[ Eventually, their paths cross. Mitsuri, who heard Shinobu and Zoe's exchanges, feels desperately for the both of them. She can't muster a smile at a time like this, not when Shinobu must be hurting the most. ]
[ Do you know who else can't muster a smile even as a reflex? Shinobu.
She led everyone to find out Zoe had a hand in Anaido's death, accidental or not. It's because of her that Giyuu is going to execute this child that isn't actually a child. Shinobu knows Zoe isn't as young as she looks, but it doesn't change how she acts or seems. ]
Kanroji-san.
[ Her voice is soft with her guilt and her feelings of inadequacy. ]
I wish I could've voted for myself in Tomioka-san's stead.
[ Can this even be called a Pyrrhic victory? The alleged culprit expressed no remorse, either, which begs the question of whether Zoe really is guilty or something more nefarious is at play. What's more, one of theirs will have to carry out the execution while everyone must face the guilt of what they've let happen.
Mitsuri barely even did anything. Tomioka and Shinobu were hard at work while she—what? Climbed a tree and chatted Kurashiki up? Everyone else worked their hardest. Shinobu, whom she deeply respects, is the last person who should have to shoulder this weigh alone.
Mitsuri reaches out to hold Shinobu's hand in both of hers. ]
The past can't be changed, Shinobu. But we can shape the future so that this doesn't have to happen again.
[ Ah. It is because Mitsuri is how she is that Shinobu feels a little of the weight on her shoulders lift, enough so that that her lips curve into something that can almost be called a smile.
Hadn't she called Mitsuri's personality something like salvation before?
Her smile is quick to fade, though, but she clasps Mitsuri's hands in return, gently, gratefully. ]
I know. I won't stop searching for a way to change what the future could be, but even if Zoe-san doesn't realize the full gravity of this situation....
There is still the mystery behind the other deaths to solve.
[ There sure are other murderers out there, not to mention finding out how this ritual came to be in the first place. ]
[ They have one week left to solve these mounting mysteries, the biggest of which has been around longer than they have on this island. The odds are bleak, but the Demon Slayer Corps isn't unused to such odds.
At the same time, the Demon Slayer Corps doesn't typically deal with the trial and execution of fellow people. These aren't demons. The toll this will take on them is not what they've hardened themselves to over the years.
Selfishly, Mitsuri doesn't want to lose Shinobu to these unfolding tragedies. She nods in a way that she hopes is reassuring. ]
Convicting Zoe doesn't mean we'll forget about the rest. We'll keep searching for those answers.
[ It was stupid of Mitsuri to say it like that. Now Shinobu's apologizing for something that isn't her fault while praising her in the same breath. Awful.
She's right, though. The three of them, including Tomioka, won't rest until this curse has ground to a halt. So to that Mitsuri gives an exaggerated nod once, then twice. ]
[ She gives Mitsuri's hands a gentle squeeze, hoping to be calming. ]
No. I have. Or at least I haven't done the best to my abilities. Instead of questioning Zoe-san, I could've focused on finding out who those second set of footprints were. Who pushed Marie-san? How did Wen Ning-san meet that fate? That fire... someone had to ignite it.
[ She sounds calm as she says this, her voice even and smooth, but someone with special hearing would be able to hear her discordant anger. It booms and claps and strikes, burning hotter than whatever set the ruins aflame. ]
More than that, we need to prevent more deaths.
[ The implication of the voice was that they'd all die, if they didn't participate in this ritual, but if they needed deaths, they should have simply killed them all from the start. ]
[ Dwelling on what-ifs can only take them so far. Mitsuri feels a twinge of regret that she didn't do more during the trial. One of Shinobu's strengths, though, is that she's forward-thinking. Not getting to ask those questions in detail before doesn't mean they'll forget about them now.
Still, it must be frustrating. After all those hours, it felt like they accomplished the bare minimum, if that. ]
About that . . . did we ever figure out what caused us to fall asleep at the same time?
[ It must've been the island's doing. If there's a way to combat such a spell, they'll need to find it right away. ]
[ How do they beat something like that? If it's going to happen on the same night of the week, they're on an even tighter schedule than she thought. There's no time to waste nor doubt.
This time, she squeezes Shinobu's hand. ]
If it's with you and Tomioka, we can do it. We won't lose to such evil.
[ After they've all helped put the dead to rest and cleaned themselves (thanks for finding soap, Mitsuri), Shinobu comes looking for Love Pillar wherever she chooses to be.
