16 ◦ [VIDEO]

[akingmuststand]

[Schneizel sits with his jaw balanced on the curve of his fingers, but straightens somewhat after a moment to address the feed. His voice is, as ever, clear; composed. Utterly calm. There is a low quality to it, however, something to underlie the usual veneer with what might just be concern - not anxiety, no. Schneizel never looses his cool that

Comments

[Audio]

[aknightmustrise]

I'm sure it will make itself known to you your majesty, the others all did.

[Audio]

[akingmuststand]

I don't doubt that, Major Kururugi, but I do not wish to be caught unaware.

[Audio]

[aknightmustrise]

I'm on standby sir, if there is any disturbance, we'll fight together.

[Audio]

[akingmuststand]

If we continue to stand together as we have, Suzaku, we will not be brought down.

[Audio]

[north_skie]

Man, stop feeling bad and keep your eyes open huh? You're in the same situation as the other nine so swallow your concern and get a team together to take care of the damn thing.

[audio]

[akingmuststand]

[And at this, he chuckles.]

My point is preparation, North. I wish to preempt a potentially dangerous situation.

[audio]

[north_skie]

Well, not being on your own would be a start huh? Who you with right now Sir?

[audio]

[akingmuststand]

At this point in time, noone. I am not anticipating a fight.

1/2 - [NOT POSTED]

[a_la_turk]

[ Valeria frowns at her communicator as she listens to the transmission for a second time. That he should continue to remain so calm, so cool and level-headed despite the circumstances is nothing short of what she would expect of Schneizel. Not once over the course of the time they have worked together has she witnessed him lose it; he has never abandoned that mask. And that's what it is, isn't it? The more she considers what she's seen and heard of these Shadows, the more the edge of reality sharpens and reminds her that people wear them all the time. She wears a mask all the time, but with Schneizel...

She purses her lips briefly, her fingers weaving between themselves and locking as the transmission draws to a close. She's second-guessing, of course. His intent seems so obvious, but she's worried. Can't help but worry because she isn't there. Even though she knows he's capable, even if she thinks that if anyone out of those taken is likely to accept their Shadow, it's him, it just... it doesn't sit well with her, not when she

2/2 - [AUDIO | Private]

[a_la_turk]

Schneizel.

[ Personal feelings are forcibly shoved aside. She's cool, calm, audibly concerned, but in control. At least, that's what she wants him to think. What she needs him to think. What she needs to think.

Because she's useless otherwise, a burden. A hindrance. ]

You intend to confront it?

[ Like hell I'll be.

She has no intention of him losing her partner, to himself or anyone else. ]

[AUDIO | Private]

[akingmuststand]

Valeria.

[If he sees what she's hiding, can shift the mask aside, he has the good graces not to show it. His tone is a mirror to her own, but with the hint of a smile, as if his lips have just curved at hearing from her.]

I do. In fact, I intend to accept it. This is a burden that I cannot risk the people here bearing. If it is in my -

[Strength of will?]

- conviction to do so, then it will be done.

[AUDIO | Private]

[a_la_turk]

I don't doubt that.

[ But can you blame me for being concerned? You, you're-

She frowns. Furrows her brows at the thought of Schneizel facing himself and unconsciously sinks her teeth into her lower lip, prompting the taste of raw, rusted copper to flow into her mouth. The idea that anyone should be forced to face himself or herself and all that that might entail is enough to throw her calm, to make her nothing short of anxious for the safety and well-being of the people she has come to care for in her time in Demeleier. That Schneizel should be among those forced to do so is...

She takes a breath.

It's just as unfair. It's infuriates her just as much as it does that other residents have been forced to go through this ordeal. At least, it should. Somehow, though... somehow, when it comes to him, it's worse.

And it shouldn't be. ]

You're not planning to face it-him alone, are you?

[voice]

[andallforone]

All you gotta do is accept it, Schneizel-san. It won't hurt anyone if you do that.

[Except you and your pride, but the resulting Persona is worth it, right? Yosuke doesn't say that part. A little bit of him wonders if Schneizel would be like Souji: able to accept it before it even manifests as a full Shadow. Maybe everyone else would be able to accept their own before it went berserk and tried to attack them and others.]

We got your back.

[voice]

[akingmuststand]

[As if heartened by the words, he smiles minutely, something which is just carried in his voice.]

That is my intent, Yosuke.

[voice]

[andallforone]

Might be harder than you think, but...

[He can't tell him he thinks 'a guy like you could do it!' That seemed way too gay.]

Just give us a shout if you need help!

[voice]

[akingmuststand]

Of course. I do not anticipate such a thing to be easy, but if I have the strength of conviction for it, it will be done.

Thank you.

[audio]

[tenshinoyobou]

I will contact you immediately upon sight of it, sir.

[audio]

[akingmuststand]

That would be greatly appreciated.

[audio]

[tenshinoyobou]

It's good to see someone being so level-headed and calm in such a situation.

[Would have killed for someone like you back in World's End, man.]

[audio]

[akingmuststand]

Unnecessary panic will only cause ripples that affect others, Mr. Hewley. I would sooner avoid that altogether.