Matou Shinji and the Price of Victory (HP/FSN CYOA)

[skulkidcachi90]

[X] He respects Andreas leadership style and wanted to learn from him
[X] Shamanism
[X] SL write in for Shamanism

[Daiki]

[x] He respects Andreas' leadership style and wanted to learn from him
[x] Art of Movement
[x] Because Andreas would be have an easier time improving on stuff he already knows (like advanced combat maneuvers and stuff) rather than learn an entirely new discipline's basics.

If someone has to fill the role of the shaman, it should be either Draco (because he is still a vanilla wizard healer for the most) or the Goblin (since goblin shamans suit the lore and that could grant him a high place in Goblin society later).

[Dracueri]

Right now only commanders and 2nd in command are allowed to take the extra classes.

[alfheimwanderer]

Choice 234: [X] He respects Andreas leadership style and wanted to learn from him
Choice 235: [X] Shamanism; [X] Depends on the role Andresa wants to play in the squad, as Reinforcement or Art of Movement would boost his fighting ability directly but the squad has that role covered fairly well. Ofuda 101 given that both Shinji and Nines has knowledge in can be learned within the squad if he wishes to shares skill training. Where as Shamanism, the squad does not have a practitioner, yet has proven to be a very useful skillset based on what he seen on the Island with Remona. The ability to control your environment, call forth the powers of sprites to empower yourself and gather information by communicating with sprites. Its art seems the most Raven Banner method of the options given.

---

Choice 236: "Thanks for the input. I'll be talking over some of the possibilities with the other officers I know, but I'll certainly take your advice into consideration," Andreas noted. "I think that is about all I had for now, unless you had something you wanted from me? Or had knowledge you were willing to offer, in exchange for some of my own?"

[ ] That's all
[ ] Actually, could you teach me about...(write-in)

Choice 237: Of course, Andreas isn't the only one who wants a bit of advice, with one of the other people eager to talk to Shinji being none other than George Weasley, the newly appointed leader of Third Squad. Such wasn't exactly George's first choice of positions - frankly, he would have been more interested in joining the expedition to Azkaban to test his capacity, but Lockhart had decided he was better suited for Home Guard duty - and had mentioned that this assignment would be a better test of George's capacity than anything he had faced to date. After all, in his time as a Stone Cutter - and as a Tri-Wizard Champion - George had mostly been presented with challenges and obstacles that could be overcome with by applying magical power in sufficient quantities in the the right manner. Yet as powerful as George was - and Lockhart certainly acknowledged the boy's abilities - the man had told him that he had much to learn when it came to understanding what it meant to truly wield power.

...and well, given that Lockhart was leading a revolution, held the loyalty of the entire goblin race, commanded an army and was said to have killed Grindelwald in single combat, George was inclined to believe the man.

"Well, Matou, you know a bit more about this squad leadership stuff, especially with your role at WADA and all."

Shinji, of course, protested that he hadn't been there, that it had been Nines, his aide, who was there, though George looked thoroughly unamused.

"You don't need to try and bullshit me, Matou. I know it was you."

"...how?" Shinji asked.

"First, the whole stunt of turning WADA into a trap for the Ministry has you basically written all over it. And second, the Supreme Commander let me see the after-action report," George replied, causing Shinji to sigh. "That writing style is very you, though it doesn't exactly read like a formal report. Thought they would have taught you how to do that when they made you an officer."

"...its a work in progress," the Japanese boy grumbled. "Miss Suoirstulli is giving me some private lessons on that. Among other things."

"Among other things?" George echoed, raising an eyebrow. "Other things like...?"

"Oh, just other things. Nothing important really."

"Nothing important. The First Citizen's secretary is giving you private lessons for nothing important? Should I be telling Luna about--"

"Fine. Fine, I'll tell you. It's just..." the boy trailed off.

"Just?"

"...avoiding collateral damage and how to talk to the press," Shinji mumbled.

"Ha!" George barked, his excellent satori-boosted senses picking up the words Shinji had been so hesitant to say out loud. His expression softened a bit at the admission, though. "Well, good on you for actually facing your issues and doing something about them. On that note, I suppose I have her to thank for you not turning Perce into a bloody smear?"

"...no, actually. I hadn't started taking those lessons yet. I just..." The boy took a deep breath. "Look, I've always believed that you can afford to be merciful if you are strong. I've just...never considered myself to be that strong. Until recently, I guess."

"Pretty damned recently, if the smoking ruins of the Ministry are any indication."

"Look, back then, I was one person trying to face down an entire army of elite mercenaries and buy enough time for everyone to escape. I didn't have any allies. I didn't have fusion. I didn't have the luxury of showing mercy. At WADA, I did. It's that simple."

"I suppose, given what your copy managed during the close of the Tri-Wizard Tournament, that a few half-trained conscripts wouldn't be much of a match for you, would they?" George mused aloud.

