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Though it could be barely seen from afar, Shuuko's body actually trembled under Sylvia's influence, her thoughts spiralling into a chorus of white noise while Hotaru and Ember tried to convince her to step down. However, the former's concerned pleas fell on as much of a deaf ear as the latter's ceaseless bravado. Sylvia did not switch. She refused to switch with another - and everyone had vowed not to force themselves to the front unless the situation proved dire. Like it or not, the two were stuck in the background for the time being.

It sounded like they were talking about the Giga Miseria before Roche stated that their leader would be joining them on their next outing. Of course, Ember had a thousand or more questions regarding Rei's absence, not to mention the permission for Shuuko to go on an absolutely useless trip. There was also the fact that Roche had returned as depressed as she had been when Sylvia first met her. This did not sit well with Ember either.

[color=red][i]"Sylvi... please. Please talk to Roche at least. She could use a hug."[/i][/color]

And maybe it would distract the protector from the object of her fears. Especially since everyone seemed to be offering a word of support to the Rulekeeper, even Nyxia herself. Even better, Sylvia actually considered the advice and followed up on it.

Right after Kiyo bonked Shuuko's body on the head, Sylvia had it stand up, then move towards Roche. Her movements were stiff and from the outside, it seemed as though she had ignored Kiyo in favour of moving to the side of the Rulekeeper, taking a seat way too close for comfort, then wrapping her up in the most awkward hug known to mankind. Stiff, shivering, heart thumping in her Shuuko's chest, Sylvia was in no condition to give reassurances in a hug. If anything she looked like the one in need of it.

[color=red][i]"No... Sylvi... Please switch out for me or Hotaru. It's all right. You don't have to protect us all the time."[/i][/color]

[color=#D8CD9F][i]"Yeah, that's right! You know I could kick Tsubomi's ass seven ways sunday, right? So come on, let me step up to the plate already![/i][/color]

However, their words fell on deaf ears. Sylvia merely shook her head in response to the others, clinging just a little more tightly to Roche in an effort to take solace in the other girl's presence.