[ It might make little sense to a Contractor. But as far as Pai is concerned, Hei's always been asymptotic to logic. He still remembers those days in Heaven's War -- the bloodshed, the repression, the blind vehemence with which he told himself he liked killing. Still remembers the feeling that came over him as the war passed -- was it months or years? -- time didn't move normally for him those days -- the feeling of being pressed under a very large boot that was squeezing every ounce of air from him, and the sense that he was somehow detached from his body and watching himself being inexorably crushed. How, after all, could he describe it to anyone? Or admit that, some nights, as the not-feeling grew worse, he dreamt of killing Pai in her sleep. ]

[ It wasn't out of resentment. But with every kill, Pai floated further and further away from the girl he loved -- even if she didn't realize it. Just as Hei, in his own way, drifted away with her. ]

[ Shaking it off, he summons an almost playful look. ]

Perform an interpretive dance to the music of your choice. It can be here. Or when you get home. [ Dryly, ] I'll expect a recording.