Obscure character, GO!

[underthepines]

Mundane-san, I admire your dedication to scholarship in this instance, but truly, it's not necessary. I've done my part - the future is in their hands, now.

Comments

[japansnewdawn]

[Oh. He noticed.]

It's... complicated.

[underthepines]

Well, I think I have plenty of time at the moment.

[japansnewdawn]

[Well, that's just... where should he even start?]

...we all miss you, sensei. We--

[Yeah, it's too hard to even think about how it all fell apart.]

[underthepines]

[Have a little shoulder-squeeze, Zura. Mostly because you're a grown-up now and he will respect that by not giving you a hug]

I'm sorry.

[japansnewdawn]

[Is he? He sure doesn't feel like an adult at the moment...]

It's not your fault. They took you from us.

[Huh. It's really hard to sound stoic with that much pain and frustrated anger built up.]

[underthepines]

Everyone's turn comes in time. I wish I had done more when I had the time, but...

[He sighs softly] It was not to be.

[japansnewdawn]

Don't say that. It wasn't fair.

[underthepines]

Few things in life are.

[japansnewdawn]

But this--it was cruel.

[He tries hard for composure, but...]

We fought for you. For the wrong that was done... It wasn't enough.

[underthepines]

You still have yourself, though. Your soul. It means they haven't won entirely.

[japansnewdawn]

[And what can he say to that? He's not so sure it's really true. Now, more than ever, he just feels... lost.]

I try, but...

[underthepines]

Sometimes that's enough. To not give up.

[japansnewdawn]

Sometimes, I wonder...

[underthepines]

If it's enough?

[japansnewdawn]

...yes.

[underthepines]

It is. Perhaps just barely, but it's enough.

[japansnewdawn]

...of course.

[And maybe that means he can keep going, even though it seems more and more like a truly lost cause.]

[underthepines]

[There's a smile at that]

Good. I know you'll do your best.