[Action]

[swordprincess]

[Action: Holodeck'd]

[A session of training just like all the rest. Karla spars with a bunch of illusionary swordsmen, parrying their blows with her blade seamlessly, as if it were a dance. That was about all she was doing, however; she wasn't actually trying to land a strike. Nor were they trying to strike her.

When the exercise ended, the scene faded, leaving her standing in an empty room. Karla looks down at her blade, almost in disappointment. The swordplay just isn't giving her any satisfaction. Not that it ever did. She isn't improving with her training; she's only keeping her skill from withering. She had only one reason for keeping up the sword, and that reason just doesn't exist in Genessia. She looks up again...how appropriate that she's standing in a room that's as empty as her heart.]

[Action: Colosseum]

[Training in the Attleton Colosseum isn't much different from Holodeck'd. The only difference being that her opponents were real, and not nearly as challenging as the Holodeck'd. After claiming her victory there, Karla takes a moment to ponder in the center of the arena, her face blank. There's no satisfaction here either, so she'll turn and begin to leave. Catch her on the way out, or just outside?]

Comments

[rulerofme]

When we spoke about why you decided to run for Guardian, and you said you didn't know. How I saw you was someone that was lost on what they wanted to do with themselves. I think you are a good person, and I think you want to protect the people here.

Case and point, you wanting some sort of power that can help you accomplish that. So I think that's why you wanted to run, even if you didn't realize it. And that's why I offered you a Deputy Guardian position, to help put you in a place where you could do that. And I don't regret that choice.

[swordprincess]

[Karla gives a small smile at the answer.]

It is true. Even if I don't get personally attached to people, they are still innocent. Like the things that Battler did to me and the others...no one deserves that.

I'm glad I haven't disappointed you so far...but I still have much to learn. It's not just special powers that make the Guardian, especially if someone like Blaze was able to get elected. For the enemies I can't fight directly, I'll have to think of other ways...

...And to think...none of this would have happened if Roman Torchwick hadn't nominated me...

[Karla took a second to giggle at the irony.]

[rulerofme]

Nope. What makes a Guardian is their will to protect and do what is best for their cities. The same thing for a Deputy. Powers or not. So try not to worry too much.

[swordprincess]

All right...but what I have found most intimidating is all the politics involved. All those laws, programs, and decisions you make. How do you manage all of that?

[rulerofme]

You use your best judgement. You think of what would be the best for the people and city, and use that to try to make the best decision. [It's easy to make a mistake, though.]

So if it's a big and drastic change that you have in your mind to make, you give it deep thought and get advice before doing it.

[swordprincess]

I see...

[She ponders for another moment. It almost sounds like big decisions aren't really necessary, but one never knows in this world.]

If it were me, I wouldn't want to make any "big and drastic" changes. I like to keep things simple...as simple as possible, anyway.

[rulerofme]

It's good not to, but sometimes things might need to be done. Especially if things aren't working the way they are.

[swordprincess]

[Karla gives him a genuine smile now.]

All right. I suppose I'll just keep doing what I can, and then come to you for the "big things."