It does seem a little more active than it normally is lately. I wonder if that will continue? ...I'm not sure whether to hope it does or doesn't, to be honest.
[A little sigh.]
It does go through phases, though. I've been here long enough to notice that.
[Private]
I'd like to get started early tomorrow if you don't mind. I know you won't be asleep.
Well, I... I don't really think it works. But it is a little... strange. I've managed to stop myself from volunteering to take ducks by telling myself they'd need names.
[Yeah.]
[Private]
All right, good. I kind of like leaving early anyway. [And by leaving early she means never actually going home.] It's quiet before dawn. It gives me time to think.
Considering how many of them have arrived ready to slit my throat, I have no trouble calling it something else. Believe me, 'generous' is putting it kindly.
[Private]
That may be true, but there are always some people blissfully free from the burden of thought. Wouldn't that be nice?
I wouldn't concern myself over it, Teresa. Even if you were to bring that kind of justice on your head again, I still would not permit their involvement.
They would only slow me down.
[Private]
...maybe it would. I don't really know.
I never thought this much at home. Maybe I just didn't have much on my mind. Which, come to think of it, sounds really bad.
I could dissect it, if you like. If I were forced to cross swords with you seriously again - which I don't really relish the thought of - it would be pointless to try and match you skill for skill. As much as I've improved, I'm very aware that you have a sizable advantage in that area. I would need to use my yoki to close that gap, but I'm also very aware of what that would mean, if I didn't go far enough.
[This being the reason she'd rather avoid fighting Teresa seriously again - the only way to win would be to risk everything.]
...quicksword would be easier.
[Or, well, faster. She sighs.]
You're not participating in the tournament?
[Private.]
It isn't that I think you should apologize for thinking for yourself. It's more that I find it irritating that you did and I didn't. Although in fairness, there was a considerable time gap. [You're old, Teresa. At least to her.]
[A little sigh.]
It does go through phases, though. I've been here long enough to notice that.
[Private]
I'd like to get started early tomorrow if you don't mind. I know you won't be asleep.
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[You know. Your... foxomancy. Which is really weird by the way.]
That begs the question of what else cycles with it.
[Private]
You know that, do you?
We can. I should have my preparations finished by then.
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[Yeah.]
[Private]
All right, good. I kind of like leaving early anyway. [And by leaving early she means never actually going home.] It's quiet before dawn. It gives me time to think.
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If you're superstitious enough to avoid.... ducklings, then it as good as works. ...No doubt they'll find a good home even without your help, though.
But who knows? The forces behind the Door could have decided to be generous with you.
[Private]
Hm. You've been needing a lot of that lately, haven't you?
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[Private]
I guess I have a lot to think about. Doesn't everyone?
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[Private]
That may be true, but there are always some people blissfully free from the burden of thought. Wouldn't that be nice?
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They would only slow me down.
[Private]
...maybe it would. I don't really know.
I never thought this much at home. Maybe I just didn't have much on my mind. Which, come to think of it, sounds really bad.
Reply
I'll remember that. Although I would expect all of you to have learned something from that encounter.
[Like don't turn on your yoki or go insane in the middle of a fight. Dumbasses.]
[Private]
It does, but I wouldn't worry. We aren't meant to think very hard at home, remember. We're only there to fight the war, not rationalize it.
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[Cute and right. Cute and right.]
[Private]
It didn't exactly stop you from doing so. That's a little annoying.
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[And in fact would most likely get her killed but let's not admit these things in the middle of an ego-off.]
[Private]
I'm afraid I can't apologize for thinking for myself, even if it means going against the Organization's best intentions for me.
My point was that it's something you have to learn to cope with, now, because it was never expected of any of us before.
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[This being the reason she'd rather avoid fighting Teresa seriously again - the only way to win would be to risk everything.]
...quicksword would be easier.
[Or, well, faster. She sighs.]
You're not participating in the tournament?
[Private.]
It isn't that I think you should apologize for thinking for yourself. It's more that I find it irritating that you did and I didn't. Although in fairness, there was a considerable time gap. [You're old, Teresa. At least to her.]
Reply
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