[That gets a soft laugh out of him before he responds. It's so nice be able to fall back into this as though it's just any day and they have nothing particularly pressing to talk about, yet continue to seek out each others' company repeatedly anyway.
Gods, he feels stupid for not having realized just how deep his affections run earlier.]
I did warn you. There's nothing that will get me to stop. [dazai is never getting this walkie-talkie back.] But there is... something a bit more serious I would like to discuss with you, if you're alone.
[He suspects this is going to end in tears. Hopefully just on Dist's side?? Ugh, if he never cries again, that'll be a blessing...]
I want to ask you about... what happened after you died. And I... should likely tell you about the trial, if you don't already know what happened there.
[Did Dist see it? Does he already know? Those questions shouldn't terrify him as badly as they do, but...]
Well, this was bound to come up at some point, wasn't it? It may as well be now. After taking a deep breath, he responds.]
For the record, I did not see the trial, and the others have said very little about it. Honestly, if I were to hear about it from anyone, I would prefer it to be you.
[Because it sure is surreal to imagine one of the several trials he attended...only with everyone discussing his murder instead.]
[Honestly, he's not sure if it's a good thing or not that no one's really said anything about it. It sounds like they had more important things to worry about than a trial they could only watch. It's good that Dist didn't see it himself, right? That would have done nothing but agitate him. Especially considering some of the things he said to Ango near the end of it. So that much is good, and Dist should hear about it from him first. Still, something about it makes him feel uneasy, and he's not sure if it's because now he actually has to talk about it, or if it's because he's about to hear what Dist actually went through.]
If you could, that would be appreciated. I heard... some of what he explained, but in truth we were unable to determine most of what happened.
[It's not easy to admit that. He should have done better; he should have been able to figure this out. This one wasn't even difficult. But just like last time, he'd been blinded by anger - and so many other emotions he'd rather not consider right now. Is that going to happen against the Lady as well?
Now isn't the time to think about it.]
I apologize, I'm certain this is exceptionally difficult for you, but I... I need to know.
[I need to know if you suffered is the exact sentiment, because he still doesn't really get how guns work, and even though Ango said it took thirty seconds, he doesn't believe a damn thing that man said.]
[Upon hearing that, Dist can't say he blames them for not figuring it out the entirety of what happened.]
It is all right. I understand that it is important to you. I wouldn't share this with anyone else.
[Because it is very difficult, especially since it keeps replaying in his dreams. Even though he is still here in some capacity, it doesn't change what happened. He still died.
But he will do it for Iago.]
I was just about to pack up and leave, when the lights went out. I fumbled for my flashlight and gun to investigate, but I...suddenly lost the ability to hear as well. I couldn't get my bearings. Before I even managed to flip my flashlight on, I... [The feed goes out for a split second before he presses the button again.] My chest erupted in excruciating pain. I felt my body crash to the ground...and that was it, as I have come to understand.
I am sorry. Truthfully, even I do not know exactly what happened. I imagine he intended to disorient me as much as possible.
[So they were right. They were right in that the lights were off, Sonui was used to aim in the dark, and the jar was used - they just hadn't figured out why. Eliminating sound entirely like that so suddenly would disorient anyone. Dist never stood a chance.
It's frustrating, because he already knows why and how Ango did it and why Dist of all damn people, but now he has to explain it all.]
I'm glad you didn't suffer. [He takes a moment to breathe before he continues.] He turned off the lights; he didn't need them to see. He never had Gravitas, he had Sonui, and Sonui users don't need any light to see. They're capable of completely eliminating all sound in an area for several minutes, as well.
[He cuts the feed out there for a moment, busying himself with removing his mask and circlet as he tries to figure out how best to address the end of that.]
You have nothing to be sorry for. Please, don't apologize. [There's something almost desperate in his tone at that.] You did everything you could, and he never intended to give you a fighting chance.
[There is a slight crack in his voice as he processes all of this. And he can only come to one conclusion at the end of it.]
He targeted me, then. He probably knew I would be there...and he took advantage of it. [...] I was a fool to stay there. I should have gone back with you...
[He shakes his head on his end.]
I know now is not the time for wallowing in regrets, but... I really do wish I had done things differently.
[This is the sort of thing he shouldn't tell Dist. He knows that, but...]
He wanted to kill us both. He tracked our movements, watched how late we stayed in the autoshop. He intended to kill both of us. It's only because you sent me back to the room that I'm still alive.
[It's angry; not bitter, exactly, but full of something deep and intense that he's not even sure he can place.]
He chose us because we were the ones he thought were least likely to be able to throw off his plans.
[Because they're physically weak, because they rely on others to do the fighting for them, because they weren't a threat. Because as far as Ango was concerned, they would be the easiest to kill.
There's very little Iago hates more than anyone doubting his skill and intelligence, but doubting Dist's? That's unacceptable.]
