The Sorrowful Maiden

[star_of_sad]

Ah...

[The revelation, Asakim being alive... this is too much for Setsuko. She feels exhausted and worn out, physically and mentally. She really needs rest, but first - a pick me up. There was a candy bar stashed away exactly for times like these.]


...

[It's dropped to the floor after a single bite. And Setsuko is scurrying the place in search for something, anything edible to put in her mouth. But regardless what she finds, it all feels the same...]

It tastes like... nothing.

I can't taste it.

What's going on? The Sphere, awakened? What does that mean?

What has happened to me?

Comments

[a_centered_mind]

I have an important question.

Do you remember what happened after Lowen attacked you?

[star_of_sad]

I felt... this is no time to hide it, is it?

I didn't feel anything. I couldn't sense, or hear, or see. But Virgola still moved, and for some reason I'm pretty sure it didn't move on its own. I piloted it.

No, that's wrong. I felt one thing.

Sorrow.

[a_centered_mind]

The Sorrowful Maiden. That's what he said.

I don't know much about your power, but this sounds like an extension of the same thing you experienced then.

[star_of_sad]

That's the most likely explanation, isn't it.

But, I don't want this feeling. It was a... terrifying experience.

[a_centered_mind]

If it's taking your senses away, that's a natural reaction.

The best thing to do for now is to limit your use of it, if you can.

For now, it's your taste, but if that extends to your hearing, and your sight...

[star_of_sad]

Even the taste is important! It needs to come back... it's just a temporary thing, isn't it?

Or is it...

[a_centered_mind]

[Elys slowly shakes her head.]

...I'm sorry, I don't know.

[And she doesn't want to tell Setsuko to expect the worst, because that won't help at all.]

We should get the medical crews to look you over, get their opinion, and then hope for the best.

I know your sense of taste is important, but I'm sure you don't need me to tell you what will happen if you can't hear or see too.

[star_of_sad]

No, that's true. You're right...

[Setsuko stands still. She breathes in deeply in an effort of calming herself.]

I need... I need to know what's going on with me. And... is it getting worse.

[cloningblues]

What? I thought the Sphere's effect stopped!

[star_of_sad]

Maybe... maybe it didn't wane yet? This isn't a permanent thing...

Right?

[cloningblues]

I'm sure it's not! You just need to wait for it to wear off...

[Despite his reassurance, Asagi doesn't look too certain about this.]

[star_of_sad]

Yeah. You're probably right...

[Setsuko does not seem too reassured either.]

It's okay. At the very least, the worst is behind us. And... I'm still alive. I should be grateful for that.

[cloningblues]

Yes, that's true. And Toby and Denzel as well. Even if they're not the ones we know...

[star_of_sad]

They're not the same, no. But I said I won't let Asakim hurt more people... and they're still alive, so I kept my word.

[prismphantom]

That's...

What does sense loss have to do with sorrow?

[star_of_sad]

I... don't know! Is it trying to make me distressed?

Because it's working!

[prismphantom]

[Not good at all.]

Setsuko, try to calm down. It could be something we can figure out and fix. It might be something simple, like unresponsive nerves or...

... I know that sounds serious enough on its own, but let's... just see just how this is working. And if it's possible to treat it.

[star_of_sad]

Yes. I know. I know, it's just that...

If the two were related in any way, that wouldn't make me feel any better.

[prismphantom]

Maybe...

But I think I know something that will make you feel better though. We at least didn't lose anybody... even the alternate Toby and Denzel. They're a bit shaken up, and I know they aren't the ones from this world but...

They're safe. Everyone's safe.

[star_of_sad]

That's...

That's good. I'm still worried, with what's going on. But, even if something is happening to me - if everyone is alright, that's still a fair exchange.

And...

I know they're not the same Toby and Chief we all know. But still... I'm relieved.

[majestic_keiki]

[Kei catches up to Setsuko during the mad rush.]

I heard what happened out there...

[star_of_sad]

I don't even know what happened... and I was there.

[majestic_keiki]

Yeah, I just meant the battle and something happened to you. With the Sphere.

[star_of_sad]

It felt horrible. But I thought that, this sensation is gone now. I was wrong... what if it gets worse? As in, right now?

[majestic_keiki]

I don't know. But, at least you're not alone...I just wish we knew more about what to expect.

[star_of_sad]

You couldn't know. There's no one like me... except Rand.

[Setsuko pauses, but at least she seems to be calmer somewhat.]

Wounded Lion. That's the name of his own Sphere...

[majestic_keiki]

He has one? Does he know anything about it? Perhaps he can help us find out more.

[star_of_sad]

Yes, but... nothing like this happened to him. Did his sphere work differently? Or maybe... I did something wrong...

[majestic_keiki]

I don't think it is. I think they're more likely to be different. But that might still help get an idea of how it all works.

[star_of_sad]

I know. I wish to talk to him regardless, but... now I'm worried.

Sorry. I thought I had it all under control, but - suddenly so much happened at once.

[majestic_keiki]

You don't have to apologize. It's not your fault.

But that doesn't make it less worrying. I hope we can find some way of bringing it under control...[Before it hurts you any further, but dragging that out would probably just make it worse.]

[star_of_sad]

[Setsuko nods pitifully.]

I don't know if it'll help with anything, but... I really should have this examined, shouldn't I?

And talk to Rand. The sooner, the better.

[majestic_keiki]

Right. We've got all sorts of people with knowledge of strange magical phenomenons, somebody might be able to come up with a solution. And just getting it checked will make it more clear what's happening, at least.

[star_of_sad]

Yes. I'm sure they'll have an idea.

[Setsuko does not sound too convinced herself, though.]

Umm. Kei?

Could you... stay with me for a while? If it's not too much?

[majestic_keiki]

Of course.

[star_of_sad]

Thanks. I really appreciate it. I just...

I don't want to be alone now. Not while, I don't know what, is happening.

[majestic_keiki]

I understand. I don't think anybody would want to be alone with that.

[star_of_sad]

Just knowing that I have people who are here for me... it matters a lot, really.

It actually makes you stronger, in a way. Ah, I'm just talking to ease off the stress... please forgive me if I'm not making sense.

[majestic_keiki]

You are. And even if you weren't, I still wouldn't just leave you.

[a_linear_mind]

Are your other senses still working?

[Willis actually looks worried for once.]

[star_of_sad]

Y-yes. I think.

[Setsuko pinches herself to be sure.]

I can see and hear you, definitely.

[a_linear_mind]

That's four less things to worry about for now.

The Sphere...it has to have something to do with it.

[star_of_sad]

For now... but will it get worse? And if so, how much worse?

The Sphere has awakened. That's what Asakim said - and I felt like something... changed.