[it sure has been A Weekend. probably unsurprisingly, ishikirimaru is in the armory, though this time he isn't practicing-- he's just there to clean and maintain his sword, sitting there with it in his lap as he works.
when he notices he's not alone, he looks up, and gives majima a little nod.]
Majima-san. I am afraid I cannot offer you a fight at the moment, but if you do not find my company too boring without that...
[a slight smile, there, almost teasing. he's trying, despite how tired he feels about everything.]
[ surprisingly, majima didn't come to the armory looking for a fight. he's actually here to return a dagger he'd signed out previously. he's in the process of trying to figure out where it's supposed to go back to when ishi brings attention to himself. ]
Haw? Sure—might be nice to chat without cuttin' each other up.
[-okay, that gets an actual laugh out of him as he shakes his head.]
I think it would be, yes. Don't worry-- having a weapon on you doesn't mean I will take you as a threat. I'm certain you have more self control than that.
[probably. look, he didn't try to fight anyone yesterday.]
Yeah, but ya gotta admit, that was still some pretty shitty timin' on my part.
[ now that he's done with that, he walks over to where ishi is, sitting down on the mat across from him with his legs crossed rather than in seiza style. yknow, like a delinquent. ]
[he makes his way to the inn at some point-- he needs to seek out familiar faces before he gets started on everything he needs to do, and so when he locates majima, he knocks on the doorframe to the room he's in, quietly speaking up.]
Majima-kun? Do you have a moment?
I DIDNT REALIZE I NEVER TAGGED THE OTHER ONE... GOMEN
[ majima is So Fuckin Tired and has half a mind to just stay in bed... but when he hears the voice from just outside the room, he pushes himself up off the floor and slides the door open. ]
Nah, you were just tryin' to keep me in line, 'cause I really mighta fucked Narukami-kun up more than I did earlier this week. I should be thankin' ya.
[ that being said, he steps aside for ishi to enter the room. he'll shut the door afterward. ]
[ let's say there's a kotatsu in the room so that we can be Certified Weebs™
that aside... ishi may notice, from the state of the futons on the other side of the room, that it doesn't seem like majima has been staying in here alone. whoever the other occupant is, though, seems to be out. ]
[thank god for real weeb hours, kotatsus are also nice and comforting... he's here for it. he does glance at the other side of the room, but declines to comment on it.]
I learned Cunning's guilty party was not his killer. We missed them.
It... is a risk to say too much, yes, but truthfully-- I suppose if there is any time to take risks, it is a time like this. I have already done so today, anyway.
[and majima is... someone who reminds him of home, whose company he likes, and who has contact with at least one person ishi puts his trust in. he hesitates, gathering his thoughts.]
I believe I know which god they belong to, and I know of three people within that god's following. The clue Ray-kun left could point to any of the three in some way, or it could be someone I have not identified... still, it's a place to start.
[ ISHIPAPA... he'd smile if the stakes weren't so high. ]
Well, knowin' what we know... that rules out Merriment-han an' Sincerity-han. Ambition-han was cleared, too, if I'm rememberin' right... so, Justice-han?
We are fairly sure Ambition was not actually cleared. Ray-kun would have mentioned that item if he actually had another one-- I'm one of the people he sent to Indulgence as a favor to get the first one, and Ray-kun told me about it before he even had the thing. There is no reason he would have kept it quiet, nor any reason he would not have left something like that behind with the other things he decided not to bring out with him. I'm confident it was planted.
Not to mention that unless Nonon-san was lying about the results of her work, either Cunning or Justice was innocent, yes? Cunning was not; therefore Justice ought to be clear.
[ when majima appears at the break of dawn on sunday, he is... surprisingly calm. noticeably, he is not wearing the gauntlet he's been sporting on his right hand since friday—and without it, ishi can see that he still lacks the little finger of his right hand.
he raises his hand in a casual greeting as he strolls over, though his gaze is directed more toward the ground than ishi himself. ]
[ he's had a while to cool down, okay... he doesn't always want to fight! he has other ways of sorting out his emotions! ]
Mizucchi went over most of it with me, but it might still clear some things up if I heard yer side, too. [ he finally lifts his head to catch ishi's gaze with his eye; like his voice, it is hard to discern any sort of emotion in it. ] Ya made a promise.
[he's more than aware of that, bowing his head for a few moments before he takes in a steady breath. also, his sword appears to be missing, no longer at his side like it nearly always has been.]
I suppose I should go a bit further back first, then. As I said yesterday, I was responsible for Luna as well, after coming across her making an attempt on Ruin's life; I've been keeping that from most of you since then. As far as Catra and-- well, I suppose not technically Entrapta, anymore...
