The Blackest Heart
by Neo Arkadia
Why have you come to this world, Juudai?
To save Johan. That's why. That's all that matters right now.
Not even your other friends?
They can handle themselves. They don't need me to play hero for them.
Oh? But how many times have you had to save them, Juudai?
Rescue Cat got your tongue?
That was a very low blow.
I suppose. But... then again. When they learn what kind of a man you really are...
... Tch. What's that supposed to mean?
We both know you could give less than a damn about these... people. They're nice... but...
I'm sick of being afraid of you.
Afraid of me? You're just tired of them. Tired of being tossed away.
That's not true. They wouldn't do that.
Hmph. And I suspect you're lying yourself. Manjoume Jun. One of your beloved friends. However... I'd say, from what I know, that he has a bad habit of falling in with the wrong crowds.
Hey. He's a good guy. But...
He falls into the wrong crowds. And almost always ends up coming right into conflict with you. I'd say.
... Shut up.
Sounds like I hit a sore point.
You've always hit a sore point. You've never given me a chance to be myself.
I have. It's just... none of them. Give a damn about you.
... Shut up.
But it's true. They like you, but only when honestly suits them, Juudai. When you save them.
But. I. Er. Um...
So you've noticed it too. That almost rhythmic appearing and vanishing they all do. Day after dull day. Week after weary week. Month after miserable month. It's truly depressing, isn't it?
... But... it's not their fault. They have lives. And then some of the stuff is... what's the word?
Unforeseen?
... I think that's it. Tch. They're people. I don't need to stand over and watch them every minute of the day.
What a load of bullshit. You've done it as long as I've know you. Juudai, your real colors aren't hidden to me.
And what makes you think I'll listen to you?
For one? Hmm... I think it's because I've always been right.
Might never makes right. All you've done is harm me!
Might never makes right, Juudai? What an interesting hypocrisy you preach, for you're always making right by violence.
SHUT UP.
And harm you? You know very well I've done it all in the name of you.
My name... MY NAME?
I do it all for my love of you. It's not like anyone else has ever cared about you as much as I do.
But... but..
You've never gotten close to anyone, Juudai. For one, that blonde girl...
Her NAME is Tenjouin Asuka.
Names are so pointless, if you never plan to stick around.
I do plan to stick around! I'm going to stay! You're not going to make me run away.
Agreed. I'm not.
And... huh a wah?! You're not?
Why should I? You've run away from all you've known.
Wait. What. No. Just... NO. I'm searching for Johan.
WHY?
Because it's what a friend would do?
And wouldn't a friend stay with his other friends, as well?
You hate losing... don't you?
That has nothing to do with this.
Oh. But it does. That overwhelming thirst for victory. That hunger to be the best. It swims inside of you.
... How dare you!
My beloved Juudai... we both know... you have the most wicked heart of them all.
Juudai in his mind, stood there, alone, as the words rang like deafening yet damning church bells in the hallways of his memory.
FIN