Chapter 88:
Jester's Quiz
December 5th. A few minutes before 3 PM.
(Hangar.)
All stood still, ears sharpened and listening. From the available speakers in the expansive room parts of the speech from Her Highness the Shogun are repeated, intensely commented on by the debating journalists. Even the smallest clanking ceases upon the silky voice, all foreigners ceasing their movements in a show of respect to their comrades who stand in attention when hearing the pleasant flow the speech.
Sights that untie the knots choking chests, features that tense upon the words and turn away, two sides of the same coin, two sides of the same argument. Both born out of equal concern, yet fundamentally different.
"A request for another evacuation… I dunno how to feel about this," Ayamine says as her arms slowly cross, sight downcast. Rubbing her arms slowly, she tries to dispel the narrowing of humid walls that choke her, the overflowed and thick air of the slums again kidnapping her sense of smell.
"It's a commendable request," Jinguuji begins, tapping her shoulder, breaking Ayamine's ill reminiscence. "Sometimes, there is little to do besides weathering the storm. I understand how you could feel about this Ayamine, but there is only so much we can do to aid those who remain living beyond the defense lines," she sighs, dropping the mask as she nods. "And considering the last result of the BETA incursion in Niigata, the eruption is but the perfect excuse to order the evacuation. It's not a work anyone wants to tackle, but it is a necessary evil even if the slums are already in a compromising position."
The cadet returns the gesture, sighing briefly and resuming her aid to prepare the lesson under the calm company of the silky voice, the debating journalists and mechanics that express the same concerns anyone with knowledge of the precarious situation of the shelters would do. Deafening her ears, Ayamine simply entrusts herself to the work. Tending to each crate, to ensure enough tools were in each, she reports that the last one lacks a wrench, causing the Instructor to heave a sigh. The small matter leaves their minds as a low rumble reaches the hangar, a Gekishin unit being docked in.
All the other present begin to whisper, small gestures, glances at the still damaged machine. The Gekishin the soldier used during his bout against the guards, with part of its plating still showing the marking of violence endowed in said mock battle.
"…I suppose this is also part of his punishment, huh," Jinguuji comments, a hand slowly swimming through her hair.
"Instructor, ma'am, will Shirogane be tasked with servicing this unit?" Ayamine asks, standing upright.
"I assume so, since there is little reason to send this unit here otherwise," she relents a nod, a shrug.
"Ma'am, requesting permission to operate in pairs during the training," she asks, an unblinking stare upon Jinguuji.
"Motives for the request?"
"Shirogane mentioned before he is not confident in his maintenance skills. I believe it would be more fruitful to pair him with someone who could aid this lacking aspect he has. The same applies for Tamase. Since in the frontlines a squad must collaborate with their mechanics at times, I believe this would be a good opportunity for us to operate as a real squad would," she tells, complexion unfaltering, unblinking as she stares.
The Instructor sighs again as a hand rests on her forehead, rubbing it softly as Ayamine remains silently staring. Her answer stays captive within the throat as footsteps inch closer in quick succession. Turning around, the remaining four girls of the squadron stand in a line and salute, notifying their arrival to the training. Ayamine goes to join the line, still staring at Jinguuji, unblinkingly so.
Pacing in front of them and coughing into a hand, the Instructor nods and folds her arms. "Alright, all of you. As you know, today is maintenance day. If you reviewed your textbooks as you should, this training should not be too difficult. You will have two hours to try and repair small sections of the joints and cockpits of your TSFs, and do a system check to ensure your task was completed successfully," she slowly tells, as slow as her pacing back and forth in front of them, giving them all a side glance. "While I don't expect a perfect performance on your first hands-on maintenance, I am looking forward to the results you'll produce. If there are any doubts, either me or the crew nearby can aid you. Do remember to pay attention to what you see, what your movements cause in the TSFs," she states, chin upwards, drilling her gaze into each and every one of them for a second. "This training isn't solely about how to mend the TSFs but to also let you see how your choice of maneuvers impairs the machine."
"Yes, ma'am!"
"Now, unlike usually… we shall approach this training in pairs. Sakaki with Yoroi, Mitsurugi with Tamase, and Ayamine with Shirogane," she notes, halting her walk to observe them well.
Minute glances towards Mitsurugi, whose lips purse ever so slightly. And the smallest, briefest hint of a smile in Ayamine's face, the faintest relaxation in Tamase's breathing as Mitsurugi returns a subtle nod her way.
"I expect a report for tomorrow's morning lecture, about the difference you found in each TSF's maintenance," she concludes with a firm nod, which they all answer in unison as habitually. "Good. Now then," her voice drifts off, her gaze cast towards the hallway, lips pressing a bit.
As if beckoned by her stare, the soldier walks into the hangar, once again messing with his hair as both cousins follow close by, unrelenting in their small queries, the small, shallow breaths they take upon the rather somber and neutral facade dad chooses to employ on them. Both guards salute the Instructor, taking their vigilance to a spot where they'll remain undetected.
"Apologies for the tardiness, Instructor!" He says, standing stiff, hands at the seams. "My prior assignment had some… difficulties in letting me go," he folds a sigh, a minute lowering of both brows.
"I see. In any case, we shall be taking on this training as pairs, you're with Ayamine," she reports, holding his gaze, gauging his reaction.
The freshness of his gestures, despite the slowness, grants her some respite and Jinguuji returns a nod, allowing the cadets to be lectured by the mechanics one last time before starting on their duties.
It does not elude her, however, the downcast gaze the soldier throws at his unit as he approaches it after the preliminary lecture. For a moment, the Instructor tilts her head, rubs her eyes, as a few cerulean fireflies spark away as he gently rests a hand upon the cockpit of the Gekishin. Sighing at what she assumes is the stress and tiredness seeping in, she leaves the cadets in charge of the mechanics, going to the closest vending machine to get some much needed caffeine into her system.
Meanwhile, as the clanking and whirring of machinery resumes, as hands grip onto cold steel and follow pointers, the cadets all look to one another, taking a step forward. For a moment, only the silence and rustling of iron can be heard. Despite being tasked with the simplest parts of the Fubukis, minutes pass as they look at the parts, at the inner recordings of their lectures before hands respond to the command, before even starting. And even when they do begin, their breathing remains isolated, their movements as delicate as if handling porcelain.
"…Damn, you really destroyed this thing, Special-kun," Ayamine comments, giving a solemn nod to the Gekishin.
"Well, it's what happens when you crash land," he chuckles erratically, looking down.
She pats his shoulder, giving a small smile. "Look well, this part here needs lots of care," she notes, pointing to the gears that open or close the cockpit.
