aefenglom | video; un: zack

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video; un: zack

Name: Zack Fair
Date: 29th Iuneril
Format: Video

[ This is, shockingly, Zack's first time using his Watch like this. Even though he's a sociable person who's happy to meet new people, he does tend to prefer face-to-face interactions, especially for a first meeting. So he hadn't felt much need for a broadcast until now.

He's realized lately how much their numbers have dwindled, and so can't help but want to reach out to his fellow Mirrobound, whether to talk to someone he hasn't seen in a while, or to make a new friend.

And, well, there's the practical reason. ]

Hey, all! [ He starts the video message with a grin and a quick wave. ] If we haven't met before, I'm Zack. Seems like we all need to band together more than ever now, and I also had a question.

[ He shifts his watch around so that the camera can capture at least some of his wings. Mainly, all viewers will be able to make out is a mass of dark brown feathers, before his face returns to front and center again. ]

I'm a chimera, and my transformation finished a few months back, but I'm still getting used to these wings. I'm not sure if I can even fly the way a harpy or dragon could, but it's probably worth learning. I mean, because it'd be helpful, but also because it'd be cool. Does anyone have any tips? Seems like it'd be hard to practice without risking some bodily harm.

[ A pause, and then he decides to ask one more thing. ]

Also, does anyone know if I'm the only chimera left here now? I used to know a few others, but they've all left. [ He shrugs one shoulder. ] I dunno, I was just curious. [ It would be strange, to be the only one, so he's hoping that isn't the case. ]

Anyway, thanks! It was nice talking to you all.

[ With that, the feed ends. ]

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Zack, my feathery friend! It's good to see you so energetic still!

[Despite those losses, he means. Jaskier is finally finding his energy again now, too, and in no small part to the fact he has become a Monster. A truly bizarre happening, if you ask him, but once he personally witnessed the raw strength an Aeternae wields effortlessly, well. It does make a man feel a bit more secure in the chances of his getting kidnapped again.

And he still has friends (even if their number dwindle.)

Also, hello Zack. Your somewhat-recognizable friend is mostly the same, except his skin is now blue and three crooked, sharp crystal horns are bursting out of his forehead. His eyes have gone completely blue, without sclera or iris to be found. It could be a little intense, but he imagines a knight -- or a soldier -- has seen far worse.

He clears his throat.] As you can see, some things have changed, and I do happen to bear wings myself... on a full moon. Though I'm fairly sure they are not meant for any sort of flight or fancy. However, I'm fairly sure I can now catch you if you fall, should you need a helping hand.

[ The use of a video call means that Jaskier's given a front row and center look at Zack's reaction to his new form, which is at first just plain confusion. That voice and the passion that seems to almost always be a part of it is so familiar, but Zack's looking at a face that's entirely different.

Or, well, not entirely. After taking a few seconds, Zack can see that Jaskier's face shape is the same. It's just his skin and eyes that are different, and he's got those horns now.

Thankfully, Jaskier is quick to acknowledge what's going on, and Zack's confusion is replaced with curiosity and interest. He pulls his Watch closer to his face to get a better look at everything. ]

I'd say so, wow! Did this just happen all of a sudden? Guess you decided Monsters were too cool and had to switch sides, huh?

[ Jaskier's implication is that he now has some enhanced strength to go with his other changes. It all seems as if it happened so fast, but when it comes to the Mirrorbound, it really does feel like anything goes. ]

If you're willing to help, I'm not about to say no. It's been too long since we hung out, anyway.

[Oooh.... ouch. At least it's not the first entire reaction he's had to take in since his change. His heart is (mostly) steeled against it.

At least Zack is as casually kind about it as he appears to be about everything. He almost laughs, coming out a snort.]

All of a sudden! I should think so, considering I simply woke up like this. [After horrible, debilitating nightmares. Probably best not to share that part.]

I'd love to try. And I have not seen your grand majesty on a full moon! Not that I have any wavering faith in your hold on your instincts, but I am, ah... quite a bit less thin-skinned than before.

[Look, he knows how monsters can be (considering he doesn't remember much of his own last full moon).]

[ Zack can't help but laugh at Jaskier's eagerness. He's never come across anyone who wants to see him halfway to feral, but it must be kind of freeing to now have the resilience that comes with being a Monster.

