(no subject)

[microbrobotics]

[ AT SOME POINT DURING THE DAY the younger Hamada brother is quietly getting Roy's attention. Roy specifically, though Ling is welcome to eavesdrop and/or follow them. ]

Can I talk to you for a second?

Comments

[backdrafted]

[...glances up at him, then back]

Like what?

[microbrobotics]

When he looks at the Lady, he sees some kind of insect monster.

[ falters a bit ]

... I ... I can't see it, but I trust him completely!

[backdrafted]

. . . Insect?. . .

[microbrobotics]

[ nods ]

So if even the Lady herself isn't safe...

[backdrafted]

That can't be. What if something is wrong with your brother?

[microbrobotics]

He can't be! We're soulmates, so that means we're the same role, right? And I know I'm a regular villager - that means he has to be too.

[backdrafted]

. . .

You would be alone out there.

[microbrobotics]

So? It's been like that since our parents died. Aunt Cass tries, but Tadashi's the one I relied on.

[backdrafted]

And if you die out there?

[microbrobotics]

That's a risk, yeah. But we might also get back to where we came from before. I might be able to bring Tadashi back, alive...

1/2

[backdrafted]

. . .

[backdrafted]

. . .



There's no room for a blasphemer here. And whatever it means that he's seen his visions, not believing in the Lady is certainly blasphemy.

[microbrobotics]

[ it takes him a moment ]

-- You'll let us go?

[backdrafted]

[nrgh]

I don't want to see a child put on trial.

You realize you'll be lost to us. You'll never know why any of this happened.

[microbrobotics]

... I know. But I can't stay here and see my brother put on trial either. Or worse.

[backdrafted]

... It's your choice, then.

[microbrobotics]

Just don't stop us when we leave. That's all we need.

[ a pause. deflates a bit. ]

... I was going to ask if you could help alchemize a few things, but ...