That which remains

[star_of_sad]

[1]
Yes? H... hello there.

[Everyone who was out there knows what happened. Setsuko certainly does, after all she was the one who got beaten up and put in a hospital bed. She was the one who had to watch helplessly as Toby got killed.

And now, after patching up in the medbay - bandaged, but not bedridden, she tries to act like everything's fine. And failing.]

[2]
[A bit later, Setsuko looked around to make sure no one's around. She didn't do a very good job so it's easy to eavesdrop.]

Just... just this one time. Toby, Chief, I know I promised, but...


[Just this one time, Setsuko can't stop the tears from flowing.]

I'm sorry...

Asakim Dowen... you wanted me to hate you. I don't know why but.

Y... you succeeded...

Comments

2

[deathflag_survivor]

[Not an unfamiliar sight for Albhard, but it's still one that moves him.]

I don't think anyone, least of all them, would hold it against you.

[star_of_sad]

[Setsuko jumps, startled.]

You... were there?

I'm sorry, mr Albhard. I thought I was strong, but in the end...

[deathflag_survivor]

Well, I was coming by to check up on you.

And no. Don't... think like that. Don't blame what happened on yourself, or being weak.

[star_of_sad]

If we didn't go for him... even Asakim said. This happened because...

1)

[break_the_nine]

Miss Setsuko...

[Leos approached her anxiously and then hugs her. Carefully. Between whatever bruises she took and his own cybernetics he really didn't want to hurt her more.]

I'm... I'm really sorry about Toby...

But I'm glad you're still alive... We'll get him next time... I know we will...

[star_of_sad]

It's alright Leos. You didn't do anything wrong...

[Setsuko feels weak and shaky. Not because of injuries she sustained, though.]

It's not your fault.

1

[cloningblues]

Setsuko... How are you feeling?

I'm sorry. He got away...

[star_of_sad]

I am... I don't know.

I know. I know he got away. It's all my fault.

[cloningblues]

It's not your fault! It's Asakim who did all this. Toby died so fast... Damnit! I couldn't even avenge him...

[star_of_sad]

Avenge... I...

No, you're wrong. It's Asakim's doing, but it's all because of me.

[tiger_ken]

[Ken clenches his fists, having listened in from around a corner. He'd read the mission report almost immediately on realising Asakim was involved... and quickly thereafter, sought out Setsuko. Now the question was... how long should he give her to grieve, before popping out?]

[star_of_sad]

[Looks like Setsuko might need that time alone, weeping for a few minutes and not really noticing she has company. You don't need to be a ninja to sneak up on her as she is now.]

[tiger_ken]

[Which is probably why, after giving her those minutes, Ken manages to get in front of her with little issue...]

You'll ruin your face.

[And bring up a handkerchief to wipe slightly at Setsuko's tears, before offering it to her so she can do the rest.]

2

[keep_your_dignity]

[Kagura has let Setsuko grieve for a long, long while. She can be patient as a grave when she wants to. But in the end, she approaches.]

GOOD. HE DESERVES THAT HATE. KEEP THAT HATE BURNING BRIGHT.

BUT LEASH IT, CONTROL IT. DON'T LET IT CONTROL YOU AND TURN INTO MINDLESS RAGE. USE IT AS FUEL TO FIND OUT A WAY TO KILL HIM.

AND WHEN THE TIME COMES, RIP THE FUCKER.

[star_of_sad]

Major, I...

[There are so many things Setsuko could say.

But in the end, she just nods weakly.]

[keep_your_dignity]

GOOD. NOW THAT THAT'S CLEAR.

WHY ARE YOU BLAMING YOURSELF?

[As usual, Kagura is perceptive as an eagle and subtle as a brick]

1

[actuallyselfish]

"...I'm sorry, Setsuko." Dido says quietly, sitting down by the bed. "I couldn't keep up with that bastard...and Toby paid the price."

[star_of_sad]

It's not your fault.

It's nobody's... fault.

[actuallyselfish]

"...that's true." Dido mumbles.

She stiffens. "No. No, that's not true. We both know just whose fault this really is!"

She clenches her fist. "And I swear to you, we'll end his sadistic killing spree. We'll free the universe from his existence!"

2

[ugyuuya]

They wouldn't blame you for it at all Setsuko. I think they'd be more disappointed if you weren't sad for them.

[Stella walks over and puts a hand on Setsuko's shoulder to try to calm the younger woman.]

Go ahead and let it out, it only hurts worse to keep up the strong face when we all know that's the last thing that you really feel.

[star_of_sad]

I... Stella...

[The tears only intensify in quantity.]

I can't... take this anymore...

[ugyuuya]

It's alright, take the time you need. Nobody's going to judge you here or belittle you for this. We've all had someone lost and it isn't fair that you had two so close together.

[She wraps her arms around the younger woman and gently rubs her back.]

If you need to step back for a bit from missions then we'll be happy to pick up any slack. Just don't get any crazy ideas about going after Asakim alone. He's after you for a reason and none of us want to see what would happen to you if he really got a hold of you.

1

[majestic_keiki]

Hi.

[There's a long pause as Kei tries to look comforting.]

How do you feel? If you need to talk, I'm here.

[star_of_sad]

Oh. Hello Kei.

I'm... I don't know.

If I said I'm fine, you wouldn't believe me.

[majestic_keiki]

I guess not. But you don't need to pretend you're fine. Everybody knows what happened.