It's certainly not all bad, anyway. ]

Not to disappoint, but I can usually keep myself pretty well controlled these days. [ It helps that he has a strong Monster and Witch bond to keep him grounded. ] But wow! [ He gestures toward the screen with his free hand. ] I really didn't know that a change could happen that quickly! Have you experienced a full moon yet? Has it been hard to adjust?

[ It seems like it'd be a pretty grueling amount of changes to adapt to all at once, but Jaskier appears to be in decent spirits about it, so that's good. ]

Ah, well, we can't all be dangerous predators, now can we? [And Jaskier is endlessly thankful for his own Bonds. It's easy to jest about it now, but the idea of having turned into this, without two very strong Bonds to support him, was... terrible. Terrifying. Especially having seen just a hint of the new strength that ran in his body.

Though it was not necessarily a fun experience, Jaskier can't help but be flattered by Zack's enthusiasm. He smiles, nearly coyly.]

Er, yes. The Coven didn't realize it could happen, either. It is, in fact, quite perplexing to them. And myself. [It should have been gradual, over months -- like Geralt. It's certainly what he'd expect if he'd had any idea at all that he would become something more than human.]

I experience one. Only a few short days after my change came over me. It... [His smile drops, and he sighs.] I won't lie to you, Zack, it's been terribly strange. I had so settled in being a Witch -- which is certainly not something I ever was at home -- and to have this happen so soon after... well, the Circle -- [He forces himself to perk up.] Make no mistake, I'm adjusting now! I don't have much choice in the matter.

Don't worry, I can be when I want to.

[ Zack winks at the screen as he says that, wanting to make it clear that he's still someone to be reckoned with. It's just a matter of choosing when to give into those instincts, and having the control to do so is what's most important to him.

He appreciates Jaskier's honesty when it comes to explaining what the change was like. Here's yet another mystery that the Coven's scratching their heads over, though. It feels like a pretty long list by this point, which is frustrating but also lends credence to the theory that the existence of the Mirrorbound in general has broken apart all of this world's rules. ]

Believe me, if I suddenly became a Witch after being a Monster for so long, I bet I'd be just as weirded out by it. [ He gives a quick shake of his head, but the holds up one finger. ] I'm sure Geralt has been helping you out, but if you ever need another Monster to ask things or get perspective on stuff, feel free to hit me up. Although I can't say I know a ton about Aeternae...

[ No one does, really, except for the native ones who came here by boat. ]

[Oh Zack, don't flirt with him in public where anyone could hear.

As tempting as it is to wink back, he lets it drop. It's sobering enough to be sharing these tribulations, but he senses it's much more helpful to be honest about it. This sort of thing, after all, was meant to be impossible. Jaskier imagines the Coven would've laughed at the idea if he'd ever brought it up before.]

Hah! I imagine. [He blinks, a little surprised that anyone would ever assume Geralt to be helpful. It still strikes him, sometimes, how differently the Witcher is received here. He must have helped Zack in the past.

Not that he'd ever brag about it.]

Certainly, he's as big a help as he's ever been. I appreciate the offer, but not to worry. I've... acquainted myself with the local Aeternae.

[Now he gives a wink.]

[ It may only be Zack's impression, having interacted with similar types in the past, but Geralt strikes him as the sort of person who might seem uninterested or uncaring, while oftentimes being the exact opposite. It's clear that he and Jaskier are close friends, so it's reasonable to assume that he helped with the sudden changes.

And maybe in other ways? That definitely isn't Zack's business, though.

Jaskier's certainly willing to share, though not about him and Geralt. Zack's eyebrows both jerk up at that wink and the implication. ]

I've heard a little about them and their legendary parties. Sounds like a real good time.

[ A beat, and he adds: ]

Maybe you could teach me a little about them, then! Do all Aeternae have wings?

[He can't help but laugh at Zack's reaction. He is... really welcome company. The man's so easy-going.

It feels good. Talking about it. Talking about it as if it isn't some strange curse thrown out upon him. It sort of is, but it isn't only him. It's only the unique circumstances in which it happened that makes him feel especially alone. That, and the Aeternae seemed a myth before a boat of them crashed into the land. (Which implies there's land beyond this place, somewhere beyond the Cwyld.)]

