More illusions, all of them smiling. Soma was suddenly and inexplicably reminded of them, of drifting powerlessly in space while an orange and white mobile suit tore their forces apart, laughter echoing in her mind. The hot spike of anger propelled her forward a few more steps before she realized the Once-ler wasn't following her anymore.

She turned slowly, sweeping her flashlight back and gasping involuntarily at the blood seeping from between the man's fingers. In the darkness, it was impossible to tell how severe the injury was, but she knew this little venture was over. Mission scrubbed. The Once-ler might only be an acquaintance, but she couldn't let even an acquaintance be injured in her stead. Not when people had died trying to do the same in the past.

She let off a shot at Lingormr again, this time aiming for his feet, but the figure only burst into light and dissolved. Too late. He could be anywhere now.

You always have a choice, she wanted to say, but she knew precisely how stupid it would sound and decided not to bother. Instead, she moved to the Once-ler's side, murmuring, "Can you stand?" before looking up again.

"We're done here," she said, and she tried to hide the frustration and defeat in her voice, but she had always been terrible at acting. "If we retreat, will you at least let us do it in peace?"