week 0, saturday evening

[disilluded]

[Well.

Admittedly, he's trying to avoid people, but it's really, really hard to turn away from Cardia when her eyes are red from tears.

... Jae-ha, right...? That's a hard blow.

A beat, and he sighs and approaches.]

You did well today, Cardia.

Comments

[discardia]

... I don't really feel happy about it. About any of this.

[ Had she really helped? Here they are, and Sousei is going to die tomorrow, and now so is Jae-ha and...

It's terrible. ]

[disilluded]

I know.

[How could anyone, really? Cardia has a giving heart. Of course she feels terrible. And yet--]

But even so. You found a murderer. Your suggestion was part of what assisted in putting Gi-gan's spirit to rest properly.

You should be proud of that.

[discardia]

I'm relieved that I was able to help, even if it was just a guess on my part.

But...

[ ... ]

I didn't want anyone else to have to pay for this. And you... I still don't want to believe you can't be saved.

[disilluded]

... Perhaps. As I've said before--it is not over until I am no longer breathing.

[And so...]

We will see what tomorrow brings. I certainly do not intend on simply laying down to die.

[discardia]

If you need me to fight anyone, I can do my best.

[ Cardia, no. ]

[disilluded]

Absolutely not.

[Oh.]

You will not lift a hand to fight, no matter what may come tomorrow, unless it is to defend yourself. Do you understand?

[discardia]

[ ... There's a sigh, and then her shoulders slump. Van had only taught her to fight in order to defend herself anyway, but-- ]

I understand.

[disilluded]

... Thank you.

[That's as it should be--and he won't have Cardia harming herself for his sake when he's already slated for death.]

What tomorrow brings will come. It will be handled.

[Somehow... some way.]

Do not put yourself in danger recklessly.

[discardia]

I just... hate that there's nothing I can do.

[ He'd been marked for death since they'd found his partner's body, but that's still so frustrating?? ]

[disilluded]

... There are still things you can do.

[...]

Regardless of what happens tomorrow, people will need hope to look to. They will need certainty, and determination. If you remain focused, you can give them that.

[No matter...who dies tomorrow.]

[discardia]

[ ... ]

Sousei, I think you have a strange amount of faith in me.

[disilluded]

I have just the right amount of faith in you.

You were overcome with terror, when I asked you to touch me before. But even so, you overcame it and did so.

[...]

It is that courage they will be looking to.

[discardia]

[ Wow, Sousei, don't phrase it like that, what will people think!! ]

I...

[ nngh. ]

I'll try.

[disilluded]

[Nobody else is here, it's fine!!]

...That is all I could ever ask of you. I am satisfied with that.

[discardia]

... Are you scared?

[disilluded]

[What a question to ask, honestly. Sousei is quiet for a moment, as if contemplative--and then finally:]

No.

I am not. I have accomplished much of what I have wanted to do in my life. So while I have not given up hope, if tomorrow is to be my execution, I can go to it knowing I have not left any loose ends.

[discardia]

[ ... what the heck, he's still young? What was he even doing to feel like he could go without any regrets? ]

You're incredible.

[ And she has to say this honestly, a little surprised. ]

[disilluded]

[Saving Japan a few times--it's casual.

But.

He blinks at that--and is quick to shake his head.]

... No, do not say that.

[Honestly...]

It is merely a fact of life, and that is how it is. There is nothing incredible about it.

[discardia]

I don't believe that.

[ Oh. ]

I... haven't lived very long, but the people I know are about your age, and they're still doing everything they can to reach their goals and get their answers.

But you've accomplished that. And I think that has to do with the kind of person you are. So I won't take it back.

[disilluded]

[... Sousei just shakes his head, and:]

I simply do not want you to believe that having accomplished "enough" is something to be admired.

[Having goals is far better.]

[discardia]

...

I think you might have trouble with compliments.

[disilluded]

[That's also true but damn, blunt]

...Cardia. [A sigh.] Let's focus on the task at hand.

[discardia]

[ only proving her point, Sousei. ]

My task is to keep my head up high and try to encourage others. No matter what happens tomorrow.

[ she says dutifully. And tiredly. ]

[disilluded]

Very good, then.

[Sorry, Cardia, he's bad at ~feelings~ and ~compliments~]

[discardia]

... I'll let you rest. Good night, Sousei.

[ he probably has a lot on his mind, regardless. ]