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.

[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.

[gottaknockhard]

Some people are just more fun to keep around.

[spongetastic]

"Fun"? Is that what it is?

[gottaknockhard]

I was putting a positive spin on it.

[spongetastic]

Sorry. I guess my definition of "fun" has been skewed.

[gottaknockhard]

[That and Spike has a very dry sense of humor. Reasons why he shouldn't be one of the people cheering someone up...]

Not many people agree with the castle's definition.

[spongetastic]

I try not to get too friendly with those people.

[gottaknockhard]

Too bad. Their leaving would give you something to celebrate.

[spongetastic]

Wow. Harsh.

[gottaknockhard]

Just putting things in perspective.

[spongetastic]

I appreciate that, thanks.

[gottaknockhard]

No problem.

[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.

[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.

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.

[spongetastic]

It's been happening a lot more lately.