As they tend to his Gekishin, a relaxed and easy flow in between them, Mitsurugi and both cousins cannot help but to stare a bit for moments at a time. Obvious it is that Ayamine is placing herself in between the samurai's line of sight and him, throwing back glances every now and then, a sharp and blazing gaze towards Mitsurugi, who looks away to avoid a confrontation. For a time, their training proceeds smoothly despite some setbacks in the complexity they yet cannot tend to on their own, Tamase deflating and almost flying away like a wounded balloon, Sakaki massaging her temple and wanting to melt into the floor upon inciting a detailed rambling from Yoroi about the modular nature of the Fubuki.
"…Don't we need a wrench to replace this thing here?" He asks, slowly caressing his head on instinct, recalling the tomahawk technique his prior comrades learned back then.
"Yeah, you're right," Ayamine nods, rubbing some soot off her nose.
"Looks like our crate doesn't have one, huh…" he comments as he rummages through the supply crate assigned to them, lips pursing as he blinks slowly, again shielding his head with a hand.
"Ah, here," Mitsurugi hastily steps forward, procuring a wrench and extending it in offering, "you can use ours." Yet, the relaxed gesture grows tense as his eyes refuse to meet hers, as his posture compacts onto itself, retreating back into the stillness of a cave. "…Takeru? What is-"
"Ayamine, here," Sakaki calls out, throwing a wrench in a slow tomahawk, Ayamine catching in in midair like a goalkeeper sealing a corner kick. "Once you're done there, hand it over."
"Of course, ma'am," she gives an exaggerated salute and a smile, causing Yoroi and the soldier to chuckle at Sakaki's grumbles.
And yet, Mitsurugi's lips purse, the once calm hold turning into a tight vicegrip over the refused wrench as he slowly walks away back to the Gekishin. Contraction in her throat, eyelids that grow closer, squinted. "Takeru, I was-"
"Can you not?" He asks, almost pleads, in a low whisper. "Please keep your distance, Mitsurugi-san."
"But I was only-"
Ayamine glares, Sakaki stares, and he walks away with a sigh. So Mitsurugi simply folds her words, hand limply falling, walking back to the petrified Tamase. Still glancing at him throughout the training, softly nibbling at her bottom lip, at the smile and relaxed gestures he gives to Ayamine, the small jokes he shares with Yoroi to Sakaki's complains. Even at the tools he extends to Tamase as the girl fidgeted about as her mind blanked on how to proceed.
And she can only heave a sigh, feeling the cold gust of dusk envelop her whole at how his gaze avoids hers. At the frail slump in his shoulders, the stiff posture he gains after their eyes cross, the aversion overflowing.
Almost two hours later.
"Well, I'll be damned," Jinguuji slowly claps, smirking and nodding. "I didn't think you'd actually finish before time is up. Good work, squad."
"Thank, ma'am!" All reply in unison, again standing in a line.
"While I understand the setbacks you faced, the end result is, once again, better than previous cadet squadrons achieved in their first go at the maintenance. Don't rest on your laurels and redouble your reading on the basics, build firm foundations and ensure you can be entrusted with repair duty when extra hands are needed," she states, raising her voice a bit, the scythe out of her as her expression tightens.
"Ma'am, yes, ma'am!" The six reply again, a few more stiffly then before.
"In any case, good job. I am looking forward to your reports on the maintenance duty for tomorrow's morning lecture. This shall be all for today, however. Dismissed!"
"Salute!" Sakaki orders and the cadets exchange the gesture with her teacher, who nods with a smirk, honest in its contentment, before slowly strolling to the hallway. Once Jinguuji is out of sight, she sighs as she taps her glasses. "Oh, thank the Emperor. For a moment I was sure we were not going to make it…"
"Come on, Chizuru-san," Yoroi pats her shoulder, returning a thumbs up, "we were making good time. And anyways, all we had to do was follow the pointers detailed in the report about the benefits of the modular design for-"
"It's because of your ramblings we almost didn't finish," she admonishes, shrugging. "Yoroi, I really thank you for the pointers, but please don't go on so many tangents. Leave that for class, okay?"
"…Well, if you insist," she nods, joining her hands, lips shrugging slightly. "Anyways, what of you guys? You also finished the repairs, was it too hard?"
"There's so many gears…" Tamase says, slumping down, melting into a slime. "And there's so many cables, and some parts are almost the same… and the explosive set in the blade pylons didn't want to fit in… Awawawa."
"Worry not, Tamase. I believe we made a decent enough job on the surface repairs we were tasked with. No one shall fault us for a pair of mistakes," Mitsurugi reassures, smiling at the small dam cracking due to overflowing concern.
"What of you, Ayamine?" Sakaki asks to the silent duo, tapping her glasses.
"Stuff went fine, save for the Geki's cockpit. The hatch was in need of lots of oil, and probably will need a serious repair," the soldier says, scratching his head, looking down.
"It was made a mess, really," Ayamine affirms, tapping his arm. "Even the simple matter of getting the system of the control unit to do the check for errors took us quite some time, same for making sure everything worked as intended. Still, thanks to it being a bit more simple, it didn't take us much to see what we had to do," she smiles, nodding.
"Yeah, the Gekishin's simplistic way of operating does help with the maintenance, even when you thrash them," he nods, recalling the scolding his mechanics gave him in his loops due to the abuse he subjected his unit to.
"I see," she taps her glasses, coughing softly. "Squad, what do you say of meeting in the library before our night sim run to review the material and prepare the reports?" The other four nod, dad scratches his head and looks away. "Are you available, Shirogane-kun?"
"Uh, well, I don't think so. I actually gotta return to the underground right away, and I don't know if I'll get permission to join in the night training," he sighs, shoulders sagging a bit.
"Well, nothing we can do… Anyways, let's be going to the barracks. You can come with us until the elevator, right Shirogane-kun?" He nods, she smiles, and so all six of them make their way into the hallway.
At first, they merely extend their shoulders and arms, relaxing their tension, idly platicating about the training, a gaze of azure seeking the one of light brow and being ignored at large, a few lingering whispers follow their steps until a cordial pair of guards places their attention upon the fools.
"Still…" Yoroi says, hands behind her head as she looks up, "do you guys really think a volcano is gonna erupt?"
"It wouldn't be odd," Sakaki notes with a slow, dejected gesture, the finger barely finishing the circles. "Volcanic activity has been on the rise, and, well, I can comprehend the concerns fueling the request."
