The Untold Story of Texas and Lappland (Arknights)

Understanding Reached

After all this time, being at Rhodes Island HQ almost felt a bit strange.

And maybe that had something to do with all that had happened as of late, or maybe she really just felt out of sorts after fighting FrostNova. But either way, she found herself unable to leave the room. Bicolored eyes were glued to a stilled form. The woman on the bed was far too still for her liking. Far too still indeed.

The monitor continued to beep.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

"Texas, you should really get some rest." Sora stressed for what was likely the third time.

Texas's ear twitched, but otherwise she didn't bother with a response. The shake of her head didn't warrant anything save for a repeated phrase. She didn't see the point in saying no. Antiseptic spray made her nose itch. The room was cold. Not as cold as they'd been earlier. Strange to compare such vastly different places; strange to think about the hate in that Reunion leader's eyes as she retreated.

If I hadn't used them both I'd probably be dead.

Texas couldn't explain why, but there was a lightness in her since using her left-handed sword. A part of her shut off for years had finally been granted a return. The horror of that day long ago was remaining, all memories stayed, yet it no longer haunted her in the same way. Freedom. Maybe freedom was this lightness. Or maybe she was really learning to let go. A pained whine echoed somewhere behind her, tinged with disappointment.

"Texas . . ." Croissant murmured worriedly.

She remained complacent. No amount of nudging would make her budge from the chair.

"Come on Sora, Croisant. Let's just leave her be for now. When Texas sets her mind on something there's no changing it."

"Ugh. But . . . fine."

At that, she gave an agreeing hum. It would be Exusiai who understood. Sometimes Texas thought the Sankta knew her better than she knew herself. There were a few more exchanged murmurs she chose to ignore. They were about her, the stubborn nature of her refusal to move. And then they faded out with the closing of the metal door.

Texas scooted her chair closer.

Impulsively, she grabbed a pale hand. Her fingers threaded between the slightly longer ones, seeping out the stain of cold. The faint blue lines of veins were apparent in the white wolf's wrist. They'd always been visible but the chill made them that much more apparent. Shards tucked against her leg were hidden beneath the sheets. She saw the outline of them. All that fighting yet Lappland came off lucky. There was no spread of Oripathy.

Not this time.

But what about next time? I can't just sit here waiting to say it. Can't keep it inside.

But the words on the tip of her tongue were complacent, willing to wait until Lappland woke up. Like those memories she had tried so hard to push out, to lay to rest, they would not be forgotten.

****

Just a moment of quiet, that's all she needed. So Exusiai excused herself and went to her room. The door closed swiftly behind her. She made sure the lock was tightly shut before plopping on her bed. Whipping out her phone, Exusiai dutifully went to messages.

A Chatroom has Opened.

Exusiai: A lot of stuff went down today.

Exusiai: We fought Reunion in the Outskirts of Chernobog.

Exusiai: It was pretty dangerous.

Exusiai: Lappland and Texas could've been killed. You remember them right? I explained who Lappland was.