driftfleet | 01 - Action/Video

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01 - Action/Video

Who: Dracule Mihawk and Anyone else.
Broadcast: Video - Fleetwide.
Action: Marsiva.
When: Now.

[It's the annoying chill that stirs the swordsman from sleep, already frowning as he pulls back the sheets and cracks his neck once. Chill tends to stiffen one's body and bones. Now, as her rubs his face with a long yawn, Mihawk peers around at the unfamiliar space, the even more unfamiliar clothes, and his scowl only seems to set in place. He's not unfamiliar with being dragged from his home, his world and thrust into a whole other one on the whims of whatever nonsense that sees fit to haven him there, but there is one thing that is lacking the confined space he finds himself in.

One very large and exceptionally important thing.

At the very least his clothes and his cross necklace (doubling as a small, concealed knife) are inside the chest. After dressing, he sweeps up his communicator and easily flicks it on. He's had previous experience with gadgets like this, after all. He doesn't care where he is, how he got here, what his purpose for being here is. Mihawk has not a care about that frivolous bullshit, he just wants to know--]

Where is my sword?

[Later, after Mihawk has heard enough, he's gone to explore and to look for his sword. Regardless of what he's been told, he's not parting with Yoru so easily. One way or another he's getting it back. He doesn't look any angrier than usual as he prowls through the halls like a stalking wildcat, but the sheer presence of him, the sharpness that hides in the edges of his golden eyes...it's obvious Mihawk's not at all pleased with this so-called fine print. Not in the least.]

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[For a moment, he hesitates. It's not a question he's used to, and... for some reason, it feels oddly personal. He's not even sure how to answer; he's had so many over the years, since upgrading equipment is such a simple thing in games. No matter how attached you might be to a sword, it's only numbers that matter in the end. A weapon with better parameters is far more important than any feelings you might have towards what you're currently using.

The real world doesn't work like that, though. There are no numbers, no stats. Only durability, weight, and the skill with which you wield it. So in that case, what blade does he even want? His latest, Kagemitsu G4, the photon sword he's trying to recreate here? The sword Liz made for him in ALO, after Asuna was saved?

No. He knows what weapon he really wants.]

....Elucidator.

[It's the one sword he stubbornly stuck with and faithfully upgraded and maintained, despite the urging of every blacksmith he visited to just get a new one. The one that saved his life countless times. The one that helped him end SAO forever. That sword, though he doubts he'll ever get it back, is the trusty partner he's been missing for a long time now.]

[The silence that presses in the span of time between the posed question and Hirito's answer is thick, weighted with the man's quiet expectations. Mihawk might have a different method of thinking that will probably be vastly different from lots of people - he's an odd guy with a moral code all his own - but he does have a few set standards for those people that want to call themselves swordsmen. From newbies, to rookies, to the masters that can hold their own even against him...if they don't respect their partner swords and could so easily shed them once lost, or worse, taken--

He looks up, lifting the brim of his hat a little, as he places his feet up on the bed (he hasn't put his boots on yet). ...Good answer. Mihawk's lips tug up at the corners, briefly.]

...Exquisite. Do well not to forget it.

[Because, as far as he's concerned, you can have hundreds of swords, guns, weapons or whatever. But none should be replaced until they break, or unless necessity dictates. But so long as the memory lasts, so long as you're not pledging yourself to a new blade completely...you can exist with another. Swords aren't just tools - they're partners, treasures, nakama.]

Believe me, it's not something I'm likely to forget.

[He's not sure it's even possible. The day he'd gotten Elucidator had been incredible- it had marked not only a victory against the hardest floor boss yet, but a huge success against SAO itself, as it meant they were halfway to freedom. From then until his last moment in that game, Elucidator was never far from his side.]

What about you? Feels like you take this pretty seriously.

[Good for you, boy, no sword should be forgotten so easily. It's not fair to the blade that gives its obedience, its camaraderie, to the one that holds it. Mihawk's shoulders sag a little, a little less tense than they were a moment ago, but he turns his head as he looks up at the ceiling of his room quietly.]

Where I am from, I am considered the the world's greatest swordsman. [He doesn't say so with an air of superiority or like he was bragging. Merely stating a fact.] And my sword is the black blade, Night - Yoru - the strongest blade in existence on my sea.

It's inexcusable that I would let her be taken so easily. [His eyes close, brows furrowing as he ducks his head with a scowl.] And worse yet that I would ever consider a replacement. There may be stronger than she in this world, among the multitude of planets, worlds, we traverse...and perhaps I will hold in my hand another blade or two, but until I can no longer hear her "voice", or she mine, we are connected. She is my sword, and I her sword master.

[Well. He can't compare to that level of devotion, but he can certainly respect it. Maybe even envy it a little bit. The nature of VRMMOs would only allow for that kind of connection up to a certain extent, a limitation he learned all too well when his other beloved blade, Dark Repulser, snapped in half. Weapons that weren't strong enough, that lost their durability, that didn't have good enough stats- the very nature of games made sentimentality something that'll just get you killed.

He's glad to have felt it with Elucidator, at least. It hurts to miss his partner sword, but it's a good feeling, too.]

I hope you get her back, then. I'm sure there's a way- we just don't know it yet.

[Maybe he can try a little harder, too.]

[He nods quietly to the well-wishing, his own form of thanks, though there really is no question of 'if' here. Mihawk has every intention of getting his sword, he will find a way somehow. He just...has to be patient. A challenge in and of itself, considering what was lost, but what other choice does he have? He'll just have to wait until they get off this ship, search tirelessly on other worlds, if what he heard was correct.