"No. They wouldn't," Shinji said coldly. "Though there were a few Aurors in the mix. Still, I didn't have to handle most of them - Miss Suiorstulli took care of the bulk of the strike force."

"On her own?"

"More or less."

George's eyebrows rose, almost reaching her hairline.

"She's that powerful?" the redhead asked, his voice tinged with disbelief. "I expected her to be competent enough since she works for Lockhart, but she's his secretary" (and good eye candy, he thought, but certainly did not say aloud) "not an officer in the army or a bodyguard..."

"Frankly, I'm not convinced that Lockhart actually need a bodyguard," Shinji grumbled. "Not with..." The boy trailed off.

"With what?"

"It's not really my place to say, or my secret to tell," Shinji said brusquely. "Sorry. Really can't talk about it."

"I suppose anyone who can kill Grindelwald in a duel doesn't really need a bodyguard, true enough. At least when he's awake, though even he has to sleep, right?"

"...fair enough," the Japanese boy replied. "Not that anyone except maybe Miss Suoirstulli knows where he sleeps, or when, but...yeah. You make a good point, one that I should really keep in mind more often. And so should you, frankly. Speaking of which, one of the things I've definitely had to learn is that while you and I may be difficult to injure under most circumstances, those we work with are usually not quite so fortunate. They have limitations - human limitations - that a good commander should remember and respect, lest you push them too far and..." He shrugged. "Well, nothing good comes of that."

"Not a bad thing to keep in mind," George admitted after a moment. "Thanks."

"Of course. It was something I wish someone had taught me. Blast if I know how Hillard was so good at being a leader..." Shinji looked down. "I'm a good warrior. A capable enough agent, I guess. But a leader...?"

"You never seemed to mind people looking up to you," George pointed out.

"I wasn't responsible for their lives then, now was I?" Shinji groused. "It's nice to be respected. To have people praising you. But its a different thing when you're actually in charge of them, with...bad consequences if something goes wrong. When a bit of harmless flirtation bites you in the arse and almost destroys your relationship with an old ally, or leads to someone falling in to a coma, or your girlfriend threatening to break up with you if you do something truly, irredeemably stupid."

"...pretty specific consequences there, Matou. Something you want to talk about?"

Shinji glared at his old friend.

"How about no."

"Fair enough," George said, raising his hands in a pacifying gesture.

"It's more that praise and respect is well and good from a distance," Shinji said after a moment, "but when they trust you to make sure everyone comes home at the end of the day, and someone doesn't..." The boy shook his head. "I lost one member of my squad at WADA. Injury, not death, thankfully. Honestly, I'm glad I'm not Lockhart, since sure, he won a crushing victory over the Ministry, which led to the ICW recognizing Albion as the successor state to Magical Britain, but he lost a good few subordinates too. Even if they were only goblins."

"Only goblins, Matou?" George echoed.

"Not what I meant," Shinji muttered. "And please don't repeat that, not with the goblins being a major backer for Albion and all. I meant that they weren't exactly elites, unlike Miss Suoirstulli or the people in hooded robes you may have seen walking around. The goblins are skilled enough as warriors, but they're...still half-trained as wand users."

"That makes more sense. You didn't exactly strike me as a racist, Matou, given Japan and its wealth of youkai."

"Yeah. I'm not, but that doesn't mean I think everyone is worth an equal amount in a war, or that they're good at the same things. Keep that in mind too. Just because you can do something doesn't mean someone else can. At the same time, they may be able to do something you're not capable of either, so look out for that, especially if you do end up working with...mercenaries."

"Oh? Anything special about these mercenaries I should know about?"

[ ] Explain about Magi
[ ] Don't explain about magi

"Also, I don't suppose you know anything about Sigma, the mercenary who they've assigned to me as my second in command?"

Shinji shrugged.

"Never heard the name. He's not as infamous as say, other freelancers like Emiya Kiritsugu, or my former master, Aozaki Touko."

"Well, I suppose it was worth a shot. Couple more questions them if don't mind?"

"Ask."

"You've heard of the classes being offered by Albion? The training for officers?"

"I did. Art of Movement, Shamanism, Ofuda 101, Reinforcement, Advanced Dueling, and Tactical Thinking?"

"Yeah. Anything you recommend? I assume ofuda, but I'm open to other suggestions..."

Which do you recommend?

[ ] Art of Movement
[ ] Shamanism
[ ] Ofuda 101
[ ] Reinforcement
[ ] Advanced Dueling
[ ] Tactical Thinking

And why?

[ ] (write-in)

"Oh, and one more thing. Who do you find more interesting? Miss Delacour, whose Knight you are said to be? Or say, Fujou Kohaku, the ambassador from Japan?"

"...you have a reason for asking?"

