[ He frowns as Huaisang bows, but when he comes up and his expression shifts, Tenn is effectively caught off-guard. Judging by his reaction, it's clear that Huaisang and Moriarty had the same idea about the list. At least, at first.
Tenn's gaze turns firm. ]
I understand your suspicions, and you have every right to question Moriarty-san's decision-making. But I trust his judgment, and I want to trust you, too. So I'll be honest: Yes. I have a deal with Hamelin. But I want to make something clear before I elaborate.
I am not a traitor. I haven't given him any intel, and I am actively working to keep this game from continuing. I don't believe anyone on that list is a traitor, either -- not Adora, Raven-san, Edelgard -- none of them. And I can tell you why I am sure of this, but please, hear me out first.
[ He pauses, letting that sink in. ]
Moriarty-san told me about the object missing in Hamelin's room because we believe that's relevant to the deal I made with Hamelin. ... On the first day here, Riku arrived without his inhaler. I went to him to request he get his medication; and, of course, it wasn't without a price.
He asked me to destroy an object for him, because he knew I wouldn't kill anyone. I don't know when he's going to call for me. I don't know for sure what it is. But that's why I trusted Moriarty-san with this information: He and another ally of mine were helping me figure it all out so I could use the deal against Hamelin instead, before...well.
[ The goddamn trial. ]
I know it might be hard to believe me, seeing as though I sold him out at the trial. I can explain that to you too, if you want. But I have other things I want to get out of the way first, to show you that you can trust me.
But if you don't want to hear it, and if you really believe that I'm lying... [ He sighs and closes his eyes, brow knitting in frustration. ] I don't know what else I can do to change your mind.
Huaisang just about nearly had a meltdown when Moriarty had straight up told him that he gave information to one of the people on the list, just because.
His expression just shuttered as Tenn told him something that made him feel like his heart stopped. For one crazy half-second he thought that was it. That he was supremely fucked, but then Tenn continued talking...and...
Huaisang listened. He's good at doing that and not reacting, so that helped. ]
I think that sometimes there are situations where it's not black or white. [ ... ] If you want to prove to me you are not a traitor, all I can ask is for you to tell me what those other things are.
And I will listen as you say those things.
[ Because dislikes: traitors, but he's pretty sure Tenn had seen his profile. Nonetheless, Huaisang will hear what the other had to say. If he were his older brother, things would be different. ]
[ Yes, he's seen the profile. Yes, he felt guilty about hiding this from Huaisang. But here in this moment, he looks incredibly serious. ]
I should start off with this -- I told Moriarty-san and my ally the same thing. I am communicating with the dead.
[ He'll let that sink in for a moment. ]
I am working with a third party not among our group to do this. They are helping me gather information on Hamelin and our traitors, as well as assisting me with relaying all of this to the deceased. The only way they can do this is through circular areas, like the large donut in the archives and the chalk circle in the bar.
If you're still doubting me, then I'll tell you this: I requested last week that the deceased sign any notes they send to us with aliases. Only three of them did, but I believe those who didn't were ones who had died recently or are simply being uncooperative. It sounds silly, but I've been doing this so I can determine if there truly are any outside notes being planted. Jack-san suspected fairy interference, for example; and any fairies -- save for one -- and those who are still alive would not have seen that particular set of instructions, because I only sent it to the dead.
This upcoming week, I asked that that they sign their notes with aliases, and include a heart at the end. The aliases and the heart will verify that those notes are indeed coming from the deceased. The reason I asked for the heart is because anyone planting false notes could have caught on to the aliases from last week. They shouldn't know about adding the heart, however. So any notes that are only aliases without a heart this upcoming week can't be trusted.
None of that was what Huaisang anticipated on hearing, but you better believe the Sect Leader had been listening to each and every bit of it! It was probably the most attentive he's been outside of trials. ]
I wished they hadn't gotten in a frenzy over Moriarty, to be honest. Which I know was partially his fault, really, but still. That did manage to waste a bit of time.
[ This game was still continuing and they had to be careful how they proceeded with it, after all. But, anyway, Huaisang figured he should save the rest or bulk of his commentary for when Tenn had finished his explanation(s).
