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There were a lot of things on Takatora's mind right now. With his memory finally coming back, the horrors of just what was going on in this place were much worse. Realizing just what had been done here and how he was partially responsible. And... now knowing what happened to his friend from years ago.
But, those thoughts went on hold as Takatora stared at the trembling boy in front of him. Despite their initial meeting, he couldn't help but feel pity for Kagemasa. The person before him was no longer an enemy after his life. He was a kid whose whole world had just been shattered. The little brother of someone who he had once deeply cared about.
"I... don't understand..." Kagemasa was talking to himself. "Why did... why did nii-san..."
There were tears threatening to fall from the boy's eyes. His voice was trembling as he whispered those words. Overall, he looked a mess. He looked so lost and confused.
"I'm sorry, Kagemasa." Takatora said. He felt like he needed to say something.
Kagemasa quickly whipped around and glared at him. "I don't need your pity!"
Takatora wasn't fazed by the outburst. He was used to people yelling at him for trying to help. He couldn't help but see such a parallel between the boy standing in front of him and Mitsuzane.
"You don't need to suffer alone. I know this is hurting you a lot-"
"Shut up!"
Oh, how this really reminded him of him and Mitsuzane. Back when things had gone to hell between the two of them. At least he was able to handle this situation with a lot more calmness than before. Maybe he could actually help Kagemasa unlike how he had failed with Mitsuzane in the past.
"I don't want to see you suffer like this. Is this not my fault? If I'm the reason he turned into that monster, than am I not the one who should bear the burden of your feelings as well?" Takatora said in a level voice.
That was enough to catch Kagemasa off guard. He stared at Takatora, his expression showing he was pondering what had been said. There was still hatred in his gaze, but it was less than earlier. That was progress.
"This isn't the nii-san I know... what happened?" Kagemasa asked quietly. "Why did he... do this? What went wrong...?"
"Power corrupts people." Takatora stated. "I know that all too well. When you lose sight of what you need to protect, it's easy to become lost in the power you gained. And... it's easy to want to use it to harm those who didn't help you when you needed it, didn't see things the same way you do."
Kagemasa swallowed hard. Takatora hated that this wasn't a conversation that would end with happy feelings. This was going to be one that crushed his reality even more. There was no good way to explain anything that had happened here.
"I'm sorry." Takatora said once more. Even if he didn't necessarily feel like he was to blame for this, if that was what Kagemasa believed, he would play along for now.
"What am I supposed to do now? I have no one..."
Takatora spoke without a second thought. "I'm here. We may not know each other much and we may have gotten off on the wrong foot, but I'm willing to lend a hand where you need it."
This kid was an old friend's younger brother. It was his responsibility to look after him in his family's stead. It was the least he could do considering he was part of the reason any of this was happening right now.
As for if Kagemasa would actually accept his offer, that was an entirely different story. It was obvious the younger boy didn't particularly like him trying to get close to him at all. It was plausible he'd not get anywhere with this.
"I don't need your help!" Kagemasa snapped at him. An expected response.
"Even if you don't need it... don't you want help?"
Kagemasa glared at him in reply, before turning around and running off. Takatora wanted to follow, but figured that would be overstepping his boundaries a bit too much. He was certain they would run into each other again before long.
Maybe Kagemasa would have time to cool off and really think about things. His anger was making this entire ordeal harder than it needed to be for the both of them.