#drlapse

August 30, 2031

I told you this would happen, Hinata.

You're certain it was her...?

Who else could it be? The Preservation Project's long gone, aren't they?

This is Shirogane's handiwork, I'm certain of it. And if she still has Pine-san...

Of course she still has Echo...

You said that you'd save them! That you'd protect all of us!

...

Hinata, we can't keep sitting on this. I'm certain this could be a lead on Shirogane, and we can work on getting everyone back.

But what if it's not? This could just as easily be a trap, couldn't it?

Then I'll go. I'll bring Lyle, Missy and Kanon if I have to, since you obviously don't want to help.

If you're gonna keep acting like this isn't your fault, fine! But don't pretend like the better alternative is doing nothing!

*Sei storms off in anger*

Konno-san, that's not what I-

Hinata...what happened? Why are you being like this?

...I'm just...trying to be cautious.

You said yourself before, Shirogane got past our defenses and she managed to take Pine-san.

Is that it?

I'm starting to wonder if you'd rather we not face her again, that way we don't have to wipe her memories.

That's not the problem here.

Esumi...I wanted to stop her, but...I never wanted this...

Then maybe you should've considered that before you were so gung-ho about supporting the procedure.

Really...you, of all people? That surprised me.

I thought...maybe it would do more harm than good, that people could have new lives and- ...I just didn't want more people to die.

Well, now people are. And sooner or later, it's not just gonna be some strangers in a killing game. It may be someone we know. Maybe even our friends and families.

You can't keep sitting on your hands and hope you'll come up with a another "better solution." Especially not when Konno-san and her friends have been waiting so long for an actual solution.

...I never meant to hurt anyone.

I believe you, Hinata.

But right now, people are getting hurt. That has to stop, and we have to be the ones to stop it. So, will you help me or not?

HERE HE IS!!

I don’t want to remember...

I want to forget my burdens.