♔ THE EMPEROR (002) [Video]

[emperor_with_no_groove]

[As big and wondrous as Asgard is, Akihiko won’t turn down the chance to explore a new place – maybe even find some additional challenges along the way.

Besides, in all honesty, it will be nice to get away for a while, and try to take his mind off of all the heavy stones weighing down on him.

Akihiko greets the network with a friendly grin, determined to show optimism and encouragement toward others, as usual.] Showcase our talents, huh? So they wanna see if we can win this war without our original powers.

[He lifts a clenched fist just then, in a display of strength and resolve.] Fine with me. Come on, guys! We can take this challenge! Let’s throw out some ideas. What’ve you all got in mind to show ‘em? And this Vanaheim place – have any of you ever been there before?

[He lowers his fist after a moment as his expression softens a bit.] Oh, and for people that wanna stay here, help us take care of things till we get back, okay? [There’s at least one person in mind that he isn’t sure about, as to whether or not he will want to go.] But don’t worry, we’ll convince ‘em for sure!

Comments

[themortalhalf]

Don't think I've got anything to bring to show n' tell.

[emperor_with_no_groove]

What about your cooking skills? I think they'd wanna know we have more than just raw strength. Intelligence is pretty important too. Everyone specializes in something different.

[themortalhalf]

Cooking doesn't prove you know how to fight back. That's what they're looking for, ain't it?

[emperor_with_no_groove]

That’s not really easy to prove, unless they put us in an actual fight. An exhibition match just gives us a glimpse of people’s potential. And we’re still here, right? The giants haven’t taken us out yet.

[Akihiko grins somewhat boyishly, just then.]

Besides, when we’re out on the battlefield, we’ll need food to keep us going! Can’t fight on an empty stomach!

[themortalhalf]

[He snorts.

As "cute" as that sentiment is, it only serves to cement his ever-relevant conclusion that Aki's a dork. Been that way for fourteen damn years. Every now and again he starts to think maybe he's growing out of it. Then he's proven wrong. All that sappy, dorky sentimental shit.]

You'd be content living off military rations 'long as it had that protein shit in it.

[emperor_with_no_groove]

[He shakes his head and refutes.] Nah, those won't fill me up. I need something with more substance.

[The jab is familiar, and Akihiko's grin shifts into a smirk. It also fills him up with nostalgia, which causes a dull pang to ache, deep down inside. Of course, he doesn't show any of this outwardly, save the pause before his next remark.]

Shinji, I'm sure you'll be thrilled to know that I'm still downing "that protein shit" here. I need to start building muscle mass again. And what're you saying, that you haven't gone to the ramen shop yet, even once?

[themortalhalf]

You've always needed more substance. That ain't anything new.

But no.

[Being sick for the past week will do that to you. Kill any urge you have to go out and buy ramen.

That, and there's also the magic table in the kitchen that will give him all the ingredients he needs to make something himself. It's a wonder he ever leaves the Hel district.]

[emperor_with_no_groove]

Lay off my shakes already. There's nothing wrong with 'em.

[His expression softens just then, becoming more subdued. He stares at Shinji a little harder, brows creasing with concern.]

...Are you feeling any better?

[themortalhalf]

Not harping on them. Just your lack of variety.

[He's looked for something to harp on about it. There's nothing.]

...I feel fine.

[emperor_with_no_groove]

I know there're other sources of protein. They're not always easy to make, though. And not nearly as accessible.

[Especially since Akihiko is constantly on the go. Can barely sit still for five minutes.]

Then, you should give the ramen place a try. I can show you where it is.

[Pause. He shrugs a little, feigning nonchalance.]

Or just circle it on the map.

[themortalhalf]

The place decent?

[emperor_with_no_groove]

It's not Hagakure, but they've got pretty good selections. Their ingredients taste fresh. If you don't like it, you can always make your own.

[themortalhalf]

[He pauses for a moment.]

Then you can show me.

[emperor_with_no_groove]

[He almost asks, "Really?" to make sure, but instead, feels a smile starting to tug at his lips.

He nods, and follows up with the next logical question.] Have you eaten yet? When do you wanna meet up?

[themortalhalf]

[He shakes his head.] An hour's fine.

What district is it in?

[emperor_with_no_groove]

Freya District. [He won't mention that it's also portable and can move around to other districts.]

Hel or Baldr? [Both are pretty close to the Freya District.]

[themortalhalf]

Doesn't matter.

You can meet me by the carnival, I guess.

[emperor_with_no_groove]

[His smile fades, his expression suddenly turning solemn. Reminders of the ghosts still linger inside his mind.]

...Okay. See you in an hour.

[He ends the feed.]