So, he will nod at the question the other had given to him. ]
...But don't worry, I understand what you're saying. So, you can keep going along.
I agree. I let them know that Moriarty-san was trustworthy so they'd cut that shit out.
[ oh look he's rude now-- anyway. ]
I wanted to tell you out of this so you can verify that I'm telling the truth this week with the next set of dead notes. If at least one person adds that heart -- and I'm hoping more of them will -- then there's your proof.
[ He takes in a deep breath. Phew, this is a lot of talking! ]
I have information on the traitors from the third party, as well as something that will shed light on that note you and Moriarty-san talked about. Let's start with the traitors; listen carefully.
On the second week, my source told me that two people are working for Hamelin. At the time, they were most likely alive, and it seems like their goal is to keep the game going.
Then the third week rolled around, and I went back to my source after Lucifer-san's trial. I learned from them that the traitors are predators in the way they act. One of them is notably a lot more dangerous than what you'd expect based on how they act. I confirmed that they were still alive after that trial as well.
[ He will let Huaisang take a breather here before he continues. ]
Ironically, after I learned about the note you found from Moriarty-san, I thought it was a complete list of people working for Hamelin, too. So I went to my source with that information -- against your wishes, I realize, though I didn't know it was you at the time -- and they told me something incredibly eye-opening.
One of the dead knew about this note, and said that this is a list of people least likely to work with Hamelin willingly because he'd need to blackmail us into cooperating. And, as you know, that's exactly what he did to me. This particular person who died also mentioned that the traitors weren't coerced into working with him.
This is why I believe that the people on that list are not the traitors we're looking for.
[ Huaisang took a lot of convincing when it came to things. He hardly ever sided with anyone on things, and even when he did, he was still afraid that it would come to bite him in the ass, to put it lightly. So the fact that he found himself believing this was new to him.
The Sect Leader trusting anyone was new.
As he heard him speak about those things, he'll frown, expression the height of displeasure.
When he stated that these traitors were predators, he had a moment, feeling a little scared. What if he had trusted too much? What if...
What if he just took a breath and calm down? He had no way of knowing who those predators were, even if he was afraid if one of the other people he thought he could trust was one of them (not Tenn he's thinking of here)? That was just paranoia. He couldn't allow himself to fall into that trap. ]
There are only a few people who meet that description. A disarming appearance would lead me to think of Phil or Makoto. The former of which Hamelin had told me he had taken his 'suggestion' in one of the trials to add on those effects each week. Though I don't know if that was because Phil wasn't thinking when he said that or if it was intentional.
I suppose there's also Koto to consider since she's a child, but I'm not too sure on her count just yet.
...I've also decided to believe you. You could be still tricking me, but at this point, I doubt you'd work with Hamelin when someone important to you had died. Just like how Wei-xiong was taken from me.
As we continue to discuss this, was there anything else to add? Or did you have any other thoughts?
[ He's audibly and visibly very relieved when Huaisang says that. He feels tension ease out of his shoulders, too. But there is something he needs to mention first: ]
Makoto isn't a traitor.
[ He sounds very sure of it, too. ]
He's the other one Moriarty-san and I were working with this week, and Makoto and I have been friends for longer than that. I don't know everything about him, but he's been sharing information from his discussions with Hamelin with me, as well as some other information that's important.
Makoto told me he doesn't think Hamelin handpicked anyone here himself. He told me that Hamelin said he would have picked better if it were up to him, regarding someone among us here. Makoto also talked about things like Hamelin being the don of Familigia Grimm, which is something Hamelin also talked about with me recently. And unless he's very good at tricking people like this...well, a lot of this information lines up with things we've heard from others.
[ Huaisang will take in Tenn's relaxed appearance, quiet as he contemplated the reaction and what it meant, because he was just like that.
Either way, he's listening. ]
I really don't want you to tell him about me regardless. It's one thing for me to believe you, but I can't put my faith in another person so easily just yet.
There's only one other person besides you that still lives that I have, and I am not talking about Moriarty who will be dying tomorrow. It seems three people I trusted with the list will be dead by the end of Sunday, and only one will remain besides yourself.