I wish things had gone differently as well. I wish I'd had the chance to kill him myself. He dared to target us - you - and speak as though it was necessary, as though stealing you away from me could ever be understandable—
[He cuts the feed for a moment and forces himself to breathe. It's difficult. It's far too difficult and if he's getting this riled now...]
My apologies. I... I understand that you blame yourself for this, but it wasn't your fault. Your actions saved my life.
[And as upset as he is to be separated from Dist, he wants Dist to know that. Maybe that will help in some small way.]
[Dist's feed remains silent through all of this, but on the other side, his expression grows more and more horrified with everything that he learns. He doesn't fault Iago for letting his anger take control, because...the exact same thing is happening on his end. Rage begins to bubble up as it had the moment he woke up next to Ango, and his hands tremble so badly he nearly drops the walkie talkie.
Ango said he was selfish in his actions, thinking only in the short-term to take the Lady's threat to heart. But that doesn't change the fact that he went through the effort to nearly take out Iago as well.]
That bastard! [Dist's voice finally comes through, shaking with barely-contained rage. At least they are both on the same wavelength there.] When I see him again, I'll... I'll—!!
[Okay, now it's his turn to attempt to rein himself in. He pulls out his handkerchief to wipe his nose.]
...Thank you for telling me this, Iago. It does provide me great relief to hear that you escaped that scenario. Had both of us died, all of our work would have been severely hindered. I believe we have had enough of that occurrence for the both of us.
[His tone softens considerably for the next bit.]
But most importantly, I want you to live. I miss you dearly, but I would never want for you to join me here.
[Dist gets him, which is exactly why he went through with the explanation after that just sort of happened. They're both fueled by spite, and even if they can't focus on Ango right now, at least Dist understands.]
Our work on this side has been greatly hindered by your loss, but I don't intend to sit idly by. I can't do even a portion of what you could, but that doesn't mean I can't be useful in my own way.
[The second part... The second part is harder. It isn't anything new, Cumore has more or less had to beat that lesson into his head repeatedly (and he gets to do it once more for good measure later tonight) but it's a bit difficult to hear it now. He takes a moment to close his eyes and breathe.]
I know, Dist. I have no interest in joining you there either; I told you I wanted to see this through to the end, did I not? I intend to make good on that. I'll make her pay for everything she put us through.
[While it's ultimately still Ango's fault at the end of the day, he wouldn't have acted without that motive. The Lady holds quite a bit of blame here too, and given what she said about Dist during the trial... Well, needless to say, that's incentive enough for him to want her dead.
...But.]
I... apologize in advance. Hearing about the trial isn't going to be easy, and I... have difficulties talking about it. For obvious reasons.
[In other words, this is going to suck. Are you ready?]
[He's kind of glad that Iago can't see him grimacing in annoyance over here...]
Iago, I will not have you talking yourself down. I was hardly the one carrying our partnership. Your lack of knowledge in some areas was hardly your fault. I have worked to fill in those gaps, and I know that you will take my teachings far. [He takes a moment to calm down once more. What a heated conversation this keeps fading in and out of.] I am pleased that you have faith in seeing things through, but I won't stand for you saying nonsense like that simply because we do not share the same fields of expertise.
[That aside...He'll let Iago continue.]
I am ready to hear about the trial. Please take your time if it becomes too difficult to bear.
[Like, he's thinking it was difficult since Iago had to talk about Dist's death, and had to find a culprit in a mindset of what he can only imagine was despair. He really has no idea how bad it truly ended up being.]
[Gods. He probably wouldn't be having issues like this at all if the trial had gone better, but it's entirely because he couldn't put everything together that he's dealing with all this disgusting doubt and worries about being useless. He knows it isn't fair to compare their strengths, but when one of his greatest strengths has been taken from him and the other is repeatedly failing him... Well, it's a bit hard to see anything good there. He's going to break about this again later tonight, but for now...
For now he has to focus on the trial.]
The Lady woke us up in the middle of the night, presumably not long after... [Well. You know.] Cumore stayed with me and ensured I was as prepared as possible to attend the trial. He stayed with me for the entire duration of it as well. [And occasionally threatened him with a weird blade-thing but that's not important.]
Early on we were able to determine that the killer was likely a good shot and that the lights were possibly out. I knew a possibility for that, but I didn't want to share it - but Cumore did. Sonui allows the user to more or less see in the dark - that's his power, and one he revealed to me some time ago. In revealing his power, he was able to give a better idea of what could have happened.
Dazai had a solid alibi, as usual. Seteth and Rean were in the room with him the entire time, so we all assumed it couldn't be him and he was the only other person we knew had Sonui. We all assumed that everyone had been honest when sharing their powers, and only mine remains unknown.
[Obviously they didn't accuse him, given how much of a shitshow he was being, but there's a hard edge to his tone there anyway.]
