Upon hearing her sister's voice, Akiho immediately bursted into tears... Tears of joy, obviously.

As she wiped the tears from her eyes, her face became strangely excited. For seven long years the feelings inside of her were unable to find their way. Instead—they must only have kept boiling up.

That's why... in this very moment, with their goal right in front—they finally broke free.

That's right. It was just after we completed Misa-nee's robot for the very first time. I still know how Akiho's enthusiasm kept going strong as she was awaiting the day of our first test run. Upon sending out her message she was certainly hoping for a reply.

After all—her ambitions just like her efforts sparked from a single person. And even though this person seemed entirely out of reach, Akiho desperately stretched out her hands towards her.

A faint whisper cut her off, putting an end to Akiho's mindless anecdote about GunBuild-1. The increasing excitement on her face vanished, and became replaced by an expression of sudden uncertainty.

Still caught up by the numbness from her comatose state, she was clearly struggling to keep talking.

Misa-nee's voice was stumbling, her libs visibly trembling as she spoke. It became obvious just how much strength uttering those words required. Words—that felt strangely familiar. As if triggered by them, memories from seven years ago came flooding back... and reaffirmed a trait, that has long since become part of a distant past.

Upon hearing that word, Akiho let out an audible gasp.

Struck speechless, both of us stared into Misa-nee's eyes. Absolute disbelief painted on our faces.

Of course, Akiho told me. About what happened on the day her sister left for Tokyo. Ever since then I knew—I knew, just what caused that absurd sister complex of hers. And what fuelled her desire to finish GunBuild-1 more than anything.

That's why, staring down on Misa-nee, both of us were at a loss for words. Compared to before her breathing became a lot heavier, and its pace a lot faster. However—her strained face began to soften... and the black look disappeared from her eyes.

“...even so.", Misa-nee softly whispered. As she continued to speak, another expression formed on her face.

Was that... a smile?

Once again, we didn't know what to say. It felt like we just sat there for an eternity. Dumbfounded. Still staring down on Misa-nee.

The one to finally break the silence was—

I wasn't able to tell whether Akiho's voice carried relief, or if she was still stuck in a state of shock. Not that I was sure about my own feelings right now...

Akiho whispered softly, while tightening the grip on Misa-nee's right hand she was still holding.

Tears started to roll over her cheeks, dropping down on her long-lost sister's face.

Right now... whatever it was that she chased after. Perhaps just a single word of appreciation, or a hint of praise. She might finally have found it.

With Akiho's still sobbing face over hers, Misa-nee suddenly began recounting on her past. Contrary to her firm voice of just moments ago, she now seemed a lot more feeble, her voice almost devoid of emotion.

Thinking about it, I remembered the omnipresent anticipation around those eclipses. Everyone on the island was on their feet: People who left their workplaces mid-day, teachers who joined their students outside, eagerly waiting both alike. On those days we always got a lesson cancelled so we could witness them with our own eyes. Interestingly enough—even though those events were big deals—I don't think I've ever seen Misa-nee around.

Looking back down on her, I realized her eyes began to turn cloudy. It felt like her mind was somewhere else—far, far away from this place...

What she uttered felt abstruse, almost philosophical in meaning. As if she was questioning determinism itself, she seemed in doubt about her own choices. That's why... deep inside of me. Somewhere between 'his' words and Misa-nee's actions. Something unsettling began to sprout.

“Misa-nee... that—", I began to voice my thoughts. However, I was cut off before I even started.

Misa-nee went on to say something almost as cryptic. Seeing her like that, I wondered if she was still aware of her surroundings. It seemed like she entered some sort of fever dream.

I started another attempt at putting my thoughts into words. This time, it was Akiho who interrupted.

It seems like she didn't take her sister's words too well. Indeed—I can easily imagine how that was the very last thing she wanted to hear from Misa-nee right now.

I could no longer hold back the thoughts that began to spread on the back of my mind.

Upon hearing that name, a hard to judge expression appeared on Misa-nee's face. For some time after, we were engulfed by silence.

Then... a mere two words left her mouth.

Her feeble voice seemed wistful as she spoke, yet I didn't miss that subtle hint of bitterness. As if remembering something painful, resting on her mind ever since.

As I heard that... I felt a lump forming somewhere deep inside my throat. Being asked by Misa-nee of all people—it brought back feelings, that seven years ago would have been simple to judge. Yet feelings, that seven years later might have morphed, that might have diverged...

It wasn't up until then that I realized. My eyes... They were no longer resting on Misa-nee's. Instead, the two eyes looking back at me. Right now, in this very moment.

Those eyes... were Akiho's eyes.