The moment of peace you've longed for. A land without warfare, the embrace of your mother.
Your consciousness expands limitlessly, breaking its shackles. You are free.
What is freedom?
Broadly speaking, to be free is a relative state, free from constraints. However, people who say this are often constrained by their flesh.
But you are truly free.
I'm free!
That's right, my dear friend. You are free, and you forever will be.
You are a resolute stone in the river of time. Though your responsibilities, fate, desires, and attachments may all be washed away, you, and only you, will always exist here.
You are beholden to nothing, and nothing is beholden to you.
You're right. It's time for me to rest.
Yes, my dear. That is how it should be.
Relax. I will sing to you a lullaby, and you shall rest in eternal sleep, undisturbed forevermore.
And yet, just as you fall into slumber, a powerful sensation assaults youββpain!
No, there are people waiting for me.
Ah, I see. I do admit they are all good children.
But did you ever consider that even without you, those kids will still be able to move forward? You are not responsible for them.
Your responsibilities. Your fate. Your desires. Your connection to them. Are they but a delusion of yours?
...Fine. Since you have already made your decision, I shall grant you a surprise. That's right, it is none other than the pain you love so much!
From every nook and cranny of your flesh, comes the sensation of extreme soreness.
???
...D-Doctor!
Amiya? No, no. This voice is far more mature than Amiya's.
???
Still sleeping after all this time, huh? Why do you do this to me?
...Far more violent, too.
You feel several slaps on what seems to be your cheeks. It would appear they are willing to practice what they preach.
???
That didn't do the trick... Hmm, what should I do? Since Amiya isn't here, guess I'll just give the Doctor a few rounds of the whirlwind.
???
Whirlwind? Is it fun? I want to play too!
It seems they are preparing some extreme measures now. Also, the voice that just cut in carries a hint of innocence.
The problem? In this situation, the wonderful trait of innocence belies a sense of commitment.
No, I want to go back!
Oh, woe. Some journeys cannot be undertaken by your will alone. You have already lost the chance to step out on this journey.
Fret not, however, for such chances remain plentiful. Now, let us open our eyes...
Don't forget, I'm a doctor too. The real, medical kind.
And who might you be, Ma'am?
Gavial
But if you're cracking jokes, I guess you're good.
Gavial
Short version is: we crashed.
Ceobe
We fell from a very high place! Whoooooshββ! Kaboom! Like that.
Please elaborate.......I want the whole story!
Gavial
Tch, fine. Basically, Doctor, you're bad luck. During the attack, something exploded by your seat and you slammed into the wall there and passed out.
Gavial
Don't worry, I took care of your wounds. Nothing major. Besides, you're healthier now than when you first showed up at Rhodes Island. Nice work, Doctor.
Ceobe
Urk... Sorry, Doctor. I should have caught you, but the loud noises scared me...
Gavial
Can't blame you for that. To be honest, I never would have expected these bastards to have anti-air weapons.
So you thought someone would attack us?
Gavial
Sure. Did I forget to tell you? My people love to fight, not that any of them could take me.
What about the others?
Gavial
When we were going down, everybody else jumped early to stabilize our altitude.
Gavial
Ceobe and I jumped last, to stick with you.
Gavial
Oh, and Lancet-2 should still be on the aircraft.
Where's the aircraft?
Gavial
I think it's that way. Should be just over the hill.
