soraspace | What is a hero? A nerdy little pile of secrets.

What is a hero? A nerdy little pile of secrets.

[The beginnings of storm clouds prowl like grumpy cats over the capital city of Barona, but Hubert's mood is comparatively sunny as he waits in the foyer of Barona Castle. Although his main business in the capital isn't the most enjoyable errand (as it involves him playing the reasonable adult to a pair of childish merchants who are over twice his age and half again), he's managed to snag a slot in Richard's schedule to catch up with him and that makes the entire trip worthwhile. Things have been hectic in the three months since they parted ways in the wake of dealing with Lambda, and letters only do so much to ease the absence of friends.

Time is strange, Hubert thinks. Depending on one's mood, the events of the day, and any other number of factors, three months can feel like either three years or three days. Today it somehow feels like both. Hubert misses Richard dearly...and yet, with how busy he's been since he returned home to Lhant, it's as if he just saw Richard yesterday. Certainly Barona Castle is as unchanged as ever. Which is miraculous given all that's happened within its walls.

Hubert gazes down at the small velvet bag cradled in his arms: a gift he's brought for Richard to cheer him up, or at least distract him from recent events. Some might look askance at his choice of royal offering (certainly his mom would question his judgement if she knew), but Hubert has no fear that Richard will take offense.]

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[To Richard, three months has felt like an eternity, and yet it still hasn't been nearly enough time. Returning to Barona after the so-called "Valkines Crisis" has been difficult on the best of days, and on the worst of them he feels as though there is a monster still roaming the castle hallways -- and of course that monster is none other than himself.]

[Even so, he's sought ways to mend the damage he's done, to reclaim the code of a hero that was once so sacred to him and to put his people first. A code which still is, since it remains the thing that has kept him anchored and allowed him to move forward, bolstered by the faith his friends still have in him and the correspondence they send back and forth -- whether he believes he truly deserves it or not.]

[Fortunately, not all of his days are spent like this, and today is a particularly special exception, for he's received news that Hubert has arrived. So, as king, he sits patiently through his other audiences, a mild expression pasted in place when absolutely necessary -- but when the guards let Hubert into the throne room, well... it's really all he can do to keep himself composed. Although it appears it might rain any moment, Hubert may recognize that the smile on Richard's face now isn't a mere guise but has lit up with a quiet, genuine fondness.]

Hubert, it's good to see you. To what do I owe the pleasure of this meeting?

Edited 2019-08-23 20:51 (UTC)

[LOOK AT THIS COOL THING I GOT FOR YOU ISN'T IT NEAT LEMME EXPLAIN IT is what he wants to say, and honestly probably would if it weren't for the fact that they were in the throne room of Windor's capital. He knows Richard doesn't necessarily care about things being proper, but Hubert nonetheless feels compelled to make some effort at decorum and dignity when occupying such a stately setting.

So Hubert drops to one knee in front of Richard as a customary gesture of respect, flashing him a reciprocal smile of equal radiance before he bows his head in deference to his king. His friend.]

Business brought me to the capital, so I thought it was as good a chance as any to see how things were here. Words can only say so much, after all.

[Words illuminate as much as they hide. Sometimes they illuminate to hide, shining a light on one thing in order to cast another thing in shadow. Hubert suspects there's a fair bit that Richard is leaving out of his letters to him, though he won't press any issues directly just yet. Hence, a general (though still accurate) statement of checking up on "things" here, rather than Richard specifically.]

Edited (forgot that I didn't finish the tag draft, rofl) 2019-08-24 16:18 (UTC)

[It's expected to be sure, but something about watching Hubert bow before him pangs painfully in his chest even as he finds his smile being returned without hesitation. A part of him wants nothing more than to ask him to stop. After all, he would not even be here today if it weren't for Hubert.]

Yes, I suppose that is true...

[The words are quiet, almost thoughtful, as Richard rises unprompted from the throne and makes his way down the dais steps. Yes, Richard knows this very, very well. There are some things that no words can ever express, and there are also words that can never be uttered at all. He's careful not to let that smile slip, but for a moment his gaze falls to the floor, and then he's lifting a hand in an easy, diplomatic gesture.]

