Church

*Huff huff*

The Big O shouldn't be able to find us here.

However, that doesn't mean we should rest easy.

This church doesn't have any shields activated yet.

Must I explain everything to you?

Did the Big O's mind attack give you short term memory loss or something?

Fine, I'll make this short.

A moment ago, I was with you in the Shopping Mall.

We were having a grand old time,

and then we suddenly found the promised sword of victory, Excalibur.

No one else could make it budge,

but you removed it from the stone, proving that you are a true warrior.

Because of that, you were chosen to be the owner of that sword.

But Dolla, that feeble-minded peddler...

she popped up out of nowhere and accused us of being thieves!

...

Anyway, that's how we ended up in the A.C.P.U.'s crosshairs,

which led us to here.

Mic test, one, two...

Attention, sword thieves.

Come out of the church at once.

Or else we're coming in.

Argh... They're right behind us.

No.

Surrender is not an option.

We need a heavy-duty shield that these punks can't penetrate.

Precisely.

And to make that shield,

we must go through the ancient holy ceremony.

I'll tell you how it goes. Just follow my lead.

Everything is prepared.

Let's do this.

Infinity. Ohm. Limit.

What's gotten into you?

You're backing out after coming this far?

Sacred. Zool. Darkness.

Do you hear me?

We are prepared to use force if necessary.

Let's just talk about this. No need for any of this to get nasty.

Just ignore her.

After the shield is prepared, they won't be able to lay a finger on us.

All right, onto the next step.

You can't trust your emotions right now.

They're being manipulated by the force of the shield.

Just put up with it a little longer.

All right, onto the next step.

Integral. Volt.

Judge-ment!!

A.C.P.U...!!

...?

...

Commander... what are you doing?

Uh...

What was that sound just then?

Judgment? Integral? What are those?

I don't mean to pry.

It's just that I really don't know...

All right, enough grilling Miranda.

...

Ingrid? It's me.

I was caught doing the holy ceremony by the Big O.

Yes, this isn't my first rodeo, so I'll be fine.

But I'm concerned about my partner.

Could you send over a psychiatrist?

What? None available?

Ugh. Damn.

I think I see what's going on here.

Let's talk about this down at the station.

Honestly, the finale of all things...

I can't believe I missed it... stupid work making me come home late...

I couldn't wait until a re-run.

So, I ended up...

Whoa!

Wh-who is it?

I-I heard something! Who is it?

I-is it...

a ghost?!

C'mon, stay calm...

That's right! Neon said firepower can take down a ghost!

I'll just shoot at it!

Huh?

I... It's talking?

The Creator?!

Wow! Um... thanks!

Wait, haven't I heard this voice before?

The Commander... could it be?

Gah! Sorry! I must have been mistaken.

Well... there's this one TV show that I really like.

Yesterday was the final episode.

Due to my mission, I wasn't able to watch the original airing. So I figured I would just watch a re-run next week.

But then I saw the reviews, and they all mentioned how it has an amazing twist!

I'd have to wait until next week for the re-run.

It might end up getting spoiled for me...

so I downloaded it illegally.

There's a download site where people upload TV shows.

Once an episode airs, it goes straight onto the net.

All you do is pay with some of your credits,

and you can download it right then and there.

I was unable to resist the temptation, and I downloaded the final episode.

N-no! I haven't.

But even though I downloaded it,

I still shouldn't watch it, right?

The police?!

But all I did was download it! I didn't actually watch it!

I won't do it again,

I promise!

This is the first time I've done something like this!

I-I'll go and delete it right now!

That's what I thought...

I should wait for the re-run.

I'll delete the file when I get back.

I won't get caught will I? Would I have to pay a fine?

What should I do? Will I be forgiven for this transgression?

Really?! What must I do?

What? Me?

That many?!

Um... Creator... are you still here?

Are you really gone?

Guess I'll watch some other shows in the meantime!

Oh, Creator!

Can you please cure me of this ailment, of this sweating?

It would be a great act of humanitarianism... No, wait... Nikketarianism... Anyway, I can't go on like this!

Why must I sit here drenched in my own sweat

while the other Nikkes are as dry as a bone? Why?

I beg of you, please spare me from this affliction and make me perspire no longer!

Save your prayers. The Creator won't listen.

!!

You scared me... who is that beside you?

A Nikke with excessive perspiration...

Huh?

Your wish. You want to stop sweating so much, am I right?

