Chapter 4:

Greetings of the Masquerade

October 23rd. Evening.

(Out in the trackfield.)

[Recommended Music: Sisters, Diablo II.]

"Such a beautiful moon are we graced by today, wouldn't you agree?" she asks, none of the incoming moonlight brightening the draconian spell in her eyes.

He takes a slow step back, another, sharply saliva and air returns in, deeper and deeper.

"Perhaps colder than usual, yet it is a fine night. Shame I've no permission to drink on duty, enjoying sake under the moonlight is one delectable pleasure," nodding short, a hand slowly cruising through her hair, 1st Lt Tsukuyomi takes a moment to stare at Shirogane. Although her words were soft like the breeze, in comparison to them the gale would seem fitting of the opposite hemisphere. "Would there be something wrong, Shirogane Takeru? You've been dead, silent for quite some time," she asks as she shortens the distance in slow, small steps, eyes narrowing upon the patch covering one of his ears.

"Uh… It's nothing, I didn't expect to see you," not this fast, dammit. What is it with today? "If you'd excuse me," he gives a faint bow, taking a few steps, that are mirrored and block his path once more. "Um, do you need something, 1st Lieutenant?"

"Huh? I… do not recall introducing myself to you, Shirogane Takeru," she asserts, an eclipse falling over her fair features, now tight and ablaze.

And causing the soldier to recoil, eyes and lips ballooning in shock. "I, uh, was told, like, not to mess around with the Royal Guards that were here in the base," he answers, taking another step back, casting glances around, sensing three sets of footsteps somewhere behind him.

"Hmm, I see," she says, and nothing else.

Simply tapping her chin while pacing, Mana remains silent, observing and scanning what the light revealed. Eyes that should not shine, breathing that must've been as cold as the gale. Under such deafening stillness, the moonlight's clarity clung more to the soldier as if to ascertain his shadow, his presence.

So she was left to rasp a sigh, frowning a bit. "Most curious it is, to see a male recruit at this time of the year."

On the complete opposite, the chills poke and prod at the every pore, trying to sink in. Recalling a hallway, the tournament, what came later, Takeru rubs an arm, not rejecting the cloak that upon him falls. "I guess… It's how things turned out, just that."

"More so to be assigned to this base, no less."

Gaze downcast, shadows extend and flicker to the drum of the wind.

"Hmm? What is it? Out of answers so quickly?"

Sighing while rubbing the ear, still barely able to hear much from it, Takeru faces the new moon where it shouldn't be one. "I don't know what you want me to answer, Tsukuyomi-san."

"How curious, I've not introduced myself yet you seem to know who I am. I do not recall giving you permission to use my name, Shirogane Takeru."

"…And I don't recall giving it to you, either, but here we are," he shrugs, lifting a small smile, a ding on his mind in warning. "And speaking of here, it's getting kinda cold. Wanna talk inside or-"

"I do not mind the coldness, myself," she asserts, arms folding slowly. "You seem distressed, Shirogane Takeru. Would you be having a rough time?"

"Siiigh… You have no idea, for real."

"…Huh?"

"O-Oh, sorry. It's just my way of saying something's serious. Just… Yeah, today's been a shock," sighing a bit, then looking up, taking a step forward. Thinking of the bunny in black, yelling a call in his mind, Takeru returns the stare. "If you don't need anything from me, I'd like to take my leave."

"Oh, but I very much do, you see," she immediately counters. "Could you tell me from where were you transferred, cadet?"

"That's classified."

"Oh, truly?"

"Yeah, was advised to shut up about it for the time being."

"I see… Quite curious, wouldn't you agree," she says, smiling small and nodding upwards. While she gazes at the moonlight that falls all over her, those sets of footsteps crawl closer to his back. "I assume you arrived yesterday and were appointed to your squadron today, in quite the haste it would seem. Did you truly think you'd go unnoticed?"

"No, but this is way faster than expected. Seriously, it's been only a single day, dammit," complaining inside, shaking his head to a shiver due to the cold blanket, he paces back, stares at the trackfield. Finding almost right behind him three shapes garbed in white standing in tension, talons and fangs absorbing the moonlight, reflecting none of it back his way. "…Could we try and settle this peacefully or-"

"If you'd comply with the queries," Mana says, waving at the trio that relent and take a singular step back, gazes still preying upon the soldier.

"Fine, I guess," he rolls his eyes, compacting his posture. Not like I should run by force, even if I could win a fight against them. "You have fifteen minutes, I'll spare that much."

"…Pardon?"

"I'm saying we can talk for that long. I've training first thing in the morning, I'm sure you know," he nods, simply tilting his head to gaze at the frowning trio.

Mana blinks erratically, mind blank for the seconds in which a cloud obscures the moon, and the soldier's own features. "…Let us get to the point, if you'd allow. Tell me, Shirogane. Why is a dead man still walking?"

"…I'm going to assume you're talking about me."

"Oh, what makes you think that?"

