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[Reaper had already been in the chosen area that he had decided upon for a meet up, so he knew the best way to approach. Once he had the scoop on the area, he left and remained at a distance. He expected that Kazuma would be smart enough to come early, and he was not disappointed either. He'd heard a few things from 76, and it gave him inclination to guess a few habits.
About five minutes before their time to meet closed, he returned and eased his way out on the east end of the lake, stepping over burnt trees and stirring up ashes with each step. He pushed through the area of energy without seemingly being harmed and he was very much aware of the press of heat and noctaere energy as he walked his way around the lake like he was taking a leisurely stroll.
Except for the fact he walked far faster and occasionally he dotted out of existence to reappear with a flurry of smoke some meters ahead of the original point. He pushed into the heat that was generated and seemed to relish it; it was rather cold being a corpse after all so obtaining normal body temperature was a novelty he would enjoy.]
Does 76 know you're arranging meetings with old friends of his? [The way he said friends made it clear both he and 76 likely didn't feel that way much anymore.]
About five minutes before their time to meet closed, he returned and eased his way out on the east end of the lake, stepping over burnt trees and stirring up ashes with each step. He pushed through the area of energy without seemingly being harmed and he was very much aware of the press of heat and noctaere energy as he walked his way around the lake like he was taking a leisurely stroll.
Except for the fact he walked far faster and occasionally he dotted out of existence to reappear with a flurry of smoke some meters ahead of the original point. He pushed into the heat that was generated and seemed to relish it; it was rather cold being a corpse after all so obtaining normal body temperature was a novelty he would enjoy.]
Does 76 know you're arranging meetings with old friends of his? [The way he said friends made it clear both he and 76 likely didn't feel that way much anymore.]
[The sound of movement from the east, reaches his ears. His eyes fixate on the approaching man, the best that he could while he comes in and out of existence. The heat and a pang of anger flares up for a moment. He hasn't forgotten the sight of seeing Reaper point his gun at a fallen 76.
His tail disturbs the dirt beneath as he angles his body partially face forward. A guarded posture, ready to strike from nearly any angle should Reaper try something.]
No. We'll already be finished once he doess. [Man seems perceptive enough to know Kazuma wouldn't just leave things be.] I've come to undersstand what it iss you're after.
His tail disturbs the dirt beneath as he angles his body partially face forward. A guarded posture, ready to strike from nearly any angle should Reaper try something.]
No. We'll already be finished once he doess. [Man seems perceptive enough to know Kazuma wouldn't just leave things be.] I've come to undersstand what it iss you're after.
[Reaper was technically unarmed, not that he could ever consider himself such. He could pull his Hellfire shotguns at any time, though there was no indication on his person that they were even present. For now, he watched Kazuma and smirked behind his mask.
So this was a 'secret' meeting. Oh he did so enjoy those. With every single one, there was opportunity for disruption.
His posture was relaxed, and he even went so far as he cross his arms over his chest. Like none of this or the potential for violence was any concern of his.]
You want to understand my motivations? I don't think we're drunk enough for that. [He tipped his head up to regard Kazuma from the corner of one eye.] Though, what is it you are doing with that old soldier, hmm? He teaching you some fighting moves? You two seem awful cozy.
So this was a 'secret' meeting. Oh he did so enjoy those. With every single one, there was opportunity for disruption.
His posture was relaxed, and he even went so far as he cross his arms over his chest. Like none of this or the potential for violence was any concern of his.]
You want to understand my motivations? I don't think we're drunk enough for that. [He tipped his head up to regard Kazuma from the corner of one eye.] Though, what is it you are doing with that old soldier, hmm? He teaching you some fighting moves? You two seem awful cozy.
[He swishes his tail, slightly agitated. Ignore his inquiry. He's just trying to distract you from the matter at hand.]
Why do you keep fighting him? Iss that your way of preventing him from turning? Or wass your threat about burning thiss place sshould he be consume, just an act?
Why do you keep fighting him? Iss that your way of preventing him from turning? Or wass your threat about burning thiss place sshould he be consume, just an act?
[Reaper actually laughed at the question, but his laughter was cutting and cold. His relaxed stance changed to being more at the ready.]