Well... yes, but...

If you don't want to sweat...

Hmm...

You're lucky I have nothing else going on right now.

I'll prepare a unique potion for you.

!!

You mean... you can cure me?

I turned to science for a cure, but it wasn't any help...

Hehe, a witch's elixir trumps any of your so-called science.

What did you say?

That's right. A witch's elixir.

Use it correctly, and it will free from all your woes, my clammy compadre.

...

Well, are you up for it?

Yes! Let me try!

...

Come, drink this.

Um...

Are you sure it's safe?

You're not doubting me, are you?

Don't you pray to gods you've never even met before? If you're so devout, take some of that faith and place it in me, you sweaty fool.

It's not my fault that I sweat so much...

If you're not willing to, I won't force you to drink it. Then you can go crawling back to that oh-so-mighty god of yours.

And I'll dump this out.

No, don't! I'll drink it!

I can drink with a ladle, right?

...?!

Wow! This is much tastier than I thought it'd be.

The neon green may be a bit off-putting...

but it is delicious!

Who do you take me for?

I'd never survive at the top of the food chain if I didn't know how to cook.

Wow, that's amazing!

Finally, some respect. That's more like it.

Anyway, enough talk. Let's see if the elixir had any effect.

Run over there, then come back.

Sure thing! Be right back!

So, how do you feel?

This is incredible!

All that running would have had me sweating up a storm before!

But now I'm bone dry! Not a drop of sweat on me!

It's a miracle!

I told you.

This is what witches are capable of.

From now on, if you want anything, pray to the witches.

If you manage to pique their curiosity, I guarantee they'll make your prayers come true.

Absolutely! I'll pray to the witches from now on!

That's what I like to hear.

Come, drink some more, and don't forget that it is all thanks to me.

The great witch Harran gives you special permission.

Yes! Master Witch! I will free myself from this torment!

Hey, didn't you mention

there was something on the schedule that would put some pep in your step?

And it's at a church?

I don't have to pray or anything, do I?

Then what am I supposed to do here?

What?

ohmygodi cantbleievi it*(#!R

It's actually her!

...

Care to tell me what's going on here?

Miss Volume,

how can we get better at arguing?

Arguing? Why are you asking me?

Old-Timer says you never lose an argument to anyone.

So I thought if you taught me some of the rap basics, I could win an argument with Belorta.

I also heard that you're the top rapper in the entire Ark.

You'll say whatever's on your mind to anyone, even if they're dangerous.

You could even stand up to Eunhwa.

Let me get this straight.

You want me to teach you how to rap so that you can best someone in an argument?

Exactly! Just for once, I'd like to beat her.

Same here! I want to win against Belorta!

Jesus, give me strength. Since when did rap battles become equated with arguments?

I don't do that kind of stuff. I have nothing to teach you.

You're not?

But I've been waiting so long for this day...

All I want is to hold my own when talking to Eunhwa.

Why even try learning how to argue?

Just say what's on your mind. It's that simple.

Well, it's just that Eunhwa is really intimidating, so... I'm afraid.

Me too.

If courage is what you're lacking, then that's what you should be working on.

What are you doing in a church anyway?

Planning on using prayer as a backup if I didn't teach you?

Eunhwa would never set foot inside a church,

so it's a good place to practice in secret.

Same with Belorta. She thinks churches are boring. "Nothing to make fun of" she says.

Well, praise the Lord! I've seen the light.

What a bunch of scaredy cats you two are.

...

...

*Sigh*

If you don't want to teach us, we can look for someone else... sorry to bother you.

D-don't worry about us.

Th-that's right. We'll be fine.

We'll find someone else to teach us.

So you think learning how to rap will help give you courage?

Is that it?

Yes...

Fine, let's do this.

First off, wipe that meek expression off your face.

Yes, Miss Volume!

And don't call me Miss Volume anymore!

Yes, Volume!

Better.

Manager. Is the beat ready?

For God's sake, stop! It's like nails on a chalkboard.

Are you kidding me?

You can't honestly expect me to rap with that, do you?

Quit screwing around.

Listen up, kids!

Rap is in your soul.

Let the beat move within you,

summon up that courage and say what's on your mind!

Say whatever we want...?

Yes!

Everything you've wanted to say to Belorta and Eunhwa.

Don't be a wimp! Spit it out!

I've always wanted to say...

Ah-hah!

D-don't mess with me, you big meanie!

