It’s a sentiment easily and readily echoed. He takes a look at all his books, his notes, everything he could dig up in the short amount of time he’s had since the train returned to cruising speed, and the worry grows deeper, taking root in his heart.

It’s enough of a pull downwards that he can’t help but voice out what the would have usually kept all to himself.

“We’re trying, though. There was never any lack of trying. From anyone. But at the end of the day, doing our best is all we can do. The closest we can get to being prepared.” Gently, he takes one of the tomes and studies it well, not quite reading anything; just feeling it it in his grip. It’s funny to think that for all his documentation, he is still leagues away from an actual answer; still has nothing but wayward thoughts and conjectures put unto paper to busy his hand and remind him of what he knows best.

When Roland sets the notebook down, he’s decided on something for the time being, an act of camaraderie born out of determination than anything else. He stands from the bench and collects everything in both arms. Then, he turns to Tidus with a small smile on his face.

“Hey. Can you come with me for a sec?”