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Shh, quiet. There's a massive bugger tucked inside this cave. Don't scare her.

(Why did you take me here? This is so dangerous.)

(Dangerous? You're safe as houses with me, okay?)

(My professor used to say we should steer clear of wild animals as much as we can while working in the field.)

(Shut it. Who cares what your professor said? Watch carefully. It's coming out.)

Subtle stirrings emanate from the cave. Mulberry squints, trying to catch a closer look.

But after a long while, the stirrings abate, leaving the bushes in front of the opening to rustle in the wind, swaying and shuffling as they do.

Just as she's about to lose patience and tell her companion that they should head back to camp, a wild beast emerges from the cave without fanfare.

Its flesh is rugged, its hide sleek, and with a yawn it bares its coarse tusks for all to see, easily capable of mauling the throats of its prey.

(That—That's a big one...)

(I-I'm getting scared now, Blacknight, we—we should... head back.)

(Relax, she won't notice us from this distance. Besides, getting up now would just draw her attention here.)

(B-But I...)

(Hold tight, just a little longer.)

The sheer fearsomeness of the beast makes Mulberry involuntarily bury her face halfway into her arms, leaving only a pair of eyes peeking out, furtively taking in the sight of it sniffing about its cave's entrance.

Seemingly assured no danger lurks nearby, it settles down and lets out a rumbling howl, as if calling for something.

Sure enough, a beastling soon waddles out from the cave, its gait unsteady.

After just a few steps, it tumbles heavily—perhaps the mud is too slick—and knocks its head on the senior beast's hind legs.

The beast isn't the least bit perturbed, simply craning its head around and lapping at the beastling's head, encouraging it to get up again.

(Go on. You can do it, little one.)

(Wow, wooow, he did it!)

(He—He's so cute.)

(I was looking for food around here a while back and found her pregnant. By my count, I figured the baby'd be born by now.)

(That's so sweet. He'll have nothing to fear with his mom by his side.)

(Look. They're about to go.)

(Go where?)

(They need to stuff themselves while it's still autumn, so they can make it through the freezing winter okay.)

Alright, enough gawking, they're out of sight now. About time we headed back too.

I've never seen anything like that before, never ever. Oh, no, I did see a documentary once, but it's not like that counts.

I've never seen something so stunning with my own eyes.

Stunning? It's the most normal thing there is.

You must've seen sights this wonderful all the time where you used to live. Otherwise you wouldn't say that.

...You're right. Saw it all over.

Remember to write it down.

Eh? Write what down?

Remember to put it in the report we're sending back to the landship. It's a very special kind of experience. It deserves a mention.

...Got it. Will do.

And don't put it off until the very last day, either.

Alright, alright, get a move on. Let's go pick the rest of those fruits. Bet everyone at camp'll want to try some.

I think that must be what angered her. It's my fault for not reading the room, for spoiling the mood like that. I'm sure all the paperwork and regulations go completely against her style.

*sigh* What now, Doctor? Blacknight's already gone, and I only realized after the fact. I didn't even get the chance to apologize.

Don't worry, it's not your fault.;Don't regret not saying sorry. Regret not saying goodbye.

Regardless, it's too late now.

Huh?!

What're you two muttering about in here? Hey, Doctor, has my application gone through? It's been days already. Why haven't I heard a peep?

We're in the middle of discussing it.;You should've knocked first.

Hmph. You act like you're my nan.

Blacknight, oh... I thought you'd left, I-I was wondering how I never even got to say goodbye...

What? Don't you lot have a rule about submitting a report and waiting for approval before leaving?

...Um, I thought you were fed up with all the rules?

Eh, I've spent enough time here to work out why you have 'em. I don't <i>like</i> them, but I can adapt.

Besides... I've got friends here. Can't just vanish without a word.

At least tell us why you're leaving.;Why aren't you a fan of this place?

That's right! If there's anything bothering you, you're absolutely free to mention it, and we'll help you sort it out.

It's not the place, that's not the issue.

If not the place, then... the people here? Y-You don't want to stay because you're s-sick of me, aren't you...

Never even crossed my mind.

You don't hate me?

You kidding? You're amazing. Responsible, professional, you name it. Would've left ages ago if you didn't need my help.

I did?

Yeah. You remember that day, right?

Oh, Blacknight. What brings you here? Are you feeling unwell?

No, sorry, 'scuse me. Is Mulberry in?

She is. Are you... waiting for her?

I heard she finished her mission and came back yesterday, but I still haven't seen her yet. Something wrong? She hurt?

Oh, not at all.

So what's she been up to?

We brought back more patients than expected for this rescue mission. Medical's been all hands on deck, so we've temporarily transferred Mulberry here for urgent treatment of our less critical patients.

How's that fair? She just got back from a field mission.

She insisted. She was originally meant to be coming back the next day, anyway.

Whoof...

So you're worried about her?

Why do you look so surprised about that?

No, it's just that she's always so gloomy whenever she brings you up. She seems to think you don't like being around her.

Hey, I never said that.

That's good, then. We're all hoping you'll be able to help her out more.

Help her out? With what?

You can totally trust her on the professional front, but she's still young, and doesn't have much experience with wasteland survival. But now that she has you, you can teach her as you go.

So is she done with work right now?

She should've been done forever ago...

*pant*... *pant*... sir, you're wounded... please stay still...

Oh, gosh. She's just fallen asleep up against the clothes locker. The exhaustion must've gotten to her.

What's she nattering about? She can't even sleep easy...

Helmet.

Mreep!

Put her under properly.

Shrrp—

(Lets out a long, slow breath.)

Say, mind if I lend a hand here? I'll carry her on my back. Won't do her any good sleeping here.

Oh, uhh, okay.

Seriously, you give me nothing but trouble.

So you're the one who brought me back to the dorms that day.

Who else? It's thanks to Helmet you slept so sound that night, y'know.

I had it all wrong...

r

You just love overthinking things.

I bet it took more than just overthinking.;It's your fault too, for not being clearer.

Sorry, I'd never gotten to know any girls like you before.

Didn't mean to make you worry.

It's okay, we—we sorted out the misunderstanding, so, um, please stay! I've learned so much here, and I'm sure I can help you keep your illness under control.