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[strength_of_will]

[ There's a sombre-looking William on the feed today. He looks a little worn from fighting off the creatures, but otherwise mostly unharmed as far as anyone can tell. He's only sorry he's interrupting all the attempt at holiday cheer. ]

I understand that there's been a call for retribution - or justice, some might call it - against the people of Rumpitur. I'm here to ask you all to take a step back and show some compassion and understanding. It is neither fair nor just to accuse an entire village of wrongdoing when they act out of fear or desperation. Who amongst you wouldn't have done the same in their position?

I propose we slay the creature terrorising their village. We were hard-pressed simply to escape from its minions, but I believe that if given time to prepare and coordinate, we can surely defeat it. Once it's gone, the people of Rumpitur can live normal lives.

Comments

[strength_of_will]

[ Ultimately, William thinks (hopes) that killing the monster is something they can all agree on at least. Surely. ]

It's my intention to make this as safe as possible for those participating, yes. I don't know how many will be willing after what just happened, but I hope that it's obvious this creature needs to be gotten rid of before we start pointing fingers at anyone or punishing them.

I'll see if the people of Aldrip might be willing to lend some support as well. Now that we've seen what the Rumpiturians are facing, it will be harder to dismiss the danger.

[heir_conditioned]

[This is something they can agree on. Regardless of their reasons, current or future.]

Everyone participating will already know how to take care of themselves I'm assuming. Anyone who doesn't should be excluded. How you vet that is up to you. I don't have a stake in punishment, and don't want one. [There's a pause, just a momentary one while he finishes his point.] They will have to live with any death they caused. Anyone willing to help kill it is someone I'm willing to work with.

apologies, holiday retail kicking my ass

[strength_of_will]

[ He nods. Sometimes just having to live with the guilt of what you've done is enough. He doesn't know how long the Rumpiturians have been feeding people to this creature but they don't seem proud or happy with the 'arrangement'. ]

Yes, we'll have to make sure that anyone fighting this thing knows how to handle themselves. I've had a few volunteers already and I'll see if I can't convince some of the people of Aldrip to lend their aid.

No worries at all, please take care of you and that's all that matters.

[heir_conditioned]

[Shoto feels a thousand times better hearing those words. He doesn't know if he can trust them or if the truth is what's falling into his ears, but he doesn't want to care. It's nice to feel less angry about something for a singular moment. Not nice to feel like he's taken it out on someone that doesn't deserve it, however.]

I will see what I can do, too and direct them to you. I'm sorry I spoke out of anger to you, I want to help.

<3

[strength_of_will]

[ He chuckles and shakes his head. By this point, he's feeling drained himself. ]

It's fine. Your help is much appreciated. Back home, I preferred to default to seeing the good in others rather than assume the worst. It seems that's not a popular outlook here.

May I ask whether you'll be fighting yourself? If so, with what?

[ The other boy looks rather young. Perhaps as young as William himself is. ]

[heir_conditioned]

No. You're correct, that's how I should be trying to look at it, too.

[Midoriya wouldn't be thrilled to hear that he had done it any other way. But Shoto can't help how he's made to feel and work through it on his own. Thankfully at least this person understands.]

I will be fighting. I can offer basic medical to get injured people off the field, but am not a doctor.

[Since his quirk is no secret:]

I will be using fire and ice. Ice I can use offensively and defensively. Fire the same but with different uses in those categories. I'm well trained in both.

[strength_of_will]

Fire and ice specifically, huh. That's an interesting combination. Is it your speciality?

[ They sound like an elemental mage. ]

[heir_conditioned]

[Not far from the truth.]

Yes, I've been trained in combat with or without either. Combining them is something new to me, but I can do it very successfully without thermal explosion.

[Or with, depending on the need.]

[strength_of_will]

That's good to hear. I think it'll be very effective considering these creatures seem to come from the water. The one who taught me magic focused more on its practical use than its ability to do widespread damage so I'll try and support everyone as best I can when the time comes.

[heir_conditioned]

What kind of magic? If there's some way I can augment your skills, I will.

[At least he'll know a little a head of time. Better, sometimes, than finding out on the field. He can do that, too, but asking seems more the move.]

[strength_of_will]

It's, um... A language, I think is the best way to describe it. Each word spoken has meaning and calls to the true nature of something. So if I say the word for "fire" then it produces fire but its effect is shaped by my intent and what I visualise of it.

That applies to more abstract concepts too. So I can accelerate someone's sense of time, as an example. My grandfather managed a spell which can reduce the existence of a living being to nothingness.

er4t5fgyh that premise sounds amazing?

[heir_conditioned]

Even right down to its shape? A physical shape? Not just an actual blast of fire?

[Wow that... sounds dangerous.]

Then you're more equipped than anyone I know, but I will still provide any support I can. Without my former attitude.

It's very neat and I hope they reveal more Words later lmao

[strength_of_will]

Sort of. In the language of the gods, the Word for fire speaks to the very idea of it. Ah...

[ He laughs a little and shakes his head. ]

It might take a while to explain properly. Still, a spell so powerful as to erase something from existence isn't an incantation to be used on a whim. Maybe after we take care of the creature, I could spend some time showing you how the Words work?

[heir_conditioned]

[There isn't even a moment of hesitation and Shoto is very interested to see.]

Yes, actually. I was going to ask if you wouldn't mind showing me. I just don't know how fauxpas that is here to ask people. I'll be glad to return the favour, but I'd certainly like to see.

[strength_of_will]

It's no trouble at all for me. I'm more than happy to demonstrate to someone interested in learning. If you had asked me to flaunt my power as a spectacle, on the other hand, I would have refused.

[heir_conditioned]

As you should have if that is what anyone is asking. There's nothing wrong with tournaments or just sparring, but there's something to be said about being entertainment instead. I won't ask you to do that. Do contact me after all of this is over, I'll work with your schedule.

[strength_of_will]

Great. I'll send you a message once we've taken care of the creature.

[ There is no doubt in William's mind that things will be settled one way or another with the beast. ]

🎀 - Thanks for sticking through with my nutzoid life <3

[heir_conditioned]

Please do, I would like that.