Athyra: Long chapter is long... but yes, here it is, a Lily White chapter, sort of XD Personally quite enjoyed writing the beginning heh. There's one more chapter after this before we end Act II. Also, don't forget to check out our tumblr or deviantart site for colored concept arts of Maki, Nozomi and Rin! Thanks for reading and any feedback is appreciated!
ghikiJ: So it's the Lily White chapter and I must say that it was really fun seeing them interact. The mini group is so chaotic and any scene becomes comedy the moment you put them together. At the same time though, it is essentially the last chapter for all the introductions so look forward for the next one for that is when it really picks up. Don't forget to visit our tumblr page!
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Act II Nine Fates
Chapter 6 - Interwoven Paths
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The cottony white of the brush absorbed murky ink at just the right pace, giving the contemplative calligrapher an ample amount of time to organize her thoughts. Once she deemed it adequate, she lifted the brush with practiced smoothness and began her first stroke upon the parchment.
After several sharp turns, followed by a firm dip ended with a gentle lift, the first character was finished with an acceptable presentation. The candlelight left a dim gleam upon the wet ink, giving the calligraphy a mysterious glow. The fleeting magic dried in the autumn air, however, and the writer allowed a small appreciative smile to grace her features before she continued her diligent practice.
It was only after the mulberry paper was filled with neat lines of precise characters did Sonoda Umi let out a quiet sigh and shifted in her seat. Amber eyes closed briefly as she filled her lungs with crisp evening air, revitalizing her slightly lethargic senses. She calmly brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear and fixed the collar of her kimono to cover as much of her bare neck as she could. Perhaps she should have closed the window, for the weather was getting chilly now that the season has entered its next phase. Lips pursed, she watched a lone leaf flutter along the breeze before making its inconspicuous descent upon the shady ground. Images and movements flashed in her mind as she struggled to capture the right sentiment.
The brush began its polished dance once more.
Why is it, that the piercing wind fills the streets?
Why is it, that the sunset is full of pain?
The autumn-coloured trees' leaves are my love,
They all seem like they're about to fall
Does my voice reach you?
The sky I asked, foretells a labyrinth of love
Umi carefully set down the brush against the inkstone, deciding that she had reached a wall that could only be taken down with her partner. A musician's expertise would further refine the lyrics with a matching melody after all. She glanced at the darkening sky, half-heartedly wondering her companion's whereabouts.
Regardless of the reason for the delay, she must make full use of the little spare time she had. Though she was an accomplished warrior, Umi still valued the tradition of her family and practiced traditional dance whenever she could, as well as calligraphy that consisted either of standard characters or creative writing. Such exercise kept her mind free of worry and allowed her to reflect upon the recent events and her personal growth.
It was different than her usual kata or archery practice, for her mind tended to wander without a sparring partner. Her performance at the range earlier was pitiful, yet there was nothing she could do to remove the persistent restlessness. The blonde general's presence in the capital swayed her from her focus and placed an insurmountable obstacle in her daily routine, yet Eli's absence also created a different but similar agitation in her composure.
On top of such stress, her mind was filled with constant worry for their beloved princess. Even as the captain of the royal guard, Umi found that she no longer had as much private time with her childhood friend. Thus, Kotori had to keep up her facade of being the acting leader of Kaguya, and had less time to just being herself. How she missed her dear friend's fluffy, light laughter, a simple melodious sound that would lift her spirits for the whole day. Umi understood that she was socially inept in many ways, so much that she did not even know how to coax a small smile from fair-haired princess. There were countless times when she just wanted to secure Kotori within her arms, as if the gesture would protect her from the rest of the world. Her sense of inadequacy always held her back from such a rude action that invaded personal space, not to mention that she was also terrible with expressing her feelings. Therefore, Umi considered their brief time in the archery range a small victory, for her friend appeared happy at the prospect of visiting the merchant's festival. The captain made a mental note again, to remind herself that she must bring Kotori to the event, if only to set the caged bird free, however fleeting it would be.