[seeing as she wasn't actually dead in the first place... ishi looks a little relieved there, before he continues.]
I was able to put enough together to realize that those two must have been the ones to kill Ray-kun, and asked Uchiha-kun to assist me in removing them from the competition before they could harm anyone else.
I've... ever since I joined Merriment I've been out every Thursday night, trying to keep this all from happening. Luna was the only time it was even somewhat successful-- it wasn't working. I thought... perhaps the only way to keep people safe was to remove those who would cause harm before they could act themselves.
[ majima does not comment on any of ishi's confessions—his only response is a nod of acknowledgement, as he'd heard as much from mizuki after the trial. while he's forgiven them for reasons that are probably very obvious, he's honestly still processing how all of this will shape his perception of ishi despite holding him in high regards.
perhaps to stall for time—and just out of genuine curiosity—he takes notice of the missing sword and nods to highlight its absence. ]
What happened to... you? It have anythin' to do with that second one we found at trial?
[ it's... still weird, to call ishi's sword that, but it's how ishi refers to himself. despite not always having the best manners, majima is actually very good about being respectful when addressing others. whether it's an extension of being hyperaware of the importance of yakuza hierarchy, a habit of his line of work in the customer service industry, or just part of his personality is up for debate... but it's there. ]
No, the second one must have been thanks to Catra. I decided not to have any further part in bloodshed here-- I gave my blade up to my first god as proof, and will be returning to him for the remainder of this contest.
[he trusts his original god with his sword, more than maybe anyone else here, and while this leaves him unarmed... he'll accept whatever comes of that.]
Should you wish to fight again, I'll just borrow one temporarily in the armory, but outside of that I mean to remain unarmed.
... and I suppose I should admit one more thing, as well, seeing as it's one we sort of have in common now.
[ishikirimaru offers out his left hand to majima there, which, if he takes hold of it or looks at it closely...
...will be fake, actually. it looks real until inspected a little closer, but scrutiny or touching it make that clear.
So, Piety-han's yer endgame, then. Ain't surprisin' to see other people makin' their way back to where they started.
[ he kinda gets it—it's part of why he never left his own god, after all. normally, he'd respect it... but his feelings toward ishi are kind of complicated right now. compartmentalizing has never been his strong suit.
all of that white noise in his brain clears, though, when he gives a quizzical look then takes ishi's hand in his own. ]
He always has been. I never intended to end this with anyone else.
[he needed merriment's ability to break curfew, though; fond as ishi is of him, he didn't mean to stay.
but he gives majima an apologetic look as he takes his hand, hesitating a moment.]
... I lost it in the fight with Luna. I don't know how it ended up where it did-- she may have been trying to use her ability to pin multiple deaths on me, I think-- but... that is the other thing I have been hiding from you.
I never expected to actually be able to hide it through that trial, much less long enough for someone to make me a replacement. There wasn't a way to explain without admitting how it was lost.
[ there's a lot to unpack, between the secrecy and the lies that have come to light. it's true that majima's own code of honor does not involve ending the life of other people... but in this case, what's the right call? does having a hand in murdering a murderer absolve one of any wrongdoing?
it's clear that he's doing a lot of thinking, but there's an almost surprising lack of tact when he breaks his silence and asks, ]
Is this sorta thing normal to ya 'cause you're a sword? 'Cause you were created with the intent to kill people?
[...right to the point, huh. ishi is quiet for several moments there, eyes fixed down, before he exhales a slow breath and speaks.]
... I am not sure I would call it normal for me, though it would be for most of us, yes. I hate killing-- I was enshrined for most of my existence, and was dedicated to healing, to cutting away what plagued those who visited the shrine. If it were possible to save everyone, if I had that sort of power... I wouldn't let anyone die.
[his brow furrows there.]
But neither can I deny what I am, or what I was made for. I hate killing, but I will do what is necessary; I have had to do so before coming here, as well. I've experienced war.
[ on the one hand, ishi actively betrayed majima's trust for his own personal goals. no matter how good his intentions were, the sword ultimately set the both of them up to fail.
on the other... majima cannot disparage him for staying true to his ideals, for doing what he believes in—in this case, the greater good—rather than what's "right." he could have easily said no and exposed ishi as soon as they had stepped behind the screen together. ]
I dunno what ya want me to say, Ishikiri-jisan.
[ at the very least, there is no bitterness in his voice. if anything, he just sounds... tired. ]
...there is nothing in particular I expect you to say, Majima-kun.
[ishi shakes his head, there, glancing back up to majima.]