[ But at least he could be rest assured that Tenn wasn't an asshole traitor, so you know what, he'll take that. ]
I suppose I won't immediately condemn Makoto all the same. But I'll let you know when I trust him.
Maybe I was wrong about Phil as well. He did see something from that world like he said in the meeting...
However, now that I've been thinking about it, someone being more than dangerous than what you'd expect they'd act refers painfully and clearly to someone who has been acting from the very beginning from my perspective. There's still someone like that among us.
But before we go more into theorizing, is there anything else you have to tell me?
[ He didn't want to make any other premature judgments/thoughts before then... ]
You can let me know when you trust him, yes. I'll let you come to that on your own.
[ He wants to hear what Huaisang's theory is, because Tenn has one of his own regarding who this particular traitor might be. But he has one more thing he wants to tell Huaisang. ]
Since I trusted you with the information regarding Hamelin's deal with me, I want to ask you to help me look for that object. We don't know if that small, square box is the object he's referring to just yet, and Hamelin won't tell me any details. But I will tell you this: If destroying that object is going to be detrimental to all of you and prevent our escape here, I'd rather die than do what he says. I was tricked into doing this -- my source informed me that there were fairies who were already asked to give Riku his medicine anyway. So, you can understand why I'm not going to make good on my promise to Hamelin; he doesn't deserve that.
I fully intend on staying alive here otherwise, but I am not going to turn my back on any of you more than I did when I made that deal.
[ He looks dead serious when he says this, too. ]
That's all, though. If I can think of anything else, I'll let you know. Let's hear your theory on who one of the traitors could be, then.
He'll pull out the prop fan and lightly begin to fan himself. ]
Alright, I'll look into it for you, Tenn.
If I find it, I suppose I'll also have to just hold onto it for you as well. Not that I don't trust you with it, but I figure things will be easier on the both of us that way.
[ Huaisang's not surprised Hamelin would play duty. Capricious men were all like that. Their hearts were always full of darkness, and they had not a shred of kindness to be found within them. Any bit they showered upon anyone was an illusion and they were only ever in for it for themselves.
These were the thoughts that Nie Huaisang, Sect Leader of the Nie, had. ]
I suspect one of the traitors is Jack. He seems harmless and kind enough; no one would suspect him. Of course please take my words with a grain of salt, and don't act unsavory towards him until we're sure of things.
After all, I had held similar suspicions towards Makoto and Phil.
Now, do you have further thoughts on the matter in regards to these suspicions? Or ones of your own?
Be careful, of course. But thank you. I appreciate it.
[ He'll even smile at that, too. And...that smile doesn't go away when Huaisang talks about Jack.
Because he agrees. ]
Funny thing is, that's who I was thinking of, too. I'll admit, I suspected you as well based on how you act, so I guess we were both suspicious of each other. But...when I saw how your expression completely changed when you asked me why Moriarty would trust me, I knew that I was wrong.
[ Unless Huaisang is an incredibly good actor and playing the long haul like a fiddle, Tenn really doesn't think he's lying, here. ]
Jack was the only other person on that list that I could think of. Marcus-san and Suga-san are both kind people, but they were reckless in attacking Hamelin, so I'm pretty sure we know how dangerous they can be already. Jack, on the other hand, hasn't done anything to show us that he's a threat. I won't act strangely towards him, don't worry.
Now...the other traitor. I'll try to ask my source if they have any info on the second one, because there isn't as much to work off of, there. But maybe it's what they didn't say about them that we should consider: In other words, maybe the other traitor is more forthcoming with how dangerous they can be.
[ His smile will soften temporarily when he's told to be careful. ]
It sounds like you're a little worried about your da-ge. [ He'll say, in a teasing tone. ] Hmm, something you and McGillis have in common...
[ But the playfulness stopped for a bit as he considered the rest of Tenn's words. ]
I wish I could say I was suspected less, but because of my unassuming nature, I think it's natural for people to think of me as suspicious, so I'm not surprised. I'm also really not all that offended.
