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]

[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.

[video]

[winged_knight]

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...]

[video]

[sword_redemption]

[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.]

[video]

[winged_knight]

[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.

[video]

[sword_redemption]

[And suddenly Drift looks terrified. ]

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

[video]

[winged_knight]

Yes. Indeed.

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

So, where are you right now?

[video]

[sword_redemption]

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

[video]

[winged_knight]

[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.

[video]

[sword_redemption]

[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'.]

[video]

[winged_knight]

[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.

[video]

[sword_redemption]

^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?]

[video]

[winged_knight]

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?]

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

[sword_redemption]

_notforlong

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