Last Hope Program

Current Status: Chapter 6 ALIVE: 8/21

[last-hope-program]

Freedom at Last

[ ♪ ♪ ♪ ]

The world is so quiet once Michiya and the others take off. Like the world slows down to let you soak in what has happened. No Ladies or Moles to threaten your lives.There are no collars or motives to control you. You are welcomed to do whatever you want with what Clara Futura has left you with. 

You are no longer trapped as pawns, you are simply traumatized people left at the door step of an empty building. 

Even as time goes on and the loved ones who survived are dropped off to you, you will see that the world beyond your school has been utterly destroyed. The near by towns are in ruins and the people who survived are left to pick up the pieces like the rest of you. Aid comes in the form of other survivors trying to help the fall of society. The purest of hearts come to help those in need. Even in the ruins of the world there are good people. 

It’s a bitter hope. The need to survive to spite those sitting in the stars. You will survive and thrive in a world they abandoned. 

Though for now you are just all standing there. The morning light washing over you to expel the chilly breeze. The air is fresh despite the distant smoke. You are going to be okay. 

[ THANK YOU FOR PLAYING! ]

[last-hope-program]

Prisoners No Longer

Michiya stood still as he listened to these survivors. The ones who made it. The ones who were destined for greatness. It was almost bittersweet, letting them all go like this when they could be so useful to the cause. But after exchanging a look with his fellow CF agent, he relents. 

“Okay, okay. You can all stay. Is that what I’m hearing? A whole world of possibilities, and change... and you want to help this old dusty rock?” 

He smirked as he approached Megami, holding the bunny close to himself. 

“I’ll make sure this gets where it needs to go. And please! I’m wonderful with kids! Kyo will be in good hands. I swear on my life, Zen Yuasa. But know this.”

He looks right at Zen, 

“No minute of your life is wasted on anything. We love, we lose, we suffer, and yet we also succeed. Wherever you are, you’ll be doing something important. Find solace in that, okay?”

 He looked at Tadashi and Rina, grabbing the letter and holding it up to the sky to try and peek at it. He then lowers it to look at Kohaku. He gives a soft sigh, whipping around quickly to walk cooly back to the vehicle. The armed guards follow after him. 

“Just so you all know, if you ever want to speak with Clara Futura, you have our card! If you ever change your mind, your transmission might just get to us, alright~? Katsuo, let’s go!” 

Katsuo, the man who imprisoned them all and forced them into this game followed Michiya, then stopped, looking back at the youths. 

“Y’know... You might not remember, but it was a pretty good year. If anyone can fix what CF has done, maybe it’ll be you guys. Maybe you’ll see me around.”

Michiya sat down, waving at the group as he pulled out the laptop once more. 

“I’ll make sure your loved ones are given the choice to join you down here, or to keep their starship tickets! I’m sure you’ll all make it! I believe in you!” 

He chuckled as he sat comfortably, Katsuo approaching the door, hesitating before closing it. There he stood as he patted Michiya’s vehicle.

“I have some business to attend to down here before I go anywhere.” 

And with that, the vehicles filled with CF agents and soldiers drove away, leaving dust clouds in their wake.

[last-hope-program]

Well Damn || Erena || End

First of all, Erena was more than happy to finally get out of that hellhole that was that prison. Finally getting some fresh air after God knows how long they were in there was simply marvelous, luv. Oh, and getting those tacky collars and escaping a killing game was neat too.

To be completely honest, Erena didn't really give a damn about whatever dramatics Eiji was going on about. Yeah, the world is going to shit and all and that fuckin blows but other than that...she was just waiting so she can get out of here!

So once she was met with the outside world she gave a huge sigh of relief. The world may be royally fucked but goddamn is she grateful she's alive and kicking. And then some red-haired manlet came up to her and was like “hey wanna go to space and work for the foundation company whatever the hell that put you through this mess?”

…

Oh? On god? Are they for real?

Erena just put her head in her hands. After dealing with a straight month of life or death living conditions like hell is she wanna go to Uranus or some shit to work for Clair Future or whatever the fuck.

