RE high_seas: On doing what he thinks he must...

[wavesoakedlegs]

It is true that the presence of the shard could be potentially dangerous for all of us, my Lady... but Lord Motochika and I will do everything in our power to keep those in our care out of harm. If it becomes necessary, you must let me do whatever it takes to protect them.

I am the least of all on our ship. Please try to understand; I know you care deeply for me, but such a sacrifice cannot be completely discounted.

Comments

[umi_no_kami]

[Have a Lugia who, as always, is on a personal mission to find out what Articuno sees in this man.]

An admirable spirit. But you should keep in mind that if you succumb now, you will not be able to provide help a second, or a third time, should it be needed.

All lives are equally precious. Do not let the illusions of position and rank cloud your judgment.

[wavesoakedlegs]

It is not position and rank that I am concerned with here; I have many inexperienced young men and women on the ship I share with Lord Motochika, all but one being incapable of defending themselves. They must take priority.

[A pause, and then Mitsuhide adds:]

Nor will I see Lord Motochika die for my sake again. Not even in the world we live in, where the dead are brought back to life. Certainly I do not intend to merely let myself die, but I will stand as the first shield against any who seek to do harm.

[umi_no_kami]

I see. Your resolve is admirable, of the sort that is rarely found in humans.

But this Lord that you speak of - just like you are concerned with his safety, he must be concerned with yours. Does that mean nothing to you?

[wavesoakedlegs]

Of course it does.

But he is the Captain of our ship. He is the leader, the one most experienced in ship-craft, the only one with any true connection to the wide seas. Our ship will feel the loss of Lord Motochika more than it will the loss of myself.

[All true, though of course, there is more to it than that...]

[umi_no_kami]

Must there necessarily be a sacrifice?

When I still lived among humans, I heard it was said that only the warrior who goes to battle thinking that he will never see his home again will make a safe return.

Well, I beg to differ - what a sad notion. Only with thoughts of family and loved ones firmly in his mind is a man able to withstand the greatest of trials. And live to share his victory upon his return home.

You who bear my child's blessing - do not forget that.