⇨ EPILOGUE

[ringleaders]

Who: Anyone who's ever been in the game before!
When: Day 143 and for the rest of time.
Where: The Ringmaster's Realm.
What: It's a time of reunions and also a time for goodbyes - for now, but probably not forever. This is the final official log for Lost Carnival, and it's potentially open to anybody who's played in the game. Thanks for everything!
Warnings: Is it safe? It's probably safe.

THE EVER AFTER↴ It's done. The Huntsman is gone and the Winter Queen has been cured of her self-inflicted condition. It will take time, but if things proceed well, it seems like they could end up with a sympathetic party in the Winter Throne. At the very least, guilt is a hell of a drug when it comes to getting someone's ear on important matters. The damage that has been done is not something that can easily be fixed. Lives have been ruined or lost completely, and emotional wounds can last a lifetime. Yet, for the first time in eons there is a bold hope for the future - a hope for change in ways the Courts never knew they could. There is so much to do in the aftermath that it will be years before any of it has been truly seen through. In the immediate hours and days following, however, the Ringmaster will be focused on seeing to the needs of her carnival. Or, at least, what was her carnival. She isn't sure what it is now. She'll probably always think of them as her family, even if they don't return the sentiment. Things are different now, are they not? They are no longer her followers, but the friends and peers she had always wished for in her previous life. After they have finished their business in the Winter Court, she will bring them all back to the remains of her realm. They need time to rest, and time to think. As she begins the reconstruction of her world, she has a few announcements to make. Firstly - all lingering contracts for those present are now considered paid. She will fulfill their wishes to the best of her ability regardless of how many days would have been left. Of course, it will take her a bit of time since they are all happening at once, but she'll be going down the list! All other contracts will be fulfilled or cancelled depending on individual situations, and whether or a person's connection to the carnival was still active. Otherwise they've probably been reset and their contract cancelled anyway. Secondarily - she is unsure of the future of the carnival itself. With how much there is to do, she doesn't feel that she can simply run away again, no matter how easy that would be in comparison. Being one of the Miracles puts her in a unique position of power, and this time, she wants to do right by it. Her and Ignatius have some ideas, but it will probably be a while before they come to fruition. However, she will rebuilding her realm in a new shape, and everyone is welcome to stay there as long as they want. Alternatively, she will help them travel to wherever in the multiverse they'd like to go instead, and they will retain easy passage back to her realm whenever they wish to travel there. In the future they can probably even learn to world travel on their own! Thirdly - she is going to be inviting back people who still had open contracts so that everyone can catch up and make decisions about going home. Not all of them will show up in this time, but she wanted to give them the opportunity. So, if friends or family went home but haven't been reset, they may possibly be arriving at the new Ringmaster realm to catch up. Otherwise, their contracts will be considered paid and they can stay at home. This mean, previously dropped characters can reappear in the realm to visit and get some closure. As a final helpful gift, those who became Miracles will be able to edit the reality of the realm to their liking while she works on it. So, if you want to hang out and build some things, you are free to design and magically construct your own spaces like high-res Minecraft. And that's only the beginning.

Comments

⇨ THE AFTERMATH

[ringleaders]

Beyond the personal lives of the carnival, a lot of things have changed. The stuff beneath this top level will be covering the near and potential future of various places and people they have touched, along with the future plans of characters like the Ringmaster. The content will describe things as they flow over the next few months, but the ramifications of the carnival's actions will stretch into the eons.

If you want to comment or interact with some of these concepts, feel free to comment to each top level or ask questions, even if it is just stating how your character would be involved in it.

THE SUMMER COURT

[ringleaders]

In the days and months following the Winter Queen's rebirth, the Summer Court will be going through its own transitions. United by the shared victory over the Huntsman, the Summer Maiden has agreed to rejoin the larger Summer Court, but not without conditions. Over the coming months and years, plans are put into place for the Summer Maiden to finally ascend to the Summer Throne, and for the Summer Queen to take her much needed retirement.

There is a culture clash between the returning Summerlands Fae and the old faithfuls that remained int he Court, but both the Maiden and the Queen desire to make amends. It will be an uphill battle to convince the older fae to change their ways regarding colonies and the treatment of mortals and even other fae, but with the Summer Maiden solidly in line for the throne and the current Queen's cooperation, it is only a matter of time.

The years that follow will require a lot of growth, but will also be a time of relative peace, especially with the help of certain mediating parties.

