act10d5

You probably just looked too pathetic.

Then why would you let me join the Self-Governing Group?

Because Anna said it was okay.

Do you want me to hate you, Natalya?

I don't know. Can you hate me?

I've never seen a shithead admit she's a shithead before.

So a shithead who admits she's a shithead isn't a shithead anymore?

...Do you want me to crush you?

I'm no masochist. It's just, how should I say? I'd like to be honest with you, um, after all that you just heard, to avoid any misunderstandings.

Maso... what?

Oh, that's just a kind of 'hobby' popular in aristocratic circles. I've only heard rumors, actually. Don't worry about it.

As long as I don't have to kick your ass again.

You don't want to?

Do you prefer Columbian or Victorian? Tea, that is.

...You're right back to your old self.

Whatever, I can't drink it anyway.

It's how I was raised. I must show my most refined side at all times.

Sugar?

...Yeah.

Sorry, you can't sweeten this kind of tea. Drink it straight, please.

You suck.

Hmph.

Look, Natalya, I don't know how I'm supposed to cheer you up. And anyway I really don't wanna.

Oh? Not only do you not hate me, you want to comfort me?

Shut your tea hole.

Alright, alright.

I hate trying to comfort people. Every time I try, I screw everything up.

All I can do is tell you what I'm thinking.

You asked me a minute ago if I was gonna keep on living as Zima.

The answer is yes.

My mom and dad died in Chernobog. There's nothing for me to go back to. I don't wanna go back to Ursus. So that's that.

I think I should be able to understand your pain or whatever, but I really don't.

At first, I thought you wanted to justify yourself. Punks talk like that when they want to sucker-punch me while I'm distracted. But you seem legit sad. Why?

Those noble shitstains wouldn't have been any better off without you. And you're not the one who turned them into dickheads anyway. You didn't make all that happen.

It was actually me...

You?

Nothing, forget it. But if I was one of those nobles, I might've liked having a leader like you. Same way Istina chose me.

You did what you could.

I only hate you because you were my enemy before you weren't. Also I hate nobles. That's all.

Oh, and I have nightmares, and the nightmares make me puke, and then I can't sleep because I'm sad.

But doing what you can to survive isn't bad.

And I don't think it was bad to let you live.

You think you're a shithead. But I know, without you, just relying on Anna, we never would've survived those next couple weeks.

Just go for a run. Eat when you're hungry. Sleep when you're tired. Better than sitting around moping.

Hup.

What?

Ahahahahaha.

What's making you laugh like that? Jeez, you're tearing up.

Nothing. It's just, this is why it's nice to chat with you.

If it were Anna and me, we'd be bawling our eyes out over each other by now.

She doesn't like you either, don't forget.

I know. Pfft. Hahaha! I know.

Listen, Sonya.

What are you doing?

I want you to know, you completely failed to address my problem.

I'm way too lazy to care.

And I think there's nothing I could do to help with yours.

But you were right on one point: we survived.

Do you think we'll get over it, in the end?

Huh?

The circle beneath our feet, the night, the maze, our minds, our thoughts, the abyss.

Could you use like, real words?

Right, right. Anyway, operators all have codenames, right? If I were to become an operator, what should my codename be?

How should I know? Anna picked mine.

Okay. What do you think of Rosa?

Ursine for 'dew?'

Yes, like morning dew. Can you call me 'Rosa?'

O...kay?

It's settled. If I'm to become an operator, they'll call me Rosa.

烈夏 胡言秘语

Rhodes Island Training Center

One-on-One Close Combat Training Room

Hyah!

Too slow.

Really? Then why'd you block? Save the talk.

Throw us in the ring and I'll have you on the ground in round one.

I'm not so sure.

How about this, Leto: You gimme another set. You land a good hit, and I give you a prize. Sound good?

Yeah, sure.

Take this!

Yeah, not bad. More power in there.

Steady breathing too.

My turn. For the prize!

Oraoraora!

Mmh!

Phew, *cough,* *hack...*

Shura! You...!

*Cough* *cough* *hack...* Phew... whew.

Can you teach me that move?!

Oh I can teach. But can you learn?

It's just throwing your fists around a bit. What's to learn?

It's a trick I use against those 'bugs' when I'm diggin' out honey. Does good work on the thorny bastards in the ring too.

Really?

Oh yeah. Total knockout, every time. How else could it go?

If you really wanna learn, head outside and dig out some honey. You'll get it quick.

Trust me.

Eh? Nah, screw that.

You're the Beehunter.

The Beehunter's an Ursus who fights for her life. But if we're talkin' about the future? My money's on little Leto.

Hehe, now that's what I like to hear.