Not a happily ever after

[jianai]

[After being rescued, Ren regains consciousness pretty quickly. That's what happens when you heal at an accelerated rate - though can Ren's spirit heal so quickly, too?

After all, Mark turned out to be a traitor. One who, in the end, lost his life. What does Ren have to say about it?]

It's true. It's true what I said - my faith in humanity as a whole will not be eroded by a single person's actions. If you are concerned for my powers, that they are still needed... well, you have nothing to worry about.

As for myself...

[Ren smiles sadly. A trail of dried up tears is so visible on their face, and no one even tries to hide it.]

I'm happy that you let my kin live, even knowing they have nothing but disdain and mistrust for humankind. Even if they do... it's not fair to judge them for their beliefs, is it? Only for actions - and they didn't do anything yet.

So. I'm proud of you.

Comments

[jianai]

It... may not have been a wise course of action.

But it was a right one.

[abugslife]

I do not question the nobility of that decision. Everyone deserves a chance to repent.

However, what are the odds the hornless kin will actually be peaceful? That they will not act with malice and hate, like the rest of their fallen brethren?

[jianai]

Bao, Hen, and their followers are extremists. All my kin hate humanity, but only a few act on it in such a drastic way. I don't think it's fair to judge someone for hating but never acting on it. After all...

That's what most humans do, don't they?

[abugslife]

And considering we are keeping an eye on them, just in case...

Yes. You made the right decision. Or rather, everyone in Unity Group did.

[Hetepheres turns sideways, looking at the sun.]

And that is not easy when the personal tragedy you just suffered urges you to do otherwise.

[jianai]

You... seem to be much more experienced in such matters, Hetepheres.

[Ren's smile grows larger. And sadder.]

It was... the first time for me.

[abugslife]

If you need advice how to deal with it, it helps to put things in perspective.

[jianai]

What do you mean by that?

[abugslife]

We are at war. Dozens of such personal tragedies happen every day.

[jianai]

Of course. Of course they do.

[Ren nods.]

Tragedy may strike from directions most unexpected. The only thing we can do is, well...

To continue living, don't we?

[abugslife]

Yes. Take your time to rest and mourn, if you require it. I would be a fool to pretend something like that should not affect you in the slightest.

And then, when you are done, return. Return and fight.

[jianai]

Hetepheres...

From the two of us, you really are the more impartial one, aren't you?

I mean that in a good way.

[abugslife]

I would be a poor leader if I were not.

[jianai]

It's more than just being a leader, I think.

[abugslife]

Yes. It is being a good one.