"Just curious, is all."

[ ] Fleur
[ ] Kohaku

"And why?"

[ ] (write-in)

[Skull Leader]

[X] Actually, could you teach me a​bout...(The Paperwork Trade; teach Shinji how to write reports, organize his squadron, handle Logistics, all the office stuff of being a Leader, Shinji Andresa the beginning knowledge of Ofuda)

A bit of a joke yet serious answer. We could just upgrade it to Teach me to be a Leader and a Commander, for Ofuda training. But I like the idea of it being focus on paperwork for the both. Cause really you can't teach someone HOW to be a leader, but you can certainly teach them the office tasks a leader has to do. And it is a huge weakness of Shinji so why not? But again I totally understand people going with just Leadership training.

[X] Explain about Magi

I could go either way here. If its a full explanation then no. But a fairly censored partial answer like we gave Andresa, I think George one of the closest male friends, deserves this. I am sick of basically not telling him anything. At the same token he does not need everything about Magi so I get it if people don't want this.

[X] Reinforcement
[X] George's Sprite trick will not always work against future threats as there are things out there that can effect Spirits. Like Shinji's ofuda. George needs to learn how to take a hit to cover this weakness. Reinforcement helps toughen him as well as Transfigurated items that George is good at making. Bonus that if he gets good enough he can reinforce his senses, or his attributes

Yes yes, I get it. Ofuda is something George would benefit from. Same with Shamanism given his spirit nature. And AoM is always good. But the thing is I think that George really really needs to work on how to take a hit. The boy realizes sololy on his disappearing act in spirit form to not get hit. And if there is one lesson I think Shinji learned on the Island when his Fusion was down, is that your main trick might work today but one day it will not. Either the enemy can bypass it, or disrupt it or its simply not available. And when that happens you need to be able to fight without it. Reinforcement will boost George's ability to fight, boost his senses, boost his stats so that he is more capable fighter that does not rely on one trick.

And more its something that does not require him to sink years into learning the skill to benefit from. But sure go with the others skills, they are still useful but I wanted to have George at least think of this issue before he runs against the wrong threat for his current build.

Choice Fleur verse Kohaku PENDING

I am not sure on this one in terms of having an answer for this within the context of Shinji's mind. I will have to think about this one. As this question is not asking us who WE prefer.

[skulkidcachi90]

[ ] That's all

[ ] Don't explain about magi

[x]Shamanism

[x]Since you have some type of spirit ability along with a Satori it is beneficial to know more about how spirits interact with the world and physical matter. Having a better idea on possible limitations of the spirit and what strengths and weaknesses people influenced by spirits have can help determine future plans on what to learn.

[ ] Kohaku

[Caster]

Explain about Magi. While keeping secrets is good I think that to build bridges sharing must happen. So at least explaining some things even if you don’t lay all the cards on the table.


Shamanism. Ofuda are nice but I think this hints at something more interesting/different skill set wise, while probably still being helpful for George.


Explain the positives of both, not weighing hard on either. Pick and choose options like this usually read as route lock kind of things, and I think trying to avoid that would be better.

[Dracueri]

[x]That's all
[x]Explain about Magi

[x]Shamanism
[x]Since you have some type of spirit ability along with a Satori it is beneficial to know more about how spirits interact with the world and physical matter. Having a better idea on possible limitations of the spirit and what strengths and weaknesses people influenced by spirits have can help determine future plans on what to learn.

[x]Kohaku
[x]Kohaku has magic that is strong against spirits and practice skills that regular Western wizards don't deem useful.

I can't think of anything to trade with Andreas to learn right now. Shamanism since George interacts with a Satori, his unique wand, and spirit ring. Knowing more about spirit interactions will smooth out his knowledge instead of trial and error. Having some idea of how to expand his abilities by knowing more will open new paths for him to develop.
Fleur is a typical Western witch without really any unique skills that makes her stand out. Kohaku follows a specialist path and has been taught by powerful people such as Ayaka and Saber.

[Skull Leader]

[X] Fleur
[X] Because Shinji knows Fleur better than Kohaku. The later he mostly only knows by statements from his friend Shiroe and Kaiduka, all good things of course. But Shinji personally knows how nice, intelligent, and driven woman Fleur is personally. Even if the media and Fleur's own sister thinks that Shinji is in love with Fleur just cause he choose to guard her and treat her like any gentlemen would.

Its not perfect as an answer to this odd question, but its the best I can rationalize within Shinji's head. In the end I think he finds that both are worthy as they been picked by their own country to be Ambassadors of a sort. But in the end, Shinji can only really say he is close to one of them in any real way. And trust the answer on reaching that point to sidestep towards Shinji ranting about being misunderstood by the media or people. Which is something he does have strong opinions on, verses the mild opinions on Fleur or Kohaku.

