➷ Rise to the Challenge [Video]

[thewildflower]

Have any of you ever fought a dragon before?

[Rebecca’s face graces the network for the first time, eyes bright even if she looks a little uncertain. Starting off like that...it’s bound to get SOMEONE’s attention, isn’t it?]

Ah—I’m Rebecca, by the way. I’ve never...what’s the word...video'd myself for anyone before. But I’ve been thinking about it, and I was wondering if anyone here had. You see, before I came here, my company and I were headed to a place called Dragon’s Gate. A wicked man is attempting to summon dragons to our world, and I really don't feel like I need to get started on why that would be horrible.

[She closes her eyes for a second—takes a deep breath, calms down before smiling again.]

So I was thinking...if I returned home...maybe there’d be some knowledge from here I can bring back to them, right? I can’t say we’ll face a dragon for certain, and we have the legendary weapons...but any knowledge would be helpful, I think! Just please keep in mind that where I come from...Elibe...the world isn’t anything like this one at all. We don't have 'electricity' and we bathe with water warmed with fire. Most of us live in villages or hamlets, and our biggest buildings are castles, not skyscrapers.

[Did she accidentally describe that she’s obviously from a JRPG? No, of course not.]

So...does anyone have any advice? It’d mean a lot to me, really! And I'd like to speak to more of you as well, I really shouldn't have put this off.

Comments

[notthatjason]

You're the first who's really said anything about it. But I guess I haven't exactly gone around broadcasting it either. I don't want people to think I'm boasting or trying to put myself in charge.

[While it was true people had naturally done that back home and Jason HAD the qualities of a leader -- it wasn't something he actively sought. And here, well, there was already an established organization that had existed for a long time before he'd gotten here and had a lot more going on than he probably even really understood. For all his experiences he was still technically new to the superhero game.]

It's more or less what I was born in to if you want to really get down to it. But I guess that would have only gotten me so far, so I see your point. I still don't think you should sell yourself short or anything. It sounds like you have a lot to do back home as well.

[thewildflower]

I haven't gotten that impression of you! I really appreciate knowing, it makes me feel more comfortable in a way. I apologize if that's too forward, but it's true.

[The other children here have led such different lives than her. It's just nice to know that she's not the only one their age who's fought in a different kind of battlefield before. It might have been hard for him, but it's a comfort nonetheless to meet someone who might understand.]

It's...you're right, I really shouldn't. I know I'm a good shot and people can depend on me, but our group is comprised of assassins, lords and ladies, knights, wanderers, dark mages, pirates. After a while, I think I've started to feel like the 'normal one.'

[notthatjason]

[He chuckles] Didn't this start because we were discussing how to fight dragons? I'm not sure you can really qualify as normal, but I get what you're saying in a sense. It sounds like you have a lot of people to work with that might have amazing skills or abilities that set them apart. I can't speak for them, of course, but I know coming from my own camp sometimes people like that want to just be considered normal too.

[thewildflower]

Ah...you're right, you know. It's not very nice of me to call them abnormal behind their backs. I hope you won't tell them if you see them.

[She's teasing! She's teasing, because he has a point, and she's been busted.]

Hm...I'd really like to tell you why I'm fighting dragons, but it's a long story. Do you think we could speak again sometime?

[notthatjason]

Sure! I wouldn't mind that at all.

[He's enjoyed the conversation.]

And if you want and more tips for other beasts or practice with older weapons let me know. I'm in the gym sometimes with my sword.

[thewildflower]

I'll be looking forward to it, then.

[She's already looking forward to it. He sounds like the most normal person here given her standards.]

But if I'm going to be looking for you, it might help if I had your name. As I mentioned before, I'm Rebecca. It's nice to meet you.

[notthatjason]

[He laughs, embarrassed a little and flushing because how did he forget to mention his name.]

Sorry. I guess I should have led with that. I'm Jason. It's good to meet you too.