[When Ishikirimaru arrives at the study, although Piety greets him with the same softly-spoken friendliness as always, the way their slight frame is sagged into their chair makes it clear how exhausted the trial's interrogation left them.
It seems even the divine grow weary. Ever the professional, however, they sit up straighter, folding their hands in their lap.]
I don't feel that I am the one who needs help, truthfully, but- I will try to keep this as short a visit as I can. I'm certain you need the rest.
[Ishikirimaru is also visibly more tired than usual, after all of that-- but it's less of a physical weariness and more that the weight of it is still settled on him. He didn't like any part of that process, really.]
... you mentioned there was a chance someone might be spared. How difficult do you feel that will actually be, if Kresnik-san truly is tied to the wrong person? [A sigh, and then, quieter:] I mean to ask the same of both of them, truly, but I am not certain how many among us would care to try to save Uchiha-san.
[His guilt still doesn't make this right, but how many people are willing to spare the man who admitted it?]
Don't worry. I suppose I've just forgotten what it's like to be so intensely questioned--but I'm sure I'll get used to it.
[They take a deep breath, voice even.]
This week, I don't believe it will be too much trouble. At least most of us are all of the same mind on the matter, though I'm sure we all have different logic for it.
[They pause, quiet in thought.]
I know it's a naive way of thinking, but even for such violent crimes, death is not the answer that come to.
[Piety is quiet for a long time after Ishi voices that sentiment of self-reflection. Finally, however, their quiet voice breaks through the barrier of their mask.]
As naive as it may sound...I believe that you can be whatever it is you wish of yourself.
[The small smile he gives them doesn't quite reach his eyes-- some things, he thinks, can't be changed. You can work against your nature, if needed, but his identity is something literally forged into him on his creation; whatever he does, however he lives, he won't be able to forget he's a sword.
He voices none of this, because I hate Ishi why is he this way.]
But I have been what I am for twelve hundred years, now. It's all right.
There is no need to apologize- I understood your intent.
[It's just a difficult thing for him to think, when it comes to himself.
He pauses, though, still quiet when he speaks again.]
And that is my hope as well, although... if it becomes necessary, it is still in my nature to do what I must. [As much as he dislikes the thought.] If it should come to that, if you ever believe that any unpleasant task may be truly necessary-- then use me.
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WEEK 1 (POST TRIAL)
It seems even the divine grow weary. Ever the professional, however, they sit up straighter, folding their hands in their lap.]
It's good to see you--how may I help?
no subject
[Ishikirimaru is also visibly more tired than usual, after all of that-- but it's less of a physical weariness and more that the weight of it is still settled on him. He didn't like any part of that process, really.]
... you mentioned there was a chance someone might be spared. How difficult do you feel that will actually be, if Kresnik-san truly is tied to the wrong person? [A sigh, and then, quieter:] I mean to ask the same of both of them, truly, but I am not certain how many among us would care to try to save Uchiha-san.
[His guilt still doesn't make this right, but how many people are willing to spare the man who admitted it?]
no subject
[They take a deep breath, voice even.]
This week, I don't believe it will be too much trouble. At least most of us are all of the same mind on the matter, though I'm sure we all have different logic for it.
[They pause, quiet in thought.]
I know it's a naive way of thinking, but even for such violent crimes, death is not the answer that come to.
no subject
[That's some relief, at least; he hasn't met many of them, but he'd hoped they might be willing enough to spare the man.]
... I feel the same, though. There is more to lose in ending someone's life in retribution than there is to gain.
[One hand comes to rest on his sword, there, and he glances down at it.]
Even though I am made for it myself, I find myself wishing there were something I could do to try to stop anyone else from being killed.
[His voice is softer, there. Knowing it may keep happening, that he has no way of acting against it-- he wants to at least try.]
no subject
As naive as it may sound...I believe that you can be whatever it is you wish of yourself.
no subject
[The small smile he gives them doesn't quite reach his eyes-- some things, he thinks, can't be changed. You can work against your nature, if needed, but his identity is something literally forged into him on his creation; whatever he does, however he lives, he won't be able to forget he's a sword.
He voices none of this, because I hate Ishi why is he this way.]
But I have been what I am for twelve hundred years, now. It's all right.
no subject
[Piety rubs one hand over the other.]
At least we can make sure that you're guided as a tool of peace.
[Not slaughter.]
All of us here, we need you.
no subject
[It's just a difficult thing for him to think, when it comes to himself.
He pauses, though, still quiet when he speaks again.]
And that is my hope as well, although... if it becomes necessary, it is still in my nature to do what I must. [As much as he dislikes the thought.] If it should come to that, if you ever believe that any unpleasant task may be truly necessary-- then use me.
no subject
[And yet, the tone of their voice indicates their conviction has become lacking on that front.]
And I will keep hoping.