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She was very kind underneath her troubles, wasn't she? A girl of gratitude and guilt, wishing for a better life and feeling she did not deserve it. Wanting courage but being pinned down by her faith, rather than bolstered.
[It's quiet, even as he watches the blood that drips down onto the concrete. Mm, no, they were going to need to redirect that here in a moment.]
Perhaps she saw you a likehearted soul. Misunderstood and stuck.
But I do not think she, of anyone, would want to see you put blame on yourself. She knew that weight enough.
[It's quiet, even as he watches the blood that drips down onto the concrete. Mm, no, they were going to need to redirect that here in a moment.]
Perhaps she saw you a likehearted soul. Misunderstood and stuck.
But I do not think she, of anyone, would want to see you put blame on yourself. She knew that weight enough.
About as dire as it gets. [ And despite the tone he takes, like it's a minor inconvenience, his mouth still twitches with the urge to frown. ] All of humanity's pretty much done for if we don't break our backs out there.
[ Will he be in trouble, for mentioning it? Well, not like he can get punished here more than he already is. ]
[ Will he be in trouble, for mentioning it? Well, not like he can get punished here more than he already is. ]
[ Lack of courage, full of dreams. Very different from the girls he's used to dealing with, but perhaps that's interesting in of itself. Somehow, deep down, he knows the fascination and the obsessive twist coiling through the gaps of his ribs wouldn't be so strong if it weren't for what they share, and he so loathes the idea of feelings given inorganically—
Likehearted. Ah, he doesn't hear that often. ]
For the love of murder...it'd be the first time someone who wasn't a fellow killer thought that. [ A sigh. ] Then again, that type of kindness could kill in it's own right.
[ There's something so...strange in being viewed as an unfortunate child, someone wronged, considering everything. For someone to see themselves in him in a way that isn't a blade in his guts. It doesn't suit him.
Such a strange, almost sour taste of normalcy, and yet that lingering flavor makes him want to chase it like a predator on the hunt. ]
...I wouldn't if I could help it. [ He doesn't like feeling like this, especially with that ever-familiar twinge of lust mixing with it, the smell of blood and death and urge to kill from before colliding into a volatile fever pitch as his fingers tap faster on the red-stained concrete. It's a terrible combination, and he knows it. ] All these emotions aren't good for an assassin, you know?
Likehearted. Ah, he doesn't hear that often. ]
For the love of murder...it'd be the first time someone who wasn't a fellow killer thought that. [ A sigh. ] Then again, that type of kindness could kill in it's own right.
[ There's something so...strange in being viewed as an unfortunate child, someone wronged, considering everything. For someone to see themselves in him in a way that isn't a blade in his guts. It doesn't suit him.
Such a strange, almost sour taste of normalcy, and yet that lingering flavor makes him want to chase it like a predator on the hunt. ]
...I wouldn't if I could help it. [ He doesn't like feeling like this, especially with that ever-familiar twinge of lust mixing with it, the smell of blood and death and urge to kill from before colliding into a volatile fever pitch as his fingers tap faster on the red-stained concrete. It's a terrible combination, and he knows it. ] All these emotions aren't good for an assassin, you know?
Experimentation, basically.
[ Something about learning someone else had put him under the knife without his permission was...less than ideal. Just as unappealing as the war itself. ]
The enemies we're fighting against had a special kind of mutated blood. Since they couldn't win against it after years of traditional war, they ended up taking one of their greatest weapons, which let them research that ability to their heart's content. Then, it was just about finding people compatible with it.
[ One taloned finger taps himself on the chest. ]
Which ended up being all of us. We just happened to get the short end of the stick.
[ Something about learning someone else had put him under the knife without his permission was...less than ideal. Just as unappealing as the war itself. ]
The enemies we're fighting against had a special kind of mutated blood. Since they couldn't win against it after years of traditional war, they ended up taking one of their greatest weapons, which let them research that ability to their heart's content. Then, it was just about finding people compatible with it.
[ One taloned finger taps himself on the chest. ]
Which ended up being all of us. We just happened to get the short end of the stick.
