Chapter 61: Downtime in the Masquerade
December 2nd, nearing 5 PM.
(Audience Room, Imperial Palace.)
"…Therefore, you shall be stationed near the Niigata frontline for a week, at the least," The Shogun retold to her guest, who nodded shortly after, "Once you contact Hikami-san, I shall do as much as I can from my position to gain Kouzuki's support towards these… scouting operations."
"Understood," Amato nodded once again, "Will we be stationed in the same base?" She inquires, delving into the Regent's eyes, unblinking.
Her Highness sighs, shaking her head, "I require you to expand the area of our patrols. And doubly so for Hikami-san. Also, do recall that she is not formally under the IRG at the moment," Quietly, she returned the firm stare.
Thus, Amato relented a nod as she fiddled with her spiky hair, sheathing the embers, the wish to debate any further, "As you will, Yuuhi-sama."
Neither pleased with the other's reaction, a moment of silence extended in the audience room. While Amato finished her cup of tea, repining within at her Regent's adoration for passivity, Her Highness chose to have her sight flee to the balcony. A deep breath relieving the hollow, parched heart, she fought the intrusive echoes, the heaviness, the damp and cold sweat on her back to regain her usual composure.
It took her a few seconds, hands slowly interlocking away from her neck, "…Well, and everything else has been detailed in the reports you've been informed on. Do ensure you are able to depart in less than three days, Cpt Amato."
Straightening her posture, she bowed down deeply, "It so shall be done, milady," Returning up, however, an inquisitive, frontal and unmoving stare she forwarded towards the Shogun, "However… regarding Takeru-uesama's affairs… I must insist that you devise a plan to bring him back in the short term. I do not believe a mere exchange in words during this coming mock battle could do much for our wishes, and I doubt that vixen fox would release him easily if she believes Takeru-uesama to be a valuable pawn."
"…I was clear enough. Due to the current unknown circumstances, we must tread carefully," Voice lowering, she leveled a stare towards Amato, "To suddenly rush our hands or to disclose much intel to Takeru, or to Kouzuki, could backfire greatly. Steady steps, Raiko-san. Mana's report of the mock battle shall be enough to steer towards the right path."
"…Would it be allowed for me to learn of Mana's report tomorrow?" Never letting Her Highness' eyes leave hers, subtly leaning closer, she asked.
Which made the Shogun close her eyes momentarily, before giving a brief nod, "Very well, you may be present. However, if you incite an argument-"
"I shall not," She affirmed, fuming slightly, "I am merely wishing to have you act sooner."
"Sigh… Believe me, I desire nothing more than to bring him here, to see him again. However… We know Takeru's presence couldn't have gone unnoticed and that Kouzuki has found some value in his services, and thus, we must endow caution. Not only to ascertain Takeru's return, but to prepare for what could occur should he ever grow adusted once more," She reminded, cold and stoic. While inside, it teared and scorched, it ached oh so much, "I truly… do not wish to see such an expression on you ever again. This time… I shan't fail you, Takeru," And once again, one of her hands ran over her neck, two fingers diving, digging into the skin as if a gold vein had she found.
Upon the silence, slight doubt festered within Amato. The Shinpan's posture tightened, lips folding inwards for a moment, and an inquisitive counter seemed to be imminent. However, again running her hands into her lily hair, eyes closing softly, inhaling into the vanilla scent of her perfume, holding it in dearly before allowing a sigh, she merely gave a nod in agreement.
Deciding to fold for this time, Amato bowed once again, "Understood. Did you require anything else, Yuuhi-sama?"
Back to reality, gulping to relocate her mood and breath, she shook her head slowly, "No, that shall be all. I'm certain you've many duties on your shoulders, both with the outpost and the child, so I shan't hold you any longer. I hope… we can once again debate in such a peaceful atmosphere as we did today, Raiko-san," Her Highness smiled earnestly, truly relieved at the day's meeting.
So Amato nodded quickly, also returning the gesture, "As do I, milady. Well then," Standing up swiftly, once more she bowed down, "I shall be taking my leave, Yuuhi-sama. I pray that you may remain strong in the face of the adversity we face."
"Thank you kindly. And… I also pray that your missions can be fruitful, both the food plant and these scouting tours," She admitted, darkened clouds covering the prior cheer, doubting, hesitating on whether or nor the Shinpan still placed reservations upon her shoulders, "Do remember to remain alert, I am certain many eyes shall fall upon you when you sortie."
