Naoko watched the grey onslaught of reporters and Knightmares frantically leave the area, both the army and police retreating desperately in efforts to keep up with Zero and Cornelia li Britannia. And while the skies kept themselves from the ground, doing whatever they could to salvage the situation with any military remedies necessary, camera flashes kept reappearing everywhere. Frantic pleas and screams kept calling for interviews and statements, derogatory statements of conspiracy and scandal temporarily floating through the air, before, at last, resigning themselves to waiting upon their subject's long-awaited return. A few vans sped away, trying to keep up with the Knightmares' unbeatable pace, while others kept their TV cameras trained on the higher officials, all of whom still reeling from the recent battles within the skies. By the time they regained their posture, their supporters were already happily dubbing it a "win for justice and peace, a loss for terrorism and war."

Naoko observed them for another moment, before putting on his jacket, pulling the hood over his face, and slipping through the crowds. Though he could barely see, he managed to worm his way through the moving blockade without causing much of a scene. But from the corner of his eyes, he caught a few stray looks wandering through the audience, their unsettling eyes fixated on him. And before he knew it, they were following him.

He could hear their footsteps tracking him, suspicious whispers crossing here and there, with the unpleasant jab of rumors piercing his ears. He could practically see thee microphones in had, the determination in their faces as the journalists continued on with their mission. He closed his eyes, and weaved his way through the sea of bodies, holding his breath and praying they would leave him alone after a minute or too. Much to his relief, when Naoko turned back, there was no one pursuing him. He gave the mass of people a long, hard stare, before resuming his semi-jog.

He kept his gaze down, and effortlessly avoided the still angry, humiliated neighbors, who were all trying to see what chaos had spouted on their territory. He tugged Kallen's bag to his shoulders, and threw his bangs in front of his eyes, while he kept moving, willing everyone away from his presence. A few times over, people managed to see him, though at that point, the terrorist attack took prominence in their minds, and they let him off with a glare. Naoko returned their gaze and continued on.

Go home, was what Kallen told him. Go home and wait until I came back, but until then, don't go outside.

He was a bit unnerved by her determination, but nevertheless, impressed by her conviction. After all, this was the first time he was able to see her work up close. He enjoyed being with her on the battlefield, watching her take out the bad guys without another thought of her own safety. He heard her shouting orders at her subordinates, keeping them alive for a few more seconds while overpowering them with verbal assaults and insults. Though he's seen her like that at home, the air around her was completely different, a twinge of professionalism decorating her every move. She was neither cruel nor heartless, and only thought of keeping him safe until the fight was over.

But it was her skills that managed to draw him in. She was nothing like Naoko's, who, though precise, kept his fickle mind moving from one topic to another, casting away every advantage while maintaining his own, defenseless state. Every action had force behind it, strength in which he knew he could never possessed. She remained focus, even when the enemy bombardment shook the Guren with their erratic flight patterns and eroding attacks. She was strong, capable, and adept.

Which made her orders all the more frustrating to take.

As he ran through the streets, maneuvering away from the dark, icy shadows and slippery turns, he sought another lingering glance at the skies. Even from here, he could see the red Knightmare leading the army, and a pang of jealousy struck his heart. He wondered what kind of stuff the Black Knights did, aside from humanitarian aid. Where they went, what countries they visited, what languages they spoke, what sights they saw; all of it he was envious. He wanted nothing more than to experience what Kallen and all the rest had, even if it was just a brief second of bliss.

What was the problem then?

Why wouldn't Kallen let him out?

And in that split instant, the woman called Lisette came back to his mind.

There that girl was, seemingly with all the answers to those long, sought after prayers, giving rise to an emotional illusion where his will dominated over everything. Although she kept calling him "Mordred", and though he knew full well that the name wasn't his, he recognized Lisette from somewhere. Callous as she was, there was a small, childlike spark, from the way she spoke and cheered, to those last, desperate moments when he escaped her grasp. An unconscious memory would surface, and though he could never see it, his body would act on its own, refusing to move when he told it to, frozen in the very time he lost himself in.

And that was all he could do during that moment; just stand there and listen.

She spoke of how wonderful it'd be to go back, how happy everyone would be when he finally returned. Of course, the king was worried sick, but other than that little aspect there was nothing to fear. Banquets and parties will be thrown throughout the realms, she kept on, and no creature, big or small, will be able to escape the festivities. What's more, Naoko could even perform again, for adoring eyes and praises on end, underneath a violet moon with shadows following his procession. He could do whatever he wanted to, eat whatever he could, and as long as he was under the watchful eye of his Majesty, then everything will be fine. His home was waiting for him, after all.

All of which would take place inside a golden cage, thrown atop a silver pedestal for everyone to see.

