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I have no doubt that it will.
If one will choose to kill, out of fear or opportunity, then it's only a matter of time. A deadline etched in stone. [Pinning down any supposedly new killers is only delaying what might as well be a forced inevitable, given the powers at play.]
I'd rather focus on the rest. Keep as many of you focused on the path forward, so that we do not lose any more than we must for the time being... and that we don't let those who might pass before us slip away as well.
If one will choose to kill, out of fear or opportunity, then it's only a matter of time. A deadline etched in stone. [Pinning down any supposedly new killers is only delaying what might as well be a forced inevitable, given the powers at play.]
I'd rather focus on the rest. Keep as many of you focused on the path forward, so that we do not lose any more than we must for the time being... and that we don't let those who might pass before us slip away as well.
[ Now, where has he heard this before?
It's not quite the same words, but it's the same principle. The speeches, the assurances, the graves in the schoolyard. A path they follow because there's little other choice, and they need something to lean on to push them forward...lest they let the stark truth crush them under it's weight instead.
Solomon is no Takumi Sumino, but he'd be lying if he said he couldn't hear some echoes of him. Just enough for his face to twitch at the corners. ]
It'd be nice if those words could carry enough weight to sink in for everyone, but I wouldn't hold my breath. We've got a stubborn and mismatched lot around here. [ That being said... ] Are you prepared to shoulder all that weight, Sensei? It's not an easy burden to bear, and if you're unlucky, it might just drag you under and hold you down.
It's not quite the same words, but it's the same principle. The speeches, the assurances, the graves in the schoolyard. A path they follow because there's little other choice, and they need something to lean on to push them forward...lest they let the stark truth crush them under it's weight instead.
Solomon is no Takumi Sumino, but he'd be lying if he said he couldn't hear some echoes of him. Just enough for his face to twitch at the corners. ]
It'd be nice if those words could carry enough weight to sink in for everyone, but I wouldn't hold my breath. We've got a stubborn and mismatched lot around here. [ That being said... ] Are you prepared to shoulder all that weight, Sensei? It's not an easy burden to bear, and if you're unlucky, it might just drag you under and hold you down.
It's not the first time.
[Humming, he withdraws an ink pen, black with an iridescent center, from his jacket - something he had at the trial and presented as owning, so it's not necessarily a new sight. But now he simply uses it as a fidget item between his fingers as they talk.]
If someone must, let it be those of us that know we can handle the worst of the responsibility, should it all take the most horrible turn. Maybe there are liferafts we can plant in that deep, dark ocean, to keep it from being a complete waste.
[Humming, he withdraws an ink pen, black with an iridescent center, from his jacket - something he had at the trial and presented as owning, so it's not necessarily a new sight. But now he simply uses it as a fidget item between his fingers as they talk.]
If someone must, let it be those of us that know we can handle the worst of the responsibility, should it all take the most horrible turn. Maybe there are liferafts we can plant in that deep, dark ocean, to keep it from being a complete waste.
[ Oh?
It feels like he's seeing just a piece of a Solomon he doesn't put out there often, blue gaze lingering as that pen twirls between his fingers.
...How convincing. It's almost dangerous. ]
In the dark ocean, huh... [ That twinges something, and when Yugamu leans back, it's with a small smile on his face. ] And let me guess. You'd take responsibility, even if they capsized?
[ Where has he heard this before? ]
You have to be a specific type of maniac to run headlong into something that could end horribly with your head held high. Then again, maybe I should call myself one, too, for being willing to follow along.
It feels like he's seeing just a piece of a Solomon he doesn't put out there often, blue gaze lingering as that pen twirls between his fingers.
...How convincing. It's almost dangerous. ]
In the dark ocean, huh... [ That twinges something, and when Yugamu leans back, it's with a small smile on his face. ] And let me guess. You'd take responsibility, even if they capsized?
[ Where has he heard this before? ]
You have to be a specific type of maniac to run headlong into something that could end horribly with your head held high. Then again, maybe I should call myself one, too, for being willing to follow along.
Haha... Well, in this instance, I feel I might. Call it force of habit, if you want. [He taps the end of the pen to his lips coyly, before continuing.] That said, I know I'm only human. In a more humbling way than I'm used to, in fact. So... even if my heart wants to take it all, I know it's not realistic.
I hope you can forgive me, should I forget. [His smile tugs at the edges.] And that I might rely on you, should something happen to me too soon.