Yet, Amato shook her head hastily, and as someone would say, fire blasted from her eyes and lips, "There is nothing you should concern yourself with, milady. I will deliver auspicious news to you, come what may."
"That is reassuring to hear," And slightly concerning, she finished within, "Still, do take care while in the field. The teams fielded shall belong to different fellowships, as well as the UN and the MDF, so exercise caution at all times," She reminded, ordered, "For if any disputes over the areas of operation or the chain of command while on the field were to occur-"
"Worry not, such trifling matters shan't hamper my mission. I won't allow anyone to spur an incident during the scouting," Eyes blazing, she held Her Highness' gaze, "No one will bring you further setbacks. I shall cleave a path forward by myself if I must to ensure your wishes are safeguarded."
"…And if such actions spawn dissidence with the other members of the IRG? What if such a stance causes further friction with the UN?" Her Highness asked, reminded Amato of the state of the board they could not risk upsetting.
Many trials awaited if they wished to regain their beloved and, as I'm certain you know, quite some hurdles were at the ready to obstruct their efforts. For much is what they don't know, what they assume as correct, which could then separate them from their goal, his safe return. Without mentioning all that was riding on keeping this frail peace safe from all the machinations that were brewing and boiling behind curtains, behind bolted doors.
And such pondering, such reservations again ignited a stillwater displeasure from Amato, "Hmph… My duty is to fulfill the orders you've given me, so maintaining appearances for the moment is a priority. You've already been clear, caution is our ally. However… That does not mean we must remain still. Please, do not worry so, Yuuhi-sama. I won't let my temper flare up and burn away our efforts," She insisted, ascertained, extending a torch, a faint ember to the Shogun.
"However… if a discussion were to happen… and if the threat of the BETA stragglers is confirmed…" Eyelids cascading gradually, apprehension emanating like just unearthed petrol, her breath stopped cold. For Her Highness knew that one small incident could spiral out of control, incite the wrong people into the wrong decision.
"Then, we shall pierce forward with all our might," Amato stated, louder and closer, beating a fist onto her stomach, still staring, or trying to, into her Regent's eyes, "Our inner clouds shall not obscure this mission. Trust in your vassals, Yuuhi-sama," She affirmed, holding the unfaltering dry ice wall that the Shogun's complexion had turned to, "And please do look up," She then ailed inside as she clawed softly at her palms, "That bright smile of yours, the knowledge that you were looking after the Empire was what always kept many enduring for one second longer. Even when it became but a distant memory for some…"
Sighing yet again, still wearing the stoic mask, she gazed at her guest, "…Then, what would you do should an incident were to occur during the scouting?"
"Me and my fellows shall find a solution, do not forget that you are speaking about the remnants of your brother's former unit," She reminded, quiet but harsh, insulted to some degree.
Slightly, Her Highness corked an eyebrow, her lips shrank, curled onto themselves, "…Yet, you cannot act as you used to. No swords need to be broken, we cannot allow them to be broken. Cooperating with the other fellowships is a must at the moment."
"That does not mean we have to alter our methods, even if we must practice patience. Such fears are unfounded, Yuuhi-sama."
"…How can you affirm such a thing?" She asked, shifting between curiosity and confusion for Her Highness had rarely, if ever, seen Amato willing to sheathe the clashing stride of hers. That was one of the reasons why they had grown distant, as their visions did not align.
Yet, the guest smiled confidently, embers once more roving in her eyes, "Because I've no reason to hold onto such thoughts, I shall despair after I perish. Rather than isolate myself within my mind, I'll soak myself in the adversity and break through it all. For I must be the guiding light you require me to be as of now," Amato stated, sobering further, her heartbeats near the base of her neck and rising, blazing along her barely composed breathing, "If you are willing to use me, this blade is ready to serve. And if endowing in moderation could aid you in recovering Takeru-uesama…" A small chuckle leaving her lips, she looks towards the balcony, "I suppose I should finally learn how to slash the mountain without harming the fish that within the river swim."
"Pfft…" Unable to hold the quiet laughter, the reminiscence the words brought, Yuuhi allowed a chuckle to leave her lips. Easing up her posture, another sigh in between, the Shogun again managed to smile, seeing the resolve of Amato's veneer, hearing such a resolute oath, such nostalgic words, "…I see. I suppose, you have some plan on how to proceed?"
"An idea, that is. However, I swear upon my honor that we will not breach your commands, milady," Kneeling swiftly, she bowed once more.
