[open] Bad News Express

[notsolomon]

Who: William Twining and You
When: 8/23 - 9/15
Where: Grantebrycge, Gammon
What: The rejection letter delivery job
Rating: PG-13 for the destruction of dreams


Shooting the messenger part one
Marion Farnswatter was not happy to receive her rejection letter. Or really any of her rejection letters for that matter. This one, the fourth, seemed to be the last straw and she just steps up to either William or his unfortunate companion and delivers a hard slap to their face, face red and on the verge of tears.

She then dramatically turns and sweeps up the staircase of her very elaborately decorated home, leaving an embarrassed servantry behind. Well then...

Shooting the messenger part two
The two of you are hiding behind one of the many hedges dotting the garden of the Hodge family, hoping to avoid your would be destroyer.

Occasionally you hear the footsteps of the man after you, Theodoris Sr, the grandfather of your current rejection letter recipient. Turns out the recipient, little Theodoris Jr, is Theodoris Sr's favorite grandchild, the apple of his eye and heir to the family fortune. The Hodge family have all gone to Pigeonsblood, every last one of them. And all of them have been exceptionally talented mages who have done credit to the school. But Pigeonsblood would spit on everything the Hodge family has done for them over the years and would reject Junior because he supposedly has a weak mana pool? A likely story!

And a bunch of other nonsense was blathered at you before the family head decided to seek vengeance against you. And he is rather powerful for an eighty year old man it seems, his magic rather potent. You've had no choice but to run and seek shelter. So what will you do? Fight or escape?

Wildcard
Have your own idea for deliveries gone wrong? Or right? Maybe it's not an angry recipient, but a disobedient micropig at work. Or an unfortunate letter mix up. Or maybe you want to unwind with William after a hard day's work. Either way, I am open to everything. I am also okay with both prose and action tags, so feel free to use whichever suits you best.

Comments

[soulshift]

Irisviel looks hesitantly over at William. To be honest, she knew this job was going to be one of the harder ones that she had done while she was here in Blanc's employ. She knew instinctively that people didn't want to be rejected, but she knew that people didn't like rejected when they felt they were entitled to something. Most people didn't take it with grace - if anything they took it with anger and embarrassment. This was never a good combination when combined with the fact that these were young people's hopes and dreams, or what seems like it anyway.

"I'd never been to school before... but you would think that we said we were going to kill his grandson in cold blood rather than he didn't get into school." she whispers, trying to calm herself down so she could summon a mana shield to protect them the moment Theodoris Sr. started firing magic at them.

[notsolomon]

William had chosen the job on the premise that he was perfectly adept at delivering bad news to people. At telling them no. His duties as Prefect had demanded as much and no doubt he would do much of this if he went into law instead of politics. He was good at soulless bureaucracy. But he hadn't been prepared for the pure insanity of this situation.

It was good that his partner for this trial was of a higher rank than him, otherwise William would be in far more danger. And as tempting as it was, he didn't want to hurt the man. "Arrogant old goats like that exist in every time and place it seems. He'll probably calm down. After several hours," William sighed as he propped his weapon on his knee, the book sitting there. If he could just stun the fool, they could escape, though it sat ill with him. Surely wouldn't be good for his reputation.

[soulshift]

"We can't just sit here for hours waiting for him to calm down." murmurs Irisviel as she slinks lower into the bush, trying not to make too much noise as she did so. They had other letters to deliver and as much as she wanted to call it quits, it wouldn't be a good idea to do so.

"What can you do with your book?" she asked curiously as she eyed the object in his lap. "I can cast magic that will make him very drowsy and make it all seem like a dream, but I'll need some help with that."

[notsolomon]

William shifts carefully, trying to keep his legs from cramping. No, they really couldn't wait here. He had only so much patience.

"It will accuse them of a crime or misdeed and stun them. I have only tested it out so much. I think it could be useful, though, he might be even more angry with us afterwards." William was worried about there being some terrible legal issues at this point. With he sued? What if he dropped dead of rage and his estate sued them for damages? But perhaps that was a risk they needed to take.

