[CONTINUE + 4] INTRO

[foundationmods]

[After so long a trip, you're all finally here. Taken through a hidden passage inside of the very mountain itself, you find yourself standing in front of a field of flowers, growing well due to the open roof above it. If you look up, you can just make out the shimmering colors off of the barrier - looking almost like the shine off of a soap bubble.

Try not to trample on the flowers as you approach the open, purple gate. And remember to wear your masks, now that you're here!

...Still, the sight of the yellow flowers waving in the wind....such a cheery sight fills you with determination for what's to come.

Welcome to the Underground.

...Again. The loop happened again, and you're here. Everything is the same.

Someone who was dead is alive again.

The trial...it was...you remember only up until Gilgamesh was FOUGHT against, and then...nothing.

You feel you shouldn't try to remember anything beyond that.

Not only that, But more monster names have faded from your memory.

...When will this end?]

Comments

[dereban]

I'm already broken.

[There, she finally says it. It's loud enough that everyone can hear her say those words.]

I... can't stand it, not having my memories taken. And it's just going to keep on happening. I want my memories back.

If I don't...

... I don't know how I can possibly handle that. Besides, it's not fair. It's not fucking fair when people want to protect me, when people insist what I can and cannot do. I'm sick of being messed around, of having both my heart, mind and soul fucked with - especially since I'm already going to go back to that if we even get to go back to our home worlds!

I'd much rather have what was lost in the first place, because at the very least, it'd let me sleep at night, knowing that at least this is one piece that I can remember!

[She's so frustrated, I'm so sorry.]

[foundationmods]

[All she gets in return is the sound of a spider sobbing, quietly and helplessly to itself, muttering 'no' over and over and over.

He's clearly in distress, but there isn't enough of him to explain why it's bad, why she shouldn't want her memories back. Instead, all she gets is the kind of helpless crying one would associate with a deeply traumatized child.]

[dereban]

[...oh.

Deep breaths, first.]

I'm sorry.

I-- I didn't mean to snap.

[foundationmods]

[The soft sobbing continues, if not as upset.]

[dereban]

[Can she give the spider light headpats? An attempt is going to be made.]

... it's okay.

I guess I was too weak in the end after all, huh?

[accessorytomurder]

...does it seem like knowing this would let you ever sleep again? What...

[Her voice is hesitant.]

Inaba-chan. What if it kills you, to know this? Are you willing to do that to the people who care about you?

1 / 2

[dereban]

[...]

[dereban]

[Her hands are balled at her sides in frustration, shaking. When she speaks, it's weak.]

It's unfair to say that...

[accessorytomurder]

This situation isn't kind enough to be fair, Inaba-chan. So...

[She hugs her, gently.]

So, we can't afford to be either. ...I'm sorry.

[dereban]

Don't -

[She pushes Yachi away the very first chance she gets, hanging her head as her eyes wet with tears.]

Don't apologize to me... not like that.

[accessorytomurder]

If... if I could do something to get you the real apology you deserved, I would, Inaba-chan.

[dereban]

There's no way that's possible... not for a long time.

[oceanicbutterfly]

[...

Karen's going to pretend she's part of the wall. This isn't a girl, it's just some more math.]

[dereban]

[Sorry, Karen, but she's pretty much hit her limit.]

[oceanicbutterfly]

[Yeah she... she noticed.]