Camp: private conversations

[backspacing]

Respond here for a private conversation with Red! All comment threads are screened.

Comments

[le_mat]

Red... why? I don't want to get you in trouble. These are dangerous people...

[backspacing]

Hundreds of children have died because I 'didn't want to get in trouble'. If I don't start doing something, hundreds more will before I succumb to the stone or old age.

It's too much. I've been doing this for too long, and I can't keep doing it. Not when I can help.

[le_mat]

You could die.

[backspacing]

We all die. Each and every one of us.

[With the dose given, she'll stow the syringe and put the vial back in the fridge.]

...I'm old, Ren. A lot older than I look. Something about me makes it so I don't age like you would expect, but I feel it in my bones at the end of every day. Every time I use my powers it drains me more and more. I don't have decades and decades left of life, I might get another ten years at most.

You've got many more than I do. I want you to live beyond what this camp has to offer for you.

[le_mat]

Red... you're not allowed to say that. You or Stan- just... just because I'm a kid. You're not allowed to tell me to live if you're not going to fight too.

[There's a little of that fire back]

[backspacing]

This is me fighting. They want all of you dead, if not by the ritual then because 'they're not useful enough to keep around'. To them, someone's worth is only in their strengths and what they can accomplish. A person is a tool, meant to be discarded when it is no longer useful.

Daring to live is an act of rebellion, and it's one I will gladly help you with.

[le_mat]

[He's trembling, but it's not just with shock and grief. It's with rage, low boiling rage]

Yeah. Yeah, okay. If... if you're sure. I don't know if the others... other than Nine and Ichigo and Mitsuru... can even look at me anymore. But I... I'm not giving up on them.

...but it really might come down to just... hoping for a better chance next year, huh?

[backspacing]

...admittedly the last couple weeks are always the worst, but I want you to make it out alive.

[It's for selfish reasons, and she can recognize that. Picking favorites is not a good idea in murdercamp.]

[le_mat]

Recruit yourself a cute underling. Hmm, I see.

[He's joking, even if it's the darkest of humor.]

[backspacing]

[Okay, that gets her to roll her eyes.]

You caught me, I'm just collecting underlings here.

[le_mat]

Criminal, absolutely criminal.

Red... uhm, do you think I could crash with you or Stan, for awhile?

[backspacing]

You sure your absence won't be noticed by the others?

[Not that she minds, but the others might get freaked out.]

[le_mat]

I don't know if they want to have me sleeping around them at this point.

I'll try but... having the option might... help.

[backspacing]

...

You can stay Thursday night.

[Try to work it out the other nights though.]

[le_mat]

...

[He nods]

[backspacing]

You'll be fine. With the medicine your mind will be clearer.

[Is she saying it to reassure Ren, or herself?]

[le_mat]

I hope so. But I guess I don't really need anyone to like me to get things done.

[He knows Ichigo and Mitsuru are in his corner. He's not sure about the others yet though]

[backspacing]

...Ren. I read your file. Don't give me that 'I don't need anyone to like me' nonsense.

[le_mat]

[He turns pink at that]

H-hey... look, I've been trying but...

[Killing a kid in front of everyone is a Lot]

[backspacing]

[She knows, she does it every week.]

You can be honest with your feelings. Tell others that you want to be their friend.

[le_mat]

...that simple, huh...

[backspacing]

Not everyone can go into people's minds and see their inner desires. You have to tell people what you want.

[le_mat]

Ichigo.. said, after last Sunday... that people don't know who I really am because I never show them. Am I... really like that?

[backspacing]

To some extent, yes. You're very guarded, you know. You don't let people see the real you.

[le_mat]

...I see.

[But unlike when Ichigo had said the same thing, this time Ren is... thoughtful. Maybe a little sullen, but considering, at least. Instead of terrified]