[He figured the moment her mother was defeated, things would've ended. It's weird how quiet things have been, yet now all of a sudden she's asking for them to come see her out of nowhere without any details whatsoever. He might have even questioned it if he weren't so loyal, but he doesn't even consider the idea something could be wrong.
Who knew the bond the five of them shared would backfire so spectacularly.]
You got any idea what this might be about? She's been awfully quiet lately. Hope things're alright.
[And that's troubling in itself. He always always has some kind of idea of what Satsuki is planning. Mostly because he's the one who makes her plans. He's her eyes, seeing all and understanding all. Not that he means this as a bragging point if it's ever brought up- but she tells him just a little more than the others, if only because he knows she means for him to use that information to it's fullest potential. And he understands.
But this, he doesn't understand at all. Complete radio silence from Satsuki since the defeat of Ragyo.
Things aren't right at all, and he knows that.
But she's called them to the Student Council meeting room and there they are, pushing the doors open and stepping inside.]
[From her usual chair, facing the wall of monitors that keeps watch over every inch of Honnouji academy, Satsuki speaks, a hand splaying to the side to motion them closer, fingers curling into her palm slowly after. There is the sound of china settling against china- tea, as usual, her hand withdrawing, presumably to steady her cup.]
Prompt as ever.
[It isn't until they follow her summons- as she knows they will, they are so loyal, obedient- predictable, to a degree, both of them- that she swivels in her chair, teacup and saucer in one hand, pinkish red threads coiling around the fingers of the other.]
This won't take long.
[After all- a mental refit is only difficult if the target would fight you, and she is absolutely sure in the fact that neither of them will.]
He's loyal to Satsuki. That's not questionable, but if they were to be ranked by loyalty, he'd be the last for sure. He believes in Satsuki, believes in her cause, wants to see her succeed... But now that Ragyo was defeated, shouldn't this have ended? Shouldn't things be playing out differently?
He wants to give her the benefit of the doubt as well, but something tells him he can't.
Inumuta takes a half step back, and then another.]
[There are a lot of things, honestly, that aren't right about the situation. But Satsuki seems to ignore all of them as she sets her tea aside with her usual grace, standing to look down at them both from the dais. The fibers at her fingers twist, coiling like snakes, and she lowers her eyebrows the faintest bit as she takes a step forward.]
Now-
[There is no warning, as the threads snap forward from her fingers, coiling tight around their necks and holding. She begins her descent toward them, stopping only when she can set a hand on each of their faces, expression deceptively calm.]
[Alright, they're far beyond benefit of the doubt at this point. For the first time in his life Sanageyama doesn't actually say anything, mostly due to the life fibers restricting him right now, to which he has a hand tightly gripped around them as he attempts to force it off. The closer she gets however, the more he starts to panic, eventually realizing he can't simply pull himself free and instead reaches for his weapon with his free hand and cuts himself loose(how exactly he manages this with a blunt weapon, we'll never know) and takes a few steps backwards, holding his weapon straight at her.
His gaze briefly moves to Inumuta, but once she's standing right next to him, it makes no difference.]
[That's one of the things about not relying on using a weapon- he doesn't have one available to fight with. He only has his willpower, which can only last so long under the power of Life Fibers.
Inumuta is grabbing at his neck, trying to pull back the threads but failing to make any headway. Is this really it? He's going to be strangled to death by Satsuki? Is this even the real Satsuki? She wouldn't do this.
And there's Sanageyama, standing around like a moron. Inumuta barely chokes out his words,]
[Though her gaze slides briefly to Inumuta as he speaks, she doesn't turn her body away from Sanageyama, and when her eyes settle on him again, she arches a brow as if surprised.]
I'm surprised. I thought the both of you would understand.
[The fibers ease their grip on Inumuta- but they are already trying to work their way into his mind, a slightly more subtle version of Ragyo's complete refit. She doesn't need mindless slaves- she just needs to assure their loyalty, given the situation. So when she turns her attention fully to Sanageyama, it's with her hands raised, almost as if she has no wish to hurt him.
To be fair, she certainly doesn't.]
Fighting me won't help.
[She has no weapon- but she doesn't really need one. She can fight just as well with her bare hands as she can with a sword. Then again, with him, she doesn't think she'll need to. Not if she does this right.]
As much as he'd love to take Inumuta's advice and run, he just can't. Even if she's acting no different than usual, he can't accept this is willing behavior on her part. It has to be the life fibers at work or...or something.