Shall we take this discussion to my office, perhaps? We're old friends, after all, and I'm sure you have important matters you wish to discuss. That could well be made more comfortable over tea.

[Wryly, he adds:]

I fear the throne room - as grand as it may be - is sorely lacking in chairs.

[Hubert laughs a little.]

Tea sounds wonderful, Your Majesty. [He, too, rises to his feet.] I have something for your consideration, as well.

[Now this phrasing isn't intended to be obfuscatory, per se. Again, Hubert is just observing what he feels to be the proper tone for the setting. However, it's less about showing respect (though of course he still wants to show respect to the king, who also happens to be his best friend, so that's, like, double the respect, you know?) and more about Hubert feeling most comfortable when he's following rules and playing a role. In this instance, he's playing the role of a lord paying homage to his liege, and thus is following the rules he knows about how such an interaction should go.

Don't worry, Richard. You'll have your favorite fanboy back soon enough.]

Excellent. Now then, let us be off.

[That small laugh does a lot of alleviate some of the hesitation Richard feels, and with another gesture of his arm, and a nod towards then men stationed on either side of him, they soon enough enter into his study where a tea service (and yes, more comfortable chairs) promptly awaits them.]

[It is also a place where they won't have to worry about hovering guards. Although Richard has gained quite a bit of respect for these armored men -- particularly those who have gone above and beyond on the frontlines of his mission to quell the monsters summoned here by Lambda -- it's still nice to imagine that they can be afforded at least a modicum of privacy.]

[Richard allows himself a quiet sigh as he takes his place at the far side of the little table set up in front of a high window overlooking the gardens.]

So. You said you wanted my consideration about something?

[Hubert beams as he takes a seat across from Richard, and in an instant he shifts from being the lord of Lhant to just a teenage boy excited to give something to his friend.]

I have a present for you!

[He takes the small velvet bag he's been cradling in one arm and holds it out to Richard. The contents jangle bluntly with the movement; it sounds like wood.]

I found these while we were traveling in Strahta and thought you might like them.

[Inside the bag, Richard will find a set of six painted figures, five female and one male. Their basic attire is clearly drawn from the uniforms of the Strahtan military, but it also looks more naval-inspired somehow. The five females have brightly colored clothes, while the male's is black and white with a touch of red.]

A gift?

[Surely Richard is no stranger to receiving presents from others. The only difference here is that it's from Hubert, and certainly no matter what lays inside, it's not meant to be a bribe or a bid for favor. It's also just a little bit unexpected.]

[Richard reaches across the table and balances the little bag on his knees, hooking his fingers through the drawstrings to reveal whatever it is that Hubert's so excited for him to see. And then--]

These are...!

[Already Richard's eyes have widened in surprise. One by one, he begins to pull out the wooden figures, openly admiring the intricate lines carved into the wood and the bright color choices used in their costumes.]

They're the Sailor Scouts! Do you remember?!

[The Sailor Scouts: a group of five female sailors with different elemental powers who would sail the six seas scouting for trouble that threatened the world. (Occasionally they would be helped at the last second by a mysterious figure in black who would promptly vanish once his job was done.) They haven't been around as long as the Sunscreen Rangers, and have had some trouble gaining real traction in Windor, so when Hubert and Richard had first seen them as kids in Barona there'd only been one volume of the manga for sale (weirdly, it was the third one in the series) and two posters. It was one of the posters, however, that had caught Hubert's attention, as it featured each of the Sailor Scouts on their respective boats that all combined into one ultimate battleship powered by their magic to blow up the bad guys.

(Richard had probably shown more interest in the scouts' fashion choices, even if he did show appreciation for the coolness of the Super Scout Battleship.)]

Yes! Sailor Marine. It's been ages since I last heard that name!

[Richard smiles a child's smile, setting the figures carefully down on the tabletop between them so he can extend his arm grandly before bringing it up in a smart salute, leaving a window between his fingers for his eye to show through. The eye of the ocean.]

