Zero Heart: The Sequel

[hunting]

[Ace is probably experiencing a very violent and jarring drop that will deposit him (none too gently) right in the center of that familiar river of blood. Which means that, yep, that nagging sensation at the back of Ace's throat is back.

1]

Comments

[hunting]

[Looking more neutral now but tapping gun on his side a bit.]

"Oh, I can make some guesses. But you shouldn't be here. This is my spot for picking off nuisances."

[deadofknight]

I didn't want to give too much warning. That would just make things harder.

[hunting]

[Seems to be assessing this...]

"That stupid girl has your key."

[Glances to the side, annoyed but also... tired?]

"I was really close to taking it from her since her sentimentality has become especially disgusting. But she's finally accepted we want the same thing.

So I guess we can play out this dull time share for a while longer."

[deadofknight]

That's too bad. Is she still at the academy?

[hunting]

"It's still her place."

[deadofknight]

[nods]

I'll head there then.

If I need your help, is there a way I can call you?

[hunting]

"... You have help here, don't you? I'm just a guard. Just one piece. It's Zero who wields the real power."

[deadofknight]

Yeah, but you're a sensible part of Zero.

[hunting]

[Smiles~]

"You're right about that."

[deadofknight]

Seems like having back-up from Zero's sensible side could be useful.

[hunting]

[Frustrated and studying gun in his hand.]

"There's limitations when you're just a piece of a whole. I have influence but... agency's another matter."

[deadofknight]

[sighs]

Well, it was worth a shot. I guess it's time to go say hi to Yuuki.

[hunting]

"Lucky you, huh?

Good luck with whatever it is you're planning. I surely have no idea."

[deadofknight]

If you don't know, hopefully certain other things in here won't know, either. Thanks for the tip.

[hunting]

[Well, since there's no need for him to kill heart invaders, Heart!Ace will just be heading in the direction to pester the Knight or something. But he pauses just before leaving.]

"There's another problem in this area that you might want to take care of while you're here. Near the maze. I'd have taken care of it before now but... well, I guess you'll just see when you get there."

[deadofknight]

That's not the Carnelian guy thing, is it? I was already planning on taking care of that.

[hunting]

[Much less safe smile than earlier.]

"That's good to hear."

[deadofknight]

[:3]

Nice to know we're on the same page.

[hunting]

"That's to be expected, isn't it?"

[deadofknight]

[shrugs]

Still nice to know for sure.

[hunting]

"... I've been taking care of some things since last time. Maybe you won't need my help as much as you think."

[Heading off~]

[deadofknight]

[welp. heading for the academy, I guess.]

[hunting]

[Well, the cobblestone path seems to be in better shape than before, not new or especially maintained but like someone actually gives a damn about making sure it doesn't go to pot. The path is more well-worn and the building ahead looks old but stable, with no more signs of cracks, just age. There is even some tiny snatches of new grass here and there on the ground.]

[deadofknight]

[...ducking into the stables to check on White Lily and the apples before he enters the academy proper.]

[hunting]

[White Lily is happily munching on an apple from a bag that's closer to her than before. Not right next to her, by far, but within reaching distance. Though she does give Ace a wary look when he steps in.]