[But he’s grinning a little, teasing. To be honest, it’s nice having someone check up on him, watching over him. It’s a bit of security that he doesn’t think he’s ever really had for a long time now.]
I’ve been getting to know a few people- there’s the man who delivers the meat to the butcher shop, and, lately, a particular family here in church has been very generous and kind to me.
[Of course he already knows the family. Lancia has long resigned himself to the fact that young Father Rokudo probably knows everyone in the town. Really, it shows how dedicated he is to being a priest here; Lancia has a feeling he’ll still only be able to get close to handful and maybe know another outside of that.]
Fortunately, I can keep up with a little rambunctiousness. [Curiously, he tilts his head just slightly as he leans back in his seat.] Is there a particular reason you say that, or just glad to see people coming together?
Perhaps you can pass your secret onto me. Some days I don't have the energy.
[He let out a small sigh as he leaned back in his chair, grinning slightly ruefully. A falsehood, for the most part, since Mukuro knew his limits and knew them well, but it never hurt to look like he needed help. Especially with what he was going to be asking of Lancia.
On anyone else, he would have found that perceptiveness irksome and irritating, but it did help in these matters, and he found that he appreciated someone who didn't seem to have their head full solely of dirt. Mukuro's eyes sharpened slightly, and he canted his head to the side.]
When we last spoke, I mentioned a family that was afflicted with something that would test anyone's faith. The Joshimas are that family.
[But then, maybe not too much so? He’d noticed that they had seemed a little ragged around the edges when he’d talked with them, but he’d been willing to brush that off. It’s not in his nature to be too nosy and pry to people who don’t offer the information themselves. That kind of thing, as far as he’s concerned, just leads to trouble. Besides, sometimes people just worked themselves hard, right…?]
[Except this sounds a lot more serious than that.]
[It was difficult, exactly, to pin down what was wrong with their son. They had countless doctors come and go, but neither medicine, isolation, or psychology could seem to help Ken. It was only a matter of time before they had brought in a priest, and while Mukuro was young, there was no denying he was talented. Even in the face of the devil himself, Mukuro didn't forget the verses he needed to say, his hand never wavered from counting the beads along his rosary, and he never lost his composure. One might call it a miracle from god, but Mukuro knew what it truly was.
It was curiosity, to be able to stare into the void of the afterlife and glimpse that perhaps there was something dark and disturbing waiting for them after death.
Mukuro sighed, softly, hand touching his eye, the bruise long since faded.]
You understand what I am about to tell you is to be kept secret. The Joshimas have trusted me with their secret, and it is with their blessing I will impart it onto you. But it carries a heavy weight, and one I do not want to give to anyone else lightly.
[Lancia goes still at that, mind stuttering for a second. It’s not something he’s ever really considered before, having to ever deal with demons in his life. He supposes most people, not even most Christians, consider it a regular worry or something to think about often. It’s… a pretty serious thing to say, but if they’ve gone to doctors about it…]
[His hands clench and relax against each other as he absorbs the information.]
...I can’t say I have much experience in that area, honestly.
Before we go any further, I want you to truly think about if you would want to entangle yourself in such matters. The danger is very real, and I wouldn't want to ask this of you or anyone if I didn't have to.
[He stood, patting Lancia on the shoulder as he headed towards the door.]
I'll give you all the time you need to process and decide.
[The sudden physical contact startled Mukuro, who turned to look back at Lancia after he had smoothed the surprise from his expression.]
Due to his condition, the youngest Joshima often needs to be restrained. While I have a better time at it than the more elderly members of our clergy, it's always a battle.
[In order not to elaborate further, he touched his eyes that had been bruised, even though it had long since healed.]
[Mukuro smiled, allowing some of his tiredness to seep into his tone, his expression.]
No, I'm asking for you to help me save him. The rest of the clergy has given up on him, but perhaps as someone who strayed from your faith only to return to it, you could provide a unique point of view and a unique solution.
