Mercy hovers over Sunny and Jiro, both still sitting under their mock kotatsu. Sunny has frozen up like a frightened lamb, Jiro bars an arm across her in a protective gesture.

  Major Mercy
Fine hideout. They won't find you here. Not this deep.

—Jiro—
...
That's the idea, yeah
What are you doing here?
I swear, if you try and kill Sunny again

  Major Mercy
Your friend, the pink haired one, went back to your home. Used that bottle device.
She's strong, that one. Smart. But it won't be enough.

—Jiro—
...
I know. I know. I know.
I told you I'm not going back there
I don't care how selfish it is anymore. I know there's something wrong with me. Just let me rot here, just a little while longer. Please.
...This isn't even about me is it
You think she needs your help

  Major Mercy
I know she does.
You told me you came from an island in another world, through that anomaly.
I'm going in there.
I'm going to find her.
And I'm going to make sure the forces that threaten her people are brought to ruin.

—Jiro—
...
Don't you ever give up?
I wouldn't mind watching that
Couldn't you have just followed her when she first used the Homecoming? You must want something from me.
Why are you telling me this
Your altruism is boundless, isn't it

  Major Mercy
I won't be able to watch over you while I'm there. So, take this.

Mercy hands Jiro a boxy communicator.

  Major Mercy
This is a two-way communicator. Warp-linked, so it doesn't matter how far apart we are.
If ever you're in trouble, use it to contact me.
Whatever it is. I will handle it.

—Jiro—
...
Thanks
You realize that every time you've tried to help me you've caused problems and broke things
I'll keep you in mind
Don't waste your time on me

  Major Mercy
Oh, and Jiro.

Mercy glances back to Sunny as she leaves.

  Major Mercy
Don't trust her.

Sunny
* Uh- um...

—Jiro—
...
Go fuck yourself
Thank you for your advice
Farewell, Mercy

  Major Mercy
Watch your back out there.










Jiro turns his attention to Sunny. She exhales all at once the breath she's been holding for the past minute.

—Jiro—
...
There's something wrong with that woman
You alright?

Sunny
* Fffuuuhuuucking hell!


Sunny slumps forward, exhausted. Jiro catches her in his arms and gives her a soft hug and a pat on the back. She needs it.

Sunny
* Fuckin. Christ. Aaugh.
* Well. I'm alive.

—Jiro—
...
You are.
For now, anyway.
I'm glad

Sunny
* It's the little victories...