smashacademy | [Video/Text]

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[Video feed gives way to a mostly dark room. A lamp in the far corner is dim, implying the bulb is likely on its last 'limbs'. Caim sits at his desk, so like the one he had before. Almost everything is the same, except the layout is a little different and the wall once filled with a mural in the making - later covered in black - is no longer there.

Idly the prince wonders what might have come of his room.

He makes no initial movements, simply sits and stares at his monitor. He seems more like a silhouette in those moments, but eventually his hands move. A bracelet on his left wrist makes a very soft sound as it meets his desk.]

Divine providence. It delights me not.

[It seems as good a greeting as any.]

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You did not loathe me so before I departed. Could it be that you were so hurt that I did not inform you?

: X

I did not intend to spurn you.

I went to locate my departed sister.

[Ai turns her camera on for Caim.

Look how grouchy she looks, with her folded arms and pouty expression. ~~Look how long her hair's gotten.~~]

[He simply eyes her for many long moments. For him, it's been a year since he's seen her. The sculpture of her face is the same, but there are differences. Subtle ones.

He considers letting her see him as well, but he is older and he knows he looks it. By no means is he an old man, but like her, his hair is longer. And he looks... Well. A bit scraggly. He hasn't been back long and hasn't had the opportunity to fix himself up.

And after failing to find Furiae, he can't say he has much incentive to do anything.]

You look becoming.

[Unfortunately for Caim, Ai's vocabulary is still limited. She looks a little confused, then replies.]

I'm not going anywhere...

[She sighs.]

I saw your sister. The other day, I saw her.

[There's a pause and perhaps even in his dim lights, the subtle hint of a curl in his lips.]

Becoming. It means you are lovely.

[He does lean forward when Ai mentions Furiae.]

Truly, Ai? How long has she been here? Is she well?

[Color her flustered for at least a moment. She's unsure how to feel about it; on one hand, it's flattering, but on the other, she's fairly sure she's too unsatisfied with him for flattery. So to that, all Caim receives is a blushing face and a discontented "hmph."

To Caim's questions, she debates withholding information from him, as some sort of punishment for running off without a word. But revenge isn't really Ai's thing. She submits fairly quickly;]

Not very long, I don't think so. She was looking for you.

[He nods. Slowly.

Sitting back in his chair, he seems to be thinking. About what? Many things. Where Furiae is. Where she ran off to. Why he spent a year looking for a girl who was looking for him. And of course, the idea that he should have told Ai something before he left.

Except he thought she loathed him.]

Clearly a fitting punishment for me.

[Caim motions to her.]

Thank you. I appreciate it.

[She pauses, cocks her head to one side...]

... You really should say you're sorry, you know!

[He blinks.]

You are aware that I am, are you not? Would you rather not that I showed it?

I did believe if I gave you such words you would think them false. Excuse my hesitance.

[His posture straightens. He's taking this very seriously. To the point of princely serious.]

You have my deepest apologies for garnering your concern, Ai. I did not intend to worry you or cause you unnecessary fretting.

[She blinks back. She takes a moment to digest Caim's response, then looks nearly pleased with his apology.]

Okay.

[At least she's not berating him any longer. He's not sure he expects that to last.

As he eyes her, he's only reminded of everything he's thought about while he's been gone. And to be fair when his thoughts were not occupied with frantically trying to locate Furiae, they were on Ai. He's never forgotten what's been said to him.

And it's that which coerces him to say as much. In one way or another.]

I missed you. I am grateful that you are well. I am thankful that you are still here.

This is my home! If I wasn't here, I wouldn't be very far.

[She looks thoughtful. Perhaps a little unhappy, almost as if she hadn't wanted to be missed, or something along those lines. Caim always brought out the most confusing emotions...]

Will you be good, now?

[Good.

Does Caim know how to be good? Does he even know what that word means? What he does know is that for many years of his life, he has fought a war he could not win. He has fought against the odds and sacrificed so much.

Is there anything else left to him or has he lost all of himself? He doubts it if he... can feel for her the way he does.]

Will you teach me?

It's not very hard.

[Pause.]

Am I allowed to?

[He nods for her.]

Yes. That you most certainly are, provided you have the patience for a man who has at times not proven his worth of you.

Well, then I will! First rule, is no hurting anyone. No one deserves to be hurt, even if they've made you very cross.

[Look at her, using a fancy new word.]

I'll bet you wouldn't like it if I came over and hurt you, just because I was upset, hm?

[Annoyances aside, he actually finds her to be very endearing. As he listens attentively, surprisingly patient, he nods. It's both in understanding what he is and is not permitted to do as well as an answer to her question.]

For as much as I feel I am immune to such pain, the fact of the matter is that I would not enjoy it. You are correct, Ai.

[Oh, right... Invisible. Oh well, the point still stood!]

Then that is pretty obvious, hm!? [Another fancy word. She seems so pleased with herself.]

The next rule is don't leave without saying goodbye! Even if you are just leaving the room. It's polite!

[He pauses and her reaction, as straight forward as it is, makes him give a sincere smile. Caim nods to her, strangely tolerant of the entire situation.]

I understand. I will be on my best behaviour.

You're going to be very good at being good, I can tell.

[And if you don't, you'll break her tiny Pikmin heart. Again. Again.]

[He thinks on that for a few moments and he gives her a light smile.]

When you have time, I shall tell you why that is. I did not tell you before, and did not believe it would ever come up. I do think, however, it may be of interest to you.

[In response, she looks a bit curious.]

Okay...

On that note, I should like to see you sometime soon. I am instructing a fencing class.

I should wish for your attendance. I will teach you something from my homeland.

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