Like fences that stretched across the sky, the glimmering towers of steel guided the way above the bustling sidewalks. The sun still rose lethargically from its nighttime slumber to return to its daily grind. It was hidden behind the blanket of overhead clouds, but they did not carry the threat of rain; They merely blockaded the sun from those below. Together, their loud orchestra of walking feet, chatting mouths, and whizzing cars composed the first breaths of the active city on that Sunday morning.
As she glanced at an ice cream stand they passed, Shiki never thought she'd actually miss the roar of packed chaos, but she found she did… but only a tiny bit.
With a huff, she placed her hands at her side again. She instinctively tried to slide them into the pockets of her favorite red jacket, but that was dematerialized with her standard kimono. Instead, she just looked like a well-dressed young Japanese woman in her white yukata… if one ignored the Chaldean-made black boots. They were comfier to walk around in than the sandals, though. It helped she never cared how she appeared to nearly everyone either.
Instead, she calmly led her companions through the sea of tourists and residents. Like a wooden bow across a vast lake, the crowds parted before her step, but she knew it wasn't by her hand. Unlike the many ordinary stories that surrounded them, her fellow Chaldeans behind her emanated with power. Instinctual feelings welled and persuaded in the hearts and minds of those around them; She'd long since gotten used to a servant's influencing auras.
It gave them breathing room, though not by much. The crowds were still tight, and it remained like a small fog for her. Kintoki and Raikou had a far better sightline with their height, but they were unfamiliar. She'd been to the capital several times in her past life to have a vague idea where to go. This was the time she should have been alive, and it stirred feelings of uncertainty that had risen with the Grand Order's resolution.
She thought she'd have been sent back, but here she was instead, wandering with the first small group of Japanese servants to leave on vacation. Behind her, Kintoki tossed out friendly greetings to anyone who looked at him. They were almost always taken back by the muscular berserker, who looked intimidating in his simple white polo tucked into black slacks; His friendly demeanor was often jarring, but he was just as enthusiastic and eager as Fuuma beside him.
Though she didn't see it as she led them onward, the smaller assassin was trying to replicate Kintoki's friendliness. To his delight, many more were relaxed enough greet him. It was likely because of his slim build and shorter height. All he had to do was nod, smile, and wave as he kept another hand in the pocket of his white track suit. The two glanced to each other and shared an amused and eager grin that made Raikou giggle behind them. Shiki caught sight of it too and smirked.
Though for a different reason, her heart secretly beat in hopeful anticipation for a desire she may find in her homeland.
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Fragment 80: Reality Speculation
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She paused as they came up to the crowds waiting at the massive intersection, turned back, and nodded. The small train of servants came to a stop, and Kintoki looked around with a big grin. He chuckled and spoke in English, "Ohhhh… So this is Ginza Yon-chome intersection."
"Always looked bigger and fancier than the others," Shiki replied casually; Though Japanese was far more comfortable for them, it may get garbled among the cries of other speakers.
"Hmmm… the market of luxury items befitting the upper classes…" Ibaraki stated curiously as she looked around, and drew several eyes towards her. Shiki stared at her head where her Oni horns should have been. That shape-shifting of theirs was a rather handy ability. Though her eyes still appeared snake like, she was otherwise a small blonde girl in her own white yukata and sandals. She clicked her tongue. "Doesn't look that special to me. The old markets were more vibrant."
"Appearances deceive thy eyes, Ibaraki… Thy feet walk among the future of our lands. Let us relish and appraise it with that in mind," Shuten reminded as her own eager eyes glanced around. Even without the horns, and the specialized Talisman the other casters forged for her, the Oni in a deep blue kimono was attracting the most attention from passing eyes…
…if she wasn't compared to Raikou. Though the tall berserker shot a briefly narrowed glance towards the Onis, it did nothing to diminish the many eyes that milked her form. Due to her tall height and bountiful proportions, it was very likely she wasn't going to find anything she could wear without the Clothing Department's heavy adjustments. It meant she was stuck wearing her ordered clothes for the trip, and today she chose a silky purple sheath dress that hugged her form generously.
Shuten caught her staring, and they shared a tense glance that made Kintoki start to sweat. "Mother, Shuten…! We made an agreement, right? Please…? Please?"
The two's eyes softened as they stared towards Kintoki, and Shiki cracked a small smirk at the sight. They looked at each other again, breathed out slowly, then turned away. Raikou folded her arms across and huffed, "…We did. Your mother will hold up her end just fine."
"Thy worries are wasted on mine grace, but mine promise stands," Shuten replied smoothly as her voice seemed to entrance some normal people around her. Fuuma turned from glancing between them nervously to staring at the shaken and wobbly people with an apologetic bow.
Kintoki breathed a sigh of relief as their last member and group leader, Tomoe, patted him on the back. He smiled to her as the archer in her own white yukata nodded happily; The other girls were shopping in a fancy district, so they all wished to dress nicely. Shiki only had kimonos, so it was merely a given for her in any event.
Tomoe let out a gasp of curiosity as the light turned, only for a gaggle of people dressed as Star Wars stormtroopers to run into the crosswalks. "Oh! What's going on?"
The second they started dancing in the street, Ibaraki's eyes lit up. "Is that one of those spontaneous parties!? Gabby called them… Flashmobs! Flashmobs!"
As the others stared while Tomoe and the Onis rushed over to take phone pictures, Shiki watched on close by. She was clearly part of their group, yet, like most times, she merely felt… there. She belonged, yet she didn't yearn to truly belong, but that's how it always was. She could linger in their company and companionship just fine, but it didn't bloom like it did for many in Chaldea. She was just among close acquaintances and comrades as far as she was concerned, but that's what seemed right since she shouldn't have lingered here.
In truth, she was still frustrated when she learned she didn't disappear, nor could Chaldea properly return her.
The timelines were infinite. They grew, were pruned, and branched in ways she didn't even care to look at. All she understood and cared about was that it meant they'd never find where she truly came from. She'd manifested before that familiar apartment in that long-lost singularity with strength she never knew. As a special pseudo-servant, she chose to continue to aid Chaldea in the hopes she'd save her real home so she may see it again.
Instead… now she was here, among servants who still felt like great allies rather than true companions. She didn't bother to get to know many too well, and only picked up what she knew in scattered small talk. Likewise, she didn't tell too much of herself. Dare she say, she'd let none truly get to know her, but that never stopped many from being very open and friendly to her. In particular, most of this group went a little further to treat her as a companion, even if she still only felt mild attachment.
That's when Kintoki gently nudged her. "Not taking pictures, Shiki?"
