<Snipped quote by Artifact>

*Turns toward a light blue ball of energy that forms next to me, spinning and wobbling silently*
My home planet hasn't existed since I was a child.

<Snipped quote by Valiance>

That's absurd. How could it be back?

<Snipped quote by Artifact>

Now you see the issue.
*Looks at you*
But you’re free to go back home.

<Snipped quote by Valiance>

*Raises an eyebrow, bewildered*
You're kidding. After all of this?

<Snipped quote by Artifact>

I did not help you. And as far as I can tell, you’re powerless. You don’t owe me.

<Snipped quote by Valiance>

You heard the demon, I can go back anytime I want. I'm helping.

<Snipped quote by Artifact>

Not only did I not help you, but you have full humanity back. Should you throw that away so quickly?

<Snipped quote by Valiance>

First, I've got part of that thing's soul now, and if he's any stronger than his minions, I'm beyond set. Second, I'm going to have to kill the cosmic dragon eventually. Third, I owe you for sparing my life anyway, so I'm helping you whether you like it or not.

<Snipped quote by Artifact>

*The blue ball grows into a full-sized portal, and I sigh*
If you’re sure. I just have no expectations of you to do something you don’t want.

<Snipped quote by Valiance>

If you expected it, it wouldn't be enough to pay off the debt.
*Walks through the portal*

<Snipped quote by Artifact>

*Emerges behind you, as we stand at the crest of a grassy hill, just tall enough to overlook two towns on either side, and a small number of tiny personal aircraft buzzing about*

<Snipped quote by souleaterfan320>

No, just...
*Stares into the flames*
Reading.

<Snipped quote by Webmaster>
Shinji:
Hmm... what's the book about?

<Snipped quote by Valiance>

Is this how you left it?

<Snipped quote by souleaterfan320>

A man who chops wood and hunts for food to provide for his family during an especially bad winter.

<Snipped quote by Webmaster>

Shinji: ...huh... sounds like a good book. How far are you into it?

<Snipped quote by Artifact>

*Clenches both my fists as I slowly gaze around*
I wish. This is how it was when things were fine. Before anything happened.

<Snipped quote by souleaterfan320>

About a third, now. One of his children befriended a wolf, but he just had to kill it so they'd be able to eat.

<Snipped quote by Webmaster>
Shinji:
Hmm.... dark but realistic. Life definitely isnt always sunshine and rainbows..

<Snipped quote by Valiance>

What could cause something like this?