Which dispelled the twister, the clogging air within Her Highness, "…Then, may the tailwind remain at your back, Cpt Amato. I pray that these fears and concerns are unwarranted, and that the scouting can be performed without issues."
"As I do, milady."
Smiling towards her guest as she rose back, Yuuhi gave one final nod, "Well, I shan't hold you further. I suppose you shall be visiting tomorrow near noon to hear the report?" Amato nodded, "Then, I'll leave word on that. Now then…" A momentary glance at the surrounding area, at the pillars and furniture, caused a slight cross in her brows as she once again could not detect anything, "…Tsuhi?" Yuuhi tentatively asked.
And a small step echoed right behind a second after, "Did you call, Yuuhi-sama?"
"Yes…" Blinking fast, she withheld her amazement and shock, "Please escort our guest towards Fujikagi. Cpt Amato shall be visiting tomorrow as well, so please do make a note for that."
"As you will, milady," She nodded slowly, sounding almost half-asleep, "Now then, should we?" She asks, Amato nods.
"It has been a pleasure, Yuuhi-sama. Thank you kindly for having received me. Until tomorrow, milady," One last bow, one last exchange of pleasantries, and thus Amato turned around and went towards the door.
Both the guest and the Regent having found some respite amidst the reports, a pleasant air was left in the audience room at the departure. As slowly as Yuuhi moved to the balcony did Raiko pace towards the stairs. In equal measure, both were also reminiscing of days past. Yet, whereas Yuuhi's smile flourished, bloomed wildly upon the sunshine that still dared to linger in the sky, Raiko couldn't help but to sigh deeply, hunching over slightly as she folded her arms. The same person they were recalling due to their talk, yet the feelings spurred were clearly in stark contrast.
Which caused intrigue, curiosity in the gray dressed attendant that walked besides Amato, "Raiko-sama, what would be the matter?"
"Hm? Oh, it's nothing. I was merely pondering something," She says, dull and composed.
"Is that so?" Doubtful of the veracity of the reply, the shinobi remained staring, "Did Yuuhi-sama say something you deemed… inappropriate?" Thus, she insisted.
"Sigh… That would be too strong a word," Raiko relented, caressing, treading her hair as her gaze lost itself towards the faint, frail threads of light that filtered through the fluttering curtains, "I simply… I knew our Lady Regent favored passivity as of now, and I am aware of the reasoning behind that choice. Yet… to also apply those actions towards Takeru-uesama's retrieval…"
"So, you oppose leaving him in Yokohama?"
"Perish the thought, I am not blind," She scolded, arms folded, "I know caution is a must when dealing with the UN Farces. However, to dally to this extend… And if that weren't enough, Yuuhi-sama is still referring to him as before," Grimacing, steps dragging onto the floor, she slowly, oh so slowly, shook her head, "She still hasn't learned a damned thing…"
A minute moment of surprise, of suspicion, Tsuhi treads her chin with a finger, "What exactly are we speaking about?"
"Do not feign ignorance, Tsuhi," Raiko again scolded, "Not only she still relies on the Tsukuyomi, not only she still wishes to parley with the other forces instead of holding her ground, but she still is mired by hesitation when ordering me to act. If she fears conflict, why even send us to the field?"
"Huh… I was under the impression you favored the orders, however," Tone lowering even more, almost growing to a halt, Tsuhi asked as they descended the stairs.
"I do, which is why I insisted this much during the briefing, to no avail," She admits, swiftly stomping her way down, choking the railing as she did, "I'm just… I cannot reach a reaction to all I've learned in these few hours, truth be told," Allowing her eyes to cascade onto the floor, she admits.
With delayed and petite steps as her hand slid along the railing, Tsuhi finishes her descent as she observes Raiko closely, "Yet… You still agreed to her terms. Will you start supporting her commands, then?"
"…If she remains resolute. Frankly, I cannot tell how can you remain composed in the face of this board. Being ordered around by Tsukuyomi, left in the dark about Takeru-uesama's survival…" A deep breath as they began walking again, Raiko held her gaze, weighed Tsuhi's complexion, "…Why don't you return to the Chains? With some work and the right results, perhaps we could gain Yuuhi-sama's authorization to visit Yokohama at one point."
Her eyes closed, slowly as her steps. Ceasing her breathing, both hands interlocked. A tiniest shiver ran down her back, yet Tsuhi again met Raiko's gaze head on. Sharpening her glare, the shinobi allowed a small dose of venom to drip from her lips, "…I shall remain loyal to the order I was entrusted with. Remaining rooted deeply at the shadow of the blossom, I dream of the skies no longer."