I've had enough of your pranks!

That's it! You're getting the hang of it.

But if I said this in front of Eunhwa...

Belorta's pranks would only get worse...

Stop!

What are you, a pair of philosophers? I thought not. So quit thinking!

Get rid of all those thoughts.

All they're doing is holding you back.

!!

!!

I don't care how mean the prank was, just get it out of your mind.

All you should be thinking about are the words you'll put to this beat.

Right, beats and words. Uh... yo yo Eunhwa, boom-boom don't mess with me...?

Boomboom... er... cut the pranks?

Stop! Stop!

Both of you, watch and learn.

My mind is my tool,

the beat is my weapon,

ain't no half-steppin'!

Do we...

Just say that?

Yes, say it!

M-my mind is my tool...

the beat is my w-weapon...

Not you too, Manager.

That was so boring!

Try mixing it up!

Nice, nice!

Switch up the lyrics and just go with the flow.

These beats are my tools... uh..prank!

ain't no full-steppin... er... swig!

Good! More confidence! Say whatever comes to mind.

I've had enough of your pranks!

Don't mess with me, you big meanie!

Yeeee! That's what I'm talking about, kids!

Let's keep it going! Can't touch this!

Can't touch this!

Can't touch this!

... Commander.

You have something to do with religions? That's news to me.

Really?

...

Only Nikkes come to this place.

Dispatching such targets is not within my purview.

However, I could allow Enikk to make a judgment if necessary.

Is that so?

Aren't you a bit naïve?

Only two kinds of figures command respect in religious sects.

Kindly saints.

And duplicitous sinners.

I won't impede them in any way.

I'd leave them be.

...

Only Nikkes come to this place.

Dispatching such targets is not within my purview.

However, I could allow Enikk to make a judgment if necessary.

...

Here we are.

How peculiar...

Why do I sense their presence in my secret base?

Could it be...?

Have they found out I've made this place my second base and staked it out?

...

No, that can't be it. I'm sure they're far too busy with other matters.

They can't be here.

(Do you know her?)

??

(How'd you get caught up with someone like her?)

...

(What's a Pilgrim doing here?)

(Then why are you hiding?)

Now, let's see...

I've got to prepare some food for them.

They're probably been eating nothing but Splendamin for weeks now.

They must be dying for a proper meal.

... Scrumptious. They're gonna love it.

Next up, I have to prepare a clean set of clothes.

We might be spending a few days in our little sanctuary of love.

If the mood strikes him, I'll have to...

(How did she get those?)

...

(Not only is she sexually perverse, but she's a thief!)

(What is it?)

(You're blushing.)

(It doesn't take a genius to guess what she intends to use those for.)

...

(Sounds like she's into some kinky stuff.)

(A bit eccentric, but not bad enough to notify Enikk.)

(Let's keep watching.)

Last but not least,

some romantic restraints.

Given how strong their moral code is,

I'm sure they'll want to return to the Commander's Room after a week or so.

Ah, I nearly forgot.

They're always surrounded by their little coterie of women.

Can't be having them interfere with our romantic interlude, no sir.

Voilà!

All that's left to do is bring them here.

They must be having coffee in their room right about now.

A few sleeping pills in their drink will make it a bit easier to bring them here.

Then, with the two of us in this sacred place, we'll both be joined in holy matrimony!

...

(Did you agree to this?)

(Sexual deviancy, kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment.)

(Attempted poisoning.)

(Plus there's that trap she set up, which could harm innocent people.)

(There is more than enough to tip the scales against her.)

(However, the Outpost is your jurisdiction.)

(So it's your call.)

(How should we proceed?)

(Do you want to report her to Enikk?)

...

(You sure?)

(If that's your judgment, so be it.)

(I'll be on my way, then.)

(What do you want me to do about it?)

...

Captain,

have you ever heard about the Siren?

I see you're well-versed in your sailor lore.

Then you probably also know that the one creature

I fear the most is the Siren. But I'm also really curious about it.

It's a frightening sea creature with terrible powers.

It sings this beautiful song that puts you under a spell.

Any sailor who hears it becomes infatuated,

and jumps into the water to get near it, as if possessed.

They are the bane of my existence.

... Even though I've never seen one in real life.

But!

Yesterday, we got wind of a sighting.

Those who were seduced became mad and leaped into the abyss.

??

I'd never seen them before,

but they seemed fairly chummy with Ingrid, so much so that they used nicknames.

