irismessaging | 3rd Punch [Video]

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3rd Punch [Video]

[Well… that method definitely wasn’t Akihiko’s preferred way to break the news gently to the rest of the camp. Now, to deal with the aftermath…]

Don’t worry, everyone. We’re not gonna throw in the towel without a fight. We’ve got this.

[He falls quiet for a minute, contemplating, and then tries his best to display a reassuring smile to the network.]

Hey, what do you guys like to do for fun? There’s a bunch of clubs in my school, and those are great for teambuilding and meeting new people.

So, I was thinking… Why don’t we start up some clubs right here? Like swimming, archery, boxing, or anything else you’re into! There can even be a book club, if sports aren’t your thing. Maintaining mental strength is important too.

[Though he can’t help quipping next with some personal bias.]

Of course, we can’t let up with our training, especially now, so make sure you guys find a good balance between the two, okay?

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I would assume so. Of course, you'd have to figure out how to get those weapons first. Hopefully, not all of the monsters need to be taken down that way. I'd rather use my fists than any other weapon.

That's not... similar enough to our situation. But okay, let's take your scenario and put a spin on it. Say those four men were placed, or somehow guided, into the woods to get lost. If only one of those men is the actual target, and he dies, then the others can be released, right? In our case, what reason would the gods have, to kill people that they consider to be innocent and harmless? If they wanted to be that vindictive in the first place, then they should have just killed us in the very beginning.

[He grins at that mention.] I got one! Well, on loan, anyway, from one of the cabins. I borrowed a pair of weights too! [Look how excited he is.] So I'm good, for now.

[Akihiko feels confused by her question.] Is there something wrong with wanting to help others? If it'd make you feel better about staying here, then why not?

In my little story, the bear is the Gods, and the forest is every other monster in the world that would want to kill us. I know the Gods won't hurt us if we're not a problem or whatever.

But the gods aren't who I'm worried about.

Nothing wrong with helping someone, just if it's giving up what you want in the process. But if you really don't mind~

Oh… who are you worried about, then?

[He shrugs slightly.] I’m not using my money for anything in particular right now. Besides, I know how it feels to want something that you can’t afford. You can consider it a loan, if you want.

…But how’re you actually gonna get it?

Someone took all the previous campers, I'm worried about whoever did that.

*Blunt. Obvious. But very much on the point of the issue.*

Well, I guess I can work with that, and if you die I don't have to pay you back. *Gallows humor.* But I was figuring I can find a music shop in New York City, the place kinda sells everything, right? Just... getting there alive is what I'm worried about. Monsters, you know? But if enough of us want to go, and we're all good enough with weapons that'd work right?

Just need to find someone who can drive, and what it takes to kill monsters.

[Grimly, he nods.] I wonder if that’s why we were brought here… to replace them.

[He appreciates the bluntness, because he is that way too. It’s a waste of time and effort to beat around the bush.

Akihiko quirks a brow at her and snarks back without even thinking about it.] Your concern is really touching, you know that? Heh, I’ll have to keep that in mind.

Right… the Hellhounds. And whatever else is roaming around in the forest. [He lifts a clenched fist, and shows small sparks of electricity moving back and forth between his knuckles.] I’ve been practicing my new abilities. I can help out.

[Like Akihiko would turn down an adventure that involves fighting.]

I know my friend has a license for motorcycles, but we’ll need something bigger, of course. She might have one for regular vehicles too. I just turned 18 a couple of weeks ago, so I haven’t gotten mine yet. How about you? Can you drive?

We'll need the okay from Mr. D or Chiron, otherwise you're definitely toast for being uncontrollable. But you'd definitely be a good call to bring along.

*Maya is cover, not a fighter, she'd want someone else to take point. Akihiko is more than capable for that.*

I'm fourteen, I'm nowhere near driving. I probably won't be able to take Driver's Ed even when I'm a senior. There are some people here older than high school age, one of them might be able to do it?

[Akihiko lets out a low grunt under his breath, but he can see the truth of her words. Leaving camp without permission could very likely get all of them punished – and how severely, one could only guess.]

Oh… Hmm. Well, we should definitely bring others along too. It won’t be safe with just us two. I’m sure other people would wanna check out the city, at the very least.

[He muses out loud.] I’m pretty sure Nanjo-san is older than me. Possibly Amano-san too. I can ask them if they’re capable of driving. Most of my friends are younger.

Yeah, I doubt I'm the only person who wants stuff from the city. I'm sure some other capable campers will bite.

But... how exactly will fighting with any of the monsters out there work, anyway? I know that mist stuff hides things, but won't people notice if we're walking around fully armed? We'll need weapons but we can't just around in full armor.

Can you ask Chiron about it? I’ll check with some of the others. Though… where would we even get a car? I haven’t seen any here, that’s for sure.

[He shakes his head.] We will if we have to. We can’t leave our defenses completely exposed. [And then he suddenly recalls one of his new abilities.] But… Maybe I can do something about other people seeing us. Clearly, anyway.

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