She turned to glance at the ever-smiling behemoth of a man, who radiated a reassuring warmth to those around him. She'd never truly met a man who embodied genuine heroism and bright enthusiasm until she met him and Arash; They were just two who'd been nothing but friendly and supportive, even if her responses remained mostly casual. She smirked lightly. "Not interested."
"Seen it all already, I imagine," Fuuma commented, but she barely nodded in reply. "…I guess we'll see it on Thronebook anyway."
Kintoki chuckled as he pulled out his own phone. "It's like they're all here with us! Sorta!"
While he tried to take a picture of the girls recording the spontaneous flash mob, Shiki mentally pictured the phone in her own slung purse. It was a convenience, but not something she'd clung to like so many. She merely watched on as the flashmob concluded to irritated honks and some applause.
As the girls returned, the group moved off to the side so they wouldn't impede walking traffic. That's when Kintoki, spoke up again nervously. "Um… We're all still golden with the groups Tomoe made, right? I mean…"
It was a bit amusing seeing him so suddenly nervous, but he had fair reason. The group's eyes turned to Raikou, who tossed a scrutinizing stare as Shuten seemed to smile teasingly with a hint of a taunt on the tip of her lips. Kintoki broke out into sweat as Ibaraki glared defensively, but he and Fuuma sighed when the three nodded, albeit very rigidly. Shuten turned back, though her disappointment leaked into her otherwise sultry tone. "…Tomoe's request was nigh intolerable, but if it is what dearest desires too, then I shall not dishearten thou."
"Your mother doesn't like being among insects, but she will handle this appropriately," Raikou added, though the undertones were very much present.
Kintoki's smile partially returned, but it was Tomoe who bowed with a smile and nodded to those three. "Thank you! Let's all have a great day in our groups!"
"As good as it will get with the cow following us…" Ibaraki grumbled, and earned a quick, overly sweet smile from the taller berserker.
Though Ibaraki smirked back, she flinched when she met Tomoe's disappointed and scolding glare. It was still a wonder how Robin, and now, surprisingly, Tomoe, managed to have such sway over the often rowdy berserker; She still didn't know how Ushiwakamaru went from being outright scorned to accepted months ago, but truthfully, she didn't care. That just meant one less headache. Ibaraki sighed and crossed her arms. "…Habit. I'll keep trying, Tomoe."
"Where are you three heading first?" Kintoki asked quickly to try and diminish some growing tension.
"Albore Ginza." Shuten and Raikou immediately turned to each other in open surprise upon firmly declaring the same store as one. Even Shiki couldn't hide her own disbelief as Kintoki and Fuuma glanced at each other. Though Raikou and Shuten continued staring severely at each other, the intensity seemed to lighten just a smudge with curiosity.
Tomoe only smiled. "Lovely! I hope the spas aren't packed when you get there!"
"Kintoki-Senpai and I are going to take a cab to Nakano, but we'll be back in the area by lunch!" Fuuma supplied. Though the two were occasionally seen together, Shiki can't recall a time they'd ever spent time as friends while not breaking up a disagreement between Raikou and the Onis. Tomoe sought to rectify that today, though Shiki wasn't too sure if she'd just inadvertently doomed Tokyo in the process. At least they'd be free from headaches.
"Feel free to take your time! We just need to meet back up before dinner!" As Tomoe noted where they were headed first in her phone, Shiki merely stood off to the side and watched them depart. Kintoki offered another friendly wave, which she returned, and she nodded as Shuten tossed her a tiny smile.
Soon, it was just Shiki and her partner, Tomoe, since she wasn't allowed to just wander alone as per Vigil and Chaldean regulation. At the very least, she was with a surprisingly friendly yet intriguing woman. Tomoe smiled to her, but Shiki merely shook her head with a tiny smirk. "You sure you didn't just make a giant mistake? The masters would be flipping out if they heard you put those three together."
"I personally talked with the Onis while Kintoki spoke with Raikou. It's only for the day, and they did behave for dinner last night."
"True… but a lot can happen in a few hours," Shiki reminded, but shrugged. "We can always catch up to them and switch."
Tomoe smiled thoughtfully. "…But you're not too close with any of them. I wouldn't want you having a disappointing time either. It's your vacation too."
Shiki blinked. There it was again: Genuine consideration for another they barely knew. It wasn't enough to simply be allies by convenience to many within Chaldea. No, many took it a step further, even if she wasn't as keen on doing so. She knew what she wanted, especially since any personal yearnings were scarce to none.
With a shrug, Shiki motioned to her companion for the day. "…Lead on then. I'm not really looking for anything while we're here."
Though Tomoe blinked, she smiled gently and nodded. "Then if you don't mind, do you know of any Kimono stores around here?"
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"I knew you had an eye for great kimonos!"
Shiki smirked lightly. "Oh? I wonder what ever gave you that idea."
The white-paneled store was too bright for Shiki's liking, but she still found herself amongst the sea of vibrant dresses. Though Tomoe was the one initially browsing the countless racks, stands, and tables, Shiki found herself doing the same. Truth be told, as much as Tomoe praised her skill, she honestly couldn't tell any of them apart. She only understood what was 'not proper' as she compared them to their peers. The price tags just happened to match.
Out of old habit, she gently held the sleeve of a nearby kimono on a stand. Its sakura-petals on lilac fabric shimmered under the bright overhead lights. The petals glowed like a wintery mist over freshly fallen snow, and just by the feel alone, she could tell this was one she'd pick… Not that she was going to.
Akitaka wasn't there to do all the hassle for her, and she wasn't keen on asking Tomoe to do it. She had enough high-quality kimonos as is anyway, and the Clothing Department was still clos- "I think that'd look really pretty on you."
Shiki glanced up with perfectly veiled surprise to stare at Tomoe. She clutched the folded green kimono Shiki approved to her chest, but blinked when Shiki said nothing. In the growing awkwardness, she smiled bashfully. "…You don't think so?"
Shiki paused for a moment to glance back at the kimono. "…No, I agree. It's something I'd pick, but I never did pay much attention to how it looked on me."
"But you always turn out looking beautiful yet enigmatic," Tomoe complimented, and drew Shiki's glance again. As the assassin raised an eyebrow, the archer smiled bashfully again. "Ah… I mean it in a good way. That's what I always thought about you when we first met."
"Mysterious, huh…?" Tomoe nodded quietly, but kept a genuine smile. Shiki blinked. "I guess that's fair. It's not like I've been forthcoming or anything."
"I just thought that's how you are. Quiet and reserved," the archer offered as they slowly walked to another set of kimonos. "Quite the elegant fighter too. I never imagined I'd see someone fight so fiercely and easily in a kimono before. You make it look like an art form!"