I don't make threats I don't intend to keep, hijo. [He took his first step closer, letting the heat bathe him further.] If you are so interested in knowing our fighting history, the old man would be able to fill you in. You don't need me for that.
I don't make threats I don't intend to keep, hijo. [He took his first step closer, letting the heat bathe him further.] If you are so interested in knowing our fighting history, the old man would be able to fill you in. You don't need me for that.
[It's hard not to show fangs as this man approaches him. That laughter only irritating him. This was all a joke to him?]
I understand you two have a complicated past. My concern, iss your shared past causing a problem here. These fightss...they help no one.
I understand you two have a complicated past. My concern, iss your shared past causing a problem here. These fightss...they help no one.
[It was one step, but he knew that for someone on edge already that it might seem like filling the gap. He was curious of how far he could push Kazuma before the flames starting flying or that tail lashed out.]
You don't know him as well as I do. He might act all tired and rough, but the only way to get him to do anything to help himself is to beat him into the dirt.
You don't know him as well as I do. He might act all tired and rough, but the only way to get him to do anything to help himself is to beat him into the dirt.
["Feel like I'm too old for this." He could tell, that talk they had after he sent Reaper away that 76 wasn't sugar coating his thoughts, how he actually felt.]
I don't claim to know, but I can make my own observation and ssee "beating it out of him" isn't working. No matter how many timess you fight, his condition doess not improve. [He doesn't know how often these two have fought here already, but he at least knows of two encounters, and the nightmare corruption has not improve after every encounter.]
I don't claim to know, but I can make my own observation and ssee "beating it out of him" isn't working. No matter how many timess you fight, his condition doess not improve. [He doesn't know how often these two have fought here already, but he at least knows of two encounters, and the nightmare corruption has not improve after every encounter.]
[He found it interesting that Kazuma claimed to have observed even a fraction of the dynamic that he had with 76. There was so many layers and so much history that a quick assessment of a single interaction was never going to be enough.]
Oh and what you're doing with him is working? [He wasn't entirely clear of what was the nature of those two's relationship.] He seems more concerned with you than himself, but that's typical of him.
Oh and what you're doing with him is working? [He wasn't entirely clear of what was the nature of those two's relationship.] He seems more concerned with you than himself, but that's typical of him.
...Yess, sso I've come to learn. [He's seen how little he does for himself, what it's doing to him. In a way, he can see he was trying to prevent the same from happening to Kazuma, but that doesn't mean he shouldn't take better care of himself.]
I cannot ssay, but I have to believe that it will. Just as he hass believed in me, I will do the ssame for him, sstubborn though he may be to take my help. Just having ssomeone in your corner, when you feel everything iss against you, even yourself, can go a long way. [He speaks from experience, even if he isn't the defense attorney he once was. But something about 76 has sparked him to believe once more, that there's more than just what is in the past.]
I cannot ssay, but I have to believe that it will. Just as he hass believed in me, I will do the ssame for him, sstubborn though he may be to take my help. Just having ssomeone in your corner, when you feel everything iss against you, even yourself, can go a long way. [He speaks from experience, even if he isn't the defense attorney he once was. But something about 76 has sparked him to believe once more, that there's more than just what is in the past.]
[Reaper was mostly unmoved by the idea of 76 coming to care for another. It wasn't usual; 76 might be a gruff asshole but the man had a high capacity to care. That was, after all, what had destroyed Jack Morrison in the past, and why wouldn't history repeat itself?]
You should go into song writing waxing on about belief. Right from the heart, isn't it hijo? [Once, years ago, he thought he had people in his corner, people who would have his back, but he had learned the hard way that it was just an illusion. Eventually, everyone would leave or die. Now he operated better alone.] And maybe when you're finished writing motivational speeches, you can solve whatever this... [He gestured at the naga-form that Kazuma wore. He assumed it was a corruption effect.] ...happens to be.
You should go into song writing waxing on about belief. Right from the heart, isn't it hijo? [Once, years ago, he thought he had people in his corner, people who would have his back, but he had learned the hard way that it was just an illusion. Eventually, everyone would leave or die. Now he operated better alone.] And maybe when you're finished writing motivational speeches, you can solve whatever this... [He gestured at the naga-form that Kazuma wore. He assumed it was a corruption effect.] ...happens to be.