Sailor Scouts, salute! Waves of sapphire, seafoam and brilliant skies! I am Sailor Marine, and we make the Sailor Fleet! Beware all you evildoers, for justice--! [Richard makes a complex series of motions with his hands, ending in crossed wrists and double "victory" signs, positioned just so.] --shall be surfed this day!

[He's practically beaming by now, looking at Hubert expectantly.]

...Like that, yes?

[Come, Hubert! It is time for you to say your part.]

[HE GOT CHU, FAM. Hubert extends one hand in salute, pointing towards some far corner of the ceiling, while his other hand rests decisively -- perhaps even heroically -- in a fist on his hip.]

Prepare to get beached, Underdeep scum! Lapis Twisting Tsunami!!

-- no, wait, I like their upgraded attack better. [His hands switch positions: the hand that had been on his hip is now saluting the opposite ceiling corner.] Aquamarine Spiral Vortex!!

[Who thought it was a good idea to put these boys in charge of anything but a set of toys?]

[Same old Hubert, it seems. Richard's mouth curls into an amused (and entirely fond) smile before he brushes back the fringe from over his right eye in an overly dramatic fashion. Then he's pressing his palm forward as if he's summoning a great, giant wave, or perhaps parting the ocean itself. His eyes narrow in imagined concentration as he slowly raises that hand. You can almost hear the roaring waves, the soft shush of foam settling over its ancient surface.]

Rise! Heed my call, o souls of the deep! Turquoise Eternal Blaster!

[...Yes, he may have made that one up -- just to see if Hubert noticed, of course.]

[And the same old Richard, just making up random things. Things that, admittedly, sound really cool.

(Hubert's not quite completely over the yo-yo story. WHY ISN'T THAT REAL, BRO.)]

Hey! That's not from Sailor Marine.

[He only looks sort of offended, though. Honestly it's more like he's trying not to laugh, because dammit Richard.]

[Hubert may be trying, but Richard isn't trying very hard at all as he raises a hand to his mouth to hide the unmistakable grin forming there.]

Ah--you're right. I must have misremembered.

[This, too, is a lie. After all, how could he ever forget a classic like Sailor Marine?]

However, it's good to see that you've been doing well, Hubert. I admit I was a bit worried that all of your responsibilities might be preventing you from having any fun. I'm glad I was mistaken.

[A true smile this time.]

And-- [He holds up Sailor Marine. She can't salute quite as well in wooden form, but she can at least wobble animatedly back and forth.]

Thank you for these; I'll treasure them.

[The sight of Sailor Marine wobbling in Richard's hand is what gets that laugh out of Hubert. A weight lifts from him a little, a cloak being removed and gently set on the back of a chair. It's like this is the ultimate proof that Hubert needed that his friend -- his partner -- is well and truly back.

Richard's words provide an almost perfect opportunity for Hubert to get to the heart of his visit. I could say the same about you, you know. Please don't work yourself so hard! But he decides that it's still too early to touch on the issue. Aside from that, the stakes are much higher for Richard than they are for Hubert. It's not just physical locations that Richard has to rebuild, after all: it's his trust with the people and his integrity as a hero. How could Hubert tell Richard not to work hard towards such noble goals? Not only would it be insulting, it'd be hypocritical. If Hubert were in Richard's shoes he'd do the exact same thing. ~~insert laughing about the Lambdaverse scenario~~

Still, it's precisely because of this understanding that Hubert worries about Richard and the pain he might be hiding behind his pretty lies and prettier smiles. Working hard is one thing; shouldering a world-sized burden alone is another, and that's really what Hubert wants to tell Richard.

But onwards with the nerdery for now.]

Have you heard of the Gundamgelions in Zavhert? The little transforming mechs? I really wanted to get one of those too, but they were pretty expensive...

[The product of Fendelian imagination and Amarcian engineering, the Gundamgelions were a rarity even among Zavhert's circle of elite rich nerds. Only a few owned the handful of models that were out, which were limited in number to begin with.]

