WEEK 2

[strangerpeople]

WEEK 2

[It is again early morning when the train docks next. This time, however, the dock is not as busy. There are few trains to be seen, and even fewer people. Only a man stands at the dock, teeth sharp in his smile, scelera a deep gold as he stares beneath his fedora.

"Unexpected," he said with a smile. A two-dimensional dog with the head of a scribbled black cloud hops by, ignoring him. "But not unwanted. Do make yourselves comfortable."

This new place is known as Victoria's Chasm, named after an Empress. No, not that one. Her Thrice-Renewed Majesty is quite comfortable on her Throne, and rulled for much longer than 99 days, thank you very much.

In the distance, black begins to erupt like tendrils. Lightning flashes through the clouds. This is the land of monsters; tread carefully. And do not despair, whatever you do.


There are fifteen strangers left in this place.]

Comments

[overworker]

Mithos...

[She understands. She knows what's wrong. Who's missing. And having someone special to her that's missing as well, she can imagine the sorts of feelings that are running through him now and it breaks her heart.]

I know what you're thinking but please don't.

[She doesn't know what consolation it might be, but she gives him a hug.]

There's someone I know... someone really important... he's missing too. It's possible they escaped or... they weren't able to find them. We can't know just yet.

[eternaldivide]

I'm not! There's no way she would--

[ He stops because he can't even bring himself to say it. But he's denying it. Because there's no way it could be true. Instead the moment Towa gives him a hug he freezes for a moment. Before now ... the only person to have really hugged him is ...

The tears he's been holding back break out as he clutches Towa for support. He hears Towa, but he doesn't attempt to respond until the moment later. ]

I... I'm Sorry. Y-You're right. There must... be a good explanation for this.

[ There must be. ]

[overworker]

I know, you're right.

[The grip of his hands as he holds onto her for support and the tears that overflow-- they hurt her heart. It's horrible that any of them should have to go through this, feel this way. She won't let go, not as long as he wants her here.

Something about the gesture helps. It gives her strength too.]

It's okay... I believe in them-- in Crow and Martel. And I believe that we can get through this. We just have to stay strong... for their sakes, too.

[eternaldivide]

[ Mithos lets himself be caught up in his tears a bit longer, doing nothing more than giving Towa a nod in response to what she says. After he feels the tears have stopped he'll pull away. ]

You're... You're right. We must ... do everything we can to stay strong. I'll do it ... for Martel's sake.