11 • [voice|action]

[endthem]

[he doesn't bother with any false cheer this time, or an attempt at any other personable inflection. He leaves it to fall at its natural hollow monotone, speaking somewhere near the journal but not directly to it. It's monologue time.]

The new year--a time for reflection and promises... and comically well-timed, it seems. At least, now I think I

Comments

[not_a_bluesbro]

[Scruffy boy? You mean this one?

Because he's busy walking with that journal in hand. He's got his usual black coat with the sleeves rolled, and more wintry attire. Of course, he doesn't even look up and note anyone's presence.

...Th'hell is this journal even about.]

[not_a_blueskid]

[He can't help but hover his hand at his hip, where that lone handgun was hanging. Hey, old habits die hard, Legato-I'm sure you know that about him, by now. But he doesn't do anything yet.

...He-he really doesn't want to shoot anyone.]

Do... what?

[endthem]

[he's counting on it. That trigger-happy gesture is very promising.]

What does it matter? Without the training from Chapel, you're useless.

[not_a_blueskid]

[Trigger-happy is a good way to put it, yes.

But nothing yet, except growing confusion and anger.]

What are y'talking about?! What d'you mean, training?!

['Why are you telling me this, anyway?' would have been a good follow-up, had he the older mind to think about it.]

[endthem]

I hate to spoil the story for you, boy, but someone ends up taking you in and making something useful out of you. Something capable.

I was hoping to find that here, but... it looks like I'm a little early.

[notablueskid]

["Something useful out of you"

Something useful.

Useful-!

The hairs on the back of his neck stand on end at that-and he glowers at this mysterious man. You're no better than his guardian, huh? You say what he says; you may be calmer about it, but you say what he says.]

Shut up, you asshole. You don't know nothin'.

[notablueskid]

[his voice gains weight, as it rises]

I'm capable! I'm not tied down t'nothin'!

[endthem]

Not being tied down proves nothing of your worth. Every stray dog has that bragging right.

If you think yourself capable, that is something you must prove.

[not_a_blueskid]

[He clutches the handgun by the handle, heart thumping in his chest.]

I don't have t'prove that to anyone...

Not you, not anyone!

[I could kill you, too, right now-I could, if I wanted to!]

[endthem]

[he watches the outburst calmly, unblinking, feeling the tension of the kid's nerves tighten and shriek like over-stretched violin strings]

...Not to yourself?

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[not_a_bluesbro]

[not_a_bluesbro]

...

[His hand is still gripping the handgun, white-knuckled.]

What... What'll happen? When I meet 'Chapel'?

[endthem]

[sounding maybe a little impatient now, as though he's contemplating simply walking away from this boy and their conversation]

I don't know. I had only heard about how Chapel took you in and trained you; I saw the results. I met you afterward, once you had proven to be formidable.

[not_a_blueskid]

[Likewise-he gives Legato the usual dark look.]

Tch, you're just another lying adult. Or maybe just crazy all t'gether.

[But he's calm now. As calm as he can make himself. And in the end, it'll take more than that to really prove anything to him. So you knew his name? Big damn deal. You're just some maniac who likes messing with people, huh?

He looks away from the man and starts walking past him, glowering.]

[endthem]

I have no reason to spend the energy to lie to you, Wolfwood.

[but he doesn't try and convince the boy. For his purposes, whether he cooperates or not is irrelevant]

Though, I suppose I should at least warn you.

[not_a_blueskid]

[...How could he possibly ignore that?]

...Warn me about what?