arcanarum | Zwei. [Video]

[Some of you may remember Germany. Yes, that's that unfriendly, disbelieving nation that was on the network a mere week ago, displaying a sour mood and willingness to yell at everyone and their pet rabbit. Considering he's been stuck on this island for a week now, still fails to understand the time difference between the present nations and for some odd reason is wearing this when appreaing on the screen... His mood is not one bit better than before. In fact, he looks ready to strangle someone. Just that that's difficult with plush hooves covering his hands. Tough luck.]

Halloween?

[Note the remotely dangerous intonation.]

What... Is the meaning of this? Who was that woman and where is she now? Also, who is responsible for this ridiculous costume and how do I take it OFF!?! [And he's only getting louder.] I didn't give permission to this infamy so I demand that my person gets freed from this-...this...THIS!

[His voice becomes more of a growl.] Unless whoever did this wants me to hunt them down personally. [And this is where a plush-hoof comes into view, shaking angrily. Yes, this would have been a fist. Only that a fist would be far more intimidating.] But once I get my hands on you, I sewar I will-- [But... Germany cuts himself off, glancing down at his ~~hoof~~ hand. His right eyebrow twitches. Luckily, his face is pretty red already due to simply being angry, so the rising embarrassment isn't too obvious. Oh, the humiliation.]

[He ends up quickly pulling his hand down again and clears his throat, continuing in a somewhat calmer, yet still upset voice.] What I meant to say is... I'm not going to tolerate this! Regardless who is responsible for it. I will find them. And they shall be rightfully punished! Unless they want to surrender willingly. If that is the case, this is your chance!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Self-sacrifice happens among other species as well, though we don't notice that or consider it normal. Several animals for example sacrifice their own lives in order to reproduce and ensure the survival of their offsprings. They protect their young at the risk of their own lives without hesitating once. Compared to animals humans are still mostly egoistic in nature. Though that is because animals still act on instinct and humans consider their options. Those willing to fully give themselves up for another are rare, but admirable. As far as I came to understand them, strong emotions are at play in these cases.

[It happens among nations as well, but he refrains from mentioning that. All his siblings have given up on their existence to make him who he was today after all.]

As for pets... No. They don't fight. At least most don't. They are companions. Maybe you should try keeping a dog and you may find out their value.

[He's considering that, nodding a bit.]

Those emotions. They're...confusing. I once watched a human die...all he cared about was that his family be taken care of. Nothing of what was to happen to him.

[He shakes his head as though to clear it of the memory and sort of frowns at the idea of getting a dog.]

But don't you have to...clean up after them?

Hn. I've seen many soldiers die on the battlefield... And I killed a good bunch myself. To them, their families are what they leave behind. Their legacy, so to speak. If they already know they will die, I assume that worrying about themselves serves little use anyway.

[Germany nods in response.]

You need to take care of any pet you keep. That is the basic idea. They need to be raised, educated, trained. People keep pets to spend their time with them. Cleaning up is just one part of it.

Ah, so then it would make sense that they would wish for their families to be protected...

[He is considering this...]

That is not unlike caring for a child, isn't it? Only without the added benefit of leaving behind something to carry on one's species. Or the ability to hold a conversation.

[Though he won't admit it, he has a soft spot for kids. Animals, on the other hand? He still needs convincing.]

I'm not familiar with children, I am afraid. But as far as pets go I can tell you that you won't find a more loyal companion. Once you gained their trust, they trust you to the very end.

[He pauses.]

Just consider it. As an immortal you can afford to give new things a try.

Children are...interesting. Not something Undead have, but they don't seem to be as difficult to deal with as human adults. They either like you or they don't--none of those social games.

[His mouth twitches in something that might have been a smile, but he kills it quickly.]

Perhaps I will...though I'm not sure how one might acquire a pet in this place.

Hnn. Only that children turn into adult humans at one point...

[Oh, one day he'll understand humans... Maybe. Germany looks a bit thoughtful at that.]

Huh. I don't know about that myself either. I am aware that there are wild animals in the forest, so potentially it should be possible to tame those...

[And he hesitates.]

...given that they act like normal animals, that is.

Hm. That's true...but the process does take time...

[Yeah, he's thinking. He'd already been waffling a bit on the "Maybe all humans aren't so bad," and it's not something he's exactly prepared to deal with.]

If they don't act like normal animals, maybe it would make things more interesting. A bit of a challenge.

It does. Though I have to admit that I haven't studied the entire process of a human life yet. Other things just kept me occupied.

[Yeah. Work. Wars. Politics. His boss...

But right now the nation looks thoughtful.]

A challenge?

[Tempted? Why, yes.]

Hn. It might be worth a try...

It's difficult to care about much else other than fighting once you get involved in something like a war, I'd imagine. I know it takes up a lot of my time...

[Hajime shrugs.]

It's not like there's much else to do around here. Going out and catching something would be interesting.

[The nation nods. To both things Hajime has said.]

Then maybe we should just do that at a later point.

[Hajime nods.]

Agreed. That would allow for a bit more planning...

And we need to get rid of these costumes first.

[He puts some money on the table and gets up.]

But we should give it a try.

[Hajime flips a couple of coins onto the table as well. He's also tugging on his helmet again.]

It'll be worth trying in the event things return to some semblance of normalcy.

Right. Let's discuss this further at a later point.

[He nods, and turns to leave. This hasn't turned out all bad after all.]

Zwei. [Video]

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Let's wrap this one up?

Sounds good!

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