“So let me get this straight. You expect me to go all the way to the moon or some shit. And then work for some company that put all of us through the trauma that not even a lifetime's worth of therapy would ever resolve like it's no biggie? Mind you the same company that was all a-okay with offing my only family…?”

She gives like, one second of pause for Michiya to even utter a word before she Flips him off, Skin-chan slithers forward and sticks out their tongue in annoyance.

“Fuck no, I am staying here. Call me a stubborn bitch or whatever, but like hell I'd ever work for you jackasses. See ya never.”

She turns her attention to the rest of the group, realizing that her home is more than likely kaput. It looks like she's gonna be with them for the long haul.

“Hope y'all don't mind Skin-chan and I tag along with ya.”

Whatever comes next, Erena is sure of one thing…

She's glad she doesn't have to deal with the Last Hope Program ever again.

[last-hope-program]

Hello, World | Rina

To a path that ends

Another one starts

 Rina closed her eyes, letting the air outside touch her skin and allowed the wind to to become a familiar voice again.

Ryuu was safe. Her parents were safe. Tadashi’s sister was safe. They were all safe. The collars were finally off of them and they were outside and they were free. All in all, their situation was already looking a million times better -- if you ignored the fact that Michiya told them that the CF was planning on killing a majority of humanity and that they were the root cause of the dying world laid before them. Details, details, but Rina was someone who focused more on the whole picture rather than a few grim aspects. 

The smoke circling, the smell of wood and fire and nature - to think that Earth on the brink of death had felt so very much alive made Rina rub her weary eyes. To focus more on the big picture - the picture of the sky above them was so beautiful.

 “My choice is pretty obvious. I’m stayin’.”

[ ♪♪♪ ]

The deep blue sky surrounded the misty mountains

The view blurred together but still looked bright

Content and calm.

 For once, this blabbermouth didn’t have much to say. For what could she say? A majority of the people around her had lost so much, people that were held dear, friends who no longer were among them, and aspects of themselves that had been touched and changed by the killing game. She didn’t speak - she merely listened as those around her gave their piece, their thoughts, and their decision.

She wasn’t a brave person nor was she someone with the means, capabilities, or resources to change the world. But even so, she still wanted to try. Rina wasn’t going to be a ‘hero’ based on the deaths of other people. And it wasn’t like she had done anything deserving of such a title. All she had done was simply be a rebellious and stupid teenager. But, she was going to still try.

Even if she was fighting a losing battle to stay here on Earth, she wasn’t going to shy away from it. Stubbornness was the definition of humanity.

An epilogue is the end. The simple definition. But if you look deeper you find that all ends are beginnings. That is the way of life. Light becomes dark, and so the day becomes the night but even in the night you find the stars. Forever present - isn't that how life should be? To find beauty in the end knowing that life isn't the end but only beginning. An epilogue leaves one to come to a conclusion but that doesn't mean it has to be bad.  Look at a sunset, embrace life to the fullest -- so that when the time comes, we know that we really mattered and made a difference in every life that we touched in some way.

And so, Rina looked over at Tadashi and reached over to squeeze his hand. The epilogue will hold an end to a story. And at this very moment, this is the prologue, this is the beginning to a new story.

“As ready as I’ll ever be.”

The journey of the struggle; what was to the hope of what will be. The darkness of the storm parting; the sunlight breaking. Breathing in new life -- hello, world.

[last-hope-program]

I will surround you and give life to a world that's our own | Tadashi | End

Tadashi didn’t seem too upset by Michiya’s response. In fact, he was a little surprised, if not a little more pleased than he should be. He’d be fine with them taking the important tech and what not, but the food and supplies would be enough for a long trip, if planned accordingly. If he was being honest, Tadashi had already begun planning ahead in his head as to where to go, what to do. He had long since been planning their eventual escape and it was getting closer to that time the longer the others began to think for themselves. Their location was still kind of iffy for him, but he knew they were somewhere in Hokkaido due to all the star-gazing and charting he’d been doing. So much for geocaching being his talent, huh? It’d prove to be useful in the end.

His journal sat like a comfortable reminder in his jacket before the end of Michiya’s statement made him blink. Something that had been pulling on his heart for a while

He did have one last thing for the guy.

