Hunters Game [PRIVATE CONVO]

[bloodofgrima]

[The first thing Robin does after they move to her room is, quite simply, to go through her room very carefully. She doesn't think there's anything here, of course, but it never hurts to double check, especially with how often she's outside.

...Nothing. Clean as before. Good.

She locks the door, then turns to Mondo.]

So, what is this?

Comments

[diamondo]

[Mondo is silent for a few moments after her explanation, trying to find something to say. It seems there really isn't choice is there? They'll have to remain quiet for the time being.]

Fuck.

[It's all he can manage for a moment and he reaches up to rub at his temples.]

This is confusing as fuck. I guess we don't have a choice. It's two-to-one in favor of keeping quiet, so I guess that's what we'll have to do. Son of a bitch, why did it let me find this if there's nothing we can do about it?

[And why him of all people? Shouldn't it have left the clue for someone else - someone smarter? Even with Robin and Kirigiri's help he's not sure what to do.]

[bloodofgrima]

Maybe to taunt us? The best way to make an enemy despair is to give them vital information, but in a situation that they can do nothing with it.

It's far more torturous to know and yet still be helpless.

[diamondo]

Shit, that sounds like something Enoshima would do. I mean, I guess, since I wasn't exactly there to get the full story, but from what Kirigiri said... Never mind. Point is that I can definitely see it being some kinda clue we're not supposed to do anything with. Maybe nothing'll come of it. I hope that's the case.

[bloodofgrima]

"Enoshima?"

[Hm...]

You made a mention this was called "kanji," yes? Does all your language involve it?

[diamondo]

It's how we write, yeah. Why?

[bloodofgrima]

Is there a word for my name in your language? "Robin?"

If so... I'd like you to show me how to write it.

[diamondo]

Oh yeah, sure. I think there are two ways to write it, hang on.

[He frowns for a moment before putting pen to paper and leaving two different sets of kanji, one above the other.]

They roughly translate to "komadori" which is "robin" in Japanese. I think. I mean, I'm not all that great at languages, so I might be wrong.

[His English is pretty horrible, to be quite honest.]

Why do you wanna know?

[bloodofgrima]

[Robin carefully watches him write it. Once he's finished, she attempts it herself, trying to match his strokes even if somewhat untalentedly.]

I'll say it bluntly. I trust you, Owada. The reason I've asked you so many hard things is so that I could see how you reacted, and what you chose to say in relation to it. Perhaps it's foolish of me, but I believe in my heart that you are someone that deserves my trust.

But that's not something I can extend to many others. And that's why I ask. To those not from your world, this will just appear as a strange symbol, won't it? And to those from your world, this will just appear as someone who does writing the word "robin" for some reason. Even if they take it to mean me, I doubt they would think that I was the one who wrote it.

...And so, that's why I have to ask you. Please, give me you word you won't mention that you've taught me this.

[diamondo]

[Mondo watches her write it and then repeats the two words again: こまどり and コマドリ. He slows down the strokes so she can watch exactly how he writes them.

Her words are a bit surprising and he stares at her blankly for a moment.]

Ah, you really trust me that much?

[He doesn't bother hiding the wide smile that follows that.]

Thanks! I really trust you too, Robin. I won't say a word about it, alright?

[bloodofgrima]

[Robin smiles in response, mimicking the strokes again. This time, while they're still clearly the work of someone who's new to it, they're much more precise and controlled. She's getting the hang of it, it seems!]

You have your own burdens to suffer, I'm certain. There are secrets about yourself that you don't want to share. But that's just natural of humans, isn't it? We all have things we would rather others not know. That doesn't make us any less of ourselves.

You've always answered forwardly. Even the times you've hesitated, it was clear that you wanted to give me the right answer, not necessarily the first one.

That's why I feel that I can.

[diamondo]

Ah, y-yeah, well... I don't see any reason to lie to you. You've been nothing but good to me since I got here.

[He might be going pink. Just a bit.]

[bloodofgrima]

[How cute! Robin says nothing about it, falling into silence for a moment.]

I don't think we have much more time left. Can I ask another thing of you?

[diamondo]

[Oh come on, he is not cute!]

Yeah, sure. What is it?

[bloodofgrima]

[He can be!

Robin opens her journal, removing a page from it and folding it repeatedly. The only glimpse Mondo can catch is the fact that it's almost completely covered in writing.

She hands him the folded note.]

Read this only once you're back in your cabin and room, when the blizzard starts. No sooner, but before you go to sleep tonight.

There was a promise I made to you, and that will keep it.

[diamondo]

[Mondo tips his head a bit, wondering just what the note could say. He accepts it and pockets it, nodding at Robin's words.]

Alright, I'll do that. Thanks, Robin. I really appreciate being able to talk to you about this sorta shit.

[bloodofgrima]

I'm always here if you need me.

[She smiles, then goes to unlock her door.]

We can talk more tomorrow, but I think you should get back to your cabin before things get too hectic outside, just in case.

[diamondo]

Yeah, you're right. I'll see you tomorrow then!

[Assuming they're both still alive, that is.]

[bloodofgrima]

Take care of yourself.

[diamondo]

You too!

[And with that, he'll take his leave to return to his cabin to wait for the blizzard to hit.]