[soulshift]

"Hmm..." Irisviel pondered this carefully, looking over the book with an eye. She would be able to inflict a dazed drunken effect which would make the memories feel fuzzy once William had stunned him, but it was still a risky maneuver. It seemed as his rage would not calm down immediately, and there was a close call when she heard indistinct yelling growing louder in their direction.

Instead of cowering though, Irisviel peers just over the top of the hedge. The man's ruddy face was in a permanent scowl, letter crumpled tightly in his hand.

"He's holding the letter - perhaps we should chance taking it back?"

[overextend]

[ As if there was any other choice but fight! Subaki is no coward, especially when it comes to an eighty year old man. Rather, he's more afraid of hurting him than anything else. How does one escape this non-violently but still without appearing cowardly? What a conundrum.

He eyes the young man with him, recalling him well from the party. It's infinitely far less pleasant to be teamed up with him now than when they were in an endless maze or being stabbed by cutlery, and he can definitely say with full confidence that William is not his favorite person here. Far from it actually. ]

See, if you had just allowed me to do the talking, this would have gone far more smoothly. I could have easily lightened the blow of the letter. I am quite skilled at negotiation and delivering bad news.

[ It's true. On top of being a master in all weapon and battle styles, he has all mastered all forms of diplomacy. This could have all been avoided had been given the chance to speak before the letter had been presented. ]

Refresh my mind. What was your ability once more? I must come up with a good plan to undo the mess you got us into.

[notsolomon]

[William frowned at Subaki, but didn't say anything on the subject of his failure. He could admit that he had been a little... 'blunt.' It had been a long day after all and you became inured to human suffering after a while. Besides, honestly he had felt like such defensiveness on the part of their attacker hadn't been doing the actual letter recipient any good.

Sure it must have been a blow to the child to be told that he couldn't carry on with the family tradition, but wasn't it better to just accept that and move on? At this point the grandfather's overreaction had to only be adding to the boy's mortification.

But well, it had all turned into this and William grimaced as he pulled out his book.]

It will immobilize him. I think it would be safe to use, though I worry about the man's heart. Granted, running about like this is surely doing him no favors.

[The man was already angry over his golden boy's failure. Who knew what insult the book might launch at him?]

[overextend]

Immobilizing him is fine. I can defuse the situation from there. As I said, I am an excellent negotiator.

[ With his silver tongue, they're guaranteed to get out of this smoothly and with the old man in tact. He wouldn't forgive himself if this ends in disarray and tarnishes his perfect record of completed jobs. It has nothing to do with getting paid. It's all about honor. He wants everyone to view him as reliable, hard-working, and willing to do what it takes to get a job done right.

Hoshido is counting on him. Sakura is counting on him. He won't fail either of them, certainly not because of this young man's brashness. It's now time to fix the mess he created. ]

Don't hesitate any longer. He's clearly over-exerting himself. My own magic would only hurt him. I can only stall him a bit.

[ He climbs out from behind the hedge to start drawing the old man's attention towards him, staff out only for defense in case anything comes swinging out towards him. ]

[notsolomon]

Alright then.

[It was better than nothing. And he did want to see how Subaki handled the situation. If it was really better. Much as William hated to admit it, he was willing to learn a better way. Or at least witness a different way. Cultural exchange was valuable, right?

The angry old man almost immediately approached on Subaki, clearly angry that Heroes were here at all. What did Gammon need of their lot?

Good, good. Just keep ranting, like all old people do. That's what William is hoping as slinks out behind him, opening the book and flipping through the pages. He focused, thinking of the target in front of him and then stopped at a page and turned it towards his target. And then it activated and the booked shouted right at the old man, with a booming, force.]

You! Pathetic old man! Stop setting your own shrubbery on fire! It's embarrassing your grandson! No wonder he doesn't want to go out in public with you!

[Some of the shrubbery was singed at least, so the book had picked a half way accurate attack, though William couldn't entirely vouch for the rest. One could see the old man suddenly freeze, shaking, unable to turn in his direction. It seemed to have worked.]

...well you had better calm him down. Before he attacks again, falls over dead or cries.

[Perhaps it had been a little too harsh, but it wouldn't hurt Theodoris Sr to reflect a little.]

[overextend]

You better not have killed him!!

