"You swore never to look back
and yet, somehow, it's painful not to
This wasteland cracked by incessant drought is, truly, a perfect reflection of your soul
Beyond those eyes that blaze, all I see is abundant courage
and a conflicting sadness swirling in
Unseen by everyone, alone you're washed away in the tears you shed
a current strong enough to cause an oceanic collapse
Even those who you're supposed to love will vanish from your mind, if you choose to endow the Great Red Dragon's mask
You carry grievous scars engraved deeply even within your dreams,
thus you hide them with the mask as you rush through the timeline
Hey, this is what divine retribution feels like, right?
Hey, this endless conflict is a masquerade
Hey, this is what celestial tears look like, right?
Hey, this tactical face-off is a masquerade
…Right?"
Masquerade, by Kosaka Yumiko. From Tekkaman Blade.
Chapter 86:
Jester's Trickery
December 5th. Some minutes past 2 PM.
(In the grounds of the Edo Palace.)
Hurried whispers traverse the tiles as journalists take notes, make calls, ready themselves to collect phrases off the record. The Capital Defense Regiment raises its arms in salutation, receiving a gentle smile from the Shogun as she descends from the small stage prepared for the occasion, a similar gesture is taken by the detachment of Imperial Guards from the palace stationed around her perimeter. A few flashes capture her silhouette as she approaches the leaders of the IJA's retinue, who kneel and bow in deference, a shiver enveloping them upon words of thankfulness from Her Highness. It soothes the parched heart of the Captain, assuages the displeasure the Guards had at being stationed to watch over her alongside the IJA.
The scarce natural light showering upon her features gives her already angelical smile further boons, as she walks by and both rows of Guards and IJA men raise and salute, forming a corridor of honor for her to return into the building. With only a simple wave of a hand she has all those present return bows and salutations, exaltation blooming into those watching the live footage, hands clasping around dry lips for those who heard her speech via the radio. As the first gust of dawn, cleansing the skyline of dark tints, burying the stars and refreshing the shine which upon the land delivers blessings.
And yet, the flashes only serve the unnerve, to unearth what little spikes are raking at her composure at the moment. Gulping, licking the inner side of her lips, she turns and returns to the innermost section of the palace grounds in slow yet long steps. The stalwart rampart that is Maya guarding her steps, shielding her Regent from any further inquiries, eventually the noise and chatter subside and leave silence as her sole escort.
Slow are the steps, slower the exhalation she releases. To pieces, the smile. To ashes, the eyes. No matter how much she tries to run, the welcoming tint is now gone. Lost to the undercurrents which she cannot tame, on those eyes she longs to see once again.
"According to our sources," Maya says, edging closer while trying to catch up, "your words had a positive effect in both the media and the soldiers. A few of our fellows already reported the balm your speech was to those in the shelters."
"…Is that so?" She answers, short and cold, never looking back.
"The other members of the Guard were in agreement with the necessity to enforce the evacuation, I believe there won't be any discussions arising to impede the command for the IJA to sortie."
"Is that so?"
"…Your Highness," she lowers to a whisper, towards her ear, "please do not hoist such apprehension. Certainly, news about him will be coming shortly."
"…Sigh. Forgive my lacking veneer, Maya. It is all… simply frustrating," she admits, a minute crossing of her brows. "All these years, and all I can hope for is to parley with time. When I should be acting as a guiding light, all I can afford is to leave the heavy lifting to another, simply suggest the course and not act to ensure it is taken. Sigh…"
"Please, Your Highness," Maya comforts, tapping her glasses, "you deflected most questions in grace, and I do not believe either side was left in disagreement. No doubt do I hoist that your performance was not lacking in any way," she affirms, and receives the same drowned answer again. Folding a sigh, knowing dissuading the Shogun would be as foolish as to compel her to cook, she simply shakes her head and desists.
Maya continues with her report on what she observed, yet as their walk continues they pass by a mirror. When gazing upon it, Yuuhi finds an empty glass returning her stare. Despite the gentle sunlight which invades through the glass and curtains, none of the warmth reaches her. It is, after all, nothing but a performance, an act. While understandable it is to soften reality's cruelty for their already battered population, to find no receptor for her truest words only furthers the ill mood she has been in as of late, the tension with which both lips press onto one another.
In the warfare of wordings that is the stage of politics, alliances could come and go in a heartbeat. And while in the local level, in the vicinity of Tokyo all those present had an agreement in certain key matters, such was not the same once you zoom out from the map.
"Excuse me, Your Highness," a voice calls, slow and tired. Tapping his glasses as he slowly approaches, Kurechika Sakaki bows down and remains in position, "Would you have the time to share some words?"
Inhaling sharply, bolting the edges of her lips upwards, she turns around and relents a small nod, endowing in docility and imitating the sun's gentle light. "Why, of course. Whatever is the matter, Kurechika-dono?"
Raising back, gesturing to his retinue to remain a few feet away, he looks back at her as he once more idles a hand on his glasses. "Regarding the arrangement for the evacuation, I have an inquiry to make. Why did you request for UN aid without consulting with our advisors?"
"Would there be a problem with my decision?" Blazes rise back despite the smile never vanishing, the gentle tilt of her head.
He clears his throat, slightly sticking his chest outwards in a, quite futile, attempt to ascertain his position. "Your Highness, while your concern is noted, please do not ignore the channels we've built between our offices. It is quite detrimental to my men to be left negotiating for a deal they knew little about."
"A report was forwarded to the Diet after the last meeting of the Regency Council," Maya states, glaring in venom. "Whatever caused a break in the chain of reports, I know not. Yet we did notify the course of action the Shogunate had arrived to, Prime Minister," she says, slowly bowing, if only for the Shogun's sake.
"Still," the man's eyes squint, words slow, taking his sweet time to ponder and brew them, "please do not try and act on your own anymore, Your Highness. I can comprehend the negotiations for the Type-00C were made as a proposal from your fellowship, yet the Diet needs to debate on whether we desire to accept the UN's aid as of now," he notes, tapping his glasses, breaking eye contact.
