Vol. 6 Ch. 1 Ep. 6: A Seat on the Other Side

...The sun will set soon.

You're right. We'll want to hurry.

...

What's wrong, Hiyori?

It's just...really hitting that we're actually going back to Arius. Heh. Eheehee.

...That's just how the dice rolled.

At this point, whatever happens, happens.

You've grown, Misaki. That's a mature way of looking at things.

I don't want to hear it from you, "Leader." Always coming and going as you please.

Ack...

There's an undercurrent of affection in her jabs, Saori. She IS happy you're back.

Even if only temporarily.

Hey...!

...I won't fight with you. You'll just think whatever you want, Hime.

Heehee. Vulnerability is not chief among your skills, Misaki.

This is exactly what I mean!

"It's nice to see you all getting along."

Is that what you call this, Sensei?

Heehee. For my part, I am THRILLED Sensei is joining us.

M-Me too! It's like...we're on an escort mission!

As Saori said, I have a favor to ask of you, Sensei.

Would you consider teaching the Arius students?

If you'd prefer to do it remotely, we could make arrangements.

I realize this is no simple request. Your safety will be our top priority.

And from a certain perspective, moving ahead with this plan would be to disregard the wishes of the Arius students...

Excuse me?! You wish to teach them in person?!

...

I originally thought our mission would be to negotiate with the Arius students...

...and support Sensei as they taught remotely.

But since you agreed to going in person, it could be regarded as an escort mission, of sorts.

"Sorry. Did I make things harder for you?"

N-No! Not at all.

Rather, I'm worried that you're once again shouldering our burdens.

And I feel guilty for that.

While we're on the topic...

Why would you risk your safety to go somewhere as dangerous as Arius, Sensei?

"Heh. Heh. Heh. Obviously, for a chance to look cool..."

"...in front of my dear students!"

"Heehee. That was a good one, wasn't it?"

Ah. Ummm...

I've already learned one thing...

...adults are cringy.

"That wasn't cool...?"

Not at all. I believe they call this "second-hand embarrassment."

But that part of you is exactly why we trust you, Sensei.

...That felt like a pity compliment?

Mhm. Even I felt that way saying it.

A-Atsuko?!

C-Critical damage! Sensei is down! Are they going to die?!

Cut the theatrics, Sensei. Let's get moving.

Now then, a big round of applause!

Let us all celebrate our compatriot's safe return to Arius!

Aha...ha... It wasn't exactly smooth sailing, though.

What matters is that your halo is intact.

You protected what's most precious, so the rest can be addressed in due time.

Welcome back. And thank you for returning safely, Maia.

Time is still on our side.

Y-Yes, Subaru!

I'm sorry. We don't even have a celebratory gift for you.

N-No! Being back is more than enough. I kind of...missed it here...

Ah, yes. So, how was it? The outside? Please, tell me about it.

The outside?

...It was amazing.

And beautiful.

...

I saw so many sights. Glass skyscrapers...

A huge river, with bridges suspended over it.

At night, there were lights everywhere.

Even the bridges were lit up. The way they shimmered over the water was like a dream.

They had an entire building completely dedicated to playing music.

While we could only play in secret when Madame wasn't looking...

...they held all kinds of concerts there, all through the day and night.

Since they even played at night, they decorated it with so many pretty lights.

...I learned that, out there, people don't worry about how useful their effort is.

They aren't concerned with survival. They make pretty things, just because they're pretty.

And at the markets...! I didn't know so many different foods existed in the world.

Just smelling them made my stomach feel full.

...Although that could have been because smelling them was all I COULD do.

And have you ever heard of a water park? They fill an entire area with clean water, and people come just to play in it!

They even have indoor and outdoor sections, like two different worlds right next to each other.

I can't begin to count all of the things I saw.

...

...

But with all of those new and exciting things...there was nowhere for me to fit in.

Yes. I understand.

The lights were so bright, and everyone was smiling.

They looked so happy together.

But that's why...

Because even if I fainted somewhere, or fell in a dark corner...

...none of them would care. I knew that. I could feel that.

Some people are happy.

And others are satisfied.

But people rarely spare a thought for...

...those who are suffering.

People are encouraged from birth that "they can do anything."

Which also means that you may do nothing at all.

No one takes your hand and guides you through life, step by step.

They ignore you. They tell you that, since there's no right answer, you should live as you please.

However, that's just shrugging off their responsibility with pretty words, isn't it?

You've worked hard. Welcome back.

Subaru...

I know. There's no way for me to not.

Many left here, like you, and returned.

...While some left for Trinity, and we haven't heard from them since.

...

Trinity...

Hm? Do you want to go too?

N-Never! I'll never leave you.

Don't worry so much. I'd be fine with you going, if you really wanted.

I just wouldn't...couldn't follow you. I will never forgive Trinity.

Th-That's right! Why would you?

I feel the same way, Subaru!

Thank you. That gives me strength.

Most of all...

I can't forgive the Squad. They were meant to lead us, and instead, they discarded us like yesterday's trash.

Especially her. That Joumae Saori.