Глава 7

Or, you've just gone mad. That's a whole different matter.

What exactly do you know?

There's no place for you to cut in here, friend. When I finish with her, it'll be time for the two of us to have a nice, long chat.

There's no point taking things out on you. Either you have amnesia, or you're just pretending to have amnesia...

But this woman next to you is totally out of her mind.

I want to know—

Back then, there was only one person who entered the Speaker's Office and knew Theresa's whereabouts. Kal'tsit, you know what that means, don't you?

Of course. I know it better than you do.

Those were your words!

So what's the deal? What are you doing now?

Oh, I get it. You're trying to make another exchange. Tit-for-tat.

But it's Theresa on the other end!

Those who don't know the truth shouldn't let conjecture affect their emotions, W.

I have just a single conjecture: You aren't human. Like I said before, if you'll bargain Theresa's death with a murderer... you're just a monster.

You're not human, Kal'tsit.

I need to know the truth. And before I do, that thing next to you is a murderer; and I'll never show mercy to a murderer.

Ahh, I get it now.

You're bursting with motherly love, huh.

W, you said before...

'We're the same type of person.'

I don't know where you heard that before, you should pretend you never did. You and I are not the same type of creature at all.

No, W. We are, to some extent.

For example, you also want to put an end to Talulah's atrocities, correct?

...That's true. She's really pissed me off.

So, I need to get my merc back from her. That piece of shit only knows how to squander her people. Such a spendthrift. I'm worried she'll blow all our savings and leave me penniless.

Right, so let's deal with the Reunion problem first.

Sure. I got my targets. Wanna hear?

First is Talulah, that disgusting dragon lady upstairs.

Next is Theresis, the one that makes you want to sneeze as soon as you see him.

Those are some long-term plans.

After that, the third I thing I want to kill is standing right next to you: Dr. {@nickname}.

You're only third on the list?

I'm only in third place?

Hah. That's because I have something to ask you first, Dr. {@nickname}.

I got some some long, thorough explanations to pull out of you...

At this stage, we have a common goal.

By the way, because of what you did to our employees in Chernobog...

First, thanks for saving the lives of Dr. {@nickname} and the rescue team with your deal. Your 'deal' cost us thirteen of our operators.

Balancing these two things, I'm willing to give you a lift, for old time's sake. I'll take you to the command tower.

Kal'tsit... You really know how to gross a girl out.

I've always found you disgusting. I'll have to rearrange your face a little first, see which one of us comes out on top...

Mon3tr.

(Howls)

You bitch!

Mon3tr just grabbed her... and tossed her out like a ragdoll?

I don't have time to play with her.

Mon3tr, blast through the ventilation pipes, the walls, and the base's outer and middle protective layers along with her.

You old hag!! N-n-n-n-next time, I swear I'm giving you a slow and painful d————

I'm looking forward to it.

I'm surprised you let her finish her first sentence.

Not like you can understand it.

Why don't you explain it to me then?

It's not time yet.

When you see for yourself, you should understand.

Secrets are like wellsprings. Sometimes they will flow out, whether you want them to or not.

What a strange device.

Where are you taking me?

Will you fill the holes in my body, or mend my scars?

Will you let me forget everything, just like the other one did for me, before?

If I was to forget everything...

Do I want to forget?

I want...

Can I make that choice?

Core City

...What's going on? Dark clouds? It's snowing?

But, it's also covered the sun for me. This'll make my next step a lot easier.

Ugh... I can't afford to take any more hits.

Tch... Are you scared of shedding a little blood, Ch'en Hui-chieh? What happened to your determination?

There seems to be infighting among Reunion's ranks. This is the best time for me to move.

Are my hands trembling because I'm finally going to see you again?

...I must do what is right.

It doesn't matter what you are now, whether or not you're the same Talulah I knew.

Talulah... we have a date.

The snow sure is coming down hard...

Just like... that one Christmas.

You've never spoken to me about that.

Hm.

But you already know.

Me knowing and you telling me are two separate things.

Princess, let's not embarrass Missy over here.

Madame Oni.

...Let's drop that title, Princess.

Madame Oni, the Lin family will never forget all you've done.

But right now, I don't know if there will be an opportunity to reward you for it.

What are you talking about? Of course you can.

She... I know she'll succeed.

Ah Ch'en...

Ugh...

Look at you, where'd all your willpower go?

Ah, what are you gonna do? Missy has always been like that.

Now now, Missy, there's no need to cry.

You... Stop treating me like a child...

Don't worry. Everything is going to be fine.

But... this is the last time we'll see each other. I'm not ready yet... What if... I never see that smelly dragon again?

That won't happen, Missy.

There's this phrase that I really like. Mm, it goes like this: 'We'll meet again someday, somewhere.'

...Yes. And when we look back at each other again, we will ask about our lives.

...Why?

What's going on? Where are these tears coming from?

It's as if... someone just told me about a death.