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.

[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?

audio;

[swordedpast]

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

[ His tone is cool, neutral. ]

[symmachy]

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

audio;

[gandere]

Yes, of course. I'm better suited to pick up the pieces of your mess than you are.

[ That's no surprise. ] So Archer...

[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.

audio;

[swordedpast]

I just arrived today, Rin.

[symmachy]

There always is. The only question is how long will it take to show.

[swordedpast]

How long have you guys been here for?

[symmachy]

Less than a month. Obviously, not all of us made it.

[swordedpast]

Then I guess it could be a while yet before it all goes bad for those of us who did come through. Who knows?

[symmachy]

That's comforting.

audio;

[gandere]

Today? [ Her voice drops a bit. ]

So you haven't been avoiding me intentionally? Why didn't you call when you showed up? Why didn't you even try to seek me out? Did you just assume I wasn't here?

audio;

[swordedpast]

[ A pause. The truth is that contacting Rin? The first thing he thought of, and the first thing he talked himself out of. ]

I recalled you being really spirited for a captive princess back home, Rin, so I figured you were just fine here.

[ In case she needed a reminder of just when in the timeline he's from. His voice is cooler than before. ]

[swordedpast]

Ah, well. Comforting people, cheering them up...that's not my job.

audio;

[gandere]

[ So it's like that, is it? ]

Archer...

Do you want me to go away?

[symmachy]

I know. Speaking of, what is your job here?

[voice]

[smarterthandad]

Welcome back, Mr. Archer.

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]

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

voice;

[swordedpast]

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

[ A slight pause. ]

I know.

[swordedpast]

[ A pause. ]

"Guide to Ghost Tours."