ғᴏᴜʀ. [ video; reflected off a mirror in his room, late evening ]

[secondcomingof]

[ The feed is sharp and clear and focused when it comes into view, centered around one Casval Mass, who has propped himself up on a heavy trunk with one long leg crossed over the other. His eyes are stern and his tone sterner still; compared to his initial introduction on the network, his demeanor is comparatively absent of ego, replaced by an intense drive that can be felt even through the mirror he's broadcasting from. ]

Good evening.

For those of you unfamiliar with me, my name is Casval Mass. It's come to my attention, recently, that a hotspot of activity related to the so-called "invasion" has flared within the area known as the "Dead District". More specifically, several non-network related residents have complained of werewolf attacks. While I too am skeptical of the nature of these attacks, its timing cannot be ignored in relation to our predicament.

[ Casval leans down, beginning to flip open the various locking mechanisms on the trunk. ]

Therefore, I propose that a scouting party of sorts be sent into this District to determine the scope of—and, if necessary, eliminate—this problem. I am aware that some of you may doubt my abilities on this front, or take issue with me personally. I ask you to set these qualms aside in favor of achieving our greater goal.

[ Click and snap go the last locks, and Casval rises, opening the trunk and pushing it over to reveal... well, a metric fuckload of weaponry. Guns of all sizes, body armor, blades, other objects meant to kill and maim and what have you, it's all there in spades. Some of it questionably legal, for those of you familiar with such stock.

A little bit of ego does slip through as he smirks back up at his audience, picking out a polished sniper rifle in particular for himself and leaning against it as he stands. ]

As you can see, I can provide the equipment necessary for this mission. I am seeking motivated individuals to join me in this endeavor. If those individuals do not step forward, I will simply go myself.

[ Blue eyes narrow testily. ]

I am through running and hiding. If I should die, let it be in this way, facing this threat, instead of cowering in the shadows. I will not allow paranoia and uncertainty to condemn me to a lifetime of servitude.

I thank you in advance for your cooperation.

[ And, just before the feed cuts, and before he forgets: ]

Banagher Links.

I need to speak to you immediately. Please respond.

[ The threat of or I'll find you anyway goes unspoken, but is clear in his voice regardless. ]

Comments

[ video; mirror ]

[secondcomingof]

[ Casval hesitates, somewhat. Yes, he's already being protective of you, shut up. ]

Experience is useful, but may I ask how much of it was in the field? I don't want to unnecessarily endanger anyone.

[ Note: this is false. Casval will endanger the fuck out of Souji and his ilk, but Elizabeth is a trickier subject to handle. She's on his good side, and therefore he is very much interested in keeping her alive. ]

[unfearing]

[ It's okay, Souji and his ilk are (or were in their past lives) totally used to it. ]

...well, fortunately I was never actually kidnapped despite being trained for it. Nonetheless, I have good reflexes and I've always been an excellent shot.

I'll stay behind if you prefer, but I hate the idea of you being out there without adequate backup.

[ The bit Casval said about possibly dying out there seems to have gotten to her, as she worries at her lower lip after she speaks. ]

[secondcomingof]

[ He notices, and is promptly apologetic for it. ]

I'm not throwing anyone out there to die, Miss Elizabeth. Rest assured of that. I'm simply... agitated. Understandably so, I would hope.

But yes, your repertoire is more than adequate to justify fielding you. If you would promise me that you stay close and keep your wits at the ready, I'll entrust you with whatever weapon you'd prefer.

[unfearing]

I won't let you down. Just let me know when and where, Captain.

[ She doesn't intend to shoot anything unless she absolutely has to, primarily wanting to come just to make sure Casval here isn't reckless with his life and also just to get a firsthand account of what's all going on.

And, naturally, Casval appealed to her ever optimistic, idealistic nature in his little speech up there and at the moment her cheeks are quite flushed with joy. These are dark and troubled times indeed, but knowing they have people on their side like Casval, Jack, and Aaron offers her great comfort and hope. ]

[secondcomingof]

[ ...red is a very nice color on her. The thought strikes him mildly, though strikes him nonetheless, and throws him off guard, the natural ease of her smile and the shimmer of hope in her eyes that is so absent now, in this dangerous and uncertain world they lived in.

But Casval can sense a certainty in this woman. A purpose. A strength that drives her, and he's drawn to it, caught up in it. Casval smiling with a genuine warmth is a rare occurrence, indeed, once in a blue moon, but he can't help himself: he mirrors hers with something that borders on almost a grin.

His heart flutters but he mostly disregards it, though he does recall the sensation. What always causes it, the person who always brings him back to the brighter times beside the windowsill, plucking at piano keys and braiding hair and simply loving.

Mother. ]

I will protect that faith of yours, madam. [ I'll protect you. ] On the name of my honor, I swear it. We don't let despair defeat us.

[unfearing]

[ At those words, Elizabeth's eyes go briefly wide, her breath catching somewhere in her throat. She feels something pierce through her, sharp and true, not a memory so much as a feeling. It's some kind of knowing, a kind of understanding-- It's a place she's found to put her faith.

That should someone swear to stand with her, she too should stand by them to whatever ends. That together, they will bring new light into the world.

His words to her are the very definition of belief. Within her they stir such strength and inspiration that she feels made anew.

Her hand clasps over her heart, and when she next smiles there is a glimmer of emotion welling in her eyes, her laughter choked but in an immeasurably happy way. What is this feeling...? She wipes at her eyes with the back of her hand, nodding at Casval on the other end of the video feed. ]

And I will stand with you, Captain. Whatever trials we face, we shall never face alone.