"... I think somewhere, I still held on to it." Even during that final confrontation, there was a a faint echo in the back of her mind that begged she stop, only to be ignored as her voice inflicted harm against their opponents, which was ultimately what she used it anymore as time passed compared to the moral support she had used it for before.

"What I did was of my own volition, are you sure there really is no reason to be upset?" As far as she was concerned, it felt as if she had broken his trust. How often had she visited his grave in that future, wondering what he would say to her with every action she took when she was certain he would have disapproved?

More than that, the vision also brought with it an uncomfortable realisation—the understanding of her brother's resolve and dedication to his goal, in their own world. He had been willing to give up everything to do what he thought was right, including abandoning her. Though she had similarly done the same, Tear hadn't thought herself capable to sealing her heart to the degree she had in that future, of leaving that last important person who had still believed in her.

It was that particular memory that made her start trembling again, biting her lip and finding herself leaning against the cadet in turn before she could stop. Of all the regrets she had about that future, the image of that farewell still haunted her the most.