digestif | week 4, friday

I see. So you protected Ruin-san from Luna-kun, and after you disposed of her, you told Ruin-san to run... And she died sometime after that. You stayed behind to take care of your injuries, so you didn't see what happened or the other deaths...

[ they hum quietly. ]

... Your motivations were to protect someone else. I can't condemn you for that. We all have to do what's necessary to pursue our goals - if your goal is as noble as keeping people safe, then I don't think bloodshed can be avoided under these circumstances.

Roughly, yes-- though she ran as soon as I intervened. It is possible that even had I not been hurt, I might have been too late to truly save her.

[...which still eats at him a bit, honestly, and he keeps his gaze fixed downward. all of this, and all he's succeeded in doing is taking out one would-be killer while three others still died. of course he can't do everything, and it's better than last week, but--

having done this, and not even saved any lives? it's painful. even mizuki's words don't get him to look back up to meet their eyes.]

I wish it could have been.

[that's nearly under his breath, mostly murmured to himself.]

-you truly do not mean to condemn me for it, Mizuki-san? If it comes to a point where we can find no other guilty party, do you intend not to choose my god?

[ if they were to speak honestly from their heart, they would tell him that Ruin didn't deserve to be saved at his expense, and that getting hurt at all for her sake was going farther than necessary - but they know that he wouldn't agree with them. He's not like Mizuki. ]

... No, I don't. [ they say, after a few seconds. ] There's no logical reason for me to do so. Merriment's already lost plenty of followers this week, and I don't consider his sect a threatening one. Beyond that, you're my ally... and my friend. Why would I want to get rid of you?

[ they can't quite bring a smile to their face, but they do look at him a bit more fondly before they continue. ]

This has never been about serving justice to me, Ishikirimaru-san. There is no "justice" here at all. This has been about doing what's right in the long term. Sometimes, sacrifices have to be made... You understand that, too.

[ considering what he did last night, he must. ]

...I do. I had hoped it would not come to it, but- I have always known.

[he's been prepared for something like this, has been ever since he decided to try to stop all of this death, ever since he chose to put himself at risk to keep them all from having to condemn an innocent person. he doesn't like it-- but he knows.

ishi can't quite smile either, but his own expression is softer when he finally looks at them again, a little more light back in his eyes.]

I- do not think I could ever bring myself to choose yours either, Mizuki-san.

[another slow exhale, there.]

If you do not wish to see this game rid of me, then...

It is a selfish thing for me to ask, considering what I have done, but if it reaches that point-- would you help save me? For others' sake as much as mine.

... Thank you.

[ they could dig into that thought, but now's not the time. For the moment, they simply accept his sentiment gracefully, a small, bitter smile appearing on their face; they shake their head as he continues. ]

No - I was considering the same thing. But my power is "Eye of the Beholder," so I'll have to take an extra step. Do you still have that IOU we got?

[ normally, they'd consider it a risk to admit their ability - but Ishikirimaru going so far in admitting what he's done to them is enough to make him more trustworthy than probably anyone else in the "game." They're also aware that he might have just been referring to protecting him during the trial. They're just simply willing to take it a step further. ]

I do, yes. Considering that I will at the very least be under suspicion-- I think it is best for you to keep it, now.

...I cannot say how much I appreciate it, Mizuki-san.

[just, uh, give him a minute to fish it out. he's notably only using his right hand, careful not to jostle his left arm too much-- and when he hands the paper over, he also hands over two more folded pages. one has a snowflake drawn on the outside, the other has the symbol that's emblazoned on the front of his usual outfit.]

If I may ask another favor... I believe the person who saw to my injuries will be most upset if I use the stairs. Would you mind offering these for me whenever you go? This one is meant for Merriment-- [the snowflake note's the one he gestures to first-] -and the other is for Piety.

[he can use a go-between or he can piss off someone who helped him, so as stubborn as ishi is-- yeah. he'll stay put while he can and communicate with them through letters.]

