Fates Supports/Avatar(M) Shiro
C Support
Shiro: Hey, Avatar, what's your opinion on kings and queens?
Avatar: Kings and queens...? Umm...what are we talking about here? Are you asking what I think of King Garon, and King Sumeragi and Queen Mikoto?
Shiro: Them too. But also about, I dunno... future kings.
Avatar: Future kings, eh? Well, no one knows how the war will end. But it's reasonable to think that Ryoma will be crowned King of Hoshido.
Shiro: Probably, yeah.
Avatar: Which would make you next in the line for the throne after him.
Shiro: Because I'm his son, right?
Avatar: Well, yes. That's how succession works.
Shiro: ... Seems kinda old fashioned to me.
Avatar: Shiro...?
Shiro: Why should I be king just because I'm the old king's son?
Avatar: Do you not want the crown?
Shiro: It's not about what I want. I went most of my life not knowing I was a prince. And now that I do, I'm not sure I have what it takes. A king needs certain qualities. He's gotta be a good leader. And I'm not that.
Avatar: Is that really what you think of yourself? I'd say you're quite capable of leadership.
Shiro: Sure, during training, or when I'm putting together a fishing trip. But that's just a few people. Anyone can say "Let's go fishing!" or "Time to train!" Getting an entire country to follow me, like a king should do, is way out of my league...
Avatar: Hahaha...you might be right about that.
Shiro: Heh, I'm glad it's not just me. I like the IDEA of being a king my father could be proud of. A big leader type. I'd love to do it if I thought I could. But if there's anyone more qualified than me, I think they should rule instead.
Avatar: Hmm...
Shiro: Oh, whoops. I think someone's coming over to talk to us. It's not really a problem if they heard us, but I'd rather keep it quiet for now. We'll talk more about this later, Avatar.
Avatar: Oh, sure...
B Support
Avatar: I was thinking about what you said, about a king's duties... I'll grant that you're still inexperienced and not the natural-born leader that Ryoma is. But those aren't major problems for a king, I don't think. That's what a king has retainers, envoys, and advisors to help him with.
Shiro: That'd be true if every subject was as nice as the folks in this army. But not everyone's like that, are they? Wouldn't it be simpler to decide who rules by strength instead of bloodline?
Avatar: It depends on your definition of "strength."
Shiro: Oh, well, you know. You can just tell how strong someone is by fighting them. It's simple, fair... Every man, woman, and child would get it. The strongest person should be king. I think that would be a way better system. If I knew I was king because I was stronger than everyone, I'd be a lot more confident.
Avatar: What are you saying?! Are you advocating for the strong subjugating the weak? Isn't that exactly what King Garon does? If that's the kind of dog-eat-dog world you want, maybe you WOULD be a poor king!
Shiro: Whoa there, Avatar... I think maybe I'm not explaining this right.
Avatar: Oh?
Shiro: I'll put it another way. You got two commanding officers, right? One is this decorated hero, scars on her face and all. She nods confidently at you. The other keeps checking her clipboard and looking back at her sergeants for help. Whose unit do you join?
Avatar: Er...well...
Shiro: It's not even a choice, right? You pick the one who's gonna get the job done.
Avatar: I-I see your point.
Shiro: So my question is... how would you feel about being the next king of Hoshido, instead of me?
Avatar: Whaaat?! Where did you get that idea?!
Shiro: No, really, I think you've got what it takes. In terms of raw strength, definitely... But you're also generous and considerate, and you work well with people. You're much better suited to be king someday. Hoshido would be a better place under you than me.
Avatar: Shiro... I understand your perspective on this and why you'd think that. And I agree there's some merit to your line of thinking. If you're serious, though, we need to put the idea that I'm truly stronger to the test.
Shiro: Yeah?
Avatar: I propose a duel. Single combat. You may use the lance you specialize in. That will prove whether I'm really as strong and capable as you think.
Shiro: Interesting... I accept!
Avatar: Good. I'll name a time and a place later. Until then...
A Support
Shiro: Hraaaaaah!
Avatar: Ngh...!
Shiro: What's wrong? Had enough?!
Avatar: Urk...!
Shiro: Now you'll see how strong I am!
Avatar: Enough! I'm impressed already! Your technique is perfectly balanced... You don't leave a single opening!
Shiro: If you won't face me, I'll end this now. Even a blunt training lance can leave a bruise or two! Haaaaaaaaaaaah!
(Avatar leaves)
Shiro: What the...? Where did he go?!
Avatar: Right here.
Shiro: Aaah! You got past my defense! How...?! (weapon clang)
Avatar: Hyaaaaaah!
Shiro: Urgh... ... Dammit...
Avatar: Now that my blade is at your throat, can we declare me the victor?
Shiro: Arrrrrrrrghhhhhhh! I almost HAD you!
Avatar: Hahaha. You have a powerful swing, but it tends to go wide. I noticed your strikes were creating a blind spot for you, so I aimed for that. It took a few hasty blocks against your blows before I could gauge the distance... But once I had it figured out, I waited for my chance to enter into your guard.
Shiro: So the whole time I thought I was wearing you down was just part of your plan... Ugh! This was a disaster! I have to admit... you're much, much stronger than me.
Avatar: Then my first command is: Be a good king over Hoshido.
Shiro: Huh?
Avatar: Yes, you're still inexperienced. You're far from qualified yet to be king. But it's a big step that despite your status you realized your deficiencies. You're not satisfied with divine right. You're actively trying to make yourself worthy. I'd say that makes you perfectly suited to be king someday.
Shiro: Avatar...
Avatar: Remember, Ryoma isn't king yet. And he'll reign for a long time before it's your turn. You have time to grow into the role. When the day comes, you'll be a great king. So give yourself more credit.
Shiro: Hmm... When you put it like that, how can I refuse? After all, my original plan was to follow the orders of whoever's stronger. So if you're saying I can be king...then that's what I'll be!
Avatar: Someday you'll see that there's no one better suited to lead Hoshido than you. And when that time comes, I hope I'll be there to support you.
Shiro: Yeah...that'd be great, Avatar...!
