"Yes." Arthur replied darkly.
Krishna hesitated for a moment before calling out to the Lieutenant General.
"If you're not on active duty… then, why didn't the second unit respond?"
Arthur shrugged.
"They were handling another fragment across the country, what do you think?"
Krishna froze, watching as Arthur slowly walked farther away. He didn't stop him nor did he correct him.
He was right. They were foolish to go blindly in such a mission.
However, what could they have done? They were powerless against the authority of the General and Prime Minister.
'I'm sorry…'
Krishna turned away from Arthur, heading in the opposite direction towards Missio's room.
***
Arthur walked down the cold hallway. Drowning the eerie silence, he could only hear his steps echo in the corridor.
The unending rain crashed against the windows, thunder sounding through the city as lighting sparked across the dark sky.
Eventually, he found Amelia and Maple sitting outside of the emergency room. The ladies noticed his presence, turning their attention towards him.
"Oh…Hello, captain." Amelia greeted him with a low voice.
Arthur blinked, asking in a solemn tone.
"How's Harvey?"
"…They're about to start the operation. They say he received too many cuts and won't be able to do extreme physical activities for a few months." Maple replied.
Arthur nodded and sat down beside them. Crossing his arms, he sat in silence with the girls.
'I was really careless during this battle…damn it, why did I get distracted? More people could've been saved…'
He regretted his incompetence.
He regretted that he couldn't have saved more enforcers.
He regretted that their families wouldn't see them another time.
It was his duty as their leader to make sure no one died yet how could have failed so miserably at it?
Biting his lip, he drew blood from his lips. He licked his lips the blood off the next second, not wanting Maple to worry about him.
After a few minutes, he stood up and passed the girls.
"Where are you going?" Maple blurted.
"To find Kay." Arthur replied, waving his hand.
Maple watched her captain slowly leave her vision. Once he turned the corner, he turned back to Amelia.
"He's putting all the blame on himself again…"
Amelia didn't respond for a few seconds. Then, she shrugged, holding her chin with her palm.
"Then, go comfort him if you're that worried."
Maple's heart suddenly began to beat rapidly, her cheeks slightly reddening.
"I-I was just pointing it out…" She sheepishly replied.
"Sure – sure." Amelia rolled her eyes. "But it's something that his brother drilled into him. I don't think we can do much."
Maple lowered her head, remaining silent at her colleagues comment.
'She's right… he'll keep putting the blame on himself even if we try to help him.'
***
Near the entrance, Kay sat on a lone bench. He had his katana placed on his lap; his arms were swung back. He was leaning back, and his head was tilted upwards looking at the ceiling. His eyes were dazed and unfocused as if he was in his own inner world.
The rain was falling, the leaves were rustling and the cold wind was flowing, creating a melodic rhythm that almost made him sleep. His heart throbbed, feet shook and hands trembled as he endured the strain of the previous battle.
'Ahh…Quiet and calm…just perfect for forgetting my worries…'
Before, he could wash his worries away. Arthur sat beside him. Kay raised a brow and leaned forward. Seeing his captain's grim expression, he inquired about his current state.
"Hey, Arthu- I mean captain…You, okay?"
" Yeah…I'm just a bit bummed out by Harvey's condition…"
"Don't worry about things like that! With our tech, we can fix him up right away." Kay stated confidently.
Arthur clenched his fist until his knuckles turned white.
"And the ten dead enforcers…"
Kay froze, staring at Arthur for a minute. Then, he leaned back and parted his lips.
"Y'know what you used to say?"
Arthur raised a brow. He thought for a few moments, then smiled.
"To handle any situation…you must have a flexible heart."
"But even flexibility can't survive extreme pressure." Kay whispered under his breath.
"What did you say?"
"Nothing! Nothing."
Kay waved his hand, trying to be funny. However, that didn't lighten the mood of his captain. Arthur lowered his head, his eyes twitching from the lack of sleep.
Kay, seeing him in this state, remained silent for a while. Just then, Arthur called out to him.
"Are you shaken from the battle?"
Kay froze, a glint of sadness appearing in his eyes.
"No…" His voice trembled.
Noticing Kay's shaking voice, Arthur chuckled.
"Good. An Enforcer must have a flexible heart to handle any situation."
"Right…but can we recover from such a loss? Ten enforcers died…" Kay retorted with a low voice.
Arthur remained silent, intertwining his fingers. Then, he said in a low voice.
"There's always a way out, Kay…No matter what."
***
Krishna arrived back in Missio's room. Closing the door behind him, he lifted his head, seeing that Mary was feeding Missio food provided by the hospital.
His lips couldn't help but curl as he neared his team. Henry perked up at his arrival, raising a brow. Mary and Eira also noticed his presence, turning to face. Missio also gazed at his friend with his hollow eyes.
"So… how'd it go with Arthur?"
Krishna drew a deep breath. "We have to meet the Supreme Commander tomorrow."
"We have to what?"