Epilogue

[cartesio]

Welcome to Cartesio!

You open your eyes and see the ceiling of the lodge. There is no real sensation of having slept, but you're still feeling rested. Sitting up, you can see that the building around you is in ruins. Dust and dirt dominate your environment. Around you, there are familiar people - some of them you've been with up until now, some of them you have been brutally forced to part with weeks ago. They all look alright, a little confusion aside.

From a corner of the room, you can hear the soft whirring of a machine. Upon examination, you can see that it's 3D-printing more gelatinous bodies like you've seen earlier today. Every body that is dispensed from the machine is a safe haven for another mind from the simulation, another mind to join your ranks as real people.

After you've adjusted to the new situation and left the lodge, you find yourself greeted with perfect sunshine. There's a town welcoming you, friendly and peaceful. Though it is more modern than what you are used to, there is no mistaking it.

Cartesio, Nevada, welcomes you.

You're new people, in a new world. Every chance it has to offer is open for you.

Comments

[relieable]

[Osomatsu looks down after a moment]

...Yeah. I thought about that, too, you know. This world... maybe I'll have my brothers. [at least three of them. he doesn't know about the other two that he didn't see] But my parents won't be here, or Totoko-chan and Chibita. They're off with the real Osomatsu, in another universe.

[he quickly wipes at a tear that is threatening to collect in his eyes. gotta get rid of it before anyone sees it!]

[silvertongueheir]

[...ah, awkward. What do you do in moments like this? Is a hug appropriate? Is it even appropriate to mention the tear?]

You'll all be together, at least. We found all five of them on the list of inactive minds. [At least he can offer that as a reassurance.]

[relieable]

[it's not awkward! it was one single measly tear that he got rid of. don't worry. Osomatsu's not going to cry in front of Franciscus... at least not now]

Eheh... [he looks up, a sad smile on his face] We'll just have to learn how to make it on our own now. Gosh, it's gonna be a disaster.

[silvertongueheir]

[Good, because that just might end up setting Franciscus off as well. They can have a breakdown later in private or something.]

You mentioned you recently got jobs back home, didn't you? [A pause as he considers.] Though I suppose none of us have identification for this world with us. I suppose that might be an obstacle. [No one regained a wallet, did they?]

[relieable]

Oh, yeah. Didn't even think about that. [a pause] I wonder if the people of this Cartesio are as welcoming as the last. Well, when they were welcoming at first.

[silvertongueheir]

In my experience, small towns are either the most welcoming or most suspicious of strangers. [A pause as he glances around at the group.] Though I suppose we'll know their opinions on strangeness quite fast the instant we meet any of them. [Half this group is visibly abnormal, after all. Also there's more than one person just flying through the air now.]

[relieable]

Guess so. [he links his fingers behind his head] Maybe I'll stick around here for a while, work a bit, establish myself. ...That's what adults do, right?

[silvertongueheir]

[Franciscus nods, looking thoughtful himself. He doesn't have his family's support here, either.] I might need to do that myself, whether here or at some other nearby town. I do still have my ability to create gold, but I can only do that a limited number of times a day. And that would raise suspicion and draw unwarranted attention. [Not in Pokemon-world, where everyone just sees those as something Meowth, at least, can do naturally.]

I've never had to forge identification cards that would hold up to regular scrutiny, but I suppose I might have to try. [With whatever resources they have here, anyways.]

[relieable]

[ah... Osomatsu lowers his arms, giving Franciscus a sly grin]

We may need to stick together, then. I'm gonna need money and an ID for the casino.

[silvertongueheir]

[Ha. He manages a slight grin back.] Well, I suppose depending on how things go, I could spare you some allowance. [Heck, maybe the gold coins will end up worth more here.]

[relieable]

[sounds good to him, sticking with the man who can make gold. at least until Osomatsu has his own money]

Hehe! You're a real pal.

[silvertongueheir]

[A slight chuckle from him as well.] I funded a few things not strictly related to our mission back home, too. I see no reason why I can't do that here as well. [Especially now that he doesn't have a mission.]

[relieable]

We'll just have to see if the people take gold coins. Can't imagine they wouldn't, unless gold isn't a currency in this world.

[silvertongueheir]

Well, it would have to be exceedingly common for that to be the case. And from what I've seen of this town so far, none of the houses have excessive gold decoration.

[relieable]

You never know! They could run off a completely different currency. Like, shiny rocks, or toenails, or something.

[silvertongueheir]

In that case, I suppose I'll simply have to find some way to advertise it as rare and desirable. Perhaps even overvalue it a bit.

[relieable]

[an appreciative whistle]

You're pretty clever, yanno? I like the way you think!

[silvertongueheir]

[He looks appreciative at the compliment.] Of course. Are you going to be waiting here for your brothers? [Franciscus plans on hanging out until Gerard and Hydrangea get printed.]

[relieable]

Probably. Dunno how much longer it'll be, but I should be around for when they pop out. They'll be really confused.

[silvertongueheir]

[A nod.] Especially sincee they probably didn't hear the Sergeant's full explanation of the situation. I'm going to be waiting for Gerard and Hydrangea as well.

[relieable]

[a roll of his shoulders]

Good. I'm glad you get them back, too! They're a lot of fun.

[silvertongueheir]

They are. If I had to choose only two of my team to be with me, they would be my first choices.

[relieable]

[Osomatsu almost asks about Franciscus' other teammates, his pokémon. but he decides against it. he shouldn't remind him of what he doesn't have]

They're pretty nice. I had fun with 'em. Someday, I wanna meet more pokémon.

[silvertongueheir]

If we find some way of travel between worlds, that may yet be possible. And there are enough regions that I may even be able to come along with little chance of encountering the...other...me, as long as I disguise myself.

[relieable]

Ah... Yeah. I wonder if it'd be safe. For two of you to be in the same world.