Yes, I realized it during the trial. I had thought for some reason that Carlos-san and Polly-san would be unable to communicate with us because they were watching the dead, but...
I see him once or twice a week when I can, but I know he's busy. [He still misses him a lot, but he's trying not to be needy.] I thought you knew, sorry. That's why I didn't say anything before now.
...you know I'll tell you everything possible. I don't like holding information from you, but sometimes the things I hear from people on this ship are so hard to believe it takes time to process them myself. I wish I had an extra day to compile notes and information but between murders and exorcisms and the weird stuff that happens here it's getting harder.
Master, that was not permission for you to beat yourself over any perceived shortcomings. It is fine.
[Just handwaving his explanation away, tails giving a faint twitch as she reaches for the bottle again]
And besides, the last time we had this conversation, you were so fearful of my reaction that you distracted me for the rest of the night. It seems I can't be openly cross with you without you running around in panicked circles.
[She's just. saying.]
In any case... it's the theory that for each demon we kill, another is formed?
I'm not. [...he just sighs and slumps down.] Sorry, never mind. It's not really that.
[He doesn't explain though because it's sort of that. Anyway.]
But right. That theory. For each demon we take out, we're inviting more in. It's not something I'm happy with and something I'm trying to put a stop to but so far we're not hitting any solid ideas. But it explains how the first group went from thirty-three to twelve in four weeks.
Naturally that would prove a problem for us as well... we struggle already with keeping morale high.
[Taking a swig directly from the bottle bc someone stole her glass]
While I doubt most of us would simply roll over for the demons, we'll be easier to pick off if the situation begins to feel hopeless. Multiplying demons will certainly do that.
Right, exactly my point. The more despair people feel about being here, the easier the demons can sneak in when we aren't looking and settle in to a new host. We won't be able to even tell the difference but they'll feed off of that power...if you believe in stuff like that, I guess. Some people still don't.
But if they can multiple, we're going to end up outnumbered faster than we can stop them. So what do we do?
... It's speculation on my part, but I did once engage in a war against beings called Demon Pillars. 72 of them, all horrifically strong. While my side was forced to do battle with them all, our hope was to defeat their master, and thus send them into chaos.
If we had a way to narrow our focus onto their leader -- assuming there is one -- that would simplify things for us.
[Though the natural argument is what happens if they don't have such a luxury]
72...[Dear god no. That's so many. But he gets what Tamamo's saying and he shakes his head in response.] I don't know if there's a core, but Wei Wuxian and I talked about the idea that it's possible the ship itself is an entity that's binding us and the demons here. It'd explain how the different effects get to us each week, wouldn't it?
If that's true, the only way to then defeat it is unlock all of the ship's secrets.
Then I guess I'll pick some up next time I head that way. [But he grins almost brightly.] I've picked up a handful of tricks over the last year, Tamamo. Breaking and entering is only one of them.
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[Apparently that wasn't the case]
Then you've been in contact with him regularly?
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[... glancing down at the table, her thoughts veiled]
Besides, I told you already that I will not question your decisions to withhold information, if you deem it necessary.
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Have you heard the theory of the hydra yet?
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[Just handwaving his explanation away, tails giving a faint twitch as she reaches for the bottle again]
And besides, the last time we had this conversation, you were so fearful of my reaction that you distracted me for the rest of the night. It seems I can't be openly cross with you without you running around in panicked circles.
[She's just. saying.]
In any case... it's the theory that for each demon we kill, another is formed?
[Or something along those lines]
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[He doesn't explain though because it's sort of that. Anyway.]
But right. That theory. For each demon we take out, we're inviting more in. It's not something I'm happy with and something I'm trying to put a stop to but so far we're not hitting any solid ideas. But it explains how the first group went from thirty-three to twelve in four weeks.
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[Taking a swig directly from the bottle bc someone stole her glass]
While I doubt most of us would simply roll over for the demons, we'll be easier to pick off if the situation begins to feel hopeless. Multiplying demons will certainly do that.
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But if they can multiple, we're going to end up outnumbered faster than we can stop them. So what do we do?
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... It's speculation on my part, but I did once engage in a war against beings called Demon Pillars. 72 of them, all horrifically strong. While my side was forced to do battle with them all, our hope was to defeat their master, and thus send them into chaos.
If we had a way to narrow our focus onto their leader -- assuming there is one -- that would simplify things for us.
[Though the natural argument is what happens if they don't have such a luxury]
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If that's true, the only way to then defeat it is unlock all of the ship's secrets.
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I'll have to stock up on salon pins, in such a case. It worked well enough opening doors for me last time.
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Master, you of all people should know that I don't play fair. I've always known how to pick a lock.
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[Features picking up into an amused smile]
There is a reason for that, but trust me, it would require at least thirty minutes of explanation, and all for a hairpin.
[So gonna handwave that away, Heroic Spirits are wild and convoluted]
I do agree that keeping a few pins on your person would be beneficial. You never know what will need to be unlocked.
[-- Also arching a brow now, because--]
Are you saying you know how to pick locks as well, Master?
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Is that so? I'm impressed. Perhaps you have tricks even I haven't thought of.
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