If that thou hast the gift of strength... (Ulv, Hanako)

"Easier said than done"

Hanako had intended these words to sound defying. But the part of herself that usually pushed back, when it felt pressure, especially against her weak spot, found itself sitting by and listening attentively, thereby forgetting to act according to it's usual pattern. Instead the words sounded thoughtful and just a little lost.

Yes, there was a part of Hanako that began to believe the words that Ulv said. First she was fascinated that Ulv really seemed to know the dilemma. That she was the first person ever who had experienced the same. The it began to change into something like...like trust. Hanako started to believe that Ulv meant what she said. Probably because, without admitting it to herself, Ulv was one of the few individuals Hanako truly looked up to. As inspiration, as role model, strong and confident...and almost kicking that one Captain's butt certainly helped a lot. That was where Hanako wanted to get to. Probably without the Captain's-butt-kicking part, but no promises there.

But then on the other hand, no one could shake a lifetime, even if it was only seven years, of frustration, uncertainness and doubt in one afternoon.

Hanako laid back, her hands behind her head, and looked up into the sky.

"So, you literally are a new you? I can hardly imagine how to cope with something like that. How'd you get over your...fears?"

Maybe it was that what she meant by getting strong: overcoming your inner fears. And maybe that's why she sought out individuals like Ulv, to learn from someone with an experience she still lacked.
Without Hanako wanting it she became just a little bit drowsy. The grass beneath her, the sky over her, a slight breeze touching her skin.

"You know, I'm kind of a cyborg, but my body is still the original, as far as I know. Just left a few parts behind. But you got a whole new body. That's...can't imagine. But it's a great body."

It wasn't intended and Hanako didn't realise it at that moment, but it had sounded quite flirty.