Chapter 90:

Jester's Dagger

On a stormy night of January, 1999.

(In the hallways of Hibiya Camp.)

Where in another world an ample expansion laid bare to the elements, a fortification now stands in the night. A reinforcement, a sign of might to those who surround and squirm about the two palaces of Tokyo. The newly designed edification shines under the light of erratic thunders and the constant curtain of heavy rain, perhaps contrasting against the olden atmosphere of the palace grounds, the frail gardens which endure the bombardment of hail Mother Nature delivers in the eye of this storm. Through the coldness of this winter downpour the place remains indifferent, however. In grand part due to the adusted slam of a pair of eyes which sent sticky sweat down to blemish most polished uniforms, an odd tincture swirling within the stomachs of what few crossed her path at the moment.

And yet, little do her contorted features against the small smile that remains chuckling as if frolicking over a field of flowers. With a single finger he tips his hat, still forwarding the amicable gesture. "Please, Amato-sama. This humble worker does not deserve such tension from your delectable features."

"If you remain jesting, these folders shan't be departing to my office, Yoroi," she warns without lifting her eyes from his for a second, expression and posture frozen in an upward tilt, almost as if endowing a light veil of hoarfrost.

The incoming hail from the Red Lightning does not thaw the facade which remains smiling, not even a random thunders can elicit a flinch from the agent. "Hahaha, always such a cruel mistress. However," the finger which on his hat rested now limply falls to his chin, which also falls to hide eyes that regress as if facing the aggressive rain, "my warning is no jest. The supply lines are in jeopardy as it is, and I'm merely…" again, the smiles raises, "passing the tip to your ears."

"Hmph… Quite forthcoming with demands, aren't you?" She asserts, the voice imitating the rapid descent of raindrops onto the windows, the waterfalls marked upon the glass. Eyes blazing, aiming to pierce the storm as a lighthouse would, she takes a step forward while crushing, choking the small plush toy the agent had insisted she took. "What has you casting such defamation onto my person, I wonder?"

"It is no insult, I'm afraid," he relents a sigh, the small cold cloud leaving his mouth clogs against a window, fogging the shape of the castle in the distance. "The delivery of supplies has not been received, not the ones you sent. The shelters near the northern defenses are making do with low ranked synth food, and the tension is as harsh as this storm that has been raging for quite a while." Looking back, another smiles raises as he again fiddles with his hat. "Certainly you would see what I mean, being shoved within the buildings with little to do but to endure the rain or to withstand it in tents is hastening the downfall of the citizens' mood."

"…And yet, you conveniently are not aware of the method in which the cargo was supposedly diverted from its intended destination," she comments, a narrowed and venomous glare flowing towards Yoroi.

"Well, is there anything you'd be wishing to share? Perhaps, with the right tip I could-"

A thunder blasts in the sky, loud enough for the shiver to propel veins to spike towards the skin, spines to ring away like a xylophone. Yet the motive behind the flinch of the agent is not the lightning up above nor the one in front. It was instead the faint rustle, the minute step that behind him echoes along the orchestra of nature, the shuffling of a shadowy silhouette in the nearby window. And the raking in his nape, the instinct which forebodes danger, that had always kept Yoroi safe thus far in his rather dicey line of work.

With a noticeable gulp, he rearranges his suit, clears his throat, dispels the cloak of cold that had enveloped him like a twister. "If you'd allow, there is little reason for you to doubt my sources. There are certain sectors that will only grow more displeased if the situation is left unchecked, and the liberties the IRG has taken are only invigorating such concerns."

"Duly noted," she answers, facing away, lips still cascading down, posture as gallant as the samurai statue near the outpost that defies the rain. "Yet you are coming to the wrong location if you aim to solve those issues. If you're recommending me to clash with the Saionji and Ikaruga fellowships, allow me to inform you that such a course of action is not in my plans."

"Hahaha, perish the thought," he says, raising both hands as the shoulders compact. "On the contrary, my suggestion aims for the opposite. Do not forget," he again tips his hat, lips shrinking as he gazes out the window, to the shrouded lightning of the castle, "we are walking a treacherous tightrope, and the minimal unbalance will cause a domino effect. Sharing words is all I can do, so I hope my services prove useful to you, Amato-sama."

Both gazes cross, both lightless expansions scanning and piercing under the soft company of raindrops. Not even a faint thread broke through the crack of both gates, so swirling in dark the souls remain, unconnected. A mere nod, a singular prayer, obscured by the storm which rages on since a year already. I believe it is quite fair to affirm that despite the lack of words, true ones, both clearly understood in which tile each stands.

"I shall review the intel, and act in consequence. Against whoever it was that dared to divert the supplies of mine House from the people," she affirms, raising both voice and posture, a slicing stare which could perhaps even cut a brief respite into the raging clouds as she bounces the small dodo plushy the Chief had brought along the folders.

So Yoroi relents a small smile, a faint nod. "That will be much appreciated, I assure you. Well then, while I'd love to remain in your gracious presence, I have places to be. Until next time," tipping his hat, he slowly turns away and departs with careful, methodical steps.

As if he were dodging large pools of water, walking against the storming winds. Once he reaches the midway point of the hallway and begins descending the stairs, he heaves a sigh and throws a brief glance upwards from the corner, the rim of his hat. No shadow falls upon the stairs, except from the markings of water on the windows. The shiver on his nape does not decelerate nor do the heartbeats in his neck, so a smile and another nod are extended at the emptiness. Yoroi then resumes and finishes his trip back to the ground floor, the distance between each step gradually enlarging with every repetition of the movement. Fleeing from the judgment of the silence.

Back at the hallway, a slight frown stares at the derpy-eyed dodo as it bounces up into the air, back into the gloved hand. A slight curve in the lips, she shakes her head and gazes outside for a second, basking into the rain, shoulders sagging as she grows closer to observe better, a sigh leaving as she sees the hail not halt its descent. Fingers that rustle the opposite arm, driving away the freezing air that would otherwise sink through even the undershirt, nostrils that wiggle as the smell of humidity trounces the glass, lightning that convulses up above flashing erratically. So Amato shakes her head, rubs her temple while slowly stepping towards the opposite end of the hallway, back to her personal quarters in the edification.