[Richard, of course, is in no hurry to bring up these matters himself. There is a great deal to be said about them, and a great deal which simply cannot be said... In his way, it's easier to set the past aside for now and focus on what he is capable of doing in the moment -- and if that means seeing to it that Hubert remains in high spirits, then he will take that task on with gratitude.]

[After all, setting things aside does not mean he has forgotten them for even the split-second it takes to blink. It only means that he feels too much guilt to let himself remain paralyzed when someone dear to him fought to give him this chance in the first place. And, thank the guiding winds, that someone is able to laugh freely around him when so many still draw away in fear every time he walks past.]

[Richard's gaze grows distant as he cradles the little figure loosely in his hands. Fortunately, the question has him returning to the present soon enough, where he offers one of those "prettier smiles" to let Hubert know he is, indeed, listening quite raptly.]

A transforming mech, you say? No, I don't believe I've heard of these Gundamgelions before. Although I am familiar with the KnightMARE Endglaives and the Valkyraffe LaCross Bastion.

[More niche comic book series ~~smuggled~~ imported from Fendel to be sure, but details. For all that no man can resist the allure of a morphing combat machine, if these collector's items are truly popular and equally expensive... a mecha unit might not be such a bad way to improve the Windorian economy. And perhaps tourism, too.]

Tell me about them, Hubert.

[Bro. Bro. These are dope AF. Hubert is v. excite to share this.]

They're figures about this big [he indicates the height with his hands; about twice the size of the Sailor Scout figures, which aren't very tall at all] that look like regular mechs, but they can shift into smaller animal forms, like a lion or a bear. And they make cool sounds, and they're customizable [to a limited degree, admittedly, but still], and they can move if you use the remote control device they come with! [It should be clear where at least some of their price tag comes from.]

So the Gundamgelion fans make them fight.

[Hubert felt so privileged to witness one such battle in Zavhert -- one of the few bright moments in the dreary land of Fendel.]

They fight? Truly?

So Fendel has taken their war technology and used it to create small sporting mechs. How very interesting indeed!

Not only do these figures have moving parts, but it sounds as if they behave the way the machines in the Voids: Disorderly Decade comic books do...! And you can pilot them remotely, you say? In what manner are they customizable? How many different sounds do they make? Do these fights draw large crowds? No, of course--how could they not? Surely they must be extremely popular with people of all ages.

[For shame, Hubert! How could you not have gotten him one? He would have paid you back for such a rare opportunity to witness a mech in action whenever he wanted.]

[CHERIA WAS KIND OF SIDE-EYEING HUBERT'S USE OF THE PARTY FUNDS AND HE FELT BAD ABOUT IT, OKOK..........

Realtalk tho next chance Hubert gets he would absolutely just buy one for Richard as a present, no repayment needed. It could even be more of a "welcome back" present than the Sailor Scout figures. These are simply things that best friends and hero partners do.

Hubert is eager to answer Richard's questions about the mechs themselves, but the questions about their fandom dampen his enthusiasm a little. He'll circle back around to the fun stuff in a bit, because this part actually still bothers him.]

Well...sort of. The thing is, only the rich people in Zavhert really know about the Gundamgelions. They're pretty secretive about them. [Raymond had mentioned hearing about the Gundamgelions in his own moneyed circle in Yu Liberte, so Hubert had figured it was possible that perhaps Richard may have caught wind of it as well from Windorian nobles. But in retrospect, geopolitical tensions may have made such cross-pollination all but impossible.] I only found out by accident... I suggested they should make a stage show out of it or something for everyone in Fendel to come see, but they all just looked at me like I'd told them to jump off a cliff.

[In a way, the secrecy makes sense. Powered as they are by Amarcian technology, Zavhert's elite wouldn't want any of that in the hands of more common folk, where it could potentially be dissected or used against them. Not to mention that Fendel's class divisions are the starkest that Hubert's ever seen. Even if the use of clandestine technology weren't a factor, it wouldn't be a surprise if the upper classes just wanted something that was for their eyes only -- something that was too good for the downtrodden, unworthy gazes of the masses.

