scythegun | week 7; tuesday

...No, I do not. Whomever was seemed to be rather enthusiastic and full of energy, however.

[ So it was someone... lively? He has no clue who it was.

There's a small pause. ]

You are able to communicate with the dead? I was not aware you had such an ability.

[ Duke is having a little bit of a misunderstanding here, whoops. ]

Edited 2017-01-11 02:15 (UTC)

...Well, it would be amazing if I had done that on my own! But I didn't. I'm not that incredible! No, I was messing with the lights in the laser tag area and someone else started playing with them too. I was the only one in the room though, so that should have been impossible, ja?

The person I was communicating with asked me about a pocketwatch, which I took from Hazama's body.

[AS YOU DO..........]

[ Duke wonders if the person who communicated with him and Mikami was something who didn't hate his guts. That is probably a reasonable thought. ]

I still do not know the identity of who played with the lights, but I am assuming it was likely not Leo at the very least. Especially since they appeared to actually know what they were doing, however, it is ...noteworthy the dead are able to still communicate with us.

Ja, it's something we should keep quiet, I think. I don't want to bring it to that sheep's attention.

[It's possible the sheep already knows, but just to be safe...]

Anyway, were any of the items you found in that locker interesting?

[ He'll nod. That is a good point-- Duke will just make a note to bust out the pens and paper if the dead do something again later down the road. ]

... Yes.

There were the eight pictures that depicted a woman killing another woman, who was apparently her friend, before disposing of the body. In addition to that there was a white coat found in the locker as well. Then finally, the letter I briefly mentioned ... which seemed to be someone detailing the fact that they knew the murder had taken place and it mentioned to "keep to the contract" or they would release the information concerning said murder. It was sent to an individual named "Electra Omehia".

[ Sounds like a case of blackmail here. ]

Oh dear. That sounds... fun.

[why does it have to be blackmail...]

I'm afraid that doesn't mean anything to me, though. Do you recognize the name?

[ It's air the dirty laundry week with secrets and blackmail, apparently... ]

... No, I do not.

I've assumed it's likely someone involved in this business. Although, I do not know if this person is present in this hotel.

Maybe they were present and something happened to them. At this point we can't rule anything out. It's certainly something to keep in mind.

... That is true.

[ Duke would not be surprised if there was another dead body lying around besides Sandra's. This place was literally just like that. ]

I believe that is all on my side.

[ He'll choose this moment to fall a bit silent, as he's thinking over present events, and especially this week. But before he thinks of proceeding where he may... ]

And I presume nothing more happened on your end as well? It was just once with Hazama?

Ja, that's right. Perhaps I'll try to contact him again at some point.

[He's not sure what good it will do, since he apparently had a good enough response to Hazama's message, but who knows.]

...It's probably strange to say it, but I'm... glad I had another opportunity to speak with him. Of course I don't approve of what he did, but... I was fond of him, I suppose.

[Of all the deaths to take hard of course it's Hazama's he's having difficulties with.]

... He was a friend, correct?

[ Duke wasn't as close to Hazama, and didn't like what he did, but he knows that bonds and feelings can remain regardless of what a person's done.

Maybe from experience now... ]

You made a close bond with him of some sort I believe, so perhaps, to me it does not sound quite so strange.

Was. I wanted nothing to do with him after what he did to Aki.

[...For obvious reasons, probably.]

I think it's for the best that he's dead. He was dangerous and if that was how he was going to entertain himself then we're all better off without him.

...But even so... Ah, this is the sort of thing I usually don't allow myself to think about. I've always done what's in my own best interest, even if that does mean getting rid of the people I like.

[Don Whitehorse is a prime example of that and something Yeager still hasn't allowed himself to process for longer than five minutes. It's easier that way.]

Indeed.

[ ... and he'll just leave it at that for now, regarding the incident.

He takes pause, regarding the other man. Duke knows he himself is the type to think on matters for quite a lengthy amount of time. ]

... Sometimes there are things you cannot help but dwell on.

...Ja, I know.

[He rests his hand over the blastia for a moment before he forces himself to let go.]

Ah, but speaking of that! Is that secret of yours too terrible?

[ This suddenly became immensely awkward.

His eyes flicker to the side. ]

... Yes.

[ He takes a small breath. Duke figures Yeager will be knowing soon enough, and so he decides to explain it completely before he loses the nerve. ]

Before Yuri and his friends were able to rescue the world with help, I had foolishly fought against them. However, that was not the only thing.

I was stubborn and would not heed their words at that point... and attempted to use Tarquaron to save the world. The secret lists that I did try to use Tarquaron, but also the simple fact that if I had been successful, humanity would be no more. I knew the consequences of this as well.

Edited 2017-01-12 11:35 (UTC)

[...You know, in retrospect he probably should have expected exactly something like this. Duke is kind of a mess, so genocide sure why not

But it's not really fair to jump straight to conclusions without at least hearing an explanation first.]