"…Mmm. Thanks." Shiki wasn't too sure what to properly respond with, but she wasn't used to having the praise lopped on her so consistently; It always made her curious. In her real life, she'd been mostly left alone save for a scarce few, yet Chaldea had turned that on its head really quick. Perhaps it was just the circumstances of humanity's fate and allied comradery, but it still took some getting used to.
They paused when Tomoe's phone buzzed again, but they both instinctively shot a wary glance to the offending purse. The archer swallowed a gulp, reached into her purse, and pulled out the smart phone. As she checked the notification, her smile returned and she sighed. "It's from Chaldea."
Shiki huffed lightly and smirked. "Two hours and Tokyo's still not on the news… Huh. Whatever you two told them did something."
"Hopefully it stays that way. Whatever Kintoki told Raikou seems to have gotten through to her… Maybe…" Tomoe trailed off as she scrolled on her screen, then blinked. "Hey, Shiki… Have you been checking your phone? Jing Ke's complaining you're not picking up."
Well, to be fair, Shiki was always terrible at picking up the phone; Mikiya could easily vouch for that. "Was it important?"
"She just wants to know how you're enjoying your vacation," Tomoe smiled back, then pocketed her phone. "Maybe send her one or two messages?"
Shiki sighed. "…What a pain… Maybe. Not right now though."
Though Tomoe looked like she wanted to say something about her response, she didn't. She merely held her tongue, but moved on to other small talk as they perused the store. It didn't really bother Shiki all that much since she was mostly a listener, but she couldn't help but fall curious. Even if she was usually polite, Tomoe was being strangely talkative to her for one reason or another.
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After checking out another kimono store, the pair found themselves walking the sidewalks again. Her eyes wandered as they moved. The billboards, yet another ice cream stand, a street entertainer, another flash mob. They paused so Shuten could record that one too. 'Rather active Sunday…'
The skies above still seemed gloomy, the streets grew more crowded, and Tomoe never ceased her attempts at small talks. Her persistence was slowly creeping on her nerves, but like Mikiya, she couldn't just turn down the honest chatter. She seemed content, and it even made her feel more at ease even as uncertainty welled beneath.
Being in Chaldea for all this time felt like a long dream. One minute, she was a happy mother, sleeping in the arms of her dear husband as Mana stayed up; She'd gone to scold her for being restless on a school night, and Mikiya calmly soothed her temper in his own little ways. A rub of the cheek, a tender kiss on her lips, and a hug that took her years to admit to him how much she loved it. She'd fallen asleep, and woke up to a growing nightmare.
As the somewhat chilly air wafted across her face, she was outside of Chaldea again, but now she'd begun to question which was really the dream.
Her continued tenure bothered her, more so than learning she had apparently been sleep walking in Chaldea's halls; That was another issue she brooded too long over, and arrived at no proper answer. But unlike that slither of a chance her other personality never truly died, or it was something else, this dilemma had a more direct path to a possible answer. It was slim, but there was the chance this was her true timeline. If so, then she was already home.
Yet, as they paused by a shop while waiting for an intersection, she couldn't help but feel a tinge of sadness at the thought of leaving her strange 'vacation house' made in Chaldea. She stared at the bottom window of a large department store, where lots of toys and trinkets were on display to coax visitors within. She pondered buying a souvenir for the children, who were always so kind around her, especially little Jack and Yedda. Maybe even for someone els-
"Thinking about gifts?" Tomoe began a new conversation after a brief silence, but Shiki didn't mind. All those years spent in married life tempered her further, even if she was back in her younger prime. She glanced back at Tomoe, then back at the toys and shrugged lightly. "Jackie loves gifts."
"Little kid gets a lot as is… I don't know if I could get anything she'd really like."
"It's just the act that counts. Almost anything makes her happy," Tomoe reassured with a small smile.
Though part of her felt it was a bit meaningless, the motherly instinct that remained spoke otherwise. Timeline or not, if she ever did leave, and the real servants remained, would she want anything for them to remember her by? It was a passing thought, and not something that actually bothered her. She was in enough pictures, and she was just an acquaintance.
Though, as her little conscious catered by Mikiya whispered, they'd been nothing but nice to her. Many even gave her gifts, even when she was adamant her room would remain empty; She did secretly appreciate the bigger mini-fridge though. It was a pain, but she wouldn't feel right not returning the favor in some way. She did appreciate them, even if she didn't show it all that well. Chaldea had grown on her more than she anticipated.
"…I'll have to get gifts for the other kids too… and Jing Ke. She'd complain my ear off if I didn't. I don't think Li would care though."
Tomoe giggled as they made their way towards the entrance. It seemed she was doing some shopping after all. Good thing their wallets were brimming.
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It was in the bustling sidewalks further along the shopping district that the pair caught a glimpse of Kintoki and Fuuma again; It was hard to miss the blonde giant amongst the shorter crowd, especially when sunlight peeking through the clouds lit his golden hair like a beacon. With Tomoe's shopping bag and her own bought souvenirs in hand, they followed curiously after them. There was far more to do for women than for men, so Tomoe couldn't help but wonder where they'd visited in that time.
At a busy intersection, the two finally closed the gap, but to their growing intrigue, Fuuma was fumbling with the contents of a specialized Chaldean holding backpack. Tomoe blinked beside Shiki, and though she noticed the act, she remained quiet. It was only when they approached, and Kintoki waved with his usual grin, did the archer calmly ask, "Doing some shopping for others too?"
Fuuma seemed to flinch lightly with the words, but Kintoki only grinned wider and scratched the back of his head. "Yea. It was a request before we left!"
Shiki took a glance at an unmarked paper bag at Fuuma's side, then quietly looked to Tomoe. The archer hummed playfully, and Kintoki squirmed lightly; It was funny to see the big guy whenever he grew flustered. "It really is, Tomoe! It was at the behest of Lady Osakabehime!"
"…That explains the magazines then. I guess Blackbeard is another client?" Tomoe noted as she stared at the bag once more. Fuuma quickly nodded in agreement, and she giggled. "Aha. Figures."
"Oh, we got one of those for him too," Kintoki quickly supplied as he raised another bag. "I didn't know he was the toy kinda guy, but you should have seen the price on this… Not golden! I'm glad he was paying for it!"
As curious as the conversation about merchandise was, it was quickly losing Shiki's interest. Small talk only held her attention for so long, especially here. Tokyo wasn't quite Mifune City, but it remained reminiscent. It was as if she could just look around and catch a glimpse of what she was truly looking for…
…And to her shock, she did. A blushing Kintoki and Fuuma were trying their best to ensure Tomoe didn't get a closer look at these magazines, so they didn't notice Shiki's suddenly wide stare. Across the street, like flickers of a movie reel between the moving crowds, her eyes locked on familiar locks. A yukata of the gentlest pink with a red shawl stood out across the street at an outdoor café. Though their eyes didn't meet, the assassin's own stared towards their perfect, older mirror.