Shoving his hands into the jacket, he plucks a folded piece of paper from the journal and shuffles over to Michiya. It’s a letter, the parchment slightly worn but folded neatly, addressed to Kido’s father. Tadashi clears his throat.

“I want you to give this to Tadashi Kido’s father. This is a letter to him from me, obviously. But, uh....I ask that you don’t pry into it, I just want you to make sure this gets to him. It’s important to me that he’s able to read it and it should give him some peace of mind.”

He doesn’t really wait long for Michiya to take it before he walks back to Rina’s side. His heart feels a little lighter after letting the piece of paper go, Tadashi allows himself a small smile.

Everyone’s words of affirmation and the collective movement to stay on Earth was really...surprising to him. He really only figured Ryuu and Rina would stay there, but...Mika and Kohaku made it pretty clear of their intentions. Zen may not have thought he noticed, but his look made him feel...guilty. He wasn’t going to stick around much longer, was he?

Tadashi wouldn’t blame him, but he secretly wished for the guy not to be so hasty in booking it out of there. He did like him after all. And...Arisa. She should be here soon. Her smile could cure even his darkest days. He was getting antsy just waiting on her arrival.

How tall would she be now? Would she be happy with how he’s grown?

His guilt doesn’t last long with all his thinking, Tadashi’s gaze settling on Rina. The gentlest of smiles spreading across his face, gazing at her look of relief. Hopeful. He watched as the summer sun faded, making things dazzle and sparkle around her in a soft glow. There was no way he could bring himself to leave her...Not then, and not ever, her parents willing...That was another obstacle to hurdle over… But he’d be fine having to prove he’d be worthy of making sure she’d smile everyday, even in their stressful situation.

Being the girl who just didn’t know when to call it quits on his stubborn ass really put things into perspective for him. He was lucky...So so lucky… And he loved her. There wasn’t any going back now.

Why would he?

‘We didn’t exactly start off on the right foot...considering well, what happened. I was so sure I’d never speak to you again, but you kept showing me that you were different and you made a mistake.” He remembers looking at her in a more serious light. ‘A very big one...but...I’ve forgiven you. Like you said, tomorrow could be so shitty we may not get a moment like this, so I’m not going to dwell on the past, and instead...spend the moment enjoying the springtime…’

------

‘I’m not leaving....I made a promise to myself that...I’d see this thing through, with you and no one else’

Leaning in to speak Rina to, he doesn’t take his eyes off her.

“No more waiting, now….Spring’s here. Are you ready? Let’s take on the world, Rina.”

He grins. Nothing could stop Tadashi from feeling more hope than ever before. Screw the CF and their plans. Tadashi wasn’t going to let it stop him from living and thriving despite their efforts. And who knows what will happen next?

He was ready.

[last-hope-program]

I Miss Her; Don’t Confuse Her || Megami || RE: Mika, Michiya

“Mika, you…??”

Megami trails off before she can finish her question. Fear. There’s that familiar twinge of fear that curls its way into the pit of her stomach. And she looks at Mika, eyes cast upwards, her figure catching every light from the sun and casting her in a soft yellow.

…. Yellow….

“..... Mika…. c-chan…….. I… about what I was… when I said that—“

Choppy sentences that don’t even end. Her hand flies to her neck, but it’s not the dull pain that’s choking back her words. 

“I…. I was angry….” It was easier to speak when she was angry. “And I…. I still don’t know… If I really do care for you…. Wait, no, I mean….” Honesty never came easily to someone like her.

"I don’t…! Don’t want to… project a memory onto you… It doesn’t make sense, but… I.. Can’t help but worry about those things...

But I meant it when I praised your kindness. It’s a strength that’s… hard to come by.. I…. I can’t stand it… when someone like you gets hurt… And there’s a part of me that… That still wants to distance myself from you… Because I… I…”

An inhale, balling her fists at her sides.

“I don’t want to keep failing the people who care about me!

…. Every kindness you showed me.. it hurt so much, at first. And I was scared. But you didn’t give up on me, even when I was giving up on myself. … I don’t think… I can be a good person just yet… But, I… I want to— I just—“ Inhale. Exhale. Before she mutters.

“... I want happiness for you… Mika-chan…”

Megami falls quiet once more as the gravity of their decisions comes to her.

