There's a lot more I can do for you now—more than secretarial work. I won't be opposed to fighting anymore. But still, to be here, writing for you, is... a great honor of mine.

What would you like to ask? Maybe you want to know—how much power Dublinn has... no? Oh, just how I'm personally doing? I'm still no more than a shadow, but—not my sister's. Dublinn's flame is lit by so many people, so many ideals, and the shadow cast by that firelight—that is what I am now.

It's getting dark. Around this hour, there'd be people walking leisurely along the grey pavements, perhaps fowlbeasts gathering by the ponds—that is the Tara I remember. It's no special thing, but neither has it truly existed before. Doctor, I believe everyone should have a home to welcome them back.

I can't make myself out to be a comrade of yours—there are some by your side that surely hate me. But—once Dublinn no longer needs these raging, burning flames, then I'll come back here... I want to come back here.

In my spare time? I still like prose, and poetry, both reading and writing... and I like to hear others sing. I know a few folk songs—very pretty ones, but no record has been made of them. Doctor, Have you ever heard, how the stems of reeds can be used as whistles? Yes, the reeds that would burn away at the brush of a flame.

Once you've caught Oripathy, living can become very painful... Do I resent it? No, I just used to not understand... life is so fragile, so much is ready to steal it away, yet we were meant to withstand that—to resist each and every trouble? But now... I can see you fight not just to resist—you fight to give people back their lives.

Do not fear, but do not disregard. Be light, be gentle... that is how you touch another. I remember learning this from you, Doctor, and it ensures my flames won't turn others to ash. Don't worry, I can bear the pain that accompanies. My fire won't die out.

Many prophecies say similar things—'it is the Draco's nature to fight.' I won't stand for that. But—if my sister stays blind to what will become of the land, once blanketed by the fires of death... then I will stop her. I know what kind of Leader the people put their hopes in—and that's not what she is.

My mind's not at peace, Doctor. Is my every choice truly right? Their lives stoke our flames in the night. Yet in the end, if they fail to burn through the darkness... No, why should their lives even be mine to dictate...? But still, I will walk on. Now I bear a duty, and I will walk on.

Not a word needed... It's always so tranquil, by your side.

I know—you'll have many new questions for me, about my identity, about my goals... but—I am still the same Reed.

No matter how many times, you'll still choose to fight like this...

What is it you seek, from those who earn this medal? Tell me more about your dreams.

Upon the damp soil, there struggles life after life. While my flame does not yet die, I will reach them—I will.

I understand the objective you've set.

You fight not by my will, but yours. You choose to be warriors. So I will stand with you, shoulder to shoulder.

What blocks the way, I will burn through.

It is your tyrannies that fuel this flame.

Where do you wish to go?

I'm prepared to fight.

Please, trust in me.

Your lives are mine to protect.

Your lives, now ignited.

This endless burn, you needn't bear.

Fear not the firelight.

I am Dublinn.

In honesty, it's hard to even tell whether your battles are victories, given your dreams still lie so far, far away. But at times like these, it strikes me—perhaps we may all see the day, when peace comes.

To drive them away with fire is easily done. But—if we're to ensure they'll never come back to hurt us, then a fire is not enough.

Did they flee? I have no hate for those who do—but here on the battlefield, I will pursue them.

The pain of burning, I can bear much more of. Just—don't let anyone else—disappear to the flames again...

I remember how I hid away in the ship's cabins. I miss those days.

...I still burn hot, don't I?

The poems I've transcribed? I can read them to you, if you're interested. It's okay if you don't understand Taran—perhaps you'll still feel the emotions' touch.

Arknights.

Can I sit here, and watch the flames? Mm, I'm not here to celebrate this day, not at all... but—hearing the bells echo through the wilds, it makes me glad for the firelight, on this night.

Ah, Doctor. Yes, some things never change.

You and I are different. Dublinn is a dream that took shape long ago, long before it found itself in me. But Rhodes Island—you take something so hard to envision, and convince people to believe in it. You are what saved me, and I will always remember that.