[His shoulders roll in a shrug, hand falling back to his knee again. Theoretically, it should be simple, even if there are plenty of simple things in life that are incredibly hard to actually do. He’s never gone against a demon, although he’s gone against plenty of other men in the world who’d compare themselves as such, so he’d simply have to hope that he did the best and his faith held out to help the poor family out.]
[But it’s the next point that makes Lancia look a bit uneasy, glancing down at his hands. A unique solution, huh…?]
I’m not sure what I could offer there… but I would like to help, if you think I’m able.
[Mukuro gave him a small smile, turning to clasp the hand that had caught him gently.
While he was tempted to let Lancia tag along right here and now, there was some decorum he had to uphold. Besides, the Joshimas might not be prepared for such quick action. He let his touch linger for a few heart beats before letting go of the other man's hand, inclining his head gratefully.]
But I would really like you to consider this fully. I'll speak to you of it next week, if you're willing.
[Even as he says it, however, Lancia has a feeling that his mind is completely and fully made up. He knows himself, after this long, and he knows how it feels to subconsciously dig his feet in as he gets ready for a choice. Not that long ago, he’d felt more or less the same when he’d first considered starting his life anew.]
[True enough, as the week passes by, he turns over the answer carefully in his head each night. It’s a lot to take in, he knows. Honestly, even with the things he’s faced, he’s left wondering if he’s really enough to help with the existence of demons. Of even one. He’s faced gunmen, hired thugs, been under threat of losing his life at any moment… But this is something different. Something that strikes deeper than just flesh, if anything he’s heard about demons is even faintly accurate.]
[It’s a hefty risk.]
[But he’d made an offer, and he won’t go back on it. Especially not when there’s a kid who needs help.]
[So as Sunday service passes again, Lancia waits until most of the congregation has left again before quietly approaching Mukuro.]
[Mukuro hadn't been expecting Lancia to approach him so quickly. He had thought the other man might have had second thoughts or doubts, but he had come to him rather quickly after mass. That would change, perhaps, when he actually saw the afflicted child in question.
He slanted his gaze up to look at Lancia, mouth curling up in a small, slightly tired smile.]
My, my, made your decision already? Should we go someplace quieter?
[At least, for all the details he’ll no doubt have to be given on what to expect and do. However, for now, he takes in the priest’s obvious exhaustion and reaches over to place his hand on his shoulder with a reassuring squeeze.]
[The touch was unexpected, Mukuro's eyes widening slightly as he glanced up at the other man, before he let his expression soften, a small smile playing on his lips.]
I am glad to hear it. I am sure the family will be too.
[He gestured for Lancia to follow him back to the same room, letting the door shut quietly behind him.]
I had hoped that your response would be favorable, so I gathered a few things to show you so you wouldn't be going in blind.
Would you reconsider if I told you the punches weren't the worst part?
[Mukuro made his way to a storage cabinet, using a key hung around his neck to unlock it. Typically he wouldn't leave such sensitive things lying around, but he had anticipated ( or perhaps hoped ) Lancia wouldn't change his mind.
He got out a small box, sliding a few pictures across the table to Lancia. A fairly normal looking, if slightly wild, teenage boy with blonde hair was featured in them, making faces at the camera and grinning widely.]
This is Ken Joshima two years ago. Shortly after, his affliction manifested and...
[He slid another photo across. If it was the same boy, it was barely recognizable. He had a deep scar slashed over his face, the teeth he bared were sharp and pointy, not unlike a wolf. He had lost a lot of weight and was covered in scars. He had been strapped to a bed, and where the restraints held him were bloody bruises and teeth marks. His eyes were the worst, dark and pupiless, like staring into a never ending void. Even the photograph alone was enough to make Mukuro uneasy.
Mukuro kept his gaze on Lancia's face, voice soft.]
There's a video you should also see if you still want to go through with this.
[Having been on the bottom at some points in his life, Lancia can take a lot.]
[Leaning over the table, he tooks a look at the first few couple of pictures. Ken looks like a bunch of kids he’s seen around before, all energy and playfulness in that rough tumble sort of way which could endear a lot of people and annoy a whole lot of others.]