Suspicion fell on Cumore, and he provided an alibi with Teru Mikami. Neither of them would have any reason to lie for the other. The idea came up that one of them had left the room during the night without the other noticing, so they were doubting each other on top of everything else.
That bastard's alibi - if it can even be called that - was that he was talking to Rembrandt. Rembrandt confirmed it, but couldn't tell us how long he was there. He insisted there was simply no way for him to have gotten from the art museum to the autoshop in the amount of time it took, and since I was operating under the assumption that he had Gravitas... I asked Shiro to experiment with it.
[Not Ango. Shiro. If he'd just been able to put two and two together—]
The hint was offered, and Zangetsu took it. We were provided with glass shards. It was all but confirmed it was Sonui at that point and with only two known Sonui users, I'm sure you can imagine how poorly that went for Cumore.
[He cuts off the feed there for a moment to breathe. He's almost done. He's almost done.]
I tried to get them to vote for Teru Mikami. I was desperate. I couldn't lose both of you. But they refused to see reason - Cumore has never used a gun, if he was going to kill it wouldn't have been you, it wouldn't have been like that, and his reaction was to simply freeze up entirely. None of that fit. None of them could see it. Teru Mikami jumped to Cumore's defense as well, and I believe that's what saved both of them - they were both acting so damn weird.
I don't know how we managed to vote correctly, and frankly, I don't care. We worked out almost nothing in the end and didn't even realize that bastard was lying about his power, but we were still able to convict him.
[A soft, shaky exhale.]
That's... glossing over quite a bit. But that's a basic summary, at least.
[If you've got questions about that, now's the time to ask them. He'll discuss the shit that happened after the vote in a moment.]
To be perfectly honest, Dist has no words for any of this at first. He just stares at the walkie talkie in increasing disbelief. It really is a shitshow, all the way through.]
...I. Well, to begin, I am extremely grateful to Cumore for keeping an eye on you, and I would like you to relay that to him. I know he isn't very fond of speaking with the Twilight.
[He takes a deep breath as he gets to what he wants to say next.]
I don't fault you for your actions during the trial. How could anyone expect you to be completely rational after I had just died? It seems as though Ango's ruse with Dazai carried him through this mess. Had Cumore and Mikami not reacted the way they had, I... I don't want to think about it.
But what infuriates me the most, as I know it did for you as well, was that they would even consider Cumore as the culprit. I wouldn't say I am as close with him as you are, but he is the only other person here that I truly consider an ally. Additionally, why would he reveal the details of Sonui if he had done it? I imagine he assumed Dazai would have an alibi, so it would have been self-sabotage to do that otherwise!
What- What on Auldrant were they thinking?!
[After an aggravated sigh, he attempts to calm himself.]
...I apologize. It is unfair of me to critique this. I just- I cannot fathom it.
No, it is hardly unfair. You would have seen through this in an instant as well, and I'm furious that any of them even considered Cumore.
[Rideaux he can understand. Rideaux is an asshole and would've taken the opportunity to get Cumore killed and under most circumstances that would piss him off. But right now, Rideaux is surprisingly not the person he hates the most anymore and his entirely predictable reaction to Cumore being accused was almost a blessing because that was something he could expect. Everyone else being an idiot was probably something he should have figured for, however.]
Even with how poorly I was handling anything, I was still the one who accused that bastard. It felt like I was the only one fighting at all.
[Cumore shut down after being accused, so he's not mad at Cumore for that, but the rest? Mikami was obviously having issues so he wasn't being useful and Rideaux was primarily keeping his damn mouth shut, but how could all of the others be so blind? How could they look at Cumore first, when absolutely nothing about the evidence pointed to him aside from Sonui?]
I... [The feed cuts for a moment.] I wanted them all dead. In that moment, I would have done anything to ensure all but Cumore died.
[He considered; he was so damn close to asking Rembrandt about that hypothetical deal he hadn't gone through with. It had been a ploy to get Rembrandt to speak, but in that moment...]
I was... so afraid we wouldn't be able to avenge you. I was certain when the Lady announced the results of the vote that Cumore would be joining you.
[And he wouldn't have been far behind, one way or another.]
I do not like thinking of this hypothetical scenario, but if our positions were switched, I would no doubt have felt the same. So never feel guilty about that.
[He's pretty sure Iago doesn't, but he's just making sure.]
I am so grateful that the votes were swayed, even if many of you were uncertain of Ango's guilt. [His voice wavers. He's holding back emotion at this point.] I...I cannot fathom waking up in the Twilight beside Cumore and yourself.
[He's not stupid. He knows that would likely have been the last straw for Iago. It's a tragedy that chills him to even think about.
He's glad it wasn't Mikami either. From the sound of things, his loss would have hit Cumore pretty hard too.]
You all need to pull yourselves together. You all have to be confident and sure of yourselves when you confront the Lady and Rembrandt. Unfortunately, I have less faith than I did previously, but...well, we always did say it sometimes felt like we were the only truly competent ones.
