Scene #8584: Put To Rest

Owner	Pose
Touta Konoe	It's been years since he's been within the Aegis Astray, and the last time he can't say was for the best of reasons himself. He doesn't hold those thoughts for too long though, after all, his reason for visiting isn't to reflect on such matters. Upon his arrival to the courtyard area, he arrives just in time to see as new flowers are laid out at the rudder of the Ad Coelum for those, a way to pay respects to those lost in its fall. The reason for his arrival is for similar reasons, and as he arrives at the reception desk, he makes it a point to note that. The Unaffiliated Elite provides his name, as well as any other information that is required. A reason for his appearance being put down as 'Paying Respects' if needed to be documented. Any scans to be sure that he's not bringing any weapons inside the building, and any other precautions that might have been necessary. He's simply arrived in what would have been his 'True' form. A form that has him appearing more in his teenage years. Though rather than dressed in more casual attire, he's come wearing a more formal level of garb. From top to bottom he's been dressed in black from a black sports jacket, a black button-down underneath with a dark shaded pair of cufflinks to fasten his sleeves. Along with black dress pants and shoes. Frankly, he looks as if he should be at a proper funeral. As far as things were concerned, it wasn't far off. Surely the actual funeral services would have been held already, or held in a private setting. So for now, Touta's taken the time to come when additional memorial services are likely being provided in the museum area for the public. Something that would allow the Commonwealth to pay homage to those that had lost their lives. Though, it's still likely rare for an Elite outside of the Paladins to decide to appear, especially for the loss of those that aren't part of their faction. With everything that's transpired, it doesn't surprise him as there's questioning looks, defensive stares, and potentially even questions of "Why's he even here?" It's all reasonable, and truthfully, that for some time he feels like he's been hearing frequently enough. In the time since his arrival, he's paid such things no mind. As far as anyone is concerned, he seems like any other guest that had decided to appear on this day. He goes around to the exhibits provided by the museum without a sound, trying to take in the history that the Paladins have cultivated for themselves, taking it as a day perhaps to learn more about them as an organization...Ultimately though, his trip brings him to the spot where the names of those fallen during the Kana event are likely placed. A white chrysanthemum in hand held to his chest. It's just as he goes to place it down with the rest of the flowers being offered...There's a moment of reluctance in his extended hand before his fingers look as if they're hesitantly leaving the flower behind.
Tamamo	Tamamo -- this incarnation of Tamamo-no-mae, that is -- wasn't here for the fall. She can recall a time before Aegis Astray, but that was in some other land. As far as she knows this particular place, there has always been a memorial to Ad Coelum, something she hadn't witnessed. This isn't to say that she's without empathy for the event, even as a distant thing, but the gold she wears is more 'her' than it is appropriate funeral attire. She is, as ever, bunrei to She of the Pale-Gold Face, and that much can't be helped, except by putting in more than usual effort to hide who and what she is. On the other hand, she -- in this incarnation, again -- a Paladin, and can't claim that it's only by circumstance. It's not her first, and she's recognized on sight, needing no checks, nor escort. She's out on her own business, but trusted, for the good reason of past experience, to be benevolent in her blessings. That business is momentarily forgotten when she recognizes Touta. Hands folded with sleeves brought together, she stops, eyes like gold widening before she blinks, and she says, "Oh, Konoe-san. Good evening to you. Were you... here on business?" She tries to recall just what he had been saying during their last meeting, but she was very distracted by Lilian and Petra, at the time, and by whatever Ishirou was arguing with the Persona-users about. Adachi had been there, too, unfortunately. "Or was it to pay your respects?"
