026 [written]

[fabrecation]

[It's so bad now that Luke feels like he can barely get out of bed except for necessary needs. It's... honestly kind of strange. Sure, he's scared, and sure, he hates having to lay here and just wait for it to happen, despite writing and drawing to pass the time. But he isn't quite as terrified as he was just a month ago.

It's like he's accepted that this is happening in a quiet, somber sort of way.

There's pain every day, he's tired every day, he's thin and pale and looks as if he's just wasting away, as if he's all that's left after tiny pieces of himself slowly just... faded away. Even his hair seemed not quite as full as it ought to be.

He hated it, yes. But it's happening. And he's close to fading away completely, he knows that. Maybe that's why he's mostly okay with this. It can finally be over.

He'd only flipped through the journal to keep track of everyone. Now, though, he can't help being morbidly curious, in a way. So, making sure that he himself is out of sight, he writes slowly to the masses.]

If someone told you that you didn't have much longer to live, what would you do about it? What would you do with the last days of your life?

[It's a question that could be asked even by a curious healthy person, something to get people to think. He can think of it that way, and get answers that he might just need because of it.]

Comments

written:

[shenevermisses]

Fight. Against whoever or whatever there was. Just fight.

written:

[fabrecation]

Just fight until the end? Why?

video

[bravefighter]

Well... I think I would keep training and trying to get better! Maybe try completing the Pokedex for Professor Oak.

... but I think I'd just end up training.

video

[fabrecation]

[Video, huh... Luke thinks he can manage that. As long as he's out of sight, anyway, and stopping if his voice gets too weak.]

What's a Pokedex? Something to do with Pokemon?

Written (1/2)

[relinquishing]

[...Dammit all, Luke.]

I'd do what mattered.

[And he doesn't need to explain that.

...]

Written; Filtered // 100% (2/2)

[relinquishing]

[It takes him a long moment to respond again. But when he does, there's a filter and a slower pace in his writing. He didn't want to be at the bar right now, but...]

I should be home soon. Mind if I pick something up for you on my way back?

[Voice]

[broji]

[Who knew Auldrant was full of such philosophers? Ginji has his journal open - for a change of focus every so often as he goes about finishing up chores. That is, as close as they ever get to being finished.]

Well, I think I'd want to spend them with the people I care about most, doing something I really enjoy or something I always thought about and never got around to.

[Voice]

[fabrecation]

Huh... Really? Like what?

[Voice is okay... Luke might sound a little tired, but that's all right. He'll just stop if it gets too bad.]

[Written]

[distressedude]

[...not a very cheerful topic, was it?]

[Perhaps it's because the camera is covered, or perhaps it's just that he's not paying much attention outside of the question, but Ion doesn't immediately associate the handwriting with Luke. His answer is just a bit more honest because of it.]

Live each day just like any other day. I wouldn't want the people I care about to worry about me. [...] Though it's difficult to say how one would act until they actually have to face such a thing.

[Written]

[fabrecation]

[... Heh.]

I'd probably do the same thing. I don't want people being sad or worried... But I think it'd just scare me even more too, you know?

[ written ]

[breezing]

[ That sounds...sad. ] I'd ask everyone to play with me, and I guess I'd want to fly one last time! And I'd ask Katara or grandpa or someone for the biggest party ever, with games and toys and things, and I'd [ want to see her family again :| ] ask everyone to tell me lots and lots of stories. And then I guess I'd go to bed.

[ written ]

[fabrecation]

[... That sounds like something a kid would want. Nngh... kids shouldn't have to think about something like that. His expression becomes more somber as he writes back to her.]

Those all sound like cool things to ask for. How do you fly? With an airship?

[action]

[fourteen]

[ .... yes, well.

Xion's been a very brave girl lately. And when she sees this, she manages, somehow, to only gently shut her journal, breathe out through her nose, and head over to check on Luke. She doesn't tell him she's coming. He's probably used to her popping up via portal by now. It's been happening more and more frequently of late.

She's not even 100% certain it's him. The writer was careful to keep themselves out of the frame. But the timing of it is had to ignore. And even if, on some off chance, it wasn't Luke who wrote this, it reminds her strongly of him anyway. It reminds her of her own slow death. Of how she posed this very question to herself, back then, but wasn't brave enough to really ask.

