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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[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.