"…I still think it's a bad call," the raven says, arms tying into a firm sailor knot. "The slums are full already, and I don't think this benefits anyone," she repines, knowing full well that complains will fall upon the government for the worsening situation in the shelters, yet also being aware that leaving the people in the loneliness of the wilderness is not an option for they as soldiers. "If the army has to do what it can for the people it protects, what would be the correct choice? To allow them to live and die in their homes or to safeguard their future and the heritage of their villages?"
"I, too, think the same as Ayamine," Mitsurugi affirms, a slight frown setting in, light vanishing from her features as the incoming dusk. "I do not believe it wise, to place further burdens upon our people. And also, the IJA is already lacking hands at the moment. While I comprehend the concerns Her Highness must hoist… I have my doubts regarding this request."
"Meiya-san, what are you saying? You want to abandon those people?" Yoroi glares at Mitsurugi, the slicing of wilderness all over her body, the soreness of limbs and back, the silence of the dark when forced to camp in the open during the evacuation.
Losing words at the unexpected counter, Mitsurugi's frowns gains impulse as her arms fold. "No, I did not meant to say that."
"Then, why did you say that? The soldiers have to protect the people, right?"
"The army has to do what is in the people's best interests. I highly doubt this motion truly benefits anyone," she states, knowing, dreading the pressure which upon her sister falls, understanding the pain of being taken away from the place one favors the most. For a moment, the last meeting with Raiden flashes in her eyes, and in an attempt to remain composed she clamps her lips and looks away.
Taking the gesture as dismissal, shaking subtly as her stomach tightens, Yoroi hugs herself while looking away. "What if the volcano erupts? Would you leave them there, knowing they're in danger?"
"I mean… It's their land. If it is their desire to perish there… It's their life, isn't it?" Mitsurugi slowly says, still looking away, lips regressing, fingers delving into the curves of her forearm, preying upon the muscles that tense up.
"It's the army's duty to do what it can for its people," Ayamine says, a poison sting as she glares at Mitsurugi, ignoring the pull Tamase enforces on her sleeve. "While I agree the shelters are note exactly a nice place to be in, if there is an eruption it is the duty of any soldier to protect the civilians."
"I am not decrying that," she counters, sighing hard but short, shaking her head. "I'm merely saying that, if it is their desire to remain there, why force an altercation? Why take them forcefully from their homes?"
"…Her Highness wants everyone to be safe," Ayamine takes a step closer to the purple blaze, shrugging Tamase's hold off her arm. "Protecting the civilians' lives is something only the army can be entrusted to do."
"…Living and being kept alive are not the same thing," Mitsurugi scoffs, turning away, speeding up, trying to end the argument. "And in the current stage of the Empire, I highly doubt Her Highness desires for such barbarity to befall our people."
"What are you trying to say, Mitsurugi?" Sakaki asks, lips narrowing as do her eyes, throat constricting ever so slowly. "Who are you blaming for this 'barbaric orders', then?"
"I am not blaming anyone, cease placing words in my mouth," she counters, folding her arms again.
"C-Come on, we all agree that we're worried about the eruption, right?" Tamase wails, placing herself in between the squad leader and the 2IC, waving both arms in the air as if she were drowning. "Sometimes, imperfect methods have to be used to prevent something worse from happening, right? I-I mean, if a volcano does erupt, there's no way the army won't have to do an emergency sortie, right, right?"
A gentle hand pats the small shoulder, diffusing the spiky tension in Tamase. Smiling her way, Takeru nods. "Yeah, Tama's right. It's better to prevent than to lament, and turning a blind eye to the people's woes is not wise," he affirms, his sight remaining in the other three's for a second, until his firm gaze makes them all relent a nod.
"Yeah, I agree," Yoroi says, doubting in meeting the other's gazes as she hugs an elbow and the wall as her pace slows down a bit. "Reacting to the problem would be worse in the people's eyes, after all."
"…Misjudging the threat to forward the evacuation is equally, if not worse than that," Mitsurugi affirms, nibbling at her lips, trying to tame the slices and gashes which pour over her at the thought of her sister remaining alone in the podium again, on the concern she noticed in Yuuhi's complexion.
"I do agree with that… but that doesn't mean we shouldn't try and save them from an eruption," Ayamine says, giving the azure samurai the evil eye.
"Casting doubts on the authorities under biases is also not wise, Mitsurugi," Sakaki points out, lips shrugging at how she knows that, perhaps, her comrade is speaking the truth about the deals her father must meet to ensure the threads that hold peace together remain undisturbed.
"Ahem!" He folds his arms, a brow twitching. "Look guys, sometimes shit is gonna hit the fan, like it or not," he starts slowly, sighing, looking up as acid claws up to his lips. "While acting on the ideals each of us holds dear ain't a problem, it is when it starts interfering with our duty. And even if we can and should speak out if we notice something is wrong in the field, doing it with so much venom is gonna backfire."
"I doubt any Japanese fellow would be able to remain composed in front of such an affront to our rightful land," Mitsurugi says, sighing, slumping a bit. "Simply thinking on forcing villagers to depart from their homes… is honestly enough to make me lose my appetite."
"…Same here," Ayamine nods, shoulders eroding in the same dejection as she fiddles with her hair. "If there is an eruption, I do agree with the orders. But even then, if the soldiers have to remove the people by force…" a small frown appears, swirls and cuts within her stomach.
"I don't think anyone would welcome such orders, even if they might be necessary," Sakaki relents a sigh and a nod.
"Still," he says, inhaling slowly as a hand rubs his forehead, slowing down to descend the stairs, "whether the orders are correct or not, I do agree that respecting the people's wishes isn't a hard ask. It's better than forcing them and causing a mess. After all, no matter how badly you'd want to help… there is simply no saving those who cannot help themselves. If death is what they desire, simply keeping them alive serves no purpose," eyes blazing, the signs left engraved in old rocks by the path serve only to thicken his breathing, his lips pressing themselves to forget a certain moment spent in absolute and intimate dark. So he shakes his head, ruffling his hair hard as if clearing a desk off books and old notes. "But so long as someone out there is asking for help, even if it is to keep a tiny peace of memory alive, the army should try to lend a hand."
"…Even against the negative to evacuate? Why withhold some empathy to their desires?" Mitsurugi asks, arms unfolding, loosely falling as she stares down at the steps, stomping the rest of the way down the stairs.
He sighs and looks away as he reaches the hallway, walking past Mitsurugi. "Everyone needs a hand at times, even if you're set in going down with your convictions. If the villagers die, their customs, their legacy dies with them. In these times, if we don't offer them a hand then we become all the more darker for it. Even if you're right and they have to be kept alive for some years, people have to survive for the day when the war ends."