Sometimes, when she's certain he's asleep - checked, more than once, just in case - she sits by his bedside and cries, silently, because it's getting harder and harder to let her grief show anywhere else.

Today, though, she's calm. Maybe because she knows he's awake. And her smile is gentle, though perhaps a little drawn. ]

Hey.

[action]

[fabrecation]

[It's sure gotten to the point where he doesn't really jump anymore when her portal appears. Not really, anyway. It's still a bit of a surprise... Though it probably shouldn't be, considering what he just asked about.

Xion will find him sitting on the bed with his journal out beside him, enough so that the journal's camera doesn't see him. And there's a blanket over his hair and around his shoulders to hide just how he looks, mostly for himself. Even with Xion here, he can't help pulling the edges of the blanket a little tighter around him when he smiles at her.]

Hey. [He glances at the journal and raises his shoulders in a sheepish fashion.] Sorry for asking something like that...

[Voice]

[averybadfeeling]

[His voice sounds a bit concerned when he responds.]

"I suppose I would consider what there was that I could accomplish before my demise. Whatever was most worthwhile, I would focus my efforts upon that purpose.

Why do you ask?"

[Voice]

[fabrecation]

[It's a good answer... Something Luke expected from Obi-wan.

Though the question isn't. He pauses, and he looks down at the sheets, still making sure he's out of range of the camera.]

I just wanted to know what everyone else thought, I guess.

written;

[positivelycharged]

I would go give everybody I liked a hug, and [he pauses for a moment here] maybe I'd play some games too, because I don't think you can play games if you're dead.

written;

[fabrecation]

No, you probably couldn't, huh.

That sounds like a good idea, though... hugging people. I don't think I'd do it if it were me, though.

[Written]

[immamartillo]

[...Well, if this isn't concerning Firo doesn't know what is.]

First I'd make sure they were actually qualified to tell me that.

[Considering they only get one chance, some people write off life awfully quickly, in Firo's opinion.]

[Written]

[fabrecation]

What if they were? Like... I don't know, a doctor or something.

written

[ahappylie]

Enjoy them. I would spend time with those who mattered to me and try to make it so they weren't so sad when I had to leave.

written

[fabrecation]

[... Well, that's certainly something Luke would like to do. It's one of the things he's so afraid of, too, when he finally disappears.]

How would you do it? Not make them so sad, I mean.

[voice]

[silversnowfall]

[Hearing this question, from Luke of all people...does he know? Did someone tell him? Or perhaps he has known for a while, and only now thought hard enough about it to start asking questions?

Nephry tries not to let any of that through in her answer.]

I would make arrangements that wound ensure things would be all right in Keterburg after I was gone. ...And then, I think, I would write quite a few letters.

[voice]

[fabrecation]

That's right, you're the governor... [It was a little hard to remember, what with being in Luceti for this long and not being in Keterburg for a very long month before he was brought here.] Who do you think you'd write to? You don't have to answer or anything...

[written]

[emp3thy]

[....what is this Luke

Your handwriting is kind of distinctive...

But the fact is, Minato knows exactly what he'd do. What he did.]

Spend time with the people I care about most.

[written]

[fabrecation]

[Mmm... It's not quite so easy for Luke.]

Would you tell them, or do you think it'd make them too sad?

[Written]

[fuckthemission]

[Aw. Well. He never really had the opportunity to do much before he died, but if he could...]

I'd find myself a pretty girl before then. Hang out in her arms in a nice bed.

[One of life's greatest comforts, right there.]

[Written]

[fabrecation]

[...

Heh.

He can't help chuckling at that, albeit while blushing a little. Yeah... He sure can see how that'd be an appealing way to spend your last few days. It helps that he already has a pretty girl to do that with.]

And just stay there until - you know?

[Written]

[de_bel_survivor]

[This question...

Depending on how the war went, Kouki might not even get that chance to do what he wants.]

I'd spend time with my friends and brother.

[He would add his parents, but they believe he's dead.]

[Written]

[fabrecation]

It sounds like something a lot of people would do. Spending time with someone... I'd probably do it too.

But wouldn't it be kind of scary? I mean... if they know? [It's sure scared him for several months straight.]