It was a blast. I think. I only remember some of it.

[Which, to him, is often an indication that a party is fantastic.]

I'd be happy to! It's only fair, after my scrounging about noisily, asking after you. No, they do not always. I only have them on a full moon, after all. [Not much use either way, sadly.] But plenty at those party did not have them. And many were much pricklier than I am.

[Literally. The full moon had also brought a lot of... er, thorns? Spines? Along his body. Which he personally found annoying. They didn't match his personality at all.]

[ A night where you could barely remember what had happened was both a good sign and a bad sign, based on what Zack knows. For all that he might come across as a partier, he'd often been too busy with his SOLDIER training to go too wild. But he'd heard plenty of chatter from the other recruits.

Here, it's really just a matter of what Aerith wants to do. Like he'd told Hilda, he wouldn't be surprised if Aerith wanted to check out one of these parties, her curiosity spurring her forward. ]

... Pricklier?

[ Zack places a hand to his chin as he considers that description. ]

Like they've got spikes or something? [ A pause, and he adds: ] Well, I guess if we're going to hang out during the next full moon, I'll get to see the whole picture firsthand.

[Jaskier rolls a hand through the air as he explains:] I mean that quite literally, unfortunately.

[At Zack's second question, with the smallest of grimaces, he nods. If anything particularly bothers him, it's the little sharp spines he'd gained all across his skin. Even the blue doesn't feel as much to handle as those. Luckily, even though it seems connected to a bizarre reflex, he can sort of... smooth them out.

Frankly, he'd prefer something like feathers.

At least Zack sees the silver lining.] I'll be glad to show you as much as you'd like! I'll be sure to bring some Aeternaen wine. I'm sure neither of us are particularly featherweights during a full moon.

[The pun is only somewhat intentional. (It's fully intentional.)]

[ Even over the Watch's muddy video feed, Zack can get a sense that Jaskier isn't all that comfortable with these spikes that he grows. It's natural to not be comfortable with any of the changes, really, but some can be tougher to accept than others.

Still, if he spends some time around Jaskier when he's in his fully transformed state and treats him like normal, that might do a world of good for any budding insecurities. Just like when they'd been abducted and caged and Jaskier had been growing literal fungi out of his skin — Zack had done his best to treat him no different, and he can only hope it helped.

Zack rides along with Jaskier's attempt to lighten the subject, nodding in agreement as he shoots him a toothy grin. ]

What would be the point if we were? I'm game.

[ Does this mean drunken attempts to learn how to fly? Maybe not the best idea he's ever had, but at least he'll have Jaskier to catch him if he falls. ]

[He laughs. Zack's quick agreement is a surefire way to help Jaskier move past whatever insecurities he may have -- not that he would ever describe them as such, of course. A man of his ego certainly cannot. They're more like... setbacks.

Minor setbacks. Yes.]

I myself am eager to see the pleasures of mixing flying with liquor. I'll bring plenty. It's a date, Zack!

[ Zack's going to endeavor not to completely overdo it, as he's got at least some common sense, and at least he'll have Jaskier (and maybe Geralt?) to help him with going through all this promised liquor. ]

I'll try to make sure it's entertaining, if nothing else. Looking forward to it!

[ With that, he ends the call. They know the time (the full moon usually only comes once a month, after all) and Zack knows where Jaskier lives. The rest will sort itself out, he's sure. ]

[ That stung a little bit. "Left" he says, as if they had a choice. But then again, maybe they did, maybe they didn't. Who really cares? ]

Protip: Start small. Like, take your height, then add about half of that and that'd be your starting point. If you're able to glide even a foot or a half, then flying wouldn't be impossible.

[ Some people here really do seem to prefer text messages, and Zack is fine with that. He's quick to shoot one back. ]

Oh, hey! Bishop, right? It's been a while. You been keeping up with your sword skills?

And that all sounds like good advice, thanks! That way, even if I mess up the worst I might have to worry about is a sprained ankle.

[ He wants to say 'yes' he has but, honestly he's just been drinking, working, and doing whatever quests lets him kill or hurt something. In a way he has, but his brand of swordplay involves more than just skill. ]

You're misunderstanding, that's not training to fly, not yet. It's just reorienting muscles to be able to compensate for the new method of movement, because trust me - you will end up damaging your muscles if you don't make use of the right muscles at the right time.