So it fits that my answer here is sidetracked by a rant mild defense on the mischaracterize of Shinji and his behavior. He is innocent here~

[Daiki]

[x] That's all

[x] Explain

[x] Art of Movement

I think George is already good enough of a fighter and scout/infiltrator. Increasing his mobility would truly help, especially if that choice covers extra course in runes, which he was already good at. There's no real wrong choice that I feel here.

[x] Because improving his mobility even more would make him even better as a squad leader.

[x] Kohaku

[alfheimwanderer]

Choice 236: [x]That's all
Choice 237:
A. [x] Explain about Magi
B. [x] Shamanism - Since you have some type of spirit ability along with a Satori it is beneficial to know more about how spirits interact with the world and physical matter. Having a better idea on possible limitations of the spirit and what strengths and weaknesses people influenced by spirits have can help determine future plans on what to learn.
C. [x] Kohaku - Not really a strong reason for it, except that she's also teaching him a few things.

---

Choice 238: "You know, I expected you to say Ofuda, given what you use, though I suppose what you say makes sense. Just because you can make use of Onmyoudo after much practice and investment doesn't mean I will be able to after quite a bit less. Though I do recall that Harry learned a few interesting tricks from you that made him a rather more difficult opponent than he should have been." George shrugged. "Shamanism should fit my interests well enough, and it will be fascinating to see what one of the Americans has to offer. The instructor being one Ramona Ahgeak, who I believe you are acquainted with?" He made a considering noise. "Care to tell me a bit about her? You worked with her in the Championship, didn't you?"

[ ] (write-in)

Choice 239: "Fujou Kohaku, you say?" George echoed, a hint of a smile stealing over his lips at the memory of her. "Now there's a nostalgic name. It was with her that I took my first steps down this current path, you know? And I do have quite the positive impression of her abilities. Though what is she teaching you, praytell? Anything I would find useful?"

[ ] Nothing he would find interesting
[ ] Refuse to answer - this is between you and Kohaku
[ ] Ask her yourself
[ ] The truth - mind arts and building a persona

Choice 240: "And if you had the choice and were not seeing Lovegood, would you be interested in her romantically?" George questioned, smirking just a hint. "Or would you prefer Fleur, since she is a blonde, and you've been very...close to her before? Or does neither strike your fancy?"

[ ] Yes, he would be interested in Kohaku - she is rather shapely and her intellect is very attractive
[ ] He would prefer Fleur - Kohaku frightens him on some level, while Fleur is a much kinder person
[ ] Neither - he'd probably prefer someone like oh, Rachelle Lestrange, as a ​completely random example

Choice 241: "So magi are..."

[ ] Give him a full explanation
[ ] Give him a partial explanation, like the one given to Andreas
[ ] Say they're as dangerous as Shiroe and Kohaku, but with differing abilities

[Daiki]

[x] Ramona is a good person and an individual who can be trusted to deliver. Having worked with her during the Potions Championship, Shinji can vouch for her abilities and professionalism. Like the time she got him out of a bind when he had nothing to offer her at the time. Some of his success on the Isle of Thule can be attributed to her cooperation directly and indirectly.

[x] The truth - mind arts and building a persona.

[x] Yes, he would be interested in Kohaku - she is rather shapely and her intellect is very attractive

The others sound too much of an easy trap that I have to go with the most dangerous one.

[x] Give him a full explanation.

Thinking about it, there's no reason to hold back with George since he is the last of our original Stonecutters still alive and on our side. I would say he deserves the truth about Shinji's condition and that there's no reason to hide stuff about magi (as long as he is properly warned about how fearsome they can be about secrecy).

He is the closest to Shinji in the male cast, which would put him on a level near or equal to Luna or Sion. Let's trust our old buddy, they go back years and still remained good friends in spite of everything.

[skulkidcachi90]

[x] Ramona is a good person and an individual who can be trusted to deliver. Having worked with her during the Potions Championship, Shinji can vouch for her abilities and professionalism.

[x] The truth - mind arts and building a persona.

[ ] Neither

[ ] Give him a partial explanation, like the one given to Andreas

[Skull Leader]

[x] Ramona is a good person and an individual who can be trusted to deliver. Having worked with her during the Potions Championship, Shinji can vouch for her abilities and professionalism. Like the time she got him out of a bind when he had nothing to offer her at the time. Some of his success on the Isle of Thule can be attributed to her cooperation directly and indirectly.

[X] The truth - mind arts and building a persona

[X] Neither - he'd probably prefer someone like oh, Rachelle Lestrange, as a ​completely random example

[x] Give him a full explanation.

Basically the full trust in George, tell all. Yeah I know we debated not telling him everything, but given thought on this, he is the last remanining orginal friend of Shinji. At this point George has earned this. We have shown we don't talk about stuff lightly so I think it will mean something to George that we do so. It will help move George unto the same level that Luna has (if you remove her special status as Shinji's love interest) with George basically knowing as much of the moonlit world as she does.

