aefenglom | 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. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

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. ]

video; un: zack

audio/ un: wildcard

audio/ un: chivalry

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