[He watches that tension coil tighter, red staining the concrete. Ah, well. He was hoping this wouldn't be a problem, but routes of deescalation were always flexible.]
Then why don't we get it out of your system?
[A low response.]
You're familiar with knives, I take it?
Then why don't we get it out of your system?
[A low response.]
You're familiar with knives, I take it?
The guaranteed suffering of the few to alleviate the possible suffering of the many, hm?
[An exchange that works on paper, but feels uncomfortable in the details.]
Just or not, it's not as though that puts you in a good position. I'm surprised you're so composed about it.
How many of you were there?
[An exchange that works on paper, but feels uncomfortable in the details.]
Just or not, it's not as though that puts you in a good position. I'm surprised you're so composed about it.
How many of you were there?
[He's surprised when he can't find Yugamu in his normal spot. So Solomon will go to searching in his strange patrol of the school, finally poking his nose in the chapel.
Ah. There's that messy bob of blue, like spotting a sliver of the ocean in the distant horizon.
He's in a new look today as he strolls quietly into the lab. The pen he had used in their impromptu sparring session only days ago now stays openly in his hand, flicking back and forth across his fingers.
Well. Some of them, anyway. One of his hands is bandaged, and there's a noticeable favor on one side if Yugamu pays close enough attention. At the nape of his neck, peeking against his collar, is a staining of black against his skin that definitely wasn't there before.
But his smile is easy, easy, even if his gaze falls strange as he strolls up closer.]
Cooped up somewhere new today, aren't we?
Ah. There's that messy bob of blue, like spotting a sliver of the ocean in the distant horizon.
He's in a new look today as he strolls quietly into the lab. The pen he had used in their impromptu sparring session only days ago now stays openly in his hand, flicking back and forth across his fingers.
Well. Some of them, anyway. One of his hands is bandaged, and there's a noticeable favor on one side if Yugamu pays close enough attention. At the nape of his neck, peeking against his collar, is a staining of black against his skin that definitely wasn't there before.
But his smile is easy, easy, even if his gaze falls strange as he strolls up closer.]
Cooped up somewhere new today, aren't we?
[ It's really been a while.
It's only been a little more than two weeks, but it feels like forever since he's been in the battlefield. No sorties, no defensive battles, no training in the gym in the early mornings...nothing to sate himself in any way.
All that, plus the death, the tension, the feelings that are both his own and not plucking at all of his nerves, it's no wonder the gaze that settles on Solomon is probably the coldest it's been since he got here. ]
Solomon-sensei. [ Oh, he wants to, but he has to know. ] Do you think you can handle me?
It's only been a little more than two weeks, but it feels like forever since he's been in the battlefield. No sorties, no defensive battles, no training in the gym in the early mornings...nothing to sate himself in any way.
All that, plus the death, the tension, the feelings that are both his own and not plucking at all of his nerves, it's no wonder the gaze that settles on Solomon is probably the coldest it's been since he got here. ]
Solomon-sensei. [ Oh, he wants to, but he has to know. ] Do you think you can handle me?
Who's to say? [He rises to his feet.] I'm a sorcerer. Not a soldier.
But I do have a predicament, and who better than you to show me by example?
[With a flourish, the black pen with diamond inlay - the very one Solomon asked Yugamu to watch out for - is pulled out to rest in his fingers. First naturally, flicked between his fingers, before fully flipping into his palm like the hilt of a weapon.
A blink, and the pen is something else - a dagger, sharp and roughly hewn in shades of iridescent diamond.
Another blink, and the pen is once again a pen, flicking against his fingers.]
I am in dire need of some practice.
But I do have a predicament, and who better than you to show me by example?
[With a flourish, the black pen with diamond inlay - the very one Solomon asked Yugamu to watch out for - is pulled out to rest in his fingers. First naturally, flicked between his fingers, before fully flipping into his palm like the hilt of a weapon.
A blink, and the pen is something else - a dagger, sharp and roughly hewn in shades of iridescent diamond.
