The Haunted (backdated to just after the 2nd Division party)

[sakimori]

(Open to everyone but Hibiki)

[After the explanations are done, those who manage to find Tsubasa will discover that she is...not in the best shape...

While she's normally calm, if cold and dismissive, she's now covering her face with her hand and looking like she's about to break down. The deal with Gungnir obviously has her very troubled.]

"...That gear belongs to Kanade. Even if the pieces were there, it shouldn't have activated by simply humming a tune...!"

[She slams her fist against the nearby wall as memories of her former partner begin to surface. Memories...that aren't doing her any good at all.]



"Why...?"

Comments

[majestic_keiki]

[She isn't really moving closer, instead standing a bit awkwardly in the back before doing anything further. Because clearly that's less awkward and unpleasant for everyone involved than trying to say something.]

[sakimori]

[Somewhat. And like the others who approached her at this point, Kei were around when Kanade was, too.

Still, that doesn't stop Tsubasa's grief.]

Is it because...I haven't done enough...?

[That question doesn't seem to be directed at you, though.]

[majestic_keiki]

[The final line seems to get Kei to resolve to move forward.]

I don't think it is...[Even if she isn't entirely sure how the statements fit together.]

[sakimori]

...Why else would Gungnir return...?

And in the hands of such a person...

[There is a reason Tsubasa just walked out of those explanations. Part of that being that when she's like this, reason is the last thing on her mind.]

[majestic_keiki]

So it's some kind of cosmic judgement rather than a coincidence?

...[That was probably a bit harsh.] They probably just wanted to give you some backup. In case the Noise attacks in two place at once.

[sakimori]

I've always managed...on my own...

[She presses her hands against that wall.]

There's no need for another...and not with that gear...!

[majestic_keiki]

It's always better to have backup. Your enemies might attack in several places at once or something might happen to you.

[sakimori]

I know that...

That's why I've trained hard since that day...to become someone who doesn't depend on others.

[Her hands are clenched into fists. There's no composure left here.]

I've told Hitachi as well...that you should take her with you.

[majestic_keiki]

Let's go to the cafeteria to talk. [Still some composure here as Kei gestures towards the cafeteria.] It'll be nicer to talk if we're sitting.

[sakimori]

...

[Tsubasa straightens herself while considering the offer...and wobbles slightly in the process. But...]

No.

...I need to be alone.

[She walks in the opposite direction, albeit unsteadily...]

[majestic_keiki]

No, you don't. [Kei is keeping up with Tsubasa as she wanders off.] Does your organization have anybody you can talk to?

[sakimori]

[The more she walks, the more reluctant she is to speak. It takes a while for her to answer.]

As long as I perform my duty, there's no need for that.

This is my burden to shoulder.

[majestic_keiki]

Because getting wound up tightly will help you perform it.

Talk to them, they can help you feel better. And perform your duties better thanks to that.

[sakimori]

[Whether she's considering this or not is not very obvious, but Tsubasa isn't saying anything in response.

She does look more depressed now though.]

[majestic_keiki]

[Kei shrinks away herself seeing how Tsubasa reacted and doesn't really follow up on her words either, just letting Tsubasa get away.]