As for the endless debate on Kohaku-Fleur, I still would like to pick Fleur here but when placed in the terms that George is asking, Shinji would not pick Fleur. Yeah she is kind and he values that but its not the person he would want to be romantically involved with if he was free to date anyone. No he would attempt for ever distant Utopia that is Sion regardless if that meant he never succeed. That he has Luna is amazing and highly valued by Shinji but the goal of Sion is the person he would strive for. So yeah by default it would be default cause he would not consider Fleur or Kohaku. Those two would have to be willing to walk with him on his journey to reach SION, which I don't think Fleur would willing to play second fiddle. At all.

Lestrange is not what Shinji wants but the echo of what he wants, all wrapped in a comfortably familiar package (Luna shaped~).

[Dracueri]

[X]Ramona is a good person and an individual who can be trusted to deliver. Having worked with her during the Potions Championship, Shinji can vouch for her abilities and professionalism. Like the time she got him out of a bind when he had nothing to offer her at the time. Some of his success on the Isle of Thule can be attributed to her cooperation directly and indirectly.

[X]The truth-Mind Arts and building a persona

[X]Neither

[X]Give him a full explanation

[Caster]

Choice 238: Emphasize the things that George might be able to learn from her, and share what can be shared of the events Shinji had with her. Keep it strictly professional though.

Choice 239: Ask her yourself, but give her your blessing to answer as she sees fit.

Choice 240: Not interested in anyone that way.

Choice 241: Share what he needs to know in order to stay safe/operate practically.

[alfheimwanderer]

Choice 238: [X]Ramona is a good person and an individual who can be trusted to deliver. Having worked with her during the Potions Championship, Shinji can vouch for her abilities and professionalism. Like the time she got him out of a bind when he had nothing to offer her at the time. Some of his success on the Isle of Thule can be attributed to her cooperation directly and indirectly.

Choice 239: [X] The truth - mind arts and building a persona

Choice 240: [X] Neither - he'd probably prefer someone like oh, Rachelle Lestrange, as a ​completely random example

Choice 241: [X]Give him a full explanation

---

Choice 242: "Curiouser and Curiouser," George murmured, stroking his chin. "Not the part about Lestrange - I'd guessed that much, given that she looks like Lovegood and talks a bit like Sokaris - oh, don't look so surprised, I'm not blind, Matou," the redhead scoffed, seeing Shinji's naked look of shock at his manner of fact statement. "And even if I was, my familiar isn't."

"...right, you're a satori user," Shinji grumbled. "I really need to stop forgetting that."

"Among other things, I'm sure," George replied breezily. "In any case, I appreciate the information about Ramona. Are the other Americans you met similarly skilled, I wonder?"

"I'm going to be honest - I can't really answer that," Shinji stated, deciding to be upfront with George for a variety of reasons - not least because satori bestowed their partners with an extraordinary level of perception and pattern recognition that could probably see through any diversions he made.

"Can't because you don't know or--"

"Contract."

"Ah," George said eloquently. "I'm going to mark that down as a yes, and will be looking forward to sparring with any American up for a challenge to see for myself."

"Well, if you'd like, there is one named Jack who is usually up for a spar with whoever asks."

"Splendid," George replied, rubbing his hands together. "I can't wait."

'Neither can I,' Shinji thought in the privacy of his mind. He didn't think he'd mention the bit about Jack's monomolecular blades, his inhuman speed, his ability to defeat powered armor without a single spell, or...much else about the man, really. If George wanted to spar with Jack and learn how powerful an American could be, then who was he to ruin the surprise?

"Not that he's the only person who is up for a spar if you can find him. The goblins tend enjoy testing their capacity, and I hear that the bodyguards for the French and Japanese Ambassadors might be interested in a bit of light exercise."

"Given that the bodyguard for Fleur is Miss Lestrange, I'm not particularly surprised you know of her preferences for...exercise," George said with a smirk. "Though I don't know much about Kohaku's bodyguard. A Miss...Kirishima, was it?"

"Something like that," Shinji replied. "I haven't really talked with her much, but she seems professional enough."

"An ofuda user?"

"I wouldn't know," Shinji said honestly. "I've never fought her."

"Well, I suppose you can't have fought against everyone, it's true. Though if she's been assigned to guard an Ambassador, I can only imagine that she's skilled," George reasoned. "I wonder if she's one of those shinobi Kohaku mentioned once..."

"Like I said, I wouldn't know," Shinji noted with a shrug. "Anyway, you'll have to see if she's up for a spar yourself. I owe Kohaku enough favors as it is without asking more from her bodyguard."

