[That was about the answer she expected. She nods, and looks him in the eye. She's not going to dance around the issue.]
As a group, we've discussed that Shizuku and I are the ones with some of the most important abilities. [Aside from Chrollo, of course.] I don't regret my choice, but I won't deny that my death will severely cripple the Spider until a proper replacement is found.
But I'm here now, and with a new power, too. That makes what I can do even more valuable. Unfortunately, my abilities won't be of use to anyone if I return home. [A pause.]
I want you to take mine while I'm still here.
Edited 2015-04-22 00:50 (UTC)
if you consider 'making chrollo cry' getting shit done
And I had accepted mine. We all accept our deaths before they happen. [It's just a part of being a member of the Troupe.]
But do you honestly think that everything would work out how you had originally planned? That the Spider would really be able to recover after the loss of its Head?
I'm more than my abilities, and you're more than just the Spider's Head. [More than just the Boss. Family - even if they would never use that word, themselves.]
I would miss you, but I'd be glad to know you're going back alive. [And that's what matters most to her.]
We all know someone is supposed to replace you, but which one of us do you think would be able to fill your shoes?
Who would be able to lead us as effectively as you do? None of us have the qualities necessary to take on your role and while maintaining the Spider's integrity. We wouldn't be as strong without you there.
You want to see yourself as just a symbol, but you're not! [Her voice raises.] You're the one who started everything, the one who brought us all together!
If you really believe that it's as simple as finding a replacement and going on as we did before, then you're an idiot!
Chrollo pushes himself off the box and stands. A breath, and he walks over to her, watches her with an unreadable expression.]
I won't pretend to be humble. But at times I am, indeed, a fool. Still, you underestimate yourself, and the others. Without me, you would find a way. A different way, perhaps, but a way, even so. This is how it must be.
None of us is immortal, or free from danger.
[how long had they held Hisoka at their bosom, after all? Not to mention that he's twice made arrangements with Hisoka that could, in theory, end with his death.]
I know that. [She huffs, and looks off to the side.]
But it doesn't matter now. Like I said, I already made my choice, and I don't regret it. [Anyway. Enough about that. Back to the real reason why she's here.]
The only reason you wouldn't want to take my abilities is sentimentality. [Is she presuming too much? Perhaps, but she's not worrying about that right now.] You shouldn't let that get in the way. If you take them, you can only benefit.
[Says nothing, because... well, he's got her there. The only reason he's alive right now is because of her own sentimentality. It's a few moments before she speaks up again.]
There's a reason I asked my question. If I vanish from here... someone does need to step into my place.
[He cups her cheek with his palm.]
We each have our roles within the body of the Spider. But yes... I understand your point. And I will prepare myself to take on your role if I must, if you will prepare yourself to take on mine.
Forgive her, Chrollo. She needs some time to process that. There are many things he could have said, but that was what she least expected. But thinking about it, she isn't entirely sure why. She can't do anything back home, but here? Out of them all, who else would be better suited to take over if he disappeared?]
Yes! Of course. [What other answer would she possibly give?]
That may be more difficult, given my bargain with Hisoka.
[Honest, as always. He won't pretend certainty where there is none.
And the truth is, he's absolutely confident in his ability to win, just... not that he actually will. For emotionally complicated reasons. He takes a deep breath, kind of sighs it out.]
[Hisoka. There's no hiding the look of distaste that appears at the mention of his name. But she won't say anything about it. There's been enough of her arguing for one evening.]
I suppose that will have to do. [Anyway.] Has your ability to copy powers been altered, outside of your book being mostly emptied?
[Chrollo kind of. Gives a tiny smile at Paku's reaction - not apologetic but definitely... well let's say it's meant to smooth over her obvious distaste. He'll let it go if she will. Although he does wonder, vaguely... how likely it is to stay unspoken forever.
And he doesn't even blame them.]
Indeed. For one thing.
[He holds his hand out, and the book shimmers into existence.]
It is truly copying, at this point. The original neither loses their ability nor knows it has been replicated. Convenient. Also, the terms have changed, but you being you, most of them are already fulfilled - knowledge, and viewing. That only leaves one: a piece of the original user, or something important to them.
For the former, a lock of hair would do, or a bit of blood. It's your choice. As it happens, I can heal any wound inflicted, but I can't regrow your hair.
[Pakunoda listens carefully as he explains. It sounds simple enough, and none too troublesome, either. Not that it would be an issue if it was. She nods once.]
I understand. Although, there's still the new addition of memory alteration. But maybe we could save that for after I get a chance to test it out.
I believe it works the same way as my other powers. [Or at least, she's fairly sure it is. Either way, she reaches out to grasp Chrollo's hand.]
What did you just say? [She doesn't wait for him to answer. Doesn't need to. The memory surfaces immediately, and as soon as she sees it, she wills it away into nothing. The only thing that remains is perhaps a feeling of lost time, or something else that could explain the sudden blank where that memory was.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
because it gets shit done
As a group, we've discussed that Shizuku and I are the ones with some of the most important abilities. [Aside from Chrollo, of course.] I don't regret my choice, but I won't deny that my death will severely cripple the Spider until a proper replacement is found.
