Ryukumu clasps his hands around the bars of his jail cell. He is tired. He is beaten. He has failed. He has let his friends down.

"(I failed.)"

Shaking his head, Ryukumu tries to clear his thoughts. Just how did this all start... it all comes back to quite some time ago when Ryukumu and Roger Corbey offered to go to Solaris on a reconnaissance mission. One thing led to another, and Ryukumu eventually found out more then what was healthy for him to know.

"(I know this will never stop.)"

Ryukumu's weakness makes him sick. He was in a prime position to prevent this from happening. All he had to do was kill his opponents yesterday.

"(How come I am so weak?)"

Looking out the window at the night sky, he can't believe his own weakness. This is war! People are killed! He has killed before! Why can he not kill his direct opponent in combat? Why? All it would have taken is a thrust of his Gear's sword through Matama, and it would be over with. Joseph would have not been able to theaten usage of the self-destruction switch. Even though Matama was nearly disabled (Hydra was barely in any better shape), the force of the self-destruction sequence could have leveled half the town.

"(A single thrust is all I needed to do.)"

And so, he surrendered. He had no choice. He surrendered. Gave up. Turned himself in. Threw in the towel. LOST. Damnit! How come he was so weak? Mercy has no place on the battlefield! It's kill or be killed! It's you or them! His friends aren't butchers, but they've accepted that. They spare lives when possible, they aren't bloodthirsty, but they do what they have to do. Why can't he bring himself to finish what he's started?

"(But killing is wrong. I have no right to take the life of another. Even if they intend to kill me.)"

A town cannot be built without clearing land. That requires cutting down-- killing-- trees. How can it be so different with people? Sure, they have souls, but it is simple logic: When someone threatens your life, it is in your best interest to terminate theirs to save your own.

"(It's still not right.)"

But now he knows he'll have to break his philosophy of saving lives. He will be brought to Solaris. He will be brought before the Gazel for questioning. He knows too much.

"(...I will end the Ministry.)"

By Talon on Tuesday, September 25, 2001 - 10:35 pm:

I know that the board is IC but...god are we having another person turn into me? Pretty soon Ryu those awards for your capture are gonna be nothing more than a pat on the back and a generous, "Erm...good work...I think."

TO note this post was in not any way meant to be offensive.

By Bart on Wednesday, September 26, 2001 - 03:30 am:

Leaning on the edge of the Yggdrasil's deck, Bart is lost in thought. Ryu hasn't been back in awhile...and noone seems to know where he went. He lets out a deep sigh, he knew he should've kept Ryu in the Ygg where the crew could look out for him, but he -insisted- on going by himself like that. Damn.

Then Bart sweatdrops, when he realized he'd likely do the same thing.

"But that's -RYU- not -ME-," he said to himself, standing up straighter. "I dunno where you are, but if you're in trouble, Bart'll save you!

Bart's the man, he's the no.1!