"That you got me surrounded, ready to beat the ever-loving shit out of me?"

"Kindly answer the query, then. Why is a dead man walking again?"

"Siiigh… Well, for starters, because as you can see I'm not dead."

"Wh- Do you take us for fools, you-"

"Kamiyo," a quiet, scorching glare causes further step backs. Mana paces around him, arms behind her back, edging closer. "I do not take kindly to jesters, cadet."

"I know that already, for real," he shrugs again, her features tighten once more. "But that's the thing, actually. I'm only seizing my chances, just that," he nods back smiling, causing a glitch, the stop of her slow pacing.

"You're capitalizing an opportunity? To what end?" she asks, taking a step closer, the trio following suit.

Yet only a smile they meet, the downcast gaze hiding from the moonlight. "It's a good skill to have, ain't it. To know when to make the most out of the cards you're dealt. That's all I'm doing."

And for a few moments, the shriveled clouds above traveled the skyline faster than Mana's thoughts did in her inner highway.

"…That still does not answer my question, Shirogane Takeru," she says, slow and low, a sliver of poison leaking out of the lips. "Why is a dead man here? Only the living can seize opportunities, after all."

And returning the gaze squarely, an unchanging coldness she returns his way. Rustling both hands into his pockets and kicking at the ground, he can only stargaze in silence for a moment. "The last time I kept things in, everything went to hell. Even if she doesn't believe me, all I gotta do is show her I'm not an enemy…" he decides, recalling the last time that dry voice came from Tsukuyomi, when from this same trackfield he called for help. So shrugging a bit, he slowly starts. "Well, maybe there's something dear to the fallen, something worth dying for again."

"Cease your misdirections!" Ebisu snaps, stepping forward to the nods of the other two. "Do you think you can make fools of us?"

"Hear, hear," Tomoe nods, pointing a finger to his throat, eyes ablaze. "What trickery did you employ to deceive the UN I know not, but you cannot best Mana-sama's eyes!"

"Her instincts are second to none! Well, maybe Maya-sama's, but that's besides the point!" Kamiyo follows, erupting more than the flooding moonlight. "Don't underestimate the Shogunate, we already tracked your profile, dead man!"

"I wish not Mana-sama's anger upon anyone. You'd be best served to plead guilty right away. Better get on your knees and kiss her feet in prayer!"

"…Ebisu, again with that?"

"I'm only saying he should prostrate himself and beg for forgiveness. Identity theft is in no manner a laughing matter."

"Yes, precisely. Simply because you're quite adept with a sword does not equal you'd be able to fool our eyes, nor our data banks. Also, for the Holy Emperor, close your damn jacket!"

"Wait, what's wrong with it?" he asks, rechecking his attire, finding nothing out of the ordinary.

Yet the trio huddle closer, groaning and grumbling steam out of every pore, fingers and stares locked on Shirogane.

"And he dares to jest on the matter, I swear. Isn't this public indecency?"

"He's doing it on purpose, to distract our attention to that poor, stretched tank top!"

"I know, right?! Just because you've such a well honed physique does not equal you must show it off so! Males these days…"

"…Are- Are you complimenting me or-"

"Who would praise an oaf like you?!" all three burst in unison. "Don't you dare look down upon us Imperi-"

"You three, that is more than enough," Mana warns, pinching her nose, massaging the bridge as one eye twitches in glitch. "Let me handle this discussion."

"However, this oaf is clearly-"

"Kamiyo, I said enough. You three, fall back. I shall handle this, myself," she asserts, holding their stares hostage until they bow down. When all them reflect moonlit curses his way, Mana clears her throat. Along the passing wind the three shadows melt in a breath, leaving nothing behind. And yet, "You do not seem surprised, Shirogane Takeru."

"Eh, don't see a reason to react to the Three Idiots and make things worse."

"How did you dare to call us?!" shadows complain behind the water taps, small pebbles or the like almost grazing the soldier. "It is tantamount to treason to insult the Imperial Royal Guard, more so considering your attire!"

"I mean, you three were literally checking me out worse than I did when I was a teen in summer. I'mma sue your heads if you keep this up, technically speaking I'm still a minor until my birthday," he crosses his arms and brows, glaring at the grumbling shadows that melt back to silence, curses under their breaths and the gale. Takeru simply sighs, choosing then to slowly button up his jacket. "So," he looks Mana's way again, who hadn't moved from her position, expression far closer to ignition, "I don't suppose you're feeling like ending this talk yet?" he asks, taking some steps away.

"We could, if you'd cooperate," she squints eyes and tone, pacing in the opposite direction, both creating a small circle of steps.

"I have been, honest. Haven't ran back to base nor screamed for help, have I?"

"Are you that certain of your safety?"

"There's no reason to worry, a Royal Guard wouldn't put themselves in the spotlight so easily. If you were really worried, I'd be dead already," he shrugs, messing with his hair.

