[Turn away she might, but though Aoshi closes his eyes again, he doesn't need to see to know what's happening. The sorrow, the self-loathing that precedes a disregard for one's fate... the last time he'd felt these from Megumi had been Kanryuu's observation tower, a whole lifetime ago. The sands of the past have flooded the present and they want nothing more than to submerge them both. To entomb them for all eternity, prisoners to a life they both thought they could leave behind.]
[Despair is treacherously infectious, and for awhile, Megumi's manages to overwhelm him. Lesser men would've risen right there and left without a word. Perhaps abandoned all that mattered today and find another despicable crime lord to work for. Or take those swords up to throw himself at the strongest opponents again and again, until there can be no doubt about who is the mightiest of all.]
[But like the best of spies, Aoshi Shinomori is able to step back and see the bigger picture. This had always been his gift, and with his mind so much clearer than it had been that final night in Kanryuu's estate, he needs it now more than ever. She needs it now.]
The night Battousai came to rescue you.
[He lets his words dangle on purpose so that Megumi will have no choice but to turn to him. Not without wiping her tears away first, no doubt. Out of respect for her dignity, he keeps his eyes shut.]
no subject
[Despair is treacherously infectious, and for awhile, Megumi's manages to overwhelm him. Lesser men would've risen right there and left without a word. Perhaps abandoned all that mattered today and find another despicable crime lord to work for. Or take those swords up to throw himself at the strongest opponents again and again, until there can be no doubt about who is the mightiest of all.]
[But like the best of spies, Aoshi Shinomori is able to step back and see the bigger picture. This had always been his gift, and with his mind so much clearer than it had been that final night in Kanryuu's estate, he needs it now more than ever. She needs it now.]
The night Battousai came to rescue you.
[He lets his words dangle on purpose so that Megumi will have no choice but to turn to him. Not without wiping her tears away first, no doubt. Out of respect for her dignity, he keeps his eyes shut.]
Do you remember what I said to you then?