act22side

Yet the fact is, you're so afraid, you even fear your own power, unable to do anything but let others control it.

That's why... they're all disappointed in you. Why you've disappointed even your sister.

...No. You're wrong. You speak of nothing but the past.

I am here now. I have held others' hands in mine.

I cannot say it was me that pulled them to their feet, but if they want to walk forward, then my fire will clear the path for them. Even if they lead me with them as they go.

If... If she could see all this, I know she wouldn't be disappointed.

You... found your companions by mere chance.

In front of them, you act like the capable fighter, the orator who brings all under your banner... You pretend to have your own power.

But in reality, you are simply mimicking her.

You are nothing, can be nothing, but her shadow. She sees any method through to its extreme, while in the face of her, you are far too hesitant and weak.

The officers that set light to the Taran districts spring to her mind. They were boisterous in ridiculing the Tarans for their arrogance, for their protesting against injustice in Oak Grove even though they could barely read and write.

She knows. This is the very thing her sister told their teacher, that this was bound to happen.

The Victorians lit the flame of hatred by their own hands. This great fire will burn, until all is reduced to nothing.

Don't blink, her sister told her. Witness clearly for yourself how our lives are destroyed again and again.

Amidst the sea of charred corpses, the Draco who controls the fires of death lifts her hand to cast.

A purple, ice-cold blaze immediately consumes the flames that had scorched the dead.

That deathly blaze never was a true life-taker. She simply permits they climb from the ashes, to take revenge against those who destroyed their homeland.

...I have no regrets.

I had always once thought she was in the right.

'We will throw ourselves into the fire, give even our own lives as fuel, to build the Tarans' ideal nation in the end...'

So I always spoke, by her side.

But once the fuel has burned away... will there be anyone left in her nation?

I've hesitated, rethought, run away...

I do not regret it.

My flight took me here. I've met people, seen things, she's never seen. The things I want to say cannot be what she does.

So I will not be afraid of the thought of her again.

I will never... be trapped within my own shadow!

But as you recognized this palace, were you not fearing?

I imagine you'd never be able to tell your 'companions' where you are bound, but the answer has long been readied in your heart.

If you won't become me, then how will you find your own place within Dublinn's dreams?

—Loughshinny... what do you want?

And in Reed's mind are the dead who walk to them in the great fire.

...Stop.

Battered, bruised, scarred beyond recognition, yet with their thirst burning bright in their eyes.

Their revenge against the Victorian officers fulfilled, now walking to those who lit their flames.

Walk no longer...

You are owed... your rest!

—By the time she reacts, those closest to her have fallen before her, the vacant sockets of their eyes all focused on her.

In the fierce flash of her firelight, the deathly flames are extinguished.

...I'm sorry, Sister. I'm sorry...

I—did not mean to ruin your Arts...

—You've done well, Loughshinny.

She lifts her head in fear.

For the very first time, her sister is smiling on her in commendation.

Truly, very well. Your firelight is such a dazzling one.

I always wondered. What it would take, for you to show your true strength? For you to draw the attentions of all?

Display to me your talent once again. Let me see that you truly can drive back my flames.

Will you defeat me, my beloved sister?