knightofratatosk | [Accidental Voice]

[It's late in the evening after a busy day of work at the tea shop, cooking and chores, and animal-wrangling that Emil finally sits down to flip through his journal and catch up on the events of the day.

He's taken to using a certain Christmas card that Buffy gave him a couple of years ago as a bookmark in the journal, both to keep it from getting lost or damaged and because it's bulky enough (being one of those musical cards) that it makes it easy to find his place right away. It's never occurred to him that sticking something that plays music into a journal that can broadcast things to everyone else whose journal is open might not be the best idea-- he always keeps the card closed, and besides, he's been doing it for a long time without any issues.

Today, however, he's so tired and the couch is so comfortable that he ends up starting to doze off as he pages through the journal. Everything is fine for a while... until he rolls over a bit, dislodging both journal and card from their places on the couch beside him and sending them toppling to the floor, the card landing half-open atop the also-opened journal. Of course, this immediately triggers the card to start playing music....

So Luceti, enjoy the very tinny version of "Jingle Bells" that is currently being broadcast over the journals. Emil has no idea his journal is even on.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

So could you train me if I decided I wanted that? Not that I do, just... you know, hypothetically.

I could! And perhaps even I would! Of course, forbidden arts would be off the table for the time being. Yet I am sure that you would make a fine pupil, alongside Rapunzel-san!

... wait, you teach Rapunzel too?

[He is trying to picture this. It's not very successful.]

Indeed! I have been teaching her basic self-defense. I care for her deeply and do not wish for her to be harmed! Additionally, I also give lessons to young Ikki-chan.

If Rapunzel and Ikki can learn it, then I guess I can too. I mean, I'm pretty sure I'm at least a little bit stronger than they are. I do use a sword, after all.

Perhaps you should spar to make sure! Yes... I shall make sure that it happens!

Spar... with them?

[Suddenly unsure.]

Yes! Or at least with Rapunzel-san. Ikki-chan would need her grandparents' approval. But I am sure that you would both learn from the experience!

I don't know, sparring with Rapunzel would just be weird. I mean, she's so nice. I can't imagine her fighting anyone at all.

Then you are underestimating her abilities as a warrior! I am sure she would be hurt if she were to hear that...

W-what? No, I didn't mean--

It's just... she seems like the kind of person who would want to talk things out rather than fight, that's all.

That is true! Of course, that can only get one so far on the battlefield. And, this can be a spar rather than an all-out battle. That way you can demonstrate your skills without risk of severe harm!

Shouldn't we ask her if she wants to spar with me before we go deciding something like this, though?

Of course! She shall certainly be asked. Both rivals must agree to a spar, after all.

Wait, when did we become rivals? I thought this was just a friendly spar.

I am getting ahead of myself! It only seemed natural for two pupils of myself to become rivals. But there are many possibilities for your relationship: friends, friendly rivals, fierce rivals, eternal rivals even! The list goes on.

I'm pretty sure the two of us are just friends right now. I don't know if I'd want to be her rival or anything. That sounds kind of... I don't know, I think it'd just be strange. I don't want to be anyone's rival.

I don't know why it would be so unfavorable. There are few relationships that are so intimate and passionate and most importantly youthful than that of two rivals.

Um, if you say so...

[Now this is definitely getting strange. It sounds like something out of some TV show or comic book or the like.]

I do! Perhaps you'll learn for yourself some day. And truly understand it! In the meantime, we shall wait to see if Rapunzel-san accepts your challenge.

Ahahaha... maybe someday...

Oh, but would you mind doing one thing? When you mention it to Rapunzel, can you tell her it was your idea for a spar, not mine?