Pain was even less of a reason to fall.
She couldn't guarantee that, if she truly had no one to turn to, she could still stay true to herself.
But she firmly believed one thing.
No night was dark enough to hide the starlight.
Perhaps next time.
It would be her turn to become someone else's light.
The ice in Bronya's eyes melted, giving way to a gentle glow.
"From Arc City to Mount Taixu, and now this operation."
"You've already saved enough people."
"Don't worry, Kiana."
"One day, we'll let everyone taste the sweetness of this world."
The two chatted a little more.
The corners of Kiana's mouth rose noticeably.
"Thanks, Bronya."
"Now that I've vented, that weight's finally off my chest."
Bronya glanced at the terminal on her wrist. It was getting late.
"Get some sleep."
"There may have been a banquet tonight, but tomorrow morning's training class will still start on time."
"Yeah. Good night."
"Good night."
The door eased shut, and Bronya's figure disappeared down the corridor.
Kiana moved over to sit on the edge of the bed.
Through the window came the faint noise of people leaving the party.
Outside the base.
A lone moon hung high.
Its cool silver radiance poured down silently, smoothing the ripples on Salt Lake.
Memories overlapped.
Beneath that same moonlight.
She had shivered amid Arc City's glaring neon lights.
She had also lain on a soft bed at St. Freya, rubbing her sleepy eyes.
In a daze.
The boundary between dreams and reality blurred.
Only this bright moon.
Gazed upon her, unchanged through the ages.
Silence.
Deathly silence.
Then a whisper escaped through her teeth.
"Mei..."
"Miss Himeko..."
Her fists clenched tightly, her nails almost digging into her palms.
"I'll bring you both back."
This scene.
Shattered the defenses