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sepublic · 4 years ago

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With what Dana revealed about the Blight parents and they arent what they appear to be in either a good or bad way, do you think she's going to reveal that they arent abusive? Because honestly with the whol thing with Willow and Amity's hair, the fact she never felt close to a parent, that she didnt have a place to go and that she still called a teacher Mom are all red flags. Maybe it will be that not both of them are horrible, maybe Mr Blight is also a victim?

(TL;DR at the bottom)

Let me get this clear; Abuse is abuse, intentional or otherwise. That it doesn’t matter if you didn’t realize how much you were hurting your loved one (like Emira and Edric), or if you were doing it ‘for their own good’ (Like Camila and Lilith). Emotional abuse is REAL and nothing can justify that, and after seeing the very elitist, almost disgusted way Mrs. Blight regarded Willow? How she’s so quick to blackmail her own daughter and someone else’s kid, and treats it like it’s all fine, implies to Amity that if she’s upset about the situation then she’s just being a silly little kid?!

This lady is AWFUL, there’s no room for interpretation. Whyshe’s awful and in what specific ways is interesting… But she’s awful regardless. I’m pretty sure Dana was alluding to the Blight Parents having more nuance than anticipated while still being terrible people, just as Lilith had her reasons for cursing Eda but was still a bad person for never telling the truth, supporting the Emperor’s Coven, mistreating Luz, etc.

In general, if I had to pull together my current read on the Blight Parents, and combine it with my own personal speculation and ideas…

Mr. Blight seems like the kind of person who’s at least… straightforward and honest about his abuse. Like he doesn’t bother with the pointless, ‘sweet’ façade, acting like he’s oh-so kind and caring, that this doesn’t REALLY matter… He seems rather blunt with his feelings. Like he doesn’t try to undermine your feelings by gaslighting you into thinking they don’t matter, mostly he’s just saying, “They don’t matter to me.” Which is still, like, AWFUL, but…

Then we have Mrs. Blight, who seems to be actively smiling at Eda’s misery in the flashback; That or she’s smiling at Lilith, but regardless. She comes across as a lot more willfully sadistic, and more intentional of a gaslighter; Someone who makes you doubt yourself by getting into your head, making you question yourself and if you’re right… Really playing it up like she DOES know best, that you’re just a silly little kid, you’ll learn and grow up eventually… It’s so dismissive and condescending.

Like, Mrs. Blight is the kind of person who when called out bats her eyes and is oh-so innocently like, “Oh, me?” As if she never did anything wrong, that at worstit was some mistake or misunderstanding… That you can still LOVE her, because she totally still loves you and always did! And then you start wondering if you were too harsh with your accusations, if you’re assuming too badly of her, that maybe Mrs. Blight didn’t ACTUALLY mean it, maybe you’re just going too far…!

…Like let’s be real. They’re BOTH terrible. But something about Mrs. Blight rubs me the wrong way… And it’s even MORE aggravating considering how much she looks like Amity and Emira. I suspect that it’s her way of sugar-coating her abuse, dressing it up in a little bow, that REALLY contributed to the Blight Kids internalizing a lot of toxicity without even realizing it, and thus transmitting it to one another and outsiders as a result, under the impression that they’re not actuallybeing that bad, right? That if they other doubt their harshness, Mrs. Blight’s abuse undermines that doubt by reassuring the kids that they’re totally in the right and that at worst they’re just misunderstanding things!

In Lilith’s childhood flashback, Mr. Blight doesn’t really seem to be reacting much.

He seems mostly apathetic, aloof, and chill about the whole thing… Meanwhile, you have Mrs. Blight who very clearly has a much more willfully malicious smile to her about the situation! Though it’s hard to say what him and his wife were reacting to specifically in that moment, as they can be seen glancing at Lilith, who has just been inducted into the Emperor’s Coven…

But their expressions could also be hold-overs from their reactions to Eda, who they likely looked down upon for being a troublemaker and defying the Emperor’s Coven in that moment, getting cursed. Knowing Mrs. Blight in particular, she was probably smugly vindicated by the moment; Like this commoner dared to spit on the very values and ideals that nobles like her held themselves up to, and was karmically punished by the Isles for this! Meanwhile she’s looking down proudly upon Lilith for actually ‘knowing her place’, for ‘learning to be one of them’, for ascending past her lowly peers and whatnot… You get the idea.

Given the way Mrs. Blight was smiling at Lilith in that flashback, I have to wonder if in general she approved of Lilith was one of those few ‘humble beginners’ who became acceptable for the Blights to hang around, which coupled with her status as Belos’ head enforcer, led to Amity being her apprentice…

Though I have to wonder how Mrs. Blight reacted to the Covention Incident and what Amity had to say, especially since she knows firsthand that Lilith and Eda –sort of- had their feuds in the past? I wouldn’t be shocked if she believed Amity about Lilith resorting to the Power Glyph, but still punished her daughter anyway because she’s an abuser…

So, when you combine this with what we’ve heard from Dana herself, about the Blight Parents appearing in multiple ways that could be ‘good or bad’ for our protagonists, and Mr. Blight being an interesting person to write for…

…I think it’s likely that Mrs. Blight was born into the family. She’s the one who has power, given how she dictates that Amity have green hair like her… She definitely has the more elitist look to her in childhood, and her VA was specifically mentioned as a guest-star and everything!

(Getting into some baseless speculation, we know the Abomination Head can’t be the Blight Parents as they were appointed when the Coven System began, when clearly the Blight Parents were kids in its earliest years… Dumb idea, but the Abomination Head’s hair is tied back in a bun, like Mrs. Blight…?)

So in all likelihood, Mrs. Blight is probably the one who wields the power in the family, and I have to wonder what her husband thought of it when she prioritized making Amity look like her, in the process removing the main visual connection his daughter had with him! Did he have any doubts, did Mrs. Blight have to reassure her husband that it was all in good-nature, that surely he understood as an outsider? Or…

In Amity’s flashback, Mr. Blight specifically states that Blights only associate with the strongest of witchlings. If he did marry in as a technical outsider, this would obviously be a very conceited thing for him to say, that he considers himself worthy and strong enough to have joined the family… But after seeing his generally aloof expression, slightly unruly hair, and what Dana said? Amidst my observations of Mrs. Blight having the power, and Mr. Blight seeing more like an enforcer what his wife has to say?

…I have to wonder if Mr. Blight was like, perhaps. The FIRST person that his wife abused and began to take control of. Like, Mrs. Blight WAS interested in him as children because Mr. Blight was genuinely charming and also pretty strong… But somewhere along the way, she used her greater social status to be in charge of him. Maybe Mrs. Blight began dictating how her significant other acted and behaved, to make sure he was ‘worthy’ enough to be a member of the Blight household. And while some of this could’ve been motivated partially by a genuine desire to see him fit in with her, as well as her own conditioning…

…It’s still kind of an awful way to treat your beloved. Maybe Mrs. Blight intentionally abused and gaslit or him, or maybe Mr. Blight was always used to being in a position taking orders from her, out of a genuine sense of loyalty and love… And one way or the other, that twisted into him only caring what she had to say. That to him, his self-worth hinged entirely on whether or not he matched the Blight standard, if his beloved wife would approve…

Perhaps Mr. Blight was someone who was also indoctrinated into the Blight family, not allowed to become one of them until he changed who he was? Like his relationship with his wife as kids was similar to Boscha and her friends, just sort of a follower who got roped in… But with a dash of genuine love and you’ve got him unquestioningly carrying out her orders, helping Mrs. Blight abuse their children together because can’t you see your beloved mother knows best???

Maybe he has experience with what they’ve gone through, albeit from a more sympathetic angle from Mrs. Blight… And regardless, to Mr. Blight, he’s someone who survived the abuse and came out better, stronger for it! He knows it’s a good thing and pays off in the end, those children of theirs just need to understand…!

Because it’s worth noting that he has brown hair. So to Mr. Blight, his wife may be the world to him in a rather toxic sense… That HER lineage matters more, that SHE graced him and his ‘humbler’ backgrounds… I have to wonder if Mr. Blight purposefully cut off ties with the rest of his family to be with his wife, either because his wife specifically demanded it or simply as a side-effect of absorbing her elitist, classist attitudes over time.

…Like, what if Mr. Blight dyed his hair green, too?! To match with his wife… Like he’s the one always making concessions for her because SHE is the noble Blight, and he doesn’t even realize or consider how toxic it all is; Because to Mr. Blight, he takes a personal pride in serving his wife, because there really IS a genuine love there… But that real love is unknowingly hindered by Mrs. Blight needing to enforce some elitist hierarchy within the family. To Mr. Blight, he’s just repeating his wife’s mantra, he sees himself as serving his rightful place in the world, no doubt thanks to Belos and his Coven System encouraging such a viewpoint…

And, like. There’s still some genuine, legitimate trust between these two. I wouldn’t be at all shocked if Mrs. Blight had indoctrinated her husband without either of them realizing this, because they were both kids and this is how she’d always lived! But alas, it’s worrying… That too much of his self-worth is directed towards his wife and neither of them consider this, that Mr. Blight would gladly lay down his life for her because she showed him kindness… But he’s still dependent upon her, and conditioned to be so like many others with the Emperor’s Coven!

I also have to wonder if Mrs. Blight will be an extreme version of Lilith; Someone who legit thinks she knows best and casually gaslights others into doubting their objections without even thinking about it, without even self-reflecting upon it… Like a part of her is willfully ignorant of the harm she’s causing, or she’s taught herself to be outright dismissive of it in the end; Because surely she knows best, right? Perhaps she’s someone who casually steamrolls over what others have to say because while there’s some genuine love and interests she’s also very elitist and patronizing, and was taught that she’s the one who should be in charge.

Then there’s my speculation, half-joking, on the idea of Luz being wholly accepted into the Blight Family, because look at this clever human who managed to wound Emperor Belos! Clearly she’s VERY powerful… Not to mention, Luz is very friend-shaped! So we could have Mrs. Blight trying to assimilate Luz into the family, dye her hair green, make Luz hang out with her kids more and more…

And Mr. Blight is just watching it all, and when Luz expresses doubts he pulls her to the side, explains that he understands and empathizes… But then he tells her to keep going with it, because who wouldn’t want to be where he is now? That obviously it’s worth it in the end to be with your beloved Blight… Not for social status or anything, but simply to serve a higher cause, and someone you love.

So this could be a very ‘twisted’ form of acceptance, kind of like how Lilith initially loved Eda but more the idea of her up until the season finale… Of the Blight Parents wanting Luz, but wanting a specific version of her that’s fully integrated into the family! I can see them using their influence to cut off Luz’s ties with her other friends and family, to make her more entrenched and dependent upon the Blight household…

And naturally, Eda and Lilith and the rest, have a lot to say! Amity definitely has reservations, she wanted to keep Luz from her parents for this and other reasons… While Emira and Edric possibly take it in stride, because they don’t quite realize what’s going on, or they’re just too thrilled at having Luz be accepted to consider the implications of what’s happening! Maybe they think it’s okay because they can teach Luz how to still be her own person, or they’re just glad to have her and don’t think much of it, because while those two certainly try, they’re not always self-aware of the toxicity their parents passed on.

Either way, Luz is inevitably going to have to make a stand and insist on still maintaining her own connections and who she is, Amity will stand up for her… And things will get messy, because I REALLY do not want to see the Blight Parents be angry! Maybe the Twins stick up for Luz and Amity or just stay to the side, because they didn’t really see the issue beforehand? Either they’re neutral and/or they take Amity’s side, there’s no story where they side with their parents!

And, there’s the possibility that. The Blight Parents just REJECT Luz, immediately! And we’ve already seen plenty of speculation on how THAT will go… Such as the idea of them sabotaging Luz’s enrollment at Hexside, even if Belos himself doesn’t care about persecuting her as of the moment.

TL;DR Mr. Blight was an outsider and got fully-indoctrinated into the Blight family mentality and dutifully serves his wife. While he’s still a victim of toxicity, that doesn’t change the fact that he’s now complicit in it as well, something the show addresses with characters like Lilith or Amity. Mrs. Blight is elitist and definitely more of the ‘mastermind’ who has the final say in things, but whether or not she’s actively, intentionally spiteful or is just devoid of self-awareness (or both), I can’t say!

#the owl house #owl house #blight parents #the owl house amity #amity blight #the owl house edric #edric blight #the owl house emira #emira blight #speculation #theory #ask

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rhinos-crafts · 5 years ago

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Wanted to talk about yarn and the whole 'vegan yarn' thing. The first thing ive learned about veganism/vegeterianism, is there is no good answer to a lifestyle these days, except to do your best to educate yourself on where your stuff comes from, and how it affects the environment.