[It’s nothing at all like what the other picture shows, although Lancia knows it must be him. The void in his eyes makes something twist in his gut, as if a snake was curling around in his own body, and it reminds Lancia too much of too many things… none of them good. He takes in a slow, deep breath between his teeth.]
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badliifechoiice22016-01-08 10:36 am
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[But he’s grinning a little, teasing. To be honest, it’s nice having someone check up on him, watching over him. It’s a bit of security that he doesn’t think he’s ever really had for a long time now.]
I’ve been getting to know a few people- there’s the man who delivers the meat to the butcher shop, and, lately, a particular family here in church has been very generous and kind to me.
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[Mukuro shot him a small smile, folding his hands delicately beneath his chin as he leaned forward, interested.]
The Joshimas, correct? They are a bit rambunctious, but good hearted people. I'm glad they've taken a liking to you.
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Fortunately, I can keep up with a little rambunctiousness. [Curiously, he tilts his head just slightly as he leans back in his seat.] Is there a particular reason you say that, or just glad to see people coming together?
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[He let out a small sigh as he leaned back in his chair, grinning slightly ruefully. A falsehood, for the most part, since Mukuro knew his limits and knew them well, but it never hurt to look like he needed help. Especially with what he was going to be asking of Lancia.
On anyone else, he would have found that perceptiveness irksome and irritating, but it did help in these matters, and he found that he appreciated someone who didn't seem to have their head full solely of dirt. Mukuro's eyes sharpened slightly, and he canted his head to the side.]
When we last spoke, I mentioned a family that was afflicted with something that would test anyone's faith. The Joshimas are that family.
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[But then, maybe not too much so? He’d noticed that they had seemed a little ragged around the edges when he’d talked with them, but he’d been willing to brush that off. It’s not in his nature to be too nosy and pry to people who don’t offer the information themselves. That kind of thing, as far as he’s concerned, just leads to trouble. Besides, sometimes people just worked themselves hard, right…?]
[Except this sounds a lot more serious than that.]
What’s wrong?
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It was curiosity, to be able to stare into the void of the afterlife and glimpse that perhaps there was something dark and disturbing waiting for them after death.
Mukuro sighed, softly, hand touching his eye, the bruise long since faded.]
You understand what I am about to tell you is to be kept secret. The Joshimas have trusted me with their secret, and it is with their blessing I will impart it onto you. But it carries a heavy weight, and one I do not want to give to anyone else lightly.
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I promise that you have nothing to fear with me, Father. I’m not one to gossip or break oaths.
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The Joshimas have a young son. Ever since he was young, he's suffered from an affliction no doctor has been able to accurately diagnose or cure.
[He paused, canting his head to the side, mouth in a grim line.]
My fellow priests believe it is the work of demons, and frankly I have little reason to disagree with them.
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[His hands clench and relax against each other as he absorbs the information.]
...I can’t say I have much experience in that area, honestly.
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[He paused, smiling as comfortingly as he could.]
Before we go any further, I want you to truly think about if you would want to entangle yourself in such matters. The danger is very real, and I wouldn't want to ask this of you or anyone if I didn't have to.
[He stood, patting Lancia on the shoulder as he headed towards the door.]
I'll give you all the time you need to process and decide.
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[Before the priest can go too far, Lancia reaches up to catch him by the hand.]
I meant when I said that I wanted to help you in whatever way I could. Are you certain I could do so this way?
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Due to his condition, the youngest Joshima often needs to be restrained. While I have a better time at it than the more elderly members of our clergy, it's always a battle.
[In order not to elaborate further, he touched his eyes that had been bruised, even though it had long since healed.]
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Is that all you would need my help with, then? Restraining him?
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[Mukuro smiled, allowing some of his tiredness to seep into his tone, his expression.]
No, I'm asking for you to help me save him. The rest of the clergy has given up on him, but perhaps as someone who strayed from your faith only to return to it, you could provide a unique point of view and a unique solution.
