[ Jinwoo's voice comes through easily, steady and even. ]
You got it. I'll see you soon.
[ Leave it to him to arrive a bit earlier considering he has nothing else to do. At least this'll give him the chance to check out the simulation room since he's only visited this place once. ]
[Given that's one more time than Cagalli has, he'll find her in the center of the arena with her sadly shrunken shiny golden mobile suit. Yes, it is exactly as pictured.]
Yo! [Once he's within sight, she holds up an arm and waves.] How've you been?
[ One moment, please give him a few seconds to admire her mobile suit. ]
Wow. Is that your mobile suit? It looks more incredible than I imagined. [ And it's not because it's shiny and gold. ] But I'm doing good. How about you?
It is, just a fraction of its normal size. I'm also here to see how it handles that way. If there are major differences, I want to know before we head out anywhere.
[Her eyes don't leave her suit until she finishes addressing potential issues. He's met with a friendly shrug.]
Managing as best as I can. Easier when I've got people from home stuck here, too.
Even if it's just a fraction of its normal size, it still looks amazing. But I'm glad you have others to rely on. Maybe that'll make it easier to navigate these changes too.
[ Now it's his turn to show off what he promised her. A soft command is murmured under his breath, Come forth. Shadows crawl out from where he stands, manifesting into a larger shape until Kaisel stands right next to the Akatsuki. He's about the same height too, but it's a far cry from how massive he truly is. ]
This is Kaisel. He isn't his usual size either, but... at least he can still fly me around.
Thanks. [Cagalli trails off and makes a sort of face.] Maybe. None of them are anyone I'm very close to, but it's better than not. Someone familiar is a comfort.
[Her eyes widen once the shadows begins to move, and she can't help but take a step back, watching with caution, even though she trusts Jinwoo to control whatever's happening.]
[ Kaisel raises his head to roar, but before he can make noise, Jinwoo stares at him with a pointed look. Don't you dare, and it's as if the wyvern looks so sheepish, quieting down with a soft hiss instead. ]
He doesn't bite, I swear. Wanna come closer?
[ He's already making his way over, looking back at Cagalli with a raised brow. ]
If I lose a hand, that's on you. [There's a bit of a grin when she says that, no longer hesitating as she strides by him to look up at the shadow wyvern thing.
Some people might offer a hand or a greeting, but Cagalli just stares up at him, clearly at a loss for what to do now.]
[ Seriously, Kaisel is more like an overgrown bird. Curious, aloof— he tilts his head, watching Cagalli curiously before leaning down to bring his head closer. Even at a smaller size, he easily dwarfs them both. ]
It's too bad he can't talk. He's probably saying hi in return.
Some of my shadows can talk. It's just Kaisel is unfortunately not high ranked enough.
[ That earns a huff from the dragon, but whatever disappointment soon melts away as he enjoys Cagalli's hand petting him. This is nice. Jinwoo doesn't do this enough, clearly, because he's going to nudge her hand to let her know she should keep it there. ]
Yeah. It's too bad he isn't his usual size, but I guess this makes it easier to spoil him like this.
[ While this continues, he motions at her mobile suit. ]
There are ranks? I take it promotions aren't really something that comes into play.
[Kaisel demands her attention, and Cagalli can't help but laugh, clearly happy to oblige. In fact, she leans her face in to quietly address him.]
I think he's just jealous you'll get more attention from people.
[Jinwoo's interest in her mobile suit has her glance over at him, though she doesn't stop petting the clearly neglected wyvern.]
It's called the Akatsuki, and it's normally a lot bigger. It's got two high powered beam cannons on the back, a pair of CIWS guns in the head, a beam rifle, double bladed beam saber, and a multi purpose shield. [...] The armor reflects beam weapons that are fired at it.
[ It's probably a good thing that Jinwoo doesn't hear what she just told Kaisel, because it makes the wyvern even happier. He nudges her face in agreement. ]
The two of you are getting along, huh? [ Not that it's a bad thing. ] But yeah, every shadow I extract are ranked by their strength. They could rank up with me before, but I doubt it all works the same here.
[ Especially now that the system is gone.
He glances up at the Akatsuki, looking for every feature she points out. There's no helping the amazed wow that escapes him. Truly, he can be a nerd when it comes to these things. ]
Really? It must be fun piloting the Akatsuki since you can wield so many weapons. Can it tank more than just beam weapons?