Really, that was a bit careless of me. But after losing Nageki, Wei-xiong, Norton, and now...Moriarty, I was a little bit at my wit's end. I had picked well so far in that it seemed none of them were traitors, and hearing he went and told someone I hadn't even had a chance to think carefully about doing was a big shock.
[ Anyway, he'll nod at the rest of Tenn's words. ]
If this person is more 'forthcoming' in how dangerous they could be or how dangerous they appear to be, it could be one of Alexei, Yeager, or...I suppose, McGillis, but let's hope that's not the case.
[ But he's going to try to be impartial here. He won't allow his stupid feelings or a crush to get in the way even if he's hopeless at it...Huaisang didn't want to have another man he had deep feelings for to have too much power over him like San-ge had. ]
I can't blame you for the shock, nor can I blame you for being suspicious of me. I mean, you were right in that I am, technically, supposed to be working for him. But I think with your help, as well as help from a few others and the dead, we can make sure he won't get what he wants.
[ He's pretty serious, too, and he's glad that Huaisang is taking McGillis into consideration, too. ]
Is there anyone here other than Moriarty-san and Rika that you'd count as being trustworthy?
It's a term of platonic endearment between friends or family..."older brother", that is. For people who are older than you, of course. You don't have to call me that or anything, I just said it without thinking since it's something I'm used to using as I once had an older brother. If you do mind, I'll be careful not to say it again.
[ He'll give a small sheepish look. ]
...You have a lot of faith in me. I'll certainly be doing my best, Tenn.
The last thing I want him to do is get what he desired the most; I can't forget that I've lost Wei-xiong to him. No matter what reason he had, Wei-xiong was a good friend of mine, and I can't forgive what he's involved him or anyone else in.
[ Huaisang had a very loose set of morals...they were barely there, because he was legitimately kind of fucked up for awhile. But, you know what? They were there and that's what mattered. ]
Not really, no. I'm trying not to have my heart rule my conclusions about who's trustworthy or who's not, and so far as that has resulted in me picking out people who weren't truly traitors. And I prefer to keep it that way.
...You lost Wuxian, and I lost Riku. After this conversation, I think we understand each other more than I thought, and we really have no reason to do him any favors. So I trust you. We'll beat him at his game.
[ A firm nod. He doesn't say anything in regards to trusting others, though, because Tenn has clearly messed up severely in that area. He's trusted the wrong people countless times, but he doesn't think his trust in Makoto, Moriarty, Huaisang among a handful of others is misplaced. So he just nods at that, too.
Circling back to that brother comment, though, Tenn looks at Huaisang seriously. ]
I don't mind. ... I miss Riku, and nothing will ever take his place. But...you're right in that I do worry about you. Even when I suspected you, I really meant everything I said when we talked about Wuxian. And I plan on remembering him exactly like how you told me to.
[ Huaisang had proven excellent at trusting people so far...but he's not about to think his luck won't run out. That's four people who had been not any of the traitors and one of them had been out to kill another so maybe it was a stretch to say all of them had been trustworthy.
But that's how he'll see it. ]
I'm honestly glad to hear that. I would be rather cross if you hadn't meant a single word of it, you know.
[ And that was the gospel truth. Anyway, a soft smile will come across his lips for a bit at hearing the query, responding with a light, teasing: ]
Yes, didi. That means 'little brother', by the way.
You know, you're pretty scary when you're upset, da-ge.
[ His pronunciation is a lot better this time, and he has a little smirk on his face. ]
I'm glad for it, though. It shows me that you're serious about this. For what it's worth, I don't think I've said anything to you that I haven't meant.
[ And he's sincere about that, too. ]
Is there anything else you want to know, while I'm here?
Hopefully I didn't give you premature white hairs.
Honestly, that's not even the way I planned to bring it up in the first place...
[ He's being honest about that, but sometimes your mind goes blank and you react on emotion because it's been a tough few weeks...he's glad it made things easier in a way. ]
I'm really not sure. There's been so much, at this point I'm not even sure what else to ask about in regards to learning more in general.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
branchandroot
no subject
Date: 2021-06-27 05:14 am (UTC)Tenn's gaze turns firm. ]
I understand your suspicions, and you have every right to question Moriarty-san's decision-making. But I trust his judgment, and I want to trust you, too. So I'll be honest: Yes. I have a deal with Hamelin. But I want to make something clear before I elaborate.