The lateness of the visit, the night shift that was in place meant her steps are only accompanied by the rain and thunders. So with no hurry whatsoever she takes a turn, still bouncing the little dodo as she eyes the folders, the lack of an emblem or a stamp causes a ripple in her brows. Briefly placing two fingers onto the seal, the squirming noise of faint glue giving away as she opens the folder almost losing to the rain, she brushes the edge of the envelope the peek at what within it lies. The gray and blue marking that on the first page lies can only signal one origin for the reports, a certain gaze of violet flashes through Amato's mind as her complexion tightens, as her steps stop cold, as another thunder roars.

So tilting her gaze to the side without angling her head, raising the folder ever so slightly, she stares for a moment at the one garbed in black that silently stands behind. "What are your thoughts on these papers?"

"At least one half of their content is truthful," he replies with a short nod. "I managed to get Makabe to admit certain things and relent on the pressure a while ago, so Chief Yoroi was not lying about the supplies."

A slight frown sets in momentarily, she heaves a sigh. "Is that so. Yet he should not have known we'd attempt to gain such confirmation," she resumes her walk, now with another set of footsteps trailing hers. "Do you believe his intentions to be aligned with ours, Takeru?"

"Neither the Chief nor the fox indulge in charities, Raiho-san," he comments, low, colder than the rain.

"Sigh… I suppose you are correct," she relents a nod, a hand swimming through the feathery spikes of her lily hair as she gazes to the windows one last time before taking an inner hallway. "Still, perhaps the Chief can still be useful for us even if there are certain disagreements in our visions."

"…Doubt," he counters, shaking his head, brows lowering upon the hints of embers. "I find it very curious that he'd forward this intel now of all times, after the meeting with Makabe was held no less, when we had the trail since a few weeks ago. It's such a clear tripwire it makes me mad he'd even attempt the misdirection, for real," he grumbles, arms folding. "I think he should still be in the building. Can I go sucker punch him?"

"But of course not."

"…Shoot him?"

"Even less."

"Force feed him Her Highness' cooking?" The folder softly meets his forehead along a groan, he sighs and shrugs.

So Amato shakes her head as she halts her steps and looks back at him, hands on her waist. "Being Her Highness' personal intelligence division does not equal we are allowed to commit war crimes, Takeru."

"Then, should we really let him go without a slight reprimand?" He pushes, taking a step forward, mere centimeters between their gazes.

So she softens hers, shrugging her lips. "We'll take some countermeasures to make it so the Chief doesn't have such easy access to the castle, if he is indeed attempting to misdirect us. Sheathe your blaze, it is better served elsewhere," she states, giving repeated, slow slaps to one of his shoulders with the folder.

"I see… Sorry," he relents, nodding, thus they once more walk side by side. "So, what do we do with the Shogun's aberrant attempts at cooking?"

"Wait, you weren't jesting?" She asks, eyes widen as he shakes his head, the poor dodo is once more distorted, it's already derpy eyes popping further beyond its fake fur. "Why did you even allow her to-"

"Releasing stress is good for the mind, and cooking is indeed a relaxing activity that aids said goal. Burning things, too, works to that end even if they're expensive pots, ingredients, and utensils. Your complexion does look rather drained as of late, so maybe you should give that a try, Raiho-san," he says with a small smile, chuckling.

"…The burning or the cooking?"

"Yes." Again, the folder blocks his sight in a light slap as Amato groans. "Ouch," he deadpans, closing his eyes.

"Siiigh… Why, exactly, did you not stop the Shogun?"

"One, to remind her of her limits," he remarks, somber, looking down, eyes squinting, "to remind her of how useless she is, of her mortality. That she is not only the prim and proper Shogun enforced onto her shoulders," Takeru sighs, short and shallow, as Amato's steps wane and her features contort. "Two, to let her see the difference in the available food we have when compared to her practices back home. If herself, the Shogun, is now using what once were regular ingredients even I could gain access to, then that should serve to let her imagination fill in the gaps as to how severe the food situation is for the recruits and the peasants."

"…All to deliver the importance of the missing supplies during the meeting, huh," she notes, lightly holding her chin. "Decent enough method, Takeru. Did she make any comments on the matter?"

"She asked if the rest of the castle was receiving the same quality while we were alone in the elevator, and by her compact posture and gestures I think Yuuhi got the message."

"And your answer was?"

"That comparing her meals to those of anyone below the fudais was the same as equaling duck ragu to canned dog food, a comparison as excessive as employing a shotgun to kill a cockroach."

"…Sometimes I am left bereft of words at the examples you forward," she admits through the unpleasant twist on her lips, even if he spoke the truth and nothing but.

Looking away, pace and tone unchanging, he simply remains walking. "And finally, because she really needed something to block her mind even if only for some minutes."

"I see… How did the meeting proceed?" She inquires, he details the events that transpired some moments ago in the castle.

Their walking slows upon his words, acidic and caustic, and the pressure which once again assails the little bird. With a slow brush of her hair she idles time as he opens the door to her quarters, in slower steps they walk past the living room, so as to not awaken the little one which clings to a blue cloth, and once reaching her studio Amato swiftly enters and flicks the switch, allows cold light to bathe the small room. A few shelves of gallant, polished wood return the glare of the light in pride, the thick books and folders that within their rows stand seem to leave no air in between each other. The slow search makes Amato raise a brow, resign herself to rest the delivered folder to on her desk. Not even the aroma of lilies which the office retains within its four cream white walls can douse the tense lines of displeasure remain engraved in her features as she sits down, and no amount of massaging her temple can tame those traces of embers. The gaze towards a shimmering dark blue vase with flower offerings which once belonged to her own House's magnificent gardens, the lingering of her sight on Kodachi which in a small altar rests does not dispel the clouds either.

Until a pair of hands meet her nape, the thumbs folding the skin, a jolt coursing down her back, sounds stuck in her throat as both eyes part wide. "Mmh… Takeru, stop. I do not require- Ah… Kgh…"

"Come on, now," he whispers, the four fingers scouting the curve towards her chin, the thumb softly circling the lower end of her ear, the cleanly cut end of her hair with the slowness of a calm tide enveloping the shore. "Exhale, loosen your shoulders. It's too late an hour for you to be this tense, Raiho-san."

"I know, however there is- Mmh…" Sight veils itself, arms rest and sink into the desk, a sigh reaches them. "Your report is-"

"We can platicate as I tend to your stiffness, it does you no good to either remain working this late or to go to sleep as is."

