[Mello catches that movement — the way the kid tenses — and being without his gun, should probably step back, ease his stance. But Mello does not back down, even if he is at a disadvantage, and therefore holds his ground — while simulatenously ensuring that he doesn't give off any movements that can be taken as an attack. He may want to command attention, but he does not want to push the kid over the edge into attacking him.
He has trouble comprehending how someone can have so much faith in something they don't even truly understand — to believe that the people in charge of the city are looking for alternatives, when they have taken to such drastic measures. Talking about systems where its okay to be molded and used as a tool — that was a deplorable point of view.]
You can't say that with certainty. Many people abuse the power that they have — it's not just about rewards and cost, it's about getting what they want —
[It was only a precursor to what he wanted to say in reply to those first comments, but he cuts himself off when the younger teen falters, seemingly in pain. He watches and has a brief internal debate about what he should do — help? Wait it out? He takes a tentative step forward with no real decision in mind, but then the kid recovers and resumes talking. Mello's stance becomes less aggressive, and more wary, but he doesn't address the temporary lapse — it isn't his business.]
I don't disagree with that.
[Even quieter, now, as those last sentences hit a little too close to home. Mello understands sacrifice all too well — he has sacrificed so much for his goal, and as soon as he gets back, he'll put everything on the line again. It is worth it, if the goal is important enough — and here the line blurs.]
I have my own cause, and have made plenty of sacrifices for it.
[He finally takes a step back, eyes lowering for a moment, focusing on the ground as he considers those sacrifices — both the ones he has already made, and the ones he plans to make.]
But my cause has involved bringing down a regime like this one.
[Perhaps on a somewhat lesser scale, although Kira had political officials playing into his hands and masses of supporters professing their dedication.
He looks back up, meeting the younger teen's eyes again.]
If you're content with being a tool, then you can live like that. Fine. Follow your master's lessons and go on to be used to make this society work.
[It's a grim discussion — all of it — and the kid's acceptance of such a fate is not something Mello can smile back at.]
But I refuse to be anyone's tool, and I'm not going to let anyone use me to achieve their own corrupt goals. Humanity doesn't consist only of people who want the best for others — there are terrible people out there, and I will not be part of their games.
no subject
He has trouble comprehending how someone can have so much faith in something they don't even truly understand — to believe that the people in charge of the city are looking for alternatives, when they have taken to such drastic measures. Talking about systems where its okay to be molded and used as a tool — that was a deplorable point of view.]
You can't say that with certainty. Many people abuse the power that they have — it's not just about rewards and cost, it's about getting what they want —
[It was only a precursor to what he wanted to say in reply to those first comments, but he cuts himself off when the younger teen falters, seemingly in pain. He watches and has a brief internal debate about what he should do — help? Wait it out? He takes a tentative step forward with no real decision in mind, but then the kid recovers and resumes talking. Mello's stance becomes less aggressive, and more wary, but he doesn't address the temporary lapse — it isn't his business.]
I don't disagree with that.
[Even quieter, now, as those last sentences hit a little too close to home. Mello understands sacrifice all too well — he has sacrificed so much for his goal, and as soon as he gets back, he'll put everything on the line again. It is worth it, if the goal is important enough — and here the line blurs.]
I have my own cause, and have made plenty of sacrifices for it.
[He finally takes a step back, eyes lowering for a moment, focusing on the ground as he considers those sacrifices — both the ones he has already made, and the ones he plans to make.]
But my cause has involved bringing down a regime like this one.
[Perhaps on a somewhat lesser scale, although Kira had political officials playing into his hands and masses of supporters professing their dedication.
He looks back up, meeting the younger teen's eyes again.]
If you're content with being a tool, then you can live like that. Fine. Follow your master's lessons and go on to be used to make this society work.
[It's a grim discussion — all of it — and the kid's acceptance of such a fate is not something Mello can smile back at.]
But I refuse to be anyone's tool, and I'm not going to let anyone use me to achieve their own corrupt goals. Humanity doesn't consist only of people who want the best for others — there are terrible people out there, and I will not be part of their games.