[Only 3 months... this is a brand new Venti, then! Hijikata feels a tinge of sadness, but maybe also some relief - he had some embarrassing moments in front of the other timeline's Venti.]

What we do know is that the Darkness corrupts everything it touches - plants, animals, people. I feel like it's hope more than anything else that keeps everyone working to push it back.

[He watches the owls huddle up contentedly, having been fed to their satisfaction.]

You're right, though; we'll find out once we cross that bridge. Have you gone out there at all in your time here?