[The only part of Oboro's past he'd cared to hold on to had followed him to Hell. His teacher's smile, the man's gentle yet firm voice, the way they both learned about the world together, those things were all with him once more.

The rest could stay rotting in the dirt, for all he cared.

Oboro balked when Josh spoke. The accusation that he could do such a grand thing of his own will shook him at his core. But he stayed quiet and listened none the less, following the thread of Josh's loosely wound argument.

Rebuttals began to form in his mind. Oboro would agree that it wasn't a crime to grant a request - even one to end an anguishing life. But that didn't mean people were free. Fate had simply mandated that person to die, and the method was of no consequence.

But Oboro could feel Josh's words sinking in, through the guard of his arguments. He'd seen his teacher fighting fate, and just maybe, he'd been engulfed by that fantasy. So he couldn't bring himself to tell Josh he was wrong. But that didn't mean he could agree, either.

Oboro shook his head.] You can say that, but without fate- [His bottom lip curled into his mouth, a nameless emotion suppressed.] I wouldn't have been strong enough to do what I did without believing [His breath caught.] Knowing. That it was my fate to die.