Sitting at one of the tables was Shiki Ryougi… The one of this time.
Instantly, her eyes moved across the table towards another familiar visage that filled her with warmth. With that long bang of black hair that covered his ruined eye, a middle-aged Mikiya chatted calmly with her. In his own black yukata and framed glasses, he looked exactly the same as the night she fell asleep and found herself in that singularity. His smile churned her stomach, as another figure quickly bounded to the table.
Without any doubt, she saw Mana, in a puffy white blouse with black skirt, sit down beside her mirror self; The greying, suit-clad Akitaka was only a few steps behind with shopping bags. She was a bit older than she remembered, but it was her alright. The long flowing locks of hers and the kindest blue orbs of his… With a smile like new snowfall, the teenager held up a pamphlet of some sort, but Shiki didn't bother to look. Though her other self and Mikiya did, the pseudo-servant's gaze remained on her child… her other sense of warmth.
Time felt painfully slow as the crowds turned to blurs. They were highlighted in her vision, and she saw the wonderful red lines between them; Not the ones of her sight, but the ones her heart drew. She no longer had to wait until Mifune City to possibly catch a glimpse. By the gentle smile on her own mirror's face, she saw how happy they were, and it made her happy in turn.
…Yet, as fated, that delight was short lived. Like a terrible chill, her own grim realization latched on mercilessly. It started as a tug on her heart before it dragged her tiny smile away. It devoured her delight and raked angrily within her chest as her beloved family smiled and laughed amongst each other. Though Akitaka stood by almost stoically, he had a tiny smile of his own as Shiki, alone, watched from afar.
She didn't see that her fellow servants had caught her staring, but fell quietly beside her as her forlorn gaze remained glued to her growing web of anguish. Here she was, so close to those who completed her… those who truly made her feel fulfilled and yearnful where she was once empty… only for them to be out of reach. This was her family she held so close to her heart, but now they served as a terrible reminder of her predicament.
As the crack in the clouds vanished to shun the sun once more, Shiki noticeably shook, and Tomoe held a hand to her chest in worry. Kintoki and Fuuma glanced to each other with growing concern and uncertainty, yet Shiki's eyes remained on her unaware family. She shook, and the tears threatened to form just like on that day. The pain rampaged in her heart, and it beat with desperation that something could be done, but she knew otherwise. While Tomoe stared with growing heartbreak and sympathy, Shiki's last slither of hope… that this era was her timeline… that she had truly come home… was laid to rest.
Nevertheless, the tears didn't fall, even as her heart cried within. She only felt the cold numbness starting to take root as she finally tore her gaze away from the happy sight… a simple scene she'd never experience again.
All of a sudden, she was shaken from her trance briefly as Tomoe gently laid a hand on her arm. Shiki, with eyes far dimmer than any servant had ever seen, stared towards her. The archer flinched lightly under the sight, and shared a glance with the other two Chaldeans. She swallowed silently, glanced towards the distant table, then back to her companion for the day. "…Let's go somewhere else."
"…Yea. I think we should," she replied with her usual tone; It was a bit fainter than it should have been. The other three Chaldeans glanced at each other as they led Shiki away. She merely stared back one last time at the familiar faces she'd grown to love, and felt solemn jealousy for her mirror self.
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It was a pleasant night in August, made warmer with the blaze of fireworks. They lit up streaks of their predecessors as they exploded in rainbows above Mifune City's park. One by one, the chorus grew vibrant as the crowds around gasped, smiled, and cheered. Bells rang in the festival's crescendo as kimono-clad children scampered across the river's side in mirth.
Atop the porcelain red bridge, whose traditional featured blinked with every burst, the crowd of mostly couples watched. It wasn't as cramped as the other spots, but for Shiki, it would have been too much if Mikiya hadn't been there. Even with his presence and her silky white kimono, it remained a tad uncomfortable. But she can't say she wasn't enjoying herself a bit.
They stood near the center, as she kept her hands on the wooden railing, just looking up. He stood behind her in a black kimono she'd picked out when his other one was ruined by another of Touko's wild cases years ago. One arm gently rested on her hip, while the other remained warm against her belly. He rubbed the growing mound gingerly, and though she'd often bat away the open affection around so many, she was in a very good mood tonight.
Still, she whispered. "You're going to wear out the fabric."
His hand stop, but remained. He chuckled, and it tingled her heart. "Sorry, Shiki… I'm just excited we find out the gender tomorrow."
"Mmm…" she near-silently replied as she glanced down at his bare hand. The glint of the wedding band shimmered with the burst of a larger rocket. "You're still picking the name."
"I still want your opinion. She's your child too."
She made another noise in acknowledgement, but he watched her glance back at his warm, blue eye. There was the hint of uncertainty, and it made him chuckle. She scowled lightly, even as she rested one hand atop the one holding her stomach. "You shouldn't sulk. You'll be a good mother."
After another uncertain noise, he smiled lightly at her. "I'll be here. There's nothing to be worried about… I told you, remember? Or do you just want me to say it again?"
He'd gotten a bit bolder ever since they got married, but she did like that extra charm. She smiled lightly as rested his head against hers. "I won't let you go as long as I live."
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The walk to their lunchtime restaurant had been unbearably silent for the rest, but for Shiki, it was suffocating. She'd moved automatically, and the crowds parting before them were but blurs in her firm yet conflicted eyes. The sounds of an afternoon metropolis distorted into nothing before the beating of her heart and the familiar bells of beloved voices. It was an eternity that continued to play precious moments before her mind's eye even after they reached their luxurious destination.
Like a photo album, the memories spent after that terrible encounter with Shirazumi flickered through her mind with faded warmth and crippling chill. One moment she was sitting together with him at a park beneath falling sakura petals… Next was a breathtaking walk down that aisle in her traditional wedding dress… Then she held the newborn Mana in her arms as Mikiya cried happily with her… So many beautiful sights followed after she'd taken a life, when on that cold concrete floor, she'd fallen empty with the thought she'd truly lost everything important to her.
But now…? Now she understood, without any shadow of a doubt, after the familiar pit of despair manifested as the unrelenting truth before her… '…Those were truly dreamlike days…'
"…Shiki…?" It pierced the fog of her thoughts like a brief blink, but she caught it; How long had Tomoe been calling her name?
Pulled from her damp pit, her eyes focused on the glimmering world around her. This place bathed in luxury, but its Italian aesthetic drew bits of curiosity. So automatic was her distraught movements, she didn't realize the softness of the couture beige armchair she sat in, nor its army of companions. They were some of many chairs and thin marble tables strewn across polished floors that shined with the glints of hanging light orbs just over a balcony.
