Once Again...

[an_inherited_mind]

[With the members of Project Unity began to head their separate ways, one of the first to arrive at the Unity Group wanders around the now abandoned bases. What was once three different operating bases had been reduced to one and yet their success spoke for itself. After everything that Willis had gone through, losing friends, gaining them, reuniting with lost loved ones, traveling to new worlds. Being able to take in a quiet moment without having to worry about a thing was a much deserved break for him. Given the numerous abrupt endings he'd gotten accustomed to in his life this was a very welcome change.

Of course, he knew that it wouldn't last very long and despite the many things that were finally settled for him in the last few months there was plenty of clean-up work to do. Setsuna herself had told him about the corrupt elements in his deceased friend's company along with the unknown loose threads that might have still existed in Caduceus itself. He had to ensure that the U.I.I.N technology wouldn't be abused any further or worse yet used to ruin any more lives. Thankfully he wasn't the only one who thought the same. Between the remaining members of Aegis, himself and Leigh, and to his surprise Elys' own sister Freya; who had once challenged her for control of Ono-Sendai. They all shared the same goal of repairing the damage done to the Olympios Conglomerate and making amends for the numerous problems they had caused through their decades of inaction.

As Willis took this time to himself, his fiancee went ahead to get things in order. Returning Amagahara to Freya among numerous other things in preparation. Unlike Willis she wasn't a member of the Unity Group so being able to quietly slip away was simple enough for her.

Once Willis was finally ready to leave he didn't have much to pack.]


"...and that's pretty much everything, technically this is a hostile takeover but we'll be working in Aegis again with Freya's support...if things go well without a hitch. If something comes up....well I'm sure we'll figure it out.

...I'll get to see you soon, right?"



Yeah, I'm just taking care of a few last things. I'll be there soon, promise.



"Alright, just don't make me wait too long"

[Willis gives a quick nod and wave before closing the call with Leigh before rubbing the back of his head and letting out a small sigh.]

To think I'd be working in Aegis again...

[Much like how he arrived Willis seems to be preparing to leave with nothing more than Strahlend and the jacket on his back.]



I should probably say goodbye or something, but at this point I'm kinda sick of it. I'm sure I'll see most of you again so there's not a lot of point in making any final goodbyes, is there?

See you later fits more I think.

Comments

[star_of_sad]

[So, just like that.]

Yes... see you later, Willis.

Make sure not to get into any trouble, okay?

[an_inherited_mind]

Come on, when do I ever get into trouble?

[star_of_sad]

You don't want a whole list, do you? I wouldn't let you leave until it's over, and I don't think you really want to listen while I run through all of it for... six hours, give or take?

[Setsuko smiles innocently, proving that she is 100% serious.]

Just make sure not to add to it anymore, okay?

[an_inherited_mind]

I think I wouldn't you listing some of my greatest achievements for six hours. Leigh might get a bit mad though if I'm that late.

[Willis' smile on the other hand is teasing one.]

I'll...but that goes for you as well. You've had your own fair share of trouble.

If you ever need help I'll be there.

[star_of_sad]

I know.

[For a moment she's pensive. All of her painful past - it may be gone, but it still happened.]

After what I've been through, I have no intention of making my own list any longer than it already is.

Let's keep an eye on each other, Willis.

[an_inherited_mind]

[A nod.]

I don't plan on it either so let's each make sure of it.

And uh...

[Suddenly Willis seems to hesitating on something.]

[star_of_sad]

Yes?

You know, we are parting ways, even if not for long. If there's something you feel the need to say...

[an_inherited_mind]

No it's just...I was planning on holding the slightly delayed wedding Leigh and I had planned. Probably a lot smaller though...

Anyways...you're probably the closest thing I have to family now and I really hope you can be there.

[star_of_sad]

Oh... I see.

Of course. Of course, after all - how could I not be there! I'm very happy for both of you.

[an_inherited_mind]

Thanks...I really mean it.

[Willis takes a nostalgic look around the hangar.]

It was about this empty when we first met...

[star_of_sad]

[Setsuko nods pensively.]

Everyone was only starting to settle in. The Glory Stars, too... you know - I barely knew Toby and Chief any longer than any of the Unity Group people. Only a few days after I joined, the Glory Stars were already being moved to Alhambra.

[an_inherited_mind]

I didn't realize it was that sudden for you. Heh, only a few days in and they sent you here to meet all of those strangers.

...you seemed so young back then, well almost everyone did.

I felt like I had to look out for you and now...

[A small chuckle escapes Willis.]

Well, I shouldn't say now given how long you've been there for me but you've grown so much since then.

[star_of_sad]

Look out? Are you... trying to make me blush?

I'd say everyone grew so much too. And, well... it wasn't always easy, but it was necessary.

Willis. I'd like to ask one more question. It's a bit of a personal one.

[an_inherited_mind]

Maybe a bit.

And of course, I don't have any reason to hide anything now.

[star_of_sad]

Exactly how old are you, Willis?

[an_inherited_mind]

Ah and here I thought it'd be something more meaningful.

[Slipping back into old habits already.]

Alright I'll tell, but I have to do one thing first.

[star_of_sad]

No, it's nothing like that...

Oh? What is it?

[an_inherited_mind]

Just this.

[And seemingly out of nowhere Willis pulls Setsuko into a hug, and with the element of surprise on his side he whispers the answer to her.]

...about that old.

[star_of_sad]

Oh!

[Setsuko is surprised at first, but once she realizes what Willis is doing, she actually appreciates the gesture.]

I see.

I had no idea... nanomachines really are a useful thing, aren't they.

[an_inherited_mind]

They're one of the reasons I even made it to this point.

...you're one of the others, that's why I'm really glad I met you.

[star_of_sad]

Now you really are making me blush...

For everything that happened, I'm really glad I ended up in Unity Group. I'm glad I got to meet you.

[empress_without_a_throne]

Probably not.

... So when's the wedding?

[an_inherited_mind]

Soon, hopefully.

...I don't really feel comfortable holding it until I clean out Ono-Sendai for Elys at the very least.

After how long I've been waiting a few more weeks isn't that bad I think.