So he spoke to you...I'm glad. I was hoping that you would find one another. Ishikirimaru...you've been supporting me since the beginning. I'd like to be more forthcoming with you now, if you'd allow me.
[Piety returns the nod in kind, and walks with him over to the seats.]
I'm surprised...how odd this feels now. It's like taking off more than just one kind of mask.
[But bowing his head, Piety reaches up, pulls back his hood, and lowers the mask from his face. Finally, that stone-faced countenance out of the way, the true gentility in his young, soft features is free.]
[If you thought he might resist the urge to headpat Piety properly now that he can, you are Wrong-- it's an affectionate little gesture, hand resting there for a moment as Ishi studies his face before pulling back, his expression soft.]
You truly are young, then-- a bit more than I expected, if I am being honest.
[Youth doesn't mean too much, though. Nobuyasu was also young, and also a fine person even from an early age.
Ishikirimaru adds, a little more quietly but no less certain:]
[He bows his head slightly at that, before lifting it again to look him over. Youth is one thing-- two years of life is another entirely.]
I believe good intent does more for you than simply confidence, or at least that your intent seems to have reached the others well enough. More than just your followers want to keep you in this as long as possible, it seems.
[He'd absolutely noted those comments, Saturday. But he hums thoughtfully, considering.]
You mentioned only having two years of life. May I ask you to explain?
I hope so. Whether or not I win, I think it's important to inspire goodwill in others. I'm hoping, if nothing else, maybe my peers can learn in some ways from the effects it has on the ones we're meant to watch over.
[Ion nods, folding his hands in his lap.]
In my former life, I was a replica created to take the place of a boy--the head of a religious order--who was terminally ill. He was loved among his people, and it was believed that if his death was hidden, it would serve two purposes: one was to prevent the onset of panic, and the other was for a more political agenda. Seven new Ions were designed, and I, the seventh and final one, was the most like the original. I was trained at once to take his place when he became too ill, at the age of twelve, to continue serving the public.
[That's quiet, contemplative; it's one thing to create a sword, though, or to give one that already exists a human body. Creating a person as a replacement-- it's something he isn't quite sure about.]
I can perhaps understand the need to prevent trouble among the people, but such a thing is... there must have been some other way to do so.
I'm sure there would have been...there always is another way. A more peaceful way, if only people are willing to look for it. Sometimes the way can seem so certain, to the point where nobody thinks to find their own way. I'd learned that myself, in the short time that I had. But I'm still learning, today. About myself, most of all.
[He puts a hand over his heart.]
Every day here brings me a new perspective on all walks of life. I cherish every bit of wisdom, and from you who have lived so long, most of all.
Ah, even someone like me is still learning, though.
[Ion's words strike a chord with him, more than he was expecting. The way can seem so certain, indeed; he can't help but think back to their mission, to his resignation to their unfortunate duty, to arguing against Monoyoshi's desire to at least try--
... but also to what they were able to accomplish, in the end. There's a wistful feel to his slight smile.]
And you've learned in your short time what it took me years to realize. I can only imagine what else you might accomplish.
The truth is, he's one of my dearest friends. It's not up to me to tell his story for him, but he, as well as Guy Cecil, are both people that I knew when I was still a mortal.
[Although he doesn't stop smiling, the look in his eyes fades into a distinct melancholy as his gaze drifts down to his hands.]
I don't know what will happen when they discover my identity. I don't plan on keeping it a secret forever, but for now, with our numbers so low, the thought of doing anything to make him distracted or lacking in focus...
[Ion stops and has to start over.]
I just don't want him to get hurt. He already had to watch me die once, and I know that winning this...he needs it more than anything.
...I will try to keep an eye on him. I have my own concerns, truthfully.
[A sigh, before-]
He apologized to me for not stepping up first. For not being the one volunteering. He told me he felt it should have been him, that it wouldn't be his first time. I don't intend to let him, but...
[Ishi shakes his head, there. He'd sounded all too willing then, and he has little doubt he meant it all.]
That aside, while you certainly know him better than I do... I'll trust your opinion if you think knowing might make him lose his focus, but it is also true that such bonds are a motivation. He already seems to want to do more for your sake.
I'll have to give it a bit more thought...but I think, if I don't come to a decision this week, I will on the next. I don't want to lose the chance to see him again, for him to see me again, but...
[Ishi's words are confirmations of his fears.]
He said the same thing to me, too. After the trial, he came to me and apologized for all of it...so convinced he'd done something terrible. He has so much life left to live, but he talks as if he should throw it all away.
[He has to admit, a part of that might be his own doing. His own influence.]
I want his help, of course, but it's not just for me I want him to fight.
Just bear in mind that if you wait too long to make that decision, you may end up missing that chance for now. I know I am not the only one who means to try to protect others, but... nothing is guaranteed.
[He dislikes the thought, but he knows it's something he has to bear in mind. The odds have been beaten before, but these couple of weeks have already proven there isn't always anything he can do.]
I will do what I can to try to ensure he doesn't make such a decision, although perhaps what he needs is not to hear that from me, or from Piety-- but from someone he knows.
[At first, Ion's brows knit together...but then, slowly, they smooth out, and he looks up at Ishi's serene face.]
...thank you.
[As he starts to smile, it's like his whole face lights up with a gentle sort of light. Is it godliness, or just the aura that the boy naturally seems to radiate.]
