Looking down, on the distant horizon, the traveling group could see the faint outline of Mitakihara City. Damage could be seen in its silhouette, but the town was, for a mercy, largely intact. This fact alone was enough to invigorate Hanako, who took a pointed, deep breath as if to punctuate the fact. Before that, however, the trail led down towards Lake Lacrima, an anomalous hotspot that once held relevance for Yui, and more importantly, to the modern Conductors. 

Hanako: There it is…

Yasu: (Standing beside Hanako, Yasu casts a compassionate expression her way) Where’s your head at, Hanako? How are you feeling?

Hanako: I’m focused, don’t worry. But to say I’m not even a little nervous… well, it’s a painfully obvious lie. Seeing everyone else after this… even knowing through Kiwa-chan that they’re alright, it’s not the same, you know?

Yasu: All the more reason to stay focused, and make it there in one piece. …Just in case.

Hanako: Right… just in case. (Hanako turns to face Shinju, standing at her other side) What about you, Shinju? How are you feeling?

Shinju: Mmhh… I don’t think I’m gonna be able to relax until I know everyone’s okay. (She looks out over the city, as if she might be able to see them from here) 

Hanako: Just a little bit farther, Shinju. We’re almost there. (Hanako turns back to look at Yosuke and Koharu, both still somewhat shaken) …We’re almost there.

Yosuke: Gotta follow the trail down towards Lake Lacrima. And then… hope for the best, I guess.

Koharu: … Let’s go.