I hope you can forgive me, should I forget. [His smile tugs at the edges.] And that I might rely on you, should something happen to me too soon.
There are less destructive habits you could indulge in, you know? [ Although, there's little seriousness in the quip; he'd be pretty hypocritical if he was being serious, after all. ] But there are also worse ones. At least you know it isn't realistic...that's a point for you.
[ The request...hm, he can't say he likes the implications, but he settles for keeping that one to himself. ]
I could always try and give you a little something to help you remember. The side effects wouldn't be too bad. [ A subtle, careful jab. Don't do anything stupid. ] But if you're going to rely on me, at least do it before. I'm not the type who likes cleaning up someone else's mess without warning.
[ The request...hm, he can't say he likes the implications, but he settles for keeping that one to himself. ]
I could always try and give you a little something to help you remember. The side effects wouldn't be too bad. [ A subtle, careful jab. Don't do anything stupid. ] But if you're going to rely on me, at least do it before. I'm not the type who likes cleaning up someone else's mess without warning.
[Pft.] I'd rather not resort to drastic measures just yet, if it's all the same.
[...
But he holds up the pen, and his tone smooths over to something just slightly stricter.]
Yugamu.... If I am to be found dead? You find this on my person, and you take it. Make sure it stays in the hands of someone trustworthy.
I cannot explain what it is, and I cannot explain where it came from. Any information I give in front of the others will be a lie that I have to follow until we're free.
But if I am not here, it cannot fall into the wrong hands. And I know you are, if nothing, thorough with the bodies.
Understood?
[...
But he holds up the pen, and his tone smooths over to something just slightly stricter.]
Yugamu.... If I am to be found dead? You find this on my person, and you take it. Make sure it stays in the hands of someone trustworthy.
I cannot explain what it is, and I cannot explain where it came from. Any information I give in front of the others will be a lie that I have to follow until we're free.
But if I am not here, it cannot fall into the wrong hands. And I know you are, if nothing, thorough with the bodies.
Understood?
[ Yugamu is not too sure what he expects here. Solomon is somebody who both seems easy to read, and yet has things beneath the surface even Yugamu struggles to grasp with those sharp fingers.
It's this reason the request throws him off guard enough to show on his face, before his features harden somewhat. ]
...And you're willing to just tell me this?
[ Sure, he had been anticipating something, but it wasn't this. ]
You know what I am. Who's to say I won't just up and keep it for myself, sate my curiosity? We assassins can be selfish. Or maybe I'll just get rid of it, if it's as dangerous as you say.
Whether or not you're telling the truth, are you really willing to leave something you consider that important in the hands of a killer you met barely two weeks ago? [ Or more specifically- ] Or should I say, do you really have enough faith in me to keep up your lie by holding onto a potential ticking time bomb?
[ He hasn't said 'no'. But Yugamu Omokage is nothing if not pragmatic. ]
It's this reason the request throws him off guard enough to show on his face, before his features harden somewhat. ]
...And you're willing to just tell me this?
[ Sure, he had been anticipating something, but it wasn't this. ]
You know what I am. Who's to say I won't just up and keep it for myself, sate my curiosity? We assassins can be selfish. Or maybe I'll just get rid of it, if it's as dangerous as you say.
Whether or not you're telling the truth, are you really willing to leave something you consider that important in the hands of a killer you met barely two weeks ago? [ Or more specifically- ] Or should I say, do you really have enough faith in me to keep up your lie by holding onto a potential ticking time bomb?
[ He hasn't said 'no'. But Yugamu Omokage is nothing if not pragmatic. ]
[His smile just tires at the edges.]
I did mention lifeboats, didn't I?
...
Think of this as... the knife to free the ropes, should they not sail as planned. I don't know if it will become inactive, or even vanish, were I not to be here. But I'm not willing to take that risk with someone who would turn it on another in a worse case scenario.
And, unless you've fallen madly in love for someone in two weeks? I do not believe that will be you, will it?
I did mention lifeboats, didn't I?
...
Think of this as... the knife to free the ropes, should they not sail as planned. I don't know if it will become inactive, or even vanish, were I not to be here. But I'm not willing to take that risk with someone who would turn it on another in a worse case scenario.
And, unless you've fallen madly in love for someone in two weeks? I do not believe that will be you, will it?
[ He dislikes how he can read that face so accurately.