There's something she's holding in her hands. ]
Edited (matches your title format) 2020-05-03 21:11 (UTC)
[ Soap is the single most treasured possession on this island.
Putting the dead to rest was a solemn affair, and one that Mitsuri is ready to put behind her to a respectable extent. It's almost surprising to see Shinobu so soon afterward, though it really shouldn't be. ]
[ It's a flower crown for Mitsuri. She holds it up for her to take.
Things were solemn and they are still solemn, but Mitsuri is right. She's not alone. She has never been alone and hasn't thought so, but she needs to show it more, doesn't she? She needs to recompense. ]
I know you're able to cook for yourself. Have you been eating enough?
[ As much as Mitsuri would love to take that flower crown, she finds herself so moved by the gesture and question that she throws her arms around Shinobu for a bear hug (hope she doesn't crush the flowers). ]
Shinobu! Shinobu!
[ Even when things are toughest for her, Shinobu is always thinking of others. Mitsuri's arms tighten around that petite body. ]
I have! I've been eating as much as I can!
[ Admittedly, it hasn't been as much as she used to back home, but that's expected. She's constantly out and about, foraging for her camp and herself. She's as reasonably satiated as she can be. ]
[ Oh, dear. It's not something she didn't see occurring, so Shinobu moves her arms quickly enough to save the flower crown and to return the embrace, albeit more loosely but no less affectionate. ]
I'm glad to hear that. I'd hate for you to lose one of your strengths.
[ Mitsuri's mood is also tied to how much she eats, as Iguro was so annoying helpful to point out once upon a time ago. ]
Her appetite has definitely taken a hit; however, she knows better than to wallow in the despair of recent events. For the sake of all islanders, she needs to keep herself put together. So far, she hasn't had to shovel tasteless morsels into her mouth due to the simple fact that her portions aren't as large as they used to be.
Speaking of need, Shinobu always knows just what to say to motivate her. After another beat into their embrace, Mitsuri steps back. ]
What's that? We'll need to resume explorations and revisit the evidence we collected yesterday. Is there anything else?
[ Iguro would definitely come out of the depths of snell (snake hell) for some of things Shinobu has been telling people.
Mitsuri is a Pillar for a reason, and it shines now. Shinobu's fondness shines through. Even in as grim times as these, Mitsuri's positivity and ability to go forward even when shaken is a boosting force. ]
Yes, those are the two main things. We may have to be prepared to be more insistent in our explorations. If we can fight back against what tries to chase away, we should.
[ By fight, she means destroy like what's emblazoned on their backs. ]
[ She places the flower crown atop Mitsuri's head. The flowers' colors go well with her sakuramochi hair. ]
First, we take a small moment to rest. It's all we can afford right now. Next... I was thinking of gathering people together tomorrow to talk. Will you help?
I was thinking we could gather food and cook together like we do sometimes. Do you have the time?
[ They likely won't have much more time to rest after this with the clock ticking towards their doom. Which of them will die, which of them will live, and will they all be able to save whom they wish to?
[ Just worrying all the time won't solve anything. Small comforts like a warm meal, no matter how humble, can keep the most weary person going. And this is Shinobu who's asking. At the request, Mitsuri beams. ]
We need to make sure you're eating all the protein you need. Kanroji-san at her full strength is the most beautiful.
[ But they'll need to figure out what to fish with (unless they want to do it with their bare hands) since this is before their lovely Wednesday surprise. ]
By the way, I've been meaning to experiment with some spices. Would you be able to point out some safe herbs on this island? They won't be ready until tomorrow at the earliest, but I'll definitely share them with you then.
[ The lighthouse is where she and Threepio went together for the investigation. Now that it's over, Mitsuri finds herself drawn back to the place when things seemed more hopeful.
To her surprise, someone else appears to have beaten her to the punch. ]
[ If anyone can beat the odds, she thinks, it would be Shinobu. Graceful, intelligent, and clever—Shinobu is nothing short of exceptional. That's a naive way of thinking, though, isn't it? ]
The voice said that we have twelve hours. What should we do?
There are a few options. One, someone could kill tonight to make sure the numbers are what the voice wants.
Two, we try to make sure no one kills and see how much the voice is lying or telling the truth.
Three... there should be more options, but it requires finding more answers than what we have.
[ Honestly, Shinobu isn't happy with any of this right now. They all saw what happened to Kairi, so it's not like the voice hasn't proved anything. She just doesn't want to be compliant with something she doesn't agree with. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Week 1: Post-trial
Shinobu . . .
