Seam 🏮

I wouldn't disagree!

Are you trying to run away from them?

Very good question! Not one I'd have the answer to. After all, I'm not very attached to much any longer, myself.

But then, it is the fate of all Darkners to be left behind, and yet, that hasn't stopped you before, now has it?

After all... you're back, aren't you?

She's a fighter, isn't she?

Truth be told, I don't have much hope. But I will say this...

If anyone can do it, it's you three.

Nothing to be sorry over, hero. I'm just an old plush, aren't I? I'm not even fixed up right. In my condition, I'd hardly blame you for having better things to do.

That's your choice. I am a little curious, though. How DO you feel about her?

Talking to me is a waste of time? I'm hurt!

... I kid, of course.

Well, you'll figure it out. Or you won't! Either way, I'll be here to talk to some more, no matter how it goes.

So what will help? Do you want to?

You have that power to try. But, I would be the very last to judge you for not even bothering, hee hee.

Too late for that, wouldn't you say?

But, whatever makes you feel better. Far be it for me of all Darkners to criticize you for coping with the situation in the way you choose.

'Course, you're free to toast with me any time when it inevitably doesn't pan out.

Hm? I never said anything like that. Your little prince may see it that way, but I don't.

No, the end of the world and the threat it presents, those things are very much real. So, everything else about this world is real, too.

... I just can't do anything about it, that's all.

Well, that's your choice. It's not as if you're forced to interact with... well, any of us!

Why not? Would it be confirming all her fears about you?

I wonder if we will start a debate over what being 'alive' really means.

It would be riveting!

Hee hee... Right you are! So, how about it, then? Do you have some insight to laugh over?

I mean to say, of course, that even their finding out must've been predestined. That's how these things work, isn't it?

You're struggling in vain to keep their worlds idyllic. Bearing that weight alone. I don't fault you for taking such a course, but...

Well, I also wouldn't fault you for not.

A shame. But, you know, the Lightners confronted him.

Seems he's "free" now.

'Course, I was only following your wording. I suppose it is, though, isn't it?

... I have none left to shed, but I understand the sentiment.

How are you enjoying being back in our cage, old friend?

Speaking of court jesters...

You're trying so hard to fight. If you want my opinion, I think it'd be much easier on you to let go and watch!

If it's meant to happen, it will.

Something like that.

So much trouble... Only for it to be undone.

Hah. I act as though I had no part to play in that.

That's the nature of secrets. Eventually they will surface.

You know, it never gets tiring, just watching.

I'm always so entertained! And what is there to do in a time like this other than to be entertained?

Hmm. A point?

Acceptance can be liberating in its own right, you know. Why not bask in the fun while it lasts, rather than keeping your eyes only on the future?

If the end of the world happens anyway... We can at least toast to it!

Interesting. So much focus on the prophecy, so much worrying.

But it's inevitable, isn't it? Why worry at all? Such attempts to circumvent it may make you only that much more doomed to follow it.

But what would I know?

Oh, I've been there, done that on the "going mad" part.

Is that so?

Well, then... I apologize for surprising you with it.

If it counts for anything, I have started to believe in you lot. Just a little.

Your warmth is noted, little hero.

Tell me... How has it been going?

I've said it before! Is it different when I say it now?

You do have a point. If nothing else, it can be VERY entertaining. Especially when I have three heroes whose journey I can watch.

The Earth may be breathing Her last, the days numbered, but I'm certainly not bored.

Are you enjoying it? Your adventure?

Hah!

Don't worry about it at all, young traveller. You and the other heroes are awfully busy, after all.

I'm almost a little envious. But, I have my place, and you have yours.