Noelle's speech to the crew came from a place of fear and desperation. Though both Alora and June were present, she orchestrated her words perfectly through her anger, concealing any hint of when and where their battle with the FIRMO was most likely to take place.
Her words fell on good ears with the others; even Freya knew better than to question her commands at that moment. When she finished, they exited the room, leaving Raiden and Ash behind.
Ash remained seated beside Raiden, her blue eyes fixed on the floor. Raiden was still confused, uncertain how to approach their situation. He hadn't seen her this wounded before—not even when she nearly got killed by June.
He thought for a moment, then reached over and gently patted her head. "I'm sorry, Ash. I would have at least attempted to fight."
She raised her head and gazed in Raiden's direction. "No, Papa." Her gaze dropped to the floor again. "You did the right thing."
