weiss_tank | Where in this assassin once again has serious doubts about his target

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[Ken had gotten the mail, as per his usual routine. The letter from the town was unusual however. It couldn't be something from home, that only came after the town had a hissy fit. So, he opened it up after a moments of hesitation and couldn't believe it. How could the town have that much power?

Still....the guys....Miakis...they were all at stake, and after all this wasn't any different from what he did at home. Of course, that line of thought stopped as soon as he saw the name of his target.

Japan.

The country he had used his second chance at life to protect time after time, from mad scientist to corrupt politicians, to evil cabals of psychically powered people bent on world destruction. Could he really kill the personification of his country?]

[John Doe Park]

[He hadn't stopped to talk long with the people at home about the letter, in fact, he'd run out to the park as soon as he could. He needed to think, he needed to run around and not think, which ever worked to make him feel better. So there he was, running laps about the park, wonder what the hell to do next.]

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[Ken smiled a bit sheepishly. Normally he wasn't so conscious about his swearing but it just seemed a bit wrong in front of damn country.

Wait. Why was he just sitting there talking to Japan. He was supposed to be killing the little guy.]

So are you gonna do it?

[ Yes. He's going to try to. But can he say that to one of his people? ] I will protect my people and my family.

If you're tryin' to say yes, don't worry, not like I can judge ya. [Not when he's trying to get up the gumption to put his fist to your nose.]

Ehhh-? [ How did he- wait. ] ...What do you mean?

[That was mainly a shot in the dark, but Ken had known old Japanese people before.]

Never mind, you don't know do you. [This made him feel a little bit better.]

...I'm sorry, but I do not understand what Ken-kun is trying to tell me...

Ah, don't worry 'bout it Japan. This town is fu-screwed up and we're left in its wake, that's all.

Edited 2011-05-28 06:09 (UTC)

[ A pause- he still looks vaguely confused, and his expression shows that he doesn't entirely believe that it's all it is, but he doesn't say anything. It must be personal, he thinks, and he's not the type who'd pry. ]

... I see. Yes, that might be a correct way to put it.

[Why was this so hard...maybe because he knew Japan didn't deserve to get beaten to death in the park. This wasn't even like Sister or Kase who ended up being targets for a reason. Japan was randomly assigned it seemed.]

This fuckin' sucks.

[ Another pause. ] ...That is also correct, even if not the literal meaning.

Edited 2011-05-28 06:17 (UTC)

[Ken paused, and then burst out laughing.]

I'm glad you agree.

[ Slowly, Japan joins in- though with a small, soft chuckle. Laughing and joking around in small ways- this always works, somehow, to improve his mood. For a moment he forgets the nature of this situation. ]

[This was the first time Ken had heard Japan laugh. He didn't hear it at first since the old country was quiet about it, but he loved the sound.

It was a this point that Ken knew he couldn't do it. This wasn't a mission, Japan was not some evil sadist bent on destruction. He wasn't even a secret evil sadist bent on destruction but presented as normal.

Ken would just have to find another way to protect his friends from the town's evil.]

[ Japan doesn't even notice any of these thoughts- he can sense that Ken is hiding something from their conversation, and while he would like to know what is it that's bothering him, so he can help- he just lets his laugh trail off into silence and returns to staring into the park. It looks so peaceful, in the morning- with those very blue skies and the drone children playing around as though everything is normal- you might almost forget what town this is. ]

... Ken-kun. If there's anything I can do for you... if there's anything I am needed for... ah, please do tell me. I will do my best to offer my assistance.

There isn't...

No. There is something you can do for me. Stay alive.

[ He looks surprised, at first, at that request- it's not the kind of thing he would expect. But he nods firmly. ]

Yes. Absolutely.

Good, I won't worry 'bout you then.

[Screw Mayfield. He knows someone is hunting him but that doesn't matter. He's not going to kill Japan, and that's that.]

[ If only he knew that Ken was thinking that-- it would make him so happy. But this conversation restores some of his determination and faith in himself. But-- ]

And what of yourself?

[Ken grinned at him.]

Don't worry 'bout me, I'll be fine. I ain't helpless here by a long shot.

Even though they took away everything we regained so far...?

Even though. Means who ever's huntin' me is just human too. 50-50 chance ya know?

... Ah, that's right. I suppose it isn't as bad, that way.

No it's not. I have just as much chance as they do.

Still- if something ever comes up that I am needed for, please don't hesitate to call me. I am merely human, as well, but hopefully, if I succeed... I will have my sword back, at least.