We have our title drop

[empress_without_a_throne]

1.

[When the DuskBird returns to Sakihama Base and is dispelled back into Mizuki's shadow, the woman's limping and wincing.  And also in strange, regal apparel.  Black silks with gold embroidery, necklaces, a sash... lots of fancy stuff she didn't go out in.  And Sara's standing there, looking shocked and running to her friend's side.]



Mizuki...!  My god, with what happened out there.  You and Ken and... and everyone!  Don't... scare me like that!  Please!



I'm fine, I'm fine... just got a little taste of what some of my predecessors had to deal with.  And believe me... I'm glad to see a Sara who ISN'T trying to kill me.

[So have a friendly hug... just a noisy one because, again, all that jewelry.]

2.



[Some time later though...]

[Video]

So... I was thinking...

... How do people feel about the word "Savior"?  Like the "Savior Team"... or "SolSavior".

Comments

THE PBs MEET! END OF THE WORLD! JORMUNGANDR ACTIVATES!

[empress_without_a_throne]

And you must be Volya. I'm glad to see you're doing okay!



Same here!

[She takes Volya's hand, giving it an affirming squeeze of camaraderie.]

I'm sorry the circumstances aren't the best for you, but hopefully at least now that you're here they'll be able to improve.

[mistaken_for_monster]

[He smiles brightly now. He doesn't have to worry much... he's safe here.]

Yeah...

You really are my Savior aren't you?

[Because everything she said out there... it gave him hope that there was a chance the Knights would figure out they were wrong eventually, and maybe he can go back to his life.]

[empress_without_a_throne]

Providing solid counterexamples is always a good way of proving someone wrong. And I'm a walking, talking counter to everyone saying you just living'll destroy the world.

And yeah... "Savior" is a really great word, isn't it Sara?



I suppose it is. And come to think of it, I know Walt called Ken that after the incident with that black dome too.

[mistaken_for_monster]

...Black dome?

[Volya looks genuinely confused.]

[empress_without_a_throne]

Just other stuff we need to worry about. Don't be concerned with it right now; just focus on getting settled in.

[mistaken_for_monster]

Right... I don't have...well.. anything. So should be easy and-

Ah! Right your umbrella! I.. wanted to give it back but...

[Back at the hangar, Interitus was engaging in a mock swordfight using the aformentioned umbrella - admittedly with a single vine. As to who would entertain the huge and playful creature nobody can say?]

I'm kinda having trouble getting Interitus to give it back. He really likes it.

[empress_without_a_throne]

"He"...?

Your machine's sentient?

[mistaken_for_monster]

...Kiiiinda...

I mean he can think and act a bit on his own... but he's just happy lying around until I think of things for him to do.

[empress_without_a_throne]

So like a big lazy dog. A dog that's a plant. Not the craziest thing in the world by any stretch.

But I was planning on letting you keep the umbrella anyways. You never know when you might get caught out in the rain, right?