"…Would you possess a method which could allow our forces to proceed with the evacuation as soon as possible?" She presses, eyes regressing downwards.
"It is my duty to oversee that matter," he affirms, eyes holding the stare. "If you so desired, a call to the advisors was all that you required to do. Yes, it might have taken a few more days to debate the matter, yet it is only the way things have to be handled."
"…Then, may I inquire on the other propositions I forwarded? Because I've yet to hear an answer from your fellows, Kurechika-dono," Yuuhi requests, raising her chin, the acid despite never losing that small, gentle smile. "I know many are the tasks which upon your shoulders rest, yet, certainly, a meager answer wouldn't take more than a few weeks, you'd agree."
"Huh? Ah, well…" he slowly turns to face the window, coughing. "There are some concerns about the plans you've presented that we do not have the manpower to make a reality." Another slow bow, voice as dry as his complexion, sealing the Shogun's words in a bottle, throwing it towards a twister.
"Is that so?" And closing her eyes, heaving a sigh, lips then press together for a moment.
"Yes, that is the case. Currently, we do not possess the-"
"However, I believe that, for example, Mitsuhishi's R&D has already received plentiful boons from us," she notes, fingers entwining, about to tear apart the frail veil of restrain which holds the facade, the blazes at bay. "Wouldn't it be in our best interests to employ the surplus to, finally, finish the adaption of the Kanamachi Waterworks?" She states with a rapid nod. After all, it never had quite sunk, the motives behind that delay.
Yet, even now, as she gently compacts both lips and stares firmly in blazes at the Prime Minister, the Shogun also knows that the towering funds to make the Takemikazuchi a reality had to come from somewhere. And as harsh as it is to admit, to let matters rest, to focus on avenues that produce further earnings is what a nation in shambles like the Empire should do. Such was the conviction she held onto, to await the rebound and be able to fulfill the task without risk.
And yet, even a mere gesture is denied to the population. Despite the rising tensions, despite the already grim horizon which upon the Empire falls.
Kurechika coughs, idling a hand on his tie. "Your Highness, as you know, we have contracts to answer to, quotas to fulfill. It is not yet time," he bows down, brows almost crossing, almost breaking the mask. "Furthermore, our industries are what drives this nation forward. Without the budget assigned to them, the already dire situation with spare parts for our armies would only worsen. Once we can compact the defense lines, we'll hold another meeting to discuss this matter," he affirms, relenting a small smile.
Yet a subtle narrowing overtakes those purple eyes, a step forward she takes. "Certainly, we cannot simply let time pass us by. When the remaining of the population is brought to the shelters, everything that comes with that would soon follow. What of using the available infrastructure for new locations to house the people?"
"Ahem… Your Highness, each district has its own stance on the buildings left in decent shape," he states, holding her gaze, tapping her glasses before turning to the window once more. "The distribution centers are already plentiful to keep the situation under control."
Yuuhi simply inhales sharply, shoulders raise as her hands fold behind her back. "Is that so. I suppose, then, my words are not required for the moment. We shall discuss these matters… when the time is right," she nods, slowly turning away.
"Excuse me, Your Highness," Kurechika presses, now clearly shrugging his lips. "Could you kindly revise your decision to have the UN intervene in the evacuation efforts?" He bows in haste, a cold shudder enveloping him at Maya's glare.
Yuuhi waves a hand, defusing the heat and having her retainer take a step back. "Why would you desire so? Our men are in need of aid after the last defense operation from the herd that surfaced in Niigata. I believe it is our duty to ensure the evacuation can proceed smoothly."
"Yet, the risk of altercations in the field is too large to ignore, Your Highness," he says, wiping his forehead, coughing again. "Not only with our own soldiers, but think of how the population will react to seeing UN crew asking them to leave their," his lips purse, fingers shuffle around, "rightful land. It would be a disaster if those sent had to complete the evacuation by force, as their own code forbids them from abandoning civilians under danger. If the volcano were to erupt-"
"Then, an immediate approval would solve that issue," Yuuhi counters, choking a strand of hair, letting it go, not softening her expression. "The sooner the UN receives an answer, the sooner the operation can be coordinated and executed. I understand the possibility of reticence festering in the people, yet isn't because of that why you've requested me to speak today?"
"Well… while I can see your point," he grimaces for a moment, a small shape holding a Chop-kun doll flashing through his mind, hands which tighten upon his pockets' innards, "to leave that duty to UN soldiers would be-"
A small step, a cough coming from behind breaks the link between both stares and both loosen their posture. Yuuhi turns and finds Tsuhi standing in attention, bowing down as they make eye contact. Maya flinches, once more failing to notice the presence until the last moment, yet as Tsuhi does not look her way, the retainer knows the intrusion is fueled by honest concern.
Without letting a single ripple disturb her composure, the shinobi garbed in gray slowly starts. "Yuuhi-sama, I have a report for your ears," she says as slowly as usual, staring as she raises back. As the Shogun relents a nod, holding her breath, the shinobi grows closer, she so whispers. "Mana-sama has called, with quite the urgent report."
"How urgent are we speaking of? I'm in the middle of an important discussion, you see."
"…More important than learning of what Takeru remembered?" She asks, giving a small smile.
"…Kurechika-dono, something has come to my attention and I must tend to this immediately," she states, looking back, relenting a nod. "Please excuse my hasty departure, but I must return to my chamber."
The man swallows a sigh, once more tapping his glasses and straightening his posture. "Oh, I see. However, regarding the-"
"I shall be calling your office so that we can debate at large. Until then," she spares a smile before turning on her heels and moving to the elevator, outpacing both Maya and Tsuhi who must first give the expected courtesy to the Prime Minister before departing after the hasty steps.
"Your Highness, please remain composed," Maya so requests, sighing at the lack of deceleration. "2nd Lt Yasomaga, whatever is the matter? Did something disturb the departure of the Chains?"
