Video ✖ 014

[stoicism]

[The video feed clicks on and moves about a moment, the screen blurry before coming into focus on Frank's face. The youth has his usual unimpressed gaze fixated on the viewer, mouth locked into a bit of a grimace.]

To those who find themselves wet with fear over this recent onslaught of animated vegetation, pay heed to my demonstration.

[And he

Comments

[scientize]

[Naomi has been lucky enough to avoid the plague of killer vegetables that have been terrorizing the city so far, but she'd seen enough of the destruction being broadcast over the network to know exactly what was going on.]

That's quite a demonstration, Frank. If I need to go anywhere, I hope that you wouldn't mind accompanying me.

[stoicism]

Thank you, Naomi. [He accepts the praise graciously.]

I have noticed several broadcasts in the past forty-eight hours that depict this strange occurrence. Should you require me for anything at all, do not hesitate to request my presence.

[scientize]

Thank you. I'll keep that in mind.

[stoicism]

[He seems to be a step ahead of you, Snake. He's picking up whatever bits of tomato aren't too squashed and ruined, brushing off the grit and debris from the flesh - no point in wasting what could potentially be a half decent meal.]

Have we been given word as to the safety of consuming them?

[stoicism]

Understood. I shall do that then - it would be a waste otherwise.

[He pauses from his work a moment to gaze at Snake in silence, considering his words. Though their friendship was rekindling, it wasn't entirely smoothed over. The two men still needed to put forth a great deal of effort if they intended to truly know one and other as more than mere soldiers.]

...Have you been faring well? Have these incidents occurred around your home base?

[stoicism]

We have been bestowed with the bounty of the final harvest in the village but it would appear the vegetation has other ideas.

[Finding it futile to continue trying to dry his blade with his shirt, he wipes his machete against the jeans he's wearing, trying to clear it off as best he can.]

As always, this world is full of oddities.

[stoicism]

[Considering the irritable malice that Meryl usually spewed forth, Frank is almost surprised to have her conversing so casually with him. Perhaps she has taken time to reflect and wisen, perhaps she has actually payed heed to the lesson he's chosen to display.]

A change of uniform should suffice.

since I'm basically off hiatus anyway...

[beautifulmartyr]

[ Well that sure was impressive. Aerith is chuckling though, quietly while he MURDERS the vegetables. Only to end up clapping a bit once he's finished. ]

And what about those that aren't as talented with a knife~?

[stoicism]

[It feels as though it's been some time since he's spoken to Aerith but his demeanor remains the same as ever. No asking how she's been, no desire to learn what she's been up to the past while - he stands bold and resolute as always, his head lifted with an air of pride. He doesn't need to think about his words, the young soldier simply states the first thing that comes to mind.]

Then I will protect you.

[beautifulmartyr]

[ While she probably shouldn't be, Aerith looks rightfully surprised by such a blunt statement. She doesn't exactly need protection from the army of vegetables and she had just been teasing. But this is Frank she's talking to. ]

That's very sweet of you, Frank. If I ever need help I'll make sure to call you, okay?

[stoicism]

Understood.

[And that's that. He's satisfied with her answer and satisfied with himself. He's established his role now, even if he doesn't fully understand it - he will protect Aerith if she ever requires it. That's good enough for him.

As he looks down towards the messy pile of destroyed tomatoes, he quickly turns his gaze back to her as he considers another thought.]

Compost. Would these remains make for something acceptable?

[ishikawa_juusan]

[[While the outbreak of living vegetables still puzzles him, he has seen enough broadcasts on the subject to where he could have skipped Frank's video. But, half-curious as to the demonstration, he continues to watch, studying the wild slashing of the machete with a critical eye. There is an undeniable sort of poetry to the blade's movements - but the ronin is unable to overlook the underlying savagery, the lethal efficiency; perhaps this is because, in that moment of fierceness, he sees in this youth something of himself. While he says nothing and hangs up, this little show of skill has undoubtedly sparked a bit of interest.]