I do not expect your trust-- I have not admitted all of this to you solely in hopes of gaining it back. That is all up to you, and I will not blame you should you choose not to extend it to me after what I have done.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
w3, sunday
when he notices he's not alone, he looks up, and gives majima a little nod.]
Majima-san. I am afraid I cannot offer you a fight at the moment, but if you do not find my company too boring without that...
[a slight smile, there, almost teasing. he's trying, despite how tired he feels about everything.]
no subject
Haw? Sure—might be nice to chat without cuttin' each other up.
[ he starts to chuckle before he pauses
looks down at the dagger in his hand
and places it on the shelf in front of him. ]
no subject
I think it would be, yes. Don't worry-- having a weapon on you doesn't mean I will take you as a threat. I'm certain you have more self control than that.
[probably. look, he didn't try to fight anyone yesterday.]
no subject
[ now that he's done with that, he walks over to where ishi is, sitting down on the mat across from him with his legs crossed rather than in seiza style. yknow, like a delinquent. ]
Doin' maintenance?
no subject
[it's not that kind of magic sword, okay. technically he is probably the magic part? who knows.]
...it is something calming, as well, though not as much as it was before coming here.
w5, saturday
Majima-kun? Do you have a moment?
I DIDNT REALIZE I NEVER TAGGED THE OTHER ONE... GOMEN
To what do I owe the pleasure, Ishikiri-jisan?
I FORGIVE YOU ANDIE
[you know, drawing his weapon on him in the middle of trial...]
But- I also just wanted to speak with you, if that is all right. It has been-- a long day, and it is far from over yet.
no subject
Nah, you were just tryin' to keep me in line, 'cause I really mighta fucked Narukami-kun up more than I did earlier this week. I should be thankin' ya.
[ that being said, he steps aside for ishi to enter the room. he'll shut the door afterward. ]
No kiddin'. What's on yer mind?
no subject
[after he steps inside, he finds somewhere to settle, taking a seat with a heavy sigh.]
...it is difficult to think about having failed him.
no subject
that aside... ishi may notice, from the state of the futons on the other side of the room, that it doesn't seem like majima has been staying in here alone. whoever the other occupant is, though, seems to be out. ]
Ya mean Ray?
no subject
[thank god for real weeb hours, kotatsus are also nice and comforting... he's here for it. he does glance at the other side of the room, but declines to comment on it.]
I learned Cunning's guilty party was not his killer. We missed them.
no subject
I know Love-han was tryin' to encourage us, but we really ain't gettin' any better at this, are we.
no subject
[really fucked this one up.]
no subject
[ that isn't confusing at all, ]
no subject
[he can't lay all of that on narukami.]
no subject
. . . So what's the next step for ya?
no subject
[there aren't enough variables eliminated, yet.]
And there is a limit to how much one person may do in one day.
no subject
[ he leans forward slightly, resting an arm on the table. ]
I'd be lyin' if I didn't say I was curious as hell... but I understand if ya don't wanna spill everythin' to me.
no subject
[and majima is... someone who reminds him of home, whose company he likes, and who has contact with at least one person ishi puts his trust in. he hesitates, gathering his thoughts.]
I believe I know which god they belong to, and I know of three people within that god's following. The clue Ray-kun left could point to any of the three in some way, or it could be someone I have not identified... still, it's a place to start.
no subject
Well, knowin' what we know... that rules out Merriment-han an' Sincerity-han. Ambition-han was cleared, too, if I'm rememberin' right... so, Justice-han?
no subject
Not to mention that unless Nonon-san was lying about the results of her work, either Cunning or Justice was innocent, yes? Cunning was not; therefore Justice ought to be clear.
That only leaves Ambition.
no subject
[ it's funny when you remember he becomes an info broker in a later game, ]
Ambition-han, huh... an' with her havin' the numbers she does, it doesn't exactly make it easy to narrow our whodunnit person.
w6, sunday
he raises his hand in a casual greeting as he strolls over, though his gaze is directed more toward the ground than ishi himself. ]
Mornin', Ishikiri-jisan.
no subject
[he's-- maybe slightly surprised at the apparent lack of aggression. he'd deserve it, he's pretty sure. it might be easier to deal with too.
but as it is, he watches majima for a few moments before he breathes out a sigh.]
I... suppose I have a few things to explain to you, don't I?
no subject
Mizucchi went over most of it with me, but it might still clear some things up if I heard yer side, too. [ he finally lifts his head to catch ishi's gaze with his eye; like his voice, it is hard to discern any sort of emotion in it. ] Ya made a promise.
