woosh

[expurge]

Who| The Batter, OTA
What| Roller coasters? Nah, Duck Hunt and Pong.
Where| in the Capitol, exploring the carnivale and arcade.
When| July 30th
Warnings/Notes| TBA, nothing of note yet.


This isn't exactly what he had in mind. He supposes there's only so much training and exercise one can do over the course of a few days, and he still hasn't managed to change his preference from blunt instruments to something a little more efficient - a blade, perhaps, something sharp for a quick and efficient end. But practice is practice, and when the time comes, he's more than prepared for the task.

The world here is strange, but he's accustomed to it. The rules are different, but he will abide by them. It is not his place to question, to have cause for concern, he simply follows and does as higher authority commands. He can sense the darkness, the impurities tarnishing a once great land, and if it is his duty to cleanse it and prove his worth in the arenas, he considers it an honour.

But the arcade and carnivale is a little more than unexpected. It somehow reminds him of home, as he walks along the pier and watches the roller coasters zoom by. He almost wants to go wait in line for it. But that would be ridiculous.

He's in the arcade now, a plastic, bright orange handgun in his hand and a pixelated brown dog congratulating him on his kill - the Batter has never seen real purple ducks, but it's a possibility in this world. The game isn't difficult, but he's more than half tempted to shoot the damn dog whenever it laughs at him for a missed shot. Stupid thing.

There's evidence he's been there a while. A collection of trinkets and plushes are gathered at his feet, toys that he has no use for and will not keep. But dammit, he's going to beat this game and every game in the arcade if he has to. A waste of time, but no video game is going to laugh at him and get away with it.

Comments

[expurge]

Subject name is an interesting choice of greeting, but it certainly gets the Batter's attention. He's just finishing the next round of squawking ducks before setting the plastic gun back in the cabinet's holder, turning to focus his attention on the man approaching him instead. An authority figure, clearly. Perhaps he can get some form of guidance or direction from him.

"I am known only as the Batter," he answers as he steps forward, doing his best to look presentable. Upright, squared shoulders, and an air of confidence and determination to his tone. "Is there something you require of me?"

[lionhearted_victor]

"Yes, there is," Leo answered promptly, giving the Tribute an assessment. The man before him had an athletic build, and from the records, had an impressive history. Now he had to see if the trip to Panem dulled any of it.

"I am Leonidas Cora, Trainer to District 2 an assistant to Mentor Torin Byrd. I was notified that you were assigned to my District and I am here to evaluate your combat skills as Tribute," he stated without missing a beat. No doubt this one would be replacing Jet Link as the promising one he could market to the Sponsors but now, there was a level of respect. "Will you come with me to the Training Center?"

[expurge]

Ah. So he was correct in assuming the man was in a position of authority. A trainer and mentor's assistant, of his own district at that. The man commanded respect and obedience, no doubt, and if this was to be his new assigned path in this world, he wasn't going to cause any objections. Not just yet, at any rate. But it was a good idea to be on his best behaviour, if he was going to be assessed.

"As you wish," the Batter answers firmly, short and to the point as ever, nodding his head and stepping away from the arcade cabinet to follow this Leonidas to the training center. The pile of toys that remains is left there - he has no use for them. He doesn't know why he collected so many in the first place.

[lionhearted_victor]

The Batter was an interesting read, something about purification through violent means, so Leo asks point blank, "What was your purpose in your world? Which weapon do you prefer in combat? I can only assure the more mundane things but it seems you have a preference for blunt force trauma."

This is the Batter's moment to impress the trainer and ensure that, while new, he can be a formidable Tribute.

[expurge]

The question does give him reason to pause and think back for a moment, of his life before arrival here. Reflecting hasn't exactly been a favourite pastime of his, but everything he did was what had to be done. He isn't at all remorseful of his actions.

"I travelled from the various zones of my home world, to destroy the corrupt beings and impure souls inhabiting it," the Batter explains, as forward as he can be. "There were countless horrid creatures, all of them foul and desecrated. Though I was successful in my quest, and my home world is now purged and pure of all tainted souls, it was at the cost of my own life."

Among others. But the Batter shrugs it off and continues.

"I am most skilled with my bat, and I lament its loss. A similar weapon would certainly ensure my victory."

[lionhearted_victor]

Color Cora impressed from the way the Batter described his accomplishments in sacrifice and protecting one's ideals. "So you were in a religious quest to purify your world? How did you figure which souls were pure, and those who were not? A bat may be harder to send out to the arena but I can manage other items, as long as they belong in the theme."

