Meaning of Victory (takes place after Deep Core)

[caressthedarkness]

1.
[A video message is sent to the UG bases, though its intended recipients, at least for the first part, are mainly those who were on the recent mission...]

Everyone...

I know that this is a difficult time for many of us, but...

...thank you...for your assistance against Maga. It would not have ended the way it did without your presence...and I could not have asked for more.

[There's a notable pause before she continues.]

There is...something...I did not mention during the mission...that being that Maga was one of the primary reasons for the Gloster Foundation's alliance with the Unity Group. With her demise, I will likely be returning to the Foundation in the near future...to take the place of our agent that was lost.

However, I have witnessed the bravery and skill shown by all of you, in your own ways. So, when that time comes...rest assured...I will make the best use of what I have learned here...

That...that is all. Thank you for your time.

[The message ends immediately. Afterwards, Seta can be found by those who are venturing outside in the woods by Alhambra.]

---

2. (No responses required)
[Not too long after the goodbyes are said, another female - who, at least in appearance, looks much younger than Seta - arrives. Her manner of speech, however, is much more mature.]


"Ah, there you are, Seta. Sorry for being late...I must've taken a wrong turn at that last town..."


Ms. Circe? ...You are my escort?

[The other Kijin sighs and puts a hand to her own forehead as she answers.]

"The Unity Group aren't the only ones who've been busy, you know. Each person in the Foundation has been filling in for another every time we're off combat duty - division leader or not. You can tell that's the case when we had to send our 'beloved' Lady on a job that has basic manners as a requirement."


Y-yes...I have noticed...

"Anyway, let's not hang around too long. She'll have my head if we're not back soon. Have you said your goodbyes?"


...I believe so.

[With that, and a quick nod of acknowledgement from Circe, the two turn around; slowly fading into the mist that blankets the woods. Seta however, pauses to take one last look at Fort Alhambra before she completely disappears from sight.]

Comments

[herodrawing]

Ehh? You're leaving... Seta! Wait!

[Izuru responded to an empty monitor. A while later, he treks through the woods, obviously winded.]

Ah... ah... my breath...

There you are.

[caressthedarkness]

[When you find her, Seta seems to be staring up at the trees.]

...Izuru?

What's the matter...?

[herodrawing]

Do you really have to go?

[caressthedarkness]

The Foundation needs me. I cannot say no to that...

[herodrawing]

But... you were such a big help. Not to mention...

Umm.

[Suddenly Izuru's at a loss for words.]

But we can still talk, right? Over cellphone, or something similar.

[cloningblues]

[Asagi is leaning against one of the trees in a more peaceful-looking part of the forest.]

Are you really leaving, just like that?

[caressthedarkness]

[Seta slowly turns around.]

...We each have our own responsibilities. Even though we have fought as a team...this is mine. It is carried by no one else.

There are more enemies for you and the others to fight, and now what is required is focus on those enemies. Asakim Dowen...has proved that.

[cloningblues]

Why can't Gloster Foundation just join Unity Group? We can accomplish much more if we work together all the time.

[caressthedarkness]

I...do not know. If I were to guess...it would be because my superiors feel that we are not ready for such an agreement.

Perhaps, if there was some way for us to stop hostile Kijin from crossing over to Earth...that might be possible. Until then...

[empress_without_a_throne]

[After that message, one of the other nonhumans takes it upon herself to track Seta down. At least it's somewhere with plenty of shade.]

Heard your message... you sure you're going to be okay there?

[caressthedarkness]

To be honest...I do not know.

[empress_without_a_throne]

Well then... no matter what, don't let them make you think you wouldn't be welcome back here. You're not the only one who's gained something from you being here, and you've made a great difference out there.

[caressthedarkness]

I understand.

Thank you, Mizuki...that means a lot to me.

[ugyuuya]

[As Seta walks through the woods she hears a familiar voice call out to her from behind as she passes a tree.]

So you're really going to leave so suddenly without giving us more notification? Seems a little suspicious to me after getting to know your teacher and how she treats you.

[Yuuya stands up off of the tree he was leaning against and places a hand on her shoulder.]

I've been busy with cleanup after what happened at the Yukon base but after I saw your message bout the sudden departure I had to come by to make sure of something.

Is this really your choice or do you want to stay? I'm a bit worried since you seem like the younger, albeit amazingly competent, kid sister I never really had. I'd still worry if you just suddenly left out of the blue like this.

[caressthedarkness]

[And perhaps very surprisingly, Seta does not so much as twitch at the hand on her shoulder. When she first arrived here, everyone was a stranger to be feared, but not anymore.]

If it was Madame's order, I would not hesitate to at least delay this...especially after how those who are here stood up for me.

...However, this is my duty. The Foundation is short on members, and that was the reason that led to me being assigned here.

[ugyuuya]

[Yuuya gently pulls Seta back around to face him and gives her an appraising look.]

You've really grown up since you came here haven't you? I think you'd have been halfway back to the base if I did that before.

It's good to see that and to see you finally standing more firmly for yourself and your convictions. Don't forget that and if you ever need help then you know how to find us. In fact I expect you to at least drop a line from time to time so we know you're alright.

We're all gonna miss you and you can come back whenever you want. Just make sure that if things go bad you don't do anything stupid without us.

[caressthedarkness]

I will remember that.

...Please take care, Yuuya. That goes for Tarisa, Ms. Bremer, and Mr. Giacosa as well.

[majestic_keiki]

I guess this means it's time to say goodbye.

If you need us for something, just get in touch with us...Do you have some way to get in touch with you? So I can tell you if we learn something about Astara.

[caressthedarkness]

Um, please wait a moment...

[Seta pulls out her phone, carefully taps the screen a few times, and then shows something to Kei. It appears to be a number that lies just under a picture of herself, and a 'I'm lost, please help me' message that reads not too different from one found on a pet's collar.]

...I believe this is the one for this device. It is far too long for me to remember.

[majestic_keiki]

Thanks. I'll give you mine as well.

[Kei fished out her own cellphone to just quickly send her number to Seta.]

I'll be in touch if I hear anything. Or there's something else that comes up you need to know about.

[caressthedarkness]

I will be counting on that.

And...if the Foundation encounters another obstacle, I am sure that the Unity Group will be the first organization they will approach.

[mistaken_for_monster]

Seta... I... Thanks. For everything. I really owe you a lot...

[There was a slight rumble from below as Interitus poked out of the ground.]

Tbtttthtt.

Interitus says 'thank you' too.

[caressthedarkness]

[Seta goes quiet for a while here.]

...I am sorry...I had hoped to stay to continue to assist you...since the knights have not ceased their hunt just yet...

But, it seems that I will have to depend on the others now.

[mistaken_for_monster]

[Volya sighs and nods anxiously.]

Its really important though. I wish you could stay, but I'm also just glad that you're leaving this way instead of something bad happening to you...

[Still, he does his best to give Seta a smile.]



I'll be fine though. Promise.

[caressthedarkness]

...That is good, and no matter what, Interitus will still be here for you as well.

Please stay safe...both of you.