[A low hiss as he presses a hand against his own chest.] I'm proof that it's working.
[He takes a step toward Reaper this time.] Thiss change...was inevitable. Leftover after I lost myself, and the corruption had no where to go. Even sso, I sstill have my mind because of him. And we know...how destructive thiss power can truly be. [There's a flower involved, but when it comes down to it, 76 still played a part to keep him from going mad from the beginning.]
I don't hold much faith in anyone or anything, but I believe in resultss. The old man hass lost his reason to live for himself, just as I did. I'm sure...he needss to hear his own words back at him, reminded that ssomeone is still here for him. Even sshould he change, I'll know how to keep him from completely losing himself. [He stares down at Reaper]
And so I ask, do you truly believe he iss beyond help by then?[He says with such confidence, despite Reaper and 76's long history.]
[He takes a step toward Reaper this time.] Thiss change...was inevitable. Leftover after I lost myself, and the corruption had no where to go. Even sso, I sstill have my mind because of him. And we know...how destructive thiss power can truly be. [There's a flower involved, but when it comes down to it, 76 still played a part to keep him from going mad from the beginning.]
I don't hold much faith in anyone or anything, but I believe in resultss. The old man hass lost his reason to live for himself, just as I did. I'm sure...he needss to hear his own words back at him, reminded that ssomeone is still here for him. Even sshould he change, I'll know how to keep him from completely losing himself. [He stares down at Reaper]
And so I ask, do you truly believe he iss beyond help by then?[He says with such confidence, despite Reaper and 76's long history.]
Edited 2021-12-07 19:18 (UTC)
[Reaper had already been revising his assessment of this kid, and it seemed to him that the conviction was definitely the lawyer talking. There was also something else that he wasn't going to look too deeply in, but it also didn't surprise him that 76 had earned such a force. Jack Morrison always did have a way of attracting people, and it seemed that hadn't changed no matter the years gone by and the damage done.]
With then, it seems to me that I should just steer clear, since you have everything handled. Let me know how that works out for you. [He shifted his hands from his hips to settle by his sides, offering little more than a shrug.] I still suggest one of those backpacks with a leash attached if you want to keep track of him. He tends to wander.
[He waved away the question.] If he's alive, there's more damage for him to do to himself. He'll shoulder it until it destroys him. That's how it works.
With then, it seems to me that I should just steer clear, since you have everything handled. Let me know how that works out for you. [He shifted his hands from his hips to settle by his sides, offering little more than a shrug.] I still suggest one of those backpacks with a leash attached if you want to keep track of him. He tends to wander.
[He waved away the question.] If he's alive, there's more damage for him to do to himself. He'll shoulder it until it destroys him. That's how it works.
...That's it? No other optionss, because that's 'how it workss'? You're both here, in a different world. It doesn't have to be that way here. [His brows furrow in disappointed.]
I'd expected ssomething more, from ssomeone so deeply connected with him. Or iss fighting the only ssolution you know? [Translation: He doesn't think Reaper is trying hard enough.]
I'd expected ssomething more, from ssomeone so deeply connected with him. Or iss fighting the only ssolution you know? [Translation: He doesn't think Reaper is trying hard enough.]
[Reaper wasn't interested in explaining his motivations to a kid who he has met and had definitely threatened him. That was a typical greeting these days, but still, it didn't encourage him to be the best conversationalist. He was painfully private to begin with.] Everyone expects something more, and it's best to let them be disappointed from the get go. It means they'll leave you alone in future.
[He knew 76 well, but that didn't mean his sole focus was the younger man. He was trying to get back home to complete his revenge.] If you want to shower him with optimism and see if that works, by all means. You have your methods, and I have mine, hijo.
[He knew 76 well, but that didn't mean his sole focus was the younger man. He was trying to get back home to complete his revenge.] If you want to shower him with optimism and see if that works, by all means. You have your methods, and I have mine, hijo.
[A grunt, tail swishing about.] Leaving you be will be impossible. [Not when his idea of helping is go and fight 76. He may need to think of how to deal with the inevitable conflict, should he be fortunate to catch them.]
