XOqNI

[tongueamok]

Hello, this is Carlisle. I mean, it's not Carlisle as in I'm actually answering you right now, so if you're trying to reply to me at the second, you should probably save your breath because I'm not really here. This is some kind of a recording of my voice, but this is my communicator. I'm going to assume these devices are as common here as they are in other places — not my world, but others, ones more technologically advanced than where I come from— so if you'd like to leave me a message, then you may do so here, or er... Right. Here is fine. So just leave yo— [beep]

Comments

[tongueamok]

Honesty need not come in the form of an outburst such as mine, but...

[Ever the self-deprecating one, Carlisle is. Still, he trails off as he meets Atem's smile with a nervous one of his own, one that shifts to a look of confusion as his student holds up his notes, then an expression of genuine gratitude as he tears them into pieces.]

Thank you. With what little relief is offered to me as I face my coming end, I can rest that much easier now... and perhaps turn my mind to what lies ahead, should I manage a miraculous recovery.

[He's not counting on one, but... it is nice to think about, far nicer than the thought of his student careening toward his demise at the hands of a demon -- or worse.]

[puzzlingly]

「Atem keeps the pieces in the pocket of his pants, in his mind, he's decided to set them on fire later.」

Anything for you... if it means it'll give you hope.

「What lies ahead is unknown, someone like Atem would rather focus on the present, but it is currently so grim for both of them that maybe looking forward to a brighter future might be the better option.」

... I'll make you some tea, and... If you're not too tired, can we run over those other notes? I was hoping I could help at reforesting the islands a little bit.

[tongueamok]

[Carlisle nods with a dry, relieved chuckle.]

Now there is a noble aspiration, and one that is within our grasp. You make the tea, and I'll take another look at those notes.

[Especially now that the middle page is out of the picture.]