I know. You would have had every right to be furious with me.
[Not necessarily for not being able to keep Cumore from being voted for, although he'd blame himself for that, but because he'd reached a point where he couldn't think clearly. What good is he if he can't even do that much?]
Someday I'll tell you about what that bastard said after we voted for him - but you're right. We need to focus. We're still the only truly competent people here, but things have changed. Before, most of us weren't playing the same game at all. But now...
Well, I believe we're all in agreement that we've had enough. I'll be surprised if any of us don't want to see the Lady bleed. While I don't trust the vast majority of them, at least we're finally in agreement about what the end goal should be.
Once this is over, I will never have to think about them again. I can tolerate them and work around them until then. I promise you, I'll make it through this alive. I would never dream of disappointing you now.
If it's you making that claim, then I will believe it. If nothing else, allow your spite to unite you.
[They really are such a spiteful bunch. Even in the Twilight, spite fuels its inhabitants. While he might not care for a lot of their group, he can at least get behind the spite train.]
Good. I need you to make it through alive. How else will you get to give her a punch in my stead? I certainly can't do it from here!
[He doesn't completely hate the Lady, but he's- he's not at all happy with her either. For a multitude of reasons.]
As much as I'd like that, I'd prefer to actually hurt her. [strength stat: 0.......] If only I had access to my magic... Oh well, perhaps stabbing her a few times would be nice.
[sigh!!]
I'll make sure to pay her back for everything she put you through. She'll regret ever having the nerve to drag you here.
Very well. I will settle for you getting a stab in for me instead.
[...at least he's trying to lighten the very dark mood.]
You have my thanks for seeing this through. I do not mean to burden you with it, but...I know it will be satisfying for the both of us.
[There's a brief pause on his end, and his tone is back to being dead serious when he tunes back in.]
Honestly, Iago... If there is one thing I will forgive her for, it is bringing me here. I wouldn't have met you otherwise. I would...most likely still be chasing my impossible dream.
[There's silence on his end for a long moment as he debates on how to address that, and just how much he wants to say. Eventually he speaks again, though it's a bit slower, almost hesitant.]
I feel the same way. Before you died, I... thanked her for that much.
[It wasn't part of his attempts to befriend her or use her, it was genuine.]
If she hadn't brought me here, I doubt I would have been able to rule Nohr. Even with the Dragon's Blood and Garon's death approaching... I'm not certain I could have defeated Leo and Xander in that battle.
[He still had the advantage, but it was a small one. Xander and Leo both are far more powerful than the average soldier and he wouldn't have stood much of a chance against either of them.]
Since being brought here, I've learned so much. The existence of other worlds and all sorts of technology I could never have imagined... But mostly, I've had the opportunity to meet so many interesting people. I've never felt as though I've been among equals before. [Though that isn't to say he considers most of these people equals. He really doesn't.] Most of the other commanders are nobles who were granted their titles and positions through lineage, and the ones who worked their way up through the ranks couldn't even begin to compare to my skill.
I've been alone for as long as I can remember, and I saw that as a strength back home. Despite how painful it's been... I'm very pleased I've had the opportunity to be proven wrong. I've met you, after all, and no one else will ever understand me in the same way you do.
I don't want to imagine how things would have been if I hadn't met you. I don't want to imagine a life without you in it. I—
[—No. If there's one thing he should save to say to Dist in person, it's that.]
I'm very happy to have met you. I am grateful to the Lady for that, despite everything else.
[...is making it very difficult to not get emotional all over again. But when he says things like "I don't want to imagine a life without you in it", how isn't his heart supposed to immediately flutter like an entire flock of butterflies?
He smiles down at the walkie talkie, reflecting on the better things.]
I am so glad that despite everything, you found plenty of positivity in it. I did as well. Apart from meeting you, I certainly didn't expect to hear others praising my work, or calling me useful... That meant more than I can say, and I don't know if I would have been able to push as hard and as far as I did without you cheering me on. You were the first to take my side, you know.
...At this point, it is very difficult to imagine what may have become of us back home. But we needn't concern ourselves with it now. After all of this is over, we have a new future to look forward to.
[Even if that future is an uncertain one. He still has no idea where to even go after this. One step at a time, though.]
[It gets a good laugh out of him at least. He'll let Iago hear it.]
Well, it certainly got your foot in the door.
[Like...he knows that their relationship did start on them being a practical echo chamber of praise and venting. But the more they spoke and the more they learned about one another...it has become way more than that now. Way, way more.
So. Yes. They are too far gone now. No looking back, etc.]
Are you speaking in a physical sense? Because that may make both of our jobs difficult.
[Joking aside...]
I understand, though. Being apart from you once has proven to be a struggle that I never want to endure again.
I did indeed mean that in the physical sense. You'll have to pry me off.
[He drops the teasing tone for the next part, though.]
