week 2 ( thursday )

[subordinacy]

[Setz didn't want to have this conversation with Jacopo, however much they've needed it. (And no, it's not, WHY THE HELL DID YOU PICK A FIGHT WITH SHINSSIN.) He's never been the best at this sort of confrontation.

But he can't delay it. He has to know now—just where exactly they stand.

And thus, he'll be approaching Jacopo in private, his expression devoid of any anger, but still with an underlying edge.]

We need to talk.

Comments

[subordinacy]

Did you receive it or did you not? If he hasn't passed it on yet, go ask him about it right now.

[He crosses his arms.]

I'll wait.

[grano]

[ give it 15 minutes. ]

If you have an accusation, make it now. I've had enough of this nonsense.

[ he's not? seething at all? wow. ]

[subordinacy]

It's not an accusation—it's a test.

[grano]

Stop playing games with me. What are you testing?

[subordinacy]

[He's quiet for a moment, as he debates which is more important: trying to get as accurate results as possible, or not pissing Jacopo off to the extent that he just quits this entire conversation.]

... I asked him to pass on a specific message to you if you had a special duty as a player—unless you were a Reaper, in which case he was to forget it. Obviously, he can't confirm to me whether or not he has done so.

[grano]

I'm at my limit. You either tell me what you think or this conversation ends now.

[subordinacy]

[...

When he speaks, his voice is slow, as if he's thinking over his words as he says them.]

... I want to trust you. And I'm... inclined to think you're telling the truth. [...] However, Clarke and Eleanor put their faith in me to—use what we found as I thought best, without me telling them anything, even though they had every right to suspect a stranger like me and demand it be decided as a group.

I can't afford to disappoint them.

[grano]

Then whatever you think, whatever you choose to believe — you're going to diffuse, aren't you?

[subordinacy]

... Diffuse? What? Listen, can't you just go to the host already? You're not the only one at his limit here, and believe it or not, I actually have less to gain from all this than you do.

[grano]

I can't risk you sharing things with your friends for the sake of what you think is right, Setz. My job comes before your sense of camaraderie.

[ a sigh. ]

I'll tell you what I'm able, so long as a single word about it does not part from your lips. Do you understand?

[subordinacy]

... I just said I didn't tell them anything! I don't plan on sharing anything, either, and they know that. Why do you think I even brought that up in the first place?

Do you really think if I trusted that easily, we'd be having this entire damn conversation?

[grano]

Of all the people to get stuck with...

[ he sighs, heavily, running his fingers through his hair. ]

I need a goddamn cigar. Whatever. If this costs me my life then it does. I've served my time. It doesn't matter anymore.

[ tiredly, his eyes flicker to the side. ]

I'm not like you. You're right. I cannot state what I am — I am subject to Erasure if I do. I'm certain you can figure it out, given that you overthink just about anything.

But what I am does not define my purpose in this game. The Reapers attempting to erase the lot of you are my enemies. I have the ability to inspect one person per week. Of course, sometimes I don't have to — when you've lived as long as I have, it's not always difficult to tell. Junko Enoshima. Edogawa Ranpo. Obvious souls.

[ a wave of the hand. ]

I'm in service to someone whose alignment technically benefits your own. That's all of you, by extension.

[subordinacy]

[...]

The Conductor? The Composer? Or someone else?

[grano]

I'm not answering that. I've said enough as it is. I'll be lucky if I make it past tomorrow at this rate. Are we done here?

[subordinacy]

... Well, I suppose you could walk away right now, but it'd be your loss since I actually have something to give you.

[grano]

...What is it.

[subordinacy]

[He takes out his rulebook, before removing a card hidden between the pages. He holds it up for Jacopo to see.]

Do you know what this is?

[It's asked in the sort of tone that suggests Setz knows the answer.]

[grano]

[ the look of confusion on his face is genuine. ]

...I don't.

[subordinacy]

... I found it in the live house, and then asked our host about it.

[He holds it out to Jacopo.]

Take it. It works only once, but if you hold onto it, then you'll be safe from targeted erasure. If someone tries to go after you, they won't be allowed to.

[grano]

...You shouldn't be giving me this.

What if someone goes after you?

[subordinacy]

[Calmly,]

Assuming you're the holder of the card, then I'll be erased and you'll automatically receive a pact pin to ensure your survival for the week.

[grano]

I know that, you idiot!

[subordinacy]

Then I don't understand the question.

[grano]

Why do you value your life so little?

[subordinacy]

[...]

Don't get me wrong. I'd like a second chance, and I'm not going to just stand here and die.

With that said, I don't intend on abandoning the other players here either. And the fact of the matter is, if you have an advantage and I don't, then it makes more sense to ensure your survival so that you can protect everyone here.

[Someone like Jacopo—assuming the truth—would be more useful than someone like Setz, anyway. Isn't that how it's always been?]