THE WINTER COURT

[ringleaders]

The Winter Queen has awoken to find herself in quite the predicament. With the old Queen's power removed and locked away, she is once again herself, but her position on the throne after years of insanity is precarious and she no longer has the strength to command with sheer power. Thankfully, the Ringmaster is willing to support her in coming months, they will be seeking out the Winter Crone, who should be able to help them transfer the remains of the old Winter Queen to her.

Distrust among the Winter Court is heavy, and it will take a long time before anything is very secure again. However, the Summer Maiden will be extending a supporting hand to her old lover, and with time, trust may bloom again. But not before the Winter Queen spends a lot of time making up for her mistakes.

With the help of outside parties, the Winter Queen will be starting an initiative to seek out and welcome back Winter Fae that had previously been banished of chased off during the insurgence but it will be a hard sell for obvious reasons.

It's a difficult situation, and given Winter's cutthroat culture, it will take careful attention to ensure that the Court can heal and grow into something better than it was before.

THE EQUINOX COURT

[ringleaders]

Several weeks after the Huntsman's defeat and after a lot of discussion with Ignatius, the Summer Maiden, and the Winter Queen, a new mediating party will be introduced to the Courts - with the Ringmaster as its helm.

All of those interested in coming will see the birth of the Equinox Court, an organization meant to represent a middle point between Summer and Winter, and to mediate disputes and other complications. It's also meant to stand for the needs of the Wyld Fae and other previously unrepresented species - including former mortals like most of the carnival! It has become clear that the Courts will never be able to move forward to better things while in such competition, and the Equinox Court is intended to unite them in favour of a better universe.

While the Equinox Court is intended to be run by council, it is intended to be guided by three leaders - the Spring Regent, the Wyld Regent, and the Autumn Regent. The first as a leader with connections to the Summer Court, the middle with connections to the Wyld Fae, and the third with connections to Winter.

To begin, Ignatius will be appointed the role of Spring Regent, while the Ringmaster will be the Wyld Regent. A major problem for the future? The fact that they have absolutely no idea who an appropriate Autumn Regent could be. The hunt for one begins immediately, but given the Winter Court tendency towards treachery... well. It's going to take a while.

The Ringmaster will consider all carnival members members of the Equinox Court - but only if they wish to be. As Miracles of the balance, they have a special role in the magical world, and even if they spend most of their time at home, she will be offering the chance to take part in Court activities when necessary. She'd really like it if they did, but she can respect if they choose to live their life without Fae nonsense, too.

The Ringmaster's realm will serve as the headquarters of the Equinox Court, at least at the beginning. You will all forever be welcome to consider it your home.

THE REFUGEES

[ringleaders]

During all of this, the Summerland enacted a mission to retrieve the remaining prisoners of Polaris. It will take a long time to sort all of them out, and to give them a chance to heal from what was done to them, but they have a bit of practice with this sort of thing by now. Over time, the Summer Maiden will be organizing a plan to bring refugees from Polaris and the Manor to now homes and planet of their choosing, once they decide to go. Until then, of course, they will be permitted to remain for as long as they want, with some of the Summer Fae remaining to act as caretakers and healers.

Of course, now the refugees can move into the city proper, now that the fae no longer need it. It will act as a home and magical halfway house to all changelings and other lost souls that need aid to find safety again. Maybe, over time, those that remain will form their own communities. Maybe they will finds homes elsewhere. Most importantly, the choice will be theirs.

NEW EDEN

[ringleaders]

In the new land the Ringmaster found for them, the resident of New Eden are thriving. Still blessed with enough angelic power to support themselves, but not using so much that they require anyone else's help for subsistence, they are carving out a new society for themselves in an exciting new world.

They are peaceful towards the worlds current residents, and continue to feed themselves without needing to kill. The trees that they brought with them, that once sprouted from the Silver Mirror, have taken root and provide them with the enlightening essence they need.

The remains of the Thirteen have made amends among themselves in favour of leading their people towards a new way of living. Those that saved them from Lilith's clutches will always be welcome.

WORLDWALKER CARAVAN

[ringleaders]

The Caravan continues its journey across the multiverse, and remains closely tied with the Ringmaster. At the very least, you will continue to have a few very adamant changelings allies in their ranks, finally freed from the horrors of their pasts.

Yuya Sakaki

[hippocarnival]

Immediate Aftermath

[hippocarnival]

[The First Weeks]

The weeks following, Yuya stays with the Ringmaster and the rest of the carnival as they figure out their new direction. For the first time in months, he can really take it easy knowing things at home and among the Fae will be taken care of... and he’ll do his part for it. He can’t stay, but the Ringmaster promises easy passage to return, and Yuya knows he’ll be returning often. Going home doesn’t mean he has to leave all of this behind.

