♟ [video/voice] ♟

[vermicompost]

[The video feed comes on first, for an instant showing Kariya's gaunt, haggard face. The left half of it is badly scarred, wasted away, the muscles slack, his left eye dull and pale. He blinks, then frowns at the screen, and the video cuts off as he switches to voice. He didn't mean to show himself.]

Hello. My name is Kariya Matou.

I know so many of you have been suffering, and I'm sorry. I'm sorry for everything that's been done to you. If there's anything I can do to help, I'll try to do it. Even if you just want someone to talk to. I don't think we should be alone here.

[He pauses to catch his breath, a little winded. He's not really sure how to broach his next subject, but he forges ahead.]

There's a question I want to ask, too. If someone could help me-- I have a condition, and I was wondering... If any of you know anything about magical healing, can you contact me? Thank you.

Comments

[vermicompost]

You can tell me anything.

I know, you can do what you want. You're a young woman now, and you've always been independent.

I thought I made it clear that I'd like to see you more. I've enjoyed spending time with you. [Your Uncle Kariya loves you, Rin.]

[angramaintsu]

[ Murmuring: ] Then we can do something together. Maybe... Maybe we can eat meals together or something.

[ She's trying to make an effort here, even if she's awkward in going about it. ]

[vermicompost]

I'd like that very much. [And he does seem happy about it, not seeming to notice, or mind, any awkwardness.]

Where do you usually eat? In the cafeteria?

[angramaintsu]

Mm, no. I eat wherever I want to.

[ It's said in a calm manner, almost as though she's found some peace in her life here. ] There's a man here who cooks for me. Then we pack the food up and eat wherever we like.

[vermicompost]

I see. A man? Who is he?

I'd like to join you sometime. You'll have to tell me when you're eating.

[angramaintsu]

He's just a man. No one special!

[ Rin's quick to say that. ] I can eat whenever. He just gathers food from the cafeteria and the game on some of the levels here.

[vermicompost]

I just wanted to know who he is. I'm grateful to him for doing that for you.

All right. Tell me when we should meet, then. I can't move very quickly, but I can travel through the tower, still.

[angramaintsu]

Mm, well since you're asking and you're going to meet him regardless...

His name is Archer. [ Yes, the name of a Servant. ] He's apparently very familiar with me, so I admit I'm a bit amused by his antics.

If you're having trouble moving, we should come meet up with you.

I'm sorry this is so very late! I thought I'd replied.

[vermicompost]

Archer. [That's not a name he's fond of. But if it's a different War, it can't be the same Archer, can it?] What does he look like?

I'm glad you have someone to keep you company. [She shouldn't be alone.]

You don't have to do that, but if you don't mind. I'd like to see you again, regardless, Rin.

Haha it's alright :)

[angramaintsu]

It would be less trouble for us to meet up with you, so don't worry about it.

As for what he looks like, he has dark colored skin and white hair. He's tall and dresses in white. He... ah, he actually looks like he belongs at my side, so it's kind of nice.

[vermicompost]

All right. Then I'll just look forward to it.

[Not Tokiomi's Archer, then. That's a relief. He smiles.]

That does sound nice. [He wants to ask more, but he's worried about prying too much. He wonders if she has special feelings for this man, considering the way she talks about him. Do uncles ask those kinds of questions? It's odd to think of Rin in a romantic relationship, since he's still used to thinking of her as a little girl. He doesn't think she'd appreciate him asking, so he decides not to.] No one should be alone here. I'm glad I'll get to meet him. I'll have to thank him for being such a help to you.

[angramaintsu]

I'll have him start bringing meals to you every day as well if you would like.

[ Her fondness for her uncle begins to seep through and it startles her enough to falter back from the terminal with a frown. ]

Ugh, this thing feels so casual. I don't like it.

[vermicompost]

Only if it's no trouble. [Oh, and he should mention.] I can't eat very much anyway, only simple foods.

[He's not quite sure why Rin backs away, but he keeps smiling.]

The computer? I'm not used to using them this way either. If it bothers you, maybe we can just talk in person.

[angramaintsu]

[ Simple foods. Got it. She'll force Archer to do it regardless because her uncle deserves to be waited on hand and foot. Not that she's going to say that to him. ]

No, us talking like this. Almost as though everything is normal.

[vermicompost]

I know things aren't normal, but at least we get to talk to each other again. Maybe it's nice to have a little normalcy here, even if it isn't real. I know it makes me feel better.

[angramaintsu]

... I don't know. I've grown used to not liking it, so why should that change now?

[ She wants to be there for him, but if she opens her heart again, there's a risk of her getting hurt. Hurt badly. ]

[vermicompost]

You shouldn't have to be used to that. Sometimes change can be good. [Not always, in his experience, but sometimes.] I'm here for you.

[angramaintsu]

Don't... don't say things like that! You don't have to be here for me because I'm old enough to take care of myself and I have to learn to do that. If I grow weak here, if I grow soft even, I'll not be able to be strong when the time comes!