Ideal World Endgame

[idolpro]

Who: Beautiful dreamers
Where: The Game Tower
When: Day 271, morning

[When you wake, the folding chairs and divans from before have all been cleared away. You're lying asleep on the floor, healed of all injury.]

[You remember the events of the worlds you've visited as though visions seen in a dream -- though for those of you torn from your perfect existence, there is an ache inside you which will not fade for some days... the pain of something precious that has been lost.]

[Out beyond the windows of the tower, the sky is no longer a perfect blue; the vegetation is no longer as lush and inviting.]

[The view is of Tokyo-F, exactly as it's always been.]

[Near the far wall, there is an open book on a pedestal. The pages are empty. It is titled GUEST BOOK, and a pen waits nearby.]

GUEST BOOK | SOUVENIRS | WINNERS

Comments

[time5kip]

No, it's the idea that those were my desires that bothers me.

And that they could just be pierced together again.

Should this happen once more, just kill me.

[artisticliberty]

[for a moment, fox's eyes widen--and then soften]

... that is what you want, for certain?

[time5kip]

It's the quickest way to end it, isn't it.

And I don't particularly want strangers or those I don't trust knowing anything that deep about myself.

[artisticliberty]

If you would rather be killed instead of letting others know your desires... if it is worth that much to you... then I will do it.

[time5kip]

Those kind of things can be used against you.

... thank you, Fox.

[ there's a pause, and then a scoff ]

Thought I was over it by now. Dad, I mean.

[artisticliberty]

... I often think the same thing, myself.

[time5kip]

[ he sighs at that ]

Great news. Apparently it doesn't get better with age.

[artisticliberty]

... well, I will not hold my breath in anticipation, then.

[small smile?]

[time5kip]

[ he does return that small smile ]

Now that's officially depressing.

I'll be fine, but Alexander isn't and I can't leave him alone like that. Can I count on you to take care of Taisho?

[artisticliberty]

... yes, I will look after the others and Mr. Pennycrumb.

Will you mind if I come to visit you at Baritones?

[time5kip]

I don't think I'll stay for days this time. Not unless he asks.

But if that happens I'll ask the rest of them, I can't take the decision for them.

[ a pause, then he adds ]

I'm available for a videochat in case.

[artisticliberty]

Alright. Please take care of yourself, Five.

[time5kip]

You as well.

[ There's a pause, and then he awkwardly hugs him again, hesitating for a moment but still doing it ]

And for what it's worth, you deserved better.

[artisticliberty]

Oh--

[he's surprised, but he hugs back]

... that's... thank you.

[time5kip]

Thought you might have needed to hear that.

[ he pulls back at that ]

That said. I might need your help to carry Cosmo back to Baritones.

[artisticliberty]

Oh... of course, whatever you need. Is he alright?

[fox will carry him with his BIG STRONG ARMS THAT GOT SWOLE FROM PAINTING]

[time5kip]

[ big strong arms!!!!!!!!!!!! ]

He's conscious and that's the best way to describe his current state right now.

But seeing as Alexander is on edge, I'm keeping you as the last option if needed. ... Thanks.

[artisticliberty]

You are welcome. I will remain here for a bit longer.

Have you seen any of the others?

[he means taisho]

[time5kip]

Vergil was shot and stabbed. Kaguya seems fine.

[artisticliberty]

[that seems on par for vergil, but also, alarming!]

Has he been seen by a healer? Do we need to isolate him?

[do i need to FIGHT ON HIS BEHALF]

[time5kip]

He's already been healed and I think he'll take care of isolating himself. But he is not having a good time.

[artisticliberty]

[anxious tail swish]

I will look for him.