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She led everyone to find out Zoe had a hand in Anaido's death, accidental or not. It's because of her that Giyuu is going to execute this child that isn't actually a child. Shinobu knows Zoe isn't as young as she looks, but it doesn't change how she acts or seems. ]
Kanroji-san.
[ Her voice is soft with her guilt and her feelings of inadequacy. ]
I wish I could've voted for myself in Tomioka-san's stead.
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Mitsuri barely even did anything. Tomioka and Shinobu were hard at work while she—what? Climbed a tree and chatted Kurashiki up? Everyone else worked their hardest. Shinobu, whom she deeply respects, is the last person who should have to shoulder this weigh alone.
Mitsuri reaches out to hold Shinobu's hand in both of hers. ]
The past can't be changed, Shinobu. But we can shape the future so that this doesn't have to happen again.
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Hadn't she called Mitsuri's personality something like salvation before?
Her smile is quick to fade, though, but she clasps Mitsuri's hands in return, gently, gratefully. ]
I know. I won't stop searching for a way to change what the future could be, but even if Zoe-san doesn't realize the full gravity of this situation....
There is still the mystery behind the other deaths to solve.
[ There sure are other murderers out there, not to mention finding out how this ritual came to be in the first place. ]
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At the same time, the Demon Slayer Corps doesn't typically deal with the trial and execution of fellow people. These aren't demons. The toll this will take on them is not what they've hardened themselves to over the years.
Selfishly, Mitsuri doesn't want to lose Shinobu to these unfolding tragedies. She nods in a way that she hopes is reassuring. ]
Convicting Zoe doesn't mean we'll forget about the rest. We'll keep searching for those answers.
[ She squeezes Shinobu's hand. ]
You're not alone. Let me help you!
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Have I been so terrible as to make it seem you weren't a help? I'm sorry, Kanroji-san. What you found in the ruins has been helpful.
[ Even if it doesn't make sense for all three of them. It's a clue. It's something more concrete than any of the others have so far found. ]
We'll continue looking together. We both won't give up.
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[ It was stupid of Mitsuri to say it like that. Now Shinobu's apologizing for something that isn't her fault while praising her in the same breath. Awful.
She's right, though. The three of them, including Tomioka, won't rest until this curse has ground to a halt. So to that Mitsuri gives an exaggerated nod once, then twice. ]
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No. I have. Or at least I haven't done the best to my abilities. Instead of questioning Zoe-san, I could've focused on finding out who those second set of footprints were. Who pushed Marie-san? How did Wen Ning-san meet that fate? That fire... someone had to ignite it.
[ She sounds calm as she says this, her voice even and smooth, but someone with special hearing would be able to hear her discordant anger. It booms and claps and strikes, burning hotter than whatever set the ruins aflame. ]
More than that, we need to prevent more deaths.
[ The implication of the voice was that they'd all die, if they didn't participate in this ritual, but if they needed deaths, they should have simply killed them all from the start. ]
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Still, it must be frustrating. After all those hours, it felt like they accomplished the bare minimum, if that. ]
About that . . . did we ever figure out what caused us to fall asleep at the same time?
[ It must've been the island's doing. If there's a way to combat such a spell, they'll need to find it right away. ]
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[ That's the theory that makes the most sense to her right now. ]
What magic is imbued in it is likely cast on us to make this farce move forward in a way it favors.
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As long as it exists, we won't be able to protect anyone on those nights.
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That's why I hope we can make this ritual crumble into pieces.
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This time, she squeezes Shinobu's hand. ]
If it's with you and Tomioka, we can do it. We won't lose to such evil.
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[ As is written on their backs, as is written on their swords. ]
One way or another.
[ Even though Giyuu is set to behead someone who behaves like a child tomorrow. Or especially because of that. ]
week 1: sunday
There's something she's holding in her hands. ]
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Putting the dead to rest was a solemn affair, and one that Mitsuri is ready to put behind her to a respectable extent. It's almost surprising to see Shinobu so soon afterward, though it really shouldn't be. ]
Shinobu! What's that in your hands?
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Things were solemn and they are still solemn, but Mitsuri is right. She's not alone. She has never been alone and hasn't thought so, but she needs to show it more, doesn't she? She needs to recompense. ]
I know you're able to cook for yourself. Have you been eating enough?
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Shinobu! Shinobu!
