(no subject)

[blue_ice]

[ Someone is clearly not comfortable in front of the camera. By now he's a few weeks into his accounting career and bought new robes, though he tries to keep the look as businesslike as possible, tie and all. It says 'Hogwarts student' more than anything. He's clearly cleaned up his side of the apartment for this, ignoring his roommate as steadfastly as possible.

And now to begin the message. He nods at the screen. ]

Under normal circumstances I would have done this a while ago, but I didn't think it was particularly wise to give the witches any more insight. Not that it's guaranteed to be safe now, but I'm slightly more confident that I'm not about to be hexed into oblivion. And that's progress.

You can call me Kaiba. I'm a new Mystic. Look. I probably wasn't the best choice for an apprentice---I don't play nice with others and I don't do the friendship thing. But I can do reluctant ally, I guess...and I refuse to be dead weight, so if anyone's feeling well enough to train I'd pay you competitive rates for your time. So long as you're worth mine.

And...thanks for bailing me out when I was dead weight, I guess. It's an easy paycheck with two conditions: no nicknames and no touching. Simple, right?

Comments

Video

[serpentinthegarden]

You're looking for a tutor?

[ He smirked but not in an unfriendly way. He had been volunteered to train people during that mess with the witches and that had actually worked out ok... This was like providence, if a demon were to believe in such a thing. ]

I can train you.

[blue_ice]

That's...what I'm looking for, yes.

[ He considers the offer. ]

I can meet you wherever's convenient to discuss a program and payment. I've done charming, for the most part, so at the moment I'm looking to reinforce my defense.

[serpentinthegarden]

We could meet in the garden just outside the castle to discuss terms. Free this afternoon?

[blue_ice]

I have a break from work at 2. I'll meet you then.

---> Action

[serpentinthegarden]

[ That being enough said on the subject Crowley merely switched the mirror off. Later he would be out in the garden harassing some pathetic looking rose bushes into straightening up and actually blooming instead of looking withered and dried out. There was plenty of nutrients in the ground and lots of water, there was no reason for them to look as downtrodden. He stopped his gardening and looked over his shoulder when he noticed he was no longer alone. ] Hey. [ No nicknames, remember no nicknames... ] Kaiba, was it?

[blue_ice]

That's me.

[ He's standing tall and trying to look a little less outright rude, so no crossed arms. Just standing straight, briefly glancing at the roses before he looks back up. ]

I don't think you ever told me yours, unless you'd prefer to be Professor all day.

[serpentinthegarden]

Crowley.

[ His stance meanwhile was very casual, very unplanned, devil may care even. ]

So how much can an accountant in a place like this afford to spend on training?

Video

[king_of_egypt]

[After taking a moment to shake his head a few times, Atem switches settings on his mirror so he's visible to Kaiba. Even having taken that extra time to collect his thoughts his words came out haltingly, likely giving away some of his astonishment at this approach.]

That.... certainly.......... was something, Kaiba.

[Then more seriously, he brightens up for the following:]

If you wish to train you need only to ask. I don't require any compensation for that.

Re: Video

[blue_ice]

[ His severe expression softens a little when he sees who's there. ]

What? I never do a thing halfway.

And if it's us, it might be different. I'd want to play a game, for one thing. Just a 'friendly' match.

[king_of_egypt]

[The change is subtle but noticeable]

No- I suppose you never have. [Deciding better of adding any constructive criticism]

Oh, would nicknames be allowed then? [Said with a smirk. Somehow he thought it best to question that stipulation instead of the other]

If I know anything about 'friendly' matches with you, it would turn highly competitive in no time. [... which only elevated the appeal] I'm still not retracking my offer.

[blue_ice]

As long as they can't also be applied to a bakery item or a cute animal.

[ He takes a breath, and after a moment of hesitation...he smirks. ]

I might even relax the other rule for you. But you'll have to play my game first.

[king_of_egypt]

Really? You're still leaving a fairly open field.

[Amused at their banter he chuckled. What was said next however caught him off guard and he wasn't sure how he was supposed to interpret it. After an odd delay he quickly piped up]

Have you already determined the rules of this game, or are they still in the process of being ironed out?

