[Joshua’s not going to question the shirt—he kind of wishes he brought one himself, given how gross he is now.]

[At the question, he gives a slight shrug. He genuinely doesn’t know.]

It would.

It could also be part of why it was able to hold so much nightmare energy without becoming a noctaere. It’s something to bring up when we deliver the crystal.

[When Ryu suggests leaving, Joshua doesn’t disagree. Not directly.]

[But… there’s something. Something about the air. Something brushing against the center of his chest, both repelling and beckoning him.]

[He looks back over his shoulder at the hole the centipede crawled in through.]

[Maybe if he could grab a little peek…]

One moment.

[He gently pats Ryu’s shoulder in reassurance.]

Just one. I promise.