Neo: Awakening - Neo: Paramedic

A woman in uniform stood before the tombstone.

She often came here to steel herself whenever she faced memories of the past.

Not long after, another uniformed man entered quietly and approached her.

"I had a feeling you'd be here."

She saluted him, and then turned back to face the tombstone.

Silence lingered for a while, until the man finally broke it with a question.

"Is this why you chose to retire?"

She said nothing.

He didn't wait for an answer. He already knew.

"His death wasn't your fault.

I hope you'll stop blaming yourself."

Still, she didn't speak.

Death was never so easily explained away.

"Do you know why he believed in you?"

She didn't reply; she just continued to gaze at the tombstone.

"It wasn't just because you were a capable soldier.

It was because your resolve to protect everyone never wavered."

At his words, she closed her eyes.

The cries of her fallen comrades echoed vividly in her mind.

It was only his faith in her that allowed her to endure the pain.

And now, that faith had died.

Now, she needed to believe in herself, but doubt crept in.

Can I truly overcome the screams that haunt me whenever I close my eyes?

"It's time to believe in yourself."

She still didn't answer.

The man, watching her from behind, continued gently.

"I know it won't be easy.

That's why he wanted to leave this message with you."

His voice was soft, but carried the weight of reserved sorrow.

"Do not give in.

You must care for yourself first. Only then can you protect others."

At those words, she felt a wall deep inside begin to crumble.

Maybe this was what she should have done from the start, what he had wanted all along.

Tears welled in her eyes and slipped down her cheeks before she even realized. The man said nothing, simply watching her in silence.

Time passed.

Eventually, he put on his service cap and made ready to leave.

"Your retirement has already been processed. I know it was a decision you reached after long consideration.

Then, I'll take my leave."

As he walked away, his footsteps paused for just a moment.

"...And if it were him, I think he'd tell you not to visit so often."

After he left, she remained, eyes fixed on the tombstone.

Her path was now clear.

To believe in herself, just as he had believed in her.

She raised her hand in a slow, silent salute toward the tombstone, turned, and walked away.

To protect everyone, once again.

Neo: Awakening Skills