[VISUAL] i believe i’ll hit the road and go

[tinynarcissist]

The video feed shows Adrian, just around dusk, sitting on the step of a building. He has a bicycle leaned next to him, and a solemn look on his face. He has a few things he needs to say to people

Comments

[PRIVATE FOR WATCHBABIES] [LOCATION: OSTEN]

[tinynarcissist]

It's just after dark when three small shapes on bicycles can be seen pedaling through Osten, following the train line. There's an unidentifiable contraption fastened precariously to the front of one bike, and a basket with a somewhat nervous purple kitten on another.

Once they reach the last train station, they veer off toward the very edge of the neighborhood, away from inhabited buildings, stopping only a short distance from the barrier itself.

Adrian gets off his bike and carefully sets the kickstand (it's a nice one and he always treats his belongings well), then rummages in his backpack and pulls out a flashlight, which he shines at their surroundings. "Do you think this is going to work?"

[PRIVATE FOR WATCHBABIES] [LOCATION: OSTEN]

[niteowlet]

"Yes," Dan says immediately and confidently. "And if it doesn't, then we haven't lost anything. We'll still be here, just like before." He has his feet planted on the ground on either side of his bike and fusses with the boxy contraption to make certain it is securely fasted.

"Are you both ready?" He lowers the goggles that were previously perched on the top of his head and they fit around his glasses.

[PRIVATE FOR WATCHBABIES] [LOCATION: OSTEN]

[child_of_none]

"And at least we'll know more than we do now," Walter adds, wrestling with his own bike as they come to a stop. Like everything else that's ever been in his possession it's at least one size too big for him, but he's determined not to let it get in the way.

He nods in confirmation to Dan's question; he's as ready as he'll ever be, and more than a little eager to see whether this thing will work or not.

[PRIVATE FOR WATCHBABIES] [LOCATION: OSTEN]

[tinynarcissist]

Adrian looks contemplatively at both boys for a minute, as if making a final decision as to whether he's honestly going to put his trust in them. But in the end he supposes it doesn't matter, really. Like Dan and Walter said, even if they fail, they're no worse off than before, and maybe a little better.

"All right." He puts away the flashlight and mounts his bike again, giving Bubastis a reassuring pat on the head. "You know we probably won't ever see each other again."

[Visual]

[imperial_long]

Long's face matches Adrian's wee one for solemnity.

"I enjoyed our conversation as well, Adrian. If you wish to consult any of the books here in my library..."

He trails off, a thoughtful expression on his face. The boy has obviously not abandoned the idea of 'returning home' yet, and why should he? The young are ever-hopeful-- but that aside, this seems quite like a goodbye.

"Adrian, I do hope you are not about to attempt anything rash."

[Visual]

[tinynarcissist]

Adrian wishes now that he'd said something with a little more time before the Big Plan is put into action. Then he'd have gladly taken Long up on that offer. But if this doesn't work, then he'll remember that invitation.

"Sir, I think...I think people have to do rash things sometimes, or they don't get anything done." A pause, and then he adds, "Thank you for the offer."

[Visual]

[imperial_long]

"Hrm." Long is silent a moment, absorbing Adrian's words, then after several seconds favors him with a rueful smile.

"You are young to have reached such a revelation, but history tends to agree with you-- the foolishness of humanity has spurred many of its greatest triumphs.

"I cannot fault your decision, but I do hope you will be careful. Good luck."

[Visual]

[tinynarcissist]

"It's not foolish if you succeed," Adrian points out, and yes, he probably is young for that kind of philosophy. But his heroes are the types of men who were known for doing things that common wisdom would have called futile.

He gives a small smile in return for the good wishes, and nods. "Thank you, sir."