"As a matter of fact, yes," Tsuhi notes, twirling a curl in her hair, gaining a gaze from Yuuhi as Maya's arms fold and compact. "It seems Fujikagi-kun did not wish to say his 'See you later', so Raiho-sama had quite the trouble in pacifying him. Worry not, however, as they are already on the road," she says with a faint smile, which the Shogun imitates for a second, a second of calmness.
Maya simply sighs, shaking her head slowly. "I see… Then, what other matter has caused you to interrupt the discussion?"
"…I cannot say, not here," she lowers her eyelids, facing forward, not reacting upon a frontal stare.
Maya groans momentarily, looking away from the impregnable shadow who refuses to return her gaze. As the three make it to the elevator and await its descent, nothing is said. Once inside the narrowness, Yuuhi relents quite the heavy sigh, shoulders sagging, posture beginning to melt.
"I assume Mana has forwarded a report?" Maya inquires, resting onto the wall.
Tsuhi nods, electing to remain silent, not meeting the retainer's gaze. Maya gulps, sudden heaviness in her gut. Yuuhi coughs, a searing glare demanding silence, which is answered by two immediate nods. Little it takes for them to reach the audience chamber, despite Maya's request to have the Shogun slow down once again.
"Please, Your Highness. Such disquiet in your features will certainly cause concern in the attendants," she repines once inside the chamber, sighing when she gains no answer. Coughing, she turns to her right, finds nothing, and with a shrug of her lips glances at her left, where Tsuhi stands, raising a brow. "2nd Lt Yasomaga, this is… about Takeru, isn't it?"
She nods subtly, as slowly as if having just awoken. "Indeed. It seems he has recalled who Yohime-sama was," she simply says, as if commenting on the weather.
The words send a jolt into the other two's bodies, the paralysis causing Yuuhi's feet to meet the wood and almost stumble face first onto it. A minute wobbling until balance returns to her posture, a blaze of a gaze then blasts towards the humble shadow.
"Excuse me?! You said… Did you just said he remembered Mother?!"
"So I said, yes," she repeats, brows lowering, lips ever so slightly pursing.
"Wait a moment," Maya asks, features contorting yet finding no words for a second, lost as a penguin in a desert, "does that mean Takeru has finally recalled everything?"
"I do not know," she answers, slow. "Mana-sama has reported that Takeru was granted leave from the medbay yesterday, without them knowing of it for some unexplainable reason. According to their words, he is now training as if," he looks away, idling a hand on her hair again, "he were preparing for a sortie, like we were when stationed here."
"…Tsuhi, whatever do you speak of?" Yuuhi asks, feeling a slight needle on the back of her head, fingers coiling in. "Is he once again being tasked to resume his piloting training?"
"In a simulator, it seems," she nods, arms folding onto her back.
Hands wring, throat as well and blocks incoming air. A small poke of pain on the sides of her head, Yuuhi's eyes close, as tightly as a vault. "But I requested… The XO said she would ensure he would remain in good health."
"Ahem," tapping her glasses, she stares at the petite shinobi, "were Mion and Shion able to interact with him?"
"Yes, it seems he does not have any issues with them following as his guardians. However," she notes, lips pursing, "they informed that the small ESPer which works as an assistant to the XO has displayed an odd closeness with him."
"…Pardon?" Yuuhi inquires, a brow twitches. Maya sighs and shakes her head at the poor choice of words.
Meanwhile, Tsuhi simply nods back, immutable as a frozen lake except for the minute shrug in her lips as she raises her voice ever so slightly. "I said, they reported that the ESPer has been looking after Takeru, it seems. The cousins do not seem to favor the assistant being around him, despite Takeru openly referring to it as a 'friend'."
"I see…" she says, sighing as she finally sits down, fingers interlocking as her hands gently fall onto her lap. "So how did… how did they learn Takeru recalled who Mother was?"
Clearing her throat, she takes a step forward and kneels before the Regent. "You see, it would seem Meiya-sama has made a… folly in her interactions with my Leader," she says, somber, features growing tight. "Her obstinacy in demanding answers from him drove Takeru to fighting her without restrain, causing him to grow pained after the fact. Not only that, but it seems her attitude has caused friction to brew in the cadet squadron as well."
"…What a foul turn of events," Yuuhi laments, rubbing her forehead, looking down. For as she envied her sister's resolve, the Shogun can only feel a void at the thought of what imposing the dogma of the Imperial Guard onto the soldier could cause. "Did he react negatively towards Meiya?"
Tsuhi shakes her head hastily. "It seems he desired to coexist with her, until she, believing him to be a spy, countered in hostility. After that, it seems he was driven to performing equal to, well," she purses her lips again, shoulders compacting, "whenever he began spinning. Then after their training was over, amidst wails heard before the common channel was closed, it would seem he uttered Yohime-sama's name."
"Huh? After the battle? Not due to Meiya's resemblance to her?" Yuuhi asks, leaning forward.
Both hers and Maya's features begin to widen upon Tsuhi's full report of how he himself mentioned the resemblance Meiya had to who handed him the blade, his desire to share said bond with Meiya as he had insisted when a child he still was, yet in equal measure they contort when learning he denied the query, that the cousins were unable to follow him to his next assignment, his stoic rejected towards both of them in favor of young Yashiro.
Yuuhi nods, treading her hair, looking at the balcony. "So it is all thanks to Meiya breaking her orders to notify Mana that we learned of this… Sigh. Maya, go and contact Mana posthaste. It seems XO Kouzuki owes us a report on Takeru's condition," she orders, raising her chin, her voice.
And causes a flinch from her retainer, who immediately shakes her head as she steps forward. "Your Highness, please reconsider," Maya requests, brushing her bangs, adjusting her posture to not receive the brunt of the sunlight, of the light's blaze of a gaze. "Do not act on emotion, it will only open wounds for others to strike back at us. Perhaps, Kouzuki does not yet know of his ties to Yohime-sama, and simply learning that name would be enough for her to retrace the trail."