"However, I do not-"

"You cannot take care of others, if you do not take care of yourself first, Raiho-san. I believe we both learned to rely on each other when the going gets tough?"

"That is true… However, this is no way for me to receive such a vital report."

"Neither is it while your muscles are strained after a whole day of office work," he affirms, lowering his face, allowing her to feel his breathing on her scalp, the edge of her ear. "You won't welcome even a meager massage? You certainly won't begin to imitate Her Highness in her rejection towards proper rest, are you now?"

"…Sigh. Just on my neck, understood?"

"As you wish," he smiles and chuckles, her lips fold inwards.

The first movements are slow, as if carefully passing a thread into a needle. After some moments, the steady pace, the sewing and entwining of motions spreads from the base to the sides, eliciting another drowned groan, a back that fully rests on the seat, a calm tendency to the breathing.

Seeing she was beginning to relax, he leans ever so slightly, keeping his tone low, slow. "If I had to bet," he begins, his palms resting onto her shoulders, the scent of faint lilies reaching his nose from the equally colored hair, "the fox is seeking to edge us to seek the supplies, but not for the obvious motives one would assume."

"Hm? How do you mean?" She inquires, looking up, extending both legs as the fingers tug at the seams of tension, untying it in slow motion.

"One would assume the UN is either warning us of this issue due to being unable to do jack shit about Ikaruga's stance and its ripples in our ranks or because of their concern over the defense lines." His eyes almost close, his fingers stopping when meeting the neck of her undershirt while his thumbs press circles on the sides, yet it is not his breathing what is held hostage of tension. "But if that were the case, Yoroi would have done everything he could to deliver this folder to us before the meeting with Makabe considering he keeps playing dumb about our arrangement. I think he was scouting for intel, as always. Damn dog…"

"Takeru, please do not lose your poise," she repines, taking in a good breath and relaxing, sinking into the seat, his hands. "I do agree, and it is frustrating to be left with no choice but to continue the parade. The question is, why and who is tugging at his strings? Another Regent, perhaps?"

"I doubt it's anyone from our ranks," he ascertains, "I don't see the point of trying to bait us with this intel, knowing Her Highness would forbid the correct course of action," he notes, giving a strong kneading as his lips shrug, fuming in understandable dejection at the answer he no longer awaits from who was once his sister. "And if they wanted to sow discord in our fellowship, well…"

"Say no more, that four-eyed traitor does not deserve to reside in your lips," she fumes, frowning for a moment. Upon the diving of a few fingers to the base of the strings, her neck, her features slowly contort in the opposing side, the pendulum swinging in counter-force. "Mmh… Not so hard…"

"Got it, sorry."

"Phew… No, it is fine. Then, the Diet- No, they do not possess the structure, the support to dare antagonize the Shogunate in the current climate."

"I think Sakaki is on our side, to be honest," he says with a slow sigh from his nose, to try and douse the embers.

She groans in silence. "Is that so…" relenting only that, and a half tilt with her neck, demanding treatment and quickly receiving the slow caress which makes her eyelids almost close, lips remaining parted as she sighs in contentedness. The soldiers caretaking is nothing but precise and welcomed, you'd understand. "The UN it is, then."

"The fox, to be precise," he affirms, low and adusted, his own complexion clouding over, and she gives a strong nod in full agreement. Four fingers slowly threading through her nape and up, the blur between the neck and the back of the head as she arches down further into the desk. "I surmise XO Kouzuki is aware of the whereabouts of both the supplies, the motives behind the lack of intel, and… I dare say, Kannagi's whereabouts."

The name causes contraction, stillness in Amato, who then takes in a sharp breath. "A test, isn't it? She's gauging which faction of the IRG to collaborate with?"

"I doubt it. Even the concessions are part of her outlined scenario, I bet. The fox is toying with her agreement, with the defense lines and all just to exhaust time. Once neither side can reach a solution on their own, her terms will sound all the more enticing… It's all just a setup for the future she believes is correct, all other opinions be damned," he repines, his hands stopping, breathing as well.

"With the threat of another intervention on the horizon? Is she aiming to have the UN default to another imposition of the Treaty?!"

"…Raiho-san, please do relax. You're growing all tense again," he complains, giving her neck a slight pinch as he kneads and folds and circles. "Don't you always tell me not to snap so easily?"

"Mmgh… Sigh. I cannot help it. The Americans abandoned us, allowed the BETA to ravish our land and people all to have an easy to invade hive to raid. To parade themselves as the saviors of the nation, to crush what little pride still remains in our people and- Ah! T-Takeru, don't- Mmh…"

"I won't repeat myself, 1st Lt Amato. You either chill down or I carry you back to the bedroom."

"Wh- Y-You will do no such thing!" His hands stop, a finger lifts her chin into his narrowed and silent stare. Lips purse as her shoulders compact, a shiver running down her spine. Slow inhaling courses through her nose, filling her stomach. "…I shall try not to grow adusted, if it will alleviate your concerns."

"Thanks," slightly lowering, for a moment his lips find her forehead, and causing paralysis to bind her whole being. "So, as I was saying," from the outside towards the chin, down and extending to the shoulders, and back up again, the motion continues as he ignores the eyes that blaze due to the lingering touch he planted a second ago, "I think the fox desires a raid to occur, but not on either proposition. The UN would rather impose another Treaty, perhaps even… seek another alternative."

"Whereas our people would see anything but support as treason," she finishes the trail, closing her eyes, enjoying the pull of the tide which envelopes her nape.

"And yet, without the aid of the US army, we would be allowing both hives to grow to Phase Three, or more if our scouts' intel on the Yokohama Hive is confirmed."

"Then, we simply must surrender to that fox's whims?"

"Raiho-san, you must chill."

"Mmgh… I admit an assault on Yokohama with only Imperial and COSEAN troops is madness, yet I shan't relent on my rejection towards the Americans meddling in our land any further. Her project is hanging from a thread, yet she dares to cut her ties with the Shogunate, to desire to reside in the UN's complex instead when they rather surrender the Empire as they did with Korea. Just what in the Heavens could that woman be thinking?" She fumes as both eyes blaze, as arms and legs cross, composure shining for its absence. Nothing but smoke and sparks, combustion is left within her towards the scientist, despite how she knows nothing but rumors.