You never will. I intend to stay by your side once this is over, regardless of where that takes us.
[It's not as though he's given up on his desire for power - he certainly never could. But "power" is a bit of a vague goal and one he hasn't really properly defined at all since he decided on it. Ruling a kingdom or a country would be nice, of course, but he can start smaller and alter that goal until it fits neatly beside Dist's own.]
I'll be here for you. [Forever, if he has his way.] You aren't getting rid of me just yet.
[It gets a startled laugh out of him; you can catch the end of it as he clicks the button.]
I think you're asking a bit too much of me.
[He actually sounds somewhere between legitimately flattered and caught off-guard for that one. Congrats, Dist, that was shockingly smooth and absolutely has managed to get him to blush.]
I'm fairly certain I already succeeded in that, even if it wasn't physical.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Gods, he feels stupid for not having realized just how deep his affections run earlier.]
I did warn you. There's nothing that will get me to stop. [dazai is never getting this walkie-talkie back.] But there is... something a bit more serious I would like to discuss with you, if you're alone.
[He suspects this is going to end in tears. Hopefully just on Dist's side?? Ugh, if he never cries again, that'll be a blessing...]
I want to ask you about... what happened after you died. And I... should likely tell you about the trial, if you don't already know what happened there.
[Did Dist see it? Does he already know? Those questions shouldn't terrify him as badly as they do, but...]
no subject
Well, this was bound to come up at some point, wasn't it? It may as well be now. After taking a deep breath, he responds.]
For the record, I did not see the trial, and the others have said very little about it. Honestly, if I were to hear about it from anyone, I would prefer it to be you.
[Because it sure is surreal to imagine one of the several trials he attended...only with everyone discussing his murder instead.]
Do you want me to start with my side first?
no subject
If you could, that would be appreciated. I heard... some of what he explained, but in truth we were unable to determine most of what happened.
[It's not easy to admit that. He should have done better; he should have been able to figure this out. This one wasn't even difficult. But just like last time, he'd been blinded by anger - and so many other emotions he'd rather not consider right now. Is that going to happen against the Lady as well?
Now isn't the time to think about it.]
I apologize, I'm certain this is exceptionally difficult for you, but I... I need to know.
[I need to know if you suffered is the exact sentiment, because he still doesn't really get how guns work, and even though Ango said it took thirty seconds, he doesn't believe a damn thing that man said.]
no subject
It is all right. I understand that it is important to you. I wouldn't share this with anyone else.
[Because it is very difficult, especially since it keeps replaying in his dreams. Even though he is still here in some capacity, it doesn't change what happened. He still died.
But he will do it for Iago.]
I was just about to pack up and leave, when the lights went out. I fumbled for my flashlight and gun to investigate, but I...suddenly lost the ability to hear as well. I couldn't get my bearings. Before I even managed to flip my flashlight on, I... [The feed goes out for a split second before he presses the button again.] My chest erupted in excruciating pain. I felt my body crash to the ground...and that was it, as I have come to understand.
I am sorry. Truthfully, even I do not know exactly what happened. I imagine he intended to disorient me as much as possible.
no subject
It's frustrating, because he already knows why and how Ango did it and why Dist of all damn people, but now he has to explain it all.]
I'm glad you didn't suffer. [He takes a moment to breathe before he continues.] He turned off the lights; he didn't need them to see. He never had Gravitas, he had Sonui, and Sonui users don't need any light to see. They're capable of completely eliminating all sound in an area for several minutes, as well.
[He cuts the feed out there for a moment, busying himself with removing his mask and circlet as he tries to figure out how best to address the end of that.]
You have nothing to be sorry for. Please, don't apologize. [There's something almost desperate in his tone at that.] You did everything you could, and he never intended to give you a fighting chance.
no subject
[There is a slight crack in his voice as he processes all of this. And he can only come to one conclusion at the end of it.]
He targeted me, then. He probably knew I would be there...and he took advantage of it. [...] I was a fool to stay there. I should have gone back with you...
[He shakes his head on his end.]
I know now is not the time for wallowing in regrets, but... I really do wish I had done things differently.
no subject
[This is the sort of thing he shouldn't tell Dist. He knows that, but...]
He wanted to kill us both. He tracked our movements, watched how late we stayed in the autoshop. He intended to kill both of us. It's only because you sent me back to the room that I'm still alive.
[It's angry; not bitter, exactly, but full of something deep and intense that he's not even sure he can place.]
He chose us because we were the ones he thought were least likely to be able to throw off his plans.
[Because they're physically weak, because they rely on others to do the fighting for them, because they weren't a threat. Because as far as Ango was concerned, they would be the easiest to kill.
There's very little Iago hates more than anyone doubting his skill and intelligence, but doubting Dist's? That's unacceptable.]