Even if it wasn't, he can't leave Inumuta either.
So all this taken into consideration, that's two friends who need his help right now. He can't just abandon them.]
If it's really something we can just talk over, this isn't necessary!
[He's still holding onto his weapon and his body language in it's entirety makes it very clear he may very well attack if provoked, like a cornered animal.]
[He can feel them. He isn't sure where they're working their way into him from- can't look down to look and even if he could, he's not sure he wants to. He's just trying to remember how to breathe, the panic getting to him more than the strangling at this point. His eyes hurt and sting, and the darkness that's starting to take over is a welcome relief. He can't give up though. Inumuta can see Sanageyama still fighting back- when he should be running. Get to Gamagori and Jakuzure, you stupid, stupid idiot.
...It'd be so easy to just... submit.
Why would Satsuki do this? Why would she betray them? After all this... Something happened during her fight with Ragyo.
He feels something wet fall off the tip of his nose- tears. He's crying? How lame is the last coherent thought he has before he passes out. The fibers need to work on his mind, this kind of finesse taking more effort than making one a mindless slave.]
[It's an easy enough term to agree to, once Inumuta falls unconscious- but there is still Satsuki between him and Sanageyama, should he wish to try and grab him to escape. Perhaps surprisingly, however, she moves herself out of the way, expression sliding into calm composure, her hands folding slowly, gently together.]
I realize this makes no sense to you, however I assure you- I have only your best interests at heart.
[Eyes sliding up to his, she catches his gaze a moment and then lets her gaze slip to one side.]
Has that not always been the case?
[Her words are not insincere- but her intent certainly is. After all, the only reason she isn't standing between him and Inumuta anymore is because she doesn't have to... And because with Sanageyama, it's always been easier to play on emotions than it has been with the others. He's all stubborn pride and loyalty, and she values both traits highly, even when the 'stubborn' portion makes him a bit difficult to handle.]
[Unfortunately, it's working to maximum effect. Letting Inumuta go, moving away from him like that, even what she'd said...it's all very disarming. The kind of behavior he'd associate more with her than trying to strangle them with life fibers.
It's enough to make him relax, even just a little.]
But... but why the life fibers? We were always the enemy of the life fibers! The way you're using them like this, it's just like your mother...!
[Inumuta very lightly stirs. Falling to the ground woke him slightly from his forced unconsciousness, and despite him moving a head to rub at his head, he's probably not fully awake yet. Go on and have a moment, you two.]
[His name isn't said any particular way- just a calm, solitary utterance as Satsuki's eyes refocus on him. But it's obvious Satsuki is displeased, brows lowering, lips taking the barest downward turn.]
Do not ever compare me to that waste of so-called life.
[That statement made, she strides forward, closer, and shakes her head.]
They do not control me- they did not manage it before and they will not do so now. This is a partnership on far more equal terms than Ragyo could ever manage.
[Her hand rises, held out to him with every indication that she believes he will take it.]
There will be no enslaving of humanity, no destruction of our race. I will allow them to remain alive, and they will help me unite people as they have never been united before.
[Her head tilts slightly, frown lifting from her features, and her expression is purely, stubbornly Satsuki- she believes in what she's saying, and she knows if she has done well enough, he will too.]
[...he wants to, he really does. She's been nothing but fair this whole time and, as always, reassuringly confident in her words. It's that charisma of hers that won him over in the first place.
That and a sword hilt to the gut.
But then he looks over at Inumuta on the floor, he thinks life fibers and the nagging doubt in the back of his mind comes back. Something about this just doesn't feel right...but he does lower his weapon anyway, taking her hand with his own, but his grip is a bit too firm for it to be accepting. It's still like he's trying to get her attention.]
You know we would go with you if your intentions were as good as you say! We're already loyal to you Lady Satsuki, we- you should know you don't have to go this far! That's the only reason I'm still doubting you.
If this is really what you want, then do it without the life fibers! It won't make a difference! We'll all stand by you if you're true to your word. If it really is for the good of everyone.
[But look, his guard's down, she could definitely stop him from freeing himself again if she wanted. May as well just skip the bullshit and do it.]
[And he's up. Sitting upright, at least, not quite to his feet yet. He's still dizzy, still rubbing at his forehead with his hand and groaning, his mind throbbing...
But he's up, and he looks no different than he did before.]
