Keeping in the know

[star_of_sad]

[1]
[Setsuko had a lot to think of. Black Charisma's madness, and what Xine said... all important and difficult matters. Matters which she cannot tackle, definitely not now - but they reminded her of something else, which is why she is packed up and leaving. No, not forever - it's just a short trip.]

Please stay well while I'm gone, okay everyone? I promise, it won't take long. I'll stay in contact so if something happens, you'll know right away.

[She smiles - in an unforced, but naturally sad way.]

I'm going to talk to Toby's fiancee. After all that happened...

She deserves to know what actually happened.

[2]
[A day or two later, Setsuko is back, safe and sound.]


...

[And very pensive.]

Comments

[star_of_sad]

I'd say... pretty well, all things considered. At least, I think so.

[cloningblues]

I see. That's good.

Did you tell her the details? About Asakim and all? Or did you spare her this stuff?

[star_of_sad]

I told her we were fighting a powerful enemy. A well known nemesis of Unity Group, and Glory Stars too in a way. But...

[Setsuko hesitates.]

[cloningblues]

No. I understand. I don't think she needs to hear about everything Asakim did.

[star_of_sad]

Yeah...

She didn't hear anything from Toby after the dimensional ripple. The one that, well, was my doing - after Chief died. As far as she is concerned, this is when he died as well.

[cloningblues]

...Does she blame you?

[star_of_sad]

No. She... doesn't know I caused that either. But I told her that Toby was alive afterwards. She didn't know - he didn't contact her in any way.

But she was not sad to hear that. Rather, I would say she was... relieved.

[cloningblues]

It's better to know the bad truth than stay uncertain and expert the worst, huh...

[star_of_sad]

Yes. Especially if the expectation can be even worse than the truth.

[cloningblues]

Do you feel like a burden was taken off you?

[star_of_sad]

You... could say that, yes.

At the very least I feel more at peace with what happened. It's no less sad but, somehow, I think I can live with it a little bit easier.