I am not a traitor. I haven't given him any intel, and I am actively working to keep this game from continuing. I don't believe anyone on that list is a traitor, either -- not Adora, Raven-san, Edelgard -- none of them. And I can tell you why I am sure of this, but please, hear me out first.
[ He pauses, letting that sink in. ]
Moriarty-san told me about the object missing in Hamelin's room because we believe that's relevant to the deal I made with Hamelin. ... On the first day here, Riku arrived without his inhaler. I went to him to request he get his medication; and, of course, it wasn't without a price.
He asked me to destroy an object for him, because he knew I wouldn't kill anyone. I don't know when he's going to call for me. I don't know for sure what it is. But that's why I trusted Moriarty-san with this information: He and another ally of mine were helping me figure it all out so I could use the deal against Hamelin instead, before...well.
[ The goddamn trial. ]
I know it might be hard to believe me, seeing as though I sold him out at the trial. I can explain that to you too, if you want. But I have other things I want to get out of the way first, to show you that you can trust me.
But if you don't want to hear it, and if you really believe that I'm lying... [ He sighs and closes his eyes, brow knitting in frustration. ] I don't know what else I can do to change your mind.
no subject
Date: 2021-06-27 05:24 am (UTC)Huaisang just about nearly had a meltdown when Moriarty had straight up told him that he gave information to one of the people on the list, just because.
His expression just shuttered as Tenn told him something that made him feel like his heart stopped. For one crazy half-second he thought that was it. That he was supremely fucked, but then Tenn continued talking...and...
Huaisang listened. He's good at doing that and not reacting, so that helped. ]
I think that sometimes there are situations where it's not black or white. [ ... ] If you want to prove to me you are not a traitor, all I can ask is for you to tell me what those other things are.
And I will listen as you say those things.
[ Because dislikes: traitors, but he's pretty sure Tenn had seen his profile. Nonetheless, Huaisang will hear what the other had to say. If he were his older brother, things would be different. ]
no subject
Date: 2021-06-27 05:35 am (UTC)[ Yes, he's seen the profile. Yes, he felt guilty about hiding this from Huaisang. But here in this moment, he looks incredibly serious. ]
I should start off with this -- I told Moriarty-san and my ally the same thing. I am communicating with the dead.
[ He'll let that sink in for a moment. ]
I am working with a third party not among our group to do this. They are helping me gather information on Hamelin and our traitors, as well as assisting me with relaying all of this to the deceased. The only way they can do this is through circular areas, like the large donut in the archives and the chalk circle in the bar.
If you're still doubting me, then I'll tell you this: I requested last week that the deceased sign any notes they send to us with aliases. Only three of them did, but I believe those who didn't were ones who had died recently or are simply being uncooperative. It sounds silly, but I've been doing this so I can determine if there truly are any outside notes being planted. Jack-san suspected fairy interference, for example; and any fairies -- save for one -- and those who are still alive would not have seen that particular set of instructions, because I only sent it to the dead.
This upcoming week, I asked that that they sign their notes with aliases, and include a heart at the end. The aliases and the heart will verify that those notes are indeed coming from the deceased. The reason I asked for the heart is because anyone planting false notes could have caught on to the aliases from last week. They shouldn't know about adding the heart, however. So any notes that are only aliases without a heart this upcoming week can't be trusted.
Are you following me so far?
no subject
Date: 2021-06-27 05:52 am (UTC)None of that was what Huaisang anticipated on hearing, but you better believe the Sect Leader had been listening to each and every bit of it! It was probably the most attentive he's been outside of trials. ]
I wished they hadn't gotten in a frenzy over Moriarty, to be honest. Which I know was partially his fault, really, but still. That did manage to waste a bit of time.
[ This game was still continuing and they had to be careful how they proceeded with it, after all. But, anyway, Huaisang figured he should save the rest or bulk of his commentary for when Tenn had finished his explanation(s).