"Hmm, and yet it seems dead is what you should already have been, as a matter of fact," a step closer, another. "You have not been surprised by our presence in the slightest, even now you do not seem alarmed," a hand nuzzles the edges of the red dress, finding a handle, gripping it.

"Today has been crazy, is all. I'm kinda numb, to be honest."

"Hmm. For your profile to be locked despite your rank, you must be quite the special cadet. For the record, I could not find you in our data banks. Neither from the IRG nor the IJN, not a conscript from the UN either… Who could you be, I wonder?"

"…Shirogane Takeru?"

"Pah… Keep making a fool out of me, Shirogane, and I will make sure you only eat natto for the rest of your stay in the Empire."

"Joke's on you, I like that a lot actually."

"You… do?" steps almost halt, heels surfacing on the ground.

"Yeah, for real," he simply nods back, also ceasing the circle, facing her with the moonlight behind him.

"Hmm. For someone who, I assume, comes from abroad to favor a Japanese dish. Would you tell me what is your favorite meal, Shirogane?" she asks, half a step closer.

"…Why? I mean, I don't mind telling you but, why ask that?"

"So despite being a fellow Japanese you do not possess such a simple, mundane answer?" she asks, far colder than the wind that recoils off her frame, hair swaying upwards.

He simply shrugs, shivers away from the frost in her gaze, inner and outer. "Eh, fine. It's steamed doubin, without a doubt. The king of the mountains, the matsutake mushroom, alongside the treasures of the seas, breams and shrimps, steamed together with some nice seasoning. Add fried rice, eggs, and maybe some bacon alongside it, and you have a total delicacy. Best food ever created!" he declares, uppercutting the gust. Only to wither into a wail, a hand softly tending to his belly. "Hauu… What wouldn't I do for some fried chicken with rice…"

"Wh-What?"

"Oh, ignore me, I'm just complaining out loud."

"You… Could you remind me of your name?"

"…Shirogane Takeru."

"Is it really? Would it not be 'Takeshi' instead?" she asks, smiling small while pacing to face him.

Only to have the soldier back away, grimacing as if facing the culinary efforts of one certain beloved. "No, it's not. My name is Takeru."

"Yet the kanji of your name in the profiles would more commonly be read as-"

"I know, but it's not Takeshi. What the hell, dude." That's twice today. Twice! What, am I really back in middle school?! Last time I checked I couldn't loop that far back.

"Then, if you are indeed Shirogane Takeru, I assume you can answer simple queries of your profile, can you not? What is your blood type, for example?" she asks, edging closer with every step, skirting his shadow.

"B negative, I think?"

"When is your birthday?"

"December 16."

"Year?"

"1982. Born right at nine PM, by the way."

"I… see. Did you have any siblings?"

"Nope, only child." And Sumika could count, but no one remembers she exists over in this world.

"I see… I suppose, this has been enough," her steps stop, right behind him. Leaning closer to prevent the soldier from turning around. "Tell me, now, how does a dead man walk again?" she asks, slithering closer, almost whispering the venom right at his neck.

Only to flinch and stall all motions as she hears a low chuckle start to raise. It sends shivers down her spine, tingling in its rhythmic tone, long gone.

"…What is so funny?"

"Sorry, it's just… Today really ain't my day, is it," he simply whispers, rubbing the stitched patch over an ear as if attempting to capture a cloud.

"If you continue to avoid an answer-"

"It's not like you'll get it anyways," he whispers, sighing and looking up. "Yeah, it's not like I lose anything, maybe Tsukuyomi-san will catch the cross…"

"Ahem…" Mana taps his forearm, glares at the drunken butterfly of his scattering shock, frozen solid for a moment. "I do not recall allowing you to use my name. Also, mumbling beneath your teeth is quite the daring thing to do in front of an Imperial Guard," she asserts, taking point in front of him, glaring at almost minimal distance. And having her own veneer loosen upon the shock remaining in his features.

"Ah, dammit, I thought I was over this…"

"Pardon?"

"Nothing, just ignore me. I tend to space out a lot, though it's been a while since I've done that…"

"Is… that so."

"Sigh… Anyways," flattening his jacket, slowly closing it up upon a gust, Takeru meets the ice for eyes, coldness heaving in his stomach at another face-off with blank masks. "I'm only trying to honor a promise, nothing else. Just trying to see if I can fly again, before having to fall down and burn away."

"W-What did you just…"

"It's a way of saying I know this is no second chance, but that I'd like for things to be better than before," he answers, still looking up at the moon, a hand reaching out to try and grasp it, pulling at his heart's strings. "That I know there will come a time when it's gonna be actions and not words, so I can't run away. If I want to make the future smile, I gotta start from now. So even if you think me dead I've got something worth protecting, that's why I'm- Tsukuyomi-san?" he asks as he looks back down, finding the guard had taken a few steps back and was far from over doing so.

