7.

It's the worst battle yet. She's shaking. She's shaking. The chimes are growing. No one breathes around her but them.

Gin feels happy. So happy.

Why can't I feel the same way?

This was her duty. This is her everything, how can she be shaking now what is the matter with her?

The world erodes beneath her feet. No it does more, it crumbles lie sot and for a moment she can''t breathe. Then Sonoko bounces about like a child and raises her LRIG to the not-heavens.

"Grow!" she shouts. "Piriluk!"

Gin is right beside her, Yuzuki already at her heels and bursting flames.

Somehow… somehow they are so strong.

She readies her bow and even when she hits, the timing works. But it grazes flames and swords and people could be getting hurt and it's all her fault!

"Iona, grow!" she shouts.

Purple and blue are mixed on a palette.

Those are the opening lines to one of Sonoko's novels and as Iona reacts to her, dances black feathers and white light, it feels appropriate.

So does the blood suddenly dripping from her stomach.