(Untitled)

[shinou_heika]

((OOC: This post mangles time lines like crazy. So sorry! The beginning comes before Anissina and Gisela come back to the lab, then it continues through into the infirmary post and a bit after. If I've missed anything that needs to be covered or linked, please let me know.))

[He failed. Such a loss of control is unacceptable, but the truth is

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[sekinin]

[He's already tired and he hasn't even left castle yet. Not a good sign.

However, the soldiers of Shin Makoku are very well trained and today Conrad appreciates that more than he can say. He commands and they follow without question. It's the without question part that makes him happiest. 'Drills' are a piss poor reason for the urgency in the air and they know it, but they also know better then to pry--especially when the storage rooms are opens and they're outfitted with proper armor and weapons. Hertz and Klapt have gone, letters in hand, and won't be back for an hour or two; Till has been even more invisible than usual, and Brice has personally taken all the men in hand, kicking Conrad out of the make-shift barracks with a smile, a wink and the words, "Go see the Lieutenant. I'll let you know when you're needed! . . . Besides, sir, you look like shit if you don't mind my saying . . ."

And he really must look awful because the quartermaster actually refrains from his usual surliness, the cooks in the kitchen do not protest

[shinou_heika]

[He lets the silence hang a moment, then lowers violet eyes slowly to where the man kneels on the ground. The memory of his earlier encounter with this man is not far from his thoughts and colors his words with a faintly acidic tone

[super_seme]

[OOC: Haha. Shinou Heika said tools.]

[sekinin]

[Conrad looks up

[shinou_heika]

[Necessity is not kind. He has had more years than he cares to count to learn this lesson, yet it does not soften the blow each time the realization is brought to his attention once again. He still feels the full weight of the fault, heavy on his shoulders, and yet he does not speak to decry Conrad's right to claim it. There is too much he is unable to see, strangely limited by being confined to this body. This is not something he can admit, he has set himself up in a position that does not compromise for any weakness. Any compassion he has must come with rough words, still tainted by his own hurt and guilt.]

It is not incompetence that was at the root of this. You cannot protect someone from himself. [Here his voice goes hard, and he turns to face Conrad again, eyes narrowed.] You are sworn to serve. Your service is sworn to the Shibuya Yuuri of this world before any other. It is in that service that you are being sent to Khrennikov, and if you fail there, you fail him. [He lets those words hang for a moment, before

[sekinin]

[The brunet's fists clench tightly, digging painfully into his palms.

How dare he question Conrad's loyalty to the Yuuri-heika. How DARE he slight a dead boy . . .

Conrad is well aware of his duties. He does not need a reminder from Anissina or Rad or Yozak or the Shinou or anyone else. Conrad knows who he is and exactly what rests on his shoulders and everyone's insistence or pushing and poking at and meddling with him is intolerable.

Perhaps someone should remind the Shinou of his duties and his responsibilities. Then they wouldn't be in their current predicament.

He stands at the monarch's behest and meets the man's eyes. His conversation with Murata looms large in this mind.]

["Do you hate him?"

". . . Yes, I do."

". . . . Sometimes I hate him, too."][It has been a long time since Conrad felt unwelcome in Blood Pledge Castle, but it's not a feeling that he has forgotten . . . Leaving this place will be a relief. If not for Yuuri and Yozak, he probably would not even return

[shinou_heika]

Go, and finish preparing for what must be done.

[He does not so much as nod to acknowledge the bow, nor does he move as Conrad turns and walks away. There is nothing he can say to lighten the weight of the other man's duty, and if there were, he still would not say it.

Conrad is out of his sight quickly, but he spends a long moment staring at the spot where he could last see the other man. Then he allows himself the tiniest of sighs as violet eyes lose their focus. It doesn't take much for him to find Edwyn still in the infirmary.]

{Edwyn?} [The questioning tone of the thought annoys him, and he tries to wrest his mind to calm command before continuing.] {I should go to the Shrine and speak with Ulrike. I do not yet know how the events of this morning have affected her, and if the backlash reached there as well I will need to do what I can to help. Are things well in hand in the infirmary?}

[Then there is a hesitation, and though the next thought is a question it comes more like a demand on a faint tide of worry.] {You are

[the_great_sage]

At the call he turns his attention away from the reunion of his friend and Wolfram, eyes unfocusing slightly as he answers Alarik.

Ahh, good, I do hope she is alright, please send her my regards. Things are still a mess here. Shibuya and Wolfram are injured, and I pray it only temporary. The Maou's sight is gone and it seems Wolfram has lost his memory. A wave of guilt passes over their mental link. I feel like I have failed him as both friend and as Sage...we should never have attempted it...not if this is the price that must be paid.

He cuts off the stream of thought, watching sadly as Yuuri gropes blindly for her fiance. Wolfram reaches out to take the Maou's hand, the stunned look of confusion on the blonde's face indicating she does not recognise the other. He turns away from the heartbreaking scene to continue the mental conversation. No...I am fine now, just low on energy. His mind voice softens with concern and affection. How about you? Are you alright, beloved?

[shinou_heika]

{Shibuya Yuuri has lost his sight?} [This news comes almost like a blow, and the mention of their attempt to bring back the boy earlier that morning ties the two events together and hardens the knot of guilt in his chest further.] {Edwyn, this guilt is not yours. If I can heal what damage I have caused, I will do so. I must do so.}

[He hesitates where he stands, but then turns on his heel and starts for the Shrine as planned. Shibuya Yuuri's injury should not worsen if left to wait. If something has happened to Ulrike, he need to know. And he trusts the boy in Edwyn's capable hands.]

{I cannot let myself give in to any weakness now. I am well enough to do as I must.} [The mental voice softens a little then, gently affectionate even through the faint strain of stress. There's something in the tone that says he is not only speaking of physical pain.] {I am pleased to hear that you are not hurt, my love.}