With yarn, natural (animal fiber/plant fiber) vs synthetic yarns. The first question you have to ask yourself, is how much you want to prioritize ppl over animals. Im not kidding, for every animal you believe doesnt suffer for your prpduct, unless you personally know the person making your product and that it doesnt come from a factory, at least one person has suffered instead. Additionaly, synthetic products add to pollution either because they dont break down at neadly the same rate as natural products, or everytime it is washed, synthetic fibers are released/ worn off and released into the water ect.

In terms of use, wool and other animal based fibers are heck warm, and most of them are better at staying warm while wet. Wheras with synthetics you have to work much harder for it to be warm, and in my experience any water ruins its insulation abilities. Natural fibers are also much, much easier to dye, and require less chemicals. With wool you literally just need some vinegar (and even that can be optional depending on the dye used) and a natural dye. Walnuts, pine needles, flowers, food, all can make very nice dyes without creating chemicals that go who knows where when washed down the drain.

Now the actual gathering of natural fibers. In terms of wool and animal fibers, obviously if you go cheap and buy off of amazon ect. the chances of buying wool from a less than optimal farm are fairly high. But consider that even then, wool even on the animal, has to be kept clean. The animal also doesnt die for the product, and can live long lives producing tons of wool, that they would have shed off naturally anyway. With breeds that dont shed naturally, if they arent sheared their coats become over grown, matted, and home to many gnarly bugs that are bad for the animals health. Shearing also helps mothers protect their babies from the weather, as theyre just as sensitive to the temperature as newborn babies, and are better at staying in a warm shelter with ther child. There are also tons and tons of small farms with just a couple animals that you can speak with their owners personally, that are gauranteed to be as vigilant and compassioante about animal health ect as you are.

All of this versus acrylic / yarn factories and the people working in them.

I understand the point of veganism, at least in some peoples eyes. Not forcing animals to produce for their human overlords.

But unfortunately at this point in human society, there are many many animals (and insects like honey bees) that have been domesticated and interwoven into human society so heavily, that abandoning them could cause more harm than good. The vegatables and fruit ect are pollinated by bees, both native and 'captive'. Abandoning them and local keepera harm their population and ability to make our food possible does more harm than good. Abandoning wool products makes it harder for the owners of those animals to care for them, and will leave then in neglect.

If veganism is what helps you sleep at night, by no means do i want to stop or judge you for it. But please for the love of this society and natural world, do real research. Look at more sites than just 'vegan' sites as they already are biased and will give you biased information. Everyone will have a bias, but it helps to understand more than just one to make informed decisions.

Tldr: acrylic/vegan yarns arent the best for the natural world including the animals living in it, and its entirely possible to buy animal products without supporting corporate abuse, and infact supporting local businesses and honest work. Also its important to be as informed as possible in your products, where they come from, and what they donin the end.

#rhinosopinions #veganism #vegeterianism #animal products #wool #animals #animal health #natural products

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trace395 · 7 years ago

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Symphogear XD Unlimited Kageri Saku Senkō summary from /m/

Prologue: https://pastebin.com/3QXDHaZ9

First Part: https://pastebin.com/K8LuWF7P

Middle Part: https://pastebin.com/yNhBmx9j

Final Part: https://pastebin.com/yK69e4bG

Our Maria and Chris are helping parallel-Tsubasa fight some noise.

Edgebikki shows up and starts fighting them. Tsubasa doesn't recognize her, asks Maria and Chris who she is. Maria and Chris realize she isn't their Bikki. Meanwhile, Hibiki is at home having nightmares about being alone while Miku watches over her. Miku worries.

>Prologue A few days before, a bunch of them are out fucking about. Everybody notices Hibiki not doing so well and they're told about her bad dreams. Miku worries.

They go to training and Chris beats the shit out of Hibiki too hard and knocks her out. Elfnein does a checkup and says she's fine. Hibiki wakes up Miku continues to worry.

In the morning, Miku confronts Hibiki about her dream-talking, and Hibiki denies that that's what she actually feels (she isn't alone, obviously). Miku's worry approaches criticality.

Everybody else goes back for training, Chris hits Maria too hard and gets chewed out. A Gjallarhorn alert comes up, Chris wants to go alone. Genjuurou says no, Maria volunteers to tag along. They go off, and when they arrive they note that the Lunar Attack hasn't happened in the new world. They immediately locate parallel-Tsubasa and move to assist.

5-3

5-3 Part 1 >Chris/Maria arrive in original underground Div2 base >Chris is bad and keeps confusing Genjuurou, so Maria tells her to shut up and let her explain >Gjallarhorn is explained, told about strong noise (Karma Noise) >There apparently was a noise pattern a few days ago in the parallel world >Genjuurou is worried about strong noise appearing >Flashback about Tsubasa deploying to find the noise, but it dissapeared before she arrived >She sees grey bikki on the scene, apparently recognizes her >They think grey bikki defeated the noise on her own, Chris says that it's impossible without EKKUSU DORAIBU >Karma noise explained >Maria asks where grey bikki is, Genjuurou doesn't know because she doesn't work with them >Want to start looking, but Tsubasa wants to train with our OP geahs since there aren't any other geahs to train with Battle >Maria asks Tsubasa if she knows anything about Hibiki >Says she doesn't, but seems like she does >Chris wishes she would just tell them what's up >Maria and Chris find Hibiki at a park, she seems like a different person >Maria confronts her, asks her about the previous night (prologue) and the Karma noise >Hibiki tells her to fuck off, runs away

5-4

5-4 Part 1 >Chris and Maria return to home base, Genjuurou asks if they got any information from bikki >They didn't >Chris doesn't want to believe that it's really Hibiki >Genjuurou apologizes >Maria asks if Genjuurou knows anything about what happened, Genjuurou hesitates >Maria presses, Genjuurou spills the beans >Hibiki has had a difficult past, can't trust anyone >They tried to help her but she wouldn't accept it >Hibiki just kept fighting noise alone >Genjuurou explains the Zwei Wing concert, Bikki sole survivor, had nobody outside her family >Bikki had nobody other than her family >Chris stops him, asks about "Nobody other than her family" >Maria asks about Miku >Genjuurou doesn't know her >Chris is surprised that Miku isn't by her side >Maria says that they don't know where she lives, if she's even still alive, or if she ever even existed >Maria says it doesn't matter right now, need to deal with noise >Chris slightly upset by this >Maria says they have to prioritize >Noise alarm >Meet up with Tsubasa in town >See Bikki Battle >Back at div2, the noise have vanished >Genjuurou thankful for reinforcements >another alarm goes off >Big reaction, same as a few days ago (Karma Noise)

5-4 Part 2 >Genjuurou warns them about incoming >Karma noise shows up Battle >Karma noise regenerates >Bikki rushes in >Saved by Maria >Bikki says not to do things that aren't necessary >Chris confused >"Nobody ever comes to help in truly difficult times" >Karma noise vanishes >Back in the main world >Our Bikki in a park with Miku >Hibiki wonders what Chris and Maria are up to, Miku says not to worry about it >Hibiki faints

5-4 Part 3 >Hibiki is in the hospital >Apologizes to Miku for making her worry >Hibiki is in pain for some reason >Elfnein shows up, asks Miku to come to the command center >Everybody shows up, worried about Hibiki >Elfnein doesn't know what's wrong, thinks it's mental, asks about her dreams, Miku explains >Nobody believes that Hibiki would have dreams like that >Noise Alarm, Tsubasa, Kiri, Shirabe go fight, Miku told to go stay with Hibiki Battle >Back in the hospital, Hibiki is awake, heard the alarms >Miku says not to worry >Hibiki wants to help people by fighting, but can't in her condition >Hibiki is falling into despair >Miku won't let her >Miku continues to worry

5-5

5-5 Part 1 >Maria and Chris are going to return >Tsubasa is thankful for their help >Maria says they'll be right back after collecting information >Genjuurou gives them a chip, all of the data they have collected thusfar >They return >Chris is glad to be back, Maria asks if she didn't like the other world >Chris just doesn't like edgebikki, wants normal Hibiki >Noise alarm Battle >Everybody welcomes Maria and Chris back >Chris asks about Hibiki, Tsubasa tells them what's going on while they return >Chris arrives at the medical room >Hibiki seems sick, is very depressed >Chris says they managed without her >Hibiki wonders if she is really needed >Chris says she didn't mean it like that >"A time will come when we need your power. Until then, take care of yourself. Understand?"

The following translations are from Dragonmience

EV5-5 Part 2 Elfnein says Hibikis conditions are getting worse quickly. Miku tells them about Hibiki's nightmare sleep talking Im alone, After all, no one helps. Chris realizes that AU Hibiki said the same thing, and says that AU Hibiki has the complete opposite personality of Hibiki Prime. Miku is interested that theres also a Hibiki in the other world, and also asks Chris to tell her about AU Hibiki clearly. Maria and Tsubasa train in the simulation. Theyre both worried about Hibiki. Maria asks what Tsubasa thinks about what Hibiki said in her sleep. Tsubasa says that there has to be some connection between AU Hibiki and Hibikis nightmares. Miku is glad Hibiki hasnt gotten worse, but if it does, it would be bad for Hibikis body. She also believes theres a connection between the two events. But right now, what is it that she can do for Hibiki?

EV5-5 Part 3 Tsubasa, Chris, Maria, Shirabe, and Kirika are all at the simulation room. Tsubasa: Everyone is worried about Hibiki, I guess. Chris teases her: Who was here before anyone else? Tsubasa: I I only got here earlier because of my motorcycle. Shirabe: Everyone came from different places, traffic doesnt matter. Kirika: Yeah, but Chris was the second to arrive, right? Chris: I I just live closer. The five train, but theyre absentminded and decide to cut it short. Elfnein calls them to the main room.

EV5-5 Part 4 Everyone arrives really quickly. Tsubasa and Chris hurriedly ask about the situation. Elfnein thinks she knows the reason for Hibikis sickness, but she hasnt confirmed it. She believes the two Hibiki's spirits are resonating. That is, AU Hibikis negative emotions are coming to Hibiki, making her suffer. Chris asks why its only happening with Hibiki. Elfnein: Its because of the natures of their spirits. Hibiki has strong righteous emotions; on the other hand, AU Hibiki has strong negative emotions. Due to resonance, the difference in emotion potential makes it so that if either side moves, it flows into the others emotions. Even though righteous emotions arent bad, they either dont have much influence on AU Hibiki, or she isnt aware of them. However, Hibiki is rapidly taking in negative emotions, and her mind and body arent adjusting well. It doesnt affect anyone else, since their personalities are probably close. Hibikis recent collapse was probably influenced by AU Hibiki being hit by the Karma Noise, since Karma Noise are connected to negative emotions strongly. Miku: What can we do? Elfnein: I'm afraid, Miku is the key. Noise appear. Later, Chris and Miku prepare to go to AU. //<Flashback to after the battle> Elfnein: If everything is correct up to now, if AU Hibiki's emotions are stabilized, that is, righteous rather than negative emotions are strong, the influence on Hibiki will disappear. Miku is the key. To Hibiki, Miku is an existence that can't be lacked. If that world doesn't have a Miku, then Miku should go to that world. Chris: But thats dangerous. Elfnein: Yes, but thats the only way I can think of right now. Tsubasa: Wait, only gear users can travel between worlds. Miku isn't a gear user. Elfnein: I looked at the records. Miku used a gear in the past, right? Miku: Shenshoujing (She looks sad) Elfnein: Yes. Kirika: But it was disintegrated then? Elfnein: True, for this world. Shirabe: Perhaps. Elfnein: Yes, even if it's not on this world, that world may still have it. //<End of flashback> Chris: Don't worry, well definitely find Shenshoujing. Maria: Maintain your physical condition, since you may have to go at any time. Miku: I understand. Chris and Maria leave for AU. Miku: Please, you two. The power to save Hibiki...

5-6

EV5-6 Part 1 World Prime: Tsubasa: How’s Hibiki? Miku: Not very good. She slept most of the day. At Miku’s request, Tsubasa, Shirabe, and Kirika all hold onto Hibiki’s hands. Noise appear.

