I didn't even react, I just waited until Lotus got to me. Once she reached my side, I asked, tiredly:

  “How did you know I was here?”

  Lotus sighed:

  “Leona told me what happened. Tsundora is in the process of being promoted and is going to hunt you down. The way you are, you wouldn't stay with any of us out of fear of putting us in danger, so you ran away to here; the only place that gives you the solitude you seek.”

  “Kassidy was also arrested, right as he was taking a turn for the better.”

  Lotus sat down next to me:

  “He really matters a lot to you, doesn't he?”

  "Yes." I sighed. "Even though he has his flaws and has made huge mistakes, I still can't help but like him. Sometimes he even reminds me of... Thomas... sweet, gentle, caring. But Kassidy still doesn't allow that to become apparent."

  Lotus noticed my torn clothes (I didn't even bother changing after the bar) caused by Kassidy's attack on Lambda:

  “Should you feel that way about him to begin with? Especially after this damage to your abdomen?”

  "I…" I stammered, "I should hate him for this… I'm not stupid. But my heart still beats for him… why?"

  She put her finger on my head:

  "Well, maybe Cacto here is thinking, 'I shouldn't be with him, he's dangerous!'" Her finger then trailed down to my chest. "But Aubrey sees someone who needs help, someone who's been hurt as deeply as she has, something to protect; just like Thomas was defenseless."

  "Speaking of which," she continued, "wasn't this where you two used to spend your afternoons?"

  “That's right,” I laughed, “it continues to be a great refuge.”

  “…But it's not the same without his love. It was good to have someone so innocent… no, he wasn't naive… I think calm would be the right word; he didn't go around causing trouble like I did; he might’ve participated in my mishaps, but always cautiously.”

  “And you think you'll find that back in Kassidy? Hasn't he already tried to kill you several times and even come dangerously close to doing it?”

  "But that's the thing, he could very well have killed me at Lambda; I was paralyzed in front of him, all he needed to do was chop off my head. He chose to keep me alive! The same goes for yesterday, nothing prevented him from killing me during the fight against Hideaki, in the street or in the bar, but he even bothered to vent and listen to my own." I sighed.

  This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

  “And from what he said yesterday, he seems to have truly regretted not only the attack, but his entire journey up to that point.”

  “I understand, you're making a compelling case. But think about it; if Tsundora points her spear at him and orders you killed, what do you think will prevail: this newly born guilt, or a lifetime of military loyalty?”

  “…I don't want to think…” I sobbed, “…I can't take it anymore. I can't take all this fear, war, loss, challenge. All I wanted was the best for you!” I turned to her with tears in my eyes. “Can you stop being a scientist and be a sister for even a second? You demand this of me, but I only ever see you at home!”

  Lotus then hugged me, trembling. "I'm sorry, Aubrey… I understand. I got too used to this technical jargon of mine and ended up neglecting the emotional, the human side. If you really want me to help, I'm willing to." She let go of me. "I can give you suggestions on how to proceed and the risks involved."

  “Okay, I just ask that you still allow me agency.”

  “That's why I said ‘suggestions,’ you're still free to proceed as you see fit.”

  "Wow," I started laughing, "your analytical way of speaking even reminds me of Tsundora."

  “Please, don't compare me to that stone-cold heart.”

  “So,” I swung my legs through the air, “what do you suggest?”

  “First I'm going to pop over to our house, I should have a spare pair of earpieces; Leona always forgets her things there.”

  "I think it's a good idea for me to go too." I stood up. "Better inside a house than in the middle of the street."

  "Alright, in the meantime, I'll tell you the plan of action." We went down to the street. "Honestly, you can walk wherever you want, as long as you stay vigilant."

  “Okay, but rescuing Kassidy is part of my plans!”

  “Unfortunately, you'll have to wait; the Order is armed to the teeth, and we have very little information to penetrate their base. But I'll also work with Leona and Steel to gather information.”

  Upon arriving home, Lotus rummaged through her drawers until she found a pair of earpieces like those used by spies and TV presenters. She then connected them to her computer (which, I must say, is quite powerful; I bet it can run those recent games with absurd requirements) to program it.

  "Here." She handed me the earpiece. "If you need anything, just press the button and speak. The microphone isn't the best, but it does the job."

  “Hello, this is Cacto speaking, over” I joked after receiving the earpiece.

  “Great, the reprogramming was a success!”

  "So I guess that's all for now." I extended my hand to Lotus. "See you again... and take care, okay?"

  “Likewise.” She shook my hand.

  And out the door I went, now with a new support system at my disposal. For now, I have no goal other than to survive. But it's good that I do something good with my free time.

  I went for a walk through the streets, doing some window shopping; fashion stores, bakeries, hardware, bicycle shops, televisions… wait… what’s that on the TV?

  "...we at GNC — Gearopolis News Channel — have just received some huge news!"

  Oh no, don't tell me that…

  "The commander of the Order of Prevalence, Kassidy Winter, has been demoted to lieutenant, while Tsundora Kibishi takes his place as commander!"

  This is the end of me.