It's all right. We can't have you leaving now after you worked so hard to survive last time, right?

[ their humor is gentle. Watching him try and move around is depressing. It's hard to tell the extent of his injuries, the way he is now, but they must be considerably bad - worse than Mizuki could help him with. All they can do is help him with these offerings. They take the papers, keeping them lined up neatly in one pile in front of them for the time being. ]

You've got it. I need to head over there, anyway. [ to check the identities of the other two bodies, if nothing else. ] ... Are you going to be okay? I'm worried about your wounds.

... I will live.

[he's quiet for a few moments, there, but eventually he comes to a decision.]

It isn't as terrible as it could be. I think my hip is only fractured, though she did manage to break my arm fairly badly.

[there's... a much longer pause as he glances to his sword, sitting next to him. his voice is quieter when he continues.]

... I may have to find a blade I can wield one-handed, however.

[ all they can really do is give him an apologetic look. They're not a doctor - not even close. ]

That still sounds pretty terrible. There must be something we can do to help with the pain, if nothing else...

[ there's no infirmary anywhere in this place, though - and they hadn't found anything like that in the west wing when they were trying to help Majima, either. Mizuki sighs, troubled. ]

I will manage, I think. It is tomorrow that will be difficult, considering that I-- have a bit of difficulty moving around... but I can walk when necessary.

[on his injured hip, I hate ishi, someone carry his ass to this trial.]

Right now I am mainly tired. This... did not leave much room for sleep.

[the pain didn't help either.]

Ishi-san...

[ they are worried - of course they're worried. They care about him. But there's nothing they can do, and they know it. So they move on to the next order of business: what to do about this tomorrow. ]

... Like you said, your injuries will immediately make you suspicious tomorrow. I think the best plan of action would be to try and get everyone to focus on Ruin-san's murder. Last time, everyone focused on Fortune-kun, so I don't think it will be hard - they'll want to solve a serial killing. [ they pinch the bridge of their nose. ] Try not to admit what happened with Luna-kun unless they really corner you. We should try and come up with an alternative explanation for what happened to you. If you're honest and tell them you got injured protecting Ruin-san, even if you don't mention what happened with Luna-kun, they'll want to know how you survived and who you were defending her from... so we need something else.

... I'm still not certain it's a good idea to try to hide it. That simply risks wasting our time and abilities on her death, when I could clear it up to begin with-- we could even rule out any false evidence included, that way.

Not admitting to it will increase the chaos involved in this, and with the number of Cunning followers... we do not know how many may provide clues. We cannot afford them to be spent in pursuit of Luna's killer, if they have any control at all over what they manifest.

Beyond that, just what explanation could we even give for what happened to me?

[ he has a point. Still, the idea doesn't sit right with them. ]

It would be easy to blame it on a monster attack in the West Wing. A lot of people were heavily injured. Was anyone paying close enough attention to you to know you'd be lying?

[ they weren't there, so they honestly don't know. ]

Your way -- technically, it's fine. But you're putting a lot of faith in everyone to understand and not to take drastic measures, and I don't just mean the vote.

[ if he got attacked at the trial, he couldn't protect himself. ]

I-- well. That is not exactly the problem. I apologize for having to put this so directly, but...

[he winces a little at the thought of what he's about to have to explain, though mostly for mizuki's sake. he'd hoped not to go into detail.]

I have learned that if one is too late to intervene in a death, the body and evidence simply disappear. There is no way to investigate what happened during curfew with my ability, if you are not there when it occurs. And that... may have happened to something besides Luna's body, though I cannot be certain that is the case.

[but this is just sort of delaying the point, which is:]

--I cannot explain it away if they find my hand at the scene, Mizuki-san. I don't actually know what happened to it.

[that comment about needing a one handed weapon? not just because of his broken arm.]

Edited 2019-03-16 04:31 (UTC)

[ oh. yes, that throws a wrench into things. Their eyes widen instantly, some color draining from their face. ]

Ishikirimaru-san, you lost your hand...?

