[Prologue, Sunday: Ion the original]

[doublecrows]

[now that the existence of two Ions has come to light, and now that Akechi can kind of tell the difference between them, thanks to their age difference. . . it's time to seek the other Ion out! to ask a very important question]

Excuse me. Can I take a moment of your time? This question may sound strange, but-- have we spoken before?

[JUST. TO MAKE SURE]

Comments

[fonlines]

[ --ah, so they're tackling that, are they? Ion doesn't miss the narrowed gaze. the over-bright smile and laughter fall away, leaving a more placid, sober smile in their place.

Ion nods in a slow, deliberate movement, eyes closing briefly as he does. ]

That's correct.

He is the last of the living precautions prepared for the eventuality that I would not be able to fulfill my duties as Fon Master.

[doublecrows]

[it's as he told the other Ion: a fail-safe like that is wise, if the death of such an important figurehead were to plunge the country into chaos. but even so. . .]

And how do you feel about having seven replicas? Each meant to take over your responsibilities in the event that you can't?

[fonlines]

A fair number of them were deemed unsuitable for the responsibility. I don't have seven replicas meant to replace me, only the one.

[ though regarding the question itself, he smiles a little awkwardly, a little apologetically ]

As for me... ha ha. What should it matter, how I feel, if the future of the world should depend on it?

[doublecrows]

[oh]

[there's a pause, because something about that just doesn't sit right with Akechi. even though his response says otherwise]

. . . an admirable mindset. To be willing to put your duty over yourself.

[fonlines]

[ softly: ] It is my purpose. It is the only role I know. You may call me admirable for it, but is it really when all I am doing is fulfilling what others ask of me?

[ hum...ility? ]

Thank you, though. Your words are heartening.

[doublecrows]

[. . .]

[honestly? as someone who also fulfilled whatever role people asked of him, regardless of personal feelings. . . Akechi can't answer that question]

You're welcome. I'm glad they could at least be that much.

[fonlines]

... Well then.

[ ... he smiles again, as if that could push away the apology and solemn atmosphere that had coloured his tone just a moment ago ]

I apologize, I didn't mean to lecture at you. Was there anything else I could assist you with?

[doublecrows]

No, that's all. I merely thought it would be wise to speak with the two of you, instead of just one.

Thank you for your time, Ion-san.