Another blink, and the pen is once again a pen, flicking against his fingers.]
I am in dire need of some practice.
Edited 2025-09-03 08:58 (UTC)
[ Ah, so he gets it. ]
Can't say I had much choice but to suck it up. I don't remember anything about those tests, and I woke up too far away to just go back home. The idea didn't exactly thrill me in the beginning, but...at this point, either we kill or we die.
[ Not an ideal choice, no matter what. But no matter how bitter the taste of relentless war sits on his tongue, better to fight to the last than lie down and throw away all the efforts thus far. ]
16, to start with. [ If only because— ] 15 of us shipped off, and the 'special weapon' I mentioned.
Can't say I had much choice but to suck it up. I don't remember anything about those tests, and I woke up too far away to just go back home. The idea didn't exactly thrill me in the beginning, but...at this point, either we kill or we die.
[ Not an ideal choice, no matter what. But no matter how bitter the taste of relentless war sits on his tongue, better to fight to the last than lie down and throw away all the efforts thus far. ]
16, to start with. [ If only because— ] 15 of us shipped off, and the 'special weapon' I mentioned.
[ Well, he can't be sitting on the parking lot roof stuck in his thoughts all the time. Really, it's not even his usual spot outside of the post-trial fugue.
This is where he usually hangs out, ever since the insides shifted into something more comfortably familiar. There's a pleasantness among the test tubes and fumes, the powders and acids, all the possible combinations that could heal and harm in equal measure...
It's easy to lose himself in it. Or lose himself as much as someone with honed instincts could.
Yugamu is already paying attention the moment the doors open, gaze sliding from his project to the swing of creaky hinges. The face is unexpected, which shows in the flicker in his eyes, but it smooths out as fast as it came. ]
You'd be surprised how much time I spend in here. Since the infirmary's lacking, isn't this the next best thing for someone of my talents?
[ His tone is easygoing, but his gaze is darting to and fro, cataloguing things that weren't there. Bandage, hand. A shift to favor the side. And if those blues linger on an unfamiliar stain of black, that's nobody's fault but Solomon's. ]
But enough about me. You look like you've been up to no good, Sensei...are you going to give me all the dirty details?
This is where he usually hangs out, ever since the insides shifted into something more comfortably familiar. There's a pleasantness among the test tubes and fumes, the powders and acids, all the possible combinations that could heal and harm in equal measure...
It's easy to lose himself in it. Or lose himself as much as someone with honed instincts could.
Yugamu is already paying attention the moment the doors open, gaze sliding from his project to the swing of creaky hinges. The face is unexpected, which shows in the flicker in his eyes, but it smooths out as fast as it came. ]
You'd be surprised how much time I spend in here. Since the infirmary's lacking, isn't this the next best thing for someone of my talents?
[ His tone is easygoing, but his gaze is darting to and fro, cataloguing things that weren't there. Bandage, hand. A shift to favor the side. And if those blues linger on an unfamiliar stain of black, that's nobody's fault but Solomon's. ]
But enough about me. You look like you've been up to no good, Sensei...are you going to give me all the dirty details?
Heheh... It does seem to suit you very well, all buried up like a potion master.
[He does see that wandering gaze, though, and his head shifts slightly, brows raising.]
What, me? Oh, I'd never get into trouble. [It's such a hammy delivery that he might as well be stapling a big red sign saying "UH OH" to his forehead.]
I would like to know if you've been able to do your task yet, though. [The pen flicks. Agitated, almost.] Or if you've helped someone else. Anyone else.
[He does see that wandering gaze, though, and his head shifts slightly, brows raising.]
What, me? Oh, I'd never get into trouble. [It's such a hammy delivery that he might as well be stapling a big red sign saying "UH OH" to his forehead.]
I would like to know if you've been able to do your task yet, though. [The pen flicks. Agitated, almost.] Or if you've helped someone else. Anyone else.
Yeesh, can we not use potion master? It feels so insincere...
[ He prefers Doctor Omokage, thank you. Or poisoner. Or something a little more grounded in reality.
