audience: akane

[cyclists]

Comments

week 5, friday

[cyclists]

[lune won't make akane walk too far - once the offering disappears off into the distance, she'll hear footsteps. they approach, the flowers gently held in one hand]

And how might I be able to help you, Akane?

[is that even possible right now? though at least - they'll offer]

[specialdog]

[ Cool, cool. ]

If I do you a favor, can I get something?

[cyclists]

That can be arranged.

What is it that you desire?

[specialdog]

More bullets.

I only have one. I want more.

[cyclists]

Oh? And your intended targets?

[specialdog]

I haven't decided yet. It depends on how things go during the trial, but I want to be ready.

Besides, I've heard that this won't end until there's only one person left standing.

[cyclists]

Is that so...

How many bullets would you like?

[specialdog]

As many as I can get. To be honest, I was expecting more push-back.

I figure whatever task you give me will be difficult, too...

[cyclists]

Very well.

I will give you one additional bullet for each living person that will express that they love you without being led into the statement.

[specialdog]

[ Akane just. Sighs. ]

So you won't do it.

[cyclists]

What would you say if I were to express that I do not think it an impossible task?

Similarly... I wonder what you might do, if you opened your heart to the prospect of being loved, Akane.

[specialdog]

Just shut up, already...

[ She's too drained to even snap at Lune. She just sounds exhausted. ]

[cyclists]

[there's just a pause then

that stretches

as lune complies with her request]

[specialdog]

[ Thanks, Lune. She's able to compose herself in the silence. ]

... Even if it were true, no one would just say it to me on their own.

[ Leaving aside that she's sure it's just not true. ]

[cyclists]

If I may -

Is there a reason why you think yourself so difficult to love?

[specialdog]

It's just being realistic.

[cyclists]

Is it simpler to believe that, rather to find hope in the alternative?

[specialdog]

. . .

[ yes. ]

[cyclists]

... you must not be fond of surprises.

[specialdog]

They're scary.

[cyclists]

Mm, I would agree with that. I have lived long enough that I rarely find myself surprised, and it is not always fortunate when I do.

What do you do - when you find yourself scared, Akane?

[specialdog]

I usually don't have to worry about it. That's the whole point of that world.

[ the world that she ran to. because she was scared. ]

[cyclists]

Ah. A goddess would normally have no reason to worry.

[that makes sense.

but - ]

Were you truly happy there?

[specialdog]

Of course I was.

[ why even ask... everything was definitely perfect and she's definitely... fine... ]

[cyclists]

Someone dear to me had once said that in a life without surprises, your heart will die before your body.

... if you were truly happy, then I am relieved to know that such a thing did not happen to you.