Глава 15

...I never thought I would be the one who didn't want to let go.

<color=#888888>Kal'tsit</color>

Protect the Doctor, Amiya.

<color=#888888>Amiya</color>

Mhm.

Pink threads rise from her staff. The Black Crown appears above her head.

<color=#888888>Raidian</color>

Electromagnetic communications established.

You hear Mantra's voice in your mind—

<color=#888888>Mantra</color>

If you need any help, just give a thought. We're here.

<color=#888888>Stormeye</color>

How about you cover my flank, Sharp?

<color=#888888>Sharp</color>

Then make sure you hold your bow tight.

I am sure that the connection between us will transcend even time and space, Dr. {@nickname}.

I am sure we will meet again. At the far end of our civilization, once adorned by darkness and the brilliance of the stars up above, we will meet once again.

I will wait for that day.

<color=#888888>Blaze</color>

Give a holler if you need help, kitten!

<color=#888888>Rosmontis</color>

Heh.

<color=#888888>Pith</color>

Our Arts are being suppressed by the environment, but the Originium Arc seems to work.

<color=#888888>Touch</color>

Strike with boldness.

<color=#888888>Misery</color>

I can go in first to check things out—

No, I have a feeling...

There is no danger here.

<color=#888888>Kal'tsit</color>

But that makes me even more worried.

I'm going in. Follow me.

<color=#888888>Amiya</color>

I'll go with you.

<color=#888888>Mon3tr</color>

(Firm growl)

<color=#888888>Kal'tsit</color>

Get ready, folks. The fate of Rhodes Island is in our hands.

We're together.

You step into the space within the rift.

<color=#000000>I will wait until that day comes. I promise you I will. Wait for me.</color>

<color=#000000> You must wait for me too.</color>

The connection between us will transcend even time and space. I am sure of it.

Even if the ocean completely boils away and the atmosphere vanishes, even if all the moons in the sky are pulled into the vortex of our planet's gravity, and even if the sun continues to mercilessly expand, eventually swallowing up all its children until none can be heard...

I am sure we will meet again. At the far end of our civilization, once adorned by darkness and the brilliance of the stars up above, we will meet once again.

I will wait until that day comes. I promise you I will. Wait for me. You must wait for me too.

...Don't ever forget about me.

Is it time...?

I should still be alive. This can't be an illusion.

This is the Rhodes Island I'm familiar with, and it seems to be operating as usual. Therefore, <i>It</i> is definitely not here yet.

Is she still asleep? What of Originium's current state...?

And as for the changes happening to this planet...

You're still here, AMa-10.

Perfect... Let's go for a walk outside.

From a distance away, a black-haired woman dressed in a white coat stands on the deck, concentrating her gaze at the sky.

Until she notices the two of you and turns around, a bright smile on her face.

You are absolutely certain you have seen this face before.

Perhaps in a dream within dreams, or in the depths of your dormant memories.

But this moment is no dream.

You can clearly perceive her presence and existence right before you with each of your senses.

Priestess...

Doctor, this woman... is the Priestess you talked about?

The enemy Dr. Kal'tsit has been guarding against...?

Amiya does not understand the danger she faces, but still she stands in front of you instinctively, ready to engage in combat.

You are unable to determine how exactly the current situation will unfold, but know very well this is not at all like any powerful foe or crisis you have faced before.

The woman seems to show no hostility, but still your instinct tells you—unfathomable danger lies right before your eyes.

Gently, she begins to speak.

You're a step ahead of me, {@nickname}.

You didn't wait for me in the awakening room, to share a mutual joy in seeing this new world for the first time.

But how could I possibly blame you for a little impatience?

You also feel her pure, sincere gaze.

From the distance wind blows and thunder rolls, along with the faint rustling of Originium spreading.

Within the clamor and chaos of this space, she fixes her eyes on you as if nothing else exists.

This reunion is not what I expected, but I'm willing to accept an unorthodox experience.

We've dreamed together too many times to count, how we would meet again when we awoke from our deep sleep.

We could wander freely on this planet completely covered by Originium, in a world that belonged only to us.

A world only one step away from our shared, ultimate vision, and we'd walk towards our new hope...

It ought to be a bright, sunny day too.

Doctor, look! The clouds in the sky—

Amiya hurriedly shouts a warning at you when she notices the sky's unnatural appearance.

But you fail to comprehend just what your eyes are currently seeing.

As soon as Priestess finishes speaking, thick Catastrophe clouds begin to contract and fold in a neat yet strange manner until they vanish completely, leaving a canvas-like sky.

Catastrophes, the most horrific disasters to happen to this land—gone, just like that.

You realize a terrible truth.

You can fully <i>control</i> Originium...?

We created it together. A crystallization that belongs to only the two of us, a seed of hope.

But tragically... you don't remember anymore, do you?

We... created Originium?;I don't remember...

I know you lost part of your memories in a series of unfortunate accidents.

It's a pity, but I believe your partial memory loss will not change your nature, and the connection between us remains unshakable.

I've no wish to be harsh on you, but I hope you can understand—time is short, and we have much to do.

Though, we can still enjoy our time working together, yes?

Return to my side, Dr. {@nickname}...

<color=#000000>Let Terra crystallize into Originium.</color>

<color=#000000> Create a bridge to the future.</color>

The gentle call seems to ring suddenly in your ears, and you feel incomparably close to the voice.

You are certain you cannot recall a single shred of her in your mind, yet your connection goes beyond memories, or perhaps information contained in language.

An almost instinctive reaction.

You cannot help but take a step forward.