Second Spell

[allnaturalmagic]

[Phone]
So this is the kind of thing I was warned about when I first arrived here...

I won't be going after my target. This is wrong. I implore all of you to listen to what your hearts and minds tell you is the right thing to do. We can't let them manipulate us like this. Even if they seem to know how to frighten us. And... tempt us.

Please.

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Comments

[inababanchou]

[ Hi neighbor. That boy who was hanging up his mother's laundry is now outside of his house at 1251 Williams, one home over. He's cautiously walking around the perimeter of his home when he sees her with a nervous streak. He has something long strapped to his back wrapped in a yellow beach towel, but there's a hilt sticking out from the top. It's very obvious there's a sword there. ]

Hey.

[ Gets right to business. ]

You got a letter, didn't you?

[allnaturalmagic]

[Terra jumps at the sound of his voice, but relaxes when she realizes who spoke. She takes in his appearance - especially the sword hilt.]

I did.

You as well?

[inababanchou]

No, I did not receive a letter, but my friends got one.

... I'll do what I can to protect them.

Do you have a weapon? I have two short swords I meant to give to someone else, but I can't find him.

[allnaturalmagic]

You didn't? That's good. At least you should be safe.

Thank you, but I don't need a weapon. I won't be going after my target.

[inababanchou]

It's not to attack your target, but to protect yourself.

If you have a letter, you're a target too.

[allnaturalmagic]

Yes, I know.

...Do you really think the people here will actually kill one another?

..............did you see the reserves?

[inababanchou]

[ Without missing a beat. ]

Yes. Some people will use this event as an excuse to kill more.

I just did HOLY CRAP I am kind of freaking out over here.

[allnaturalmagic]

But that's horrible! Aren't we all trapped here and trying to escape? We should be working together!

[inababanchou]

Some don't want to leave. Or some want to kill regardless. You should arm yourself to at least protect yourself.

[allnaturalmagic]

I suppose you're right...

[She looks very unhappy about this, but...] You'd be able to spare one of those short swords?

[inababanchou]

[ He nods, disappearing into his house. He returns with two similar get-ups - two green towels wrapped around the blade of two short swords with the hilts exposed. ]

It's crude, but the towels can serve as a sheath and the rope works as a girdle. Would you like both?

[ He pauses for a moment. ]

Want to come with me? My friends and I aren't going after their targets, and we'll be much safer in a group.

[allnaturalmagic]

No, only one will do. Thank you. [She takes one of the swords and awkwardly ties it around her waist.]

You'd invite me along? Without my magic, I can't do much...

[inababanchou]

That's fine. We just want to be safe, and as they say, safety in numbers.

[allnaturalmagic]

In that case, I would love to join you. I'll help all I can.

[inababanchou]

And me too. I didn't get a letter, but I'm not taking this sitting down.

[ He's sizing you up. ]

What was your name again?

[allnaturalmagic]

Good to hear.

I'm Terra. And you're... Souji, correct?