The quiver in the features halts, not that of the hands. Coughing does not either, even the gale's coldness cannot stick to her, flowing through the cracks along the glint of moonlight. "Those are… Ahem, rather curious words, one could say. You do not deny you are a dead man, then?"

"…I guess that's all you'll see me as, huh," and so he sighs again, shoulders slumping, all the bravado galloping away on the wind. "Yeah, this is my B."

And leaving further gaps in the mask that no moonlight could brighten. "You- What- E-Enough of this! Who are you supposed to be?"

"…Just Takeru, nothing else," he shrugs, everything still downcast. "At the very least, I don't think we're enemies, Tsukuyomi-san."

"I- You- Pah! To think you'd attempt to fool us to such degree. Also, you are not allowed to call me by name," she lashes out, a viper in every word.

Only managing to petrify and cloud what moonlit seeds remain in him. "I see… Guess it's on me for believing we could get along again…"

"What did- Just what are you talking about?!" she yells, glaring at the trio of shadows that stand and try to edge closer. The dragon swallows its own breath the way it came upon finding an unchanged downcast collapse seeking the stars again. Inhaling sharp while fixing her fringe, she tells, "Enough pretenses and fancy words. Why are you here, Shirogane?"

"…Because I've someone to protect," he slashes back into her, an eye slightly twitching, silencing the momentum of the one in red.

"And, pray tell, who could that someone be, to summon a dead back to the living? Have you returned on your own to this place, perchance?"

"Siiigh…" numbness tickling the underside of his ears, Takeru looks up, up to the moon again. To that phantom trail of a rocket he can see, amidst what feeble cracks follow when thinking on what follows. "You could say I chose to be here, I guess." According to Sensei's theory on the Nucleus, at least.

"Then, kindly answer the query, unless you rather have me guide you back to the grave."

Shoulders crash down, eyes too. a dry laugh escapes his lips again. "I already know what happens when I shut up and don't play to my outs, do I? Even if Tsukuyomi-san won't ever be my friend like back home…" his eyes close, a deep breath later he slowly starts, again clawing at the distant stars, "I used to be from this area, if you must know."

"Wh-What? Wait, but that isn't in the profiles, was it?"

Much like a seed he craves the light, reaching up through the curved dark of other days, when he was not enough to be their guiding light. "We met in this town, or what used to be here… We grew up here, together. At times we laughed, we cried too. We hurt others and were hurt ourselves, driven up and pushed forward by who knows how many emotions and meetings. And one day… we had to say goodbye," the hand closes tight, only to limp down in defeat and leave only a sliver for a whisper, threads and needles unformed.

"…Do you remember those days?" she slowly asks, pacing to look at his face, breath hostage when the night's moonlight reflects that of other days back at her.

"To be honest, I don't," a laugh that cracks, unmade as the seams melt into a drowned wail. "It's all jumbled together, a mess of shards and still images. There's lots of gaps, stuff that makes me wanna puke yesterday's breakfast just by trying to think about it," he rubs his stomach, tasting salt again and closing his eyes tight. And for a moment, the 1st Lt's own complexion overlapped perfectly with his. "But even if I'm alone now, even if the indifference of time will wash it all away by the end of things I'd like to try and walk towards a brighter future, seize the opportunities that are still within my reach. Even if they're gone and I'll never fully recall our times together, I feel like that's the best I can do to truly carry on," and so, only a sigh leaves emptiness only within him as he rubs his eyes.

Because there is no light for Shirogane to seek but that of other days. Yet that is yesterday and not now, it's inside and not outside. Memories might be precious forevermore but with only them as sustenance a heart would starve, become stiff and dry. Nothing can bloom in inert soil, much less without a drop of sunshine. Every seed, regardless of its thorns, craves it much, cannot continue to exist without light. And the awareness of this knowledge, even if partially, makes said thorns choke the one in red, a gentle squeeze around her neck, throat constricting upon his complexion. Mana tries to move, her body freezes up as the shadowy thorns pull in counterforce, all she can offer is a tiny whimper. To this very day, unable to resist the pull of the leash known as duty. So close, yet so far. Poor, dumb puppy.

More poor and far more dumb is the other puppy, lost and alone in his reminiscence along the thorns. Shirogane hollows a sigh and a yawn at the same time, plucking the wilting petals off his eyes; Failing to do much other than laugh at himself at the dryness, recalling he has no further tears left to shed. Knowing that small seed of hope might again require a bloodbath in place of the lack of sunshine.

"If only we could have been together for just a few days more, if only for you to try my cooking, see you smile once… That would have been more than enough. And yet, why can't I remember you, any of you, to the very end despite having survived a fission? If I really have the will to live on… Siiigh… Sensei, you had one job, dammit…"

A battered flower, punished by incessant rain, slouched and about to kiss the soil. Tsukuyomi slowly, so slowly steps forward, a hand moving out on its own towards the moonlit mirage despite the sting, the cork of ice down her neck. Holding her breath when fingertips are about to brush against the chin to lift the flower back up, a sound flows through the otherwise empty air in the trackfield. Mana hastily steps back, bracing towards the door from where a light screeching in need of oil extends along the wind. While three distant shadows stand in attention and grow closer, Mana looks to the intruder yet finds her posture loosening in front of the small assistant dressed in black, who hurries a bit, gasping momentarily.

