Life - 7 Days of Hallowe'en - 29th October (Double Drabble)

[jantojones.livejournal.com]

Looking down at his own lifeless body, Illya pondered the question he’d just been asked by the shadowy figure beside him. He could see Napoleon kneeling, and openly weeping at his loss.

“Why?” he asked the figure. “I don’t even believe in an afterlife, let alone one which offers return fares.”

“Sometimes mistakes are made, and a soul is brought across before their due time. They are nearly always sent back.” the figure explained, with a booming voice which sounded like it belonged in a horror movie. “We make you this offer because your life has been one of pain, both physical and emotional. You may not wish to go back.”

“Of course I wish to go back,” Illya asserted, forcibly. “Yes, I have pain in my life, but I also have happiness, friendship and joy!”

“Very well.”

. . . . . . . . . .

“Napoleon?”

Solo’s tear-filled brown eyes looked into the clear blue ones of his partner; his very definitely dead partner, who had just fallen several feet from a balcony.

“Don’t worry, Illya. I’ll get help.

Illya wasn’t worried. He didn’t know how he knew, but he was certain it was yet his time.

Comments

[insaneladybug.livejournal.com]

I love this one too. Exploring the less-creepy side of ghosts and afterlives is an enjoyable venture. With all the close calls they have, it makes sense that at least one time it would be even closer, just like this. I love the imagery of Illya being asked if he wants to go back, and gah, poor Napoleon so heart-broken to find Illya dead!

And a nice little bit of friendship squee to end the piece. :) Perfect. Although it would be intriguing if Illya remembered the out-of-body experience, instead of apparently forgetting it upon re-entry.

[jantojones.livejournal.com]

Thank you :-)

I think if Illya were to remember, he would stop being Illya (if you know what I mean). I enjoy exploring the whole afterlife thing because, like Illya, I don't believe in it either.

[insaneladybug.livejournal.com]

Hmm, perhaps. Although I suppose technically, the idea that Illya doesn't believe in it is a fan-created idea because of his country of origin? Unless he really made a comment in the series that I don't recall....

[jantojones.livejournal.com]

We all have our own versions of Illya I suppose. Mine is based on the fact he is from atheist Russia (though there were still many religious people). As an atheist, I find it easier to write him from that point of view. Life would have been cruel and hard when he was a child, so in my version of him, he has rejected God.

I wrote a story a while back where he visits a church and he struggles to understand his world.

http://section7mfu.livejournal.com/699282.html

[insaneladybug.livejournal.com]

Yeah, it's definitely a popular (and plausible) idea for his backstory. I don't doubt it could indeed be his worldview; I'm just curiously wondering if he ever said anything in the series to that effect.

Thanks for the link! That was a very enjoyable read too.