五十一 [Video]
[As the video clicks on, it shows a prinny first, and then slowly turns back to Japan. There's a chorus of "dood" in the background, but Japan speaks over it.]
Ah, Karkat... I believe I found Benfromlost-san. Was he lost? I do not understand how... Ah, at least, he responded to that name...
[But his voice trails off and a shocked expression slowly sets on his face. He lowers his hand with the communicator, so the view's obscured, but if you look closely you might see something that looks like... a ghost image of Seifer?]
I wouldn't worry about it, you didn't make me walk through that fire Japan. Not your responsibility. [There's a pause, as if someone else's lines should be there. And Japan realizes it instantly. Even if his timing's a bit off. Seifer-ghost stopped walking.]
But... did you walk through it for me...
...Tch. Did it for both of you. That's my job ain't it? What's with the weird questions. [A longer pause.] Wait. [Japan can't seem to stop watching. HE'S A SUCKER FOR THE PAST, OKAY. And this was so long ago...]
There's something you and Ace need to realize about me. I'm a soldier above everything else. You'll always be posse Japan. I told you before all you gotta do is ask and I'll do whatever. As your posse I'll die for you. [A pause.] Before I'm a person though I have a job. As your commander I will change the world for you and everyone who follows me if I gotta. That includes Ace. I can't let him get into messes he doesn't understand and I can't let you get dragged into it with him.
Maybe you think it's stupid, but this is the only way I know how to live. Is this alright?
[Wow, who knew Seifer could ask for approval. JAPAN DID. Anyway he stays silent this time, though you can bet he's replaying the words in his mind.]
...Tch. ...I don't have anything else. Duty's the only thing I've got. I can't give it up. ... I won't. No matter what anyone says.
[And the image fades away, leaving Japan to stand there silently with the communicator in his hand at his side. And finally he slides his fingers over to shut the device without a word.]
Ah, Karkat... I believe I found Benfromlost-san. Was he lost? I do not understand how... Ah, at least, he responded to that name...
[But his voice trails off and a shocked expression slowly sets on his face. He lowers his hand with the communicator, so the view's obscured, but if you look closely you might see something that looks like... a ghost image of Seifer?]
I wouldn't worry about it, you didn't make me walk through that fire Japan. Not your responsibility. [There's a pause, as if someone else's lines should be there. And Japan realizes it instantly. Even if his timing's a bit off. Seifer-ghost stopped walking.]
But... did you walk through it for me...
...Tch. Did it for both of you. That's my job ain't it? What's with the weird questions. [A longer pause.] Wait. [Japan can't seem to stop watching. HE'S A SUCKER FOR THE PAST, OKAY. And this was so long ago...]
There's something you and Ace need to realize about me. I'm a soldier above everything else. You'll always be posse Japan. I told you before all you gotta do is ask and I'll do whatever. As your posse I'll die for you. [A pause.] Before I'm a person though I have a job. As your commander I will change the world for you and everyone who follows me if I gotta. That includes Ace. I can't let him get into messes he doesn't understand and I can't let you get dragged into it with him.
Maybe you think it's stupid, but this is the only way I know how to live. Is this alright?
[Wow, who knew Seifer could ask for approval. JAPAN DID. Anyway he stays silent this time, though you can bet he's replaying the words in his mind.]
...Tch. ...I don't have anything else. Duty's the only thing I've got. I can't give it up. ... I won't. No matter what anyone says.
[And the image fades away, leaving Japan to stand there silently with the communicator in his hand at his side. And finally he slides his fingers over to shut the device without a word.]