week 0, wednesday morning

[disilluded]

[Sometimes you're just distracted by the threat of impending death by the sound of armor clanking.

Which is enough to get Sousei to go on the prowl down the hallway, expression contemplative more than alarmed, and then--

There's...

Definitely a suit of armor.

And maybe half of a scrawny teenager beneath the suit of armor that Sousei feels looks a little familiar.

...A beat, and:]

What are you doing?

Comments

[resumed]

Then how do you get people to believe you over someone else like those women? They're in a position of power and know more than we do. They also seem to know more about us than they should. They would know what kind of rewards to offer if they needed to.

[...strangely, the whole thing is making him think of the couple of times he screwed up with the hopes of a reward. It's why he's trying to think of how to prevent this early.]

[disilluded]

[.... Well. It's a fair question.]

In truth, the answer is simple in concept and difficult in practice.

[He'll offer it up straightforwardly, at least.]

We must gain the trust of the others around us. We must bond together, and become a force that has the same goal--to get out of this alive, with all of us together. To the extent that that is of more value than any reward that could be offered.

That is what must be done.

[But it's...definitely easier said than done.]

[resumed]

[A discontent frown.] You mean getting everyone to work together. It's difficult but I wouldn't call it entirely possible so long as everyone agreed on what the common goal is.

But even then there will always be people who won't. [Personally, he's just now learning how to really do things with groups and sometimes he still doesn't like it.] Bonding means getting to know each other better and predict who may or may not go after a reward. Or respond to a threat.

How many people have you spoken to like this since we've arrived? [One on on, he means.]

[disilluded]

[Sousei just shakes his head, arms crossed.]

I haven't been seeking anyone out in particular.

[He's not a social soul!!!

Also I'm sorry Ty you know he's a lying liar.]

Though with this in mind, perhaps I should.

[resumed]

It probably wouldn't hurt. If they really gave all of us titles and we're all promised rewards for them, that's thirty-eight people who might be trouble.

[disilluded]

... That is what they wish for us to think, certainly. To be paranoid of each other, and doubt the others here.

[resumed]

As soon as the first person dies, it'll be enough proof for some people that they have a reason to doubt the people here. Counsels rarely end amicably.

[...trials. He means trials, but whatever.]

[disilluded]

[He understands, at least, and.

Yeah.

He agrees.]

When one person crumbles, the situation will easily spiral out of hand.

That will be practically impossible to prevent.

[resumed]

But...not entirely impossible, right? There has to be a way to keep some stuff in order and organized when everything starts to fall apart. Sir, if this is a war, then we have to start thinking of the most strategic ways to combat what our hosts are doing.

[disilluded]

Nothing is impossible.

[He says that much immediately and easily, even as he shakes his head.]

There will be ways. Finding someone everyone can trust and listen to would be a good start. They can lead the effort, regardless of their own alignment. Getting to know people, and their beliefs and hopes and dreams would be another good way to figure things out as they come.

But those are merely stopgap measures. To truly end this situation, we have to understand the ins and outs of this "game". Only by understanding it will we be able to take it apart.

[resumed]

Which means playing along until we learn everything and can share it with everyone else who's playing. It's a game of balance more than anything. Not about good and evil, but giving in and resisting.

...we can try though. I'm willing if other people are.

[disilluded]

Being willing is the first step towards succeeding.

[So really, he thinks that's great.]

Most of all, we must not give in to despair, and we must not give up hope.

[resumed]

[A long....long pause.]

I might not be the best person for that, truthfully, but I can probably find you people who are good at it.

[disilluded]

[...Hm.]

Do you not believe in your ability to hold onto hope...? Or are you simply prone to despair?

[resumed]

I...[Well?] Both, maybe. What's it matter if I know that?

[disilluded]

[... Hm.]

It does not necessarily matter, no. "Know", though... is it not simply "believe"?

[resumed]

No. [...well.] I believe maybe hope can occur, but I know misery is more likely. Does that make sense?

[disilluded]

There is nothing to be ashamed about for being a cynic.

[Quite frankly...]

[resumed]

I have people who would tell me otherwise. [A half-smile.] But we'll see, won't we?

[He looks away.] Maybe I'll be proven wrong.

[disilluded]

Perhaps.

[They have no way of knowing, but Sousei suspects, unfortunately, that Nico is not going to be proven wrong at all.]

We shall see indeed.

[resumed]

[A nod. And a pause.]

...I've heard the doors are open downstairs. People keep coming back to the castle and leaving again. Are you going to go?

[disilluded]

Yes.

If there is even a slight possibility of finding a way out, I must try.

[He's at least consistent!]

[resumed]

Then let's get going. [He'll even walk out of the armory first like Sousei didn't catch him in the first place. Come along, Sousei, let's head off and out.]