week 4, friday

[digestif]

[ although they might have been elsewhere yesterday, Mizuki, predictably, returns to their usual haunt the next day. It's well before noon when they return. Considering the events of the past night, one might think they'd be going to the courtyard to investigate; however, they pass it by entirely for the time being. Once they've shut the door behind them, they make a beeline for the piano - at least until they suddenly notice the sorry-looking blanket burrito in one of the booths. ]

I -- Ishi-san?!

[ stopping in their tracks - they sound very surprised to see him there. ]

... Are you alive?

[ ... and looking so inelegant, too. ]

Comments

[ritualization]

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.]

[digestif]

[ 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.

[ritualization]

--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?

[digestif]

[ 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.

[ritualization]

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.]

[digestif]

[ 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.