That tells me that they're at least somewhat trustworthy.

That's why I dragged you over here so quickly.

Let us embark on an exciting adventure together!

... Heh.

??

Fools.

Both of you.

Wait... aren't you the person who told me about this place?

That's right. The very same.

The name is Guillotine de Mephisto. Always call me by my full name when you address me.

The Siren won't be showing its face right this moment.

You must wait 30 minutes,

for at this very moment, she is at the Cavernous Abyss, causing bedlam.

... What?

Then why didn't you tell us to go there from the start?

The reason is simple.

The entry fee to that place is 150,000 credits.

Is that something you could afford?

It's highway robbery! That's what it is!

I guess our adventure is over before it even began.

I've fraternized with my fair share of nobles, so I know all too well:

Capitalism is just as terrifying as any beast of the sea.

Very true.

And that is the cheapest option available as well.

!!

It's the Siren! Hide!

...

Lalalala♪

What a magnificent church.

Sound in here has such a unique echo, and the reverberation is second-to-none.

I couldn't have found a better place to practice.

I better get started.

I am waiting for you, in that place where your reality has sunk.

I am your dream.

I am your love.

Come inside the water, I will drag you to the greatest depths where I reside!

...

...

I mean, it's a beautiful song.

I've even got goosebumps.

But I don't feel like jumping into the ocean,

and I definitely don't feel any kind of seductive pull where I'd put my life in danger.

*Gasp*

Yeah, you all right, Guillotine... whatever it was?

I'm fin... *cough, cough*

Urgh... it's just as I expected.

What are you talking about?

The Siren is real.

She renders pitiable souls asunder with her demonic songs.

Huh? I feel fine.

As you should.

That deadly ditty only affects those who share the same attributes as she.

... Mast.

Are you a fan of adventuring?

Isn't the answer obvious? I'm a pirate who sails the high seas.

You thus represent adventure, not destruction.

Therefore, this Siren's lethal song, which embodies destruction,

has no sway over you.

As for people like myself, who do represent destruction... *gasp* Hrngh!

Urgh... it's embarrassing to reveal my weaknesses to you both.

However, now that we've already come this far, there's only one thing left to do.

I'll need your help, Partner.

I am going to retrieve the Siren's true name.

Allow me to explain.

Have you ever heard of the idea that addressing a demon by their true name will be their undoing?

The principle behind destroying the Siren is one and the same.

Siren is merely a general appellation; each individual entity also has its own name.

We must get her to write down her name with her own hand.

In other words...

If we get her to imprint her true name, this will lead her down the path of her own demise.

I placed an order through the Merchant Union.

Do you think I'd go up against such a treacherous beast without proper preparation?

Now then, enough explanations.

It's time to act.

I wish you luck.

...

I don't know about this.

Do you think this will actually work, Captain?

?

Maestro? I didn't know you were here.

If I knew I wasn't alone, I wouldn't have sung.

I didn't disrupt your praying, did I?

??

??

I see.

I typically only do autographs during signing events,

but if they're friends of yours, I don't see any reason why I can't make an exception for you.

Who should I make this out to?

Mmmm...

It's certainly nice and quiet in here.

Yes, I think so.

I feel much calmer, somehow.

I think I understand why some people turn to religion.

...!

M-my prayers have finally been heard!

Ahhh, thank you, thank you...

?

You've finally shown yourself to me...

I was deep in prayer.

To help me acquire the newly added legendary weapon.

Everyone seems to have acquired it except me.

Of course.

As you can see, the God of Games herself is in front of me.

God of Games?

Who are you talking about...

Hmm?

Are you not, Rouge, the God of Games?

I believe I've seen you on TV before.

I'm sorry, but I think you might be mistaken.

I'm just a Game Master.

It's the same thing.

Do they not both have a similar meaning?

Ahem, anyway.

Rouge, if you would,

please grant my wish.

What? I...

Can you not do it?

I'm not a god.

Y-you're not?

Say it isn't so... Ugh, the heavens have forsaken me...

Even though I prayed with such devotion.

... I may not be able to grant your wish, but I can take a look at your fortune for today.

Would you like that?

My fortune?

Very well.

It's better than nothing.

I'll test your luck.

Heads or tails?

If you guess right,

today will be a lucky day for you.

If not, then it will be an unlucky day.

Now, choose.

*Gulp*

I-I'll go with heads!

Heads!

