Evolving Threads (Multi-crossover)

Save the Assassin part II

A/N: This chapter is very long

Ryuko stared at Tatsumi in disbelief. Tatsumi and giving up were to words she'd never think would be associated with each other but here she stood, watching it unfold with her own eyes.

Tatsumi: I'm saying that I'm choosing to stay here Ryuko.

Ryuko: W-Why? That doesn't make any sense.

Tatsumi: You went through my memories, right? Well, then you should know exactly why.

Senketsu: It was what Satsuki said to you earlier wasn't it.

Tatsumi: Satsuki, Nui, Ragyo all of them.

Ryuko: Well, what they said was a bunch of bullshit. We know just how strong you are.

Tatsumi: Me or Incursio? As far as I can tell I can't get shit done without him.

Ryuko: You know that's not true.

Tatsumi: Ever since I've gotten here, I've done nothing but lose time and time again.

Ryuko: You're wrong! How many times have you helped us huh? How many times have you saved us?

Tatsumi: Saved you from what? Tell me exactly what situation have I "saved" you from that you could've just done by yourself!

Ryuko: The Elite Four? Sanageyama? Who knows what would've happened!

Tatsumi: All of those times where thanks to the damn dragon that's taking over my body. So go thank him. All I've ever done is take a beating until I unleashed him.

Ryuko: Then what about me and Senketsu? We're doing the same thing as you and you don't have a problem with it, so why are you different!?

Tatsumi: Senketsu is a friend and a trusted ally. No matter what happens, both of you have a will of your own. Incursio is constantly trying to take over my mind, every time I evolve or use his power, I'm becoming less and less of myself. Do you not see the situation I'm in right now.

Senketsu: You don't always need power in order to save someone Tatsumi, you can save someone with words as well!

Tatsumi: Words don't mean a damn thing after you die! If words had any impact, then none of my friends would be dead right now!

Ryuko: Tatsumi...

Tatsumi: I know my effect on people. I know that I'm supposed to be this ray of hope that pushes everyone on to get stronger. That's what I did with Night Raid, and you know how that ended for them. So what in the hell would it do for you?

Ryuko: I already promised you that I wasn't going to let that happen Tatsumi! And I'll be damned if I break it here!

Tatsumi: Why? It's not like any of this matters in the long run. If you manage to get me out, I lose myself to Incursio and then you're back to square one.

Ryuko: You don't know that! And even if you did I'd snap you out of it.

Tatsumi: And if I killed you first?

Ryuko went silent at the very real possibility.

Tatsumi: I might not be able to truly know what goes on out there but I can tell whenever I get hit. And it wasn't just you that was hitting me... You had to team up with Satsuki, and someone else... And if it is who I think it is, then we both know the alliance isn't lasting.