Huh.
Do you see this as a happy ending, Sooner? The heroine abandons her sister, her family, and her life for a dream from another world? It looks like the most upbeat tragedy that I can remember encountering.
OTOH, if that was a movie I was walking out of, I'd probably be discussing what would be in the obvious sequel, so, mission accomplished on that score. Sucks to be Keely-prime, though.
Good work on the story. I'd be interested in what the story means to you that lead you to end it that way.
I can assure you that this definitely was not intended to be a 'happy' ending. It is very much another episode in the complicated lore of the Ghosts Reborn and the Shades of Vengeance.
This story (and many of the others that she has written) are a lot like "The Empire Strikes Back" as far as how it should be perceived.
"Goodbye, Jean-Luc. I'm gonna miss you... you had such potential. But then again, all good things must come to an end..." -- Q
Nope. I would not describe this as a happy ending - though I would ask that you remember what Neely believes to be true (that her sister is dead and beyond her help) when judging her actions.
While I don't know that I'd categorize as "The Empire Strikes Back," I will agree that it is a part of a larger story.
You haven't seen the last of either Neely or Keely.
As far as what it means to me... well, that's a tough answer. In fact, I'll spend some time thinking about that question...
Thanks for the comment!
Sisters
Epilogue
a few days from now...
The warhulk exploded, and Rastafari-Man flew back to smack into the glowing blue containment field.
Ouch! he yelled. The warhulks buddy, a giant Fake Nemesis, had already put up his bubble and taken off running. Oh no you dont! Rasta called as he scrambled to his feet and ran after. That Fake was the only thing standing between him and a cold one at Pocket D. It fled down the empty street, past a pretty fountain, and dodged around the corner of a nearby skyscraper. Rasta pursued, rounding the corner just as the Fake drew out its spinning, whirling staff and fired a bolt of energy at him. Rasta flew back a second time to smash into the containment field and let out a few choice phrases as his bruises got a little bigger.
Rasta climbed to his feet again, glanced down and said, Ah.. Look at that! You ripped my pants! I cant get these anymore! before firing his eye beams at the fake, followed by a blast of power from his palm. The Fake teetered unsteadily on its giant feet, then fell over with a clatter.
About time... Rasta muttered, and made his way to the exit. Nemesis.... he grumbled, shaking his head, and stepped through the glowing red box that would take him back to Portal Corp.
Only to find himself falling again as he tripped stepping out of the portal. What the!?! he exclaimed. Sitting there, on the ramp leading to the portal was a metal rectangle, just the right height to trip someone stepping out.
Who left this box here?! Rasta yelled, but it was late at night, and there were no heroes in that particular room. He climbed up, dusted off his knees, examined the rip in his pants, and then leaned over the box, where a label, written in a pretty, feminine hand, read clearly, Please deliver to Sooner Spirit and/or UPS 2.2 of the Ghosts Reborn.
Rasta picked up the box, tucked it under his arm, and dialed a familiar number on his cell. Sooner? I have a package for you. What do you mean this isn't a good time for that kind of call? I face planted over the thing on my way out of a Portal! No I am..", Rasta placed his hand over his face and shook his head for a moment, "Look where are you? I'll bring it to you. Right. I'll be there in a flash!"
The handwriting on the package was instantly recognizable to Neelys friends. The Ghosts had been unable to find a single trace of their missing Peacebringer since she vanished in Nerva days ago, so they were all very excited. Still, UPS gave the box a thorough inspection before allowing anyone to even consider opening it. Once he declared it safe, the Ghosts gathered in their conference room. Rasta was invited to stay, since he still bore the bruise on his shin from the box, and he stood behind Sooner with his hands on her shoulders.
The box opened with a little puff of air to reveal dozens of envelopes, each addressed to a member of the Ghosts. Sooner began handing them out and the room was quiet except for the rustling of paper.
Ahrens note was short. I believe this belongs to you it said, with a hand-drawn arrow to second, smaller envelope stapled below. When he opened that, he barked out one surprised laugh as the nearly invisible skin tag dropped out. A second note was inside. To my mentor, my friend. I will miss talking with you and learning from you. Im the hero I am today because of your teaching. And thank you for trying to watch out for me. Love, Neely.
UPS read his quietly and tucked it away. UPS, believe me when I say the world is a better place with you in it. My oldest friend, you tried so hard to keep me safe, even from myself. I will miss you more than anyone else, I think. Please, take care of yourself, for me. I need to know that somewhere, youre out there. With all my love, Neely. His eyes were suspiciously shiny, but he said not a word.
A few people stood and read theirs aloud. Strif read, Take care of UPS and Nav for me, my dear friend. Neither of them put much priority into taking care of themselves. And take very good care of yourself as well. I wish I could give you one last hug, but instead Ill just send you my love. Neely
Sooner was the last of these. Sooner, please dont worry about me. I know its too late for that, but dont worry any more. You worry so over each Ghost you lose. Well, Im not lost.. .Im found. I dont expect to return. Keely is dead, Im not needed there. I am needed here. I have found a new home here, with new friends and family. I will miss all of you horribly. Take care of our Ghosts, Sooner. Love, Neely.
The end