[ regular baiken aura intensifies. though it's like her typical intimidation tactics are fueled by a deep, smoldering rage - and just past that veneer of bravado and that gap of hollow nothingness it's there, slowly burning through her. ]
[NOT THE REGULAR BAIKEN. He is just a lil nerd!! He's, like, respectfully afraid? He isn't scared it doesn't seem, but he is respectful of the intimidation.
She drinks like a horse, man spreads, and has an eyepatch, there is no way in hell she doesn't know how to use the sword she has. But he doesn't think she is the type to stab without a good reason... or she would probably be stabbing a lot more.
So he smiles weakly, briefly.]
I will tell you something in return, if you'd rather?
[ his assessment is correct in that she isn't going to stab him willy-nilly. she does, however, know how to use her blade - a key component is knowing when to use it. it'd be easier to snap him in half, if she were so inclined. so he's safe for now. ]
[oh thank god his dex and str are shit but his perception check is great]
Alright... Um...
[Thoughtful.]
There was man in the Undercity where I was born who use to carry a sword. It was strange to everyone because most people had rifles, or knives. But he had a sword shaped sort of like yours. He got it from a place far away, and he hadn't been back for a long time.
So when I helped my partner build the Hexgates, and we linked Piltover to that place, I took him.
And... that's it? I showed him the place he hadn't seen in a long time, and it made him happy. Actually, I think he decided to stay, but that isn't surprising. The Undercity is an awful place to try to survive.
No, I just... want to help others with the things I know I can create. Hextech is supposed to improve lives. Your sword is the same, right? People try to make it into a weapon, something to kill others, something to fear.
But it was not made to kill, was it? It was made to protect. Defend.
[ there is something to be said about viktor's perspective, but baiken isn't the one to say it. there's an ache in that hollow void: something she keeps covered, and covered well - most of the time, that is. but just as the rage keeps burning through her, it's all to cover the gnawing hole of grief that doesn't seem to ever go away. ]
Long past those days. Hurt a lot more people than I've ever helped.
[hey kelsey why are you just playing female samurai malik
He watches her face in a sort of quiet, studious way. He doesn't look offended. Plenty of people never believed in anything he's said all his life, only they didn't because they labeled him as a cripple from the Undercity.
He's used to it.]
Our past always has an annoying way of tacking itself onto us, doesn't it? But that's okay. Going forward is different. There's always a choice. There's always a change moving forward. Who you were then doesn't have to be who you are now.
...It's a nice sentiment. [ really, genuinely. she's still scowling but- she just can't bring herself to see it the way he does. she can't just let it all go, live and let live. that'd make everything she's ever done a waste. ]
[That's okay. He understands not being able to let things go. Hehe.]
Yes, but you've made a choice. See? There's always a choice. Some of them may be great. Some of them may also not be great. We learn that after usually.
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It's not about pride. It's about commitment to the decision.
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The decision for...?
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...I'm lookin' for someone.
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the feelings are ??? of surprise]
Someone from your past?
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[ there's some darker, thornier feelings. ]
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Alright. [So she's looking for someone from her Past.] And what do you plan to do when you find them?
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[ regular baiken aura intensifies. though it's like her typical intimidation tactics are fueled by a deep, smoldering rage - and just past that veneer of bravado and that gap of hollow nothingness it's there, slowly burning through her. ]
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She drinks like a horse, man spreads, and has an eyepatch, there is no way in hell she doesn't know how to use the sword she has. But he doesn't think she is the type to stab without a good reason... or she would probably be stabbing a lot more.
So he smiles weakly, briefly.]
I will tell you something in return, if you'd rather?
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Doesn't matter to me. Do what you want.
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Alright... Um...
[Thoughtful.]
There was man in the Undercity where I was born who use to carry a sword. It was strange to everyone because most people had rifles, or knives. But he had a sword shaped sort of like yours. He got it from a place far away, and he hadn't been back for a long time.
So when I helped my partner build the Hexgates, and we linked Piltover to that place, I took him.
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Yeah, and?
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And... that's it? I showed him the place he hadn't seen in a long time, and it made him happy. Actually, I think he decided to stay, but that isn't surprising. The Undercity is an awful place to try to survive.
[Not live. Definitely not live.]
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So you're a noble one, is that it? Helping old wayward souls?
[ her tone might be facetious? maybe. ]
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No, I just... want to help others with the things I know I can create. Hextech is supposed to improve lives. Your sword is the same, right? People try to make it into a weapon, something to kill others, something to fear.
But it was not made to kill, was it? It was made to protect. Defend.
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[ there is something to be said about viktor's perspective, but baiken isn't the one to say it. there's an ache in that hollow void: something she keeps covered, and covered well - most of the time, that is. but just as the rage keeps burning through her, it's all to cover the gnawing hole of grief that doesn't seem to ever go away. ]
Long past those days. Hurt a lot more people than I've ever helped.
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He watches her face in a sort of quiet, studious way. He doesn't look offended. Plenty of people never believed in anything he's said all his life, only they didn't because they labeled him as a cripple from the Undercity.
He's used to it.]
Our past always has an annoying way of tacking itself onto us, doesn't it? But that's okay. Going forward is different. There's always a choice. There's always a change moving forward. Who you were then doesn't have to be who you are now.
I believe that, even if no one else does.
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...It's a nice sentiment. [ really, genuinely. she's still scowling but- she just can't bring herself to see it the way he does. she can't just let it all go, live and let live. that'd make everything she's ever done a waste. ]
But I've made my choice.
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Yes, but you've made a choice. See? There's always a choice. Some of them may be great. Some of them may also not be great. We learn that after usually.
[A weak laugh.]