"But… the people are not requesting any aid, are they? To be a rampart for the powerless, that is what the army should strive to do," she affirms with a nod, Ayamine and Tamase relenting a nod in mild agreement, Yoroi hugging the wall and remaining silent, Sakaki sighing as she rubs her head. And yet, the soldier remains quiet, not looking back. "Why, Takeru? You also desired to aid the people, did you not? You also were taught under our code, under Mother of all people? The soldiers sent will have to remove the people, forced to act against their fellows… "Surely, there has to be another way to solve such an issue?" She asks, almost rhetorically, as she sighs and tightens her hands.
The other four sigh in equal dejection, some MP passing by imitate the gesture, grim contortion to their features. Silence extends as they descend another set of stairs, the railing choked with undeserved strength.
The soldier sighs, rubbing the underside of an ear. "…Sometimes, there is not. The volcano doesn't care about ideals or oaths. And not extending a hand in front of such a disaster to safeguard a moral code will only make us darker for it."
"…However, a warrior should strive to-"
"A protector should strive to see past the immediate board. Can you think for a second on the issues that come with a government abandoning its people under some idealistic code?" He lashes back, glaring. "What of the precedent this will leave? What of the repercussions this could cause? Just because the people desire something doesn't make them right. A parent has to reprimand its children when they act out of line, and like it or not, people are in danger our there, in need of rescue from an eruption. When it's time for action and not words, our ideals ain't enough to save lives, Mitsurugi-san. And bending to the desires of the people will get you nowhere."
"Wh- But, surely, some empathy towards them can be spared? Removing them by force is not wise," she insists, holding his gaze.
"We can listen, we can explain ourselves, but ultimately we gotta protect their lives. Otherwise, with them die the memories of their villages, a piece of history forever lost," he sighs, grimacing as cold arrows pierce his flesh, as an aquatic tornado fills his view for a second. "We help without betrayal to our ideals when we can, and we bite the bullet if it comes down to it."
"…It would be hard to find a middle ground in such a situation, after all," Sakaki says, caressing an arm, looking down.
"I mean, if there is an eruption," Yoroi starts, looks up, clamps her lips as she messes with her tags and looks down again, "the soldiers might even have to place themselves in danger to get to the people."
"And the BETA might attack anytime, too," Tamase mentions, hands joining as if in prayer, compacting her already lithe shape further.
Ayamine places both hands behind her head, closing her eyes tightly, clicking her lips. "This whole business looks like a time bomb, huh. Damned if you do, damned if you don't."
"Sigh… I suppose, all we can afford is to hope the relief efforts proceed without issue," Mitsurugi nods, a hand tracing her ponytail to the end, the other hugging her side. And yet, those eyes seek his figure, taking a few steps forward to meet his stride before a final stair to the barracks. "Still, Takeru, do you not believe Her Highness would favor extending some kindness to our fellows in such dire times?"
"…That depends on what you mean by kindness," he says, low, as his hand slides down the railing, strong steps down.
"What do you mean?"
"What is the kindest thing to do? To let them do as they think it's best or to guide them to what will actually keep them alive? What does a leader have to do on such occasions, Mitsurugi-san?"
"Well, there are vast examples of those who came before us, of the values we must uphold and the methods to employ. Following the wisdom imparted to-"
He scoffs, shaking his head. "That's wrong."
A brow of hers twitch, arms begin to fold. "Could you elaborate?" She presses, tone frosting over, causing Sakaki to sigh and shake her head and the other three to grow tense.
The soldier shrugs as he finishes his descent, messing with his hair, meeting the azure gaze and feeling emptiness permeate his innards at it. "Yesterday will never be tomorrow. So repeating the same methods over and over again ain't exactly a good call. If you were a leader… you would have to be a guiding light for the rest, a light that illuminates the untamed path towards the future, right?" He asks, holding his breath, gulping hard as a march of cold ants races in his back.
Yet, the wording causes said same sensation to envelop Mitsurugi. A brow again twitches, lips fold in. "I… do not believe that to be true. A leader must endeavor to be worthy of its position for it is the first servant of the people. That is why we act with others in mind first, isn't it?" She asks, seeking his gaze, a nod in approval.
Yet he sighs, looking away, crumbling away. "Guess we really don't see eye to eye, huh…" And with slow steps, he goes towards a different hallway, towards the elevator. "I gotta go this way. See you tomorrow, guys. And… please don't beat yourselves up about this whole affair, okay?" He asks, receiving a few nods. Raising a hand, he waves back as he departs.
A slow grip restrains Mitsurugi's arms, Sakaki shakes her head as the azure gaze blazes back. "Don't, give him some space."
"I only desire to-"
"Please, Mitsurugi. Shirogane-kun tried to keep things civil, so don't go causing another argument. I'll notify the Instructor if you do," she warns, again drawing circles.
"I was not attempting to do anything of the sort. I merely…" she looks to the hallway, to the silhouette that leaves, to the two shadows that his steps trace. "I want to apologize from my previous words, since I did not have the chance. I do admit… I've been acting out of line, but I merely wish to bridge this rift that's spawned in between me and Takeru," she affirms with a strong nod, unfaltering and clear gaze imposing as the skyline.
"And what if he doesn't want to?" Ayamine says, rolling her eyes.
"What was that?"
"Special-kun tried to keep things calm but you keep insisting," she says, glaring a bit as she toys with her tags, pulling them a bit. "Look, I agree with wanting to help the people, but give him some space. You already almost knocked him out during the training earlier, and he hasn't tried to provoke you at all."
"Wh- I did not aim to-"
"Please, don't fight!" Tamase asks, again placing herself in between them. "It was just an accident, right? Right?"
"I… It was my miss, I admit it," Mitsurugi relents, sighing, turning away. "However, I only… wish to platicate with Takeru, nothing more." About his views, the words he said… about Mother, if he would allow the question…if he truly remembers her. And if not, then granting clarity to his teachings is my duty. Even if we seem to still be debating semantics.
"…Can't you give him some space?" Sakaki asks, tilting her head a bit. "If you're really sorry, start by thinking about him. You heard the whispers, right? Let's not force any arguments. That also goes for you, Ayamine."
"…Got it. Sorry," she gives a small nod, scratching her head.
Mitsurugi waves as she sighs. "It is fine, I deserve the pungency with how I've been acting. Was he fine during the maintenance?" She asks as they begin to walk once more.
"Yeah, Special-kun didn't seem too tired. Still looks pale, but I think he's fine. He didn't make any puns, though," she notes, holding and kneading her chin.
