"Eight," he said, quietly, eyes widening. "That's... I am sorry, Hikari. Truly. This sort of thing is difficult to handle for hardened soldiers, let alone children so young. That must have been terrifying."

"Yeah, startin' to notice a trend, here. Big question is, how come this time all the Chosen are grown-ass adults? Except, like. Takato."

"I couldn't begin to tell you. The youngest of my companions were sixteen, and I'd still have felt that was far too young had they not showed us all time and again their capability... I hope you didn't have to deal with such things with just the pair of you."