Twenty Second Star [Audio]

[heavenfang]

-Tir is of course not aware that while he was running, his communicator turned on while in his pocket. The sounds are muffled, but a good ear can clearly make out the last parts of Tir and Kazuki's conversation...

There is an excrutiatingly long pause. And the last thing heard before the communicator times out is a loud, broken scream. It isn't of sadness, or even of rage. It simply just... is.-

[[ ooc: Kazuki is now deaded, folks. Tir was just outside the clinic when this happened, so anyone there was likely able to hear the scream in person. The conversation, mind you, was in Japanese. ]]

Comments

[tenkai-soul.livejournal.com]

You think I'm going to rest?

I said I'm going to keep a promise. A promise I will fulfill by any means necessary...

[princedetective.livejournal.com]

And what does that matter? Resting at home will not solve this case. Doing nothing will do nothing. By all means, do it if you feel obligated, but it's ridiculous. For once, your -- charging forward might prove useful, and you're instead utterly refusing to act.

[tenkai-soul.livejournal.com]

...My acts will not be the sort of thing you should be involved in, Sir Naoto.

I shall need to speak with a doctor.

[princedetective.livejournal.com]

No, I suppose not, as they are non -- [Pause, faltered.] Are you injured as well.

[tenkai-soul.livejournal.com]

No. I wish to have my chip removed.

[princedetective.livejournal.com]

The doctors have refused all such procedures until further notice.

[tenkai-soul.livejournal.com]

A doctor has. Not all of them.

[princedetective.livejournal.com]

And you are aware of the location?

And your powers include some sort of sense or homing ability?

[tenkai-soul.livejournal.com]

It may seem strange to hear, but it allows me to... negotiate with death.

[princedetective.livejournal.com]

There is little need for such a power here.

[tenkai-soul.livejournal.com]

We're talking about a murderer here, Naoto. If you really want to get into their psyche, one must be intimate with the nature of Life and Death.

Soul Eater will not harm a person here. You can count on that. But if I intend to keep my promise... then I must unseal it here.

[princedetective.livejournal.com]

One does not have to rely on a power to understand - or catch - someone like that.

As usual, you're being an idiot, and I'm growing impatient with dealing with it.

[tenkai-soul.livejournal.com]

Can I ask you a question?

[princedetective.livejournal.com]

...Yes.

[tenkai-soul.livejournal.com]

...

How familiar are you with death?

[princedetective.livejournal.com]

I am a detective. I have worked many cases, several of them homicides. My current case back home is one of a - serial killer.

[...] If you are planning to follow my answer with, "I have seen much worse, you cannot imagine, I must do what I must," or some other foolishness, I would rather you not bother.

[tenkai-soul.livejournal.com]

Of course not. Saying something like that would be selfish and cruel. I just wanted to know...

I mean, what do you think it takes to truly convince someone who seeks death to stop?

[princedetective.livejournal.com]

Counseling. Support. Please clarify your question.

[tenkai-soul.livejournal.com]

Hmmm...

Maybe just this once, Soul Eater will actually be able to help... I wish I could explain how, but I think it can. At least, that's what it is telling me.

[princedetective.livejournal.com]

That is not a sufficient answer.

[tenkai-soul.livejournal.com]

I know it isn't... I apologize.

[princedetective.livejournal.com]

...As such, until you are able to explain it rationally, or make clear your meaning, I will continue to deem it and you foolish, and disagree with your idea to have your powers restored. There is no time for your nonsense. Focus on solving this case with practical means.

[tenkai-soul.livejournal.com]

...You're right. I'm such a damn fool, really. But then again, it's fools like me that...

Naoto, no matter what happens...

No, nevermind. No sense in asking for promises now.

[princedetective.livejournal.com]

It's fools like you that fail. You may have power, or luck - but those things are never enough on their own.

[tenkai-soul.livejournal.com]

Exactly...

Power or no, it wouldn't have changed a thing. He still would have died...