"…My apologies, I did not meant to imply anything," Raiko relented a small nod, lips narrowing at the sudden hollowing weight in her stomach, "Yet… If so you decided, how can you remain in such stillness?"
"Well… there is little I can do, but no matter how little, it is important for me. However…" Looking away, she threaded a few curly strands of hair behind her ear, "…I do admit working under Maya-sama has been rather exhausting lately."
Reigniting the curiosity, Amato stared, "…Is she… truly acting as she was during the invasion?"
"I won't accuse her of anything, yet I do find it odd that she departed to Kitanomaru so hastily upon the very first call," Tsuhi stated, still twirling her dark hair.
And knowing what the words implied, as well as how it would mean Maya departed despite knowing a report about Takeru was inbound, made Raiko's breath stop cold as another blaze fumed out, another combustion filling her eyes.
"However, something urgent might have come up," Tsuhi says, trying to douse the welling anger in the guest.
"…Has Tsukuyomi done anything else that warrants suspicion?"
"Well… She did fail to report Takeru's identity to Yuuhi-sama some mere days after his arrival to Yokohama."
"…Excuse me?" Taking a step closer, the nod the shinobi returned sent further shocks into Amato.
"I said Maya-sama did not-"
"No, not that!" Amato repined at Tsuhi's usual reiteration, "Are you saying she met him in the base and did not notify anyone of it?"
"That is the case, yes. It seems Maya-sama also advised Mana-sama to remain quiet, to avoid Takeru's presence to be compromised. It wasn't until Mion and Shion met him during the CCSE that Yuuhi-sama was notified of his presence in Yokohama, despite how… well… both of them tried to gravely injure Takeru during their encounter," The shinobi told slowly, Amato's expression gradually tightened into a faint frown, "Also, I do have to note that both the Tsukuyomis and Yuuhi-sama did not notify me of this affair until… much time passed," She quietly complained, lips shrugged.
"I see… And you still believe Tsukuyomi to be worthy of being Yuuhi-sama's personal retainer?" Fuming an explosion out, she stared.
"…See your enemies as your allies, for the moment when they bring you an opportunity to act," Tsuhi reminded calmly, nodding to herself, "Even if Maya-sama could… be swayed back to such prideful approaches, there is no proof of such a thing being true. She very well might be deceiving her allies first, to ensure nothing athwarts Takeru from our hands."
"…I suppose we shall see in time. However… I suppose I can leave her to you, should the need arise," Raiko affirmed, smiling faintly, "Still… Regardless of that four-eyed traitor… I cannot believe Yuuhi-sama remains so fixated on 'binding his ire'," Sharply shaking her head, again she fumes, "I cannot believe she still believes such."
"Can we truly blame our Lady for the confusion she's feeling?" Tsuhi asked, looking up into the vast, hollow hallways of the castle, "Did we ever understand his motives to choose the path of the shadows?"
"We did not, that's… true… However-"
"Do we even know today?" She continued, expression darkening, arms joined behind her back, "It's been two years… and I still cannot understand his words nor what compelled his actions, nor the logic on which he operated when he was our Leader."
Grimacing harshly, light vanishing from Raiko's complexion as it the afterglow was on the skies, a fissure dragged down the resolute voice into a whisper, "Siiigh… Believe me, I also am bereft of explanations on that end. Yet… yet he was not deserving of the brand, of the word they brought onto him."
Sighing, softly biting her lower lip, Tsuhi again shook her head, "That was all they saw. The monster that brought down an entire base to ashes and smoke in a single night. And even if we were by him, to this day I cannot comprehend his decision, what those echoes whispered to him on those nightmares…"
And then, silence.
Only their slow footsteps resonated in the empty hallways, where even the flimsy light that remained hesitated to enter.
A set of stairs, the passing of a few Guards on duty to their offices. Still no words from neither.
"…Do believe he might relieve those accursed dreams?" Amato hesitantly asked in a whisper.
"Perhaps, it's a possibility," Tsuhi then nodded.
"And the date of his arrival…" The Shinpan eyed her sideways, Tsuhi slowly nodded again, "So, if he does fall prey to those nightmares, do you plan to do something?" Inhaling sharply, her purple eyes fixated onto the shinobi's composed stare.
