broca

Aosta, are we really joining this Rhodes Island organization?

That's right, Broca. I think it's our best option.

There's   other places we could go.

I know you aren't a fan of this idea, Broca, but, honestly, this is our best option.

Oh, don't give me that look  , Broca.

If things don't go our way, all we gotta do is split.

Hah... I don't think it's that simple, but he has a point.

So how about it, Broca? Are you on board?

...I'll give it a try.

You're finally awake.

Where are we...?

The forest. Our team was attacked by a pack of beasts, and the two of us fell off the cliff. Remember now?

Yeah.

Hmph, you're not very cute, are you?

Well, I still gotta thank you. If it wasn't for you, I might've   died there on the spot.

Don't mention it.

Aghhhhhhhh! Fine, okay! I'm sorry I picked that bone with you yesterday. I shouldn't have said that.

I'm a little testy  , you see. I don't like it when I hear someone badmouthing Rhodes Island.

But you're new here. It's not your fault you don't know what we're like just yet. Yato really tore me a new one last night. Don't take it personally, okay?

No, I was at fault myself.

Eh, c'mon. I did you wrong, and I'll own up to that.

Anyway, let's put it behind us. That fine with you?

Alright.

Well, that's a weight off my shoulders. It's been bothering me all day.

Where's everyone else?

No idea. With their skills, I'm sure they can hold their own.

We should look for them, then... Ugh.

Hold up, bro. You shouldn't move around yet, what with how hurt you are.

'Bro?'

Oh, that's just what I call everyone. It's more intimate. You don't have a problem with that, do you?

Call me whatever you want.

Alright, that settles it. Let's rest up here for the time being. We'll get moving once you heal up a bit.

But...

Eh, don't worry. Yato's there with them. She's one of the most experienced operators we have. Nothing's gonna happen to them. Let's take care of ourselves.

Fine.

Well, you lie down here a bit more. I'll take a look around.

Alright.

You know how loyal I am! Why are you abandoning me, Boss?!

It's because you're loyal  , Broca.

All that loyalty, isn't it natural you'd die for me?

Yo, bro. Broca. I'm back.

I took a stroll around. This forest is huge. We gotta be a bit more careful.

My wound's starting to get better. Let's move.

You sure you don't want to rest a little more?

I'm good.

Right on, let's get moving, then. I have a decent idea of which way we came from.

Hey, bro, I've been wondering. What's with that saw on the back of your drill?

I don't see you using it much when you fight.

I use this when I do retrofitting work. It's for sawing wood, among other things.

Sawing wood? So you used to be a lumberjack or something?

No, I wasn't. I just like crafting sometimes.

Heh, I didn't expect you to be the crafty kind.

It's nothing that amazing.

Well, bro, I just noticed there's one more thing I'm wrong about you. When we left for this mission, I thought you were the type to keep to himself. I didn't know you could be so talkative.

You should talk more. Try to express yourself if you don't want people to get the wrong idea. I mean, yesterday was the perfect example.

I actually mean it, though.

You mean you don't trust Rhodes Island?

Man, that's what I was talking about. You just got here, makes sense that you'd be a little iffy on the place.

Really, though, hear me out on this one. You really shouldn't talk like that. The first thing you said was 'I don't trust Rhodes Island.' What kind of impression do you think that gives the rest of us?

I don't...

Eh, stop right there, bro. I'm not trying to say you're hurting anyone's feelings or to tell you to shape up or anything. It's just, well, how should I say   this...?

You see, I used to be a mercenary, and I've worked for organizations before, too. When I first got here, it was purely transactional. I was just here to make a living.

They treat us well, and the food's not bad, but that's about it. If you'd asked me back then, I probably would've told you I don't believe in that good, charitable company bull crap.

I mean, all the big companies are basically the same. You feel the same way too, no?

Sure.

But anyway, I've been here for a while, and I can tell. Rhodes Island is different. This is something you need to learn yourself. Ain't nobody can teach you that.

And yes, I trust Amiya, I trust the Doctor, and I trust Dr. Kal'tsit. They all won   me over.

I didn't snap because the way you were talking bugged me. I snapped because what you said was wrong. You know what I mean?

I'm not sure...

Eh, it's all good. I'm not telling you to figure it all out right now. What I'm trying to say is Rhodes Island isn't quite like what you think it is. You should try to trust in us a little more.

I don't remember helping out the village being part of our mission.

Huh? Oh, that? It's actually the Captain's call. If he thinks we can manage it, in most cases, we try to do something to help the locals out.

Why bring that up all of a sudden?

No reason...

Come on... Wait, bro.

What's wrong?

Look.

Before the duo realize what has happened, the beasts that attacked the squad have already surrounded them.

Looks like we got   company.

I can still fight...

Don't. You haven't healed up yet. I'll create an opening for you. Run away when you get the chance.

I can't leave you behind.

Hey, bro, you know why I apologized to you in the first place?

I wouldn't apologize even if Yato lectured me the whole night, but you shielded me when we got ambushed. That's when I knew you were a good guy.

Someone like you will come to like Rhodes Island.

Anyway, I owe you this one.

No.

Eh, bro, don't be so stubborn.

Relax. This is nothing. I ain't gonna die.

Broca simply stands there and lifts his weapon as though he didn't hear the operator's plea.

Eh, you really ain't cute at all.

I can let it slide though.

Alright, then. Stay close to me, bro. I got your back, and you got mine. We'll bust through these jackasses and make it out of here, together!

Alright.

Just before the two of them could attack, a yelp can be heard from amongst the beasts.

Huh? Is that...?

Are you two okay?!

Oh, there you are! We're fine!

Hey, Broca, you don't look so good. Hurry. Sit down and let me take a look.

I'm fine.