It is all, sadly, a reflection of the scientist's own actions. Of the echoes Shura's Dance left imprinted on her soul, on the cracks that came afterwards upon a certain flat-line.

"…From within the forest, you cannot always see the stars," and yet, he quietly whispers.

"Hm?"

His hands stop, rest on her shoulders, barely grasping.

"It'd be easy to assume every rustling sound, every little shifting shadow around is a predator."

Toying with the tip of the spiky feathers, he looks up and nibbles at his lips.

"The smallest fire can be used as a guide, but it is also a sign that reveals one's position. And who knows what lurks behind the veil, awaiting the first mistake."

"…Do you think as she does, then?" She asks, low, straightening her posture, shaking his hands off her person.

"No, because a swift resolution would be better," he admits, softly resting his fingertips against her nape. When she doesn't move away, when she releases a strong exhalation, he resumes the massage. "I think Her Highness and XO Kouzuki are very similar, only that one favors intrigue while the other would rather be frontal as a battering ram should she be able to. Neither of them can afford to make a mistake, but they also cannot waste time to deal with those who stalk our steps." Smirking, he again lowers his posture, to whisper to Amato's ear. "And that's where we come into play, right?"

"…What of their STF?"

"Under constant surveillance and suffering appalling losses. I think."

"Do we play into her hand, then?" She asks, looking back.

He smiles, chuckling. "There's no need to feed the mistake. Let's remain vigilant for some more days, let's see if my hunch is correct again."

"Sigh… You say that, yet every time you ascertain something it is usually what ends up happening. You and your odd hunches," she complains, lifting a hand, poking his nose, putting some distance so that she doesn't have to feel the slow feathers that tickle at her, his breath on her ear. "Ahem… Does the whisper tell you to remain in stillness for the moment?"

"Yeah, it's time to observe now. While I believe we both agree with the fox's desire to prevent any… insurgent attitudes from ruining what frail bridges of support we have with the UN, there is no need to make a grand show of our moves. Let's make her seek us once again, and then we can have a talk at large."

"Do you believe that the fox would bend the knee and show herself? That we can trust in her word after the fall?" She asks, arms folding tightly, eyes lightly blazing in ignorant animosity towards the scientist.

So the soldier relents a sigh, sewing slow erosion to the firmness, causing Amato to swallow a soft groan again as her eyelids flutter upon the caretaking. "…No. But I doubt she has any actual support, behind her own exploits and the disturbances within the UN giving both her and us the time to avoid an imposition of the Treaty."

"Then, why not use our new liberties to gain intel on her, to ascertain an agreement?"

"We need to also keep her safe, right?" He affirms, truthful and correct, which causes her to groan and look away. "I believe… she wouldn't try and make business out of this tragedy, that we can leave hints and signs for her to see we share an end goal."

"Is that so?" She asks, low, venomous as her light frown. "What if she doesn't?"

"…If the UN Farces do prove to be all the same rotten apples, then we're gonna have… to make the fox collide against an Iceberg."

Smiling at the calmness, at the lack of dark blazes in his words and movements, she nods his way. "Very well, I can agree to that. So you believe her to be someone we can negotiate with? After Shura's Dance?" She presses on her concern, holding his gaze.

Which does not combusts even if his fingers stop, hands resting upon her skin. "If we manage to arrange a meeting, I believe we could reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After all, if she did not desire to collaborate with the Empire any longer, she would have sold the Fourth Project to the US and fully turned her back onto our woes, supported the notion of the Treaty returning in full force. And as… irritating as the situation is, if we snap first we lose," he admits with a heavy sigh.

"…I suppose," Amato relents, once again straightening her posture yet not fleeing his touch this time. "There is the chance that Yoroi will leak her intentions somewhere else, however. Or, on the contrary, that he could be altering the message she entrusted him to deliver."

"That's why, better to observe and stand at the ready. To see if she truly is… who we believe her to be."

"Point taken," she nods, tilting her head to a side. "Mmh… It also serves to placate Her Highness, and to continue this play of cooperation with the UN for the moment. In time we shall see how the fox plays her cards, if the supposed goodwill Yoroi spoke about actually resides within that woman."

"Still, she did send the message. I rather believe there is more to that than a mere misdirection. So before she places herself or the Project in any danger, or she chooses the wrong allies, we should return the intrigue and make her want to seek us again, for real this time," he notes, finishing the massage and leaving her side, resting his weight and back onto a bookshelf.

"…And if she doesn't?"

"Then… all the more reason to hasten our search of Kannagi. That threat is bound to make the UN relent on their idiotic pressure."

"And if they don't?"

"…Then I hope their STF is proficient at CQC."

"Is there truly no way in which you'll support a diplomatic end to this conundrum, Takeru?"

"Not with the little time we have left… Things will spiral out of control if we don't act now. Everything could fall apart at the smallest spark, after all."

And while Amato relents on his points and worries, thanks him for the massage, and begins to admonish him for once again daring to suggest that he'd carry her off to bed, despite the expanding red below both eyes and shuffling in her lips, she looks away while tracing her neck, the remnants of heat as she bounces the little dodo.

Yet he is not listening, feeling heaviness in his stomach. "Otherwise, she won't even consider the possibility of speaking with us in person. Using her research to try and facilitate a meeting will backfire if middle men have to deliver the message, it will put her on edge if it's forwarded by the Valkyries. And having that intel leaked would spell doom for her standing in the UN to boot, if we take the risk. Even then, the defensiveness of her posture shows pursuing that line will only make her more paranoid. Instead of openly requesting our support, you're still playing at two coasts. To not force Yuuhi and the Prime Minister to join in your petition for international forces, to keep the UN interested and the US at bay, to prevent the warmongers from ruining everything. Again shouldering everything on your own, exhausting all your lines of play, standing alone and isolated…"

Breathing hiccups, new charcoal onto the bonfire, blazes that begin to revel.

"Becoming a target… thanks to whatever you think is your fault, thanks to whatever it is that you're convinced will play out. Thanks to that reticence, to remain playing on two sides, wasting so much time, such a prime board… all for whatever balance you wanna strike. You think you can atone for the fall? You think playing balance will lead you to victory? Even if you again manage to somehow keep the Empire from doing something stupid… you should know the warmongers from Alt V won't stay put."

Air that rushes in through the impregnable union of teeth, a tense jaw that spurs a localized quake.

