[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/ktlhhm5.png[/img][/center]
They were all tired, huh? The ride to the drop off point was quiet, Siena slumping against his shoulder as the APC rumbled through the all-too quiet streets. The stench of blood must have been powerful, but once again, Brent’s gas mask made itself a good investment. Filtered, rubbery air was better than copper. His hands remained clasped throughout the ride, remnants of his equipment hanging loosely on him. It didn’t take long for the APC to arrive, and soon, Experimental Unit B was split up further, injured in one truck and the uninjured in another.

The ride to La Plata was even quieter, conversation forsaken as people dozed off, recalled unpleasant memories, or stared blankly into space. It was only a thirty minute ride, but it was also an eternity, the wreckage of Wisford replaced by the small buildings of La Plata. How disconcerting, that, just thirty minutes away, a town could look so untouched. How pathetic, that, just thirty minutes away, a town could still look so unprepared.

How distasteful, that he felt disgust at a town that was so accustomed to peace and quiet.

By the time the truck had arrived at the motel, the arbiter could feel his own emotions draining out of him. He barely heard the commands from the officer, didn’t even bother looking for someone to room with, and ultimately, climbed the stairs up to the highest floor of the motel, wishalloy sagging over his body as he keyed his card, pushed in the door, and faceplanted onto the bed.

Somber, that’s what it felt like. After the rush of energy he received from Siena’s gratitude, the dullness of the world fell upon him once more, and the fact was that, no matter how many thanks he received, Sav was still dead.

[color=B0C4DE]“Ah, here it is again…”[/color]

Sav, the brat that did nothing during Flag and Seek. Sav, the brat that gave them all the information they thought they needed to score an easy victory. Sav, the brat that got all weirded out when he tried to encourage her to pursue her musical interests. Sav, the brat that was triggered hard by any mention of her being short. Sav, Sav, Savannah.

Memories flickered by.

[color=000000]But you still feel nothing.[/color]

Yeah, even if she died, even if he forced himself to recall, even if he did his best…

No tears formed, not even in the privacy of this dingy little motel.

It’s still just like and dislike, wasn’t it?