i_s_l_a_n_d_rp | (no subject)

[Raises an eyebrow.] ...fear is respect?

Reverence. Belief. ... If they fear me, they acknowledge me.

Are you sure about that?

Fear often derives from not knowing. Not knowing who Beatrice really is, what she's capable of, they're afraid of what they don't know and don't understand in that sort of scenario. So can it be really said they know you enough to acknowledge you?

... Hm... hmhmhm.

Why do children and adults alike fear the dark? Because of the unknown within it. You're likening me to that, aren't you? A phantom in the shadows you can't confirm or deny exists. But Kinzo did a well enough job spreading my legend, even if it only reaches the shores of Rokkenjima at the moment. Those who fear me, know that legend. Therefore, they know me, acknowledge me, and respect me, without me once having to show my face.

Anyone can flick on the lights and see there's nothing there. That doesn't conquer fear or dispel belief. The lights will have to turn off again, eventually, and I'm free to roam that darkness, and to exist in the corner of their eyes.

So you will take a mockery of acknowledgment when it isn't an opponent?

I won't dignify their beliefs by showing myself if they aren't worth my time. The people who live on that island year round know who truly rules over it. That is enough.

So you do. If they are not worth appearing before, then their true acknowledgment isn't worth the effort, right?

If I did that, I'd just be desperate for attention.

You're saying you're not? [What? He could NOT take the shot.]

What was that? I think I heard someone talk, but they sounded so far away! Probably because they're so small, they barely reach my kneecaps. Kihihi, that kind of person would definitely have to speak up if they want to be heard.

Oi, oi, I'm not that small. [Not that he's much taller than her kneecaps.]

Close enough, right? That's a certain truth!

At least I don't sound like I'm having some sort of attack when I laugh.

We've been over this already! I laugh because I like it.

It's still creepy.

[ Cackles!

You know, just because she likes it so much. ]

[wjijwqioejwqijewq CREEPY!]

I like it. That's that!

And it's just you.

When it comes to my laugh, I'm the only one who counts. ♪

Might be how the witch rumor was started with a laugh like that...

-- You think so? I wouldn't be ashamed of an origin like that.

And it all began with one little girl's creepy laugh.

[ have a creepy little giggle to add emphasis ]

Who would've guessed?

[Shudders.]

I can. It's always things like that.