I'm assuming Tarquaron would be able to stop the Adephagos you mentioned, correct? Why were you willing to sacrifice all of humanity to reach that goal?

[The words are carefully spoken and even, though there's some hesitation behind them, like he's not sure he's even asking the right question to begin with.]

Yes, that is correct.

[ Duke's barely able to get the words out, and he's trying to keep from literally shutting down because he is afraid that, as far as he's concerned, he has burned the bridge of the person he is the closest to.

Regardless, he does his best to explain nonetheless. ]

I foolishly thought it was the only way to defeat the Adephagos. At the time, it was the only way I knew of, however...when Yuri and his comrades were able to detail me of another plan, I stubbornly thought of their plan as nonsensical because of it changing the Entelexia to "spirits". I had also thought my way was the only way to ensure the world was saved, and given the size of the Adephagos, whatever alternative that was proposed seemed ludicrous... as well as likely to be ineffective.

[He's quiet for a moment, considering that.]

So even if it meant a world without any humans at all... it was better than losing everything, ja?

[If Duke really thought there was no other option...]

Well, that certainly is a nasty little secret! Does Yuri already know about this?

Yes.

[ It was a good idea he at least changed his mind, but still. Duke had been kind of thinking this type of thing would never be revealed, so uh. ]

... And yes, he does. He asked for everything that occurred after Heracles, and so I told him relatively early on.

We did move on from that subject relatively quickly, however.

I'm not surprised, but I'm glad you've already told him about that.

[That'll make things a little easier on Duke, at least. Yeager tips his head a bit before finally shrugging.]

I can't say I agree, obviously, but everything turned out fine in the end. I doubt everyone here will taking hearing a secret like that well, so if anyone gives you any problems you come to me. I won't let anything happen to you, Duke.

[He's serious when he says it, of course.]

[ There are times where Duke knows why he does not take anything for granted, including the relationships of those close to him. That said, he probably should have mentioned this sooner... ]

I will, I promise you that.

[ He knows he'd do the same for Yeager in a heartbeat, and he knows he wishes that there is more he wishes to say. ]

Yeager, I'll always remain grateful for everything you have done. Even if it has just been continuing to remain by my side. I am not sure if there can ever be a way to express the entirety of this or how I feel in mere words, and yet...

I also wish for you to know that, regardless of whatever may happen, I will make sure that you are still with me by the end of this.

...Well, I won't lie to you, I'm not going to take this very well. It's a secret I've kept for ten years and I... I'm not ready to share it with anyone just yet. I've made two exceptions so far here. One of those was necessary, the other... not as much. Still, it was my decision to do that. This isn't. It's... difficult, I suppose.

[He reaches up to play with his bangs for a moment before he forces himself to stop.]

Your secret is terrible too - even worse than mine, really. But we'll stand together, ja? I won't let this break me, not when I've made it through everything else. I have to return home to Droite and Gauche.

Indeed, it is. The plan for myself to reveal such a thing was non-existent as well. It only happened once before now...but I did not exactly intend to do so in the first place.

[ It just sort of...happened. Kinda like how Duke's murderplot did-- nothing quite goes as planned. He's sure Yeager can understand the feeling.

It also helps that knowing Yeager also does not want his secret revealed (he already knew this, but still), and he's suddenly gathering up words he is a little unsure of still, but wishes to believe in. ]

... I do not know how the others will react exactly, but I don't have any delusions they will be favorable. Yet, if you are here with me, it is enough, and I know that it is not the end. We will make it. It will be enough, and soon, once we arrive home, we can ...

...

[ He makes a small pause and he reaches his hand out to Yeager. It's not like he doesn't want to finish, but it's more like he doesn't know how. ]

[Yeager doesn't answer right away but he does take Duke's hand the moment it's offered. He's definitely calmed down by now and when he finally manages to look at Duke again he actually has the usual confidence back. The over-the-top cheer isn't present, but that's only because his smile is genuine.]

Once we arrive home we're going to have quite a few things to figure out, ja? Will we be in your timeline or mine or Yuri's? Once we've determined that we can work out how to proceed - I'll have plenty to attend to no matter what, but I'd like it if you accompanied me. If you don't have anything pressing to do, that is!

[Concrete goals are always better than vague statements in his opinion, and focusing on the things he should do when he returns home makes all of this a lot easier. It makes it seem like they really will get out of here at some point. He can at least try to offer Duke that much.]

[ Duke's always felt like it was a privilege to see any of Yeager's real, genuine smile, and he's glad when the man takes his hand... which, doing so (holding hands, that is) felt natural at this point. Even if he is not entirely sure why. ]

... My own, if that is alright. However, if you wish to return to your own, or Yuri's, I will still gladly accompany you on the way there.

[ So far them saying they will go home and come out of it alive has worked out well enough so far. Why not this? ]

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