[Week 3, Sunday: Cardia]

[doublecrows]

[. . . it's after the execution that he comes find her, expression muted, voice low. he's obviously still affected, even if he's trying to seem unflappable]

Miss Cardia. A moment of your time?

Comments

[discardia]

I'll listen.

[ She can't promise anything, not until she knows what he has to say, but he's welcome to ask it. ]

[doublecrows]

[. . .]

[he knows she can't, so while he looks irritated for a moment, he otherwise doesn't fault her for her answer]

If I die, can you protect Eichi?

[discardia]

[ Oh. Cardia blinks for a moment, and then-- ]

Of course I will.

But I hope it doesn't come to that.

[doublecrows]

Naturally, I hope it doesn't come to that as well.

[he still has no particular desire to die]

We'll see what the coming weeks have in store for us.

[discardia]

... No one's threatened you, have they?

[ Look, she's been concerned about this for awhile. ]

[doublecrows]

Oddly enough, no.

[BELIEVE HIM, IT BEWILDERS HIM, TOO]

But Fitzgerald was targeted this week, wasn't he? Likely for being a Blotter. It's only a matter of time before I'm killed as well.

[discardia]

[ She doesn't look too thrilled by this, but she also can't entirely protest. Damn. ]

I meant what I said, when I told you I'd stay beside you. So I'll do my best to protect you, too.

[ ... Somehow. ]

[doublecrows]

[just]

[starts once at that, and frowns]

Even now? Even though I knew who killed Fitzgerald, and said nothing?

[discardia]

Weren't you just supporting 2B? I can understand if you wouldn't want to trust me with that-- I was trying to help Ion at the time.

[doublecrows]

[. . . ah]

2B didn't vote for me when I was revealed to be a culprit.

[aaaaah]

I wished to return that favor.

[because allies are important. his alliance with 2B was hardly personal; it was practical]

[discardia]

[ ... ah. ]

I'm glad. You were still supported, even back then.

[doublecrows]

[HE KILLED A MAN, CARDIA???]

I still don't understand.

[discardia]

...? Understand what? Why people wanted to support you?

[doublecrows]

Yes.

[it's something he may never fully understand, no matter how many people try to beat it into him]

[discardia]

... I can't speak for other people. I don't understand why people have been so kind to me here, either.

But I promised you, didn't I? I'm sure others saw potential in you, too.

[doublecrows]

People are kind to you because you're kind to them, Miss Cardia.

[he doesn't sound bitter or even in awe of that fact. he's just saying it how it is. and he doesn't even have that going for him]

[discardia]

Being treated cruelly is one of the saddest things in the world. I wouldn't want anyone else to go through that at my hands.

[doublecrows]

[. . . . .]

Miss Cardia, may I ask you a favor?

[discardia]

You can just ask, at this point.

[doublecrows]

If you happen to learn someone else's objective, and believe I could be of assistance in helping them complete it, would you let me know?

[discardia]

Yes.

[ she sure said that promptly. ]

Did you complete yours already, Akechi?

[doublecrows]

I have, yes.

And have you completed yours?

[discardia]

Yes. It was a rather complicated objective, but... I managed.

[doublecrows]

Excellent. I imagine the Crafters will be pleased.

Did you receive a new one upon completing your first?

[discardia]

I did. But I don't think you'd enjoy helping me with it.