A hero's suffering

[herodrawing]

Hey guys! Check this out...

[Izuru is running forward to show something when suddenly!]


Agghhhh!

[He clutches his chest and collapses on the floor!]

[Some time later...]


I don't know why. I barely used Red Five....

[He's in the medical ward bed again. Conscious and without any split personalities taking over. That's good, right?]

Okay, just a little, but that was to help everyone fight that Balmarian thing. That's not bad, right?

Red Five... at this rate, I won't be able to...

[Also, Izuru's AHSMB is under double the amount of locks right now. The unit is restrained from ever being used again, electronically AND physically.]

Comments

[herodrawing]

Major? You were here?

And, umm...

I realize it's a possibility. I mean if it was harmless, Captain Suzukaze would just let me pilot any time I want, right?

[keep_your_dignity]

I JUST ARRIVED. FOR A SOLDIER YOU HAVE THE PERCEPTIVE ABILITIES OF A FUCKING TURNIP, HITACHI.

AND IT'S MORE THAN A POSSIBILITY. IT'S A CERTAINTY, WITH TIME, UNLESS SOMETHING CHANGES.

UNDERSTANDING THAT, DO YOU INTEND TO USE IT AGAIN?

[herodrawing]

I don't think that's my choice to make... Red Five is under lockdown now. I mean, even more than before.

But even if I can die from it...

I used it to save others. I could use a different machine but it was a very serious situation and I know how to use Red Five best. If I didn't do it, someone really could die out there.

I think the risk was worth it.

[keep_your_dignity]

SO YES.

I'M NOT GOING TO COME HERE TO PONTIFICATE AT YOU ABOUT RISK OR SOME SHIT, HITACHI. BUT I DO WANT YOU TO UNDERSTAND. RED FIVE CAN KILL YOU. IF YOU CHOOSE TO GO OUT, DO IT KNOWING THAT.

I HAVE NO IDEA HOW LONG I'LL REMAIN HERE. AND I HAVEN'T KEPT YOU ALIVE ALL THESE MONTHS JUST SO YOU CAN GO AND DIE THE SAME WAY YOU LIVED - HAVING NO BLOODY CLUE.

[herodrawing]

I know, Major. I guess it was a calculated decision? I know Red Five can kill me, but that was a big, serious fight. It could kill me too, so it was better to use something that will make it as unlikely as possible. And if I used nothing at all, others...

[Izuru suddenly gasps in shock and just makes this face.]


...!

[keep_your_dignity]

AND HERE WE GO.

[Even through two inches of opaque plating, one can feel the eyeroll]

[herodrawing]

You're going to leave us, Major?

[Not exactly the thread you expected Izuru to grasp - or is it?]

[keep_your_dignity]

[It is, actually]

THERE'S BEEN SOME DEVELOPMENTS. I MIGHT HAVE TO HEAD BACK TO BASE TO DEAL WITH THEM.

[herodrawing]

Is it something serious? Are you really going to be fine just by yourself?

[keep_your_dignity]

[The massive shape of Kagura's suit turns towards Izuru, blocking the light]

MIND JUST WHAT THE FUCK YOU'RE IMPLYING, HITACHI, OR I WILL SLAP YOUR SHIT OUT OF THAT BED AND THROUGH THE WINDOW.

[herodrawing]

Ah. Nevermind then...

[keep_your_dignity]

GOOD.

[Well, Kagura has not historically reacted well to implications that she needed help]

NOW. I DON'T KNOW WHAT I WILL DO IN THE END. IF I LEAVE, PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT KUGIMIYA AND GENERAL HETEPHERES SAY. AND TRY TO NOT STUPID YOURSELF TO DEATH.

[herodrawing]

That's the plan.

[Izuru pauses.]

If you're really going to leave, will you ever come back?

[keep_your_dignity]

[Kagura turns around, to begin leaving]

I DON'T KNOW. IT DEPENDS.

[herodrawing]

Depends?