EV5-6 Part 2 (Continuing the fight from Part 1) Tsubasa: If we’re slow in taking down the noise, we’ll just make Hibiki worry unnecessarily. Battle Hibiki wakes up: Thanks for always staying with me, Miku. Sorry. Miku: Apologies aren’t necessary. Miku: Hey, Hibiki… I want to stay here like this, but, I must go to the other world. Hibiki: What!? Why? Miku: Calm down and listen. The reason Hibiki’s condition has become bad is in the other world. In the other world, another Hibiki’s spirit is flowing into Hibiki and causing pain. So, I… want to go to help you, Hibiki. And also the other Hibiki… Hibiki: Even stopping you… (will be impossible). Miku: Yes. I’ve already decided. Hibiki: It is, isn’t it? Hey, Miku… I have a request. The other Hibiki is probably always in total darkness alone, holding harsh thoughts. Because no one helps, she believes in no one, saying out nothing sad, feeling those kinds of feelings. So, I want to help her. Because when it was the harshest for me, the one who taught me that I’m not alone, was Miku. Because the one who helped me on countless dark nights, was Miku. Miku: But, Hibiki. Hibiki helped me countless times right? Haven’t we always lived together like this? So, once more, it’s my turn. Will you let me help? Hibiki: Sure… thanks, Miku. I’ll be waiting, so don’t do anything rash, okay? Miku: Haha… it’s the opposite of the usual, right? Hibiki: Yep, it really is the opposite. I always make Miku feel this way, right? Miku: Since you understand how I feel, starting next time, hold back your rashness a little, okay? Hibiki: Sure… As much as I can, I’ll see if I can do my best.

EV5-6 Part 3 In the AU, Chris and Maria have explained things to Genjuuro. Genjuuro: I see, to help Hibikis, Shenshoujing is necessary no matter what, right? Maria: Yes, do you know its location? Genjuuro: I do. It’s already been made into a pendant. Chris: Really!? Then… Genjuuro: No, but, we couldn’t find a user for it. There was also a forced activation experiment, and it was unfortunately damaged. It was disposed of. Chris: In that case, it’s now gone? Genjuuro: No, even though it was disposed of, you can’t throw away a Relic, so it’s now kept under strict custody. Chris: I don’t care about that. If there’s the possibility you can get it, that would be enough! Genjuuro: I see… you really care about your Hibiki, right? Chris: That, that has nothing to do with it. Genjuuro: … I understand, I’ll prepare. Even here, under current circumstances, there are no objections on increasing the fighting ability of the gear users. Tsubasa: Really? Without the permission of the higher-ups, how are you going to transfer a relic, even it’s been disposed. Genjuuro: Don’t worry about it. I’ll take care of all the responsibilities. Noise appear, so does Hibiki.

EV5-6 Part 4 During the battle, Maria: Hey, remember what Elfnein said as we left? Chris: Of course! //<Flashback> Elfnein: If you come into contact with the other Hibiki, there’s one thing I want to try. From what I can tell, the other Hibiki has a strong sense of loneliness. So, please teach her that she’s not alone. To the other Hibiki, flowing from our Hibiki’s feelings, those words will surely reach her. //<End of flashback> Chris: Haha, now that I think about it, we were saved by her, right? Maria: That’s right…That means we might not be qualified for this, right? Haha. Chris: Hahaha. That’s why, your (Hibiki’s) back! Maria: We’ll protect it! Battle Chris: Hey, you… Hibiki: What is it? Chris: I’m Chris Yukine. 17 years old. My birthday is December 28, and my blood type is A. The thing I like is… Anpan! Hibiki: What, all of a sudden? Chris: Remember it! Maria: I’m Maria Cadenzavna Eve. 22 years old. Hibiki: Even you…what in the world? Maria: Haha, just a self-introduction. Just remembering the old days a little, right? Hibiki: I’m leaving. Chris: Unfortunately, she left… Maria: Yeah, but, from now on… Chris: (You saved us. This time, we’ll definitely save you.)

5-7

5-7 Part 1 >Chris and Maria arrive back in our world, welcomed by Genjuurou and Elf9 >"Were you waiting for us?" >Gen: "No, we just happened to be here" >Elf9: "Yes, we've been eagerly awaiting your return" >Gen: "...Anyway, how did it go?" >They hand over the broken SSJ pendant >Elf9 thinks she can fix it >Miku handed new SSJ by Elf9 >She needs LiNKER >Miku is a little scared, relies on her feelings of wanting to save Hibiki >Successfully activates SSJ >Kirika thinks it makes them look bad that she can do it so easily >Shirabe says it's just the power of Miku's feelings >Start training Battle

5-7 Part 2 >Miku thinks she can do well against normal noise >Chris says she's doing well for her first time >Reminds her that they are fighting Karma noise as well, so she has to obtain more power >Training continues Battle >Chris "loses" to Miku >Miku accuses her of holding back >Chris says she can't go all out on someone who hasn't even worn a gear before >Genjuurou registers Miku as a temporary adaptor >Gen wants her to promise that she won't to anything reckless, for Hibiki's sake >Miku says she will save Hibiki

5-7 Part 3 >Miku, Chris, and Maria arrive in the parallel world >Miku says that she can't even tell >Chris says that if you look hard enough you'll be able to see the differences >People who should be there but aren't, things that should be somewhere but aren't >Chris: I am senpai please rely on me >Maria tells them to stop wasting time and go to Div2 >Chris is upset that Miku addresses her as "Chris" but Maria as "Maria-san" >Meanwhile at parallel Div2, incoming phonecall from Nagata (Japanese political center) >It's about a complete relic >Due to all of the recent noise reactions, they asked a specialist >Gen tells them to hold off on doing anything for a bit >Maria and friends arrive >Introductions >Div2 still hasn't bothered to stick a tracker on Hibiki or have Ogawa (where is he?) tail her, so they don't know where she is >Noise alarm, dispatch Battle

5-7 Part 4 >In battle, Miku sees edgebikki >Miku tries to introduce herself but Hibiki just runs away Battle

5-7 Part 5 >Fight is almost over >Karma noise appears Battle >Miku is too close, Chris yells at her to back off >Edgebikki shoes up at pushes her out of the way >Karma noise vanishes, couldn't kill it due to regeneration >Tsubasa asks how they were able to defeat it before >Maria says she will explain later >Miku tries to confront Hibiki >Wonders if saving her was a coincidence

5-8

5-8 Part 1 >Miku is in town, worrying about Hibiki >Flashback to being saved >Concludes that it was intentional, that edgebikki is really Hibiki, wants to talk to her more >At Div2, strategy meeting about Karma noise >Miku isn't present because she had "something very important" to attend to >Maria explains everything they know about Karma noise again (redacted) >There aren't many ways of dealing with Karma noise in the parallel world >Just coordination and saturation attacks >Tsubasa asks how what other ways there are that can't be used in the parallel world >S2CA and Ignite >Tsubasa asks what they are and why they can't use them >S2CA is a superb song, Ignite is berserker strength >S2CA requires Hibiki, who can't fight >Chris says it would be nice if they could just use edgebikki but it's probably too reckless >Maria says that edgebikki's characteristic isn't necessarily even the same >Chris and Maria explain Ignite/Dainsleif, can't use it because of the Karma noise's ｢curse｣ >Therefore, we have to use coordinated attacks >Gen says that we had 3 people, now Miku makes 4 >Chris says that isn't enough >Maria says they need edgebikki's cooperation >Tsubasa asks for help in raising their coordination Simulator Battle >Tsubasa wonders if they will really be able to work with egebikki, worried that they're polar opposites >Tsubasa says that she's met Hibiki on the battlefield many times and tried to persuade her to join Div2 >Hibiki always says that she's uninterested >She can't tell what Hibiki is thinking at all >Chris says that she's too direct because she's an idiot >Maria says that's basically Hibiki >Tsubasa says that both Hibikis are not necessarily the same >Maria says that they aren't necessarily different >Gjallarhorn ties together branches of a larger river, but they all flow in the same way as the original >Therefore an individual's character and taste should be mostly the same >Whether someone has a Gear or not, whether someone exists or not, and other small differences are ok (Someone not existing is totally a smaller change than them having a different personality, right?) >Maria is surprised by the gap between edgebikki and the original Hibiki, but doesn't think that they're fundamentally different >Chris feels the same >Tsubasa still wonders how they're going to persuade her >Maria: "Leave that to the specialist"

5-8 Part 2 >Edgebikki is in the forest (seems like she's training or exercising) >Miku shows up, edgebikki asks why she's so over-familiar >Miku thinks that Gjallarhorn should be a secret, but decides that lying will cause edgebikki not to trust her Explanation >Miku says it's fine if she doesn't believe her immediately >Edgebikki says she doesn't care, tells Miku to go away because she's distracting >Miku says she wants to talk to edgebikki longer >Edgebikki doesn't want to talk >Miku asks about how edgebikki saved her in the Karma noise fight >Edgebikki is surprised >Miku says that she did, and so she wants to thank her >Edgebikki says that it wasn't her intention and is merely Miku's misunderstanding >Miku doubles down and says that edgebikki protected her >Edgebikki reiterates that it was merely a coincidence, and therefore no thanks is needed >Miku says that it was certainly thanks to edgebikki >Hibiki tells Miku to go home and not follow her >Edgebikki wonders what Miku's deal is >Continues to deny to herself that she saved Miku >Edgebikki's heart hurts >Realizes it isn't pain, she wouldn't feel pain from something like that anymore >Convinces herself that she doesn't need anyone, being alone is fine >Noise alarm, edgebikki says she has to go defeat them Battle >Maria and Chris in an apartment >Apparently it was nothing but normal noise this time >Chris wants to just hurry up and kill the karma noise >Miku shows up, asks about Hibiki protecting her >She thinks that edgebikki has been preventing the noise from destroying the town and has been drawing their attention >Even if unconsciously, edgebikki has been protecting everybody >Chris thinks Miku is over thinking it >Miku is convinced because it's Hibiki >Maria says that she can't say that just because it's Hibiki >But Miku is the one who knows Hibiki the best and has the deepest bonds with her, so she trusts her judgment >Chris agrees

5-8 Part 3 >Genjuurou put the Karma noise data into the simulator so that they could train >Chris is surprised that he could do that >Maria says that their Gen is a martial arts specialist >Gen says he knows basic self defense, but has no further knowledge of martial arts >Rather, he likes to handle machines and watches sci-fi instead of action movies >Maria remembers hearing that Kanade's Genjuurou liked to watch mysteries >They train with Gen's new simulator upgrade Battle >Simulator is weaker than the real thing, needs some adjustment >Chris says that they are lacking decisive factor or trump card >Miku apologizes for being weak >Tsubasa says that it isn't her fault, she also lacks power >Miku says that she's the most inexperienced >Tsubasa says that she has the lowest power output >Maria says that everyone is equally weak >Chris says that they have to find a way to work with edgebikki >Tsubasa wants to continue training, but Miku runs off to go talk to edgebikki

5-8 Part 4 >Now that it's just the three of them, there's no point in coordination training >Tsubasa wants to know more about ignite >Maria says they can't use it against Karma noise anyway >Tsubasa doesn't care, feels as though she has not yet mastered Ame-no-Habakiri >Wants to know the true power hidden in the symphogears >Maria says that ignite is due to a different relic, so it would be meaningless in showing the symphogear's potential >Chris says that the berserk is part of the symphogear itself, so it counts >Chris is bored so she ignites >Maria has to copy everbody else so she ignites too Battle

5-8 Part 5 >Tsubasa thinks ignite is very cool >Maria explains how Dainsleif interacts with the Karma noise, making it useless >Chris says that if they could use it freely then any number of Karma noise would be no big deal >Maria says that she wouldn't say that much, but it makes fighting very easy >Tsubasa wants them to fight her ignited >It's too dangerous >I don't care, I'm Div2's sword Battle >Miku in the forest again with edgebikki >Miku asks if edgebikki likes the forest >No response >Miku says she wants to fight with edgebikki to defeat the Karma noise from before >They need to join forces or else they won't be able to defeat it >Therefore they need edgebikki's help >Edgebikki is shocked by the proposal and wants none of it >Says that Miku will have to drag her kicking and screaming >Transforms >"I won't work with anybody. If you want me to cooperate, use your power to force me to submit"

