And that's going to make decisions harder, from here on. If this continues to happen, and if we're less certain another time? There'll be a possibility of eliminating someone innocent and risking another person while we're at it.
[A long pause, there, expression settling into a frown.]
We'll all also have to consider if we're willing to protect our partners, and therefore ourselves, no matter what happens.
We can only hope that if that scenario happens... that the power to reforge fates will be enough to mitigate that. [ That is, there won't be too many deaths. That would be tragic... They can't really change the case if they vote someone innocent guilty, can they?
She looks at him with unblinking eyes. ]
That really does beg the question, doesn't it? Are you willing to protect yourself no matter what happens?
[He exhales a breath as he shifts to lie back on the blankets, arms folded behind his head, and for a few moments he says nothing else.]
It'd be difficult, but-- keeping someone corrupted alive would be a risk in the end, wouldn't it? In protecting oneself, greater danger might be created... though of course, it's hard to truly say when it's only a thought.
How do you feel about it, Four-chan?
[It's not a direct answer, but it seems that's what she's getting for now.]
[ That's not a straight answer. She's dumb but she's not that dumb, and her face twists with displeasure. They really can't trust each other yet, can they? That's not unexpected, but she doesn't like it. It's not fine, but can anyone be 100 percent fine with all the implications of today's trial?
She's not happy, but what can she do about it? ]
I want what is best for everyone, but I also have no wish to die. I don't want to be constantly worried for my life. I'm... I'm tired of it.
Something you were used to, before being brought here?
[He lifts his head enough to look at her, a brow faintly arched.]
It's not something I'm unfamiliar with, either. Neither of us wants to meet our end here, and I'd find it difficult to condemn you if that came to pass-- but we'll have to weigh the situation more carefully than that.
[Trust alone's not enough, considering what the circumstances seem to be.]
[It takes a few moments to decide on a response, gaze fixed up to the ceiling.]
There are people who need me. The most important thing is making sure I'm able to return to them, that they're there to return to-- and improving our situation, if it's possible.
[ He looks up, but she looks down at her hands. She's silent for a moment before she adds: ]
My sisters and I don't live together anymore because we overthrew the tyrannical lords of Midgard, and now we're trying to make the countries better in a new rule. Our situations may not be the same, but... I think I can understand a little bit.
Neither of us can afford to give up very easily, can we.
[And at least they can relate to each others' situations, if not entirely.]
...what I think is this. If we're to be tied to each other, we have little choice but to try to trust each other as much as we're able, regardless of what the situation might become. Without that, we're only at a higher risk; everything else will have to be taken as it comes, including deciding what to do if these events should repeat and affect one of us.
[ She closes her eyes and nods after a second even if he's not looking at her. ]
I will try to trust you. I promise you that I will do everything I can to stay alive.
[ That, at least, is sincere. Death is at the forefront of her worries, and she does everything she can in order not to die. It's not easy for her to die, but with her usual powers and abilities blocked, it's so much easier. It makes this place and this situation all that more troubling and frightening for Four, and it's only her ability to repress that all her feelings haven't come tumbling out. Just some of them. ]
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[A long pause, there, expression settling into a frown.]
We'll all also have to consider if we're willing to protect our partners, and therefore ourselves, no matter what happens.
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She looks at him with unblinking eyes. ]
That really does beg the question, doesn't it? Are you willing to protect yourself no matter what happens?
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[He exhales a breath as he shifts to lie back on the blankets, arms folded behind his head, and for a few moments he says nothing else.]
It'd be difficult, but-- keeping someone corrupted alive would be a risk in the end, wouldn't it? In protecting oneself, greater danger might be created... though of course, it's hard to truly say when it's only a thought.
How do you feel about it, Four-chan?
[It's not a direct answer, but it seems that's what she's getting for now.]
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She's not happy, but what can she do about it? ]
I want what is best for everyone, but I also have no wish to die. I don't want to be constantly worried for my life. I'm... I'm tired of it.
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[He lifts his head enough to look at her, a brow faintly arched.]
It's not something I'm unfamiliar with, either. Neither of us wants to meet our end here, and I'd find it difficult to condemn you if that came to pass-- but we'll have to weigh the situation more carefully than that.
[Trust alone's not enough, considering what the circumstances seem to be.]
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[ Those don't matter here, and even though they don't matter, there's still all of this to suffer through. It frankly sucks. ]
What would you weigh as most important to yourself? For yourself?
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[It takes a few moments to decide on a response, gaze fixed up to the ceiling.]
There are people who need me. The most important thing is making sure I'm able to return to them, that they're there to return to-- and improving our situation, if it's possible.
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[ He looks up, but she looks down at her hands. She's silent for a moment before she adds: ]
My sisters and I don't live together anymore because we overthrew the tyrannical lords of Midgard, and now we're trying to make the countries better in a new rule. Our situations may not be the same, but... I think I can understand a little bit.
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[And at least they can relate to each others' situations, if not entirely.]
...what I think is this. If we're to be tied to each other, we have little choice but to try to trust each other as much as we're able, regardless of what the situation might become. Without that, we're only at a higher risk; everything else will have to be taken as it comes, including deciding what to do if these events should repeat and affect one of us.
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I will try to trust you. I promise you that I will do everything I can to stay alive.
[ That, at least, is sincere. Death is at the forefront of her worries, and she does everything she can in order not to die. It's not easy for her to die, but with her usual powers and abilities blocked, it's so much easier. It makes this place and this situation all that more troubling and frightening for Four, and it's only her ability to repress that all her feelings haven't come tumbling out. Just some of them. ]
I don't want to become a target.
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And I promise that I will do the same.
[There are too many things he needs to do for him to slack, or to let himself die. He can't let that come to pass, no matter what.
After another moment or two of internal debate, he adds, looking slightly conflicted-]
If we're to trust each other, then... I'm aligned with earth.
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But they're trying, aren't they? They're trying. This is trying. ]
I am, as well.
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[Shirasu manages a very faint smile, there, propping himself up on his elbows to get comfortable.]
I won't ask you to share your ability-- it's early yet, after all.
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Thank you. I'd like to tell you more in time.
[ It's a step forward from before, at least. ]
What do you think of that darkness that came from Mary?
[ In lieu of asking about abilities. ]
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[Such things are always better with time. They can't force it that easily.
At the question, though, he sits up properly, cross-legged.]
It was certainly something strange... I'm not sure I liked the look of it.
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[ She glances away, her eyes trained on the wall. ]
I went to talk to Mary, and... it spoke to me for a while.
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[His brow furrows at that, with a touch of concern.]
What did it say to you?
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[ Her voice sounds kind of faraway, as if she's trying to detach herself from the information. ]
It made it sound like it could find its way to any of us.
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[Where she sounds detached, he keeps his own voice level and even, as if this is just something that is.]
I doubt any of us could consider ourselves immune.
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[ A pause. ]
Or everyone. If no one is safe from it.