Tenth: Golden Fleece (Accidental Video : un; Caster)

[colchismagecraft]

[The video starts with a rather blurry picture. What looked to be...fangs, bone and purple fire? Was Caster doing another ominous ritual??

But no- soon enough, her skeletal dragon familiar pulled back from the camera, tilting it's head at it before looking very satisfied with itself! It made the phone do the thing! Don't mind it rushing offscreen and making adorable baby crocodile noises.

At which point, Caster's own voice could be heard: ]

Little One...we've been over this. I am not comfortable addressing the entire Network so soon after-

[More insistent crocodile noises! Before another shot of the inside of the bone dragon's mouth as it tried to drag the phone over to her, dropping it on the sofa at her side. And well, look, there was Caster! Without her hooded cloak on, the shot was able to reveal her pointed ears and curled, golden ram-like horns either side of her head. She seemed to be focusing on studying a bottle of Counter-curse potion.]

No. I am not apologising for what happened in June, and I can figure out this ridiculous curse on my own without asking their advice-...hm?

Wait, that light on the screen means- Little One. Did you manage to turn it on by yourself??

[Ergh. She quickly grabbed the phone and- yes, that was definitely recording.

Well, with a sigh of resignation, she decided to just go along with it. She had to save her own pride somehow- even if it was lacking the usual confidence her broadcasts had in the past.]

Good evening, Avalon. I- for those new here, I am known as 'Caster'.

I gather I'm not the only one affected by the current situation. Whoever's responsible for this has a terrible sense of humour.

...Aside from trying to work out how to make my wardrobe accommodate this mess- [A gesture to her horns and currently ill-fitting skirt] -there's been another matter on my mind recently.

What motivations do you all have for trying to save the worlds? You don't have to be specific if you're concerned I'll use the information against you, but...it's something I've been trying to figure out for myself recently.

...

[An awkward silence as she tried to work out if there was anything else to say, before she ended the broadcast.]

Comments

[queenofminiskirts]

That's not exactly it? I mean, it'd be nice if they did but I'm strong enough to protect myself. [Mostly?]

I guess...I hope that it will be a kindness they will extend to someone else who is struggling.

[colchismagecraft]

And you're not worried people will exploit that kindness of yours?

...You shouldn't give too much of yourself to others, you know.

[queenofminiskirts]

[She laughs a little.] Thank you, for worrying about me.

[She's so sincere about it too.] When I was little, my friends and I went through some terrible things. Back then, it felt like no matter what I said or did no one would believe me or help me. I started to think that the only people we could rely on were each other...that was, until we met Minamoto. Even after that, I was a pretty difficult kid, you know?

So, I'd rather reach out first, just in case they were like me. And I know some people might take advantage but that's why I have Shiho and Aoi to watch my back. Well, only Shiho's here right now, but if anyone tries anything we'll kick their ass extra hard and make them regret being born!

[colchismagecraft]

[A small nod- glad this person was interpreting her bitter remarks for the concern it actually was.]

That is a lonely feeling...when you find yourself alone like that. But I'm glad you and your allies have each other to fall back on. That will at least keep you safer from those who seek to do such a thing.

[queenofminiskirts]

[She knows a lot of people whose concern comes out sounding like that so she understands.]

Me too.

[She feels so blessed to have met Shiho. But also...]

If you ever need anyone to fall back on, you can always come to me, you know. [This person probably already has people like that but it never hurts to have more!]

[colchismagecraft]

[That came as something of a surprise- she wasn't expecting this person to reach a hand to her.]

I- I appreciate it. Thank you.

I go by 'Caster', here, as I said... I didn't get your name?

[queenofminiskirts]

[That's just how she is...to the aforementioned Shiho's concern.]

You're welcome.

[Then she laughs because, oh right. She did forget to introduce herself, didn't she?]

I'm Akashi Kaoru! It's nice to meet you!

[All attempts at being serious is gone as she follows up that introduction with a wink.]

[colchismagecraft]

[A small, amused smile- she'd struggled to laugh since her breakdown back in June- but she could smile a little easier now.]

It's a pleasure to meet you, Kaoru.

[queenofminiskirts]

[It's small but she sees it!]

Did anyone ever tell you you have a cute smile? [It sounds like a dumb pick up line and the wink she throws in certainly doesn't help but well, she is sincere.] You should do it more!

[Because you sounded so serious up until now!]

[colchismagecraft]

Oh- Me? I'm not-

[She's not particularly used to compliments like that- her cheeks and the tips of her ears reddening a little with embarrassment.

Perhaps. Perhaps she should just take the remark for the kindness it was.]

...Ha...I'll keep that in mind, then.