[ oof. ]
no subject
[he's more than aware of that, bowing his head for a few moments before he takes in a steady breath. also, his sword appears to be missing, no longer at his side like it nearly always has been.]
I suppose I should go a bit further back first, then. As I said yesterday, I was responsible for Luna as well, after coming across her making an attempt on Ruin's life; I've been keeping that from most of you since then. As far as Catra and-- well, I suppose not technically Entrapta, anymore...
[seeing as she wasn't actually dead in the first place... ishi looks a little relieved there, before he continues.]
I was able to put enough together to realize that those two must have been the ones to kill Ray-kun, and asked Uchiha-kun to assist me in removing them from the competition before they could harm anyone else.
I've... ever since I joined Merriment I've been out every Thursday night, trying to keep this all from happening. Luna was the only time it was even somewhat successful-- it wasn't working. I thought... perhaps the only way to keep people safe was to remove those who would cause harm before they could act themselves.
no subject
perhaps to stall for time—and just out of genuine curiosity—he takes notice of the missing sword and nods to highlight its absence. ]
What happened to... you? It have anythin' to do with that second one we found at trial?
[ it's... still weird, to call ishi's sword that, but it's how ishi refers to himself. despite not always having the best manners, majima is actually very good about being respectful when addressing others. whether it's an extension of being hyperaware of the importance of yakuza hierarchy, a habit of his line of work in the customer service industry, or just part of his personality is up for debate... but it's there. ]
no subject
[he trusts his original god with his sword, more than maybe anyone else here, and while this leaves him unarmed... he'll accept whatever comes of that.]
Should you wish to fight again, I'll just borrow one temporarily in the armory, but outside of that I mean to remain unarmed.
... and I suppose I should admit one more thing, as well, seeing as it's one we sort of have in common now.
[ishikirimaru offers out his left hand to majima there, which, if he takes hold of it or looks at it closely...
...will be fake, actually. it looks real until inspected a little closer, but scrutiny or touching it make that clear.
surprise.]
no subject
[ he kinda gets it—it's part of why he never left his own god, after all. normally, he'd respect it... but his feelings toward ishi are kind of complicated right now. compartmentalizing has never been his strong suit.
all of that white noise in his brain clears, though, when he gives a quizzical look then takes ishi's hand in his own. ]
... The fuck?
no subject
[he needed merriment's ability to break curfew, though; fond as ishi is of him, he didn't mean to stay.
but he gives majima an apologetic look as he takes his hand, hesitating a moment.]
... I lost it in the fight with Luna. I don't know how it ended up where it did-- she may have been trying to use her ability to pin multiple deaths on me, I think-- but... that is the other thing I have been hiding from you.
I never expected to actually be able to hide it through that trial, much less long enough for someone to make me a replacement. There wasn't a way to explain without admitting how it was lost.
no subject
Holy shit. You're the one who was checkin' hands that trial. Ya sly son of a bitch.
no subject
no subject
no subject
... I do believe that should be everything, though.
no subject
[ there's a lot to unpack, between the secrecy and the lies that have come to light. it's true that majima's own code of honor does not involve ending the life of other people... but in this case, what's the right call? does having a hand in murdering a murderer absolve one of any wrongdoing?
it's clear that he's doing a lot of thinking, but there's an almost surprising lack of tact when he breaks his silence and asks, ]
Is this sorta thing normal to ya 'cause you're a sword? 'Cause you were created with the intent to kill people?
no subject
... I am not sure I would call it normal for me, though it would be for most of us, yes. I hate killing-- I was enshrined for most of my existence, and was dedicated to healing, to cutting away what plagued those who visited the shrine. If it were possible to save everyone, if I had that sort of power... I wouldn't let anyone die.
[his brow furrows there.]
But neither can I deny what I am, or what I was made for. I hate killing, but I will do what is necessary; I have had to do so before coming here, as well. I've experienced war.
no subject
on the other... majima cannot disparage him for staying true to his ideals, for doing what he believes in—in this case, the greater good—rather than what's "right." he could have easily said no and exposed ishi as soon as they had stepped behind the screen together. ]
I dunno what ya want me to say, Ishikiri-jisan.
[ at the very least, there is no bitterness in his voice. if anything, he just sounds... tired. ]
no subject
[ishi shakes his head, there, glancing back up to majima.]
I do not expect your trust-- I have not admitted all of this to you solely in hopes of gaining it back. That is all up to you, and I will not blame you should you choose not to extend it to me after what I have done.
no subject
As long as Mizuki trusts ya—[ whoa, no nickname or honorific ]—I will, too.
[ he takes a deep breath. ]
Just don't pull that shit again, ya hear? Ya might lose more than a hand if ya cross me twice.