"Most of the time, I'd say not getting in over your head is a good thing, but with you, who are you and what have you done with Matou Shinji?" George said, only half-joking.

"Matou Shinji is dead," the Japanese boy stated bluntly. "He died, officially, in Fuyuki City, at the hands of a hit squad sent to eliminate him and his family."

"A hit...Matou, what the hell did you do?!"

"Let's just say it involved a girl."

George found his face meeting his palm.

"Because of course it did," he grunted. "Let me guess, you made some grand, sweeping gesture, probably presuming on some authority you didn't actually have, and someone else misunderstood?"

"...well. When you put it that way..."

The redhead sighed.

"She was blonde, wasn't she?" George stated flatly.

"...does white hair count as blonde?"

"Yes. Yes it does."

"Guh."

"...let me guess, you did something very heroic and very stupid to save her from what you thought would be a terrible fate."

"...I'm getting a bit too predictable, aren't I?"

"Just a little," George remarked. "Anyway, I can't help but mention you said 'officially', so...wait, when was this, anyway?"

"The thing with the girl? Christmas of third year?"

"...you mean when your affair with Granger blew up?"

Shinji winced.

"I...I wouldn't call it an affair," he took pains to say. "I mean, yes, Granger and I...had a rather large misunderstanding that led to her leaving Hogwarts, but that wasn't about this girl I saved and maybe took to a formal gala. She just...I guess she didn't like the fact that I offered to let Tohsaka live in my manor."

"Right. Because there's no reason that someone who wanted to be your girlfriend would get upset about you living with another woman."

"...look, I was stupid, ok. Is that what you want to hear? Besides, we weren't living together - I had my suite and she had her rooms."

"And you never thought about sleeping with her, marrying her, or anything? There was no hint of romance between you and Tohsaka?"

Shinji looked away.

"Ahaha...anyway, I died again on the Isle," he said, avoiding an uncomfortable topic by changing the topic that most would find even more awkward to talk about.

"You don't exactly look like a corpse."

"Well, I...I got better," Shinji replied with an attempt at a smile. "Kind of. Mostly. Might have needed to use magic to replace some bits here and there, but I'm still me, more or less. I'm not quite the same Shinji as I was before the Isle, but would you expect me to be, really?"

"No, I suppose not," George allowed. "Quite a bit happened at the Isle, after all, what with your homing Avada Kedavras and all."

"Is that the part everyone remembers?!"

"I mean, considering that not even Grindelwald or Voldemort managed to cast a Killing Curse that tracked its target, yes, yes, it is. At least, in Europe."

"...don't people hear about any of the other things I did?"

"You mean using the Killing Curse to kill the Indian Champion?"

"...why do people care about these minor details so much..." Shinji grumbled.

"I'm sorry, murder is a minor detail?" George scoffed.

"Now now, I'll have you know, I acted in self-defense. He attacked me first, with the Imperius!"

"And that justifies a Killing Curse because...?"

"He made me cast it!"

"He made you cast the Killing Curse. The one that killed him."

"Yes."

"What." George blinked, his head tilting to the side. "Why? How? Do you expect me to believe he wanted you to kill him?"

"No, he wanted me to kill Lestrange!" Shinji exclaimed.

"...and suddenly this all makes sense."

"I-I didn't murder him! He ordered me to cast the Killing Curse. And I, uh, managed to resist. Moved my arm so it would miss her."

"And ended up killing him. Somehow."

Shinji just responded with a very Gallic shrug.

"He got what he deserved," the Japanese boy said flatly. "And look, there was an investigation. I'm sure there's a report somewhere."

"Fair enough, Matou," George noted, backing off. "Anyway, what happened to your familiar?" he asked. "I haven't seen him around since I came to Britain, and the old you was pretty much inseparable from him. Did something happen to him, or...?"

"He's Nines," Shinji admitted.

"Eh?" the redhead asked, taken aback. "Why...?"

"After the Isle, I've been having some problems fusing," the Japanese boy noted. "So I thought it was better for him to act on his own."

"By having problems..."

"I haven't used fusion since."

"...hold on, you fought the Battle of the Ministry without Fusion?"

"...yes?" Shinji hazarded.

"How in the name of Merlin's saggy bollocks did you survive?"

"...I didn't?"

George said nothing, simply looking down and up as if to confirm that yes, Shinji continued to exist.

"Look, I---"

"You got better," George said flatly, preempting the other boy's words.

"Yes. Death sent me back, you know?" Shinji said - not entirely joking.

"...I don't suppose Death is a good-looking blonde?"

"I wouldn't know. I've never seen Death's hair."

George chuckled.

"Of course you would say something like that," the redhead said with some amusement. "Did you have to play chess with Death or something? The stories do mention that people try that from time to time."

"No, I just gave up a legendary artifact from the Age of Heroes. Something I obtained on the Isle."