You're absolutely right. I won't keep him waiting for much longer.
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[Ishi takes his hand easily, offering him a warm, pleased smile.]
I am still sorry to have left you... but I was glad to see Luke won't be the only one here to support you.
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[Piety sighs softly.]
So he spoke to you...I'm glad. I was hoping that you would find one another. Ishikirimaru...you've been supporting me since the beginning. I'd like to be more forthcoming with you now, if you'd allow me.
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[Already there's a little warmth in his tone, speaking of him-- someone must have made a good impression.
But at that last part, Ishi nods, gesturing toward the seats in the study.]
Of course I wouldn't turn you down. Shall we sit, first?
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I'm surprised...how odd this feels now. It's like taking off more than just one kind of mask.
[But bowing his head, Piety reaches up, pulls back his hood, and lowers the mask from his face. Finally, that stone-faced countenance out of the way, the true gentility in his young, soft features is free.]
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You truly are young, then-- a bit more than I expected, if I am being honest.
[Youth doesn't mean too much, though. Nobuyasu was also young, and also a fine person even from an early age.
Ishikirimaru adds, a little more quietly but no less certain:]
... you've done well though, you know.
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[His pale cheeks flush lightly, sheepish but not rejecting of Ishi's touch.]
Thank you for saying that. It helps...I know that I'm not the most confident, especially compared to so many of the others here.
[A beat.]
My real name is Ion.
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[He bows his head slightly at that, before lifting it again to look him over. Youth is one thing-- two years of life is another entirely.]
I believe good intent does more for you than simply confidence, or at least that your intent seems to have reached the others well enough. More than just your followers want to keep you in this as long as possible, it seems.
[He'd absolutely noted those comments, Saturday. But he hums thoughtfully, considering.]
You mentioned only having two years of life. May I ask you to explain?
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[Ion nods, folding his hands in his lap.]
In my former life, I was a replica created to take the place of a boy--the head of a religious order--who was terminally ill. He was loved among his people, and it was believed that if his death was hidden, it would serve two purposes: one was to prevent the onset of panic, and the other was for a more political agenda. Seven new Ions were designed, and I, the seventh and final one, was the most like the original. I was trained at once to take his place when he became too ill, at the age of twelve, to continue serving the public.
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[That's quiet, contemplative; it's one thing to create a sword, though, or to give one that already exists a human body. Creating a person as a replacement-- it's something he isn't quite sure about.]
I can perhaps understand the need to prevent trouble among the people, but such a thing is... there must have been some other way to do so.
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[He puts a hand over his heart.]
Every day here brings me a new perspective on all walks of life. I cherish every bit of wisdom, and from you who have lived so long, most of all.
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[Ion's words strike a chord with him, more than he was expecting. The way can seem so certain, indeed; he can't help but think back to their mission, to his resignation to their unfortunate duty, to arguing against Monoyoshi's desire to at least try--
... but also to what they were able to accomplish, in the end. There's a wistful feel to his slight smile.]
And you've learned in your short time what it took me years to realize. I can only imagine what else you might accomplish.
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[Sometimes, it just comes at the least expected moments.]
I had...a similar conversation with Luke. I'd like to ask you a favor--concerning him.
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[That pulls him a little further back out of contemplation, more attentive now.]
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[Although he doesn't stop smiling, the look in his eyes fades into a distinct melancholy as his gaze drifts down to his hands.]
I don't know what will happen when they discover my identity. I don't plan on keeping it a secret forever, but for now, with our numbers so low, the thought of doing anything to make him distracted or lacking in focus...
[Ion stops and has to start over.]
I just don't want him to get hurt. He already had to watch me die once, and I know that winning this...he needs it more than anything.
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[A sigh, before-]
He apologized to me for not stepping up first. For not being the one volunteering. He told me he felt it should have been him, that it wouldn't be his first time. I don't intend to let him, but...
[Ishi shakes his head, there. He'd sounded all too willing then, and he has little doubt he meant it all.]
That aside, while you certainly know him better than I do... I'll trust your opinion if you think knowing might make him lose his focus, but it is also true that such bonds are a motivation. He already seems to want to do more for your sake.
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[Ishi's words are confirmations of his fears.]
He said the same thing to me, too. After the trial, he came to me and apologized for all of it...so convinced he'd done something terrible. He has so much life left to live, but he talks as if he should throw it all away.
[He has to admit, a part of that might be his own doing. His own influence.]
I want his help, of course, but it's not just for me I want him to fight.
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[He dislikes the thought, but he knows it's something he has to bear in mind. The odds have been beaten before, but these couple of weeks have already proven there isn't always anything he can do.]
I will do what I can to try to ensure he doesn't make such a decision, although perhaps what he needs is not to hear that from me, or from Piety-- but from someone he knows.
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...thank you.
[As he starts to smile, it's like his whole face lights up with a gentle sort of light. Is it godliness, or just the aura that the boy naturally seems to radiate.]
You're absolutely right. I won't keep him waiting for much longer.
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[He can't stifle the urge to reach out and ruffle Ion's hair slightly, there.]
I feel as if that will be good for him, but if you find you still have concerns-- I will continue to keep an eye on him for you.
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Thank you! It makes me feel better just knowing you're here to help.