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[ So later in the evening, Skylark is knocking on the door, with snacks obtained from a conbini. ]

[Serenity meets him at the door a minute later, cleaned up and in fresh clothes.]

Come on in!

[ He's changed into a fresh set of clothes too, and taken a good long shower. He steps into the dorm. ]

How are you feeling?

Much better now that I've had a chance to clean up and see everyone.

How is the rest of alcheME doing?

Okay as we can be. It turns out washing out blood from hair and wings is pretty tedious?

I'm sure he appreciated it though. How many of you played?

Including me, four of us. Mostly we're just irritated at how things turned out.

I can't blame you really. I'm a little frustrated myself... not that I can think of anything I would have done anything different.

[She turns on a few small lights around the room-- enough to let them see so he can situate the snacks and get himself a drink. She closes the door behind them so the light from outside doesn't ruin the view of the stars.]

I think that makes it even more frustrating.

[ He settles into one of the nooks, and puts the bag of snacks somewhere in the middle so they can take whichever they like. ]

Well, we'll deal with it. I guess. I'm honestly a little more worried about some other people.

Edited 2021-02-23 05:00 (UTC)

It's true we always do. But I do wish there was a better way sometimes.

[ Shoots up on the other side of the snacks.]

...but I suppose it reminds me why little things like this-- hanging out with friends or an extra room in the dorm-- mean so much.

[ He opens a bag of biscuits and takes one. ]

Haha, well ... I promised the new guy on avante that we'd do something together, when the dust settles. It was his first bad game, and it seems that it shook him.

That sounds nice. I think you could all use it... but probably him, especially.

[Speaking of which--]

...oh. That's right. One of your members graduated recently. I didn't know her personally, but she seemed like such a bright, kind person.

... Yeah. L was honestly probably one of the brightest of us, if not the brightest. She's got a husband waiting for her back home, and some other stuff she has to sort out, but I think it'll work out okay.

Awww... I'm really happy for her. I hope it does.

I really hope so, too.

[ He bites into a biscuit. ]

... Hey, Serenity, have you ever thought about the future?

[That causes her to pause. It's not... something she's talked about with at length with anyone.]

I... yeah. More than a little.

[But if he's bringing it up...]

...why? Is there something on your mind?

... I've been here long enough that I've seen a lot of people come and go, and a lot of my friends are either gone or have moved on from here. Someone I know who's been here since the start is going to leave soon himself. And I've remembered some other things from home, so ... I guess I've been thinking about it myself.

Oh...

[She slowly nibbles at a piece of pocky, the stick getting shorter one little bite at a time.]

...Do you know what you want to do, when you get the chance to leave?

[ He rests his head against one hand. ]

Uhm, well. I want to try and figure out a way to travel between worlds that works for where I'm from. I could take Hell's deal, if they ever offer it to me, but I don't want to be beholden to them.

I suppose... it would depend on what exactly Hell would expect of you. If it’s something you could do without having to give up on your own goals... it might be the easiest way, at least.

But I think that’s a wonderful goal.

I guess I wouldn't mind working on contract for Intensity one day, but I like being free to choose who I work for at any time.

... I just want to be able to meet all my friends that I met here, and let the others meet theirs too, if they wish for that.

If it’s something you can accomplish on your own, then even if it’s hard work, I’m sure it will be satisfying. But if you need the help, there’s no shame in using the resources available to you. Just make sure that they aren’t taking advantage of you in return.

Because that’s a really wonderful dream, and I’d love to see you be able to make it a reality some day.

That's the hard part with demons. But hehe, thanks.

... I'd like to be able to see you again, no matter what happens. As well as all my other friends. And ... there's someone in particular I want to see if I can have a future with, but I'm getting ahead of myself there.

Just make sure you drive a harder bargain than they do—- and don’t let them underestimate your value.

[But HOLD UP!!]

Ohhhh~? Is this about that letter you got a while back?

[ A pause. ]

If I say 'yes' will I still be allowed to live?

Day 333, evening

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