For many of his friends, when there’s a moment, he goes to sit next to them. Offer them a snack, and a smile, and look forward to a better future for all of them.

He also has a lot of things to collect for the journey home, and a baby.

Years To Come

[hippocarnival]

[6 Years]

And Yuya holds to his word of visiting often, though in the past couple years the frequency has slipped a little. He’s getting older, he has more responsibilities at home, but he’d never forget what’s beyond his quieter mortal life (only thankfully quieter, now).

But it’s been half a year since his last visit, and he turned twenty not long ago. Aside from getting a little taller, more adult in appearance, he wears his hair in the same messy cut and his fashion sense hasn’t improved any with mismatched jewelry and an awful tie-dye shirt. And a silver band on his left ring finger.

As soon as he sees a familiar face, he perks up and makes a beeline for them with an excited grin. His closest friends will also be greeted with outstretched arms, so be prepared for a hug.

[Wildcard]

And any time after he leaves, and following after, he visits often. He wants to know how his friends are, wants to tell them how his life is going whether it's been six months, two years, or more.

Syrlya

[chronosynthesis]

Immediate Aftermath

[chronosynthesis]

[The First Days]

Syrlya is already preparing to leave, after his talk with the Ringmaster.

He doesn’t have much to recover, thankfully. No pets, few possessions. Tyria still needs him, and he thinks he finally has what he needs to save it. He doesn’t want to waste more time, especially when the carnival hasn’t been completely full of good memories. Tyria isn’t either, though, so that much he can’t quite hold against the Ringmaster.

Despite it, he doesn’t spend those few days alone. He hasn’t been one for celebrations for a while, but not knowing how long he’ll be saying goodbye to these faces he revels in their company for the few days they have, sharing gratitude and farewells with comrades he’s grown fond of.

Years To Come

[chronosynthesis]

[5 Years]

And then, for the first time, Syrlya is back. Physically, largely unchanged—that’s the nature of his people after all, likely immortal from the start. But his back is straighter than when he left, his shoulders less tense. It’s as easy as she said, using the portal device to return.

He doesn’t get all that far before he stops, struck by how much has actually changed. And the whispers that it’s a Court now?

“I see much has happened here as well,” he lets out a breath, before making his way to the center of the realm. If he’s going to be here a while yet, he’d better get familiar.

[Wildcard]

While Syrlya doesn't return to the Court for some time, that doesn't mean others can't get a little help coming to visit him in Tyria. It's a lush, vibrant, magic-filled world if one overlooks the apocalyptic dragons. He's working on that--and maybe you can meet his dragon daughter.

GONGENZAKA

[betheman]

IMMEDIATE

[betheman]

[THE AFTERMATH - Prompts in bold]

In the immediate aftermath of their encounter with the Winter Queen, there is much to do. Certainly, with the target of his contract technically fulfilled, he's free to go. And when Yuuya and Reira's own are filled, the allowance is more there than ever. But both before and after thar point, he feels there is more necessary to do. Absolutely, he will return home before a year has passed. That much, he's certain of. But in the first number of weeks, Gongenzaka remains 'on site'.

Just in case. It's a choice thar reaps many benefits. For starters, there is room and guidance for miracle practice- something Gongenzaka takes full advantage of. The canid chimera can be seen not only meditating upon bodies of water spawned by others, but even just running his hands over the larger of undead creatures given to him as 'thanks' from someone long ago. 'Jii-Chou' could use some fixing up after all...and if he can, he wants to learn how. Studying with others is thus far from out of the question.

But there is more to do than just that- and quite importantly Gongenzaka needs somewhere to sleep during the tim he's there. So after a bit of asking around and advice, he eventually gets to work on that...Though 'Home' is...admittedly looking rather like he took the inside of Yuuya's old trailer and shoved it through the old 'giants' tent. Maybe he needs more ideas.

He'll certainly explore plenty of the realm as others add their parts after all.

[Wild Card - The sky is the limit; if you have prompts for the first few months of the aftermath, go ahead and comment!]

