Seikou is sitting on the bench, idily fiddling with a strand of hair. Despite Milo's words, he still is angry at the unnamed Hylian who had been so... hateful...

Variance approaches from the west, likely from Hunter Base, idly adjusting bits and pieces of armor and the like before catching sight of a particularly distressed Seikou. "Did something happen?"

Seikou says '...It's nothing, Vari-kun. Just met someone who made me doubt protecting humanity was a good idea for a few moments...'

Variance blinks once, taken aback by the statement, then crosses his arms and approaches Seikou a little further. "Do you know who it was?"

Seikou shakes his head. "He never said his name, but he claimed to have founded the Hunters..."

"Sutox." Variance nods, a flicker of distaste showing for but a moment. "It's nothing you should worry about, he just has a vendetta against reploids in general. It's beyond me why, though I'm sure some things are better left unsaid."

Seikou says '...He said Reploids killed his family, but... He seemed to be unable to realize that was only one Maverick...'

You say 'I see... Well, don't take any of it personally, he's just a little close-minded.'

Variance almost adds 'but for good reason', but thinks better of it...

Seikou shakes his head. "I just don't know anymore..."

You say 'I'm not sure what to do with him myself, but I can safely say that he'll get a firm talking-to if he decides to start taking his vendetta out on me or you again while I'm around.'

Seikou says 'Alright... Arigatou, Vari-kun...'

Seikou seems to be about to say something, but decides not to for reasons unknown.

Variance nods, taking a rest on the nearest bench. He seems a bit more occupied now, what with actually having things to think about...

Seikou says '...Freedom is nicer than I remember it being, somehow.'

Seikou says 'The sun on my face... the wind in my hair...'

Variance takes a sudden bit of a sagely tone, closing his eyes thoughtfully. "Separation from something precious tends to make reintroduction all the more rewarding."

Seikou nods. "I suppose you're right... And hopefully, I'll get to experience that again soon... When Aula-chan gets back."

Seikou looks depressed again. "Assuming she ever comes back..."

Variance nods again, maybe looking a little tired... The crossed arms pose is always a sign of thought, but no one has really been able to tell when the eyes close...

Seikou says 'She might've been attacked while I wasn't around to help her...'

Variance nods once or twice more, the last one slower and lacking in the follow-up...

Seikou says '...I'm just being paranoid.'

Seikou says 'Should we head back to base?'

Variance says nothing, head still lowered.

Seikou says '...Vari-kun? Are you OK?'

Variance remains silent, but signs of life are still quite obvious...

Seikou blinks and waves a hand in front of Vari's face. "Vari-kun..." He sounds honestly worried.

Variance makes no response, though the slight slouching might be stretched to be considered a reply to the truly desperate.

Seikou says 'C'mon, Vari-kun... Don't randomly shut down on me...'

Variance still says nothing, also not noticing the fact he's about fifteen seconds from slipping off the bench entirely.

Seikou grabs him and pushes him back from the bench edge with a bit of effort. "Wake -up-, Vari-kun! Please!" His voice has taken on a desperate tone.

Variance immediately snaps back to consciousness, further straightening himself on the bench after a brief moment to readjust himself to being awake. "Oh... Sorry, I must've dropped off for a moment." He mutters something incoherent...

You say 'Paperwork's been a little much lately.'

Seikou says 'I was worried you were broken...'