But the cringe can wait...or this type of cringe can, in any case, because Solomon's attempt at deflection is arguably the worst kind. His blank features plaster on as the older man goes on, every little twitch catalogued away until silence reigns in the chapel itself.
When Yugamu speaks again, it's punctuated by an overtly exasperated sigh. ]
For the love of murder...I figured you'd try a little harder if you were going to lie to someone who can see through you, you know. I am a professional.
[ ...Sort of. ]
And maybe I have. Is there any particular reason that thought is making you look like a guy on death row? Because I have to say, I've had enough of being kept in the dark to last the next several lifetimes.
[ He prefers Doctor Omokage, thank you. Or poisoner. Or something a little more grounded in reality.
But the cringe can wait...or this type of cringe can, in any case, because Solomon's attempt at deflection is arguably the worst kind. His blank features plaster on as the older man goes on, every little twitch catalogued away until silence reigns in the chapel itself.
When Yugamu speaks again, it's punctuated by an overtly exasperated sigh. ]
For the love of murder...I figured you'd try a little harder if you were going to lie to someone who can see through you, you know. I am a professional.
[ ...Sort of. ]
And maybe I have. Is there any particular reason that thought is making you look like a guy on death row? Because I have to say, I've had enough of being kept in the dark to last the next several lifetimes.
I promise my injuries have nothing to do with it. [Raising his hands in mock surrender.] Fandaniel and I got into a fight before the execution, and he came at me with a scalpel. You can check the wounds yourself if you don't believe me.
Though I have a feeling that's not quite what you mean.
Though I have a feeling that's not quite what you mean.
[ These old men really love going at each other, huh? How many times is this now...what he wouldn't do for a quarter of that excitement, but the messiness isn't quite his thing. ]
And you didn't come to me first thing? I'm beginning to think you have no faith my abilities whatsoever.
[ But Solomon is right, because Yugamu is still staring, features blank except for that sharpened glint in blue. ]
Do you need me to spell it out for you? If you want, I could start pulling it out the hard way...I'm sure that could leave a lasting impression of what I can do.
[ There's something behind that agitation he doesn't like, and with the week passing by already, he's not willing to take any risks. ]
And you didn't come to me first thing? I'm beginning to think you have no faith my abilities whatsoever.
[ But Solomon is right, because Yugamu is still staring, features blank except for that sharpened glint in blue. ]
Do you need me to spell it out for you? If you want, I could start pulling it out the hard way...I'm sure that could leave a lasting impression of what I can do.
[ There's something behind that agitation he doesn't like, and with the week passing by already, he's not willing to take any risks. ]
I wasn't exactly in a position to get up and find anyone, and if I'd crossed Fandaniel, he was agitated enough to start attacking the entire Troupe. I was lucky one of our little vehicles found me and took me to the infirmary.
[He inhales, more bracing than usual, as he casually pivots and starts to pace. The pen still twirling, the mark on his neck prominent whenever he turns.]
I would... would really, really like you to answer my question first, Yugamu. A simple yes or no. Please. There's only...
[Another inhale. The pen grips tight into his palm, then forced out.]
There's only so much I can do, to make this agitation go away right now. You of all people should understand. Correct?
[He inhales, more bracing than usual, as he casually pivots and starts to pace. The pen still twirling, the mark on his neck prominent whenever he turns.]
I would... would really, really like you to answer my question first, Yugamu. A simple yes or no. Please. There's only...
[Another inhale. The pen grips tight into his palm, then forced out.]
There's only so much I can do, to make this agitation go away right now. You of all people should understand. Correct?
[ ...That doesn't bode well, and it shows with the tilt of his lips downward. Perhaps Fandaniel can talk on the end of a knife again, if things get that high; Solomon is not a fighter, but Yugamu is. ]
Then I'll look at it later.
[ Simple, factual. Call him overconfident, but he'd rather check for himself.
There's something...disconcerting, in watching Solomon pace about, muscles coiled with tension he doesn't normally have. He's beginning to have a fleeting idea of why, pieces slotting together from the waver in his voice and every twitch of his anxious fingers.
