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

[deadofknight]

[he's had his sword out this entire time, by the way... also, looking for the tree. :|b]

[hunting]

[From there, Ace might be able to spot Zero leaning heavily against the tree, looking as exhausted as Yuuki did.]

[deadofknight]

[heading over! warily.]

[hunting]

[Yep, Zero pretty much looks like hell, all sorts of roughed up and worn down. But he does turn at Ace's approach.]

"Ace..."

[deadofknight]

Hello.

[hunting]

[A sort of lost look passes through his eyes as his voice comes out in a low whisper...]

"I know why you're here..."

[deadofknight]

I should hope you do.

[hunting]

[Voice is greatly strained now and leaves him slowly, as he clenches a fist at his side his gaze part fearful and part... desperate.]

"Because...

I have to... let go..."

[deadofknight]

[not exactly the answer he wanted, but he'll take it. :|]

That's right.

[hunting]

[A familiar voice from elsewhere~]

"Who are you to say he's ready? You're forcing his hand.

Or... does it even matter how much damage you cause so long as you're first in his heart?"

[deadofknight]

Don't you have any manners? People are talking.

[hunting]

"Not even going to bother denying? Well, at least you're honest in your selfishness."

[deadofknight]

Hush, it's Zero's turn to talk.

[hunting]

[Zero is pressing more against the tree now, speaking rapidly, frantically.]

"... nobody's forcing my hand. This is... my decision. I can't keep binding myself to this... guilt, no matter how much I still care about you. I can't get better like that... I have to get better so I don't hurt the ones precious to me."

[deadofknight]

That's right.

[hunting]

[Ichiru is actually sounding angry now and look, even showing up not too far away from the tree, sword in hand.]

"Guilt's all we've ever had.

And if you think you're ready just because you have him now, you're wrong. There's still more for you to figure out."

[deadofknight]

Jeez, are you hard of hearing or something? It's not your turn to talk.

[hunting]

"Hn, you're right. No more talking."

[Attacking now!]

[deadofknight]

[blocking!]

Oh, looks like you are hard of hearing after all! Either that or just stupid, I guess. I don't know if I can repeat myself using smaller words!

[hunting]

"Ichiru, back off!"

[A thorny vine shoots up from the ground to wrap around Ichiru's ankle and toss him away from the fight.]

[deadofknight]

We were talking before you interrupted, you know.

[hunting]

[Zero is just working on pushing himself back into a regular stand at this point.]

[deadofknight]

[waiting! keeping an eye on Ichiru, though.]

[hunting]

"... What do you need from me, Ace?"

[deadofknight]

Hold him still so I can tie him up.