Lady Satsuki...
[Inumuta starts, and then looks up to her with a smile.]
Did you need to be so rough with me? I bruise easily.
It isn't me I was concerned about you disbelieving, Sanageyama.
[After all, the life fiber issue is still a touchy one with most anyone who has dealt with them- Satsuki isn't foolish enough to think otherwise.
But she also knows an opportunity when she sees it, and hauls Sanageyama forward with the hand he's holding so tightly, bringing her other up and to the back of his head. The refit will be quicker like this- and in the event he collapses like Inumuta did, he'll be less likely to hurt himself.
And speak of the devil...
She throws a look over her shoulder at him before closing her eyes, mouth pulling into a slight smile.]
Ah- my apologies, Inumuta. I may have been somewhat... overzealous in my efforts.
It's now more than ever he feels like he should have actually just attacked straight away, but even then, he wonders if he could have done it in the first place. Not even succeed, just go through with it. It'd be difficult to properly fight the other Devas if they were mentally refitted to attack him - he isn't even entirely sure he could fight to kill, since they're his friends. Satsuki? Satsuki was his friend and his superior... but it isn't like it matters now.
As he sinks to his knees, looking up at the woman who'd he swore his entire life to, not even sparing him a glance as she completely betrays the loyalty he'd given to only her, all these years...not to mention the thought of Gamagori and Jakuzure suffering the same fate because he didn't listen to Inumuta. Everything he believed in had been a lie. The friends he'd made were going to suffer, all because he was too stupid to do the right thing.
Even if he has the fortitude not to collapse like Inumuta had, he still finds himself completely overwhelmed by his emotions as the life fibers start to do their work, and combined with the reality of the situation sinking in, he can feel himself starting to cry as well.
Briefly, she might feel his hand grip hers even tighter than before.]
Sat...suki...
[Although it's just that: brief. His strength fails him suddenly and he lets go of her hand completely, and if she does too, his hand will just drop to rest on the floor instead.]
[He replies to Satsuki, still smiling as he wipes his own tears away and dusting himself off. This really isn't as bad as he thought it would be. He feels fine. Just a throbbing headache coupled with some numbness. But the rest feels fine. Inumuta get to his feet to approach Satsuki and Sanageyama.]
At least he didn't run, like I said to. That would have just dragged things out longer, wouldn't it have?
[How stupid he had been, to not run. No- wait. No. He was smart to not have run. Yes. That's the right answer.
His head hurts, still.
Inumuta lowers himself to his knee in front of Sanageyama, to watch the Life Fibers take over. It's not like he could have watched it happen to himself, but he wants to see if there's any visible changes that occur. For the sake of knowing.]
[Out of them all, she has to worry about Inumuta resisting mentally the most- but with Sanageyama it's worse. He has instincts so thoroughly ingrained in him that even they may need to be refitted, retooled. But she has to make sure it doesn't go too far, that they don't turn him into something he isn't. Not only because it would be suspicious, but because he wouldn't be the person she needs at her side, if it happens.
So she bends as he kneels, the hand not holding his moving to wipe his cheek.]
Unnecessarily so, yes.
[She half-turns to Inumuta then, raking her gaze over him, curious.]
I see you're feeling better already- but you shouldn't tease. You know how he gets.
[She makes room for him to kneel, however, and straightens up, squeezing Sanageyama's hand faintly.]
You're right though- come, Sanageyama. There is much to do.
[The feeling that he had something he ought to be doing drifts further away until he can't remember why he was so opposed to this in the first place. It hurts now, sure, but that'd pass in time surely. Otherwise he doesn't even notice there's anything different - it almost seems silly he struggled as much as he had before.
He lifts his free hand to wipe his sleeve against the other cheek, nodding up at her.]
...you're right, Lady Satsuki. Sorry.
[And he'll stand, given he has the room to do so since she moved back to allow Inumuta near.
Speaking of which, he addresses Houka afterwards.]
There's nothing to see. Try not to be too disappointed.
[Said, a little disappointed anyway. No visible changes, not like the powder white color of skin that the mindless one-stars had become, under Ragyo's control. Nothing out of the ordinary. It's all a mental change.
His mind is still in rebellion, and he can tell. His thoughts are not entirely what they should be- he should be asking Satsuki what she plans on doing next. No doubt she is planning on going after Jakuzure and Gamagori next, and she would be asking him the best way to corner them without retaliation. He should already be formulating a plan for this but- he's not. His mind's relatively blank, right now. As if he's unconsciously sealed off parts of his mind, to resist the Life Fibers from interfering with them.