So, he will nod at the question the other had given to him. ]
...But don't worry, I understand what you're saying. So, you can keep going along.
no subject
Date: 2021-06-27 06:08 am (UTC)[ oh look he's rude now-- anyway. ]
I wanted to tell you out of this so you can verify that I'm telling the truth this week with the next set of dead notes. If at least one person adds that heart -- and I'm hoping more of them will -- then there's your proof.
[ He takes in a deep breath. Phew, this is a lot of talking! ]
I have information on the traitors from the third party, as well as something that will shed light on that note you and Moriarty-san talked about. Let's start with the traitors; listen carefully.
On the second week, my source told me that two people are working for Hamelin. At the time, they were most likely alive, and it seems like their goal is to keep the game going.
Then the third week rolled around, and I went back to my source after Lucifer-san's trial. I learned from them that the traitors are predators in the way they act. One of them is notably a lot more dangerous than what you'd expect based on how they act. I confirmed that they were still alive after that trial as well.
[ He will let Huaisang take a breather here before he continues. ]
Ironically, after I learned about the note you found from Moriarty-san, I thought it was a complete list of people working for Hamelin, too. So I went to my source with that information -- against your wishes, I realize, though I didn't know it was you at the time -- and they told me something incredibly eye-opening.
One of the dead knew about this note, and said that this is a list of people least likely to work with Hamelin willingly because he'd need to blackmail us into cooperating. And, as you know, that's exactly what he did to me. This particular person who died also mentioned that the traitors weren't coerced into working with him.
This is why I believe that the people on that list are not the traitors we're looking for.
no subject
Date: 2021-06-27 06:36 am (UTC)The Sect Leader trusting anyone was new.
As he heard him speak about those things, he'll frown, expression the height of displeasure.
When he stated that these traitors were predators, he had a moment, feeling a little scared. What if he had trusted too much? What if...
What if he just took a breath and calm down? He had no way of knowing who those predators were, even if he was afraid if one of the other people he thought he could trust was one of them (not Tenn he's thinking of here)? That was just paranoia. He couldn't allow himself to fall into that trap. ]
There are only a few people who meet that description. A disarming appearance would lead me to think of Phil or Makoto. The former of which Hamelin had told me he had taken his 'suggestion' in one of the trials to add on those effects each week. Though I don't know if that was because Phil wasn't thinking when he said that or if it was intentional.
I suppose there's also Koto to consider since she's a child, but I'm not too sure on her count just yet.
...I've also decided to believe you. You could be still tricking me, but at this point, I doubt you'd work with Hamelin when someone important to you had died. Just like how Wei-xiong was taken from me.
As we continue to discuss this, was there anything else to add? Or did you have any other thoughts?
no subject
Date: 2021-06-27 06:49 am (UTC)[ He's audibly and visibly very relieved when Huaisang says that. He feels tension ease out of his shoulders, too. But there is something he needs to mention first: ]
Makoto isn't a traitor.
[ He sounds very sure of it, too. ]
He's the other one Moriarty-san and I were working with this week, and Makoto and I have been friends for longer than that. I don't know everything about him, but he's been sharing information from his discussions with Hamelin with me, as well as some other information that's important.
Makoto told me he doesn't think Hamelin handpicked anyone here himself. He told me that Hamelin said he would have picked better if it were up to him, regarding someone among us here. Makoto also talked about things like Hamelin being the don of Familigia Grimm, which is something Hamelin also talked about with me recently. And unless he's very good at tricking people like this...well, a lot of this information lines up with things we've heard from others.
I don't think he's lying.
no subject
Date: 2021-06-27 01:49 pm (UTC)Either way, he's listening. ]
I really don't want you to tell him about me regardless. It's one thing for me to believe you, but I can't put my faith in another person so easily just yet.
There's only one other person besides you that still lives that I have, and I am not talking about Moriarty who will be dying tomorrow. It seems three people I trusted with the list will be dead by the end of Sunday, and only one will remain besides yourself.
[ But at least he could be rest assured that Tenn wasn't an asshole traitor, so you know what, he'll take that. ]
I suppose I won't immediately condemn Makoto all the same. But I'll let you know when I trust him.
Maybe I was wrong about Phil as well. He did see something from that world like he said in the meeting...
