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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robowest2017-03-04 12:02 pm
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It really is unfortunate, some piece of her laughs. The piece that's been around snarky teens too long. Not to fall in love with someone who can't return it; it would never even occur to her to think that. No, she thinks: I might never see him again.
The thought of each moment being one of the last of its kind - a hand on her head, his voice calling her name or just pipsqueak, his hands curled in her own - has kept her near tears for days. Suppressed by the unknown, the terror of the end; but right now, right here, there is little else to dwell on. ]
I never really knew if I had a heart. [ ... where's this going? ] They told us we didn't. But I always felt so much, and hearts were supposed to let us feel. I've been thinking about it since I got here. If I really didn't have a heart, all this time, then... could I really care so much?
[ Now, finally, or maybe too soon, one of her hands finds one of his. ]
I'm still not sure. But I must have something like one. Otherwise, this wouldn't hurt so much. [ her voice briefly hushes to a murmur. ] And... there's one other thing, too.
If I have a heart, then... you'll always be a part of it, Shinnosuke. That's what hearts do, isn't it? They hold all the people you love.
[ ... ]
It means that ... we'll always be together, in a way. Not just you and me, but ... everyone else, too. Everyone who loves you.
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Perhaps Shinnosuke shouldn't have expected differently. He still did, just as how he fails to expect the way Xion takes his hand. He lets her, though not before having to stifle a jerk away.
It hurts. It hurts, because he's not sure how he feels over knowing that he'll never see Xion again. Will he grieve? Will he move on without a second thought? No, he probably couldn't do the latter, as much as he wishes it were possible. Will he be happy knowing that she's likely living her life elsewhere, with the future she was deprived? Maybe.
Rather than let his thoughts leak into his face or voice, though, he simply states, passively:]
Technically, as far as humans are concerned, our heart is just the organ that pumps blood through our circulatory system.
1/2
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Like I asked, you jerk!
[ This hurts.
She calms after a moment, sighing through her nose. It's not like she doesn't get why. Of course she does, all these weeks of struggling together later. ]
I know you know what I meant. Shinnosuke... can I ask you something really important?
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At Xion's next words, though, his smile fades.]
... Well, not like I have much of a choice in the matter.
[So, shoot.]
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[ Uncertain but painfully hopeful, glancing at him sideways while she says it. ]
I don't know for sure if I can do it. It might take me a while. But...
[ If she gets a glimpse of his world out the train doors - will that be enough? Will she be able to feel it? ]
I think ... that if I worked at it really hard, I could. But I'll only do it if ... if you're okay with it.
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My world's not really an ideal place to visit, you know.
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[ Her eyes search his.
He hasn't said yes. ]
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Aren't there better things you could be doing instead of helping me out? You have the potential for a better future now. Don't waste it on trying to make my home a better place.
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... ]
There's no way spending my future helping you could ever be a waste. But... like I said, I don't know how long it'll take me to find you. I'll work hard during that time, so don't worry about that, okay?
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Not if you say no. If you told me you didn't want me to come...
[ It'd hurt more than she's probably prepared for, but she'd live with it. ]
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I still think it's pointless, but I'm not going to say no.
[His world has nothing worthwhile for Xion, but he supposes that... well, in the end, he wouldn't be opposed to seeing her again.]
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[ Soft, a little breathless. ]
You're really okay with it? I.... can see you again?
[ With a shaky breath out, Xion beams at him, the tears that have been threatening this whole time finally spilling over. She hiccups and laughs and rubs at her face, relieved beyond speech. ]
I'm so glad...!
[ His world has him. That's enough. ]
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... Are you crying?
[Why?
He doesn't understand why this girl, whom he's lied to and made use of, whom he's done nothing for, would want to chase him across worlds so badly, all just to see him once more.]
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[ A few deep breaths and her tears slow, at least. ]