032

[contract_star]

[Hei appears on the Plane in his black coat, slightly out of breath. He stands there for awhile, before going to the nearest building--the Astral Bar--and sitting down with his back to the wall. He stares up at the Astral sky for awhile in silence. His expression is an odd mix--sadness, resignation, determination, understanding, and maybe some fear.]

I guess this is it.

[ooc: Hei's final in-canon post.]

Comments

[lamb_of_gold]

[For once, doesn't say anything.]

[fireintothesky.livejournal.com]

[Trails after him, and then stops about five feet away, clutching the violin case.] S...signore?

[contract_star]

[Tiny smile.] Hello, Henrietta.

[contract_star]

[Also doesn't say anything for quite some time.]

[Then,] I'm going back into the Gate.

[cyfor.livejournal.com]

[Climbs up his pant leg into his lap.]

Hi, Shan.

[contract_star]

[Starts petting her absently.] Hi, Cy.

[chasingstars201.livejournal.com]

[LURKER SWITCH. She goes and sits down at the bar, not really knowing what she can say.]

[contract_star]

[Silent for a long, long time.]

[Then,] Thank you.

[chasingstars201.livejournal.com]

[Pours two drinks, a little ironic smile on her face.]

...for what?

[cyfor.livejournal.com]

[Yawns and curls up on him, rumbling away.] You'll do fine, Shan.

[fireintothesky.livejournal.com]

Are you all right, signore?

[lamb_of_gold]

Is that wise? It nearly killed you last time...

[contract_star]

I have to. I need to talk to Amber. She's waiting at the center.

[contract_star]

Yes...I'm alright.

[contract_star]

You think so? I'm not sure.

[contract_star]

For tonight. Or...I suppose it's close to morning now. [Shakes his head, accepting one of the drinks.] For the night we waited for the stars. I think...it really helped me.

[Long pause, then,] It's starting now. I'm going into the Gate.

[lamb_of_gold]

[Sighs] There's no stopping or dissuading you.

[saythistostart.livejournal.com]

... Hei-san?

[contract_star]

This isn't about a grudge. This isn't even about me. It's about Bai and...and all the Contractors. The war's begun. I need answers before I can choose a side.

[contract_star]

Hi, Ryotarou.

[saythistostart.livejournal.com]

[He's still a little bit beat up from the Imagin attack, but at least he isn't speaking in whispers anymore. He takes the 'hi' as invitation to sit nearby, but not too close.] Did something happen?

[mercwamouth]

[Sidles up, grabs a beer, and undoes the lower part of his mask so he can drink]

Hey Spock.

[contract_star]

Yeah...you could say that.

[A beat,] I'm going back into the Gate.

[contract_star]

Hi.

[lamb_of_gold]

Then all I can do is demand you return in no more than one piece.