"We've got two bombs with our names on their shells, for fuck's sake. Or you're telling me that's part of your plan, too? To be able to scan how a G-Bomb works, how the G-Elements you cannot obtain affect the environment? To test… your theory on causality, on G-Radiation? In hopes of showing the lack of care the Fifth Project has, how detrimental it is when compared to the results you bring about?"

And as if seeking the stars in the same forest he described, meeting only the distant, echoing cawing, the minimal rustle behind sight, the twisting shadows and silhouettes of a cyclopean forest, his eyes begin to cross.

"And yet, all you get are two years… and then, if you don't listen, if I die and that's it this time… All that we could prevent if only… if only you would let us in, if you'd welcome our aid. But you won't even fucking expose yourself nowadays, much less grant a meeting with anyone not in the top spots."

Swirling shapes, bleeding and weeping gazes, wings of pure fire and colossal waves flash in his mind. A cold bolt could have struck him for the soldier arches his back, his spine cracking at points, his ears hurting, ringing. And that gaze, the adusted and draconian gaze which was once branded in red raises back as the gap between breaths shortens and he pants, as his jaw cracks and closes and opens, hard enough to splinter an ice cube in twain.

"Damn… Damn it all, Yuuko…"

"…Takeru?" Hastily leaving her chair, Amato firmly clasps his shoulder, giving him a hard shaking. He flinches, sight refocusing, ankles almost losing balance. Supporting his falling body, wrapping an arm around him, she whispers. "What is it? What has spawned such concern in you?"

"Nothing… It's nothing, for real. I'm-"

"Takeru, what ails you now? Echoes of days past?" He nods into the hold, she slowly runs a hand over his long hair. "It is alright, there's no need to force yourself to be logical all the time. You're our last blade for a reason. Sheathe your wrath for now," she orders, patting his back.

"But… But if we waste any more time-"

"Shh," a finger binds the lips, then lifts the chin into her eyes. "Calm down, there are no dangers here. Come on, just as you told me before. Close your eyes," in imitation, in thankfulness, she begins to run circles on his forehead, joining her hands atop his head, massing it, lowering to the back to tend to the nape, "loosen your breath, fall onto me. Relax."

"…But. But we do have to stay alert, if we-"

"Calm down… There, there. Anger has a proper time and a place to manifest itself, now it is not said moment. We shall remain ever vigilant, correct?" He nods, she swirls a strand of hair onto a finger. "Then, it is no waste of time. I do concur we need to ascertain her intentions soon however it is not worth such a strong reaction. Let us reserve our energies for when it is time to take to battle, yes?"

"…Yes, Raiho-san," he says, almost sleepy, sinking into the embrace, letting the echoes go.

"So, are we calm and collected again?"

"Ye-Yes, I think."

A hand cups his cheek, fingers press and lightly pull at his eyebags, tracing back onto his nose. Her own eyes squint as she leans closer, filling his view, holding his gaze captive. "Do not believe yourself capable of beguiling me. Would your head be hurting once again?"

"No, I'm fine, really."

"Hmm… Remaining hidden in the audience chamber must have been toilsome for you, at this late an hour. Did Her Highness gave you any issues before departing to bed?"

"Sigh… Yes, I had to force her, too," he admits with a nod. "She also didn't want to sleep, again."

"I see," her fingers trace the rim of his ears, he shivers. "Do not clog your mind with possibilities, there is no need for-"

"There will be," he says, low, eyes again beginning to cross.

She is the one who shivers now, barely able to remain grasping his shoulders. "Are you certain of it?" The soldier looks straight into her eyes, nodding, silent. "I… see… Allow me to handle the planning, you can limit yourself to watching over Her Highness."

"…Raiho-san, please don't hesitate to use me if you need the fire."

"I said, limit yourself to watching over Her Highness. I know you are the Captain-in-Chief, and that your suggestions are usually correct, however, I shan't place you in… such compromising positions again," she ascertains, lifting her chin as she takes a step back. Perhaps more to herself than to him, a reminder of the power and responsibility she still holds within her palms. "We act in concert, Takeru. I will heed your advice so do not resort to aggression without consulting with me first," he nods, she smiles. "While I do share your feelings towards the UN, let us remain calm as you suggested. If and when we see a threat, then we'll crush its fangs. Until then, do not allow such emotions to make nest within you. However, it is already late and today has been a long day. You may retire to your room."

"…And what of you?" He stares, raising a brow.

"Sigh… I am not planning to remain awake for much longer, neither of us will be up by morning if we dally here. I merely need to review the reports and-"

"Then, I'll help you with that," he ascertains, smiling, trying to raise even a fragment of the cheer of better days.

She holds his gaze, unblinking."I suppose, if it'll aid you clear your mind. Are you truly not feeling in pain?"

"Don't worry, I've got the thing under control."

"For real?" She asks, leaning onto him once more.

"Yes, truly," he smiles, sighing short yet heavy.

She returns the smile, a slow, gentle pat on his shoulder. "Very well, could you write me a report on what transpired during the meeting while I course through the folders?"

"Consider it done."

"Thank you, truly. Oh, right. Do we have the confirmation on the Shogun's schedule for tomorrow?"

"Ah, yes. I left a mail in your inbox with that, and some suggestions for our patrols and the like. I would rather get a stricter perimeter set up, and have the crew from Kitanomaru require a pass to enter the castle-"

"We do not possess the influence for such arrangement… but I shall note the idea down. However, let us not go overboard again with our reviewing lest we're still up when Fujikagi awakens," she relents a sigh, rolling her shoulders as she returns to her desk. He chuckles for a moment, procuring his usual notebook from the shelve, nodding in agreement.

And for a moment, after a passing jest or two while he readies some coffee for Amato, both begin to focus on the papers at hand. A few fleeting questions are exchanged, scribbling as the sole noise contesting the tickling of the clock. And yet, despite the pleasant quietness which spurs stable breathing in Amato he finds himself gripping at the pen, licking and traversing the back of his teeth time and again. Thinking about a violet gaze, of the current board he and the scientist face from their, oh, different positions.

"Sigh… What is it with me and falling for strong women that refuse to let their inner feelings out? It's been four times already… Heh, I never learn, do I? I guess I can only hope the ripples don't screw me over as hard this time… and that you don't choose to preemptively become the Holy Mother this time around."