He doesn't hide the displeasure on his face now, lips pursed as he lets his gaze fall to that pen again. It's true, he doesn't actually know what happened to the other's private possessions once the trials were all said and done....frustrating, because he should have thought of it. ]
...I prefer more of a build-up to my relationships. [ It's low and quiet, to match the look in his eyes. ] And you know I've got no intention of playing this game in the way they want me to.
You seriously might be a fool trusting me that easily...I'm not too sure how flattered I should feel.
[ ....It's not a bad feeling, though. ]
...I can't guarantee anything if someone gets to the body before me, if something happens. But if they don't...I'll see what I can do.
He doesn't hide the displeasure on his face now, lips pursed as he lets his gaze fall to that pen again. It's true, he doesn't actually know what happened to the other's private possessions once the trials were all said and done....frustrating, because he should have thought of it. ]
...I prefer more of a build-up to my relationships. [ It's low and quiet, to match the look in his eyes. ] And you know I've got no intention of playing this game in the way they want me to.
You seriously might be a fool trusting me that easily...I'm not too sure how flattered I should feel.
[ ....It's not a bad feeling, though. ]
...I can't guarantee anything if someone gets to the body before me, if something happens. But if they don't...I'll see what I can do.
Consider it hope placed in your values, and nothing more. If I'm a fool for that, then so be it.
I have another party that I will try to have join you. If I can tell you any more than this and not compromise everything I have set up, I will. You have my word.
...
Know that I'm asking you only to do what you can, if you can. Nothing more.
[And like the flip of a switch, his expression loses its seriousness as he tucks the pen back into his jacket like nothing happened.]
Anyway! I trust you can play along for now, correct?
I have another party that I will try to have join you. If I can tell you any more than this and not compromise everything I have set up, I will. You have my word.
...
Know that I'm asking you only to do what you can, if you can. Nothing more.
[And like the flip of a switch, his expression loses its seriousness as he tucks the pen back into his jacket like nothing happened.]
Anyway! I trust you can play along for now, correct?
[ Hope, huh. How painfully sappy and optimistic. Had he been the Yugamu of days and days ago, back when they'd just woken up with desks under their heads and unwanted responsibility in his hands, maybe he'd have shrugged it off.
But, here he is. Seriously, all these guys have made him soft. It's almost embarrassing.
He isn't expecting the revelation as much as he's expecting the switch flip, and there's a moment where Yugamu just regards Solomon with a sharp, cool eye before he finally lets the tension leak from his shoulders with an overly exasperated sigh. ]
Really, Sensei? You gave me that big of a touching speech just to tell me I have to share? [ Damn... ] And here I thought I was your favorite. I didn't take you for such a playboy...
[ Well, he's already in this deep. Might as well just sell it. ]
But, here he is. Seriously, all these guys have made him soft. It's almost embarrassing.
He isn't expecting the revelation as much as he's expecting the switch flip, and there's a moment where Yugamu just regards Solomon with a sharp, cool eye before he finally lets the tension leak from his shoulders with an overly exasperated sigh. ]
Really, Sensei? You gave me that big of a touching speech just to tell me I have to share? [ Damn... ] And here I thought I was your favorite. I didn't take you for such a playboy...
[ Well, he's already in this deep. Might as well just sell it. ]
That would be pretty romantic, although I'd prefer a more classic murder-suicide. The mutual bloodlust really adds something special.
[ Yeah, he wouldn't be sorry, would he. ]
I guess my days as a lone wolf are over. Not that they were letting me off the hook before...
[ Yeah, he wouldn't be sorry, would he. ]
I guess my days as a lone wolf are over. Not that they were letting me off the hook before...
Now, now, Yugamu. The Extras have enough to gossip about. I'd rather not have another story about a student falling madly in love.
[smashcut to the gossip about him being in love with a student..... we look away
Still, at least he grows thoughtful as the tangent.]
"Before" as in, before you were here, I take it? Is life tossing you into a lot of group projects?
[smashcut to the gossip about him being in love with a student..... we look away
Still, at least he grows thoughtful as the tangent.]
"Before" as in, before you were here, I take it? Is life tossing you into a lot of group projects?
That sort of thing doesn't really bother me. Do you think anyone could drag down the reputation of a killer for hire even further? We might as well make it a little interesting.
[ In short; he'd find it pretty entertaining, actually.
Ah, but that's a semi-loaded question. ]
Not wrong. They decided to ship me off to war out of the blue, back where I came from; for an assassin, working with a bunch of other people wasn't really my forte...But I've come to find it has it's own charm.
[ In short; he'd find it pretty entertaining, actually.