I wish things had gone differently as well. I wish I'd had the chance to kill him myself. He dared to target us - you - and speak as though it was necessary, as though stealing you away from me could ever be understandable—
[He cuts the feed for a moment and forces himself to breathe. It's difficult. It's far too difficult and if he's getting this riled now...]
My apologies. I... I understand that you blame yourself for this, but it wasn't your fault. Your actions saved my life.
[And as upset as he is to be separated from Dist, he wants Dist to know that. Maybe that will help in some small way.]
no subject
Ango said he was selfish in his actions, thinking only in the short-term to take the Lady's threat to heart. But that doesn't change the fact that he went through the effort to nearly take out Iago as well.]
That bastard! [Dist's voice finally comes through, shaking with barely-contained rage. At least they are both on the same wavelength there.] When I see him again, I'll... I'll—!!
[Okay, now it's his turn to attempt to rein himself in. He pulls out his handkerchief to wipe his nose.]
...Thank you for telling me this, Iago. It does provide me great relief to hear that you escaped that scenario. Had both of us died, all of our work would have been severely hindered. I believe we have had enough of that occurrence for the both of us.
[His tone softens considerably for the next bit.]
But most importantly, I want you to live. I miss you dearly, but I would never want for you to join me here.
no subject
Our work on this side has been greatly hindered by your loss, but I don't intend to sit idly by. I can't do even a portion of what you could, but that doesn't mean I can't be useful in my own way.
[The second part... The second part is harder. It isn't anything new, Cumore has more or less had to beat that lesson into his head repeatedly (and he gets to do it once more for good measure later tonight) but it's a bit difficult to hear it now. He takes a moment to close his eyes and breathe.]
I know, Dist. I have no interest in joining you there either; I told you I wanted to see this through to the end, did I not? I intend to make good on that. I'll make her pay for everything she put us through.
[While it's ultimately still Ango's fault at the end of the day, he wouldn't have acted without that motive. The Lady holds quite a bit of blame here too, and given what she said about Dist during the trial... Well, needless to say, that's incentive enough for him to want her dead.
...But.]
I... apologize in advance. Hearing about the trial isn't going to be easy, and I... have difficulties talking about it. For obvious reasons.
[In other words, this is going to suck. Are you ready?]
no subject
Iago, I will not have you talking yourself down. I was hardly the one carrying our partnership. Your lack of knowledge in some areas was hardly your fault. I have worked to fill in those gaps, and I know that you will take my teachings far. [He takes a moment to calm down once more. What a heated conversation this keeps fading in and out of.] I am pleased that you have faith in seeing things through, but I won't stand for you saying nonsense like that simply because we do not share the same fields of expertise.
[That aside...He'll let Iago continue.]
I am ready to hear about the trial. Please take your time if it becomes too difficult to bear.
[Like, he's thinking it was difficult since Iago had to talk about Dist's death, and had to find a culprit in a mindset of what he can only imagine was despair. He really has no idea how bad it truly ended up being.]
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For now he has to focus on the trial.]
The Lady woke us up in the middle of the night, presumably not long after... [Well. You know.] Cumore stayed with me and ensured I was as prepared as possible to attend the trial. He stayed with me for the entire duration of it as well. [And occasionally threatened him with a weird blade-thing but that's not important.]
Early on we were able to determine that the killer was likely a good shot and that the lights were possibly out. I knew a possibility for that, but I didn't want to share it - but Cumore did. Sonui allows the user to more or less see in the dark - that's his power, and one he revealed to me some time ago. In revealing his power, he was able to give a better idea of what could have happened.
Dazai had a solid alibi, as usual. Seteth and Rean were in the room with him the entire time, so we all assumed it couldn't be him and he was the only other person we knew had Sonui. We all assumed that everyone had been honest when sharing their powers, and only mine remains unknown.
[Obviously they didn't accuse him, given how much of a shitshow he was being, but there's a hard edge to his tone there anyway.]
Suspicion fell on Cumore, and he provided an alibi with Teru Mikami. Neither of them would have any reason to lie for the other. The idea came up that one of them had left the room during the night without the other noticing, so they were doubting each other on top of everything else.
That bastard's alibi - if it can even be called that - was that he was talking to Rembrandt. Rembrandt confirmed it, but couldn't tell us how long he was there. He insisted there was simply no way for him to have gotten from the art museum to the autoshop in the amount of time it took, and since I was operating under the assumption that he had Gravitas... I asked Shiro to experiment with it.
[Not Ango. Shiro. If he'd just been able to put two and two together—]
The hint was offered, and Zangetsu took it. We were provided with glass shards. It was all but confirmed it was Sonui at that point and with only two known Sonui users, I'm sure you can imagine how poorly that went for Cumore.
[He cuts off the feed there for a moment to breathe. He's almost done. He's almost done.]
