realityshifted | (no subject)

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.hack//g.u. (d3) pi

(no subject)

[Reiko's sitting in the forest, kneeling beside a random tree stump. Her eyes are closed, and she seems to be deep in concentration. At first glance, though, something seems wrong. It almost looks like one can see the background behind her... the trees and greens of the woods.

She opens her eyes and exhales softly.]

I'm sorry, Jun. I think I did what you asked me to, but I don't know if this is how it was supposed to end.

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[Jade notices that, but he doesn't say anything on the subject immediately.]

It's so refreshing to see young people enjoying the environment.

[She recognizes his voice but doesn't look up.]

It's nice to get away from the city sometimes.

But rather disappointing to see good trees torn down.

Standing or not, I thought it might be nice to take some things in.

I didn't know you were interested in philosophy.

When you're out of work, what do you do to pass the time?

I've always enjoyed experimenting on innocent children.

I'm more of a fan of wanton destruction.

There are still a few trees left.

Here, there are. I thought I'd look at them one last time.

I didn't know they were leaving.

... Hey.

[He's trying to smile, but he just looks sad. He feels so helpless right now. Seeing her in one piece is a relief, but it reminds him that some things can't be helped.]

[She waves a semi-transparent hand at him in annoyance.]

Trees live for a long time. Humans are just the blink of an eye to a tree.

Hello, again. With everything that's happened I wasn't sure if I'd see you again.

Our hosts may choose to bring you back.

[It is a shame to watch people disappear.]

I'm sorry.

[It spills out before she's even finished talking. That's not how you have a conversation, Axel. He scratches the back of his head awkwardly.]

Ah... what I meant to say was... can I get you something?

If they do that, it's their business. I'm not sure my world appreciates me existing while it doesn't.

There were never any guarantees. I regret not being able to repay you for your efforts.

[she considers for a moment]

If I'm going to go out, I may as well indulge a bit.

You don't need to repay me for utter failure.

[He takes in a deep breath. When he lets it out, his back is a little straighter, and he seems to have some measure of confidence back. It won't do to show just how concerned/sad/scared he is. Axel is nothing if not a master of cheering up bad situations.

He offers her his elbow.]

Where would you like to go this evening, madame?

Then that may not bode well for the ones you helped to evacuate.

[She looks at him with a sort of "you have to be KIDDING me" expression, before she simply laughs - a tense sort of laugh, but still a laugh. She rises to her feet.]

Let's find out if the glass is half full or half empty, shall we?

[She's not actually sure if she can touch things in her semi-transparent state, but he seems solid enough and she takes his arm.]

There's no way to know. All I know is that I saw it crumble away to nothing and came here so that I wasn't sucked into the abyss... and now, this. That's the only experimental data I have.

[That is so very tragic, but he shrugs and gives her the same lopsided grin as always.]

Got it.

[He leads her toward the bar.]

I'm kinda underage, but... I'll do anything to make a pretty girl happy.

[Content to let someone else do the leading for a moment, she lets herself fall into step with him.]

I stayed away from it because I was always afraid I would lose control. Somehow I don't think it matters anymore...

Don't think of it like giving in. Think of it like... celebrating. You're celebrating how far you've come. What you've managed to accomplish. The people you've met.

[He leads her gently. Even now his presence is warm.]

You're remembering the bad stuff, too. The people you've lost, the things you couldn't finish...

Something like that, anyway.

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