They’re staying…. Well… it makes sense… doesn’t it…? This man dares to make them this offer after everything they’ve been through.

She sighs. With some considerate effort, Megami pulls what she has now dubbed ‘The Asshole Sweater’ up and over her head. It’s a slow process before it’s finally off (an energy drink falls out along the way, landing at her feet before rolling a few inches off). 

“Hey, Mr. CF....”

She’s looking down at the bundled up fabric in her hands. 

“I’m not changing my mind or anything…. But I do have something that I….. that needs to leave this place…..”

Megami tosses the sweater into the dirt behind her. A single stuffed rabbit plush gently held in her hands. She runs a thumb across the fabric for a moment…. before holding it out to Michiya

“You can search or scan it or whatever, if you think it’s trapped or some shit… Just don’t thing it... She—….. There’s someone… that’s going to need this… She’ll be looking for it…. I want it to safely get into her hands. “

[last-hope-program]

a little longer || Kohaku

So much happens Kohaku almost can't process it all. The execution, being led outside, Usokami's answers, a journey into space- it almost doesn't feel real. For a while they had really expected to die down here. And now here they were, speechless as they stared up at their saviors in awe.

But it would be wrong to call them their 'saviors', wouldn't it?Kohaku's hands tighten around their sleeves as they stare down at the ground. They were just test subjects in the end? Would they have even gotten better without Clara Futura's and Eiji's interference? Could someone like them even become a better person In the end Kohaku supposed it didn't matter. Not to them or to Clara Futura at least.

Now here they were, given the opportunity of a lifetime. To join Usokami and the rest of their organization in going to the stars...

They really do consider it.

It sounded comforting, almost. Getting to leave everything behind and live safely in the stars. Not having to worry if they were going to get murdered that day, or if they would have to walk in and find the corpse of another friend. For the first time in weeks they could go to sleep without worrying if the next day would be their last. Of course it would be with an organization who put Kohaku through hell and back, but they were used to living with people they despised.

That and it's not as if there was nothing left for them here anymore. With their mother dead, their two only friends dead, all that remained on this planet was a reminder of a family they despised and the ache in their heart those people once dear to them had left in their absence.

The smartest option would be to leave with them.

[ ♪♪♪ ]

But as people ask their questions, give their answers, their final declarations- The voices around them die down and, just for a little bit, they have a quiet moment to themselves. Kohaku looks around. 

At the morning sunlight filtering down through the trees, at the smoke plumes rising into the sky, and at grass and plants on the forest floor that waved and danced in the wind. Things they had yearned to see for so long past that wall that once confined them. As a soft breeze rushes over their face Kohaku closes their eyes. 

What a peaceful day for a world that was ending.

"...I'm going to stay."

Kohaku's voice is soft as they finally speak up.

"It might be hard- and maybe you're right. Maybe the world truly is dying and our next few months could be our last but... I want to at least try to make things better. I want to believe that this world isn't beyond repair like you say. That it can heal- that we can heal along with it..."

Opening their eyes, they turn to look at the morning sky. As the sunlight shines down on them Kohaku adjusts their glasses, moving them down over their eyes as they continue to watch the clouds float by. Despite the smoke in the distance-

It really is quite beautiful

"I don't think there'll ever be mornings like this up in the stars anyways."

[last-hope-program]

Happy endings are only for those who deserve one / Zen / Re: Michiya

"Kyo is safe and sound!"

Hearing that one sentence causes relief to wash over Zen as he lets out a breath he didn't even realize he'd been holding in.

"Ah... That's good to hear."

[  ♪♪♪  ]

Seems like the universe was finally throwing him a bone. Looking up to the sky Zen takes this time to let everything set into his mind. Closing his eyes while he felt the cool air course through his hair. Now he just had make his decision.

Though he was mainly focusing on how nice the breeze felt he still heard the other's making their decisions. The amount of them choosing to stay was more than he thought it would be. Zen doesn't react to their thoughts though.

His eyes were focused on Tadashi and Rina.

It was painfully obvious that they were a thing. Even if they never outright confirmed it. Which is why Zen was currently scowling at them. He hid his scowl of course, not wanting the others to take note of it. But all he could think about was the jealousy he felt at seeing that they had each other.