Whatever Yugamu was working on is set aside, momentarily abandoned and forgotten. ]
...Yes, I have.
[ The blood's gotten under his nails, sated the urge and broiling storm in his head. It's why he's here now, calmer than before.
He won't say what he wants to ask, because he wants to see if he'll hear it first from the man himself's mouth. ]
Then I'll look at it later.
[ Simple, factual. Call him overconfident, but he'd rather check for himself.
There's something...disconcerting, in watching Solomon pace about, muscles coiled with tension he doesn't normally have. He's beginning to have a fleeting idea of why, pieces slotting together from the waver in his voice and every twitch of his anxious fingers.
Whatever Yugamu was working on is set aside, momentarily abandoned and forgotten. ]
...Yes, I have.
[ The blood's gotten under his nails, sated the urge and broiling storm in his head. It's why he's here now, calmer than before.
He won't say what he wants to ask, because he wants to see if he'll hear it first from the man himself's mouth. ]
Good.
[The tension doesn't ease. It just redirects like a snap, back towards the chapel doors, as his pacing immediately stops.]
Good, good... I figured you would. Of course you would. But I have to make sure.
[Another shaking exhale. A shudder in his stance, as though he's having to fight himself from moving towards the doors instead.]
I don't want to lose anymore of you like this. But things are happening, Yugamu. Things that can't be avoided any more. We're so close to the end.
[The tension doesn't ease. It just redirects like a snap, back towards the chapel doors, as his pacing immediately stops.]
Good, good... I figured you would. Of course you would. But I have to make sure.
[Another shaking exhale. A shudder in his stance, as though he's having to fight himself from moving towards the doors instead.]
I don't want to lose anymore of you like this. But things are happening, Yugamu. Things that can't be avoided any more. We're so close to the end.
[ Of course he would.
Not just because it offered something familiar, a mutual outlet, but because he of all people knows how bad impulses can get if unchecked. If it can offer a way for them to both drain the feelings away, then why not indulge himself for the first time in a while?
But the fact this doesn't do anything to ease the look in Solomon's eyes has Yugamu's lips pursing in a thin line. ]
And what kind of 'things' are we talking about? [ He hasn't had the opportunity to speak to Sika Madu much, but the others seem like they know far more than him. He's not sure how much he likes that. ] Whatever it is, I can't do much if you don't plan on telling me.
[ And would he? While Yugamu has come to know the other man far more than expected, his inner machinations are still wired in ways even a practiced hand struggles to pick apart. ]
Unless you went and decided you don't need my help anymore?
Not just because it offered something familiar, a mutual outlet, but because he of all people knows how bad impulses can get if unchecked. If it can offer a way for them to both drain the feelings away, then why not indulge himself for the first time in a while?
But the fact this doesn't do anything to ease the look in Solomon's eyes has Yugamu's lips pursing in a thin line. ]
And what kind of 'things' are we talking about? [ He hasn't had the opportunity to speak to Sika Madu much, but the others seem like they know far more than him. He's not sure how much he likes that. ] Whatever it is, I can't do much if you don't plan on telling me.
[ And would he? While Yugamu has come to know the other man far more than expected, his inner machinations are still wired in ways even a practiced hand struggles to pick apart. ]
Unless you went and decided you don't need my help anymore?
No. That's not it.
Only one more needs to die, Yugamu. Only one.
I don't know if failure for the tasks will count. I'd like to get them out of the way. To make sure we don't get careless at the end. But they're...
[A beat. The pen flips into his palm as his hand digs against his shirt over his heart.
Exhale.]
They're doing something to their contracts. My task's feelings just... cling to me. Like I can't quite let go of it. [And he doesn't have a rose anywhere on him marking the start of a task.]
Only one more needs to die, Yugamu. Only one.
I don't know if failure for the tasks will count. I'd like to get them out of the way. To make sure we don't get careless at the end. But they're...
[A beat. The pen flips into his palm as his hand digs against his shirt over his heart.
