[Week 7, Tuesday: Tiger and Dragon]

[doublecrows]

[well]

[someone is going Crafter hunting]

Comments

[doublecrows]

Yes. I assisted Varian-san with his objective, so I believe I have the payment for an answer.

[themodsgrimm]

Very well.

Then the other half is that the war truly escapes all chances of ending in my favor if the number of Narrators falls below nine and the factions are not balanced.

[doublecrows]

Even if only for a moment? Even if someone were to change to the Villain faction after the number fell to two, to bring it back up to three again?

[themodsgrimm]

As long as the Villain faction is not entirely removed from play - there is still hope.

[doublecrows]

[and Akechi nods]

Thank you. That covers it, I believe.

Are we missing any further secrets to this war game, or do we have all of the pieces necessary to bring it to an end?

[themodsgrimm]

[She shakes her head.]

No, there is nothing vital regarding the possible endings that remains a secret to you.

... have you all made your decisions?

[doublecrows]

. . . I can’t speak for anyone but myself.

But I’ve decided not to go down easily. Even though I’m prepared to die.

[themodsgrimm]

... I suppose I am not surprised.

[Her expression twists into something... torn.]

I am happy that you will not give up... even if I worry it might cause you both more pain in the end.

But more than that, I am unhappy that I cannot properly show my support for you.

[ . . . ]

I have enjoyed meeting you.

[doublecrows]

[hmph. . .]

And it has not been entirely unpleasant to work with you, Dragon-san.

[WHAT KIND OF BACKHANDED. . . okay he’s trying give him credit!1]

[themodsgrimm]

[That actually makes her smile.]

Yes, that is about what I expected.

I'm sorry that I was not able to do more for you.

[doublecrows]

. . . not treating us as pawns for your little conflict with Tiger-san would have been a start.

[okay, slightly bitter, but. he drops it there]

I'm trusting you to do as promised with the ink you collect, Dragon-san.

[themodsgrimm]

[She blinks in confusion.]

I will.

[That, she says confidently.... but then she continues - ]

Did I treat you as a pawn...? [Her brow furrows.]

... I'm sorry, if you ever thought that I found you disposable.

[doublecrows]

[. . .]

[he sighs a little, his bitterness waning, because in the end Dragon is his favorite of the Crafters for a reason]

If I die this weekend, then keep your promise to the others and bring me back. If that happens. . . I'll forgive you.

[themodsgrimm]

[There's the smallest spark of amusement in her eyes as the edge of her mouth quirks up into another smile.

why does this boy make her go through emotion olympics]

I would never dream of leaving you behind in the Other Side, Akechi.

Your story will not end here, as long as I have a choice in it.

[doublecrows]

If I were younger, I might force you to turn that into a pinkie promise. But I've long since outgrown those sorts of childish rituals.

[themodsgrimm]

[what if she wanted to pinkie promise...

Regardless she holds one hand out to him.]

Then might I take your hand for a moment instead?

[doublecrows]

[slow blinks at her, but. holds out his hand obediently!1]

[themodsgrimm]

[thanks akechi

She'll just take his hand between both of hers, holding onto it gently so that he can pull away at any moment if he feels too much like a trapped animal.]

I do not wish to see you perish here.

You have my word, Goro Akechi.