fragileprophet | Week 5, Wednesday

Week 5, Wednesday - Shirasu

[Before there are memory happenings, there's Ion peering up at a tuning-fork necklace that seems to have gotten stuck on a sconce positioned high up on the castle wall. Since Ion had given his own to Natsuo a couple weeks ago, of course he can't help but think that this is the same one and Natsuo has just been...incredibly irresponsible with it. He's on his toes and using his staff to try and hook around it, but he can't quite reach. So when he sees Shirasu, he smiles seepishly, his cheeks flushed. If he's tired, he's probably been doing this for a little while now.]

I hate to ask...but would you mind giving me a hand?

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Is that so? What were they like, if you don't mind my asking?

[because yeah, he's definitely curious now.]

[I hope you're ready for endless gushing.]

Well...he's brilliant--the smartest person I've ever met. He's very good at reading others and the situations he finds himself in, but doesn't overstate his confidence. He's a self-aware person who's made some choices in life that he's ashamed of, but uses those feelings to do the right thing for the people who depend on him.

[Ion's expression evens out, softening.]

He has a bit of an infamous reputation...many people would probably be wary of his intentions, but...where others might say that his smile is cold and calculating, I think it's guarded and careful. He...believed in me, and asked me to trust him with my life, so I do.

...that's quite a flattering comparison, then, if I remind you of him at all.

[maybe there are parts of it he doesn't exactly deserve, but he's also not going to say as much-- ion is on a very short list of people he genuinely likes, after all.]

I suppose it would be impossible to take responsibility for anyone's life, here, but-- I do hope you at least trust that I would do what I can for you.

[that's an even shorter list.]

...I would!

[It startles him to hear Shirasu say such a thing, but his posture straightens, his whole expression brightening.]

I mean, I do, of course! Thank you--that's so kind of you to say! I can't do very much here, but...I would do the same for you!

We're in agreement, then.

[that comes along with a small nod; the way ion brightens like that is another familiar thing, one he certainly doesn't mind seeing in this case.]

If you find you need assistance with your goals, you can come to me for that as well.

Goals? Oh, you mean our objectives?

[Ion's expression becomes hesitant as he looks down at the dragon that's perched on his arm, carefully reaching out with is other hand to stroke its baby-soft scales.]

Thank you. I don't think I'll be completing mine at all, but I appreciate the offer just the same! I'd be happy to help you with anything you need, as well.

[the dragon has no objection to being pet-- it makes itself comfortable, taking a moment to stretch its wings, while shirasu watches that shift in ion's expression.]

It's something you find objectionable, then...? I believe I've run into the same problem, actually.

[in all honesty, it isn't one he really minds, but it is a bit of a problem regardless.]

Yes and no.

[Ion doesn't lose his smile, but his eyes take on that sad sheen once again.]

Knowing that at least some objectives that involve taking someone's life, I feel a measure of relief for what I've been assigned--I couldn't possibly follow through with something like that.

[The "but" hangs in the air as he continues to give attention to the lazing dragon.]

Ah...this is a bit of an oversimplification, but I've been tasked to die.

Ion--

[that's very concerning, even if he says it's an oversimplification?? shirasu's brow furrows at that.]

That's... quite the odd task, considering it seems we're meant to get something out of accomplishing them. You can hardly have that if you've died... I wonder if you've misread the intent behind it.

[but also:]

-you haven't told your counterpart, have you?

I don't think I have.

[He's poured over his rulebook for weeks, always checking it again as if hoping for the words to change, some new meaning to show itself.]

I've been asked to die in someone's arms, succumbing to injuries that are unable to be healed. It pairs perfectly with my ability.

[Ion sighs.]

No, I haven't told him. I've only told a couple of people. It's possible any of them have spread the knowledge further, but...I don't want to worry anyone.

That's for the best, then. It sounds like the sort of thing you should keep from him-- and others.

[and it's still... well, it's something, all right.]

I know we've seen there was one way to bring someone back, but you can't count too much on there being more... not to mention that it could just make you a target.

Was this your first one?

I'm honestly surprised it hasn't already.

[Ion is way too trusting. He has basically Strictly told The Worst People to Tell. It's a testament to how endearing he is.]

But yes, this is my first objective. I've been thinking about it more and more--it's hard not to. I asked for a private audience with Lady Dragon several weeks ago now in regards to it.

[i'd like to tell you he's not continuing that pattern now, but here we are...]

I suppose they vary, then. I had thought perhaps they just-- escalated, over time; it took until my fourth to receive one I'm less certain about, personally.

[there goes that theory, though. he shakes his head slightly.]

Did she provide you any insight?

[Ion nods. It's an understandable assumption to make. It seems that anyone who's had a more difficult objective has been simply keeping quiet about it.]

Yes. I asked her several things: if because of my objective, I could be notified in advance if I'm selected as a target. That way, I can make any final preparations that I may need. She agreed, though of course I won't have any knowledge of who may have chosen me or why. I also asked if I may report my wish to her in advance, so that she may serve as my proxy once I've earned it. Again, she agreed...however, I have to choose a new one. The wish I gave her before would be impossible to grant now.

...at least you'll have that much.

[it still sits a bit poorly with him, though.]

If it would be impossible to use now... may I ask what it was you gave her, originally?

Oh, that's fine.

[Shirasu basically knows Everything about him at this point.]

I asked for a second chance for Sandalphon. I wanted him to be spared from being executed for lacking a partner. I couldn't in good conscious go through with fulfilling my objective thinking it would doom him, so...

[It breaks his heart.]

It's funny. The entire time I was scheming to save his life, he was doing the same for me.

[But, moving on.]

The logical thing would be to wish for the same thing for Natsuo, but...it's different. Of course, I don't want him to fall to the same sort of fate, but...it's just...I think he'd be upset if I did such a thing, so I want to use my wish to help someone in some other way. I never would have wanted to use it for myself, to begin with.

You two must have fit well together, then, for your aims to be so similar.

[it's a little touching, kind of...]

-I don't think you're wrong about Natsuo, though, much as I would hate to see it happen to him too. Being saved again seemed to weigh on him.

[a pause, there, while he considers something.]

Ion. Understand that this is something I can only tell you because I trust you to keep it to yourself; it would be too easy for it to look suspicious. But in the event that anyone who chooses you tells you they've done so-- I've been tasked with convincing at least one person that a guilty party is innocent. I know you seem the type to help people, so- I could speak for their innocence after your death, if you wished them to be spared.

I think in that sort of circumstance, it might be easier to do, though I know the method is still... off-putting.

[it'd be easier on him if anyone found out, anyway, not to mention he'd know who to kill later.]

[Ion’s expression becomes serious as Shirasu explains his objective before it melts into visible relief. He puts a hand over his heart, letting out a breath.]

Thank you...it means a lot to me that you’d trust me with that information. And if I’m able, I’ll definitely tell you what I can—or ask whoever targets me to trust you to help. I don’t want them to be punished for whatever happens to me.

If it comes to pass, then I promise I will do what I can.

[at least until that goal is accomplished.]

But I'm sure you know I would much prefer if it didn't.

[After that all gloves are off!]

Yes...I prefer the same thing.

[Despite his unflinchingly calm demeanor, when he puts his hands down on his knees, they curl into tight fists.]

Despite what my self-sacrificing tendencies may say about me...or what anyone’s impression may be of me...I want nothing more than to live.

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Week 5, Wednesday - Shirasu

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