FINAL TRIAL

[petoskeymods]

FINAL TRIAL

And now, you know the truth. Who's behind everything, and why.

And the question that hangs in the air now is - what's next?

It's noon when you all go down to the firepit, the sun hanging bright in the air. Red is there, seated calmly, watching all of you - and Archer is standing up, looking imposing.

It's time to talk.

CAMPERS REMAINING: 7

((REMEMBER: every living camper needs 15 comments minimum in this post to qualify for 'good end'!))

Comments

[killtheanimals]

[That gets a quick look from him.]

...Even if you aren't in their debt?

[He has his own reasons, but he didn't expect Mitsuru to have hers.]

[fallbymyhands]

Yes.

[she glances at Ashikawa, expression taut]

They will continue to grab souls from other worlds and bring them here under the pretense that we are "fake."

I intend to stay and do what I can to ensure their containment procedures are more humane. To ensure. . . they do not continue using individuals like us as cannon fodder.

[killtheanimals]

A noble goal.

[Fitting for her, though.]

[fallbymyhands]

But why. . . do you intend to stay?

Did you not have goals to reach back home?

[killtheanimals]

[Aaaaand that gets him looking away.]

I... have a wish I want granted, it's true. And I don't have much time there to do it.

[It's... difficult to talk about now. Because it feels so much like a failure.]

But if I fail, my soul will be forfeit for one hundred years. And after all of this, I've realized... I don't think I'm capable of winning that bet.

[And, after this week...

He's just starting to think, maybe it really is for the best if he doesn't see his family again, cruel and heartbreaking as it is.]

[fallbymyhands]

[she suspects she knows to what it is related]

. . . your soul. . .

[she's quiet for a moment, lips pursed]

Do you wish to begin an entirely new life with the Foundation, then?

[killtheanimals]

I haven't thought that far ahead yet. [He's still very honest.] All I know is that going back right now will probably end badly.

...I think I can handle this, though. And-- [glancing Boa's way]

Depending on who stays, it might not be too bad. I wouldn't be missed back home anyway.

[fallbymyhands]

[oh, Mitsuru]

I. . . will have to return to my own world some day. That is a fact.

[she refuses to leave her responsibilities behind]

But until then, I will be here with you. All of us will. We'll support you in whatever new path you decide to forge, Ashikawa.

[killtheanimals]

[He nods.]

...I think all of us will. We'll all die eventually.

[Not sure if that's a relief or not at this stage. There's just a lot of uncertainties all around.

That last part has him surprised though, and it shows on his face.]

--Support? Why?

[fallbymyhands]

Why not? Does it truly surprise you that after everything we've gone through, I'd like to continue looking out for you and the others?

[killtheanimals]

[(unsure)]

...We traded information to survive.

[Like a business transaction.

So yes, he's surprised.]

[fallbymyhands]

We did, yes. And through our mutual goals, we became stronger as a unit.

Sometimes, friendships don't form because people wish for companionship. Sometimes, they form via circumstances.

[. . . like SEES]

That is how I feel about all of you.

[killtheanimals]

[Stares...]

...I suppose so. [It did pretty much turn out that way in practice, huh?]

...Then I look forward to continuing to work with you, Kirijo.