Touta Konoe	"Oh, Konoe-san. Good evening to you. Were you... here on business?" It takes a moment before Touta's able to respond. For even after he's placed down the chrysanthemum his expression still retains that look of perplexed thought. Even his fingers as they release from the stem seem as though there's an instance where he might have contemplated retracting the action. "Or was it to pay your respects?" "Mmm...? Oh, Miss Tamamo." His ears perk for a moment as she speaks up once more. His gaze treaded from the flowers back to her form, only to widen in surprise of his own. Just like how she had been distracted previously, it seemed currently he had been so himself. Regardless, the moment that she appears before him there's a bit of straightening of posture and even a level of courtesy provided as he offers her a bow in respect. "I'm here to just pay respects... I'm also sorry for your losses." He keeps his head lowered for some time, even if she wasn't directly involved, and he knows not whether she's even too familiar with those that had been taken, he still offers as much respect towards the matter as possible. As he raises his head, there's a somber expression on his face. "Truth be told, I don't believe most of the Paladins are currently too inclined to work with me at the moment. I know Lilian seemed rather upset about the situation with...E.S.? She made it sound personal so at this point I haven't made an attempt to reach out. Though, I'm still hoping to talk to Stanley and Charlotte later. As for Ishirou well..." It should have been already apparent Ishirou's likely stance on Touta at this point, so he feels less inclined to add to it. "There's also the situation back in Tachibana's world and well..." He doesn't even want to think back to his experience with Ioanna... There's a soft exhale the young man takes before trying to offer Tamamo a more pleasant expression, a bit more of an easy going smile. "So yeah, for now I'm just taking the time to pay respects. Maybe do a bit of reflection."
Tamamo	Tamamo takes her time to listen, her expression matching the somber mood of the memorial, though no more than that. "Though the recently fallen were not among my acquaintance, I expect they would be appreciative of your remembrance, as well. It was... a most unfortunate situation, and so soon after I had gone to see the object in question... that I feel as I could have taken some measure against it, though the possibility of such occurring, here of all places, was not on my mind at all." Tamamo lowers her eyes for a moment, raising one sleeve to conceal a sigh. "As to to working with you... I am not quite certain as to the nature of Ishirou's objections, to speak frankly. He may have been a little overprotective of what seemed a trespassing, but it was not Lilian's will that this should have occurred. For my own part, I have no reason to speak against your involvement, if you should be committed to do so with tact, determination, respect, and noble intent." One brow raises. "You do intend this, yes?"
Touta Konoe	He finds himself shaking his head to her first remark, "I know I've been away for some time, but as far as I know, an attack on a proper factional facility hasn't occurred in a while. I think it's fair that something like that wouldn't have crossed your mind." He imagines that she needs no need for such affirmations, but he finds himself saying as such all the same. It's when she brings up Ishirou does his gaze avert from hers, "Perhaps. I definitely think that if Lilian does have an issue with me...With anyone, she's not afraid to say it. But given our history, I guess he's deciding to take after Petra on that." His lips move as if he's got a bit more to say on the matter, but he seems to be holding his tongue for the moment. He lets out one sigh instead, and then comes just as quickly as she asks of the next part with raised brow. "Ya know...I've been thinking a bit about intent lately...I do intend to try and uphold those values. At the same time, I know I might fall short of them. So, even if I intend to uphold them but I am likely to fail, would intent matter?" There's a long pause that he gives as he finds his gaze looking back to the memorial, his words expressed to her as he keeps them fixated on that spot. "Miss Tamamo, I remember you saying something along the lines that despite mistakes you've made, you're still trying to be better. I think that's probably the most noble of an intent that anyone can have. So what do you think of someone like... Tachibana Hibiki? She's said that her intent was one thing, but she failed in delivering, and because of that..." Another short pauses follows, almost as if trying to chew on the words on whether he can force them out or not "...She's just as responsible as those who pulled the trigger, right?" His head doesn't turn from the memorial, but his gaze does turn back to her once again. "I know there's a difference between the two circumstances, but If I look at her circumstances as the way things work...If I was to mess up, even if my intentions were well-meaning, would that still be equal to not taking consideration at all?"
Touta Konoe	As he catches himself saying /that/ name, in this place. He finds himself blinking in disbelief. "I'm sorry...I...Shouldn't have asked that. Not here..." It already seems apparent enough that there's a deficit in tact on his part already.