Her eyes narrow yet there is no blink, her smile raises as dawn yet the composure remains frozen. "Whatever are you saying, Maya? All I wish to do is extend some advice to the Vice Commander so that she can press for the relief efforts to be authorized shortly, due to the reticence Kurechika-dono's crew seem to hold towards the notion of welcoming Yokohama's involvement."
"H-However-"
"Certainly, we both agree that it is imperative for the order to sortie to be forwarded to the respective offices posthaste?"
"Yes, milady, of course. However, clashing against Kouzuki will-"
"I am not planning to do nothing of the sort," she affirms, hands enveloping each other a bit more, fuming a slight ember out. "Tsuhi, do the cousins believe Takeru is, well, stable enough to hold a conversation with?" Yuuhi inquires, forcing Maya to pinch her nose and sigh heavily.
The shinobi returns a quick nod, her features do not relax. "Yes, although they did not try to breach the subject of his profiles. Also, Meiya-sama said, it seems, that Takeru believes he cannot approach Mana-sama at the moment."
"It's understandable," Maya nods, tilting her chin downwards. "After such an accident, anyone would try and steer clear of the Imperial Guard. More so if suffering through painful memories, or the dread of further punishments. Yet, I still believe composure and patience are your allies, Your Highness," she affirms, bowing down.
"While I do not wish to pile further pressure upon the board, this… truly does merit an inquiry. Maya, contact Mana and relay my request for a talk with the XO. Now," she commands, staring as her retainer stalled a motion.
Maya relents a sigh as she nods and stands, taking a second to salute before immediately departing. Once outside, however, her steps wane momentarily, gaze losing itself to the clouds above, thinking about the soldier, on what he could have recalled, extending a prayer as she taps her glasses.
Yuuhi idles some seconds looking at the skies, at the threads of light which fall upon the room. "Tsuhi, did the cousins report how he was after this training he shared with Meiya?"
"It seems he was tired but unhurt," she notes, softly. "However, as I said before, he stalwartly defended the ESPer as he used to retort when we worked under the Swordbreakers."
"Is… that so."
"Although, the cousins did mention he requested them to not be hostile towards the assistant, and also kept an amicable posture towards them during their talks at morning. In due time, I believe he might reach out on his own to the Tsukuyomi," Tsuhi concludes, in an attempt to appease the combustion which within the Shogun erupts.
At the very least, the smoke veils the fire as she shakes her head. "I hope so, too. So," clearing her throat, her inner clouds and raising a smile, she fiddles with her hair, "what else did Meiya mention? Is her training proceed well?"
Tsuhi corks a brow, lips plucking. "Yes, it seems her efforts are still yielding good results, and that she does not wish to enhance the rift in the squadron. However, Mana-sama mentioned that there was something troubling her, lamenting how she hadn't taught Meiya-sama of whatever this was before. She hastily changed the topic when I inquired about it."
"Huh, is that so? I can only hope Meiya remains stoic in the face of adversity, and whatever is troubling her at the moment." And that Kouzuki does not take her offer back upon Kurechika-dono's concerns.
Looking back at the skies, pacing towards the balcony, her gaze loses itself in the azure expansion. In days past, in those visits he used to pay her, in those first days when he had just moved into the fellowship. Holding, gripping, choking the railing as she slowly exhales, wondering what it is that the soldier remembered, how he felt about the words they shared during the call. Knowing it's better not to hope, yet finding her rising heartbeats disagreeing with the notion.
Some moments later.
(Yokohama Base, Mana's room.)
[Mana]
"Look, I do agree with you," Maya repines from the other side of the line, heaving a sigh, "yet Her Highness was clear in her wishes and I doubt could be dissuaded from this decision. Could you arrange a call with the XO?"
"Sigh… I'll see what I can do," I answer, a finger gently rubbing the outer side of an eye. "I did assume a quick reaction would arise but, for Yuuhi-sama to once more endow aggression as her method of choice…" It is not odd, no, it always has been what followed when he could ever have been in any danger, yet for her to still favor this approach at this point in time. I sigh and slowly throw myself onto my chair, careful not to fall again.
"By the by, Mana," Maya asks, lowering her tone, retreating to the ice cage, "did Takeru truly recall who Yohime-sama was?"
"We don't know yet. Meiya-sama affirmed she heard the name clearly, and if so, his confusion would be understandable," I admit, a faint numbness on the back of my head. There's also the gesture the cousins reported, however whether that was unconscious or deliberate would be hard to confirm. "I assume Her Highness would desire to platicate with him once again?"
"Sigh… Yes, certainly. While I do not believe it wise, her orders are clear. There is also the matter I told you about, to at least maintain appearances with the fox and see whether she honors her word," she says, a venomous tincture brewing. "Now that Raiho-sama has departed, it is perhaps the most auspicious time for Her Highness and Kouzuki to platicate again."
"…I assume she did not retract her words?" Maya groans, I sigh and place my full palm onto my face, resting onto the chair, lifting the legs off the floor.
"I shall concede that the points she raised were valid," she starts, slow and frozen. "However, to still put into question the resolve of the Shogun, it is nothing but treason."
"…Yet, if not for that, perhaps Yuuhi-sama wouldn't be acting with as much haste as she is. If she already had extended an offer to aid him, and he has recalled anything at all, there is no point in focusing in such petty details."
"Sigh… I suppose," she relents, leaving silence hanging for a moment. I know those two never got along well, more after the invasion, yet I want to believe both you and Raiho share the same goal, as I do too. A small cough, a contained snowfall follows. "In any case, please do not dally in requesting this call. If you can try and garner anything to at least placate the blaze, it would be much appreciated," she tells, weary, with the decaying impulse of one final, dried leave forever departing from a branch.
"Understood. I shall be trying to attain an answer soon enough. If the cousins find anything else, I shall be relaying that alongside my report later at night," I affirm, resting the chair back on the floor, straightening myself and smoothing my dress.
"Copy that. Godspeed, Mana," she says, lowering her tone, her guard, slumping within the cage before cutting the connection.
