Chapter Three: A Minor Recollection

Warnings: Contains OC, manga spoilers. Can also be read as an unofficial epilogue to 'Views of a Lifetime'.

I-I

Requested by:
propria-persona

Requested Pairing / Theme:
HidanOC

Requested Genre:
Angst / Romance

Prompt:
Twilight's Embrace

I-I

"You were right, Hidan-sama.", she said, whispering through a smile as the tip of the pike pointed readily into her back. "Life is a test, and only the strong can survive it. I'm not afraid of dying, Sensei...I'm just sorry I wasn't strong enough. I'm sorry for being the way I am...I'm sorry I've disappointed you."

Shutting his eyes, Hidan lowered his head further as he recalled her last words to him.

The scene had transpired only a few hours ago.

The Jashinist knelt down and poured water down the length of the used weapon, washing away his apprentice's blood and hopefully all tangible reminders of her along with it. The other Akatsuki members would have their way with whatever unholy demon ravaged her spirit, and Zetsu would employ his cannibalistic means with whatever was left of the body. After which, it would be over. She would be gone forever.

After nearly two years of faithful service, she ended up dying willfully by his hand.

She died thinking his intentions were pure. She died thinking he was disappointed in her.

Hidan slowly rose to his feet, retrieving the scythe lying idle in the grass nearest him and walking off.

Because of situations in the past, witnessing the death of a cherished one was something the man got over quite quickly; he knew that the loss he had experienced was nothing worth dwelling on, nothing worth obsessing over. He had spent most of his life preaching Jashin's existence alone, and continuing his efforts after this incident would be just like old times. Nothing more, nothing less.

...still.

Back then, he would glance up at visions of constellations littering the night sky, knowing that wherever she was, she could look up and see the same stars as he. After two years being used to her presence, it felt odd knowing that his counterpart wouldn't be out there waiting for him anymore. Although the feeling had manifested itself within a mere fragment of his lifetime, it was comforting to have that reassurance...or rather, someone to have shared it with.

If only for a little while.