5-9

5-9 Part 1 >"It's no problem if we go all out here. If you want me to listen, then show me your strength. If I end up hurting you with my fist, I'm sorry." >"No. Your fists aren't meant to hurt anybody. Don't say such a terrible thing." >Hibiki drops her transformation >"If you won't listen to me and fight, then just let me do as I please." >"Hibiki..." >Back at Div2, noise alarm >Karma noise pattern >Another, stronger energy pattern from somewhere else >2 Karma noise >One is in the city, Tsubasa, Maria, Chris are already nearby >Gen tells them not to worry about the other one, it's on the outskirts and therefore the city takes priority >But Chris remembers that they only appear where PHONIC GAIN is high >Maria just assumes that it isn't necessarily the case >The other Karma noise actually appeared on top of edgebikki and Miku >Edgebikki gets mad and transforms >Miku tells her not to try to fight alone and to run away >Edgebikki tells her to leave alone and that she won't run away >Miku transforms >Miku won't let Hibiki fight alone Battle >Miku tells edgebikki not to be reckless >Edgebikki gets hit >Miku notices that edgebikki's movements are slow, realizes that it's part of the Karma noise's ｢curse｣ >Edgebikki charges the noise >A little girl shows up looking for her mother >Edgebikki is protecting the little girl from the Karma noise >Miku grabs the girl, delivers her to her mother, and returns to the fight >Both of them attack the Karma noise >Edgebikki asks Miku how she managed to match her movements >They turn to deal with the noise

5-9 Part 2 >Back in the city, the other three are dealing with the other Karma noise >They get word from HQ that edgebikki and Miku are fighting the other noise >They want to finish where they're at fast so they can go help Battle >They are having trouble against the Karma noise >Tsubasa wants them to leave it to her and buy some time >"Listen. This is the song of a sentinel." >Tsubasa jams, as she does when she feels threatened >Maria and Chris shout at her for being dumb >Tsubasa apologizes in her thoughts, continues to jam anyway >Karma noise is dead but Tsubasa faints >The ground starts shaking, as if there was an earthquake

5-9 Part 3 >Edgebikki is having an easier time fighting >It's because Miku is there, and she knows what edgebikki is going to do next and can match her >It's the first time edgebikki has ever fought with somebody else >Edgebikki calls Miku by name >Miku calls her out on it, but edgebikki denies it >Miku tells her that the little girl from earlier thanked her >Edgebikki wonders why she saved her >Miku tells her not to get distracted >(Oh yeah, I remember now. My old childhood friend who was always by my side like this.) >(Kohinata Miku.... I've forgotten that name for a long time.) Battle >Miku is predicting Hibiki's attacks and coordinating with her >They think they'll be able to beat the Karma noise together >Miku says that she's going to help Hibiki >Edgebikki stops dead >"Help... me?"

5-9 Part 4 >Noise alarm >Large energy pattern from underground "Ruins of Memory" >Gen: "What? Impossible! This energy pattern is...! Why now?!" >Gejuurou tells the geahs in the city to evac, says there's no time to explain >Kaiju from EX2 shows up >It's an autonomous complete relic called Goliath that was stored in the Ruins of Memory Battle

5-9 Part 5 Battle >Kaiju smacks Maria and Chris around >"If only we hadn't just fought a Karma noise" >It's more powerful than a Karma noise >Chris and Maria wondering why something so dangerous was being stored >Maria is running out of stamina because she's useless >It dissappears or collapses or something, the day is saved by doing nothing >Back in the forest >Miku is worried about edgebikki >"Save... You're going to save me?" >"Even though when I really wanted to be saved, nobody was there to save me?!" >"You're just the same as everybody else after all! You're still lying to me!" >Karma noise hits edgebikki >She goes berserkki >Berserkki absorbs the Karma noise >Miku shouts at her to return her to her senses

5-10

5-10 Part 1 >Back in our world >DMJii are at the medical room with Tsubasa watching Hibiki sleep >Hibiki suddenly starts screaming >The three hold her down >Back in parallel world >Berserkki is attacking Miku Battle >Miku wonders if she'll be able to properly deal with berserkki >She's too fast, can't hit her >Berserkki hesitates, Miku punches her >Berserkki turns into edgebikki >faints >Back in the medical room, Hibiki calms down >Everybody is worried, Tsubasa wonders what the hell is going on in the other world

5-10 Part 2 >Parallel Div2 >Maria is worried about the other Tsubasa >She's sustained a lot of damage from the superb song, but finished off the Karma noise >Maria asks what the fuck the Kaiju was >It's an autonomous complete relic called Goliath that was stored in the Ruins of Memory >From 1 Samuel, the Giant that was defeated by David >Received from America for research >Activated by the large amounts of PHONIC GAIN from Tsubasa jamming >So what should we do >I dunno >I guess we should deal with the Kaiju >By the way you should help us with that >We were going to do that anyway >According to legend, Goliath appears from morning to night to trample the Jewish army >With the arrival of night, that power becomes weaker >So we should aim to fight at night >The problem being that our opponent probably won't allow that >Yeah he'll probably just run away like before >By the way, how's edgebikki? >She seemed mostly fine, but escaped before a detailed examination was carried out >So now that the Karma noise are dealt with, let's deal with the Goliath problem >Genjuurou has a report about parallel Miku >"Is she alive?" >"Yes, she is in good health." >"After hearing from you that she was related to Hibiki-kun, we looked into Hibiki's past and found her name." >"Kohinata Miku-kun..... Hibiki-kun's classmate and childhood friend from before the Live Incident and before she entered Lydian." >"Before she entered Lyidan?" >"The Kohinata Miku-kun of this world did not enroll in Lydian." >"Immediately after the Live Incident, due to circumstances of both her parents, she transferred." >"So she isn't by her side, that's the way it is?" >"Yes. We have no reason to expect that she knows that Hibiki enrolled at Lydian or became an adaptor." >"It is also possible that she has no idea of the hell of undeserved bullying caused by the incident that became her daily life." >"Hibiki.... So that's why she was saying things like "Nobody ever saved me"..." >"So do you know where she is?" >"Yeah, we were able to find her somehow, but we haven't contacted her yet." >"Why not, you can't tell her about Hibiki?" >"They were childhood friends... A long time has passed since they were separated. I don't know if we should get her caught up in this." >"It's been so long there's the possibility that she may not even remember Hibiki-kun." >"No, there isn't." >"Miku-kun....?" >"I would never forget about Hibiki." >"Is that so? I apologize." >"For now, we'll have her put under surveillance. Let's think about it again when revisiting Hibiki-kun's situation." >"...Understood." >Out in the hallway, Chris asks Maria what to do during standby >Maria suggests training, because that's the only way she can look good fighting strong opponents >Miku wants to practice more with SSJ so that she can stop another berserkki attack and to protect her >Miku says she won't be reckless, just like she promised Hibiki >They head off to training Battle >They take a break >Chris brings up Miku's parallel self >Miku is troubled that she isn't by Hibiki's side >Maria says that if it's due to her parents' work, then it can't be helped >Miku is sure that she would still want to be able to see Hibiki >she wants Hibiki to understand that she isn't alone

5-10 Part 3 >Miku is out in town while on standby >She sees edgebikki >Edgebikki suddenly turns and starts talking to an old woman >She wants to go somewhere but doesn't know the way >Miku takes note that she started a conversation with an old lady >Edgebikki shows her the way >Old lady asks if she's a student, says that she's about the same age as her grandchild >(She's carrying the old lady's bags and walking alongside her... She's helping people.) >Yappari, Edgebikki is Hibiki >Old lady thanks Hibiki >Hibiki waves it off and tells her to be careful >Miku hands her a drink and Hibiki asks her how long she's been there >Hibiki says it was just because she was annoyed by her loitering >Suddenly the old lady starts screaming about a monster >Genjuurou calls about a nearby noise pattern >Hibiki and Miku rush in to fight Battle

5-10 Part 4 >Hibiki and Miku see a piece of cloth belonging to the old lady >Hibiki gets mad, Miku tells her to calm down >Hibiki tells her not to tell her what to do >Maria and Chris show up >They follow Hibiki into battle Battle >Battle is over >Hibiki is looking at/holding/doing something to/with old lady's cloth >Old lady shows up and says hi >Hibiki shocked >She is okay, says that she was saved >Hibiki gives her back her stuff >Hibiki is glad she's okay >(That old lady was helped, and there was a person who helped her. But why..!) >"Why... Why does nobody..." >"....I hate it" >"What is it... This annoying feeling in my chest..." >Miku: (When Hibiki gave the old lady's things back to her... she smiled just a little.) >(After all, Hibiki is...)

5-10 Part 5 >Maria and Chris have been on standby for several days >Normal noise has appeared, but no Karma noise >Neither has Goliath >Maria wonders if there is a Goliath in their world >Maybe they can find a way to capture it by investigating their inactive version >Maria wonders why there's still a Gjallarhorn Alert, and if Goliath is causing it >All of the Karma noise should have been defeated >While there's still an alert, they can't just ignore it >Also worrying about Hibiki >Miku is sure that Hibiki is okay, because she's Hibiki >Back in our world, Tsubasa fighting noise with DMJii >Tsubasa says that Elf9 said that the alert has gotten stronger >Tsubasa wonders if that means the threat has increased Battle >They're struggling >Have to ganbare for away team and Hibiki

5-11

5-11 Part 1 >Edgebikki is in her apartment, complaining about her chest >(...My chest hurts, it's hot...) >(It hurts.... somebody....) >(....No, there isn't anybody.... No matter how close they are, they will all leave....) >Edgebikki has dream of normal Bikki >Miku is trying to wake Hibiki, who is sleeping while trying to eat breakfast >"School? Lydian? Why are you wearing a uniform..." >"Are you still half asleep? We enrolled together, so it should be obvious." >"Here's your bag. I got everything ready for you. Finish eating that and we can run to Lydian, alright?" >"Are you done eating? Alright, let's go." >Edgebikki wonders why the dream keeps occurring, wonders if it's because she met Miku >Stone/metal fragments have been falling from her chest with increasing regularity and causing her chest pain >Back in our world, the home team is still fighting noise >Wonder if there's too many for the three of them to handle >Let's ganbarou >Wouldn't X-Drive be really nice right about now >We don't have X-Drive Battle

5-11 Part 2 >At SONG, there's a new energy pattern >More noise >Adaptor's vitals falling >Genjuurou orders withdrawal >Tsubasa says no >Worried about what would happen if they withdraw >Is their duty to defend while Maria is busy and Hibiki is in the hospital >Maria is working hard so they have to as well >Genjuurou: Don't be reckless Battle >Noise eliminated >DMJii are sleepy, so they faint >Tsubasa notes that there was such a large number, almost as if Solomon's Cane has been activated >Tsubasa faints too

5-11 Part 3 >Away team returns to SONG >Hear about how home team got their asses kicked by noise >They're going to be okay >Miku asks about Hibiki >Hibiki is having frequent fits, when it gets bad Elf9 administers a sedative to restrain her >Miku runs off to see her >Maria asks about the Gjallarhorn Alert >It hasn't gotten better >It's gotten worse >Chris complains that they've already defeated two Karma noise >Maria says that something worse than the Karma noise must have shown up >Chris thinks it's related to the Kaiju >What Kaiju >Maria explains about Goliath to Genjuurou >Miku arrives in the medical room, Hibiki is sleeping >Miku holds Hibiki's hand >"I will save you, I'm sure of it. So please, hold on just a little bit longer." >Goliath explanation finished >Chris is kind of mad, tells Genjuurou to tell them about it >Genjuurou claims ignorance >Maria says that the parallel world got it from America >Wonders if the American government is hiding it >Genjuurou says that the chance isn't zero, but even if they are then there's slim chance they'll offer information >Elf9 has a plan >Wonders how the Goliath determines "night" >Chris says when the sun goes down, obviously >Elf9 says the sun going down is determined by the eyes >Maria asks if it could be brightness, since it may not have sensory organs that could intuitively be considered "eyes" >Elf9 says that that could be the case, and that it enters a temporary rest period as part of a cycle >If day or night is determined by brightness, then they may be able to fool it >It's worth a shot >So how do we do it? >Go ask them >Okay let's go >Wait, Maria needs to worry about Tsubasa and what will happen with no defense >Tsubasa should wake up in a day >Tsubasa shows up >Chris asks if she's okay >Elf9 says she can't possibly be okay after such a long battle and short recovery period >"This is nothing compared to Tachibana's fight" >"I will absolutely keep my vow to protect while my comrades are away" >DMJii are already awake, but moving is too hard >Everybody is worried about Hibiki >Maria asks if Hibiki's condition is really that bad >It's so bad Tsubasa says she can't look >Hibiki's fits have been getting more frequent and more violent >At this rate, it may put her life in danger >Away team heads off >In parallel world, edgebikki is fighting some noise >There's an "earthquake," Kaiju shows up >Edgebikki wants to defeat it Battle >Parallel Div2 gets the Goliath appearance reaction >Edgebikki is fighting it alone >Tsubasa still hasn't recovered from jamming >Div2 to support edgebikki however they can >Difference in power is too large, edgebikki can't go at it from the front or else she'll get oneshot >(If only I had more strength...) >Relic cancer heating up, power is coming forth >"Like this, I can fight. Even if I'm alone, I can defeat it!" >Suddenly a guy shouts out for help >(Somebody late getting away!? At a time like this-) >(...I have to save/kill them...) >"-Eh? What..." >(They're a person, so I have to save them. They're a person, so I have to kill them.) >"What... is this? What's this feeling inside me?" >"This feeling.... It's like a hazy swirl going around and around... It's unpleasant..." >"Run away! If you don't want to die then run!" >(No... I never wanted to kill anyone... What the hell-) >(...That black noise... from that time...) >"Oh shi-" >Kaiju punches Hibiki >(I can't move... the damage...) >(...Is this how it all ends?) >Night arrives >"It left... Why...?"