December 5th, 2001. Around 7 PM.

(Takeru's Office.)

[Takeru]

"December 2nd, 2001.

Dear Takeru Shirogane-sama.

I hope it is you who is reading these words and not another, for this letter to have reached your hands safely.

I am convinced you might be confused, perplexed perhaps, after receiving this item and seeing the emblems engraved on its envelope. However, please banish all disquiet in you. I am not your enemy, for real. This letter is not a threat of aggression but an endeavor to restore a connection that I thought lost long ago, axed by the cruelty of fate.

I have been made aware that the Royal Guards stationed at Yokohama have treated you with undeserved pungency ever since you arrived back to this Empire of ours. I also know that it seems you have lost parts of your memories, and so you might not remember the days we spent together. Due to this, I know it might be difficult for you to favorably welcome these following words, however please know that this is no deception and that I have no wishes to bring harm to your person.

You and me used to be close, almost like family. It is true our relation wasn't always pleasant, yet my memories of you are assuredly, overwhelmingly precious. Despite your humble origins, I am more than proud to say that you considered me one of your closest fellows at one point. I would be hoping, and more elated than any words could properly express, to regain that bond we used to share.

I understand that, in light of the events that have transpired since your return, you might be inclined to dismiss these words as nothing but falsehood. Therefore, allow me to prove to you now that I am no trickster, that I truly was someone you confided in, lived side by side with before we thought you gone. Please remain composed, I know that you might grow fearful but rest assured, I hold no ill will towards you.

You have a soft spot for both mackerel and natto rolls.

You usually tend to oversleep if left to your own devices.

You dislike being forced to employ formal speech much, usually reverting to your more lax manner of being once you grow either exhausted or famished.

You also have a propensity to delve into your inner thoughts often, ignoring all around you whenever that happens.

You like going stargazing when you have the time, though you often used to fall asleep as you were doing so.

You also tend to employ rather eccentric words every so often, making some of our interactions rather wack.

There's also your propensity to begin singing as you pilot, which I admit is legit infuriating at times.

And above all, you have a fiery fury lurking within you, manifesting it when you see others being treated unfairly for baseless motives. Driving you to crush the fangs of whoever it is that's acting out of line, at times allowing you to illuminate the enthralling darkness that were those so chaotic days we spent side by side.

I know that by now you might be rightfully fearful, to have a stranger possessing such knowledge about you. Yet, please chill down and continue reading. I know not what ails your heart, but please believe me when I say that I was, and still am, someone you can place your trust in. I know all of this because we knew each other well before ruin befell you, before you suffered that regretful accident that teared you from our side. I cannot apologize enough for not having been by you when that happened, whatever it is that occurred, and during all these years you were abroad and alone, for not looking for you and so easily assuming you were dead. From the bottom of my heart of hearts, I implore you to bequeath onto me your forgiveness, Takeru.

I understand if you're reticent about recalling events that bring only pain to you. If you wish to move on and lead a new life, then do so with my blessing. Know that, if you ever require anything, I shall do all I can to aid you.

However, if there's a part of you that would desire to learn of who you were, even if only to dispel the uncertainty of your records, please do contact me. I cannot fathom how hard it must be for you to accept this offer with open hands, to learn that you once were close to a Royal Guard such as myself. Know that there are no conditions tied to my offer, I wish only happiness for you.

If you would desire my aid to learn of what I know of your past, all you need to do is contact me. I shall arrange a visit to your base as soon as I'm able.

And, were your answer be negative, then I wish you a fruitful life from now on in whichever path you decide to lead. To have learned that you yet live is enough reason to celebrate.

For if your future is smiling, then that is enough to appease me.

I wish to at least hear back from you once, even if only to say our farewell. While I do not know when will this letter reach you, I shall say so now in case you receive it at a latter date or if you would choose not to reply back.

I wish you a happy birthday, Takeru. May you spend that day free of any worries, along those you consider your current fellows.

Well then, I hope this letter brought you some measure of comfort. To reiterate, there are no conditions tied to my aid. All I would be wishing is to merely have the chance to speak with you once more, one last time. I shall be anxiously awaiting your reply, however, if it is painful, I shall understand if you wish to dismiss this letter altogether as nothing but a mistake.

Until the day when we can meet again comes, I wish the tailwind's blessings to remain on your side.

An old acquaintance of yours

Raiho Amato"

Resting the letter on the desk, sighing as I put both hands behind my head and look up, I can't help but to smile. Guess I won the linguistic war in the end, to have you employ my odd words. The strokes denoting certainty in the writing, she didn't doubt or catch herself in her wording even once. The paper shows no ruggedness, so she didn't have to erase and reword anything. The phrases regarding our 'relation' being more marked, as if she had pressed the tip of her pen a bit more into the paper, the baton in them was more than obvious. As frontal as a freight train, striking like lightning.

"…Though, if she chose to be so direct, she might have had an argument with Yuuhi about stuff after I lost my shit during the call. And with Maya, too."

I doubt those two are in good terms now, considering all that happened before and the assumption Raiho came to back then. Going by my interactions with the Pickles, they do… resemble my friends, the little girls I fooled around before. Sure, they now walk with more of an oomph to their stride since they're guards… and I did scream at 'em quite a lot while I was their Leader, too. But they're worried for real, the small glimmer in their eyes is still there unlike our last months together before, that silly and easy to target string with which to pull at their heart. Shion is still as easy to upset as always and poor Mion has to keep acting as a deterrent.

"Heh, the more things change, the more everything stays the same. At least they're able to display such simplicity, even if only around me." A slow shiver runs down my head, lips purse as I scratch an ear. The sterile office scent is replaced by humid grass, the beating of rain on my body. The lightless, hawkish gazes they threw at me during the CCSE, the invasion. "Then again, that menacing side is still in 'em both. Same for Mana."

…Hmm. Going by how stuff looked today…

The Tsukuyomis are wanting to see if I recall everything or not, and I need to make sure they don't get too close while pointing them in the right track. If there is someone I can trust in that's Mana, but the Pickles might want to act more quickly than we can afford. Also, being an ass to them ain't nice. Sigh… Making puns could work, I guess? Also, I still need them to be careful not to let Maya in on me remembering stuff yet.

"…Easier said than done, though. I know there's no bugs in this office but…" The second Yuuko notices I'm keeping things from her, she won't let me out of the office until she knows every last drop of intel I can give. And in my current condition, that is extremely dangerous for her more than anyone else.

