starrystoryteller | 【SCENES】 The Last Train

【SCENES】 The Last Train

so you went and died

CW: Death, Afterlife, Discussions of Mortality

You wake to the sound of a train on tracks. The sound is quiet and the train's shaking is very faint, with only the occasional bump along the tracks. Opening your eyes, you find yourself sitting in an old fashioned train car. The seats and flooring are all made of wood. Outside of the window, you can see stars and galaxies sailing by. The interior of the car is completely empty and devoid of any other passengers. Looking around, you'll see that there isn't any luggage: Not even your own. Then, upon looking ahead again, you'll find that you are no longer alone.

A young girl sits in the seat opposite you. Her long white hair sparkles like starlight and her purple eyes seem to reflect galaxies. She slowly lifts her spacial gaze to meet your eye, smiling calmly as she says:

"I see... So you died?"

❤

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[She giggles softly, unbothered by his grim talk. It isn't as if she is a stranger to such things, what given her apparent profession. Her hands remain folded neatly in her lap, her white dress spilling over the wooden seat that she has taken up.]

I'm here with you. Do I not count as someone? [To show she's joking, the girl lifts one hand to cover her mouth while she smiles.]

'Went home?' Whatever do you mean by that, Osamu Dazai?

...Ah. Pardon me, little miss. You're a stranger, but you are here. I was mostly thinking of my proteges....my...best friend...

[He wasn't even sure where Chuuya lived, but it was somewhere.]

They all disappeared not too long ago. I assumed they went back home.

Or. Well.

[A beat.]

I suppose if that were true, Odasaku would be here, wouldn't he...

... I see. It seems you are catching on.

No one has gone home yet. Unfortunately, neither of our trains is capable of sending you onwards to your past worlds yet. I take it this misunderstanding is what drove you to take the action that you did?

[She shakes her head,] I'm glad that I caught you in time, then.

Unfortunately...I may have acted with haste. Thought I might be able to catch him, but...I had nothing to worry on all along.

Well. That's an unfortunate accident.

Might I ask who you are and what catching me entails? Were my choices an abyss or this train?

An unfortunate accident, indeed. But hardly an ending to your story. Merely a misprint.

You may call me 'The Conductor,' if you'd be so kind. I am the kami of this train. [She shakes her head slowly,] So long as your soul is foreign to that land, I will be the one to pick it up. Normally I'd take your ticket right about now...

[And now Dazai may feel something has materialized in his hand: A small train ticket, with a shimmering print of the galaxy on both sides. Dazai's name is written in its proper Kanji and there is a single hole punch in it.]

... But I'm afraid that this is not your stop. I'll ask that you hold onto that until it is time to collect it.

[The Conductor...and this train was the train to the proper afterlife for all worlds. Hm. He glances down to the train ticket that appeared in his hand, his brows arching.]

I see. So this train would escort me to a proper afterlife were it my time...but it isn't. Interesting.

I'll keep a proper hold of this, then. Until it's time.

[It must be rather lonely down here, having no companions but those departing. He looks to Conductor, tilting his head.]

So. I assume I'll be going back somehow, then? ...Will I remember any of this, if so?

I'd rather like to.

Although we won't meet for a while, I can't imagine being forgotten would be very pleasant. No one deserves that.

My train is unfortunately stuck in a loop right now, so yes: We'll arrive back at the 'station' for that world before long. Perhaps one day you Fallen Stars will release this train from its endlessly looping, but until then...

[She laughs softly at his concern,] If you wish it to be a memory, then I am sure it will be such. If not, maybe these moments will linger only as a dream. I'm not sure. I've never been the one to die before. I'd say to come back and tell me- [She pauses and gazes outside of the window.]

... But I do not mind the solitude. A train that only goes in circles is best kept empty. Worry not for me, as my darling sister will keep me entertained.

[He'll definitely be going back, then...good.]

I'll mark it on my to-do list. Not that I know how yet, but...I've got a certain sense of ideals. That includes remembering, trying to help whenever I can...doing good.

[He hums curiously.]

Sister? I thought you were alone?

Yes. Alone in a physical sense... But that does not mean that I cannot hear her. I'm sure you're to soon meet her yourself. At that time, please do not fear her. She can help you.

[The train's intercom dings and a voice calls out calmly: "Next Stop: The City of Stars."

The Conductor hums softly as she lifts her head to the noise.]

If you're to remember, then please... Do not speak of my train lightly. I do not wish to see any of you here, you understand? I do not know when one of you will board my train and accidentally give up your ticket, you know? If you desire a conversation with me, then find my sister. She will rely the message.

Though I truly am content to sit in silence. Too many times now, I have seen the entire population of that world cram itself onto the train at once. It's been stressful, true, but certainly given me an appreciation for the sound of silence.

I see. If there's anything to keep an eye out for with her, feel free to tell me before I depart...

[Dazai nods.]

I'm a man who usually plays his cards close to his chest unless absolutely necessary. I'll make sure no one boards lightly. And...you won't see me again. For a while.

But I'll send messages. Even if you like silence, you've been enjoyable company.

You as well. I'm sure that my sister will also delight in your company.

She walks a train track on the lowest level of your city... Around and around in her own loop, waiting for someone curious enough to free her. With her help, you will be able to leave the city and visit the Forest of Spirits. Solve their loneliness, before they are enticed by a Rumor.

May I ask that much?

[A train track on the lowest level...the Forest of Spirits...]

You may. And I will oblige.

It's the least I can do, really.

[He's taking note of this. He can't tell Atsushi the exacts, he can't tell Fauna the exacts...they'd both freak out and couldn't keep secrets. Chuuya and Oda would chastise him. Akutagawa, though....maybe.]

I thank you.

[The intercom speaks up again as the trains' wheels squeal to a stop:

"Arriving at... the City of Starsand. Please exit the train in an orderly fashion."

Perhaps a silly request, as only Dazai is here to leave the train. The doors open and the platform is pitch black.]

You had best not linger, Osamu Dazai. I'm running out of things to say... Please, be more careful next time. Ah. And though you may wake-up alive and well, you're likely to feel weak for the next few hours. Mind your health.

[Dazai rises from his seat as the train stops, adjusting his coat.]

I promise. You won't have to look after me for a while. [Then he turns towards the exit.] Thank you for your assistance, Conductor. I'll mind my health and keep this meeting in mind.

I'll see you...whenever fate decides to have us meet once more. [He waves behind him as he leaves, strolling back out to the city of Starsand.]

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【SCENES】 The Last Train

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