"…There is little this humble shadow can do. And few are the actions we could take, even if our Lady decides to move."
"So we can't even try to do anything, is what you're saying?"
"Well… it is something to ponder. I wonder, where is our burnt and feeble present heading to?" Slowly looking to the windows, the sinking afterglow, her steps slowed down, "Yuuhi-sama wishes to safeguard the peace, if we can call it that, which we enjoy today. Yet, in the end, will everything sink within the rising fear and paranoia?"
"…Tsuhi, I don't believe such words are warranted," Amato repined, and was met with a small smile in the shinobi.
"Why would they not? I believed you thought the same. That it is time for action and not words."
Grimacing slightly, Amato shook her head, "True that might be, yet we seem to be bound at the moment. And a careless action…" Looking down, memories of a scorching day of summer came back. Thus, her grimacing intensified as she started wringing her hands.
Yet, Tsuhi tilted her head, still smiling, "Truly? Isn't there a small glimmer of hope shining through for us?"
Holding Tsuhi's gaze, Amato pondered the words for a moment, "So… you're saying we have a way to approach Takeru-uesama without hampering our duties?"
"Well, Yuuhi-sama was clear. She does not approve of us approaching or revealing much intel at the moment," Taking a small pause, a faint gaze towards Amato, the shinobi's steps slowed down, "However… there may be a method that could help our current predicaments, perhaps," She told, again twirling some strands of that black hair of hers.
"What do you speak of?"
"If our Lady wishes for us to remain quiet, if certain eyes would fall upon us and him if we move carelessly… perhaps, something could be delivered to Takeru? I believe we both know who Yuuhi-sama will send to meet with the Vice Commander about the scouting missions. He could ensure the item reaches Takeru's hands safely."
"…I see," A small twisting of her lips in sympathy, knowing Tsuhi was speaking of Chief Yoroi, Amato slowly nodded, "Well, that option is something I hadn't considered. Still, I rather not betray the trust Yuuhi-sama placed on me by acting behind her back," Folding her arms again, she mulled over for some moments.
"…Perhaps, you could mention this during the report tomorrow?" Tsuhi suggested.
"Oh, of course. How did I miss that?" Lightly hitting her forehead, Amato sighed, "Indeed, we still have one last report at our disposal. Still, making haste would be in our best interest. Meiya-sama might be by him, yet little does she know about him."
"…So you believe she can aid Takeru if he were to grow pained once more?"
"Well, who other than her could, in that base?" Amato concluded, convinced of the idea.
Yet, the shinobi's lips narrowed as her gaze veered away. And so, nothing was else was said. Descending another set of stairs as the beams above lighted up, showering warm light onto the hallways, Tsuhi slowed down even further to point at a door.
"Fujikagi-kun is reading here. He has remained quiet for the most time," She notified, slowly as always.
"I know. Give him a picture book he favors and he won't tear himself away from it for no reason other than for dinner," Sighing again, she then chuckles, "I hope he did not gave you much trouble before you found a fitting book."
"No, not at all," Smiling, Tsuhi shook her head, "He was no trouble."
Opening the door, Raiko called for the child. Fujikagi looked up, and upon seeing her quickly paced towards the pair, hugging one of Amato's arms tightly once he reached them.
"Did you have fun, Fujikagi?"
"Yes, Tsuhi-san gave me a nice book to read," Smiling much, he nodded twice.
"I see," Ruffling his light brown hair tenderly, Raiko smiled back, "Well, it's time for us to go back. Say your parting words," Patting his back as she guided Fujikagi out of the room, she whispered.
Looking at Tsuhi, taking one small and hesitant step towards her, the boy gave her a bow along a smile, "Thank you very much for the book, Tsuhi-san. See you later."
Nodding and returning the smile, the shinobi petted his head softly, "No, it was my pleasure. See you later, Fujikagi-kun," She gave one last rub to the boy's head, allowing herself to breath in deeply the vanilla aroma of the perfume, relaxing from the prior discussions.
"2nd Lt Yasomaga, I shall be seeing you tomorrow," Amato said, saluting her fellow.
Who then returned the gesture, swiftly standing in attention despite the usual slowness of her voice, "Indeed. Until tomorrow."
"Are we coming back tomorrow?" Fujikagi asked, curiously staring as he pulled Amato's sleeve.
Who then chuckled, patting his head, "No, I have a small report to hear so I'll be coming here on my own," A minute cross of his brows, he noted his displeasure with a faint groan as she again chuckled, "Well then, we shall be going. May the tailwind remain by you, Tsuhi."
