After 'The Successor'

[holdthefuture]

[Lenore suddenly finds herself in a barren, desert-like area, with clear blue skies above. She immediately knows something isn't right, since she remembers being in a fight only moments ago.]

This again...

[As she takes in her surroundings, she realizes she isn't alone. The figure of a slender female with long, white hair, wearing a flowing dress stands not too far away - facing the only tree that stands for miles around. A tree that looks very healthy somehow.

This figure is someone familiar to Lenore. The first time they met in this mental landscape was shortly before Lenore escaped Carina's facility mere months ago - when she was calling for help and no one else answered. This mysterious person was the same person who bestowed the power of the Phantom Guardian to her, and though she didn't recognize her before, her encounter with the UG changed that.

Lenore's right arm, normally wrapped in a thick sleeve, is exposed here. It is covered in white-silver scales, which are glowing with golden light. There was no doubt...]


Seta Albreich.

[The figure turns around to face Lenore.]


Yes. You recognize me at last...thank goodness.


D-don't give me that look, please. The only time this arm glowed was when that name was mentioned. It didn't take long to figure out... and I had to run away not knowing how to explain...!

[Seta only smiles at that.]


There are many things I wish to speak to you about, Lenore. But...the time we have in this space is short.

So, I will tell you this... you are in good company now. Even if their individual methods may leave you questioning them, at times. With their help, you will be able to bring closure to this, for both of us.

And, there is one more thing...


...What would that be?


In one of the places you will be at... there is a tree on which I have inscribed a message. I... may have done so in a hurry and made a mistake.

If you could... please check it for me.

[Lenore is a bit stunned by this request, but...]


S-Sure...

[At that point, the surroundings start to fade away...]

===


1. [A certain Kijin awakens in the infirmary, in one piece thanks to Roy's intervention.]

Ugh...

[She is mostly fine, if a bit drained, which only leaves getting the answers needed...]

---


2. [Eventually, Lenore manages to make her way to the tree where Seta's message was written. She gazes down at the words, and exhales.]

It's hard to figure out exactly what you're like...

But, you did save me, so I'll take your word for it. I'll stay here.

Comments

[majestic_keiki]

[Pretty soon after, knocking on the door signals the arrival of a visitor. A tall, fairly lanky teenage girl who Lenore might recognize if she'd been paying attention to the news.]

Are you alright?

[holdthefuture]

[She opens and clenches her hand to see if it still works.]

I think so...

[majestic_keiki]

Okay, that's something.

I'm Kei Kugimiya. I pilot the purple unit that was giving orders out there.

[holdthefuture]

[So one of those two units like Ange's... she remembers.]

Yeah, you're one of her friends, right?

Seta's.

[majestic_keiki]

Yes. I was there when she died...But how did you know?

[holdthefuture]

When that fight was going on, you said Carina was impersonating one of your friends.

[She points up at her own ears. They're not just for show.]

1

[stupidhonor]

Ah.

It is you...

[holdthefuture]

[Well that surprises her.]

...Sielje?

You're a member of this group too?

[She should have really seen that one coming, but still.]

[stupidhonor]

I am merely assisting. I am a knight of Ankaia, but I do not live there at the moment.

... It is complicated. Lenore Iblis, you are not a prisoner here, are you?

[holdthefuture]

I actually don't know...

I was expecting to see Mr. Ben and Ange when I woke up...they're members of the group I'm in.

[stupidhonor]

We are not enemies, and there are no guards. You are not a prisoner! ... I think.

[Sielje sounds unsure and concerned.]

[holdthefuture]

...

I hope not.

I'd be back at square one...

2

[herodrawing]

...

...

[A shuffling noise betrays presence of another person, who is staring at you and the tree both.]

[holdthefuture]

[Lenore doesn't turn around, but that definitely gets her attention.]

Who's there?

[herodrawing]

Sorry, for a second I thought I saw...

It's you, right? Astara's daughter? I'm Hitachi Izuru.

1/2

[holdthefuture]

[With that, she finally faces Izuru.]

Ah, I'm Lenore. It's nice to mee-

2/2

[holdthefuture]

W-Wait a second! You've got it wrong!

She's not really my mother!

[herodrawing]

No? But... that's what I heard.

Sorry if it was just a rumor, I didn't mean it!

[holdthefuture]

...

[She looks a bit depressed now.]

I guess...it's partially true.

I'm a clone made for a purpose. Astara... is one of the Kijin whose material was used to create me.

1

[cloningblues]

You look pretty good for someone who almost got crushed by rocks.

[holdthefuture]

[Lenore nurses the side of her head.]

...Rocks? What rocks?

[cloningblues]

I guess they were technically pieces of rubble.

Anyway, do you feel good now?

Good enough to talk about a few things?

[holdthefuture]

I don't remember anything like that...

And that depends on what those things are.

[cloningblues]

That thing you did. The super mode... What was that?

[holdthefuture]

The Phantom Guardian. That's what Carina calls it.

Someone bestowed it to me... when I needed it the most.