[Akechi's words only make her expression fall further, hands curling into her skirt but unwilling to open her mouth.
...
Phoenix, on the other hand...
...
Wordlessly, she turns to her modest collection of items near the chaise, unfolding one of the notebooks she has already used up completely. She pulls out an envelope, and holds it out for Phoenix.
Phoenix has done nothing wrong, so Akechi isn't terribly surprised by this turn of events. He silently watches his exchange, crossing his legs and waiting for Phoenix to read it... since he really can't see the contents from here.]
Was it Akira? I heard about it from him, you know... I also heard you asked him for a sample of his blood, as well. [Still... pleasantly.] This is not an interrogation, and that isn't about to change. But I hope you haven't forgotten that I complied to your request, Luna.
[That's as far as she gets before the world snaps closed and blurs into a memory, 51:23 until the end, fearful and sorrowful and guilty, even as you feel your mind being analyzed, quarantined, and removed in a bleak, single moment, like a weak flame against a hurricane.
...
Luna slumps in her seat, her face pressing into her hands.]
[Surprise! He absolutely did know, and his expression is... odd... as continues to watch her. He won't meet Phoenix's gaze while Luna recomposes herself, quiet as he waits.
Once it seems like she's able to speak again, he straightens his posture and, without a hint of hesitation:]
We do, as a matter of fact. You lied about being unable to disobey your orders. To what end?
I-I've tried, I've tried... and all that h-happens is... what's supposed to happen normally. I shouldn't be able to disobey. And I... I don't know why I could do so before...!
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
...
Phoenix, on the other hand...
...
Wordlessly, she turns to her modest collection of items near the chaise, unfolding one of the notebooks she has already used up completely. She pulls out an envelope, and holds it out for Phoenix.
no subject
Phoenix has done nothing wrong, so Akechi isn't terribly surprised by this turn of events. He silently watches his exchange, crossing his legs and waiting for Phoenix to read it... since he really can't see the contents from here.]
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[ first things first, he puts a hand on her arm, gently. sincerely: ]
... Thank you.
[ it's only a light and quick touch, so it's not uncomfortable. then he reads the note for akechi ]
By the way.... it's confirmed that Hunter is immune to the fluctuations, Luna. That could be a good place to start, if you haven't already.
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...I know.
Another participant has told me about Hunter already.
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Was it Akira? I heard about it from him, you know... I also heard you asked him for a sample of his blood, as well. [Still... pleasantly.] This is not an interrogation, and that isn't about to change. But I hope you haven't forgotten that I complied to your request, Luna.
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What's the purpose of the blood samples? To try to isolate Hunter's immunity?
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And I... I haven't forgotten...
But--
[That's as far as she gets before the world snaps closed and blurs into a memory, 51:23 until the end, fearful and sorrowful and guilty, even as you feel your mind being analyzed, quarantined, and removed in a bleak, single moment, like a weak flame against a hurricane.
...
Luna slumps in her seat, her face pressing into her hands.]
no subject
Hm.
Well, that's unfortunate.
He sucks in a breath as Luna slumps in her seat, shaking off that feeling of — disappearing. Of being removed. And then, he stares at her.]
So you weren't lying about what happened to you. You really did...
[...
...
...
... Quietly:]
What terrible timing.
[Phoenix can do the callout post. Akechi won't for once.]
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[ but still, he's silent for a good few seconds. ]
[ absolutely speechless. his eyes flicker over to akechi -- did he know? - then back to luna. ]
.... I'm sorry.
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She shakes her head at the apology, wiping tiredly at her eyes. Was she starting to cry?]
I... I didn't mean to...
[...]
I'm... sorry for distracting.
Did you have more... um... questions...
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Once it seems like she's able to speak again, he straightens his posture and, without a hint of hesitation:]
We do, as a matter of fact. You lied about being unable to disobey your orders. To what end?
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.... Luna. We're not going to deactivate you for disobeying orders. If there's risk of that from someone else, I'll deal with it.
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I-I've tried, I've tried... and all that h-happens is... what's supposed to happen normally. I shouldn't be able to disobey. And I... I don't know why I could do so before...!
...
You... both saw me in the chapel, correct?