Umi flinched upon noticing a dark splotch upon the parchment. Amber eyes narrowed with displeasure as the seemingly fathomless liquid soaked through the paper and spread its black tendrils towards the untainted section of the white sheet. The image was superimposed with slick pools of blood, trickling down katanas and naginatas alike amidst a field of dying men. Huffing, she reset the brush onto the handkerchief used for cleaning the tool, calling it a day.
There was no reason in continuing, not with the turbulence now plaguing her thoughts.
While memories of what happened after the banquet were vague, she certainly treasured the tenderness she shared with the general. However, the sight of stitches on Eli's shoulder still pierced her mind, making her clench her fists in fury and helplessness. Toudou Erena, her long time nemesis, had issued her challenge. The next time they met on the battlefield, Umi would ensure the demise of her foe before the Mikadon warrior caused any more suffering to her precious people.
Exhaling deeply, Umi began to clean up the desk, hoping the menial task would clear the anarchy in her mind. She did not want her sanctuary to be tainted with chaotic thoughts, for this was probably the only place left where she still found tranquility. The solitary wing of the Nishikino compound was exclusive to the heiress and her partner to practice their craft. Anyone who entered the perimeter without Maki's permission would face her wrath, as Honoka had the misfortune of experiencing.
Umi could not help but giggle at the recollection. Once, the White Knight barged in here in the middle of their practice, so the Panther of Kaguya really tore apart the poor ginger. Even though it was at her childhood friend's expense, Umi was grateful that even a simple memory lifted her somber mood.
The captain paused when her keen ears picked up hurried steps, but she relaxed a moment later upon recognizing the newcomer's ki.
"I am sorry to have kept you waiting, Umi," Maki hurriedly took off her sandals but still entered the room with grace and dignity. She did appear out of breath and vexed about something, much to the older woman's bewilderment.
"It is fine, Maki. Is everything alright?"
"I was just visiting Nozomi."
"Yes, she was absent in the banquet," Umi frowned as she searched her friend's expression, worried that the physician-in-training had to visit the priestess in person. "How is she?"
"Hnff, well enough," Maki folded her arms across her chest for some reason, but her relieved gaze belied her annoyed frown. "Nico-chan's with her so she'll be fine. I would have arrived here on time if it weren't for a ...persistent cat problem. Again, I apologize for my tardiness, Umi."
Though still puzzled, Umi smiled indulgently. "Really, it is fine. I really should not have come here without the host."
The redhead only arched a fine brow. "You can come here any time you want, Umi. I thought we've already gone over that. I know you prefer practicing here."
Indeed, the Sonoda dojo was always filled with exuberant yells and clashes of swords, bokkens and shinais from their students, while the other locations tended to be filled with vociferous people over time. This solitary wing of the Nishikino compound offered privacy and a peaceful atmosphere that allowed the two artists to practice their art from prying eyes and ears, whether it was within this spacious room or the beautiful courtyard filled with various flowers and trees.
Umi was uncomfortable with such special treatment, but Maki insisted that she deserved it. Even now, the younger woman was grateful for her intervention many years ago, when the living Nishikino patriarch tried to stop the heiress' pursuit of music. After the redhaired girl tearfully confided in Umi of her plight, the guard-in-training then arranged for a formal meeting with the Nishikino patriarch and requested Maki to be her accompanist. The Sonoda style of dancing was well known throughout Kaguya, and it was great honor and prestige for anyone to be chosen as an accompanist, so the patriarch relented. Since then, the two women got together periodically to practice their dancing and music, respectively, or sometimes composed songs together to perform at special occasions.
Amber eyes fondly gazed at the younger woman, who was cleaning her instrument in childish glee that was usually absent from her austere visage. Umi did not think that she merited any gratitude for her action back then. After all, she merely supported her friend's passion for music. Maki always seemed most content whenever she played the koto, allowing the free spirit within the novice physician to expand her wings. And the captain was not just blindly praising the musician either - Maki was truly talented. The original piece she composed always tugged at the listeners' heartstrings, as if one could feel the player's soul in each note.
"Is that the lyrics for a new song?"
"Yes, but I am not certain how to transition to the next verse, so I was hoping you could help me with that."
"Of course," Maki brushed her curly tresses over her shoulder and gave the captain a confident smirk. "I can definitely do that."
