The Glory Star

[star_of_sad]

Glory Star was Asakim. He was pretending to be Toby all along... just as we all suspected.

But it still hurts. I... I'd lie if I said it doesn't, because it does. A lot.

[While explaining herself, Setsuko keeps glancing at her Virgola. Equipped with a new flight system, and more importantly - a heavily modified Carver, one whose power she unlocked herself through sadness.]

Asakim wanted this. He said something about a sphere's power awakening. I don't know what he's hoping to achieve, however...

If he thinks I will lie down and let him do what he wants, he is sorely mistaken.

Comments

[gravitons]

It's likely that none of us will know the answer unless he chooses to be frank.

At the same time, I believe that this is the right course of action. He cannot be allowed to roam freely.

[star_of_sad]

Now that I know he wanted it to awaken, I want this power even less...

Professor. You really scared me out there for a moment.

[gravitons]

I apologize. Willis would have been in greater danger if the second unit had continued to intervene.

It was a dangerous gamble, but I had to do what I could to bypass the defenses of both enemy machines in the shortest time.

[Chika, who is on Shu's shoulder, just sighs.]

[star_of_sad]

Yes, I understand. Looking back, it was a risk but one that paid off.

[Setsuko is reminded of something else that happened on the mission.]

The Antarctican Incident...

[gravitons]

...For that, I believe it is better to hear directly from Willis.

He carries a weight that no one should. I suspect it will stay that way for some time.

[star_of_sad]

You wouldn't expect Willis to be hiding something just from looking at him.

[Getting any information out of Willis is a pain in the ass, which Setsuko experienced already. Instead...]

I need to know exactly what happened. The Chimera are trying to help, but they don't really know either.

[She looks up at the Virgola again.]

[gravitons]

[Shu joins her in looking up at the Virgola.]

That persona serves the purpose of distancing himself from his past. But from experience, I know that running can only get one so far.

And unfortunately, even I do not know the events that transpired in greater detail.


Those Chimera guys can be pretty helpful! Or at least they can try.

For now though, you should try to get some rest, Setsuko.

[star_of_sad]

Yes. Even Professor Jii was helpful, though he didn't look like it at... first...

[Setsuko falls really quiet for some reason.]

[gravitons]

Hm?


That creepy guy didn't do anything to you, did he?

[star_of_sad]

Ah, no! No! What are you talking about, silly Chika!

[Setsuko flails for a second before composing herself.]

It's just...

He did say he'd "upgrade" Virgola. The flight unit worked fine but the Carver malfunctioned - and then this happened.

[gravitons]

[Shu nods.]

I would have questioned his intentions, but for now, this power will grant you the ability to stand against Dowen.

...Use it wisely.

[star_of_sad]

I intend to. But I'll also be careful.

I won't let people like Asakim manipulate me, not anymore.

[cloningblues]

What's a sphere? You don't have any mysterious gems with you, do you?

[star_of_sad]

No! If I did you'd know by now.

It's pretty obvious Asakim is talking about my power. But... it doesn't have a physical representation, does it?

[cloningblues]

Only you would know the answer to this question. Or him.

What is his ultimate goal? At this point it looks like he's doing this just... to make your life miserable...

[star_of_sad]

He wanted my power to awaken. But why? What does he have to gain from it?

...

Is it like the Balmarians, possibly?

[cloningblues]

I don't know. But I think...

He wants to destroy your life. To stop thinking about everything except what he took away from you.

[star_of_sad]

And when my life's in ruins... what does he hope to accomplish?

What does he think I'll do, then?

[cloningblues]

I don't know. But...

Don't let him do it. He did some horrible things to you... But don't forget about the good things because of them.

[star_of_sad]

I... I won't.

It's true that Asakim hurt many of my friends. But - they are not the only ones. Toby, Denzel... it hurts that they are no longer here, but I can't act like they're the only people that matter.


I know there are others who care for me.

[cloningblues]

[Nod.] But don't just think about others. Think about yourself, too.

[star_of_sad]

You don't have worry about that, actually...

I was just going to eat something sweet. Maybe a parfait.

[cloningblues]

That's the Setsuko I know.