[ A feeling that Ryoko Asakura had completely forgotten: when something goes from bad to much, much worse.

The sound of chains throws her off immediately, and she takes a step back, eyes immediately pointed to the sky. Nothing resembling chains, but--

Strings. Turning Inaba into a marionette. An outside force taking away all autonomy from her, calling her a puppet? Ryoko's first instinct is to yell. ]

You're wrong!

[ Directly at the sky. Deep into the darkness that sprouted in this dream-- no, it's not a dream. It wasn't the same as before, she didn't know if it could be considered as such, but the creeping feeling running through her spine made her feel like she was staring down a Nightmare.

As such, there was one thing she could do. Which, if possible, is to draw her knife. ]

Inaba-san's not just a shell, not just a puppet!

[ Screw that. She addresses the girl in front of her again. ]

You have no reason to be nice to me! I've caused so many problems for you, I've wedged myself into your life for completely selfish reasons-- but you still welcomed me back! Even when I was mad, when you wanted nothing to do with anyone, you were still willing to do what you can to help!

If you don't think you're in control of your own life, then I'll get rid of those strings and give you control myself!

[ An obvious threat, from an internal promise. No matter the cost, she'll protect her friends' happiness. ]