video | username: pearl

[beyourrock]

[Pearl was a little apprehensive at first to go ahead about this. But when she thought about it, this would be beneficial to many people here. Especially for people who were not used to missions, or even fighting for that matter.

Swallowing hard, Pearl lifts her head and sets her 'communicator' on a rock in the outskirts of the city. Out of harm's way. Once it was perfect, she starts.]

Greetings everyone of ALASTAIR. My name is Pearl, and I wanted to offer my assistance.

[In her hand, it looks to be a sword, held confidently. She bows in greeting to the jewel, shifting awkwardly. This was so different than what she's used to. Heck, she didn't know if it was even working.

Behind her, another 'Pearl' comes up behind her, with a sword as well, about to strike her over the head with it. But in one swift movement, the opposing Pearl falls to the ground, flickering. Pearl lowers her arm, the sword having penetrated the hologram, which fizzles out of existence altogether.]

I have experience when it comes to swordsmanship, and as well as experience with the use of a spear. I wanted to gather if there would be any interest for some training. We all come from many different backgrounds, myself included. I want to make sure everyone has a chance to defend themselves.

For now, I'm gauging interest. Also, if anyone else is interested in hosting some training as well. I don't... mean to be the 'head' of any group. I merely wish to help where I can. This would help immensely for what might be on the horizon for us.

If anyone has any questions, please let me know. And if you wish to speak to me in person, I'm just on the outskirts here.

Comments

[beyourrock]

Then I'll come by and take it back myself.

[naturallywavy]

_{[ 'This is a threat! She's totally threatening me! She's going to grab me and push me into her head and then who knows what'll become of me!' ]}

I see, I see.
It would suck for the gorilla then.

[beyourrock]

As far as I've seen, there are no gorillas here.

Unless you're talking about yourself.

[naturallywavy]

_{[ Gintoki bristles up instantly. Okay, calling another person a gorilla is a huge offense where he's from. Being called a gorilla is Kondo's thing— not Gintoki's. ]}

Nobody calls the main character a gorilla! Just because you're doing me a favor doesn't mean you can treat Gin-san like that!

_{[ he wants to insult back??? but he doesn't want to make her mad and like.. miss out on him using a sword.
The Struggle. ]}

[beyourrock]

[She crosses her arms over her chest and raises her eyebrows.]

Do you want a sword or not?

[naturallywavy]

I'm not going to be called a gorilla-gorilla-gorilla just for a sword!

Hey, are you all sadists? Are rocks sadists? Is that what this is? I know you're sadists— that's why I always trip over them when I'm going out!

[beyourrock]

[And Pearl rubs at her gem with a heavy sigh.]

Prideful, aren't we?

Very well then. I'll keep the sword to myself then.

[naturallywavy]

_{[ !!! ]}
Wait a second! Hey, what's with that change of heart..!? Nobody wants to be called a gorilla!
Are you seriously going to have to settle with giving me that nickname so I can use your weapon .. !? How is that satisfactory..!?

[beyourrock]

It sounded like you were going to keep the sword and never return it.

Like those gorillas who took your pervious one.

[Pearl places her hands on her hips.]

I need your word that you'll return it once you find a replacement.

[naturallywavy]

<sub>[ Gintoki's lips twitch into a sneer. She wants a promise. She wants a promise. There are too many promises he has almost broken in the past— when he promised to protect the old woman only to almost have her die— when he promised to protect his classmates and everything else when his teacher was taken from him... and now look at what they're doing.

You'd think making a simple promise like returning a sword to somebody in good condition wouldn't be a big deal, but.. he's aware of his near failures in the past.

If something were to happen to this stranger's weapon, he's not sure how he would forgive himself.. because promises are that important to him.

Regardless: ]</sub>

Deal. I'll return it.

[beyourrock]

Now was that so hard?

[OBLIVIOUS. She smiles and summons one of her swords from her gem.]

If you wish to retrieve it, I'll be on the outskirts, near a set up of torches. It's not hard to miss.

[naturallywavy]

Shut up. Just don't call me names again or anything.
_{[ Grumbling. There is grumbling.
Followed by a quiet: ]}

—Thank you. _{[ he's moving? It's like he's already on his way, so he cuts the feed. ]}

action!

[beyourrock]

[And when Gintoki comes up upon Pearl, he'll find a sword in the ground. Pretty simple for the most part. And he'll also see Pearl standing beside it, peering into the darkness, over the tops of the torches in the ground just a few feet from her.]