Meanwhile here he was standing by himself. No hugs, no kisses, no "I'm so glad we both made it out".

No Jade.

Slowly his hand touches the zipper of his pouch. Opening it up his hand goes inside and takes something out. Carefully Zen starts to unravel it. After a few minutes he finishes, revealing that it was a piece of paper. The only thing Zen does is stare at what's on it.

A drawing of him.

He takes in every detail of it. Even if it wasn't on Mika's level to him it was. Just by looking at it he could feel how much effort they put into drawing him. Not wanting to ruin it Zen makes sure to wipe away the tears running down his cheeks. He quickly refolds the paper and puts it back into his pouch.

He was no longer scowling but he wasn't smiling either. Instead Zen just looked, tired.

"I'm.... I'm going to stay too."

The memories he had with Jade flood his mind. Registering that his hands were beginning to shake Zen stuffs them into his pockets. Not wanting the others to see how weak he was being. God he was pathetic.

"This isn't me being a rebel. I don't care about any of that. I'm just tired. I'm so fucking tired of everything. Why would I want to go to space? What is out there for me? I'll tell you what, nothing."

He pauses for a brief moment.

"If I'm going to waste away what little life I have left. I'd rather it be on a dying planet than working for someone. I'm done working for someone else."

Honestly, all Zen wanted to do at the moment was scream. He just wanted to let out all of the anger and sorrow that he had kept buried inside of himself. But Zen knows better than to do that. So he'll keep all of his emotions buried until he finally has time to himself.

Instead he stares at the ground. Not wanting to look at anyone around him. Because if he did, they'd see the jealousy written clear on his face.

"But with that being said. To everyone else planning on staying here, I'm not going to join your little group. I just want to be on my own. Try to persuade me all you want but I've made up my mind. You can have the jeep. I don't want it anyways."

Was that a stupid idea? Zen had a feeling that's what they were all thinking. But he never cared about their thoughts before, so he won't now.

"And to the ones going to space. Be sure to look after Kyo. He's better off without me but I would still like someone to make sure he's okay."

With that final request out he decides to quiet down finally. Turning around Zen takes one last look at the place where he thought he'd be able to redeem himself. But it ended up being the worst experience of his life.

Zen couldn't help but laugh mentally at the poetic irony of it all.

[last-hope-program]

someone tell me something comforting || Mika

Mika listens quietly to the answer given to her own question, and quietly still to everything that follows. Hard truths, promises of reunion, defiant declarations -- she listens to all of it, carefully considering the world in front of her and the choice she has to make.

It’s hard. 

Thoughts mix aimlessly in her head, a flurried storm of conflicting knowledge and potential outcomes. She’s never been good at thinking about the future. There are too many possibilities, too many unknowns, too many ways it could go wrong or right or anywhere between. Thinking so critically is hard, thinking right now is hard, thinking through a heart as broken as hers is hard and the strain of it extends to the hand she clenches in a tight fist around the front of her kimono. She tugs at it, and feels the gentle movement of the paper fan tucked into her obi being disturbed by the pulling fabric.

Everyone deserves to see a day like today from your point of view.

Mika looks up.

[ ♪♪♪ ]

There are clouds, colored bright and vivid by the early morning light. It’s her favorite time of day, she remembers -- cloaked in goldenrod that she’s always eager to watch turn blue and clear. It is warm, it is cool, and she swears the breeze fills her lungs so full she’ll never need to breathe again. 

Dragonborns are powerful beings, only the bravest players take on the challenge. Do you think you could shoulder it?

That breeze filled breath leaves her, shaky but calm. Mika thinks it’s almost silly, how she’d let a broken heart make her forget herself like that.

“...You can tell my father… That I will be here, if he would like to see me.”

Mika speaks up quietly, eyes never leaving the sky above her. Her head tilts slightly as she reaches up, palm faced towards the clouds. The way the light shines between her fingers is beautiful, she thinks.

The world deserves your kindness— no, Mika-chan... It needs it.

“I will stay, and fix what you have done. I will prove you wrong. It will hurt… To keep hoping and trying, but --”

I think the person you... you've become is real c-cool, Mika.