[ Lord knows he has. Multiple times. ]

[ The lack of an answer to his question isn't missed, and Zack can't help but feel like these responses are a bit... curt? To the point? Bishop may just be that kind of guy, and it's hard to tell over text messages anyway, but he has to wonder. ]

Oh, I see what you mean! These are muscles I don't usually use, or at least not in that way, so it's going to take some getting used to. So it's a different kind of training, but that's fine. Can't be any worse than the SOLDIER training I had to do!

There's a lot things you don't really think about with monster changes until it comes up, huh?

[ Curt is putting it mildly. He is tired, and that is his whole intention. Tired means he has less time to think about things and more time asleep. At least for some of the day or night. ]

Amen. But seriously, you need to find yourself a teacher. Flying at low altitude and short distances is all well and good, but any higher and you're going to need someone with you who can carry your weight and then some just in case the wind throws you off.

Not to mention there's a matter of what kind of flight you're going to specialize in.

Carry my weight? I'm not exactly a small guy, so I don't know who I could safely ask to do that. Maybe there's someone I could check with... unless you're offering?

[ They don't know each other well at all, but this guy seems to know his stuff and Zack can't ignore that. ]

There's KINDS of flight? Man, I'm getting in over my head here...

I don't know if I'd be qualified. I'm an owl, so
won't be able to carry your weight and seeing how this is the perfect time to answer your second question - yes, there's different kinds of flying.

Okay, well, not flying per se, but ways to fly. Take owls for example, we don't fly too high but we can glide really well and when we fly, we don't make noise at all. Another example would be a peregrine, birds with streamlined and angled wings built for speed. That sort of thing.

I think your best bet for a teacher is another chimera, or a harpy. Maybe one of the locals. Best I could do is act as an advisor.

[ All of that makes a lot of sense, and Zack could see how an owl wouldn't really have the strength necessary to support him while he learned the way his wings worked. So, time to brainstorm options based on who he knows who's still here. ]

I'm pretty sure my wings are based on an eagle's judging from the other changes I have, so I think my flying is probably going to be like theirs. So I guess I need to start reading up on that.

I don't know if even a harpy would be able to consistently hold my weight. Might need to track down a dragon...

Have you seen how birds teach their young flying? Don't think there's any other way to handle it. And I'm speaking from lotsa experience too.

[ Being. A harpy. Ya know... ]

The actual tip is: ya might wanna figure out if the wings are decorative or actually useful. Second tip: lose weight!

[Lose weight? Seriously Reno? What did that say about his big scaly ass?]

That second tip isn't necessary if you're wings are stronger than a bird's. Extra muscle probably grew in. Chimera's are strong Monsters, you can probably strengthen them enough to fly without worrying about weight if that's what they're meant for.

[ Oh, good, a voice of reason! ]

Yeah, I know that harpies' bones hollow out or something... like that, but I figured it had to work differently for other monsters. Is that how it is for you? Have you been able to fly successfully?

[ If a dragon can do it, Zack has to assume a chimera could too. Right? ]

Yes, they do. [But for Reno's sake, we won't talk too much about that. Not a great experience to undergo.] Other monsters aren't typically based on bird anatomy. I grew extra muscles that are linked to the operation of the wings. They're almost as strong as arm muscles.

And yes, I fly with ease.

Extra muscles?

[ Zack takes a moment to examine his own arms and shoulders, as if some changes might have passed his notice. Then again, if it had happened gradually enough, it might be possible he hadn't fully realized. Though if anything, he's probably developed extra musculature in his back to compensate for the weight of his new appendages. ]

Hmm... [ He's silent for a few seconds, considering. ] In that case, I might have to ask you for help. I don't know if there's anyone else around who could bear my weight while I practice this whole flying thing.

[ Putting his life in the hands of a Turk — it'd be enough to make anyone's blood run cold. But Zack's no coward, and he knows just how reliable Rude can be. On top of that, they've been on the same side for a while now. ]

... Assuming you're willing, anyway! We can always say I owe you one. SOLDIER's honor, and all that.

[ He winks for good measure. ]

Hm. You're probably right.

