avalononline | [Video]

[When Gundham starts the video, one thing is certain. While his outfit is similar to what he normally wears it's definitely... different. Several vines wrapped around his arms like snakes and his overall demeanor is more... determined.]

I have been here for some time now. Almost a year by my count. During that time I've had time to think. Too much time. But, I've come to a conclusion. Everyone that is brought here seems to have some talent or aptitude that furthers this place's goal, some history that makes them a candidate for being here. My talent is not one that is generally suited to the tasks laid out before us, though my history is.

A friend once told me that the future is not a river flowing immutably in one direction, but more like the ocean. You can try to go anywhere, though it doesn't mean you'll always reach your destination. However, the friends that I've made and comrades I vowed to survive with have had that future taken from them and so, I've made a decision.

I will not cling to hope blindly, nor will I let despair dictate my life anymore. I will take hold of my own future, embrace my path, and become the villain this place needs, for the sake of those left behind.

[That last remark is said with a slightly different cadence. He's choosing his words very carefully as if to get the attention of someone.]

And Mukuro, we need to talk.

[With that, he ends the feed.]

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[Well. That was interesting, wasn't it? And if her hunch was right about the times they'd discussed his world- and 'That King'- previously, this was all painting a quite clear picture in her mind.

May as well lay her own cards on the table, then.]

So if I'm understanding correctly, the world called you evil itself- was it for bloodshed at your hand? We're alike, you and I... But I imagine you realised that from when we spoke before. My tale was no more a 'myth' than yours was a 'story'.

Would you be willing to speak in person? These devices don't lend themselves well to conversations like this, don't you think?

Edited 2021-08-09 17:07 (UTC)

[Gundham sighs, changing over to a private feed. Caster deserves an explanation considering how much she's already put together. At the suggestion to meet in person he hesitates. It took considerable determination to make the initial post, and he's not entirely sure how he would feel if someone were to be in close proximity to him wearing what he is. It's a gradual change.]

I... am unsure if meeting in person would be wise at the moment. [He averts his eyes, the bravado he'd been showing draining from his face.]

It is as you say though. The hypothetical I posed was rooted more in fact than fiction. My world lies in ruin, and a river of blood and a mountain of bodies lay at my feet.

Very well, let us continue as we are, then.

[She could tell he was nervous- that much was clear from how he glanced away from the call like that...Caster couldn't help but remember her own horror when she realised she'd been left abandoned in a foreign land that only saw her as an evil witch.

So, she wouldn't press him, and instead leant back in her chair to listen properly to what he said. Her reaction was a little more subdued, in turn.]

Whilst you were under the influence of that dark 'King' you spoke of, correct? And so, as your world calls you its enemy, you've decided to embrace that mantle here, also.

...But one truth deserves another, doesn't it? It was much the same for me, during my lifetime. Heroic Spirits- Servants- like myself are beings whose names have been immortalised in history or legend, for better or for worse. The legend I told you was true of my lifetime, also.

[In any other circumstance, Gundham would've assumed Caster was trying to claim the plot of an anime or manga as her backstory. However here... he believes it. After all, it's no weirder than anthropomorphic animals or a guy with a gun for a head.]

That is correct. My comrades and I... our hands are too stained for the world to ever truly forgive us. But in a way, that hatred has given those that rebuild some hope. A common evil to overcome together.

A few months ago, I would have struggled to believe you. However, now... that does not seem difficult to believe. If you are comfortable sharing such things, what was your name immortalized for?

And people will so often treat a common evil that way. One they can blame for all the world's evils, every ugliness and tragedy they see around them- I don't know if it makes them happier, or whether they just enjoy seeing the suffering of one who they believe deserves it.

[A small shrug, before a twisted smirk came into her face.]

My name was immortalised for the vengeance I wrought on the supposed 'Hero' who betrayed me. I burned everything he held dear to the ground.

After what we did, I cannot deny we have earned it. Hence why we chose to embrace it.

[Gundham remains as stoic as possible, not even flinching at the idea that the person he'd formed something of a bond with could be a serial murderer and arsonist.]

From what you have said before, I cannot exactly blame you. Were I in your position, I doubt I would done anything different.

And now you're letting Avalon see that villainy as well...but why now? Did something change?

[She was impressed, really, that he didn't seem perturbed by talk of her crimes. Would he have behaved the same way, in her place? She could believe that.]

I appreciate that. Well, I'm sure that's enough for you to work out the truth about me yourself- you said you knew of Greco-Roman Myth after all.

A couple months ago while we were being "tested" by the fae I had... an encounter. One that nearly claimed my life while a creature wore the face of one of my closest comrades. That experience served to spark something in me. A reminder of who I am attempting to save. After all, I have no love of the world itself. Just a handful of mortals within it.

[He nods slightly.] While I am familiar with such myth, I am far more acquainted with Japanese mythology. I seem to remember a tale resembling yours but the names escape me. Something I do not intend to persue unless you should offer such information.

[A pained expression came into her face as he mentioned the encounter with those creatures.]

...I wanted to tear every single one of those wretched creatures into pieces for those games- toying with our hearts in such a way-

I'm sorry you had to deal with them, also.

[She took a moment to let the flare of anger fade- but they were similar, weren't they? After all, that 'encounter' had motivated her further in her plans to unleash her vengeance.

...Well. For the time being, she swept her arms dramatically either side of her, the shadows in the room twisting so they resembled black flames all around her.]

Tell me, Gundham. What does the name 'Medea' mean to you?

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tw implied immolation

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tw caster making violent threats