asgardeventide | [video | night 173 downtime]

Entry tags:

[video | night 173 downtime]

[It's evening, and Nakama has once again been ordered to sleep. Before she does that, though, she has a few things to say. The Arena is visible behind her, the rows of beds and crowds of healers, and she looks ready to drop off at any moment, but her voice is strong and clear.]

So I realized awhile back... even if we win, this'll be goodbye, won't it? Everyone will be going home.

[She pauses, takes a deep breath, and continues.]

There's something a lot of my friends know, but not all of you do, and I think it's time I told you. In my own world, I was already dead - I had to sacrifice myself to save the planet. So that means when I go home, I'll be returning to nothing. I only say this so you'll understand how important it is that I say what's coming next.

All of you... if I knew you, if we were close, if we exchanged a few words... if you even saw me on the street and smiled at me... you've given me so much more than I could ever hope to put into words. You've completely changed how I see both myself and the world. You've taught me about hope, and friendship, and caring about myself as well as other people. For all of the terrible things that have happened here, this place has been more of a home to me than I could've imagined possible. And for that, I thank every single person in Asgard. I even thank the gods, for bringing me here and letting this happen.

So, I - I guess this is goodbye. [Her eyes finally start to mist over, but she's smiling.] Take care of yourselves, all of you, in your home worlds. I hope that you'll be able to find peace and happiness. And - I know you won't be able to remember me, but just know for now that you changed the life of one person for the better. Whoever you are.

[With that, she curls up on the floor, closes her eyes, and ends the feed.]

((ooc: There will be no replies to the tags on this entry. Nakama has gone to sleep, and she doesn't want to look back on (what she thinks is) her last farewell. But anyone who wants to leave her one "final" message is free to!))

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

[Gau looks pretty beaten up, really. He's been closer to the thick of the battle than he really should have been, because there's no one who can tell him not to, not here and now. He's exhausted, and has a bruise on his cheek, and is currently... crying.

When he speaks, it's somewhere between a sob and a yell.]

No! I won't believe it! There's no way that it really works like that. It'd just be wrong. Even though I...

[He draws in a shuddering breath, trying to get control of himself so he can speak properly.

Even if I don't remember our friendship, even if I don't remember everything that happened before, I care about you! And this isn't how it ends! It can't be. Look, I don't know what's right with all the religion stuff - I would never have guessed these gods even existed - but I know that it's not just oblivion.

It can't be!

I won't believe it!

[He shakes his head emphatically, puts an arm up to wipe his tears on his shirt. He's not embarrassed by the fact that he's crying, just wants to be able to see.]

I don't believe it! I think we'll all get to see each other, someday. Just trust me, okay, Nakama-chan?

[ France is, needless to say, unsettled by the farewell message and her possible fate. But he's reminded of someone else he knew, once before... someone who he thought had been long gone. And he repeats the words he told that person on that day. ]

It is of my belief that those who were toyed with by history are eventually reborn to lead happier, peaceful, and fulfilling lives. I hope for the same for you as well, my dear Nakama.

Au revoir, for now, or perhaps - à bientôt.

[ Yes, they didn't talk that much before, but - he feels she might appreciate the words, and hopes they bring at least some color to her life, old or new. ]

Edited 2012-11-15 03:51 (UTC)

[There's a lot he WANTS to say, of course. It's still frustrating and upsetting to him that there's nothing the Gods can do to change her fate. And nothing he can do to make it any easier on her. In the end, though, he decides to keep it simple and face the camera with a smile. It doesn't look like a strong smile and it does falter, but the effort is obvious.]

I think I'm the one who should be thanking you. After you'd been treated poorly by people in your own world before, you decided to extend a hand of friendship to so many, including me. And even if it ends soon because we'll be seperated, that doesn't change that it was real. And it was great. So, thanks, Nakama - Thanks for everything.

[That is Nakama all over. Strong, but feeling with it. Humbling, proud -- and even if she'll never see it herself, inspiring. Conan pauses a moment. He's exhausted too, and there is still so much to be done to prepare against the next day. But even so--

Unless you object, Conan's tracking Nakama down amongst the shelter of the Arena. He doesn't intend to wake her, but he's brought a blanket for her which he'll lay over her as gently as possible. She's sleeping the sleep of the exhausted, deep if not restful, so he feels that he can leave his watch beside her without fear of waking her. That done, he's gone, moving on to the next task. It's not much, but it means something.]