Ah, but that's a semi-loaded question. ]
Not wrong. They decided to ship me off to war out of the blue, back where I came from; for an assassin, working with a bunch of other people wasn't really my forte...But I've come to find it has it's own charm.
[ Maybe Solomon should consider the thrill in illicit affairs more often. But Yugamu will drop it, choosing to idly play with his earring. ]
Nope, not at all. [ There's a brief haze of faces, of voices, of complaints and begs. Blurry and not put together, but snippets come through now and then. Too young to fight, they say. Too young to die. The sentiment almost makes him laugh. ] But we're the only ones who could use a little special something, so the responsibility is ours. Killing targets for money can't really prepare you for the weight of the world on your shoulders...almost literally.
Nope, not at all. [ There's a brief haze of faces, of voices, of complaints and begs. Blurry and not put together, but snippets come through now and then. Too young to fight, they say. Too young to die. The sentiment almost makes him laugh. ] But we're the only ones who could use a little special something, so the responsibility is ours. Killing targets for money can't really prepare you for the weight of the world on your shoulders...almost literally.
[Solomon doesn't head to their meeting point right away, not when Noelle is so freshly on the mind. But he'll eventually slip his way past the rows and rows of spaces, the weeping voices of girls that echo, and up to the rooftop, one of his project satchels kept tightly in his pockets.
You up here, Yugamu, or does he have to go searching?]
You up here, Yugamu, or does he have to go searching?]
[ That's fine. The quiet helps...or maybe it doesn't, with nothing but his own thoughts to gnaw at his veins and split them open. There's a single, fleeting thought of heading to the lab to steal some of what he'd gone and made for a certain someone just to feel something a little different, but whatever rational part of him he's got left directs him otherwise.
So, he's here. The whimpers of pain that had filled his ears as he'd made his way up here had arguably settled worse than they usually would, but he's here. Staring out with a far more chilling stillness than he was the first time.
How's it going, old man. ]
So, he's here. The whimpers of pain that had filled his ears as he'd made his way up here had arguably settled worse than they usually would, but he's here. Staring out with a far more chilling stillness than he was the first time.
How's it going, old man. ]
[He doesn't sneak this time. His steps stay light and even and purposeful, gently coming to a stop near Yugamu.
With a sigh, he lowers to his knees next to the young man. It's a heavy quiet. One that would feel suffocating wihout exposure.]
You could shatter men with a gaze like that, you know. [Quiet.]
Where is your mind wandering off to, Yugamu?
With a sigh, he lowers to his knees next to the young man. It's a heavy quiet. One that would feel suffocating wihout exposure.]
You could shatter men with a gaze like that, you know. [Quiet.]
Where is your mind wandering off to, Yugamu?
Edited 2025-08-31 06:29 (UTC)
[ Yugamu is aware Solomon is there, but this time, he doesn't bother to address him first. While those steps are light, they're awfully loud to his ears, not so much as shifting even as the elder man settles next to him.
It takes a moment before the quiet breaks, and were the ache in his fingertips less severe, he might have laughed. ]
I don't mind the sound of that...maybe I'd get to see what's on the inside.
[ But at least he can still manage to quip, even if his heart isn't in it. He's not really sure where it is, actually, besides being choked. ]
I'd tell you if I knew. It was...
[ strange uncomfortable vulnerable dangerous, whirlwind anger and fondness mixing and colliding and it makes his head hurt in a way that doesn't even excite him. Perhaps that's the worst part, that he can't translate it to something he knows far better. ]
New for me, you know? I'm just a basket of contradictions.
It takes a moment before the quiet breaks, and were the ache in his fingertips less severe, he might have laughed. ]
I don't mind the sound of that...maybe I'd get to see what's on the inside.
[ But at least he can still manage to quip, even if his heart isn't in it. He's not really sure where it is, actually, besides being choked. ]
I'd tell you if I knew. It was...
[ strange uncomfortable vulnerable dangerous, whirlwind anger and fondness mixing and colliding and it makes his head hurt in a way that doesn't even excite him. Perhaps that's the worst part, that he can't translate it to something he knows far better. ]
New for me, you know? I'm just a basket of contradictions.
[He hums his understanding.]
...It's a messy thing as it is, the heart. A powerful force, like the strength of the ocean, with just as raging a temper and just as dangerous an undertow.
When is it ever easy, to know when you need a beacon or an anchor, when it feels like you might drown no matter what?
