Summery: A conversation between two hard workers.
Notes: If I'm recalling correctly, This was written pretty shortly after the previous story. They inspired each other you could say.
"It's a hard job. But somebody has to do it. You're never appreciated, never wanted, and it causes misery, despair, and anger for most…but it must be done. It's a natural thing in life, it must be done. Do you understand?"
"Yes sir! I mean ma'm! Ma'm!"
"…It hurts others…and it will hurt you. There will be people in your life…that you meet. That you love. That you've watched over, that you've invested time in... You'll feel like a parent, a friend, someone who has come to love and respect the life that plays out before you! ...But it's still your duty to take them in the end…you have to do your job no matter what!"
"Yes ma'm!"
"…They might beg. They might cry. But you can't change their fate unless they have died before their time, or some other such clause has been broken. It's all in your handbook. Now, are you ready?"
Botan whirled on her young charge hoping to see a bright and eager face. Instead the young girl before her had a wilted expression. Botan frowned, and then gently took the girl by her shoulders.
"Are you ready Hinageshi?"
The red head frowned, and after a moment asked, "Is there anything I can do for them before I ferry them?"
Botan smiled then, and bent down to the young girl's level. "Yes. Greet them with a smile. Shift their sadness into something else-even if it's sheer annoyance at how happy you are. Remind them that friends and loved ones are waiting for them…and that if they died without ever knowing love, they might get a chance to know it now. You'll do your best Hinageshi, I know it."
Hinageshi finally smiled, and pulled forth her oar eagerly. She bowed, and was off running down the hall, headed for her first charge. Botan smiled after her nodding happily.
" 'Atta girl…"
End