so cute.~~]

[It's true, nothing really said come hither more than the slight turn of those parted lips and the lidded cant of golden optics.]

You're on your way right?

I have to heat the oil and I wouldn't want it to get cold.

^I [Whoa too squeaky. He clears his vocalizer.]

I...I'm on my way. [If his spark doesn't explode from excitement first. Oh, and he'll be there in eight minutes. New world record?]

I'll be waiting...

[Just don't hurt yourself getting here. Vector won't mind a few skid marks here and there though, he's fairly sure anyway. All in the name of... happy refugees?]

_notforlong

[He cuts the comm, moving. Oh he may scuff his paint getting there, but, you know, maybe you can help buff that out.]

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

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

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

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[video] fade or log or what? your pref?