[pcs] ray of sunshine

[ritualization]

[maybe eventually I'll add images to these.]

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week 1, friday

[ritualization]

[he spends some time in the courtyard, in either meditation or prayer-- hard to say which, considering his silence the entire time-- but eventually, ishikirimaru moves to the armory to practice.

this is something of a form of meditation also, just moving through various strikes in a repetitive cycle; not meant for much more than conditioning and to keep his body and mind focused on anything but what's happened. he'll just get angry if he lets himself think of it too much.

so that's where ray will find him, the top half of his outfit pushed off his shoulders to avoid his sleeves getting in the way. sword fashion is the worst. i'm going to suffer if/when stripping happens tomorrow. he slows his movements when he realizes he's not alone, though, giving ray a small nod.]

...I can move, if you need the space.

[because swinging that sword around definitely takes up a decent amount of it.]

[selfimmolates]

[he's not going to comment on the weirdass outfit.]

As long as you don't hit me.

[he's heading to the archery range, at least, so hopefully not too close to ishikirimaru.]

[ritualization]

[that's why ray is truly the best of us, tbh.]

I have more control of my blade than that, I assure you.

[but he pauses for now, although he doesn't quite sheath his sword yet.]

Was it too crowded for your liking, or do you simply prefer to stay active?

[selfimmolates]

This place could become a battleground in the future. If that happens, I can't afford to get rusty.

[and he's not going to waste bullets, so archery practice it is. he removes his bow from his back.]

[ritualization]

Mm. I suppose you haven't come off as the sort to waste time.

[so that isn't terribly surprising, especially considering what ray's said about his world.]

If it does, do you feel as if you're prepared for that?

[selfimmolates]

Not as well as I'd like. I'll admit that when it comes to fighting others, a lot of people here probably have more experience than I do.

[not much of a secret to say that. he's twelve, and in any case, his specialty lies elsewhere.]

But I'm not known for going out easy either.

[ritualization]

Of course I hope it never comes to that, but if it does-- I hope that serves you well.

[a brief hum, and-]

Though I would try to ensure they fight someone closer to their own level of experience, first.

[if it ever does come to the place being some sort of battleground, well. people are going to have to fight him before they stab anyone that young.]

[selfimmolates]

[teej i still can't believe you're playing a pure]

Tell that to whoever killed Shiki.

[ritualization]

[don't CALL ME THE FUCK OUT LIKE THIS jan!!

but his grip tightens on the hilt of his sword, at that.]

...Believe me, I would like to.

[that's the entire reason he's out here, honestly.]

[selfimmolates]

[all of teej's other characters: let the children die, who cares]

Did you know her?

[ritualization]

[listen chuuya would at least rather stab someone who could fight back. that's all i got.]

We never spoke, no.

[selfimmolates]

And yet you're upset over her death.

[ritualization]

Do you believe I should not be?

[selfimmolates]

No. It's a normal reaction.

[ritualization]

But not yours, I take it.

[he's. seemed fairly chill on the 'someone just died' front.]

[selfimmolates]

Shiki was nice and a potential ally, but death happens. If it's going to occur regularly here, then it's just too much of an emotional drain to react each and every time.

[cold, but that's how it is.]

[ritualization]

That's very pragmatic of you.

[not that he can fault ray for that, considering the situation, but... still.]

Do you prefer to avoid becoming close at all, then?

[selfimmolates]

[...]

It's a detriment in this competition to be too distant from others.

[ritualization]

Though at the same time, not maintaining that distance may make it difficult to simply not react.

[selfimmolates]

I'll deal with it.

[ritualization]

That is the sort of burden that can grow unexpectedly heavy. If nothing else, keep in mind that it is not one you necessarily have to shoulder alone.

[selfimmolates]

[it'll be fine, it's not like he's been carrying that burden for literally his entire life anyway]

It's six weeks. After everything, it'd be pretty sad if I cracked in such a short amount of time.

[ritualization]

Neither would it be a sign of weakness, if it were to happen.

[six weeks is barely any time to someone like him, but he also knows how short periods can feel longer in the moment.]

But you know yourself best.

[selfimmolates]

Yeah, I do. Don't worry, though—I'm sure there are lots of people here who could use your advice.

[ritualization]

I have found as much, yes.

[he's... he's trying.]

I can only hope that it helps some of them.