Tamamo	'I guess he's deciding to take after Petra on that.' "Oh, my, I should hope not. That would be rather concerning." Tamamo does, in fact, give the thought an expression of concern. 'So, even if I intend to uphold them but I am likely to fail, would intent matter?' 'So what do you think of someone like... Tachibana Hibiki?' Tamamo has to stop and give that some more serious thought. Her eyes focus into the distance, rather than taking in the memorial and the others who have come to give their respects. "Regarding Tachibana-san... no, I believe you could have only asked that of me, now, as rude to others as it may be. I will not begrudge that. As to whether it is the intent, the act, or the result that matters... there is no simple answer of, 'it is only this.' I do hold value in 'the intent to be good,' even in those who fail. I value those of lofty ambition, even if their course seems foolish. The noble in spirit may be smaller of stature, and their strength of arm may not match the reach of their heroism, leading to one tragedy after another." Her eyes refocus on Touta's. "And yet, even so, is one who continually seeks to succeed in doing good not better than one who sees value only in what was accomplished? You may find many schemers and manipulators among that latter group, but few knights of principle. I would rather surround myself with those who are like to listen to advice and regret their mistakes, and to place trust in myself that the damage they may cause, only by accident, might be mitigated." Now she does look over the surroundings, regret drawing lines on her face. "Tachibana Hibiki has invited trouble to herself by her association with the Watch, as have others. Though they claim, at times, to have noble intention, it seems unlikely to me that this is the case for all. Within her, I expect, the intent to do good is there, and will not be easily shaken. I cannot, myself, blame her for their deaths. I can judge her for standing by the Watch, and if she defends them further, I will be... disappointed, yes. However..." A sad, resigned smile. "If I were to cut off any hand stained with blood, would I not need begin with my own?"
Touta Konoe	"Yeah, I think that's something I don't get either. I know she's friends with Lilian but..." There's again, a lot of fumbling he's trying to do right now, at some points looking like he's going to word one phrase, only for words not escaping his mouth, then another phrase only to falter again. "...I don't know if it's for Lilian sake or...? I know he's got his own intentions to do right somehow, but I don't think she's as respectful of those attempts as you are. I'd ask him why he does it, but I feel like I'm not one of the people he'd tell." He'd leave that topic in the air for now. Or rather, it's just more appropriate to say that he simply falls silent as she continues. It's the same level of calm and reserved that he tried to show when offering said silence and respect to those that had passed. In only the first few sentences there's a much more genuine smile that appears on his lips. Her words resonate in a way that he feels like he hasn't found in some time. Yet, while her regret starts to draw those cruel lines upon her face...His smile still continues to stay upon his face. It's only this time does he start to keep his words low. As if the words to come next if said in the open were to be truly blasphemous, sinful to be uttered in such a place. "Ya know, for a while I thought I was going mad. I know I don't know Tachibana as long as most. In that time, I can't see what Lilian or Petra hate about her. I think I've seen what people see about her being reckless, sure. But at the same time...I've known selfish people, I've known manipulative people, people who ultimately were okay hurting the ones around them for their own goals, even if reluctantly...She's not that... So hearing people on the radio talk about how she was encouraging the other Watch members is... I just...I don't see it. I don't see someone like that, rushing head first to help, going into a fight even when she's busted up, to help doing something that encourage others to put people in harm's way...When I look at Hibiki Tachibana as /just/ Hibiki Tachibana...I see...Just another person in the Multiverse who deserves better." He does get a bit more stern with his look after saying those words however, "Not to say she doesn't deserve to be judged. I think she's well aware of that herself. If anything, it sounds like she's judging herself just as hard, and trying to punish herself to fit. I've heard she hasn't been home since she's been on the run. Away from her world, from friends, family, close ones...I can't say if she'll stand by the Watch and what they did. But Forget being jailed, I think she'd rather die than defend what happened on that day. In fact, I know she's doing what she can to make up for what's happened..." "Oi...Come on, don't say things like that." It's words meant to console just as much as reprimand the thought. "Lilian said that was just a joke before, right? I know she's not the type to kill, so saying something like that was probably her humor for something extreme like this but even then, it's definitely in bad taste." It then raises the question...While he clearly heard of Lilian's joke about Hibiki's arms...Did he know /why/ such a joke was made in the first place?
