✞ video

[yet_shall_live]

[The video switches on to a portrait shot of a man with long, lustrous hair and fine features that might be considered beautiful --- if he wasn't glaring bloody murder at the screen, his upper lip curling in a sneer. His tone, however, remains icy calm. If a bit short.]

Since the people in this house seem to have a death wish,

[His gaze flicks

Comments

[todistantskies]

[ When Alto sees this come up while skimming messages, he has to do a double-take.

In Hibu, he's seen a number of men with his style hair, and some with wigs, but so far no one sporting such a look on the network. ]

If you're looking for clothes, don't bother. They burned them.

--if you're looking for weapons... [ He looks away, briefly considering that as an option. ] ...good luck. And don't be greedy if you find anything.

[yet_shall_live]

[If Kanda's surprised by Alto's appearance, he doesn't give a sign. The glare eases off, but it's marginal, more to do with the simple fact that he's talking than anything.]

Tell me what you know about where they are and maybe I'll arm you. I'm not running a damn charity.

[And it doesn't much make him any nicer.]

[todistantskies]

Fair enough. [ A bit clipped, since he doesn't exactly like that 'tude.

Alto moves over toward the outside wall, by the window, and lowers his tone. ] I haven't seen any heavily-guarded buildings in my district, but I can tell you where the guards were threatening to lock me up if I made trouble. It was over in Hibiscus. [ Which is still roughly 20% of the town. ]

[yet_shall_live]

[Though he notes the shift in tone, it doesn't change Kanda's. Nor does it give him pause. Kanda's used to being off putting.]

That's the district I'm in.

[A thoughtful pause, the video shifts as Kanda resettles, but it only shows more of the wall behind his head.]

Can you use a sword? Or should I look for something simpler, like a club?

[todistantskies]

Heh. That's convenient.

[ Shaking his head. ] I could probably use a club, but I don't think I'd be all that good with it. I know some of the guards carry guns, so that's more of what I was thinking.

[yet_shall_live]

Right. I'll look for a gun. But if I can't find one, you'll have to made do with something different.

[Nothing more than matter of fact, really.]

[todistantskies]

[ A sigh. ] Right, fair enough. Anything is better than nothing.

--not like I can probably come get it, anyhow. I'm stuck over on the other side of town under house arrest.

[yet_shall_live]

I'll deliver it. Which house?

[A momentary pause.]

And why are you under house arrest?

[todistantskies]

Hibu. Aster district. [ Though he wasn't expecting such personal service. ] And thanks.

[ At the question he closes his eyes and sighs, gesturing off toward the side with his free hand. ] I screwed up an auction the house owner was really looking forward to, and pressuring me into. But it was an auction for me-- [ Not entirely untrue. ] --so I don't know where gets off being so mad.

[yet_shall_live]

Those that think they own a person will chafe at any demonstration of freedom.

[It's said coolly, as if it's a simple truth of the universe.]

I'll drop it off, but it may take time.

[todistantskies]

[ His displeasure is more readily evident. ] I can believe that. Makes me sick, the way they treat people. [ And he hasn't even seen the half of it. ]

I'm in no hurry. I'm not going anywhere right now, anyhow.

[yet_shall_live]

The best you can do is learn to defend yourself. They can't be untouchable forever.

[Kanda's more resigned to the reality of unfair situations. Or at least more accustomed to them. ]

[todistantskies]

I'm not defenseless. If I have that gun it'll be more than enough. [ Or so he thinks. His marks at the range aren't impressive, but they'll do. ] But there's others who have been here longer and would probably want to get in this kind of action, too. I hope they get in touch with you. [ Since they might need the initiative. ]

[yet_shall_live]

[Wait a second...]

I'm not trying to be a revolutionary, here. [He's... not exactly sure what he's trying to do. The plan only goes so far, and that uncertainty makes him hesitate, before brushing it all off.]

Or a weapons smuggler. Lugging a crate out of that place would only get me cut.

[todistantskies]

[ That makes him pause, too. ] --I'm not saying you are, or anything, but you'd still be doing a lot of people favors if you even shared how you got one or two things out.

[yet_shall_live]

I'll think about it.