Instead, he's quiet, standing and rubbing the bridge his nose.]
Ah... Lady Satsuki, I wish you had warned me how much this would give me a headache. I can't think straight.
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winterfish
no subject
Date: 2014-05-13 03:25 am (UTC)Who knew the bond the five of them shared would backfire so spectacularly.]
You got any idea what this might be about? She's been awfully quiet lately. Hope things're alright.
no subject
Date: 2014-05-13 03:47 am (UTC)[And that's troubling in itself. He always always has some kind of idea of what Satsuki is planning. Mostly because he's the one who makes her plans. He's her eyes, seeing all and understanding all. Not that he means this as a bragging point if it's ever brought up- but she tells him just a little more than the others, if only because he knows she means for him to use that information to it's fullest potential. And he understands.
But this, he doesn't understand at all. Complete radio silence from Satsuki since the defeat of Ragyo.
Things aren't right at all, and he knows that.
But she's called them to the Student Council meeting room and there they are, pushing the doors open and stepping inside.]
Lady Satsuki.
[He and Sanageyama say in unison.]
no subject
Date: 2014-05-13 09:45 pm (UTC)[From her usual chair, facing the wall of monitors that keeps watch over every inch of Honnouji academy, Satsuki speaks, a hand splaying to the side to motion them closer, fingers curling into her palm slowly after. There is the sound of china settling against china- tea, as usual, her hand withdrawing, presumably to steady her cup.]
Prompt as ever.
[It isn't until they follow her summons- as she knows they will, they are so loyal, obedient- predictable, to a degree, both of them- that she swivels in her chair, teacup and saucer in one hand, pinkish red threads coiling around the fingers of the other.]
This won't take long.
[After all- a mental refit is only difficult if the target would fight you, and she is absolutely sure in the fact that neither of them will.]
no subject
Date: 2014-05-14 06:55 am (UTC)On the one hand, that's ominous as hell. On the other hand, it's...it's Satsuki, right? She wouldn't do anything worth freaking out over.
But life fibers. Life fibers are never a good sign unless they're in a uniform.]
...lady Satsuki, what're you-?
[He'd like to give her the benefit of the doubt here.]
no subject
Date: 2014-05-14 12:22 pm (UTC)He's loyal to Satsuki. That's not questionable, but if they were to be ranked by loyalty, he'd be the last for sure. He believes in Satsuki, believes in her cause, wants to see her succeed... But now that Ragyo was defeated, shouldn't this have ended? Shouldn't things be playing out differently?
He wants to give her the benefit of the doubt as well, but something tells him he can't.
Inumuta takes a half step back, and then another.]
Sanageyama,
[He says quietly, calmly.]
We shouldn't be here right now.
no subject
Date: 2014-05-14 08:23 pm (UTC)[There are a lot of things, honestly, that aren't right about the situation. But Satsuki seems to ignore all of them as she sets her tea aside with her usual grace, standing to look down at them both from the dais. The fibers at her fingers twist, coiling like snakes, and she lowers her eyebrows the faintest bit as she takes a step forward.]
Now-
[There is no warning, as the threads snap forward from her fingers, coiling tight around their necks and holding. She begins her descent toward them, stopping only when she can set a hand on each of their faces, expression deceptively calm.]
-perhaps you should reconsider.
no subject
Date: 2014-05-14 08:56 pm (UTC)His gaze briefly moves to Inumuta, but once she's standing right next to him, it makes no difference.]
Lady Satsuki...! [A beat.] What are you doing?!
no subject
Date: 2014-05-14 09:02 pm (UTC)Inumuta is grabbing at his neck, trying to pull back the threads but failing to make any headway. Is this really it? He's going to be strangled to death by Satsuki? Is this even the real Satsuki? She wouldn't do this.
And there's Sanageyama, standing around like a moron. Inumuta barely chokes out his words,]
Run- idiot-!
no subject
Date: 2014-05-14 09:28 pm (UTC)I'm surprised. I thought the both of you would understand.
[The fibers ease their grip on Inumuta- but they are already trying to work their way into his mind, a slightly more subtle version of Ragyo's complete refit. She doesn't need mindless slaves- she just needs to assure their loyalty, given the situation. So when she turns her attention fully to Sanageyama, it's with her hands raised, almost as if she has no wish to hurt him.
