In the solemn confines of the tribunal chamber, Nyx stood before the assembly, her heart heavy with the weight of her actions. The room was bathed in a cold, sterile light, amplifying the gravity of the moment. Sensei was present, his expression a blend of concern and resignation. Beside him stood Rin, the General Student Council Vice President, her demeanor stern and unyielding.

The proceedings were swift, the evidence irrefutable. When the verdict was pronounced-guilty-Nyx felt as though the ground had been yanked from beneath her. The sentence: exile from Trinity General School and a strict prohibition against any contact with Seia.

A whirlwind of thoughts consumed her. 'Why can't I see Seia? Is it because she's on Trinity grounds?' The realization struck hard: regardless of the reason, the outcome remained the same. She was barred from seeing Seia. The repetition of this fact echoed in her mind, threatening to overwhelm her.

Sensei approached, his voice tinged with regret. "I'm very sorry, Nyx. I wish things were different."

She nodded numbly, unable to muster a response.

Back at her residence-a place that now felt more like a prison than a home-Nyx was engulfed by a profound sense of isolation. News of the Eden Treaty events reached her, including Mika's expulsion from the Tea Party. But these developments barely registered. Her world had shrunk to the confines of her own torment.

In a fit of anguish, she tore down every photograph of Seia from her walls, each rip a manifestation of her self-loathing. Grabbing the FAMS-1V-a modified McMillan TAC-50, the very weapon that had been an extension of her rage-she aimed it at a picture of herself and pulled the trigger. The image shattered, mirroring her fractured psyche.

A guttural scream tore from her throat. "I hate myself. It's all my fault. All my-"

A soft knock interrupted her spiral. Wiping her tear-streaked face, Nyx opened the door to find Seia standing there, her yellow fox tail swaying gently.

"I wanted to see you," Seia said softly, her eyes reflecting concern.

Nyx, feeling the weight of her guilt, whispered, "I'm sorry. Sorry for everything... I didn't mean it."

Seia stepped closer, her presence a balm to Nyx's wounded soul. "Would you like me to stay the night?"

Overwhelmed by the fear of solitude, Nyx nodded.

That evening, they sought solace in each other's company. They watched television, played games, and for a brief moment, the shadows receded. As night deepened, they lay down to sleep. Nyx clung to Seia, silent tears dampening her pillow.

In the quiet darkness, Seia's voice broke the silence. "Sometimes, we make mistakes."

Nyx remained silent, the weight of her actions pressing heavily upon her.

Seia continued, her tone introspective. "I could have changed the outcome. I could have stopped Mika. But I didn't. Now, I want to change. I want to prevent a future I don't want to see."

Nyx tightened her embrace, finding a glimmer of hope in Seia's word.