However, now that I've been thinking about it, someone being more than dangerous than what you'd expect they'd act refers painfully and clearly to someone who has been acting from the very beginning from my perspective. There's still someone like that among us.
But before we go more into theorizing, is there anything else you have to tell me?
[ He didn't want to make any other premature judgments/thoughts before then... ]
no subject
Date: 2021-06-27 04:57 pm (UTC)You can let me know when you trust him, yes. I'll let you come to that on your own.
[ He wants to hear what Huaisang's theory is, because Tenn has one of his own regarding who this particular traitor might be. But he has one more thing he wants to tell Huaisang. ]
Since I trusted you with the information regarding Hamelin's deal with me, I want to ask you to help me look for that object. We don't know if that small, square box is the object he's referring to just yet, and Hamelin won't tell me any details. But I will tell you this: If destroying that object is going to be detrimental to all of you and prevent our escape here, I'd rather die than do what he says. I was tricked into doing this -- my source informed me that there were fairies who were already asked to give Riku his medicine anyway. So, you can understand why I'm not going to make good on my promise to Hamelin; he doesn't deserve that.
I fully intend on staying alive here otherwise, but I am not going to turn my back on any of you more than I did when I made that deal.
[ He looks dead serious when he says this, too. ]
That's all, though. If I can think of anything else, I'll let you know. Let's hear your theory on who one of the traitors could be, then.
no subject
Date: 2021-06-27 05:30 pm (UTC)He'll pull out the prop fan and lightly begin to fan himself. ]
Alright, I'll look into it for you, Tenn.
If I find it, I suppose I'll also have to just hold onto it for you as well. Not that I don't trust you with it, but I figure things will be easier on the both of us that way.
[ Huaisang's not surprised Hamelin would play duty. Capricious men were all like that. Their hearts were always full of darkness, and they had not a shred of kindness to be found within them. Any bit they showered upon anyone was an illusion and they were only ever in for it for themselves.
These were the thoughts that Nie Huaisang, Sect Leader of the Nie, had. ]
I suspect one of the traitors is Jack. He seems harmless and kind enough; no one would suspect him. Of course please take my words with a grain of salt, and don't act unsavory towards him until we're sure of things.
After all, I had held similar suspicions towards Makoto and Phil.
Now, do you have further thoughts on the matter in regards to these suspicions? Or ones of your own?
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Date: 2021-06-27 05:37 pm (UTC)[ He'll even smile at that, too. And...that smile doesn't go away when Huaisang talks about Jack.
Because he agrees. ]
Funny thing is, that's who I was thinking of, too. I'll admit, I suspected you as well based on how you act, so I guess we were both suspicious of each other. But...when I saw how your expression completely changed when you asked me why Moriarty would trust me, I knew that I was wrong.
[ Unless Huaisang is an incredibly good actor and playing the long haul like a fiddle, Tenn really doesn't think he's lying, here. ]
Jack was the only other person on that list that I could think of. Marcus-san and Suga-san are both kind people, but they were reckless in attacking Hamelin, so I'm pretty sure we know how dangerous they can be already. Jack, on the other hand, hasn't done anything to show us that he's a threat. I won't act strangely towards him, don't worry.
Now...the other traitor. I'll try to ask my source if they have any info on the second one, because there isn't as much to work off of, there. But maybe it's what they didn't say about them that we should consider: In other words, maybe the other traitor is more forthcoming with how dangerous they can be.
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Date: 2021-06-27 08:03 pm (UTC)It sounds like you're a little worried about your da-ge. [ He'll say, in a teasing tone. ] Hmm, something you and McGillis have in common...
[ But the playfulness stopped for a bit as he considered the rest of Tenn's words. ]
I wish I could say I was suspected less, but because of my unassuming nature, I think it's natural for people to think of me as suspicious, so I'm not surprised. I'm also really not all that offended.
Really, that was a bit careless of me. But after losing Nageki, Wei-xiong, Norton, and now...Moriarty, I was a little bit at my wit's end. I had picked well so far in that it seemed none of them were traitors, and hearing he went and told someone I hadn't even had a chance to think carefully about doing was a big shock.