[Feelings were the most intense sort of power in his millenia of experience. A necessity, when it came to magic. But there was never an easy way to navigate them, both brittle and unbearable as they could be in turns.
...
His hands stay loosely knit together, slender fingers laced, as he tilts his head over just slightly. Studying Yugamu with eyes that tire in complex ways.]
...
What sort of person was she to you, Yugamu?
...It's a messy thing as it is, the heart. A powerful force, like the strength of the ocean, with just as raging a temper and just as dangerous an undertow.
When is it ever easy, to know when you need a beacon or an anchor, when it feels like you might drown no matter what?
[Feelings were the most intense sort of power in his millenia of experience. A necessity, when it came to magic. But there was never an easy way to navigate them, both brittle and unbearable as they could be in turns.
...
His hands stay loosely knit together, slender fingers laced, as he tilts his head over just slightly. Studying Yugamu with eyes that tire in complex ways.]
...
What sort of person was she to you, Yugamu?
[ The ocean again, huh.
Yugamu knows the heart is powerful. His is different than what people want it to be; his family wants it cold and and callous. His friends were prefer it tempered more, less viscous and oozing. But it is big as it is empty, covered in surgical steel and begging to be filled with something it's never known.
Would be that the ocean could do so, make it peaceful and quiet so the ache in his bones finally persists.
Yugamu doesn't comment on this, no. He ruminates, feeling those eyes scraping over him as they try to see through him a way he usually does to other people. He's not really one for talking alot, for baring himself for all to see in a way that isn't peelinng the skin from his chest, but how can he condense this? ]
I kind of thought she was a dud, at first. [ Yugamu is...honest, and she isn't here to hear, but it would be doing her a disservice to lie. ] Not that she wasn't cute, but I'm not really into that whole sweet girl next door thing. I was kind of surprised she lasted as long as she did; someone like that makes for an easy target. All insecurity, no spine.
[ He leans back in the slightest, letting silence reign for a second before he continues with a faint furrow of the brows. ]
It's not like she was bad, though. There's something charming in trying to be kind despite it all. [ His nails tap against the concrete. Once, twice. Tandem. ] I guess I'm just not used to people having my best interests at heart. I wasn't sure how to deal with it, when she told me. I'm usually the last guy you'd want to sympathize with, right?
[ Tap, tap. ]
...I hate to say it, but ever since we had that discussion, I've felt responsible. Like I needed to look out for her, since she can't do it herself. I needed to, or I was going to go stir-crazy. And now—
[ Dirt under her nails, terror in her veins. Each stab careless in it's calculation and full of no emotion but fear. He didn't want to pry his hands away, deep down, but the dead can only talk so much. Blood drips down from the nails that dig into the flesh of his hand. ]
She just deserved better. That's what I feel.
Yugamu knows the heart is powerful. His is different than what people want it to be; his family wants it cold and and callous. His friends were prefer it tempered more, less viscous and oozing. But it is big as it is empty, covered in surgical steel and begging to be filled with something it's never known.
Would be that the ocean could do so, make it peaceful and quiet so the ache in his bones finally persists.
Yugamu doesn't comment on this, no. He ruminates, feeling those eyes scraping over him as they try to see through him a way he usually does to other people. He's not really one for talking alot, for baring himself for all to see in a way that isn't peelinng the skin from his chest, but how can he condense this? ]
I kind of thought she was a dud, at first. [ Yugamu is...honest, and she isn't here to hear, but it would be doing her a disservice to lie. ] Not that she wasn't cute, but I'm not really into that whole sweet girl next door thing. I was kind of surprised she lasted as long as she did; someone like that makes for an easy target. All insecurity, no spine.
[ He leans back in the slightest, letting silence reign for a second before he continues with a faint furrow of the brows. ]
It's not like she was bad, though. There's something charming in trying to be kind despite it all. [ His nails tap against the concrete. Once, twice. Tandem. ] I guess I'm just not used to people having my best interests at heart. I wasn't sure how to deal with it, when she told me. I'm usually the last guy you'd want to sympathize with, right?
[ Tap, tap. ]
...I hate to say it, but ever since we had that discussion, I've felt responsible. Like I needed to look out for her, since she can't do it herself. I needed to, or I was going to go stir-crazy. And now—
[ Dirt under her nails, terror in her veins. Each stab careless in it's calculation and full of no emotion but fear. He didn't want to pry his hands away, deep down, but the dead can only talk so much. Blood drips down from the nails that dig into the flesh of his hand. ]
She just deserved better. That's what I feel.
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