sunbr

Of course. With that proactive attitude, any teacher would be delighted to have you in class.

Actually, even if you didn't bring it up, I assume there would be a dedicated operator who'd let you know.

The Doctor specifically checked in on you girls to make sure you could continue your education. You might not even be able to get away if you wanted to!

...Zima's head is going to pop right off.

Haha, she's not gonna make it easy for the teacher though.

Papa, Mama... I live in a place called Rhodes Island.

Even though... Even though there are a lot of things I don't understand here, and some things that are scary to think about...

As long as I'm with my friends, I know I'm going to be alright!

Papa, Mama, make sure you work hard too. I'm going to write to Auntie Polina and tell them how to reach Rhodes Island...

If you want to write back, or come to visit, Auntie Polina will tell you where I am, and then we can meet up at Rhodes Island!

Besides, I'm really mad that you left me alone for so long, and weren't there for me during the scariest part of my life!

Because I'm really, really mad, I might not be able to forgive the two of you. So when we meet, we might fight a lot!

But... Well, no matter how much we fight, we'll still be family, right?

If Papa and Mama are too busy and can't find the time... Then I'll find you myself!

But, I can't do that yet. I've already changed a whole lot, and that might be scary to you...

I'll get over those... Those not-so-good habits of mine!

There are lots of people here who will help me get over them. Anna and the other girls... We'll put those nasty things behind us, and we'll all be happy!

So wait for me...

I'm going to grow up to be the best that I can be!

Gummy has many memories.

Good ones, bad ones.

Happy ones, sad ones.

And ones she can't forget, no matter what.

They're in here!

Hurry up, don't let them get away... They have food!

Lada, be careful!

Grrr, what a bunch of pests! Anna, Lada, stay behind me!

Heh, you lot've got some nerve. C'mere, and we'll see who has the guts!

Dammit, it still hurts... Why are they here again? My arm hasn't fully healed yet.

Hey, Sonya, why don't we have a little contest to see who can take down more gopniks?

Cut the bullshit... Watch out!

Come now, this is not the time to lose focus.

Our two generals have a job to do.

Phew... That was a close one.

Sonya, Rosalind, watch your back.

Thanks.

If you have the stones to sneak up on me, I guess you're ready to meet your maker!

D-Don't panic, don't let them intimidate you. We have the numbers...

That's right, there's only a few of 'em! Don't give them the chance to call for help. If we all charge together, we'll be fine!

Hmph.

(Do you have a plan? It's true, they have us outnumbered.)

(All we can do is think up a way to break out.)

I'm sorry, but... we don't have a choice. We need that food...

I don't want to starve... I don't want to starve to death in a place like this!

Don't give 'em a chance to escape! Block the door!

Get 'em!

It's dangerous.

It's dangerous up ahead. Sonya, Rosalind...

Anna, you don't need to stand in front of me.

Natalya, don't get hurt trying to protect me.

It's dangerous... It's dangerous... It's dangerous...!

I don't want to see my friends get hurt again.

I don't want to have to hide behind my friends anymore.

I... I want to be the one who protects everyone else.

If once isn't good enough, then I'll try twice. If twice isn't good enough, then I'll try three times.

I can do anything to protect my friends.

I will use all of my strength––

*cough* *cough*... These bastards, there's no end to 'em!

Don't tell me you're throwing in the towel already?

Bah. Ugh, I think I lost a tooth.

You—

Wait, something isn't right about their numbers!

Sonya, watch out!!

What?!

Hand the food over!!

Graaaaahhh!!

*cough*... Guh...

(*Falls to the ground, twitching*)

...Lada?

Don't hurt Sonya.

I won't let you...

Eek!

She's crazy!

She broke Andrey's neck! Be careful, everyone!

I... I will protect everyone!

Don't hurt my friends!!

Gummy has many memories.

Good ones, bad ones.

Happy ones, sad ones.

And ones she doesn't ever want to remember, no matter what.

Gummy has hurt other people.

Was it to protect her friends, or to not get hurt herself?

Gummy does not know.

But Gummy... Gummy doesn't want to hurt other people anymore.

...my.

Gummy?

How did you fall asleep over here?

Wake up, Gummy.

Ugh... Huh...?

Wake up, Gummy.

You're paler than a ghost. Are your wounds still bothering you?

I think I had a nightmare.

It doesn't hurt anymore, so don't worry. I'll be fine.

That's good.

Huh? Istina?

Why'd you stop talking? Are you about to leave? I can leave too. What about Zima and Leto?

No, it's not time to leave yet. You rest some more.

The others went ahead to scout out the way. They should be back soon.

Then, I'm gonna go help too!

Not so fast.