dramatispersonae

Coral

[Upon entering your team's cloud of mist, you find yourselves transported to a bare stone room with a single stone table and chairs. (The chairs have been bolted to the floor.) On the table are a 16 red stones, 8 blue stones, and a 2 black stones. There are also indentations around the edge of the table, each one marked in the color of one of the teams.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I appreciate that you're brave and strong. I know you're definitely tougher than I am.

But you've already been hurt for me once. And Zack and Chariot are putting themselves in line too.

I'm sorry, but I can't be passive. You're not the only person who wants to protect the team.

Then protect the team by sticking close to the ones we don't want on the outside. They're going to need someone there with them, anyway.

Kit... does that kind of tactic ever work?

[Slightly amused at Kit trying to make him feel like there's a ~worthy cause~ in being defended with everyone.]

[except he's actually being sincere-- and surprisingly stern as he continues talking]

. . . Dragonfly and Fawn don't take this kind of thing well. Anemone is courageous, but she'll need someone to cling to. Cub will, too. You're the best suited person for this.

Zack and Chariot will stand in front of us on the outside. I'll stand behind them. And you'll stand behind me. I've been through this before. I know how it goes.

And until you can say the same, I'm going to be the one shielding you.

[Does listen! And damn, it actually does sound reasonable. Frowning.]

I dislike hiding behind all of you.

[Just going to say that plain and flatly.]

Actually, I really hate the idea. [Deep breath. Slowly tries to relax his shoulders.]

....But... This time, I'll listen. [He won't say the idea of defending everyone doesn't scare him, but not as much as the idea of being defended pisses him off. But Kit's right, he doesn't know, he hasn't been through this, and he's not stupid enough to insist when Kit's clearly serious and has a much better idea.]

I hate it too.

[runs a hand through his hair]

I hate hiding behind people, too. So I won't say you have to do it every time we're forced to play in a game like this.

[but for now, Shark is to be protected]

I don't think I'd let you insist every time, anyway.

[Trying to be a bit light about it, but he means it.]

Enjoy having your way this once at least, I guess.