[ Considering that Hua Cheng is doing a bit of running around, it takes a little time for him to truly be alone. But he makes sure of it, for Swan - and stands with his arms crossed, waiting.
Alyssa's nova is splintering. [ they pause and frown ] Or something--someone-- is making me feel like it is. If it was just that, I might have let it go. I can't just trust a feeling when I know I didn't feel the same for Yoshizawa. But... even if it's not true... and what I'm feeling is just someone trying to pit us against each other...
[ they curl their hands into a fist ]
Some of the Leaders have been saying it, and people have received the same message from the participants who have been removed. To get the ones from our team back, our team needs to kill twice. That's why, I'm asking you to remove Alyssa.
[ So here it is. There have been enough guesses at how this works, and whether or not it was true, but to have the confirmation... ]
Alright. [ He hears them out, all the way to the end, and that's that - simple. ] It may be that someone might be trying to pit teams against one another, which lends more credence to the possibility of someone working outside of the rules of the Realm, but if there's a chance?
We can take it, and I'm willing to be the one to do it. [ calmly ] Better me than any of the others. They're not incapable, but Taako is still hurt and the others don't need to take that responsibility.
Yes. And... I think you've got the most chance to get away with it. Except for... [ they look down ] But I've already asked so much of Sora. I can't put this on him, too.
[ so they look back at him, jaw set ]
That's my only condition. You can't get caught. I don't want to lose anyone else.
[ His lip curls a little at the thought of making Sora do this - too many heroes in this place, and too many he'd rather not see bloody their hands. ]
No. If this happens again, just leave me to do it. [ A shake of his head, his jaw also set, as he looks back at them. ] It's something I'm good at, even without my abilities, so I'll ensure that it's hard to pin it on me.
[ And he uncrosses his arms, turning slightly to pick something up. It's that same, tacky Emporium wrapping paper that he'd been using to do the shrine portraits - but off the roll, even if it's rolled up. He offers it to Swan. ]
I already had it, anyways. Death isn't much to a ghost, Swan, and I've killed my fair share of people before now.
[ It's - hilariously wrapped, actually. Because he thought he would be funny, before the topic of this audience, it's the tube from the wrapping paper itself that's been wrapped. Surprise!
We're kidding, there's more to that. Inside is the lapis lazuli, if they turn it over to empty the contents, turned into a charm (thanks Hilda), as well as a makeshift scroll. And the scroll... is a scene depicting all of the members of Swan - Sumire included - along with their leader, gathered like they're just. Talking. ]
The weeks are getting fuzzier and fuzzier, for us. And while I know there is something beyond the Realm, when participants die, better to have an offering to ensure we're not all forgotten.
[ swan looks so unamused at the tube at first, but they hold the rest like its precious ]
Oh. This is...
[ hm they sound a little choked up, and they shake their head. ]
Thank you, Hua Cheng. It's a great gift. [ they seem a little transfixed by both ] I wouldn't forget any of you. But all the more reason why you can't get caught. I want us all to meet like this, when it's over.
[ there's determination in the line of their shoulders ]
[ Ha ha. Hua Cheng was planning on laughing? Because he's an ass. But now he really can't, can he, considering the request and their reaction. ]
All the more reason, then. Maybe when we're able to do such a thing, I'll be able to give you your own portrait like I've done with the others, rather than simply your mask.
[ Not that he's given them any of the portraits - those are for the dead, at the moment. ]
[ Oh, he wasn't actually expecting that to work. There's a beat where Swan has obviously surprised him, but then his expression - softens, a little? The increase of respect is clear enough. ]
Makes it more of a proper deal, that way. [ He offers her his hand, red string visible, its own promise. ] I have many reasons to come out of this, without being caught, but another will be to make sure there's a new drawing to go with that one.
[ Just consider it a moment of swan daddy swearing an oath on god, no big deal, it's fine. ]
And if we can bring them back from the place they are, all the better. [ He grips her hand tight, in return. ] I'd tell you to say a prayer, but I don't intend on my god finding out about this.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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That's certainly a serious face. ]
And what's that?
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[ they curl their hands into a fist ]
Some of the Leaders have been saying it, and people have received the same message from the participants who have been removed. To get the ones from our team back, our team needs to kill twice. That's why, I'm asking you to remove Alyssa.
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Alright. [ He hears them out, all the way to the end, and that's that - simple. ] It may be that someone might be trying to pit teams against one another, which lends more credence to the possibility of someone working outside of the rules of the Realm, but if there's a chance?
We can take it, and I'm willing to be the one to do it. [ calmly ] Better me than any of the others. They're not incapable, but Taako is still hurt and the others don't need to take that responsibility.
[ Fiora wouldn't do it, anyways. tch ]
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Yes. And... I think you've got the most chance to get away with it. Except for... [ they look down ] But I've already asked so much of Sora. I can't put this on him, too.
[ so they look back at him, jaw set ]
That's my only condition. You can't get caught. I don't want to lose anyone else.
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No. If this happens again, just leave me to do it. [ A shake of his head, his jaw also set, as he looks back at them. ] It's something I'm good at, even without my abilities, so I'll ensure that it's hard to pin it on me.
[ And he uncrosses his arms, turning slightly to pick something up. It's that same, tacky Emporium wrapping paper that he'd been using to do the shrine portraits - but off the roll, even if it's rolled up. He offers it to Swan. ]
Take it as a promise.
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[ They seem very taken aback but take the present, opening it delicately. It's not even wrapped prettily, but they are still very careful with it ]
Even though I'm asking you to do something like this? [ it's a little rueful ]
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[ It's - hilariously wrapped, actually. Because he thought he would be funny, before the topic of this audience, it's the tube from the wrapping paper itself that's been wrapped. Surprise!
We're kidding, there's more to that. Inside is the lapis lazuli, if they turn it over to empty the contents, turned into a charm (thanks Hilda), as well as a makeshift scroll. And the scroll... is a scene depicting all of the members of Swan - Sumire included - along with their leader, gathered like they're just. Talking. ]
The weeks are getting fuzzier and fuzzier, for us. And while I know there is something beyond the Realm, when participants die, better to have an offering to ensure we're not all forgotten.
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Oh. This is...
[ hm they sound a little choked up, and they shake their head. ]
Thank you, Hua Cheng. It's a great gift. [ they seem a little transfixed by both ] I wouldn't forget any of you. But all the more reason why you can't get caught. I want us all to meet like this, when it's over.
[ there's determination in the line of their shoulders ]
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All the more reason, then. Maybe when we're able to do such a thing, I'll be able to give you your own portrait like I've done with the others, rather than simply your mask.
[ Not that he's given them any of the portraits - those are for the dead, at the moment. ]
1/2
[ like they'd forgotten they were wearing it, swan suddenly lifts a hand up to remove their mask and hood--?! ]
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If I'm going to ask you to do something like this for me, the least I can do is look you in the eyes when I do.
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Makes it more of a proper deal, that way. [ He offers her his hand, red string visible, its own promise. ] I have many reasons to come out of this, without being caught, but another will be to make sure there's a new drawing to go with that one.
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Then it's a deal and a promise. We'll see this through to the end, for the ones who can't.
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And if we can bring them back from the place they are, all the better. [ He grips her hand tight, in return. ] I'd tell you to say a prayer, but I don't intend on my god finding out about this.
So let's keep it to us, for now.
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Don't worry. No one else needs to know.
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I'll see you soon, Swan. With results.
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