Exhale.]
They're doing something to their contracts. My task's feelings just... cling to me. Like I can't quite let go of it. [And he doesn't have a rose anywhere on him marking the start of a task.]
Edited 2025-09-04 08:29 (UTC)
[ There is something about this that settles wrong in his bones, watching Solomon move like that. Speak those words. Solomon is not Takumi, the same age and struggling with things just as all of them are; he's grown, he knows things that Yugamu doesn't.
He would say he wishes nobody else has to die for them to leave, but he's not that naive. He hasn't spent the past three months cutting people down for the sake of survival to say something he knows is likely unavoidable, and someone like him shouldn't be preaching to the choir, anyway.
Yugamu's gaze gets icier. ]
Ignoring the fact people have actually made them, you sound like you know who and what. [ He doesn't like the sound of it, nor that it sounds like there's more than one. Don, he'd heard of, but... ] And on that note, which task was it? If it's still affecting you, then maybe it hasn't been sated enough.
[ His gaze flickers, still locked on that black mark which almost seems to writhe when he blinks. ]
He would say he wishes nobody else has to die for them to leave, but he's not that naive. He hasn't spent the past three months cutting people down for the sake of survival to say something he knows is likely unavoidable, and someone like him shouldn't be preaching to the choir, anyway.
Yugamu's gaze gets icier. ]
Ignoring the fact people have actually made them, you sound like you know who and what. [ He doesn't like the sound of it, nor that it sounds like there's more than one. Don, he'd heard of, but... ] And on that note, which task was it? If it's still affecting you, then maybe it hasn't been sated enough.
[ His gaze flickers, still locked on that black mark which almost seems to writhe when he blinks. ]
Edited 2025-09-05 04:34 (UTC)
An infant, if we're getting exact.
[ Mad science bullshit is right. His favorite type of bullshit...just maybe not right now. ]
Basically, his body makes the fuel for the weapons we're protecting...Even for me, it sounded pretty far-fetched. Science is one thing, the magic mutations and everything is a whole 'nother ballgame, man. Not that all the experimental opportunities weren't exciting...
[ Mad science bullshit is right. His favorite type of bullshit...just maybe not right now. ]
Basically, his body makes the fuel for the weapons we're protecting...Even for me, it sounded pretty far-fetched. Science is one thing, the magic mutations and everything is a whole 'nother ballgame, man. Not that all the experimental opportunities weren't exciting...
[He blows out a breath that sounds like an anxious choke of a laugh.]
I know. I know. Sika.
...
Bloodshed. [His fist tightens, still with the pen in his fist. It lowers, slowly.] Cantarella already took me to the hot springs to try and calm me down.
[A beat, a shaking exhale.
The pen flickers immediately into the diamond dagger at his side, gripped so tight his knuckles go white.
The marking at his neck starts to deepen. To spread. Wrapping, wrapping--
But with a sharp exhale, Solomon throws the dagger down with one tense motion. The second it leaves his hands, it snaps right back to a pen, clattering off to the side. The sorcerer heaves deep breathes in as he digs his hands into his hair. The ends of his fingers are starting to color oddly. Darkening. Spreading.]
I... Yugamu, I need you to hurt me. Please.
[Hurt him, or he's going to hurt someone else.]
I know. I know. Sika.
...
Bloodshed. [His fist tightens, still with the pen in his fist. It lowers, slowly.] Cantarella already took me to the hot springs to try and calm me down.
[A beat, a shaking exhale.
The pen flickers immediately into the diamond dagger at his side, gripped so tight his knuckles go white.
The marking at his neck starts to deepen. To spread. Wrapping, wrapping--
But with a sharp exhale, Solomon throws the dagger down with one tense motion. The second it leaves his hands, it snaps right back to a pen, clattering off to the side. The sorcerer heaves deep breathes in as he digs his hands into his hair. The ends of his fingers are starting to color oddly. Darkening. Spreading.]
I... Yugamu, I need you to hurt me. Please.
[Hurt him, or he's going to hurt someone else.]
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