[video/action]

[manymasked]

[From time to time Minako likes to explore the outskirts of the Garden. Usually she doesn't find anything particularly interesting in the process, and today is no exception. That is, until a strangely familiar girl with spiky black hair and a long yellow scarf shows up. Minako stares for a moment.]

Ryoji?

[The figure nods. Minako considers asking "why are you a girl?" but that seems somehow rude, not to mention unlikely to yield a satisfactory answer. So she settles for:]

It's so good to see you again!

I wish I could say the same.

[Minako's eyes widen a little, and she frowns.] What do you mean?

You were supposed to be the Seal, the only thing standing between the world and the Fall. Now that you're here, what do you think has happened?

[Minako's breath catches in her throat.] That's not- it can't be...

Come, now. You always knew it was a possibility. You just didn't care.

Of course I care — but there's nothing I can do about it! It wasn't my choice to come here, and I can't leave! Believe me, if there were any way I could go back, I would do it without hesitation.

You say that, but you've been enjoying your second chance at life, haven't you? How disappointing. We all thought you were willing to make the sacrifice, but instead you selfishly cling to life, whatever it may mean for the rest of the world.

But I was- I did make it.

And yet here you are. How can it be a sacrifice when you haven't given anything up...?

Comments

Re: [video]

[mnementomori]

Because people have gone and come back before! And when they're here, no time has passed at home.

Re: [video]

[manymasked]

[That catches Minako's attention, despite her preoccupation.]

Have they really?

Re: [video]

[mnementomori]

[she nods.] It happened to some of my friends. This place...it's special. So you don't have to worry. Even if you have something important to do back home...nothing bad will happen.

Re: [video]

[manymasked]

... Thank you. It's really a relief to hear that.

Re: [video]

[mnementomori]

I'm glad.

[she glances over at "Ryoji".]

See? While you're here...you can figure out the best way to fix things back home. You don't have to argue with each other.

Re: [video]

[manymasked]

She broke it; fixing it is her responsibility, not mine. But I do tire of this argument. [To Minako:] I'll see you later.

[And with that, the phantom stalks away. Minako turns to Xion, managing a small smile.]

... I appreciate the help.

Re: [video]

[mnementomori]

[she ducks her head, shaking it with a sheepish smile.]

It's okay...this place can be pretty unexpected. Are you going to be okay?

Hearing those things from friends, it....hurts.

Re: [video]

[manymasked]

Oh, don't worry about me. I'll be fine.

I'm Minako, by the way. What's your name?

Re: [video]

[mnementomori]

I'm Xion. Ah--nice...to meet you? Though it's not a very nice situation, I guess...

Re: [video]

[manymasked]

I wish the circumstances could have been better, too, but it's nice to meet you anyway.

Re: [video]

[mnementomori]

[she nods.]

I don't really know what's going on, but...a lot of people have been appearing and disappearing lately. So we should all be careful.

Re: [video]

[manymasked]

You're right — it seems like something weird is going on.

Re: [video]

[mnementomori]

You think...your friend is going to be okay?

Re: [video]

[manymasked]

... I don't know. I'm not sure it was really him.