audience: ookurikara

[cyclists]

Comments

[unfriendliest]

I should hope not.

[ kara might hunt him down and kill him again if he did ]

Does this mean you the two of you will have to die, like most of us will? Or that you can be corrupted?

[cyclists]

Ahaha - oh my, it would be quite disastrous indeed if I were to become corrupted.

[LIKE HE JUST THOUGHT OF IT]

Perhaps I ought to meet my end sooner then, before such a tragedy befalls us.

[unfriendliest]

[ oh my fucking god, don't joke about that?? ]

Does that mean you don't know?

[cyclists]

It is not as though the young one and I have received instructions on the matter -

But I do not like if I would like to risk it either.

[so he’s just planning ahead?]

I would prefer not to have all your efforts amount to nothing.

[unfriendliest]

They've asked us to protect you both. You shouldn't need my help, but if you do, I'm here.

[ jiji is stronger than him but kara will lend a sword if it means not letting someone else break ]

[cyclists]

And do you think I would be so cowardly as to employ your protection despite the risk it poses to yourself...?

[like

mikazuki doesn’t mind asking kara to handle the corruption but also

his own well-being really isn’t as important, if you ask him]

[unfriendliest]

[ he frowns ]

It isn't cowardly to rely on your allies.

[ even kara, who prefers to fight alone, knows that much ]

[cyclists]

... you are a treasured comrade and reliable sword, Ookurikara. Your master would be pleased to witness how you’ve grown.

[the thought is touching]

However, the fields upon which we play in this realm are not equal.

It is alright. I do not need your protection, even if I am honored to receive the offer of it.

[unfriendliest]

Like I said, I never thought you did. But I won't stand idly by if I can do something. You should know that.

[cyclists]

Mm, so I do.

However just the same - I expect you to cut me down should it become necessary.

I am sure Tsurumaru will forgive you.

[unfriendliest]

[ nods ]

If we have to, I think he'd prefer it to be me, instead of someone else.

[cyclists]

Perhaps so...

[ . . . ]

We shall see.

At the very least... all beings are meant to break one day - I see no reason to turn away from that.

[unfriendliest]

At least wait until we get home for that.

[ he doesn't want to see two swords he respects break in this place. it's bad enough already ]

[cyclists]

Hmm...

I suppose depending on the last remaining - it may, at the very least, not be permanent.

[he

hopes it’s not permanent?]

[unfriendliest]

Isn't it better to avoid it altogether, if you're not sure?

[cyclists]

I do not fear the end - even if I do not wish to rush toward it recklessly.

If my prolonged existence will put others at risk, and has a chance of voiding all the efforts made here...

I will break, and accept what comes after..

[unfriendliest]

...I know you will. I would, too.

Whatever happens, just be careful. I don't think Tsuru is lonely enough to want us to break along with him.

[cyclists]

He is rather funny, isn’t he?

To caution us so thoroughly - and yet he would make the same choices that we would if he were in our position....

[that crane,,

it’s still said remarkably fondly anyway]

[unfriendliest]

It's part of what makes him a good warrior.

...What about Sol? I know he can fight, but would he do the same, if it comes to that? Or should we try to protect him?

[cyclists]

... why don't you ask the young one what he would desire?

[just, rather simply]

I rather think he would like to speak for himself.

[unfriendliest]

[ sigh ]

Tsuru was saying I should talk to him again, too.

[unsaid]

That is because you should - he is a very wonderful person.

[unfriendliest]

[ hm, if jiji says so ]

Next week, then. I don't have anyone else to spar with, anyway.

[ is that really his only reason ]