Passing through the now empty shops and abandoned avenues, Naoko scanned the streets for any of the tourists who used to flock to the scene, giving the pseudo-medieval setting its much needed vibrancy. The parade that was supposed to walk through here was all but neglected, consisting of nothing other than disinterested performers and musicians, who were watching Zero's glorious takeover reign throughout the heavens. Colorful banters which flew throughout the area now blew forlornly, and flyers that once held purpose were now cast aside on the streets, trampled by the upcoming crowds and reporters, all of whom never minded whatever privacy the officials valued. In a way, the carnival seemed nothing more than a forgotten remnant, overtaken by dream which reality has favored.

Carefully, Naoko slowed to a stop, taking everything as they were. He set Kallen's bag down, and removed whatever remained from the terrorist attack from his attention. And he stood there, taking in the eerie quiet.

It was incredibly strange, how much time had passed, with each day differing just a tiny bit from the ordinary setup. Usually, whenever he walked through this place, there was always an audience just sitting on the pavement, or in the tables, or in the stores, as they watched the various attractions unfold, both predictable and unpredictable. Their gazes would be everywhere, trying to pick out what entertainment would happen next, while happily nestled in between strangers, who were just as excited as they.

He stood out in the middle of the streets, watching the ice now pummeling slowly building up off to the streets. He cocked his head, the tiny, immature sounds now banging against the hard surface, never once giving in to the now cold reflections unfolding before it. He looked up to the skies once again, that vicious army now absent, and along with them, the onlookers who were chasing some new, far off show.

He took a deep breath, and replayed the dreams within his mind, all the while denials rung through his brain so very oddly. They didn't attack the school, was what he remembered telling himself. They weren't after him. They wanted someone else. However unlikely it was, they probably just got their information mixed up, and were now apologizing to the university. And besides, what could they possibly want with someone like him, anyways?

It took him a while to notice the snow falling again. Naoko's eyes widened at the scene, the tiny sounds of frozen water now steadily reaching his ear. He could hear her songs, sweet, melodic lullabies now urging him to move, He lifted one arm, then took a tiny step forward. Then another. Then another.

Then he began dancing.

Just yesterday, she managed to get a promotion in the mall, from store cleric to manager, and because she was bilingual, she got a small bonus. Though the job was lucrative, it would also involve a bit of traveling, since she would have to go to Narita at times, to Kyushu, to perhaps even to the Fuji Mountains, as a translator between the Britannians and the Japanese. In fact, her first trip would happen this Saturday in Nagoya, to consult with her supervisors about business deals pertaining to sales and marketing. In a way, this was supposed to be a relaxing week off, just before her new career takes off.

Ms. Kozuki sat on the couch, like she normally would, the television off, with only silence penetrating through the pleasing loneliness. She had a tea cup in one hand, a grey, makeshift quilt in the other, a result of her husband's failed efforts. Though she wasn't shivering, her mind kept going back to the idea of buying a kotatsu; it was still winter, after all, and since she'll be away for a while, it'd be better for both Naoko and Kallen if she left them a little parting gift, at least until she comes back.

While she pondered on this thought, there was a tiny knock on the door. Very reluctantly, Ms. Kozuki stood up. She stretched, allowing her aching joints some relief, before walking toward the door and opening it.

She smiled at the landlady then. "Mrs. Sasaki!"

Mrs. Sasaki nodded, pulling her oversized, pink shawl over her shoulder and stepping through the door. A simple, white kimono donned her body, with a golden ribbon strapped elegantly around her waist. She was about Kallen's height, with long, black hair mixed with a bit of silver. Though she was old, only the slightest traces of wrinkles showed on her face, and with that same, youthful light flourishing from her eyes, a trend Ms. Kozuki found very encouraging. "Hello dearie," the elderly woman greeted roughly. "What? Are you just going to stand there? You expect me to freeze to death?"

Ms. Kozuki sighed then, took the landlady's hand, and led her inside, into the warm, comfortable haven. Her fragile, bony grip kept the mother there for some time, as she took off her sandals. "No, I suppose not. What are you dressed for anyways?"

"My daughter was throwing a little party to celebrate her pregnancy," Mrs. Sasaki answered stubbornly, while closing the door behind her.

Ms. Kozuki blinked. "She's in India, right?"

"Correct. Well, the flights are canceled though…monsoon season, you know?"

"R-right." Quietly, Ms. Kozuki went into the kitchen, and grabbed the tea kettle off the stove. She opened the lid, and though the aroma caught her off guard, she was about to pour out its contents when Mrs. Sasaki stopped her. "Don't prepare anything. I won't be here very long."

"It's fine. I don't mind."

"No, it's quite alright. Rather, I prefer you not do anything." she replied as she swept into the kitchen. Carefully, she removed the chair and sat down, folding her hands neatly in front of her. "Come. Sit down."

Cautiously, Ms. Kozuki obeyed, her muscles beginning to tense. "Is there…something wrong, Mrs. Sasaki?"