"Likewise, Raiko-sama," She nodded, firmly.
And with that, the Amatos turned to leave. Fujikagi waved one last time towards the shinobi, who smiled as she returned the gesture. As they went further into the hallways, Tsuhi's hand remained still and risen in the air. Looking at it for a moment, she allowed the arm to limply fall and sway by her side.
Eyes closing, slowly exhaling, then taking into the words, all that occurred on just a few hours, Tsuhi couldn't help but to feel a shiver on her sides. Despite going towards the windows, catching the very first stars glimmering in the distance, all she could feel was the compacting pressure on her shoulders. Gaze lost itself on the nearby greenery that surrounds the castle yet Tsuhi did not lighten her complexion, feeling as if she were staring down a tall wall of pure pitch-black mystery.
"…So this is all I can do as of now, huh," She repined, scolding herself as she scratched the glass, "Yet, it will have to suffice… until the time is right…"
Folding the sigh and dulling the small cracks, the hints of annoyance, Tsuhi once more strode back the way she came. In rather fast steps for the gray shadow, if you'd allow the observation. Now free of company, her feet traced the shadows, swift and unseen as a gentle breeze. Steps but a distant noise to the others, following the hidden pathways of the palace Tsuhi quickly found herself standing before the door to the audience chamber once more.
The lascivious golden, all the overflowing opulence, the imposing ornaments, the fine details engraved onto the wooden doors. The deep red of the carpet, a faint smell of incense. As fleeting as a shooting star in the dusk, she understandably allowed herself to frown for an instant, her teeth slightly raking her bottom lip.
An olden ruin devoured by moss and disdain falling, crumbling to an earthquake. A vast, open temple now growing hollow, losing its last standing candle. The cries of the gust as it had no more grass to caress on the barren fields. The silence of a forest abandoned by all wildlife. Such was the expression of his she had engraved onto her mind, rising back to the surface now due to the circumstances.
Not of war, not of hatred. All the contrary to the brand he endowed.
Her throat ached, her shoulders burned. As they did during that time.
Inhaling sharply, she shook her head. Opening and closing her hands for a moment, looking up in silence for another, Tsuhi managed to, faintly, smile earnestly this time.
"…I wonder, who fell prey to who back then? And… who will fall to who this time?" Moving her neck in half a circle, she couldn't help but to smirk, "Or perhaps, the question should be… who has already fallen in your clutches?"
Chuckling for a second, brushing her dress with both hands and regaining her habitual composure, the shinobi then opened the doors slowly and readied to resume her duties in looking watching over the Shogun with renewed spirits, you'd understand.
A/N: So, originally, I wanted to end this chapter right before the mock battle. Turns out holiday season isn't exactly the best time to write much, what with alcohol and sweets being everywhere. At the least, I decided to put this out here to finish the 'Imperial' side of the build up before we return to Takeru's and the other's side.
I know the story is dragging on, that many would rather jump into the action and the good stuff, that people want the coup, the XM3, Sadogashima, some smut and the rest of the cool shit.
But.
From here on in is where the main efforts of this rewrite have gone to, where the fic will diverge from the prior version of it. And it's where the story takes a different road than the VN took. So, yeah, don't expect as much mecha action as Alternative had to be present in the fic for the foreseeable future. The coming conflicts will be more… let's say… close and personal than that. Or at least that's the ideal outcome. And no, not all of it will be pure undiluted angst. Though, the overall tone won't change much to be honest.
Between juggling the sidestories, seeing what to cut and what to keep, I decided to again try a minimalistic approach with this chapter to keep my long descriptions at bay, mostly. I dunno whether I'll upload during January, I wanna take some time 'off' the fic to not get burnout on it and get some fresh air. I'd like this rewrite to be the final one for the story, despite some adjustments I could make here and there, otherwise I'll be stuck in a perfectionist loop and never finish the damn thing. I might screw the execution, but getting something done is better than to keep mulling over whether I'm writing the cast as OOC or not for so goddamn long. And I do want to get some of the sidestories done, and finish the ones that are already posted.
TL; DR: Last update of the year, probably won't post on January. Story will diverge from Alternative, and epic mechas won't be the focus of the fic. Cue in Rain Clouds BGM.
So well, that's that.
As always, thanks for having read thus far. I wish you all a happy end of the year and a good start of the next one.
Keeping staying safe. See you later.
Zuoriel