It used to be kill until we met in person and he found out about the ability then it became use. And he's too dumb for subtle so he pretty much told me exactly what he wants.
And the kill thing was fine because he didn't and still doesn't know what I look like and he's... well, he's an idiot honestly so I was basically able to keep my distance.
But then I ran into him one morning, and while he still doesn't know what I look like, he can catch on real fast about me being around because-
The thing is, I... amplify people. Powers. Anyones.
So long as I have a bond with them.
Not even a GOOD one, either, the ability doesn't actually care about stuff like that.
And unfortunately, I have ENOUGH of a bond with him that my ability kicked in.
The more he seeks me out, the stronger that bond is going to get, and the stronger my ability to amplify him is going to become.
[ hmm. that is a problem. one where there's no easy solution. obi-wan could place ritsuka under his protection but that might draw maul's ire. mind tricks wouldn't work on maul either. ]
Bonds can be stronger than others. But it still depends on the power of the magic I'm amplifying.
My... well, I guess I'll use the word pet in this case cause I don't know if you know what a pokemon is and that isn't the point, my pet has abilities that she can use. My bond with her is much stronger than the one with Maul, and it shows.
She's strong and she can fight, but her abilities are still limited even if I can amplify them, even though she's versatile, I know the Force is more so.
Bonds can be snapped, but that requires permanent death.
You're free to reject this suggestion if you're uncomfortable with it. I recognize that I am a stranger to you and this may put you in a difficult situation.
But it might be worthwhile if we forged a bond. On your terms. That way, should Maul consider harassing you, my connection to you should prove a sufficient deterrent to reconsider it.
Again, do not feel pressurized to choose this. I will come to your aid, regardless. It is your choice.
And isn't that why he contacted Obi-Wan in the first place? At least, it was an idea that floated around in his head.]
It's definitely not a bad idea.
I just... I'm careful about this kind of stuff. [And he'll let Obi-Wan assume it's because forming bonds with people makes them suddenly more powerful not because of the mountains of trust issues he suffers from.
Still... it...
Obi-Wan willing to help him after five minutes of knowing him made Ritsuka...
Well, he felt warmer, to be sure.]
Thank you, though. I've been... avoiding him, I have a small advantage that Yuiko, that is my pet, can make him faint whether he likes it or not.
But I don't trust this place not to have me alone with him in some fashion.
I'm sorry, I came to you and wasn't really sure what I expected. Or wanted... Again, I'm sorry.
You don't have to get in the middle of this. [This was a dumb hope and Ritsuka is immediately trying to backpedal before the other shoe drops on him.]
It's all right. You need help. And it was very brave of you to seek that in a stranger. Nothing is more difficult than that.
And I will happily choose to be in the middle of it if it means you'll be safe and have peace of mind. Again, the bond is one solution but sending me a quick message when he's close is also viable and I'm good enough to deter Maul from anything.
Never apologize for choosing to protect you and looking after yourself. From anyone. You have my support in whatever you choose.
[The reason Ritsuka LIKES text is because Obi-Wan can't see the DEEP blush that is spreading across his cheeks that is immediately followed by the tightness in his chest at being told that it's OKAY to protect himself and that he has a right to do so.
It's permission he did not know he needed.
It's permission he's not sure he wants because if his mom came... if Seimei came.
He just stares at the Fluid in his hand and he's grateful Obi-Wan can't see him wiping away tears because he's suddenly feeling overwhelmed by essentially blind support.
Yes, others had offered it to him too, just as quickly and just as kind.
But Ritsuka had just met them by circumstance and just happened to luck out.
He sought out Obi-Wan, and where he was usually rewarded with disappointment and bitter confirmation that adults continued to be useless or terrible or somewhere in between, with this man it was just immediate acceptance and assistance.
It's what was SUPPOSED to happen, but it was such a rarity for him it felt like a splash of cold water on a hot day, not unpleasant, but shocking all the same.]
[Ritsuka for all his walls is a highly empathic child and just does his best not to let it show. But Obi-Wan did something immediately that essentially gave him a fast-track past Ritsuka's defenses.
He cared.
And asked for NOTHING in return.]
That would require more than seconds of forethought on his part so I don't think you have too much to worry about there.
But he's violent and dumb and those are always incredibly dangerous combinations.
I've experienced the cruel. I've not yet seen the deliberate.[Ritsuka is pretty sure the other functions almost entirely on dumb luck.]
I can handle the harassment, his isn't anything new and we've not yet entered into attempted kidnappings... yet. Not that he can GO anywhere but still.
I just have to make sure he keeps not knowing what I look like. After that happens... well, I don't know how much of a bigger problem it'll become, but staying off his radar is the best plan at the moment.
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Could you clarify the nature of your problem? Or would you like to meet in person if that's easier?
