Prologue to the End

[embracetheflame]

[1] [Locked to Seta]

[After the incident in Brussels, Astara was not going to let Seta strain herself any further. The Kijin practically carried her friend the entire way back to one of the Unity Group Infirmaries, and wasn't going to leave her side again. ]

You really need to stop Seta...if you keep this up...

[Astara grows silent, she knew that Seta had not been getting any better since the incident with Lady Grey. Astara was lucky enough to only be injected with a bit of Venom that was now running through Seta's veins and it took all of her strength to survive it.]

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[caressthedarkness]

[Seta lifts a hand to Astara's cheek.]

I know what will happen...

That is why...I am trying to make a difference while I still can.

[embracetheflame]

I know...

[Astara reaches up and puts her hand over Seta's and holds it there. An eternity seems to pass and the girl doesn't seem to want to let go.]

...I just keep messing up, I should have been here with you...I should have come back earlier...if I can't even protect you...

[caressthedarkness]

[Seeing as that is the case, Seta opts to hold her friend's hand instead. Maybe that will help her feel better.]

Please do not blame yourself, Astara...

...There are times when action must be taken. All those battles I have fought in this condition were such times...

You were away for a reason, as well. Is that not right?

[embracetheflame]

I know but...sometimes...I just want to be selfish.

[Astara keeps her grip on Seta's hand, nodding at Seta's latter statement.]

At first I just wanted to gather everyone that's still here and then find another home for all of us. Somehow...because of that everyone else decided to pick me to be their representative to the ESUN...I don't even know anything about politics or stuff like that.

[caressthedarkness]

'If they chose you, there must be a reason,' this is what I was told when I first arrived here...

...It might be difficult at the beginning. But...I'm sure you will make a great leader. At least, you will be better suited to it than I.

[embracetheflame]

...thanks, I'm glad that you are still here for me.

[Finally she regains enough confidence to part her hand away from Seta.]

Oh right, I completely forgot...I should probably give these back.

[Astara forms the two handguns that she...borrowed from Seta during their last fight.]

Considering the shape you're in I'd feel a bit better if you at least had the option of staying away...and these were yours anyways.

[caressthedarkness]

[Seta's hand moves towards the guns, but she doesn't take them.

Instead, she pushes both towards Astara.]

[embracetheflame]

Seta, I can't...these belong to you.

[caressthedarkness]

I saw how you fought with them...and that was all I needed to make this decision.

These two match you perfectly. So...please take care of them from now on.

[embracetheflame]

[Astara hesitates, something about all of this was worrying her. The Kijin just had a sinking feeling, she could guess what was wrong. From how Seta was acting, to her condition. She had a pretty clear idea what her friend was planning.]

...I don't want these to be the only thing I have left of you Seta...if you're not getting better just let me take your place. I'll deal with Invicta and everything else you've been fighting against. It's the least I can do after I messed up everything by being stubborn. So please...don't push yourself anymore. Just let me the one to go through the gate to finish him. At least let me do that for you.

[caressthedarkness]

I am afraid that I cannot allow that...

What the rest of our kind needs now is a strong leader who is able to cooperate with those of Earth. A figure to guide them into the future. It is clear now that you are that person.

All I can do is fight. And this is what I wish to do to the end.

[embracetheflame]

I'm not that strong though...I'm too soft, I wasn't even trained properly. I spent more time traveling the wandering around doing nothing than I should have.

I mean...your dad was...you know. Compared to you I'm just...Astara. You should be the one leading them...I mean look at how many friends you've made here. You're not just a person who can only fight.

[caressthedarkness]

Yes...in this one year, I have seen more of the world, and have made more friends than I could ever have hoped for...

But Astara...you have been out there since you were young.

What is in the past, will stay in the past. A new leader...for a new age...that is who you are.

[embracetheflame]

...I think this is the first time that you've ever had more confidence in me than I do.

[And Astara grows quiet, she knows that she's lost this argument.]

We...restored the Gate at the old HQ. So...you know, when you feel ready...

[caressthedarkness]

[Nod.]

Thank you.

[But suddenly, she goes silent for a while, and looks unsure...]

...

...There is something...that I should tell you...