You will regret..?

[mistaken_for_monster]

[Not too far from Fort Alhambra is Interitus. In a long trail torn through the ground. Apparently Volya's escape was one that lacked quite a bit of grace. Not too far from the plant creature itself was Volya, shaking heavily as he cried. Clearly hearing David scream out in pain like that was quite a bit too much for him to handle. Even if David was trying to kill him, a small part of Volya still saw him as a friend. He still remembered the good times back home before all of this. Everything hurt, between the hits Interitus took and the strain he felt from everything he was too out of it to notice if anyone had arrived. Interitus on the other hand did and looked to them, whining softly. Clearly she was unable to get Volya out of this state.]

Comments

[mistaken_for_monster]

[He flinches at first, but then sinks into the hug, clinging to Ren for dear life. Was everything going to be alright? It was hard to tell... after having to keep the person who was his best friend from murdering one another and possibly permanently injuring him... or even killing him. The possibility made Volya cling all the tighter as he let out his tears anew.]

...

[Still. That there were still people there for him. That they were still there for him... perhaps that would give him some measure of comfort once he works the shock and horror out of his system.]

[jianai]

Volya... oh Volya...

[Why does one boy have to suffer so much?]

It's all alright now. There is nothing to be afraid of.

And...

You did nothing wrong to be ashamed of either.

[mistaken_for_monster]

[Volya hiccups a little as he tries to talk, voice cracking and throat sore it was a little difficult for him.]

D... Didn't wanna hurt David... don't care 'f he was talking like Loni... he w's my friend... n'ver wanted any of this...

'n... 'nd I ran off while everyone was still fighting those monsters... n't strong like you or Mizuki or Walt or anyone... I...I can't keep... I just-

[He chokes on his words.]

...go home... I just wanna go home...

[jianai]

I'm not strong. And you're not weak - anyone else would do the same in your place. Running away from monsters isn't weak or cowardly.

[Ren puts their hands on Volya's shoulder, looking him in the eyes.]

It's reasonable. You survived, and that's good. Not only that but when others were in danger you immediately went to help them. Even if it meant hurting your old friend. But your friend knew what he was doing, so he had only himself to blame.

You didn't do anything wrong.

[mistaken_for_monster]

...

[Volya nods weakly. He still probably didn't accept it just yet, but Ren's understanding nature helped ease things somewhat.]

[jianai]

I won't lie, okay? It's hard when something like this happens. Someone you trusted is acting against you. I saw it happen and it's never easy, and always ugly.

I... can give you a little bit of advice, Volya. But maybe not now. Now's not the time.

For now, it's okay to just let it all out. It really is. No need to act strong for others or for me.