woofus

[bisouled]

Comments

[bisouled]

... I see. That's what we always thought on the Bionis, too.

[ so it's true.

Fiora's not sure how to feel about it. She'll continue on, but she won't remember anything. Now, here, she's already beginning to forget things, and that's unpleasant enough. ]

[soulus]

We hail from separate worlds. For every similarity, there may be a difference.

[bisouled]

I know. It's probably silly to even compare them. But...

[ she hesitates. the bunnit thumps its tail rather suddenly against the wooden floor of the gazebo - nerves, maybe. ]

It's... comforting, to think that maybe I have an idea of what's coming. Not knowing is the scariest bit.

[soulus]

Is reincarnation not a known fact on the Bionis?

[bisouled]

No, of course not. When people die, that's the end. We haven't got a way of knowing what happens afterwards.

[soulus]

. . . If you fear it that much, I can take your soul to the Underworld once you've passed.

[bisouled]

[ a blink. ]

... You'd do that for me?

[ it's a silly idea, of course. just as he'd said earlier, they're from different worlds. but she can't help but entertain it. ]

[soulus]

. . . Souls are worth money.

As a bounty hunter, I travel to various worlds on business. I could feasibly find a way to yours.

[bisouled]

[ at that, she quirks a smile. ]

So you could sell my soul? I don't know how I feel about that.

[soulus]

All you have to know is your decision . . . Why don't you think about it?

[bisouled]

I'll think about it. What happens to my soul after you sell it? That's important, you know.

[soulus]

That depends on where it goes.

[bisouled]

... You wouldn't sell me off to someone who wouldn't treat me right, I hope.

[ he wouldn't... right... ]

[soulus]

I would sell to whomever is interested . . .

[bisouled]

[ at that, the bunnit's ears tip backwards and it opens an eye a sliver to glare at Rufus - not that the animal sidekick is needed to interpret Fiora's reaction to that. ]

You're serious? [ a heavy sigh. ] Here I was thinking you were being sweet, for once. Well, forget the whole thing, then! I see you just want to make money off of my troubles.

[soulus]

[The wolf eyes the bunnit easily before lowering her head on her paws, pointed ears folding halfway.]

Is that a rejection? I will respect that as well.

[bisouled]

[ the bunnit thumps his tail again, this time more irritatedly. ]

I'll accept if you promise not to just pawn me off like some... some old hunk of scrap. This is my soul we're talking about, here! Maybe you don't care what happens to me, but I do.

[ although it hurts to learn, yet again, that he doesn't really care. it makes her feel stupid for caring about him. ]

[soulus]

[The wolf's ear twitches once as she continues to watch.]

If you accept, you would be leaving behind everything you know.

[For someone who dearly loves that one person, he wonders how much she would be okay with the finality of such a separation, even if she were to forget entirely.]

[bisouled]

That's what happens when you die. Nothing to be done about it.

[ Fiora can't remember that person. Fiora can't even remember her brother's name anymore. She knows there are things she needs to stay alive for, but she's not sure what they are - only that she must survive. And if Rufus gets to the point of peddling her soul, then she's already failed those people and those things, even if she can't remember them.

Not that she's thinking much about that. She's more concerned with Rufus's behavior. ]

... You could apologize. At least say you didn't mean it like that.

[soulus]

[For all her idealism, Fiora is still grounded in reality at the end. Her answer is not wrong.

He studies her, and it's quiet for several beats when the wolf's ears flatten completely against her head.]

. . . I apologize.

[bisouled]

[ she actually wasn't expecting him to capitulate, but it's a relief when he does. Even if she's not entirely convinced he means it. ]

Well... good. I accept your apology. I'm not sure I forgive you, but there's that.

[ even to her friends, Fiora's tough when she gets her feelings hurt. ]

... I do like the idea. At least I wouldn't be all alone.

[soulus]

[There's that.]

What do you mean?

[bisouled]

That's the scariest part, right? For me, anyway. When it happens... I'll be alone, and I'll be leaving behind everyone I know. But if you were there to pick me up, then I'd know that someone would be with me even at the end.

[ ... after a moment, she wrinkles her nose. ]

Although it's less comforting now that I know you'd just sell me first chance you got.

[soulus]

. . . You still haven't realized . . .

[bisouled]

[ at that, she tilts her head, raising an eyebrow expectantly. realized what, rufus... ]