Ace was quick to compliment her skills, making Lin blush and grin like an idiot. Getting compliments from people she cared for felt truly amazing, and her cheeks were burning as much as the flames that cooked that weird machine were. It was nice to know that, in spite of all her failures, when she succeeded it was appreciated. Rubbing the back of her neck sheepishly, Lin gave him a thumbs up of agreement. She was pretty cool, wasn’t she? 

[b]“You better believe it, but don’t think just because you said that means you—“[/b]Ace was rushing towards her, causing Lin to flinch in surprise. He was her friend, so there was no way he was deliberately attacking her. Bracing herself naturally, it wasn’t until he moved past her that she had realized he was moving to cover for her as she just covered for him. Turning around, startled at the now vanquished creatures, the young woman was embarrassed for having let her guard down like that. Ace had repaid the debt in an instant, making Lin feel both gratitude and stupid at the same time. Getting a quick description of how the creatures acted, it was as though Lin was still the junior of the group, and that got to her. She had spent half a year without their company, but she was still getting saved by them. [b]“Y-yeah, got it.”[/b] Acknowledged Lin, who was trying to contain her own disappointment. It wasn’t time to reflect on her own failures, but instead find it a little funny that Shizuka still enjoyed running away and throwing things at people. Finding amusement in that, she stifled a grin and looked between Ace and Shizuka as they spoke. After a humorous exchange the sword Ace carried was lent, and using it in her own unique way Shizuka had completely decimated the robot that was after her, and then executed a perfect attack just above, taking out the last one above.

[b]“Awesome!”[/b] She exclaimed, leaping in the air out of excitement. It had only been for a minute or so, but fighting with her friends again was one of her favorite hobbies. She did fight with other friends back at home, but Ace and Shizuka were hard to beat, especially because they were just so funny. Snickering at how out of breath Shizuka was, Lin gasped as she was suddenly pulled into a tight hug that nearly caused her to exhale all the air in her lungs. When Shizuka hugged you, you always felt it. [b]“G-glad to see you guys too!” [/b]she managed to say, bringing her arms around Shizuka and trying to hug her without begging for release. Ace was extended an invitation and Lin grinned, beckoning him over with her left hand. Taking too long to do it himself, Shizuka brought him over and the three shared one big hug together. Lin had a wide grin on her face, all too happy to be in the company of her friends once again. With Ace being released and soon after herself, Lin took in a deep breath of air and wasn’t all too surprised Shizuka asked about her big brother.

[b]“Brother is doing really well! I know things in China aren’t the best, but it’s getting a little better after …you know …”[/b] Lin didn’t really want to talk about the tragedy that had befallen China, and instead wanted to look forward to the day they’d take it back from the Empire. Just before Lin could inquire as to what Ace and Shizuka had been up to all this time and why they didn’t visit any further, an obnoxious applause rang from one man who had made his way over here as though nothing had been wrong. Well, nothing was wrong because she was there, but that wasn’t the point. Lin initially found the man handsome, but it was only until he opened his mouth that she realized that he was quite possibly very, very ugly inside. Taking a stand in front of Ace and Shizuka, Lin folded her arms in a manner she associated with superiority. He had even gone on to mention that his brother created those things, something she had a feeling he mentioned in order to either impress them or make himself appear as some kind of threat. All he’d receive was disgust. 

Lin had no idea who this ‘brother’ was, but if this man associated with him then he was just as bad by default. She had no respect for someone who stood by and allowed those things to put people at risk. [b]“What if someone got hurt who couldn’t defend themselves? Would you still look so proud about being related to him? If anything you should be ashamed, or could it be that you’re just as horrible as him for making those things?”[/b]

A normally friendly girl, there was nothing about this man’s arrival that showed good will or kindness. He was gloating and showing off in the site of death and pain, and for that he shouldn’t expect forgiveness. She was scowling and badly wanted to leave, but not before she gave a piece of her mind to him. He didn’t hesitate in giving his own.

[b]“We’ll destroy as many as we have to in order to keep good people safe, so either you help do that next time, or show off to someone else.”[/b] Lin looked over her shoulder at Shizuka and Ace, worried they might actually want to hear the thoughts and opinions of such a man. [b]“You guys don’t really want to stick around, do you? What kind of a heartless jerk just stands by like that? I say we just leave!” [/b]