The ex-SOLDIER’s head canted ever the slightest in inclination towards one angle whilst the young blood before him indulged him in what it was his eyes saw and what his general take of things were in regards to what encompassed him and his surroundings. This was all already intriguing and interesting — coming from such a young life. In this place it seemed that the children were the adults of the lot as most of the adult population did not at all act their age, perhaps Zack could be deemed a consideration among that lot. But, what good was an adult if he or she did not know how to have even the bits and pieces of fun? At least that was what Zack thought in regards to those woes anywho. A man to often appreciate the lights of banter over the steel grip that life later introduced to the young ones who grew old, having encountered first hand the irreparable damage life could damn upon a suspecting or unsuspecting soul. Rather frightful and something worthy of keeping a keen eye to the moon for. A lot of responsibilities this young boy said — a vague and bland way of setting it as but surely that were truth. “Yeah, as you grow up ya’ gotta open your mind up a bit to a lot a’ stuff that wasn’t there before.” So was Zack’s choice of wording for the sake of not drawing a scar upon the assumed child. However, it was the gaze in itself that spoke an entire different tale. Mako tainted eyes scanning what bore within them. In those eyes it seemed as the young boy had already been all but too aware of what it was would be in stored — experience lied within them. Zack held that very same gaze after all, so he would not fail to recognize it when it was placed present before him. However, for the sane and insane, he would keep his mouth stitched shut in regards to so. For all he knew perhaps he was simply seeing things.
“Yeah kid, it’s always good to believe in yourself.” Zack bobbed his head in the utmost of agreements. Though his tale was damned, his role of the hanged man, and the conclusion less favorable — Zack was an individual not to be tempered with. It was his faith in himself that had made his will out of steel, forged his heart out of gold, and broadened his mind like planes of verdant grass that never seemed to find their ending. “Whoever told ya’ that they’re right. It always pays to believe in yourself no matter what.” However believing in one’s self and believing in something else were two completely clashing subjects that differed. “It doesn’t hurt to also have something to believe in out there y’know kid? Somethin’ that pushes ya’ and wills ya’ to keep going. Something that keeps ya’ stubborn and doesn’t allow ya’ to give up so easily. Like maybe something you wanna protect.” In a simplified standing example for perhaps the mind of this child to come to a comprehensive conclusive stop. Fair would know, he had countless of things to say, but for the time being he supposed he would stick to the present as his life here, if he could even label it as such after death, was less damp and less traumatic for a young mind at that. So, perhaps just sharing of this present he would be doing a favor for this boy in the end. “I fight and keep going not just ‘cause I believe in myself, but because I wanna protect the people I love and care about as well.” He placed himself upon the podium as an example for this growing mate. “Sure there probably ain’t much here, and I’m sure ya’ must miss your family, but just think that if ya’ keep pushing yourself forward then one day you’ll be able to reunite with ‘em soon. To have things the way they were — pieces fallin’ back into place, philosophical stuff like that haha.” He found humor in his own wording — clearly not a man for words for starters. “So, yeah if you ever have doubts in your mind no matter how small just go back to what pushes ya’ to try your best.”
This guy really was rather strange. The boy, however, kept quiet to listen to the other’s response, as if to see how well he would take it. By the look of things, he seems to have taken it quiet well. Satoru understood very well of what he would have to do, if he was ever going to go back to his original age. Though being a child like now did mean he can get through the regrets he had as an adult. Doing something he should have done. picking another path when he chose neither. With those opportunities, he was able to make so many choices go in his own favor.
Though it was the last part of his sentence that made the young boy’s eyes change. As if a memory came to mind. Seeing Hinazuki with her grandmother and Sensei. Seeing them drive off. It was really going to be a town without her... but at least she would be happy. The long days, fighting fate itself to change the course of history, to see his friend smile in the end, to live a happy life...
Without realizing it for a moment, the boy smile at himself for a moment before catching himself from such a soft expression, go back to letting out a nervous laugh. “Well... I think that’s something I can understand. You see, back in my home, I wanted to become a superhero. I believe in superheroes, because they can do anything. Save the day and make everyone happy. And I’ve been going on for a while, protecting the people I want to protect. I was able to protect my friend from something bad happening, and that made me believe like I can do almost anything.” The boy wasn’t so sure why he suddenly let that slip out. Perhaps it was odd comfort he seem to have with the taller man. As if he was talking with some kind of hero before him.
Though there were more people he wanted to protect. His friends. His mother. They were very important to him, and would do anything to make sure they were all safe. To change the future, and prevent such unfortunate events from happening to him, or any of them. “I really do miss my mom. It’s... hard to keep going through this city without seeing her, but I believe one day I will. then I can go back and take care of her. Or-- ehh... have her take care of me.” Right. He’s still a kid. “But I think hearing you say that makes me think a lot of what I have to do, but I’ll remember your words. If I have doubts, just remember what pushes me forward. ‘It really does sound like something a hero would say.’”