Black Stranger

[star_of_sad]

A trap, isn't it...

[Setsuko is resting somewhere on the Chimera battleship, a sweet bun in her hands. It still tastes like nothing, because of the Sphere, which does not make her any happier. Not that she doesn't have bigger things to worry about.]

The Cambio Protocol will try to surround us and wipe us out. They'll probably bring in whatever allies they can find...

Call it intuition if you have to, but Asakim Dowen will be there. I know it.

...

[She recalls everything the Black Stranger did - how he killed her friends, tormented her. How he tried his hardest to save the world from an ancient god...]

I'm sorry Leos. It felt nice to do something for everyone but in the end...

In the end some people I just can't forgive. I still want vengeance.

Comments

[a_linear_mind]

I'm counting on them to do that. Hopefully they get desperate enough to call in everyone.

[His expression seems to turn to a slightly more worried one at Setsuko's latter statement. ]

...it's a hard thing to let go of, isn't it?

[star_of_sad]

[With reluctance, Setsuko nods.]

This one man, Asakim Dowen... it's like all he wants to do is ruin my life. Harm everyone who is dear to me - and more than once he succeeded, too.

I don't know what larger plan there is. But I won't forgive him for it.

[a_linear_mind]

He's taken a lot from you...I certainly can't say that I don't understand those feelings.

[Willis closes his eyes for a moment, thinking about his own history before opening them again and letting out a small chuckle.]

Heh, it's funny...you've become so much stronger in these two years than I have in all the years I've gone through.

[star_of_sad]

That's a bit hard to believe... you're capable of doing some incredible things, Willis.

[a_linear_mind]

Ha...physically maybe but I really haven't done much...

Compared to what others in the Unity Group have accomplished or what they've had to go through...what you've gone through...the only incredible thing about me is that I'm extremely hard to get rid of...

Although I think that if I were to disappear tomorrow things wouldn't be too different from how they are now.

[star_of_sad]

Don't say that! I don't think there's anyone in Unity Group who'd be happy to see you gone...

And a lot of people would be sad.

[a_linear_mind]

I think I could name a few who'd be ecstatic but that could just be my imagination.

[star_of_sad]

I'm pretty sure it's your imagination.

Or you're trying to make me worry on purpose.

[a_linear_mind]

You probably see them in a different light than I do and I can't really blame you for that.

And I think that I'm the last person you should be worried for.

[star_of_sad]

I can't help it... I guess I worry too much in general. Not just about me, but about all the other people too.

[a_linear_mind]

That's not a bad thing, it's why so many people here care about you and want to make sure you get better after everything that's happened.

...but sometimes that worry is just a waste, especially on someone like me.

[star_of_sad]

Are you saying if I were gone, a lot of people would be sad too?

And... I know you are hard to get rid of. I know what you're capable of surviving Willis. But, please take care of yourself, okay?

This will be a really hard fight. Maybe we had worse, but I want everyone to be safe regardless.

[a_linear_mind]

A lot more people. Trust me on this.

I know but...I've lived a long enough life.

[Willis pauses for a moment.]

Besides, if something did manage to get rid of me they'd deserve some recognition for their effort.

[He says this in a joking manner but...]

[star_of_sad]

Well... you were lost in that underground realm for a while.

I was really afraid you're gone for good back then.

[a_linear_mind]

But I came back, which is exactly why you shouldn't worry about me especially with how much you already have on your plate.

...doing that hasn't done anyone any good.

[star_of_sad]

I guess you're right.

[Setsuko sighs in defeat.]

Worrying didn't do anyone much good, did it?

[prismphantom]

You don't need to apologize.

Some people are lucky enough that they can move past a deep tragedy. We saw that out there, or at least I'd like to hope we did.

Other people though... sometimes the world isn't so generous even after they learn the whole story. And there's nothing wrong with getting closure.

You and me both...

[star_of_sad]

Albhard and everyone from your team...

That's true. The one responsible is still out there. Even if Balmarians aren't attacking Earth anymore...

[prismphantom]

Oh they will. They still have their "fugitive" to get back.

But for the moment, they're out of our hair... and women on the warpath need all the room they can get. Especially since it won't be just Asakim that's going to come calling.

[star_of_sad]

No, it's not...

It'd be nice if all our enemies lined up and appeared in order, one by one, in groups that are easy to manage. But I don't think life is that easy.

[majestic_keiki]

[After a pretty short while, she gets company in the form of Kei offering her a cup from tea from a thermos.]

I know it's not the same, but I thought the heat and smell would still be nice.

[star_of_sad]

Thank you Kei. It's alright, I appreciate it.

[The offered cup is taken with a light smile.]

We'll have to try really hard now, won't we?

[majestic_keiki]

Yes. Even more than usual.

[star_of_sad]

[Setsuko takes a sip and sighs.]

I hope everyone will be alright...

I mean, it's not a fight against a world-destroying ancient robot god. But we're still under siege by Cambio Protocol.

[majestic_keiki]

Yeah...And it's not like humans haven't caused a lot of trouble or danger as well. [No mention of the bigger threat. They both knew what it was anyway.]

[star_of_sad]

It almost feels like all the monsters and hostile aliens are redundant. People themselves cause enough suffering on their own.

[majestic_keiki]

Yeah...It's pretty amazing.