(no subject)

[solo_insanity]

[The Exorcist is still probably stuck in that room cut off from the rest. That quiet, quiet room where nothing seems to be working. The fake sun hasn't even bother to rise or fall within the last few days, weeks, or was it months? The electricity had gone out forcing him to use candles and fireplaces for means of light.

It was probably a distressing few days if it hadn't been even more distressing before that.

Something lights up on a wall though. It is faint at first at a singular point, but that point begins to move and expand. It expands and draws lines of light on the wall. Most are circular in nature, but they do tend to crisscross around each other.

In the end a huge magical symbol taller than he is stands firmly etched on the wall.]

Comments

[solo_insanity]

I'm going to have more than a half a dozen people from an insane asylum turned prison. Peaceful might not be the word I would use.

[Chuckling.]

I was promised traveling. Perhaps we can both stop by and we can harass you into thinking you are seeing triple.

[case_card]

Peaceful relative to warmongering, then.

Oh, you'd spend your time trying to convince me I'm mad? Assuming I forget this time, that is. I never have before... Actually, I wonder if I'd forget my home world, too. Start completely from scratch.

[solo_insanity]

Did you want to? You are starting over and that is a service I can provide.

But I imagine you would spend your days wondering why your wrists are like they are. You'd probably break the mental barrier I put up because you can be persistent when you want to be.

[case_card]

It's tempting -- it would be worse if I only remembered part of my life than if I remembered none of it at all -- but I'll take my chances. If it turns out poorly, I can always ask you to try another time, can't I?

[solo_insanity]

That is the idea.

And you will watch out for her, won't you? She's had it almost as rough as you. Perhaps more.

[casexcard]

Don't worry. I'll keep an eye on her. Maybe, outside of the Dressing Room, she'll be a little more... stable.

At the worst, I can explain her away as my poor, mad half-sister, traveling on the idea that some fresh air might do her some good. Something of the sort.

[solo_insanity]

Ah, then will you do me one more favor?

You should give her a new name. And maybe yourself one as well.

[casexcard]

I know you don't consider me another version of yourself, but not letting me use my own name in another world seems harsh.

[He's kidding.]

Well, well, it's not as though I've never used an alias before. I'd have to change at least her name if I claim he's my sister, too.

Do you have anything to write with? In case I don't remember this conversation, you see.

[solo_insanity]

That all depends on how fresh a start you want. But yes, at least your new sister deserves a new first name.

[He waves a hand and produces pen and paper. He also produces a camera.]

Thought I should clarify what I was picturing

[casecard]

[He takes the pen and paper and starts painstakingly jotting down short notes to himself in his chicken-scratch handwriting. It's more unreadable than ever, but as long as he can read it, isn't that all that's important?]

Nice trick. Why the camera?

Ah.

[solo_insanity]

Something to put in your notes just in case you don't believe yourself.

[Standing next to him and holding the camera out at arm's length. He takes a few pictures. It is one of those old Polaroid cameras so he can see the results of it. He might have to take a few.]

[casexcard]

[He'll look at the other and the camera in surprised at first, but he should manage to look at the camera and smile by the last photo.]

I haven't seen a camera quite like that before.

[solo_insanity]

I got it as a gift.

[He hands him one of the better photos.]

Just in case you thought you were insane if you read that later. This will just prove you are insane.

[casecard]

[He takes the photo and clumsily folds his page of notes around it.]

Even if I think myself insane, there are more harmful delusions to have than "a friend with an eerily similar face lives in another world."

[solo_insanity]

True. I bet you would laugh at yourself.

[case_card]

I imagine I would, as long as no one else found the photo and notes together. Not that I couldn't find my way out of any trouble that might cause. [He tucks away the envelope, his notes, and the photo into a pocket.]

[solo_insanity]

You have a silver tongue. I'm sure you'll just find it a challenge.

[Tyki holds out his hand for him to shake.]

Then are you ready?

[case_card]

[He takes his hand and and shakes it.]

As I'll ever be.

[He does hesitate a moment after that and look back to the third person in the room, still lying unconscious -- but then he shakes his head.] I'll explain things to her after all is said and done. That should be easier than waking her now and letting her cause a fuss.

... Ah, once we're there, have anything you want me to tell her on your behalf?

[solo_insanity]

Tell her I helped you out. Anything else you want to say is up to you.

As for not waking her I think that would be best.

[Tyki goes over and lifts her up before handing her to the former Exorcist.]

Just help her get back on her feet again. You can part ways after.

[casecard]

Look here, I can't -- I can't carry her right now. Try it this way.

[He's not strong enough to carry her in his arms right now, but he can pull one of her arms across his shoulders with one hand and support her with his other hand, so he'll try to motion what he means.]

[If he can successfully get that across, then he'll stand at the ready with her.] So -- how does this work?

[solo_insanity]

[He does understand and helps situate her.]

It is easy. You simply walk through a door.

[With a flick of a wrist a yawing darkness opens in front of him. It is twice his width and easily twice his height with the number 76 written on one corner.

Tyki does walk a set closer to him and kisses him on the cheek. It is a fond gesture with no more meaning than that.]

Do take care of yourself.

[casexcard]

[He smiles; he understands.]

You too. Good luck, old friend.

[He walks forward, and the two former Exorcists disappear through the door.]

[solo_insanity]

[The darkness swallows them for a few moments before they emerge into a bright light.

And with that, the pair will step out into a new world and hopefully, a new beginning.]