[ DEPARTURE ]

[sheriffexe]

DEPARTURE

It's time to go. Most people are on the train by now. Settled into their cabins and among friends and loved ones. There are only three new arrivals left to board and once they do, Hal pulls a conductor's hat out from underneath the bar, tugs it on, and steps around it to the middle of the train. He opens his mouth to talk, voice filling the train. "It's time to go. Stops happen once a day until everyone's departed and I already have your stopped listed. If you'd like to be prioritized, let me know, otherwise we'll go in order of death. Settle in and enjoy the ride. If there's anything you need, don't hesitate to ask, folks." This, of course, means that those who died earliest (Manfred, Higekiri) will depart first while those who died latest (Barnham, Damian, Percy) will depart last. There's a stop for everyone, though those who want to get off together are more than welcome to. Hal pulls a notepad and pen out of his pocket later and people will notice that he goes around the train confirming stops with everyone. Whatever feeling Hal may have had to a character back in town isn't noticeable here -- he is simply a robot assigned with a job. After that, it's all a matter of settling in and enjoying the ride. If that's possible for you, at least.

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Comments

[bittybat]

[Damian stops by Percy and stands for a little bit, but he doesn't say anything. He goes on to sit down with the stupid chicken and try to rest and collect his thoughts. Then, when people have come and gone and bugged him, he decides to try Percy again.

He stands by the seats without sitting, trying to think of what to say when he's not Bruce Wayne, Alfred Pennyworth, or Dick Grayson.

Very quietly, he says:] Thank you.

[hydrokinetics]

[This is always a hard thing. He knows Damian's in front of him and he also knows this is hard on both of them. Without saying anything, he leans forward to take his hands in his for a brief moment. Damian can kill him later. This is important for him.]

Pretty sure I should be saying that to you, Robin. [It's back to Robin. A sign of respect. A show that Percy thinks he still can hold that title.] Couldn't have done any of this without you from the very beginning. I...wanted to tell you. Everything. A lot of times. I'm sorry I never did.

[bittybat]

[He's not sure if "Robin" hurts more or less. It feels good, but... on the other hand, it reminds him of how much he doesn't deserve that title. He never did, despite how much he always bragged about having it, about being the best one.

His lips turn gently downward.] It's better not to tell. The more people you tell, the more people that will be in danger.

Some people in our world don't mind the public knowing their identities, but the Family keeps ours a secret. Your enemies will know who exactly to hurt to get you to do what they want.

[hydrokinetics]

And it's why I never did. I did everything I could to get the information we needed and keep you guys safe. It's why I went to the Deputy to try and negotiate. By then it was too late. You don't have to believe me, but everything I've told you is true. I wanted to make things right, so I decided to follow your path. Kind of weird how we flipped in the end, isn't it?

[He pauses.] Gonna have a seat or are you leaving again?

[bittybat]

[After a moment or two of silence, Damian finally sits down in the seat beside Percy. He doesn't have anything to say because, yes, he believes Percy, and yes, he understood why things were done the way they had been.

They do it all the time in Gotham.] Are you and Chase returning home?

[hydrokinetics]

[He just wanted him to have a seat really.]

Sort of. We are going back to our world, but not home. We still have some work to do.

[bittybat]

Your world is your home. [Don't forget it.

But he nods some, understanding.] I want you to take Todd, or convince him to go with Goodman.

[hydrokinetics]

No. My home is my mom's apartment. Annabeth and I have to stop in Tartarus and Greece first.

Have you already talked to him about this, or are you leaving that to me, too?

[bittybat]

[Damian. Talking to other people before he makes decisions for them like a true Wayne? HA HA.]

He isn't going to agree. He's too set on trying to "keep me safe." I'm fine. I don't need him to hold my hand when I confront my father. [He frowns.]

In his world, he's already died. He has an opportunity to start over, and being detached from my father and the Joker might allow him to become a different person.

[hydrokinetics]

He cares about you, dude. It's what older brothers do. But I know. I know he needs to have a second chance and Natalie and I already talked about taking him with us. I've told Jason about New York and my mom, too. I'm hoping that'll help him make up his mind. But you also can't avoid talking to him.

[bittybat]

[Damian's face bunches gently.] I'm not avoiding. I'm not going to avoid him. I just know he won't listen to me because he's an idiot.

[hydrokinetics]

And what makes you think he's going to listen to me much better? [But he smiles lightly because at least the baby bats will talk. That's enough for him.]

[bittybat]

Because Jason is a moron who always seeks validation for his worth and his actions. So he will listen to you, the one who ended the game. [Among other things... like being completely best bros and shit.] You're one of the few here smart enough to be able to convince him.

[hydrokinetics]

I don't think there's anything moronic about wanting to matte, Damian. Doesn't everybody want that? But fine. When he doesn't listen to me, I'll send Natalie. Will you write to him if I bring him back with me?

wanting to matte cracked me up so bad

[bittybat]

[Gently, Damian frowns.]

Fine. I'll write to him. He doesn't need to hear from me, however. It will just disillusion him. He should focus on being in your world, not remembering ours.

shush I've been mobile for the last 12 hours!!!!!

[hydrokinetics]

You two have to make an agreement to write. It won't work otherwise. That's the deal I made with the Sheriff.

He'll be with Natalie and Xion. He'll keep busy and they'll be with my family. I promise he'll be okay there. And what about you? What's in Gotham?

i think when i replied to the one before this i thought it was this thread... gomen

[bittybat]

Fine. [WHY ARE YOU SO GOOD-HEARTED AND PUSHY. Freaking. Hugh.] If you can convince Todd to join you or Goodman, I will make an agreement with him to write.

[His lips twist.] Crime that needs to be stopped, and... Father. He needs to know what happened here.

anna r u ok...

[hydrokinetics]

[Because. Protags.] If Natalie's coming with me it won't be that hard to get Jason to agree, I'm sure. And I know she's coming with me...we talked about it right before she died. I promised her she could. Just make sure you do it before it's too late.

[He takes a breath and nods.] Think he'll be really mad? I know you were worried about it before. [A pause.] And don't try to tell me you weren't worried, Damian. It's fine.