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Lilith said not a word. What did she have to say? ...What could she say?

As soon and as quickly as it happened, it was done. Every word hung in the air until Lilith swore that she could almost feel it choking her lungs, as if to make good Lennyka's threats. Despite what just transpired, though, Lilith was unsure as to whether or not that was Lennyka.

It certainly was crazy s**t, and Lilith was having a difficult time completely registering what just happened. She stood, blankly staring at the doorway through which Len had just vanished. At Sorano's question, Lilith sighed.

She felt like she had no response.

Eventually, she spoke. "...I don't know." Worry painted her features. "...I pray to Arceus it wasn't."

Lilith felt numb. She didn't know exactly what she had just witnessed, but whatever it was, it spelled out nothing but trouble.

She felt a nudge against her arm. While it was a gentle push, it made her stagger and almost fall over in her shock. She gasped, caught herself, and turned around to face Sorano. What he said made her heart feel heavy.

"But I..." She began to protest, then stopped. There was no sense in being immature. She nodded, and her voice choked slightly. "Okay. I-I understand."

Lilith silently exhaled through her nose and began walking out of the doorway which Lennyka had disappeared into. In her mind, she was still debating on whether or not that truly was Len that threatened her and Sorano's lives, but she could find no way to doubt the evidence.

Before she left, she lingered in the doorway for a second, then looked back at Sorano. "I'm sorry... I'm so sorry." Lilith closed her eyes and, having little more to say, walked out of the room, leaving a long string of worry in her wake.

Mid-stride, Lilith stopped and considered her boyfriend's words. "All right... As long as you're sure. But Sorano..."

Slowly, Lilith turned around. She could feel the tears beginning to well up in her eyes, but through some unforeseen grace, the tears did not flow, and her pain and emotion for the moment were not unmasked in front of this man for whom she had grown so close to. Her voice was quiet; she could hardly hear herself.

"At least remember that... you're not alone. I'm here with you, and if you need me, I'll be here for you." Her eyes were downcast, but with effort, she pulled them up from the floor to look directly at Sorano. The tears kept threatening and were on the verge of appearing, but Lilith held them down. She needed to be strong - for both of them.

"I know that you want to keep me safe, and I'm so grateful for that, but I want to be there for you. It's not much... but..." A faint chuckle escaped her lips, and she closed her glassy eyes.

"I care about you."

And with that, there was nothing else to say. Sorano had turned himself away from her, and Lilith had full view of the pool of red that had collected on the back of his shirt. Oh Arceus, what pain he must be in... Silently, but with more speed than before, Lilith exited the room and hurried back to her own. As she did, she could not help but look once or twice over her shoulder, lest Lennyka would be there. Bitter and angry thoughts raged through the grunt's head.

I hope you're damn happy, Lennyka.