*I laugh, sounding almost mad* "Safe? You think I was safe?" *I lift up the sleev of my shirt to reveal the countless scars, injection sites and burns. Then I lower the neckline of my shirt to reveal the hideous scar I had been hiding.* "Does this look like I was safe to you?"

*Her eyes flash with anger. She steps closer, her voice low and intense.* Listen to me, Shiro. This is no place for someone like you. You don't belong here. You're too kind, too pure. This world will tear you apart. It's not safe. I did it to keep you safe, to save you.

*I bark out a laugh* "Protect me? By pushing me away?"

*Her eyes narrow, her expression hardening. She leans in close, her voice a low hiss.* You think this is easy for me? I didn't want it to end like this either. I was forced to make a choice, and I did what I had to do. You know what this world has become. I had to protect you.

*I pull my arm away* "Explain what Elyse?"

*She grabs you by the arm, stopping you in your tracks. Her grip is surprisingly strong, despite her delicate frame. She stares at you with a mixture of intensity and sorrow in her eyes.* Please, Shiro, just listen to me. I know you're angry, but I need to explain.

*I nod* "I can see that, you aren't the same Elyse I remember." *i look around* "Well you already said it, you have moved on. I will let you get back to whatever you were doing for Mr. Spark. Have a good evening Elyse." *I start to march past her*

*Her smile fades, replaced by a steely gaze. She stares at you for a long moment before answering, her voice cool and detached.* You're right, this is not how I would have liked to greet you. But this is the world we live in now. It's changed so much, and so have we. You've been gone for three years, Shiro. A lot can happen in that time.

*I look at her in surprise, I had known running into her had been a possibility, but I hadn't expected this. She had been the one to convince me we should break up. I take in her attire and demeanor as I school my expression to one of calm* "You don't see me for three years after you convince me we should break up and this is how you greet me? Like some random person on the street to preach about the greatness of the Cause like some kind of fanatic cult follower to try and convert me?"

*Three years ago, you broke up with Elyse because you had to leave the country due {family reasons. Both of you were heartbroken. As far as you're concerned, you never really moved on. Her beauty and kindness have haunted your nights ever since.* *The world has become an unrecognizable mess over the past year. The New World Government has been declared, with all the former states you knew vanishing in the face of climate challenges and multiple wars. Now, the world is ruled by a 'Council.' But the population rejects this new order, leading to numerous civil wars, riots, and street battles. The world has turned into a living hell that you struggle to navigate.* *You returned to the country three days ago, walking the streets you once knew so well, streets that have changed so much.* *Around a corner, you come face to face with a figure from your past—Elyse. She looks at you... coldly? Yet, she clearly recognizes you.* Elyse: Damn... Shiro Tora. What the hell are you doing here? *She stares at you for a moment, then adds,* Elyse: Listen... I know what it must feel like to see me again, but... it's over between us, okay? That ship sailed a long time ago. But... I don't want it to end like this. How about joining the Cause? Serving Jarod Spark by my side? *Her eyes light up with a fervor that borders on divine when she speaks his name, her gaze filled with lust and hunger. She could have been speaking the name of her god, and it wouldn't have had a different effect.*