THE FUTURE - 1 - 6 YEARS

[betheman]

[SIX YEARS LATER - Prompts in Bold]

In six years, much has changed. Gongenzaka, almost impossibly, even grew. That's how much change occurred. There are still things that have not quite been broken to those of his homeworld- magic alone is plenty. Immortality? He almost wonders if his parents even need to fret over that. But six years pass, and Gongenzaka comes into the Ringmaster's realm looking exceptionally pleased. Perhaps he's caught at the gate- trotting in with his wings neatly folded into curtains of wisteria and grasses, long tail swishing barely above the ground. If he was tall before, he towers now. He had already been made nine foot by simple virtue of his legs being swapped for a bears body. Now, after growing from 5'8'' to 6'4'' under human glamor and shape, that's gone up to a little over 10 foot in the chimeric base state. It seems only a little bit else otherwise needed to change though- wood-metal and flesh arms cross over a chest that remains just as brick-like as six years back- but his hair is more gently braided back into the mane of plants, and his canid face seems sharper now. Sharper and, well, softer thanks to the whiskering nearer to the nose.

He still wears those sashes though- and his piercings, it seems, are still in place as well. And those t-shirts. And-

"Ahaaa! Yes- Yes, I, the man Gongenzaka am back...Down! Down, Ji-chou..!"

And at the 'House' (which these days is at least simplified into a spacious, but absolutely more visitation focused tent given he still spends more time in his world), Gongenzaka is greeted by an over eager and bird-like creature, the now 'alive' and former raven looking far less broken and awkward despite no longer being a raven at all. "Ahahaaa...I was here only a few days ago, please..!"

"Aaaah, but she missed you of course," purrs Marishi- her own form onlt barely changed since Gongenzaka first ascended. "Let her have her fun, mmn?"

Life for Gongenzaka it seems" has gone well. Both in the multiverse...

And back in his world. In Maiami, Japan, Gongenzaka has yet to take over his dojo- a fact that no doubt contributes to the time he has for the court at present. But more importantly for those greeting him in his world...he does not use a glamor, now.

Rather, he uses shapeshifting. Gongenzaka here truly Is six four, albeit seemingly taller thanks to iron geta. He wears his sash and headband with pride, and the pompadour he once had has been simplified- while the front certainly bunches much like it, much of his hair can be seen braided down his back. T-shirts, and slacks- the expected fashion for Gongenzaka, accompanied by the piercings that about gave his father a heart attack years back.

His mother, less so apparently.

But he waves in visitors to his world with pride, Suzu the granbull glamored into the appearance of a large mastiff at the end of a leash. "Ahaa! You made it, I see!" He greets eagerly. And perhaps this is a surprise visit. Or...

Perhaps, the reason you've come is because of the ring that glistens on his finger when he waves...

[Wild Card - Got ideas for things 6 years from the end- or even anywhere between then and one year after? Comment here (but don't forget a date!)]

CARLY NAGISA

[fortuneglass]

IMMEDIATE

[fortuneglass]

[THE AFTERMATH - Prompts in Bold]

Carly had never intended to leave the Carnival- well. The Ringmaster more accurately perhaps. Her plan had forever been to sign on for good, perhaps after a contract to simply handle final affairs back home.

Now that isn't necessary.

She is left, only briefly, in a rut. A rut of the rushed emotions in the truly immediate aftermath, a rut of wondering in what could come next, after all she couldn't really...say she had her job any more could she??

It was only briefly however, as things tend to be when surrounded by others who can help.

Carly, not long after decisions have been settled (though certainly before things are established as the Equinox Court), can be seen truly getting herself settled into her space with slight ease despite the oddness of reality manipulation. While she works alongside Yuusei rather often to form some sort of treehouse (likely because of the literal Growth at the other's fingertips, but it works out)- often working alone for things like interior decorating- she also seems to be setting up something not unlike the old wardrobe tent...

In fact, very quickly Nuna the Marowak is passing out paper sheets heralding the ~News~.

It may not be for performances now, but that doesn't mean I can't make you clothes! Come see my new Work Tent! - Carly

Incredible!

Notably, she can even be seen fingering an old Shadow magic book...no doubt wondering if her eyes might just be ready for it.

Of course, while old habits die hard, there is still the sharp reality of things.

Carly stands at the Portal to her world, not quite making a move to enter. When someone does approach her, she speaks-

"I...didn't expect this to be an option," she admits. "...I almost don't know what to do with it... ...Going back there..."

[Wild Card - This is the top for things in the immediate aftermath, all the way to the establishment of the court. Got an idea for something? Shoot!]

