oh so homeless

[killervigil]

I guess this means you finally went ahead and pulled the trigger.

Can't say it makes me too upset or anything. If forcing me to wear a dumb looking costume is the worst thing you have planned, then all I've gotta say is "bring it." Wherever I end up, you know I've got Bave Vesperia's reputation to maintain.

I'm not worried about the name, either. I've already come to terms with what I did. My friends know, and they accepted it, so I couldn't care less.

Comments

[firstaid]

I don't believe a name like that is quite fitting.

[She's aware it's who he is, but it doesn't sit quite right with her.]

[killervigil]

Well, it wouldn't be my first choice, either. But you've gotta pick your battles.

[A dubious statement, coming from him. Oh well. He goes on after a short pause.]

For whatever reason, I do feel better hearing you say that. Thanks, Estelle.

[firstaid]

Oh, it's not a problem.

[She smiles.]

I just simply don't believe we should have to put up with some of these usernames our mundanes come up with. Perhaps I got extremely lucky in my case.

[killervigil]

You could call it luck, but you wouldn't have a name like that if it didn't fit. So, really, I'd say it's more like you earned it.

[firstaid]

Do you really think so? I honestly thought I was just doing what I felt like I was called to do.

[To heal others and be thanked for it.]

[killervigil]

Of course. And you'd think I'd know. If you hadn't been around, I couldn't count the number of times I would've keeled over. I felt like I could fight as hard as I wanted when I knew you had my back. Even if it just feels like a natural instinct for you, that doesn't make it any less great.

[firstaid]

I think you would have fought just as hard regardless. After all, you do have an insatiable need and love for battle.

[killervigil]

I'd say it feels more insatiable when I've got somebody nearby to take care of my wounds. That, or someone like Flynn to fight beside. Hell, that's probably the reason I learned to fight so recklessly.

[Sweet. Another thing to blame on Flynn.]

[firstaid]

Do you fight that way because you tried to be better than him? I recall you mentioning that he always beat you at everything.

[She smiles, meaning this all so innocently, but... well, she can be slightly teasing too, but only when it comes to Yuri.]

[killervigil]

"Everything?" Did I say that?

[Yes. And he knows it.]

Well, that was then, anyway. I've gotten plenty stronger.

[Helping save the world will do that to a guy.]

[firstaid]

Of course you have, and you'll continue to get stronger even if not always physical strength. As for me, I know I have a lot of work to do. One day, making choices won't be so hard for me, and I hope that I can be decisive like everyone else.

[bravior]

[Karol sighs and considers what to say, because accepting that it happened isn't quite the same as approving of it.

Instead, though, he chooses to grumble a bit. It isn't like they haven't already covered the murdering thing, anyway.]

If our guild's image could be ruined by dumb costumes, I think we would've tanked a long time ago...

[killervigil]

[Yuri puts a hand on her shoulder and gives it a reassuring squeeze.]

Hope you don't sweat it too much. You've still got a long time to figure things out.

Besides, there are certain decisions that need a lot of consideration, especially for a princess. You'll have plenty of practice by the time those roll around.

[killervigil]

You got that right.

Think we could use some even wilder ones? If they were weird enough, we could use them to distract our enemies.

[He's going to tell dumb jokes until you cheer up, Karol. So please hurry and cheer up.]

[bravior]

[Well, it sure distracts him!]

Huh? Distract them for what? Wouldn't that make them chase after us?

[killervigil]

It'll be like when we use the Sorcerer's Ring. We stun them for a second and then we have the advantage.

[Which begs the question: if they already have the Sorcerer's Ring, then why bother with the costumes?]

[firstaid]

[She's silent and entirely thoughtful here.]

I suppose hasty decisions from me could harm others.

[Another weight she has to bear, but she always does so with a smile.]

However, even simple decisions are still difficult. All of you make it seem so easy...

[killervigil]

Like I said, that'll come with time.

The Empire needs a leader who's always willing to put the people first, and I can't think of anybody more qualified than you.

[bravior]

[While Karol doesn't quite think that far, he does have other worries.]

But sometimes the ring makes them angrier!

[killervigil]

Good point. Guess we'll just have to test different outfits.

Shouldn't be a problem if we try them out first on some weak monsters. Personally, I think any lineup where you're in a dress is gonna be preeeeetty effective.

[Wow Karol how do you put up with this.]

[bravior]

No way! You're just trying to get me in dumb costumes again!

[H-he's onto you!!]

[killervigil]

Well, if you're really not willing to make that kind of sacrifice for the guild…

[He shrugs and gives Karol a wink.]

I suppose there's always the old man.

[bravior]

I guess, but...

[He crosses his arms as he ponders his options, then raises his hand and tries to look as important as possible!]

All right! If anyone should break Brave Vesperia's laws, then that's the kind of punishment they'll have to face.

[killervigil]

[Yuri gives him an approving nod.]

Yeah, perfect. That's our captain.

[Then, after a lecherous pause:]

I've already got a few ideas for what Judy could wear.

[bravior]

...You sound like Raven, Yuri.

--And hey, wait! You're not expecting Judith to break the laws, are you?!

1/2

[killervigil]

What, I just said I had some ideas. They could've been perfectly modest. You don't have to lump me in with him.

[killervigil]

But don't worry. I was kidding. Of course I trust Judy.

[firstaid]

While I thank you for your kind words, I'm afraid they've chosen Ioder... which I think was the right choice. Honestly, I'm not sure how I feel if I were chosen to be empress. I wouldn't get to travel like this with everyone...

[killervigil]

A princess is still a leader, Estelle. You may not be the head honcho, but if you do keep traveling the world, you'll be representing a kinder side of the Empire with every bit of generosity you show. You'll start winning trust back all over the place.

[Hopefully he's not pouring it on too much, but he does honestly believe everything he's telling her.]

[firstaid]

I can only hope... I honestly couldn't believe how much distrust there was for the Empire when I first got out of the capital. I had really thought they were taking care of everyone...

But that's all over now, right? So we shouldn't dwell on it.

[Thinking about the past is something she absolutely can't do. What gives her hope is the possibility of a bright future.]

1/2

[bravior]

It's hard to believe when your expression was pretty Raven-like...

[bravior]

[He's glad to hear that, though, and perks back up.]

Good. I know it's not an actual law, but I think it's important that everyone in the guild trusts each other.