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[His shoulders roll in a shrug, hand falling back to his knee again. Theoretically, it should be simple, even if there are plenty of simple things in life that are incredibly hard to actually do. He’s never gone against a demon, although he’s gone against plenty of other men in the world who’d compare themselves as such, so he’d simply have to hope that he did the best and his faith held out to help the poor family out.]
[But it’s the next point that makes Lancia look a bit uneasy, glancing down at his hands. A unique solution, huh…?]
I’m not sure what I could offer there… but I would like to help, if you think I’m able.
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[Mukuro gave him a small smile, turning to clasp the hand that had caught him gently.
While he was tempted to let Lancia tag along right here and now, there was some decorum he had to uphold. Besides, the Joshimas might not be prepared for such quick action. He let his touch linger for a few heart beats before letting go of the other man's hand, inclining his head gratefully.]
But I would really like you to consider this fully. I'll speak to you of it next week, if you're willing.
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[Even as he says it, however, Lancia has a feeling that his mind is completely and fully made up. He knows himself, after this long, and he knows how it feels to subconsciously dig his feet in as he gets ready for a choice. Not that long ago, he’d felt more or less the same when he’d first considered starting his life anew.]
[Getting up to his feet, he nods to the priest.]
I’ll let you know my answer next week, then.
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[Mukuro inclined his head in return, opening the door for Lancia to go out first.]
I appreciate you hearing me out. Take care of yourself until I see you next.
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[It’s a hefty risk.]
[But he’d made an offer, and he won’t go back on it. Especially not when there’s a kid who needs help.]
[So as Sunday service passes again, Lancia waits until most of the congregation has left again before quietly approaching Mukuro.]
Father?
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He slanted his gaze up to look at Lancia, mouth curling up in a small, slightly tired smile.]
My, my, made your decision already? Should we go someplace quieter?
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[At least, for all the details he’ll no doubt have to be given on what to expect and do. However, for now, he takes in the priest’s obvious exhaustion and reaches over to place his hand on his shoulder with a reassuring squeeze.]
...But my answer is yes.
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I am glad to hear it. I am sure the family will be too.
[He gestured for Lancia to follow him back to the same room, letting the door shut quietly behind him.]
I had hoped that your response would be favorable, so I gathered a few things to show you so you wouldn't be going in blind.
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[Following after him, Lancia glances around to try and see just what he’s in store for.]
I’ll do my best to roll with the punches. [And, remembering the black eye the priest got that one time-] Literally, if it’s needed.
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[Mukuro made his way to a storage cabinet, using a key hung around his neck to unlock it. Typically he wouldn't leave such sensitive things lying around, but he had anticipated ( or perhaps hoped ) Lancia wouldn't change his mind.
He got out a small box, sliding a few pictures across the table to Lancia. A fairly normal looking, if slightly wild, teenage boy with blonde hair was featured in them, making faces at the camera and grinning widely.]
This is Ken Joshima two years ago. Shortly after, his affliction manifested and...
[He slid another photo across. If it was the same boy, it was barely recognizable. He had a deep scar slashed over his face, the teeth he bared were sharp and pointy, not unlike a wolf. He had lost a lot of weight and was covered in scars. He had been strapped to a bed, and where the restraints held him were bloody bruises and teeth marks. His eyes were the worst, dark and pupiless, like staring into a never ending void. Even the photograph alone was enough to make Mukuro uneasy.
Mukuro kept his gaze on Lancia's face, voice soft.]
There's a video you should also see if you still want to go through with this.
no subject
[Having been on the bottom at some points in his life, Lancia can take a lot.]
[Leaning over the table, he tooks a look at the first few couple of pictures. Ken looks like a bunch of kids he’s seen around before, all energy and playfulness in that rough tumble sort of way which could endear a lot of people and annoy a whole lot of others.]
[It’s nothing at all like what the other picture shows, although Lancia knows it must be him. The void in his eyes makes something twist in his gut, as if a snake was curling around in his own body, and it reminds Lancia too much of too many things… none of them good. He takes in a slow, deep breath between his teeth.]
How’d he get like that?
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