The two exchanged pleasantries between intervals, neither party finding the need to speak more than necessary because they were of the same wavelength and understood what the other wished to convey. As always, their solidarity led to a smooth practice session, with Umi dancing to Maki's tune, interlaced with their soft vocals using the polished lyrics from earlier.
Pleased to have achieved the inner peace she longed for the whole day, Umi was about to voice her appreciation when the observant physician-in-training spoke up.
"Have you been working too hard, Umi?"
"Eh?"
"Your steps faltered oddly at the chorus, and your voice is also a bit hoarse," Maki thoughtfully plucked at the stringed instrument to test a few notes, but the sharp sound echoed rather alarmingly in Umi's ears. "Maybe I should give you some medication? I wouldn't want the flu to go around. Really, what's with you warriors? You really should let me know if you aren't feeling well. It never hurts to be cautious. To think, you were lecturing Eli about the same issue too…" The redhead trailed off after finally noticing her friend's awkward silence. "Umi? Why is your face so red? Hmm, is that a bruise on your neck?"
"It is nothing," the captain hurriedly undid her bun so her cascading curtain of hair covered the suspicious red mark on her neck. She berated herself inwardly for overlooking such a detail, but it had been a while since she had to be so careful. It was fortunate that the intelligent redhead was clueless when it came to such matter. "It was merely a… practice mishap, nothing more. I may have ingested a little more sake than usual at the banquet last night, so it is affecting my performance."
At least, that was half-true. Maki still appeared unconvinced, so Umi hastily changed the subject. "Speaking of the banquet, what are your thoughts on the Antarean princess? Eli and I were held up by the Antarean advisors, so we were only able to exchange a few words with the princess and her handmaiden."
"W-Why do you ask me? Ask Honoka or someone else." For some reason, it was Maki's turn to become tomato-red.
"If I recall correctly, Honoka was with Kotori most of the night and were unable to speak with the Hoshizora princess either. Out of us, you had the most contact with her-"
"W-Who has the most contact with her!" The younger woman hissed vehemently, and her glare was heated enough to have burned through the unfortunate instrument. "T-That Hoshizora princess is just like Honoka, maybe even a more energetic and annoying version, but that's all I can say about her. Koizumi-san is much more pleasant to talk to, so if you want to learn more about Antares, I would suggest you speaking to her instead."
"I see," Umi gave her friend a placating smile as she sat beside the fuming redhead. "I suppose I would have to find out for myself. In either way, would you mind playing the song you were working on last week?"
"S-Sure? It's still incomplete though… is there any particular reason why?" Relieved at the change in topic, Maki sat up straight and readied her hands on the koto.
"Not really. You seem to enjoy performing that piece, and it is indeed beautiful. I would even dare say that it is your best work so far, Maki."
The musician's cheeks flushed at the compliment, showing how pleased and proud she was. Umi chuckled quietly at the younger woman's quirks, making the latter huff in indignation but she still played as requested.
The sonorous music reverberated through her clouded mind, each pluck shedding the corrosive shroud from her stressed consciousness. The piercing notes, so certain and clear in its rings, casted magic upon her psyche and coaxed a satisfied sigh from her lips as the unfinished piece ended with the brilliant musician's impromptu conclusion.
"Would you play it again for me?"
"Certainly."
Before the captain could close her eyes and immerse in the wondrous music once more, the harmonious atmosphere was shattered by a high-pitched shriek, the rustling of vegetation, and a loud thud. Umi immediately snapped to action, chiding herself for dismissing this foreign ki in favor of relishing in her peace. Standing in front of Maki protectively, Umi reached for her katana and unsheathed it with practiced calmness. This unfamiliar presence did not appear to be a threat, that was the reason she subconsciously disregarded it in the first place, but why and how did the stranger get into the Nishikino compound?
"Trespasser, show your face," she growled huskily as amber eyes tried to distinguish the silhouette sprawled across the nearby bush. Judging by the loud crash earlier and the loose tiles around this figure, this person must have fallen off the roof.
Chartreuse eyes blinked in disorientation and pain, only to widen in shock at the blade pointed at her face.
"Rin is sorry nya! Rin didn't mean to hide or anything!"
