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...

1/2

[deathflag_survivor]

-It happened because of him, not you!

[deathflag_survivor]

S-Sorry... that came out louder than it should've.

But Asakim attacked us twice in the past before this, catching us by surprise. He killed Denzel the first time, scattered you and Toby and so many others everywhere... and trying to bring him to justice wasn't wrong. If you hadn't made a move, he would've sooner or later.

[star_of_sad]

In the end it didn't matter...

But... I'm sure of one thing, now.

I really hate him.

[deathflag_survivor]

Anyone with a sense of humanity would. Anyone.

And if we can make the most of that hatred, that drive to kill him... I know we'll find a way to make it stick. Somehow.

[star_of_sad]

But... there's one more thing.

[Setsuko's voice quiets down to almost a whisper.]

He wanted it.