Entry #B-5: "Brake" [May 9, Night, Text]

[dead_black_eyes]

I've ascertained that Gamzee Makara was sent home by BREW.

As his former partner, it's probably my duty to inform everyone who might care. So... consider yourselves informed.

Comments

[voice | private]

[want_the_world]

Is this a time when I ought to assume you're fine, or not?

[voice | private]

[dead_black_eyes]

Assume as much, and tell Sollux, if he misses this message for any reason.

Not to change the subject... but this is important. I'm sure you're aware that there is an individual in the city who is identical physically to Ryou Bakura, and that the resemblance ends there? He wants to invite you and Near to "play a game," and he wanted me to know. Do with the information what you like, but step lightly, in either case.

[voice | private]

[want_the_world]

I'll make sure Gemini knows.

The one Bakura calls the Voice, yes. I'm familiar with him.

[Mello finds him amusing.]

Did he give any more details than that?

[voice | private]

[dead_black_eyes]

[L wants, and tries to find the other Bakura amusing, but he can't ignore the fact that resonance decimated him, as well as Ryou's fear of his doppelganger.]

It was not a long or detailed conversation. I believe that he was trying to use you and Near to intimidate me, and that your involvement in any "game" would be risky.

It's your choice, but I recognize that I am not always in a position to preach about caution.

[voice | private]

[want_the_world]

I doubt any 'game' he'd invite us to would be interesting enough to outweigh how inadvisable participating would be.

Or how damn annoying that guy is sometimes.

[The Voice is very protective of Bakura, in his own twisted way. Mello's not surprised he tried to intimidate L.]

[voice | private]

[dead_black_eyes]

[L's protectiveness of his successors is motivated by what makes parents protective of their children; though they are not biologically related, he sees protecting them as higher than self-pservation. They are more than people, they are his future and his legacy, and without them, he's not just dead in body when he goes, he is dead forever.]

People don't always voluntarily play his games, from what Bakura has told me. His goal could be a literal game, or it could be a mere trifle, like... well. A name or a face, for instance.

You know all this, I realize that. It is just that writing someone off as merely "annoying" can be dangerous, and his motives are too erratic and bizarre for me to predict flawlessly.

[voice | private]

[want_the_world]

Assuming he was telling the truth, and I believe he was, he can't get what he wants from either of us. Anything he concerns himself with here is like a game he plays to pass the time.

Besides, I can't think of a single thing he could do or say to coerce Near into playing this one.

[Mello might, purely out of curiosity, but his partner isn't susceptible to that motivation where the Voice is concerned.]

[voice | private]

[dead_black_eyes]

He knows that Near is important to you beyond a level that is typical for partners.

He seemed unusually interested in it, along with your connection to me.

I wouldn't let him out of your sight, frankly.

[voice | private]

[want_the_world]

[I should have been more careful.

Still, the level of caution L suggests is over the line into paranoia. Mello can't imagine it's necessary, but he also knows L wouldn't offer that advice without a damn good reason.]

You think he's going to try something.

[voice | private]

[dead_black_eyes]

Yes, I do.

His chances of being effective are decreased significantly if you are just a little more vigilant in the coming days or weeks. At the very least, it would put my mind at ease.

[voice | private]

[want_the_world]

All right. I'll tell Near to be on alert, too.