"Skill and survival are the only things that matter" [open]

[swordofajerk]

[There's a moment of disorientation, of feeling like he's slipping into (or out of) something, and then suddenly there is a Spectre in the middle of Limbo yelling and shoving the other Spectres nearby out of his way and reaching for something that should be on his hip but isn't and all he can thing of is he needs something.

Sword? Maybe? That feels right, he needs a sword. Where can he get one, why doesn't he have one, why does he want one, why the hell is he suddenly aware of the fact that he is dead?]

Dammit. What the hell is going on--

Comments

[swordofajerk]

[. . .]

You're serious.

[What.]

[crypddyd]

[He nods]

We all tend on the younger side with a few exceptions, but some much more so. Monarch, for example, seems... twelve at most?

[swordofajerk]

Twel--are they at least capable, or is Rei letting unskilled children run around as Executors?

[crypddyd]

He's very skilled- I've fought alongside him. But no matter how skilled you are, a battle can take a toll.

Rei herself doesn't seem that much older than him- but she has been 'awake' longer than anyone else, so she is our leader in that regard.

[swordofajerk]

[Muttered:] So I was right about her age.

[More clearly:] And that's all it takes? Someone being "awake" the longest? Not skill or age or anything that actually matters when it comes to being a leader?

[crypddyd]

She knows the most about this place, and she is very powerful- but she is no dictator. Honestly, we don't have much of a hierarchy.

[swordofajerk]

And that works?

[crypddyd]

It does for now. Though I will admit some more structured leadership may be wise. But many of us would balk at being ordered around and... at our small size it hasn't been worth the fight.

[swordofajerk]

So it's just all collaborative?

[There's a hint of disgust at that, but he's not sure which part he's disgusted by: the lack of leadership or the thought of working with people. Maybe both.]

Hm. Whatever, so long as there's something to fight.

[crypddyd]

[he nods]

We all have a similar goal and needs, so in a way we are more a community than an army.

But if you are looking to stretch your legs a bit, I know a good area for training your new abilities.

[swordofajerk]

[That gets him to perk up and almost...sort of...smile? Sort of. It's a smile for Sword, at least.]

Do you know? No one mentioned that.

[crypddyd]

[that almost smile earns one in kind- something a bit sharp for this otherwise kind seeming man]

Yes. I usually try to do group training sessions. But you seem like someone that would prefer live combat? The Underside of this layer is less dangerous than those deeper in, but it is far from safe. Still, I'm sure two Executors could handle themselves well enough, even if one is a newcomer.

[There's a bit of... challenge there?]

[swordofajerk]

Ha! The first thing I knew when I woke up was that I needed a sword. I'm sure I could handle myself just fine, with or without you.

[This is probably reckless.]

[crypddyd]

Rei could not manage it on her own... But if you did I would be quite impressed.

[Said with a clear tone that he doesn't buy that at all]

But once I finish my tea I will be free the rest of the day, if you wanted to go.

[swordofajerk]

I think I do want to go. It'll be good to see just why I wanted a sword so damn badly.

[crypddyd]

[he smiles and sips his tea]

Very well- if you already know how to fight that will be a boon to the group. Not everyone does. You should eat first if you think you can manage it.

[swordofajerk]

I didn't see much in that fridge that I recognized.

[But food would be nice, so time to go digging, he guesses?]

I think I know how to fight. I wanted a sword, and I keep sizing people up without even thinking about it.

[crypddyd]

There should be some sliced meat in one of those packages.

And if that's true... we should spar at some point.

[swordofajerk]

[Sword pauses, sizing Lion up.]

I think that would be a good test of both our skills.

[This is like diving into the deep end just after learning to doggy paddle.]

[crypddyd]

I look forward to it- but the Underside first.

[He sets to work finishing his tea, giving Sword time to eat]