"Hoshizora-hime?" Umi hurriedly withdrew her blade and helped the younger girl to her feet before bowing formally. "I apologize for my insolence. I did not recognize you at first."
"I-It's okay…" The orange-haired princess still looked shaken up by the reception, but a bright grin lit up on her face when she saw who was peeking from behind the warrior. "Ah! Tenshi-sensei!"
"B-Bueeh?!"
Umi could only blink in bafflement as Hoshizora Rin lunged for Maki and rubbed her cheek against the latter like an affectionate cat. Obviously stunned by the intimate gesture, the redhead just stood there as the Antarean chattered on. "Rin loves that song! It makes Rin so happy and fluffy~ That's why Rin fell asleep and fell off the roof, ehehe~"
As if summoned back by the few key words, the physician-in-training instinctively grabbed the shorter woman's shoulder and began checking her for any injuries. "What did I say about going up roofs? You are going to get really hurt one of these days!"
"Eeeeh? Rin's not hurt! See? Rin fell onto that bush-"
"Be quiet and stand still."
"H-Hai!"
Once satisfied with her examination, Maki folded her arms and glared from her superior height. "Well?"
"Nya?"
"Don't nya me! What are you doing here?"
"U-um, like Rin was saying, Tenshi-sensei's song was so pretty so Rin fell asleep and-"
"Not that!" The redhead bristled with irritation as she delivered a headchop to the Antarean princess. "Why are you here? I thought I lost you for good around the ramen shop down that street… and stop calling me that! My name is Nishikino Maki."
"Itai!"
"Explain, now."
Rin pouted but still excitedly waved her arms about, making quiet rustling with her long sleeves. "Sensei got really mad at Rin, so Rin stayed at that ramen shop - the tonkatsu was really good! - but Rin really misses sensei afterwards so Rin came here! But Rin didn't want to make sensei mad again so Rin hid on the roof nya."
"You got in here, just like that?" Practically snarling now, Maki stomped away from them with a curt order. "I'm going to have a talk with the guards. You, stay here until I come back."
Umi wisely side-stepped as the younger woman stormed past her. Even the captain of the royal guard knew not to stop the Panther when she was in this mood. Umi was quite taken aback by her friend's treatment of the Antarean princess though, as Maki has always abided by the proper decorum like she did. It took a long time for the redhead to loosen up to Honoka, Nozomi and Nico, while she still spoke to the captain, Eli and Kotori with cultured mannerism.
Thankfully, Hoshizora-hime did not appear bothered by such breaches of propriety so Umi did not have to worry about getting complaints from the foreign councilmen.
"Tenshi-sensei is scary…"
The captain stiffened in surprise when Rin slumped beside her like a wounded animal. While friends and acquaintances were used to Umi's unapproachable demeanor, strangers tended to keep a wide berth, let alone sit so familiarly near her.
"Ne ne, you're Sonoda Umi-san right? The captain of the royal guard nya?"
Inquisitive chartreuse eyes gazed into her own, showing nothing but friendliness and warmth. Umi decided then that Maki was correct; the Antarean princess was indeed of similar wavelength as Honoka.
"Yes, Hoshizora-hime."
"Rin!"
"Hmm?"
"Rin is fine nya! Rin doesn't like being called by her last name."
"Certainly, Rin-hime," Umi sensed something off about that remark but did not pursue further.
The orange-haired princess smiled brightly in response and prodded at her katana. "You were wearing two katanas at the banquet nya… does that mean you're a dual wielder?"
"Yes, though I only do so at extreme circumstances, for it is unwise to fight in this manner especially against skilled foes."
"Oooh, why is that?" Rin swung her legs childishly near the edge of the veranda, but her eyes remained focused on the speaker, who appreciated such genuine interest.
"The power in each arm is divided when you wield both swords simultaneously, making each swing weak and incomplete. This also means that the range of motion for each slash is greatly diminished. The principle of divide and conquer does not apply in this case."
"Hmm, Rin thinks she understands. When Rin was little, she tried to shoot two arrows with the same bow, but that completely failed hehe."
"Ah, archery, I hear Antares pride themselves in their archers, is that not so?"