They were high up on a skyscraper; She hadn't even acknowledged being in an elevator or stairs. The sounds of relaxed lunchtime conversations and clinks of silverware echoed from the floor below their balcony and around her. Her eyes glanced to a bartender as he fixed up a set of drinks at an elegant black bar. Finally, her gaze shifted back to their little table in the corner that lay private from the rest.
Beside a small cluster of their accumulated shopping bags, Tomoe stared across from her as concern leaked from her fidgeting fingers on the marble tabletop. She offered the tiniest of sorrowful smiles, "…How are you feeling?"
Miserable. Depressed. Empty. Shiki could have answered with any of those and more, but she didn't. She merely breathed out slowly, and did nothing more. Tomoe sighed sadly, but kept her tiny smile. "They'll be coming with the lunch boxes shortly. Hopefully Kintoki and Fuuma will be back by then. They're supposed to be a lovely treat!"
Shiki knew what Tomoe was trying to do, but if anything, it just made Shiki sulk more. She wasn't really planning on enjoying anything besides water, yet that's not something most people choose to indulge at Bvlgari Afternoon Tea. Tomoe had been looking forward to this famous afternoon spot in Ginza, yet Shiki was souring her day's highlight; Not that she could help it.
"…What a pain…" was all she managed to whisper out at first, and it made Tomoe's shoulders sag. Shiki sighed and shook her head. "…Sorry. I'm ruining your experience."
"No, it's okay, Shiki! We had a fun morning and… I'm more worried about you. Don't mind me."
The assassin stared up at the archer before her and noticed the familiar look in her eyes. She'd seen it before… the same one Gudao wore, or Kintoki, or several others in Chaldea. It was Mikiya's stare. The compassionate look of someone who genuinely cared despite her finding many a reason they shouldn't. It irked, pained, and warmed her aged soul at the same time as Tomoe continued to fiddle with her fingers gently.
Had her other personality still been present, she would have no doubt tried to kill Tomoe and others for trying to make her open up… and maybe even caring. Instead, she just felt like the same sulky girl she'd been decades ago, baffled as to why someone would even go through the effort. She breathed out slowly, but Tomoe spoke up again. "I… don't want to pry but... ah, never mind. That's personal for you."
Shiki blinked at the archer as she easily pieced together what she would have asked. Instead, to break the growing uncomfortable silence, the waitress came over with a tray. She set the four white cups down, then quickly poured the teas for their table and described them in their native tongue, "(Two green teas for the gentlemen… one Jasmine for you miss… and one oolong for you! I'm not sure what troubles you, miss, but I hope we can ease your pain even a little with your stay. Your boxes will be out shortly.)"
As the waitress walked off with the tray, Shiki stared after her, then glanced back to the equally surprised, but sympathetic, Tomoe. With a glance to her tea, she quickly reached for it, picked it up gingerly, blew gently, and took a sip. Her expression betrayed nothing as she placed it back onto the saucer. "…It's sweet… I don't like it."
"Not a fan of sweets?" Shiki merely shook her head lightly, but surprised Tomoe by taking another sip anyway. The small talk broke yet again. As the awful silence continued, Tomoe looked like she was trying to piece together a way to get her talking and distracted; Easier said than done for a heartbroken introvert. Shiki did hide it well though, or at least she thought.
As the seconds flew by, her mounting guilt for ruining another heroic spirit's highlight pushed her forward to say… something. Anything. "…Did I really look that sad?"
Reminding both of them of her condition probably wasn't the most ideal choice. Even so, Tomoe smiled reassuringly. "I wouldn't say sad… You look more conflicted and maybe angry."
"(I can't imagine she'd show more to anyone besides our Mikiya.)" …That voice. Tomoe stared towards the newcomer in surprise, but not more so than Shiki.
The turmoil was temporarily smashed from her eyes as disbelief took residence. Even so, it only caused the approaching woman to come to a stop by their table of four with her hands concealed in the pockets of a familiar apricot-colored longcoat. Tomoe glanced between the smiling scarlet-haired woman and Shiki as the assassin quickly placed her cup back onto the saucer. As the woman adjusted her eyeglasses, her orange eyes shined with nostalgic warmth. She quickly reverted to English, "…You sure seem to be the same old Shiki. Minus the jacket."
"Touko?" The magus merely nodded as she glanced around the small table.
She then smiled to Tomoe, before glancing around again at the empty chairs. "Mind if I join you two? It's been a while since I caught up with an old friend… Not every day you get to talk with Chaldean servants."
¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨(¯ˆ·.¸ VIII ¸.·ˆ¯)¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨
Before Shiki could even voice a hesitation on Tomoe's behalf, the archer already urged her former employer to stay, and introductions quickly followed. Now she sat with them, with a warm cup of green tea before her and her coat on the back of her pulled-up couture armchair. She sat in black slacks, with one leg crossed over the other, and yet another of her simple white-button ups; All this time, and Touko still looked quite literally the same.
Shiki would have made a comment about her unchanging wardrobe, but that'd be the pot calling the kettle black.
Yet, she was in a slightly better mood already. Just the presence of a familiar face lightly soothed her ragged heart, even if it was far from what she hoped for. As Shiki and Touko took a sip of their teas, Tomoe stared at one of the magus' twitching hands. She refrained from saying something, but Shiki merely shook her head lightly. "Don't mind her… Probably just fidgety because she can't smoke one of her awful cigarettes in here."
"They're awful, but they do wonders," Touko countered with a small smile as she put her tea back down.
As a small lull fell over the table, Tomoe finally ignited the conversation. "…You seem very relaxed about us being servants."
"Should you be surprised? Even if Aoko didn't tell me she met you, Chaldea is the talk of the association," Touko noted with a small smile. By the topic, it was a good thing all the nearby tables were well out of earshot of the hushed conversation. "You're acknowledged and feared, but you don't seem to be all that bad. Just another case of rampant rumors from what I've seen… With all this shopping, you're much more human than many think."
Tomoe stared in surprise, but Shiki answered. "Touko is a master of collecting information."
"All my watchful assets, but I never thought I'd get to observe two Shikis… and here I thought I'd just eye some old friends as they visited my new territory for a shopping day. My familiars just happened to catch a glimpse of you too."
To Shiki's quiet relief, Tomoe was growing with enthusiasm and curiosity. "Then you go way back with Shiki?"
"I usually cut my ties when I can, but Shiki and Mikiya made an exception for themselves," the magus chuckled lightly. "I'm glad that bridge never fell… Now I can say I'm friends with a heroic spirit."
"Not quite, but it's too much of a bother to explain," Shiki commented, and Touko quickly observed the assassin again. She knew there was no getting away.
