II. (audio) facilitation

[eulogium]

[ There's an anxiousness toward the awkward tranquility hanging in the atmosphere. Ryoji opens his mouth, and then closes it again in hesitation. His quiet breath falls from his lips in a sigh, as if he's resigned to start speaking. ]I haven't been here long ... but Link mentioned that fae were fairly common, and I haven't seen many today. It's so

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[Same Filter]

[fool_incarnate]

I feel the same way.

[ And the tone of her voice only serves to confirm her statement. The slight edge is audible, the weight that of a conscious, experienced leader surveying the field because -- ]

This doesn't have the feel of a regular quiet. The atmosphere feels strange, almost... like how it felt just before the Dark Hour.

[Same Filter]

[eulogium]

[ Ryoji lets out a breath, as if he was holding it before she started speaking. ]

Yeah, you're right, it might be-

[ He stumbles, and then stops himself. It's as if he's trying to figure out how to say something. ]

Emi-chan, it could be coincidence ... but ...

[Same Filter]

[fool_incarnate]

[ Emi doesn't miss the exhalation, the stumbling. It's almost enough to make her pause, but she doesn't. She does, however, soften somewhat. ]

But what, Ryoji-kun?

[Same Filter]

[eulogium]

[ There's a solemn tone to his voice. ]

The reason why I was brought here ... I thought it might've been a gift, but ... now I'm not so sure.

Did I bring this with me?

[Same Filter]

[fool_incarnate]

What!? Of course you didn't --

[ She stops. Has to stop herself and breathe and think because she knows that tone. She knows what he must be thinking. That he should even consider it makes her heart ache, but she knows, too, that things are different now. She's stronger and she isn't willing to lose him, not again. Not to Nyx or anyone else. ]

Ryoji-kun, you didn't do this. Whatever this is, whatever happens, you didn't do it. It isn't your fault.

[ Her tone solidifies, strengthens. ]

Whatever's going on, we'll get through it together. All of us!

[Same Filter]

[eulogium]

...

I ... [ He begins, carefully, as if he's trying to find the right words. What should he say? Where should he begin? It's starting to feel like that time, like the Dark Hour. ]

Still I ... I should apologize.

[Same Filter]

[fool_incarnate]

But --

[ She pauses and is quiet for a long moment, contemplating his words, her words. At length, she speaks, albeit somewhat more quietly than before. ]

You really think this is your fault, Ryoji-kun?

[ She doesn't, but she's trying to understand. Trying to shake the feeling that this isn't a good idea, that people won't understand, that they might get the wrong idea, and if they do... if they do, what can she do to protect him? SEES isn't here and the only Persona with her right now is --

Breathe, Emi. Breathe. ]

If that's really what you want to do, I can't stop you, but...

[ She takes a breath. Nods once, firmly. ]

If you have to do it, I want to be with you when you do. Is that okay, Ryoji-kun?

[Same Filter]

[eulogium]

[ He can feel a smile tug at the corners of his lips. ]

You're still ... I guess that's one of the reasons I like you.

I'll take responsibility for what happens surrounding my presence. I'm still the Appriser, even if I've come to a different place. I might not be able to stop it, but ...

Maybe I've found my "Answer," too.

[ The smile gets sadder. ]

Let me apologize for the pain I've caused you.

But this time, I want to fight with you.

[Same Filter]

[fool_incarnate]

[ She can't help but smile at his words, at his apology. ]

You don't need to apologize to me, Ryoji.

[ In her heart and mind, she doesn't believe he needs to apologize to anyone because she doesn't believe this is his fault. None of what has happened surrounding him has been his fault. That he should apologize, and to her, makes her heart ache a little inside. Still, he's made up his mind and she hers. ]

Let's do our best to make sure everyone gets through this safely!

[Same Filter]

[eulogium]

[ There's more resolve in his voice. ]

Now that you're here, I want to do everything I can to protect you.

[Same Filter]

[fool_incarnate]

[ To be protected -- it's a thought that makes her pause. During her time in Iwatodai, she had been the one to do the protecting. That someone should want to protect her, she... isn't entirely sure about that, what to think about that; and yet, she can't stop smiling. ]

Ryoji-kun...