( video ) un: achilles

[heelies]

[As when storm-bruised clouds cast their dark pall over the sky, a harbinger of the torrent and tempest to come, so appears the countenance of Peleus' son. He is harnessed in the glorious armor that lame-foot Hephaestus did forge for him, and upon his head fiercely glints the golden helmet which once served as a beacon to the Myrmidons and all of the vast host of war-loving Argives. Like the thunder that is hurled by almighty Zeus who bears the aegis, his voice roars out over the network.]

Koltira, you whose heart is blackened with vile hatred! Hear now the son of Peleus, Achilles, best of all the Achaeans - I whose pride was rent by your blade when you did raise arms without first issuing a proper challenge as is honorable between warriors. I demand that you meet me in single combat, that I may avenge myself and slake my spear upon your blood. Meet me then to the east of the town ere the sun touches the far horizon, where it settles for the night into the couch of the desert - unless the worm of cowardice burrows deep within your breast to weaken your fighting spirit!

It is for this reason that I give my challenge in this public forum, that others may bear witness and hold you accountable to this duel. What say you, Koltira? Recoil not from the bloodshed you so take pleasure in! Long has my anger rankled in my breast, and long has my pride festered without salve potent enough to soothe it, for the cure lies only in victory by dint of my spear. Thus, today I wait no more!

[In the colloquialisms of the locals: This town ain't big enough for the both of us.]

Comments

[boneafide]

OF COURSE WE CAN DO SOMETHING!! WE CAN STOP IT!!

[grunehexe]

And how do you propose we do that? This is a matter of pride for Achilles- he will not be mollified until he has had his duel. Stopping him now would be only delaying an inevitable, and at least this way we are aware of when and where.

It can be stopped, but-

[As much as she wants both Achilles and Koltira uninjured... it isn't her business to interfere. Just be there to prevent the worst.]

[boneafide]

THEN WE DELAY THE INEVITABLE UNTIL WE AREN'T ABOUT TO FIGHT ALIEN BUG ZOMBIES!! We don't need this right now!! It's- it's so selfish!! I don't care if his pride has been hurt!! I'll put him in jail myself until he can stop being stupid!!

[grunehexe]

Men are selfish creatures- it is in their natures.

[Human men, anyway- skeletons she's supposing are different...]

Now that he has issued the challenge publicly, we ought just... allow it. Better it be finished with, and then we can all move on...

[But she maybe trying to convince herself more than Papyrus.]

[boneafide]

...You know, our group has killed other people before. From the planets and places we visit. But we never killed each other. I thought we at least had that going for us.

There isn't "moving on" from something like this.

[grunehexe]

No one shall die from this.

[She'll make sure of it.]

[boneafide]

Won't his pride mean he won't accept defeat? That he'll just keep trying to do this?

[grunehexe]

[Perhaps. And she worries for that, too, but.]

First let us see where this confrontation leads. Then address the rest.

[boneafide]

FINE!! IF YOU AREN'T GOING TO TRY AND STOP THEM, I WILL!!

[grunehexe]

Papyrus, do not put yourself in the middle of this.

[You are made of bones?!!!]

[boneafide]

Why not?! So they get to do whatever they want, but I can't? They get a pass to just go do stupid things, and I have rules??

[grunehexe]

This is Koltira and Achilles we are talking about- both powerful and great warriors in their world.

[It's not a pass so much as...]

Do not get yourself hurt over a matter between them that has naught to do with you.

[boneafide]

And I am too!!

[Kinda.]

This has to do with more than just them, this has to do with everyone here!! We're a team!! You're just as related to this as I am!!

[grunehexe]

We were made a team. These sorts of conflicts- they are a matter of course.

[And not everyone values that team.]

[boneafide]

Then it's my business how I deal with it.

[grunehexe]

... Then it shall be mine if you meet with Princess Lucina and I.

1/2

[boneafide]

I... can't do nothing, you know? I can't...!!

[boneafide]

AL... ALRIGHT!! I WILL SEE YOU THERE!! AND WIN!! AND THEN STOP THEM, TOO!!

[grunehexe]

I shall not allow you to risk yourself so recklessly, Papyrus. Not because of this "team", or goodness, but because-

[Because he's her friend? Then what did she call Achilles and Koltira? They were, but...

But.]

Because I will it.

[boneafide]

[And, in a manner that is actually somewhat uncharacteristic of Papyrus, he pauses for just a few moments, and then simply hangs up.]