Something to distinguish them as better than everyone else.]

...I see.

[That does put a damper on things, but not so much as seeing the way Hubert's enthusiasm begins to peter out and all thanks to the rather unavoidable reality of their snowy northern neighbor.]

It would be impossible to hope for change such as that to come overnight, Hubert.

[He continues, somewhat more subdued, but not without compassion -- even for a country which has historically been Windor's enemy. Surely such a feeling would not have been possible mere months before when Richard had sought to tear down anyone who dared to stand in his way, including his friends and fellow heroes.]

From what I understand, Fendel has had to deal with limited resources for a very long time...and its relative isolation has likely led to an even greater schism between its upper and lower classes. Those who don't have anything continue to struggle, and those who have earned or inherited comfort don't wish to give it up. Any manner of change for the better will take time to gain traction. ...Though it is a bit strange that this behavior has trickled down to even what is essentially a plaything.

[But also perhaps not so much, considering their other technological advancements...]

Though, I was thinking that a stage show might feel right at home here in Barona.

Edited 2019-09-23 03:28 (UTC)

[Hubert knows there are some things — many things, really — that are out of his control, things that are too big for him to influence by himself, within any appreciable amount of time. It doesn't mean that he can't still be upset about his limits.

But it also doesn't mean that he has to throw his hands up and write it all off as a lost cause. There is always something that can be done, he's learned. There are little things that he and other people can do to affect positive change in the world.

Like, say, a home-grown stage play.]

That sounds like a great idea! [Wait: even better.] We could write one together...!

[Riiiiiight. When do you think you and Richard are gonna get the time between rebuilding Ephinea to hash that out, Hubert? Your time-management skills are legendary, but they're not miraculous.]

[It's a good outlook to have. No -- a necessary one, because if not for that optimism, Richard would not be here today. It's that positive change, action by action, one day at a time, that will begin to right the wrongs he unleashed upon the world.]

[And, after all, why not begin with a stage play? Something that will appeal to all ages and all walks of life. He's well aware that as far as spare time goes, he regularly lacks the chance to get even a full night of sleep, but in light of this new development, well, he is not about to be the one to burst Hubert's bubble.]

We could, couldn't we?

[He spreads his hands, as if arraying his spur-of-the-moment plans so that Hubert, too, can see them.]

And then we could ask Cheria and the others to be our test audience. They'd almost certainly give us enough feedback to work the script into the best Heroes Stage in existence.

[And, quite possibly, the only one of its kind in existence.]

I'm no expert, but I have written my fair share of Sailor Marine novels. With the two of us working together, though, we could surely craft something that is truly exceptional.

[Hubert nods excitedly.]

And then you and I could star in the show together!

[This stage show is just going to be self-insert fic for Hubert and Richard if no one stops these fools.]

But, of course. People would surely flock from around the world to witness it.

[Richard smiles, extending a hand in a grand gesture as his voice takes on a tone that would better suit a sports announcer or radio personality than the king of Windor.]

And then, my dear Hubert, we could sell lots and lots of fabulously overpriced event-exclusive merchandise!

Think of all the money we could make! We could expedite the update of Windor's infrastructure in twice the estimated time!

[So many things to think about! But don't worry, Hubert has pulled out his journal and is quickly scribbling as much of it down as he can.]

Indeed we could!

Not to mention pushing forward with that proposal for a new health clinic in Barona. With enough success, we might even have enough funding to begin construction on a public library.

[Good man. He knew he could count on you, Hubert. After all, his friend has always been incredibly diligent.]

Oh, Cheria would love it if we could get that health clinic set up. She'd want to help with that if she could.

[Hubert jots down...

☐ Get Cheria's opinion re: health clinic in Barona

...and he pauses and stares at the line, his heart aching faintly. It's been doing that a lot in the past few months, it seems, whenever he thinks about her.

Well, Hubert supposes he's just worried about Cheria. She doesn't really need to be worried about these days, not like when they were kids and he had to help manage her illness, but it's almost a force of habit, really. And anyway, she's a friend, and friends worry about each other, don't they?

