[Interested though Liem is in the things that Manon might tell them about Aetós, or about Zenith, he does not attend his resurrection to learn. Primarily, Liem is present to examine the man in his recovery and his speech, to watch for signs of a tampered-with mind, or active influence from another party — and to keep him from falling back into Zenith's possession. All the evidence he has seen so far has suggested that Highstorm is the least-safe place he could possibly be, aside from back in Aetós's laboratory.
Besides: if they can bring Manon safely back to Heliopolis, they will have all the time they might wish for to speak with him there.
Hayame is not alone in expecting treachery from Zenith, though Liem also half expects trouble to come from Manon himself. The portal is a surprise. When it appears, however, Liem does not miss the flight of their newly resurrected witness — nor does he overlook the hand Hayame extends his way. He takes it without hesitation, using it to spring onto her back as a pair of men nearest to Manon follow him into the maze of roots beneath the Tree. He does not recognize either, which he takes as a bad sign. The crossbow slung across his back finds its way into his hand as they give chase. The blade Manon bequeathed to him is still sheathed at his waist.]
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Besides: if they can bring Manon safely back to Heliopolis, they will have all the time they might wish for to speak with him there.
Hayame is not alone in expecting treachery from Zenith, though Liem also half expects trouble to come from Manon himself. The portal is a surprise. When it appears, however, Liem does not miss the flight of their newly resurrected witness — nor does he overlook the hand Hayame extends his way. He takes it without hesitation, using it to spring onto her back as a pair of men nearest to Manon follow him into the maze of roots beneath the Tree. He does not recognize either, which he takes as a bad sign. The crossbow slung across his back finds its way into his hand as they give chase. The blade Manon bequeathed to him is still sheathed at his waist.]
Manon—!