Aftermath: The Memories of Then and Now

[all_onis_are_true]

*By all rights, it's a time for celebration, and on some level Hiroshi knows that. At the same time, he can't quite bring himself into the mood to revel, and at some length in the midst of the little celebrations he slips out into the night to take a walk. His route is long and winding, passing by old familiar landmarks -- the Ermis Suites, the library where the first populated Oni attack had occurred, the Justice League Building. Here and there, until at last he finds himself on the tall hill where he had nearly made the biggest mistake of his life.

He looks out. Everything seems peaceful. Everything is peaceful, honestly. The monsters are no longer a threat. Nobody he knows here died and became Oni -- well, not on this timeline, he supposes. By all rights, he thinks he should feel like he's accomplished something.

But there's something empty to it. Even with the monsters sealed, something feels inconclusive. And it bothers him.

He continues watching outward. At least, if you were looking for him, you know where he is -- or perhaps you are simply a night owl yourself. He seems approachable, at least.*

Comments

[princeofmaggots]

[A rough cackle escapes from his beak.]

If that isn't the funniest thing I heard I day, I'll eat my own crown.

Do you hear the shit that comes outta your mouth? You're crediting yourself for these so-called killings? I doubt you could smack down a fly without feeling sorry. At least you're competent putting away your killer friends.

[all_onis_are_true]

*Because nothing builds comradery like laughing at somebody's self-loathing. No, really.*

I'm glad I amuse you. Can you go away now?

[princeofmaggots]

[Laughter is the best medicine. Especially when it's at the expense of someone else.]

But where else can I amuse myself at this time of night? Honestly... so these monsters followed you, it's their fault for doing so.

[all_onis_are_true]

I... suppose. Still, I just wish they had stayed in my world where they belonged.

[princeofmaggots]

Who knows, it is likely that they all followed you here. You might have inadvertently saved your own world without being there.

[all_onis_are_true]

I'm not sure being told my world is better without my presence is much better than knowing that my coming here might have doomed people, you know.