WEEK 4 - MONDAY; LIGHT (unspecified time? somewhere in the motel? idk.)

[crushcard]

[ Of all the confrontations in the wake of the events of the previous week, this particular one is the one that he's dreading the most.

Because Light is clever and has an uncanny knack for reading between the lines, for hitting the nail on the head, and Seto's not going to lie - his pride is still smarting from when Light called him out at the trial this past weekend.

Because damn it, he had been afraid, reacting too quickly in a semi knee-jerk response because it's taken him years and he still hasn't recovered entirely from the trauma inflicted on him during Duelist Kingdom, still remembers in his nightmares the utter despair that comes from having his soul sealed away for a bizarre resurrection ritual.

So it's understandable when he's cornered by Light in the motel, that all Seto will do is scowl angrily, his arms folded, looking more defensive than usual. There's a challenge in his gaze though, the way his head is tilted upwards to be held high, regardless.

Cat got your tongue, Light? ]

Comments

[godly]

[Light meets Kaiba's challenging gaze with a lift of his chin, an almost stubborn reflection right back at the man. No, the cat doesn't have his tongue this time around; he's merely sorting through the words in his head before he speaks them.

Because as far as Light's concerned, if there are weaknesses within his allies, it'd be best that he knows of them. Kaiba's quickness to vote for Craftly in the last trial -- a knee-jerk reaction based solely off of fear -- was definitely a sign of said weakness, in Light's opinion. He needs all those he's chosen to rely on (something that isn't easy for him, admittedly) to think with a clear mind, to not have their focus muddied up by... past biases.

And so, time to clarify a few things.]

We need to talk about how you acted in the trial. You already know what I'm referring to.

[crushcard]

[ If Light is the image of cold, precise calculation wielded with absolute precision, Seto is raw, unbridled passion, forcibly honed and and tempered into a force that when unleashed, would take the world down with him.

He's not afraid to admit that it's led to some questionable decisions in his lifetime, although he's always tried to play it to best suit his own needs and purposes.

He knows exactly what Light is talking about, and he's also aware that there is no point in hiding, now that they've committed to this alliance with the Hunters.

Light has already implied that he's familiar with the supernatural, after all. ]

You're referring to my... episode. [ WELL THAT'S ONE WAY OF PUTTING IT. ] How I declared that I refused to let myself be used as a ritual sacrifice.

[ He's going to sigh here, lift his hands to rub at his temples. They're not pleasant memories. ]

I assure you I'm speaking from experience that having your soul harvested for the purposes of a resurrection ritual is less than a pleasant experience.

[ It's quiet, serious. There's no trace of sarcasm, none of his usual condescending tone. ]

I refuse to entertain whatever entity deigns to determine what they can do with me.

[godly]

[An "episode". Yes, that's one word for it.

Light listens, his expression unchanging. He's not moving from his spot, even if it does look a bit like he's cornered Kaiba into giving him answers -- that might not be terribly far from the truth of the matter, after all.]

Soul harvesting. [A resurrection ritual? Well, he's not being told anything he couldn't have assumed himself, what with Kaiba's outburst during the trial.

Unsatisfactory. And so, coldly, clinically:] Explain further.

[crushcard]

[ God fucking damn it, Light, you're a genius, you should recognise the signs of heavily repressed trauma, at the very least - how his breathing seems even but forced, the shaking of his hands even as they're clenched into fists when he drops them to his side, how his expression goes a little bit distant, as if he's trying to dissociate himself from the experience.

At least it's not sympathy. He would have walked away if Light Yagami had even shown the smallest bit of sympathy towards him. ]

Yes. I had a-- [ He hesitated to say friend, because once upon a time, he had respected Pegasus Crawford enough. Before... before. ] --business associate, who tried to use a combination of my SolidVision technology and soul magic to resurrect his late wife. Conspired with the board of directors for my company to essentially oust me from my rightful position and ensure that I couldn't return to exact revenge by virtue of being a soulless shell locked in a castle on a godforsaken island.

[ He's fixing a glare at Light now - it's evident that he's even loathe to admit just the barest details, what he's given Light. ]

[godly]

[That's right, he is a genius -- but he's also an individual that lacks empathy these days. He can see the signs of trauma, but to him, that's only more reason to delve deeper. To ask questions, to root out the source of just what has Kaiba potentially so strung-up on the inside.

Again, he listens, but a lot of this is still confusing without much context. He can suspend his disbelief just enough (it's easy when he has experience with the supernatural, too) to let the man speak until the very end, and then Light tries to process this.]

Obviously he didn't succeed, if you're still here and alive.

[A sharp exhale.]

So that's why you wanted to act rashly and vote for Craftly. I'm glad I could talk some sense into you -- but it's worth pointing out that you're not much of an ally if I can't expect for you to act calmly and rationally at all times.

[And here comes the questions.]

How did you get out of that predicament?