Audio;

[truthdecided]

Ren is in the clinic.

[Akechi's words are blunt, monotone, and he tries desperately to not any ripples of worry or distress slip through his thoughts.

Still, those focusing closely may still feel it. A tingling feeling like ants skittering across one's brain.]

I will be doing what I can to care for him. Obviously, I'm not clinic staff, but I owe him as much.

[Something like irritation starts to flare, but it fizzles out fast.]

I told him not to overdo it. Now he's going to fall even further behind.

Comments

[bladeofnymeia]

...It may not be a comfort. But, for what it's worth, I am sorry.

[Sorry that there are still places like that. Out beyond the confines of her star and its reflections, where hands are yet stained red...she's not naive enough to think it could all come to a peaceful resolution, someday. There will yet ever be strife.

But like. The kids, man. The teens. They don't need this.]

And I know not your reasons...I know not your methods. But I am certainly the last person who could judge you.

[Even the worst of the worst that she had faced - judgement was not hers to pass. She fought, she protected, and yes, she killed. But that was no judgement.]

[truthdecided]

It was my own damn fault. I walked into a situation, thinking I had control, and got more than I bargained for. Worst of all, I never had control...

[Scoffing, he shakes his head. It is what it is, bitter though it may be.]

Still, it's not something I typically share. The last thing I need is to sow dissent among our guild due to a past that hardly applies here.

[bladeofnymeia]

I hadn't planned on telling.

[It's not like her situation. He's not...well, he isn't going out with the intent to find adventure in a dangerous fantasy world.]

If you wish to begin anew here, then you should. Not everyone gets that chance.

[truthdecided]

Indeed. Not to say that I 'deserve' it, but I'd be a fool to squander it all the same.

[He has a choice for once, even in this tiny form. No higher power setting him up for failure, no obligations to act as a hitman for society's most wretched elites...]

[bladeofnymeia]

You and many others I know would share that sentiment. But...I'm glad you won't squander the chance.

[A soul in the aetherial sea takes a long time to cleanse and be born a new for that. To be able to do this in one lifetime is priceless.]

[truthdecided]

Frankly, Mightyena-san is infinitely more agreeable than my previous 'superiors.' Even within the restraints of the guild system, we're rather fortunate to be so accepted despite our status as outsiders.

[It speaks to a certain kindness he's seldom seen with humans. Are Pokémon simply well-meaning, or is there more to it?]

[bladeofnymeia]

What is she like, Miss Mightyena? I'm not part of her guild, but I have not forgotten her initial kindness when we all arrived and needed a place to stay.

[truthdecided]

Gruff, but kind. She cares greatly for everyone in her guild, regardless of their histories or personalities.

[Pausing, he heaves a small sigh.]

What of Ribombee? I admit, I've only really seen him from a distance.

[bladeofnymeia]

...Ambitious. He has the Bay's interests at heart, but there is an ambition to him I am very familiar with. I began my adventures in a very...commerce-focused city, and he would not be out of place there.

[Really the kindest way to put it.]

But you did not hear that from me.

[truthdecided]

It's funny. I had similar suspicions.

[Just to be safe, he shuffles closer and lowers his voice.]

Often, bright smiles and overabundant cheer are a facade used to get people to do what they want. I'm well versed in the art of playing to a crowd.

[...]

That, and I find the lack of roofs in the lower ranked quarters deeply perplexing, given that your guild has at least two fire types.

[bladeofnymeia]

Oh, yes. The fact that we have gone without incident in a wooded area is a miracle in and of itself.

I'm used to it for me, though. There are worse places to sleep.

[truthdecided]

I suppose it is somewhat a matter of perspective.

[He glances back at Ren.]

We're exposed to the elements in the tunnels, but at least there we have ceilings. The walls are much too thin, but they are stable, if nothing else.

[bladeofnymeia]

...You are making me feel as if I ought to focus my attention on a massive blanket initiative, instead of the satchels I keep trying to perfect.

[ARE YOU ALL COLD, DO YOU NEED BLANKIES, SHE CAN MAKE BLANKIES IT'S SO EASY]

[truthdecided]

[A "blanket initiative." Hmm... He cocks his head slightly, envisioning this.]

Such a project may require additional hands. Blankets require far more materials than satchels.

[bladeofnymeia]

You can technically turn a thick bolt of fabric into a proper blanket if you hem the edges.

[She's been brushing Emmet out for his shedded fur and that shit pressed and spun into something is toasty.]