"Yes, they are excellent archers," the orange-haired princess scratched the back of her short tresses, seemingly subdued for some reason. "Rin is not very good at it though. Rin is better with a wakizashi."
The way she hung her head reminded Umi of the times when she failed at performing difficult stances or maneuvers in swordsmanship, and was crushed by the disappointment from her father's following lectures.
"Nya!" Startled, Rin blinked up at the captain and touched the spot the older woman was patting just a moment prior.
"E-Excuse me, it was not my intention to offend you in anyway, it was out of line for me to do so," Umi did not know what came over her and caused her to pat the princess's head. All she knew was the subconscious sense of sympathy for the foreigner. Without Maki around, the energetic Antarean appeared oddly uncertain and lonesome by herself.
"Ehehe… it's okay, Rin just didn't expect that, but arigatou, Umi-chan!"
Umi was about to object to such nickname, but Rin's big smile diffused the idea and she simply returned the gesture amicably. The princess's reddened cheeks made her appear like a little girl who was just praised, but that was not so far from the truth, was it? If the captain remembered correctly, she and Maki were of the same age, which was definitely too young to have shoulder the burden of being a political tool. Wishing to make Rin feel more at ease, she decided to share one of her observations.
"It is fine that archery is not your strong forte. You were able to keep your ki in such low profile that I did not notice you at first, and you were able to sneak past the Nishikino compound's guards to have come here. It is impressive, Rin-hime."
"Ki? What's ki nya?" The foreigner tilted her head in utter confusion.
The captain did not expect the answer, since one had to at least know the concept of ki to become so skillful at using it. Even Eli and Honoka, who were naturally more in-tuned than the average folk, went through rigorous training regime to become as adept at using ki as they were today.
Sensing the arrival of someone familiar, Umi decided to test her theory. "Rin-hime, do you notice it?"
"Notice what nya?"
"Someone is coming this way."
"No…" The Antarean scrunched up her face in a comical expression and held up her hand akin to a feline's paw. "Mou, Rin knows that she's always compared to cats but Rin doesn't have sharp senses like them nya!"
"So this is more like a gift than a trained skillset, hmm~?"
"Nozomi!" The miko was one of the few people Umi was unable to discern, other than noting that there was a presence nearby. The captain hurried to Nozomi's side, surprised to see the older woman away from the shrine, especially from what Maki mentioned earlier. "I heard you were sick, should you not be resting-?"
"I'm fine, Umi-chan," Nozomi graciously took the captain's offered arm and gave her a kind smile, which made her feel like a little child but not in a bad way. She has always felt self-conscious around the priestess, filled with a subconscious need to acquire the older woman's acknowledgement. In some ways, she respected Nozomi more than even her own father.
"Umi-chan is truly becoming a knight in shining armor, like one in the story books, so dashing. Kya~ I might really fall for you one of these days~"
Indeed, Umi respected the miko's wisdom in spite of her random bouts of peculiar remarks.
"Nozomi… still teasing me as always," the raven-haired woman led her towards the veranda, and squirmed under those enchanting emerald eyes.
"But you're fun to tease, Umi-chan," giggling, the miko leaned against the rigid captain, who has always been awkward of friendly physical contacts.
"Really, I would prefer if you do not do that…" Exasperated, Umi allowed the older woman to squeeze and hug her arm before letting go of the poor appendage. Once freed, she felt Nozomi's forehead just to be certain, for the latter was known to put up a tough front to not make her friends worry. "Hmm, still a little warm…"
"It was a long walk here, but the exercise made me feel better," emerald eyes twinkled as they shifted towards the Antarean princess, who had been silent since her arrival. Or rather, Rin appeared to be star-struck.
"So this is the Hoshizora princess~" Nozomi leaned towards the motionless girl and poked her nose, earning an expected mewl. "Hehe, how cute~"
Snapped out of her daze, Rin exuberantly stood up and wrapped her arms around the miko's. "You must be Toujou Nozomi-san! Tenshi-sensei told Rin so much about you!"
"Hmm~ she did?"
"Hai! Rin was chasing this orange tabby earlier but she saw Tenshi-sensei leaving the castle in a hurry, so Rin jumped down and said hi! Tenshi-sensei said she was visiting this super awesome miko, who is very mysterious and very pretty and you're just like how Rin pictured in her head nya!"