5-12

5-12 Part 1 >Edgebikki has dream of Hibiki helping the cat in S1 and some other stuff with her friends >(...Is that... me....? No.... this is... this is all-!) >(This is... me...? I don't know... this...) >Edgebikki wakes up in a fit >Wonders why our Hibiki is so different, why she is able to smile >Another rock from her chest >Doesn't understand what it means >Ever since the Kaiju fight, she hasn't cooled down >She doesn't feel the black noise's influence anymore, but feels like it's still there >"Even though it's my own body I have no idea what's going on" >"Somebody, tell me... Somebody... help me...." >"I'm scared... of being alone..." >(There's nobody... to help me...) >(That's the way it's always been... Why, suddenly...) >"Anyway, everybody is gone. But I..." >Away team arrives back at parallel Div2 >Maria tells Genjuurou about Hibiki and the home team >Genjuurou tells Maria about edgebikki fighting Goliath >Time ran out for the Kaiju and edgebikki is fine >Maria tells Genjuurou about Elf9's plan >He says he can do it >Noise pattern, large number >Away team about to head out >Tomosato says that they're suddenly rapidly decreasing in numbers >It's edgebikki Battle >Miku in SSJ catches up to edgebikki >Maria and Chris surprised that edgebikki already killed them all >Miku approaches her to make sure she isn't hurt, notices the heat >Everybody realizes that it's relic cancer >Miku tells edgebikki to come with her to Div2 and get properly examined >Edgebikki tells her to leave her alone and runs away >Miku knows she has to do something >Edgebikki alone in the forest >Wonders if the fusion is why she's heating up >Wonders what would happen if it continues >She's scared of not knowing, but she's more scared of knowing that there's nothing she can do >Miku shows up out of nowhere >"Who!?" >"I'm right here." >"Oh, it's you again..." >(Why am I relieved?) >"What are you doing?" >"Nothing... Just looking at the stars." >(I wonder if this Hibiki also likes to look at the stars?) >"Then I know of a good place to go stargazing. Let's go together sometime." >"I guess I want to see just a little bit..." >"Then it's a promise. We'll go together." >"....." >("Promise?" "Together?" I wonder if it would be okay....) >Edgebikki starts screaming and heating up, a black fog swirls around her >(I have to kill...) >"Black... fog....? That's-" >(I saw it when we fought that Karma noise-) >(I have to kill...) >"Hibiki! Get ahold of yourself, Hibiki!" >"---Shut up---!" >"Hi-Hibiki...?" >"Ah.... It's nothing. Anyways, I'm going now." >"Wait, Hibiki!" >"Leave me alone!" >"If you keep using your Gungnir your live will be in danger. So please, will you let me look at it? Besides that, now-" >"Go away!" >"Hibiki..."

5-12 Part 2 >Away team is at an apartment, discussing edgebikki's relic fusion >Miku wonders what she should do to save Hibiki >Chris says that they can't allow her to fight >Maria suggests vaporizing it with SSJ, like in the original world >Miku thinks it might be a different ailment than the original world >Explains the Karma noise and black fog >If edgebikki fused with a Karma noise, then they can't just blast her with SSJ as it may erase her body as well >Need to have her undergo a medical examination, but it's easier said than done >If she stops using her power, her rate of progression will slow >Have to persuade edgebikki to come along for an exam >Have to rely on Miku >Next problem: Alert cause >Previously thought that defeating Goliath would resolve the alert >Maria thinks to herself that it could actually be due to edgebikki's Karma noise absorption >In the worst case scenario, "resolve would be needed" >Instead of letting everybody know this, she decides to keep it to herself and say that there may be other Karma noise around or some other cause >Chris wants to focus on the Kaiju and worry about the alert later >Genjuurou calls, noise >About to start fighting >Genjuurou calls, more noise >Edgebikki is already at the other location >Miku goes to the second location to find edgebikki Battle

5-12 Part 3 >Miku finds edgebikki >"Why are you being so reckless!?" >"It doesn't concern you. This is my fight." >"No, Hibiki! If you use Gungnir anymore, the fusion will-" >"Get out of my way!" >"Hibiki!" Battle

5-12 Part 4 >Noise fight finished >Edgebikki collapses >Miku sees a fragment of Gungnir fall off edgebikki's body >"Please, don't use your gear anymore, I will-" >"I don't want your lies about helping me! Nobody ever helped me!" >"The Hibiki of your world is what's important to you, and I'm just a secondary concern. Am I wrong!?" >(That's right, the scene I saw in my dream-- No matter how much I desire or wish for it, that life will never be my own!) >"Don't ever bother me again!" >(Even though I don't have it, even though I understand... I can't let myself have hope!) >"I can't just leave you alone!" >"I am not your Hibiki." >(I can't smile like that, I can't live like that. -Because I don't have anyone!) >"I don't care! Hibiki is Hibiki!" >"Then I'll prove that I'm not your Hibiki." >(Yes, if I can't have it, then-) >Black cloud surrounds hibiki >"Hibiki..." >(I can see that black fog.... Is it responding to Hibiki's emotions? If that's the case-) >"If that's the case, I'll stop you!" Battle

5-12 Part 5 >"Don't get carried away just because you have an armed gear!" >"Haven't you thought about why you don't have an armed gear!?" >"What about it!? Even without an armed gear, my hands can break anything apart.... destroy anything!" >"You're wrong, you're hands are-" >"Yeah, just like this! To break anything and everything that stands in my way!" >(Yes, destroy! This girl right in front of me!) >Flying noise appears >"Wha-!?" >"Noise!?" >"Hibiki, watch out!" >Miku is hit >(--Now! Now's my chance to kill-!?) >Hibiki: "No! STOOOOOOOOOOOP" >"No, no.... I don't want to do something like this...." >"Hibi..ki, are you, okay?" >"This isn't the time to be worrying about other people!" >"I'm glad... that you're not hurt...." >Miku collapses >(No, why did I-) >(I didn't want to do something like this, why did I do such a terrible thing-) >"Sorry.... Miku, I'm so sorry" >"It keeps welling up..." >"I won't let you lay a finger on Miku... I will pulverize you all with this fist!" Battle >"Miku!" >"Get a hold of yourself, Miku!" >"Hibiki.... You finally called me by name..." >"More than that, are you hurt?" >"I'm alright... But more than that, I'm worried about you." >"What?" >"Gungnir's fusion... the more you use it, the faster it progresses." >"Why do you know..." >"There was another Hibiki who was just the same. I know it very well." >"That time, no matter how much Hibiki was troubled.... and now, no matter how much you are suffering..." >"So please, get a proper medical examination. I don't want you to push yourself anymore." >"..." >"Please, will you listen to what I have to say?" >"...It's not fair. If you say it like that, I can't refuse..."

5-13

5-13 Part 1 >"Is the inspection done now?" >"Yes, it looks like it. We'll get the results in a few days." >"Even though it wasn't really needed..." >"No, you have to do it properly" >"Or I'll end up like your world's Hibiki?" >"I hope you won't. Anyway, the inspection is over, what should we do now?" >"Go home?" >"You can go home later. If it's no problem, would you go out with me?" >"Ah, wait- Fine." >"Hmm? It looks like there's someone in the training room." >"..." >They meet Tsubasa in the training room >She's rehabilitating, but not ready for combat yet >Maria is there, complains about sword never listening to anybody >Tsubasa is finally able to welcome edgebikki to Div2 >Miku says they're going to go >Maria asks where they're going >Going to town for a date >Tsubasa is shocked >Maria just tells them to be careful, notes how "the snow is melting." >Tsubasa is surprised that they're getting along so well >Maria asks Tsubasa out on a date >Tsubasa spaghettis and says that her concern isn't needed >Yappari, this sword is too cute >Maria just asks her to go shopping some time >Tusbasa reiterates that her concern isn't needed >Maria says that she wants to go, and wants Tsubasa to guide her since she isn't familiar with this world >Tsubasa hesitantly accepts >"We'll go after you calm down" >Maria is thankful that edgebikki accepted Miku >Tsubasa can't believe that edgebikki would hold hands with someone like that >She wants to make friends too >She says she knows the pain of Tachibana's loneliness >Maria complains to herself about how sword should just be more honest and direct, but is willing to meet her half way >Maria decides to accompany Tsubasa for more rehab training Battle >Edgebikki and Miku went to Flower >"The okonomiyaki here is delicious." >"Here, eat some." >"O.. okay" >"It's fine.. I guess.." >"Would you just be honest and say that it was good? Yappari, Obachan's okonomiyaki is the best." >Obachan: "Oh? Have you been here before?" >"Oh... uh... I used to come here before." >"Is that so? I usually remember my customer's faces, so forgive me." >(I guess that's true. This world's me hasn't ever been here before, since she isn't enrolled in Lydian...) >"I look forward to your continued patronage." >"Yes, of course. Now, lets cook up and eat a bunch. Obachan, please add the seafood mix and tomato cheese." >"Sure, wait just a moment." >(....It's good)

5-13 Part 2 >Edgebikki and Miku back in town >Talking about how they ordered too much >Edgebikki tells her to stop confusing her with the other Hibiki >Miku says that the Hibiki in front of her is another, entire separate Hibiki. >"If you understand... then it's fine I guess." >"...Hey, the other me, what kind of person is she?" >"..What kind of person... Ummm... A person who likes to eat delicious meals, I guess?" >"What? That's it?" >"Well, she likes to oversleep and then nap in class, let her homework accumulate and then cry for help..." >"Isn't that just a failure of a person?" >(But after all... it's just like what I saw in my dream...) >"Haha... I guess if that was all there was to it. But she has a lot of charm points." >"She can't help reaching out a hand to those in need... Ah, but, that's just like you." >"I'm not like that... I help people, they rely on me, and I betray them..." >"No, you don't do anything like that. At least, the Hibiki I know would never think of anything like that." >"Hibiki is... Even if she hurts herself, even if she suffers, she will never give up, and she will never give in." >"Even if you say it's fine, even if you say that you give up, she absolutely won't allow it." >"And even when she's in pain, she will always be laughing. 'Heiki, hecchara,' she'll say." >"Where have I heard that before..." >"'The magic words to help you get through any tough any tough spot'" >"Of course not... There's no magic words..." >"That may be so, but if Hibiki believes them I believe them." >"Even when she's suffering, she never loses faith, never gives up, and never hangs her head." >"That way, she continues to shine brightly on me and everyone else" >(...I just look away from suffering...) >"She calls me her sunshine, but to me she is really the sun. Without the sun, sunshine isn't... I'm not needed." >"...She's my best friend in the entire world." >"...Best... friend..." >(I'm envious... I'm jealous... This person... I want to destroy her...) >(No! I won't think about something like that--!) >"What's wrong, Hibiki-" >"It's nothing, I'm fine." >Ring ring >"Hello yes this is Kohinata." >Noise has appeared within the city, have to go deal with them >"I'm sorry, Hibiki. I'll be right back. >"I'm going too." >"No. The results of your medical examination still haven't come in yet. I'll take care of it this time, please wait here and don't fight." >"But..." >"Please. Leave it to us. Okay?" >"...Fine." Battle >"Thanks for waiting for me, Hibiki." >"It isn't like that. I thought there might be a situation where I have to fight, so just to be sure I stayed behind." >"Really? So you were worried about me. Thanks." >"Don't think of it that way. I just can't forgive the noise..." >"That's fine. Then, let's go part of the way home together." >"Together? Why?" >"Because we're in the middle of a date." >"Do what you want." >"I will." >"Well then, Chris, Maria-san, I'll see you later" >Maria and Chris show up out of nowhere >Chris: "We're close to Div2 so we're going home." >Maria: "Be careful." >Chris and Maria are surprised that edgebikki is being obedient, isn't fighting, and underwent her medical examination >Surely, Miku is getting through to her >If edgebikki's negative emotions are going away, then maybe our Hibiki will get better >Edgebikki is alone at her apartment >"I...." >(Holding hands with that girl... It was just so warm, but now...) >"Now it's freezing, it's cold..." >"No. She isn't helping me." >(I'm just secondary. That warmth, it's not for me.) >"The warmth will soon be completely gone from my hand..." >"This is just... painful..."

