paradisa | Chapter Twenty-Two

Better than most people do, I think.

[Castle manages a smile.]

You know, I felt that way, too. I try to see the best side in everything, though, to be fair. And here I had a ready-made joke. It was like, yo Paradisa, we heard you like castles so here's someone named Castle in your castle.

[He'd never get tired of that joke.]

[Pitch is way too uncool to get that reference, but he gets the meaning behind it anyway.]

Is that what I should call you, then? Castle?

[Castle nods, picking up a glass and wiping it out, just to have something to do with his hands.]

It's my last name, really, but that's what pretty much everyone calls me.

I'll remember that, then.

I am Pitch Black.

Whoa. Cool name. Very mysterious and spooky-like.

I'm glad you think so.

Is that the effect you're going for, then?

More spooky than mysterious, but yes.

[Castle pours himself a glass of beer.]

Whatever works for you. Someone's got to be the bad guy sometimes, right?

Or the "fear guy".

That too. Happiness and fear, one can't exist without the other and all.

That is something I'll drink to. Most people don't understand that, you know.

Cheers. [Castle toasts before taking a long drink.]

As much as we'd all like for life to be constant happiness and sunshine... I feel like it's better to accept that there's going to be bad things, no matter how bad they feel. Instead of being in denial about it. Or avoiding things because they may turn out bad.

[Pitch returns the toast, and takes a more moderated drink himself.

Hm. It's actually pretty good alcohol.]

And ignoring fear in a reckless way can have disastrous consequences, too. I've saved countless lives in that way.

Mmhmm. It's all about balance. Not being afraid of fear or death, but not overcompensating for it, either. I used to be a bit reckless myself. [He gives a half laugh.] But hindsight is 20/20, of course...

You're arguing against being afraid of fear or death? That's exactly what leads to problems.

No, no... [Castle takes another swig of beer.]

More like not being too afraid or too unafraid either way. Not going to extremes. I'm stumbling over my words already, apparently...

But if it had to go to one extreme... I know which one I'd pick.

[Castle gives him a half grin.]

And I'd be on the opposite side, no doubt. I've been told I'd be the jester in the royal court before.

I'd chalk it up to you being mortal, actually.

Mmm, that's true. [Castle actually looks thoughtful at that.] Being immortal could really turn your perspective around.

Indeed it does. Do you have any idea how many people I've seen die stupid, needless deaths?

I don't even want to guess. And let me guess- they keep finding new, creative ways to go, right?

That, and repeating the same old tried and true ways.

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