Nozomi was giggling in mirth now. "Yan~ Maki-chan said that? Well, Rin-hime, I'm flattered and happy to have met your expectations."
Umi tried to mutter a warning to the two but it was too late. The crimson-haired Panther had returned and was storming towards them. "Nozomi! Don't listen to her, I d-did not say that!"
"Maki-chan~" Nozomi waved sleepily and winked at the younger woman. "I didn't know you think so much of me~"
"Like I said, don't listen to her!" Maki growled irritably and pried Rin off of Nozomi's arm before glaring at the smiling miko. "Why are you here? You're supposed to be resting!"
"Mou, don't make such an expression, Maki-chan. Wrinkles are bad for you," the miko playfully tiptoed to reach her forehead and smoothed the skin with her thumb, making the latter blush in self-consciousness.
"Yup, wrinkles are bad for you nya!" Likewise, Rin also tiptoed and did the exact same thing, turning Maki's cheeks into a darker shade of red.
"Now now, let us get back to topic," Umi spoke firmly and stood between them, putting a safe distance between the two giggling women and the bristling Panther. Maki twirled a strand of her hair agitatedly but sent her a grateful look. "Nozomi, you were saying something about Rin-hime's ki-?"
"Ah yes," the byzantium-haired miko gazed at the emblem on the Antarean's robes before looking up at the evening sky, where countless stars glittered vibrantly against the dark backdrop. "The star has made itself known. Rin-hime, you are a true Hoshizora, don't let anyone tell you otherwise, hmm?"
Umi did not understand why the Antarean looked so astounded by those simple words, but Rin beamed in earnest joy as she gave Nozomi a hearty hug. "Hehe, thanks for telling Rin that!"
The captain may be a little rusty in her studies, but she did recall that the Hoshizoras were associated with their ability to ward off demons and malicious spirits. It was written as a superstition, as it had been generations since the last true Hoshizora's feat was known. Not one attuned to spiritual matters, Umi could only place her faith in the miko's acknowledgement.
"I should be the one thanking you, Hoshizora Rin-chan," Nozomi smiled sincerely as she caressed the younger woman's orange tresses. "You made the black moon so much more bearable."
"Nya? What did Rin do?"
"By being you."
"Rin doesn't really understand… but thanks again, Nozomi-chan!" The two were embracing again like long lost friends. The way they connected so swiftly left Umi at a loss as to what to do or say. She glanced at her red-haired friend, who was peering scornfully at the hugging pair.
"Anyway, as I was saying," Maki hissed through gritted teeth and attempted to pry them apart again. "You should be resting, Nozomi. That was the point of me delivering the medicine earlier, so you can have a proper rest."
"I did rest, Maki-chan, and I feel well enough to take a nice walk," the miko dramatically held up her hand in a victory pose. "I didn't even take any breaks, and you know how far the shrine is to here~ Aren't you proud of me?"
"No," the physician-in-training said flatly and muttered under her breath. "What was Nico-chan doing, letting you wander around like this…"
"How's this my fault now?"
Yazawa Nico made her appearance known suddenly, shocking Maki and even Umi to an extent. Rin involuntarily hid behind the miko, though she was watching the ninja in unveiled curiosity. The captain made a mental note to strengthen her training regime, for it remained impossible to detect Nico's presence. Then again, the ninja's near inhuman ability was well-known throughout their ranks. It should have been expected though, for usually wherever Nozomi was, Nico was never far away.
"How many times do I have to tell you to stop doing that?" Maki looked around the courtyard, frowning at the amount of people gathered here, most of them without her permission.
"Hmm~ so this is the Hoshizora princess," Nico pointedly ignored the hissing Panther and peered at the Antarean with unimpressed scowl. "Quite the tiny one, isn't she?"
"Rin is taller than you nya."
Nico twitched, and twitched again when Rin giggled amiably and patted her head. "Nozomi-chan, is she your little sister?"
