/Time: Chapter 5, during Ouroboros's Imprisonment in Agnus Castle/

/Colony Mu, Erythia Sea, Cadensia Region/

For all that Fiona had tried to get Colony Mu back on its feet following Irma's demise...for all that she had tried to become stronger, in order to carry the secret of Consul I's identity...for all that she had appreciated Tallow's help in shouldering that burden...there was no doubt, that she had relied so much upon Ouroboros. Without Lan-Lan, Sennie, and the others...she'd still be laboring under a web of deceit, fashioned to look like a comfortable security blanket.

As such, it was with some measure of trepidation that Fiona heard about the arrival of a Silver Moebius: the Prime Consul of Agnus herself, M. "She...wants to see me?" she nervously asked.

"Yes," nervously said Nico, her hands fiddling with each other. "She told Nico to get you, to send you to...where all the flowers are." Nervously, the young third-termer added, "I made sure to let her know that I'm Nico, just to be on the safe side, you know! Erm-"

"It's okay Nico," comforted Fiona, putting a hand on her shoulder. "I'll...go and talk to her."

"Does...Nico need to do anything...?"

Fiona shook her head, putting on a brave smile. "Return to your post. Act like everything's normal. I'm sure...everything will be fine."

"Fifi...!" cutely whined Nico.

I have to be strong, thought Fiona, quietly walking along the paths through her Colony; along the way, Ayase and Tallow both tried to come along. She ordered Ayase to calm the others down, whilst she told Tallow to keep everyone away from the Bed of Woes and Wishes. I...have to be strong. Irma...give me strength.

At the far edge of the flowery field, looking over the edge of the world, was Consul M. With her long curtain of silver hair and unique armor, the Prime Consul cut an image far different from all the other Consuls. Perhaps that, more than anything, contributed to the air of unease she felt.

Strangely, upon seeing her masked face — standing side-by-side at the cliff, mere inches separating them from the great abyss — Fiona couldn't help but think of Mio. "Um...is there something I can do to assist, Lady Prime Consul...?"

"The Castle received word that Consul I was vanquished by Ouroboros," she said, with a tone that could be described as frosty...no, not that harsh; it was the kind of cold that fit the word 'detached', or 'distant'. "That is true, yes?"

"...yes," admitted Fiona.

"Colony Mu is under suspicion for collaborating with Ouroboros, even though they were declared enemies of the nation by our Queen. Do you understand the ramifications of this?" All the while, Consul M looked straight ahead, seemingly not bothering to look at her.

"I...I believe so," she forced herself to say. "But...the people of my Colony...they didn't do anything wrong...and we haven't acted against other soldiers of Agnus-!"

"The Castle is aware of this," interrupted M. "As such, a grace period is being extended to you all. If you do not act against Agnus up until the upcoming Eclipse, then a determination will be made as to whether supply drops will resume for Colony Mu."

As Fiona's heart briefly lit up — that would relieve so much pressure off of her friends! — she wondered as to why the Castle even suspected they would act against their nation. "If...if you don't mind me asking, Lady Prime Consul...why would the Castle think we'd fight against our people...?"

"Beyond the natural suspicions they have regarding Ouroboros? It is because, during the Eclipse, every single member of Ouroboros will be executed." Coolly — calmly — she added, "Given your Colony's proximity...when their faces are projected into the sky above Erythia Sea...it is not unreasonable to assume that you would act to assist those who destroyed your Flame Clock. Am I wrong?"

Fiona didn't know what to think. A distant memory of Irma — helping to gather all of Colony Mu on their island's largest dock, the year prior; having them watch with a strangely solemn air as 'rebels' and 'criminals' were executed, reminding them of Queen Nia's sovereign authority over life and death itself — bubbled up, unbidden and unchallenged. The thought of her new friends getting down on their knees, with necks extended to receive the edge of an executioner's Blade...! "I...they...but...!"

Consul M quietly looked at her; what was going on behind that stoic, golden gaze? "I trust that you will maintain control over your Colony."

"But...they're...!" What am I supposed to do?! Ouroboros were her friends; they had saved her and the entire Colony! Even if Irma had died, how could she ignore their plight...?! "Lady Prime Consul, I..."

Turning towards her fully, Consul M's left eye glowed.

Fiona's expression went slack with bewilderment; there was the crimson sigil of the Consuls, yet there was also that burning ring of fire that she had seen in the eyes of Mio, Taion, and Sena: a strange amalgamation of Moebius and Ouroboros. What...?

"Fiona," solemnly said Consul M (or was it...?), the depth of her expression fully hidden by her mask. "What was the oath of your Colony? Trust your crew..." She paused, waiting for her to continue.

Could it be...? "Trust yourself."

"Trust in victory," continued M.

...Mio? "All hearts as one." With lip trembling, Fiona muttered, "How...what's going on...?"

"I cannot speak anymore. All I ask is that you keep your Colony busy, through the time of the Eclipse. And...that what's been spoken here, remains between us. No one else can know. Do you understand?" she implored, finally letting a familiar hint of her natural tone through.

"I...I'm not sure I understand." How are you a Consul, now? What happened to the actual M? Will your comrades be okay?! "But...I'll do my best." (For whatever that was worth...)

M nodded slowly. "Thank you. It is a heavy burden I'm placing on your shoulders, so soon after you've taken on so much more responsibility...but that is what comes with being a leader...with being a Commander." Looking afar to some distant point, she added, "I've met so many men and women that have embodied that reality...and I know you'll do the same." Without another word, Consul M departed, warping away in a shower of purple sparks.

Fiona stared, trying to wrap her mind around what had just occurred. Ouroboros...they're supposed to be executed...and the Castle's watching to see if we'll go help...but the way Mio talked...it'll all be fine. Somehow. She would have to trust in her resolve, and have faith that all would be well...even if she didn't know how it would all pan out. Irma...I don't know what you would do in this situation...but I'll believe in my friends. With head held high, Fiona turned away from the cliff, walking back towards her Colony.

Naturally, the entirety of Mu had bunched up at the threshold dividing the field of flowers from the rest of the Colony, barely held back by Tallow and Ayase; only as she approached did their discipline finally break, as she was mobbed and bombarded with questions.

"It's all right everyone; we're not in trouble!" she cried out once the tide of queries began to subside. "Consul M...she was just telling us that we're under supervision by the Castle, to see how we act after our Flame Clock was destroyed."

"But we're good soldiers! We wouldn't fight against Agnus!" exclaimed Hildemarie, her large ears drooping with dismay.

"I know that. We know that. But we're going to persevere, okay?" I'll make sure.

Even as Fiona reassured everyone that all would be well...even though she was sure (judging by the curious looks she received) that her lieutenants suspected more was afoot...she vowed to soldier on.

It was just one more secret, amidst the one she already shared with Tallow about Irma's true identity as Moebius I.

One more burden to carry.

She would carry it. She would.

xxxx

And meanwhile, from atop the defunct Ferronis of Mu, a certain Moebius watched with a curious eye. "Well...ain't that interestin'..."

With a hearty chuckle, Triton vanished from sight.

xxxx

Author's Note: Why call the Agnian equivalent of N's position 'Prime Consul' instead of 'High Consul'?

Because 'Lady Prime' sounds cooler. :V

/and I'm building up to something with Triton
/just wait and see