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The bus had to make another stop at one of the restroom stations, with everyone going out to do their things and taking trash out. Lynn told everyone that she was going to look at the scenery for a while since there are a couple of cars up there and a long time for the restrooms.
Kirby noted something suspicious about her as she usually goes back in the bus afterward, but what's with the change of pace? Guess he'll have to find out.
He quietly tails her without being caught, all the way to a meadow. She stops right there to look at the sun setting, though he doesn't notice anything different about that. He inches a little bit close to her, but unexpectedly stepped on a twig, alerting Lynn of his presence.
"Kirby, what are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be back in the bus? She demanded.
"I could ask you the same thing as well. Why are you strolling out here instead of returning? You do know they show their concern for you." He fired back.
"I know. I know they do. But I wanted to sneak out here for a while, get some fresh air, and a new perspective."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. I'm ready to go back now."
"Very well, then let us-"
"Agh!"
"Hmm?"
Kirby turned around to find Lynn keeling over.
"Lynn?"
She appears to be keeling over, as a strange aura emanates from her body. The pink puff witness her struggling as he approaches, but she stopped him there, bearing the pain alone. She gaps for air as it intensifies deeper in her body, with her barely clinging on. When it got too much, she screams at the sky until she falls to the ground.
Kirby quickly rushes to her side, with the girl gasping for hair, helping her up.
"Don't look at me… Please…" She whimpered.
"What is happening to you?" Kirby wondered.
"I'm okay… I'm okay now… I'm sorry that I worried you."
"'Okay' is a poor choice of words. Tell me what is happening."
"It's… It's my body. All of the experimentation I suffered from that man has flared it up again. I'm trying so hard to contain it, but it grows stronger in each passing moment." She powered through.
"If this is a serious issue, then I will need to address it to-"
"No!" She vehemently objected. "Don't tell them."
"But why?"
"Because… If they know about this, then they would put me on the sidelines and forbid from entering battle. That alone would make me feel useless and helpless, and it goes against everything I stand for. I can't… I won't slow them down, not like this."
"But what of you, Lynn? What will become of you?"
"Kirby… I don't have a lot of time left. This body is nearing its end. But I can still hold on, with what remaining life I have left. You've helped me a lot in so many ways, including rescuing me from that man, and I want to- No. I WILL repay them, even if it means unleashing my true form and march closer to death. I won't stop until EMMA is destroyed completely."
"Lynn…" Kirby sighed, but still sees the truth in Lynn's words. "Very well. If it appeases you, I will not let a single soul be wary of your affliction."
"Thank you."
"Now then, shall we?"
"Just one more thing."
"Yes?"
"If they ask you to heal me, don't do it. Once I've exhausted all my powers, I'll be beyond saving. I know this is a cruel request for me to make, but you are the only one I can trust on for this. So, can you promise on this?"
Kirby is not one to be a liar, but he can't possibly deny Lynn's request, with how serious the issue really is. If she really doesn't want them to know, then the least he can do is cover it up for her.
"Very well. You have my solemn vow."
"Thank you, Kirby. I know this hasn't been easy for you to make such a hard decision like this."
"Please, think nothing of it. It is only right for me to keep it hidden. But the time will come when you can no longer conceal it."
"I'm aware, but I'm ready for it when it does."
"You are a strong girl indeed. It is also why I have come to respect you."
"Having your support means the world to me. Thank you."
"You are quite welcome."
"Okay, let's head back to the bus. They must be worried about us staying out there for a while."
"Indeed. Come, let us return."
They both head back to the bus to continue on to the trip back to Tokyo.