one last thing

[strangerpeople]

[Soon after the elevator doors open on the mall, something happens.

Namely, Croix's phone rings.]

Comments

[scienceofmagic]

...

[ Croix is scared to answer it.

But answer it she does. ]

...Hello?

[incrediblystressedout]

[Why are you so fast to do that.]

[scienceofmagic]

[ Because it might be worse if she doesn't answer swiftly. ]

[strangerpeople]

[A young girl's voice comes through the phone. Though it is a foreign voice to anyone else who might be listening in, Croix will know the voice. Though, it sounds tired, subdued.]

Croix-san?

It's me. Kana. Should...should I wait until you've gotten Callistis-san to her room?...

[scienceofmagic]

Kana...!

[ The relief is evident. ]

No, it's fine. What's up?

[strangerpeople]

Well, I--woah--!

[That sounded like something was hitting a wall with a bonk.]

[scienceofmagic]

Kana, are you okay!?

[ WORRIED NOW ]

[strangerpeople]

--oh, no, I'm ok, Croix-san! That just...that was a shoe. It happens.

[There is a much more distant slam.]

I'm all right. But...the boss has a message for you.

[scienceofmagic]

[ ...Croix fills with dread. ]

...And what's that?

[strangerpeople]

[There is the sound of fluttering paper.]

"The deal is off."

...

That's...that's it.

I'm sorry, Croix-san.

[scienceofmagic]

...It's fine. I think it's time I made my own "chances." ...I used to think miracles didn't exist. But I know they do now. So... Thanks, Kana. For helping to restore that faith. ...Take care of yourself, okay?

[strangerpeople]

[There is definitely a pause there, a sprurised on at that. Then, Kana speaks, her tone definitely lighter.]

I'm so glad...I was right, this round really has been different.

I will take care of my self, and...you be careful, too. You and everyone else, ok? Tell them...I said hello to them, too.

[scienceofmagic]

I'll make sure it changes. And I will.