act20side

You...

And after I'm gone, as his disciple, you're the most suitable one to take the job.

I just went back to the design department and handed my work over to the others, and I'm ready to get my things packed and leave.

But why now?!

I heard we're all going to the surface. I caught Avdotya's speech when I passed by the forum just now.

I'm sure the proposal will end up passing.

But Master Finch should be hiding out in some other Durin city. That's why, while it's still possible, I want to settle down in the one next door before I figure out my next steps.

So, sorry, buddy. I probably won't get to help with the dome's design.

You... You think I'd be happy about this?!

Of course not.

But I really think you are up to the task.

All you need is a chance to let people get to know you. Seriously.

How dare you?!

In his anger, Stitch raises his fist against Catch.

But it stops in its tracks midair, before falling down powerlessly.

I know Master Finch left because he wanted me to become independent.

And I know you're doing this because you want me to give it another shot.

Gavial, too. I know all of you are doing this out of the kindness of your hearts.

Of course I know!

But... Master Finch, you, and Gavial... Why do you have to force me down this path?!

Why can't all of you just leave me alone?!

Why can't you just let me keep hiding?!

Why do all of you have to be so kind?!

Why?!

Catch quietly picks up the design sketch next to him and hands it to Stitch.

Because you tried so hard.

You can do much better. I know it.

Since when do you need a reason to be kind?

And since when do you need a reason to want to keep someone from falling like that?

Now, get up.

Stop crying.

First, you lied to my tribesmen, and now you're making trouble for all kinds of people.

So, I'm going to sock you.

Grit your teeth. It won't hurt too bad.

Stitch looks at Gavial's fist.

In an instant, many things flash through his mind.

The joy he felt when he listened to his teacher's lectures.

The hatred he felt when his teacher left.

The disappointment he felt every time he walked out of the design department after losing a design contest.

Before he knew it, whenever he looked at the dome above him, it was anger that he felt, not excitement.

He thought the feeling was his alone and that not only could no one understand him, he did not need to be understood by anyone.

But, at this very moment, now that he's finally learned that there are those who truly want to understand him and help him...

He realizes that perhaps it is time to set that something down.

He then thinks to himself... he should take this punch.

'Bam!'

Yet, even though he was anticipating the pain, he doesn't feel a thing.

He looks down to find a deep, fist-sized pit in the table.

Hah, now you're scared?

Relax, my fist's only for the bad guys.

You're not a bad guy. You're just a knucklehead. Why should I beat you up?

You're the knucklehead!

Well, look at you. In such a good mood that you can still talk back, huh?

So how about it? Wanna come along now?

Fine.

Okay, let us proceed with the voting.

If you are voting for the first proposal, please raise your hand.

A sparse number of hands go up around the forum.

Those with their hands up appear very calm, as though they've made up their minds, even though they know there wouldn't be many people voting for this measure.

And Avdotya knows that those who would vote for this proposal are always the ones who are willing to give their lives.

Record keeper, please record the number of votes for the first proposal.

Okay, please put your hands down.

If you are voting for the second proposal, please raise your hand.

This time, there are a lot of people with their hands up. Some of them even have bottles in them.

Most of them have rather sturdy builds. Undoubtedly, they are very confident in their excavation skills.

Record keeper, please record the number of votes for the second proposal.

Okay, please put your hands down.

If you are voting for the third proposal, please raise your hand.

The forum is dead silent.

No one has a hand up.

Avdotya knows that this outcome is only to be expected. Heading to the surface is a big decision, and her speech alone could hardly be enough to persuade them.

When she looks at the Durins whispering among themselves, she knows that her story has had no effect on them.

The Durins are not afraid. All they need is an opportunity.

They still need a push.

She also feels guilt deep in her heart.

The old her definitely would have been leading the opposition against moving to the surface.

But now she is doing other Durins' work for this.

Her guilty feelings quickly disappear, as she knows she is doing what is right.

I have a few things to add about going to the surface.

Acahualla is a humid rainforest. It is hot there, no matter the time of the year.

Even without any temperature control, we should still be able to get used to life there.

Besides, Acahualla is rich in lake water resources and is home to a natural waterfall. In other words, it's an all-natural 'Great Aquapit.'

Furthermore, Acahualla also has a large amount of mineral resources and land. If we wish to, we can build a new city there.

Of course, we will also have the pride of Zeruertza, a new landmark that will once again put smiles on everyone's faces!

Though we will have to discuss this with Acahualla's leader before we can make a decision.

Inam will agree to it.

Gavial?!

Hey, Avdotya, look who I brought here.

Hm? Who is it?

It's Stitch. I see you guys are pretty much done with that discussion. So, the dome repair's next, right?

Guess I came at just the right time?

You came at a terrible time!

Oh, alright. I mean, I may not be the leader of Acahualla, but let me say this on her behalf. Acahualla welcomes you all!

Get off the stage!

Hey, I got more to say!

No way!

It's true, Gavial and the surface-dwellers are all interesting.

Word. Besides, not only are they kind, they're strong, too. Making friends with them sounds like a fine idea.

I think so, too! Besides, they've got a bigger 'Great Aquapit' in Acahualla! What could be better?

But let's calm down and think it through. This is going to affect the future of the whole Durin race.

I don't see anything wrong with that future though.