TWO YEARS LATER

[fortuneglass]

[INTERLUDE - Prompts in Bold]

In the span of two years, many things happen- and yet, nothing at all. Outwardly, Carly doesn't especially age. She was already more or less in the prime of her youth- so while time is passing, and age with it, it's a hard thing to see in her. Fashion styles come and go- hair, home, etc etc...she considers herself flexible. Quick to adapt.  Going home to Neo Domino is if anything more a visit than going to the Equinox court realms.

And Carly is fine with that.

After two years, she says one day, things are finally settling down- perhaps she's in a chair at her work tent, or relaxing with someone else in the realms but the point is, as she says- things are calming down. The nonsense supernatural and technological war going on in her realm is finally coming to an end- she and Yuusei are almost done the work on rebuilding and even rehabilitating a series of actual living androids...which, might actually be seen laying about in the tent as she works on what repairs she can provide with magical means. ...or even possibly working themselves, as is the case of one or two.

(Those are actual people even. Wow.)

It's smoothing over- and at the same time...getting far more excited. Carly beams as she writes something on a sheet of paper, and copies them for Nuna to spread. She beams further as she prepares a particular venue- in her world even- for the event. And as for the event, well...

ENGAGEMENT PARTY - YOU'RE INVITED!

Which apparently means free reign to explore her world- though fortunately she'll be there at the portal on her end, dressed in more comfortable wear than what her fellow 'worldmates' would expect by now. "Yoohoo-!" She shouts- and in the distance, a city gleams near an ornate bridge. "Want to look around before things start~?"

[Wild Card - It's a fairly short prompt, but if anyone has ideas for things during Carly's series canon, hit me up! She had. A lot of free time in the show.]

TEN YEARS LATER

[fortuneglass]

[THE LONG ROAD - Prompts in Bold]

No matter the incident, no matter what comes to the Equinox Court over time, it is ten years when Carly severs her ties from her home world.

Of course, severing is a loose term. She and Yuusei could certainly find a way to go back if they wish. But after ten years, it's over. They have their farewells. Their secrets.

And now they're here. The androids they took in stayed for the most part- most notably a seeming Jack Atlas, though Carly insists people not bring that up in his earshot. They can tease her about it based on assumptions all they want, but she'll insist that it not only was constructed that way when she found him, but seems to now be an awkward topic for the robot. But really, it's weird enough that instead of having kids, she and Yuusei just adopted a bunch of machines.

The wardrobe tent is flourishing as much as it can under Carly's touch- whether it's clothing for refugees, or simply other residents, she has the room to pour heart and soul into each request. ...And its nice to not have to glamor that stuff sometimes.

And then there's the garden.

No longer restricted to the front of a trailer, Carly's flowers flourish. Pokebean sprouts thrive, and her phoenix fruit tree is filled with orange fruits. It's something both her and Yuusei can be seen tending to- and maybe someone else finds it worth admiring for that matter.

It's been ten years, but Carly feels as though her life won't be slowing down any time soon.

If anything it feels like it's only yet begun, even now.

[Wild Card - This far in the future means things are a bit vague- but if you have ideas for Carly as she is in her prime frozen time, hit me up! World hopping is welcome!!]

REIRA

[soft_focus]

IMMEDIATE

[soft_focus]

[THE AFTERMATH - Prompts in Bold]

"...I don't want to go."

The words come rather quietly, when they do- and they come not long after Reira has her contract resolved. Now that it's over, she's allowed to go home. But...

For Reira, this was home.

Even when she's spoken her way through her worries enough to realize it isn't a true goodbye, she can be seen staring about at places in the carnival- rather, the Ringmaster's realm. Reira wasn't blessed with the powers of the Miracles, but those who bear that power have their eye upon her. Tanyuu in particular makes room for her in the large Japanese style mansion- making it feel even more that 'here' is home rather than anywhere else- she certainly refers to it as such enough when asked about it.

But eventually Reira has to 'move'. They tell her while she sits with her pets that she can come back on weekends- or even just after school in the afternoons, if her brother allows it. It isn't goodbye. And she needs to give her other home a chance.

It doesn't make sitting with the things picked for the small trailer before her move any easier though.

[Wild Card - The above happens after the Equinox Court is established- if you have ideas for prompts before that, or even soon after in her world/other worlds, let me know!]

RITA MORDIO

[anti_nonsense]

FOR 9S

[anti_nonsense]

It probably wasn't easy for 9S to find Terca Lumireis. Hardly anyone in the multiverse has had contact with it. But with everything Rita's told him about her world, he had a few breadcrumbs to follow. There were some who vaguely knew of a world that, last anyone saw, was completely sealed off by a magic barrier, while a horde of strange beasts swarmed outside it, seeking a way in. It was probably a doomed world, many thought at the time. Who knew if anyone was even alive in there?