“That is who I am, and what I want to do. I only hope… It’s okay, if I stay here with the rest of you… And if I ask you to hold my hand sometimes.”

Mika lowers her hand, but not her eyes. She watches the clouds move on with the breeze. It’s the same sky she’s always seen, isn’t it? Like poetry in her mind, recollection of tender words and promises unkept, of fond patterns of speech, she thinks in swirling metaphors and childish wonder. She has always been that sky. And just like the sky clears itself from a storm, Mika calmly understands that she’ll be okay.

Just… Not today.

Her head enters those soft morning clouds, voice distant.

“I can’t see the sky from up there, anyhow... I think I might try to find a new color in it.”

[last-hope-program]

No Leashes, No Collars, No Masters || Re: Ryuu, Megami

Such angry kids, can’t blame them. 

“Right, right, We’ll bring back your parents as well. I think that’s for the best anyways. They keep attacking our guards.”  

Michiya looks a little surprised the fried one has enough strength to speak, let alone be snappy. He frowns, his face going emotionless.

“No. I believe we will keep them on you. We need a way to keep track of you since you will no longer be under out care. Who knows what trouble you’ll cause...”

...

He smiles! 

“Kidding! Fine. Fine. We’ll take them off. Let me just...” 

He crawls back into the car and breaks out his laptop. The agent hums for a few moments as he clicks on a few different things. 

“Ah! Here we are. Let’s override the collar locks annnnnd-”

Clink. 

All at once the the lights on the collars go blue and unlock, almost slipping off on their own. Happy with the results he steps out once more.

“Amazing what technology can do when you have the access to it! It seems like a lot of you have made up your mind. You’re missing out on such an amazing experience to be with us. Though before we wrap up are there any other demands? Are you all happy with being on a ruined Earth? Truly?” 

[last-hope-program]

Wrong My Neck, I Don’t Feel It || Megami || RE: Zapping, Michiya

Eiji apologizes, but she doubts there’s a shred of sincerity. Megami knows the act of falsely sweet words…

She doesn’t have a fear of dying. She’s spat her words at him. It’s why she only tenses herself for the upcoming shock. She’s felt the electricity course through her from countless times tugging at the collar in a feeble attempt to keep her mind wired and conscious. The voltage courses through every bit of her body, she can barely manage a scream before it’s choked back and she grinds her teeth. Fuck it. If she’s going to die here, she’s going to die angry and drag this demonic dust bunny down to hell with her. Megami collapses to the ground as the world before her eyes flashes bright and dark and static and greys and—

It’s too long a moment before it ends, a gentler force pushing against her. And suddenly, she can breathe again. A loud, shuddering gasp as she trembles from aftershocks. She rolls into her side, heaving air into her burning lungs. Cough after cough as shaking hands hover at the collar still pressing into the fresh burns around her neck.

———————————————

Megami doesn’t really know how long it is before the world comes back to existence.

‘Michiya Usokami’

‘.... salvage… data…’

‘.... test… tick…. 7th group… exciting- exciting- exciting—‘

She’s having trouble fully focusing on all the information thrown at them, but she gets the gist of it. One way or another, she stumbles to her feet with a wheeze and a cough.

“..........’ What will it be…?’...”

Megami rasps out, voice coarse.

“..... I’ll tell ya what… you get this fucking collar off me. You piss off with your space case ideas. And I never see your fucking face again… I’ve had enough of smiley idiots with their heads in the stars….”

[last-hope-program]

Darkness Inside || Ryuu || Ending || Re: Michiya

The conclusion to their grueling endeavor was finally at hand, they were face to face with one of the individuals who had set them up in this situation... Who had watched as the others killed one-another, who could have stopped them at any given moment... All for the sake of an experiment? They wanted to gather data on criminal behavior? They were all just big test subjects that they didn't care about in the least... Adults who thought they could do this to kids who had made mistakes...

That alone caused Ryuu to shake a little bit, not out of fear like he had done prior, but anger as it started to finally fester inside... For once he wasn't going to stay calm, he was tired of being nice in this situation, he wanted to take a lesson from others and be angry for once. For that reason alone he turned his gaze toward Michiya, a silent anger for a moment before finally speaking up.

