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The valley is quiet of gunshots now.
And the only thing resonating in Hoshino's ear is her own breath.
Sand is grating her face; air is making her throat dry; sweat is drenching her shirt under the plate carrier.
Hoshino loads four more shells and reloads her handgun.
Her cute Kouhais she just shot are saying something.
She feels like if she opens her ears and listens to any of it, she'll crumble into the sands.
This is her fight, and her fight alone. Has always been.
The former Abydos Student Council vise-president takes off running-
-But not for long, she is stopped by a figure she knows way too well.
No.
The figure opens up to her. "You know, you do look hotter when strapped."
"Auburn." Hoshino calls him by name.
"Hoshino." Sensei returns the greeting.
He looks just as how she'd imagined;
The same plate carrier and belt set, a technical T-shirt with combat pants in desert camo, the obligatory eyes and ears pro, and a cap.
And the same god damn look on his face; Hoshino finds it distractingly infuriating.
She bites out. "I have to do this."
"I'm sure you do." He's not even trying.
Hoshino grips her gun tighter; the Eye of Horus in her hands feels heavy to even lift.
The whole valley is bearing down on her; sand are settling down, wind is still.
Her rib cage is struggling to accommodate her lungs; her pulse is pounding against it.
Hoshino can picture the two wolves in her head; gnawing away at each other, leaving her mind wrecked and rattled.
One says Take a center-mass shot and this will be over. Plate will stop it, you've seen it.
Another goes Please Sensei I don't want to do this please please please move out of the way please I don't like seeing you hurt please don't make me do this PLEASE-
"-You know," She recognizes that tone. It brings her back to reality. "I always thought I know you."
It's the tone he used to calm her fire, to wash away her sorrow, to lead her through the sleepless nights; the tone he used to care, to love.
"That your wounds have healed, by them, by me." A confession. "I was wrong."
My pain is none of your business.
It was healing, I love them, and I-
"-Hoshino."
Hoshino gasps; her lips move but nothing comes out.
"I want to help you."
This is my fight.
You'll get hurt.
"Nobody fights alone, not even you."
I never needed your help, or any adult's help.
I hate seeing you get hurt and be able to do nothing.
"But if you want a fight," Sensei raises his rifle, his signature AR. "I'll give you one."
Please.
Please.
Hoshino makes her move.