Resting the comms onto the wood, slowly letting my arms come into a soft knot, I simply stare at the desk as I move my neck to the sides, hearing something crack. Not only the cousins' full report, regarding the ESPer's closeness towards Takeru and his own adusted reaction, but Meiya-sama's account on his words paints a harsh visage looming behind the horizon. Takeru always sings during battle, yet the tone indicates the motive, the wording his goals. He was truly upset, from the bottom of his heart, if the savagery of his shouts was not exaggerated by Meiya-sama. If he recalled something and he does not desire to approach us, is he confusing the memories? Not believing them? Or, perhaps, could Kouzuki have a hand in this?
Going by his reactions during the fight and his reluctance to approach me, could he believe we restrained him after Kageyuki-san's death? It is odd Kouzuki hasn't tried to inquire on the matter, too, if he disclosed anything to her. Rubbing my forehead, another sigh leaves me as I look up.
I suppose, waiting is all that can be done now. Meiya-sama and both cousins should gain anything from their interactions with him, and hopefully that will be enough to assuage Her Highness' ill mood. If Takeru has remained silent, Kouzuki must be bidding her time to breach the subject and not risk him suffering from any recoil. And if not I do not pity her, for the retribution Yuuhi-sama shall unleash is an end I do not wish upon even my enemies.
Opening a drawer, I take out the UN communicator I was given, slowly tapping at the buttons, searching the ID of the proper channel. Taking in a sharp breath, crossing a leg and pinching my chin, I input the command and bring the device to my ear.
I'll have to mind my words carefully, lest she'll treat this as further pressure, intimidation. I assume, she should be aware of what happened in the training and perhaps will deem us a hazard, perhaps even remove the cousins from his side due to their reaction against the ESPer.
The automatic receiver answers from the other side, asking for me to input the Code for the office I desire to be connected to. Quickly following with the XO's quarters, the machine takes a moment before accepting the connection, the tune echoing once again. I know the fox has expressly requested I only call her directly in case of emergency, yet these matters with the negotiations for the relief efforts should suffice. If she hangs once I try and delve into the other subject, that is a plentiful answer in and of itself.
Still, it is imperative to alert her of the block to the negotiations. So long as Kouzuki keeps her end of the deal, time is all Takeru needs, and perhaps a showing of fellowship. He did… request empathy out of me during the mock battle. Considering what he had to do, the role he had to play… Sigh. Again tilting back on the chair, I ruffle and twirl my hair. I should have been more careful, should have actually listened to his words. If only the XO could allow another talk with him… I doubt we will be able to share some words any time soon, Takeru. I only hope you are faring-
"Vice Commander's office. What may I do for you?"
"…Huh?" That voice… Did I hear that wrong?
"Could you hear me well?" He asks, coughing, a small jolt running from my nape to my heels. "You're speaking with XO Kouzuki's office. What business may I help you with?"
This is voice… This is-
A small creaking sound, my vision bends, the chair tips backwards and I slam against the floor. "Oof… Ugh…" Twice in the same day, to make matters worse.
"Um, excuse me? Is everything alright?" He asks, softly, the voice not changing at all.
I roll and rest my palm on the floor, slowly lifting myself, coughing softly. "Cadet Shirogane, is that you?"
"Ah… Yes, that is the case," he says, slightly slowing down his tone. "What can I help you with, 1st Lt Tsukuyomi?"
"Why- Why are you picking up this line? Where is the Vice Commander?" I ask, pulling the chair back up, brows crossing as I slowly sit.
"XO Kouzuki is AFK at the moment."
"What? Oh, you mean absent, right?" If my memory isn't failing me, that is.
"Yeah…" he stalls the words, seeming to groan a bit, just a bit. "So, as per my punishment, I am now tasked with receiving calls and redirecting them to the proper offices, or leave notes in case anyone requires to speak directly with the XO," he tells, simply and flatly, before coughing again. "What may I help you with?"
"Ahem… First, would you be in good health at the moment?"
"Yes, thanks for asking."
"I see… Cadet, allow me to apologize over what transpired in the mock battle. I did not intend my words to-"
"It's fine, don't bother," he says, lightly, a small glimmer gliding over the horizon, through the line. "On the contrary, it was my fault that things spiraled out of control. There is no blame on you, ma'am."
"Is that so?" I nod, licking my lips, compacting upon myself for a second as I ponder what to say. "It is good to know. Were you told of what was already arranged on the matter?"
"…No, not yet," he tells, slow, delayed and leaving a moment of silence hanging. "Am I correct in assuming no further inquiries will be forwarded?"
"Only if and when you welcome them, cadet. We only desire to aid you with the databases, nothing more. By the by… About our discussion during the battle-"
"Please, let's not. Our views don't match, we'll never see eye to eye," he deflects, affirming the absoluteness of his answer. "I understand that we come from different worlds, 1st Lt. After all…" he short, hollow sigh, a second of silence, "those of the Imperial Guard do believe Heaven can only be reached through Pandemonium."
"Wh- Excuse me, what?" I hit the wood, pursing my lips in a futile attempt to halt my words. "Cadet, that is not the case. Such a mantra is not what the IRG practices."
"Oh, for real?" He asks, slow, dismissive. "You did disagree with me back there, even if I do admit I got too heated about my, well, naive and ignorant ideals."
"We were merely arguing semantics," I counter, again pinching my nose, leaning into the desk as the venom of those last words constricts over my throat. "No warrior would desire death to be the sole metric upon which a life's worth is judged, I was merely saying there is no need to so harshly judge the actions of those who came before you since… it could take you down a path of wrath, rejecting their efforts. I… may not know what tribulations have you endured, yet I do not think our views to be opposites."
"…I see. So, why have you called the office? Would you like to leave a note for the XO?" He replies, monotonous yet still sounding welcoming, flowing easily as a calm river.
"Ahem… I heard the cousins had some trouble before with the assistant of the Professor?"
"Is that why you've called the office?"
"One of the matters it is, yes. Allow me to apologize in their stead, they are… not very welcoming towards foreigners," I relent, resting onto the wood.