[ For one thing, that's murder. For another, it's not as though the old man deserves it for this sort of thing. But Subaki will try and salvage the situation as best as he can, grabbing the old man's attention, talking to him. Yes, listen to his voice -that smooth, low timber. That gentle, soft tone. The relaxing vowels oozing from his tongue. He knows he can calm him down, get him to see things differently, convince him that trying to kill them as much as he wishes to is a poor idea and a useless waste of his time.

It works! Of course, it works. The old man starts to calm down with his explanation as Subaki cranks up the charm to a level 11 and waxes poetics about the situation, how it could have worse, how he actually came out on top. Leave it to him to turn everything around, and suddenly, the old man is backing away while Subaki turns to William with a smile and a gentle thumbs up.

See, this is why they should have had him do everything in the first place. Entrusting these tasks to others only opens the gateway to failure, and Subaki can't handle having that kind of smudge on his otherwise pristine record. ]

I told you to leave it to me. I know well how to deal with these situations. I have often had to calm down disputes back in my own home world.

pt 2;

[geneolgian]

[ Yew had tried negotiating with the old man when, erm, negotiations went awry. Pleas of "Please don't shoot the messenger!" and "Sir, we are not affiliated with the school" fell on deaf ears, leading the both of them to seek shelter from the man's barrage. He hugs the flying micropig close to him to protect it, because it's really cute and doesn't deserve to be shot at in this manner, quite frankly.

As annoying as the old man is, he hesitates when it comes to the idea of fighting back. Their "opponent" is eighty years old, after all. ]

Do you...suppose we could wait it out? He'll probably calm down or get tired soon.

[notsolomon]

[Yew had definitely tried his best and it probably would have worked on someone more reasonable. But this wasn't a reasonable person stalking them, but a childish old man. One of the most dangerous beings in existence.]

We might be able to, though I really don't like the idea of staying one spot for too long. He probably walks this garden all the time, if he's like the old people back home. So we better move the moment his back is turned.

[And hope the pig doesn't alert him with it's squeals.]

[geneolgian]

[ He nods. ]

Right. Do you remember where the exit is? Why do noble gardens have to practically be mazes...?

[ Yew whispers, as he peeks his head around the hedge and hopes that a fireball doesn't come whizzing by and singe some of his hairs. ]

[notsolomon]

[William craned his head around quickly, trying to reorient himself without being seen.]

I believe it is south from here. So, through that cluster of hedges?

[And reason as to why all rich people had hedge mazes was because they had nothing better to do with their lives.]

[geneolgian]

Alright, then. Brace yourself, and prepare some fire if you can.

[ He doesn't want to damage others' property, but the old man is already doing enough of that himself, so one more burning bush might not hurt...? With that, he looks around once more, and, seeing that the man's back is turned, rushes forward with the micropig. ]

[nh2h]

Wander's little chest heaved as he dove for cover, narrowly avoiding a potent ice spell. This got out of hand quite unexpectedly! The man shouted a few words that Wander would dare not repeat before impressionable children, insisting that they would pay when he found them. He looked at his partner and tiny flying pig and frowned. As he mulled over their options, he hummed thoughtfully and stroked his chin.

"Poor guy, he's taking this a lot harder than his grandson is... Ding!"

Suddenly, he had an idea! As if the sound effect he added was not indicative enough, he snapped his fingers as well. He had anticipated an event such as this and bought an item in advance for just such an occasion. He smiled at William as he grabbed his hat and retrieved a wand from it. He nudged his partner with his elbow and winked. If he understood, he hoped he would get a wink in return.

[notsolomon]

William had been a bit skeptical when he'd seen who his partner would be for this assignment, because what was that? Not like any of the demons he'd seen before, that's for sure. He's a bit worried, but well, surely this guy is a Hero for a reason.

And now that the assignment has gone in this unfortunate direction, William has no choice but to rely on his partner's abilities. He nods in response, readying his own weapon, a small book, in case this fails. But assuming they are on the same page, Wander's idea should cause less harm to the old man. Hopefully.

[nh2h]

He nodded back and pushed his hat down his brow. It was time for some drastic measures. His small size and agility allowed him to creep about the hedges until he was behind Theodoris Sr. Wander raised the wand. Then, he smiled and waved.