"Well, you did say the Gekishin was in rough shape," Yoroi says, again edging closer now that the tide was calm. "Maybe he was feeling bad, seeing the state of his TSF?"
"Yeah, if I was nervous seeing the damage mine has, Shirogane-san must have been so concerned about his," Tamase affirms, again shrinking further, rubbing her palms together.
"In any case, let's remain focused," Sakaki orders as they make it to the barracks. Standing to face all of them, a finger raises once more. "I haven't heard if the Instructor or Takamura will be in charge of the night run today, but in any case, we have much time to make up for. I expect nothing but your best in there," she affirms, holding their gazes until they nod. "Well, would you like to go to the PX earlier or to go to the library?"
"I would welcome some free time," Mitsurugi says, rolling her shoulders.
"Same here," Ayamine nods, circling her shoulder as she cracks her knuckles. Yoroi shrugs, Tamase is quick to agree once again.
"Sigh… Okay, see you all in the sim room later," she says, waving as she turns around, heading to her room.
The rest all do so too, except the samurai whose steps are slower, her gaze still crumbled on the floor. Still lingering on the aversion, the reticence he displayed, the collapse to darkest depth that came to his features and posture upon her final answer. Throwing herself into the bed, covering her face with both hands, she groans as she turns and tussles.
"Why? If you were trained by Mother, if you're one of us, a Guard in training as myself… Why are your answers so different, Takeru?"
Hugging herself, crossing and entangling her legs, another hailing falls upon her lips.
"…And why do you refuse to call me by name now? Sigh… I know Tsukuyomi ordered me to remain quiet…" turning on her side, biting a nail, her eyes tightly veil themselves, "but I still desire to mend our relation… Surely, some moments to extend an apology to him are not a hard ask. Cleansing the shadows which follow him is a priority, after all."
But, again, she turns around.
Again she bites her nail, cracking it, bending it.
Legs cross and twist, brows lower and crash like orbital divers.
"…That is, if he even desires my apology… Siiigh… I should have apologized as we came here…"
Some minutes before.
(In a hallway.)
[Shion]
The cadets remain arguing something or the other, Meiya-sama remains quite upset about the result of the discussion and the impediment of following after us. In perfect steps, Takeru marches in front of us. Never looking back, never stopping nor decelerating. First he almost doesn't make it in time for the training, now he has to stay under another special mission all day long. And that's saying nothing on how much tension he bathed in whenever Meiya-sama tried to approach him.
I can't help but to groan, Mion shakes her head as I try and step closer. So I keep groaning, arms folding. It's completely normal for him to want to put some distance with her, but to not even accept a wrench or some tools? Come on, Takeru. You're better than that.
It's so distressing, too. He refused to tell us the reason behind his delay, and despite our attempts at small talk he remained mostly silent on the way to the hangar. Mana-nee isn't responding the comms, so who knows where she is. The trio isn't nearby watching over Meiya-sama, probably because we already had to be here. Luckily, she didn't hurt herself as she fainted and managed to keep her composure after the fact, despite the clear insistence to have Takeru agree to her words. I do comprehend her distress, however. When interacting with the rest, that small smile, the gentle gestures are still there, even if slower. Yet whenever Meiya-sama tries to approach him, his features grow dull, tense and averse. Truly, as he was on our worst days, when we… lashed out in our darkest hour thanks to those damned meds.
"Mion, you think he's sad?" I whisper, leaning closer.
"Hm? You think so?" She says, raising a brow as we peek at his back, at his stride that does not decelerate.
"See? He's not waiting at all, Takeru always busies himself when he's worried, right?"
"Perhaps. Still, let's not bring anything up," she states, holding my gaze as she retreats back behind the wall. "Meiya-sama already said she'd endeavor to regain his trust on her own, so let us not interfere. Our position might impair her efforts, until we can confirm what it is he remembered."
"Sigh… Is waiting all we can really do?" I ask, still peeking. "We could try asking him about his hobbies, what games he favors…"
"Shion, come on," she sighs, elbowing me softly. "Can you please remain composed?"
"Hmph, I don't know how you can be so collected. Ice must flow in those veins of yours."
"What? Sigh…" she pinches her nose, wrinkles surfacing in her face. "Look, if you do anything, I'll report it to Mana-nee."
"Better to make haste than to let opportunity pass us by."
"Haste makes waste, patience is our ally."
"Says you."
"Mmgh… Don't you dare to start anything, Shion."
"Or what?"
"What are you two arguing about now?"
"Huh?!" Flinching away from the clash of stares, I find Takeru giving us a side glance, a brow raised. "We… We were merely debating… some questions we'd like to ask you," I say, coughing, standing upright again.
"Shion, let us not impose on the cadet," Mion warns, folding her arms.
"It's cool, really," he waves down, shrugging. "I also did want to talk with you two about some stuff," he says, arms folding as he rests onto the wall, his full attention falling on us, hail to the gardens.
"Ahem," Mion straightens up, giving him a bow which I quickly follow. "First, we'd like to apologize for our behavior earlier towards Yashiro. It was unsightly and inappropriate."
Yet, as we raise back, Takeru is pressing a brow with a finger, lips pursed. "I think you've got something wrong. Kasumi is the one you should be apologizing to."
"…Is that so?" I ask.
He nods. "Yeah, since you two were real nasty to her. Make sure to not repeat this ever again, okay?"
"…You like her a lot, don't you," can't help but to squint my eyes, drip some poison.
He nods again, holding my gaze as he looks down. "Yeah, she's a friend. And I'd like to ask you two to never be like that again to her, security will have to intervene otherwise."
"Still, she reacted aggressively first," I say, arms folding. "No issues would have happened if she had behaved properly."
"Sigh… Look, I know you might have your… reasons to not trust in Kasumi much. But if you're willing to give me a second chance, despite all I did thus far, why not give Kasumi a chance?"
"The assistant proved she does not wish to cooperate with us, despite us being merely worried over your complexion," I state, holding his gaze, the concern he shows to that damn doll. "If she does not provoke us, we shall not retort."
"Look, even if she does-"
"We understand, and will not react as we did before twice," Mion says, giving a minute nod, elbowing me. "Sadly, we cannot approach Yashiro to our leisure. Which is why we're relaying our apology through you, please do let her know we are sorry for our actions yesterday," she says in a business tone, with a small smile on her face.
He sighs, ruffling his hair. "Good to hear. Well, I'll tell Kasumi you said sorry."
Folding my arms, staring, I can't help but to ask. "By the by Takeru, why do you still have that headband on?"
"I'm too lazy to go get it cut, is all," he shrugs, avoiding my gaze, retreating, avoiding me. "So I just wear this thing instead."
