Five people. A chill ran down Anise's spine when she heard the Head Doctor's taunt. Every little symptom and abnormality in her condition suddenly felt like a warning bell ringing in her ears. Was this it? Was tonight going to be her last night as a human being?

She shook her head, trying her hardest to make those thoughts disappear. Her friends were working so hard to help her - this couldn't all be in vain! But even though she wanted to believe that, she'd spent the last shift writing down her final regrets and wishes, in case she met a sudden end. She hoped no one would have to read them. That will, as it could probably be called, was left tucked into her notebook. Maybe someone would find it if she disappeared. Maybe not.

Unlike most nights, Anise didn't bother changing into her Fon Master Guardian uniform. Instead, she wore the looser sweatpants and long-sleeved shirt provided by the Institute. She wanted to be prepared in case they had a chance to perform the surgery sooner rather than later, and those clothes were easier to work around. For equipment, she brought Tokunaga (of course), her meat tenderizer, her flashlight, and an empty pillowcase, which she stuffed into her pocket.

She didn't know if there was any hope for her or not, but she couldn't sit down and give up yet. She had to go meet Luke and the others.

[to here]