Friends...]

Yes. In fact, we had a chance to discuss it over tea during one of her recent visits. Unsurprisingly, she had quite a lot to say about it.

[Richard smiles gently, but there is a rather knowing glint in his eye. Hubert may not be the sort to confide in others about his blooming romantic feelings, but Richard has a hunch. Well, perhaps he has a bit more than a mere hunch. After all, Hubert is quite the popular topic whenever he and Cheria have a rare but welcome opportunity to talk.]

She seems to be doing quite a lot of good in the world, doesn't she? Though I have to wonder... If the clinic truly becomes a reality, do you suppose that Cheria will one day choose to take up residence in Barona? We'll need someone to oversee the running of the facility, after all.

[Well, all right. Perhaps Richard is sticking his nose where it doesn't precisely belong, but he is curious if either of his friends will ever take that first step forward.]

[If any person would have a right to stick their nose in Hubert's business, it'd be Richard. (Tied with Sophie...and Cheria.......)

Still, the question raises uncomfortable feelings in Hubert — at least partly because he remembers overhearing a certain conversation between Richard and Cheria seven years ago in which Richard handed down the "punishment" of future queenship to a contrite Cheria.]

Um, well... I get the impression from her that there's a lot she wants to do around the world. So I don't know if she'd want to stay in one place for too long...

[He supposes she's making up (subconsciously or otherwise) for being homebound so much as a little girl, and who can blame her? Hubert himself is perfectly content to stay mostly in Lhant for the next several months at the very least, although he of course does miss all his friends.]

That does seem like something she would want to do, doesn't it? Helping as many people as possible, in Windor, Strahta, and Fendel alike. ...In a way, I admit, I'm somewhat envious.

[Rather than teasing Hubert further, Richard falls thoughtfully quiet, and when he speaks again, the tone is gentler than usual.]

You must miss her quite a great deal.

Edited 2020-01-06 04:06 (UTC)

[...Hubert stares down at his hands in his lap.]

...It's strange. When I was at the knight academy I didn't get to see her for seven years straight. So to miss her this much after only three months... [He sighs.] I suppose it's because I haven't heard from her at all since we all went our separate ways. At least at the knight academy we wrote to each other at least once a month.

[It would have been more frequent if not for the fact that Hubert was busy, you know, learning to be a knight. And designing his own custom weapon. And working a part-time job to help fund said weapon.]

Strange, hmn? Perhaps not as much as you would think. Back then, you had a great deal on your mind, yes? You kept busy with a very specific idea of what it was that you hoped to achieve.

And yet the letters you sent to one another eased the distance between the two of you.

But now... I imagine being a lord isn't the same as training to become a knight. There will be times when you're uncertain of just what to do, and there will be days that are, frankly speaking, thankless and boring where you'll likely miss the structure and predictability of the knight academy's lessons and training drills.

And after having been reunited with one another with the opportunity to travel together and speak face-to-face after so long, well... It's little surprise that the absence of that would effect you all the more now.

[Hubert mulls over Richard's words. Structure and predictability...perhaps that was the core of the issue? Cheria has been such a constant of his life for so long that to have that no longer be the case, even for such a relatively short period, leaves him adrift and untethered, a boat unmoored. Of course, the tedium and minutiae of running a town provides its own sort of steady rhythm, but it's a far cry from lessons that one can clearly pass or fail, and exams and classes you could practically set a clock to.

Not to say that Hubert is entirely out of his element. On the contrary, he thrives on having an intricate latticework of his responsibilities. But having Cheria — or her words — around would ease the grind a little, he thinks.]

I suppose you may be right. Plus, it feels like I barely got to catch up with her before...everything happened.

[Even putting aside the whole situation with Lambda, there was that stretch of time where he'd been kicked out of Lhant and thus separated from her. So the short amount of time they'd had together after seven years is even shorter when taking that fact into account.]

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What is a hero? A nerdy little pile of secrets.

oh boy sorry. my richard-speak gets wordy.

i sometimes have a similar issue with hubert so don't even worry

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