[ Even when things are toughest for her, Shinobu is always thinking of others. Mitsuri's arms tighten around that petite body. ]
I have! I've been eating as much as I can!
[ Admittedly, it hasn't been as much as she used to back home, but that's expected. She's constantly out and about, foraging for her camp and herself. She's as reasonably satiated as she can be. ]
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I'm glad to hear that. I'd hate for you to lose one of your strengths.
[ Mitsuri's mood is also tied to how much she eats, as Iguro was so
annoyinghelpful to point out once upon a time ago. ]We'll need you for what we want to do next.
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Her appetite has definitely taken a hit; however, she knows better than to wallow in the despair of recent events. For the sake of all islanders, she needs to keep herself put together. So far, she hasn't had to shovel tasteless morsels into her mouth due to the simple fact that her portions aren't as large as they used to be.
Speaking of need, Shinobu always knows just what to say to motivate her. After another beat into their embrace, Mitsuri steps back. ]
What's that? We'll need to resume explorations and revisit the evidence we collected yesterday. Is there anything else?
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Mitsuri is a Pillar for a reason, and it shines now. Shinobu's fondness shines through. Even in as grim times as these, Mitsuri's positivity and ability to go forward even when shaken is a boosting force. ]
Yes, those are the two main things. We may have to be prepared to be more insistent in our explorations. If we can fight back against what tries to chase away, we should.
[ By fight, she means destroy like what's emblazoned on their backs. ]
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Should we attempt the cavern again? Now that we've all seen some of what's inside, I'm sure we can head deeper without being pushed out.
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[ She thinks the pushing back will be worse now. ]
I think it will only become more dangerous.
[ As if four murders isn't dangerous enough. ]
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I've been training when I can. I'm ready when you are!
[ It doesn't have to be the cavern, either. Wherever they go, she'll give it her all. ]
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First, we take a small moment to rest. It's all we can afford right now. Next... I was thinking of gathering people together tomorrow to talk. Will you help?
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I will!
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I'll talk to as many people as I can. Between the two of us, we should be able to gather everybody!
[But there are three of them, aren't there?]
What about Tomioka?
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What about Tomioka-san?
[ She can guess her question, but the punchline is better if Mitsuri asks it. ]
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Is he on a different assignment?
[ Working and standing alone, as usual. How cute! He might benefit from that space, too. ]
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[ He has a 50/50 chance of failure. ]
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But this is truly good. Despite the string of tragedies in the past few days, they've moving forward. ]
Is that going to be all for now, then?
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I was thinking we could gather food and cook together like we do sometimes. Do you have the time?
[ They likely won't have much more time to rest after this with the clock ticking towards their doom. Which of them will die, which of them will live, and will they all be able to save whom they wish to?
Shinobu has so many worries. ]
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Of course! What do you want to eat?
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Mitsuri is brilliant in her happiness, and Shinobu glows gently with affection. ]
We don't have the biggest selection. I know you've had a lot of crab lately, so we can do something different with fish.
[ Some kind of fusion between western and eastern cooking. ]
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All right! I've been foraging on the island itself, so fish sounds wonderful. It's time to go fishing!
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[ But they'll need to figure out what to fish with (unless they want to do it with their bare hands) since this is before their lovely Wednesday surprise. ]
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I think I saw Dimitri with a makeshift spear. We can do something like that or find a long piece of wood to carve into a point to catch them with!
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[ They're going to make this as fancy as they can with what limited supplies they have. ]
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By the way, I've been meaning to experiment with some spices. Would you be able to point out some safe herbs on this island? They won't be ready until tomorrow at the earliest, but I'll definitely share them with you then.
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[ As little as they are on this island full of murder.
As they walk by certain herbs, she'll point them out and name them for Mitsuri. ]
Week 2: Post-trial
To her surprise, someone else appears to have beaten her to the punch. ]
Shinobu . . . Are you here to investigate?
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Do you think I can?
[ This place seems to only reveal so much at different times. ]
No, we're always called here, and I was thinking about how it would be nice to tear it down.
[ She says that very serenely. ]
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The voice said that we have twelve hours. What should we do?
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Two, we try to make sure no one kills and see how much the voice is lying or telling the truth.
Three... there should be more options, but it requires finding more answers than what we have.
[ Honestly, Shinobu isn't happy with any of this right now. They all saw what happened to Kairi, so it's not like the voice hasn't proved anything. She just doesn't want to be compliant with something she doesn't agree with. ]