"That's some amazing spell-slinging, Theo!"

Wander jumped just before another spell hit his feet. At this range, he was close enough to reach out and hold the old man's hands.

"You know, I think we got off on the wrong foot. We both want what's best for your grandson. Pigeonsblood may have turned their backs on your perfect little boy, but he's got everything he needs, right here..."

He pulled the man into a hug, wrapping his arm around him while pointing at his chest, gently brushing it for good measure.

"...Your love and guidance! What do you say, Teach?"

He offered the wand to the grandfather.

[notsolomon]

That really wasn't what William had thought was going to happen and he's almost instantly up in a panic. "W-what are you doing?" He calls out, not looking particularly imposing with bits of shrubbery sticking in his hair.

Theodoris Sr doesn't seem particularly amused. "What blatant trickery is this?" He's stepping back, ready to act. At the very least he is so off balance that he's not instantly shooting a spell off. But he's also so worked up that he won't just be conquered over night.

[nh2h]

He looked at William. He had assumed he had understood, but perhaps he should have done more than just wink and nod.

"I'm trying to help them," he loudly whispered back, which made no sense because Theodoris could likely hear everything.

He smiled again at Theodoris Sr, holding the wand in both hands as he presented it to him. Nothing about him seemed hostile, even as he stepped closer to him. In fact, he just seemed like a senseless fool.

"There's no trickery, just the bond between grandfather and grandson! You teach him half of what you did here and he'll be the best young wizard his age!"

pt 2

[kyusei]

[ Takumi is not used to this kind of work, but he would never say anything is below him. Every task (especially those that are paid) ask for diligence and hard work. He isn't a spoiled prince and he would like no one to think that--

Except he's really starting to regret his decision here. Maybe he has been unlucky? He does his best not to make any noise, not even fidget in case a branch that may be under their feet may crack and alert the old man of their presence. ]

Seriously? How did we get into this situation?

[ His voice is soft enough to not disturb even the woodland creatures that may be hiding in this unfortunate shrub. Of all places, he never thought he would be hiding. It's cowardly, but he doesn't want to destroy property and injure the geezer. ]

Got any bright ideas?

Re: pt 2

[notsolomon]

[William's not accustomed to working like this either, though he's accepted it as a necessity. And figured it would be a good way to get in with some people of a higher class, since this school was connected to some powerful families. He had quickly come to regret his decision though.]

...there was a misstep at some juncture or other. It's impossible to figure out what that was though.

[There were just people like that unfortunately, who went off at the slightest provocation. Especially among those feisty members of the senior class.

But how to diffuse this situation?]

You wouldn't happen to have a way to bind him? Or to magically mollify him? Otherwise we might have to just continue dodging him until we find the way out.

[kyusei]

[ In the end, it has proven to have the opposite affect with all these prestigious families, huh... It's okay. At least otherworldly heroes can bond through suffering--suffering that Takumi doesn't want. ]

Sorry, but I'm not a king.

[ Which is basically most of what it sounds like to him. It does sound useful right now... How much he wishes his sister was here to save them. There's an exaggerated sigh as he considers their options. These odds are not looking good. ]

If we split up, I can cover for you if he pursues. Can you do the same for me?

[notsolomon]

Then I guess it's just cut and run.

[He was just a lowly rook right now and unfortunately, William's weapon had already seen a few uses during this day and wasn't up for being useful at the moment. Which was probably for the best as he wasn't sure their pursuer's heart could take it. But it meant no useful freezing the enemy in their tracks attack either way.]

I know a basic spell, but it should be enough if I need to do something.

[kyusei]

Sounds like a plan.

[ No matter how simple or primitive it is, they just have to work with it. Takumi is only a pawn (and the second weapon to come with promotion would force me to retcon this thread), but he has practiced in the art of wind magic. Oddly enough, he has an affinity in the element despite having no magical bone in his body back at home.

He rises up first from the shrub and sprints a direction he would think is the way out? The old man turns, eyes glinting with huge stars like a predator that has been waiting for this very moment. He considers going after Takumi, but is unfortunately keen enough to look back to the shrub.

He remembers there were two of them, so his eyes are on William instead while a toothy grin stretches from ear to ear. ]