act45side

That was—

...I won't let Mujica disband.

Where'd you get that from? I didn't say anything about disbanding.

A member leaving is the same as us disbanding. And it's a betrayal of our fans' support.

And what I'm saying is, we've already betrayed it just now. Besides, you talk a big show for someone too damn busy to show up to practice, don't you?

That's just irresponsible, isn't it?

How could you...!

If we're dealing in <i>responsibility</i> here, then I'd like to say you're the one who needs more practice, Yūtenji-san!

I've never felt Yūtenji-san to be lacking in practice. Togawa-san, aren't you the one not paying attention to your band members here?

Uika increases her pace to catch up with the other members who have gone ahead, but Sakiko lags dazedly behind the crowd.

She stares blankly at the flashing signal. Her legs feel as though they've been filled with lead. She can't put a single step forward.

Hey! What are you standing there for?

Did you leave something behind?

'You still don't trust me?!'

...Saki. The light's turning red.

'Saki, the Budokan, is it okay?'

Saki-chan?

'You should go back, Saki-chan. Better you never saw me again...'

We're not gonna wait for you if you don't keep up!

'...Disgusting.'

The traffic signal beeps its urgent warning. Sakiko tries to follow, but the light has turned red.

Car after car flies past. Sakiko lifts the wind-frayed tips of her hair. The traffic light highlights her face in silhouette.

Something falls into her palm.

Is this... rain?

Raindrops plummet from the sky, faster, heavier.

A torrent of memories comes rushing back—

The sound around her amplifies. The noise of the crowd and the horns of cars batter her eardrums.

Rain soaks into her clothes, becoming one with her tears.

Her sorrow and helplessness cannot be told, yet the way she cries towards the sky tells all.

Melancholy and despair sweep over her, and her vision grows blurry along with the memories.

Clank, clunk.

Sakiko? Sakiko!

Mm... hmm?

Time to get up, sleepyhead! It's a beautiful day.

M... Miss Vigna? Am I dreaming...?

Nope.

Excuse me, don't pinch my face!

I'm not pinching that hard. Just doing the check for you.

(Pinches own face) See? Not that bad.

You're not the one getting face-pinched without warning first thing in the morning!

Alright, alright, I'll lay off. Go get yourself ready; I'll wait for you outside.

She presses her ear against the cool wall. The whir of the mobility layer transmits through the structure of the landship.

Clank, clunk.

So that was the sound of the mobility layer...

What was that strange scene... and those people?

So let me get this straight—you dreamt about a group of people you never met?

...Correct. The surroundings were completely unfamiliar too.

Unfamiliar vehicles, unfamiliar buildings, unfamiliar clothing...

Could it be a movie?

Oh, sometimes I watch documentaries before I go to bed, and then I dream about being in those places...

But I haven't experienced anything close to this before...

Maybe you're just tired?

Whislash was telling me how you always train until way late. Apparently you don't even stop until she tells you to.

And I think I saw your name on the Engineering Department's volunteers list...

You're still pretty new here. You've got plenty of time and plenty of chances to adjust.

Maybe take a little vacation if you're feeling tired? Give yourself a break.

I'm fine, I can deal with it...

M-Miss Sakiko! A hand, please!

The Medical Department just got a bunch of patients that we need to arrange accommodations for...

That's not meant to be Sakiko's job, is it?

Besides, isn't this a little complicated for a rookie to handle?

S-Sorry, but the person in charge wanted Miss Sakiko specifically...

Where are we going? Show me the way.

Huh?

I've helped them out before. I'm well-acquainted with the entire workflow.

If they're short of hands, I will most certainly lend mine.

Hey...

Vigna, I'll see you at the usual place!

Wait, hold—!

Jeez. I don't remember her learning any of that...

Fifty-three, fifty-four, fifty-five... fifty-six...

Almost done with the stuff on this shelf. It's good to go once it's packed.

Mrngh... It's been an hour. Where's Sakiko?

There you are, Sakiko!

I duly apologize, I ended up spending more time on the patients than anticipated...

No big. Y'know... you've only been on Rhodes a few months, right? 'Cause it feels to me like you've been a part of the place forever.

Really? It does?

Everyone's like yeah, leave it to Sakiko, she'll do a good job. People are counting on you without realizing it.

Heck, even I am. I have to keep reminding myself you're a rookie, and I can't put too much on your plate.

I saw you sign up for the music club, but you've never gotten to attend any of our meetings...

Vigna, it's alright.

I joined Rhodes Island because I wanted to help people fight Oripathy.

Oripathy... If I recall, that's how your mom died, isn't it?

...Yes.

Before she did, I was under the naive belief that I could live my days without worry or care.

...But Terra put the lie to that beauty.

I watched Mother struggle against her illness until it finally took her. I've seen so much since joining Rhodes Island...

Sufferings plague these lands as we speak, and I still have to learn.

Yeah, I think I understand where you're coming from...

Are you done on your side, Vigna?

The caravan's ready. We're just waiting on you and your batch of the supplies.

Oh, shoot! I'm on it!

What are you packaging these supplies for? An emergency shipment?

There's a town nearby that needs food and medicine urgently. The route's not safe. Need us to escort.

I'll come with you. There must be something I can help with.

No, you...

Alright, alright...

Iris. There's no need to be so nervous, and certainly no need to blame yourself.

...I should have noticed earlier.

Even the best of us let things slip through the cracks. Besides, you only correspond through letters. It's natural you wouldn't notice.