Takeru coughs and, after a breath to fix his posture, waves at the girl, stepping slowly towards her. "Hey, Kasumi. What's up? Hm?" he blinks and tilts his head, yet the girl does not answer when approaching. Short of it, she simply grabs his sleeve and begins to pull and drag. "…Kasumi, I can walk, you know?"

"It is late, it's almost the end of curfew."

"I know, I was just… talking."

"Your aura says otherwise."

"…Come on, now. It can't be that bad. I'm always like this."

Young Yashiro halts her steps, gazing back at him, then shaking her head. "You're odd. How can you do that?"

"Do what?"

"Live on with so much dark inside and around. It's spilling all over the place," she says, looking down at his feet and arms, at the dripping and slick puddle of dark crayon lines spilling from all over him, shivering, shrinking a bit when staring. Seems like the little bun cannot stand the thorns, softly shifting her grip on his hand to avoid the spiky dark.

"I… guess I'm used to it, haha. It's just what…"

"Coward."

"-I have to deal with for my mistakes," Takeru nods down, shrinking at the repeated dart at the heart.

A slow rustle on his arm sends his gaze back to reality, back at the one far more paler than the moon yet far more warm than it by a mile. "Please cheer up."

"…Thanks, little bun," he smiles back, petting her head. And taking point in front of the bunny as a cough and a pair of steps close in his shadow again.

"Excuse me," Mana chases after, scowling acid back at the little girl, "we were in the middle of a conversation."

"…The Professor said she already answered. Any more questions will become meddling," young Yashiro says, bunny ears flapping a bit as she clings to the wrist. "Please don't insist."

"However, he is-" Mana glares at Takeru, this time he holds her gaze in equal manner, his body as a shield for the assistant. Nothing left of that small, tender flower seeking the stars, now thorns raise and rain upon her. Her heart again a home for the dart, the cork in elevator through the throat. "Shirogane, is… everything you've said truthful?"

"Siiigh… Come on, I tried to be tactful, didn't I? I get why you're so worried, but believe me, I won't do anything to the detriment of Mei- Mitsurugi, for real," he stands in attention, nodding back sharply into the new moon.

Who takes a singular step closer, but a faint twinkle betraying the eclipse in those tense, again fair, features. "You stuttered just now. You would possible have the intention to call Meiya-sama by name?" she asks, all vitriol washed away as she wind caresses her hair upwards.

"Insisting on questioning him is-"

"It's okay, Kasumi," petting the little head that quivered behind, clinging to his hand a bit too tight, he sighs and shrugs back. "Tsukuyomi-san is only doing her job; Ever the reliable older sister," he notes to the apathetic tilt of the bunny's head, the polar opposite of the guard. Giving a slow bow to Tsukuyomi, Takeru remains in position for a second, shuffling back to usual. "Manners are not my forte, 1st Lt Tsukuyomi. So I will probably, possibly, definitely end up calling her by name, yeah. I meant no disrespect, I do that to everyone. And again, I don't think we are enemies, despite my… particular circumstances that you are already aware of. If you still want to see me as you expressed yourself, that's on you."

"But- But that is- What on- However, you are- should be-"

"I won't mess with you, and swear I won't ever harm Mitsurugi. If I ever break this promise, feel free to slash me in half yourself," he nods back to the crack of the moon, who suffers the slashing inside at Shirogane's habitual veneer.

"Shirogane-san, we should leave," young Yashiro hurries, quivering at the twister in both expressions and auras.

"Fine, fine. Also, I told you Takeru was fine, Kasumi," he complains, slowly turning away and walking to the base.

"You possess a rank, therefore, are deserving of respect. Due to my standing in the base, I am obliged to-"

"I'm telling you it's fine, dude. I don't mind at all."

"Shirogane-san, allow me to inform you I am female. I am not a 'dude'."

"Pfft… Hahahaha! I know, you silly. But for real, you can just call me by name."

Further protests did the assistant raise, further the ante was raised by the soldier in an attempt to both convince her to drop the rank and get her away and himself from what she had sensed beforehand.

The thorns do not chase after, Mana does not either. Knowing that course of action would incite a reaction in the soldiers inside, she remains simply standing. Lips parted and shaking, while staring at the moon. Licking the desert within her cheeks, pacing about in smaller and growing circles does not dispel the clogging rush inside her head, all that raises and falls like a sea storm within. All the while, further and further do those darts, all those thorns nestle within Mana.

Those expressions, overlaid in her mind. Those words, still swaying in her ears.

