The youkai known as Yukari Yakumo was tired. Run ragged zooming to and fro all over the base. But finally, they had a moment to relax, their work done, they could finally unwind.
It had been a week since the invasion of White Forest, and planning, engineering, and training had taken up the vast majority of it. Establishing connections and trust with the people here, figuring out how to divide personnel between White Forest and the acquired Combine facility now known as the "Grey Spire", and then as well supplying the mission to the north to locate Mossman and the Borealis.
But all that was behind them. The final prep for the Arctic mission was taking place, and thus Yukari had the chance to relax in the room they were given. A decently sized room, complete with a bunk-bed, shelf of books, and an old couch which they currently sat in, perusing through old Russian novels.
Then, a knock came at the door, Yukari figuring out it's source quite quickly. They had always noticed everyone knocked a little bit differently. Mokou's was loud and to the point, usually closer to a thumping rather than a proper knock. Nitori's was more delicate, precise, cautious, like a precision instrument. This knock was measured, paced, vaguely mechanical. It's source was easy to deduce.
"Come in, Zero." Yukari spoke, putting down a bookmark before closing the book as the Elite came in.
"You requested my presence?" Zero asked, their formality quite present.
"Indeed." Yukari started. "Firstly, how goes the prep for the arctic mission?"
"According to schedule. By tomorrow, the group will begin moving northward." Zero answered.
"Good. But, that's not the only thing occurring tomorrow." Yukari spoke. "Me, Mokou, and Nitori are leaving."
"With the mission?" Zero gave a near-imperceptible head-tilt.
"Back home. City 8. " Yukari clarified. "We've finally been able to do what we came here to do. Establish good relations with White Forest. City 17's destruction, the super-portal, nor my capture were planned. We've been gone for far longer than we wanted to."
Zero paused for a moment. "...Alright then."
"You're surprised, I'm assuming?" Yukari raised an eyebrow slightly.
"Yes and no. I'm more surprised that rebellion in City 8 hasn't been completely quelled by now." Zero replied. "City 8 is one of the three most militarized cities on the planet, City 17 was a practical safe haven in comparison."
"A good point, but we youkai are craftier than most. Not to mention many still keeping some more inherent abilities not directly linked to magic." Yukari replied. "So, the main reason I actually asked you here was the simple question of whether you'd like to join us on our trip there or not?"
"You want me to come with you. Why?" Zero asked, confusion evident in their voice. "Would it not be more prudent to keep me here, training troops and assisting with the Grey Spire?"
"There's not much to teach them that they haven't already learned or can't figure out themselves. Classical tactics would only help in figuring out the enemy, rather than assisting themselves." Yukari started. "Secondly, Nitori has already written out an extensive guide on the operating systems of the Spire. It's in good hands."
"As for the why of why, it is more or less the fact that we all have grown rather attached to you. You've helped us as much as we've helped you. Besides, I do believe we could use you there." Yukari spoke. "While we are quite crafty, we would like to make some actual headway. Your skills and knowledge of how Overwatch functions could be quite useful. Perhaps the added push we need."
Zero paused for a while longer after that. "And what will the other rebels there think of my presence?"
"If they have problems, they'll have to go through the three of us." Yukari affirmed. "So, are you interested?"
Zero was quiet for a little while longer, head drifting slightly before it locked back onto Yukari. "Yes."
Yukari gave a smirk. "Excellent. I'll let the others know later. I would pack what you can now. We'll likely be leaving at sunrise."
"Affirmative." Zero nodded. "Was there anything else?"
"No, not really." Yukari admitted. "You can go now, if you wish. Do take care now."
"Likewise, ma'am. Have a good evening." Zero gave a nod before leaving, Yukari admitting another smile to themselves as the door closed behind them. This experiment had worked out far better than they had ever intended it to. They had noted Zero acting a little less mechanical with every day. They were acclimatizing well.
Then, a feeling ran down the back of the youkai's neck. Like the hangar, but different, as if the air itself had suddenly shifted, just slightly. Yukari wouldn't exactly describe it as a painful feeling, more similar to as if the air itself was weighted, a certain kind a delay coming to their movements that only their eyes could notice.
"...Quite the soldier you've managed to get a hold of." came a voice opposite the door. Yukari slightly stiffened before letting out a strong exhale from their nose, eyes finally looking over to the source.
"You always do know how precisely to invade other people's personal spaces, don't you?" Yukari replied to the suited man who had entered their room.
"Mmm." the man replied, his voice was always a hard thing to pinpoint, even for Yukari. Seemingly unfamiliar with tone and voice, no matter the language they used, voice slowing or speeding up at seemingly random intervals. "It is a necessary skill to... possess in my… line of work."
The man moved stiffly, setting himself down beside Yukari on the couch. "However, that topic is not my reasoning for arrival here."
"Zero, then, is it?" Yukari narrowed their gaze, meeting the unnatural turquoise gaze of the suited man.
"Mmm, yes. " they started, almost tasting the air. "They are quite an… asset. I must say, even considering the… impairment which you currently suffer from, I am impressed at what you've managed to do. As are my... employers, but their reaction is far closer to trepidation rather than pure interest."
