[Ryou isn't usually the kind of guy who takes charge, and makes a spectacle. A year ago, perhaps, he'd have cowered from this at all, even if it meant someone he cared about would get hurt, because he wasn't the kind of person to seek retribution in such a way.
...Then again, a year ago, he hadn't had the Fog in his mind, he hadn't woken up one day to see someone taking the one person here cared for most in this place, and died trying to stop him.
Now, with his priorities, with Atem to protect...and with Her strength, Her knowledge and perspective helping him come to these decisions, Ryou is different. When Atem finally pulls back and leaves it in his hands, Ryou's first move is to shove Jacobsen onto his back. It doesn't matter how he screams, how he pleads, and god does he plead.
"Please, please! I'll give you anything! I'll shut my business down, I swear--"]
A price will be paid. But you don't get to set the terms of it, Mr. Jacobsen. Not when you couldn't even follow a simple direction. We didn't have to be the monsters you thought we were, you were given a choice. Do you think I was? Or him?
You've been here all your life, Mr. Jacobsen. You've seen many monsters come and go, and you've built a life around them, knowing that every day could be your last, and you still betray your fellow man.
[Ryou leans in close, flattening one pawlike hand against Jacobsen's chest, leaning in close. Blood drips from his ear onto Jacobsen's cheek, mixing with sweat and dirt and more blood, but not Ryou's.]
You've seen that people like me show up here human, not wanting to kill to feed. I didn't choose this.
But you did. And at least you can rest easy knowing that you won't have to live your hell again and again.
[He pauses there, looks to Atem, but the weight of his strong, heavy arm means Jacobsen can't wriggle away. All he can do is whine and beg and ask to be let up...which Ryou ignores.]
no subject
...Then again, a year ago, he hadn't had the Fog in his mind, he hadn't woken up one day to see someone taking the one person here cared for most in this place, and died trying to stop him.
Now, with his priorities, with Atem to protect...and with Her strength, Her knowledge and perspective helping him come to these decisions, Ryou is different. When Atem finally pulls back and leaves it in his hands, Ryou's first move is to shove Jacobsen onto his back. It doesn't matter how he screams, how he pleads, and god does he plead.
"Please, please! I'll give you anything! I'll shut my business down, I swear--"]
A price will be paid. But you don't get to set the terms of it, Mr. Jacobsen. Not when you couldn't even follow a simple direction. We didn't have to be the monsters you thought we were, you were given a choice. Do you think I was? Or him?
You've been here all your life, Mr. Jacobsen. You've seen many monsters come and go, and you've built a life around them, knowing that every day could be your last, and you still betray your fellow man.
[Ryou leans in close, flattening one pawlike hand against Jacobsen's chest, leaning in close. Blood drips from his ear onto Jacobsen's cheek, mixing with sweat and dirt and more blood, but not Ryou's.]
You've seen that people like me show up here human, not wanting to kill to feed. I didn't choose this.
But you did. And at least you can rest easy knowing that you won't have to live your hell again and again.
[He pauses there, looks to Atem, but the weight of his strong, heavy arm means Jacobsen can't wriggle away. All he can do is whine and beg and ask to be let up...which Ryou ignores.]
Atem. Remove your bandages, please.