Very well. Let's see.

...

!!

!!

Does that mean I'll able to acquire the legendary weapon?

I... I'm not sure about that.

Even if there is a success rate of 99%, there is still a 1% chance of failure.

Whoa! Thank you, Rouge!

I can finally acquire it!

...

Are you going to do it right now?

Of course!

I had it turned on for a moment exactly like this.

...

...

Please...

...?!

!!!

I-it...

Yes?

I-i-it appeared!

Congratulations, Maiden.

Rouge!

Thank you so much!

You're definitely the God of Games!

Hehe, I'm not sure I'd go that far.

All I did was read your fortune.

You just happen to have good luck today.

Now I don't have to worry whenever a new piece of equipment comes out!

You'll be here to help me!

I'll tell my other party members as well!

Huh?

Is it okay if we ask for your help in the future?

Um... that might not be terribly convenient for me.

Oh no, Rouge.

You must not deny your power.

You proved it to me today!

You proved your omnipotence as the God of Games!

Did you not hear me when I said it was based on probability?

You really should listen to what I'm trying to tell you...

Oh boy, everyone's gonna be so excited!

After you read their fortunes, they'll all be able to acquire legendary weapons!

I'll visit you with my party members after the next patch.

See you!

...

This place wasn't too far away, so I decided to bring you here.

Everyone's here now.

Hello, Commander.

Well...

It's about our library. The one at the Ark, not the Outpost.

We've been having a small issue with our security.

Yeah. There have been several attempts at unlawful entry over the past few days.

Fortunately, no one's managed to get inside the Forbidden Library yet,

but we've been consulting with Perilous Siege just in case.

Arcana and her colleagues haven't been able to find a single lead on the intruder, so we were discussing whether we need to step in.

Not necessarily.

However, if the Forbidden Library... I mean, the Top-secret Archive,

was breached, we'd have a serious problem on our hands.

Best to nip this problem in the bud.

We'll keep you updated.

The Forbidden Library houses many records pertaining to those who've passed on.

If we're touching on the subject of ghosts or spirits,

we ought to show them some respect in order to appease them, shouldn't we?

... Kinda spooky when you think about it.

Don't lie.

There's no fear in your eyes.

Wha... you can tell that just by looking?

We've seen what real fear looks like.

Oh... hehe... I guess you're right...

Okay, I'll admit it. I don't find ghosts particularly scary.

Isn't the harsh reality of the world way scarier than ghosts?

We're getting off track.

This all probably boils down to a bumbling thief who's in over their head.

The Forbidden Library has never been breached...

Ugh. You're the reason that ridiculous name has gotten stuck in my head. I wish you'd stop calling it that.

That's because it's so much easier to remember.

It's certainly way better than Top-secret Archive. That's so clunky.

Yeah, we've gotten more comfortable with each other. We even shoot the breeze from time to time.

There were a lot of things that needed adjusting because of you being granted additional clearance.

There was? I didn't notice.

Gyaaaaaaaaaaah!

Is that a mouse?!

D-do something!

...

...

Hey, give us a break!

We're girls too, you know.

There's something about mice that disgusts females on a genetic level.

I'm not scared, mind you,

but I'm not trying to go anywhere near that thing either.

Agreed.

Gah! It's coming this way!

Hurry and do something!

...

...

Why don't you two lend Commander your weapons?

...

What did you just say?!

Gyah!

Hah!

Hehe, this should be enough for now.

There's no better place than a quiet church to loosen up a body stiffened from working at the library.

...

I suppose I should be heading back.

If anyone sees me like this, things could get rather troublesome.

Hm? Is someone here?

!!

I-I suppose I'll hide in this box for now...

Hehe, thanks for coming with me, Commander.

Well, you see... I used to pray often

for more friends

and for our squad to grow closer.

You bet!

In the end, our squad grew a lot closer,

a-and I made lots of friends, like you, Commander...

So I just wanted to stop by and give my thanks.

And to pray for everything to go well going forward.

*Cough cough*

...?

D-did you hear that, Commander?

It might be someone dangerous.

If there's anyone intending to harm you, Commander...

I'll kill them!

!!!

The sound came from over there.

... Eeep!

W-wait!

Huh?

H-hey, you.

Aren't you Vesti?

!!

H-how did you know my name?

Hold on, are you...?

Y-yes, that's right.

I am the thie... no, the God

who answers your prayers.

...!

S-so you really do exist?

