003; action

[mistyarc]

[Ever since Sophie's abduction, Hubert's been more quiet than usual. While there had been signs of a struggle, he can't help but think she might've gone with the droids after he'd filled her head with ideas of talking to the Malnosso. He knows the experience is going to be unpleasant for her even if she might get that chance, and that sure

Comments

[lightningcute]

[In the middle of his practice, Hubert may notice this young lass standing off to the side, watching in awe as he goes through his forms. IS THAT A SWORD THINGY THAT TURNS INTO GUNS, OMG SO COOL SDFLKAJKDAJF WHAAAARGARBL]

[mistyarc]

[Hubert indeed catches sight of the girl when he swerves on his heels with guns in tow, to which he stops and lowers them to his side, breathing slowly and deeply. He doesn't say anything, though the fact that he's gazing in her direction should be indicative of his wonder if she needs something.]

[lightningcute]

[Pao-lin holds up her hands apologetically.] Aah, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to distract you! I just wanted to watch what you were doing, but I can leave if you want.

Though...can I ask what kind of weapon you're using? I've never seen anything like that in my world.

[mistyarc]

[A second longer of staring, then he replies.]

It's a doubleblade with interchangeable forms. The rest is classified information, but you're welcome to stay.

[It's not like he owns the barracks, and he really doesn't mind.]

[lightningcute]

That's seriously really cool! [She is so envious right now I can't even.] How long have you been training with that?

[mistyarc]

[Genuine praise is always so awkward for him.]

I . . . suppose.

[Oh. She asked a question.]

Well over a year by this point.

[Almost two, now that he thinks about it.]

[lightningcute]

Wow, you were able to learn all that in just a year? It took me so long before I could do anything cool with just a staff...

[mistyarc]

Well, efficiency is preferred to aesthetics. Being able to do both is simply a "bonus."

[It's a subtle way to reassure her at the risk of sounded big-headed. And seeing as how the girl appears to be his junior . . . ]

Especially at a young age.

[lightningcute]

That makes a lot of sense. [At least she's also well-versed in the more straightforward stuff.] But I have to look flashy and cool as part of my job back home, so I'm always looking for ways to improve my moves! [And also she kinda just likes to show off sometimes, fffff.]

[mistyarc]

As part of your job?

[Who has to look flashy and cool for their vocation?]

[lightningcute]

Yup! I'm a Hero for HeroTV in Sternbild!

[She strikes a pose.]

I'm Dragon Kid, the Lightning Kung-Fu Master, and I'm sponsored by Odysseus Communication! [Slogan drop incoming, complete with a dramatic point and a wink!] We bring the world home to you!

[Yeah. Show-off. But she's so cute and earnest about it, and she really is proud of the work she does.]

[mistyarc]

-- a Hero!?

[And he's depositing the two pieces of his weapon into the pockets of his overcoat and stomping her way with a look of mixed disbelief and surprise. Once he's at a closer but respectable distance, he cups his chin, leaning in to inspect her.]

Are you . . . really a Hero?

[It's more out of a want to confirm than out of doubt. She's so young, but . . . ! She's got the pseudonym and the pose and everything and that is legitimate stuff, man.]

[lightningcute]

[Pao-lin grins and crosses her arms. She's used to similar reactions back in Sternbild, where people were astonished -- and sometimes outraged -- to see how young she was.]

I might be the youngest Hero of Sternbild, but I've got the most energy out of all the other Heroes! So you can definitely count on me to save the day.

[mistyarc]

[ . . .

Hubert straightens. This is suddenly serious business.]

Do you all work as a team?

[lightningcute]

Ah...actually, we're all supposed to be rivals on the show. We compete with each other to get points by saving civilians or arresting criminals, and whoever has the most points at the end of a season is the King -- or Queen -- of Heroes. But we're all friends anyway [even if it took a while] and we help everyone out when it matters the most!

[mistyarc]

[Points, compete . . . it's a game. A game of heroes.]

Rivals . . . I see.

[He lowers his hand.]

But that may be for the best! Yes, healthy competition between well-intentioned heroes can only lead to even greater teamwork.

[This is so amazing, he can't.]

D-Dragon Kid! What are the names of the other heroes?