quaranta || audio

[betrayedblade]

Kadaj? [...] Kadaj...

Has anyone seen him lately? Is he gone or has he just run off? He wasn't at his lesson the other day... I know he runs off sometimes without telling anyone...

But he's gone, isn't he?

[He sighs.] Go in peace, giovane.

Comments

[prodigal-axe.livejournal.com]

Wait a minute... he's gone? Are you sure?

[betrayedblade.livejournal.com]

I cannot find him. I cannot contact him.

[prodigal-axe.livejournal.com]

[Checking frequency. Then a quiet but heated:]

God damn it. I can't believe this...

Maybe he'll show up again. Some of 'em are only gone for a week or two.

[betrayedblade.livejournal.com]

Seifer did that.

And then he left too.

[prodigal-axe.livejournal.com]

Tch. There's no way to know for sure...

He was here longer than me. Three years...never went home once. Damn.

[betrayedblade.livejournal.com]

Perhaps it was time for him to go home. I don't know what that means for him, not entirely... but I hope, eventually, it means peace. That eventually...he will learn to find it.

[prodigal-axe.livejournal.com]

That's...

That's what he wanted. He's gonna get exactly what he was trying to find.

So, I guess it ain't so bad. Some people wanna go home.

[There's upset creeping up under his rough voice, though.]

[betrayedblade.livejournal.com]

To go home... no, to find a home.

Sometimes I wonder if Discedo was the only 'home' he knew.

[...]

He'll be fine. He'll find it again.

[prodigal-axe.livejournal.com]

... Yeah.

Besides, who knows. He might show up here again someday.

[betrayedblade.livejournal.com]

It is always possible.

I told him I wouldn't leave him. I wonder: does his being taken away count...?

[prodigal-axe.livejournal.com]

I'm gonna hope he does...

[And there's a long silence.]

No. It doesn't... At least he didn't leave thinkin' he had no one left. That's what matters.

[crystal-eyed.livejournal.com]

...he's gone?

[ The Prince isn't sure whether to be happy or upset about this. ]

[betrayedblade.livejournal.com]

Only if he is happier here. But I agree...

...I hope you're right. Thank you though.

[betrayedblade.livejournal.com]

As far as I can tell.

[crystal-eyed.livejournal.com]

I see... I was wondering what had happened to that boy. I wonder what he's gone back to...

[betrayedblade.livejournal.com]

Hopefully something better... if he can make it.

[crystal-eyed.livejournal.com]

It's nice to have something to go back to, better still if it's an improvement on this place.

I have my doubts, but I'm sure he'll be fine, one way or another.

[betrayedblade.livejournal.com]

Yes... that's all we have anyway isn't it.

[crystal-eyed.livejournal.com]

I suppose it is.

I can't exactly say I'll miss Kadaj, but I do wish him well anyway.

[betrayedblade.livejournal.com]

Hmmph.

[foxtamer.livejournal.com]

[The feed isn't on, but Minato is quiet for a long moment as he checks the network for Kadaj's signal.

Only after he realizes that it's no longer there does he turn it onto voice.]

... His frequency is gone.

[betrayedblade.livejournal.com]

Yes.

[foxtamer.livejournal.com]

I... see.

[Kadaj was like one of his children, in a way. ... He'll be missed.]

[betrayedblade.livejournal.com]

[He sighs.] He's better off in his own world. [Supposedly.]

[foxtamer.livejournal.com]

Most people are. Generally speaking.

[Minato isn't, and they both know that.]

[betrayedblade.livejournal.com]

[Neither is Giovanni so--they're on the same page here.]

Yes. That is a good thing at least.

[foxtamer.livejournal.com]

[Yup, same page of deadness.]

Yes. Really, one of the few comforts here.

[betrayedblade.livejournal.com]

Indeed...

[foxtamer.livejournal.com]

But how are you otherwise? Are you well?

[betrayedblade.livejournal.com]

I'm doing fine, Minato. What about your household?

[audio]

[silent-feathers.livejournal.com]

Kadaj? Un amico?

Mio amore... what do you mean that 'he is gone'?


((Translation: A friend?))

[audio]

[betrayedblade.livejournal.com]

Yes.

He is gone. He has left Discedo and been returned home, or wherever else he was destined to go. It is not an unusual occurrence.

[audio]

[silent-feathers.livejournal.com]

[A soft hum is heard over the communicator. She falls silent for a moment before speaking up again.]

People simple are gone? Without any warning?

[For some reason... that frightened her.]

[betrayedblade.livejournal.com]

Generally speaking.

Mia amore, do not think much upon it. I am here.

[silent-feathers.livejournal.com]

[He knows exactly what to say, doesn't he?]

Yes... and I truly grateful that you are here! [The happiness is quite evident in her voice!]

... Kadaj. He learned from an exceptional teacher. He will not soon forget the lessons you taught him.

[betrayedblade.livejournal.com]

[Giovanni can only remain silent for a long while after hearing this. She doesn't know; she didn't know Kadaj. She cannot fathom how very wrong she is. Not that he didn't try--but that Kadaj wasn't likely to retain it, or purposefully ignore it.

She did not know that going home for Kadaj was not a pleasant prospect.

He calmed, then spoke in a sober voice.]

He will be fine, as will we all, mia cara.

[silent-feathers.livejournal.com]

[There was a quiet intake of air before Maria slowly let it out in a soft sigh. Something was off but she did not push on it...]

I hope so... and I know we will be. Bene... will I be expecting you home at a later time?

[There was a moment of silence before she started to chuckle under her breath. Now suddenly... Discedo was her home after only a month? Or was it not? This revelation left Maria momentarily confused but she shook it off.]

[foxtamer.livejournal.com]

Good, although the turtles are already getting restless because of the coming winter. They can't be outside as much when it starts getting cold.

[stray-cardinal.livejournal.com]

Another one has left?

I am sorry.

[betrayedblade.livejournal.com]

Makes sense. They did all right before though so I know they will again. I pity them though.

[betrayedblade.livejournal.com]

Of course. Business as usual, my love. [And that almost brought a smile to his face--almost.]

[betrayedblade.livejournal.com]

Yes.

I will be fine. I am more worried for his outcome than anything. But...I will simply have to make due.

[stray-cardinal.livejournal.com]

At least you still have your family.

[betrayedblade.livejournal.com]

I... yes. I am lucky in that regard.

[stray-cardinal.livejournal.com]

I just can't seem to hold on to mine.

[betrayedblade.livejournal.com]

...I am sorry, signora. It is hard, I know.

If there is anything I can do...

[stray-cardinal.livejournal.com]

I'll manage.

[betrayedblade.livejournal.com]

As you say.