Week 5 | Tuesday

[concasse]

[This is Sanji's first time calling on Dragon specifically, so... yeah, might be a tad bit nervous about it. He shoos Nami away into his bedroom for a nap before standing in the fire dorm lounge, the room empty of life save for himself.

Wistfully, he thinks how much he'd prefer for Zelos and himself to survive, if only to have a space of their own. Sure does make their jobs easier.

But anyway -- business first. He concentrates on Dragon's name, even calling out]

Dragon-sama... might I have an audience with you?

Comments

[concasse]

[... hm.

Well, that's enough to wipe the smile off of his face, briefly. He watches her with some measure of concern.]

Then you're saying that her goal is more concerned with beating you than whatever might happen to us?

[themodsgrimm]

It does not have to be me - it could be anyone that has ever chosen to oppose her.

[For a moment, her gaze goes far - and it drifts out the window.]

... but it has always been about her.

[concasse]

I see.

[But does he really? It might just be a filler answer as he thinks to himself.]

... Were you always in this role, then? As the Dragon?

[themodsgrimm]

... not always. I had a life before the wars.

[She frowns faintly.]

However I have been Dragon for so long, that if not for my fondness and love for it, that time might not matter in comparison.

[concasse]

[Listening quietly.

Tiger, though she had tried to hide it, seemed to have had the same sentiment.]

... Can you back to that life? If the war ends?

[themodsgrimm]

... maybe I can - but I can't say that I want to.

[She smiles ruefully.]

It is not a time that I miss, only the people - and they would be cross if I rewrote the ending of their story just to live through a time that has expired.

I think simply... my time has expired, and I would like to see that ending.

[concasse]

[If that is not a mood, Dragon.]

... Why?

Why does it have to be you and Tiger-sama in the first place?

[He just sounds. Sad? Very sad.]

Why didn't you get a chance to rest after the other wars?

[themodsgrimm]

[ . . . ]

The victor of the war gets a coveted prize.

I will own the harm that I have caused, and the mistakes that I have made. I want to make them right before I go.

But do not mistake her for a victim in someone else's game when she chose to begin this.

[concasse]

... Tiger-sama did?

[themodsgrimm]

[She nods.]

She will tell you that it is lies, of course.

Yet her actions will speak louder than words - and each one is self-serving.

[concasse]

[Whoo boy.

This is a lot to hear, and Sanji cannot help that his expression falls a bit.]

She set this all up so she could get her hands on the prize?

[themodsgrimm]

[She nods again.]

For her own use.

I admire and appreciate ambition and determination and choice -

... but too many people have not been able to choose their own fates since the beginning of these wars. I cannot forgive her.

[concasse]

... Does that play into some of us having Roles?

[Rubbing his neck]

Sorry, I know talking about this shit is probably draining. I guess I'm just trying to figure out... why it's gotta be this way.

[themodsgrimm]

The Roles have always been in place for the war.

[ . . . ]

I know you are seeking answers, and I wish I could give them all to you. I don't hide out of malice, but rather... constraints for the purpose of the story.

But if it gives you peace of mind, I will continue to do my best.

I want you to be well, even after all we ask.

[concasse]

[Smiling slightly. He doesn't know how he can smile after all of this, but that's just his nature. He still... wants to trust in these women, somehow.]

It's fine.

Honestly, that's enough for me today. I had a more important question I wanted to ask you.

[...]

What's your favorite dish?

[themodsgrimm]

[ . . . she appears startled.

A blink.

Another blink.]

... I beg your pardon?

[concasse]

Your favorite dish to eat, of course!

[OBVIOUSLY]

[themodsgrimm]

[what about this is obvious.

she's

flustered]

... do you ask out of obligation?

You owe me nothing... It feels wrong to say.

[concasse]

-- Wha, of course not!

I cook because I enjoy it.

It's a chef's job, anyway, to spread whatever happiness he can through his cooking.

[themodsgrimm]

[ . . . hm.

It is small, but his words manage to get her to smile. A bit of amusement reaches her eyes.]

... I do not believe you are only capable of that through your cooking. You as a person seem very capable of spreading happiness.

[ . . . ]

I like banana nut bread.

[concasse]

[... Hearing that

makes Sanji hope that maybe he'll make it to the finish line, after all.

It's a nice dream, isn't it?]

Banana nut bread it is~!