It has not been easy for you to put up with me, but you have all the same. If tomorrow ends this, thank you for that. Just don't walk into whatever comes tomorrow afraid. I have faced oblivion before.

There is nothing to fear in the dark, even if we do not wish to go there. I remember that now. I hope you have settled anything you had left unsaid. We will see what comes tomorrow.

No.... wait....

[This wasn't... this can't be goodbye... He's met so many people here, he's considered them all his friends as well, so this just can't be the end! He doesn't want... it to end like this.... especially not like this with her, he doesn't want her to have to go back home and return to nothing, she's someone that he's grown really close to.]

...Nakama, no matter what happens we'll still be friends, okay? Even if we depart, even if you're actually dead somewhere, we'll always be friends... this isn't the end, I know it isn't.

[ ... Huh?

She just stares at the bracelet for a long time, even after the message is done, as the words repeat through her head again and again. Being dead back home, having no place to return to-- n.. no. No way, that just.. something like that isn't fair, is it?

And despite that she's fairly sure the other girl went to sleep or something, she still can't help but speak up as if she's still listening. ]

Nakama, you can't.. you can't just give up that easily..! You can just go home with someone else, right?! If you can't go back to your other world, go to some other, I mean--

[ She just literally chokes up before she can speak on. Even if they win this war and go home.. She still can't set everything straight? She can't even help someone who was this nice to her..? ]

.. I.. won't forget you, you know?! Even if they force us to, I'll find some way..!

[ There's a girl staring blankly at the screen, trying to register every single word that is said, immobile like she was frozen cold.

Nakama was dead... she died before coming here. So... so she's going to die again by the time they all go back to their homes? No, no... no! Her mind screams NO over and over and over. This is unfair, unfair! Unlike everyone else, she can't stomach to say anything that would resemble a farewell. Where is Nakama right now... she must find her and talk to her in person, she can't accept this last will sort of speech when last time they talked, Nakama opened her heart to her- and she opened her heart too! Responding to this message like this is the last time she's ever talking to her friend is unfair. Unfair and cheap, to the both of them.

Hanako needs to talk to her properly. If there is a last time, she'd rather they were in front of each other. But it's night time... ]

Nakama-san... I need to talk to you. In person. Tomorrow, at the hospital. Please.

[ Before everything goes to hell, she has no intention to end things like this. No damn way.

And then she closes the feed, dreading the next hours and wishing it was morning already. ]

[Euri's already aware of Nakama's fate back home, but it's still surprising to see her make an entry like this.

... Or is it? She's always been mature for a kid. Euri isn't sure she could face death so calmly, but the least she can do is put on a brave face when she responds.]

I'm happy to have known you, Nakama. I'm not going to forget you. When I'm back home I'll have a memorial tablet made for you.

[Just like Nakama. He knew of her cursed fate and knew the pain of her discrimination back home. He'll have Shou. He won't have her ever again. Without a moment's hesitation, he begins scrawling something on a tattered sheet of paper.

'Never forget: Mako Nakarai. Nakama. Shou Hitokage. All things return to no things; but never forget.'

Even if Asgard claims his memories, can it claim his items? Maybe. But he has to try.]

--

Mako... Thank you. Not many people will listen to me... or even treat me like a human. I may not live much longer once we return... I was never supposed to be able to use my body this well. Asgard gave that much to me.

But you ... you and Shou gave me ― more than just a little more time.
A family. You gave me a family. Thank you― [He paused to swallow. This isn't the time to let up on the mask.]

― for the chance I never had.

[Orihime's in the Arena, too, but this... this seems awful. She likes Nakama-san, and wants to reassure her, but if there's no afterlife in her world, then that just seems too terrible to contemplate]

[ when she finally formulates a response, Julie still sounds...sort of confused about it all. she's aware that some people come here dead, but this is her first experience with it...and to be fair, she doesn't know Nakama that well, even if she's one of the few people Julie's become friends with so far.

so it's not a response she wanted, but it's the best she can muster: ] Nakama, I'm...really sorry about whatever happened to you. You don't deserve it, at all. [ a pause. ] B-But I won't forget you, ever. You're really brave, to be able to say this to everyone...I know there's a lot of things I can't admit. And thanks- thanks for talking to all of us. I don't think they'll forget you either.