"Oh, yes, I already know that. Very well, in fact," he tells, almost in jest, probably rolling his eyes. "Don't worry, I don't plan to let them argue with Kasumi. So long as we can coexist, it's all good. Just tell them to not think of approaching Kasumi as they did earlier, security will be forced to intervene," he warns, a slow thunder, the same shaving tone he employed when a shadow he was.
"Of course, I understand," I answer quickly, idling a finger atop a pencil, making it roll. "If I may, why were we not notified of your return to the training course yesterday night? The cousins should have escorted you to the sim room and back, according to our agreement."
He chuckles shortly, light and melting the ice from his voice. "It's cool, I insisted to go train to get back in the groove. The XO simply didn't want to pressure you in the middle of the night, is all."
"Is that so…" The cheer and usual relaxed tone tells he isn't hiding anything, yet I doubt XO Kouzuki would risk this to be misunderstood.
"I also didn't know they were assigned to follow me when I went to train, so the blame lays on me, really," he adds a second later.
"Eh? Did the XO not notify you?"
"Not until I was ready to return to my cell, no."
Hmm… How curious. I had assumed the woman was being truthful when she said Takeru would remain in good hands, yet here we are apparently. Gripping the pencil, pressing my lips, I sheathe my words and choose to slowly exhale instead.
"I see. So, you've been tasked to do office work for the XO personally?"
"Not like I could be elsewhere without risks or forcing the 2nd Lts to stay close. Really, I'm doing less than you'd expect," he chuckles again, the sound of some ruffling papers coming up. "Well, did you require anything else?"
"I had an inquiry for the XO herself, when may I call back?"
"Hmm… After 1500 hours she should be back here in person. Is there anything you'd like to relay to the Vice Commander?" He asks in a corporate tone once again, it makes my teeth sink onto my lips, flick the pencil to the other end of the desk.
"No, it is an important matter, so simply tell her I shall be calling back."
"Understood. Anything else, 1st Lt Tsukuyomi?"
"Would you be in a hurry?" I ask, swaying in the chair again, frowning a bit at the hastiness with which he desires to end our talk.
"Not really, I just need to finish sorting some papers. Did you want to leave another message?" He says, still keeping that fake business tone.
"I would… be wishing to ask you for some minutes to platicate. Would that be agreeable?"
A moment of silence extends, enough to force a gulp out of me.
The flop of a heavy stack of papers in the distance comes up, before the whirring of a chair reaches my ears
"What exactly would you be wishing to ask of me, 1st Lt, ma'am?" He asks, back to the shaving wording, the forced formality.
"I assume cadet Mitsurugi held some… mistaken views towards you? Do not mistake them as her true feelings, we do no wish to antagonize you, cadet."
"I see."
"…And, if you ever need to depart to the medbay, do inform the cousins. We cannot be too careful as things stand nor do we desire to impair your training regime."
"I see."
…Takeru, please. "Ahem… So, if there is ever anything you'd desire to talk about with us, do not hesitate to reach out. I was told you… believe it is dangerous to approach me, yet that is not the case. I hoist no animosity towards you, cadet Shirogane," I state, giving a small palm to the desk.
"I see. Thanks for the gesture, ma'am," he utters, faint as a cloud, undisturbed like pure snow, cold.
"No, it is nothing… I only hope you truly do not hoist any mistaken views of us, and I reiterate my apology towards you."
"Really, don't," he tells, another small glimmer through the blizzard. "It ain't your fault, I lost my cool first."
"It was still my miss, as the officer I am. Thus, well, is there anything you'd wish to request out of me? If you were wishing for our aid, my ears are open," I ask, holding my breath, clutching the comms closer.
"…I assume Her Highness asked you to inquire about me regaining my citizenship?"
"Eh? Ah, well, yes… I was told you… platicated with her for some moments," I admit, slow gestures as I swipe my hair off my forehead. "Would you wish to accept our aid to restore your databases?"
"…That won't be necessary, but thanks for the offer," he says, downcast.
"Pardon? What do you mean, it isn't necessary?"
"Opportunities don't arrive freely, 1st Lt," he tells, slow as I hear him start to spin in a chair. "Talent on its own cannot break through the clouds, so making the most out of the chances you get is important, I think."
"…Huh?" But those words… I told him that many moons ago. If you recall that then, "Why refuse our aid? Isn't this a prime opportunity for you? You could… become a fellow once again, after all."
"Aren't you seeing me as something I'm not, ma'am?"
"Something, instead of someone. Could you enlighten me on the meaning of said words?"
"Heh… Well, you're helping out due to," he stops, words and the spin, as pungency permeates his voice, "who you believe I could be. But that's not who I am now. So, could we please try and coexist as things stand now?"
"…I believe Her Highness herself had made it clear, that you are a fellow of ours. Whether you choose to regain your identity or not, at the very least your citizenship has to be returned to you."
"…Maybe later. Let's not force any issues, please, ma'am," he asks, dull, low, vanishing in image of the afterglow surrendering to dusk.
"What are we speaking of? The Shogun herself has confirmed-"
"1st Lt, ma'am, certainly you can see what issues will arise if someone like me were to be shielded by Her Highness?" He asks in assertion, once more endowing the sting of a blizzard. "This is no time to be spawning rifts, 1st Lt. Someone of my station has nothing to offer in return of the favor that it is to be granted the goodwill of the Shogun."
"That… might be so, yes," hands curl in before flicking the pencil again, before resting a brow upon my fingers, "however, you are the son of a vassal. It would be a most regrettable shame if-"
"What would be a shame is Her Highness suffering through undeserved setbacks due to the aid she has extended towards me, a mere peasant," he affirms, once again without hesitation or delay, absolute as the dusk of a new moon night. "Even if wild horses wouldn't drag her away as of now," he says, with a light chuckle, "if these issues were noticed, many would be the troubles going her way. It is far easier to mend the databases and simply let me be, to avoid any ties to be brought to you."
"…What are you saying? You don't even know-"
"Now, 1st Lt Tsukuyomi," he says, coughing, frosting, "if my memories of my talk with Her Highness are not mistaken, she had forwarded the idea that someone from the fellowship had been hired by my late Father to take care of me while he was on duty."
