absin

Gavno! We'd finally got a signal...!

If we got a signal, that means there are others nearby.

Let me take the communicator inside the cave. I might get a better signal where the light is shining through from above.

The cave... Let's go together.

But what about your injury?

I told you. I'm fine.

Given the circumstances, we should stick together.

Let's go.

Let me help you. It'll be easier on your leg...

I'm good.

Absinthe lightly shakes her head and avoids the hand reaching out to her.

The girl before her is strong enough to lift a massive siege weapon. Of course she could help a lightly injured Absinthe up.

Accepting her help to move forward would be the most reasonable choice right now. However, for some reason, Absinthe is unwilling to take it.

I said I'm good.

Hm, alright.

Now then, let's go.

This way...

I found this place when I was following the edge to see if I could find a path out.

Look, a stone block that's just the right size for standing on. It'll get us a little closer to the source, although there's still some distance from the top.

In any case, wait here for a moment. I'll simply climb up—

Be careful—

—Right! Please hand me the communicator.

Do you remember the coordinates?

Certainly, very clearly.

But... Hm? How do I turn this on? It looks somewhat different from the ones I've used before.

Oops... I modded that one myself.

The channel's tuned. Press the rectangular button on the bottom to turn it on.

Hello?

—*buzz*—

I can hear something! Does that mean I've got a signal?

There is definitely a signal. Now give your report like I taught you.

A—Alright.

This is Rhodes Island Operator Absinthe and Operator Rosa. We got separated from our team during a Catastrophe evacuation in the Ursine borderlands and fell into a sinkhole...

Our last position is 61.700.20.450.

Repeat, our last position—

Hello?

Do you read me? This is—

—Catastrophe Messenger—Hello?

If you can hear them, say yes, and repeat the coordinates.

Yes, we can hear you! This is Rhodes Island Operators Absinthe and Rosa. We need assistance. Our last known position is 61.700.20.450!

—Roger—

Stay where—

—Wait—

I... Sorry, I couldn't hear what he said in the end.

It's okay.

As long as you gave them the coordinates, you're halfway there.

We should head back to where we were. It's more structurally sound there. The two aftershocks didn't damage it much. It'll be safer for us to wait for rescue.

The transmission got cut off again. The Catastrophe likely hasn't passed.

The most important thing right now is to make sure we're safe until the rescue team gets here.

Judging by the time, they should be here soon. I left a marker where we first stopped.

Do you see a red cloth?

I don't, but I have two light sticks here. Let's light them up.

Give me one.

What's wrong?

No, we'll save it for later. We don't know when exactly the rescue will get here. Let's not use up our resources before then.

And I remember it should be around here...

What...?

—Aftershock! Gavno!

Absinthe, you—

Stay there! Get down, and put your hands on the back of your head!

Do it!

Ugh...

*cough*!

The damage isn't serious, but...

It blocked off the light source. The pipes and beams probably didn't get damaged any—

Natalya?

Natalya, what's wrong? Can you hear me?

The only response she gets is the settling dust and the sound of someone's slowly intensifying breathing.

*huff*...

*whimper*...

Hey, I can hear you. Here, give me your hand.

Oh, you're holding a light stick. That's good.

You...

In the faint glow, Absinthe sees the other girl still bracing herself, curled up not too far away.

There is some rubble and dust on her back, but she is apparently unwounded.

The wailing just now could not have been her.

...Right?

Ugh... Ahhh...!

Natalya!

Wow, you're shaking a lot. Where are you hurt?

I can help you—ugh—the rescuers will be here soon. Hang in there!

—Kill me—

Just kill me!

What?

Does it... does it hurt that bad? Why would you say that?

No...

Please... I beg you... help me...

I need to know where you're hurt to help you, but you keep avoiding me. I can't—

I... I...

*whimper*...

Natalya.

Absinthe grabs and holds the girl curled up on the ground. Finally, the girl lets go of her head and raises it to stare up into the darkness.

What is going on with her? A large number of questions are bombarding Absinthe's brain.

What's...

...wrong?

*sob*...

I... No... No—

Please... I beg you... Don't leave me here...

No...

I won't leave you behind. Ever.