The miko in question was too busy stifling her laughter behind her long, flowing sleeves to answer the princess. Maki smirked at the fuming ninja, only to groan when the vivacious girl attached to her side as usual. "Tenshi-sensei~ Introduce us! Rin didn't see her at the banquet, but Rin thinks she's pretty cool even though she's so tiny!"
"Oi, am I even here or what, you precocious brat!" "I thought I told you to stop calling me that!"
Umi rubbed the bridge of her nose, wondering how to control the situation before it erupted into utter chaos. Normally, she would let it be as it was often futile to stop the ninja and the Panther's argument. Amber eyes glanced at the forgotten koto and calligraphy set in the equally forgotten room, mourning for the peace lost.
"Ano, Maki-chan? Umi-chan? Are you there?"
Honoka's nervous call was followed by a familiar sweet voice.
"They're all here! Rin-hime is here too, Hanayo-chan."
The captain automatically headed for the Kaguyan princess and White Knight, who let out a strangled squeak before hiding behind the former.
"Ho. No. Ka. Where is Arisa? What are you-" Umi's tirade was stopped by Kotori's index finger upon her lips.
"Please don't be mad at Honoka-chan, ne?"
Amber eyes gazed into hazel ones, which were alit with rare contentment. Honoka must have kept Kotori company and did a great job of it too, judging by the soft smile upon her fair features. Shoulders dropping rather dejectedly, Umi swallowed her reprimand and stood to the side as she observed the gathering before her.
Koizumi Hanayo, who arrived at the garden with Honoka and Kotori, was being introduced to Nozomi by the energetic Antarean princess. Rin also gestured animatedly at the koto and Maki, probably relaying the performance she witnessed earlier to her friend. Tori-chan, the royal bird, was nestled comfortably in the brunette's arms. Out of the corner of Umi's eyes, she noticed the kakapo glaring at her, though she was used to the bird's inexplicable hostility towards her.
Indeed, she worried too much for nothing. Honoka would always be the one to bring Kotori joy, and she was fine with that. Smiling lightly to herself, Umi remained at her spot to the side even as Ayase Eli made her grand entrance with a confused look.
Seeing that everyone was absorbed in one conversation or another, the blonde general turned towards her for an explanation. "I just got out of a meeting with the councilmen when I saw Honoka leading Kotori and our Antarean guest towards the Nishikino compound… but why are Rin-hime, Nozomi and Nico here too?"
Umi only shook her head. "I do not know either. Maki and I were having our regular practice, and before we knew it, everyone was here."
Puzzled, Eli glanced at the group of people before turning her blue gaze back at the captain. "Is that so? Hmm... oh, Umi, you have a leaf stuck on your hair."
Smiling, the general took off the object and slyly brushed away raven locks from her neck, half-revealing the red mark. Umi hastily took a step back and hissed quietly. "Eli! What are you doing?"
"Nothing~" Blue eyes twinkled in amusement. "Just admiring my work."
Indignant, Umi poked at the giggling general's shoulder sling, not enough to hurt but enough to quiet the taller woman.
"Alright, I'll stop… but really, what is this gathering for?"
"I really do not know," Umi glanced over at Hanayo, who was timidly but happily chatting with Honoka and Kotori, while Nico and Maki were arguing again, with Rin switching sides every now and then. The scene was rather chaotic to behold, yet it brought a small smile upon her severe visage. "But this is nice, is it not?"
"Quite correct, Umi-chan~" Nozomi, who had broken away from the group to approach them, leisurely tucking her arms in her sleeves and smiled lightly. "Here stands the nine."
Eli's surprised expression did not escape Umi's notice, so she glanced at the gathering to try to spot any peculiarity. "There are indeed nine of us…?"
Nozomi only tilted her head, wearing an enigmatic expression that revealed neither excitement nor apprehension. She turned and gazed at Honoka, who was still preoccupied with her friends. "The sun, eclipsed by recklessness and naivety, shall struggle to project warmth and vitality."
The captain furrowed her brows, her hand involuntarily twitching at the thought of Mikado's emblem, the black sun. However, instinct told her that the miko was not referring to the enemy nation. She could not help but swallow nervously when the older woman's beautiful emerald eyes settled upon her.