His brows knit together and Mihawk exhales slowly. This is perhaps the hardest task, hardest battle, he's ever had to endure in his life - existing without his partner sword. It's going to be very strange without her.]

And you, lad - may you be reunited with yours as well.

[Again, he kind of doubts the possibility - and without his strength stat boosted the way it was in SAO, he couldn't even lift it - but he does appreciate the sentiment. Maybe... yeah, he'll definitely have to put more effort into trying to get it, now. Even if all he could do is hang it up on a wall, just having it would be incredible.]

Maybe someday we could duel.

[He's got no illusions about his chance of victory, obviously. Not in his physical condition. But who wouldn't go for the opportunity to cross blades with someone who claims to be the best of their world?]

[There's a brief snort of laughter on the other end of the feed, ended quickly with a smirk. He really didn't mean that to be rude, kid, it's just not many people ask to fight him and live. Mihawk normally shoos off the weaker sort because it's just not worth the effort of squashing them so quickly. No fun for him. But he's seen kids with ambition, a steadfast drive that fuels them, and that is cause alone for him to have a lot more respect for the newbies. So long as they're aware of themselves, their dreams, and their differences of their strength, he'll fight them honestly.]

You are either very bold, or very careless, young man... I will not play with you - if we fight, you must stake your very life on my defeat. [He chuckles again, this conversation sounds so familiar, like he's had it time and time again. It never ceases to amaze him how eager even the smallest child is to throw themselves at him. Is it courage? Naivete? Or something more?] What is you name?

[Yeah, lots of people used to laugh at his bitty scrawny self right before they got smashed into the dirt 8(

...But yeah, okay, that's fair. In his current state, outside of VRMMOs, a fight would be pretty laughable. Still, how could he not ask? He'd be a poor swordsman if he didn't bother to try. In other words, very bold and very careless.]

Kirito.

[It's not that he's underestimating the kid - Mihawk has been humbled by the knowledge that he may be the greatest of his world, but with the multitude of others that exist that he's aware of now...he could be heavily outclassed by someone he wouldn't have thought of initially. He can't judge someone strength off just their face and voice over the network feed, that's done in person, in combat. But he's seen many people throw themselves at him too soon, far before they're ready. He doesn't enjoy cutting people down before their prime, especially when they show promise. It's his way though - he will fight honestly and to the death with anyone, it's how he shows respect for their skill.]

I will remember it. [That is a promise.] My name is Dracule Mihawk.

Got it.

[Dracula Mohawk? THAT'S EASY TO REMEMBER]

So, not to be presumptuous or anything, but- how do you train if you'll only fight life-and-death battles? Isn't it easier to work with a partner?

[Okay, maybe a little presumptuous. ~~you're a solo player Kirito it isn't that weird~~]

[YOU MISSPELL A NAME ~~FOUR~~ ONE TIME!!!

With another curl of his lips, Mihawk puts up a hand to stop Kirito, shaking his head slowly. Seems there was a misunderstanding here. Or perhaps poor word choice.]

Do not think I kill every man and woman that faces me - I have had a multitude of people of all ages dare to raise a blade to me, even children. Most were after my head, my life, and my title, but others were simply testing their mettle against mine...or enamored by the tales told of the World's Greatest Swordsman. [Those were usually the kids he happened upon, shouting and stomping around excitedly, declaring they'd stand above him one day. Noisy brats, some of them, and he soon put them in their place as well with a decent whack with the flat of his blade, but others had fire in their eyes, the true spirit he looks for. Those he likes to teach to learn to grow and strive for their dreams. To climb the steps and meet him at the summit when they are stronger.]

I crush only the reckless fools that do not know the differences in our strength, the true greatness and mass of the world itself. I receive no enjoyment from cutting down those that would be better fit to do battle with me had they matured and refined their swordplay...but a duel is different than a spar.

Ah... okay, that clears things up a little.

[Speaking of misunderstandings.]

I use the term duel because the place I'm from doesn't really allow for casual spars without the risk of serious injury or death. Setting up a duel means it's a formal encounter between warriors- there are rules, standards, and a margin of safety built into the system. Attacking someone without arranging a duel, even if it's verbally decided ahead of time or just a practice fight, is kind of bad form.

[In other words, he was trying to be polite.

...Man, the system sounds really weird and restricted when explained outside of an RPG scenario...]

[Actually, Kirito is in luck, because Mihawk understood that perfectly. In fact, the way he shifts his position in bed and leans forward with a grin and a well defined gleam in his eyes shows a deep understand and deeper interest. That is the kind of match - the kind of duel - he would adore to partake in. He may be a pirate, and has done some underhanded things in his life, but he has his own moral code and a certain respect for his opponents...rules and guidelines he sets for himself.]

...I see. [He chuckles around the word "exquisite". This is the best mood Mihawk's been in all day, congrats for that.] Then I owe you an apology for my misunderstanding, boy - it would be an honor to fight in such a noble way such as you described.

[He actually feels kind of victorious, now. Awesome.]

The honour's definitely mine. Or, uh, it will be, if or when we can get those swords back. Extra incentive to work on it, maybe?

Best of luck to you.

[He, on the other hand, doesn't need the extra incentive. Mihawk won't think of much else in the ways of "luxury items" until he gets his sword back. And expedition they have off the ship will be spent searching for his blade. He has set himself a goal and he intends to reach it, no matter the cost. The prize at the end is too great to relinquish, after all.]

And the same to you.

[And he will try not to bother you, Mr. Cool. Thank you for indulging in his sword nerdery.]

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01 - Action/Video

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