For a moment, he thinks about running. He's in no state to fight anymore, even if the Maruki is clearly just a cognition- he's more than shown that he has power, even through cognitions of himself, of others. It's the franticness that catches him off guard, though, the insistence that he runs; talking to the cognitive Ren as if it isn't one of his own creations. Talking as if he's trying to help Kou.
... Hah. Hahaha.
Perhaps, it would be smart to run, even if it's directed by Maruki himself- which means there is clearly something nasty attached to it, but- well.
Kou was always the more impulsive between himself and Goro- something he'd learned to smooth out with the years in favor of protecting Goro, of fooling Shido, the public, anyone they interacted with. He's old hat at suppressing his worst impulses, especially if they can lead to danger.
But Goro's not here anymore. He's dead, his grave thoroughly defiled by Maruki, his image used and abused in favor of trying to beat Kou down-
And Kou's not having it anymore. He's so, so done with this- all of this. He was before it even started. Lured, trapped, attacked- grief so much more raw and visceral after everything he's been through today. All Maruki had to do was return his tape, but no- even that was too much to ask.
Kou's not falling for whatever Maruki's doing, he doesn't care for this faux savior act, and he certainly isn't going to take Maruki's side.
1/2
For a moment, he thinks about running. He's in no state to fight anymore, even if the Maruki is clearly just a cognition- he's more than shown that he has power, even through cognitions of himself, of others. It's the franticness that catches him off guard, though, the insistence that he runs; talking to the cognitive Ren as if it isn't one of his own creations. Talking as if he's trying to help Kou.
... Hah. Hahaha.
Perhaps, it would be smart to run, even if it's directed by Maruki himself- which means there is clearly something nasty attached to it, but- well.
Kou was always the more impulsive between himself and Goro- something he'd learned to smooth out with the years in favor of protecting Goro, of fooling Shido, the public, anyone they interacted with. He's old hat at suppressing his worst impulses, especially if they can lead to danger.
But Goro's not here anymore. He's dead, his grave thoroughly defiled by Maruki, his image used and abused in favor of trying to beat Kou down-
And Kou's not having it anymore. He's so, so done with this- all of this. He was before it even started. Lured, trapped, attacked- grief so much more raw and visceral after everything he's been through today. All Maruki had to do was return his tape, but no- even that was too much to ask.
Kou's not falling for whatever Maruki's doing, he doesn't care for this faux savior act, and he certainly isn't going to take Maruki's side.