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]

[The box actually seems more secure in its bindings than previously. The threads that Ace added have grown from their original size to reinforce the loose ribbon underneath.]

[deadofknight]

[acceptable.

heading back downstairs to talk to Yuuki...]

[hunting]

[As he does that, he's going to start feeling a tiny bit more of hunger spike.

2]

[deadofknight]

[D|

w/e w/e where's yuuki]

[hunting]

[Ah yes, Yuuki. Depending how close Ace is, he might be able to tell that Yuuki looks... well, pretty damn bad. Her eyes are redder, as if she's been crying and she looks emotionally exhausted and disheveled. It also looks as if she's tried to compose herself previously but done a lousy job of it. As mentioned before, Heart!Ace's sword is pointed down by her side and something metallic and shiny seems to be wrapped around the sword's crossguard.]

[deadofknight]

What that on Ace's sword, Yuuki?

[hunting]

[Tries to make herself look more self-assured when she notices Ace, although she does drop her gaze down to the object in question.]

"... Your key. We had to make sure nobody else reached it. After the dreams... we weren't sure..."

[deadofknight]

Can you guess why I'm here?

[hunting]

[Her gaze is still focused on the key and her voice is small.]

"... yes. I know."

[deadofknight]

Oh, good. Where is he?

[hunting]

[She actually looks up this time, her expression tight but her eyes are clear.]

"With Zero."

[deadofknight]

Then I should pay them both a visit. Give me the key.

[hunting]

[Looks as though she wants to question him... but slowly reaches down to start unraveling the key from the sword, her hair falling in front of her eyes.]

"... be careful. He holds power here too. The balance..."

[deadofknight]

What about the balance?

[hunting]

"Zero knows now. They share a soul. A bond. It's different from when we drink from people. What he did... it broke our curse. Nobody really understands what it all means. We just know... this is how it was supposed to be... before we were born."

[She finishes removing and key and takes a breath before looking up.]

"So whatever you do—no, whatever you have to do... you must maintain that balance. We don't know what would happen if it was shifted too much."

[deadofknight]

[reaching for the key :T]

I'm not here to hurt him.

[hunting]

[She nods and offers it...]

"You should be careful of yourself as well."

[deadofknight]

[takes key]

Oh yeah?

[hunting]

"Mm, like I said, he has power here too. He'll see you as an intruder."

[deadofknight]

[pushing past herrrr]

If I die because Zero couldn't be bothered to keep him under control himself it'll be on Zero's head, then, won't it?

[hunting]

"... we wouldn't let that happen."

[deadofknight]

Are you sure? You just told me that's something I need to worry about.

[hunting]

[Looking flustered.]

"A fight is still a fight!"

[deadofknight]

Oh, so you'll let him hurt me, just not to the point I die? I see.

[hunting]

"Stop twisting my words! You know what you mean here. Why else would I have given you that?"

[Gestures to the key with the scythe in her other hand.

Then, he voice becomes very quiet and still.]

"... we would protect you, even if it meant..."