"Under its desperation, inner strength is necessary, the courage and self-discipline to withstand the trials of fate." Nozomi's voice softened as she gently placed her hand over Umi's, alleviating some of the tension off of the latter's posture. "However, mindless strength is a weakness, for strength alone is directionless and impotent without firm guidance."
Mystified, the raven-haired woman glanced at the general, who also appeared lost at the miko's riddle-like statements.
Nozomi let out a quiet chuckle then, sending them a teasing look before continuing her solemn words. "The sound authority of a righteous leader is needed, for it creates a solid foundation and stabilizes the group's cohesion. But be warned, for authority can become tyranny, excessive and inflexible, if the strength of mind, heart and soul wanes."
Frowning, Eli turned towards the others, who have stopped their conversations and were looking at them in various degrees of curiosity. Deep down, an instinctive part of Umi understood exactly what the miko meant yet she also wondered the identity of the individual each remark represented.
"Ne ne, Kayochin, is Nozomi-chan making a proverb?" Rin was whispering to her friend, but Umi's sharp hearing still picked up her voice.
"Rin-chan, I-I think you mean to say prophecy-?"
"Yeah, that's the word nya! Kayochin is so smart!"
Maki's arms were folded as she sighed in exasperation at the grinning Antarean princess. "It's nothing as severe as prophecy. Nozomi is just showing off."
In spite of the novice physician's scornful tone, Umi knew that redhead still took the miko's unconventional predictions to the heart. After all, they had been strangely accurate in the past.
The byzantium-haired woman in question did not tease Maki as expected but continued to speak in that same quiescent voice. "The only thing that is constant is change, and there will be one that shall cause a great upheaval. The tower upon which we have built our beliefs, hopes, and comforts shall crumble, and disaster inevitably follows."
"T-That doesn't sound good…" Hanayo glanced at Rin worriedly, and in turn, the latter gave Maki a beseeching pout. The tallest of the trio responded by twirling her hair agitatedly.
"But in the midst of despair and loss of faith, a star shall burn brightly with hope and inspiration, casting a soft light upon the tower's ruins and builds it anew." Nozomi gave them an encouraging smile, the curves her lips widening when the kakapo cooed contentedly under Hanayo's rhythmic caresses. Kotori giggled, obviously pleased that Tori-chan was getting along so well with their esteemed guest. Umi glanced between the two, only to sheepishly avert her gaze when the royal bird sent her a peeved glare.
"Patience, temperance, and purpose as insurmountable as the morning star will then bring harmony within the sun's encumbrance. In turn, love shall align hearts, and return the values of affection, friendship, and camaraderie amongst all," the miko turned away and looked to the evening sky as her tone dropped to that reticent tone once more, "Yet, disharmony will always loom close, like that of a shadow to light. Because, though wonderful, love can also be a selfish and cruel thing."
Umi tried hard to ponder Nozomi's complex implications, bewildered enough that she did not reprimand Honoka when the White Knight tugged on Kotori's sleeve and murmured. "What does all that mean? There are so many words I don't understand…"
The raven-haired captain searched the miko's veiled visage, but the latter's bright emerald eyes were gazing straight ahead as if they were able see something that the rest of them could not. "The world then waits and watches with bated breaths and chained hands for destinies to come in full circle."
She twirled around again with added dramatics, her byzantium braid bouncing over her shoulder as she spread her arms in an open embrace. "What kind of sacrifices must be made? Should we, both as spectators and actors to this play, let go of misgivings and trudge onward or simply delay the inevitable demise of our own devices? Such is the question, ne? The decision continues to hang upon a noose."
To conclude her complex speech, Nozomi slowly tucked her arms back into the flowing sleeves, seemingly satisfied with their confused expressions. Rin applauded earnestly while Nico, who had been quietly and motionlessly observing the situation, went up to the miko and gave her forehead a light tap.
"Stop spouting nonsense and go back to rest already, idiot. Your fever's obviously not gone yet."
"Mou, Nicocchi, you're ruining the moment~"
Umi found their antics relieving, but she could sense that the ninja's ki was just as strained as her own. She looked around her again and this time, she felt as if the pieces were in place and ready to lead them towards the unknown finale.
The conclusion of nine fates.