The formal telling, the molded wording brings tension to my stomach, recalling the whisper, the steps of the shadow that once followed, judged from afar. So I cough, place my free hand on the base of my neck. "That might be the case, I assume. If so, do you not desire to-"
"Do you not think it is extremely selfish of me, to try and entangle those people with my current woes?" He asks, once again low, the snow melting away. "There is little a baseborn like me can offer in offering for these favors, much less if being linked to me brings judgment and trouble to your fellowship. I'm sure that such a gesture towards a commoner won't be taken well by the more… intense members of the IRG, just as Mitsurugi reacted against me."
"But that is not-"
"You should know, better than me, that there are many threads tied into the knot you're trying to untie, how it all weights on the Shogun's shoulder. And how time is of essence and she cannot spare the horses. To either face the error in the databases exposed or for her mingling with a commoner to be discovered, someone as violent as me, who is in UN, would be nothing short of fair for Her Highness, wouldn't you agree?"
Nibbling at my bottom lip upon the ice blade hewn into the voice, contraction coming to my neck and shoulders, I simply sigh, heavy. "While that is true, and your concern over Her Highness is welcomed, you are deserving of a reward. Do you not desire to search for the ties that you once had?"
"If wishes were horses, beggars would ride. And Her Highness shouldn't be forced to beat a dead horse, it's better for me to remain as I am now."
"…Do you not think abandoning you to fate would be far more cruel, far worse on the Shogun's image?"
"It if it prevents rifts from spawning, yes," he tells, simply, coldly, as if merely announcing an obvious answer. "Please remember that, even in the most favorable case, you are still wanting Her Highness the Shogun to favor a baseborn UN soldier that killed your fellow Japanese."
"You should be aware the CCSE is not a fair metric upon which to judge you!" I hit the wood, sending the pencil to the floor, feeling my lips fold in, air barely seeping through my throat.
He simply sighs. "And you should know how the intel would be taken, and how it will be used to pressure her. She has done enough for me, as you have too, by not forcing a brand upon me for possessing a Minaru Kamui illegally. Thanks, really, but," he takes a second, sighing softly, I then hear the chain spinning once more, "I think you'd agree that it is for the greater good to not rock the boat. Nothing good will come out from letting such shadows linger near the light, I'm sure you'd agree, 1st Lt."
"…What?" Did he just… Is he holding a grudge? No, wait, he shouldn't- Did he remember?! "Cadet, what are we speaking about? Certainly, simply restoring your rightful citizenship can not be the source of such concern."
"Well… No, but it's true that I don't want more problems to happen because of me. Both Her Highness and the Vice Commander have much to deal with, there is no need to pile on further pressure," he says, back to a rather normal tone.
"Her Highness had already expressed her wish for you to regain your identity, right? Could the XO be… behind this rejection you're displaying?"
"She is not pleased, to be honest. How would you feel if a mere cadet was giving you such trouble when you have more pressing matters at hand? Sure, I don't really know what's going on in the base, but the Vice Commander was on edge lately so I assume something serious is happening, or going to," he tells, heaving a sigh.
I see, if the announcement is to be believed then, the project is about to bestow results. To be faced with Her Highness' ire while she rather be finishing the preparations on her end must have been excruciatingly arduous, yet the words she gave indicated she desired Takeru to remain under her. Was she merely admonishing him?
"So," he coughs, "all I'm trying to do is make myself useful, making the most of what little time I have left." Huh? What does that- "While I thank your deference, there's no need for you to bother with the likes of me, 1st Lt Tsukuyomi, ma'am."
"Excuse me, what did you mean before?"
"If you'd permit me," he continues, unaffected, again low and sharp, "I believe you should be more concerned over the ripples my identity could have if and when the XO inevitably asks me to regain my Japanese citizenship. How the threads that will fall once this knot is untied could cause a premature sunset."
Eyes widen as do my lips, yet I do not take in air. "…Wait, are you-"
"Thus, please do fulfill your duty, 1st Lt Tsukuyomi. Stop looking out for someone who is no more, and do ensure nothing weakens Her Highness or troubles the XO. I'd hate myself if either of them were to be placed in jeopardy due to my presence, so kindly cease your inquiries. And, if and when no bad apples can get in the way… maybe then we can continue this conversation, 1st Lt, ma'am."
"I see… If such is your wish, I shall respect it. Would there be anything you'd like to request or express? If only as a gesture of goodwill."
"…Well, some pudding would be real nice right now."
"Pudding, huh… Do you favor such desserts, cadet?"
"Yeah, I liked homemade pudding much. Still, nothing I can do under the punishment. Well, I've got some papers to tackle so if there's nothing else, I'll be hanging up."
"If I may, was this concern of yours towards Her Highness… sparked by the conference?"
"Conference?" He asks, finally breaking the relaxed tone, back to the unsheathed blade.
"Yes, you see, Her Highness held a conference moments ago, where she expressed her feelings on the current situation of the Empire. Were you not allowed to listen to it?" I ask, low, hand in my face.
"…Sadly, as you can see, I was left in an office to handle paperwork. It sucks, but I suppose I'll hear something in the hallways," he repines a bit, spinning in the chair once more.
So you were left unable to hear the announcement, huh. Interesting and curious, indeed. "Would these tasks not be taking their toll on you, cadet? You did seem rather exhausted after the training, according to the cousins," leaning on the desk, pinching my chin, I focus.
On the small sigh, the sudden halt of the spin. "Yeah, just a bit," and the weary and decaying tone he now makes. "It is what it is, though. Tell the 2nd Lts not to worry, I can take this."
"Were you not given any aid? I had assumed the assistant would also join in such tasks?"
"No, as of now I am on my own. I am sure you know, but Kasumi isn't the XO's assistant just for show. Anyways, was there anything else?"
Treading my hair, I cough and try to clear the dryness of my lips, straightening my posture on the chair. "I did have one final query. If you were in need of aid, perhaps, couldn't you request the one known as Kagami to support you? I believed you worked alongside-"
"Excuse me, what was that?" He cuts, searing, blazing as when the shadow of black fire he was.
