twenty-two swords start anew.

[swordedpast]

[ voice ]

Would you like to know something?

[ A voice that might be familiar to some cuts in abruptly, without any fanfare. ]

In ancient times, many cultures had legends of apocalypses followed by the world's rebirth. The Aztecs, the Greeks, the Norse...yeah, even Christian eschatology has it.

[ There's a pause, as he lowers the communicator away from his face; the sound of waves crashing on the beach becomes clearer for a moment. ]

But, you know, a lot of the time...the world that came after each of the endtimes was a little bit worse than the one that preceded it. That's something they don't mention as much.

Well, in case it isn't obvious, what I'm saying is this: I thought "the City" was a ridiculous name for a place, but "Heropa"? That's unbelievably stupid.

Comments

audio;

[gandere]

Stupid. [ Normally that has a bit more fire behind it, but she's a bit upset over a message that may or may not be related. ]

I knew you were here this entire time. You stupid, selfish jerk. I have your stupid cat so you should come claim your stupid cat because he's stupid just like his stupid owner.

audio;

[swordedpast]

[ A short pause. ]

I know it's perilous to tell you this, but you're mistaken.

audio;

[gandere]

[ About which part? She pauses to consider everything she's said and settles on a single thing. ]

You're right, the cat isn't stupid. Idiot is highly intelligent and has accepted me as his new owner.

audio;

[swordedpast]

That's good. You're more suited to look after cats than I am.

[ His tone is cool, neutral. ]

[symmachy]

If this is the trend, we'll be in "Importopia" next.

[swordedpast]

A troubling thought, but at least it'd be better than this. Who the hell names a town after heroes?

[symmachy]

The desperate. Or idiots. They aren't mutually exclusive.

[swordedpast]

It seems too quiet and peaceful a place for the desperate and idiotic, but that's probably just a cover. No doubt strip it away and there's a wellspring of seething stupidity underneath.

[voice]

[smarterthandad]

Welcome back, Mr. Archer.

[voice]

[swordedpast]

Jeez, the last thing I need is some genius child calling me "mister." It's just Archer.

[voice]

[smarterthandad]

Mom says I should be polite.

[This doesn't manage to keep her from being ridiculously condescending, though.]

[voice]

[swordedpast]

And you actually listen to your mother? There's a shock.

[He'll be condescending right back. At the tiny child. Yes.]

voice;

[glowsferatu]

[ well. that's a voice she hadn't expected to hear ever again. ]

I don't know. At least they tried this time, even if the effort produced dubious results.

You're late, by the way.

voice;

[swordedpast]

Do you think I'm the kind of guy who awards gold stars for effort?

[ A slight pause. ]

I know.

voice;

[glowsferatu]

[ she'd say something about how that's apparently by the lack of gold stars he wears himself, but this is probably not the time. ]

They said they expected the Porter may bring more imPorts after we arrived, but... I suppose I didn't expect those to come from the City, somehow.

voice;

[swordedpast]

Hmm. I returned to my world, first. I was there for a few hours. What a joke.

audio;

[dragony]

Most cities have dull names, but at least this one has a proper one.

audio;

[swordedpast]

There's nothing proper about naming yourself after heroes.

There's nothing wrong with naming something after a hero, but after heroes in general? That's really troubling.

[dragony]

It could be after one hero, with an awful imagination for self titles.

[detriments]

We should consider ourselves fortunate, if a name is the worst we have to complain about.

[swordedpast]

Do you think it's likely to be just a name? It might well be an omen.

[detriments]

You'll have to forgive me if I don't sound concerned. We did just experience the apocalypse.

voice;

[waiting]

Hey, say it enough, and it actually kind of grows on ya.

Where've you been?

voice;

[swordedpast]

In my world, but that only accounts for a few hours of the time. I gather it's been longer than that.

voice;

[waiting]

We've been here about three weeks since Lachesis did... whatever she did. What's the last thing you remember?