"Go fuck yourself." 

It was a very quick response, before finally raising his voice, the timidness he was showing prior fading for a moment as he motioned to everyone there, finally deciding to speak his mind in this situation.

"I wouldn't accept your offer if my life depended on it. You said it was exciting to watch the whole fucking thing, right? People are dead because you were so goddamn focused on data. Why the hell would I even begin to trust you now? You'd likely send us to space to do this all over again, for more of your stupid-fucking data. Go to hell."

Letting out a deep breath, he calmed his nerves, it had been a while since he really... Spoke up like that, but it felt good in a way, maybe he wasn't a terrible person, not when people like Michiya existed in the world... Or well, out of the world soon enough... That being said, he motioned to Tadashi, deciding to follow a similar route.

"Bring Rina's and my parents here too. There's no way in hell I'd trust them with you. I do have to thank you, though. This entire time I thought I was a bad person, but, you've proven that there's always going to be worse people, thank you for that."

With that, he let out another deep sigh, closing his eyes in thought now, he wasn't going to make a move to do anything to Michiya, obviously not with armed guards around them... But it was certainly clear he wanted to at this point. 

[last-hope-program]

RE: Tadashi, Rina

Michiya quirked an eyebrow up at Tadashi. Arisa? Pshh, he can have her. She’s been running her mouth for a month straight now! He crosses his arms and nods sagely. 

“Okay, okay.. We’ll bring your sister to you...” 

And then the CF Agent had to consider. Leaving the facility alone? 

“Woaaah, hold on there, buddy! I can’t just *give* you this! I set up the collar servers myself! All the cameras, state of the art! I’m a bit of a whiz kid.~” 

He winked and then tapped his chin. 

“You’ll have to let CF comb through the facility. Take out all useful devices and information. I’m not giving you Usokami tech for free. Deal? So.. You’ll have to survive out here for a couple days while the agency goes through everything, okay?” 

Then there was Rina. Michiya slooowly turned to stare at her with a vacant green eyed stare. After a couple silent moments, he chuckled.

“Oh boy! You’re funny! And spunky! That’s useful! Well, to answer your first question, the length of our operation isn’t my clearance. All I am in charge of is this program! Once most of those who had been corrupted by our modern society have died out, CF’s space agents and those who decided to stay on Earth will go over the ruins and build anew! Stronger unity, common interest, and altruism will reign supreme!” 

He had to consider Rina’s threat, chuckling even more. 

“Michi-kun? I’m Michiya, silly! I’m your elder! And I guess you’re free to try and kick my ass! But I’ll tell you that I have some nifty gadgets in my coat here.~” 

He gives a couple nods. 

“I want to see what you do to survive! It’ll be fascinating, and a great subject to study! Katsuo, may you stay here on Earth and monitor them?” 

Katsuo previously known as The Warden, coughs. 

“Excuse me? No. I’m not staying here. These kids would murder me!” 

[last-hope-program]

Villian | Rina | RE: Michiya

"Are you fuckin' serious?"

The very people who were responsible for the planet's current state were offering them an out? I think it was safe to say none of them felt gratitude for the mercy Michiya was extending to them and in Rina's eyes, it just felt like a big pile of doo doo. Rina couldn't help but scoff at Michiya and kept her arms crossed as she listened to him speak, impatiently tapping his foot as the man walked around in circles. Eventually, her foot tapping stops and she brushes some hair away from her face.

"CF or whatever -- how long are ya guys plannin' on keepin' up this cleansing and bein' in space shit? An' just to be clear, you're plannin' on lettin' the bad of humanity die out? Are you guys gonna come back?"

You can tell just how much Rina has been paying attention. Oh well. 

The world seemed to be a free for all right now and the world was on its last legs. Surviving on Earth seemed to the more difficult of the two options and honestly, Rina was just tired of it all. She sighs.

And they were going to continue maintaining Operation Scorched Earth... that sucks. It didn't take much thinking to know that complying and going to space was obviously the safe option but luckily (unluckily?), Rina didn't have thoughts and just honestly didn't trust them. 