[ Sorry, don't mind him! He's going to come closer to get a better look since she's busy with Kaisel. ]
Maybe he just like being paid attention to. Seems to me like you've been neglecting him with how he's acting now. [Teasing, of course. Cagalli laughs again when the shadow wyvern nudges her in a newfound comradery, and she offers a few more pets along the side of his head.]
Any of the ones you have here talk? [...] Not that I need a conversation.
[She watches him look over her mobile suit, appearing almost enamored by it. It's hard to think of it that way, but it's probably the same for him when people marvel over the shadows. To be fair, Kaisel is a lot more charming than say, Yzak's Duel Blitz Gundam.]
When we pilot, it's to fight, and usually against others in similar suits. If you walk away, it means someone else didn't. Our goal is to stop that from being the reality we live in. Fun isn't a term we'd ever use to describe it.
[Her tone shifts into a much more serious and sobering tone, one laden with multitudes of experience in such matters.]
And I don't know what tank means here. It's still armor, but I've got a shield for a reason if that's what you're asking.
[ Jinwoo hadn't expected the conversation to take such a turn, but maybe he should have seen it coming. He knows what war is. Knows what it does to people, how it strips away any room for words like "fun".
His gaze lingers on the Akatsuki for a moment longer before shifting back to Cagalli, reading the weight behind her words. ]
You're right. That was careless of me.
[ It's not quite an apology, not in so many words, but it's still an acknowledgement. One he means every bit of it. After all, he understands what it's like to fight with the intent to survive, to walk away while someone else doesn't. ]
I guess I meant more like that it must be impressive. The way you handle something that powerful, and the choices you have to make when you wield it.
[ Not everyone can handle strength like that in the best of ways. He's seen firsthand what happens when those who have a bad heart are the powerful ones. ]
[Cagalli shakes her head, blonde hair rustling with the movement. Kaisel gets another pat before she lowers her hand and walks over to stand next to Jinwoo by the Akatsuki.
He gets nudged with her elbow as she stands there silently. Then once more.]
We all say dumb things sometimes. Don't worry about it too much. [Her eyes study the mobile suit, taking a longer look than most would when dealing with a weapon they've had for a decent amount of time.]
You're pretty on the nose when you put it that way. Some machines have more expectations placed on them than others.
[ Like an overgrown dog, Kaisel settles by Cagalli since he's enjoying the attention. The conversation goes over his head so Jinwoo isn't too worried about what he's doing now. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
audio;
Simulation room, twenty minutes.
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You got it. I'll see you soon.
[ Leave it to him to arrive a bit earlier considering he has nothing else to do. At least this'll give him the chance to check out the simulation room since he's only visited this place once. ]
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Yo! [Once he's within sight, she holds up an arm and waves.] How've you been?
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Wow. Is that your mobile suit? It looks more incredible than I imagined. [ And it's not because it's shiny and gold. ] But I'm doing good. How about you?
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[Her eyes don't leave her suit until she finishes addressing potential issues. He's met with a friendly shrug.]
Managing as best as I can. Easier when I've got people from home stuck here, too.
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[ Now it's his turn to show off what he promised her. A soft command is murmured under his breath, Come forth. Shadows crawl out from where he stands, manifesting into a larger shape until Kaisel stands right next to the Akatsuki. He's about the same height too, but it's a far cry from how massive he truly is. ]
This is Kaisel. He isn't his usual size either, but... at least he can still fly me around.
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[Her eyes widen once the shadows begins to move, and she can't help but take a step back, watching with caution, even though she trusts Jinwoo to control whatever's happening.]
Whoa...
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He doesn't bite, I swear. Wanna come closer?
[ He's already making his way over, looking back at Cagalli with a raised brow. ]
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Some people might offer a hand or a greeting, but Cagalli just stares up at him, clearly at a loss for what to do now.]
So... hi.
[It could work.]
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You won't lose a hand.
[ Seriously, Kaisel is more like an overgrown bird. Curious, aloof— he tilts his head, watching Cagalli curiously before leaning down to bring his head closer. Even at a smaller size, he easily dwarfs them both. ]
It's too bad he can't talk. He's probably saying hi in return.
