// 013. [video]
[Those of you who know her well may recognise the view. It's the home of the elderly blind man who lives below her flat, the one who employs her and from time to time. The rooms are in shambles. Broken glass litters the floor, and the wall behind him is torn open. Claw marks line the interior, flaps of printed wallpaper fluttering in the wreckage
( Read more... )
Comments 11
[ Ukitake is solemn, his head bowed low in a gesture that could pass for mourning. Has Lust destroyed the Forge in her possession completely? Even if there's only the slightest chance that she will happen across this message, he has to try.
This situation resonates with him too deeply; he cannot remain silent. Her steeled expression demands that he speak. ]
It is within my power, to render these creatures immobile for extended periods of time. For those that were human once, there may be a way to reverse the process...
[ Inoue Orihime, he thinks. ]
Though I pray this does not reoccur, should you find yourself in a similar situation, I implore you, contact me immediately.
Reply
The chaos is everywhere. It's in the streets and on the skyline, and she's not really taking care to avoid it.
If she can't do anything for the ones that have been stricken, she'll just have to strike these beasts faster, shred them before they infect more innocent people. Before they force her to make a decision like that again.]
A reversal.
[Too late. Too late because the blood is on her hands, and no matter how many beasts she cuts a swath through, it's the thought of her employer (her friend) that haunts her. If she'd only been a moment sooner. If she'd only known---]
It won't happen again.
[And after a moment:]
...thank you.
Reply
[ Because he's also had a hand in hurting her, he knows. He's made her question her actions, and perhaps led her even further into regret. Her voice is soft, despondent, and worrisome to his ears (and he wishes he could see her person, to at least be certain that this woman he's barely acquainted with is well), but it would be too much of him to ask.
These monstrosities, borne from rods and pillars, are a plague, and the damage done is indiscriminate. Those who are transformed into beasts suffer, and those who are forced to put them down suffer just as greatly.
But he would not take back his words, even if only one person could be spared - ]
I'm sorry for your loss. You did what you could, and it was mercy, in its own right.
[ He pauses then, his shoulders sloping with a heavy exhale. ]
I know you intend to fight, so forgive me when I overstep my boundaries, and ask that you be careful.
Reply
[You'd know that if you remembered your time here. She doesn't give voice to this - instead she cuts down another cat without stopping her steps - each one another needling little reminder that she's no longer unaffected by these events. By these people. Their comings and goings and the ridiculous guilt and obligation that rides on the tailcoats off all this (human?) frailty.
The lilt of a laugh that never quite makes itself known and a darker current running counterpoint.]]
Careful? Where's the fun in that?
Reply
It wasn't him. You spared him.
We'll find each other when this is-
[someone bumps into him and the forge fizzles off]
Reply
I should have known.
How many times? Perhaps not even this many.
Her voice is full of undisguised panic:]
Remus?
Reply
Come to the Clinic… Io… please… it's safer… we can help each other
Reply
I don't---
[A growl and a gasp and a slice and a thud. A fear ragged whisper of stunned gratitude just off-Forge.]
I don't need any help.
[...]
It's not safe anywhere.
Reply
Leave a comment