Three poor puppies attempt to rouse their leader with curses and anger, soon are met with the full fall of the moonlit ire. Sent to packing to their final duties of the day, they leave Mana behind. Alone in the quiet trackfield as the windows of the base go dark as curfew grows closer and closer, the moonlight her only partner. The only in sight, at least, for she massages her forearms, flattens her dress and picks up the pace.

To retell what was just now, while keeping the brush of cold hands at bay. Yet she, too, much like the soldier before, sees the light of other days. Gently, the thorns fall upon her shoulders. This time, Mana stalls moves and lets them all fall into her, letting herself fall as well.

Because not all flowers bloom out of love. There are seeds that have been raised up and driven forward forcefully only to then flourish without light to seek, after all. And while ingrained wrath had been unearthed before, released at the soldier, only the tender roots remain exposed to the night, heartbeats delaying a bit upon all the darts.

Unable to answer, not wishing to provide a resolution to her own question in front of the petals she forced him to scatter from within. And again, still unwilling to wilt her own petals even if it chokes her tight.

And sadly, not even Takeru could truly answer her query truthfully. Why is a dead man walking again, indeed. Why does a seed raise from the deepest void?

Some hours later.

(Imperial Palace, Tokyo. Shogun's Chamber.)

[Recommended Music: Holy Forest, King's Field IV.]

A breath clouds a window, just as the smog now lingers everpresent over the city, over her heart. Eyes remain admiring the illuminating dance in the streets, all to different from her own breaths and pulse. Despite the vast moonlit skyline to those eyes everything simply still is tied to it at the edges, masking under the beauty. Be it the heavy echoes coming from the military detachments on the grounds patrolling the area, be it the modernized and pristine buildings nearby, or the lavish decorations and amenities she enjoys within her own chamber which have never met the outside air, as much as she hasn't either.

Although the pleasant scent permeating her room is as always, although abundant is the food and comforts available, the lack of change in itself disturbs the Shogun on these silent moments. When all the gears stop and alone she is in her mind, a hostage in her chambers. A flower in a greenhouse, feeding off its own shine. Within and only within is this luster found, prisoner in a cage. For only winter awaits outside, figuratively and almost literally on these closing days of October.

When again gazing out, her hand rests on the glass, wiping it, once more admiring all those distant buildings clinging to the thread of water seeping through the cracks. If some years ago her heart had sank when looking upon the city from this very same height, at this point it was almost completely submerged, smeared on the stillwaters that have not changed at all, only raised to her neck.

"-and it seems the XFJ Project's committee has failed to gain support from the UN to continue operations now that both units of the Shiranui Second have been lost," tapping her glasses while reading her PDA, Tsukuyomi Maya so reports. "1st Lt Takamura has plead for the continuation of the EML-Railgun at the least, although opinions remain divided within our ranks."

"I see. Most regrettable," Koubuin answers, closing her eyes, the curtains too, not wishing the desolate dark to tickle her heart no longer. Walking back to the sofa and sipping what tea remains, the Shogun sighs. "Any other news, Maya?"

"Ah, yes," standing in attention, briskly tapping buttons in the PDA, Maya drones on in stalwart chanting, "the forces of Kitanomaru have raised their concerns regarding their firepower. Some have suggested to employ some of the coming new recruits to bolster the castle's defenses."

"Unnecessary," Koubuin deflects, shaking her head slowly, darkening in ice to the opposition of the warm light abundant in the chamber. "Our people are in dire need of aid, to say nothing of the possible damages a BETA incursion could cause if the IJA remains fending on its own. I stand by my prior decision. I need no further protection."

"…Your Highness, the Prime Minister has also voiced his concerns on the matter. Please, do think on how this could impact his image."

"And I've already relented explanations to every query, have I not? All claim to speak on my behalf yet, when I speak, no one truly listens… Siiigh. It's always the same," she quietly fumes, sipping more tea, grabbing a strawberry muffing from the nearby tray.

"Y-Your Highness, do not lose your poise," she asks, causing a chomping to fall unto the poor muffing. "I beg of you to reconsider, if only for appearance's sake," Maya pleads, clutching the device as she bows, sighing and grimacing as further munching falls on the available delicacies. "Tensions are rising in the capital. Many in the lower echelons are very much opposed to any kind of further collaboration with the UN, if they keep on infringing on what they believe are your rightful entitlements. If this tide is not placated, it might sweep the Diet under."

Wiping her lips slowly yet narrowing her sight at the retainer, Yuuhi groans softly. "A leader must not waver through rallies to dread. The path to a brighter future shall not come to be if paved by terror," she says, sighing short, resting the cup and gazing backwards for a moment. And sighing yet again, longer this time when her hand roams the tray and finds no more muffins.

"However, if what rumors I've heard are to be believed-"

"Maya, what came to be the last time we acted on our despair?" Yuuhi asks, brushing her neck. Upon the departure of air and shine from her retainer's complexion, the Shogun returns a fleeting smile, shaking her head once more. "I am aware that this is the worst case scenario. Yet we do not possess the means with which to empower the IJN now that the XFJ Project has fallen, nor do we enjoy the leisure to compromise for the Type-00's complete adoption. For the moment, we cannot allow this animosity of olden days to seep back to the surface twice. We both know we have been graced by only a few months, and sustaining the last breaths of the Fourth is what we must focus on," she asserts, nodding short.