But I'm here now, and with a new power, too. That makes what I can do even more valuable. Unfortunately, my abilities won't be of use to anyone if I return home. [A pause.]
I want you to take mine while I'm still here.
if you consider 'making chrollo cry' getting shit done
No.
[...was that too harsh? It was, actually, and too hasty, as well. He knows it as soon as the word leaves his mouth.]
...I shouldn't be so hasty, and I do understand your point.
[It still aches just to think about it. He closes his eyes for a moment.]
Your value is greater than a set of abilities. Why did you choose the path you did?
and what if i do what then
Because I didn't want you to die.
well then mission accomplished literally as soon as she left her first message
[No.]
I had already accepted death. I was at peace with it. Paku.
oh wonderful c:
But do you honestly think that everything would work out how you had originally planned? That the Spider would really be able to recover after the loss of its Head?
I'm more than my abilities, and you're more than just the Spider's Head. [More than just the Boss. Family - even if they would never use that word, themselves.]
We need you, Chrollo. More than we needed me.
CRUEL
[How does he even address that. He presses his fingers to the bridge of his nose.]
If I fall, someone will replace me. I was never meant to be indispensable. If I am...
[...maybe he's failed in some way. But that doesn't seem quite right.]
Tell me. What will you do if I disappear first?
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We all know someone is supposed to replace you, but which one of us do you think would be able to fill your shoes?
Who would be able to lead us as effectively as you do? None of us have the qualities necessary to take on your role and while maintaining the Spider's integrity. We wouldn't be as strong without you there.
You want to see yourself as just a symbol, but you're not! [Her voice raises.] You're the one who started everything, the one who brought us all together!
If you really believe that it's as simple as finding a replacement and going on as we did before, then you're an idiot!
no subject
Chrollo pushes himself off the box and stands. A breath, and he walks over to her, watches her with an unreadable expression.]
I won't pretend to be humble. But at times I am, indeed, a fool. Still, you underestimate yourself, and the others. Without me, you would find a way. A different way, perhaps, but a way, even so. This is how it must be.
None of us is immortal, or free from danger.
[how long had they held Hisoka at their bosom, after all? Not to mention that he's twice made arrangements with Hisoka that could, in theory, end with his death.]
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But it doesn't matter now. Like I said, I already made my choice, and I don't regret it. [Anyway. Enough about that. Back to the real reason why she's here.]
The only reason you wouldn't want to take my abilities is sentimentality. [Is she presuming too much? Perhaps, but she's not worrying about that right now.] You shouldn't let that get in the way. If you take them, you can only benefit.
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Tch. You're one to criticize me for sentimentality.
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... Then do it for me. Please.
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There's a reason I asked my question. If I vanish from here... someone does need to step into my place.
[He cups her cheek with his palm.]
We each have our roles within the body of the Spider. But yes... I understand your point. And I will prepare myself to take on your role if I must, if you will prepare yourself to take on mine.
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Forgive her, Chrollo. She needs some time to process that. There are many things he could have said, but that was what she least expected. But thinking about it, she isn't entirely sure why. She can't do anything back home, but here? Out of them all, who else would be better suited to take over if he disappeared?]
Yes! Of course. [What other answer would she possibly give?]
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[Asking that makes him feel... oddly lighter. He'll need to choose again in the event that she does disappear, but in the meantime...
Everyone within the Troupe trusted Paku, her judgment. If something happens to him, they won't descend into chaos.]
...but, that isn't an excuse to disappear, hm? Or to die again.
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I won't. But only if you promise not to die, either.
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[Honest, as always. He won't pretend certainty where there is none.
And the truth is, he's absolutely confident in his ability to win, just... not that he actually will. For emotionally complicated reasons. He takes a deep breath, kind of sighs it out.]
Still. I'll make an effort.
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I suppose that will have to do. [Anyway.] Has your ability to copy powers been altered, outside of your book being mostly emptied?
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And he doesn't even blame them.]
Indeed. For one thing.
[He holds his hand out, and the book shimmers into existence.]
It is truly copying, at this point. The original neither loses their ability nor knows it has been replicated. Convenient. Also, the terms have changed, but you being you, most of them are already fulfilled - knowledge, and viewing. That only leaves one: a piece of the original user, or something important to them.
For the former, a lock of hair would do, or a bit of blood. It's your choice. As it happens, I can heal any wound inflicted, but I can't regrow your hair.
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I understand. Although, there's still the new addition of memory alteration. But maybe we could save that for after I get a chance to test it out.
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Test it now.
Make me forget that I said this sentence.
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What did you just say? [She doesn't wait for him to answer. Doesn't need to. The memory surfaces immediately, and as soon as she sees it, she wills it away into nothing. The only thing that remains is perhaps a feeling of lost time, or something else that could explain the sudden blank where that memory was.]
Well?
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What? Ah, I lost track of time for a moment, my apologies.
I mean to say... make me forget that--
[....oh. Okay he's laughing now.]
Remarkable.
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It isn't a lock, but will this do?
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[...even if this is making him feel guilty again.]
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She takes a moment to pluck out a few more stands of hair, and then hands them over to him.]
Here.
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