"I already saw what happened." Touko went straight to the point, then glanced to Tomoe. "You clearly care for her. It's good to see, but her heartache isn't something that can just be remedied. I don't think there's a Mikiya or her daughter in your facility, is there?"
If Shiki wasn't use to Touko's rather blunt observation, it would have aggravated her immensely. It still did, but the dull ache was worse. Tomoe merely shook her head, but glanced around to some nearby tables; They'd all been emptied recently, so they were free from eavesdroppers. Shiki had no doubt Touko had a hand in it. The archer sighed, "There isn't. Da Vinci was hoping Shiki would be returned to her proper time but…"
"…What a pain…" Shiki groaned lightly again, and Touko tossed her a solemn glance. The assassin shook her head, but her stoic eyes remained on her tea. "I help save humanity and this is my reward… Stuck in this world that's not mine…"
"If it really was like the Counter Force at work, it should have placed you back. I can't imagine leaving two of the same person at the same time is something the world would allow," Touko agreed as she finally took off her glasses to clean them. To Tomoe's surprise, her once friendly smile seemed to take on an almost fierce, confident, and sharp look; It was just Touko's quirk as far as Shiki was concerned. "…Unless there's a reason for someone or something keeping you in Chaldea's reach."
Tomoe and Shiki glanced over as Touko placed her glasses on the table, crossed her arms, and levelled her scrutinizing yet calm stare at Shiki. "There's a bit of talk and skepticism Chaldea really did save humanity, but if it's true, and I do believe you did… then what if Chaldea's job is far from over?"
The other Chaldean quietly looked to Shiki, but she merely nodded to appease her uncertainty; Touko was trustable, if not quirky. Reassured, she raised an answer. "Well… There are some lingering singularities and demon pillars. Not as big as the ones Chaldea dealt with before…"
"…Hm. They don't seem that dangerous if a few servants are having a vacation," Touko was quick to point out, and the archer nodded slowly. "I'm just grasping at straws here… I don't know what Chaldea has encountered or dealt with. Only the info gathered from the Clock Tower and what Aoko told me… but it's a hunch. If there's so many in Chaldea, yet our Shiki here has not been returned to her proper seat, then what if she's still needed? That Chaldea's current strength isn't enough and Alaya recognizes that?"
Tomoe's stare filled with mounting apprehension as Shiki quickly reached the same conclusion. The assassin met eyes with her former employer. "…Then there's a bigger threat still waiting out there?"
"There's servants still answering the call… Another just arrived yesterday…" Tomoe mumbled quietly as her worry grew. "If it took all of us just to fight back against Goetia, then…?"
That was not sitting well with Shiki either. Even if she came in at the tail end, Babylonia had been one terrifying battle. They'd barely managed to scrape by against Goetia if their lucky stars didn't align perfectly. If the servants were being called forth to 'ensure humanity's proper future,' as Semiramis had informed, then… She didn't want to think about it, but, sadly, it was preferable to the pain of her own circumstances. If Da Vinci theorized this was possible, she was keeping it silent.
Touko glanced around, popped a small smirk, and chuckled. "Now, now… It could be any number of things. Sorry about bringing up the worst one and spoiling your lunch... It was too heavy of a topic for a vacation at a luxury restaurant."
"…Yea… Just ruining the moment you looked forward to, Tomoe…" Shiki commented with a hint of apology, but Tomoe merely smiled back reassuringly.
"I guess difficulties don't run far from us servants," she joked, but she hit the nail on the head for far too many.
As Touko finished cleaning her glasses properly, she popped them back on, and her friendly smile returned. "How about we change the subject then? I'd like to enjoy a relaxing conversation with an old acquaintance, and maybe get to know more about the Chaldea that had Aoko gushing with excitement."
Though she was curious just how much better her tenuous relationship seems to have gotten with her once-loathed sister, Touko caught the forlorn despair that cloaked Shiki's form. She smiled lightly, "I can imagine how difficult this situation is for you, Shiki, but for what it's worth, at least it's not meaningless."
Shiki stared at Touko, but it was Tomoe who quickly caught on. "You were fighting for your loved ones. To make sure they were happy, and they are… Even if it's not you, it is you! You've protected their happiness and let them smile for that much longer."
To her surprise, Touko raised a new point with a chuckle, "They may not be the same, but at least you have some kind companions keeping you company, if Miss Tomoe is any indication. I just wonder if you're keeping everyone at arm's length again. You were always terrible at connecting with others… Rather just roll around in your bed than… well, almost anything."
In truth, Shiki was never one for moving speeches, preaching, or inspiration, but her heart was subconsciously taking anything it could get right now. Just the little bits of reassurance that not all was lost tried to fill the gaping hole in her heart; The emptiness was going to be forever present. It wasn't going to be something that would heal properly without her true love and her daughter, but moping around endlessly was going to tire her out too. She was too experienced now, even in her current youthful prime, to go back to her sulking ways, even if the out-of-reach memories tried to coax it.
But… she at least knew it was a frustrating and difficult dilemma she'd have to cope with sooner or later. For the sake of Tomoe's lunch, she was at least going to try now… with just a simple nod. "It's something. Not quite like having you or Mikiya or Mana around, but Chaldea has been a good host."
"But still no new friends? Like Tomoe?" Touko asked curiously, almost as if to corner her into a tough spot; Damn this magus sometimes.
Shiki glanced to Tomoe, who merely smiled genuinely to her with that reassuring, familiar compassion in her eyes. She still had no idea why she would even try for someone who stuck to mostly small talk, simple banter, and was content to tag along mostly silently. Yet she did, as did many others… It was a will of compassion that swirled through many she only understood so much thanks to Mikiya. No matter how she aloof she'd act, they still remained there for her.
So she settled for the only real answer she had: Neither acceptance nor denial, but the truth. "…I'm not a very good companion for them."
"I think you are," Tomoe surprised her by praising. "You may be reserved, but you're watchful for others in combat and offer some funny banter in our small talks. Not everything has to be deep."
Shiki blinked. They paused momentarily as the waitress brought over four sets of lunch boxes and new tea cups, giving her time to think. Still, she couldn't think of what to say to that. It surprised her, again, that others would genuinely care without any real prompts. Yet they did, and for her. It was… honestly a bit heartwarming. The waitress bowed, "(I brought your tea, but I'll have your lunch boxes out momentarily, miss)"
"(Thank you,)" Touko offered back as she stared at the tiny treats with Shiki. Among the three boxes, there was a variety of mouthwatering delectable. Miniature loafs of bread that still steamed the black boxes with their warmth. A tiny burger that gleamed lightly under the lights. An adjacent tiny croissant looked extra crisp yet perfectly golden. Among the dozen bite-sized treats, there was even a small mousse with sprinkled chocolate amongst its swirls that had Tomoe's eyes gleaming, yet it couldn't seduce Shiki.