[ Anyway, he'll nod at the rest of Tenn's words. ]
If this person is more 'forthcoming' in how dangerous they could be or how dangerous they appear to be, it could be one of Alexei, Yeager, or...I suppose, McGillis, but let's hope that's not the case.
[ But he's going to try to be impartial here. He won't allow his stupid feelings or a crush to get in the way even if he's hopeless at it...Huaisang didn't want to have another man he had deep feelings for to have too much power over him like San-ge had. ]
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Date: 2021-06-27 08:10 pm (UTC)[ He's learning so many new words here, gosh!! ]
I can't blame you for the shock, nor can I blame you for being suspicious of me. I mean, you were right in that I am, technically, supposed to be working for him. But I think with your help, as well as help from a few others and the dead, we can make sure he won't get what he wants.
[ He's pretty serious, too, and he's glad that Huaisang is taking McGillis into consideration, too. ]
Is there anyone here other than Moriarty-san and Rika that you'd count as being trustworthy?
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Date: 2021-06-28 12:57 am (UTC)[ He'll give a small sheepish look. ]
...You have a lot of faith in me. I'll certainly be doing my best, Tenn.
The last thing I want him to do is get what he desired the most; I can't forget that I've lost Wei-xiong to him. No matter what reason he had, Wei-xiong was a good friend of mine, and I can't forgive what he's involved him or anyone else in.
[ Huaisang had a very loose set of morals...they were barely there, because he was legitimately kind of fucked up for awhile. But, you know what? They were there and that's what mattered. ]
Not really, no. I'm trying not to have my heart rule my conclusions about who's trustworthy or who's not, and so far as that has resulted in me picking out people who weren't truly traitors. And I prefer to keep it that way.
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Date: 2021-06-28 01:07 am (UTC)[ A firm nod. He doesn't say anything in regards to trusting others, though, because Tenn has clearly messed up severely in that area. He's trusted the wrong people countless times, but he doesn't think his trust in Makoto, Moriarty, Huaisang among a handful of others is misplaced. So he just nods at that, too.
Circling back to that brother comment, though, Tenn looks at Huaisang seriously. ]
I don't mind. ... I miss Riku, and nothing will ever take his place. But...you're right in that I do worry about you. Even when I suspected you, I really meant everything I said when we talked about Wuxian. And I plan on remembering him exactly like how you told me to.
So, er -- da-ge? Did I say that right?
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Date: 2021-06-29 04:25 am (UTC)[ Huaisang had proven excellent at trusting people so far...but he's not about to think his luck won't run out. That's four people who had been not any of the traitors and one of them had been out to kill another so maybe it was a stretch to say all of them had been trustworthy.
But that's how he'll see it. ]
I'm honestly glad to hear that. I would be rather cross if you hadn't meant a single word of it, you know.
[ And that was the gospel truth. Anyway, a soft smile will come across his lips for a bit at hearing the query, responding with a light, teasing: ]
Yes, didi. That means 'little brother', by the way.
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Date: 2021-06-29 08:11 am (UTC)[ His pronunciation is a lot better this time, and he has a little smirk on his face. ]
I'm glad for it, though. It shows me that you're serious about this. For what it's worth, I don't think I've said anything to you that I haven't meant.
[ And he's sincere about that, too. ]
Is there anything else you want to know, while I'm here?
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Date: 2021-06-30 01:55 am (UTC)Honestly, that's not even the way I planned to bring it up in the first place...
[ He's being honest about that, but sometimes your mind goes blank and you react on emotion because it's been a tough few weeks...he's glad it made things easier in a way. ]
I'm really not sure. There's been so much, at this point I'm not even sure what else to ask about in regards to learning more in general.
I really do appreciate it, though.
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Date: 2021-06-30 04:16 am (UTC)[ But his hair's light enough, it's fine. Tenn's a strange pink human, bully him all you want!!! ]
It's not a problem. I'll report to you as much as I can, then. I hope the dead follow my instructions, or I'm going to look terrible in front of you.
[ He lets out a disgruntled sigh. ]
I can't guarantee all of them will do what I asked them to, but if at least one of them does, then hopefully that'll be enough.