[ Video log, May 1st ]

[principilucis]

[ Video ]

[ The beginning of the feed is shaky, but it quickly settles into a view of the Verdant Forest. A youth dressed in blue sits formally upon a rock, his gaze steady but a little unfocused.

There is a few moments of silence filled in by ambient forest sounds before he begins to speak. ]

Apologies for intruding upon your time.

My name is Marth. Due to recent circumstance, I have only recently been assimilated into Union. Thus, please excuse my unfamiliarity with accepted procedures.

[ A pause. ]

I would like to ask if any Trainers are willing to assist me in training. I possess fair knowledge in swordplay, but I fear that my skills may have dulled over time.

Information regarding the current state of affairs will be much welcome, as well.

[ There is a longer pause before the youth bows slightly to the viewer. ]

I will be lingering near the Forest Shrine of the Verdant Forest. Thank you for your attention.

[ The feed cuts here. ]

Comments

Video, 1/2

[niepokonany]

[It's unclear where Feliks is when he replies--though judging by the number of Pokémon around, it might be the Habitats. He's got a Vulpix, a Flabébé, and a Dratini all in his immediate vicinity, enjoying the spring flowers and what looks like a little picnic.]

The current state of affairs? Totally cray! This whole year has just been, like, major drama all over the place--

[niepokonany]

...Wait, where'd you come from, anyway? Should I like even be telling you this?

[principilucis]

Do not worry. I serve with the City Guard, though my enrollment was quite recent. Thus the unfamiliarity.

[niepokonany]

Oh... Well, like... If they let you join, I guess you're okay, then! Probably.

[He relaxes visibly, picking up the Vulpix and scratching behind her ears a little.]

So, what d'you wanna know?

[principilucis]

Anything you consider worth informing me, of course. [ Marth nods respectfully. ] In truth, I was away for a long time. Anything is worth telling.

[action]

[thedivinevoice]

Ah -- !

[She catches the feed halfway through. It is over before she has recovered from her shock, a temporary paralysis induced by the sound of his voice and the sight of his face.

It was impossible. It couldn't be true. This person... Surely it was simply a superficial similarity. Any idea beyond that was simply preposterous.

What was it he had said? The nearby Shrine?

She considers this for about five seconds before she quickly leaves the room she is renting and flies down the stairs.

She is at the Shrine within a half hour.]

[action]

[principilucis]

[ The Shrine was peaceful, very much so. Pokemon gathered near it occasionally, their presence welcome company for a ghost who had lost his memory.

Marth was still in his human form, seated upon the mossy rock from which he hadade his video call. The Falchion lay in the grass beside him, glittering faintly in the dappled sunlight.

Footsteps soon sounded in the forest - someone seemed to be running towards him. The prince remained still, seeing no reason to move. Even if the new arrival was hostile, he still had time to take it out.

But the individual wasn't hostile. A woman ran into the clearing outside the Sealed Chamber -

- he couldn't place a name nor identity to her visage, but it nevertheless stirred some deep recollection within him. Alas, he remembered only a vague sense of familiarity. The prince's expression shifted to one of surprise, but it quickly dampened into confusion.

Time had taken its toll upon him. ]

[thedivinevoice]

[It slips out before she can help herself.]

Mar-Mar...

[For a few moments, she, too, does nothing but stare. Her expression is one of the utmost shock. While she remembers almost nothing of her time before her sleep, the person before her is one of the few things she remembers with the utmost clarity. She doesn't need to glance at it to know the truth - but the sword lying beside him is indisputable proof.]

...It is you, isn't it? Prince Marth.

[principilucis]

[ Marth started to rise from his seat, but the woman's first words froze him mid-action. That name... she was referring to him, yes. It sounded like a slight modification of his name, but something told him that it carried more meaning.