Tamamo	Tamamo does have more to say about Ishirou and Petra, but she's content to leave that topic for later, or even for another time. She should really speak to Ishirou, herself, to ask her own questions in that regard, and to see where boy she'd had the fortune to name is standing. All she vocalizes is a noncomittal "Mm." 'In that time, I can't see what Lilian or Petra hate about her.' "I am not certain, myself, just what Lilian sees, though I know she sees a girl who failed both her and her own ideals. Though she intends to be better than she is, Tachibana-san is... still possessed of weakness and foolishness, facts for which I find it difficult to blame her, given her youth, but my perspective may be unusual in this regard." 'Oi...Come on, don't say things like that.' Tamamo's smile turns complicated. It's less sad, at least. "I do expect that you are right, that she regrets her own actions, but whether this regret will be sufficient penance... it is unlikely, I think. Lilian did, ah..." She pauses. Well, it's not really a secret, anymore. It's not like someone couldn't just ask Hibiki. "Lilian did cut off Hibiki'shand, you know? It contained a magical seal, at the time, and removing it from her was... an expedient method of cutting that from her. I am not quite certain as to how she now has both her hands, though I expect the artifact within her is to thank for that." Tamamo's unaware that this is wrong. "Lilian would not kill her, of course! She... might hurt her to some degree, below that, however." Tamamo's expression is both conflicted and troubled. It would help if she did know just why Lilian has those reactions to Hibiki, in a way that was more understandable, beyond blame for not having been good enough. A little too blatantly moving on, Tamamo says, "I had not known that she had yet to return home, though I suppose I should have expected this development. I would wish her well. It is not as if she has hurt Lilian nearly as much as Ms. Soroka did. I do wonder just what punishment might bring such satisfaction to all that some grudges might be laid to rest. It can be quite tiring to hold onto resentment for long. Oh, but you wished to ask of Exigent Serenity, I do expect, no?"
Touta Konoe	With all the topics coming about, it's surely one that likely takes less of a priority. He's content enough as it is to have this conversation with her. Even if the topics were complex in their nature, there's a certain relief to having them in comparison to the others that he's had to manage as of late. "I am not certain, myself, just what Lilian sees, though I know she sees a girl who failed both her and her own ideals. Though she intends to be better than she is, Tachibana-san is... still possessed of weakness and foolishness, facts for which I find it difficult to blame her, given her youth, but my perspective may be unusual in this regard." "I'd tell you that I feel the same way about her, but the more I've been listening to things as of late, the more I think it might be an unusual perspective now...As for Soroka. Are you sure on that?" It's actually a very serious question. "Last time I saw her in person, she was stealing some sort of gem that was powering a planetoid. Place was going down quick. She said...She's okay being a hero for a few people but...Well, I'm paraphrasing but, being a hero's not her thing. Lilian will do what she has to do, and Petra will do what she has to." He's taking a moment to think in his head if that's close enough. To which, he just finds himself nodding again. "I just don't get it. I know Lilian's code has her not kill anyone, but I remember back in the day she'd go as far as saying, 'Resorting to murder is the tool of someone lazy, uncreative, mentally unstable, and/or completely cognitively bankrupt.' So going this far for someone who's telling people she's genuinely planning to kill them..." And at this point, he's come to the conclusion on just how serious she is on this, "Lilian's made a name for herself. I know she's tough and sounds like she's...Invested. But...I can't say my experience will be hers. I hope it isn't." Again, he finds himself shaking his head, though getting back to focus as Hibiki is brought up again. Though as he sees her expression turning from that saddened state to something more perplexed, he first thinks it's just her trying to reassure that she believes in Hibiki's earnest desire, but acknowledging her sin. Something that he's quick to try and add onto as if it's good news. Even trying to once again sound reassured. "Yeah, you're right. Just feeling regret about it isn't enough. Which is why I think she's going to try and do more to make amends. At least, that's what I believe she is on her own. That's something I'd bet on." It's just, when her statement follows through, that smile...That reassured look, it fades. His face almost looked as if it's going pale for a moment, if such a thing was possible. Perhaps someone could have asked her, though as far as he remembers...When he asked, there were definitely quite a few details that Tamamo was filling in for now. It's something that has Touta unceremoniously bring a hand to his head. Finding himself muttering under his breath. "Kono Baka..." Once again, Touta finds that part of Hibiki that can get others a tad riled. At the same time though, for the first time, is when Touta starts to speak in such a way that doesn't just use the girl as an example, sympathize with her, or simply attempts to boost her up. It's...Words that make it sound like he's...Truly invested, and his eyes as he asks seem more clear, more focused than they have thus far. Or at least it would have been if not for having the topic move on. Even Touta finds himself fumbling a tad as she remarked about Hibiki's venture. Not to mention bringing up E.S. as well.
