Oh, no, that doesn't count; it doesn't have a roof! It wouldn't be a very good cage if you could just jump right out, yes? [he is an expert in being trapped inside cages young man trust him on this one.]

[honestly he could probably just standing jump it he's cleared higher. he is a freak.]

That would make it very difficult... [for hiro, he means, but that's rude so he'll keep it to himself.] But, even if that counts for a cage, it's not the one she's in. Whoever controls this land is much less sporting than I am used to!

[like say what you will about robbie but he's never kept a hostage past bedtime that is very unfair to everyone.]

She has been gone for... [counts] Almost two months. Maybe it is a very, very slow fight?

[also she is very small and tiny and he knows that she is fully convinced she could punch a monster to death and that worries him a lot???

sighs] I've never regretted not paying attention to magic more... [like maybe if he hadn't spent those five hours playing soccer as a child stephanie wouldn't be dead??? why did he not consider the consequences 50+ years ago???]

That is a terrifying power indeed! [i wish he was sarcastic.]

It is a plan, though, which is more than I had before now. My only other one is to start tearing everything apart until someone comes to stop me. [beat] I am not very good at plans! Stephanie usually made them for me.

[he's more like "I will figure out what I will do after landing this flip while still in the air."]

[grins] If they didn't at least try, I would not be doing it right!

[still... he pauses for a moment, definitely looking like he is giving the idea some serious thought.]

... Ah, no. It would be fun, and I would enjoy doing it. But, protecting people must always come first. I cannot do something if I'm ever unsure about that.

[speaking of which...]

How are your studies going? [pause] Finals are very soon.

Hm. [pause] Have you made your decision? About which test you will take?

[he doesn't want to say "you are clearly a wimp and you would be murdered immediately in the practicum" but he will if he's even slightly leaning that way.]

If you need any help preparing for it...

[because steph would gut him like a trout if he let one of her favorites come to harm. so really they're both in thrall here.]

... It is not looking so good for... more than a few of your classmates. [he glances at the desks around them.] Is it always like that? I have been trying to understand the point of it, but it just seems... [what's the word...] cruel?

Canceling... [frowns] If she had not canceled it, would things have been much worse?

[because there's failing a contact. and then there's failing a Contract.]

... I see. [honestly considering what this place is that just sounds like a dead man's switch.]

Maya's contract, does it sound the same? Something like, "If they pass the finals, they graduate...?" Wording can be very tricky with these things. There's always tricks, always loopholes...

She must want to protect you! [or she just thinks he's a useless blabbermouth who knows] To make such a choice... She must be a very strong-minded girl! Not exactly the type to accept help, but... I would like to offer it, anyway. To help fulfill whatever the contract's terms are.

[pause]

Or, help her pull one over on whoever she made it with. [shrugs] Whatever the plan is. I am very flexible!

[... squints.]

I don't think I am allowed to punch children.

Okay, I don't allow me to punch children. Or anyone. [maybe komaeda who knows 2022 is a new year] Is there helping that doesn't involve... that? Maybe?

Do you have a hand gesture that explains how, exactly, having a concussion at best will help Maya with her contract?