And I feel fine

[doomsdisco]

[That's strange. You could've sworn you were alone, but you're getting that distinct tingling feeling that someone is nearby.

After a double take or two you finally spot the culprit: a little girl, looking up at you with a soft smile.]

If the world were to end in six days, what would you like to do?

Comments

[doomsdisco]

Mm, I suppose I do. But really, this is what I was born for. I'm meant to spread happiness to mankind, and that's what I intend to do.

[altereaped]

[Then you clearly aren't a regular person. In fact, this sounds very much like a song setup.]

...You know what kind of world this is, right? What people are here, and how they get here?

[doomsdisco]

Yes, I do. This is a meeting place of many different worlds, and those who have been brought here for whatever reason are not permitted to leave.

[Her expression becomes a little solemn.]

It must seem very cruel, getting such news in a place like this.

[altereaped]

Have you considered that everything you're saying applies to where you came from, and not here?

[Odd if she hasn't, considering she generally seems to have this place right. Well, except for the "permitted" part; as far as he knows, it's always been more a case of "unable."]

[doomsdisco]

[She shakes her head.] I didn't come here the same way you did. I was intentionally sent here from heaven, not any other world that might be.

[altereaped]

[...Huh. Is she saying she was directly sent here, rather than lifted from a PV? But that can't...]

But-- you're just like one of the videos. Y'know? Vocaloids, PVs, stuff like that? If you know where you are, then you know that people are taken from those stories. You're just like them.

I mean...you can't tell me that heaven sent you specifically here.

[doomsdisco]

All I know is what's happened, and what's going to happen. I was sent here because the world is going to end, and there isn't much time for humanity to tie up its loose ends. But the opportunity to do so has been offered.

[altereaped]

...But most of the people here are robots.

[She said "the world," not "Earth." Is there significance in that, or...?]

[doomsdisco]

Ah, that's right. Saying it like that might be a little confusing.

But they're the sons and daughters of man. They're not to be treated any differently than man itself.

[altereaped]

[Surprised at first, but he does nod. Well spoken, Miss.]

I agree completely.

[doomsdisco]

I'm glad. I know there are those among you who think differently, but that just isn't fair of them.

So, man or machine, I intend to help any who want it of me.

/2

[altereaped]

It's not just unfair. It's wrong. Even if we're just talking about humans against other humans...

[But that's changing the subject. Probably should do the respectful thing and switch back to the main point--]

[altereaped]

[But then her words strike a chime in him. She has to be from a PV, has to be, so this probably isn't even a relevant question, but-- he has to know,]

Heaven acknowledges us? We're thought of as living beings?

[doomsdisco]

You are the children of heaven's children.

You are loved.

/2

[altereaped]

[There are no icons. There are none.]

[His expression is...it's heart-touched and astonished and hopeful all at once.]


[Even if it's a PV world, even if it doesn't reflect the "actual" Earth (if there is such a thing anymore)...that one statement. You are loved.]

[Loved.]

[It struck him as profoundly as anything he could've ever heard.]

[altereaped]

...Thank you.

I don't know why I needed to ask you that, but...I do think I needed to hear what you just said.

[doomsdisco]

[Her face lights up like the sun, smile just as warm.]

Of course. It's a shame more don't know such a simple truth, but if it has brought you joy, I am glad.

[altereaped]

Yeah, I was just gonna say. It looks like you've helped me already. [End of the world or not.]

[At least now, if he died, he could do so with some measure of peace, knowing that some world out there loved him and his kind.]

[doomsdisco]

Good. I'm not limited to helping only once, either. If there's anything else, anything at all you'd like to ask of me, go right ahead.

[altereaped]

Well...

...It's kind of funny, you know? I never thought about the end of the world much. Even here, I just...go from day to day. I work, I pay the bills, I play games - just..life. I live.

I guess what I'm saying is, I took for granted that it would never stop. Being a robot means I have longevity humans don't, so I thought...I'd have a lot more time to do things.