[You know, caught up in all the fighting, the blood and dirt and tears of trying over and over to help and never able to do quite enough—that hadn't really occurred to him yet. That... this was it? The battle that decided it one way or the other for good?

The horror of war and losing battles is a very familiar thing to Allen, even if it doesn't lessen the impact of it. It still hurts. But you just keep going and try again. Try to be better. Because there are still people relying on you even if you're scared. Even if you're sick to your stomach. To come to what seems the end (the bad end)...

—he can't see it that way. Not exactly. So maybe that's why it didn't occur to him yet.

So he looks exhausted when the video comes on, some dried blood on his cheek, beaten and the uniform's long tattered, but he speaks very gently. Soft, but not sad.]

...I've wondered, sometimes, where we go when we die. Home, I mean. Not here. [Because it's so different and... honestly it makes him incredibly uncomfortable.] Almost as long as I can remember—

[A light pause, then the smile's a touch sad. But sweet, and he taps a finger (the red left hand; he lost his last pair of gloves a long time ago. can't heal with them on) to the side of his face, indicating his left eye, the one that's clouded over.] I've been able to see the souls of people who became akuma for a very long time. [The creatures he told her about.] But the moment they became free again, before they move on... They seem happy then. Peaceful.

They're smiling.

I'd like to think there's a reason for that. That there's a better place. But even without any of that...

[Ah...] ...Do you remember what I said? [The other day, and she said it too.] About the people we love being with us even when they're no longer here. That's true now, too, I think.

...Even if you are dead, I don't think you are. And that's what I mean.

People are as alive as they feel and others feel for them. So maybe no one's ever truly dead as long as they're loved and remembered.

It's sad, but... I think it's reassuring, too.

[Wherever he's wedged himself before the battle for some rest—it's almost like he's talking to himself as much as her. (Trying to make sense of everything just as much or maybe even more.) Looking somewhere just a little past the communicator, thoughtful and eyes hooded a little.]

But even if people might not really remember what happens here... I don't know about any of that or how it works, but I have to believe it's still in our hearts. The people we meet here. Our feelings.

God and gods don't really have anything to do with that.

People are stronger than that. There's no greater power.

[The screen shifts a little, like he's resettling himself in whatever darker place he's tucked himself, but there's still a smile. A bit brighter; warmer.] But it shouldn't be a sad thing, whatever happens. And I'm going to believe there's hope and keep fighting. [gj Allen, even depowered shounen heroes never learn] Even if it seems a hard [impossible] thing. So there don't have to be any goodbyes. And I'll think about all the things I can look forward to with everyone after it. And if we win and this is it...

I'm sorry [eyes dropping, gentle and apologetic without compromise] but I won't say it. Because it isn't really goodbye, either.

I'd rather say thank you, too. Because I'm happy for so much of what's happened, too.

[And he means it. Family, friends—the most cherished rare commodity.]

So it'll be okay. I promise. There's no need for regrets.

More than anything, I'm glad I met you. That I met everyone I have.

So please take care of yourself. I'll see you later. [a smile—

and then there's just a soft click]

Edited 2012-11-10 22:19 (UTC)

[No, no, no, no, no... The last talk she had with Nanako before the dragon attack had her touching similar themes, about leaving and disappearing and forgetting what had happened in Asgard. And Mariko did not want that to happen. Really, she didn't.]

Listen, Nakama-san. I don't know what will happen later if we survive, but I don't want to believe that it'll just end here! Even if you died back at home, it doesn't mean you'll die in this place!

[Mariko makes a brief stop, clearly trying to summon her pride and not start crying. When she begins to speak again, her voice is weaker.] You won't leave everyone's memories that easily, and the same goes to me. And I would rather die than forgetting you and Nanako-san. So take care of yourself and meet me when this is over, you hear me? And you'll meet Nanako-san, and we'll have tea and cake together in Freya, and...

[Yes, that was a tear. And Mariko quickly wipes it away.] And yes, we will live. You won't leave me, I'm sure of it!

Edited (What is grammar/writing/etc., Gods.) 2012-11-11 00:38 (UTC)

[ Kaworu knows this too well. He has also died and also to save mankind; of course along with his own sacrifice, he sacrificed his entire species, but hey. He doesn't regret it for one second.