[voice]

[nikori]

[Seeing as how Heisuke's usually sleeping throughout the day and only up at night, he can't be assed to make a written message when he's this exhausted (mainly from the heat). So he's sticking to voice at least. Sorry, Luke...! Regardless, this topic kind of hits home with him, seeing as how he had been on the brink of death before and, well. ...He's not sure how alive he is even now, but... anyway.]

I dunno what I'd do if they were my last days [seeing as how for him, they were only moments] but... I think I'd try and find some way around it. Find something that'll let me keep on living, you know?

[voice]

[fabrecation]

Like... prolonging it, you mean?

[Dist had said something like that, that he'd make medicine to prolong the effects of his illness. But they certainly couldn't stop it, and so Luke would only halfheartedly take them occasionally, in the beginning. Why prolong the inevitable? Not to mention that they made him feel utterly lousy.]

written

[handmotions]

Try to make it as fun as possible.

Have a celebration with people you care about and make the most of it.

written

[fabrecation]

... You probably wouldn't tell them, right? I mean, who'd want to celebrate something like that?

But... yeah. Making the most of it... I'd want to try that, too, I think.

written

[risingwinds]

Well, I guess...

[Man, this is depressing, and it's not something he's really thought about all that much. But, hm. Now that he's mentioned it...]

I guess I'd just wanna make the most of it. If my time really was coming to an end, I wouldn't wanna let it bring me down.

written

[fabrecation]

So you probably wouldn't want to think about it, right?

[Which, for Luke, meant not letting people know.]

[written]

[ofwesternwinds]

[That's a good question. And... sadly one that brings back some unfortunate memories for this kid. But Rudy pushes those thoughts aside, and writes back:]

If there was nothing that could be done about it... I'd find a way to make those days count.

[written]

[fabrecation]

That sounds like something a lot of people would do...

So how would you do it? Make them count, I mean.

[Writte]

[geniustheveil]

[Though neat and tidy as usual, there are a few faint signs of hesitation in the handwriting.]

Most important of all, I'd want to stay close to my friends.

[Written]

[fabrecation]

[Luke himself is trying not to hesitate. But there are a few instances where his writing stops for a few seconds.]

Even if they know? Or... would you want them to know?

written;

[trashed]

Why are you even asking?

[SYNC IS HELPFUL.]

written;

[fabrecation]

No reason.

[WHAT A LIVELY CONVERSATION.]

written

[failazure]

[...

Considering who she spoke to yesterday, Noel can't help but feel she knows the mystery person behind the message. And it makes her heart sink, because it's already so close and it's really going to happen. This isn't just a hypothetical question.

Not that she's the best advice giver. In fact, she considers herself to be one of the worst! But Noel will go ahead and pretend she's none the wiser and reply, making sure her face isn't facing directly at the camera.]

I would [...] Live to the fullest. Don't let the little things hurt. Spend time with your loved ones. [... ...] Eat your favorite meals.

written

[fabrecation]

[There's a pause before he writes back.

He knows who this is. It makes his heart sink as well, knowing that she knows what's happening, and still answering. Noel's one of his best friends and all...

But he does write back, also pretending to be none the wiser.]

It'd be a nice way to go, huh? Eating your favorite meals before it happens... So what would you eat?

[written]

[moezama]

Do you know someone in that situation right now?

[Let's answer the question, with another rude question]

[written]

[fabrecation]

... Yeah. [You could say that.]

[written]

[anxiousgrace]

If there was something I could do about it, I would. But if not...

I... I would try to contact my family and loved ones. Make sure that no matter what happens next, they know I have and will always care about them. But I'm not sure if it would be good to put them through too much pain... [She pauses and sighs.] Depending on what's going on, I might do things I always wanted to do but never did. Finish my bucket list, y'know?

[This is something she actually thinks about. A lot. On those dark, sleepless nights, when thoughts fly unbidden into one's head. Her condition doesn't help at all.]

[written]

[fabrecation]

Is that what it's called? A bucket list?

[Mmm. But that's not the important part of this.] Never mind. So... What kind of things do you want to do?

[Voice]

[knightofratatosk]

... I would spend as much of it as I could with my friends, so they'd be the last thing I remembered. And that way, even when I was gone, they'd remember me too.

[Voice]

[fabrecation]

... That sure sounds like a nice way to go. Sounds kind of scary, though. I mean... knowing that they know.