5-13 Part 3 >Miku and friends are at parallel Div2 >They got the results of the medical examination >"I thought it would be a good idea to tell you in advance before Hibiki-kun." >It's cancer >Edgebikki wandering Div2 >(-I wonder if Miku's here.) >(It's nothing but painful, but, I don't want to be apart from her...) >(...I don't want to be alone anymore...) >Overhears a conversation >"Hibiki-kun's condition is..." >(They're talking about me?) >"If this continues, she will die soon. That is the conclusion of our medical staff." >(---!? Then, after all...) >Miku: "No, it isn't like that." >"I understand how you feel but..." >Maria and Chris explain how it's already happened to our Hibiki >Genjuurou is shocked >Explain how SSJ can be used to vaporize relics >(Am I... saved? Will Miku save me?) >Genjuurou didn't even know SSJ could do that >It worked before, let's try again >Maria: "But before that, I want to hear a little bit more about the results of the medical examination." >"...Meaning?" >"I wanted to keep this a secret from her, but there's a possibility that there's something other than the Gungnir fusion affecting her." >"Another influence?" >Chris: "It seems like she absorbed a black one, that time she went berserk." >"Black one... A Karma noise!?" >(--So it really was that noise's--) >Miku: "Yes, so we can't use Shenshoujing carelessly-" >"Wait... I see. The truth is, we found many mysterious readings during the medical examination." >"We suspected that it was due to equipment breakdown or malfunction, but if it's like that then it seems we were wrong." >"...Inside her body, there was a mysterious energy reading. It was a different type than Gungnir." >(...) >"It fluctuated, becoming weaker or stronger. But, it was the same type as noise." >"It's unthinkable that something like that would be inside her body. To a person, that energy is a deadly poison." >"But if that's the case, then it is likely that the Gungnir's fusion is in opposition of the Karma noise's energy." >"So the Gungnir's fusion is saving her?" >"We can't be certain, but if it's not the case then I can't explain it." >"Hey wait! So if we erase her gear--!" >"It would be impossible for a normal human body to withstand that energy. Perhaps, as soon as you erase her gear..." >"Thats--" >Edgebikki stops eavesdropping, enters room >"Haha... Nothing ever changes after all. After all, nobody will save me." >"Hibiki... how long where you there?" >"After all, I'm--" >Edgebikki runs away >"Hibiki! Wait I want to talk-" >Egebikki in the woods >"So that's the way it was..." >(The chest pain, the abnormally high body temperature... I always thought it was strange...) >(The strange stones falling off of me... I don't think I'm a normal human being anymore...) >"I see... So, I'm going to die.... alone... why..." >"If I'm just going to die here, then why--" >"Why did I survive that time? If only I hadn't survived, then I wouldn't have to feel this way." >"I always suffered, it was harsh, I was lonely. Even so, nobody came to my rescue...." >"My friends, my family, everybody vanished from in front of me..." >"On top of that, I'm going to become a monster and die. I hate it.... What did I do to deserve this?" >Edgebikki gets a call from Div2 >More noise >(Thats right. If I'm going to die anyway...) >"Then I'll fight. The noise that destroyed my world, I'll take them with me!" >Karma noise appears >Egebikki starts to get mad >"It's your fault... that I became this way, everything, all of it!" >"I'll kill you!" Battle

5-13 Part 4 >Edgebikki is overpowering the Karma noise alone >She is heating up >Tells Chris to leave her be as she's going to die anyway, may as well take the noise with her >Chris tells her not to be dumb >Miku says that she will save her >Edgebikki complains that it's just words >Miku says she can save her with her gear >Edgebikki says she's lying, if she erases the gear then she'll die >Miku won't let edgebikki die >"I became an adaptor to save you, Hibiki!" >(I want to believe her... I want to... but...) >Edgebikki is running out of time >Maria wants to bring her to the medical room >Chris wants to knock down the Karma noise, it's already wounded >Edgebikki agrees >They shoot at it a bit, it disappears >Nope >Edgebikki absorbed it >Turns into berserkki >Berserkki's phonic gain is increasing into the danger zone >At the worst possible timing, Goliath shows up >(I won't give up either, Hibiki. No matter how hard it is or how much it hurts. I won't give up.....) >"Heiki hecchara, right Hibiki...." >"So... I'll absolutely save you!" Battle

5-13 Part 5 >After the battle >"Hibiki! Wake up, Hibiki!" >Chris: "Shit, we aren't getting to her. Isn't there anything we can do old man!?" >Absorbing the Karma noise's curse has, in combination with her relic cancer, has provoked her berserk state and placed strain on her body >"That's not what I was asking! I was asking for a way to help her!" >Maria: "Now that it's come to this, there's nothing we can do except for to fully purge her with Shenshoujing." >Chris: "If you do that now, then she'll die of the curse!" >Inside edgebikki's mind >"Ah... after all... this pitch blackness, is where I belong." >"In the end, I'm alone and nobody rescued me." >"So... I'll destroy... it all!" >Resume berserkki >Attacks Maria and Chris, heads downtown >Miku asks if they're okay, Chris says to chase the idiot >Leave the Kaiju to Chris and Maria, Miku is the only one who can help edgebikki >Tsubasa shows up >Miku goes to save edgebikki, leaving Tsubasa, Chris, and Maria to deal with Goliath >Chris says Tsubasa is being too reckless >I am sakimori sword >Sun is about to set, preparations are almost done, need hold out until then >Night falls >They implement the plan, flash, Goliath stops moving >Fooled it into thinking the sun was still up using artificial light, its energy levels are dropping >Chris and Maria ignite Battle >Goliath is defeated >No time to rest here, gotta catch edgebikki >Genjuurou calls, things not going will for edgebikki >Lots of energy due to the synergy of relic cancer and karma curse >If a normal human were to approach, they'd probably die >If edgebikki gets to downtown, there could be a lot of casualties >It will be difficult to capture her in berserkki state >"If Miku-kun can't destroy her gear, then there will be no other way to stop her than to defeat her." >Chris: "And will she be saved by that!?" >"That's..." >Tsubasa: "At that time... I'll.. do it. I will cut her down." >Maria: "Tsubasa..." >Tsubasa: "That is the duty of an adaptor in this world." >Maria: "Wait! She is desperately trying to help her, even now!" >"As long as she doesn't give up, we shouldn't give up either!"

5-14

>"Hibiki, this incredible heat... Even from this far away, I can tell..." >"If I can't stop her and she gets to town, it'll be bad..." >"I won't let Hibiki hurt anyone! Hibiki! Please stop!" >"Shut up.... shutupshutup! Nobody saves me... nobody!" >"Killing... Destruction... That's what this fist is for--!" >(HAYAI!) >(If she won't let me focus Shenshoujing's power, then I can't disintegrate her gear...) >(I have to find a way to stop her from moving...) >(But, what should I do....?) >(If I can force Hibiki to regain her will, her memories, just for a moment....) >Flashback to earlier in the event >"Then I know of a good place to go stargazing. Let's go together sometime." >"I guess I want to see just a little bit..." >"Then it's a promise. We'll go together." >End flashback >(This Hibiki doesn't know that place... But, if their spirits are in sync--) >"Over here, Hibiki!" >Miku leads Hibiki to a clearing in the forest >(Hibiki's movements have stopped....?) >"The other day, I promised you. That we'd go to a place where you can see the stars clearly." >"This place is... for me, a very sentimental place." >(Promise.... sentimental...?) >"Please, Hibiki! Come home! You can't be in such a dark place!" >"I am not in your memories. A promise..." >"Hibiki.... Can you hear my voice?" >"...is good for nothing. Watching the stars, in a place like this, means nothing." >"That's not true! We promised, you aren't alone!" >"A promise.... I don't understand..." >"You can't make a promise by yourself you know." >"When small promises pile up, you can create precious memories." >"Even in difficult times, they continue to shine in your heart, becoming stars." >"So... Hibiki. Understand. You aren't alone anymore." >"Tsubasa-san, Genjuurou-san, everyone is worrying about you. Your feelings, your anxiety, people who care about you are close to you." >"Do not turn away from the promises you've made and the connections you've formed." >"Do not give up on anything. Stop grasping things as if you are going to destroy them." >"Your fist is not for that..." >"...Shut up! Do not impose your selfish feelings on me! I, my fist, is to destroy, destroy everything--!" >"No! Hibiki always is, a good girl who can't go without helping people..." >"Be honest with yourself! Don't deceive your true heart!" >"How could you understand anything about my feelings!? You never helped me! You abandoned me! How-" >"Hibiki, show me your hands." >"Your hands without weapons, they're proof that you really want to hold hands with people more than anyone else..." >"Those hands... Are Tachibana Hibiki's armed gear!" >"These hands... are my... armed gear...?" >"And another thing, that you're wrong about..." >Flashback >"But if that's the case, then it is likely that the Gungnir's fusion is in opposition of the Karma noise's energy." >"So the Gungnir's fusion is saving her?" >"We can't be certain, but if it's not the case then I can't explain it." >"Hey wait! So if we erase her gear--!" >"It would be impossible for a normal human body to withstand that energy. Perhaps, as soon as you erase her gear..." >End flashback >(It's okay. I believe. Shenshoujing, my song, will certainly save Hibiki) >(So, no matter what happens-) >"Kohinata Miku will never abandon Hibiki! Never!" >(Hibiki.... Lend me, your strength...) >Miku sings her superb song >"Thats her... superb song..." >(Don't sing that! If you sing that then...!) >(...Why, for someone like me... Nobody saved me anyway... Everyone else was together, and no one with me... but...) >(--No. Kohinata Miku was always concerned for me, always by my side, and was the one to help me. And so, I loved Miku.) >(Why did I forget, something so obvious...) >(I have to save...) >(I HAVE TO SAVE MIKU!) >Edgebikki sings her superb song >Tsubasa, Chris, and Maria show up >Tsubasa: "Where did those two go? >Maria: "Surely they should be around here... We have to hurry!" >Tsubasa: "Wait! This is, Kohinata and Tachibana's song.... It can't be, their superb song!?" >S2CA tornado appears >Tsubasa: "What was that light just now? What's going on--!?" >Chris: "That was, it can't be, S2CA!" >"How?! Without that idiot, why is S2CA!?" >Maria: "Perhaps, Tachibana Hibiki finally grabbed her outstretched hand." >"The Tachibana Hibiki we know and the Tachibana Hibiki here are fundamentally the same." >"A girl who wants to hold hands more than anybody else." >Chris: "You don't think, that this light, is because..." >X-Drive Miku appears >Miku: "This... This power..." >(I can feel it... The warmth and the strength... This is the power... of my feelings for Hibiki...) >Hibiki: "Stop.... Don't shine that light one me!" >Miku: "Hibiki... Tell me.... What is it you truly hope for? What is it you truly wish for!?" >"For your sake I can do anything.... I will grant you anything!" >Hibiki: "I don't have any hopes! Leave me alone..." >(No! I'm sick of being alone! I hate being alone in this dark place!) >"I was never helped anyway. So I being alone from the start was fine..." >(...Hope is useless, even if I wish for it, nobody will save me...) >(I understand that! But... If it's this person, I feel like she can save me.) >(So please, just one more time...) >"Please.... save me...." >Miku: "Hibiki.... you finally answered. I've finally heard it. Your true voice." >"Okay. I'll save you. I promise." >Berserkki attacks, Eiai Promise starts playing >"Hibiki... I won't let go of your hand! NEVER EVER!" Battle >Miku: "My thoughs... Everyone's thoughts... How much we treasure you, everybody's feelings--- will reach you!!" >"I will shake off the darkness that gnaws at her heart---!" >Very poorly pre-rendered version of X-Drive Miku's laser beam >Hibiki: "AAAAAAA!? It doesn't... hurt...? What is this... light..." >(Aahh... it's warm... almost like...) >Miku drops her transformation >Miku: "HIBIKI----!" >Hibiki: (Miku is... reaching her hand out, to me--) >"MIKU....MIKU----!" >(...I finally understand what the other me said. That's right... To me, Miku is-) >"Mi,ku.... I'm.. sorry..." >Miku: "Heiki, hecchara, isn't it?" >Hibiki: "Yeah... thanks..." >Miku: "Welcome home, Hibiki..."

