Inside the modest temporary dormitory, a silent standoff plays out—half comical, half exasperating.
The blue-haired Construct crouches, holding a stuffed toy, doing her best to send friendly signals to the anxious training dog huddled in the corner.
She takes a careful step forward, lighter than a falling thread. But the dog keeps growling, backing up until she's pressed tight against the wall.
...Not working.
It's the same thing the two of you have tried over and over during the past hour.
You and Discord have swapped out different treats and toys, trying to recreate your earlier success, but Ksori only grows more anxious.
New place, strange smells. When everything around you feels like a threat... I can imagine what that's like.
Both your eyes fall to the name tag on Ksori's collar.
This device can connect to a trainer's terminal, tracking and analyzing an animal's emotions. When the emotional spike is high enough, it can even pull memory fragments tied to the reaction, helping trainers pinpoint the cause and respond properly.
Connection complete, Commandant. Let's begin.
<i>So <color=#ff4e4eff>tired</color>... so <color=#ff4e4eff>hungry</color>... Worked hard to find food.</i>
That's all you found? Not even enough for a bite. Get lost! Nothing for you today.
<i>Humans took it away. So <color=#ff4e4eff>tired</color>... so <color=#ff4e4eff>hungry</color>.</i>
<i>Master's upset. If we play, maybe they'll smile.</i>
Go on, get out of here. No time to play. Ugh, what would a dog know anyway...
<i>Kicks <color=#ff4e4eff>hurt</color>. <color=#ff4e4eff>Not happy</color></i>.
<i>So <color=#ff4e4eff>cold</color>, so <color=#ff4e4eff>dark</color></i>.
Shut it already! You—put a muzzle on it and lock it away.
Noisy mutt... if its nose wasn't useful, I'd have tossed it on the roadside a long time ago.
<i>So <color=#ff4e4eff>cold</color>, so <color=#ff4e4eff>dark</color></i>.
......
...Picking food out of the trash on the street... like some unwanted stray.
Dogs don't overthink. Finish your missions. Fall behind and you'll be punished.
...Where did she go? Did I... get left behind again?
......
The Construct girl sits with her eyes tightly shut, years of grief pressing into her brow. Her hands, once resting on her knees, are now clenched together as if she's trying to hold on to something destined to slip away.
When you call her name softly, her lashes tremble.
...Commandant?
Ah. I drifted off again. Sorry.
...Commandant?
No... the warmth of your hand... it's comforting. I should be the one apologizing.
Just hearing you say that is comfort enough.
I think I know where to start in helping Ksori now.
She's smart. Maybe too smart. Not every memory of food or toys is a happy one—people have used those to hurt her.
What she needs most is to feel safe. To know no one will take her food, that kindness isn't a trick, and that people won't treat her like a tool to be thrown away.
It's the same for people. Only when we feel safe can we think about what we want or about the future.
I took your words to heart, Commandant.
When she was suffocating under the weight of her past, the thoughts you sent through the connection pierced the darkness, sharp as a blade.
The blue-haired Construct glances at the dog in the corner, her gaze filled with gentle determination.
If we can help her find hope and pride again, her change will be remarkable.
Just like you stood by me, I'll stay with Ksori. Patiently.
"We." Right. This is a joint mission.
Since she still isn't used to tackling problems side by side with someone else, you decide it's best to give her a little more confidence.
In that case, let me start sorting the supplies right away and get this place set up so you'll feel comfortable when you visit.
With sudden focus, the Construct scans the room from corner to corner.
Dust on the top shelf... those cushion covers need washing... curtain ties should be restitched... Small stuff, Commandant. I can have it all done quickly.
Better let me handle it.
Even if the servant work I used to do was just a cover for a mission, tidying up and setting things in order always calms me down.
...Especially if I put on a little classical music at the same time.
It's not just duty or gratitude. It's something I genuinely want to do. Something that makes me happy.
Her blue eyes are clear. At least for now, she's free of the shadows of her past, able to speak her wishes honestly.
Maybe, to her, simply having you accept her goodwill and respond sincerely is worth more than anything.
Alright!
In her element, Discord moves with remarkable speed and grace, her actions flowing together with such precision that she elevates housework into an art form.
Even Ksori, still cautious, perks up her ears to watch Discord work.
Once everything from the supply box has found its proper place, she brings you a cup of tea with perfect posture.
Chamomile tea, to help you relax, Commandant.
You take a sip. The temperature is perfect, the aroma gentle. With her care, even the simplest ingredients become something special.
At your praise, she straightens her back just a little more, as if it were the highest encouragement.
The only thing missing is a teaspoon of honey. Once we're back in Babylonia, I'll make it up to you.
At your invitation, she fetches a can of Construct formula for herself and sits across from you.
She keeps her knees together in perfect posture, but her fingertips idly rub the base of the can, betraying a trace of awkwardness.
When she looks up and your eyes meet, she glances away and takes a quick sip, as if trying to cover it.
Ahem, if I may, Commandant... would it be alright if I sat beside you?
It might help Ksori get used to us sooner if the trainers are close... and also...
Seeing the thoughtful look on your face, she bites her lower lip and turns slightly, hesitating.
......
...I just... when I see you resting like this, I want to be closer.
A faint blush creeps into her ears as she moves her chair next to yours. After a pause, she scoots it a little closer.
The hem of her iron-gray skirt brushes lightly against your leg.
Sunlight streams through the clean window, drifting through the steam rising from your cups, settling across both your knees. Wrapped in the quiet, it feels as though time has slowed.
You don't know how long you've been sitting there when her voice gently pulls you back.
[player name], look.
Ksori approaches in small, hesitant steps, the tip of her tail flicking in short wags.
Discord's smile grows with every inch Ksori closes, and you can feel your heartbeat falling into rhythm with hers.
Finally, the dog lies down at your feet, her worn fur pressed between you and her. The quiet warmth of life stirs again.
Your cup meets hers with a soft clink.
To new beginnings.