Touta Konoe	"Ah...Actually...Yeah. Trying to talk about it before was something that almost seemed like taboo. Lilian explained a little bit of it, but as it pertains to Lampport and Lilian getting involved in the mix, I feel like when Ishirou and Petra were talking about it...There was more yelling than actually explaining. So, I don' t think Stanley and Charlotte picked up as much on her as we could have. Though, I did learn one thing about her from last time...That I know Lilian wasn't joking about...She doesn't care what happens to any of us..."
Tamamo	'As for Soroka. Are you sure on that?' "Ms. Soroka's actions were purposeful, deliberate and calculated to cause harm, a goal in which she succeeded to an astonishing degree. These acts are the far harder for me to forgive, for that, though it is true that she hurts others without thinking, as well. She regrets hurting Lilian, but only that. She has, as I have learned by conversing with her, no understanding of the need for remorse for any injury she may inflict on any other." Tamamo doesn't sound particularly happy about it, and neither does she sound at all certain. That troubled expression returns while speaking of Lilian's relationship with Petra. "They found some kinship with one another, and came to blame others for having misled Ms. Soroka, in her prior actions. There is some truth to this, but whether it should absolve her of blame... given her character, I think not. To be a hero does not, as you heard, suit her. She is..." Tamamo recalls the words of Hamada Haru, and pronounces, "Petra Soroka is a simp, you see. She has yet to care for more than one person." Just 'one,' even counting herself, Tamamo doesn't add aloud. Moving on to talk about E.S., Tamamo says, "I did meet with her in the form of an enemy, one who had resolved to take Lilian away from the world, and did fight against and defeat her and those forces brought to bear. Though I rejected her, then, she reached out to me, and told me that she, too, is 'Lilian.' As Lilian explained, Exigent Serenity is... a hypothetical self. Those I speak of as being 'outside the world,' in this case, are those whose existence was rendered impossible and contradictory by the world's present existence. Ah... my apologies. Was this a bit difficult to understand? I wonder where I should begin. One moment." And she does take a moment, finger on her chin, to think about it. Finally, she says, adopting the tone and manner of a storyteller, a folding fan suddenly appearing in her hand. "Wishes are made by all, but by their nature, some wishes cannot be granted together. Long, long ago, the wishes that were pruned were cast off, outside the world. And then, a long, long while later, those that were cast off returned to take the world, and while doing so, the impossible wishes of four unfortunate girls were chosen. Only these would be allowed, given the chance to remake the world into something else, something that could not yet exist, and to take those few, at least, into this new existence, apart from humanity." Flourishing the fan, and letting her silks flow, she continues, "Being fond of humanity, a certain goddess, out of love, rejected this, and sought to cut apart that connection, and turn away that outstretched hand. Others came to her aid, and fought one clad in the armor of the enemy, who spoke words of 'it must be this way' and 'it cannot be helped.' Faced with the goddess's rejection, that one professed herself and the girl she'd sought to join her to be two possibilities, two simultaneous incarnations of the same person and, further, she confessed the other's love to be her own. Her words became, 'she has changed and I, too, must change.' So moved was she by this, that the goddess used her love's sword to cut the armor from her, and took her away." The story, having reached its climax, comes to an uncertain end. "And so, she was not heard from again, that girl who had been within the enemy's armor, who took the form of 'something inhuman, that a human could be,' until... now."