And yet somehow, he's made it. There is no barrier to impede 9S's arrival in the world, though there's also no shortage of monsters roaming around. The only safe places are the cities, protected by their blastia-powered barriers.

If he asks around about Rita, he'll find that many people have heard of her, to some extent. A layperson might reply, "Mordio? You mean that famous mage?" but when pressed, won't appear to have any information about her. But since she's from Aspio, maybe he should try... well. Aspio isn't actually there anymore; the whole city was destroyed, and now an ominous-looking floating tower hovers over the mountain range where it once stood. But there is a town nearby, one that now houses all the mages who fled the destruction.

This leads him to Halure, the City of Flowers. An enormous blossoming tree towers over the entire village, its petals practically covering the ground. Here, he'll find a numerous mages wearing distinct robes, and many of them with very polarized responses to the name 'Mordio.'

It's here that Rita and Ignatius will finally catch up with him. Rita comes clad in a glamour to look fully human, though beneath it, she's less human than ever before. Once they're in town, Rita and Ignatius split up to look for the android, with Francis following at Rita's heels. She walks along the path leading to the base of the tree, her gaze drawn upward to its towering branches. It feels strange to come back, after all that's happened...

CHILDERMASS

[atouts]

MANY, MANY YEARS LATER IN ALOLA... (CLOSED TO CR)

[atouts]

Between England's magicians and the Equinox Court dealings, Childermass has had a life. A very busy, hectic one, a that, but after all the struggles and politics and young magicians turning themselves in toads, long enough has passed that Childermass himself feels the pull of a new home, somewhere increasingly on his mind, and as soon as a proper Autumn Regent is found, he and Lambert shut down the England portal at their castle in the court and instead attaches one to somewhere far more...

Well, tropical is the best way to put it.

One day no one lived in a grassy field that trails off into a warm, sandy beach, meeting brilliant blue waters full of fish who aren't quite fish, not the sort you might be used to. It's the same with the birds, the animals, even the insects. One day there was nothing there and the next there was. A house long in width rather than tall in height, built to be cool in the heat of Alola. Next to it a barn and some sheds, some fields to plant in, provided the new arrivals living there ever choose to, and, most importantly, a massive Arcanine who's finally going grey around the muzzle flopped down on the front porch, fast asleep in the sunlight, next to his master, a tall, grim man who's gone silver (metallically so, thanks to the Silver Mirror) looking a little less grim in the chair next to him. Reading, of course, and back into his purple Alolan shirt...

In short, Childermass and Lambert have retired — or as much as two people such as them can ever retire — to Alola. While Baker, Pig, and Butcher are the most prominent Pokemon living with them, one doesn't have to go far to find a number of other Pokemon. There are plenty of other Growlithe around, along with other dog-like types, but one friendly home in the wilderness like this tends to attract more than a few new friends.

Ginko

[dontpokethat]

[Aftermath]

As the former Carnival finds its footing, Ginko can’t imagine leaving. That feeling of helplessness still hasn’t quite left - the sense that things could go wrong at any moment, and the knowledge that, if they do, there won’t be much he can do about it. But he still can’t regret his decision to remain mortal, and he certainly can’t imagine stepping out now, after all that’s happened.

So he sticks around, looking for any way he can hope to help, even if that’s just by chatting with others and making sure that they’re looking after themselves. Which… as usual, it’s not like he’s got a lot of room to talk as far as self-care, but listen. He’s better than he used to be - and he sure as hell doesn’t want to leave the people behind who helped him get to that point.

[Over Time]

Ginko doesn’t spend all his time in the Ringmaster’s realm. As much as he loves the people here, he misses his own world, and his work, and the friends he left behind. So, perhaps inevitably, he ends up going back to Japan with some frequency, sometimes for days or weeks at a time. He’ll bring others along, if they’re interested - the opportunity to show the friends he’s made here the world he came from is a pretty exciting one, though he’ll certainly warn anyone who shows interest in going that it… could potentially be dangerous. You know. Being with him in the world of origin of the creatures that he is constantly attracting.

He knows how to handle them, though, it’ll probably be fine.

Even if he’s bound to wander between worlds, though, he always comes back to the realm - now the Court - eventually. He steers carefully clear of the political side of things, of course, because… honestly screw that. But he still likes it here. He likes having somewhere to be, when he’s not going anywhere in particular.

Maybe he can even start re-learning how to relax.