It's my fault. No matter what he did. I'll take the burden of that responsibility. Please...I can't erase what happened. I can't wash away the cruelty, or make up for the lives lost. But regardless of what we may or may not have asked for, we always promised to take on these acts in our own names.
[He hesitates, but then lowers himself to his knees, bowing his head as he places his hands together before him.]
[Piety shakes his head only slightly, making no move to lift himself.]
I do. A leader shouldn't inspire doubt in their people. In anyone, regardless of where their allegiances lie. If my ability to protect even one person so dear to me has been put into such question that it would drive someone to murder...who else should be to blame?
You don't need to do this for me, [ he gently clarifies. ] I don't hate him. Disappointed, betrayed, angry, all of those feelings I can't deny. But I don't hate him. Please, stand up.
[ ... soft: ]
I know what it is to be a leader who feels he failed those who look up to him. Who did fail them.
[ ... Yu is quiet at that. It's Connor he thinks of -- Connor, coldly telling Senri to stand. He gets to his feet, too. ]
I'm sure this isn't what you meant, but I want to be clear. I don't think anyone who does hate him is a hateful person by nature, or close-minded. Guy... deeply hurt many people in ways they may choose not to forgive, and I won't tell them that's wrong. It's only my own personal beliefs that I speak for when I say I don't hate him.
[ a breath. ]
Guy also made his own choices. You can't control his every action.
No, I didn't mean that. As I said before, I'd never expect anyone to forgive him. I apologize for poor phrasing. The last thing I'd ever do...is begrudge anyone for their feelings.
[His voice grows small.]
At the heart of it all, I'm just afraid for my friends.
He's shattered unlike I've ever seen him shattered before. I believe...things will turn around, but it will take time, and time...there...there isn't very much of it left.
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[He hesitates, but then lowers himself to his knees, bowing his head as he places his hands together before him.]
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[ it's not even a question. Yu kneels, reaching out to gently touch the god's shoulders. ]
Please. You don't need to do this.
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I do. A leader shouldn't inspire doubt in their people. In anyone, regardless of where their allegiances lie. If my ability to protect even one person so dear to me has been put into such question that it would drive someone to murder...who else should be to blame?
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You don't need to do this for me, [ he gently clarifies. ] I don't hate him. Disappointed, betrayed, angry, all of those feelings I can't deny. But I don't hate him. Please, stand up.
[ ... soft: ]
I know what it is to be a leader who feels he failed those who look up to him. Who did fail them.
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...I'm sorry. I know that you aren't the sort of person to be close-minded or hateful. I've just felt so helpless about all of this.
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I'm sure this isn't what you meant, but I want to be clear. I don't think anyone who does hate him is a hateful person by nature, or close-minded. Guy... deeply hurt many people in ways they may choose not to forgive, and I won't tell them that's wrong. It's only my own personal beliefs that I speak for when I say I don't hate him.
[ a breath. ]
Guy also made his own choices. You can't control his every action.
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No, I didn't mean that. As I said before, I'd never expect anyone to forgive him. I apologize for poor phrasing. The last thing I'd ever do...is begrudge anyone for their feelings.
[His voice grows small.]
At the heart of it all, I'm just afraid for my friends.
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... you must know them well.
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[His hands shaking, he places them over his chest.]
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You aren't obligated to answer this, but ... Piety, are you from their world...?
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Yes...but please, I've only told one other person. I don't want...to cause them any trouble.
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I know. ... I understand what that's like, after all.
[ Yu breathes in slow and lets it out slower. ]
... Guy was my friend. I ... don't know how to feel about him now. But I swear to you I'll keep him safe, as much as it's in my power to do so.
[ ... ]
Luke ...
[ god. Where does he begin? The other boy is destroyed. ]
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[Trusted Guy.]
He's shattered unlike I've ever seen him shattered before. I believe...things will turn around, but it will take time, and time...there...there isn't very much of it left.
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