... Unless? [A beat, before realization sinks in. FROM ONE GIRL WHO WANTS TO PERISH FOR MURDER CRIMES TO ANOTHER:] No, no, no. Whatever it is you're thinking, no. Last week's execution was an escalation! If something else happens, you might not be the one who ends up in that ring— or worse.
[Last week definitely was an escalation. Flayn can acknowledge that much, at least.]
...then what am I to do? I cannot allow him to die for something I helped to do, simply because he was arguing on the behalf of someone he cares for. That... it is not fair.
... None of this is fair. No one here deserves to die. Not Ookurikara. Not you. Not Taako or Tonbokiri. No one. We can't hit rewind to go back to six weeks ago, though.
[It would be nice if they could. Too bad it's impossible.]
But you know what you can do? Keep fighting. Junpei and Wen Ning's teams are one now. A couple of weeks ago, we didn't that was possible. Someone will die tomorrow, anyway. We can't save them now. I know it's not what you want to hear, and it won't make you feel less guilty, but... We can save them later. All of them. [She squeezes her hand again, a bit more gently.] So... Stick around. Make things better. That's what you can do. We're so close to the finish line. We can do this. I know we can.
[But, what if the end comes, and they have need of someone who isn't there? What if Ookurikara dies tomorrow, and it could have been his blade that struck the final blow on whatever foe they're bound to be facing?
It's frightening to think about. They're so close to the end of this, but there's still so much that can go wrong.]
Then I'll repeat it until you believe it. There's light at the end of the tunnel. I didn't see it until now, but there is. I promise.
[Or, at least, she hopes so. The events of this week have given her more to look forward to than anything else in the past six, seven, eight — who knows how many weeks.]
[It might take time, but. She'll... listen, at least.
There's a beat, a moment of silence - and suddenly, Flayn's stomach growls. She looks down, startled, because she honestly has no appetite at all right now, but.]
...perhaps this might be a good time for some... "Jiffy Pop," was it?
[Flayn's stomach is valid. Veronica looks a little startled as well, but she quickly recovers. Nods. Huffs out a laugh that's devoid of all humor.]
Jiffy Pop is right. [A beat.] ... Actually, have you watched any movies yet? We can pop some Jiffy Pop. Come back here. Watch something with a happy ending.
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[She squeezes her hand, frowning.]
So, um... Stupid question, I know. But are you going to be okay...? Is there anything I can do?
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[...]
And there is no way to influence who is the... [her voice trails off] ...unless...
[please tell her going out and doxxing her team and power to people again is a Bad Idea.]
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... Unless? [A beat, before realization sinks in. FROM ONE GIRL WHO WANTS TO PERISH FOR MURDER CRIMES TO ANOTHER:] No, no, no. Whatever it is you're thinking, no. Last week's execution was an escalation! If something else happens, you might not be the one who ends up in that ring— or worse.
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[Last week definitely was an escalation. Flayn can acknowledge that much, at least.]
...then what am I to do? I cannot allow him to die for something I helped to do, simply because he was arguing on the behalf of someone he cares for. That... it is not fair.
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[It would be nice if they could. Too bad it's impossible.]
But you know what you can do? Keep fighting. Junpei and Wen Ning's teams are one now. A couple of weeks ago, we didn't that was possible. Someone will die tomorrow, anyway. We can't save them now. I know it's not what you want to hear, and it won't make you feel less guilty, but... We can save them later. All of them. [She squeezes her hand again, a bit more gently.] So... Stick around. Make things better. That's what you can do. We're so close to the finish line. We can do this. I know we can.
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[But, what if the end comes, and they have need of someone who isn't there? What if Ookurikara dies tomorrow, and it could have been his blade that struck the final blow on whatever foe they're bound to be facing?
It's frightening to think about. They're so close to the end of this, but there's still so much that can go wrong.]
I truly want to believe that, Veronica. I do.
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[Or, at least, she hopes so. The events of this week have given her more to look forward to than anything else in the past six, seven, eight — who knows how many weeks.]
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[It might take time, but. She'll... listen, at least.
There's a beat, a moment of silence - and suddenly, Flayn's stomach growls. She looks down, startled, because she honestly has no appetite at all right now, but.]
...perhaps this might be a good time for some... "Jiffy Pop," was it?
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Jiffy Pop is right. [A beat.] ... Actually, have you watched any movies yet? We can pop some Jiffy Pop. Come back here. Watch something with a happy ending.
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so sorry. but.]
I - I have. [...] Yin Yu and I watched one together the night before he...
[god. she shakes her head, trying to dispel those thoughts, because if she goes down that rabbit hole she's just not going to stop being sad.]
...what sort of movie do you suggest? The ones in that cabin seemed to be a bit... frightening.
how did i delete the notif for this
... I'm really sorry.
[Because, well. What else is she supposed to say to that?]
Have you ever watched the Princess Bride? It's my best friend's favorite. I think you'd love it, too.
you probably have so many notifs
[she shakes her head slowly]
No... I have never heard of it. But if it is your best friend's favorite, it must be wonderful.
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[She sounds so fond when she speaks, clearly thinking about someone else. She pauses, then, and glances at Flayn.]
Well? Let's get to it. That Jiffy Pop isn't going to make itself.
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[flayn nods]
Yes, let us do so! I will be relying on you to instruct me on how to make it, Veronica.
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I'll teach you everything there is to know. Come on!
[AND THEN THEY POPPED JIFFY POP AND WATCHED THE PRINCESS BRIDE... Let Flayn continue to be corrupted by pop culture influences.]
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