There were gaps in the story, many of them concerning the death toll, there had to be a way to spin it all around for the Sponsors....this Tribute could be the first one in a while that coule be actually loyal to the Capitol.

[expurge]

His quest was indeed a holy one, assigned to him by the divine beings of his home world. Here, such is not the case - the rulers here are the highest authority, but they are not divinity, and he'll not give them the same respect. More than the other tributes and citizens here, of course, as they are still the ones assigning his quests and tasks, but they are only human.

"I can tell," the Batter answers, simple and blunt. "Their words, their mannerisms, their existence. I can see their souls, inky black like smoke."

The mention of his bat - or at least, a similar weapon of sorts - does perk his interest. "It would be appreciated. A club, if not my bat."

[lionhearted_victor]

Leo was counting on somehow exploiting the tells from what the Batter claimed to be a holy mission in the Arena but he's got a better one. "If I were to tell you that these games carry a deeper purpose, one of pride and survival, what would you say to that? Would you agree to survive, to do what it takes to seize the crown?"

And the bigger question, "How far are you willing to go for an order?"

[expurge]

It's exactly those words that peak the Batter's interest. A holy and divine mission is one thing, but it would be false - these people are no prophets, no divine order from them would be worth their salt. But pride, proving his worth to authorities and peasants alike, it would demand respect. He can't help but feel intrigued at the prospect.

"I've not let anything stop me in the past," he answers firmly, resting a hand on his hip. "A crown holds no meaning to me. I will reign victorious no matter what reward is offered."

[lionhearted_victor]

This is what Leo looks for in a Tribute within the Arena, and he can't help the quick smirk on his face when he hears the Batter's answer. Pride and commands, this is what drives this man to do what needs to be done.

"A crown here is a symbol for the people you will be fighting for. You would be recognized as a Victor among the past, maybe remembered for centuries for your dedication to Panem. Are you willing to kill anything that stands in your path, including children?" Not one of the palatable topics in an interview.

[expurge]

It appears as though he's doing well. The Batter doesn't always look for recognition or praise - it's unnecessary, it doesn't grant him instant victory, it's useless to him. But knowing that his authorities see him as an asset, as someone who will bring honour and victory to their district, he can't help feeling a little smug about it.

"It's not stopped me before," he answers without hesitation. Adults, children, monsters, and any variation between were of no issue. "I'll not let anything stand in the way of my victory. I can assure you of that."

[lionhearted_victor]

...One last question but this was more for Leo's peace of mind and not have a repeat of the Worst Game in the history of Panem. "Do you enjoy killing and causing pain onto your opponents?" There's devotion to one's duty, the other is to take delight and diminished the value of the sacrifices in the coach's eyes. "You're a promising Tribute, Batter, more than I initially thought...though your public relations skills are atrocious. The winner of the Arenas must be able to represent their District properly. If not, he'll be forgotten and their work will turn into dust."

[expurge]

"I don't enjoy anything."

His answer about sums up everything there is to know about the Batter. He wants nothing, he feels nothing, his only purpose is to accomplish his mission and in the end remain the victor. Everything he'd done in his home world was a means to an end, and little more than that. The comment about his public relation skills has one eyebrow arching, but the Batter shrugs it off.

"If it is a necessary step on my path to victory, I will learn," the Batter continues, folding his arms over his chest. "Otherwise, I see no point."

think it's a good place to wrap up?

[lionhearted_victor]

That answer is both alarming and exactly what Leo needed to hear in regards to the Tribute before him.

"If that commitment has any weight to it, then I'll set you up with a public relations expert and you will pay attention to what he has to say. I, on the other hand, can only ensure your needs in the Arena are met, especially with the weapons and supplies. Whether you want it or not, you'll be getting food drops as well. Impress the sponsors and the Capitol, they will further your trek into the Arena."

He then added with a hint of caution, "But remember this, your survival depends on the odds. Nothing can account for sheer bad luck. Are we clear?"

works for me!

[expurge]

It's probably alarming to hear from a complete stranger, if the circumstances were any different. But the Batter's complete emotional detachment from the world around him probably made him the ideal tribute - he was careful and calculated, strong, and carried no guilt or remorse for his actions, no matter how horrible they might be.

"So it shall be," the Batter answers, more as a confirmation to himself than anything. This is officially his next mission, and while not divine or holy in any form, it isn't as if he has a choice in the matter. If he has to suffer through public relations training first, then fine, he'll do what he must and excel in the arenas like he expects to. Luck, bah, he doesn't believe in the stuff.

"You will not be disappointed."