If only he could remember what it was... ]

Indeed I am. [ He stood up fully, taking a few steps forward. Falchion's position restricted his movement to a small circle around it - and something told him that the woman would be upset if he moved it to his side. After all, it was a dragon-slayer -

- but he did not remember having been told the knowledge of her possible draconian ties. ]

And who may you be, fair lady?

[thedivinevoice]

Ah --

[His words catch her off-guard, and for a brief moment, her expression is pained. ...But it's brought her back to her senses. When she shakes her head and clears her throat, she is in control of herself once again.]

...My name is Tiki. I must apologize for my abruptness - you... remind me very much of someone I knew. Long ago.

[Video]

[silencesamurai]

Another swordsman, hmm? Perhaps I could assist you. I'm fairly good with the sword myself, though my skills have been dulled over time as well. Seven years in the clink puts a damper on practicing.

[And that mention of being in prison is just oh-so-casual.]

[principilucis]

[ Fortunately for Simon, Marth didn't have the faintest idea of what a 'clink' was. ]

I see. [ The prince nodded slowly. ]

If it isn't inconvenient for you, I would like to remain at my current location. Would it be an acceptable proposition? The timing is up to you to suggest, of course.

[silencesamurai]

If you say so. Where is your "current location?" I could come by a bit later today.

[principilucis]

[ There is a pause. ]

The Forest Shrine. My residence is close by.

Video

[revolutionista]

[Did somebody say swordplay?]

Are you truly good with a sword? It's been a long while since there was a worthy opponent for my Bakuzan.

[Sadly, she can't really help Marth with his other enquiries since she's only arrived recently as well. But she's ready to talk about swords.]

[principilucis]

It has been quite some time since I last did battle with another. While I cannot guarantee that my prowess may match yours, I am willing to give it my all if you wish to duel. What is your name, fair warrior?

[ Marth extends his left arm to one side, and Falchion rises to his hand at command. ]

This is my sword, named Falchion. May it be a match for your blade.

[revolutionista]

My name is Kiryuuin Satsuki. It's been a long time since I last crossed blades with another, too, but my hand is firm and my blade sharp. It shall be an honour to duel you... Marth.

[She raises her eyebrow and gives a small, reserved smile at his display of control over Falchion.]

That is a fine sword, indeed.

[Well, if you're doing this... She can't manipulate Bakuzan in quite the same way, but its steel is almost a part of her as well. She draws her sword, the dark blade gleaming dully in the light, and smiles.]

This is my sword, Bakuzan. There hasn't been anything it couldn't cut, yet. Shall your blade be the first?

[principilucis]

A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Kiryuuin. [ Marth bowed slightly as a sign of respect. ]

Bakuzan is a blade of might, too. I look forward to sparring with you.

[ Falchion definitely wouldn't be damaged, that was guaranteed - as an ancient blade composed of a Divine Dragon's light, it would endure for many battles to come. But as for whether it's wielder could stand up to Satsuki's assault... that was a different question altogether. ]

If it is acceptable with you, I would prefer to remain close to my home for our duel. It is situated near the Forest Shrine.

[revolutionista]

[Satsuki... pauses for a second, and gives a slight bow in return. She's still trying to get the hang of communicating with people here.]

Fine with me. What day shall we duel?

Video

[kaidont]

How about some training help in exchange for a chance for me to train against a sword user?

[principilucis]

[ Marth nods, but his expression changes to one of concern. ]

That sounds alright... but... do you have a chosen weapon of your own?

[ Going against unarmed opponents would put them at risk of injury. ]

[kaidont]

Nah that's the point. I need to be able to defend myself against armed opponent.

The day we have a real battle I'm not gonna go "hey mind dropping your sword" at the enemy.

[principilucis]

I... I see...

[ He doesn't seem reassured. ]

... would you mind coming to the Forest Shrine? My residence is close by...

1/2

[kaidont]

Sounds good to me.

Action

[kaidont]

[And a couple of hours later he turns up at the shrine, followed by his ever-present Floette]

Y'know, I don't think I even introduced myself.