§ 047.

[spadassin]

[the comm is cradled in her hands, angled up towards her face. judging by the dark sky behind her and the sound of cars somewhere below, she’s sitting on the ledge of a rooftop. because where else would a hero go to brood

Comments

[theteenofsteel]

[Ooh this pings his interest, being a clone.] Having emotions like compassion, love, hope... but also things like anger and fear too. Having a soul... Being able to think and speak? And make your own decisions. Not being able to live forever.

[He could probably think of more if he thought about it for awhile.] ... You okay? You don't look so good.

[spadassin]

[bb ):] Such a combination. You can't choose one?

[her voice is wry.] I haven't eaten in a while.

[theteenofsteel]

[Raises an eyebrow.] I don't think there's just one thing that makes someone human.

So go to the grocery store...?

[spadassin]

An interesting answer.

What I need cannot be found there. Rather, it can, but not for any sum of money.

[theteenofsteel]

What do you think makes someone human? And what do you eat?

[spadassin]

I've no answer. That's why I asked.

[deadpan. she doesn't even care about not telling anymore sob] Emotions. But I'm also a vegetarian.

[theteenofsteel]

... Are you human? How do you eat emotions?

[spadassin]

You didn't figure that out by the question alone?

Very carefully.

[theteenofsteel]

Then what are you? I'm a half-alien clone. And I 'eat' yellow sunlight. So whatever you are, it can't be any more weird than that.

[spadassin]

[well... he's right. huh. NOW HER ANSWER SOUNDS KIND OF LAME... oh well.]

The humans of this age call my species "vampire."

[theteenofsteel]

[And he doesn't look phased by that at all.] But no blood? Sounds like a nice kind of vampire.

What's holding you back from eating if it's just emotions? You don't suck someone's soul out in the process too, do you?

[spadassin]

There's nothing nice about it.

Not exactly. But it isn't pleasant.

[theteenofsteel]

Oh. [A little sheepish now.] How do you... not die if you have to hurt people to do it?

[spadassin]

[she speaks slowly--this is hard to explain.]

It doesn't--hurt them. They can't feel it at all. But it takes away a part of their being. Not permanently, if I'm careful. But it still isn't something I enjoy doing.

[theteenofsteel]

I think I get it. I hope things work out for you... You look like you need it. Is there anything I could do to help, somehow...?

[spadassin]

Thank you.

I'd rather you didn't.