zenitsu.

[oathic]

Comments

[swordflash]

Twice?

But I didn't wake up. It almost felt that way, but I'm sure that I didn't.

[oathic]

... Oh dear.

[swordflash]

[his hold on the haori goes slack.]

Did something happen?

[oathic]

... The monster miiiiight've taken over and attacked a few people? Don't worry, no one's dead!

[swordflash]

[no?]

But I thought . . . that was just a dream.

W-who did I attack?

[oathic]

... Nicolas and Luna? Everyone reacted pretty quickly, so minimal damage was done.

[swordflash]

No way . . .

[he recalls something like a scream in the murky depths of his memory, distant yet eerie all the same. so that was reality?

how much damage is minimal damage?]

Are they all right?

[oathic]

[he's not sure if zenitsu should be hearing any of this... but at this point, it's a little too late to hide the truth, isn't it?]

... Brilith was taking a look at Luna, and she's the most competent person I know.

Nic wasn't too badly hurt, I think.

[swordflash]

[that makes luna's condition out to be worse and more worrisome. inwardly, zenitsu frets. nic is strong and will surely make a swift recovery, but what about luna?

and what about . . . ]

Is she okay? Brilith, I mean.

[oathic]

You didn't attack her, if that's what you mean.

[swordflash]

No, that's not it. Lately, she's had a strained look about her. Is she going to be all right?

[oathic]

... You're very kind to worry about her, Zenitsu.

[swordflash]

[that doesn't answer the question. he slumps where he sits.]

I guess I should be worrying about tomorrow first.

[still . . . ]

[oathic]

[brilith is not okay and probably never will be but agni can't exactly say that.]

Everyone is rooting for you.

[swordflash]

[so fix it.]

They are? Really?

[or is agni making that up? he isn't so sure these days.]

[oathic]

[they're? kind of beyond fixing?]

Of course. No one wants you to die, Zenitsu.

[swordflash]

[fix it.

but he already died.]

As long as we locate the source and stop the house . . . If it won't stop Anya, Ayabe, Isaac, and everyone else from coming back, I'll accept whatever happens tomorrow.

[if he ends up dying even after doing his best, that's fine. never mind that he's started shaking again.]

[oathic]

[...]

I think your mentor would be proud of you right now.

[swordflash]

[maybe it's the mention of his grandfather. maybe it's the proposed fact that said grandfather might be proud of him. either way, fresh tears collect in zenitsu's eyes as his expression scrunches into one of unadulterated grief, then fall.

he cries. just like the night he regained his sense of self and cried until he couldn't cry anymore for the people he hurt, he cries.]

[oathic]

[...

there isn't much he can do, given zenitsu's imprisoned state, and so for now, he waits for zenitsu to let it all out.]

[swordflash]

[it's not like his usual cries, where he screams and yells. it isn't a silent crying spell, either, but it's subdued for a multitude of reasons. eventually, the waterworks lessen and he wipes his face rather ineffectually.]

Sorry. You came to talk and all I've done is cry.

[oathic]

You have more than enough reason to. Don't feel the need to hold it in.

[swordflash]

But it's weird . . . I'm letting it all out while you're still holding everything in.

[isn't he? isn't agni? it's not the place of a child to pry into a grownup's affairs, but didn't they both suffer a traumatizing night the other day?]

[oathic]

[...]

This isn't a time where you need to be worrying about others, Zenitsu.

[swordflash]

[maybe he doesn't need to. tomorrow is important, after all. but he wants to.

he lowers his head, because all this trembling is starting to get to him.]

I'm always worrying about myself. Can't I worry about others, too? It's not like I can do anything else in here.