Touko only glanced at her as her mouth twitched with mild disappointment at the delocious morsels she held no interest for.
Their attention soon turned to fast-gaits that echoed towards them. Touko and Tomoe were the first to turn, but the archer quickly fell into giggles as they spotted Kintoki and Fuuma speed-walking towards them. Shiki had to admit, they did look pretty funny trying to be respectful yet hastily move towards them. With a new, curious bag in hand, they slowed down as they tossed inquisitive and wary stares towards the newcomer.
As Touko waved lightly to them, though, Shiki nearly cracked a smirk of amusement as Kintoki's grin flared back onto his face with a friendly wave. "Hey there! I'm guessing you're a friend of some sort?"
"Shiki's former employer, Touko Aozaki, at your service," she introduced playfully as Kintoki scratched his chin. Fuuma quickly pulled on his friend's sleeve to get him to kneel, then whispered something about Aoko into his ear. Touko and Tomoe chuckled as Kintoki's face lit up again.
"Oh! Golden mage's golden sister! Nice to meet you! I'm Kintoki, and this is Fuuma!"
After she shook both their hands, Touko scrunched her eyebrows curiously, then turned to Shiki. As the pair sat, Tomoe offered the answer she sought. "He says golden a lot. It's his favorite adjective."
"How funny… It's leagues better than another color…" Touko chuckled again. Shiki blinked in surprise, and even leaned back a bit as Kintoki plopped the small bag onto the marble surface. Shiki stared at the foreign object, then to the grinning berserker at her side. Curious, Tomoe leaned in by a few hairs.
"We got you a gift! We thought it might cheer you up a bit!" Confused but curious, she quickly went through the bag until her fingers brushed against something cold. Though startled, she didn't flinch, but took a moment before grabbing the offending object and pulling it out of the bag. As Touko smirked, Shiki's eyebrows raised in dumbfounded disbelief as she looked at the small cup of Häagen-Dazs strawberry ice cream in her hand.
Kintoki merely kept grinning. "Tomoe said you eyed it a few times whenever it was in view!"
Though pleasantly surprised, Shiki's eyebrows fell, making Kintoki's grin, Fuuma's smile, and Tomoe's hope waver. "…I don't like strawberry ice cre-"
"She's lying." Shiki stared at Touko, who still tossed a small smile her way, then to her fellow servants. "She's going to eat it, and she's secretly glad you got it for her."
'Touko…' her mind growled angrily, but there was no denying it. She had been caught outright with a secret she'd kept only until after she and Mikiya got married. If she were younger, she would have put up quite the show of sulking frustration… but her distraught heart wanted comfort, and her companions provided it. Perhaps this was one secret indulgence she'd finally let out.
To the delight of the other servants, Shiki silently began to open the lid of the ice cream container. "…Thank you."
Kintoki lit up like the sun. "Ah, don't mention it! Everyone should have fun on vacation!"
Not a moment later, a satisfied Kintoki and Fuuma excitedly began ogling and pointing at the tiny, delicious treats in their little lunch boxes, making the archer laugh. Touko leaned in as Shiki popped the lid off. "…Whether you realized it or not, looks like you've got some good friends already."
The tiny smile that grew on Shiki's face was all the evidence Touko needed.
¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨(¯ˆ·.¸ IX ¸.·ˆ¯)¨·..·¨·..·¨·..·¨
An hour slipped by, and to Shiki's appreciation, thoughts of her plight had been pushed down by near endless conversation. Though Fuuma and Kintoki had left earlier, Touko stuck around a bit longer to relish some old company; Maybe it was more for Shiki's sake than hers. Whatever the case, the assassin wound up quietly enjoying the last moments of familiar company as they exited the building.
They walked off to the side of the building's classy glass entrance where a koi pond offered some benches by its manicured rocks. They didn't sit, but they just needed the last-minute privacy for Touko to fish a paper out of her pocket. With a swift wave of her lit cigarette, out of sight, she inscribed a specific rune and number combination onto the sheet and handed it to Shiki. "First one is my cell, and the second is my transcriber if you ever want to get in contact. I'm sure Chaldea has to have at least one somewhere."
"Da Vinci has one," Tomoe nodded in thanks. "We'll let you know if Da Vinci and the others agree with it!"
Touko smiled, but shrugged. "You're the one who raised it, I just expressed interest. I've spent too much time in one place. I could use a change of scenery again."
"I thought they removed the sealing designation on you," Shiki commented as she slipped the paper into her kimono. It'd been a small lunch topic since the Clock Tower was still ripe with political anarchy and restructuring; That shadow servant really shook the totem pole.
"They did, and I hope it's permanent this time… but that doesn't mean spending twenty years in Japan wasn't getting old," Touko chuckled lightly. "I have to stash some safety puppets elsewhere too. Haven't been to Antarctica yet."
Shiki nodded slowly, but Touko spoke first. "You don't need to say it. I know it'd make you feel better to have another familiar face around, but we'll see, Shiki. I just expressed interest."
"Even if there's no offer, I hope we get to meet again, Miss Aozaki!" Tomoe bowed lightly, making the magus let out a tiny chuckle again.
"Time will tell… Take care of yourselves, you two." Touko bade a single wave goodbye, then quietly strolled away. Tomoe blinked in surprise as she seemingly disappeared before she even reached the heart of the moving crowds, but Shiki was far too used to her enigmatic grace. She was just content she'd found someone she knew.
Before an uncertain silence could grow, Shiki gestured to the crowds with her hands. "To your next stop then?"
Tomoe quickly nodded and smiled in agreement. With bags in hand, they joined the crowds moments later in comfortable silence. The heartache tagged along, but the little justifications and reassurances from the others did surprising wonders. It lingered with the feeling of emptiness, but a reassured warmth combatted it. She didn't know how long it'd last. For all she knew, it could come back with a vengeance tonight, so she remained wary, yet content as could be.
Quietly, she glanced towards Tomoe, who had been looking at a small tour map. Instead, she had been smiling at Shiki, but turned away the second she looked over. The assassin blinked. "Is there something you wanted to ask?"
"Ah… no. I was just glad you're feeling better."
Shiki stared, but then pushed forward at curiosity's whim. "You don't like seeing others sad? I didn't take you for the motherly type."