5-15

>Chris and Maria at the Gjallarhorn gate >Chris: "So it's finally over?" >Maria: "Yeah it seems like it. We've defeated the bosses and saved the girl." >Miku: "Uhm, I'm going to go check on Hibiki-" >Elf9: "Welcome back, everyone." >Gen: "Good job, I'm glad you made it back safely." >Chris: "What's with you two? Were you waiting for us to come back again?" >Elf9: "No, the Gjallarhorn Alert stopped, so we thought you would return soon." >Maria: "Really? Well, I'm glad the alert finally stopped." >Chris: "If that wasn't enough to stop it, then we would have to give up" >Gen: "It seems like this time was a tough fight, too. Good work you three, you've earned a good rest." >Miku: "Um, before that, how's Hibiki's condition?" >Gen: "I think it would be faster to hear it from her directly." >Miku: "Eh?" >Hibiki: "WELCOME HOME, MIKU!" >Miku: "Hibiki..." >"HIBIKI----!!" >Hibiki: "Miku, I'm so glad you made it back safely~." >Miku: "Well I'm so glad that you got better..." >Elf9: "The alert was resolved and at roughly the same time she regained consciousness" >"As if there wasn't anything wrong in the first place, she suddenly recovered." >Miku: "Hibiki, does it still hurt anywhere?" >Hibiki: "Nope, I'm fine now-owowow" >Miku: "Hibiki... Are you..." >Hibiki: "It- hurts-" >Chris: "H-hey! What's going on? Didn't you say that it was all better!?" >Elf9: "Please calm down. It is likely that it is simply a stomach ache due to over-eating." >Maria: "Over-eating...?" >Gen: "Honestly, even if her physical condition has improved, I can't believe she can eat that much." >Hibiki: "But, I was really hungry... It was almost like my stomach and back were stuck together 100 times." >"Uu, I'm going to throw up..." >Chris: "You idiot! Don't mislead us like that!" >Chris assaults Hibiki >Hibiki: "Ow! I'm still sick, so you should pity me more~." >Miku: "Hibiki please." >Maria: "As surprising as always I suppose. It doesn't even seem like she went through any hardship." >Gen: "If she's like this, then it means you managed to safely help the other world's Hibiki." >Miku: "Yes. It's already fine." >"Not just the matter of her fusion, but her heart too..." >"I was able to get through to her that she wasn't alone... Besides--" >In the other world >Gen: "It's incredible that only the corroded portions were removed so cleanly.... I'm nothing but impressed." >Tsubasa: "That's the results of Tachibana's medical check?" >Gen: "Yes. In their Miku's light, the tissue that began to fuse was completely erased." >"Of course, this includes the energy thought to be from the Karma noise was also erased. Everything has vanished completely." >Fujitaka: "But, since that includes the Gungnir fragment, she can no longer wear a gear." >Gen: "Yes, but, compared to her life, it's rather trivial. Well, I suppose it is unfortunate that our combat capacity has decreased." >"That reminds me. Ryouko-kun should be returning soon." >Tomosato: "Yes, the Shenshoujing pendant that Ryouko-san made, she'll surely be surprised that we found a suitable adaptor for it." >Fujitaka: "She also missed the X-Drive Mode activation. She's going to be pretty frustrated." >Gen: "Haha. No doubt about it. She'll just have to make due with the observation data." >Tomosato: "But... it really was a miracle to be able to save Hibiki from that state." >Gen: "Well, that's not the real miracle here." >"The power to save the heart of a girl, alone in despair, who rejected herself and everything else in the world, now that is worthy of being called a miracle." >Tsubasa: "...Yes, I suppose that is true." >Gen: "Well, anyway... We don't have to worry about Hibiki anymore. She has regained the courage to take other's hands and to connect hearts." >Tsubasa: "Anyhow, where is she now? I heard that the examination was completed but..." >Fujitaka: "It seems that after the examination finished she went home..." >Tsubasa: "Honestly. Even if she isn't an adaptor anymore, I wanted to do some things with her..." >"I had hoped that we would be able to work cooperatively, just a little...." >Gen: "What, isn't that unexpectedly early?" >Elsewhere >Hibiki: (These hands...) >"These hands aren't for destroying anything... Right, Miku..." >(Joining hands with someone... This hand, can join with someone...) >"I'm not alone... Once I joined hands, even after letting go we are still connected..." >(So, it's okay. I'm heiki, hecchara.) >"....Speaking of which, she's gone now. I wonder if I'll be able to meet her again...." >(I guess... it's impossible. Since she lives in the other world.) >(But I'm sure, one day I'll meet her again-) >???: "Hibiki..." >Hibiki: "Eh...?" >"Miku...?" >Memoria scene >"Why are you still here?" >Miku: "Hibiki... Hibiki! I always wanted to see you again..." >Hibiki: "We just separated, why are you acting that way..." >(Huh? Something's... different? >Miku: "I'm sorry... After that, I left you without saying goodbye." >Hibiki: "Eh? Are you-" >Miku: "I wrote you letters, but you never replied... No matter how many times I came to see you, you were never there..." >Hibiki: (This girl... No, this Miku is--) >"Miku, why are you....?" >Miku: "Some people from the Disaster Relief Squad came..." >Hibiki: "Those people did..." >Miku: "I'm sorry. I wasn't by your side in your darkest hour-- But... I'm glad I finally got to see you... Hibiki..." >Hibiki: (Miku..., she's warm... oh.. that's right. At that time, I remembered. Miku was always my sunshine.) >"That's right. I finally found you. The place where I belong is right here." >Hidamari Memoria Finish

#not my translation #senki zesshou symphogear #symphogear #miku kohinata #hibiki tachibana #hibimiku #symphogear xdu #i love these girls

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ebenpink · 6 years ago

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“Help! My client is in love with me!” How to establish boundaries in your coaching practice—and avoid all kinds of nasty situations. https://ift.tt/2ImLxO9

What do you do when your fitness client asks you out for a drink? Or texts you at 2am? Or slightly recoils from your touch during an assessment? When you’re a health professional working closely with people who need your help, things can occasionally get awkward. Use this guide to set professional boundaries, while still creating a trusting coach-client relationship.

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The details: A Precision Nutrition Certified coach—we’ll call her Sue—reached out to our private Facebook group for advice on a serious problem. Her client, also a coworker, had developed feelings for her.

Sue didn’t feel the same way.

She cared about this client and his goals. He’d already lost 50 pounds with her help.

But she didn’t want to be a caregiver or caretaker. His behavior had become an emotional drain.

When Sue tried to distance herself from the client, he lashed out and became self-destructive. His health habits regressed, and he went back to emotional eating.

As a coaching professional, Sue understood the dynamics. She knew the client’s reliance on her had become unhealthy. And she recognized that she herself was becoming more and more distressed.

Understandably, she felt stuck.

She’d have to confront difficult feelings: The client would be upset.

He’d regress: Asking him to change his behavior would cause a health-damaging backslide.

She was also caught in conflicting close relationships: They work together every day.

Tricky situations like Sue’s are very common in health and fitness coaching.

Yet while therapists, psychologists, and doctors are formally trained to navigate the boundary issues that arise in client-practitioner relationships, fitness professionals often aren’t.

So consider this your crash course for conduct, complete with practical tools you can use now, no matter how where you are in your career.

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The relationship between a client and a health practitioner is inherently intimate.

This is true whether you’re a strength coach, a group fitness trainer, a psychologist, a massage therapist, or a yoga instructor.

Deep feelings are discussed. Bodies are touched.

It’s “closeness,” even if it’s not romantic closeness.

As a result of this intimacy, it’s quite common (and natural) for coaches or clients to develop feelings (negative or positive) for each other. Feelings of friendship, tenderness, protectiveness, jealousy, anger, and/or frustration spill into the professional arrangement.

Without honesty, clear expectations, and mature, open communication, stuff gets messy.

Defining and upholding proper boundaries ensures that feelings don’t confuse the ultimate goal: to help the client achieve his or her health goals through self-empowered action.

When we don’t have well-defined and well-communicated roles, everyone is kinda standing around wondering, “What am I allowed to do here? And how are we supposed to interact?”

Anxieties, frustrations, and old hurts emerge, often vaguely and vexingly, and we feel pushed and pulled in many directions.

That’s why we need boundaries.

Boundaries are the invisible lines of division between the service provider and the client or patient, the social (and sometimes physical) norms and practices that define:

who is playing what role (e.g. who is coach and who is client);

what those roles involve (e.g. who provides direction and how); and

what the limits of that professional relationship are (e.g. how available the coach is for the client, or what’s discussed in sessions).

Good boundaries mean that clients:

feel safe and secure with their coaches, trusting they’ll act in their best interests.

understand the care a coach shows is the universal care of an invested, compassionate professional, and not a sign of romantic interest (or some other attachment).

are obligated to show up maturely and responsibly; to regulate their emotions, own their behaviors, and be consistent.

Good boundaries mean that coaches:

avoid ethical breaches or working outside of our scope of practice.

don’t take on more than our share of responsibility for client progress and change.

show our clients clearly who is doing what, when, and how.

recognize the potential power imbalance that is part of coaching, and respect our clients as autonomous individuals.

With clear boundaries, we have fewer misunderstandings and awkward situations.

Which is always good.

With well-defined, strong, healthy boundaries, our “emotional bank account” is freed up to invest in a robust coaching relationship that keeps us as coaches safe and sane, while helping clients reach their goals.

Appropriate behavior is context-dependent.

There’s a green zone: Totally cool almost all of the time. Like smiling and making eye contact as you greet a client.

There are “gray zones”: A little more blurry, and depends on the context and nature of the relationship. Like hugging a client after they just did their first pullup.

And there’s a red zone: Definitely—and always—a hard “no.” Like, “Don’t steal from clients” seems pretty intuitive.

But in real life, boundaries aren’t one-size-fits-all.

Therefore (and to make things more complex), the same action can be “green” with one client and “red” with another.

With a client you have a secure, trusting relationship with, it might be totally cool to exchange the odd gift.

But that newer client you suspect might be crushing on you? Exchanging gifts may send the wrong message and confuse the purpose of the relationship.

Context is everything.

With more experience, trust, and maturity you have more freedom—to get close, to joke, potentially to do or say “inappropriate” things.

With relationships that are newer, more fraught or confused, play by stricter rules.

In terms of ethical codes, health and fitness coaching is a little late to the party.

Other fields of service provision, such as psychology or social work, have clear codes of ethics they abide by.

Many mental and physical health care service providers receive ethics training as part of their certification, but coaches often don’t.

Yet part of your job as a coach is to behave ethically, which includes defining and maintaining clear boundaries.

So Precision Nutrition wrote its own Code of Ethics for the coaches we certify.

You can start with our Code of Ethics as a template, and add to it as you wish, according to your own value system, and the nuances of your practice.

PN Coaching Certification Code of Ethics

In your professional role as a coach:

Act in the client’s best interest. Prioritize their wellbeing, safety, values, goals, and comfort where possible.

Respect the worth and dignity of the clients you serve. Treat all clients with professional courtesy, compassion, and care.

Protect your clients’ privacy and confidentiality. This includes that you:

Follow standard data security protocols, such as protecting your personal logins and storing client data securely.

Be careful what you discuss about clients, and with whom.

Do not disclose personal or identifying details of clients.

Ask permission before sharing anything on social media.

Act with integrity. Make yourself worthy of your clients’ respect and trust. Don’t exploit your clients, financially or otherwise. Don’t seek personal gain from your client relationship (beyond your coaching fees, obviously).

Act with objectivity. Know the rules, regulations, and procedures expected of you, and follow them equitably and appropriately for each client.

Set clear, accurate, and reasonable expectations. Define the terms of the coaching arrangement (e.g. payment, frequency of meeting, how coaching works, etc.) immediately and reinforce them often. Be upfront about what results the client can realistically expect to see.

Have clear professional boundaries. Avoid multiple relationships (e.g. coaching friends or family members; becoming friends with clients) where possible. If you must have multiple relationships, recognize the inherent power imbalance in coaching, and be very clear what hat you’re wearing in a given situation.

