Jino was not friendly, he was not kind, he was barely even polite when he wasn't trying to manipulate someone. He wasn't a terrible friend to Kinagiri, most of the time. They had an understanding, the two of them. She was more good-natured than he was and they used that to gain the trust of anybody able to pay to have their fortunes told. She was like him, on some level, but it was becoming less obvious. Especially since she had made plans with Hakan'mawasii. He was a good influence in some ways but Jino knew there was something else to worry about, something big. She was stupid and it was too late but it was time to tell her now. She was laying out in the sun, relaxing, and he was lounging in the shade.. until he went out to have a little chat with her.
"Kina, we have to talk about something," he hissed.
Kina was in a good mood. She wasn't even worried about Hakan and Rap's departure, she hadn't even thought to try to see their return now that she was alone and free to be completely herself. She had been enjoying pretending not to be a seer, it was nice to just be normal. Jino was being more unpleasant than usual though, even after they had left. He clearly didn't like the idea of them coming back, which wasn't entirely unexpected. She rolled her eyes as she glanced over to him.
"Don't worry, I won't abandon you just because someone much kinder has appeared," she said, "You know I like you, grouchiness and all."
That was an entirely expected reaction but that didn't make it any less annoying. He muttered under his breath, slithering his way around her so he could talk to her face to face without much problem. He narrowed his eyes at her, thinking very carefully about what he said next. She was stubborn like he was, that was one of the ways they were similar. He could like that part, but she was still being stupid.
"I know you can't seem to see your own future but did you bother to check theirs?" he asked.
"No, I can't," she said, narrowing her eyes when he commented on her limitation like she had a choice in it. She didn't know why she couldn't project herself into her own past or future but it just didn't work out so she never even tried now. His question about Rap and Hakan's futures made her wonder, though she didn't want to admit it.
"No, I was enjoying not being a fortune teller for a little while," she answered, glaring, "Shall I pry?"
"Oh, I would," he said. Then he relaxed, staring at her intently, indicating that he had every intention of sitting there and waiting for her to do it. He might have been sympathetic.. and he still might be. Depending on how she reacted. Hopefully she wouldn't be a terrible mess just because she was suddenly being nice and sweet. That certainly wouldn't help, he new more than just this unfortunate bit of information.
Kina hesitated, considering the options here. Jino wasn't being very nice but he wasn't usually very nice. And it would be very easy to explain this as his own mean little way of showing that he cared, he seemed to think it was worthwhile reaching into the future. There wasn't much he could see there that would make him act this serious.
"Fine," she said with a sigh, though she continued to stare right back at him. He went out of focus as her eyes tried to look beyond him.. but there wasn't anything she could find. Her confusion showed on her face and she focused back in on Jino, "I can't see anything."
"OK, great," he muttered. This was one of two things, she either wasn't really trying, had run into a problem or had started with focusing just on the future of Hakan. Either way, it was something. He had faith enough in her abilities. It was a start towards his point and he was happy with that.
"Are you sure?" he asked, "Is there nothing or can you just not do it?"
"I can't do it," she said thoughtfully, wondering why it was so hard, "Hakan's future is as much a mystery to me as my own." And interesting thought, almost endearing, in fact! Whatever made it impossible for her to predict her own future might interfere with predicting his.
"Oh, come on," Jino hissed when he realized she was almost smiling at this. He didn't know why she couldn't actually do it but he didn't really care, she was far too happy about something that just would not work out for her. If he said nothing he'd have to put up with the most annoying cheerful mood ever and ultimately have to answer the question 'why didn't you say something?' .. but if he said something, he might be accused of deceit or have to answer the question 'why couldn't you just let me be happy?' At least that's how he had it figured.
"Stop your smiling!"
"What is it, then?" she said, shaking herself out of it and glaring at him again. He was being difficult, it would be so much easier if he just spit it out already. She forcefully tried to push herself into Hakan's future but the effort only made her dizzy. Whatever Jino had to say he'd have to just say it. She wouldn't even let herself feel anxious though, she was annoyed. He could be on about anything, really. Maybe Hakan's future was irrelevant, maybe it was about her wanting to spend time with a lion instead of a snake.
"He's not coming back!" he snapped back at her, getting increasingly frustrated with her. His tail whipped around as he tried to stare her down. His gaze wouldn't soften though he did feel some twinge of guilt about this. She would be in denial, she wouldn't get it right away, this was why he didn't like her making friends. More trouble than they were worth. Of course, he'd gone off and done his own stupid things. That was how he let this happen.
"Rap will be back but Hakan won't be with him, he won't make it out of the desert," he clarified, and stopped glaring, though he kept a serious expression.
"Not coming back? Why wouldn't he be coming back?"
She didn't get it right away, and she reacted quickly. But then Jino explained what he meant in as few words as possible. Rap would come back, probably to inform her of what happened to Hakan.. but whatever it was didn't matter because the consequence was clear. And she didn't know how to react to that, and Jino looking like he actually cared didn't help her.
He could sense that this was all he would really get to or want to say now. Now she would have to digest the information he had provided for her.. and he would consider his options regarding the rest of the information he had. She could figure that one out on her own, but now it was time to leave her alone. With a snort-sigh, he turned himself over and slithered back out to the shade where he would be nearby but not in her way if she didn't want him to be. Lions, argh.
Very suddenly, Kina became aware that she was not breathing and had to gasp for a breath. She watched as Jino moved away, still stunned, trying to figure out what it meant exactly. Nothing she thought of was very happy, though. After a long pause, she pushed herself up off the ground and moved out of the sun and into the shade by Jino. This changed everything.
Fin.
