Day 04

[lifescratched]

[With the deaths overnight, the Major losing whatever sanity he had, along with the other day's revelations, they've had more than enough to contend with for one day. Nonetheless, Connor feels that if he can discuss this, he needs to discuss it now.

So, when he gets an opportunity to find Roy in private, he'll draw him aside.]

Can I speak to you, Mr Mustang?

Comments

[backdrafted]

[Mustang frankly looks like he's about to blow a gasket. And unlike his poise every other day, now he looks distressed as hell.]

General Mustang.

What can I help you with, Chief? I have somewhere I'd like to be.

[lifescratched]

General. I apologise. [He dips his head, apologetic in more ways than one.]

I have information that will interest you... but I do not know if you will want to hear it.

[backdrafted]

Go ahead.

[lifescratched]

It regards your partner's fate.

[He doesn't elaborate just yet, in case Mustang doesn't want to hear it.]

[backdrafted]

[there is something a little unhinged in Mustang, the way he very abruptly fixates all of his attention on him.]

Is there something you know about it?

[lifescratched]

[Connor's gaze in turn is unflinching.]

Yes. The Lady intends to keep it from you, but I know what happens to those who are sent to the barn.

[backdrafted]

Never to return, she said. Go ahead! Be more explicit!

[lifescratched]

...

Your partner was eaten.

[backdrafted]

Eaten.

Really.

Do you wonder what else the Lady might not be telling.

[lifescratched]

The Lady has told us only enough that we will play her game.

Ling Yao was eaten by a monster not unlike her. He is called the Gentleman, and he commands the Demons.

[backdrafted]

And so we are just obliviously left to believe her lies and obediently rout each other.

[lifescratched]

[Connor nods solemnly.] Those possessed by demons are as much victims as those who are lead to believe the Lady's illusions. That is why I have done my utmost to preserve lives on both sides, ever since I broke free of the Lady's control.

[backdrafted]

[. . .

whatever anger he had directed at Connor, he suddenly can't hang onto. Though he does start shaking.]

And now here I am, also broken free, far too late. What a joke. She picked a good Avenger.

I'm going to the barn.

[lifescratched]

Wait.

[He grabs Mustang's arm before he can leave.]

Don't take a needless risk, least of all in daylight, when you risk being spotted. I have been to the barn already -- I can tell you everything you need to know.

[backdrafted]

Let me go. Right now.

[lifescratched]

I have a plan.

[He lets go of his arm, but his voice is imploring.]

Please, listen to it first.

[backdrafted]

I'll listen after I look at the piece of shit that's succeed in killing the Emperor of Xing, where so many other monsters have failed.

[/DRAMA TURN

OFF HE GOES]

[lifescratched]

[Connor can see there's no dissuading him. So he'll follow quietly at least as far as the outskirts of the farm and hide in a hay bale in true Assassin style, if only to make sure Mustang gets out alive.]

[backdrafted]

[well, after that yolostunt. Roy in fact comes back from the barn alive.]

[lifescratched]

[Connor emerges from his hiding place, relieved, and heads over once the General is far enough away from the barn. sup]

Are you satisfied, now?

[backdrafted]

I wonder how I could be satisfied.

What's your plan.

[lifescratched]

Continuing to fight this battle will only lead to the destruction of us all. I have the means to force the Lady to confirm this at the trial. If I can convince everyone of the truth, Faithful and Demon alike could rise up against their masters... The wager between the Lady and the Gentleman will not be able to continue.

[whoa slow down there mr american revolution]

... I don't know what the others have planned for the trial already. And I may lose my life in the attempt. But it is better than continuing to play along with this lie, while those around me are being slaughtered.

[backdrafted]

. . .

I'll do what I can to help you.

I was under her spell until today. I'm not sure what caused me to break free. I helped the Hamadas escape through the wall...

[lifescratched]

[He nods, grateful for the offer of help. If anything does happen to him, he'll be relieved that he at least has back-up.]

When I broke free, I had a dream my father... [He smirks a little at this, wry.] ...He knocked sense into me, in a very literal meaning of the phrase. That was on the second night.

Since then, I have been trying to protect the villagers and gain more information. I suppose I could have escaped by myself, as the two brothers did... but I could not abandon my father or the rest of you.

[backdrafted]

I have a country to return to... one assumes the wall is even a way to escape. Although it is all we have. I can only hope so for the sake of those boys.

But I want these monsters dead first.

[lifescratched]

Slaying them will not be easy, but I am certain it can be done. Does the militia have a weapons stockpile we can arm ourselves with?