George blinked.

"...you're not joking. Are you?"

"No. What happened there..." Shinji shook his head. "Even if I could talk about it, I...wouldn't know where to begin." He sniffed. "If it had been Harry, he would have squashed like a bug on the Isle, effortlessly crushed like the insignificant insect he is. Even with all my advantages, my training, my power...I lasted a bit longer? Like an armadillo?"

"Don't armadillos eat insects?"

"Why yes. Yes they do," Shinji said, his voice lacking any hint of amusement. "And if I come across Harry after everything he's done to me and mine, well...there will be a reckoning. He deserves no less for betraying me, and more for daring to teach the Ministry's troops the knowledge I entrusted to him."

"You don't intend to show any mercy?"

"He had me arrested by Aurors for doing the right thing, leaving me no recourse but to undertake a suicide mission if I was to win my freedom," Shinji growled. "I think we are long past mercy."

"...I see." George took a moment to process that. "If I may ask, why isn't he dead now?"


"As a squad leader in the Home Guard, I'm not exactly allowed to go after him," Shinji replied. "I can't put my duties aside to attend to a personal vendetta." He smiled thinly. "Somehow I get the feeling that Lockhart wouldn't approve, and the First Citizen isn't exactly someone I want to piss off." He sighed. "And well, as powerful as I am, I have my limits. You can't expect me to take on an army singlehandedly."

"You did it at the Ministry."

"I managed. Somehow," Shinji admitted. "I stacked the deck in my favor. I plunged everything into darkness. I used every last thing I could salvage from the Ministry's armory. I blew up the Department of Mysteries. And I still didn't come away unscathed. I'm not Miss Suoirtsulli, who can take on an entire army singlehandedly, without any kind of equalizer." He glanced at George. "And before you get any ideas, neither are you."

"...fair enough. I suppose an unruly rabble of Hufflepuffs doesn't compare to a trained army," George said blandly.

"Hufflepu...oh, right, that was you," Shinji murmured. "Again, good work, that."

"They were hardly a proper test of my capacity."

"No, but trash should be disposed of properly all the same," Shinji replied. His expression twisted into something ugly. "Not handed medals and feted for their ill deeds."

"You hate them." It wasn't really a question.

"Can you blame me? I represent Britain on the world stage, deal with horrors far beyond anything the Ministry has ever known, create one of the greatest potions in the world - and they arrest me and leave me to die. Those Hufflepuffs try to murder two innocents, and get handed medals - Orders of Merlin, even! - for having their arses handed to them by you? You shouldn't have shown them any mercy."

"Oh, I didn't. I may not have taken their lives, but I did leave them with...something to remember the evening by."

"...care to elaborate?"

"Well, you know that satori users can use something like legilimency?"

"Yes?"

"It turns out that utter terror leaves quite the impression on an unprepared mind. Especially when one is forced to experience it every time they close their eyes..."

"What did you..."

"Fear is the mind-killer. It is the little-death that brings total obliteration." George did not smile so much as show his teeth. "I imagine they're dead now. Mostly by their own hands. Funny, isn't it, the lengths people will go to in order to escape destruction? Dread it, run from it, destiny arrives all the same."

"...I take it back. Maybe you should have just killed them."

"I couldn't do that," George protested. "People might have thought Fleur killed them all, and I wouldn't want to sully her reputation."

"Why do you care about Fleur's reputation?" Shinji questioned. He smiled, just a hint. "Do you fancy her, perhaps?" he asked, seeking to turn the tables.

"At the time, I could see Miss Delacour had quite a bit of unrealized potential. It would have been a shame if she had not been given a chance to show the world what she was capable of," George stated. "If she was thought to have killed all those Hufflepuffs, well...it's not likely she would have had the chance to become Champion. At least not for long."

"And again, why do you care?"

"If I were you, I would say it was because caring was the right thing to do. Because I am not, however, I will simply say that I dislike wasted potential. A diamond in the rough should be allowed to be polished and share its brilliance with the world, not simply discarded as a worthless rock." His expression softened then, just a touch. "And in the end, you see what she managed. She impressed the world by casting a Patronus, became the Tri-Wizard Champion, overcoming the obstacles in her path to lead her school to victory."

"...obstacles? Did she have to overcome you?"

"I don't consider myself an obstacle, really. But no, if you are wondering, we did not end up clashing in the final challenge."

"By fortune...or design?"

"That would be telling, Matou, and I don't kiss and tell."

"Kiss and..." Shinji took another look at George. "Waitaminute...don't tell me you..."

"Now, that would be telling," George teased. "All I will say is I accomplished what I set out to do as a Champion." His smile faded. "As, I'm sure, did you."

"I tried," Shinji grunted. "I fell short, but..."

"You fell short," George echoed. "With all that you accomplished, you have the audacity to say that you fell short?"