Of course.

Vesti, I came down to this world

specially to see how you're doing.

From what I just heard, it seems you're holding up well.

Y-yeah, that's right!

I came here today to thank you, so...

Th-thank you so much!

For protecting me, and Eunhwa... and Emma.

And the Commander too...

Hehe, how interesting.

You, of all people, offering thanks? You're the one who's cared and tried the hardest.

O-oh no, I didn't really do anything.

R-really?

Wh-what do I do... I think I'm gonna cry.

Hehe, don't cry, my child. There will be many better days ahead.

Th-then...

Can I ask for one more thing?

Hmm? What is it?

Um, well...

C-Commander,

can you cover your ears for a bit...?

... Like... Person...

O-okay, you can take your hands off now...

Hmm, I see... If that's the case...

Yes?

Hmm...

Hmmmmm...

Ah, yes! That Goddess of Victory out there...

I believe I saw her feeling a bit neglected.

Why don't you offer a prayer to her every now and then?

Th-the Goddess of Victory? I didn't know she also listened to prayers.

Oh! Now that I think about it, she said she's going to descend to this world today as well.

R-really?

Exactly so! It would be best to go swiftly before it's too late. We won't know when she shall return again.

Oh... C-Commander, what should I do?

It seems I suddenly have somewhere urgent to go.

I was the one who asked you to come here... I'm sorry.

Yo-you will?

O-okay then. I-I'll be back real soon!

J-just wait here!

*Cough cough!* *Cough!*

Man, I thought I was toast back there...

Hehehe.

This is nothing.

Any thief worth their salt must be a master of disguise and deception.

A-ahem!

Anyway!

If Vesti returns, it could spell trouble for me.

I shall take my leave now.

Well then... farewell.

... Huh?

Is this door... broken?

Yo-you've got to be kidding me...

You said it was urgent, so I came as quickly as I could.

What happened?

Wha?

Miss Black!

Wow! It really is her!

Wait,

you're talking about me?

Miss Black! Miss Black!

How can I stop being so timid?

Yeah, how do you stay so confident?

I watched the new movie that just came out.

No matter what happened... you never backed down, and you always looked so confident.

I just... thought that was really amazing.

You saw the movie?

Thank you for watching it.

I-I watched it too!

You know that scene at the beginning where everyone misunderstood you?

Even then, you didn't lose confidence and explained everything so calmly.

H-how were you able to do that?

If it were me... my mind would've gone completely blank.

Hmm...

From what I can tell, both of you have trouble standing in front of people, and you seem a little withdrawn.

Is that what's been giving you trouble?

Y-yes...!

Y-yeah...!

And you want to overcome it?

Y-yes...!

Y-yeah...!

Then you've come to the right place.

What you're struggling with can absolutely be overcome through practice.

There's a reason speech and public speaking classes exist.

Keep at it, and you'll definitely improve.

Wow...!

Whoa...!

All right, let's start with posture.

First, stop looking down.

Both of you are doing it right now.

... Like this?

Th-this is kinda embarrassing...

Good, that's it.

Now straighten your shoulders

and walk forward with confidence. Like this.

Uh... this feels kinda awkward.

I... I don't even know how to be confident...

Pretend no one's watching.

Imagine you're the only ones here.

In fact, aside from Commander and me, there really isn't anyone else around.

Oh...!

Even if you mess up, nobody's going to see it.

Nobody's going to judge you for it.

So start practicing.

... Okay, I'll try again.

Next is eye contact.

When you talk to someone, look them in the eyes.

Like this.

I-it's not as easy as it looks...

Your gaze is a little... intense.

If you're having trouble,

look at the space between their eyes instead.

They'll still think you're making eye contact.

Between the eyes...

Th-this is okay...

Yeah... It feels easier.

One last thing, and it's the most important thing of all.

Never run away.

... Huh?

It's okay to speak softly.

It's okay if you avoid eye contact or get nervous.

Just don't hide or run away.

That alone is enough.

Even if we can't do everything you taught us...

is it enough if we just don't run away?

That's right.

It takes real courage to stand your ground instead of running away.

So no matter what happens, remember this:

Choosing not to run away is something truly admirable.

And despite how hard it is for you to stand before others, you still came here and tried to overcome it.

That makes you both truly brave.

... Oh.

U-um...

I-I want to watch the movie again.

I want to be more like Black.

M-me too!

Could you maybe sign this for me?