Sanada F. Genichirou

[zengodchild]

We need to talk.

Comments

[empereor]

...Hi, Seiichi. You're looking well.

[zengodchild]

That didn't fool me when we were four. It doesn't work now.

[empereor]

Right. I apologize.
May I ask how it is I've acquired a middle name?

[zengodchild]

Accepted.

I've always been one to call things as I see them. 'Fuckhead' seems an appropriate middle name, all things considered.

[empereor]

...
I would have a terribly awkward time introducing myself in company.

[zengodchild]

I think that Western custom suggests that a middle name serves to let one know when he is really in trouble.

You're stalling, Genichirou.

[empereor]

I was unaware. This is the furthest west I've been.

...Yes, well, one usually doesn't want to hasten his own death.

[zengodchild]

You always were more of a homebody than a traveler. ^^

Don't you think leaving the island would be hastening death as well? Without a chart or knowledge of these waters, survival is impossible. That's not an honorable death, that's a death with no meaning.

You deserve a death with meaning. Someday. Not today.

[empereor]

So you already know. I would have had a chart, until Niou bailed. And I was gaining knowledge until plans fell through there as well.

Hn. It's good to know I deserve death at all.

[zengodchild]

I know, and it wasn't from you. I don't care how physically far apart we've been, that hurts. I haven't been able to beat it out of anyone yet, but when you learned I was here I'm betting you told none of them to tell me. Probably even wanted to slip off the island without a word to me?

What is that supposed to mean? Please tell me it's not some fucked-up death wish after you got shot.

[empereor]

I... You weren't supposed to know at all, from anyone. I hadn't counted on you being here, Seiichi, and if I had told you, I would never be able to leave the island and I had already gone too far for that to happen.

I don't want to die. And I'm not going to, not at sea. I've seen death in this world, I've almost been a part of it. But I can't live every day in fear of it that I avoid every little thing that could kill me.

[screening, he belatedly realizes the other things aren't]

[zengodchild]

I didn't count on being here, either. But I'm here, that can't be changed. Talk to me, Genichirou. Make me understand. I've known you longer than anyone else in my life who isn't blood kin. I'll help you find the words, but don't shell up on me just because you're not sure how to verbalize them.

I don't want you to die, it was hard enough dealing with it once. Killing you myself is another story Did you think that maybe Niou deciding not to go is a sign from the universe that you aren't supposed to go, either? The more people that wind up here, the more the outside world will search. There may come a point when the prudent thing to do is to leave. I don't think now is the time.

[Screened]

[empereor]

I have said everything I wanted to say right here. My position does not change, and Niou is not the deciding factor for what I do and do not do. How many others do you want to get sucked up into the island before you think the time is right? Even one person here is one too many.

Re: [Screened]

[zengodchild]

I don't want your rehearsed words, I want you to come say them to my face. There are a few things I need to say, too, things that I intend to have you think through carefully before you hare off on some well-meaning quest.

Re: [Screened]

[empereor]

...Fine. I suppose I owe that to you. When do you want to talk, and where?

Re: [Screened]

[zengodchild]

Someplace out of the camp, I don't want to have this conversation with an audience. Perhaps by your vessel? Which I shall christen 'Titanic'

The sooner the better. You've been avoiding me and I want to see you.

ooc: strike not posted