He would do it again.

Always. ]

Thank you for existing.

[He... hadn't thought of that. Of course he hadn't. This was... this was the war they were brought here to fight. This was their purpose. When it was over...]

[He stared at the feed for a long time, his knees pulled up to his chest. When he finally did respond, he figured a video would be the most personal, despite his shyness longing for audio instead.]

I ain't a good person.

I done a lot I shouldn't have an' even more I ain't proud of...

[There's a whiskey bottle nearby, he can't help but take a swig from it. He's not made of stone, it's difficult for him to be emotional.]

I... I had th' chance t' be a father back home, an' I fucked it up. Livin' here... [His expression falters, obviously trying to keep composed.] ...livin' wit' you... tha' was kinda like... another chance.

Even if it didn' last long... I got t' try an' do it right. I liked holdin' ya when y' were sad... an' I liked makin' a fuckin' mess makin' cupcakes... [There's a fondness in his voice, but his composure is breaking. He swallows, trying to discreetly wipe his eyes.]

I'm no'... the smartest guy ever... bu' I liked jus' listenin' t' you an Karu talk...

[When he mentions Karu, his jaw sets. Karu... It takes him a minute to compose himself. Even if they met back in their home world, they wouldn't remember any of this, and considering how flighty the blonde boy is, it's unlikely they'll ever be close again.]

[He shakes his head, trying to dismiss the thought.]

...Thanks fer runnin' t' th' park an' talkin' t' me tha' day... Thanks fer tellin' me tha'... [Shit. He sniffles loudly, his lips pursing together as he tries not to cry, but his voice has broken and it's... obvious.] ...t-tha' I ain't disgustin'.

[He has to end this before he starts sobbing... He wipes his eyes on his forearm.] Y-yer m' li'l sweet pea... An'... An' I love ya.

Nakama-chan...

[there's so much Chie wants to say right now. she's been completely engrossed in the fighting that she hadn't given any of this any sort of thought, but now that Nakama's brought it up... well, it's all she can think of now. she's always been kind of aware of the possibility of going home, leaving her friends in Asgard behind... but gosh. she decides to take a breath before giving the camera a soft smile.]

Thank you, Nakama-chan. And hey, give yourself some credit, too. You've definitely made an impact on all of us. Heck, just putting something like this up for everyone to see shows that you're really strong. I really hope you hear this, no matter what happens to us after all this. You're amazing.

Nakama... you've been a wonderful friend, and I'm sorry I couldn't get to know you better in the time we had together here. You're much braver than you give yourself credit for, and you're one of the kindest people I've ever met. There's so much more I wish we could have done and talked about together.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for being my friend.

You know, I can't remember if I knew this or not! You being dead, I mean. Not that it matters now.

Anyway. You're being needlessly dramatic! Which isn't new for you, but this is basically setting a low in the whine-like-a-wiggler competition. I am not that impressed.

This isn't goodbye, you dumbass. Do you really think it would just end like this? That's too easy. When has anything in this place ever been that easy? Besides, there is just no way we've seen the final boss yet. I am convinced there is more to this than we're seeing right now.

So stop moping! We've still got work to do. And I expect to see you doing it!

[ Vriska has seen the end of days - and survived it. She has faced the ultimate enemy - and seen he was not the last. She's died - and, in a sense, she lives on.

"The end" is a thing she's come to understand is not easy or simple or immediate or ever as close to hand as you seem to believe it is. This is not the end. And she is rather calm about the whole affair, because really, compared to what she's gone through? This is not that impressive at all. ]

[There was a small mumble from her end. She never realized that someone like Nakama could have been dead in her own world, she was always happy and willing to help...it wasn't fair. Why couldn't she keep all her friends here? But that would be selfish wouldn't it?

Either way, it wouldn't be fair to not leave a message for her. Keep a smile Bianca, it's the least she could do for her friend.]

No, thank you for everything!

Edited 2012-11-14 02:07 (UTC)

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

[video | night 173 downtime]

no subject

no subject

no subject

[reaction - action]

Text

text;

voice;

[Audio]

[Audio]

reaction > audio

no subject

voice

[video]

[video]

[Video]

no subject

video

no subject

no subject

[Voice]