franka

I know why you want to spar all of a sudden.

So we'll spar to your heart's content today.

Aren't you getting a little carried away, Teacher's Pet?

I mean exactly what I said.

Sword and shield meet with a loud clang.

I also saw a few friends that I've kept in touch with since my trainee days.

Many of them are willing to come with me.

So you went back for a class reunion?

Not exactly, we just had a few chats.

They all asked about you.

Me?

You always call me 'honor student' or 'teacher's pet,' but you were the one who was always at the top of the class.

Being an honor student isn't exactly a good thing for a warrior.

I disliked you from the moment I laid eyes on you.

I know.

I remember the first time we faced off in a simulation.

What did I say?

You said, 'Let's see if the teacher's pet is so perfect in a real fight.'

That's when it all started.

You sure can hold a grudge.

You could always stop calling me that.

No way.

They know each other's moves well. The sound of weapons clanging against one another fills the room.

I mean, why would someone who's neither a wannabe warlord nor an arms dealer become a mercenary?

I still wonder that.

I don't need to hear that from someone who says she became one for the thrill of it.

Looks like our teacher's pet has learned a retort or two.

I learned from the best.

I saw the letter when I stepped into the room.

You haven't been back for years.

I don't know what to say when I see her.

I thought you got along well enough with your mother.

More than well enough. I love her, and she loves me.

She encouraged me to do what I wanted, and never forced me to do anything I didn't.

She spoiled me into the woman I am today.

I can see that.

There are a lot of mercenaries like me, at least in terms of personality.

But very few like you, who seek out danger rather than avoid it.

It took me a long time to realize why.

You could do that because you can afford to live a carefree life.

Yeah, you should see the pictures of me from when I was little.

Not to gloat, but you've never seen a more pampered princess.

Er, thanks, but no thanks.

Well, I'm not sure I have any of those around anyway.

I'm sure Mom kept them, though.

But the more I enjoy what I have now, the more afraid I am of seeing her.

I shouldn't have left her.

I should have stayed with her, started a little shop. All I needed was enough income to make a living.

But I couldn't resist my longing for... all this.

Franka points at her sword, then turns around to look at the spacious training ground.

She was worried about me when I was a freelance mercenary.

So she sent me off to Blacksteel training camp with a smile.

But I know she cried as soon as I was out of sight.

Are you afraid you won't be able to leave once you go see her?

I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to stop myself from arguing with her.

Even though we love each other so much.

...I thought you were just in a bad mood.

Apparently you're in a <i>very</i> bad mood.

All these years, and I've never heard you talk so much.

Yeah, our thing was always you talk, and I laugh at you.

Your condition isn't getting worse, is it?

Don't worry, I'm fine.

It's not any better, but it's not worse either.

I've gotten used to touching the hard bits when I take a shower.

Maybe I've gone crazy though. Who knows?

Not everyone needs a grand dream or ideal.

Feeling myself grow in battle, playing pranks on the people around me—

That's enough for me.

From Blacksteel to Rhodes Island, I think I've been more happy than not.

And I thought I could go on like this.

Until you and Jessica both made your choices.

Then I realized I really, really couldn't.

So I had to ask myself—

Where do I go from here?

Everything came so easily to you, Franka. Everyone admired you.

Myself included.

...Wait, really? You?

Yes, me.

The one who pulled me back on our first mission?

It didn't stop me from thinking you took way too many risks.

For a long time, I didn't quite understand why I partnered with you. But now I've started to.

I could never tell what you were thinking, but I always wanted to know...

What kind of outlook on life did someone like you have, someone who is so different from me?

Maybe I instinctively realized that I could learn a lot from you.

I don't remember you learning <i>anything</i> from me.

I've learned plenty. Combat skills, witty retorts... maybe a positive mindset?

Or maybe it would be more accurate to say you forced me to pick them up on my own, to keep up with you.

Take that mission you went on with Laura...

You're Franka.

You might look like you need someone to back you up, but you really don't.

All you needed was someone to give you a little push.

Are you... breaking up with me?

I just wanted you to let you know—

You don't need to worry about me.

Well, you've definitely learned how to get on my nerves, at least.

I learned from the best.

The Thermite Blade pops out of her hand, drawing a dangerous arc as it flies through the air, while the Flash Shield slips from the Vouivre's hand and falls to the ground.

A draw, as usual.

But Franka did not pick up her weapon while making fun of Liskarm, as she normally did.

She simply stands there, lost in thought.