"But it doesn't look like a normal headband," I insist, a hand on my waist as I lean closer, staring at the odd thing. "Why does it have those horns?"
"Because the Enpyon looks metal as fuck, obviously."
"…What?"
He chuckles, rolling his eyes. "Your guess is as good as mine. I have no clue what the current fashion trends are."
"So, you ordered it from somewhere?" Mion asks, idling a hand on her hair, curling it behind an ear. "Might I ask from which store?"
Lips shrugging, he looks away while scratching his head. "I just went to our storehouse in the underground and asked for a headband. No idea where it's from. So, think it looks good on me?" He winks, a hand on his chin as he grins back.
"I do think… you look fine," Mion relents, slightly looking away.
"Well, it's not like you look bad…" I groan, still staring at the odd thing. "But you'd be better without it, in my opinion."
"Well, can't please everybody." He shrugs. "Anyways, please don't be mean to Kasumi, for real. Let's keep things peaceful, okay?"
"But of course," Mion nods immediately, returning a smile. "Was there anything else you wished to discuss with us, perchance?"
"No, not really…"
"Ahem…" Mion sends me a glare, I remain looking at him, "How are you feeling at the moment? Considering how you were after the morning training, you still do look rather pale."
"Eh, I'm fine. Don't worry," he nods, sounding clear, firm.
"Hmm… So, ahem, you seemed a bit… reticent to speak with Mitsurugi during the maintenance."
"Shion," Mion warns, again glaring.
"What? I'm merely concerned if there is… anything we could do to bridge their postures. Would you favor our aid, Takeru?" I ask, smiling and raising a finger, taking a step closer.
"…And what's the price?" He asks, low, giving me a narrow gaze.
"Nothing. We only desire to mend our prior failings, and bridging whatever rift is now present between you and Mitsurugi is only natural," I nod a few times, holding his gaze. "Certainly, you do wish to remain in good terms with her?"
"Sigh… I do, but our views are… perhaps too different to reconcile," he says, barely forcing it out, hunching over.
"…May I ask what did you argue about during the training?" Mion asks, giving a minute bow, standing stiff.
He shrugs, looking away. "I just… told her the person what gave me the blade was similar to her, in their ways of carrying themselves but with a different outlook in life, is all. She didn't take kindly to my opinion, so I think keeping quiet is the best I can do as of now," he straightens up, leaving the wall, giving us both a calm, slow nod. "So don't worry, I don't hate her or anything."
"Still…" I purse my lips, curling a strand of hair, "if this… person you speak of is so similar, why not try and speak things through with Meiya-sama?"
Slow, his blinking.
Unblinking, his upward gaze.
Faint, the tightening of his expression.
Downcast, both lips and eyes.
"…Sometimes, words simply run out. I know they were raised in different worlds… but I do hope me and Mitsurugi can make peace. Just that debating will serve no purpose as of now, I doubt I could dissuade her in an argument with her stubbornness," he shrugs and sighs again, brows crossing in complain.
"Well, you do have a point," I nod, agreeing on his concern. "Still, if you ever… desire to reach out, know that we do sincerely wish to aid you, Takeru."
"…Thanks," and there, the usual, old smile. Bright and warm like direct sunlight, paired with a direct gaze which locks upon us and nowhere else… He's there, right here, in front of me… "Anyways, I really need to hurry to the elevator or I'm gonna be late, so if you've nothing else to ask, I'll be on my way," he says, leaving the wall and walking again.
Following after him in silence for some moments, keeping cold glares and ill whispers at bay, the shallow distance is unbearable. He's right there, as he always was… If he recalls Yohime-sama, does he also remember us? Is he confused? His gestures do not denote anger, he's simply a bit dejected. And if so-
"Shion, don't," Mion whispers, grabbing my arm. "Any more pressure may be counterproductive."
"We don't know that. I do have an idea to ask him about without risking anything," I glare back, she corks an eyebrow. "And if it backfires, you can lay the blame on me, alright?" Never breaking the bridge between our souls, she relents a small nod, relaxing her shoulders when she lets me go. "Ahem, Takeru?"
"What?"
"Did you get the chance to listen to the speech Her Highness gave earlier?" I ask, staring.
Blinking slow, he veers away. "No, didn't have a radio nearby."
"So you were not allowed to listen?" Mion notes, choking the end of her ponytail.
"I had work to do, didn't think to ask for a radio, is all," he shrugs, shaking his head.
"But still, you did hear something in the hangar, right?" I press, walking closer, stepping on his shadow. "I assume, your debate with your squadmates was about what she spoke about?"
"Sigh… Kind of, yeah. I do…" fury surfaces with the violence of a whale, he again taps his brows, "agree in Mitsurugi's real concerns, about using Her Highness to deliver the request of another. I know we are stuck between a rock and a hard place, but I expected more from the Empire."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
Slowing down as he reaches the elevator and pushes the button, he gives the wall a small kick, sighing hard from his nose with the fury of a bull seeing red, or Yuuhi-sama seeing horses. "It's not like I don't understand the burdens that lay on the Shogun's shoulders. It is simply…" inhaling through clenched teeth, slowly shaking his head he again kicks the wall, "concerning to hear a mere figurehead instead of a proper ruler in her voice."
A shiver runs down my spine, ears burning at the adusted tone, the displeasure flooding his lips. That same blazing stare which my leader endowed whenever Yuuhi-sama would refuse his proposals. Looking to my side finds Mion staring at me in equal befuddlement, just that her lips cannot close, her chin desires to sink into her neck, standing still, stiff. Silent.
"Um…" Licking my lips, unable to dispel the acidity, the burning on my throat, I step closer. "Do you not favor Her Highness' actions, perchance? Or, are you merely displeased with the situation she's facing at the moment?"
Barely looking back, a single eye holds my stare, rivets my feet in place, cause my lungs to forget to breathe. Lost in the soft kindling, I can only wait.
"…I simply expected more of her, to act on her words instead of merely doing a request. If Her Highness believes it imperative to tighten the defense lines, then she can order the evacuation immediately or support the notion forwarded by the other powers. Leaving things to those that remain away, when they clearly have had no desire to seek asylum in the shelters, is asking for things to go wrong."
"In that we agree," I nod, releasing a long exhalation from my nose. "However, there is some… friction she is enduring at the moment, you'd understand. Perhaps… a stronger, imposing ruler would be what you'd favor? If the Shogun were… feared and respected then-"
"Is that how you wanna do things, huh?"
"Eh?"