Touta Konoe	It's apparent that while he's trying to listen attentively to Tamamo's description of Petra's actions, he still finds himself hanging on his own words. It's clear that he hasn't forgotten what she's said about to what degree she might opt to hurt her. The level of anxiousness only elevates as she adds Petra's demeanor into the mix. There's just a rise in the tension of it all, in the way she describes the motives to Petra's actions, and just how purposeful they are. "Petra Soroka is a simp, you see." "..." And with that statement, the tension is cleaved through as his eyes just widen in shock. As if she'd just uttered some sort of curse, though by the way his lips are curling, even if he's trying to resist the urge it's enough to hopefully show he's alright if not entertained by the notion to such a degree that even his worries are masterfully sliced through. Though just like his healing, the cut is quickly healed away as she explains where her care lies. "You know, when I first met Petra, she reminded me of someone I know. A person that's...Definitely kind of a simp. But you knew she actually cared deeply for that person they si--respected. Thinking that might have been my mistake. I...I don't know how the way she acts is supposed to make her a better person. I do know though...When you do care for someone, you can end up letting them get away with more than you would otherwise. I know that's at least part of the reason Lilian ended up pissed at me, and the first reason she used to try and chew me out over..." The conversation shifts to E.S., but this was definitely a topic that wouldn't be dropped. It simply couldn't. Tamamo provides the details for the Lilian that was only a /potential/ Lilian. "Ah... my apologies. Was this a bit difficult to understand? I wonder where I should begin. One moment." There is a moment where Touta falls silent once more as he hears that. It's the opportunity that allows for Tamamo to enchant with her whimsical story-telling. He doesn't interrupt till the end, and even finds himself smiling at the end of it. "That was...Really nice. It definitely fills in a bit more of the details. Though...I think I understand the first point a lot better actually than the story...If anything, I think I could probably relate to E.S. more than I thought I could. An existence that can or can not be only be because of how the world currently exists..." Up to this point, Touta's expressions of concern have only been for Tachibana, and only grown more so as these conversations have continued. This though? This was the first time that Touta's expression finds a level of remorse, a level of worry. It's not for their Lilian strangely enough, but for E.S.
Tamamo	'I...I don't know how the way she acts is supposed to make her a better person.' "When one cannot trust one's own judgment, one must look to another. Ms. Soroka has chosen my Lilian for this purpose, and though she could have chosen more poorly than that... it does not change who and what she is. I have some doubts as to how well such emulation can better her, myself. Lilian had been showing signs of being badly affected by Ms. Soroka's attitude, in turn, though I have since seen more hopeful signs." Tamamo almost didn't add that last part, but decided, in the end, that it's important enough to share. The reluctance is still there in her voice, as she mentions something less than totally flattering regarding 'her Lilian.' 'An existence that can or can not be only be because of how the world currently exists...' "Not all things can exist at once. That is simply how a single world must be. Exigent Serenity, the one who is 'Lilian, too,' says that she does not exist, but merely 'could,' though I have some doubts as to this. She is real 'enough,' I think. She is a part of Lilian, in the sense that the person you could choose to be is a part of who you are, now. She is..." Tamamo's voice falters, sounding uncertain, "'unchosen,' I suppose. To hear Lilian speak of it, she is the one who made all the choices that the other did not. And yet, they are nothing so simple as 'opposites.'" 'I do know though...When you do care for someone, you can end up letting them get away with more than you would otherwise.' Tamamo would have more comments for this if she were less blind to her own flaws. 'I know that's at least part of the reason Lilian ended up pissed at me, and the first reason she used to try and chew me out over...' "It does seem the case that it would be difficult for her to trust you. For my own part, I do value your intention to do well by her, even where optimism is unwarranted." Her fan snaps shut over a drawn out hmmm. "I suppose that she might be most looking to see whether or not you may learn 'discretion.' She had suggested to me that... mind you, it is not truly my place to comment on this... but she has said that you chose to support another quite closely, from having little known her. I was not present for this, myself, and cannot judge whether you were reckless in doing so, nor can I say just how cautious it is that one should be, without respect to her approval, in allying oneself with others. She is, as you may see, one who has felt... burned, before, by trust betrayed. I hope that this more clearly explains what you have seen."