There was a pause as Tomoe took a small breath, but a small smile remained to counter the solemn glint in her red eyes. "It's more over what I saw in your eyes. It wasn't as apparent at first. You just looked a bit uncertain and worried earlier but… Then you had that same look I had when I… failed Yoshinaka…"
Her eyes had suddenly hardened with regret and disappointment, but Shiki didn't waver or flinch like some walking nearby. Instead, she wondered shamefully if her own disposition secretly made Tomoe well with frustration within; She may have ruined part of her day more than she knew. Whether it always lingered or not, Tomoe forcefully pushed the emotions back with some deep breaths. "…Sorry. I get worked up too when I think about it. I understood the hopelessness and loss you felt with a sad truth… It's hardly beautiful."
"…Love does that to people, huh?" Shiki asked flatly, and they both shared a look of agreement. "At least there's the chance you'll see him again, but… sorry… about reminding you of your past."
"You were having your own crisis. You couldn't help it," Tomoe smiled reassuringly. So maybe that was it then. She acted because it troubled her. She felt sympathy for a similar plight and wanted to help. Tomoe smiled again. "…I know I'm not Touko, but… if you ever need someone to talk to about it, I can listen."
Shiki fell silent. She was never, ever one to just let out her feeling to anyone; Mikiya barely heard any until they finally made that heartfelt vow in that cold warehouse. But if she learned anything in her time as a wife, it was that keeping things locked up was just shaking a soda can. Though she doubted she'd vent her feelings, maybe someone to truly talk to about other random things would at least help her. Touko was right: She found some who cared if she bothered to open up.
"…Maybe… but thank you," Shiki finally offered, and Tomoe smiled back lightly and nodded. "An ice cream would help too."
"Another one? Now?" Tomoe joked, and Shiki found herself smirking back. "…Mmm… Maybe. If it cheers you up more, of course. You're my friend, right?"
They'd only known each other for so many weeks, but for all the little things she's done and continued to do…? "…I guess so, huh? You drew quite a short straw."
"I like to think otherwise," the archer reassured, and the air felt more comfortable again. Of all the time spent around other servants, she'd have pegged it on their presence. It was because of who they were that she felt even the slightest inclination to spend time near them. Yet, she was not a dense woman.
She knew she'd been denying it, and not trying to get attached. But all that time away from those she loved made the heart yearn. It instinctively made her join others on occasion. Whether it was enjoying Li and Jing Ke's comical banter or hunting prey with other scouts, she found the acts weren't as tiring as she proclaimed them to be.
She even had her own little interests and bright spots she hadn't enjoyed before. An occasional conversation with Jekyll… Racing to kill as many ghosts as possible against Scathach and King Hassan… Even just lazing around in the Shrine while Xuanzang was passed out and Tota tried to stop her from snoring. She hadn't thought about it hard before, but there were plenty of moments she took comfort in she never admitted.
Most of all, though her heart mourned the loss, she had helped achieve its wish: To see her family safely through the night. There they were, and even if she was now an observer of that happiness, it lived on. Though Touko's hypothetical situation was cryptic, it held a new blossoming hope. Whatever threat was coming, if they defeated it truly, then she may finally return to those dreamlike days if enough servants were present.
At this point she was just trying to reassure herself that her predicament wasn't so bad, but truthfully… it was actually working. Tomoe nearly beamed at the tiny smile of hope that subconsciously grew on Shiki's lips. "Did you just think of something nice?"
Shiki glanced and nodded. "…Yea. I guess that's fair to say... Say, Tomoe. You said you're still looking around for a nice Kimono, yea? When we get to Mifune City, I know a really good store you're going to love. It's one of my favorites."
Tomoe's eyes lit up, but Shiki wasn't too sure if it was for a blossoming friendship or the sought-after cloth. "Why didn't you say so before?"
"Slipped my mind," she waved off with a tiny smirk; She was feeling even better already. "I could even show all of you around a few nice spo-"
"HOLD STILL, YOU INSECT!" "YOU DAMN COW!"
Shiki and Tomoe were off like race horses. They sped the several dozen meters towards the source of the voices; There was no doubt who they were. With bags in hand, they dashed through the glass rotating doors of the department store and weaved through the shocked bystanders. Among a sea of kimonos in a shop they visited this morning, they found the offending trio towards the back… but stopped in surprise as the anxiety washed off their forms like rain.
To their astonishment, Ibaraki was merely standing in one of the three-way mirrors with her arms stretched out to her sides. On her small frame was a brand-new, kid-sized white kimono with a yellow sash, but it was plastered with banana patterns; Shiki had never seen an outrageous kimono until her eyes landed on that. The tailor was watching off to the side in shocked uncertainty, and even partially quivering in her own blue kimono, but her measuring tape was missing.
It was currently being held by Raikou, who was diligently measuring the waist. Shuten was helping her double check the oversized parts with another tape measure, all while Ibaraki stayed frozen in discontent. The golden Oni pouted and partially wiggled. "Can I just get the itch-!?"
"No!" Raikou boomed again, but far less aggressively than before. "We need to get these measurements right for Medea and Naomi. I want to save the poor dear some headache when she finally wakes up, and you are going to cooperate, do you hear me, insect!? I still haven't gotten to pick out one for my dear Kintoki! And dear Annie needs one too! You will not be wasting our time!"
"Shuteeeen! Tell the cow to stop calling me insect!" Ibaraki complained, but her fellow Oni only let out her sultry giggle that made some bystanders nearby wobble.
"Rest thy voice. Our task reaches its zenith," Shuten replied calmly as she continued her work measuring the obi.
Ibaraki only pouted again as she spotted them. "Tomoe! Shiki! I demand you get over here and help me!"
Tomoe's disbelieving response was to slowly fish out her phone, raise it, and start recording video. "…No one's going to believe this."
"I said help me not record this!"
Shiki could only stare in bewilderment at the unbelievable sight of Raikou actually getting along fairly well with the Onis; Not trying to get in a fight or kill them was huge progress. Ibaraki not trying to rip off Raikou's head for yelling at her was just as big. Shiki was truly dumbfounded. "…What did you two tell them?"
"They were just pleading requests but…" Tomoe trailed off quietly as she kept recording. The scene only continued to play out calmly with mild bickering.
Nonetheless, Shiki stared in wondrous distraction. Chaldea and its resident heroes was sometimes a headache, and other times a sight to behold. Yet, it was also her current home, or one she found herself staying in longer than she hoped. With all its sights, interests, and curiosities… it wasn't quite a bad one either. It had grown on her more than she admitted before, but now, with the final nail of a terrible truth, she found it would be her main source of comfort in trying times.
Truthfully? It wouldn't be too bad sticking around just a little longer, just so long as she did finally return to her real home someday. She'd miss these moments, if she even remembered them. She'd miss these strange servants who wormed their way into her life whether she wished it or not. That day may come she'd finally be released from this dream, where she still fought for herself and her loved ones' futures.
Until that possible slither of hope was realized, she'd slowly come to terms while silently appreciating these newfound dreamlike days.