wantsnudes | REAPSODY Week 5 - Kaiba (post-erasure)

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REAPSODY Week 5 - Kaiba (post-erasure)

[After the erasures, Yusuke leaves the church feeling numb. It was bittersweet, knowing the victims this week had gone to their deaths willingly, and all in order to save Akira...

He's clutching Mutsu's katana in his hand, tight. Wherever Kaiba is, he intends to go seek him out.]

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Yes, I did. [he smiles, a little] I entered a competition and won. My work received critical acclaim, but mostly, I entered the competition so others could simply enjoy my art. [and to spite one of Madarame's old colleagues who slated Yusuke's work, but, details]

The work was "Desire and Hope"... It depicted the duality of the deep darkness and the shining light that exists in the hearts of humanity.

Good.

[ gooood fuck that guy ]

I wish I could see it. It must really be something.

I wonder if I painted it now, whether I would have done anything differently... but I don't think the themes would have changed. I've seen that duality at play here, too, with this terrible Game.

Is there anything you'd want to have done differently? Is there some feeling or concept that wasn't present then that would be this time?

Hmm... Before, my work was a reflection on society, and on the bonds I treasured with my friends. But here, the experience is subtly different.

This Game has simply been one large thought experiment that pitted individuals and groups against each other. Human desires like self-preservation, the desire to simply follow rules and orders and pre-defined roles, or to enact violent justice... were faced against human hopes like cooperation, a wish for freedom, mercy and compassion...

[He pauses and trails off, trying to imagine it in visual form. He shakes his head.] Because of my entry fee, I sadly cannot imagine what that painting would look like. But as both a Player and an artist, I think my interpretation would be along those lines.

Mm...

[ hesitates ]

How equal do you see the struggle being? That balance here between self-preservation and...more than cooperation, forming bonds with others...?

I think the former has always had the upper hand, given the climate of fear, hostility and distrust this game promoted... but against the odds, the latter suddenly seems to be prevailing.

[he looks to Mutsu's sword by his side] I think the moment everyone chose to save Akira is the moment things changed. But, that's simply the kind of person he is.

The prep work and the interpersonal bonds were already there...but you're right, that's probably the closest we've gotten to everyone working together for the good of the group, not just personal gain. I guess that's the power of charisma... You're lucky to have a relationship with someone you clearly admire a great deal.

Yes, I'm very lucky. There's certainly a reason he became the leader of the Phantom Thieves -- he didn't stumble into it by mere coincidence.

Leadership is a talent. It can be cultivated, but it is very difficult to fake.

Yes, I agree.

So, have I answered your questions to your satisfaction?

...Yes? I hadn't realized I was interviewing you.

Oh-- I wasn't trying to imply that you were. It's simply that I've told you so much about myself all at once, I wanted to make sure that there were no lingering questions.

...I feel that you've been open with me throughout. Unless there's something else you wanted to share, I'm not interested in forcing you into anything.

Ah, I don't feel as though I will be forced into anything, so don't worry.

[touches his hand again, briefly] Thank you for listening, and for sharing more about yourself.

[In a game with so many secrets, it's refreshing to just be open with each other, he thinks.]

...We're partners, aren't we? Even though we don't know what'll happen going forward...I hope you can feel like you can trust in me.

Yes. You've seen me through some of the most difficult weeks of my life; at this point, I feel I can trust you with anything.

[ gives a tiny, crooked smile ]

I appreciate that. ...I can't think of anyone I'd rather have at my back for something like this, so.

Really? [He seems surprised, at that.] Then, I'm honoured. I'll do my best not to disappoint your expectations.

Don't feel pressured. You seem to be doing alright thus far.

[ then he clears his throat, suddenly self-conscious ]

--Anyway. I didn't mean to keep you, you and Kurusu must have a lot to catch up on after everything.

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