Maya returns the gesture, restoring an uptight posture. "Indeed, right you are. However," tapping her glasses, her stone-cold scolding gaze meets her lady's, unfaltering, "might I advise you to employ meditation from now on? Rejecting all aid and flaring up in private later shall only harm you, milady."

"…And yet, that is all I'm allowed to do, the Shogun must not tip the scales of the spectrum," again she slumps, almost spilling down to the floor. "I appreciate your concerns, Maya, but I shan't be meddling further than necessary, to avoid taking a side unexpectedly," the Shogun gives a nod, allowing the cushion of the sofa to catch her fall, even if the inner one cannot be stopped. "So please allow me some leisure in my chamber at the least…"

Maya simply sighs, resting her PDA in one of her dress pockets, words and platitudes stitched at the seams yet torn apart when reaching the lips. Tapping her glasses again, all she can do is nod. "…I share your feelings, yet I am uncertain whether this approach is the most proper one, is all. Your voice could certainly sway many to your desired path, Your Highness."

"Would you possess a suggestion, then?"

"Yes, as it were," she says, standing straight and stiff. "I know it may ring oddly to your ears, but I advice you to agree to the petition to resume the railgun project."

The Shogun blinks in silence for a moment, hands joining slowly. "Why?"

"It is a key piece that could be used to negotiate many matters. Your agreement to this proposal could be exchanged for the green light for the food plant project's funding. Furthermore, were it to garner the interest of the UN, of which we know Professor Kouzuki already hoists, it could be a stepping stone to relaunching the development of the Shiranui Second," she notes, finishing with a step back to finally take in air.

"I see… I shall review it tomorrow then. Could you make room in the schedule?"

"By your will, milady. Also, should I request more sweets for tomorrow?" Maya asks, tapping her glasses when looking at the desolate state of the trays and bowls.

Yuuhi shrinks, her breaths do too. "Yes, thank you."

"I am loath to remind, but please do show moderation, Your Highness. It is unwise to rely overlong on such delicacies to placate your mood. It is also not good for your health."

"Come on, now… I am only hungry today, is all."

"Yuuhi-sama, you rarely deprive the trays of all modesty with such haste. And there is still cream on your chin, as well as crumbs on your lap," she scolds, glancing at said spots then causing a quick scuttle to restore pulchritude to her figure. "Siiigh… That is why, please show moderation, milady. There are other ways to relieve your ill mood, if necessary."

"Do I truly look so adusted to your eyes, Maya?" Yuuhi asks, holding her breath and almost lowering her head.

Her retainer holds that frail gaze captive, before sighing the weight off her shoulders, the tingle in her gut. Maya then frowns, clearing back to the usual marshal veneer. However what leaves is no clear flow, more of a drawl that tickles her lips. "…Yes, for real. I believe you must chill, Yuuhi-sama."

"Pfft… Hahaha. Those words still sound most unproper coming from you," Yuuhi says, a hand gently covering her mouth as she continues to giggle, that same tickling caressing her whole, stopping the cascade in her heart.

Content with the reaction, Maya simply nods with a faint, brief smile. "It may be so, but they are not inaccurate. Do not hoist such apprehension, milady. There are still many moves yet to play, and your word could open many locks and folders for what projects are required to start soon."

"Her Highness could always employ a royal decree instead, if necessary," an intrusive voice slowly says from behind Maya, causing Koubuin to jolt back into a proper sitting position.

"Indeed, a decree would-" Maya halts, turning sharply to a side, eyes wide as a watermelon.

"Hm? Is something the matter, ma'am?" softly asks the gray robbed intruder, tilting his head. "You resemble a poor penguin lost in a desert."

"2nd Lt Yasomaga! Why have you not notified your presence?!" Maya berates, slow and freezing.

Eyelids descending slowly, the low Tozama guard remains as calm as the night. He then proceeds to bow down almost lethargically, the short dark hair swaying as the only change apparent. An almost frozen expression remains unchanged, those topaz-colored eyes meeting the Shogun's. "My apologies. I did not meant to infringe on your privacy, milady. I merely am used to walking silently as the shinobi I am," the young man says, as if he had just been woken up from a long dream.

"Tsuhi, you are no longer a shinobi. I believe I have made my wishes on the matter clear enough by this point," Koubuin repines, hands interlocking as she glares softly.

He simply shakes his head. "And, as I am sure you are well aware, I am merely following my family's code."

"2nd Lt Yasomaga," Maya tells, softly hitting his shoulder with the back of her hand, "do recall to show the proper deference towards your Lady. You have not announced yourself when coming here, twice today. I believe an apology is in order?"

