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Post by Kuni Hinata on Apr 13, 2018 14:34:16 GMT -5
Hinata followed Yoshinobu out of the assembly hall, her expression steeled. Him walking out and Noburo's call out had been the kick she needed to be called back to reality...or...wherever they were.
"Yoshinobu, wait. Please."
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Post by Iweko Yoshinobu on Apr 13, 2018 14:41:12 GMT -5
Yoshinobu turned, and ran a hand through his hair. Now that he thought he was alone, the worry and conflict was no longer masked by his on or his voice. If it had been anyone else but Hinata he would have recomposed himself before turning to face her.
"You realized what you did right? By revealing what ailed you, no one is ever going to be able to accept you. Even if you are cured."
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Post by Kuni Hinata on Apr 13, 2018 14:48:41 GMT -5
Hinata nodded.
"I...I know. ...I was trying to do what was best for the Empire, and I'm sorry. But if this is a dream, and we go back, how can we know things will work out the same? It was something that needed to be said. I could become a monster, Yoshinobu. I'm not saying this because I'm weak, or because I'm giving up, but because it's the truth. It's a decision that has to be made before Goemon wakes."
She paused, and looked him in the eye.
"...and if we don't wake him up, then that is what happens. But to stand by and say nothing when the risk presented itself would have been the wrong thing to do."
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Post by Iweko Yoshinobu on Apr 13, 2018 15:05:23 GMT -5
"How can we know things will be any better here in this lie? I can only act towards the path I feel is just, Hinata. That's what my heart is telling me, and that's what Bushido is telling me. Honor, Duty, Courage, and Honesty are compelling me in a way I cannot ignore. You know this is just the man I am...."
He looked down at her. "I'd never fault you or hate you for pursuing what you think is right either. But if the Empire is endangered because I failed to act, then I am not fit to be saumrai let alone Emperor. Ultimately, I have to put that first." A pause.
"I'm willing to take that risk for what i feel is the greater good. Even... even if it means potentially losing you, it is a gamble I was born into making. I'm sorry."
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Post by Kuni Hinata on Apr 13, 2018 15:11:50 GMT -5
"I agree, Yoshinobu. We should wake Goemon. My initial outburst was because I was...scared. I admit it. I'm not fearless. The idea of having to lose all the ground I've made in getting rid of that monster terrified me. But...you were right."
She walked closer to him.
"That's why I suggested what I did. We should wake Goemon, but that's not a trip that I can, in good conscience, follow you on. There's too many risks involved if I go back with you. I...I need to stay here. If I go back to the real world with you, and things go differently...it could do irrevocable damage if it goes the wrong way."
She walked closer, to a point where she could look up at him.
"...do you understand what I'm saying?" she whispered.
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Post by Iweko Yoshinobu on Apr 13, 2018 15:21:01 GMT -5
"You don't know for sure that he is even gone, or that Ayumu can help you get rid of him Hinata. That is what I was trying to say in there. You're there, in the real world, with the same problems. I sincerely believe nothing you do here will be able to solve that. You just need to find the Courage to face that trial again, if you can. And if you don't think that is the right path, then that is fine too. Like I said, I won't hate you for it. But if he returns, there might not be heroes to even face him with the blessing of their patron Fortune."
Yoshinobu put a hand on her shoulder. "Shinsei said we each have our own paths to walk. I understand what you're saying, and I can't follow you down your path either." And if mine ends in dishonor, failed Duty or otherwise, there is only one means to escape and regain my honor.
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Post by Kuni Hinata on Apr 13, 2018 15:29:00 GMT -5
"Yoshinobu, please. You're misunderstanding what I'm saying. I don't want to ask Moto-san for a wish. I don't want to keep Goemon asleep. The Empire needs him. To keep him asleep would be selfish, and I won't do that no matter what it means for me. I'm not so foolish as to believe myself more important that a Fortune."
She put her head on his chest, if he would let her.
"I'm just saying...before we wake him, I need to end myself here. I need to make sure that Yori won't win in the real world. I want to go with you, but I can't. Not if the Empire is to remain safe."
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Kakita Tsuki
Crane Clan
The delicate illusions that get us through life can stand only so much strain
Posts: 791
Likes: 1
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Post by Kakita Tsuki on Apr 13, 2018 15:31:36 GMT -5
She hadn't left much longer after them, and when the doors closed behind her what was a quick walk turned into a run. Her head was on a swivel as she followed after them, her eyes quickly caught a hold of the two talking. The priestess slowed down and tried to compose her form but it was hard to hide that she had been trying to catch up to them as quickly as possible. She didn't even bother to wait for them to give her recognition on approach. It didn't seem to really matter at the moment.
"Prince Yoshinobu, Kuni-san. What was that back there?" She asked, but concern was evident.
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Post by Kuni Hinata on Apr 13, 2018 15:39:58 GMT -5
Hinata looked over at Tsuki, not breaking off from Yoshinobu.
"It...was the culmination of something I have been keeping hidden for a long time."
She sighed.
"I have the spirit of...an ancestor...who has been following me around. A dark one. We have been working to get rid of him, and were on the cusp of doing so when...this happened."
She paused, thinking of what to say next.
"...he thought I wanted to keep Goemon asleep. I don't. I just...I'm telling him what I need to do before we wake Goemon. If we wake him and I am still alive to go back, we cannot be sure things would go the same way. I could go insane or worse if things go differently. I want to wake Goemon, but I need to die before that happens if the Empire is to be safe."
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Kakita Tsuki
Crane Clan
The delicate illusions that get us through life can stand only so much strain
Posts: 791
Likes: 1
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Post by Kakita Tsuki on Apr 13, 2018 15:53:41 GMT -5
Tsuki stared at the woman for a moment, as if something so casual could be placed out there and yeah, suddenly it was fine. She found her hands clenching up and she took a step towards the Kuni. "What was with that maniacal laughing then? Kuni-san, you busted out in what appeared to a fit of insanity! Did you come here to chase after the prince to tell him you need to die?! Because of some ancestor haunting you?!"
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