savage

Er, I—I'm not responsible for any of that at all...

But, I can promise you, Mister John's already out of mortal danger. He'll be able to receive visitors before long.

It's not the same... Once they're Infected, workers' fates are already sealed.

They're forced into even cheaper labor, sent to the exhausted mineshafts for all the most brutal, dangerous work, collecting remainders.

I'm sorry. When they arrived, most of the patients had already...

No, I should be the one apologizing here. I'm sorry, you've already done so much and then some... thank you, a million times.

Miss Savage, I... I understand your feelings.

Director Kal'tsit once instructed us that no matter how many wounds we heal, how much Oripathy we suppress...

Once you've become Infected, no matter how unreasonable it is, most of society has already turned against you.

That's right. Kal'tsit told you some...

Huh?

Who did you—just say your director was?

Kal'tsit. She's an example to all our Medic Operators at Rhodes Island.

Director... Kal'tsit...

Don't tell me...!

Who—Who's your leader? At Rhodes Island—What's the name of your leader at this Rhodes Island place?

She's, um...

Tell me. Please, I need to know.

She's called...

Our leader's, Rhodes Island's current leader's name is—

'Amiya.'

...A... miya...

Excuse me, is there a problem?

How is it Amiya...? If it really is her, she shouldn't be much older right now than—

Mm-hm, yes, our leader is considerably young.

But... you'll know once you talk to her, even once. She has wisdom beyond her years and a strong will. She's a truly outstanding leader.

Miss Savage, might you know some... Are you an old acquaintance of Amiya's, possibly?

Ah... um, we... were good friends since long ago.

Can you... Can you get in contact with Amiya? Just say my name, and she'll know.

I see. Amiya did mention she had a very close friend who might be here in Rim Billiton now...

It... It really is Amiya... Can I go see her? How?

I'll get in touch with Rhodes Island's Messengers now. Also, Miss Savage, if you have anything you'd like us to relay to her...

The voice gradually fades.

In this two-year span of time, Savage has been completely on her own, not once departing her post at that Rim Billiton mine.

She's bewildered. She's lost in thought.

She once thought, maybe, she should spend the rest of her life sound in Rim Billiton.

But rousing Savage's fighting spirit, her resolve, was as easy as this.

It took just an instant—the one instant she heard, from someone else's mouth, the name of who she'd once cared for, been with day and night.

Savage already understands just what sort of decision she's going to make.

Fifteen days later

Iron Carrot City Outskirts, Aid Station, in the Infected Ward

The moment I realized I was Infected, I even thought, maybe my family would've been much better off if I'd just carked it and they got the compensation money.

Don't say that.

Just a thought I had... *sigh*.

The very first thing that came to mind, d'ya know, was I asked myself, how the hell should I face my family now?

My better half and the kids don't like it when I'm angry, and they hate it even more when they see me cry.

But when it's time to meet them, am I really gonna be able to smile?

This is nothing like you, you oldie.

Everyone knows you as the most hopeful guy for miles around.

When even you're seeing family with your ears drooped down, how're the rest of your mates meant to meet anyone?

Yeah, you're right!

You're gonna spoil all our moods like that acting miserable, Johnny!

Hmph. You don't have a bunch of tykes to feed. You don't know the pain of it. Life's a bastard one.

We're all gonna have some bloody awful days too—

Hey, Savage. Don't listen to another word from them.

I've already decided. Pay'll be nowhere near enough to feed my family if I keep working at Rim Billiton.

Once the sickness lifts a little, we'll be off to Columbia, simple as that. All of us are heading to be part of the 'Great Expansion.'

John... you're really about to leave?

When I was a miner for Rim Billiton, I was the most diligent, hardworking worker, bar none.

Now, I'm an Infected, and no matter how long I've still got left, I have to keep everyone at home living safely. Living happily.

Has it ever come to mind, so long as Rim Billiton's not done digging by the end of the day, this back-and-forth life's just gonna...

Savage.

Every person, every age, has callings and responsibilities to answer.

I've never once been ashamed of being a mineworker. Nobody in Rim Billiton'd ever think that.

But, you see, Savage, you left Rim Billiton, been back two years, and your thinking changed.

Yeah...

I knew you'd be no ordinary rabbit, ever since you were a nipper. Every last person has their own calling, and their own responsibilities.

Your hammer's saved our lives. In the days to come, you'll be saving countless more.

If there's someone you need to protect, then leave, eh. It's the same for me.

Heh, peek at the face you're making. Looks like you made your mind up long ago, didn'tcha?

Hey, I'm not some emotionless robot, you oldie.

It's just, this is something I've gotta go do.

I have a friend I need to protect.

Finally... I've found her again. I can see her again.

Even if it's just the slightest thing, for her, I'll give every last bit of strength I have.

Hmph. There's nothing out there worth giving 'every last bit.' That's just you youngsters being too naive.

Haha... I mean, going into the mines for your family, and coming back out now for them, you said that, didn'tcha? You're using all your strength, giving it all you have too, right?

Who says I'm like you? I'm trying to feed a family here!

Alright, alright.

Hmph...

When're you looking to head out?

Today. Came to see you for the last time, and then I'll be setting off.

It's been by your help we didn't have one accident these past two years.

And this one, well, it was you again who pulled us out alive... can't thank you enough.

Well, you've got me put on a pedestal.

John, you need to cherish the life I saved, and make sure you live the coming days well, alright?

You rotten little girl.

See you.

See you too. Johnny.

(It'll be goodbye for now, Rim Billiton.)

Sorry, I've been keeping you.

Miss Savage, are you already done with all your goodbyes?

Seriously, John... told me right at the end, I should head back home again and give them a proper farewell.

Yesterday when I said goodbye to my mum and dad, my mum was going on about 'next time you come back, you'll have a special someone.'

This is for my career here!

Hah, haha.

All of you are such a happy group.

I've linked up with the landship, and the expedited onboard application's all gone through. These papers are a recruitment contract from HR.

Detailed work matters should be handed over once we reach the landship, Miss Savage. Rhodes Island very much welcomes your arrival.

Well then... Miss Savage, have a good journey.