I tried to get them to vote for Teru Mikami. I was desperate. I couldn't lose both of you. But they refused to see reason - Cumore has never used a gun, if he was going to kill it wouldn't have been you, it wouldn't have been like that, and his reaction was to simply freeze up entirely. None of that fit. None of them could see it. Teru Mikami jumped to Cumore's defense as well, and I believe that's what saved both of them - they were both acting so damn weird.
I don't know how we managed to vote correctly, and frankly, I don't care. We worked out almost nothing in the end and didn't even realize that bastard was lying about his power, but we were still able to convict him.
[A soft, shaky exhale.]
That's... glossing over quite a bit. But that's a basic summary, at least.
[If you've got questions about that, now's the time to ask them. He'll discuss the shit that happened after the vote in a moment.]
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To be perfectly honest, Dist has no words for any of this at first. He just stares at the walkie talkie in increasing disbelief. It really is a shitshow, all the way through.]
...I. Well, to begin, I am extremely grateful to Cumore for keeping an eye on you, and I would like you to relay that to him. I know he isn't very fond of speaking with the Twilight.
[He takes a deep breath as he gets to what he wants to say next.]
I don't fault you for your actions during the trial. How could anyone expect you to be completely rational after I had just died? It seems as though Ango's ruse with Dazai carried him through this mess. Had Cumore and Mikami not reacted the way they had, I... I don't want to think about it.
But what infuriates me the most, as I know it did for you as well, was that they would even consider Cumore as the culprit. I wouldn't say I am as close with him as you are, but he is the only other person here that I truly consider an ally. Additionally, why would he reveal the details of Sonui if he had done it? I imagine he assumed Dazai would have an alibi, so it would have been self-sabotage to do that otherwise!
What- What on Auldrant were they thinking?!
[After an aggravated sigh, he attempts to calm himself.]
...I apologize. It is unfair of me to critique this. I just- I cannot fathom it.
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[Rideaux he can understand. Rideaux is an asshole and would've taken the opportunity to get Cumore killed and under most circumstances that would piss him off. But right now, Rideaux is surprisingly not the person he hates the most anymore and his entirely predictable reaction to Cumore being accused was almost a blessing because that was something he could expect. Everyone else being an idiot was probably something he should have figured for, however.]
Even with how poorly I was handling anything, I was still the one who accused that bastard. It felt like I was the only one fighting at all.
[Cumore shut down after being accused, so he's not mad at Cumore for that, but the rest? Mikami was obviously having issues so he wasn't being useful and Rideaux was primarily keeping his damn mouth shut, but how could all of the others be so blind? How could they look at Cumore first, when absolutely nothing about the evidence pointed to him aside from Sonui?]
I... [The feed cuts for a moment.] I wanted them all dead. In that moment, I would have done anything to ensure all but Cumore died.
[He considered; he was so damn close to asking Rembrandt about that hypothetical deal he hadn't gone through with. It had been a ploy to get Rembrandt to speak, but in that moment...]
I was... so afraid we wouldn't be able to avenge you. I was certain when the Lady announced the results of the vote that Cumore would be joining you.
[And he wouldn't have been far behind, one way or another.]
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I do not like thinking of this hypothetical scenario, but if our positions were switched, I would no doubt have felt the same. So never feel guilty about that.
[He's pretty sure Iago doesn't, but he's just making sure.]
I am so grateful that the votes were swayed, even if many of you were uncertain of Ango's guilt. [His voice wavers. He's holding back emotion at this point.] I...I cannot fathom waking up in the Twilight beside Cumore and yourself.
[He's not stupid. He knows that would likely have been the last straw for Iago. It's a tragedy that chills him to even think about.
He's glad it wasn't Mikami either. From the sound of things, his loss would have hit Cumore pretty hard too.]
You all need to pull yourselves together. You all have to be confident and sure of yourselves when you confront the Lady and Rembrandt. Unfortunately, I have less faith than I did previously, but...well, we always did say it sometimes felt like we were the only truly competent ones.
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[Not necessarily for not being able to keep Cumore from being voted for, although he'd blame himself for that, but because he'd reached a point where he couldn't think clearly. What good is he if he can't even do that much?]
Someday I'll tell you about what that bastard said after we voted for him - but you're right. We need to focus. We're still the only truly competent people here, but things have changed. Before, most of us weren't playing the same game at all. But now...
Well, I believe we're all in agreement that we've had enough. I'll be surprised if any of us don't want to see the Lady bleed. While I don't trust the vast majority of them, at least we're finally in agreement about what the end goal should be.
Once this is over, I will never have to think about them again. I can tolerate them and work around them until then. I promise you, I'll make it through this alive. I would never dream of disappointing you now.
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If it's you making that claim, then I will believe it. If nothing else, allow your spite to unite you.
[They really are such a spiteful bunch. Even in the Twilight, spite fuels its inhabitants. While he might not care for a lot of their group, he can at least get behind the spite train.]
Good. I need you to make it through alive. How else will you get to give her a punch in my stead? I certainly can't do it from here!
