The End

[foundationmods]

After a long trial and a tearful rebirth, it was time to move on to the next journey. But where would they all go? And how would they be able to say 'goodbye' after seven weeks of bonding?

Those answers would not come easily. However, the Pieces did not need to make those decisions alone...🗈

Rest is needed, but it isn't quite time for that yet. No, there are places to go and people to see.

Given that most of the Pieces did want to return to the Foundation, the Witch of Dimensions opted to stop there first and drop them all off. The stragglers can be handled later, when he has rested and regained more of his energy.

But where did he decide to put them? After all, the Foundation knows they have gone missing. To return them right to where he took them from would only put them in danger. So instead, he opts to take them to the people best qualified to offer help with multi-dimensional dealings.

Comments

[justfists]

Ryuji!

[she looks so happy-- but unlike ann, she's not going to just run to him, she's just going to look so relieved.]

I'm so glad you're alight.

[kiddatheart]

[ it takes a second, but he lets out a breath and smiles at her ]

Hey, Makoto, good to see you.

[justfists]

[she reaches out to touch him.]

And you too.

If... you need to chat-- I've been through something... relatively similar.

[kiddatheart]

You... have?

[ opens his mouth to say something and then changes his mind and says something else ]

Are you sure you want to help me?

[justfists]

Yes. I'm sure.

Ryuji, I... I killed someone. So... I really should be asking you if you want help from me.

[kiddatheart]

I fucked up helping your sis--

Wait, you killed someone?!

[justfists]

... Sae is my responsibility. Not yours.

[kiddatheart]

[ taking a deep breath ]

I got some things I still need to work on with that. But I know you, Makoto. Ya wouldn't kill someone unless something forced you to.

So, I'll take whatever you'll give me.

[justfists]

...

Okay. But let's make sure we stay in touch. I need to make sure, even when Akira can't, that I'm taking care of everyone.

[and Ryuji needs it more than anyone]

[kiddatheart]

[ stiffens at the name of YOU KNOW WHO ]

R-Right, yeah. I'll be sure to stay in touch with you, Makoto.

[justfists]

...

[she reaches out to rest a hand on his shoulder.]

Ryuji.

[kiddatheart]

--Yeah?

[justfists]

... It's okay, to feel whatever you're feeling right now. Trust me. You don't need to hold it in, okay?

[kiddatheart]

[ ryuji's silent for a long moment. he's debated talking about this with ann, but he knows how she'll response. he can hazard a guess as to what makoto will say, but he needs to hear it again ]

Is it bad that I still blame myself a little? For what happened?

[justfists]

No, of course not.

[she smiles and then places both hands on his arms-- a not quite hug.]

For what happened on the island, or back home.

[kiddatheart]

Both.

[justfists]

No.

[and finally, she offers a hug.]

[kiddatheart]

[ yeah he's just collapsing on her ]

[justfists]

[she pats his back-- it's okay. She gets it.]

[kiddatheart]

Not now, but we got stories to swap. Though, I get the feeling you already know mine.

[justfists]

Mmhm.

I've been watching the whole time. That's why I'm seeking you out.

[kiddatheart]

--Right, of course.

Once we get back, we'll talk more, yeah?

[justfists]

Once we get back, we'll talk some more.

[repeated in agreement.]

Try not to do anything reckless in the meantime.

[kiddatheart]

Haha, got it!

[ and then ryuji joins the fight to protect watanuki ]