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But unfortunately, this is definitely a conversation for in person.
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Private;
Thank you for speaking with me, Kenobi-san.
See... my problem is, he's taken a pretty big interest in me because of something I can do and only have very minimal control over.
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Forgive me for being forward, but does he want to use you or kill you?
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It used to be kill until we met in person and he found out about the ability then it became use. And he's too dumb for subtle so he pretty much told me exactly what he wants.
And the kill thing was fine because he didn't and still doesn't know what I look like and he's... well, he's an idiot honestly so I was basically able to keep my distance.
But then I ran into him one morning, and while he still doesn't know what I look like, he can catch on real fast about me being around because-
The thing is, I... amplify people. Powers. Anyones.
So long as I have a bond with them.
Not even a GOOD one, either, the ability doesn't actually care about stuff like that.
And unfortunately, I have ENOUGH of a bond with him that my ability kicked in.
The more he seeks me out, the stronger that bond is going to get, and the stronger my ability to amplify him is going to become.
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Can bonds clash or cancel each other out?
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My... well, I guess I'll use the word pet in this case cause I don't know if you know what a pokemon is and that isn't the point, my pet has abilities that she can use. My bond with her is much stronger than the one with Maul, and it shows.
She's strong and she can fight, but her abilities are still limited even if I can amplify them, even though she's versatile, I know the Force is more so.
Bonds can be snapped, but that requires permanent death.
no subject
You're free to reject this suggestion if you're uncomfortable with it. I recognize that I am a stranger to you and this may put you in a difficult situation.
But it might be worthwhile if we forged a bond. On your terms. That way, should Maul consider harassing you, my connection to you should prove a sufficient deterrent to reconsider it.
Again, do not feel pressurized to choose this. I will come to your aid, regardless. It is your choice.
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[The idea was not lost on him.
And isn't that why he contacted Obi-Wan in the first place? At least, it was an idea that floated around in his head.]
It's definitely not a bad idea.
I just... I'm careful about this kind of stuff. [And he'll let Obi-Wan assume it's because forming bonds with people makes them suddenly more powerful not because of the mountains of trust issues he suffers from.
Still... it...
Obi-Wan willing to help him after five minutes of knowing him made Ritsuka...
Well, he felt warmer, to be sure.]
Thank you, though. I've been... avoiding him, I have a small advantage that Yuiko, that is my pet, can make him faint whether he likes it or not.
But I don't trust this place not to have me alone with him in some fashion.
I'm sorry, I came to you and wasn't really sure what I expected. Or wanted... Again, I'm sorry.
You don't have to get in the middle of this. [This was a dumb hope and Ritsuka is immediately trying to backpedal before the other shoe drops on him.]
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And I will happily choose to be in the middle of it if it means you'll be safe and have peace of mind. Again, the bond is one solution but sending me a quick message when he's close is also viable and I'm good enough to deter Maul from anything.
Never apologize for choosing to protect you and looking after yourself. From anyone. You have my support in whatever you choose.
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It's permission he did not know he needed.
It's permission he's not sure he wants because if his mom came... if Seimei came.
He just stares at the Fluid in his hand and he's grateful Obi-Wan can't see him wiping away tears because he's suddenly feeling overwhelmed by essentially blind support.
Yes, others had offered it to him too, just as quickly and just as kind.
But Ritsuka had just met them by circumstance and just happened to luck out.
He sought out Obi-Wan, and where he was usually rewarded with disappointment and bitter confirmation that adults continued to be useless or terrible or somewhere in between, with this man it was just immediate acceptance and assistance.
It's what was SUPPOSED to happen, but it was such a rarity for him it felt like a splash of cold water on a hot day, not unpleasant, but shocking all the same.]
Thank you.
Truly.
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Now, is there anything else I can help you with?
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He killed my Master and tried to kill me. I cut him in half. That act sent him spiraling into a vendetta that'll see no end.
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Thank you. Needless to say, Maul has been trying his best to defeat me.
But he will not succeed.
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He cared.
And asked for NOTHING in return.]
That would require more than seconds of forethought on his part so I don't think you have too much to worry about there.
But he's violent and dumb and those are always incredibly dangerous combinations.
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[ you know sometimes. occasionally. once in a while. ]
And I rather not take that chance, especially since he's been harassing you.
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I can handle the harassment, his isn't anything new and we've not yet entered into attempted kidnappings... yet. Not that he can GO anywhere but still.
I just have to make sure he keeps not knowing what I look like. After that happens... well, I don't know how much of a bigger problem it'll become, but staying off his radar is the best plan at the moment.
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But do feel free to keep me informed the moment you feel unsafe or unsure.
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But I... I'm not sorry at having met you.
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I'm glad I met you. Take care of yourself and may the Force be with you.
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