Know the limits of your skills and scope of practice. If you can’t serve a client for reasons of ethics or expertise, refer them to another coach and/or care provider if possible.

Keep your skills current. Pursue professional competence, excellence, and mastery. Seek to be a credit to your profession.

8 tools to define boundaries in your coaching practice.

For coaches, there are lots of ways identify, establish, and maintain boundaries in your professional practice. We’ve got 8 to get you started.

The more tools you use, the more clear, comfortable, and secure your relationships will be.

Plus, less awkward situations.

1. Pay attention to your “emotional radar.”

Often, when boundaries get pushed (or trampled on), your body will tell you.

For example, you might notice that around a certain client, you feel tense, “icky,” or even repelled.

If you observe those sensations, check in with yourself.

Are roles defined and contracts clear?

Are you being asked to do things (either implicitly or explicitly) that make you feel uncomfortable?

Are you being exposed to some “TMI” material, either through the content of your client’s words, or images they sent to you?

If you can identify what’s bothering you, work to fix the situation:

Model appropriate behavior.

Communicate clearly, assertively, and maturely. (Keep reading for ideas on how to do this.)

Inform others about your boundaries and expectations for the working relationship. Don’t assume people “should just know” what appropriate behavior is. They might not.

2. Use body language to manage the space between you and your clients.

We “say” a lot without actually saying it.

Humans have a sort of sixth sense when it comes to expressing and reading body language. What we do with our bodies, and what others do, is worth a thousand words.

That means you can actually use your body as a tool to shape the coach-client relationship.

You can use your nonverbal cues to steer or “lead” clients.

For example, if a client is getting a little too close, you can lean or step back a little to increase the distance between you, or put an object between you (such as a desk or bench).

Without using words, this suggests, “This is a better amount of space between us.”

Other times, you may want to encourage closeness.

One simple way to do this is by “mirroring” your clients’ movements (subtly), and making eye contact. This demonstrates your attention and presence, and can foster a feeling of connection.

To convey confidence and authority, stand or sit tall, with good, but relatively relaxed posture. You’ll look like someone worth respecting and listening to.

3. Use your voice to show the right balance of care and authority.

Voices are powerful.

Your voice can command, cajole, calm, or control—and it can help you set and maintain boundaries too.

Generally, a warm, yet professional tone will signify interest and authority.

Speak clearly at a moderate pace, and unless you’re actually asking a question, be careful of a tendency to use a rising tone at the end of a sentence. (Which will make everything sound like a question? And it’ll imply that you don’t need to be taken seriously?)

Match your voice volume and cadence to your client’s to show attunement.

You can also use your voice to steer someone gently if you feel things should be going in a different direction: talking slower and lower to a client who’s gotten worked up and is talking fast and loud; speaking gently to a client who’s intimidated, scared, or defensive; or speaking firmly and clearly to a client who’s gotten a little too… friendly.

4. Write like a pro.

Even if your main jam is one-on-one sessions with clients, talking in an office or on a gym floor, you’ll probably do a fair bit of writing too: in emails or texts, handouts, contracts, and signs on the wall.

Your professional image is reflected in your writing, so cover the basics: Use proper punctuation, check your spelling, and get your message across clearly and concisely.

Make sure signs are clearly displayed and contracts are reviewed and understood, ideally before you begin your coaching relationship.

Signs and contracts tell clients what to expect, what their responsibilities are, and what you’re here for (and not here for). Articulate this up front, and you’ll have fewer problems later.

5. Make informed consent an ongoing conversation.

If you’ve ever joined a gym, had a massage, received psychotherapy, or joined a sports team, you might have had to go through some kind of informed consent and waiver-signing process.

An informed consent form usually covers things like scope of services and liability, and the potential risks to clients. It’s a good idea for every coaching practice to have one.

But it doesn’t have to stop there.

If made an ongoing conversation, the informed consent process can be an awesome, useful tool that helps define boundaries and helps clients feel heard, respected, and comforted.

Check in with your client on consent topics every few weeks. You can organize the conversation around themes like:

What’s happening for you as a client right now? Can you give me a “status update” about how you feel / think about our process, or your current situation?

Are you OK with what’s happening now? Does this match what you expected or wanted? Would you feel more comfortable doing something differently?

Do you understand what’s happening now? Do you as a client, comprehend why we’re doing something, and/or what the risks and benefits are? Do you understand how this activity connects to your goals?

Do you want to continue in this direction? Or do you need a break? Informed consent includes the client knowing that they have the right to say no to anything the coach proposes.

6. Protect your time.

Pop quiz: If a client texts you at 2am, do you respond?

Clients may email, text, or even call at all hours of the day or night. While you can have your business hours clearly displayed on your website, contracts, or signs around your office, clients may still pop in when it’s convenient for them.

That’s OK. (So long as they’re not banging on the door of your personal home at midnight. That’s “red zone” material.)

When and how quickly you respond to clients signals to them what you will accept, and what they should expect.

For example, if you start answering emails at 10:30 at night, a client may expect you to be available during those hours. If you always respond to texts within three minutes, a client may expect nearly immediate answers from you.

You get to decide what your boundaries are here, and what you’re comfortable with. If you don’t want your evenings to be crowded out by client emails, then turn the computer off before dinner, and respond to them in the morning.

Similarly, you get to set the tone for how time is spent during your in-person time with clients.

If a client is consistently late or missing appointments, or if they keep directing the conversation to who they went out with on the weekend instead of how their food journaling went, then it’s your job to gently but firmly call them out.

Sometimes an adult conversation needs to happen.

Like:

“Hey, I’ve noticed that you’ve been 20 minutes late for the last three appointments. Is this still a good time for you? If it is, let’s agree to start our session on time so we don’t have to cut into your appointment time.”

Or:

“It sounds like you had a fun weekend! But hey, I’d love to talk about your nutrition. I know one of your goals is to eat better, and I’m curious to know about how you’ve been doing. The more we focus our conversation, the better we can get both of our needs met.”

Approach these conversations as if you and your client are on the same team, rather than adversaries. Be friendly, and focus on the win you both want!

7. Dress sharp.

One perk of being a coach: You get to dress comfy!

One downside of being a coach: You get to dress comfy! Which means that sometimes, it’s hard to know what looks appropriate and also helps you demonstrate a squat or run a few agility ladders.

However, if you choose carefully, you can convey professionalism in athletic gear.

If you look professional, your clients will be less likely to treat you as a buddy or a potential hookup, and more likely to treat you as, well, a professional.

Make sure your clothes are clean and well-maintained, and that all your, um, parts are contained.

Your dress should also be appropriate to your environment. If you work at a gym, gym clothes are good. If you work in an office, “business casual” is likely the better dress code.

8. If physical contact is necessary, check in with your client’s experience of it often.

If you’re a personal trainer, massage therapist, yoga teacher, chiropractor, etc., body work is part of your job.

Make sure to have clients sign a form that provides consent to touch.

Even with contracts signed and squared off, always ask your clients for permission before you touch them, especially in potentially awkward or vulnerable areas. (This is especially important in situations where touch could be misinterpreted—for instance, a male personal trainer touching a female client’s glutes.)

If you’re a coach, here’s a handy checklist for considering boundaries when touching your client.

Does touching my client make sense in the context of our professional relationship? Am I, for example, a massage therapist or personal trainer legitimately touching my client in particular ways?

Does touching my client raise any issues given our social identities? That’s a fancy way of saying who are you, and who are they? Are you male, female, older, younger, the coach, the client (and so on)?

Does touching my client make sense in a cultural or social context? Different cultures have different norms on touch. And “culture” can be anything. For instance, your local MMA gym may consider it perfectly normal to choke someone with your thighs… but that’s not a good look at your average gym.

What are the benefits to touching my client? Am I helping teach them an exercise, giving them useful feedback, creating a genuine personal connection, and/or calming them?

What are the potential risks to touching my client? Might I be invading their boundaries, making them feel less comfortable, or sending signals that could be misinterpreted?

What are my motivations for touching my client? Is this to benefit them, or me?

Do I know my client’s personal history or level of comfort with touch? Some people have a history of physical or sexual abuse, or simply aren’t that comfortable being touched. Since you likely don’t know all clients’ personal details, start by assuming your client may have some kind of discomfort with touching. Proceed slowly with caution and assess their comfort as you go.

How am I letting my client know what to expect? A simple way to judge comfort is just to announce, then ask. For example, “I’m going to put my hand just underneath your left armpit to feel if your lat muscles are engaged. Is that OK?”

What feedback am I getting? Read body language, and ask. If your client gives you a hearty handshake with a bro-back-slap while making eye contact and smiling, you’re probably good to do the same. If you hug them and they shrink back or go rigid, quit hugging them.

Have alternatives handy. If you’re trying to give a client proprioceptive feedback, you can often use some neutral object (like having their butt hit a wall when you’re teaching a hip hinge). If hugging is a no, you may be able to do a less-threatening touch of the upper arm, or just work your smile and wave game.

And this should go without saying, but we’re gonna say it anyway:

For heaven’s sake, don’t touch your clients inappropriately. If you don’t know what constitutes consent or assault, educate yourself.

What to do next

When your “boundary radar” goes off, pay attention.

Don’t wait or avoid a situation that’s bothering you.

If you do, it’ll often get worse.

Prevention is the best option here, but if that hasn’t worked, then sometimes you’ll need to deal directly with an uncomfortable situation.

If possible, prepare documentation—such as emails, text messages, or a written summary of what happened from your perspective—or discussion topics in advance, and consider your overall strategy before having a difficult conversation.

Remember: You never have to work with someone who’s abusive, aggressive, or otherwise violates your boundaries.

Whether it’s a persistent series of misunderstandings and misalignments; someone who constantly gives you the “ugh” or “uh-oh” feeling; or outright harassment, you never have to tolerate a physically or psychologically harmful situation.

Get out or refer out.

Want strategies to level up your coaching?

It’s no secret that master coaches develop over time, through education and consistent practice, usually under the guidance of a mentor or coach.

Precision Nutrition is the only company in the world that both works with thousands of our own nutrition coaching clients and teaches health, fitness, and wellness professionals our real-world methods for getting results.

And here’s some great news: Our next Precision Nutrition Level 2 Certification Master Class kicks off on Wednesday, April 3rd, 2019.

Want to achieve total confidence in your coaching skills? Get (and keep) more clients? Grow and strengthen your practice? If so, the Precision Nutrition Level 2 Certification is definitely for you.

It’s designed specifically for Level 1 students and grads who realize that knowing about the science of nutrition isn’t enough.

Part master class, part grad program, part mentorship, it’s the only course in the world designed to help you master the art of coaching, meaning better results for your clients and a better practice for you.

Since we only take a limited number of professionals, and since the program sells out every time, I strongly recommend you add your name to our VIP List below. When you do, you get the chance to sign up 24 hours before everyone else. Even better, you get a huge discount off the general price of the program.

[Note: The Level 2 Master Class is only for students and grads of our Level 1 Certification. So if you haven’t yet enrolled in that program, please begin there.]

Interested? Add your name to the VIP list. You’ll save up to 37% and secure your spot 24 hours before everyone else.

We’ll be opening up spots in our next Precision Nutrition Level 2 Certification Master Class on Wednesday, April 3rd.

If you want to find out more, we’ve set up the following VIP list which gives you two advantages.

Pay less than everyone else. We like to reward people who are eager to get started and ready to gain mastery in their coaching practice. So we’re offering a discount of up to 37% off the general price when you sign up for the Master Class VIP list.

Sign up 24 hours before the general public and increase your chances of getting a spot. We only open the PN Master Class twice per year. Due to high demand and a very limited number of spots, we expect it to sell out fast. But when you sign up for the Master Class VIP list, we’ll give you the opportunity to register a full 24 hours before anyone else.

If you’re ready to take the next step in becoming a world-class coach, we’re ready to share our knowledge and help you master the art of coaching.

References

Click here to view the information sources referenced in this article.

Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. (2015). Standards of Practice (5th ed.) [PDF file]. Ottawa, ON. Retrieved from https://www.ccpa-accp.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/StandardsOfPractice_en_June2015.pdf

Canadian Association of Social Workers. (2005). Code of Ethics [PDF file]. Retrieved from https://www.casw-acts.ca/sites/default/files/documents/casw_code_of_ethics.pdf

Bryson, Sandy. Understanding Professional Boundaries [PDF file]. Retrieved from https://www.dsc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Understanding-Professional-Boundaries.pdf

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