Touta Konoe	"When one cannot trust one's own judgment, one must look to another. Ms. Soroka has chosen my Lilian for this purpose, and though she could have chosen more poorly than that... it does not change who and what she is" The first thing that comes to mind again is just Tamamo mentioning a 'simp' again. Though it's clear that surely there's more to this statement. He finds himself nodding along and yet, "If it was choosing someone as a role model, someone to aspire to, to look to in how you should approach things, I'd get that. That's what I think of when I think of someone looking to another. But, it just feels like from what I've seen, she's just using Lilian as a chain?" There's likely a shared thought of what he's implying here. Though he's not trying to say it as openly as Tamamo seems to be about her own remarks. "She's never trying to pull herself back and perfectly fine going as far as the limit takes her. It's only when it's shortened does it ever mean anything. It makes you think what would happen if one day Lilian just up and vanished..." "Lilian had been showing signs of being badly affected by Ms. Soroka's attitude, in turn, though I have since seen more hopeful signs." That reluctance in Tamamo's tone isn't lost on him. While he can't imagine that it's something she'd like to openly admit, it is something he feels the urge to press on a tad more. "I can't say I do know Lilian enough to know whether Petra's been changing Lilian in more subtle kinds of ways. Do you mind me asking what signs you've seen? Also...I imagine you've said some stuff to Lilian about this, but have you...Have you told Lilian how you felt about this...All of this?" It's one thing for someone outside of Lilian's circle to try to bring things of this nature up, but if someone as close as Tamamo seemed to be having difficulties bringing it up to her... He doesn't press that question for long, rather intent to continue listening about E.S. Especially when it pertains to those that are 'unchosen' rather than 'opposites'. "I...Think I can get that. Not being a 'Lilian too', but well..." He stops to look down at the floor, "I can't think of the best way to say it, though if certain choices had happened, if things had went...Right, in my world, I know I could have ended up someone 'unchosen' as well. Though if I put it that way it makes it sound like as I am now I was a 'chosen'. Maybe it'd be closer to say that I'm step above what she'd say as 'merely could' to 'merely am'." Again, it's another topic he's not trying to stick to. Something he'd wish he was more blind to in regards to his own weaknesses, so that he couldn't mutter them so recklessly. "I suppose that she might be most looking to see whether or not you may learn 'discretion.' She had suggested to me that... mind you, it is not truly my place to comment on this... but she has said that you chose to support another quite closely, from having little known her." There's a genuine distasteful look that shows on his face. "Didn't know her...?" There's a very bitter tone to that "Mikoto Shimizu..." He utters the name in a twisted tone of both fondness and pain. "She was a girl who lost her parents when she was young, and in turn for wishing for a new family leveraged her soul. She became a magical girl thats power came in exchange for corrupting it."