[He doesn't completely hate the Lady, but he's- he's not at all happy with her either. For a multitude of reasons.]
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[Spite is one hell of a motivator...]
As much as I'd like that, I'd prefer to actually hurt her. [strength stat: 0.......] If only I had access to my magic... Oh well, perhaps stabbing her a few times would be nice.
[sigh!!]
I'll make sure to pay her back for everything she put you through. She'll regret ever having the nerve to drag you here.
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[...at least he's trying to lighten the very dark mood.]
You have my thanks for seeing this through. I do not mean to burden you with it, but...I know it will be satisfying for the both of us.
[There's a brief pause on his end, and his tone is back to being dead serious when he tunes back in.]
Honestly, Iago... If there is one thing I will forgive her for, it is bringing me here. I wouldn't have met you otherwise. I would...most likely still be chasing my impossible dream.
[Perhaps worse.]
She has put us through hell, but she has also inadvertently united us. If there is anything better to get back at her with, it is that.
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I feel the same way. Before you died, I... thanked her for that much.
[It wasn't part of his attempts to befriend her or use her, it was genuine.]
If she hadn't brought me here, I doubt I would have been able to rule Nohr. Even with the Dragon's Blood and Garon's death approaching... I'm not certain I could have defeated Leo and Xander in that battle.
[He still had the advantage, but it was a small one. Xander and Leo both are far more powerful than the average soldier and he wouldn't have stood much of a chance against either of them.]
Since being brought here, I've learned so much. The existence of other worlds and all sorts of technology I could never have imagined... But mostly, I've had the opportunity to meet so many interesting people. I've never felt as though I've been among equals before. [Though that isn't to say he considers most of these people equals. He really doesn't.] Most of the other commanders are nobles who were granted their titles and positions through lineage, and the ones who worked their way up through the ranks couldn't even begin to compare to my skill.
I've been alone for as long as I can remember, and I saw that as a strength back home. Despite how painful it's been... I'm very pleased I've had the opportunity to be proven wrong. I've met you, after all, and no one else will ever understand me in the same way you do.
I don't want to imagine how things would have been if I hadn't met you. I don't want to imagine a life without you in it. I—
[—No. If there's one thing he should save to say to Dist in person, it's that.]
I'm very happy to have met you. I am grateful to the Lady for that, despite everything else.
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[...is making it very difficult to not get emotional all over again. But when he says things like "I don't want to imagine a life without you in it", how isn't his heart supposed to immediately flutter like an entire flock of butterflies?
He smiles down at the walkie talkie, reflecting on the better things.]
I am so glad that despite everything, you found plenty of positivity in it. I did as well. Apart from meeting you, I certainly didn't expect to hear others praising my work, or calling me useful... That meant more than I can say, and I don't know if I would have been able to push as hard and as far as I did without you cheering me on. You were the first to take my side, you know.
...At this point, it is very difficult to imagine what may have become of us back home. But we needn't concern ourselves with it now. After all of this is over, we have a new future to look forward to.
[Even if that future is an uncertain one. He still has no idea where to even go after this. One step at a time, though.]
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[It lacks any sort of bite at all despite the fact that he's trying to be teasing with it.]
You were the first for me as well, though. Perhaps the feeling is mutual.
[Gods, we really are hopeless, aren't we... Not that he really minds that, and he laughs before continuing.]
I am looking forward to that future and to what you have to discuss with me. I'm a bit afraid that I may simply never let you go once we're reunited.
[It sounds teasing but uh. That might be a legit concern......]
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Well, it certainly got your foot in the door.
[Like...he knows that their relationship did start on them being a practical echo chamber of praise and venting. But the more they spoke and the more they learned about one another...it has become way more than that now. Way, way more.
So. Yes. They are too far gone now. No looking back, etc.]
Are you speaking in a physical sense? Because that may make both of our jobs difficult.
[Joking aside...]
I understand, though. Being apart from you once has proven to be a struggle that I never want to endure again.
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[He drops the teasing tone for the next part, though.]
You never will. I intend to stay by your side once this is over, regardless of where that takes us.
[It's not as though he's given up on his desire for power - he certainly never could. But "power" is a bit of a vague goal and one he hasn't really properly defined at all since he decided on it. Ruling a kingdom or a country would be nice, of course, but he can start smaller and alter that goal until it fits neatly beside Dist's own.]
I'll be here for you. [Forever, if he has his way.] You aren't getting rid of me just yet.
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[Apparently that's what he has decided was the most pressing thing to address.
The next most pressing thing—and something he is very serious about—is:]
You had better work on that physical strength of yours, so you can sweep me off of my feet when we meet again.
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I think you're asking a bit too much of me.
[He actually sounds somewhere between legitimately flattered and caught off-guard for that one. Congrats, Dist, that was shockingly smooth and absolutely has managed to get him to blush.]
I'm fairly certain I already succeeded in that, even if it wasn't physical.
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