Slouching from the seat to grab some water, drinking as I pace in circles over the narrow space, my eyes remain fixed at an invisible target while I go through the motions of walking, placing the right folders in place, turning off the PC and the like.

Raiho is not the type to favor indirect methods, though. I assume Tsuhi suggested a letter to her, if she ended up arguing with either Yuuhi or Maya, or both. Not knowing what's going on in the palace is a great handicap to play with… I'd like to believe Tsuhi is still my friend, but time can erode anything. I might be nothing but a ghost of the past to them… and Raiho might be testing whether I am truly me or a faker, I can't be so lazy as to assume they entirely believe I am really me through my freak out during the call. Yuuko did seem honest about how Yuuhi is wanting to see me again… but after all that happened, after these tow years, she might not be who I remember her as.

…And even if she is, it ain't fair to give her any hopes considering what may come ahead. My clock is tickling, and this time no bullshit quantum miracle will come to my aid. After all, shooting stars are fated to burn down anyways.

Sitting down again, picking up and twirling a pen in my grasp, I tap my lips with it, looking up, groaning and mulling. In a way, their struggles are very similar to mine. They might want 'Takeru' but not 'the Leader' to return, just how I prefer 'Yuuko and Yuuhi' over 'the XO and Her Highness'.

…And if that wasn't enough, I also gotta deal with Meiya now. She looked conflicted, wanting to make amends… but that might be her own harsh reprimands over keeping the peace in the squad. And she's the last person I want to get closer to me at the time.

Nibbling at my lips, I sigh from my nose as a bull. "No, even if she isn't close, those feelings already reside in her. There's only one thing left to do… and if that fails too, then it's light's out again. Siiigh… Come on, let's get on with it," blinking fast, rubbing my eyes slowly, I refocus on the still empty paper, starting to craft a report.

Luckily for me, the punishment ended up working more to my favor than to my detriment. Most of the small scale prototypes for the weapons are done, those reports are already done and forwarded to Yuuko in case she wants to find something wrong in them again, and everything else is progressing well. Shame the Shin Kagerou ain't done yet to go for a run…

A beeping breaks my concentration, ruins a stroke in a kanji. Grumbling as I erase the mistaken word and tap at the comms, I shake my head and heave a sigh.

"Shirogane here."

"Takeru, are you already done with your prior tasks?" The XO asks from the other side, in the same hurried stride but with less of an edge to the wordings. Also, still trying to trip me with using my name, huh.

"Almost, yeah. Do you want to start the tuning?"

"If possible, yes. Come over to the office, you also need a briefing on the meeting with the retinue from Daikuuji Corp," she orders, before hastily cutting the call.

"Sigh… As bossy as always, huh. Heh, well, at least she's still holding up alright. Anyways, where was I? Hmm…" I grab the papers, giving them a once over, a small smile and a nod come naturally as I finish. "Yeah, good enough. Let's be on my way."

Closing my office and checking the hour, I beeline to the elevator. Going down, back to Hangar 90, I salute the MP guarding the sliding door, notifying my business to hand over some docs to the crew within.

"Again? Man, I sure don't envy your situation, Shirogane," one comments as he slides an ID card on the reader.

"Heh, it's not that big of a deal, really. Nice experience to flaunt on my resume is always nice to have," I note with a smile.

"Wish I could be that positive," the other sighs, shrugging. "Still, be careful in there, kid," she warns, giving me a full, frontal stare. "There is a detachment from the IRG on some checkups or something, and-"

"Yeah, I know. They sent me to give them the reports."

Both of 'em gape, tilted harder than Meiya and Yuuhi when reading cooking books, before slamming them onto the floor and trying to play it be ear.

"Eh?! W-Wait, are you serious?"

"Yeah, for real. You know, a test of character during my punishment and all that jazz. XO Kouzuki knows no chill, so make sure you don't ever upset her. Been there, doing that, not a nice thing to deal with," I nod, arms folding.

They share a look before sighing and nodding, signaling the approval for me to go into the place. "Be on your guard, kid. We… will have to notify anything that transpires here directly to the XO, after all."

"It's cool, thanks," I salute them, giving a smile. "I've no plans to ruin your evening." With one final nod shared between us, I walk into the silent hangar.

…Still, I can't get used to walk in this super big place. The echo of my footsteps on the bare metal sound so tiny, the whispers and clanking of tools, the distant beeps stretched in the echo of the place. Through the drums and crates I walk, saluting the mechanics that greet me as I do, a few gazes lingering on me as the smell of oil and plastic, the metallic taste which again clogs my lips.

Easy enough it is to locate my target, the lone Takemikazuchi with wires coming out from within its plating.

And a petite shape arguing with our mechanics, twirling a little wrench in her hand. Yep, that's her alright. Hmm… Simply approaching them is a bad idea, she might freak out if I suddenly appear outta nowhere. Time to see if I can pull it off again.

Slowly sink the heels, let the rest of the step follow in quietness. Make the steps shorter, faster. Watch their eyes, where they look, thread the shadows…look for the point most apt to approach.

…

Circling around the area, amidst crates, cables, and who knows that else, now I'm approaching the guards from behind, away from the eyes of the UN crew. Or most of them, anyways. Still, how do I break the ice? The talk with the Chief seems to be about to end, they're again resuming their focus on their laptops and the scans they're doing on the Type-00C.

Now that I think about it, this too is nothing but another ripple. Did Yuuko did this purposefully, trying to have me regain memories of the guard? Maybe, but I doubt she'd have the foresight to account for what stuff I would have recalled if she had had me pilot this thing.

Looking up at it, despite the UN coloring, brings aching to my stomach. Why was I so patient back then? Those years truly are a blank, a dark void of nothingness. I guess love is truly blind…

"Sigh… Not now, focus, dammit." Inhaling sharply, pinching my nose, I step forward towards the IRG's mechanics, leaving the comfort of my hiding.

One of them turns around, posture compacting into solid stone. "Excuse me, sir. We are currently in the midst of… Huh?"

"Greetings. I've come with orders to leave a folder in the hands of the Chief of your crew, Mst Sgt Kazama, I believe? Could you kindly allow me to hand her the papers in person?"

"Eh? Ah, yes… Excuse me, your name would be?"

