Not on Rebecca

Sophie weighed her options, and found neither side to be very promising. But, if **** would come to her anyway, she may as well take an active role in it, right?

"I'm with you," she said.

"So am I. Forever," Marianne agreed.

Sagus smiled and nodded. "Rebecca? Are you going with us?"

"....no."

"What!?"

"I'm not going with you. You're all insane if you think you're helping anyone worth helping by doing this! You're my friends, but...i can't...i won't help you do this. I'm sorry, but if this is what you're going to do then we part ways here."

"Rebecca, no. Please, come with us! As soon as we do this task, we'll be free to live our lives as normal people again! We can live together, in a safe town!" Marianne pleaded. "Please. Don't leave us."

The archer looked over at her, considering going with them. But not even Marianne's tearing eyes could convince her. She turned away and started walking.

"Good-bye, everyone. Sagus, you're leading those two to destruction. But still, i wish you all well."

The remaining three watched sadly as their longtime friend and companion walked away from them. They would never see her again, they thought. Sagus lowered his head, and pulled his hood up, hiding his eyes. "Come on. We're going."

"What? But, we have to go get Rebecca!"

"She left, Marianne. We're going on without her." He started walking, and Marianne soon followed. Sophie waited a moment. If Rebecca wasn't coming with them, it wouldn't be like it was before. She rethought her decision. Without looking back Sagus called to her.

"Are you coming, Sophie? Or will you abandon us as well?"

Sophie looked back to find Rebecca still walking away. She caught up to Sagus and they walked forward.

Rebecca controlled her voice and other noises, but her tears flowed freely. She was alone; her friends had gone. Then, a mysterious voice sounded from nowhere.

"You were right to leave those fools, Rebecca Oswin. They would have led you to your ****."

"Who are you!?"

Rustling leaves gave away a presence within them. A man jumped down to the ground, landing on his feet with no visible impact.

"Stradi."

"Correct. I am Stradi. Don't bother drawing your bow; I am far too fast, and your arrow could not hurt me anyway. Besides that, I am not threatening you. You wish to kill the demon-scum Arakarin. I can make this happen. Come with me, and we will break your former companions' deal with him. Everyone can get what they want, the things they desire with their entire hearts. Come."

Rebecca took his hand.