[IC continuation thread]

[but_a_wolf]

I don't... hn... are you sure about this?

((Continued from here))

Comments

[andredallover]

Unfortunately for Chronicler-san, the bet was that he would be unable to kill me, not whether or not I'd be able to defeat his champion.

[onthenightroad]

Would you be unwilling to raise the stakes somewhat, in that case?

[andredallover]

Considering I already know the outcome? I don't see any benefit to that.

[onthenightroad]

More cheap thrills, perhaps. Really, I'm not invincible; and neither are you.

[andredallover]

I see what you're getting at, Sad Priest-san, but I'm done making allowances. If you want to save your employer the pain of death, then I suggest you find a way to kill me in the next few minutes.

[onthenightroad]

I will not ask for allowance nor mercy. I'm simply suggesting we play a different game.

[andredallover]

What exactly is your suggestion?

[onthenightroad]

...his bet becomes mine, sans the involvement of a third party. I find a way to kill you. If I fail, I'll tell you how to kill me, and in that event I won't be around to stop you doing as you please. I don't use the Moogles, and no matter what happens, I can guarantee you a more memorable fight than this. Something enjoyable, if not a challenge.

[andredallover]

. . . you don't save?

[onthenightroad]

[spreads his hands]

You can see why I never felt the need.

[andredallover]

Even I take precautions.

But very well, I'll enjoy myself more if you don't come back immediately. Just keep in mind that when you do die, I'll take care of Chronicler-san then, as well as anyone else who decides to get in my way.

[onthenightroad]

Until the outcome is realized, then, no harm can come to Sohma Shigure. And if I win, you will acknowledge that he is under my protection, as are all those under his protection. And if I can make you pay, mm. I promise I will.

[andredallover]

Saying 'those under his protection' is too general. The exoricsts and the angels are and always be my enemies. If I were to make a bet to spare their lives indefinitely my employer would kill me.

[onthenightroad]

...then I'll handle things on a more individual basis. It's really not my concern what you are, or what they are, or what you are to each other, and if you conflict with people on your own terms I honestly have no right to interfere. But I have a proclivity to what's considered "right" on most moral scales, you understand.

[andredallover]

Well, if you're going by it that way, you will probably never side in my favor. If you win, I'll leave the Chronicler-san alone indefinitely, provided he doesn't do something idiotic like get in my way. I'm not concerned about anyone who isn't an exorcist or an angel, but if I end up trying to kill someone he'd rather you not we can deal with that then. But regardless of the outcome of our next meeting I strongly suggest you don't get involved in my fight with the exorcists.

[onthenightroad]

Mm. We can deal with that then, certainly. Not all his friends are mine, but I have obligations to fulfill. And your business remains yours.

[hauls himself slowly to his feet, claws and teeth going blunt again, hair falling limply down his back]