When the landlady hesitated, Ms. Kozuki began rummaging through her mind, endeavoring to predict what it was she'd neglected to do. Kallen said she gave the rent money to her yesterday, and they were all caught up on their bills. From what she could tell the daughter wasn't causing any unnecessary trouble, and residents, whatever their nationality was, admired Kallen for being a Black Knight. Was it the smell? No, couldn't be; Naoko had been cooking every night, so it was impossible for Kallen to come anywhere near the kitchen. Wait! Did she hear about Ms. Kozuki's new job?

Before Mrs. Sasaki could open her mouth, Ms. Kozuki interrupted immediately, "I'll be back soon!"

The outburst shocked the older woman, with her fingernails digging into the wooden table in response. It took some time for Mrs. Sasaki to recover, and when she did, she could only stare at the mother dumbly. "What?"

"I will!" Ms. Kozuki continued. "I know the job will require extensive traveling, but I will have next month's rent on time! You don't have to worry about-"

Mrs. Sasaki nodded approvingly. "O-oh. Well, congratulations…then. I wasn't particularly worried about you not paying rent, but thank you for the warning." She straightened herself, and regarded Ms. Kozuki evenly. "You're not…degrading yourself, are you? A young girl like yourself-"

"N-no! It's nothing like that," she stuttered sheepishly, setting herself down in front of Mrs. Sasaki. She felt the heat flush her face, and no sooner had she grasped on her mistake did the landlady begin laughing in relief.

"It…it was a promotion." she finished lamely.

"Good for you then," Mrs. Sasaki replied. "Now, getting back to the matter at hand. I've been getting…rather odd complaints about you from the other residents."

"Complaints?"

"Correct. Apparently, you have a young man living with you now. He's been going in and out of your home for the last few months. Is that right?"

Naoko? Ms. Kozuki immediately relaxed, and consented to the woman's. "Yes; he's been staying with us. But don't worry; he hasn't been causing any trouble. In fact he's a very big help. Why? Is something the matter?"

"May I ask who he is?" Mrs. Sasaki said in that same, formal, business-like manner.

"We don't know," she admitted. "When he first came to us, he couldn't remember who he was. From what my daughter tells me, he was found lying in an alley. We've taken him to the police station, but they haven't been able to identify him. I'm sorry for not explaining to you this before."

"Neither you nor your daughter have anything to worry about."

"Pardon?"

Mrs. Sasaki sighed. "Many tenants have been asking about him several times. Some have even accused you of housing a criminal of sorts."

Ms. Kozuki narrowed her eyes. "I assure you, Mrs. Sasaki. Naoko is well behaved, well-spoken, and very much an upstanding citizen."

The landlady continued on with her report, as if no interruption had ever happened. "Not to mention he's been out wandering the streets alone. To be honest, people are quite frightened of him, since he bears a resounding resemblance to a certain tyrant-"

"If that tyrant is dead, then there shouldn't be a problem."

"-along with the fact that the boy just showed up out of nowhere, it's grounds for suspicion," Mrs. Sasaki finished frustratedly. "Listen my dear; word has gotten out that I have a Demon Emperor lookalike living here. Not only have I been hounded by my clients I've also had to deal with those nosy bloggers. Telling me I have some ghost living in my building. Bah! A bunch of bakas if you ask me! Bakas!"

"But I still don't understand, Mrs. Sasaki. Naoko hasn't been going out by himself, and the only time he does is with Kallen to school. And even if he was, how does this concern-?"

"Young lady, I've been in this business for far too long to give it up now." The elderly woman tossed a haughty glance behind her, before settling back into her chair. "And reputation is everything! I will not allow it to slip away from my grasp. If people start talking about a dictator living here, those idiots will be back again, and they will slander my building and me along with it, as well as the other residents living here!"

Realization came crashing down on Ms. Kozuki. Her eyes widened, and she gripped her wrist tightly, in an effort to suppress the rising panic. "Wait. Mrs. Sasaki, that's not fair-!"

"Come now dearie. You yourself should know that fairness doesn't exist in this world."

"Mrs. Sasaki, he's just a child-"

"They've all seen him! Looks just like a common day criminal, they all say."

There it was again, that awfully narrow-minded persecution she strove so hard to avoid. Somehow, it's always come down to this, and though Ms. Kozuki tried to be above it, the emotions were so hard to dodge, the stinging pain of rejection afterwards. She knows the feeling all too well. "Mrs. Sasaki-"

"Don't try arguing," she stated sternly. "All the other tenants say the same thing. To put it simply, either that young man moves out, or they move out. And I'd rather have that clone move out than risk losing my business."

"Can you at least give us some time?" she pleaded. "I have to talk this over with my daughter as well. This affects her too!"

Even when Mrs. Sasaki consented, that burdensome wound never left Ms. Kozuki for the remainder of the day.