Yukari could only give a small smirk at that. "Quite a reaction. One that reeks of things not going the way they were intended. I'm guessing they still possess that paranoid reaction to 'telling all', was it?"
"Even amongst those you considered peers... you always were the most astute. Yes, this series of events is something entirely… unpredicted. The Elite known as Four-Zero-Zero was supposed to die within the limits of City 17, as were you, my dear." the man replied, images flashing in the youkai's head of that all-consuming detonation ending both Elite and youkai alike.
"... however their continued existence has undoubtedly changed many things. This is a potential reality I could not have seen occuring, but I do see… limitless potential within it, and while my... employers are still quite hesitant, they have agreed to be patient and see what possible... investments may grow out of it." the man explained.
"Then we see similar things, at least." Yukari replied. "I was quite hesitant about them as well, but the amount they've done could change the course of this war."
"Quite so. But in truly what way is yet to be seen." he continued. "But that is only one reason I am here, Ms. Yakumo, as despite this turn of events, my time in this... position is beginning to draw to it's conclusion. For anything that may be relevant to you, at least. While this wasn't entirely an... intended outcome, that can be said for any of... this."
Yukari didn't betray any emotion, merely watching as the man set their signature briefcase on their lap.
"And while my... term here is coming to an end, I do believe we have unfinished business, mhm." the man started, adjusting himself on the couch.
"Namely, a... debt... that must be paid. While I do... apologize for it taking this long to return payment for services rendered, you must understand I am a quite busy man, but I have found the time to procure something of note for you." the man elaborated. "While normally I am… restricted in my role here, both me and my employers do take those we owe very seriously, and considering this place is in a state of… flux, my employers have allowed me... leeway that I would not have been afforded otherwise."
The man opened the latches on the case, opening it with a click as they pulled out what appeared to be a sphere of energy, the colours within swirling and mixing, almost looking like a miniature galaxy. Yukari could practically feel the raw power emanating from it, though they rose an eyebrow.
"I believe this will assist in the aftermath of… all this, no matter how long that may be." he spoke, before the sphere moved towards Yukari, going into themselves. Yukari's eyes widened as they realized what it exactly was, as dimensions that had been ripped from them came back into view. As if they were a colorblind man who could finally see that which they had been deprived of for so long.
The man then closed the case, snapping the locks closed before standing up, adjusting their tie as they looked to Yukari.
"That's... quite a gift." Yukari spoke, restraining surprise poorly.
"Do use it wisely, Ms. Yakumo." the man spoke as they turned away, towards the door. "While I would like to say that we'll meet again, it is likely that this is the last time we'll see one another for a very long time."
The man opened the door, the pathway beyond a pure white rather than the hallways of White Forest.
"Take care, Ms. Yakumo. Not many get a second chance to correct mistakes." he spoke, his voice sounding slightly more relaxed before they walked through, the door closing behind them.
And the entity known to Yukari as the G-Man left for a final time. Yukari just let out a chuckle.
"I won't. Not this time." Yukari spoke softly, as they willed the light in their room to go out as a test, turning it off and on with some effort, old reflexes withered by lack of practice.
It wasn't much. A spark of magic, unfettered or hindered by belief. But it could grow, it could adapt. And to Yukari, the most important part: It could be shared.
While hope had bubbled within themselves over the developments with Zero, the destruction of the Citadel network and the capturing of the Grey Spire, they couldn't help but give a grin, something they hadn't done in ages. There was definite hope there now. Something they held onto. Something they could spread.
And the thought came that perhaps this war could end well after all, against all odds. Thus, for once they allowed themselves to close their eyes, and rest, just for a bit.
Tomorrow would be a busy day.
Author's Notes
And that, my friends, is Subject: Gap. It's shorter, but it's epilogue, what does one expect? There's a fair bit to say here, so first let me get the biggest question out of the way first.
Will there be a sequel?
Possibly. Maybe even probably. I have numerous ideas, many of which i've teased throughout the story. The setting would likely be City 8, a setting inspired somewhat by the Garry's Mod maps of the same name, at least in design. I've thought a fair deal about it, it'd be a fairly different setting, something entirely new and divorced from previous locales and canon. There would also be a lot more Touhou characters involved, which I know has been something requested, but I didn't want to force any others in willy-nilly.
If there is a sequel, though, I'd probably try to do things differently. Writing chapters ahead in advance then releasing them over time, rather than a "when it's done" sort of thing. Dunno if I can stick to something like that, but it's somethin' to try, at least.
Secondly, i'd like to apologize again for that gigantic hiatus. My mind wanders, and I despise myself for it. For those who stuck to the end, I thank you very much.
Other than the sequel, I have some other ideas for stories. Namely little one-shots for some things i've wanted to write for. Don't know if any of them will hold water, but it's something that might happen. Might even be something as simple as files explaining some things. Expect a bit of that in the near future.
If you wish to leave a review, please do so, as i'm also open to answering most questions one might have.
Lastly, I do want to say thank you to all those who have reviewed in the past, as your reviews are honestly one of my main factors for driving me forward with my writings. While they've been less since my absence, they still helped me get a little bit of extra steam, if simply to not disappoint others, even if you're still probably disappointed by my bad writings.