Where is he...

perm-a action

[naturallywavy]

Oi, oi. If you're looking for a star, I'm right over here.

<sub>[ low and behold, Gin is making his way towards Pearl, speech drawling our lazily. He is picking at something lodged in his ear.

What an elegant creature.
Instantly, he bends over to pick up the sword carefully. ]</sub>

I won't make you feel any regret for this, you know.

[beyourrock]

[Pearl turns her head and smiles upon seeing the familiar face from the communicator. The Gem nods and tilts her head to the side.]

I would hope not. Why do you think I would regret it?

[naturallywavy]

_{[ Whatever discovery is in Gintoki's ear, he picks it out and flicks it to the side. ]}
You seemed kinda hesitant after we talked a little longer about letting me have this so I'm just emphasizing.

_{[ Once he has a good grip on the handle, he gives it a pretty impressive spin in his hand and holds the handle again, diagonally slashing though the air until the sword aligns against his hip carefully. He's got good control of it. ]}

I don't use a sword for anything wrong.

[beyourrock]

[Charming. Reminds her of someone back home... and she cringes a little before continuing.]

You seemed to speak of having experience with swords before hand, so, I'm sure it's in good hands.

[And it looks like it too, seeing how he's handling it.]

I don't believe I caught your name.

[naturallywavy]

I never threw it.

Sakata Gintoki. _{[ surname first, you know. ]}
Gin is fine.

You know, you seem like a helper blacksmith in Dr*gon Qu*st or something. What makes you so concerned about people's defense?

[beyourrock]

Gin. A pleasure. [She bows her head in greeting before she blinks. Say what now?]

Well, back home I was a guardian and I suppose it transitioned to here. I saw that there were some children here, along with people who have no experience in fighting so. I thought I would offer them some assistance if I could.

[naturallywavy]

_{[ A guardian. He silently respects that.. a lot. Gin doesn't show much emotion and instead just lifts his hand and scratches at his curly hair when she bows. Yeah, uh. Whatever. His culture is all about bowing and respect, but Gin isn't very ... respectful. But okay, sure. He tips his head a little before straightening his posture. ]}

Aaaah, I see. But you don't want to carry any responsibility for leadership?

[beyourrock]

[Pearl shakes her head, folding her hands in front of herself. They fidget slightly.]

I was never made to be a leader. Besides, I don't think I would fair well under all that stress. I've been called a perfectionist at times. And it's a curse. [Pearl laughs weakly with a shrug.]

I don't mind being support.

1.2

[naturallywavy]

Don't be stupid. Leaders should strive for perfection. How the hell are the followers going to succeed in any way if their leader isn't a perfectionist? A perfectionist makes a powerful leader.

_{[ Gin scritches at the side of his cheek, humming in thought. ]}

If people call that a curse, they've got problems. _{[ basically, he's saying there's nothing wrong with you. ]} But who am I to judge— we've just met. If you're content being side character blacksmith in Dr*gon Qu*st, oi, that's fine.

Just don't let anybody ever tell you that you wouldn't make a good leader.

2.2

[naturallywavy]

_{[ seriousness aside, Gin peers at the sword again. ]}

Hey, does it have a name? Can I Bankai with this thing?
_{[ no matter how much he wants to try and believe it, you're not from Bleach, Gintoki. Stop trying to be. ]}

[beyourrock]

I'm not...

[Pearl sighs. There's no use in arguing about it. Peridot's words repeat in her head. You're just a Pearl. Snapping out of it, she looks at the sword, confused.]

No, it doesn't have a name. And it doesn't... bankai. Whatever that is.

[naturallywavy]

<sub>[ It's good that she didn't mention Peridot and it's probably good that Gintoki didn't catch Peridot's name when he bumped into her.
They stood in the middle of a crowd, arguing who should apologize first. He tried to get her to physically pay for an apology. Nothing about her intimidated him.

That's pretty much how it went.

Gintoki's eyes graze over the blade again. It's been so long since he's handled an actual sword and not a wooden bokuto since.. swords were banned where he's from. Which sucks. Considering he's a samurai and everything.

Finally, he carefully lifts it and rests the handle against the crook of his shoulder. When he speaks, he seems to be muttering, but she can probably understand him: ]</sub>

Yo. Thanks a lot. Not just anyone would give up something like this, even though it's temporary.