Touta Konoe	"As someone who lost his parents and family too, I became her friend. I knew that she had her problems, but I thought she wanted better. I wanted to help her be better..." For just a moment there's a look in his gaze that wavers, that seems rather teary. Though he again looks to the floor. He takes a breath in as he continues. "For the most part, she seemed to be doing better. She had a boyfriend in the Paladins, and butted heads, but she was a teen. I thought she just needed a proper family to surround her. So...On the Christmas of that year, as a present, I asked my guardian if she'd adopt her...And that very day she became my sister. She became my family. She lived in our world, worked at the inn, made friends with the locals...Helped go shopping..." Like had Tamamo had found reluctance in speaking of those positive signs, there's that same tone that begins to unfurl as he starts balancing the scales of the girl in his memories. "She also hung out with questionable people outside our world, used the company card on occasion for snacks while shopping, used her powers recklessly knowing it impacted her soul...And then one day, we found out that she tried to kill her uncle...He was the one that she ended up being taken to after her parents passed away, and he was the one that threw her to an orphanage. It was something that really tore her up, enough to try and do what she did. I didn't know that she had left to go after him...But I heard that Lilian had ended up stopping him." As he looks up again, his eyes seem a bit more hardened. "Ultimately, Mikoto stopped being Mikoto. She turned into something completely different. We lost her, and she broke the hearts of those that were close to her..." "Maybe I did need better discretion. Maybe I should have been sterner as a sibling. Lilian I think is right when it comes to that. But where I messed up wasn't because I didn't know her well enough. It's because I knew her /too/ well. And because of that, I let her get away with what she shouldn't have..." His hands clenched tightly before receding into his pockets before he spoke up again. "Miss Tamamo, I can understand if she's felt betrayed. If it means there'll be more of a distance to overcome. But when I think of her and Petra...I...It's not for my discretion to tell her that. I hope she doesn't end up on a similar path, and doesn't end up getting another betrayal. But it's something that I can't get out of my head, and I worry that'll come off as me not using proper discretion in dealing with the girl she's trying to guide..."
Tamamo	'She's never trying to pull herself back and perfectly fine going as far as the limit takes her.' "You are not wrong, in this, to be sure." Tamamo gives a short nod. '...but have you...Have you told Lilian how you felt about this...All of this?' "We have spoken of it, though not to the extent that has since seemed necessary. We shall speak of it again, she and I." That's as much as she'd like to say on it. It's difficult in a number of ways. It's not easy to even mention that it's difficult. 'Maybe it'd be closer to say that I'm step above what she'd say as 'merely could' to 'merely am'.' Under other circumstances, she'd ask more about that. There's a look of attentive curiosity, but it passes as Touta continues to talk. Instead, she merely listens as he speaks of a troubled magical girl. Until... 'I didn't know that she had left to go after him...But I heard that Lilian had ended up stopping him.' Quietly, "Ah... another time that no one would move for her." Another time that it was up to Lilian to clean up. This is a topic that's been fresh on her mind. "I do not know, myself, just what it was... and it is not something I have a great wish to ask of her. What is the proper length of time to know someone, before taking them as a sister? Can family be given like a present? I will acknowledge, at least, that you saw a need, and sought to fulfill it, to save one who seemed she could be saved." There's sympathy in her voice, but it's not entirely without reproach. She isn't going to say that only the intent matters, while the result matters not at all. 'But it's something that I can't get out of my head, and I worry that'll come off as me not using proper discretion in dealing with the girl she's trying to guide...' "It should not be, I may say, that the guidance of Ms. Soroka should be left to Lilian. She, herself, does not wish for this, that others might see Ms. Soroka's transgressions then as Lilian's fault. There are some who may, and it would be better, I think, that others did not hold back from correcting those mistakes that they can see. It is understandable to feel uncertainty in such things, for neither I, nor you, nor any other elite with whom she operates is that girl's minder, guardian, nor parent. It should not be responsibility for her care should fall to any one of us, and yet, I hope you will keep these things mind. You may consider it a favor to me, should you find her behavior unacceptable, and you step forward with strength in your voice, and neither leave it to another to correct her, not trust in something as naive as, 'surely, she means no harm.'" Looking out again over those at the memorial, some of whom have paid some attention to their conversation despite distance and lowered voices, Tamamo soon says, "Please pardon me for taking so much of your time, Konoe-san. I shall take my leave." She folds her hands together in her sleeves, and inclines her head, the barest sort of bow.