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What are you being guilty for? We're just doing our jobs.

Hfff—Well, I'm sorry, but I'm powerless to promise you that.

You—

Medical gave everything they had to pull you from the cold hands of death this time, but IF there's a next time, we'll all be powerless to promise anything.

I... couldn't just look on as it all happened. I... don't ever want to see people stuck in those circumstances again, truly.

Between a rock and a hard place.

Not one person should ever be forced to make such a choice, forced to part, forced through... loss.

I can't do it, it's just... I can't.

Meteor, are you still brooding on the past?

I knew it, I can't hide anything from you.

At the time, I believed if I just sacrificed the forest I always protected, I'd get to have Lana back, have everyone in the village living peacefully again.

But fate really was too voracious. What it wanted wasn't just my concession.

I gave it an inch, and it wanted a mile, until it stripped my pockets bare of anything left.

We've chatted about this before. Holding onto the past without letting go doesn't solve anything.

You're right. And it's not like I don't understand.

After Lana passed from illness, I took up her bow, and left the forest together with the other Oripathy sufferers.

In those days wandering, I spent ages in a muddle. I hated that noble who refused to shoulder any blame, and left with nothing but a pat on the buttocks.

And I hated myself, powerless to protect my loved ones, the things I cherished.

But when I first met you, you were nothing like that. What happened?

I suppose I saw more, and my outlook changed.

The people who once went with me walked, scattered, and I was left alone aimlessly drifting.

I only gradually came to realize, there's so many people across this land who've been through the same things I have, who all struggled painfully through such desperate dilemmas.

Having personally experienced that stress, how could I just stand and watch as others go through the same torture? That's why I'm willing and ready, regardless of the danger.

Because those smiles, lost then found again, make me feel like my heart is filled full once more.

Fine.

Seeing as... this is how you think, I don't have much more I can say. While you've been unconscious these past few days, Gianna's been watching your bedside the whole time. You remember to give her a proper thanks.

I've got matters to attend to, so I'll be heading off now. Rest up well.

Gianna, Meteor just woke up. When we see her in a moment, make sure you don't throw yourself on her.

I know, Keira. I folded Meteor a whole vase of roses, and on every single one I wrote a well wishing thing. If she has this, she'll get better real soon.

(Smiles and shakes head) This little rascal.

Meteor, I heard from Mina you were awake. How are you?

Meteor, you... you... waaahh—you're finally awake! I was so scared!

Gianna, don't cry. I'll be all better before you know it.

...Um, this vase is for you.

What's this?

Don't ask, Gianna spent ages folding it. While you were out, Mina caught the little mite awake at night over and over, just folding roses.

I'm sorry, Gianna, for making you worry.

I don't want you to be sorry. Can you promise me you won't get hurt anymore? I get really scared I won't see you again.

I won't, Gianna, I won't.

Waaahhhh, Meteooor!!!

Gianna, stop crying!