Debt Collectors (ONC Entry)

Soul 11

The chase had tired Saviour out, not physically but mentally and he collapsed on the couch in the office after securing Hope on the other.

"They're searching right now but I doubt they'll find the entrance to this place" Near said as he sat down. Captain wasn't here surprisingly.

"They'll try to find you Saviour so you can't leave here anymore. If they do, I don't know what'll happen or whether or not we can help you" Near said sadly, apologetically.

"It doesn't matter. I knew what I was getting myself into. Right now, I need to help Hope" Saviour got up and took the bag on the table.

"You can borrow this room if you wish. It's underground so no one will notice the light"

Saviour went and sat by Hope's head, "Thank you"

Near smiled, "Anything for my best friends"

*~-*-~*

Saviour continued to give the soul balls to Hope and slowly but surely, the marks on her body started to disappear.

"It's working" Near said in glee.

"It's not over yet. I'm not sure if I need more than the 90 left" but Saviour was smiling as well, holding Hope's hand tightly.

"I'm sure it will. I'm sure she'll wake up soon"

80

70

60

Captain came in but had stepped back abruptly due to the bright light, using the group's flag that was hanging on the door to shield his eyes. The flag was a simple rectangular red cloth with the symbols 絶 望 in ink.

When the light faded, "That light is pretty impressive. What is it anyway? It's like staring at the sun" Captain asked as he walked inside.

"Soul energy. The last bit the soul has" Near answered solemnly.

Saviour chose to ignore them. Chose not to think about it.

For Hope. For Hope.

50

40

30

20

10

"This' it. The last stretch. The marks on her body are gone as well" Near said. Captain had left some time ago.

Saviour could only nod as he gave the 9th ball, it was slowly taken by Hope.

8

7

"What should our 1st words be when she wakes up?" Near asked. Saviour took a moment to reply as the light blinded them.

When it subsided, Saviour gave her the 6th. "I don't know. Maybe, welcome back? Or I'm sorry?"

"What would you be sorry about? You saved her Saviour. You're a savior" Near snickered at the joke then was blinded by the light again.

5.

"I guess I am" Saviour felt warm at the thought.

"And she's your hope"

"What?"

4.

"When I 1st saw you, you looked so aloof and lifeless. Like a man 1 foot in the grave even though we are all already dead" Near explained with a smile.

Saviour smirked, "I was pretty dull"

3.

"But when you were with Hope, you shined. As if her happiness was spilling over you. Painting you in her colors"

Saviour's expression warmed, remembering that bright smile, "Hope does have that effect on people. A bucket of sunshine"

"She is!"

2.

1.

As the last ball was absorbed and the bag was now empty, Saviour waited patiently, his hands wrapped around hers.

The light was blinding like the rest and subsided much like the others did. When Hope didn't stir when it disappeared, Saviour thought it wasn't enough. Fearing that he needed more souls to completely heal her.

He'd need to go out for more. But how? He was a wanted criminal now. How was he going to help her?

Hope slowly opened her eyes and Saviour felt his breath catch. He stayed absolutely still as he watched her, unable to shift or breath. As if, if he did, she'll go back to sleep again.

Hope looked confused, looking around the unfamiliar place then her eyes landed on him.

"Sa... viour?"