Glaring back, blazing back, coming closer, mere inches separating our eyes. "Is that how you rather do things? To forget empathy and rule by decrees? To… crush the fangs of anyone who opposes you?"
"W-Wait, I did not-"
"Violence breeds violence, and should only be used as the last resource," he affirms, restoring my personal space, tapping his brows again. "If that is all you can think of to aid your Lady Shogun, then you'll never become a proper member of the Guard."
"…Excuse me, what?" Mion asks, gaping.
He beats a fist into his chest, raising his chin, the blaze. "A blade that doesn't know when to sheathe itself is nothing but a tool to kill. And an Imperial Guard is, first and foremost, a protector of the people. A rampart to safeguard the peace of the future, to ensure it remains smiling." He sighs, hiding his hands on his pockets yet not releasing us from the draconian stare, the unblinking and stoic stare of our Leader. "If you falter to aggression, you're no better than a mere knife. Sometimes, the threat of violence is more effective than violence itself. Standing in protection is what you should focus on, in my opinion. Unless, of course," he frowns, looking away, "you rather try to reach Heaven through Pandemonium."
"Wh- There is no way in which we'd support such a notion!" Unable to rein myself in, I step closer, stares clashing.
"For real?" He asks, in that same irreverence, that same burning gaze.
"Of course. We… We do not hoist such values, even if we would wish Her Highness to stand proud."
"Shion, do not be so coarse," I'm pulled back, Mion gives him a minute bow. "Do forgive her outburst, cadet Shirogane. In any case, I assume you also are opposed to… such adusted showings of power?"
"Yeah, more or less," he states, frowning a bit. "You're both Imperial Guards, Shinpans at that. Supporting your rulers to avoid needless conflict is something you should know well, and sometimes ascertaining a clear position is what is required to quell the disquiet in the air."
"…Are you displeased with the Shogun's decision?" Mion asks, low, gaze and chin descending.
He sighs and shakes his head. "I merely would wish Her Highness to stand resolute, whatever her plan is. There are lives at risk, and her words can easily solve the issue. Even if at times one must not hesitate to bloody both hands, even if there are differing views in play, I believe her standing her ground would be welcomed by many, and would actually help the Diet more than they believe."
"I… Ahem… I do agree with your words, cadet," Mion says, giving a nod, compacting both shoulders. "However, sometimes, there is little option but to stand proud in one's convictions. And if Her Highness chooses to do so as of now, well…"
"Consequences will follow, as you perhaps know already our Empire is in quite the dire situation," I sigh, letting my sight crash down. "Her Highness only desires to safeguard the peace we enjoy today, frail as it is. Moderation in one's wording is, sadly, the most fitting weapon she can wield at the moment," giving a nod, I hesitate, lick my lips, steal a gaze.
And find his eyes still squarely on mine. "Yeah, I know. Doesn't mean she can't try with what little cards she has to edge the board to her favor. If actions have to be taken, they have to be swift a silent, aiming to stem the bleeding instead of leaving it to chance."
"Still, please do not be so harsh on the Shogun. There is much which rests on her shoulders, and the pressure she exerts upon herself is grand indeed. I can understand you not knowing of it… but she truly has been doing an utmost effort with whatever tools she has at her disposal," I ask, sighing along Mion. Ever since you've been away, convincing Yuuhi-sama to sleep properly has been nigh impossible, much less to placate her ill mood on the odd moons in which it rose back. I cannot blame her to show cracks in her veneer, more considering how their talk seems to have gone.
And yet, he sighs and relaxes every so slightly. As he fiddles with his hair, a small swirl of air causes lips and eyes to squint in concern. "While I concede her situation is hard to juggle and that her words do carry another weight, those same words are her greatest tool. If she allows her mood to cloud her judgment things will only turn south. As much as I get her frustration with how things seem to be going by what I've heard since I arrived to the Empire, this ain't the time to go spewing blue fire."
"Yes, I do… What?" Did he just-
A chime rings, the elevator opens. From within it, Takeru stands upright, in attention as he salutes us both. With a glare that could slay, an open combustion roaring away.
"I'm certain we'll agree in that there are more pressing matters to tend to, before the bad apples spoil the rest of the tree. So I think, from my humble position, that perhaps Her Highness should choose one path and stick to it, be it the docile peacekeeping efforts or the adusted blue fire of displeasure. I'm sure a resolute speech would have done more for everyone, a truthful one which she believes in. Otherwise, her poor standing… could call snakes to the tree."
"Wait, what are you-"
"Anyways, thanks for keeping an eye open so far, you two. 2nd Lts, I sincerely hope we can keep getting along. And I'd appreciate it if you could ensure the blue fire chills down, before the black one has to go and burn some snakes again," he smirks widely, letting me see his teeth, as his eyes begin to cross, as he cackles slowly. "Remind her that she has to be in the dark, so that she can shine brighter. I'll leave this request in your more than capable hands, cousins."
The door to the elevator then closes, the whirring follows shortly after, the display showing the descent. For a moment, I simply stare there in silence. Watching the numbers slowly go up, feeling the small threads of air seep into my nose. Glancing down, at the minute shake of my fingers as I exhale and feel a my stomach contracting upon the lack of air.
"…Mion, did he just gave us an order?"
She blinks fast, again fiddling with her hair. "I… don't know. But those words… I did not misheard them, right?"
"No, it was the same as during, well, cough, the times when we were working together, yes."
"Wait, so- Wait a moment," eyes and lips widen, we both look at the elevator, back to each other, lost in silence for a while. "…Did he remember?"
"Did he?"
"You did hear the same as I, right?"
"Yeah, and he did look as adusted as back then, too."
"Indeed he did. So… Wait, if he remembers, why did he remain quiet?" She pouts, eyes closing as her hands shake.
"Perhaps, he's being overcautious? Even the wording of the order…" I look at the elevator, rubbing my arms together. "We didn't misheard that, right?"
"No, we did not. He… Sigh… Oh, thank the Heavens…"
"Yeah, thank the- H-Hey! Don't fall on me!" Supporting her with a hand, Mion groans a bit, tugging at my dress.
"S-Sorry, I merely… I mean, we really did not misheard it, right?"
"No, I think not. Still…" Why those words? Why not smile, call us Pickles? Why… remain quiet and distant? Why must you be the Leader and not Takeru? "…Let's go look for Mana-nee, we need to report this."
"Eh? Ah, yes, of course," she nods back and regains her footing, we quickly turn around and start to almost jog back to the barracks.