We're through here. [He tilts his head.] Sstill have your head...? [Cause if he's fine, he's keeping this tea concoction.]
We're through here. [He tilts his head.] Sstill have your head...? [Cause if he's fine, he's keeping this tea concoction.]
I'm almost touched by your dedication to associating with me. Perhaps you have a thing for old men... [He inclined his head and dropped his chin as if giving Kazuma a once over. He, of course, wasn't interested, but he could make a show of it anyway.]
Actually, you may be done with me, but I have still have questions. [It seemed like a good time for him to pull a reversal here.] What is it you want with 76? Weapons, friendship, something more...?
Actually, you may be done with me, but I have still have questions. [It seemed like a good time for him to pull a reversal here.] What is it you want with 76? Weapons, friendship, something more...?
[His brows furrow at the other man's attempt to get him worked up. There's a pattern to his particular insults and teasing. Possessive when it came to 76. Almost as if...]
If you're worried I'm going to ssteal him from you, don't be. [There's your answer. Half serious, half snarky retort.]
If you're worried I'm going to ssteal him from you, don't be. [There's your answer. Half serious, half snarky retort.]
Why would I be worried? You can have him, though I expect he'll just break you in half.
[Maybe the kid reminded 76 of younger days, and what old man didn't need that? Of course, 76 needed to be kept in line more than anything. Sometimes the easiest was to get that tether in place was to care, shift the narrative to what 76 could put himself through to what the old soldier was willing to let others put themselves through.]
Things that fly too close to the sun are likely to burn up.
[Maybe the kid reminded 76 of younger days, and what old man didn't need that? Of course, 76 needed to be kept in line more than anything. Sometimes the easiest was to get that tether in place was to care, shift the narrative to what 76 could put himself through to what the old soldier was willing to let others put themselves through.]
Things that fly too close to the sun are likely to burn up.
[A low disproving hiss, shaking his head. He's not amused by these continuous implications. He walks around Reaper, just keeping it together.]
I'm not interested in hearing from your own experience, nor iss our bond anything you keep insisting that it iss.
I'm not interested in hearing from your own experience, nor iss our bond anything you keep insisting that it iss.
[ ... "That's all?"
Susato holds her quill to the journal, glancing over her shoulder to Kazuma for his approval. When she gets it, she has to take a deep breath before she starts writing. ]
Did you stop him?
Susato holds her quill to the journal, glancing over her shoulder to Kazuma for his approval. When she gets it, she has to take a deep breath before she starts writing. ]
Did you stop him?
[Being unable to write, unable to even go anywhere, Kazuma is understandably restless. He wants information, something, anything. The only person he could think of that could have that is Reaper. Despite his apprehension towards that man, he has to know. Did he really end up taking him out? The town's not on fire yet.
Hope Susato doesn't mind him hovering behind her as well, reading, waiting.]
Hope Susato doesn't mind him hovering behind her as well, reading, waiting.]
[It didn't surprise him that he was contacted over the 76 noctaere incident, since he had surmised in the skirmish that Kazuma had been involved in some of 76's wounds.
At least the fighting was over and 76 was settled when the message came to him. He recognized Susato's writing based on their previous conversation.]
The noctaere has been dealt with. Is it safe to assume Kazuma made it through the incident as well?
At least the fighting was over and 76 was settled when the message came to him. He recognized Susato's writing based on their previous conversation.]
The noctaere has been dealt with. Is it safe to assume Kazuma made it through the incident as well?
[ Susato glances at Kazuma again once the reply comes through, something she’s probably going to do for a bit until she gets some sense of rhythm for the conversation. Or at least until she’s not quite so nervous.
They are on the same page on this, though, and she knows what Kazuma wants. ]
He is being well-cared for at home. [ She doesn’t care what Kazuma says, the Mikotoba house is his home too. Always has been. ] What has become of 76? And what about you?
They are on the same page on this, though, and she knows what Kazuma wants. ]
He is being well-cared for at home. [ She doesn’t care what Kazuma says, the Mikotoba house is his home too. Always has been. ] What has become of 76? And what about you?
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