[Week 6, Friday: Tiger, Dragon, Rebecca]

[doublecrows]

[I'm still typing up the reaction but lol you know Akechi had a total]

[meltdown]

[at the body announcement]

[it's sometime after that that he grabs Rebecca by the arm and drags her into the foyer, with little explanation for what he's doing. SORRY, REBECCA]

Comments

[themodsgrimm]

[She frowns faintly.]

... I understand that there might be concerns - but I can think of nothing that would purposefully try to steer all of you into misfortunate. At the very least, there would be nothing of my doing - I assure you of that.

Perhaps ask him again? Or others you trust... Communication is key at this stage of the game.

[doublecrows]

[just. shuts his eyes, digging the heel of his palm into them as he tries to compose himself]

Are you saying then that Sousei-san misunderstood?

[disclosures]

[It's not so much that Sousei was killed for being a Historian. He was killed for another reason.

She still can't think straight. But communicate with Sousei again. When they're free from the trial... they have to talk to the dead. Or at least try to.]

[themodsgrimm]

[She shakes her head.]

I do not know... As much as I may try to watch over you all, I cannot see the reasoning behind all of your actions. I cannot speak for him - and he seems like the type to express displeasure if I were to try.

But if you are asking me if I am aware of active sabotage - the answer is that I am not. I... apologize. I wish I could be of more help to you.

[doublecrows]

[. . . mrrrrgh]

What were to happen to the game if the Historians were completely wiped out, Dragon-san/

[disclosures]

[They aren't really a faction on their own though. A Historian's continued survival isn't something that's a requirement for the endings.]

You don't need us, do you?

[themodsgrimm]

[ . . . and her expression falls quietly.]

... the game would continue. The same could be said of any of our roles - the war does not hinge on any particular group. It is the choices that the whole makes that will drive us forward.

... but please do not mistake that for me not caring for you.

I may not need you, but I want you to find happiness. I... do not want to see you suffer.

[doublecrows]

We were brought here for a reason.

[whatever that reason may be]

To help others understand the past game. To encourage them to complete their objectives. In that sense, we were needed. Right?

[disclosures]

Were we? We were just the ones that got trapped.

[She's not so sure the Crafters needed them to begin with.]

They would've done them on their own eventually.

[themodsgrimm]

[She shakes her head.]

Eventually would not have been soon enough.

You are correct - as remnants from the previous game, we gave you an additional task. You performed and are performing and will perform to the best of your abilities.

... I know you are trying.

For that, you have my gratitude.

[doublecrows]

[Akechi curls his fingers into a fist, before relaxing them again]

I have. . . one last question.

It seems we Historians are here to encourage balance. Balance is the ending you seek, Dragon-san. But not the one Tiger-san seeks.

Our role seems tailored to favor you, and deliver you a win. Is there not another title out there whose job is to deliver Tiger-san a victory?

[disclosures]

[She has no idea how well they're actually doing. Three of their number are dead and the last two are them?]

Do both of you want to collect ink? I know... why you want to collect it. But not Tiger.

[themodsgrimm]

As Historians, you are tasked with encouraging others to complete their objectives - objectives will always yield more ink. If not enough were completed, even if the other requirements were met for her ending or mine, everything still could have fallen into chaos.

We both want ink above all else - so that I can help you all pursue the lives you wish, and for her... well, she's always coveted it for her own uses. That is what I believe.

But I do not believe there exists a separate title to assist her... Rather, the folly and rash choices of others are often what lead to her gain.

[doublecrows]

. . . I see.

[a small exhale]

Thank you, Dragon-san. I believe that's all I have for now.

[disclosures]

[She'll get up after a false start, give a small nod to Dragon-]

We'll work hard. We're almost there. Just two more for the Villains.

[themodsgrimm]

[ . . . Dragon lets both of her hands fall over her heart. Her expression warms.]

... I believe in you.

Thank you. I am sorry that I could not provide more... but call upon me again if you need anything else.

I will do my best for you as well.