To be fair, she certainly doesn't.]
Fighting me won't help.
[She has no weapon- but she doesn't really need one. She can fight just as well with her bare hands as she can with a sword. Then again, with him, she doesn't think she'll need to. Not if she does this right.]
At least listen, Sanageyama.
no subject
Date: 2014-05-14 09:36 pm (UTC)[He doesn't really know what to do here.
As much as he'd love to take Inumuta's advice and run, he just can't. Even if she's acting no different than usual, he can't accept this is willing behavior on her part. It has to be the life fibers at work or...or something.
Even if it wasn't, he can't leave Inumuta either.
So all this taken into consideration, that's two friends who need his help right now. He can't just abandon them.]
If it's really something we can just talk over, this isn't necessary!
[He's still holding onto his weapon and his body language in it's entirety makes it very clear he may very well attack if provoked, like a cornered animal.]
no subject
Date: 2014-05-14 09:58 pm (UTC)...It'd be so easy to just... submit.
Why would Satsuki do this? Why would she betray them? After all this... Something happened during her fight with Ragyo.
He feels something wet fall off the tip of his nose- tears. He's crying? How lame is the last coherent thought he has before he passes out. The fibers need to work on his mind, this kind of finesse taking more effort than making one a mindless slave.]
no subject
Date: 2014-05-18 07:20 pm (UTC)[It's an easy enough term to agree to, once Inumuta falls unconscious- but there is still Satsuki between him and Sanageyama, should he wish to try and grab him to escape. Perhaps surprisingly, however, she moves herself out of the way, expression sliding into calm composure, her hands folding slowly, gently together.]
I realize this makes no sense to you, however I assure you- I have only your best interests at heart.
[Eyes sliding up to his, she catches his gaze a moment and then lets her gaze slip to one side.]
Has that not always been the case?
[Her words are not insincere- but her intent certainly is. After all, the only reason she isn't standing between him and Inumuta anymore is because she doesn't have to... And because with Sanageyama, it's always been easier to play on emotions than it has been with the others. He's all stubborn pride and loyalty, and she values both traits highly, even when the 'stubborn' portion makes him a bit difficult to handle.]
no subject
Date: 2014-05-18 07:55 pm (UTC)It's enough to make him relax, even just a little.]
But... but why the life fibers? We were always the enemy of the life fibers! The way you're using them like this, it's just like your mother...!
no subject
Date: 2014-05-18 08:13 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2014-05-18 08:36 pm (UTC)[His name isn't said any particular way- just a calm, solitary utterance as Satsuki's eyes refocus on him. But it's obvious Satsuki is displeased, brows lowering, lips taking the barest downward turn.]
Do not ever compare me to that waste of so-called life.
[That statement made, she strides forward, closer, and shakes her head.]
They do not control me- they did not manage it before and they will not do so now. This is a partnership on far more equal terms than Ragyo could ever manage.
[Her hand rises, held out to him with every indication that she believes he will take it.]
There will be no enslaving of humanity, no destruction of our race. I will allow them to remain alive, and they will help me unite people as they have never been united before.
[Her head tilts slightly, frown lifting from her features, and her expression is purely, stubbornly Satsuki- she believes in what she's saying, and she knows if she has done well enough, he will too.]
But I cannot do this alone.
no subject
Date: 2014-05-18 09:15 pm (UTC)That and a sword hilt to the gut.
But then he looks over at Inumuta on the floor, he thinks life fibers and the nagging doubt in the back of his mind comes back. Something about this just doesn't feel right...but he does lower his weapon anyway, taking her hand with his own, but his grip is a bit too firm for it to be accepting. It's still like he's trying to get her attention.]
You know we would go with you if your intentions were as good as you say! We're already loyal to you Lady Satsuki, we- you should know you don't have to go this far! That's the only reason I'm still doubting you.
If this is really what you want, then do it without the life fibers! It won't make a difference! We'll all stand by you if you're true to your word. If it really is for the good of everyone.
[But look, his guard's down, she could definitely stop him from freeing himself again if she wanted. May as well just skip the bullshit and do it.]
no subject
Date: 2014-05-18 09:22 pm (UTC)But he's up, and he looks no different than he did before.]
Lady Satsuki...
[Inumuta starts, and then looks up to her with a smile.]
