animus_network | [Video]

[It's a very unsure and uneasy Luke that appears on the network today, keeping a firm grip on his stupid helmet so people could see his face. He squirmed uncomfortably, not used to this sort of thing.]

H-hey... guys? I wanna say something.

[He swallowed hard, trying to think. C'mon, Luke, you're supposed to be an ambassador of Kimlasca. It's about time you started acting like it. Just... what would Natalia say in a situation like this? She'd probably be really honest about what's happening... and try to be encouraging. It was hard to be encouraging when the situation was so overwhelming, but...]

The monsters aren't dropping candy anymore, and I haven't been able to find any around the Tower either. I think Ruana changed the rules again... I think the only candy that's in the Tower is what's in our buckets, which means she wants us to fight against each other to survive.

[He paused for a breath, before trying to look as determined as he could.]

But that doesn't mean we have to give in to what she wants! If we work together, we should be able to find a way to survive.

Those of us that are still alive... we need to get together, pool our resources as best we can. The ones that were lucky enough not to end up in a costume should help too; I know you might feel that you don't need to, but we all need to work together to survive in this place.

[He held up a fist, trying to look pumped despite how much his stomach was doing flip-flops.]

I'm confident we can get through this if we can all work together. We should all meet up... the cafeteria would be a good place. Let's get together and brainstorm how we're going to get through this, together.

[Luke let out a breath, before cutting the video. Did that sound like something a leader would say? He wasn't sure... he hoped so.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I did not know that was an option. I rarely concern myself with this thing.

[Usually because just about every time she turns it on, she encounters someone she ends up wanting to kill.]

[He's going to have to share some fontech knowledge with you ~~that he learned from others~~.]

Arturia, I'm asking you this, because I know out of everyone I know, you'll actually listen to me.

[Luke is... serious. Surprisingly serious. It doesn't just show in the fact that he used her real name, but his voice, his expression; he's never been this serious.]

If I ever give you my bucket, make sure the candy in it gets to people that need it, whether it's you or someone else. Don't let one bit of it go to waste.

[The seriousness is noted immediately. There was no need to use her true name to convey it, but it does lend a heaviness to the situation.

...and yet, she smiles faintly.]

Are you sure you do not wish to become a knight? You display the right qualities.

Though I will heed your wishes, I must warn you I will not reach the end of this trial.

[He returned the smile.]

Pretty sure.

[...though it dropped from his face quickly.]

I know, that's the point. I'm going to do everything I can to stay alive, but... if it came between me and someone more likely to handle themselves when things get worse, I rather that person survive.

That's why I'm asking this of you. Anyone else would yell at me and say I could handle myself just fine. I know you wont.

And I shall not.

But you must understand that I have a duty to my vassal. Protecting her is my responsibility as her liege lord. I will see her to the end of this trial in the way I can.

A knight does not steal, Luke. [She closes her eyes.] Death before dishonor.

[Luke felt his heart twist.]

...I understand. But... I know you'll find a way for you both to survive.

[...if he ever has to die, he's definitely giving his bucket to Saber. He knew he made the right choice in contacting her about this.]

I will not steal, nor will I allow Kazumi. If the choice is between my death which will ensure her survival or stealing, the choice is easy.

[A pause.]

But those that try to steal from us will meet my ~~broom~~ blade and I will claim spoils.

[Luke grinned at that.]

They'll probably try. Give 'em hell.

[...and know that if it comes to it, you'll have help from him eventually as well.]

[Saber nods.]

I shall.

[Video]

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