On considering his return to scorched

[silverking]

The lights still flicker wildly there, don't they? But that is the nature of the Door. No, that I remember does not mean that I wish to go back. There is nothing for me in that place besides ghostly memories and monuments built to commemorate people and things long gone.

Not that you care, hm? And they call me an abyssal one.

[His laugh is a grim and humorless one.]

But you say I have unfinished business. Tell me, what is that? A basement of grisly shadows sealed away? A severed arm left to a magician? Too trivial by far.

Or is it not my arm to which you're referring? Hers...? Now, I might go back for that. But then what? I don't like to act without planning ahead, as you well know. Tell me what comes next and maybe I'll consider returning after all.

Comments

[silverking]

Yes, that's the nature of Anatole, or perhaps just the Door or that world in general. I've gotten used to it, or I was before I left.

[And then he wasn't much of anything, was he?]

Hm...I'd say that I think of you often and always, and no, not your arm. Well, not just that, at any rate.

My mun had me reread your letter.

[priscilla]

I guess I had, too. Although, it still takes a lot out of you! At least at the time. I--

[Wait, what? She blinks, and...]

Oh... that.

To be honest I hoped you'd never have to see it.

[silverking]

I never expected I would be there longer...but I would rather be there than not if you should ever return.

[priscilla]

Mmmm, well! I think I still have a year on you. I mean, for overall seniority. But... I guess you'll beat me on that too, one day.

...is Byakuya still there? I guess he's the old man, now.

[silverking]

You say that like you're dead set on staying gone.

[A shake of his head.]

Yes, he's still there. He has taken charge of the Alliance, in fact.

[priscilla]

I'm not really set on anything - it's just not really in my power. So I try not to get worry about it. I guess that's something I learned from always hoping I wouldn't disappear.

...I'm glad, though. About Byakuya! I wouldn't leave it to anyone else.

[silverking]

That is a very bitter truth, if I may say.

But as for Byakuya, it is my understanding that he's doing well, but that's to be expected from him.

[priscilla]

Truth can be pretty bitter sometimes. I guess I learned that, too.

Byakuya is a very impressive man. I think he's probably less of a jerk than he seems to be, too, although I've never really been sure since he's only ever been a jerk to me.

[silverking]

It can be, but it's necessary. And that is something I've learned.

Ah...no, he's every bit the jerk he wants people to think he is. I hope you gave him a hard time for it before.

[priscilla]

...oh, then I guess I was being too nice about him. Um! I did yell at him from time to time. Usually it didn't help.

He just made that face.

You know the face that isn't a face!

[She makes a Very Serious Face.]

[silverking]

I'm well acquainted with that expression! And often disregarded it.

[priscilla]

Mrmph. I guess that is what you would do! I never really got very good at that.

[...]

I miss you.

[silverking]

Priscilla, I am right here.

[priscilla]

I know you are. But it's not the same as it used to be. I know I have to go soon!

...Isley. If you go back there... will you do what I asked? Will you keep looking for a way to...

[Control that Door. Bring her home. Or bring them both somewhere else. Something, anything.]

[silverking]

If I do nothing else, I will do that. Yes, you have my word.

[priscilla]

...okay.

[She takes a deep breath, and bites on her bottom lip.]

I don't to say you shouldn't move on. But. If you do, and I ever meet them... I'd have to hit them. I'm sorry. I hope that's not too rude.

[silverking]

If I did, I wouldn't blame you if you felt the need to do so. Senji and I didn't get along, after all, so wouldn't come as much of a surprise.

However, I don't think you'll have to worry much about that.

[priscilla]

...well. Good.

[...yeah trying not to look too relieved.]

[...]

[AND FAILING.]

I'll probably worry anyway though. A little! Wouldn't you?

[silverking]

I thought you tried not to worry about things that weren't much in your power?

But yes...I would.

[priscilla]

Mm.

...don't make me throw something at you. I don't have much on hand but I could spare a gauntlet!

[silverking]

I wonder if it would fit? It would be nice to have something of yours to keep so close.

[priscilla]

I don't think our hands are the same size... but. Given all the things I had, I'm sure there's something left there.

I hope so. I hope... not everything disappeared.

[silverking]

There are bound to be things left behind, or things that will return. Again, that's how the Door works.