Did you need to be so rough with me? I bruise easily.
no subject
Date: 2014-05-18 09:46 pm (UTC)[After all, the life fiber issue is still a touchy one with most anyone who has dealt with them- Satsuki isn't foolish enough to think otherwise.
But she also knows an opportunity when she sees it, and hauls Sanageyama forward with the hand he's holding so tightly, bringing her other up and to the back of his head. The refit will be quicker like this- and in the event he collapses like Inumuta did, he'll be less likely to hurt himself.
And speak of the devil...
She throws a look over her shoulder at him before closing her eyes, mouth pulling into a slight smile.]
Ah- my apologies, Inumuta. I may have been somewhat... overzealous in my efforts.
no subject
Date: 2014-05-18 10:43 pm (UTC)It's now more than ever he feels like he should have actually just attacked straight away, but even then, he wonders if he could have done it in the first place. Not even succeed, just go through with it. It'd be difficult to properly fight the other Devas if they were mentally refitted to attack him - he isn't even entirely sure he could fight to kill, since they're his friends. Satsuki? Satsuki was his friend and his superior... but it isn't like it matters now.
As he sinks to his knees, looking up at the woman who'd he swore his entire life to, not even sparing him a glance as she completely betrays the loyalty he'd given to only her, all these years...not to mention the thought of Gamagori and Jakuzure suffering the same fate because he didn't listen to Inumuta. Everything he believed in had been a lie. The friends he'd made were going to suffer, all because he was too stupid to do the right thing.
Even if he has the fortitude not to collapse like Inumuta had, he still finds himself completely overwhelmed by his emotions as the life fibers start to do their work, and combined with the reality of the situation sinking in, he can feel himself starting to cry as well.
Briefly, she might feel his hand grip hers even tighter than before.]
Sat...suki...
[Although it's just that: brief. His strength fails him suddenly and he lets go of her hand completely, and if she does too, his hand will just drop to rest on the floor instead.]
no subject
Date: 2014-05-18 11:03 pm (UTC)[He replies to Satsuki, still smiling as he wipes his own tears away and dusting himself off. This really isn't as bad as he thought it would be. He feels fine. Just a throbbing headache coupled with some numbness. But the rest feels fine. Inumuta get to his feet to approach Satsuki and Sanageyama.]
At least he didn't run, like I said to. That would have just dragged things out longer, wouldn't it have?
[How stupid he had been, to not run. No- wait. No. He was smart to not have run. Yes. That's the right answer.
His head hurts, still.
Inumuta lowers himself to his knee in front of Sanageyama, to watch the Life Fibers take over. It's not like he could have watched it happen to himself, but he wants to see if there's any visible changes that occur. For the sake of knowing.]
Wake up, Sanageyama. I want to see it happen.
no subject
Date: 2014-05-18 11:15 pm (UTC)So she bends as he kneels, the hand not holding his moving to wipe his cheek.]
Unnecessarily so, yes.
[She half-turns to Inumuta then, raking her gaze over him, curious.]
I see you're feeling better already- but you shouldn't tease. You know how he gets.
[She makes room for him to kneel, however, and straightens up, squeezing Sanageyama's hand faintly.]
You're right though- come, Sanageyama. There is much to do.
no subject
Date: 2014-05-18 11:53 pm (UTC)He lifts his free hand to wipe his sleeve against the other cheek, nodding up at her.]
...you're right, Lady Satsuki. Sorry.
[And he'll stand, given he has the room to do so since she moved back to allow Inumuta near.
Speaking of which, he addresses Houka afterwards.]
There's nothing to see. Try not to be too disappointed.
no subject
Date: 2014-05-19 12:09 am (UTC)[Said, a little disappointed anyway. No visible changes, not like the powder white color of skin that the mindless one-stars had become, under Ragyo's control. Nothing out of the ordinary. It's all a mental change.
His mind is still in rebellion, and he can tell. His thoughts are not entirely what they should be- he should be asking Satsuki what she plans on doing next. No doubt she is planning on going after Jakuzure and Gamagori next, and she would be asking him the best way to corner them without retaliation. He should already be formulating a plan for this but- he's not. His mind's relatively blank, right now. As if he's unconsciously sealed off parts of his mind, to resist the Life Fibers from interfering with them.
Instead, he's quiet, standing and rubbing the bridge his nose.]
Ah... Lady Satsuki, I wish you had warned me how much this would give me a headache. I can't think straight.