Name : Midnight Conversations
Author : Rain
Disclaimer : Shaman King belongs to H. Takei.
"What is your idea of happiness?" He looks up from his book, surprised that she'd begin a conversation. A pause. "Now that's an interesting question, Maiden." Her gaze matches his, without so much as a blink when she realizes he is waiting.
"I meant," she add in that soft voice of hers, "why would erasing humanity make you happy? It won't erase its faults. It won't erase yours, either." He lets out a small breath.
"Careful, Jeanne.
- Why? It's not like I have much to fear. And punishing me would be admitting that they hurt you."
Hao grits his teeth.
She should really know better than that by now. Both know he is irritated. "Scared?
- Not yet." That earns her a casual smile. He likes that in her, that stupid inflexibility.
"You should.
- Probably." There is amusement in her voice, and neither is sure whether it is directed to him or herself. That doesn't suit him.
He walks up to her, that familiar glint in his eyes. Though, she doesn't move, even when he seizes her chin in his tanned fingers, his voice taking a humorless tone.
"Why don't you listen to me?"
And she knows 'no' isn't an option.
"I offer you freedom. No more rules or responsibilities."
She blinks without answering, her eyes avoiding his. That hit too close to home not to disrupt her; but she isn't about to say so.
"I offer you to end your pain. No more burdens. No more scars on your body and mind."
Her white eyelashes bat slightly. She still refuses to look at him and voice her opinion.
"I offer you oblivion."
Those are the words she dreads to hear, because she so desperately wants them to be true; because it shakes her convictions with the force of an earthquake.
Hao : …
Rain : … This is good… Though I'm probably influenced by Mirai's writing…
Hao : …
Rain : … You're ignoring me?
Hao : …
Rain: Not fair… *pouts*