"…What is the matter?" I compact, the same cold shiver running down my nape as whenever he used to stand behind me during those days.
"Where did you hear… No, why did Meiya tell you about her? You wouldn't have forced her to speak, would you 1st Lt, ma'am?" He asks, demands, short and precise as a simple volley, yet still burning a small injury upon my throat.
"…Ahem. If you must know, Meiya-sama was concerned over the words you spoke during your sparring. She merely thought it wise to notify us that, well, her views of you were mistaken. I then informed her you were not under suspicions, and that the cousins were following you under protection and not otherwise."
"And why did she speak about Kagami?" He presses, not dulling the impulse of the arrow, the glare of the dragster chasing me down.
"Please, do not hoist such apprehension, cadet. Meiya-sama was merely concerned over your special assignments taking a toll on your constitution," I say, relenting a sigh, narrowing brows, lips and legs. "Is this Kagami not aiding you as of now?"
"1st Lt, as I asked of Mitsurugi, you should not delve into this matter. Ever. I asked her to keep this a secret for a reason, dammit," he states, still blazing.
"…Why, it seems that everything around you is a secret. You're like a box full of mysteries."
"This is hardly a matter to jest about, 1st Lt Tsukuyomi," he warns, I can sense the scorching of his composure peeling away. "I will have to ask of you to kindly not divulge a word to anyone else about her."
"May I ask the motives behind such… adusted impulse residing in your words?"
"Because Kagami's situation is very delicate, she is as important as Kasumi. If anything is disclosed about her, and if the XO finds it was because of me, you can bet she's gonna lose her marbles. Please, I know I cannot ask much of you, but take my standing into account if you will, 1st Lt."
"There is no need for such words, I do not wish to worsen your situation, cadet. And, you are a fellow of ours. If that is your wish, I shall respect it," I sigh, nodding, my free arm embracing my upset stomach. "Still, it is quite curious. Why would you be placed near such key individuals, if your situation is so delicate?"
"Well, they both helped me when I just arrived," he tells, back to normal, under the waves. "I've been assigned to lend them a hand when I can since the XO saw I hold no prejudices towards Kasumi, is all. Please, do not disclose anything about them… let's not force a, ahem, solar storm to come our way."
"I see… Very well, then. I shall acquiesce to your petition. And do not place blames on Meiya-sama, all she desired was to mend the rift her attitude seems to have spawned in your comrades," I ask, shoulders sagging.
Takeru scoffs, sounding angry. "…She had given me her word, and it didn't take a day for her to break it. I expected more of her, to be honest," he fumes momentarily, groaning. "Anyways, please, let's not force an argument about Kagami. It would be better to keep certain things from reaching the light," he affirms, coughing a bit. Was the wording deliberate? I am receiving mixed signals in your tone, Takeru.
"I understand, cadet. And worry not, I shan't pressure the XO unnecessarily, either. Well then, this shall be all. Farewell."
"That's wrong, 1st Lt Tsukuyomi," he immediately counters, almost chuckling.
"How so?"
"It's 'See you later', not 'Farewell'. I assume we shall be seeing each other and, even if things won't ever be as pleasant as they once were, I do hope we can remain in good terms," he says softly, slowly, as if extending a hand to the stars when he was little.
"I see… Indeed, I too desire to that to be the case. Do you… believe you'll be able to one day regain your citizenship, then?" I ask, leaning forward, joining my knees, pressing my lips.
He lightly chuckles, spinning slowly in the chair. "If the situation can be salvaged, and XO Kouzuki sees no threats in the horizon, then I may accept your proposal to visit the Capital. Maybe you could suggest me some establishments to try some pudding once I do?"
"…It'll be my pleasure then, to recommend you the best homemade pudding of the Empire," I say with a smile again, leaning back onto the chair, swaying a bit, enjoying the soothing tone as if floating in the sea.
"It's a date, then! That'll be much appreciated, 1st Lt," he answers, calm and bright.
"Well, I shan't disturb your work any longer. I hope the day when you can… regain what you've lost can come soon. See you later, cadet Shirogane."
"…See you later, Mana-nee."
"Wh- A-Ahh!" Again, the chair tips, I meet the ground.
Groaning as I roll and caress the place of impact, the comms lay on the floor. Returning only the empty tune now that the connection has been dropped. And yet, I cannot lift myself from the floor, remaining in a crawling position. Hiccups on my breathing, distortion caused by dampness on my sight as my nails bend upon pressure onto the tiles.
Coughing, supporting myself on the desk and picking up the pencil, I quickly restore the chair to its proper position. Readying a page, twirling the pencil, I start to pour all the words, all that at first I thought were coincidences but were actually deliberate. Not giving my lips any respite, still breathing with an open mouth. Because not only he remembers, not only Takeru truly recalls us…
"…But you believe Yuuhi-sama to be in danger, and have kept quiet about your situation thus far. If he also believes Kouzuki could be impaired by his identity, if he still supports the workload given to him…"
Bad apples.
That is what he said.
That was the calling card, the warning the snake of the garden gave. The sign he said would be followed by those he tried to erase from this Empire of ours.
Feeling a void in my stomach, my scribbles gain speed despite the roughness of my strokes. If he truly was conscious of it all, and spoke in consequence… then I must decipher what 1st Lt Shirogane was trying to request out of me, not only for the coming call I need to make towards the XO but also…
"…Oh, by the Holy Emperor," I slump onto my desk, both hands tugging at my hair. "Takeru, why must you always leave the harshest reports to Yuuhi-sama in my hands?! What am I even supposed to tell her now if you want her to not grow adusted?! Sigh… Still… Hehe… It is a blessing, to hear you composed again. It truly… will be my pleasure, to once more make pudding for you and the cousins. So," coughing, rubbing my face with both hands, throwing my hair back and inhaling sharply, again I wield the pen, "I must note everything to the utmost detail, as detailed as the report for Her Highness must become."