"Takeru Shirogane, it's a pleasure."

"…Shirogane?"

"Yes, I am Shirogane. I said that just now," I nod, giving a small bow and a smile.

Which makes Onimura's eyes widen a bit, tilted again. "Wait, but… but I… but you're…"

"Corporal Onimura, whatever is the matter?" Chief Kazama calls in her usual delayed and quiet tone, despite the embers that within it lurk as she paces towards us. Still garbed in the pristine white of her Tozama dress, she approaches with slow steps and crossing brows. "What has you platicating with UN personnel?"

"My apologies, ma'am. I was merely… I mean…"

"Excuse me, Mst Sgt," I step forward, giving another smile and a bow, to spare Onimura the scolding. "I was tasked with delivering this report to your hands."

"…What?" Her eyes widen too, blinking fast. "Who… are you supposed to be?"

"Cadet Takeru Shirogane, ma'am. It's a pleasure."

"Are you mocking me?" She throws, taking a step forward.

"No, why would I?" I remain smiling at the quiet kindling, the fixation of the stare that's ready to slay, to smack me with the wrench. "Sincerity is a virtue, after all."

"Huh?" The tide subsides, draining the tension away from the shores of her posture and expression. "Excuse me, you… You said you were…"

"Takeru Shirogane, ma'am. Nothing but a humble shadow working here."

"Shiro… gane? What- How-"

"You are Chief Kazama, correct?" I ask, smiling. She nods, still keeping a closed posture. "I do get why you'd react like this, but please don't worry. I'm not an enemy or anything, there's no need to crush my fangs."

"Eh? Ah, I see… Ahem. Why have you come to our presence?"

"As I was saying, I came here with a report for your hands, ma'am," I give a minute bow as I raise the folder, the letter underneath it. "All I was told is, it is tied to some modifications to this one Type-00C."

Slowly grasping the folder, her lips shrug. When taking both envelopes, a few fingers run about on the letter, striking eyes once more seek mine. "And this… envelope is meant to explain such matters?"

"Indeed, that's what I was told. It would seem it is time for action and not words, and this Takemikazuchi looks like it's gonna be put to quite the strain."

"Oh, is that what you believe?" She asks, a hand bringing the folder to her person, keeping the letter between it and her dress. The noticeable gulp, the small silence that extends, the unblinking stare and squirm of her lips seems to prolong its welcome, until she coughs softly. "Would there be any pressing matters behind this rather… unceremonious way to deliver the papers?"

"Maybe, I don't really know, being a middle man," I shrug and chuckle, before tapping my brows. "But things do look rather tense, one has to wonder where our burnt and feeble present is heading towards at times. Though, in my case it's more due to the rather sticky situation I'm facing more than anything… In any case, please do read the papers at your earliest convenience, ma'am," I say, giving a salute.

She returns it, holding my gaze. "So I will. If you'd allow an inquiry, why would you be in a rather compromising situation?"

"What? You haven't heard anything?"

"No, I do not pay much attention to gossip myself, much less when work is on the timetable."

"Sigh…" I scratch an ear, shrugging my lips. That does sound like you, Chief. "Well, I'm fulfilling special duties due to some prior misses on my end, you could say. Between that and my own cadet course, things are rather hectic for me. But still, I hope all this effort is worth it in the end, if I get to see our future smiling again."

"…Eh?" Again tilted, she gapes for a sec. Before twitching and resetting her poker face, despite the glimmer in her eyes as she takes a step forward, giving an enhanced grip onto the folders. "Would you… have any other words for us?"

"No, that was all I was told. The details are in the papers I brought you. Now then," I again stand in attention, giving a salute, "best of luck in your endeavors, Chief Kazama. May a glimmer of hope shine through in whatever is keeping this Takemikazuchi here."

She returns the gesture, still staring firmly. "That I plan to make a reality. This fallen star will leave the shadows to reclaim our blue skies… soon?"

"I sure hope, if it stops them from being filled with blue fire instead. In any case, I shall be taking my leave. See you later, Chief."

I turn and wave at her, she nods back with a small smile. Another wave I give to Onimura, who remains tilted as he nods, before the Chief slaps him with the folder to send him back to work. Ahaha… As harsh as always…

She then looks back, holding my gaze, giving a wider smile as she safeguards the folder and the letter under an arm while returning a stoic nod. Another nod towards her, I turn and walk towards the end of the hangar. Thankfully, it seems she understood my hints. If she wasn't in the known, Mana might have been overburdened and forgot to relay the news to the Chief. Or she didn't think we'd meet, is all. Anyways, with that letter delivered there is only-

BEEP! BEEP!

"Sigh… Hello, Shirogane he-"

"Where are you? I called for you half an hour ago."

"Vice Commander, I was delivering the papers you tasked me to. I'm already on the way to the elevator," I whisper back, shrinking my shape as I take a line of walking that'll keep me away from the mechanics, even if it's a detour from going straight to the exit.

"Oh, really?" I can hear her begin to spin as she lets some air out. Siiigh…

"Yes, I'm on the way. Don't feel so lonely, honey. It's only a few minutes before I get back there," I chuckle, avoiding the crates and people.

"You better," she threatens, light embers blooming from the furnace. "If you're not here in ten minutes, I'm sending Yashiro after you."

"Hey, let Kasumi rest. I'm already exiting the hangar, for real. Just wait a while."

"Hmm… Fine, I'll be waiting, Takeru," and again, she cuts the call with that.

Mmgh… Guess I better hurry before she forces Kasumi to look for me. Really, it's just a few minutes. And the reports are already in her inbox, too. Someone sure is being pushy today… I wonder if she noticed anything? No, she would have inquired about it on the call if that were the case. Maybe she's just in a rush? I mean, yeah, Yuuko must be barely containing herself from doing another tuning on her own. The fact she called instead of sending Kasumi without warning is proof of that.

Ahaha… Well, I suppose I can indulge her curiosity on how the 00 Unit works today, too. So long as she doesn't start pressuring me again, that is. As stupid as it is to hope for it, I very much prefer that shiny and curious gaze on you even if it comes with more work.

Jogging the remaining of the distance, I reach the gate, notify my exit, salute the guards and share a joke or two, and with the excuse of being called to the end of my shift, I run to the elevator just in case. Yuuko does have a short fuse whenever results and testings are involved, more than usual.