Epilogue

"Gah-hah-hah-hah-hah!"

"Man, we won, we won! Another gold star added to our lives!"

　A boisterous laugh echoed through the crater of 'Homura'. 　It was the same voice Guest heard when they first saw the sunrise of Homuka after the interrogation that day.

　The one laughing while sitting cross-legged skillfully in low gravity is definitely Shian. 　Things have become a bit complicated to define her as 'alive'. But anyway.

"Right. We did what we had to do, let's head back."

　Even that quick change of pace is just like her.

"Here... close your eyes for a second."

"...I told you to close 'em."

　It was a sudden embrace.

　I don't think closing my eyes will change anything, but...

"Huh?! No! This isn't that kind of thing!"

"You really think you're gonna space-walk this distance back to Homuka?!"

　Shian's shouting makes my ears ring.

"I'm your R.E.V, born from your 'Retribution'... so I gotta look after you at times like this. I'll take you there."

　Black mist seeping from her body envelops the two of them. 　I felt my feet leave the lunar surface.

　It was a strange sensation, as if my whole body were on fire, or as if I were falling forever.

"...We made a promise, didn't we?"

　A promise.

"We did. We really did. Don't you dare say you forgot."

　—That's why I was able to find you. 　As they fell toward the planet as a black flame, Shian tightened her grip on Guest.

"That's why I was able to come back to you. Partner."

"—Together until the moment we die."