quartz

Ivy, stick close behind me. Don't let the crowd sweep you away.

Just hold out a minute more. I'll treat your wounds the moment we're somewhere safe.

Ugh... piece of shit mayor. Lost his goddamn mind.

He saw how many there were in that store, and set fire to it anyway. He doesn't even give a shit who lives or dies.

I can tell why you've always made him out to be such a bastard.

Yeah, it's a whole house of bastards. Him and his mercenary goons.

We all usually try to stay away from them, but <i>somehow</i> they still come calling.

This way. Less people around.

Hey, hey. Girlie. Hold it there. What's the rush?

Where's my allowance today? Huh? Got it on you?

Eesh, seriously, friend... you pick some amazing times to ask me for money.

The mayor's guys are coming this way. You sure you wanna be sitting there?

When you ain't got nothing, you ain't got nothing to lose.

And that goes for the two of you, too. Whatcha so afraid of, scramming like hell?

You guys didn't start jack shit. So what's gotcha running out so far? Huh?

Let's move, Ivy.

*huff*—Finally home.

Ivy, let me take a look at your wounds.

(Not deep, luckily. Quick ad-hoc treatment first, stop the bleeding.)

Anywhere else you're hurt, apart from the leg?

Mnn... I'm fine. Just catching my breath.

Freaking bastard... how can he exist?

I seriously hope someone teaches him a goddamn hard-ass lesson one day.

Hey, Dad! We're back!

I heard about the commotion. And then you two went missing at the exact same time... Had me stressed to high heaven.

And how'd you get hurt, what happened? The heck did you two get up to?

Mayor caught someone smuggling goods behind his back. Didn't just beat the tar out of them, set fire to their store too.

We were in there at the time, then Ivy hurt herself on accident as we ran out.

That mayor...

I warned you two not to head outdoors these days, didn't I? You gotta stay put at home.

I just... wanted to buy Quartz a present.

You know she's leaving soon.

No talking back, just answer me—did I, or did I not tell you to stay put at home?

Mrgh... yes, Dad, you did.

So, tell me, was what you just did wrong of you?

...Yes, it was.

Enough! Ivy's <i>hurt</i> and all you want to do is chastise her!

Come here, sweetie, and let me take a look at that injury.

Mom!

I'm okay, see! Besides, Quartz has been looking out for me the whole time.

Is that right? Be sure you thank her properly, then. But don't forget to listen to your pa, too.

Mm...

Thank you, Quartz.

I should be apologizing, really. It's my fault you went out in the first place.

I'm sorry, Uncle Pickett, for the trouble I've made.

*sigh*... Forget it. We're lucky you were by her side. Who knows what could've happened to her otherwise.

You know, you <i>are</i> leaving tomorrow, Quartz.

What's your favorite food? I'll make it for you tonight.

Quartz... can't you just stay? I don't want you to go...

Dad, couldn't we let Quartz stay at our place?

I know it's tomorrow, but just for even a day longer, please...?

If my father never left... if my mother never fell ill...

We would've been living our lives out together like this, as a family.

But I never got to make those memories, nor will I ever have the chance to make up for that.

It's not like you'll never see me again, Ives. I'll come visit.

Uncle Pickett, thank you for your hospitality these past few days.

I really should get going sooner than later, after bothering you for this long.

Hrmph. Don't thank me.

Fact of the matter is, I'm eager to get you out. Ivy's been sticking to you like glue, and I'm scared to find out what she's been learning.

I'm amazed your parents would approve of you heading out alone into wilds as dangerous as ours.

They, uh...

I imagine they would want to leave home and see the sights too, but... they've never had the chance.

I know my father wouldn't approve. You're just like him, you know, always going on about how dangerous it is out there. Though I suppose he wasn't wrong.

And you still went, knowing full well?

Let me tell you, the people here—one second they're with those Liberi evangelists, wailing and gnashing and flogging themselves for all their past sins.

But look away for one moment, and they'll cut your throat for a glass of beer, over a bet, for a single pet cystybeast.

And lately, bandits have been raiding supply cars and Pioneer Teams right outside of town.

Our own mayor's a monster, and it's not like old Vincent at the precinct'll do anything for you.

Anything could happen here, and at any time. And when it does, there won't be a soul to help you, you understand?

So if you're done with your business, I say you hurry back on home.

I remember how I used to listen to my father jabber on like this, time after time.

It's an... indescribably familiar tone.

Mm...

Enough. Couldn't tell you what time it is right now, but I know it's late.

It's nine. The store across the street closes every night around then, and I just heard them moving stuff out of there.

Huh? Oh...

Then get your belongings sorted pronto, and rest up. Meanwhile, I've got deliveries to run for that bastard... my rotten luck.

Stay safe tomorrow. Be home soon as you can.

Nine...

I guess I should be turning in about now. I always have.

I don't want to sleep.

But I don't know what else I feel like doing.

I don't know why, but everything that happened today is swirling through my brain like a tornado now.

Maybe I <i>should</i> do something or other.

*thud* *thud* *thud*!

(That's the sound of my father fixing the roof.)

That ought to do it. And that means your mom can get a good night's sleep.

Quartz! Quit it!

Pay attention. Watch very carefully how I do things.

You're going to have to do this stuff yourself someday, you know.

*thud* *thud* *thud*!

(That's the sound of thugs knocking at the door for repayment.)

Get the hell out! Who let you into OUR house?!

You know I'm going to pay back what I owe! But if you people DARE show up at our door like this again, I will NOT hesitate!

See that, Quartz?

It'll be your turn to protect your mom soon. So never, ever fear anybody.

I won't be here to shield you guys forever, and like hell anyone else will help you. You gotta handle all this on your own.

*thud*! *thud*! *thud*!

Shit! It's already so bright outside the window.

How did I wake up so late today? I shouldn't have, I shouldn't...