act12d0

Everything you could ever want is right here.

The moment of peace you've longed for. A land without warfare, the embrace of your mother.

Your consciousness expands limitlessly, breaking its shackles. You are free.

What is freedom?;I'm free!

Broadly speaking, to be free is a relative state, free from constraints. However, people who say this are often constrained by their flesh.

But you are truly free.

That's right, my dear friend. You are free, and you forever will be.

You are a resolute stone in the river of time. Though your responsibilities, fate, desires, and attachments may all be washed away, you, and only you, will always exist here.

You are beholden to nothing, and nothing is beholden to you.

There is nothing better than this!;Responsibilities. Fate. Desires. Attachments...

You understand everything. Right now, you are speaking to an unfathomable being. Gaze in awe and offer up your purest blood.

Or maybe you have merely been hit on the head and fallen into a state of unconsciousness. You are simply carrying out a meaningless conversation with an imaginary self.

I want to build my kingdom here!;No, on second thought, I'm more of a masochist.

A wise decision, my King. This place is broader than Terra itself, and you can build whatever you wish here.

First of all, let's found a country. How about naming it the Land of Existence?

The country raised on the banks of Nothingness shall last a thousand years——

Oh, pardon me. It seems that our noble cause must come to an end here.

Like a ray of light that shines through the curtains, a strong sense of discomfort suddenly invades your consciousness.

You love pain. You like exhaustion. You enjoy plunging into the flames. You relish getting hurt.

Smart people are forever seeking a failure that is just right, some loss that can be aptly contained. They believe this is the best way to help themselves grow.

Do not become conceited, my dear Secretary of the Nothingness Department.

Well then. Firstly, let's grant you some of that pain that you love oh so much——

From every nook and cranny of your flesh, comes the sensation of extreme soreness.

Soldier, you have borne countless pains, witnessed innumerable failures. There is little that brings you joy.

But that is exactly what has allowed you to come this far. They are a poison, shackles upon your self. They will never let you know peace.

Some things can never be taken back. Some things you need not burden yourself with.

You're right. It's time for me to rest.;No, there are people waiting for me.

Yes, my dear. That is how it should be.

Relax. I will sing to you a lullaby, and you shall rest in eternal sleep, undisturbed forevermore.

And yet, just as you fall into slumber, a powerful sensation assaults you——pain!

Ah, I see. I do admit they are all good children.

But did you ever consider that even without you, those kids will still be able to move forward? You are not responsible for them.

Your responsibilities. Your fate. Your desires. Your connection to them. Are they but a delusion of yours?

...Fine. Since you have already made your decision, I shall grant you a surprise. That's right, it is none other than the pain you love so much!

From every nook and cranny of your flesh, comes the sensation of extreme soreness.

What follows is a distant yet familiar voice.

...D-Doctor!

Amiya? No, no. This voice is far more mature than Amiya's.

Still sleeping after all this time, huh? Why do you do this to me?

...Far more violent, too.

You feel several slaps on what seems to be your cheeks. It would appear they are willing to practice what they preach.

That didn't do the trick... Hmm, what should I do? Since Amiya isn't here, guess I'll just give the Doctor a few rounds of the whirlwind.

Whirlwind? Is it fun? I want to play too!

It seems they are preparing some extreme measures now. Also, the voice that just cut in carries a hint of innocence.

The problem? In this situation, the wonderful trait of innocence belies a sense of commitment.

No, I want to go back!;Open my eyes

Oh, woe. Some journeys cannot be undertaken by your will alone. You have already lost the chance to step out on this journey.

Fret not, however, for such chances remain plentiful. Now, let us open our eyes...

Gavial, how do we play the whirlwind?

What you want to do is grab the person's legs or hands, then start spinning in a circle.

When you're ready, just let go.

It sounds really fun! I want to try!

Sure. I'll just catch the Doctor after... Oh?

Doctor, you're finally awake.

Ah, it's the Doctor!

Kay, don't tackle the Doctor like that. Crush those organs and that one won't stay with us for long.

Oh, sorry, Doctor!

Are you both alright?;......;Was that you who just slapped me?

I'm fine. This isn't high enough to scare me.

I'm fine too!

Uh oh. Don't tell me you tripped and lost your memory again, Doctor.

I have amnesia.;And who might you be, Ma'am?

Don't forget, I'm a doctor too. The real, medical kind.

But if you're cracking jokes, I guess you're good.

Sure did.

Anyway, Doctor, let me catch you up on what happened while you were napping.

Short version is: we crashed.

We fell from a very high place! Whooooosh——! Kaboom! Like that.

Please elaborate.;......;I want the whole story!

Tch, fine. Basically, Doctor, you're bad luck. During the attack, something exploded by your seat and you slammed into the wall there and passed out.

Don't worry, I took care of your wounds. Nothing major. Besides, you're healthier now than when you first showed up at Rhodes Island. Nice work, Doctor.

Urk... Sorry, Doctor. I should have caught you, but the loud noises scared me...

Can't blame you for that. To be honest, I never would have expected these bastards to have anti-air weapons.

So you thought someone would attack us?

Sure. Did I forget to tell you? My people love to fight, not that any of them could take me.

What about the others?

When we were going down, everybody else jumped early to stabilize our altitude.

Ceobe and I jumped last, to stick with you.

Oh, and Lancet-2 should still be on the aircraft.

Where's the aircraft?

I think it's that way. Should be just over the hill.

Let's go check on it.

Sure.

See? The aircraft's right there.

Oh? That's a lot of smoke. It's not in good shape.

I guess it's still fixable, though.

Doctor, Gavial, there's people with the aircraft!

Hm? That's...

Please do not approach me. Though I am responsible for protecting Rhodes Island property, I am just a medical tool... Nnng...

Hey, I think this machine is talking.

Yeah, not only did such an amazing machine fall from the sky, there's another machine that can talk inside it!

Do you think there's a person inside?

No idea. Why don't we bring it back? Leader's sure to like it.

Sure, let's take it!

Help!

Stop right there!

...&% (Who's there?!)

You got a death wish? Laying your grubby hands on our stuff.

...￥%%# (Who says it's your stuff? It fell from the sky!)

@#%...& (Yeah, that's right! Finders keepers!)