[ how is he just sitting there?! Mizuki's hands ball into fists on the table in worry - but they can't do a damn thing, and it's so frustrating. ]

Why didn't you say anything?

Just what would that do besides worrying you further, Mizuki-san?

[the fingers of his good hand curl, and there's a slight strain in his voice, though he doesn't raise it.]

There is nothing to be done but to keep going through the weekend. I cannot fix this, I can't-- I will barely be able to protect myself, much less others.

There... isn't anything I can do now, beyond try to help with tomorrow's proceedings as I can.

[it's something he's tried hard to avoid thinking about, but it all comes to the surface at once, and it's difficult to simply shove back down again.]

[ this is probably the most emotional they've ever seen him, and, quite frankly, it's painful to hear. What are they supposed to say to comfort him? Sorry doesn't quite cut it. They're certain that Ruin didn't deserve all of this effort. If it hadn't been for her, none of this would even be happening in the first place. ]

Your well-being is more important than whether I'm worried or not, Ishi-san, [ they reply, sounding distressed, too, but they shake their head, dismissing the topic. ] Don't talk like that. There's more you can do than just fight. I know you're a sword, but you're more than that, too - that's why you've got that body in the first place, right?

[ they look him in the eye, serious. ]

I can't fight at all. If someone comes after me to kill me, I'm sure I won't have a chance. Even so, I'm trying my best to save everyone. As long as you're not dead, you have to try.

--I know. I do intend to try. And I... know I cannot do that if anything happens to me, but I still...

[he shakes his head, takes in and slowly exhales a long breath to steady and center himself. being emotional won't get him anywhere.]

You may be right. I might be able to claim an attack-- I can ask the person who helped with these injuries to say I have trouble walking because of that instead. If you or someone I trust checks me privately, we can claim there are no suspicious wounds... and I can also try faking the chill I received last week to remain covered up. Past that, I... do you have any other suggestions?

[ they think that they'd reach out and take his hand about now, if it weren't for their rather awkward interaction earlier this week. Mizuki's not a physical person, but their comfort at the moment feels so insufficient. Still, it's the limit of what they can offer - listening and advice.

They seem slightly relieved that he's backing off on his plan to crucify himself from the start, at least. If this goes south, it might land all three of them in a sticky situation - themself, Ishi, and this mysterious third party. But that's a risk they're just going to have to take. Mizuki nods. ]

... That's a decent plan. If things go sour regardless of all of that, I can still save you with my power - from the gods, at least. [ a pause. ] And, at that point, it'll be best if you come clean. But only at that point. Until then, I'll do my best to keep you safe, Ishi-san.

That-- should help, I think. The more of us who can back up that story tomorrow, the better.

... thank you, Mizuki-san. I know involving you in lying about this puts you at some risk as well; I don't know how I can repay you for your help.

[he bows his head, deeper this time, more an approximation of a proper one. this is more than he should be asking of anyone, but-

much as he still feels guilty, he needs to live. even if he is willing to accept the consequences, others want him to escape them, others still need him around-- he has them to think about, too.]

[ they give him a little smile. One hand and a broken hip, and he's still thinking about other people. This guy really isn't human. ]

Don't worry about that. I'm helping you because we're friends, you know? I'd be cold-hearted if your life was on the line and I did nothing.

[ it is true that this is a risk. They're putting their position in a bit of danger for Ishikirimaru's sake - and, by extension, their goal. Maybe that's stupid... but for all their talk of sacrifice, they've always been bad at letting go. As long as nothing goes catastrophically wrong tomorrow, they should all be fine. And the people here are soft and emotional, for the most part - Mizuki has a feeling they'll be swayed by Ishikirimaru's story, if the way they reacted to Piety's promise of hope last time means anything. It's a risk, but a calculated one. ]

I know you'd do the same for me, anyway. You're too nice.

week 4, friday

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