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[It's as much a teasing comment as an actual question. Of all the sensible additions to a major power, that seems like a weird one to be without.
She reaches out to gently pat his snout(?) a few times before actually glancing at Jinwoo now.]
He seems pleasant.
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[ That earns a huff from the dragon, but whatever disappointment soon melts away as he enjoys Cagalli's hand petting him. This is nice. Jinwoo doesn't do this enough, clearly, because he's going to nudge her hand to let her know she should keep it there. ]
Yeah. It's too bad he isn't his usual size, but I guess this makes it easier to spoil him like this.
[ While this continues, he motions at her mobile suit. ]
You should tell me more about it.
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[Kaisel demands her attention, and Cagalli can't help but laugh, clearly happy to oblige. In fact, she leans her face in to quietly address him.]
I think he's just jealous you'll get more attention from people.
[Jinwoo's interest in her mobile suit has her glance over at him, though she doesn't stop petting the clearly neglected wyvern.]
It's called the Akatsuki, and it's normally a lot bigger. It's got two high powered beam cannons on the back, a pair of CIWS guns in the head, a beam rifle, double bladed beam saber, and a multi purpose shield. [...] The armor reflects beam weapons that are fired at it.
[That's what he meant, right?]
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The two of you are getting along, huh? [ Not that it's a bad thing. ] But yeah, every shadow I extract are ranked by their strength. They could rank up with me before, but I doubt it all works the same here.
[ Especially now that the system is gone.
He glances up at the Akatsuki, looking for every feature she points out. There's no helping the amazed wow that escapes him. Truly, he can be a nerd when it comes to these things. ]
Really? It must be fun piloting the Akatsuki since you can wield so many weapons. Can it tank more than just beam weapons?
[ Sorry, don't mind him! He's going to come closer to get a better look since she's busy with Kaisel. ]
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Any of the ones you have here talk? [...] Not that I need a conversation.
[She watches him look over her mobile suit, appearing almost enamored by it. It's hard to think of it that way, but it's probably the same for him when people marvel over the shadows. To be fair, Kaisel is a lot more charming than say, Yzak's Duel Blitz Gundam.]
When we pilot, it's to fight, and usually against others in similar suits. If you walk away, it means someone else didn't. Our goal is to stop that from being the reality we live in. Fun isn't a term we'd ever use to describe it.
[Her tone shifts into a much more serious and sobering tone, one laden with multitudes of experience in such matters.]
And I don't know what tank means here. It's still armor, but I've got a shield for a reason if that's what you're asking.
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His gaze lingers on the Akatsuki for a moment longer before shifting back to Cagalli, reading the weight behind her words. ]
You're right. That was careless of me.
[ It's not quite an apology, not in so many words, but it's still an acknowledgement. One he means every bit of it. After all, he understands what it's like to fight with the intent to survive, to walk away while someone else doesn't. ]
I guess I meant more like that it must be impressive. The way you handle something that powerful, and the choices you have to make when you wield it.
[ Not everyone can handle strength like that in the best of ways. He's seen firsthand what happens when those who have a bad heart are the powerful ones. ]
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He gets nudged with her elbow as she stands there silently. Then once more.]
We all say dumb things sometimes. Don't worry about it too much. [Her eyes study the mobile suit, taking a longer look than most would when dealing with a weapon they've had for a decent amount of time.]
You're pretty on the nose when you put it that way. Some machines have more expectations placed on them than others.
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He tosses her a glance when she says that, eyebrow raising. ]
Here's hoping that burden can be shared. No one should have to shoulder that many expectations on their own.
[ Says the guy who is trying to take on everything by himself... ]
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[It's a cheeky reply with a small smile to go with it. Don't worry about it, Jim, it's old news to her.
She reaches out a hand so Kaisel can join them and not be ignored. He's the reason they came here, after all.]
You're a step ahead in that conversation.
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I can take a step back, if you'd prefer that.
[ Have a tease in return!! ]
Kaisel seems to like you a lot.
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[Thus the patting of the wyvern commences.]
You think? Pretty sure he'd take to anyone who was nice to him, though. Not that I'm insulted. Maybe you two have that in common.
[Heh. Observation or just a friendly jab? Hard to say.]