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]

[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..."

[deadofknight]

Oh, you would, would you?

[hunting]

[Looking more determined and sure.]

"Of course we would. Zero loves you.

That's why you should have arrived here first..."

[deadofknight]

You can't even say it. Why should I trust you to do anything?

[hunting]

"... Because I won't be the one doing anything. I'm just a gate-keeper, just like the other one is just a guard. The one you should trust is... this heart. Zero.

Do you?"

[deadofknight]

All I have is just a gatekeeper's word that I should, don't I?

[hunting]

[She looks... hurt.]

"Is that really all you have?"

[deadofknight]

Well, it is now. Your lack of enthusiasm isn't exactly reassuring, you know?

[hunting]

"This isn't easy for me... Choosing... It seems so cruel."

[deadofknight]

Tick tock, tick tock. You don't have the choice of not making yourself choose anymore.

[hunting]

[3

Enjoy your next hunger tick.]

"I know that! I was just trying to answer you."

[deadofknight]

Then? What's your choice?

[hunting]

[Frowning for just a moment before her face returns to a neutral expression, but moving away from the door...]

"... we gave it to you."