" 'Cause, you're actin' like you can just come back to Earth all peachy keen and not expect an ass kickin'. Which is what is going to happen -- because people are goin' to live and kick your sorry asses. Like, holy shit, I'm going to live out of pure spite now. I'm going to kick your ass, Michi-kun. An' all the CF people's asses."

A pause.

"Also who the fuck is Julius Caesar?"

[last-hope-program]

Lost & Found | Tadashi | RE: Michiya

Like a breath of fresh air, hearing the words 'We have her' was all he needed to know. Tadashi's knees nearly give out on him as he doesn't have to keep pretending he's okay with their situation. His hands covering his face as a sob bubbles out of his chest, not caring if even CC (rest in peace) was cackling at him for looking like a loser.

He felt so relieved and so heartbroken at the same time. He wanted to see her (his mother aside) and not let go. He could leave with her in space and be safe. Happy... but.. that left one other person who he knew wouldn't leave so willingly... When he gets his emotions under control, he wipes his face away and trains his gaze on Michiya. 

The prospect of now having to decide to leave or to stay weighed heavily on his mind. This decision would impact the rest of his life. The world had gone to shit and this was only the beginning. The odds were surely stacked against him, and if he were to stay, he'd surely be putting himself through hell and fire. Michiya said it best themself.

He could join them....

Tadashi's gaze then lingers on Rina and he felt his heart squeeze, bringing forth more emotions that he was having difficulty keeping at bay.

He loved her, too. 

He's been extremely lucky despite some setbacks. That's when Tadashi turns back to Michiya. It didn't take him long to decide on what he wanted to do

"I'm staying."

A small laugh escapes him as he's surely getting weird looks right about now. Mika had dcided hadn't she? He'd get to decide for himself too.

"You all can have fun in space. I appreciate the offer, though, really. It's rather tempting, but I think I'll take my chances here on Earth. But I do have two requests." He holds up two fingers.

"Because I've rejected your offer, I'm going to counter it with a different demand, if you're feeling so inclined. I want Arisa returned to me. Now. You can keep my mother, jetson her into space if you run out of amusing things to do." He grins. "Two. I want you to leave this facility alone. You owe it to us, you know? You've ruined countless lives, at least let me decide what to do with mine. You can't really refuse, no? One less mouth to feed and you've practically given up on Earth."

[last-hope-program]

RE: Tadashi

Michiya looked at the man who looked like he was going to punch something... or someone! Michiya rubbed his cheek as if he anticipated a fist in his face. Maybe he’d get a bloody nose? Who knows! When he asks about Arisa and describes the girl, he grins. 

“Of course we have her! You must be Tadashi Rei. When we took your grandmother, may she rest in peace, we took your sister as well. We even still have your mother in the case you feel forgiving! But all in all... We don’t want to hurt young children. Hypocritical, I know. Tell me about it.” 

[last-hope-program]

Hero | Tadashi | RE: MM Execution, Michiya

Enraged was an understatement.

To be insulted like that and laughed at had sent Tadashi's blood boiling, but the feeling didn't last long. The Warden had done a successful job in wrangling in their mole and disposing of him properly. The execution was fit for the rat he was, but it left something to be...well... In the end, watching someone's death never felt right, and even now as he watched Eiji die make him feel empty.

They had won...right? Were they the heroes in this situation? Or was The Clara Foundation? He couldn't remain quiet for long after they were ushered outside, his sight lingering on the building before the man behind it all stepped out. Emotions ransacked his brain and his heart thundered loudly. The itch to punch someone was high right now, his hands twitching at his side. He was the cause of all the death and destruction and this stupid game and--

Arisa... Was she okay? His grandmother had been the one imprisoned, but was she among those in the supposed warehouse?

Tadashi takes a step forward, his face desperate with emotion as his hands shake. The option of space or staying on the Earth they destroyed hadn't even occurred to him yet. Her little smile could erase all the bad in an instant.

"A-Arisa...Arisa. Is she okay? A little girl, unruly brown hair, goggles too big for her face-- is she okay?" The pain in his expression nowhere near portrayed how he was really feeling. If she was gone...Tadashi wouldn't know what to do with himself. He looks at Zen out of the corner of his eye and feels some sort of hopefulness. Would he be as lucky..?