There is no mistake, that was deliberate. Those words, the expression… But then, if he remembers… Why keep quiet? Why antagonize Meiya-sama? I don't care about the Leader of the Swordbreakers, he can stay dead for all I care. But that kind gleam in your features, the sound of your chuckles… I want my clumsy little brother back, I… know it won't ever be the same. I know it. But at least we can remain close, be there when we need each other. If he already recalled everything then, why would Takeru choose to play dumb when-
…
Slowing down, I tap Mion's shoulder. She raises a brow, decelerating a few feet in front of me. "Say Mion, don't you find this odd?"
"Huh? You mean, him asking us that out of the blue? Well, yes, it is rather concerning he hasn't tried to approach us, but perhaps Kouzuki has him under vigilance and-"
"No, not that. Well, that is a concern too, but it's not what I'm talking about here." Sighing, rubbing my forehead, I lick my lips, restoring dampness to my mouth as I meet her gaze. "This last talk… he gave us an order, right?" She nods, hugging both arms together, looking down, a tender flower under a downpour. "Yet our leader wouldn't be so, well, subtle about this, right?"
"Indeed… If he deemed the issue worthy of an order, considering the circumstances, then I don't think Takeru would have postponed the talk. Perhaps, he would have told us something earlier when we had some time alone."
"And yet, he waited until the last moment. If all of this was deliberate, why?"
"Hmm… If he, well, was truly aware of everything… He chose to gave us a warning about Yuuhi-sama, above everything. To prevent… the Black Fire from resurging." Inhaling sharply, enduring the pit that spawns in my stomach, I return the grim gaze Mion also endows. "Do you believe Kouzuki is what he's warning us about?"
"Hardly. There would be no warning if that was the issue. Still, let us not act conspicuously for the fox may not be aware he regained his memories. And if our leader desires Yuuhi-sama to remain calm, then it means he knows his presence can be used to her detriment?"
I nod, folding my arms. "If Yuuhi-sama is upset, he must be aware the tribulations about his return are ruining her mood. And learning of his memories will only incite her to reclaim him… and if we tell her Takeru wants her to stay put…"
"She's gonna lose her marbles," Mion sighs, slouching alongside me. "In any case, whatever it is his goal, it's clear Takeru is aware of the burdens Yuuhi-sama is facing… and I suppose, the possible ripples of disturbances hitting the Capital," she finishes with a solemn nod.
Slowly walking once more, the back of my head hurts. Looking down, I simply follow Mion's lead. "If he requested of us to remain composed… Does it mean there are enemies nearby?"
"Either that, or that we cannot alert anyone of our cards," she says, low.
"…Anyways, let's hurry to Mana-nee. If our Leader of all people is asking us to be calm…" I shiver, exhaling pure snow. Mion chuckles weakly, smiling in equal dejection and happiness.
Because he is back, he's right there, at arm's reach.
But he is back, aware of the risk, the danger.
And he is back, back to that furious gaze, that adusted contortion, distortion of his bright features.
Even if it was calmer, more subtle than before. Even if he may have used it only to deliver a message.
…You stupid idiot. You could have hugged us or something when away from the cameras, called us as always, smiled as before. You're such a jerk, always leaving us in wait, never arriving in time. You're cruel… After all this time, after being so close…
…Next time I see you, I'm gonna hug you so hard your eyes are gonna pop. And this time, this time I ain't letting you go on your own anywhere. This time… we'll rid you of those nightmares, of whatever is making you believe you must remain adusted, Takeru.
A/N: Not gonna lie, the last batch of comments has made me a bit concerned, and also a bit upset.
I know the story is dragging on, and to be honest I do understand the complains about shipping and all. For a while since I started this rewrite, when I freaked out and deleted the older chapters 59 to 64 and then wiped D&R, this story has been a mess to deal with. Part of me does agree with some of the more strong worded comments, that maybe this would be better split up into its separate stories. It was a thought I had, and still toy with, to make the whole 'Native Takeru AU' from scratch with TDB and work up from there and keep the other aspects about the Unlimited timelines and Takeru's daughter to Before Light's Out and the story it builds up to, something I call the 4U-0W Saga.
All these details and different mindsets of characters are honestly a bit overwhelming and hard to keep track of, and I may have been way more ambitious than I should have. Trying to make everything make sense has been hard, and while I thought the Mind Dive arc would help a bit it is a bummer to see the small foreshadowing added to kind of hint at Yuuko's change didn't work out, but she is the character I write the worst out of the original cast.
So, point being, lay it on me and be brutally honest. Are the last slew of chapters just not working at all? The characterization, reactions, and interactions, I mean. I know the pacing is dead, despite my attempts at getting it back up. I've been second guessing myself since chapter 69, since I had to sit down and commit to writing the last scene of chapter 77, and while stubbornness, sunken cost fallacy, and feeling bad about dropping this fic are kind of driving me forward to ignore the complains, I do concede that it may be for the better to have this split and turn into separate canon-divergent stories even if that makes it all 'not read like muv-luv' as a commenter pointed out.
And yes, I am salty as fuck about this. But it's all more practice to learn to juggle the details better, even if some will never be pleased with what and how I write. I know that both Yuuhi and Yuuko should have no need for someone like Takeru in a romantic sense if we base them on canon, but even if it comes out OOC that is the direction I wanna write.
Anyways, yeah, I won't be going on a 'hissy fit' again nor deleting stuff or anything. I'm honestly just frustrated, while this fic did start out without an outline or a clear goal beyond 'find a way to let the girls be happy even if the war goes on' I did try to put some signposts and stuff back then about where I wanted to go, and I did try to hint at where the story would go in the current chapters since the rewrite, thanks to some harsh but helpful words I got on the OG chapter 31 from both a guest and Dash9. Namely, the whole relation with Yuuhi being actually a thing and the involvement of Takeru's daughter from Unlimited are twists I tried to foreshadow, even if in canon those timelines are erased. It was all to hint at the conflict from the cover and the issues Takeru faces and the forgets about post-CCSE, that the people here are not like the ones he loved before. And having him deal with that is what kind of fuels his attitude in the last chapters, or what I hoped to hint at anyways.
So while I know I'm not entitled to any comments, I'd like your honesty on how this has been thus far, beyond the pacing issues which… I don't know if I can solve, writing long is the only way I know to write. Also, learning new details from old Age games isn't helping. Seeing one of your 'original' ideas be already present in a canon CG is quite the shock, more so when it actually makes a small joke I put in just for the lols suddenly fit in better with the plot at large. I love and hate this franchise so much, but God, I should not have requested those CGs. As someone who loves little details, trying to keep up with the parallels in between games is exhausting. Mad respect to the localization team.
Sorry for the long ramble. As always, thanks for reading. Stay safe.
Zuoriel