prismatica | Video

[The boy on screen might not look too familiar to most on the network, maybe because he doesn't really get out much, outside of his little circle of acquaintances. But if you've seen him once, he's pretty hard to forget, between the bicolored hair and heterochromatic eyes, and of course the giant scar on the left side of his face.

He looks pretty serious, but then, he always looks pretty serious, if he doesn't look tired.]

After everything that happened last month--[He stops short, biting his lips and breathing out through his nose before trying again.]

...I guess that isn't really right, though.

After everything that happened last month, and everything that's been happening for as long as I've been here, I've made up my mind to join the Moon Knights. I'd been holding off because I wasn't sure about swearing my loyalty to a planet that isn't mine, but after everything the Lunatians have suffered through because of us, everything they've done for us, I think we owe them something. Or at least I feel like I do.

I'm not asking permission, or looking for recognition or praise or anything. I just wanted to know if there are any other Moonblessed out there who've joined, or anyone else who's on the younger end of their application range who's looking to take the exam. My combat skills are good, and I've been studying medicine, but it's not just about how well you fight or if you can set a broken leg, here. I'd like to hear from others who've already joined about what to expect, and what else I should be studying. And if there's anyone else who's planning on joining, too, maybe we can train together. Let me know.

[And after one last pause and a brief flicker of what looks like hesitation, he shrugs a shoulder and adds one last thing, before the video ends:]

...I'm Shouto. If we haven't met, yet.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[He spontaneously video-calls him back.]

Hey Shoto. I'm older than you, but I'm also joining. Same reasons.

[Granted, he initially suspected that the Prismals were abducting people from other worlds for their own obvious purposes and wanted to investigate that, but the recent events kind of changed his mind on that. Shoto seems to be looking for other teenagers to study and train with, which is only reasonable, but he at least wants to signal his support.]

If you need anything I'll help if I can.

[Oh, right--]

Name's Hijikata.

[His creative user name kind of already hinted at it.]

[Older? It takes him a second to process why that might be relevant, but after a blink of confusion his expression clears up, and he nods.]

Thanks. I don't mind training with you, either, if you need it. I just figured anyone older looking to join an organization like the Moon Knights probably already has the experience, and they tend to hold back against someone they see as a kid.

[Never mind that he's already tall and broad-shouldered and has been training for this literally since he was four it's fine this is fine.]

Hah. I've met my share of capable kids.

[He smiles a little through his cigarette smoke. It's not like either of them can tell through the screen, but they're pretty much the same height and build.]

I don't think anyone else is gonna look down on you either. What kind of training are you looking for? I can offer swordfighting lessons and basic fitness and endurance training, but you've probably got that last bit covered.

...

Then again my sword has been pretty useless against those crystal lion things, so maybe we've both got to look into other options.

[Maybe they'll see if they ever actually meet in person! But even with the smoke, it should be fairly easy to see the look of interest on Shouto's face.]

Endurance and fitness have been part of my regular training for years, but I'd be interested in learning to use a sword. It might not be useful against everything we might come up against, but that's not the same as useless. The Moon Knight handbook recommends at least two types of weapon proficiencies, and I've never really had to use one. My Quirk has always been enough for me.

[Wait, not everyone's from a world like his. He should clarify.]

--Quirks are what we call a person's special ability, in my world. Almost everyone has one, usually the same as their parents or grandparents. Sometimes a combination of both parents. Not sure what your world's like.

I don't think we have Quirks where I'm from... well, not anything useful in any case.

[Gintama characters' "quirks" are usually along the lines of food obsessions or kinks they won't shut up about in public. No wonder they're in constant fear of their show getting cancelled.]

What's your Quirk? If it's functionally a weapon maybe they'll let it count as one. Anyway, regarding the sword skills, I'll look into what types of weapons they offer for their members. If they have something with a more useful blade it won't be a total bust for you to learn it.

[What a strange world. Honestly some of his classmates wouldn't make it five minutes in a world like that...but hey, it could be worse.]

I can create and manipulate fire and ice. It's not magic, but I guess for some people it might seem that way. I can use it offensively and defensively, but here it takes a pretty big chunk of chroma if I'm not careful. It can be tricky.

If there are swords like what you're used to here, and you're willing to teach me, I'd like to learn.

Honestly, if you can control fire and ice they'd be stupid not to take you. In my book that's two types of weapon. Fire's offensive by default, and if you can make icicles to use like spears or freeze people that's a solid second one.

[He exhales some more smoke. While he's impressed with Shoto's abilities he can imagine what a massive chroma drain they are.]

Best make sure you get partnered up with someone you like once you're a Moon Knight, that way it'll be easier to boost you back up to good health fast in a battle situation. So if they put you with some jackass don't hesitate to make a ruckus. And if I can confirm that swords are of any use around here you'll be first in line. I'll add you to my contacts if that's okay.

I can do both of those things. If I have the chroma. I've been working with a teacher on refining my control more so it's less of a drain, but...

[He shrugs. But honestly he's still kind of reassured by someone else considering his quirk comparable!]

I have a...friend. Who's talking about joining up with me. We're comfortable moonlacing with each other, so hopefully we can get paired together when we get in. It's easier when it's someone you're used to fighting side by side with.

That's fine by me. I'm looking forward to learning, if it happens.

That's great! Very good, you're making all the right moves.

[Why is he already acting like a coach to him? He isn't even really a mentor type, he has much too short a fuse for that. But Shoto seems like a smart and reasonable young man with the best of intentions, so Hijikata wants to validate him in that. They need people like him around.]

I don't think the Moon Knights will object to letting you two be partners, it'll only be an advantage to you and the force after all.

[Now he just needs to confirm if his own skills will be of use as well...]

I'll be in touch, then - unless there's something else I can look into for you?

It's just what needs to be done, if I'm going to be able to help people instead of being a burden.

[He sounds a touch defensive, but that's honestly because he's...not really sure what to do with encouragement? He's getting better at it, but he still think it feels like a fish congratulating him for having hands. Like, he's just...doing what anyone with a brain would do?? Clearly he hasn't yet realized common sense isn't.

But it is nice, having that validation. Even if he doesn't need it.]

No, I mean--thanks, but I've been here a while. Think I've pretty much got a handle on it. And anything else I don't think anyone here has the answers yet.

[Or if they did, he's pretty sure the Moonblessed wouldn't be hearing about it. But they can save the conspiracy theories for another day!]

[Meanwhile Hijikata is so used to being around people who make situations worse rather than better, it really gives him life to see kids like Shoto step it up and get things done. In a perfect world, though, he would agree, and he'd hate to be overpraised himself.]

Good.

[He nods. He needs to remember that some Moonblessed have been here as long as a year, and of course they'll have made good use of the time.]

Take care, then, and good luck.

[He gives him an encouraging smile before ending the call... though keeping the cigarette in his mouth may kind of cover it up with a smokescreen.]

Video

Video | UN: hijikata

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