[blue_ice]

I didn't say I couldn't respond negatively to those nicknames...

[ He's surprised by his own bold proposal here, but there's no way he's backing down now. ]

I'm working on it. But you've been here longer...if you've seen the citizens with any particular games, I'll try anything. And win, of course.

[king_of_egypt]

True, you didn't nor would I make such an unreasonable request. Your reactions are what would make creating them worthwhile.

[Though he likely wouldn't be so cruel as to take advantage of the opportunity to supply a variety of names. For the time being Atem tried not to fixate on the other matter it could just be in reference to training. The Hero class was more physical in nature so in order to train together some contact might be required.]

I.... actually haven't noticed them playing any games. I discussed drinking games with Eleanor, and Senet with Crowley.... but I'm not sure you're familiar with the rules of Senet. Are you Kaiba? [Historians were still trying to figure out how the ancient Egyptian game was played, buuuuut.. the demon in question had lived through that time so he was possibly the only one who really knew the rules other than Atem]

[video]

[guitar_hero]

I mean, the easiest way is to throw yourself in the deep end without knowing anything, flail around, make mistakes, not get killed and you know yourself better than when you started.

Re: [video]

[blue_ice]

...but the mistakes could easily get someone else killed. Even if I'm not friendly with you all, I'm not a fan of that option. It's messy and causes unnecessary disruption.

[video]

[guitar_hero]

That's one way to put it. Alright, you make a fair point. Do you know your focus? That's always a help.

[blue_ice]

I understand the basics of charming. I'm working on wishes at the moment. Choosing what to use and getting a grasp of what's possible at my level is the hardest part.

[guitar_hero]

I mean, what do you use as your focus. For example, wishful spells for me is this. [he wiggles the sonic screwdriver] And for when I need a little charm, well. [shades on!]

You see?

[blue_ice]

[ That's really tacky, Doctor, but he's not going to say that. This time. ]

I don't need all that to be commanding.

[ He just straightens his tie, then pulls out his blank metal cards. ]

These are throw weapons, but I can hold them, I guess.

[strangeandunusual]

Nice to see you again, Kaiba. You seem like you'd be a decent enough friend for me, but I didn't really have many before I came here, either, so who knows?

[she gives him a little smile]

I think one of the best things about being here with everyone is how much we help each other out when we need it. I don't know a lot about being a Mystic, since I'm a Princess, but ... I can help you if you need to practice magic! There are some cursed mannequins in the basement of the Emporium that we used to train the new Princesses on before we took Main Street back.

[blue_ice]

That's what Atem would say. He thinks I just need practice.

[ He snorts. ]

...when you say cursed, what do you mean?

[strangeandunusual]

You know Atem? He's a friend of mine, too. We've gone on a couple of missions together.

[she won't speak to that snort, she'll just let him have the illusion that he won't get used to having friends eventually. for now.]

It's one of the kinds of spells some of the Apprentices can do. Wishes and curses. My friend Eleanor cursed the mannequins so that they would look and act like weak Corroded animal or thing. That way, people know what fighting them feels like before they see a real one. It takes more energy than regular magic, or at least, I feel like it does.

[blue_ice]

We're not friends. We...have a long-standing mutual understanding.

[ Which is technically true. They're boyfriends now. But he's not going to say that, just...smirk a little.. ]

Something about harnessing negative energy being more taxing?

But I'd take a crack at them, sure.

[strangeandunusual]

[she may not do relationships yet, herself, but she's shrewd. and she's been watching Crowley and Aziraphale at Whatever Thing They're Doing for months now. she can read enough between the lines and smile a little without showing that She Gets It, and spare him his dignity]

That could be? Even if my class' magic is meant specifically to deal with the Corrosion. I'm not sure, I really am hoping to get to talk to Merlin a little more about how it works one of these days.

Even if you don't want to train with me, if you want to bring Atem instead, just go to the Emporium and ask for Eleanor: she's the manager. She'll let you down to the basement where they keep them.

[she knows some people just have one or two people they trust and keep everyone else at arm's length through their preferred means. she can respect it. it still hurts, but she can respect it]