[...Did he just get roped into helping a fledgling learn how to fly? It...seemed that way. He's not even sure why he's agreeing.

Zack probably had a point though. Were they anymore dragon or chimera Mirrorbound other than them? Rude wasn't certain. There were a lot of disappearances lately and even he had a hard time keeping track. He would need to look into that.]

It's either that or you try it Reno's way. It's how the two of us learned.

[Trail and error, my friend, trail and lots of error.]

[ Reno's way seems to involve throwing all caution to the wind, which had been Zack's original plan, but the advice he'd gotten from some people more reasonable than him had made him reconsider.

He's already placed himself in serious danger once here. He really doesn't need to give his two Bonded heart attacks. Especially not Cloud, with all he's gone through. ]

You still had each other, though, right? Someone to spot you is important, I'd think.

[ Really, Rude? You're gonna make him ask again? Zack lets out a small sigh and then raises his eyebrows, entreating. ]

So, what do you say? Name a price, if you've got one!

Sometimes.

[They weren't joined at the hip. At least, not all the time. Reno had definitely spent time away from Rude to learn how to fly... it was just their nature. They both wanted to one up each other. But they'd spent plenty of time showing off to one another, too. He supposed that was sort of like what Zack was getting at.]</small ...fine. You owe me.

[ An unnamed favor owed to a Turk? It's the exact sort of thing that could land Zack in some serious trouble one day, but he'll cross that bridge when he gets to it. He'd rather owe a favor to Rude than Reno, in any case. He's a little bit more... predictable. ]

Deal. [ Zack gives a thumbs-up, as if that's some kind of binding part of their verbal contract. ] So, when do we start?

[ Scaly ass is all good. Let him tease and confuse people for sport! ]

Bird wings are strong, what are you talking about? I bet I can stay in the air longer than you.

It stands to reason they need less muscle to support lighter frame. It's why they have hollow bones in the first place. Easier to find lift with less weight.

Wanna bet?

Evolutionary advantage, baby. [ He barely contains a giggle. Okay, the mission failed at that. ] it's not there to counter "weakness", it's there to make already strong wings better at what they do!

I'm gonna be circling right over you when you need to catch a breath, don't worry~

Wait. You mean just tossing them out of the nest so they can learn the hard way? Or are you talking about something else?

[ As reckless as Zack can be with his own well-being, he's not sure he's up for a trial by fire in this case. Especially when other people like Bishop are giving him different information. ]

And hey, what are you trying to say? The only weight I can lose is muscle!

That worked for me, just saying. High enough spot to catch air, but not that high to mind if I fall. It's easier to figure out how it works once you're already in air, ya know?

[ Figuring the proper way to take-off is a whole different can of worms, but made easier if able to stay airborne ]

And it's easier to stay in the air when you weigh less! I don't make the rules!

I guess you have a point there. [ Zack sighs as he admits it. ] And being a chimera means I'm on the resilient side, so I can probably afford a fall if it isn't from too high.

[ Reno's protesting response actually does make Zack laugh, although he's still a little alarmed by the thought. ]

You're so scrawny I wouldn't have thought you'd have any weight left to lose...

[ But whatever. He'll figure out a different way that won't mean losing his muscle mass. ]

So where did you practice?

[ This shall be remembered in the annals of history— nah, but Reno's vain enough to remember when someone (especially someone like Zack) admits he's being right. ]

You ever thought your bones could lose weight? Because that's what happened here, and it was a nightmare. Not to mention, did absolutely nothing on my waist. [ It happened so long ago he no longer feel needs to whine, so instead tops it up with a joke ] As for training... The port area has plenty of one-floor buildings, just high enough to catch air for early practice. You can also try higher buildings that are facing the sea. Better to plunge into the water than on cobblestones!

I've heard that's what happens to harpies, yeah. Your bones hollow out...

[ Other than the obvious, though, which is those bones becoming more brittle, Zack hadn't put much thought into what the actual process was like. Sephiroth hadn't spoken much of it, likely because he's not the sort to complain in most cases. ]

But oh — near the water, that makes sense. I was planning on going out into the Wilde since it's more remote. Didn't think about going anywhere in the city.

[ Reno's... actually giving him good information. Wow. ]

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