Episode 115

[spongetastic]

It seems like lately every time I walk down the halls of the castle, there's another nameplate missing from the door. Someone else I know is gone, or a friend of a friend. And... you just don't know how to feel about it.

[he doesn't even really want to say who's missing this time. He's just emotionally exhausted from all the friends and loved ones disappearing]

Comments

[princelyspirit]

I've heard that this kind of thing has been happening a lot, lately. But you still have other friends left in the castle, right?

[She sounds sympathetic, but she honestly doesn't know what else to say. Utena's no stranger to loss, but while other people in Paradisa have seen their friends vanish and disappear, most of the people she's met have stayed. But, if he still has somebody here, he'll be fine, right?]

[spongetastic]

I have my wife, and there's always the chance to meet someone new. It's just always sad seeing someone go, even if you know they're going home.

[princelyspirit]

Yeah, I understand. Even if you know that they're in a better place, it's still hard knowing that you won't see them again. But, hey!

[Topic change time.]

You said you have a wife, right? Is she someone from home, or is she someone you met here?

[spongetastic]

I met her here. You've probably seen her if you go on the expeditions. Her name's Phoebe.

[princelyspirit]

Oh, yeah, I know her. Well, sort of- we haven't really talked, but I've seen her around.

[A pause; when she talks again, her voice is quieter, more serious]

She's the one who had that vision, right?

[spongetastic]

That's right. She has those now and then.

[princelyspirit]

Geeze, do you have to sound so casual about it? I mean, I know we're stuck in magic castle land, but seeing the future is still pretty weir- it's not exactly normal, even by this place's standards.

[gottaknockhard]

At some point, you just hope you don't run into them months later wearing a toga and handing out tour guides.

[spongetastic]

I still remember running into Abel when we were in Paris. That was a surreal experience.

[gottaknockhard]

Hopefully he made it further the second time.

[spongetastic]

I hope so, too. He and Lilith both.

[gottaknockhard]

[...]

Funny when you've been around long enough to get nostalgic.

[spongetastic]

Three and a half years... It does feel longer with how Paradisa works.

[eat_me_beat_me]

[Nora sighs as she hears this, finishing her brushstroke and letting her arm drop]

Yeah... yeah I know how you feel.

[spongetastic]

It's been happening a lot more lately.

[eat_me_beat_me]

Yeah... yeah it has. A friend of mine got sent home and two more friends of mine went off into the Dead Zone... and I don't think they're coming back.

[spongetastic]

James Watson and Ashley Magnus?

[eat_me_beat_me]

Yeah. You knew 'em?

[spongetastic]

Ashley was a friend. I knew James through her mother, Helen.

Peter

[kungfuwitch]

[Oh no. Her voice is tender with emotion as she speaks]

Do you need me to come home?

Phoebe

[spongetastic]

What you're doing over there is important. You should stay there.

Peter

[kungfuwitch]

Yeah but you're important, too. There are others here. It won't take much for me to come home.

Phoebe

[spongetastic]

I'll be okay, babe. But if you're wanting to come home, I know I can't change your mind.

Peter

[kungfuwitch]

No but... I don't know where I should be right now. Sure these people need help but I don't know what else I can do for them that anyone else here can't. And what can we do in a week? [She sighs] I just don't know...

Phoebe

[spongetastic]

I would say that just being there might help. It'll show them that we care about more than just fighting off aliens: we want them to rebuild, to make a life for themselves.

You could get to know them and make friends. And maybe that'll help us with the other First Gens.