Yasomaga Tsuhi gives a minute shake of his head, causing his small ponytail to wag and curl a bit. "What good is a shinobi that foretells its presence? Would you rather have me announce myself on every assignment I take, Maya-sama?"

"This and that are completely different matters, also you should not talk back to your superiors."

"Maya, peace," swaying a hand slowly, Koubuin coughs, restoring her attire and hair to perfect symmetry in pulchritude. Maya also does as she takes a step back which allows the young man to walk closer to their ruler, bowing once he stops, causing the Shogun to gesture an immediate dismissal. "Tsuhi, whatever is the matter? Has something occurred within the castle?"

"No, nothing of the sort, milady," he answers, choosing to remain bowing. "However, Takatsukasa Kyoko-sama has announced herself. She is wishing to speak with you regarding the proposal for the XFJ Project, Yuuhi-sama, if you would grace her with some minutes," he reports, looking up, unblinking.

Maya comes closer to the Shogun, whispering as she taps her glasses, "Your Highness, I'd advise against this meeting. To merely accept to this meeting without having made an appointment beforehand would perhaps diminish your image. Also, it could incite others to imitate this course of action."

"That might be, it is true. I understand your concerns to guard my free time, yet you had said it was in my best interests to allow this project, didn't you?"

"…Only if you believed it as well. What are your opinions?"

The Shogun closes her eyes, going for a slow sip of tea. Pondering the words, the warmth sends a calm tingle down her spine. Sighing after resting the cup on her lap, Yuuhi nods slowly. "Allow her entrance, I shall meet with her immediately."

Tsuhi nods, expression lost in poker. After a deep bow, he then turns around and gracefully marches out of the room, with long and slow steps, silently so.

"…I swear, how does he manage such an absence of air?" Maya repines, rubbing her eyes under her glasses.

"So you also cannot detect Tsuhi when he approaches?" Yuuhi asks, a hand raising on its own to her lips upon the dejected, destroyed nod Maya relents.

"I wish I could. Us of the Tsukuyomi House were only trained in the standard arts of the shadows, meant as protectors, milady. I suppose, Yasomaga has instead chosen to further polish said skill with his… family's methods," Maya sighs from her nose, reaching for the teacup to prepare more, for the coming guest.

"Is that so? Haven't you spoken with him to share those techniques with you and the rest?"

"…I did try, and he refused," Maya sighs again, dragging her boots as she departs to the kitchen of the chamber. "The then squire stated that there was only one person he would ever teach the Yasomaga family's techniques to… And we know how that affair ended up," with a bit much force she throws the herbs in place, some missing its mark.

The Shogun simply cradles her hands into each other, lips pressed as she once more seeks the windows, ruminating on all those broken olive branches lost during the war.

"Would you favor more tea, Your Highness?" Maya asks, coming back with the renewed pottery.

"Oh, yes. This new blend truly is delicious, however," Yuuhi nods, lifting her cup, eyes closing on their own when the aroma swirls out. Her tongue also swirls out, collecting a lake of saliva, hooked by the scent.

"Thank you, it gladdens me this fits your palate. I only hope Takatsukasa-sama also favors it as much… In any case, please do temper your words, Your Highness," Maya says, giving a bow. "She does not yet know we are in agreement with the project."

"Are you suggesting me to exploit that to wring favors out of Kyoko-dono? I believed she had been receptive of our words as of late?" More so since you saved her life in that incursion some moons ago. She has been very accommodating to my requests, as far as I recall.

"Yes, but we can never be too lenient. Takatsukasa-sama hasn't backed the proposal for the food plant as of yet, for example. Furthermore, to grant an audience this late requires a matching spoil, to prevent others from attempting the same."

"…You have been more strict than usual on my meetings as of late. Is anything worrying you, Maya?" Yuuhi asks, taking a first tentative sip.

Tapping her glasses, observing the belated soothing in her lady, she then shakes her head. "It is nothing of import. I simply wish to let you have some time to yourself, to be yourself. He… would have wanted it this way."

"…I suppose, yes," downcast nod, the Shogun sighs low before sipping again.

"That is why I insist on taking a more firm veneer during this talk, to serve as a deterrent," Maya states, folding her arms behind her back. Her chin, however, does not remain rigid as she takes in a deep breath, observing the fall of that frail flower. "Also… if you wish us to be able to reclaim our blue skies then, to put words to action would be the most-"

"I know, Maya. I know," the Shogun deflects, taking a sip to dispel the embers flashing in her, the piking of thorns. "Let us focus on making the most out of this chance. Your suggestions, if you will," she asks while brushing her neck, receiving a swift nod, the slow beginning of possible relinquishments while they await the guest. "I know it well already. Regardless of how many strings are attached to my limbs, I've a path to cross. Even if I'm alone now, the most appropriate offering to the fallen is to grant their wishes, to gift a smile to our wailing future. And to do so, no road must be left unexplored.No card discarded, no opening unexploited. Despair not until you perish, Yuuhi."