First Cup

[logic_and_magic]

508 Ricardo Drive

[Crown has awakened from his sleep to find himself in a strange room. This was not his bed. He didn't remember these decorations, the things that hung over his bed. Pictures hanging around the room, himself in them with strangers. More over, how the hell did he appear in these pictures. This was too odd. Too bizarre. But he couldn't panic. He looks around the bedroom for his sword but...it's not there. This is getting bad. What was the logical thing to do right now?

Well, get dressed and walk outside to look at these strange surroundings. Gain familiarity with this foreign territory. His eyes are narrowed, dark even as he suspiciously looks about. Where had he been taken? For what purpose even? Was someone trying to remove competition from the Hierarchy's cup? If that was the case why not cut his throat? No it had to be unrelated. But they took his sword, which almost answers itself. Who would want their captive to have a weapon?

Well at least he can still summon swords. Crown lifts his hand to create a sword, only to find no sword was appearing. All right...magic is blocked too. Definitely a prison of some form.

If someone comes by, he's standing at the side walk looking very deep in thought, a hand to his chin as he ponders what is going on.]

Phone
[He has picked up the phone, eyeing it with curiousity. Cross mentioned these things, it was how non magical people communicated. They would often lift it to their ear and talk, right? Doing so he speaks clearly and with purpose.]

Hello, if I am speaking with my captives I would like to inquire as to why you have put me here. Also I would like to know where 'here' is. I would even so go as far to question as to how you can block my magic. Though it almost seems fruitless to ask at this point. After all, you would probably like to keep your captive oblivious and break under the pressure. No matter, I will find the answers myself if that is the case.

Around town
[Crown has taken to the streets. He has a kitchen knife tucked in his belt, but scowling as he moves. A knife was no weapon, especially something so flimsy. If he see's you he turns to you, his stance becoming composed but his expression looking very serious and possibly a bit annoyed.]

Excuse me, are you one of competent speech and thought or are you one of this massive collective that will grace me with platitudes and be otherwise unhelpful to me?

[Blunt much for you?]

Comments

[queen_of_swords]

People have made attempts to get out, but anyone who tries to tangle with Lucy Smith usually winds up droned for a while.

The town likes to give us ideas that we can escape, then crush them.

As for the machine, it sounds like it could be powered by what we all a philosopher's stone back home. A stone created by the sacrifice of thousands of humans that can give immortality. It's almost like we're all hooked up to it somehow. But, that is just a thought. No one knows how it works.

[logic_and_magic]

Hm, I will avoid Lucy than. [At least he gets a better grasp on the situation.]

Hm, I see. So there is no way out? [Great.

The explanation on how this machine works is a little disgusting though. Even if it is a theory.]

I hope that is not the case. Only being able to live because we are using other human lives to continue.

So Miss, is there anything else I should be aware of?

[queen_of_swords]

[She thinks about it for a moment.]

I wouldn't trust the phone lines completely, even with locked calls. Once summer ends, you'll have to go back to school, once every three days unless you want to be droned, and, if you're interested, I hold a resistance meeting every now and then at 1671 Nelson Street, just listen for a call about Bingo Night.

I offer training sessions also and refer to those as Garden Club.

The Rec Center has plenty of exercise equipment and a shooting range. You won't be able to purchase any guns at the hardware store, but a male adult can do that for you. If you'd rather go a different route, I do have some spare weapons I can loan out.

[logic_and_magic]

[He nods listening to all of what she is saying. So right now, no need to worry about school until the summer ends.]

Hm, I see. So I am to assume you are this town's unofficial leader of sorts? I will be sure to attend your resistance meetings. I will try to be as much help as I can.

[He pauses. Training would be good.]

...What is a gun? [He's had limited interactions with being shot at.]

Hm, do you have a rapier or a sword of any form? If I am without my magic my sword skills can compensate. My hand to hand still needs work though.

[queen_of_swords]

One of a few leaders. There are different resistance organizations around. I want us all to work together, though, because it will get the best results.

[She removes a pistol from her holster and shoots at a tree, puts the safety back on, then hand it to him for inspection.]

This is a gun.

As for the sword, I can get you one. I've had some commissioned by a blacksmith. His name is Hiccup, if you'd like to get a hold of him yourself.

[logic_and_magic]

Hm, that would be the case.

[However, Crown jumps a bit at the sudden shooting of gun. Well that's a bit...interesting. He takes it in hand slowly looking it over. So they shot fire out of these?]

Hmmm...I will attempt to get a hold of this Hiccup than. I would need a sword that meets certain specifications. After all, it needs to feel right.

[queen_of_swords]

Understandable.

[She's a bit impressed. His reasons for wanting to get one made prove to her that he is a swordsman.]

If you ever want to get some sparring in, I train in the park in the mornings. What do you think of the gun?

[logic_and_magic]

[Being trained with it since you were a kid is definitely part of the reason.]

Hm, yes a sparring partner would be preferable. I could use more practice and learning other ways of swordplay would improve my skill.

[He looks at the gun though.]

If I stood far from my opponent using this, I could not properly gauge their skills. But, it would probably be a good idea to learn how to use this.

[He hands Olivier her gun back.]

[queen_of_swords]

I go on a jog around the blocks of houses in the morning and wind up at the park around nine. I never say no to someone who'd like to join me on either the run or at the park for sparring and training.

[She holsters the gun.]

And while the gun doesn't give you the option to gauge skill, it gives you the option of long distance battle, which can be needed strategically every now and then.

[logic_and_magic]

I will be sure to accompany you on both endeavors than Ma'am. It would not help to become rusty.

Hm, I suppose. But to feel the metal of another blade seems to allow more truth in a person than shooting at them. But, I understand what you mean.

[queen_of_swords]

[She nods.]

Then I'll keep an eye out for you in the mornings. I won't force you to carry around and use a gun, but I do suggest at least having one and getting used to it.

[logic_and_magic]

I will be sure to. Thank you again....by the way, my name is Crown Blanchard.

[queen_of_swords]

Major General Olivier Armstrong.

[logic_and_magic]

[Was that a sparkle?]

Then it was good meeting you Major General Armstrong.

[queen_of_swords]

You, too. I'll see you in the mornings.

[And with that she'll leave him to speak with others at the party.]