Everyone had stopped. Even if it was only for a duration that was a few seconds after her words were spoken, everyone had ceased hostilities. The leader of the terrorists stopped running away, and went out of his way to come back to the frontlines, and, in a way that surprised Eclaire, was actually capable of speaking words that made sense.

Even as her Connector was suddenly attacked, had a counter-speech spat in her face, and then was held at gunpoint, Artemis was fine with this turn of events. The terrorists were already losing prior to the speech, to an extent where an increase in morale meant nothing. Their only effective weapon was a sniper, stationed kilometers away. And, at this point, with so many Connectors around, proving their superiority, there was no risk at all. The terrorist leader had sealed off his own route of escape by allowing himself to be provoked by Eclaire's words.

Just as planned?

Just as planned.

Needless to say, Eclaire was, on the other side of things, not at all happy with her position. It wasn't that she was scared, even though she should be. It was more of...she was sad. A gut-wrenching, sympathizing yet empathizing sadness that stemmed from her pity towards the man who lifted her up by the throat. Yes, it hurt, and she was certain that he hated her enough to kill her, but...it hurt more, knowing that she knew nothing, not being able to understand why people did what they did. What was the point of hiding their true intentions then? Why would they seek to come out and lose the sympathy of any Connectors by making it seem as if all they wanted was to live without working, by demanding ten million dollars? If they wanted vengeance, why do they target the innocent? Should the crimes of a minority lead to the punishment of the majority?

All questions that she wanted to ask, yet all questions that she could not. Equal footing. All she wanted was to be able to speak with them on equal footing, to go through this rationally, logically, peacefully, yet this was simply 'naivety' coming from a girl who knew nothing about the world. Why was it that the older people got, the more stubborn they were? If she didn't understand, explain it. The world was an odd place, where people simply...what was it again?

Ah, that's right.

They say things are difficult or impossible, just because they can't be bothered to do it.

And, just as she thought those things, the scales were changed once more, with two Connectors appearing by her side, ready to maim the man if he pulled the trigger. The psychopathic murderer who pretended to be righteous, and a stripping police officer of the Tsurara clan. She would have loved to speak some words, if it wasn't for the fact that she was almost choking on her own spit by now. Basic instincts were kicking in, as she struggled for more air, flailing around disgracefully, until suddenly, all pressure was relieved.

There had been the sound of a heavy impact, and then, his eyes rolling behind his head from an invisible, swift impact, the scraggily, scarred gunman relinquished his grip, and fell down.

Eclaire reached the ground first, and in one smooth motion, cradled the man's head before it came into contact with the pavement. Her throat was red and bruised, but she was in control of her body once more, breathing regularly, if a little deeply. Those around her probably would have turned a blind eye if she did something like kick or punch him a few times while he was unconscious, but...

Eclaire stored her vengeful, improper thoughts in the back of her head, swallowed the words that she wanted to yell out, and made a decision.

Towards this hateful individual, she will treat him as she wished to be treated, not as he has treated her.

After all, hate was only the flipside of affection, and if she could establish a proper dialogue with him, it could be possible for her to find the 'root' of the evil that had infected so many.

The man sought vengeance, related to the death of family and friends.

So who was the Connector that caused such an incident outside of Lyranias?