"...yes?"

George laughed, freely and without restraint.

"And what would have been enough for you, Mister Matou?" he asked when he finally got his mirth under control.

"Not dying would be a start."

"A good start, admittedly. Still, you mentioned artifacts?"

"What was left of the haul I obtained - and lost."

"How big was...never mind, don't tell me. I think might get depressed just hearing about it."

"Ha ha."

"Anything else you'd classify as a failure?"

"Well...just how weak I was..." the boy grumbled.

"...how weak you...are you telling me that you were weak?! With your homing Avada Kedavra, your fighting - and killing - two Champions - and your surviving the Island?"

"...yes?"

"Has anyone ever told you that you have unrealistic standards for yourself?"

There was a long, pregnant pause, before--

"She wouldn't have failed," Shinji murmured, closing his eyes.

"Who?" George demanded.

"Sokaris."

"Matou," George said softly. "Sokaris is...she was...I know you cared for her a great deal. That she meant a lot to you. That she lives on in your heart, but...she's just a memory. She's..."

"She's not just a memory! She'll never be a memory!" Shinji snapped. "Sokaris is Sokaris! She would have succeeded where I failed, and don't tell me otherwise!"

"I...alright. I'm sorry," George replied gruffly, a bit taken aback by the vehemence of Shinji's reply. "I'm sorry," he repeated. "I shouldn't have said anything."

Shinji took a deep breath, his lips drawing back into something like a smile.

"Fancy a spar?" he asked quietly. "For old times' sake?"

"Heh...well if you want to be beaten into the ground that badly, then I suppose the least I can do is oblige."

"I think you're a bit mistaken about who is going to get beaten into the ground. You do remember how our last spar went?"

George winced.

"I do," the redhead conceded. "But you'll find that I'm quite a bit stronger than when we last met in battle, while you...you can't even fuse."

"Which just makes things a tad more fair, as opposed to me ending things with a single pass."

"Bold words from a self-admitted failure, Matou."

"Well, you know what they say - 'he who dares, wins."'

"Or dies."

"Been there, done that - and I'm still here."

"In that case, try not to die again - who knows if your luck will hold out. Especially without that potion you're so fond of."

"The last time someone managed to kill me, George, they needed an army. All you have is you."

"The last time I fought seriously, I fought an army. This time, my only opponent is you."

The two boys smiled.

How seriously will Shinji take this spar?

[ ] Go all out - George would take it as an insult if he did not
[ ] Use Ofuda and Wand - George shouldn't have a counter to anti-spirit equipment
[ ] Just use his wand - it's not like George has other equipment
[ ] (write-in)

Choice 243: From the conversation, he learned some interesting tidbits about how George sees Fleur, as well as hints about what might have happened during the Tri-Wizard Tournament. George clearly had his own goals there - goals which did not necessarily involve winning, and Shinji is actually somewhat curious as to what these were, given that George is not exactly the same person he remembers.

[ ] Look into these hints
[ ] Don't - it's none of his business

Choice 244: Will Shinji also schedule regular spars between the squads' officers?

[ ] Yes
[ ] No

Choice 245: Oh, and should he ask Andreas about the final challenge of the Tri-Wizard Tournament, which he was not there to see?

[ ] Yes, he wants to know what happened, since everyone knows of his fight with Mischa
[ ] No, it's not really relevant

[skulkidcachi90]

[ ] Go all out - George would take it as an insult if he did not

[X] Look into these hints

[ ] Yes

[X] Yes, he wants to know what happened, since everyone knows of his fight with Mischa

[Skull Leader]

[X] Go all out - George would take it as an insult if he did not

After trash talking, Shinji basically got to do this. Not to mention when has he ever held back? Its not like George is a pretty blonde.

[X] Look into these hints

While I am inclinded to say yeah its not our business, what is Shinji going to do to investigate this, other than go talk to Fleur? We should check in with Fleur regardless, if nothing other than to see how she is doing, and how her sister is doing, etc. Shinji can slide this in to get a feel of what happen. Beyond that, there is not a lot of investigation that can happen so why not?

If it was a talk to Fleur solely on this issue, then don't do it otherwise let a social call with Fleur and Lestrange happen. Its been a long time since the three of them talked. Many things have happen for Fleur as well as Shinji.

[X] Yes

Sounds fun.

[X] Yes, he wants to know what happened, since everyone knows of his fight with Mischa

[Daiki]

[x] Go all out - George would take it as an insult if he did not.
[x] Don't - it's none of his business.

You guys think about it, if you're about to ask Fleur about how she slept with George (indirectly), maybe you should reconsider. Well, if you wanna keep a decent relationship with her, perhaps don't pry on this one.

[x] Yes
[x] Yes, he wants to know what happened, since everyone knows of his fight with Mischa.